THE WEST MIDLAND BIRD REPORT
No. 21
1954
Price Six Shillings Published September, 1955 The two photographs of Herons were taken at a Staffordshire heronry by Mr. Stanton Whitaker. One shows the female standing in the nest, having removed egg shells shortly after the young had hatched. The other shows the male incubating and crouching low as a Carrion-Crow flies over. Great havoc amongst eggs and young birds was wrought by Carrion-Crows and Grey Squirrels and in the main colony young were known to be reared from only three nests out of 42.
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No. 21
1954
BEING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB FOR 1954 ON THE BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE, WORCESTERSHIRE AND STAFFORDSHIRE. CONTENTS Page OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 5 EDITOR'S REPORT 5 SECRETARY'S REPORT 6 FIELD MEETINGS REPORT 8 SILVER JUBILEE SURVEY, 1929—1954 .... 9 BIRDS OF THE MALVERN DISTRICT . . . .11 MIGRATION OF SWIFTS IN NORTH WARWICKSHIRE, AUTUMN, 1954 13
BUZZARD SURVEY, 1954 18
BIRDS OF CANNOCK RESERVOIR 20
TREASURER'S REPORT 27
CLASSIFIED NOTES 28
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF MIGRANTS . . 55
BIRD RINGING RECOVERIES—WORCESTERSHIRE . 58
KEY TO CONTRIBUTORS 64 FINANCIAL STATEMENT 65 OFFICERS & COMMITTEE, 1955.
President: H. G. ALEXANDER, M.B.O.U., 144 Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak, Birmingham. Vice-President : W. E. GROVES, 4 Lyttleton Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Chairman : C. A. NORRIS, M.B.O.U., Sycamore Cottage, Clent, Worcestershire. Secretary: A. R. M. BLAKE, 472 City Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham 17. Editor: J. LORD, "Orduna," 369 Chester Road, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield. Hon. Treasurer : N. SWINDELLS, 98 Sharman's Cross Road, Solihull, Warwickshire. Field Meetings Secretary : A. T. CLAY, 93 Hamstead Hill, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham. Assistant Secretary : D. R. MIRAMS, 7 Treddles Lane, West Bromwich. Branch Representatives : KIDDERMINSTER BRANCH: C. R. MILLETT, 8 Manor Avenue, Kidderminster. STUDLEY BRANCH: Miss D. M. GARSTANG, Studley College, Studley, Warwickshire. SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE BRANCH: Mrs. NELDER, Flat 2, The Grange, Wellesbourne. Committee : A. R. Blake, G. B. Hindle, G. C. Lambourne, Mrs. W. Larkin, S. C. Porter, J. Sears, Miss M. Turnbull, Miss E. Wilkins.
EDITOR'S REPORT The abnormal rainfall experienced during the year had its effect on the records. The water level at several waters was such as to cover all inviting stretches of mud and in consequence the autumn records for waders at places such as Bel vide were meagre. Alvecote Pools were similarly affected. Members should note incidentally that Belvide reservoir, formerly known as Bellfields, now reverts in the Report to its correct designation. Amongst the more unusual observations in 1954 may be mentioned : the concentration of some 350 Great Crested Grebes in August at Blithfield, where a colony of about 30 nests was located; two records of Red-breasted Mergansers ; 30 Bewick's Swans at
5 Cannock Reservoir; a Harrier in Birmingham ; Little Ringed Plovers visiting several localities; a Great Snipe at Whittington ; parties of six Spotted Redshanks and 14 Curlew-Sandpipers ; two Little Gulls at Blithfield ; concentrations of Black Terns in early May and August; and parties of Crossbills in February and May. Nor was all the interest concerned with the scarcer species. Two of our members, one a previous editor and the other one of our youngest members were able, separately, to report cases of a Robin using the same nest for more than one brood, which the " Hand- book " states as unusual. In contrast with 1953 there were no records of Quails and it will be interesting to see if this is the same in other parts of the country. Reference is made elsewhere to the intention of bringing up-to- date, for species breeding in the area, the 1950 West Midlands Bird Distribution Survey. Meanwhile, as in all Reports published since that date, the results of that survey have been kept in mind and care has been taken to include any observations which show a change in status in any particular locality. J. LORD.
SECRETARY'S REPORT Although membership matters are in the province of the Treasurer, one landmark reached during 1954 should not be passed by without some comment. During the year we at last reached our goal of 500 members, and, although at the end of the year we had to strike off 25 through non-payment of subscriptions, we are again within striking distance of the target. Perhaps the most satisfactory feature was the fact that there was a net increase of 23 in our membership over the year—the largest yearly increase since 1950.
Indoor Meetings Once again the average attendance at these meetings has increased. During 1954 the average was 156, as compared with 131 in the year before. This average gives rather a false impression, however, as it is inflated by the exceptional numbers, estimated at 450, who attended the Conversazione to celebrate our Silver Jubilee. At this meeting our guest speaker was Sir Landsborough Thomson, who gave a talk on Migration. Two colour films were shown, one made by the R.S.P.B. Film Unit and presented by George Edwards, and the other a Hungarian Film dealing with the birds of Lake Feherto in Southern Hungary. During the tea interval members were able to inspect displays illustrating various aspects of, and aids to, bird study, and we are indebted to Messrs. Cornish Bros. Ltd., Messrs. Harrison's (Opticians) Ltd., The
6 Greenrigg Works, the B.T.O. and the R.S.P.B. for so readily providing display material. The other meetings of the year were addressed by S. C. Porter, Dr. David Snow, Miss Katherine Tousey, Dr. Stuart Smith, H. G. Alexander, our President, and Dr. N. Tinberger. Another Hungarian film of bird and animal life along the Danube was shown in May. Once again we must thank all these people for keeping us so well informed and entertained. As in previous years, our Chairman has been wholly instrumental in arranging for and persuading these speakers to come. I am sure that members will agree that the standard of the talks and the films is as high as ever, in spite of the ever-increasing difficulty of finding something, or someone, new. The facilities given by the Art Gallery have greatly improved with the conversion of the old Ethnological Gallery into a first-class lecture room. We must thank the Director of the City of Birming- ham Museum and Art Gallery for the continued use of these facilities, and particularly for all the special assistance and space which was provided for our Jubilee Meeting.
Bird Study During the year members co-operated in one new survey, sponsored by the B.T.O., namely the enquiry into the distribution of the Buzzard. A brief record of what was done appears else- where in this Report. For yet another year counts were made of the wildfowl at our principal reservoirs and pools. Here the advent of Blithfield has produced some interesting results. Although this reservoir started filling in 1952, it was not until the autumn of 1954 that duck appeared there in really large numbers. For instance, in December, 1953, there were about 1,200 duck present whereas in December, 1954, there were nearly 3,500. This increase has not been at the expense of the numbers on other waters in our area, for there were at least 11,000 duck at the 25 waters counted regularly as against about 6,500 in the same month for each of the previous three years. To this figure it is estimated that there are a further 2,000 duck on the smaller waters in our area not regularly counted for the survey. It is more convenient for observers living in the country within easy reach of the haunts of the birds concerned to participate in many of these enquiries, but of course, the vast majority of our members live in urban surroundings. It is, by the way, most gratifying to see the way our country members respond to appeals for information of this sort, and, in fact, the counts of duck from our more inaccessible waters come in month by month with exemplary regularity. In this respect, the help received in the Buzzard Survey is acknowledged elsewhere.
7 It is, however, time that a survey was launched in which it is necessary, and indeed desirable, for the participants to live in towns. Mr. Mirams, our Assistant Secretary, is working out the basis of an Urban Birds Survey, details of which should appear in one of the bulletins to be published in 1955. It would be premature to enlarge on the scheme here, and for the moment it will suffice to say that this survey will attempt to obtain a clear picture of the status of all the species found in the built-up areas, particularly those exemplified by Birmingham and the towns of the Black Country. We hope to find something of interest about the distribution of even such mundane species as the House-Sparrow and Starling. It is also time that the West Midland Bird Distribution Survey of 1950 was revised. Steps are being taken to put this into effect. The basis of this new survey will not be as general as the previous one. A list has been compiled of species whose distribution is very limited and restricted in an apparently unaccountable way (examples which come to mind are Woodlark, Stonechat and Red-backed Shrike) or those species which are expanding their range in our area. Efforts in this survey will be concentrated on these species.
A cknowledgments The organisation of this Club is such that the Secretary is relieved of many of the more tedious duties commonly associated with the post. All membership matters are dealt with by the Treasurer. The Field Meetings Secretary, apart from his appointed duties, relieves me of a considerable amount of the routine work associated with Committee Meetings. As a result, the Secretary can spend much of his time thinking, talking and writing about birds—and the Editor does the really hard work in this connection. For all this I am most grateful. A. R. M. BLAKE.
FIELD MEETINGS REPORT Field meetings, which are held each month (except July and August) continue to play an important part in the Club's activities. More than half of the club members have attended one or more of the meetings. The usual and successful visits were paid to the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge, Belvide and Gailey Reservoirs, Northampton Sewage Farm and Randon Woods and—a new venue was intro- duced—the Teme Valley. Field meetings were also organised for beginners and as these have proved so popular, it is proposed to increase their frequency. A. T. CLAY.
8 SILVER JUBILEE SURVEY, 1929—1954 1954 was an important year in the Club's history for on Decem- ber 4th we celebrated our Silver Jubilee. It was on November 1st, 1929, that Mr. W. E. Groves (our Vice-President) invited to his house, Mr. H. G. Alexander (our President), Mr. H. Henry and Mr. C. W. K. Wallis, and at that first meeting it was decided to form a club for comparing notes and observations of bird life. At our Silver Jubilee Conversazione we were delighted to have both Mr. Alexander and Mr. Groves not only with us, but taking a prominent part in the afternoon's affairs. Not infrequently I have been asked how it all began and I am indebted to Mr. Groves who has supplied a detailed report of the earlier years. After the first meeting at Mr. Groves' house a meeting was held early in 1930 in a small room at the Grand Hotel. It was then decided that meetings should be held at intervals of approximately two months. The procedure adopted was that each member should, in turn, give an account of his or her experiences during the period between meetings. This arrangement precluded the election of more than twelve members in order that the meetings should not be too protracted; a few visitors were admitted from time to time but did not take an active part. At these meetings Mr. Groves took the chair and in fact occupied all the offices of the Club, except Editor, until 1946. The first Report was published in 1934 and was edited by Mr. Alexander with assistance from J. D. Wood and F. R. Barlow. This arrangement continued until 1939 when A. J. Harthan took up the reins. In 1935 associate members were introduced ; the five shilling subscriptions being allocated to the cost of the Report, meetings, etc. In the following and subsequent years periodic lectures for members and associates were arranged in rooms at the Midland Institute, the Natural History Society and the Chamber of Commerce. By the outbreak of war in 1939 the Club had 15 members and 60 associates; the names of 19 people are listed as contributors to the Report for that year. During the war activities of all sorts were severely curtailed. Meetings were held at the houses of members and a few out-of-doors, but throughout the period the Annual Reports were continued, with A. J. Harthan as Editor. 1945 saw the first stage in a complete reorganisation of the Club. The name was changed from the " Birmingham Bird Club " to " The Birmingham and District Bird Club," a constitution and rules were drawn up and early in 1946 officers and a committee were elected. The old distinction between 15 members and the rest of the Club went. Membership was open to anyone genuinely interested in birds, the subscription became 10/- and junior members
9 were admitted for the first time. Mr. H. G. Alexander became President; Mr. Groves, Vice-President, Acting Secretary and Treasurer; Mr. W. E. Kenrick became Chairman ; Mr. Harthan continued as Editor and Mr. Lindsay Forster became Meetings Secretary. A committee of eight assisted in the management of the Club's affairs. In the Autumn of 1946, Mr. Groves and Mr. Harthan asked to be relieved of their duties of Secretary and Editor and Mr. C. A. Norris took up these offices. At the Annual General Meeting in February, 1947, the new rules were adopted and the Club became " The Birmingham and West Midland Bird Club." A move to delete the word " Birming- ham " from the name was referred back to the Committee and subsequently rejected. It was also in 1947 that the present arrangement of having monthly meetings in the City of Birmingham Art Gallery was first instituted, a privilege which has been of steadily increasing benefit to the Club. During the year member- ship increased from 144 adult members and 31 juniors to 219 and 39 respectively, an increase not achieved in any year before or since. The first Bulletin was produced in May of that year, but it was not until 1948 that they became a regular feature planned especially to keep members informed of future meetings and of past events in the bird world. Since 1947 the basic structure of the Club has remained un- changed, but the scale of activities has increased, especially with the forming of Branches at Kidderminster, Studley and Stratford- on-Avon, and with the extension of the area covered by the Club so as to include the whole of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire. Membership has continued to increase, passing the three hundred mark in 1948, the four hundred mark in 1950, and reaching the five hundred in November, 1954. Finally, in this Jubilee Report, I must express to Mr. Alexander and Mr. Groves the sense of indebtedness which the whole Club owes to them for without their efforts we could never have advanced in the way that has proved possible. We must also thank particu- larly Mr. Harthan, for seven years our Editor, Mr. W. E. Kenrick, for seven years our Chairman, Mr. G. C. Lambourne, for six years our Treasurer, and the other officers and committee members who have helped in innumerable ways to make the wheels go round. Whether our interest in birds is purely aesthetic, sporting, scientific, or a combination of these, we can all gain a good deal from the Club and, by enlarging the number of people who take an intelligent interest in our subject, we can help to establish an educated climate of opinion which will bring lasting benefit to the birds we study. This must be the principal aim and object of all our work. C. A. NORRIS.
10 BIRDS OF THE MALVERN DISTRICT The Malvern Hills lie in S.W. Worcestershire, and run north and south for a distance of nine miles. The Worcestershire Beacon the highest point is 1,395 feet. The lower slopes are well wooded down to the various Malverns, and so to the plain below, where the farmland commons and woods are all rich in bird-life. I have seen 88 species and 76 of these breed here. During 1954 I have recorded 160 nests for The British Trust for Ornithology, The Cirl-Bunting is a rare bird for the district, but a pair frequented my garden from October 1952—August 1954, often joined by Yellow Hammers. Contrary to usual reports, Yellow Hammers do come near habitations in this district; from February 15th—March 9th, a flock of up to 20 were continually in the trees in my small suburban garden. Buzzards are in three areas, where they breed within a few miles of the centre of Malvern, and a pair of Ravens breeds in one of the areas. The Red-backed Shrike breeds here and a pair arrived on Malvern Common as usual this season ; after three weeks they apparently disappeared, but I believe a pair nested on Castlemorton Common. Whinchats are on the Common too. Stonechats used to be very plentiful on the hills, but deserted the district some years ago. Redstarts are local, a pair always nest on the Bank Farm, Mathon, and there are a few pairs scattered over the hills. Meadow- Pipits are common locally on the hills, coming down to pasture land and the Sewage Farm in autumn and winter. I have recorded Tree-Pipits' nests in orchards away from habitation. The Wood- Lark is at the British Camp and there, every year, about six pairs of Wheatears breed. The Skylark is well distributed. The Kestrel hovers over the hills and lowlands too, but the Sparrow- Hawk is scarce. The district has many rookeries, and Carrion-Crows nest too. Jackdaws and Magpies are abundant, while Jays haunt the woods. Wood-Pigeons are plentiful and so are Stock-Doves ; there was an increase in Turtle-Doves this season. The Green Woodpecker is very common over the district and while the Greater Spotted is less often seen, it visits our larger gardens and the Link Common. I saw three together on the hills in September. A Lesser Spotted does visit my garden but they are scarce. The Nuthatch and Tree-Creeper are well to the fore in our parks and large gardens. Blue and Great Tits are widely distributed and the Coal-Tit seems on the increase, even visiting my garden lately. Long-Tailed Tits, though more exclusively woodland birds, are certainly spreading. The Marsh and Willow-Tits are here in small numbers. This year we had more than usual of Chiffchaffs and Willow- Warblers, and there did not seem a hedgerow without its Common
11 Whitethroats, but the Lesser Whitethroat was scarce. The Wood- Warbler haunted the wooded areas, and the Garden-Warbler sang in the Bank Farm woods and a few other places. I recorded five Spotted Flycatchers' nests in Davenham Gardens, and they visited us in their usual numbers. I watched a Blackcap singing in the same gardens in April, but they were scarce this year. For the past two years there has been a noticeable decline in the number of Cuckoos heard. I have seen only one Sedge-Warbler this year. The Nightingale sings in Cowleigh and Storridge Woods, and in the Newland Common area. The Nightjar visits the same woods. The Song-Thrush appeared to be up to full strength again by 1953, after being practically wiped out during the 1947 winter, but I still find double the number of Blackbirds' nests (and very few Mistle-Thrushes in comparison). Hedge Sparrows and Chaffinches tie for third place. The Goldfinch seems on the increase yearly and after breeding is over they wander in flocks of up to 80 or more. Greenfinches, Chaffinches and Linnets are well distributed. Though Bullfinches are birds which keep to themselves, they are quite numerous. A weekly visit to the Sewage Farm at Guarlford is always rewarding but of recent years it has lost some of its rarer species, the Corncrake, Grasshopper-Warbler, etc. I recorded 37 nests in the area. A pair of Yellow Wagtails reared two broods this season, and a pair of Reed-Buntings nested there too. Pied Wagtails are very numerous and are also birds of the roadside and housetops. They nest in the crevices of the stone walls surrounding the filter beds, where Tree-Sparrows, Wrens and Robins nest too. Grey Wagtails are occasional visitors, and in July I saw a pair of Blue-headed Wagtails. Numbers of our summer visitors frequent the Farm. Yellow Hammers and Tree-Sparrows are prevalent in the area all the year round. The autumn brings large flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets with Greenfinches, Chaffinches and Meadow-Pipits in rather less numbers. I recorded Partridges nests, and the Red-legged Partridge is there too. Wheatears visit on migration. Rough weather brings in large flocks of Herring- and Black-headed Gulls. Lapwings visit less frequently of late, but always a large flock is to be seen on ploughed land beside the Ledbury road in autumn. Rooks are often a thousand strong, and all the young Starlings from the district appear to congregate on the filter beds. Herons fly over on their way to the Severn or the Teme.
Moorhens are very common on our pools and streams, but I have only seen one pair of Coots, and they were on Golden Valley pool, where there are resident Mute Swans and Mallard. Other ducks call in. Dippers have been reported to me, but I have not seen them.
12 The yelp of the Little Owl is heard by day and night, and I quite often see the Tawny Owl during the day in the Guarlford and Pickersleigh areas. It is not a Kingfisher district but one does fish in a gold fish pool in a town garden. I have no records of Curlew breeding here, but I have heard their call as they fly over on spring mornings, and on November 24th four circled over for 20 minutes, and then made off in a S.W. direction. I watch Pheasants at wood edges in several areas. The Goldcrest is common, always near conifers in breeding season, at other times wandering in hedgerows and deciduous woods. Swallows, House-Martins and Swifts have been late arriving and on the decrease for the past two years. Redwings and Fieldfares appear to be our only winter visitors. I have seen flocks of both at the Sewage Farm, and feeding on rough grassland elsewhere. Two Fieldfares fed on my lawn for several days with between 60-70 other birds, during the cold spell in February. M. PALMER-SMITH, M.B.O.U.
MIGRATION OF SWIFTS IN NORTH WARWICKSHIRE AUTUMN, 1954 Swifts usually appear at their breeding stations in spring over a short period, and their period of departure in autumn is equally brief. I first noted a lone swift at Coventry on May 8th. At 6-30 a.m. on the following morning, hundreds were to be heard and seen above the city. Reports from several other districts in North Warwickshire all show that the first big wave of swifts appeared during the period May 8—9—10th. From then onwards they were common at their usual breeding stations. Passage northerly, however, was continued until early June. The appalling weather conditions this summer were probably responsible for the absence of feeding swifts on many days in the cities and towns. Often for amazingly long periods at a time, not an odd bird was to be seen. They seemed to refrain from turning out to feed in such bad conditions. Only a few weeks after the birds moving north had passed through, the steady passage southwards began. At Coventry swifts were first seen passing south on July 3rd, but not until the second week of the month were numbers of any size involved. The table following shows the comparative passage as noted at Coventry and in the Tamworth district.
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Mr. Pochin noted a similar wave in mid-July at Croft, in Leicestershire, and the same influx at the end of the month. August 17th showed the disappearance of the last of the resident breeding birds at both Coventry and at Tamworth. South-west winds predominated, although the wind did blow northerly for a few days in mid-August. The weather conditions appeared to have little effect on movement, passage often remaining constant in unsettled conditions. With the south to westerly winds fairly constant daily, although of no great force, most of the passing swifts flew into the wind. In the Tamworth district and at Coventry movement was strictly towards the south, south-west and west, with majority to the south- west. There were, however, two occasions in the Coventry area to the contrary. On August 24th about 100 passed south-east and south. On August 26th, between 18.00 and 18.30 G.M.T., there was a strong passage to south-west, but on the same evening between 18.30 and 19.00 G.M.T., the majority passed west to north-west. Although swifts were passing over a wide front at both Coventry and Tamworth, it was clearly seen that the valleys of the River Tame at Tamworth, and the River Avon south of Coventry, were used as narrow front routes. On July 20th, thousands of swifts were following the valley of the Avon from Brandon via Baginton marsh and Stoneleigh. The same route was used as far as Old Milverton, near Warwick. The observer had no chance to trace the route further. The valley of the Avon runs south-westerly, although the river does a series of bends. The migrants however remained on the same south-west route, which was probably no wider than a few hundred yards, outside of which very few swifts were to be seen. Strong movement to the south-west on August 12th at Brandon and Baginton suggested that the same route was still being used. I am greatly indebted to Messrs. G. A. and M. A. Arnold, T. C. Smout, Miss E. Morgan and several others for their many notes, to all of whom I extend my sincere thanks. A. W. H. WINCOTT. BUZZARD SURVEY, 1954 During 1954 a survey into the breeding distribution of the Buzzard in Great Britain and into its feeding habits, was organised for the British Trust for Ornithology by Dr. N. W. Moore, of the Nature Conservancy. The West Midlands lie on the eastern fringe of a stronghold of the species in Wales, and not unnaturally, our 18 greatest efforts were made in West Worcestershire. All the likely breeding areas of the species were covered along the Teme Valley from Worcester to Rochford, about two miles short of Tenbury. Although the area around Tenbury itself could not be covered, there is evidence that two pairs have bred there recently. However, these pairs have not been included in the table below. Other areas of Worcestershire which were carefully searched were the Alfrich and Suckley area between River Teme and Leigh Brook ; the Lenches ; the Malvern area ; the extreme north-east of the county. Coverage of Warwickshire was much more patchy, and most areas were searched without success. However negative results in areas which may in future hold the species are valuable in tracing future population trends. Not all efforts were fruitless, for once again the species was proved to breed in the county. A search of the area south of a line from Market Drayton to Stone did not result in any birds being found in Staffordshire, but one pair did breed in the county for the first time for over a century, to the N.E. of Stafford. The following table gives the numbers of fully grown birds present during the breeding season and young known to have been hatched. Pairs Proved Additional Pairs Non-Breeding Young County to Breed probably Birds Present Hatched Breeding in Breeding Season Warwicks. 1 1 — 2 Worcs. 13 7—11 9—11 21 + Staffs. 1 — 1—2 1 + There is insufficient evidence to show how many young reached the flying stage. Hatching success was high in the cases where nests were watched throughout the breeding season. Out of 5 nests in which 13 eggs were laid, 12 young hatched. From another nest 3 young were reared, indicating a high hatching success, as the species usually lays no more than 3 and only exceptionally more than 4 eggs. In the 5 nests mentioned above, 4 had clutches of 3 and the other of 1. This last clutch indicates that eggs had been removed. The survey so far as the Club's area is concerned would not have been possible but for the help of the following, who carried out a very considerable amount of field-work. 19 Miss Glenister, Messrs. M. A. Arnold, F. Colley, L. R. Greening, A. J. Harthan, D. W. Hildred, G. C. Lambourne, G. E. Lewis, W. G. Luton, B. H. Parsons, C. R. L. Reece, R. G. Salter, G. H. Skirrow, N. R. Went, A. R. Wife. The results of the Survey for the country as a whole will be published in " Bird Study." A. R. M. BLAKE THE BIRDS OF CANNOCK RESERVOIR Properly called Norton Pool, but named Cannock Reservoir in most printed references in recent years, this stretch of water is situated about one mile to the north-west of the south Staffordshire town of Brownhills. Lying at a height of over 800 feet above sea level the pool is in character and location closely related to the rolling heather and gorse country of Cannock Chase. The Chase lies to the north and is only separated by a mile or two of straggling coal-mining settlements. Ten miles to the north the River Trent passes from west to east before turning northward at a point about fifteen miles due north-east of the pool. To the south-east lies Birmingham and to the south-west the vast stretch of the Black Country industrial area beyond which lies the Severn Valley. Norton Pool has character. It has two dams, one at the eastern end and one round the south-west side. From the south- east corner to the apex of the north-west pointing triangle the distance is over a mile. The pool's exceptionally clear waters are fed by two small rivulets, countless springs and extensive seepage through the Bunter gravel beds which form a large part of the hills round about. Peat strata alternate with the gravel. Accordingly the shores are either of long stretches of shingle or low flat patches of peat marsh. The hinterland is formed of an extensive and strange mixture of gorse, heather, rough turf, marshes, slag heaps, slimy ponds, flashes, railway embankments, little sunken pools and small fields. Disturbance is continual. The surrounds of the pool are the unofficial park for the local population. The birds of Cannock Reservoir are many by species but few in number. The reservoir appears to lie on the crossing of two concentra- tions of migration—from north-east to south-west or vice versa, and from north-west to south-east or vice versa according to the season. Birds visit the pool, seeing it at first sight attractive, but many move on within a very short period through being frightened by one thing or another every few minutes. Some wading species have enough bravado to stay a few days. But it 20 would seem that Cannock Reservoir is not a normal stopping place for on many occasions flocks of waders have been seen flying straight over. Nevertheless the immediate precincts make good feeding for less alarmist passerines, like the Snow Bunting which stayed for three months and the Twites which come every winter. This summary includes several records and opinions originating from the late F. Coburn and G. H. Clarke, both of whom spent a great deal of time round the pool from about 1890 to 1910. Their records have been taken from a summary of the " Birds of Stafford- shire," by T. Smith (1938). They are interesting in that many of Coburn's opinions on the occurrence of various species show a pleasing similarity to those which have been gathered in recent years. Regular observations of a more contemporary nature started in May, 1948, and have been published in the Annual Reports of the West Midland Bird Club since that year. The following observers have been quoted—G. A. Arnold, A. R. Blake, B. J. Bunton, the late G. H. Clarke, the late F. Coburn, A. W. Cundall, A. E. English, P. Evans, J. E. Fortey, D. Glaze, P. W. Hart, A. F. Jacobs, B. W. Jones, G. C. Johnson, G. C. Lambourne, H. Lapworth, J. Lord, M. J. M. Larkin, A. R. Mead- Briggs, C. A. Norris, G. W. Rayner, J. R. Rawsthorne, A. J. Richards, M. J. Rogers, L. Salmon, J. N. Sears, T. M. Thursfield and A. W. Wolton. Black-throated Diver. One, 16th December, 1951 (J.R.R., J.L., A.W.C.). One, 2nd January, 1952 (M.J.M.L.) possibly the same bird. One on 31st December, 1954 (M.J.M.L., G.W.R.). Great Northern Diver. One on 9th November, 1948 (J.R.R., M.J.R.), which was last seen on 24th November, 1948 (L.S.). Another on 20th January, 1952, was last seen on 1st March, 1952. One on 13th November, 1954, stayed until 19th Decem- ber. (M.J.R., A.R.B., J.E.F.). Great Crested Grebe. To be seen from March until October or November, usually in twos or threes, but occasionally up to 15 during migration periods. Does not breed. Slavonian Grebe. One on 10th March, 1949 (J.R.R., M.J.R.). Black-necked Grebe. One, 16th to 23rd January, 1949 (A.R.B., G.C.J.). Little Grebe. Rarely seen on the big pool, but breeds on the small pools in the immediate vicinity. Leach's Petrel. One, 29th October, 1952, was one of the big "wreck" of that year (M.J.R.). Cormorant. Single birds occasionally come in from Gailey Pools, ten miles to the west. 21 Shag. One on 19th September, 1948 and one 14th December, 1948 (M.J.R., A.R.B., A.E.E.). One on 2nd August, 1954 (B.J.B.). Heron. Ones and twos appear on rare occasions at any time of the year. Mallard. A pair breeds most years and there are usually a few non-breeding birds about during the summer. There are usually even fewer during the winter though occasionally a party of 20—50 stays for a short while. Teal. Usually a party of 10—15 to be seen during the winter months. Garganey. A pair on 18th—19th April, 1954 (B.W.J., M.J.R.), and one on 9th May, 1954 (M.J.R.). Gad wall. Two pairs on 27th December, 1948 (C.A.N.). Wigeon. Occasionally appears in small parties, but rarely feeds. Pintail. Ones and twos appear on rare occasions during the winter months. Shoveler. Small parties or pairs appear at any time of the year except mid-summer. Scaup. Two on 25th January, 1949 (M.J.R.) ; a pair on 24th January, 1954 ; five on 10th—17th January, 1954, and on 15th January, one duck (A.F.J., A.R.B., J.L., M.J.R.). Tufted Duck. Usually 20—30 during the winter months and sometimes builds up to 100—150 during spring and autumn. Pochard. Up to 200 appear during October and November but, in common with Gailey Pools and Belvide numbers drop later in the winter. Golden-Eye. Ones and twos appear during the winter. Long-tailed Duck. One, 27th November to 29th December, 1949 (A.R.B., M.J.R., J.R.R., A.W.W.). Common Scoter. Of regular occurrence usually singly in the summer months. Eider. Two from 31st October to 27th December, 1948 (A.R.B., G.W.R., A.E.E. and others). Red-breasted Merganser. Two on 2nd March, 1904, and one on another occasion, all of which were shot (G.H.C.). Goosander. Appears in ones and twos on rare occasions. Smew. One immature duck on 2nd January, 1908, and two drakes on 22nd January, 1909 (G.H.C., F.C.). Shelduck. F. Coburn considered this species regular and plentiful at the beginning of the century. The season 1908-09 produced flocks of 5 immature, 6 immature and adult, 1 adult, 8 immature and adult, and 5 adults respectively. Occurrences in recent years have been frequent, usually in ones or twos between August and March, but seven passed through on 22nd August, 1954 (J.E.F., A.R.B., M.J.R.). White-fronted Goose. One flew through to the west on 31st December, 1949 (M.J.R.), and two were seen on 21st February, 1954 (B.W.J.). 22 Grey Geese. Spp. unknown. 100 passed over to north-east on 18th March, 1954 (G.A.A.). Brent Goose. Five on 4th February, 1910 (G.H.C.). Canada Goose. Small parties occasionally appear. Mute Swan. When the water is low in winter over 100 stay the winter. Whooper-Swan. Three adults on 11th January, 1949 (M.J.R., J.R.R., A.W.C.). Bewick's Swan. One on 11th January, 1953 (D.G.). On 10th January, 1954, a party of 30 exceptionally tame birds was seen. Smaller parties were seen on the water or in flight until 31st January (M.J.R., A.R.B., A.F.J., J.L.). Kite. One seen passing over on 4th August, 1953 (A.R.B.). Merlin. A frequent visitor from September to March. The single birds which appear may be passage birds or perhaps winter residents on Cannock Chase. Coot. Provided that the water level is not so high as to prevent their reaching the bottom weed, up to 400 stay each winter, the first birds arriving in mid-August. Oystercatcher. A regular visitor on passage March to May and July to November. Usually in ones and twos. Rarely stays more than an hour or two. Coburn regarded it as a regular visitor at the beginning of the century. Lapwing. Small numbers stay the winter but flocks of up to 500 appear on passage. On good days large numbers can be seen passing over. A common breeding bird. Ringed Plover. Present most of the time from April to early November. Up to 30 during good years in May and August, but sometimes only one or two small parties appear. This species finds the shingly shores a great temptation to stay for a few days. Little Ringed Plover. Single birds on 8th, 22nd, and 30th May, 1954 (M.J.R.), and two on 4th July, 1954 (A.R.B., A.F.J.). Grey Plover. F. Cobum wrote that he had seen many shot in the district round the pool at the beginning of the century. Spring, 1948, was a good season with one on 20th—21st May and three on 30th May (several observers). One on 20th May, 1950 (G.W.R.), and one 26th September, 1950 (M.J.R.). One on 14th October, 1951 (A.R.B.). Golden Plover. Frequently seen in parties of five to 50 from October to April. Mid-April flocks often contain birds identifiable as being of the Northern race. Dotterel. One on 24th August, 1950 (M.J.R., C.A.N., G.C.L.). Turnstone. A fairly common passage migrant almost entirely during late May and August. Up to four at times. Snipe. Never very common but usually a few to be found during the passage seasons. Two or three pairs breed in close proxi- mity to the pool. 23 Jack Snipe. One on a pool in slag-heaps nearby 4th—18th December, 1949 (several observers). Single birds on 29th September, 1950 and 3rd December, 1950 (J.R.R.) ; 5th December, 1954 (A.R.B., M.J.R.), and 13th November, 1954 (A.F.J.). Curlew. A common passage migrant appearing in parties of up to 30. Single birds usually land but most parties pass straight over. A pair bred just away from the pool in 1954. Coburn found much the same position at the beginning of the century, considering it as a regular visitor, sometimes in fair sized flocks. Whimbrel. A fairly frequent visitor on passage during May, July and August. Usually ones and twos but five on 5th August, 1950 (M.J.R.); 26 on 27th August, 1951 (M.J.R.), and six in a party seen by F.C. in September, 1908. Bar-tailed Godwit. One on 8th August, 1949 (A.E.E.), and one on 24th July, 1951 (A.F.J.). Green Sandpiper. The feeding here must be particularly un- suited to this species. The only occurrences are of single birds on 3rd August, 1948 (J.R.R., A.W.W.) ; 13th August, 1948 (M.J.R., J.R.R., A.W.W.) ; 18th April, 1954 (M.J.R.), and 8th August, 1954 (M.J.R., A.R.B.). This contrasts vividly with Belvide Reservoir fifteen miles to the west. Wood-Sandpiper. One on 18th—20th August, 1951 (A.R.B., M.J.M.L.). Common Sandpiper. A common passage migrant and one or two stay the summer in some years. This species has a habit of roosting gregariously at one particular spot around the pool every year. On 21st May, 1948, C.A.N., G.C.L., and G.W.R. saw the unusual spectacle of 17 in a composite flock—apparently a migratory party. Redshank. Two or three pairs breed. A common passage migrant and occasionally appears in late November or December. Greenshank. At the beginning of the century Coburn frequently noted the species and records several there on 30th September, 1909—a late date. In recent years has appeared on many occasions in groups of up to four during May, August, and September. Knot. Single birds on 24th August, 1948 (M.J.R., J.R.R.) ; 22nd May, 1949 (M.J.R.) ; 7th November, 1949 (M.J.R.), and 10th September, 1950 (P.E., A.W.C., A.R.B.) Little Stint. At the beginning of the century Coburn considered this species to be an almost regular visitor, sometimes in small parties, G.H.C. also finding them fairly common. In recent times recorded in 1949 (one) ; 1950 (2) ; and 1954—a good year when one was seen on 25th April and one on 17th and 23rd May (A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J.). In the autumn 24 ones and twos were seen on nearly every day during late August and early September, and A.F.J, saw five pass straight through on 29th August. Temminck's Stint. One on 11th May, 1950 (A.F.J.). Dunlin. Passage migrant summer and winter visitor. Up to 40 can be seen on good days in May or August. Single birds sometimes appear in the winter months. Curlew-Sandpiper. Single birds on 7th August, 1948 (G.C.L., M.J.M.L., C.A.N., L.S.) 15th September, 1948 (M.J.R.), and 24th-25th August, 1950 (M.J.R., C.A.N., G.C.L.). A spate of occurrences was recorded during August and September, 1954, and A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J, and J.E.F. had the good fortune to see 14 arrive in one party on 22nd August. Sanderling. This species could be described as almost common, since it appears to find the shores of the pool exceptionally attractive feeding ground. Appears during May, early June, August and September, nearly every year, especially when an easterly wind is blowing. Exceptional parties of 12 on 18th— 21st May, 1948 (several observers), and 13 on 30th May, 1950 (A.F.J., A.R.B., A.E.E., M.J.R.). Coburn's records from the beginning of the century were of a similar nature. Ruff. Occasionally appears in autumn, rarely staying for long. Two on 24th August, 1948 (M.J.R., A.W.W.), and single birds on 21st August, 1950 (A.F.J.), 26th—27th July, 1952 (A.R.B.), 15th August, 1954 (A.F.J., J.L., M.J.R.), and 22nd August, 1954 (J.E.F., M.J.R.). G. H. Clarke shot one on 10th July, 1897. Grey Phalarope. F. Coburn reports one having been shot by G.H.C. at the beginning of the century. Arctic Skua. G.H.C. injured one here in September, 1909, and it was later picked up dying near Aldridge and passed to F.C. Great Skua. One shot in September or October, 1896, by G.H.C. and passed to F.C. Greater Black-backed Gull. Single birds appear occasionally. Lesser Black-backed Gull. A common visitor sometimes in small parties. Herring-Gull. A common visitor and sometimes stays to roost in small numbers during the winter. Most birds move on to the Bellvide roost in the evening. Common Gull. Again a common visitor sometimes in parties of 20 or 30. Little Gull. One recorded as shot near Chasetown (J mile from the pool) on 2nd December, 1911. One on 17th August, 1952 (T.M.T.). Black-headed Gull. A common visitor all the year round and up to 1,500 roost during the winter. 25 Black Tern. Appears regularly on passage in May, August and September. Usually in small parties during spells of easterly winds this species rarely stays more than a few hours. Largest numbers recorded are of 45 on 18th May, 1948 (many observers) and 30 on 5th August, 1954 (G.A.A.). Common and Arctic Terns. Of regular occurrence on migration from April to October. Rarely more than 15 at a time. Little Tern. Coburn reported four on 6th June, 1909. Since then only one other record that of two on 6th August, 1952 (J.L.). Short-eared Owl. One flying westwards over the pool on 12th October, 1949 (A.R.B.), and another on 6th October, 1951 (A.W.C., P.W.H., J.N.S.). Kingfisher. Single birds occasionally appear outside the breeding season. Skylark. A very common breeding bird round the shores of the pool and appears in very large numbers on migration in March, September and October. Sand-Martin. A characteristic feature of the pool in early August is the tremendous accumulation of this species, often over 2,000 in number. Large numbers can be seen resting and even feeding on the south shore. Ring-Ouzel. One female on 2nd May, 1954 (M.J.R.). Wheatear. A common visitor on migration. Up to 15 can be seen during August. Sometimes very young birds appear in mid-July. The Greenland race has been identified on two occasions. Stonechat. One female on 4th December, 1949 (A.R.B., A.R.M.-B., G.W.R.). Whinchat. Several pairs breed on the heaths round the pool. Redstart. Appears occasionally in August in the bushes along the north-east shore, evidently migrating birds. Sedge-Warbler. Two or three pairs breed near the small pools round the reservoir each year. Lesser Whitethroat. One on migration on 6th May, 1951 (A. R. B.). Willow-Warbler. Sometimes appears in considerable numbers in small bushes round the shores during migratory "rushes." Tree-Pipit. The south-west dam appears to be an attractive resting place during the autumn migration. Rock Water-Pipit. Two on 12th October, 1950, seen in an unfavourable light for sub-specific identification. Three separate birds seen in flight on 22nd October, 1950 (M.J.R., J.R.R.). Single birds on 7th October, 1950, and 6th November, 1950 (M.J.R., J.R.R.), 2nd October, 1954, and 20th November, 1954 J.E.F.), the last two being identified as Rock-Pipits. 26 Pied Wagtail. Small numbers appear on passage and a few stay the winter. White Wagtails have been recorded on 7th May, 12th May, and 24th May, 1950 (M.J.R., G.W.R.) ; 28th April, 1954—2 (A.F.J.), and 30th April, 1954 (M.J.R.). Yellow Wagtail. A common breeding species round the pool and up to 30 at times during migratory periods in April and August. Twite. A characteristic bird during the winter months. A flock of up to 15 appears on a railway embankment crossing the north-west corner of the pool every winter. A.R.B. saw a singing bird on 23rd July, 1950. Reed-Bunting. Several pairs breed in the vicinity of the pool. Lapland-Bunting. One on 5th December, 1948 (M.J.R., J.R.R., A.W.W., A.J.R., H.L.). Snow-Bunting. One from 7th December, 1948, to 13th February, 1949 (several observers), rarely moved more than 50 yards from one point on the south shore. Single birds flushed or passing over on 27th November, 1949 (M.J.R., J.R.R., A.W.W.), 11th March, 1951 (J.R.R.) and 10th March, 1954 (J.E.F.). M. J. ROGERS. TREASURER'S REPORT The accounts for 1954 are printed on the back cover. Receipts are £10 down on the previous year and expenditure is £10 up so that instead of the excess of receipts over expenditure of £18 in 1953 we have this year a loss of £2. This result is mainly accounted for by an increase of £13 in the cost of indoor meetings and the fact that in 1954 there was no profit from the sale of nest boxes (1943— £15). It is apparent that our increased membership has not been sufficient to meet the effects of inflation and we must therefore still strive for a further increase in our numbers to help keep our finances sound. I am grateful for having been permitted to serve the club as Honorary Treasurer for the past six years and I regret the necessity for my resignation. It is some satisfaction to me that the club attained its five-hundredth member last autumn and that its finances are sound. G. C. LAMBOURNE. 27 CLASSIFIED NOTES (The number preceding the name of each bird refers to the Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland.) 1. Warwickshire. II. Worcestershire. III. Staffordshire. 1. Black-throated Diver. III. One seen at Belvide on January 24th (S.C.B., B.J.B.) and at Cannock Reservoir on December 31st (M.J.M.L., G.W.R.). 2. Great Northern Diver. III. "A bird in full summer plumage when first seen at Blithfield on October 30th (J.L., T.W.F.), was still present on December 9th (C.D.T.M.). One, first noted at Cannock Reservoir on November 13th (A.F.J.), was seen by many observers up to December 19th (T.M.T.). Divers seen at Belvide on January 24th (T.M.T.) and November 14th (R.G.W.H.) and at Cannock Reservoir on February 21st (J.E.F.) were believed to be of this species. 5. Great Crested Grebe. I. The maximum population at Alvecote was 38 on May 23rd, and seven birds, totalling 14 young, were reared (G.A.A.). III. At Blithfield a colony of at least 30 nests was observed on May 23rd, in a small area of submerged bushes and seven of the 13 nests which could be inspected held eggs (T.M.T.). The number of birds present reached the surprisingly high total of 335 on August 25th (C.D.T.M.). 6. Red-necked Grebe. III. One reported at Blithfield on October 21st (W.N.A.T.) and November 14th (H.G.A., A.R.B.). 7. Slavonian Grebe. III. Single birds noted at Blithfield, on December 19th (K.H.T.) and at Belvide on December 28th (M.J.M.L., R.G.B.B.) and 29th (M.D.H.). 8. Black-necked Grebe. I. Bred in the county, the occurrence being first reported by R. Antrobus. The birds were seen on several occasions, feeding one young bird, during the second half of July and early August (several observers). This is the first breeding record for the county. A single bird seen at Brandon on September 5th (A.J.R.). III. Single birds identified at Blithfield on August 14th (A.H.J.), October 9th (H.G.A.) and 16th (D.J.M.). 7/8. Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe. II. One at Bittell on December 19th (G.E.L.). III. Up to three recorded at Blithfield during October and November (several observers). 28 9. Little Grebe. I. Maximum noted at Alvecote was 32 on January 3rd (N.B.W.C.), and on August 15th (G.A.A.), which included two broods totalling five young. About 30 birds, including two young, were at Rotton Park, Birmingham in September (C.L.T.). III. Maximum noted at Blithfield was 35 in early October (C.D.T.M.). An increase in breeding pairs on canal reported from Branston owing to absence of boats (C.C.). 16. Manx Shearwater. II. Single birds picked up alive in Dudley on September 11th (per G.C.L.), near Bromsgrove on the 21st (F.F.) and at Cradley Heath on September 12th (per G.C.L.). 27. Gannet. II. A bird in full adult plumage which appeared at Bittell on July 28th was later captured and released in the Severn (H.G.A.). 28. Cormorant. Occurred at several waters. II. A juvenile was found alive at Malvern on August 6th (M.P.-S.). III. The maximum recorded at Bel vide was 31 on January 15th (J.L.) and at Aqualate, 21 on March 21st (W.G.L.). The bird with the characteristics of the southern race was seen again at Gailey on April 10th (J.L.). 29. Shag. III. One at Cannock Reservoir on August 2nd, flew in from the north-east (B.J.B.) One or two birds seen at Blithfield on September 30th, October 1st, 10th, 31st, and December 9th (C.D.T.M., R.G.W.H.). 30. Heron. I. Single birds with bright orange bills were seen, at Middleton on February 27th (G.A.A.), and at Brandon on May 2nd (A.J.R.). 38. Bittern. I. A bird was flushed on Longmoor, Sutton Park, on January 31st (J.E.F.) A 1953 record not previously reported was one flushed from reeds at Body- moor Heath on December 25th (per G.A.A.). 45. Mallard. I. At least 600 seen at New Waters and river Avon, Warwick, on December 19th (M.R.P.). III. Maxima recorded at various waters were on December 19th, when there were about 1,500 at Aqualate (D.F.H.), 1,200 at Blithfield (T.W.F., J.L.) and 350 at Belvide (B.J.B.). 46. Teal. I. The peak number at Alvecote was 400 on December 19th, and a buff-coloured bird was present in the winter and autumn months (G.A.A.). The most at Baginton, where a similarly coloured bird was seen on February 21st (M.M.C., A.J.R., S.C.B., K.I.D.), was also 400 in early February (R.W.M.L., A.J.R.). III. The maximum at Blithfield was about 1,200 in late November and mid-December (T.W.F., J.L., C.D.T.M.) ; 29 at Aqualate about 500 on December 19th (D.F.H.) ; and about 250 on October 24th (B.J.B.) at Belvide where a nest was found on April 26th with six eggs (B.A.D.). 47. Garganey. I. A pair seen at Alvecote from April 18th to June 20th (G.A.A.), at Minworth on April 23rd (B.W.J.) one at Astley on April 26th (N.B.W.C.), and three at Baginton on April 25th (A.W.H.W.). II. One seen at Bittell on September 7th (J.E.F.). III. Small numbers seen at Belvide in spring from April 24th to May 2nd, and in autumn from August 8th to October 10th (several observers). A pair noted at Blith- field on April 8th (C.D.T.M.), a drake on June 1st (T.W.F.) and two birds on September 8th (C.D.T.M.). A pair seen at Cannock Reservoir on April 18th and 19th and a single bird on May 9th (M.J.R.). 49. Gadwall. I. A drake frequented Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, as in 1951 and 1952 (E.H.). III. A duck seen at Belvide on March 27th and 28th (M.M.C., K.I.D., S.C.B., B.J.B.), and on October 10th and November 7th (B.J.B., J.M.L., B.A.D.). 50. Wigeon. I. The most recorded at Alvecote was 100 at end of January and early February. About 110 were at Middleton on January 16th (G.A.A.).; 55 at Bartley on same date (A.R.B.) ; 90 at Shustoke on December 18th (M.J.R.) ; and 75 at Brandon on December 21st (A.J.R.). II. About 90 were present at Bittell on December 19th (D.G.) and 45 at Westwood Park on the same date (F.C.). III. Approximately 600 on March 19th and December 25th was the maximum recorded at Blithfield (C.D.T.M.), about 350 at Aqualate on December 19th (D.F.H.) and, at Belvide, at least 300 on January 3rd (M.J.R.). 52. Pintail. I. Up to three noted on a few dates in winter and spring months at Alvecote, Middleton (G.A.A.), Earlswood (J.N.S.), Brandon (R.W.M.L.) and Shustoke (M.J.R.). II. Three seen at Tardebigge on April 6th (W.N.A.T.). III. Small numbers recorded mainly in winter months at several waters, the most being 36 at Blithfield on December 30th (C.D.T.M.), 23 at Gailey on December 23rd (J.M.L., B.A.D.) and eight at Cannock Reservoir on February 17th (B.G.B.) 53. Shoveler. I. Small numbers seen at several waters through- out the year. II. Small numbers noted at Bittell in November and Decem- ber. III. Maximum numbers noted in November and December, when up to 45 at Belvide, 33 at Gailey (B.W.J.), about 75 30 at Blithfield (C.D.T.M.) and 63 at Aqualate (W.G.L.). Nested at Bel vide (several observers) and probably at Stretton (J.L.). 55. Scaup. I. Three drakes seen at Alvecote from July 6th to 11th (G.A.A., H.L.). II. A drake seen at Hurcott Pool on February 22nd and 23rd (M.D.H.). and at Bittell on December 19th (A.R.B.) and 29th (W.N.A.T.). III. Recorded at Belvide from March 10th to 28th, with four on March 12th and 24th (A.R.B., R.G.B.B.) and odd birds from September 2nd to October 10th. Five seen at Cannock Reservoir from January 10th to 24th (A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J.), four at Aqualate on March 7th (per D.F.H.), two at Gailey on October 17th (R.B.) and one or two at Blithfield from September 29th to end of year (C.D.T.M.). 56. Tufted Duck. I. Bred in Sutton Park (K.M.G., A.R.B.) and summered at Alvecote where monthly maximum was 85 on February 14th (G.A.A.). II. Breeding recorded at Hewell Grange for first time (M.E.P.). III. The most seen at Blithfield was about 500 on December 19th (J.L., T.W.F.) ; at Belvide, 150 on November 21st and December 19th (B.J.B.), at Gailey 200, including about eight broods of young, on August 29th (M.J.R.) ; at Cannock Reservoir, 45 on March 21st and 27th (A.F.J., M.J.R.) ; and at Aqualate 43 on December 19th (W.G.L.) Bred at Belvide as usual. 57. Pochard. I. Two pairs bred successfully at Alvecote, where maximum number recorded was 225 on December 25th (G.A.A.) III. The most estimated at Blithfield was 700 on December 9th and 19th (C.D.T.M., T.W.F., J.L.). Cannock Reservoir had the exceptional number of 230 present on January 10th (A.R.B., M.J.R.) and, as at most other waters, a marked influx was noted in early November. Maximum noted at Belvide was about 160 on November 21st, (B.J.B.) and, at Aqualate, 35 on December 19th (W.G.L.). 60. Golden-Eye. I. Small numbers recorded from Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath, Earlswood, Shustoke, Seeswood and Sutton Park. Nine were at Bartley on November 21st (A.R.M.-B.). II. One at Wilden Pool on February 19th was the first seen there by recorder (M.D.H.). III. The most recorded at various waters was 60 at Belvide on December 19th, (B.J.B.) ; 24 at Blithfield on Novem- ber 21st (J.L., T.W.F.) ; 16 at Aqualate on March 31st (W.G.L.) ; 12 at Gailey on January 3rd (A.R.B.) ; three 31 at Cannock Reservoir on October 30th and 31st (A.F.J., M.J.R.) ; and four at Patshull on February 12th (M.B.). 61. Long-tailed Duck. III. The 1953 bird remained at Belvide until January 17th and another was reported from April 8th to 18th. One seen at Blithfield from November 19th to December 25th (several observers). 64. Common Scoter. I. Single ducks seen at Bracebridge Pool, Sutton Park, on March 29th (D.G.W.H.). and at Rotton Park Reservoir, Birmingham, on August 6th (M.J.M.L.). III. Single birds reported on various dates at Cannock Reservoir from July 11th to September 26th (several observers), and at Blithfield from December 10th to 25th (C.D.T.M.). A pair seen at Belvide in July 25th (D.G.W.H.) and a drake on September 7th (R.G.B.B.). 69. Red-breasted Merganser. I. A pair was seen at Alvecote on April 25th, when green head, straggly crest, long red bill and chestnut band on lower throat noted (R.P., G.A.A., D.E.J.). The first Warwickshire record for over 50 years. III. Good views were obtained of a drake present at Belvide on December 28th (J.H.S.), and 30th (F.B.K.), an unusual visitor. 70. Goosander. I. One or two at Bodymoor Heath and Shustoke in January and December (G.A.A., R.T.). II. Three were seen at Westwood Park on March 17th, (W.N.A.T.). III. The maximum recorded at Belvide was about 60 on February 17th (D.G.W.H., D.G.B.) ; at Blithfield, 22 about the same period (C.D.T.M.) ; at Aqualate, 29 on January 10th (W.G.L.) ; at Copmere, 25 on February 20th (A.H.) ; at Whittington, six on February 21st (W.M.C.) and at Branston, where parties of 20 and 19 were seen flying south-west on January 31st and December 28th respectively, eight on January 28th (C.C.). 71. Smew. I. One seen at Rotton Park Reservoir, Birming- ham, on January 31st (C.L.T.), at Bodymoor Heath from February 27th to March 20th (G.A.A.), and at Middleton on December 30th (R.T.). III. Up to five reported at Gailey from January 10th to March 28th, and two or three from November 28th to December 19th (several observers). One seen at Belvide on January 23rd (A.H.) and three on February 14th (S.C.B.). 73. Sheld-Duck. I. One seen at Witton Lakes, Birmingham, on January 2nd (D.P.), and at Bartley on November 18th (H.G.A.). Five first year birds recorded at Alvecote on April 18th (G.A.A.). 32 II. Two seen at Bittell on March 20th (W.N.A.T.). III. One remained at Bel vide until January 24th (several observers) and one seen on March 7th (A.R.B., M.J.R., B.W.J.), 18th (J.L.), May 3rd (H.G.A.) and December 26th (T.M.T.). Single birds reported at Blithfield on March 26th, April 4th and 13th (C.D.T.M.), and at Aqualate on December 12th (W.G.L.). At Cannock Reservoir two were seen on January 20th (A.F.J.), and on August 22nd seven, six of which were juveniles, arrived from the south-east, circled, and flew off to the north-west (A.R.B., M.J.R., J.E.F.). At Branston five were noted on August 15th and up to seven in the period September 13th to 25th (C.C.). Two juveniles seen at Whittington on September 7th (D.N.) and seven at Fradley on Septem- ber 15th (S.W.). 75. Grey Lag-Goose. III. One seen at close quarters at Belvide on March 18th (J.L.), was later found dead. 76. White-fronted Goose. III. On February 17th, 31 flew over Belvide from east to west, showing white foreheads and barred chests (D.G.B., D.G.W.H.). Two seen at Cannock Reservoir on February 21st (B.W.J.). 78. Pink-Footed Goose. I. About 30 seen flying to south over Wilnecote on October 26th (M.A.A.). III. One arrived at Belvide from the north on December 28th, calling loudly, and in the company of a Cormorant. After a brief stay both departed to the west (M.J.M.L.). 75/78 Grey Geese. I. Single birds seen in Tame Valley on January 11th, February 13th and March 20th, and 100 flew to the north-east near Atherstone on March 18th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). Near Nuneaton seven headed north on March 18th, about 30 north-east on the 20th and two visited Oldbury Reservoir on November 15th (N.B.W.C.) III. On March 18th 100 flew to north-east near Cannock (per G.A.A.) and four reported near Branston on January 30th (C.C.). 82. Canada Goose. I. At Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, 40 seen on January 3rd (J.G.W.). II. At Bittell 13 recorded on February 7th (M.H.). Two seen in flight at Stourport on June 19th, where not previously seen by observer (M.D.H.). At Bishampton, where three pairs bred, 21 seen on December 18th (A.J.H.). III. The most reported from various waters was 31 at Belvide in December (several observers) ; at Blithfield 40 on October 9th (A.H.) ; at Aqualate 27 in January (W.G.L.) ; and at Gailey 21 on November 12th (J.L.). 33 86. Bewick's Swan. III. At Cannock Reservoir 30 exception- ally tame birds, of which six were juveniles, were seen on January 10th (A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J., J.L.). Some remained until January 31st, when seven were seen standing on the ice (J.L., M.J.R.), and later flew off to the north-west (A.R.B., A.F.J.). 91. Buzzard. The results of the recent breeding survey are summarized on another page. 93. Sparrow-Hawk. III. Said to be increasing in the Kinver area (W.M.C.). 94. [Goshawk. II. A bird which was seen for a short-time on May 14th in a wood in the south of the county had a long tail and short rounded wings and was believed to be of this species (H.G.A.)] 99. Marsh-Harrier. I. A bird visited Alvecote on May 8th, when rufous brown back and rump and creamy patch on crown were noted (G.A.A.). 100/102. Hen-Montagu's Harrier. I. A harrier was observed on playing fields at Perry Barr, Birmingham, on August 8th. 'Ring-tail' noted (A.T.E.). 103. Osprey. III. One was present at a locality in the west of the county for about a week around August 1st (D.F.H.). 104. Hobby. II. One seen to swoop at Starlings in south of county on June 27th, near Tewkesbury (S.C.B., M.M.C., K.I.D., G.H.E.). Single birds seen during September at Brandon and at Swallow roosts at Hartshill and Arbury (N.B.W.C.). III. Bird noted at Enville on April 18th (G.H.E., M.M.C., S.C.B., K.I.D.), and over Belvide on September 5th (B.J.B., H.L.). 105. Peregrine Falcon. II. One flew over Tardebigge Reservoir on January 3rd. (F.F.). III. Single birds seen at Aqualate on October 10th (W.G.L), striking down Starlings, at Blithfield on December 9th (C.D.T.M.), and 28th (T.M.T.), and at Belvide on Decem- ber 19th (S.C.B., K.I.D.). 107. Merlin. III. Single birds noted at Belvide on February 14th (S.C.B.), and at Cannock Reservoir on August 28th (A.F.J.). 110. Kestrel. I. A young bird found in the playground at King Edward's VII Grammar School, Camp Hill, Bir- mingham, was reared by hand and subsequently released (C.H.B.). 111. Red Grouse. III. Noted in small numbers on Cannock Chase and more commonly on North Staffordshire moors. 34 112. Black Grouse. III. Six cocks and two hens which were watched at 'lek' on North Staffordshire moors at 05.00 hours on April 25th, had left by 07.00 hours (A.A.K.W.). Nest with 8 eggs seen in Warslow area on May 22nd (J.L., T.W.F.). 115. Red-legged Partridge. II. A melanistic bird seen near Sheriffs Lench on July 25th (T.C.S.). 117. Quail. In contrast with 1953 no birds were reported. I. Absent from Wellesbourne where it had occurred in each of three previous years (J.A.N.). 120. Water-Rail. Recorded at a number of localities outside the breeding season. I. Birds heard at Minworth on April 21st (M.J.R.). 125. Corncrake. I. Heard at Luddington in clover field during first week in May (per M.H.), and at Polesworth in late June (per M.A.A.). Present at Exhall in late May and June (N.B.E.). An injured bird was picked up near Preston-on-Stour on April 30th (E.P.) II. Reported from Church Lench in June (per T.C.S.). III. Heard at West Bromwich from bed of nettles on May 30th, but not subsequently (A.Ho.) and frequently at Rolleston from May 19th to 29th (C.C.). 127. Coot. I. On February 5th, in hard frost, 17 birds arrived at Baginton Marsh where they are very unusual visitors (R.W.M.L.). One at Brookvale Park, Birmingham, on March 20th was the first seen there by observer (B.W.J.). III. The usual autumn flock at Cannock Reservoir disappeared unexpectedly during November, following a period of gales and increased water level, and had not returned by the end of the year (J.L., M.J.R.). 131. Oystercatcher. I. One or two birds seen at Alvecote and Polesworth Sewage Works on March 20th and 21st (G.A.A., D.I.S.). II. One seen at Worcester on December 30th (per A.J.H.). III. Three noted at Cannock Reservoir on March 7th (M.J.R.), two on May 20th (A.F.J., M.J.R.) and August 25th (B.A.D., J.M.L.) and one on December 31st (M.J.M.L.).; single birds at Blithfield seen on February 21st, April 4th, August 9th and September 19th (A.R.B., T.M.T., C.D.T.M., A.H.J.), two on April 12th (C.D.T.M.) and three on August 14th (T.M.T.) ; one seen at Belvide on March 10th (D.G.W.H.) and at Aqualate on September 19th (W.G.L.). 133. Lapwing. I. At Baginton numbers increased from about 1,000 in August to at least 3,000 in late December (A.W.H.W.). About 2,000 estimated at Attleborough Fields on February 27th (N.B.W.C.) 35 III. About 2,000 estimated at Seighford on March 20th (N.R.W.), 1,000 at Whittington on November 28th (W.M.C.) and 2,000 in Blithfield area on November 14th (A.R.B.) and December 17th (C.D.T.M.). Nightly roost at Branston during December was at least 2,000 (C.C.). 134. Ringed Plover. I. Three seen at Alvecote on May 9th and four on September 6th (G.A.A., H.L.) One or two at Brandon from May 16th to 23rd and up to four from September 5th to 11th (A.J.R.). One at Baginton on August 12th and 15th (A.W.H.W.), and at Rotton Park Reservoir on August 30th (M.J.M.L.). II. Small numbers at Bittell from April 29th to May 4th, with five on last date (H.G.A.). III. At Cannock Reservoir one was seen on February 13th. Spring passage occurred from April 18th to June 3rd, maximum being 26 on May 30th ; in autumn between 10 and 20 were noted on several dates from beginning of August to mid-September with 25 on August 15th and 21st (A.F.J., M.J.R.). No spring records from Blithfield where one was seen on August 1st and up to four from September 4th to 26th (several observers). At Belvide spring passage recorded from March 21st to May 9th, with 12 on May 3rd (H.G.A.). No autumn records owing to high water level. 135. Little Ringed Plover. II. One or two recorded at one locality in the county between April 30th and June 5th (G.C.L., A.R.B., H.G.A., W.N.A.T.) III. A single bird identified at Cannock Reservoir on three dates in May (M.J.R.) and two on July 4th (A.F.J., A.R.B.). One seen at Branston on April 27th (C.C.). 139. Grey Plover. III. One noted at Blithfield on October 1st (C.D.T.M., D.G.W.H.). 140. Golden Plover. I. Maximum number seen at Baginton, where it winters regularly, was about 350 on December 19th. (A.W.H.W., R.W.M.L., A.J.R.). On February 27th, 250 were seen at Attleborough Fields (N.B.W.C.), and about 100 on Castle Bromwich Airfield on April 17th (J.E.F.). III. Bred on North Staffordshire moors. About 250 seen at Bonehill on February 27th (G.A.A.), 200 at Seighford on March 20th (N.R.W.), and 200 near Wolverhampton on October 21st (R.J.B.). A marked passage to the south- west was noted on November 14th when in one hour over 1,000, in flocks of 50 to 100, passed over Branston (C.C.). Northern Golden Plover. III. Three identified in flock at Bonehill on March 20th (G.A.A.) and 22 moved east at Cannock Reservoir on April 27th (M.J.R.). 36 143. Turnstone. III. Up to four seen at Cannock Reservoir from May 8th to 23rd (A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J.), and up to five from August 2nd to 24th (B.J.B., M.J.R., G.A.A., J.E.F.). One seen on September 21st (C.L.T.). 145. Common Snipe. III. A very heavy concentration of birds noted at Blithfield on September 6th (A.H.J.). 146. Great Snipe. III. A bird was seen with Common Snipe at Whittington Sewage Farm on April 25th, and low straight flight, gutteral 'geech' note, larger size than Common Snipe and conspicuous white tail tips noted (W.M.C.). 147. Jack Snipe. I. One flushed in Sutton Park on January 31st (A.R.B., A.F.J., M.J.R.), and three separately on February 14th (J.L.). A few noted at Baginton on January 25 (A.W.H.W.) and single birds seen at Arbury on November 23rd and Arley on the 24th (N.B.W.C.). III. Single birds seen at Belvide on January 3rd (A.R.B., M.J.R.)., and December 19th (S.C.B., K.I.D.); at Cannock Reservoir on November 13th (A.F.J.) and December 5th (A.R.B., M.J.R.) ; and at Little Wyrley on January 13th (D.J.S.). Five were at Whittington on April 27th (W.M.C.). 148. Woodcock. Winter records from many areas. II. " Roding" observed at Randon Woods on the abnormally early date of February 21st (F.F.). III. " Roding " noted at two Cannock Chase areas and from Enville (A.F.J.). 150. Curlew. Breeding recorded from many areas and small numbers reported at various waters mainly in spring and autumn. I. Breeding regularly at Maxstoke, an extension of range (E.M.B.). III. At Blithfield the most seen in spring was 22 on March 26th (C.D.T.M.) and, in autumn, 35 on October 24th (B.A.D.). Present at Whittington throughout the year with 75 on February 26th, and 90 on October 10th (W.M.C.). Probably bred at Cannock Reservoir (M.J.R.) and breeding very commonly on North Staffordshire moors (J.L., T.W.F.). 151. Whimbrel. I. Four seen at Alvecote on July 31st and one on August 28th (N.B.W.C.). One heard calling at night over Nuneaton on August 29th (A.W.H.W.). II. Two flew north-east over the Lickeys on April 11th (C.J.C.) and three seen near Pershore on the 16th (per C.J.C.). III. At Cannock Reservoir one seen on May 18th (D.J.M.), two flew from south on May 23rd (A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J.), 37 seven flew south-west on August 3rd (N.B.W.C.), and one seen on August 2nd (B.J.B.) ; at Belvide two noted on August 2nd (S.C.B., K.I.D.) and one on the 29th (P.R.P.) ; at Blithfield single birds seen on August 25th and Septem- ber 11th (C.D.T.M.); at Branston two flew south on August 20th (C.C.); and one seen near Wolverhampton on August 29th (R.J.B.). 154. Black-tailed Godwit. II. One seen at Bittell from May 4th to 6th (H.G.A., W.N.A.T., G.C.L.). III. A bird noted at Blithfield on September 3rd (C.D.T.M.). 155. Bar-tailed Godwit. III. Single birds were present at Blithfield on May 23rd (T.M.T.) and on September 3rd, 4th and 8th (C.D.T.M.). 156. Green Sandpiper. Recorded in small numbers, usually single birds, at several waters mainly in early autumn. I. Ten seen at Baginton on August 14th (A.J.R.). III. Present at Blithfield up to end of year (C.D.T.M.). Up to eight recorded near Wolverhampton during August (R.J.B.). One seen on March 28th on Sheepwalks, Enville, an unusual locality (J.L.). 157. Wood-Sandpiper. I. Two seen at Brandon from May 16th to 18th (R.W.M.L., A.J.R., A.W.H.W.), and one at Alvecote on August 8th (G.A.A., B.W.J.). III. One seen at Belvide on August 2nd and recorded near Wolverhampton from July 18th to August 29th, with a peak of nine on August 10th (R.J.B.). Three noted at Blithfield on August 14th and eight on September 19th (A.H.J.). 159. Common Sandpiper. Small numbers in spring and autumn at many waters throughout the area. I. At Baginton an early arrival on March 25th was taken off the ground by a Sparrow-Hawk (W.N.A.T.). II. At Bittell most seen was eight on May 2nd (A.R.B.). Three pairs were seen on different parts of the Avon in June, but breeding not proved (A.J.H.). III. Eight on May 2nd (B.W.J.) and seven on July 11th (B.J.B.) were most seen at Belvide in spring and autumn passage. Small numbers recorded at Cannock Reservoir from April 25th to May 27th and from July 2nd to October 3rd, with peak of 11 on August 22nd (M.J.R., J.E.F.). Six, on May 2nd (J.L., T.W.F.), was the most seen at Blithfield. 161. Redshank. Recorded in all months at various waters with main concentration in spring. I. Bred at Alvecote, several pairs (G.A.A.); Brandon, five or six pairs being present (A.J.R.) ; Great Wyrley (D.J.S.); and Codsall (J.D.R.V.). 38 II. Bred at Nafford (T.C.S.). One flew over Woodcote, where rarely seen, on August 1st (F.F.). III. Bred near Wolverhampton (R.J.B.), up to four pairs at Belvide (P.R.P.), and two, at least, at Cannock Reservoir (D.J.M.). 162. Spotted Redshank. I. One seen at Baginton on Septem- ber 5th, and at Brandon on October 9th (A.J.R.). III. Recorded at Blithfield, usually four or five, from August 14th (T.M.T.) to October 10th (D.G.W.H.), with six on September 5th (J.L.). One seen at Whittington on April 25th (M.D.H.), and at Belvide on May 2nd (T.M.T.). 165. Greenshank. I. One at Alvecote from April 24th to 27th (G.A.A.), and at Seeswood on April 26th (H.L.) were the only spring records. One flew westerly on August 4th, over Rotton Park Reservoir, Birmingham, the second record for this water (M.J.M.L.). One or two reported at Baginton from August 7th to October 14th (several observers) and one at Brandon from August 8th to October 9th (A.J.R.). II. Two present at Bittell on August 17th (J.L.). III. Noted at Cannock Reservoir from August 20th to Septem- ber 6th, with four, which left to the south-west, on August 22nd (A.R.B., M.J.R.). One or two seen at Belvide from July 18th to September 13th, and single birds at Blithfield from August 3rd to October 24th, apart from ten on August 14th (T.M.T.) and four on August 25th and September 3rd (C.D.T.M.). Single birds seen at Aqualate on August 28th (W.G.L.), and near Wolverhampton on September 18th and 19th (R.J.B.). 169. Knot. I. One seen at Alvecote on March 7th (G.A.A.). II. A bird seen at Bittell from April 16th—20th (W.N.A.T.). III. Single birds reported at Belvide on January 3rd (A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J.) and at Blithfield on September 21st (J.L.). 171. Little Stint. III. At Cannock Reservoir, where unusual in spring, single birds seen on April 25th, 27th, May 17th and 23rd (A.R.B., M.J.R., A.F.J.). Up to three present from July 19th to September 6th and, in addition, a party of five passed north-west on August 29th (A.F.J.). One present at Blithfield on September 21st (J.L.). 178. Dunlin. I. Small numbers recorded on spring and autumn passage at Alvecote, Baginton, Brandon and Seeswood. II. About six were present at Bittell on May 4th (H.G.A.). III. At Belvide, where one was present on June 19th (D.J.M.), peak on spring passage was 12 on May 3rd (H.G.A.) and on autumn passage, nine on July 18th (B.J.B.). At Cannock Reservoir corresponding maxima were 11 on May 16th, 20th and 23rd (A.R.B., A.F.J., M.J.R.), and 39 28 on September 19th (M.J.R.). There were no spring records from Blithfield where birds occurred from July 26th to November 27th, with about 55 on October 1st (D.G.W.H., C.D.T.M., D.G.B.). 179. Curlew-Sandpiper. III. Recorded at Cannock Reservoir from August 1st to September 20th, usually one or two, but a party of 14 flew in from south-east on August 22nd (A.R.B., A.F.J., J.E.F.). One or two seen at Blithfield from September 3rd to 25th (C.D.T.M., A.H., J.L.), and one at Whittington on April 9th (W.M.C.). 181. Sanderling. II. Four flew to the south-west on May 2nd at Bittel (A.R.B.). III. Recorded at Cannock Reservoir from April 24th to June 3rd, with eight on May 20th (A.F.J.) and from July 19th to August 26th with five on August 23rd (M.J.R.). 184. Ruff. I. One seen at Polesworth on March 28th and at Alvecote on the 29th. (G.A.A., H.L.). Two males in spring plumage noted at Brandon from May 16th to 22nd (A.J.R., R.W.M.L., A.W.H.W.) and one bird at Baginton on August 19th (A.W.H.W.). II. A bird seen at Sheriffs Lench on August 14th had a white horse-shoe marking on the rump-tail area (T.C.S., A.J.H.). One present at Bittell on August 17th (J.L.). III. Occurred at Blithfield from August 14th to October 6th, with peak of seven on August 25th and September 3rd (C.D.T.M.). Single birds seen at Cannock Reservoir on August 15th (A.F.J., M.J.R., J.L.), and 22nd (M.J.R., J.E.F.), near Wolverhampton on September 11th (R.J.B.), and at Belvide on October 24th (D.G.W.H.). 198. Greater Black-backed Gull. II. Two passed over the Lickeys on January 24th (J.C.C.). III. Visited Branston frequently from May to August (C.C.). One seen at Belvide on August 29th (R.G.B.B.), two on November 14th (B.A.D.) and one on December 19th (T.M.T., J.E.F., D.J.M.) ; at Cannock Reservoir, one seen on March 14th (M.J.R.), two on August 29th (B.W.J.) and one on November 14th (J.E.F.) ; single birds seen at Gailey on April 28th (D.G.W.H.) and Blithfield on Novem- ber 21st (J.L., T.W.F.). Three flew north near Eccleshall on May 2nd (N.R.W.). 199. Lesser Black-backed Gull. Records from many areas for all months but mainly spring and autumn. I. Movement observed in the Tame Valley mainly to the north-west in spring and to the south in autumn (G.A.A.). Small numbers passed south-west over Rotton Park Reservoir, Birmingham, throughout August (M.J.M.L.). Three at Brandon on April 25th were believed to be of the Scandinavian race (A.J.R.). 40 III. Parties totalling 28 passed over Belvide to the north-west on May 2nd (B.W.J.) where one present on December 28th was of the Scandinavian race (M.J.M.L.). Passage in same direction noted at Cannock Reservoir during spring and to the south-west in autumn (M.J.R., A.F.J.). On November 28th 17 were at Copmere (A.H.) 200. Herring-Gull. Recorded at many waters in most months. III. About 200 seen to come in to roost at Belvide on December 28th (M.J.M.L.). 201. Common Gull. Small numbers reported at most reservoirs. III. On August 26th 60 flew north-west over Cannock Reservoir (A.F.J,, J.E.F.) 207. Little Gull. III. Two adults and one immature seen at close range at Blithfield on September 3rd (C.D.T.M.). Wing pattern and absence of black bar on nape noted with young bird and, in case of adults, dark under surface of wings and absence of white leading edge. Size of birds compared with Black-headed Gulls. 208. Black-headed Gull. III. Number roosting at Belvide was about 3,500 on November 19th and December 19th (B.A.D., J.M.L.) ; about 2,500 at Aqualate on January 24th (W.G.L.) ; about 2,300 at Blithfield on December 24th (C.D.T.M.) and 1,000 at Branston during December (C.C.) 211. Kittiwake. I. Two noted at Earlswood on December 11th (J.N.S.). III. Single birds seen at Blithfield on April 28th (T.W.F.), September 25th (A.H.J.) and December 5th (J.H.S.). 212. Black Tern. There were marked concentrations of birds on May 9th and August 5th, when about 100 and 200 birds respectively were noted in the area. I. Small numbers recorded at Alvecote from May 2nd to 11th, except for 10 on May 9th, and from August 5th to September 26th, with 28 on August 5th (G.A.A.). Small numbers seen in spring or autumn at Bodymoor Heath, Combe, Earlswood, Bedworth and Baginton. II. Recorded at Bittel from May 3rd to 10th, with 25 on the 9th (A.R.B.) ; on August 5th numbers rose during the afternoon to about 80 (H.G.A.) and were estimated at 100 in the evening (R.J.C., C.J.C.). III. Spring peak at Belvide was 30 on May 9th (several observers) and on August 5th numbers rose from 16 in the morning to 30 in the afternoon (P.R.P.). The numbers at Cannock Reservoir on these same two dates were 24 (M.J.R.), and 30 (G.A.A.) respectively. No spring records from Blithfield where the maximum in autumn was 12 on September 4th (T.W.F.). Seven were at Branston on May 9th (C.C.). Twelve were at Aqualate on May 10th, and 20 on August 1st (D.F.H.). 41 217. Common Tern. I. Small numbers present in spring and autumn at Alvecote, Compton Verney and Rotton Park Reservoir, Birmingham. III. Small numbers reported in spring and autumn at Belvide, Gailey, Cannock Reservoir and Blithfield. Three pairs nested unsuccessfully in the county, first appearing at the site on April 27th, and being last seen on August 20th (C.C.). 218. Arctic Tern. I. One seen at Brandon on April 25th (A.J.R.), and six at Earlswood on May 9th (J.N.S.). II. One or two reported in spring or autumn from Belvide, Gailey and Cannock Reservoir. 217/218. Common or Arctic Tern. I. Small numbers re- ported from Alvecote and Rotton Park Reservoir, Birming- ham. Two flew over Hall Green, Birmingham, on June 10th (J.N.S.). II. Single birds seen at Bittell on several dates. III. The most seen at Blithfield, where a late bird flew south- east on November 21st (S.C.B., K.I.D., D.G.W.H.), was 12 on September 26th (J.L., T.W.F.). Small numbers occurred at Cannock Reservoir, where 13 flew in and departed to the south-west, on September 11th (J.L., T.W.F.). Small numbers reported from Belvide and Aqualate and 14 were at Patshull on September 4th (M.B.). 222. Little Tern. I. One seen at Alvecote on April 25th (G.A.A.) III. Three were seen at close range at Belvide on October 30th (B.W.), and also at Aqualate on September 19th and 26th (W.G.L.) with one on August 29th (D.F.H.). 223. Sandwich Tern. II. A bird recorded at Bittell on September 25th (G.C.L., A.J.H.). III. Five seen at Branston on July 2nd (C.C.). 232. Stock-Dove. I. Song reported at the unusual dates of December 12th to 26th at Alvecote (G.A.A.) and December 16th at Warley Park, Smethwick (G.E.L.). 234. Wood-Pigeon. III. Near Wolverhampton 1,396 were shot with 1919 cartridges in one shoot (per A.J.H.). 235. Turtle-Dove. I. At Polesworth 32 noted on passage on August 28th (G.A.A.) II. At Sheriffs Lench 28 seen on August 31st, a bigger move- ment than usual (T.C.S.). On August 26th 20 counted at Upton Warren (F.F.). 237. Cuckoo. I. In Tamworth area main body arrived late in mid-May and song period was more prolonged than usual (G.A.A., N.B.W.C.). 246. Little Owl. II. One seen in tree in centre of Oldbury on October 17th (R.B., B.W.) 42 248. Long-eared Owl. I. One seen near Arbury on December 1st, (N.B.W.C.). Pair with two young seen near Exhall from June 28th to July 21st (N.B.E.). 249. Short-eared Owl. I. A bird seen in Sutton Park on March 27th (A.R.B.), and near Monks Kirby on December 5th (N.B.W.C.). 252. Nightjar. Recorded in breeding season from I. Sutton Park (D.I.S., M.J.R.). II. Abbots Morton (J.L.), Kidderminster (D.N.), and III. Meir Heath (A.H.). 255. Swift. I. In the Tame Valley birds noted moving mainly to south-west from July 14th to August 26th with peak passage on July 18th and August 4th and 5th (G.A.A.). Over north Birmingham 50 passed to south-east in one hour on August 27th (J.E.F.). On August 6th at Smeth- wick two birds were seen to take shelter in a tree during a severe hail storm (E.M.). II. Several hundreds moved south-south-west over Bredon on June 20th. The first return passage noted at Sheriffs Lench on June 27th at rate of about 400 per hour and concentrations noted in the area on July 3rd, August 3rd and 13th (T.C.S.). III. Movement noted at Cannock Reservoir to north-east during morning of May 9th at rate of 50 per hour (M.J.R.). 258. Kingfisher. I. One seen in Sutton Park in April 18th (T.M.T.) and on August 30th at Rotton Park Reservoir, Birmingham (M.J.M.L.), were unusual visitors. 261. Hoopoe. I. One was seen feeding on a lawn near Nuneaton on April 30th (per H.L.). Another reported from Four Oaks for some days prior to October 15th, and was last seen on October 17th (per K.M.G.). II. One reported from Welland on May 12th (per A.J.H.). III. What was presumably the bird seen later at Four Oaks was watched at close quarters at Streetly on September 30th (Mr. Gardiner). 263. Greater Spotted Woodpecker. II. A bird seen on July 27th to pursue and capture a white butterfly (R.J.W.). 264. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. I. Reported from Sutton Park in January, November and December (A.R.B., J.E.F., A.F.J.) ; Newton Regis in March (per G.A.A.) ; near Atherstone on April 12th (R.T.), and July 6th (N.B.W.C.) ; at Selly Oak, Birmingham, flying north on July 6th (H.G.A.) ; near Alvecote on August 26th (R.T.) ; and Erdington on October 31st (M.J.R.). Breeding recorded near Exhall (N.B.E.) and five breeding pairs estimated at Arbury (N.B.W.C.) II. Noted near Abberley in February; Kidderminster in April (D.N.) ; Wyre Forest in April (D.I.S., B.A.D.) ; and near Malvern in September (M.P.-S.). 43 III. Seen in spring at Enville as usual (A.F.J., R.J.B.) and also at Bagots Park (J.L.). 265. Wryneck. II. Single birds seen near Churchill on August 30th (K.V.A.) and on Malvern Hills on July 11th (F.R.R.). 271. Wood-Lark. II. Reported in breeding season from Lickeys (C.J.C.), Clent Hills (A.R.B.), Malvern Hills M.P.-S.) and Kidderminster (D.N.). III. Usual breeding records from Enville (several observers) and bird heard in song on May 30th in a new locality near Abbots Bromley (J.L.). Two seen at close range at Cannock Reservoir on July 19th (B.J.B.). 272. Skylark. I. Autumn passage in Tame Valley observed from September 6th to November 14th, mainly to the south, with peaks on October 3rd and 17th (G.A.A.). Marked westerly movement noted near Nuneaton on October 10th (N.B.W.C.). III. A flock of about 100 noted at Cannock Reservoir on February 21st, where migration to the south-west recorded on September 26th at rate of 50 per hour (M.J.R.). A concentration of birds, with Meadow Pipits, observed on October 3rd (J.L.) 274. Swallow. I. Main spring influx in Tamworth district was late, beginning in period April 18th to 20th. An early bird seen at Caldecote on March 20th (per H.L.). Autumn movement noted from August 26th to October 16th, mainly to the south-west, and was marked on August 27th, September 11th and 21st (G.A.A., M.A.A.). Roost in reeds at Arbury decreased from about 2,000 on Septem- ber 14th to 170 on the 24th. Roost at Hartshill numbered about 200 on August 28th, rising to about 10,000 on September 17th, with very few afterwards (N.B.W.C.). Autumn passage at Baginton recorded from end of July to September 22nd, with peak from August 10th to 24th (A.W.H.W.) A late bird seen at Griff on November 28th (N.B.W.C.). II. Autumn movement first noted at Sheriffs Lench on July 26th (T.C.S.). III. A marked southerly movement, with House-Martins and Swifts and involving many hundreds of birds, seen at Branston on August 18th and 19th (C.C.). At least 1,000, with House-Martins and Sand-Martins, passed over Can- nock Reservoir in 10 minutes on afternoon of August 21st and a movement to the south, at rate of 75 per hour, observed on September 9th (M.J.R.). 276. House-Martin. I. Autumn movement noted in Tam- worth district from August 10th to October 24th, mainly to south-west, with a peak on August 30th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). 44 II. Autumn movement first observed at Sheriffs Lench on July 9th (T.C.S.). As in other years at same period a concentration noted at Ellenhall, where 500 were present on July 24th (N.R.W.). III. Movement at rate of 50 per hour seen at Cannock Reservoir to the south, on September 5th (M.J.R.). 277. Sand-Martin. I. At Claverdon 144 nests counted in colony on June 27th (M.H., J.A.N.) and at Packington 39 occupied holes on June 15th (B.A.D.). A bird at Minworth on June 6th had white tail feathers and white upper and under tail coverts (T.M.T.). II. Colony at Beckford estimated at 100 pairs on June 17th (T.C.S.). III. At Cannock Reservoir about 100 per hour moved north- east on May 9th and 10th and to the south-west on July 22nd ; on September 5th, 50 per hour moved south (M.J.R.). A bird in flight on August 8th was seen to be swamped by a small wave and drowned (A.R.B.). 279. Raven. II. Two flew north over Church Lench on April 2nd (A.J.H.) and one, calling repeatedly, to the north-west over Sheriffs Lench on December 22nd (T.C.S.). 280. Carrion-Crow. I. Partial albino seen at Baginton, on October 2nd (A.J.R.). II. Flock of about 45 seen on December 18th on filter-beds near Kidderminster where, on May 28th, a bird awoke residents in several houses by banging on windows (C.R.M.) 281. Hooded Crow. I. Single birds occurred at Gaydon on February 23rd (H.S.H.-H.), at Baginton, on April 4th (A.J.R.) and Edgehill on April 8th (M.H.) III. One reported at Aqualate on February 19th (per W.G.L.). 284. Magpie. I. Flock of 42 seen at Four Oaks on January 15th (K.M.G.). 288. Great Titmouse. II. A black bird seen repeatedly at Earls Croome on February 1st (per A.J.H.). III. A pair at Wolverhampton reared two broods in the same nest (D.W.). 290. Coal-Titmouse. I. Concentration noted at Attleborough on January 20th (A.W.H.W.). 291. [Crested Titmouse. III. On April 11th on Cannock Chase a tit, perched on a small pine, and apparently exhausted, allowed examination in good light from a distance of a few feet. It had a brown back, light buffish underparts, black bib, white cheeks, with broken pattern and a distinctive black and white crest. (E.M.L.)] 292. Marsh-Titmouse. II. In Lickeys 20 counted in several mixed flocks of tits on September 26th during three hours search (A.R.B.). 45 293. Willow-Titmouse. No changes in status reported from those recorded in 1951 Breeding Survey. 294. Long-tailed Titmouse. I. Party of about 20 seen on October 16th at Four Oaks where not previously recorded by observer (K.M.G.). II. About 20 pairs noted in eight mile walk in Wyre Forest on March 21st and about 50 birds counted on Lickeys on most visits in November and December (A.R.B.). III. Five seen at Little Wyrley on October 30th, where rarely seen by observer (D.J.S.). Flock of at least 30 at Belvide on February 7th (A.R.B.). 296. Nuthatch. I. Two seen on November 20th at Selly Oak, Birmingham, where not previously recorded (H.G.A.). 300. Dipper. II. Breeding birds reported from Bransford and Martley (A.H.R.) and usual records from Dowles Brook, where nest, with young, found on May 23rd, without usual canopy (S.C.B., K.I.D., M.M.C.). III. Bird seen at Patshull on March 13th (M.B.). 302. Fieldfare. I. The most seen in the Tame Valley area was about 400 between Atherstone and Alvecote on March 28th (H.L.). Considerable passage westerly noted at Sutton Coldfield on November 4th (K.M.G.). II. About 550 were seen near Kidderminster on April 17th, moving north-east (C.R.M.). At Sheriffs Lench most birds left on March 27th—28th ; about 400 were present on December 6th (T.C.S.). Many reported at Bittell on December 3rd (H.G.A.). III. About 150 noted heading north-west at Cannock Reservoir during two hours on January 31st (A.R.B.). Movement to east reported at Little Wyrley on April 11th, 14th, and 15th (D.J.S.) ; several thousands, with Redwings, moved north-west during April 23rd at Branston (C.C.) ; and a marked passage was seen at Blithfield, to the south, on October 30th (T.W.F., J.L.) and at Tutbury on Decem- ber 5th (T.W.F.). About 250 estimated near Eccleshail on April 13th (N.R.W.) ; at Whittington 600 on April 17th (H.S.H.-H.) and 500 on May 2nd (W.M.C.) ; at Watton Hill 400 on April 25th (A.A.K.W.) ; at Trescott 360 on November 14th (R.J.B.) ; at Tutbury 400 on December 23rd (E.M.R.) ; and at Branston, there was a nightly roost of 1,000 during December (C.C.). 303. Song-Thrush. I. At Alvecote three small parties came in from the north on October 10th (G.A.A., M.A.A.) and a flock of about 40 remained near Studley from mid- August to mid-September (D.M.G.). II. Records of 30 nests at Malvern kept by observer (M.P.-S.). 46 304. Redwing. I. Heavy nocturnal movement noted over Nuneaton on November 1st (H.L.), and over Birmingham on November 6th (M.J.R.). III. About 200 headed north-west over Cannock Reservoir during two hours on January 31st (A.R.B.). Several thousands, with Fieldfares, moved north-west during April 23rd at Branston (C.C.). Birds seen moving to the south at Blithfield on October 30th (T.W.F., J.L.) At Branston, there was a nightly roost of about 500 during December (C.C.). 307. Ring-Ouzel. II. One seen at Walton Hall on May 8th (G.E.L.). About seven were feeding on berries on Malvern Hills on September 13th, and flew off to the south (J.L.F.). III. Six seen on Leek Moors on April 17th (A.H.), four cock birds near Three Shires Head on May 15th (A.A.K.W.) and at least four pairs in Warslow area on May 22nd and one nest with 3 eggs (J.L., T.W.F.). One on passage at Cannock Reservoir on May 2nd (M.J.R.). 308. Blackbird. I. A bird was brooding four eggs on January 1st at Bidford (A.J.H.). At Alvecote a few, with Song- Thrushes, flew in from the north on October 10th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). A concentration of about 30 birds remained at Studley for a few days in mid-August (D.M.G.). A heavy nocturnal passage of about 200 birds per hour was noted over Birmingham on November 15th (M.J.R.). 311. Wheatear. Spring and autumn records in small numbers from many areas. I. Three late birds seen at Drayton on November 1st (D.R.H.J.). II. Several breeding pairs on the Malvern Hills (M.P.-S.) and a pair may have bred on the Lickeys (C.J.C.). III. Seven on September 5th was the most recorded at Cannock Reservoir where a hen bird was seen on May 23rd (A.R.B., M.J.R.) and July 11th (G.A.A.). Greenland Wheatear. I. A bird at Coventry on May 23rd (A.J.R.) and several at Billesley Common, Birming- ham, in early May were believed to be of this race (C.L.). III. Some of the birds on passage at Whittington were also believed to be of the same race (W.M.C.). 317. Stonechat. I. Single birds seen at Bodymoor Heath on February 13th and November 27th and a pair on October 23rd (G.A.A.). One remained at Baginton throughout February (R.W.M.L., A.J.R.). One seen in Sutton Park on several dates in November (D.G.W.H., A.F.J., J.E.F.). Bred again near Exhall (N.B.E.). II. One seen at Worcester on January 1st (A.J.H.) and a pair near Wilden on February 6th (M.D.H.), and on Malvern Hills on November 14th, (A.J.H.). 47 III. A pair seen at Enville on October 10th (J.H.H.), and November 7th (A.F.J.), and a juvenile at Blithfield on October 10th (D.G.W.H.). 318. Whinchat. Breeding records from many usual areas. I. Five seen on passage at Chesterton on May 2nd (M.H., J.A.N.). Maximum seen in autumn passage at Welles- bourne was six in September (J.A.N.). II. Pair with fully fledged brood seen at Upton Warren on July 9th (W.N.A.T.). III. Four occurred on passage at Whittington on May 2nd (W.M.C.) and six on August 8th near Cannock Reservoir (A.R.B.). Believed to have decreased as a breeding bird around Brownhills in recent years (M.J.R.). 320. Redstart. Breeding records from usual areas. I. Believed to be increasing in Sutton Park (M.J.R.). In Nuneaton area only known to breed in Arbury and Bentley Woods (H.L.). II. Two pairs failed to nest in orchard at Sheriffs Lench used for about 20 years when undergrowth destroyed by pigs. About 20 noted on part of Bredon Hill on August 8th (T.C.S.). III. A nest found at Hopwas on June 19th was first proof of breeding in area in recent years (G.A.A.). 321. Black Redstart. I. The immature male recorded at end of 1953 at Rotton Park Reservoir, Birmingham, was seen on January 10th' (M.J.M.L.). II. One seen at Rushwick on January 1st (A.J.H.) and another near gravel pit on Lickeys on the 5th (H.M.C., R.V.C., C.J.C.). 325. Robin. I. A pair at Sutton Coldfield used the same nest, built on a shelf in a garage, for three broods which flew on April 26th, June 7th and July 14th (J.E.). II. Five birds fed amicably on February 1st around bird tray at Woodcote in cold spell (F.F.). A bird reared two broods in the same nest in a busy Evesham garage and used leaves from the nest to build a third one (A.J.H.). 327. Grasshopper-Warbler. Heard in breeding season from many localities. I. Bred in Sutton Park where nest with five eggs seen on June 8th (T.M.T.) Two sang at Earlswood throughout summer, the first recorded there for some years by observer (J.N.S.). II. Birds heard near Cowleigh Woods, Malvern, on April 21st (L.R.G.). Reported as being more plentiful in south-east of county than in any year since 1934 (A.J.H.). 48 333. Reed-Warbler. Breeding records from usual areas. I. Six singing males heard at Alvecote on June 5th (G.A.A.), and others in Sutton Park (A.R.B.). About 14 pairs bred at Minworth, two nests having Cuckoo eggs, and about four pairs at Bodymoor Heath (J.M.L., B.A.D.). 334. Marsh-Warbler. II. At least six pairs noted on July 3rd at one locality on the river Avon (T.C.S.). Reported to have increased from last year (A.J.H.). 346. Garden-Warbler. I. Three pairs present at Earlswood compared with one pair of Blackcaps (J.N.S.). II. Two singing in Lickeys in spring compared with one Blackcap (A.R.B.). The bird with the aberrant song, affectionately known as sylvia laryngitis, was present near Kidderminster for the fourth successive year (D.N.). III. Up to six heard singing at Hopwas as against one Blackcap (G.A.A.). 347. Whitethroat. Several observers commented on the late arrival of birds in spring. I. A small influx noted in Tamworth area on September 18th and 19th (G.A.A.). III. Marked passage observed at Cannock Reservoir on May 2nd (M.J.R.). 348. Lesser Whitethroat. Heard in breeding season in many usual areas. III. Bird singing on Shoal Hill, Cannock, on May 29th (D.J.S.). 354. Willow-Warbler. II. Noticeable influx recorded near Kidderminster on April 21st (L.R.B.) and at Sheriffs Lench on August 3rd (T.C.S.). III. Concentrations of birds on passage noted at Cannock Reservoir on May 2nd (M.J.R.), and at Warley Park, Smethwick, on August 16th and September 11th (G.E.L.). 356. Chiffchaff. I. One identified at close quarters at Bed- worth on February 6th (J.D.S.). III. An influx noted in Warley Park, Smethwick, on September 11th (G.E.L.). 357. Wood-Warbler. II. A slight recovery in breeding popu- lation on Lickeys reported where probably four pairs bred. (A.F.J., A.R.B.). III. Heard in Bagots Park on May 2nd (J.L.) and at Little Aston Park throughout the summer (D.G.W.H.). 364. Goldcrest. II. At least 50 noted with parties of tits on Lickeys on September 26th (A.R.B.). 366. Spotted Flycatcher. II. Records kept by observer of five nests in Davenham Gardens, Malvern (M.P.-S.). Newly hatched young were being fed at Bishampton on August 7th (A.J.H.). A small party seen on migration near Malvern Wells along railway lines on August 29th (F.R.R.). 49 368. Pied Flycatcher. I. Cock bird seen at Dosthill on May 21st but not subsequently (G.A.A.), and near Weston-in- Arden in the spring (per H.L.). II. Birds seen in Lickey area but did not apparently breed (C.J.C., H.G.A., E.K.). Cock bird seen prospecting nesting site at Patshull on April 25th, but not afterwards (M.B.). Usual breeding records from Wyre Forest. 371. Hedge-Sparrow. II. Records kept by observer of 14 nests at Malvern (M.P.-S.). 373. Meadow-Pipit. I. Autumn passage in Tame Valley area, mainly to the south, was most marked in period September 18th to October 3rd (G.A.A.). On this last date a concentration of birds was observed in Sutton Park (J.L.) Movement to the south-west over Erdington, Birmingham, seen from September 12th to October 28th (M.J.R.). Birds heard over Nuneaton from October 3rd to November 7th (H.L.). III. About 200 present at Cannock Reservoir on September 19th (M.J.R.), and an influx noted on October 3rd (J.L.). 376. Tree-Pipit. I. Reported as being fewer than usual this year in Tamworth district (G.A.A.). Small numbers moved south-west over Erdington, Birmingham, from September 12th-21st (M.J.R.). II. A party of 10 birds at Walton Hill on May 9th were believed to be on passage (A.R.B.). III. In autumn small numbers recorded at Cannock Reservoir, moving south-west, on August 15th and 22nd (A.R.B., M.J.R.). 379. Rock-Pipit. I. Single birds seen at Bartley on October 8th and 13th (H.G.A.). III. One reported at Belvide on October 10th (B.J.B.), and 17th (R.J.B.). 380. Pied Wagtail. I. Number at roost in reeds at Two Gates rose from 25 in January to 175 on March 6th, and dropped to 35 in mid-April (G.A.A.). About 130 noted roosting at Wootton Pool on October 2nd (D.G.B.), 50 at Hartshill on September 22nd, and 75 at Arbury on November 14th (H.L.). II. Very common during spring and summer at Malvern Sewage Farm, where seven nests located (M.P.-S.). About 70 noted at Stourport Sewage Farm on December 18th (H.S.H.-H.) White Wagtail. I. Two seen at Baginton on April 4th (N.B.W.C.), two at Two Gates on April 13th, one at Alvecote on the 15th and two on the 18th (G.A.A.). One seen in Sutton Park on May 2nd (D.J.M.). 50 III. At Belvide single birds recorded on April 4th (J.E.F.), 11th (B.W.J., M.J.R.), 25th (T.M.T., R.J.B.) and May 2nd (B.W.J.) ; one at Brownhills on April 18th (J.E.F.) ; and two at Cannock Reservoir on April 28th (A.F.J.), and one on April 30th (M.J.R.). 381. Grey Wagtail. Small numbers recorded from many areas in autumn and winter months. I. Hen bird seen near Wellesbourne on June 15th, but no evidence of breeding (J.A.N.). Bred successfully near Warwick (per J.A.N.). II. Several juveniles seen at Malvern Sewage Farm on June 25th (M.P.-S.). III. Breeding birds noted in usual North Staffordshire area on May 22nd (J.L., T.W.F.). 382. Yellow Wagtail. I. Autumn passage noted in Tame Valley area from August 4th to September 27th, mainly to south, with concentrations on August 15th and Septem- ber 11th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). One seen at Minworth on October 30th (C.R.) and two flew south-west at Coventry, on October 29th (A.W.H.W.)—late dates. II. A party of nine cocks noted on passage at Bittell on May 2nd (A.R.B.). Two birds were seen at Malvern Sewage Farm, on the late date of November 4th. (M.P.-S.). III. At Cannock Reservoir, where five or six pairs bred, the peak autumn passage was on August 15th and 23rd when, on the latter date, about 30 birds were present (A.R.B., M.J.R., J.L.). Spring passage was marked at Belvide in period April 20th to May 3rd, with about 40 present on April 24th (J.D.R.V.). At Blithfield about 40 were recorded on May 2nd (J.L.), and 30 on August 25th (C.D.T.M.). The most seen at Branston was eight on April 26th (C.C.). Blue-headed Wagtail. I. A bird at Monkspath, with Yellow Wagtails, allowed inspection from a few yards on April 26th and had a slate-blue head, white eye-stripe and chin (G.Co.). A bird seen at Minworth on June 2nd (M.J.R.). 384. [Great Grey Shrike. I. A bird reported from Nuneaton on September 11th,was probably of this species (N.B.W.C.)] 388. Red-backed Shrike. II. Male seen at Malvern on May 10th and a pair on the 22nd and 26th (M.P.-S.). Newly fledged young seen being fed at Upper Welland on July 18th (G.H.S.). Two pairs seen at Hartlebury Common (M.D.H.). III. An immature male seen near Kinver on July 24th (M.J.M.L.). 51 389. Starling. I. A big influx noted in Tamworth area in late October, continuing through November, and hundreds seen moving south-west at Wilnecote from October 31st to November 4th. Roost at Statfold Hill, near Tam- worth, estimated to have 10,000 birds on October 17th, 100,000 on November 13th, 250,000 on the 21st and only 2,500 on the 25th, when new roost at Newton Gorse occupied three miles to west. Numbers here were estimated at 75,000 on November 28th and 120,000 on December 5th (G.A.A., M.A.A., N.B.W.C.). Large roost located near Alcester on January 16th (W.N.A.T.) and at Redhill on the 23rd (G.C.L.), while a roost at Gaydon, in early February was estimated at 80,000 (B.G.H.) III. Bird noted near Trescott on September 18th with cream coloured head (R.J.B.) About 5,000 were using roost in reeds at Chillington Park on October 30th (J.D.R.V.). 391. Hawfinch. I. Single birds seen at Arbury on February 3rd and April 4th (N.B.W.C.). One flying over Selly Oak, Birmingham, on June 17th was only bird seen in locality this year (H.G.A.). II. Pair seen building on hawthorn at Shelsley Beauchamp on April 24th (C.R.L.R.), one seen at Abbots Morton on May 19th (J.L.), and two on Lickeys on October 2nd (C.J.C.). III. Party of nine noted at Enville on March 28th (J.L.). 392. Greenfinch. I. About 500 seen on January 3rd at Alvecote, in former linseed field, and 400 at Wilnecote on October 25th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). II. A flock of about 150 remained at Wyrhall from August 13th to October 3rd (W.T.B.). III. Near Cannock Reservoir a flock of about 400 was seen on November 21st (J.L.). 393. Goldfinch. I. In Edgbaston Botanical Gardens, 16 seen on February 22nd (E.H.), and at Bodymoor Heath 40 recorded on October 9th and 16th (G.A.A.). II. About 70 noted at Malvern on August 13th (M.P.-S.), and 50 at Upton Warren on September 2nd (J.L.). Increase reported from Kidderminster (L.R.B.). III. At Blithfield 32 seen on March 17th (C.D.T.M.). Marked increase in breeding birds reported from Tutbury (E.M.R.). 394. Siskin. Small numbers recorded in winter and spring from several localities. I. About 30 seen in Sutton Park on February 7th (T.M.T.). II. Reported scarcer than usual on the Lickeys (C.J.C.). 395. Linnet. I. More wintering flocks than usual seen in Tame Valley area (G.A.A., M.A.A.). 52 II. About 150 roosted in Randon Wood from December 2nd to 14th (F.F.). Large mixed flocks wintered at Malvern Sewage Farm (M.P.-S.), and a small flock at Cofton Hackett (A.R.B.). III. A flock of about 35 seen on January 10th at Cannock Reservoir where unusual in winter (A.R.B., M.J.R.). 396. Twite. III. Recorded at Cannock Reservoir in winter and late autumn months, the most being 31 on November 13th (A.F.J.). 397. Lesser Redpoll. Occurred in small numbers in many localities in autumn, winter and spring months. I. About 30 seen at Arbury on November 14th (N.B.W.C.). Two pairs seen in Sutton Park on May 8th (A.R.B.). II. Rather scarcer than usual on the Lickeys, where noted from middle of January until May 2nd and again from late September (C.J.C., A.R.B.). About 50 seen in alders near Stourport on December 21st (M.D.H.), about 30 at Kidderminster on February 21st (D.N.) and a pair near Evesham on May 25th (L.W.H.). III. About 30 seen at Gailey on October 10th (J.E.F.), and at Tutbury on November 10th (E.M.R.). 401. Bullfinch. III. A party of 21 seen at Wightwick on December 22nd (R.J.B.). 404. Crossbill. III. Parties of 22 seen at Kidderminster on February 21st (D.N.), and of 11 at Enville on May 23rd and 29th (R.G.B.). 407. Chaffinch. I. Movement observed over Erdington, Bir- mingham, mainly to south-west from September 27th to November 13th, maximum rate being in mid-October (M.J.R.). Southerly passage noted in Tame Valley area from October 6th to November 21st, with a marked movement on November 1st (G.A.A., M.A.A.). Westerly migration observed at Selly Oak, Birmingham, as in previous years at same season, from October 16th to November 7th (H.G.A.). Nest at Wellesbourne on April 25th was found to be entirely covered with portions of leaf of lychnis instead of the usual similarly coloured lichen (J.A.N.). III. Movement noted, with Greenfinches, at Branston on October 2nd, when at least 1,000 passed south-west during the morning (C.C.). 408. Brambling. Small numbers reported from many areas. II. Noted on Lickeys from beginning of year until end of April and again from October 24th (C.J.C., A.R.B.). At least 50 seen near Broadway on December 3rd (J.H.H.). 53 III. About 60 seen at Gailey on April 18th (D.J.M.), and at least 50 present in mixed flock at Branston on December 17th (C.C.). Several short bursts of song heard from a bird on Cannock Chase on December 10th (C.D.T.M.). 409. Yellow Hammer. Records of song in late October and early November, when unusual, from I. Alvecote (G.A.A.), Attleborough (N.B.W.C.). II. Malvern (M.P.-S.), and III. Brownhills (J.E.F.), Little Wyrley (D.J.S.). II. A flock of about 60 seen at Malvern Sewage Farm on February 10th (M.P.-S.). 410. Corn-Bunting. I. Single birds noted at Shuttington on January 17th (G.A.A.), and at Luddington on May 18th (J.D.R.V.). 415. Cirl Bunting. II. A pair seen at Malvern on various dates from January to July (M.P.-S.). At least two pairs bred successfully in the Upper Welland area (G.H.S.). 421. Reed-Bunting. I. Noticeable increase in breeding pairs recorded at Earlswood, where at least 12 pairs bred, compared with about four in recent years (J.N.S.). 423. Snow-Bunting. III. A cock bird seen at Cannock Reservoir on March 10th (J.E.F.). 425. Tree-Sparrow. II. Seen prospecting nesting hole at end of April on Lickeys, where not seen by observer for some years (C.J.C.). Flock of about 50 seen on April 3rd at Malvern Sewage Farm, where it nests in stone walls (M.P.-S.). 1953 REPORT ERRATA p. 32. Under Tawny Pipit for ' tail coverts ' read ' under-tail coverts.' p. 46. Under Greenfinch for ' Alcester, 25.2.23.' read ' Alcester, 25.2.33.' When organising your next outing, arrange for GLIDERWAYS COACHES PRIVATE PARTY SPECIALISTS Luxury Coaches available for parties up to 1,000 Write, phone or call for quotations GLIDERWAYS COACHES LIMITED 316 BEARWOOD ROAD Telephone BEArwood 2388 BIRMINGHAM 41 54 MIGRANTS The average arrival or departure date given below after the name of each bird is based respectively on the first and last dates given in the Club's Reports up to 1954. The figure in brackets is the number of years on which the average is calculated. ARRIVALS. Chiffchaff. Av.=March 18 (20). Cuckoo. Av. = April 12 (18) March 22 Church Lench (A.J.H.) April 9 Walsall (D.J.S.) Belvide (R.J.B.). 11 Sheriffs Lench (T.C.S.) 24 Malvern (L.R.G.). 13 Dosthill (G.A.A.) Wyre Forest (T.C.S., Common Sandpiper. C.D.T.M.). Av.= April 12 (18) Gailey (D.G.W.H.) April 14 Belvide Woodcote (F.F.) (R.J.B., R.G.B.B.) Sand-Martin. Av.=March 25 (19) 16 Aqualate (W.G.L.) March 24 Belvide (D.G.W.H.) 27 Aqualate (W.G.L.) Redstart. Av. = April 13 (18) 30 Wootton Wawen April 16 Bagots Wood (S.W.) (D.G.B.) Lickeys (C.J.C.) 17 Malvern (M.P.-S.) Willow-Warbler. House-Martin. Av. = April 13 (20) Av. = March 28 (20) April 12 Barnt Green (C.J.C.) March 27 Belvide (D.J.M., A.H.) 14 Belvide (R.G.B.B.) 28 Branston (C.C.) 15 Exhall (N.B.E.) April 4 Malvern (L.R.G.) Middleton,Warw. (J.N.) Whitethroat. Av.=April 16 (20) April 23 Tutbury (E.M.R.) Wheatear. Av.=March 28 (17) 28 Hopwas (G.A.A.) March 27 Enville (R.J.B.) Belvide (R.J.B.) Malvern Hills (L.R.G.) April 2 Branston (C.C.) Nightingale. Av.=April 19 (18) April 30 Enville (R.J.B.) Swallow. Av. = April 5 (20) May 1 Church Lench (A.J.H.) March 28 Bedworth (N.B.W.C.) April 1 Wootton Pool (D.G.B.) Wood-Warbler. Av. = April 21 (19) 3 Walton (F.J.N.) April 27 Enville (R.J.B.) Belvide (B.W.J.) Dodderhill (F.F.) Shustoke (M.J.R.) 28 Bewdley (A.T.E.) Blackcap. Av. = April 6 (20) Sedge-Warbler. Av.=April 21 (18) April 12 Exhall (N.B.E.) April 15 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 14 Malvern (L.R.G.) 23 Minworth (B.W.J.) Seeswood (N.B.W.C.) 29 Church Lench (A.J.H.) Tree-Pipit. Av. = April 10 (17) Pied Flycatcher. Av.=April 21 (9) April 9 Kinver (W.M.C.) April 25 Patshull (M.B.) 13 Lickeys (C.J.C.) 27 Lickeys (E.K. Sheriffs Lench (T.C.S.) 27 Wyre Forest (B.A.D.) Yellow Wagtail. Av. = April 10 (18) Lesser Whitethroat. April 10 Two Gates (G.A.A.) Av. = April 22 (18) 15 Attleborough April 27 Crowle (F.F.) (N.B.W.C.) 28 Rangemore, Staffs. 16 Cannock Res. (M.J.R.) (E.M.R.) Aqualate (W.G.L.) 29 Church Lench (A.J.H.) Garganey. Av.= April 11 (12) Grasshopper-Warbler. April 8 Blithfield (C.D.T.M.) Av. = April 22 (18) 18 Alvecote (G.A.A.) April 21 Malvern (L.R.G.) 18 Cannock Res. 27 Crowle (F.F.) (M.J.R., B.W.J.) 30 Lickeys (C.J.C.) 55 ARRIVALS—contd. Garden-Warbler. Golden Plover. Av. = Sept. 10 (9) Av. = April 24 (17) August 12 Baginton (A.W.H.W.) April 15 Church Lench (A.J.H.) Sept. 5 Cannock Res. (A.R.B.) 20 Ragley Park (G.C.L.) 11 Blithfield (J.L.) 24 Belvide (A.H.) Lesser Redpoll. Av. = Sept. 22 (10) Whinchat. Av.=April 25 (18) Sept. 26 Lickeys (A.R.B.) May 1 Wilnecote (G.AA.) Oct. 10 Gailey (J.E.F.) Wellesbourne (J.A.N.) Blithfield (D.G.W.H.) Alvecote (N.B.W.C.) Nuneaton (N.B.W.C.) Swift. Av. = April 26 (20) Redwing. Av. = October 9 (20) April 22 Belvide (R.G.B.B.) Oct. 3 Attleborough 23 Alvecote (R.T.) (N.B.W.C.) 24 Earlswood (J.N.S.) 21 Monkspath (G.Co.) Minworth (J.E.F.) 30 Blithfield (J.L., T.W.F.) Turtle-Dove. Av. = May 1 (19) Bodymoor Heath April 28 Woodcote (F.F.) (G.A.A.) 30 Enville (R.J.B.) Pintail. Av. = October 9 (10) May 2 Four Oaks (K.M.G.) Oct. 30 Blithfield (J.L., T.W.F.) Reed-Warbler. Av.=May 1 (14) Nov. 5 Belvide (H.G.A.) May 2 Wolverley (W.M.C.) B rambling. Av. = October 11 (20) 6 Eckington (A.J.H.) Oct. 17 Attleborough 8 Alvecote (G.A.A.) (N.B.W.C.) Spotted Flycatcher. 23 Wilnecote (G.A.A.) Av.=May 6 (17) 24 Lickeys (A.R.B.) May 10 Malvern (M.P.-S.) Jack Snipe. Av. = October 12 (13) 11 Wellesbourne (J.A.N.) Nov. 14 Sutton Park (R.T.) 12 King's Norton, B'ham. 23 Arbury (N.B.W.C.) (T.M.T.) 24 Arley (N.B.W.C.) Corncrake. Fieldfare. Av. = October 19 (19) April 30 Preston-on-Stour (E.P.) Oct. 23 Barr Beacon (D.J.M.) May 6 Eckington (A.J.H.) Trescott (R.J.B.) 14 Exhall (N.B.E.) 25 Hockley Heath (G.Co.) Red-backed Shrike. Rowney Green (M.E.P.) Av.=May 16 (10) Golden-Eye. Av. = October 22 (16) May 10 Malvern (M.P.-S.) October 1 Blithfield (C.D.T.M.) 19 Malvern Hills (S.W.) 17 Belvide (several) Nightjar. Av.=May 17 (15) 23 Bodymoor Heath May 11 Kidderminster (D.H.N.) (G.A.A.) 18 Sutton Park (D.I.S.) Siskin. Av. =October 27 (17) 23 Marchington (S.W.) Oct. 24 Nuneaton (N.B.W.C.) Quail. Av. = May 27 (9) Nov. 21 Bittell (A.R.B.) No records. 27 Patshull (M.B.) Marsh-Warbler. Av. = June 1 (13) Goosander. Av.=Nov. 17 (15) June 5 River Avon (A.J.H.) Oct. 17 Belvide (R.B., B.W.) Wigeon. Av. = September 10 (16) Nov. 14 Blithfield (T.M.T.) Sept. 3 Blithfield (C.D.T.M.) 20 Aqualate (W.G.L.) 7 Attleborough Smew. Av. = December 16 (11) (N.B.W.C.) Nov. 28 Gailey (J.L.) 56 DEPARTURES. Wood-Warbler. Whinchat. Av. = September 18 (15) Av. = August 6 (13) Sept. 19 Baginton (N.B.W.C.) Sept. 25 Shrawley Woods (R.T.) 5 Cannock Res. (A.R.B.) 7 Malvern (M.P.-S.) 5 Wellesbourne (J.A.N.) Marsh-Warbler. Spotted Flycatcher. August 7 River Avon (T.C.S.) Av. = September 19 (17) Grasshopper- Warbler. October 4 Rugeley (C.D.T.M.) August 27 Wilnecote (G.A.A.) Sept. 27 Malvern (G.H.S.) 14 Brandon (A.J.R.) 26 Warley Park (G.E.L.) 7 Sheriffs Lench (T.C.S.) Blackcap. Av. = September 19 (17) Garden-Warbler. October 15 Hanley Castle (M.P.-S.) Av. = August 20 (16) 5 Bittell (J.H.H.) Sept. 6 Woodcote (F.F.) Sept. 27 Woodcote (F.F.) August 12 Malvern (M.P.-S.) Sedge-Warbler. Cuckoo. Av. = August 22 (17) Av. = September 21 (11) August 26 Hampton Lucy (F.J.N.) Sept. 19 Baginton (N.B.W.C.) 16 Stratford (D.R.H.J.) 14 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 15 Cannock Res. Wheatear. Av. = September 23 (18) (A.R.B., A.F.J.) October 6 Oldbury (W.M.C.) Swift. Av. = September 5 (20) Sept. 26 Cannock Res. Sept. 15 Malvern (L.R.G.) 14 Perry Barr, B'ham. (B.W.J., M.J.R.) (J.E.F.) Upper Stonnall (J.E.F.) 7 Stratford (D.R.H.J.) Malvern Hills (L.R.G.) Reed-Warbler. Av. = Sept. 6 (6) Sutton Park (R.T.) August 2 Alvecote (G.A.A.) Willow-Warbler. Redstart. Av. = September 8 (18) Av. = September 24 (20) Sept. 23 Arbury (N.B.W.C.) Sept. 20 Hockley Heath (G.Co.) 18 Sutton Park (R.T.) 19 Atherstone (M.A.A.) 12 Kingsbury (J.N.) 19 Cloudesley Bush Garganey. Av. = September 12 (11) (N.B.W.C.) October 3 Belvide (several) Yellow Wagtail. Sept. 8 Blithfield (C.D.T.M.) Av. = September 28 (17) 1 Minworth (R.T.) October 13 Snitterfield (F.J .N.) Nightjar. 4 Hockley Heath (G.Co.) Sept. 13 Rushwick (A.J.H.) 2 Checkley (S.W.) Ring-Ouzel. Sand-Martin. Sept. 13 Malvern Hills (J.L.F.) Av. = September 30 (19) Turtle-Dove. Av. = Sept. 13 (19) October 9 Nuneaton (N.B.W.C.) October 3 Exhall (N.B.E.) Sept. 26 Cannock Res. (B.W.J.) Sept. 13 Belvide (J.L.) Aqualate (W.G.L.) 11 Drayton Bassett Chiffchaff. Av. = October 7 (20) (G.A.A.) October 6 Atherstone (M.A.A.) Four Oaks (R.T.) 6 Malvern (M.P.-S.) Lesser Whitethroat. 4 Rugeley (C.D.T.M.) Av. = September 14 (18) Common Sandpiper. Sept. 5 Alvecote (G.A.A.) Av. = October 11 (15) 4 Exhall (N.B.E.) October 16 Blithfield (D.J.M.) Tree-Pipit. Av. = September 15 (16) Sept. 21 Erdington (M.J.R.) Baginton (A.J.R.) Swallow. Av. = October 20 (20) 19 Blithfield (T.M.T.) 11 Cannock Res. (R.T.) 0ctober30 Hampton Lucy (F.J.N.) Whitethroat. 26 Keele (S.W.) Av. = September 17 (20) Shottery (M.H.) Sept. 29 Woodcote (F.F.) House-Martin. 26 Wilnecote (M.A.A.) Av. = October 21 (20) Atherstone (N.B.W.C.) October26 Stone (S.W.) 24 Bodymoor Heath 24 Malvern (G.H.S.) (G.A.A.) Tutbury (T.W.F.) 57 BIRD-RINGING RECOVERIES, WORCESTERSHIRE (From " BRITISH BIRDS") Mr. Maurice Arnold has undertaken the task of summarizing bird ringing recoveries published in "British Birds" during the period 1909—1954 for the Club's Area. Recoveries for Staffordshire and Warwickshire were published in the last Report. Any records known to readers and not included should be reported to Mr. Arnold. (N)—Nestling. (Y)—Young. *—Ringed abroad. Where Ringed Recovered Manx Shearwater. Evesham, 14.7.36, Released Skokholm, Pem., 2.5.37 experimentally do. 13.7.37 do. do. do. 18.7.37 Heron. (N) Henley-on-Thames, Bucks. Redditch, 4.3.29 6.4.28. (N) Buscot, Faringdon, Berks. Blockley, 8.12.29 12.5.29 Teal. Orielton, Pem. 2.1.38 Worcester, 27.1.38. Sparrow-Hawk.(N) Dowles, 7.7.32 Bewdley, 2.3.33. (N) Six ringed at Rubery, 3.7.11. Four recovered within a year up to six miles away. Latest being end May, 1912. Kestrel. Dudley, March, 1914 Caldey Is. Pem. 19.7.16 (N) Malvern, 11.7.22 Kidderminster, 17.10.22 (N) do. 2.7.38 Honiton, Devon, —.11.38. Moorhen. On Lightship, Flushing, R. Teme, Worcester, 3.2.29. Holland, 16.3.28. Lapwing. (N) E. Cheshire, 21.6.12. Kidderminster, Nov., 1914. (N) Evesham, 30.4.33. Oporto, Portugal, 15.12.33. (N) do. 31.5.33. Badajoz, Spain —.12.33. (N) Barnt Green, 21.5.49. St. Giles-Sur-Vie, Vendee, France, 8.3.50. Snipe. Malvern, 29.11.33. Whitland, Carmarthen, 16.12.33. Arctic Tern. *(N) Sweden, 7.6.51. Westwood Park, Droitwich, 5.8.51. Stock-Dove. (N) Evesham, 27.6.33. Landes, France, 7.11.33. Wood-Pigeon. (N) Evesham, 20.5.45. Tanworth-in-Arden, —.1.46. (N) Sibford Ferris, Oxon. 15.6.52. Stourport, 18.1.53. Turtle-Dove. (N) Malvern, 12.7.31. Biarritz, Basses Pyrenees, France, 12.9.31. Little Owl. (N) Malvern, 3.6.26. Same place, March, 1929. do. 24.5.28. do. 8.4.29 (N) do. 3.6.26. Batsford Park, Moreton-in- Marsh, Glos., 22.3.27. (N) do. 3.6.31. Earls Croome, Worcs., 8.5.36. Tawny Owl. (N) Bewdley, 12.5.15. Near same place, 20.10.21. Wryneck. (N) Malvern, 29.6.14. Same place, 23.4.15. Skylark. do. 25.2.33. do. 21.1.34. do. 5.2.34. Chepstow, Mon., 28.3.36. Swallow. (N) do. 13.6.31. Kempsey, Worcs., 28.5.32. (N) Selly Oak, 8.7.43. Alvechurch, 11.5.45. (N) King's Newnham, Warwk., Grimley, 20.8.44. 9.6.40. 58 Where Ringed Recovered House-Martin. (N) Bredon, 14.8.25. St. Vincent de Paul, Gironde, France, 28.9.25. Carrion-Crow. (N) Malvern, 16.5.24. West Malvern, 20.5.25. Rook. Evesham, 23.3.41. Same place, 19.5.46. Jackdaw. (N) Great Comberton, 24.5.28. Near there, 19.4.30. Malvern 16.6.28. Same place, 2.5.29. (N) Malvern, 29.5.30. Between Ross and Hereford, early Nov., 1930. do. 6.7.31. Same place, 14.6.32. (N) do. 22.5.30. do., 14.3.34. do. 2.6.39. do., 22.4.50. (N) do. 22.5.30. Col wall, Hereford, —. 11.32. do. 17.7.34. Ledbury, do. —.5.35. do. 12.7.36. Eastnor, do. 23.6.37. do. 7.7.38. Chavenage, Glos., 2.9.38. Great Tit. Birmingham, 23.12.35. Hewell, Redditch, —.3.36. do. 6.2.37. Chaddesley Corbett, —.6.38. Wren. (N) Malvern, 31.5.28. Hawkley, Liss, Hants., Oct., 1928. Mistle-Thrush. do. 19.2.29. Same place, 8.12.31. Song-Thrush. Dowles, Salop., 26.5.10. Bewdley, 25.6.10. Malvern, 12.11.23. Same place, 21.12.25. (Y) do. 12.6.24. do. 13.2.27 ; 10.5.28. (N) do. 8.5.27. do. 12.11.27. (N) do. 23.6.27. do. 4.2.28. (N) do. 23.6.27. Near do. 7.2.29. (N) do. 5.6.27. Same place, 25.5.29. (N) do. 21.5.28. do. 21.11.28. (N) do. 25.5.31. do. 15.6.34. (N) do. 28.5.31. do. 4.10.31. do. 18.3.30. do. 12.3.32. (Y) Evesham, 29.5.34. do. 7.5.41. do. 21.4.40. Earlswood, Warwk., 12.4.41. Alvechurch, 6.1.40. Aberkenfig, Glam., —.8.40. Wolverley, 11.2.39. Shifnal, Salop, 23.3.40. (Y) Margaretting, Essex, 27.5.51 Stourport, 7.11.51. Redwing. Redditch 2.1.37. Regallo, Tuscany, Italy, 27.2.38. Blackbird. Malvern, 3.6.24. Same place, 4.6.25. (N) do. 14.5.24. do. 19.2.26. (N) do. 12.6.25. Great Malvern, Feb., 1926. do. 31.7.25. Same place, 13.5.27. do. 15.5.26. do. 20.5.27. do. 4.6.26. do. 28.5.27. (N) do. 20.6.27. do. Feb., 1929. (N) do. 20.6.27. do. 21.1.29. (N) do. 25.5.28. do. 18.1.29. (N) do. 8.5.29. do. 27.1.30. (N) do. 28.5.28. do. 15.3.30. do. 29.6.29. do. Aug., 1930. (N) do. 25.5.28. do. 6.7.30. (N) do. 7.6.29. do. March, 1930. do. 18.12.27. do. 29.5.30. do. 16.12.29. do. 29.5.30. (N) do. 16.6.31. do. 13.6.32. (N) do. 19.5.30. Near Malvern Link, 18.9.32. do. 23.6.30. Same place, Feb., Apr., 1931 ; Feb., June, 1932. 59 Where Ringed Recovered Blackbird. Malvern, 2.12.30. Same place, 8.3.31 ; Apr., May, do. 11.7.28. do. 30.11.37. [1932. (Y) do. 19.5.31. do. 19.7.38. do. 20.2.30. do. 19.11.38. (Y) Stanway, Glos., 22.5.35. Broadway, 9.7.35. Robin. Malvern, 12.2.25. Same place, 8.5.25. do. 1.2.25. do. 17.5.26. do. 10.7.26. do. 20.5.27. do. 15.10.26. do. 9.2.27. do. 16.12.27. do. 10.5.28. do. 12.2.29. do. Late Jan., 1930. do. 31.7.28. do. 27.9.28; 4.12.28 ; 6.5.29 ; 12.6.29. (Y) do. 21.5.29. Near same place, 23.6.30. (Y) do. 18.7.29. Same place, 18.5.30. do. 1.8.31. do. 17.12.31; 21.1.32; 2 3 32 do. 26.2.28. do. 5.3.31 ; 3.5.31 ; 7 3 33 do. 31.7.29. do. 29.11.31. ; 6.2.32. do. 18.8.30. do. 18.3.32. do. 26.6.31. do. 17.11.31 ; 26.1.32. do. July, 1938. Mitcheldean, Glos., April, 1939. Evesham, 9.2.33. do. 16.11.33. Spotted (Y) Bromyard, 24.6.28. Mas D'Argenais, Lot-et- Flycatcher. Garonne, France, 5.9.28. Hedge-Sparrow. Malvern, 6.10.27. Same place, 6.5.28. do. 10.7.28. do. 14.2.31. do. 2.10.25. do. 5.6.27. do. 13.11.25. do. 5.3.27. do. 9.10.26. do. 13.6.27. 00 do. 10.7.29. do. 8.3.30. do. 27.10.29. do. 9.5.30. do. 10.7.30. do. 5.3.31 ; 28.2.32 do. 5.10.30. do. 6.3.32. do. 26.7.31. do. 6.3.32. do. 20.9.30. do. — Meadow-Pipit. Malvern, 9.10.34. Lit-et-Mixe, Landes, France, 3.11.34. do. 1.10.34. Bayonne, Basses Pyrenees, France, 30.10.35. do. 5.10.37. Droitwich, 16.12.37. do. 26.10.37. Drogheda, E. and W. Light, Meath, 14.1.42. Pied Wagtail. Malvern, 18.8.38. Crief, Perths., 9.4.44. Starling. * Near Volmar, Livonia, Latvia. Kidderminster, 5.12.14. May, 1914. (N) Rubery, 29.6.14. Stourbridge, 14.9.16. Malvern, 17.1.29. Same place, 23.5.30. do. 6.12.29. do. 1.12.31. do. 30.6.27. Saul, Glos., 7.5.30. do. 23.2.33. Stratford-on-Avon, 1.3.34. do. 30.7.34. do. 15.5.35. do. 3.3.33. Droitwich, —.1.34. do. 28.10.31. Tenbury Wells, 1.7.34. do. 21.12.33. Apperley, Glos., 28.11.34. 60 Where Ringed Recovered vera, 5.2.31. Evanger Hordaland, Norway, Summer, 1932. do. 5.3.33. Aarslev, Fyen, Denmark, 29.5.33. do. 12.4.34. Kidderminster, —.4.35. do. 13.7.33. Alcester, Warwk., 2.10.35. do. 21.3.34. Schlei, Schleswig-Holstein, —.7.35. do. 25.2.34. Melton Mowbray, Leics., 20.1.35. do. 14.3.34. Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary, 3.2.35. do. 9.2.35. Leeuwarden, Friesland, Hol- land, 15.3.35. do. 19.12.33. E. Prussia, 29.5.34. do. 23.2.34. Tessin, Mecklenburg, Germany, 25.4.34. do. 15.2.34. Ruysselede, W. Flanders, Belgium, 27.10.34. do. 9.7.33. Upton-on-Severn, 19.5.35. do. 23.11.36. Botilsater, Varmland, Sweden —.7.37. do. 9.11.35. Jordlose, Sjaelland, Denmark, 7.9.37. do. 1.3.36. Avnede, Laaland, Denmark, 3.9.37. do. 12.12.36. Hoevelaken, Guelderland, Holland, 10.9.37. do. 27.7.37. Laleham, Middx., 24.6.38. do. 19.1.36. Konigsberg, Brandenburg, Germany, 8.8.38. do. 8.12.37. Nieuwport, W. Flanders, Belgium, 26.12.38. do. 10.12.36. Clifton-on-Teme, Worcs., 8.10.37. do. 10.11.35. Warwick, 3.11.37. do. 23.2.34. Lichfield, —.8.37. do. 29.11.36. Tamworth, Staffs., 24.10.37. do. 25.10.36. Thornbury, Glos., 13.11.37. do. 26.10.35. Utena, Lithuania, 18.8.37. do. 25.10.36. Redmarley, Worcs., 8.1.37. do. 6.11.36. Eldersfield, Worcs., 27.1.37. do. 15.6.35. Newnham, Glos., 31.5.37. do. 26.10.36. Hargrave, Northants, —.5.37. do. 4.11.36. Arrington, Cambs., 15.5.37. do. 26.2.36. Altreetz, Brandenburg, —.8.36. do. 29.10.36. Liineburg, Hanover, 17.4.37. do. 8.12.35. Orust Is., Bohuslan, Sweden, 27 3 37 do. 28.10.36. Shirley, Warwk., 26.5.38. do. 12.3.36. Nuneaton, 24.2.38. do. 31.10.36. Slough, Bucks., 20.3.38. do. 8.12.35. Diss, Norfolk, —.1.38. do. 27.1.38. Bremen, Germany, 26.4.38. do. 21.11.37. Enkoping, Sweden, 21.5.38. do. 23.6.38. Rock, Worcs., 28.6.38. do. 22.2.36. Market Harborough, Leics., —.8.38. 61 Where Ringed Recovered Starling. Malvern, 20.6.38. Abbott's Ann, Hants., 2.12.38. do. 25.6.39. Keynsham, Som., —.1.41. do. 3.2.39. W. Hagbourne, Berks., 2.12.40. do. 22.12.38. Hartshorne, Derby, 25.4.42. do. 22.12.38. Old Buckenham, Norfolk, 5.1.42. do. 20.12.38. Meare, Som., 25.1.42. do. 22.12.38. Oskarstrom, Halland, Sweden, 28.3.42. do. 28.10.36. Heerenveen, Friesland, Hol- land, 19.6.43. do. 16.1.36. Rotterdam, Holland, 9.1.41. do. 1.2.38. Leasingham, Lines., 2.2.40. do. 22.12.38. Braunstone, Leics., 11.3.40. do. 11.2.38. Overstone, Northants., 28.4.40. do. 22.12.38. Sirvintai, Lithuania, 18.3.40. Evesham, 7.12.33. Walsall, 15.1.34. do. 26.1.33. Same place, 19.12.33. do. 7.12.33. Bromsgrove, —.7.34. do. 7.12.33. Kazdanga, Kurland, Latvia, 20.3.35. do. 20.12.37. Bremen, Germany, 30.4.38. (N) do. 18.5.44. Kilworth, Cork, 17.12.45. do. 22.12.38. Calmpthout, Antwerp, Belgium, 20.2.40. do. 28.1.39. Herbrandston, Pem., 21.1.40. do. 13.1.39. Rauna, Latvia, —.3.39. do. 16.2.40. Oving, Bucks., 28.12.40. do. 16.2.40 Great Glenham, Suffolk, 25.1.41. do. 24.12.38. Rangeworthy, Glos., 23.4.41. Bewdley, 19.5.30. Same place, 10.7.31. *(N) Memel Territory, 20.7.33. Worcester, 10.12.33. *(N) Lower Elbe, Germany, 29.5.33. Worcester, 6.1.34. Dungeness Lighthouse, 6.10.37 Kidderminster, 18.10.37. Douglas, I.O.M., 9.2.36. Tenbury, —.5.37. Oxford, 16.3.36. Broadway, 20.11.36. Binton, Warwk., 27.11.37. Redditch, 11.4.38. Hagley, 31.12.38. Arjang, Varmland, Sweden, 25.4.40. Greenfinch. (N) Malvern, 2.6.27. Great Malvern, 28.11.27. do. 19.12.31 Same place, 11.10.32. do. 1.3.35. do. 15.2.38. do. 28.2.34. Lichfield, 26.3.34. do. 26.2.34. Wakefield, Yorks., 25.4.34. do. 7.11.32. Alcester, Warwk., 25.2.33. Branscombe, Devon, 27.12.38. Pershore, 3.9.41. Frankley, 30.1.52. Nuneaton, 2.6.53. Evesham, 19.3.37. Droitwich, 14.4.37. do. 14.1.38. Birmingham, —.2.41. do. February, ? year At Kidderminster, May, of same year. Siskin. * Zuid, Holland, 19.10.31. Worcester, 16.2.32. Linnet. (N) Malvern, 24.5.31. Le Porge, Gironde, France, 6.10.31. do. 31.3.35. Nantes, Loire Inf., France, 18.12.35. 62 Where Ringed Recovered Linnet. (Y) Malvern, 14.10.34. St. Nazaire, Loire, Inf., 15.3.36. (Y) do. 25.6.36. Biarritz, Basses Pyrenees, France,—.11.36. (Y) do. 24.4.36. Loupiac, Gironde, France, 17.10.36. Bullfinch. Stanway, Glos., 21.1.36. Defford, 14.12.38. Chaffinch. Malvern, 9.12.23. Same place, 7.2.25. do. 22.1.29. do. 12.6.30. do. 30.7.32. do. 22.4.34. do. 15.7.38. do. —.6.44. do. 21.11.37. Burton-on-Trent, 1.2.42. Hewell, Redditch, 10.2.34. Stanway, Glos., 23.2.34. (2 birds). do. 4.3.33. Hoboken, Antwerp, Belgium, 23.10.33. do. 19.1.35. Chadwick, Worcs., 24.4.35. do. 29.1.38. Antwerp, Belgium, 8.11.38. do. 10.2.34. Valer, Ostfold, Norway, —.5.36. do. 28.12.35 \ or Evesham, 4.1.35. / Liege, Belgium, 13.1.37. Evesham, 1.4.33. Same place, 5.1.34. do. 1.3.35. Stanway, Glos., 23.12.35. do. 15.2.37. Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos., 6.3.37. do. 4.2.35. Pitea, Norbotten, Sweden, 1936. do. 11.2.35. Barnt Green, Worcs., 15.1.39. do. 4.3.38. Saives, Liege, Belgium, 2.11.38. do. 8.2.37. Turnhout, Antwerp, Belgium, 23.10.38. do. 28.12.37. Puers, Antwerp, 16.11.38. do. 3.2.38. Brussels, Belgium, 24.10.38. do. 2.3.38. Cruy Shauteu, E. Flanders, 11.11.38. do. 15.2.37. Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos., 6.3.37. do. 8.2.37. Halifax, Yorks., 3.4.38. do. 11.2.35. Antwerp, Belgium, 8.10.36. do. 13.2.36. Bilsen, Limburg, Belgium, 11.10.39. Shipley, Yorks., 2.9.34. Tenbury, 14.1.35. Brabant, Belgium, 21.10.34 Worcs., 19.3.35. Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos. Evesham, 3.2.38. 15.2.36. Stanway, Glos. 28.2.35. do. 6.12.37. Frankley, 29.1.52. Near Ghent, E. Flanders, Belgium, —.10.52. Brambling. Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos. Newbold-on-Stour, 9.2.35. 29.12.34. do. 16.1.37. do. 29.1.37. Newbold-on-Stour, 14.2.37. Sauveterre, Gironde, France. —.12.37. Evesham, 5.1.37. Newbold-on-Stour, 31.1.37. Redditch, 27.12.36. Cootehill, Cavan, 3.3.38. Yellow Hammer. Evesham, 5.4.37. Same place, 25.1.39 ; 22.3.44. 63 KEY TO CONTRIBUTORS (The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the Report) K. V. Ainge D. M. Garstang (Miss) M. Palmer (Miss) B. Y. Aldred (Miss) K. M. Green (Miss) B. H. Parsons H. G. Alexander L. R. Greening M. R. Paterson (Miss) G. A. Arnold E. M. Grove (Miss) R. Player M. A. Arnold E. Plumridge J. H. Harding D. Powell E. Hamilton (Mrs.) P. R. Powell W. T. Bartlett A. J. Harthan M. E. Pumphrey (Miss) L. R. Bayes M. Hawkes (Miss) T. K. Beck L. W. Hayward C. Ramsdale M. M. Betteridge (Mrs.) H. S. Hemsley-Hall G. W. Rayner M. Bickerton A. Hewitt (A.H.) C. R. L. Reece A. R. Blake M. D. Higgins E. M. Reeves D. G. Boddington A. Hobson (A. Ho.) A. J. Richards R. J. Bradney D. G. W. Hollands T. M. Robinson R. Brierley D. F. Hope M. J. Rogers A. R. Mead-Briggs B. J. Hulett A. H. Russell R. G. B. Brown B. G. Hunt F. R. Russell S. C. Brown F. C. Ryman C. H. Budd A. F. Jacobs B. J. Burton D. E. Jebbett L. Salmon E. M. Butler (Mrs.) A. H. Johnson J. H. Savage B. W. Jones G. V. Scotford C. J. Cadbury D. R. H. Jones J. D. Scott H. M. Cadbury G. H. Jones J. N. Sears J. C. Cadbury D. J. Simkin R. V. Cadbury F. B. Kellv G. H. Skirrow M. M. Campbell E. Key (Miss) D. 1. Smith C. Clarke M. Palmer-Smith (Mrs.) W. M. Clarke G. C. Lambourne T. C. Smout F. Colley J. M. Langford G. Coward H. Lapworth C. L. Taylor N.B.W.C. (Nuneaton M. J. M. Larkin K. H. Thomas Bird Watcher's Club) R. W. M. Lee W. N. A. Thompson G. E. Lewis T. M. Thursfield K. I. Darlow C. Lloyd R. Tippins B. A. Davis E. D. I.overidge (Mrs.) J. Lord J. D. R. Vernon W. G. Luton N. B. Edmonds R. J. Waine A. T. Edwards C. R. Millett I5. Walton G. H. Evans C. D. T. Minton N. R. Went J. Evans (Miss) E. Morgan (Miss) S. Whitaker D. J. Munns A. A. K. Whitehouse F. Fincher D. Wight T. W. Ford D. H. Nay lor J. G. Williams J. E. Fortey F. J. Neal A. W. H. Wincott J. L. Fox J. A. Nelder B. Woolley J. Nield C. A. Norris 64 o © w » O o T—(( r-C Tt< *—t 1/5 05 00 CT> N © C-) l> 00 05 o> i—t T-1 00 r> N co CO CO CO 1/5 C m ts3 £PQ >-) H O o w ft H H bgo 2 Q oo •a £S> « « « s •3 O •3d n H i 3 oi S a PQ W < c m u i-l c/3 a 3a) Q w o O a d < o a 3 3 "3 w £ « m 3 ca h-J Q IT) Q o co ® ® o r-C O 00 £ •n H-t a> w U5 © t^ O 1/5 Q © M 1 fc •S3 IN CO CN H W IX! « <1 W •D 00 05 CD © 1 © Q 1/5 05 N t> 1 « oi — £ OI OI 1 IN eo <5 o 00 © M § fa VCO! H < Z ffi w§ O £ i—i < § H aq CO > en T3 cn i—i h-1 p oi cq PQ <5 .e3c •H 3 o W o o ao W <1 ^ +J H H£H M Ph t3S "3 Aa jo- pq tn CM t U5 to T3 CD © ClOO CD © N l> 1/5 ® tn L> H T-l T—< ^ CD I©N us TC \ ED ffl yj SOME REGENT AND STANDARD m 1 BIRD BOOKS m Memoirs of a Bird Man. LUDWIG KOCH. 16/- The adventurous life story of a man who has brought bird songs to millions of people by gramophone and radio. Illustrated. Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds, R. s. R. FITTER. 21/- Over 600 illustrations in colour and 400 black and white by R. A. Richardson. Foreword by Peter Scott. The complete bird identification book. A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. 25/- ROGER PETERSON, GUY MOUNTFORT and P. A. D. HOLLOM. 1,200 illustrations, of which 650 are in colour. 380 distribution maps. All the birds of Britain and Europe within the pages of a pocket guide. Collins Pocket Guide to Nests and Eggs. 21/- R. s. R. FITTER and R. A. 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