West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 43 1976 Swallow by M. C. Wilkes West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 43 1976

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

Contents

2 Officers and Committee 3 Editor's Report 6 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement 8 Secretary's Report 8 Branch Fleports 10 Membership Secretary's Report 10 Ringing Secretary's Report 10 Ladywalk Reserve 11 Movements of Starlings to and from the West Midlands 1 5 Status of the Little Gull in the West Midlands 1947-76 16 Hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull 18 1976 Bird Record Localities 23 Classified Notes 99 Ringing in 1976 111 Key to Contributors 112 Species Requiring Descriptions

Price £1.00 2

Officers and Committee 1977

President C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire Chairman A T Clay, The Coppice', Park Lane, Great Alne, Warwickshire B49 6HS Secretary A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JG Membership D M Hawker, 19 Wycome Road, Hall Green, Secretary Birmingham B28 9EN D M Thomas, 43 Mayhurst Road, Hollywood, Treasurer Birmingham B47 5QG G R Harrison, Bryher', Hatton Green, Hatton, Editor Warwickshire CV35 7LA Field Meetings N P Coldicott, 183 Station Road, Wylde Green, Secretary Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands Ringing P Ireland, 33 Banbrook Close, Solihull, Secretary West Midlands B92 9NF Conservation G C Lambourne, The Cottage Farm, Redditch, Officer Worcestershire B98 OAP Chairman ARM Blake, 102 Russell Bank Road, Four Oak: Research Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands Committee M R Jones, 7 Lyndhurst Drive, Kidderminster Branch Secretary Staffs Branch D Smallshire, 25 Caspian Way, Wheaton Aston, Secretary Stafford Solihull Branch Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, Rep West Midlands Main Committee Mrs D Dunstan, Mrs C Randall, Miss M Young, K J Bentley, S C Brown, T B Hutton, A F Jacobs and S Young 3

Editor's Report

To combat continuing inflation, this year's Report has been slimmed down and printed by a cheaper process, but I hope readers will not detect any significant reduction in quality. The aim has been to maintain an accurate, informative and well-presented Report, whilst keeping costs within an acceptable budget. Amongst the changes, the Migrant Tables have been merged with the Classified Notes and some wildfowl and wader counts have been tabulated. More records than ever were submitted for 1976 and I must thank everyone for their contributions. Inevitably, with space limitations, they cannot all be published, but I hope this does not disappoint anyone to the extent that they are deterred from submitting records in the future. Every record is valuable. Rare or unusual records, many from observers unknown to the Editorial Committee, continue to increase. To be'scrupulously fair, each one must be fully substantiated before it can be accepted for publication as an authentic record. This procedure is not designed to question an observer's ability or integrity, but simply to establish facts, and it is being applied even more rigorously than hitherto. May^ I therefore appeal to all contributors to send full descriptions with any record relating to a species included in the list at the back of this Report. A small percentage are rejected, usually because the observer declines to provide any description or is so brief that all similar species cannot confidently be eliminated. Finally I must again thank Alan Dean, Rob Hume and Dave Smallshire for their help in writing this Report and Rob Hume also for providing the illustrations.

Birds in 1976

In a year of climatic extremes, 1976 will be remembered for the worst drought in 250 years. It was a good year though for divers, sea-duck, raptors, waders and terns and altogether 222 species or distinct races were recorded—more than in any previous year. Winter was generally mild, with brief cold spells and a severe hurricane on January 2. A longer cold spell in late January and early February froze many waters outside the Midlands, causing an influx of wildfowl especially Smew. Long-eared Owls were widespread and three Rock Pipits occurred in January. Several waders were unusual winter visitors as were three Woodlarks in late February. Snow Buntings and a Spotted Crake enlivened a quiet March, whilst a strong arrival of Wheatears on the twenty-first, followed by the first Swallows and House Martins promised an early Spring that did not materialise. Early April held few surprises, but water levels were low and highlights of an excellent passage in the second half of the month were four Harriers, 4 two Ospreys, two Kentish Plovers, a pair of Dotterel and an exceptional party of 54 Bar-tailed Godwits. Four Avocets appeared in mid-May, a small Black Tern passage began on the twenty-third and Whiskered Terns were noted on the next two days. Other May highlights were four Temminck's Stints and a Little Bittern, which was the first for over seventy years. With the driest, warmest and sunniest summer this century, insects were abundant, so many species enjoyed good breeding success. Ruddy Duck bred for the first time in Warwickshire; the first positive proof of Hobby breeding in Staffordshire was obtained and Cirl Bunting may have bred in Worcestershire. Red-backed Shrike, Grey Phalarope, Corncrake and Caspian Tern occured in June, whilst July produced two Spoonbills, Quail and Savi's Warbler. August saw the first Curlew Sandpipers, a Peregrine which stayed for a month and the first of several Wrynecks. The driest sixteen months on record ended abruptly in late August. Autumn, with the second wettest September ever, periods of severe gales and a December which was one of. the four coldest this century, brought several influxes of seabirds and a scatter of continental drift migrants. Several summer visitors stayed late. Fieldfares arrived late and Siskin and Brambling were virtually non-existent. Gales and storms between September 9 and 13 produced Great and Arctic Skuas, Sabine's Gull, Pur- ple Sandpiper and Red-backed Shrike, whilst a White-winged Black Tern occurred at the end of the month. A second Grey Phalarope was seen in early October; raptors were especially evident in mid-month, when an ex- ceptional party of 13 Snow Buntings was reported, and Ruddy Duck reached an all-time national maximum of 350 at Belvide. Gales in late October brought an influx of sea duck and two divers. Merlins were unusually widespread during November and the last Swift was noted on the 28th! A Guillemot was found dead in December, when a hard weather movement between the 9th and 12th brought Whooper Swans, White-fronted Geese, Velvet Scoter and Red-necked Grebe; and another between the 1 7th and 26th produced all three species of Diver and two parties of White-fronted Geese as a reminder of how exciting a hard winter can be. G R Harrison

Obituaries Stanley C. Porter The untimely death of Stan Porter was a sad loss to the Club. His reputation as a bird photographer was national and his pictures appeared in most of the prestigeous publications. Not all bird photographers are ornithologists but Stan Porter was and perhaps it was that fact that made him always put the welfare of the bird first; in this respect, in addition to 5 his skill, he was an example to those younger photographers whom he so generously helped. He was an enthusiastic member of the club and his advice was often sought and given. AT Clay

Antony John Harthan Different people will undoubtedly remember Antony Harthan for a wide range of different reasons but there will be a common denominator which we will all share; we enjoyed his company wherever and whenever we met him. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever met and his devotion to the cause of nature conservation was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He was born in the Vale of in 1908, educated in Oundle, and spent nearly all his life working in the area, taking over a fruit farm at Sherriffs Lench before the war where the attractively named Badgers Hill was his home until 1963. A visit to Badgers Hill was an education for Antony knew his birds in a way that few can equal. With the advantage of living and working in the country and with a remarkable facility for observation he really understood what was going on around him. His meticulous recording enabled him, long before the modern survey techniques were developed, to demonstrate the way in which bird populations fluctuated from year to year; it was in the early 1950s that he was expressing alarm at the damage being done by the new agricultural and horticultural techniques. His monument will certainly be The Birds of Worcestershire which was published in December 1946 and brought up to date in 1961, but these two publications do scant justice to the man who dedicated his life to the countryside. Of course the Birds of Worcestershire was invaluable as it was the first list to be published since 1901 and a great deal had been discovered in the forty five year interval, but it is a revealing work for, unlike so many county avifaunas, Antony Harthan gave his Worcestershire work a special flavour with his original observations of bird behaviour. Coming at a time when the five volumes of The Handbook of British Birds was the bird-watchers Bible, and Field Guides had not been invented, Harthans Worcestershire was a gem. With the passing of Antony Harthan we have lost a man of distinction and great personal charm and that most valuable, and increasingly rare, individual the all round naturalist who really knew the countryside. C A Norris 6

Treasurer's Report (year ending December 31,1976) For the year 1976 it was decided to hold the subscription to the rate at which it had been for the previous two years (£1.50 for adult member), knowing that this would produce a deficit which was expected to be in the order of £300. This deficit was thought to be acceptable because the funds had been swelled by surpluses of £501 and £88 in the years 1974 and 1975. However, inflation remained high and our principal expenses all rose significantly—the report by approximately £500, bulletins by £85, indoor meetings by £90 and printing etc. by £180. The result was that the deficit for the year was actually £683. Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ending December 31,1976

1975 Income £ £ 2,627 Subscriptions received for 1976 2,597.82 57 Sale of Reports 83.20 — Sale of Birds of Belvide 75.45 22 Field Meetings 27.10 29 Collection—Indoor Meeting — 5 Contributions to Conservation Fund — 151 Building Society Interest 134.73 586 Reservoirs (Permit Fees) 580.98 34 Atlas Fund 49.95 20 Open Days — 37 Sale of Greetings Cards 10.90 12 Sale of Field Lists 4.22 12 Sale of Calendars 2.00 19 Proceeds of Raffles 9.35 124 Film Show Receipts (Wild Fowl Trust) 81.17 — Sale of Ruddy Ducks 17.25 — RSPB Gift 40.00 — Donation 9.00

£3,735 £3,723.12

Less Expenditure 71 Indoor Meetings 162.50 1,229 Reports 1,721.29 1,431 Bulletins 1,516.62 197 Printing, Stationery, Postage, etc. 376.45 467 Reservoirs (Permit Fees), Insurance, Hide Rental 519.08 57 Subscriptions to Associates 35.50 — Ruddy Ducks Expenditure 75.00 12 Open Days — 1 Raffle Expenditure — 10 Belvide Report — 47 Film Show (Wild Fowl Trust) — 9 Heron Platforms — 74 Projector for Stafford Branch — 42 Belvide Gazebo —

£3,647 £4,406.44

88 (Deficitl/Surplus for the year (683.32) 7

The Committee is examining all possibilities of economies, particularly with regard to the Report, and this coupled with the doubling of the subscription for 1977 should again place the club in the position of making a surplus of income over expenditure. Welcome additions to our income were provided by the Wildfowl Trust as a result of their series of local film shows, and a gift from the R.S.P.B. in lieu of the Club's help in staging their film evening. A special thank you must be given to all members who covenant their subscriptions. This results in the Club receiving virtually half as much again from these members. I would appeal to all members who do not covenant their sub- scriptions to consider doing so. D M Thomas Balance Sheet at December 31,1976 1975 £ £ 1,518 Surplus As at January 1, 1976 1,606.48 88 Less: Deficit for year (683.32)

1,606 923.16 625 Advance Subscriptions 917.50 — Permit Fees 796.23 — Belvide Birds (332.68) 1,381.05

£2,231 £2,304.21

Represented by 527 Cash at Bank 764.82 Building Society Deposits 1,388 Leicester 1,221.56 34 Halifax 35.41 (for Conservation Fund No. 2) 1,256.97 1,422 Investments Scot Exempt Growth Units at cost (Market Value £446) 282 (for Conservation Fund No. 1) 282.42

£2,231 £2,304.21

We have examined the above Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 31, 1976, and Balance Sheet at that date and we certify that, in our opinion, the said Income and Expenditure Account gives a true and fair view of the Club's Excess of Expenditure over Income for 1976 and the Balance Sheet gives a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs at December 31, 1976, in accordance with books, vouchers and information given to us. Arthur Young McClelland Moores & Co, Chartered Accountants 196 Wolverhampton Street, Dudley. West Midlands DY1 1DZ. February 28, 1977 D M Thomas 8

Secretary's Report Club's New Symbol When the new county boundaries were recently introduced it was realised the Club's existing symbol, an outline map of the three counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, was inappropriate. The creation of the West Midlands Metropolitan county and the combining of Herefordshire (which already had a thriving bird club) and Worcestershire, ruled out the use of a revised map. The question was what should take its place. In keeping with probably every other ornithological society, it followed, a bird typical of the area in question should be chosen; not an easy task however, for the industrial Midlands. Opinion soon narrowed the field to two likely contenders. One of these was the Little Ringed Plover which in recent years had established itself as a breeding bird in certain specialised areas, particularly at the Ladywalk Reserve, Hams Hall. However, The Middle Thames Naturalists' Society already used the species as their symbol and this had to be disregarded. After considerable discussion and a Committee vote, it was decided to adopt the Ruddy Duck. This is a species which has established itself mainly on man-made waters and, as it were, had taken advantage of artificially-created habitats of which so much of the West Midlands comprises. It was therefore thought appropriate. Additionally it has a distinct shape and a readily identifiable plumage pattern.

Indoor Meetings A full programme of meetings throughout the year included joint ventures with the RSPB and Wildfowl Trust. A number of meetings were also held in Solihull and we are grateful to Dr J A K Meldrum and M C Wilkes and M Fitzgerald who spoke at this venue. Birmingham meetings held as usual in the Museum and Art Gallery were as follows: Birmingham Meetings January Frank Gribble Birds of New Zealand' February Harry Green 'Greenland Revisited' March Annual General Meeting April Terry Walsh Expedition to Turkey' May Tony Blake 'A Day to Remember' Eric Harvey A Closer Look at Some British Birds' October Jeremy Sorenson 'Minsmere' November David Lloyd 'Golden Plover Survey' December Roy Blewitt 'Bird Photographer at Large' A J Richards 9

Staffordshire Branch Report In this summary of the activities of the Staffordshire Branch in 1976, the securing of the lease of Belvide Reservoir must top the list. Although the reserve came into legal being on the first day of 1977. nevertheless the foundations were well and truly laid during the period under review, thanks to the efforts of the Belvide Sub-Committee on which two of our own Branch officials serve. I hope that a large number of Staffordshire members will buy permits, even if they find it possible to make only one or two visits a year. Your financial support is vital if the ambitious plans for the reserve are to be carried out. The task of protecting and conserving the ornithological environment has also proceeded in other directions, notably in our continued liaison with the Staffordshire Nature Conservation Trust and the detailed comments made on more of the District Plans put out by local authorities, particularly in the south of the county. The scientific aspect has not been neglected either. Practically all the important sites in the county have now been registered with the BTO in connection with the ornithological sites survey. During the summer a number of members took part in a Nightjar census on Cannock Chase. Help has also been given with the preliminary national enquiry into the wintering areas of Golden Plover. The preparation of a guide to Birdwatching Sites for the Handicapped was begun in 1976. Though initial response from members was a little slow we now have a selection of sites covering most of the county. It is hoped to publish this as soon as the financial side has been sorted out. Finally, thanks are due, as always, to the Committee for a great deal of hard work and energy expended on behalf of the Branch, and to everyone who contributes to the continuing success of the Branch whether by attendance at indoor and field meetings, sending in records or by the mere fact of carrying on paying their subscriptions. Your support is greatly appreciated. E W Longman

Kidderminster and District Branch Report Branch Officers who were elected or re-elected in 1975 continued in office in 1976 under the chairmanship of Miss M N Badland. Mr Robin Jones, Hon. Branch Secretary, arranged another varied and interesting programme of indoor meetings. At the September meeting he joined Mr Peter Woodward, assistant field meetings organiser, in presenting a novel joint cine and slides show of the birds of Slimbridge following a Branch visit to the Wildfowl Trust in January. Other speakers to whom members were indebted included Mr Roy Blewitt, Mr F Fincher and Mr Gareth Thomas. 10

Mr Denis Jones, field meetings organiser, assisted by Mr Peter Woodward arranged meetings at well tried and favourite venues. Mrs E M Crossland continued as Branch representative on the Worcestershire NCT's Devil's Spittleful management committee and members again joined conservation corps monthly working parties on the reserve during the winter season. Mr J R Mountford was again the Branch representative on the Club's main committee attending most of its meetings. He and other members continued the survey and maintenance of nest boxes on six sites in the Wyre Forest area. 394 young of eight species were reared successfully including 43 Pied Flycatcher and two Redstart. L R Bayes (Branch Vice-Chairman).

Membership Secretary's Report During the year the membership fluctuated considerably, ending the year at a level just below that of 1 975. The figures showed that by December 1976, the total membership of 1890 consisted of 1783 seniors and 107 juniors. Unfortunately the number of members to be struck off the mailing list at the end of March due to non-payment, is still increasing; in March 1976 this had risen a further 50% to 298, and shows signs of higher levels in 1977. The policy of issuing a general reminder with the March Bulletin is all the more necessary. D M Hawker

Ringing Secretary's Report Ringers and others contributed information throughout the year which enabled there to be a Ringing Notes' in all bulletins. Remarks on work done by ringers will be found in the section of this Report entitled 'Ringing in 1976'. The two recoveries lists, provided in previous reports, of birds ringed in the WMBC area and of birds found in the WMBC area have been combined to show under one heading all known movements to and from the club's area for each species. P Ireland

Ladywalk Reserve From the near-desert conditions of the last two years the marsh has reverted to its proper state and no longer belies its name. In the Church Pool Covert area winds felled some 20 mature trees (Elms and Yews) and the hot summer accelerated the spread of Dutch Elm Disease until almost every tree of that species was heavily infested. Church Pool itself benefitted from the heavy autumn rainfall which flushed out the farm effluent and oil pollution of earlier months. It was encouraging to note a Kingfisher back there in early December. 11

The wintry conditions at the end of the year saw the Marsh Duck total at c1 500 birds which is most satisfactory. Bird records on the River Tame continue to indicate its biological improvement: a wintering Common Sandpiper regularly on its banks, and recently Little Grebe observed diving. The felling of Elms in the Covert has removed more than half of the canopy and although this will reduce Woodpecker, Tree Creeper and possibly warbler numbers, the ornithological interest there should increase. Now that it is more open an attempt will be made to decoy duck onto Church Pool. (A century ago this was its function.) Conditions permitting, it is planned to clear the vegetation from the Little Ringed Plover breeding area in front of Hide A early this spring. This scarce species has been associated with the reserve since its inauguration—it would be a pity to lose it. H T Lees

Movements of Starlings to and from the West Midlands Introduction Analysis of ringing recoveries (Goodacre 1959) has shown that there is a migration of Starlings between the Continent and the British Isles, birds coming to the British Isles to winter. This article analyses the data from Starlings ringed or recovered in the WMBC area in particular relation to the origin and migration routes of winter visitors.

Breeding range Figure 1 shows the recoveries during April to August of Starlings ringed in the WMBC area and the ringing sites of birds subsequently recovered in the WMBC area in winter. The breeding range of Starlings that overwinter in the WMBC area covers a large area of the Continent and is mostly between 53° and 61 °N and 4° and 40°E. The area extends eastwards and north-eastwards from Belgium to Western USSR to include the Netherlands, Northern Germany, Denmark, Southern Norway and Sweden, South West Finland and Northern Poland. There is a concentration of recoveries in North West Germany, Denmark and the Eastern Baltic coast. The distribution of ringing sites of nestlings is similar to the distribution of recoveries of British ringed birds, suggesting that most Continental Starlings are on or near their breeding grounds during the April to August period. • Starlings ringed on Continent April-August (t> as pullus) and recovered during winter in WMBC area. 24 16 16 24 32 40 48

64 64

60 60

56 56

.52 52

48 48

0 8 16-24 32 Figure 2. Starlings ringed in WMBC area and recovered on Continent • February-March CO • September-November Starlings ringed on Continent C February-March E September-November and recovered in WMBC area. 14

There is a correlation between the breeding range shown on the map and the density of human population. This reflects the ability of Starlings to utilise urban areas for nesting and roosting. There is also a higher chance of ring recovery in a densely populated area. Migration routes In order to ascertain migration routes, birds ringed or recovered during the migration periods February to March and September to November have been plotted on Figure 2. The map show6 that the direction of migration is WSW during the autumn and ENE during the spring with a heavy concentration of Starlings passiny through the Netherlands. Perdeck (1967) shows that birds present on the coast of the Netherlands during autumn migration have bred in the whole of the breeding range shown on Figure 1. It is possible that the two recoveries in Norway relate to birds which have migrated directly across the North Sea. Goodacre (1959) showed that many of the Starlings wintering in the northern part of the British Isles cross the North Sea direct to Scandinavia.

Change of wintering area There are three records of Starlings which have been ringed in the WMBC area during one winter and recovered in a subsequent winter on the Continent. All the records have been in Belgium and the Netherlands and indicate that a small proportion of the Starlings may change their winter- ing grounds.

WMBC area breeding population There have been very few movements (none over one hundred miles) of Starlings bred in the WMBC area. The local breeding population appears therefore to be resident throughout the year. Summary 1. Starlings wintering in the WMBC area originate from a wide area of the Continent, mostly between 53° and 61 °N and 4° and 40°E. 2. The main migration route is along the southern shores of the North Sea, in particular the coast of the Netherlands. 3. Few birds change their wintering area from one year to the next. 4. Starlings breeding in the WMBC area are mainly resident.

References GOODACRE, M J 1959. The Origin of Winter Visitors to the British Isles: Starling. Bird Study, 6 : 180-192. PERDECK, A C 1967. The Starling as a Passage Migrant in Holland. Bird Study, 14 : 129-152. Cora A Thomas C D T Minton 15

Status of the Little Gull in the West Midlands, 1947-1976 Records from WMBC annual reports have been analysed to illustrate a large increase in Little Gulls in recent years and to determine any changes in seasonal abundance. The results are shown in Tables 1-3 and in the graph.

Table 1: Five-year averages of annual bird totals 1947-51 0 1952-56 1.2 1957-61 2.2 1962-66 4.4 1967-71 8.0 1972-76 38.0

Table 2: Percentage of records for each quarter of the year Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec Total records 1947-71 0 12 75 13 84 1972-76 2 59 32 7 212

60-i

J FM.AMJ J ASOND Little Gull records in WMBC area 1947-71 (blank) and 1972-76 (shaded).

79 birds were recorded in the 25 years from 1947 to 1971 (average 3.16/year) and 190 in the following five years (average 38.0/year), an increase by a factor of 12. The graph and Table 2 show that this upsurge in records has been most apparent in the spring, when larger numbers of both adults and immatures have occured. Autumn records, of mainly first winter birds, have increased to a lesser extent. Although the ages of only 41% of birds have been noted. Table 3 shows that 36% of these were 16 adult and 63% first winter/summer; very few second year birds have been recorded. 20 adulu. and 15 immature;; recorded in 1976 was a reversal of the normal pattern. To enable future changes to be monitored, obseiveis are urged to submit not only daily totals of Little Gulls, but also the ages of birds involved.

/ Table 3: Percentage age distribution Adult Second year First year Total aged % aged 1947-71 24 — 76 38 48 19/2-76 43 1 56 72 27 1947-76 36 1 63 110 41 D Smallshire

Hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull Apparent hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull in first winter plumage. Hybrids between Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus and Herring Gulls L. argentatus are well known and the adults have been adequately described, but there are few readily available descriptions of immature birds. A bird first seen on 16th January 1976 at Cannock Reservoir, Staffordshire, seems likely to have been a hybrid in first winter plumage. It is very difficult to completely rule out a leucistic Herring Gull but several features indicated an element of Glaucous and several observers who saw the bird agreed that it had a definite Glaucous look about it. On the water at a distance it might easily have been taken for a Glaucous Gull of the darker type, being generally pale enough overall, with a large, pale-based, dark tipped bill and a large, heavy body. The head and bill size and shape and the bulky body with a long, flat back profile—almost a heavy wedge shape—also suggested Glaucous strongly. However, in flight and at closer range when at rest certain features ruled out Glaucous and any careful observers would have realised the bird's aberrant nature. The following description was made after several good views during January: Size: larger than most Herrings, though a few very big individuals were equal to it; approached Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus but head and bill less large. Shape: in flight, noticeably big. broad-winged and heavy-bodied. Lengthy bill with strong hook, long, low crown profile, heavy, broad foreparts and bulky shape when on water suggested Glaucous, but again some large Herrings very similar. Behaviour: sometimes aggresive towards Herring Gulls but once severely dealt with by an adult Great-Black-backed. Plumage: area around bill very pale buffish; crown similar, closely streaked with fine pale brown lines; nape paler. Area above eye slightly duskier, as were rear ear coverts and a line behind eye, but duskiness not often noticeable at any distance. Pale partial eyering. Chin, throat and foreneck very pale, sparsely streaked creamy-buff neck more broadly streaked 17

with pale grey-brown. Band across upper back a little darker, grey-fawn; mid back pale fawn and buff with very thin, wavy brown bars. Scapulars mixed with similar feathers and darker, grey-fawn, forming slightly darker band (and creating impression that rear half of bird was a little paler than the rest). Innermost winq coverts rather whitRr with thin brown bars. Rest of coverts pale creamy or buffish with thin, wavy bars and freckles of pale brown; lesser coverts rather greyer and greater coverts more uniform, leaving a somewhat paler band across the mid wing. Innermost secondaries and tertials dull grey-fawn in centre, edged whitish with thin bars and freckles; darker centres not strong enough to create any trace of the usual dark crescent on immature Herring. Rest of secondaries pale buff-brown, no sign of dark band. Primary coverts pale, outer ones progressively browner but still pale, tipped pale buff; inner primaries formed small triangle of pale creamy-buff joining pale tips to primary coverts at apex. Outer primaries slightly darker than inner, pale buff-brown; outermost feathers brownest, but no contrasting pattern. Closed wingtip showed three feathers brown-centred with prominent pale buff tips and edges (outermost hidden, so making four longest feathers brownish near tip with pale fringes), rest paler. Brown centres formed only a very small dark mark at the wingtip, not normally apparent unless seen closely. Rump whiter than back, upper tail coverts barred pale buff and pale brown, upper tail darker, dull grey-fawn with very pale edges and band at tip—slight tailband in flight. Breast and sides of neck diffusely streaked, sides of breast more blotched, flanks and belly more uniform pale buff-brown. Lateral tail coverts whitish, undertail coverls dull white broadly barred with pale brown on the sides; vent blotched and freckled. Underside of tail dull pale greyish, tipped paler. Underwing all pale buff-brown, creamier towards tips and behind angle, looking more definitely a pale colour than young Herrings which tend to appear more "silvery" and greyish beneath wingtip. Bare parts: eyes very dark. Legs pink. Bill pale pink at base, presenting no contrast with face, like Glaucous; distal part black (almost half) with small, blurred extension towards base in centre—a little more black with more blurred edge than on first year Glaucous but general impression very similar. Extreme tip pale. Gape pink.

All first year Herrings examined showed distinct black-brown wingtips and a small blackish crescent on the secondaries when at rest (a distinct dark outer wedge and hindwing band in flight) and most had much darker bills; the general paleness overall, plus the bill pattern, was approached by some second year Herrings but these too always had clearly darker outer primaries and secondaries. The presumed hybrid was distinctive enough to stand out well in a mixed roost of two or three thousand gulls even in poor light, with a strangely uniform appearance lacking both the blackish wingtips of Herring and the decidedly paler ones of Glaucous. R A Hume 18

Newest

.tafjord iBurton

'Lichfield

(WalsallJ (Wolverhampton • Sutton* Nuneaton •

ingham* l(»)Stjur£ridge • ^ Coventry

• Slourport

Warwick'

Worcester Stratford

Evesham. 19

1976 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a record was submitted for 1976.

Warwickshire Admington SP 2046 Halford SP2545 Packington SP 2284 Alderminster SP 2348 Hams Hall (see Ladywalk) Priors Hardwick SP 4756 Alvecole SK 2504 Hartshill SP 3294 Ansty SP 4083 Haselor SP 1257 Radford Semele SP 3464 Halton SP 2367 Radway SP 3748 Barford SP 2760 HayWood SP2071 Roseycombe Wood SP 3977 Bascote Heath SP 3962 Henley-in-Arden SP 1565 Ryton Gravel Pit SP 3772 Bearley SP1760 Hurley SP 2495 Bentley SP 2895 Seckington SK 2607 Bishops Itchington SP 3857 Sherbourne SP 2661 Bodymoor Heath SP 2096 llmington SP 2143 Shuckburgh SP 4961 Brandon Marsh SP 3875 Shustoke SP 2291 Brinklow SP 4379 Stockton SP 4363 Bubbenhall SP 3672 Kingsbury SP 2196 Stoneleigh SP 3372 Kings Newnham SP 4577 Stratford-on-Avon SP 2054 Chase Wood SP 2572 Studley SP 0763 Clifton-on- Temple Grafton SP 1254 Dunsmore SP 5376 Ladywalk SP 2092 Tredington SP 2543 Coleshill SP 2089 Lea Marston SP 2093 Coleshill Wood SP1986 Leamington Spa SP 3165 Ufton SP 3861 Compton Verney SP 3152 Leek Wootton SP 2868 Coombe Abbey SP 4079 Lighthorne SP 3355 Walsgrave SP 3980 Coton SP 2194 Littleworth End SP 1597 Wappenbury SP 3770 Long Marston SP 1548 Warwick SP 2864 Draycote Water SP 4669 Water Orton SP 1791 Whatcote SP 2944 Earlswood SP1174 Mancetter SP 3296 Whateley SP 2299 Exhall SP1055 Meon Hill SP 1745 Whitacre Heath SP 2192 Middleton SP 1898 Windmill Naps SP 0972 Milcote SP 1852 Wishaw SP 1794 Farn bo rough SP 4349 Moxhull SP 1795 Wolston SP 4175 Fillongley SP 2887 Woodend SP 2398 Napton SP 4661 Wootton Wawen SP 1573 Grandborough SP 4966 Newbold Comyn SP 3365 Wormleighton SP 4453 20

Worcestershire Alfrick SO 7453 SO 9854 SO 8762 Alvechurch SP 0272 Frankley SP 0085 Shell SO 9559 Astley S07867 Shernal Green SO 9161 Goosehill Wood SO 9360 Sherrifs Lench SP 0149 Beckford SO 9735 Graflon 30 9050 Shrawley 30 8004 Belbroughton SO 9177 Grimley SO 8360 Sinton SO 8160 Berry Mound SP 0977 Sling SO 9477 SO 9144 Habberley SO 8077 Spetchley SO 8953 Bevere SO 8359 Hallow SO 8258 Spring Coppice Bittell SP 0174 Hanbury SO 9663 Stonehall Common SO 8849 SO 8878 Hanley Swan SO 8142 Stour Hill SO 8373 Bordesley SP 0469 Hewell Park SP 0069 Stourport SO 8171 Brakemill Pool SO 8979 Holt SO 8362 Hill SO 9539 Hopwood SP 0375 Tardebigge SO 9868 Briar Mill Hornhill Wood SO 9558 Thorngrove SO 8260 Broome SO 9078 Hurcott SO 8577 Throckmorton SO 9849 Trench Wood SO 9258 Castlemorton Island Pool SO 8580 Trimpley SO 7778 Common SO 7839 Twiland Wood SO 9780 Caunsall SO 8581 Kempsey SO 8549 Chaddesley SO 8973 Kidderminster SO 8376 Upper Rochford SO 6167 Chadwich SO 9776 Upton-on-Severn SO 8540 Churchill SO 8779 Lenchford SO 8164 SO 9367 Cobblers Coppice SO 9269 Lickey SO 9975 Coneybury SO 6872 SO 9643 Walton Hill SO 9479 Croom e SO 8844 Lower Moor SO 9847 Warndon SO 8856 Crowle SO 9256 Wassail Wood SO 7977 Malvern SO 7745 Weatheroak SP 0574 SO 9143 Malvern Link SO 7847 West SO 9080 Devils Spittleful SO 8074 Martley SO 7559 West Malvern SO 7646 Digging Wood SO 9659 Westwood Park SO 8763 Dormston SO 9857 Northwick Marsh SO 8357 Wilden SO 8272 Dowles Brook SO 7676 Woodbury Hill SO 7464 SO 9248 SO 8463 Worcester SO 8554 Droitwich SO 8963 SO 9265 SO 9350 SO 91 59 Wyre Forest SO 7475 SO 9445 SO 9647 Pirton SO 8747 Eckington SO 9241 Wythall SP 0774 Pulley SO 8960 SO 9841 Evesham SP 0343 Romsley SO 9679 Eymore Wood SO 7779 Roundhill Wood SO 9858 21

Staffordshire Abbotts Bromley SK 0824 Drayton Bassett SK 1900 Latherford SJ 9307 Acton Trussell SJ 9318 , Dun Cows Grove SK 0466 Leacroft SK 0009 Aliewas SK 1715 Leek SJ yUbti Alton SK 0742 Eccleshall SJ 8329 Lichfield SK 1109 Aqualate SJ 7720 Ellastone SK 1143 Little Aston SK 0900 Ash Green SJ 8741 Enville SO 8386. Little Wyrley SK 0105 Axe Edge SK 0269 Essington SJ 9603 Lower Penn SO 8696 Lum Edge SK 0660 Back Forest SJ 9865 Ford Green SJ 8951 Baggeridge SO 8992 Fradley SK 1513 Maer SJ 7938 Bagots Wood SK 0727 Middle Hills SK 0363 Barton-under- Gailey SJ 9310 Milford SJ 9721 Needwood SK 1818 Gib Tor SK 0264 Milwich SJ 9732 Belvide SJ 8610 Gnosall SJ 8220 Moddershall SJ 9236 Betley SJ 7548 Goldsitch SK 0164 Blackbrook Valley SK 0064 Gothersley SO 8586 Newcastle-under Black Lake (see Trentham) Gradbach SJ 9965 Lyme SJ 8445 Blithfield SK 0623 Great Hayward SJ 9922 Bonehill SK 1902 Great Wyrley SJ 9907 Oakley Hall SJ 7036 Bradley SJ 8817 Green Gutter Oldacre Valley SJ 9718 Branston SK 2120 Head SK 0065 Brewood SJ 8808 Gun Hill SJ 9761 Patshull SJ 8000 Bridgetown SJ 9708 Penkridge SJ 9214 Brocton SJ 9619 Hammerwich SK 0607 Perton SO 8598 Burntwood SK 0609 Hanchurch SJ 8441 Prestwood so 8686 Burton-on-Trent SK 2423 Hanley Park SJ 8846 Butte rton SJ 8342 Heath Hayes SK 0110 Radford SJ 9320 Heathylee SK 0463 Regents Wood SK 0315 Cannock Chase SK 0017 Highgate SO 8489 Rickerscote SJ 9320 Cannock Reservoir SK 0307 Hill Ridware SK 0817 Roach End SJ 9964 Cavans Wood SJ 9711 Himley SO 8891 Rocester SK 1139 Chapel Chorlton SJ 8137 Hockley SK 2200 Rodbaston SJ 9211 Checkhill so 8587 Hopwas SK 1705 Rolleston SK 2327 Chillington SJ 8606 Rudyard SJ 9459 Chorley SK 0710 Rugeley SK 0418 Churchbridge SK 9808 Ingestre SJ 9724 Colwich SK 0121 Iverley SO 8781 Coombes Valley SK 0052 Seabridge SJ 8343 Copmere SJ 8029 Jacksons Coppice SJ 7930 Seven Springs SK 0020 Coven SJ 9006 Sherbrook Valley SJ 9818 Croxton SJ 7832 Keele SJ 8045 Sideway SJ 8743 Kidsgrove SJ 8354 Stafford SJ 9223 Dane Valley SK 0067 SO 8383 Stretton SJ 8811 Dovedale SK 1452 Knighton SJ 7427 Sutton SJ 7622 Doxey (see Tillington) Knypersley SJ 8955 Swallow Moss SK 0660 22

Tamworth SK 2003 Weeford SK1403 White Sitch SJ 7912 Teddesley Park SJ 9415 Westlands SJ 8344 Whitmore Heath SJ 7 §40 Tillington SJ 9024 Weston-under- Whittington SF SO 8582 Tittesworth SJ 9959 Lizard SJ 8011 Wilnecote SK 2201 Tixall SJ 9722 Weston Park SJ 8010 Winnington SJ 7238 Trentham Gardens SJ 8640 Westport SJ 8550 Wolfscote Dale SK1357 Walton SJ 8933 Wetton Mill SK 0956 Wootton SK1045 Warslow SK 0858 Wheaton Aston SJ 8512 Wrottesley SJ 8401

West Midlands Acocks Green SP1283 Fox Hollies SP 1 182 Pendeford Airfield SJ 9002 Aston SP 0888 Pensnett SO 9188 Great Barr SP 0495 Barston SP 2078 Rotton Park SP 0486 Bartley SP 0081 Halesowen SO 9683 Berkswell SP 2479 Hall Green SP1081 Saltley SP 0987 Billesley Common SP 0880 Hampton Coppice SP 1781 Sandwell Valley SP 0291 Birmingham 'Hay Mills SP 1 185 Selly Oak SP 0482 City Centre SP 0686 Hearsall Common SP 3178 Shirley SP1178 Blanford Mere Heath Town SO 9399 Solihull SP1579 Bloxwich SK 0002 Hillhook Pool SK 1000 SO 9084 Bournville SP 0481 Streetly SP 0898 Brierley Hill SO 9186 Kings Heath SP 0781 Sutton Coldfield SP1296 Brookvale Park SP 0991 Kingstanding SP 0794 Sutton Park SP 0997 Brownhills SK 0405 Kingswinford SO 8888 Bushbury SJ 9202 Knowle SP1876 Tettenhall SJ 8700 Tividale SO 9790 Castle Bromwich SP1489 Ladywood SP 0586 Trittiford Park SP 0980 Clayhanger SK 0404 Lower Gornal SO 9291 Cocks Moor Wood SP 0879 Vale Hall (see Edgbaston) Cornets End SP 2380 Meriden SP 2482 Coventry SP 3378 Moseley SP 0783 Walmley SP 1393 Cradley SO 9484 Walsall SP 0198 Cradley Heath SO 9486 National Exhibition Wednesbury SO 9895 Centre SP1983 Wednesfield SJ 9400 Dudley SO 9490 Nechells SP 0989 West Heath SP 0277 Dudley Port SO 9691 New Invention SJ 9601 West Park SO 9099 Northfield SP 0279 Witton SP 0891 Edgbaston SP 0584 Norton SO 8982 Wolverhampton SO 9198 Erdington SP1191 Woodgate Valley SP 0083 Old Hill SP 9586 Wrens Nest SO 9391 Four Oaks SP1198 Olton SP1381 23

Classified Notes The sequence followed is that of the BTO Species List of British and Irish Birds (1971) based on the Wetmore Classification. The average arrival and departure dates given for migrants are based respectively on the first and last dates (excluding freaks) shown in the Annual Reports up to 1976. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based. In tables, — denotes no count available. See page 111 for key to contributors.

Seven records of divers during 1976 contrast markedly with a total of only 17 during the preceding ten years. Not since 1965 have three species occurred during a single year.

Black-throated Diver Staffs Occurred at Cannock Reservoir for the second successive year, an immature bird being present from December 17 DD, MJI to 19—many observers.

Great Northern Diver Staffs One at Rudyard Lake from December 19 to 24 PGB, HWK was apparently a first record for the water, while an immature watched by many observers at Blithfield Reservoir on December 27 and 28 was the first at the locality since 1968.

Red-throated Diver Warks A bird at Draycote from December 19 to 24 PJF, DIP, the first in the county since 1961. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir on October 30 AC eventually flew off NW. WMid At Bartley a bird was also identified on October 30 DRR, these being the first October records for very many years.

Great Crested Grebe Widespread reports of breeding but success, particularly of second broods, was adversely affected by the summer drought. Warks Breeding reported from nine localities and about 25 young raised. Maxima included 30 in late March at Alvecote; 16 on April 20 at Earlswood; 60 on June 20 at Draycote, where numbers were again low in winter; 40 at Bodymoor Heath on September 12, and 41 on September 13 at Shustoke, where numbers were higher than usual throughout the autumn. Worcs Breeding reported from eight localities. Numbers were generally small, only reaching double figures at Westwood where 25 on January 25; Bittell where 29 on March 12, and Tardebigge where 18 on March 27. 24

Staffs Bred at ten localities but success generally very poor. Maxima reported were 20 at Trcntham on Morch 18; 20 at Patohull on March 30; 25 at Copmere on August 22; an influx of 17 at Cannock Reservoir on November 3; and about 230 during late- February at Blithfield, where tendency for large winter concentrations was maintained. WMid Bred with limited success at Edgbaston Park, Four Oaks and Sutton Park, but was unsuccessful at Brierley Hill.

Red-necked Grebe Staffs Singles occurred at Blithfield between February 22 ARD, PDH, GJM and March 7 ARMB, GS, and on December 1 2 WJL, NCM. The ninth and tenth records from the locality.

Slavonian Grebe Warks Occurred for the third successive year at Draycote, with one on November 22 DIP.

Black-necked Grebe Warks One at Draycote on November 11 PJF.

Little Grebe Generally enjoyed a better breeding season than Great Crested Grebe. Some remarkable autumn concentrations, perhaps resulting from smaller pools drying up. Warks Breeding reported at eight localities. Winter maximum of 45 at Alvecote on January 18. In autumn 25 at Bodymoor Heath on October 4 and 100 at Draycote on October 31 RB, GRH, JVH. which is probably the largest concentration ever in the Club's area and contrasts markedly to less than 20 at the locality in the previous winter. Worcs Breeding reported from six localities. Outside breeding season less than ten at many waterrs, with 21 at Bittell on August 31. Staffs Records of breeding from six localities. Cfutside breeding season maxima of 18 at Gailey on February 1; a record 68 at Belvide on August 18 and 36 along one mile of the River Sow at Milford on September 23. Surprisingly no more than 12 at Blithfield. WMid Bred at Brierley Hill, Hillhook Pool and Edgbaston Park. Isolated records from Bartley, Halesowen and Sandwell Valley.

Gannet Surprisingly has occurred in six of the last ten years. Warks Two over Wolston on or around September 20 JWa. Staffs One flying south near Churchbridge on October 11 NRW was the first county record since 1963. 25

Cormorant Increasing both in numbers and geographical spread, causing some concern among fishing interests. Small numbers reported from many localities. Warks In autumn up to 14 birds roosted on power-lines at Ladywalk and fed either at Bodymoor Heath, where 14 on October 31, or at Shustoke, where up to seven noted. One or two noted at Alvecote on nine dates during the year, with four on December 12; and at Draycote outside the summer months, with nine on September 13, October 4 and 5. Worcs Occurred in spring and autumn at Bittell, where maxima of nine flying north on April 2 and four between September 17 and 19; and at Upton Warren, where maxima of four in flight on April 18. Four also at Hanbury on May 24. Staffs Maxima of 37 on December 12 at Aqualate; 33 on February 7 at Gailey and 14 on December 19 at Belvide, where a party of 31 flew NW on December 11. Usual high numbers at Blithfield, with up to 64 in winter and 65 in autumn. Birds regularly flew to W at dusk, probably to Chillington where 58 roosted on March 4, and 52 were seen en route over Brocton on February 22, with 37 on December 5. W Mid Singles at Bartley on April 23, September 5 and November 14, with four on September 1 7. Two birds flying NNE over Halesowen on May 9 were the only others reported.

Shag Appearing with greater regularity, having, occurred in five of the last six years following no records at all between 1967 and 1 970. Warks Singles at Draycote on February 10 and 11 RB, EAE and from October 27 to November 11 several observers. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on August 30 JPM, WJL and September 11 GJM; and at Aqualate on November 28 AB, PJ, MSS. MJW.

Heron Autumn concentrations noted in unusual places, probably related to very low water levels. Warks 26 pairs bred at Coombe Abbey and 13 at another central site. Fewer than usual for most of the year at Bodymoor Heath and Ladywalk, though occasionally a dozen in autumn; but more than usual at Packington G.P. with up to 20 in mid-August. Other concentrations were 24 at Draycote on September 7 and 1 6 at Packington Park on December 18. Worcs Most reported were 25 at Pirton on August 24; 17 at Bittell on August 31 and around a dozen at Holt, Spetchley and Westwood Park in August and September. 26

Staffs 66 nests at Aqualate, 54 at Bagots Wood, 30 at Gailey, 22 at krivilie Hall, 8 at Checkhlll, 4 at Chilllngion and une eauli at Rudyard and Trentham. Maxima reported were 40 at Blithfield on June 20 and 16 at Belvide on September 6. WMid More records than last year, probably reflecting observer interest in the new county rather than a real increase. One or two noted fairly regularly outside the breeding season at Edgbaston Park, Halesowen and Sutton Park, with further isolated records from many localities.

Little Bittern

Warks A male at Brandon Marsh on May 29 and 30 RH, DAS et at was the first since early this century and the fourth ever in the historical county of Warwickshire. A black-and-white. Jackdaw-sized bird with a flight-action and shape suggesting a miniature Heron. Back, upper-tail coverts and tail black; underparts creamy- buff, neck showing two paler longitudinal stripes either side of central buff stripe; crown black; sides of neck light grey; wings broad and rounded with distinctive white patches on coverts contrasting with black outer wing; iris bright yellow; bill yellowish with reddish base; legs and feet appeared yellowish-green. Watched in flight, and perched among willows when it climbed with agility through the branches and on occasions held its neck erect, Bittern-fashion. 27

Bittern A good year, with six or seven individuals. Not since 1971 has more than one been noted. Warks One occurred at Alvecote on February 4 DJW, KAW. Possibly the same individual frequented Bodymoor Heath between February 12 EAH and March 31 GRH, JVH and was heard booming towards the end of its stay. One at Coombe Abbey during late- February CHP. Worcs One observed at Ombersley Park on December 13 RM. Staffs At Cannock Reservoir seen on September 13 RAH, November 14 RAH, EGP and between December 1 GE and 4 ARD. On the last date the same bird was seen in flight over nearby Hammerwich RAH. One occurred at Blithfield from November 9 JCE-D to 1 7 JL.

Spoonbill Has occurred in four of the last five years. Staffs Two adults arrived at Blithfield on July 2 ARMB, JCE-D, MJI and were subsequently watched by several observers up to July 4, when they left to the SW. Anglers at Belvide reported a bird feeding regularly at dawn between late June and late July, which from descriptions was undoubtedly of this species per DS.

Mallard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N D

Draycote 850 193 160 121 376 1599 1350 1378 968 Ladywalk 500 300 200 50 — — 350 100 500 197 132 750 Packington 650 600 450 — — — — — 5b0 730 500 350

Bittell 240 200 130 215 200 400 180 Westwood Park 380 200 50 200 100 180 350

Aqualate 100 40 500 1050 447 1276 1800 Belvide 835 500 200 100 120 230 270 600 800 800 1100 1200 Blithfield 812 300 100 — — 270 500 300 424 1720 1800 1754 Chillington 410 80 — — — — — — 380 — ISO 440

Sutton Park 330 171 146 167 — 214 Warks 11 broods totalling 71 young were reared at Alvecote, about 40 pairs bred at Packington Park and a good breeding season was reported from Bodymoor Heath and Ladywalk. Autumn flocks reached 250 at Compton Verney and 370 at Farnborough. Worcs Six broods noted at Bittell. Largest autumn flocks were 1 50 at Upton Warren and 100 at Lickey Pool. Staffs Widespread breeding reports, including 95 young from 25 broods at Belvide. Autumn flocks of 320 at Trentham and 275 at Wrottesley. 28

W Mid Most reported were 139 at Rotton Park on December 31 and 100 at Stourbridge during January.

Teal Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A A S 0 N 0

Alvecote 90 250 48 70 140 10 80 5 Bodymoor Heath 100 ISO 50 2 — 30 280 50 35 Draycote 29 22 62 50 — 63 70 200 190 Ladywalk 3Ul> — 100 — 2b il 100 130 TSl Packington 70 30 10 — — 15 35 20 250

Bittell 200 180 160 160 10 50 50 100 150 Westwood Park 40 — 14 2 — — 100 20 60

Belvide 133 170 50 12 40 100 100 50 50 Blithfield 200 337 88 22 92 90 410 600 611 Chillington 75 85 19 — — 6 — 7 27 No reports of confirmed breeding. Other notable counts included: Warks 80 at Brandon on October 27 and 70 at Wormleighton on December 12. Worcs 53 at Upton Warren on October 1 7 and 200 on flood water near Eckington on December 26. Staffs 106 at Tillington on October 29 and 50 at Aqualate on November 14 and Ford Green on December 23. WMid Up to 12 at Bartley and 10 at Edgbaston Park in winter. Garganey Average: April9 (34) to September 16 (33) First noted on April 12 at Upton Warren and last seen on October 7 at Draycote. Widely distributed, but nowhere more than two birds. Warks Singles at Alvecote on April 25 and 26, May 1 5 and August 28. A duck at Draycote on April 25, followed by a pair on August 19, 28 and September 4, and a drake on October 7. Pairs frequented Ladywalk from April 25 to late June and Bodymoor Heath from late April into the early summer, but no evidence of breeding. In autumn, two at Bodymoor Heath from August 7 to 9, one remaining until 14. Worcs A drake at Upton Warren between April 12 and 24 was the only record from this once much-favoured locality. Singles at Bittell on April 19 and August 25 and a pair at Wilden from May 8 to 11. Staffs A pair at Tillington from April 24 to 28 and at Belvide on August 15, September 11,12 and 26 and October 2. One on August 9 and a pair from August 17 to September 15 were the first at Cannock Reservoir since 1956. In contrast no records from Blithfield, normally a regular haunt. W Mid Two at Bartley on August 29—only the third record there in forty years. 29

Gad wall Continues to be more numerous outside summer, with small numbers widely reported. Warks In winter, 11 at Shustoke from the beginning of the year until late February and up to 12 at Packington Park between January 10 and February 21. A considerable autumn influx, with 29 at Draycote on September 26 and 25 on December 30 and 16 at Bodymoor Heath on November 27. Worcs Westwood Park held up to 26 in winter and 18 in autumn, with a pair also present in May. When disturbed by water ski-ing refuge was sought at Upton Warren, where up to 16 noted in January and six in September and early October. Autumn maximum of nine at Bittell. Staffs Winter maxima were nine at Belvide on January 31 and five at White Sitch on January 8. An autumn influx, with a record 49 at Belvide on August 20, though no more than five subsequently; up to six at Blithfield and seven at Cannock Reservoir on December 31. WMid A drake at Edgbaston Park on February 10.

Wigeon A verage: September 24 (37) to April 27 (41) Numerous until April 25, with last at Blithfield on May 15. Apart from the summering bird, returned to Draycote on July 23; but main arrival began on August 21. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A A S 0 N 0

Alvecote 26 105 78 1 1 20 35 Bodymoor Heath 24 130 33 1 20 15 20 6 27 Draycote 340 540 150 3 — 170 150 170 330 Ladywalk 40 180 93 24 — — 1 14 40 Shustoke 102 164 134 — 24 0 6 4 16

Bittell 40 30 — — — 5 11 15

Aqualate 378 — 20 5 11 31 Belvide 150 180 75 — — 2 8 3 60 Blithfield 300 800 500 40 5 6 21 380 520 Warks At Packington Park, 150 on December 12. Worcs Apart from 150 at Westwood Park on January 2B DTU, only very small numbers away from Bittell. Staffs 130 at Tittesworth on February 17 and 140 at Knighton on March 13, with three at Blithfield on June 28. WMid Noted more than once only at Bartley, where present during autumn with a maximum of 40 on November 28. 30

Pintail Average: September 28 (29) to April W (3b) First at Bodymoor Heath on September 3 and last at Packington Park on April 12. Numbers generally below average. Warks A male summered at Draycote and one or two were noted regularly in winter and autumn, with six in late September. Recorded at Alvecote from late January until April 10, with eight on March 25. Up to three irregularly at Bodymoor Heath from the beginning of the year to April 5, followed by two on October 3 and one in late November and December. Noted fairly regularly at Ladywalk from October to December, with three on October 4 and 9. Two at Coton on March 21 and singles at Brandon on February 1 and 13 and Earlswood on March 5. Worcs Pairs at Westwood on January 19 and Bittell on January 24. Singles at Upton Warren on February 10 and Beckford on November 27. Staffs Small numbers in winter at Blithfield, with a maximum of seven on January 3. One or two in winter and autumn at Belvide. At Cannock Reservoir a duck between September 27 and October 2, a drake on November 1 5 and a pair on December 13. Also noted at Aqualate, Chillington, Rudyard, Tillington and Tittesworth, where three on February 7. A Pintail x Mallard hybrid frequented Blithfield from mid-November into the new year.

Shoveler Flocks of less than 30 reported from a number of waters. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A J A s 0 N •

Alvecote 1 8 7 50 50 6 8 9 Bodymoor Heath 10 13 24 12 — — 8 78 24 33 Brandon 1 — 14 — — — — — 6 30 Draycote 2 32 21 3 — — 12 11 36 20 Ladywalk — 20 50 — — — — 20 50 32 Shustoke 36 3b 53 — — — a 32 8 14

Upton Warren 95 55 9 4 4 4 50 75 31 38 Westwood Park 40 — 20 20 — — 4 12 12 40

Aqualate 145 — 170 20 — — 75 3 30 40 Belvide 59 8b 132 30 4 50 100 300 175 78 Blithfield 25 31 6 5 — 8 10 10 10 12 Cannock — — 10 4 — — 16 7 — 4 Copmere — 4 20 12 30

Warks Two broods at Ladywalk, where communal display described on March 15, and one of seven at Bodymoor Heath. WMid Eight at Rotton Park on February 16 and a pair on April 28; one at Edgbaston Park on October 19 and 25 and two at Bartley on December 4 were the only records. 31

Mandarin Feral birds reported at two localities. Worcs A duck at Sling Pool on April 16. Staffs A drake at Brocton in January, February and November.

Red-crested Pochard More reports in recent years, probably through increasing escapes. Warks A pair at Draycote on December 30. Staffs One or two noted regularly at Belvide or Gailey from late January to late March, during late July and in November and December, with two drakes and a duck at Belvide from May 30 to June 1. A duck at Black Lake from February 7 to 22 and a drake near Chillington from December 1 5 to the end of the year. Scaup Following a decline in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is now appearing more frequently. Few descriptions, however, entirely eliminate the possibility of hybrids, which appear to be increasing, so the true status is correspondingly obscured. Warks Singles noted at Draycote from January 8 to .10, on January 29 and 31 several observers and December 7 JL, whilst four were at Leamington Spa Reservoir on February 1 EJB. A pair arrived at Shustoke on March 21 ARD, PDH, the duck remaining until March 27. Ducks were recorded at Wormleighton on September 11 DRW and Ladywalk on September 29 JL and a drake at Coombe Abbey on May 16 CHP. A bird at Bodymoor Heath from May 10 to June 2 was identified as a first-summer male by most observers, but was considered to be a hybrid by one observer. Worcs At Upton Warren a drake on January 18 GJM, with a hybrid also present, and two ducks between November 21 and December 3 many observers. Staffs Two immature males at Cannock Reservoir from February 1 RAH to 23 were joined on February 20 by a duck which remained until March 20 many observers. In autumn a duck on September 20 GE, seven immatures on October 30 GH, NH, RAH (one staying until October 31), a duck on December 4 and 5 many observers and a drake on December 12 ACW. On February 8 the Cannock birds visited Leacroft GE. An immature male at Belvide during January CR, DS and in autumn a drake from September 11 to 19 DS and two immatures from October 24 to 31, when an adult drake arrived GH, NH, DS to be seen here, or at Gailey, well into the new year. A duck also at Gailey on January 10 CR, with immature drakes at Blithfield on February 1 ARD, and a duck at Hanley Park on February 14 IRM. 32

W Mid An immature male was at Bloxwich on January 29 and 30 CRG, OS, whilst Bartley produced an unusual summer sequence, with a duck from July 22 to 25 AB, CJH, MSS and a drake on July 31 /NR.

Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N D

Alvecote 180 <8< <23 <10 2b 10b 12b 1 bl Bodymoor Heath 200 240 110 100 — — 200 — 200 250 150 230 Draycote 500 210 76 110 — 24 —. 67 105 265 200 305 Packington 200 160 150 — — — —. — 100 150 150 150 Shustoke 100 130 73 120 — — — 50 100 47 4b 100

Bittell 120 70 80 30 1 1 — 50 90 90 100 50

Belvide 200 100 88 210 180 150 150 230 250 256 361 680 Blithfield 100 110 60 70 40 — 100 — 8 7 50 80 Cannock 445 400 140 75 20 — 6 5 130 310 320 380 Chillington 65 135 115 — — — — — 17 — 65 61

Warks Bred at Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath, Draycote, Ladywalk, Packington and Ryton. Up to 50 at many localities, with 150 at Ladywalk in December. Worcs Bred at Brocton, Copmere, Milford, Teddesley, Tillington, White Westwood. Maxima of 75 at Westwood in February and 50 at Upton Warren in April. Staffs Bred at Brocton, Copmere, Milford, Teddesley, Tillington,m White Sitch and Belvide, where 12 broods totalled 52 young. Remained scarce at Blithfield, but record count of 680 at Belvide on December 12 when nearby waters frozen. Other notable counts were 425 at Gailey on February 1, 1 70 at Branston on October 9 and 118 at Brocton on February 8. WMid Nine broods totalling 45 young at West Park: Maxima of 80 at Sutton Park in January, 60 at Brierley Hill on February 5 and 61 at Bartley on December 12.

Pochard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M S 0 N D

Alvecote 153 251 125 1 41 93 93 Bodymoor Heath 125 80 80 56 200 150 200 Draycote 680 380 140 60 69 Bb 82 Shustoke 250 300 140 3 7 30 40

Bittell 12 11 18 6 65 67 90 Upton Warren 125 120 15 50 4 1 56 Westwood Park 70 — 6 4 100 200 200

Belvide 200 40 35 165 220 125 172 Blithfield 323 300 53 290 400 200 800 Cannock 80 126 30 70 100 40 74 33

Warks Four broods totalling 17 young at Alvecote. 80 at Packington Park on January 10 and 72 at Water Orton on October 31 were the only other flocks exceeding 50. Worcs 60 at Hurcott on January 25 and 51 on February 19 at Pirton, where a pair bred. Staffs Numbers at Blithfield in November were a regional record. Elsewhere 100 at Gailey on February 9, 140 at Aqualate on March 14 and 190 at Tittesworth on November 6. WMid Less than 50 at several waters, with 73 at Sandwell Valley on January 11 and 85 at Hydes Road Pool, Wednesbury on February 15.

Aythya hybrids See comments under Scaup. Worcs The Tufted x Pochard from 1975 was seen again at Upton Warren between January 16 and 19 GJM, SMW and at Westwood Park on February 4 SMW. Staffs A duck Scaup x Tufted was identified at Belvide between February 14 and March 7 DS.

Goldeneye Average: October 16(37) to April 27 (38) Last one at Bittell on May 6. First return at Draycote on October 1. Far more widespread than a decade ago, with small numbers at many waters and some remarkable concentrations at Belvide. Warks At Bodymoor Heath, where an injured drake summered, maxima were 53 on March 14 and 1 5 on December 11; at Draycote 41 on March 6 and 30 on November 25 and at Shustoke 23 on January 11 and 10 on December 4. Worcs Only small numbers, with a maximum of six at Westwood Park on April 30. Staffs Maxima at Blithfield were 50 in February and 25 in December and at Belvide 139 on January 18, with over 100 on several dates in February and March and 52 in December. Disturbance at Cannock Reservoir resulted in the usual marked fluctuations, but up to 60 were noted in February and December, whilst Chillington held 26 on January 18; Gailey, where a drake summered, 1 5 on February 6 and Rudyard 12 on February 28. W Mid Present at Bartley throughout the winter, with a maximum of five on March 8 and April 9. Singles at Edgbaston Park between January 27 and February 19 and a pair on November 1.

Long-tailed Duck Four records, compared with a total of 12 birds over the previous five years, in an above-average year for sea-duck. 34

Warks One at Draycote between January 1 and 11 CHP, GRS, CRW. Worcs One watched by many observers at Upton Warren between October 27 AFJ and November 13 SH. Staffs One arrived at Westport Lake on October 31 PGB and was subsequently seen by several observers up to December 24. An adult drake at Cannock Reservoir on October 27 AB, MSS. Velvet Scoter Warks A male at Draycote on February 8 PJF, CHP, the first in the county since 1972. Staffs At Cannock Reservoir a duck was found dead on March 6 IRM, JPM, while a pair flew N on November 1 RAH. The duck from 1975 remained on the River Tame at Tamworth until January 1 GAA and thus, contrary to the suggestion in last year's report, was not the individual recorded at Cannock. WMid An immature studied by many observers between November 6 AB, DRR and 21 AB, MSS at Bartley, where three were also reported on December 11 DRR. Common Scoter Warks At Draycote a drake between March 28 and 30 TWL. CHP, DIP was followed by three birds on October 31 PJF. A pair arrived at Shustoke on September 25 ARD, BLK; the duck was disturbed by boats and flew off West but the drake remained until October 3 FB, VAB, ARD, PDH. Worcs Two, both drakes, at Bittell on April 18 KC, SH, GJM; two on September 22, and seven on November 1 5 KC. Staffs At Blithfield a drake was seen from April 21 JPM to 25, a duck on May 22 WJL, IRM, JPM, a drake and two ducks on May 30 AC, CR. a duck on August 1 several observers, and an immature on November 7 GS; but one duck from November 16 DD to 21 RAH was the only record at Cannock Reservoir, normally a more- favoured locality. Another duck at Knypersley on December 1 5 HWK. WMid Bartley held a drake on May 6 AC and four ducks on November 15 ARMB. Ruddy Duck Up to two reported from many waters as spread continues. Warks Breeding reported for the first time. A pair, seen intermittently in summer at Packington Park, was accompanied in September by a well-grown juvenile; whilst at Middleton, where 11 on May 30, three pairs were present and juveniles were seen in July. Worcs At Upton Warren up to 14 were recorded between January and March, followed by 19 on April 1 5. Two pairs bred, while a newly- hatched chick, which accompanied a brood of Tufted Ducks, had presumably been foisted on its foster parents at the egg stage. 35

Westwood Park had a maximum of six on March 8 and April 5, whilst up to five were at Pirton between April 10 and May 2. Staffs At Blithfield the winter maximum was 119 on January 16, but none were reported in summer and the autumn build-up was slow until an influx peaked at 90 in late December. At Belvide, where three broods totalled 17 young, numbers were again very high. The spring peak was 140 on March 14, while autumn numbers reached a national record concentration of 350 on October 22 before the usual dispersal in late December, which co-incided with the Blithfield increase. Probably bred at Aqualate, where 67 on April 13, and young also seen at Copmere and Tillington. WMid Recorded on several dates between February and July at Edgbaston Park, with a maximum of four on June 23. A pair at Rotton Park on February 24.

Red-breasted Merganser See the 1970 report for a general discussion of the status of this and other sea-duck. Warks Ducks at Draycote from January 31 PJF, GRH, JVH, TWL to February 15 CHP and from November 4 DIP, GRS to 13 AWW; and at Coombe on November 27 and December 7 CHP. Worcs A drake at Blakedown on February 23 WB and an immature at Bittell on November 24 KC, GJM. Staffs Ducks at Cannock Reservoir on March 1 RAH and October 30 EBB, with an immature at Blithfield from December 19 ARD, PDH, MJI, AS until well into the new year.

Goosander Average: November 13 (36) to April 3 (36) Last one at Blithfield on April 19 and first at Draycote on October 31. Warks Recorded intermittently at Draycote in winter and autumn, with maxima of six on February 1 5 and five on December 18. Singles at Alvecote in January and autumn; Shustoke on January 12 and February 7; Ladywalk on April 14 and Bodymoor Heath in November. Worcs One or two at Bittell between January 12 and February 7, with a pair on November 21 and one on December 19. A pair in flight on January 31 to S of Upton Warren, where singles in March. A drake at Westwood on January 1 7, with a duck in December. Staffs High winter totals at Blithfield, with a record 148 in late February. Returned from mid-November, reaching a peak of 90 by the end of the year. Winter and autumn records from Belvide, with peaks of eight on March 13 and six on December 26. Isolated records from nine other localities. WMid Noted at Bartley from November 1 3, when six present, until 28. 36

Smew

A considerable influx in February involved about 1 5 birds, a total unequalled since the early 1960s. Only two adult drakes observed. Warks Noted at Draycote between January 30 and February 28 with three from January 31 to February 8—many observers. A pair at Ladywalk on February 8 BLK. HTL, DHR; with red-heads at Bodymoor Heath on February 14 and 15 EAH, GRH, JVH, RJJ and Wormleighton on February 21 BOS. Worcs Singles recorded at Upton Warren between February 14 SH.AFJ, GJM, TAW29, and Westwood on February 10, 11 SMWand March 13 CPB? Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir from February 3 RAH to 8, on which date two were watched by many observers at Blithfield. A drake at Betley on February 15 ABo. WMid A red-head frequented Edgbaston Park from February 13 AC, ARD to March 26, occasionally visiting the adjacent Vale Hall AC.

Shelduck Noted in small numbers at many waters. Warks Maximum of 1 8 on April 25 at Alvecote, where present all year, except October, and a pair reared six young. A pair at Middleton reared eight young, whilst 17 juveniles on August 8 may have involved a second brood. May have attempted breeding at 37

Bodymoor- Heath, where maximum of nine on February 22, but pair which summered at Ladywalk failed to breed. Ten noted at Draycote on July 4. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren in winter, followed by a pair for much of May and June and one on September 19 and 20. Singles at Bittell in January and on September 5, with four on May 9. Five at Westwood Park on January 30 and one at Wilden on November 26. Staffs Occurred at Blithfield in all months'except June, July, October and November, usually less than six, but an exceptional 29 on January 3 after the overnight hurricane. At Cannock Reservoir small numbers in winter and passage months, with eight on December 13, but no records from Belvide. WMid At Bartley two on November 4 and three on December 16. An immature at Sandwell Valley on September 4. Egyptian Goose Staffs One with Canada Geese at Blithfield from August 24 to September 29 and on December 10, 12 and 29. WMid One at Trittiford Park on December 23 and 24. Greylag Goose Feral birds widely reported. More interesting observations were: Warks A pair bred at Ryton GP, and several pairs at Packington Park, where about 43 young were raised and 93 birds counted on July 15. As usual this flock visited Bodymoor Heath on several occasions in autumn. Staffs Up to seven at Aqualate in December was the most reported. WMid Bred at West Park. White-fronted Goose A small influx in December, coinciding with a cold spell. Warks One visited Shustoke briefly on February 2 DRR, MSS and was subsequently observed at Ladywalk on February 8 and 9 FB, VAB, HTL, DHR. At Bodymoor Heath six on December 10 EAH, with five remaining for much of December and four into the new year JEF, RJJ, GJM. Worcs Six flew over Northwick Marsh on December 23 SMW. Staffs Ten at Belvide on February 10 JL, with an immature from February 1 5 DS to March 14, and a single on December 28 CR, ICW. 26 in the Blithfield area from December 26 JCE-D, DJW. KAWxo 31.

Snow Goose Feral birds were recorded at the following localities: Warks Packington Park on March 28, Brandon on May 16, and Bodymoor Heath between August 7 and the end of the year. 38

Worcs Bittell on five dates between August 30 and November 20. Staffs Belvide from January 20 to 31 and on February 21, Chillington on January 25, and Aqualate on March 7 and 14. WMid Northfield M?nor from September 14 to 22, on October 18 and November 1. Hybrid Geese Hybrid geese were reported as follows. All except the Upton Warren bird were probably anser x branta and several which showed a superficial resemblance to blue-phase Snow Geese were almost certainly Greylag x Canada (see British Birds 59: 547-550). Warks Two with Canada Geese at Bodymoor Heath during December. Worcs A Barnacle x Canada at Upton Warren from September 30 to October 3. Staffs Two at Patshull on March 30, with three on September 22 which appeared at Wrottesley the following day. Two at Chillington during April and May. W Mid Three at Sutton Park for most of the year. Barnacle Goose Probably all feral birds, though those in late December that coincided with an influx of coastal species may just have been wild birds. Warks One at Packington Park on seven dates between January 18 and April 5, and another at Draycote from September 4 to the end of the year. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren from April. 10 to 12, and in flight over Blakedown on December 29. Staffs Singles at Branston from April 1 to May 3 and again on June 12; White Sitch on May 22; Blithfield between September 4 and 19 and Belvide from November 13 to December 4. On December 26 a party of five briefly visited Belvide. Brent Goose Staffs A bird of the dark-bellied race at Cannock Reservoir from November 22 DD to December 3 DD, GE, RAH was the first in the county since 1972. Canada Goose Warks Flocks of 84 on February 21 at Packington Park, where 16 young reared; up to 300 during September at Bodymoor Heath, where 12 pairs produced 35 young; and 1 14 at Earlswood on December 5. Breeding reported from six other localities. Worcs Breeding reported from four localities. Largest flocks were 170 at Bittell on September 11 and 160 at Wilden on September 21. Staffs On February 22 a MAFF co-ordinated count revealed 868 in SW 39

of county per BEJ. Flocks of 341 at Patshull on February 22, 400 at Blithfield and 250 at Wrottesley in late-September and 306 at Aqualate on November 14, with breeding reported from 11 localities. A Dusky Canada Goose was at Belvide during December. W Mid Breeding reports from six localities and flocks of 150 at Brueton Park, Solihull in winter and Sandwell Valley on December 5, with 100 at Olton on September 2. Up to 40 at the National Exhibition Centre lake are causing concern to the authorities of the nearby airport.

Mute Swan Numbers much lower than usual. Warks Breeding reported from only four localities. Maxima were 81 on July 1 1 at Alvecote, where breeding unsuccessful; and 74 on August 22 at Bodymoor Heath. Still scarce at Stratford, but increasing at Draycote with 39 in mid-October. Worcs Only three reports of breeding. At Upton Warren a female successfully raised four young after the male flew into overhead wires during the incubation period and was killed. Staffs Breeding records from only three localities. Flocks exceeding 30 recorded only at Cannock Reservoir in winter and Tillington, where 32 on November 7. WMid Bred at Sutton Park, where a pair also hatched and raised a Canada Goose from an egg introduced into the nest by park staff.

Whooper Swan Rather more numerous now than in the 1 960s and has occurred in every year since 1970. Warks An immature at Draycote on November 28 PJF. Worcs An adult at Upton Warren on November 4 AFJ. Staffs Two at Rudyard Lake between February 7 and 21 PGB followed by four from December 9 HWK to 28 PGB. A pair at Tittesworth on February 22 PGB and a single at Cannock Reservoir on December 1 DD, GE.

Bewick's Swan Marked passages on February 25 and March 14. Warks At Draycote two observed on January 4, two between January 14 and February 8. 1 6 on March 26 and up to three on several dates from October to December. Leamington Spa Reservoir produced five on February 1; Bodymoor Heath three on February 25 and a party of 12 in flight on March 18 and Alvecote 14 on December 15. 40

Worcs A notable series of records from Pirton Pool, where up to ten present during January, three ih early l-ebruary, iy on February 16, then smaller numbers until the last two on March 13. One at Upton Warren on February 8 and seven at Bittell on December 13. Staffs The three 1975 birds remained at Blithfield until February 29, while a party of 37 appeared on February 25. Autumn numbers were small and irregular, with one on October 26, six on December 19 and four from December 26 to the end of the year. At Cannock Reservoir nine on February 25 were followed by one on November 24 and December 4, three on December 13 and two on December 19. Belvide held 25 on March 18, ten on November 14 and one on December 12; Rudyard four on March 20 and three between December 19 and 28, and Tillington 18 on March 22 and 23. A party of 49 flew SE over Rickerscote on March 14 and four flew south over Acton Trussell on December 29. WMid Five at Bartley on January 23. Wild Swans Warks A party of 54 wild swans flew over Draycote on March 14 (on which date a large herd of Bewick's Swans passed SE over Rickerscote in Staffordshire). Buzzard Scarce in Warwickshire, but widely scattered isolated records from Worcestershire and Staffordshire. Warks One wintered at Walsgrave and on occasions followed the plough along with gulls and Lapwings CHP. Singles noted at Leamington Spa on June 9, Bodymoor Heath on October 9 and Ladywalk on November 6. Worcs Seen throughout the year at Croome. Isolated records from eleven localities distributed throughout the county. Staffs A pair nested in the west of the county per FCG. Single or irregular sightings from four localities in the northern half of the county and twelve in the southern half. One found dead at Gnosall in April had been poisoned by strychnine (see also Hen Harrier). W Mid Singles over Stourbridge on January 3, Cradley Heath on April 1, Hall Green on September 2 and Bartley on.several dates outside the breeding season.

Sparrowhawk Far fewer reported in Warwickshire than Worcestershire or Staffordshire. Warks No breeding reported. Isolated sightings from only nine localities, mostly the usual, well-watched areas. 41

Worcs Attempted to breed at Eymore Wood; seen regularly during the breeding season at Castlemorton Common, Croome, Hanbury Park, Hurcott Wood, Upton Warren, Wassail Wood and West Malvern; and outside the breeding season at Bittell. Casual sightings from 14 other localities, mainly close to the R. Severn and north of Worcester. Staffs Bred successfully at Copmere and White Sitch. Noted in the breeding season at ten localities around the Potteries and the Moors and eight in the southern part of the county. On Cannock Chase up to six were in view together during spring display flights RAH. Singles noted in many areas at other seasons. WMid Seen in late summer around Bartley. Scattered autumn and winter sightings at Edgbaston Park, Pensnett, Streetly, Sutton Park and Walsall.

Marsh Harrier Six records in a generally good year for raptors. Warks A male at Brandon on April 11 and a female on May 6 BMCG. Single birds at Bodymoor Heath on April 20 ABa and 21 EAH, and at Draycote on April 23 DIP and May 15 GRH, JVH. Staffs A female at Blithfield on August 8 ARMB, JEF, RAH, EGP was the first in the county since 1955.

Hen Harrier Has occurred annually since 1973, probably reflecting the species' expanding range. Warks A 'ringtail' reported near Earlswood on February 1 5 per DMH. Staffs A male at Gib Tor on April 4 WJL; a female at Blithfield on April 21 ARD followed by a male on October 15 GJM; one in Sherbrook Valley on October 21 HH and a 'ringtail' near Swallow Moss on December 26 GS. Birds found dead at Winnington Grange on April 8 and near Gnosall during April, the latter poisoned by strychnine per FCG.

Osprey The best year on record. Warks Singles at Packington Park between April 25 and 28 KOS and Wormleighton on May 7 DRW. Worcs One frequented Trimpley Reservoir during September and October JM, Mr. Hall. A bird visited Upton Warren during the early morning of September 19 SFLE, AFJ, GET, MET but after constant mobbing by Crows flew off NE. Staffs Between April 19 JCE-D, DJW, KAW and 25 GS one frequented Blithfield Reservoir to fish, but spent the majority of the day away at an unknown resting site. Singles were observed at Belvide on 42

July 17 DAC and Latherford on August 17 AJD, while two occurred al TiUe&wui ih from Octobcr 22 HH to 30, one remaining to the late date of November 7 PGB. Two, presumably the same birds, were also noted at Trentham on October 30 HH.

Hobby Average:April29 (9) to September29 (10) First and last records from Upton Warren on April 29 and October 12 respectively. Three breeding pairs reported, but the number of casual sightings indicates that the true breeding strength could be significantly higher. Warks Breeding notified at two localities and probably a third, with regular sightings over Leamington Spa during the summer EJB. A pair at Brandon on May 22, with one on September 5 BMCG. Singles at Milcote on July 25 RA; Bodymoor Heath during July and August ARMB, JEF, PDH, SMH; Draycote between August 12 and September 17 several observers and Admington KHi, Alderminster JD, Alvecote GAA, Mancetter RST and Packington on various dates between August 21 and September 11. Worcs Probably bred, though no confirmation received. Singles at Upton Warren on April 29 TAW and May 1 AFJ, then a pair seen regularly in late May, early June and from August until October 12 several observers. Other reports from Droitwich on May 12 and during August CPB; near Kidderminster on May 20 RM; Blakedown on June 9 BW and Castlemorton Common on September 5 LAB. Staffs Seemingly the first positive breeding record for the county, when a nest containing young located per GRH. One seen at Whitting- ton on May 12 BW and a pair at Belvide on August 29 JW. WMid Reported from Walsall on May 21 GH; Dudley on July 18 ICW and Bartley between July 25 CJH, MSS and August 21 INR.

Peregrine One record, bringing the total over the past five years to 13 birds. Staffs For the second successive year a bird made a protracted stay in the Blithfield area, an immature being observed intermittently between August 8 FCG and September 11 GJM. Merlin Unusually numerous in autumn. Warks Singles at Draycote on November 18 DIP and at Ladywalk on December 12 HTL. Worcs An adult male in a garden near Droitwich on November 6 AFJ. Staffs Singles at Gailey on March 30 DS and April 3 RJJ; Cannock Reservoir on April 15 ARMB, October 17 GE snd November 14 43

GH, NH; Swallow Moss on May 16 GS; Belvide on September 11, October 24 DS, November 21 and December 10 JW; Hammerwich on September 29, November 3 and 6, and December 4 RAH; Abbots Bromley on October '6 WEC; and Blithfield on November 13 PAG, SKW. A pair reported on the Leek Moors on February 27 AH.

Kestrel Adaptability amply illustrated by the spectrum of habitats from which records received. W Mid Reported from 20 localities with probable or confirmed breeding at Acocks Green, Bartley, Brierley Hill, Cradley, Edgbaston, Lower Gornall, Pensnett and Sutton Park.

Red Grouse Staffs Recorded at Axe Edge, Gib Tor, Goldsitch Moss, Gun Hill (up to 22 in September), Roach End and Swallow Moss.

Black Grouse Staffs Reported from the following localities (with maximum counts in brackets): Back Forest (4), Dun Cow's Grove, Gib Tor (7), Goldsitch (4), Gradbach (5), Green Gutter Head (21), Gun Hill (6), Leek Moors and Swallow Moss (10) PGB, GS, DS, DWY et al.

Red-legged Partridge Warks Largest coveys included 19 at llmington on February 11, 20 at Milcote on September 26, 13 at Hartshill on October 11, 30 at Whatcote on November 7, 13 at Ladywalk on November 14 and 14 at Packington at the end of the year. Worcs Up to nine at Bittell, where more common than usual, and 13 at Churchill and West Hagley. Staffs Maxima of 14 at Belvide, 14 at Eccleshall, 13 at Whittington and 17 at Acton Trussell. Appears to have declined in the Burntwood/Hammerwich/Cannock Reservoir area in recent years.

Partridge Appears to have enjoyed mixed fortunes. Warks Said to be far fewer in the south of the county than in 1975 EJB, but at least 20 at Radway on September 22. Decreased at Brandon, but more frequent at Ladywalk, and good numbers in the north of the county generally with up to 14 at Alvecote and Shustoke, 16 at Bodymoor Heath and 22 at Coleshill and Hurley. Worcs Maxima of 10 at Tardebigge, 15 at Chaddesley and 21 in December near Stourport. 44

Staffs Regarded as a poor year at Aqualate, but in general a good year in the county. Maxima included uuvey& uf 20 ai Leacioft in January; 20 near Stafford and up to 15 around Eccleshall in autumn; 25 at Blithfield in September; 27 near Milwich in December; 32 at Tixall in November; up to 35 at Cannock Reservoir from October onwards and 48 in four coveys at Tixall in December. WMid Noted at Bartley, Cocks Moors Woods, over Wednesfield and Woodgate Valley.

Quail Warks Heard at Priors Hardwick in July RB. WMid Heard at Halesowen on July 25 BB.

Pheasant Worcs Increased around Bittell. W Mid 30 at Pendeford Airfield in August.

Golden Pheasant Staffs One at Weston-under-Lizard in November.

Water Rail Warks Winter reports from Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath, Brandon, Ladywalk, Leamington Spa Reservoir, Packington and Ufton. Spring and summer records from Bodymoor Heath, Brandon, Earlswood, Ladywalk, Leamington Spa and Packington Park. Worcs Probably bred at Upton Warren, where quite frequent in winter. Winter records from Bittell, Blakedown, Defford, Pulley, Westwood, Wilden (scarce) and Wychbold. Staffs Present all year at Chillington. In winter, noted at Aqualate, Baggeridge, Belvide, Cannock Reservoir, Ford Green, Moddershall, Perton, Rolleston and Tixall. WMid Winter reports from Edgbaston Park and Sutton Park.

Spotted Crake Staffs One at Perton on March 8 SM and a bird at Tixall on November 5 AJD. W Mid A short-billed crake seen in poor conditions in Sutton Park on October 7 was probably of this species JEF.

Corncrake The first since 1972. Not since 1969 have three occurred in one year. Warks One seen at Bodymoor Heath on September 8 EAH. Worcs One calling at Crowle on August 21 KHT. Staffs One heard at Whittington on June 21 MSS. 45

Moorhen Warks Maxima of 30 at Alvecote in February and 28 at Brandon in March. Worcs Thought to be a poor year for the species. 30 at Wilden in August and 37 at Bittell in December. Staffs Maxima of at least 100 at Belvide in late August and early September; 110 at Tillington, 52 at Victoria Park, Stafford and 140 at Milford all in September and 100 at Tixall in December.

Coot Warks Up to 1 70 noted at Shustoke and 295 at Alvecote. A good year at Bodymoor Heath, with counts of 660 in January, 800 in September, and 737 in December; while at Draycote numbers continued to increase with up to 1000 in January, 540 in February and August, 1548 in September, 1 734 in October, 1865 in November and 1830 in December (see Blithfield below). Worcs Up to 200 noted at Bittell. Staffs Maxima of 450 at Aqualate, 290 at Copmere, 180 at Tillington and 220 at Gailey. At Cannock Reservoir breeding success was typically very poor, but numbers were better than for some years with up to 342 in the early months and 41 5 in December. There were up to 435 at Belvide early in the year, then 660 in June, 850 in July and 1300 in August and September, but Blithfield was again in marked contrast, with very few in autumn apart from a peak of 271 in December.

Oystercatcher Warks Two at Alvecote on June 2; one at Bodymoor Heath on April 25 and three on August 18. A good series at Draycote, with six on February 28, singles on April 1 and May 1 5, two oh July 28 and four on October 1 and 11. Five at Ladywalk on September 25. Worcs Four at Bittell on September 4 and three at Upton Warren on February 27. Staffs One at Barton-under-Needwood on August 21; three at Belvide on August 7 and a series at Blithfield with one on January 3, an exhausted bird released on February 1, two on March 28, one on June 13 and one between July 22 and 30. One at Branston on June 12 and three on October 9. Two occurred at Cannock Reservoir on February 21 and 28, and singles on May 22 and 29, July 17 (later seen at Leacroft) and 30 and August 6 and 11. One at Whittington on February 20. WMid Singles at Bartley on February 25 and June 4, with one at Tividale on August 10. 46

Lapwing Build up of regular summer anrl autumn flocks was slow, presumably due to the dry conditions. Hard weather movements in December. Warks For the second consecutive year a pair reared young on a traffic island on the A435. Many records of flocks up to 1000. The largest winter flock was 2000 at Bodymoor Heath in January and in autumn 2000 at Napton in November. 6000 moved S and SW over Leamington Spa in hours on December 4 and small parties passed W over Bodymoor Heath all the following morning. Worcs Several flocks over 500, with up to 1500 at Bittell during winter and 1100 in October. Staffs Largest winter flocks were 3000 at Blithfield in January and 1800 at Whittington in mid-March (which quickly reduced to 100). In autumn 2000 over Belvide in August and 1800 over Newcastle in December were the most reported, though hard weather movements involving small flocks were noted over many areas on several dates in December. WMid Bred at Bartley, where there were 500 in August. Most noted elsewhere was 200 in the Sandwell Valley in November.

Ringed Plover Generally a good spring, but a poor autumn passage, reflecting conditions at reservoirs. Warks Noted at Alvecote from May 5 to 29, with a maximum of 25 on the first date; and from July 14 to August 22, when up to three. Up to five appeared at Bodymoor Heath between May 2 and June 2; with a few (never more than three) from August 7 to October 10. An unusually good spring passage at Draycote lasted from February 29 to June 6, peaking at 33 on May 31; but autumn was poorer with no more than 15 on a few dates between late June and October 16. Noted on March 31 at Packington, then up to five between May 5 and June 3, followed by singles on August 12 and 21 and two on September 1 5. Isolated records from Brandon, Middleton Hall, Whitacre Heath and Wormleighton. Worcs Poor year at Bittell, with rarely more than two on dates between March 27 and September 26, but nine on August 26. One or two at Upton Warren in spring and autumn and at Wilden between May 6 and 1 6. Staffs Up to 12 from mid-April to early June at Belvide and again from mid-August to October 6. At Blithfield singles in March were followed by a strong spring passage, with a maximum of 59 during late May. In autumn 20 in late July followed by up to 15 until late.September. One at Cannock Reservoir on February 28. then noted from mid-March until October 18, with up to 18 in May, 31 in late September—the best autumn numbers for 47

years—and finally a late bird on November 9. On May 1 there were two birds with a nest scrape there JEF, RAH. Recorded at Branston in June and heard over Newcastle on October 9. WMid Two on March 17 and one on 19 were the first to be recorded at Rotton Park. Four at Witton Lakes on May 1 and two on 10, with one at Tividale on August 19. Little Ringed Plover Average: April 2 (12) to September 25 (12) After the first at Blithfield on March 28, almost daily reports until late September, with the last at Draycote on October 17. Warks Six pairs bred at Brandon, five at Packington, three at Bodymoor Heath, two or three at Lea Marston and three at Draycote, where only one was successful. Probably bred at Alvecote and one pair nested unsuccessfully at Ladywalk. Maxima included 15 at Bodymoor Heath, 14 at Packington, 11 at Alvecote and 10 at Lea Marston. Worcs At Bittell, where up to seven in August, a nesting attempt failed through disturbance. Recorded at Beckford, where bred in the early 1970s; Upton Warren, where up to three between March 30 and July 14, and Wilden, where up to three in spring and singles in autumn. Staffs Three pairs bred at Branston, two or three at Leacroft and singles at Brocton and Weeford. Young were reared in a series of nesting attempts by probably three pairs at Cannock Reservoir, which enjoyed its best year ever, with regular presence from April 4 to September 23 and at least 25 birds in mid-July. Up to five were at Belvide in August and birds were at Blithfield between March 28 and September 26, with 10 in June and July. Also noted at Rocester and Westport in spring and Perton in July. WMid Up to six at Tividale, where may have bred. Singles at Brierley Hill Pools in April and Rotton Park, where noted for the first time ever on April 29 and May 3. Kentish Plover 48

Warks A female at Draycote on April 22 PJF was only the second county record. Staffs A female at Cannock Reservoir on April 28 ARMB, GH, NH, SGY was a first record for the locality and the fourth for the county.

Grey Plover More numerous than usual, especially in Staffordshire. Warks One in summer plumage at Alvecote from May 7 to 10. At Bodymoor Heath one on May 26, two on September 14 and singles on September 25 and October 29. Singles at Draycote between May 13 and 20, with four on May 15, were followed by one or two on five dates between September 25 and November 7. One in Packington Park on August 31. Worcs Singles at Bittell on February 8, August 7 and September 19. Staffs Singles at Belvide from. May 16 to 18 and on August 17 and October 30, with seven flying over (one separate) on October 16 DAC. At Blithfield singles on June 4 and 19 and August 27; then three on September 11; two on 13; seven flying NW two days later CR; eight on September 18 CR, MW; one on 25; two on October 3 and 10 and one on December 31. Singles at Cannock Reservoir on January 30, May 6 and September 18, followed by two on September 26; one from September 30 to October 7 (with three additional birds on October 4); singles on October 15 and 16 and six at dusk on December 31 RAH. WMid One at Bartley on November 8.

Golden Plover Average: August 31 (30) to April 12 (30) Present at several localities until mid-April and last noted at Blithfield on May 6. An exceptionally early arrival at Upton Warren on July 17, and a steady series of records from August 7. Warks Several records of small numbers. Counts at Alvecote included 300 in February, 100 in March, 300 in November and 600 in December GAA; whilst maxima elsewhere were 400 at Bodymoor Heath in January, 500 at Ansty and 250 near Seckington in March, 100 at Sherbourne in April, 100 at Napton in October and November and 150 near Kings Newnham in November. Worcs Small numbers at several localities, with 100 near Stonehall Common in February and 200 at Defford in April. Staffs Many isolated records and evidence of a small westerly movement during hard weather in early December. Breeding season reports from Axe Edge, Goldsitch Moss, Gun Hill, Lum Edge and Swallow Moss. Largest flocks included 500 at Rodbaston in February, 100 near Penkridge and 250 at Essington 49

in March, 200 at Bonehill and 228 at Coven in November and 1 50 near Cannock Reservoir in December. The regular Drayton Bassett flock totalled 400 in January, 460 in February and 550 in November. WMid The Essington birds (see Staffs) often moved to New Invention. Parties of 32 and 25 flew over Clayhanger on December 4 during a period of hard frost.

Dotterel Worcs A pair was watched closely on Bredon Hill on April 26 SA; an unusual occurrence for the west midlands, but in line with the regular spring appearances elsewhere in . The first county record since 1964.

Turnstone Warks An unusual sequence at Draycote began with one from February 8 to 14—the first February record for the Club's area—followed by up to four between May 9 and 26, one on July 31 and an exceptional 16 on August 28 PJF. Two were noted at Brandon on April 29, with singles at Bodymoor Heath between May 12 and 23 and Packington on May 23. Staffs Singles at Belvide on May 18 and August 18. Three at Blithfield on May 25, one on July 16 and 17, one on August 1 and two on August 21. Four were noted at Cannock Reservoir on May 12; one on May 1 7; three on May 29 and singles on July 17 and 18, August 29 and September 14 to 23, with a second bird from September 16 to 23. Snipe Warks About four pairs bred at Alvecote and three at Packington Park. Larger counts included 60 at Alvecote on August 29; 80 at Brandon on September 26; 40 at Bodymoor Heath, 50 at Ladywalk and 100 at Whitacre in October and 34 at Leamington Spa Reservoir in December. Worcs At Bittell 120 were present on January 11, but these rapidly dispersed. Breeding numbers at Wilden were reduced, presumably due to the dry weather. At Eckington, 150 were on flooded fields on December 26. Staffs 50 were at Belvide on March 7, whilst maxima in autumn were 400 at Rickerscote and Tillington in October FCG; 200 at Radford on October 20 and 65 on flooded pasture at Wheaton Aston in December. There was a large reduction in autumn numbers at Cannock Reservoir and at Blithfield totals failed even to reach double figures! WMid In January, 54 in Sandwell Valley. At least three pairs bred in Sutton Park. 50

Jack Snipe Average: October 9 (34) to April 4 (31) Several reports until mid-April, with one at Brandon on May 1 and the last at Upton Warren on May 12. Returned to Belvide on September 26 and many localities in early October. Warks During hard frost on February 1, 20 gathered along an open stream at Draycote CHP. Eight at Whitacre on October 16, with ones or twos at Bodymoor Heath, Brandon, Ladywalk, Leamington Spa, Lighthorne and Packington. Worcs Up to three at Bittell in winter and noted at Upton Warren between January and May 12 and again from October 17 onwards, when up to three present. Up to three also at Castlemorton Common and ones or twos on isolated dates at Broome, Northwick Marsh, Stour Hill, Westwood Park and Wilden. Staffs Frequent reports from Belvide included six on November 7. One or two at Blithfield in January, October and December and up to four at Cannock Reservoir from January to March and October onwards. At least four at Tillington in October and November, while singles were noted at Stafford and Wheaton Aston. WMid Up to five in Sutton Park in both winter and autumn and two or three at Clayhanger in December.

Woodcock Warks About four pairs bred in Packington Park and roding birds were noted for the first time near Earlswood. Five at Whatcote on December 4. Worcs Roding reported from the usual areas. Staffs Roding noted in the usual localities, with Cannock Chase and the south-western districts continuing to provide the bulk of the records. WMid No reports of roding. Isolated records from Bartley, Edgbaston Park, Erdington and Kingstanding, with regular winter sightings in Sutton Park.

Curlew Warks Many scattered records of small numbers. At least four pairs bred between Bentley and Hurley and bred as usual at llmington. 22 near Leamington Spa on September 27. Worcs Bred at Goosehill and probably at Eckington. An irregular roost at Upton Warren throughout the year, with more continual observations of up to 50 or 60 in March and April. Staffs Many scattered records of small numbers in all months. Good numbers bred on the moors, with six pairs around Swallow Moss, but little information was received from elsewhere. At Middle 51

Hills, in addition to breeding pairs, 72 were present on April 9, with 59 on April 22 and 44 on June 21 JL. (40 were at the same place on June 22 1974—evidently this is a regular gathering ground.) In autumn up to 118 at Whittington S;F. in Octobei. W Mid Bred at Pendeford Airfield and also reported from Bartley, Billesley Common and Rotton Park.

Whimbrel Warks Two noted at Brandon on April 23 and one or two at Draycote on three dates between June 2 and July 13. Parties of three and four flew north over Bodymoor Heath on May 21, then on August 18 a group of 14 flew south EAH and a last one appeared on August 31. Worcs Recorded only at Upton Warren where singles on April 20 and 25 and May 9 and 19. Staffs Singles at Belvide on April 11 and 25 and Blithfield on April 24 and 25, July 8, 14 and 17 and September 1 8, with three on May 4. Calls heard over Cannock Reservoir at night on April 12; two seen there on April 30 and one on May 1 5. W Mid Heard over Great Barr on July 5. One at Bartley on October 3.

Black-tailed Godwit Warks A series of up to three at Alvecote between April 22 and 26, singles between June 23 and July 17 and one on August 13 and 14. Bodymoor Heath held one or two between July 15 and 19 and Draycote had two on April 1, then singles on April 27 and 28, May 14 and October 10. Three were at Ladywalk on April 25, followed by one on July 14. Worcs Two at Bittell on July 28 and three on September 4, with two at Upton Warren between August 26 and 30. Staffs Singles at Tillington on April 12, Belvide on April 15 and Hill Ridware on April 24. At Blithfield one on July 17 and 18, three next day, one on August 1 and up to three between September 4 and 6.

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks Singles reported from Alvecote on April 25 and 26 and Ladywalk on May 1. Three at Bodymoor Heath on May 2 and one on October 29. Up to five were regularly at Draycote between April 22 and May 4, with a quite exceptional flock of 54 on April 27 CHP and nine on May 1. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on April 30 and Bittell on May 14, 18 and August 30. Staffs One at Belvide on May 12. At Blithfield one on May 1, followed by seven on September 4 and up to three until September 12, one 52

remaining until 25. At Cannock Reservoir, 16 flew NW on September 16 RAH. a party nf about six passed over on September 23 and singles occurred on September 29, October 9 and the unusually late date of December 15.

Green Sandpiper Warks Many reports of small numbers from over a dozen localities, including winter records from Bodymoor Heath, Brandon, Draycote, Hurley, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Middleton, Shustoke and Uflun. The total number involved in these winter reports is difficult to assess. Maxima of 18 at Brandon and nine at Coton in July, with seven at Packington Park and nine at Ladywalk in August. Worcs Records from nine localities, with winter reports from Hanbury, Upton Warren and Wilden. Up to seven at Wilden and 11 at Upton Warren in August. Staffs A poor year in general, twelve localities each producing no more than five at any one time. Wintered at Teddesley Park. WMid Autumn records from Clayhanger, Otton Mere, Sutton Park, Tividale, Wednesfield and Bartley, where there were two on December 31.

Wood Sandpiper Warks Singles at Brandon on May 5 and June 20, with two on July 6 and three on August 23. One on July 14 at Draycote and singles on four dates at Bodymoor Heath from July 29 to August 19. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on May 8 and from August 11 to October 3, with one at Bittell on July 28. . Staffs One at Tillington from May 10 to 12 and two at Belvide on May 12, followed by one on August 12. Noted between August 13 and September 2 at Blithfield, with three in late August—the best autumn there for some years.

Common Sandpiper Average:April 11 (40) to October 16(37) Increasing tendency for winter occurrences, but records from Wilden on April 8 and Bodymoor Heath on November 6 were probably respectively the first and last migratory birds. Autumn numbers were small and the peak passage early. Warks Many reports of small numbers from April to October and occasional reports in other months from Bodymoor Heath, Packington, Shustoke and Whitacre. Peak counts included 12 at Bodymoor Heath on July 20; 10 at Alvecote on August 15; 11 at Ladywalk on August 26 and nine at Brandon on several spring and autumn dates. Worcs Recorded between April and September at Beckford, Bittell, Upton Warren and Wilden, with maxima of 13 at Upton Warren 53

on July 14; 10 at Bittell on July 29 and 10 at Wilden on August 15. Staffs Singles in winter at Blithfield on January 1 and 10 and Rudyard on January 24. Spring, summer and autumn records from Aqualate, Black Lake, Bridgetown, Burton, Chillington, Croxton, Gothersley, Knighton, Lichfield, Tillington, Trentham and Westport as well as the more regular localities, but once again no information received on breeding birds. No more than six at Cannock Reservoir or seven at Belvide, but 25 at Blithfield on July 17. WMid Six in Sutton Park on May 4; six at Bartley in July, with one on November 6, and up to five at Tividale in August.

Redshank Warks One or two pairs nested at Alvecote, two at Brandon and Ladywalk and one in Packington Park. A few wintered in the Tame Valley, with 11 at Shustoke in January, 10 at Whitacre Heath in February and smaller numbers at Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath, Ladywalk and Packington. Maxima elsewhere were 12 at Leamington Spa on March 6; 10 at Brandon in May; nine at Alvecote in June and seven at Draycote, where more than usual, on August 11. Worcs Bred successfully at Wilden and probably bred near Eckington. Isolated winter records from Bittell and Frankley. Staffs Many reports, including winter records, from several localities. Up to four were at Blithfield in January, with small numbers from then until September and an exceptional peak of 1 8 on July 17. Belvide had a spring peak of 12 on May 1 and five pairs were present, but only one brood seen. Following the late-1975 sequence at Cannock Reservoir, up to six occurred in January and February and small numbers until late-May, with some displaying. Occurred again from September onwards, but much less frequently than last year. WMid Singles at Bartley in February and July; three at Meriden on May 5 and one at Tividale on August 5. Spotted Redshank Warks Singles at Alvecote from April 22 to 25, on May 15, June 18, 26 and 27, then up to four between August 10 and September 18. One at Ladywalk, perhaps the Alvecote bird, on April 25 and singles at Bodymoor Heath on May 8, 23 and August 19. After one on April 29 and 30, up to three or five occurred at Draycote between August 22 and October 20, with a peak of 10 on September 4. Six at Brandon on August 10, then seven on August 12 and 1 5 and three on 22. Worcs One at Wilden on April 28 followed by two from August 1 5 to 22. 54

One or two present at Upton Warren between August 12 and Sepienibei 20, willi tlnee on Augu3t 18. Staffs An unusual sequence of winter records from Whittington S.F. with one on several dates in February and on March 13 and 14 and two on February 16 and 21 AB, DRR, MSS. CRT, BW. Singles were at Belvide on three dates in May and again on August 22, 23 and September 5; at Blithfield singles on April 25, June 26, July 19 to 24 were followed by up to five between August 13 and September 21 and peaks of seven from August 13 to 15 and eight un 21. At Cannock Reservoir, whoro normally 6carce, singles occurred on May 2, August 21, September 4, 29 and October 2, whilst one flew over Brocton into Sherbrook Valley on September 11 FCG, KS.

Greenshank More than usual in spring. Warks Spring passage, mostly singles, at Alvecote between April 20 and May 5; Bodymoor Heath between April 26 and May 23; Brandon, where two or three between March 28 and late-May and a peak of five on April 29; Ladywalk and Packington, where singles on May 6 and 8. Noted in autumn at Alvecote, with up to five between July 4 and September 25; Bodymoor Heath between June 30 and early September with a maximum of 18 on August 27; Brandon, with up to six between July 16 and August 22; Draycote from July 6 to October 5, with a maximum of 21 on August 22; and Packington from July 6 to September 24. Isolated records from six other localities. Worcs Singles in spring at Wilden on April 25 and 28 and Upton Warren on May 6. At Bittell one on June 17 and 26 followed by one or two from July 10 to September 24, when four present. Autumn passage brought up to four at Upton Warren from July 4 to September 7; one or two at Wilden between July 29 and August 26 and singles at Frankley and Holt in September. Staffs An unusual record of five at Whittington on March 14 was followed by up to five at Blithfield between May 8 and 16 and one at Belvide on May 1 5. Recorded in autumn at Blithfield from June 28 to September 12, with unusual numbers in mid-July peaking at 26 and a second peak of 18 on August 16. Up to four were at Belvide from August 5 to September 19; four at Whittington on August 1 5 and up to three at Cannock Reservoir during August, followed by singles until October 4. Isolated records from four other localities. W Mid One or two at Bartley from August 29 to September 27. 55

Knot Warks Singles at Brandon on February 1, Draycote on April 30 and Bodymoor Heath on July 16 and 31. Staffs Seven flew over Belvide on February 1 and singles were present from February 7 to 10 and on August 29. Blithfield had singles on April 6, May 12 and July 24 and 30; then two on September 2 and singles again until September 19. One remained with Dunlins at Cannock Reservoir from January 31 to February 25 and another appeared on March 16; in autumn there were two on September 12, then one until 16 and again from September 22 to 29, with two on 25, and finally singles on October 29 and November 20.

Purple Sandpiper Staffs One watched closely at Cannock Reservoir on September 13 DAD, RAH. The first record since 1973—an irregular species.

Little Stint Influx in late-September and early-October. Warks No spring records. Singles at Alvecote on August 4, 22, 30 and September 4 and Brandon on August 29. Noted from September 2 to October 4 at Bodymoor Heath, with up to three in late September. After three on August 7 and 8, occurred at Draycote from August 19 to November 4, mostly singles until late September but peaking at 18 on October 3 and 13, with four still present at the end of the month. Worcs Five noted at Bittell on June 16 and 1 7 GCB, CBL followed by one on August 3 and one or two between September 24 and 28. Five, probably the Bittell birds, also appeared at Upton Warren on June 17 AFJ, GET and in autumn one stayed from August 11 to 16. Staffs Only spring record was one accompanying Sanderlings at Cannock Reservoir on May 17. Belvide produced two on August 19, one on 22 and 23 and September 21 and two from September 26 to October 2. Singles were at Blithfield between July 1 7 and 24 and on August 1, with up to three from September 11 to 21, peaks of 12 on September 25 and 27 and three on October 3. Cannock Reservoir had its best year since 1957 with singles between August 31 and September 2, and September 11 and 1 5, then ten on September 24, 1 5 from September 25 to 28 and up to five until October 7. 56 \

Temminck's Stint

An exceptionally good year. Warks One noted at Packington between May 18 ARD and 20 ARMB, ARD, PDH, MJI et at. One at Draycote on May 26 PJF, DIP, RBR. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on May 17 SMW and Bittell from August 11 GJM to 16 AC, CBL, SH et at. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on May 8 IJD, DS, JCS and from May 29 to 31 MJI, CR, DS, MW et al. followed by two on July 17 ARMB, AC, JEF, SMH, accompanied by a Little Stint.

Dunlin Numerous records now received annually. Hard weather early in the year produced marked fluctuations at some localities, with unusually large numbers. 57

Monthly maxima at principal localities:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0

Alvecote 10 6 1 3 1 12 10 2 1 3 Bodymoor Hoath 5 3 1 3 4 1 3 1 12 5 4 4 Brandon — 4 20 — 14 — — 3 — 17 22 — Draycote 110 100 90 20 70 2 2 2 40 60 12 12

Bittell 30 16 12 1 5 1 7 11 11 5 Upton Warren 1 6 — 5 1 — — 7 — 3 5 3

Belvide 2 2 2 1 10 1 4 5 26 6 1 17 Blithfield 60 45 69 1 22 3 30 30 125 — 12 1 Cannock 78 110 82 9 24 10 6 6 43 32 5 2

Warks Frequently reported from the following localities, with maxima in brackets: Coton (9), Ladywalk (9), Lea Marston (2), Leamington Spa (4), Middleton (2), Packington (4) and Shustoke (14). Worcs Up to four at Wilden in September. Staffs Numbers after the February frost were the highest ever recorded at Cannock Reservoir. Conditions at Blithfield in late autumn were poor due to dense vegetation covering the mud. Small numbers noted at Branston, Burton, Knighton, Perton and Tillington. WMid Six noted in Sutton Park on February 1; 13 flew over New Invention on November 7 and also reported from Bartley, Rotton Park and Tividale. Curlew Sandpiper Unlike Little Stint, only a moderate year. Warks One at Ladywalk on August 9. Staffs An adult remained at Blithfield from July 28 to August 1, followed by up to six immatures from August 22 to September 27. Two were at Belvide on August 14 and 20 and an immature stayed at Cannock Reservoir from September 19 to October 1. Sanderling Some exceptional winter records followed by a strong spring passage. Warks One on three dates in January and February at Draycote, followed by a good spring passage with regularly up to 10 between April 22 and June 17 and a peak of 14 on May 15. Singles at Shustoke on January 25, Bodymoor Heath on May 6, 10 and 22 and Packington on May 19 and 23. Worcs One at Wilden on May 4. Staffs One at Blithfield on February 1 and 8, with spring passage from May 2 to 31 producing a maximum of 12 on May 15. Autumn passage brought singles on July 30, August 1, 25 and September 1. Up to five were regularly noted at Cannock Reservoir between April 21 and May 31, with an unusually high peak of 21 on May 17 RAH. Singles also occurred here on July 20 and 21 and at Leacroft on May 2 and Belvide from May 1 5 to 19. 58

Ruff Increasing numbers in the first three months of the year. Warks One or two at Alvecote between February 8 and 29, May 5 and 21 and July 3 and 18, with up to three on September 21 and 22. One or two also at Bodymoor Heath between May 6 and 23, with singles from July 13 to 26 and up to three between August 4 and October 19. Noted at Brandon during March, May, July, August and September, with six on August 22. Recorded for the first time in winter at Draycote, with one on January 29 and then up to four between February 29 ond March 11, followed by one on May 11 and usually up to 10 from July 13 to October 19, but with a peak of 19 on September 26 GRH, JVH. Noted in early spring at Ladywalk, with nine on March 8 and 9, whilst Packington had singles on February 7 and May 23 and Wormleighton two on September 12. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on January 29 and July 3 and 31, then two on September 26, five on October 2 and up to three until October 17. Singles also at Westwood on April 5 and Wilden from August 12 to 17, with ones and twos at Bittell between September 11 and October 7. Staffs Three at Tillington on February 26 and 27 and one on October 1 and 2. One at Stretton on March 7 and singles at Knighton on March 15 and August 11. One at Whittington on March 20 and 21, another on 24, one on April 15, four on September 19 and two on September 26. One on October 17 near Drayton Bassett. Up to two were at Belvide in March, with three in April, one in May and occasional records of up to four from July 31 to September 26. Singles occurred at Blithfield on March 20 and 21, May 2 and 12 and June 25, then up to four present from July 11 to October 16, with a peak of eight on August 24. Cannock Reservoir held one on March 2, singles on August 30 and September 8, two from September 10 to 14 and then up to three until October 3.

Avocet Warks One at Draycote on May 9 per RB and three flying west on May 18 AMM.

Grey Phalarope Staffs A female in full breeding plumage at Blithfield on June 15 ESC, JCE-D was a most unusual record for spring, whilst an immature at Cannock Reservoir from October. 7 to 9 GMM, ARMB, DAD et a! was the first at the locality since early this century. 59

Great Skua Warks One at Draycote on September 4, OLL, TWL. W Mid One arrived at dusk at Bartley on September 11 AB, MSS.

Arctic Skua Warks Two flew west over Packington Park on September 12 DKC. A tame immature scavenged around angling spots at Bodymoor Heath on September 19 and 20 EAH, BLK. Worcs One reported attacking a Black-headed Gull over Castlemorton Common on October 2 LAB and an immature occurred at Upper Bittell on October 7 KC, RM.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks Scarce, with a maximum of eight in the Shustoke roost on January 3. Worcs Very scarce: one or two noted on eight dates at four sites. Staffs Up to eight noted at a few localities, with exceptionally high numbers in the early months at Cannock and Blithfield, peaking at 73 on January 8 RAH and 100 on February 1 ARD, RAH respectively. WMid Up to 20 noted in the Bartley roost.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks 2500 at Little Packington on December 1 and 700 roosted at Shustoke on December 5. Worcs 1200 roosted at Westwood on January 30 and November 23, and 400 at Bittell on February 7. Staffs On October 24 roosts totalled 1000 at Belvide and 2500 at Blithfield. 1600 on February 16 was the maximum at Cannock Reservoir in the early months, with a later peak of 3000 on December 2. 700 roosted at Chillington on November 28. WMid 600 at Brownhills tip on October 5, with only one Herring Gull. 3000 at Bartley roost on November 25.

Herring Gull Warks 600 roosted at Shustoke on February 7, 500 at Little Packington on December 1 and 200 at Brandon on 30. A yellow-legged bird noted from June into early July at Draycote PJF. Worcs 300 roosted at Westwood on January 30 and 400-500 at Bittell on February 7. Staffs 350 on January 31 was the most at the Belvide roost. 2000 at Blithfield on January 18. 1400 on January 28 was the most noted at Cannock Reservoir, where birds believed to be of north Scandinavian origin were noted regularly in the winter months 60

(much white and little black in the wing-tips; dark mantle). In addition, ono or two adult or sub-adult birds of the yellow-legged race were recorded from January 5 to March '12 and Ouluber 31 to December 31 RAH. A few variant and/or hybrid birds with much white and greatly reduced amounts of black on the wing- tips noted at Cannock Reservoir and Blithfield in winter months. W Mid Roosted at Bartley in December for the first time since 1973, with about 2500 present on 31. Two fed on apples put out for thrushes in a Halesowen garden on February 1.

Common Gull More records received than in 1975. Warks 50 at Draycote on February 5, 40 at Shustoke on February 16, and 12 immatures at Bodymoor Heath on May 24. Worcs Records from eight localities, the most being 10 roosting at Westwood on February 10. Staffs Peaks in February of 50 at Blithfield, 48 at Cannock Reservoir and 10 at Belvide. 20, mainly immatures, present at Blithfield on May 5. More reports from the north of the county, with 22 at Westlands on November 28. WMid 22 records from seven localities, with a maximum of five flying north-east over Hall Green on April 14. Glaucous Gull Warks A first winter bird roosted at Shustoke on February 7 and a second winter bird noted at Little Packington on February 14 ARD. An adult, probably of this species, at Packington on March 13 JEF. Worcs An adult at Bittell on February 1 MJI. Staffs An adult noted at Blithfield from January 10 ARMB to February 24 RAH, with an immature on February 15 and March 14 RAH, PDH, EGP and later adults on April 10 IJD and from November 27 CR, ICW, MW to December 29 PAG. Single adults noted at Belvide on January 31 DS and December 19 DAC, GH, and an immature at Cannock Reservoir from February 10 to 14, with perhaps a different bird on 16 and 1 7 RAH.

Glaucous x Herring Gull Staffs A large first winter bird at Cannock Reservoir from January 16 to 31 RAH, DS showed the characteristics of a Glaucous, but had a faint tail band and darkening on the outer primaries.

Iceland Gull Warks A second winter bird noted at Bodymoor Heath on March 13 ARD, JEF. Staffs The 1975 adult remained at Cannock Reservoir until January 3. Probably a different adult occurred on January 8 and 13, with two 61

until 27 and one until February 24, except for two again on February 20 RAH et at; in addition, first winter birds occurred on January 9 and 10 JEF, RAH and March 5 RAH, a first or second winter bird on January 24 several observers, and a second winter bird on February 14 PDH. An adult roosted at Blithfield from February 22 ARMB, ARD, PDH, GJM to 28 EGP, CR, MW and an immature on March 3 RAH. An adult noted at Great Wyrley on March 24 RAH. Mediterranean Gull Staffs An adult noted at Cannock Reservoir on October 23 GJM. Little Gull Warks Fjve at Draycote on April 29 and 30, three including one adult in summer plumage on May 2 AJR, four on 4 and 5 DIP, with singles until 25 and an immature from August 18 to 24. An adult noted at Bodymoor Heath on May 7 AC. Staffs At Belvide, three adults noted on April 20 MJI, BMM, CR, an immature on 28 EBB and May 16 MJH, an adult on July 31 GE, SH, SGY, an immature on August 18 DAC, CR and September 18 DS and an adult from 26 DAC, PAG, DS to October 24 DAC, CR. An adult occurred at Blithfield on April 20 MJI, four on 21 ARD, JPM and 24 ARMB, MJI, six on 25 PGB, one adult and one immature on May 2 several observers, two more immatures on 8 AC, CR, DS, MW, then one adult on July 11 JEF, SMH, EGP, two on 17 JEF, one on August 1 JEF, RAH, EGP, two immatures on 13 JL, and finally an adult on October 24 RAH, MJI, EGP. An adult and three immatures noted at Gailey on September 22 GCB and an immature at Westport Lake on 12 WJL. W Mid An adult at Bartley on May 7 MSS. Black-headed Gull Warks 12000 estimated at Shustoke on February 16, 17000 at Bodymoor Heath on March 3, and up to 1000 at Ladywalk in the winter months. Worcs At least four pairs nested without success at Wilden, 5000 roosted at Westwood on January 30 and 3500 at Bittell on February 7. Staffs 10000 roosted at Blithfield on January 18; 5000, including a bird with a white mantle, at Belvide on January 31; 3000 at Aqualate on March 14; 2500 at Chillington on November 28, and 7500 at Cannock Reservoir on December 11. Other flocks included 1300 at Milford on September 27, 1200 atTixall on November 17, and, on playing fields, flocks of 1000 at Seabridge on January 5 and 750 at Hockley on January 7 and March 16. WMid About 10000 roosted at Bartley on December 16. 500 circling over Wednesfield on the humid afternoon of August 11 were believed to be feeding on flying ants. 62

Sabine's Gull

Staffs An adult at Blithfield on September 11 RAH, EGP constitutes the first record for the county and the third for the Club's area. Although seen only briefly and in flight was immediately recognisable. Very small (a little smaller than Black-headed) and very light, buoyant and graceful in flight. Quick, but smooth, wingbeats with an action less jerky than either Kittiwake or Black-headed and wings raised well above body level. Wings looked long and tapered; angles very pointed; broader than a Common Tern's, but the whole effect was tern-like. Head and neck white, with a definite impression of a black or dark patch somewhere gained in the brief side-on view. Tail pure white, but shape not seen. Back and triangle on wing coverts uniform, unmarked clean grey—a tone darker than Common Gull—and with no trace of black. Border very clean cut. Hind-wing triangle pure white, unmarked; outer-wing black. From rear wings looked dark, with pure white trailing edge to inner half (broadest behind carpal joint) and black outer half. White area extended forward to carpal angle as a slight point from the apex of the triangle. The whole wing pattern was very neat and clean cut and the white areas were spotless.

Kittiwake Warks An adult at Draycote on May 15 DIP, and present from August 22 to September 21 with three on August 22. Worcs An oiled bird at Upton Warren on January 1 MAB, TAW and an adult and immature on September 12 SFLE, AFJ, GET, MET. One" at Bittell on April 27 KC and August 23 GJM, and an adult at West Hagley on December 30 BW. 63

Staffs An adult at Blithfield on January 10ARMB, three birds on May 2 several observers and an adult on September 11 CR, MW and 12 RAH, EGP. Singles at Cannock Reservoir on January 6, 13, 24, March 25, October 30 RAH, and November 27 CR, ICW, MW. One immature at Belvide on May 15 CR, MW and two on August 27 JW. One at Tillington on March 29 PAK.

Black Tern Fewer noted than in 1975, with three small influxes: May 23-24, August 22, and September 21-22. Warks Two at Alvecote on May 25 and singles on September 1 5, 16 and 26. Five at Bodymoor Heath on May 23, singles on 25 and 29 and four on July 7. Noted at Draycote from May 6 to 29, with 14 on 24, and up to five from July 1 to October 15 except for 10 on August 22. One at Shustoke on September 25. Worcs Nine at Wilden on September 22, one on October 1, and singles at Westwood on August 25 and 29, Tardebigge on September 11, Bittell on September 22, and Upton Warren from September 16 to 25. with two on 26. Staffs One or two at Belvide from May 6 to 29, five on August 22, 12 on September 21, three on 25, and a late bird from October 6 to 17. Up to three occurred at Blithfield between May 1 and October 2. One noted at Cannock Reservoir on May 15 and 20, and up to four from September 1 5 to October 4. One at Tillington on May 6 and three at Gailey on September 22. WMid Up to three at Bartley in May, and one at Witton Lakes on August 25 and 26.

White-winged Black Tern Staffs An immature remained at Cannock Reservoir from September 27 to October 4 DAD, GE, RAH et at, the sixth county record since the first in 1970.

Whiskered Tern Warks One at Draycote on May 24 PJF, DIP and possibly the same bird at Bodymoor Heath on May 25 BLK. The first records for the county, following two previous records for the Club's area in Staffordshire in 1 969 and 1970.

Caspian Tern Warks One at Draycote on June 23 TWL, OLL, the second record for the county following the first in 1975. 64

Black, Common and Arctic Terns: Summated totals of maxima at all localities, 1976 1 = 1 st to 15th 2=16th to 30th or 31 st

Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct.

2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Black — 9 25 2 2 7 1 1 19 7 40 5 1 Common 5 13 38 3 9 10 11 11 7 27 17 2 — Arctic 62 46 10 2 3 4 4 3 1 14 9 2 —

Common Tern Warks Small numbers noted at Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath, Brandon, Draycote, Ladywalk, Packington and Shustoke. Maximum of 10 at Draycote on May 23. Worcs One or two noted at Bittell, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs Up to eight noted at Belvide, Blithfield, Burton-on-Trent, Cannock Reservoir and Tillington. Two pairs summered at Branston. WMid Singles noted at Bartley, Brookvale Park and Sutton Park.

Arctic Tern A good passage noted in late April and early May, typically earlier than Common Tern, but few in autumn. Warks Noted at Draycote from April 24 to May 1 5, with 22 on April 25 and 23 on 30. One or two at Alvecote between June 2 and August 4. Worcs Singles occurred at Wilden on April 23, September 10 and 22 and at Bittell on May 30, June 13 and 19, and two on July 4. Staffs Occurred at Belvide from April 20 to May 23, with about 20 on April 28, and one or two from September 5 to 28. Noted at Blithfield between April 20 and May 19 with 12 on April 24, 2 on July 31, one on August 1, and up to seven from September 5 to 25. Up to nine noted at Cannock Reservoir from April 25 to May 21, and up to three from August 28 to October 15. W Mid One at Sutton Park on May 12, and a bird probably of this species flew along the canal at Dudley Port on September 3.

Common/Arctic Tern The largest totals reported were: Warks 43 on April 20 and 32 on 29 at Draycote were probably Arctic Terns. Worcs Seven at Bittell on April 25 and September 17, and five at Upton Warren on April 22 and May 29. Staffs 10 at Cannock Reservoir on May 11, 17 at Blithfield on May 25 and 13 on September 13. 65

Little Tern Warks Singles at Earlswood on April 23 GJM and Brandon on May 3 BMCG. Four at Draycote on May 25 DIP and singles on July 10 and September 18. Worcs One at Upton Warren on September 26 AFJ. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir on May 2 CR, MW and two on July 4 ARMB, JL. Three at Blithfield on July 11, several observers.

Sandwich Tern Warks Two arrived from the south at Bodymoor Heath on April 24 RJJ and one departed SW on August 11 ARMB. Four at Draycote on May 1 5 DIP and one on September 1 5 GRH, JVH. Staffs Four noted at Blithfield on April 25 GCB, PKD, JLT, and one on May 2 several observers and September 25 AC. Two at Cannock Reservoir on September 20 GE.

Guillemot W Mid A fresh corpse found at Bartley on December 16 MSS—sad circumstances for the first record from the Club's area since 1920.

Stock Dove Warks Noted more frequently at Ladywalk and bred in a nest-box at Compton Verney. Several records of parties of 10-30. Worcs More records received than for Warwickshire, with a maximum of 60 in maize stubble at Tardebigge on January 10. Staffs 80 seen at Milford on November 15. WMid Bred at Edgbaston Park (two pairs), Norton Wood, and Sutton Park. Woodpigeon Many flocks of up to 500 noted. Warks Decreased at Ladywalk with the felling of diseased elms. W Mid Up to 500 roosted in Edgbaston Park.

Turtle Dove Average:April29 (41) to September 20 (41) A very early record from Brandon on April 17, but main arrival began on May 6. Fairly widespread until the third week of September and last noted at Alvecote on October 10. Warks Six breeding pairs at Bodymoor Heath and 13 noted at Alvecote on September 26. Worcs Five sang at Eymore Wood on May 23. Staffs Several observers commented on the species' scarcity in the south of the county. 24 at Wilnecote on July 22. WMid Bred at Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, and singles noted at Halesowen and Sutton Park. 66

Collared Dove No changes in status reported.

Cuckoo A verage: April 13 (40) to September 16 (36) Noted on April 8 at Brewood and Sutton (Staffs), but more generally from mid-month. Very few records after cessation of song in June, with just one in September from Bittell on 5th. Two observers commented on poor breeding success. Staffs A rufous-phase bird at Chapel Chorlton on June 20 IRM.

Barn Owl Warks Reported from 16 localities with breeding at Hurley, Kingsbury, Leamington, Moxhull and Whateley. Worcs Noted at 28 localities, with young reared at second attempt at Wilden. Staffs Recorded at 1 5 localities. No breeding records received, but noted at Back Forest for the first time in 10 years. WMid Reported breeding at Bartley. Singles noted in urban areas at Heath Town, Wolverhampton and Solihull.

Little Owl Warks Noted at 11 sites, with breeding at Bodymoor Heath (two pairs), Ladywalk, Packington Park and Radford Semele. Worcs Noted at 22 sites. Bred at Bittell, Elmley Castle and Weatheroak. Staffs Noted at 31 sites, with breeding at Iverley. WMid One or two noted at Bartley.

Tawny Owl Warks Reported from Alvecote and Earlswood, and bred at Bentley, Bodymoor Heath (two pairs). Hurley, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Lea Marston, Leamington (two pairs), Middleton, Wishaw and Woodend. Worcs Noted at 17 sites, with breeding at Bittell, Churchill and Upton Warren. Staffs Noted at 17 sites, with breeding at Chillington and Copmere. W Mid Noted at 11 sites; bred at Erdington. 67

Lung-eared Owl

At least 26 birds found at eight sites in the early months after last autumn's exceptional influx. Warks Two at Alvecote from January 24 to March 3, with one until 29 GAA. Two remained at Brandon from 1975 until April BMCG. Birds noted in a roost at Ufton from January 24 DRW until April 10 DC, DRW, with ah exceptional 14 on February 23 GRH, JVH. Worcs One ringed at Defford airfield on January 1, with two present on March 29 and singles on April 18, 22 and May 23 JRH. A single bird noted at Bittell on January 4 and from March 11 to 1 7 GCB, KC, PKD, CBL. Staffs Up to three roosted at Cannock Reservoir from February 7 to April 11 ARMB, RAH, EGP et at. and singles noted at Brocton on February 22 JPM and Aqualate in March per FCG. 68

Short-eared Owl Warks Singles rioted at Bodymoor Heaili on Febiuaiy 5 and fium October 17 to 31. Two at Brandon in February and one on November 14 and December 11. Four roosted at Water Orton on February 19, with five from 21 to 28; pellet analysis showed Short-tailed Vole, as usual, to be the major prey item. Singles noted at Ufton Fields on January 24 and Draycote on September 22. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on May 1 and Bittell on November 6. Staffs Noted regularly on the moors, and probably breeding, at Gib Tor and Goldsitch Moss-Blackbrook Valley area, and once at Heathylee. Singles seen at Perton in February and Tillington on October 1 and 2. WMid One at Bartley Green on April 16. Nightjar Average: May 16 (36) to August 18 (25) Once again noted only in Staffordshire, where Cannock Chase remains a major Midland haunt. The earliest record came from Highgate on May 2 and the latest from Cannock Chase on September 5. Staffs A census on Cannock Chase revealed 21-25 pairs BC, BDL, et ai; a late bird was still singing there on September 3. Two churring birds noted at Kinver Edge, with one pair breeding, and one in May and June at Highgate Common, where last reported in 1963. Apparently absent from old sites at Enville Common and Hanchurch Hills. Swift Average:April 24 (42) to September 11 (42) First noted at Brandon on April 17, with the main arrival occurring during the first week of May. Large numbers were seen over water in late May, but few subsequently because of the fine weather. Stayed unusually late, with almost daily reports throughout September, six in October and three exceptional records, two from Keele on November 5 WJP and 26 MAB and Westlands on 28 WJL. Warks 1000 at Bodymoor Heath on May 26. On July 16 flocks of up to 200 over oilseed rape at Bubbenhall, Henley-in-Arden, and Wootton Wawen appeared to be feeding on ladybird "swarms". As many as 24 noted at Water Orton on September 16, and late birds occurred at Coleshill on October 11 and Packington on 17. Worcs One at Hanley Swan on October 12. Staffs 1200 at Belvide on June 1, but less than 200 subsequently; 500 at Blithfield on August 1. A late bird at Kidsgrove on October 17 as well as the November records. 69

Kingfisher Warks Reported from 15 sites, with breeding at Alvecote (probably), Bodymoor Heath (two pairs), Brandon, Ladywalk (two or three • pairs), Packington Park (one or two pairs) and River Learn (two pairs). Worcs Noted at 23 sites, with breeding at Alfrick, Berry Mound (unsuccessful), Bittell, Caunsall and probably at Churchill and Wilden. Staffs Noted at 26 sites; bred at Belvide, Burton, Stretton and Whittington. W Mid Noted at nine sites and bred at Bartley. Two juveniles were ringed in Sutton Park in August and 12 ringed at Edgbaston Park in winter.

Green Woodpecker No marked changes reported. Noted at 14 sites in Warwickshire, 19 in Worcestershire and 22 in Staffordshire. WMid Apparently increasing in the Brownhills area and noted at Edgbaston Park (first for several years), Pensnett and Sutton Park.

Great Spotted Woodpecker No marked changes in status reported. Noted at 69 sites.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Recorded at 59 localities, breeding at the following: Warks Middleton Hall, Newbold Comyn, Packington Park and probably Ladywalk. Worcs Bittell and Caunsall. Staffs Chillington, Whittington and probably Trentham Park. WMid Noted at Cock's Moor Wood (all year), Edgbaston Park, Northfield Manor, Sutton Park, and, calling in gardens, at Moseley and Wolverhampton.

Wryneck An unprecedented eight records, coinciding with "falls" on the East Coast. Warks One caught at Brandon on August 24 BMCG. Worcs One caught at Thorngrove on August 28; another seen at Malvern Link on September 3 and-found killed by a cat two days latfer per GHG; one at Tardebigge from September 4 to 8 SB and a fourth individual at Berry Mound on October 1 DJH. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir on August 29 CR, MW. WMid Singles in gardens at Erdington on September 2 TD and Castle Bromwich on September 8 MBT. 70

Woodlark

Warks Three present at Packington on February 21 and 28 ARD and two on March 6 PDH. W Mid One seen in Sutton Park on April 26 PAM, AM.

Skylark Warks 100 at Lighthorne on November 11 and Alvecote on December 19, with 300 at Bodymoor Heath on 26. Still breeding in front gardens of five-year-old houses at Leammgton. Worcs 104 at Bittell on February 4, 200 at Pershore on 16 and 150 at Sherriffs Lench on December 24. Staffs 110 at Blithfield on January 15, 120 at Belvide on December 23 and an autumn flock at Hammerwich built up to 500 on December 4. W Mid Up to 100 per day moved SW at Bartley in early October.

Swallow A verage: April 3 (42) to October 2 7 (42) First noted at Newcastle on March 30 and reported daily thereafter. Widespread until late-October, with four November records, the last being on 7 at Clifton-on-Dunsmore and Coombe. Several observers commented on reduced numbers in spring and summer. Warks 2000 roosted at Brandon on August 25 and Packington Park on September 5. 500 at Shustoke on September 9. Worcs 400 at Upton Warren on September 12 and 500 at Wilden on 22. Staffs Few in spring, with autumn peaks of 500 at Belvide and 1000 at Blithfield in early September. 71

House Martin Average:April 10 (42) to October 26 (42). Very early arrivals at Seabridge (2) and Stoneleigh on March 31, but main influx did not commence until April 12. Daily records throughout October and last noted at Malvern on November 3. Exceptionally large numbers in autumn, especially around September 9-12. Warks 500 at Shustoke on September 9, "thousands" at Draycote on 11, and 1000 at Alvecote on 12. Worcs 320 at Upton Warren on September 12, with a complete albino on 15. At least 500 at Bredon Hill as late as October 10. Staffs 11 occupied nests on Hanchurch water tower. 300 at Blithfield on August 21, 400 at Belvide on September 11, 250 near Tamworth on 20, and 31 5 over Seabridge colony on 21. WMid 250 at Northfield Manor on October 5.

Sand Martin Average: March 26 (41) to October 3 (41). First at Upton Warren on March 20, but not widespread for another week. Many reports until mid-October with the latest on 26 at Keele. Warks Up to 2000 at Bodymoor Heath in late July and early August, 250 at Alvecote on August 11, and 500 at Shustoke on September 9. Worcs About 225 occupied nests at Beckford—a considerable increase. A survey of colonies throughout the county revealed 329 nesting holes along' the R. Teme; 150 at Holt Heath; 105 at Kidderminster; 60 at Lower Moor; 8 at Astley and 4 at Lenchford. Staffs Up to 500 at Cannock Reservoir in early August and 300 at Belvide on September 11.

Raven Worcs Two seen and heard at Coneybury on February 23 and 25 TL. Staffs One flew over Ash Green on October 23 HH.

Carrion Crow Several records of partial albinos. Warks A pre-roost gathering of 200 at Shustoke on January 1 7. Staffs Large numbers regular in eastern parts of Cannock Chase, with 175 in July.

WMid Up to 500 roosted in Sutton Park in October.

Hooded Crow Warks The 1975 bird remained at Meon Hill until at least January 30 DSM and singles were reported at Brandon on February 29 BMCG and Newbold Comyn on March 27 JR. 72

Worcs Singles noted at Hallow rubbish tip for several days from January 31 JHH and again on June 3 per GHG and at Bittell on November 13 AB, ZK, MSS. Staffs Singles noted at Alrewas on February 1,11 JCE-D, and 13 DEB, Aqualate on 1 7 BEJ, two at Colwich on March 7 GS, and singles atTixall HMM and near Rugeley CRT on April 25.

Rook No marked changes reported. Widespread reports of gatherings of up to 1300.

Jackdaw No changes in status reported. Many flocks of up to 250. Staffs At least 1200 flew to roost at Patshull on February 22.

Magpie Several reports of population increases, and many reports of up to 25 birds together. WMid Winter roost totalled over 100 at Edgbaston Park.

Jay No marked changes in status reported.

Great Tit No changes in status reported. Worcs 40 young flew from eight nest-boxes occupied in the Wyre Forest scheme.

WMid 11 pairs bred in Edgbaston Park, with up to 100 in autumn.

Blue Tit Worcs 268 young flew from 37 nest-boxes occupied in Wyre Forest scheme. W Mid 19 pairs bred in Edgbaston Park, with up to 250 in autumn. Coal Tit Warks A poor year at Ladywalk. Staffs 30 feeding with Siskins at Seven Springs on January 18. WMid Common in Sutton Park, and up to 25 at Edgbaston Park in autumn. Marsh Tit No changes in status reported. Reported from 14 sites, compared with 29 for Willow Tit, but both species undoubtedly under- recorded. 73

Willow Tit No changes in status reported. Warks Two at Hatton on September 22 showed the characteristics of the northern race and coincided with several migrants GRH, JVH.

Long-tailed Tit Widespread parties of up to 30 in autumn and winter months. Staffs 50 near Heath Hayes on October 22. WMid Nine flew west high overTettenhall on October 4.

Nuthatch Warks Reported from seven sites. Worcs Failed to occupy nest-boxes at Far Forest for the first time in several years. Two attracted to angler's maggots at Hewell Lake on February 21. Noted at 18 localities. Staffs Noted at 11 sites. Has been absent for two years from an established haunt at Abbots Bromley. WMid Noted at nine sites. Bred at Bournville, Cocks Moors Woods, Edgbaston Park (increased to three pairs), and Sutton Park. One at a Hall Green garden was the first record in 23 years.

Treecreeper

No changes in status reported.

Wren Generally considered to be widespread and abundant. Staffs After three years of high breeding numbers, declined by 25% at Fradley Wood.

WMid Dramatic decline in Edgbaston Park to 29 pairs from 50 in 1975.

Dipper Warks Present on mill stream at Tredington, apparently having bred for three or four years per HGA. Worcs Noted at Alfrick, near Astley, Belbroughton, Churchill, Dowles Brook (two nests found), Shrawley Wood, near Sling Pool and Trimpley. Staffs Bred at Blackbrook Valley, Swallow Moss and Wetton Mill. Also noted at Coombes Valley, the Dane Valley, and seven pairs noted along seven miles of the Dove from Wolfscote Dale to Dovedale. One noted at Seven Springs on February 8 RAH, EGP, and three at Knypersley on March 9 AH. WMid Reported in the breeding season hear Bartley AB, MSS and one at Halesowen on March 3 DO. 74

Bearded Tit Late October influxes are now expected. Worcs On October 24, 16 noted at Pulley, of which 14 departed RM, and 15 arrived at Berry Mound, departing to the north after 20 minutes DJH. 8 or 10 at Thorngrove, Hallow on December 26 SW. Staffs Four at Aqualate on October 16 FCG and one heard on November 28 AB, PJ, MSS, MJW. A female seen at Tillington Marsh on October 26 PAK. Mistle Thrush Very little information, but perhaps scarcer than usual. Warks Breeding reported from only three localities, whilst 35 at Compton Verney on October 3 was the largest concentration. Worcs Four pairs at Bittell was the only breeding record, whilst the only flock was 10 at Shell on October 10. Staffs Just one breeding record. Largest concentrations were 15 at Belvide on July. 22; 23 at Hanchurch on September 19 and 1 6 at Keele on September 26. WMid Three pairs bred in Edgbaston Park compared to six in 1975. Flocks of 20 at Bartley on October 31 and in Sutton Park on December 1.

Fieldfare Average: October 9 (40) to April 28 (40) Widespread until May 2, with the last at Ladywalk on May 5. September records from Earlswood on 11 and Leamington Spa on 19, but generally a slow arrival with few large flocks before late November. Outnumbered everywhere by Redwing. Warks Largest reported winter flock was up to 500 at Brandon, with 200 near Grandborough on April 17. In autumn up to 350 at Bodymoor Heath from October 30 and 300 at Ladywalk on December 6. Scarce in central districts, with only one to every three Redwings at Draycote. Worcs Winter flocks of up to 250 at Pirton and Kempsey during February and Bittell and Bordesley during April, with 50 still at Goosehill Green as late as May 3. Good numbers at Bittell from November 21, with thousands' by the end of the year KGC. Staffs Large winter flocks of 1000 at Buttertqn on January 1 and 600 at Bradley on April 15, whilst 100 remained at Swallow Moss on May 2 DS. Bred at a northern locality for the third consecutive year per FCG. An early autumn flock of 600 at Ellastone on October 1 5, but no other substantial numbers until December, when at least 1000 were in the Belvide and Whittington areas. WMid Singles in gardens at Shirley and Wednesbury. Up to 150 at Bartley in early April. 75

Song Thrush No apparent change in status. Warks Reportedly stable at Bodymoor Heath and Ladywalk. Staffs Said to have decreased around Iverley and Whittington, but breeding population at Fradley Wood reported as stable over the past seven years. WMid Sang vigorously at Four Oaks during October and November RJJ. One seen to break a hard bread crust by hammering it against a stone.

Redwing Average: October 2 (41) to April 12 (41) Widespread until April 18 and last noted on 29 at Seabridge. First arrival on September 29, also at Seabridge, with main influx from October 6. Again outnumbered Fieldfare in many areas. Warks Winter maxima of 200 at Brandon, Coombe Abbey and Packington Park. In some areas outnumbered Fieldfare by six to one. Most reported in autumn was 250 at Bodymoor Heath on October 30. Worcs Widespread during winter in small flocks, the largest being 280 at Northwick Marsh on March 18. Build up of numbers in autumn, with at least 1000 on Bredon Hill on November 28, when ten to every Fieldfare; and 'thousands' at Bittell by late December KGC, when 40 birds per km were noted feeding on hawthorn berries alongside the M50 TCEL. Staffs Largest winter flock was 250 at Little Wyrley on March 24. Strong autumn passage, with 500 over Newcastle in three hours on October 29, and flocks of 500 near Weston on November 26 and around Belvide in mid-December. WMid Winter flock of 200 at Kings Heath and roosts of 300 at Bournville and 200 at Bartley. Peak passage in late October over Sutton Coldfield; an influx of 500 at Bartley on December 24 and about 1000 at Cocks Moor Wood on December 27. out- numbering Fieldfares by 100 to 1 DJH. Ring Ouzel Average:April3 (18) to October21 (14) Warks A male at Draycote on March 29 DIP. Worcs One at Island Pool on March 20 MJH; a male at Upton Warren on March 31 SMW and up to three at Bittell between April 4 and 9 GCB, KGC. Staffs Several breeding season reports from moors, with two pairs at Gradbach and Blackbrook and single pairs at Dane Valley, Goldsitch and Warslow Brook. In May up to three at White Sitch JW and two late birds at Cannock Reservoir from November 5 to 9 RAH et al. 76

WMid Males seen at Four Oaks on April 4 VNW and in an Erdington garden on October 25 after early morning fog TD. Blackbird No apparent change in status. Warks Normal numbers at Bodymoor Heath and widespread and numerous at Ladywalk. Worcs Again nested on the outside light of a house LRB and one in full song at Worcester at 3.30 am on February 24 GHCB. Staff$ At Fradley Wood 20 pairs compared to 25 to 28 pairs between 1970 and 1975. At Whittington S.P. nested on the ground in the middle of a field MSS, RAD. WMid Two nests at Snow Hill Station, Birmingham. Influxes noted at Hall Green on September 29 and Brownhills in early November. Wheatear Average: March 24 (39) to October 3 (40) Early arrival in strength around March 21 preceded a good spring passage. Poor autumn passage, but widespread until October 10 and last noted at Draycote on the late date of. November 13 A WW. Warks Maxima in the Tame Valley occurred early, with four at Bodymoor Heath and five at Shustoke on March 21; four at Alvecote on March 25 and four at Ladywalk the next day. Elsewhere peaks were later, with six at Brandon and seven at Draycote on April 4. Apart from three at Alvecote in August and September, all autumn records concerned just one or two birds. Worcs Good spring passage at Bittell, with five on March 22 and up to 12 on April 4. Elsewhere four at Twiland Wood on April 6 and three at both Tardebigge and Upton Warren in early May. Only ones and twos in autumn. Staffs Ten at Cannock Reservoir on March 22 and four at Leacroft in late May were the spring maxima. The only breeding report concerned two or three pairs at Gradbach DS. Up to eight at Leacroft in autumn, but elsewhere no more than two on any day. WMid Spring maxima was six, at Brierley Hill Pools on April 3 and Sandwell Valley on May 5. Poor autumn, except in Sutton Park where peak of ten from August 19 to 22 feeding on burnt heathland SMH, RJJ. An injured bird remained at Bartley from October 17 to 30.

Greenland Wheatear Birds showing the characteristics of this race were reported as follows: Warks Ladywalk on May 5 JL and Packington on May 5 JL and 18 ARD. Worcs Walton Hill, a male, on May 6 BW. Staffs Blithfield on May 9 PDH, ARD. 77

Stonechat Widely reported until early March and again from late September. Warks May have bred at Ladywalk HTL (but see Whinchat) and a pair with four immatures at Shuckburgh on September 1 EJB. Maxima of seven at Radway on February 28 and six at Bodymoor Heath on December 4. Worcs Seen feeding young at Malvern, but believed not to have fledged GHCB. Up to four at Bittell in early March and at Wilden in the autumn. Staffs During hard weather of late January/early February up to 30 attracted to freshly turned earth at Perton SM. Bred at Brocton Field BC and Highgate Common GET, with a further pair holding territory at Sherbrook Valley BMM. Autumn maximum was six at Blithfield on December 10. W Mid Only one breeding record—a pair rearing two broods within a quarter of a mile of Wolverhampton PBa. During autumn up to eight fed on areas destroyed by heath fires in Sutton Park.

Whinchat Average:April25 (40) to September 27 (37) First at Upton Warren on April 22. In strength from May 6 to September 28, with exceptionally late birds for the second consecutive year, at Wilden on November 7 and Upton Warren on 21 SFLE, GET, AFJ. Warks Bred at Alvecote, Bishops Itchington (six pairs), Bodymoor Heath, Brandon, Draycote (possibly two pairs) and Ladywalk.(two pairs). At Ladywalk on June 19a male Whinchat and a female Stonechat were feeding the same fledgling, which from its plumage might have been a hybrid, although breeding frustration on the part of the Stonechat is a possibility JEF. Worcs Bred at Berry Mound, Castlemorton Common (two singing males). Island Pool (two pairs) and Stour Hill. Nine at Wilden on September 5 was the most reported. Staffs Breeding confirmed at Cannock Reservoir (two in song). Heath Hayes, Perton (two pairs), Tillington and Sherbrook Valley, where an increase reported PT. Pairs present in the breeding season at Baggeridge, Chapel Chorlton (two), Gib Tor and Swallow Moss (five). Maximum reported was 22 at Gib Tor on August 29 JPM, WJL. WMid Bred near Bartley, at Brownhills and possibly at Sutton Park, where a family party noted on August 8. None at Brierley Hill Pools on spring passage, which is unusual BMM, but commoner than usual in Sutton Park, with up to 17 feeding on burnt heathland in late August SMH. 78

Redstart Avwaye. April 12 (40) to September 14 (39) An early bird at Blithfield on April 2, but then few until main arrival from April 19. Several records until mid-September and a late bird in Sutton Park on October 6. Numbers generally remained low. Warks A disappointing year. Apart from Packington Park, where five pairs bred DKC, no breeding records, although a pair present at Leamington in late May and early June. Just three singles on autumn passage. Worcs At least three pairs bred at Lickey and Wyre Forest and one at Walton Hill. Pairs present in the breeding season at Bredon Hill (two); Devils Spittleful (two) and Habberley Valley (three), and in song at Castlemorton Common and Chaddesley Wood, where fewer than usual LAC. No autumn passage evident. Staffs Bred at Swallow Moss (two pairs); Chillington and probably Blithfield and heard singing at Coombes Valley, Hanchurch and Maer Hills. Several at Alton on April 20 and distribution on Cannock Chase said to be the same as last year PT, but has not been noted at Fradley Wood for the past ten years MJA. Poor autumn passage, with ju£t two records from Cannock Reservoir. WMid Two in song in Sutton Park were the first for two years RJJ. Reports from Erdington gardens during late August and early September involved at least three individuals. Black Redstart Another encouraging year. Warks Believed to have bred at Hams Hall, where a female seen on May 26 CR, ARMB and a juvenile on July 28 HTL. Another female at Draycote from May 23 to 27 DSt.' Staffs Successfully bred at a site in the north of the county DS. WMid Bred at Aston JEF and two sites in central Birmingham SCHS, JMC, MHK with two broods reared at one where fledglings were considered vulnerable to local Kestrel. A second male also sang at this site and singing was heard at two other sites in central Birmingham. Another male at Saltley on June 29 PAM. One seen at Walmley on October 30 DP.

Nightingale Average arrival: April 22 (40) Prompt arrival, with birds at Bascote Heath and Brakemill Pool on April 22. The BTO Census revealed 169 singing birds. Warks 75 singing birds recorded from 34 localities, the most northerly being Hay Wood, Chase Wood, Roseycombe Wood and Brinklow. More important sites were Wappenbury (18), Ryton (7) and Bishops Itchington (6). No records from extreme south. 79

Worcs 92 singing birds at 40 localities, the most northerly being Woodbury Hill, Brakemill Pool and Cobblers Coppice. Largest concentrations were at Roundhill Wood (12), Grafton Wood (9) and Digging and Trench Woods (6 each); WMid Two singing at Kingswinford, where one pair delayed the building of a new housing estate EGP.

Robin Warks Seven pairs at Ladywalk compared to eight in 1975. A good breeding season around Leamington, where three sang within a hundred yards of each other at midnight on December 22 EJB. Staffs No change in status at Fradley Wood since 1972 MJA. W Mid Dramatic decline at Edgbaston Park from 33 pairs last year to 22 this KESOS.

Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 19 (40) to August 21 (24) Five at Brandon on April 17, but main arrival a week later. Last at Draycote on September 26, the latest on record. No apparent change in status. Warks Two pairs bred at Bodymoor Heath and singing birds at Alvecote, Brandon (five), Ladywalk (three), Newbold Comyn and Ufton Fields. Worcs Heard in song at Bittell (two), Defford (two), Dormston, Dunhampstead, Eckington, Elmley Castle, Goosehill Wood (six), Pershore, Romsley (two), Sinton, Sinton Green, Trench Wood (three), Upton Warren (four) and Wilden (four). A juvenile at Bredon Hill on August 3. Staffs Singing birds at Belvide, Doxey, Enville (three), Highgate Common, Perton, Stafford and Tamworth. Less widespread than usual on Cannock Chase PT and absent from Tillington PAK. WMid Singles in song at Bartley (four in 1975), Halesowen and Sutton Park.

Savi's Warbler 80

Warks One seen and heard at a locality in the north of the county from July 14 lu 19 ARMB, EAH et al. The third record for the county and the Club's area. Song louder, lower-pitched and briefer than Grasshopper's, with individual notes separable and reels lasting about five seconds. A large bird with a rich-brown back and unstreaked crown and mantle. Short, pale, but fairly distinct supercilium. Long bill and noticeably shallow forehead gave rather peaked head. Dark grey-brown face; white throat; breast and flanks heavily diffused rufous- brown. Reed Warbler Average:April28 (36) to September 17 (28) An early bird at Brandon on April 17, but no more for ten days. Last noted at Packington on September 24. Warks Ten pairs at Alvecote was fewer than usual, but a good year at Bodymoor Heath with improved numbers. About 25 pairs bred at Packington Park and a few pairs at Ladywalk. At Brandon 150 were ringed, whilst at Draycote a bird was trapped and identified as this species although its song apparently resembled a Marsh Warbler s MJT, CHP. Worcs Three nests at Bittell was a slight improvement over 1975. Singing birds at Beckford, Grimley, Hewell Lake (seven). Holt, Shernal Green, Upton Warren (three), Warndon (two), West Hagley, Westwood Park (several) and Wilden. Staffs Four pairs at Baggeridge enjoyed good breeding success. Eleven pairs at Copmere and a few at Chillington and Stretton, but none at Belvide. Singing birds at Blithfield, Tillington (10) and Tixall, with one seen at Black Lake on June 12 where unusual. WMid Nine in song at Brierley Hill Pools compared to only one last year BMM. Summered at Edgbaston Park, but no other records received. Marsh Warbler A verage arrival: June 2 (28) Worcs First record was one in song at a central locality on May 24 and another singing bird was reported later from another locality to the north of the normal range. Returned on June 3 to traditional area, where no change in population was evident, but breeding success was good due to dry weather. Sedge Warbler Average:April 19 (40) to September 24 (33) First noted at Shuckburgh on April 16 and last seen at Bodymoor Heath on October 10. Warks Has declined at Alvecote, where only 12 pairs, and Bodymoor Heath^where the maximum of 32 singing in May included some passage birds: *202 were ringed at Brandon. Worcs Four pairs bred at Bittell and also bred at Upton Warren, where 18 singing in early May. Six sang at Wilden. 81

Staffs Only two breeding records received. Singing birds at Belvide (two); Blithfield (four); Copmere; Lichfield; Tillington and Tixall (four). Noted on both passages at Keele, where unusual. WMid Five pairs bred at Brierley Hill Pools, three sang at Tividale and birds summered at Edgbaston Park—the first record since 1972. Blackcap Average: April 6 (42) to September 24 (39) Difficult to differentiate between migratory and wintering birds, but reported regularly from April 9 (at Bevere) until October 31 (at Bittell, Compton Verney and Cornets End). Warks Few reports. Breeding notified from only five localities, including Bodymoor Heath, where slight decline. One at Brandon on November 6, but surprisingly no later records. Worcs Breeding reported from four localities, but singing birds widespread and said to be numerous in early spring KGC,JA. Four December records from Alvechurch, Drakes Broughton, Upper Rochford and West Hagley. Staffs Again breeding was reported from only three localities, though singing birds were more widespread. Outnumbered Garden Warbler at White Sitch. November and December reports from Ash Green, Burton-on-Trent, Eccleshall, Ingestre, Keele. Radford, Sideway, Trentham and Wootton. WMid Two females ringed at Hearsall Common were the only pre-spring records. Two pairs bred at Cocks Moor Wood and five at Edgbaston Park, compared to nine last year. Four held territory in Sutton Park and singing birds heard at Rotton Park and Sandwell Valley. November and December records from Brierley Hill Pools, Erdington, Hall Green, Northfield, Sutton Park and Wolver- hampton, where two died during cold weather.

Garden Warbler A verage: April 24 (39) to A ugust 28 (38) First at Bittell on April 15. In strength from May 2 until early September, with last at Hall Green on September 12. Warks Bred at Bodymoor Heath (possibly two pairs); Packington Park and probably Alvecote. Three males at Littleworth End during the breeding season, but no other records apart from passage birds. Worcs Bred at Bittell and Chaddesley Wood (two pairs). Singing heard from many localities in the Droitwich and Kidderminster areas, with maxima of seven at Eymore Wood and six at Trench Wood. Staffs Little information, except for Potteries area, where well distributed with maximum of eight singing at Whitmore Heath. Five at Blithfield on May 16. WMid One held territory in Sutton Park and heard in song at Halesowen, for the first time in 12 years, and Rotton Park, where also unusual. 82

Seen on both passages in an Erdington garden, whilst singles in autumn at brierley Hill Pools and Hail Green were respectively the first for the locality and the first for twenty years. Whitethroat Average:April 17 (42) to September21 (42) First at Wilden on April 10, but main arrival from April 17. Widespread until mid-September, with last at Bodymoor Heath on 23. Recovery continues and said to be back to full strength in many areas Warks A strong passage at Brandon on May 9. Six nests at Ladywalk represented a welcome recovery, whilst five in song at Bodymoor Heath was also near normal despite three territories being lost through hedgerow destruction RJJ. Conversely reported as scarce again in the east and south EJB. Worcs Apparently fully recovered in most areas, with 12 pairs in the Stour Hill-Wilden area RM; 15 singing at Churchill BW; good numbers at Bredon Hill JA; numerous near Peopleton GHG; plentiful around Upton Warren AFJ; back to normal at Bittell KJC and 12 in song at Trench Wood. Staffs Breeding population back to normal at Fradley Wood MJA; a good recovery in the south ARMB; noted at several central localities where not seen in recent years RPG and said to have increased since last year at Hanchurch and Jackson's Coppice JPM and to be common in a railway cutting at Lower Penn. WMid Bred at Bartley, but no proof of breeding at Brierley Hill Pools despite increase in singing birds from one to three. Three held territory in Sutton Park and singing birds were heard at Bushbury; Rotton Park (two) and Sandwell Valley (three). Lesser Whitethroat Average: April23 (40) to September 15 (40) Steady arrival after the first at Alvecote on April 19 and present in strength until September 18, with last at Belvide on 26. Warks Increased from three to four pairs at Bodymoor Heath and up to two pairs also bred at Brandon, Halford, Ladywalk, Packington Park and probably Alvecote. Worcs Bred at Sheriffs Lench; Shernal Green (two pairs) and Upton Warren (three pairs). Heard singing at several central and northern localities, with improved numbers at Bittell over the past two years KGC. but fewer around Kidderminster RM. Staffs Little information. One or two in early May at Cannock Reservoir, where unusual; a pair with young at Himley in June and two or three in song at Belvide and Blithfield. In contrast to other counties, evident autumn passage with five in a Seabridge garden on August 1; four at Blithfield on August 14 and 15 and nine at Belvide on September 11. 83

WMid Bred at Bartley and sang at Cradley for two weeks in May. During August two or three at Brierley Hill Pools and Clayhanger, whilst other passage birds were at Edgbaston Park on August 9 and Cocks Moor Wood on Sfiptemher 4

Willow Warbler Average: March 28 (42) to September 29 (42) An exceptionally early bird at Leamington Spa on March 18, but then none until a steady influx began on April 3. Widespread until October 3 with the last on 24, also at Leamington Spa. Warks Numerous in mid-Warwickshire, but numbers at Bodymoor Heath only half those of a few years ago EAH. Three or four pairs bred at Alvecote and singing maxima were 1 5 at Brandon, 25 at Coleshill Woods, 10 at Earlswood and 1 5 at Packington G.P. Worcs Good numbers at Bittell, with up to 20 in song and breeding successful. 14 sang in Wyre Forest and 12 at Sling Pool compared to four Chiffchaffs YMW. Staffs At Jackson's Coppice 24 sang compared to two Chiffchaffs JPM and other singing maxima were 25 at Cannock Reservoir, 11 at Sherbrook Valley and 10 at Blithfield. Common in Bagots Wood, where only two Chiffchaffs JL. WMid Increased from five to eight pairs at Edgbaston Park and may have bred at Rotton Park, where two in song and three juveniles seen in July. In Sutton Park 101 held territories, whilst 32 sang in Sandwell Valley. Garden reports from Erdington and Sutton Coldfield. Chiffchaff Average: March 18 (42) to October 12 (42) First at Wednesbury on March 16 and the last probable migrant at Leamington Spa on October 15, although several wintering records throughout November and December. Appeared to be scarce this year. Warks Birds in song at several localities, but no report of more than four individuals. One or two pairs bred at Alvecote and Ladywalk, but very scarce at Bodymoor Heath where only a few on passage EAH. In complete contrast reportedly numerous in south and east EJB. Singles at Napton on December 16 EJB and Bodymoor Heath until December 1 9 RJJ, whilst one at Draycote on October 1 showed characteristics of sub-species tristis DIP. Worcs Very few reports, the most being five in song at Trench Wood and four at Bittell. Staffs Decline in recent years at Fradley Wood MJA and scarce in the south. Most in song was five at Keele. November records from Cannock Reservoir, Chillington and Newcastle, with one at Maer Hills on December 29 DE. 84

WMid Contrary to general trend, good numbers in Sutton Park with seven holding territory RJJ. Two pairs bred in Edgbaston Park and three sang in Sandwell Valley, but records elsewhere referred only to singles. One at Solihull on November 10 and 18 DTU. PDH.

Wood Warbler Average: April 23 (40) to August 13 (30) Steady arrival followed the first in the Wyre Forest on April 19. Only three departure records, at Lower Penn on August 22, Blithfield on 30 and Cavan's Wood on September 13. Warks Up to six sang at Earlswood DJH, JVH; two in Coleshill Woods on May 1 5 BLK and others in late May at Kingsbury Wood, Woodend EAH and Coughton Park AJR. Worcs Birds in song at Malvern and many northern localities, with six at Lickey Woods and five at Eymore Wood. In the Wyre Forest 21 were in song on May 23 SFLE, GET. Staffs Seven at Himley was the most in song, with several at Alton. Small numbers from localities in the north and from Cannock Chase, Chillington and White Sitch. WMid Bred near Bartley and at Norton Wood MSS and possibly at Hampton Coppice CB. During May singing birds heard at Edgbaston Park, Halesowen, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park and Wren's Nest. Goldcrest Population remains high following the succession of mild winters. Warks Good numbers at Ladywalk, where several pairs nested, and numerous in Jephson Gardens, Leamington. A small autumn influx at Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath and Brandon involved no more than six birds on any day. Worcs Little information, but numbers at Bittell were slightly higher in autumn. Seen regularly throughout the winter at Droitwich. Staffs Common at Keele and increasingly evident at Cannock Reservoir, especially in autumn. WMid Bred at Rotton Park and several areas of Tettenhall, but not in Edgbaston Park where two pairs last year. Small flocks in Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park and a few reports from suburban gardens.

Firecrest Following last year's first breeding records, a disappointing year, though perhaps not unexpected in the light of national trends. Warks A female trapped and ringed at Brandon on May 8 BMCG. Worcs No breeding reports. Last year's sites were apparently deserted, but two sang at another northern site in late May, but disappeared shortly afterwards RM. 85

WMid One at Halesowen on March 28 BB, KJB and a few at Bartley from September 27 to October 3 RT, MSS et at. Spotted Flycatcher Average: May 4 (39) to September 22 (39) One very early bird at Earlswood on April 15. In strength from May 7 until September 27, with last at Chapel Chorlton and Newcastle on October 2. More information required on status. Warks Six pairs bred at Leamington Spa Reservoir and a brood at Ladywalk was reared in half a coconut shell inserted into a wall. Also bred at Alvecote and Packington Park, but failed for the second consecutive year at Hatton and did not breed at Bodymoor Heath, where fewer noted on autumn passage. Worcs Little information. Bred successfully at Elmley Castle RJE, JA and up to ten, including juveniles, at Upton Warren in September. Scattered records from most areas. Staffs Few records, except for birds on passage with 12 at Belvide on September 11 and nine at Blithfield on August 1. WMid Bred at Bournville; Cocks Moor Wood (three pairs); Edgbaston Park (two pairs); Sandwell Valley (two pairs); Solihull; Sutton Park and Tettenhall, where nest was on a horizontal cedar branch 8m. from the trunk. Seen at Rotton Park in May and several suburban gardens during August and September. Pied Flycatcher Average arrival: April 23 (29) First at Prestwood on April 20 and last at Westlands on October 7. Warks One at Draycote on September 23. Worcs A male on Bredon Hill on May 1. In the Wyre Forest, seven pairs occupied nest boxes and 43 young were reared LRB. Staffs One at Brocton on April 22. No reports of breeding from the north. WMid A pair in a garden at Four Oaks on May 14 VNW; one at SuttOn Park on August 22; a female in an Erdington garden on August 24 and September 1 and another in a Wednesfield garden from September 1 to 5. Dunnock Few records received and more comparative data needed. Warks Good numbers nested at Ladywalk and numbers at Bodymoor Heath were normal. W Mid Dramatic decline from 20 to 9 pairs at Edgbaston Park KESOS. Meadow Pipit Warks Most on spring passage was 200 at Draycote on April 1. Bred at Bodymoor Heath and Ladywalk. Strong autumn passage with 120 moving south through Ladywalk on September 25, 150 the next 86

day and at least 280 on September 28 BLK; 40 flying west over Hackington on beptember 26 and 100 ai Harisliill quanies in Idle September. Worcs Roost of 40 at Northwick Marsh on January 1 5 and up to 100 on passage at Bittell in late March. Bred on Bredon Hill, where not common. No significant autumn passage. Staffs Strong spring passage with 70 at Keele on March 26; 360 flying north over Seabridge the next day and 110 at Cannock Reservoir on April 9. No reports of breeding. In autumn 100 at Gun Hill on September 26 and I 50 at Bllthfleld on Decembei 10. WMid A few on waste ground at Ladywood during winter and autumn. Spring passage evident at Sutton Park on April 3 and a pair bred at Bartley. One ringed at Selly Oak and noted twice during winter in a Wednesbury garden. Tree Pipit Average:April 10 (39) to September 15(38) Punctual arrival at Lickey on April 10, but not widespread for another week. Last at Hall Green on September 29. Warks At least three pairs bred at Packington Park, but no proof of breeding at Ladywalk. One sang at Earlswood in early June, where unusual. Only a few passage records. Worcs Bred at Island Pool; Walton Hill (six singing); Wyre Forest and possibly Broome. Singing birds at Chaddesley Wood, Devils Spittleful (4), Digging Wood, Eymore Wood (4), Goosehill Wood (2), Habberley Valley (2), Hornhill Wood. Lickey (2), Lower Habberley, Sling Pool, Spring Coppice (3) and Trench Wood (3). One on passage at Upton Warren on September 1 5. Staffs Bred at Fradley Wood and present in breeding season at Brocton, Gun Hill, Highgate Common, Regents Wood, Sherbrook Valley and Swallow Moss. Few records on passage. WMid One singing in Sutton Park on May 22 and passage birds at Sandwell Valley on September 20 and Hall Green on 29.

Rock Pipit Warks At Shustoke a bird first noted on January 31 with ice adhering to its tail was still present on February 21, which constitutes a notable winter stay for the west midlands ARD. DRR. MSS. Spring records from Packington G.P. on March 6 AC. PDH and Draycote from March 18 DIP to 24 RB. In autumn three at Draycote on September 25 PJF and one on October 10 TWL, with two at Shustoke on October 16 AB, MSS. Worcs Another winter record, from Wilden on January 8 RM, with one at the same locality on March 14 RM. Autumn singles at Upton Warren on September 26 AFJ, GET. SFLE and Westwood Park on October 23 AFJ. 87

Staffs One spring record, at Belvide from March 14 to 20 DS. In autumn, one at Cannock Reservoir from October 1 to November 3, with two on October 2 and 3 RAH, ARD et at. Others at Blithfield on October 10 PDH and again on October 24 MJI and at Westpnrt on November 7 JPM. WMid A third wintering bird at Bartley on January 21 MSS, MJS; one in spring at Rotton Park from March 23 to 25 ARMB and autumn records from Bartley from October 20 to 26 and again on November 7 and 1 7 MSS, DRR et al. Water Pipit Warks Singles at Brandon on February 1 5 BMCG and Draycote on April 9 PJF. Worcs One at Wilden from February 6 to at least 21, with two on latter date RM, MHB. Another at Bittell on April 8 CBL, GCB. Staffs Singles at Cannock Reservoir on March 14 ARMB; Belvide on September 28 and November 7 DS and Tillington from January 6 to March 9 and again on November 25 per PAK. Pied Wagtail Warks Several pairs nested at Ladywalk and a few at Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath and Leamington Spa Reservoir. Between 20 and 30 fed at Compton Verney and Packington Park prior to roosting and over 200 roosted at Brandon during September. Worcs Two pairs bred at Bittell, where up to 40 present in late September. A roost of 70 had developed at Upton Warren by early November and 40 roosted in bracken at Malvern during the autumn. Staffs Few records apart from small autumn flocks of up to 50 at Blithfield, Milford and Seabridge. WMid Bred in Sutton Park and seen regularly in the centres of Birmingham, Dudley and Wolverhampton. An estimated 1500 roosted at Brierley Hill steelworks in both winter and autumn, whilst small flocks were reported from Bartley, Cradley and Rotton Park, where a small influx evident on March 8. White Wagtail Warks One at Draycote on April 4 GRH, JVH and one or two at Ladywalk in late spring HTL were the only records. Worcs Three at Bittell on April 14 SH, with one remaining until 21, then two on May 5 KGC, SH, GCB. Up to three at Upton Warren in April TAW and two on May 8 SH, SMW. Staffs Singles at Belvide on March 28 PAG and Oakley Hall on April 4 FCG. One or two at Cannock Reservoir from April 8 to May 1 RAH, with three on April 1 5 ARMB and 30 RAH, and another on May 19 RAH. Singles also at Blithfield on April 21 ARD, Hanchurch Pools on April 22 JPM, Aqualate on April 24 FCG, DS and Tillington on May 6 AJD. 88

WMid One at Bartley on April 24 DRR. A male at Rotton Park on April 29 and a female UII Mdy 3 and A ARMB. Grey Wagtail Warks Wintered at Bodymoor Heath, Brandon, Ladywalk and Shustoke. Bred at Ladywalk (two pairs), Leamington Spa, Packington Park and Shustoke. Roost of 12 along River Sowe on September 23. Worcs Noted in winter at , Bittell, Defford, Frankley, Salwarpe, Sling Pool, Throckmorton, Upton Warren, Westwood Park and Wilden. Bred at Alfrick, Churchill, Dowles Brook (three pairs), Hurcott and possibly Sling Puul. Autumn records from Bittell, Briar Mill, Elmley Castle, Frankley, Holt, Martley and Westwood Park. Staffs Widespread outside breeding season, with 1 5 along a seven mile stretch of the R. Dove on April 10 JPM. Bred at Enville, Himley and Keele; possibly at Belvide, Checkhill, Little Aston and Whittington; and pairs present in the breeding season at Cannock Chase, Coombes Valley, Oakley Hall, Seven Springs and Teddesley Park. At Lichfield one attacked its reflection in a car wing mirror PAG. WMid Winter records from Bartley, Brierley Hill Pools, Halesowen, Rotton Park and Stourbridge. Present throughout the year at Sutton Park and bred there and at Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Park and West Heath. Autumn records from Fox Hollies and Trittiford Parks, Bartley, Old Hill shopping centre, Olton Mere and Sandwell Valley. Fifteen were ringed at four south Birmingham sites during autumn GFA. Yellow Wagtail Average:April 7 (40) to October4 (39) First at Draycote on March 27, with main arrival beginning on April 4. Widespread until early October with last on 20, again at Draycote. Warks A slight increase at Bodymoor Heath, where a few pairs bred, and Ladywalk, where five pairs bred after last year's absence. Other breeding records from Alvecote (five pairs) and Packington, with good numbers reported at Lea Marston and Middleton. Autumn maxima of 80 at Brandon on August 25; 1 50 at Bodymoor Heath on August 31 and 75 at Alvecote on September 2. Worcs Heavy spring passage at Upton Warren, with up to 80 in late April. Four pairs bred at Bittell compared to two last year, several pairs nested in the Stour Hill-Wilden area and also bred at Chaddesley and Upton-on-Severn. Nine flew east over Sherrifs Lench on August 9. Staffs Main arrival in late April, when 20 at Blithfield on April 24; 30 at Belvide next day and 25 at Cannock Reservoir on April 28. Bred at Cannock Reservoir, where erratic in recent years. Autumn maxima 89

of 40 at Cannock Reservoir on July 31 and Blithfield in late August, with over 100 at Tillington on August 28. W Mid Spring passage at Rotton Park, where five males on April 28, and Sutton Park, where 10 on May 4. Three pairs bred at Bartley—the first since 1959 MSS—and probably bred at Tividale ICW, where 20 on August 27. Seen at Hay Mills on August 16 and Brierley Hill Pools, where 13 on August 20.

Blue-headed Wagtail Reports of birds showing the characteristics of this race have increased during the past decade and this was the second-best year. Warks One at Draycote on April 26 DIP and another at Alvecote on August 7 GAA, MAA. Worcs One at Upton Warren on April 29 TAW. Staffs A male near Wetton Mill on April 20 JW; one at Cannock Reservoir on April 28 GH; three reports of a male at Blithfield between April 29 and May 9 presumably referred to one individual JCE-D, RAH, GJM and a female at Blithfield on May 22 JPM. WJL. IRM. \ Waxwing The worst year since 1969. Staffs One seen at Maple Hayes, Lichfield on May 5 PAG.

Great Grey Shrike 90

Another good year following the influx in autumn 1975. Warks Singles at Brandon from the beginning of the year until March 23 BMCG; Draycote from February 15 to 28 CHP, MT and Packington Park from the beginning of the year until March 5 KOS. In autumn, singles at Ladywalk between October 23 and 31 BLK, DJW, KAW; Bodymoor Heath on November 9 and 13 EAH; Packington Park from November 13 to the year's end DKC, KOS; Brandon from November 14 to the end of the year BMCG; Draycote from December 18 to 26 AWW, PJF and Alvecote on December 24 GAA. Worcs Individuals at Castlemorton Common from the beginning of the year until March 5 LAB; Upton Warren from the beginning of the year until at least February 8 AFJ, JRHu et a/ and Wilden from February 22 to April 4 PG, MHB, RM. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir from the beginning of the year until March 22, with two on January 13 RAH, JEF et at. On February 8 this bird was observed hopping along the ground PDH. Singles also at Tillington from February 19 until April 7 AJD and at Brocton from February 21 to March 20 DS, CR, MW. In autumn present at Cannock Reservoir again from October 8 GJM, RAH until at least December 24 GE and Westport Lake on December 5 WJL. W Mid One in Sutton Park on February 21 MS. A first winter bird was caught in a mist net in a Harborne garden on February 22 whilst chasing a trapped Blue Tit PB. Red-backed Shrike The first records since 1972. Worcs A juvenile seen briefly in a Droitwich garden on September 13 CPB. Staffs A male watched for quarter of an hour at a northern locality on June 12 WJL.

Starling Warks Roosts of 10000 at Brandon in August and "several million'' at Coombe Abbey in late October CHP. At Alvecote 2000 were feeding on grassland on November 23. Worcs Occupied four nest boxes in the Wyre Forest from which 12 young fledged. At least 2000 flew over Bittell on January 3, presumably to join a roost of 250000 which formed near Hopwood before moving south at dusk DMH. Staffs A roost at Ingestre was estimated to contain 100000 birds in mid-October, increasing to 200000 by mid-December SKW. W Mid Winter roost in central Birmingham reported to have decreased, but by autumn numbers were back to normal MHK. Roosts of 2000 at Fort Dunlop, Erdington and 20000 at nearby Castle 91

Bromwich Hall, whilst in Wolverhampton the autumn roost at West Park was estimated at 250000 DS.

Hawfinch Warks One, a juvenile, ringed at Compton Verney on August 1 and another seen on October 1 7 RA. Worcs Two at Hallow on April 10 per GHG and two in Wyre Forest on May 1 AFJ. Staffs Eight at Perton in a mixed finch flock on January 27 SM. One or two at Chillington in winter and up to 20 in autumn DS, FCG, GS. Bred at two western localities, with adults observed feeding young in each case JW, AJD, BC.

Greenfinch Warks Said to be more numerous than last year in the east EJB. Largest concentrations were roosts of 250 at Packington Park on March 6 and 300 at Coombe Abbey on April 3 and a flock of 250 at Packington G.P. on September 1 5. Worcs Most reported were 100 at Wilden on January 8 and over 50 pear Elmley Castle on January 30. Staffs Flocks of 100 at Blithfield on February 27 and Tillington on September 6, with 50 at Belvide in winter and autumn. WMid Only one record received, of 50 at Bartley in autumn.

Goldfinch Several references to birds feeding on alder seeds in the absence of Siskins. • Warks Twelve pairs bred at Bodymoor Heath. Largest flocks were 60 at Draycote in September and up to 50 at Ladywalk in both winter and autumn. Worcs Nested in a rose bush at Chaddesley, rearing two young LAC. In autumn up to 100 at Wilden and large numbers at Bittell. Staffs Very common and widespread this year. Flocks of 100 at Belvide in late August; 200 at Tillington on September 6 and 60 at Cannock Reservoir on September 27. WMid In March, 26 at Rotton Park, where recently fledged young seen in August, and 35 in late September. Autumn flocks of 50 at Edgbaston Park and Northfield Manor, whilst 1 5 fed on a single teazel in a Hall Green garden. Flocks of 20 to 30 regularly seen in the inner suburbs PAM. 92

Siskin A verage: October 16 (38) to April 7 (39) Widespread until April 25, with the last at Lickey on May 8. Extremely scarce in autumn, so one at Cannock Reservoir on September 1 5 was unexpectedly early, but main arrival did not begin until October 6. A surprisingly poor autumn. Warks Small parties at several localities in winter, the most being 25 at Hatton on January 1 and 20 at Bodymoor Heath. None noted at Compton Verney during the autumn, which is unusual, but up to 20 at Brandon, CoOfnbe Abbey and Leamington Spa Reservoir during late November and early December. Worcs At least 150 in Lickey Woods on January 13 and near Kidderminster on February 1, otherwise widespread in small flocks of up to 50 in winter. Absent from many regular haunts in autumn and reported only from Bordesley, where one on September 26; and Bittell, where 20 from late November until the end of the year. Staffs Several flocks of 50 or more during winter, with 1 50 at Kinver on February 15 the maximum. Much scarcer during autumn, but a flock of 100 at Brocton on December 28 IRM. WMid Well distributed in winter, with several references to birds feeding from red nut bags in gardens. A few flocks of 20 to 30 and one of 100 at Solihull on January 24. The only autumn records concerned two in Edgbaston Park on November 4 and one at Bartley on December 12, which was only the second at this locality in eleven years MSS. Linnet Appeared to be scarcer than usual in late autumn. Warks Said to be declining at Ladywalk. Some large September flocks, with up to 1200 at Draycote; 300 at Bodymoor Heath and 100 at Packington G.P. Worcs Most reported were 300 at Pershore on April 15 and at Holt in October and December. 200 at Bittell in early September was more than for many years. Staffs Winter flocks of 250 at Blithfield in January and again in April. An influx of over 60 on April 9 to the breeding areas around Cannock Reservoir and a post-breeding flock of 150 at Perton in early August. During September 200 at Belvide; 300 at Blithfield and 200 at Tittesworth, with 200 at Gailey on October 30. WMid Small flocks of 20 regular in inner suburbs and a large increase noted at Solihull. At Bartley 100 during autumn.

Twite Warks A small wintering flock of up to 20 at Ladywalk HTL and a few in a large finch flock at Draycote on October 31 GRH, JVH. 93

Staffs Between 30 and 40 wintered at Cannock Reservoir, but most observers reported much smaller numbers in autumn, although 30 present on December 12 JEF. A few reports from the moors during the breeding season, but no records of confirmed breeding.

Redpoll Warks Bred at many localities. Largest winter flock was 100 at Coleshill Woods on March 28, whilst in autumn 300 at Brandon on October 3; 100 at Ladywalk on October 9 and 70 at Packington Park in late October. Worcs Widespread reports of breeding. Winter flocks of 125 at Stour Hill on February 28 and 75 in the Wyre Forest on April 21. Up to 1 50 at Bittell and at least 200 at Goosehill Wood throughout December. Staffs Fewer breeding records than other counties, though still increasing at Fradley MJA. Winter flocks of 70 at Brocton on January 1 and 75 at Baggeridge Wood on April 18. Autumn maxima of 250 at Brocton on December 7 and 400 in the Oldacre Valley on December 27. WMid Several reports of breeding in urban parks and suburban gardens. At least 60 in Sutton Park on March 11 and dver 100 at Edgbaston Park during the autumn.

Mealy Redpoll A small winter influx, with several reports of birds showing the characteristics of this race. Warks Singles at Packington Park on March 12 DS and Hatton on September 22 GRH, JVH. Worcs One or two at Bittell between January 4 and 11 KGC, GCB, JLT, GJM and two at Stour Hill on February 28 RM. Staffs Singles at Kinver on February 15 RM and Whittington S.F. on March 13 DRR, BW, MSS. WMid Up to 10 feeding on weed seeds at Shirley on January 25, with two still present on February 8 DMH.

Bullfinch Apparently enjoyed a good breeding season as more numerous than usual in autumn. Warks Several pairs nested at Ladywalk and a good breeding season reported from Bodymoor Heath. Small autumn flocks of up to 20 at several localities. Worcs A party of 20 on Bredon Hill during January, but contrary to general trend, said to be less numerous than usual round Elmley Castle RJE. 94

Staffs Shortage of comparative data, but an autumn party of 20 at Brocton was laiyei lhan usual rtrG. W Mid Decreased to four pairs in Edgbaston Park, one less than in 1 975, but believed to be more numerous in Hall Green and around Brownhills Common.

Chaffinch Warks Largest flocks were 70 at Ladywalk on January 12, where winter numbers are increasing, and Draycote on December 15. A bird ringed in Belgium in iy/3 was controlled In Windmill Naps um February 28 PB. Worcs Winter maxima were 100 at Tardebigge on January 10 and 150 feeding on Chenopodium seeds at Wilden in early February RM. In autumn up to 400 fed on beech mast in Lickey Woods between mid-November and mid-December. Staffs Most reported early in the year was 200 at Weston Park on March 7. During November 300 at Chillington; 1 50 at Teddesley Park; 100 near Brewood and 100 at Himley. WMid During March 100 at Bartley. Good numbers in autumn, with up to 1000 in Edgbaston Park during November and December; 1 50 at Stourbridge on December 20 and 100 at Halesowen towards the end of the year.

Brambling Average: October 13 (41) to April 8 (40) Widespread until late April, with the last at Packington Park on May 4. First return at Rugeley on October 7, but, like Siskin, generally very scarce in autumn. Warks Numerous around Earlswood from January until March, with maximum of 250 on February 20 GJM. Smaller flocks up to 25 at Alvecote, Bodymoor Heath, Hartshill, Ladywalk, Littleworth End and Packington Park. Apart from 50 at Draycote on December 28 CHP, very few in autumn. Worcs Large numbers fed on Chenopodium seeds at Wilden during February and March, with a maximum of 600 on February 22 RM et at. Elsewhere 50 to 60 at Bittell in late February; 250 at Brakemill Pool on March 6 and 1 50 at Churchill on April 3. Just one autumn record, of 20 in Lickey Woods from mid-November to late December. Staffs A flock at Cannock Reservoir from mid-January to early March peaked at 440 on February 23 RAH. Another flock of at least 400 was present in Weston Park from early March until mid-April JL, whilst 150 were at White Sitch on January 5 and 100 at Betley from January until mid-February. Very few in autumn, apart from 20 near Brewood on November 20. 95

W Mid Small numbers in winter on derelict sites at Nechells and Saltley. Up to 50 at Bartley on March 23 and at Halesowen in December, which was an exceptional total in a poor autumn. A few birds in Edgbaston Park during autumn.

Corn Bunting Has expanded its range in recent years and no longer warrants all sites being listed. Many remain unreported. Warks Breeding confirmed at only three localities, but at least twenty singing birds reported from twelve localities in all areas. Maximum noted was 100 roosting at Brandon in December. Worcs Reported in song from 22 localities and in all areas, but breeding confirmed only at Broome and, for the first time, Bittell MSS. On January 4, 20 roosted at Croome and on September 12 between 50 and 60 were near Little Comberton. Staffs Breeding season reports from ten southern and central localities, but only one record from the north—at Keele in early July MAB. Small numbers seen flying westwards over Cannock Reservoir at dusk during November, with a maximum of 34 on November 1 5 DAD, RAH. WMid Sang regularly at Stourbridge Golf Course SFLE; fed on seed heads in the Saltley area on October 23 PAM and also noted in winter at Bartley.

Cirl Bunting Worcs A male at a central locality throughout the year, and often heard singing. A female also seen and thought to have bred in the vicinity per GHG. [Has apparently been present at this locality for at least five years.] Yellowhammer Warks Flocks of 250 at Earlswood on January 25; 100 at Draycote on January 29 and 100 at Leek Wootton on December 29. Worcs One of the commonest hedgerow species around Elmley Castle, with territories often only 200 yards apart and winter flocks of 50 regular JA. Flocks of 50 also at Bittell between January and March and Wilden on November 18. Staffs Most reported were 120 at Seabridge during November and December and 100 on Cannock Chase on November 7. WMid Breeding success at Brierley Hill Pools probably as good as any year. Reached an autumn peak of 100 at Bartley on November 21.

Reed Bunting Warks Up to 300 in several small winter roosts at Brandon. Analysis of 1 7 breeding pairs revealed seven in oilseed rape, five in winter 96

wheat and five in spring beans DS. A good breeding season was enjoyed by uvei DO pair3 at Bodymoor Neath, where ? palfi. sandy-coloured individual was present in September and October BLK, FB, VAB. Worcs Often seen away from water and a pair at Broome bred in a conifer hedge BW. During winter and autumn small flocks of up to 30 at several localities and 1 50 at Wilden on October 31. Staffs Up to 50 at Belvide in spring and Cannock Reservoir in autumn. On February 7 about 200 along the disused canal near Aqualate JEN. WMid Reported from suburban gardens and derelict sites. Six pairs bred at Edgbaston Park compared to five last year, with six breeding pairs also at Brierley Hill Pools and five at Bartley. One at Rotton Park on March 8 was the observer's first record in two years of regular visits. Snow Bunting More than in any previous year and the best year since 1962. Warks A juvenile at Draycote between October 9 and December 4 RB, RBR, TWL et at. Worcs Three, one an adult male, briefly visited Wilden on March 6 RM. MHB. One on Bredon Hill on November 13 PG. Staffs An exceptional total of 13, mostly females or immatures, reported from Cannock Reservoir on October 17 PAG. This is the largest party so far recorded in the west midlands. House Sparrow Warks 400 at Draycote on September 1. Worcs Up to 1 500 in a cornfield at Bittell during the autumn. WMid 60 in a Wednesbury garden in early December. Tree Sparrow Judging from the autumn flocks, which everywhere were much larger than usual, this was the best year ever. Warks One winter flock of 200 at Draycote, but several substantial autumn flocks. At Draycote over 500 throughout November and December, with a peak of 1000 on December 23 JL which is the most reported since 1962. Elsewhere 200 at Brandon on November 14; 150 at Bodymoor Heath on December 13 and 250 at Packington Park on December 30. Worcs The only winter flock was 200 at Wilden. A pair nested in a Sand Martin's nest-hole at Holt, where at least 300 were present throughout the autumn. Smaller flocks of 100 occurred at Broome on December 11 and Droitwich next day. Staffs An unusually high spring total of 400 at Whittington S.F. on April 24 BW, CRT. At least 100 at Belvide from late October until the end of the year, with 200 on November 7; 500 at Chorley were feeding on mugwort growing through kale on November 24; 100 97

at Cannock Reservoir on December 24, and at Whittington S.F. the next day; and 250 at Walton at the end of the year. WMid Flocks of 50 at Bartley in spring and Blanford Mere in December, with 30 on a derelict site at Shirley on February 1. Only two pa'irs in Edgbaston Park compared to five last year.

Exotica Becoming even more numerous and exotic.

Pelican sp Warks One on R. Avon around Stratford on October 22. Flamingo sp Warks One at Draycote on September 28.

Australian Black Duck Staffs 1975 bird stayed at Belvide until January 31, but did not return in autumn.

Bahama Pintail Staffs One at Belvide on November 27 and a duck at Chillington from December 15. Yellow-billed Pintail Worcs One at Wilden from February 22 to March 21.

Red-billed Teal Worcs A bird at Wilden from April 21 to 28 was believed to be this species. California Quail WMid A male seen in a suburban garden for about three weeks from April 26. .

Crane sp Staffs One seen briefly at Wandon on April 15. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Staffs Singles at Chillington on March 28 and Belvide on August 18.

Green Parrot WMid One in an Erdington garden on August 14. Parakeet spp Warks Up to three at Wishaw from November 3 to 5. WMid One at Erdington from April 5 to 7 and another at Bartley on October 24. 98

Budgerigar WMid Noted at Bartley.

Red-headed Bunting Warks One at Draycote on May 6. WMid Possibly the same bird at Barston on May 11 and 12.

Weaver Bird spp Staffs One at Westport on May 30. WMid Noted on three dates in September in Sandwell Valley.

Addenda 1974 Report Red-necked Grebe One at Blithfield on December 1 SKW. Long-eared Owl One at Sandwell Valley on July 26 SKW.

Addenda 1975 Report Redstart A male singing at Short Heath on May 18 SKW. Chiffchaff One near Pensnett on December 21 SKW. Pied Flycatcher A male in Sandwell Valley on April 23 SKW. Great Grey Shrike One at Sandwell Valley on December 7 GH. Crossbill One over Sherriffs Lench on August 11 and four over Woodnorton on August 14 TCS.

Errata 1 966 Report P 21 The Rough-legged Buzzard seen at Alvecote should have been at Alvechurch.

Errata 1975 Report p 15 Dates for Rough-legged Buzzard should be October 23 and November 6 1966 and not 1960. p 87 and 117 The Garden Warbler on November 22 was at Acton not Copmere. 99

Ringing in 1976 The activities of ringers necessarily follow the seasons. The first few months of the year provided opportunities to catch roosting thrushes and finches and feeding birds such as Siskin, tits and Starlings. 1976 saw the start of a programme of gull ringing at Worcestershire rubbish tips and already some of the results of this will be seen in the recovery list below. Wintering Wigeon and gulls were ringed in Staffordshire. Early spring saw ringers attempting to catch returning summer visitors. One of the first warblers caught in 1976 was the Chiffchaff recorded below. Most nestbox schemes were reasonably successful with a high fledgling rate from fewer nests than in 1975. Natural nests were located for a wide range of species and the young Herons at Gailey were ringed. An annual summer event is the rounding up of Canada Geese. In 1976 over 1600 were examined. Mute Swans have been the subject of a study for 16 years and 1976 was the second worst year for breeding in that time. Ringing of summer migrants continued throughout the season and several examples of the results will be seen below. Worthy of special mention are the series of Sand Martin recoveries, the Blackcap ringed in Morocco and summering at Thorngrove and the Reed Buntings showing evidence of true seasonal migration. Towards the end of summer and into autumn attempts were made at catching Lapwing. As the summer visitors left the winter visitors were particularly slow at replacing them. However several ringers reported being particularly successful at catching Chaffinches due to the large numbers present. Conversely Brambling were absent from catches. At the turn of the year winter roost ringing was being adversely affected at traditional sites by heat or fire damage to rhododendrons caused by the hot summer. The above summary outlines just some of the work done by ringers in 1976. Other ringers have followed alternative lines of enquiry. At the end of the list of recoveries there is a key to ringers' initials. In many cases the recoveries attributed to one particular ringer could not have come about but for assistance given by other ringers, trainees or helpers.

Selected List of Recoveries Involving the WMBC Area Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date except that birds ringed in the WMBC area are listed before birds ringed elsewhere and recovered in the WMBC area. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries received too late for the 1975 Report. In accordance with ringing convention, old county names have been used, but localities now within the West Midlands county have been marked with an asterisk. 100

Key

./ Age: Sex: Pull Pullus (nestling) M Male Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) F Female 1Y Bird in its first year Manner of Recovery: PJ Post-Juvenile v Caught and released with ring Ad Adult (at least one year old) + Shot or killed FG Full Grown (age uncertain) x Found dead or dying

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k—kilometres) Heron Herons ringed as Pullus at Gailey were recovered as follows: CDTM Ringed Recovered 1092416 26.05.76 26.07.76 Llanfrynach (Brecon) 11 5k SW 1092424 14.06.76 31.07.76 Pontardawe (Glamorgan) 1 55k SW 1081616 27.04.74 00.08.76 Ombersley (Worcs) 46k SSW 1081592 08.05.76 15.11.76 Flyford Flavel (Worcs) 53k S 1092441 02.07.76 27.11.76 Hinckley (Leics) 60kESE 1092432 02.07.76 08.12.76 Packington (Warks) 41 k SE

Teal Arnhem Ad.M 16.09.75 Texel, Netherlands 53° 06' N 4° 48' E

3235097 + 31.01.76 Ombersley (Worcs) SW

Wigeon Wigeon ringed as Adult at Blithfield were recovered as foljows CDTM SS95366Ringe 31.12.7d 2 15.05.75 Nr. Shel'yayurRecovere (Komi) ASSd R 65° 21' N 53° 21' E SS 93765 23.01.72 17.09.75 Nr. Nar'yan Mar (Arkhangelsk) USSR 67° 37' N 53° 00' E SS 95452 31.12.72 (25.03.76) . • Irvine (Ayrshire) 360k NW FS 76331 16.02.75 30.09.76 0lsemagle Revle (Sjaelland) 55° 30' N Denmark 12° 12' E FS 61857 29.02.76 22.09.76 Nissun Fjord (Jylland) Denmark 56° 21' N 8° 14' E

FS 02987 Ad.M 09.09.71 Nacton (Suffolk) v 29.02.76 Blithfield (Staffs) 220k WNW CDTM 101

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k=kilometres) Canada Goose 5069424 Pull 05.07.75 Brueton Park, Solihull (Warks*) CDTM + .01.09.76 Beauly Firth, Inverness 590k NNW 5066013 Pull 29.06.74 Bodymoor Heath (Warks) CDTM + 01.09.76 Beauly Firth, Inverness 570k NNW 5068086 Ad 06.07.75 Beauly Firth, Inverness V 27.06.76 Branston (Staffs) 550kSSE CDTM 5035978 Ad 28.06.75 Angram Reservoir (Yorks) V 27.06.76 Bodymoor Heath (Warks) 180k S CDTM In addition there were 19 movements OF between 30k and 50k and 6 movements of between 60k and 100k. Mute Swan Z37701 Pull 31.08.75 Coventry (Warks*) CP V 04.01.76 Coventry V 13.09.76 Rosscarbery, Co. Cork 520k WSW Z 34529 Pull 04.09.73 Sutton Coldfield (Warks*) CDTM 05.01.76 Northampton 90k E Z22628 Ad 08.04.68 Great Haywood (Staffs) CDTM 30.03.76 Peterborough (Cambs) 115k E Z 36171 1Y 03.08.75 Alvecote (Warks) CDTM 02.10.76 Sleaford (Lines) 95kENE Z35345 Pull 08.08.74 Wednesbury (Staffs*) CDTM 07.08.76 Northwich (Cheshire) 90k NNW Z 35343 ^ Pull 08.08.74 Wednesbury CDTM Z35344 V 25.08.75 Richmond Park, Glasgow 390k NNW Z35346 > All five swans made this movement. Z35347 Note that Z 35345 above was from Z 35349 ) the same brood of eight nestlings. Kestrel EF 81776 Pull 07.07.76 Long Marston (Warks) ARG X 08.08.76 ' Chipping Norton (Oxon) 26k SE Coot \ GP09447 PJ 16.02.75 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM + 31.01.76 Kedleston (Derbys) 28k NE GP 09429 PJ 23.12.73 Blithfield ' CDTM + 28.04.76 Market Drayton (Shropshire) 46k WNW Lapwing DR 19207 Juv 14.10.75 Ombersley (Worcs) CMH X 09.03.76 Sumony (Baranya) Hungary 45° 52' N 17° 59' E 102

Ringer jfjeuitrs Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k=kilome'tres) DR21653 Ad 06.07.75 Branston (Staffs) CDTM x 02.09.76 Nakkum (Friesland) Netherlands 53° 03' N 5° 25' E Dunlin BX 64456 Ad 10.08.75 Terrington Marsh (Norfolk) v 01.02.76 Draycote (Warks) 125k WSW bhtti BX 65657 Ad 11.08.75 Terrington Marsh v 08.02.76 Draycote 125k WSW BRG Lesser Black-backed Gull GP85986 Ad 31.01.76 Worcester CMH + 28.05.76 Fame Islands (Northumberland) 380k NNE GK 22406 PJ 31.01.76 Worcester CMH x Summer, 76 Cobham (Surrey) 1 55k SE GH 15809 Pull 05.07.64 Walney Island (Lanes) \ v 31.01.76 Worcester 220kSSE GHG AJ 43311 Pull 22.08.61 Fame Islands (Northumberland) v 28.12.76 Evesham (Worcs) 395k S GHG Herring Gull GP 87364 Pull 03.07.75 Flat Holm (Glamorgan) 00.12.75 Bearley (Warks) 135k NE ARG 00.02.76 Stockton (Warks) 25kENE ARG Black-headed Gull EF 82848 Ad 22.12.74 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM 08.06.76 Copenhagen (Sjaelland) Denmark 55° 43' N 12° 31' E Black-headed Gulls ringed at Cannock Reservoir were recovered as follows LRG/SCB/GFA Ringed Recovered EB 60691 21.02.76 25.05.76 Nr. Simpele (Kymi) Finland 61° 26' N 29° 20' E EB 39436 27.12.74 01.06.76 Beilen (Drenthe) Netherlands 52° 52' N 6° 30' E EB 73681 29.12.75 07.06.76 Alborg Airport (Jutland) Denmark 57° 03' N 9° 56' E EB 60545 25.01.76 23.06.76 Nr. Helsinki (Uusimae) Finland 60° 13' N 24° 52' E 103

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k=kilometres) EB 39407 27.12.74 02.07.76 Suwalki (Bialystok) Poland 54° 06' N 22° 56' E CD 49002 29.12.75 10.08.76 Formby (Lanes) 120k NW EB 60753 21.02.76 17.11.76 Farnham (Surrey) 180k SE Moskwa Pull 25.05.75 Lake Engure, Latvian SSR 57° 17' N 23° 07' E E 809960 v 21.02.76 Cannock Reservoir (Staffs) LRG Poland Pull 07.06.76 Piatek (Lodz) Poland FA 28405. X 26.07.76 Packington (Warks) ED 23409 Pull 19.07.71 Frampton Marsh (Lines) 27.11.76 Stockton (Warks) 115k SW ARG EB 62666 Pull 04.06.76 Sittingbourne (Kent) X 00.12.76 Barford (Warks) 185k WNW BRG Black-headed Gulls recovered at Draycote were ringed as follows BRG Ringed Recovered C.542389 08.06.67 Utterslev-Mose, Denmark 54° 43' N 20.02.75 12° 31' E H.CT016736 25.06.75 Bjorkoby/Finland 63° 25'N 05.02.76 21 ° 05' E A.3202592 23.06.74 Amsterdam (Noord Holland) 52° 51'N 09.10.76 Netherlands 4° 47' E Black-headed Gulls recovered at Worcester were ringed as Pullus as follows GHG Ringed Recovered C.6006304 16.06.68 Mariager Fjord (Jutland) 56° 43' N 31.01.76 Denmark 10° 15' E 54° 50'N 31.01.76 C.6018357 19.06.71 Hjelms0 (Lolland) Denmark 11° 47' E 51 ° 03' N 31.01.76 B.T81403 16.05.71 Helchteren (Limburg) Belgium 5° 22' E Black-headed Gulls recovered at Pershore were ringed as Pullus as follows GHG Ringed Recovered EC 39417 30.05.65 Rochester (Kent) 190k WNW 18.12.76 0.AS610387 06.06.75 Oslo, Norway 59° 53' N 18.12.76 10° 50' E 0.MB03228 13.06.76 Oslo, Norway 18.12.76 C.6037353 15.06.72 ' Brabrand Stf (Jutland) Denmark 56° 09' N 18.12.76 10° 07' E 104

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k=kilometres) Black-headed Gulls recovered at Evesham were ringed as follows GHG Ringed Recovered ED 76453 02.03.74 Guildford (Surrey) 125k NW 28.12.76 A.3238529 17.06.76 Amsterdam (Noord Holland) 52° 25' N 28.12.76 Netherlands 4° 47' E

Bant Owl AJ 92540 Pull 09.07.73 Sherbourne (Warks) ARG 18.12.73 Near Burford (Oxon) 47k S 25.03.76 Near Burford Long-eared Owl GM 36238 PJ 17.02.73 Hopwas (Staffs) WEM 24.05.76 Vysne, Czechoslovakia 48° 47' N 14° 52' E Swift SC 58744 Ad 22.06.63 Castle Bromwich (Warks*) H &DL 24.11.75 Namarroi (Zambezia) Mozambique 15° 57' S 36" 51' E Swallow KE10124 1Y 14.09.75 Coombe (Warks) BRG x 01.07.76 Newport (Shropshire) 80k NW KK 98767 Pull 28.07.76 . Knutsford (Cheshire) v 19.09.76 Ufton Fields (Warks) 125kSE ARG Sand Martin Sand Martins ringed at Meriden were recovered as follows PI Ringed Recovered KK 87227 18.07.76 28.07.76 Holt (Worcs) 45k WSW KK 87436 25.07.76 03.09.76 Attenborough (Notts) 60k NE KK 8751 7 26.07.76 1 7.09.76 Luzarches (Seine et Oise) France 49° 07' N 2° 25' E

Sand Martins ringed at Holt were recovered as follows CMH Ringed Recovered KA 26387 01.08.75 17.08.75 Chichester (Sussex) 190k SE KC 50481 17.08.75 22.07.76 Wyre Piddle (Worcs) 20k SSE KH 46425 11.07.76 23.07.76 Attenborough (Notts) 100k NE KH 46452 11.07.76 23.07.76 Attenborough (Notts) 100kNE KJ 64138 22.07.76 04.08.76 Meriden (Warks*) 45k ENE KC 50063 01.08.75 08.08.76 Harelbeke (West-Vlaanderen) 50° 51' N Belgium 3° 18' E 105

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age!Sex Date Place (k=kilometres) Sand Martins recovered at Mcridcn were ringed as follows PI Ringed Recovered KJ 58066 23.06.76 Ironbridge (Shropshire) 11.07.76 70k ESE JP 02796 22.07.75 Attenborough (Notts) 11.07.76 58k SW KK 88017 09.07.76 Attenborough 18.07.76 58k SW KK 88224 16.07.76 Attenborough 20.07.76 58k SW KJ 18771 25.07.76 Egham (Surrey) 26.07.76 133k NW KK 53377 12.07.76 Abingdon (Berks) 26.07.76 90k N KK 53364 12.07.76 Abingdon 04.08.76 90k N KK 53732 15.07.76 Abingdon 04.08.76 90k N KH 92873 26.06.76 Romsey (Hants) 07.08.76 160k N

KB 17227 Ad 12.07.75 Shrewsbury (Shropshire) v 28.07.76 Holt (Worcs) 47kSSE CMH

Note speed of movement of KJ 18771 and identical movements made by birds ringed at the same colony.

Great Tit BS 08744 Pull 06.06.75 Wytham (Berks) v 27.11.75 Himley (Staffs) 100k NW IPB/RAS

Blue Tit Six movements of between 11k and 54k reported in 1976, mainly involving juvenile dispersal.

Coal Tit JS 00295 Pull 30.05.75 Corr.pton Verney (Warks) ARG 07.12.75 Sutton Coldfield (Warks*) 46k NNW JB

Fieldfare CN 46700 1Y.M 17.11.74 Haselor (Warks) ARG (22.01.76) -Nr. Nice (Alpes Maritimes) France 43° 42' N 7° 12' E

Song Thrush XB 58062 Pull 01.06.76 Stourport (Worcs) JM 23.09.76 Llanrwyst (Denbigh) 130k NW 106

Ringer Specics Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place . (k=kilometres)

Redwing XA 28104 PJ 26.01.75 Berkswell (Warks*) TG/PI + 11.01.76 Nr. Porto de Mos (Estremadura) 39° 36' N Portugal 8° 49'W XA 53103 1Y 25.01.76 Temple Grafton (Warks) ARG X 20.02.76 Lydbury North (Shropshire) 82k WNW XA 81366 1Y 18.01.76 Berkswell (Warks*) TG/PI X 22.03.76 Clunton (Shropshire) 95k W XA 78998 Ad 07.03.76 Hewell Grange (Worcs) HRB X 15.05.76 Snappertuna (Uusima) Finland 59° 56' N 23° 47' E

Blackbird CJ 80455 PJ.M 02.03.74 Fillongley (Warks) WEM & AJC X 14.04.76 Somerniemi (Hame) Finland 60° 35' N 23° 48' E CS18559 1 Y.F 08.02.76 Ufton Fields (Warks) ARG + 30.04.76 Loimaa (Turku & Pori) Finland 60° 56' N 23° 10' E . XA 85175 Ad.M 09.11.75 Coombe (Warks) BRG + 31.05.76 Fagersta, Sweden 59° 59' N 15° 49' E XA 81209 Ad.M 11.11.75 Wythall (Worcs) PI X 28.07.76 Redslared (Alvsborg) Sweden 57° 29' N 12° 57' E Blackbirds ringed at Hopwas were recovered as follows CMH/NJS Ringed Recovered XA 12652 23.11.74 05.11.75 Montfort-en-Chalosse (Landes) 43° 45' N France 0° 49'W XB 72910 20.03.76 16.06.76 Rymattyla (Turku & Pori) Finland 60° 22' N 21° 52' E XA 12654 23.11.74 12.07.76 Flevoland (Ijsselmeer) Netherlands 52° 26' N 5° 42' E

Robin Copenhagen PJ 22.04.75 Amager (Sjaelland) Denmark 55° 38'N 12° 34' E 19363277 v 10.11.76 Knowle (Warks*) 107

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k=kilometres)

Reed Warbler KJ 15838 1Y 04.07.76 Brandon (Warks) BRC x 03.08.76 Tarring Neville (Sussex) 195kSE JR 95984 Ad 14.06.75 Walton-in-Gordano (Somerset) 03.06.76 Ombersley (Worcs) 98k NNE CMH KH 92298 Ad 08.05.76 Southampton (Hants) 24.07.76 Coombe (Warks) 160k N BRG In addition there were 10 movements of between 35 and 70 kilometres.

Sedge Warbler JK96991 1Y 11.08.75 Marsworth, Tring (Herts) V 18.07:76 Brandon (Warks) 80k NW BRG

Blackcap JX 32934 Juv 27.07.74 Studley (Warks) TE X 03.10.76 Saint-Paul-les-Dax (Landes) France Paris PJ.M 03.03.76 Tangier, Morocco 35° 48' N SA 515935 V 10.04.76 Thorngrove (Worcs) 5° 48' W V 24.04.76 Thorngrove SW V 02.05.76 Thorngrove V 10.08.76 Thorngrove

Willow Warbler 744373 Ad 24.06.73 Brandon (Warks) BRG 27.04.76 Worth Matravers (Dorset) 200k SSW

Chiffchaff 886054 Juv 06.07.75 Shrewsbury (Shropshire) v 04.04.76 Hewell Grange (Worcs) 63k SE HRB

Goldcrest 787679 1 Y.M 24.10.75 Himley (Staffs) IPB/RAS x 00.11.75 Romney (Kent) 275kSE 484346 Ad.M 14.03.76 Byfield (Northerns) x 21.03.76 Nr. Brinklow (Warks) 27k NNW BRG 108

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k=kilometres Yellow Wagtail KJ 64795 1Y 08.08.76 Grimley (Worcs) CMH V 04.09.76 Radipole Lake (Dorset) 175k S KN 30908 1Y 05.08.76 Packington (Warks) PB V 08.09.76 Thurlestone (Devon) 280k SW Starling XB 18275 PJ.M 28.01.76 Bournville. Birmingham GFA X 18.02.76 Copenhagen, Denmark 55° 41' N 12° 32' E XX 66010 1Y.F 13.02.76 Bloxwich (Staffs*) AJC V 15.03.76 Hokksund (Buskerud) Norway 59° 45' N 10°01' E XX62110 1 Y.F 28.02.76 Bearley (Warks) ARG . X 11.05.76 Keipene, Ogre, Latvian SSR 56° 5*3' N 25° 11' E XB 49027 PJ.M 24.01.76 Harborne, Birmingham MWC X 01.08.76 Demmin (Neubrandenburg) 53° 57' N East Germany 13° 16' E Arnhem FG 14.09.72 'S Heerenbroek (Over Ijssel) 52° 32' N K482155 Netherlands 6° 00' E V 06.02.76 Bournville, Birmingham GFA Bruxelles Ad.M 17.10.73 Ekeren (Antwerpen) Belgium 51° 17' N 52 661 65 4° 25' E V 18.12.76 Pershore (Worcs) GHG Greenfinch BN 16283 Pull 06.06.73 Temple Grafton (Warks) ARG V 17.02.76 Wells (Somerset) 120k SSW BS26351 1 Y.F 01.03.75 Himley (Staffs) IPB/RAS + 29.03.76 Liverpool (Lanes) 110k NNW BS95653 Ad.M 25.01.76 Berkswell (Warks*) TGIPI V 02.04.76 Coleby Lowfields (Lines) 100kNE NA 41087 1Y.M 18.01.76 Temple Grafton (Warks) ARG x 05.05.76 Washingley (Huntingdon) 100k ENE BR 25777 PJ.F 20.01.74 Berkswell (Warks*) TGIPI V 17.07.76 Farnham (Surrey) 140k SSE BP 72990 Ad.F 08.04.73 Clifton (Notts) V 15.02.76 Berkswell (Warks*) 65k SW TGIPI BP 96433 Juv.F 28.06.75 Heydour Warren (Lines) V 28.02.76 Edgbaston, Birmingham 105k SW GFA No other movement was greater than 25 kilometres. 109

Ringer Species Movement Ring Alo. Age/Sex Date Place (k—kilometrt Siskin KH 24148 FG 02.11.75 Packington (Warks) DkC X 30.03.76 Nledersachsen, West Germany 52° 13' N 8° 02' E Moskwa FG.F 15.09.75 Near Pape, Latvian SSR 56° 09' N XA 185220 21° 02' E X 29.09.75 Cannock Chase. (Staffs) Redpoll JS 27403 Ad.F 07.10.73 Brandon (Warks) BRG X (04.10.76) New Holland (Lines) 165k NNE KE 15483 1Y 12.10.75 Altrincham (Cheshire) V 18.07.76 Brandon (Warks) 125kSE - BRG KJ 38669 1 Y.F 20.03.76 "Witley Common (Surrey) V 30.10.76 Packington (Warks) 155k NNW DKC JV 35381 Ad.F 01.06.74 Ollerton (Notts) V 21.11.76 Temple Grafton (Warks) 125k SW ARG Chaffinch JR 77731 PJ.M 02.12.73 Blithfield (Staffs) JB X 18.10.76 North Sea. about 20 miles from 275k E Great Yarmouth on gas rig JP78291 PJ.M 20.01.74 Berkswell (Warks*) TG/PI X (06.11.76) Eindhoven (Noord Brabant) 51° 22' N Netherlands 5° 19' E Bruxelles PJ.M 11.03.73 Brasschaat (Antwerpen) Belgium 51° 17' N 9V35934 4° 27' E V 28.02.76 Windmill Naps Wood (Warks) PB Bruxelles 1Y.M 03.11.73 Ekeren (Antwerpen) Belgium 51° 17' N 4° 25' E 12V12808 V 28.03.76 Berkswell (Warks*) TG/PI Brambling HE 09185 PJ.F 05.03.67 Hopwas (Staffs) CDTM V 17.10.71 Aiken (Limburg) Belgium 50° 52' N 5° 18' E KA 07843 Ad.M 15.12.74 Brandon (Warks) BRG X 24.04.76 Nr. Vara, Sweden 58° 16' N 12° 55' E Corn Bunting BV 32296 Ad 22.09.74 Far Cotton (Northampton) V 08.02.76 Exhall (Warks) 63k W ARG 110

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place (k=kilometres) Reed Bunting JS42558 Juv 28.08.73 Upton Warren (Worcs) GHG v 10.10.76 Littleton-on-Severn (Glos) 82k SSW JV 20772 1 Y.F 30.01.75 Wintersett Reservoir (Yorks) v 15.02.76 Exhall (Warks) 160k SSW ARC JH 73075 Juv 29.07.72 Ashton-in-Makerfield (Lanes) v 13.03.76 Northwick (Worcs) 145kSSE CMH KH92111 Ad.F 14.03.76 Southampton (Hants) v 15.06.76 Bodymoor Heath (Warks) 180k N GFA JR78214 1Y 11.08.74 Glossop (Derby) v 30.10.76 Warwick Castle Park (Warks) 130kSSE ARG

Key to Ringers' Initials GFA G F Appleton ARG Arden Ringing Group IPB I P Bainbridge BRG Brandon Ringing Group JB J Blundell CMH C M Hemmings PB P Brown PI P Ireland SCB S C Brown H&DL H & D Lees HRB H R Bryan WEM W E Merrill DKC D K Chesterman CDTM C D T Minton AJC A J Clarke JM J Mountford MWC M W Cooke CP C Potter TE T Edwards RAS R A Stuttard LRG L R Goodyer NJS N J Speek TG T Gray SW S Walker GHG G H Green 111

Key to Contributors y The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the report.

J Abbott TCCattell AG Hall Mrs 0 L Lancaster S Adamson D K Chesterman A Hancock T W Lancaster H G Alexander |J Clark (JCI) M J Harborne fR Langdon R Armfield K J Clifford (MJHa) B D Lawson G A Arnold D A Cope D J Harper Sir T Lea M A Arnold D J Corley S Harrap CB Lee N G Arnold B Craddock G R Harrison H T Lees M J Austin J M Crocker Mrs J V Harrison TC E Link A Curran M Harrison E W Longman P Bache (PBa) D M Hawker J Lord J Bagnall (JBa) LF Dale S M Haynes W J Low A Bailey (ABa) fMrs E Darling H S Hemsley-Hall I R Machin Mrs M R Baker |l Dawson K Heron N C Machin F Baldry A J Dean Mrs J M Heynes G J Mant Mrs V A Baldry A R Dean K Higginson (KHi) D V Mardle fP J Barden P K Dedicoat Mrs E Hillman D S Marland P G Barratt D A Diskin J R Hodson B M Marsh A Bash I J Dix M J Hollis J P Martin L R Bayes R A Dowen E A Hopkins R M askew B Bentley T Doyle G Hopkins H M McGregor K J Bentley P Drabble N Hopkins S McMinn fMiss M Bickerton H Hughes G M Middleton G M Blackman K S Edwards R A Hume C DT Minton ARM Blake S F L Edwards J R Hutchings A Moran A Booth (ABo) D Emley (JRHu) P A Moran S Border G Evans AM Mould fMrs J Boucher R J Evans P D Hyde J Mountford M H Bourne |Mrs I M Evans fE J Bradford J C Eyre-Dickinson M J Inskip J E Newcombe fMrsWG Bradford P B Brookes F Fincher A F Jacobs C D Parnell C P Brooking J E Fortey R J Jennett D Phillips E B Brown P Johnson E G Phillips P Brown Miss B E Jones W J Pigram S C Brown N D Galloway R Jones D I Porter R Brownsword - P Garner C H Potter G C Bruton R P Garnett R Bryant (RBr) P AGIuth Z Karpowicz R B Ratcliffe C Bullock |C G Grant |R Keeling T Reece D E Butler G H Green P P Kelly A J Richards G H C Byford F C Gribble H W Key I N Ricketts W R Byrne C R Griffiths M H King D R Roberts Brandon Marsh R J King |J Roberts Mrs J Cadbury Conservation K N Kingscott B Robertson LA Cadbury Group B L Kington D H Rogers 112

Miss E M Rose Banbury tDTUnderhill S M Whitehouse C Rutter Ornithological S 0 WhitehousR Society A C Wakeman V N Whittaker M Sargeant N J Speak S Walker Mrs M L Williams S M Scaiff G Summers T A Walsh |J Williamson^W/V King Edward's J Walton (JWa) A WWolton School M Waterhouse A J Wood Ornithological R Talbot (MWa) D J Wright Section M E Teesdale Miss Y M Way Mrs K A Wright A Sherlock K H Thomas M J Webb K 0 Simmonc R J Thomae J Welch UW Yalden C J Small C R Thouless S K Welch SGYeo D Smallshire P Till R Went Mrs J C Smallshire Miss G E Timmins D R West M J Smith M B Towers B Westwood fMember of M S Smith M J Townsend P Whitehead Warwick S C H Smith J LTromans I C Whitehouse Natural History T C Smout fMrs J Turner M Whitehouse Society

Species requiring Descriptions To be acceptable for publication, records of the following species must be accompanied by a description sufficient to show how the species was identified and to eliminate all other similar species. Brief details of the prevailing cicumstances and the observer's experience of the species, and others similar, should also be given. Lack of proper descriptions may lead to records being rejected. All national rarities. (Not published unless accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee) All out-of-season migrants Unusual races Divers Grebes, other than Great Crested and Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Duck: Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous, Scaup, Long-tailed, Scoter spp, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and Smew Geese other than Canada and Grey Lag 113

Whooper Swan Raptors other than Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk and Buzzard Quail Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Dotterel, Wood Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Avocet, Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Glaucous/Iceland, Mediterranean, Little, Sabine's and Kittiwake Terns: Roseate, Little and Sandwich Auks Long-eared Owl Hoopoe, Wryneck, Golden Oriole Woodlark, Shorelark Raven Bearded Tit Black Redstart Bluethroat Warblers: Marsh, Melodious, Icterine, Barred, Dartford and Yellow-browed Red-brea6ted Flycatcher Rock/Water Pipit Waxwing Shrikes Hawfinch Twite Buntings: Cirl, Ortolan, Lapland and Snow West Midland Bird Club

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