West Midland Bird Club Canada Goose by M C Wilkes West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 48 1981

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

Contents

2 Officers and Committee 3 Editor's Report 7 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement 10 Secretary's Report 11 Membership Secretary's Report 11 Field Meetings Secretary's Report 11 Research Committee's Report 12 Branch Reports

13 Belvide Reserve 13 Ladywalk Reserve 14 The Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 18 1981 Bird Record Localities 21 Classified Notes

95 Ringing in 1981 106 Key to Contributors 107 Species requiring descriptions

Price £2.00 2

Officers and Committee 1982

President C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire Vice-President G C Lambourne, Melin Dan-y-rhiw, St. Davids, Dyfed Chairman ARM Blake, 102 Russell Bank Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands Deputy Chairman G M Lewis, 9a Plymouth Road, Bamt Green, Birmingham B45 8JE Secretary A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JG Membership Miss J M Nicholls, 296 Olton Boulevard West, Secretary Birmingham B11 3HH Treasurer J H W Ridley, 33 Blakedown Road, Halesowen, West Midlands Editor G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Warwickshire CV35 7LA Field Meetings S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Secretary Birmingham B17 9EL Ringing Secretary P L Ireland, 27 Hainfield Drive, Solihull, West Midlands B91 2PL Permit Secretary Miss M Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close, Birmingham B15 3LX Chairman G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Research Warwickshire CV35 7LA Committee Kidderminster Branch Secretary Staffs Branch D Emley, 127 Harpfields Road, Stoke-on-Trent Secretary Solihull Branch Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, Representative West Midlands Main Committee Miss E Corbett, A R Dean, P K Dedicoat, Mr & Mrs A F Jacobs, R Normand and K A Webb 3

Editor's Report Steve Welch agreed to fill the vacancy in the editorial team left by Alan Dean and I should like to thank him, Pete Dedicoat and Dave Smallshire for their substantial contribution^ to this Report. I should also like to thank Rob Hume for more of his excellent drawings, Bret Westwood for his drawing of the Spanish Wagtail, and everyone who contributed records. During the year the Records Committee was enlarged to five, and rare or unusual records now require at least four supporting votes to be accepted. This brings our procedure in line with British Birds' Rarities Committee, but it is likely to lead to more rejections. This is because too many records are still inadequately substantiated and contributors are urged to remedy this, especially those who submit records on behalf of others. For everyone's guidance a note on the submission of rare or unusual records is being prepared for inclusion in a future Bulletin. Rare birds certainly add spice, but their pursuit ought not to be at the expense of proper behaviour. The birds' welfare should always come first, yet contributors are increasingly asking for records to be kept confidential because they fear disturbance. Such requests are always respected— indeed I sometimes withhold information myself—but it is surely self- defeating when over-zealous pursuit of rarities leads to their whereabouts being suppressed. On the other hand, not enough interest is shown in the commoner species, yet it is essential that we know what is happening to them. Finally, too little information is received away from the well- watched localities. In Warwickshire, especially, practically every record comes from one of half-a-dozen sites. It would be nice to know what occurs elsewhere I G R Harrison

Birds in 1981 In a year that again produced 211 species, 1981 will be remembered for the heavy snow of late April and the unprecedented December freeze. Both seriously affected bird-life. Otherwise the first six months were the dullest and wettest for forty years. Winter was mild, spring cold, summer cool and wet and only autumn produced seasonal weather. The year began with six mild weeks and mainly westerly winds. Of the 1980 birds. Barnacle Geese, Smew, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruff, Spotted Redshank and Great Grey Shrike all stayed into February at least. They were joined in January by Hen Harrier on the second, Kittiwakes on the first and tenth, and two Little Gulls on the latter date. Black Redstart and Lapland Bunting both appeared on the seventeenth. Bittern the next day and Long-eared Owl on the twenty-fourth. At this time almost half the British population of Ruddy Ducks were at Blithfield. The month closed with a Shag on the twenty-ninth and another Smew two days later. February opened with Peregrine and a gaggle of White-fronted 4

Geese on the first, and closed with two Long-tailed Ducks on the twenty- first. In between it was a month for gulls, with two Icelands (part of an influx of Arctic Gulls into Britain), a Mediterranean on the seventh and further Kittiwakes on the next two days. March was the wettest this century, as a series of depressions tracked across the country. Their westerly winds helped winter visitors to depart and wandering Barnacle Geese, two Hooded Crows, two more Iceland Gulls, another Smew and a Red-breasted Merganser might all have been returning to their breeding grounds. One or two Firecrests also appeared. Better weather between the thirteenth and seventeenth brought a strong influx of Sand Martins and Chiffchaffs, the first Wheatear and a small Kittiwake passage. Green Sandpipers were unusually plentiful for spring, with a party of eight on the twenty-second. A second mild, calm spell from the twenty-sixth lasted three days and produced the first Willow Warblers and a party of four Black-tailed Godwits. A cool, easterly airstream dominated April, which began quietly enough with two Little Gulls and the first Swallows. Between the eighth and twelfth, however, warm, unsettled weather from the south brought more interest. Three more Black-tailed Godwits on the seventh were followed by Black-necked Grebe on the ninth, two Marsh Harriers onltheleleventh and thirteenth, and a passage of Little Gulls and Sandwich Terns that was to last into early May. Passage of Arctic Terns began on the nineteenth and lasted a week and a Firecrest was in song on the twentieth. From the twenty-second the weather changed dramatically. A northerly airstream brought very cold, unstable conditions, culminating in severe blizzards and ice-storms on the night of the twenty-fifth/sixth. Many early nestlings and migrants perished, whilst the inland displacement of seabirds was quite unprecedented for spring. The twenty-fifth alone brought several Kittiwakes and Arctic Terns, accompanied by both Arctic and Great Skuas. Also seen on this day were Marsh Harrier, Osprey and Wryneck! A Fulmar appeared on the twenty- sixth, hotly pursued by a Great Skua, and the next two days saw a Hoopoe and a Hen Harrier. By May 5 pressure had dropped and a southerly wind brought warmer weather. Seabird surprises in the aftermath of the storms continued, however, with Great Skua on the third. Red-breasted Merganser next day, Arctic Skua on the ninth and another Great Skua on the tenth. The milder weather also brought a flood of migrants. The first Swifts appeared on the third—equalling their latest ever arrival—a Spoonbill on the sixth. Little Tern and an influx of Bar- tailed Godwits next day and the first Quail on the ninth. By the fourteenth the wind had turned to the south-west and the rest of the month was just right for overshooting or displaced migrants, with southerly winds and overcast skies. Kentish Plover and Temminck's Stint appeared on the sixteenth. Marsh Harrier the next day and Kentish Plover again the day after. A ring-tailed harrier, Osprey and Wood Sandpiper enlivened the 5

nineteenth, but the bird of the spring was a Bluethroat, which appeared on the twenty-fourth. This was one of several in the country about that time. An exciting month finally closed with Night Heron on the twenty- sixth and Red-necked Phalarope on the thirtieth. June was a month of successive depressions and cool, north-westerly winds. Highlights were Osprey on the fourteenth, several calling Quails, Wood Sandpiper on the twenty-sixth and a splendid White-winged Black Tern in full breeding plumage the next day. Breeding success was mixed. Little Ringed Plovers were down to two-thirds of their record 1980 level, three pairs of Oystercatchers could raise only one young and Common Sandpipers were down to just one pair. On the other hand. Common Terns raised a record 37 young, up to three pairs of Ringed Plover nested and four pairs of Hobbies raised nine young. Merlin, Water Rail and Crossbill all bred. Black-headed Gulls expanded into new areas and Firecrests promised to recolonise. The biggest surprise of all, though, was the nesting of Cormorants in Staffordshire—a singularly unusual event inland. July continued unsettled and cool, with the early return of waders perhaps indicative of a poor breeding season. A Little Gull appeared on the first, Whimbrel passage began on the seventh, an adult Little Stint arrived on the eleventh. Wood Sandpiper on the sixteenth and Sanderling on the twentieth. A Hoopoe was also seen during the month. The first week of August was warm and dry, but the rest of the month was cool with heavy rain. Another Wood Sandpiper appeared on the third, the seventh brought a small influx of Black Terns and the start of a Little Gull passage, and a few Little Terns followed in the next two days. North-easterly winds from the tenth to the twelfth brought more Black Terns, Shag on the fifteenth, and Wood Sandpiper and Little Tern again the next day. Seabirds were represented by Kittiwake on the nineteenth and Fulmar the next day, when a Hen Harrier was also seen. Following further north-easterly winds, both Peregrine and Wryneck appeared on the twenty-fifth and the month ended with Marsh Harrier and two Ospreys. September began unsettled, but with mainly westerly winds. There was a good passage of Little Stints and Spotted Redshanks, a Spotted Crake was discovered on the first and Wryneck on the ninth. The weather changed in mid-month as deep depressions tracked westwards, bringing heavy rain. This change was marked by Kittiwake, a small party of Black Terns and two Wood Sandpipers on successive days from the eleventh. Purple Sandpiper then appeared on the sixteenth and Little Bittern on the nineteenth. Finally, strong westerly winds brought Grey Phalarope on the twenty-second, Manx Shearwater on the twenty- seventh and the bird of the autumn—a Sabine's Gull—on the thirtieth. October was dominated by low pressure and a succession of fronts brought westerly or northerly winds. It began with Pied Flycatcher, probably a Scandinavian drift migrant, on the first. Black-necked Grebe on 6

the third and Osprey and Little Tern on the seventh. A brief spell of easterly winds in mid-month brought four Shags, a party of White-fronted Geese, Black-necked or Slavonian Grebe and Snow Bunting between the twelfth and nineteenth. The first Bearded Tit arrived on the twenty-fourth; Peregrine, a party of Kittiwakes and Great Grey Shrike next day; Hen Harrier and another Great Grey Shrike on the twenty-eighth and Bittern on the thirty-first. A major influx of Siskin also occurred during the month. Anticyclones returned in November. Shoveler reached-a record flock of 570 on the first, when Hen Harrier and Firecrest wWes also seen, and Black-throated Diver appeared on the fourth. North-easterly winds from the fifth to the ninth brought an influx of Bewick's Swans, a' Red-breasted Merganser and yet another Firecrest. Westerlies or north-westerlies then returned and with them came Hen Harrier, Long-eared Owl, Red-breasted Merganser, three Black Redstarts, Great Northern Diver and Kittiwake. December began with northerly winds, but normal temperatures. Another Black Redstart on the sixth and Little Gull on the seventh were unusual. On the eighth freezing conditions set in and depressions brought heavy snowfalls, particularly during the following week. At this ,time many Golden Plover moved into or through the Region. Less usual were Whooper Swan and two Red-breasted Mergansers on the ninth; White- fronted Geese, two Smews, two Ruffs and an Iceland Gull on the nineteenth; and Kittiwake, another Iceland Gull, Great Northern Diver and Waxwing soon afterwards. In a final flourish, the year closed with Long- eared Owl on the twenty-sixth. Snow Bunting on the twenty-eighth, two Red-necked Grebes, three Smew and a Hen Harrier on the thirtieth and a small gaggle of Pink-footed Geese on the thirty-first. G R Harrison 7

Treasurer's Report (year ending December 31, 1981) Inflation remained high during 1981 and most of the principal expenses rose steeply. In addition to increased expenditure, reduced subscription income arid reservoir permit income resulted in a deficit of £1,213 in 1981. The accounts show that subscription income by no means covered the principal expenses. It should be noted that bank interest received of £1,039 accrued primarily in the first half of 1981, when the Club's bank deposits were at a high level which will not be equalled in 1982. The Belvide accounts showed a further excess of income over expenditure of £808, thanks to continued support from members and non-members alike in purchasing permits. J H W Ridley

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 31,1981 1981 1980 Income £ £ £ Subscriptions received for 1981 5,649 5,719 Sale of reports 64 89 Building Society interest/Bank interest 1,039 766 Reservoirs (permit fees) 1,108 ' 972 Gifts and donations 8 147 Proceeds of Raffles 56 — Film show receipts 16 — Conservation fair receipts 19 — Field Meetings — 50 Sales of Atlas — 9 Sales of First day cover stamps 10 1,141 Commission on sale of books 9 18

Total Income 7,978 8,901 Less expenditure Donation to RSPB 20 — Stratford Swan appeal — 4 Field meetings — — Indoor meetings 562 642 Reports 2,220 2,015 Bulletins 4,262 2,563 Printing, stationery and postage 872 730 Reservoirs, permit fees and insurance 908 851 Subscriptions to associates 4 17 Kidderminster branch expenses — 29 First day cover stamps — 288 Purchase of projector 343 —

9,191 7,139

Surplus/(Deficit) for the year (£1,213) £1,762 8

Balvida—Income and Expenditure Account for the Year

ended December 31,1981 — - - — - 1981 1980 Income £ £ £ Permits 1,474 1,309 Interest received 34 — Field Meetings 33 33 Donations etc. 10 5 Grazing 115 115 Birds of Belvide 65 85

1,731 1,547 Less expenditure Reserve maintenance — 379 Keys 53 33 Rent 602 602 Insurance 53 53 Car park rent 41 36 Printing 50 —

Postage and general expenses 124 —

923 1,103

SurplusADeficit) for year C808 £444 9

Balance Sheet at December 31,1981 1981 1980 Surplus £ £ £ As at Dnr.RmhRr .11,1380 13,205 10,801 Add: Surplus/(Deficit) on main account (1,213) 1,762 Surplus on Belvide account 808 444 F. Dale Bequest (450) 195 Birds of West Midlands Fund 10,416 — 9,561

As at December 31, 1981 £22,766 £13,205

Represented by:

F. Dale Reserve 7,500 7,500 Current Assets Cash at bank 21,379 2,507 Leicester Building Society — 7,440 Halifax Building Society 540 495 Debtor in respect of Belvide 152 152 29,571 18,094

Less: Current Liabilities Bank overdraft Subscriptions in advance 976 1,213 Permit fees in advance 1,714 1,273 Creditor in respect of Belvide 178 Creditor in respect of Annual Report etc. 4,115 2,225

6.805 4,889

Total Net Assets £22,766 £13,205

Note: The balance of the Birds of the West Midlands Fund includes interest free loans repayable in four years.

We have examined the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Accounts. In our opinion these accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs at December 31, 1981 and of the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

C L Dain & Co, Chartered Accountants St. Johns Court, Wiltell Road, Lichfield J H W Ridley 1982 Hon Treasurer 10

Secretary's Report

Indoor Meetings After 30 years we found ourselves in different surroundings for our indoor meetings. However we quickly settled into our 'new home' in the Birmingham and Midland Institute, thanks to the warm welcome and kind help from Mr Hunt, the Institute's Administrator, and his staff. During the year members were able to enjoy the facilities of the Lyttleton Theatre, where the following speakers informed and entertained us in their varying ways. The programme for the 12 months in question comprised the following:— January Trevor Gunton 'Going Dutch' February Mike Wilkes 'Birds in Close-up' March Annual General Meeting and Graham Harrison 'The Corn Bunting' and Alan Richards 'Bird Illustrators Past & Present' April Dr Raymond O'Connor 'Farmland Bird Populations' May Rob Hume 'Gulls' October Dr Peter Lack 'Winter Atlas' November Valerie MacFarland 'Wildlife of the Dee Estuary' December Richard Mills The Birds of Ireland' At Solihull Technical College, Lecture Theatre, where the smooth running of meetings was entirely due to Mrs Daphne Dunstan, we are also grateful to the following speakers:— February David Smallshire 'Canadian Wildlife' March George Barker 'Urban Wildlife' October Barrie Taylor 'Selous and the Seychelles' November Harry Green 'Greenland Expedition'

Events During the course of the year we played a part, or were represented, at the following events:— Solihull Conservation Fair, March 28 and 29. RSPB Film Show, Town Hall, Birmingham, April 28. The Worcestershire Trust Conservation Fair, Himbleton Manor, June 6. Country Craft and Conservation Day at Birmingham Nature Centre, June 27. The Town and Country Festival, August 29, 30 and 31. The Warwickshire Nature Conservation Trust's Fair at Sutton Coldfield. The Club is indebted to the many helpers who gave their time and energies to ensure our successful participation on each of the above occasions. Permit Schemes During the year permits were issued as follows:— Belvide 501, Blithfield 389 and Ladywalk 462. A J Richards 11

Membership Secretary's Report The membership total at December 31, 1981 was 1899, comprising 1824 adults and 75 juniors. This was an increase of 44 members on the 1980 figures—38 adulls and 6 juniors. This year the membership held steady throughout, with no one month showing a particularly high influx of new members. It has been noticeable this year that many people, when writing for a prospectus or application form, mentioned that either a friend or colleague had informed them of the existence of the Club. Miss J M Nicholls

Field Meetings Secretary's Report Fifteen field meetings were arranged during the year, ranging from Morecambe Bay to Devon, and Point of Ayr to the Ouse Washes, as well as several within the Club's area. Bridgwater Bay was added to the list for the first time. The Devon weekend has now become an established feature, being held on two successive weekends and producing over 90 species. The meeting to the Wyre Forest in April had to be cancelled due to a heavy snowfall. The number of members taking advantage of field meetings continued at a high level, necessitating two coaches where the venues are suitable. It is encouraging that a number of younger members attended regularly as well as a core of regular members, and a number of new members, who can learn from the "experts". I should like to express my thanks to all the members who support the field meetings and especially to those who assist in any way to make them so successful. S H Young

Research Committee's Report Although the Club has had a Research Committee for many years, its constitutional status, like its activities, appear to have been obscured by the mists of time. Accordingly a new constitution was drafted for consideration by the Club's Main Committee. Meanwhile the Committee continued to meet regularly, hearing from the Chairman about the Corn Bunting, Dave Smallshire on the status of the Ruddy Duck and Steve Welch on the birds of Sandwell Valley. Much time was also spent discussing the BTO's Winter Atlas. Initially interest centred around the different surveys being proposed and whether they, or indeed any survey, would yield meaningful, scientific data. Subsequently, once the BTO had decided to proceed, the Committee's concern was to ensure that coverage was complete and that the various organisers had no problems. G R Harrison 12

Staffordshire Branch Report Regular readers of these brief, annual notes will be aware that there is more than a passing concern with conservation among the Branch membership. Over the years much ground has been covered (and some of it, we hope, has been saved) in an attempt to retain a fair share of the county for birds and birdwatchers. The campaign has continued; 1981 will undoubtedly be remembered as the Year of the Act, a time when our legislators were subjected to a blizzard of paper (re-cycled, naturally) from Staffordshire and containing countless suggested amendments to the Wildlife and Countryside Bill. Though some small battles were won, the war, it must be admitted, was lost; the new Act offers no real protection against the major threats to wildlife habitats. The passage of the Bill through Parliament, however, did afford an opportunity to learn something about the gentle art of lobbying—the subject of a fascinating talk in November by Stuart Housden of the RSPB. His was, of course, but one of a number of diverting talks on diverse subjects, ranging from the dangers and delights of birdwatching in remote regions like the Amazon, Siberia, Tanzania and Spitzbergen to the less- distant, but no less pleasurable, sights of the Pennines and the Scottish islands. There were also the customary joint film shows with the RSPB and the County Trust as well as a new venture—an auction of unwanted books and equipment, which enlivened the AGM. In the field our excursions followed a familiar pattern, though the one to Dovedale in late April had the unusual distinction of having to be cancelled because of deep snow I Thanks to generous help with printing from the Longton Round Table, our long-awaited guide to "Birdwatching for the Handicapped in Staffordshire" appeared in December. Good coverage in the press and on local radio resulted in a steady stream of requests for copies, indicating that our initial print of 500 copies was not at all over-optimistic. The year ended with some brighter news from the conservation front. The combined efforts of the Branch and the County Trust have resulted in proposals for a new wetland reserve on the Doxey-Tillington Marshes. We look forward with anticipation to all those rare waders that are even now booking their autumn passage via the heart of Staffordshire ...! E Longman

Kidderminster and District Branch Report A reduced programme of indoor meetings using the King Charles Room venue in Kidderminster again attracted members and visitors. In February the Branch joined with the Local Activity Group of the Worcestershire Nature Conservation Trust for a talk on 'Man's Tribute to Birds' given by Carl Nicholson of the RSPB. At the November meeting David Smallshire made a welcome repeat visit to speak on the 'Birds of Belvide'. 13

A full programme of outdoor meetings was held throughout the year thanks to the efforts of the Branch Chairman, Miss M N Badland, and the Branch Treasurer, Miss B Perkins. The nest box scheme in Lynall's Coppice, Far Forest had its best results in 13 years from a variety of species' viewpoint. Pied Flycatcher (6 nests). Spotted Flycatcher (1), Redstart (3), Treecreeper (1), Great Tit (6), Blue Tit (5) and Starling (1) all used nest boxes in spite of the presence of grey squirrels, which occupied an Upton type box before being ejected. Hair from a grounded dead squirrel was used by one of the Great Tit pair as nest material. A total of 34 young were reared by the Flycatchers and 11 by the Redstarts. The Treecreepers reared 4 young in a specially designed- box and the Starlings 5 in a box designed for owls. The tits successfully brought off as many as 80 young and 10 of these were in one of the Blue Tit boxes. Nuthatches took to one of the boxes early in the year, but were ousted by Great Spotted Woodpeckers; these were disturbed by motor cycle scramblers and abandoned the box to Redstarts which were apparently less nervous and reared 4 young. L R Bayes (Branch Vice-Chairman)

Belvide Reserve A record 501 permits were issued in 1981. No reserve is without its problems and several at Belvide are giving cause for concern. Under the present arrangements, habitat management at Belvide is difficult, to say the least, and the Club is seeking to improve its legal position. A continued high level of financial support from permit sales will, therefore, be of paramount importance in the future. Over 150 species were recorded in 1981, of which at least 60 bred in the area. Highlights of the year were a record 425 Ruddy Ducks in February; a singing' Firecrest in March; Spoonbill, Kentish Plover, 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, Red-necked Phalarope and Great Skua in an exceptionally interesting May; a presumed Ferruginous x Pochard hybrid, which moulted together with a record 843 Tufted Ducks; and a record 570 Shoveler in November. At the end of the year the severe weather resulted in an unusually early and prolonged freezing of the reservoir, with a consequent exodus of diving ducks in particular. Other notable occurrences during the year were a summering Pintail, Scaup, Goshawk (feral). Hobby, displaying Little Ringed Plovers, eleven Ruff (a record), Kittiwake, Little Gull, Sandwich and Little Terns, Rock Pipit, Pied Flycatcher and Hawfinch. D Smallshire Ladywalk Reserve The memorable features of 1981's weather were the heavy snow of late April and the unprecedented low temperatures of December. The intervening seven months produced a recognisable autumn and little else 14

but damp, cool, and very occasionally sunny, periods. During the year, 131 species were recorded, of which Sandwich Tern and Redstart were new for the reserve. The wintry conditions had the most effect on the reserve's birds. In the April snow, early nests suffered, particularly those of ducks and waders, while the sub-arctic spell in December threatened the very survival of Kingfisher and small song birds. The autumn wader passage, thanks mainly to estuarine conditions in the Ash Lagoon, produced a reasonable selection of species, though no great numbers. With so much new water available nearby, the wildfowl pattern is much less predictable, as any disturbance at Coton or Kingsbury can produce large influxes at any time. However, no less than eleven species of wildfowl were present in pairs and ready to nest in early April and broods of ten of these species were subsequently reported; Garganey was the only apparent failure. We are indebted to the station management for the improvement to the wet area in front of Hide A. This larger and well-shaped 'scrape' should prove more attractive to birds than the previous hole. H T Lees

Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 Although many people obviously did recognise the importance of the Wildlife and Countryside Bill when it was introduced into Parliament at the end of 1980, probably few would have predicted that it would arouse the interest, publicity and controversy that followed during the subsequent eleven months. When it finally received the Royal Assent on October 31, 1981, over 2300 amendments had been considered during hundreds of hours of debate, and throughout its time in Parliament the Bill received extensive press coverage with the result that there was an unexpectedly high level of public awareness of the issues involved. Many members of the West Midland Bird Club were active in lobbying MPs when it soon became clear that the Government's proposals in the Bill fell short in many respects of what the conservation movement had hoped for, and several MPs reported receiving more letters concerning the Bill than any other single subject. In the first place, legislation was required to meet the obligations arising from EEC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and from the Berne, Ramsar and Washington Conventions, but the opportunity was also taken to include many other matters relating to the countryside. The end product is an Act.comprising 74 clauses and 17 schedules, but one with which few people will feel completely satisfied, as inevitably there had to be compromise on a number of the major issues. Most Club members will probably feel that Part I of the Act, which includes the clauses dealing with bird protection, is generally satisfactory. 15

Only one bird, the Sparrowhawk, now receives less protection than previously, and there are many species for which the position has been much improved. Some of these changes were made in spite of considerable opposition from the British Field Sports Snr.iety, the Game Conservancy and WAGBI (now the British Association for Shooting and Conservation), and doubtless there will be continuing pressure from these bodies for the law to be further amended. Part I contains many detailed improvements in the protection given to wild birds and introduces a number of important new controls on the keeping of captive birds. Mammals, plants, amphibians and reptiles also benefit from increased protection. It was Part II of the Bill, containing amongst other things the provisions for "habitat protection", which provided the most heated debates, with attention focussed on the vital relationship between agriculture and wildlife. The arguments had been well rehearsed in Marion Shoard's provocative book 'The Theft of the Countryside", but any hopes that the Act would do something to halt the ever increasing losses of heathland, woodland and marshes, which she had highlighted, were very soon dashed. Instead, it became a question of whether even the nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) could be given increased protection. This was regarded as a minimum requirement of the Act by many conservationists, who had begun by looking for strict planning controls to be imposed in the countryside generally. The Government's proposal was that protection of SSSIs should be based on a voluntary code of conduct, which would require landowners and occupiers to give advance notice of their intention to carry out any potentially damaging operations and would obviously need their goodwill and co-operation. In the end it was this view, which had the backing of the powerful farming lobby, that prevailed. Provision was made for the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) to have various back-up powers to prevent damage occurring in the event of the voluntary procedures failing, but in the end the complex system devised depends very heavily on compensation payments being made to landowners and on compulsory purchase. The Act also requires the NCC to carry out the enormous task of re- notifying the owners and occupiers of all 3800 SSSIs why their land is important and exactly what actions might be damaging to the conservation interest. There is also a need for some existing SSSIs to be re-surveyed and a continuing need to consider new SSSIs. (The WMBC has provided the NCC with an appraisal of all existing and potential ornithological SSSIs in the Region. Ed) While the Bill was in Parliament the need was recognised for a high level of finance to be made available in order to ensure that the new system for protecting SSSIs should be effective. The fear was expressed by many conservationists that this finance might not be forthcoming from the 16

Government and a year later this fear can be seen to have been well justified. Already there have been a number of cases where the new legislation has not been successful in protecting an SSSI, due simply to the lack of available cash resources, and the NCC itself has been widely criticised for its approach to some of the problems which have arisen. If a landowner is determined to carry out agricultural "improvements" to his land to the detriment of wildlife, then only cash can stop him and that cash must come largely from the Government. Up to the present time it has been sadly lacking and one of the results has been an understandable reluctance on the part of the NCC to carry out some of its statutory duties. As long as this situation continues, the damage to SSSIs described last year in the House of Lords as "a national and international scandal" will go on, and in this important respect the Wildlife and Countryside Act must be judged a failure. It has succeeded, however, in increasing the general level of interest in conservation of the countryside and has underlined the harsh political realities involved in this. It is, therefore, no more than another round in what will undoubtedly be a long fight. P K Dedicoat

18

1981 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid reference of ait localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a record was submitted in 1981 Warwickshire Admington SP 2046 Hams Hall SP 2092 Red Hill SP 1356 Alvecote SK 2504 Harbury SP 3759 Rugby SP 5075 Arrow SP 085fi Hartshill SP 3294 Ryton SP 3772 Haselor SP 1257 Bedworth SP 3587 Hatton SP 2367 Seeswood Pool SP 3290 Bentley Woods SP 2895 Henley-in-Arden SP 1565 Shustoke SP 2291 Bermuda SP 3589 Hoar Park Wood SP 2693 Stourton SP 2936 Brandon Marsh SP 3875 Studley SP 0763 Burmington SP 2637 Kingsbury Water Park SP 2096 Burton Dassett SP 3951 Tan wort h-in- Kings Newnham SP 4577 Butlers Marston SP 3150 Arden SP 1170 Temple Grafton SP 1254 Ladywalk Chesterton SP 3558 SP 2191 Coleshill SP 2089 Lapworth SP 1671 Lea Marston SP 2093 Ufton SP 3861 Compton Upper Coal Spinney Wynyates SP 3341 Leamington Spa SP 3165 Long Itchington SP 3095 Coombe Abbey SP 4079 SP 4165 Coton SP 2194 Lowsonford SP 1867 Wappenbury Crimscote SP 2347 Wood SP 3770 Mancetter SP 3296 Warwick SP 2864 Middleton SP 1898 Water Orton SP 1791 Dordon SK 2600 Moreton Morrell SP 3155 Welcombe Hills SP 2156 Dray cote Water SP 4669 Wellesbourne SP 2755 Drayton SP1756 Newbold Comyn SP 3365 Whateley SP 2299 Dunchurch SP 4871 Nuneaton SP 3691 Whichford Wood SP 3034 Whitacre Heath SP 2192 Earlswood SP 1174 Packington SP 2284 Willey SP 4984 Edgehill SP 3747 Pillerton Hersey SP 2948 Wilmcote SP 1658 Ettington SP 2648 Polesworth SK 2602 Wishaw SP 1794 Preston Bagot SP 1765 Wolston SP 4175 Grandborough SP 4966 Purley Park SP 3096 Wootton Wawen SP 1563

Worcestershire Abberton SO 9953 Berry Mound SP 0977 Calcot Hill SO 9478 Alfrick SO 7453 Bewdley SO 7875 Captains Pool SO 8474 Arley SO 7680 Bittell SP 0174 Castlemorton Astley SO 7867 Blakedown SO 8878 Common SO 7839 Aston Mill SO 9435 Bordesley SP 0469 Chaddesley Astwood Bank SP 0462 Brakemill Pool SO 8979 Wood SO 9173 Bredon SO 9136 Churchill SO 8779 Baughton SO 8741 Bredon Hill SO 9539 Clent SO 9379 Beckford SO 9735 Bromsgrove SO 9570 Cotton Hackett SP 0075 Berrow Hill SO 9962 Brotheridge Green SO 8241 Cofton Hall SP 0175 19

Coldridge Wood SO 8062 Hollywood SP 0877 Redditch SP 0467 Cowsden SO 9453 Holt SO 8262 Croome so 8844 Holt Fleet SO 8263 Severn Stoke SO 8544 Crowle so 9256 Hoobrook SO 8374 Shemal Green so 9161 Hopwood SP 0375 Shortwood Roughs SP 0170 Defford so 9143 Hornhill Wood SO 9558 Shrawley so 8064 Devils Spittleful so 8074 Sinton SO 8160 Diglis so 8453 Island Pool SO 8580 Sling SO 9477 Dodford so 9373 Stonehall Dowery Dell so 9780 Kempsey SO 8549 Common SO 8849 Dowles Brook so 7676 Kinnersley SO 8743 Stour Hill SO 8373 Droitwich so 8963 Knapp, The SO 7451 Stourport so 8171 Dunley so 7869 Knowles Mill SO 7576 Strensham so 9039 Summerfield so 8373 Eardlston so 6968 Larford SO 8169 Sweetpool so 8979 Eckington so 9241 Lickey SO 9975 Ell Wood so 9679 Little Witley SO 7863 Tenbury Wells so 5968 Evesham SP 0344 Longdon SO 8336 Thicknall so 9079 Eymore Wood so 7779 Lower Moor SO 9847 Trench Wood so 9258 Lower Sapey SO 6960 Trimpley so 7778 Far Forest so 7275 Lynall's Coppice SO 7375 Fladbury so 9946 Uffmoor Wood so 9581 Flyford Flavell so 9854 Madeley Heath SO 9577 Upton-on-Severn so 8540 Forhill SP 0575 Malvern SO 7745 Upton Warren so 9367 Frankley SP 0080 Mamble SO 6971 Martin Walton Hill so 9479 Gadbury Bank Hussingtree SO 8859 Wassell Wood so 7977 Goosehill Wood so 9360 Monkwood SO 8060 Weethley Wood SP 0455 Great Witley so 7566 West Hagley so 9080 Grimley so 8360 Oakley SO 8960 Westwood Park so 8763 Guarlford so 8145 Oldington SO 8173 Wilden so 8272 Ombersley SO 8463 Wissetts Wood so 6772 Hagley so 9180 Woodbury Hill so 7464 Hallow so 8258 Pennyfields SO 9780 Woodcote Green so 9172 Hanbury so 9663 Peopleton SO 9350 Worcester so 8454 Harpley so 6961 Pepper Wood SO 9374 Wychbury Hill so 9181 Hartlebury Pershore SO 9445 Wyre Forest so 7475 Common so 8270 Pirton SO 8747 Wythall SP 0774 Hawksbatch so 7677 High Green so 8745 Ravenshill Wood SO 7353 Yeald Wood SP 0152

Staffordshire Abrahams Valley SK 0020 Bagots Wood SK 0727 Betley SJ 7548 Acton Trussell SJ 9318 Barton-under- Blackbrook Valley SK 0064 Alrewas SK 1715 Needwood SK 1818 Black Lake SJ 8539 Aqualate SJ 7720 Bears Hay Woods SK1511 Blake Brook SK 0761 Beaudesert Old Blithfield SK 0623 Back Forest SJ 9865 Park SK 0313 Branston SK 2120 Baggeridge so 8992 Beech SJ 8538 Brereton SK 0516 Bagots Park SK 0927 Belvide SJ 8610 Brewood SJ 8808 20

Bridgtown SJ 9708 Hartshill SJ 8645 Regents Wood SK 0315 Brocton SJ 9719 Hatherton SJ 9510 Roaches, The SK 0063 Burnt Wood SJ 7434 Hednesford SK 0012 Roach End SJ 9964 Highgate Rudyard SJ 9459 Calf Heath SJ 9210 Common SO 8489 Rugeley SK 0418 Calton SK 1050 High Offley SJ 7826 Rush ton SJ 9362 Cannock SJ 9710 High Onn SJ 8216 Cannock Chase SK 0017 Hilton Park SJ 9505 Canwell SK 1400 Himley so 8891 Seven Springs SK 0020 Chasewater SK 0307 Hixon SK 0025 Sherbrook Valley SJ 9818 Cheslyn Hay SJ 9707 Holden Lane SJ 8950 Shoal Hill SJ 0711 Chillington SJ 8606 Springslade SJ 9616 Codsall SJ 8603 Iverley SO 8781 Stafford SJ 9223 Coombes Valley SK 0052 Standon SJ 8134 Copmere SJ 8029 Jacksons Coppice SJ 7930 Stoke-on-Trent SJ 8745 Croxall SK 1913 Stone SJ 9034 Keele SJ 8045 Stretton Hall SJ 8811 Dane Bridge SJ 9665 Kings Bromley SK 1216 Style Cop SK 0315 Deep Haye Pools SJ 9653 Kinver SO 8383 Swallow Moss SK 0660 Dosthill SK 2100 Knighton SJ 7427 Swindon so 8690 Dovedale SK 1452 Swineholes SK 0450 Doxey (recorded as Leacroft SK 0009 Swynnerton SJ 8535 Tillington) Leek SJ 9856 Drayton Bassett SK 1900 Lichfield SK 1109 Tamworth SK 2003 Little Aston SK 0900 Teddesley Park SJ 9415 Eccleshall SJ 8329 Little Hay SK 1202 Tillington SJ 9024 Elford SK 1810 Loggerheads SJ 7335 Tittesworth SJ 9959 Endon SJ 9253 Longnor SK 0864 Tixall SJ 9722 Enville SO 8386 Longsdon SJ 9554 Trentham SJ 8640 Loxley SK 0531 Trescott so 8497 Fenton SJ 8944 Loynton Moss SJ 7824 Ford Green SJ 8950 Lud's Church SJ 9865 Four Ashes SJ 9208 Walton SJ 8933 Four Crosses SJ 9509 Maer SJ 7938 Wandon SK 0314 Fradley SK 1513 Milldale SK 1354 Waterhouses SK 0850 Fullmoor Wood SJ 9411 Milton SJ 9248 Weeford SK 1403 Mottey Meadows SJ 8313 Westport SJ 8550 Gailey SJ 9310 Wheaton Aston SJ 8512 Gib Torr SK 0264 Newcastle-under- Whitgreave SJ 8928 Goldsitch SK 0164 Lyme SJ 8445 Whittington SK 1608 Gradbach SJ 9965 Whittington SF SO 8582 Gun Hill SJ 9761 Oldacre Valley SJ 9718 Wilnecote SK 2201 Wombourn SO 8692 Halldale Pattingham SO 8299 Woodseaves SJ 7925 Hanch Reservoir SK 1013 Penkridge SJ 9214 Hanchurch SJ 8441 Perton so 8598 Yoxall SK 1419

Wast Midlands Alcott Wood SP 1786 Amblecote so 9085 Balsall Common SP 2476 Aldridge SK 0500 Ashen Coppice so 9195 Barr Beacon SP 0697 21

Bartley SP 0081 Hockley Heath SP1572 St Margarets Birmingham City Hydes Road Pool SO 9994 Hospital SP 0594 Centre SP 0686 Sandwell Valley SP 0291 Birmingham Kings Heath SP 07R1 Shirley SP 1178 University SP 0483 Solihull SP 1579 Stoke SP 3779 Bournville SP 0481 Lifford Reservoir SP 0579 Branton Hill SK 0700 Stourbridge SO 9084 Brierley Hill SO 9186 Stubbers Green SK 0401 Marston Green SP1785 Brownhills SK 0405 Sutton Coldfield SP 1296 Meriden SP 2482 Sutton Park SP 0997 Minworth SP1692 Castle Bromwich SP 1489 Swan Pool SP 0292 Moseley SP 0783 Clayhanger SK 0404 Swanshurst Park SP 0981 Coventry SP 3379 Nechells SP 0989 Tettenhall SJ 8700 Dudley SO 9490 New Invention SJ 9601 Tidbury Green SP 1075 Dunstall SJ 9100 Newtown SO 9791 Tipton SO 9492 Northfield SP 0279 Tividale SO 9790 Edgbaston SP 0584 Edgbaston Ocker Hill SO 9793 Vale Hall SP 0584 Reservoir SP 0486 Olton SP 1381 Elmdon SP1682 Oxley SJ 9002 Walsall SP 0198 Erdington SP 1191 Walsgrave SP 3881 Peascroft Wood Wednesfield SJ 9400 Four Oaks SP 1198 Pedmore SO 9182 West Park SO 9099 Pelsall SK 0103 Winson Green SP 0488 Halesowen SO 9683 Pendeford SJ 9002 Witton SP 0891 Hampton-in-Arden SP 2080 Pensnett SO 9188 Wolverhampton SO 9198 Handsworth Wood SP 0590 Perry Barr SP 0791 Wyken Slough SP 3683

Classified Notes The sequence followed is that of the "British Birds" List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1978) which follows Professor K H Voous' "List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species" (1977). 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 1981. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based. In tables, — denotes no count available. See page 106 for key to contributors.

Black-throated Diver Warks One at Draycote on November 11 RCM.

Great Northern Diver Warks A single bird visited Draycote briefly on November 29 RCM, followed by another bird which stayed from December 22 until at least the end of the year ARD, PDH, JPM. RCM. This constitutes the fourth consecutive December record from this locality. 22

Little Grebe Warks Breeding was reported hum Alvecote, Brondon, Draycoto, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Packington and Water Orton. Maximum counts of note were 14 at Alvecote on November 29, 26 at Draycote on October 19, 25 at Hartshill on October 20 and 30 at Kingsbury on November 7. Worcs Bred at Bittell, Lower Moor Gravel Pits, Oakley, Upton Warren and Wilden. Twenty birds were counted at Pirton Pool on August 26. Staffs Breeding reported from Belvide, Black Lake, Blithfield, Keele University, Kings Bromley, Swynnerton and Trentham Park. WMid Three or four pairs bred at Edgbaston Park and nesting was also noted at Branton Hill, Meriden, Minworth, Sandwell Valley and Stubbers Green, with a possible breeding pair in Sutton Park.

Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 10 11 19 19 16 20 19 17 14 10 Draycote 75 140 105 83 60 40 82 30 30 43 70 180 Kingsbury 14 12 25 49 — — — — 23 20 31 2

Bittell 6 19 22 13 16 14 17 11 5 4 11 10 Upton Warren 5 4 11 5 3 3 4 Westwood 8 s 1 6 1 6 5 7

Belvide 3 20 9 5 10 12 11 10 14 25 18 11 Blithfield 85 59 68 70 98 50 87 127 98 131 145 100 Chasewater 6 8 11 - - 9 5 — — — 3 3 5 5 Kings Bromley 4 5 8 10 14 — — — 14 14 22 20

Warks Nesting reported from eight sites, with reasonable success rates. Worcs Breeding was only reported from Captains Pool, Strensham and Upton Warren. Staffs Nested with great success at Elford, whereas, in contrast to last year, only 20 young were hatched at Blithfield. Nesting took place at a further eight sites, with varied success. WMid Nesting from four localities produced only two broods, due mainly to excessive disturbance. Up to 20 birds were present in Sutton Park during March.

Red-necked Grebe Warks A single bird at Coton on December 30 JAA, whilst on the same day a single bird, possibly the same individual, was seen at Draycote PDH, JPM, RCM.

Black-necked Grebe Worcs A bird in full breeding plumage was present at Upton Warren on 23

April 9 SFLE, REH, AFJ et at, whilst another bird turned up later in the year at Pirton Pool on October 3 and stayed until the following day^/W.

Black-necked/Slavonian Grebe Warks A bird, apparently showing characteristics of both species, was present at Draycote from October 17 to 25 many observers.

Fulmar Warks One at Draycote on April 26 MWF, RCM, CHP. Staffs A single bird flew NW over Blithfield on August 20 JEF.

Manx Shearwater Worcs An interesting record of a bird found exhausted on a garden lawn on September 27. It was kept overnight, during which time it was fed, and was subsequently released at Bittell. It was not seen the following day and presumably left during the night.

Cormorant Warks Up to nine were present at Draycote in May and there were scattered records from Alvecote, Brandon, Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Packington. Worcs Six seen on River Severn at Bewdley on March 28, whilst records were also received from Arley, Bittell, Holt Fleet, Trimpley and Upton-on-Severn. Staffs Monthly maxima:

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

Belvide 5 1 5 10 7 1 0 2 7 4 3 0 Blithfield 30 42 24 21 7 2 2 6 15 15 20 52 Branston — 12 20 6 9 — — — — — 14 — Kings Bromley 80 78 79 41 62 3 2 4 34 67 75 52

Of most interest was the first county record of breeding, in which a single pair raised three young. This record is even more interesting when viewed on a national scale, as inland breeding records in England are almost unheard of nowadays. Another exceptional record was of 120 at Blithfield in late December GT. Other notable records were 17 birds flying N over Loggerheads on April 4 and 14 flying S-at Trentham on September 22. Many scattered records were also received from Aqualate, Chasewater, Gailey, Rudyard, Tittesworth, Trentham and Westport. WMid Up to three present at Bartley, with a single bird at Edgbaston Reservoir on December 31. A single bird flew over the Sandwell Valley on October 10, and four were present there on October 20. 24

Shag Warks Only two records from Draycote this year, with an immature staying from August 1 5 to 23 ARD, RCM, and an adult present on October 12 MWF. Worcs A single at Trimpley on January 29 B W. Staffs An immature observed at Blithfield from October 18 to 25 ARD, PDH, MJI, and two seen at Chasewater on October 14, one of which was found dead on October 31 whilst the other stayed until December 13 ARMB, GE et a/.

Bittern Warks Noted at Brandon on February 26, March 12 and 15 BMCG. Staffs Two birds reported at Aqualate on January 18, and a single bird paid a brief visit to Mill Pool, Longsdon on October 31 TEG.

Little Bittern Warks An immature at Brandon from September 19 to 20 JECB, BMCG. SAL et at. constituted the third record in the county in recent years. Small Jay-sized heron, with a sharply pointed bill. Head appeared dark; mantle, scapulars and wing coverts were chestnut; back, rump, underparts and tail were dark. Legs and feet were yellow/brown. Wing beats were relatively rapid, with a light easy action.

Night Heron

Warks An immature at Coombe Abbey from May 26 to 29 JECB, MWF, SAL Medium-sized heron, comparable with Herring Gull in size. Mantle was grey/brown with buffish speckling on back and breast; belly pale buff; wing coverts tipped buff, giving two distinct wingbars; whereas wings lacked any contrast on the underside. Eyes were red/orange, bill was blue/grey being darker 25

at the tip, and legs were pale buff/yellow. Flight was fairly rapid, and feet barely protruded beyond the tail. When perched, the bird was hunched, with the bill pointing downwards, and it always stayed in the uppermost branches.

Grey Heron Warks 25 nests occupied at Coombe and six at another site in the Avon Valley. Maxima were 25 at Kingsbury on August 17, 34 at Draycote in August, 18 at Ladywalk on September 12 and 11 at Packington on November 22. Worcs 14 pairs raised 22 young at the Severn Valley heronry, but 12 of these died during the freak April snow. Maximum counts were 21 at Holt on August 14 and eight at Upton Warren on August 31. Staffs Numbers of nests rose yet again to 191, with 43 at Aqualate, 65 at Bagots Wood, eight at Chillington, 18 at Enville, 25 at Gailey, four at Longsdon, one near Waterhouses and a further 27 at a site in the SE of the county. Numbers elsewhere were poor, with a maximum of 30 at Blithfield. WMid A maximum of seven in the Sandwell Valley on November 29, with a few scattered records from Erdington, Lifford, Marston Green, Minworth, Olton Mere, Stubbers Green and Tidbury Green.

Spoonbill Staffs One paid a brief visit to Belvide on May 6 per DS.

Mute Swan Details of 25 nests were received. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A s 0 N D

Alvecote 25 23 25 28 65 80 132 145 56 8 6 3

Belvide 9 S 7 22 27 53 68 67 18 7 17 10 Blithfield 0 0 3 0 6 — 31 29 11 1 1 3 Chasewater 12 1 2 0 2 2 2 4 11 31 35 29 Westport 18 22 19 18 17 14 10 10 8 17 18 16

Warks 92 were at Kingsbury in November. A pair at Ladywalk raised seven young, including five 'Polish' type. Staffs 23 were at Himley on December 15 and, once again, the moulting flock at Belvide increased to a new record level of 60'.

Bewick's Swan Warks At Draycote there were two on January 4, 34 on February 3, 28 on November 7 and 10 on December 24, whilst at Kingsbury there were four on February 28, 21 on November 7 and six on December 31. Finally, at Brandon there were four on January 15, 16 on February 23 and eight on December 13. 26

Words Three were present at Crowle on February 1, 22 at Eckington in January and eight at Pirton on January 4. Staffs Recorded at Blithfield from January 10 to March 1, with a maximum of 32 on January 11, and again in autumn, with a single bird on November 8 and 12 on December 12. Three were at Yoxall on October 24, one at Westport on October 22, three at Longsdon during January and four there between November 28 and December 7. WMid Nine flew over Sutton Park on November 7.

Whooper Swan Staffs Up to six present in the Longsdon area from January 1 to 25 PGB, IRM, and three from December 7 to 12. Two were at Blithfield on December 19 WJL, and the two birds at Tillington in 1980 stayed until February 2AFCG, DS. WMid One at Bartley on December 9 A WH.

Pink-footed Goose Warks Four flew over Draycote on February 2 CHP and a single bird was at Coton on December 31 DJM, SIH. Staffs A single feral bird was at Blithfield from January 18 until February 21 and a flock of 18 flew over Chasewater on December 31 GE.

White-fronted Goose Warks 26 birds flew into Draycote on December 19 ARD, PDH, RCM, increasing to 32 on December 25 and staying through into 1982. A single was seen at Kingsbury on December 12 JEF. Staffs Three birds, considered to be feral, at Blithfield from January 17 until March 7, with four presumably wild birds there on October 1 5 ARD, JCE-D, PDH, MJI. WMid Six adults paid a brief visit to Bartley on February 1 A WH.

Greylag Goose Feral birds reported as follows: Warks Two pairs raised four and five young at Ladywalk, and another pair raised three young at Brandon. There was also a pair at Alvecote in May. At Kingsbury, there was a maximum of 101 on September 27, with the same number being counted at Packington Park. A single was seen at Seeswood Pool. Staffs Two at Blithfield were present from 1980 until May 2. Maximum at Belvide was nine on October 21, with 16 flying W on December 19. Singles were seen at Aqualate, Copmere and Kings Bromley.

Snow Goose With reference to seven birds at Kingsbury on April 30 and May 1 27

1980, it is interesting to note that a flock of 18 birds in Holland from April 18 to 26 1980 included a Canadian ringed bird. Warks Singles at Kingsbury on August 9 and November 8. Worcs A single bird at Captains Pool and Wilden between March and May 11. Staffs One at Aqualate on November 15.

Canada Goose Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 22 34 25 9 6 — — 40 17 4 4 Kingsbury 350 320 180 56 — 257 300 382 234

Bitlell 96 4 60 — 8 7 6 276 296 222 62 —

Aqualate 566 480 107 592 288 Belvide 107 139 50 22 29 33 29 43 84 61 1 280 Kings Bromley 224 186 208 122 452 280 350 257 162

Warks Up to 91 birds at Brandon in January where nine pairs bred rearing 19 young. Notable maxima were 178 at Ladywalk on August 27, 213 at Packington on September 6—where only three young were raised—and 86 at Seeswood Pool on November 19. Worcs 50 at Grimley on November 29, 130 at Holt G P on September 15 and 70 at Wilden on December 5. Staffs Maxima of 100 at Copmere on January 28, 257 at Gailey on June 26 and 170 at Hatherton Hall on September 6. A bird showing characteristics of the race minima or taverneri was present at Blithfield in September, where the maximum count was 400 in December. WMid 300 at West Park on October 11, 105 at Vale Hall on November 20 and 87 in the Sandwell Valley on December 29.

Barnacle Goose Feral birds unless otherwise stated. Warks The nine birds from 1980 stayed at Earlswood into January and most remained until March 4, when the last seven left. [See also comments re birds in Staffs.] Two were at Alvecote on February 21, and singles at Brandon on March 13, Ladywalk in late April and May, Kingsbury on June 9 and Seeswood Pool on June 11. Worcs Two at Holt G P on November 8 and one at Upton Warren on December 7. Staffs Two at Belvide from February 21 to 28,. and singles in February, March and October. Seven at Codsall on March 9 JKH, with presumably the same party over Penkridge on March 15 JKH, and 28

eight at Chasewater on March 17 GE were most probably wild birds, in view of similar occurrences elsewhere in the country. Possibly they were the Earlswood birds. One at Tittesworth from March 21 to April 11. WMid Two birds present at Bartley on February 18 and 19 JTB with one on February 22, and singles in the Sandwell Valley on February 26 PMH, PAF, and at Stoke Floods in December.

Egyptian Goose WMid One remained in the Edgbaston Park-Vale Hall area throughout the year.

Shelduck Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 3 3 1 4 4 6 6 6 1 Brandon — — 1 1 4 4 1 — — — 4 — Draycote 1 2 7 4 1 — — — 2 — 2 — Kingsbury 3 10 9 13 10 9 4 7 2 5 2 — Ladywalk 0 2 2 4 3 — — 4 — 5 5 3

Upton Warren — — 2 2 — — 5 2 3

Belvide 6 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 Blithfield — 5 — — — — — 1 4 — — — Chasewater 1 1 — 3 3 —

Warks Single pairs bred at Alvecote, hatching four young, and Ladywalk, raising three young. Three pairs bred at Kingsbury, with broods of nine, six and two, of which less than half fledged. Single birds were seen at Ryton and Hartshill. Worcs Several records from Bittell, with a single bird on February 7, two on August 17 and October 16 and a maximum of four on December 7. At Wilden singles occurred on April 3, from August 9 to 16 and on October 19, with three present on September 18. Singles were also seen at Trimpley on February 18, Captains Pool from September 10 to October 7 and Pirton on December 15. Staffs Six at Westport on January 24, two at Branston on February 2 and March 29, five at Aqualate on March 15 and four at Longsdon on December 4. Singles were recorded at Westport on January 11, Tittesworth on January 25 and October 24, and Rudyard on August 2 and from October 25 to December 6. WMid Two at Bartley on February 11 and three on November 11, with singles at Edgbaston Reservoir on March 23 and 24, and Sandwell Valley on December 21. 29

Mandarin Warks One male and three females present at Coombe AbbeV in the spring, where six young were hatched, and a pair seen at Brandon on August 11. Worcs Three birds on Dowles Brook on March 31.

Wigeon Average: August 24 (43) to May 2 (46) A few lingered into May, with the last at Kingsbury on 17. Returned to Belvide on August 2 and to other waters later in month. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A A S 0 N 0

Alvecote 21 SO 39 5 4 14 15 Brandon 52 62 45 3 3 7 3 2 7 Draycote 146 281 25 — — 10 — 55 — Ladywelk 150 132 105 35 2 2 20 54 64

Aqualate 1B5 400 44 1 4 40 Belvide B5 57 22 10 1 5 2 30 31 Blithfield 831 1063 396 120 — 17 106 450 772 Tittesworth 120 100 129 — — — — 71 —

Warks There were many scattered records from Kingsbury in all winter months, with a maximum count of 165 on November 2. Also of note were 69 birds at Shustoke on January 24 and February 1 5. Worcs 11 was the maximum number recorded at Bittell, on December 9, 25 were at Strensham on March 15 and a few birds were present at Upton Warren from September 9, with a maximum of 11 on November 8. Singles were recorded at Holt on September 18 and October 11 and Oakley on October 2. Staffs 102 were at Abbots Bromley on January 4. Three birds were present at Chasewater on January 24 and two on March 29. Two more were present on September 19 and numbers then fluctuated until the end of the year, with the highest count being 20 on October 19. Records were also received from Bagots Park, Copmere, Elford, Kings Bromley and Westport Lake. WMid Present at Bartley from January to April and in August, November and December, with a maximum count of 145 in February. Singles were recorded at Sutton Park on November 7 and Edgbaston Reservoir on December 3. 30

Gadwall Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Brandon 5 15 14 8 6 6 1 4 3 Draycote 23 30 20 — — — — — 2 8 23 9 Kingsbury 36 44 22 9 , 9 10 4 30 37 59 73 15 Ladywalk 8 3 — 4 3 7 14 S 13 13 — 1

Belvide 0 0 1 2 2 2 4 4 3 1 . 2 0 Blithfield — 1 — 1 2 2 — — — 1 1 2

Warks Pairs bred at Ladywalk and Kingsbury producing two broods, each of nine. Two were at Ryton on February 8, two at Alvecote on August 29 and 14 at Middleton on November 1 5. Worcs At Bittell, small numbers up to four present until March 17. 17 were at Pirton Pool on February 15, up to five at Upton Warren on September 9, and pairs at Oakley from February 21 to 28 and Wilden from May 1 5 to 19. Staffs Up to eight at Branston on April 4, one at Chillington on September 20 and three at Chasewater on October 2. WMid Two birds noted at Witton Lakes on February 27 and two at Edgbaston Reservoir on November 7.

Teal Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 50 50 20 12 2 2 3 75 130 100 125 35 Brandon 130 220 95 90 9 5 11 168 247 300 310 140 Draycote 150 60 11 — — — — — 3 — 61 — Kingsbury 125 157 80 14 4 — — — 20 97 100 120 Ladywalk 300 250 85 70 4 3 1 27 90 60 100 180 Water Orton 137 92 34 — — — — — 51 82 72 39

Bittell 92 89 50 4 3 3 14 11 43 BO Upton Warren 20 37 8 8 — — 6 12 59 136 60 45

Aqualate 80 149 17 — 33 11 Belvide 267 143 44 18 5 2 5 29 46 64 87 121 Blithfield 380 575 146 — 4 — 25 100 727 152 58 255

Minworth 137 92 34 10 — 18 51 82 72 39

Warks One pair raised five young at Lea Marston and up to 30 birds were seen at Middleton on September 7. Worcs Notable concentrations were 60 at Strensham on March 1 5 and 65 at Holt G P from October 30 to November 8. Staffs Recorded at Chasewater, Himley and Kings Bromley. WMid Good numbers were seen in the Sandwell Valley, with 65 present on December 28. Otherwise 20 at Stubbers Green on January 11 31

was the only notable record, although small numbers were reported from Bartley and Edgbaston Reservoir.

Mallard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 100 116 32 82 164 123 30 35 103 101 155 Brandon 55 55 44 36 67 163 93 130 70 40 26 15 Chesterton 142 176 14 — — — — — — 158 135 — Draycote 920 650 87 — — — — 500 560 '500 730 — Earlswood 120 — — — — — — — — — — — Kingsbury 150 232 90 — — — — — 364 328 371 383 Ladywalk 250 550 44 — — 150 300 — 600 500 400 500

Bittell 262 125 70 89 170 290 280 104 Upton Warren 218 202 18 31 41 53 145 342 178 257 149 130 Westwood 64 84 14 — — — — — 150 20 18 40

Aqualale 1400 1655 30 550 1150 Belvide 1300 1058 115 100 142 402 402 470 1020 1000 1 171 960 Blithfield 1353 1147 128 — — — 45 445 1258 1300 1449 1349 Chillington 100 300 30 — — — — — 200 110 34 200 Kings Bromley 334 292 35 35 — 32 37 60 82 175 295 388

Sutton Taik 200 193 90 102 116 202 162

Warks Eight broods totalling 50 young were reared at Alvecote. A maximum of 395 was recorded at Coombe on December 13. Worcs 65 young were reared at Bittell and three broods totalling 22 young were raised at Wilden. Staffs 21 broods totalling at least 73 young were reared at Belvide. 116 at Chasewater on December 13 was a locality record and 300 were at Copmere on October 18. WMid Very few breeding records received, with three broods recorded in the Sandwell Valley and two noted at Minworth.

Pintail Average: September 7 (37) to April 17 (42) Very few spring records, but last noted on May 30 at Brandon. Returned on August 8, to Kingsbury, and noted elsewhere later in the month. Warks At Alvecote singles were noted from February 21 to 22 and November 14 to 15, with a pair on March 1. Singles were also noted at Brandon on May 30, October 19 to 23 and November 23. Draycote had three on October 10, two on November 9 and December 15, and singles on February 8, September 8 to 13 and November 7. The maximum count at Kingsbury was seven on October 4, but two birds were also noted on March 15, September 19 and November 21, and singles on February 4, May 10, July 7, August 8 to 30, September 6 to 26 and October 3 to 32

12. Two were at Ladywalk on July 19 with singles from January 30 to February 14, on August 10 and 1G, fiOm September 0 to 27 and on October 15. One was also seen at Seeswood on February 6. Worcs Single birds were at Abberton on December 6, Bittell on November 25, Strensham on March 15 and Upton Warren from January 2 to 25 and April 13. Staffs 10 present at Aqualate on October 18, with a single on January 18. One remained at Belvide throughout the year until December 13. During Its slay it was joined by a pair on January 24 and singles on May 2 and 29, August 16 and from November 14 to December 4, whilst six flew over on September 5. Six were also present at Blithfield on September 19, with five on July 19, four on February 24, September 13 and November 15, two on March 1 and singles on February 1 and December 12. Chasewater held three on December 12, with one still present the following day, two were noted at Tixall on February 23 and singles at Westport on February 22 and Whittington on March 2. Garganey

Average: April 1 (38) to September 27 (37) First noted on April 12 at Ladywalk and last seen on October 4 at Kingsbury. Warks A pair arrived at Kingsbury on April 21, followed by a single on May 31 and a drake from August 30 to October 4, which was joined by another on the final day of its stay. At Ladywalk, a pair arrived on April 12 and stayed throughout the breeding season, two drakes were present on May 9 and single drakes were seen on May 1 and August 22. Disturbance by irresponsible, illegal wildfowling may have thwarted any possible breeding attempt. A duck was at Alvecote on September 5. Worcs A drake arrived at Upton Warren on April 25, followed by two on April 27, a drake on May 25, three on July 29 and two from September 5 to 22. Singles were noted at Holt on August 9, Bittell on August 16 and Wilden on September 9. 33

Staffs All records involved autumn birds at Belvide, with up to three present from August 11 to 26, reducing to two from August 27 to September 12. Shoveler Monthly maxima at principal waters:

JFMAMJJASOND

Alvecote 2136231 10 22 9 3 — Brandon 11 10 7 5 2 7 10 16 4 25 15 1 Kingsbury 70 54 20 4 5 5 5 35 1 10 138 150 63 Ladywalk 27 25 18 24 2 3 — 19 17 35 8 —

Upton Warren 12 30 24 5 2 — — 47 50 65 69 47

Aqualate 5 7 8 10 — — — 20 — 150 15 — Belvide 134 96 21 16 6 5 9 364 360 468 570 265 Blithfield 15 55 82 — • 1 — — 5 19 18 20 3 Warks Brood of five at Kingsbury was the only breeding record, although birds were present at Ladywalk. Also noted at Draycote, Packington and Seeswood. Worcs Small numbers present at Bittell throughout the year. Also noted at Captains Pool, High (ireen, (Jakleyi Pirton Pool and Wilden, where 47 birds were recorded on October 11. Staffs 570 at Belvide on November 1 was a regional record, whilst 120 were counted at Chillington on September 13 and records were also received from Chasewater and Westport. WMid Small numbers of up to 18 at Minworth, on August 9, with scattered records from Bartley, Edgbaston Reservoir, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park and Tipton.

Pochard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

JFMAMJJASOND

Alvecote 164 189 145 30 18 22 23 21 2 42 88 114 Brandon ' 27 39 27 3 3 2 1 1 7 8 7 79 Coton/Lea Marston 1180 600 95 — — 32 — — 90 279 125 990 Draycote 156 156 90 2 — — — — 2 57 500 — Kingsbury 1243 1200 65 — — — — — 123 774 1450 100

Upton Warren 81 59 12 4 — 2 2 1 24 188 238 115 Westwood 76 36 8 — — — — — — 70 1 2

Belvide 342 119 87 24 16 28 106 109 60 67 141 21 Blithfield 165 143 141 — — 21 44 12 29 110 162 220 Chasewater 35 21 3 — — — — — 14 35 51 44 Chillington 114 — — — — — — — 60 36 14 1 Gailey 91 64 100 — — — — — — 10 29 — Himley 88 — — — — — — — — — 56 71 Westport 52 65 80 12 2 0.11 6 0 58 82 66

Hydes Road Pool 52 31 38 7 28 42 51 34

Warks Five broods at Alvecote, totalling 11 young reared. A maximum of 496 noted at Shustoke on December 13. Worcs There was no breeding recorded at Oakley this year. Maximum counts of note were 84 at Pirton on February 15 and 55 at Wilden on March 6. Staffs Maximum counts of note were 96 at Aqualate on November 15 and 77 at Kings Bromley on March 2. WMid Up to 44 at Edgbaston Reservoir on March 1 and 43 at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, on October 21.

Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 147 160 151 104 33 46 61 90 85 Brandon 47 77 55 48 26 31 35 15 12 24 29 56 Coton/Lea Merston 540 605 153 — — — — — 512 612 107 1090 Draycote 700 176 60 240 53 550 800 Kingsbury 400 405 280 — — — — — 374 450 601 20 Ladywalk 41 67 73 46 — 50 146 — 26 42 180 20 Shustoke 178 228 62 — — 300 350 — 141 200 500 930

Bittell 180 74 80 9 12 10 27 74 76 145 175 6 Upton Warren 73 58 65 72 44 19 29 38 10 35 30 41

Aqualate 71 131 29 15 34 Belvide 200 332 150 220 200 194 500 843 500 120 160 27 Blithfield 12 137 109 — 23 33 38 54 39 5 42 128 Branston 120 167 50 — — — — — 66 72 42 — Chasewater 370 220 120 62 30 5 — 1 270 370 475 480 Chillington 67 57 54 — — — — — 175 12 38 30 Gailey 109 80 25 — — — — — 23 32 55 — Kings Bromley 172 146 66 68 54 53 55 45 28 30 39 72 Westport 135 124 63 9 9 0 1 3 4 28 109 109

Bartley 22 52 6 6 7 - 34 15 46 8 98 Sutton Park 260 50 62 32 32 46 26

Warks 930 at Shustoke on December 15 and 1090 at Coton/Lea Marston, also in December, were both locality records. 14 broods at Alvecote totalled 50 young and six broods totalled 37 young at Ladywalk, where an unprecedented 500 gathered on December 22. Worcs Four broods at Upton Warren totalled 25 young and breeding was also reported from Holt and Grimley. Staffs 1 5 broods at Belvide totalled 62 young and the moulting flock there in August was a locality record. 170 were at Copmere on November 15. WMid Three broods at Sandwell Valley which produced 14 young, and one brood at Minworth, with nine young, were the only breeding records. 130 at West Park on December 27. 35

Scaup Warks A drake was present at Draycote from the start of the year until at least January 25 many observers. It was joined by two ducks on January 18 JAA, whilst in autumn a pair was present on October 24 PDH and a drake stayed briefly on December 26 RCM. At Kingsbury two ducks were present on January 7 BLK, an immature male from January 17 to February 28 JAA and an immature female on November 14 JAA. Nearby Lea Marston held an immature drake from January 11 to March 7 JAA, PDH, JEF, another immature drake from May 2 to 6 JAA, a single duck on October 4 ARD, and two ducks from October 31 to the end of the year, which were joined by another duck and a drake on December 30 many observers] A single drake was at Shustoke on June 26 BLK. Staffs A very poor year. The duck present at Westport in 1980 remained only until January 1 PGB, WJL, IRM. The only other records were of two ducks and a drake at Belvide on December 31 DS, JKH and a female at Branston on January 5 and 12 MSS. WMid Presumably the birds seen later at Belvide were present on an unfrozen canal at Dunstall from December 26 to 29 DS et al. Aythya hybrids Once again there were several records of Tufted x Pochard, Tufted/Scaup and Ferruginous/Pochard hybrids, although many such birds now seem impossible to identify with any certainty. Consequently there is a real case for extreme caution.

Long-tailed Duck WMid Two ducks present at Edgbaston Reservoir on February 21 MAS.

Common Scoter Warks Once again, all records were from Draycote, with a female on April 10 RCM, a male joining it on April 24 GJM, another pair present from July 22 to 31 ARD, RCM, CHP, and three drakes on October 5 RCM. Worcs A single record of a duck at Upton Warren on October 5 REH. Staffs Two ducks and two drakes were present at Blithfield on April 5 AC, ARD, GS, with single drakes on November 15 WJL and December 19 AC. A pair was also seen at Chasewater on April 5 REA, GE. Two ducks and a drake were at Tittesworth on October 24 PGB, and a single duck was at Westport on the same day PGB. WMid A drake at Bartley from August 12 DRR to 15 JTB, MJi, a female on August 24 and 25 and another drake on September 13 and 14 MSS. 36

Goldeneye Average: September 27 (41) to May 6 (39) One or two May records, with the latest two birds at Belvide on 19 (excluding summering individuals). First autumn record also from Belvide on October 1 7, but not well-distributed until the end of the month. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A S 0 N D

Draycote 47 45 SO 21 1 16 66 65 Kingsbury 40 43 53 13 2 4 26 31

Blithfield 53 58 90 77 0 6 24 40 Belvide 20 19 40 25 0 7 30 43 Chasewater 77 62 72 47 — 2 51 46

Warks Maximum of 35 at Shustoke on January 24, with single birds at Alvecote, Ladywalk (two on December 22) and Seeswood. Worcs Three at Bittell on January 28, with singles present in all winter months, whilst in autumn two drakes were present on November 13 and 14. Two ducks were at Holt Fleet on December 23, a drake at Holt on November 28 and 29, up to two birds were present at Upton Warren, and a duck was at Wilden on December 20. Staffs A single duck summered at Belvide and was joined on June 13 by another duck. The first bird was then found dead on July 23. Four were at Copmere on March 15, with the same maximum count at Westport, whilst the most at Branston was eight on January 4. W Mid A very high count of 30 at Bartley on February 1, with singles noted at Brierley Hill Pools, Dunstall, Edgbaston Reservoir, Meriden and Sandwell Valley. Two were in Sutton Park from November 10 to 14.

Smew All redheads unless stated otherwise. Warks Two birds remained at Kingsbury from 1980 until March 25 many observers. They were joined by another on January 31. The bird at Draycote from 1980 stayed until February 6 many observers, and another was seen on March 12 RCM. Later in the year, two arrived on December 19 ARD, RCM, to be joined briefly by three drakes on December 30 PDH, JPM.

Red-breasted Merganser Warks The female from 1980 stayed at Draycote until February 1 many observers, to be followed by single ducks on March 19 and 27 RCM and November 18 RCM, a single immature on November 7 37

many observers, and a pair on December 9 RCM. A female was at Kingsbury from May 4 to 7 many observers. Staffs The 1980 bird at Drakelow (Derbys) continued to make sporadic appearances at Branston until March 29 MSS.

Goosander Average: October 28 (37) to April 16 (34) Most left in late March or early April, but a drake was still at Belvide on April 25. The first of the autumn was at Blithfield on October 18, but it was November before birds were well distributed. Warks Up to six were present at Draycote in January, where the last record was of a single duck on March 27. In autumn, three ducks appeared on November 14, increasing to 20 ducks and three drakes by December 30. A single female stayed at Kingsbury from 1980 until April 8. Worcs A drake was at Arley from February 15 to 18, a drake at Bittell on April 15 followed by two ducks from November 11 to December 9, a duck at Upton Warren from January 8 to 25 and finally a drake from November 7 to 21. Staffs Monthly maxima at Blithfield again decreased:

J F M A M 0 N D

40 46 40 10 5 3 16 81

Numbers at Belvide were again poor, with a maximum of five on January 24, reducing to three on February 1 and one from February 11 to March 26. A late drake was then present from April 15 to 25, whilst autumn brought just one record—a drake on November 7. Elsewhere widespread in small numbers during winter, with up to four at Branston, one at Copmere on January 1 followed by two on January 25, 15 at Abbots Bromley on January 4, eight at Bagots Park on January 10, a pair at Chillington and four each at Rudyard and Walton, all on January 11, a duck at Aqualate on January 18, with two drakes and three ducks at Kings Bromley the same day, a duck at Chasewater from January 25 to March 8, four at Tittesworth on January 25, one of which also remained until March 8, and two over Cannock Chase on January 30. Scarcer in autumn, with a drake at Tittesworth on November 15 and a duck at Kings Bromley on December 6 the only records. WMid Singles on Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park, from November 5 to 7, and Oxley for one day in early December. 38

Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N •

Alvecote 1 1 13 27 20 6 6 24 14 5 3 1 Brandon — — 10 13 15 6 6 5 3 2 — — Oraycote — 2 1 1 1 — — — 3 2 4 11 Kingsbury 3 1 1 9 — 4 — 2 6 11 20 7

Upton Warren 12 10 15 - 3 5 Westwood •— 5 3 1

Aqualate 1 7 — 41 29 Belvide 31 1 425 175 135 53 20 57 308 340 308 150 90 Blithfield 630 376 209 40 11 4 5 300 315 194 330 477 Copmere 2 — 3 — 6 5 17 — 24 32 — —

Warks At Alvecote two or three pairs bred, but only five young are known to have been reared; one pair bred at Brandon, a pair at Middleton raised four young, two or three pairs bred at Packington and a female was reported feeding young at Ladywalk. There were no signs of breeding at Earlswood, although birds were present throughout the breeding season. Three were at Coombe on April 21 and four on October 18; birds were present at Seeswood throughout the year, with a maximum of four during October and November; and two were at Shustoke on February 2, with 10 on December 1 5. Worcs A pair bred at Oakley rearing eight young, but breeding did not take place at Upton Warren this year—probably due to the low water levels. At Bittell, single birds were recorded on February 11, September 12 and 13 and November 4, with three on January 30, two on April 30 and three on July 8. Eight were at Pirton Pool on May 1 5 and six on October 3, whilst singles were noted at Captains Pool on October 28, Wilden during June and July and Westwood during the spring. Staffs The record count of 630 birds at Blithfield on January 18 was about 48% of the entire British population and 425 at Belvide on February 14 was also a locality record. Three pairs bred at Belvide, rearing 12 young, whereas a pair at Chillington managed 39

to raise only one young. Records were also received from Betley Mere, Bridgtown, Black Lake, Chasewater, Kings Bromley, Knighton, Stretton Hall, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid Two pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, rearing eight young. Up to five were at Bartley during December, two arrived in the Sandwell Valley on July 18, increasing to four on July 25, and five on August 10, and one was seen at St. Margaret's Hospital on October 3. Oxyura hybrid A bird showing some characteristics of White-headed Duck was present at Blithfield from December 1980 until at least January 4, but was deemed to be a hybrid.

Marsh Harrier Warks A female at Brandon on April 11 SP, was followed by another on April 25 JECB (possibly the same bird) and yet another on August 30 JECB, whilst a female was also noted at Kingsbury on May 17 JAA, JKH. Worcs A female noted at Upton Warren on April 13 GCB and 14 PGG.

Hen Harrier Warks A ring-tail was seen briefly at Draycote on April 28 RCM, whilst at Brandon a ring-tail on October 28 was followed by a male from November 1 to 3 and another ring-tail on November 11 and 15 BMCG. Staffs A ring-tail in the Brocton area from January 2 to February 1 many observers, with a male on December 30 GS. Another male at Weeford on August 20 PAM. Hen/Montagu's Harrier Worcs A ring-tail of one of these species was seen at Churchill on May 19 FAN.

Goshawk Reported from six localities involving three counties.

Sparrowhawk Warks Recorded in the breeding season at Alvecote, Brandon, Ettington, Hartshill, Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Water Orton. Worcs Breeding season records from Abberton, Arley, Bittell, Chaddesley Wood, Clent, Cofton Hall, Coldridge Wood, Croome, Hanbury Hall, Holt, Hornhill Wood, Lickey Hills, Oakley, Trench Wood, Uffmoor Wood, Upton Warren, West Hagley, Wilden and Wyre Forest. Noted at 18 other sites at other times of the year. Staffs Recorded in the breeding season at Beech, Belvide, Blithfield, 40

Rranstnn. Cheslyn Hay. Coombes Valley, Hatherton, Hanchurch, Himley, Maer Hills, Swynnerton, Trentham, Westiands and Westport. (The Himley record comes after an absence of five years.) Reports were received from 18 other sites outside the nesting season. WMid One or two pairs bred in the Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park, with a record from Bartley also received. Recorded at only eight localities outside the breeding season.

Buzzard Single birds unless otherwise stated. Warks Alvecote on April 26 and September 29, Butlers Marston on March 2 and Draycote on September 22. Worcs No breeding records received, but noted at Abberton on August 30 (three), Bittell on August 3 (two), Bredon on October 1, Croome on October 12 (two), Crowle on August 29, Defford on September 6, Dowery Dell on October 25, Ell Wood on October 18 and December 12, Far Forest on March 28, Great Witley on March 8, High Green on September 20 and again from December 12 until the end of the year, Hollywood on July 30, Oakley on August 30, Ravenshill Wood on May 17, Trench Wood on December 18, West Hagley on August 28 and Wissetts Wood on February 8. Staffs Probably bred at two localities, with a pair present at another site throughout the breeding season. Other reports from Beech on April 27, Belvide on May 10, Endon on December 28, Iverley from September 2 to 18, Tittesworth on April 10, Trentham on September 12 (two) and Whittington on June 18. WMid Seen at Halesowen on July 2 and 28, with two present on August 2, and Kings Heath on August 24. Reported over Bartley on April 22 and May 6, but no details provided.

Osprey Warks A bird seen over Dunchurch on May 19 RCM, and was apparently seen later fishing at Draycote. Worcs One was seen at Bittell on August 30 AC and an immature was noted at Trimpley on October 7 BW, with possibly another two or three birds reported by Water Board employees. Staffs One was at Chillington on April 25 and 26 RN, PKD, whilst Blithfield made up for last year's shortcomings with birds on June 14 JCE-D, MJI and August 31 AW.

Kestrel Warks Breeding reported from only three localities. Worcs Five breeding records received. 41

Staffs Reported from only 15 localities. WMid Usual sightings in Birmingham City Centre and along motorway verges. Up to four pairs bred in the Sandwell Valley.

Merlin Warks Seen at Kingsbury on January 11 BLK, TJW and 17 BLK, March 15 JAA and 21 SLH, Lea Marston on December 26 EGP and Earlswood on December 13 JRW. Worcs Singles seen at Upton Warren on October 18 AFJ and Holt on November 29 RM. Staffs Singles in the Blithfield area on March 8 GS, October 4 DWE and November 1 and 15 ARD, MJI, Branston on March 15 JCE-D, Cannock Chase on January 13 EGP and Chasewater on September 19 JEF. A pair with two recently fledged young was noted in the north of the county, and a single bird was seen at Swallow Moss on March 15 JKH. WMid One at Castle Bromwich on November 9 JEF.

Hobby Average; April 29(14J to September 30 (17) Extreme dates were April 27 and October 3, both at Upton Warren. Warks Four broods produced nine young reared. Singles were noted at Alvecote on May 7 GAA, Brandon (11 sightings between May 23 and September 26) BMCG, Draycote on May 8, 19 and 20 RCM and August 1, 7, 9 and 23 JPM, RCM, Hatton on August 10 JVH, Kingsbury on May 30 AC, July 18 SMH, and August 22 S/H, Ladywalk on July 13 BLK and 18 JEF and September 7 and 11 BLK, Lea Marston on August 9 JAA, Mancetter on August 1 5 and September 6 RJT, Tanworth-in-Arden on May 23 JRW and Wishaw on July 15 TJW. Worcs One pair bred, but no details of young were received. Noted fairly regularly at Upton Warren between April 27 and October 3 many observers. Otherwise singles at Oakley on June 11 RM, Eckington on June 21 WJL, Wilden on July 19 JEF, EGP, Bittell on July 25 GJM, Droitwich area on August 21 IRM, JPM, near Crowle between August 24 and 29 KHT (three sightings), and Wythall on • September A JRW. Staffs Singles noted at Belvide on July 24 and 26 JKH, Blithfield on May 31 ARD, and Wilnecote on August 30 JAA. WMid Singles at north Birmingham on August 23 JEF, Minworth on August 24 KAL and Bartley on September 3 DRR.

Peregrine Worcs A bird paused briefly at Bittell on August 25 GJM. 42

Staffs Singles at Blithfield on February 1 ARD, PDH, WJL and intermittently from October 25 RJJ lo December 19 AC.

Red Grouse Staffs A few reports of up to 20 birds from the usual areas of the moors. Black Grouse Staffs In spring the lek at Swallow Moss held up to 11 males (March 29) and 10 females (April 20), with a later report of 12 males on Novomber 29. Maxima nf three males and five females in spring at Gib Torr. Two males at Gun Plantation on October 10, in which month single males and females at Back Forest were the first recorded there by the observer since February 1979. The total, therefore, of perhaps 18 males and 17 females at five sites was about one third of a 1973-5 estimate for 13 lek sites. Red-legged Partridge Warks 17 at Alvecote on October 24 and 10 on November 17 at Ladywalk, where birds were partial to fat hen on the new scrape. Worcs 1 5 near Arley on January 29, 21 at Croome on October 9, 11 in a garden at High Green in December, and six pairs in May at Churchill, where one showed the characteristics of a Red-legged x Chukar hybrid. (Hybrids involving both Chukar and Rock Partridge have been introduced into various parts of England in recent years and observers should beware of birds with neat black throat-bands, reduced gorgets and odd calls. Ed.) Staffs 17 at Teddesley on January 1, 22 at Pattingham on February 8, one in a Stafford garden on April 4, two on the moors at Gradbach on May 26 and 12 at Shoal Hill on December 6. WMid Seven at Sutton Park on January 7 and one or two at Minworth in March and April, when a tame bird frequented a building site and perched on buildings up to 6m high in the suburbs at Tettenhall.

Grey Partridge A few reports of coveys up to 12 in January and from October to December. Warks Fewer at Willey this year and none breeding. Quail Worcs One called at Abberton from June 20 to July 3 WFP. Staffs At least one bird called in the Wheaton Aston-Mottey Meadows area from May 29 per DS to July 10 MB. Up to five heard at High Offley in June and July FCG, WJL. WMid One heard in Sutton Park on May 9 AN, RN. Pheasant WMid One or two pairs still present in Sutton Park. 43

Water Rail Widespread in small numbers outside the breeding season. Warks Bred at Brandon, where up to eight noted in late autumn. Present in all months at Kingsbury, with at least six in mid-December, when probably five were also present at Ladywalk. Singles in winter at Alvecote and Draycote. Worcs Believed to have bred at Upton Warren, where widespread in winter. Up to three noted outside the breeding season at Abberton, Bittell, Grimley, Hagley Village N R, Larford, Lower Moor and Wilden. Staffs Up to three noted outside the breeding season at Belvide, Betley, Branston, Chasewater, Chillington, Copmere, Holden Lane Pools, Leek and Rushton. WMid One or two outside the breeding season at Amblecote, Bartley, Brierley Hill Pools, Brownhills, Olton, Meriden, Sandwell Valley, St. Margaret's (Great Barr), Stubbers Green and Sutton Park.

Spotted Crake Worcs One at Upton Warren from September 1 JHWR to 19 WFP was the first record for the locality.

Corncrake Worcs One reported heard on a single date in spring at Eardiston per SAR.

Moorhen Peak numbers noted in September, when there were 40 at Alvecote, 63 at Brandon, 65 at Upton Warren and over 100 at Belvide, where a single flock of 43 grazed during the December freeze-up. Worcs 29 territories recorded along 6km of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Hopwood. Coot Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 195 190 145 75 180 285 350 215 320 310 250 Brandon 24 29 29 31 31 24 24 40 61 49 45 50 Shustoke 111 84 29 — — — — — 103 115 160 200

Bittell 90 45 70 IB 22 22 37 69 103 190 134 B

Aqualate 259 200 20 23 55 Belvide 260 340 286 320 330 770 1400 1400 400 250 150 230 Blithfield 291 670 214 — — — — 451 307 19B 454 727 Chasewater 900 474 205 42 5 — — 140 450 470 592 1050 Gailey 87 66 17 — — 50 — 80 166 105 93 — Westport 115 124 43 22 22 — 53 66 126 124 151 170 44

Warks 1000 in October and 1100 in November were record totals for the Kingsbury-Lea Marston area. 180 on October 10 was the most reported from Draycote. Worcs 120 were at Pirton on February 1, but at least 25 of these were dead by February 1 5. WMid One at Olton Mere on September 3 reportedly had an all-pink bill. Staffs About 80 pairs bred at Belvide. where a scarcity and/or rapid depletion of blanketweed probably accounted for a smaller moulting flock this year. Winter numbers continued to increase at Chasewater. where a record 1050 on December 12 had fallen to 215 by 30. In September, there were 300 at Betley and 450 at Copmere. WMid About 100 at Edgbaston Park during October-December and 47 at Bartley in December.

Oystercatcher Only one young bird was reared from nests at three gravel pit sites in the Trent-Tame Valley. Warks Singles were at Kingsbury on March 14 and August 1, and a pair, which was present from March 21 to July 28, was presumed to have nested but no young were seen. Singles were at Draycote on May 12 and July 11, with two on August 9. Two visited Ladywalk on August 20. Worcs One at Bittell on July 21. Staffs A pair reared one young at Elford, where unfortunately fly-ash tipping will soon destroy the habitat. In spring up to three were at Branston, but a nest here was destroyed by a dragline. Singles appeared at Belvide on April 4 and 18, May 12 and 28, July 20, August 21 and 22, September 9 and 26 and October 10. Blithfield had one on January 25; three on April 7, with one on 20; one on May 3, with three on 17 and June 14; two on August 10, one on 14, three on 1 5, two on 16 and six on 29. Three were at Rudyard on August 8 and one at Whittington S F on December 20. WMid Four at Bartley on March 4, with three the following day.

Little Ringed Plover Average: March 24(17) to October 4(17) Birds at Branston on March 22 and Meriden the next day heralded a strong arrival and the species was widespread by the end of the month. Most had left by mid-September, with the last at Draycote on October 4. Breeding totals were only about two-thirds of the record 38 pairs in 1980. Warks Bred at Brandon (at least one pair), Kingsbury (three or four 45

pairs). Lea Marston (one pair unsuccessful) and probably Alvecote (one pair). Two pairs summered at Ladywalk, but no evidence of breeding was obtained, while former sites at Packington were no longer suitable. Up to eight appeared in May at Kingsbury and Ladywalk, and up to five at Brandon, while 21 at Kingsbury on August 1 was by far the largest party in late summer. Up to three were noted on passage at Draycote and Seeswood, in addition to sites previously mentioned. Worcs A pair nested twice without success at Upton Warren, where up to six were present on passage. Present at Bittell from June 22 to September 20, with seven on July 21 and August 8. Two or three pairs attempted to breed at Holt, but all failed due to predation by Crows or the juveniles being taken by Kestrels. Singles were noted at Wilden on seven dates in April, May and July, with five on July 10 and seven on 12. Staffs About six pairs were present in May at Branston, one pair bred at Perton, a nest was flooded out at Tittesworth on July 25, and birds possibly bred at Elford and Four Ashes. Up to four were seen on passage at Belvide, where a pair displayed but failed to nest, and up to five in July and August at Blithfield. One or two appeared in April and May at Chasewater, Ford Green and Westport. WMid Bred at Tividale and Meriden (two or three pairs), probably bred at Clayhanger and on derelict land near Dudley (where also bred in 1980), and a pair was reported on an open-cast site near Amblecote. Singles were at Bartley on June 28 and Olton Mere on August 19, whilst five were at Sandwell Valley on September 20.

Ringed Plover Half-monthly maxima based on dated records:

F M A M J J A S C i 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 T 2 1 2 1 2

Draycote 1 — 1 4 4 10 27 3 Kingsbury 2 2 3 4 6 6 9 2 - 5 5 2 1 2 Ladywalk 7 16 2 1

Bittell 17 5 9 1 Upton Warren — — — 1 — 2 3 1 — 1 1 1 — r 111 1 1 1 Belvide 1 1 10 1 5 3 7 5 1

" 6 1 4 8 35 30 1 Blithfield 1 1 1 3 1 6 12 1 Branston 2 6 1 6 I 1

I 3 3 2 1 1 Chasewater 1 3 - I 1 Rudyard I 2 9

All other sites — — 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 3 — — — 46

Warks Two, possibly three, pairs bred in the Kingsbury area, where one was also present from January 21 to 31. Maxima were 27 on September 24 at Draycote, where one or two late birds were present from November 15 to December 1, and 16 at Ladywalk on August 8, where display was also observed in May. Worcs The most at Bittell was 1 7 on August 8. Staffs May have bred at Branston, where about three pairs present on May 17. 35 on September 12 was the peak at Blithfield.

Kentish Plover Staffs Single females at Belvide on May 16 RN et at and Westport on May 18 WJL probably refer to the same bird. These constitute the sixth and seventh records for the county and the eleventh and twelfth for the Region. They were also later than any of the six previous spring records.

Golden Plover Average: August 12 (34) to April 25 (35) Last noted in spring on April 25 at Draycote. First returns on August 16, at Belvide and Kingsbury, and quite widespread by the end of the month. Considerable movement over and out of the Region was evident during the severe weather in mid- and late December. Monthly maxima at traditional and other sites:

Alvecote area 60 9 21 — — — 175 100 — Coventry-Rugby — 650 2 — — 1 — — 37 Drayton Bassett- Middleton-Kingsbury 400 — 370 300 48 ' 45 1 500 400 Nuneaton area 20 — —

Abberton area 100 60 200 — — — — 30 300 Aston Mill-Baughton- Stonehall — 40 — —

Brownhills area 12 Hixon—Woodseaves 80 360 — — — — 250 — Kings Bromley- Lichfield-Alrewas 500 — — 350 60 80 — 135 Penkridge- New Invention — — 211 —

Elmdon area 50

All other sites — 23 6 12 24 7 216

Worcs An apparently new flock has appeared in the Abberton-Cowsden- Peopleton-Fladbury area. An unusual record concerned seven resting in the middle of the frozen reservoir at Bittell on December 28. 47

Staffs A trio, presumed to contain two males and a female, displayed over Gib Torr on April 4.

Gray Plovar Warks Singles at Kingsbury on May 7 and 10. One at Ladywalk from October 1 5 to 18. Staffs Singles at Belvide on March 22 (only the second March record for the Region) and at Chasewater on October 7,14 and 18.

Lapwing Mild weather in February resulted in few large flocks and signified an early return to breeding grounds. November numbers were exaggerated by Winter Atlas counts, but most birds deserted the Region with the severe December weather. Warks 4000 at Kingsbury on January 22, with 2400 there on November 20. 1500 flew E at Draycote on December 30. Worcs 2500 in an early flock at Upton Warren on July 25. Staffs 3000 at Belvide on September 12 and 4-5000 at Hixon on October 1 5. Monthly totals of all records of selected wader species:

J F M A M J J A S 0 NO

Lapwing 10634 2565 1125 36 41 429 4005 4220 6007 8670 12550 8661 Jack Snipe 16 16 22 4 — — — — — 6 25 24 Snipe 168 173 487 56 32 10 30 285 229 332 320 188 Curlew 2 58 544 45 14 10 14 167 219 35 119 3 Redshank 17 32 58 60 32 33 29 18 3 11 7 5

Knot A poor showing. Warks Two at Draycote on March 29. One at Kingsbury on May 10. Worcs One at Bittell on September 15. Staffs One at Blithfield on September 13.

Sandariing A poor showing. Warks Singles at Kingsbury on May 30 and Draycote on August 1 6. Worcs One at Holt G P on May 24. Staffs Two at Belvide on May 18 and one on July 20. Singles at' Blithfield on May 24 and June 14. Two at Chasewater on April 12 and a single on May 14.

Little Stint A typical autumn showing. Warks An early adult at Draycote on July 11 was followed by one on September 12, two on 13, and three from September 20 to 30, 48

with two remaining until October 4. Two were at Kingsbury on August 29, willi one slayiny lu Seplei iibei 13, liibii Iwu aydin from September 14 to 19, with singles until 26 and from October 10 to 18. Two at Ladywalk on August 15 and 16 were followed by four on September 12. Worcs One at Upton Warren from September 12 to 27 and a late bird at Bittell from November 7 to 11. Staffs At Belvide, where four unidentified stints flew over on May 7, singles were noted from September 4 to 7 and on 20, with two on September 13. One at Blithfield on September 12 had increased to five next day, 15 from September 18 to 20, 16 on September 26 and a final 10 the next day. One at Chasewater on September 26 and a late bird present from November 11 to 20.

Temminck's Stint Warks One at Kingsbury on May 16 SS ef at and 17 JKH.

Purple Sandpiper Worcs One at Bittell on September 16 REH. Five of the previous 21 records since 1930 also occurred during September 13 to 17.

Dunlin A better year. The pattern was similar to that of recent years, although late autumn numbers were still well below those of 1972-5. Warks At least 25 at Kingsbury on August 9. Worcs 28 on flood meadows near Bredon on January 11. Staffs At least 22 at Belvide on April 30. Monthly maxima at all sites (based on dated records):

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

Alvecote 7 5 Brandon 1 — 1 1 1 — 1 — 1 1 1 — Draycote 5 — — — — — 5 3 B 12 7 23 Kingsbury 1 — 4 13 6 2 9 25 2 9 5 2 Ladywalk — — — 3 5 — 5 5 3 3 1 —

Bittell — — — — — 6 4 2 4 4 4

Upton Warren 1 1 2 1 — 2 1 1 1 2

Wilden — — — — 1 — 1 — — 1 — —

Belvide 3 1 22 12 8 9 1 5 1 Blithfield — 1 — 1 3 1 1 4 12 1 B 2 Branston 5 4 — — 1 — — 4 — 8 2 — Chasewater — — 1 1 6 — — — — a 5 7

Rudyard — — — — 1 — 4 6 — i — —

Banley — 1 4 1 10

Nine other sites — — 1 3 — — 3 — I 12 — 49

Ruff Winter records continued, notably in the Tame Valley. Warks The five birds from 1980 were joined by another at Kingsbury on January 18. all six remaining until Maitih 8. Five birds then remained in the area from the autumn until the end of the year, visiting Ladywalk on November 7 and 8; these birds often fed on farmland and roosted on islands at Kingsbury. Two birds stayed at Draycote from December 19 to 31. Staffs Singles were at Branston on February 1 and April 1 5. The autumn numbers at Belvide were unprecedented. WMid One at Sandwell Valley from February 3 to 7 was the first to be recorded there. Two at Newtown on September 13. Half-monthly maxima at all other sites:

A M J J A S 0 212121212121

Alvecote — — — — — — — 1 1 2 — — Brandon 1 — — — — — 2 1 — — — — Draycote — — — — — — — 2 — 2 2 Kingsbury 3 — 1 1 2 7 5 4 Ladywalk _g______t 1 2

Bittell ______1 2 — 2 — Upton Warren — — — — — 1 1 4 4 2 — —

Belvide _____ 2 — 10 6 10 11 — Blithfield — — — 2 — — 1 1 14 10 11 — Rudyard — — — — — — 2 2 — — — —

Jack Snipe Average: September 30 (40) to April 18 (36) Extreme dates were April 29, at Wilden, and October 6, at Brandon—a late arrival. October numbers were exceptionally low. Warks Maxima of four in March, at Brandon and Kingsbury, with one or two at Alvecote, Draycote and Ladywalk. In heavy snowfalls, single birds were flushed from car tracks on roads at Kingsbury on February 22 and Dosthill (Staffs) on December 16. Worcs One or two at Bittell, Grimley, Holt and Kempsey, with maxima of five at Upton Warren in March, November and December, and at Wilden in November. Staffs Up to seven noted at Blithfield, Branston, Calf Heath, Chasewater, Lichfield, Whittington S F and at Belvide, where there was an unprecedented lack of records in later months. WMid Ones and twos at Amblecote, Bartley, a site in east Birmingham, Dudley, Pensnett and Sandwell Valley, with peaks of four at Sutton Park on November 10, five at New Invention on March 20 and eight at Wyken Slough on February 1. 50

Snipe Warks Bred at Alvecote (two or three pairs) and Brandon. 80 at Kingsbury on January 22, Brandon on March 14 and Ladywalk on November 3. Worcs Only three or four breeding pairs at Wilden coincident with a lower water table after river regrading. 70 at Holt on March 8. Staffs Two pairs probably bred at Belvide and breeding was also probable at Four Ashes and Mottey Meadows. 60 at Belvide on March 28, 160 at Blithfield on August 29 and over 100 at Tillington on March 29. WMid Probably bred at Minworth S F, where 49 were present on October 18. Up to 1 50 noted in winter at Sandwell Valley.

Woodcock Usual widespread reports of birds roding or present during January-March and October-December. Warks Roding at Bentley. Worcs Roding at Redditch, Trench Wood, Weethley Wood, Woodcote and Wyre Forest. One probed a garden lawn at West Hagley on October 17 and another flew over Evesham on December 14. Staffs Roding near Belvide, at Cannock Chase, Fradley Wood (bred), Fullmoor Wood, Hatherton Wood, Kinver Edge and near Tixall. WMid Two roding at Sandwell Valley and bred at Meriden. Singles flew over Erdington on January 31 and April 6.

Black-tailed Godwit Warks Four flew SW at Kingsbury on March 28, three roosted there on April 7 and singles were present on May 10 and 12 and August 31. Two were at Brandon on April 4, with two more on April 23 and 24, and singles occurred at Draycote from April 10 to 12, Alvecote from August 22 to September 1 and flying W over Hartshill on August 29. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren from August 24 to 30 and Holt G P from September 13 to 22. Staffs Singles at Branston on March 31; Belvide on April 30, May 1, July 21 and August 8; and at Blithfield on August 16 and from August 22 to 29.

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks Singles at Brandon on April 24 and May 7. Staffs Movement on May 7, when six flew NE at Chasewater and 16 flew E at Belvide, with an additional four birds on the shore JJH, JKH. Singles were also at Belvide on May 9, 10 and August 7, whilst one fed on a small green at Fenton for at least six hours on May 12. A late bird arrived at Blithfield at dusk on December 19. 51

Whimbrel Warks Singles at Kingsbury on April 26 and May 12 and Draycote on May 8 and 17 (flying N) were the only spring records. In autumn one flew S at Brandon on August 9, two were at Ladywalk on August 15 and one visited Kingsbury on September 8. Worcs Singles at Wilden on April 17 and Oakley on May 6. Two paused for half-an-hour on May 9 at Upton Warren before leaving to the N, with two also noted the next day. One was at Droitwich on July 18. Staffs Spring records of singles at Chasewater on April 11—an early date—and Belvide, flying E on May 3 and N on May 6. One with Curlews at Whittington S F on July 7 was followed by singles at Belvide from August 8 to 10 and on August 24, and at Blithfield on August 14 and 15, with four there on August 22. WMid One was heard at night over Pedmore on May 26, four flew W over Coventry on July 9 and one flew in the same direction over New Invention on July 28.

Curlew Warks Bred at Admington and possibly at Crimscote. 15 were present at the Ladywalk roost on March 17, and the post-breeding roost was noted from June 7 onwards, with 22 on August 30 and September 5, 1 5 in October and finally six on November 16. Staffs Bred at Aqualate (six pairs), near Belvide and at Mottey Meadows. The Whittington S F flock totalled 50 in February, 91 on March 2, 119 on August 9, 130 on September 2 and 95 on November 3. Unprecedented spring numbers were recorded in the N, with 1 50 at Longsdon Mill Pool on the evening of March 8, 100 on 14 and about 200 at dusk on March 22, which probably comprised the 250 present at Tittesworth that afternoon. 40 at Longnor on September 13.

Spotted Redshank Warks An excellent series of records from Kingsbury, where the bird from 1980 remained until April 25, and was followed by singles on May 7 and July 26, then one or two from August 23 to 30, four on September 6 and 7, 11 on September 12, four the next day, five on September 19, one from 26 to October 12, four on 20 and a final bird on October 31. Two at Alvecote on August 29, three from 31 to September 5, two on 13, six on September 1 5, eight the next day, one on October 3, four on 17 to 18 and the last bird on October 31. Singles at Brandon from August 16 to 30 and at Ladywalk on May 6 and 8 and October 31. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren from August 3 to 7 and on August 30, with two on 15. 52

Staffs Two at Belvide from August 23 to 25 and singles on August 30, September 2, 12 and 14. Two at Blithfield on June 23 and August 15, with three the next day and singles on September 6 and 12. One at Perton around August 28. Redshank Warks Four pairs bred (three successfully) at Kingsbury and probably bred at Alvecote. Wintered at Kingsbury, with 13 on January 31 ; 15 on February 1, 7 and 1 1; and 14 on March 14. Singles on January 18 at Shustoke and in December at Ladywalk, where 12 present on March 1 7. Worcs One or two pairs (out of three present) bred successfully at Wilden, but a pair at Upton Warren had no success. One near Bredon on January 11. Staffs At Belvide, singles were present until January 9 and on 24, and at least six pairs were present in late April, but only one brood was reared. Probably bred along the Trent at Kings Bromley. One at Hanch Reservoir on December 28 and reported in winter at Whittington S F and Branston (up to nine). WMid Odd winter records from Amblecote, Bartley, Sandwell Valley and Meriden, where a pair bred. Greenshank Half-monthly maxima calculated from dated records:

A M J J A S 0 12121212121212

Alvecote — — — — — — — — 1 2 1 — — — Brandon _ _ 1 _ — 1 1 2 5 3 4 1 — — Draycote — — — — — — 1 1 2 — 1 2 2 — Kingsbury 1— 1— — — 3 9 10 712 2 — 1 Ladywalk 11 — — 1 — 115113 — —

Bittell — — — ____ 2 5 6 2 1 — — Holt — — — — — ___ 1 5__ i — Upton Warren — 1 — — — — — 3464 1 1 — Wilden 1— — - — — 2 1 1 2 1— —

Belvide — 1 1 — — — — 1 3 2 — — — — Blithfield — — 1 — — — 1 2 8 7 3 3 — — Branston — — — 1 — — — — — — — — — — Canwell — — — — — — — — — 1 — — — — Chasewater — — — — — — — — 1 — — — — — Deep Haye — — — — — — — — — 2 — — — — Rudyard — — 1 — — — — — 1 5 3 — — — Whittington — — — — — — — — — 2'— — — — Westport — — — — — — — — — — — — 1 —

Bartley — — — — — — — — 1 Minworth — — — — — — — — 1 Undated passage records were received from Amblecote, Bartley, Branston, Draycote, Holt, Meriden, Olton, Stubbers Green and Whittington S F. 53

Green Sandpiper Atypically numerous in spring, with an unprecedented eight at Branston on March 22, and six each at Kingsbury and Upton Warren on April 11 and 18 respectively. Monthly maxima at all sites, based on dated records:

J F M A M JJASOND

Alvecote — — — 1 — — 1 1 — — — — Brandon 4 1 7 13 11 13 1 — — Dreycote — — — — — — — — 1 1 1 — Kingsbury 2226 — — 49863 — Ladywalk i'_ — 1— 2 3 14 12 2 2 2 Shustoke 1 2 — —

Bittell — — 3 — 2 1 1 Grimley — — — — — — 5 — — — — — Holt ______2 2 — — 1 — Upton Warren 1 2 3 6 — 61514 6 1 2 — Wilden 11 11 — — 315331

Belvide — — — 2 — — 1 4 3 1 — — Blithfield ___ i__ i 6 1 1 — — Branston — — B 5 — — 9 — — — — — Four Ashes — — 1— — — 2 5 — 1 — — Tittesworth — — — — — — 1 — 1 — — — Rudyard — — — — — — 1 3 1 — — —

Minworth — — — — — — — 5 1 — — —

15 other sites — 1 — 3 — — 1 73 — — 3

Wood Sandpiper Warks One at Kingsbury on September 13. Worcs Singles at Wilden on May 19, the unusual date of June 26, and July 16. Staffs Singles at Belvide on August 3 and 8, and Blithfield from August 16 to 22 and September 12 to 20.

Common Sandpiper Average: April 7 (45) to October 20(41) One at Upton Warren on April 8, followed by a strong arrival during the next few days. Frequently reported until mid-October, with the last at Shustoke on October 18 and Hartshill on November 19. Winter records from Branston (undated) and Bittell on March 7. Understood to have bred at Tittesworth in 1980 and again this year DWY, where two noted on June 12, but this was the only hint that the species may still breed in north Staffordshire. Half-monthly maxima at all sites, based on dated records from April to October: 54

A M .1 .1 A s n 12 1-^21212121212 / Alwecote — 3 /— — — — 1 1 2 1 2 2 — — Brandon — 1/2 — — 1— 3 3 — 1 — — — Draycote 1-^- 10 — — — 15 16 24 — — 7 1 — Earlswood 2/l 1 — — — — — — — — — — — Kingsbury 3 1 5 4 1.4 7 711 715 7 2 1 Ladywalk — — — — — — — 1 2 9 — — — — Seeswood — 1 1 — — — — 1 — — — — — — Shustoke — — — — — — — — — — 4 — — 1 Water Orion — 2 2 — — — — 1 — 2 — — — —

Bittell — 1 1 6— 11629742 1 — Upton Warren 3541—13665741 — Wilden — — ______5 1 1 1__

Belvide 5772 — 258 14 10 47 1 — Blithfield 1 4 6 — 1 516 10 15 5 4 5 3 — Chasewater — — 7 — — — — 233 1 1 2 — Ford Green — 2 2 — — — — — — — — — — — Kings Bromley — — — — — — — 2 2 — — — — — Rudyard — — 1— — — 1 2 3 4 1 — — — Tittesworth — — — 1 2 1 6 5 3 — 1 — — — Westport 1 2 6 — — — 1 2 — — — — — —

18 other sites 411 8 — — — 1 110 1 1— 1 —

Turnstone A typical year. Warks Singles at Kingsbury on May 7, 17 and 25 and August 11, with two on May 1 5. Singles at Draycote on August 6 and the late date of October 12. One at Ladywalk on August 8. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on July 23 and Bittell on August 10. Staffs Parties of three and six flew through Chasewater on May 7. One at Belvide on May 8 and 9. increasing to three on 10. with further singles on July 25 to 26, 29, and August 15 to 16. A tame bird at Westport on July 28.

Red-necked Phalarope Staffs A female in breeding plumage paid a brief visit to Belvide on May 30 DS. The nineteenth record for the Region and the fifth to occur in late May-early June.

Grey Phalarope Staffs One at Blithfield on September 22 ARD, JCE-D. The dark wing- coverts and rear crown, in conjunction with pale grey mantle and blackish bill, indicated a juvenile moulting into first-winter plumage.

Arctic Skua Warks A light phase bird flew in to Draycote from NNE on May 9 RCM. Staffs A dark phase bird at Chasewater on April 25 ARMB. 55

Great Skua

The unseasonal snowstorm of late April brought the first-ever spring records. Warks One at Draycote on April 25 and 26 was observed chasing gulls, terns, a Kestrel and remarkably a Fulmar HMM, RCM. Staffs One at Blithfield on May 3 ARD, JEF and one at Belvide on May 10 DS.

Mediterranean Gull Warks An adult roosted at Draycote on February 7 ARD.

Little Gull Warks At Draycote two adults roosted on January 10 ARD and another on December 7 RCM. Single first summer birds were noted there on April 11 and May 8 and first winter birds from September 1 to 30 (two on September 2) RCM. At Kingsbury three first summer birds were seen on May 7 MJI, DJM and a juvenile on August 30 PDH, MSW. A first summer bird was at Earlswood on July 1 FB, VAB. Worcs A second winter bird was at Upton Warren on August 7 and 8, with a juvenile on August 16 several observers. A first summer bird seen at Westwood on August 23 EGP and an immature there on September 12 and 13 SLH, EGP. Staffs At Blithfield an adult on April 28 ARD, JCE-D, two first winter birds on May 7 WJL and 8 GJM and single juveniles on September 6 and 8 several observers. At Belvide an immature on April 30 and May 1 JKH, then up to three first winter birds from August 16 to 27 several observers. A juvenile at Chasewater on August 8 ARMB and two there on August 9 ARD, JKH. At Branston a first summer bird on April 22 JCE-D. 56

WMid Two adults at Bartley on April 1 DRR; an immature at Powells Pool, Sutton Park, on August 22 JEF; and another at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, on August 23 and 24 AN, RN, SKW.

Sabine's Gull Warks An early-moulted adult, or possibly first summer bird, at Draycote on September 30 AJR, RCM was the second county record and the fourth for the Region. A small gull with Slat? grey hood, becoming mottled white on forehead, lores and throat, but retaining narrow dark band on collar. Bill short, black with yellow tip. Legs grey. Buoyant in flight, when showed black outer primaries and grey wing coverts separated by typical white triangle at rear of wing. Tail forked.

Black-headed Gull Warks Maximum at Draycote was 20000 in January. Several smaller roosts reported and 2000 noted at Ryton tip on January 1. Worcs A pair bred at Wilden, rearing one chick which was thought to have been taken by a fox. Roosting numbers at Bittell reported to be generally higher than in recent years, with 1500 noted in November. Staffs Bred again at Elford, where 45 occupied nests estimated and 74 juvenile birds ringed. 15000 roosted at Blithfield and 12000 at Chasewater in January, while the maximum reported from Belvide was 10000. At Westport in February an adult noted which had pink breast and leading edge to wings. 3500 noted roosting at Bartley in December. Flight-lines suggest W Mid that many of these feed at Rowley Regis tip during the day.

Common Gull Warks 1 500 estimated at Draycote in January and February and 2000 there in December. Up to a dozen reported from various other sites. Worcs The only reports were from Bittell, where a maximum of five noted in March. Staffs 100 roosted at Blithfield in February, 62 at Westport on December 22 and a maximum of 44 was noted at Chasewater in March. Only small numbers elsewhere, including one which visited a Tamworth garden in December. WMid 50 in February was the maximum reported from Bartley and in the same month single birds were noted at Edgbaston Reservoir.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks No significant roosting concentrations reported. Worcs Up to 250 regularly gathered at Bittell before flying off to roost at nearby Bartley. 90 noted at Upton Warren in November. 57

Staffs Maxima of 3800 at Chasewater at the end of October. 2500 at Blithfield in November and 1000 at Belvide, also in November. Of 750 counted at Leacroft tip on June 30 about 50% were adults. Birds showing the characteristics of the Scandinavian race were noted at Chasewater in January and March, and at Belvide in November. WMid Maximum noted at Bartley was 1 500 in December.

Herring Gull Warks 1500 roosted at Draycote on January 10. Worcs Maximum noted at Bittell was 1 50 in February. Staffs Maxima reported were 2500 at Chasewater, 1500 at Blithfield, 1000 at Leacroft tip and 800 at Belvide, all in January. A leucistic individual was noted in the Chasewater roost in November and December and an albinistic bird was there in February and December. At Westport unusually high numbers were noted at the end of December (and in early January 1982). These included several birds which had been colour-ringed near Durham and on the Firth of Forth, and some which had been wing-tagged at Walney Island, Lancashire. WMid Maximum reported from Bartley was 80 in January, where numbers have declined -markedly in recent years. Leucistic individuals were reported there in February and December.

Iceland Gull Warks A first winter bird at Kingsbury on March 7 JAA, PDH flew S and what was presumably the same bird was seen later that day at Packington tip JAA. Staffs Chasewater held a first winter bird on February 7 SLH, JKH and a third winter bird on February 13 GE. A first winter bird was also there on December 19 6f and was seen the following day at Leacroft tip GE, JEF. At Westport a second winter bird on February 14 WJL, DWE and a first winter bird on December 21 WJL.

WMid A first winter bird at Bartley on March 10 and 11 JAA, GJM, EGP.

Glaucous Gull Warks At Draycote, a first winter bird on January 4 RCM and 10 ARMB, ARD and a second winter bird on January 24 ARD, TM. Another first winter bird there on December 5 ARD, PDH and 9 RCM and a second winter individual on December 28 RCM. A first winter bird seen near Coleshill on January 17 JAA was probably the same one seen later that day and on January 24 at Kingsbury CL. Staffs At Blithfield, an adult on January 1 WJL, two first winter birds and a second winter bird on January 25 several observers and 58

single first winter birds on March 22 AC and December 6 ARD, PDH. At Chasewater, up to two first winter birds between January 23 WJL and February 6 GE and single first winter birds on several dates in March and on April 5 GE. A second winter bird was also noted there between March 2 and 21 GE and a third winter bird on December 1 9 and 22 GE. At Leacroft tip, single first winter birds on January 25 RAH. February 7 and March 21 EGP, with a second winter bird also there on the last two dates EGP. A third winter bird was also at Leacroft tip on December 20 and 23 Jth, tGP, while Dosthlll tip had a firsl year bird on January 29 JEF and Loxley tip a probable third year bird on December 6 FCG. WMid Two second winter birds and a first winter bird were seen at Bartley during January many observers, with all three present on January \QJTB, EGP. A first winter bird was also there on March 10, 11 and 12 JAA, GJM and a second winter bird on November 24 AWH.

Glaucous x Herring Gull Staffs An immature bird at Leacroft tip on December 20 was thought to be a hybrid EGP.

Great Black-backed Gull Unprecedented numbers roosted at the Staffordshire reservoirs. Warks Maxima reported were 20 at Draycote, 14 at Kingsbury and six at Judkins Quarry, Nuneaton, all in January; five at Shustoke and three at Ladywalk, both in December. A single bird noted at Ryton G P on January 1. Worcs Single birds at Bittell and Westwood in January. Staffs Maximum noted at Chasewater was 115 on January 5, with 70 reported there on December 20. At Blithfield, 110 roosted on December 6, whilst at Belvide 17 on January 10 and 16 on December 4 were the highest totals ever recorded there. At least 50 birds were also counted at Leacroft tip in January, two were at Loxley tip on December 6 and up to three at Westport in December. WMid Up to 12 at Bartley during winter months. Fewer in autumn.

Kittiwake Warks At Draycote, an adult roosted on January 10 ARMB, ARD, a first winter bird was noted on February 8 MJI, GJM, up to three adults and a first winter were present from April 25 to 27 MWF, CHP, RCM, a juvenile appeared on August 19, an adult and a juvenile on September 11 and another juvenile on November 29 RCM. On March 14, what was presumably the same adult was seen at Lea Marston JEF, Coton JAA and Kingsbury SMH. 59

Staffs An adult at Belvide on January 1 and 2 JJH, GJM, GR, four adults at Westport on March 14 PGB et at, up to five adults in the Chasewater roost on March 18 GE and an adult at Branston on March 31 JCE-D, One at Leacroft tip on December 20. WMid A party of 15-20 flew in to roost at Bartley on October 25 DRR and an adult was noted there on March 18 AWH. One at Powells Pool, Sutton Park, on February 9 JEF and an adult at Edgbaston Reservoir on March 26 ARMB.

Sandwich Tern Warks One at Draycote on April 14 RCM, two from April 26 to 28 MWF, RCM, CHP and one from May 1 to 7 several observers. An immature bird reported from Ladywalk on October 10 BLK. Worcs One at Bittell on May 4 CL. Staffs Two at Blithfield on April 26 ARD, JCE-D and one on May 10 GS. Singles at Belvide on April 11 SM, CJS and August 16 JKH.

Common Tern Warks About a dozen pairs bred at Kingsbury raising 37 young and by early August over 50 birds were present. Small numbers were noted on passage at Alvecote, Brandon, Draycote, Earlswood, Ladywalk and Packington. Worcs Noted in small numbers at Bittell, Upton Warren, Westwood and Wilden. Staffs One or two pairs again bred at Branston. Passage birds noted at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater, Himley, Kings Bromley, Rudyard and Westport. The largest party reported was of 14 at Blithfield on May 10. WMid One at Edgbaston Park on May 12 and two over Castle Bromwich on August 5. Up to four reported from Sandwell Valley in July and August.

Arctic Tern

Influx coincident with the severe weather of late April. 60

Warks 80 at Draycote on April 24 GJM and 50 there on May 1. Up to seven at Kingsbury in April; and September recoids from Earlswood (including an oiled bird) and Kings Newnham. Worcs Three at Bittell on August 29, ones and twos at Upton Warren in May and September. Staffs 23 at Blithfield on April 1 9 was the largest party seen. On April 25 there were 13 at Chasewater, five at Chillington and three at Belvide. WMid Three in Sutton Park and two at Edgbaston Reservoir on April 27, two in Sandwell Valley at the end of August.

Common/Arctic Tern Small numbers (up to eight) reported from several localities. Warks A party of 30 at Brandon on May 10.

Half-monthly summated totals of Common, Arctic and Black Terns at all localities:

A M J J A S 0 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Common — 9 67 14 5 16 16 14 34 22 1 4 4 — Arctic — 136 56 7 — — — — 7 6 2 6 3 — Black — — 35 8 — — 1 — 44 14 56 15 5 —

Note: Common Terns at Kingsbury and Branston have been excluded.

Little Tern Warks An adult at Draycote on June 2 and a juvenile on October 7 MWF, TWF. One at Kingsbury on June 3 SMH. Worcs An adult at Upton Warren on August 8 several observers. Singles at Bittell on August 16 KGC, JMD, GJM and September 3 JMD. Staffs At Chasewater one on May 7 GE and two on August 9 ARD. One at Belvide on August 9 JKH.

Black Tern A very poor year, with Blithfield producing the only parties to reach double figures. Staffs At Blithfield 15 on August 7, 10 on August 15, which were considered to be different birds, and 15 again on September 12.

White-winged Black Tern Warks One in breeding plumage at Kingsbury on June 27 many observers. Very striking and unmistakeable, with size and structure recalling Black Tern, but wings rather broader and tail showing virtually no fork. In flight, wing-action shallower and steadier than is usual in Black Tern. Head, mantle, scapulars, breast, belly and underwing coverts all dense black, contrasting with striking 61

white rump, vent and upper- and under-tail coverts. Lesser coverts pure white, forming white leading edge to wing; median, primary and greater coverts silvery grey. Primaries and secondaries also silvery grey, outer primaries rather darker. Whole of upper wing looked clear white in bright sunlight. Bill dark red, about two-thirds ot head iength. Leys Liiight red.

Feral Pigeon

No change in status reported.

Stock Dove No reports received which indicate a change in status. Worcs A flock of 500 reported from Longdon Marsh on January 18. Wood Pigeon Many winter flocks of up to 500 noted and several larger than usual gatherings reported. Worcs 5000 estimated to be in sprout fields at Holt Heath in mid- December. Staffs 2000 reported from Hilton Park and 1000 from Four Crosses in early January. Flocks estimated at 1200 noted at Hatherton and Kings Bromley in December.

Collared Dove Reported to have bred for the first time at several new localities, but no real evidence of any change in status. Worcs Flocks of 1 50 noted at Frankley in October and at Guarlford in December. Staffs 150 seen perched on telephone wires at Hanchurch on October 24.

Turtle Dove Average: April 26 (46) to September 25 (46) Early arrival, with the first at Yeald Wood on April 18 followed by others during the next week. Last seen on September 20 at Wilden. Widespread reports from Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire, but again some suggestion that there may have been a reduction in numbers. WMid Several reports, including the first in Sandwell Valley on September 1.

Cuckoo Average: April 11 (45) to September 5 (44) Punctual to the day, with the first at Far Forest and Upton Warren on April 11, though not widespread until early May. Last seen on September 1, at Belvide and Bromsgrove, where one killed by a 62

cat. Continues to be widespread and records submitted suggest that it was generally a goori year for thic spccics.

Barn Owl As usual, several road casualties reported. Warks Reported from seven localities. One roosted in a nest-box at Admington during the summer. Worcs Reported from nine localities. Staffs Reported from 14 localities. WMid A pair bred near Pendeford, roaring four youny. One of the parent birds was watched hunting on June 1 5 and seen during one hour to make 14 successful kills out of 21 attempts JKH.

Little Owl Warks Reported from 13 localities. One in a garden at Hatton on December 26 during heavy snowfall appeared unable to fly, but ran away rapidly when approached. Worcs Reported from 21 localities. Five pairs said to be resident in the parish of Abberton and five pairs also at Crowle. Staffs Reported from 17 localities. An injured bird was successfully treated by a member at Eccleshall and released after nine days. One found impaled on barbed wire at Blithfield was not so lucky and had to be destroyed. WMid Reported from only five localities. These included a bird in a garden in Handsworth Wood in September.

Tawny Owl

No change in status reported.

Long-eared Owl Warks Birds were present at three sites in the north of the county. At the first site two were seen from January 24 to March 21 and one from December 26 until the end of the year. At the second site two birds were noted throughout February, with three during March. The third site was discovered in mid-December, when it held three birds. At Brandon one was reported on November 13 being chased by a Short-eared Owl BMCG. Staffs Breeding reported from a site in the north of the county DWY. Short-eared Owl Warks At Brandon, three on March 14, one on July 30, one during the last two weeks of October, two throughout November and one again on December 9. One present at Draycote on October 4 was possibly the same bird noted there on several dates between November 1 and 16. One noted at Kingsbury on several dates 63

between January 11 and February 28, two there on October 20 and then a single bird present in the area until December 5. Possibly the same bird was seen at Shustoke on November 14 and at Ladywalk and Whitacre Heath on November 15. Staffs Up to three noted at Gib Torr and Swallow Moss. Single birds reported from Chasewater on March 14, Blithfield on May 4, Branston on September 25 and 28 and Tillington on November 1 and December 28. WMid One present in Sandwell Valley from January to April and again from November until the end of the year. One at Brierley Hill pools on April 10 and one reported over Bartley dam on February 22.

Average: May 15 (41) to August 22 (32) First heard on May 12 at Sherbrook Valley and last noted at Springslade on August 30. Regrettably the BTO's survey of this species served only to underline its scarcity in this Region. Worcs The only churring bird heard at Kinver was just across the county boundary from Staffordshire. Another was reported from the West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley. Staffs A total of 31 churring males counted on Cannock Chase. The only other report was of two birds on Blymhill Common FCG.

Swift Average: April23 (47) to September 24 (47) Bad weather in late April caused the latest-ever arrival (equal to that of 1934), with none seen until May 3, when widely noted. Rapid arrival followed. Last noted at Belvide on September 11, Ladywalk on September 27 and Longsdon on October 1. Staffs Concentrations of over 2000 noted at Blithfield on May 17 and Belvide on June 4.

Kingfisher The number of records received suggests a recovery in numbers after a reduction in 1980, but the effects of the December freeze are not yet known. 64

Warks Reported from 14 localities. Three pairs nested in the vicinity of Ladywalk anrl breeding wac probable at AlveouUs, Brandon, Kingsbury and Preston Bagot. Worcs Reported from about 30 localities. Confirmed breeding sites included Bittell, Dowles Brook, Holt, Upton Warren, Westwood and Wilden. Staffs Reported from 24 localities, with breeding probable in the Belvide area and at Kings Bromley. During the extremely cold weather in December a bird at Stone became frozen to the metal fence on which it had perched and had to be rescued. WMid Reported from 13 localities. Bred in Sandwell Valley, at Minworth S F and possibly in the Sutton Park area.

Hoopoe Staffs One in a garden at Standon in early July per NRW. WMid One flew across the A46 in Walsgrave, Coventry on April 27 CHP,

Wryneck Worcs One in a garden at Pershore from April 25 to 27 DF. Staffs One at Blithfield on August 25 JCE-D. WMid One in a garden at Pedmore from September 9 to 12 EGP, SFLE.

Green Woodpecker Continues to be widely reported, but no indication received of any significant change in status. Great Spotted Woodpecker No change in status reported. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker No change in status reported, but surprisingly few records received from Warwickshire. WMid An unexpected sighting was of one seen flying at roof top height in the vicinity of Spaghetti Junction on June 28.

Skylark Warks About 200 with a large flock of finches and buntings at Pillerton Hersey in mid-February. Probably 12 breeding pairs at Alvecote. Worcs 300 at Holt G P in December was the largest of several winter flocks reported. Staffs 140 at Himley on February 22 was the largest concentration noted.

Sand Martin Average:March 23 (46) to October 9 (46) Early influx in mid-March, with the first at Brandon on 11th. 65

Present in good numbers by the end of March. Birds at Belvide, Bittell and Kingsbury on October 10 were the last of the year. Worcs At least 100 pairs estimated to have nested at Holt G P and several smaller colonies reported. Breeding confirmed from Beckford, but no details of numbers available. Staffs Maxima of only 150 noted at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater and Gailey. 100 roosted at Two Gates in August. WMid About six pairs returned to breed at Branton Hill quarry, Aldridge, after a reported absence of seven years.

Swallow Average: April 1 (47) to November 2 (47) First arrivals on April 3, at Bartley and Brandon, and present in strength a week later. Widely reported until mid-October, with later records from Tamworth on November 15 and Lea Marston on November 22. Warks Maximum reported from Brandon was 500 on August 25 and from Ladywalk 1000 on September 5. Worcs An autumn roost of up to 1500 birds at Grimley G P and 1000 estimated at Upton Warren on September 18. At Malvern a pair nested in the occupied bedroom of a cottage and five young were successfully reared. The nest was built on a beam above the dressing table. Parents and young continued to roost in the bedroom, together with a fledgling from another nest. The parents took to roosting on a wardrobe, while the young ones encircled the light shade. Staffs The largest roost reported was 7000 at Ford Green on August 31. Heavy snowfall on April 26 forced many birds to land on the shore at Rudyard Lake.

House Martin Average: April 9 (47) to October 31 (47) An early bird was at Blithfield on March 31, but the main arrival occurred in mid-April. Present in fair numbers until mid-October and last seen on November 1 at Lichfield. Warks An adult in a recently completed nest at Hatton was apparently fed by four separate individuals. Staffs 1500 at Blithfield on August 19 and frequently the most numerous of the hirundines at Belvide, where 500 on September 20 is the most ever recorded. WMid 200 at Wyken Slough on May 24.

Tree Pipit Average: April 8 (44) to September 20 (42) Steady arrival after the first on April 10 at Trench Wood. Last 66

seen on September 7 at Belvide, apart from a very late bird at Kingsbury on October 3. Warks Singing birds reported from Bentley, Packington, Purley Park (two), Ryton G P (five). Upper Coal Spinney, Wappenbury Wood (two) and near Wootton Wawen (three or four). Worcs Breeding season records from Bredon Hill, Chaddesley Wood, Clent Hills, Coldridge Wood, Devil's Spittleful, Ell Wood, Eymore Wood, Hartlebury Common, Knowles Mill, Lickey Woods, Pepper Wood, Trench Wood, Wychbury Wood and Wyre Forest (13 singing birds noted on June 6). Staffs Singing birds at Blake Brook, Halldale (two). Swallow Moss. Swynnerton, Trentham Park and many reports from Cannock Chase. WMid Two singing birds near Hockley Heath.

Meadow Pipit Warks 70 at Ladywalk on October 12, 30 at Draycote on October 20 and 30 in Packington Park also in October. A pair probably bred at Alvecote. Worcs Breeding reported from Castlemorton Common, Clent, Hartlebury Common and Wilden. 80 at Wilden in February and up to 60 at Bittell in the autumn: Staffs 50 at Chasewater on April 5 and at Blithfield on October 18. A late nest near the Roaches still contained young on August 16. WMid 150 around Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, on March 22 and 51 at Edgbaston Reservoir on September 30. On September 29 108 were noted flying S in one hour over Kings Heath. Rock Pipit Warks At Draycote, one on March 31 RCM and up to three between October 4 and November 14 several observers. At Ladywalk, one on October 31 PDH, two on December 4 EEH and one on December 10 KAL. One frequented the Coton/Lea Marston area from January 1 JAA to February 21 PDH, four were there on October 17 PDH, single birds on several dates in November ARMB and up to three in December JAA, PDH. Single birds were also at Kingsbury in February SMH and November MJI. Worcs Single birds at Wilden on March 13, April 7 and October 28 and "at Trimpley on October 28 BW. Two at Holt Heath G P on October 18 RM. Staffs Two at Blithfield on October 3 ARD, eight there on October 18 WJL and single birds on October 25 ARD, PDH and November 1 5 WJL. Up to three at Chasewater between October 3 PDH, ARD and November 11 WJL. Single birds at Belvide on October 4 and 17 DS, Ford Green on February 14 WJL, Tittesworth on April 8 IRM and Westport on April 23 and October 21 WJL. 67

Water Pipits were reported as follows: Warks One at Whitacre Heath on January 24 and 25 JEF, ones and twos at Kingsbury from February 7 several observers to March 8 JKH and three at Coton on April 11 JAA. Worcs Up to three at Wilden in January and February RM. PGG and at least eight on March 12 BW, after which numbers gradually reduced until the last spring record of one on April 20 BW. Birds returned on October 4 and the maximum reported before the end of the year was seven on December 3 RM. A single bird was also seen at Holt Heath G P on October 25 PGG, RM.

Yellow Wagtail Average: April 1 (45) to October 11 (45) Small arrival in late March, with the first at Knowle on 26, but not well established until the second week of April. Reported from many localities until early October, with the last at Blithfield on October 18. Warks At least five pairs bred at Alvecote and breeding records also from Hartshill, Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Willey. Maxima of 50 at Draycote on August 27, 50 roosting at Brandon on September 3, 42 at Ladywalk on September 15 and 60 at Alvecote on September 20. Worcs Seven pairs bred in the Oldington/Wilden area and two pairs at Bittell. 40 at Upton Warren on April 19 was the most seen in spring and up to 200 roosted at Grimley G P in the autumn. Staffs 75 at Blithfield on May 3; 60 roosting at Holden Bridge on August 16. WMid 20 at Bartley on May 1. Birds showing the characteristics of other races of the Yellow Wagtail were noted as follows: 68

Worcs At Wilden from June 11 to July 8 a male was present with all the characteristics of Spanish Wagtail, M f iberiae B W. Head dark ash grey with cheeks almost black, small stripe behind the eye. white throat. Staffs A Blue-headed Wagtail at Blithfield in April ARD, JCE-D and possibly the same bird again on May 3 MJI, GJM.

Grey Wagtail Warks Breeding season records from Coleshill Gas Works, Lowsonford, Stourton and Wootton Wawen. Noted at about a dozen sites in autumn and winter. Worcs Noted at 13 sites during the breeding season. Staffs Outside the breeding season reported from more than 20 localities. WMid Seen at more than a dozen sites in autumn and winter. A pair probably bred again in the vicinity of Birmingham University.

Pied Wagtail Warks Roosts of up to 400 at Brandon in October, whilst at Hartshill on October 31 100 birds noted flying to roost. A general increase in numbers throughout the year noted at Willey. Worcs 1 50 at Oldington Sewage Works on February 21. Roosts of up to 150 in autumn at Grimley G P. Staffs 120 near Kings Bromley on October 5. Roosts of up to 100 at Ford Green in autumn. WMid 70 at Minworth S F on November 30. White Wagtails were reported as follows: Warks One at Kingsbury on April 29 GJM, with five there the following day BLK. One at Draycote on April 25 ARD and one at Earlswood on April 28 MDH, GJM. Worcs Ones and twos at Wilden from April 20 to May 15 RM, BW. Single birds at Bittell on April 25 GJM, near Eymore Wood on May 1 AWH and at Holt G P on April 20 RM. Three at Upton Warren on April 27 AWH. Staffs Up to five at Blithfield between April 19 and May 4 several observers; at least four at Chasewater on April 25 ARMS, two there on May 7 and one the following day GE; ones and twos at Belvide between April 23 and May 4 several observers; single birds at Branston on April 19 CJH, Hilton Park S F on April 13 JJH and Westport on May 11 WJL. The only autumn record was of an adult female at Chasewater on September 7 DS. WMid Single birds noted at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, on April 8 RJJ, Bartley on April 28 AWH and Edgbaston Reservoir on April 29 ARMS. 69

Waxwing WMid One seen feeding on apples in a garden at Pelsall on December 22 per GE.

Dipper Warks One seen at Burmington on May 1 5. Worcs Breeding season records from Alfrick, Astley, Dowles Brook (four pairs)., Harpley (two pairs). Lower Sapey, Little Witley, Mamble, Shrawley and Sling Pool. Staffs Breeding season records from Coombes Valley (three pairs), River Manifold, River Churnet and River Dove. WMid Noted at Halesowen in March.

Wren Warks A further increase in breeding numbers at Willey, where there were nine pairs compared with five in 1980 and two in 1979. Staffs At Fradley Wood, breeding numbers were reported to have doubled compared with 1980. About a dozen singing birds were noted at Belvide in late April.

Dunnock Warks Breeding numbers at Willey were unchanged from 1980. Staffs A further decline in numbers was reported from Fradley Wood.

Robin Worcs A pair nested in a public convenience in Malvern, where the nest was sited on a high level cistern. Unfortunately two of the five young drowned in the lavatory pan. Staffs 18 or 19 pairs atTradley Wood. This compares with 21-26 pairs during the years 1971-76, 40 pairs in 1977 and 1978, 21 pairs in 1979 and 40 pairs again in 1980. At the present time this variation in numbers is unexplained and does not correlate with other BTO population figures.

Nightingale Average: April 18 (47) to August 8 (12) First noted at Trench Wood on April 10 (which equals the earliest ever) and Yeald Wood on April 16. No other information on arrival dates. Last reported on July 27. Warks No reports received—information would be welcome. Worcs Singing birds reported from Goosehill Wood (three). Little Goosehill Wood (three), High Green, Trench Wood (eight), Wassell Wood, Trimpley and Yeald Wood. Staffs One reported from Kinver Edge on July 27. 70

Bluethroat

Worcs A male of the Red-spotted form was present at Upton Warren on May 24 AFJ et at. The second county record and third for the Region. A secretive bird that emerged every half-hour or so to feed along a ditch. Points noted were blue breast with red spot, red panels at sides of tail and pale supercilium.

Black Redstart More than usual outside the breeding season. Warks A pair at Coleshill Gas Works in May PAM; a male singing from a television aerial above a shop in Warwick on May 7 GRH; a first summer male in song on Hams Hall 'B' Power Station on June 21 ARD, with two birds presumed to be a pair seen in the same area in July FB, VAB and August KAL, and another pair at 'C' Station HTL. A female at Grandborough on April 16 MJH. At Draycote a male was present from November 18 to December 1, being joined by a female from November 19 to 25 RCM et al. One also seen at Brandon from November 28 to December 6 BMCG. Worcs A male at Holt G P on January 17 SWWand a female there on December 6 RM. WMid Breeding season records from Nechells Gas Works PAM, Nechells Power Station DS, Windsor Street Gas Works PAM, Snow Hill Station (two pairs) MHK, Gas Street Basin GRH, JVH, Ocker Hill Power Station Ay Wand Walsall GE.

Redstart Average: April 10 (45) to September 22 (44) First noted at Brierley Hill Pools on April 10 and last seen at Ladywalk on September 13. Warks Noted in spring at Alvecote and Draycote; and one in song at Lowsonford on May 25, but absent from Packington, where two or three pairs usually breed. Reported from Kingsbury and Ladywalk in September. 71

Worcs Singing birds reported from Arley Wood, Clent Hills, Eymore Wood, Lickey Woods, Longdon Marsh and Wyre Forest. Noted on passage at Abberton, Bredon Hill, Island Pool and Upton Warren. Staffs 33 pairs at Coombes Valley and other breeding season records from Blackbrook Valley, Back Forest, Brocton Coppice, Chillington and Dovedale. Noted in spring at Belvide, Eccleshall, Keele and Rudyard Lake. Several records from Belvide again in July and August. WMid Reported in spring at Bartley, Brierley Hill Pools and Hollywood. Several autumn records from Sandwell Valley and one in a Wolverhampton garden in August.

Whinchat Average: April 24 (45) to October 5 (41) Early arrival, with the first in Sutton Park on April 1 5 and others elsewhere in the following week. Noted at several localities until late September and last seen on October 3, also in Sutton Park. Warks Two pairs reported to have bred at Brandon and three pairs at Ladywalk, where one pair still had unfledged young as late as July 20 HTL Spring passage birds noted at Draycote and Water Orton and autumn records from Draycote (including five on September 3) and Kingsbury. Worcs Reported in spring from Abberton, Sinton Green, Upton Warren and Wilden; and in autumn from Abberton, Bittell, Grimley G P, High Green, Hoo Brook (eight on September 20), Holt G P, Upton Warren and Wilden. A pair with recently fledged young was seen at Wilden at the end of July, suggesting local breeding, but the former breeding site at nearby Stour Hill is now reported to have been destroyed. Staffs Breeding season records from Chasewater, Gib Torr, Goldsitch Moss and Sherbrook Valley. In spring, birds were seen at Belvide, Blithfield and Ford Green; and in autumn at Belvide (up to four in September), Shoal Hill Common and Tiljington. WMid Bred at Minworth S F, Sandwell Valley (three pairs) and Sutton Park (two or three pairs). One reported in spring from Tipton and autumn records from Aldridge.

Stonechat Another very poor year. Warks Two at Kingsbury in early January and one at nearby Whitacre Heath on January 25. Also one at Brandon in early January with up to three there in February. Worcs Noted at Holt G P (October), near Kinnersley (March), Malvern Hills (January), Upton Warren (October) and Wilden (March, September, October and November). 72

Staffs The only breeding season records came from Sherbrook Valley, Cannock Chase, where birds were also noted in October and November. Other reports from Belvide (October), Chasewater (February and September), Ford Green (February), Perton (January) and Tillington (July). WMid A pair bred in Sutton Park and birds were reported there until November. One in Sandwell Valley in March was the only other record.

Whaatair Average: March 20 (44) to October 13 (45) An early bird at Draycote on March 15, but no further reports until the end of the month, with the main arrival beginning in the second week of April. Several September records, but few in October with the latest on 13 at Upton Warren. Warks 14 at Brandon on May 4 and small numbers noted in spring at eight other sites. Up to four at Draycote in autumn, but generally a very poor passage. Birds of the Greenland race were reported from near Dordon on May 7 GAA, at Draycote on July 28 RCM and Brandon on September 6 BMCG. Worcs Noted at seven sites in spring, with eight birds at Holt G P on April 29. Reported from six sites in autumn. Staffs Reported from about a dozen sites in spring, with 17 at Ford Green on April 26. Autumn records from Belvide, Blithfield and Whitgreave involving no more than four birds in total. Two pairs bred at Calton and breeding possibly occurred on a colliery spoil heap at Stoke-on-Trent. WMid Seven at Brierley Hill Pools on May 8 and other spring records from four other sites. Three single birds later in the year, including a juvenile in a Kings Heath garden on July 12.

Ring Ouzel Average: April 2 (25) to October 21 (19) Extreme dates were March 22 at the Roaches and October 10 at Upton Warren. Warks A male seen at Hartshill on April 21 RJT. Worcs Two females at Walton Hill on April 2 BW, a male and a female there on April 6 PGG and a male at nearby Calcot Hill on April 16 BW. A male at Wilden on April 29 BW and one at Upton Warren from October 7 to 10 AFJ. Staffs Many reports from the Roaches/Blackbrook Valley/Gradbach area and apparently noted for the first time at Swineholes Wood per DS. A male at Oldacre Valley, Cannock Chase, on September 13 ARD. 73

Blackbird No change in status reported.

Fieldfare Average: October 2 (46) to April 30 (45) Departure delayed by severe weather of late April and several reports into the first week of May, with the latest at Abberton on May 9. First noted in autumn on September 20 at Oldacre Valley, with the main influx occurring during October 16 to 18. Warks In November flocks of 2000 at Kingsbury, 1000 at Alvecote, Draycote and Willey, 800 at Brandon and 700 at Shustoke. Worcs Most in winter was 800 at Abberton on February 7. In autumn, 2000 were in fields near Trench Wood on November 7 and 850 at Bittell on November 14. Staffs Spring maxima of 2000 around Eccleshall in March, with a similar number in autumn at Belvide on November 7. 500 were at Burnt Wood on October 25. WMid Many records of birds in gardens, particularly during December. Song Thrush No change in status reported.

Redwing Average: September 27 (47) to April 17 (46) Most departed early in April, but a few lingered until the end of the month with the last record from Willey on May 1. Early autumn arrival, with one at Thicknall on September 18, but main influx began about October 10. Many reports of birds visiting gardens, particularly in late December. Warks One in song at Hartshill on April 25. In autumn, 200 at Draycote on November 17 and flocks of 100 at Ladywalk and Willey also in November. Worcs Winter maximum of 300 at Upton Warren on January 3 and an autumn peak of 400 at Bittell on November 14. Staffs 500 at the Maer Hills roost in January, but comparatively few there in the autumn. 331 reported to have moved S over Newcastle in four hours on December 9. WMid Winter flock of 150 in the Sandwell Valley on February 17. In autumn 340 fed on hawthorns at Brierley Hill Pools on November 20 and over 500 birds moved over Kings Heath on December 8. Mistle Thrush No changes in status reported.

Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 19 (45) to August 22 (35) 74

First noted on April 9 at Brandon, but not widely reported until the last week of April. Last reported on August 12 at Bittell. As might have been expected after two good years, a poor year with only 53 singing birds. Warks Up to three pairs bred at Kingsbury and Ladywalk, and singing birds were reported from Alvecote, Brandon (three), Coleshill, Hartshill, Newbold Comyn and Whichford Wood. Worcs Three or four pairs at Upton Warren, with at least two successfully rearing young, but much decreased at Monkwood (only 2-4 pairs) and none heard or trapped at Oakley, where usually two or three pairs. Singing birds at Abberton (four or five with two pairs breeding), Castlemorton Common (two), Diglis (two), Guarlford, Shortwood Rough (four). Trench Wood (three), Uffmoor Wood (two), Wilden and Yeald Wood. One on Walton Hill on September 16. Staffs Singing birds at Belvide, Betley Mere, Ford Green, Highgate Common, Jackson's Coppice, Perton (three), Sherbrook Valley (three), Tamworth and Tillington (two). WMid Singing males at Bartley and in Sutton Park were the only records.

Sedge Warbler Average: April 16 (45) to September 27 (39) First reported on April 7, at Brandon, and noted at many localities during the following week. Several reports until the third week of September, followed by the last on October 1 at Kingsbury. Warks The most recorded was 43 at Brandon, including 25 singing males, on June 13. Maximum of 20 in song at Kingsbury, where habitat loss was blamed for reduced numbers. A slight drop in numbers also at Packington, where only two-four pairs, but a small recovery at Alvecote with 10 pairs again present. Up to 1 5 were at Draycote on May 8 and one sang along a canal within a mile of the centre of Nuneaton. Worcs Three pairs bred at Bittell and singing birds were noted at Abberton (seven), Diglis, Oakley Pool (two), Upton Warren (two) and Wilden (seven). An autumn passage bird was caught and ringed in a garden at High Green. Staffs Two pairs bred at Westport and singing birds were at Belvide (five), Chasewater, Himley, Perton, Tillington (five). A juvenile was at Copmere on August 5 and 18 birds were ringed at Chasewater during six autumn visits. WMid At least one pair bred in Sandwell Valley and probably two pairs in Sutton Park—for the first time in ten years. Singing birds at Brierley Hill Pools (five), Minworth and Stubbers Green. 75

Marsh Warbler Average arrival: June 1 (31) Worcs No reliable reports of arrival and no data on strength or success of main breeding colony. Incredibly only two reports were received—both relating to singing birds in the Avon Valley.

Reed Warbler Average: April 26(41) to September 21 (35) First arrival on April 30 at Lower Moor G P, followed by main influx in the second week of May. Most had left by the third week of September, but a late bird was at Brandon on October 4. Warks Breeding populations estimated at: Alvecote six pairs, Brandon 30 pairs and Packington 20 pairs. Said to be very much on the decline at Kingsbury. Maximum count 56 at Brandon on July 12. Worcs No counts from main colonies, but 17 in song along 0.8 miles of the Droitwich Canal, several at Grimley, eight at Oakley and smaller numbers along the Bow Brook and at Diglis, Upton Warren and Westwood. Two pairs bred at Bittell, but none definitely at Wilden (where usually three), although up to three were in song. Staffs Little data. One pair bred at Belvide, where three in song, and 10 sang at Betley Mere. At Copmere 1 7 adults (including eight from previous years) and 60 juveniles were trapped, whilst six passage birds were ringed at Chasewater during the autumn. W Mid At least two pairs bred at Tividale and one in the Sandwell Valley. Three were in song at Brierley Hill Pools.

Lesser Whitethroat Average: April 21 (45) to September 19 (45) First noted on April 1 7, at Brandon and Goosehill Wood, with a steady influx thereafter. Last seen on September 25 at Wilden. Warks Singing birds reported from 13 well-distributed localities, with a maximum of four at Kingsbury. Most on passage was 12 at Draycote on May 8. Three were noted in fruiting elder bushes at Kingsbury on August 30. Worcs Three pairs bred at both Bittell and Upton Warren and numbers in the Lenches were higher than usual, with at least seven singing around Abberton. Elsewhere up to three were in song at 19 well- distributed localities. Staffs Singing birds reported from only six localities, with up to four at Belvide—surely it is not this scarce? Breeding vyas proved at Fradley and probable at Blithfield and Hanchurch. During autumn passage 10 were ringed at Chasewater, whilst following heavy rain on September 26 one appeared in a Newcastle garden accompanied by Blackcap and Chiffchaff. 76

W Mid Only four records—all of passage birds in August and mostly from suburban gardens,

Whitethroat Average: April 14 (47) to September 25 (47) An early bird at Wilden on April 10, with the main arrival beginning a week later. Widely reported until the third week of September and last noted on October 4 at Kingsbury. Warks Two or three pairs again at Alvecote and no change at Packington, where some four pairs bred, but only four in song at Kingsbury. Reported from 1 5 localities in all. Worcs Breeding season records from 14 localities, including 11 in song at Stour Hill-Wilden and five at both Abberton and Hartlebury Common. Said to be fewer in the north than last year because of over-zealous hedge trimming B W. Staffs Reported from 11 localities, including 12 in song along 4 miles of canal and disused railway between Wombourne and Wolverhampton (W Mid), and six at both Belvide and Chasewater. At the latter locality 15 were ringed during six autumn visits. WMid Reports from only four localities, including three in song at Brierley Hill Pools. Garden Warbler Average: April 22 (44) to September 6 (43) One at Loynton Moss on April 24, but no further records until May, with the main arrival during the second week. Last"noted on September 6, at Brandon, apart from a very late bird at Blithfield on October 4. Warks Breeding season reports from just eight localities—all in the north of the county—with a maximum count of 10 at Packington Park during May. Evidence of August passage, with 14 juveniles ringed at Brandon and birds seen at Draycote (where unusual) and in a Polesworth garden. Worcs 20 localities and 49 singing birds, with maxima of six in Chaddesley and Ell Woods and five on Berrow Hill. Numbers at Stour Hill-Wilden were about average, but not so many were heard on passage at Bittell. Again outnumbered Blackcap at Shrawley by 2:1. Seen in autumn at Island Pool feeding on elderberries. Staffs The only breeding season records were of breeding at Fradley and singing birds at Hanchurch and Blithfield—one of the latter with a spluttering song characteristic of Hippolais and recalling the notorious "Kidderminster Warbler" of thirty years ago ARMB. Exceptionally poor year at Belvide, with none before July 21 and only two subsequent records. A late bird at Blithfield on October 4. 77

W Mid One in song at Hockley Heath was the only record received.

Blackcap Average: April 4 (47) to October 6 (44) Isolated records in March may have involved wintering birds. Main arrival began on April 8 (Dodford) and birds were noted at many localities in the next few days. Present until early October, with one at Bittell on the 4. Later birds were probably wintering. Warks No winter records. Breeding season numbers about normal, with 20-30 pairs in Packington Park, two or three pairs at Alvecote and up to five in song at Brandon and Kingsbury. Increased to three pairs at Willey and well distributed in the Henley-in-Arden- Wootton Wawen area. In late autumn a male was seen at Hartshill on November 5, while a male and two females were at Harbury from December 21 to 31. Worcs The sole winter record concerned a male in a Bromsgrove garden on January 27 and 30. Widely reported in the breeding season (33 localities), with maxima of 11 in song at Trench Wood and eight each at Chaddesley Wood and Stour Hill-Wilden. One at Holt Fleet on October 28 and a late bird calling at Droitwich on December 24. Staffs The only winter records came from Lichfield, where a male fed on apples spiked to a garden tree on January 5, and on various dates between February 16 and 24, and March 2 to 24. It was joined by a female from February 17 to March 12 and by a second male on March 6 PK, RK. Breeding numbers at Fradley Wood were the lowest since 1974 and were well down on the two previous years (four pairs instead of 10-12). Breeding season reports from only seven localities, with six in song at Blithfield and Keele, five at Belvide and four breeding pairs at Himley. Several late autumn records, from Westport on October 21 (female), Maer Hills on November 14 (female), Blithfield on November 15 (two females), Brereton from December 3 to 24 (male), Eccleshall on December 12 (male) and Leek on December 17. WMid Numerous winter garden records involved males at Aldridge from December 1980 through to March and at Tettenhall early in the year; a female in a Moseley garden on January 14, with others at Bournville on January 31 and Erdington on February 7; a male at Shirley on February 7 and 22, with another at Erdington on February 10 and 20; a pair displaying in a Stourbridge garden at 7.30 am on February 19! MH; and finally males at Marston Green on March 6 and Erdington from March 15 to 17. Breeding season records from Brierley Hill Pools, Edgbaston Park (fewer than in previous years), Hampton-in-Arden, Moseley Bog and Ashen Coppice, where a male present but no evidence of breeding. Late 78

autumn records also numerous, with a female at Erdington on November 1, a male at Moseley Bog on November 9 and 11, a female in a yew at Hampton-in-Arden on November 24 followed by a male feeding on honeysuckle berries from December 3 to 26, a male in a Moseley garden on November 26 followed by a female on December 8, and males at Bournville on December 6, Aldridge from December 24 to 28 and Kings Heath (two) on December 31.

Wood Warbler Average: April 21 (45) to August 17 (35) First arrival on April 12 at the Lickeys, followed by others in the following week. No information on departure. Warks Only one report—a negative one of no birds at Earlswood FB, VAB. Worcs Reported from seventeen localities, with maxima of 33 in song in Wyre Forest, 16 in Lickey Woods and 10 in Ell Wood. More abundant and widespread than usual in the Wyre. Staffs Reported from nine localities. An increase noted at Coombes Valley, where 10 pairs, but no other reports from northern districts, which are the stronghold. Bred at Burnt Wood, Maer Hills and presumably Cannock Chase, where several at different localities. Noted for the first time at a site near Himley. WMid A passage bird in song at Birmingham University on May 7 and up to six in Sutton Park, where no evidence of successful breeding but one nest with eggs predated.

Chiffchaff Average:March 16 (47) to October 15 (47) Strong arrival began on March 13 (when noted at Astwood Bank and Brandon) and birds were widespread by the end of the month. Most had left by the end of September, with the last of the stragglers at Abberton on October 15. Warks. No change in status at Packington Park, where maximum of 10, or Alvecote, where two or three pairs, but otherwise under- reported. Singing maxima of three at Brandon, Earlswood, Edge Hill and Lapworth. None after October 4, when two at Brandon. Worcs Singing maxima of 32 at Yeald Wood on April 4 (reduced to 24 ten days later), 12 at Trench Wood, eight at Stour Hill-Wilden and seven at Berrow Hill and Chaddesley. One at Westwood on December 6 AHT, KHT. Staffs A wintering bird seen at Chasewater on February 7 and 24 GE, where one of three on March 29 showed grey-brown mantle and white underparts GE. No change in breeding strength at Fradley Wood and five pairs bred at Himley, but Belvide again had no 79

breeding birds. Up to four reported in song from several localities. A late bird visited a Newcastle garden on October 26. W Mid Three territories in the NE part of Sutton Park were only half those of last year HSQ. Passage birds widely distributed, with one in song at Edgbaston Reservoir on August 24 perhaps in the most urban situation, but little evidence of breeding. An extremely late bird visited a Tettenhall garden on December 7 SM.

Willow Warbler Average: March 27 (47) to October 5 (47) Strong arrival began with one at Trench Wood on March 27 and several reports the next day. Most had departed by the end of September, but one or two lingered into October and a late bird was at Brandon on October 25. Warks No change in breeding strength at Alvecote (at least six pairs), Packington Park (25-40 pairs) or Willey (10 pairs). Strong influx around April 11, when 38 at Brandon and 30 in song at Earlswood-—the latter falling to eight by April 29, following the blizzard. A late bird at Brandon on October 25 CHP. Worcs Strong influx in mid-April with singing maxima of seven at Chaddesley and 12 at Upton Warren—both on April 12—and 37 at Yeald Wood two days later. One visited a busy car park in Bromsgrove shopping centre on April 18. No changes in status evident. Staffs Influx at Chasewater on April 10 and 11, when 15 in song. Breeding strength good, with numbers stable at Fradley Wood, up to seven pairs at Chasewater and around 200 pairs at Coombes Valley. Singing maxima of 20 at Belvide and 22 at Blithfield (on May 2). During autumn passage 112 birds were ringed at Chasewater on eight visits. WMid Numbers in the NE part of Sutton Park, with 60 singing males, were thought to be double those of 1980 HSQ, but song was less regular than usual at Edgbaston Reservoir ARMB. 13 at Minworth S F on April 13 was the most noted on passage, and a few passage birds also visited suburban gardens.

Goldcreat Several reports of birds visiting gardens to feed, especially on yew berries. Warks Difficult to assess status from sporadic records. At Brandon maxima of 11 on January 1 and 10 on November 15, and 10 also at Packington on October 25. Five in mixed tit flock at Earlswood during arctic conditions on December 3. Said to have abandoned Ladywalk as a breeding area. 80

Worcs Apparently a good year—at least until the December freeze— with birds widespread in small numbers, especially during the autumn. Largest flock was 12 in Ell Wood on November 11, but many were ringed at Monkwood too. Staffs No change in breeding strength at Fradley Wood. Autumn flocks of 1 5 near Himley on October 18, 20 at Blithfield on November 1. at least 51 at Burnt Wood on November 4 and 37 at Back Forest/Roach End/Dane Bridge on December 2. Winter Atlas counts in SK10 yielded 13 in 2^ hours on November 8 and 19 in 3 hours on November 22. WMid Small numbers resident in many suburban areas, mostly in evidence when feeding during hard weather. Largest flock was six in Brueton Park, Solihull on November 4.

Firecrest Another good year, with six records involving at least seven birds and perhaps evidence of another attempt at colonisation. Warks A male at Draycote on November 1 RCM, with perhaps the same bird at Brandon on November 8 CHP, MWF. Worcs One seen and heard singing from a blackthorn thicket at Gadbury Bank on April 20 RM. A pair in Douglas firs in the Wyre Forest on May 3, with the male again in song RM, PGG and continuing to hold territory until June 20 EGP. Staffs A male at Belvide frequented the same copse as that seen in December 1980. It was observed and heard singing on March 1, 5 and 21 to 27 JKH, DS et at. At another site in the west of the county, a male was in song during June. This individual was ringed and was still present in December—perhaps the first time in Britain that a bird holding a summer territory has been proved to remain on that territory into the winter AN, RN, PKD, DS et at. It was joined in October by a second bird, which also remained until the end of the year AN, RN.

Spotted Flycatcher

Average: May 1 (45) to September 26 (45) 81

First noted on May 4 in the Wyre Forest and well established a week later. Present as usual until late September, with the last at Abberton on September 28. Warks Breeding confirmed at Alvecote, Brandon, Coleshill, Hoar Park Wood, Ladywalk, Shustoke, Welcombe Hills (two pairs) and Willey (three pairs). Maxima on passage were 11 at Kingsbury on August 22 and 10 on the Welcombe Hills on September 3. Worcs Bred for the third successive year in a nest-box at Lynall's Coppice, whilst at High Green four out of five pairs bred successfully although a second brood failed due to the death of one parent. Also bred successfully at Abberton and in a Stourport garden, but only one pair at Bittell and no evidence of breeding at Upton Warren. Most on passage was six at Forhill Wood on August 14. Staffs A good breeding season at Himley, where 20 (mostly juveniles) present on July 26. Also bred successfully at Belvide, Blithfield, Lichfield and Stafford, and a pair was present during the breeding season at Back Forest. Maximum on passage was six at Belvide during August. One in a Newcastle garden on September 30 was observed defending a temporary feeding territory against House Sparrow6 and a Robin WJL. WMid Bred successfully at Alcott Wood, Hampton-in-Arden, Moseley, Peascroft Wood, Tettenhall and Wolverhampton. Otherwise recorded only on passage, mainly between mid-August and mid- September, often in suburban gardens.

Pied Flycatcher Average: April 21 (35) to September 8 (17) Early arrival, with one on April 15 at Hadzor and others in the Wyre Forest shortly after. Last records were passage birds, at Belvide on September 4, Kingsbury on September 12 and Bredon Hill on October 1. Warks One at Kingsbury on September 12 was the only record. Worcs Returned to the Wyre Forest on April 17 and subsequently occupied six out of 29 nest-boxes in 1 ha. at Lynall's Coppice. Five of these pairs were successful, raising 28 young, but the female of the sixth pair was killed after flying into a window and was found to have been ringed as a nestling in 1980 at nearby Knowles Coppice LRB. Elsewhere in the Wyre a pair plus two singing males were reported along Dowles Brook and two were in song at Knowles Mill. Passage birds appeared at Hawksbatch on May 3 (female) and Bredon Hill on October 1. Staffs Eight pairs nested, mainly in boxes, at Coombes Valley, where some birds did not arrive until early May—presumably because of the April snow—by when others were already on eggs. One at 82

Seven Springs on May 4, but none there on June 18. Passage birds at Belvide on August 4 and 5 and again on September 4. WMid Just three records. A male at Bartley on May 1 and 2, a female in Sandwell Valley on May 9 and a male there on August 11.

Bearded Tit Warks Present at Brandon from the beginning of the year (five) until April 1 (two) with a maximum of four pairs on March 8 BMCG. Later in the year a male on October 24, joined by a female on October 30 BMCG. Recorded at Draycote for the first time, with four males and four females on November 4 MWF, JECB of which a pair remained until December 3, when they were ringed, and the male until December 5 PDH, ARD.

Long-tailed Tit Warks Most in winter was 18 at Earlswood on January 21. Autumn parties of 22 at Brandon and 20 each at Draycote on November 7, Earlswood on September 23 and December 2, and Red Hill on November 24. Worcs Largest winter flocks were 25 at Wilden on February 21 and up to 40 in Ell Wood during January and February. In autumn up to 25 at Bittell and a dozen or so at Ell Wood, Pennyfields and Upton Warren. Staffs No winter flock reached double figures. At Belvide four pairs were present in March, followed by 30 (including many immatures) in August, about 50 in two flocks on October 26 and 30 on November 14. Elsewhere seven were at Chasewater on November 21, which is not exactly a favoured haunt, 34 at Back Forest/Dane Bridge/Roach End on December 2, 25 at Maer Hills on December 5 and 20 at Kings Bromley on November 29. WMid Sutton Park held 41 on February 18, whilst in autumn small numbers (less than 20) were noted at Edgbaston Park, Hampton- in-Arden and Moseley Bog.

Marsh Tit Reported from 32 localities. Warks Reported from 10 localities and said to be being replaced by Willow Tit at Packington Park. Up to six at the Welcombe Hills and two pairs at Alvecote. Worcs Reported from 13 localities and said to be increasing in the north of the county, where noted in hitherto unfrequented areas like Blakedown, Brakemill Pool and Sweetpool. Most noted were 20 in Wissetts Wood on February 2 and 30 on Bredon Hill on November 15. Staffs Regarded as the scarcest tit in southern districts ARMB, and 83

reported from only seven localities in all. Most recorded was four in the Manifold Valley on April 20. Two fed on honeysuckle seeds in an Eccleshall garden during autumn. W Mid Noted regularly at Hamptnn-in-Arden outside the breeding season, with one individual feeding inside a fat basket on February 21. Two at Ashen Coppice in April was the only other record received.

Willow Tit Warks Noted at nine localities, with a small increase to eight pairs at Packington Park and a maximum of eight at Brandon on January 10. Worcs Again noted at nine localities, with several singing at Yeald Wood and three pairs at Wilden. Staffs Only three records, from Belvide, Hanchurch Pools and Shoal Hill, where feeds regularly from nut-bag in garden.

Coal Tit Warks No change in status. Worcs Up to 40 amidst a larger flock of Tits and Goldcrests in pines at Chaddesley on August 25. Good numbers in the Wyre Forest. Staffs Consorted with Siskins in a mixed flock of about 70 birds at Beaudesert on January 23. W Mid Noted regularly in suburban gardens, especially those with conifers. Often present throughout the year.

Blue Tit Warks No change in breeding strength at Willey. About 250 fed on beech mast at Brandon Hall on January 1 and 110 young were ringed in nest-boxes at Brandon on May 24. Worcs A pair in a nest-box at Stourport succeeded in hatching only one egg from a clutch of 10, and four of a brood of five at West Hagley also perished, but at Lynall's Coppice five out of 29 boxes were occupied and 35 young were raised, including a brood of 10. Staffs Numbers at Fradley Wood declined to their low level of 1979. Bred again in the tubular steel hide support at Belvide, where flocks up to 50 were present between mid-August and mid- September. The largest flock was 100 at Bears Hay on January 18, although 365 were counted around Blithfield on July 17 WJL One Winter Atlas count revealed 17 birds compared with five Great Tits, but this had fallen to only seven after the December snow. WMid Enjoyed a fair breeding season at Ashen Coppice and said to be prolific at Hollywood, where a flock of 70 roamed through gardens in August. 84

Great Tit Warks No change in breeding strength at Willey. Largest reported flock was 14 at Water Orton on November 30. Worcs Occupied six out of 29 nest-boxes at Lynall's Coppice, rearing 45 young. Staffs At Blithfield 1 67 were present on July 17 compared with 365 Blue Tits. WMid No change in status.

Nuthotoh Warks Reported from thirteen localities, nearly all woods or parks on the upper coal measures and none south of the Avon. No change at Packington Park, where up to five pairs. Worcs Noted at 22 localities, with some evidence of an autumn irruption bringing birds to hitherto unfavoured haunts like Island Pool, Thicknall and Wilden. A nest-box at Lynall's Coppice was occupied as previously, but the pair were ousted by Great Spotted Woodpeckers and the species then deserted the area. [The Woodpeckers abandoned the box after disturbance by motor cyclists and it was later taken over by Redstarts.] Reportedly very common at Eymore Wood and in the Wyre Forest. Staffs Recorded from 13 localities, though absent from the Lichfield/Fradley/Kings Bromley area where last seen in 1977 MJA. Up to 12 noted at Chillington Lower Avenue on July 1 9. WMid Up to four fed regularly in dead elms at Hampton-in-Arden and several records from suburban localities, some involving birds visiting bird-tables.

Treecreeper Warks Recorded from 10 localities, with 10-15 pairs in Packington Park. Seen regularly at Earlswood until April, when pair nesting, but not subsequently. Worcs Noted at 15 localities, with numbers back to normal at Bittell, four pairs at Stour Hill-Wilden and two or three at Upton Warren. Bred at Lynall's Coppice, where four young in specially-designed nest-box. Staffs Noted at 12 localities, with breeding proved at Belvide, Loynton Moss and Trentham. Absent again at Fradley Wood, where last recorded in 1979. WMid Outside the breeding season, regularly recorded in a Hollywood garden and at Moseley Bog.

Great Grey Shrike Another poor year away from Cannock Chase. Warks One at Brandon on October 25 CHP. 85

Staffs One seen in the Brocton area between January 1 SLH and February 15 REA, with presumably the same bird at Wandon on January 17 JEF and at Beaudesert between February 21 and March 1 ARD, PDH, GE, RAH, GJM. One again present in the Brocton area between October 28 GEt and November 21 JJH.

Jay Warks Quite widely reported, with more sightings than usual in central districts during autumn. Two or three pairs bred in Packington Park and up to five were recorded at Brandon in every month. Worcs Fewer reports than for Warwickshire, but said to be common at many places. Staffs No change in breeding status at Fradley Wood and reported from many well-distributed localities. Most reported was nine at Burnt Wood on November 4. Present at several sylvan localities in the suburbs, with up to four WMid at Moseley Bog in autumn.

Magpie No ch ange in breeding numbers at Willey, where survey ot bb Warks predated eggs revealed 39 from Blackbirds. Up to 30 roosted in oaks at Alvecote on January 7, 17 indulged in a "pairing" or "territorial" activity at Willey on February 1, the same number congregated on pasture at Earlswood the next day and 25 roosted at Ladywalk on December 3. Worcs Appears to be numerous throughout the county, with gatherings of 18 at Flyford Flavell in February and 26 around sheep troughs at Bittell on October 12. At Wythall 70 were counted in five hours on December 2. Staffs No reports on status, but 25 (including a party of 17) at Belvide on January 1 and 24 in two adjacent trees at Milton on February 1. One visited a bird-table at Barton-under-Needwood. WMid Up to 17 at Minworth S F in November, 13 at Bartley on March 14 and 32 roosting at Moseley Golf Course on November 14.

Jackdaw Warks Maxima of 135 on November 22 at Packington Park, where good breeding numbers, and 70 at Nuneaton on March 1 7. Worcs Party of 26 at Bittell on September 10. No other records. Staffs A pair at Calton built a nest of twigs in an open tree FCG. More in evidence around Blithfield, with up to 50 regularly at Stansley Wood. 60 flew E over. Highgate Common on January 2, 100 flew to roost over Maer on February 14, 500 were near Swindon on November 17 and 2000 roosted at Chillington on March 8. 86

Rook Mony rookcrico ouffcrcd from April golc3, but full effects not yet known. Warks No change in breeding numbers. Maximum counts were 300 at Packington on July 12, 400 flying WNW over Whateley to roost on October 23 and 1000 at Ryton Tip on December 13. Worcs Noticeable increase reported from West Hagley and most rookeries said to be maintaining their strength. Largest flock 132 at Bordesley on October 28. Staffs Very little data on rookeries. Maxima of 1300 at Leacroft on June 30 and 310 near High Onn on November 14, with 200 at several localities. WMid The most reported was 300 at Pelsall on March 8.

Carrion Crow Worcs Maximum of 52 at Bittell on August 27. At Upton Warren on May 15 one was seen to dive "tern fashion" into the water and fly away with a fish RM. Staffs About 250 gathered to roost in larches at Beaudesert on May 24, most arriving from the SE. During hard weather in December up to five were demanding food from a doorstep at Eccleshall and were fed on dog biscuits. WMid Maxima of 24 in a field at Aldridge on August 25, 69 at Minworth S F on February 15 and 40 on the ice at Bartley on December 31. Hooded Crows were reported as follows: Staffs One at Beaudesert with 1 50 Carrion Crows on March 1 7 JCE-D. WMid One at Wrens Nest, Walsall, on March 3 JEF, with presumably the same bird roosting in Sutton Park on March 6 and 7 JEF, SMH.

Raven Worcs One heard and seen at Wissetts Wood on February 8 RM, PGG, two flew WSW over Bittell on March 6 MJt, one flew high over Eymore Wood on May 5 BW, two were over Woodbury Hill on August 16 RM and one was at Malvern on September 26 MSS. Staffs One soaring over Abrahams Valley on December 22 GT.

Starling Again no reports of any really large roost. Warks About 20-30 pairs bred in Packington Park. Small roosts up to 1200 were reported from Brandon and 600 were at Seeswood Pool on January 29. 87

Worcs One at West Hagley during the winter and spring mimicked a Yellowhammer. 2000 roosted at Oakley Pool on September 20. Staffs A week-old youngster found beneath a factory nest at Stafford on the early date of February 5 per NRW. Betwpen 1000-5000 roosted, or attempted to, in sparse waterside vegetation at Belvide on March 14—the first roost there since 1970/1. 10000 roosted in Station Fields, Tamworth on October 6.

House Sparrow No change in status reported.

Tree Sparrow Warks At Admington occupied eight out of 17 tenanted nest-boxes, whilst at Willey four nests were located. Flocks of 50 at Alvecote on January 31 and 70 at Kingsbury on November 7. Worcs In winter 200 at Hoo Brook on January 29. Seven pairs bred in the Stour Hill-Wilden area and a flock of 500-600 gathered in autumn at Holt G P and remained until the onset of hard weather. Staffs Two flocks, with 50 in each, at Croxall on January 1 and up to 25 at Belvide and Blithfield during March. During autumn flocks of 70 at Hanchurch Pools and 150 at Blithfield on October 18, with 100 still present on November 22. W Mid During the winter up to 28 visited an Erdington garden to feed and up to 20 were in the same garden again in December. The most noted was 110 at Minworth S F on February 1 5.

Chaffinch Warks No change in breeding strength at Willey, where 30 noted feeding on January 4 and the same number moved south on October 24. About 200 were in a large mixed finch flock at Pillerton Hersey on February 14 and 15. Worcs Normal numbers at Bittell, with up to 275 in the autumn. Other flocks included 250 at Sling Common on February 12, 100 near Summerfield on March 1, 300 at Shernal Green on October 10 and 100 each at Holt on December 20 and Beckford on December 28. Staffs Breeding population stable at Fradley Wood. Winter flocks of 400 near Chillington and 250 at Style Cop, both on January 1, and 100 at Belvide on March 28. In autumn 250 were at Blithfield on November 15 and 120 at Little Hay on December 28. The Maer Hills roost held up to 700 birds during January/February and again in November/December. WMid Most reports referred to birds feeding in gardens, usually during hard weather when parties up to a dozen often recorded. Largest flock was 50 at Minworth S F on January 18. 88

Brambling Average: Octobor 9 (46) to April 14 (45) One at Belvide on May 12 was the latest of several records in that month. First autumn record from Larford on October 18, followed by main influx in November. Warks A few records from winter period (mostly February), but none involved more than half-a-dozen birds, except for a flock of 25 at Brandon Hall on January 1. Small passage evident in April. Scarce in autumn, with just one at Brandon on December 12 and 13, throo at Draycote on nfirpmher 12. followed by 25 on December 24, and one at Hatton on December 30 and 31. Worcs Widely reported in small parties up to 10 during January and February, scarce in March, but small passage in April. Large winter flock in the Lickey Woods, with 100 present on January 1, and a good roost in rhododendrons at Great Witley, with 50-70 birds. Also widely reported in autumn, and in better numbers, with 30 near Summerfield on December 31, up to 25 at Holt G P from October 25 onwards and at Lickey on December 27, and 25 at Oldington Wood on November 8. Staffs Apparently most widespread and numerous in January, scarcer in February and March, but then more evident on passage in late April and early May. More numerous than in other counties, with 200 at Copmere and 60 at Gailey on January 1, 140 at Maer Hills on January 24, 64 at Himley on January 29, 80 near Chillington on March 1 and 40 at Belvide on April 8. An unusually large late flock of 120 was in Stansley Wood on May 2, with all the males in song, but two days later numbers had halved. Singing birds were also reported from other localities in late April and early May and a male in partial summer plumage was seen at Chillington on June 14 AN, RN—the first summer record for the Region. Much scarcer in autumn, with just a few parties up to 20, plus 25 at Brocton Coppice on October 29 and 41 at Baggeridge on December 2. WMid Numerous in winter with up to 300 in Sutton Park on January 26, about 50 on lawns at Edgbaston on January 1, 35 at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 29, 30 at Swanshurst Park during January and 25 outside Winson Green Prison on January 25. Many visited gardens to feed during, hard weather. A pair in Sutton Park on May 7. Very scarce in autumn, with just three records of up to three birds in gardens at Erdington, Four Oaks and Stourbridge.

Greenfinch Warks Up to 50 in mixed finch flock at Pillerton Hersey on February 14 and 15. Maximum count of 100 at Packington Park on March 8. Worcs Largest winter flock was 50 at Strensham on March 15. During 89

autumn 200 were at Stour Hill on September 6 and 400 in stubble at Thicknall on November 3. Staffs No change in breeding numbers at Fradley Wood. In winter 250 were at Maer Hills on January 24 and 80 resorted to kale at Belvide on February 15. During August an oilseed rape field at Acton Trussell attracted about 500. WMid Continues to visit garden bird-tables, but few reports received.

Goldfinch Warks At least 40 frequented Draycote on February 21 and a large flock of 60-80 fed on thistle heads at Burton Dassett on August 23. Worcs Most reported were 50 at Wilden during the autumn and 150 at Holt G P on September 18. Staffs Good numbers at Chasewater in autumn, with 62 ringed on eight visits including 34 in one day. At least 100 in a flock at Milldale on October 17. WMid Small numbers up to 10 in many suburban gardens. One sang from a tree in Holliday Street, Central Birmingham, on April 23 and a small charm was subsequently seen nearby, on July 2, feeding on ragwort along the canalside at Brindley Walk—again with a male in full song. A flock of 60 visited plane trees along the Bristol Road on March 12.

Siskin Average: October 5 (44) to April 14 (42) Away from potential breeding areas, last noted on April 12 at Bittell. September records from Wilden on 20 and Bittell on 27 heralded a strong influx in early October. Unusually numerous and widespread in autumn. Warks Only seven winter records, with just two involving more than a dozen birds—16 at Brandon on February 1 and 30 at Packington on March 11. Widespread and numerous in autumn, with flocks up to 25 at eight localities and maxima of 60 at Ladywalk in October and November, 60 at Brandon on October 28, 97 at Kingsbury on November 9, 61 at Shustoke on November 29, with 40 at Walsgrave the same day, and 82 at Draycote on December 5. Worcs Winter records from 13 localities, with maxima of 100 at Bittell in late January, 60 at Wilden on January 25 and 50 at the Knapp on February 7. A pair noted in a pine wood at Clent on April 10 and two seen in the Wyre Forest on May 3. Autumn records from 22 localities, with flocks in excess of 50 at Berry Mound (57 on November 17), Bittell (250 on December 27), Hagley (80 on December 28), Ombersley (50 on December 6), Upton Warren (170 on December 27) and Wilden (300 on December 13). 90

Staffs Recorded from eight localities in winter, mostly less than 20, but 40 al Wes>lpuil on January 15 and at Burnt Wood on March 29, together with impressive maxima at Beaudesert of 200 on January 1 and February 2, and 250 on April 12—with one still present on May 24. Autumn records from 19 localities, beginning with two on September 20 in Oldacre Valley, but flocks were expectedly smaller, with maxima of 80 at Blithfield on November 8, 50 at Beaudesert on November 12 and 150 at Westport on December 6. WMid Up to 20 in Sutton Park during the winter, when parties up to a dozen regularly reported in gardens during late February and March. One in song at Tettenhall on March 12. Autumn maxima of 45 at Witton Lakes on November 7 and Bartley in December, 40 in Sutton Park on November 21, 40 in Sandwell Valley on December 13, 51 at Lifford Reservoir on December 15 and 75 in a Solihull garden on December 29. Several reports of birds visiting gardens during hard weather in December, when not usually present before February.

Linnet Warks No change in breeding numbers, but said to be increasing at Ladywalk. Winter flock of 100 at Seeswood Pool on January 29 and autumn maximum of 1 50 at Middleton on September 7. 50 fed on oilseed rape stubble at Willey. Worcs Winter flocks of 150 at Martin Hussingtree on January 11, 100 at Longdon Marsh on January 18 and 120 at Holt G P on February 1 were the largest reported. In autumn 100 congregated at Wilden on September 20 and 250 at Holt G P on October 18. Fewer at Bittell this year, perhaps because high water levels covered weed seeds. A flock at Guarlford fell regular prey to a Sparrowhawk during November and December. Staffs No change in breeding numbers at Fradley Wood. Maximum in winter was 200 at Whittington (Lichfield) on January 15 and at least 100 were at Wheaton Aston on April 18. During August, about 500 congregated in oilseed rape at Acton Trussed, whilst 200 were at Perton on September 25. WMid A party of eight visited Edgbaston Reservoir on February 5 and five were in an Erdington garden on August 24.

Twite Staffs Again no breeding reports from the moors and information would be welcome. Birds were present on the moors, however, with one flying over Goldsitch Moss calling on August 1 ARMB and 28 in the Roach End/Lud's Church area on December 1 DJ. At Chasewater, 12 on February 18 GCW was the only winter record. 91

whilst in autumn up to 10 were present between November 7 and 1 5 GE, ARMB, WJL, but not subsequently. Redpoll Little Information on bleeding status. Winter and autumn flocks very small, perhaps because of a poor crop of birch seed, but this species is nowhere near as common as a few years ago. Warks Few reports and only small numbers. Two or three pairs at Kingsbury, but no other reference to breeding. Maximum counts 40 at Hartshill on October 4 (an influx), 30 at Packington Park on October 25 and 35 at Draycote on December 6. Worcs Small numbers at Hartlebury Common, Lickey, Wilden and Wyre Forest were the only breeding season reports. On March 1 at Summerfield 100 were feeding on cultivated strawberry fields, but numbers otherwise were small with maxima of 30 at Bittell in November and Holt G P in December. Staffs Breeding at Fradley and Hartshill were the only reports received, although several were in Gib Torr plantation in late May and singing birds were heard at Chasewater, Himley (10) and Perton. Largest flocks were 80 at Chasewater during February and 40 during November—at Chasewater again and at Perton. WMid Small numbers as usual in suburban gardens, mostly in summer. Flocks of 25 at Erdington on January 5, 15 at Bartley on April 29 and about 12 at Moseley Bog during winter were the largest. No reports were received of Mealy Redpoll. Crossbill Warks Just one record, of a single bird at Ufton Fields on June 16 JEF. Worcs Present in Coldridge Wood, judging from evidence from cones in March RM. In the Wyre Forest a pair seen nest building on April 5 EGP, several heard in song in early May CG, about nine present on July 26 EGP, 13 seen feeding on October 25 RM, PGG and at least 24, possibly as many as 36, seen on December 6 GJM. Two were heard at Knowle Hill, Blakedown, on August 28 RM, PGG and a pair was in Eymore Wood on December 3 RM. Staffs Several reports between the beginning of the year and April 18 from Beaudesert, where up to 15 regularly seen and 20 present on March 1 SMH. Ones and twos, presumably from this flock, also recorded in Sherbrook Valley on January 30, near the German Cemetery on February 1 and near Hednesford on February 14. On May 2, five juveniles flew out of pines in the Regent's Wood area and soon afterwards an adult pair was found ARMB. Seven were back in the Beaudesert area on November 12 WJL. Away from Cannock Chase, 17 flew NW over Bishops Wood on June 30, calling continuously, DS and 12 fed on larches on Enville Golf Course on November 25 GCW. 92

Bullfinch Waiks The most reported was 22, at Kingsbury on November 2. Worcs No party greater than five was reported. Noted feeding on dried honeysuckle berries during the December snow. Staffs Decrease in Fradley Wood, but not thought to be significant. WMid One or two visited gardens, mostly during winter and early spring.

Hawfinch

Worcs About five pairs located in the Wyre Forest, apparently nesting in Douglas firs RM, PGG, and one or two noted throughout the year EGP with a maximum of 20 on March 15 JEF. One at Grimley on December 31 RM. Staffs About 20 in early spring at a site in the west of the county and one subsequently seen in summer per DS. Noted in the Lower Avenue at Chillington between January 3 and April 9, with a maximum of nine on March 14 JKH, and again from October 18 to December 9, with a maximum of 14 on the latter date JJH. A pair was observed at Dane Bridge on June 9 JCE-D and two flew west at Belvide on October 18 JJH.

Lapland Bunting Warks One at Draycote on January 17 ARD.

Snow Bunting Warks An immature male noted at Draycote on October 19 MJt, November "\AARD and 29 RCM. Worcs A first winter male in a huge finch flock at Grimley on December 28 RM. 93

Yellowhammer Warks No change in breeding numbers at Willey, where maximum of 50 on March 1. Winter flocks of 100 at Alvecote on January 31 and Pillcrton Horsey on February 14 and 15- Worcs 20 singing males noted during a 5 mile walk between Upton-on- Severn and Brotheridge Green. Several reports of flocks up to 50, with 100 at Longdon Marsh on January 18 and 300 at Grimley on December 28. Staffs Flocks of 50 at Chillington and Belvide in January and February, with 49 at Blithfield on May 3. Post breeding numbers at Blithfield reached 92 on August 18 and 100 were at the same locality on November 29. 50 at Canwell on December 28. WMid Apart from a flock of 150 at Balsall Common on March 22, all records referred to small parties of less than 10.

Reed Bunting Warks No change in numbers at Alvecote, with six-to-eight pairs, and reportedly a fairly common breeding bird in the Tame Valley. Largest flocks were all in January, when 100 at Whitacre Heath, 50 at Alvecote and 30 at Long Itchington. Worcs No changes in status reported, except in the wintering flock at Hollywood which declined to a maximum of 1 7. Staffs Counts of 40 at Chasewater and 30 at Belvide on March 29 and 20 near the Katyn Memorial on Cannock Chase on November 1 5. WMid Several reports of birds feeding in gardens during hard weather, especially in December, with a maximum of 15 in a Coventry garden on December 27.

Com Bunting Warks Breeding season reports from only three localities, but widely reported at other times. At Brandon the winter roost peaked at 190 on February 22, whilst the autumn maximum was 45 on December 12. At Ladywalk the peak was 58 on February 14. In winter a flock up to 80 remained at Water Orton from January to April and 35 were at Bermuda on February 9. Worcs Breeding season records from 18 localities, but smaller roosts and flocks except for a flock of 100 at Grimley on December 31, which was a county record RM. Elsewhere flocks of 25-35 at Hoo Brook on January 5, 30 at Abberton on April 4 and 25 at Holt G P on August 16. Winter roost at Upton Warren peaked at 20, with smaller numbers in autumn. Staffs Breeding season records from 11 localities, with maximum of five singing males at High Offley. None reported from north of the Trent Valley. Largest parties were 15 at Trescott on February 8 and Weeford on September 26. About 10 roosted at Chasewater on March 17. 94

WMid Reported in the breeding season from Wednesfield and six noted in barley ctubblo near Hagley on November 5. Duiiny winlei 80 were seen at Barr Beacon on February 19 and a maximum of 67 in Sutton Park on March 30.

Exotica White Pelican Staffs One seen flying round Blithfield on October 2R was obviously ah escape.

Black Swan Staffs One flew along the Trent at Branston on June 5 in company with three Mute Swans. WMid One male at Wyken Slough from May 21 to 25.

Emperor Goose Warks One with Canada Geese near Hams Hall on June 12.

Wood Duck Worcs A pair noted along Dowles Brook on April 12.

Falcated Teal Warks A male emerged from eclipse into full plumage during its stay from October 25 to December 6 at Kingsbury. This species is still under consideration for admission to the British List, so it is worth recording that this individual was discovered just a week or two after a large influx of Siberian vagrants into Britain. Bahama Pintail Warks Singles at Draycote on January 3 and Brandon from April 14 to May 23.

New Zealand Scaup Staffs The drake at Belvide in 1 980 was again reported intermittently in FebruaiV. from May 2 to July 19, and in August, September and November. Its other haunts are unknown.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Staffs One was present at Chillington throughout the year, and is presumed to be the individual which appeared at Brewood on January 27 and Belvide on April 23.

Ring-necked Parakeet Warks One flew over Coton into Hams Hall on November 1. 95

Budgerigar Staffs A green bird frequented a garden at Eccleshall in late January.

Addenda 1980 Ring Ouzel: a female at Walton Hill from September 23 to October 1 and one at Malvern on October 19 BW. Ringing in 1981 A quick glance at the map accompanying this report will show that a most outstanding feature of 1981 was the number of recoveries received from Morocco. In the case of the Swallow there are many African recoveries in the WMBC records, but no previous African recoveries for either Whitethroat or Wheatear. Indeed, as far as is known, there are only two previous Wheatear recoveries involving the West Midlands, a Skokholm nestling recovered in Coventry in 1949 and a Fair Isle bird at Stone, Staffs in 1955. For the Whitethroat, previous foreign recoveries of WMBC area ringed birds came from Spain, Portugal and the Goeree Lightship in the North Siea. The Blackbird has produced an exceptional number of foreign recoveries (eight, or if one includes the bird in Scotland nine) in 1981. These are from the usual countries visited by West Midlands Blackbirds, although the one in Finland would have been considered exceptional not many years ago (WMBC Annual Report 1969). The Redwing in Finland is only the fourth in the WMBC records which has gone to that country, and it was found there at a rather early date. The usual species have shown the movement furthest east (i.e. Wigeon, Lapwing and Starling). The Starling is rather further east than most other WMBC recoveries of the species. Swift recoveries in the southern hemisphere are always good to receive and although not the furthest south on our records, the 1980 recovery reported in 1981 is interesting due to its westerly recovery location. The precedent set in the 1980 Annual Report of including ringer's initials in the 'Key to Contributors' at the back of the report has been continued. Behind every recovery listed here is a lot of hard (but enjoyable) work, not only by those who have been lucky enough to get an interesting recovery reproduced below, but also by many who are pursuing studies that rarely produce spectacular results. All recoveries contribute to our knowledge of the birds of the WMBC area. It may not be generally known that the Ringing Secretary maintains a file of all recoveries reported, whether or not published in the Bulletin or Annual Report. Whilst it is from this source that details such as some of those mentioned above have been extracted, it is equally important that the more mundane recoveries are reported so that a full picture of movements to, from and within the West Midlands area can be built up. _ . . . . PL Ireland 96

Map of Ringing Recoveries ~ All foreign recoveries except Black-headed Gull

Key:— B Blackbird S Starling C Chaffinch SF Spotted Flycatcher F Fieldfare SM Sand Martin HG Herring Gull SW Swallow L Lapwing W Wigeon LBBG Lesser Black-backed Gull We Wheatear R Redwing Wh Whitethroat 97

Selected List of Recoveries Involving the WMBC Area Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries for 1981 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres (62 miles) are included. Treatment of movements of less than 100 kilometres depends on the species involved.

Key Age at ringing: Sex: Pull Pullus (nestling) M Male Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) F Female 1Y Bird in its first year Manner of Recovery: 2Y Bird in its second year V Caught and released with ring 3Y Bird in its third year + Shot or killed Ad Adult (at least one year old) X Found dead or dying FG Full Grown (age uncertain) w Ring read in field xA Found long dead 0 Caught and released without ring ? Manner of recovery unknown

Species Ringer Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place Movement Heron 1090796 Pull 09.06.73 Gailey (Staffs) CDTM x 23.10.81 Kirkham (Lanes)

Mute Swan The oldest bird reported during the year was': Z 16713 Pull 25.09.65 Stafford CDTM x 16.03.81 Lichfield (Staffs) 24km SE Other recoveries showing movement of more than 40km were: Z 34408 Pull 09.08.73 Coleshill (Warks) CDTM V 04.08.74 Attenborough (Notts) 51km NE Z 17883 Pull 30.09.79 Leamington (Warks) ARG V 13.01.80 Wyken Slough, Coventry (West Midlands) 15km NNE w 04.01.81 Tarn worth (Staffs) 40km NNW w 15.02.81 Tamworth

Z 36864 2Y 04.12.75 Cannock (Staffs) c CDTM X 07.04.81 (Clwyd) Wales 66km NW Z 35171 Pull 28.07.74 Rugeley (Staffs) CDTM V 15.07.81 Attenborough (Notts) 49km ENE Z28762 Pull 07.09.69 Branston (Staffs) CDTM X 23.07.81 Sandbach (Cheshire) 63km NW 98

Z 17836 Juv.M 29.10.75 Warwick ARG v 03.10.70 Draycotc Reservoir (Warks) 20Wm NNF + 02.11.81 Swan's Nest Weir, Leicester 51km NE

Canada Goose Recoveries reported showing movement of over 100km were: Pull 29.06.80 Kings Bromley (Staffs) MRG v 27.06.81 Theale (Berks) 155km L02338 Pull 05.07.79 Packington Park (Warks) MRG V 24.07.81 Edinburgh 393km NNW L 00402 Ad 02.07.78 Kings Bromley CD I'M + 17.09.81 Dorking (Surrey) 197km SSE L00551 Ad 02.07.78 Kings Bromley CDTM + 17.09.81 Dorking (Surrey) 197km SSE 5076744 Pull 25.06.77 Solihull (West Midlands) CDTM V 12.07.80 Beauly Firth, Scotland X (21.10.81) Solihull

Wigeon SS 93772 Ad.M 23.01.72 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM + 10.09.76 near Ust-Morzh (Arkhangelsk) 62°50'N USSR 42°42'E FS 76318 Ad.F 19.01.75 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM + 01.12.81 Elphin (Highland Region) Scotland 613km NNW

Mallard GJ17816 Juv.M 15.09.80 Slimbridge (Glos) + 29.01.81 Ettington (Warks) 73km NE GJ 00059 Pull.M 14.07.81 Compton Wynyates (Warks) ARG + 11.11.81 Nuneaton (Warks) 50km N

Kestrel EH 24648 Pull 08.06.81 Haselor (Warks) ARG + 25.07.81 Long Buckby (Northants) 52km E EH 32092 Pull 11.07.79 Gargrave (N Yorks) v.F 29.10.80 Bedworth (Warks) 187km S 0 13.09.81 Coventry (West Midlands) 8km S BRG EF 57684 Pull 22.06.81 Long Itchington (Warks) ARG xA 01.11.81 Robertsbridge (Sussex) 195km SE EJ 17144 Pull 19.06.81 Sutton Park (West Midlands) MRG X 10.12.81 Ashford (Kent) 250km SE

Coot Few Coot are ringed and consequently few are recovered. The short movement shown by the birds below are typical: GK 78904 Ad 11.11.78 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands)MRG x 16.11.79 Packington Park (Warks) 16kmSE 99

GK 87552 FG 13.12.80 Sutton Park (West Midlands) MRG X 20.04.81 near Tamworth (Staffs) 15km NE GK 32297 FG 31.11.76 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM X 18,06.81 near Brewood (Staffs) 22km SW

Lapwing DR 21698 Ad 06.07.75 Branston (Staffs) CDTM + 11.01.81 Porto Alto (Ribatejo) Portugal 38°55'N 8° 53'W DR 66061 Ad 14.09.80 Hampton-in-Arden (West Midlands) PLI + 11.01.81 Triaize (Vendee) France 46°23'N 1° 12'W DR 29490 Ad 25.08.75 Elford (Staffs) CDTM + 15.08.79 near Shklov (Mogilev) USSR 54°14'N 30° 17'E DR 30393 Ad 24.12.75 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM + 06:09.81 Wellesbourne (Warks) 72kmSSE DR 34684 Ad.M 26.11!76 Holt (Worcs) CMH + 31.12.81 Lannilis (Finistdre) France 48°35'N 4° 32'W

Black-headed Gull Tabulated below are recoveries resulting from Black-headed Gulls ringed in the WMBC Area during the winter months. The table excludes movements entirely within the WMBC's Area.

JFMAMJJASOND Total

Sweden — — — — 1 2 — — — — — — 3 Finland — — — 2 2 2 7 Estonia — — — — 1 — 1 — — — — — 2 Poland — 1 — — — — 1 Denmark ____2 3 2 1 — 1__ 9 Germany (W&E) — 3 '1 ______4 Netherlands — — — 2 — 1 — 1 — — — — 4 Britain 100km — 3 — — — — — — 1 — 1 — 5 101-250km 1 1 — — — — 2 — 1 — 1 — 6 251km— — — — — _ 1 — 1 1 — — — 3

Recoveries involving British ringed pulli are given below: EH 86105 Pull 21.06.80 Tingwall, Shetland v 17.01.81 Madeley Heath, Bromsgrove (Worcs) 862km N PLI EJ 40930 Pull 17.07.80 Elford (Staffs) MRG v 07.02.81 Bournemouth (Dorset) 221km S EJ 45505 Pull 01.07.81 Elford (Staffs) MRG x 26.08.81 Draycote (Warks) 50km SE

Lesser Black-backed Gull The recoveries mainly reinforce our knowledge that the wintering Lesser Black-backed Gulls come from the British colonies to the north and west of the Midlands. However the first Icelandic record for this species is interesting. 100

GP 07160 Ad 29.01.77 Droitwich (Worcs) GHG X 29.06.80 Amlwch (Anglesey) 200km NW GK 68430 Ad 12.01.80 Worcester WGG + 12.04.81 Bakkakot (Leidvallahr) Iceland 63°33'N 18°11 'W GK 68203 Ad 01.01.79 Droitwich GHG X 03.05.81 South Walney (Cumbria) 211km NNW GK 66567 Ad.F 21.01.78 Evesham (Worcs) WGG v 28.06.81 Leigh (Greater Manchester) 169km NNW GK 40155 Ad.F 26.01.80 Studley (Warks) ARG V 28,06.81 Leigh (Greatei Mciiiuliusler) 144km NNW GK 68466 Ad 12.01.80 Worcester WGG X 08.07.81 Accrington (Lanes) 176km N GK 68129 Ad 01.01.79 Droitwich WGG X 30.08.81 Theale (Berks) 115km SE GG 02404 Pull 19.07.81 Walney Island (Cumbria) + 03.09.81 Draycote (Warks) 235km SSE BRG GK 68205 Ad 01.01.79 Droitwich WGG X (29.09.81) Arlingham (Gloucestershire) 54km SSW

Herring Gull GK 80322 3Y.M 01.01.80 Madeley (Worcs) PU + 05.02.81 Heligoland, F.R. Germany 54° 11 'N 7°55'E GK 51878 1Y 10.02.79 Madeley PU X 14.02.81 Holbeach Marsh (Lines) 160km ENE GK 22456 Ad 28.12.76 Evesham (Worcs) WGG X 20.04.81 Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset) 120km SW YZ1730 Pull 03.07.81 Craigleith Island (Firth of Forth) + 03.09.81 Draycote (Warks) 450km S BRG

Barn Owl Both recoveries show fairly long movement for this species: GK 91232 Pull 22.06.81 Haselor (Warks) ARG + 03.10.81 Nailsworth (Gloucestershire) 69km SSW GK 80919 Pull 12.07.81 Temple Grafton (Warks) ARG + 23.10.81 near Leicester Forest East (Leics) 64km NE

Swift SA 30869 Ad 18.06.77 Walsall (West Midlands) WRG v 26.06.78 Wintersett Reservoir (W Yorks) 125km NNE SA 64297 Ad 24.06.79 Packington (Warks) DRW 01.10.80 lyongo, near Boundji, Congo-Brazzaville 1°37'S 16°18'E SA 64297 is the first British-ringed Swift recovered from Congo- Brazzaville, African recoveries of Swifts usually coming from further east. 101

Kingfisher SA 47808 Juv 24.08.81 Hackenthorpe, Sheffield (S Yorks) x 08.11.81 Coventry (West Midlands) 108kmS This is the longest Kingfisher record on the WMBC files.

Sand Martin All movements of over 200km are given in full. There were a further 18 recoveries reported outside the Club's Area from the counties of Bucks (1 bird), Cheshire (4), Dorset (1), Greater Manchester (1), Lanes (1), Leics (1), Lines .(1), Notts (2), Oxon (1) and Shropshire (5). Madrid M 85320 Juv 15.09.79 Madrid. Spain V 24.07.80 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG A 312688 Ad.M 08.06.80 Meriden (West Midlands) PU V 25.04.81 Baie d'Yves (Charente-Maritime) France 46°01'N 1 °03'W A 312317 Juv.F 08.07.79 Meriden (West Midlands) PU V 29.08.79 Hiers-Brouage, France 45°52'N 1 °04'W V 14.06.81 Meriden A /6jbU9 Juv.M 31.U7.bU Stubbers Cireen MRG v 29.06.81 Killeagh (Cork) Eire 420km W A 220826 Juv.F 20.07.79 Haddiscoe (Norfolk) V 12.07.81 Meriden 221km W J PU B 278027 Juv 20.07.81 Dyce. Aberdeen, Scotland y 22.08.81 Tamworth (Staffs) 512km S MRG Swallow A 054243 FG 22.07.80 Stoke (Staffs) OWE V 04.09.80 Radwell (Beds) A 836236 Juv 25.08.80 Wintersett Reservoir (W. Yorks) V 14.09.80 Arrow (Warks) 162km S ARG KV 18374 Pull 10.06.80 Cofton Hackett (Worcs) CRG V 22.04.81 Erfoud, Morocco 31 °28'N 4°10'W A 827310 Juv 19.08.80 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG X 06.06.81 Markyate (Herts) 133km SE JP 35650 Juv 23.08.81 Doncaster (S. Yorks) V 07.09.81 Stubbers Green 112km SSW MRG KX 58248 Pull 09.07.79 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) ARG X 15.09.81 Guercif, Morocco 34° 15'N 3°21'W A 511023 Ad.M 25.08.79 Stubbers Green MRG V 05.10.81 Oujda, Morocco 34°41 'N 1 °45'W Three recoveries from Morocco in one year is exceptional. A 511023 was reported as being found sick and was released five days later! 102

Yellow Wagtail KJ01C28 Juv.M 27.00.77 Tillington (Staffs) OWE V 28.07.81 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) 45km SSE

Pied Wagtail A 169991 Juv 18.08.80 Arrow (Warks) ARG X 02.06.81 Witney (Oxon) 55km SSE A 875208 Juv.M 12.10.80 Arrow (Warks) ARG V 27.07.81 Aberdeen (Grampian Region) 546km N

Nightingale NH 21105 Ad 09.05.79 Gibraltar Point (Lines) V 01.05.81 Wappenbury Wood (Warks) 147km SW BRG

Wheatear NC 16098 Ad.F 06.09.81 Brandon (Warks) BRG 0 26.09.81 Khouribga, Morocco 32°54'N 6° 57'W

Blackbird XC 51059 1 Y.M 21.02.77 Sutton Park (West Midlands) MRG V 15.03.80 Kopervik (Rogaland) Norway 59° 17'N 5° 16'E XC 74911 Ad.M 09.01.79 Dunley (Worcs) JRM X 25.01.81 Garve (Highland Region) Scotland 606km NNW CS 18821 Ad.F 10.02.80 Ufton Fields (Warks) ARG X 10.03.81 Krommenie (Noord-Holland) Netherlands 52°30'N 4° 46'E XJ08218 1 Y.M 27.01.80 Sutton Park MRG X 24.03.81 Siikainen (Turku-Pori) Finland 61 °48'N 21 °50'E XC 74896 Ad.F 08.01.79 Dunley JRM X 01.04.81 Sorby (Sjaelland) Denmark 55°21'N 11 °26'E XC 51316 Ad.M 18.12.77 Sutton Park NJS X 10.04.81 Ostfriesische (Inseln) 53°45'N F.R. Germany 7°29'E XA 53413 Ad.F 19.02.78 Wootton Wawen (Warks) ARG X 11.05.81 Vasteras (Vastmanland) Sweden 59°36'N 16°32'E XC 85085 Ad.M 04.12.77 Packington Park (Warks) DRW X 15.07.81 Cloppenburg (Weser-Ems) F.R. Germany 52°52'N 8° 02'E XJ 08418 Ad.F 19.10.80 Sutton Park MRG X 20.10.81 Lomeland, Egersund (Rogaland) Norway 58°31'N 6° 04'E

Fieldfare CS 18827 Ad.F 02.03.80 Ufton Fields (Warks) ARG X 12.10.81 Lillehammer (Opland) Norway 61 °08'N 10°30'E 103

Song Thrush NX 43864 Juv 02.11.80 Wythall (Worcs) PU x 29.12.81 Whitland (Dyfed) Wales 195km WSW This, movement may well have been made in response to the very cold weather at the end of 1981.

Redwing NX 85563 Juv 19.10.80 Hallow (Worcs) SWW + 11.12.80 Portugalete (Vizcaya) Spain 43°19'N 3°09'W Stavanger Ad 21.04.79 Tjone (Vestfold) Norway 59°04'N 10°32'E 8176108 V 01.01.81 Stone (Staffs) MRG XC 00781 1Y 15.01.77 Sutton Park (West Midlands) MRG X 11.04.81 Pvolanka (Ovlu) Finland 2172km NE

Sedge Warbler A 557286 Juv 26.07.80 Rye Meads (Herts) BRG V 15.05.81 Brandon (Warks) 118km WNW A 838683 Ad 12.06.80 Thurlby (Leics) BRG v.M 15.07.81 Brandon 84km WSW A 481223 Ad 10.05.81 Brandon BRG v.M 18.07.81 Frodsham (Cheshire) 136km NW 0 093CC9 Juv 11.07.81 Chasewater (Starts) MRG V 26.07.81 Filsham (Sussex) 262km SE

Reed Warbler KN 24240 FG 07.07.78 Copmere (Staffs) DWE X 03.09.80 Santa Cruz Beach, Portugal 39°08'N 9°23'W KK 72860 Juv 18.07.76 Brandon (Warks) BRG v.F 20.06.81 Poolsbrook (Derbys) 97km N KV 20477 Ad.F 01.08.77 Pershore (Worcs) GHG V 05.07.81 Bridgwater (Somerset) 120km SW A 561433 Juv 13.07.80 Shotton (Clwyd) v 01.08.80 Wolston (Warks) 143km SE BRG v 19.07.81 Shotton 143km NW A 967353 Pull 31.05.81 Rocksavage (Cheshire) V 02.08.81 Brandon 135km SE A 347713 Pull 06.07.80 Brandon BRG v.F 14.08.81 Kempton Park (Surrey) 129km SE

Whitethroat B 013424 Juv 02.08.81 Brandon (Warks) BRG v 02.09.81 Hamble (Hants) 171km S A 782645 Juv 20.07.80 Lea Marston (Warks) MRG X 02.12.81 Dades (Quarzazate) Morocco 30°55'N 6°47'W

Blackcap JP 37511 Juv.F 19.07.81 Brandon (Warks) BRG V 22.08.81 Hungerford (Berks) 107km S 104

Willow Warbler 070034 Juv 20.08.78 UftorT Fields (Warks) ARG V 10.05.81 Hilbre Island (Merseyside) 173km NW Jersey Ad.M 16.04.80 Sark, Channel Islands 49°27'N 2°21'W

Spotted Flycatcher KH 26396 Pull 27.06.76 Red Hill (Warks) ARG V 09.09.80 Igea, La Rioja (Logrono) Spain 42°02'N 2°00'W

Pied Flycatcher KP 84674 Pull 09.06.80 Talgarth (Powys) Wales V 18.06.81 Tenbury Wells (Worcs) 49km NE DGB Blue Tit A 287717 Ad.F 19.07.79 Garthmyl (Powys) Wales V 13.10.79 Shustoke (Warks) 105km E MRG Starling CH 53436 Ad 22^02.75 Perry Barr (West Midlands) GA X 15.08.77 Kovernino (Gorkiy) USSR 57°11'N 43°43'E XV 58034 1 Y.F 13.12.75 Northfield (West Midlands) WRG V 24.05.80 Galtrup (Jylland) Denmark CH 97493 FG 28.01.79 Stoke-on-Trent (Staffs) OWE X 03.06.80 Denmark XC 36702 Ad.M 27.02.77 Bournville, Birmingham GFA X 27.01.81 Bronllys, Brecon (Powys) 101km WSW Kaunas Ad.M 26.06.79 Ventes Ragas (Shilute) 55°21'N SUK25R07 Lithuania USSR 21°13'E X 29.01.81 Drayton (Warks) ARG XH 47069 Ad.M 07.02.80 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) ARG X 13.03.81 Barssel (Weser-Ems) F.R. Germany 52°10'N 7°44'E XH 42097 1 Y.M 23.01.80 Holyhead (Anglesey) V 15.03.81 Stratford-on-Avon 232km ESE ARG XA 82739 1 Y.F 31.12.76 Severn Stoke (Worcs) JRH X 28.03.81 Skanderborg (Jylland) Denmark 56°02'N 9°57'E

Tree Sparrow NH 72022 Pull 26.05.80 Wilmcote (Warks) ARG 7 20.12.80 Abergavenny (Gwent) 94km WSW

Chaffinch A 030837 1 Y.F 16.11.80 Brandon (Warks) BRG X 20.04.81 (Tjoloholm) Sweden 57°24'N 12°07'E 105

A 971005 Ad.F 25.01.81 Blithfield (Staffs) MRG x 22.06.81 Nassjo (Jonkoping) Sweden 57°39'N 14°41'E KX 8656- Ad.M 06.02.78 Hallow (Worcs) SWW v 21.10.81 Ekeren (Antwerpen) Belgium 51 °17'N 4°25'E

Brambling A 790831 Ad.M 31.01.81 Speke Hall, Liverpool v 29.03.81 Moor Hall, Sutton Coldfield 110km SE (West Midlands) MRG A 296505 1Y 19.01.79 Stourport (Worcs) SWW v 12.12.81 Penmon (Anglesey) 161km.NW

Greenfinch NE 98014 1Y.M 13.01.79 Sutton Park (West Midlands) MRG x 26.04.81 Retford (Notts) 104km NE 106

Key to Contributors

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

A G Amphlett K Eccles G R Harrison T C E Link G Anderson S F L Edwards Mrs J V Harrison K A Loveridge G F Appleton I Ellis M Harrison W J Low Mrs E F Arden N Ellis AW Hatfield G A Arnold D W Emley E E Hawkeswood I R Machin M A Arnold G Etherington fUEt) (J J Hdwkridge S McMinn N G Arnold G Evans (CJHa) C McShane J A Asbury J C Eyre-Dickinson S L Haycox G J Mant R E Astbury S M Haynes D V Mardle M J Austin D Field (DFi) S I Hearne T Marlow M W Finnemore M J Heffron J P Martin F Baldry T W Finnemore C M Hemmings R Maskew Mrs V A Baldry P A Forbes P Hibberd D Mather J E C Baldwin J E Fortey J M Higgins Miss E L Matheson P G Barratt D Fowle R J Higgins H M Mays L R Bayes J K Higginson R C Mays M Bellamy N D Galloway J R Hodson S Micklewright J T Belsey P G Garner J J Holian (SMi) ARM Blake T E Gibson A Hollick C D T Minton D G Boddington T E Giles (TEGil R A Hume D J Mitford A Booth C Gladwin M D Humphreys P A Moran S C Brown P A Gluth P D Hyde J R Mountford G C Bruton A W Green R FE Butler G H Green F H Ingram G K Nicholls G H C Byford F C Gribble M J Inskip S C Nichols C R Griffiths P L Ireland FA Noble S R Cale Arden Ringing Mrs A Normand P J Chadder (PJCh) Group A F Jacobs R Normand Rev P J Chapman Brandon Marsh S Jaggs Mrs Clark Conservation D James G H Peplow G Clarke Group S J Jenkins W F Peplow R A Claxton Brandon Ringing R J Jennett W R H Peplow K G Clifford Group K H Jones E G Phillips A E Coleman Mercian Ringing S Pitts Mrs P J Copson Group M H King W Poole (PJCo) Walsall Ringing R J King P Porter P J Cottier (PJCt) Group K N Kingscott C H Potter B Craddock Worcester Gull B L Kington T Poyser A Curran Group Mrs P Kirby R Kirby H S Quiney A R Dean P M Hackett P K Dedicoat C J Hall G Laight Mrs D Reed I J Dix Mrs N Hammond S A Lane A Remfry J M Oodgson R E Harbird CLee A J Richards T Doyle J Harris H T Lees J H W Ridley 107

S A Riley S Smith R J Thomas S K Welch D R Roberts - Dr D A Southam G Thursfield IGTh) T Wells J Robinson Dr R M Southam M Townsend N R Went J Robbins IJRo) N J Speak D R West G Russon F G Stokes D T Underhill B Westwood G Stokes (GSt) S M Whitehouse Miss G Savage (GSa) G Summers P Venables Dr F C Williams D J Simkin Miss M A Surman K Verrall Mrs F C Williams A P Skidmore A Wiltshire C J Small P C Taylor B Wain (BWa) J R Winsper D Smallshire D R Teece S W Walker A J Wood R L Smallwood A D Thomas TJ Walton G W Woodward E F Smith A H Thomas D Waring G C Wright F Smith G Thomas Miss Y M Way M S Smith K H Thomas M S Weake Dr D W Yalden

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. The poor standard of many descriptions continues to cause the Editorial Committee concern and in some cases leads to records being rejected. As a guide, observers are reminded that descriptions should include notes on weather conditions; habitat; distance and period of observation; optics used; other species present; previous experience of the species; behaviour and actions when flying, feeding or moving; size and shape of head, neck, body, tail, wings, bill and legs and call or song as well as a systematic description of plumage including colour of upperparts and underparts, the colour and position of any conspicuous marks and the colour of bill, legs, feet and eyes. 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 Whooper Swan Geese other than Grey Lag and Canada Duck: Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous, Scaup, Eider, Long-tailed, Scoter spp. Smew and Red-breased Merganser Raptors other than Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel Quail Crakes other than Water Rail 108

Waders: Avocet, Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Grey Plover, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Mediterranean, Little, Sabine's, Iceland, Glaucous and Kittiwake Terns: Sandwich, Roseate and Little Auks Long-eared Owl Hoopoe and Wryneck Woodlark and Shorelark Rock/Water Pipit Waxwing Bluethroat Black Redstart Warblers: Cetti's, Marsh, Icterine, Melodious, Dartford, Barred and Yellow-browed Red-breasted Flycatcher Bearded Tit Golden Oriole Shrikes Raven Twite Hawfinch Buntings: Lapland, Snow, Cirl and Ortolan '1

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