West Midland Bird Club
Annual Report No 37 1970 Photographs S C Brown
The front cover photograph shows a Greater Spotted Woodpecker at its nest
The photograph below shows a Curlew-Sandpiper, a regular passage- migrant in the West Midlands West Midland Bird Club
Annual Report No 37 1970
Being the Annual Report of the West Midland Bird Club on the birds of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire.
Contents
3 Officers and Committee
4 Editor's Report
5 Secretary's Report
10 Ringing Secretary's Report
11 Field Meetings Report
12 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement
14 The Status of Sea-Ducks in the West Midlands 1934-1969
19 Migration Patterns of the More Regular Waders at Blithfield Reservoir
24 The Gailey Reservoir Heronry 1960-1970
30 Classified Notes
85 Recoveries in 1970 of Birds Ringed in the WMBC Area
92 Recoveries in WMBC Area of Birds Ringed Elsewhere
96 Arrival and Departure of Migrants
103 Key to Contributors
Price 50p 3
Officers and Committee 1971
President The Lord Hurcombe, GCB, KBE
Vice-President A J Harthan, Dovers Cottage, Weston Subedge, Chipping Camden
Vice-President C A Norris, Clent House, Clent, Worcestershire
Chairman A T Clay, ' Ardenshaw ', Ulienhall, Solihull, Warwickshire
Secretary A J Richards, 1 St. Asaph's Avenue, Studley, Warwickshire
Editor J Lord, ' Orduna ', 155 Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield
Treasurer K H Thomas, 34 Froxmere Close, Crowle, Worcester WR7 4AP
Field Meetings A F Jacobs, 46 Bernard Road, Birmingham B17 8LP Secretary
Assistant J N Sears, 81 Alcester Road, Hollywood, Secretary Birmingham B47 5NR
Ringing E J Pratley, 54 Welford Road, Sutton Coldfield, Secretary Warwickshire
Conservation G C Lambourne, The Cottage Farm, Ipsley, Officer Redditch, Worcestershire
Kidderminster L R Bayes, 23 Woodland Avenue, Sweetpool Lane, Branch Rep. West Hagley, Worcestershire
Stafford F C Gribble, 22 Rickerscote Avenue, Rickerscote, Branch Rep. Staffordshire
Committee ARM Blake, S C Brown, B R Dean, G H Green, J A Hardman, G R Harrison, R Maskew 4
Editor's Report
The general appearance and layout of the annual report has remained unchanged for many years, which is certainly a tribute to its original design concept.
With the 1970 issue however it has been decided to alter its presentation and size to bring it into line with the rest of the Club's printed literature which is already based on the international paper sizes adopted by the British Printing Industry.
The way in which year after year the three counties of the Club's area continue to have first occurrences of visiting or breeding birds never fails to fascinate.
Sheld-Ducks nested for the first time in Warwickshire at Hams Hall; Black-headed Gulls for the first time in Worcestershire at Wilden and, after some years of expectation, Little Ringed Plovers at Bittell; while Staffordshire had first breeding records for the Gadwall at Belvide and for the Oystercatcher at a north-eastern locality.
As for first occurrences Worcestershire had its first Pectoral Sandpiper at Upton Warren; Staffordshire a White-winged Black Tern at Belvide, and shortly afterwards another at Blithfield, and a Pallas's Warbler at Weston- under-Lizard. The latter was an unexpected bonus in a ringer's mist-net along with the expected Goldcrests.
Gales brought Manx Shearwaters, Gannets, Storm Petrels and a Leach's Petrel to the West Midlands.
Garganey bred at Bodymoor Heath ; a Velvet Scoter was seen at Draycote; Long-tailed Ducks at four waters covering the three counties; the unusual number of 30 Scoters was seen at Belvide; and Brent Geese occurred at Brandon and Draycote.
Osprey visits were more than ever before, birds being seen at Draycote, Brandon, Kyre Pool and Blithfield.
1970 was a Quail year with many reports and breeding records from Clent and Pershore. A Spotted Crake was seen at Brandon and Water-Rail bred at the same locality. 5
A Kentish Plover visited Blithfield; there were more Pectoral Sandpiper records than ever with birds at Hams Hall, Upton Warren, Belvide and Blithfield; Avocets were seen at Brandon and Blithfield.
Arctic Skuas occurred at Cannock Reservoir and Blithfield and a Pomarine Skua at Belvide. Records of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were many more than normal and all three counties were visited. White-winged Black Terns were seen at Draycote, Belvide and Blithfield; a Whiskered Tern at Blithfield; and there were inland nesting records for Common Terns from Bodymoor Heath and Branston.
Only one report was received, from Kinver Edge, of a Long-eared Owl, but winter occurrences of Short-eared Owls were more than any previous year.
A Bee-eater was seen at Redditch; a Golden Oriole in the Wyre Forest; there were more Raven reports than usual; Bearded Tits visited Brandon; Ring-Ouzels were plentiful on autumn passage; Rock-Pipits were above normal; and Water-Pipits were identified at Upton Warren, Cannock Reservoir, Blithfield and Belvide.
The design and typography of the report has been executed by Clive Richards, who has also prepared the artwork for the various diagrams used in this issue. We are very grateful for his help.
J Lord
Secretary's Report
Atlas of Breeding Birds of the West Midlands
Perhaps the most notable event in 1970, from the West Midland Bird Club's point of view was the publication in April of the Atlas of Breeding Birds of the West Midlands; a venture of unprecedented proportions in the Club's history, not only from the financial aspect but most important in the area of members' participation. During the three years 1966, 1967, 1968, in which the survey took place, hundreds of observers spent many thousands of man hours watching and recording in the 77 10 km squares which comprise the survey area. The value of such a publication cannot be over emphasised and the West Midland Bird Club can be justly proud of this contribution to British ornithology, for not only has it provided a 6
work of considerable scientific value but it has also paved the way for the current National Breeding Bird Survey.
European Conservation Year
1970 was of course also noteworthy as European Conservation Year and the WMBC, along with the many other kindred societies and organisations throughout Britain, engaged in activities to promote this very worthwhile enterprise. TheWMBC's contribution to ECY '70 closely followed the pattern of our previously successful involvement in the 1966 National Nature Week when we ran an extensive programme of field meetings; for ECY 1970 an even more ambitious series of field meetings were arranged over the period of May to early June. A special bulletin detailing these meetings was circulated to the press and through this media and other outlets, notably museums, libraries and local societies, information on our programme was widely disseminated. Particularly, thanks must go to the Birmingham City Libraries, the Birmingham Post and Mail and to the City Museum and Art Gallery for the assistance given in making our activities so generally known. The meetings arranged were as follows:
Sunday May 3rd Brandon Marsh leader N Sills Saturday May 9th Alvecote leader G A Arnold Saturday May 9th Cannock Chase led by Stafford Branch Saturday May 9th Lickeys & Bittell leader A F Jacobs Saturday May 9th Tame Valley leader H T Lees Saturday May 16th Dowles Brook leader M M Campbell Saturday May 16th Sutton Park leader ARM Blake Saturday May 23rd Randan Wood leader F Fincher Saturday June 6th Trentham Park led by Stafford Branch
The weather was kind and all meetings were well attended with an average of 40 people at each. The various leaders of these meetings are expressly thanked for making themselves available and the many other people who played their unsung part in ensuring our contribution to ECY 1970 was a success are also warmly thanked for their assistance.
Display Panel
Another feature of the Club's activities in 1970 often closely related to ECY '70 promotion was the use of display material to publicise our existence and proclaim the aims and activities of the WMBC at various functions held during the year. 7
During February and March the Midland Bank New Street Branch showed part of the Kodak/RSPB Flying Free Exhibition of bird photographs and by kind permission of the branch manager, the WMBC was able to display information about the club which evoked considerable interest. A more elaborate display was exhibited at the Packington Game Fair in April and much interest was shown in the main feature of the display which was the Club's Breeding Bird Survey related to the then just published Atlas. On this occasion we must thank Mr. Brown, the head keeper of the Earl of Aylesford's estate, where the fair was held, for the facilities made available to us. A more permanent display stand was prepared for use at the Pershore Festival and this formed part of a Nature Conservation Exhibition held during the period of the festival, 20th to 28th June. By all accounts this also evoked considerable interest and resulted in new members joining the WMBC.
By arrangement with the Warwick Museum, we were able to display at the Royal Show, Stoneleigh, in July, and over the five days of the show a great deal of interest was expressed in the stand which formed part of a natural history section set-up in the Forestry Commission enclosure. Thanks are due to Miss Morris and the Warwick Museum staff for dealing with enquiries related to our part of the exhibit.
We enjoyed further success with our display stand at the RSPB Coventry Branch open day, held in the Methodist Church Hall on October 26th. As well as interesting a great number of the visitors who attended the function (at least three new members were enrolled on the spot and a quantity of Atlas and annual reports were sold), the occasion also provided an opportunity to meet RSPB officials, particularly the Regional Organiser, Mr T Gunton, and useful discussions were held with a view to future possible collaboration between the RSPB and WMBC. RSPB Coventry Branch members who are also WMBC members were very helpful in providing facilities to make our display a success. The display panels were also on show at the Soils Association one - day conference held at Repton School on 10th October.
Indoor Meetings
The items just dealt with are exceptions rather than the rule, but regular features of club activity are of course our indoor meetings, which were again all held in the admirable and well-equipped surroundings of the City of Birmingham Art Gallery. Once again we must express our sincere thanks to the museum authorities for making these unrivalled facilities available to us. The indoor meetings sub-committee again provided an interesting and varied programme of speakers and on every occasion excepting the October meeting, which, unfortunately, had to be cancelled at the last minute due to industrial action by Birmingham municipal work- ers an audience of 200 or more listened intently to the visiting speakers. Thanks must go to Mr Inskip who, as in previous years has ensured the right speakers arrived at the right time. At this juncture I would like to remind members of the speakers and the titles of their talks.
January Dr Glen Schaefer ' Bird Migration over the Sahara ' February C M Perrins ' Skokholm ' March S C Brown ' Herons ' (and AGM) April Dr Penelope Jenkin, MADSC ' Flamingos ' May Mrs Susan Cowdy ' Conservation ' October cancelled November R Margoschis ' Natural History Sound Recording ' December D Saunders ' Operation Seafarer'
Hams Hall Nature Reserve
Of other events in the year, the declaration of the Hams Hall, Ladywalk Nature Reserve is one of particular importance. The announcement by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Midlands Region, in December that Ladywalk Nature Reserve was to be set up, was indeed a fitting con- clusion to ECY '70. Hams Hall has long been an area rich in bird life and in view of its ornithological importance the West Midland Bird Club was prompted to approach the CEGB and suggest Hams Hall be made a nature reserve. The enthusiastic co-operation, commendable speed and efficiency with which the project was agreed upon and brought to fulfilment of the CEGB is greatly appreciated and the WMBC are deeply indebted to the Central Electricity Generating Board for this contribution to the cause by conservation in the club's area. It was arranged for the WMBC to act as agent for the CEGB in the issuing of permits and following the announcement in the December bulletin nearly 300 permits had been applied for by the end of the year. This certainly indicates the value and importance such areas have, not only as havens for wild life, which is their major role but as areas where people can enjoy and observe wild birds and study other aspects of natural history. 9
Belvide and Gailey Reservoirs and Blithfield Reservoir permit schemes Other permit schemes operated by this club, namely those for Blithfield Reservoir and Belvide and Gailey Reservoirs again enjoyed great popularity, with a maximum of 200 permits being issued for Blithfield and over 100 for Belvide and Gailey.
Staffordshire Branch 1970 Attendance at indoor meetings has kept pace with the rise in membership. The most successful one, from the point of view of numbers was ths RSPB film show at Stafford in October. Nearly 300 members and friends attended this meeting—the largest gathering since the Branch was formed. The remaining meetings, five in Hanley and four in Stafford, continued the high standard set in 1969. Speakers included Dr J Flegg, P Hope- Jones, T Hedley Bell, S C Brown, M K Swales, R Handsford and M Wright. Geographically the range of subjects was world-wide—from Iceland in the north to Tristan da Cunha in the south, calling en route at the Scottish Islands, the Calf of Man, North Wales and the Gailey heronry. Field meetings were held at several places in the county, including Aqualate and Chasewater. Excursions beyond the boundary took in the Long Mynd, the North Shropshire meres, Sandbach Flashes and Frod- sham Marshes. Members of the branch helped in management work at four of Stafford- shire's nature reserves. The activities included scrub clearance, fencing, tree-planting and the making and erection of nest-boxes.
Kidderminster Branch In 1970 the Kidderminster Branch, as in previous years, well served the local needs of West Midland Bird Club members in that area and under the continued Secretaryship of Mr M Upsall, played an integral part in the ornithological activities of the three counties. Kidderminster Branch members once again participated in the Wyre Forest nest box scheme and also contributed to the good coverage of that part of Worcestershire in the BTO breeding bird survey. Mr L R Bayes, who has now been branch representative for the last five years, continued his vital role as link between Kidderminster Branch and the parent club committee.
A J Richards 10
Ringing Secretary's Report
The highlight of the year as far as ringers were concerned was the ringing of the Pallas's Leaf Warbler at Weston Park in November. The ringer describes in detail this event elsewhere in the report. Other ringers were compensated to some extent when they were able to ring a few of those exotic Waxwings which appeared in the West Midlands in December.
Besides showing the interesting movements of birds, ringing also shows how long birds can live and during the year a Dunnock, Blackbird and two Starlings ringed during the winter of 1962/63 were recovered, one Starling in fact was caught and released alive. Two Mute Swans men- tioned in the list of recoveries had been ringed as adults in 1961 and were therefore at least 10 years old.
The Pied Wagtail roost in the Sparkhill factory was visited in February and amongst the birds caught were two which had been ringed previously. The most interesting had been ringed as a nestling at Little Aston, near Sutton Coldfield, the previous July and is the first bird caught at this large roost where the breeding place is known. The other bird had been ringed at Settle, Yorkshire, in September and follows the pattern of other birds ringed at the roost and recovered in the Northern Counties and Scotland during the breeding season in previous years, showing that the roost holds birds from local and distant populations.
During August over 200 Yellow Wagtails were ringed at reed-bed roosts at Stafford and Upton Warren; one bird from Upton was caught by another ringer later the same month at Weymouth. These ringers have also been able to ring fair numbers of Snipe during the winter months.
The Mute Swan study in South Staffordshire, now in its tenth year, continues. Movements into the area included two ringed in Gloucester- shire and one from Cambridge, whilst two ringed at Tamworth provided two northerly movements, to Northwich, Cheshire and Preston, Lanes.
Canada Geese were again the objective of ringers during one weekend in July, over 900 geese were caught, no unusual movements were reported. Five new recoveries of Wigeon which had been ringed at Blithfield in December, 1968 and 1969 follows the pattern of previous recoveries, and extends across the country eastwards through the Netherlands and well into the USSR up to the Arctic Circle. One Wigeon however did divert and although recovered in 1969, details were too late for that report. 11
It was found in SE Europe between the Caspian and Black Seas in October, 1969.
Ringing at the Thrush and Finch roosts continued during the winter and the six foreign recoveries of Redwings are similar to previous years. Appearing to breed in Scandinavia, the Redwings either pass through this country to France and Spain or take a more direct route in subsequent winters to SW Europe; one Redwing in particular very sensibly chose Majorca.
The BTO organised enquiry into the Acrocephalus Warblers continued and a number of Club ringers took part, others in South Staffordshire continued their study of the Swifts now in its third year.
The recoveries listed later show some interesting movements, Blackcaps have been overwintering in this country more frequently of late. Is the one reported one of these ? It appears to have spent two winters here. The Chiffchaff that moved to Morocco is only the second to be reported from there during the past ten years. Who would have expected a Wren ringed in the Midlands to travel across the country and be caught by another ringer in a creek on the Lincolnshire coast? And it would be interesting to know how often Greenfinches occur on Hilbre Island in the Dee Estuary, one controlled there was ringed at Bloxwich.
The list of Recoveries and Controls are of all birds reported which have travelled 30 miles or more from the place of ringing.
E J Pratley
Field Meeting Secretary's Report
Sixteen field meetings were held during the year. The day trips comprised visits to Bittell and the Lickeys, the Wyre Forest, Westwood Park, Upton Warren, Belvide, Blithfield, Cannock Chase, Slimbridge, the Long Mynd, Ludlow and the Dee estuary. In addition, a weekend coach trip was made to the Norfolk coast and a smaller party spent twelve days of Arctic summer in Swedish Lapland. The meetings were uniformly well sup- ported and we were fortunate in encountering a good variety of birds and (in the main) favourable weather. The regular field meeting followers found occasion to enjoy both watching birds and meeting their friends.
A F Jacobs 12
Treasurer's Report
Excess of expenditure over income for 1970 was £210.11.8. This figure includes money spent on the publication of the ' Atlas of Breeding Birds of the West Midlands '; in 1969 our inclusive surplus was £688, so over the two years there is a comfortable surplus.
With the rise in membership from 1029 to 1250, by the biggest annual rise in the Club's existence, and with the increase in subscription to £1, income from subscriptions and by reclaim of tax on covenanted subscrip- tions was £280 up on 1969. Costs inevitably continued to rise. Bulletins cost 50% more but the Report demanded a proportionately smaller increase.
The ' Atlas ' project is now ' out of the red '. Further sales by ourselves
Expenditure for the year ending 31st December 1970 1969 1970 68 Indoor meetings 57 4 7 238 Reports 339 14 5 336 Bulletins 510 6 4 112 Printing, stationery, postage, etc. 132 16 5 236 Blithfield permit fees to S.S. Water Co. 275 3 0 7 Insurance, hide rental and shooting licence 8 3 0 13 Subscriptions to Associates 16 11 0 166 Atlas expenditure 1,109 13 11 — ECY expenditure 27 5 10
- Display board and material 27 6 6
£1,176 £2,504 5 0 688 Surplus 1969
Liabilities as at 31st December 1970 1969 1970 Balance as at January 1970 1,041 7 10 Subtract: deficit for year 1970 210 11 8 1,041 830 16 2 226 Subscriptions in advance 285 11 6 250 Loan—Foyle Trust (interest free) 250 0 0
350 Loan—Royal Society (interest free) - -
£1,867 £1,366 7 8 13
or the publishers will be clear profit to the Club. The loan from the Royal Society has been repaid and the loan from the C H Foyle Trust is repayable in 1972.
As in 1969 half of the surplus from the field meetings was put into a Conservation Fund which now stands at about £170.
Membership was still rising steadily when postal communications were severed. Whether the increase in income resulting from the rise in membership can long balance increased costs (particularly postal charges) remains to be seen. I am not recommending any change in subscription for 1972.
K H Thomas
Income for the year ending 31st December 1970 1969 1970 859 Subscriptions and donations received for 1970 1,133 19 8 4 Sales of reports 13 2 7 4 Sales of " Birds of Staffordshire " 3 0 0 46 Field meetings 28 11 0
45 Collection—indoor meeting - - - 34 Building Society interest 47 0 1 243 Blithfield Reservoir (permit fees) 290 17 0 628 Atlas fund (sundry receipts) 777 3 0
£1,864 £2,293 13 4 Excess of expenditure over income 1970 £210 11 8
Assets as at 31st December 1970 1969 1970 390 Cash at Bank and in hand 233 14 7 1,322 Investment in Leicester Permanent Building Soc. 968 10 3 96 Conservation fund (139.52 Scot Exempt Growth units) 164 2 10 59 Inland Revenue—tax refund at cost - - -
£1,867 £1,366 7 8 14
The Status Of Sea-ducks In The West Midlands
Introduction
With the exception of Common Scoter, the Handbook describes the occur- rence of sea-duck on inland waters as accidental or very rare. An analysis of sea-duck records taken from the West Midland Bird Report: 1934-69, shows that such occurrences are to various extents, regular. The visits of most of the species involved show a distinct pattern, and not the random distribution expected with true ' weather driven ' vagrants.
Records of Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, Eider and Red- breasted Merganser were extracted and displayed in the form of histograms showing the monthly distribution of occurrences and total numbers of birds throughout the period 1934-69. Although Common Scoter has been analysed before, it is included for completeness. Velvet Scoter records were not suitable for this type of study, this species being only a rare vagrant, most often noted in mid-winter at Cannock and Bartley reservoirs, localities particularly noted for attracting oddities. Where individuals remained for more than one month the records were included in all the months involved, so that the histograms would show the months in which each species is most frequently present.
Common Scoter (Fig 1)
A regular visitor in small numbers to the Staffordshire reservoirs, especially Cannock. Warwickshire shows a surprisingly high frequency of records, almost as high as Staffordshire, despite the latter county containing most of the area's larger waters. Common Scoter are recorded every year, though numbers vary considerably, ranging from only 5 in a poor year, to 15-30 in an average year, and 40-60 during a good year. Immatures and ducks are noted most frequently, though drakes are recorded regularly. Three distinct peaks emerge: April, July and October-November. These are mainly due to the records in these months involving more than one bird, rather than the occurrences being more frequent. The April peak coincides with the main period of northward passage of Scoter in Britain, overland migration being a feature of this species. In July drakes return to British waters to moult, joining the large flocks of non-breeding birds found off the coast. A significant increase in the records of drakes in the West Midland July peak can be demonstrated, correlating well with the east-west overland movements noted in the eastern counties of the country which also show a preponderance of males in this month. The 15
October-November peak reflects the return of ducks and juveniles, when large movements are noted on the coast. Visitors to the Midlands tend to stay for only single days, and that this is genuine overland migration is emphasised by the comparative scarcity in December. The species is very unusual in the first three months of the year.
Scaup (Fig 2)
A regular autumn, winter and spring visitor in small numbers, usually 1 -4 birds, rarely 10-11. One or two days is the typical time for birds to remain
Fig 1 Common Scoter Fig 3 Long-tailed Duck
Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fig 4 Red-breasted Merganser
30- 20-
10- 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan' Feb Mar'Apr MayJun'Jul Aug'sep'oct'Nov Dec"
Fig 2 Scaup
Fig 5 Eider
-\—I—T Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 16
in the Midlands, though stays of a week or two are not infrequent. Moderate numbers occurred in the 'fifties, 25-40 in a good year, though the bird has been somewhat erratic recently. There were only single records in 1959, 60 and 61, and none at all in 1965. The records show a small bias to Staffordshire, Cannock Reservoir again producing most of the birds noted at any one locality. Scaup arrive in the country from mid- September onwards, and this is reflected in the pattern of Midland records, building up to a peak in December. The number of birds then falls evenly during the second half of the winter, except for a distinct peak in March. This month sees the return north of Scaup at sea, and the large flocks in the major estuaries decrease markedly. Most of the records in the West Midlands involving more than one bird tend to occur in this month. It can be argued that moving birds may be more susceptible to strong winds, and may not be here by design, but Scaup are hardy birds, well able to resist the effects of moderate storms.
Long-tailed Duck (Fig 3)
A fairly regular winter visitor, usually single birds, occasionally two. Long-tailed Duck are distinctly more frequent in Staffordshire, records being spread evenly between the reservoirs. Before 1950 records were infrequent, but it has occurred in 15 of the last 17 years. Usually 1-3 birds are noted each winter, and occasionally 4-6. Although drakes predominate in the world population and are far more common in British waters, inland birds are mostly immatures, closely followed by ducks. This feature is noted in the West Midland records, drakes being noticeably rare. The main arrivals in the north are during October, the birds drifting down the coasts in the subsequent weeks. This is reflected in the November peak of West Midland birds, 40% of all recorded birds first arriving in this month. There is a definite tendency for these November birds to stay for weeks or even months, such birds providing 14 of the 19 December records. If the histogram were to show arrival dates only instead of the months when the birds are present, there would be a remarkable November peak.
Red-breasted Merganser (Fig 4)
A reasonably regular visitor, mainly to Staffordshire, with 30% of records coming from Belvide. Occurrences usually involve single birds, occasion- ally two or more. Drakes figure largely in the records, though there is probably an identification bias. Before 1954 the bird was extremely rare, there being only two records during the previous 20 years. The early 17
'fifties saw a marked extension of the Merganser's breeding range, breeding noted in Cumberland in 1950, spreading southwards and east- wards into the surrounding counties as far as Lancashire, and even Lincoln- shire. From 1953 the bird bred in North Wales, and winter reports since this time have been far more numerous.
It is not surprising then that visits to the West Midlands became quite regular from 1954 onwards, the bird occurring in 13 of the last 16 years. This increase cannot be accounted for by the filling of Blithfield, which provides only 5 of the 46 birds recorded during the time under considera- tion. The Merganser is more frequent in the early months of the year, birds usually staying only one or two days. A marked February peak is at once apparent, half the reports involving more than one bird being in this month. In many localities on the coast the winter flocks often peak in February, prior to the birds moving north during the early Spring. 48% of recorded birds occurred in this month in the Club's area, though many of them occurred in the severe winters of 1956 and 1963, when birds were driven inland during the early months of the year, and were noted in several inland regions.
Eider (Fig 5)
A scarce winter visitor, usually 1 or 2 birds; virtually all records from Staf- fordshire and 83% from Cannock Reservoir, where the plentiful mussels and crayfish are particularly suitable for Eiders with their rather restricted diet. There are no Warwickshire records. The first Staffordshire and Worcestershire records occurred in 1948, and this and the following year saw the first Eider records (or the first for a long time) in several other counties. At this time there was a marked southward spread of their wintering range, together with a continuation of the slow but persistent extension of the breeding range which was halted temporarily during the war. There was a strong recovery of the Fame Islands colony and in 1949 the Walney Island colony began, which is now a moderate strong- hold of the species. The next West Midland occurrence did not appear until 1959, but since then it has been noted in 8 of the last 11 years. Most records are in December, the October peak being due to an unusual record of seven birds. Ducks and immatures figure in nearly all the reports, adult drakes being extremely rare. The birds tend to stay for a few weeks, being able to survive quite adequately at Cannock. 18
Summary of Main Conclusions
1 Contrary to popular opinion, West Midland records demonstrate that sea-duck do occur regularly on certain inland waters.
2 Some species (Common Scoter, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck) show such a distinct pattern of occurrences, peaks coinciding with known seasonal movements, that they can best be interpreted as purposeful overland migration.
3 The now regular occurrence of other species (Red-breasted Merganser, Eider) is associated with a marked southward spread of wintering range, and similar extension of breeding range since the last war.
References
Harthan A J 1947. The Birds of Worcestershire. Lord J & Blake ARM 1962. The Birds of Staffordshire. Norris C A 1947. Notes on the Birds of Warwickshire. Parslow J L F 1967. Changes in status among breeding birds in Britain and Ireland. Brit Birds, 60: 2-47. Ruttledge R F 1970. Winter distribution and numbers of Scaup, Long- tailed Duck and Common Scoter in Ireland. Bird Study, 17: 241-246. Taverner J H 1959 etc. Papers concerning the spread of Eiders in Britain. Brit Birds, 52: 245-258; 56: 273-285; 60: 509-515. West Midland Bird Reports: 1934-69, including an analysis of Common Scoter records: J Lord. 28: 17-19.
B R Dean 19
Migration Patterns Of The More Abundant Waders At Blithfield Reservoir 1959-1968
Introduction
The autumn passage of waders is more pronounced at Blithfield Reservoir than at any other locality in the West Midlands and has, in consequence, received considerable attention during the past few years. This paper attempts to analyse some of the data which have accumulated during that time, the bulk of the information being obtained from the reports of the West Midland Bird Club.
To date, 30 species of wader have been identified at Blithfield, but many of these, although regular, occur in small numbers only (e.g. Wood Sand- piper), while others, such as Pectoral Sandpiper, are distinctly rare. A substantial proportion of the passage is accounted for by six more- abundant species: Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sand- piper, Greenshank, Dunlin and Ruff. Redshank and Curlew are also common migrants, but the former has not infrequently bred at the reservoir while Curlew occur in winter, although their patterns of migration are correspondingly obscured by the presence of non-passage birds.
As the abundance of waders in any particular year depends more on the water level than any other factor, little meaningful information results from an analysis of numbers alone. In the present study, a table (Table 1) is given showing the mean annual peak concentration for the six more- abundant species, but the main emphasis is on an analysis of patterns in terms of the periods of the autumn in which these species have been recorded in the ten years 1959-1968. For this purpose, the autumn (taken as June-December for wader migration) is divided into thirty one 7-day periods and histograms are plotted showing:
1 The number of years in which the individual species were recorded in each week of the autumn.
2 The periods of the autumn during which peak numbers of each species occurred.
The histograms for 2 show the frequency with which peaks occurred in different fortnightly periods and it should be noted that certain species regularly display more than one peak per autumn. 20
Results
Ringed Plover (Figs 1 and 1a)
The second most abundant species at Blithfield with a mean annual peak of 77; Dunlin has a similar peak but high numbers of that species tend to occur during a greater proportion of the autumn (Fig 1 a). The numbers of Ringed Plover vary considerably from year to year and although the mean annual peak is similar to that of Dunlin, the maximum ever recorded is 165, significantly higher than the corresponding figure for Dunlin.
Ringed Plovers have been recorded at all stages of the autumn and during the ten years occurred in all but six of the thirty-one weeks comprising June to December. Occurs most regularly in August and early September with records in all ten years for each of the six weeks between August 2nd and September 12th.
Little Ringed Plover (Figs 2 and 2a)
The first birds of the autumn tend to occur at a similar time each year with no record before the third week in June, but records in nine of the ten years by the second week in July. Peak numbers frequently occur during this first wave (Fig 2a) although this is not a very sharply defined pattern. The passage of this species is concentrated into a relatively short space of time, Little Ringed Plovers having occurred in only 15 of the 31 weeks under consideration. Is fairly regular from the beginning of July until late September, but is rare after that time. The species was recorded every year in the 5 weeks from July 12th to August 15th with a mean annual peak of 13 birds. The pattern of an early concentrated passage may reflect a preponderance of local breeding birds and their young in the movement and, in fact, three pairs bred at the reservoir late in the season in 1963.
Common Sandpiper (Figs 3 and 3a)
As with Little Ringed Plover, the beginning of the passage of this species is sharply defined in the first few days of July. Generally occurs until late September, although in recent years there has been a tendency for isolated individuals to occur well into October. Was recorded every year in the six weeks between July 12th and August 22nd. Peak numbers are usually in the second half of July with a mean peak concentration of 21 birds. 21
Fig 1 Ringed Plover Fig 1a Ringed Plover
10-1 10-1 9 9 8 7
6 - 5- 5 4 4- 3- 3 2 2
1 - 1 - 1 Jun ' Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fig 2 Little Ringed Plover Fig 2a Little Ringed Plover ID- 10-] S' 9
8- 8 7- 7-
6- 6- 5- 5- 4- 4 3- 3- 2- 2- 1- 1 n TT 1 1 1 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jun ' Jul ' Aug Sep ^"ocT^Nov^^ec"
Fig 3 Common Sandpiper Fig 3a Common Sandpiper 10' 10-1 9- 9-
8- 8- 7 7- 6 6- 5 5- 4- 4- 3 3- 2 2- 1 1 - '(""""" 1 1 1 0- K Jun ' Jul ' Aug ' Sep ' Oct ' Nov ' Dec ' Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Greenshank (Figs 4 and 4a)
Typically occurs from the second week in July to the end of September with fairly regular records in October (Fig 4). During the ten-year period, occurred in 19 different weeks of the autumn and was recorded every year in the 8 weeks from mid-July to mid-September. The mean 22
annual peak is 11 birds and tends to occur during the second half of August (Fig 4a).
Dunlin (Figs 5 and 5a)
The most numerous species with a mean annual peak of 75. Although the maximum recorded in any one year (120 July 27th-August 2nd 1962) is less than that for Ringed Plover, the passage of Dunlin is more protracted with records for 28 different weeks of the autumn and occurrences every year for the 14 weeks from mid-July until mid-October.
Fig 5a indicates that peak numbers occur in three stages: the first in the second half of July, the second during the latter part of August and, finally, a third peak in late October. The prevalence of this third peak depends to a large extent on the existence of suitable feeding conditions, but in years when the water level remains low, there is a tendency for part of this later population to linger well into December. The tri-modal distribution probably reflects the different migration patterns of northern and southern
Fig 4 Greenshank Fig 4a Greenshank 10- 10- 9- 8 8 7 7 6 6 5- 5 4 4 3 3-
2 - 2- 1 1 - 0 T 0 Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jun Jul Aug Se4p Ocl Nov ' Doc
Fig 5 Dunlin Fig 5a Dunlin
10 - 10- 9 " 8- 8- 7- 7
6- 6- 5 - 5 4 - 4 3- 3-
2 - 2
1 - 1 - iff 0 1 0 Anq Sep Oct Nov Dec Ann Sep Oct Nov Dec 23
Dunlins, the northern populations tending to arrive somewhat later, while the southern birds display a greater preference for inland waters while in the process of migration.
Fig 6 Ruff Fig 6a Ruff I I I I
—
Jl p i i i Jun Jul Aug Senp Oct Nov Dec
Ruff (Figs 6 and 6a)
A less regular pattern of occurrences than for the other species. During the ten years, Ruff were recorded in 24 different weeks of the autumn, but occurred every year only in the 3 weeks August 9th to August 29th. The species is fairly regular, however, between mid-July and the end of September (Fig 6). Peak numbers tend to occur in late August or early September, the mean annual peak being 17 birds. This high figure is accounted for by a sequence of high concentrations in the late 'sixties.
Table 1 Species Mean Annual Peak Ringed Plover 77 Little Ringed Plover 13 Common Sandpiper 21 Greenshank 11 Dunlin 75 Ruff * 17
References West Midland Bird Reports Nos 26-35. Lord J & Blake, A R M 1962—The Birds of Staffordshire. Lord J 1964—Some Birds of Blithfield Reservoir, 1952-1963. West Midland Bird Report 31 8-15.
A R Dean 24
The Gailey Reservoir Heronry 1960-1970
Many heronries in the British Isles have been counted annually since 1928 but few have been studied in any detail because of the inaccessibility of most nests. The heronry on a small island at Gailey Reservoir however is unusually accessible, with most of the nests at less than 30ft in easily climbable willow trees and a few even in elderberry bushes only 10ft above the ground. Since 1961 regular visits have been made during the breeding season to establish nesting success and to ring the young and this paper summarises the information gained so far.
The number of pairs present annually has averaged 35, but has varied between 22 and 50 (Table 1), a strong correlation existing with the severity of the previous winter. There was thus a big decrease in both 1962 and 1963 and it then took four or five years before numbers really got back to normal. The number of young reared to fledgling has been less variable, only departing significantly from the average of 75 per year in 1961 (105) and 1963 (55). The number of young reared per pair has also been fairly constant, with an average of 2.1. Most pairs eventually reared a brood each year since those which failed before early May usually laid again, meaning that the last young did not leave the nest until July in some years.
Table 1 Breeding Population, Nesting Success and Number of Young Ringed at Gailey Reservoir Heronry 1960-70
Occupied Young Young Fledged Young Year Nests Fledged per Nesting Pair Ringed
1960 38 — _ — 1961 50 105 2.1 52 1962 33 — — 20 1963 22 55 2.5 30 1964 32 68 2.1 34 1965 33 78 2.4 58 1966 28 65 2.3 52 1967 36 72 2.0 32 1968 41 77 1.9 50 1969 37 72 1.9 70 1970 33 80 2.4 69
Average 35 75 2.1 Total 467 25
Fig 1 Movements of Herons of Gailey Reservoir 1961-70
Hawes
Grassington
Newark Wrexham
Leicester Welshpool
Llandrindod Wells
Pershore Hereford Buckingham 26
Fig 2 Direction of Movement of Herons ringed at Gailey Reservoir 1961-70
Recoveries which went in one of the four main compass directions have been divided equally between the two adjacent quadrants. The recovery in Spain is omitted.
110 miles radius
20 miles radius
3 miles radius Q 27
In each year the heronry was divided into two groups with different nesting periods. When the first visit was made around May 1st between half and three quarters of the population usually had young between one and three weeks old. The remainder usually had freshly laid eggs and it is possible that these were largely pairs containing one or more young birds breeding for the first time. The season varied overall by up to two or three weeks, depending on the earliness of the spring.
The typical clutch size was four eggs, but five occurred occasionally. The most common brood sizes were two to four, but there was some variation from year to year. Most broods contained a runt and in years with cold wet weather in April or May it usually perished. Broods of only one were quite common, particularly later in the season, while broods of five occurred only four times.
Nearly two thirds of the young which fledged in the period 1961 -70 were ringed and 67 have subsequently been recovered (14%). Eight were reported within three miles of Gailey, 58 elsewhere in England and Wales (Fig 1) and one in Spain. The distribution of movements is fairly random in direction (Fig 2) except for a slight tendency to avoid the south-east sector—the Birmingham conurbation could be the inhibiting factor here. A third of the movements were of less than 20 miles and less than a quarter of the herons travelled more than 50 miles from Gailey (Table 2). Sur- prisingly the two longest movements within Britain were north (110 miles to Hawes, Yorkshire) and west-north-west (100 miles to Anglesey). The recovery of a heron in Spain in November of its first year is the only foreign recovery—herons bred in the north and east of Britain appear to have a greater tendency to leave the country in winter than those from the Midlands.
Two birds from the same brood have been recovered on eight occasions and there is no evidence of families staying together after fledging. Most had gone in quite different directions—typified by two recovered at almost
Table 2 Recovery Distance of Herons Ringed at Gailey Reservoir (excluding one in Spain) 1961-70
Distance {miles) 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 No of recoveries 16 8 13 9 5 6
Distance (miles) 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-99 100-109 110-119 Total No of recoveries 3 2 11 1 1 66 28
Table 3 Month and Year of Recovery and Mortality Rate of Herons Ringed at Gailey Reservoir 1961-70
Year Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1st 5 4 5 2 4 3 11 2nd — ------3rd — — — - - - - 4th 1 — — 1 — -
5th - 1 - 1 - - -
Total 6 5 5 3 5 3 11
Mort, Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Total Rate
1st 6 3 4 6 1 54 80% 2nd 1 1 1 1 2 6 46% 3rd — — 1 2 - 3 43% 4th — — - - — 2 50%
5th - — - - 2
Total 7 4 6 9 3 67
the same time 90 miles apart — indicating that random dispersal from the colony takes place.
Most of the more distant recoveries did not occur until several months after the birds had fledged. An exception was one reported in Radnor, 50 miles south west, on 2nd June, which must have fledged no more than two weeks beforehand. There is some tendency for birds to be closer to their birthplace in subsequent springs than they are in midwinter. Three birds have been recovered in the Gailey heronry during the breeding season a year or more after they had originally been ringed. However many must not return to their natal heronry to breed as instanced by recoveries of birds as far away as Radnor and Anglesey in March. Both these birds were at least two years old—herons sometimes nest even in their first year and would be in their breeding area at that time of year, since most eggs are laid by early March. Further evidence that many herons do not return to their natal colony was provided by observations from a hide at Gailey in 1969 by S C Brown. He found that only about 10% of the breeding adults carried rings, which is much lower than might 29
be expected in view of the extensive ringing of the young reared in that colony in the preceding eight years.
Herons were recovered in all months of the year with a tendency for peaks in the coldest part of the winter (December/January) and in the breeding season (March/April) (Table 3). All were recovered dead or shot (poaching goldfish or trout!). Prolonged frost, which prevents access to the main food supply, is obviously the greatest hazard to survival, but many other causes of death have been reported, including " flying into wires " and " killed by fox."
A high proportion of recoveries has occurred in the first year of life, indicating a mortality rate of 80%, exceptional for such a large bird. The mortality rate in the second, third and fourth years averaged 46%. Such high mortality rates would not support a constant population level at Gailey and it would therefore appear that there is some unknown factor tending to bias the recovery pattern by causing a disproportionate number to be recovered (or reported) in their first year.
With the advent of sailing on the pool containing the heronry at Gailey it will be interesting to see how the number of pairs present, and their breeding success, is affected. In 1970, when sailing was limited to a small scale experiment, there appeared to be no adverse effects. One can only hope that the long-term result is equally satisfactory.
C D T Minton 30
Classified Notes
The number preceding the name of each bird refers to the Check-list of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland (1952). See page 103 for key to contributors.
1 Black-throated Diver Warks One seen at Draycote from November 8th until December 6th with two in late November several observers.
4 Red-throated Diver Staffs An oiled bird present at Blithfield on November 8th, several observers.
5 Great Crested Grebe Warks Numbers recovered at Alvecote with revival of fish life. Maxi- mum 46 in mid-April and nine broods totalled 18 young GAA. 25 young were reared at Bodymoor Heath EAH and three pairs reared eight young at Olton Reservoir BSC. Maxima at other waters were:—35 at Draycote May 6th GRH JVH; 22 at Earlswood March 22nd CDPa; 15 on April 5th at Compton Verney where four broods reared RA; 17 on June 16th and 18th at Bartley DMH; and 20 at Coombe Abbey on April 9th BMCG. Worcs Maximum at Bittell where no breeding recorded was 44 on March 26th DMH and at Westwood 12 on December 12th MAB. Staffs Maximum at Blithfield was 115 on June 28th BRD; at Rudyard Lake 18 on April 18th JDMW; at Tittesworth 16 on May 9th AGF; at Westport Lake 15 on April 29th HWK; and at Belvide 51 on May 20th DS.
6 Red-necked Grebe Staffs A bird in summer plumage seen at Belvide on September 26th DD DGE
5 Slavonian Grebe Warks One at Draycote on November 11th RPW and 14th GRH JVH. Worcs One stayed at Westwood from February 3rd until May 3rd CPB and one present from December 12th to 19th MAB CPB KID TAW. Staffs The 1969 bird was seen at Blithfield up to January 4th many observers. Single birds noted at Westport Lake from January 28th to February 4th HWK and at Cannock Reservoir on December 19th DGE and 20th DS. 31
8 Black-necked Grebe Warks A bird seen at Bodymoor Heath on June 14th and 21st EAH HTL and at Hams Hall on August 15th EAH. One at Leamington Spa Reservoir on January 15th EJB, November 12th EEG and December 27th EJB. Worcs One present at Bittell on April 29th MAB KGC AFJ and May 3rd DMH. Staffs The 1969 bird noted at Belvide on various dates up to January 31st and one seen on September 19th DS MW and 20th PKD. Single birds present at Blithfield from October 17th TWF JL to the 25th ESC ARD BRD MJI and on November 25th PDH; at Cannock Reservoir on September 15th and 23rd RAH; and at Gailey on October 8th and 9th PCT.
9 Little Grebe Warks Maximum at Alvecote where three or four pairs bred was 35 on January 31st GAA. Maxima at other waters was 19 at Draycote October 18th RBr; 17 at Shustoke on September 24th BLK; and 50 at Bodymoor Heath on October 10th HTL and 11th EAM. Worcs Said to be becoming more frequent in West Hagley area LRB. Maximum at Bittell was 19 on August 24th KGC. Staffs The most seen at Blithfield was 36 on August 23rd DS. Up to six on the river at Stafford during winter GS. 17 present on Bridgtown subsidence pools where bred DGE.
12 Leach's Petrel Staffs One seen at Blithfield on October 4th -4S EHu.
14 Storm-Petrel Warks A bird picked up alive on the evening of July 16th at Kings Norton, Birmingham per DMH. One at Coombe Abbey on September 13th was captured and eaten by a Lesser Black-backed Gull CHP.
16 Manx Shearwater Worcs A bird found in Malvern area after September gales CMH.
27 Gannet Warks An exhausted bird picked up at Walmley on August 17th after gales DL. Worcs One found in Worcester City after September gales and was released after recovery CMH. One flew into Upton Warren in gale 32
on August 16th and left to the north-west PJR.
28 Cormorant Warks Seven seen at Shustoke on November 14th BLK. Worcs Two flew west on April 12th over Kyre where unusual MJI. Staffs The most recorded at Blithfield was 30 on October 28th BCG; at Gailey 20 on October 30th BC; and at Belvide 19 on November 27th DS. A bird seen at Gailey on March 31st ARMB and at Belvide March 21 st to April 4th DS had characteristics of southern race. 16 on October 17th and 22 on December 29th flew west- south-west over Cannock Chase PCT.
30 Heron Warks 18 pairs bred at Coombe BMCG. 11 seen at Bodymoor Heath on September 26th TPM. Worcs 10 seen at Wilden on August 25th MHB. Staffs Nests at the various heronries totalled 56 at Bagots Wood; 55 at Aqualate; 33 at Gailey; and at least 12 at Enville. The most birds seen at Blithfield was 41 on July 12th ARD BRD MJI and at Tittesworth 43 on July 29th AGF.
31 Purple Heron Warks An adult seen at Wormleighton Reservoir on April 18th was the first county record since 1956 AEMH GJMH.
38 Bittern Warks One seen at Brandon on May 2nd and 3rd BMCG.
45 Mallard Warks Maxima at various waters were 306 on November 1st at Alvecote where 18 broods totalled 98 young GAA; 200 at Bodymoor Heath on October 3rd SVB TPM; 1600 at Draycote on November 15th CHP; 800 at Coombe Abbey on January 22nd CHP. Worcs Breeds commonly in pollard willows along Avon MLJ. Most seen at Upton Warren was 200 on August 10th RM; at Bittell 450 on December 21st MAB; at Pirton 300 in December MLJ. Staffs Maxima noted were 2800 on December 19th at Belvide where 44 broods totalled 214 young DS; 1900 at Blithfield on December 13th TWF, JL; and 220 at Tittesworth on January 19th AGF.
46 Teal Warks Bred at Hams Hall EAH HTL and at Brandon where most birds 33
seen was 700 on November 29th BMCG. Maxima at Draycote was 500 on January 22nd CHP; at Alvecote 185 on December 26th GAA; and at Solihull Sewage Works 150 on March 8th JRW. Worcs The most seen at Upton Warren was 180 on November 7th MAB TAW. Staffs Nested at Aqualate FCG. Maxima seen were 680 at Blithfield on October 17th TWF JL; 360 at Belvide on December 12th DS; and 70 at Tittesworth in late January AGF.
47 Garganey Warks Four seen at Alvecote on June 20th GAA and up to three between August 13th GAA and September 6th RAH. Bred at Bodymoor Heath where up to eight noted between July 19th HTL and Octo- ber 3rd SVB TPM. One seen at Hams Hall on March 28th HTL and five on August 15th EAH. At Brandon two occurred between April 12th and June 20th and up to seven August 2nd to Septem- ber 26th BMCG. Worcs Up to four noted at Upton Warren between July 16th AFJ and October 10th MAB and up to three at Bittell from August 9th AFJ to September 6th DMH. Two seen at Wilden on August 30th and September 9th RM. Staffs Seen at Blithfield between July 22nd ARMB and August 27th JL with seven on August 5th BRD. Four at Belvide on March 21 st SS. one or two from May 6th to June 9th DS and single birds between August 1st DS and September 10th ARMB. One seen at Four Ashes on July 26th DS MW and at Gailey one on July 27th and three on August 24th BCG.
49 Gadwall Warks Up to three seen on a few dates in autumn and winter months at Arbury RH MS, Middleton GAA, Bodymoor Heath ML TPM, Sutton Park RFo GEL, Brandon BMCG, Alvecote AECo RGH, Coombe Abbey CHP and Hams Hall HTL. Worcs At Upton Warren two1 present on April 16th AFJ, up to three June 6th RM to 13th MAB and one or two August 15th RM to September 5th MAB. One or two seen at Bittell between September 8th and November 7th MJI. Two noted at West- wood on May 2nd EGP and December 5th SW/. Staffs One or two seen at Blithfield between March 15th BCG and April 19th ARMB and up to three on several dates from August 12th BCG to December 27th ARD BRD with seven on August 34
30th BCG. Bred successfully at Belvide, five ducklings being seen on July 4th DS the first established breeding record for the county. Small numbers present throughout most of the year with a maximum of six on May 3rd ARD, BRD. Three seen at White Sitch on March 27th and two on November 6th JL.
50 Wigeon Warks Maximum numbers reported were 1000 at Draycote on February 15th CHP; 200 at Brandon on January 21st and February 15th BMCG; and 300 at Bodymoor Heath on February 23rd SVB TPM. Worcs 100 present at Bittell on December 26th MAB and at Westwood on the 28th MLJ. Staffs The most recorded at Blithfield, where a bird present throughout the summer, was 1200 on January 17th TWF JL LS; at Belvide, where bird present on June 20th, 350 on January 4th DS; and at Knighton Reservoir 150 on April 4th NRW.
52 Pintail Warks Present at Draycote on dates between January 22nd and April 11 th with a maximum of 20 on February 7th CHP and up to four in November and December RBr. Up to four noted at Bodymoor Heath from January 25th to March 29th EAH and again on a few dates from October 3rd SVB to December 29th TPM with six on October 18th EAH. One or two seen occasionally in winter months at Middleton GAA, Earlswood EH, Brandon BMCG and Alvecote where three occurred on the unusual date of August 11 th GAA. Worcs Up to four recorded at Upton Warren between January 1st MAB and March 10th TA W with 12 on January 30th TAW. One seen at Westwood on January 4th CPB. Staffs Fewer than usual at Blithfield with three or four during January and February, apart from seven on February 15th TWF JL LS and one or two again between October 18th ESC PDH GS and November 28th IJD. Seen at Belvide between January 2nd DS and 25th ARMB, with nine on the 18th ARMB, MAB, and small numbers between October 3rd DS and December 20th GS apart from nine on December 12th DS. Two present at Clay Mills on January 17th ESC and two at Branston on the 13th TC.
53 Shoveler Warks 143 present at Coombe Abbey on October 18th CHP\ 62 at 35
Alvecote on August 29th GAA; and 60 at Bodymoor Heath on September 8th, SVB, TPM and 30th EAH. Believed to have bred at Hams Hall HTL. Worcs 40 seen at Upton Warren on September 26th MAB TAW. Staffs The most seen at Belvide, where eight broods totalled 44 young, was 140 on November 7th DS. The maximum at Blithfield, where numbers were below normal, was 50 on October 4th ARMB. Probably bred at Swinfen MJA.
55 Scaup One seem at Brandon on January 11th BMCG. Up to five seen at Leamington Spa between January 1st and February 21st Warks EJB RG SG. Up to three noted at Cannock Reservoir from December 29th RAH to the 31st ARMB DD RAH. A drake seen at Belvide from Staffs January 25th WDM to February 4th BCG.
56 Tufted Duck Warks The maximum at Alvecote, where 1 5 broods totalled 60 young, was 185 on February 7th GAA and at Bodymoor Heath, where 13 broods totalled 94 young EAH, 200 on December 29th SVB TPM. At Packington five broods totalled 15 young KS and at Hams Hall 10 broods totalled 53 young EAH. Also bred at Middleton GAA, Shustoke BLK, Long Itchington MA, New Waters, Chesterton Mill OLL, TWL, Brandon BMCG and Coombe Abbey CHP. The most seen at Draycote, where bred, was 550 on November 15th CHP and at Bartley 140 on January 4th RM. Worcs 160 on December 12th TAW was the maximum at Westwood. At Upton Warren four broods totalled 20 young MAB TAW. Staffs Maximum numbers reported were 228 on January 6th at Cannock Reservoir RAH; at Blithfield, where bred, 300 in March and December BRD TWF JL; at Belvide, where 24 broods totalled 123 young, 223 on December 19th DS; and at Gailey 280 on August 18th ARD. Bred at Brocton Gravel Pits GS and at Bridgtown subsidence pools DD DGE PCT.
57 Pochard Warks The maximum at Alvecote where five broods totalled 12 young was 330 in February and March GAA. Bred at Kingston Manor Pool LB and Long Itchington MA. 500 on February 15th CHP was the most seen at Draycote; at Bodymoor Heath 200 in mid-February SVB EAH TPM; at Coombe Abbey 180 on January 36
18th CHP; and at Brandon 95 on March 20th BMCG. Worcs The most reported from Westwood was 166 on December 12th CPB and at Upton Warren 85 on January 25th MAB. Staffs Highest numbers recorded were 275 at Blithfield on November 14th TWF JL; 225 at Belvide on October 17th MAB; and 100 at Gailey on October 8th BCG.
Ruddy Duck Warks No records received. Worcs Single birds, once two, seen at Upton Warren from August 11th MAB to September 19th PJR, at Pirton on August 18th CMH MLJ and at Westwood on November 8th and 14th CPB. Staffs The maximum seen at Blithfield was 15 on January 4th ARD, BRD and February 15th TWF JL LS and at Belvide six on Novem- ber 7th DS. Single birds reported at Cannock Reservoir on January 6th RAH; at Betley on April 26th JFB; and at Gailey on May 21st PCT. Three seen at Copmere on March 21st RAH and 22nd NRW and four on April 14th NRW.
60 Golden-Eye Warks Single birds at several waters outside summer months. The most reported at Bodymoor Heath was 26 on April 5th EAH; at Dray- cote 20 on November 7th RBr; and at Bartley six on October 22nd DMH. Worcs Eight noted at Westwood on December 12th CPB SW. Staffs Maximum numbers at various waters were: 78 on December 19th DS at Belvide where two birds present in summer BR; 44 at Blithfield on March 29th ARMB; 30 at Cannock Reservoir on December 13th BC, GS; 24 at Gailey on March 31st ARMB; seven at Chillington FCG; and six at Tittesworth AGF on April 11th.
61 Long-tailed Duck Warks A bird present at Draycote on November 25th EEG. Worcs Single birds seen at Bittell on January 5th KGC and at Westwood on December 12th CPB. Staffs Last year's bird was still present at Blithfield up to January 4th several observers.
62 Velvet Scoter Warks One at Draycote on February 7th CHP. 37
64 Common Scoter Warks A duck seen at Perry Park, Birmingham, on August 2nd and 3rd GEL. Worcs Single birds present at Westwood on February 28th, November 7th CPB and December 12th MAB CPB KID SW and at Bittell on November 14th TAW and 15th KGC MAB MH. Staffs At Belvide three seen on July 25th DS MW and on August 20th two parties totalling 30 birds reported DS. Single drakes seen at Blithfield on October 3rd JL and at Cannock Reservoir on the 19th DGE.
69 Red-breasted Merganser Warks One occurred at Draycote on October 4th JD JL. Staffs Single birds present at Cannock Reservoir on February 28th DD KH, Tittesworth on April 18th AGF and Belvide on November 25th CR.
70 Goosander Warks The most reported at Draycote was 11 on December 14th RBr and at Bodymoor Heath five on December 29th ML TPM. One or two noted at Earlswood EH, Sutton Park KS, Compton Verney RA and Alvecote GAA. Worcs 13 seen at Bittell on April 12th EC and five at Pirton on December 27th CMH. One present at Westwood on December 22nd CPB. Staffs The most counted at Blithfield, where a duck remained throughout the summer, was 74 on February 15th TWF JL LS; at Belvide 48 on January 24th DS MW; at Tittesworth 22 on February 8th AGF; at Copmere 21 on March 22nd RAH; at Hanch Reservoir 21 on January 18th MJA; and at Branston six on February 1st AECo RGH. Up to three seen at Stretton DS, Yoxall—river Trent RAH, Kings Bromley MJA, Teddesley GWW and Cannock Reservoir DD.
71 Smew Worcs A drake seen at Bittell from December 29th MAB TAW to 31st KGC MCC MF DMT.
73 Sheld-Duck More records than usual. Birds on passage reported in all months except June and July and only one record in November, most being in April followed by March, December and January. Warks Nested at Hams Hall where six ducklings seen on June 27th— 38
a first record for the county EAH HTL. Noted at Brandon in January, April and December with eight on January 1st BMCG; at Bodymoor Heath in March, April, May and September with nine on May 17th EAH HTL; and one or two at Alvecote in January, April, May, August and September GAA. One seen at Packington on January 25th BLK; two at Draycote on March 15th CHP and December 10th RPW and eight on May 9th RBr; seven at Bartley on December 26th AWH; and one at Warwick Park on January 18th OLL, TWL. Worcs Present at Upton Warren on dates in January, March, April, May, September, October and November with eight on May 4th AFJ . and 12 on the 17th RM. At Westwood five seen on April 18th CPB and one on December 12th CPB MAB TAW; at Bittell single birds on March 6th MAB KGC and February 24th DMH; and at Wilden one on January 18th and September 9th RM. Staffs Up to four present at Belvide between January 4th DS MW and May 4th DD and up to five between September 4th PCT and December 30th ARP CWP. Up to four seen at Blithfield in late March and late August several observers followed by three on October 11th ARD BRD MJI and one on December 20th JL. Records of up to four birds, mainly in April, from Tittesworth AGF, Betley JFB, Gailey BCG. PCT, Berry Hill HWK, Westport HWK, Knighton ARP CWP NRW, Copmere NRW and Cannock Reservoir DD. 75 Grey Lag-Goose Not possible to separate records of feral and non-feral birds. Small numbers at many waters. Warks Bred at Packington where maximum birds seen was 20 on August 16th KS. Up to 19 seen at Bodymoor Heath in August and September EAH. Worcs Flock of about seven birds seen at Pirton throughout the year MLJ.
76 White-fronted Goose Warks At Draycote eight from January 17th to 24th RBr, 17 on February 7th CHP and 29 on December 16th RPW. About 75 flew in to Bartley Reservoir from the west on January 21st DMH and 47 flew low over Long Itchington on November 7th CHP. One seen at Alvecote on February 8th GAA and two at Bodymoor Heath on December 26th EAH. Worcs 28 flew over Bittell on December 13th AFJ. Seven seen at Westwood on December 17th KID and one at Upton Warren 39
between December 20th and 31st TAW. Staffs At Belvide two present on January 2nd, 80 on the 10th and then up to 47 between the 17th and March 7th DS. Three seen at Blithfield on January 17th TWF JL LS.
78 Pink-footed Goose Staffs 25 flew south over Belvide on January 18th ARMB. One seen at Blithfield on February 14th BCG.
75/78 Grey Geese Warks 150 seen flying over Shirley on December 27th TPM and 75 to the north-east at Leamington Spa on January 22nd EJB. Staffs 170 flew north-east at Yoxall on February 15th BCG.
[79 Snow-Goose. All records probably ' escapes ' Worcs One at Bittell with Canada Geese on February 17th and 18th KGC MP.
Staffs A bird at Belvide on May 9th ARMB DS.]
80 Brent Goose Warks Four seen at Brandon on February 3rd BMCG and three, perhaps from the same party, at Draycote on the 7th CHP. [81 Barnacle-Goose All records probably ' escapes ' Warks Single birds seen at Brenton Park, Solihull, on April 2nd RSC and at Alvecote on April 12th GAA. 11 noted in open field at Brandon on January 25th and 27th may have been wild birds BMCG. Worcs One seen at Bittell on February 27th KGC and March 7th KGC AJR. Staffs A bird present at Belvide on March 4th and 7th DS.]
82 Canada Goose Records from many waters Warks Bred at Coombe Abbey BMCG, Whitacre BLK, Packington BLK. Alvecote GAA, Sutton Coldfield CMB SVB and at Bodymoor Heath where the maximum flock was 450 on September 2nd EAH. 162 reported at Solihull on September 17th RSC. Only one record of a bird at Draycote—one on February 21st RBr. Worcs Bred at Croome Park MLJ and Upton Warren MAB. The most seen at Bittell was 94 on February 16th MAB. 40
Staffs Bred at Tittesworth AGF, Kings Bromley BCG and Belvide, where the maximum reported was 350 on September 6th PCT. 120 seen at Gailey on June 29th PCT, 100 at Hatherton Hall on August 1st DD and 106 at Blithfield on November 14th TWF JL.
Egyptian Goose Warks One seen at Packington during second half of August KS and at Bodymoor Heath from September 23rd to October 4th EAH. [Species now added to British List—Ed.]
84 Mute Swan Warks The maximum at Alvecote was 120 on August 22nd GAA. Worcs A nest on the Avon near Pershore had the large clutch of 11 MLJ. Staffs The most seen at Blithfield was 54 on June 28th GS and at Cannock Reservoir 60 on September 3rd RAH.
85 Whooper-Swan Warks Six reported at Brandon on December 23rd BMCG. Worcs Five seen at Upton Warren on November 6th AFJ. Staffs A bird present at Blithfield on January 3rd MAB and 4th several observers.
86 Bewick's Swan More widely dispersed records than usual Warks Two or three seen at Draycote between January 17th CHP and March 15th RBr AJR and up to 10 from November 8th JL to December 31 st RBr with 14 on December 29th GRHJVH. Up to four on a few dates at Alvecote between January 11th and March 1st and up to 13 from November 29th to end of year with 30 in flight on December 28th GAA. At Bartley three seen on March 5th AH and two on November 18th DD HGG; nine at Blackdown Mill on January 20th EJB; in Sutton Park seven on March 5th EMR; at West Heath, Birmingham, 30 going north-east on November 7th PKD; at Preston Bagot flocks of 32 and 53 in flight on the same date; at Bodymoor Heath five on December 24th EAH; at Ullenhall five on December 26th PJR; at Hands- worth Wood, Birmingham, 27 flying west on December 27th BAD; and at Brandon 21 on December 28th BMCG. Worcs Four seen at Upton Warren on January 3rd GEm; 15 near Ecking- ton on the 18th CMH; one at Pirton Pool on October 18th SW; and at Westwood four on December 3rd CPB and one on the 17th KID. 41
Staffs Up to five at Blithfield between January 3rd DS and March 22nd ARD BRD KAW with 11 on February 14th BCG and up to 11 between November 8th and December 27th with 13 on the last date many observers. Seen at Belvide, up to seven, between November 9th BC and December 28th apart from 32 on the last date DS. Up to four occurred at Tittesworth from January 2nd DLB to April 4th AGF and six between November 2nd DLB and December 27th AGF. Nine seen at Gailey on January 18th MAB; two at Penkridge on February 22nd GWW; three at Endon Floods on March 15th HWK; two at Yoxall on April 5th BCG; 19 at Rickerscote on March 15th, nine on December 6th and one on the 7th FCG; two at Bridgtown on November 28th PCT; two at Longsdon on December 26th JCS; and one at Cannock Reservoir on the 31st DD RAH.
91 Buzzard Various autumn and spring sightings with fewest from Warwick- shire. Summer and late spring records as below Worcs One at Sweet Green on May 3rd, two at Kyre on May 3rd and three at Kyrebatch Wood on June 14th MJI. Staffs One seen at Forton on June 19th GBe.
93 Sparrow-Hawk Many sightings in all months with emphasis on the autumn. Few breeding season reports from Warwickshire but many from Staffordshire Warks Breeding season sightings from Leamington Spa EJB. Worcs Breeding season reports from Sheriffs Lench TCS, Bredon Hill AWC MLJ, Wyre Forest BRD, Erdiston MJI and Castlemorton Common DIN. Staffs Breeding season reports from Enville AFJ, Loynton Moss FCG, near Wolverhampton DS, Cannock Chase RAH FEP, Goldsitch Moss FCG, Longsdon AGF, Dane Valley AGF, Blackbrook Valley AFJ, Wolfescote Dale JDMW, Draycott-le-Moors AKP. Two pairs bred near Wheaton Aston per FCG.
100 Hen-Harrier Worcs A cock bird seen on Malvern Hills on April 17th DIN. Staffs One present on north Staffordshire moors from January to March FCG AFJ and again on October 18th AGF.
103 Osprey. More occurrences than usual 42
Warks A bird visited Draycote between August 24th GRH JVH and 31st RBr. One seen at Brandon on April 11th BMCG. Worcs One seen at Kyre Pool on April 12th MJI. Staffs Seen at Blithfield—once two birds—on dates between July 26th several observers and August 16th BC.
104 Hobby Warks One or two seen at Draycote on July 31st per RBr, August 15th and 20th JL and at Leamington Spa on April 17th, August 2nd, August 28th and September 3rd EJB. One or two, once three, seen at Swallow roost at Brandon from September 2nd to 27th BMCG. Single birds noted at llmington on May 11th DM, Hurley on August 24th EAH and Alvecote on August 28th, 29th and September 4th GAA. Worcs One seen at Goosehill Wood on June 3rd AFJ and at Droitwich on the 13th CPB. Single birds seen at Upton Warren on May 10th MAB, August 6th DIN, September 5th MAB PKD TAW, September 9th RM and October 3rd EGP; at Pixham Ferry on August 18th DIN; and at Sheriffs Lench on August 28th TCS. Staffs A bird reported at Belvide on July 11th DS.
105 Peregrine Falcon Staffs A bird noted at Coven Heath on January 21st and at Coven on October 19th DS.
107 Merlin Warks One seen at Bodymoor Heath on October 24th SVB, ML TPM. Staffs Single birds reported at Teddesley Park on January 4th AJD; Fradley on November 12th AJD; Blithfield on November 28th IJD; Brownhills on October 29th GWW.
110 Kestrel. No changes in distribution or status reported Warks More in evidence in Tamworth area from October to end of year WJA. Seven pairs bred in Tame Valley/Hams Hall/Drayton Bassett area EAH.
111 Red Grouse Staffs Well established on north Staffordshire moors.
113 Black Grouse Staffs Reported as present during breeding season at the following localities on north Staffordshire moors:—Gun Hill, Dane Valley, 43
Blackbrook Valley, Elkstones, Swallow Moss, Morridge, Swine- holes Wood AGF and Back Forest DWY.
115 Red-legged Partridge Records from all three counties Warks Two pairs at Packington Gravel Pit reared at least 16 young BLK. Coveys totalling about 35 seen at Draycote on November 14th GFtHJVH and of 13 at Brandon on August 31st BMCG. Worcs Said to outnumber Grey Partridge by three to one in Malvern area DIN. Noted as being often found in marshy areas near the Avon MLJ. 14 seen at Hartlebury on October 30th SFLE. Staffs Broods totalling 29 seen in Hurley/Woodend area EAH.
116 Partridge More plentiful this year. Warks Good breeding season reported from Brandon BMCG and Wood- end/Dordon area EAH. Largest coveys seen were 24 at Draycote on September 2nd GRH JVH and 22 on November 21st JL. More seen in Henley-in-Arden/Stratford-upon-Avon area than usual RLS. Worcs More seen around Pershore than in recent years AWC MLJ. Staffs Largest coveys reported were 28 near Essington in March DS, 20 at Haughton on July 29th EO, 21 at Blithfield on September 13th MJI and 21 in Pelsall/Clayhanger area on November 21st DGE.
117 Quail Many records. Birds seen or heard as follows : Warks Sutton-under-Brailes on June 5th and 10th ARL; Lower Brailes June 10th ARL; four at Leamington June 16th EJB; Offchurch June 19th EJB; Hunningham, Fosse Farm and Ufton Fields on June 25th EJB; Marton near Rugby in June and July GRo; Frankton in August GRo; Brandon on August 9th BMCG; and Gaydon on September 1st RAC. Worcs Hadley, at least two, from May 1st to August 15th WJL; Pixham Ferry on May 17th JH; Chaddesley Corbett from May 22nd to 24th FF; Eckington on June 1st GHG; Upper Ham June 6th ARMB; Droitwich on June 4th ARMB; Peopleton on July 2nd GHG; Westwood on July 21st CPR; Stourbridge on August 2nd CMH; from two areas around Tardebigge KGC MFJRH; Defford on August 21st MLJ; Clifton-on-Teme October 4th RHM. Three heard calling at Clent from June 14th and nest with seven 44
eggs found destroyed on August 10th CAN. At least 15 were present near Pershore where two broods seen and eight birds were calling from one four acre field of barley on August 12th MLJ. Staffs Draycott-le-Moors on May 17th and June 4th AKP; in May and June near Tamworth per GAA; at Blithfield on June 7th and 9th GS; Hamstall Ridware June 6th to 11th LYT; Pattingham on June 12th PKD; Shenstone from June 27th to July 5th ARMB; Whittington Sewage Farm in late July KEM; and at Belvide on September 11th BC.
118 Pheasant Warks Wild birds still present in Sutton Park ARMB. Worcs Five on January 25th at Upton Warren where unusual RM.
120 Water-Rail Frequent reports outside breeding season Warks Two broods reared at Brandon BMCG where birds recorded throughout the year BMCG. Heard at Edgbaston Park Lake on May 30th TPM, at Arbury during June MS and called regularly at Bracebridge Pool, Sutton Park, throughout April LS. Worcs Up to six outside breeding season noted at Upton Warren AFJ and at Westwood KID. Thought to have bred at Wilden RM. Staffs Heard at Belvide in breeding season BRD and at Loynton Moss on April 5th FCG. Five present in small marsh at Baggeridge Wood on March 26th DS SS MW.
121 Spotted Crake Warks Present at Brandon between August 31st and September 13th BMCG.
125 Corncrake Worcs One heard near Tardebigge on June 8th JRH. Staffs A bird called at Rickerscote in early morning of May 9th FCG.
126 Moorhen Staffs Said to have increased around Wednesfield with decreased traffic on canals and cleaner water DS.
127 Coot Warks Winter numbers reduced in Tame Valley area EAH. Largest numbers were 815 at Alvecote on October 25th and 31st GAA; 45
600 at Draycote on January 4th RBr; 380 at Shustoke on October 15th BLK; 225 at Seeswood on March 15th MS. Worcs The most reported was 274 at Upton Warren on September 7th TAW and 150 at Bittell during September MAB. Staffs Highest numbers were 700 at Copmere on October 11th NRW; 550 at Blithfield on February 15th TWF JL LS; 420 at Belvide on June 27th DS; 200 at Cannock Reservoir on January 10th JL; 140 at Westport Lake on November 15th HWK; 140 at Hatherton Pool on December 8th GWW; and 120 at Swinfen on January 4th MJA.
131 Oystercatcher Warks Two seen at Draycote on April 6th RPW and one at Brandon on May 7th, 24th and August 21st BMCG. Worcs A bird present at Upton Warren on August 7th MAB and 12th TAW and at Bittell three on May 11th MAB and one on July 26th AFJ and August 18th KGC MF. Staffs Bred in north-east of the county, the first record for Staffordshire. At Blithfield single birds noted on March 22nd AEC ARD BRD and 29th ARMB and one, once two, on a few dates between July 26th and October 25th ARD BRD MJI. At Belvide two present on March 21st several observers and single birds between July 26th ARMB and August 12th PKD with three on the 17th DS. Single birds reported at Clayhanger on January 17th DD; West- port on May 25th JFB; near Four Ashes on July 26th AJD DS MW; and at Cannock Reservoir on September 19th DGE.
133 Lapwing Weather movement noted on January 6th to west and south- west in Warwickshire, Kings Heath, Birmingham JDMW; Worcestershire, Stourbridge GEm and Staffordshire, Cannock Reservoir RAH. Warks Largest numbers were 1200 at Long Itchington on November 24th DS; 1000 at Bodymoor Heath on November 28th EAH, Alvecote on March 8th GAA MAA and Minworth on November 12th DS; and 900 at Wormleighton on December 11th DS. Worcs Most reported was 1500 at Peopleton on December 6th MLJ; 800 at Upton Warren on December 27th TAW; and 600 at Hewell Grange on February 24th JRH and Bittell on December 6th TAW. High breeding population reported on south side of Bredon Hill and at Defford Aerodrome MLJ. Staffs Largest number at Belvide was about 5000 moving north-east on 46
March 11th DS; at Blithfield 1500 from late September to early December several observers; 1000 at Pipe Ridware on August 26th RAH, at Rickerscote on August 22nd FCG and at Haughton on January 23rd EO. Breeding commonly on and around north Staffordshire moors FCG.
134 Ringed Plover Warks At Alvecote one seen on March 8th and up to three from May 17th to June 6th and one or two from August 29th to September 19th GAA. At Bodymoor Heath up to seven present between April 2nd HTL and June 14th EAH HTL and up to eight between August 10th EAH and September 26th SVB TPM. Usually up to four seen at Draycote between March 22nd and May 26th apart from 20 on May 11 th EAE and two or three between September 9th and 13th RBr. At Packington Gravel Pits up to seven seen from April 16th to May 14th and one or two on September 2nd and 3rd BLK. Nine present at Brandon on April 16th BMCG and one at Hams Hall on August 24th EAH. Worcs Up to seven occurred at Upton Warren between April 10th KGC MF and June 12th AFJ and usually up to three from July 5th PKD until September 23rd TAW apart from 11 on September 8th RM. Four seen at Bittell on January 18th DMH, up to eight between May 4th KGC and June 7th RM and then up to four from July 14th KGC until August 30th BBD. At Wilden one seen on May 26th and up to three from July 11th to September 12th MHB. Staffs At Blithfield one seen on May 24th ESC was the only spring record. Up to seven noted from July 12th several observers to beginning of August when numbers of over 100 present from mid-August to beginning of September with 166 on August 23rd DS, then decreasing to three on October 17th TWF JL and a last bird on November 1st ESC ARD BRD MJI. At Belvide two seen on April 18th MW and up to 20 throughout May and early June with 36 on May 11th DS. Autumn passage noted from June 27th until October 19th DS with peak numbers of 50 on August 20th and 23rd AECo RGH. Seen at Cannock Reservoir, up to five, from August 15th RAH to October 3rd DD JL. Six at Tittesworth on May 23rd and single birds on July 20th and August 22nd AGF and one at Westport on August 29th HWK.
135 Little Ringed Plover Warks Up to five recorded between April 19th and August 29th at 47
Draycote where a pair bred RBr. Four pairs bred at Bodymoor Heath HTL, three pairs at Hams Hall HTL, three pairs at Brandon BMCG, probably three pairs at Packington Gravel Pits, one at Coleshill BLK and at Nuneaton MS. At Alvecote one or two birds seen on various dates with up to five between July 5th and August 18th GAA. Two seen at Middleton on August 30th and 31 st EAH. Worcs The first breeding record for Worcestershire arrived at last, a nest being seen at Bittell on July 10th KGC MF and birds present between June 3rd and August 13th MAB, with six on July 23rd KGC MF. At Wilden one or two noted on July 19th RM and from September 6th RM to 12th MHB. Up to three present at Upton Warren between March 25th KGC and June 3rd AJF and again from July 6th to August 6th AFJ. Staffs Two pairs bred at Clay Mills ESC. At Blithfield birds noted from June 28th ESC BRD GS to September 8th BCG GIG the peak numbers being in late July and early August with 21 on July 26th ARD BRD. Single birds seen at Belvide from April 4th DS to June 21st BRD apart from four on May 2nd MW and again from July 10th PCT until August 29th LFD with a peak of seven in early August several observers. Up to three seen at Bridgtown subsidence pools between May 2nd and July 19th DGE. Three reported at Shenstone on April 13th AJD; two at Essington on April 14th and 19th DS; four at Branston on April 26th AECo RGH; one at Huddlesford on April 28th AJD; and one at Tittesworth on July 20th AGF.
136 Kentish Plover Staffs One seen at Blithfield from September 11th TC to 16th ESC GRM JVH. Pale brown mantle, smaller size than Ringed Plover, brown marks on sides of white breast, short wing-bar, dark legs and Stint-like call noted.
139 Grey Plover Warks One seen at Bodymoor Heath on May 3rd EAH and two at Hams Hall on May 10th EAH HTL. Staffs At Blithfield a bird present from October 3rd AECo RGH RJJ to 5th MJI, two on November 1st and 8th, and one on the 22nd many observers. Single birds seen at Belvide on April 11th MW and May 15th DS and at Tittesworth on October 3rd MWK and 4th AGF. 48
140 Golden Plover INarks 100 present at Bodymoor Heath on October 24th SVB TPM and 500 at Middleton on November 28th EAH. Worcs 60 at Naunton on February 8th DIN. Staffs At least five pairs on north Staffordshire moors in breeding season FCG. Largest numbers reported were 450 on January 18th GAA at Drayton Bassett where some on March 29th showed characteristics of northern race JL; 380 at Essington on April 23rd DS, most being of northern race DS; 250 at Pillaton on March 15th PT; 250 at Weston Coyney on March 24th PAB; 106 at Fradley on March 25th BCG; 300 at Alrewas on November 7th ESC; 800 at Penkridge on November 28th BC; and 100 at Werrington on October 4th HWK and December 22nd PAB.
143 Turnstone Warks One at Hobs Moat, Solihull, on April 26th PDH; four at Draycote on May 11th EAE EEG and one on September 12th GRH JVH CHP and 13th JL; and one at Alvecote on August 5th GAA. Worcs Two seen at Upton Warren on July 26th RM. Staffs One or two, once three, reported at Blithfield from July 26th ESC ARD BRD MJI to September 27th ARMB. At Belvide one seen from May 11th ARMB DS to 16th AFJ EGP MW and one or two between July 24th PCT and September 7th DD. Single birds seen at Cannock Reservoir on a few dates between August 15th and September 11th RAH.
145 Common Snipe Largest concentrations reported were :— Warks 50 on February 7th at Alvecote where three or four pairs bred GAA; 90 at Solihull Sewage Works on February 14th JRW; 60 at Hams Hall on November 26th EAH; 50 at Yardley Sewage Farm on April 6th HTL. Worcs 100 seen on September 15th at Wilden where bred RM; 70 at Upton Warren on March 29th RM; and 50 at Eckington on March 8th CMH. Staffs Bred on north Staffordshire moors FCG, Fulford AKP, Landywood DS and Belvide DS. Largest numbers recorded were 260 at Whittington Sewage Farm on January 18th DS; 300 at Doxey Marshes, Stafford, on November 15th BC : 130 near Four Ashes on November 22nd DS; 80 at Blithfield on October 11th BRD PDH MJI. 49
147 Jack Snipe Small numbers at many localities Warks Six reported at Bodymoor Heath on February 8th EAH. Worcs Up to four seen at Upton Warren AFJ. Staffs 12 reported on March 3rd at Ford Green and at Chell Heath HWK TS. A bird at Belvide on April 12th gave an unusual throbbing song whilst diving DS and a report of one at Blithfield on November 15th BRD on open ground was unusual.
148 Woodcock Birds seen during the breeding season, often in roding flight, reported from the following localities Warks Austy Wood—three birds DMT, Packington BLK, Haywood GRH JVH, Hams Hall HTL. Worcs Powick JMH, Wyre Forest MAB TAW, Wassell Wood RM, Goosehill Wood RM. Staffs Sherbrook Valley, Cannock Chase—four or five birds ARMB, Weeford MJA, Hopwas MJA, Brereton Hayes MJA, Back Hills Wood—four birds AGF, Loynton Moss—two or three birds FCG, Hanchurch HWK, Leigh AKP, Kinver EGP, Checkhill EGP, Prestwood EGP, Enville RM.
150 Curlew Passage birds frequent. No changes in breeding distribution reported Warks. Only winter record reported was one on February 22nd at Alvecote GAA. Worcs Six present on February 23rd RM at Upton Warren where the most seen was 25 on March 20th DIN. Staffs The maximum numbers in the flock at Whittington Sewage Farm was 165 on August 9th DS MW and in winter 116 seen on January 18th DS. Winter records were eight at Kingswinford on January 18th FCG and 22 at Blithfield on November 1st PCT. Other maximum numbers reported were 46 at Endon Floods on March 17th HWK; 75 at Tittesworth on March 19th DLB; and 17 at Cannock Reservoir on August 24th RAH.
151 Whimbrel Warks Single birds occurred at Packington on May 20th BLK and at Alvecote on September 26th DEJ GELo. Worcs One at Upton Warren on April 30th TAW and May 10th AFJ and two on May 3rd MAB TAW. Single birds noted at Westwood 50
on April 18th CPB and at Redditch on the 19th KGC. Staffs Two seen at Blithfield on May 3rd ARD BRD and then one or two between July 26th ESC ARD BRD MJI to September 8th BCG GIG. One or two present at Belvide between May 11th and June 1st DS and then between August 7th GIG and September 15th DS apart from a flock of 37 moving south-west on August 10th DS MW. One heard at Morridge on May 2nd FCG.
154 Black-tailed Godwit Warks One seen at Brandon on April 11th and 14th BMCG and three at Bodymoor Heath on August 26th EAH. Staffs Single birds seen at Belvide on April 20th PKD, May 17th ARD BRD and two on July 31st JL. Three present at Rickerscote on May 5th FCG and one at Blithfield on August 9th BBD.
155 Bar-tailed Godwit Warks Three seen at Bodymoor Heath on August 23rd EAH and five on the 30th EAH HTL. Worcs One noted at Upton Warren on October 27th MAB TAW. Staffs One or two reported at Blithfield on dates between August 24th BCG and September 29th ARMB. A bird present at Cannock Reservoir on September 8th RAH and from the 23rd RAH to 27th DGE.
156 Green Sandpiper Records from many waters, mainly in the autumn. Warks Winter records from Solihull on February 14th JRW and on January 11th JL at Draycote, where maximum seen was five on August 31st GRH JVH. Several winter records from Packington BKL KS; Tame Valley HTL, with 10 at Middleton on September 2nd HTL; and Brandon, where maximum seen was 12 on August 8th BMCG. Worcs Seen in winter at Upton Warren AFJ and at Wilden, where most seen was eight on September 11th RM. Two wintered at Caun- sall as in previous years CAN. Staffs Winter reports were one at Hopwas on January 25th GAA and singles on February 28th AFJ and December 5th PCT at Belvide, where maximum was 10 on August 17th BC. The most occur- ring at Blithfield was eight on August 2nd BRD.
157 Wood-Sandpiper Warks One, once two, present at Alvecote between August 24th and 51
September 10th GAA and at Bodymoor Heath on July 12th HTL and between August 10th EAH and September 8th SVB ML TPM. Single birds seen at Brandon on August 8th, 11 th and 25th BMCG ; at Hams Hall on the 11 th AECo RGH; Draycote on the 30th CHP ; Middleton on the 31st EAH ; and at Solihull Sewage Farm on October 18th RSC. Worcs One present at Bittell on June 4th KGC; one or two at Upton Warren between August 4th MAB TAW and 23rd RM, TAW; at Wilden two on August 8th RM. Staffs At Blithfield up to five present from August 5th BRD to September 8th BCG GIG. Single birds noted at Belvide on May 23rd AFJ and June 9th DS and again on a few dates between August 7th IJD GIG and 26th GIG. One seen at Great Barr on August 1st TECP.
159 Common Sandpiper Seen at many waters on spring and autumn passage. Warks The most seen at Draycote was 20 on August 25th GRH JVH. One present at Shustoke between November 20th and December 12th BLK. Worcs 1 5 on July 26th RM was the maximum seen at Wilden. Staffs About six breeding pairs located in north Staffordshire moors area FCG. One seen on May 29th along the river at Stafford GS. The most seen on passage at Blithfisld, where a bird stayed until December 19th FEP, was 50 on August 5th BCG; at Belvide 35 on July 14th DS PCT; and at Tittesworth 14 on July 17th AGF.
161 Redshank No changes reported in breeding distribution. Few winter records. Warks Winter reports were from Hams Hall HTL, where bred; on February 7th GAA at Alvecote where bred; on December 13th BLK at Shustoke; on December 29th TPM at Bodymoor Heath. The most seen at Draycote was 12 on September 9th CHP. Worcs Only winter records were from Bittell KGC DMH. Present throughout the summer at Defford Aerodrome MLJ and Eckington/ Bredon riverside meadows CMH. The most seen at Upton Warren was eight on July 6th PKD and at Wilden five on August 1 st RM. Staffs At Belvide, where seven pairs bred, the maximum was 28 on July 11th DS and winter birds noted on February 4th and 52
November 14th DS. Winter records from Blithfield on January 4th ESC ARD BRD and December 13th MJI.
162 Spotted Redshank Many more records than usual Warks One or two occurred on May 18th EAE and between August 29th GRH JVH and September 13th JL at Draycote, where a bird was seen up-ending like a duck and catching a small fish by this technique RBr. A bird seen on July 19th at Bodymoor Heath and up to eight between August 30th and October 4th EAH. One noted in Tame Valley on March 31st GAA; Packington on June 21st KS; Alvecote on August 9th GAA; Middleton on August 30th and eight on the 31st EAH HTL; Brandon on Sep- tember 13th and 14th BMCG; and five at Hams Hall on September 26th EAH. Worcs At Upton Warren one seen on August 1st RM and one or two, occasionally three, from August 28th DMT to September 27th MHB RM EGP. One occurred at Pershore on the unusual date of December 25th MLJ. Staffs Smaller numbers than usual at Blithfield where no more than one or two occurred between August 12th ESC BRD JL and October 11th /4S. At Belvide one present on April 12th DS MW, three on the 15th DS, one on July 29th GIG and one on August 3rd BC FCG. A bird seen at Branston on June 23rd TC.
165 Greenshank Warks At Alvecote single birds seen on May 3rd, 24th and June 7th and one or two between July 15th and September 24th with four on September 27th GAA. Up to six seen at Draycote between July 16th and September 27th RBr; up to eight at Bodymoor Heath between July 12th and October 7th EAH; up to four at Bartley between August 25th YMW and September 22nd DMH; and at Brandon one on May 10th and up to four between July 12th and October 11th BMCG. One seen at Hams Hall on August 24th and September 26th EAH. Worcs At Upton Warren one seen on June 3rd AFJ and up to five between July 18th MAB and September 27th TAW. At Wilden one or two between July 19th and September 12th with five on August 20th MHB. Single birds seen at Bittell from August 8th MAB to the 24th KGC and five present at Defford Aerodrome on August 21st MLJ. Staffs Occurred at Blithfield between July 12th /4S and October 18th 53
many observers with a maximum of 10 on September 20th PDH MJIKAW. At Belvide two seen on June 4th DS MW and usually one or two, once five, between August 7th GIG KS and September 30th PCT. A few noted at Branston between July 19th and September 27th TC. Small numbers in August and September at Tittesworth PAB AGF, Rickerscote FCG, Ford Green FCG HWK, Bridgtown DGE, Cannock Reservoir PRP, Doxey Marshes BC, Trentside HWK and Stretton DD.
169 Knot Warks Four seen at Draycote on September 14th EEG and nine at Leam- ington Spa meadows on February 17th EJB. Staffs One, once two, seen fairly regularly at Blithfield between July 22nd ARMB and November 8th PDH. At Belvide one present on January 31 st DS MW, four on March 4th DS and then single birds on dates between July 29th GIG and November 8th LW. A bird seen at Cannock Reservoir on January 2nd RAH and one or two between August 20th RAH and November 7th DD DGE apart from three on the last date and eight on September 22nd RAH.
171 Little Stint Warks One seen at Alvecote on September 26th, two on the 27th and 29th GAA and one on October 7th WJA. A bird occurred at Packington Gravel Pit on May 6th BLK. Worcs One or two present at Upton Warren between May 3rd MAB TAW and the 15th MHB and one between August 24th CMH MLJ and October 10th MAB. A bird seen at Bittell from Septem- ber 25th MJI to 27th MAB TAW. Staffs At Blithfield single birds reported between August 18th ARD and November 11th MJI apart from five on September 26th ARMB and seven on the 27th ESC PDH MJI. At Belvide one or two seen from May 11th ARMB DS to 15th DS, up to four from August 24th DS PCT to 28th JL PCT, and single birds from September 7th DD to October 26th PCT. One recorded at Cannock Reservoir from September 14th DGE to 18th RAH and again on October 31st DD DGE.
176 Pectoral Sandpiper More records than any previous year Warks One at Hams Hall on October 3rd HTL. Worcs One at Upton Warren from September 8th RM to 22nd DMT. Staffs Single birds seen at Belvide from August 31st DC to September 54
20th PDH and at Blithfield from September 5th AFJ to 20th MJI.
178 Dunlin Warks At Alvecote one seen on January 4th, up to six between April 18th and May 21st and up to five from July 11th to November 1st GAA. At Draycote usually up to three noted on various dates between April 15th and December 30th, the maximum being 20 on May 11th RBr. Up to five occurred at Bodymoor Heath on dates between July 16th and November 28th EAH. Seen at Packington Gravel Pit between April 16th and May 14th, with 20 on April 23rd, and three on September 23rd BLK. At Brandon one present on January 1st, one or two from March 29th to April 19th, and up to six from October 9th to November 8th BMCG. Worcs Small numbers seen at Upton Warren in all months except February and March with a maximum in spring of eight on April 22nd TA W and 23rd ARD and in autumn seven on November 12th AFJ. No spring records at Bittell but present in autumn, up to nine, from July 4th TAW to November 7th MJI. Staffs At Blithfield up to three seen from April 26th ARD BRD to June 1st ESC. Then occurred from July 5th seveal observers, with around 50 from late July to early September and a maximum of 60 on August 7th KGC; a peak of around 100 recorded on October 17th TWFJL and 25th ESC ARD BRD with numbers up to 75 persisting until the end of November and a last bird on December 27th BRD MJI. Occurred at Belvide in all months except February with small numbers usually less than 10 in spring and then a peak in late July and early August with 48 on July 29th MW. Largest autumn numbers were 53 on November 12th BC and final numbers of 16 on December 5th DS. At Cannock Reservoir single birds on January 2nd, March 23rd RAH, May 9th and June 2nd DD, up to five throughout September, 21 on October 5th RAH, and increase from mid-October with 40 on October 29th JL, 36 on December 11th DGE and up to about 30 to end of year RAH. At Tittesworth one on May 23rd and 12 on July 26th AGF.
179 Curlew-Sandpiper Warks Two or three seen at Alvecote from October 1st to 6th GAA. At Bodymoor Heath one reported on July 1st, a flock of 16 on September 8th and two on October 3rd SVB ML TPM. Single birds recorded at Draycote on May 12th per RBr and at Middleton 55
on September 20th HTL. Worcs One present at Upton Warren between September 2nd and 28th TAW. Staffs At Blithfield up to five between August 23rd many observers and November 1st ESC ARD PDH. Up to five seen at Belvide between August 23rd GS and October 4th ARMB.
181 Sanderling Warks At Draycote one seen on May 17th JL CHP and two on the 20th RBr. Worcs Two seen at Upton Warren on May 11th KGC MF. Single birds reported at Bittell on June 1st KGC, July 23rd KGC MJI and September 22nd and 27th KGC. Staffs Up to four at Belvide between May 11th ARMB DS and 27th DS MW and one on August 7th UD. At Blithfield one seen on May 24th and 15 were on the concrete embankment on the 25th feeding on insects ESC. Two noted on September 8th BCG GIG.
184 Ruff Numbers much lower than usual Warks Single birds seen at Alvecote on July 19th, Augustl 6th and September 3rd to 7th GAA. Up to three reported at Brandon between May 4th and June 4th and one from August 8th to 25th BMCG. At Solihull Sewage Works one seen on March 8th JRW; eight at Packington Gravel Pit on April 18th BLK; nine at Body- moor Heath on April 19th and seven on November 8th EAH; one at Draycote on August 24th RBr and two on November 8th JL; two at Middleton on August 30th and 31st EAH. Worcs Single birds recorded at Upton Warren on August 28th DMT and September 26th MAB PDH TAW; at Wilden from August 13th to 15th MHB and September 6th RM; and at Bittell on June 7th RM. Staffs Smaller numbers at Blithfield than usual with two or three, once five, from June 28th ESC GS until October 25th ESC. One seen at Belvide from May 20th DS MW to 23rd AFJ MW and usually up to three or four from June 20th DS until October 2nd AJD with nine on August 26th DS. One reported at Tittesworth on August 9th HWK, four at Alrewas on August 22nd ESC and one at Cannock Reservoir on September 28th RAH. 56
185 Avocet Warks One seen at Brandon on May 31st BMCG. Staffs A bird present at Blithfield on June 18th FEP.
193 Arctic Skua Staffs Dark phase birds reported at Cannock Reservoir on August 19th RAH, at Blithfield on November 1st ARD and skuas probably of this species on September 28th PCT and December 6th BCG.
195 Pomarine Skua Staffs A pale phase adult found at Belvide in exhausted condition on October 21st following north west gales DS and died later after release.
198 Greater Black-backed Gull Numbers tending to increase with rather more records than usual mainly in winter and early spring. Warks The most reported was 50 at Brandon on March 8th BMCG and 10 at Draycote on the 15th CHP. Staffs In winter and early spring up to 10 reported at Blithfield ARD BRD, up to eight at Belvide DS and up to five at Cannock Reservoir RAH.
199 Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks Records at Alvecote GAA MAA and at Bodymoor Heath TPM in all months except June and July. The most reported at Hams Hall was 2000 on September 14th HTL and at Brandon 4000 on November 29th BMCG. One or two birds of Scandinavian race identified on January 25th at Solihull TMP and at Packington Gravel Pit during autumn BLK. Now regular at Edgbaston Park in winter RLS. Staffs Maximum numbers reported at Belvide, where it was the dominant large gull from March to November, was 1150 on April 1st DS; at Blithfield 5000 on November 1st ARD BRD; and at Cannock Reservoir 1200 on October 29th JL. One or two Scandinavian race birds reported at Cannock Reservoir in January and September RAH and maximum of five at Belvide on February 11th DS.
200 Herring-Gull Warks No records from Alvecote area after mid-August in contrast with Lesser Black-backed gulls GAA MAA. 500 on November 8th BMCG was the most seen at Brandon, where an albino was seen 57
early in the year and at Draycote on February 7th CHP. Staffs The roost at Blithfield after being mainly Lesser Black-backed gulls in November and early December became predominantly Herring Gulls in late winter BRD and maximum was about 3500 on December 12th ARMB. Was the dominant large gull at Belvide from early November to early March with a maximum of 1200 on November 21st DS. 750 at Hammerwich rubbish tip in December RAH but none in September when frequented by Lesser Black-backed gulls. The most reported at Cannock Reservoir roost was about 2000 on December 26th DS.
201 Common Gull Small numbers at various localities but an increase over recent years Warks The most reported was 100 at Draycote on April 11th and November 15th CHP and 30 at Brandon on November 15th BMCG. Worcs 20 noted at Bittell roost on March 10th MAB. Staffs Up to 15 in winter roosts at Belvide where 21 moved north-east on May 11th DS. About 15 at Cannock Reservoir on January 10th DD.
202 Glaucous Gull More records than previous years Warks One seen at Draycote on April 11th CHP. Worcs Single birds, once two, reported at Bittell between March 2nd and 25th MAB. Staffs One or two seen at Blithfield between March 14th MAB and 21st ARMB AFJ and from November 1st several observers to 22nd BCG and single birds at Belvide on February 21st and 28th DS, at Branston on March 29th TC, at Cannock Reservoir on November 21st DS and at Hammerwich on December 22nd RAH.
203 Iceland Gull More reports than previous years but possibly some duplication of records at neighbouring localities. Warks One seen at Bartley on April 30th DMH. Worcs Single birds recorded at Upton Warren on March 1st RM and at Bittell from March 2nd KGC MF to 18th MAB. Staffs Single birds seen at Blithfield between March 21st ARMB and April 5th ESC ARD BRD; at Belvide on February 28th AFJ DS 58
MW, March 4th RM DS, May 1st AFJ and December 12th DS, and at Cannock Reservoir on January 3rd ARMB and 10th DD.
207 Little Gull Warks Single birds noted at Brandon from May 24th to 27th BMCG and at Bodymoor Heath on September 26th SVB TPM. Staffs One reported at Blithfield on July 26th ESC ARD BRD MJ/ and several occasions between September 27th many observers and November 20th PDH; at Belvide on May 25th ESC and 27th DS MW and on three occasions between August 8th DS MW and November 20th PDH.
208 Black-headed Gull Warks A pair attempted to breed at Brandon BMCG. Maxima reported were 1000 at Alvecote on August 28th GAA MAA, 6000 at Shustoke on November 20th BLK and 2000 at Brandon on November 22nd BMCG. Worcs Nested successfully at Wilden—a first record for the county RM. About 8000 estimated at Bittell on February 16th MAB. Staffs Birds noted taking and eating acorns at Brewood on October 12th and at Wolverhampton on the 23rd DS. Maxima reported were 22,000 at Belvide on March 4th DS, 4500 at Cannock Reservoir on same date DGE and 12,000 at Blithfield on December 12th ARMB.
211 Kittiwake Warks Up to six seen at Draycote between August 24th GRMJVH CHP and September 14th CHP and one on December 29th and 31st RBr. Staffs Single birds reported at Belvide on February 7th DD and April 12th DS MW; at Cannock Reservoir on April 5th RAH; and at Blithfield on October 4th ESC PDH.
212 Black Tern Warks Single birds seen at Alvecote from May 3rd to 12th and usually up to three August 1st to September 13th with seven on September 8th GAA. Present at Draycote up to five from May 9th RBr to 17th JL and usually around six from August 2nd JL to Sep- tember 21st CHP with a maximum of 14 on September 12th GRH JVH CHP. Up to eight occurred at Brandon from May 9th to June 4th and single birds on August 23rd and 24th BMCG. Single birds reported at Earlswood on May 10th PDH; Witton 59
Lakes, Erdington, on the 11th JCM; at Bodymoor Heath on September 8th SVB ML TPM; and at Leamington Spa on August 16th and September 6th EJB. Worcs Seen at Upton Warren from May 11th KGC MP AFJ to June 7th PKD with 15 on June 5th AFJ and then again from August 1st MAB PKD to September 30th AFJ with 10 on September 8th RM. One present at Westwood on May 12th EGP and 15th DIN, six on the 16th CPB and one or two from August 15th CMH to September 6th TAW. Six at Tardebigge Reservoir on May 11th JRH, four at Kyre Pool on the 10th MJI and up to four at Wilden between August 4th and September 12th MHB RM. Staffs At Blithfield present from May 10th ESC ARD BRD to June 7th ARD BRD with 10 on June 6th GAA and then from August 8th AFJ to October 11th ARD BRD MJI with a peak of 20 on August 16th several observers. At Belvide seen from May 3rd several observers to June 7th ARD BRD with 15 on June 6th BRD EMR DS and then from August 1st MW until October 14th JL DS with 17 on September 8th ARMB and 14 on the 20th DS. Reported at Cannock Reservoir from June 30th RAH to September 19th DD the most being nine on September 12th DGE. At Gailey one reported on May 1st and June 6th PCT; at Betley two on May 4th and four on the 11 th JFB; at Rocester three on May 10th FCG; at Westport one on June 4th ,4S, three on the 5th JFB and two on August 21st HWK; at Tittesworth one on July 22nd AGF; at Bridgtown one on August 10th DGE; at Rudyard Lake two on August 15th HWK; and at Rickerscote 18 on August 21 st FCG.
213 White-winged Black Tern Warks Following last year's first record since 1927 a bird seen at Dray- cote on August 24th and 25th RBr GRH CHPAJR. Staffs The first occurrence for the county was recorded at Belvide with Black Terns on September 8th ARMB when dark saddle, white rump and off-white tail noted, followed by one, possibly two, on the 28th DS. Another present at Blithfield again with Black Terns on September 27th many observers.
214 Whiskered Tern Staffs Following last year's first county record another identified at Blithfield on May 10th ESC ARD BRD when black cap, sharply demarcated white cheek, dark grey underparts, pale grey upper- parts and red bill noted. 60
217 Common Tern Small numbers at many waters in May, June, August and Sep- tember. Longer series of records as follows • Warks Nested at Bodymoor Heath—three eggs laid but no young seen EAH HTL and up to four noted between August 23rd EAH and September 8th SVB TPM. One or two at Alvecote from April 25th to May 31 st, apart from 11 on May 11 th, and again from July 26th to September 13th GAA. One or two seen at Draycote on May 17th CHP, August 24th JVH GRH CHP and September 1st JL. Worcs At Upton Warren one or two reported between July 5th PKD and October 4th DCo DIK apart from five on August 16th AFJ. Single birds seen at Bittell on May 3rd and June 2nd KGC MF, 14 on June 4th MAB and singles from August 22nd KGC MF to September 12th MAB. Nine present at Westwood on May 1 5th DIN. Staffs Bred at Branston rearing at least one young TC. At Blithfield five seen on May 10th BCG and one on the 25th GBe and up to four between July 12th ARMB DS and October 4th ARMB. Up to four at Belvide between May 2nd MAB AFJ DS and June 13th DS and one or two from July 12th JL to August 26th DS apart from 1 5 on August 20th DS. At Cannock Reservoir one seen on June 30th RAH and small numbers from August 16th DGE to September 23rd RAH apart from 15 on August 20th and 10 on the 21st RAH.
218 Arctic Tern Small numbers identified at various waters with longer series of records as follows : Warks At Draycote 10 seen on May 9th RBr and then one or two from September 12th GRH JVH CHP to the 15th CHP. Worcs At Upton Warren two present on May 11th KGC MF AFJ, four on August 5th MAB TAW and singles between September 8th AFJ and 20th RM. At Bittell four seen on June 4th KGC, singles on August 17th KGC and 23rd BBD and seven on Septem- ber 8th KGC. Staffs At Blithfield one on April 12th ARMB, five on May 10th ARD BRD, one on June 21st BRD and up to three between July 26th ESC and November 1st PDH. At Belvide up to five present between May 2nd several observers to 20th and usually one or two from July 26th FCG to October 1st apart from 15 on August 20th DS. Two seen at Cannock Reservoir on June 1st DD and 61
then from September 10th RAH to 20th DGE, usually up to six, but 15 on September 10th RAH.
217/218 Common/Arctic Terns Largest numbers as follows : Warks 10 at Alvecote on May 9th GAA MAA. Staffs At Cannock Reservoir 17 on August 20th and 20 on September 10th RAH; at Blithfield 15 on July 27th RM; 20 on August 16th ARD BRD MJI and 30 on September 9th ESC; and at Landywood 12 on May 12th DS.
222 Little Tern Staffs Single birds reported at Belvide on May 17th ESC ARD BRD and August 1st DS MW; at Blithfield on August 2nd ARD BRD MJI /4S; and at Cannock Reservoir on May 29th PRP.
223 Sandwich Tern Warks Three seen at Bodymoor Heath on September 8th SVB TPM ML and one on August 23rd EAH. Staffs At Belvide single birds reported on April 12th DS MW and August 26th DS and six on August 10th DS MW. Single birds seen at Cannock Reservoir on June 10th DD and at Blithfield on August 26th DMH.
232 Stock-Dove Warks At Draycote two flocks totalling 200 birds fed on weed seeds on January 11th and 100 on January 25th and December 5th JL, 18 seen at Brandon on July 16th BMCG. Worcs Reported as breeding fairly commonly around Pershore in old timber MLJ and noted at several localities in mid-Worcestershire in breeding season RM. Staffs 40 seen at Wheaton Aston on February 21st DS; 35 at Clay- hanger on February 28th DD; 20 at Blithfield on November 14th TWF JL; and 20 at Belvide on December 13th DS.
234 Wood-Pigeon Largest numbers reported were as follows : Warks 2000 at Alvecote on December 19th GAA MAA. Worcs At Upton Warren 3000 flew north on December 21st MAB and 30th DGE and 1500 seen at Westwood on December 26th KID. Staffs 200 flew westerly on January 6th at Cannock Reservoir RAH; 900 seen at Whittington Sewage Farm on January 18th DS; 62
about 3000 few easterly near Belvide on November 21st KS; 600 at Blithfield on November 29th PDH; 700 at Brewood on December 1 st BC; and 800 at Gailey on the same date BC.
235 Turtle-Dove Worcs Said to be less common around Pershore than in 1969 HLJ. Staffs Three seen at Tittensor were the first recorded there by observer WB. 12 noted at Belvide on August 8th DS MW.
Collared Dove Continues to increase and extend its range Warks Reported from Coventry where about 150 seen at roost near Lanchester Polytechnic on November 19th RBr; Shirley area where not previously seen RSC; Solihull TPM; Bodymoor Heath TPM; Sutton Coldfield CMB SVB; Alvecote GAA; Four Oaks JL; Wellesbourne BLK; Shustoke BLK; Halford BLK; Barford BLK; Brandon BMCG; Hall Green, Birmingham RLS; Stratford—flock of 36 on November 21st RA. Worcs Reported from Kidderminster—up to 20 early in the year LRB; Fladbury TCS; Sedgeberrow TCS; Pershore MLJ; Stourbridge SFLE; Evesham—but fewer than last year CMH; West Hagley MT; Great Witley—nested EGP; Bromsgrove TAW; Upton Warren TAW. Staffs Stafford—20 in May GS; Wolverhampton—at least 38 pairs DS; Essington—42 on March 25th DS; Norton—nested HWK; Dray- cott-le-Moors—nested AKP; Coven Heath—30 on October 19th DS; Walsall AEC; Weeping Cross, Stafford GS; Blithfield ARD; Brineton—50 on October 29th GB; Forton GBe; Trentham DK; Uttoxeter—nested AKP; Colton RR; Penkridge GWW; Horsley NRW; Landywood DS; Brewood DS; Belvide DS; Cannock Reservoir DS; Stourton DS.
237 Cuckoo Warks Fewer recorded than usual in Solihull area RSC but more around llmington DM and Stratford-upon-Avon area RA. Usual numbers Maxstoke/Coleshill/Packington areas BLK and at Brandon BMCG. Worcs Scarcer than usual in Wychbury area of Pedmore and at Cradley SFLE. More seen around Pershore than in recent years MLJ. Staffs Females of rufous phase seen at Belvide on May 10th and Cannock Chase on June 2nd DS. 63
241 Barn-Owl Reports from following areas : Warks Alvecote GAA, Coughton PJR, Compton Verney RA, Packington KS, Charlecote Park RA, Stretton-on-Fosse DM—the first seen by observer for 10 years, Wilmcote PH, Brandon BMCG, Wood- gate Valley, Birmingham DMH, Long Marston RA, Combrook RA, Draycote RBr, Priors Hardwick MA, Leamington Spa EJB. Worcs Bittell KGC MP, Upton Warren several observers, Croome MLJ, Drakes Broughton MLJ, Pershore MLJ, Hanbury Sl/l/, Tenbury Wells RLS. Staffs Blithfield BRD, Sandon Bank, Stafford FCG, Abbey Hutton AGF, Tittesworth DLB AGF, Hilderston area AKP; Cheddleton GGW, Belvide MW, Tamworth AECo, Wall RGH, Broadhill GB, Yoxall BCG, Fradley Junction BCG, Garmountside HWK, Pipe Ridware LYT, Garmelow NRW, Horsley NRW, Enville EGP, Ivetsey Bank —bred DS.
246 Little Owl Reports from following areas : Warks Middleton SVB, Hurley GAA, Whateley GAA, Dosthill GAA, Alvecote GAA, Binton MJG—two pairs nested, Packington KS, Hampton-in-Arden RAC, Knowle RAC, Maxstoke KS, Water Orton BLK, Shirley MJI, Brandon—where uncommon BMCG, Draycote RBr, Monkspath RLS, Priors Hardwick MA, Stoneleigh Park DMe, Leamington Spa EJB. Worcs Lower Ham JL, Upton Warren—two pairs bred AFJ, Sheriffs Lench TCS, Wilden MHB, Bewdley JRM, Shrawley JRM, Newchurch HMMJCM, Hanley Court MJI, Sutton MJI, Franche RM, Goosehill Wood RM, Tardebigge MAB, High Green DS, Penkridge—bred SVB, SCB. Common in pollard willows in Pershore area—nests seen at Moor Hill, Wyre and Pershore AWC MLJ. Staffs Blithfield ARMB MJI, Abbots Bromley ARMB, Lichfield MJA, Fradley Wood MJA, Alstonfield—where two pairs nested per FCG. Rugeley RAH, Heath Hayes RAH, Stonnall PFB, Shenstone RGH, Yoxall BCG, Haughton EO, Fulford—bred AKP, Penkridge GWW, Essington DS, Belvide DS, Bradley DS, Clayhanger DGE. Bred at Light Oaks, Tittesworth and Dane Valley AGF.
247 Tawny Owl Warks An intrepid bird flew across Villa Park, Birmingham, under flood- lights during a match on April 20th RLS. 64
Worcs Common around Pershore where nine nests located, one at Drakes Broughton with grey-phase female AWC MLJ. Staffs Six birds calling on November 21st in stretch of woodland near Kinver TPM.
248 Long-Eared Ow! Staffs Bird heard at Kinver Edge on February 27th RM.
249 Short-Eared Owl More winter records than any previous year. Warks Six reported in a field at Priors Hardwick on December 26th and 27th MA. Single birds reported at Draycote on January 11th JL, January 22nd and February 17th MATR; at Brandon on April 11th and 12th BMCG; at Bodymoor Heath on March 1st EAH and November 3rd SVB ML TPM; Packington on October 25th DTU MJU; and at Shustoke on December 15th DTU MJU. Worcs One reported at Droitwich on November 4th KID and at Bittell on November 8th DAO. Staffs Seen on north Staffordshire moors on April 28th AGF but no breeding established. Occurred around Belvide from November 20th with five on December 2nd BC and three to end of year DS. One seen at Wombourne on February 14th ID; two at Bagots Park on March 1st JL; one at Heaton on March 22nd ARD BRD; one at Yoxall on April 30th BCG; and two at Tittesworth on December 30th PAB.
252 Nightjar Warks Churring reported at Idlicote in first half of May but not heard subsequently DM. Heard at Wellesbourne Wood on May 14th EJB WGB. Staffs About eight churring birds reported in various areas of Cannock Chase several observers. One at Scotch Hill on June 6th—the first time recorded there BCG. Two heard at Hanchurch on June 1st JFB. Recorded at Million Plantation and at Enville Common EGP. Eggs seen on Kinver Edge on July 16th and hatched on 29th or 30th EGP.
255 Swift Warks Movement west-south-west noted at Wilnecote on July 30th GAA MAA. A marked passage south noted at Draycote on August 15th and at Sutton Coldfield to the west on the 17th JL. A pied bird with extensive white markings nested at Great Barr 65
as in previous year REL. Worcs Birds moved south-west at Alvechurch on August 12th and westerly on the 16th at Upton Warren PJR. Staffs Marked influx of at least 2000 noted at Belvide on May 21st DS.
258 Kingfisher Warks Breeding confirmed at Solihull TPM, Packington KS, Earlswood RAC, Brandon—where five pairs bred BMCG, Tame Valley in Hams Hall/Bodymoor Heath area—where five pairs bred EAH HTL, Leamington Spa EJB and Marton RBr. Breeding season reports from Olton Reservoir RSC, Edgbaston Park TPM, Alve- cote GAA, Bishopton RA. Worcs Breeding confirmed at Tardebigge JRH, Lower Moor near Per- shore MLJ, Pinvin MLJ, Defford MLJ, Dowles Brook NAJW and reported in breeding season from Ombersley CMH, Bredon area AWC CMH and Bittell JMH. Six seen along river Teme on August 19th DIN. Staffs Bred in Blithfield area TWF, Fazeley GAA and river Churnet FCG and breeding season reports from Belvide ARMB, Huddlesford AJD, Branston TC, Hopwas—four seen on April 18th AECo RGH.
259 Bee-Eater Worcs One seen near Redditch on September 24th and 25th per WGT. Blue chest, yellow throat, chestnut shoulders, bng tail-feathers, down-curved beak and graceful gliding flight noted.
261 Hoopoe Warks A bird seen at Packington on May 17th per KS. Worcs One reported at Kyre Pool on April 29th per MJI and May 4th PHPC.
262 Green Woodpecker No change in breeding distribution reported although rather more records from Warwickshire than from other counties Warks Said to be scarce at Packington KS. Worcs Not much in evidence in Avon valley except on Bredon Hill AWC CMH. Staffs Six noted in Himley area on May 26th DS.
263 Greater Spotted Woodpecker About same number of reports received from each of the three counties 66
264 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Warks Breeding reports from Solihull TPM, Edgbaston Park—the first for several years TPM, and Crackley Woods, Kenilworth GRH JVH. Present in breeding season at Earlswood DMT and Packington, where three were drumming on April 9th KS. Worcs Bred at Bredon Hill MLJ and Malvern Link LAB and breeding season records from Drakes Broughton MLJ, Trench Wood AFJ, Kyre Park MJ/, Wassail Wood RM and Droitwich TAW. Staffs Breeding season records from Aqualate FCG, Blithfield ARMB, Belvide DS and Brewood DS.
265 Wryneck Worcs One occurred at Hanley Court from September 1st to 3rd per MJ/.
272 Skylark Warks Normal breeding numbers reported around Wilnecote where most noted was 100 on September 13th GAA MAA. About 200 seen at Brandon on January 4th BMCG. Worcs 100 reported at Sheriffs Lench on December 24th TCS and at Upton Warren 400 on the 29th MAB TAW. Staffs About 800 flew east after heavy snow on morning of March 4th at Belvide where peak autumn passage was about 500 moving south on October 7th and 12th DS. 250 flew westerly on Janu- ary 6th at Cannock Reservoir RAH; 120 seen at Huddlesford on February 2nd AJD; and about 250 present at Blithfield on October 4th AS.
274 Swallow Warks Roost at Wilnecote built up from about August 25th and dropped quickly after maximum of about 10,000 on October 7th GAA. The most at Alvecote roost was about 2500 on August 28th and September 4th GAA and at Brandon 10,000 on September 19th BMCG. 7000 estimated in roost at Packington Gravel Pit on September 6th BLK. Staffs About 1500 roosted at Holden Bridge on August 12th and about 4000 at new site at Ford Green, Burslem, on August 22nd HWK. 800 moved south-west at Belvide in five hours on October 7th DS.
276 House-Martin Warks Noted throughout the summer at Edgbaston Park, Birmingham, 67
for first time for many years RLS. Worcs 550 moved south in one hour along Malvern Hills on August 5th DIN.
277 Sand-Martin Warks Maximum numbers noted of about 2000 at roosts at Alvecote and at Wilnecote/Two Gates in period August 26th to 29th GAA MAA. 150 pairs bred at Brandon BMCG. Worcs Colony in Avon bankside in Pershore area increased from 67 nests last year to 100 MLJ. Several small colonies located in pits south of Bredon Hill AWC CMH. Staffs Colony in Brownhills/Hammerwich area, new last year with 120 nesting holes, split into two groups with 90 and 80 nests RAH. Autumn peak at Belvide was 1000 on August 17th DS.
278 Golden Oriole Worcs Cock bird seen at Far Forest (Wyre Forest) on October 28th per LRB.
279 Raven Worcs Two present near Wolferlow on March 22nd MJI. One seen near Abberley in early March CRLR, near Suckley on August 26th and at Bredon Hill on September 4th LAB. Staffs Two seen near Checkhill during January and early February EGP and single birds at Enville on February 1 st AFJ RM and March 1 st AFJ.
280 Carrion-Crow Warks Flocks up to 500 seen in Tame Valley in late summer HTL. 200 noted at Brandon on January 13th BMCG. Staffs 70 seen at Little Packington on October 17th ARD.
281 Hooded Crow Warks Two seen at Bartley Reservoir on November 27th AWH.
282 Rook No changes in distribution reported
283 Jackdaw No changes in distribution reported
284 Magpie Warks 16 seen in party at Middleton on September 19th Sl/S. Worcs Flock of 47 noted near Coombe in March MLJ. Said to be very 68
common Kidderminster area MHB. Staffs Flock of 26 seen at Hammerwich on April 2nd RAH.
286 Jay. No changes in status reported Staffs Numerous at Kinver Edge on May 22nd MT.
288 Great Tit No changes in status reported
289 Blue Tit No changes in status reported
290 Coal-Tit Distribution unchanged
292 Marsh-Tit Distribution unchanged
293 Willow-Tit Warks Breeding reported from Edgbaston Park, Birmingham TPM, Alvecote GAA and Solihull TPM. Present in Coleshill Woods on May 2nd and 3rd BKL. Worcs Present at Cradley in spring SFLE. Staffs 11 seen at Belvide on August 24th DS.
294 Long-tailed Tit Largest numbers reported were :— Warks 60 at Coombe Abbey on September 13th CHP and 12 at Compton Verney on October 11th RA. Worcs 50 at Dowles Brook on March 22nd RM, 13 at Wyre on September 27th TECP, 15 at Upton Warren on October 10th TAW, 18 at Tardebigge on October 13th JRH; 20 at Westwood on December 12th TAW; and 20 at Bittell on November 4th RLS. Staffs 20 at Whittington Sewage Farm on January 18th DS, 12 at Haughton on November 4th EO, 10 at Blithfield on December 27th BRD, and up to 30 at Belvide in autumn and winter DS.
295 Bearded Tit Warks Two seen at Brandon on December 13th BMCG GRH JVH.
296 Nuthatch Warks Seven pairs noted along two and a half mile stretch of Kenilworth Road on outskirts of Coventry CHP.
298 Tree-Creeper Warks Influx noted in autumn at Edgbaston Park, Birmingham, where 69
one pair probably bred TPM.
299 Wren Warks At least 16 pairs estimated as breeding in Edgbaston Park, Birming- ham TPM. Common around Brandon BMCG. Staffs Birds particularly common in sedges around Blithfield on Decem- ber 13th TWFJL.
300 Dipper Warks Single birds seen at Wootton Wawen on April 18th JRW, Pettiford Bridge—two—on May 5th EAE, Preston Bagot on June 28th RAC and at Stourton from mid-November to December 3rd ARL. Worcs Bred at Dowles Brook NAJW where five pairs noted on March 22nd RM and at Great Witley EGP. Young seen on river Teme at Martley on May 4th LAB and at Eardiston on May 9th MJI. Pair seen near Alfrick on April 19th LAB, nest with young at Eastham Bridge on June 18th LAB, and a bird noted at New Mill Bridge on September 5th YMW. Staffs Five pairs seen on five-mile stretch of river Dove near Alstonfield per FCG. Nested at Cresswell FCG, Quarnford FCG and Hulme End DLB. Seen at Knypersley on February 14th HWK, Oakamoor on March 1st FCG and at Danebridge on August 2nd GS.
301 Mistle-Thrush Worcs Party of 20 on Clent Hills on September 16th RM. Staffs Parties seen of 25 at Enville on March 22nd DS and of 20 at Brewood on October 19th DS.
302 Fieldfare Largest concentrations reported in March and April Warks Largest parties recorded were 200 at Wishaw on January 17th ARMB; 300 at Maxstoke on March 30th KS; 200 at Bentley Heath on April 14th RSC; and 300 at Brandon on October 25th BMCG. Worcs Marked passage noted at Bittell on October 22nd and 23rd when about 1000 in parties of up to 150 on first date went westerly KGC. Large numbers in the Lenches fed on windfall apples with 500 in one flock in orchard on December 22nd TCS. Other concentrations were 400 near Droitwich on March 29th RMB; 350 at Upton Warren on April 8th and November 22nd TAW: 300 at Wilden on April 12th MHB; and 350 at Westwood on November 22nd KID. 70
Staffs Largest numbers noted were 750 in late March and early April at Brewood DS; 700 at Penkridge on April 4th BC; 300 at Little Wyrley on April 12th AEC TECP; 380 at Essington on April 14th including a complete albino DS; 500 at Ball Green on October 24th HWK; 700 at Yoxall on November 11th BCG; and 700 on November 21st at Belvide where strong westerly passage noted in late October DS.
303 Song-Thrush Worcs Flock of 250 seen in Happy Valley, Malvern Hills, on September 12th following mist and drizzle DIN. Staffs Concentration of about 400 birds spread over Whittington Sewage Farm on January 18th DS.
304 Redwing Smaller flocks than Fieldfares and not as much concentrated in spring months Warks At Alvecote much smaller numbers than Fieldfares GAA MAA. The most reported were 40 at Edgbaston Park on January 21st RLS; 20 at Brandon on October 25th BMCG; and 150 at Little Aston on December 6th JL. Worcs 20 on December 24th was the largest number at Sheriffs Lench in winter months TCS. 1 50 noted on Abberley Hills on November 22nd RM. Staffs At Cannock Reservoir about 450 flew west on January 6th RAH; 200 seen at Stafford Castle on March 1st GS; 200 flew south at Belvide on March 4th DS; 300 seen at Meir Heath on April 1st NRW; 100 at Blithfield on October 25th BRD PDH; and 500 at Belvide on November 1 5th DS.
307 Ring-Ouzel Larger numbers seen on passage than usual Worcs. Noted during autumn passage between late August and end of October on Malvern Hills feeding mainly on rowan berries with flocks up to 35 LAB MLJ DIN. Staffs Six or seven pairs bred on Gradbach/Goldsitch Moss/Roaches area of north Staffordshire moors where commoner than in previous years ARMB FCG. On passage parties seen of about 100 at Dane Valley on July 20th, 60 at Blackbrook Valley on September 12th, 21 at Elkstones on September 12th and 27 on September 23rd at Swallow Moss AGF. One seen on Cannock Chase on September 27th AFJ. 71
308 Blackbird Warks 26 pairs bred on 200 acres of mixed farmland at Wilnecote as against four pairs of Song-Thrushes GAA MAA. 300 present at Coombe Abbey roost on April 9th CHP. Staffs Influx noted at Belvide on November 14th DS. One in song at Tettenhall on unusual date of December 2nd DS.
311 Wheatear Warks The most seen on passage at Draycote was six on September 1st JL. Worcs Bred on Malvern Hills DIN. Maximum numbers on passage were six at Hunnington on April 11th DMH, seven at Bittell on April 13th KGC and up to 10 at Defford Aerodrome in August and September MLJ. Staffs Rather larger breeding numbers than usual reported on north Staffordshire moors AGF FCG. Fledged young seen at Norton Colliery on June 19th HWK and family party at Meir Heath on July 10th AKP. Most seen on passage was 12 at Elford on May 14th MT, 12 at Hammerwich on August 17th RAH, and up to 12 at Blithfield in late August BRD PDH.
Greenland Wheatear Staffs Two birds believed to be of this race were reported at Belvide on May 27th DS MW.
317 Stonechat No breeding records Warks A pair seen at Ufton Fields on May 25th EJB WGB. One or two seen at Draycote from February 15th CHP to March 1st RBr and from November 8th JL to December 30th RBr. At Brandon one or two on January 1st, March 8th, October 25th and three on December 6th BMCG. Single birds noted at Bodymoor Heath on March 1st, February 8th EAH and October 3rd SVB TPM, at Packington on January 25th BLK, Ryton Gravel Pits on Decem- ber 22nd RG SG. Worcs At Wilden single birds seen on February 21st RM and 22nd MHB and between November 1st RM and December 31st MHB. Single birds noted at Bittell on March 3rd MAB TAW; at Upton Warren on March 7th MAB, October 17th PKD and 18th TAW; on Malvern Hills during September DIN; and at Eckington on November 14th CMH. Three birds seen at Castlemorton Common on February 19th LAB. 72
Staffs Single birds, occasionally two, seen on Cannock Chase from October 17th MAB AFJ to December 24th AEC TECP; at Blith- field between January 3rd DS and 11 th ARD BRD and on Decem- ber 13th MJ/; at Belvide between October 18th ARMB and November 20th PDH; at Cannock Reservoir from January 2nd DS to 5th RAH, September 25th RAH and November 22nd PCT; Berry Hill on January 1st HWK; Chell Heath on March 3rd HWK TS; Clayhanger on March 18th and 19th DD; Gun Hill on Sep- tember 29th HWK; Yoxall on December 6th BCG; and Kingswin- ford on December 6th and 20th EGP.
318 Whinchat Breeding season records from : Warks Alvecote GAA, Tamworth GAA, Griff MS, Whitacre Heath KS, Kineton RA and Baginton CHP. Now scarce in Tame Valley HTL. Worcs Upton Warren DMT, Eckington CMH, Defford Aerodrome MLJ, Wilden MHB RM and Goosehill Wood MAB RM. Staffs Cresswell AKP, Cannock Chase JGB TECP, Herton AGF, Wall Grange AGF, Milton AGF, Churnet Valley AGF, Swallow Moss FCG, Blackbrook Valley AGF, Holden Bridge HWK, Tittesworth AGF, Longnor FCG, Cannock Reservoir—five or six pairs RAH, Bradwell Wood AS and Brownhills DD.
320 Redstart Warks Pair seen at Bodymoor Heath on May 9th, where unusual HTL. Reported as scarce at Packington KS. Worcs Six seen at Wassail Wood on May 23rd and 11 on Lickeys on the 27th RM. Staffs Six singing birds noted at Sherbrook Valley and Brocton on May 17th TECP.
321 Black Redstart Warks A singing bird heard in Birmingham between May 4th UCN and June 13th RM. Worcs One seen at Stoke Works on November 5th AJF.
322 Nightingale Warks Following felling of parts of Austy Wood, Wootton Wawen, only one bird heard as against usual three or four DMT. Singing birds heard at Snitterfield GRH JVH, Combrook—five RA, Wappenbury Wood—six CHP, Kineton—five RA, Wellesbourne 73
and Itchington Holt EJB WGB. Worcs Singing birds heard at Goosehill Wood—four MAB TAW, Tid- desley Wood MLJ, Pershore MLJ, Stoke Prior JRH, Hadzor TAW, Old Hills—five DIN, Westwood DIN. Staffs One sang at Draycott from May 11 th to 25th AKP.
325 Robin No changes in status reported
327 Grasshopper-Warbler Birds heard in breeding season at: Warks Hatton—three areas; Haywood—several GRH JVH; Brandon— four pairs BMCG; Sutton Park—three areas ARMB GEL; Alve- cote GAA; Austy Wood DMT; Binton MJG; Coleshill BLK; Knowle RAC; Four Oaks KS; Packington KS; Shrewley; Honiley; Snitterfield GRH JVH; Wootton Wawen PH; Hams Hall; Middleton HTL; Tanworth-in-Arden—three RLS; Arbury MS; Baginton RWML; Hearsall Common RWML. Worcs Cradley—two sites SFLE; Tardebigge—five with territories in one mile stretch of lane and towpath JRH; Goosehill Wood— six in song on May 2nd RM; Hadzor—three TAW; Tiddesley Wood; Bredon Hill; Lower Moor; Wick; Wood Norton AWC MLJ; Eckington CMH; Old Hills SFLE; Chaddersley Woods LAC ] Wilden MHB; Rowney Green PJR; Eyemore Wood; Castle- morton Common RM; Upton Warren; Dodderhill; Burnt Green TAW. Staffs Blithfield—where eight sang in spring BRD; Stafford—two sites GS; Bickford—young seen on July 17th AJD; Cannock Chase FCG MW; Morridge FCG; Cannock Reservoir ARMB; Wall Green; Tittesworth; Goldsitch Moss AGF; Bagots Wood JL; Rushall; Wyrley AEC; Muckley Corner PFB; Holden Bridge; Baddesley Green HWK; Hamstall Ridware LYT; Draycott-le- Moors AKP; Belvide; Essington DS; Clayhanger; Brownhills; Bridgtown; Norton Canes DD.
333 R^ed-Warbler Warks Up to 20 pairs noted at Alvecote GAA and at Hams Hall RSC. 25 present at Brandon on May 21st BMCG. Worcs At least 10 in song in May at Tardebigge Reservoir JRH and at Upton Warren JRH. Staffs Noted at Blithfield JL and at Belvide ARMB. 74
334 Marsh-Warbler Worcs Singing birds noted at Nafford and Eckington ARMB MAB TAW. A search along the Severn banks between Worcester and Tewkes- bury in June revealed no birds GCL.
337 Sedge-Warbler Warks Up to 20 birds heard at Alvecote GAA and 55 on May 21st at Brandon where there was a good breeding season BMCG. Worcs 10 noted in song in half-mile stretch of canal and reservoir bank at Tardebigge JRH. Staffs 17 singing birds present at Belvide in May DS and 15 at Blithfield —a small reduction on last year BRD.
343 Blackcap Winter records of both sexes from all counties. Warks Single birds seen at Rugby on January 3rd and 4th HG, at Welford- on-Avon up to February 1st DWH, at Bedworth from February 11 th to 22nd RN and at Leamington up to March 15th Mrs Payne. Worcs One at Alvechurch on January 31st and February 7th SP, three at Droitwich on February 6th FF and one at Worcester on the 22nd MBS. Eight singing birds in Dowles Brook area on May 30th ARD. Staffs One seen at Rickerscote on January 31st FCG, two at Eccleshall bird table up to March 10th NR W and one at Stafford on March 6th NRW. Up to 10 singing birds at Blithfield in May BRD, six at Hayhead Wood, Walsall TECP and four at Belvide on April 26th ARMB.
346 Garden-Warbler Worcs Three heard at Goosehill Wood in May, the same number as Blackcaps TAW. Three at Wassell Wood on May 23rd compared with six Blackcaps RM but none heard in Lickeys on May 27th as against seven Blackcaps RM. Staffs Said to be decidedly more common at Blithfield than in 1969 BRD. Five noted in country around Belvide in May compared with 12 Blackcaps and one at Stourton on June 7th as against four Blackcaps DS.
347 Whitethroat Warks A slight increase in Tame Valley but not yet up to 1968 numbers HTL. Still scarcer in Edgbaston Park SVB and in Stratford- upon-Avon area RA than pre-1969. At Packington Gravel Pit 75
three noted as against one in 1969 and increased at Brandon from last year HTL. Worcs Some recovery at Sheriffs Lench but still about a quarter of 1968 population TCS. Fewer breeding birds at Bittell than in 1969 DMH and only one bird heard in Wyre Forest on May 30th BRD. Staffs Numbers nearly normal at Belvide but still well below 1968 level at Essington DS. Still scarce as breeding bird at Blithfield BRD and around Rushall AEC. Only one breeding pair noted at Cannock Reservoir and autumn passage half that of 1968 RAH.
348 Lesser Whitethroat Singing birds heard in breeding season as follows: Warks Alvecote GAA. Worcs Tardebigge—four localities JRH; Rhydd; Castlemorton Com- mon JL; Kidderminster area MHB; Wilden; Goosehill Wood RM; Goosehill Green; Westwood; Upton Warren; Bittell; Stoney Hill TAW. Staffs Blithfield—two areas JL ; country around Belvide—10 in song in May DS ; Wyrley/4£C; Milton AGF; Draycott-le-Moors AKP ; Haughton EO; Light Oaks—feeding young HWK; Huddesford AJD BCG ; Yoxall BCG ; Stafford GS; Brewood; Essington DS. At Cannock Reservoir one or two on passage in mid-August, fewer than last year RAH.
354 Willow-Warbler Warks About 10 pairs bred in Edgbaston Park, Birmingham TPM. Outnumbered Chiffchaff in Coleshill Woods by two to one BLK. Big influx noted at Brandon on April 19th BMCG. Staffs 40 sang at Blithfield during May BRD. 63 singing birds noted in country around Belvide on April 29th compared with nine Chiffchaffs and 58 at Essington in May compared with three Chiffchaffs DS.
356 Chiffchaff Warks Six pairs noted in Edgbaston Park TPM and a late bird seen at Brandon on November 29th BMCG. Worcs Single wintering birds seen at Westwood on January 2nd CPB DIN and 25th TAW, at Upton Warren on January 11th CMH and at Bittell on November 21st KGC. Staffs Far more common than last year at Blithfield where there were up to 15 singing birds in May BRD. 76
357 Wood-Warbler Warks One on passage in Edgbaston Park, Birmingham, on May 18th TPM. Worcs Usual breeding population in Lickey Woods JMH. Singing birds seen in May at Malvern, Wassell Wood, Devil's Spittleful RM and Westwood CPB. Staffs Two pairs nested near Himley SJR. Present in summer at Chil- lington AEC, Knypersley HWK, Milford IJD, Cannock Chase— two areas PCT, Enville RM. One heard at Blithfield on May 5th JL.
361 Pallas's Warbler Staffs One trapped on November 8th at Weston-under-Lizard PGD with two Goldcrests. Yellow crown stripe, rump white tinged yellow, and double wing-bar noted and wing formula examined. The first record for Staffordshire and for the Club's area.
364 Goldcrest Warks Increased at Compton Verney RA. Staffs Many on Cannock Chase on October 31st AECo RGH.
366 Spotted Flycatcher Warks Good numbers reported at Packington KS. Six at Hams Hall on August 11th RGH. Worcs Much scarcer this year on Bredon Hill MLJ. None seen on stretch of Piddle Brook where eight pairs located last year MLJ. Numbers normal at Pirton Pool MLJ, Bittell DMH, Sheriffs Lench TCS, Belbroughton/Drayton area YMW, and along Dowles Brook area, Wyre Forest ARD. Staffs Scarcer in Great Barr area and one failed to nest in observer's garden for first time in 10 years TECP. Reported as very uncom- mon this year in mid-Staffordshire FCG. Unusually scarce at Blithfield where practically no autumn migration noted BRD. Usual numbers on passage at Cannock Reservoir with up to four between August 18th and September 18th RAH. Usual numbers around Penkridge AJD.
368 Pied Flycatcher Warks A pair seen at Leamington Spa Reservoir on dates in June, July and August EJB. One seen on passage in Sutton Park on April 28th LS. Worcs Four nesting boxes out of 31 were occupied in Far Forest Wyre 77
Forest area and two breeding pairs in boxes at Bayton LRB. A cock bird present for a week during mid-May at Kyre MJI. Staffs A pair nested in Coombes Valley BCG.
371 Hedge-Sparrow Warks 13 pairs nested on 200 acres of mixed farmland at Wilnecote GAA, MAA.
373 Meadow-Pipit Warks Large influx noted at Middleton on September 6th HTL and 80 seen at Brandon on November 22nd and 29th BMCG. Worcs About 75 seen at Westwood on March 31st CPB and 70 at Tardebigge on April 10th JRH. Staffs Large influx in early April at Belvide with 200 on April 9th DS and one in song on exceptional date of December 5th DS. 80 at Cannock Reservoir on March 29th DD and peak on autumn passage was 200 on September 13th DGE. 100 seen at Whitting- ton Sewage Farm on January 18th DS, about 120 at Gailey on March 31st ARMB, 100 at Meerbrook on April /\sx NRW and 110 on April 5th at Blithfield ARD BRD.
376 Tree-Pipit Worcs Six singing at Goosehill Wood on May 2nd RM. Staffs Small passage up to six noted at Belvide from April 7th to 29th and again between August 24th and September 21st DS. At least 20 in song on Cannock Chase on June 2nd DS.
379 Rock-Pipit More records than usual Warks Single birds seen at Draycote on March 29th JL and between September 19th and October 18th RBr and at Brandon on October 25th and November 8th BMCG. Worcs At Upton Warren one or two noted on March 24th and on dates between September 28th AFJ and November 8th TA W. One seen at Westwood on March 28th CAN. Staffs One or two seen at Belvide between April 7th MW and 9th DS and then from September 28th to November 19th with five on October 19th DS. Up to five occurred at Blithfield between September 27th ARMB ESC PDH MJI and November 1st ESC; single birds at Cannock Reservoir on April 11th DD, 13th DD RAH, October 18th DGE and 21st DD, and up to three between October 17th PCT and 24th GEPCT. 78
Water-Pipit Worcs Two identified at Upton Warren on November 1st MAB TAW. Staffs Last year's bird seen on January 2nd RAH and 3rd AFJ at Cannock Reservoir. Two present at Blithfield on October 11th several observers and one at Belvide on January 4th and October 22nd DS.
380 Pied Wagtail Warks Roosted on narrow wires in cooling tower at Courtaulds Works, Coventry, and 1690 birds counted coming to roost on evening of December 31st KS. 120 in roost at Packington Gravel Pit on September 2nd BLK. Staffs 40 noted at Blithfield on August 5th BRD.
White Wagtail Many records at various waters during spring months, usually one or two, once three.
381 Grey Wagtail One or two seen in winter months at various waters, sewage farms etc. Warks One seen carrying nesting material at Compton Verney on May 10th RA. Worcs Nest seen at Great Witley on April 26th EGP. Staffs Nested at Fulford AKP and Milldale PT.
382 Yellow Wagtail Warks Most reported was 40 at Solihull Sewage Works on April 19th JPW; 100 at Draycote on August 30th CHP; 50 at Alvecote on September 6th RAH; and 40 at Brandon on September 13th BMCG. Worcs 150 roosted at Upton Warren on August 5th and 6th DIN and at Wilden on the 15th MHB. Staffs Good breeding season on north Staffordshire moorland fringe FCG. Marked influx at Blithfield on April 19th with about 50 present ARMB and about 80 noted during early August BRD. 90 recorded at Belvide on April 29th, with several variant birds during April DS, and maximum in autumn of 150 on September 9th PCT. Roost estimated at 1000 birds on Doxey Marshes, Stafford, from August until mid-September FCG. 79
Blue-headed Wagtail Single birds identified as follows : Warks Bodymoor Heath on April 13th EAH and Brandon on May 10th BMCG. Worcs Upton Warren on April 26th PKD. Staffs Belvide on April 18th DS MW, April 29th and May 2nd DS and at Blithfield on June 28th PCT.
383 Waxwing Warks Two reported at Coventry from February 22nd to 24th WRE; at Moreton Morrell on October 25th per J AH; one at Leamington on November 10th per J AH and 18th JHo and three on December 22nd EJB; at Dorridge on November 28th EER; two at Sher- boume on December 4th per J AH; 18 at Solihull from December 15th to 22nd ARD PDH; two at Olton on December 22nd PDH and three at Leek Wootton on December 10th EJB. Worcs One seen at Halesowen in early December BW and up to three near Malvern between December 13th and 31st LAB MLJ DIN. Staffs One noted at Rushall on March 27th AEC; about 30 at Hednes- ford from December 13th several observers; three at Penn on December 13th NAJW; five at Leek on December 13th JD and one on the 21st ARP CWP; 24 at Newcastle-under-Lyme on December 18th EWL; up to 30 at Rugeley from December 19th AJ; and one at Endon on December 21st ARP CWP.
384 Great Grey Shrike Warks Two seen in Sutton Park on October 3rd and one to the 6th CJL. One present at Brandon from January 3rd to April 5th BMCG and one at Shustoke on December 12th BLK. Staffs At Blithfield an early bird seen on September 6th ESC ARD BRD PDH and one on October 18th several observers. Single birds noted at Watermills Wood on March 26th MC; Brocton between April 2nd and 5th PCT; and near Belvide on November 20th PDH.
389 Starling Warks Nearly 300 birds were found dead and dying around Birmingham Cathedral after heavy rain on August 19th and 20th cf. 1968 Report. At least 100,000 in roost near Kenilworth in December DMH. Worcs Big roost on January 18th near Alvechurch JMH. Between two and three millions estimated at large roost in conifer plantation on November 6th near Drakes Broughton DMH. Large noisy 80
flocks of young birds were a feature of river meadows in Kempsey/ Rhydd area on June 6th JL. Staffs Roost at Cocknage Wood estimated at 200,000 in January AGF and about 100,000 at Stafford Castle on April 8th PT. Large roosts near Kidsgrove November to December AGF and near Brewood (estimated at six figures) on December 2nd BC.
391 Hawfinch Worcs Pair seen at Bredon Hill on February 24th CMH. Staffs At Belvide up to seven from January 4th to April 18th with 11 on March 11th and one on December 5th DS. Single birds reported at Sharehill on January 25th MW, Hatherton on February 23rd BCG and Blithfield on March 15th BCG.
392 Greenfinch Warks 500 present at Brandon on January 4th BMCG. Worcs 140 noted at Upton Warren on August 26th TAW and 150 at Trench Wood on October 18th RM. Staffs Flocks reported of 200 at Essington on January 4th DS; 300 at Hobs Hole, Aldridge, on November 1 st AEC; and 100 at Blithfield on November 14th TWF JL.
393 Goldfinch Warks Flocks noted of 60 at Draycote on September 13th JL and 50 at Brandon on October 11th BMCG. 45 reported at Upton Warren on September 3rd TAW and 150 Worcs on October 18th at Trench Wood feeding on heads of Devilsbit Scabious RM. Largest parties seen were 45 at Tittesworth on February 8th AGF; Staffs 35 at Huddlesford on September 10th AJD; 40 at Burntwood on September 25th RAH; 85 at Belvide on October 5th DS; and about 150 at Gailey on November 2nd BCG.
394 Siskin Warks 60 seen at Lowsonford on January 17th GRH JVH; 25 at Shustoke on November 14th BLK; 40 at Earlswood on December 18th RLS; and 40 at Compton Verney on December 26th RA. Worcs 50 present near Kidderminster on February 8th MHB; 50 at Wilden on the same date RM; around 70 at Upton Warren in November and December AFJ; 45 at Kyre Park on November 29th EGP; 60 at Knightwick on November 29th EGP; 44 at Westwood on December 10th KID; about 120 at Bittell on December 23rd 81
MAB TAW; and 45 at Lickeys on December 31st TAW. Staffs 30 noted at Blithfield on January 3rd MAB; 40 at Brocton on April 8th PGT; 50 at Cannock Chase on December 27th RM; and 30 at Gailey on December 28th BCG.
395 Linnet Warks At Draycote on January 11th flocks totalled 250 JL; 100 seen on August 22nd at Brandon where about 40 pairs nested; 400 noted at Packington Gravel Pit on September 23rd BLK; and 125 at Bodymoor Heath on September 26th TPM. Worcs At Tardebigge flocks totalled 150 on April 26th JRH and at Old Hills about 800 roosted on December 18th and 19th DIN. Staffs Flocks reported were 100 at Clayhanger on April 11th and 27th DD; 240 at Essington on April 19th DS; 100 at Belvide on September 14th PCT; and around 400 at Blithfield on October 3rd JL.
396 Twite Winter reports from more localities than usual Warks One at Bodymoor Heath on December 29th ML TPM. Staffs Several pairs located in breeding season on north Staffordshire moors. Recorded at Cannock Reservoir, up to 45, between January 2nd DS and April 9th RAH and again from November 1 st to December 24th ARMB. 25 seen at Belvids on March 4th after heavy snow, nine on December 5th and six on the 19th DS. Two birds reported at Gailey on February 16th BCG and at Hammerwich on April 3rd RAH.
397 Redpoll Increase in breeding range continues Warks Bred in Tame Valley HTL and at Brandon—for the first time— seven pairs BMCG. Seen in summer months at Alvecote GAA; Sutton Park ARMB, Packington Gravel Pit BLK, Haywood GRH JVH. Winter flocks noted of 30 at Packington on November 15th KS and 40 at Brandon on December 6th BMCG. Worcs Bred at Clent BCa. Seen in summer months at Hollywood DMT, Eymore Wood, Lickeys and Kidderminster RM. 50 reported near Kidderminster on February 8th MHB RM. 100 at Trench Wood on October 18th RM; 30 at Tardebigge on September 28th JRH; and 30 at Bittell on December 30th KGC. Staffs Present in breeding season at Enville RM, Bagots Wood—several areas JL, Beivide DS, Blithfield several observers, Swallow Moss, 82
Earl Stearnsdale, River Manifold, Wolfscote Dale FCG, Cannock Reservoir DD, Brocton GS, Stockton Brook HWK TS, Hawley Park HWK. Largest winter flocks were 50 at Cheddleton on November 6th, 30 at Wall Grange on same date HWK, 50 at Weston Coyney on December 12th PAB and 85 at Cannock Chase on December 23rd PCT.
401 Bullfinch Warks 16 fed on seeded docks on January 25th at Bodymoor Heath GAA. 15 at Elmdon Park on December 19th PDH. Worcs 50 noted at Abberley Hills on November 22nd RM and 21 at Upton Warren on December 24th MAB. At Cradley preferred forsythia to fruit buds in spring SFLE. Staffs 24 reported at Belvide on October 7th DS and 10 at Blithfield on December 13th TWF JL. Very fond of honeysuckle berries in observer's garden at Walsall AEC.
404 Crossbill Very few records Warks Two seen at Draycote on October 18th CHP. Worcs One reported in Lickeys on June 24th TPM. Staffs A cock bird seen at Tittensor on May 17th WB.
407 Chaffinch Warks About 225 noted at Draycote on February 7th JL. Influx of about 100 in November at Edgbaston Park, Birmingham SVB TPM. Worcs About 300 seen on Lickey Hills on December 26th MJI and 31st TAW. Staffs 1 50 present at Blake Lake on February 8th ARP CWP.
408 Brambling Small numbers in various areas but no major influx. Many reports of birds feeding at bird tables. Warks 20 reported at Cherford on January 8th EJB and at Draycote on February 7th JL; 15 at Woodgate Valley, Birmingham, on March 23rd DMH; and 30 at Ragley Hall on December 13th JLe. Worcs Took peanuts from the tit-feeder on February 16th at Cradley SFLE. 20 seen near Kidderminster on February 16th MHB; and 40 on Lickey Hills on December 7th AWH. Staffs About 50 seen at Rugeley on March 1st JL; 22 at Brocton on April 4th PT; large numbers with other finches distributed over 83
Whittington Sewage Farm on April 4th CMH; 20 at Offley Mill on November 22nd NRW; 20 at Copmere on same date PAB; and 50 at Trentham on December 28th ARP CWP.
409 Yellow Hammer Warks 10 feeding on weeds in Birmingham city centre at Moor Street Station was unusual DAC. 80 reported at Brandon on December 6th BMCG; 50 at Prior Hardwick on December 11th DS; and flocks totalling 350 birds at Draycote on December 28th JL. Staffs 120 seen at Hammerwich on January 6th RAH; 100 at Belvide on February 25th and October 12th DS; and 40 at Blithfield on December 27th BRD PDH. 410 Corn-Bunting Continues to spread as breeding bird Warks Singing birds in breeding season reported at Alvecote GAA, Walmley Ash ARMB, Wishaw area ARMB, Solihull TPM, Knowle RAC, Lea Marston KS, Kenilworth GRH JVH, Blackdown GRH JVH, Brandon BMCG and Draycote RBr. Worcs Singing in breeding season at Holt Heath SFLE FF, Stakenbridge Pool SFLE, Broome—five singing and range extended from last year SFLE, Kempsey/Lower Ham—six in song JL, Tardebigge KGC, JRH, Avon Valley/Pershore/Bredon areas where common, particularly near river AWC CMH MLJ, Green Farm/Upton-on- Severn—20 birds and 10 singing males along banks of Severn ARMB, Upton Warren AFJ, Wolverley JRM, SalWarpe JRM, West Hagley LRB, Clent, Walton Hill, Stone CNA, Nafford EGP, Belbroughton RM, Goosehill Wood MAB, Worcester MAB, Lickhill FF, Winterfold FF, Mustow Green FF, Chaddersley Corbett FF, Goosehill Green TAW, Hanbury FF, Eckington TAW, Crowle TAW. Staffs Heard in spring and summer at Clayhanger DD, Croxall IJD, Aire was IJD, Audley JFB, Hednesford BCG, Yoxall BCG, Haughton EO, Wolseley Bridge RR, Gailey BCG, Whittington Sewage Farm MAB, Kings Bromley BCG, Essington—up to five singing DS MW, Belvide DS, Kiddemore Green DS, Hopwas GAA, Mavesyn Ridware FCG, Blithfield AFJ, Hammerwich— two sites RAH, Burntwood—10 birds on March 25th in fresh area from site occupied last year and young seen on July 22nd RAH.
415 Cirl Bunting Worcs Singing male seen at Malvern on dates between May 17th RM and end of August DIN. 84
421 Reed-Bunting Warks Up to 20 pairs bred at Alvecote GAA and 12 at Packington Gravel Pit BLK. Parties of 40 seen at Brandon on March 22nd BMCG and of 50 at Draycote on December 28th JL. Worcs Common in breeding season in Pershore/Bredon areas AWC CMH. 50 noted at Upton Warren on February 26th RM. Staffs About 35 breeding pairs reported in Belvide area DS. A party of 50 at Cannock Reservoir on September 25th RAH.
423 Snow-Bunting Warks Three or four recorded at Draycote between November 29th RBr and December 31st RPW. Staffs Single birds seen at Blithfield between October 24th EGP PCT and December 20th ESC MJf. One at Cannock Reservoir on December 30th RAH.
424 House-Sparrow Warks 300 at Brandon on August 21st BMCG. Staffs Flock of 600 seen at Hammerwich on August 18th RAH.
425 Tree-Sparrow Warks At Draycote flocks totalling 700 seen on January 25th JL. Worcs About 100 seen at Bittell on September 25th MJ/. Staffs 100 reported at Clayhanger on March 26th RAH; 150 at Hammer- wich on April 3rd RAH; 100 at Hilton on April 28th DS; 200 at Belvide on August 24th DS; 80 at Stafford Castle on October 2nd PT; and up to 100 outside breeding season at Walsall AEC.
ERRATA 1969 REPORT Page 31 Goosander. Delete ' 110 at Aqualate Page 33 Brent Goose. Add ' at Blithfield ' to record of five on October 26th. Page 34 Hen-Harrier. Amend to ' Two birds seen on Goldsitch Moss Page 35 Hobby. Snitterfield is in Warwickshire not Worcestershire. Page 61 Whitethroat. For ' Southern area ' read ' Southam area.' 85
Recoveries And Controls In 1970 Of Birds Ringed In The WMBC Area
Key
Pull Pu/lus (nestling) Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) 1W First Winter 1S First Summer (one year old) 1Y First Year FG Full Grown (age uncertain) PJ Post Juvenile Ad Adult (at least one year old) Rec'd Recovered (found dead, killed, etc) Control A ringed bird re-trapped by another ringer
Species Ringer Ring No Age Date Place Movement (m=miles) Heron
1070596 Pull Ringed 21 05 69 Gailey, Staffs CDT PRM Rec'd 12 01 70 Rotherwas, Hereford 50 m SSW 1070566 Pull Ringed 10 05 69 Gailey CDT PRM Rec'd 08 03 70 Meifod, nr Welshpool, 45 m W Montgomery 1071611 Pull Ringed 21 05 69 Gailey CDT PRM Rec'd 11 03 70 Near Bala, Merioneth 65 m W 1070580 Pull Ringed 10 05 69 Gailey CDT PRM Rec'd 05 04 70 Severn Stoke, Worcs 40 m S 1060396 Pull Ringed 12 05 70 Gailey CDT PRM Rec'd 17 09 70 Near Hawes, Yorks 110 m N 1060387 Pull Ringed 12 05 70 Gailey CDT PRM Rec'd 27 10 70 Lower Broadheath, 33 m SSW Worcs
Wigeon
SS 73088 Ad Ringed 07 12 68 Blithfield Reservoir, CDT PRM Rugeley, Staffs Rec'd 16 10 69 Proletarskaya 46° 41' N (Rostovskay) USSR 410 40' E SS 73008 Ad Ringed 07 12 68 Blithfield Reservoir CD T PRM Rec'd — 01 70 Reeuwijk Plas 52° 01' N Ravensberg 4° 45' W NETHERLANDS 86
SS 83773 Ad Ringed 07 12 68 Blithfield CDT PRM Rec'd 05 01 70 Frampton Marsh, 80 m E Boston, Lines SS 73091 1 W Ringed 7 12 68 Blithfield CDT PRM Rec'd 29 01 70 Egypt Bay, High 135 m SE Halston, Kent SS 83729 Ad Ringed 28 12 69 Blithfield CDT PRM Rec'd 11 06 70 nr. Vorkuta, Komi 67° 25' N ASSR 64° 00' E Canada Goose
5012026 Pull Ringed 06 07 68 Gailey CDT PRM Control 01 07 70 Harewood Park, nr 85 m NNE Leeds, Yorks Mute Swan
Z 21379 Pull Ringed 28 06 67 Rugeley, Staffs CDT PRM Rec'd 27 01 70 Wollaton Park, 35 m ENE Nottingham Z19921 1 S Ringed 17 06 66 Tamworth, Staffs CDT PRM Rec'd 01 03 70 Ashton Marsh, 85 m NNW Preston, Lanes Z 4694 Ad Ringed 5 1161 Tamworth, Staffs CDT PRM Rec'd 5 03 70 Northwich, Cheshire 54 m NW Z11568 1 Y Ringed 27 04 69 Worcester HSHH Control 23 12 69 Cannock Res., Staffs 35 m N Control 18 04 70 Cannock Res., Staffs 35 m N Z 2850 Ad Ringed 11 03 61 Bewdley, Worcs HSHH Rec'd 09 05 70 Hempstead, Glos 35 m S Z 08669 FG Ringed 27 01 63 Stourport-on-Severn, HSHH Worcs Control 17 08 69 Frampton-on-Severn, 40 m S Glos Z 23156 1Y Ringed 09 02 69 Burton-on-Trent, CDT PRM Staffs Rec'd 25.10.70 Church Minshull, nr 35 m NW Nantwich, Ches Z 28783 Pull Ringed 21 09 69 Hamstall Ridware, CDT PRM Staffs Rec'd 12 11 70 Collingham, Newark, 52 m NE Notts 87
Kestrel
EC 92482 Pull Ringed 17 06 69 Temple Grafton, JAH Warks Rec'd 08 04 70 Laguiole, FRANCE 44° 41' N 2° 51' E EF 29557 Pull Ringed 18 06 70 Exhall, Alcester, JAH Warks Control 4 08 70 Fulletby, Lines 100 m NE 2043348 Pull Ringed 09 07 70 Yardley, Birmingham TE Rec'd 12 12 70 Alphington, Exeter, 140 m SW Devon
Coot
GM 39771 PJ Ringed 25 01 69 Blithfield Res CDT PRM Rec'd 15 05 70 Ellesmere, Salop 40 m W
Woodcock
2084987 FG Ringed 11 10 69 Handsworth Wood, TE Birmingham Rec'd —0170 Merivale Park, 30 m NE Atherstone, Warks
Wood Pigeon
3104802 Pull Ringed 11 07 66 Wellesbourne, Warks JAH Rec'd 08 02 70 Chorley, Lichfield, 35 m NNW Staffs
Swift
SE 42621 Ad Ringed 07 08 66 Mancetter, HL Atherstone, Warks Rec'd — 08 70 Toledo, SPAIN 30° 50' N 4° 00' W Swallow
JB 38052 Pull Ringed 28 06 70 Red Hill, Alcester, JAH Warks Control 08 08 70 Souldern, Oxon 30 m SE 88
JB 88627 Juv Ringed 08 08 70 Eckington, Pershore, GHG Worcs 23 08 70 Lacock, Chippenham, 45 m S Wilts HS 85051 Juv Ringed 18 08 70 Smallthorne, Burslem, FG Staffs Control 26 08 70 Norton Place, 67 m ENE Hemswell, Lines HS 85158 PJ Ringed 26 08 70 Smallthorne, Burslem, FG Staffs Control 01 09 70 Attenborough, 43 m E Northampton
Sand Martin
HE 32578 Juv Ringed 15 07 68 Barford, Warks JAH Control 8 06 69 Mattersey, Notts 82 m NNE SE 19219 Ad Ringed 24 07 67 Whittington, Kinver, PJB Staffs Control 08 08 70 Eckington, Pershore, 30 m SSE Worcs Wren
PP 1932 FG Ringed 12 09 68 Branston, Burton-on- WEM Trent, Staffs Control 17 10 70 Anderby Creek, Lines 85 m ENE
Fieldfare
CC 41041 FG Ringed 21 12 69 Temple Grafton, JAH Warks Rec'd 19 06 70 Stamnan, NORWAY 62° 51' N 9° 52' E Redwing
CS 56289 PJ Ringed 24 11 68 Temple Grafton JAH Rec'd 02 01 70 Canterbury, Kent 135 m SE CX 53545 PJ Ringed 06 03 66 Barford, Warks JAH Rec'd 04 01 70 St. Brevin-les-Pins, 47° 16' N FRANCE 2° 09' W CN 24376 Ad Ringed 01 03 70 Weston-under-Lizard, PD Staffs 89
Rec'd 09 10 70 Fimreite, Nr Slinde 61 0 09' N (Sogn & Fjordane), 6° 58'E NORWAY CP 62222 PJ Ringed 16 11 69 Sandon, Stone, Staffs JRM Rec'd 15 10 70 Carcans Ocean 45° 05'N (Gironde), FRANCE 1°12'W CN 24076 PJ Ringed 24 12 69 Weston-under-Lizard PD Rec'd 09 11 70 St. Colome, Arudy, 43° 06'N Basses Pyrenees, 0° 24' W FRANCE CN 24333 1Y Ringed 01 03 70 Weston-under-Lizard PD Rec'd 20 12 70 Mancor del Valle, Nr 39° 45' N Inca (Mallorca), 2°51'E SPAIN CR 77699 FG Ringed 01 12 68 Sandon CDT PRM Rec'd 31 12 70 Pasajos, Guipuzcoa, 43° 20'N SPAIN 1 0 55' W
Blackbird
CS 37166 Ad Ringed 10 02 68 Hopwas, Tamworth, PW CJC Staffs Control 17 03 70 Welford, Stratford- 30 m S upon-Avon, Warks CC 41026 1Y Ringed 30 11 69 Temple Grafton, JAH Warks Control 31 03 70 Heligoland, 54° 11' N GERMANY 7° 55' E
Reed Warbler
HN 87905 Pull Ringed 18 07 68 Westwood Park, GHG Droitwich, Worcs Control 06 08 69 Chew Valley Lake, 65 m SSW Somerset HN 87853 Ad Ringed 18 07 68 Westwood Park, GHG Control 24 07 70 Walcot, Wellington, 34 m NW Salop Blackcap
HP 78275 PJ Ringed 14 12 68 Malvern Link, Worcs RMB Rec'd 05 03 70 Truro, Cornwall 172 m SW 90
Chiffchaff
PR 8141 FG Ringed 12 09 70 British Camp, GHG Malvern, Worcs Rec'd 28 11 70 Rir-jdid, between 33° 23' N Casablanca and 8° W Alemour, MOROCCO
Pied Wagtail
HS 17218 Juv Ringed 11 09 70 Doxey, Stafford, Staffs FG Rec'd 18 10 70 Milharado, Lisbon, 38° 57' N PORTUGAL 9° 12' W
Yellow Wagtail
JB 68933 Juv Ringed 06 08 70 Upton Warren, RMB Bromsgrove, Worcs Control 31 08 70 Radipole, Weymouth, 112 m S Dorset
Starling
XX 05590 Ad Ringed 21 02 70 Shustoke, Warks GM Rec'd 02 04 70 Insel Usedom 54° 00' N (Rostock), 14° 05'E GERMANY CR 77538 PJ Ringed 09 11 68 Shenstone, Lichfield, CDT PRM Staffs Rec'd 12 04 70 Glenrothes, Fife, 225 m Scotland NNW CR 77657 PJ Ringed 09 11 68 Shenstone CDT PRM Rec'd 30 06 70 Borkum, Frisian 53° 35' N Islands, GERMANY 6° 40' E CR 77586 PJ Ringed 09 11 68 Shenstone CDT PRM 31 07 70 Grund, Nr. Randers 52° 28' N (Jylland), DENMARK 10° 18' E
Greenfinch
BJ 96043 Ad Ringed 01 01 70 Temple Grafton, JAH Warks 91
Control 03 02 70 Stroud, Glos. 32 m SW BJ 35897 Ad Ringed 23 03 69 Weston-under-Lizard, PD Staffs Control 28 02 70 Hartshill, Nuneaton, 35 m E Warks BJ 67456 Ad Ringed 28 12 70 New Oscott, Sutton EJP Coldfield, Warks Rec'd 14 03 70 Ravenshead, Fishpool, 44 m NNE Mansfield, Notts BE 26676 1Y Ringed 25 01 70 Berkswell, Kenilworth, TJG Warks Rec'd 11 04 70 Harrogate, Yorks 110 m N BJ 67093 1Y Ringed 24 01 70 Bloxwich, Walsall, WEM Staffs Control 11 04 70 New Balderton, 60 m NE Newark, Notts BE 89660 FG Ringed 17 11 68 Bloxwich WEM Control 04 05 70 Hilbre Island, 80 m NW Dee Estuary, Ches BH 49658 Ad Ringed 15 02 70 Weston-under-Lizard, PD Staffs Rec'd 04 07 70 Grantham, Lines 70 m ENE BN 23717 Ad Ringed 22 11 70 Weston PD Rec'd 28 12 70 Clifton, Notts 48 m ENE
Linnet
HV 54573 PJ Ringed 11 04 70 Weston PD Rec'd 30 07 70 Bedale, Yorks 115m NNE HS 64618 FG Ringed 03 10 70 Hopwas Wood, PC Tamworth, Staffs Rec'd ? 10 70 Lit-et-Mixe, Landes, 44° 02' N FRANCE 1 ° 18'W HP 78145 1Y Ringed 08 06 69 Besford, Pershore, GHG Worcs Control 05 12 70 Capbreton (Landes), 43° 38' N FRANCE 1 ° 26' W
Redpoll
JB 40249 1Y Ringed 06 02 70 Weston PD Control 24 10 70 Haslemere, Surrey 138 m SSE 92
Chaffinch
HS 69224 Ad Ringed 09 02 69 Weston PD Rec'd 26 03 70 Amager (Sjaelland), 55° 37' N DENMARK 12° 37' E HP 78310 PJ Ringed 23 02 69 Malvern Link, Worcs RMB Control 5 04 70 Brabrand (Jylland), 56° 09' N DENMARK 10° 14' E HV 54121 Ad Ringed 14 12 69 Weston PD Rec'd 12 04 70 Lund, Molby 55° 44' N (Jylland), DENMARK 8° 44' E H J 18358 Ad 02 03 69 Berkswell, Kenil- TJG worth, Warks 01 06 70 Heimdal, Nr. Sande- 59° 08' N fjord, NORWAY 10° 14' E
Birds Ringed Elsewhere And Recovered Or Controlled in 1970 In The W.M.B.C. Area
Species Ring No Date Place Movement (m-mi/es) Heron
Stockholm Pull Ringed 23 05 68 Hedes, Bohuslan, 57° 57' N 9208861 SWEDEN 12° 05' E Rec'd 25 01 70 Drayton, Stratford- on-Avon, Warks Arnhem Pull Ringed 20 05 69 Middenbeemster 52° 33' N 8024966 (Noord Holland), 4° 54' E NETHERLANDS Rec'd 05 09 70 Wilnecote, Tamworth, Staffs
Mute Swan
Z 08076 FG Ringed 16 02 66 Slimbridge, Glos Nesting 15 04 69 Wolverhampton, 63 m N Staffs Nesting 27 03 70 Short Heath, 4 m E Walsall, Staffs 93
Z14763 Ad Ringed 28 04 64 Burlington, Sheriffhales, Salop Control 09 08 69 Alvecote, Polesworth, 30 m E Warks Nesting 16 05 70 Lea Marston, 7 m SSW Coleshill, Warks Z 20330 Juv Ringed 12 10 69 Framilode, Arlingham, Glos Control 09 08 70 Alvecote, Polesworth, 66 m NNE Warks Z 21102 1Y Ringed 21 10 66 Cambridge, Cambs Control 09 08 70 Alvecote, Polesworth, 77 m WNW Warks
Jack Snipe
CV 92237 PJ Ringed 14 01 67 Hornsea Mere, Hornsea, Yorks Rec'd 26 12 69 Keele, Staffs 105 m SW
Black-headed Gull
Helsinki Pull Ringed 13 07 69 Island of Nailuoto, 64° 65' N S 033220 Gulf of Bothnia, 24° 45' E FINLAND Rec'd 24 03 70 Cannock Res, Cannock, Staffs Moskna Pull Ringed 11 06 66 Lake Engure, 57° 17' N E 674739 LATVIAN SSR 23° 07' E Rec'd 13 06 70 Belvide Res, Staffs
Swallow
HH 78366 Juv Ringed 28 09 66 Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Ches Control 09 09 70 Doxey, Stafford, 30 m S Staffs House Martin
Arnhem FG Ringed 19 05 67 Rammekenshoek, 51 ° 27' N S 203198 NETHERLANDS 3° 39' E Rec'd 27 05 70 Temple Grafton, Warks 94
Redwing
Bruxelles PJ Ringed 16 11 69 Essen (Antwerpen), 51 ° 28' N X 42124 BELGIUM 4° 28' E Control 24 12 69 Weston-under-Lizard, Staffs
Blackbird
CR 74556 PJ Ringed 13 10 69 Hartlepool, Durham Control 04 01 70 Outhill, Studley, 180mSW Warks
Reed Warbler
HK 85170 Juv Ringed 22 08 67 Port Ham, Glos Control 08 07 70 Defford, Pershore, 20 m NNE Worcs
Willow Warbler
PE 8194 PJ Ringed 09 04 68 Portland Bill, Dorset Rec'd 10 06 70 nr Droitwich, Worcs 120 m N
Pied Wagtail
HS 93327 PJ Ringed 20 09 69 Settle, Yorks Control 07 02 70 Sparkhill, Birmingham 110 m S
Starling
Hiddensee Pull Ringed 04 06 68 Serrah, Neuerstrelitz, 53° 20' N 7051859 EAST GERMANY 13° 14' E Control 29 12 69 Temple Grafton, Warks
Greenfinch
BE 75063 1Y Ringed 29 08 69 Heaton Mersey, Manchester, Lanes Control 11 01 70 Hopwas, nr 60 m SSE Tamworth, Staffs BR 59258 PJ Ringed 11 01 69 Gatley, Cheadle, Ches 95
Control 15 02 70 Weston-under-Lizard, 48 m S Staffs BN 27174 Pull Ringed 04 07 70 Brownside, Burnley, Lanes Control 28 11 70 Blithfield, nr Rugeley, 70 m SSE Staffs
Chaffinch
HH 21668 1Y Ringed 18 10 67 Bardsey Island, Caerns Control 09 04 70 Weston-under-Lizard, 110mESE Staffs
Key to Ringers' Initials
CDT PRM Dr and Mrs Minton WEM W E Merrill RMB R M Bishop TJG T J Grey M C Merrill and Clarke PD P Deans JAH J A Hardman EJP E J Pratley TE T Edwards PJB P J Baker HSHH H S Hemsley-Hall JRM J R Mountford FG F Gribble GM G Mortiboy HL H Lapworth PC P Challinor 96
Migrants
The average arrival or departure dates given below for each bird are based respectively on the first and last dates given in the Annual Reports up to 1970. The figure in brackets is the number of years on which the average is based.
Arrival Departure
Chiffchaff March 18 Average (36) Oct 10 Average (36) March 22 Tardebigge Res JRH Nov 29 Brandon BMCG 22 Leamington Spa EJB 21 Bittell KGC 26 Brandon BMCG 2 Leamington Spa EJB
Sand-Martin March 25 Average (35) Oct 2 Average (35) March 21 Westwood CPB Oct 9 Bittell JMH 24 Belvide DS 3 Burcot GR 26 Whitacre EAH 3 Belvide DS
Wheatear March 25 Average (33) Oct 1 Average (34) March 18 Leamington Spa EJB Oct 26 Hurley EAH 23 Hollywood DMT 20 Stafford PT 26 Cofton Richards JMH 12 Draycote EAE
Willow-Warbler March 28 Average (36) Sept 28 Average (36) March 29 Leamington Spa EJB Oct 29 Leamington Spa EJB April 1 Sheriffs Lench TCS 10 Brandon BMCG 3 Westwood SW 7 Edgbaston Park CRB
Swallow April 3 Average (36) Oct 25 Average (36) April 5 Westwood RM Nov 22 Kidderminster MFF 6 Knowle RAC 15 Alcester SW 8 Upton Warren SW 3 Bodymoor Heath TPM
Little Ringed Plover April 2 Average (6) Sept21 Average (6) March 25 Upton Warren KGC Sept 27 Bodymoor Heath HTL 97
Arrival Departure
31 Packington KS 20 Brandon BMCG April 4 Belvide DS 8 Blithfield BCG 8 Wilden RM
Blackcap April 6 Average (36) Sept21 Average (33) April 2 Cannock WDM Oct 19 Checkhill EGP 9 Coombe CHP Sept 18 Cannock Res RAH 14 Bodymoor Heath SVB 13 Westwood CPB 14 Westwood SW
Ring-Ouzel April 8 Carding Mill Valley Oct 30 Malvern MAB MAB 18 Malvern Hills SW 17 Roach End AGF Garganey April 8 Average (28) Sept 12 Average (27) March 21 Belvide SS Oct 10 Upton Warren MAB 28 Hams Hall HTL 4 Leamington Spa EJB April 12 Brandon BMCG 3 Bodymoor Heath TPM 12 Bodymoor Heath EAH 3 Blithfield AFJ
Yellow Wagtail April 8 Average (34) Oct 2 Average (33) April 5 Upton Warren RMB Oct 3 Yoxall BCG 6 Worcester SIV 4 Several records 7 Lichfield AJD
Tree-Pipit April 10 Average (33) Sept 13 Average (32) March 29 Westwood SW Sept 21 Belvide DS 29 Kingsbury HTL 13 Draycote JL April 5 Middleton EAH 13 Cannock Res GE 5 Ufton Fields EAE
House-Martin April 11 Average (36) Oct 25 Average (36) April 10 Upton Warren GR Nov 4 Cofton Richards JMH 15 Priors Hardwick MA 1 Bartley Res CRB 16 Several records 1 Stourton ARL 98
Arrival Departure
Redstart April 12 Average (34) Sept 12 Average (33) April 14 Bittell DMH Sept 12 Cannock Res RAH 16 Coughton RM 7 Tamworth AECo 17 Clayhanger DD
Common Sandpiper April 12 Average (34) Oct 12 Average (31) April 9 Belvide DS Dec 19 Blithfield DAH 12 Leamington Spa WGB Oct 21 Tardebigge JRH 16 Several records 7 Upton Warren TAW 4 Leamington Spa EJB
Cuckoo April 14 Average (34) Sept 15 Average (32) April 16 Broadhill GB Sept 14 Barton-under-Needwood 17 Redditch KGC BCG 17 Stourton ARL 1 Clayhanger DGE 4 Leek Wootton EJB
Whitethroat April 17 Average (36) Sept 20 Average (36) April 17 Yardley HTL Oct 10 Brandon BMCG 19 Leamington Spa EJB Sept 26 Stockingford BCG 22 Belvide OS 20 Tean AKP
Sedge-Warbler April 19 Average (34) Sept 23 Average (27) April 12 Wilden RM Oct 11 Wilden RM 15 Ufton TWL OLL Sept 29 Worcester SW 1 6 Brandon BMCG 27 Latherford AJD
Nightingale April 21 Average (34) April 22 Wappenbury Woods R May 2 Goosehill Wood TA W 3 Stoke Prior JRH
Grasshopper-Warbler April 21 Average (34) Aug 18 Average (19) 99
Arrival Departure
April 16 Packington KS Sept 20 Upton Warren RM 17 Castlemorton DIN Aug 24 Belvide DS 19 Upton Warren RM 23 Cofton Richards JMH
Pied Flycatcher April 23 Average (23) April 25 Wyre Forest NAJW Sept 6 Malvern Link LAB 28 Sutton Park LS Aug 23 Leamington Spa EJB July 31 Coombes Valley BCG
Wood-Warbler April 23 Average (34) Aug 11 Average (24) May 1 Gailey BCG Aug 11 Bittell DMH 3 Westwood CPB 1 Shugborough BCG 5 Himley SJR July 18 Malvern CPB 5 Blithfield JL
Lesser Whitethroat April 24 Average (34) Sept 13 Average (34) April 29 Belvide DS Sept 19 Belvide DS May 3 Bittell DMH 7 Draycott-le-Moors AKP 3 Leamington Spa EJB 6 Alvecote GAA
Garden-Warbler April 24 Average (33) Aug 26 Average (32) April 19 Leamington Spa EJB Aug 29 Brereton BCG 22 Himley SJR 26 Belvide DS 23 Edgbaston Park SVB
Swift April 24 Average (36) Sept 9 Average (36) April 17 Redditch KGC Sept 27 Aston-by-Doxey IJD 19 Leamington Spa RHB 17 Upton Warren TAW 22 Belvide DS 16 Alrewas BCG
Whinchat April 25 Average (34) Sept25 Average (31) April 25 Upton Warren CPB Sept 26 Upton Warren SW 25 Brownhills DD 18 Cannock Res RAH 15 Alvecote GAA 100
Arrival Departure
Reed-Warbler April 29 Average (30) Sept 15 Average (22) April 19 Upton Warren TAW Sept 26 Brandon BMCG 19 Leamington Spa EJB 19 Westwood CPB May 2 Droitwich EGP 19 Branston WEM 2 Salwarpe JRM
Turtle Dove April 30 Average (35) Sept 18 Average (35) April 25 Westwood CPB Oct 6 Maxstoke KS May 2 Kings Bromley BCG 4 Milverton DM 2 Ufton DM Sept 27 Latherford AJD
Spotted Flycatcher May 5 Average (33) Sept 21 Average (33) April 25 Belvide DS Oct 17 Bagnall HWK 28 Edgbaston Park TPM Sept 20 Malvern Hills MRG May 2 Dovedale RS 18 Cannock Res RAH
Corncrake May 9 Rickerscote FCG June 8 TardebiggeJRH
Quail May 5 Lickhill FF Sept 1 Gaydon RAC 7 Holt Heath FF Aug 28 Clent JS 9 Winterfold FF 12 Pershore MLJ
Nightjar May 16 Average (30) Aug 16 Average (19) May 14 Wellesbourne EJB Sept 4 Cannock Chase IJD June 1 Hanchurch JFB Aug 27 Kinver EGP 6 Scotch Hill BCG
Red-backed Shrike May 18 Average (13) No records
Marsh-Warbler June 3 Average (22) 101
Arrival Departure
June 4 Nafford ARMB 4 Eckington ARMB
Golden Plover Sept 3 Average (25) April 9 Average (25) Aug 2 Bodymoor Heath EAH April 25 Fradley BCG 29 Hammerwich RAH 23 Essington DS Sept 10 Belvide ARMB 13 Brandon BMCG
Wigeon Sept 7 Average (32) April 27 Average (36) July 13 Middleton GAA May 17 Upton Warren SW Aug 8 Bittell KGC 9 Bodymoor Heath HTL 22 Alvecote GAA April 27 Clayhanger DD 23 Bodymoor Heath EAH 27 Brandon BMCG (Summered at Belvide and Blithfield) Redwing Oct 2 Average (36) April 11 Average (36) Sept 22 Norton HWK April 27 Clayhanger DD 23 Malvern Hills LAB 25 Marston Doles MA 26 Roaches AGF 18 Bickford AJD
Pintail Oct 6 Average (24) April 10 Average (30) Aug 11 Alvecote GAA April 11 Draycote CHP Oct 3 Belvide DS Mar 29 Bodymoor Heath EAH 3 Bodymoor Heath SVB 21 Blithfield ARMB 18 Blithfield ARD
Jack Snipe Oct 10 Average (29) April 2 Average (26) Sept 17 Belvide DS April 25 Ford Green HWK 26 Several records 25 Upton Warren SW 19 Blithfield ESC
Fieldfare Oct 12 Average (35) April 27 Average (35) Sept 24 Brandon BMCG May 3 Westwood CPB 25 Priors Hardwick MA 3 Woodend EAH 26 Roaches AGF April 30 Draycott-le-Moors AKP 102
Arrival Departure
Brambling Oct 13 Average (36) April 6 Average (35) Oct 14 Belvide DS May 2 Wolfescotedale FCG 25 Lickeys MAB April 20 Edgbaston Park CDP 25 Baldwins Gate GM 15 Belvide AJD 25 Pipers Oak Wood RM
Golden-eye Oct 18 Average (32) April 26 Average (33) Oct 17 Bodymoor Heath SVB May 24 Blithfield ESC 17 Belvide DS 17 Gailey ARMB 21 Bartley DMH 15 Tardebigge JRH 21 Bittell KGC (Summered at Belvide)
Siskin Oct 19 Average (33) April 4 Average (34) Sept 26 Blithfield ARMB April 26 Aqualate FCG Oct 4 Bittell KGC 20 Westwood SW 4 Lickeys RM 18 Hall Green DMH
Goosander Nov 14 Average (31) April 1 Average (31) Nov 7 Cannock Res DD April 27 Pirton CMH 21 Bittell TAW 15 Belvide DS 30 Draycote EAE 4 Tittesworth AGF
Smew Dec 16 Average (26) Mar 3 Average (23) Dec 29 Bittell TAW 103
Key To Contributors
The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the report
!M Adkins R A Chadwick R Fletcher E Hulme EHu R Armfield E S Clare M F Foley R A Hume G A Arnold M Clarke R Fowkes RFo J R Hutchings M A Arnold D A Clay M Fuszard P D Hyde :W J Atkins K G Clifford Mrs R Austen Miss E Cloake Brandon Marsh M J Inskip !S G Austen T Cockburn Conservation :M J Austin W A Coe Group A F Jacobs A E Coleman AECo BMCG D E Jebbett P Bache A E Coles B C George R J Jemett J G Baker M C Cooper M J Gittins A Jennings J F Ball D Copplestone H G Gower J A Johnson C R Bagshaw D E J Court G H Green M L Jones P A Barnes B Craddock H Green 'R Barnes R S Cropper M R Green H W Key Miss D L Barrass A W Cundall F C Gribble B L Kington L Bates G I Griffiths H Kirkham L R Bayes L F Dale *R Griffiths D Knight G Beech *Mrs L Darling *S Griffiths G Bell GBe K I Darlow •Miss E E Gutch G C Lambourne P F Betts B A Davis *Mrs 0 L Lancaster C M Bingham A Dawson R G Hallington *T W Lancaster S V Bingham J Day P J Hampton R E Lane Mrs M Birch B B Daykin P Hanney M Lawley ARM Blake A J Dean J A Hardman B Lawson 'Mrs D M Boss A R Dean G R Harrison R W M Lee 'R H Boss B R Dean Mrs J V Harrison H T Lees M H Bourne P G Deans E Harvey G E Lewis W Bowman P K Dedicoat A W Hatfield J Lewis JLe 'E J Bradford D Diskin D M Hawker Miss W J Lewis !Mrs W G Bradford I J Dix B Haycock A R Lilley M A Brazil I Draycott W Hayston Miss C J Lloyd C P Brooking Mrs D Dunstan K Hayward E W Longman R M Broughton C M Hemmings J Lord L A Brown *Miss E A Eattell D A Henstock D Lorenz S C Brown G Edwards GEd G W Henton G E Lowe GELo R Brownsword RBr S F L Edwards J Hewlett W R Elliott Mrs J M Heynes J C MacGregor Mrs L A Cadbury G Emery GEm R Higginbottom H M MacGregor B Campbell BCa D G Evans D W Hildred D Marland J Carrier J Holland JHo R M askew D Cashmore F Fincher R J Hollom *D Merecki DMe PHP Cass A G Finikin E A Hopkins W E Merrill 104
T P Milsom E G Phillips Mrs R D Shrive *D T Underhill D Morgan DMo A R Plant N Sills *Mrs M J Underhill G Moss C W Plant T Simcock R H Mosse C H Potter K Simmons T A Walsh J R Mountford C D Powell J C Skellam G W Ward K E Munsell P R Powell M B Skirrow Miss Y M Way Mrs W D Murray D Smallshire K A Webb E E Read R L Smallwood N R Went R Neep C R L Reece L Smith D R West A J Newcombe A J Richards T C Smout L Wheeler Mrs J C Newstead G Richards S Somerfield Mrs B Whitehouse C A Norris P J Rickards M Stew M Whitehouse D I North MAT Rivington G Summers S Whitehouse B Robertson R Sutton G G Whiting D A Orton G Robson GRo V N Whittaker G A Osborn R Rooke Mrs L Y Taylor N A J Wilde Mrs E Owen Miss E M Rose P C Taylor F C Williams R J Rose D M Thomas J R Wilson TEC Parker C R utter W G Thomas J D M Wright C D Parnell CDPa P Till R P Wright F E R Peach J Scott P R H Tilstone A K Pearce I Shaw M Towsend D W Yalden S Pemberton A Sherlock *Warick Natural History Society 4
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Clive Richards
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