1959 No. 26

THE WEST MIDLAND BIRD REPORT

Price Six Shillings Published August, 1960

We are indebted to one of our members, A. Winspear Cundall, for these two fine studies of a Yellow Hammer feeding young near Redditch and of a Tufted Duck nesting at one of our reservoirs. THE WEST MIDLAND BIRD REPORT No. 26

1959

BEING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB FOR 1959 ON THE BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE, WORCESTERSHIRE AND STAFFORDSHIRE. CONTENTS

Page

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE .... 5

EDITOR'S REPORT 5

SECRETARY'S REPORT 6

TREASURER'S REPORT 7

FIELD MEETINGS REPORT 7

BREEDING BIRDS OF THE MALVERN DISTRICT 8

SOME NOTES ON THE GROWTH OF A ROOKERY 12

CLASSIFIED NOTES 14

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF MIGRANTS . 44

KEY TO CONTRIBUTORS 49

FINANCIAL STATEMENT 50 OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE, 1960

President : THE LORD HURCOMB, G.C.B., K.B.E. Vice-President : A. J. HARTHAN, Badgers Hill, Sheriffs Lench, Evesham. Chairman : C. A. NORRIS, Clent House, Clent. Secretary : A. R. M. BLAKE, 102 Russell Bank Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. Editor : J. LORD, "Orduna," 369 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield. Treasurer : N. SWINDELLS, Rowan Lodge, 14 New Road, Shenstone, Lichfield. Field Meetings Secretary : A. T. CLAY, "Ardenshaw," Gentle- men's Lane, Ullenhall, Warwickshire. Assistant Secretary : J. N. SEARS, 67 Coalmeadow Road, Billesley, Birmingham 14. Branch Representatives : Kidderminster: Mrs. M. THURSFIELD, Burnt Wood, Long Bank, Bewdley. Stafford: G. M. IRESON, 38 Linton Road, Penn, Wolver- hampton. Studley: G. C. LAMBOURNE, Cottage Farm, Ipsley, Redditch. South Warwickshire: Mrs. M. NELDER, "Philomel," Kineton Road, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. Committee : S. C. Brown, A. W. Cundall, Miss R. C. Lee, H. T. Lees, Miss G. M. Lewis, D. J. Munns, F. Rollett.

EDITOR'S REPORT The dry summer and early autumn made the reservoirs attractive for waders and in contrast with 1958 there were plentiful records from all the waters without, however, any rarities turning up. Reservoirs presented unusual sights after the long drought but most were back to normal by the end of the year. Cannock reservoir, by some manipulation, remained at the usual level and this and its use as a pleasure ground made it a poor bird-watching venue although in the late autumn two Eider-Ducks appeared, the second occurrence for Staffordshire. A Greenshank at Leamington on January 10th and Common Sandpipers at Cheddleton on February 15th were surprising for the Midlands. It was a Garganey year as in other parts of the country and they arrived earlier and in greater numbers than usual. Records of Scaup were curiously few. A Red-necked Phalarope at Brandon in June and two occurrences of Temminck's Stint—at Middleton Pool and at Black- brook Sewage Farm—were unusual. Little Ringed Plovers, now

5 regular on passage at several waters, bred at two localities in Warwickshire for the first time although suspected of having done so last year. A Roseate Tern was seen at Alvecote, and Black Terns appeared in considerable numbers around May 23rd. A Glaucous Gull and an Iceland Gull were seen together at Belvide to afford a rare opportunity in this area of comparison in the field. Crossbills nested at Enville, the first breeding in Staffordshire for some time, and a Long-eared Owl nesting record from the north of the county was one of the few within recent years. Spotted Crakes were reported from Hampton-in-Arden in the autumn and from near Worcester in the spring. Few Quail's nests have been seen intact in this area although occasionally found destroyed by farming operations so that it was pleasing to hear of one photo- graphed near Betley from which young subsequently hatched. Twite and Snow-Buntings were seen in autumn and winter at more localities than usual and a Lapland Bunting was reported at Belvide. Some of the Bearded Tits which appeared at various parts on the East Coast penetrated to Baginton to provide an exciting sight for the fortunate observers there. Members are thanked for all the record cards submitted, which can not all be acknowledged, but add to the general picture whether they refer to our commoner species or to the glamorous rarities. j LORD.

SECRETARY'S REPORT Indoor Meetings In 1959 we repeated the experiment of the previous year of holding a public meeting in Birmingham Town Hall. On Novem- ber 6th the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds showed their film, "Highland Birds," the meeting being held in conjunction with the R.S.P.B. and the British Trust for Ornithology. This was a particularly successful venture and we intend to organise another such meeting in 1960—it may well become an annual event. In Birmingham Art Gallery our speakers were Mrs. Rosemary Upton and Messrs. W. M. Condry, W. G. Harper, R. E. Moreau, C. A. Norris and K. Williamson. We are most grateful to them all, and to our Chairman for continuing to attract such talented lecturers apart from speaking to us himself.

Bird Study For once the Club issued its own questionnaire and we did not have to rely upon the B.T.O. to provide us with a project. In fact, after several years of breeding and winter distribution surveys into Buzzard, Mute Swan, Coot and Nightjar, there was no work of

6 a co-operative nature in which we could help in 1959. There was, of course, the Great Spotted Woodpecker Enquiry, but this was best satisfied by individual effort. Our questionnaire enquired into the Breeding Distribution of Birds in Staffordshire. Members may remember that in December, 1958, it was announced that we intended to revise T. Smith's "Birds of Staffordshire," and to this end we wanted far more information than was then available about the birds breeding in the northern half of the county. Response from this part of the county has been most encouraging, coming mostly from bird-watchers who had responded to our letter published in "Bird Notes," "Bird Study" and "British Birds." As a result, for all but a comparatively small part of the county, we have adequate coverage (and we have gained quite a few new members). We intend to organise parties from the Stafford Branch and from the Research Committee to fill the gaps in our knowledge during 1960. In the meantime the Editor has been busily analysing records published in our Reports and the results of our questionnaire. Progress has been made in searching for other published references and it seems likely that our tentative publishing date of mid-1961 will be maintained. I must apologise for not yet completing the analysis of Wildfowl Counts in the West Midlands from 1951 to 1958—it has been shelved temporarily because of other commitments. It is, however, a poor appreciation of the sterling work of our counters. A. R. M. BLAKE.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The accounts for 1959, which are printed inside the back cover, show a surplus for the year of £43. It will be seen that over £30 of this comes from the Club's share of the proceeds from the lecture in the Birmingham Town Hall; the margin between normal income and expenditure is, as usual, extremely modest. During 1959, membership increased by 28 to a total of 601, in spite of the loss of 64 members.

N. SWINDELLS.

FIELD MEETINGS REPORT The local reservoirs and the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge were visited as in previous years. Two of the most successful meetings were to the Malvern Hills and to Radnor Forest. The latter was a new venture and members who attended were very well rewarded. As usual, the weather was ideal on every occasion and the meetings were well supported. A. T. CLAY. 7 BREEDING BIRDS OF THE MALVERN DISTRICT Since 1953 I have recorded not far short of 2,000 nests for The British Trust for Ornithology over the Malvern district. 80 species breed in the district for certain, probably more, nests of 61 species recorded, and I have seen nests of others where not possible to record the eggs or young. By covering the same areas yearly one can make interesting and valuable comparisons and I often find the same nests and sites used yearly. 1959 saw the earliest nesting I have known. Many birds built in February and some laid; by the end of March I had 120 records with eggs and young, recording 444 nests for the season. A Song-Thrush was sitting on four eggs by March 4th, the young hatched on the 16th. Space does not allow me to relate the many unusual occurrences which make nest recording so well worth while. MALLARD. Breed on suitable pools; nest recorded at top of elm trunk. MUTE SWAN. Watched pair nesting on Golden Valley Pool, Castlemorton, during 1958. BUZZARD. Nests yearly in several woods in the district. Species did not appear to diminish owing to myxamotosis. KESTREL. Nests over the district. Common on the hills. RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. A few pairs nest. Nest recorded in fruit orchard surrounded by woodland. PARTRIDGE. Four nests recorded in fruit orchards. PHEASANT. Eight nests recorded in fruit orchards. MOORHEN. 22 nests recorded on pools over the area, several in trees. COOT. Nests on two pools, where I have seen young. LAPWING. Increasing in numbers. Nests recorded on farmland over the district. WOODCOCK. Have been reported to me from two areas, probably breeds. CURLEW. Heard in the district and seen in fields beside Castle- morton Common; no doubt breeds. STOCK-DOVE. Breeds over the district. WOOD-PIGEON. Widely distributed over woods and fruit orchards; 48 nests recorded. TURTLE-DOVE. Nests in hedgerows and over farmlands and woods. CUCKOO. Well distributed over the area. Eggs and young recorded in Hedge-Sparrow nests and once a pair of Spotted Flycatchers were the fosterers. Young bird being fed by Meadow-Pipits on Malvern Hills, June 1958. BARN-OWL. I believe breeds in small numbers. LITTLE OWL. Widely distributed over the district as a nesting species.

8 TAWNY OWL. Nest recorded with young in oak, 1959. Widely distributed as above species. NIGHTJAR. Bred for some years on Malvern Hills and in Storridge Woods, but absent during 1958 and 1959. SWIFT. Common over the area. KINGFISHER. Seen at several pools, where it no doubt nests. GREEN WOODPECKER. Common and widely distributed, three nests recorded in fruit trees. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Distributed over the district; often seen in gardens. Nests recorded in fruit trees. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Seen over the district, but owing to small size is more likely to pass unseen than above species. WOOD-LARK. Rare. Seen from time to time on Malvern Hills, where no doubt it nests. SKYLARK. Common nesting species over hills, commons and farmland. SWALLOW. 53 nests recorded, most of them in farmyards. HOUSE-MARTIN. Breeds at a few regular sites. SAND-MARTIN. Nests at one sand pit; a few birds seen in several areas. RAVEN. Regularly seen over district; one or two pairs nest. CARRION-CROW. Nests recorded over the district. ROOK. Rookeries well distributed over the area. JACKDAW. Nests over the district. For four years nest recorded in same hole in apple trunk. MAGPIE. Nests in large numbers over the district. 14 nests seen in one afternoon over Mathon hillside pastures. JAY. Nests recorded in woods and fruit orchards over the area. GREAT TIT. Nests recorded over the district. BLUE TIT. 12 nests recorded in gardens and farmyards. MARSH-TIT. Nests in small numbers over several areas. WILLOW-TIT. May nest sparsely. LONG-TAILED TIT. More widely distributed in all areas in 1958 and 1959. Nests recorded, usually in thorn-bushes. NUTHATCH. Breeds regularly in large gardens and well-distributed over the district. TREE-CREEPER. Breeds in large gardens and seen over all areas. Three nests recorded in 1959 in crevices behind bark of Welling- tonias in parkland. WREN. Common everywhere. 23 nests recorded. MISTLE-THRUSH. Nests yearly in Malvern gardens and I have recorded 32 nests in cherry trees in fruit orchards. SONG-THRUSH. 311 nests recorded. Often three broods reared, but only occasionally uses same nest a second time, though one pair used the same nest in a farmyard twice a year and once three times for four years in succession. This nest was then taken over by a Blackbird. BLACKBIRD. 661 nests recorded in very varied and often quite

9 open sites, becoming quite a ground nesting bird in the last few years. Same nests and sites used yearly; some nests used for the past seven years. WHEATEAR. Several pairs nest yearly on Malvern Hills. Nests recorded in 1958 and 1959. STONECHAT. Used to breed on Malvern Hills, but seems to have disappeared from the district for some years. WHINCHAT. Breeds in small numbers on commons. REDSTART. Nests recorded yearly in small numbers in gardens, farmyards, woods and on the hills. NIGHTINGALE. Used to breed in one wood, but absent in 1958 and 1959. ROBIN. 65 nests recorded in varied sites, mostly in gardens, country lanes and farmyards. GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER. Nests on one bracken-covered hillside in small numbers. SEDGE-WARBLER. Seen in district from time to time; no doubt nests in small numbers. BLACKCAP. Well distributed over district in woods. Frequents Malvern gardens, even singing in main road gardens. Often a few birds winter in Malvern. Two nests recorded in country lanes in 1958. GARDEN-WARBLER. More exclusively a woodland bird than the Blackcap. WHITETHROAT. Well distributed over the area; seems to sing from every hedgerow. 13 nests recorded in fruit orchards. LESSER WHITETHROAT. Nests recorded in large gardens. WILLOW-WARBLER. Nests yearly in one large Malvern garden and well distributed over the district. Always larger numbers heard singing over the countryside than any other warbler. Eight nests recorded. CHIFF-CHAFF. Well distributed, nests recorded, but none in gardens. WOOD-WARBLER. Not as common as above two species, but seen in some woods. GOLDCREST. Very common bird over the district, specially in large gardens and well within Malvern town. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Common nesting bird in gardens and farmyards, using same sites yearly. 66 nests recorded. HEDGE-SPARROW. 137 nests recorded. Often victimised by Cuckoo. Records of them being very courageous parents, even carrying on and rearing young, when for a good reason I have moved their nest to another tree or remade a nest which has been washed from its site. MEADOW-PIPIT. Nests over Malvern Hills and on commons. Sometimes victimised by Cuckoo. TREE-PIPIT. Nests over Malvern Hills and I have recorded five nests in fruit orchards. 10 PIED WAGTAIL. Numbers nest at Malvern Sewage Farm and odd pairs use yearly sites in farmyards. 59 nests recorded. GREY WAGTAIL. A pair or so always winter in the district, but used not to stay to nest, until in 1958 a pair reared two broods beside a mill race, and in 1959 a second site was used to rear two broods. Two further pairs nested above a stream along a country lane. YELLOW WAGTAIL. Several pairs nest yearly at Malvern Sewage Farm and on adjoining farmland, where nests recorded. RED-BACKED SHRIKE. A pair breed on Malvern Hills, where nest recorded for past four years in bramble bushes. Same bush used in 1959 as in 1956. STARLING. Well distributed as a nesting species; nests recorded in holes in trees and walls. HAWFINCH. Nest recorded in 1956. From reports there may be several pairs of these birds in the district, but being very secretive, often pass unseen. GREENFINCH. Well distributed over the district. 15 nests recorded. GOLDFINCH. Usually well distributed as a breeding species, but numbers fluctuate yearly. 12 nests recorded in gardens. LINNET. Well distributed, nesting on commons, Malvern Hills and in hedgerows. 14 nests recorded, one in a garden in 1959. BULLFINCH. Well distributed over all areas, but not in such large numbers as the other finches, becoming more common lately. 15 nests recorded in country lanes and gardens. CHAFFINCH. 100 nests recorded, most of them in gardens. YELLOW HAMMER. Well distributed over the district, nesting on commons, the Malvern Hills and in hedgerows, where 13 nests recorded. CIRL BUNTING. Since a pair came to my garden in October, 1952, where they stayed for two years, I have specially watched these rare birds to the district and seen one in the Pickersleigh and Guarlford areas from time to time, but not seen during 1959. I believe the pair nested near my home in 1958, but the nest was robbed before I could be sure whether Cirl Bunting or Yellow Hammer, although a Cirl Bunting sang above the nest. A pair recorded as nesting at Welland. REED-BUNTING. A pair nest yearly at Malvern Sewage Farm. HOUSE-SPARROW. Well distributed as a breeding species; 39 nests recorded, mostly in sheds and brick walls. TREE-SPARROW. Rare over the district; used to nest at Malvern Sewage Farm. From October, 1957, to the spring of 1958, a flock of about 100 birds daily frequented the trees in my garden. One pair fed daily on my lawn and stayed to nest nearby, carrying food for their young from the lawn. One regularly visited my garden during 1959. M. PALMER-SMITH.

11 SOME NOTES ON THE GROWTH OF A ROOKERY

In 1931 a solitary pair of rooks reared young from a nest in a small wood near my house, the nearest rookery being half-a-mile away. Each year since I have counted the nests and numbers have been as follows: 3, 4, 5, 5, 15, 16, 12, 10, 3 (1940), 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 18, 4 (1947), 7, 9, 21, 21, 30, 70 (1953), 78, 84, 61, 52, 57, 83 (1959). Prolonged cold weather occurred during the early months of 1940 and 1947; that for 1940 began with an "ice-storm" on January 28th, when many boughs on trees were broken by the weight of ice formed upon them, oaks being the chief sufferers. Arctic conditions prevailed in 1947, when snow lay on the ground from January 22nd to March 16th, a period of 53 days, with a blizzard on March 4th, when snow drifted up to ten feet deep. In both these years the number of rooks' nests fell to a quarter that of the previous season, but nest building and incubation were not delayed; in fact, the rook is most regular in its time of breeding, and I have seen them incubating eggs with snow on their backs on several occasions. (On April 28th, 1945, half-an-inch of snow fell at 10 p.m. whilst a Nightingale sang vigorously !) On May 12th, 1953, 134 young rooks were shot from the 70 nests by a neighbour who complained of damage done to his crops. If each nest had reared two young, then nearly the whole output of the rookery was destroyed. However, in the following year there were 78 nests, so the slaughter did not succeed in reducing this alleged pest. The rookery is in a wood consisting chiefly of oaks, with three small groups of ash trees in which most of the nests are built, and only a few oaks, which happen to be next the ash, are used. Until 1951 all the nests were in ash at the south end of the wood, but by 1959 the "grouping" had reached ash trees on the north side and consisted of 38-9-36 nests, of which 42 had been built by March 12th, and a few rooks' were incubating eggs. The wood is on a very exposed hillside, and gales blow the nests about in the ash twigs far more than the few that are built in the wind-resistant tops of the oaks. One or two are blown down in most years, and on April 7th, 1943, half were destroyed by a gale; none of the rooks attempted repeat nests. During another gale a nest with well-feathered young in it landed right side up in an adjacent pasture. The parents fed their young in it for one-and-a- half days until a fox took them at night. Rooks build their nests chiefly with new rather than dead sticks, as the former are more pliable. However, dead twigs are in- corporated, and old magpies' nests are a favourite source and are often demolished within three days. If sticks are dropped en route to the nest, rooks don't bother to retrieve them, but fly on to the rookery with empty beaks, and of course one of the pair must 12 remain at the nest site to prevent neighbours stealing all the sticks that have been collected. Since 1947 I have also counted the nests in a rookery in chestnut and lime trees adjacent to the Evesham churches in the centre of that town. The numbers have been 17, 34, 3, 10 (1950), 9, 14, 20, 16, 9 (1955), 21, 17, 14, 9 (1959). Here the rooks prefer the few chestnut trees rather than the more numerous limes. Live chestnut twigs are ripped off by the rook's beak as cleanly as if cut by secateurs. A comparison between a small rookery in the country and one in a town over a number of years should provide much of interest to the bird-watcher with limited time, as the rooks' nesting activities can be seen so easily, and even, perhaps, at a glance from within a passing bus ! A. J. HARTHAN.

13 CLASSIFIED NOTES

(The number preceding the name of each bird refers to the Check-List of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland.)

I. Warwickshire. II. Worcestershire. III. Staffordshire. (See page 49 for key to contributors.)

1. Black-Throated Diver. III. Two occurred at Belvide on December 12th, one remaining until the 22nd (R.J.B.). 2. Great Northern Diver. I. One seen at Bartley Reservoir on December 20th (L.F.D., A.F.J., G.E.L., D.M.T.). III. Single birds reported at Blithfield on December 23rd (T.W.F., C.C.O.), Belvide on the 27th (many observers) and Cannock Reservoir on the 27th (L.F.D., J.E.F.) and 28th (A.R.M.B., J.L.B., C.J.C., B.A.D.). 5. Great Crested Grebe. I. 30 on March 15th was the most seen at Alvecote, where only one young bird was reared, owing mainly to disturbance (G.A.A.). Three pairs bred at Brandon, where there were 16 birds on June 28th (A.J.R.). II. At Bittell the maximum was 25 on March 12th (C.M.R.). 13 were seen on gravel pit at Upton Warren on June 23rd (J.L.). III. The most recorded at various waters was 22 at Blithfield on March 15th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.); 35 at Aqualate on December 6th (J.L.); 58 on December 28th at Belvide, where about seven pairs bred (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.); and 25 at Gailey on the same date (B.A.D.). 6. Red-necked Grebe. III. Bird seen at Belvide on October 2nd (B.J.B.) and compared with Great Crested Grebe at close quarters in good light. Thicker neck giving dumpy impression, dark crown down to eye level and absence of eye-stripe noted. 7. Slavonian Grebe. III. Single birds identified at Blithfield on February 1st. Cannock Reservoir on December 12th (A.F.J.), Gailey on the 28th (B.A.D.) and Belvide on the 30th (G.W.). 8. Black-necked Grebe. I. One seen at Edgbaston Park on September 21st (W.E.O., D.A.W.) and another remained at Alvecote from October 18th to November 8th (G.A.A.). III. A bird noted at Belvide on December 18th (R.J.B.). 9. Little Grebe. I. About 60 were present at Alvecote on September 6th (A.R.M.B.) and 30 at Brandon on Novem- ber 1st was more than seen there previously (A.J.R.). II. 38 were counted on a flooded gravel pit at Upton Warren on September 24th (J.L.). 14 16. Manx Shearwater. III. One seen at Cannock Reservoir on August 4th (A.R.M.B.) and 12th (J.E.F.). 26. Fulmar. II. One found exhausted near Astley on May 28th or 29th (per C.R.S.P.). 27. Gannet. II. An adult bird was found dead at Upper Welland, Malvern, on August 9th (M.P.S.). 28. Cormorant. I. 30 flew south-east over Four Oaks on September 20th (A.R.M.B.). III. The most seen at Belvide was 41 on December 27th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.); at Gailey, 21 on the 28th (C.J.C.); and 19 at Aqualate on November 15th (D.F.H.). 29. Shag. III. Two were identified at Belvide on December 20th (B.C., G.M.I., P.R.P., M.J.W.). 30. Heron. III. 50 were counted round Blithfield Reservoir on July 25th (T.W.F., J.L.). 45. Mallard. I. 300 were present at Middleton in early Sep- tember (G.A.A.), Warwick Park on September 13th (S.G.) and at Windley Pool, Sutton Park, on October 9th (J.E.F.). 170 on October 18th was the most recorded at Chesterton Pool (J.H.L.). II. 170 were noted at Westwood Park on October 18th (F.C.) and 560 at Bittell on December 26th (W.E.O., D.A.W.). III. The maxima at various waters were 500 at Patshull on January 18th (G.V.R.L.); 250 at Branston on February 15th (C.C.); 1,160 at Blithfield on October 18th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.); 450 at Chillington on the same date (G.M.I.); 700 at Belvide on November 14th (G.M.I.); and 1,700 at Aqualate on the 15th (D.F.H.). 46. Teal. I. The most seen at Alvecote and Brandon was 200 on January 25th (G.A.A.) and December 28th (A.J.R.) respectively. II. The peak number at Bittell was 270 on December 26th (W.E.O., D.A.W.). III. The maxima at various waters were 500 at Aqualate on December 13th (D.F.H.); 200 at Belvide on January 25th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.); and 660 at Blithfield on October 18th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.). 47. Garganey. I. Up to four seen at Alvecote between March 28th and June 20th and again from August 23rd to Sep- tember 6th (G.A.A.). Small numbers seen at Brandon from April 5th, where four young birds were seen on June 30th (B.P.O.). Two reported at Hams Hall on September 3rd (J.E.F.). II. Two seen at Bittell on May 10th (J.D.M.W.). III. Up to six seen at Belvide from March 21st (R.J.B., R.A.H.) throughout the summer and up to ten in the autumn until September 13th (B.C., G.M.I., A.F.J., M.J.W.). A

15 few reported at Blithfield in the spring from April 5th (A.F.J.) and last noted on September 20th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). Up to three seen at Wednesbury between April 12th and 14th (A.H.). 49. Gadwall. II. A duck seen at Bittell on September 9th (A.F.J.). III. A pair reported at Belvide on December 6th (several observers). 50. Wigeon. I. 160 on January 11th was the most seen at Alvecote (G.A.A.). II. About 200 were noted at Bittell on December 13th (D.G.). III. The maximum number at Belvide was 150 on January 25th and December 20th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) and at Blithfield about 1,070 on December 13th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.). 52. Pintail. I. One or two noted at Shustoke on January 11th (K.I.D., G.H.E.) and December 23rd (W.E.O.); atMiddleton Hall on March 7th; at Alvecote on March 22nd and December 18th (J.L.); and at Brandon on November 15th (A.J.R.). II. Small numbers reported at Bittell on February 8th (K.C., D.B., W.E.O.) and from December 7th (K.C.) to the 27th (W.E.O., D.A.W.). III. Occurred at Blithfield from January 25th (J.L.) to April 5th (A.F.J.), with maximum of eight on February 22nd, and again from September 13th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) until November 22nd, with one on July 12th (J.L.). Seen in small numbers at Belvide from February 14th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) until April 1st (C.C.O.), with six on November 22nd (G.D.B., L.S.). One or two reported at Stretton on January 25th, Himley Hall on February 11th (P.W.E.C.), Branston on February 25th (C.C.O.) and at Gailey on October 18th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). 53. Shoveler. I. Fewer than usual reported from Alvecote and Brandon. Six seen at Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park, on November 1st (P.B.B.). III. The most reported from Belvide, where two pairs bred (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) was the high total of 240 on Novem- ber 16th (B.J.B.) and at Blithfield 118 on September 13th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.). About 150 seen at Aqualate on September 13th (D.F.H.) and 40 at Gailey on December 28th (B.A.D.). 54. Scaup. Very few records this year. III. A duck seen at Belvide on November 1st (B.A.D.) and 16th (B.J.B.). 56. Tufted Duck. I. Maxima noted at various waters were 220 at Bartley on January 11th (W.E.O.); 130 at Shustoke 16 on December 23rd (W.E.O.); and 108 on December 25th at Alvecote, where breeding noted (G.A.A.). Also bred at Brandon (A.J.R.) and Packington (B.P.O.). III. The most seen at Blithfield was 280 on January 18th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.), 200 at Branston on December 13th (C.C.), 320 at Gailey on September 13th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) and 300 at Belvide on November 21st (R.J.B.). Bred at Blithfield and Belvide. 57. Pochard. I. The most seen at Alvecote, where five pairs produced broods totalling 28 young (G.A.A.) was 500 on December 18th (J.L.) and at Shustoke 200 on December 23rd (W.E.O.). Bred at Chesterton Pool (several observers). III. The maxima reported at various waters were about 130 at Branston on January 18th (C.C.); 80 at Stretton on February 8th (C.C.O.); 550 at Belvide on November 21st (R.J.B.); 350 at Blithfield on November 22nd (J.L.); and 380 at Gailey on December 13th (A.F.J.). 60. Golden-Eye. I. A few birds noted at Alvecote, Shustoke, Bartley, Edgbaston Park and Warwick Park. II. A few recorded from Bittell. One seen at Podmore Pool, Kidderminster, where unusual, on February 15th (M.D.H.). III. The maximum at Aqualate was about 25 on January 18th (D.F.H.), at Blithfield 50 on March 15th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) and at Belvide 60 on November 22nd and 29th (several observers). Small numbers seen at Copmere, Cannock, Chillington and Gailey waters. 61. Long-tailed Duck. III. Single birds seen at Belvide between November 2nd (W.E.O.) and December 6th (several observers) and at Gailey between December 13th (D.B., K.C., B.W.J.) and December 28th (B.A.D.). Two recorded at Blithfield on November 22nd (J.L.) and 29th (J.L., L.S.). 64. Common Scoter. I. A pair seen at Earlswood on April 25th (J.D.M.W.) and a drake at Bartley on the 26th (W.E.O.) Three—one drake—were at Alvecote on November 15th (G.A.A., H.L.). III. Single ducks occurred at Cannock Reservoir on August 7th (A.R.M.B.) and at Blithfield on December 13th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.). Four seen at Belvide on November 15th (G.W.) and one on December 18th (R.J.B.). 67. Eider-Duck. III. A duck and an immature drake were seen at Cannock Reservoir from December 12th (A.F.J.) until the end of the year (many observers), the second record for Staffordshire. 69. Red-breasted Merganser. III. A duck reported at 17 Belvide on January 10th (R.J.B.) and 11th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W., G.W.). 70. Goosander. I. Two seen at Bartley on November 22nd (W.E.O.), and one at Middleton on December 13th, at Alvecote on the 19th (G.A.A.) and four at Shustoke on the 23rd (W.E.O.). II. One reported at Bittell on November 22nd (several observers) and up to three from December 12th (D.B., K.C.) to the 21st (W.E.O.). III. The most seen at Blithfield was 60 on February 1st (J.L.) at Belvide 36 on December 31st (G.W.) and 23 at Aqualate on December 13th (D.F.H.). A few records from Branston and Gailey. 71. Smew. I. A duck seen at Alvecote from December 18th (J.L.) until the 28th (G.A.A.) and two at Shustoke from December 13th (K.I.D.) to 23rd (W.E.O.). One reported at Shard End Gravel Pit on December 26th (H.T.L.). III. One seen at Belvide from January 24th to April 30th (R.J.B.) and one or two from December 13th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) until the 30th (G.W.) when two present. One reported at Blithfield on February 1st (J.L.); one or two noted at Gailey from December 11th (P.W.E.C.) until the 28th (A.R.M.B., R.H., T.M.T.); and one seen at Cannock Reservoir on December 12th (A.F.J.). 73. Sheld-Duck. More June records than in any previous year and parties of birds were seen in the Club's area early in the month. I. One or two seen at Alvecote on February 8th, April 18th> May 9th and June 30th, and five on April 5th (G.A.A.). One flew westerly at Mancetter on February 22nd (D.E.J., A.T.S., A.W.). A bird reported at Bartley on February 11th and six on June 3rd (K.H.T.). One noted at Hams Hall from September 13th (J.E.F., D.A.W.) to 22nd (H.T.L.). One seen on the river Alne, near Studley, on June 13th (F.F.). II. At Bittell five seen on March 10th (R.M.) and one on June 29th and December 11th (D.B., K.C.). III. At Blithfield three were seen on February 1st (A.F.J.), one on the 22nd (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) and one from October 11th (J.L.) until November 11th (D.J.M.). One occurred at Belvide on March 14th (J.L.), three on April 19th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W., G.W.), five, which flew off north-north-west, on June 2nd (J.L.) and one on December 9th (G.W.). Five seen at Cannock Reservoir on October 31st (D.J.M.).

18 75/78. Grey Geese. I. 31 flew to the south at Grendon on December 9th, and four on the 29th at Wilnecote (G.A.A., M.A.A.). II. On January 10th 12 flew over Sheriffs Lench to the south- west and five over Lenchwick (T.C.S.). III. Two seen at Branston on February 15th (C.C.) and seven flew over Belvide on December 12th (R.J.B.). 76. White-fronted Goose. II. Heard calling over Broms- grove on the night of February 24th (F.F.) III. Four reported at Rickerscote Floods on February 1st (P.T.), 14 seen at Blithfield on October 11th (J.L.) and two remained until November 14th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.). 82. Canada Goose. I. 110 seen at Packington Gravel Pits on August 17th (B.P.O.). 114 at Edgbaston Park, Birming- ham, on November 29th was more than previously recorded there (D.A.W.). II. 66 were resident at Larches Farm, Bishampton, in January (A.J.H.) and 62 were seen at Bittell on August 10th (R.M.). III. Numbers recorded at various waters were 47 at Chillington on September 12th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.); on September 13th 85 at Aqualate (D.F.H.), 150 at Branston (C.C.), 65 at Blithfield (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.); and 97 at Gailey on October 18th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). 84. Mute Swan. III. The maximum reported at Blithfield was 150 on August 30th (S.C.B., K.I.D.) of which only 13 remained on September 13th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.). 85. Whooper-Swan. III. The only record was of one seen at Belvide on January 31st (R.J.B.). 86. Bewick's Swan. I. About 40 reported over Ullenhall on January 28th (A.T.C.), six were seen at Castle Bromwich on February 9th (H.T.L.) and 27, ten immature, flew over Hams Hall and settled on Shustoke Reservoir on December 13th (K.I.D.). II. 45 flew to the south-east on January 28th at Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.). Five were noted at Bittell on December 11th (D.B., K.C.) and two remained on the 15th (J.H.H.). III. No records for Staffordshire. 91. Buzzard. Records from usual areas. III. Five soaring at Enville on March 25th was more than usual there (D.A.W.). One seen near Newcastle-under-Lyme on May 10th (H.I.P.). 104. Hobby. I. One seen at Brandon on May 3rd (A.J.R.) and at Bartley on September 2nd (G.H.E.). III. A bird reported at Belvide on September 13th (B.A.D.). 19 105. Peregrine Falcon. I. A bird seen at Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, on April 21st (H.T.L.). III. Single birds noted at Wolverhampton on June 27th (R.J.B.) and at Belvide on October 4th (P.R.P.). 107. Merlin. II. One noted at Bittell on January 4th (A.F.J.). A bird identified on the Lickeys on October 13th and another three birds in its company may have been of this species (R.M.). III. Single birds seen on North Staffordshire moors on April 12th (B.C., G.W.) and at Four Ashes on December 6th (P.R.P.). 110. Kestrel. I. Some passage migration noted in September in Tame Valley area (G.A.A., M.A.A.). 111. Red Grouse. III. Reported commonly on North Stafford- shire moors and a few on Cannock Chase. 113. Black Grouse. III. Reported from several areas of North Staffordshire moors. 115. Red-legged Partridge. I. Around Maxstoke said to prefer arable land and the Partridge pasture (J.Ro.). III. Several juveniles seen near Church Eaton in the summer (E.W.L.). 116. Partridge. III. Said to have had a very good breeding season throughout the Burton-upon-Trent area (C.C.O.). 117. Quail. I. Heard near Handsworth golf course, Birming- ham, during latter part of June (G.D.B., J.L., F.H.R., L.S.) and near Welford-on-Avon on August 29th, (A.F.J.). II. One heard at Sheriffs Lench from July 16th to 23rd (A.J.H.) and one present near Bittell for several days at end of month (per F.F.). III. Nested near Betley, where nest with 10 eggs, which hatched next day, was seen in wheatfield on August 13th (E.W.L.). 120. Water-Rail. Autumn and winter records from many areas. I. Reported at Chesterton Pool on May 24th (R.F.C.) and at Minworth on June 28th (J.E.F.). II. One seen at Westwood Park on July 26th (F.C.). 121. Spotted Crake. I. A bird seen and heard at close quarters at Bickenhall, Hampton-in-Arden, on November 7th (J.F.W.B.). II. One found newly killed under electric cables on April 8th at Knightwick, near Worcester (per M.P.S.). 125. Corncrake. I. Heard at Maxstoke on May 17th and 23rd (J.Ro.), near Pillerton Priors on May 18th (G.F.Y.), and a juvenile was picked up dead near Off church on September 15th (G.A.). II. Heard regularly in June and July in water meadow between Powick Bridge and Teme's Mouth. Newly-killed bird found under electric cables at Crowle on August 25th (F.C.). One heard at Alvechurch on June 4th (M.E.P.). III. Two birds seen during harvesting near Wolverhampton at Springhill on August 24th and at Dimmingsdale on the 25th (R.J.B.). 127. Coot. I. Fewer breeding birds reported at Alvecote, where the most seen was 285 on February 1st (G.A.A.). III. At Blithfield 680 present on September 13th had decreased to 70 by December 13th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.). The most recorded at Belvide was about 450 on February 1st (G.H.E.) and, at Cannock Reservoir, about 150 on Decem- ber 28th (B.A.D.). 131. Oystercatcher. I. One seen at Alvecote on March 15th (G.A.A., H.L.). II. A bird remained at Bittell from August 11th (W.E.O.) to the 23rd (R.M.). III. Single birds noted at Belvide on April 11th (R.J.B.) and June 8th (J.L.) and seven on August 26th (R.S.B.); at Blithfield on May 3rd (T.M.T.) and October 3rd (C.C.O.); and at Cannock Reservoir on August 23rd (L.F.D.) and November 29th (A.F.J.). 133. Lapwing. A big weather movement occurred in the area on January 10th. I. About 775 birds passed to the south and south-west over Bartley on January 10th (R.C.B., G.H.E.). At Alvecote, where about 10 pairs bred, 1,500 on November 21st was the most seen (G.A.A.). II. Many birds moved westerly on January 10th at Sheriffs Lench (T.C.S.) and also over West Hagley (L.R.B.). III. Parties moved westerly all the afternoon on January 10th (A.F.J., J.L.) at Belvide, where 700 on November 22nd was the maximum seen (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.). A con- siderable easterly movement was noted at Blithfield on February 22nd (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) and 3,000 were present at the end of December (C.C.O.). 134. Ringed Plover. I. Noted at Alvecote from April 4th (G.A.A.) to June 10th, with five on May 28th (J.L.) and again from July 28th to September 17th, with five on August 26th (G.A.A.). At Brandon birds seen from March 30th to June 10th, with 11 on May 26th, and, in autumn, four on August 16th (A.J.R.). A few spring and autumn records from Bartley (G.H.E., W.E.O.) and Hams Hall (N.G.A., K.I.D., J.E.F.). II. A few records from Bittell between April 1st (W.E.O.) and June 1st (C.M.R.), with 25 on May 21st (R.M.). Noted from August 1st (W.T.B., J.D.M.W.) until Septem- ber 15th (R.M.) with 20 on August 12th (W.E.O.). 21 III. At Belvide occurred from April 26th to May 24th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.), with five on May 3rd (D.J.M.) and again from August 2nd (W.T.B., J.D.M.W.) until October 12th (B.A.D.), with 20 on August 26th (R.S.B.). At Blithfield four were seen on February 22nd and one on March 15th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) and autumn occurrences were from July 26th (A.F.J.) until September 20th (N.G.A.), with 63 on August 27th (C.C.O.). 135. Little Ringed Plover. I. Three, and probably four, pairs bred in the Hams Hall area (H.T.L., K.I.D.), where breed- ing was suspected in 1958, and one pair in another part of the county. One or two seen on passage in spring and autumn at Brandon (A.J.R.), the first recorded there, and at Alvecote (G.A.A.). A bird reported at Bodymoor Heath on August 15th (B.P.O.). II. One seen at Bittell on August 12th (W.E.O.). III. Noted at Blithfield from July 5th (A.F.J.) to August 27th, with six on July 27th (C.C.O.) and August 12th (T.W.F., J.L.). Single birds seen at Belvide from April 30th (R.J.B., A.F.J.) to May 10th (J.E.F.), on June 21st (G.W.), and from September 1st to 10th (R.S.B., B.J.B.). 139. Grey Plover. I. One seen at Perry Hall playing fields, Birmingham, from December 9th to 14th (R.S.B.) and at Bartley Reservoir on December 13th and 17th (W.E.O., D.A.W.). III. Single birds reported at Belvide on August 27th (R.J.B.) and September 1st (B.J.B.) and at Cannock Reservoir on December 7th (R.J.B.). 140. Golden Plover. I. 330 reported on Warwick Common on January 3rd (J.H.L.) and 350 at Attleborough Fields on April 8th (R.G.T.). About 100 seen near Kingsbury on November 2nd (H.T.L.). III. About 350 were present at Drayton Bassett on January 3rd (D.J.M.) and at Blackbrook Sewage Farm on March 8th (R.J.B.) and 100 at Wrottesley Park on December 18th (P.W.E.C.). At Pillaton 60 on March 20th had increased to 600 on April 8th, subsequently falling to 100 on April 23rd (P.T.). 143. Turnstone. I. Three were present at Alvecote on May 11th (G.A.A.). II. Two seen at Bittell on May 17th (W.E.O.). III. Two reported at Belvide on May 10th (J.E.F., G.W., T.C.W.) and three on August 22nd (R.J.B.). Single birds seen at Blithfield on July 26th (A.F.J.) and August 30th (J.L., L.S.). 145. Snipe. Several observers remarked upon the large numbers of birds at certain waters presenting unaccustomed 22 stretches of mud in the dry autumn and on the tameness of birds away from any cover. I. Bred at Sutton Park (L.S.), at Hampton (B.O.P.), and at Alvecote (G.A.A.), where about 130 on September 12th was the most noted (H.T.L.). II. About 400 were estimated on September 3rd and 6th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) at Blackbrook Sewage Farm, where a bird was drumming on December 6th (R.J.B.). About 150 were present at Belvide in September and October (B.W.J., B.A.D., R.L.S.). One shot at Ingestre on January 18th had been ringed at Blithfield, five miles away, on August 23rd, 1958 (C.D.T.M.). A bird seen to land on water and swim for short time at Little Madeley on December 21st (B.D.B., H.I.P.). 147. Jack Snipe. Small numbers recorded from various waters and marshes mainly in October, November and December. I. Four reported on January 10th near Leamington Spa, where unusual (E.J.B.). Recorded in Sutton Park from October 17th until end of year, with 10 on October 24th (J.E.F.). 148. Woodcock. Autumn records for many areas and roding reported from usual breeding haunts. I. Roding recorded in Sutton Park in May (J.E.F.). Seen on January 17th (R.C.B.) and October 18th at Bartley, where unusual (W.E.O.). One flew against a window in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on November 8th (per H.K.) and others were seen in Pype Hayes Park (B.W.J.) on the same date and in Edgbaston Park on the 12th (D.A.W.). III. A nest seen with four eggs in plantation near Boscobel on April 10th (G.M.I., M.J.W.). 150. Curlew. Breeding reported from usual areas and many spring and autumn records. I. 45 on September 13th (N.G.A., J.E.F.) was the most recorded from Hams Hall area. About 50 were present on farmland between Walmley and Minworth on December 27th (B.W.J.). III. No wintering flock noted at Blithfield this year, where about 50 on August 23rd (N.G.A.) was the most seen. At Blackbrook Sewage Farm the maximum was 56 on Sep- tember 12th (B.J.B.). 11 were reported at Cannock Reservoir on December 12th (A.F.J.). 151. Whimbrel. I. Four recorded at Alvecote on May 11th and left to the north-north-west (G.A.A.). Heard in Tame Valley area on August 23rd (K.I.D.). Six flew south-west over Bartley Reservoir on August 20th (G.H.E.) and two north-east on September 10th (W.E.O.).

23 II. Single birds seen at Bittell on May 17th (W.E.O.) and, moving westerly, at Sheriffs Lench, on August 10th (A.J.H.). III. Single birds noted at Belvide on April 25th (R.J.B.) and, flying off to the south, August 23rd (B.A.D.), at Enville on April 3rd (D.A.W.), at Cannock Reservoir on May 19th (W.E.O.) and, flying westerly, at Blithfield on August 16th (A.F.J.). 154. Black-tailed Godwit. I. One recorded at Brandon on March 30th (A.J.R.) and up to three at Alvecote between July 28th and September 12th (G.A.A.). Three seen at Bartley Reservoir on August 19th were believed to be the first reported there (G.H.E.). III. One seen at Blithfield on July 25th (T.W.F., J.L.). At Belvide one noted on April 25th (R.J.B.) and up to four between August 19th (R.S.B., B.A.D.) and September 7th (E.W.L.). 155. Bar-tailed Godwit. I. Two present at Brandon on May 18th (A.J.R.). III. One seen at flood waters near Great Wyrley on October 4th (D.J.S.). 156. Green Sandpiper. Many late summer and autumn and fewer spring and winter records, usually single birds. III. Two at Lordsley Quarries near Ashley on July 4th (E.W.L.) was the first report from there. Ten at Blackbrook Sewage Farm during August was the most reported in the Club's area and one at Bushbury, near Wolverhampton, on December 3rd and 4th was the first seen there by observer (R.J.B.). 157. Wood-Sandpiper. No spring records. I. Single birds seen at Alvecote on July 29th (H.T.L.) and August 10th (J.L.) and at Hams Hall on September 13th (J.E.F.). III. One or two noted at Blithfield from August 5th (C.S.W.) until the 23rd (J.Wa.) and one on September 13th (C.C.O.). At Belvide one seen on July 18th (D.B.D., H.I.P.) and one or two occurred from August 19th (B.A.D., R.J.B.) until September 1st (B.J.B.). 159. Common Sandpiper. I. Occurred on passage at Alvecote from April 28th to May 28th and again from July 2nd to September 26th, with seven on July 26th and August 25th (G.A.A.); at Bartley Reservoir from April 22nd to May 27th, with six on May 3rd, and again from June 28th to September 16th, with nine on July 5th (G.H.E., W.E.O.); at Brandon from April 25th to May 16th and from July 19th to September 5th (A.J.R.); and in Hams Hall area on autumn passage from July 19th to September 26th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). 24 II. Noted at Bittell on April 19th and 21st and again from August 6th (C.M.R.) to September 20th (A.F.J.), with about 20 on August 25th (C.M.R.). III. Bred in north of county as usual. Four birds reported from Cheddleton on the unusual date of February 15th (A.G.W.). At Belvide small numbers seen between April 13th (D.A.W.) and May 24th and again from July 5th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) until October 18th (P.R.P.), with 12 on August 21st (R.S.B.). Noted at Blithfield from June 28th (J.L.) until October 18th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) the most seen being about 30 on July 27th (C.C.O.). 161. Redshank. Bred in usual localities. I. Bred in Kingsbury and Hams Hall areas (K.I.D.) and near Meriden (B.P.O.). One seen on June 20th (D.A.W.) and July 17th (P.P.F.) at Edgbaston Park, Birmingham, where unusual. Three reported on flooded meadow at Leamington Spa on January 10th (E.J.B.). II. About four pairs bred at Beckford Gravel Pits and others in water meadows adjoining Carrant Brook (A.J.H.). III. The only winter record reported in the county was a bird at Belvide in December (several observers). One seen at Bagot's Park on May 2nd (C.C.O.). 162. Spotted Redshank. I. One present at Alvecote on May 10th, June 24th and 25th, and from October 10th to 18th (G.A.A.). A bird reported at Hams Hall on September 8th (H.T.L.). III. One seen at Belvide on June 13th (B.C., R.J.B., G.M.I., M.J.W.), another from September 8th (B.D.B., H.I.P.) until the 17th (J.L.) and one on November 8th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). Two noted at Blithfield on August 23rd (J.Wa.) and a bird remained from November 14th to December 12th on a farm near Stafford (T.C.W.). 165. Greenshank. I. One seen on flooded meadow, with Redshanks, at Leamington Spa on the unusual date of January 10th (E.J.B.). Single birds seen at Alvecote on May 24th and June 1st and were followed by a particularly heavy autumn passage from July 17th (G.C.L.) to October 10th, with usually about six present and 15 on August 27th (G.A.A.). Six noted at Brandon on May 26th (A.J.R.) and autumn movement from July 22nd (B.P.O.) to October 3rd, with six on August 16th (A.J.R.). One at Hams Hall on May 31st (K.I.D., G.H.E.) and September 3rd (J.E.F.) and seen at Bartley from July 5th (W.E.O.) to September 6th, with five on August 23rd (G.H.E.). II. No spring records. Noted at Bittell from August 1st (W.T.B., J.D.M.W.) until September 21st (D.B., K.C.) with six on September 4th (D.M.T.). 25 III. No spring records. Recorded at Belvide from July 12th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) until September 7th (E.W.L.) the most being five on September 5th (A.F.J.). At Blithfield birds were reported from July 6th (J.L., L.S.) until October 4th (N.G.A.) with six on August 20th (C.C.O.). Single birds seen at Blackbrook Sewage Farm from August 18th to 22nd, and at Wolverhampton on September 13th (R.J.B.). 169. Knot. II. Two seen at Bittell on February 8th (W.E.O.). III. Noted at Blithfield on seven occasions between July 27th and November 21st (T.W.F., C.C.O.) with eight on Novem- ber 14th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) following coastal gales. Three seen at Belvide on November 14th (A.F.J.). 171. Little Stint. I. One at Alvecote on May 16th (H.T.L.) was the only spring record in the Club's area. III. Five seen at Blithfield on August 15th (J.L., D.J.M.) and one on the 23rd (J.Wa.) and birds noted again from September 5th (D.J.M., C.C.O.) until October 18th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) with six on September 8th (T.W.F., C.C.O.). Present at Belvide, usually three, from Septem- ber 5th (A.F.J.) to 10th (R.S.B.) and again on October 18th (P.P.R.). 173. Temminck's Stint. I. Two examined at Middleton Hall Pool on November 2nd (D.M.H., J.D.M.W.) at close range for several hours. Uniform greyish upper-parts, rufous crescent across breast and, in flight, white outer-tail feathers noted. III. One flushed at Blackbrook Sewage Farm on August 18th, when towering flight and distinctive call noted (R.J.B.). 178. Dunlin. I. Noted at Alvecote in small numbers from March 22nd to June 3rd, and again from July 2nd (G.A.A.) to November 7th (L.S.) with 13 on August 18th and 19th. One on December 26th and 27th (G.A.A.). Present at Brandon between April 25th and May 26th, with 20 on May 2nd, and again between July 25th and September 13th (A.J.R.). One at Hams Hall on February 15th (G.H.E.) and a few autumn records from there, Bartley and Seeswood Pool. II. One at Bittell on February 1st (per W.E.O.) and a few spring records. Present from August 6th (W.E.O.) until September 20th (A.R.M.B., A.F.J.) with 11 on the first date. III. Occurred at Belvide between March 26th (R.J.B.) and May 17th (G.W.) with 37 on May 4th (J.L.) and again from July 20th (P.P.F.) until November 22nd (several observers) with 14 on November 14th (A.F.J.). At Blithfield one present on January 18th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) and

26 a few spring records. Noted from July 5th (A.F.J.) until November 24th (J.L., L.S.) with the large total of 107 present on August 4th (T.W.F., C.C.O.). One at Cannock Reservoir on April 26th (A.F.J.) and several autumn records of single birds there and also at Bromley and Gailey. 179. Curlew-Sandpiper. I. One or two present at Alvecote from August 31st to September 16th (G.A.A.). A bird seen at Hams Hall on August 9th (H.T.L.). II. Two noted at Bittell on August 1st (W.T.B., J.D.M.W.) and one or two between August 30th (G.E.L.) and Septem- ber 13th (D.B., K.C., R.M.). III. Reported at Blithfield from July 25th (T.W.F., J.L.) until September 26th (C.C.O.) with nine on the 20th (J.L.). At Belvide a bird was present from September 1st (R.S.B., B.J.B.) until the 19th (several observers). 181. Sanderling. I. Single birds seen at Bartley Reservoir on May 18th (G.H.E., W.E.O.) and at Hams Hall on the 21st (H.T.L.). II. Four seen at Bittell on May 21st (R.M.). III. Single birds noted at Belvide on May 31st (A.F.J.), at Great Wyrley on August 9th (D.J.S.) and at Blithfield on August 14th (T.W.F., C.C.O.) and September 13th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.). 184. Ruff. I. At Alvecote one seen on February 14th and April 19th (G.A.A.) and up to three from May 10th (J.Wa.) to 25th. One on June 25th and again between August 16th and September 9th, with eight on August 17th( G.A.A.). One at Brandon on April 5th and one or two from August 16th to October 3rd (A.J.R.). Nine seen at Minworth on May 21st and six on the 22nd (H.T.L.). One at Earlswood (G.E.L.) and at Hams Hall (B.P.O.) on September 12th. III. A male in full breeding plumage was seen at Little Madeley on May 3rd (B.D.B.). One or two reported at Belvide between March 22nd and April 5th and one on June 13th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) and up to three present from August 23rd (several observers) to September 20th (J.L., L.S., L.C.W.). Four occurred at Blithfield on February 11th (C.C.O.) and one or two birds on May 18th (J.E.F.) and from August 4th (C.C.O.) until November 29th (J.L., L.S.). Noted at Blackbrook Sewage Farm, usually two, from September 1st to 18th (R.J.B., B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.). A bird seen on arable land near Burton-upon- Trent on December 24th (C.C.O.). 188. Red-necked Phalarope. I. One in summer plumage seen at close quarters on June 10th at Brandon (B.P.O., A.J.R.). 27 198. Greater Black-backed Gull. Small numbers seen at several waters, chiefly in winter months. 199. Lesser Black-backed Gull. I. 50 noted at Hams Hall on September 2nd and 16th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). 90 roosted at Bartley on November 22nd (W.E.O.). Seen in all months in the Tame Valley area, with 45 at Alvecote on December 13th (H.L.). Of 100 at Shard End gravel pit on December 23rd at least 50 were believed to be of the Scandinavian race (H.T.L.). III. 40 seen at Lordsley Quarries, near Ashley, on July 4th (E.W.L.), 50 on pasture near Walsall on September 4th (D.J.S.) and 60 on ploughland at Maer on November 8th (E.W.L.). The most recorded at the Belvide roost was 340 on December 6th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W., G.W.) and 70 were present at Cannock Reservoir on December 15th (R.S.B.). 250 estimated at Blithfield on November 3rd (B.D.B., H.I.P.). 200. Herring-Gull. I. Seen in Tame Valley area in all except summer months (G.A.A.). 150 noted moving west over Nuneaton on January 21st (J.Wa.). III. 2,800 estimated at Belvide roost on December 24th (W.E.O.). 201. Common Gull. Small numbers at various waters except in summer months. I. 50 reported at Upton on January 25th (T.T.). II. Flocks of 50 and 35 noted flying north on March 30th along Cotswold escarpment near Broadway (C.J.C.). III. Most recorded at Belvide was 20 on February 14th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.). Party of 12 present at Blithfield on September 27th (J.L.). 202. Glaucous Gull. III. Immature bird seen at Belvide from February 8th to 22nd (several observers). Buff plumage, wings projecting very slightly beyond tail, larger and bulkier than Herring-Gulls, which were present, and with heavier bill. 203. Iceland Gull. III. Immature bird seen at Belvide on February 8th (several observers). Buff plumage, smaller and slimmer than Herring-Gull, with particularly slender appearance and tern-like flight. Wing tips projected well beyond tail. 207. Little Gull. I. An immature bird identified at Bartley on August 9th (W.E.O.). III. At Blithfield an immature seen on October 4th (L.S.). 208. Black-headed Gull. I. Numbers estimated at roosts were 1,200 at Hams Hall on September 2nd (N.G.A., J.E.F.); 1,000 at Bartley on November 22nd; and 2,700 at Shustoke on December 23rd (W.E.O.). 28 II. About 1,500 roosted at Bittell on February 8th (W.E.O.). III. Estimated numbers at roosts were 3,000 at Stretton gravel pit on February 8th (C.C.O.), 1,000 at Blithfield on November 3rd (B.D.B., H.I.P.) and 7,000 at Belvide on December 24th (W.E.O.). 211. Kittiwake. I. Ten birds, which included a party of six moving south-west, were seen at Bartley Reservoir on February 22nd (W.E.O.), three birds moved north on October 30th (D.A.W.) and a single bird was present on November 15th (W.E.O.). II. A bird which had recently died was seen at Bittell on March 12th (D.A.W.). 212. Black Tern. Marked concentration around May 23rd, when at least 275 birds were in the area. Autumn numbers small. I. Noted at Alvecote from May 10th to 25th, with 27 on May 23rd (G.A.A.) and again from August 16th (L.F.D.) to September 2nd (G.A.A.); at Shustoke one on May 9th (J.E.F., J.F.) and at least 60 on the 23rd (H.T.L.); at Brandon 17 on May 23rd, two on the 24th and one on June 21st (A.J.R.); at Seeswood Pool two on May 10th (M.M.T.); at Earlswood three on May 22nd, which had increased to 28 on the 23rd (P.G.S.) and two on September 30th (R.L.S.); at Bartley two or three on May 17th, 22nd (G.H.E.) and August 14th (W.E.O.); and one at Attle- borough Fields on September 24th (A.T.S.). II. One seen at Bittell on May 10th and four on the 24th (W.E.O., J.D.M.W.). A bird reported at Pirton Pool from October 7th to 11th (A.J.H.). III. At Belvide present between May 10th (several observers) and 25th (R.J.B.) with about 70 on the 22nd and 23rd and three on June 21st (G.W.). Small numbers seen from July 26th (many observers) until September 28th except for 12 on September 9th (L.C.W.). 21 seen at Blithfield on May 10th (L.S.) and small numbers from August 23rd (N.G.A.) to September 23rd (J.E.F.). Single birds occurred at Cannock Reservoir on May 19th (W.E.O.) and 24th (D.J.M.); at Gailey 26 on May 23rd (T.C.W.); at Branston 13 on May 23rd and one on the 24th (G.A.A.); and at Great Wyrley seven on May 23rd and 24th (D.J.S.). 217/18. Common or Arctic Tern. Birds which could not be identified specifically occurred at various waters from late April until mid-October. 217. Common Tern. I. Birds noted at Alvecote between April 27th and May 17th, with seven on the last date (G.A.A.). Three seen at Bartley on October 25th (W.E.O.). III. Four birds seen at the nesting site at Branston on May 18th, 29 but breeding believed to be unsuccessful, probably owing to interference from gulls (C.C.O.). Small numbers seen at Belvide from May 10th (J.E.F.) until June 8th, and one on August 14th (J.L.). One reported at Blithfield on July 5th (A.F.J.) and three on August 27th (C.C.O.). 218. Arctic Tern. I. One reported at Bartley on May 24th (W.E.O.). III. Two identified at Baschurch on April 26th (P.T.) and single birds seen at Belvide on May 31st (A.F.J.) and between October 10th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) and 15th (J.L.). 219. Roseate Tern. I. One seen at Alvecote on May 21st, with two Common or Arctic Terns and a number of Black Terns. Whiter and more slender than other birds and with markedly longer tail (H.T.L.). 222. Little Tern. I. A bird seen at Alvecote on June 16th (G.A.A., J.L.). III. One reported at Belvide on April 25th (R.J.B.), June 8th and 10th (J.L.) and two at Blithfield on August 3rd (G.M.I., A.J.R., M.J.W.) and 5th (C.S.W.). 234. Wood-Pigeon. I. Birds totalling over 1,000 in flocks of about 50 passed south-west for about two hours at Earls- wood during the afternoon of November 25th (R.L.S.). Influx noted in Bartley area during November, more being seen there than in previous years (W.E.O.). II. Not as numerous in winter at Sheriffs Lench as in most years (T.C.S.). 235. Turtle-Dove. I. One seen at Edgbaston Park, Birming- ham, on June 20th was the first recorded there by observer for several years (D.A.W.). III. Single birds seen on May 16th at Mitton, near Penkridge, were the first seen there for some years by observer (T.C.W.). 237. Cuckoo. I. At Brandon on May 15th an egg was found with two Wren's eggs in a nest with enlarged entrance and a small hole in the top (B.P.O.). II. A bird heard calling from 02.30 to 03.00 hours at Broms- grove on May 12th to the accompaniment of distant thunder (W.N.A.T.). An egg hatched in a Hedge- Sparrow's nest near Bromsgrove on the late date of July 16th (F.F.). 241. Barn-Owl. I. Records from Hams Hall (H.T.L., B.P.O.), Little Aston (N.G.A., J.E.F.), Bacon's End (T.M.T.), Exhall (N.B.E.), Compton Verney (T.T.), Leamington Spa (E.J.B.) and Keresley (J.Ro.). II. Records from Netheroak Hill (D.M.H.). III. Records from Great Wyrley (D.J.S.), Brewood (several observers), Codsall, Blackbrook Sewage Farm (G.M.I., M.J.W.). 248. Long-eared Owl. II. Seen in May and December in western part of Lickeys (per C.J.C.). III. Single birds seen on Cannock Chase, near Rugeley, on March 15th (C.D.T.M.) and at Dimmingsdale on April 25th (G.M.I., M.J.W.). Nested in Carrion-Crow's nest near Longnor, three eggs just chipping seen on April 26th (H.L.). 249. Short-eared Owl. I. One seen at Bartley on January 10th (R.C.B., G.H.E.). III. Single birds seen at Belvide on January 25th (B.W.J., G.H.J., R.H.), at Cannock Reservoir on March 21st (R.A.H.) and at Blithfield on November 21st (D.J.M.). 252. Nightjar. I. Heard churring in Sutton Park from June 15th to 20th (J.E.F.) and reported near Walton on May 18th (G.F.Y.). II. Three birds heard in May and June in Wyre Forest and one sitting bird located (M.D.H.). III. About 14 heard churring in Bagots Park in June (T.W.F., C.C.O.) and 10 in Sherbrook Valley, Cannock Chase, on June 12th (G.W.). A pair reported at Chillington on June 14th (G.W.). Five birds located at Enville and clutch of eggs seen on June 20th (G.M.I., M.J.W.). At least four birds heard near Hanchurch in June and July (E.W.L.) and one on Brindley Heath, Cannock Chase, on July 6th (J.L., L.S.). One seen on outskirts of Wolverhampton on August 16th (G.M.I., M.J.W.). 255. Swift. I. Passage was marked to the north at Alvecote on May 3rd and to the south-west at Wilnecote from July 23rd to 26th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). About 500 moved south in four hours at Bartley on August 3rd (W.E.O.). 258. Kingfisher. I. Present throughout the year in Sutton Park (J.E.F.). One seen flying over Walmley half-a-mile from nearest water (B.W.J.). 261. Hoopoe. II. One seen in a garden at Bevere, near Worcester, on March 20th (E.B.). A bird seen at Bredon Hill on April 30th and, probably the same bird, at Ecking- ton on May 6th (A.J.H.). III. A bird seen at Bromstead Heath, near Aqualate, on May 23rd (E.A.H.). 262. Green Woodpecker. No changes in distribution reported. 263. Greater Spotted Woodpecker. No change in distribution reported. I. Bird seen weaving through sedges and collecting food from tops of plants near Coleshill on December 13th (K.I.D.). 264. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. I. Seen at Exhall on January 27th (N.B.E.), Bartley on April 12th (G.H.E., W.E.O.), where unusual, Arbury on April 19th (H.L.), 31 in Sutton Park on August 6th (J.E.F.) and near Leaming- ton Spa on October 5th (E.J.B.). II. Nest with young seen in hop pole, near Worcester, on May 31st (M.P.S.) and two pairs resident at Sheriffs Lench after absence of five years (A.J.H.). Seen at Bittell on March 15th (A.F.J.) and in the Lickeys on March 27th (J.M.S.), October 18th (C.J.C.) and in November (A.F.J.). III. Nest seen with young at Coven in dead branch of willow on May 26th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.). Seen at Blithfield on April 30th (C.C.O.), in Bagots Park on May 2nd (T.W.F., C.C.O.), at Belvide on September 19th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.) and at Whitmore on December 30th (B.D.B.). 265. Wryneck. I. A bird seen at Compton Verney on June 6th and 11th (V.R.H.). 271. Wood-Lark. II. Bird heard singing over Lickeys in period June 25th to 28th (C.J.C.). III. One or two singing on Kinver Edge on March 22nd (A.F.J.). 272. Skylark. I. Autumn passage to the south noted from September 1st to October 6th in Tame Valley area and was most marked on September 13th and 14th and October 3rd and 6th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). Heavy passage observed over Nuneaton on October 4th (H.L.) and large numbers flew south-south-east over Sutton Park on the same date (R.H.). Movement south-west, at about 140 per hour, noted at Bartley on October 18th (W.E.O.). III. Movement south-west noted on October 3rd at Hanchurch and to the south-east on the 11th (E.W.L.). About 150 were present at Cannock Reservoir on March 14th (B.A.D.), 100 at Blithfield on November 22nd (J.L.) and 200 near Branston on December 24th (C.C.O.). 274. Swallow. I. Autumn passage noted in Tame Valley area from August 6th to October 6th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). A pro- nounced movement to the south reported over Sutton Coldfield on September 24th (J.E.F.). About 1,500 were in the roost at Hams Hall on September 3rd (N.G.A., J.E.F.) and about 2,000 in reed mace at Minworth on the 24th (H.T.L.). At a Bedworth roost in reed mace the peak was about 20,000 on September 8th, and after that date a roost at Baginton built up until the 24th. 882 birds were ringed at Bedworth, less than five per cent, being adults, and those juveniles trapped with rings were from places within about eight miles (H.L., R.K.S., A.W.). II. Birds at Bromsgrove on June 3rd were seen to feed on bread on the ground with House-Sparrows (W.N.A.T.). About 500 roosted at Titford on September 9th and 11th

32 (R.C.B.). A late bird was seen at Great Witley on Novem- ber 15th (C.R.L.R.). III. The roost in reed mace at Stubbers Green, near Aldridge, had numbers estimated at 20,000 (about 80% juveniles) on September 19th and had started to decrease by the 25th. The 220 birds ringed included some ringed in the summer at Blithfield, Lichfield, and Shenton, Leicestershire (R.S.B., J.G.E.). In the Blithfield area a pair ringed in 1957 and recovered at same nest in 1958 was again recovered at same site in 1959; another 1958 pair returned but had different mates and occupied different farms half-a-mile apart; and a nesting bird caught on August 1st had been ringed at Bedworth as a juvenile on September 16th, 1958 (C.D.T.M.). 276. House-Martin. Several observers remarked on a later spring arrival than usual. I. Continued decrease reported in Nuneaton area (H.L.) and poor breeding numbers around Tamworth (G.A.A.). Heavy autumn passage noted at Wilnecote on August 24th (G.A.A., M.A.A.). II. A party of about 500 birds noted circling over Malvern Hills on September 19th (M.P.S.). III. Poor numbers reported breeding in Tamworth district this year (G.A.A.). 277. Sand-Martin. I. Autumn movement pronounced in Tame Valley area on August 6th (G.A.A.). III. About 600 estimated at Belvide on August 6th (B.A.D.) and 1,000 on September 1st (R.S.B.). 279. Raven. II. Pair seen on Malvern Hills on May 18th (M.P.S.) and a pair noted on several mornings in the latter half of September around Kempsey (F.C.). 281. Hooded Crow. II. One shot near Aston Cantlow in early December (E.W.J.). 284. Magpie. II. A nest seen in Wyre Forest on April 19th with the bird sitting was without the usual canopy (M.M.C., K.I.D.). III. Nested in Warley Park, Smethwick, the first record for at least 15 years (G.E.L.). 286. Jay. II. At Sheriffs Lench a bird came daily in June to a bucket of scraps hung near back door, and in July brought its brood and tossed food out to them (A.J.H.). 289. Blue Tit. I. A bird with a pale-coloured mantle ringed at Tachbrook Mallory on December 12th had a wing measurement of 69 mm. and was thought to be of the continental race (J.H.L.). 293. Willow-Tit. No changes in distribution reported. I. Nest seen at Bartley on April 2nd (W.E.O.). 33 II. At least three pairs nested in 60 acres of woodland at Sheriffs Lench (T.C.S.). III. Heard at Chartley Moss on April 22nd (F.F.). Pair seen on May 2nd in wood at Newcastle-under-Lyme (B.D.B., H.I.P.). 294. Long-tailed Tit. I. 20 at Minworth on January 4th (H.T.L.) and about 50 in Exhall district on March 17th (N.B.E.) were more than usual for the areas. II. Seen taking bread from bird tray at Randan Woods in early March and several noted on March 10th attempting to catch small moths on the wing disturbed from birch branches (F.F.). 295. Bearded Tit. I. Three birds comprising at least one male and one female were seen at close quarters at Baginton Marsh, near Coventry, on November 1st (P.F.C., J.W.C.). Identification details reported included black "mous- taches," grey head, tawny colouration, long tail, undulating flight and characteristic call-note. The first record for the county. During this period there was an irruption of Bearded Tits which was noted at several points on the east coast and a number of other inland records, outside our area, have been reported. 296. Nuthatch. No changes in distribution reported. 298. Tree-Creeper. No changes in distribution reported. 299. Wren. II. A pair nested successfully in a mop head leaning against a greenhouse in a garden at Kidderminster (L.R.B.). 300. Dipper. Reported from usual areas. 301. Mistle-Thrush. I. Party of 41 seen on Sutton Park golf course on September 1st (J.E.F.) and about 100 birds counted in walk from Bodymoor Heath to Shustoke on November 2nd (H.T.L.). II. Flock of about 50 present in Lickey area in September and October (R.S.B., B.A.D., R.M.). 302. Fieldfare. I. At least 500 were seen at Brandon on January 11th (A.J.R.), 150 at Exhall on the 12th (N.B.E.), 600 at Attleborough Fields on February 16th (A.T.S.) and 150 at Polesworth on March 15th (H.L.). At Alvecote 200 flew south-west in parties on October 31st (G.A.A.) and on November 21st and 22nd up to 1,000 passed to the east or south-east (G.A.A., H.T.L.). Also on November 21st there was a marked passage over Edgbaston Park, Birmingham (D.A.W.), and 100 flew south-west at Myton on the 20th (E.J.B.). On November 15th 300 were re- ported at Bartley (W.E.O.). II. Outnumbered Redwings at Sheriffs Lench and generally much commoner than last year, several large flocks being present on December 30th (T.C.S.). III. About 600 passed west or north-west over North Stafford- shire moors during two hours on October 31st (A.R.M.B., A.F.J.). At least 500 estimated around Branston on January 7th (C.C.O.); 300 at Pillaton on February 16th (P.T.); 300 at Belvide on November 8th (N.G.A., J.E.F.); 300 at Hanchurch on November 11th (B.D.B.); and 150 at Aqualate on November 13th (J.L.). 303. Song-Thrush. I. Heavy nocturnal movement reported over north Birmingham on October 13th and influx noted in Sutton Park on the 14th (J.E.F.). II. 82 nests recorded by observer at Malvern, one nest having three eggs by March 3rd, and 35 nests having eggs or young by the end of March (M.P.S.). 304. Redwing. I. Hundreds were estimated nesting in laurels near Mancetter on January 1st (H.L.). 150 on January 11th was the most seen in the roost at Min worth, where 100 flew west on the 18th (H.T.L.). Nocturnal passage over Birmingham first recorded in autumn on October 4th (J.E.F.) and then on subsequent nights in October with a particularly heavy movement from October 7th to 10th (several observers). II. Flock of 220 seen near Malvern on November 30th (M.P.S.). III. Large roost of several hundreds reported at Enville on March 8th (D.M.T.). 150 flew to the north-west over North Staffordshire moors on October 31st (A.R.M.B.). About 200 on November 1st was the most seen at Belvide (B.A.D.). About 800 noted in the roost at Blithfield from December 28th to 31st. One recovered in south-west France on October 21st was ringed at Blithfield on Decem- ber 27th, 1958, and a bird killed at Seia, Portugal, on February 25th had been ringed at the same roost on December 30th, 1957 (C.D.T.M.). 307. Ring-Ouzel. II. A bird seen at Sheriffs Lench on October 14th was the first autumn record from the district (A.J.H.). III. Usual breeding records from the North Staffordshire moors. 308. Blackbird. II. 176 nests recorded by observer at Malvern, 69 having eggs or young by the end of March. One old nest on a high shelf in a shed had been recorded since 1953, used twice a year up to 1956, held three broods in 1957, had a new nest built alongside in 1958 and used twice. In 1959 a further nest was built between the other two and used to rear two broods (M.P.S.). 311. Wheatear. Many spring and autumn records. III. One recovered at Voe, Shetland, on May 24th, had been ringed at Cannock Reservoir on April 11th, 1958 (R.S.B.). 35 Greenland Wheatear. Birds believed to be of this race reported I, at Seeswood Pool on April 25th (A.T.S.) and Minworth on the 29th (H.T.L.) and III, at Cannock Reservoir on April 28th (J.L.). 317. Stonechat. I. Two seen in Sutton Park on November 18th (J.E.F.) and one on December 13th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). II. A bird reported near Wilden on December 31st (M.D.H.). III. One or two seen at Cannock Reservoir between January 2nd (R.J.B.) and February 1st (A.F.J.) and again from December 20th (R.S.B., B.A.D.) until the 28th (D.A.W.). One occurred at Belvide on October 24th (D.J.M.). 318. Whinchat. I. About eight breeding pairs estimated at Alvecote (G.A.A.). III. At least 10 pairs noted at Enville Forest on June 16th (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.). 320. Redstart. I. Eight singing birds noted in Sutton Park in early May (A.R.M.B.). Nest with six young seen near Meriden on June 3rd (B.P.O.). II. Distinct influx on passage noted at Sheriffs Lench on April 19th (T.C.S.). III. Two or three breeding pairs seen on June 21st in northern end of Hopwas Wood—a new breeding site (G.A.A.). Reported as breeding in good numbers in Newcastle-under- Lyme-Madeley-Whitmore area (B.D.B.). 321. Black Redstart. I. A pair, and possibly another male, seen at Hams Hall on April 19th (J.E.F.). One noted in central Birmingham on May 8th, 13th (G.E.L.) and 22nd (A.R.M.B.). 322. Nightingale. Reported from usual areas. III. One sang in Rowley Park, Stafford, from April 30th until mid-May (P.T.). 325. Robin. I. An albino bird, inclined to light buff in colour, reported at Atherstone in November and December (J.W.S.). 327. Grasshopper-Warbler. Reported from usual areas. I. Heard singing in Sutton Park in May (D.J.M.) and June (J.E.F.). Heard near Wilmcote on July 3rd (D.M.H.) where not recorded as a regular breeder in the 1950 Distribution Survey. III. Several pairs reported in the Hanchurch, Keele and Walton's Wood areas (B.D.B.). 333. Reed-Warbler. Reports from usual areas. I. About 25 pairs estimated breeding along half-a-mile stretch of Napton Canal, near Fosse Way (B.P.O.). Bred at Hams Hall (K.I.D.). Fewer than usual at Brandon (A.J.R.). 36 III. Noted at Little Madeley on June 22nd (B.D.B., H.I.P.) and several nesting at Rudyard Lake on July 7th (J.M.S.). Ten singing birds heard at Betley Mere (E.W.L.). 334. Marsh-Warbler. II. Reported from Tewkesbury area in June (K.I.D., A.F.J., G.M.I.). 343. Blackcap. No changes in distribution reported. I. A cock bird visited a bird table in a Birmingham garden in the last week of November (per U.C.N.). 346. Garden-Warbler. No changes in distribution reported. 348. Lesser Whitethroat. I. Reported in summer at Coleshill (K.I.D.), Earlswood (P.G.S.), Keresley, Allesley, Maxstoke (J.Ro.), Four Oaks (A.R.M.B.) and, two or three pairs, at Alvecote (G.A.A.). II. Bred at Cofton Reservoir and probably at Bittell (R.M.) and Malvern (M.P.S.). First noted on passage at Sheriffs Lench on July 23rd (T.C.S.). III. Reported in summer at Gailey (J.E.F.). 354. Willow-Warbler. II. Influx of passage birds noted at Sheriffs Lench on April 17th (T.C.S.). 356. Chiffchaff. More autumn song reported than usual, up to early October (several observers). II. A late Chiffchaff or Willow-Warbler seen at Great Witley on November 16th (C.R.L.R.). 357. Wood-Warbler. I. Two birds seen on July 8th, but not subsequently, in Edgbaston Park, Birmingham, where unusual (D.A.W.). II. At least 15 singing birds recorded in walk along Dowles Brook, Wyre Forest, on June 14th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). Nested at Knightwick (M.P.S.) and two pairs bred within 100 yards in Cofton Woods (R.M.). III. One or two noted at Quarndon on May 23rd (C.C.O.) and near Gradbach on the 24th (H.L.) and one sang at Keele for a time in early June (B.D.B.). 364. Goldcrest. I. More numerous than usual in Edgbaston Park, Birmingham, in autumn (D.A.W.). Decrease noted in Sutton Park after end of March (J.E.Fa.) and larger numbers than usual present in late September and early October (A.R.M.B.). II. At least 100 seen on September 27th in Lickeys (R.S.B., BA.D.). Song heard on the unusual date of August 18th at Malvern, where influx noted on October 16th (M.P.S.). III. More numerous and widespread than usual in Blithfield and Rugeley areas at end of year (C.D.T.M.). 366. Spotted Flycatcher. II. 12 nests recorded by observer at Malvern (M.P.S.). About 10 birds noted in Lickeys on July 12th (B.A.D.). III. Three pairs believed to have bred in Warley Park, Smeth- wick (G.E.L.). 37 368. Pied Flycatcher. I. Seen near Wellesbourne on June 10th (E.J.B.). II. Usual records from Wyre Forest. III. Believed to have bred at Chillington, where bird singing on May 23rd (G.M.I., M.J.W.). A pair seen feeding recently-fledged young at Maer on July 5th (E.W.L.). 371. Hedge-Sparrow. II. 25 nests recorded by observer at Malvern, and eggs found by mid-March (M.P.S.). 373. Meadow-Pipit. I. Autumn passage to the south noted in Tame Valley from September 17th to October 7th and was most pronounced on October 2nd (G.A.A., M.A.A.). About 250 moved southwards over Sutton Park on October 4th (R.H., B.W.J.) and on the same date a heavy movement was reported over Sparkbrook and Deritend, Birmingham (K.I.D.). Over 200 passed south over Four Oaks on October 11th (A.R.M.B.). Nest with young seen on July 11th near Kineton, where unusual (E.J.B., J.A.H., J.H.L.). III. 600 reported at Belvide on October 2nd (B.J.B.). 376. Tree-Pipit. I. Reported to be fewer than usual at Earls- wood (R.L.S.) and Brandon (A.J.R.). One headed north over Edgbaston, Birmingham, on April 23rd (A.F.J.). Small numbers noted flying south over Four Oaks from August 16th to 29th (A.R.M.B.). 379. Rock-Pipit. I. Single birds seen at Minworth and ringed on February 8th (J.E.F.); at Bartley on September 27th (G.H.E.) and from October 31st to November 2nd (W.E.O.); and in Sutton Park on October 10th (J.E.F.). III. Noted at Belvide from October 2nd (B.J.B.) to November 3rd (R.J.B.), with six on October 11th (N.G.A., J.E.F.), and one at Cannock Reservoir on November 2nd (W.E.O.). Single birds seen at Blithfield on March 15th and October 18th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.) and six on October 11th (J-L.). Water-Pipit. III. Two identified at Belvide on October 2nd (B.J.B.). 380. Pied Wagtail. I. About 100 birds roosted at Hartshill on September 27th (H.L.) and at Alvecote on October 24th (D.R.M.). II. 69 preparing to roost in hazel scrub at Sheriffs Lench on April 17th was more than previously recorded in area by observer (T.C.S.). 11 nests recorded by observer in Malvern district, mainly in stone walls (M.P.S.). III. About 30 at roost near Great Wyrley on August 22nd (D.J.S.). White Wagtail. I. Small numbers identified at Bartley from April 3rd to 30th (W.E.O.); at Coleshill Sewage Farm

38 on April 26th (N.G.A., J.E.F.); at Earlswood on May 4th (R.L.S.); at Minworth on May 9th (J.F.); and Hams Hall on May 13th (H.T.L.). III. A few birds reported at Belvide between April 1st (R.J.B.) and May 7th (J.L.). 381. Grey Wagtail. I. Bred near Warwick (R.F.C.) and probably in Sutton Park, where bird seen carrying food (J.E.F.). One seen at Brandon in September and October was the first recorded there by observer (A.J.R.). 12 birds at Earlswood on November 11th (R.L.S.) and 10 at Leamington Spa Sewage Farm on the 28th were unusual concentrations (J.H.L.). II. Three pairs nested at Malvern, in two cases being double- brooded in the same nest. Also nested near Worcester, again using nest twice (M.P.S.). III. Bred in north Staffordshire as usual. 382. Yellow Wagtail. I. Bred again at Bartley (W.E.O.). About 100 roosted in reed mace at Alvecote on August 14th (M.J.D., H.L.). III. A marked passage reported at Belvide on August 19th, when about 90 birds were present (R.S.B., B.A.D.) and at least 400 were estimated roosting in reeds on September 9th (D.M.T.). 383. Waxwing. I. One occurred at Nuneaton on January 30th (J.L.B.). II. Two seen on hawthorn bushes at Bittell on January 4th (P.P.F., D.M.T.) and one at Cofton Reservoir on Novem- ber 26th (J.W.). III. Two fed on hawthorn berries at Belvide on January 10th (R.J.B.) and three on February 3rd and 4th near Stafford (P.T.). 384. Great Grey Shrike. II. One remained near Newnham, Tenbury, for about a week from April 10th (per C.R.S.P.). 388. Red-backed Shrike. II. Usual records from Malvern Hills. A bird reported on passage at Tardebigge on September 13th (D.B., K.C.). 389. Starling. I. Huge immigration into Tamworth district noted in period October 29th to November 4th (G.A.A.). A bird trapped at Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, on December 7th had been ringed at Wassenaar, Holland, on November 3rd (R.S.B.). About 20,000 estimated roosting at Attleborough Gorse from mid-October to end of year (H.L.). II. Up to 100,000 estimated roosting in thorn and ash scrub at Sheriffs Lench in October (A.J.H.). 391. Hawfinch. I. Seen in Sutton Park, up to six, in winter and early spring (N.G.A., A.R.M.B., J.E.F.). One 39 reported at Pype Hayes Park, Birmingham, on December 24th (B.W.J.). II. Nest with young seen on May 31st at Whitbourne in plum tree in orchard, where several pairs believed to have bred (M.P.S.). Birds seen on Lickeys in October and December (A.F.J., R.M.). III. Pair seen at Enville on May 3rd with partly-completed nest (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.). 392. Greenfinch. I. At least 150 were roosting in mixed flock in Sutton Park on February 14th (A.R.M.B.). About six birds resident in garden at Castle Bromwich gradually, one by one, over past 18 months, acquired skill of feeding from strings of peanuts (H.T.L.). A flock of about 250 seen at Caldecote on October 4th (A.E.S.). II. About 200 birds noted at Bittell in November and Decem- ber (W.E.O.). III. Flock of up to 300 seen at Pillaton on September 14th (P.T.). 393. Goldfinch. I. Flock of 30 seen at Ryton, near Coventry, on September 24th (H.L.), 35 at Bartley on October 11th (W.E.O.), and over 50 noted roosting in Sutton Park on November 29th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). II. Flock of 142 noted on April 4th feeding on weed seeds in plum orchard at Sheriffs Lench; 120 on hawksweed seed heads at Malvern on October 10th; and 50 at Bittell in August and September (W.E.O., R.M., W.N.A.T.). III. Flock of about 40 reported at Wandon, Cannock Chase, on March 1st (L.S.), and 30 at Belvide on October 12th (B.A.D.) and at Keele on December 21st (B.D.B., H.I.P.). 394. Siskin. Recorded in many localities, mainly in autumn and winter months, with main concentration in December. I. About 50 recorded at Earlswood on November 25th (R.L.S.) and 30 in Pype Hayes Park, Birmingham, on December 20th (B.W.J.). Up to eight seen in late Novem- ber and early December in Edgbaston Park, Birmingham, where rarely reported (D.A.W.). II. 60 were seen at Podmore Pool, Kidderminster, on Novem- ber 15th (M.D.H.) and about 50 at Bittell on December 17th (D.A.W.). 25 were ringed in December on Cofton Hill, Lickeys, where population in area was estimated at 100 (A.S.B., J.G.E.). III. Flocks were reported of 100 at Aqualate on December 6th (J.L.), 50 at Belvide on the 13th (B.C., G.M.I., P.R.P., M.J.W.) and 50 at Gailey on the 28th (D.A.W.). 395. Linnet. I. At least 300 roosted with other finches in Sutton Park on February 14th (A.R.M.B.) and about 200 noted at Coleshill Sewage Farm on September 26th (J.E.F.). 40 Almost absent from Alvecote area in winter months (G.A.A.). One ringed at Nuneaton as a nestling on May 19th was found killed at Sauveterre, Gironde, France, on November 3rd (H.L.). II. 70 noted at Dimmingsdale on January 3rd (R.J.B.). Up to 200 seen at Bittell in November and December (W.E.O.) and similar numbers at Upton Warren on October 16th (J-L.). III. Very few birds present at Blithfield in winter months. 396. Twite. Autumn and winter records from more localities than usual. I. Single birds identified at Bartley on October 11th and 25th (W.E.O.). III. Two seen in Upper Hamps Valley, north Staffordshire moors, on September 26th (A.F.J.). Up to six reported at Cannock Reservoir between October 11th (J.E.F.) and December 28th (C.T.C.). Two seen at Blithfield on April 5th (A.F.J.) and six on November 22nd (J.L., C.S.W.). About 25 identified in mixed finch flock at Enville on December 21st (R.J.B.). 397. Redpoll. Autumn, winter and spring records from many localities, with the main concentration in late March and early April. I. The most recorded was 40 in Sutton Park on March 28th (A.R.M.B.) and 30th (J.E.F.). II. In the Lickey Woods a flock of 120 on March 29th was the most seen (A.F.J.). III. The largest flocks reported were 80 on Cannock Chase on March 15th (B.W.J.); 50 at Enville on April 7th (M.D.H.); 30 at Bagots Wood on April 19th (J.L.); and 25 at Hopwas Wood on October 10th (G.A.A.). On June 14th a cock bird seen at Enville (J.L., L.S.) and on same date young were being fed at a nest at Swynnerton (E.W.L.). Resident at Little Madeley and breeding recorded (B.D.B.). 401. Bullfinch. I. Said to be increasing around Exhall (N.B.E.). II. More reported at Malvern than usual, where six birds seen feeding on honeysuckle berries in garden on September 22nd (M.P.S.). Plentiful in winter around Sheriffs Lench, with parties up to eight in all the woods (T.C.S.). A flock of 15 noted in late December at Cofton Reservoir (R.M.). 404. Crossbill. I. Six seen in Sutton Park on April 14th (P.B.B.). 15 flew west on July 14th over Whitehouse Common, Sutton Coldfield, and reported in Sutton Park from same date until August 8th, with about 26 on July 23rd and 26th (A.R.M.B., J.E.F.). Four seen at Upton Park on July 19th (per E.J.B.) and five near Solihull in the same month (J.F.W.B.). 41 II. Recorded on the Lickeys throughout the year, with 30 on January 24th and up to 50 on July 18th (A.F.J.). A pair seen with two juveniles on April 4th (C.J.C.). One seen near Blakedown on March 21st; three near Stourbridge on April 4th; small numbers in Randan Woods in February and 10 on April 19th (F.F.); a party of 13 at Bittell on July 18th (A.F.J.); and 17 in Wyre Forest on the 19th (G.M.I., M.J.W.). Birds reported near Newnham, Ten- bury, in early months of year (per C.R.S.P.). III. 16 on April 19th (R.J.B.) was the most seen at Enville where a pair was seen feeding young in a nest on March 22nd (A.F.J.); a bird seen carrying nesting material on April 19th (R.J.B.) and a second nest seen on May 3rd (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.). Two seen at Castlecroft from March 15th to April 2nd (R.J.B.) and at Kinver on March 30th (A.F.J.). 407. Chaffinch. III. Movement westerly noted at Hanchurch during morning of November 1st (E.W.L.); 400 estimated roosting at Blithfield during period December 28th to 31st. A bird recovered alive on October 12th, near Oudenaarde, Belgium, had been ringed at Blithfield on January 1st, 1958, and one killed at Jutland, Denmark, on December 23rd had been ringed at Blithfield on January 1st, 1958 (C.D.T.M.). 408. Brambling. Small numbers reported from many areas. I. A few reported at Brandon, where not previously recorded by observer (A.J.R.). III. About 20 at Enville in mixed flock of finches on December 21st (R.J.B.) and the same number roosting at Blithfield at the end of December (C.D.T.M.) were the most reported in the Club's area. 409. Yellow Hammer. III. A short period of song heard at Blithfield on November 22nd (J.L.). 410. Corn-Bunting. I. Nest with three young seen at Brandon on July 9th (B.P.O.). Reported from near Leamington Spa throughout the year (J.H.L.) and from Tiddington in autumn (J.A.H.). II. Two birds singing at Sheriff's Lench from April 15th to mid-July were the first recorded there for many years (T.C.S.). One heard singing near Tewkesbury on June 14th (K.I.D., G.M.I., A.F.J.). 415. Cirl Bunting. I. One singing near Shipston-on-Stour on July 7th (C.J.C.). II. Recorded from near Malvern (several observers) and nest seen with two eggs on June 23rd (J.L.). A cock bird seen near Rubery on June 12th (J.Sc.). 42 421. Reed-Bunting. I. A flock of 100 seen on snow in Sutton Park on January 11th (J.L.). 19 nests recorded by observer in Baginton and Brandon areas (B.P.O.). 422. Lapland Bunting. III. A bird seen in flight and heard calling over Belvide Reservoir on November 22nd (B.A.D.) and 29th (K.I.D., G.H.E., G.M.I., M.J.W.) was believed to be of this species by observers familiar with the charac- teristic notes. 423. Snow-Bunting. More reports than in any previous year in the Club's records. II. One or two seen at Bittell between November 7th (A.F.J.) and the 22nd (W.E.O.). III. Single birds seen at Cannock Reservoir on November 29th and December 19th (A.F.J.) and at Belvide on November 9th (J.L.). At Blithfield reported between October 31st (A.G.W.) and December 31st (C.C.O.) with four on Novem- ber 14th and 29th (T.W.F., J.L., C.C.O., L.S.). 424. House-Sparrow. I. A House-Martin's nest at Minworth taken over by House-Sparrows contained three young Sparrows and one young House-Martin on July 19th (N.G.A., J.E.F.). 425. Tree-Sparrow. I. About 350 seen at Brandon on December 13th (A.J.R.). II. 100 seen on the Lickeys from September 21st to 28th (R.M.) and a large flock noted at Upton Warren on October 16th (J.L.). III. Several parties flew from the north at Blithfield on Novem- ber 22nd, when about 400 birds were present (J.L.), with similar numbers on December 13th (T.W.F., J.L., L.S.).

In addition to the birds mentioned in the Classified Notes, the following species are known to breed in the Club's area:— Sparrow-Hawk, Pheasant, Moorhen, Stock-Dove, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Carrion-Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal-Tit, Marsh-Tit, Sedge-Warbler, Whitethroat.

1958 REPORT ADDENDA At bottom of Classified Notes (p. 41) add Stock-Dove and Dipper. Under Garden-Warbler (p. 35) read II for III.

43 MIGRANTS

The average arrival or departure date given below after the name of each bird is based respectively on the first and last dates given in the Annual Reports up to 1959. The figure in brackets is the number of years on which the average is calculated.

ARRIVALS. DEPARTURES. Chiffchaff. Av.= March 19 (25) Av.= October 7 (25) March 23 Sutton Park (N.G.A.) Oct. 15 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 23 Marchington Woodlands 13 Cofton Reservoir (R.M.) (C.C.O.) 4 Frankley (W.E.O.) 24 Earlswood (D.M.T.) Sand-Martin. Av. =March 25 (24) Av. =September 30 (24) March 25 Newcastle-under-Lyme Sept. 29 Warley (J.E.C.) (B.D.B.) 28 Hurley (E.H.) 25 Bodymoor Heath (J.N.) 27 Belvide (A.F.J.) 25 Bittell (D.M.T.) Wheatear. Av.=March 27 (22) Av.= September 25 (23) March 23 Bodymoor Heath (J.N.) Oct. 13 Pillaton (P.T.) 23 Marchington Woodlands 11 Cannock Chase (C.C.O.) (N.G.A., J.E.F.) 23 Warley (J.E.C.) 8 Wilnecote (M.A.A.) Willow-Warbler. Av. =March 29 (25) Av. = September 24 (25) March 28 Weoley Castle (B.A.D.) Oct. 3 Bartley Green 30 Alvecote (G.A.A.) (R.C.B., J.E.C.) 31 Bartley (M.J.I.) Sept. 30 Earlswood (R.L.S.) 31 Belvide (T.W.F., A.F.J.) 27 Frankley (W.E.O.) 27 Blakedown (J.S.) 27 Edgbaston (C.M.R.) Ring-Ouzel No records Oct. 14 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 11 Gun (J.M.S.) Sept. 13 Hanchurch (E.W.L.) Swallow. Av. = April 4 (25) Av.= October 22 (25) March 28 Bartley Green Nov. 15 Great Witley (C.R.L.R.) (R.C.B., J.E.C.) Oct. 25 Kingstanding (B.W.J.) April 4 Copmere (R.J.) 24 Two Gates (M.A.A.) 5 Earlswood (M.J.I.) 24 Handsworth (J.E.C.) 5 Bittell (B.A.D.) 24 Alvecote (D.R.M.) 5 Seisdon (R.J.B.)

Blackcap. Av. = April 6 (25) Av. = September 19 (22) April 5 Aqualate (J.L.) Oct. 30 Randan Woods (F.F.) 11 Belvide (R.J.B.) Sept. 17 Cofton Reservoir (R.M.) 12 Stourport (M.D.H.) 12 Droitwich (L.R.G.) Garganey. A v. = April 9 (17) Av. = September 10 (16) March 21 Belvide Sept. 20 Blithfield (R.J.B., R.A.H.) (N.G.A., J.E.F. 28 Alvecote 13 Belvide (A.J.R.) (G.A.A., H.T.L.) 6 Alvecote (G.A.A.) April 5 Brandon (A.J.R.) 5 Blithfield (A.F.J.)

44 ARRIVALS. DEPARTURES. Yellow Wagtail. Av.=April9 (23) Av.= October 1 (22) March 31 Belvide (A.F.J.) Oct. 12 Warley (J.E.C.) April 4 Aqualate (J.E.C.) 8 Oldbury (R.C.B.) 9 Alvecote (H.L.) 2 Sutton Park (J.E.F.) 9 Keele (R.J.) 9 Bodymoor Heath (J.N.)

Tree-Pipit. Av. = April 10 (22) Av. = September 15 (21) March 30 Malvern Hills (M.P.S.) Oct. 3 Lickeys (C.J.C.) April 9 Enville (R.J.B.) Sept. 12 Warley (J.E.C.) 14 Lickeys (C.J.C.) 3 Hams Hall (J.E.F.) 14 Oakley Wood (A.R.M.B.)

Redstart. Av.= April 12 (23) Av. = September 9 (23) April 8 Enville (M.D.H.) Sept. 20 Enville (R.J.B.) 10 Lickeys (C.J.C.) 20 Bartley (W.E.O.) 11 Wylde Green (T.M.T.) 19 Cannock Chase (A.F.J.) Common Sandpiper. Av. = April 12 (23) Feb. 15 Cheddleton (A.G.W.) Av. = October 9 (20) April 9 Bodymoor Heath (E.H.) Oct. 18 Blithfield (C.C.O.) 13 Belvide (D.A.W.) 18 Belvide (P.R.P., G.W.) 13 Bittell (H.T.L., D.M.T.) 14 Bittell (R.M.)

House-Martin. Av. = April 12 (25) Av. = October 22 (25) April 12 Sutton Coldfield Oct. 22 Clent (F.F.) (H.T.L.) 20 Leamington Spa 14 Bittell (J.Sc.) (E.J.B.) 14 Coventry (J.R.) 19 Shenstone (R.A.B.)

Cuckoo. Av.= April 13 (23) Av. = September 18 (22) April 7 Leamington Spa Sept. 2 Hams Hall (N.G.A., (E.J.B.) J.E.F.) 11 Malvern (M.P.S.) 1 Hurley (E.H.) 13 Bedworth (H.L.) Aug. 30 Alvecote (G.A.A.)

Common Whitethroat. Av. = April 16 (25) April 14 Bittell (D.M.H.) Av. = September 18 (25) 15 Lickeys (C.J.C.) Sept. 25 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 15 Solihull (M.J.I.) 23 Keele (B.D.B.) 15 Stratford (T.C.S.) 19 Cannock Chase (A.F.J.)

Nightingale. Av. = April 20 (23) April 26 Broadway (J.R.) No records 28 Spetchley (L.R.B.) 29 Weston Woods (R.W.D.) 29 Oakley Wood (A.R.M.B.) 29 Upton-on-Severn (A.F.A.)

Sedge-Warbler. Av. = April 21 (23) Av. = September 21 (16) April 14 Bittell (D.M.H.) Sept. 24 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 14 Bodymoor Heath (E.H.) 19 Hams Hall (J.E.F.) 15 Belvide (R.J.B.) 19 Belvide (R.J.B.)

Wood-Warbler. Av- April 22 (24) Av. = August 7 (16) April 22 Cofton Woods (B.A.D.) Aug. 16 Randan Woods (M.J.I.) 23 Lickeys (J.H.H., R.M.) 4 Warlev (R.C.B.) 26 Enville (R.J.B.)

45 ARRIVALS. DEPARTURES. Lesser Whitethroat. Av. = April 23 (23) April 18 Woodcote (F.F.) Av. = September 13 (23) 25 Bittell (A.F.J.) Sept. 17 Cofton Reservoir (R.M.) 25 Alvecote (G.A.A., 7 Belvide (E.W.L.) H.T.L.) Aug. 30 Earlswood (J.D.M.W.)

Grasshopper-Warbler. Av. = April 22 (23) April 14 Oakley Wood Av. = August 16 (9) (A.R.M.B.) Aug. 23 Enville (K.C.S.) 18 Hurley (E.H.) 19 Madeley (R.J.) 19 Enville (R.J.B.)

Garden-Warbler. Av. = April 24 (22) April 22 Bittell (B.A.D.) Av. = August 21 (21) 24 Lickeys (C.M.R.) Sept. 8 Bittell (J.E.C.) May 1 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Aug. 24 Randan Woods (F.F.) 1 Acton Trussell (P.T.)

Pied Flycatcher. Av.= April 24 (13) No records No records

Whinchat. Av.= April 26 (23) Av.= September 19 (20) April 18 Belvide (R.J.B.) Sept. 20 Walsall (A.E.C.) 26 Coleshill (N.G.A., J.E.F.) 19 Coleshill (J.E.F.) 26 Bodymoor Heath (J.N.) 13 Bartley (W.E.O.)

Swift. Av.= April 26 (25) Av. = September 6 (25) April 25 Alvecote (H.T.L.) Sept. 18 Wylde Green (J.F.) 25 Minworth (N.G.A.) 10 Bartley (W.E.O.) 25 Belvide (R.J.B.) 6 Birmingham (B.W.J.)

Turtle-Dove. Av.=May 1 (24) Av. = September 15 (24) April 28 Gailey (J.L.) Sept. 23 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 29 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 23 Bodymoor Heath May 2 Shenstone (R.A.B.) (G.A.A.) 14 Drakelow (E.H.)

Reed-Warbler. Av.=May 1 (19) Av. = September 10 (11) May 2 Baswick (P.T.) Sept. 12 Alvecote 3 Alvecote (G.A.A.) (G.A.A., H.T.L.]

Spotted Flycatcher. Av.=May6(22) April 29 Keele (B.D.B.) Av. = September 20 (22) May 4 Stafford (P.T.) Oct. 3 Stafford (P.T.) 4 Earlswood (R.L.S.) Sept. 27 Lickeys (R.S.B., B.A.D.) 25 Malvern (M.P.S.)

Red-backed Shrike. Av. =May 18 (13) No records No records

Nightjar. Av.=May 18 (19) Av. = August 13 (8) May 22 Cannock Chase (P.T.) Aug. 19 Sutton Park (J.E.F.) 16 Wolverhampton (G.M.I., M.J.W.) 46 ARRIVALS. DEPARTURES. Quail No records Aug. 29 Welford-on-Avon (A.F.J.) Marsh-Warbler. Av. = June 2 (17) June 3 River Avon (A.J.H.)

Golden Plover. Av. = September 6 (14) Aug. 9 Bartley (W.E.O.) Av. = April 3 (14) 25 Blithfield (C.C.O.) April 26 Allesley (J.R.) 26 Hurley (E.H.) 23 Pillaton (P.T.)

Wigeon. Av. = September 10 (21) Av. = April 29 (25) Aug. 3 Belvide (J.E.F.) April 26 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 23 Blithfield (J.E.F.) 18 Belvide (R.J.B.) Sept. 9 Bittell (A.F.J.)

Redwing. Av. = October 3 (25) Av. = April 10 (25) Oct. 2 Lickeys (C.J.C.) April 26 Allesley (J.R.) 4 Lea Marston (E.H.) 13 Hurley (E.H.) 4 Birmingham (J.E.F.) 12 Bartley (W.E.O.)

Pintail. Av.=October 10 (15) Av.= April 13 (19) Sept. 13 Blithfield (J.L., C.C.O.) April 5 Blithfield (A.F.J.) Oct. 18 Gailey (N.G.A., J.E.F.) 1 Belvide (C.C.O.)

Jack Snipe. Av.= October 12 (18) Av. = March 28 (15) Oct. 10 Alvecote (G.A.A.) April 5 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 17 Sutton Park March 29 Brandon (A.J.R.) (N.G.A., J.E.F.) 22 Bartley (W.E.O.) 18 Blithfield (J.L., C.C.O.) 22 Belvide (B.C., G.M.I., M.J.W.)

Brambling. Av. = October 13 (25) Av. = April 4 (24) Oct. 4 Lickeys (C.J.C.) April 5 Warley Park (G.E.L.) 11 Clent (F.F.) March 31 Bartley (R.C.B., J.E.C.) 11 Sutton Park (A.R.M.B.) 30 Newcastle-under-Lyme (B.D.B.) 30 Birmingham (G.D.H.)

Fieldfare. Av. = October 18 (24) Av. = April 26 (24) Sept. 30 Shoal Hill (P.T.) April 26 Allesley (J.R.) Oct. 11 Walsall (A.E.C.) 14 Bittell (D.M.H.) 11 Alvecote (G.A.A.) 14 Hurley (E.H.) 11 Blithfield (J.L.) 11 Bromley (E.W.L.) 11 Bedworth (R.K.S.)

Golden-Eye. Av.= October 21 (21) Av. = April 23 (22) Oct. 10 Belvide (B.C., G.M.I., May 3 Belvide (B.C., G.M.I., (M.J.W.) M.J.W.) 18 Blithfield (C.C.O.) April 12 Bartley (W.E.O.) 18 Shustoke, (K.I.D., 12 Copmere (E.W.L.) G.H.E.)

47 ARRIVALS. DEPARTURES. Siskin. Av.= October 26 (22) Av. = April 3 (23) Sept. 19 Cannock Chase (A.F.J.) April 19 Bagots Wood (J.L.) Oct. 3 Sutton Park (A.R.M.B.) April 3 Lickeys (C.J.C.) 13 Cofton Reservoir (R.M.) 2 Stourport (M.D.H.)

Goosander. Av.= November 14 (20) Av.= March 29 (20) Nov. 3 Blithfield (B.D.B.) April 26 Blithfield (G.D.B., L.S.) 22 Bittell (D.A.W., J.D.M.W.) 22 Belvide (several observers) 22 Bartley (W.E.O., D.A.W.)

Smew. Av. = December 17 (16) Av. = February 25 (14) Dec. 12 Gailey (K.C.S.) April 30 Belvide (R.J.B.) 12 Cannock Reservoir (A.F.J.) 13 Belvide (several observers) 13 Shustoke (W.E.O.)

48 KEY TO CONTRIBUTORS (The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the Report) A. F. Airey D. Glaze H. I. Paterson *G. Alderson fP. Grout C. R. S. Pitman B.Y. Aldred (Miss) L. R. Greening fR. Player G. A. Arnold S. Grove P. R. Powell M. A. Arnold M. E. Pumphrey (Miss) R. Hale (Miss) N. G. Arnold C. R. L. Reece *S. G. Austin C. Hargreaves *J. A. Hardman F. H. Restall R. S. Bailey J. H. Harding C. M. Reynolds W. T. Bartlett R. A. Harding A. J. Richards L. R. Bayes A. J. Harthan J. Rickard (Miss) G. D. Beattie D. M. Hawker J. Robbins B. D. Bell D. R. Hewitt T. M. Robinson R. A. Bingham M. D. Higgins J. Scott E. Blackbourn (Mrs.) E. A. Higginson (Mrs.) •fj. Sinclair A. R. M. Blake A. Hobson P. G. Sears *E. J. Bradford G. D. Hollingsworth f A. E. Sheasby R. J. Bradney D. F. Hope K. C. Shuttleworth R. C. Broadbent E. Hopkins D. J. Simkin D. Brown V. R. Hughes C. Simms S. C. Brown M. J. Inskip J. W. Simonds J. F. W. Bruhn G. M. Ireson R. L. Smallwood P. B. Buckley fj. Ison J. M. Smith B. J. Burton L. Smith |J. L. Burton A. F. Jacobs M. P. Smith (Mrs.) fD. E. Jebbett fR. K. Smith C. J. Cadbury E. W. Jephcott T. C. Smout J. E. Campbell B. W. Jones fA. T. Sumner M. M. Campbell G. H. Jones *R. F. Chatfield R. Jones D. M. Thomas C. Clarke K. H. Thomas fP. Kemble |R. G. Thompson A. T. Clay H. Kenrick K. Clifford W. N. A. Thompson A. E. Coles fD. Lapworth T. M. Thursfield F. Colley fH. Lapworth P. Till B. Craddock G. V. R. Lee fD. Tompkinson P. W. E. Currie H. T. Lees •j-B. J. Tompkinson G. E. Lewis J. Tromans L. F. Dale J. Lord *T. Trout K. I. Darlow E. W. Longman M. M. Turner B. A. Davis *J. M. Lowe *R. W. Dawson fj. Varden R. Maskew fM. J. Drakeley fj. Wagstafl D. G. Measures E. Millington C. S. Waller N. B. Edmonds D. Warden J. G. Edwards C. D. T. Minton M. J. Warren G. Emery D. R. Mirams J. Wedgbury G. H. Evans E. Morgan (Miss) L. C. Wheeler R. A. Mosse fA. Wincott |A. Fancourt D. J. Munns J. Farrington D. A. Whitehouse P. P. Feeny U. C. Newstead A. G. Wilshaw G. Wigglesworth fP. G. Fennell J. Nield W. E. Oddie T. C. Wise F. Fincher J. D. M. Wright T. W. Ford B. P. O'Shea J. E. Fortey C. C. Owen *G. F. Yates •Members of Warwick Natural History Society, f Members of Nuneaton Bird Watchers' Club. 49 THE BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1959

1958 £ INCOME £ s. d. s. d. 297 Subscriptions received for 1959 ... 326 8 9 16 Reports 3 16 6 4 Field Meetings 5 1 0 "Highland Birds" Lecture in Town Hall £194 3 0 Less: Expenses and 9 Allocations ...... 163 5 7 30 17 5 3 Interest—Birmingham Municipal Bank 5 9 7 £329 371 13 3 Less: EXPENDITURE 18 Indoor Meetings ... 13 2 6 159 Reports 148 0 5 97 Bulletins 135 15 7 15 Printing, Stationery, etc. 18 8 8 8 Subscriptions to Associates, etc. 8 8 0 5 Insurance and Reservoir Hides ... 4 12 0

302 328 7 2

SURPLUS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE FOR £27 THE YEAR £43 6 1

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1959

83 Surplus at 1st January, 1959 109 15 8 27 Add: Surplus for year ...... 43 6 1

110 153 1 9 28 1960 Subscriptions paid in advance 20 17 6

£138 £173 19 3 Represented by:— 18 Cash at Barclays Bank Ltd 173 19 3 Birmingham Municipal Bank Deposit 120 Account ... - - -

£138 £173 19 3

N. SWINDELLS, Hon. Treasurer. WALL & TANFIELD, Chartered Accountants, Hon. Auditors. 51 THE WEST MIDLAND BIRD CLUB

OBJECTS The Club was founded in 1929 to enable people to meet and discuss their common interest in wild birds. The Club has now grown to nearly 600 strong, but it is still one of the main functions, that by helping bird- watchers to meet each other, it encourages a more widespread interest in the study and preservation of wild birds and their haunts. The recording in permanent form of interesting information about birds and participation in ornithological inquiries are among the primary objects of the Club.

ACTIVITIES The Club holds indoor meetings in Central Birmingham once a month from October till May. These usually take the form of illustrated talks, given by well-known naturalists; films are shown and subjects of particular interest to Members are discussed. Field Meetings, which are of special value to the beginner, take place at frequent intervals. Such places as the Severn Goose Grounds, Wyre Forest, together with some of the larger reservoirs, are among the most popular. Special transport is usually arranged for these meetings.

PUBLICATIONS The Annual Report on the birds of the West Midlands, which has now grown to over fifty pages, is our most important product. Records of interesting birds and articles about localities of special importance are a regular feature of the Report. In addition, duplicated Bulletins are circulated every month, except during the summer. These deal with day to day events and serve a useful role in keeping Members informed of current activities.

BRANCHES There are Branches of the Club at Stafford, Kidderminster and Studley. Membership of the Branches carries with it the same privileges as ordinary membership of the Club, and the same subscription, but in addition the Branches have their own indoor and field meetings, an obvious benefit for those unable to get easily to the Club's main functions.

RESEARCH In addition to the more general activities, many Members co-operate in such projects as the monthly wildfowl counts, the annual Great Crested Grebe census, the Heron census, and so on. Ringing of birds and a variety of special studies are being undertaken by various individuals. In all these the Club helps its Members wherever it can.

MEMBERSHIP This is open to all those who have a genuine interest in wild birds. The Club consists of Members (subscription, 12/6 per annum) and Junior Mem- bers, aged 14-17 (subscription, 5/-). Affiliated membership (subscription, 12/6) is open to schools and other organised bodies.

THE FUTURE The Club is anxious to encourage and assist all those who are interested in birds, whether they are complete beginners or experienced bird-watchers. For the former there are field meetings at which more experienced Members try to help with some of the problems of identification, whilst the more advanced will derive interest from participation in some of the inquiries undertaken by the Club. As our membership increases so does the efficiency with which we study the birds of the West Midlands. In addition, the Club is closely associated with the newly-formed bird observatory on the Island of Bardsey off the Caernarvonshire coast, where facilities for the study of migration and the island's interesting breeding birds are available. The study of birds can be an exciting and satisfying business; co-operation with those similarly interested makes it even more so.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP FORM Any person interested in the study of birds and wishing to become a Member of The West Midland Bird Club, should complete this form and forward it, together with the subscription [Full Members, 12/6; Juniors, age 14 to 17, 5/-] to the Hon. Treasurer, N. Swindells, 14 New Road, Shenstone, Lichfield.

County

Do you wish to become a Member or Junior Member ?.

If application is for Junior Membership, please state date of birth Please give the names of any other Ornithological Clubs or similar Societies to which you belong

(Signature).

(Signature). I agree, if elected, to abide by the Club Rules.

I enclose cheque / P.O. / cash value £ :

Signed Date 19