West Midland Bird Club

Annua! Report No 42 1975 Photographs: M C Wilkes

The front cover shows a Nuthatch in a typical gravity defying posture.

The photograph below portrays a female Kestrel at its nest, the young can be seen to the right of the picture. West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 42 1975

Being the Annual Bird Report of the West Midland Bird Club on the birds in the counties of . , and .

Contents

2 Officers and Committee 3 Editor's Report 6 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement 8 Secretary's Report 9 Branch Reports 10 Membership Secretary's Report 10 Ringing Secretary's Report 11 Field Meetings Report 11 Ladywalk Reserve 11 Duck Counts at Blithfield Reservoir 12 Birds of Staffordshire—Recent Additions 18 1975 Bird Record Localities 24 Classified Notes 104 Recoveries in 1975 of Birds Ringed in the WMBC Area 110 Recoveries in WMBC Area of Birds Ringed Elsewhere 113 Arrival and Departure of Migrants 120 Key to Contributors 121 List of Species Requiring Descriptions

Price £1.00 2

Officers and Committee 1976

President Vacant Vice-Presidents A J Harthan, Dovers Cottage, Weston-sub-Edge, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire Chairman A T Clay, The Coppice, Park Lane, Great Alne, Warwickshire B49 6HS Secretary A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JG Membership D M Hawker, 19 Wycome Road, Hall Green, Secretary B28 9EN D M Thomas, 43 Mayhurst Road, Hollywood, Treasurer Birmingham B47 5QG G R Harrison, ' Bryher,' Hatton Green, Hatton, Editor Warwickshire CV35 7LA Field Meetings N P Coldicott, 18 Greenhill, Burcot, Bromsgrove, Secretary Worcestershire Ringing P Ireland, 33 Banbrook Close, , West Secretary Midlands B92 9NF Conservation G C Lambourne, The Cottage Farm, Redditch, Officer Worcestershire B98 OAP Chairman ARM Blake, 102 Russell Bank Road, Four Oaks, Research , West Midlands Committee M R Jones, 7 Lyndhurst Drive, Kidderminster Branch Secretary Staffs. Branch D Smallshire, 8 Wright Avenue, Moathouse Estate, Secretary , Branch C H Potter, 227 Boswell Drive, Walsgrave, Coventry Rep Solihull Branch Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, Rep West Midlands Main Committee Mr T B Hutton, Mrs C Randall, Miss M Young, Mr S Young 3

Editor's Report

The Annual Report this year has undergone some significant changes. Last year's editorial referred to local government reorganisation and the effect of the new county boundaries and said that a decision on whether to adopt the new boundaries for record purposes should be made at national level before being finally determined locally. Although no decision has been made nationally, the firm lead in support of the new boundaries taken by " British Birds " has been followed, so, for the first time, records in this report appear under the new county system. In- evitably this has created certain problems, not least being that many observers are uncertain which localities are in which county, especially where the West Midlands is concerned. To overcome this a map of the new counties appears immediately before the Classified Bird Notes. This shows every locality for which a record was submitted for 1975 and is accompanied by an alphabetical list for each county of all localities, together with their grid reference. This should enable observers to determine in which county any particular locality falls. The map also indicates which areas are well recorded and which are inadequately covered. The new county of -Worcester creates an added complication, since records for the old are still compiled by The Hereford- shire Ornithological Club and those for Worcestershire by the WMBC. Whilst separate records can easily be combined to provide data for the new county, fears were expressed that maintenance of separate records would become increasingly difficult as the old county boundary disap- pears from new maps and memories begin to fade. To alleviate these fears the boundary has to be permanently defined. Fortunately this can be done using parish boundaries, which were unaffected by local government reorganisation, and consequently will remain on future maps. Accordingly, for definitive purposes, a list of the parishes on either side of the old county boundary also precedes the Classified Bird Notes. The editorial changes outlined last year have been expanded. The report has always aimed to do more than simply catalogue occurrences and considerable research is needed if the commentaries on recent trends are to remain meaningful. This year, therefore, the editorial work has been even more widely shared and my thanks are particularly due to Alan Dean, Rob Hume and Dave Smalishire for their help in preparing this report. Thanks are also due to Rob Hume for once again providing his delightful drawings as a visual record of the year's highlights. Finally I must repeat last year's plea for more information on the commoner species, especially comparative data between one year and the next. I would also remind contributors of the list of species at the back of this report for which descriptions are required and urge that the fullest details are provided. 4

Birds in 1975 1975 was a remarkable year that will long be remembered both for its weather and its birds. The continuing succession of mild winters meant that the year began quietly. January and February were not without interest, however, with a party of Waxwings spending several weeks in Staffordshire and records of Slavonian Grebe, Whooper Swan and Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. The discovery of two Mediterranean Gulls was noteworthy. Early March produced several more Iceland Gulls, whilst an extraordinary party of 39 Kittiwakes passed through on the fifth. Spring was very late. Snow fell in early April and May was cold and windy, with severe frost at the end of the month culminating in further snow in places on the first two days of June. Such unseasonal weather brought widespread reports of damaged nests and perished young. Migrants were generally a week behind average and slow to arrive in numbers, with no March records for Sand Martin or Willow Warbler and no Swallow until April 10. The cold weather also inhibited song which in turn doubtless affected breeding success. Despite this, early May saw a Hoopoe and the first of several Ospreys that were to occur during the summer. Gales on the seventeenth, followed by calm, anticyclonic weather the next day, brought a strong movement of Little Gulls, Common and Black Terns, together with a summer-plumaged Long-Tailed Duck. Three days later a Marsh Harrier appeared, to stay until early June, and then an exceptional party of six Temminck's Stints arrived at Upton Warren. After such dismal weather, few could have anticipated the long, hot summer, which began in the first week of June and continued almost unbroken into September. June was the sunniest for twenty-five years and many places recorded their hottest day for half-a-century during the early August heatwave. The hot, dry weather enabled some species to enjoy a good breeding season, but the hirundines suffered in many areas through lack of mud. The outstanding breeding record was that of Firecrest, which in line with its recent national spread, bred in Worcestershire and the west midlands for the first time. A further spread seems likely. In Staffordshire, Field- fares nested for the second consecutive year and Hen Harriers also attemp- ted to breed. Of the commoner species, Stonechats showed a welcome increase, with notable breeding success, especially on wasteground in the . Black Redstarts also had a good year, Whitethroats continued their recovery and two Marsh Warblers were singing well beyond their normal range. The year was an exceptional one for rare birds in Britain and the west midlands had its share. A Cetti's Warbler was present from early May until mid-July, followed by a Caspian Tern early in July and then, in the middle of the month, a White-Tailed Plover, which for many was 5 the highlight of the year. This bird stayed for a week and was watched by hundreds of observers. If accepted, this will be the first record of this species for Britain and Ireland and the second time that Warwickshire has enjoyed such a privilege, the other less happy occasion being when an Upland Sandpiper was shot in 1851. By mid-August a Peregrine had settled in at Blithfield for a stay that was to last six weeks and a Red Kite passed through Warwickshire. The year was one of the driest on record and by autumn most of the reservoirs were ideal for waders. A marked influx on August 31 included Knots, Sanderlings, Curlew Sandpipers and a solitary Red-necked Phalarope, whilst an Arctic Skua was also noted on the same day. September began with anticyclonic weather, but by mid-month a westerly airstream brought deep depressions and gales. A strong passage of Black Terns occurred on the eighth and ninth and good numbers of Little Stints were reported. October brought many warm, dry days and the year closed as it had begun with very mild weather. Late autumn saw a large influx of Long- Eared Owls and Great Grey Shrikes in Britain and by the end of the year some of these had begun to reach the west midlands, though many more were to appear in 1976. Amongst many interesting records, October brought Black-necked Grebe, Gannet and Whooper Swan; November Great Northern Diver, Long-Tailed Duck and Smew and December Black-Throated Diver and Velvet Scoter which all added to what had been a most exciting year. G R Harrison

Obituary

Lord Hurcomb The death, this year, of our President, Lord Hurcomb, was a great loss to the many societies with natural history interests in this country and throughout the world: he was either the founder or leader of many of these bodies and perhaps the most influential and important of them was the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, of which he was vice-president. He it was who more than anyone else, made that body successful; his eloquence and absolute integrity convinced representatives from many countries of the value of the work of the Union. While regretting his death, it is good to know that his work and influence will live on, for the good of the cause of nature conservation and natural resources. A T Clay 6

Treasurer's Report (year ending December 31, 1975) The effects of inflation, particularly with regard to printing and postage costs, has reduced our surplus for the year from £501 in 1974 to £88. Indeed our analysis of the accounts shows that the subscriptions received by no means covered our expenditure and we must again thank the sales

Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ending December 31, 1975

1974 Income £ £ 2,587 Subscriptions received for 1975 2,627.13 44 Sale of Reports 56.91 4 Sale of Birds of Staffs. 32 Field Meetings 22.00 0 Collection—Indoor Meeting 28.62 0 Contributions to Conservation Fund 5.00 108 Building Society Interest 150.78 471 Reservoirs (Permit Fees) 585.98 90 Atlas Fund 34.42 68 Open Days 20.33 60 Sale of Greetings Cards 37.28 16 Sale of Field Lists 12.01 54 Sale of Calendars 12.50 59 Proceeds of Raffles 18.55 4 Film Show Receipts (Wild Fowl Trust) 123.65

£3,595 £3,735.16

Less Expenditure 74 Indoor Meetings 71.26 955 Reports 1,229.24 1,208 Bulletins 1,430.74 250 Printing, Stationery, Postage, etc. 196.95 401 Reservoirs (Permit Fees), Insurance, Hide Rental 466.66 18 Subscriptions to Associates 56.82 99 Open Days 12.30 8 Greeting Card Expenditure - 14 Calendar Expenditure - 7 Raffle Expenditure 1.25 37 Belvide Report 10.00 23 Film Show (Wild Fowl Trust) 46.40 0 Heron Platforms 8.95 0 Projector for Branch 74.00 0 Belvide Gazebo 42.35

£3,094 £3,646.92

501 Surplus for the Year 88.24 7

team for their efforts. Raffles were also successful, and the Atlas fund still contributed a useful total. A film show in conjunction with the Wild- fowl Trust was also most successful. Our thanks, as always, go to members who have covenanted their sub- scriptions, and I appeal to all who do not to consider doing so.

D M Thomas, Hon Treasurer

Balance Sheet at December 31,1975 197 A £ £ 1,003 Surplus As at January 1, 1975 1,518.24 501 Plus: Surplus for Year 88.24 14 Other Items

1,518 1,606.48 495 Advance Subscriptions 625.00

£2,013 £2,231.48

Represented by 493 Cash at Bank 526.82 Building Society Deposits: 1,237 Leicester 1,388.12 Halifax 34.12 (for Conservation Fund No. 2) 1,422.24 Investments: Scot Exempt Growth Units at cost (Market Value £351) 283 (for Conservation Fund No. 1) 282.42

£2,013 £2,231.48

We have examined the above Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 31, 1975, and Balance Sheet at that date and we certify that, in our opinion, the said Income and Expenditure Account gives a true and fair view of the Club's Excess of Income over Expenditure for 1975 and the Balance Sheet gives a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs at December 31, 1975 in accordance with books, vouchers and information given to us. Arthur Young, McClelland Moores & Co, Chartered Accountants

196 Wolverhampton Street, , Worcs. DY1 1 DZ D M Thomas, January 27, 1976 Hon Treasurer 8

Secretary's Report Officers of the Club—Changes In 1975 Mr Ken Thomas relinquished his duties as Treasurer, a post he has so ably filled since 1967. The Club is most grateful for the time and effort he has so freely given during years which have seen such a con- siderable increase in our membership. Another officer of even longer standing to retire in 1975 was Arthur Jacobs who has been running our field trips since 1961. Over the years Arthur has been responsible for annually providing West Midland Bird Club members with a programme of outings, probably unequalled by any other provincial bird club in Britain. We are indeed indebted for all he has done for us.

Permit Schemes The administration of our permit schemes is a growing task and one that Mrs Cicily Randall looks after so ably. In addition to the Blithfield Belvide, Gailey and Ladywalk schemes, we now have the Shustoke Reservoir permit scheme which was introduced this year. In all, over 1000 permits were issued for all the areas covered during 1975.

Indoor Meetings Once again our programme of indoor meetings was a full one, including joint film shows with the RSPB and Wildfowl Trust. As well as those held in the Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham others were held in Coventry, Kidderminster and Solihull. Birmingham Meetings:— January Malcolm Wright ' Calf of Man Bird Observatory' February Peter Conder ' Wheatears' March Annual General Meeting and Members' Slides Night April Arthur Jacobs 'Guyana' May Robert Morgan ' B.T.O. Nest Record Scheme ' October Bill Condry ' Ynyshir Reserve' November Stanley Porter ' Ethiopia ' December F. G. Hollands ' ' Storks over Stavano ' (film) We are grateful to all the above speakers who came to talk and also to Melis Charalanbides, F Divall, V S Elvins, J Fennell, D Millward and A Wharton, who spoke at the other venues mentioned. A J Richards Activities of the Staffordshire Branch The Branch had another successful year, both field and indoor meetings being well-attended. The latter were as varied as ever, ranging in place from the Americas to the Antipodes and in topics from the partial unravelling of the mysteries of warbler migration to the ways of taming and tape- recording garden birds. The speakers, too, approached their subjects in a variety of styles, the one common thread being the general excellence of their material. We were also hosts to the Wildfowl Trust and the RSPB at their annual film shows, the latter being particularly useful since it adds a considerable amount to the branch's income. The majority of field meetings were county-based and included visits to almost all the major habitats available in Staffordshire. The two outsiders were Ynyshir for the birds of spring and Allescott for the waders of autumn. Much work has gone on behind the scenes. We produced detailed comments on several district plans proposed by local authorities within the county. In these we have put forward the views of the Club on the importance of sites from both the scientific and recreational aspects. The compiling of these reports was greatly helped by the information we have gathered for the Ornithological Sites Register. Many members have assisted in this all-important study, which is so vital to the successful conservation of the county's bird-life. Throughout these activities we have maintained a close liaison with the Staffs. Trust for Nature Conserva- tion. We have also co-operated with the Ministry of Agriculture in a study of Canada Geese in the county. This consisted of a breeding survey followed by help with the catching and ringing of moulting flocks. There was also near-maximum coverage for the Great Crested Grebe enquiry, the Rook census and the annual count of heronries. E W Longman

Kidderminster and District Branch Report More changes in office holders took place in 1975. Mr J R Mountford was elected as Branch Representative on the main committee and sub- sequently attended all its meetings. Mr Robin Jones succeeded Mrs J Gillam as Branch Hon Secretary. Mr Dennis Jones took over the duties of Hon Field Meetings Secretary and Mr Peter Woodward was elected to assist him. Miss M N Badland continued to serve as Branch Chairman and Miss B Perkins as Branch Treasurer. Mrs E M Crossland was re- elected Branch Representative on the management committee of the Worcestershire Nature Conservation Trust's Devil's Spittleful Reserve and members continued to help with its conservation work on working party days. 10

Officers helped to entertain members with illustrated talks at indoor meet- ings and other speakers to whom members were indebted included Mr Arthur Jacobs for his " Guyana " talk, Mr A J Millward, and Mr Bainton of the Severn-Trent Water Authority. The Branch's association with the nest box schemes in the Wyre Forest area continued with another successful year, again adding more than 500 young to 7 species. They included 56 Pied Flycather young. The species suffered from the late spring frost the losses from which included 31 Pied Flycatcher eggs. L R Bayes

Membership Secretary's Report In 1975 the membership rose slightly to total 1937 by the year's end. This was 24 more than the corresponding figure for last year and one more than the record total attained at the end of 1973. The total consisted of 1820 senior, and 117 junior, members. As with last year, the Committee had to strike off over 200 members for non-payment during 1975. This seems to be the level of non-payers to be expected. With the increases in postal rates in the past twelve months, over 200 reminders represents a considerable expense to the Club, so it was proposed that for 1976 a general reminder would be included with the March bulletin and no further notice issued. D M Hawker

Ringing Secretary's Report Ringing in the WMBC area followed the pattern of previous years and, apart from a Redwing in Iran, recoveries this year do not show up anything really unusual. Perhaps attention could be drawn to the Black-headed Gulls caught at Chasewater and already carrying rings. It will be noted that they had all been ringed as pullus but came from four different colonies in NW Europe. More recoveries of Wigeon from Russia, three of them in autumn, are also noteworthy. Pullus Kestrel ringed in Warwickshire and Worcestershire seem to scatter in all directions as details in the recoveries show. The Meadow Pipit reported, reached an untimely end, in the stomach of a fox, one wonders by whom and why the fox was being examined. The Blue Tit that was ringed in a nest box at Lea Marston and was re- covered later near Hereford is rather surprising but another Blue Tit ringed at Titchwell in Norfolk had moved twice that distance. One tends to consider this small bird as being very sedentary. Starlings ringed during the winter months, often in the ringer's own garden, have been found across NW Europe well into the USSR, confirming that many birds from this part of Europe winter in the UK. E J Pratley 11

Field Meetings Report A total of 16 field meetings were held during the year. The most rewarding trips were one-day visits to the Cheshire coast. Point of Air, Elan valley and various sites within the Club's area. A very successful weekend was held in Norfolk. All meetings were very well attended. On nine of these there were two coaches and on three occasions the party comprised over 100 people. To conclude I must thank everyone for being so kind and helpful to me in my first year of office as field meeting secretary.

N P Coldicott

Ladywalk Reserve A succession of mild winters and comparatively dry summers have had a marked effect on the marsh area of the reserve. The post-breeding flock of Lapwing fell from a July maximum of 3000 to 500 due almost certainly to the drying out of previous feeding surfaces. The breeding population of Little Ringed Plovers was down to a single pair thanks to the encroaching vegetation which is no longer controlled by regular winter inundations from the river. For the first time since the inauguration of the reserve Shelduck failed to produce a brood although two pairs were present in the nesting season— the reasons for this are not known. Even so three more species were added to the reserve list and one of these. Short-eared Owl, reflects the drier conditions. Through autumn and winter the reserve is holding a duck population of c1000, mainly Mallard and Teal. This number could well double in a period of hard weather. Increasing use of the river by birds, reported on last year, continues and vigilance in this area is needed unless interesting records are to be lost. About eighty of the elms in the covert have succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease, and sad as this is, some consolation may be had in the marked increase in Woodpecker and Treecreeper activity. H T Lees

Duck Counts at Blithfield Reservoir 1955-1974 The British wildfowl count scheme which is administered by the Wildfowl Trust consists of mid-monthly counts at selected waters throughout the country during the months September to March inclusive. The data enables monthly and seasonal indices to be produced to show trends in population and also to reveal the most important wildfowl sites in the country. Duck counts have been conducted at Blithfield Reservoir since 1955. T W Ford has been the official recorder over that period with the collabora- tion of J Lord and, in the earlier years, L Smith. 12

The table gives the average number of ducks for each month over the 20 years 1955-1974. Twelve species figure in the Blithfield list and the numbers are as counted without any rounding-off. The occasional occurrence of scarcer ducks such as Long-tailed, Scaup and Smew are insufficient in numbers to figure on the averages.

Duck Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Total

Mallard 1024 1136 1255 1236 1077 686 258 6672 Wigeon 19 141 514 757 842 1000 639 3912 Teal 423 533 496 445 288 232 138 2555 Pintail 0 1 3 3 5 5 4 21 Shoveller 66 58 56 33 14 10 11 248 Tufted 143 197 186 184 192 182 196 1280 Pochard 30 108 225 171 158 112 55 859 Goldeneye 0 5 19 25 26 33 39 147 Goosander 0 1 5 26 44 49 53 178 Shelduck 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 5 Scoter 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Total 1705 2181 2761 2882 2647 2309 1393 15878

Ruddy 0 0 5 22 24 26 23 100 (1966-74)

J Lord

Birds of Staffordshire (1962) Lord and Blake—Recent additions The Club published in 1962 ' Birds of Staffordshire ' (Lord and Blake), a booklet covering the years 1938-1961 and giving the status of birds occurring in Staffordshire since the previous publication by T Smith in 1938. The present article brings the 1962 publication up to date in respect of all Staffordshire Records, as far as 1974, of (a) species recorded for the first time (b) feral species added to the British List in 1970 (c) species recorded for the first time since 1938 but which had occurred earlier (d) species breeding for the first time (e) species breeding for the first time since 1938 or earlier It is understood that the club will be regarding Cannock Reservoir, which is bisected by the boundary between the new West Midlands County and Staffordshire, as being wholly in Staffordshire for record purposes. This convention has been followed in the article. 13

(a) Species recorded for the first time in Staffordshire

Species First record Subsequent records One found exhausted; Oct. None Cory's Shearwater 2, 1971, Cannock Resr. Two; May 11, 1967, One; May 30, 1974, Little Egret Blithfield Resr. Belvide Resr. An immature; June 13, None Night Heron 1971, Moneymore Gravel Pits Ruddy Duck Sep. 1959, Belvide Resr. Breeding recorded 1968 at Belvide and Gailey Resrs. & Cop- mere. By 1972 breeding oc- curred at White Sitch Pool as well. Winter maxima now 110 at Belvideon Nov. 4,1974, and 74 at Blithfield on Dec. 21 1974 Red-Footed Falcon An immature male; May None 28-June 6, 1973, Cannock Resr. Lesser Kestrel One male; Nov. 4, 1973, None Cannock Resr. Crane One; Oct. 1, 1971, None Blithfield Resr. Marsh Sandpiper One; June 22, 1974, None Belvide Resr. Least Sandpiper One; Aug. 9-11, 1971, None Cannock Resr. Pectoral Sandpiper One; Sept. 23-30, 1962, One; Aug. 12-17, Blithfield Resr. 1967, Blithfield Resr. One; Aug. 31-Sept. 20, 1970, Belvide Resr. One; Sept. 5-20,1970, Blithfield Resr. One; Sept. 22, 1972, Blithfield Resr. Two; Aug. 29-Sept. 5, 1973, Blithfield Resr. One bird remaining until Sept. 15 14

Species First Record Subsequent Records

Black-winged Stilt One; June 11-19, 1968, None Belvide Resr.

Mediterranean Gull A second winter bird; One imm.; May 5, Sept. 20, 1972, Blithfield 1973, Cannock Resr. Resr. One 2nd winter; Dec. 4, 1974, Cannock Resr.

White-Winged An immature; Sept. 8, One; Sept. 27, 1970, Black Tern 1970, Belvide Resr. Blithfield Resr. One, probably two; Sept. 28,1970, Belvide Resr. One; Sept. 20-21, 1973, Blithfield Resr. One; Sept. 15-17, 1974, Belvide Resr. All certain records were of immature birds

Whiskered Tern An adult; Apr. 27, 1969, An adult; May 10, Belvide Resr. 1970, Blithfield Resr.

Caspian Tern One; July 20, 1968, One; July 16, 1972, Belvide Resr. Blithfield Resr. One; Oct. 14, 1973, Cannock Resr.

Collared Dove Summer 1961 Reported from many Pair seen in King's areas of mid and south Bromley area with juveniles Staffordshire by 1968, seen in the autumn breeding widely. By 1974 the roost at Bun- ker's Wood numbered 200 birds

Nutcracker One; Oct. 27, 1968, None Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent

Pallas' Warbler One trapped and ringed; None Nov. 8, 1970, Weston- under-Lizard 15

Species First Record Subsequent Records Firecrest One trapped and ringed; One; Dec. 16, 1972, Nov. 23, 1966, Gnosall Hopwas

Cannock Chase Singing bird; Apr.-late June, 1973, Coombe's Valley One; Feb. 9, 1974, Belvide Resr. One; April 4, 1974, Cannock Chase

(b) Feral Species added to the British List in 1970 Species Occurrences Mandarin Duck One; Oct. 1, 1971, Blithfield Resr. One; Dec. 5, 1971, Blithfield Resr. A male; Oct. 29, 1972, Blithfield Resr. A female; Nov. 24, 1972, Belvide Resr. One; Dec. 2, 1973, Knypersley Egyptian Goose One; Mar. 22, 1973, Blithfield Both the species had probably occurred previously in Staffordshire but had not been reported before as they were not included on the British List.

(c) Species recorded in Staffordshire for the first time since 1938 Species Occurrences Records prior to 1938 Fulmar One flew east; June 5, Dec. 1892 at Perry 1961, Swallow Moss, N. Barr, then in Stafford- Staffs. Moors shire Rough-Legged One: Oct. 23, 1960, Occurred in 1839/40, Buzzard Whittington Sewage Farm, 1846 and lastly in & Nov. 6, 1960 Jan. 1895 on Cannock Chase One: Apr. 9, 1967, Cannock Chase One: Nov. 2, 1974, Cannock Resr. One: Nov. 2 & 5, 1974, Brocton, Cannock Chase 16

Species Occurrences Records prior to 1938 Spotted Crake One: Jan. 29, 1963, Last dated record was Belvide Resr. 1918 Two: Sept. 20, 1966, Belvide Resr. One: Oct. 8, 1966, Blithfield Resr. One: Nov. 23, 1968, Belvide Resr. One: Dec. 8, 1968, Belvide Resr. Pomarine Skua One: Oct. 21,1970, Four previous records, Belvide Resr. Found the last being Oct. 30, exhausted 1812 at Shugborough Little Auk One: Nov. 8, 1971, About 12 previous rec- Cannock Resr. ords, the last being Dec. 15, 1917 One: Nov. 1, 1974, Rugeley. Found exhausted Puffin One: June 1963, Rugeley Undated record of a One: Nov. 4, 1967, local bird once held Longdon, both exhausted in the Aqualate Collec- birds tion Shorelark One: Nov. 11-12, 1972, One shot at Enville, Blithfield Resr. Dec. 9, 1879 Bearded Tit Five: Oct. 8-10, 1963, Possibly bred long ago Branston at Aqualate. Early rec- Two: Jan. 6, 1966, ords doubtful except Branston two shot at Chasetown, One: Nov. 27, 1966, winter 1896 Blithfield Resr. One: Oct. 31, 1971, Belvide Resr. Recorded from Belvide &• Himley (11 birds) in Oct. 1972, and Cannock Resr. from Nov. 10,1972 to Jan. 1,1973. Elsewhere in 1973 two birds occurred at Gailey (Mar. 12), Chillington (Apr. 1) and Belvide (Oct. 13). There were no recordsforl 974 Richard's Pipit One: Apr. 8, 1963, One ' taken near Blithfield Resr. Hednesford Upto 3: Oct. 15-Nov. 5, Oct.21,1887 1967, Blithfield Resr. 17

(d) Species breeding for the first time in Staffordshire Species Occurrences Garganey A pair successfully bred at Belvide Resr. in 1962 and 1963 Gadwall A pair successfully bred at Belvide Resr. in 1970 (The species possibly bred at the same reservoir in 1924) Oystercatcher A pair successfully bred in north-eastern Stafford- shire in 1970 Collared Dove See section (a). Bred from 1961 Fieldfare At least one and possibly two pairs bred in the north of the county in 1974 Black Redstart A pair bred at in 1964 and probably in earlier years. Breeding was proved in 1966,1967,1970,1971 and 1972, when two broods were reared. In 1973 and 1974 only a singing male was encountered (e) Species breeding for the first time since 1938 or earlier Species Occurrences Records prior to 1938 Hen Harrier Bred in northern Stafford- The literature vaguely shire in 1974, when a states the species bred family party was seen ' long ago' Merlin A pair bred in northern Apparently tried to Staffordshire in 1972 and breed yearly in the 1974 mid 1930s Siskin A pair bred in the Stour The only previous Valley in 1973 and another record of breeding was pair probably bred on from Wightwick, near Cannock Chase Wolverhampton, in 1916 Twite First recorded breeding Bred in 1932-3 in the again on the Northern area north of Leek and Moors in 1 967, increasing Alstonfield, and in from seven pairs (three earlier years, nests nests) in 1969 to over 50 being found in 1925 pairs in 1974 and 1927 Corn Bunting Onlyaveryoccasionalvisitor Writing in 1932 Smith from the 1940s until the reported the species mid 1960s, when singing as still widespread birds found in several areas, in Staffordshire No proof of breeding until but less common than 1970, when singing birds formerly. Breeding in recorded in 19 areas, this the N Moors was wide distribution over recorded in 1925, lowland Staffordshire near Longnor continuing until 1974 J Lord ARM Blake

19

1975 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical list for each county shows every locality for which a record was submitted for 1975. Grid references enable location on the accompanying map.

Warwickshire Alderminster SP 2348 Earlswood SP 1174 Napton SP 4661 Alvecote SK 2504 Eathorpe SP 3969 Newbold Comyn SP 3365 Arbury Park SP 3389 Nuneaton SP 3691 Aston Cantlow SP1359 Farnborough SP 4349 Atherstone SP 3097 Fillongley SP 2887 Offchurch SP 3565 Austrey SK 2906 Old Milverton SP 2967 Avon Dassett SP 4150 Guys Cliffe SP 2966 Oversley Wood SP1056

Hampton Lucy SP 2557 Packington Bascote SP 4063 SP 2284 Hampton-on-the Bedworth SP 3587 Packwood SP 1772 Hill SP 2564 Polesworth SK 2602 Bentley Woods SP 2895 Hams Hall (see Ladywalk) Bidford-on-Avon SP1051 Preston Bagot SP 1765 Hatton SP 2367 Binley Woods SP 3977 Print Wood SP 3864 Hay Wood SP 2071 Birchley Heath SP 2894 Priors Hardwick SP 4756 Henley-in-Arden SP1565 Bishops Hurley SP 2495 Radford Semele SP 3464 Itchington SP 3857 Ryton Gravel Pit SP 3772 Bishops llmington SP 2143 Tachbrook SP 3161 Seckington SK 2607 Bishopton SP1856 Kenilworth SP 2872 Seeswood Pool SP 3290 Blyth End SP 2190 Kineton SP 3351 Sherbourne SP 2661 Bodymoor Heath SP 2096 Kingsbury Wood SP 2397 Shustoke SP 2291 Brandon Marsh SP 3875 Snitterfield SP 2159 Bretford SP 4277 Ladywalk SP 2092 Southam SP 4161 Brinklow SP 4379 Lea Marston SP 2093 Stockton SP 4363 Budbrooke SP 2565 SP 3165 Stoneleigh SP 3372 Lighthorne SP 3355 Stoneythorpe SP 4061 Caldecote SP 3594 Lillington SP 3267 Stratford-on- Charlecote SP 2656 Little Alne SP1361 Avon SP 2054 Chesterton SP 3558 Littleworth End SP1597 Studley SP 0763 Clifford Chambers SP 1952 Long Itchington SP 4165 Clowes Wood SP 0973 Long Marston SP1548 Ufton SP 3861 Coleshill Wood SP1986 Luddington SP 1652 Combrook SP 3051 Walsgrave SP 3980 Compton Verney SP 3152 Mappleborough SP 2864 Coombe Abbey SP 4079 Green SP 0865 Water Orton SP 1791 Coton SP 2194 Marston Doles SP 4658 Waverley Wood SP 3571 Cubbington SP 3468 Marton SP 4068 Welcombe Hills SP 2156 Maxstoke SP 2386 Welford SP1452 Draycote Water SP 4669 Meon Hill SP 1745 Wellesbourne SP 2755 Drayton Merevale SP 2997 Weston-under- (Stratford) SP1756 Middleton SP1898 Wetherley SP 36(9 Dunchurch SP 4871 Milcote SP1852 Weston Wood SP 2735 Dunninglon SP 0653 Moreton Morrell SP 3155 Whitacre Heath SP 2192 20

Whitnash SP 3263 Wishaw SP 1794 Wood End SP 1071 Wibtoft SP 4787 Wixford SP 0854 Woodend SP 2398 Wilmcote SP 1658 Wolverton SP 2062 Wootton Wawen SP 1563 Windmill Naps SP 0972 Wolvey SP 4388 Wroxall SP 2270

Worcestershire

Alfrick SO 7453 Croome SO 8844 Hindlip so 8758 Alvechurch SP 0272 Croome Perry Hinton-on-the- Arley SO 7680 Wood SO 9046 Green SP 0240 Astley SO 7867 Cropthorne SO 9944 Hollywood SP 0877 Holt SO 8362 Barnett Hill SO 8877 Defford SO 9143 Hoobrook SO 8374 Baughton SO 8741 Devils Spittleful SO 8074 Hopwood SP 0375 Beckford SO 9735 Diglis SO 8453 Huddington SO 9457 Belbroughton SO 9177 Dodford SO 9373 Hunnington so 9680 Bentley SP 9865 Dormston SO 9857 Hurcot so 8577 Beoley SP 0669 Doverdale SO 8566 Besford SO 9144 Dowles Brook SO 7676 Kempsey so 8549 Bevere SO 8359 Drakes Broughton SO 9248 Kenswick Manor so 7958 Bewdley SO 7875 Droitwich SO 8963 Kidderminster so 8376 Birlingham SO 9342 Dunhampstead SO 9159 Knapp, The (see Alfrick) Bittell SP 0174 Knightsford Blackstone SO 7974 Eastham SO 6568 Bridge so 7356 Blakedown so 8878 Eckington SO 9241 Knightwick so 7355 Blakeshall Elmley Castle SO 9841 Knowles Mill Common so 8281 Eymore Wood so 7779 (see Dowles Brook) Blockthorn so 9041 Kyre so 6263 Brakemill Pool so 8979 Fairfield so 9475 Bredicot so 9054 Far Forest so 7275 Lickey Hills so 9975 Bredon Hill so 9539 Feckenham SP 0061 Lindridge so 6769 Broadwas so 7555 Franche so 8278 Little Comberton so 9643 Bromsgrove so 9570 Frankley SP 0085 Longley Green so 7350 Broome so 9078 Lydiate Ash so 9775 Burlish Top so 8072 Goosehill Wood so 9360 Grimley so 8360 Malvern so 7745 Castlemorton Malvern Link so 7847 Common so 7839 Habberley so 8077 Menith Wood so 7069 Caunsall so 8581 Hadley so 8663 Mustow Green so 8674 Chaddesley Hagley so 9180 Wood so 9173 Ham Bridge so 7361 Nafford so 9441 Churchill so 8779 Hanbury so 9663 Newnham Bridge so 6469 Clent so 9379 Hanley Dingle so 6866 Northwick Marsh so 8357 Clifton-on-Teme so 7161 Hanley William so 6765 Norton so 8751 Cobblers Coppice so 9269 Hartlebury Coldridge Wood so 8082 Common so 8270 Ombersley so 8463 Conderton Hill so 9638 Harvington so 8774 Overbury so 9537 Cookhill SP 0558 Hawford so 8460 Cookley so 8480 Hewell Park SP 0069 Parkatt Wood so 7979 Cooksey so 9069 High Green so 8745 Penny Hill so 7561 21

Pensax SO 7268 Shenstone SO 8573 Upper Gambold SO 9768 Perdiswell SO 8557 Shernal Green SO 9161 Upton Snodsbury SO 9454 Pershore SO 9445 Shrawley SO 8064 Upton Warren SO 9367 Pipers Hill SO 9565 Sling Pool SO 9477 Pirton SO 8747 Stanford-on-Teme SO 7065 Porters Mill SO 8660 Stanklyn SO 8574 Wadborough SO 9047 Powick SO 8351 Stoke Prior SO 9567 Warndon SO 8856 Stoke Works SO 9466 West Hagley SO 9080 Randan Wood SO 9272 Stone SO 8575 Westwood Park SO 8763 Redditch SP 0467 Stoulton SO 9049 White Ladies Red Hall SO 9078 Stour Hill SO 8373 Aston SO 9252 Stourport SO 8171 Ribbesford SO 7873 Wilden SO 8272 Rochford SO 6268 Strensham SO 9039 Wissetts Wood SO 6772 Rock Coppice SO 7673 Witley Park SO 7764 Romsley SO 9679 Tardebigge SO 9868 Tenbury Wells SO 5968 Wolverley SO 8279 Severn Stoke SO 8544 Tiddesley SO 9245 Woodcote SO 9172 Shatterford SO 7981 Trench Wood SO 9258 Wyre Forest SO 7475 Shelsley Walsh SO 7262 Trimpley SO 7778 Wyre Piddle SO 9647

Staffordshire

Abbots Bromley SK 0824 Black Lake (see Trentham) Checkhill SO 8587 Acton Trussell SJ 9318 Blackshaw Moor SK 0159 Cheslyn Hay SJ 9707 Adbaston SJ 7627 Blithfield SK 0623 Chesterton SJ 8248 Alrewas SK 1715 Boarsgrove SK 0462 Chillington SJ 8606 Alton SK 0742 Bobbington SO 8090 Chorley SK 0710 Aqualate SJ 7720 Boscomoor SJ 9213 Church Eaton SJ 8417 Armitage SK 0716 Bradnop SK 0155 Churnet Valley SK 0345 Ashwood Basin SO 8688 Branston SK 2120 Cleat Hill SK 0912 Aston SJ 9131 Brereton SK 0516 Clifton Campville SK 2510 Aston-by-Doxey SJ 8923 Brewood SJ 8808 Coombes Valley SK 0052 Axe Edge SK 0269 Bridgetown SJ 9708 Copmere SJ 8029 Brindley Heath SK 0015 Coven SJ 9006 Back Forest SJ 9865 Brocton SJ 9619 Croxton SJ 7832 Baggeridge SO 8992 Bromley SJ 7734 Curborough SK 1212 Bagots Wood SK 0727 Bunkers Hill SO 8782 Barlaston SJ 8938 Burntwood SK 0609 Derrington SJ 8922 Barton-under- Burton-on-Trent SK 2423 Dimmingsdale SK 0543 Needwood SK1818 Butterton SK 0756 Dimsdale SJ 8448 Bassetts Pole SP1499 Dosthill SK 2100 Beaudesert Old Cannock SJ 9710 Dowel Dale SK 0766 Park SK 0313 Cannock Chase SK 0017 Doxey (see Tillington) Beech SJ 8538 Cannock Drayton Bassett SK1900 Belvide SJ 8610 Reservoir SK 0307 Drayton Manor SK 1901 Bickford SJ 8814 Canwell SK1400 Dunstall SK 1820 Biddulph SJ 8857 Castle Ring SK 0412 Bishops Off ley SJ 7829 Cauldon SK 0749 Eccleshall SJ 8329 Bishops Wood SJ 7531 Chase Terrace SK 0409 Elford SK1810 Blackbrook Valley SK 0064 Chasetown SK 0408 Enville SO 8386 22

Essington SJ 9603 Landywood SJ 9906 Ridge Hill Wood SO 8787 Lapley SJ 8712 Rileyhill SK 1115 Fairy Glen Wood (see Latherford SJ 9307 Roaches, The SK 0063 Enville) Leacroft SK 0009 Roach End SJ 9964 Farley SK 0644 Leek SJ 9856 Royal Cottage SK 0263 Fazeley SK 2001 Lichfield SK 1109 Rudyard SJ 9459 Fenton SJ 8944 Linleywood SJ 8154 Rugeley SK 0418 Flash SK 0267 Little Aston SK 0900 Fole SK 0437 Little Haywood SK 0021 Sandon SJ 9429 Foxt SK 0348 Little Wyrley SK 0105 Seabridge SJ 8343 Fradley SK 1513 Longhton SJ 9043 Seisdon SO 8394 Loynton Moss SJ 7824 Seven Springs SK 0020 Galley SJ 9310 Ludchurch (see Blackbrook Shenstone SK 1004 Gentleshaw SK 0511 Valley) Sherbrook Valley SJ 9818 Gib Tor SK 0264 Shoal Hill SJ 9711 Gnosall SJ 8220 Maer SJ 7938 Shugborough SJ 9922 Goldsitch SK 0164 Manley Wood SK1203 Smarts Buildings SK 0215 Gothersley SO 8586 Marston SJ 8314 Smestow SO 9591 Gradbach SJ 9965 Mavesyn Ridware SK0816 Stafford SJ 9223 Great Haywood SJ 9922 Meir SJ 9341 Stoneybrook (see Cannock Gun Hill SJ 9761 Merrie (see Chase) Leacroft) Stoke-on-Trent SJ 8745 Hammerwich SK 0607 Merryton Low SK 0360 Stone SJ 9034 Hamstall Ridware SK 1019 Milford SJ 9721 Stourton SO 8584 Hanchurch SJ 8441 Million Plantation (see Stretton SJ 8811 Handsacre SK0915 Enville) Swallow Moss SK 0660 Hatherton SJ 9510 Moddershall SJ 9236 Swindon SO 8690 Hazel Barrow (see Morridge SK 0257 Swineholes Wood SK 0450 (Newstone) Swinfen SK 1306 Hazelslade SK 0212 Newborough SK 1325 Swynnerton SJ 8535 Heath Hayes SK 0110 Newcastle-under- Hednesford SK 0012 Lyme SJ 8445 Tamworth SK 2003 Highgate SO 8489 Newstone SK 0163 Three Shire's Himley SO 8891 Norbury SK 1242 Head SK 0168 Hixon SK 0025 Norton Canes SK 0107 Tillington SJ 9024 Hoar Cross SK 1323 Tittesworth SJ 9959 SK 2200 Hockley Patshull SJ 8000 Tixall SJ 9722 SK1705 Hopwas Pattingham SO 8299 Trentham Gardens SJ 8640 SJ 9713 Huntingdon Pendeford SJ 8903 Tutbury SK2129 Penkridge SJ 9214 llam SK 1350 Perton SO 8598 Upper Longdon SK 0614 Iverley SO 8781 Pillaton SJ 9313 Uttoxeter SK 0933 SJ 7835 Jacksons Coppice SJ 7930 Podmore Pool Hall SO 8597 Walk Mill (see Bishops Keele SJ 8045 Poplars (see Leacroft) Offley) Kings Bromley SK 1216 Pottall Pool (see Cannock Wall SK 0906 Kinver SO 8383 Chase) Walton SJ 8933 Knighton SJ 7427 Prestwood SO 8686 Walton School SJ 8528 Knypersley SJ 8955 Water Eaton SJ 9011 Rangemoor SK 1822 Weeford SK1403 Lady Edge SK 0562 Rawnsley SK 0113 Werrington SJ 9447 23

Westlands SJ 8344 White Sitch SJ 7912 Wolstanton SJ 8648 Weston-upon- Whitmore SJ 8141 Woodseaves SJ 7925 Trent SJ 9727 Whittington SO 8582 Wrottesley SJ 8401 Weston Park SJ 8010 Wilnecote SK 2201 Wyrley Common SK 0206 Westport SJ 8550 Wolf Edge (see Flash) Wheaton Aston SJ 8512 Wolsley SK 0220 Yoxall SK 1419

West Midlands

Acocks Green SP 1283 Gornal Wood SO 9190 Rotton Park SP 0486 Aston SP 0888 Great Barr SP 0495 SO 9687 Rushall SK 0201 Balsall Common SP 2476 SO 9683 Barr Beacon SP 0697 Hall Green SP 1081 Saltley SP 0987 Bartley SP 0081 Hampton-in- Valley SP 0291 Bentley SO 9899 Arden SP 2080 SO 9193 Berkswell SP 2479 Handsworth SP 0490 Selly Oak SP 0482 Bilston SO 9496 Harborne SP 0284 Shirley SP1178 Birmingham City Small Heath SP1085 Centre SP 0686 Kents Moat SP 1486 Sneyd SJ 9802 Bordesley Green SP 0986 Kings Heath SP 0781 Solihull SP 1579 Bournville SP 0481 Kings Norton SP 0478 SO 9084 SO 9186 Kingstanding SP 0794 Streetly SP 0898 SK 0405 SO 8888 Sutton Coldfield SP1296 Ladymoor SO 9494 Sutton Park SP 0997 Cannon Hill Park SP 0683 Ladywood SP 0586 Carol Green SP 2577 Castle Bromwich SP 1489 Tettenhall SJ 8700 Moseley Court SJ 9303 SP 1786 SO 9790 Compton SO 8898 Trittiford Park SP 0980 National Exhibition Coventry SP 3378 Centre SP 1983 Cradley SO 9484 New Invention SJ 9601 SO 9486 Walmley SP1393 Northfield SP 0279 SP 0198 Norton so 8982 Warley Park SP0186 Green SO 9897 SO 9895 Dorridge SP 1675 Olton SP 1381 Wednesfield SJ 9400 Dudley SO 9490 West Park SO 9099 Pebble Mill SP 0583 SO 9698 Edgbaston SP 0584 Pedmore SO 9182 Witton SP 0891 Elmdon SP 1682 Pelsall SK 0103 Wordsley SO 8886 Erdington SP 1191 Pendeford Airfield SJ 9002 Wolverhampton SO 9198 Penn SO 8995 Wyken Slough SP 3683 Fens Pool SO 9188 SO 9188 Wylde Green SP1294 Four Oaks SP 1198 Wyrley & Essington Fowlers Park SJ 9100 Quinton SO 9984 Canal SK0104 24

Herefordshire/Worcestershire Boundary Definition The following parishes lie either side of the old Herefordshire/ Worcester- shire boundary and permit definition even on new maps showing the county of Hereford- Worcester.

Parishes within Herefordshire Parishes within Worcestershire Little Hereford Tenbury Middleton-on-the-Hill Laysters Kyre Pudleston Stoke Bliss Hatfield Hanley Hampton Charles Stanford-with - Orleton Thornbury Clifton-upon-Teme Collington Martley Doddenham Knightwick Suckley Whitbourne Alfrick Linton Leigh Stanford Bishop Malvern Acton Beauchamp Little Malvern Cradley Castlemorton Mathon Rural Berrow Colwall Eastnor

Classified Notes The sequence followed is that of the BTO Species List of British and Irish Birds (1971) based on the Wetmore Classification. See page 120 for key to contributors.

Black-throated Diver Staffs One occurred at Cannock Reservoir from December 4 RAH to 6— several observers. On the latter date it was disturbed by power boats and flew off NW; presumably the same bird was seen later that day at Belvide—several observers. The first county record since 1965.

Great Northern Diver Staffs Single birds observed at Cannock Reservoir on November 8 and 9 MWC, RAH, DS and from November 17 to December 2—many observers. Plumage characteristics indicated that these were two different individuals. 25

Great Crested Grebe The national census organised by the BTO on May 31 and June 1 revealed 598 birds in the club's area. Warks Attempted to breed at most suitable waters but several observers reported poor breeding success. Maxima recorded included 20 at Coombe Abbey on February 16; 22 at Alvecote on March 8 and 15; 15 at Packington on March 14; 12 at Shustokeon March 24; 25 at Bodymoor Heath on March 27; 14 at Compton Verney on April 6; 35 at Earlswood on June 1, and 34 at Draycote on June 2. Very few observed at Draycote during the winter months (compare with Blithfield). Worcs Successful breeding reported only from Westwood, Upton Warren, Tardebigge and Hewell Park. At Bittell largest numbers occurred during the early months of the year with up to 16 in late February and early March. Other maxima reported were 24 at Westwood in February, and 10 at Tardebigge on June 21. A pair observed at the end of March on Croome Lake, where apparently unusual. Staffs Few reports of successful breeding were submitted. At Blithfield, where 22 young were counted at the end of June, numbers were very high throughout the year; estimates varied but at least 150 were present in July and over 100 remained at the end of the year. The high numbers in winter are particularly noteworthy as before 1973 birds were very few at this season. Maxima at other waters were relatively low but included 15 at Cannock Reservoir on March 31 ; 18 at Kings Bromley on May 25; 17 at Knypersley on June 5, and 20 at Belvide on September 21 and 27. W Mid Bred at Edgbaston Park (including nearby Vale Hall), Olton Reservoir and Sutton Park, while pairs were present during the breeding season at several other waters. Eight were recorded at Rotton Park on February 26 and March 24, and seven at Bartley during July.

Slavonian Grebe Warks A bird observed at Draycote from October 16 RB, PJF, DIP to November 2 RB, JL, and another at Seeswood Pool on January 1 AW.

Black-necked Grebe Worcs One noted at Upton Warren on October 3 ARL. Staffs A single bird occurred at Belvide on September 26 JPC, GJM. W Mid One at Bartley from October 9 until October 25 DRR, MSS.

Little Grebe Warks Breeding reported at eight localities. At Draycote outnumbered Great Crested Grebe in autumn and winter with 38 counted on October 5. Alvecote held 26 birds on February 23; Ryton 17 on 26

July 30; Bodymoor Heath 60 on August 31, and Ladywalk 10 on September 29. Numbers less than ten were recorded at several localities. Worcs Records of breeding received only from Bittell, Upton Warren and—strangely—the Droitwich Canal, where a pair observed with two young on September 21. Maximum noted was 25 at Bittell in early September. Staffs Thirty occurred at Bridgetown subsidence pools on September 8; 20 at Blithfield during September, and 42 at Belvide on September 13. W Mid A good breeding season reported at Brierley Hill pools. Two pairs bred at Edgbaston Park and one pair at Moseley Court. A single bird was at Bartley on June 5, where unusual.

Gannet Worcs One reported flying north near Droitwich on October 18 SCHS. The first in Worcestershire since 1970.

Cormorant Warks One or two at Draycote between February and April and up to three from August to the end of the year. At Bodymoor Heath up to four occurred between September 14 and the end of the year. At Alvecote four were observed on April 13, followed by singles on May 11 and 14 and one or two regularly between August 23 and October 12. One was present at Ladywalk during May and one or two throughout the autumn. Two were recorded at Brandon on December 20 and 21. Single birds occurred at Packington Park on May 15, 17 and June 5, and at Shustoke on October 12 and November 9. Worcs Single birds observed at Diglis on January 1 ; Tardebigge on January 25; Malvern on April 6; and Westwood on May 13 and June 8, on which date three were also seen in flight over Upton Warren. Rather more regularly recorded at Bittell where one was seen on April 14, four on April 15, and single birds on July 22 to 24, September 15, October 18, November 17, and December 18 and 26. Staffs Much more numerous than in other three counties, and recorded at Blithfield in every month. Maxima reported were 47 at Blith- field on February 18 and 25; 25 at Gailey on February 9; 13 at Aqualate on March 8 and December 21, and 10 at Belvide on November 23. At Cannock Reservoir on May 15 an immature bird was watched for over 30 minutes perched on power cables at least 200 feet from the ground. 27

W Mid Two were observed at Bartley on September 10 and single birds on April 27, July 25 and September 7. One at Rotton Park on September 25 was the first seen at the locality by observer since 1946 ARMB. Three flew over Coventry on December 12.

Shag Worcs One very tired bird at Frankley from July 24 to 26 MSS, MJW, PJC. Staffs One identified at Belvide on April 30 DS. W Mid The Frankley bird was also seen on the same dates at Bartley.

Heron Warks Present throughout the year at Ladywalk with up to 20 to be seen in autumn; birds may have been attracted to this locality from nearby Bodymoor Heath where a noticeable decline was apparent in the usual late-summer gathering. Ten were recorded at Packington G.P. on August 5; six at Alvecote on September 2; 10 at Shustoke on November 22, and eight at Draycote on December 29. Worcs 12 on October 12 was the maximum recorded at Bittell. Six occurred at Upton Warren on July 17; seven at Pirton Pool and five at Holt on July 28; eight at Grimley on August 13, and six at Westwood on September 7. Staffs Far more breeding records received than for the other three coun- ties; 77 nests were counted at Aqualate, the best total since 1962; 23 nests at Enville Hall; six at Chillington; 47 at Abbots Bromley and about four at Checkhill. 35 birds on September 7 was the highest total reported from Blith- field. Ones and twos noted with increasing frequency at Can- nock Reservoir, where very scarce a few years ago. A bird recovered at Croxton on January 1 had been ringed in Norway. W Mid Very few records received for the county, and only reported on more than one date from Halesowen and Edgbaston Park.

Mallard Warks 205 on December 27 was the maximum at Alvecote, where 10 broods totalling 65 young were hatched. Other maxima included 150 at Packington Park on March 2; 100 at Brandon on June 11 ; 600 at Ladywalk in mid-September; 769 at Draycote on October 1 ; 100 at Earlswood on October 15, and 100 at Bodymoor Heath on December 26. Worcs At Bittell, where eight pairs bred, 250 were counted on December 30; at Upton Warren 160 on October 19, and at Westwood 375 on January 4. 28

Staffs Bred successfully at Cannock Reservoir, the first time for many years. Thirteen pairs reared 56 young at Belvide, where the most seen was 1310 on January 11. Other large concentrations were 1317 on January 10 and about 2000 on November 23 at Blithfield; 1200 at Aqualate on January 12; 400 at Copmere on September 27, and 406 at Chillington on November 16. W Mid A number of breeding records from suburban parks were received, including five pairs at Edgbaston Park, and eight broods at West Park.

Teal Maxima at various localities: Warks 350 in mid-January and mid-December at Ladywalk, where a half-grown brood of seven was observed during August; 250 at Alvecote on November 2; 130 at Brandon on November 12; 150 at Bodymoor Heath on December 20, and 60 at Draycote on February 12. Worcs 250 at Bittell during the second half of December; 40 at Upton Warren on January 2 and November 5; 70 at Westwood in mid- December, the highest count at the locality for many years. Staffs Numbers at Blithfield were relatively low apart from one estimate of about 1000 on February 2 DS. Elsewhere peaks were 314 at Belvide on December 14; 68 at Latherford on December 21 ; 100 at Aqualate on September 30, and 50 at Tillington Marshes on December 3. Appearing with greater regularity at Cannock Reservoir, where there were 21 on December 16. W Mid One at Rotton Park on February 26, one at Brierley Hill Pools on June 9, 20 at Edgbaston Park on November 8 and nine at Bentley on November 19 were all considered unusual for the localities by the observers concerned.

Garganey Warks A drake occurred at Bodymoor Heath on June 15 and July 16, followed by up to three between August 2 and September 7. At Brandon a pair observed on April 26 followed by single birds on May 6 and July 2. Single birds were recorded at Alvecote on August 9, 10 and 23; at Ladywalk on September 3 and 12, and at Draycote on July 30. Worcs A pair remained at Upton Warren from May 8 to 11 and up to three were regularly observed between August 13 and September 28. AtWildenapairon May 11 was followed by one or two between July 29 and August 23, with three on July 31. One occurred at Bittell on July 7, and two from July 30 to August 5, with one remaining until August 18. 29

Staffs Reported only from Blithfield and Belvide but in considerably better numbers than last year. Occurred at Blithfield between August 1 and September 4, usually about three but with seven on August 3. At Belvide one observed on May 20, a pair on May 31 and June 1, and a drake on June 14; in autumn a con- siderable influx in early August peaked at 15 birds on August 16, after which numbers decreased gradually with a final bird on October 11.

Gadwall This species has undergone a remarkable change in status in recent years; previously very much a casual visitor it is now to be found throughout the winter at several localities and some sur- prisingly large flocks have been reported. Warks At Bodymoor Heath up to 12 reported in January; none recorded in the summer but then present from September 15 to the end of the year with 22 on October 22. Two or three observed regularly at Ladywalk from January to mid-April and again in October and November. A single bird at Shustoke on January 26 was followed by one on November 8, five on November 22, 10 on November 23 and up to seven during December. At Packington Park there were two on March 2, four on March 18, one on September 29 and one or two between October 18 and December 2, while at Packington G.P. a pair occurred on October 21. One or two were reported at Draycote in January and February followed by up to seven from August 30 to the end of the year. Three were observed at Coombe Abbey on January 19. At Ryton one occurred on March 28 and five on December 23. Two ducks and a drake were reported from Combrook on December 28. Worcs One on January 25 and October 5, two on November 22 and four on November 23 were the only records from Upton Warren but at Westwood birds were present in January, February and from September to the end of the year, with 14 in mid-October and on November 4. Bittell produced up to four between January 1 and February 16, one on September 3 and October 27, and two or three between November 4 and December 17. Staffs One or two at Belvide on January 12 and in late-March were followed by up to five between August 16 and September 27 and up to seven between November 2 and the end of the year. Surprisingly scarce at Blithfield where four on January 30 was the only record. At Cannock Reservoir there were two on January 7, six on August 5 and five on December 23. Three occurred at Knighton on September 3 while single birds were observed at Drayton Manor Park on January 20 and February 7; Tillington Marshes on January 24. and Aqualate during March. 30

W Mid Two at Pelsall on January 7; one at Bartley on August 28; and a drake at Berkswell on September 20 were the only records.

Wigeon Warks Maxima reported were 40 at Ladywalk in mid-January; 35 at Brandon on January 22; 40 at Coombe Abbey on February 2; 58 on March 22 at Alvecote, where a male in partial eclipse was observed on July 3 and 5; 60 at Packington Park on December 24; about 150 at Shustoke in late-December, and about 160 at Draycote on December 30. Numbers at Bodymoor Heath were low with a maximum count of only 20 on December 26. Worcs Only very small numbers reported from the county apart from one flock of 70 on flood-water at Baughton on March 19. The next highest count was of 30 at Westwood on December 14, while Bittell could muster only 26 on the same date. Staffs Peak counts at Blithfield during the first winter period were 700 on January 10 and March 2. A bird was observed in summer on July 5 (compare with Alvecote), but numbers were slow to build-up at the end of the year, with only about 400 present by late-December. Other concentrations included 430 at Aqualate on February 9; 160 at Tittesworth on December 12, and about 130 at Belvide on December 14. Several observers reported small numbers regularly in October, November and December at Cannock Reservoir, indicating that the species is not as scarce there as had previously been thought. W Mid Reported from on four dates, with six on Decem- ber 28. A pair occurred at Rotton Park, where unusual, on March 3.

Pintail Warks At Bodymoor Heath single birds observed on January 5, 8, 12, 26 and March 16, and two on March 27; a pair occurred at Ladywalk on January 11, followed by single birds on March 2, September 15 and 21, and two on November 11 ; an early bird was reported at Alvecote on August 31 while a drake occurred there on Decem- ber 14 and a pair from December 26 to 29; small numbers were present at Draycote during January with eight on January 30 but in the latter part of the year only one or two were seen between late September and December. A drake at Packington G.P. on February 27 was unusual for the locality. Worcs A drake at Upton Warren on September 17 was joined by a second bird on 21 ; one occurred at Bittell on October 31 and a flock of 11 visited Westwood briefly on December 29. Staffs Up to 4 at Blithfield between January 1 and February 22, apart from eight on January 25, followed by an unusual summer record of a drake between June 11 and 22; up to six were then recorded 31

irregularly from August 27 to the end of the year. At Belvide one or two were recorded in January, with 10 on January 18, and a duck occurred on April 22, a party of 17 on August 26 (which flew off to the west at dusk), and one or two on August 27 and 30. Single birds were noted at Brocton on January 9; Chillington on April 12; and Aqualate on November 16. Birds at Blithfield on January 5 and at Drayton Manor from April 2 to 7 appeared to be Pintail-hybrids. W Mid A drake at Edgbaston Park on October 1 was the only record.

Shoveler Warks At Bodymoor Heath, where broods of six and four were observed on July 6, the maximum count was 22 on September 7; at Shustoke 32 on January 5; at Ladywalk 33 on March 23; at Brandon 15 on June 10; at Alvecote 60 on September 7; at Packington Park 20 on November 3, and at Draycote 40 on December 21. Worcs Good numbers at Upton Warren with at least 100 reported on October 5. By comparison very few were seen at Bittell, and the maximum was only 13 on November 17. Generally scarce also at Westwood, with numbers usually less than 10, but an influx occurred in early-November when 40 were counted. Staffs As usual, numbers were relatively low at Blithfield with a maximum of 40 on August 1. Much larger numbers were recorded at Belvide, where 125 were counted on October 5, and at Aqualate where a remarkable total of 400 was reported in October BEJ. Up to 12 were recorded at Cannock Reservoir in the winter months, which is more than usual for locality. W Mid Six occurred at Berkswell on September 20 and eight at Bartley on October 28.

Mandarin Warks A bird observed at Earlswood on January 2. Staffs One reported at Brocton on May 27.

Red-crested Pochard

All records almost certainly relate to feral birds. 32

Warks A drake at Leamington Spa Reservoir on February 9. Staffs Two drakes commuted between Belvide, Gailey and Cannock in the period January 1 to February 10; a drake was observed at Belvide on October 25 and regularly from November 15 to the end of the year, while presumably the same bird visited Gailey on December 24. A drake was seen at Blithfield on December 8 and an immature male was recorded at Cannock Reservoir on nine dates between November 22 and December 21.

Scaup Warks Single birds observed at Draycote on January 8 and December 17 JL, three from October 21 to 28 PJF. DIP, and six on March 30 CHP. At Brandon one observed from February 22 to April 27 BMCG. Worcs A drake reported at Bittell on December 15 GCB. Staffs At Belvide one seen by many observers between January 1 and 18, followed by a duck from April 20 to May 10, and another from October 11 to the end of the year—many observers—which was joined by two immature birds on November 22 and 23 CR, EGP. One reported at Bridgetown subsidence pools on January 9 BCG. An immature drake occurred at Gailey on February 6 JL and March 8 CR. Two birds which frequented Cannock Reservoir from November 8 to the end of the year are now thought to have been immature duck scaup, though first thought by some observers to be hybrids. W Mid A pair reported at Bartley on May 16 RAD, MSS, and a duck on November 30 GJM.

Tufted Duck Warks 11 broods totalling 65 young recorded at Alvecote; bred at Ladywalk where a brood of 10 seen on the River Tame; 18 young counted at Packington G.P. in late July; a poor breeding season reported at Bodymoor Heath; several broods reared at Brandon. Maximum numbers reported were 265 at Bodymoor Heath on January 12; 150 at Shustoke on February 8; 145 at Packington Park on February 16; numbers generally low at Ladywalk but 150 counted on December 15; 560 at Draycote on December 17; 220 at Alvecote on December 27. Worcs Two pairs reared nine young at Hurcot Pool and five pairs 32 young at Upton Warren; also bred at Grimley. 100 reported at Westwood on January 26; 50 at Upton Warren in late April and on August 11 ; 44 at Wilden on May 30; 150 at Bittell on December 30. 33

Staffs Bred at White Sitch. Relatively low breeding success at Belvide where only 31 young reared. Numbers remained surprisingly low at Blithfield throughout the year, reaching a peak of only 60 on February 13 (compare with Pochard), whereas prior to 1973 the winter population was generally over 200. By contrast there is now a regular wintering flock at Cannock Reservoir which in 1975 peaked at 445 on December 24. This total has only been exceeded twice in Staffordshire since 1962. Other maxima included 280 at Gailey on August 20; 70 at Copmere on Septem- ber 20; 160 at Chillington on November 16; 48 at Aqualate on December 21 and about 500 at Belvide in late December. W Mid Bred at Steven's Park, Stourbridge, apparently for the first time. Three broods were reared at West Park, where 63 birds were counted on October 7. 54 occurred at Brierley Hill Pools on November 19 and 20, while numbers up to ten were reported from several suburban parks.

Pochard Warks Six broods totalling 27 young reported at Alvecote and two pairs summered at Bodymoor Heath but without evidence of successful breeding. 170 reported at Bodymoor Heath on February 3, but generally less than 100 there; 245 at Alvecote on February 1 ; 200 at Coombe Abbey on February 2; 60 at Packington Park on February 16; 475 at Draycote on December 17 and 230 at Shustoke from December 29 to 31. Worcs Maxima reported were 100 at Westwood in Januaryand December; 100 at Upton Warren on January 1 ; 57 at Pirton Pool on January 19; 69 at Wilden on February 12; 28 at Bittell on October 27 was a much lower peak than usual. Staffs A pair with six young observed at Tillington Marshes on July 2, the first breeding record for the area PAK. Very numerous at Blithfield in both winter periods and far out- numbered Tufted Duck, with estimates of 550 on February 13 and a similar number during the first half of November. No other water produced comparable figures but 100 occurred at Aqualate on January 12 with 130 on December 21 ; 100 at Westport Lake on January 18; 70 at Cannock Reservoir on February 15; 47 at Copmere on February 17; 45 at Tittesworth on March 9; and 150 at Belvide on October 5 and 12, and December 14. A bird recovered at Swynnerton on January 1 had been ringed in Moscow. W Mid At Edgbaston Park, where three birds summered, the maximum was 190 on October 27; at Hydes Road Pool, Wednesbury, 106 on November 10, and at Brierley Hill Pools 53 on December 11. 34

Tufted x Pochard Worcs One recorded intermittently in January at Upton Warren was very much like a Lesser Scaup in appearance and posed a trap for the unwary.

Ferruginous Duck Warks One, believed to be a female or immature male, reported at Shustoke on February 18 PJC, MSS.

Goldeneye Warks Numbers up to three reported from several localities. 36 observed on March 23 at Bodymoor Heath, where a bird was again present through the summer; 31 at Shustoke on November 16; 31 on March 8 at Draycote where two were reported on the early date of September 4 DM. Worcs Very small numbers noted in winter at Bittell, Westwood and Upton Warren with a maximum of five at the first locality on November 9. A duck was reported at Upton Warren on June 4 and 5 GJM. GET. Staffs Very large numbers were again reported from Belvide during the early months of the year, with a peak of 116 on April 17. The maximum at Blithfield was 53 on December 28. At Cannock Reservoir 59 on January 9 was the highest count but numbers varied widely owing to disturbance. There was some evidence of interchange of birds between this locality and nearby Leacroft where 25 were recorded on November 24 and 50 on December 28. 12 were observed at Chillington on February 15 and seven on December 21 at Gailey, where a drake summered. Up to five birds were reported from several other localities. W Mid Up to five were recorded at Bartley Reservoir, where this was the only species of duck present throughout the second winter-period. Single birds at Brierley Hill Pools during January, and at Rotton Park Reservoir on February 3, were the first records from these localities for many years.

Long-tailed Duck Warks A duck reported at Draycote from December 21 JF, PJF, MT to the end of the year. Worcs A surprising report involved a drake in summer plumage at Bittell on May 17 CDP. Staffs An immature bird was seen by many observers at Belvide between November 1 and 23. W Mid A pair observed at Bartley Reservoir on November 20 RM. 35

Velvet Scoter Staffs A duck occurred on the River Tame at Tamworth on December 14 GAA, while almost certainly the same individual appeared at Cannock Reservoir on December 17 and 18 GE, RAH. The characteristic face-pattern and white secondaries were noted in each case.

Common Scoter Warks Two drakes at Bodymoor Heath on April 14 JEF, a drake at Draycote on September 22 PJF, followed by a duck on November 8 PJF, DIP, and a duck at Shustoke on November 3 and 9 BLK. Worcs One occurred at Bittell on April 29 KC. Staffs The duck from 1974 remained at Belvide until January 16 JL; later records involved two birds on March 9 DS, MW and a duck on October 18 CR. At Cannock Reservoir single birds were observed on August 5 and 14 RAH, while two drakes were reported at Blithfield on February 15 GJM.

Ruddy Duck Warks At Bodymoor Heath single birds were noted on January 1, May 19 and September 13, followed by six on October 22 and two on November 23. Two or three were seen regularly at Alvecote between April and November with five on May 17. A pair occurred at Packington Park on May 8, the drake being seen subsequently on May 18. At Middleton Hall three were reported on May 8 and 10, then one on June 1, seven on September 6, and one on November 16. Records of six on October 4, a single bird on November 3 and two on November 16 were the first from Shustoke. One was seen at Draycote on July 7 and from December 14 to 31. Worcs At Upton Warren, where three pairs raised five broods, birds were present in every month with a maximum of 28 (including young) on September 14. Bred at Pirton Pool, a brood of six being observed on May 31 and one of nine on August 18. Present at Westwood from January to July and in September, with a maxi- mum of eight on April 6 and a juvenile observed on July 13. Isolated records included single birds at Trimpley on May 24; Bittell on May 17, September 9 and September 13; and at Tardebigge Reservoir on October 7 and December 11. Staffs Bred at Chillington and Belvide. The anticipated autumn influx began at Belvide in early September and reached a peak of 181 on October 28, after which numbers de- creased somewhat with about 40 remaining attheendoftheyear. Blithfield 92 were counted on February 13; very few were seen during the summer and autumn but numbers began to increase 36

again in early November with about 100 present by late December. 23 occurred at Aqualate on December 21, while very small numbers or isolated records were reported from Copmere, Gailey, Kings Bromley, Stretton, Tillington, Weston Park and White Sitch.

Red-breasted Merganser Warks A duck observed at Draycote from October 24 to November 2 RB, PJF, DIP. JL. Staffs A drake reported at Blithfield on March 18 BCG and two ducks at Cannock Reservoir on November 19 and 20 ARMB, RAH.

Goosander Warks Single birds occurred at Alvecote on January 17, November 23 and 29, December 6, and December 26 and 27; at Bodymoor Heath on January 18; and at Ladywalk on November 6. One occurred at Draycote on January 1 followed by two on January 5. Worcs A drake was at Upton Warren on January 18 and 19. A pair occurred at Bittell on January 22 and February 14, one bird remaining until February 16, followed by a pair from December 7 to 14. A duck identified at Tardebigge Reservoir on November 29 remained until December 6. Staffs Blithfield, currently the only water to support good numbers of this species, held 80 birds in late February and March. Belvide appears to have lost its attraction, with nine on December 18 the most reported and frequently none at all present. 15 occurred at Rudyard Lake on February 13 and 16, eight at Aqualate on March 8 and six at Tittesworth on November 16. W Mid A drake at Bartley on November 22 was the only record.

Smew Worcs A drake was observed at Bittell from December 15 to 17 GCB, KC. Staffs A duck at Cannock Reservoir on November 26 ARMB, RAH was the first at the locality since 1959.

Shelduck Warks One at Bodymoor Heath on January 30, followed by a pair from March 16 to April 12, up to seven between April 18 and May 17, and two on October 12. At Alvecote, 11 appeared on February 4, increasing to 16 by February 23 and remaining constant until March 2. Up to five were then present until mid-May, and a pair remained to breed, hatching five young of which three were successfully fledged. Later records involved a single bird on December 20 and a pair on December 26 and 27. 37

Birds were present at Ladywalk from early February to July, with a maximum of six on June 2. A pair attempted to breed but without success. In the Marston/Coton area up to four were recorded between March 4 and April 21 ; at Shustoke one occurred on March 22 followed by a pair on December 14; at Packington G.P. two were seen on April 19 and a single bird on October 21 ; up to six were observed at Draycote in spring and up to seven during the autumn months; one or two occurred at Brandon between February 12 and April 17, from July 26 to 30, and on November 25 and December 1 ; one recorded at Coombe Abbey on February 16, March 16 and April 6. Worcs At Bittell there were four on February 3; one on April 26, July 25 and October 10; two on November 11 ; one on December 7, and three on December 12. A pair was observed at Upton Warren on February 11 and 16, several dates in May, and Septem- ber 9 and 11, while a single bird occurred on November 9. One was recorded at Wilden on August 27, 29, and November 9. Staffs At Blithfield one occurred on January 10, four on April 19 and two on May 4; then present from June 22 to the end of the year with seven in late November and nine on December 7. Up to six were recorded at Belvide between January 16 and February 16, followed by five on March 23, two on April 5, two on April 19, three from April 22 to 24, two on May 10, one on May 13 and 17, three on December 14, and a party of 14—a record for the reservoir —on December 16. Two were observed at Cannock Reservoir on February 3, three on August 26, one or two during the second half of November and one on December 14, while a dead bird was found on December 3. Three occurred at Branston on January 7 and two on February 16; two at Tillington Marshes on April 23 and one on November 12; two at Chillington on May 3 followed by three on November 23; three at Kings Bromley on May 11 ; two at Tittesworth on November 23 and one on December 7 and 31 ; and two at Leacroft on December 15. W Mid Three observed at Bartley on May 10 and one at Olton Mere on October 5 and 21.

Ruddy Shelduck Warks Two, undoubtedly escapes, at Ladywalk on May 4 ARD, BLK and at Bodymoor Heath on May 6.

Egyptian Goose Worcs Four at Upton Warren on April 5 and 6. 38

Greylag Goose All records probably involved feral birds. Warks The flock based at Packington Park numbered 84 birds on October 12, while eight broods totalling 32 goslings were counted on May 18. The same flock visited Bodymoor Heath on several dates in late September and early October. At Packington G.P. there were two on May 31 and three on August 16 and 20. Two were noted at Alvecote on February 23 and four at Ladywalk on April 13. Five occurred at Brandon on February 22 and 10 on March 31 ; a pair hatched 12 young at the locality but all died. Worcs At Upton Warren a single bird was observed between March 16 and 23, followed by three on May 2. Staffs Five at Belvide on April 20 and six at Black Bank, Chesterton, on the same date; one at Pool Hall on May 9 and June 3; four ar Belvide on June 10; seven at Kings Bromley on August 6 followed by two on September 18; and one at Blithfield from October 17 to November 2.

White-fronted Goose Warks At Bodymoor Heath six were observed in flight on January 26, three on February 5 and four on November 23. Two grey geese which flew east over Ladywalk on February 27 were considered to be of this species. A hybrid bird was present at Alvecote on February 16 (see below). Staffs A party of 17 visited Branston on January 24. Two occurred with Canada Geese at Gailey on February 28, while on February 15 a Whitefront at this locality was accompanied by a Barnacle Goose and a Barnacle x Whitefront hybrid EGP. This record demonstrates that nowadays even the origin of White-fronted Geese can be suspect.

Snow Goose All records certainly of feral birds Warks One at Ladywalk in May and probably the same bird at Lea Mars- ton on June 3. Staffs Two blue-phase birds at Belvide on September 15. Singles at Patshull on October 7; Gailey on October 30 and December 14 and at Hatherton during November. W Mid One at Edgbaston during November and December.

Barnacle Goose Feral birds were recorded at the following localities: Warks One with Greylags at Packington Park from December 3 to the end of the year. 39

Worcs Two with Canada Geese in the Bittell-Cofton area from January 1 to 5; two at Hewell Lake on March 15 and possibly the same pair at Westwood on April 20 and Upton Warren on June 15. Staffs Singles at Kings Bromley on April 13 and 18, and May 25 and 26; at Chillington on January 19 and June 7; at Blithfield on February 28 and from mid-September to early-November; at Gailey on February 15 and 28; at Stretton on June 1 ; and at Aqualate on September 30 and October 7. Two observed at Patshall on June 28.

Canada Goose Maxima at various localities: Warks 70 at Packington Park on March 2; 100 at Ladywalk on August 7; 44 at Packington G.P. on September 1 ; 300 at Bodymoor Heath on August 31; 93 at Marston on October 15; and 100 at Middle- ton Hall on November 22 and December 6. Worcs 56 at Captain's Pool on May 26; 69 at Witley Park on July 1 ; 58 at Upton Warren on November 5 and 50 at Wilden on Dec- ember 2. Staffs A census carried out for the Ministry of Agriculture revealed 1125 birds at the end of June, and it was considered that about 300 young were reared in the county. The highest concentrations at individual localities were 412 at Patshull on December 16; a record total of 360 at Blithfield in late-September and early-October; 247 at Kings Bromley in late-June; 237 at Chillington in late-June; and 226 at Aqualate on February 9. W Mid Breeding reported from Steven's Park, Stourbridge; West Park, Sutton Park and Edgbaston Park. 180 at Brueton Park, Solihull, during September was the maximum reported, while a party of 30 at Bartley in October was distinctly unusual for that locality.

Mute Swan Warks Breeding reported from seven localities. 35 at Bodymoor Heath on January 19; 150 at Alvecote on August 3; and about 50 at Coton in mid-October were the largest concentrations observed. The traditional flock on the River Avon at Stratford was down to only six birds on December 28, apparently a result of pollution. Worcs Breeding reported from four localities, which must be considerably less than the true figure. No large concentrations observed. 40

Staffs Bred at Kings Bromley, Rugeley, Branston, Keele and Belvide, though many other nesting sites were presumably not reported. Maxima recorded were 74 at Tamworth on January 19; 71 at Branston on August 13; 46 at Blithfield on August 21 and 82 on the River Trent at Burton on August 29. At Cannock Reservoir, a pair and young on the subsidiary pool were all shot and the most seen, during December, was only 27. W Mid A pair attempted to breed at Vale Hall, Edgbaston, for the first time but the female stopped sitting after 12 weeks.

Whooper Swan Warks The wintering bird from 1974 at Bodymoor Heath was last seen on February 17 JEF; four more flew south on November 2, while three which made a brief visit on November 23 EAH were also reported later that day at Alvecote per GAA. Three were reported at Draycote on October 10 KDC, LFJ. At Packington Park one occurred on February 16, followed by two on March 2 KS whilst six adults and a juvenile were reported from Seeswood Pool on December 14 AT, BT. Staffs Four reported at Branston on January 15 BCG; one on the River Tame at Tamworth on January 19 GAA, and two in flight at Blithfield on February 15 GFA.

Bewick's Swan Warks At Leamington Spa three observed on January 19 followed by eight on November 18. Seven were observed at Shustoke on November 8 while on the same day a party of ten flew west over Ladywalk. Four occurred at Coton on December 5. At Draycote one was noted on January 17, seven on October 20, five on November 26 and up to four during December. Worcs 11 were recorded at Pirton Pool on January 19, with eight on October 22 and seven on November 9. Three were seen at Upton Warren on November 30 and a herd of 19, including nine immatures, appeared at Bittell on December 14. Staffs At Belvide one occurred on January 19; four on October 11 and 12; 15 on November 9, and 11 on December 16, the last two parties flying off NW and NE respectively. Four were observed at Blithfield on January 18, 19 and 27, followed by up to five between February 2 and 13, one on March 1, six on March 9, a total of 32 in two parties on December 14, and then three to the end of the year. 11 were seen in flight at Handsacre on February 17. Six flew east at Cannock Reservoir on February 26 while 10 occurred there on November 21. W Mid Six were at Bartley Reservoir on October 30, with five on Novem- ber 8. A herd of 19 observed flying NW over Halesowen on December 13 was presumably that seen at Bittell the following day. 41

Buzzard Warks Single birds at Brandon on October 26, over Bodymoor Heath on December 20, and at Packington Park on December 24 were the only records. Worcs Three breeding pairs located in the Teme Valley, while birds were seen throughout May and June at Croome Perry Wood. Isolated records outside the breeding season came from Bredon Hill, Castlemorton Common, Droitwich, Eastham, Malvern, Red- ditch, Shelsley Walsh and Temple Dingle. Reported regularly in the winter months in the Defford Airfield area where a bird on December 16 was observed to drop a Lapwing which proved to be diseased, JRH. Staffs Observed regularly at Enville. Isolated records from Belvide, Cannock Reservoir, Chillington, Copmere, Gailey, Gradbach, Hanchurch, Kings Bromley, Perton Airfield, Seabridge, Tillington and Wilnecote. W Mid One soaring over Erdington on June 26, one at Halesowen on August 25 and 26, and two near Stourbridge on September 13.

Sparrowhawk Warks A pair observed displaying over Bishops Tachbrook on April 22 while other breeding season sightings came from Leamington Spa and Waverley Wood. Single birds were seen at Weston- under-Wetherley on January 30; in the Packington area on March 2, November 29, December 6 and 14; Alvecote on August 30; Wolverton in late-August; Meon Hill on September 12; Draycote on September 17; Brandon on September 19; Combrook on November 9; Bodymoor Heath on November 12; and south of Leamington on December 27. Worcs Breeding season records from Croome, Eckington, EymoreWood, Lickeys, Tardebigge, Trench Wood, Tenbury, Wilden, Wissetts Wood and Wyre Forest. Observed in autumn or winter at Belbroughton, Bittell, Bredon, Bromsgrove, Castlemorton Com- mon, Clent, Hanley, Hindlip, Lindridge, Longley Green, Stour- port and Upton Warren. Staffs Reported during the breeding season from Bishops Offley, Blithfield, Cannock Chase, Cannock Reservoir, Coombes Valley, Foxt, Hoar Cross, Kings Bromley, Knypersley, Meir Woods. North Staffordshire Moors, Rawnsley, Trentham Park and Yoxall, Records from about 35 other localities outside the breeding season. W Mid Single birds at Gornal Wood on February 28; Barr Beacon on May 28; Bartley on August 31 ; Edgbaston Park on September 26; Pensnett on November 13 and Sutton Park on December 23. 42

Red Kite Warks One observed over Shustoke on August 22 DKC. Previously recorded in the county as recently as 1972, but prior to that not since 1961.

Marsh Harrier

Warks A female appeared at Ladywalk on May 21 BLK, HTL and was subsequently seen at Bodymoor Heath on May 29 EAH, May 31 ARMB and June 6 and 26 EAH. Another female frequented Brandon Marsh from October 28 to November 7 BMCG.

Hen Harrier Staffs A pair attempted to breed in the county but unfortunately the eggs failed to hatch. A ' ring-tail' was reported at Blithfield on November 8 RA, BRM; Tillington from November 12 PAK to 22 (when trapped and ringed) CDTM, Chillington on November 23 DS, and Enville from November 16 to the end of the year per EGP. Presumably at least two individuals were involved in these records.

Osprey Warks A bird was present at Brandon on May 3 BMCG. Worcs One appeared at Bittell on August 10 SFLE, GET and was subse- quently watched by many observers up to August 21. A bird was observed to catch a fish on the River Severn at Bewdley on June 7 KW. Staffs At Blithfield one recorded on July 8 JCE-D and another just north of the reservoir on September 28 JEF, RAH. 43

Hobby Warks Bred in the county. One observed at Brandon on April 20, June 22 and September 18 BMCG; Packington GP on August 6 TD; Stratford on September 6 and 20 RA; and Weston Wood on September 7 DKC. One seen near Priors Hardwick on May 3 RB. Worcs Bred successfully in central Worcestershire. Single birds occurred at Droitwich on May 9,10 and 11 CPB; Bittell on May 16 EBB and September 13 KC; Clent on June 24 PStJB; Wilden on July 25 MHB; Holt during August (with two on August 20) JRH; Stoke Prior on September 9 PStJB; and Upton Warren on May 25 and several dates in July and August—many observers. Staffs One at Belvide on August 16 CR, DS, MW and at Upper Longdon on September 8 BCG. W Mid Reported at Bartley from July 22 to September 28, with two on the last date JGJ, MSS, MJW.

Peregrine Worcs An adult observed at Bittell on November 22 DMH. Staffs A female seen by many observers at Blithfield between August 17 and September 27. W Mid One reported at Olton Golf Course on November 4 and December 6, JSS.

Merlin Warks A male at Bodymoor Heath on March 8 GFA and another at Draycote on the same date DIP. Worcs Males observed at High Green on March 16 JRH and at Shatter- ford on October 9 RM. Staffs Birds recorded at Blithfield on January 1 JPM and December 7 ARD, PDH; Cannock Reservoir on January 20 RAH, January 26 PA. November 22 JEF, EGP and December 13 GE\ the Roaches on March 16 JRC; Flash and Mermaid's Pool, North Stafford- shire Moors, on May 4 JRC; Gibb Tor on September 13 JPM; Burntwood on November 21 RAH; Leacroft on December 5 AJD; and Bickford on December 29 AJD.

Kestrel Widely reported from all four counties and several observers commented on the increasing use of motorway verges as hunting areas. W Mid One reported perched on a handrail under Colmore circus on October 10 KF. J Oy - ylt^-*'

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Red Grouse Staffs Assumed to be more or less stable in the county since its disap- pearance from Cannock Chase, but, in common with several other such species, insufficient material is available to assess status. 20 at Goldsitch Moss, March 2, ARD.

Black Grouse Staffs 26 (8 males) at Swallow Moss, March 9 ARD, PDH, MJl. 12 males there on April 5, eight on April 27 and five on May 31. Up to four males at Gib Tor in June and a lek reported from Swine- holes Wood where occasional nesting has occurred in the past. Up to five males lekking at Gun Hill and seven at Goldsitch, where about 15 birds noted on December 15 KJB. Also noted at Gradbach Hill in spring.

Red-legged Partridge Warks Bred at Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath (two pairs) and at Ladywalk, where up to 13 noted in October. Four at Brandon on May 11 ; 15 at Polesworth on October 22 and 18 at llmington on December 21. Worcs Four at Bittell, where unusual, on September 6. Six at Castle- morton Common, October 29. Staffs 19 near Lichfield, October 25 and 22 at Gailey on November 10. Red-legged said to be four-times commoner than Partridge at Enville.

W Mid Small numbers resident at New Invention.

Partridge Warks Nine at Newbold Comyn in August; up to 13 in September and 12 in November at Ladywalk; 25 at Packington and eight at Draycote in November and eight at Bodymoor and 12 at Shustoke in December. Worcs 13 near Stourport on November 27 and nine at Hadley, January 24. Three at Hollywood on January 11 where not common. Staffs Said to be commoner than Red-legged at Whittington, Himley and the south of the county, generally. 12 at Blithfield in January; 40 at Huntingdon on August 20; up to 12 near Stafford on November 26, with 16 at Blithfield and 25 at Leacroft on December 7. At Whittington Sewage Farm, 30 on August 30 and five coveys, totalling 72, on December 28. On November 2, 13 at Belvide and 12 at Leacroft. W Mid 12 at Fens Pools, Brierley Hill, on January 12; a pair at Bartley on March 9 said to be the first in the area for many years. Regular in Sutton Park. 45

Quail Worcs Frequently heard calling near Malvern Link during June and July LAB. Staffs Two heard calling from field of barley at Whittington on June 15 BMM.

Pheasant Staffs 171 at Boscomoor on December 12 BCG. W Mid 10, Sutton Coldfield, December 13.

Water Rail Warks Frequently seen and probably bred at Ladywalk and Leaming- ton. Regular throughout the year at Brandon, where three to four pairs bred. Birds present into the breeding season at Body- moor Heath and noted in Packington Park in early May. One at Draycote on December 20. Worcs A pair bred successfully at Upton Warren, where frequent up to March and after October, with eight on November 22. Present in the breeding season at Wilden and four at Westwood on April 10. Staffs Bred successfully at Kings Bromley. There are very few con- firmed breeding records for the county. Present in March at Loynton Moss and four at Tixall on October 8. W Mid Up to three present in winter at Edgbaston Park.

Spotted Crake Warks One reported at Bodymoor Heath on October 31 EAH. A bird at Ladywalk on November 3 HTL. A third record, at Alvecote, on December 20 DJW, KAW. completing an unusual trio. Also heard three times between April and July at Brandon BMCG. Staffs One at Belvide between August 31 JEF, RAH and September 3 EGP. Smaller than Moorhen; short, blunt, yellowish bill with red base; dark brown upperparts with pale streaks and spots; large white patches on forewings; grey underparts with barred flanks, buff under tail.

Moorhen Warks 25 at Alvecote on January 10, up to 22 in March and 20 in October. 18 around a small pool at Packwood House on September 7. On October 18 there were 47 in a riverside field at Luddington, whilst maximum at Brandon was 72 on August 13. Worcs A large increase in recent years at Bittell, with over 20 regularly noted and a maximum of 47. Up to 32 at Wilden in November. Staffs 29 adults (and 24 adult Coots) along one mile of canal at Tixall on July 19, where 34 in a field on September 24. On December 17 there were 55 along one mile of the River Sow at Milford and 46

60 at Tillington on December 24. Up to 30 noted in Stafford Park and over 80 at Belvide on September 6. Decreasing at Whittington where 50 were noted in December. Maximum of 200 at Belvide in early September. W Mid Five pairs bred in Edbgaston Park; four in West Park, and breeding also confirmed at Bilston, Bentley, Sneyd, Fowlers Park and along the Wyrley and Essington Canal.

Coot Warks 20 pairs bred at Alvecote, where maxima were 280 in January, 390 in late July, 455 in early August, 500 on September 27 and 540 by October 18, decreasing to 240 by late December. At Bodymoor Heath up to 300 in autumn and 600 on December 28, whilst at Shustoke 173 on November 16. At Draycote there were counts of 477 in January, 398 in February, 579 in August, 1027 in September, 1144 on October 1 and, after a decline, 1332 on October 30; then 1082 on November 4 and 902 in December. Worcs 150 at Bittell on February 15 and 80 in August. An albinistic bird at Bewdley on April 13. Staffs At Blithfield 375 on January 10 and even lower numbers there in the autumn (marked overall decline in last two years); and 610 at Gailey on September 30. Belvide numbers ranged from 150 in February to 800 in July, 1150 in August and 1400 by mid-September. More pairs nested at Cannock Reservoir than usual but with little success. In the early months numbers were always under 100, but 150 in August built up to 335 by December 3. Other counts included 231 at Aqualate on February 9, up to 520 at Copmere in August and 188 at Bridgtown on September 8. W Mid Eight pairs bred in Edgbaston Park; three pairs at West Park; three pairs at Bentley and single pairs at Bilston and Sneyd.

Oystercatcher Warks Three at Alvecote on March 22 and again on June 15. Singles at Bodymoor Heath on April 19 and 21, with three on May 16. At Draycote two on August 12 and one on October 10 and at Brandon one on September 13. Worcs Singles at Bittell on February 9, Defford Airfield on February 13, Upton Warren on March 8 and 9 and at Northwick Marsh on June 23. Staffs One bird at Cannock Reservoir on February 15, singles at Belvide on May 3 and 11 and again on November 9. At Blithfield, two occurred on March 22, one on May 23, one on July 20 and 21, five on July 29, two on August 3 and 13 and one final bird on November 9. W Mid One flew over Edgbaston Cricket Ground on June 23. 47

White-tailed Plover

Warks One at Packington Gravel Pit from July 12 to 18, JEF, EGP. ARD et at. This record is still under consideration by the BOU, but, if accepted, will be the first for Britain and Ireland. The following is a synopsis of the points noted.

A little smaller than, but similar in proportion to. Lapwing, with the same full- breasted character, but distinctly more graceful because of smoothly contoured head, relatively longer bill and much longer legs. Fed on dry ground and in water up to several inches deep in typical plover manner of three or four steps followed by " stoop and peck " action, but more mobile than Lapwing. At rest wings cloaked tail but extended little beyond it. In flight wings broad and rounded at tip. Bill three-quarters head length and legs one-and-a-third times body depth. Head greyish-white, paler than mantle, with fine sandy streaking on crown and ear coverts. Indistinct off-white supercilium running buck towards nape. Mantle and scapulars sandy-grey with pinkish suffusion, varying in intensity with light conditions. Throat off-white, neck and breast sandy-grey becoming progressively warmer in colour and culminating in a copper-brown hue at lower breast. Belly, flanks and vent off-white with rosy pink flush. Black primaries and tips to the outermost secondaries formed an extensive black tip to the spread wing and a dark margin to the point of the closed wing. Inner secondaries, tips of greater coverts and the alula region white, combining to form broad panel across spread wing from tips of tertials to carpal joint. At rest showed as narrow white bar along lower edge of wing. Rest of wing as mantle, but dusky line across greater coverts separated white from these sandy areas. Underwing coverts white contrasting with black primaries. Tail and tail coverts white. Eye dark. Bill black. Legs bright yellow. The black and white wing pattern; unmarked white tail; pale, basically uniform head and very long, bright yellow legs made this a relatively distinctive bird. 48

Lapwing Warks A general drop in summer and autumn numbers in the Tame valley, perhaps due to the dry weather. 1500 at Ladywalk in July, 1000 at llmington on January 18 and at Bodymoor Heath on February 3, where 2000 on December 28. Maxima at Alvecote were 1500 on February 2 and 1000 on July 26 and at Charlecote 600 on July 31. Middleton had 1000 in December and Brandon the same number in January and November. In December up to 2000 in the Hatton area, which is three to four times the usual number. Worcs 1500 at Bittell on February 2; 800 at Grimley in August; 1000 at Upton Warren on December 6, and 500 at Wilden on August 29. Staffs Larger counts included 2000 at Branston and 1000 at Water Eaton in January; 2000 at Tillington in February; 1500 at Eccleshall, 2500 at Fradley and 1000 at Yoxall in September and 2000 at Whittington in December. Blithfield and its surrounds held 4000 in February, 3000 in July and 1500 in August. W Mid Bred for the first time since 1963 at Bartley, where 500 in August.

Ringed Plover Warks The 1974 bird remained at Shustoke until March 3. One at Draycote on March 30, one at Lea Marston on April 6 and singles at Alvecote on May 3 and 29. One at Ladywalk on February 22 and May 18. Bodymoor Heath had singles on May 17 and 18 and Brandon one on June 1. Two occurred at Alvecote on June 16, then six on June 26, followed by singles on August 6 and 29 and September 7 and 11. One or two at Whitacre Heath in July and at Bodymoor Heath one on July 29, two on August 10 and singles on August 31 and September 22. Packington G.P. produced one on July 3 and 15, two on August 5 and singles on August 7, 9 and 17. Occurred at Draycote between June 11 and September 28, with a maximum of seven on August 26, whilst Brandon had singles on August 7 and 9. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on several dates in spring—up to June 7— and autumn. Noted at Wilden between April 29 and May 30 with seven on May 11, then up to three in autumn. Bittell held up to two in May and June and larger numbers from August 1 to October 14, with 18 on August 23 and 24. Staffs Single birds at Knighton on August 26 and September 20 and one at Rudyard on October 11. Leacroft had one on May 10 and nine on May 11. Cannock Reservoir had a very poor year with one on June 2, August 16, September 27 and October 7 and two on November 1, rather late. At Belvide singles were seen on March 8 and between April 19 and 29, then nine on May 11, one on May 17 and 18, two on 49

May 22 and 23, one on May 28 and two on June 5. In the autumn, 10 occurred on August 16, then up to four on seven dates in September, up to three from October 23 to 28 and two later birds on November 8. There were none at Blithfield in spring, but one on June 22 then noted from July 20 to October 17, with maxima of 20 on August 12; 33 on August 17; 25 on August 30 and 31 and 20 on September 17, with a decrease to nil before 19 on September 29; 39 on October 3; 21 on October 6 and finally one on November 2 and 15. Eight at Leacroft on May 11 and a single at Aqualate on September 30. W Mid Up to three at Bartley from July 22 to September 7 and two at Olton Mere on August 10. Calls heard at night over Rotton Park reservoir on August 2.

Little Ringed Plover Warks Bred at Alvecote, where up to four were noted between April 26 and September 20. Up to 14 in July at Whitacre Heath and singles at Marston on July 16 and Kingsbury on April 20. Up to four at Draycote between August 3 and September 15. One pair bred at Coton G.P. and at least two pairs bred at Pack- ington, where there were 15 on July 20 and up to 12 in August, with the last record on September 7. One pair bred at Ladywalk, two pairs at Bodymoor, possibly three pairs at Middleton, five pairs at Brandon and three at Ryton. Worcs Three young reared at Grimley G.P. and successful breeding near Stourport. A pair made an unsuccessful breeding attempt at Upton Warren. Noted at Holt G.P. in May and July, with six at Wilden on May 11 and smaller numbers there in the autumn. A pair nested at Bittell; and young hatched, but were apparently predated; up to seven in July and August. Staffs Bred at Brocton gravel pit and Kings Bromley and a bird displayed at Manley Wood G.P. on June 1. Bred at Leacroft, where up to eight were noted in July. Six at Elford G.P. on July 6; up to four at Tittesworth in June and July and one at Little Wyrley on July 26. One bird at Rudyard on August 27. Six at Cannock Reservoir on July 8—a poor year—one at Belvide on April 17 and up to three noted occasionally from August 9 to September 29. Noted at Blithfield from June 22 to Setpember 6 with 20 on July 20, then 23 on August 2 and 17 on August 23. W Mid One at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, on April 4. Singles at Bartley on July 13 and September 7 were the first recorded there. A pair present at Bentley did not breed, but a pair at Tividale may have attempted to. 50

Grey Plover Warks One at Packington on May 21 and 22 and also singles at Body- moor Heath on September 20 and at Draycote on October 16. Worcs 10 at Bittell on August 10 CDP. One there from September 17 to 19 and another on October 25. Staffs A good year at Blithfield, with singles on August 31 and from September 17 to 20; then 13 flew west on September 21 ARMB, RAH, EGP. Six present on September 27 EBB, RAH, two on October 6 and 12 and one on October 16. Singles at Belvide on October 30 and December 14 and at Cannock Reservoir (or on adjacent fields) from November 24 to 29. W Mid One at Bartley on July 17.

Golden Plover Warks Up to 200 near Seckington, January to April, 82 at Bodymoor Heath on January 5 and small numbers later in the year after destruction of the usual wintering area. At Brinklow 72 on March 16 and 52 near Combrook on October 12. Up to 500 near Sherbourne on January 10. Worcs Up to 150 at Baughton in March; 154 at Wadborough on March 29 and 70 near Besford on March 27. Near Worcester there were 84 on December 21. Worcestershire generally has few flocks of any size. Staffs A nest with three eggs in rough grass near Flash on June 17 KJB and remains of hatched eggs at Axe Edge on May 31 JPM. Displaying birds noted at Wolf Edge, Three Shires Head, Goldsitch Moss and Merryton Low and a pair near Swallow Moss. 50 near Hammerwich on January 4; 75 near Penkridge on January 20; 500 at Water Eaton on January 25 and 45 at Perton on March 9. Up to 300 at Drayton Bassett in January and 250 at Alrewas in April; 60 of the northern race at Dowel Dale on April 12. Also in April up to 1000 at Essington, 120 at Landywood and 100 at Gailey. In October there were 278 at Alrewas, 200 at Pillaton and 250 at Keele; in November 250 near Lichfield and 200 at Kings Bromley and in December 600 at Drayton Bassett and 250 at Pool Hall. W Mid Small numbers occasionally at New Invention, with 21 on March 8.

Turnstone Warks One bird at Ladywalk on April 23 and 24 and at Bodymoor Heath on May 17 and 18. Two at Bodymoor Heath on August 17 and one on August 19 and 20. One at Draycote on August 28. Worcs One at Bittell on August 31 was the only record. 51

Staffs Two at Belvide on May 11. At Blithfield, one on July 20 and 31, one on August 16, seven on 17 and one on August 23 and on 31 and September 1. About three heard on September 4. W Mid One at Bartley on July 19.

Snipe Warks Three or four breeding pairs at Alvecote, where 50 on January 20. No large flocks at Bodymoor Heath due to habitat changes. 60 at Ladywalk on January 20 and over 100 wintering at Brandon, where three to four pairs bred. Up to 40 wintered at Leamington. Worcs 150 at Wilden on August 27 and 146 at Bittell on November 7. Staffs Common on the northern moorlands. About four breeding pairs at Tillington Marshes. At Whittington 160 in February and 200 in December and up to 70 at Cannock Reservoir in March, but few in autumn. 150 to 175 at Blithfield on August 17, otherwise low numbers there. 74 at Stafford, November 26. Probably failed to breed at Belvide, where 40 noted on September 27. W Mid More frequent than usual in Edgbaston Park.

Jack Snipe Warks One or two at Ladywalk in autumn, winter and spring and singles at Bodymoor Heath on three dates in March, one in April and one in October. At Leamington singles in February and December and one at Ufton Hill on April 6. One at Eathorpe on October 18 and at Alvecote on October 30, and up to six at Packington in November. Maximum of eight at Brandon on February 1, with one remaining on the late date of May 8. Worcs Two at Wilden on January 4 and up to seven at Upton Warren in February and March, with four in November and two remaining until the end of the year. Three at Stour Hill on April 11 ; one at Castlemorton Common on October 19 and small numbers at Bittell with six on November 19. Staffs Up to three in winter at Whittington. Two at Smestow on January 5 and Yoxall on February 4, with singles near Tamworth on February 8 and Stafford on April 5. Cannock Reservoir had fewer than in recent years, with three on March 8 and singles on five other dates. At Blithfield five were noted on January 30; one on April 5, three on October 12; two on 18 and singles on October 17 and November 2. Up to four were noted at Belvide on several dates until April 20 and from October 11 to the end of the year. Singles at Ford Green on January 18, near Keele on November 7 and in Sherbrook Valley on November 30. W Mid One or two at Fens Pools, in January, March, November and December. Six in Sutton Park on December 6. 52

Woodcock Warks Breeding reported from Kingsbury, Biddle's Wood, Woodend and Bentley Woods. Worcs Roding birds at Randan Wood, Trench Wood and Wyre Forest. Staffs Nest with eggs found at White Sitch and adult with chick on northern moors. Roding noted at Enville Common, in several areas of Cannock Chase, Kinver, Hanchurch, Highgate Common, Checkhill, Gothersley, Stourton, Million Plantation, Prestwood and Hillswood near Leek. Two in flight (one calling) in early afternoon near Milford on June 21. W Mid Roding birds noted sporadically in Sutton Park and at Berkswell. Present at Bartley in May.

Curlew Warks Five pairs bred between Hurley and Bentley and a pair summered at Walsgrave Hill. 20 at Whitacre Heath on July 13. Worcs 20 gathered after dusk at Holt on August 8 and 26 were at Upton Warren on February 23. Staffs Isolated records at several localities, some in winter. Bred commonly on the northern moors; one pair bred at Drayton Bassett and breeding was proved at Kings Bromley and Yoxall and suspected near Perton and Belvide. 39 at Tittesworth on July 25. The numbers at Whittington were the best ever, despite gradual drying of habitat, with 200 in August and September and an exceptional 340 roosting in December. W Mid Noted at Pelsall, Sutton Park and Bartley. Heard flying north over Wednesfield shortly after midnight on April 3.

Whimbrel Warks Singles noted at Bodymoor Heath on July 8, 13 and 26, with seven on August 21. One at Packington on August 4 and at Ufton Hill on August 12. Six flew south-west at Draycote on August 31 and another was heard on September 2. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on May 12 and July 3. Two at Wilden on May 21 and 22 and singles at Bittell on July 21, August 4 and September 25. Staffs Two at Belvide on April 19, one on May 8, three on May 11, one on May 17, and one on August 12. Singles at Blithfield on July 9, 13 and 27, August 17 and 30, and September 6. One bird at Cannock Reservoir on July 18 and two on August 5. 53

Black-tailed Godwit Warks Two occurred at Alvecote on April 14 and two more in full breeding plumage and calling well, stayed from May 12 to 18. Singles at Draycote on July 13 and August 21. Two at Bodymoor Heath on July 16, followed by one at Ladywalk on July 21 ; one at Brandon on July 23 and one at Packington on July 28 and 29. Worcs Just two singles reported, at Upton Warren on July 12 and at Wilden on July 15. Staffs Three at Belvide on May 11. All other records from Blithfield, which had a good year for the species—one from June 25 to July 2, one on July 13, four from July 23 to 29, singles on August 2 and from August 23 to September 20; four on September 27.

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks One at Brandon on July 12. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir on May 17. Otherwise reported only from Blithfield, where both godwits could sometimes be seen together—two on July 12, followed by 22 on August 5 GJM, seven on August 8 and three from August 30 to September 14. Two stayed from September 17 to 20, one next day and one again on October 12. Finally, one bird on December 7 ARD, PDH, MJl, the latest in the Club's records. An unusually good series of godwits at Blithfield.

Green Sandpiper Warks Wintered at Bodymoor Heath, where there were three on April 22; and at Brandon, Kingsbury, Hurley and Shustoke. One at Packington on April 22 and four at Brandon on the 25. In the autumn one or two were regular at Draycote; and singles at Little Alne on July 27; near Snitterfield on August 25 and at Charlecote on August 31. Noted at Bodymoor Heath from July 16 to the end of the year, mostly ones or twos, but with five on the first date and on September 8. At Packington up to four were seen from July 13 to September 27, with singles on October 25 and November 1. Regularly up to five at Ufton Hill from June 27 to September 21 and up to three at Alvecote between July 23 and September 13. At Brandon up to ten in July and 12 on August 20; two at Middleton Hall on August 25 and up to three at Ladywalk in the autumn and one on December 22. Worcs Winter records at Ombersley, Island Pool, Wilden, Tardebigge, River Stour and Upton Warren. Noted at Hadley, Cooksey and Pirton Pool, with up to six, at Grimley. At Wilden up to four from July to September and at Upton Warren up to five in Septem- ber with smaller numbers in other months. Ones and twos at Bittell, with three in early August. 54

Staffs Isolated records from Stafford and Perton in spring and Hopwas, Elford, Water Eaton, Knighton and Brocton in autumn. One or two at Aston in June and July. Up to three seen occasionally at Belvide in April and from July to September, then one on October 30 and two on December 1. One at Blithfield on April 18, then noted from June 27 to September 13, up to seven, with later birds on September 29 and October 13—a rather poor year generally. Two at Water Eaton in November and one at Little Aston on December 12. W Mid One in winter at Bartley, where unusual.

Wood Sandpiper Warks One at Packington on July 5. Noted on six dates between August 2 and 20, up to three birds together. A good year at Draycote with up to three between July 29 and August 30, but six on August 7. Recorded at Brandon between June 13 and September 8, with seven on August 11. One at Bodymoor Heath on August 15 and 16. Worcs One at Bittell between May 28 and June 2 GCB. One again between August 7 and 13. One at Upton Warren on August 11 and 12 and on September 21. Staffs One bird at Belvide on August 9 and two from August 25 to September 2. One at Alrewas on August 24.

Common Sandpiper Warks Wintered again at Ladywalk. One at Bodymoor Heath on February 17, perhaps the Ladywalk bird, with others from April 6 to June 3 and July 3 to October 25, both protracted passages, with usually fewer than five, but 15 on August 20. Singles at Alvecote between April 30 and May 29 and up to seven from July 3 to September 7. Noted at Draycote between May 6 and 27 and again from June 25 to November 2, reaching peaks of 22 on August 14 and 21 on September 1. Present at Packington from July 12 to September 20, with 10 on August 7, and nine at Ladywalk on August 6. A single on April 20 was the only spring record from Brandon, butinautumnnotedfrom June7toSeptember 19, with maximum of four on August 21. On April 19 singles noted at Bretford and Coombe Abbey. Worcs Up to four at Wilden between April 16 and May 30 and up to 12 from June 23 to October 2 with a record peak of 23 on August 11 RM. Noted at Upton Warren, up to four birds, from April 16 to May 25 and then from June 28 to September 14, usually fewer than five but 11 on July 28. One to three in April and May at Bittell, then recorded between June 26 and October 14 with 12 on August 5. 55

Staffs At Cannock Reservoir the 1974 bird remained until mid April, silent throughout in common with other wintering birds and quite unlike passage birds. Not noted in the second winter period (see Redshank and Dunlin). Very few in spring and in autumn just a few singles from July 16 to October 19 apart from five on July 17— a poor year. Regular at Tittesworth, up to nine, from July 8 to September 20. Up to eight at Belvide between April 15 and June 1, with one on June 6. First return on June 29 and up to 10 recorded between then and October 12. One or two birds at Blithfield from April 30 to May 18 and larger numbers between June 27 and October, with 20 on July 27 and September 6; one remained until the end of the year. One at Gailey on November 5—isolated winter records are rather odd. W Mid Up to 12 at Bartley in early September. Occasional records from Rotton Park, Tividale and Sutton Park. One at Olton Mere on August 10.

Redshank Warks Five at Shustoke and six at Ladywalk in January and seven at the latter locality in February. Two pairs bred at Ladywalk and one pair at Brandon. More records than usual from Draycote where present intermittently from June 28 to November 23, with three on August 14. Worcs One pair bred at Wilden, where up to six were seen in July, and one or two at Eckington on June 8. One at Bittell during Decem- ber, the only winter record for the county. Staffs Bred at Aqualate, Kings Bromley, Newborough, Tillington and Yoxall and probably at Marston (two pairs) and Drayton Bassett. Two at Belvide on February 22 and up to 10 from March to May, but no evidence of breeding, perhaps for the first time in twenty-five years. Four at Tillington on January 30. Singles at Rudyard on October 11, Tittesworth on November 2, near Milford on December 17, at Whittington on December 24 and one or two at Tillington during December. At Blithfield there were up to seven in June and July, ones and twos hanging on later and six on December 21. Present at Cannock Reservoir from October 21 through into 1976 (a period of very low water level) with two regular, often three and five on December 20, an exceptional series and the first ever wintering (see Dunlin). W Mid One on February 6 and three on March 22 at Bartley where not recorded in winter for many years. Breeding suspected at Sneyd. Two at Olton Mere on November 26. Winter records used to be very infrequent in the Club's area. 56

Spotted Redshank Warks Singles at Alvecote on five dates between April 30 and May 17 and from August 13 to 20. Singles at Bodymoor Heath on July 24 and August 24 and 30. At Packington, one on July 28, three on July 30, one August 13 and two on August 27. A poor year at Draycote with just two records on August 31 and September 7. A single at Brandon on May 7 was followed by four records between July 19 and August 28, involving a maximum of two on August 17. Worcs Single birds at Bittell on August 10, 26 and 31. One at Upton Warren on August 13 and 30. A bird noted at Pirton Pool on August 18 and at Wilden from August 18 to 22. Staffs One at Belvide on July 31. Birds reported at Blithfield on June 29, July 6 and July 27. One on August 2, two from August 10 to 16, three on 17, one on 19, two on 31 and September 5, three on September 6 and 7 and one until September 21. On the latter date the bird was flushed from the northern end by a Peregrine and was chased the full length of the reservoir, finally going out of sight high over the dam with the falcon still in pursuit CR.

Greenshank Warks One or two present regularly at Alvecote from May 27 to 29 and July 30 to September 17. Two at Middleton on August 25. One at Ladywalk on April 23 and one or two occasionally from August to December. One at Brandon on July 19. Three at Coton, August 9. Noted at Draycote from July 7 to October 1, with maximum of six on several dates. At Bodymoor Heath one spring record, on April 25, then several records in autumn from July 9 to September 23, with six on August 24. Singles occurred at Packington on May 16 and 31 and one or two on a few dates from July 7 to September 1. At Brandon recorded on three dates in spring, with three on May 14 and in autumn a maximum of five on August 8. WorcS Singles at Tardebigge reservoir on August 15 and 19 and on September 18. One, often two, at Wilden from August 8 to September 29 with three on August 13. One present at Upton Warren between June 16 and 23, with two on 21 ; one on August 6 and two on August 9. One at Bittell from May 28 to 30, two on May 31 and one on June 3. Then noted from August 4 to September 7, with six on August 12, and a final bird on October 18. 57

Staffs One at Leacroft on July 5 and at Elford on July 6; one flew over Little Aston on July 28 and one at Whittington in August. One or two noted at Tittesworth between August 5 and September 1 and at Cannock Reservoir singles on August 1, and from Septem- ber 15 to 27. Singles at Belvide on April 19 and May 23, then one, sometimes three, between August 2 and 31. Recorded at Blithfield on 33 dates between June 25 and September 7—a good indication of the coverage there—but then only five more times until October 5, mainly ones or twos except for the period July 20 to September 7 when numbers fluctuated with peaks of 14 on August 13 and 15 on August 31. A final exceptional record of six on November 29 PAG. W Mid Single birds at Bartley in July, August and September.

Knot Warks One at Marston on July 16 and at Bodymoor Heath on the same date, probably the same bird. Another at Bodymoor Heath on September 20. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir on September 7 with five the next day and another from October 30 to November 1. Singles at Belvide on August 22, September 6 and October 26 and 27. At Blithfield, one on August 20, six on August 31 and one on September 4. W Mid One at Bartley on July 26.

Little Stint Warks One at Alvecote on the very unusual date of March 22 GAA and four there on August 25 with two remaining until September 2. One at Bodymoor Heath on September 6 and 8 and one at Packington on August 5. One at Draycote from September 2 to 5 and present at Brandon from August 26 to September 4, with four from August 28 to 30. Worcs One at Wilden on September 9 and 25. A bird noted at Upton Warren on September 20 and 21. Good numbers at Bittell with unusual June records—three on June 9 MJ! and one on 16 KC— then up to seven between August 30 and September 21. Staffs Two at Tittesworth on September 20. At Belvide one on August 30, three on August 31 and four from September 1 to 3. A good series at Blithfield began with two on August 8, rising up to nine between August 31 and September 17. A fresh influx produced seven on October 3, declining to one by October 19. There was a good passage nationally at the end of August and in early September. 58

Temminck's Stint Worcs An exceptional total of six at Upton Warren between May 25 and 27 MAB, MJI, AFJ, RM, GJM. JPC. Birds in summer plumage, with relatively greyish back, greyish breast, white outer tail feathers, yellowish legs, small size and typical call notes all clearly noted.

Dunlin Warks Singles at Coton on April 13 and Marston on July 16, where four on October 21. At Brandon 26 on February 1, four on April 6 and present from July to December with a maximum of nine on November 2. At Alvecote five on March 2 and up to five from May 11 to 24; one on June 28 and 29, then noted from July 26 to November 23, mostly fewer than 10 but 15 on August 24. There were 13 at Draycote on January 3 and autumn records were more numerous than usual, being noted there from July 23 to the end of the year with small numbers at first, building up to 43 on November 26. One at Bodymoor Heath on April 20, then 16 on April 29; two on Mav 16; up to six from July 16 to October 23 and one on December 14. One bird was at Ladywalk on February 22, up to three occasionally in April and May and again until November 9, and at Shustoke four on March 24, one on September 20, two on October 17 and one on November 8. Up to five appeared at Packington from April 14 to May 3, followed by up to seven between July 12 and August 16, one on October 19 and November 5 and two on November 15. Five at Leamington on August 31. Worcs A few in spring, with six on May 1, at Upton Warren and ones and twos in autumn, but seven on July 16 and a final bird on November 29. At Wilden up to six between April 11 and May 12 and up to four from July 21 to November 16. Up to 10 at Bittell in January; two in May; one on June 26 and from July 7 to the end of the year respective monthly maxima of three, four, one, five, 29 and 27. One at Northwick Marsh on Nov- ember 8. Staffs Up to five at Leacroft in mid May and singles in Julyand September. One at Rudyard Lake on July 24 and 14 there on October 11. At Tittesworth, one on July 17 and 25, three September 28 and five, October 18. One at Knighton on March 15. Two at Belvide on January 11 and March 2. Four there on March 8 then up to eight from April 6 to May 13. Three on June 5, then up to five from August 12 to late September, 20 on October 10 and 30 on October 23, then up to 36 throughout November, declining to three during December. 59

Two at Blithfield on March 7, six on April 12, two on May 2 and one on May 4, a poor spring as is often the case there. Noted then from July 5 to the end of the year, by which time the water was at an exceptionally low level. 35 by late July, fewer at the beginning of August but 45 on August 8; after a decline, again 35 late in the month. Mostly low, fluctuating numbers in September except for 38 on 17 (a generally poor September for waders at Blithfield—perhaps the presence of a Peregrine was merely coincidence!) 80 on October 3 was a marked influx (see Little Stint); mostly around 120 during late October with 155 on 25; on November 9 a peak of at least 185, then 90 later in the month, 120 on December 7 and about 40 at the end of the year. One on March 22 at Cannock Reservoir and no more until one on June 14. Occasionally up to three from July 8 to September 9, up to eight from September 28 to October 10 and 26 on October 12. Another poor autumn appeared to confirm that large numbers were a thing of the past but by November 6 there were 51 and in excess of 50 remained into 1976, with an unprecedented 69 on November 19 and as many as 80 on December 16. The water level was very low but in previous years with an equally low level a wintering flock has not occurred in the same way (see Red- shank). W Mid Two in May and up to three in August at Bartley.

Curlew Sandpiper

Warks Two adults at Draycote on August 23. Three at Alvecote on August 19 and four from August 21 to 25. One at Brandon from August 23 to September 6 and two on October 7. 60

Worcs Three at Upton Warren on August 3. Two at Bittell on August 28, three next day and one until September 1. One on Septem- ber 13. Staffs One on May 6 at Belvide CR (rare in spring). One or two there from August 24 to 27 and from September 21 to October 4. One between August 3 and 8 at Blithfield was followed by 12 on August 25 and 18 the following day. On August 31 birds could be seen arriving during the day and a record total of 31 was recorded ARMB. After 22 the following day there was a gradual decline until the last, very late, bird on November 2 ARD, PDH. The previous peaks for Blithfield were 19 in 1967, 18 in 1969 and 22 in 1973. The autumn of 1975 was an unusually good one throughout England.

Sanderling Warks Two at Packington on May 14, and three at Brandon on October 15. Worcs Three, the first ever, at Wilden on May 15; one at Upton Warren on May 19 and one at Bittell from August 23 to 26 and another on September 28. Staffs One at Leacroft on May 10; three at Cannock Reservoir on June 2 and singles at Belvide on April 19, 20, 29 and 30 and May 11. One at Blithfield on May 2, four on May 18 and two on June 1, with singles on August 17 and 31, and September 6 and 7.

Ruff Warks One at Ladywalk on January 1 and one on August 31. A single at Packington on May 21 and one or two between July 1 and 19, August 5 and 13 and on September 1. Two birds in breeding plumage at Alvecote on June 16, with others on July 5 and 26. One, once three, at Draycote between July 24 and September 14. A single bird at Bodymoor Heath on July 4 and 7, with up to three in September and one on December 14. One at Shustoke on November 8. Occurred at Brandon on dates between June 13 and August 24 with a maximum of three on July 12 and again on August 7 and 9. Three at Napton on September 7. Worcs One bird at Upton Warren on May 10 and 11, two on July 3 and August 7 and one on August 20. One at Bittell from August 13 to 21 and at Tardebigge on August 19. Staffs One at Knighton on September 4. At Belvide singles on May 4 and 6 and August 16, with three on August 31 and one or two until September 28. One at Blithfield on June 1. Noted again from July 2, with 14 on August 10, a few later in that month and during September and the last on October 11. 61

Red-necked Phalarope Staffs An immature watched at Belvide on August 31 by several observers. Small, dark, swimming wader, with slim bill, dark hindneck, black patch through eye, blackish areas on sides of neck extending over back, dark wings with prominent white bar, white throat, foreneck and underparts. Several other species of wader present on the same date, when an influx of waders (including Knots, Curlew-Sandpipers, Sanderling, etc.) also occurred at Blithfield.

Arctic Skua Warks Two flew SW with six Whimbrel at Draycote on August 31 DM.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks 35 at Brandon on October 11 was the only concentration of note. An adult at Packington G.P. on June 5. Worcs Small numbers noted in autumn and winter, with about 10 at Hagley on November 23. Staffs 33 on March 2 and 27 on December 12 were the largest totals recorded at Cannock Reservoir. Up to 12 in the Great Wyrley- Little Wyrley-Leacroft area in November and December presumably roosted at Cannock Reservoir. Up to 40 roosted at Blithfield in January and December, but no more than three reported at Belvide. Scarce in the north of the county, with two winter records from Seabridge and Westport. W Mid A maximum of 18 in November at the Bartley roost. Two at Halesowen on September 21 and 3 on November 23.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks Increasing number present in the Bodymoor Heath roost, with up to 10000 estimated. 250, mainly immatures, at Packington G.P. on June 5, and 3000 on October 21, with three Scandinavian race birds on August 20 and two on October 21. Totals into four figures noted moving NNW on late summer evenings at Ladywalk. Worcs Maxima noted were 220 at Westwood Park on February 24, 50 at Wilden in July, 300 at Grimley on August 13, and 500 at Bittell on December 30. Staffs Maximum numbers at Cannock Reservoir were about 2000 less than 1974 totals, with 2750 on January 7, 800 to 2400 for the following two months, 2600 on November 25, and less than 2000 for much of December. Up to five birds of the Scandinavian race were present in late November and December. Blithfield numbers were at least 3000 down on 1974 figures, with 2000 present in January, including one Scandinavian race bird, late 62

November and early December. 500 at Aqualate on March 8. No more than 500 noted in Belvide roost. At Chillington, a roost which developed in later months held 1000 on November 23, with 150 Herring Gulls. 350 at Leacroft on May 21, 100 on June 1, and 700 on November 2 (respective totals for Herring Gulls were 10, 5 and 50). Singles of the Scandinavian race occurred at Wolstanton in November and Seabridge in December. W Mid Up to 2000 at Bartley roost from September, including a bird with abnormally long bill.

Herring Gull Warks Up to 1000 in Bodymoor Heath roost and 300 at Brandon on April 2. Worcs 500-600 at Bittell on December 30 and 50 at Westwood on February 22. Staffs Numbers at Cannock Reservoir were better than in 1974, with up to 1300 in January declining to 300 in March, but no more than 500 at the end of the year. 2000 at Blithfield on January 5, with less than 1000 on December 21. Very poor numbers at Belvide, no more than 300 being reported. The dark-mantled, yellow-legged bird noted in 1974 at Cannock Reservoir remained until January 15, and from November 1 into December, with at least two sub-adult birds noted on November 25 and December 17-18. A similar adult bird was present at Blithfield in November. An adult bird at Blithfield on March 23 RAH resembled a Herring Gull but with small black areas on mainly white primaries. (A similar bird with pale grey areas on white primaries occurred at Belvide on February 13, 1972 DS.) W Mid Again, no roost at Bartley, the most seen being 100 in December.

Common Gull. None reported between late May and late July. Warks 40 at Ladywalk on January 11 and 50 at Brandon on March 16. The exceptional total of 600 reported at Draycote on January 12 DM. The maximum at Alvecote was 8 on August 9. Worcs The only reports were of one or two at Bittell and Upton Warren. Staffs Totals never reached double figures at Belvide, but up to 30 noted regularly at Blithfield roost, with 50 on December 7. Small numbers regular in winter at Cannock Reservoir, with 10 on August 5 and November 19. Only records from the north of the county came from Westport Lake in February and March and from Wolstanton, where up to five occurred regularly in winter months. W Mid Seven records received, the maximum being four at Bartley. 63

Glaucous Gull Warks At least three individual immatures occurred at Brandon : singles on February 22 and 23, March 16 and 23, and two on April 5 BMCG. Staffs An adult noted at Blithfield on January 5 ARD et at, followed by a different adult and a first winter bird on 18 GJM, EGP, DS and 25 GFA, KJB. Two adults occurred on February 15 GFA and one on 16 several observers. Later in the year a second or third winter bird occurred on November 23 ARD, RAH, et a! and 24 JEF, followed by an adult on December 28 ARD, PDH and 29 BCG. At Cannock Reservoir two immatures reported on January 5 PA followed by a first winter bird from 15 to 23 EBB, RAH. A second winter bird occurred on February 9, an adult on March 9 PA, and a first winter bird on March 20 RAH. Later in the year one occurred on November 3 BCG.

Iceland Gull Warks A second winter bird at Bodymoor Heath on March 8 GFA. Worcs An adult noted at Bittell on January 19 JPC, SH, GJM. Staffs At Blithfield an adult on March 1 JEF and 2 ARD, RAH, PDH, with two on 15 PA. At Cannock Reservoir two adults roosted from January 1 JEF to March 17 RAH, a first winter bird from November 18 RAH to December 6 ARMB, RAH, PDH, and an adult from December 29 to 31 JEF, RAH. An adult occurred at Belvide on March 8 CR, MW and an immature, probably second winter, at Leacroft on November 24 GE.

Mediterranean Gull Staffs A first winter bird roosted at Cannock Reservoir on February 25 RAH, 26 RAH, DS and 28 JEF. At Blithfield, a second winter bird roosted on February 9 ARD and an adult on November 22 RFWH, ARL. An adult roosted at Belvide on December 27 DAC, CJH. Regular scrutiny of the smaller gulls at the large winter roosts seems to be favouring detection of this species. It has occurred annually since 1971, but four in a year is unprecedented.

Little Gull Warks A single immature at Bodymoor Heath on August 10 EAH, RJJ, RST. At Draycote about 20 on May 17 RB and single immatures on May 27 and 28 and again on October 1 JL and 8 NC. Worcs An immature at Bittell on July 7 was unusual MAB. 64

Staffs An immature at Belvide on June 6 DS, ICW, with two from August 15 to 17 PAG, DS. An adult noted at Blithfield on May 13 JCE-D, an immature from August 30 BCG, DS to September 1 JL, 2 adults on September 17 JEF, an immature on 27 EBB, RAH, two on 28 ARD, TD, RAH, and finally single immatures on Novem- ber 12 JL and 16 ARD, PDH.

Black-headed Gull Warks Roost at Bodymoor Heath estimated at up to 10000 birds. Some of these may be displaced birds from Ladywalk, where the maxima noted were 1500 on March 21 and 1000 on August 2. 7000 noted on February 25 at Shustoke, which is mainly a hard- weather roost-site. A roost which developed at Alvecote in late August peaked at 8000 on September 2. 2000 noted on February 1 at Brandon, where 500 roosted in November. Worcs A pair bred successfully at Wilden for the second time RM. The maximum noted at Bittell was 3500 on January 31, otherwise no more than 1500 reported. 1300 at Westwood Park on February 24. A white-mantled bird present at Upton Warren for a few weeks from July 26 had previouslyb een seen in 1974 EGP. Staffs At Cannock Reservoir, a maximum of 7000 roosted on January 11 and 30; 6000 on November 18 and smaller numbers in December. Roost at Belvide never exceeded 10000 with 5000 being the usual total. Up to 10000 roosted at Blithfield in January, but totals at the end of the year were lower by at least a third. 5000 roosted at Chillington on November 23, an apparently new site. A flock on a playing field at Hockley in December peaked at 500 on 22 and 24. W Mid 2000 roosted at Bartley on December 19.

Kittiwake 65

Warks At Draycote immatures on June 29 TWL and August 9 to 14 TWL, PJF. Staffs The unprecedented total of at least 39 adults present in fine weather at Cannock Reservoir on the evening of March 5; 37 flew out to the north, but at least two noisy birds remained to roost CJH, RAH. Two adults noted at Blithfield on April 12 MAB. W Mid One at Halesowen on November 23 after gales BB.

Black Tern Spring passage occurred from May 11 to June 10, mainly late May, with few then until early August. An influx occurred around August 5-6, followed by a larger one of at least 66 birds on September 8-9, after which numbers dwindled to the last record on October 9. Warks At Bodymoor Heath, three noted on May 16 and 22; one on 29; two on July 7 and 9; eight on August 8; and 5 on September 6 and 8. Two noted at Alvecote on May 16 and June 18, and at Shustoke on May 18. No more than four on spring passage at Draycote, but 14 occurred on August 16, then up to five until October 9, except for 17 on September 8 and 10 on September 9. One noted at Brandon on August 21. Worcs Two noted at Bittell on May 16 and 31, and one on August 21. Singles noted at Wilden on June 9, 25, August 9, and September 1 and 16. Two at Upton Warren on May 17, and singles from August 31 to October 6. Staffs At Belvide, one or two noted from May 17 to June 9, then singles from August 9 to September 2 with two on September 6; at least 30 on 8; 34 on 9, and six until 14. At Blithfield, seven noted on May 11, five on 18; two on 26, June 8 and 25; one on July 6; 19 on Aug. 5; 12 on 6; 18 on 8; 8 on 7; then up to four until September 29. At Cannock Reservoir one on May 22, three on June 10, up to six in August and one from September 19 to 27. 15 flew south at Leacroft on September 8. Two occurred at Rudyard on July 30 and August 4, with one on 5. One noted at Himley Hall on September 9. W Mid Singles seen at Wyken Slough on August 15, Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on 31, and Rotton Park Reservoir on May 29.

Caspian Tern Warks An adult seen by many observers at Bodymoor Heath from July 6 EAH, RJJ to 11 JEF constitutes the first county record, but is the fifth to appear in the west midlands since the first record seven years ago. 66

Much bigger and heavier than Black-headed Gulls, more the size of a Herring Gull, with massive, blood-red bill. Head flat with extensive glossy-black cap, steep nape, white breast, pearly-grey wings with darker grey primaries, flecked black and short, slightly-forked, white tail. At rest wings jutted just beyond tail. Legs black. In flight strong and gull-like, much less buoyant than other terns, with dark under-surfaces of primaries.

Common Tern. An influx in calm, anticyclonic conditions on May 18. Warks A pair remained for a week only at the 1974 nest-site at Bodymoor Heath, where there were 26 on May 8 BLK; at least 11 on 18; 1 on 19; 16 flying N on June 26 EAH, 1 on July 10 and seven on 28. 17 occurred at Shustoke on May 18, and one on July 6. There were six at Alvecote on May 18, four on June 22, and then up to three from July 26 to August 31. Four occurred at Leaming- ton Spa Reservoir on May 18, two at Packington G.P. on May 21 and June 7, and singles at Draycote on May 17 and between August and October. Worcs One occurred at Wilden on May 15, one or two at Upton Warren in August, and up to three at Bittell in late August. Staffs Up to four were at Belvide between May 10 and June 5, with 30 on May 18 EGP, and five on August 31. At Blithfield, one on April 30, 30 on May 18 EGP, 17 on June 5 DJC, then up to seven between June 22 and September 28. Up to four occurred at Cannock Reservoir between May 3 and September 30. Four at Rudyard on August 28. W Mid Two at Rotton Park Reservoir on May 15.

Arctic Tern. A very poor autumn passage. Warks Five at Draycote on May 5 with singles on May 17, August 13 and October 9. Worcs 9 at Wilden on May 15, singles at Bittell on May 30, and Upton Warren on July 20 and August 19. Staffs A poor year at Belvide, with seven on May 8; two on 10; at least 10 on 18; and singles on August 31 and September 28. Singles at Blithfield on April 19, and from July 30 to September 21, with two on 28. Seven at Cannock Reservoir on May 5, with singles on May 7 and 8, June 3, and August 18 to 20. Three at Rudyard on May 14 and August 9. W Mid Seven flew north over Coventry on May 8 and two at Rotton Park Reservoir on May 22. Up to 14 at Bartley in May and up to three in autumn until September 14. 67

Black, Common and Arctic Tern: Summated totals of maxima at all localities, 1975. 1 = 1 st to 15th 2 = 16th to 30th or 31 st Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct

2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

Black: - 10 20 10 3 3 2 37 28 75 6 2

Common: 1 37 104 23 29 11 12 4 20 7 4 1

Arctic: 1 38 13 1 - - 2 3 4 1 3 1

Common/Arctic Tern The largest totals reported were:— Warks 25 at Draycote on May 25 and 11 at Leamington Spa Reservoir on May 18. Staffs 8 at Blithfield on May 2 and 10 at Belvide on 26. W Mid 6 at Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on May 15.

Little Tern Warks Two at Draycote on May 18 RB and four on June 21 RBR. Staffs One with Swallows over a pond at Aston on April 29 HK. Singles at Blithfield on August 3 ARD, PDH, MJ! and 8 BCG.

Sandwich Tern More records than usual. Warks Singles at Bodymoor Heath on August 12 RJJ; 27 RJJ; flying north on September 6 JEF and arriving with Black-headed Gulls on the evening of 8 BLK, with a late bird on October 4 ARD. Two called in flight over Alvecote on September 27 GAA and two at Coton G.P. on the same date may have been the same birds. JEF. Two at Draycote on August 10 PJF. Staffs One at Blithfield on June 3 JCE-D, with two on September 27 RAH which may have been the Warwickshire birds. W Mid One at Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on July 28 EMR.

Stock Dove Probably widespread in suitable habitats, but under-recorded. Warks 20 at Brandon on February 23 and March 23. 42 at Whitnash on December 27. 68

Worcs The exceptional total of 500 at Bredon Hill on February 16 RM. 10 at Upton Warren on April 10. Staffs 30 at Blithfield on January 2 and 25 on December 21. W Mid Scarce and local in the new county, but three pairs bred at Edgbaston Park.

Wood Pigeon Warks 100 at Alvecote on January 1 and December 21 ; 200 at Draycote on February 26; 1000 on pasture near Alderminster on April 5, and 350 at Bodymoor on December 7. Worcs Up to 1000 at Bittell in January and 400 on ploughed land at Overbury on October 20. Staffs On January 5 1750 roosted in conifers at Enville, where very common in the breeding season. 1000 flew to roost near Curborough on January 30, and flocks of 200 reported at Belvide on February 6; 250 at Stourton on March 16 and 400 at Whitting- ton on December 27. W Mid Flocks of 600 at Brownhills on February 7; 100 at Pendeford Airfield on March 9 and 300 at Bartley on May 18.

Turtle Dove Warks Up to 10 at Ufton Hill in summer; 12 roosting at Brandon on August 21 and a late bird at Leamington Spa on October 11. Worcs 16 at Wilden on August 9. Common in Croome area and a good season reported from Elmley Castle area. Staffs 10 at Gothersley on May 25; 24 at Whittington on June 15 and at least 46 at Burntwood on August 19. Noted as rather scarce ARD, very scarce in the south of the county ARMB, where BMM considers it to be in good numbers locally, except in Himley/ Baggeridge area (where very scarce, as in 1974).

Collared Dove Warks Widespread. Not yet settled at Ladywalk. Worcs 23 at Croome on January 27 and 110 in barn at Beckford on October 19. Staffs 50 at Black Lake on January 30; 90 at Tixall on July 19, with 200 on September 24; 61 at Seisdon on August 24, with 125 on September 17; 47 at Enville on September 28 and 350 at Barton-under-Needwood the following day; 50 at Westlands on December 26; an estimated 300 roosting at Bunkers Hill and 200 with Wood Pigeons at Whittington on December 27. W Mid Well-established in the north-west sector, mainly in older suburbs. 69

Cuckoo Warks Up to six noted at Brandon. Fairly common on high ground east of Leamington, but heard far less often in Hatton area this year. Worcs Numbers normal at Randan Wood and Woodcote. Staffs Usual numbers in the south and south-west. W Mid Much less in evidence at Bartley.

Barn Owl Warks Reported at Alvecote, Bericot, Bishops Tachbrook, Bodymoor, Dunnington, Coombe Abbey (two pairs), llmington, Ladywalk, Marston Doles, Marton, near Stratford, Ufton Hill and Wilmcote. Bred at Offchurch Bury, and reared young at Packington Park within 50m of a pheasant rearing pen without causing disturbance KS. Worcs Recorded at Bewdley, Bredicote, Broadwas, Cookhill, Castle- morton Common, Crowle, Chawson, Churchill, Doverdale, Hartlebury, High Green, Hinton-on-the-Green, Kenswick Manor, Kingsway, Hawford, Pershore, Tardebigge and Upton Warren. Bred at Wilden after one nest was robbed. Staffs Recorded at Alrewas, Ashwood Basin, Aqualate. Belvide, Burton- on-Trent, Fradley (two areas), Gothersley, Kings Bromley, Perton, Tittesworth, Tixall and Weston. Bred at Broadhill, Handsacre, Ridgehill Wood and Yoxall. W Mid Pairs present at Bartley and Pendeford, Wolverhampton. One seen in sodium lighting near the centre of Solihull on March 9.

Little Owl Warks Recorded at Bodymoor Heath, Draycote, Lea Marston, Long Marston, Leamington Spa, Marston Doles, Middleton, Moreton Morrell, Packington, Ragley, Studley, Wilmcote and Whitnash. Bred at Birchley Heath, Coombe Abbey, Ladywalk and Ufton Hill. Worcs Recorded at Birlingham, Blissgate, Cookhill, Cropthorne, Croome area (very common), near Defford, Elmley Castle, Eastham, Goose- hill, Hopwood, Northwick Marsh, Ombersley, Perdiswell, near Trimpley, Stoulton, Stour Hill, Trench Wood, Tardebigge, Roch- ford. Rock, Wyre Piddle, Westwood and Wilden. Bred at Bittell and Upton Warren. Staffs Recorded at Alrewas (two pairs), Ash Green, Admaston, Blithfield, Brocton, Belvide, Biddulph Park, Blackbrook Valley, Church Eaton, Checkhill, Dunstall, Eccleshall, Enville, Fole, Gradbach Hill, Hanchurch, Lapley, Latherford, Meerbrook, Prestwood, Perton-Wrottesley area, Sandon, Tixall, Weeford, Wilnecote and Woodseaves. Bred at Baggeridge Wood, Broadhill, Iverley, Kings Bromley, Kinver Edge, Rangemoor, Whittington and Yoxall. 70

W Mid Recorded at Pelsall, Sutton Coldfield and Edgbaston Park, where one on February 17 was the first for several years. Bred at Walsgrave. Now believed to be extinct in Bartley-Frankley area due to urban encroachment.

Tawny Owl Warks Recorded at Draycote, Hatton, Middleton, Seckington and Strat- ford. Bred at Alvecote, Ladywalk and Leamington Spa. Worcs Noted at Bittell, Bredon Hill, near Bevere, Blakedown, Bewdley Hill area, Eymore Wood, Feckenham, Grimley, Hindlip, Kidder- minster, Lower Rochford, Menith Wood, Northwick Marsh, Rock Coppice, Ribbesford, Stour Hill, West Hagley and Wilden. Bred at Upton Warren, and at Croome, where young rabbits were brought to nest. Staffs Recorded at Ashwood Basin, Belvide, Bradnop, Brampton, Checkhill, Edingale, Enville area, Gothersley, Jacksons Coppice, Kinver Edge, Lichfield, Sherbrook Valley, Walton and Westlands. Breeding noted at Baggeridge Wood, Hoar Cross, Keele, Kings Bromley, Newborough and Yoxall. W Mid Recorded at Bartley, Edgbaston, Halesowen, Hall Green, Kings Heath, Norton Wood, Pensnett Church, Rushall, Sedgley, Solihull, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park, and said to be abundant at Berks- well and Carol Green. Bred at Edgbaston Park.

Long-eared Owl Warks One recorded at Brandon on October 28, with two until the end of the year BMCG. Worcs One flushed at Defford Airfield on September 28 JRH. Staffs Heard at Kinver Edge on May 21 PStJB. Two seen at Leacroft on December 5 AJD, with singles on 6 CR, DS, ICW, MW and 7 JEF. One seen at Cannock Reservoir on December 13 RF, GMI, MJWa, and another at Fradley on 17 BCG. W Mid An injured bird, found on November 11 at the National Exhibition Centre, subsequently died SC. More records than usual occurred during an exceptional national influx in the autumn.

Short-eared Owl Warks One noted at Draycote on January 21 and another at Ufton Fields on February 4 and 9. Two at Brandon on February 8 and May 4, with one on October 8 and 28. Noted at Bodymoor Heath from January 1 to April 30, with four on February 9; display was observed. Singles at Ladywalk on March 29, from May 18 to 31, and from October 5 to 19, with two on 9. 71

Worcs One at Defford Airfield from October to the end of the year, and one at Upton Warren on October 14 and 16. Staffs Bred in young conifer plantation on North Staffs Moors RJB. Up to six birds present at last year's breeding site at Perton Airfield, Wolverhampton, until April, when housing construction work destroyed the habitat. Singles occurred near Hopwas on Jan- uary 4, at Alrewas on April 10, Belvide in January and on June 16, on the moor at Swallow Moss on April 5 and at Royal Cottage on May 20, and at Yoxall on November 5.

Nightjar Staffs Four churring at Sherbrook Valley, one at Shooting Butts, and at least four in Moors Gorse-Brindley Heath areas of Cannock Chase, but none at Seven Springs on June 7. Two at Enville on June 6, and two, probably three, pairs at Kinver Edge where a nest containing a single egg was successful.

Swift Generally late in arriving, with large influxes apparent during May 11-18, and early departing, with most leaving in the first 10 days of August. The fine summer must have assisted breeding considerably. Flocks concentrated over water in cold, dull weather in late May and early June. Warks 10000 at Draycote and 200 at Ladywalk on May 17 in heavy rain, with 250 at Bodymoor and 170 at Middleton Pool the following day. Worcs 200 at Wilden on May 11, with a subsequent maximum of 500 on July 25. Staffs An influx of at least 1000 at Belvide on May 12, with 1200 on June 1. 500 at Cannock Reservoir on May 12, with 1000 on 17 and very many on 29. 1000 at Blithfield on June 27 and 400 at Gailey on June 28. W Mid First noted on May 15 at Hall Green, where an unusual concentra- tion of 40 was present three days later. 150 on May 15 was the maximum noted at Rotton Park Reservoir.

Kingfisher Warks Recorded at 21 sites, with breeding at Brandon, Compton Verney, Ladywalk (two nests), near Leamington Spa, Tame Valley (six successful sites), Ufton Hill, and probably at Alvecote. Up to three pairs noted on the river Leam between Warwick and Offchurch Bury. Worcs Noted at 24 sites, with breeding at Tardebigge Reservoir (increase to three pairs), and probably Bittell and Dowles Brook. 72

Staffs Noted at 23 sites, breeding at Hoar Cross, Kings Bromley, Yoxall, and probably at Belvide and Seven Springs. A bird persistently chased by swallows at Belvide on August 27 attempted to escape by diving into water. W Mid Bred at Edgbaston Park. Noted at Balsall Common, Bartley, Bournville (courtship flight), Cannon Hill Park, Halesowen, Kings Norton, Northfield, Queslett, Pendeford, a garden pool at Selly Oak and Stourbridge.

Hoopoe Worcs One at Dunhampstead on May 10 CPB et ai.

Green Woodpecker Warks Perhaps more common in Henley/Wootton Wawen/Aston Cantlow area this year. Present from May 1 at Packington G.P., where absent for previous seven years. Ten seen on August 1 at Ufton Hill and up to two at Draycote outside breeding season. W Mid Present at Moseley Court and Pensnett Coppice. One seen on February 22 at Hall Green, the first noted there for about 25 years.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Worcs Considered to be increasing generally and as a garden visitor LRB. Found to be responsible for damage to tit nest-boxes and predation at Rock Coppice, where one found roosting in such a box on May 11. Staffs One drummed loudly on metal covering over wooden electricity pylon on Cannock Chase on April 13. W Mid Only one pair bred at Edgbaston Park, compared with three pairs in 1974. Noted at Bartley, Cox Moors Wood, Moseley Court, Pensnett, Solihull and Wolverhampton suburbs.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Noted in breeding season at: Warks Brandon (in reed-beds in July), Coombe Abbey, Ladywalk (probably bred), Napton, Newbold Comyn (two nests), Stone- leigh, Ufton Hill, Welcombe Hills and Welford. Worcs Bevere, Bittell (probably bred), Eymore Wood, Dunhampstead, Hanbury Park, Hanley Dingle, Kempsey, The Knapp, Malvern Link, Northwick Marsh, Pipers Hill Wood, Pensax Wood, Randan Wood, Stourport, Trench Wood, Upton Warren, Westwood, Wissetts Wood, Wolverley and Wyre Forest. Staffs Ashwood Basin (probably bred), Belvide (bred), Blithfield, Lichfield, Meir, Seven Springs (probably bred), Tillington and Trentham. 73

W Mid Resident at Edgbaston Park (pair bred in 1974, but not this year) and Moseley Court. Singles at New Hall, Sutton Coldfield on August 5 and at Erdington garden on September 4. Skylark

Warks About 10 breeding pairs at Alvecote. 56 flew SW in an hour at Bodymoor Heath on September 28. Worcs 50 at Droitwich on January 3. 60 at Bittell in December. Staffs 12 breeding pairs at Wilnecote. Perhaps 50 pairs with territory at Perton Airfield in spring, but much habitat subsequently destroyed by housing construction. Flock of 300 at Belvide on December 16, with 200 on 27. 100 at Whittington in Decem- ber. W Mid A few pairs breeding on Lyndon School playing fields, Solihull. Noted singing over derelict land at Kings Heath, and breeding at several such sites in Wolverhampton-Walsall-Bilston area. 80 at Bartley on October 19. Swallow Warks Very few noted in April at Brandon, where a roost of 7000 on August 6 had declined to three on October 5. 4000 roosted in reeds along R. Avon near Stratford on August 31, decreasing to 20-30 by September 21. 200 roosted at Ufton Hill on August 1 ; 400-500 at Ladywalk on August 6; and 5000 at Alvecote on September 2. Fewer noted in the Tame Valley. Worcs 200 at Wilden on April 20 and 500 at Grimley G.P. on August 13. A decrease noted in Elmley Castle area. Staffs Absent from several haunts in the SW of the county, but usual numbers at Enville. Fewer in the Aqualate area. Spring maxi- mum of 300 at Belvide on May 12. An influx noted at Blithfield on August 31 and 150 on September 16 at Cannock Reservoir, where numbers were poor locally. 5-7000 roosted in maize at Marston on August 28 and 30, decreasing to 200 by September 6. Hundreds roosted in reeds at Cheslyn Hay on August 28. 74

House Martin Warks 100 at Packington Park on May 15. 12 nests noted along floodlighting tubes at Boar's Head Inn, Hampton Lucy. 200 flew west on the evening of August 25 at Hatton, where a short- age of suitable mud through the dry summer was thought to have prevented nest completion. 100 feeding over farmland at Avon Dassett on August 20. A concentration noted at Draycote on September 25, and 250 at Shustoke on October 4. A notice- able decrease in numbers in the Tame Valley. Worcs Only four nests apparently occupied this year on Knightswick Bridge. Numbers still down at Elmley Castle, but a good breeding season reported at Stoke Prior. Nested in Bromsgrove town centre. 50 noted at Westwood Park on June 2 and 200 at Bittell on September 3. Staffs 200 noted at Belvide on May 12, August 31 and September 27. Influxes of 300 noted at Blithfield on August 17; 1500 on August 31 RAH and 300 on September 14. 100 at Cannock Reservoir on August 31. W Mid A colony of at least 25 nests on three-storey flats at Wednesfield. Very successful breeding season at Four Oaks, with 95 adults and juveniles sun-bathing on walls of flats in early mornings in late August, but nested in only two out of five usual areas around Stourbridge, with one colony reduced from 12 to two pairs. A concentration of birds flew SW over Moor Hall G.C. on September 27.

Sand Martin Warks 100 on April 23 at Brandon, where about 30 pairs nested. Numbers low at Ladywalk and Tame Valley, with no breeding noted. 300 at Bodymoor Heath on August 16, 100 at Shustoke on September 20, and 450 at Middleton Hall on August 25. No more than 20 noted at Alvecote. Worcs 63 nests at Holt G.P., 75 in colony near Beckford and 70 nests found only a half-mile from Kidderminster town centre. 200 noted at Wilden on June 20; 100 at Grimley G.P. on August 13 and 100 at Upton Warren, where numbers said to be well up on 1974 SH. Staffs Maxima of 200 at Belvide on May 12 and July 23; up to 40 at Blithfield and 30 at Cannock Reservoir in spring, but rarely more than five in autumn RAH. Small colony at Manor Park, Kings Bromley.

Golden Oriole Worcs A male reported from the Wyre Forest on May 4 per RJT. Another heard and briefly seen at Lickey on June 17 GFA. Staffs One singing and again briefly seen at Belvide on June 5 EBB. 75

Raven Worcs One at Lindridge on January 5 LAB. Two flew east at Alvechurch on April 3 ARL. Staffs A pair present in the breeding season in the SW of the county PJC, MSS, MJW.

Carrion Crow Warks 50 at Brandon on August 13 and September 19, 250 at Packington on July 7 and 250 roosted at Whitacre Heath on December 30. Worcs One attacked its reflection in a car hub-cap at Redditch on May 10. Staffs 60 at Baggeridge on February 16; up to 120 at Rugeley in March; 148 at Belvide on December 18 and 150 at Whittington in winter, with 600 in December. W Mid Usual autumn-winter roost in Sutton Park, with 200 on October 30.

Hooded Crow Warks One at Packington GP on November 1 ; 2 on 15 ARD; one on 19 and 26 FB, VAB. One at Meon Hill on November 20 and llmington around December 15 DSM. Staffs One at Bishops Wood on October 12 IJD and two at Great Wyrley on November 26 RAH.

Rook The BTO census shows both the size and density of rookeries to be similar to 1973, with a little over 18 nests per rookery and about three nests per square kilometre ARD. Warks 300 at Brandon tip on March 9 and 1000 at Packington on July 7. Worcs Apparently increasing in Beoley area, but affected by dying elms in Bromsgrove-Droitwich area, with three rookeries in dead trees due to be felled. Staffs 250 at Wilnecote on January 14; 1000 at Hockley on December 6-7; 250 at Fradley on December 29 and up to 300 at Whittington. A bird seen smoke-bathing on chimney at Dosthill. W Mid Surprisingly rare in Bartley area, none being noted by observers in last four years DRR, MSS.

Jackdaw Warks Site of colony of 200 at Compton Verney to be lost when dead elms are felled. 80 at Packington Park on February 23. Worcs Up to 90 at Bordesley in December. A total albino at Hasbury first reported in 1973 was still present on May 4 BB. Staffs Single figures usual in the Tamworth area. 76

W Mid Generally a scarce and local bird in the new county. Reported at Mucklow Hill tip, Halesowen; one at Cannon Hill Park on April 5; and a few pairs present on the north and west extremeties of Wolverhampton.

Magpie Warks 10-20 regular at Ladywalk, where birds noted on several occasions following foxes, one bird being killed as a result. Worcs 17 on January 1 at Bittell, where there are signs of increase, and 20 on December 24. A bird noted at a nest in the top of a dead elm at Wilden on April 22. Staffs 13 at Smestow on January 5 and 15 at Leek on December 14. W Mid 19 at Longmoor, Sutton Park, on February 9; 10 at Quinton on August 28 and 14 at Bartley on September 14. Three pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, where winter roost numbered 40-60. Signs of increase at Halesowen; noted regularly in gardens at Kings Heath and thinly scattered in the Wolverhampton area, mainly in mature suburbs. Noted on factory roof at Witton industrial estate in autumn.

Jay Warks More in evidence in autumn in Combrook area. Worcs Thought to have increased by at least 25% this year around Bittell. Staffs At least seven in the Brownhills-Wyrley Common area in mid- April represented part of a general increase in that area. W Mid Noted at Hall Green, Shirley and Edgbaston, where a bird ignored traffic on August 14. Bred at Edgbaston Park (four pairs) and Dorridge Woods. One trapped in Selly Park on December 20 had been ringed two years' previously in Edgbaston Park.

Great Tit Warks 30 at Brandon Marsh on January 12. Apparently increasing at Ladywalk. W Mid Seen less frequently in Kings Heath garden than most previous years. Up to 150 in winter at Edgbaston Park, where only 10 young reared from 13 nest-box attempts.

Blue Tit Warks 35 at Brandon Marsh on January 12. Apparently increasing at Ladywalk. Worcs A 30% increase in breeding pairs at Bittell and at least 100 at Coldridge Wood on January 19. Staffs A moderate breeding season in Tamworth district, with several nest-box failures. 40 at Blithfield on November 29. 77

W Mid Nested in the centre of Solihull. 22 pairs fledged 57 young from nest-boxes in Edgbaston Park, where up to 300 noted in winter flocks.

Coal Tit Staffs Party of 20 at Bishops Wood on December 6. W Mid Noted in gardens at Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Shirley and Tettenhall, where bred. Two pairs also bred at West Park, Wolverhampton and at Edgbaston Park, where a large influx occurred in winter.

Marsh Tit W Mid One trapped at Bournville on October 5 and one in a Solihull garden on November 10. Present in Sutton Park.

Willow Tit Staffs More frequent than Marsh Tit in Cannock-Burntwood-Lichfield area, probably due to lack of woods and abundance of hedgerows. Local habitat changes may explain current scarcity around Cannock Reservoir, more in evidence in the Weeford area than during the Atlas investigation. W Mid First for many years seen in a garden at Selly Oak on November 8 and an autumn record from a Four Oaks garden was the first in 19 years. Noted in summer at Pendeford and bred at Bartley and Edgbaston Park. Noted in winter at Brierley Hill Pools, where unusual.

Long-tailed Tit Warks 20 at Alvecote on August 29, 20 at Hay Wood on November 11, and 25 on December 14 at Earlswood after another good year. Worcs Has increased by as much as 25%, at least in the Bittell area. Staffs Common in autumn and winter in parties of up to 25 at Belvide, Blithfield and Cannock Chase. Two fed on bread on the lawn of a Stafford garden on January 7. W Mid One in a Sutton Coldfield garden on January 29 was the first seen there by observer. 10 in Sutton Park on June 30; four in Brueton Park on September 1 ; seven in a Solihull garden on November 11 ; 30 at Bartley on November 18; eight at Rotton Park Reservoir on October 16; up to 20 at Edgbaston Park in October, and two in a Wolverhamtpon garden on December 12.

Nuthatch Worcs Noted for first time by observer at Wilden and Franche, and perhaps increasing in Bittell area. Staffs Common in Chillington area, where 25 estimated on April 11. 78

W Mid Noted in gardens at Tettenhall in April and August; Selly Oak in May and December; Sutton Park in May, July and autumn; Warley Park in April and Cannon Hill Park on several dates. Increasing in Edgbaston Park, with two breeding pairs.

Treecreeper There are signs that dead elms may provide a wealth of nest sites. W Mid Noted at Solihull, Hall Green and Rotton Park Reservoir in autumn and winter. Two pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, but fewer than usual in winter.

Wren Now very common and widespread in all possible habitats in all counties. W Mid 50 pairs bred in Edgbaston Park, compared with 38 in 1974.

Dipper Warks One on river near Preston Bagot in January GRH, JVH. Worcs Bred at Belbroughton and Wissetts Wood. Noted in breeding season at Alfrick, Dowles Brook, Chaddesley Corbett, Belbrook, and along the Teme at Stanford Bridge, Knightsford, Ham Bridge, Eastham Bridge and Tenbury. Winter records from Churchill, near Blakedown, and The Knapp. Staffs Noted on the moors at Blackbrook Valley, Blake Brook, Coombes Valley, and near Flash. One present at Seven Springs in the early months per DS. W Mid One at Leasowes, Halesowen, on March 9 BB. One in the early months at Moseley Court remained until April per DS. Bearded Tit Warks Two females at Brandon remained from 1974 until March 16 BMCG. Six noted at Ladywalk on March 1 HTL. Worcs At Upton Warren, two noted in January 18 PJC, MSS and two males on March 8 SH, AFJ and 9 SFLE, GET. Two at Hewell Park on February 8 AD, MG. Staffs Three, one male, at Belvide on November 2 DAC.

Mistle Thrush Warks Singing birds at Alvecote on January 1 and December7, where also bred. At Ladywalk present in good numbers, favouring yews for feeding and nesting. Over 80 at Compton Verney on August 31 was the largest recorded flock. Worcs A flock of 16 near Bromsgrove on September 5. Staffs Parties of 23 at Trentham in August and 20 at Keele in October. W Mid Six pairs bred in Edgbaston Park compared to three in 1974. Recorded visiting a Kings Heath bird table for the first time since the severe winter of 1947. 79

Fieldfare

Less numerous than in 1974 due to the berry crop being less abundant. Most wintering birds had left by mid April and began returning early in October, with a heavy passage evident on the 26.

Warks Early winter maxima were 200 at Maxstoke on February 24; 300 at Draycote on February 26 and 500 roosting at Brandon during March. Autumn counts were 160 at Bodymoor Heath on October 26 and 150 at Packington the same day; 50 at Alvecote on November 8 as against 500 on the same day in 1974 and 700 at Ufton Hill on November 14. 100 wintered at Ladywalk. Worcs The largest flocks all occurred at the beginning of the year, with 200 at East Ham on March 9 and Frankley on March 22 and 500 roosting at Upton Warren on April 8. Two autumn flocks of 100 were reported, at Bredon Hill on October 15 and The Knapp on November 20. Staffs As in 1974 a pair bred in the north of the county and a second pair was also present per FCG. A single bird was also present at Belvide on the unusual date of July 26 RAH, DS. Winter maxima were 200 at Yoxall on January 2; 400 at Little Aston on January 5; 500 at Water Eaton on January 19; several hundred west of Stafford on February 9 and 200 at Belvide on April 15. Again autumn flocks were smaller with 150 at Knypers- ley on October 18 and Chase Terrace on November 28 and 320 at Hanchurch, 250 at Keele and 200 at Bishops Wood during December. These small numbers contrast markedly with the report of 750 passing over Yoxall in one hour on October 26 BCG. W Mid An albino was at Bartley from January 18 to 26. 80 flew south at Four Oaks on October 26. 80

Song Thrush No change in status reported, but more comparative data is needed. Warks Good breeding numbers reported from Alvecote and Ladywalk. Staffs Good breeding numbers reported from the Tamworth and Wilnecote area.

W Mid Ten pairs bred in Edgbaston Park, the same as in 1974.

Redwing Widely distributed but again in much smaller flocks than in 1974. Several references to this species outnumbering Fieldfare, which is unusual. Warks Over 200 roosted at Brandon in March. The only flock reported was 500 at Ufton Hill on November 12 compared to 1000 on the same date in 1974. Worcs The only winter flock reported was 150 at Shelsley Walsh on January 26. In autumn there were 200 on Bredon Hill on October 15, up to 250 near Redditch from October to the year's end and 150 at Northwick Marsh on December 4. Staffs Winter maxima were 100 at Blithfield on January 12 and at Water Eaton on 19; 200 at Latherford on February 2 and at Himley on March 9. A late bird was seen near Perton on May 1. During autumn flocks of 100 were at Knypersley in October and Keele in December and good numbers were reported from the Burntwood area during November and December. W Mid An early arrival noted at Halesowen on September 14. The largest flock at Bartley was 75 on December 31. Ring Ouzel Warks One at Eathorpe on October 23 CHP. Worcs A male at Castlemorton Common on March 22 LAB. Staffs Several reports in the breeding season from the North Stafford- shire Moors. Two pairs at Blackbrook; successful breeding at Roaches, Gradbach and possibly Boarsgrove.

Blackbird Reported as common and increasing, but little comparative data on which to assess status. Warks Good breeding numbers at Alvecote and said to be widespread and numerous at Ladywalk. An interesting observation concerns a pair whose nest was robbed by Magpies. Whilst the female was building a replacement nest, her mate relieved his frustration by feeding bread and scraps to young Starlings RLS. Worcs A partial albino was seen at West Hagley on September 21. Unusual nest sites included a hollow tree and the top of an outside light to a house. 81

Staffs Good breeding numbers reported from Tamworth and Wilnecote. At Brocton a marked influx of dozens was noted on February 7 and 40 were feeding in one small field at Chillington two days later. W Mid As in 1974, 18 pairs bred in Edgbaston Park. In April one sang in the centre of Birmingham and about the same time a semi- albino appeared at Solihull. On December 6 171 flew into roost at Sutton Park.

Wheatear Once again a poor year. Warks Spring passage was mostly singles, but six were noted at Lady- walk on April 8 and three at Alvecote on April 28. One or two high perching, bright, upright birds at Ladywalk in May showed characteristics of the Greenland race HTL. A pair summered at Draycote and may have bred DM. Autumn passage was noted at several localities, but none referred to more than two birds. Worcs Spring passage mostly single birds, but three at Bittell on April 28 and 30. Autumn peak of six at Bittell on August 31 and Septem- ber 1, otherwise reports of up to two birds at many localities. Staffs Maximum number on spring passage was five, at Perton on April 9 and 10, Essington on April 12 and Cannock Reservoir on April 21 ; Tillington had up to four in April. Breeding records came from the Gradbach/Blackbrook area (3 pairs) and Goldsitch (1 pair), whilst a pair were seen prospecting at Leacroft but no proof of breeding. Very few autumn reports with three at Blith- field on September 4 being the most recorded. W Mid Noted on spring passage at Bartley (up to four in May), Elmdon and Sutton Park. In autumn seen at Bournville and Sutton Park again.

Stonechat 82

Following the recent succession of mild winters, seems to be making a welcome return as a breeding species. Warks Widely reported in winter, with four the maximum at Bodymoor Heath; Draycote and Ladywalk, where birds stayed late into spring and one was heard singing in May. No breeding records received. In autumn an early record of one at Ufton Hill on August 18 was followed by five at Ladywalk in late September and four at Alvecote and Draycote in November. Apart from three at Brandon on October 26 all other records referred to singles. Worcs Bred successfully at two localities, with one pair raising six young MHB, LAB. Seen frequently during January and from October onwards at Upton Warren, when up to four present. Three on January 5 was the most at Wilden, whilst pairs were noted at Malvern on several dates (where may have bred) and Chawson near Droitwich. Single birds reported from Conderton Hill, Tardebigge and Westwood. Staffs Two pairs bred at one locality (one at least being successful) and a third pair bred at another locality RAH, BCG. Up to ten were at Perton during February and March, six were at Tillington on November 28 and at least four stayed at Cannock Reservoir during November and December. Elsewhere up to two birds were recorded at many localities, mainly in autumn. W Mid Bred at two waste sites in the Black Country DS and probably at a third on a rubbish tip ARMB. Four birds noted in Sutton Park on October 30, one or two seen regularly at Bartley in winter and autumn and a pair recorded at Rushall on October 24. Singles at Pelsall and Pensnett in January and Brierley Hill Pools from November 7 to December 3.

Whinchat Warks At least two, probably three pairs bred successfully at Ladywalk, raising six young. A pair at Bodymoor Heath raised four young and one pair also bred at Brandon. Breeding at Kineton and Ufton was also suspected and birds were present in the breeding season at Whitacre Heath. One was in song at Alvecote on May 3, but for the second consecutive year there was no evidence of breeding at this once favoured locality. A poor passage recorded. Worcs Two pairs bred at Stour Hill, with at least one being successful, and a pair seen feeding young at Castlemorton. Another pair may have bred at Wilden and breeding season sightings came from Harvington, Perdiswell and Upton Warren. Noted on passage at several localities, but only in ones and twos. 83

Staffs Two, possibly three, pairs bred at Cannock Reservoir and another pair bred at Highgate Common. Pairs present in the breeding season on the moors at Gib Tor, Royal Cottage and Swallow Moss and elsewhere at Perton and Shenstone, where two pairs failed due to disturbance. Widespread in small numbers on passage, with a maximum of 10 at Blithfield on August 31. An exceptionally late bird at Tillington on November 28 AJD.

Redstart Appears to have declined markedly in someareas, but more informa- tion is required on its status. Warks A female at Packington on May 9, two at Oversley Wood on May 25 and a pair at Whitnash in May were the only spring records. No breeding reported. Small autumn passage with two or three birds at Ufton Hill from August 13 to September 18 and singles at Bodymoor Heath from August 16 to 24 and at Alvecote on September 2. Worcs Breeding records from Dowles Brook, Elmley Castle, Lickeys (at least six pairs) and possibly Hanbury. Males singing at Eymore Wood (one) and Wissetts Wood (three). Absent from many of its usual haunts in the Kidderminster-Bromsgrove area and said to be much scarcer than ten years ago FF. On passage one spring record, at Bittell on April 22, and singles in autumn at Bittell on August 14, Upton Warren on September 14 and near Kidderminster on September 18. Between August 14 and September 9 up to five were seen at Clent. Staffs Breeding reported from Brocton, Chillington, Lady Edge Wood, Rudyard (two pairs) and Sherbrook Valley, where at least five males were present. Several males were singing at Trentham in May, a pair was present at Blithfield during the breeding season, three birds were seen at Seven Springs on May 9 and singles were noted at the Roaches on May 20 and near Prestwood on April 27. Reported as scarce in the south of the county, where a thorough search failed to produce a single bird in the Baggeridge and Kinver areas BMM. Very few passage records, but one at Belvide on October 11 was unusually late DS. W Mid A single male in Sutton Park on May 17 was the only record from this formerly regular locality. Another male seen at Hales- owen on September 14.

Black Redstart May be expanding its range. Warks Two reported at Bedworth on May 9 and again on July 4 and 5 RH. A hen bird at Ladywalk on June 15 ARD. 84

Worcs Males seen in a dry-stone wall on Bredon Hill on October 28 GHCB and at Defford on November 10 JRH. Staffs One frequented gardens at Leek from January 5 to April 5 JRC and a female was reported from Brereton on May 6 BCG. W Mid Breeding confirmed at a site in Aston, where pair seen with young and a second male present EGP, JEF, RAH. Another pair present at a site in central Birmingham SH, SFLE, GET and singing males at Saltley (two) JEF, RAH, another site at Aston JEF and another in central Birmingham JEF.

Nightingale Warks Singing birds reported from Bascote, Bishops Itchington, Moreton Morrell, Oversley Wood, Print Wood, Radford Semele, Stoney- thorpe, Ufton Wood (up to seven pairs breeding EJB) and Welles- bourne Wood, which is fewer localities than usual and contains some notable omissions. Worcs Birds singing at Cobblers Coppice, Croome, Defford (five), Dormston (two), Dunhampstead, Tiddesley Woods and Trench Wood (four or five) which again is fewer localities than usual. W Mid Heard singing at Brierley Hill for the first time in many years and believed to have bred BMM, LRB.

Robin Some positive evidence of an increase, which conforms to the findings of the Common Bird Census. Warks At least eight pairs bred in the covert at Ladywalk, where a strik- ingly leucistic bird established a territory in late February and was last seen in September. Reportedly increasing in central districts. Worcs Apparently increasing at Bittell, where early winter maxima for the years 1973-5 have been 12, 16 and 21 respectively. Staffs Good numbers reported from Tamworth area and said to be common along plantation fringes and rides around Castle Ring, where few other birds inhabit the pines. W Mid An increase reported in Edgbaston Park, where 33 pairs compared to 26 in 1974. On April 16 one singing well after dark under sodium street lights in Sutton Coldfield.

Cetti's Warbler W Mid An adult male, which was present and consistently singing in Edgbaston Park from May 2 to July 12, was trapped on May 17 SB. Head brown, merging into a more russet-brown colour down the nape and back, becoming chestnut on the rump. Wings and tail brown going to chestnut brown. Wing and tail feathers, of which there were only ten, were quite abraded. Dark eye with slight yellow ring; slight, pale-grey eyestripe 85

and grey to pale-grey cheeks. Throat pale-grey merging into white belly. Flanks and under-tail coverts brownish-grey. Bill pinkish, yellowish at gape. Legs pinkish. This is the first record for the Club's area.

Grasshopper Warbler Warks Said to be abundant at Ufton and up to four heard regularly at Ladywalk. Three singing at Brandon, with at least two pairs breeding, was an improvement on 1974 though still short of the six in 1973. Other reports of singing birds from Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath (2), Kingsbury (2), Leamington and Packington. Worcs Bred successfully at Upton Warren, where two pairs present. Heard in song at Bittell, Castlemorton Common, Cookley, Eckington, Eymore Wood, Goosehill Wood, Tardebigge and Trench Wood (3). Fewer reports than usual and numbers low in Bittell area for the second consecutive year. Staffs Three sang irregularly at Cannock Reservoir and singles were heard at Aqualate, Blithfield, Stafford, Stour Valley, Tamworth and Tillington. Several observers commented on the scarcity of birds. W Mid Four or five singing at Bartley, but none recorded from Sutton Park for the second year in succession.

Reed Warbler Despite late arrival, enjoyed a successful breeding season. Warks Up to ten pairs bred at Alvecote, at least six at Bodymoor Heath and several at Ladywalk. Of ten nests at Ufton Hill half were colonised by Cuckoos DKC. Other breeding season reports came from Dunchurch and Packington, whilst a passage bird was noted at Draycote on September 4, where unusual DM. Worcs At least two pairs bred at Bittell (where four singing) and three pairs were present at Wilden. Singing birds heard at Grimley, Hanbury( three), Hewell Lake (four), Northwick Marsh, Upton Warren, Warndon and Westwood. Staffs Three singing at Tixall and Baggeridge, where breeding success high judging from the number of young seen. Presumed to have bred at Belvide and present during the breeding season at Cop- mere and Meir Pool. A single passage bird at Cannock Reservoir on September 10. W Mid One pair bred in Edgbaston Park and a bird sang at Brierley Hill Pools, where rare in recent years. At Rushall only one heard singing compared to three last year. 86

Marsh Warbler Warks Some evidence that birds overshot their normal range, with one present and ringed during the summer at a site in the centre of the county and another in song from June 29 to July 1 at a northern locality. Worcs Reports from usual localities and no change in status evident.

Sedge Warbler The Common Bird Census shows a marked decline in recent years. Several observers commented along these lines, but more comparative data is needed. Warks At least 12 breeding pairs at Alvecote and one or two at Ladywalk, where fewer than in previous years. A slight drop in numbers also reported from Brandon, but an average year at Bodymoor Heath, where some of the 24 in song on May 4 were clearly passage birds. Bred along River Leam and present at Packington in May. Worcs Twelve pairs estimated at Wilden, at least ten singing at Upton Warren and seven at Bittell, where five pairs believed to have bred. One in song at Perdiswell. Staffs A poor year at Cannock Reservoir, where six singing birds but only one pair proved to have bred. As last year, six sang in the Belvide-Brewood area, whilst at Aqualate five were in song along a 200m. stretch of disused canal. There were also five singing at Baggeridge, where none in 1974, but conversely none from the canal at Tixall, where present in recent years.

Blackcap Warks Wintering reports from Leamington, where two females on January 6 and a male on February 15, and Kenilworth, where two on February 1. A female ringed at Packington on October 25 may also have been wintering. About ten pairs at Brandon, three at Bodymoor Heath and two at Ladywalk, where numbers seem to be down. Worcs A wintering male visited a garden at Malvern Link on January 3, whilst a male in a Kidderminster garden on March 9 was later joined by three more males and a female, the birds remaining until April 11 and feeding almost entirely on ivy berries. At Bittell eight were singing compared to six Garden Warblers and equal numbers of each were reported from the Wyre Forest. Other reports of birds in song came from Alfrick (four), Burlish Top, Eymore Wood (five), Parkatt Wood (three), Tardebigge, Wilden (two) and WissettsWood (ten). 87

Staffs A pair present at Trentham in December 1974 remained until mid-January and another wintering male was reported from Stratton on November 10. An early nest with four well- feathered young was found at White Sitch on June 1 JL and other breeding records came from Cannock Reservoir (where proved for first time); Enville (where four pairs on sheepwalks) and Gothersley (also four pairs). Singing birds at Aqualate, Blithfield (two) and Knypersley, but reported absent from some usual areas at Himley. Observed feeding on cotoneaster berries at Aston-by-Doxey. W Mid Many reports from gardens, often during winter. At Wolver- hampton two males anda femaleseen intermittently during January and February and a pair were noted at Olton at the same time. A male spent three days in a Dudley garden in February; another fed at a Shirley bird table on March 15; one fed on apple peel at Bournville on April 1 and another stayed in an Erdington garden from March 20 till April 12. Passage birds were also noted in gardens at Erdington and Harborne. Nine pairs bred in Edgbaston Park, one more than in 1974, but a decrease reported from Sutton Park. Bred at Four Oaks and recorded in song at Bartley, where a pair seen, Pensnett (three) and Rotton Park.

Garden Warbler Warks Bred at Bodymoor Heath, where seen feeding young, Brandon (two pairs) and Coleshill Wood. Breeding season records from Alvecote, Fillongley, Littleworth End, Packington and Ufton Hill. Worcs Breeding season records from Bittell (six singing); Devils Spittleful; Drakes Broughton; Eymore Wood (seven singing) ; Goosehill Wood; Hartlebury; Stour Hill; Wilden and Wissetts Wood (six singing). One sang regularly during May at Upton Warren, where normally only seen fleetingly on passage. Staffs Very few records. At least six at Blithfield in May, otherwise only mentioned on passage at Belvide on April 27 and August 17 and Cannock Reservoir on September 6. A very late bird at Copmere on November 22 JPM, /M, WL.

Whitethroat Many references to populations recovering, but still generally below 1968 level. Recovery seems to be erratic, with further declines in places. Warks A successful year at Bodymoor Heath, where 12 singing, and Ladywalk, 5 singing, with numbers almost back to normal. Two pairs definitely bred at Ladywalk and plenty of juveniles were seen at Bodymoor Heath. Elsewhere two or three pairs bred at Alvecote, four pairs at Brandon and four birds held territory at Leamington. Said to be more numerous in central districts than last year. res Breeding reports from Devils Den (3 pairs), Devils Spittleful, Eymore Wood (2 pairs), Stour Hill (4 pairs), Stourport, Trench Wood (probably 6 pairs) and Wilden (5 pairs). Singing birds at Bittell (six), Burlish Top (five), Croome (three), Northwick Marsh, Perdiswell (two), Stourport (five) and Upton Warren and birds present in the breeding season at Bentley, Dodford, Feckenham, Hadley, Holt Heath, Porters Mill, Tardebigge, Wolverley, Woodcote and Wyre Forest. ffs At least 11, possibly 12, occupied sites at Cannock Reservoir compared to only one or two in recent years. An increase also reported from farmland around Shenstone, but said to be less common on Cannock Chase and very scarce in the Himley area, where only one pair located. At Belvide only three singing compared to five last year, but three pairs at Ashwood Basin and two at Gothersley were about average. Singing birds at Blith- field, Brocton, Lichfield, Perton-Wrottesley area (six) and Sher- brook Valley. Mid A further decline reported from Solihull compared to 1973 and 1974, but an improvement at Bartley. Five pairs at Pensnett was the same as last year, but one pair at Brierley Hill Pools was less than usual. Heard singing at Rotton Park and Rushall, with one present in Edgbaston Park during the summer.

Lesser Whitethroat Little comparative data, but said to be decreasing though still fairly common. Bred at Bodymoor Heath (3 pairs), Brandon (2 pairs), Draycote (2 pairs) and Ufton Hill (at least 10 pairs). Probably bred at Ladywalk and noted in song at Alvecote (three), Lighthorne, Shustoke, Southam and Wishaw. Pairs noted at Barnett Hill, Elmley Castle, Stour Hill and Wilden, with singing birds at Bittell (five), Burlish Top, Croome, Drakes Broughton, Defford, Kidderminster, Lickeys, Parkatt Wood, Stourport (two) and Upton Warren (three). Singing regularly at five sites at Cannock Reservoir, but only one pair proved to breed. No other breeding records, but a pair at Baggeridge during the summer and birds in song at Belvide (four), Blithfield, Gothersley, Meir, Perton (three), Swynnerton, Tamworth and Tutbury. Autumn passage was poor, though six at Belvide on September 6. 89

W Mid Bred at Bartley and probably at Willenhall. Present during the breeding season at Brierley Hill Pools, where two or three com- monly seen in autumn. Singing birds at Sutton Coldfield, Sutton Park and Rushall, when used to be more prevalent. Willow Warbler Few changes in status reported, but cold weather in May inhibited song. More comparative data required. Warks About five pairs bred at Alvecote and several pairs at Bodymoor Heath, where numbers were lower than usual. A good breeding season at Brandon and also bred at Ladywalk. Several singing at Earlswood and Ufton Hill, where maximum of 40 on April 24. Worcs Much commoner than Chiffchaff in the Wyre Forest and abundant at Bittell, where over 30 singing. Staffs An influx noted at Blithfield on April 27. Two pairs bred at Wilnecote, but no other records received. W Mid Only five pairs bred in Edgbaston Park compared to 14 last year KESOS. Recorded on passage at Small Heath on April 22 and May 2 and in Kings Heath garden during May and June. Chiffchaff Said to be scarcer than in previous years, which is a trend also shown by the Common Bird Census, especially in woodland. Warks One present in a Binley Woods garden for most of February and two singing at Brandon on March 8. Low numbers at Bodymoor Heath, with one pair breeding and two further territories held. Probably bred at Ladywalk, where song noted in spring and autumn. No more than five recorded at Alvecote and less common at Earlswood with only one or two singing. Worcs At least four pairs bred at Bittell and six sang at Lickey compared to two in 1974. Reported as very common around Elmley Castle, where outnumbered Willow Warbler. Three sang at Westwood and birds seen regularly at Tardebigge. Staffs Outnumbers Willow Warbler at White Sitch, probably because of extensive rhododendron cover. Scarce in the Burntwood, Chorley, Lichfield and Cannock areas. No other information for breeding season, but a late migrant or wintering bird at Brocton on November 1 RAH. W Mid Four pairs bred in Edgbaston Park as in 1974. Birds visited a Solihull garden in late April and again on July 27 and an Erdington garden between September 14 and October 4.

Wood Warbler Warks No breeding records, but four in song at Earlswood was an increase over 1974 and singing birds were also heard at Coleshill Woods and Kingsbury Wood. Spring passage birds at Littleworth End and Packington. 90

Worcs Breeding reported from Habberley Valley, Lickey and Wyre Forest. Singing birds at Deaths Dingle, Eymore Wood (four), Hanley Dingle (two), Lickeys (six), Old Storridge, Parkatt Wood, Pipers Hill Wood, Wissetts Wood (three) and Wyre Forest (good num- bers). At least five at Tardebigge during June. Staffs Breeding proved at Alton and Baggeridge Wood, with seven singing in the Baggeridge/Himley area compared to four last year. Singing birds at Aqualate, Blithfield (two). Seven Springs (two). Swallow Moss (three) and Trentham, whilst one sang at Drayton Manor but did not stay. Birds noted in breeding season at Blackbrook (two), Castern Wood, Dimmingsdale (several) and Wolseley Bridge. W Mid Heard singing in Edgbaston Park during last week in April and in Sutton Park on June 5. Noted on passage at Bartley in July and August.

Goldcrest Few comparative records, but doubtless has benefitted from the recent succession of mild winters. Common Bird Census shows population has increased fourfold in the last decade. Warks Over 50 at Leamington on January 1, where also bred. Several pairs nested in yews at Ladywalk. Mostly seen during October, with over 25 at Packington and at Ufton Hill at that time. Good numbers at Earlswood. Worcs Only nesting record concerned a predated nest at Rock Coppice, but heard in song at Burlish Top and Hindlip Hall. Many Novem- ber records, with maximum of 30 at Lickeys and several in gardens at West Hagley. Staffs Flocks of 35 at Gailey in October and 25 at Shoal Hill and Cannock Chase in December. W Mid Bred at Tettenhall in gardens and at West Park, Wolverhampton. An outstandingly good year at Solihull, with many garden sightings here and at Erdington, Kings Heath, Kingswinford and Rushall. One on a redevelopment site at Aston on October 14 DMH.

Firecrest Following the national spread in recent years, more records this year, including the first breeding record for the Club's area. Warks Surprisingly no records received. Worcs Bred for the first time, with three, possibly four, pairs at one locality SH, RM. One nest, 1 5m. up in a Larch, was later destroyed, most probably by grey squirrels KGC. One at Blakedown on February 3 per LRB. Staffs Three records on similar dates, at Seven Springs from April 5 to 7 RAH, Chillington on April 6 and Perton on April 9 DAC. 91

W Mid One bathing in a garden pool at Castle Bromwich on December 18 HTL.

Spotted Flycatcher Many observers commented on declining numbers. Warks Scarce in central and northern districts, with only one pair at Brandon and breeding success poor. Bred at Bodymoor Heath, Ladywalk, Luddington, Stratford and Whitnash, where three pairs. Worcs Bred at Belbroughton, Bromsgrove, Clent, Hindlip, Lickey, Severn Stoke, Sling Pool, Stourport and Wyre Forest. Contrary to other localities, said to be improved numbers in Elmley Castle area JA. Staffs Low numbers in the north and south of the County and in the Himley area. Bred at Blithfield, Cannock Reservoir and Tarn- worth and noted in suitable breeding habitat at Ashwood Basin, Biddulph, Enville, Kinver (2 pairs) and Stourton. W Mid Bred at Compton, Moseley Court, Rushall and Sutton Park, and recorded in breeding season at Cradley, Gornalwood, Pens- nett and Rotton Park. Noted during summer and autumn in gardens at Erdington, Harborne and Rushall.

Pied Flycatcher Warks Two at Bodymoor Heath on August 24 were the first records for the locality EAH. Worcs First arrival seen in Wyre Forest on April 9 and subsequently 15 pairs attempted to breed in nest boxes, raising 56 young to flying stage. Unfortunately the late May frost took its toll and 31 eggs failed to hatch LRB. Staffs Only two records, a male at Blithfield from May 3 to June 1 and another at Coombes Valley on May 18. W Mid Two recorded on passage, in an Erdington garden on August 11 and 12 and a Harborne garden on August 16. The similarity in dates is interesting.

Dunnock Generally widespread and very common. No changes in status reported. Warks Good breeding numbers at Alvecote and Ladywalk. W Mid In Edgbaston Park 20 pairs bred, which was one fewer than in 1974.

Meadow Pipit Warks Only breeding record was from Ladywalk, where a strong southerly passage was also observed on September 6 and parties of up to 60 were noted from mid-September into November. Bird in song at Alvecote. 92

Worcs Spring passage recorded near Malvern on March 29; at Bittell on April 7, when 70 present; and Hagley Green, where 80 on April 10. Three pairs at Hartlebury and one at Stour Hill during breeding season. Staffs Spring passage recorded on April 6, with 100 at Belvide, 80 at Blithfield and 50 at Perton. Breeding reported from the Roaches. Between 40 and 50 at Blithfield in October was the only autumn record. W Mid Two at Olton Station on January 5 and party of 50 at Halesowen on March 30. Bred on derelict sites at Bentley (2 pairs) and Wednesfield, with one noted in an industrial part of Wolver- hampton on June 18. Continuous SW passage over Four Oaks in late September; 110 on passage at Bartley on October 12, where 100 an hour flew south on November 2.

Tree Pipit Warks Bred in new conifer plantations at Bentley and Merevale and at Ufton Hill. Heard singing once or twice at Ladywalk, but believed to have been lost as a breeding species. Three at Packington on May 17, but generally few records. Worcs One pair bred at Bittell, several sang at Lickey, three at Hartlebury and two at Devils Spittleful. No other records. Staffs One pair nested on edge of car park at Highgate Common, feeding their young quite nonchalantly even with a car two feet away! Singing birds from Blackbrook (at least 3), Gradbach, Merryton Low and Swallow Moss (several) in the north and from many localities on Cannock Chase, where said to have had a good year. Two singing at Kinver on June 29 and three noted at Hopwas on May 3, but none in the Baggeridge/Himley area where five last year BMM. W Mid One singing in Sutton Park on June 14 and one in a very un- typical habitat at Brierley Hill Pools on April 30.

Rock Pipit Warks One winter record, from Shustoke on January 26 MSS, DRR. In autumn recorded from Draycote between October 13 and 28, with two on October 16 per RB; Wolvey, where two also on October 16 CHP; Shustoke on November 5 MSS and again on December 30 MSS, PJC and Brandon on November 16 BMCG. Worcs Two at Upton Warren on October 5 AFJ, GET and one at Wilden on October 8 RM. Staffs Spring records from Cannock Reservoir where one from April 3 to 5, which may have been of the Scandinavian race, and a different bird on April 9, which showed definite characteristics of this race RAH. Two at Blithfield on April 6 RAH. In autumn 93

one at Blithfield on September 29 JL; one at Aqualate on October 7 DS; two at Cannock Reservoir on October 5 JL and 19 ARMB, with one on October 30 CR and six at Belvide on October 11 DS with three on October 15 CJH. W Mid Singles at Bartley on October 12 and 19 NSS and at Rotton Park on October 17 ARMB.

Water Pipit Warks Three spring records, with one at Packington on March 23 BLK, two at Brandon on April 5 BMCG and one at Ladywalk on the same day RJT. Worcs One at Upton Warren on March 22 MAB. Recorded at Wilden from October to the year's end, with three on November 26 RM. Staffs At Cannock Reservoir one present from January 30 until March 26 and again between November 11 and December 22 RAH, GE. Seen at Belvide on May 11 ACW and again on November 1, when two present DS. One at Tillington on October 28 and 30 and November 18 PAK, AJD, another at Leacroft on November 2 DS and two at Bridgtown on November 28 BCG. W Mid One, believed to be this species, at Bartley on November 23 MSS.

Pied Wagtail Warks Smaller roosts reported than last year, with 100 at Brandon on July 6 and 80 at Ufton during August. Two or three pairs bred at Alvecote and several nests at Ladywalk. Worcs Bred at Holt and Wilden, where 150 roosted on September 16. Maximum at Bittell was 45 on October 20 and 32 were seen feed- ing in a damp field at Caunsall on March 16. Staffs In January 109 were at Little Aston sewage works and 80 at Lichfield sewage works. During late August and early September about 40 joined the Swallow roost at Marston and 100 were at Blithfield on September 7. On October 11 there were 70 at Rud- yard and in December 200 at Whittington. One pair bred in Edgbaston Park and birds noted on the grass verges of many suburban roads. At Kingswinford 50 were W Mid feeding on a building site on March 23 and over 1000 roosted in an industrial building at Brierley Hill during October and Nov- ember BMM.

White Wagtail One reported as being present at Leamington most of the winter. At Ladywalk one or two in April and one on May 4 and 5 RJT Warks HTL,BLK. Threa at Packington on April 19, one at Bodymoor Heath on June 3 BLK and one at Brandon on June 21 BMCG. 94

Worcs One at Broome on March 23 SFLE; several records from Upton Warren between March 16 and May 25, with five on April 22; one at Wilden on April 26, with several three days later MHB, RM; and one at Bittell on May 3 CGB. One autumn record from Hagley on October 12 BW. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on March 27 PAG, April 19 ARMB and 27 ARD. Two at Cannock Reservoir on April 9 RAH followed by singles on 16, 18 and May 30 GE, RAH. At Belvide one on April 20 PAG, CJH and another from May 3 to 6 DS. One autumn record from Blithfield on September 13 DS. W Mid Singles seen at Bartley between April 20 and May 4 MSS, MJW.

Grey Wagtail Warks Bred at Middleton and a family party of five seen at Draycote in August. Suspected of breeding at Leamington. Increasing numbers in winter, with a few now regular in the Tame Valley HTL. One wintered at Brandon, a pair seen at Combrook in March and singles reported from many localities outside breeding season. Worcs Breeding season reports from Bittell, Captains Pool, Churchill, Dowles Brook (two pairs), Droitwich, Elmley Castle, Franche, Hanley Dingle, Hoobrook, Kidderminster, Knightwick, Kyre Pool and Wilden. Widespread in small numbers outside breeding season. Staffs Bred at Belvide, Hamstall Ridware, Himley, Hoar Cross, Keele, Stourton and Yoxall and pairs present in the breeding season at Alton, Blackbrook Valley (2), Gothersley (2), Little Aston, Seven Springs, Sherbrook Valley and Swallow Moss. Outside breeding season again widespread. W Mid Bred in the Cannon Hill area (two pairs) and in Edgbaston Park. Frequently seen in urban areas during winter, including the centre of both Birmingham and Coventry. • One noted frequently on a Witton industrial estate and up to three at Kents Moat shopping centre.

Yellow Wagtail An analysis of breeding densities for different crops showed that potatoes were preferred to beans, which in turn were preferred to oilseed rape DS. Warks Only breeding records were five pairs at Alvecote and seven pairs which nested in barley at Brandon. Noticeably decreased at Bodymoor Heath, where spring passage was counted in tens instead of the usual hundreds EAH. Maximum on spring passage at Alvecote was 20. Autumn passage at Bodymoor Heath was better, with 150 on September 3, but Alvecote had no more than 95

20 on any day. Elsewhere 13 moved south at Luddington on September 4 and birds were present all summer at Ufton Hill, with an August peak of 15. Worcs Three pairs bred at Bittell and a few at Wilden, where a heavy spring passage of 200 was recorded on April 29 TCEL. Reported as numerous at Upton Warren and a pair present during summer at Tardebigge. Staffs No information on breeding. Spring passage maxima were 23 at Blithfield on April 19 and 60 at Belvide the next day. One at Aston on May 16 showed characteristics of Blue-headed race HK. At least 20 roosted with Swallows at Marston in late August. W Mid Bred at Bentley and possibly Willenhall. A bird with a completely yellow head at Bartley on May 25 MSS, MJW, where up to 30 were noted during autumn passage. One over Rotton Park on September 5.

Waxwing

Warks One at Nuneaton on November 14 and another at Polesworth on December 2 per GAA. Worcs Five visited a garden at Franche for a week from December 7 RM. Staffs Up to 23 at Penkridge between January 21 and March 9 several observers with six remaining until March 23 PDH. Four at Blithfield between January 11 and 19 ARD, RJT, GS, one at Burntwood on January 18 RAH, two at Rugeley on March 15 and April 10 FCG and two at Hednesford on December 23 BCG. W Mid One in an Erdington garden on November 21 MHK and another found dead at Solihull the following day JSS. One killed by a cat in a Coventry garden in late November was said to be one of a flock which visited gardens for about two weeks CHP. 96

Great Grey Shrike More records than usual, especially in autumn. Warks One wintered at Bodymoor Heath, being seen until the end of January and again from October 27 until the year's end EAH. Others at Wootton Wawen on March 11 LFJ and again on October 10 /ME; Ufton Hill on April 13 DKC; Brandon from October 15 until the end of the year BMCG and Caldecote on December 3 AB. At Packington on November 29 one watched two ringers remove its breakfast. Blue Tits, from their mist net. Still present on December 6 KS. Worcs One at Castlemorton Common from the beginning of the year to March 28 and again from November 29 till the year's end LAB. Others at Wilden on March 14 RM. Bittell on March 16 SH and April 3 KC and Elmley Castle on March 31 PJ. In autumn singles returned to Wilden on October 26 RM and stayed at least until December 26 MHB and Bittell in mid-October, staying until early November GCB, CBL. Also seen at Defford on October 30 JRH and Upton Warren from December 25 until the end of the year AFJ. Staffs At least one present at Brocton from the beginning of the year until April 7 CR, with two on February 7 JL and March 3 RAH. One in the same area from November 1 until the year's end RAH. A bird was heard singing at Tillington on February 22 per PAK and another seen at Perton from the beginning of the year until April 7 fed mainly on field voles with an occasional Wren DS. Yet a third bird was present from the beginning of the year, this time at Drayton Manor where it remained until March 17 RST. Others seen on Cannock Chase on January 22 BCG and February 2 ARD, whilst at Cannock Reservoir one was present on April 11 GE and at least one from November 21 until the year's end RAH, with two on December 6 JEF, RAH and possibly on November 21 and 22 RAH. During autumn one was also noted at Tillington on October 27 and November 3 per PAK. W Mid One reported from Brownhills Common on January 4 JEF.

Starling Warks At Alvecote on October 22 7000 passed over from SE at dawn and 5000 flew south at dusk. 6000, mainly juveniles, roosted at Brandon in June and an estimated 35000 at Kingsbury in Nov- ember DJC. Worcs At least 5500 flew south to roost over Bittell on March 6. On December 11 at least 1000 roosted at the Strensham M5 service station in fog, probably being attracted by the warmth of the sodium lights after becoming disorientated by fog TCEL. 97

Staffs In January 15000 estimated in temporary roost at Yoxall BCG and on February 2 a flock of 750 at Blithfield. At Wilnecote 2000 flew south to roost on October 31. W Mid Counts of the Birmingham City Centre roost were 11600 on January 7; 11300 on February 24 and 10300 on October 27 compared to 16800 in autumn 1950 and 31700 in the exception- ally cold winter of 1963. During January up to 600 used Edgbaston Park as a stopping place en route to this roost. A winter roost at Willenhall, estimated at over 100000, did not reform in autumn, but appeared to move towards Stafford DS. From mid-November to Christmas at least 10000 noted moving WSW over Hall Green to roost.

Hawfinch Warks Two seen at Compton Verney on October 12 RA and piles of neatly split haws seen throughout October at Alvecote strongly suggest the presence of this species GAA. Worcs Two seen in the Wyre Forest on March 16 PDH, ARD, at least six on March 31 ESP and a party of four on June 14 RM. On November 22 one in Hewell Park JRHu and the next day two at Devils Spittleful RM. Staffs At Chillington 11 on April 18 and four on April 19 and 25 RS, with one on November 22 PKD. Two seen at Enville on June 1 CR and two paused briefly at Seven Springs on September 7 before flying to Shugborough MW. W Mid One flew across ride in Sutton Park, calling, on November 1 REH.

Greenfinch No changes in status reported. Warks Very common in central districts. A family party seen at Little- worth End on the early date of May 31. Worcs Flocks of 200 at Westwood on January 12 and 100 at Wilden on September 22. Staffs Commonest breeding finch around Burntwood, Cannock Reser- voir and Hammerwich RAH. Largest flocks were 250 at Knypers- ley on October 18 and 300 at Hanchurch on December 24. W Mid One pair bred in Edgbaston Park.

Goldfinch Increasing as suburban bird, second to Greenfinch and displacing Chaffinch. Warks Common breeding bird in centre of county. Charms up to 100 at Ladywalk in autumn, feeding on teasels, and 70 at Packington on October 4. Worcs A pair noted taking fibres from coconut matting at Tardebigge school. Charm of 100 at Wilden on October 8. 98

Staffs Increasing in Burntwood/Cannock Reservoir area RAH. At Belvide 100 on September 27 and at Tillington 50 on September 4. W Mid Several reports of birds in gardens at Kings Heath, Selly Oak and Solihull. During August 100 at Bartley and 50 feeding on thistles at Pensnett, whilst 25 flew past Birmingham Town Hall on November 20 MHK.

Siskin Warks In winter 34 at Guys Cliff on January 1 ; 31 at Compton Verney on January 12 and 20 at Shustoke on January 27. Small numbers noted at Ufton Hill in April and October, Compton Verney again in September and Leamington in November, with up to 25 regular at Brandon during December. Worcs Present at Bittell early in the year, with up to 50 on January 7 and a few still present on April 13. At Wilden 70 on January 21 and flocks of 50 seen in January and February at Ombersley, Pensax, Shatterford, Stour Hill and Temple Dingle. In autumn 70 at Malvern on October 19, 60 at the Knapp on November 20, 30 at Wilden on December 28 and 40 at Bittell in late December, with smaller numbers at other localities. Staffs In winter largest flocks were 50 at Bickford on January 5, 90 at Himley on February 15 and 40 at Seven Springs on April 15. In autumn 50 at Hopwas on October 31, 80 at Seven Springs on November 12, 50 at Whittington on November 16, 50 at Shoal Hill on November 27 and 30 at Blithfield in November. W Mid Largest flocks reported were 65 in Bournville Park, where unusual GFA, and 25 in alders at Baggeridge. Garden reports from Harborne and Sutton Coldfield referred to the predeliction for red nut baskets.

Linnet Warks Up to 100 at Ladywalk during the winter, 400 at Packington on September 7 and 60 at Draycote on October 9. Again noted feeding in oilseed rape in July and August, with flocks of 150-200, at Drayton, Wibtoft, Wilmcote and Wootton Wawen. Worcs Autumn flocks of 200 at Wilden on September 22, 130 at North- wick Marsh on December 4 and between 200 and 225 at Bittell, including a partial albino which some watchers erroneously took for a Snow Bunting. Staffs Largest flocks were 100 at Leacroft in August, 150 at Belvide in September, 150 at Rudyard in October and 600 at Blithfield on October 17. W Mid On March 16 100 roosted at Brierley Hill and during October 20 or 30 fed on waste ground at Ladywood. In autumn flock of 200 at Bartley. 99

Twite Warks Small wintering flock of up to 20 seen occasionally at Ladywalk HTL. Staffs Several pairs noted on the Moors during the breeding season and small flocks at Gib Tor, Goldsitch and Gradbach during autumn. The usual wintering flock at Cannock Reservoir has decreased, perhaps because the preferred habitat is being reclaimed. Only ten noted on January 1 with about 30 during November and December GE, JPC, RAH.

Redpoll Continues to increase as a breeding species. Warks Breeding confirmed at Brandon and Ladywalk and suspected at Alvecote and Packington. A flock of 40 at Brandon on July 13 and several autumn and winter flocks of 50 or more, notably at Earlswood, Packington and Ufton Hill. On December 8 two birds noted at Atherstone by RJT, one of which showed charac- teristics of Mealy Redpoll. Worcs Breeding season records from Hartlebury, Kidderminster, Lickey, Norton, Stour Hill and Wilden. Autumn and winter flocks of 30 or more at Bittell, Hartlebury, Shatterford, Trench Wood, Wilden and Wissetts Wood, with 300 in Eymore Wood on April 1 the maximum reported. On December 28 two in a party at Bittell showed the characteristics of Mealy Redpoll GCB, JLT, with one still present two days later. Staffs Breeding season reports from Aqualate, Baggeridge, Bagots Wood, Cannock Chase, Himley, Keele, Kinver, North Staffordshire Moors and White Sitch. Autumn and winter flocks widely reported from Cannock Chase and also from Blithfield, Hopwas and Whittington. W Mid Reported in the breeding season from Bartley, Bentley, Brierley Hill, Cradley, Gornal Wood, Sneyd, Sutton Coldfield, Sutton Park, Tettenhall, Willenhall and Wolverhampton. Flocks of 50 at Wyrley Common on April 22 and 70 in Sutton Park on December 6.

Bullfinch No changes in status reported, but said to be very common in many areas. Common Bird Census suggests a slight increase. Warks Several small parties noted outside the breeding season, the largest being 20 at Alvecote on January 6. Worcs Probably increasing at Bittell. At Shelsley Walsh 25 noted on January 26. Staffs Apart from small parties on Cannock Chase, very little information received. W Mid Five pairs bred in Edgbaston Park, the same as in 1974. 100

Chaffinch Said to have declined as a breeding species, though more com- parative data is needed to substantiate this. Warks Reported as increasing (contrary to most observations) in central districts EJB. A flock of 100 at Ladywalk in late December. Worcs Largest flock reported was 200 near Stanford-on-Teme on March 9. Staffs Said to be scarce as a breeding bird around Burntwood/Chorley/ Cannock Reservoir area compared to Greenfinch and Goldfinch RAH. Largest flocks noted were 200 at Acton on January 3 and Coven on January 24; 300 at Baggeridge on March 9; 200 at Whittington on March 16 and 150 at Milford on December 31. W Mid Only two pairs bred in Edgbaston Park compared to four in 1974 and none reported from a Birmingham garden where used to be common.

Brambling Warks Up to six at Leamington during January and February and singles at Draycote on January 12 and Ladywalk on March 8. More in autumn with 20 at Packington from mid-October until mid- November, six at Alvecote in November, many roosting at Windmill Naps on November 9 and 150 roosting at Brandon on December 27. Worcs Ones or twos at Coldridge Wood and Wilden in January and at Stanford-on-Teme during February and March. Several with Chaffinches in Chaddesley Wood on February 20. During autumn largest flocks were up to 40 at Barnett Hill on November 3; 40 in the Bittell/Grovelly Hall area during December and 50 roosting at Blakeshall Common, also in December. Staffs Up to 20 at Acton, 15 at Himley and 30 at Yoxall during January and February, with smaller numbers at Blithfield, Rugeley and Seven Springs. In autumn 17 at Himley on October 28; 60 at Hopwas on October 31 ; up to 20 at Tittesworth from November 9 to the year's end; 20 at Seven Springs on November 12; 10 at Belvide on December 27 and 40 at Whittington on the same date. W Mid Unlike the other counties, more records in winter than autumn. During January and February a flock of up to 70 at New Oscott College, Sutton Coldfield, with six remaining until April 6. One at Rotton Park on April 11 and one autumn record of a single bird over Hall Green on October 25.

Corn Bunting Warks Singing birds reported from Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath, Coombe Abbey (2), Cubbington, Farnborough, Ladywalk, Long Itchington, Marton, Middleton Hall, Offchurch, Old Milverton, Priors Hardwick 101

and Wishaw, where three within 200 yards. Said to be abundant on Newbold Comyn. During January 50 roosted at Brandon, on February 24 a roost of 35 at Bodymoor Heath and on October 23 at least 150 roosted at Eathorpe. Worcs Breeding season reports from Belbroughton (2), Broome (2), Chaddesley Corbett, Defford, Devils Spittleful, Doverdale, Grimley (3), Hagley, Holt, Hunnington, Kinnersley, Little Comberton, Mustow Green, Nafford, Pershore, Salwarpe, Stanklyn, Stoulton (5), Stourport, Tardebigge, Upper Milton, Westwood, White Ladies Aston, Wilden (2) and Wolverley. Said to be very common around Upton Snodsbury. Outside breeding season at Bittell, Cropthorne, Stourport and Stour Hill, where 12 roosting on Feb- ruary 21. Staffs Singing birds at Belvide, Clifton Campville, Dimmingsdale, Essington, Hammerwich (22), Hopwas, Iverley, Pattingham (3), Pool Hall, Swindon (2), Tamworth, Wall and Whittington, and breeding proved at Barton-under-Needwood, Handsacre and Yoxall. Outside the breeding season, 18 at Little Aston on February 16 and small numbers at Cannock Reservoir during March and December. W Mid Singing birds at Bartley, Brownhills and Sutton Coldfield.

Yellowhammer Very little information. Warks Said to be scarcer in central districts. Flocks of 20 at Draycote and 300 at Coombe Abbey in October. Worcs Seen regularly at Tardebigge, but no other information received. Staffs Common breeding bird in Burntwood/Chorley/Lichfield area and on Cannock Chase, where found in clearings within the mature forest, with young plantation and tall bracken. In January flock of 30 at Blithfield and, on March 29, 52 in Churnet Valley. During December 70 at Belvide and 40 at Cannock Reservoir, Hanchurch and Little Aston. W Mid Reported regularly from Bartley.

Reed Bunting Warks Perhaps because of mild weather, several small roosts of 50 to 100 at Brandon instead of the usual large roost. At Ufton Hill 120 roosting on January 26 and during March regular build-up of numbers at Shustoke, where 40 on 24. Up to 10 pairs reported from Alvecote, whilst 11 pairs bred in 56 hectares of oilseed rape in various areas of the county RS. Worcs At Upton Warren 100 roosted on February 17. During breeding season two pairs at Castlemorton, four at Tardebigge and seven at Bittell, where usually no more than three. 102

Staffs At least 80 at Tittesworth and Gun Hill on March 28 and an influx of males at Cannock Reservoir on March 25, where in the region of 20 pairs bred. On Cannock Chase birds were heard singing regularly from dry, young plantations with dense bracken, where they were evidently breeding alongside Yellowhammers RAH. A poor breeding season at Belvide and no more than 30 seen on any day. W Mid Many breeding reports from Black Country, three singing at Bartley and five pairs breeding at Edgbaston Park, where a roost of up to 50 birds from November to January. On April 7 a pair visited a Shirley garden, where unusual.

Snow Bunting Staffs One at Blithfield on November 22 ARL. (A partial albino Linnet at Bittell, Worcs. in December was mistakenly taken for this species by some observers.)

House Sparrow Very little information received. Warks The yellow bird first noted at Brandon in 1974 was still present. Worcs Several observations of albino and leucistic birds around Worcester.

Tree Sparrow Warks Three pairs at Alvecote and also bred at Leamington and Ladywalk, where winter flock of 50. Flocks of 200 at Packington in September; 80 at Bodymoor Heath in December and 300 at Draycote in the same month. Worcs Two pairs occupied nest boxes at Hagley and Rock. During December flock of 200 at Wilden. Staffs Flocks of 170 at Belvide on January 12 and 500 at Yoxall on October 29, with smaller flocks of less than 50 at Blithfield, Norton Canes and Rugeley. W Mid Five pairs nested in Edgbaston Park, three of them in nest boxes, but all failed to rear young. The only flocks reported were 200 at Bartley in January and 100 at Rushall in the autumn.

" Exotica " White Pelican Warks One at Leamington Spa reservoir on October 26.

Sacred Ibis Staffs One at Cannock reservoir on August 8. 103

Flamingo spp. Warks One at Alvecote on August 26. Staffs One at Aqualate in March, probably Greater, and one at Blithfield on June 5.

Chilean Flamingo Staffs One at Cannock reservoir from September 23 until December 8. W Mid One at Rotton Park from October 16 to 21.

Red-billed Tree Duck Warks Three at Compton Verney on May 23.

Chiloe Wigeon Warks A male at Draycote from August 25 until December 16.

Carolina Duck W Mid A male at Sutton Park from early October until the year's end.

Australian Black Duck Staffs One present until January 26 and again from October 29 until the year's end at Belvide for the third successive winter.

Bar-headed Goose Staffs One at Belvide on May 10.

Silver Pheasant Worcs A male at Bittell on October 31.

Ring-necked Parakeet Staffs One or two frequented the Stafford area. W Mid An escaped pair bred successfully in a hollow tree near Pelsall. One raided peanuts in gardens at Streetly.

Budgerigar Worcs One on roadside near Droitwich on July 15.

Paradise Widow Bird Staffs An injured male at Modershall for about eight days from August 11. 104

Selected Recoveries in 1975 of Birds ringed in the WMBC Area

Key Pull Pullus (nestling) Juv Juvenile (young unable to fly) 1Y Bird in its first year PJ Post-juvenile 1W Bird in its first winter FG Full grown (age uncertain) AD Adult (at least one year old)

Arrangement of Entry By species and recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. A recovery marked thus + indicates the bird was found dead, shot or killed. A recovery marked thus x indicates that the bird caught or trapped and released alive. Recoveries received too late for 1974 Report are published in this Report.

Ringer Species Movement Age Date Place (k-kilometres) Heron Pull 12 05 70 Gailey Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 29 05 75 Abberley, Stourport, Worcs 45 k SSW Wigeon AD 14 01 73 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 14 05 73 Nr. Mezen (Arkhangezsh) USSR 65° 50' N 44° 17' E AD 23 01 72 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 06 02 75 Baie De La Canche, Elaples 50° 31' N (Pas de Calais), France 1° 38' E AD 23 01 72 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 16 02 75 Grainthorpe Haven, Clee- thorpes, Lines. 150 km NE AD 19 01 75 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 00 10 75 Lake Nero, Nr. Rostov 57° 1V N (Yaroslavl), USSR 39° 26' E AD 31 12 72 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 8 09 74 nr. Oktyabr' Skoye 62° 26' N (Tyumen') USSR 66° 00' E AD 31 12 72 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 24 05 75 nr. Berezovo (Tyumen') 63° 54'N USSR 65°02' E FS 54370 AADD 16 02 75 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 28 09 75 Vor-kyo Holm, Nibe 57° 01 ' N (Jylland), Denmark 9°33' E 105

Canada Goose 5058298 Pull 07 07 73 Bodymoor Heath, Warks JAH X 28 06 75 Chillington Hall, Staffs 36k WNW 5059142 FG 30 06 74 Branston, Staffs JAH X 28 06 75 Stretton, Staffs 34 k WSW 5052621 FG 20 04 74 Leamington Spa, Warks JAH X 29 06 74 Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham 30 k WNW X 28 06 75 Patshull, Wolverhampton, 30 k NW Staffs X 03 10 75 Leamington Spa, Warks 55 k SE

Mute Swan Z 23325 PJ 02 02 69 Stratford-on-Avon, Warks JAH X 02 01 75 Dunstable Sewage Works, 85 k ESE Beds Z 35164 iy 27 07 74 Cannock Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 06 01 75 Basechurch, Salop 60 kW Z 20979 ly 13 01 72 Worcester GHG + 20 01 75 Wrexham, Denbighs 105 k NW Z 35158 iy 27 07 74 Alvecote Pools, Warks CDTM + 24 04 75 West Farndon, Northants 57 k SSE Z 29727 FG 17 11 73 Draycote Reservoir, Warks CP/MT X 30 11 74 Newbold-on-Avon, Warks X 25 08 75 Great Glen, Leics 35 k NE Z 34414 Pull 10 08 73 Penkridge, Staffs CDTM + 06 09 75 Thrumpton, Notts 57 k ENE Z 36711 ly 23 02 75 Ryton, Warks CP/MT X 06 04 75 Bretford-on-Avon, Warks X 20 07 75 Leamington Spa, Warks X 08 10 75 Empingham Reservoir, Rutland

Kestrel ED 18989 Pull 16 06 74 Upton-on-Severn, Worcs GHG 05 02 75 Talwrn, Llangefni, Anglesey 195 k NW EF 13964 Pull 02 07 74 Old Milverton, Nr. Warwick JAH + 25 03 75 Claydon, Banbury, Oxon 23 k SE EF 81611 Pull 03 07 73 Barford, Warks JAH 15 06 75 La Mothe, St Heray 46° 22' N (Deux-Sevres) France 0°06'W EF 81709 Pull 20 07 75 Temple Grafton, Warks ARG 20 09 75 Milton Abbot, Tavistock, 240 k SW Devon 106

EF 81704 Pull 05 07 75 Long Marston, Warks ARG X 15 10 75 Inch, Ennis (Clare) 490 k WNW EF 81696 Pull 17 06 75 Barford, Warks ARG + 12 11 75 Graye-sur-Mer Courseulles 49°20'N (Calvados) France 0° 28' W

Coot GM 39781 PJ 25 01 69 Blithfield Reservoir, Staffs CDTM + 16 04 75 Sutton Coldfield, Warks 25 k S GP 09514 AD 24 12 70 Blithfield CDTM + 00 06 75 Dulas, Anglesey 170 k WNW GP 09570 FG 16 02 75 Blithfield CDTM + 01 06 75 Draycote Reservoir, Warks BRG 65 k SE GP 09590 FG 23 12 73 Blithfield CDTM + 02 10 75 Trentlock, Nr. Long Eaton, 40 k ENE Derbys GP 09578 FG 23 12 73 Blithfield CDTM + 23 11 75 Hornsea Mere, Yorks 170 k E

Snipe CE 01297 PJ 26 08 75 Brandon, Warks BRG + 06 12 75 Stewartby, Beds 72 k ESE

Redshank DS 26412 Pull 21 05 75 Charlecote, Warks ARG + 21 11 75 Wrabness, Harwich, Essex 185 k E

Turtle Dove 2081783 FG 22 06 73 Red Hill, Warks JAH + 13 05 74 Soustons (Landes), France 43° 45 'N 1°19'W

Swallow JV 84299 Juv 30 08 74 Upton Warren, Worcs CMH Dead in nest 20 04 75 Chatillon-en-Dunois, Arrou 48° 07' N (Eure et Loire), France 1° 11 ' E KC 50265 Juv 08 08 75 Holt, Droitwich, Worcs CMH X 16 08 75 Llangorse Lake, Brecon 76 k SW JV 21266 Juv 31 08 74 Bedworth, Warks AEC X 20 08 75 Holt, Droitwich, Worcs CMH 55 k WSW KC 50791 Juv 28 08 75 Ombersley, Droitwich, Worcs CMH ? 07 10 75 Ifrane, Morocco 33° 31 ' N 5°10'W 107

House Martin KA 07984 iv 29 09 74 Coombe, Warks BRG + 17 09 75 Ballygowan, Co Down 370 k NW

Sand Martin JV 84223 Juv 30 08 74 Upton Warren, Worcs CMH X 21 06 75 Sandiway, Cheshire 115 k NNW KC 50061 FG 01 08 75 Holt, Ombersley, Worcs CMH X 17 08 75 Chichester, Sussex 190 k SE KC 50482 Juv 17 08 75 Holt, Worcs CMH X 21 08 75 Sandpit Marsh, Christchurch, Hants 170 k SSE JV 84933 Juv 02 07 75 Ombersley, Worcs CMH X 25 08 75 March, Cambs 155 k ENE

Great Tit BS 60675 FG 23 02 75 Edgbaston Park, Birmingham SB + 06 04 75 Keyworth, Notts 73 k NE

Blue Tit KB 50412 1y 23 02 75 Edgbaston Park, Birmingham SB X 16 03 75 Newton Linford, Leics 50 k ENE JV 54475 iy 23 04 74 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG X 18 04 75 Newton Linford, Leics 35 k NNE JE 63293 Pull 03 06 75 Lea Marston, Coleshill, Warks EJP + 29 11 75 Whitecross, Hereford 90 k SW KA 07397 iy 1310 74 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG X 01 03 75 Tring, Herts 80 k SE X 01 12 75 Tring, Herts —

Long-tailed Tit PN 4815 FG 22 09 74 Temple Grafton, Warks JAH x 01 03 75 Hoylake, Wirral, Cheshire 160 k NW

Fieldfare CN 46674 FG 17 1174 Haselor, Warks JAH ? (17 12 75) Sault (Vauclusc), France 44° 05' W 5° 25' E 108

Song Thrush CN 46497 1y 17 02 74 Welford-on-Avon, Warks JAH + 09 01 75 Pembroke, Pembs 225 k WSW CJ 92386 1 w 30 12 73 Outhill, Studley, Warks ATE + 23 03 75 Grantham, Lines 110 k NE CN 46447 AD 27 01 74 Welford-on-Avon, Warks JAH + 09 05 75 Mamble, Bewdley, Worcs 50 k WNW XA 54803 1 w 23 02 75 Edgbaston Park, Birmingham SB + 07 11 75 Cuevas De Altimira 43° 24' N (Santander), Spain 4° 06' W CV 97873 AD 12 06 72 Swinfen, Lichfield, Staffs RCB + 15 12 75 Ploughrescant (C6tes Du 48° 51 ' N Nord) France 3°14'W

Redwing CH 95066 AD 09 11 74 Arbury Park, Nuneaton, Warks AEC + 31 12 75 Sishkal Chalksar (Gilan), Iran 36° 49' N 49° 38'E XA 81100 AD 23 03 75 Berkswell, Coventry, Warks PI + 23 11 75 Colunga (Oviedo), Spain 43° 29' N 5° 16' W

Blackbird CN 66450 1y 12 03 72 Coleshill, Warks M&C + 27 02 75 Neustadtgodens (Oldenburg), 52° 29' N W Germany 7° 59' E XA 12655 1 y 23 11 74 Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffs CMH + 06 04 75 Elmshorn (Schleswig- 53°46'N Holstein), W Germany 9°40'E CJ 80713 1y 20 01 74 Fillongley, Coventry, Warks M&C + 15 04 75 Viasvesi, Pori, Finland 61°26'N 21 ° 37' E CJ 80095 FG 17 02 73 Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffs M&C x 16 04 75 Whalsay, Shetland 860 k N CN 46262 1 w 24 11 73 Welford-on-Avon, Warks JAH + 06 07 75 Hoghult, Noshult, Sweden 57°15' N 15° 27' E CJ 80929 AD 05 01 75 Fillongley, Coventry, Warks M&C + 08 07 75 Norrback, Orrefors, Sweden 56° 53' N 15°42' E XA 12652 AD 23 11 74 Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffs CMH + 05 11 75 Poyanne, Montfort-en- 43°45' N Chalesse, France 0° 49'W CH 83712 AD 08 11 74 Coombe, Warks BRG + 07 11 75 Molde, Norway 62°44'N 7° 08'E 109

Robin JX 57221 FG 06 09 75 Packington, Warks M & C + 20 11 75 Coryates, Weymouth, Dorset 210 k SSW

Reed Warbler JN 90781 AD 08 07 73 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG x 24 07 73 Brandon x 10 08 75 Titchfield Haven, Hants 170 k S KE 09202 Juv 10 08 75 Hewell Grange, Redditch, HRB Worcs 31 08 75 Hook Lane, Warsash, Hants 165 k SSE

Sedge Warbler JV 54679 1 y 11 08 74 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG x 23 05 75 Nr Otley, Yorks WR 175 k N JV 54635 1y 11 08 74 Brandon BRG x 04 07 75 Nr Carnforth, Lanes 215 k NNW

Meadow Pipit JV 84723 FG 16 03 75 Northwick, Worcs CMH + 15 04 75 Knockguldron, Patna, Ayr 385 k NNW Found dead in fox-stomach contents

Pied Wagtail KC 50147 Juv 01 08 75 Ombersley, Worcs CMH + 28 10 75 Arcachon (Gironde), France 44° 39' N 1°10'W

Starling CX 83082 Juv 27 07 65 Strensham, Pershore, Worcs GHG + 14 03 75 Lowsonford, Henley in Arden, Warks 45 k NE XX 70742 PJ 20 01 74 Handsworth Wood, Birmingham ATE Caught 10 04 75 Nr Sovetsky (Leningrad), 60° 30' N USSR 28°40'E XX 36306 FG 15 03 71 Sutton Coldfield, Warks AH + 25 05 75 Jurbakas, Lithuanian SSR 55° 06' N 23°17'E XV 58013 AD 26 01 75 Northfield, Birmingham WRG + 06 06 75 Lund Malmohus, Sweden 55°42'N 13° 11 ' E 110

Greenfinch BH 28849 FG 16 03 69 , Walsall, Staffs JAH + 25 12 74 Charrington, Ebrington, Glos 65 k SSE BR 93328 AD 22 02 75 Northfield, Birmingham WRG + 26 05 75 Ince, Blundell, Formby, Lanes. 145 k NW BN 16387 1 w 09 12 73 Temple Grafton, Warks JAH + 28 09 75 Buxton, Derbys 120 k N BR 84577 1 w 10 02 74 Berkswell, Coventry, Warks PI X 21 12 75 Treswell Wood, Retwood, Notts 110 k NNE

Redpoll JP 54357 FG 01 12 74 Temple Grafton, Warks JAH X 04 11 75 Villers-la-Ville (Brabant), 50° 35'N Belgium 4° 32'E

Reed Bunting JK 85675 AD 07 04 74 Chesterton, Warks JAH + (04 05 75) Nelson, Lanes ? k KA 46532 1 w 01 11 74 Ufton, Warks DKC X 05 09 75 Arrow, Alcester, Warks ARG 30 k WSW KB 36101 AD 23 02 75 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG X 06 12 75 Exton, Devon 245 k SW

Birds Ringed Elsewhere and Recovered in 1975 in the WMBC Area Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age Date Place (k-kilometres) Mallard GP 99779 Juv 15 09 74 Peakirk, Northants + 14 12 75 Temple Grafton, Warks 115k WSW Mute Swan Z 34642 iy 03 05 74 Donnington Bridge, + 06 75 Bretford-on-Avon, Warks CP 60 k NW Z 34698 Pull 17 08 74 Folly Bridge, Oxford X 25 01 75 Stratford-on-Avon, Warks ARG Lead + 12 07 75 Stratford-on-Avon poisoning Z 34661 Juv 27 07 74 Sanford, Oxford X 19 10 74 Draycote Reservoir, Warks CP/MT X 30 05 75 Draycote Res X 25 10 75 Draycote Res 111

Black-headed Gull Stockholm Pull 18 06 73 Toforen, Sweden 58° 22' N 14° 50'E 6063705 + Winter 73/74 Coombe, Warks BRG Copen- Pull 23 06 73 Treskelbakkeholm (Jutland), 56° 34' N hagen Denmark 10°15'E 6026738 X 25 07 75 Chasewater, Cannock, Staffs SCB Matsalu Pull 28 05 73 Anemaa, Matsalu Reserve, 58° 50' N Estonian SSR 23° 22' E U 62389 x 29 12 75 Chasewater SCB Pol Varsov Pull 31 05 75 Jamnik Dolny Pond 510 28' N (Wroclaw), Poland 17° 01'E FA 08829 x 29 12 75 Chasewater SCB

Swift SC 27427 AD 15 06 52 Otley, Yorks x 17 05 75 Draycote, Warks BRG 280 kS

Blue Tit JK 23940 Juv 11 08 74 Wykham Park, Banbury, Oxon ARG 4- 15 01 75 Warwick 30 k NW JV 40171 ? 25 10 74 Titchwell, Norfolk x 20 12 75 Selly Park, Birmingham PB 175 k WSW

Bearded Tit J R 43709 PJ 11 09 74 Ousefleet, Yorks x 0202 75 Brandon, Warks BRG 150 k S

Redwing CH 57076 1y 02 11 74 Heaton Mersey, Manchester, Lanes PI x 05 01 75 Berkswell, Coventry, Warks 125 k SSE CJ 44619 FG 14 11 71 Kippax, Leeds, Yorks PI x 26 01 75 Berkswell 155 k S 112

Reed Warbler JE 10333 iy 12 08 73 Weston Turville, Bucks X ? Westbury on Severn, Glos X 15 06 75 Brandon, Warks BRG 90 k NE JE 28873 FG 28 07 73 Durleigh, Bridgewater, Som X 04 05 75 Westwood, Droitwich, Worcs CMH 140 k NNE HP 84280 ? 04 09 73 Sleaford, Lines X 22 05 75 Ufton, Southam, Warks DKC 150 k SW Sedge Warbler r JN 76083 AD 27 05 73 Minsterworth, Glos X 13 07 75 Brandon, Warks BRG 85 k NE Starling Arnhem iy 08 10 72 Petten, 52°46'N 4° 40'E K 453522 + 23 03 75 Brandon, Warks BRG

Greenfinch BP 22782 FG 06 01 73 Charlbury, Oxon X 17 04 75 Leamington Spa, Warks DKC 45 k N Reed Bunting JX 50109 ly 10 11 74 Banbury, Oxon X 16 02 75 Brandon, Warks BRG 35 k N

Key to Ringer's Initials PB P Brown PI P Ireland SB S Bingham CDTM C D T Minton RCB R C Bennett CP C Potter SCB S C Brown EJP E J Pratley HRB H R Bryan MT M Townsend AEC A E Coleman Mac Merrill & Clarke DKC D K Chesterman ARG Arden Ringing Group ATE A T Edwards BRG Brandon Ringing Group GHG G H Green WRG Walsall Ringing Group JAH J A Hardman AH A Hardy CMH C M Hemmings 113

Migrants The average arrival or departure dates given below for each bird are based respectively on the first and last dates (excluding freak dates) given in the Annual Reports up to 1975. The figure in brackets is the number of years on which the average is based. - A' hy Arrival ' , ~ Departure Chiffchaff Mar 18 Average (41) Oct 12 Average (41) fW H1^ Mar 16 Nov 1 Brocton Droitwich a Cjrrt-Jl 17 Nafford tf^ Oct 21 Leamington Spa 23 Gothersley 18 Bittell 23 Westwood Park dCtw 8 Belvide 4 24 Bromley Hayes f^jr^HJ - p- iXw' H> Wheatear /War 25 Average (38) Ocf 3 Average (39) u u) Mar 29 Hurley Nov 2 Brierley Hill [AIJjh Apr 4 Bittell Oct 24 Draycote 4 Brereton 14 Bittell 6 Several Records 7 Burton-on-Trent 7 Grimley 6 Blithfield

Sand Martin Ma/1 25 Average (40) Oct 2 Average (40) Apr 1 Kings Bromley Oct 29 Holt . 3 Draycote 5 Bodymoor Heath r • *> < r 12 Alvecote 4 Draycote 1 >; ; 12 Gailey 1 Bittell 12 Upton Warren

Willow Warbler Mar 28 Average (41) , Sept 28 Average (41) 5 Gailey ky>r- H * Oct 21 Leamington Spa .\

tL.iO- /

Arrival Departure

Swallow Apr 3 Average (41) U.o. Oct 27 Average (41) for Apr 10 Upton Warren Oct 29 Doxey 13 Coton hos^l 28 Hanbury 13 Ladywalk n^» 24 Southam 14 Alvecote 19 Drayton Bassett 14 Bittell 18 Shustoke K-cO. /jfo. fry IV x Blackcap Apr 6 Average (41) fo*, C Sept 23 Average (38) Apr 20 Ufton Oct 5 Aston-by-Doxey Ck^y^n 21 Sutton Park 2 Bodymoor Heath ts A - 22 Chaddesley Sept 24 Hanbury

for if bUUJL - Ring Ouzel ^ f Apr 19 North Staffs Moors Oct 25 Packington 20 Leek

Garganey Apr 8 Average (33) Sept 15 Average (32) May 9 Upton Warren Oct 11 Belvide 20 Belvide Sept 28 Upton Warren 12 Cannock Reservoir

Yellow Wagtail Apr 8 Average (39) Oct 4 Average (38) Apr 5 Brandon Marsh Oct 16 Holt 10 Bittell pyiMtj 14 Draycote U.tJ 10 Draycote 2 Branston 12 Blithfield 1 Alvecote 15 Belvide 15 Burton-on-Trent Itfo w u).

Tree Pipit Apr 10 Average (38) Sept 15 Average (37) Apr 20 Cannock Chase Sept 20 Bartley 20 Seven Springs 20 Shustoke 21 Cannock Reservoir 6 Ufton 13 u-f^ 22 Chaddesley CJUU^. i y]v- 115

Arrival Departure House Martin 7 Apr 11 Average (41) ^ Octvm 26 Average (41) V^ Apr 15 Belvide ' Oct 29 Bodymoor Heath 16 Bittell 25 Barnt Green 16 Napton 25 Little Aston 17 Cannock Reservoir ^ ^ ^ Southam f

Common Sandpiper Apr 11 Average (39) fow rt^ Oct 15 Average (36) (Lxb Apr 15 Belvide - 1 Nov 2 Draycote iVpi- 1-Lf. 15 Bodymoor Heath'1^^7 Oct 11 Bittell U U) 16 Bittell I 11 Rudyard 16 Ladywalk U-tO 10 Belvide 16 Upton Warren I •>v/£r itflf Redstart ft Apr 13 Average (39) Sepf 14 Average (38) .(j-Wk,) Mar 31 Bewdley Oct 11 Belvide 3 Apr 20 Cannock Chase Sept 18 Blakedown 20 Seven Springs 14 Upton Warren

Cuckoo 11 Zip/- 74 16 Average (37) V Average (39) QfflLl Sep* Apr 12 Enville Belvide y , Oct 11 19 Chillington Cannock Reservoir 19 Coven W-wUU^ 2 u u z j^r -tLi

Whitethroat Apr 17 Average (41) Sept 21 Average (41) ? CL^u. V"" ^ Apr 21 Upton Warren A k Sept 23 Draycote t/ 13 22 Brierley Hill Alvecote m^ i-sr 00 24 Kenilworth 13 Bittell 26 Several localities a* 13 Upton WarrWarree n

/i /7 (^W-wL^ Lr/LrA1 Sedge Warbler iXT Apr 19 Average (39) Sepf 24 Average (32) V Apr 20 Alvecote Oct 5 Bodymoor Heath \ 22 Bittell Sept 21 Belvide 22 Brandon Marsh 21 Bittell 23 Several localities 21 Upton Warren 116 i

Arrival Departure Grasshopper Warbler Apr 19 Average (39) n-i'* Aug 19 Average (23) Apr 20 Balsall Common IA-IA*- Aug 17 Alvechurch A 20 Solihull 13 Brandon Marsh 23 Brandon Marsh July 20 Cannock Reservoir 24 Ladywalk 6 Droitwich 24 Tamworth '-[V! ^ Nightingale ui t Apr 22 Average (39) IVu^/V Apr 20 Radford Seme\e^fyc^j~ No records received 26 Westwood Park 30 Trench Wood

Wood Warbler Apr 23 Average (39) fluj< Aug 12 Average (29) Apr 21 Cannock Reservoir Aug 23 Blithfield 23 Earlswood » v 17 Bartley 23 Hoar Cross 27 Several localities JygL CLUUL^ Lnt Pied Flycatcher Apr 23 Average (28) Apr 9 Wyre Forest Sept 19 Scotch Hills l/ May 23 Blithfield Aug 24 Bodymoor Heath K\ 12 Erdington ^ fktJfaJl CVOL - fa/lf Lesser Whitethroat IX) iV Apr 23 Average (39) Sept 15 Average (39) a Apr 23 Bittell Oct 2 Bodymoor Heath 24 Ufton LLV Sept 21 Alvecote 24 Upton Warren 14 Draycote 26 Fazeley 13 Bittell 13 Ufton

Swift liV i Average (41) vo Apr 24 Sept 11 Average (41) Apr 23 Wolverley Oct 4 Tardebigge 26 Yoxall Sept 28 Leamington Spa

Arrival Departure Garden Warbler 1 . V Apr 24 Average (38) Aug 27 Average (37) Apr 23 Balsall Common Nov 22 Copmere 26 Leamington Spa Sept 21 Ufton 27 Belvide Bittell 27 Gailey Blithfield

Whinchat Apr 25 Average (39) Sept 27 Average (36) u) Apr 22 Draycote Nov 28 Tillington

Reed Warbler Apr 29 Average (35) If Sept 16 Average (27) Apr 23 Draycote Sept 28 Upton Warren 29 Bodymoor Heath 16 Alvechurch 29 Ufton 15 Wilden 30 Alvecote 13 Bittell May 1 Cannock Reservoir

Turtle Dove 2 Apr 29 Average (40) k IS * A r 27 Alvecote jJ^V^Oct 11 Leamington Spa S P 28 Bodymoor Heath Trcv^f 9 Ladywalk 29 Ufton Sept 26 Burntwood h.- v

Spotted Flycatcher May 5 Average (38) jfyu n Sept 22 Average (38) 2-V May 9 Leamington Spa ™ Sept 21 Bittell 12 Bittell V^f 20 Blithfield 17 Alvecote 19 Burton-on-Trent

Nightjar May 16 Average (35) Aug 17 Average (24) Apr 29 Cannock Reservoir Aug 28 Sherbrook Valley June 4 Brindley Heath 20 Kinver 118

Arrival Departure Red-backed Shrike

No records No records

Quail No records No records Marsh Warbler June 3 Average (27) May 31 Eckington No records June 3 Central Warwicks 8 N afford

Golden Plover Sept 1 Average (29) Apr 11 Average (29) July 23 Shenstone Apr 13 Gailey Aug 6 Blithfield 12 Dowel Dale 28 Whittington 12 Essington

Wigeon Sept 5 Average (36) Apr 26 Average (40) July 3 Alvecote May 10 Bartley Aug 17 Blithfield Apr 29 Belvide 19 Cannock Reservoir 27 Blithfield

Redwing Oct 2 Average (40) Apr 12 Average (40) Sept 14 Halesowen May 1 Perton Oct 5 Bodymoor Heath Apr 20 Bittell •f 5 New End 20 Ufton fVu^ 8 Several localities 19 Blymhill Lawn 19 Himley

Pintail Sept 29 Average (28) Apr 10 Average (34) June 11 Blithfield May 24 Upton Warren Aug 26 Belvide Apr 22 Belvide 31 Blithfield Mar 16 Bodymoor Heath Sept 15 Ladywalk

Jack Snipe Oct 9 Average (33) Apr 1 Average (30) Sept 28 Bittell May 8 Brandon Oct 2 Bodymoor Heath Apr 13 Belvide 9 Belvide 12 Upton Warren 11 Stour Hill 119

Arrival Departure Brambling j Oct 13 Average (40) Apr 8 Average (39) Oct 11 Ufton Apr 13 Seven Springs 18 Belvide 10 Bittell 19 Upton Warren 10 Rangemoor tsrUC,K-Mi tfyr -SF Goldeneye Oct 16 Average (36) Apr 27 Average (37) Aug 10 Blithfield June 5 Upton Warren 25 Belvide May 11 Bartley Oct 10 Draycote Apr 27 Belvide 12 Several localities 27 Blithfield Single birds summered at Gailey and Bodymoor Heath, the latter being injured

Fieldfare Oct 10 Average (39) Apr 28 Average (39) July 26 Belvide May 8 Clifton Campville Aug 29 Warwick Apr 29 Bittell Sept 13 Bredon Hill 26 Middleton 14 Halesowen 20 Leamington Spa 15 Solihull 19 Several localities Bred again in Staffordshire

Siskin Oct 17 Average (37) Apr 5 Average (38) 7 k. o Sept 22 Keele Apr 29 Ufton Oct 5 Brandon Marsh 20 Bournville 5 Upton Warren 19 Stourport 9 Bittell 11 Ufton

Goosander Nov 14 Average (35) Apr 1 Average (35) Nov 6 Ladywalk Apr 13 Blithfield 19 Blithfield Mar 19 Belvide 22 Bartley Feb 16 Bittell 23 Alvecote '

Smew Dec 14 Average (29) Mar 2 Average (25) Nov 26 Cannock Reservoir No records received Dec 15 Bittell 120

Key to Contributors

The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the report.

J Abbott J P Cooper Brandon Marsh M H King P Allsopp P J Cooper Conservation B L Kington G F Appleton D A Cope Group H Kirkham R Armfield D J Corley fMiss E E Gutch D Knight G A Arnold British M A Arnold Broadcasting J R Haines Mrs 0 L Lancaster F Aughtie Corporation (.JRHa) T W Lancaster B Craddock A G Hall tR Langdon P Bache A Hancock C B Lee S Harrap F Baldry L F Dale H T Lees J Harris Mrs V A Baldry A Davidson Miss W J Lewis G R Harrison tR Barnes (RBa) Miss Dawson T C E Link Mrs J V Harrison L R Bayes fl Dawson J Lord D M Hawker G Beech A J Dean G Lovenbury C J Hawkridge B Bentley A R Dean W Low Miss R Hedges S V Bingham P K Dedicoat A R Lowe ARM Blake I J Dix (,RHe) K J Bollington R A Dowen Mrs R J Hedges I Machin Mrs D M Boss T Doyle R J Hedges G J Mant |R Boss (RBo) R F W Hemming D V Mardle M H Bourne Mrs J M Heynes D S Marland P St J Bowen tMiss E A Eattell *R Higginbottom B M Marsh tE J Bradford S F L Edwards R E Hitchcock J P Martin tMrsWG Bradford D Emley J R Hodson R M askew *A Bray G Evans E A Hopkins D N Mirecki M Brazil tMrs I M Evans H Hughes B R Morris C P Brooking J C Eyre- R A Hume P Morrisey D Brown Dickinson J R Hutchings J Mountford E B Brown (•JRHu) L A Brown R Farmer P D Hyde P Brown (PBr) K Faulkner J E Newcombe R Brownsword J Fennell M J Inskip G C Bruton F Fincher G M Ireson •Mrs Parkes C Bullock P J Finden E G Phillips D E Butler J E Fortey A F Jacobs D I Porter G H C Byford A J L Fraser R J Jennett C H Potter B J Frogatt +P Jinman C D Powell Mrs J Cadbury tA Jones J A Carrier R Garnett Miss B Jones R B Ratcliffe K D Causer Miss E M Gartland Miss B E Jones tJ Reece D K Chesterman B C George B W Jones T Reece Mrs S Clark fR Gibbs (RGi) fL F Jones A J Richards K G Clifford P A Gluth J G Jordan D R Roberts J R Coleman *L R Goodyer Miss E M Rose A E Coles M Green Miss B Kenning C Rutter M W Cooke F C Gribble P A Kilgallen S Ryan 121

G R Satchwell Mrs J F Teagle K Wakelam D J Wright King Edward's W G Teagle A C Wakeman Mrs K A Wright School D M Thomas T A Walsh R P Wright Ornithological Mrs M E Thomas M J Warren Section R J Thomas (.MJWa) D W Yalden N Sharpe C R Thouless M. Waterhouse J S Shindler P Till (.MWa) K Simmons Miss G E Timmins Miss Y M Way *A Tinlin M J Webb D Smallshire *B Tinlin B Westwood t Member of R L Smallwood M J Townsend H White Warwick Natural G R Smith J L Tromans I C Whitehouse History Society (GRSm) W K Turner M Whitehouse M S Smith M V Tursner S M Whitehouse * Member of S C H Smith *A Whitmore Nuneaton and G Summers fD T Underhill A J Wood Dist. Bird Club

Species requiring descriptions To reduce the expense of considerable correspondence and assist the speedy collation of records, observers are asked to submit descriptions in support of all records of the following species.

A full description is not necessary for the less rare or difficult species, but enough to show how the species was identified. Such descriptions should be accompanied by brief details of the circumstances of the report and the observer's experience of the species and other, similar species. Lack of proper descriptions may lead to records being rejected. All national rarieties. (Not published unless accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee). All out-of-season migrants Unusual races Divers Grebes, other than Great Crested or Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Duck: Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, all spp. of Scoter, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew Geese, other than Canada and Grey Lag Whooper Swan Birds of Prey, except Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk and Buzzard Quail Crakes other than Water Rail 122

Waders: Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Dotterel, Wood Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Avocet, Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Glaucous, Iceland, Mediterranean, Little, Sabines, Kittiwake Terns: Roseate, Little, Sandwich Auks Long-eared Owl Hoopoe, Wryneck, Golden Oriole Woodlark, Shorelark Raven Bearded Tit Black Redstart Bluethroat Warblers: Marsh, Melodious, Icterine, Barred, Dartford, Yellow-browed Red-breasted Flycatcher Rock/Water Pipit Waxwing Shrikes Hawfinch Twite away from breeding and regular wintering localities Buntings: Cirl, Ortolan, Lapland, Snow Printing: Charles Clarke (Haywards Heath) Ltd