West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No 53 1986 Great Spotted Woodpecker by S C Brown West Midland Bird Club
Annua/ Report No 53 1986
Being the Annual Bird Report of the West Midland Bird Club on the birds in the counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and West Midlands.
Contents 2 Officers and Committee
4 Editor's Report
4 Birds in 1986
17 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement
20 Secretary's Report
20 Field Meeting Secretary's Report
21 Permit Secretary's Report
21 Membership Secretary's Report
21 Research Committee
22 Staffordshire Branch Report
23 Belvide Reserve
24. Ladywalk Reserve
25 Pellet Analysis of Short-eared Owls — Ooxey
28 The Birds of Saltwells Local Nature Reserve
54 1986 Bird Record Localities
58 Classified Notes
147 Ringing in 1986 '
155 Key to Contributors
157 Species requiring descriptions
Price £2.75 2
Officers and Committee 1987
President C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire Vice-President G C Lambourne, Melin Dan-y-rhiw, St. Davids, Dyfed Chairman A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JG Deputy Chairman G M Lewis, 9a Plymouth Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham B45 8JE Secretary H McGregor, 74 Ivyfield Road, Erdington, Birmingham B23 7HH Treasurer K A Webb, 8 Vernon Close, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B74 4EA Report Editor N P Barlow, 1 Yew Tree Cottages, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7HR Research G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Committee Warwickshire CV35 7LA Chairman Promotions and P K Dedicoat, 2 The Elms Paddock, Pattingham, Fund Raising Wolve.rhampton WV6 7DW Committee Chairman and Bulletin Editor Membership D S Evans, 49 Inglewood Grove, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield Secretary B74 3LN Field Meetings S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Birmingham Secretary B17 9EL Permit Secretary Miss M Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close, Birmingham B15 3LX Ringing Secretary A E Coleman, 67 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffordshire Staffs Branch D W Elmley, 127 Harpfields Road, Stoke-on-Trent Chairman Solihull M Hewitt, 33 Hurdis Street, Shirley, Solihull, West Branch Chairman Midlands Warwickshire S M Haynes, 4 Spinney Close, Old Arley, Coventry Recorder CV78PD Worcestershire S M Whitehouse, 5 Stanway Close, Rudyard Gardens, Recorder Blackpole, Worcester WR4 9XL 3
Staffordshire G Evans, Flat 5, Kenilworth Court, Mill Street, Cannock Recorder West Midlands R M Normand, 18 Hamstead Hall Avenue, Handsworth Recorder Wood, Birmingham B20 1EY Main Committee S C Brown, Mrs D Dunstan, R Harbird, R M Normand Records Committee N P Barlow, G Evans, G R Harrison, S M Haynes, R M Normand, S K Welch, S M Whitehouse 4
Editor's Report As I sat down to write these comments the 1985 Report arrived, and it is again clear that Graham Harrison has established a high standard for the West Midland Bird Club. I only hope that the 1986 Report can achieve similar standards. The amount of work that Graham has had to deal with in the past has amazed the four County Recorders and myself and it is no wonder that he felt the time had come to devolve the report preparation amongst county representatives. In so doing, however, the problems of drawing the component parts has become more difficult and as this is the first year of the new team I hope that any inconsistencies will be allowed for. Helpful comments are indeed invited. The positive side of this devolution is that the Recorders have already established closer links with birdwatchers in their areas and I believe that more records have therefore been forthcoming. There are still notable gaps, such as south Warwickshire but hopefully these gaps will be filled in time. I would like to thank all those who have taken the trouble to submit records. It was not until I edited the Report that I fully appreciated the significance of many of the records in building up a picture of species status and movements. There are a number of minor amendments and alterations to the style this year which are entirely personal. In particular and for clarity January to February is referred to as the first winter period and December as the second winter period; March-May are the spring months, June-August the summer months and September to November the autumn months. Brierley Hill Pools are referred to as Fens Pools. Finally I would like to thank, in particular, the artists John Martin, Maurice Eccleshall, Brett Westwood, Roger Hancox whose drawings, as usual, have added immeasurably to the report; the photographers Phill Ward, Mike Inskip, Graham Mant, Charlie Brown and Mike Wilkes; Graham Evans and Graham Harrison for their invaluable editing help; Maureen Smith for typing assistance; and the County Recorders and their teams:— Warwickshire: Steve Haynes and Steve Cawthray Worcestershire: Steve Whitehouse, Richard Harbird, Gavin Peplow, John Sirrett Staffordshire: Graham Evans, John Bennett, Tony Blake, Pete Downing, Dave Emley, John Martin, Trevor Smart, Steve Welch West Midlands: Bob and Alicia Normand Migrant Arrivals and Departures: Steve Welch Hotline: John Bennett
This is essentially their report.
Birds in 1986 The year can be divided into distinct phases. January and to a much greater extent February were bitterly cold. The spring and summer months were 5
generally wet with temperatures below normal and little "summery" weather. The autumn however made a pleasant change with generally warm mild weather in September and October. November and December were again wet but generally mild. Birding was nevertheless good with 222 species seen (the same as 1985) and two of these — Black Kite and Yellow-browed Warbler — were new to the region. The cold weather from late December continued into January with northerly and easterly winds leading to a progressive drop in temperatures and some snow on the eighth. This brought an influx of Fieldfares and Redwings into the region with 4000 and 1000 respectively descending on Sandwell Valley. Both Bewick's and Whooper Swans were noted early on with 15 Bewick's at Bredon's Hardwick and 12 at Alvecote. On the sixth a female Bearded Tit was seen at Brandon, 800 Golden Plover at Bredon, 273 Dunlin at Bredon's Hardwick, and 123 Snipe at Coton and 115 at Wyre Piddle. Five Ruff at Draycote was most unusual and this reservoir held some birds from 1985 including two Great Northern Divers, female Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, immature Velvet Scoter, three redheaded Smew and a pair of Bearded Tits; other birds from 1985 included another Great Northern Diver at Fens Pools and 67 Barnacle Geese at Bittell. >
Cold but clear weather continued until the middle of the month when westerlies brought milder and wetter weather into the country. A party of White-fronted Geese flew north over Coton on the eleventh. The influx of Short-eared Owls in the previous year led to six congregating at Sandwell Valley by the twelfth, a Merlin was seen in the Bredon area and a male Hen Harrier at High Green. A Bittern was a surprising find at Ufton Fields on the nineteenth and on the same day, Grey Plover were present at Coton and Grimley. Gull counts included 3000 Common Gulls at Draycote and 2000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Throck- morton Tip. A sharp frost on the twenty-fourth froze over many small waters and easterlies brought dull cloudy cold weather until the end of the month. A number of different birds arrived, duck numbers were concentrated on the larger deeper waters and a number of birds were forced to leave the area. Great Northern Divers at Draycote and Shustoke had both departed by the twenty-seventh and a Bittern at Upton Warren on the twenty-fifth had left by the twenty-eighth. The Barnacles left Bittell on the morning of the heavy frost. Counts of wildfowl rose with 600 Canada Geese at Blithfield, 400 Teal at Ladywalk, 976 Mallard at Aqualate and 534 Ruddy Ducks at Blithfield. Merlins were reported from Kingsbury Water Park, Defford Airfield and Holt. Iceland and Glaucous Gulls became more prominent and by the end of the month up to six Iceland and fifteen Glaucous Gulls had been seen. 400 Siskin at Westport Lake and two Long- eared Owls at Park Hall were also noteworthy. The easterlies which had started at the end of January continued throughout the whole of February. Generally the weather was bright but the cold winds made birdwatching hard work. The persistent cold caused the ground to freeze to 1' 0" 6
by the end of the month. Many species left the area and those that remained experienced considerable hardship. The long icy spell was caused by a blocking anticyclone to the north east and temperatures remained below freezing for most of the month. It was the coldest February since 1947, occasional snow flurries did not melt and by the end of the month few waters remained open. A Red-throated Diver appeared at Draycote on the first together with a Kittiwake, an immature Peregrine was seen at Upton Warren on the second and a Mediterranean Gull at Chasewater joined the large gull roost there. 26 Bewick's Swans were at Eckington and by the third numbers at Bredon's Hardwick built up to 170. An adult and immature Whooper Swan appeared near Alrewas on the 4th, staying until the 16th, with a Black-throated Diver at Belvide also on the 4th. A male Bearded Tit was seen at Brandon on the seventh. A Red-necked Grebe stayed at Fens Pools from the fifth to the seventh, possibly the same bird was seen at Edgbaston Reservoir from the eighth and at Bartley from the ninth to the eleventh. On the eleventh the Reservoir froze over almost entirely, the bird could not get airborne and was attacked and killed by Crows. Water Rails were more readily visible and two at Upton Warren were seen feeding under the bird tables on a regular basis. They were seen to attack and eat Brambling on at least one occasion. A Common Sandpiper at Lea Marston on the ninth must have wondered quite why it had elected to over-winter! Merlins were seen irregularly in the Tame Valley and also at Sheepwash Urban Park and a Peregrine appeared at Ripple on the twelfth. Both Red-breasted Mergansers and Goosanders amongst other birds moved onto the rivers with both seen on the Trent during the month and the former on the Severn. Wildfowl numbers were larger than usual, concentrating into the few unfrozen areas of water. The settling tank at Lea Marston was one large area of water that did not freeze, due to the warmer water from the Hams Hall power station, and the diving ducks took full advantage of this with up to 1500 Pochard and 800 Tufted Duck. At Sandwell Valley the wildfowl were fed regularly and the sheer presence of numbers kept a small area of water open. Up to 201 Pochard and 194 Tufted Duck were present there and Herons peaked at 23. Wigeon appeared in large numbers on a national basis and counts included 280 at Ladywalk, 560 at Bredon's Hardwick and 1895 at Blithfield with 620 Ruddy Ducks also present. Ladywalk held 500 Teal and 700 Mallard as well and towards the end of the month four male Smew commuted between this reserve, Kingsbury, Coton and the River Tame. Five Scaup were present at Draycote for much of the month but the Long-tailed Duck finally left on the eighteenth. A Grey Phalarope appeared briefly at Coton on the nineteenth and Cormorants built up to 19 at Ladywalk on the twenty-first with much movement in the Tame Valley in particular, in search of open water. A Slavonian Grebe on the River Avon was first seen on the twenty-fourth after one at Draycote for two days in the middle of the month and on the same day two White-fronted Geese were seen at Bredon's Hardwick. A Red-necked Grebe occurred at Lea Marston on the twenty third but another of this species crashlanded fatally in a Stoneleigh garden two days later. A Shag 7
was on the River Avon on the twenty-fifth. The Bittern finally left Ufton Fields on the twenty-eighth. Many smaller birds became very approachable as they conserved energy, with Redwings and Fieldfares reported in a number of gardens. Woodcock, in particular, were much more visible and a number were seen probing beneath Holly trees in an attempt to find food. Snipe also found it tough and built up to 127 at Spernall Sewage Farm. At least 13 Short-eared Owls were present in the Tame Valley. Little Owls really suffered and particularly in North Staffordshire, a number of birds were seen dead or dying. An amazing 48 different Blackcaps were seen during the month, mostly in suburban gardens readily feeding from bird tables. A first-winter Snow Bunting at Needwood Airfield on the twenty-eighth was perhaps not unexpected considering the weather. The first two days of March remained very cold and there were large gull roosts in the region with 25000 Black-headed Gulls at Ladywalk and 7000 at Belvide and Chasewater. Good numbers of gulls also occurred at Throckmorton Tip and careful scrutiny revealed the first Ring-billed Gull in the county. Merlins were still present in the first few days of the month with birds seen at Bredon's Hardwick, Bredon (with a Peregrine also there), Kingsbury Water Park, Essington and Brandon. A Buzzard was seen regularly in the Packington area. The blocking anticyclone finally weakened however and on the third significantly warmer wetter weather arrived with the winds at last veering to the west and south-west and remaining there for much of the month. The four male Smew were last seen at Kingsbury on that date. The mild weather led to a slow thaw of the ground and reservoirs with migration soon evident. An early Sand Martin appeared on the ninth, a Common Sandpiper on the twelfth, a Swallow on the fifteenth, a number of Wheatear, Black Redstart, further Sand Martins on the sixteenth, Chiffchaff, Little Ringed Plover and an amazingly early Hobby on the seventeenth. Water Pipits built up to five at Wilden by the sixteenth. A short lull occurred before other summer migrants appeared but many Redwing moved through the region in mid-month, and waders appeared briefly with small numbers of Black-tailed Godwits, Knot and Grey Plover being seen. Great Black-backed Gulls left the region, a few Kittiwakes passed through and the large duck numbers rapidly dwindled. 2200 Wigeon at Bredon's Hardwick had fallen to under 500 by the end of March and the herd of Bewick's Swans there, having risen to 258 on the fifteenth had fallen to 14 by the twenty-eighth and flocks of over 30 passed north-west through the area. Scaup and Smew appeared briefly at a number of waterways, a Red-necked Grebe was present at Draycote on the nineteenth, an immature Whooper Swan joined the Bewick's at Bredon's Hardwick for two days and probably the occurrence of the month, 20 Bean Geese were found at Bodymoor Heath on the fifteenth, remaining until the twenty sixth. Other small flocks of this species were seen elsewhere in the country in the early months of the year.
Further migration occurred at the end of the month with a Blackcap on the twenty-first and following strong winds on the twenty-fourth an early Corncrake appeared the day after with a Tree Pipit on the twenty-seventh and a 8
Willow Warbler on the twenty-eighth. The Chasewater Long-eared Owl first appeared on the twenty-ninth and the Curlew roost at Longsdon built up to 195 on the thirtieth. April was cold and wet, in fact the coldest for over 60 years in some counties. For the first third of the month an anticyclone to the north-west drew in cold northerly winds. On the thirteenth low pressure returned and unsettled weather persisted until the end of the month, punctuated by milder periods, notably around the eighteenth and twenty-fifth. The cold weather led to the delayed departure of many winter migrants and the continued slow arrival of many ?iimmfir ones; there were still 35 Siskin at Sandwell Valley on the nineteenth and Fieldfare passage continued throughout much of the month. A Ring Ouzel occurred at Chasewater on the first, some Swallows arrived on the fifth, and a few Wheatear trickled through in early April. Passage of other birds appeared to occur in three phases, centred around the sixth, sixteenth to eighteenth and twenty-sixth of the month. The Velvet Scoter finally left Draycote on the fourth. 42 Redshank occurred in the Lower Avon on the sixth and an early Greenshank appeared on the eighth. A Great Grey Shrike at Doxey, first seen on the seventh, stayed until the fourteenth. Common Sandpipers appeared in reasonable numbers by the eleventh, the first Yellow Wagtail on the twelfth and two days later a strong north-easterly passage of Common Gulls was observed in the region particularly in the Avon Valley. The last Iceland Gulls finally departed then and on the thirteenth an early influx of Arctic Terns occurred with five at Kingsbury and 20 at Blithfield and lesser numbers over the next few days, together with the first Common and Sandwich Terns. 17 Brent occurred at Belvide on the sixteenth. In mid-month flocks of Meadow Pipits passed through, particularly on the fifteenth, summer plumaged Water Pipits were observed at a few waterways and White Wagtails moved through in good numbers. Tree Pipits did not arrive in any numbers until mid-month, when a small passage of waders also took place with Jack Snipe last recorded, an influx of Dunlin occurred and both Godwits were seen. A summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe was seen at Bittell on the sixteenth and a Black-necked Grebe, also in summer plumage, spent the nineteenth to the twenty-fifth at Sandwell. A Turtle Dove was seen on the eighteenth and a Little Tern on the twenty-fifth.
The last part of the month was largely dominated by migrant arrivals, many arriving up to ten days late. Cuckoo, Redstart and Whinchat occurred on the twenty-third. Pied Flycatcher, Swift and Grasshopper Warbler on the twenty- fifth, Sedge Warbler, Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Nightingale, Garganey, Garden Warbler on the twenty-sixth, Osprey on the twenty-seventh and Hobbies on the twenty-ninth. The weather in May was also disappointing. With the exception of warm weather in the first few days and again from the eighteenth to the twenty-first, the month was dominated by unsettled weather from the south-west with temperatures below normal for the month. On the first Reed Warbler occurred at Droitwich and a Twite at Holt. A marked 9
passage of Black Terns took place in early May with up to seven at Kingsbury on the second together with two Bar-tailed Godwits. Also on the second, the first Nightjar was heard, at Kinver, and two Turnstones were present at Belvide. On the third birds included Spoonbill at Bittell, another Bar-tailed Godwit, Wood Sandpiper and a large influx of Swifts.
The bird of the month was a Black Kite at Defford on the fourth and probably the same bird at Hartlebury the day after. Also on the fourth, Kingsbury had four Little Gulls, part of a run of these birds at the reserve, and the first Spotted Flycatcher was seen. The main influx of Common Terns occurred at this time with 17 at Blithfield on the fifth and a late male Scaup at Belvide stayed until the seventh. A Temminck's Stint appeared at Kingsbury on the seventh, and three Turnstones were at Upton Warren. The main arrival of Pied Flycatchers occurred on the eighth and a Sandwich Tern passed through Coton. Considering the unseasonal spring, Heronries were noted as having a high proportion of 10
occupied nests, but the wet weather led to the extremely late nesting of Tits. This was demonstrated at Coombes Valley where by the tenth only 18 boxes were occupied, mainly by newly arrived Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts. However, by the twentieth the vast majority of over 200 boxes were occupied by Tits. The cold spring and delayed arrival also led to a shorter song period than usual. A small passage of Little Terns occurred with one at Westwood on the tenth, three at Upton Warren on the eleventh and another at Chasewater on the thirteenth. Two Sandwich Terns also occurred on the eleventh, at Tittesworth. The twelfth produced Hobby at Sheepwash and at Upton Warren Wood Sandpiper and four Whimbrel, the latter completing a good spring passage there. On the thirteenth, an Avocet and an Osprey turned up at Blithfield the latter remaining until July the first. The main arrival of Spotted Flycatchers took place at this time. A Red Kite was a surprising find on the Lickeys on the fourteenth. A few Sanderling passed through over the next few days and good numbers of waders were seen at Kingsbury during this part of the month with up to 1 8 Little Ringed Plover, 16 Ringed Plover and 1 3 Dunlin, and the only spring record of Little Stint there on the sixteenth. A pair of Garganey were seen at Belvide on the same day, Larford had a Grey Plover on the seventeenth and a Wood Sandpiper was present from the eighteenth to the twenty-third at Sandwell. A second Temminck's Stint joined the first on the nineteenth for three days probably arriving on the southerlies, both having departed by the twenty-second. Further Hobbies, Grey Plover, and Sanderling occurred in the region over the next few days, another Temminck's Stint appeared (part of a good national passage), this time at Bredon's Hardwick on the twenty-eighth and also on the twenty-eighth a female Red-necked Phalarope stayed briefly at Shustoke. The first Quail was heard on the twenty-ninth and seven drake Common Scoter were seen at Alvecote on the thirty-first. June started as May finished, cool and windy, with north-easterlies affecting much of the country for the first ten days. As a result few noteworthy birds occurred then. Quail arrived at the start of the month and were heard singing in at least five areas. A Wood Sandpiper was seen at Chesterton on the seventh but it was not until the wind gradually changed to the west and then the south and south-east that the "goodies" associated with this month, began to appear. An anticyclone pushed up from Europe and the change in the weather occurred around the tenth and eleventh. On the twelfth a Spoonbill appeared at Blithfield, reappearing on the fourteenth. The fourteenth was a good day with female Montagu's Harrier at Bredon, a Black-winged Stilt at Larford until the sixteenth and Pectoral Sandpiper at Kingsbury. A Grey Plover stayed at Belvide from the eighteenth to the nineteenth and then on the twenty-first a White Stork was seen flying over Ashmoor Park following a day of strong easterly winds. The following day two more Grey Plover appeared one at Blithfield, and one at Kingsbury together with Spotted Redshank and Sandwich Tern and two Common Terns passed through Upton Warren. On the twenty-third a summer plumaged Golden Plover of the southern race occurred at Belvide, and a drake Garganey was found at Larford the following day. Another Sandwich Tern this 11
time at Sandwell Valley was followed by a Buzzard over Sutton the day after. Another Garganey and Wood Sandpiper at Blithfield, 2 Crossbills at Belvide (probably not part of an east coast arrival but local movement), and an early returning Black-tailed Godwit at Tittesworth saw the month out. The hot weather continued into the first week of July. Cooler north-westerly air arrived in the second week, lowering monthly temperatures. The fifteenth and sixteenth were again hot but by the seventeenth cooler windier more westerly weather had returned and brought changeable weather for the rest of the month. Generally the month was quiet for birds. Returning waders were however much in evidence, with two Black-tailed Godwits at Upton Warren and 23 over Blithfield, both on the sixth. Little Ringed Plover built up to 17 at Belvide. On the twelfth an unprecedented 91 Common Scoter passed through the region together with a Great Skua which was seen at Blithfield and Belvide. The longstaying Chasewater Long-eared Owl finally disappeared in mid month. Two Wood Sandpipers were seen at Tittesworth on the nineteenth; good numbers of Dunlin occurred during the month with 41 at Blithfield and 22 at Belvide; and Green Sandpipers built up to 14 at Brandon and 18 at Upton Warren. On the twenty-first a Quail was heard calling again at High Offley. Common Terns raised at least 30 juveniles at Kingsbury and before dispersal there were up to 70 birds present. On the twenty-fifth there were three Sanderling at Blithfield, and one at Chasewater with a Sandwich Tern also there. Six Twite occurred at Knotbury on the twenty-seventh. Four Little Stints appeared at Belvide on the twenty-eighth and ninth and there was also one at Blithfield on the twenty- ninth. Turnstones were seen at a number of waterways at the end of the month and finally two eclipse Garganey turned up at Bittell on the thirty-first. The unsettled weather of July continued throughout most of August. A series of Atlantic depressions crossed the country and air moving into these depressions on the western side brought in cool northerly air providing helpful tail winds for migrants. The month was good for wader passage but poor for passerines in the windy conditions. On the twenty-fifth the remnants of Hurricane Charlie crossed the country causing particularly unsettled weather. Three Curlew Sandpipers were at Blithfield on the first, an Osprey drifted over Malvern Link on the second and a Hobby was seen to catch a Swift at Sheepwash at the start of the month, the first of two birds there in August. Four Turnstones flew over Chasewater on the fourth, and on the same day 12 Whimbrel stopped at Belvide. A good run of Little Gulls occurred at Blithfield in the early part of the month and a duck Garganey at Doxey on the eighth was one of five in the region during the month. A Knot was at Blithfield on the eighth, a Wood Sandpiper at Belvide on the tenth, remaining until the twelfth and three Whimbrel flew over Sandwell on the eleventh. Good numbers of Common Sandpiper occurred in the first half of the month with up to 12 at Kingsbury and 36 at Blithfield. Common Terns passed through in good numbers with 15 at Chasewater and 30 at Belvide on the eleventh and seven at Upton Warren on the thirteenth. Two Grey Plover at Blithfield, and two Turnstones at Sandwell both on the twelfth preceded particularly good passage over the next two days. Birds included, on the. 12
thirteenth nine Whimbrel at Blithfield, a Wood Sandpiper at Upton Warren and 3000 Swift through Offenham and on the fourteenth four Black-tailed Godwits at Blithfield, an immature Little Tern at Kingsbury and 74 Black Terns between Belvide Blithfield and Chasewater. Five more Black-tailed Godwits appeared at Belvide on the sixteenth and on the seventeenth an immature Peregrine appeared briefly at Upton Warren, and a Long-eared Owl at Tittesworth, with a Marsh Harrier at Kingsbury on the eighteenth. Good numbers of the commoner waders occurred throughout the month with up to 17 Little Ringed Plovers at Belvide and 14 at Kingsbury, 48 Ringed Plover at Blithfield, 4400 Lapwing between Holt, Kingsbury and Bottom House, 37 Dunlin at Blithfield, up to 30 Ruff at Blithfield and 13 at Belvide, 13 Greenshank at Blithfield, 13 G?een Sandpipers at Brandon and 19 at Upton Warren. Another Grey Plover and Knot occurred at Blithfield on the nineteenth. Bar-tailed Godwitat Bredon's Hardwick and Wood Sandpiper at Sheepwash on the twenty-second, three Spotted Redshanks at Blithfield with two Black-tailed Godwits at Alvecote on the twenty-third. Another Knot on the twenty-sixth, this time at Belvide, was followed on the twenty-seventh by a remarkable six Curlew Sandpipers at Holt and two Wood Sandpipers at Upton Warren probably blown in by the gales. Three immature Little Stints at Upton Warren on the thirty-first brought the total for this species in the month to at least 12, good considering this species'relative scarcity this autumn. Of other birds, three Merlins occurred in the last ten days, two at Essington and one at Holt. An Osprey occurred at Blithfield on the twenty-third. On the twenty-seventh a Grasshopper Warbler at Mill Green Park was followed on the twenty-eighth by a Wryneck at Church Lench, occurring after an influx on the east coast in the preceding days. Finch numbers rose with 200 Goldfinches at Doxey on the twenty-ninth of note. On the thirty-first Whinchat numbers at Sandwell peaked at 15 with good counts of Spotted Flycatcher there and throughout the West Midlands.
Almost immediately September started, it heralded in an "Indian summer" with anticyclonic weather continuing for most of the month. This calm settled period meant migrating birds disappeared quickly with few late dates recorded. Occasional fronts did cross the country but only halted migration temporarily. The month started with a juvenile Marsh Harrier at Kingsbury and a Sanderling at Chasewater. On the second, a Manx Shearwater was found, in an outhouse in Muckley Corner of all places, after strong winds in the North Sea at this time. It was successfully released at the Welsh coast the day after. Hobbies, Knot, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit appeared over the next few days. An unusual find was a female Ferruginous Duck at Hollybush Lake on the fourth and the first Siskin occurred at Mill Green and the first Redwing at Hampstall on thefifth. Whinchat numbers continued to be impressive with up to 10 at Sandwell and at Castlemorton Common. Four Curlew Sandpiper stayed at Coton from the ninth to the fourteenth and a Corncrake was a surprising find at Doxey on the tenth. Single Spotted Redshanks occurred in the region with the last one at Belvide on the eleventh. A front brought some birds in from the twelfth on easterly winds with an immature Peregrine at Blithfield (and again on 13
the fourteenth), a Little Stint at Rudyard, Curlew Sandpiper at Blithfield and the last Pied Flycatcher at Sandwell. September the thirteenth was a typical autumn day with winter summer and passage migrants present. There was a Red-necked Grebe at Larford (staying into October), a Spotted Crake at Mill Green Park, the first Jack Snipe of the autumn at Holt and an amazing nine immature Little Terns at Blithfield with two at Coton the day after. On the fifteenth a Merlin was seen at Holt, on the seventeenth a Red-crested Pochard at Park Lime Pits and a different bird at Chasewaterfrom the nineteenth until the twenty-third. On the eighteenth there was a good passage of Meadow Pipits with a build up to 70 at Happy Valley and at Coton three Little Stints flew in, remaining to the twentieth. Sanderling and Black-tailed Godwit occurred on the twentieth at Blithfield and Alvecote respectively with the last Tree Pipit, at Malvern, and the last Reed Warbler, at Upton Warren. A Goshawk at Doxey on the twenty-first was a bonus. The last Cuckoo, Redstart, Whinchat, Sedge Warbler and Turtle Dove occurred over the next few days, Linnet flocks built up, as did Swallows with 8000 roosting at Ford Green on the twenty-fourth. Also on the twenty-fourth, four Jack Snipe were seen at Mill Green probably associated with another front with some easterly winds. On the twenty-sixth. Buzzard and Grey Plover were seen at Belvide and Blithfield respectively. 28 Curlew at Ladywalk on the twenty-seventh was a good count, a Curlew Sandpiper at Brandon on the twenty-eighth stayed until October the first, the last Lesser and Common Whitethroats were recorded, at Kingsbury and Mill Green respectively and on the twenty-ninth the first Fieldfare was noted, in Solihull. The mild weather continued on and off until October the nineteenth when a vigorous depression crossed the country leading to strong westerly winds. From then on the month became more unsettled with west to south-westerly winds bringing in wetter, cooler weather. 80 Bewick's Swans flew over Dunhampstead on the first. Skylark movement was noted in the region on the third and again on the tenth. The last Little Stint of the autumn, at Blithfield, on'the third, completed a good autumn for this species, and the last Garden Warbler occurred at Old Hills. A late Sand Martin on the fourth was less surprising than a Wryneck at Barnards Green which, unfortunately, was found dead the next day. Two Curlew Sandpiper at Bittell and three at Blithfield, on the fifth, were part of a noticeable migration that day. The last Common Tern, Wood Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher were seen with the first Water Pipit of the autumn at Wilden. On the sixth, a Wheatear occurred at Blithfield and on the seventh a Pectoral Sandpiper turned up at Upton Warren, remaining until the tenth, whilst the Curlew roost built up to 69 at this time. A Blackcap at Trittiford Mill on the eighth was likely to be a late summer migrant. On the same day the first Yellow-browed Warbler (see over) in the region was found at Upton Warren, part of a notable national influx of this species. A Peregrine was seen at Blithfield on the ninth, with a late Hobby at Stafford and a Great Grey Shrike at Sandwell on the tenth. Rock Pipits appeared at a number of reservoirs mid-month and on the twelfth, a Red-necked Grebe was first seen at Belvide (remaining into November) and an immature Curlew Sandpiper 14
Yellow-browed Warbler
passed through Blithfield. A late Chiffchaff was seen the same day, on the Malverns. Grey Plover at Larford and three Sandwich Terns at Chasewater were followed by 11 Grey Geese on the sixteenth flying south-east over Bittell which were part of an early southerly movement of wildfowl generally. A flock of 2200 Lapwing at Needwood must have been impressive. Two Black-tailed Godwit occurred on the nineteenth at Belvide and Chasewater whilst on the same day three Lapland Buntings were reported from Needwood Airfield. Up to five Scaup were present at Belville from October the twenty-first. An exhausted Quail found at Witton on the twenty-second was successfully released from Sandwell two days later. The twenty-sixth produced a Shag at Larford and the first Warwickshire county record this century of Surf Scoter, a male at Draycote. 17 Barnacle Geese appeared at Bittell on the twenty-eighth and a Purple Sandpiper at Blithfield on the same day remained until the first of November. Little Grebe counts were disappointingly low in the autumn, as were Redwing flocks. A late Willow Warbler in the Wyre on the thirty-first completed the month. 15
A short period of north-easterlies at the start of November led to the first main arrival of winter thrushes but essentiallythe cooler westerly weather in October continued into November and lasted intermittently throughout it, though a mild period with some southerly winds prevailed from the ninth to the fifteenth. A skein of 62 Grey Gccse passed west over Little Comberton on the first; there was a Grey Plover at Blithfield and the first Glaucous Gull of the autumn appeared at Draycote. Four Scaup were seen at Blithfield on the second (with three there until the fifteenth) and a Great Grey Shrike was first seen on this date remaining until the sixteenth. On the third, an immature male Snow Bunting was found, on Worcestshire Beacon remaining until the ninth. On the fifth 38 Barnacle Geese returned to Bittell. A Merlin darted through Hollywood on the seventh and over the following two days an adult Peregrine was seen at Blithfield. On the ninth, six Twite at Blithfield and a Hawfinch in Church Pool Covert were unusual. The first Great Northern Diver occurred at Belvide on the tenth but a Common Sandpiper at Chasewater on the eleventh may well have been a wintering bird. A small passage of Linnet was recorded through Bittell on the twelfth and two immature male Snow Buntings were at North Hill on both the twelfth and thirteenth. Five Red-breasted Mergansers were seen at Blithfield on the fourteenth and a Red-necked Grebe at Belvide remained until the end of the month. On the fifteenth, at Boarsgrove, a Merlin was seen and also six Bearded Tits at Brandon. Duck numbers rose in the Tame Valley with 52 Gadwall, 1378 Pochard and 863 Tufted being good monthly totals. Two first- winter Velvet Scoters were present at Chasewater from the sixteenth. A Twite in a mixed finch flock at Little Packington on the twentieth was unexpected. Slavonian Grebe, two Shag, another Great Northern Diver and Red-necked Grebe, and Merlin were all reported over the next four days. An exceptionally late Yellow Wagtail occurred at Brandon on the twenty-third. Two Mediterranean Gulls were recorded at the end of the month at Draycote and two Buzzard flew over Solihull on the twenty-eighth. A Long-eared Owl was seen at Upton Warren on the same day and at Oakley the day after, possibly one of an arrival of these earlier in the month on the east coast.
December was generally mild like November. A number of westerly depressions passed north-east over the country. Temperatures remained above freezing for most of the month with relatively few frosts and it was generally quiet for birds. A second yellow legged Herring Gull at Throckmorton Tip on the first, a pair of Common Scoter at Sandwell Valley on the third and a Common Sandpiper at Blithfield on the fourth were the only birds of note at the start of the month. The mild weather probably caused the two Red-necked Grebes in the area to depart. The seventh saw the arrival of a Red-throated Diver at Belvide and a duck Scaup at Chasewater; two Whooper Swans flew over Chasewater and two Bearded Tits were seen at Brandon, the tenth and eleventh of the year. None stayed but two more Whooper Swans were seen at Larford on the ninth. 11 Bewick's Swans were at Bredon's Hardwick on the eleventh and 16 paused briefly at Bittell two days later. A Great Northern Diver remained at Bartley for the day only, on the twelfth, but a redheaded Smew which occurred at Draycote 16
on the thirteenth stayed until the end of the year. The two Velvet Scoter at Chasewater had gone by the fourteenth and the region was quiet until a cold spell from the twentieth to the twenty-third brought in another Scaup to Coton, Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover to Draycote, a late Grey Phalarope to Blithfield, a Long-eared Owl to Kidderminster and Merlin to Chasewater and Kingsbury. Duck, wader and gull numbers built up throughout the month. These included 1980 Pochard and 1120Tufted at Lea Marston, 459Teal at Blithfield and 73 at Clayhanger, 599 Ruddies and 630 Canada Geese, also at Blithfield, 2000 Golden Plover at Dordon and 396 Dunlin at Bredon's Hardwick. A few Chiffchaffs were seen in the mild December weather where they frequently occurred around water in order to locate the few insects present at this time of year. The twenty-seventh brought the bird of the month with a Waxwing at Alrewas, which remained until the thirtieth and was seen by many people. This bird coincided with a small arrival on the east coast. On the same day a Peregrine was seen in the Bredon area. The year closed with another Long-eared Owl, this time in a garden in Sutton.
N P Barlow 17
Treasurer's Report
Accounts Year Ended 31st December 1986
The Income uf llie Club continued to increase mainly due to an increase in subscription rates from 1st January 1986. This modest increase proved to be necessary as the expenditure continued to rise. However, it is pleasing to report a modest surplus for the year on both the main account and on the Belvide account. The Birds of the West Midlands fund continued to increase due to continuing sales of the book during 1986. The balance sheet shows healthy liquid resources and your Committee has been concerned during the year to ensure that these funds were so placed as to produce for the Club the best return possible, and it will be seen from the Income and Expenditure Account that there was a substantial increase in the interest received by the Club during the year. K A Webb
Income and Expenditure Account Year Ended 31st December 1986
1986 1985 Income £ £ Subscriptions received 9.401.20 7.556 Sale of Reports 120.90 115 Interest received 1,815.80 1.300 Reservoirs (permit fees) 1,853.75 1.740 Gifts and Donations 47.53 36 Sales of checklists and car stickers 26.55 6 Advertising Income 168.00 172 Commission on sale of calendars etc 3.00 14 Raffles and Peanut sales (net) 31.00 —
Total Income £13,467.73 £10,939
Expenditure Solihull Branch and Stafford Branch 600.00 150 Indoor Meetings 743.58 775 Reports 3,450.00 3.410 Bulletins 3,334.51 3.218 Printing, Stationery and Postages 2,479.41 1.460 Reservoirs — Permit Fees & Insurance 1,335.00 1,233 Subscriptions and Donations 280.00 13 Sundry Expenses 100.90 68 Open Day — net costs 252.36 — Car Stickers 219.27 —
Total Expenditure £12,795.03 £10.327
Surplus for the year £672.70 £612 18
Belvide — Income and Expenditure Account Year Ended 31st December 1986
1086 199* Income £ £ Permits 2.003.25 1.731 Interest received 17.34 21 Field Meetings 4.30 66 Grazing 88.55 236 Birds of Belvide 8.06 12
Total Income £2,121.50 £2,066
Expenditure Legal Fees — British Waterways — 121 Reserve Maintenance 13.06 6 Keys — 172 Rent 1,452.10 1,095 Car Park Rent 62.00 56 Car Stickers — 79 Postage, Stationery etc 25.27 —
Total Expenditure £1.552.43 £1,529
Surplus for the year £569.07 £537 19
Balance Sheet — 31st December 1986
1986 1985 £ £ General Fund Balance Balance at 1 st January 1986 14.955.47 13.807 Add Surplus for the year — Main Account 672.70 612 ,, Surplus for the year — Belvide Account 569.07 537 ,. Birds of West Midlands Fund 4,377.26 3,866 „ Sponsored Bird Watch 515.09 —
£21.089.59 £18,822
Fund Balances at 31st December 1986 General Fund 16,197.24 14.956 8irds of West Midlands Fund 4,377.26 3.866 Conservation and Reserves Fund 515.09 —
£21.089.59 £18,822
Represented by:— Fixed Asset F. Dale Reserve at cost 7.500.00 7.snfl
Current Assets . National Savings Income Bond 8,000.00 8,000 Cash at Bank 14,994.27 11,653 Halifax Building Society 761.47 712 Sundry Debtors 178.00 361
£23,933.74 £20,726
Total Assets 31,433.74 28.226
Less Current Liabilities Subscriptions in advance 2.021.50 1,732 Permit fees in advance 1.997.05 1,650 Sundry Creditors (incl. Annual Report) 6.325.60 6,022
£10,344.15 £9,404
Total Net Assets £21,089.59 £18,822
We have examined the accounts set out on pages 17 to 19. In our opinion these accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs at 31st December 1986 and of the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended un that date.
Lichfield. C. L. Dain & Co. 14th May 1987 Chartered Accountants. 20
Secretary's Report Indoor Meetings — Birmingham Meetings held in the Birmingham and Midland Institute during the year were as follows:— January Mike Mokler A Hidden Corner of Dorset'. February Dr Ken Taylor 'Where Buzzards Fly'. March Annual General Meeting and Films. April Richard Margoschis 'More Sounds from Nature'. May David Cotteridge 'Birds in Nepal'. October Mike Moser Birds of the Camargue'. November Mike King 'Scotland'. December Brian Hawkes 'World of the Snowy Owl'. Our thanks again to all those who assisted with these indoor meetings.
Indoor Meetings — Solihull January Alan Whatley Point Pelee'. February Mike Wilkes 'An Evening of Birds'. March Tony Wharton 'Faces of Nature'. April Annual General Meeting and Films. October Barrie Taylor 'Ninety Years On'. November Joe Hardman 'Birds and Other Things'. December Colin Potter What's that bird'.
E vents In October a day event was hosted jointly between the Club and the World Wildlife Fund at the Birmingham and Midland Institute. The Club was represented at a number of other events, including the Town and Country Festival at Stoneleigh, Woodgate Valley Conservation Fair and at two fairs organised by Severn Trent Water. A I Whatley
Field Meeting Secretary's Report A total of thirteen field meetings were run during the year, and all were well attended. The meeting to Rutland Water had to be switched at the last minute due to bad weather conditions. As an alternative we visited Brean Down where we were rewarded with Black Redstart and Dunlin in summer plumage! The Devon weekends provided us with good numbers of wintering birds and also the first of the summer visitors. After a break of several years I am pleased to report that the Norfolk Week-end 21
was reinstated in the programme. A good week-end was had by all. Despite the gale that was blowing, the birding was good, and good views of some of the Norfolk specialities were obtained, including Snow Buntings, Shore Lark and Barn Owl. Other venues included, Southport and Martin Mere, The Ouse Washes, Ludlow/ as well as local spots like the Wyre Forest, Upton Warren and Bittell. During the year more than 170 species were noted. Many new members were welcomed on the various trips and we look forward to meeting other new members in the future. My thanks are due to all who attended, and especially to those who have helped to make them so enjoyable, by their advice, and help in running the meetings. Stan Young
Permit Secretary's Report Belvide 482 Blithfield 451 Ladywalk 459 Thanks to all members who apply promptly for permits.
Margaret A Surman
Membership Secretary's Report Membership at December 31 1986 stood at 1741, comprising 1705 adults and 36 juniors a reduction of 14 overall on December 31 1985. Considering the increase of subscription the numbers held up very well. The number of non- payers for 1986 was 258 and for 1985 the number was 330. D S Evans
Research Committee The year was a varied and critical one for the Research Committee. It began with Bert Coleman using the Black-headed Gull to demonstrate just how much ringing contributes to local ornithology — and how much more we could learn if someone had the patience to sift through the records. This was followed by a few intrepid members braving a biting easterly wind and freezing temperatures to count the city centre Starling roost. Turning its thoughts to summer, the Committee thought it would be a good idea to conduct a House Martin survey and this was duly arranged by Peter Dedicoat. Because House Martins are so easy to observe at their nests, we felt able to involve schools and other bodies in this survey and so spread the name of the WMBC as well as gathering much useful information. On the conservation front the Committee commented on Birmingham City Council's Water Recreation Strategy and submitted written evidence to a 22
planning inquiry into proposed developments at Westwood Park. Two of its members, John Day and Steve Whitehouse, were also involved in the inquiry. Finally, the Committee in one of its introverted moments deliberated long and hard on its own future. It was felt that the nature of business has changed over the years, such that the Committee is now concerned more with conservation issues than pure research. Whilst this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does mean that much time is spent talking about sites that few members know well. As an experiment, therefore, it was decided to reduce the number of meetings from eight to four a year, but to invite the new County Recorders to set up research groups in their counties. In this way people will be meeting to discuss matters that relate to the areas they know best. G R Harrison
Staffordshire Branch Report In 1986 we were stunned by the death, after a short illness, of one of our best-known members, Alf Martin. He was a life-long naturalist and his infectious enthusiasm encouraged many of us, myself included, to develop and expand our interest in natural history. He was a founder member of the Newcastle Natural History Society and an active member of the Potteries and Newcastle Group of the Staffordshire Nature Conservation Trust. He will be greatly missed. Indoor meetings were well-attended and, at the request of members in the north, we organised a meeting at the Guild Hall in Newcastle. Attendance at this meeting was good and we are considering, again, holding at least one meeting per season there. Our first talk of the year. Keith Clarkson on Magpies, was one of the best that we have had, giving a fascinating insight into the life of this common species. Mike Moser made two visits talking on Waders and Conservation and on the Camargue. The latter was a last minute replacement for Tim Davies who was unable to come. It is always pleasing when our own members offer to give talks. This year Graham Evans talked on his beloved Chasewater, Mike Boote on St. Kilda and Phill Ward on Wildlife in Focus. Frank Gribble hosted the meeting in Newcastle, where he talked about the North Staffs Moors and particularly about the results of the recent RSPB/WMBC survey. On field meetings we visited Chasewater, the Shropshire Meres, Consall Woodlands, Red Rocks and Frodsham, Martin Mere and Blithfield. The Stanley Head workshop had to be cancelled through lack of support. At the AGM Trevor Smart took over from Pete Hogg as Secretary and John Bennett took over from George Smith as Field Meetings Secretary. Graham Evans and Mick Creswell were elected as Committee Members. The John Hawkins Appeal closed at £588.18, which is to be divided between Doxey and Bardsey. Bardsey have decided to use the money to build a heligoland trap. 1986 will be remembered in the north as the year of the National Garden 23
Festival, the biggest event to hit the Potteries since Josiah Wedgewood! We were very lucky, through the efforts of Bev Craddock, to be able to mount a display about the Club which Bill Jones put together at very short notice. During the year the Moors and Belvide continued to be discussed at Committee Meetings. Frank Gribble showed us the report on the Moors survey and it is pleasing to note that many of the recommendations contained therein have been incorporated in the area to be designated as an SSSI. Both Frank and Maurice Waterhouse are to be commended on the amount of work that they have put in to this report. In mid year came the threat of wind-surfing at Westport Lake. This was averted thanks to the support of local conservation bodies. Graham Evans produced the first draft of his booklet on the Birds of Chasewater which the Branch hope will be the first in a series. During the year John Bennett inaugurated the Hotline which has been a great success with members, for which he deserves our warmest thanks, especially as the operating costs have come out of his own pocketl D W Emley
Belvide Reserve The abiding memory of 1986 will be of the long and very vicious spell of wintry weather that kept the reservoir frozen during much of February and well into March. Observing the effects of this on many of the birds, together with the growing presence of anglers, particularly at the weekends, made the first quarter of the year a very frustrating period. This combined pressure reached a climax on Sunday, March ninth: although two-thirds of the reservoir remained firmly frozen, a slight thaw had freed the western end. This area of open water was surrounded by fishermen, including some on the islands created by the W.M.B.C. Meanwhile, all the wildfowl, including a flock of forty Goldeneye were forced to remain on the ice. It had been hoped that by the time of writing, a management agreement concluded under the auspices of the Nature Conserv- ancy Council would have been in place to prevent such excessive disturbance in future. Whilst limited progress has been made, the safeguards proposed so far seem very unsatisfactory. On a brighter note, 153 species were recorded during the year and although none of these were national rarities several semi-rarities remained for lengthy periods particularly at the end of the year, when Great Northern Diver, Red- Necked Grebe and Scaup could all be seen together. All three regular species of diver were recorded, as well as Garganey, Smew, Bewick's and Whooper Swans. Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, Merlin, Crossbill and Little Tern. A Great Skua in July was certainly an unexpected find at that time of year and a flock of at least 24 Common Scoter a couple of days later was, by a long way, a site maximum. Two other note-worthy records were the 17 Brent Geese in April and the second-earliest West Midland Sand Martins on March 9th when there was still plenty of ice. 24
The breeding season was patchy. Mallard broods tended to be small in size but the later-nesting Tufteds fared better including broods of 9,10 and 11. A pair of Mute Swans reared five cygnets, the first success for some years. At least one pair of Little Ringed Plover bred and Whitethroats took advantage of the developing hawthorn scrub on the ungrazed section of the south shore. Other passerines seemed to be sparse, especially Sedge Warblers, and no young Ruddies were reported.
Overall duck numbers continued to show a downward trend after peaks in the early '80s. Mallard in particular were only at half the strength of the best years. Shoveler reached an early autumn maximum of 185 then declined rapidly towards the end of the year. Wigeon, however, reached respectable numbers during the cold weather in February when 161 were present, feeding for much of the time on surrounding farmland.
Wader passage was very satisfactory, especially in the late summer when a low water level attracted a good selection of species including record numbers of 15 Little Ringed Plovers and 13 Ruff.
Finally, thanks are due to all those people who have continued to support the reserve through the purchase of permits and by the supplying of records and observations. There have been only a handful of blank days in the log and this high degree of coverage is a vital factor in consolidating the importance of this site. S Jaggs
Ladywalk Reserve The first two months were very productive bird-wise, especially from the last week of January, when a very cold spell set in. The open water in the Lagoon and settling pools attracted some unexpected species and very large numbers of gulls. Hen Harrier was reported once, Merlin three times, and many visitors were thrilled to see two superb drake Smew. Iceland Gull on February 17th was a new species for Ladywalk.
Little Ringed Plover returned as a breeding species and Marsh Harrier passed through in May. Grasshopper Warbler may have bred for the first time since 1983. One brood of Gadwall and two of Tufted Duck were seen. The highlight of summer was the discovery of Pyramidal and Marsh Helleborine orchids, respectively the first in the Borough and the first in the county this century. These finds led various botanists to contact the N.C.C., so I gathered all relevant documents, drew up maps and sorted out photographs, and brought the picture right up to date, for a detailed submission of the Reserve's excellence. It has been a good year for birds, with record numbers of gulls. Cormorants and Wigeon, and four new species: Iceland and Little Gulls, Nuthatch & Hawfinch. The total is now 181,128 being recorded in the current year. 27
Work-parties from July to October did a very good job on the hides, the trees and the vegetation, and the seating has been extended. In spite of a quiet autumn, it has been a good year. B L Kington Hon. Head Warden
Pellet Analysis of Short-eared Owls — Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve, Winter 1985/86 Following floods in November 1985, three Short-Eared Owls were discovered roosting on the reserve. The Reserve Committee was approached by several members of the public asking what these birds were eating. Also during 1985 several Kestrels had been seen hunting on the reserve and their pellets showed that Beetles were the main food item taken. The Committee decided that they would analyse all the pellets found, note where they were located and whether the birds remained in one area. To ensure that the data was as comprehensive as possible and minimal pellets were lost due to natural decomposition or weathering, all areas were checked regularly. On November 27 1986, three Owls were located on lightly grazed pasture to the west of the 'Scrape'. At this time only seven pellets were discovered and removed for analysis. All the birds and pellets seemed to be located in this area, so it would appear that close proximity to each other is acceptable throughout the Winter months. See following table for analysis results: No recovered: Date recovered: Average pellet size: Area recovered from: 4 27/11/85. 50 mm x 23 mm. Central Pastures: Contents: Average of 2 Field Vole skulls and other bones + brown fur. 3 27/11/85^ 40 mm x 23 mm. Central Pastures. Contents: Average of 1.5 Field Vole skulls and other bones + brown fur and 2 fractured thigh bones. Size indicated probably Blackbird. On December 23 following heavy flooding in mid-December, six Owls were discovered. These were accidentally flushed from a grazed pasture in the public access area about 200 metres west of the original roost. All the birds returned to their original roost and on January 1 1986, 22 pellets were recovered from this area. See following table: No recovered: Date recovered: Average pellet size: Area recovered from: 7 1/1/86. 65 mm x 19 mm. 'Scrape' Contents: Each contained three complete Field Vole skulls + numerous small bones + brown fur. 26
4. .1/1/86. 50 mm x 23 mm. "Scrape". Contents: Averaged between 2 and 4 Field Vole skulls + numerous small bones + brown fur. 2. 1/1/86. 50 mm x 19 mm. 'Scrape'. Contents: One contained Upper Mandible, quills, stomach or gizzard of small bird (insect eater, probably a Meadow Pipit). The other contained two upper jaws of Field Voles, no lower jaws present + brown fur, 3. 1/1/86. 45 mm x 23 mm. 'Scrape'.
Contents: Each contained either one or two Field Vole skulls + brown fur. However, one contained several fragments of a birds thigh bone. 1. 1/1/86. 25 mm x 14 mm. 'Scrape'.
Contents: No large bones or skulls but teeth of a Shrew? (however. No red tips on teeth). 4. 1/1/86. 65 mm x 23 mm. 'Scrape'.
Contents: One contained small upper mandible of bird, probably a Meadow Pipit. One contained a lower mandible of a bird, probably a Blackbird, numerous feathers — brown in colour. Two contained two Field Vole skulls complete + numerous smaller bones + brown fur. 1. 1/1/86. 50 mm x 19 mm. 'Scrape'.
Contents: Contained a complete Bank Vole skull + various small bones + fur. When the 'Scrape' area was searched in mid-January no Owls were located at this roost. However some birds had been seen quartering' several other areas on the reserve. A thorough search revealed that only three birds were still present. These were on Castletown Marsh near the Gasometer, and Creswell Pasture which lies to the north-west of Warrens Lane. The third bird was seen to fly over the mainline railway to the east every evening, so we must assume that it was roosting away from the Reserve. Five pellets were collected from Creswell Pasture and only one from Castletown Marsh and subsequent visits revealed no more pellets in these areas. See following table for analysis results: No recovered: Date recovered: Average pellet size: Area recovered from: 5. 15/2/86. 50 mm x 21 mm. Creswell Pasture. (one was 65 mm x 30 mm). 27
Contents: All contained several Field Vole skulls + numerous small bones + brown fur. 1. 15/2/86. 55 mm x 20 mm. Castletown Marsh. Contents: 2 Field Vole skulls + numerous small bones + fur. During February three birds were still present, but unfortunately they decided to use several areasfor roosting, so only limited numbers of pellets were collected. The three birds were still present on March 15 but the last record was for one bird on March 19 1986. On March 8 eleven pellets were collected from the original roost on the Scrape' and on March 9 five pellets were collected from Castletown Marsh. See following table: No recovered: Date recovered: Average pellet size: Area recovered from: 2. 8/3/86. 40 mm x 20 mm. 'Scrape'. Contents: Each contained two Field Vole skulls + various small bones + brown fur. 9. 8/3/86. 45 mm x 18 mm. 'Scrape'. Contents: All pellets contained skulls of Shrews + various small bones + fur. However, black fur was present in some pellets indicating Water Shrew. There was also one very small skull (teeth layout indicates Pygmy Shrew). Pygmy Shrews have been recorded in the past. 5. 9/3/86. 50 mm x 20 mm. Castletown Marsh. Contents: Mainly contained Field Vole skulls + numerous small bones. One revealed wing cases from a Ground Beetle, probably a Dor Beetle which occurs throughout the Reserve. Conclusion Whilst nothing indicated why the first three birds were present on November 2 7 1985 it could possibly be the general roosting site for passage Short-eared Owls, as in previous years individuals have been seen. The sudden influx of owls on December 23 (three to six) coincided with heavy flooding throughout the Reserve. Many prey species eg. Field Voles and Common Shrews were being flooded from cover and were being 'picked-off by a wide variety of birds including Crows. Black-headed Gulls and the resident Kestrels. The roost site was the only area above flood level. As the floods receded the birds returned to the 'Scrape' because of the lack of disturbance in this area and the numbers of birds dropped, probably due to the lack of easily accessible prey. From January 1986 onwards and with the location of roosts changing, analysis 28
of pellets shows that prey became scarce, so that the owls had to move into other areas to obtain enough food. The pellets collected on March 8 and 9 showed that their favoured prey ie. Field Voles had become so scarce that less palatable species eg. Shrews, were taken but as all three species were represented in pellets analysed, food generally was becoming more difficult to find. Eventually when the Owls on Castletown Marsh were reduced to eating Beetles, the birds decided to vacate the Reserve. During 1986 the Mammal surveys on the Reserve only indicated very small numbers of mammals present, and it is assumed that it will take sometime for their numbers to recover. The owls did not return during the winter of 1986/87.
Michael D Boote Hon. Reserve Manager
THE BIRDS OF SALTWELLS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE Contents page 1 Introduction 28 2 The Survey Techniques 29 3 The Survey Results 31 4 Recommendations 48 Appendices 50 Appendix I. Bibliography 50 Appendix II: Species mentioned in text 52
Acknowledgements On behalf of the West Midland Bird Club we should like to thank George Barker of the Nature Conservancy Council who commissioned the report, and the wardens of the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve for their help and assistance. We should also like to thank Alan Dean for his comments on an earlier draft of this report and Alan Whatley, co-fieldworker.
1 Introduction 1.1 Blackbrook Valley lies towards the west of the Black Country, approxi- mately mid-way between Dudley and Stourbridge. As would be expected from its geographical position, it has been extensively ruined, quarried and industrialised, so that the habitats of today all bear strong reminders of man's influence. Fortunately, in parts this influence caused only minor disruption, or else occurred so long ago that natural recolonisation is now well advanced. This is especially true of the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve, which was designated in September 1981. This reserve includes Saltwells Wood, Doulton's Clay Pit and an intervening meadow. The whole area is surrounded by residential and industrial development. 1.2 Indeed the Local Nature Reserve is a real oasis in an uiban desert. 29
Saltwells Wood is probably a relic of the old hunting forest of Pensnett Chase, although much of the woodland appears to have been planted (or replanted?) as recently as two-hundred years ago (c1795). Within the wood, mining — or more accurately surface digging — for coal and ironstono is believed to dale from mediaeval times, although most of the bell pits still in evidence were probably dug during the last century. 1.3 To the east of Saltwells Wood, Doulton's Clay Pit is a memorial to man's insatiable quest for the earth's hidden riches. Quarried during the last century to provide fireclay for saggars and stoneware, it now stands abandoned to nature — an excellent example of the various stages in the natural succession to climax oak woodland. 1.4 Within or adjoining the reserve are two or three meadows. These are grazed by ponies and for the most part appear to be unimproved. Drainage is by way of two streams — the Black Brook and Western Black Brook — which eventually flow into the River Stour and then the Severn. Though both are small, their valleys are quite deeply incised, presumably because of the post-glacial rejuvenation of the Severn itself. 1.5 The demise of all the traditional Black Country industries has left more than a legacy of dereliction. It has also left widespread unemployment and depression, both of which have been further intensified by the recent recession. The Government recognised the particular difficulties of this area by establishing the Dudley Enterprise Zone in 1981. This covers much of the Blackbrook Valley, but excludes the Local Nature Reserve. Indeed, immediately to the west of the reserve are new factories and a retail park built under the Enterprise Zone programme. With this revival of interest in the area, it was obviously essential to protect any valuable habitats or amenities. So, to mark the European Campaign for Urban Renaissance, launched in 1980, the Nature conservancy Council com- missioned a number of specialised surveys of the wildlife of the Blackbrook Valley, including this report on the avifauna prepared by the West Midland Bird Club.
2 The Survey Techniques 2.1 Ornithological interest in the Blackbrook Valley centres on the Local Nature Reserve, to which this survey was confined. This limitation on the area of survey was self-imposed, partly because of the restricted manpower available and partly because of the problems involved in gaining access to private property, including gardens and factories. 2.2 In this respect it should be remembered that not all can be gleaned from a single, brief visit. Unlike many other forms of wildlife, birds are highly mobile — and usually absent when you make a visitl Furthermore, conventional survey techniques demand more than a simple assessment of presence or absence, and relative abundance. Following the method- ology laid down by the British Trust for Ornithology for its nationally- based Common Bird Census, it is now customary to make eight to a dozen visits during March-July and to plot the position of all birds seen or heard 30
onto a map. Standard methods of recording are rigidly followed, with clusters of plots taken to indicate breeding territories. Because birds are so mobile, it is also important to know when, how and why they are using a particular habitat. Nesting, feeding and roosting sites may all be different, and the latter two may also show marked seasonal variations. 2.3 For these reasons, two entirely independent surveys were undertaken. 2.4 Firstly, a Simplified Common Bird Census was carried out under the leadership of Bob Normand. It is customary with a Common Bird Census to determine the full extent of each territory. Potentially, this can provide information on the theoretical carrying capacity of each habitat, but only if it can be repeated for several consecutive years will ii indicate for ccrtoin whether a population is below the optimum level. Even then it will not necessarily tell us why. Indeed the answers to this question are likely to be very complex, and could well be found miles away from the survey area — in the case of summer migrants perhaps somewhere in their African wintering grounds. As this was a large area to survey in the relatively short breeding season, no attempt was made to determine the full extent of each territory. Instead a more appropriate, if simplified, technique was employed. Ten visits were made during the 1983 breeding season, and on each occasion the position of all singing birds was plotted on a map. Birds seen carrying food, or feeding young, were also recorded, together with any actual nests. From this is was possible to determine the exact number and position of the territories being held during the breeding season, but not their full extent. 2.5 Secondly a Habitat Survey was undertaken. This was done because the scientific approach of the Common Bird Census established only the diversity and strength of the breeding community. It told us nothing about the use birds are making of other habitats at other seasons. The conventional technique for getting this information is to carry out a survey based on presence, absence and relative abundance. However, this is an imperfect technique, particularly in woodland and scrub, where it is hardest to apply. Furthermore, there was insufficient time to undertake a full year's survey before compiling this report. So again a Habitat Survey was most appropriate. This was then used to determine which species might be expected to be present — the use that different birds make of different habitats being fairly well established. The over-riding advantage of the Habitat Survey is, of course, that by assuming why certain species are, or might be, present, recommendations can be made about habitat man- agement. In this way the survey can be directed towards a positive end. 2.6 Before making any recommendations, though, we compared the antici- pated breeding bird community derived from the Habitat Survey with the actual breeding bird community revealed by the Simplified Common Bird Census. The similarity was very strong — certainly good enough for us to have confidence in the assumptions made about the bird communities at other seasons, and in the management recommendations being put forward. 31
3 The Survey Results 3.1 The results of the two surveys will be discussed independently, beginning with the Simplified Common Bird Census (see Table 1) 3.2 The Common Bird Census (CBC) provides national data about the diversity and ahnndance of spccic3. The area covered by this survey was the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve (LNR), which comprises 25.2 hectares of woodland and scrub. This is only slightly larger than the 21 hectare average size for CBC woodland plots in 1982. Hence it is valid to compare the species diversity of the Local Nature Reserve with that shown nationally by the Common Bird Census (Marchant, 1983). It is unfortunate, however, that the 1983 CBC data was not available for this comparison, as in 1982 many populations had been depleted by the severity of the preceding winter, but by 1983 most had recovered. Comparison can also be made with national data for the period 1973-77 from the British Trust for Ornithology's Sites Register (Fuller, 1982). Details of these com- parisons are shown in Figure 1. 3.3 Excluding Woodpigeon and House Sparrow, which are not censused, the CBC provides data for 32 common woodland species, of which 29 occur in more than half the woods surveyed. 24 of these were found in the Saltwells LNR. The CBC also provides data from all habitats for a further 15 scarcer species, 10 of which might reasonably be regarded as summer residents of woodland. Five of these 10 were found in the LNR, plus one species — Wood Warbler — which is too scarce or local to appear in the CBC analyses. Thus, from the CBC data, about 40 breeding species would be expected in an average wood, compared with the 30 found in the Saltwells LNR. 3.4 Comparison with data from the Sites Register shows a similar pattern. Here, Fuller found 39 species breeding in more than half of the woods surveyed, with an average of 35-45 breeding species for Midlands' woods. However, this average relates to woods of 50 hectares, and Fuller observes that smaller woods have fewer species. Consequently the number of species in a wood of only 25 hectares, like the Blackbrook Valley, would be expected to be below average — perhaps about 35 — although, paradoxically, for woods of 20-40 hectares the data actually shows an average of 40 species (see Figure 1 )l 3.5 Thus it appears that the LNR has only 65-85% of the number of breeding species to be expected in a wood of its size. There are a number of possible reasons for this. It could be due to habitat structure, to its being an ecological island in an urban area, or to excessive disturbance from people. Each of these possibilities will be discussed later. 3.6 According to the Nature Conservancy Council's guidelines, species diversity is also used as a guide to assessing potential Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). For a woodland site to qualify on ornithological criteria, it must have a Breeding Community Index of 40 or more. This index is computed from the species present, with the commonest species (based on a national assessment of populations by 32
Sharrock, 1976) scoring nil, and the rarest five. The Saltwells LNR falls well short of the SSSI requirement, with a Breeding Community Index of only seven. This is because it lacks all of the really scarce, or lucal, woodland species such as Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Night- ingale and Hawfinch. Indeed, the only species to contribute to its Index were Sparrowhawk, Collared Dove (I), Cuckoo, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wood Warbler, Nuthatch and Jay — each counting one point. It must be stressed, however, that this particular criterion is especially stringent — perhaps the most stringent of any — and that few Midland woods have a Rreeding Community Index above 15. However, there can be no doubt that the Saltwells LNR would not warrant SSSI status on the strength of its breeding bird community.
Table 1: Summary of the Birds of Saltwells Nature Reserve
Species No. of Main No. of Comments Breeding Habitat Casual Pairs Sight- C P/ Tot G S T ings
Sparrowhawk Seen 26/5/83 & 16/6/83. 3 together late summer. 7 bred Kestrel Observed on most visits in or adjacent to LNR. Moorhen One along Blackbrook on 6/5/83. Woodcock One llushed 1/3/83. Another flushed in the spring of 1984. Stock Dove 1 — Woodpigeon — 2 Collared Dove Probably breeds in hawthorn thickets of Lodge Farm. Tawny Owl Not recorded in survey but Warden's report as breeding in 1983. Sighted in different areas on 5/5/83 and 26/5/83. Green Woodpecker Reported by Teagle (1978) and by Warden. Great Spotted — — — 11 Seen throughout summer. Woodpecker Breeding highly probable. Lesser Spotted — — — — — — Warden reported one bird by Woodpecker Centre in spring 1984. Grey Wagtail — — — Two seen 19/11/83. Wren 3 9 12 + Dunnock 1 4 5 e Robin 4 11 15 + Blackbird 2 9 11 e Fieldfare — — — Small numbers in autumn. Song Thrush 1 1 2 p Redwing — — — Small numbers in autumn 1983. with 500 on 20/11 /83. Mistle Thrush 3 3 • Whitethroat 1 — 1 p Blackcap 5 — 5 f Wood Warbler 1 2 3 + Cliffchaff 4 — 4 + Willow Warbler 6 7 13 + Spotted Flycatcher 1 — 1 • 33
Long-tailed Tit Family party in July 1983. Blue Tit 13 Great Tit B Nuthatch 2 Treecreeper 1 Reri-haplrnH Shrilre Repoiiedly bred until l ybb (Teagle 1978). One seen 1969. Jay Regularly sighted. Almost certainly breeds. Magpie Common, Surprising more nests were not found. Carrion Crow One or two present in July 1983. House Sparrow Visitors from surrounding housing estates, where common. Chuffinch 2 2 4 Greenfinch - 2 2 Linnet 1 — 1 Wardens reported at least six pairs in 1963. Redpoll Seen and heard throughout breeding season. Probably bred. Bullfinch Yellowhammer One in adjoining pasture on 12/5/83 .Bred nearby.
Total 65 69 134
C = Confirmed breeding pairs P = Probable breeding pairs Tot = Total breeding pairs
+ = Ground and Field Layer /i = Shrub Layer * = Trees, either in holes or in canopy
3.7 At this stage it is worthwhile looking in more detail at the composition of the breeding community. Between them; the CBC and the Sites Register identify fourteen species which are generally present in woodland — that is to say they occur in more than half the woods surveyed — but which were absent from the Local Nature Reserve (see Figure 1). 3.8 Some of these species, notably Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit and Carrion Crow were very common indeed, even after the severe winter of 1982, occurring in over three-quarters of the woods surveyed. By 1983, the national populations of Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit had increased further (Marchant, 1984). On the other hand, the Saltwells LNR contained four species which the Sites Register showed as occurring in less than half the woods surveyed, namely Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Stock Dove and Wood Warbler. In fact. Wood Warbler occurs in less than 30% of woods and Sparrowhawk in less than 20%. It also contained three species — Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher and Linnet — which occurred in less than half of the CBC woodland plots. 3.9 From this it can be concluded that the absence of certain species from the Blackbrook Valley is not due to an impoverished avifauna. Rather, most of 34
the variation can be attributed to habitat. For example. Coal Tit and Goldcrest, though generally present in good numbers in more than 80% of woods, show a marked preference for conifers, of which there are very few in Saltwells Wood. The same is also true of the scarcer Turtle Dove. Other species like Tawny Owl, Long-tailed Tit and Carrion Crow are widespread, but only in small numbers. This is perhaps because they need a large hunting territory, or depend on a particular habitat which, though widespread, is not abundant. Indeed, it is not without significance that Carrion Crows and a party of Long-tailed Tits were seen in Saltwells Wood in late summer, and it is known that the latter species bred at nearby Merryhill Farm before the habitat was destroyed to make way for further industrial development. Another species, Yellowhammer, though not a true woodland species, also occurs regularly in woodland-edge habitat and this too bred nearby. Perhaps the presence of several tall, overgrown hedges around neighbouring pastures is more attractive to species like Long-tailed Tit, Carrion Crow and Yellowhammer than the woodland itself. Certainly large parts of Saltwells Wood lack the well developed shrub layer that Long-tailed Tits and Yellowhammers would favour. 3.10 Opinions about some species vary considerably. For example, Sites Register data shows Garden Warbler and Marsh Tit to be present in over 70% of woods, yet CBC data suggests they are present in only half. Marsh Tits, furthermore, are thinly, if widely, distributed, so their absence from the Local Nature Reserve is not surprising, given the paucity of berry- bearing shrubs. The Garden Warbler is interesting, as this and the Turtle Dove were the only anticipated summer visitors not to be found. As mentioned above, though, the Turtle Dove's absence may be due to the lack of conifers. Garden Warblers, on the other hand, might well have been expected to occupy the low scrub around Doulton's Claypit. 3.11 Nevertheless, six of the eight summer visitors anticipated from the Sites Register were present, compared with 20 of the anticipated 32 residents. Likewise, comparison with the CBC showed four out of the five anticipated summer visitors to be present, compared with 17 of the anticipated 24 residents. Thus the respective representation was 75% and 80% for the summer visitors, but only 63% and 71% for resident species. Put another way, resident birds were under-represented by two to four species compared with the summer migrants. This is significant, since if ecological isolation is having any marked influence on the bird community it would be expected to be more noticeable amongst the resident, more sedentary species than amongst the migrants. Thus it can be concluded that ecological isolation is probably having some effect on the breeding community of the Local Nature Reserve. 3.12 In the West Midlands, Harrison et a\ (1982) showed that both Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Pheasant tend to avoid ecological islands within the conurbation, with isolated populations of the latter species vulnerable to hard winters. It is perhaps not surprising, therefore, that neither was found in the Saltwells LNR. Pheasant could hardly be expected to survive 15 —l
Species likely to be present in an average wood — i.e. present in 50% — Breeding Bird Community of Saltwells 29 in CBC woods Nature Reserve : Sparrowhawk, Kestrel. 40 in Sites Register woods of 20-40 hectares Cuckoo. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay and Redpoll have been included as probably b-eeding.
WREN DUNNOCK Grn Woodpecker ROBIN Garden Warbler BLACKBIRD Long-tailed Tit I Golderesi Marsh Til SONG THRUSH Coal Til Yallowhammef GSWOOOPECKER WILLOW WARB. Carrion Crow CHIFFCHAFF CUCKOO BLUE TIT MISTLE THRUSH TREECREEPER NUTHATCH GREAT TIT BLACKCAP JAY STARUNG WHITETHROAT CHAFFINCH BULLFINCH MAGPIE GREENFINCH SPOT FLYCATCHER UNNET
GS WOODPECKER CUCKOO | WH1TETHRQAT 1 NUTHATCH KESTREL Tree Pippit WOOD WARBLER SPARR0WH1WK ] WOODPIGEON MISTLE THRUSH SPOT FLYCATCHER I Pheasant I UNNET S'OCK DOVE Nightingale WREN Pheasant LiitleOwl CHIFFCHAFF MAGPIE REDPOLL DJNNOCK I TunlTurtle OovOove I Woodcock L Whiteihroai Redstart ROBIN STARLING Tawny Owl Grn Woodpecker Willow Tit L£- Woodpecker Chopper Warbler BLACKBIRD GREENFINCH Garden Warbler Yellowhammer Jackdaw Goldfinch Hawfinch SONG THRUSH BULLFINCH Marsh Tit Tree Sparrow
BLACKCAP Goldcresi Carrion Crow
WILLOW WARB. Long-tailed Tit
BLUT TIT Coal Tit GREAT TIT TREECREEPER JAY
CHAFFINCH
T —r I T- 100 70 60 50 40 30 20 10'
Percentage of Woods Occupied Figure 1: Comparison of Breeding Bird Communities in Saltwells Nature Reserve and CBC and Sites Register Woodlands. CO Ol 36
within a public, unkeepered wood in such an urban situation, so in addition to ecological isolation, this is perhaps the best example of the influence that disturbance from large numbers of people has on the avifauna of the area. Of the remaining absentees. Green Woodpecker was not encountered, perhaps because there are not enough anthills in the adjacent pastures, although they are plentiful on the nearby hillside up to Netherton. However, both the warden and Teagle (1978) mention that they have encountered Green Woodpeckers in Saltwells Wood. Willow Tit, like Marsh Tit, is thinly distributed and there is probably insufficient soft, rotting timber into which it can excavate its nest-hole; Jackdaws are perhaps deterred by the lack of really old trees and sheep in the nearby pastures; and Tree Sparrows are generally scarce, usually occurring in small, well-scattered colonies. 3.13 On the plus side. Kestrel and Stock Dove were not entirely unexpected. Each occurs in over 40% of woods (Fuller op cit.) and Teagle (op cit.) has shown there is a healthy poplulation of Stock Doves throughout the Black Country. Sparrowhawk was more of a surprise, though this species has made such a welcome resurgence in recent years (Newton and Haas, 1984) that the Sites Register data may belie its true status. Perhaps its presence in an urban setting free from the persecution of keepers should have been expected after all. Without question the real surprise was Wood Warbler, which in the West Midlands is primarily a bird of acid oakwoods in the west and north (Harrison et al, 1982). The habitat in parts of Saltwells Wood, however, is very similar to that of the Wyre Forest, which is one of the Wood Warblers'favoured haunts. It is a species which exploits all levels of a wood, from the canopy down to the ground, and woodland structure is an important element in its ecology. Ironically, it prefers a structure that many other species shun, so Wood Warblers not infrequently occur in woods that have a below-average species diversity. Suitable management for the Wood Warbler may therefore not be advantageous to some other species. 3.14 Turning to density a similar perspective emerges. It is well known that the number of territories does not increase in direct proportion to the area of woodland. This is because many species prefer the woodland edge habitat. Perimeter is therefore more critical than area. Figure 2 illustrates this well, by showing how the majority of the 134 territories were grouped around the edge of Saltwells Wood (c50%) and the perimeter of Doulton's Claypit (c25%). 3.15 There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the woodland edge suits those species that nest and feed or hunt in different habitats. Rooks, for example, prefer to nest in the tops of the tallest trees, yet feed on the ground in pastures and crops: likewise Kestrel and Carrion Crow prefer to nest high, where they have a good vantage point over their open territory. Consequently these species mostly prefer to nest in a hedgerow tree or small copse, and relatively few are found in large woods or forests. Secondly, unlike Neartic birds, few Palaearctic species nest in the canopy. 37
Instead the vast majority of species nest either on the ground, in the shrub layer, or in the tree trunks. With a fairly close canopy, such as that found at Saltwells Wood, the ground flora and shrub layer are most diverse around the woodland edge, so this is where most territories occur. Generally, only those species that nest in holes in the tree trunks were found in the heart of the wood. 3.16 Although the Local Nature Reserve is little larger than the average CBC woodland plot, it is very regular in shape and does not have a particularly extensive perimeter, despite the presence of the meadow and the claypit. Given that the species diversity was below average, it is not surprising, therefore, to find that the overall density of breeding birds was also less than the CBC woodland average — 5.08 territories per hectare, or 72% of the 1982 national average of 7.09 territories per hectare (see Table 2). Not too much significance should be attached to this, however, as it has been shown (Williamson, 1972) that density can vary from as few as two pairs per hectare to as many as 18. Within a range of this magnitude, the Saltwells LNR is not so very much below average. 3.17 Looking at the density of the commoner woodland species, however, some interesting trends emerge (see Table 3 and Figure 3). The population of those nesting on the ground or in the field layer (Wren, Robin, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler) was 76% of the CBC average. For those nesting in holes in the trees (Blue Tit, Great Tit and Nuthatch) it was even higher, at 87% [n.b. Starling has been excluded, since it is believed this species is not always censused on CBC plots, and hence the data may be unrepresentative ] However, by any reckoning there is a high population of Starlings in Saltwells Wood, and other tree nesting species like Mistle Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher and Treecreeper were also well represented. In all, the density of those species nesting mainly in trees (but excluding Starling) was 91% of the CBC average. In marked contrast, for those species nesting mainly in the shrub layer (Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Magpie, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet and Bullfinch) it was only 58%. Indeed, of these ten species only Bullfinch (276%) and blackcap (86%) were present in anything like their anticipated strength. The Dunnock and Blackbird populations were only two-thirds of what would have been expected, while for Song Thrush and Chaffinch it was no higher than a third. 3.18 This clearly shows that the lack of a well-developed shrub layer is limiting both the diversity and abundance of species. Some further insight into this can be gained by comparing Blackbirds and Song Thrushes. These are two sibling species, yet, though both are under-represented in the Local Nature Reserve, Blackbirds seem to be as successful as Song Thrushes. Simms (1978) observed that the Song Thrush requires deeper, denser vegetation for nesting than the Blackbird, and this may be the reason for their varying fortunes. Certainly the shrub layer in Saltwells Wood is seldom deep or dense. Whilst the absence of a good shrub layer undoubtedly inhibits nesting, however, not everything should be attributed 38
Table 2: Woodland Bird Populations in 1982 compared with Saltwells LNR Source: Common Bird Census, see Marchant (1983)
CBC No. of Anticipated No. Actual No. Actual as Population Plots Teritories in of Proportion in 1982 Present 25.2 hectares Territories of Expected (i) (i) (size of LNR) (Saltwells LNR) Territories
Cuckoo 56 53 0.67 Green Woodpecker 66 57 0.79 — — Great Spotted 105 71 1.26 - — Wnndnprker Wren 1376 100 16.91 12 0:73 Dunriock 676 92 8.10 5 0.62 Robin 1642 99 19.67 15 0.76 Blackbird 1388 99 16.63 11 0.66 Song Thrust 553 96 6.62 2 0.30 Mistle Thrust 141 88 1.69 3 1.78 Whiiethroat - 150 40 1.80 1 0.56 Garden Warbler 151 58 1.81 — — Blackcap 483 80 5.79 5 0.86 Chiffchaff 329 75 3.94 4 1.02 Willow Warbler 1464 96 17.54 13 0.74 Goldcrest 270 78 3.23 — Spotted Flycatcher 87 44 1.04 1 0 96 Long-tailed Tit 114 83 1.37 — — Marsh Tit 92 50 1.10 — Coal Til 323 86 3.87 — Blue Til 1257 96 15.06 13 0 86 Great Til 834 99 9.99 8 0.80 Nuthatch 116 52 1.39 2 1.44 Treecreeper 126 72 1.51 1 0.66 Jay 143 76 1.71 — — Magpie 173 75 2.07 1 0.48 Carrion Crow 156 83 1.87 — — Starling 384 57 4.60 19 4.13 Chaffinch 1456 99 17.44 4 0.23 Greenfinch 210 57 2.52 2 0.79 Linnet 117 34 1.40 1 0.71 Bullfinch 151 81 1.81 5 2.76 Yellowhammer 317 55 3.80 —
Total • 14908 100 178.56 128 0 72
Notes: (i) Data relates to 100 woodland plots with a total area of 2103.9 ha. Mean plot size is therefore 21.039 hectares. Mean density is 7.09 territories per hectare.
to this. For example. Bullfinch appears to be the most successful shrub- layer species and Chaffinch the least successful. The reason for this may lie outside the LNR itself. Newton (1972) has shown that Bullfinches take most of their food, which is seeds, directly from the plant, and that they can subsist in woodland throughout the year. Chaffinches, on the other hand, feed mainly from the ground and prefer stubble, plough or young crops outside the breeding season. It seems likely, therefore, that a good population of Bullfinches inhabits Saltwells Wood throughout the year, whereas the absence of any nearby arable farmland restricts the number of Chaffinches. 39
Table 3: Density of Breeding Species at Saltwells Local Nature Reserve by Habitat, compared with CBC Woodland average
Actual No of Anticipated No Actual as Breeding of Breeding Proportion ol Toi i itui ies territories Anticipated Territories
Species nesting mainly on ihe Ground or in the Field Layer Wren 12 16.51 0.73 Robin 15 19.67 0.76 Chiffchaff 4 3.94 1.02 Willow Warbler 13 17.54 0.74 TOTAL 44 57.66 0.76
Species nesting mainly in the Shrub Layer Dunnock 5 6.10 0.62 Blackbird 11 16.63 0.66 Song Thrush 2 6.62 0.30 Whiiethroat 1 1.80 0.56 Blackcap 5 5.79 0.86 Magpie 1 2.07 0.48 Chaffinch 4 17.44 0.23 Greenfinch 2 2.52 0.79 Linnet 1 1.40 0.71 Bullfinch 5 1.81 2.76 TOTAL 37 64.18 0.58
Species nesting mainly in the Trees, either in holes or in the canopy Mistle Thrush 3 1.69 1.78 Spotted Flycatcher 1 1.04 0.96 Blue Tit 13 15.06 0.86 Great Tit e 9.99 0.60 Nuthatch 2 1.39 1.44 Treecreeper i 1.51 0.66 Starling 19 4.60 4.13 TOTAL 47 35.28 1.33 (excluding Starling) 28 30.68 0.91
3.19 To summarise the results of the Simplified Common Bird Census, the Saltwells LNR is slightly below average, both in terms of diversity and density of breeding birds. The absence of resident species relative to summer visitors suggests that this may be due to its being an ecological island within a large conurbation. There is no real evidence that human disturbance is a significant factor, though it doubtless plays a part, perhaps by limiting the density of ground nesting species. Most of the evidence, however points to habitat structure as the most likely cause, with the sparse shrub layer clearly being most detrimental. 3.20 This leads appropriately into the Habitat Survey. The geology (Cutler, 1982), soils (Howells, 1982) and vegetation (Shimwell, 1982) of the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve have all been well documented and need not be further discussed, except insofar as they influence the avifauna. 3.21 Three primary habitats are present, namely woodland, grassland and water. Of these, woodland is overwhelmingly dominant and holds the key 40
Figure 2: Distribution of Habitats and Breeding Territories in Saltwells LNR.
Boundary of Local Nature Reserve Breeding Bird Territories Main habitat boundaries Woodland: A High Forest: acid oakwood Species nesting mainly on the ground B High Forest: mixed deciduous B or in the field layer C High Forest: Mixed deciduous with good shrub layer A Species nesting mainly in the shrub layer D Immature: acid oakwood E Scrub Snecies nesting mainly in the trees, Grassland • either in holes or in the canopy F Spoilbank and meadow WM Wood Warbler territories Water: two streams and small wet hollows not mapped
•Lodge Farm : Reservoir
y-9• J '"{J* A .
Saltwells Inn 41
Figure 3: Density of Breeding Species at Saltwells Local Nature Reserve compared with the CBC Woodland average
/\ Chaffinch
Blackbird /| Wren '
M #| BluWilloe Tiwl Warbler
/\ Song Thrush
Starling ^ / /\ Greenfinch /
1—r -] 1 1 1 I 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Number of pairs present in Saltwells LNR (25.2 hectares)
1 Magpie 2 Whitethroat 3 Treecreeper 4 Linnet b Spotted Flycatcher 6 Nuthatch 7 Mistle Thrush 42
to the bird communities. Indeed, neither of the latter two habitats is sufficiently extensive to directly influence which birds are present, though both are well used by birds as will be seen later. 3.22 Shimwell (op cit.) identified four woodland types, namely: i) species - poor oak, oak-birch and scrub on dry, well-drained, acidic brown earths and disturbed ground. ii) mature, mixed deciduous plantation woodland on disturbed ground iii) species - rich mixed deciduous woodland on moist, moderately- drained, neutral brown earths derived from Downtonian marls. iv) woodland anrt cmih nn wet. periodically flooded alluvium and clay waste. 3.23 Such types have a distinct botanical significance, but are less relevant to the highly mobile bird population. Some Finches have a strong affinity with certain trees and there are other relationships such as the symbiotic one between Jays and oaks, but generally birds are more influenced by the structure of woodland than by the particular trees and shrubs present. 3.24 Having said this, in the Saltwells LNR it so happens that the four woodland types identified by Shimwell, and the main soil types identified by Howells, correlate quite closely with the main avifaunal divisions as shown on Figure 2 (page 00). 3.25 The High Forest is confined to Saltwells Wood, where the mature woodland comprises pedunculate oak, beech, ash, common lime and grey poplar plantations, into which sycamore has invaded. Oak is dominant, although other species, notably sycamore and beech, may be locally dominant or co-dominant. Most of the trees are less than two hundred years old, which, in terms of the oaks at least, is relatively young. In consequence, there are few really old, gnarled trees with holes or crevices large enough for the bigger hole-nesting birds like Kestrel, Owls and Jackdaw. There are, however, plenty of small holes for species like Stock Dove, Blue and Great Tits, Nuthatch and Starling. There is also sufficient dead timber to attract Woodpeckers and their excavations have obviously added to the natural nest sites available. Given the presence of surrounding pastures for feeding, both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers would be expected, but not the scarcer Lesser Spotted, which tends to avoid urban oases (Harrison et al, 1982). Despite the presence of water, few trees are growing in very wet situations and so there is little really soft, rotting timber into which the Willow Tit might excavate. Consequently this species would not be expected. There are, however, plenty of trees with crevices and loose bark to provide nesting sites for Treecreepers, whilst the oaks provide a sturdy, well structured canopy for tree nesters like Mistle Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher and Carrion Crow. 3.26 In most cases the high forest forms a continuous, closed canopy cover of 80% or more (Shimwell op cit) to a height of 20 metres, and this shades the woodland floor, where different ground conditions enable three distinct sub-divisions to be identified. 43
3.27 Firstly, an acid oakwood can be found on the well-drained brown earths that cover the north-eastern part of Saltwells Wood. Since the oak's leaf buds are amongst the last to break, some early flowering species can be found in the field layer, which also covers 80% or more of the wood, but in the main lliib field layer is dominated by bracken, creeping soft grass and patches of brambles. These provide just sufficient cover for species that nest on or close to the ground, like Wren, Robin, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Acid oakwoods such as this characterise the brown earths and clayey loams that overlay the coal measures throughout much of the Midlands. Indeed, with fast-flowing streams in deeply incised valleys, conditions here are so reminiscent of the Dowles Brook in the Wyre Forest, that even the presence of Wood Warblers was accurately predicted. The habitat is just right for them, with a closed canopy for feeding, low branches for song posts and perches, and no shrub layer to impede the descent to their nests on or near the ground. The habitat is also right for Woodcock — at least in the winter — with plenty of dead bracken for camouflage during the day, and areas of damp ground and water for their nocturnal feeding. Whether Woodcock could survive the disturbance in Saltwells Wood, however, is a matter for conjecture. None has been recorded, but then wintering birds are hard to detect in woods that are nnf keepered and shot over. 3.28 Within the acid oakwood, holly is the only shrub that successfully withstands the shade, and in one or two places it forms a dense understorey. In general, though, the shrub layer is absent or very poorly developed, with an average cover of only 25%. The presence of holly provides some protection for nests and roosts, but more importantly its berries are a rich source of winter food, especially for thrushes. In addition to the resident thrushes, there is no doubt that Redwings and Fieldfares visit the area in winter, sometimes in reasonable numbers. For example, 500 Redwings were recorded on November 20th, 1983. The use that these wintering thrushes make of the wood will vary according to food supply and weather conditions, but it will doubtless be used for feeding and may even be used on occasions for roosting. 3.29 Secondly, mixed deciduous woodland can be found on the more gently sloping or flatter parts that cover much of the south-western part of Saltwells Wood. Here Howells (op cit) found the soil to be generally deeper, with some disturbance from past mining activity. Here, too, oak is supplanted by sycamore as the dominant species and, though the shrub layer remains sparse with a cover of only 30%, it is more varied, with shrubs like elder as well as holly. Bramble is also more evident in the field layer. 3.30 Shimwell (op cit) attributes this more succulent flora to seeds sown through the droppings of birds, which are attracted by the greater shade to roost in the sycamores. However, this seems a dubious supposition. No evidence could be found on site to support it, and the authors know of no documented evidence of birds roosting in sycamores — certainly not in 44
sufficient numbers to influence the flora of any area. Indeed, the sticky secretion that is washed from sycamore during heavy rain would foul a bird's plumage to such an extent that it would seem a most unlikely choice for a roost site. Rather we would suggest that the deeper soil is more conducive to shrub growth, and that seed dispersal has occurred because birds feeding on the fruits have taken temporary refuge in the sycamores when disturbed. 3.31 Whatever the reason, the presence of holly, elder and blackberry makes this area more attractive to birds than the acid oakwood, both for nesting, feeding and roosting. In autumn Redwings and Fieldfares most likely join the resident Blackbirds and Thrushes to feast on this harvest of berries. Such fruits may also attract Blackcaps, especially in their post fledging period, whilst blackberries are doubtless a source of sustenance to the resident Bullfinches. This south-western part of Saltwells Wood also contains a few elms, most of which are dead or dying. These are ideal for Woodpeckers, both as sounding boards on which to drum, and as places to nest and feed. In this area, too, beech is locally dominant and in a good year the beechmast will be sought out by the resident Great Tits, Nuthatches and Chaffinches. Unfortunately, though, there is insufficient beech for this food source to be an attraction to flocks of migrant Chaffinches or Bramblings. 3.32 Thirdly, along the moister lower slopes that flank the black Brooks, the soil is less acidic, so the woodland becomes more varied, with oak, ash, beech and sycamore all dominant in parts. This is the only area of high forest with a well-developed shrub layer, and this extends over two-thirds or more of the area and is very dense in places. Dominant in this shrub layer are hazel, sycamore, hawthorn, elder and ash, and it is here that species like Blackbird, Song Thrush, Greenfinch and Bullfinch would be expected to nest. Here, too, elderberries and haws are a source of sustenance to wintering Thrushes amongst others, whilst the greater floristic variety attracts the more specialist feeders amongst the Finches — ash seeds, in particular, being an important part of the Bullfinches' diet. 3.33 The Immature Woodland occurs mainly to the south and east of Doulton's Claypit. Here the soil is similar to that underlying the north-eastern part of Saltwells Wood (Howells, op cit), and the woodland is at that intermediate stage in its succession to acid oakwood where silver birch and oak are co-dominant. Sycamore and goat willow are also present, and these four species between them form a closed canopy over 80% or more of the area up to 10 metres high. On the extreme south-eastern slopes is some even younger birch scrub, with an open canopy about 5 metres high, whilst in and around the claypits are dense hawthorn thickets up to 10 metres high. On the whole the field layer is more varied in this immature woodland than it is in the acid oakwood, containing such valuable species to birds as bramble, honeysuckle and ivy. 3.34 Even at this early stage of succession there are many notable similarities between the avifauna of this immature woodland and that of the acid 45
oakwood, including the presence of Wood Warbler. Not unexpectedly, the main difference is the number of hole-nesting species, which are fewer in the younger woodland where suitable holes are lacking. There are some compensations to offset this, though. Jays prefer this younger woodland, where they are noticeably more active, especially in autumn. At this time of year they are presumably burying acorns for subsequent retrieval, and are consequently helping with the regeneration of oaks. Also in late autumn, and through into the winter, the birch seeds attract acrobatic feeding flocks of Tits, Redpoll and possibly Goldfinch(?). Nearer the ground ivy provides safe nesting and roosting sites, being an especial favourite of Wrens, whilst many species feed on blackberries and the berries of the honeysuckle that scrambles over the old bell pits. 3.35 Perhaps the most important feature of this immature woodland, though, is where it abuts the claypit. Here, with a north-facing aspect sheltered from the prevailing wind and dehydrating sunshine, is a marvellous edge effect that affords space for song flights and an uninterrupted view of approaching predators. Furthermore, the micro-climatic changes afforded by the difference in level between top and bottom of the quarry face must make it easier for insectivorous birds to ensure an adequate food supply in all weathers. A high density of territories is therefore to be expected in this prime habitat. 3.36 The last of the three main avifaunal divisions of the woodland is scrub. This occurs mainly in the bottom, on the slopes and around the rim of Doulton's claypit. On the eastern side of the claypit, gorse is dominant, but elsewhere hawthorn is the main species. This mixture of hawthorn and gorse around the claypit is the classic habitat for Red-backed Shrike, which Teagle (1978) noted as breeding until as recently as 1966, and where a passage bird appeared in 1969 (Harrison et at, 1982). Sadly this species is one whose range has contracted markedly in recent years, and it no longer graces the claypit. However, Whitethroat and Linnet are still present as typical examples of the birds that nest and feed in and around hawthorn and gorse. 3.37 Before leaving woodland, reference should perhaps be made to a small area which is outside the Local Nature Reserve, near the confluence of the two brooks. Here is a stand of alder, to which the Redpoll doubtless resort for feeding once they have exhausted the birch seed crop, and where they may possibly be joined by Siskin, although there are no records of this. 3.38 Beyond the woodland is the second primary habit — Grassland. This can be sub-divided into the pastureland that occurs both within the Local Nature Reserve itself (Saltwells Pasture) and immediately adjacent to it; and the rough grassland around the western rim of the claypit and on Marl. Hole Bank. Neither holds any particular species of its own, but both form an integral part of many breeding territories and are used at all seasons for feeding. Thrushes, Blackbirds and Starlings, for example, can be seen probing in the pastures for earthworms and other invertebrates. 46
especially near the stream where the water table is highest. It is here too that Green Woodpeckers probably search for ants, though in the drier ground. 3.39 The rough grasslands, including tall herbs, are more important as they provide a variety of seeds for Finches to take either directly from the plant or from the ground (Newton, 1972). Grass seeds may be taken by species with short, broad bills, like the Greenfinch, Linnet and Redpoll, but most Finches have their particular preferences. Goldfinches, for example, are partial to hardheads, thistles and ragwort; Greenfinches take groundsel, dandelion, charlock and persicaria; Bullfinches nettle, dock and certain woodland seeds like dog's mercury; Linnets prefer brassicas, persicaria andfat-hen; and Redpoll are attracted to willowherb, mugwort and tansy. There are, of course, overlaps between the species and other food is taken as well, but these examples show the importance a piece of "waste" grassland has for our resident Finches. Most of the plants mentioned occur on or around Marl Hole Bank, or elsewhere in the Local Nature Reserve. 3.40 In addition to the Finches, Crows and Magpies were seen feeding — or foraging — on Marl Hole Bank for carrion, scraps etc. Kestrels were also noted hovering on more than one occasion and this may indicate a good population of short-tailed voles, or other small rodents, although Yalden (1980) has shown that urban Kestrels feed mainly on birds. Two species not recorded, but which might well be expected to occur on occasions, particularly on passage, were Skylark and Meadow Pipit. 3.41 Finally there is the third primary habitat — Water. This varies from the fast-flowing Black Brook and Western Black Brook to small, shallow and stagnant pools in the bottom of the claypit. Its influence on the avifauna varies from the direct to the indirect. For example, it must explain the presence of a Moorhen during the CBC survey and of two Grey Wagtails on November 19th, 1983. Neither species would be found far from water. As mentioned previously, the streams are reminiscent of the Dowles Brook in the Wyre Forest, and the presence of Grey Wagtails raises speculation as to whether Dippers might ever be driven this far upstream when the rivers are in spate. Certainly they occur not infrequently as far upstream as Halesowen, so their appearance would not be inconceivable. 3.42 Water is also vital to birds for drinking and bathing, especially in the post-breeding and fledging period. At this time Tits and Finches in particular can be seen dropping down to almost any shallow pool or puddle to drink, bathe and preen. In the very early morning, the shallow pools in the bottom of the claypit are much used for these purposes, especially where there is a convenient overhanging perch or large stone to dry out on afterwards. Species observed bathing here were Song and MistleThrushes, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Blue and Great Tit, Jay and Linnet. 3.43 The streams are generally less attractive to birds because they shelve 47
more steeply, flow rapidly, are deeper, and have overhanging vegetation that impedes escape from predators. Thus small birds find access to them more difficult and hazardous. Furthermore the dense shade makes drying out after bathing a longer process. Climatic extremes, however, when the small pools have totally dried up in a drought or frozen over in a severe frost, will force birds to resort to the streams.
3.44 Apart from the direct use made of water, birds also rely on the high insect population found near the pools and streams for much of their food. Just how important this is is hard to quantify. Certainly there is always a greater concentration of birds along the stream course than elsewhere in the wood — but then, as we have shown earlier, the habitat here is more varied. It cannot be without significance, though, that Spotted Flycatchers were seen more than once hawking insects from perches overhanging the stream.
3.45 To summarise, time and space have not permitted a detailed review of the use likely to be made of each habitat by every species, although Table 4 does summarise the use made for nesting. Instead we have concentrated on the most relevant examples. From this review of habitats and the use made of them it is clear that the breeding community correlates closely with LI ie findings of the CBC survey — even to the extent of explaining why certain species are absent. Furthermore, it is apparent that the Local Nature Reserve is quite capable of fulfilling the requirements of its resident species throughout the year.. It is also known to host two winter visitors (Fieldfare and Redwing) and to satisfy the requirements of two others (Woodcock and Siskin), though there is no evidence that either has occurred. Winter roosts have not been discussed in detail. There is certainly adequate cover for most birds resident in the neighbourhood to roost safely, but not enough to attract large roosts of Thrushes or Finches. For these a dense understorey of rhododendron or the like would be required. Starlings may roost in some numbers in late autumn, but again there is no evidence of their doing so. If they do, then they would probably move off into the urban area at the onset of colder nights. What additional use might be made of the Local Nature Reserve by birds on passage is more a matter of conjecture, since this will be strongly influenced by such things as weather. Two species. Skylark and Meadow Pipit, could well be expected, however, and others like Swallow and House Martin doubtless occur from time-to-time. 3.46 Of the habitats themselves, it is important to retain the acid oakwood for Wood Warblers, even though this habitat is poor in other floristic and avifaunal species. Otherwise efforts should be made to encourage a more varied shrub layer and to maintain a varied woodland age structure that includes low scrub. The importance of pastures and rough grassland for feeding, and water for drinking and bathing, should be recognised in any management proposals. 48
Table 4: Distribution of Breeding Species between different Habitats Numbers of Territories
Main Habitat Species nesting Species nesting Species nesting All Species mainly on Ground mainly in Shrub mainly in Trees or in Field Layer + Layer P
Woodland A High Forest: 5 3 11 19 acid oakwood
B High Forest: 13 14 20 47 mixed deciduous
C High Forest: 13 9 8 30 mixed deciduous with good shrub layer
0 Immature: 7 4 5 16 acid oakwood
E Shrub 9 9 4 22 Grassland
F Spoilbank and - - - - meadow
Water - -
Total 47 39 48 134
4. Recommendations
4.1 The only scarce bird that warrants special conservation measures is the Wood Warbler. Paradoxically this exploits a habitat with an otherwise poor flora and avifauna. Consequently its habitat is of less interest to others. Three Wood Warbler territories were found — one in prime habitat, one in sub-optimal habitat and one in developing prime habitat. It is recommended that this population is monitored, and a detailed study undertaken to determine the size and extent of territories and any factors that might be limiting the population. 4.2 Apart from the Wood Warbler, the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve has an avifauna which is typical of a wood of its size, but one which is slightly less diverse because of the absence of conifers, and slightly lower in density because of the sparse shrub layer. As such, it is an ideal wood for study by local schools, or by the local group of the Young Ornithologist's Club. We recommend that nest boxes be erected by such a group or school, particularly in the immature woodland where natural holes are scarce, to see whether this encourages hole-nesting species to spread, or increase in numbers. Sites for such boxes must be carefully chosen, given the amount of public access. We also recommend that a local school should monitor how the bird community changes as the scrub and immature woodland develop. 4.3 The only way to increase the overall diversity of bird-life would be to plant 49
evergreens to attract species like Goldcrest and Coal Tit. Whilst conifers would attract a few specialist species such as these, however, we would not advocate their introduction because in general the deciduous woodland has a greater species diversity. However, given that this hahitat is largely man-made anyway and that many species have already been introduced, we would recommend the introduction of yew into the understorey. This would have to be done where the soil is least acidic, namely along the stream valleys, but we consider that the presence of yew would greatly enrich the variety of food and nesting and roosting sites available. 4.4 In the mixed-deciduous high forest on the south-western part of Saltwells Wood, we recommendthat sycamore is thinned and controlled, to open up the canopy so as to encourage the development of a better shrub layer. Ideally in this area we would like to see 50% canopy cover and 50% shrub layer. The shrub layer need not be planted, but could be left to natural regeneration, as it is the limited extent rather than the diversity that is constraining the bird population. Seedling sycamores should be eliminated. 4.5 We recommend no change to the acid oakwood as a habitat — at least until more is known about the Wood Warblers' requirements — but we would support any management measures necessary to maintain this habitat in its present state. 4.6 We recommend that the immature oak-birch woodland to the south and east of the claypit be allowed to develop into an acidic oakwood. However, we would also recommend selective thinning of birch during this process of succession to open up the canopy. 4.7 We recommend appropriate management measures to perpetuate the thorn and gorse scrub around the claypit. The loss or deterioration of this habitat would be especially critical for the Whitethroat, whose population has suffered greatly in recent years through natural disasters and habitat destruction (Winstanley et a/. 1974). On no account should this area of scrub be allowed to develop into woodland. 4.8 We recommend that all dead or dying timber is left standing so long as it is not a danger to the public, at which stage it should be felled, but left in situ. This will increase the food and nest sites available to Woodpeckers, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. 4.9 We recommend that the claypit should be protected from any adverse activity such as tipping. It provides a vertical range of habitat which is of great importance under certain micro-climatic conditions. In addition the wetland habitats in the bottom of the pit are important to birds for bathing and drinking. 4.10 We recommend that grazing of the pastureland should continue at its present level. There should be no intensification, or attempt to "improve" the pastures. 4.11 We recommend that natural succession of the rough grassland on Marl Hole Bank be carefully monitored, and that appropriate measures be 50
taken to prevent any invasion of woody species. This is essential because the loss of this area as a feeding ground could well mean that certain species would desert the area altogether. In considering any management proposals for this area it is important to remember that it is the seeds of the commoner weeds — which sometimes even the ecologist feels a need to control — that are mostly taken by birds. Thought also needs to be given to how best this area can be managed with the degree of human trampling and disturbance it receives. 4.12 In this respect, we recommend that human pressure on the birds and their habitats throughout the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve should be minimised by the careful routing and maintenance of tracks and, where appropriate, the provision of steps and raised walkways. 4.13 Above all, we recommend an intensive educational and promotional programme in local schools and to local societies. Only by making people aware of their environment and the fragile nature of its habitats and wildlife can we ultimately get them to respect it. In situ information boards might help in this respect. 4.14 Finally, we recommend extensions to the Local Nature Reserve to take in the alder plantation by the confluence of the two brooks, and the meadows between Saltwells Wood and the road, and between the wood and Black Brook.
G R Harrison R Normand March 1984
Postscript The WMBC wishes to thank the Nature Conservancy Council for permission to publish this article. Since the fieldwork was undertaken in the summer of 1984 there have been some additional records. The more important ones are as follows: Woodcock (1983), Tawny Owl (date unknown), Green Woodpecker (1985), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (1985), Garden Warbler (1984), Willow Tit (1984), Brambling (1984) and Siskin (1984).
Appendix /: Bibliography
CUTLER, A. 1982. Saltwells Local Nature Reserve: Geology and Trail Guide. The Nature Conservancy Council, Shrewsbury.
FULLER, R. J. 1982. Bird Habitats in Britain. Calton.
HARRISON, G. R„ A. R. DEAN, A. J. RICHARDS and D. SMALLSHIRE. 1982. The Birds of the West Midlands. West Midland Bird Club, Studley. 51
HOWELLS, J. 1982. Soils of the Blackbrook Valley, Saltwells Nature Reserve and surrounds. The Nature Conservancy Council, Shrewsbury.
MARCHANT, J. H. 1983. Bird population changes for the years 1981 -1982. Bird Study 30: 127-133
MARCHANT, J. H. 1984. Back from the cold. BTO News 130: 1.
NATURE CONSERVANCY COUNCIL. Selection of Biological SSSI: Guidelines. London. Undated.
NEWTON, I. 1972. Finches. London.
NEWTON, I. and M. B. HASS. 1984. The return of the Sparrowhawk. British Birds 77: 47—70.
SHARROCK, J. T. R. (Ed). 1976. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Calton.
SHIMWELL, D. W. 1982. Survey of the Vegetation of the Saltwells Wood LNR, Blackbrook Valley, Dudley. The Nature Conservancy Council, Shrewsbury.
SIMMS, E. 1978. British Thrushes. London.
WILLIAMSON, K. 1972. The relevance of the mapping census technique to the conservation of migratory bird populations. Population Ecology of Migratory Birds: a symposium. U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Wildlife Research Report 2: 27-40.
WINSTANLEY, D„ R. SPENCER and K. WILLIAMSON. 1974 Where have all the Whitethroats gone? Bird Study 21: 1-14.
YALDEN, D. W. 1980. Notes on the diet of urban Kestrels. Bird Study 27: 235-238. S2
Appendix II: Species mentioned in text A: Recorded on Reserve ' Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Stock Dove Columba oenas Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Tawny Owl Strix aluco Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Green Woodpecker Picus Viridis Great Spotted Woodp. Dendrocopos major Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Robin Erithacus rubecula Blackbird Turdus merula Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Song Thrush Turdus ericetorum Redwing Turdus musicus Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Whitethroat Sylvia communis Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Nuthatch Sitta europaea Treecreeper Certhia familaris Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Jay Garrulus glandarius Magpie Pica pica Carrion Crow Corvus corone Starling Sturnus vulgaris Passer domesticus House Sparrow Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Chloris chloris Greenfinch Carduelis cannalina Linnet Carduelis flammea Redpoll Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer 53
B. Mentioned in other contexts
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Little Owl Athene noctua •Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor Skylark Alauda arvensis Swallow Hirundo rustica House Martin Delichon urbica Rook Corvus frugilegus Jackdaw Corvus monedula Coal Tit Parus ater Marsh Tit Parus palustris Willow Tit Parus atricapillus Dipper Cinclus cinclus Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Goldcrest Regulus regulus Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Siskin Carduelis spinus Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
*Now recorded for the Reserve . A single bird in the spring of 1984
Nomenclature from: Checklist of the Birds of Great Britain and Ireland 1952. British Ornithologists Union. 54
1986 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a record was submitted in 1986.
Warwickshire
Adminton SP1945 Marcliffe SP0950 Birchwood S08081 Alvecote SK2504 Marton SP4069 Bittell SP0174 Arbury SP3389 Maxstoke SP2386 Blackpole S08657 Arley SP?89(1 Meriden SP2482 Bordeslev SP0469 Arrow SP0856 Middleton Hall SP1898 Bransford S07952 Astley SP3189 Minworth SF SP1791 Bredon S09135 Morton Baggot SP1164 Bredon's Hardwick S09135 Baddesley Clinton SP2071 Bredon's Norton S09339 Bagginton SP3474 Newbold Comyn SP3365 Bredon Hill S09539 Belfry Golf Course SP1895 British Camp ReservoirS07639 Bentley Park SP2895 Offchurch SP3565 Broadway SP0937 Bodymoor Heath SP1996 Bromsgrove S09570 Botts Green SP2492 Radford Semele SP3464 Bury End S08539 Brandon Marsh SP3875 Ragley SP0755 Belbroughton S09277 Rowington SP2069 Chadwick End SP2073 Ryton Pool SP3873 Caldewell Wood S09148 Chesterton SP3558 Ryton Wood SP3872 Callow Hill S07474 Church Lawford SP4476 Castlemorton Common S07839 Clowes Wood SP0973 Shrewley SP2167 Catshill S09573 Coleshill SP2089 Shustoke SP2291 Chaddesley Wood S09173 Coton SP2194 Spernal SF SP0863 Church Lench SP0251 Curdworth SP1892 Stoneleigh SP3372 Chase End S07635 Studley SP0763 Clack's Farm S08265 Dordon SK2600 Claines S08558 Draycote Water SP4669 Tamworth SK2004 Croome S08844 Cropthorne S09944 Earlswood. SP1174 Ufton Fields SP3861 Crowle S09256 Umberslade Park SP1371 Comberton S09643 Fillongley SP2887 Fosseway SP3460 Wappenbury Wood SP7037 Deerfold Wood S09147 Great Packington SP2384 Warwick SP2864 Defford S09143 Guys Cliffe SP2866 Whitacre Heath SP2192 Defford Airfield S09044 Wishaw SP1794 Devil's Spittleful S08074 Hams Hall SP2092 Wootton Wawen SP1563 Dowles Brook S07776 Hartshill SP3294 Wroxall SP2271 Drakelow S08180 Dunhampstead S09160 Kingley SP0854 Kingsbury SP2096 Worcestershire Eastham S06568 Abberley S07567 Eckington S09241 Ladywalk SP2191 Abberton S09953 Evesham SP0343 Lapworth SP1671 Areley Kings S08070 Eymore Wood S07779 Lea Marston SP2093 Arley S07680 Leamington Spa SP3165 Arrow Valley Lake SP0665 Fristall S09870 Lillington SP3267 Aston Mill S09435 Fladbury S09946 Little Packington SP2184 Folly Point S07778 Long Marston SP1548 Barnards Green S07845 Frankley SP0080 Beckford S09735 Mappleborough SP0765 Bewdley S09277 Goosehill Wood S09360 Ruff — Staffordshire
Knot — Staffordshire Snow Bunting — Worcestershire Slavonian Grebe — Worcestershire 55
Great Witley S07566 Ombersley S08463 Witley Court S07664 Grimley S08360 Ombersley Park S08462 Worcester S08454 Gullett, the S07746 Worcester Sewage Farm Guarlford S08145 Pepper Wood S09374 S08453 Pershore S09445 Worcestershire Beacon S07645 Hallow S08258 Pershore Airfield S09749 Wychbold S09265 Hanbury S09663 Pirton S08747 Wyre Forest S07676 Happy Valley S07645 Poolbrook Common Wyre Mill S09546 Hartlebury Common S08470 Powick S08351 Wyre Piddle S09647 Harvington S08774 Pinnacle Hill Wythall SP0775 Hilldltch Coppice S08270 High Green S08745 Ragged Stone Hill S07536 Yea Id Wood SP0152 Hinton Roughs SP0040 Redditch SP0467 Hollybush Roughs S07636 Ribbesford S07873 Hollybed Common S07737 Ripple S08738 Holt S08262 Rous Lench SP0153 Staffordshire Holy Well S07642 River Rea Abbots Bromley SK0824 Hornhill Wood S09558 Rushwick S08153 Allimore Green SJ8519 Ryall S08640 Alrewas SKI 715 Interfield S07749 Amington SK2304 Ipsley Alders SP0665 Sapey Brook S06960 Anslow SK2125 Island Pool S08580 Shakenhurst Wood S06772 Anson's Bank SJ9616 Shatterford S07981 Apedale SJ8247 Kemerton S09437 Shelfheld Aqualate SJ7720 Kempsey S08549 Stourvale Marsh S08277 Aston SJ9131 Kidderminster S08376 Strensham S09039 Astoneflelds SJ9225 Knapp, the S07451 Stoke Prior S09467 Knighton-on-Teme S06371 Stoke Works S09466 Baggeridge S08992 Stourport S08171 Bagots Park SK0927 Larford S08169 Sugarloaf Hill S07645 Bareleg Hill SK0364 Leigh Sinton S07750 Baswich SJ9422 Lickey Hills S09975 Tardebigge S09868 Beaudesert SK0313 Little Comberton S09643 Thorngrove S08260 Belvide SJ8610 Lenchford S08164 Thirdsland Beresford Dale SKI 258 Longdon S08336 Throckmorton S09849 Betley Mere S J7447 Lower Bentley S09865 Tiddesley Wood S09245 Biddulph SJ8B57 Lower Moor S09847 Torton S08472 Biddulph's Pool SK0309 Lower Smite S09058 Trench Wood S09258 Birch Wood SK1124 Lower Strensham S09040 Trimpley S07778 Bishop's Wood SJ8309 Lower Wick S08352 Blackbrook SK0064 Lynall's Coppice S07375 Upper Strensham S09039 Blithfield SK0623 Upper Welland S07840 Boarsgrove SK0462 Madeley Heath S09577 Upton-on-Severn S08540 Borrowpit Lake SK2003 Malvern Hills S07745 Upton Warren S09367 Bottom House SK0452 Malvern Link S07847 Brancote SJ9621 Martley S07559 Walton Hill S09479 Brankley SK1621 Menith Wood S07069 Wasdale Branston SK2120 Midsummer Hill S07637 Washford SP0765 Brewood SJ8808 Monkwood S08060 Wast Hills SP0376 Brindley Heath SJ9914 Weethley Wood SP0455 Brocton SJ9619 North Hill S07646 Welland S07940 Brocton Coppice SJ9819 Nunnery Wood S08754 West Hagley S09080 Broomyshaw SK0749 West Malvern S07646 Burntwood SK0509 Oakley S08960 Westwood S08763 Burnt Wood SJ7433 Offenham SP0546 Wichenford S07860 Burton-on-Trent SK2423 Old Hills S0824B Wilden S08272 Old Storridge S07551 Windmill Hill SP0747 Cauldon Low SK0848 56
Calf Heath SJ9309 Hanchurch SJ8441 Oakamoor SK0544 Cannock Chase SK0017 Hartley SJ8747 Oldacre Valley SJ9718 Cannock Tip SJ9909 Harlaston Mill SK2211 Chasewater SK0307 Hem Heath SJ8840 Paris Avenue SJ8344 Cheddleton SJ9752 Hen Cloud SK0061 Park Hall SJ9345 Chillington SJ8606 High Offley SJ7826 Pasturefields SJ9825 Clay Mills SK2625 Himley S08891 Pendeford SJ8904 Codsall SJ8603 Hinksford S08689 Penkridge SJ9214 Codsall Wood SJ8405 Hixon SK0025 Perton S08598 Colton SK0520 Hollybush Lake SK1326 Pipe Ridware SK0917 Colwich SK0121 Hopwas SKI 705 Preston Hill SJ9114 Congreve Horsepasture Pools SK0413 Preston Vale SJ8914 Consall Forge SJ9648 Coombes Valley SK0052 Ingestre SJ9B24 Ranton Abbey SJ8324 Copmere SJ8029 Rickerscote SJ9320 Coven SJ9006 Jackson's Bank SK1423 Ridgehill Wood S08788 Croxall SK1914 Roaches, the SK0063 Katyn Memorial SJ9816 Rocester SK1139 Danebridge SJ9665 Keele University SJ8244 Rough Hay SK2023 Dane Valley SJ9665 Kettlebrook Lake SK2103 Roundhill S08783 Dark Slade Wood SJ9716 Kings Bromley SKI216 Rugeley Power Station SK0517 Deep Hayes SJ9653 King's Standing SK1624 Rudyard • SJ9459 Devil's Staircase SK0049 Kinver Edge S08383 Dimmingsdale SK0543 Knotbury SK0168 Sandon SJ9429 Dove, River SKI 531 Knypersley SJ89S5 Sandyford SJ8653 Dosthill SK2100 Sherbrook Valley SJ9818 Dovedale SK1452 Springslade Lodge SJ9716 Leek SJ9856 Doxey SJ9024 Stafford SJ9223 Leycett SJ7946 Stanley Pool SJ9351 Lichfield SK1110 Eccleshall SJ8329 Stapenhill SK2521 Little Wyrley SK0105 Elford SK1810 Stoke-upon-Trent SJ8745 Long Birch SJ870S Enville S08286 Stourton S08685 Longdon SK0814 Essington SJ9503 Stowe Pool SK1210 Longsdon Mill SJ9S54 Swallow Moss SK0660 Longsdon Wood SJ9655 Fatholme SK2017 Loynton Moss SJ7824 Fazeley SK1902 Tamworth SK2003 Lower Avenue SJ8807 Featherstone SJ9405 Teddesley SJ9615 Fisherwick SK1709 Three Shires Head SK0068 Folly Hall SK1425 Maer SJ7938 Tittesworlh SJ9959 Ford Green SJ8950 Maer Hills SJ7739 Tixall SJ9722 Forlon SJ7521 Manifold Valley SK0954 Trentham SJ8640 Four Ashes SJ9208 Marchington Woodlands Four Crosses SJ9509 SK1128 Upper Longdon SK0514 Fradley SK1513 Mare Brook SK1625 Froghall SK0247 Marston Brook SJ9226 Wall SK0906 Middle Hills SK0363 Wandon SK0314 Gailey SJ9310 Mill Green Park SJ9810 Waterhouses SK0850 George's Hayes SK0613 Million, the S08486 Westport SJ8550 German Cemetery SJ9815 Moseley Old Hall SJ9304 Westlands SJ8344 Gib Torr SK0264 Moss Pool SJ7520 Wheaton Aston SJ8512 Giffard's Cross SJBB07 Mottley Meadows SJ8313 Whitemoor Haye SK1813 Goldsitch Moss SK0165 Whittington SK1608 Great Haywood SK0022 Needwood Airfield SK1524 Whittington SF S08582 Greens SK0066 Needwood Forest SKI 624 Wolfscote Dale SK1456 Newborough SKI 325 Wyrley Common SK0206 Hammerwich SK0607 Newlands SK0009 Hamps Valley SK0952 Norton Canes SK0108 Yoxall Lodge SK1522
58
West Midlands Hampton-in-Arden SP2080 Queslett SP0694 Handsworth SP0490 Aldridge SK0500 Hillwood Ryton End Alumwell School (Walsall) Hockley Heath SP1572 Ashmore Park SJ9601 Sandwell Valley SP0291 Hollwood SP0878 Sedgley S09194 Hydes Road Pool S09994 Bartley SP0081 Sheepwash Urban ParkS09790 Bentley Pools S09898 Solihull SP1579 Knowle SP1876 Berkswell SP2479 Saint Margaret's Hospital Bickenhill SP1882 SP0595 Lunt, the S09696 Bilston S09496 Stoke Hill Bloxwich SJ9902 Stonebridge SP2183 SP2179 Bradnock's Marsh Marston Green SP1785 Stubbers Green SK0401 Brookvale Park SP0991 Meriden SP2482 Sutton Coldfield SP1296 Brownhills Common SK0405 Minworlh SP1692 Sutton Park SP0997 Monkspath SP1475 Swanshurts Park SP0981 Chelmsley Wood SP1886 Moseley SP0783 Clayhanger SK0404 Tividale SP0198 Moxley S09695 Cotwall End S09192 Trittiford Park SP0980
Oicken's Heath SP1176 Netherton Reservoir S09388 University of Warwick SP3076 Newtown SP0688 Oorridge SP1675 Walsall Arboretum SPP0198 West Bromwich SP0091 Edgbaston Park SP0584 Olton Reservoir SP1381 West Park S09099 Edgbaston Reservoir SP0486 Willenhall S09698 Fens Pools S09186 Park Lime Pits SP0299 Witton Lakes SP0892 Pelshall SK0203 Wolverhampton S09198 Gornal Wood S09190 Pensnett S09188 Wrens Nest S09391
Classified Notes
The sequence followed is that of the "British Birds" List of Birds of the Western Paleartic (19 78) which follows Professor KH Voous' "List of Recent Holartic Bird Species" (1977). The average arrival and departure dates given for migrants are based respectively on the first and last dates (excluding freaks) shown in the Annual Reports up to 1986. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based. In tables, - denotes no count available, for key to contributors.
Red-throated Diver Warks An adult at Draycote on February 1 PDH. Staffs One at Belvide on December 7 SJ. KRS.
Black-throated Diver Staffs An adult at Chasewater SLH, JKH and later at Belvide SJ on February 4.
Great Northern Diver A total of eight birds, a good year. Warks At Draycote two immatures were present from 1985 until January 13 with one remaining until January 25 GIG, PDH. One at Shustoke from 59
January 20 to 27 JAA, SLC. In autumn a further record from Draycote of another immature on November 23 GIG. Staffs A first-winter bird was found dead in the Meese near Forton on January 12FCG. One at Belvide from November 10SJto the year's end several observers. \N Mid At Fens Pools' the first-winter bird of 1985 was present until January 6 TAP et at. One at Bartley on December 12 SMW. PGG.
Little Grebe Warks Bred at Alvecote and Coton (two pairs), Middleton (one pair), Packington (five pairs) and near Warwick (one pair). Maximum numbers were disappointingly low with 10 being the most recorded at any one site. Worcs Bred successfully at Bittell, Grimley (two), and Larford (three). A total of 21 were at Larford on September 3. Observed at 14 other localities during the year. Staffs At least three pairs bred at Burton, two at Branston, Doxey and Westport with single pairs at Blithfield and Keele. Of at least four pairs at Chasewater only one was successful. Autumn numbers were low with maxima of five at Belvide and Chasewater and only three at Blithfield. 21 were counted on the Trent between Sandon and Alrewas in September. W Mid Single pairs raised four young in the Sandwell Valley and three young at Willenhall. A pair at Fens Pool throughout the breeding season are not thought to have bred. A notable count of 21 at Bradnock's Marsh on October 19 contained a high proportion of immatures.
Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at principal waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Alvecote 9 6 18 22 13 9 8 11 Draycote 50 80 15 34 15 Earlswood 6 0 16 12 — — - 18 14 12 12 Kingsbury 10 6 20 30 43 24 45 Shustoke 23 0 2 2 5 4 5
Bittell 3 6 13 39 32 8 3 6 4 0 6 3 Upton Warren 0 1 18 12 8 7 4 3 0 0 2 2 Westwood 3 4 10 3 4 4 4 4 4 6 2 3
Aqualate 0 0 12 13 . _ 21 1 Belvide 19 4 15 10 e 34 15 16 16 23 19 12 Blithfield 46 — 20 30 30 SO 87 60 — 20 40 10 Chasewater 7 12 9 6 2 11 6 12 11 12 4 6 Westport 4 1 12 12 4 6 6 6 5 5 7 ' 8
Sandwell Valley 0 1 4 10 8 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Numbers noticeably lower than last year, no doubt in part due to the hard winter. 60
Warks Successful breeding at Earlswood (three pairs) Kingsbury (six pairs) Ladywalk (four pdiit>) and Tackington (seven pair3) At Drayooto a leucistic bird seen in winter 1985 was recorded again on March 9. Worcs Bred at Beckford, Bittell, Larford, Lower Moor, Upper Strensham, Upton Warren and Westwood (two pairs). Four were on the River Severn at Worcester on March 2. Staffs Successful breeding occurred at Barton, Betley, Blithfield, Branston, and Hollybush Lake but pairs at Belvide, Chasewater and Westport failed. Probably nested at Copmere, Himley and Moss Pool. 16 at Trentham in early May disappeared when the lake was drained. W Mid Bred successfully at Edgbaston Park, Fens Pool, Netherton, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park, Swanshurst Park and Trittiford Park. 10 at Edgbaston Reservoir on March 11 was the only notable autumn or winter count.
Red-necked Grebe A good series of records with at least seven birds. Warks One at Lea Marston on February 23 SLC. ARD, GIG. Another crash landed into a Stoneleigh garden on February 25. This bird is now in the Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, Coventry per MWF. Also, one at Draycote on March 19 MJI. Worcs An immature at Larford from September 13 until October 12 MDJ, SMW and at Arrow Valley Lake an adult from November 23 until December 6 SMW.BJN. Staffs One at Belvide between October 12 and November 4 SJ. SAR et at and from November 14 JSB to December 8 ARMB. W Mid One at Fens Pools from February 5 BJ et al until 7 KRS. A winter plumaged bird at Edgbaston Reservoir from February 7 to 8 TCH. SGA. PMH. may have been the same bird at Bartley on February 9 JLJ to the 11 JHS. One in summer plumage at Bartley on March 1 INR.
Slavonian Grebe Warks At Draycote one on February 15 and 16 REH, PDH and another on November 22 AC. PDH. - Worcs One on the River Avon at Evesham from February 24 to March 6 SMW. JHS and a different bird at Wilden on March 6 SMW. One at Bittell on April 16 was in summer plumage SMW. GJM.
Black-necked Grebe Worcs A summer plumaged bird at one location from May 5 to 8 was joined by a second bird from May 9 to 12 GHP. REH. One at Bredon's Hardwick on August 25 GHP. SMW. W Mid One in summer plumage at Sandwell Valley from April 19 to 25 AJKet al. Manx Shearwater This is the sixth consecutive year for this species 61
Staffs One found in an out-house at Muckley Corner on September 2perPJW, was released on the mid-Welsh coast the next day.
1979 Addendum Leach's Petrel Staffs One at Blithfield on September 19 JKH. U. Rl.
Cormorant Warks Recorded throughout the year in the county but absent during July in the Tame Valley. The largest number was 19 at Ladywalk on February 21 with regular movements of birds between sites. Numbers up to three seen at five other localities. Worcs Regular along the Avon and Severn Valleys. Counts often were made at Ripple on January 5 and Bredon's Hardwick on January 26. Six were recorded at Grimley on February 16, Larford on February 19 and Bittell on September 28. Smaller numbers were recorded at Areley Kings, Bewdley, Holt, Lenchford, Stourport, Trimpley, Upton Warren, West- wood, Wilden and Worcester. Staffs Monthly maxima:
J F M A M J j A 3 0 N U
Belvide 14 3 12 8 7 13 1 5 16 21 10 Blithfield 5B 40 86 56 4 2 2 30 48 65 79 35 Branston 37 25 75 10 1 2 18 Chasewater 17 20 12 3 1 — — 2 1 1 8 19 Clay Mills 30 16 34 5 — — — 4 2 13 12 10 Kings Bromley 101 92 141 39 8 — — 74 83 93
Also noted at Chillington, Doxey, Gailey, Stafford, Tamworth and Trentham. WMid Small numbers were noted at Bartley, Dickens Heath, Newtown, Sandwell Valley and Sheepwash. 17 flew over Moseley on April 9.
Shag Worcs An immature on the Avon at Evesham on February 25 SMW. At Larford, an immature on October 26 MJI, REH and an adult on November 22 MDJ, BW. W Mid An immature at Netherton Reservoir from November 24 to 29 ICWet al was a first record for the locality.
Bittern Warks One at Ufton Fields from January 19 MWF until at least February 28 WC, MD. In autumn one at Kingsbury on October 22 EAH. Worcs One at Upton Warren from January 25 to 28 !NR et al. 62
Grey Heron Breeding numbers held up well despite the hard February weather. Warks 25 young fledged from 17 nests at Arrow and 24 young fledged from only nine nests at Baddesley Clinton. The maximum count was 20 at Ladywalk on July 7. two or possibly three melanistic birds with totally black plumage were present from August onwards at Kingsbury and Ladywalk. Worcs One heronry held 22 nests on April 19. Maxima were 11 at Bredon's Hardwick on July 24 and at Bittell on August 23. Recorded in smaller numberG from 23 othpr localities. Staffs A good total of 210 to 215 nests this year with 70 at Bagots Park, 36 in the south-east, 35 at Aqualate, 24 to 29 at Gailey, 18 at Longsdon Wood, 11 at Chillington, eight at Trentham, five at Enville, two at Eccleshall and one near Codsall. Notable counts were 12 at Rudyard in August and between 15 and 25 at Blithfield between June and August. W Mid A pair raised 3 young at Walsall Arboretum but only three nests were occupied at Berkswell. The number of wintering Herons at Sandwell Valley continues to increase with numbers peaking at 23 in February. Smaller numbers were reported from Brownhills Common, Marston Green, Park Lime Pits, Sheepwash, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park and Willenhall.
White Stork Staffs/ One flew south over Essington and Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton on W Mid June 21, a first record for the West Midlands County RKS.
Spoonbill Worcs A first-summer plumaged bird was at Bittell on May 3 REH et at. Staffs An adult at Blithfield on June 12 SPT and \bDH, KRS.
Mute Swan Monthly maxima from selected sites:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0
A'vecole 37 20 22 25 63 58 94 70 15 3 10 28
Bredon's Hardwick 4 B 7 8 27 S a 1 1 8 13 E Larford 19 2 6 6 10 9 4 0 2 15 40 41
Belvide 2 1 6 6 19 31 37 37 28 8 6 8 Blithfield. 2 — — 2- 10 39 53 44 7 1 2 2 Chasewater 26 7 5 7 4 2 9 18 36 30 21 18 Westport 34 39 35 29 32 40 40 35 20 17 20 25
Sandwell Valley 19 23 22 4 4 4 4 4 10 16 31 19
Warks A build up at Kingsbury in August, with 74, mostly at Coton, on August 16. 63
Worcs Breeding confirmed at Bittell, Church Lench, Thomgrove, and West- wood. 16 were noted at Worcester River Bridge on February 16. Staffs Successful breeding reported from five sites but a pair at Chasewater failed probably due to egg theft. Reports from eight other sites included 66 and 113 uii ihe river at Tamworth on January 4 and February 22 respectively, 40 at Borrowpit Lake on January 17 and up to 51 near Alrewas in April. W Mid Bred at Clayhanger, Fens Pool, Sheepwash, and Stubbers Green. Two pairs laid eggs on the island at Sandwell Valley. Neither were successful due, in part, to disturbance and crash landings from sailboarders.
Bewick's Swan A good series of records with counts in the Lower Avon continuing to grow. Warks 12 at Alvecote on January 8 included 3 immatures. One at the same locality on March 31 was probably the bird seen again on April 12. In autumn, one at Draycote on November 2. Worcs 15 present in the Bredon's Hardwick area during January, 170 on February 3 and c. 100 present all month. The herd peaked at 258 on March 15 but only 14 remained on March 28 (only 10% of the peak total were juveniles). Two were also at Beckford on January 10 and 26 were feeding at Eckington on February 2. In the autumn, 80 flew over Dunhampstead on October 1, two were at Wilden on November 15, three and 11 were at Bredon's Hardwick on December 6 and 11 respectively and 16 paused briefly at Bittell on December 13. Six were found at Ripple on December 20 when there was also a single at Bury End. Staffs Five occurred at Belvide on January 4, 5 and February 3 and nine on March 7. Four were at Chasewater from February 7 to 9 and 26 at Blithfield on March 6. Two occurred at Tixall in early February, 33 over Westport on March 7, 32 over Sandon on March 12 and one was with the Mutes at Tamworth on April 11. Up to 48 were near Alrewas from January 28 to March 16. Five were at Blithfield on December 12 and 11 on December 26. W Mid At Sandwell Valley an adult paused briefly on November 24 and three flew overhead six days later.
Whooper Swan Worcs An immature at Bredon's Hardwick from March 15 to 16 PFW, SMW and two adults at Larford on December 9 MDJ. Staffs One at Chasewater from January 1 to 8 GE, JPM was later present at Belvide on four dates between January 11 and 20 KA, GKN. Four at Doxey on January 11 MDB and two, probably different, on January 18 MDB. An adult and immature at Whitemoor Haye, Alrewas from February 4 to 16 JC E-D et at. Three adults at Longsdon Mill Pool on 64
December 14 PGB and two flew over Chasewater on December 7 CM, PJW.
Wild Swan Staffs About 20 near Burton on January 2, three over Chasewater on February 21 and about 37 flew south-east between Rudyard and Tittesworth on December 12.
Bean Goose Warks 20 at Bodymoor Heath from March 15 to 26. JEF, AK, RMN et at. This party constitutes the third record for the region in the last 50 years and the only flock ever recorded. 10 birds showed characteristics typical of the western tundra race A.f. rossicus with the remainder being indeterminate. For the 10. they showed solid a black base to bills with relatively small areas of orange behind the nail. In the remainder the orange was more extensive but on a few if any did the orange appear to enclose the nostrils. On two individuals there was white at the base of the bill. Otherwise fairly large long necked grey geese with brownish heads and necks, and orange legs ARD.
Pink-footed Goose Warks Two at Kingsbury from February 1 to 23 SLC, AC. Worcs One at Wyre Piddle on March 1 and 2 REH, SMW. One at Bredon's Hardwick, from October 26 to 30 SH. Staffs Two at Dosthill from February 1 to 23 JAA, ARD were considered to be the same as those at Kingsbury. A rather tame bird at Rudyard on April 19, May 5 and 9 PGB.
White-fronted Goose Warks A party of 11 flew north over Coton on January 11 ARD. JEF. Worcs Two immatures considered 'wild' were present at Bredon's Hardwick from February 24 to March 9 SMW. GIG. A bird noted at Larford, Grimley, Holt and Westwood from February8to April 16 was thought to be feral BW. GHP. Staffs Two adults and an immature near Dosthill from January 1 to 5 JAA, ARD. Two adults at Blithfield on December 26 JC E-D. WMid A single at Chelmsley Wood Lake from March 27 to April 16 was probably feral.
Grey Geese sp Worcs 11 flew high over Bittell going south-east on October 16 PCT. A skein of 62 passed west over Little Comberton on November 1 PFW.
Greylag Goose Warks The Tame Valley flock which moves between Packington and the Kingsbury area peaked at 67 on September 13. Elsewhere the only 65
records were from Brandon with up to five in March and May. Worcs Singles at Bittell on March 22 and Westwood on March 16. Two at Larford from April 22 to 25 with one remaining to June 4 and three at Arrow Valley lake on May 14. A single commuted between Holt and Westwood from August 5 to September 7. A Greylag x Whitefront hybrid was seen at Bredon's Hardwick on May 13. Staffs A skein of eight flew over Anslow on January 1. One at Chasewater on March 19 was only the second ever record. Four near Alrewas from February 2 to April 3, five near Rocester on June 23 and two at Doxey on December 11. Singles also noted at Aqualate, Blithfield and Clay Mills and a pair unsuccessfully nested at Tittesworth. W Mid A pair were present at Sandwell Valley on May 21. Another individual at first thought to be leucistic but later to be a hybrid became resident in the area from August 19 onwards. A single was reported from Sutton Park between August 24 and 31.
Snow Goose Worcs One at Larford from March 5 to October 25 sustained a damaged wing in the spring. Another bird at Grimley on May 5. Staffs Two at Aqualate on April, 30 (one apparently paired with a Canada Goose) and one on November 15. A blue-phase bird at Hollybush Lake on March 16. One at Tittesworth from May 4 to 24 and four on May 12 at Belvide and Chillington. One at Doxey on June 3. Three at Westport from June 6 to September 11 when one died, the other two remaining until 28. One near Codsall from June 10 to 17, five at Perton on August 18 and four there on September 28 with one at Belvide on December 29. All these records are suspected to be feral birds.
Canada Goose The September count at Blithfield is the highest ever in the region. Monthly maxima at principal waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N" D
Bittell 120 100 62 46 22 10 18 186 289 176 72 135 Bredon s Hardwick 102 164 60 40 24 — — 48 — 139 248 138 Upton Warren 2 0 32 29 28 38 37 114 — 74 2 27 Westwood 205 109 17 4 4 — 0 90 180 275 35 300
Aqualate 255 261 60 126 _ 115 123 650 179 Belvide 87 124 67 10 31 65 45 25 41 186 95 89 Blithfield 600 600 18 10 4 50 — 1050 200 350 630 Doxey 162 131 108 20 15 18 25 80 78 38 200 218
Sandwell Valley 80 120 80 47 52 300 300 300 300 Sheepwash — 47 45 14 9 20 6 45 73 53 — 4
Warks Very few counts received this year. At Alvecote 53 in January and February and 140 on December 27 were the largest flocks there. At 66
Kingsbury, 270 on February 19 and 560 on December 14 were the highest counts. Worcs Maxima of 130 at Larford on February 18, 318at Grimley on November 29 and 270 at Holt on November 30. Bred at Abberton, Bredon's Hardwick, Fladbury, Pirton, Upton Warren and Westwood. A bird showing the characteristics of the race B.c. hutchinsii was seen at several central waters during the year. Small numbers of birds resembling the race B.c. taverneri were at Larford and Wilden from April to October. Staffs Bred at Aqualate, Belvide, Borrowpit, Elford (66 juveniles present in July) Hollybush and Needwood. 300 at Perton on September 9 and 185 at Elford on October 10. Two small birds showing characteristics of the race hutchinsii or minima were at Blithfield in January and February. Canada x Barnacle hybrids were at Blithfield in September and Westport on May 16. WMid Bred at Bilston, Sandwell Valley (9 pairs), Sedgley, Sutton Park, Wolverhampton and Willenhall.
Brent Goose Staffs A first-winter bernicla at Blithfield from January 1 to February 10 MJE, JC E-D, PDH et at and at Doxey from January 11 MDB to 14 JPM. A remarkable flock of 17 resting on Belvide on April 16 JKH were probably all bernicla, likewise one at Chasewater on November 15 and 16 JSB, GE.
Barnacle Goose With the exception of the Bittell and Blithfield flocks, other birds are presumed to be feral. Warks Singles at Kingsbury from February 3 to April 26 and at Earlswood on March 31. Worcs The Bittell flock present at the end of 1985 remained until January 24, totalling 67. Up to six at Pirton from March 23 to May 24 and five at Grimley on April 15. Singles at Larford on February 18, Upton Warren on April 16, Grimley from April 5 to 12 and Westwood on April 19. On November 5,38 returned to Bittell and up to 67 were noted until the end of December. Staffs Singles at Blithfield in January, Branston Golf Course on January 10, Longsdon on March 22, Tittesworth on May 11 and 13, Perton on August 17, Blithfield in September and November and Perton again on October 5.17 arrived at Blithfield on October 28 and stayed to the end of the year. W Mid Singles at Monkspath, February 16 to March 9, Sandwell Valley, June 6 to 29 and July 18 to the year's end.
Egyptian Goose Worcs One seen with Canadas at Bittell on February 1. 67
Staffs One occurred erratically at Hollybush Lake from January 26 to October 26.
Ruddy Shelduck Worcs Two at Larford on March 15 MJ! and two at the Gullett on April 4. Up to five present at Holt between September 1 MHB and October 18 PGG. All are presumed to be feral birds.
Shelduck Monthly maxima at selected waters:
J F M A M J J A s 0 N D
Alvecoie 2 5 6 3 4 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 Draycote 5 2 — — — — — — — — 2 Kingsbury 5 3 11 7 7 5 10 10 7 3 0 2 Ladywalk 0 0 1 4 4 4 0 0 6 7 0 0
Holt 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 2 Larford 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 Upton Warren 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 Westwood 0 1 2 4 0 — 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aqualite 1 _ _ 2 2 _ _ 5 11 — Helvide / 1 / 4 IU 2 — 1 M — — Blithfield — — 2 1 2 2 1 1 5 2 10 1 Chasewater — — 2 1 1 — 6 — — — —
Warks Breeding was established at Kingsbury (four broods) and Ladywalk (one brood). 21 flying south-west over Coton on January 27 was noteworthy. One also at Ryton Gravel Pit on July 21. Worcs Singles at Bittell on January 27 and March 16 and Wyre Mill on February 24. Two at Bredon's Hardwick on March 12 and May 11 and a juvenile at Wilden on August 19. Staffs A pair raised 11 young at Clay Mills. Maxima of four at Barton, Copmere, and Westport. One at Longsdon Mill Pool on March 15 was unusual. Also reported from nine other sites. W Mid Five at Sheepwash on January 27, three on April 19 and May 3 and three at Sandwell Valley on April 19 with singles there on January 5, May 2 and November 5. Four juveniles at Edgbaston Reservoir on September 8 and three birds at Sutton Park on December 22.
Mandarin Worcs Up to three drakes at Bewdley River Bridge from February to early May. A male at Larford on April 30 and May 4 and another male at Bittell on April 23. Staffs An introduced drake present at Brocton from January to at least May. Drakes also at Belvide during March, at Doxeyon October 11 and a duck joined a captive pair near Codsall on August 8. 68
Wigeon Average: August 22 (40) to May 5 (51) One at Alvecote until May 31 with a few records of summering individuals. The first returning bird was at Blithfield on August 5. Exceptional numbers in the first winter period. Monthly maxima at selected waters:
J F M A M J j A s 0 N 0
Alvecote 25 93 102 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 6 nrayrma Asn dsn im n n n n n n n 71 71? Kingsbury 71 60 8 12 0 0 0 0 10 75 6 37 Ladywalk 200 2 BO 103 10 0 0 0 0 0 11 107 0 Shustoke 130 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bittell 3 12 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 2 32 Bredon's Hardwick 212 560 2200 102 0 0 0 1 1 32 58 0
Aqualate 107 66 it 8 20 3 Belvide 120 161 153 4 — — 1 9 18 47 43 85 Blithfield 1030 1895 540 101 1 — 1 1 14 77 80 354 Chasewater 3 4 12 1 5 — 2 Ooxey 16 7 10 — — — — 2 1 0 4 29 Tittesworth 300 180 173 15 — — — — 6 38 67 124 Westpori 6 0 1 1 2 1 2
Sandwell Valley 26 14 23 2 - - - - 2 13 14 29
Warks Small numbers also noted at Packington and at The Somers, Meriden. Worcs The March count at Bredon's Hardwick would appear to be the highest recorded in Worcestershire and the second highest for the region. A maximum of 116 noted at Grimley on January 19, with maxima at Ripple of 80 on January 11 and 60 on March 9. Smaller numbers were reported from Holt, Larford, Upton Warren, Westwood and Wilden. Staffs The February count at Blithfield is the highest at this locality ever. A leucistic drake was present at Blithfield during February and December. Tixall Water Meadows held c. 60 on February 4 and nine were present at Elford on April 19. Nine at Belvide on August 24 were early arrivals. W Mid Small numbers from Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pool, Netherton Reservoir, Sheepwash and Sutton Park with a notable count of 56 at Bradnocks Marsh on March 10.
1985 Addendum A count of six drakes and three ducks at Fens Pool on January 7 was considered a good record for the locality.
Gadwall Monthly maxima from selected waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Draycote 4 10 9 - 2 3 Kingsbury 6 5 4 2 — — 15 23 22 52 36 69
J F M A M J J A s 0 N D
Larford 0 0 1 2 2 2 10 9 5 B 0 Pinon 10 — — — - — - — — — 10 13 Westwood 6 6 6 2 2 — 0 0 n n n 5
Warks Two broods at Kingsbury and one at Ladywalk. Small numbers seen at Brandon, Meriden and Packington. Particularly good numbers at Kingsbury in late autumn. Worcs Bred at Croome and Larford, constituting the first proven breeding records in the county. Maxima of six at Bredon's Hardwick on March 13, and 16 at a central locality on March 29. Smaller numbers reported regularly from Bittell, Grimley, Holt and Upton Warren. Staffs A pair present at Belvide throughout April, May and June but there was no proof of breeding. Single birds were also present in September and December. Three at Barton on May 16, and at Blithfield on June 26 with seven at Elford on December 12. One or two also noted at Chasewater, Doxey, King's Standing, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid A good run of records from Sandwell Valley with a pair on January 16 and 17, a drake from February 11 to March 9 and three ducks on March 10. A pair at Fens Pools from March 13 to 14 was a first record for the locality and another pair were present at Bradnock's Marsh on April 4. Autumn records were of a single at Sutton Park on September 11 and three drakes and two ducks at Sandwell Valley from November 29 to 30. Teal Generally wintering numbers were lower than in recent years. Monthly maxima from principal waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Alvecote 140 105 160 60 2 2 60 130 120 150 20 Brandon 140 * — — — — — — — — 133 29 16 Kingsbury 390 1B0 105 B — 2 — — — 49 120 232 Ladywalk 420 500 B — — — — 90 — 150 — 350 Long Marston 35 — — — — — — — — — — — Middleton 50 5 20 25 75
Bittell 54 6 27 7 2 0 0 3 10 12 4 40 Bredon's Hardwick 15 0 190 0 0 0 — 2 0 0 B 0 Ripple 130 200 60 115 Upton Warren 66 49 40 12 1 10 7 30 55 75 60 87 Holt & Grimley 120 150 9 6 0 — — 0 40 20 150 —
Aqualate 146 50 12 _ 25 10 60 21 Belvide 96 30 50 10 1 3 3 4B 45 60 64 120 Blithfield 200 — 62 2 — — 35 240 180 300 — 459 Doxey 190 100 50 50 2 2 2 30 2 6B 200 214
Sandwell Valley 66 BO 75 IB - - - 5 17 30 30 50 Sheepwash 30 24 20 2 1 1 13
Warks No definite breeding this year but pairs present in suitable areas as indicated above. 70
Worcs 130 at Upper Strensham on January 14 with smaller numbers reported from Larford, Lower Moor, Lower Strensham, Westwood and Worcester. Staffs 40 at King's Standing on January 25 and 50 were on the river at Tamworth the next day. Other maxima were 17 at Mill Green in March, 13 at Chasewater on April 19 and 25 at Elford on September 11. Also reported from Dosthill, Hollybush Lake, Mare Brook, Trentham, Westport and Yoxall Lodge. W Mid Small numbers were noted from Bentley Pools, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Sutton Park and Willenhall. An unusual record was of a pair at Sanrlwell Valley on June 22 and a good winter count totalled 73 at Clayhanger on December 5.
Mallard Monthly counts in 1985 and 1986 appear slightly down on preceding years. Monthly maxima from principal waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0
Alvecote 175 135 65 34 87 61 99 151 285 265 160 140 Brandon 20 45 28 Kingsbury 95 135 70 — — 170 — — — 161 80 129 Ladywalk 85 700 658 — — 220 — — 400 — 300 — Middleton 115 140 20 30 70 80 150 Shustoke 55 67 43 108 40 200 143
Bittell 120 10 47 36 14 14 50 60 40 90 160 Larford 2 42 50 20 35 50 26 50 55 20 40 2 Upton Warren 102 120 24 28 42 125 103 260 219 268 189 215 Westwood 165 165 70 6 12 — 80 80 140 60 40 55
Aqualate 976 797 50 100 300 470 595 BOO 603 Belvide 698 685 155 123 145 240 423 421 783 520 810 600 Blithfield 790 232 119 — 250 350 — — 800 — 1540 Chasewater 141 162 150 10 3 9 12 16 201 213 70 139 Doxey 180 130 60 30 — - 20 50 120 100 120 124 Mill Green 74 76 47 12 20 28 21 37 52 36 64 68 Westport 64 76 71 28 36 64 87 89 100 90 82 99
Sandwell Valley 90 200 170 70 54 . 75 50 130 150 150 Sheepwash 18 12 22 8 44 30 30 50 55 52 60 65
Warks Poor breeding success reported from Ladywalk. Five broods produced 28 young at Alvecote and three at Earlswood produced 26 young. Worcs Brood counts included 12 at Bittell, two at Beckford, six at Larford, two at Lower Moor and 10 at Upton Warren. Other flocks included 230 at Beckford on January 10,110 at Wilden on 17 February, 160 at Grimley on August 27 and 100 at Ripple on September 1. Staffs 450 at Kings Bromley on September 10. Up to five pairs nested at Chasewater but only about three broods raised. 213 on October 8 was site record. W Mid Breeding records from Brownhills Common, Cotwall End, Fens Pools, Park Lime Pits, Willenhall Memorial Park, Willenhall Sewage Farm and 71
West Park. Nine broods produced 37 ducklings at Sandwell Valley, in contrast to 50 ducklings from six broods in the previous year, probably a reflection of the cold, wet summer.
Pintail Average: September 3 (42) to April 19 (47) Last noted at Longsdon on March 16 and the first return was noted at Upton Warren on July 14. Monthly maxima from selected waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0
Bredon's Hardwick S 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Belvide 1 - - 2 6 1 Blithfield 1 9 15 5 16 1
Warks Two males at Coton on January 1 with one on 19. At Ladywalk, possibly the same birds were present from February 22 to March 1 with one at Coton on February 26. In autumn an immature male was present at Ladywalk from October 1 to 11 and an adult on October 12 with another at Coton on Octobcr 30. Worcs Drakes at Ripple on January 11 and Strensham on March 13 and ducks at Bittell on January 4 and September 25, Larford on September 9 and Upton Warren on November 15. An eclipse male stayed at Upton Warren from July 14 to at least August 4. Staffs A drake at Doxey on February 5 and another at Longsdon Mill Pool on March 14 and 16.
Garganey A verage: April 2 (43) to September 27 (42) First noted on April 18 at Brandon and the last record was from Bittell on September 13. Late arrival and early departure. Warks A drake at Brandon on April 18 and an unsexed individual at Coton on July 27 were the only records. Worcs A drake at Larford on June 24. Two eclipse birds at Bittell from July 31 to August 7 with one remaining until September 3. Staffs A drake at Belvide from April 26 to 28 followed by a pair on May 16. Drakes at Doxey from April 30 to May 5 and June 21 to 22 and at Blithfield from May 6 to June 1 with a duck there on June 29. Return birds included a drake at Blithfield from July 22 to August 16 when it was joined by an eclipse bird until August 25; a duck at Doxey from August 8 to 17 and an eclipse drake at Belvide from August 9 to September 2. WMid An immature duck at Sandwell Valley from August 13 to September 18 was probably the same bird at Brookvale, also on September 18. 72
Shoveler Only one breeding record. As expected, numbers low in February. Monthly maxima from selected waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0
Alvecote 5 13 2 _ 4 19 25 Kingsbury 35 25 20 8 4 4 • 10 10 94 143 68 46 Ladywalk 70 30 43 — 13 70 70 75 — —
Upton Warren 17 0 24 2 2 3 0 5 53 21 25 14
Aqualate 7 10 12 2 _ 26 16 11 Belvide 30 5 5 8 6 19 9 59 185 75 62 41 Blithfield — — 3 4 2 6 10 10 6 6 20 12
Warks A pair bred in the Kingsbury area raising nine young. Worcs 30 were at Westwood on February 2. The maximum at Wilden was 20 on August 19. Smaller numbers were recorded from Bittell, Bredon's Hardwick, Holt, Larford, Oakley, Pershore and Ripple. Staffs Chasewater held birds on only three dates. Westport had a pair during April with singles on scattered dates. Other reports came from Doxey, Moss Pool, Kettlebrook and Trentham. W Mid Sandwell Valley held pairs on March 11 and April 19, two ducks from August 18 to 27 and a further pair on December 21. One at Fens Pools on October 13, six at Sutton Park on November 5 decreasing to four by November 7.
Red-crested Pochard Staffs A duck at Chasewater from September 19 GE to 23 NPB. W Mid An immature at Park Lime Pits on September 17 AKD was considered to be a separate bird to the one at Chasewater.
Pochard Monthly maxima at principal waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Alvecote 210 120 120 20 3 5 4 2 19 36 77 105 Earlswood 18 17 16 6 0 3 2 0 5 10 16 21 Kingsbury 1000 1500 550 550 28 23 300 436 1378 1980
Bredon's Hardwick 6 0 77 15 0 5 1 3 59 50 9 Lartord 5 93 113 1 0 0 0 0 14 12 4 110 Pinon 7 0 50 — — - — — — 50 47 Upton Warren 90 24 61 5 3 1 13 20 18 48 110 69 Westwood 80 60 30 10 1 — 0 0 0 0 20 89
Aqualate 20 27 44 4 _ 1 — _ 7 4 Belvide 60 21 28 20 9 33 63 89 74 45 46 53 Blithfield 150 2 33 — — 10 32 29 — 141 — 51 Chasewater 32 43 29 2 — — — 1 7 12 27 21 Westport 45 56 67 4 1 1 4 3 8 24 35 58 73
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Fens Pools 10 5 4 - — 9 16 11 Sandwell Valley 122 201 115 1 — — — 1 11 32 47 68 Sheepwash 27 20 26 6 — — — — 1 10 16 22
Warks 150 at Ladywalk on March 2. One pair bred at Alvecote with two young seen on July 12. The Lea Marston/Coton area continues to attract large numbers especially in hard weather with record counts. Worcs 50 at Ripple on February 23 and 49 at Wilden on December 21. Smaller numbers recorded from Bittell, Evesham, Lower Moor and Wyre Piddle. No breeding records. Staffs At Branston, 115 noted on November 28. Also recorded from near Codsall, Doxey, Himley, Mill Green, Perton and around Tamworth. W Mid Winter counts included 33 at Hydes Pool on January 18,31 at Stubbers Green on January 21, 54 at Witton Lakes on March 8 and 31 at Sutton Park on March 12. A record count of 201 at Sandwell Valley in February.
Ferruginous Duck Staffs A duck at Hollybush Lake on September 4 DIMW.
Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at principal waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0
Alvecote 137 174 133 72 26 28 59 8 13 33 77 124 Brandon — — — — — — — — 3 29 34 Draycote 350 600 86 — ' 20 85 39a 175 — 150 202 203 Kingsbury 800 800 700 611 863 1120 Ladywalk 130 60 67 Shustove 128 — 223 23 69 142 103
Biliell 63 0 52 42 18 9 38 60 90 70 95 80 Larford 0 35 85 34 20 8 5 4 11 4 8 33 Upton Warren 38 12 20 10 10 5 18 9 10 14 10 12 Westwood 75 60 52 35 28 — 14 8 6 2 13 33
Aqualaie 66 21 26 65 11 5 12 31 42 Belvide 94 30 180 148 180 105 267 437 400 200 170 250 Blithfield 40 . 4 39 47 — 70 98 45 45 39 — 54 Chasewater 282 150 91 67 2 4 — 3 98 152 284 333 Mill Green 3 46 14 7 8 4 3 1 2 5 8 6 Westport 159 287 293 54 9 7 4 7 77 132 116 78
Fens Pool 27 47 20 19 1 8 19 45 44 Sandwell Valley 93 194 70 16 17 15 — — — 24 35 50 Sheepwash 20 4 10 35 40 10 34 70 12 12 15 5
Warks Seven broods produced 30 young at Alvecote and at Ladywalk two broods yielded 15 young. Probably bred at Packington. /4
Worcs Two broods at Bredon's Hardwick, Church Lench, Grimley and Pirton and singlp hrnnds at Bittell. Holt, Lower Moor and Upton Warren. 64 at Wilden on September 18 and 65 at Pirton on November 26 were ot note. Staffs Seven broods were raised at Belvide and also at Doxey, five at Branston, three at Four Crosses, two at Norton Canes and one at Hollybush Lake. W Mid Bred at Sandwell Valley, 11 broods totalling 36 young, and Sheepwash, with 52 ducklings from seven broods. Maximum of 49 at Netherton Reservoir on January 10.
$nanp Another good year. Warks Interestingly all winter records are from Draycote and all autumn records from the Tame Valley. At Draycote two immature ducks and one immature drake were present from January 1 until 25 when they were joined for one day only by an adult drake. They remained until February 8 when three immature drakes and two immature ducks were present. The following day only two immature drakes remained and these were present until March 9. On March 15 only one was seen and this bird was last noted on March 29. At Coton an immature duck on October 30 and an immature drake on November 1. On November 9 a different immature drake arrived and stayed with the duck until December 19 when a second immature drake appeared. These three remained until the end of the year with an additional duck on December 21 and 22. Worcs AdrakeatWildenonJanuary6withapairatLarfordfromMarch 1 until at least April 12 and an extra female/immature joining them from March 9 to 23. A single drake at Bredon's Hardwick on March 8 with two there on March 12 and a pair at Westwood on April 15. Staffs A first-winter bird at Chasewater from January 1 to February 10 and a duck at Westport on March 23. Two ducks occurred at Blithfield from April 4 to 27 and a drake at Belvide from May 5 to 7. Up to five at Belvide from October 21 to November 3, four at Blithfield on November 2 with up to three until November 15. Single immatures at Belvide and Blithfield on many dates in November and December and an immature duck remained at Chasewater from December 7 to 12. W Mid An eclipse drake at Bartley Reservoir on September 28.
Aythya hybrids Warks A Pochard x Ferruginous Duck hybrid at Coton on February 23 and December 20 ARD This individual showed more features of female Pochard but had a warm brown tone to the plumage. The undertail coverts were gleaming white and clear cut with the head shape indicating Ferruginous influence. Birds considered to be of Tufted Duck x Pochard origin at Lea Marston on January 4 (two), January 11, February 22 and July 27. Staffs A Pochardx Ferruginous duck hybrid present at Belvide throughout the year. 75
It had similar colouration to a duck Ferruginous but was larger than Tufted with a more rounded less domed head per SJ. A possible Tufted x Pochard hybrid reported from Blithfield on November 1 REH. W Mid A Pochard a Tufled Duck hybrid at Sandwell Valley on many dates between January 31 and April 1, whilst another male was at Sheepwash from April 4 to 13. Long-tailed Duck Warks The duck seen in 1985 remained at Draycote until February 18 PDH, GIG et al. Common Scoter
An extraordinary movement occurred throughout the region on July 12 with a total of 91 birds actually recorded. Warks Two singles at Draycote on April 1 and Brandon on April 12, were followed by a party of seven drakes at Alvecote on May 31. On July 12, 35 birds were recorded in the Tame Valley with 18 at Shustoke (17 drakes), 14 at Lea Marston (10 drakes) and three at Alvecote (all drakes). A drake was also seen at Shustoke on December 21. Worcs A drake at Upton Warren on March 28 and a duck at Westwood on July 31. Staffs At Blithfield a pair occurred on April 12, up to two drakes from May 17 to 20 and one on June 24. An immature drake at Westport on May 30 and a duck at Gailey on June 22. On July 12, two parties at Blithfield of 20 (19 drakes) and nine (all ducks), five drakes and a duck at Kettlebrook Lake, seven drakes and five ducks at Rudyard and a drake at Westport. On July 14 a mixed party of 24 occurred at Belvide followed by a drake on July 25 and another on August 10. There were four (one drake) on 76
August 13 with two immatures until August 19. On August 7 five (one drako) were present at Blithfield vyith two drakes and an immature at Chasewater on August 18 and a duck or immature at Belvide on September 27. W Mid A duck at Fens Pools on April 27 was a first record for the locality. Eight (five drakes and three ducks) occurred at Meriden on July 12. A pair at Sandwell Valley on December 3.
Velvet Scoter Warks The 1985 immature female remained at Draycote until April 4 PDHetal. Staffs Two probable first wintef birds at Chasewdler from Novcmbor 16 to December 14 SMW et at. Surf Scoter Warks An adu It drake at Draycote on October 26 EB. ARD, CG, the first county record this century. The only other county record was a bird shot near Stratford "some years before 1904".
Goldeneye A verage: September 21 (46) to May 7 (44) Last recorded at Blithfield on May 7. The first returning bird was at Coton on October 10, notably later than usual.
J F M A M J J A s 0 N D
Draycote 85 75 58 6 59 83 Kingsbury 10 64 20 3 1 1 1 — 4 25 38 Shustoke 32 9 5 4
Bittell 5 0 14 7 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 12 Bredon's Hardwick 3 6 1 0 0 — 0 0 0 0 1 1
Belvide 47 50 65 44 2 0 0 0 0 10 25 42 BlithField 21 43 23 35 1 — - 0 — 33 20 Chasewater 75 60 69 56 1 0 0 0 0 4 60 83 Trent at Branston — 70 41 33 — — — — 0 — 15 18 Westpon 9 6 11 9 0 — — — 0 3 8 9
Warks Ladywalk recorded up to two regularly but six on February 24 were unusual. A drake summered at Kingsbury. Worcs Very small numbers also reported from Evesham, Larford, Lower Moor, Pirton, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs Up to eight at Copmere in April, four at Aqualate in March and up to two at Clay Mills, Doxey and Rudyard. One at Trentham in March. W Mid Reported regularly throughout the winter from Bartley Reservoir with a maximum of nine on December 12. Three ducks at Sandwell Valley on November 4 were followed by a drake on December 9, the first adult drake for the locality. Single records also from Fens Pools, Sutton Park and Witton Lakes.
Smew Warks At Draycote the three redheads from 1985 remained until February 22 77
and then two were present until March 9 PDH et al. A good series of records in the Tame Valley, with two drakes at Cpton on January 26 SLC. ARD which then visited both Ladywalk and Kingsbury and remained in the area until February 23, when three were seen at Kingsbury MAA, RJT. The following day four were present in the area and they remained, usually in two groups of two, at Coton and Kingsbury until March 3, when four were seen together at Kingsbury MAA. RJT. In autumn a redhead appeared at Draycote on December 13 DJS and stayed until the end of the year. Staffs A drake at Westport on February 23 per JPM and March 1 NC. DWE. JPM. A redhead at Belvide on November 12 KA. SAR and a drake at Blithfield on November 27 SF. W Mid A redhead at Sandwell Valley from March 5 to 10 AW et al and two drakes at St Margarets Hospital, Great Barr PMH, AW on March 13 were first records for their localities.
1985 Addendum Worcs At Lower Bittell redheads were recorded on February 3 and 10 with two on March 3 and 9 MJI. GJM.
Red-breasted Merganser Woics A duck on the River Severn at Folly Point near Trimpley on February 15 MP. At Larford a pair noted on April 15 MDJ. TCEL. Staffs A drake on the Trent at Stapenhill on February 12 TC and 23 MJE. Single redheads at Blithfield on September 19 and 20 GMH and from November lioAJC E-D et al and five with one drake on November 14 GMH. MDJ. ICW.
Goosander A verage: October 27(41) to April 17 (38) The last record at Blithfield on April 27 with the first return at the same locality on October 9 but no notable numbers until November. Monthly maxima at principal waters:
J F M A M J J A s 0 N D
Brandon 2 Draycote 5 1 3 2 1 Kingsbury 1 3 9 4 1 — Ladywalk 1 1 2 3 Shustoke 4 2 3
Bittell 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bredon's Hardwick 2 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Upton Warren t 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .2 2
Belvide 9 8 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 Blithfield 60 61 66 42 0 0 0 0 0 4 1b 39 Chasewater 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 s 7 Doxey 11 11 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 4 Rudyard 3 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Tittesworth 7 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 78
Warks Seems to be increasing in the Tame Valley. Worcs A single drake at Larford on December 7. Staffs Seven at Chasewater on December 27 and 12 at Westport from December 24 to 31 were both site records. The Trent around Burton held several birds from January to April 13 with a maximum of six at Branston on February 24.11 on the River Sow at Brancote on March 31, four at Knypersley on March 30 and at Hollybush Lake seven occurred on March 16, one staying until 29. W Mid Two ducks at Bartley on January 4. Five ducks flew north-west over Sanrlwfill Valley on December 22 with another on December 27. A duck noted at Stubbers Green on December 26.
Ruddy Duck Monthly maxima at principal waters:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Alvecote 2 2 12 8 11 9 B 4 5 3 1 1 Draycote 60 — — — — — — Earlswood 0 0 2 — 4 4 6 3 0 2 0 0 Kingsbury 161 1B0 152 9 2 2
Bittell 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 6 2 2 1 0 Larford 0 2 0 0 1 4 0 2 2 1 1 1 Upton Warren 0 0 2 10 5 4 4 5 6 6 1 0 Westwood 0 0 3 4 10 — 1 3 2 — 0 0
Aqualate 0 10 62 58 _ 5 _ _ _ _ Belvide 12 2 40 46 35 36 24 110 260 190 15 13 Blithfield 534 620 102 45 12 10 33 60 114 266 370 599 Doxey — 1 1 6 2 — 2 3 — 1 —
Warks Smaller numbers reported from Brandon, Coombe Abbey, Middleton and Packington. The only confirmed breeding came from Alvecote and Middleton (one brood at each). Worcs Single broods at Oakley and Upton Warren. Up to five summered at Church Lench. Maximum of eight at Wilden on September 25. Staffs Breeding records from Betley, Doxey (5 pairs), Elford and near Needwood. Small numbers recorded from Alton, Chasewater, Clay Mills, Copmere, Hollybush Lake, Rudyard, Stapenhill, Tixall, the Trent Valley and Westport. W Mid Two pairs bred at Edgbaston Park. Small numbers were noted from Berkswell, Sandwell Valley, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park.
Red Kite Worcs One flew over the Lickey Hills on May 14 CRG.
Black Kite Worcs One passed northwards over Defford on May 4 MGK and presumably the same individual was seen again at Hartlebury on May 5 IRM. This constitutes the first record for the region. 79
Considerably larger than nearby Carrion Crow. Wings were long, rather broad and angled, the outer primaries being spread. The tail was slightly forked but when spread looked almost, but not quite, square-ended. The tail looked long. Plumage was an almost uniform dull dark brown. On the under surface of the wing the remiges appeared slightly paler. A light panel was formed by the paler median upper wing coverts. The bird had a rather 'floppy' but buoyant appearance, with heavy wing beats. Whilst gliding the wings were hold horizontally. The tail was used as a rudder, twisting markedly when the bird manoeuvred.
1982 Marsh Harrier Warks A juvenile at Kingsbury on September 1 DIL. Worcs A female or immature at Upton Warren on August 18 JH. W Mid An immature female flew low across Sandwell Valley heading north- west on September 20 RMN, RDan, AJK, a first record for the locality.
1982 Addendum Warks An immature female at Kingsbury on August 29 AH.
Hen Harrier A poor year, perhaps reflecting the bird's relative decline. Warks Both records refer to "ring-tails". One at Kingsbury on October 26 NDG and another at Whitacre Heath on December 7 SLC, DIL. Worcs A male at High Green on January 19 SMW. Staffs A "ring-tail" at Blithfield on January 18 MF.
Montagu's Harrier Worcs A female at Bredon Hill on June 14 GHP. WFP was only the fifteenth record in the region.
Harrier sp. Worcs One over the M5 motorway near Catshill on May 16 RRH. A ringtail was at Bittell on October 19 PCT.
Goshawk Warks A female on April 14 and a male on April 18 at two separate localities. Worcs Reports from one central TRC and one southern site IGD in the breeding season. One male at a northern site on September 21 BW. Staffs Two isolated breeding season records and one confirmed nesting record from the north of the county. One at Doxey on September 21 MDB.
Sparrowhawk Warks Reported from 11 localities in the breeding season with an estimated three pairs at Packington and two at Ladywalk. Well distributed in winter. Worcs Recorded at 31 localities during the breeding season and at a further 24 outside it. 80
Staffs Breeding season reports from 36 well distributed sites with further records from another 28 localities. W Mid Noted at 10 sites in the breeding season including a pair that bred less than a mile from Birmingham City centre. This was possibly the pair that was observed plucking hapless Starlings from their winter roosting ledges.
Buzzard There continues to be a slow but steady increase in records for this species. Warks Singles were seen fairly frequently in the Packington area in winter and autumn months. Others were seen at Arley, Shustoke and Whitacre Heath in August, September and November and further south, near Coventry in November and at Rowington on September 20. Worcs Four young successfully reared by a pair in the south of the county. Reported from 17 other localities mainly west of the River Severn. Non- breeding season records from Evesham, Eymore Wood, Larford, Kemerton, Malvern Hills, Old Hills, Pepper Wood, Shatterford.Trimpley and Wilden. Staffs Reported from 20 well distributed localities with at least six records in July and eight in the autumn. Three spring and four autumn records at Belvide included a fairly pale phase bird in late September. Breeding confirmed at two sites with up to three others being occupied in the breeding season. W Mid One circling Willenhall Memorial Park on March 19, a first for the locality, with singles at Fens Pools on April 5, May 2 and June 18, one over Sutton Coldfield in the van of a strong north-east gale on June 28, one over Sandwell Valley on November 15 and two over Solihull on November 28.
Osprey With the exception of the long staying bird at Blithfield, a poor year. Worcs One drifted north-east over Malvern Link on August 2 GHCB. Staffs Recorded at Blithfield on April 27 and 29 MJE. JCE-D. from May 13 to July 1 MJE. JC E-D. GIG. PDH et al and on August 23 FCG.
Kestrel Warks Little information received. An estimated four pairs at Packington. Worcs Bred at Abberton, Bittell and Wilden. Eight at St Anne's Well, Malvern on September 14. Reported as widespread throughout the county. Staffs At one regular nest site three young fledged from four eggs compared with the usual five or six from six eggs. W Mid Noted from 14 sites during the breeding season including one pair in Birmingham City centre. 81
Merlin Warks A female or immature at Kingsbury from January 25 to March 9 ARMB. ARD et al and possibly the same bird at Ladywalk on February 17 SLC. An adult male at Kingsbury on February 9 SLC and again on 24 ARMB. At Brandon a male on March b WC. Another male appeared at Kingsbury on December 26 ARD. Worcs A good series of winter records came from the Avon Valley. A female was at Bredon on January 11 SMW and at Bredon's Hardwick on January 19S/WW/. Afemale wasat Defford Airfield on January 25 GJM, and a male at Holt on January 28 JS. Females were noted at Bredon's Hardwick on March 1 MJI and Bredon on March 9 SMW. One at Holt on August 30 and again on September 15 MHB. Staffs A female at Essington on March 3 and April 24 RKS and at Belvide on April 28 JKH. A male at Essington from August 20 to October 31 and a female type from August 24 to the end of September with another from September 10 RKS. A male at Boarsgrove on November 15 PGB, a female at Burton on November 23 and 240//WWandoneat Chasewater on December 20 GE. W Mid One seen briefly at Sheepwash on February 12 GW and a male at Hollywood on November 7 JRW.
1985 Addendum
Staffs Females at Burton on February 5 and 12 and November 25 DIMW.
Hobby Average: April 25 (19) to October 2 (22) One at Doxey on March 17 preceded the main influx on April 28 and 30. Most had left by mid September, but one was at Stafford on October 10. Warks Bred successfully in the north of the county with two juveniles seen around the nest area until September 8. At another site a family party consisting of two adults and two juveniles were feeding regularly during late August and September. In the southern half of the county a family party with two juveniles were seen on September 28 but no other evidence of breeding was reported. There were 24 casual sightings involving 13 locations. The majority of these were in the Tame Valley. Worcs At least two pairs bred. At Bittell up to three seen together between May 14 and August 26. Singles noted regularly at Upton Warren between May 14 and October 8. Noted on four occasions at Abberton between July 4 and September 4. Other spring records from Bredon Hill, Bredon's Hardwick, Drakelow, Dunhampstead, Evesham, Hilditch Coppice, Lower Moor, Powick and Westwood. Late summer and autumn reports from Bredon Hill (two), Castlemorton Common (two). Church Lench, Claines, Cropthorne, Fladbury, Happy Valley, Kidder- minster, Stoke Prior, Welland (two) and Wythall. Staffs Regular breeding season records at Belvide and Blithfield. Nine sightings at Chasewater and eight at Doxey. Also noted at Alrewas, 82
Bareleg Hill, Branston, Copmere, Essington, Fradley, Ingestre, Leek, Middle Hilk, Nnrtnn Canes. Penkridge, Sandon, Seabridge, Sherbrook, Stafford and Stapenhill. W Mid Two pairs bred, one raising three young. Spring records came from Sheepwash on May 12, Bloxwich on May 20 and Hollywood on May 23 and 25. One at Sheepwash between July 22 and August 2 was seen to catch a swift, with another present from August 30 to September 4. Singles at Handsworth on July 26, Hollywood on August 25, Hampton in Arden on September 9, and two at Sandwell Valley, an adult on August 31 and an immature on September 8.
Peregrine Again, a good year. Worcs An immature seen perched at Upton Warren on February 2 RRH, one flew over Ripple on February 12 PGG and an adult at Bredon on March 2 MJI, GJM. An immature paused briefly at Upton Warren on August 17 SFLE. AFJ, an immature female was seen at Bredon SMW and later at Bredon's Hardwick GHP on December 27. Staffs One noted in most months during the year at Meaford Power Station JPM and from January to April at Branston TC. At Blithfield an immature occurred on September 12 MDJ, ICW and 14 MJE and an adult on October 9 GMH, November 8 MJE and 9 GE.
Red Grouse Staffs Very little information received on the moors population with records only from Hen Cloud, The Roaches and Swallow Moss.
Black Grouse Staffs Only reported from one locality with 11 males the maximum count, a depressing total.
Red-legged Partridge Warks Breeding success reported to be poor again with few coveys in excess of 10. Most records received from the north of the county with 14 at Alvecote in November and 13 at Bodymoor Heath on October 10. Inthe south of the county only one record received, a covey of 10 near Kingley on February 28. Worcs Only two sizable winter conveys, 17 at Beckford in January and 18 at Holt in December. In autumn, five coveys of more than 10 birds, with 20 at Aston Mill Pit on September 18 and 18 at Grimley in November of note. A bird seen at Pirton on April 1 was identified as a Chukar GHP. Staffs Very few reported this year and only from the southern half of the county. No party larger than seven recorded. W Mid Two pairs at Sandwell Valley in spring and also at Sheepwash, on May 1, with an adult and two chicks on August 1 and a covey of eight on December 27. Three at Park Lime Pits on March 31, one at Sutton Park on May 8 and two at Pensnett on July 27. 83
Grey Partridge Warks Said to be less common at Alvecote than in previous years. Small numbers reported from many localities in winter with the largest covey being 10 at Bodymoor Heath on November 17. Worcs 11 biids at Holt in August and November were the largest reported coveys. Staffs Reported from throughout the county. At least three pairs at Chasewater with a covey of nine present on August 14.12 at Gailey on August 21,14 at Blithfield on November 4 and up to 15 in autumn in the Need wood area. W Mid Breeding season records from Bentley, Clayhanger, Pensnett. Breeding season records from Bentley (one pair), Clayhanger (three pairs), Pensnett (two pairs), Sandwell Valley (one pair) and Sutton Park (at least three pairs). Winter coveys included seven seen regularly at Park Lime Pits during November and December, eight at Clayhanger on December 19 and 10 at Stubbers Green on December 23.
1985 Addendum
Two at The Lunt, Darlaston on April 26.
Quail A reasonable series of records. Worcs Singles heard at Defford on May 29 PH and June 27 MGK. A male was seen and heard at Throckmorton on June 8 GHP with another heard at Upton Warren on June 29 INR. Staffs Single males heard at High Off ley on June 11, July 3 and 21 JKH and at Sherbrook Valley on June 15 per GE. W Mid An exhausted bird found in a Witton garden on October 22 was taken to RSPB Sandwell on the 23 and successfully released on the 24 AW. Pheasant Large numbers continue to be bred for autumn release. Warks Maximum of 54 at Morton Bagot. Birds quickly exploited the food at Ladywalk bird tables, some being expert at pecking holes in the nut- bags to release the contents. Worcs Reported to have increased this year in the north of the county. An albino noted at Hinton Roughs in November. Staffs Eight pairs bred on Doxey CBC site. Maximum of 12 at Moseley Old Hall on February 28. W Mid A pair at Sutton Park throughout the breeding season. Seven on a golf course in the Sandwell Valley on March 2 was unusual.
Water Rail Warks Only breeding season record was one calling at Brandon. Winter records received from Alvecote, Kingsbury (three) and Ladywalk (three) 84
where two fed under the bird tables on February 7. Much scarcer in autumn with only one, noted at Kingsbury on November 21. Worcs Breeding season reports from Upton Warren and Hartlebury Common. Noted in the first winter period at Bittell, Castlemorton Common, Grimley, Larford, Oakley (two), Ombersley, Ripple, Upton Warren (two) and Wilden. Autumn records came from Abberton, Aston Mill Pit (two), Bittell, Broadway, Holt (four), Oakley (three), Upton Warren (four), Westwood (four) and Wilden (two). Staffs Only reported in the breeding season at Chasewater where young were heard. Other records came from Astonefie'lds, Baggeridge, Belvide (up to three). Clay Mills, Ooxey (up to four), Eccleshall, Ford Green, Fisherwick, Himley (up to three). Mill Green (up to two), Newborough, Tixall and Yoxall Lodge. W Mid A possible pair at Cotwall End on June 27. First winter records of singles from Fens Pools on January 1 and 24, Sheepwash on January 8,26 and from March 13-April 4, Sutton Park on January 6 and February 23 and at least two at Sandwell Valley in January and February. Autumn and second winter records came from Sandwell Valley with a calling bird on September 30 and two together on October 8 with at least one until December 31. Two at Sheepwash on November 2 to the year end.
Spotted Crake
Staffs An immature in Mill Green Park on September 13 DW-J et al.
Corncrake Staffs A very early bird heard at Longsdon Mill on March 25 WJL. An adult occurred at Doxey on September 10 MDB. Moorhen Warks Few reports received. Maximum of 30 at Alvecote on February 15. Worcs Maximum of 32 at Bittell in January. Staffs Nine pairs bred at Doxey. Maxima of 27 at Chasewater on September 28 and 18 at Little Wyrley in November. WMid Small numbers bred at Brownhills Common, Cotwall End, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.
Coot Monthly maxima at selected sites:
J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0
Alvecote 310 220 485 90 95 97 160 115 105 100 120 108 Middleton 30 60 24 — — — — 5 4 — 2 Shustoke 109 — 17 25 81 22 30 85
J F M A M J J A S 0 N D
Bitiell 42 5 22 16 20 14 32 40 70 150 190 130 Larlord — 127 72 68 59 60 150 204 230 228 72 120 i Aqualate 19 80 38 _ _ 16 35 12 4 Belvide 375 281 479 180 1 IV, 425 553 900 523 383 300 376 Chasewater 500 174 118 46 5 12 25 102 254 270 302 356 Westport 294 249 168 64 54 39 — 138 177 186 216 227 Fens Pools 41 40 12 13 _ _ _ 22 22 26 Sandwell Valley 138 212 55 47 10 — 35 60 112 135 190 Warks 10 to 12 broods at Alvecote. Worcs Up to 16 young reared at Bittell where late autumn numbers regarded as higher than usual. Staffs 17 pairs bred at Doxey but seven nests failed at Trentham when the lake was drained. W Mid Six adults and nine juveniles at Fens Pools on August 3. High mortality rate reported from Sandwell Valley with only two of 16 chicks surviving from five pairs. Two broods totalling 10 juveniles noted at Stubbers Green on July 5. Oystercatcher Recorded numbers continue to increase. Monthly maxima at selected Staffordshire sites: M A M J J A s 0 N Belvide 2 1 2 3 7 Blithfield — 1 5 5 1 5 — — — Branston 3 1 2 — — — — — Chasewater 1 6 1 — 3 3 — — 1 Warks Singles recorded at Coton on March 25, Draycote March 30 and 31, Ladywalk April 6 and.occasionally throughout the late spring and summer at Kingsbury with two on August 10. At Draycote, another single on December 7. Worcs One flew over Blackpole on March 15 and one also at Bittell the same day. Singles seen at Upton Warren on April 21, Larford on April 21 and July 30, Bredon's Hardwick on May 29, and at Westwood on August 30. Three noted at Bittell on August 11. Staffs Three pairs reared four young in the Tame and Trent Valleys. Also four at Doxey on March 4 and one on March 14 and 15. Singles at Alrewas on March 5, Tittesworth on May 4 and August 2, Cannock Tip on May 11 and Westport on May 19. W Mid A single at Dickens Heath on May 12. Two at Sandwell Valley on May 8 and July 22, a single on July 20, three flew over on August 11 and one present on December 25. Black-winged Stilt A first summer individual at Larford from June 14 to 16 BWetal. This was the first county record. Rather large, elegant wader with proportionately very long legs, longish neck, and long, straight, needle-like bill. In flight, legs extended far beyond tail. Head, neck, and underparts white apart from grey wash on crown, nape, and hind neck. Mantle, scapulars, wing coverts and primaries black. Bill black, and legs bright pink. Eye dark. In flight, noted to have a narrow white trailing edge to secondaries and inner primaries. Call noted as "quip". Avocet One at Blithfield on May 13 JC E-D. Little Ringed Plover A verage: March 22 (22) to October 3 (22) One at Sutton Park on March 17 with the main influx from March 27 A late record from Blithfield on September 27. Half monthly maxima from principal localities: M A M J J A S 12121212121212 Kingsbury — 2. — 16 16 18 12 12 14 4 2 14 5 2 87 M A M J J A s 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Aston Mill Pit 1 3 Bittell — — — — — — — — - 2 2 1 — Biedun's Harawlck — 3 8 5 2 — 2 5 ' 3 2 3 — — — Holt — — 2 2 3 — 2 3 — — — 1 — Larford — 1 4 6 6 6 6 6 13 9 5 2 — — Upton Warren — 1 4 6 5 5 3 4 6 8 2 1 2 — Belvide 1 3 4 9 10 17 5 17 5 3 Blithfield 1 — 1 8 13 11 14 4 4 Chasewater — 1 5 1 2 2 2 1 1 3 2 — — — Doxey — 2 — — 2 — 1 — — — 2 2 — — Fens Pool 0 0 4 4 5 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sandwell Valley 0 0 0 1 4 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Sheepwash 0 I 1 3 6 5 4 4 6 6 0 0 0 0 Willenhall Sewage Farm 0 0 1 1 3 3 4 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 Others (15) - - 2 3 7 - 11 10 10 6 3 - - - Warks Bred in the Kingsbury area and at Ladywalk where a pair were success- ful for the first time in three years; probably bred at Alvecote, with eight there on July 28. Also noted at Brandon, with two during April, three at Earlowood in July and singles at Packington in September. Worcs Bred at Bredon's Hardwick with four young hatched, and at Larford where only one of three pairs was successful. Staffs Successful breeding at Barton (two pairs), Belvide, Dosthill and Tittesworth. Also nested at Fenton Park, Astonefields (nest destroyed) and Chasewater (unsuccessful). W Mid Unsuccessful breeding pairs at Fens Pools (one) and Sandwell Valley (one). At Sheepwash (two to three pairs), one brood of three survived to flying stage. Two downy young were noted at Willenhall from a single pair. One at Ryton End on April 19. Ringed Plover Half monthly maxima at selected localities: M A M J J A SON 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 12 12 Kingsbury 1 5 5 6 15 6 6 9 - 1 3 16 5 5—11 — Bittell 1 2 1 Bredon's Hardwick — 5 4 1 1 Larford 3 - 1 2 9 1 1 Upton Warren — 4 6 5 6 1 2 1 3 1 2 Belvide 1 — 2 4 5 2 5 15 5 Blithfield 1 — 1 14 6 27 48 86 - Chasewater 1 1 — 1 3 1 1 Others (10) 1 2 — 1 2 4 4 7 4 1 1 2 88 Warks Three pairs bred successfully at Kingsbury despite disturbance from ri'iotorcycic scramblers Attempted breeding near Coleshill. Little recorded spring passage with only five away from Kingsbury with three at Draycote on March 9 and two on 19. In late summer and autumn aside from Kingsbury, a single at Earlswood on August 7, with four at Brandon on September 3. Staffs Two pairs bred in the Trent valley. A late bird noted at Doxey on November 15. W Mid Singles at Edgbaston Reservoir, on March 11 and 24, Fens Pools from May 9 to 11, Sanriwell Valley, May 3, 12 and June 23 and Sheepwash on March 15 and May 7. Golden Plover Average: August 11 (34) to April 25 (40) Most had left by the end of March. Last noted at Bredon's Hardwick on April 17 and returned to that locality on August 7 but no sizable flocks until November. Monthly maxima at traditional and other sites: J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0 Church Lawford 118 197 Dordon/Alvecole 500 — — — — — — — — — 500 2000 Kingsbury area 150 10 80 — — — — 38 80 320 550 400 Bredon area BOO 37 220 1 36 104 440 385 Cowsden area 2 100 170 — Throckmorton area 128 — 6 8 3 — 400 Belvide 20 1 4 70 9 9 Essington — — 114 18 — — — — — 136 91 100 Hixon — — 175 — — — — — — 12 144 12 Kings Bromley 150 150 — Park Hall — — 39 90 — — — — — 67 — — Other (9) 25 9 - - - - 2 6 25 8 7 Warks Numbers in the Dordon area built up quickly in the autumn at a new site adjacent to the M42 motorway. Otherwise 95 occurred at Long Marston in December. Worcs Other noteworthy flocks were 30 at Holt on January 5,10 at Beckford on January 10 and 42 at Upton on Severn on December 27. Staffs No breeding reported from the moors. A bird of the southern race, in breeding plumage, was at Belvide on June 23. At Needwood Airfield up to 370 from January 25 to April 27 and up to 200 from October 26 to December 26. The only other sizeable count was 100 at Penkridge in late August with smaller numbers there until the end of the year. W Mid 70 over Sandwell Valley on January 5 with a single there on March 7. At Hockley Heath, 12 seen in a flock of several hundred Lapwings on February 5. One at Sandwell Valley on September 29 and five flew over Willenhall on October 23. 89 Grey Plover Warks Singles at Coton on January 18, 19, and February 19, at Kingsbury on March 22 and April 6 and June 22 and at Draycote on December 21. Worcs One on floodwater at Grimley on January 18. Further singles at Bredon's Hardwick on April 17, and May 21, and at Larford on May 17, and October 14. Staffs Three at Blithfield on March 16. Singles at Belvide on May 24,25, June 18,19 and Blithfield on June 22. Blithfield had the only autumn records with two on August 12, singles on August 13 and 19, and from September 26 to November 1. Lapwing The cold weather in the early part of the year caused many birds to move south but winter flocks were still disappointingly low. Warks 16 pairs present in the Packington/Meriden area with confirmed breeding from three pairs. Maximum first winter total of 780 at Alvecote on January 5. Autumn numbers down on recent years. At Kingsbury estimates of 1800 on August 24 and 1000 on October 11, increasing to 2000 on December 13. Worcs Up to 1800 in the Bredon area in January but no large flocks until 1030 noted at Upton Warren in July and at least 1000 at Holt in August. In the Bredon area numbers built up to a peak of 2000 in November and December. Staffs Breeding pairs confirmed at Chasewater (one), Doxey (11), Motley Meadows (two), Needwood Airfield (eight) and Pasturefields (11). Few in the first winter period apart from 110 at Needwood in January and 290 at Elford on March 15. 800 assembled again at Blithfield in July with 1600 at Bottom House in August, 2200 at Needwood on October 19 and 1500 at Doxey in December. W Mid Breeding pairs at Clayhanger (one raised two young), Sandwell Valley (four with two pairs raising eight young) and a disused sewage works at Willenhall (three with four young noted). Summer counts of 300 at Sandwell Valley and 200 at Stubbers Green on August 12. 1000 at Hockley Heath on November 11 had completely dispersed by the 13. Summated monthly maxima at all localities for the commoner wader species: J F M A M J J A S 0 N D Ladwing 3441 231 691 52 11 1362 4308 8830 4495 5193 7830 11568 Jack Snipe 30 22 19 10 — — — — 6 15 39 35 Snipe 695 564 240 87 80 57 55 129 204 322 298 318 Curlew 1 7 333 202 41 78 26 80 60 81 19 58 Redshank 9 4 75 108 69 96 31 26 6 7 9 11 Knot A poor year after two good preceding years. 90 Staffs Two at Belvide from March 24 to 30. Singles at Blithfield on August 8 and 10, Bclvido on August ?fi and September 2 and 4. Sanderling A steady influx in May from the second week onwards. Warks Spring records of one at Draycote on May 8 with two at Kingsbury on May 16 and at Coton on May 18. In summer, one at Earlswood on July 31. Worcs In spring, one at Larford on May 11 with two on May 27; further singles at Dredon'c Hardwick on May 12 and. Upton Warren on May 19. The only return passage record was one at Bredon's Hardwick on August 4. Staffs Singles at Chasewater on May 5,11 and 12, two on 15 and 18, one on 19 and three on 25. One at Belvide on May 8 and 13, three on May 14, four on 15, two on 20, one on 22, four on 23, and two on 24. Three at Blithfield on May 18 and two on 26. One at Belvide on June 4 and 5. Return passage produced three at Blithfield on July 25 and one at Chasewater on the same day. Singles at Chasewater on September 1 and Blithfield on September 20. A very late bird at Blithfield on November 14. W Mid Two at Sheepwash on May 15 was the only record. Little Stint A reasonable autumn passage in Staffordshire was not mirrored elsewhere. Warks At Kingsbury in spring one on May 16 and 17 and on return one from August 9 to 11. Also three at Coton from September 18 to 21. Worcs Single adults at Upton Warren from August 4 to 7, and at Bredon's Hardwick on August 11. Three immatures at Upton Warren from August 31 to September 3. Staffs Four at Belvide on July 28 and 29. One or two at Blithfield consistently from July 29 to September 14. Belvide held singles on July 31, August 5, 7, and 22 to 30, two on 31 and in September three on 2 and 3 and singles on 4, 7 and 12. One at Doxey from August 12 to 17 and at Rudyard on September 12. Finally, one at Blithfield on October 3. Temminck's Stint Warks One at Kingsbury from May 7 to 21 ARD. SMH. PDH was joined by another from May 19 to 21 SLC. PDH. Worcs One at Bredon's Hardwick on May 28 GHP. Pectoral Sandpiper Warks One on flooded meadows and flyash near Kingsbury Water Park on June 14, ARD. JEF. SMH. This constitutes the third June record in the region. Worcs One at Upton Warren from October 7 to 10 AFJ et al. 91 Curlew Sandpiper A poor showing this year after a good year in 1985. Warks Singles at Coton from September 9 to 14 and Brandon from September 28 to October 1. Worcs A remarkable record of six adults, four still in partial summer plumage, at Holt on August 27. Two at Bittell on October 5. Staffs Blithfield produced three on August 1, an immature from September 12 to 14 and three on October 5 and 6. Purple Sandpiper Staffs One at Blithfield from October 28 JCE-D to November 1 MJE. REH. LSA. 1985 Corrigendum W Mid The bird at Sheepwash, Tividale stayed until July 29. Dunlin Half monthly maxima at all sites: J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 12 12 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Draycole 1 :_ 0 0 2 1 0 0- • 1 — ' Kingsbury 0 4 1 1 3 4 113 13 6 2 0 0 1 4 13 11 0 0 0 4 4 0 1 Ladywalk 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 Bittell 0. 2 4 8 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 13 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Bredon's Hardwick 273 0 0 0 13 0 0 7 7 2 0 0 2 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 52 396 Larford 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 4 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Upton Warren 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 1 1 0 19 5 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8elvide 0 0 0 0 5 13 1 12 14 5 3 0 1 22 15 6 0 2 0 2 3 1 0 0 Blithfield 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 10 12 0 0 0 2 41 37 30 5 6 4 4 13 1 1 0 Chasewater 0 B 0 0 2 0 2 1 12 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 1 0 Tittesworth 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fens Pools 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sandwell Valley .1 1 1 0 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 Sheepwash 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Others (10) 1 1 0 0 2 3 0 2 2 1 1 0 017 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 Worcs The wintering flock at Bredon peaked at 273 in January and in late December 396, which was a record for the region. 45 also noted on floodwater at Upton on Severn on December 27. W Mid One at Edgbastori Reservoir on March 13. Ruff After a very poor spring, a better autumn than for some years, with particularly good numbers at Belvide and Blithfield during August. 92 Half monthly maxima at main localities: M A M J J A S 0 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Kinsbury 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 S 0 0 0 Ladbywalk 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Bittell 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 Bredon's Hardwick 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 Larford 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Upton Warren 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 3 1 2 1 0 Belvide 6 5 0 0 0 u u 1 4 1 1J 13 0 0 0 0 Blithfield 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 23 30 9 4 1 0 Other(7) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 3 2 0 0 0 Warks Five at Draycote from January 1, reducing to four on January 4 and 5, was an unusual record both regionally and for this locality. One also noted at Packington on August 11. W Mid One at Sandwell Valley from August 17 to 18. Jack Snipe Average: September 29 (45) to April 19 (41) Several records until mid-April with the last at Chasewater on April 20. First seen at Holt on September 13 with a steady influx there- after. Warks One at Kingsbury on January 18 and February 1. A single at Spernall Sewage Farm February 16 and then none until April 5 when two were at Brandon with one on April 11. Another single at Coton on April 17. More autumn sightings commenced with one at Kingsbury on September 28; then two at Ladywalk on October 13 and 16. At Kingsbury up to five on many dates from October 25 until the year end. Worcs Occurred at Bittell in both winter periods with a maximum of four on November 22. Up to two noted at Upton Warren in the first winter period, with singles at Castlemorton Common, Lower Moor, and Defford. In autumn up to two at Holt, Lower Moor, and Upton Warren, with singles at Larford, and Worcester Sewage Farm. Staffs Singles in January at Blithfield and Clay Mills, two to three at Doxey from January to April 13, at Chasewater one at the beginning of the year with three on March 21 and two on April 20 and up to five at Mill Green until April 13. Autumn passage commenced early with four at Mill Green on September 24, remaining to December then four at Blithfield on November 2 with a single in December and four at Doxey also in December. W Mid Seven at Fens Pools on January 1 and four at Sutton Park on March 4. Present at Sheepwash throughout January to March. A routine count at Sandwell Valley on December 9 produced an unprecedented 22, the highest record for the county. 93 Snipe Warks Display flight or singing birds at Alvecote (one or two pairs), Lea Marston, Packington, Stonebridge, Warwickshire Moor and Tamworth (one pair at each). The first winter period produced up to 123 at Coton in January, 100 flying west over Long Marston on January 22, and 127 at Spernall Sewage Farm on February 11. Elsewhere numbers up to 10 were seen at most suitable localities. In autumn numbers were generally lower, with 60 at Kingsbury on October 11 the most recorded. Worcs Serious decline in breeding status continues in the north of the county with just one pair present at Wilden (cf at least 20 in 1972) and only two drumming birds at Stourvale Marsh due to recent habitat loss. Other breeding season reports came from Bredon's Hardwick, Larford, and Rous Lench. Largest concentrations outside the breeding season were 115 at Wyre Piddle in January, 60 at Upton Warren in early September, and 44 at Grimley in February. Staffs One pair bred near Baswich, five or six at Chasewater, 12 at Doxey, one at Goldsitch Moss, two at Pasturefields, one at Rickerscote and five at Tixall. Doxey held over 50 from January to March and November to December. Maximum counts elsewhere were 65 at Borrowpit on January 17, 64 at Mill Green on February 24, 5 at Rudyard on October 11 and 59 at Belvide on October 20. W Mid Drumming from Clayhanger (three), Hillwood (one) and Sutton Park (three) and a pair almost certainly bred in the Sandwell Valley. Maxima of 55 at Sheepwash in February, 50 at Hockley Heath on November 9 and 60 at Sandwell Valley during November. Woodcock The cold weather at the start of the year forced a number of this elusive species out into the open to forage for food. Warks At least three birds roding in the Bentleyarea and 12 pairs estimated at Packington with an adult and two juveniles on April 30. Small numbers at several locations between January and March and October to December, the best count being five at Whitacre Heath on December 23. Worcs Roding birds noted at Malvern, Trench Wood (four), and Weethley Wood. Recorded outside the breeding season at 10 localities. Staffs Several roding birds reported from the Brindley Heath, Brocton Coppice, Sherbrook Valley and Springslade areas of Cannock Chase. Up to four noted at Kinver, two at Consall Forge and Ranton Abbey. Breeding season records also from Bagots Park, Newborough and Trentham. Noted in February at Belvide, February and October at Blithfield, March, April and November at Chasewater and in March one was seen in the middle of Stoke. W Mid Up to four recorded in the Sandwell Valley during late February and early March, one on March 23 and at least three at Sutton Park during February and March. 94 Black-tailed Godwit Waiks No spring records and only two on return passage with two at Alvecote on August 23 and one on September 20. Worcs A good spring passage began with two at Bredon's Hardwick on March 16, followed by singles on April 6 and 11, and two on May 24 and 30. One at Larford on March 18 and 19. Singles at Upton Warren on April 24, May 9 to 11, and two from May 25 to 29. Return passage started with two at Upton Warren on July 6, one remaining to July 10, two more on August 2, and one on August 8. Lastly, one at Bredon's Hardwick on August ?1. Staffs Small spring passage with singles only at Doxey oh April 14 and 1G and Belvide on May 15. Return passage began with one at Tittesworth on June 29. Blithfield produced an exceptional record of 23 which circled the reservoir and left heading south on July 6. This represents the highest number recorded in the region. From July 18 to October 1 Blithfield had almost continuous records with a maximum of four on August 14. Five occurred at Belvide on August 16, one on September 3 with two at Belvide and Chasewater on October 19. Bar-tailed Godwit A below average year. Warks Two roosting at Coton on April 18 were forced on by Black headed Gulls. Two at Kingsbury on May 2. One circled Draycote on December 20 before flying off west, and probably the same bird was seen with Golden Plovers at Dordon the following day. Worcs One at Bredon's Hardwick on August 22. Staffs One at Blithfield from May 3 to 5. Whimbrel Another good run of records. Warks One at Kingsbury from April 26 to June 7 was ailing towards the end of its stay and other records in this period probably relate to this bird. Return passage involved singles at Ladywalk on August 1 and at Draycote on August 2. Two flew south-west over Coton on August 11. Worcs Singles recorded in spring at Upton Warren on April 9 — an early date —, 15 to 17, 25, May 3, 11 and four on the 12. Three at Bredon's Hardwick on April 22 with a single at Frankley on April 25. On return passage one at Upton Warren on July 7 and one flew south over Old Hills Common on July 21. Staffs One at Chasewater on April 14, three at Belvide on April 22 and 25, singles near Forton on April 30 and Belvide on May 3 with 11 on May 8 — the highest spring total on record — and one on 29. Return passage began with three at Blithfield on July 13 and singles at Tittesworth on July 15, Branston on July 29 and at Chasewater next day. A good passage at Belvide started with a single on August 2,12 on the 4, one on 12, up to 10 passed through on the 14, and singles on 18, 22 and 95 September 6. Two occurred at Blithfield on August 10, nine on the 13 and one on 18. One at Westport on September 1. W Mid Singles in spring at Sandwell Valley on April 25 and May 12. Three flew overhead on August 11. Curlew Warks Breeding season records at Aston Cantlow and in the Packington area (four pairs) with up to two at Brandon and Earlswood in April and also July. In autumn, peak numbers occurred, as usual, in the Tame Valley with 28 at Ladywalk on September 27 the most reported. Numbers gradually declined to nine at Coton in early December with no records for the second half of the month. Worcs Breeding season records from Castlemorton Common, Eckington (two to three pairs), Goosehill Wood, Lower Smite, Oakley, Ripple (two pairs), Shakenhurst Wood, and Trench Wood. Significant flocks noted only at Upton Warren, where numbers roosting reached 18 in March and 69 in early October. Staffs . No indications of breeding success on the moors but in the lowlands breeding season records came from Alrewas, Aston, Four Crosses, Kings Bromley, Motley Meadows, Needwood, Preston Vale, Ranton Abbey, and a pair prospected at Chasewater in March. At the start of the year one at Belvide on January 8 with seven at Whittington SF on February 27 but not noted in the north of the county until March 8 when 14 roosted at Longsdon. Numbers built up here to 186 by March 15,195 on March 30 and 129 on April 1. Numbers peaked at Tittesworth on March 16 with 84, decreasing to 16 by April 20. In autumn, 13 occurred at Blithfield on September 13 and 47 at Whittington S.F. on December 31. W Mid A good run of records for this species with birds at Sutton Park on March 18 (one). May 2 (one), Sandwell Valley on March 15 (two), April 14 (one), 16 (one), 22 (two), 23 (one) and May 12 (three), Sheepwash on March 29 (one), April 11 (one), and May 17 (one), Brownhills Common on May 2 (one) whilst one at Park Lime Pits on April 30 was considered a first for the area. Returning birds at Sheepwash on June 20 (one), Clayhanger on June 25 (one), Sandwell on July 12 (one), August 30 (two) and Sheepwash on August 9 (one). Spotted Redshank No spring records but a reasonable number in autumn. Warks Only recorded from the Kingsbury area this year. Singles were present at Coton and Kingsbury Water Park on June 22, August 10 and from September 25 to 28. Worcs Singles at Bredon's Hardwick on August 2,4,11,23, and September 9, at Bittell on August 20, with two from August 29 to 31, one remaining to September 3, at Larford on August 26, and at Upton Warren on August 12, and 26. 96 Staffs At Blithfield two occurred on July 17 and 21, one from August 7 to 28 with two on 21 anri thrRR nn 23 and 25 then one on September 7. Elsewhere singles were at Doxey on August 13 and 27, Chasewater on August 22, Elford on September 4 and 11 and Belvide on August 15, September 10 and 11. Redshank Warks Monthly maxima in the Kingsbury area: JFMAMJJASOND 64998 10 410125 Breeding season records from Alvecote (one), near Coleshill (two) and Meriden (one) with confirmed breeding at Kingsbury where two juveniles were seen on June 26. Despite frequent records there was little evidence of success at Ladywalk. Singles at Draycote and Earlswood outside the breeding season. Worcs Breeding recorded at Eckington and Larford (two pairs), with breeding season reports from Bredon's Hardwick and Ripple. Strong early spring passage in the Avon Valley, with 29 at Bredon's Hardwick on March 23, and 42 counted along the Lower Avon Valley on April 6. Present at Upton Warren on most dates from mid-March to early September, with maxima of nine on March 31, and seven on June 24, but did not breed. Small numbers on passage at Beckford, Bittell, Crowle, Holt, Strensham, and Wilden. Staffs First arrived at Belvide on March 6 building to a maximum of 13 on June 24. Two pairs probably bred. Breeding also took place at Dosthill (three pairs), Doxey (two pairs), Pasturefields (four pairs), Sandon (three pairs) and Tixall (up to two pairs). Also recorded in spring at Elford, Marston Brook, Kings Bromley, Kinver, Westport and Chasewater where one present throughout the autumn until December 6. Also recorded in early autumn at Betley, Blithfield (up to six), Rickerscote, Rudyard and Tittesworth. W Mid Reported mostly in singles from Bradnocks Marsh, Clayhanger, Fens Pools, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park and Sheepwash. Greenshank Half monthly maxima at all sites: M J J A S 0 12 12 1 2 1 2 12 12 1 Alvecote 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 - Brandon 1 1 — 1 1 Draycote 1 1 — — — 1 1 Kingsbury 1 4 3 1 5 1 1 - Ladywalk 1 1 1 2 1 — 5 2 — — — 97 M J J A S 0 121212121212 Bittell ______3 3 i__ i Bredon's Hardwick — 1^1 .1 2 2 2 1 — Holt 1_____ i 3 1___ Larford — i_____ 2 — — — — Upton Warren — 1 — — 1— 1 1— 1 — — Belvide — — —51 1 7 4 7 1 — — Blithfield ___ i 3 7 913 6 4 4 — Chasewater — — — — — — 1 1 1 — — — Doxey ______9 4 — — -- — Elford i______3 — — — Rudyard ______3 4 1 — — — Tittesworth ______2 S 1 — — — Other sites (6) ______3.4 1 — — — Staffs Birds at Doxey on April 8 (an early record) and Elford on May 5 were the only spring records. W Mid Singles at Willenhall S.F. from June 20to 27, Sheepwash U P. on August 7 and 27, Olton Reservoir on August 19, with two at Sandwell Valley on August 17 and one on the 20 and 28. Green Sandpiper Monthly maxima at all main sites: JFMAMJJASOND Alvecote — — Brandon — — — — — 14 13 7 1 Kingsbury 3 3 5 2 — 8 8 5 5 2 Ladywalk — - — Packington — — — 1 — 2 1 1 1 Biliell 3 — 4 — — — 1 1 — — 2 3 Bredon's Hardwick 2—1 2—224 1 — 32 Grimley — 1 — — — — — 3 — —. — — Holt — — 1 — — — — 2 4 1 1 — Larford ___ 1__ i i i__ ! Strensham — — 1 1 — — — 1 1 1 1 1 Throckmorton — — i____ 2 — — 2 1 Upton Warren 1 — 10 18 19 4 1 Wilden 1 1 1 1 — 1 2 3 3 1 1 Belvide 1 1 2 3 Blithfield ,3 5 7 1 1 1 Chasewater 2 1 1 Elfuid 1 — 2 3 1 2 Sandwell Valley 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 Sheepwash 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 Others (18) 2 1 2 2 - - 6 3 1 - 1 - 98 W Mid Singles also at Bradnocks Marsh and Minworth Sewage Works, both on March 10. Wood Sandpiper Warks A poor showing with only one at Chesterton on June 7. Worcs One at Holt on May 3. Singles at Upton Warren from May 12 to 15 and on August 13, with two on August 27. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on June 29 and September 28, Belvide from August 10 to 12, and September 4 to 10. Two at Tittesworth on July 19. W Mid One at Sandwell Valley from May 18-23 and another at Sheepwash from August l'l to Septeiiibei 3. Common Sandpiper Average: April 6 (50) to October 21 (46) A very early record from Kingsbury on March 12 and then widespread from April 11. Most had left by October 5 but birds in late October at Chasewater on November 11 and at Blithfield on December 4 were potentially wintering ones. Half monthly maxima from main sites: M A M J J A S 0 N D 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Alvecote 3 3 1 Kingsbury 1 — — 1 1 3 — — 3 3 12 8 — 1 — 1 — — — — Ladywalk 1 3 3 4 1 Other sites 181 — — — 2 1 2 — — 1 — 3 — 2 — — — — — — — Bittell 3 4 3 B 8 Bredon's Hardwick — — — 4 2 — — 1 4 3 3 5 2 Holt — — — 1 — 1 — — 2 2 2 Larford — — 1 4 1 — — — 3 4 2 2 2 Pirton — — — — — — — — 2 — — 1 — — — — — — — Strensham — — — 8 — — — — — 2 — — — — — — — Uplon Warren — — 1 3 3 — — — 3 8 6 6 3 1 Westwood 1 1 Wilden 4 4 Lower Moor 2 1 Belvide 7 4 1 1 5 16 18 11 2 3 — Blithfield — — 1 1 4 2 — 2 17 20 36 10 3 2 1 1 1 — 1 Chasewater — — — 2 2 2 — - 1 — 3 2 2 1 — 1 — Ooxey — — 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tittesworth — — — 4 12 — — 3 14 7 2 Edgbaston Res. _ 0 2 1 0 Fens Pools — — 0 4 2 0 — — — — 1 0 — — — — — — — Sandwell Valley — — 1 5 5 1 0 0 4 5 8 6 2 0 Sheepwash — — 0 2 4 1 0 0 7 3 5 4 0 0 Sutton Park — — 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Others (27) - 4 7 2 - - 7 1 4 6 3 Warks A wintering bird at Lea Marston on February 9. Staffs Up to six pairs were present at Tittesworth with at least two broods raised. W Mid A single at Park Lime Pits on May 2. 99 Turnstone Warks Singles at Kingsbury on May 3, 7 to 9 and another on May 27, with one at Brandon on May 11. Return passage commenced with one at Kingsbury from July 29 to 31 and finally one at Coton on August 23 and 24. Worcs One at Bredon's Hardwick on May 7 to 8 and three at Upton Warren on May 7. One at Bittell on July 30 and one at Wilden on November 1. Staffs Two at Belvide on May 2, singles on 10, 11, 14 and 15. Singles at Blithfield on July 23,25 and 27, Belvide and Blithfield on August 2. Four flew south at Chasewater on August 3. Two at Blithfield on August 8 and singles on 10, 14, 27 and 28. Singles at Belvide on August 11,17 and 19. W Mid Singles at Sandwell Valley on May 3, August 8 to 17 with a second bird on August 12. Grey Phalarope Staffs One at Blithfield on the very late date of December 21 was swimming with gulls in the middle of the reservoir JC E-D. Red-necked Phalarope Warks A female in breeding plumage was present at Shustoke Reservoir on May 28 BLK. A typical short stay and date. Great Skua Staffs Probably the same individual passed through Belvide SAR and Blithfield PDH on July 12. These are the first July records in the region. Mediterranean Gull Warks At Draycote a second-winter bird appeared on November 27 REH followed by a first-winter on November 30 PDH. Staffs A first-winter bird at Chasewater on February 9 GIG, PDH. W Mid A first-winter bird, almost certainly the Staffs bird, flew past a window, at close range, at Alumwell Junior School, Walsall on February 13 disrupting the timetable for several minutes whilst a description was taken GE. 1985 Corrigendum Warks The adult in the Lea Marston area was only seen on February 16 JEF, SCC, JAA. Little Gull A good year. Warks At Draycote, a first-winter bird on January 24, with an adult on May 8. A good series of records from Kingsbury started with two immatures on May 1, followed by an adult and three first-summer birds on May 4, an adult on May 5, a first-summer on May 7 and two on May 16. Return 100 passage commenced with a juvenile on July 9 at Ladywalk, the first record for the reserve, an adult at Earlswood on August 11 and 12 and juveniles at Kingsbury/Coton on August 21, and September 6 and 7. Worcs In spring, a first-summer bird noted at both Westwood and Upton Warren on April 16, with a different individual at Westwood the next day. A first-summer and a first-winter at Bredon's Hardwick on April 19, the latter remaining until 20, with possibly the same bird on April 26. An immature at Larford on July 7. In autumn, single juveniles occurred at Upton Warren on September 2 and October 12. Staffs Single adults at Blithfield from April 13 to 16 with two on April 20 and one on April 23 and an adult and two first-summers there on May 5. Aqualate had an adult and immature on April 30. First-summer birds then occurred at Stowe Pool and Doxey on June 20, the latter staying for three days. In autumn, apart from a first-winter at Westport on August 29, noted only at Blithfield. Adults occurred from August 3 to 4 and August 13 to 15, a first-summer moulting to second-winter from August 3 to 18 and two first-winters from August 12 to 19 with a final first-winter on September 14. W Mid A first winter bird at Gornal Wood filter beds on January 25. An adult at Bradnocks Marsh on May 4 with two on May 5. Black-headed Gull Warks No counts were received for the important roosting areas at Coton and Draycote. The only noteworthy count received was from Ladywalk where 25000 roosted in the ash lagoon on March 1 following several days of sub-zero temperatures BLK. An albinistic individual was at Shustoke on February 8 being all white apart from the normal black feathering on the primaries. Worcs Largest numbers in the first winter period with maxima of 1200 at Madeley Heath Tip on January 6, 2800 at Westwood on January 30| 2800 at Bittell on February 1, and 4500 at Throckmorton Tip on February 13. Some passage noted in the Avon Valley during mid April, thereafter numbers remaining low until July. Early autumn concentra- tions built up to 500 at Bittell, and 735 at Upton Warren in late August. Maxima in the second winter period were 800 at Bittell on November 16, 850 at Throckmorton Tip on December 13, and 2000 at Westwood on December 28. Staffs 1740 at Westport on January 15 and 1130 at Mill Green on February 14, with 7000 at both Belvide and Chasewater in early March. By March 25 the Chasewater roost was reduced to 2000, mostly first-years. One or two birds colour-marked in Denmark in autumn 1985 were seen at Blithfield, Chasewater, Hanley Forest Park and Westport until April 20. At least two young were raised near Forton. By August 29 Belvide held 3500. The Chasewater roost built up from 3000 in September to 7000 in November. Three birds here on November 29 were in almost full breeding plumage and similar birds were then seen to the end of the 101 year. 2000 also noted at Westport in December. Birds with pink-flushed underparts noted at Westport on February 9. W Mid A maximum of 1000 individuals were counted at Sandwell Valley during a late afternoon in February. Common Gull Warks As usual the largest roosting numbers were reported from Draycote with 3000 on January 19. Unusual for the Tame Valley were 1000 at Ladywalk on February 2. Other records of no more than five were received from Brandon, Earlswood, Kingsbury and Seeswood Pool. Worcs A strong spring passage noted in the Avon Valley with a peak of 460 heading north-east in 75 minutes at Bredon's Hardwick on April 13. Other maxima were 300 at Throckmorton Tip on February 13, 50 at Bredon Hill on March 31, and 40 at Bredon's Hardwick on April 12. Much smaller numbers noted elsewhere in the county, with maxima of only 12 at Westwood on February 18, and 11 at Bittell on November 15. Staffs Chasewater had larger numbers than usual early in the year with a record 117 on February 10. 37 flew east on April 14. Last seen on April 30 with returns from July 17 and single figures to the end of the year. A Similar pattern at Westport where up to 63 in February, 64 in March and 14 in April. No more until singles in July and September, after which numbers built up to 14 in December. Other maxima included 42 at Mill Green on February 21, 30 at Blithfield on December 14 and 10 at Belvide on January 6. Only three May-June reports. W Mid Maximum of 20 at Bartley Reservoir on February 20. Noted during both winter periods at Fens Pools and Sheepwash, with a maximum of 15 between February 10 and March 16 at the latter; 14 at Wydes Road Pool on February 10 was notable. Recorded in all months except May at Sandwell Valley with between one and five and a maximum of 16 on February 18. Noted in small numbers from several urban locations. Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks At Coton 500 in the roost on September 28. Ladywalk had up to 600 in August, and the roost in October and November contained 150 to 250 birds. There were 200 at Draycote on December 21. Worcs Two pairs bred successfully at Worcester, per SMW. This was the first breeding record for the Club's area. Well represented in non- breeding season with maxima of 2200 at Throckmorton Tip on January 2,110 at Westwood on January 16 and 30,400 at Bittell on February 1, and 495 at Larford on December 11. Small numbers at Throckmorton Tip in both winter periods were identified as being of the continental races, with one fuscus on January 2 PFW, and up to four intermedius on December 23 SMW. A colour ringed bird at Throckmorton Tip was found to have been ringed as a nestling on 12 July 1982 in Central Bristol, an offspring of the roof nesting gulls PFS. Staffs Counts at Belvide roost included 350 on September 9 and 1500 on 102 J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0 Chasewater 300 350 1100 450 40 335 450 Westport 246 248 98 28 6 1 5 39 21 36 296 517 October 7. A proportion of Chasewater birds considered to be L.f. intermedius with spring passage of L.f. graellsii in March GE. W Mid Records from all months. Maxima of 40 at Sandwell Valley on February 24 and 60 at Sheepwash during January and February. Herring Gull Warks Only three counts received. 350 at Coton on December 26 and at Draycote, 1000 on December 21 and 1500 on December 26. Worcs In winter, maxima of 290 at Throckmorton Tip on January 2, 200 at Madeley Heath Tip on January 6, and 500 at Bittell on February 1. Smaller numbers in the second winter period, with maxima of 100 at Larford on December 29, and 85 at Throckmorton Tip on December 31. Birds showing characteristics of the southern or "Cachinnans" group were identified at Throckmorton Tip asfollows; an adult from November 16 to December 23 GHP, SMW et al, and two adults on December 1 SMW. Both were considered to be of the subspecies Michahellis'. Staffs Records from only three localities with those for Westport tabulated below. At Chasewater 500 on January 19, 200 on March 7 and 60 on April 10. After one or two in mid-August, up to 30 in October had greatly increased by the year's end when 2000 were on nearby Cannock Tip. Many at this time were L.a. argentatus. The white adult was present from January 5 to February 8 — its sixth winter. J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0 Westport Maxima 318 254 8 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 24 227 Adults showing all the characteristics of one of the southern 'Cachinnans' group of Herring Gulls were noted at Chasewater on January 4 ARMB, Blithfield on November 9 JPM, 11 JC E-D. GIG and December 26 (two) JC E-D, Belvide on November 22 JPM and Westport on November 29 (two) OWE. JPM. W Mid In the first winter period a maximum of 100 at Sheepwash on January 5 and 20 at Sandwell Valley on February 24. Between 100 and 200 regularly flew over the Valley at dusk in November and December. Iceland Gull Warks At Draycote, an adult on January 12 ARD. PDH and 13 GIG and a first- winter on February 8 PDH. At Coton an adult on January 25 JAA, ARD and possibly the same bird on February 2 JAA. SLC. ARD. In autumn an adult at Draycote on December 27 REH, PDH. DJS. 103 Worcs An adult at Bittell from January 27 to February 4 GJM, SMW et al. A third-winter at Throckmorton on March QAC. PFS. Staffs A first-winter at Belvide on January 6, 22 and 23 JKH. A second-winter at Chasewater on January 1 ARMB, a first-winter from Marrh 2 to 5 JSB. GE and adults from January 15 to February 2 JSB, GE, GIG et al and April 11 to \3JSB, GE. The last bird wasalso at Cannock Tipon the final date GIG. PDH. W Mid An adult at Queslett Tip on January 8 JEF. Glaucous Gull An outstanding year. Warks At Lea Marston a first or second-winter noted on January 26 JEF, PDH. In January five different individuals were seen at Draycote. A second- winter first appeared on January 5 PDH and later seen on 12 ARD. Two distinct adults were also seen on \2ARD. PDH and presumably one of these was the bird present on 18 PDH. A first-winter bird appeared on 1 SARD with a different second winter also present ARD, GIG. A first- winter bird, possibly the individual seen earlier was present on February 8 PDH. In the latter part of the year three individuals were present; a first-winter on November 1 ARD. another on December 20 AC, PDH. MJI. GJM and an adult on December 25 ARD and 29 GIG. Worcs Single first-winters at Throckmorton Tip on January 2 PFW, and at Bittell from January 26 to February 4 MJI, GJM. An adult at Madeley Heath Tip from January 4 to 6 MJI, SMW. Staffs A first-winter roosting at Chasewater on most dates from January 1 to February 9 JSB, GE et a/was probably the same as the one at Blithfield on January 19 MJE, GJM, MJI and February 10 WJL and at Cannock Tip on January 1, 19, 23 and 28 JSB, GJM, MJI. A second-winter at Chasewater from January 11 to24 JSB, ARMB, GE, JPMand Blithfield on January 25 MJE, WJL fed at Cannock Tip during this period JSB. An adult at Belvide on January 3 JKH, Blithfield on January 12 GJM, MJI, Cannock Tip on January 16 to 20 JSB, GJM, MJI and Chasewater on February 8 and 22 ARMB, GE. Other first-winters at Chasewater on January 17, 26 and 27 GE, JPM, Westport on January 18, 26 and February 2 PGB. WJL and Blithfield on April 23 JCE-D. Second-winter individuals at Chasewater from January 27 to February 9 GE. GIG. PDH. SMW, January 28 and 30 GE, January 30 to February 8 GE and at Westport on February 2 WJL. A first or second-winter at Blithfield on February 22 MJE. A third-winter at Blithfield on February 10 WJL and Churchbridge on February 17 GE. A third or fourth-winter at Westport on February 8 and 16 NC and adults on January 1 and 2 (also at Cobridge Tip and Hanley Forest Park) MJL. JPM, from January 2 to March 3 PGB. W J L. J P M and on January 7 WJL. At least 15 individuals were involved in this winter period with four roosting together at Chasewater at the end of January. The first of the winter arrived on November 30 with a second-winter at Doxey PFR and 104 Chasewater JSB, GE (also on December 1, 6 and 24); also an adult which then roosted at Chasewater throughout December JSB, GE, SMW except when at Blithfield on December 7 JC E-D. POM. It fed at Cannock Tip on December 7 and 18 JSB, GIG. A first-winter at Cannock Tip on December 29 GE and Chasewater on 31 GE and a third-winter at Blithfield on December 21 and 25 JC E-D. Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrid. Warks A bird showing characteristics of this hybrid was at Coton on February 8 ARD. Staffs A third-winter at Chasewater on February 9 SMW. Great Black-backed Gull Warks Up to 10 at Kingsbury in February and 115 roosted at Coton on December 26. Worcs Rather scarce as usual. Recorded at six localities with six at Throckmorton Tip on January 2 the largest count. Staffs At Chasewater up to 105 roosted in January with 50 on March 7. A rapid departure followed with only five a week later and up to four first-summers in April, the last at nearby Cannock Tip on April 30. After the first on October 17 there were 16 at the end of the month, 55 on November 30 and a big increase in late December with up to 181 at Chasewater and 203 at Cannock Tip. Confined to mid-winter at Westport with up to 13 in January, three in February and five in late December. Very few reports from Blithfield with 12 on November 9 and 25 on December 14. Small numbers at six other localities. W Mid Singles at Sandwell Valley on January 11 and 12, February 2 and 13 with three on March 15. Five at Sheepwash on January 1 with three on February 18. One at Sandwell Valley on August 14, two on December 22 and a single flew over Willenhall on December 26. Ring-billed Gull Worcs An adult at Throckmorton Tip from March 2 to 5 PFS et at. This was the first county record. Noted to have a jizz somewhat akin to Herring Gull, but lobe closer in size to Common Gull. It was, nevertheless, more heavily built and slightly taller than a Common Gull. Head white with pale grey streaks on crown becoming more blotchy on nape. Underparts white. Mantle, and scapulars pale grey, almost as pale as Herring Gull. Scapulars tipped white. Primaries black with four small white apical spots. In flight, noted as broader winged than Common Gull, the black primaries having two small sub-terminal white mirrors. Tail white. Bill long and broad, yellowish, with a black subterminal band. Iris pale yellow, and orbital ring red. Legs yellowish green. Kittiwake Warks At Draycote an adult roosted on January 12, with a single being joined by 18 others on February 1. Two adults at Coton on March 29 and August 27 and another at Draycote on November 16. A first-winter bird roosted at Coton on November 22. 105 Worcs Only one record of three at Bittell on March 24. Staffs Records refer to single birds and adults unless otherwise indicated. Noted at Belvide on February 1, March 3, 24 (two) and 26, April 13, May 28 (unaged) and August 26; Blithfield on May 3 and December 28; Chasfivyater on February 4(first-winter), March 21,24 (two adults, one first-winter) and 25 (two) and April 14 (two); Westport on January 23 and 29, April 12 (two adults, one first-winter) and December 21. A juvenile at Rudyard on August 28. 14 of the total of 24 were in March and April. W Mid Two adults flew over West Bromwich on January 9, one adult at Edgbaston Reservoir on February 3 and single adults at Sandwell Valley on April 5 and December 3. Sandwich Tern JPrv\ Warks One at Kingsbury on April 24 and another at Coton on May 8. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on April 15 and June 22. Five at Larford on October 14. Staffs Two at Tittesworth on May 11. At Chasewater an adult flew west on July 25 and three adults arrived on October 14 to stay most of the day. W Mid One at Sandwell Valley on June 27. 1985 Addendum W Mid Two adults at Fens Pools on June 5. Common Tern Arrived at Abberton, Blithfield and Chasewater on April 15 with a peak in early May. Last noted at Bittell on October 5. Warks At Kingsbury up to 40 adults were seen together and at least 30 juveniles fledged by mid-July. A rapid dispersal took place in mid-August with no more than three seen during the second half of the month. Ladywalk was the favoured dispersal point with up to seven seen on 106 July 12. Elsewhere numbers up to five were seen at Alvecote Brandon, Draycote, Earlswood, Packington and Ragley Hall Lake. Worcs One to three noted "at Bittell, Bredon's Hardwick, Church Lench Pool, Eckington, Larford, Ribbesford, Upton Warren and Westwood with a maxima of seven at Upton Warren on June 22 and August 13. Staffs In the Trent Valley a pair raised one young and another pair showed breeding behaviour at a second site. A pair also summered at Chasewater and may have attempted breeding. After two at Chasewater on April 15 there were spring peaks of 17 at Blithfield on May 5, with 11 there and 10 at Belvide, on May 17. Return passage peaked in mid- August with 30 at Belvide and 15dlCho3ewotoron August 11 Smaller numbers also were noted at Amington (1 fishing in a garden pond on May 5), Doxey, Rudyard, Tame Valley, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid One at Sandwell Valley on April 24. Two present in May but despite displaying, no breeding occurred. Up to four present in late June and throughout July with singles up to August 31. One at Sutton Park on May 2, two on May 5, two between May 13 and 16, one between May 18 and 30, two on June 2 and one on July 17. A single at Edgbaston Reservoir on May 20. Two at Sheepwash on June 10 and 22, one on July 13 and four on August 12. A single at Stubbers Green on July 21 and four on August 12. Two at Fens Pools on July 28 with a single on August 27. Arctic Tern Spring passage commenced much earlier than usual but generally numbers in the first part of the year were disappointing. Warks Five at Kingsbury on April 13, two on May 5 arid one on May 10. One at Coton on May 18. Worcs Singles at Bredon's Hardwick on May 12, Westwood on May 15 and Upton Warren on May 20, with two there on May 30. Return passage birds at Bredon's Hardwick on August 12 and 27 with two on August 26 and two at Wilden on August 21. Staffs Low numbers apart from a modest but quite early influx in April with 20 at Belvide on April 13; five at Blithfield and four at Chasewater two days later. Records of less than four from Clay Mills, Rudyard, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid Singles at Fens Pools on April 24, Sutton Park and Sheepwash on May 10, Sandwell Valley on May 12 and another at Sheepwash on May 21. The only return passage bird occurred at Fens Pools on July 27. Half-monthly summated totals of Common, Arctic and Black Terns at all main localities (excluding Kingsbury Water Park breeding birds) A M J J A s 0 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 Common 6 21 53 43 17 21 28 31 78 38 8 3 1 — Arctic 34 6 21 9 0 1 0 1 14 7 — _ — — Black 2 35 4 11 13 0 0 114 43 3 3 — — 107 Little Tern A good year. Warks An immature on August 14 and 15 at Kingsbury. Two birds, an adult and an immature at Coton on September 14, the adult bearing a ring on the loft leg. Worcs Singles at Westwood on April 25 and May 10 Three at Upton Warren on May I i. Staffs Two at Belvide on May 10, and one at Chasewater on May 13. Return passage was marked by an exceptional nine immatures at Blithfield on September 13 with six at Westport on September 19, perhaps part of this group. Black Tern A notable peak occurred in the first half of May and again in the first half of August. Warks Spring passage began on May 2 with seven at Kingsbury and four at Ryton Pool. On May 4, six at Draycote, three at Coton and one at Shustoke. A single occurred at Kingsbury from June 14 to 16. Return passage birds seen at Earlswood between August 11 and 17, a juvenile at Kingsbury on August 24 and an adult at Coton on August 25: The following day three juveniles at Kingsbury with one at Brandon and on August 31 one at Packington and one at Coton the following day. Worcs Recorded in spring at Upton Warren and Westwood, with a maximum count of four at Upton Warren on June 15. Noted on return at Bittell, Bredon's Hardwick, Larford and Wilden with maxima of four at Bittell and Wilden on August 13 and 16 respectively. Staffs A poor spring but a good influx in mid-August. On August 14, 21 at Belvide, 24 at Chasewater and 33 at Blithfield. The last-two parties departed south in the evening while only two remained at Belvide next day. 10 at Rudyard on August 11 and at Blithfield on August 27. Noted in smaller numbers of up to three at Codsall, Gailey, Rickerscote, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid One at Sheepwash on June 10 and another on June 27. A single at Sandwell Valley on August 11, two on August 14 and three on September 12. Feral Pigeon No information received for any counties. Stock Dove Warks A number of large flocks at Packington in March with a maximum of 70 on March 15. 40 at Coton on December 24 where smaller numbers were regularly observed in winter months. Regularly came to drink in the scrape at Ladywalk with a flock of 36 in October. Worcs Highest counts were 150 at Bredon's Hardvyick on February 9, 200 at 108 Bredon on February 24 and 103 at Throckmorton on December 6. No change in breeding statu? noted. Staffs Under recorded. Reported only from Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater, Kinver and the Needwood area. Only sizable counts noted were 12 at Needwood Airfield on November 9 and 120 at Blithfield on December 28. W Mid At least three pairs bred in the Sandwell Valley. Also present during the breeding season at Aldridge, Pensnett, Moxley, Sutton Park and .Willenhall. Woodpigeon Warks No large counts reported. At Ladywalk two squabs left a late nest in the first week of November. Worcs Largest flocks were 300 at Bittell and 400 at Holt in January, 500 at Eckington in February, 2,600 at Bredon and 1,000 at Bredon's Hardwick in March. 500 in Holt/Grimley area in December was the only second winter record. Staffs 800 at Fisherwick on March 15 and 520 near Essington on March 28. Around 2,000 noted in the Alrewas/Croxall area in late December. W Mid Bred at Sandwell Valley (six pairs) Sutton Park (12 pairs) and Willenhall Memorial Park (six pairs). Winter roosts included a minimum of 100 at Sandwell Valley Reserve in February and larger unspecified numbers from the central woodland areas in Sutton Park. Collared Dove Warks Continues to be widespread and common. Largest flocks reported were 40 roosting in hawthorns along the River Avon at Marcliff in January, 70 at Curdworth on November 10 and 40 in Kingsbury and Tamworth areas during November. Worcs 83 at Upper Strensham on January 14 and 70 at Stoke Prior on November 12. Considered to have increased around Bittell with up to 30 seen. Staffs Only three records submitted, the most noteworthy being 32 roosting at Chasewater in March. W Mid Bred at Aldridge (10 pairs) and Willenhall Memorial Park (three pairs). Decreasing numbers at Sandwell Valley thought to be due to frequent Sparrowhawk predation. Turtle Dove Average: April25 (51) to September 24 (51) First recorded at Holt on April 18 and the last date was at Throckmorton on September 22. Warks Three pairs bred, at Alvecote, Kingsbury and Ladywalk. Worcs Several observers reported a decrease in numbers although reported from 20 localities with up to nine singing in the Malvern area. Maximum of 12 counted at Larford on.June 27. 109 Staffs Two pairs at Kinver and also noted at Aqualate, Belvide, Betley, Blithfield, Branston, Chasewater, Four Crosses, Hollybush Lake, Kings Bromley, Newborough, and Rough Hay. No evidence of breeding at any of these sites. W Mid Singles at Fens Pools on May 5 and May 26, Clayhanger on May 11 and Aldridge on June 3. Ring-necked Parakeet Worcs One at Westwood on November 19 PFR. WMid One flew over a garden at Knowle, calling, on July 5 JAA. Cuckoo Average: April 11 (50) to September 6 (49) Noted at Broadway, Cotwall End, Malvern and Upton Warren from April 23. A late juvenile at Lea Marston on September 21 was the last record. Warks One to two birds reported from Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Brandon, Alvecote, Packington, Ryton G.P., and Shrewley. Worcs Noted at 28 localities with 25 calling in the Malvern area during spring. Staffs Noted from 11 sites with up to three at Belvide in May. W Mid Singles at Cotwall End on April 23, Park Lime Pits between April 29 and June 19, Fens Pools between May 5 and 6, Sandwell Valley on May 13 and June 11, Bloxwich on May 20 and Stoke Hill and Sutton Park on June 16. Also recorded at Brownhills Common throughout May and June. Tawny Owl Warks Reported from only nine localities with confirmed breeding from Packington (four pairs) and Shrewley. Worcs Reports received from 19 localities, mainly in the north of the county with breeding confirmed at Hallow. Staffs Confirmed breeding only from Belvide, Cannock Chase and Hamps Valley with records in the breeding season from at least 11 other areas. W Mid Breeding season records received from Sandwell Valley (two pairs) and Hollywood (a pair reared two young in a Leyland Cyprus). This tree was used regularly as a winter roots. Other sightings were at Ashmoor Park, Park Lime Pits, Solihull and Willenhall. Little Owl Warks Reported from 30 sites .with breeding pairs occasionally within 250 yards of one another. Probably still increasing in the northern parts of the county. An estimated 10 to 16 pairs in the Great Packington area. Worcs Reported from 33 well scattered localities with at least four pairs breeding at Abberton. Staffs Pairs bred successfully at Belvide and near Alrewas and a pair present throughout the year at Upper Longdon. Breeding season records received from 18 more localities spread widely across the county; outside the breeding season it was also widely spread. 19 reported dead 110 or dying in the north-east part of the county during the cold spell in February. W Mid A pair bred successfully near Wrens Nest, Dudley. Noted in the breeding season at Park Lime Pits, Middle Bickenhill, Sandwell Valley, Stonebridge and Pelsall. Noted in the winter at Brownhills Common and Bradnocks Marsh. Barn Owl Warks Seen at Lea Marston in May, September and December but unfor- tunately the nesting tree was blown down by high winds. Worcs Breeding season records from Bransford, Great Witley, Guarlford, Little Comberton and Wilden and seen during the winter at Bransford, Larford and Lower Broad Heath. At least two road casualties were picked up alongside the M5 at Bredon during the year, with another at Finstall in April. Staffs Bred at Pipe Ridware and possibly at Pendeford and Abbotts Bromley. Isolated breeding season records from three more areas and winter records from a further six localities, all in the southern half of the county. W Mid Bred successfully near Walsall Wood. A second winter record from Bickenhill. 1985 Addendum W Mid One at Rattle Chain Tip, Tividale on November 13 was a first for the locality. Long-eared Owl 111 Warks No records received. Worcs One at Upton Warren on November 28 and probably the same bird at Oakley the following day. On the evening of December 22 one was seen flying over the Swan Centre, Kidderminster. Single road casualties found on the M5 near Bredon in February and December. Staffs Two pairs present on Cannock Chase during the breeding season with at least one young bird noted. One at Park Hall from January 19 to March 15, with two on February 23 and 24. One at Chasewater was present from March 29 to mid-July and it was seen to share its roost site with a hen Sparrowhawk on May 17 and was seen again on December 10. One also at Tittesworth on August 17. W Mid One in an apple tree in a garden in Sutton Coldfield on December 31. Short-eared Owl Good numbers from the previous autumn built up to give an exceptional number in the region in the first winter period. Warks An exceptionally good year with up to 15 birds in the Tame Valley with 13 individual birds recorded there on February 23 (the second highest single count this century). During January and February five birds noted in the Minworth/Water Orton area, six birds in a field to the north of Kingsbury W P. and up to seven at Lea Marston. Three birds reached Ladywalk in mid-March with one stopping until April 25. Three sightings of singles from the Brandon area on March 23, April 29 and May 4. First returning bird noted at Lea Marston on December 6, with two there on 15 and 24 and one at Kingsbury on December 7. Worcs Two reported at Ripple on January 5 and February 9 with one still present on February 23. Singles seen at Arrow Valley Lake on March 3, Strensham on April 4, Birchwood on April 16 and Holt on April 17 and 18. Staffs No confirmed breeding records but widespread on the moors, especially at Boarsgrove and Middle Hills, Gib Torr and Swallow Moss during April to August. The same areas held up to three from January to March and up to five noted at Sandyford from February 27 to 29. Elsewhere, records from Chasewater, from February 2 to April 5 with up to four from March 13 to 15, near Dosthill from January 1 to March 9, with a maximum of five on February 2, up to four at Doxey from January 1 to March 19 with five on February 15 and three in the Penford-Coven area from February 9 to April 3. Single birds noted from Blithfield, Branston and Park Hall during January to April and one at Clay Mills on May 3. In the second winter period, singles at Doxey on November 21, Dosthill on November 23 and Apedale on December 9. W Mid A maximum of three recorded at Minworth on January 1 and February 22. Regularly noted at Sandwell Valley between January and March with a maximum of six on January 12. In late March and early April a 112 pair were often seen displaying but there was no breeding and the last sighting woo on April 26. 1985 Addendum W Mid A single at Fens Pools on November 13. Swift Average: April 23 (52) to September 25 (52) First recorded on April 25 at Sandwell Valley with the main influx from May 3. A late record from Codsall on October 6. Warks A large influx noted at Kingsbury on May 5 and on June 22 1500 were estimated there. Worcs 400 at Westwood on May 17 and 400 on passage over Lower Moor on June 10. Between August 7 and 16 up to 2000 seen in the evenings over Larford. On August 13, 3000 passed over Offenham. On August 17 a large hatching of flying ants attracted 1000 over Evesham. Staffs On May 18 over 1000 at Blithfield and 2000 at Belvide with the same number noted on June 4 and 21. W Mid First seen at Sandwell Valley on April 25 and by mid May numbers in excess of 200 were present. 104 recorded at Willenhall Memorial Park on August 5 and 300 in early August at Sheepwash. Nightjar Average: May 15 (46) to August 22 (34) First noted at Kinver Edge on May 2. There were no late summer records. Worcs One churring bird at Kinver on June 2 seen both sides of the Worcs/Staffs boundary. One also heard at Hartlebury Common on June 26 but not subsequently. Staffs On Cannock Chase churring birds were noted at Anson's Bank (one), Brocton Coppice (two). Dark Slade (four), Sherbrook Valley (four), Springslade (four) and Wandon (one). Some overlap may be involved in these records and no complete total was established. Two churring birds also present at Kinver. Kingfisher Warks Reported from only 10 localities with breeding season records from three. Worcs Reported from 19 sites with breeding season records from Bittell, Evesham, Fladbury, Grimley, Larford, Lower Moor, Offenham, Ribbes- ford, Upton Warren and Witley Court. Confirmed breeding at two of these sites. Staffs Bred near Belvide and probably at Chillington. Present throughout the year at Coven and in all months either side of May and July at Doxey and 113 Mill Green. Elsewhere in the south of the county recorded from 14 further localities. In the north reported from 10 areas with June records near Alton and July to September records from Betley, Coombes Valley, Knypersley, Rudyard, Tittesworth and Westport. W Mid Breeding season recuids from Sandwell Valley and Park Lime Pits. Other sightings from Edgbaston Park, Fens Pools, Marston Green, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park. Wryneck Worcs One at Church Lench on August 28 occurred a day or two after an influx on the East Coast GHP, WFP, whilst a second bird seen at Barnards Green on October 4 DP was found dead the next day. Green Woodpecker Warks Recorded at 14 sites with breeding suspected at nine. Five pairs estimated from the Great Packington area. Worcs Reported from 37 well scattered localities. Staffs Reported from 44 localities with breeding confirmed at Cannock Chase (two areas), Fisherwick, Trentham, Yoxall Lodge and near Chasewater. Breeding season records from a further 16 areas. W Mid Breeding season records from Dickens Heath, Dorridge, Park Lime Pits, Brownhills Common (three pairs), Edgbaston Park, Fens Pool, Pensnett Coppice, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park (three pairs). Noted from six suburban gardens in winter. Great Spotted Woodpecker Warks Reported from 12 localities with an estimated seven pairs at Packington. Worcs Reported from 38 localities. Staffs Also reported from 38 localities with breeding confirmed on Cannock Chase, Hamps Valley, Hem Heath, Hollybush Lake, Kinver Edge (three nests), Newborough and Trentham (three broods raised). Breeding season records from a further 14 sites. W Mid Breeding season records from Aldridge, Brownhills, Edgbaston Park, Fens Pools, Knowle, Park Lime Pits, Marston Green, Sandwell Valley (two pairs bred), Sutton Park, Solihull, West Bromwich and Willenhall. Numerous reports from gardens in winter. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Warks Recorded from nine localities. Regularly seen in Ryton Wood during the summer and probably bred there. Two pairs estimated at Packington and other summer records received from Ladywalk and Guys Cliff near Warwick. Worcs Records received from only 19 localities with breeding season reports from 10 of these. Staffs Reported from 25 localities with breeding confirmed at Aqualate and 114 Trentham. Breeding season records from Brankley, Burnt Wood, Cannock Chase, Churnet, Folly Hall, George's Hayes, Himley and Marchington Woodlands. W Mid A pair bred in a garden at Hollywood raising at least two juveniles. Other sightings received from Dorridge, Edgbaston Park, Pensnett Coppice, Sandwell Valley and Stinnal Common. Skylark WorkG Five pairs at Alvecote. The only flocks reported were 25 at Kingsbury and 150 at Ryton, both in March. Worcs In winter, 100 at Holt on February 2, 75 at Ryall and 57 at Bredon's Hardwick on February 9 with 80 still at Holt on April 12. In autumn and winter 180 at Aston Mill on October 12, 50 at Holt on October 18 peaking at 80 on November 2 and December 12,50 at Throckmorton Tip on November 19 and 90 at Ryall on December 20. Staffs Only breeding records received from the Doxey CBC where two pairs bred. In winter flocks of 25 at Chasewater, 60 at Featherstone, 65 at Lichfield and 200 at Whittington. Autumn passage noted at Doxey on October 3 and 10 and at Chasewater on November 2 when flocks of 32, 25 and 12 respectively flew over. Up to 120 fed on autumn stubbles at Needwood Airfield. W Mid Breeding records from Park Lime Pits (two pairs), Sandwell Valley (four pairs), and Sutton Park (four pairs). The only winter flock was 90 at Sheepwash on January 31. Sand Martin Average: March 23(51) to October 9 (51) A very early record of two at Belvide on March 9 (these birds were seen to land on ice of the partly frozen reservoir) followed by one at Aqualate on March 16, but the main arrival was not until mid-late April. Last noted at Lichfield on October 4. A slight increase noted over 1985 records but numbers still well down. Warks No records received from outside the Tame Valley with 50 at Kingsbury on May 4 the most reported. Worcs At Larford 30 birds were present by April 20 and 125 at Wilden on May 4. Breeding reported from Beckford with 123 pairs, Bransford (four pairs), Bredon's Hardwick (three pairs) and Lower Moor (up to 30 occupied nest holes). Staffs 100 nests just east of Chasewater and 27 nests at Barton. Maximum count of 80 at Chasewater on May 7. W Mid Not noted until one at Sandwell Valley on April 13 but an encouraging spring passage of 120 individuals there. This was a great improvement on the meagre total of seven in the previous year. Elsewhere there was still a paucity of sightings. 115 Swallow Average: April 1 (52) to November 3 (52) An early record from Little Comberton on March 15 with the main influx from April 5. Last reported from Doxey on October 26. Generally thought to be even scarcer than 198b. Warks Maximum count of 400 at Ladywalk on September 1 but no breeding records received. Worcs Maxima of 50 at Upton Warren on May 3, 60 at Westwood and 75 at Wilden on May 4 with 40 over Happy Valley on September 9. Staffs A spring count of 300 at Belvide on May 3. Autumn roosts included at least 8000 at Ford Green on September 24 and up to 2500 at Betley where a full albino occurred on August 20. W Mid Reports received from seven suburban sites. House Martin Average: April 8 (52) to November 1 (52) First noted at Blithfield on April 3. Regularly noted in late October and a very late record from Brandon on November 20. As with other hirundines, numbers appeared to be disappointingly low. Warks 62 pairs bred at Whitacre Heath Waterworks. Maxima of 60 at Alvecote, 75 at Seeswood and 100 at Shustoke. Worcs In spring peak counts of 300 at Westwood on May 14 and 200 over North Hill on May 24. 130 nests were counted on the M50 bridge at Ripple. Counts of returning birds included 750 at Wilden on August 7 increasing to 1500 by August 16, 200 over British Camp Reservoir on September 20, 300 at Happy Valley on September 28 and 120 over Barnards Green on October 7. Staffs Spring counts of 130 at Chasewater on May 7 and 170 at Westport on May 15. Only 17 pairs nested at Hanchurch Water Tower. Autumn maxima included 800 at Belvide and 400at Blithfield on August 15 and 250 at Tittesworth on September 14. IV Mid Breeding reports from eight suburban areas. Autumn maxima included 100 at Sandwell Valley and 100 at Stubbers Green on August 25, 200 on telephone wires at Penn on September 4 and 100 at Fens Pools on September 17. Tree Pipit Average: April 8 (49) to September 20 (47) Worcs Singing birds reported at Bredon Hill, Church Lench, Devil's Spittleful, Happy Valley, Hartlebury Common, Old Storridge, Trench Wood (two). Windmill Hill and Wyre Forest. Passage birds noted at Bredon's Hardwick, Fladbury, Larford, Upton Warren, Walton Hill and Westwood. Staffs Singing birds at Cannock Chase (16), Kinver (13) and the moors (seven). Seen on spring passage at Belvide, Chasewater, Consall Forge and Doxey with returning birds at Broomyshaw and Oldacre. W Mid Four singing birds reported from Sutton Park. Spring passage began 116 well with seven at Sandwell Valley on April 23, several at Park Lime Pits un April 28andcingles at Sheepwash op May 6 and Wren's Nest from May 20 to 26. Only one on return passage, noted from a garden at Wylde Green on August 20. Meadow Pipit Notable spring and autumn passage at a number of localities, particularly Sandwell Valley and the Malverns. Warks No records received. Worc3 Singing birds noted at Castlemorton Common (eight), Hartlebury Common (one), Holybed (two), Holywell (one), and Poolbrook Common (one). Highest winter count of 500 at Ripple on February 8. Spring concentrations of 25 at Wilden on March 30 and 25 at Grimley on April 15. In autumn 132 noted at Worcestershire Beacon on September 10, 40 at Happy Valley on September 14 increasing to 70 on September 18, 100 at Ragged Stone on October 5 and 30 at Holt on November 2. Staffs Spring passage flocks of 100 at Chasewater on April 9 and 50 at Belvide on April 11. Autumn maxima of 55 at Chasewater on September 30 and 50 in a stubble field at Preston Hill during September. Large numbers reported coming from the moors to feed at Tittesworth during . September. W Mid Bred at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash and Sutton Park with probable breeding from Bentley and Willenhall. Spring passage peaked at Sandwell Valley on April 15 when 150 were present. Autumn and winter maxima of 60 at Sandwell Valley and 50 at Fens Pools on November 19. Rock Pipit A poor year throughout the region. Warks At Draycote singles on September 27 and October 10. Worcs Singles at Bittell on October 22 and Larford on November 1. Staffs One at Doxey from April 12 to 20. Three at Belvide on October 18, one at Blithfield from October 2 to 4 and another from October 29 to November 11, and up to two at Chasewater between October 6 and 31. W Mid Singles at Sandwell Valley on March 29, October 22 and October 27 to November 5. Water Pipit Warks Two at Coton on January 1 JAA and then one seen on various dates until 25 ARD. Another present from March 23 ARD until April 17 GJM. At Arley a summer plumaged individual from April 14 to 16 SMH. In autumn one at Coton on October 11 and November 1 JAA. Worcs At Wilden a maximum of five seen between January and April 1 and an adult in breeding plumage noted at Grimley on April 15 SMW. In autumn the first returning birds were recorded on October 5 at Wilden with up to four seen during November PGG, BW, SMW. 117 Staffs Two at Chasewater from January 3 to 26 ARMB. JKH. JPM with one noted from February 3 to 8 JSB. GE and March 1 to 22 JSB. GE. One at Dosthill from January 4 to March 2 JAA, ARD with two on February 2 JAA. One at Belvide on October 26 SJ. Yellow Wagtail Average: April 2 (50) to October 11 (50) First recorded at Sandwell Valley on April 12. Last noted at Mill Green on October 1 apart from a very late record from Brandon on November 23. Warks Three pairs bred at Alvecote and a similar number at Kingsbury. On passage good numbers were at Draycote with 150 on April 25. At Coton 46 on April 20. In autumn 25 at Draycote on September 4 and 24 at Coton on September 8. Worcs Breeding reports from Aston Mill, Bittell and Lower Moor. Largest flocks reported were 30 at Upton Warren on April 21 and May 3, and 34 at Bredon's Hardwick on April 23. Staffs Breeding reported from Belvide, Doxey, Needwood Airfield (five pairs produced 20 juveniles including two grey and white mutants DIMW (see also below)), Preston Hill and Tittesworth. Probably bred at Chasewater and in rape fields at Hammerwich. 72 at Blithfield and 20 at Chasewater were the only notable spring concentrations. Notable autumn concentrations were 90 at Doxey on September 10, 75 at Blithfield on September 5,47 at Tittesworth on August 25, but no more than 20 at Chasewater in the summer/autumn period. W Mid Bred at Sheepwash (one pair) and probably at Bentley (two pairs) and Willenhall Sewage Farm (one pair). First recorded at Sandwell Valley on April 12 with a daily passage of 20 birds up to the end of the month. Ten were noted at the Lunt on April 25.16 at Perton on August 9 and 20 at Sheepwash on August 20 were the only autumn concentrations of note. Birds showing the characteristics of the Blue-headed race were noted as follows:— Warks Draycote on April 25 (two) GIG, May 3 (one) and 4 (two) PDH. Worcs Two males at Bredon's Hardwick on April 22 SMW. with one still present the following day GHP. SMW. Staffs Of the five pairs at Needwood Airfield, one comprised a male Yellow (flavissima) and a female Blue-headed (flava) DIMW. Singles showing some characteristics of the Blue-headed race, but with white throats and pale grey ear-coverts, were noted at Chasewater from April 24 to June 10 JSB. GE and at Blithfield in late June GE. Grey Wagtail Warks Reported from eight sites with a pair present in summer at Shrewley. Redwing — Worcestershire Fieldfare — Staffordshire Spotted Flycatcher — Staffordshire 119 one on May 22, a single at Brownhills Common on April 22 and another at Lunt on April 25. One at Sheepwash on April 23 had risen to eight on April 28 declining to one by May 31. Waxwing Staffs One at Alrewas from December 27 to 30 JC E-D, PKJ. Dipper Worcs Two pairs probably bred along the Dowles Brook. Reported from three sections of the River Rea and Shakenhurst Brook and two seen along the Sapey Brook. One reported in autumn from the River Severn at Trimpley. Staffs Birds reported in the breeding season from Blackbrook (one juvenile), Consall (one pair), Coombes Valley (three pairs), Knypersley (one), Milldale and River Churnett at Oakamoor (two birds). Winter sightings from Danebridge (two), Beresford Dale (two). Deep Haye and Wolfscote Dale (two). W Mid One pair bred in the south-west of the county ICW. This would appear to constitute a first county breeding record. Wren Warks At least five pairs at Alvecote. Worcs No change in status reported. Staffs The CBC results showed 11 singing birds in 20 acres at Hem Heath Wood compared with 10 in 1985; and nine pairs at Doxey Marshes compared with seven the previous year. W Mid Three pairs bred at Sandwell Valley. Dunnock Warks Six pairs at Alvecote. Worcs No change in status reported. A leucistic individual seen at Little Comberton in July. Staffs 11 pairs in the Doxey CBC compared with eight the previous year. W Mid Three pairs bred at Sandwell Valley. Robin Warks Six pairs at Alvecote. Worcs No change in status reported. Staffs CBC results showed one pair at Doxey compared with three in 1985 and eight pairs at Hem Heath Wood, the same as in 1985. W Mid Breeding records from Sandwell Valley (six pairs), Sutton Park (four pairs not including a pair that raised five young in a nearby garden) and Willenhall Memorial Park (three pairs). 120 Nightingale Average: April 19 (52) to August 6 (14) First heard at Yeald Wood on April 26. One at Wappenbury on July 15, but no subsequent records. Warks Singing heard only at Bascote Locks on June 5. Worcs Singing birds heard at Caldewell Wood (one), Goosehill (one), Hanbury (one), Hornhill Wood (two). Old Hills (one), Pirton(two), Tiddesley Wood (one). Trench Wood (six). Upper Strensham (one). Upper Welland (one) and Yeald Wood (one). Generally the number of singing birds was noticeably lower than in 19RR Black Redstart Warks A single male at Hams Hall on July 14. Worcs A juvenile was at Abberton on May 27 GHP and a male was at Happy Valley on September 17 and 19 CJ. Staffs A first-summer male at Chasewater on April 11 PWD etal. At Rocester, where a pair also bred in 1985, young were hatched on June 11 DGB. EWL. Two pairs were present at Rugeley Power Station in July, both suspected to be feeding young. An immature at Codsall from November 25 to 28 SN and one at Churchbridge on December 3 per GE. W Mid In its Birmingham City Centre stronghold territories are difficult to determine, so some duplication may occur in the following: Breeding records: Pairs near Cambrian Halls, Ladywood NO and in a disused factory near Montague Street TCH, RMN. A pair observed carrying food at Snow Hill Station GIG, another feeding young at Charlotte Street RMN and a juvenile noted at Key Hill cemetery. Singing birds: One that sang regularly from Allison Street Police Station was first thought to be a "stool pigeon"! A Wh. Others at Bagot Street MJF, Cliveland Street TCH, RMN, the junction of Frederick Street and Victoria Street Hockley JRW, Lombard Street PAF, Lower Loveday Street PMH, Newhall Hill MJF. Pickford Street; away from the City Centre others at Albright and Wilsons Chemical Works, Oldbury GW, South Road, Small Heath TCH, RMN, London Steel Works, Tividale TBWG and Ocker Hill Power Station, Wednesbury ICW. Other sightings: A single at Sheepwash from March 16-17 TBWG, a first-summer male at Sandwell Valley on April 26 AW and a possible first-summer male at Snow Hill on July 1 GIG. Redstart A verage: April 10 (50) to September 23 (49) Not recorded until one at Brownhills on April 23 with the last date being September 21 at Warwick. Numbers of singing birds are slightly higher than in 1985. Warks The only breeding season records came from Bentley Park with three singing males in early May. Single passage birds reported from 121 Kingsbury in spring and Alvecote, Guys Cliffe, Warwick, Lillington and Great Packington in late summer and autumn. Worcs Singing males reported from Bredon Hill (five), British Camp, Chase End, Eastham (two). Midsummer Hill and Wyre Forest (eight). Passage biids noted at Castlemorton Common, Church Lench, Hallow, Happy Valley, Old Hills, Ripple and Upton Warren. Staffs Singing birds at Broomyshaw, Cauldon Lowe, Coombes Valley (five), Kinver and Manifold Valley (five), Milldale (three), Oakamoor Rudyard (four), Sherbrook Valley (six), Trentham (three), and Upper Longdon (two). Noted on passage at Belvide, Blithfield, Burntwood, Chasewater, Consall Forge, Kings Bromley and Tittesworth. W Mid A count in Sutton Park revealed no more than four singing males. Passage birds at Clayhanger, Barr Beacon, Brownhills Common, Fens Pool, Park Lime Pits and Sheepwash. A female noted in an Erdington garden from September 17 to 19. Whinchat Average: April 23 (50) to October 5 (46) Noted in the Sandwell Valley promptly from April 23. After a good passage throughout the region in late August and much of September, it was last recorded at Abberton on September 26. Warks Single pairs bred at Brandon, Ladywalk and Maxstoke. Birds also present at Lea Marston throughout the summer and although breeding was not established four birds including juveniles were present in September. Worcs A male holding territory at Stourvale Marsh during May was not thought to be successful due to destruction of suitable habitat by ploughing. Passage birds seen at Abberton, Bittell, Bredon's Hardwick, Castlemorton Common, (a maximum of 10 on September 16), Church Lench, Holt, Stoke Works, Upton Warren and Wilden. Staffs Bred at Doxey, the moors, Norton Canes, Sherbrook Valley and Tittesworth. Seen on passage at Belvide, Blithfield, Essington, Ford Green and Kings Bromley. W Mid Two pairs at Sutton Park throughout the breeding season. Spring birds reported from Clayhanger, Bartley, Fens Pool, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley and Sheepwash. An interesting record of a singing male in Montague Street, central Birmingham on May 20 TCH, RMN. Remark- able autumn passage occurred at Sandwell Valley beginning in mid- August with a peak of at least 15 on August 31 and a total of 10 throughout much of September. In Sutton Park 10 occurred on September 4. Stonechat Numbers appear to be lower than usual, possibly due to the cold winters recently. 122 Warks One at Kingsbury in January and a female at Draycote on March 15 and another at Ladywalk on Octoher 12. Worcs No breeding records received this year. Single birds seen at Abberton, Castlemorton Common, Happy Valley, Holt, Upton Warren, West Hagley and Wilden. Staffs A female at Doxey from January 4 to February 4 and a male at Chasewater on April 4. A male near the Katyn Memorial on April 27 may have been part of the pair, possibly two, reported in the Sherbrook Valley area. Bred successfully at Swallow Moss. A male occurred at Bolvide on July 7R W Mid Winter records from Sandwell Valley (two), Sheepwash (two) arid Sutton Park (two). Wheatear Average: March 20 (49) to October 14 (50) Arrived on March 16 at Chasewater, Longsdon, Mill Pool and Kingsbury with the main arrival in early April. The last record was from Blithfield on October 6. Warks One pair bred successfully near Meriden raising four young. Spring passage noted at seven sites with one at Coleshill between April 8 and 12. Autumn passage noted only in the Tame Valley with one to two present until September 7. Worcs A pair bred successfully on the Malverns. Spring records from 12 localities with a maximum of six at Grimley. Seen in autumn at eight sites with up to seven at North Hill and Pershore Airfield. Staffs A few pairs nested on the moors with 20, mainly juveniles, noted on July 27. A juvenile noted at Little Wyrley on July 22. Noted at 12 sites on spring passage with a maxima of up to eight at Chasewater on April 9 and 11 at Essington on April 11. Noted at 10 sites in the autumn with eight at Blithfield on August 14. W Mid A good spring passage with 10 at Fens Pools, five at Park Lime Pits and 25 at Sandwell Valley. Return passage; four at Sheepwash and daily at Sandwell Valley until September 14 with smaller numbers at Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools and Sheepwash. Birds showing characteristics of the Greenland race O.o. leucorrhoa were noted as follows: Warks One at Meriden on May 21 NPB. W Mid Two at Sandwell Valley,/! Wand a single at Sheepwash on May 26 GW. Ring Ouzel Average: April 1 (30) to October 20 (24) First noted at Chasewater on April 1. Last record from Malvern on October 26 after the usual passage there. Worcs A female at Walton Hill on April 2, a male at Wast Hills on April 9 with a pair again at Walton from April 14 to 16. Two males at Malvern on April 123 19 followed by three males and a female at Walton on April 22. In autumn three birds at Happy Valley on September 27, one on October 6 followed by two on October 12 and one finally on October 26. Staffs Noted at eight sites on the moors with immatures seen at Blackbrook, Goldsitch. Knotbury and Three Shires Head. A female at Doxey from April 6 to 12 and a male at Essington on April 24. W Mid A male near Lye Railway Station on April 3. A female at Fens Pool on April 16 with two males and two females at Sandwell Valley from April 23 to May 3. One male at Sutton Park on May 5 and a male at Willenhall Memorial Park on April 23 was the first record for the locality. Blackbird Warks 10 to 12 breeding pairs at Alvecote. Worcs No change in status reported. Staffs 21 pairs bred in the Doxey CBC, one more than in 1985. A flock of 50 was seen at Kinver on September 26. W Mid At Sandwell Valley during the first winter period, continental migrants pushed numbers past the 200 mark at a favoured roost site. Noted as being heavily predated by Jays and Magpies during the breeding season at Sutton Park HSQ. An interesting observation is of a female sitting on eggs in a cotoneaster in a car park in Birmingham City Centre on February 1; unfortunately hard weather occurred on February 4, the nest was snow covered and subsequently deserted MJF. Fieldfare Average: October 2 (51) to May 1 (50) A notable influx into the region in early January. After a good passage in late March and throughout much of April, last recorded at Belvide on April 29. First returning bird at Solihull on September 29 but no sizable flocks until the start of November. Scarce from the end of January until the beginning of March due to the extreme cold. Warks The largest winter flocks were 1000 at Minworth on January 1 and Kingsbury on January 5 and 300 at Alvecote on January 12. In autumn 500 at Warwick on November 26. Worcs In the first winter period 884 roosted at Broadway on January 9 and 350 present at Bredon's Hardwick on January 11. Further flocks of between 100 and 200 noted at Bittell and Stoke Prior. Spring concentration include 250 passing east over Bordesley on April 3,120 at Longdon on April 18 and 112 at Oakley on April 21. In autumn and the second winter period 260 at Wichenford on November 4 and 600 headed south over Bittell on November 12, 250 at Bredon's Hardwick on December 6 and a similar number at Ripple on December 20. Further flocks of between 100 and 200 noted at Castlemorton Common, Larford and Upton Warren. Staffs Very few flocks over 100 reported in either the first winter or autumn or second winter periods. Largest winter flocks of 150 at Doxey on 124 January 1, 50 at Great Haywood and 79 at Belvide on January 18,150 at Loynton Moss on March 22, 200 at Belvide on March 30, 150 at Teddesley on April 5,13 at Little Wyrley on April 27 and 12 near Belvide on April 29. Early autumn arrivals seen at Katyn Memorial and Mill Green on October 26. The only sizable autumn flocks were 350 on Cannock Chase on November 4, 1000 flew over Mill Green between November 2 and 3, 510 at Hollybush Park on November 2, 200 at Belvide on November 14 and 100 at Great Haywood on November 23. W Mid 4000 at Sandwell Valley in early January and 600 at Park Lime Pits on January 1 with 200at Willenhall Memorial Parkon January3. Reported only in low numbers during autumn. Song Thrush Warks No change in status noted. Worcs Peak autumn passage count of 60 at Happy Valley on September 27 with lesser numbers seen in October. Staffs Two pairs bred in the Doxey CBC, one more than in 1985. W Mid The only breeding record came from Willenhall Memorial Park. Redwing Average: September 27 (52) to April 18(51) As with Fieldfare, a notable influx at the beginning of January. The main spring passage occurred in late to mid-March and last seen at Grimley on April 19. An early return migrant at Hampstall on September 7, but no sizable flocks until mid October. Virtually absent during the cold February weather. Noted by many observers as being scarce in autumn, possibly due to a poorer haw crop. Warks No first winter flocks of greater than 50. 500 at Warwick on November 26 was the only notable record for autumn. Worcs 923 counted going to roost around Broadway on January 9; between 120 and 150 seen at Bittell on January 10. On January 11 500 were present at Bredon's Hardwick and 150 at Ripple with numbers increasing to 700 at the former locality by January 25. The only sizable flocks in autumn were 150 heading west over Happy Valley on October 17 and 250 at Bredon's Hardwick on November 9. Staffs The only first winter and spring flocks were 21 at Aqualate on February 21. 24 at Ridgehill on March 6, 34 at Keele on March 11, 104 at Hollybush Lake on March 16 and 41 at Longdon on April 1. Late birds at Belvide on April 12 and Newcastle on April 14. An early record of 10 at Mill Green on September 20. 10 at Maer Hills on October 19, 100 at Belvide on November 14, 50 at Aqualate on December 26 and 10 at Copmere on December 27. W Mid First winter flocks of 1000 at Sandwell Valley in early January, 350 at Fens Pools and 200 at Willenhall Memorial Park on January 3, 400 at Park Lime Pits from January 1 to 4,140 at Moseley Bog on February 20. Few recorded in autumn. 125 Mistle Thrush Warks Flocks of up to 30 noted in Packington Park in late summer including a large proportion of juveniles. Worcs 17 at Broadway was the only notable flock. Staffs 31 dl Keele and 23 at Chasewater on October 2, 18 at Blithfield on October 5 and 20 at Kinver on Octoher 7 W Mid Bred at Sandwell Valley (two pairs), Sutton Park (five pairs), Willenhall Memorial Park (one pair). A flock of 40 on a freshly mown football pitch in Solihull on August 26 with 27 at Park Lime Pits on September 13. Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 18 (50) to August 23 (40) Late arriving with the first heard at Trench Wood on April 25. Elusive . later on in the year. Last seen at Mill Green on August 27. 45 reeling birds represents a slight improvement on last year's total. Warks Reported as scarce again with the records coming from Brandon (one), Kingsbury area (three) and Ladywalk (one). Worcs 25 reeling birds heard at 15 sites during the summer with the main concentrations being three at Abberton, three at Castlemorton Common, four at Trench Wood and four at Weethley Wood. Staffs Singing birds at Belvide, Chasewater, Doxey (up to two), Fazeley, Katyn Memorial, Mill Green, Newlands and up to three along the Anker at Tamworth. No proof of breeding at any of these sites. W Mid Singing birds at Clayhanger (one), Sutton Park (two) and Willenhall (one). Sedge Warbler A verage: April 16 (50) to September 28 (44) Not noted until April 26 with singles at Upton Warren and Kingsbury. The main arrival was in the first week of May. Last noted at Mill Green on September 26. Warks Six to eight pairs at Alvecote, eight at Brandon and 12 to 15 pairs at Kingsbury. Worcs Singing males reported from 18 sites including Abberton (six), Bittell (two), Church Lench (four), Cropthorn (two), Defford (two), Larford (four). Lower Moor (four), Strensham (four), Upton Warren (six), Westwood (two), Wilden (six). Staffs 29 pairs bred at Doxey (three more than last year) with breeding also noted at Betley (where 30 were ringed), and three pairs at Chasewater and Westport. Also noted at Belvide, Mill Green, and Whittington. WMid Singing birds at Clayhanger (one), Sandwell Valley (two), Sheepwash (two). Passage birds noted at Fens Pools and Willenhall Memorial Park. A bird spent two days in the back garden of a house in Hollywood in early May JRW. 126 Marsh Warbler Average arrival: June 1 (36) First noted in the Avon valley on May 22, the earliest arrival on record. Worcs The population continues to decline dramatically with less than half last year's total of pairs. Only seven breeding pairs, with one additional singing male, were located at four core sites. A further singing bird was observed in the southern part of the county. Reed Warbler Avar?go April 26 (46) to September 22 (40) First noted on the Droitwich Canal on May 1 with the main arrival a week later. Last seen at Upton Warren on September 20. Reported numbers down in Worcestershire but up in Warwickshire and Staffordshire. Warks Six pairs bred at Alvecote and three at Kingsbury. At Ladywalk the gradual encroachment of phragrriites is benefiting this species with 12 to 14 pairs present. Also at least one singing bird at Great Packington. No breeding records received for Brandon. Worcs 38 singing males reported from 14 sites with 12 at Lower Moor, three at Oakley and five at Thorngrove. No records received from several other known localities. Staffs Five pairs at Chasewater and 10 at Doxey (cf. to two and three respectively). Other records from Aqualate, Belvide, Blithfield, Crop- mere, Mill Green, Sandon,Tamworth and Westport. At Betley 203 were ringed between May and September. W Mid Two, possibly three pairs, bred at Sandwell Valley. Singing males noted during the breeding season at Fens Pools (six), Rushall (one) and Sheepwash (one). Lesser Whitethroat A verage: April 22 (50) to September 20 (50) Recorded at Branston, Ufton Fields and Upton Warren from April 26 with the main arrival in early May. Main departure in August and early September and last noted at Kingsbury on September 28. Warks Small numbers reported from only four localities. Six pairs estimated in the Tame Valley where numbers were said to be down by 75% BLK. Two to three pairs at Alvecote and at least three at Packington. Worcs Reported from 25 localities in the county with five pairs at Abberton, three at Old Hills and four at Upton Warren. Seven birds on passage at Offenham on August 12. Staffs Reported singing at 13 sites involving 19 individuals. Seen on passage at Mill Green and Rickerscote. W Mid Probable breeding from Brownhills Common, Fens Pools (five pairs), Sandwell Valley (three pairs) and Sutton Park (two pairs). Passage birds noted at Castle Bromwich, Dorridge, Moseley Bog and Sheepwash with one in a garden at Bentley Heath on August 25 127 Whitethroat Average: April 15 (52) to September 25 (52) Another late incoming migrant, not arriving until April 26, but being recorded at many localities on that date. Most had gone by early September with the last record from Chasewater on September 28. Warks Two pairs at Alvecote, 13 pairs at Kingsbury and eight at Ladywalk. Outside the Tame VaNey, the only records came from Brandon (three in May), Offchurch and Shrewley. Worcs A minimum of 89 singing males reported from 26 sites with pairs at Abberton (five), Bredon Hill (five), Castlemorton Common (15), Defford (five). Old Hills (five), Rushwick (six), Wilden (five) holding the main concentrations. Staffs Noted at 12 localities with breeding pairs at Apedale (12), Belvide (three), Chasewater (five), Doxey (four) and Penkridge. Very scarce in the Needwood area. WMid Several pairs bred at Brownhills Common and probably at Fens Pools (three pairs). 12 singing males present in Sandwell Valley during May to June resulting in at least two breeding pairs. A minimum of two breeding pairs at Sheepwash and four in song at Sutton Park. A passage migrant noted in an Erdington garden on August 28. Garden Warbler A verage: April 22 (49) to September 8 (48) Noted at Arrow Valley lake on April 24 with the main arrival in early May. Most had left by early September but a late bird noted at Old Hills on October 3. Warks Reported from eight sites with the highest concentrations at Alvecote (two to three pairs), Kingsbury (four pairs), Ladywalk (eight pairs) and Packington (at least five pairs). Worcs Singing males reported from 21 localities with seven at Old Hills, 10 on North Hill and seven in the Wyre Forest. Staffs Noted at 10 localities in the breeding season. Far less widespread than Blackcap in the Needwood area being more associated with streamside cover than woodland. Seen on passage at Allimore Green and Oldacre Valley oh August 12 and Maer on September 20. W Mid Family party noted at Sutton Park. Spring passage birds at Park Lime Pits (two). Fens Pools (one), Sandwell Valley (one) and Sutton Park (two). Return passage at Fens Pools (three), Sandwell Valley (four) and one at Sheepwash, with another in an Erdington garden on August 28. Blackcap Average: April 4 (52) to October 7 (49) First seen on March 21 at Rickerscote with the main arrival later than normal being mid-April. Last noted at Trittiford on October 8. Birds after this date were probably wintering birds. An unprecedented 48 birds were recorded in the region in February reflecting the national increase 128 and extension of range and numbers in northern Europe, where these biids> dppudi luuiiyindie fiuiii. Warks Wintering birds seen at Kenilworth withrthree on January 6 and at Middleton on January 15. In summer reported from nine localities; Alvecote (two pairs), Kingsbury (seven pairs), Ladywalk (eight pairs) and Packington (at least 15 pairs). Worcs 89 singing males reported from 22 sites, with five at Bransford, nine at Old Hill, nine at Ragged Stone, eight at Trench Wood and 16 in the Wyre Forest. A good series of winter records this year with a male at Malvern on January 27, a pair in West Hagley between February 5 and 22 (this being the fourth consecutive winter), a male and two females at Little Comberton on February 8 and 9 with a pair remaining until February 24, a pair at Evesham on February 21, a pair at Hunt End during February with a further male and two females at Ipsley later in the month, a male in south Bromsgrove on February 26 and one at Malvern Link on March 2. Finally in autumn a male at Malvern on November 22 may have been a wintering bird. Staffs Noted in 13 areas in the breeding season and widespread in the Needwood area. A survey of 38 suburban gardens in the north of the county from January to March produced records of four birds. Other winter records from Penkridgeon February 18 and Alrewas on February 27. Birds at Belvide on October 27 and at Brewoodon November 19 may have been wintering birds. W Mid Seven males in song at Sutton Park and at least two pairs bred. Two pairs bred at Sandwell Valley and another pair bred at St Margarets Hospital. Noted in small numbers in both passage periods at 12 localities. Winter records from 13 garden sites involving a total of 23 individuals, 14 males and nine females. Yellow-browed Warbler Worcs A juvenile seen at Upton Warren on October 8 SMW et at constituted the first record for the region. First detected by its distinctive tsill-eep' call, this bird spent the afternoon in a fairly thick hawthorn hedgerow and adjoining oak trees. A tiny and compactphylloscopus warbler with a short, fine bill and lawn coloured legs. Upperparts were a bright greeny base colour with a yellowish hue. Broad creamy wing bars were formed by pale tips to the greater coverts, with a secondary, smaller wing bar along the tips of the median coverts visible on at least one wing. Remiges and retrices bright greeny coloured with a yellowish tinge. Underparts silvery white with a strong yellow wash, especially on sides of breast and throat. Crown bright greenish, but no paler crown stripe visible. Slim but bold dark line through eye, bordered above by a bold and fairly long, creamy supercilium. Ear coverts greenish grey. Eye dark. The bird was seen to hover once or twice and was quite active when visible, but remained concealed in hedge and oak canopy for quite long periods. Wood Warbler Average: April 21 (50) to August 18 (39) Noted at Mill Green on April 26 with the main arrival in mid-May. More 129 records of autumn passage birds this year, with late birds at Doxey on September 22 and Kingstanding on October 5. Warks Thought to have bred at Maxstoke with a singing bird between May 25 and June 23. Otherwise singing birds only heard at Earlswood, Clowes Wuud (three from May 11 to 18) and at Nether Whitacre on May 19. A return passage bird at Packington on September 5. Worcs 35 singing males heard at nine localities with no records from several other usual sites. At Malvern (between North Hill and The Gullett) seven pairs made eight nests of which five were successful and three were predated. A pair successfully fledged a brood at Westwood and 21 singing birds were heard in the Wyre Forest. A return passage bird noted at Upton Warren on August 20. Staffs Noted singing at Belvide, Biddulph Grange, Blackbrook(two), Blithfield, Brocton (three), Burntwood, Dimmingsdale, Himley, Keele, Kinver(ten), Mill Green, Oakamoor (five), Ridgehill Woods, Sherbrook Valley (five), Springslade, Trentham (two) and Upper Longdon (two). One at Doxey from September 20 to 22. W Mid Three on passage at Sutton Park during May. One in a garden at Four Oaks on May 20 and another at Willenhall Memorial Park on May 26. One in a Kingstanding garden on October 5 was the first October record fnr the region. JEF. Chiffchaff Average: March 16 (52) to October 15 (52) First recorded on March 17 at Kingsbury and Upton Warren, with birds slowly building up in late March and early April. Good passage in the second week of September but most birds had left by the end of the month. Last recorded in Malvern on October 12. Unlike the Blackcap Chiffchaffs are essentially insectivorous and the few overwintering birds struggle to survive cold weather. Warks Breeding pairs from Alvecote (two). Church Pool Covert (four), Kingsbury (four) and Packington (at least 25). The only wintering bird was at Kingsbury on December 13. Worcs Reported from 18 sites in the breeding season with five singing males at Bredon Hill and 11 along the Dowles Brook and four at Westwood. In autumn 14 on passage at Bredon Hill on September 9, nine in Happy Valley on the same day with probable wintering birds seen at Old Hills on November 19, Bredon's Hardwick (three) on November 30 and Strensham on December 6. Staffs Singing birds at Belvide (three), Betley, Blithfield, Chasewater, Codsall, Four Crosses, Keele, Kinver (seven), Mill Green, Sherbrook Valley (three), Upper Longdon (four) and Westport (three). Winter records from Belvide on December 8 and Elford on December 14. W Mid Singing birds at Brownhills Common, Moseley Bog (three), Sandwell Valley (seven) and Sutton Park (nine). Winter records of singles at Fens 130 Pool from November 21 to 24 and at Sandwell Valley on November 28 with another between December 17 and 22. Willow Warbler Average: March 27 (52) to October 2 (52) Seen at Mill Green from March 28 but the main arrival did not start until late April. Most had left by mid-September with late records from Kingsbury on October 11 and the Wyre Forest on October 31. Warks Eight pairs at Alvecote. 19 to 22 at Kingsbury, 18 to 20 at Ladywalk and 30 at Packington, A count of summer migrants in the Leam Valley on April 26 produced 17 and this number was also present at Ufton Fields on the same day. Worcs Maxima in the breeding season of five singing males on Bredon Hill, 29 in the Dowles Brook area of the Wyre Forest and six at Upton Warren. In autumn the largest concentration was eight on Bredon Hill on September 9. Staffs Spring counts of 30at Chasewater on April 27 and 25 at Belvide on May 3. Autumn passage much down on recent years suggesting poor breeding success. 64 ringed at Tittesworth during the autumn. W Mid Singing birds during the breeding season at Clayhanger, Fens Pools (50), Sandwell Valley (30), Sheepwash (40) and Sutton Park (35). Breeding confirmed from all the sites. Small numbers noted in gardens during autumn. Goldcrest Generally reported as being much scarcer than usual due to cold weather. Warks Small numbers reported from Arley, Bentley Woods and Packington in summer. In winter small numbers associating with Tit flocks reported from most suitable areas. Worcs Summer records from six sites though absent in and around Evesham, where previously five pairs present, and depleted on the Malverns. 130 on The Lickeys on November 15. Staffs 26 counted in the Million Plantation at Enville on January 26 and 250 estimated at Beaudesert in February. W Mid No breeding confirmed. Song noted from several suburban gardens and sporadically in Sutton Park during the breeding season. Most other records came from the first winter period with maxima of six at Fens Pools on January 6, two at Sandwell Valley during January to April, two at Brownhills Common in January to February and four at Willenhall Memorial Park during January. The only autumn record relates to one in an Erdington garden between September 4 and October 7. Firecrest Another poor year. Staffs One at Kinver Edge on November 6 was caught and ringed MEB. One at Blithfield on November 9 RJJ. 131 1984 Addendum Worcs One in a Wychbold garden on November 24 and 25 TRC. 1985 Addendum Worcs One, presumably Hie 1984 bird was noted at Wychbold on January 5 TRC. Spotted Flycatcher Average: May 1 (50) to September 26 (50) First seen at Shrewley on May 4 with the main arrival on May 12 and 13. Main return passage in late August with a few until mid-September. A late bird seen at Kingsbury on October 5. Warks Bred at Earlswood, Church Pool Covert, GuysCliffe, near Warwick (five pairs), Middleton Hall and Wappenbury Hall. Said to be numerous in the Fillongley/Maxstoke/Packington area but totally absent around Henley- in-Arden and Wootton Wawen. Worcs An average year. Breeding confirmed at Abberton (three pairs), Defford, Lynalls Coppice, Pershore, Ripple, Upper Welland and Westwood Park. Also noted at nine other localities, with a maximum of 12 at Wormington Grange on August 24. Staffs Breeding noted at Blithfield, Brocton, Chasewater, Codsall, Four Ashes (three pairs), Four Crosses, Gailey, Hanchurch, Keele, Kinver(two), Mill Green, Ridgehill Woods, Stafford and Upper Longdon (three). Very scarce in the Needwood area where mainly noted on autumn passage and no proof of breeding. W Mid Bred successfully at Fens Pools (one pair), Sutton Park (two pairs), Stourbridge/Oldswinford (one pair) and Willenhall Memorial Park (four pairs). A single bird in Shirley from May 18 to 20. Notable return passage with August maxima of 50 at Sandwell Valley and 24 at Willenhall Memorial Park, the latter an excellent count for the locality. Singles from several gardens in August and two observed on waste ground near Five Ways, Birmingham City Centre in early September. Pied Flycatcher A verage: April 21 (40) to September 8 (22) A male'was seen in a Nuneaton garden on April 25. The main arrival took place in the second week of May. Few autumn records. Last seen at Sandwell Valley on September 12. Warks At Bentley Park, a male sang on May 9 and 10 and a female on May 11. Birds have now been seen at this locality for two successive years but breeding has yet to be proven. Worcs A cold damp start to the breeding season caused nest failures. Of five nest boxes occupied at Lynalls Coppice, four nests containing 24 eggs were abandoned, the fifth fledged seven young. Elsewhere, in the Wyre 130 young were raised from 27 nesting attempts; at Menith Wood 21 young from three, and a pair nested successfully in the Halesowen/ 132 Romsley area. Singing males also noted at Eyemore Wood (four). Fort Royol Park Worcester (male held territory May 15 to June 6) and Malverns where several took up territory. Of three pairs of adults at Shelfheld in 1985, three males and one female returned. Also in the Wyre two adults paired as in 1985 and returned to the same nest box. Noted on spring passage at Bittell. Staffs At least one of probably two pairs bred successfully in Brocton Coppice and six males were present at Coombes Valley. One of two pairs bred successfully atTrentham and unfledged young were located at a south- western site. Singing males also noted at Devil's Staircase and Dimmingsdale. Passage birds noted at Belvide, Chasewater, Clay Mills, Dane Valley, Deep Hayes, Mill Green, Paris Avenue and Westport. W Mid A female at Fens Pools on May 12 and a male sang in Sutton Park from May 19 to 23. An autumn passage bird noted at Sandwell Valley on September 12. The occurrence of singing males in recent years at Sutton Park has prompted local ornithologists to erect nesting boxes in the area. Bearded Tit Warks At Brandon, a female on January 6, a male on February 7, a party of six on November 15 and two on December 7. At Draycote the pair seen in 1985 were still present on January 2. Long-tailed Tit Warks Reported from only six localities. The largest parties were 28 at Earlswood on August 23,23 at Ladywalk in November and 15 at Studley on January 11. Worcs Breeding reported from Ribbesford, Upton Warren and the Wyre. During February and March up to six fed from a garden food basket in West Hagley. In late March eight parties each containing six to twelve birds were noted in Chaddesley Woods. 20 at Upton Warren during the autumn. Staffs Flocks of 30 at Belvide on January 18 and 16 on August 22, with 35 in a garden in Anslow on August 13. A poor year at Chasewater with a maximum of 3 on October 15. A survey of garden birds by an Adult Education class produced several records of small parties visiting bird tables in the southern suburbs of Stafford. W Mid Nest building observed at Sutton Park and a family party seen at Pensnett Coppice on July 20. A pair reported from Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge. Scant records during autumn and winter, the only notable count being of 13 at Sutton Park on November 21. Marsh Tit Reported from a similar number of locations last year i.e. 25. Warks Fairly scarce in the county. Two or three pairs at Bent ley Park and Ryton 133 Wood and single pairs at Alvecote and Wootton Wawen. Non-breeding birds seen at Church Pool covert and Kingsbury. Worcs Recorded at 11 localities including the Malverns. Maximum of 14 reported there with three in song on April 25. Staffs Reported from Belvide (five), Blithfield, Chillington (two), Fisherwick and Upper Longdon (two pairs). WMid No breeding reported. One at Sandwell Valley on February 27 and two on September 11. Singles at Willenhall Memorial Park between July 7 and 14 (a first for the locality) and at Sutton Park on November 19. Willow Tit Recorded from 35 localities this year, ten more than last. Warks Considered to be far commoner than Marsh Tit but in fact fewer records received. Two pairs present at Alvecote and seven pairs estimated from Packington. Worcs Bred at Bittell, Cropthorne and Old Hills. Records from eleven other localities. Staffs More widely reported with records from Anslow, Biddulph's Pool (two), Branston (two), Blithfield (four). Lower Avenue, Chillington (six), Chasewater (four or five pairs), Hinksford, Kinver Edge, Upper Longdon (lluee pairs) and Wyrley Common. WMid A minimum of six pairs bred at Sandwell Valley and two pairs were reported from Cotwall End Valley. Food carrying was observed at Clayhanger. Elsewhere, noted from; Barrowhill, Brownhills Common, Fens Pools, Pensnett and Wall Heath. Coal Tit Warks No records received. Worcs Bred at Broadway and Lynalls Coppice, where six young fledged from one nest box. Noted at twelve other localities. Staffs Found to be outnumbering Great Tits in mixed and coniferous woods around Needwood. W Mid No breeding records. Noted in good numbers throughout the year in the conifer plantations of Sutton Park. Elsewhere, recorded at only three sites giving an unclear picture of the species' true status. Blue Tit The wet spring led to extremely late nesting of this species and Great Tits with a high incidence of first brood failures. Warks No records received. Worcs Had one of their worst seasons in the Wyre; nestings were low and although 40 nest boxes were occupied many were left empty. Elsewhere 117 young raised from 16 nest boxes in Menith Wood and lots of young at Bittell. Roost of 31 at Broadway on January 9 was the largest number reported. 134 Staffs Five pairs bred on the Doxey CBC and 13-14 pairs in the Hem Heath Wood CBC, the same as 1985. W Mid Of the 33 occupied nest boxes at Sutton Park 32 were inhabited by Blue Tits. A total of 297 eggs were produced of which 260 hatched and 226 fledged per comm. N Hartley. Reported to be a common breeder in the Sandwell Valley. Great Tit Warks No records received. Worcs In the Wyre Forest, 80 young from 13 nest boxes with the young of one nest predated. Elsewhere, 19 young from three nest boxes in Lynalls Coppice (28 young from nine boxes in 1985), 37 from seven in Menith Wood and lots of young reported from Bittell. In West Hagley where breeding reported from two nest boxes, one nest was predated — squirrel suspected. Staffs One pair bred in the Doxey CBC and seven pairs in the Hem Heath Wood CBC, compared with five in 1985. Only one family party was seen there on June 23 compared with five on the same date in 1985. 1 WMid Bred at Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park and Willenhall. Frequently observed with Blue Tits at winter garden feeding stations. Nuthatch Warks Reported from ten sites with breeding from only three. Eight pairs bred at Warwick Castle. A bird regularly seen in Church Pool Covert from August was the first recorded there. Worcs Bred in the Wyre where 16 young raised from two nest boxes. Summer records from Bittell, Lynalls Coppice and the Malverns. Also noted at 14 other localities, including one from Upton Warren (where scarce) on January 25. Staffs Reported from 20 localities with five pairs at Coombes Valley being the largest number. Seven in Yoxall Lodge Park on August 24. W Mid Three pairs bred in Sutton Park and two in Merrions Wood. Reported from six other sites during the breeding season. Treecreeper Warks Bred at Kingsbury and Packington and probably at Sych Wood and Bentley Park (three pairs). Worcs Summer records from Bittell, Castlemorton, Old Hills, Old Storridge and Malvern Hills (four), where nest building observed at the Gullet on April 27. Otherwise noted at nine other localities. Staffs Reported from Aqualate, Beaudesert (over 20 pairs), Belvide, Brocton and Rudyard. W Mid Pairs bred at Pensnett Coppice (one), Sandwell Valley (one) and Sutton Park (four). Interesting records of a pair that raised four young in an upright railway sleeper at Brownhills Common and of another that 135 nested in a wooden kiosk at Sutton Park. Noted from seven other localities in the breeding season. Great Grey Shrike Staffs One at Doxey from February 7 to April 14 DFD et al and one in the Sherbrook Valley from November 2 to 16 JC E-D. GIG. PDH. MJI. W Mid One at Sandwell Valley on October 8 PAF. PMH. RDan et al. Jay Warks Two pairs present at Alvecote and one pair probably bred at Ladywalk. A loose flock of 18 were seen moving between copses at Shawbury on August 17. Worcs Recorded from 11 localities. Fewer on Malverns than 1985. Staffs Reported from Belvide (five), Blithfield, Chasewater (four), Hanchurch (two). Moss Pool, Trentham, Upper Longdon (five pairs), and Westport (one). W Mid Pairs bred at Sandwell Valley (two) and Sutton Park (five). Breeding probably occurred at Barrowhill and Brownhills Common. Reported from 22 localities during autumn and winter. There has been a big increase in reports from urban areas to the extent that sightings in the centre of Birmingham have becnme a regular event. Magpie Large roosts, likely to be mostly juveniles, in the West Midlands testify to the increase of this species in suburban areas. Warks At Draycote a maximum of 26 roosted in Willows in December. At Hockley one took to eating water snails from a garden pool. Worcs Up to 60 roosted at Bittell in the autumn. Largest counts came from the Malverns, where it is a common resident, with 11 on Pinnacle Hill on January 21 and 20 Old Hills on February 11. Despite the obvious increase in this species, only three records Staffs received; a pair bred on the Doxey CBC, a maximum of 17 at Chasewater on September 28, a flock of 35 at Leycett on December 21 and 45 at Upper Longdon in the winter months. No breeding information receivedl Notable roosts included 100 at St W Mid Margarets Hospital in early January, 150 at Sutton Park in February, 75 at Sandwell Valley during December and 55 at Clayhanger on December 23. Many reports of clutches lost to Magpies including one clutch of six Robin's eggs, two clutches of Song Thrushes and several young Blackbirds from one suburban garden NDG. Jackdaw Warks Much more numerous in the south of the county. 250 at Ragley Park on September 6 was the most reported. Worcs Breeding noted at Broadway and the Gullet (Malvern). Outside the breeding season reports of between 200 and 300 from Bredon Hill, 136 Broadway, Holt, the Malverns and Ryall with 80 at Bittell, 90 at the Gullet and 119 from Upton Warren. Largest count of 320 off the Sugarloaf on November 11. Staffs 53 were feeding in Blithe Bay at Blithfield on September 29, 106 flew over Belvide on October 8, and 1000 roosted at Wandon Cross in the winter. Up to 12 at Chasewater on October 15 were unusual for the site. A pale-naped bird at Newborough on November 9 probably originated from the continent DIMW. W Mid No breeding records. Noted from eight sites during the breeding season. A winter roost numbering at least 200 birds regularly reported from St Margarets Hospital during wirtter. Rook Warks 75 nests at Freasley and 37 at Whateley with 10 on an electricity pylon nearby at Hockley. A maximum of 1000 seen moving to and from a roost over Hockley and Whateley in December. Worcs No breeding records received. Flocks reported from Bittell, Bredon Hill, Castlemorton and Holt. Largest number of 200 at Bredon Hill on March 23. Staffs 300 feeding at Little Wyrley on June 24 and over 1000 roosted at Wandon Cross in the winter. 175 flew over Chasewater on October 15 where this is an unusual species. W Mid No breeding records. Recorded in small numbersthroughouttheyearat Sandwell Valley. A flock of 40 at Stubbers Green on December 23 and a winter roost containing several hundred birds noted at St Margarets Hospital. Carrion Crow Warks No records received. Worcs No breeding records received. An estimated 1500 birds roosted between the Hallow Road and the River Severn in November and December. Elsewhere, 50 at Bittell on February 16, and 60 at Castlemorton on November 1 7. Staffs 100 were seen feeding on exposed mud around the edge of the drained lake at Trentham, Swan Mussels being a major food item. 32 were at Chasewater on October 31 and a leucistic bird was at Cannock Tip on February 22. W Mid The only breeding record was of a pair at Sandwell Valley from where 40 were noted during autumn. 15 observed at Fens Pools on November 26 and approximately 100 birds reported from Gornal Wood in both winter periods. A notable winter roost at Sutton Park where a minimum of 300 were counted as they converged upon the central heathland area. 137 Hooded Crow - 1983 Addendum Worcs One at Berry Mount on December 30. Corvids Staffs 600 fed at Cannock Tip on February 22 and 700 roosted at Betley during late summer and autumn. Raven Worcs A good series of records from the west of the county. Singles at Worcester on February 15, Grimley on February 16 MHB, the Wyre Forest on February 16 MH and at Knighton-on-Teme on July 12 BW. Two on the Malvern Hills on September 6 AFJ and two at Wyre Forest on September 13 AFJ. One or two were present around Happy Valley from September 13 to 24 many observers and again from December 20 to 31 PGG. GHP. One at Hartlebury on September 11RM, one flew over the Knapp on October 5 GL, and a single at Ragged Stone Hill on October 19 PGG. Starling Warks Up to 750 birds were occasionally seen moving through Kingsbury, possibly to a roost in Birmingham, in autumn. Another roost at Mappleborough contained an estimated 5000 on September 1. Worcs 2000 at Holt on September 3, 1000 there on November 9 and 3000 at Oakley on September 7. Staffs 3000 roosted in the reed bed at Betley and 50 000 were reported roosting in the Stoke-Fenton area. Two albino juveniles, apparently from the same brood, were observed being fed by parent birds at Westlands. WMid At least 30 pairs bred in Sutton Park were alder was the favoured nesting site. At Sandwell Valley a roost of up to 500 individuals was present in late April and early May whilst sizable pre-roost gatherings were often noted in winter. Some spectacular movements were observed in summer at Willenhall with a peakcount at the roosting site of 6000 on June 6, decreasing to 5000 on the 21 and 2500 by the 26. House Sparrow Warks No change in status. Worcs No change in status reported. Staffs A flock of over 300 seen in a stubble field at Chasewater on August 15. W Mid A flock of 250 noted in a hedgerow at Pelsall North Common on August 19. Tree Sparrow Warks Four pairs bred at Alvecote. The only sizable flock recorded was 100 at Arley on December 27. 138 Worcs No breeding records received. Summer records from Broadway, Ribbesford and the Wyre. Noted at other times of the year at nine localities, with a maximum of 80 at Throckmorton on March 2. Staffs One pair bred in the Doxey CBC. 13 at Chasewater on April 10, 12 at Fisherwick on September 4, 40 at Belvide on September 9, 50 with finches near Colwich on November 30,15 at Blithfield on December 15 and 30 at Anslow on December 11. WMid Two pairs known to have bred at Sandwell Valley and at least 100 present there throughout the winter. Present in small numbers at seven sites during the breeding season. A late autumn flock totalling 24 birds at Aldridge on October 23. Chaffinch l/l/arks 110 in the Kingsbury area on February 15 and 150 at Arley on December 27 were the only flocks reported. Worcs No breeding records received. Flocks of 20 or more noted at 14 localities. Maxima of 400 at Beckford on January 10, 360 at Broadway on January 28 and 200 at Interfield on January 29. Staffs Two pairs nested in the Doxey CBC, five less than last year. Up to 300 noted at Blithfield between October and November, 61 at Belvide on November 6, 100 at Aqualate on December 14, and 60 at Chasewater on December 26. Winter numbers have been dropping over recent years, due, in part, to a change in farming practice resulting in fewer autumn and winter stubbles. W Mid Three singing birds at Sandwell Valley during the breeding season. Breeding probably occurred at Willenhall Memorial Park. Winter concentrations noted at Edgbaston Reservoir with 135 on December 6 and a flock of 40 at Sheepwash on December 23. Brambling Average: October 10 (51) to April 15 (50) A much better year than 1985 with a good series of spring records in particular. Less common in autumn. Movement of birds noted in mid- March and again in mid-April with the last record at Blithfield on April 139 29. First noted at Berkswell on October 5 but not in any numbers until the end of the month. Warks Fairly well spread in the early part of the year but scarce in the county in autumn. Maxima of 50 at Snitterfield on January 19,36 at Kingshi iry on Maich 9, 25 at Packington on March 16, 100 at Brandon on April 17 (with a few present until 20). Also reported from Larkstoke and Snitterfield. In autumn the only reports came from Brandon (seven), Packington (one) and near Warwick (12). Worcs A good year, widely reported in winter and autumn. Maxima of 235 at Beckford on January 10, 300 at Torton on February 11, 150 at Wyre Piddle on March 1, 260 at Martley April 5, and 200 at Interfield on December 29. Staffs Apart from the well recorded winter and autumn flocks at Blithfield, there were only scattered records. 200 at Aqualate on February 17, 26 fed in a garden in Upper Longdon in February, 26 at Maer on March 20, 60 at Blithfield on April 24, and up to 15 remained in a Stafford garden between February 21 and April 22,30 at Maer Hill on October 19, up to 150 present at Blithfield from November to the year end, 48 at Apedale on November 18, 20 with other finches and Tree Sparrows near to Colwich on November 30, 30 at Aqualate on December 14 and 30 at Enville on December 26. Up to 200 were at Long Birch fruit farm during the autumn. W Mid 16 frequented Sandwell Valley on March 15. Reported from eight garden locations, mostly in ones or twos during the first winter period, and a final sighting of five, including a superb summer plumaged male, at Sandwell Valley on April 20. In autumn the only flock was 50 amongst a mixed finch flock at Brownhills Common on October 27. Greenfinch Warks Six pairs bred at Alvecote. Up to 50 present at an autumn roost in Church Pool Covert. Worcs No breeding records. Up to 50 present at Bredon's Hardwick in the first winter period. More widely reported and in larger numbers in the autumn, with 150 at Island Pool on December 7 and 250 at Holt on December 14. Staffs Three pairs bred in the Doxey CBC. Twenty were seen at Belvide on January 7, 30 at Bishop's Wood on January 31, 60 at Stourton on February 15, 80 at Chasewater on August 20, 30 at Featherstone on August 28 and 200 roosted at Kinver in mid November. W Mid Bred at Fens Pools, Sandwell Valley and Willenhall Memorial Park; also noted in the breeding season from Aldridge, Barr Beacon, Edgbaston Park, Streetly and Sutton Park. A winter roost containing a minimum of 100 birds was centred upon a dense rhododendron tangle in the Sandwell Valley. 140 Goldfinch Generally obocnt during much of the first winter period. Many birds migrate in late autumn in any event, but the onset of cold weather forced on most of the remainder. Warks Very poorly recorded. The only flock reported was 15 at Kingsbury on August 14. Worcs Summer records from Clacks Farm and West Hagley where noted singing on July 12 and 13. Small flocks at other times of the year with maxima of 60 at Ripple on January 5,36 at Larford on August 28,40 at Holt on August 31, 46 at Lower Strensham on December 14 and 45 at Leigh Sinton on December 29. Staffs One pair bred on the Doxey CBC. Flocks of 16 at Kettlebrook on January 11, 70 at Kings Bromley, 35 at Hinksford and 30 at Belvide on February 16, over 200 at Doxey on August 29, 24 at Chasewater on September 29,35 at Belvide on November 13 and over 15 at Moss Pool on November 16. At Newborough reported to be essentially a summer visitor, arriving in May and having left by September 20. W Mid Bred at Fens Pools, Ladywood, Pensnett Coppice and Willenhall; also noted at Aldridge, Barr Beacon, Handsworth Wood and Knowle during the breeding season. A post-breeding flock of 50 at Fens Pools on September 3. Siskin Average: October 2 (49) to April 15(47) Last seen at Brandon on May 16 and returned on the early date of September 5 at Mill Green. Much commoner in the early months of the year after a good influx in the preceding autumn. Much scarcer in autumn with few large flocks. Warks Good numbers in January and February. 125 in January at Earlswood, up to 60 at Kingsbury, 160 at Shustoke, 35 at Temple Balsall and a very large flock at Guys Cliffe, near Warwick peaked at 350 on February 29. Smaller numbers seen at Arbury, Brandon, Coombe Abbey, and Draycote. In late autumn 40 at Church Pool Covert in November, 25 at Great Packington on November 24 and 60 at Kingsbury on December 1. Worcs A male in suitable breeding habitat in the Wyre on May 26. Otherwise, large and widespread first winter period flocks with reports from 28 localities. In January, 130 at Belbroughton, 250 at Bittell, 170 at Holt, 150 at Ombersley Park, 125 at Ripple and 110 at Wilden; in February 200 at Bittell and 110 at Torton. Largest flock, in March, of 85 at Hollybush Roughs on 26. There were still 80 in the Wyre on April 1 and 10 at Worcestershire Beacon on April 30. Poor autumn with 24 in Happy Valley on September 24, remaining through to at least November and 30 at Bittell on December 20 being the only double figure counts. Autumn reports from 10 other localities. Staffs As usual, the bulk of the records refer to the period January to April, with birds being noted at 16 sites. Flocks reported from Aqualate (150), 141 Baggeridge (100), Beaudesert(100), Biddulph's Pool (70), Brocton (50), Chasewater (65 on March 14 was a site record), Cheddleton (50), Kettlebrook (50), Kinver (100), Mill Green (60) and Westport (400 on January 21, 50 to 100 into April). Late birds at Swallow Moss on April 27 and Kinver on May 6. Two birds present at Beaudesert throughout the breeding season SKW. In autumn noted at Mill Green (80) and Westport (50). A survey of 38 suburban gardens by an Adult Education class, mainly in the north, showed that 20 had at least one visit from Siskins. 12 of these had them regularly, at least to the end of March. The average number per garden was three, the maximum eight. WMid 20 at Cotwall End on January 5, 25 at Oakham on January 14, 20 at Brownhills Common on February 3, up to 100 at Sutton Park during February and 35 at Sandwell Valley on April 19 several being in song. Two singing males in Sutton Park on May 2. The only autumn reports came from Sandwell Valley with two on September 16. Linnet The usual peaks in September and April. Warks Five pairs bred at Alvecote. Largest flocks were 84 at Packington in April and in September 150 at Alvecote and 200 at Kingsbury. Worcs 54 pairs or territorial males in the Malvern area during the breeding season the largest concentration being 16 at Castlemorton. One pair nested in purple sprouting broccoli at Pershore. Winter records of 21 at Wilden in January, flocks of 70 to 80 at Bredon's Hardwick, Kempsey and Larford in February. In May, 30 at Holt and 35 at Bredon's Hardwick. Larger numbers in autumn, regularly noted at eight localities with flocks ranging from 100 to 180 at Holt, Interfield, Larford and Throckmorton. Passage of five or six parties each holding 20 to 50 birds through Bittell on November 12. Staffs Three pairs bred on the Doxey CBC. The following flocks were reported: 60 at Anslow on February 9,20 at Doxey on March 2,25 neai Wheaton Aston on September 30, over 250 at Chasewater on October 8, and 60 at Blithfield on November 11. None noted in the Needwood area before April 25 and after November 8. W Mid Bred at Fens Pools and Sutton Park. Flocks of 100 at Willenhall Sewage Farm on April 23, 60 at Hockley Heath on June 12, 40 at Fens Pools from September 25 until the year's end and 95 at Edgbaston Reservoir on December 6, an excellent count for this locality. Twite Warks One at Packington on November 20 NPB. Worcs One at Holt on the late date of May 1 SMW. Staffs One on Oliver Hill on May 23, six at Knotbury on July 27 and six at Blithfield on November 9 DIMW. 142 Redpoll Warks Bred in small numbers at Hams Hall and on Ladywalk Reserve. Small flocks of up to 12 reported from several locations with 30 at Alvecote in January and February the most reported. Worcs No breeding data received. In winter there were 40 at Wilden on January 5,30 at Ipsley on February 5 and 20 at Washfordon March 12. Smaller numbers elsewhere. In autumn, much scarcer, largest number noted, 20 at Monkwood on October 19. Staffs Several pairs bred at Chasewater. At Blithfield, 30 on January 23,45 at Reandesert in January and February, 60 at Chasewater on April 10,50 to 60 in Marchington Woodlands on May 2, and 10 at Westport on May 4. Over 100 at Kinver on October 11, 60 at Hollybush Lake and 30 at Needwood Airport both on October 19, up to 10 remained in a Stafford garden during October and November and 25 to 30 were at Hanchurch on December 14. Numbers of less than 10 at Birchwood, Holt Hill, Newborough, Newchurch and Yoxall Lodge Park. WMid Two pairs bred at Fens Pools and one at Willenhall Memorial Park where juveniles were observed on July 15. Also present during the breeding season, at Brownhills Common, Cotwall End, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Parkand Wall Heath. Several reports of flocks feeding on birch trees in suburban gardens including 40 at Hollywood on October 28 and 35 at Handsworth Wood in late October. A loose flock of up to 100 noted in the Sandwell Valley area, also in late October, and 50 at Willenhall Memorial Park in November. Noted from eight other localities in autumn and winter. Mealy Redpoll Birds showing characteristics of this race were noted at: Staffs Newborough between December 27 and 31 DIMW. W Mid Fens Pools between January 27 and 31 SLH and Willenhall Memorial Park between March 8 and 31 with two there on March 23 JR. Crossbill Worcs Thought to have bred at Eymore Wood and present from January to May 4 with a maximum of 31 on April 17. In the Wyre singles in February and March, 15 in April, one on May 11 and 20 on July 10. Singles at Deerfold Wood on July 13 and near Harvington on June 22. 10 at Thirds Land on June 23. Staffs A good sprinkling of records. One or two in January and February at a site in the south-west, a female at Westport on February 8, up to 21 at Beaudesertfrom 1985 until March 30, one at Hem Heath on April 30, a pair present during the breeding season at Horsepasture Pools, a party heard but not seen at Birch Wood on May 5, 42 at Springslade Lodge on May 26 dropping to 20 on July 4, six at Park Hall on June 8, 35 at Kinver on June 6 with 13 next day, 24 fed in oaks at Blithfield on June 17 and one flew over on August 23. At Belvide two flew over on June 28 143 and eight flew south on August 17 with a female at Westport on November 20, and a female at Hanchurch on December 21. W Mid A single heard calling from an oak tree near Sutton Park on July 2 and another flying over a garden at Four Oaks on July 1. A party was heard flying over Sandwell Valley on July 5 and a single seen and heard flying over Handsworth Wood on October 8. Bullfinch Warks Three pairs bred at Alvecote and at least one at Packington. Worcs Bred at Upton Warren. Three in a West Hagley garden on February 27. Up to ten feeding on rowan berries on the Malverns during September and October. Five on Ragged Stone Hill on October 5, eight at Washford on December 12 and three at West Malvern on December 24. Staffs Up to eight pairs present at Chasewater where 14 were counted on December 2. One showing characteristics of the northern racepyrrhula near Jackson's Bank on November 9 DIMW. WMid Bred at Fens Pools, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park and Willenhall Memorial Park. Probable breeding occurred at Clayhanger and Pensnett Coppice. Hawfinch Warks One at Church Pool Covert on November 9 was the first record for the north of the county for a number of years. Worcs A pair carrying nesting material at the Knapp in June and noted in the Wyre in May and June. Elsewhere, two at Arley on February 15, five at Hartlebury on April 4, one at Happy Valley on April 13, one at Ragged Stone Hill on April 26, one at Stourvale Marsh on May 10, one at Old Storridge on May 29 and twice recorded in the Gullet in June. Staffs Apart from the usual reports from Giffard's Cross, a male was seen at Doxey on April 6 and a bird fed below yew trees at Codsall Wood in mid July. W Mid One on March 8 in a small wood in Wolverhampton where birds of this species have been noted in recent years. Lapland Bunting Staffs Three at Needwood Airfield on October 19 DIMW. Snow Bunting Worcs An immature male present on Worcestershire Beacon from November 3 to 9 SMW, MJI. Two immature males were present at the above site on November 12 CJ and at North Hill on November 13 DP. Staffs A first-winter bird at Needwood Airfield on February 28 DIMW. Yellowhammer Warks Six pairs bred at Alvecote. Largest flocks reported were 100 at Ufton Fields on January 4 and 50 at Whateley on March 7. 144 Worcs In the breeding season 41 males recorded on the Malverns with six at Caetlemortnn, 14 at Old Hills and five at Hollybed Common. Also present in the breeding season at Bredon Hill NH (tive pairs), Callow Hill and Devils Spittleful. Winter and autumn flocks smaller than in recent years. Maxima, 70 on Old Hills between January and March, 60 on Bredon Hill on December 28. Staffs 13 birds singing at Kinver in June. Flocks of 70 and 90 were at Blithfield on January 1 and throughout December respectively, feeding with finches below the dam. 30 at Featherstone on January 25 had increased to 60 by February 10. W Mid At least two pairs bred at Pens Pools and seven pairs weie observed food carrying at Sutton Park. Largest winter concentrations were 60 at Clayhanger on December 19 and the usual influx at Sandwell Valley peaked at 30 on February 6. Reed Bunting Reported from a number of gardens during hard winter weather. Warks Seven pairs estimated at both Alvecote and Packington. The only flock of any note was at Kingsbury with a peak of 75 in early April. Worcs During the breeding season, present at Devils Spittleful, Larford (three pairs) and Upton Warren (seven to eight pairs). A winter flock of 40 at Holt on December 14 was the only other significant record. Staffs 38 pairs bred on the Doxey CBC (10 lower than in 1985) and 25 territories held at Chasewater. 35 to 40 were feeding in the area of Mollinia, close to the German Cemetery, on January 4. A maximum of 12 at Belvide on April 5. W Mid Nine pairs bred at Sandwell Valley, five at Sutton Park and two at Fens Pools. Reported, usually in numbers less than three, from six suburban sites in February with a maximum of four males and two females atone site. Corn Bunting Warks Pairs reported in the breeding season as follows; Alvecote (two), Eathorpe (one), Marston (three), Wappenbury (three) and Wishaw (one). Winter flocks were seen at Brandon, with 13 on February 20, and Kingsbury, 33 on April 5 and 12 on April 18. Worcs Singing males reported from Bredon's Hardwick, Grimley (three), Larford (three). Lower Bentley and Windmill Hill. In winter Holt held between 40 and 60, January to March 28, whilst a roost at Wilden on February 10 held 35. There were 50 at Holt on November 11 and 35 on December 14. 45 at Throckmorton on December 31. Staffs A scattering of records, mainly from the south of the county. Singing birds were noted at Alrewas (two), Belvide (one), Blithfield (four), Congreve (two), Essington, Fradley, Greens Forge, Hammerwich (six in a field of rape), Hanchurch Pools, High Offley, Harlaston Mill area (four), Hopwas-Elford Bridge (three), Perton (two), Preston Hill (four) and Wall 145 Heath. Autumn and winter birds noted at Alrewas (10), Blithfield (one), Chasewater (30), Colton (seven), Fradley (two) and Himley (one). W Mid Singing birds from Clayhanger (one) and the Hill Common area of Four Oaks (two). Winter records; 26 at Sutton Park on March 4 whilst a maximum of only four at Sandwell Valley on February 6 was a great disappointment on former years. Exotica Budgerigar Worcs A yellow one at Upton Warren August 20. Cockatiel Worcs Male in a garden Woodcote Lane March 8. Staffs One at Blithfield on August 17. W Mid One at Willenhall from July 11 to August 9. Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Staffs One still at large in the Chillington area after at least 10 years, spending most of its time associating with Corvids. Barbary Dove Worcs One at Twintons Orchard Little Comberton on February 24 and a different bird at Waterside Evesham on February 25. 146 Australian Wood Duck Staffs One in thp Himley area in January. Wood Duck Worcs A pair at Longdon Marsh on April 18 were thought to have escaped from nearby Birtsmorton Wildfowl Sanctuary. Bar-headed Goose Warks One circled Ladywalk for some time on February 15 but eventually departed without touching down. Worcs A single bird at Grimley and Pirton Pool several spring dates. Seven adults at Bittell September 28. Senegal Parrot W Mid One reported from Sandwell Valley on February 21 and 22. Staffs Bahama Pintail A drake at Blithfield from September 28 to October 26. Worcs Southern Pochard Presumed same female on River Avon at Evesham March 2, Larford Worcs March 23 to May 21 and Upton Warren on May 29. Ringed Teal Worcs Male seen off and on throughout the year at Upton Warren. Black-headed Weaver A male at Upper Bittell August 16 in company of house sparrows. 147 Ringing in 1986. Recent years have not only seen a rationalisation of ringing through the formation of local ringing groups but the British Trust for Ornithology has itself encouraged ringers to concentrate their ringing on particular sites, the constant effort sites, thereby providing a stimulus for making more effective use of ringing effort and local recoveries. During 1985 ringing totals from individual ringers and the major local ringing groups gave us for the first time not only some indication of the number of birds ringed within the West Midland Bird Club area but it also provided an index of the major groups of birds ringed. The table below gives the position regarding the 1986 season. Top ten groups of birds ringed in 1986. Tits 30% Finches 17% Warblers 15% Thrushes 9% Swallows/Martins 5% Gulls 3% Robins 3% Geese 3% Starlings 3% Buntings 3% Miscellaneous 10% Tits continue to constitute the largest number of birds ringed within the area, Blue Tits and Great Tits again forming over 80% of the tits ringed. They very rarely move long distances and are often short lived, consequently the Great Tit listed in the recoveries is of some interest being in its seventh year when killed. Hardly any good finch roosts were recorded during the year and the high percentage of finches ringed is due to the huge numbers of Siskins caught in gardens during the spring and autumn periods, the 931 birds forming 50% of all the finches caught. Of the remaining 50%, Greenfinches, Bullfinches and Chaffinches figure very prominently with Goldfinches, Redpolls, Linnets and Bramblings forming only 4% of the finches caught. They provide yet another interesting longevity record with a Bullfinch at least seven years of age. Summer netting of warblers continued to provide excellent results, 1986 giving high percentages of Blackcaps and Willow Warblers and interestingly over three times as many Reed Warblers as Sedge Warblers were netted. The Wood Warbler recovery is our first for this species. Reports received continued to indicate poor numbers of roosting thrushes, 75% 148 of the birds caught being Blackbirds with Redwings and Fieldfares constituting only I 3% of the loial ll n us>l ies. uaught. The most disappointing records for 1986 were from Hirundine roosts with less than 1500 birds in total being ringed and of these only 6% were Sand Martins. As opposed to this disastrous decline the Trent Valley certainly shows no reduction in the numbers of Canada Geese present, the reason for the reduced number of geese caught being the decision to restrict goose ringing due to the high cost of the rings. This marks the end of a study extending over twenty years and we now Innk forward to the publication of the results. Even though gull ringing now forms only a small part of the ringing programme for midland ringers compared with the mid 70s, they still continue to provide vast numbers of recoveries with Black-headed Gulls ringed in the West Midlands recovered in Sweden, Finland, Germany and Russia and birds ringed in Lithuania, Estonia and Poland being recovered in the West Midlands. The Club now has a large data bank of information on Black-headed Gulls. Apart from the 40 species included within the top ten groups of birds a further 43 species are listed as miscellaneous. Of interest amongst these are 17 Nightingales, 1 Firecrest, 3 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Stonechats and 40 Common Terns. The latter were ringed as nestlings at the breeding colony in Kingsbury, surely the largest inland breeding colony in the country. The Midland Mute Swans and the Gailey Heronry continue to be studied, both species having a good year in 1986. Finally may I express my gratitude to all the ringers who have, over the past year sent in ringing recoveries. A E Coleman Ringing Secretary 149 Map of Foreign Recoveries • = Birds ringed in the West Midlands and recovered abroad. * = Hinged abroad, recovered West Midlands. Key — L = Lapwing. C= Curlew. B = Black-headed Gull. S = Sand Martin. Bl = Blackbird. RW = Reed Warbler. CH = Chaffinch. SI = Siskin. SW = Swallow. 150 Selected List of Recoveries Involving the Region Entries are arranged by species and. within species, by recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries for 1986 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres (62 miles) are included. Treatment of movements of less than 100 kilometres depends on the species involved. Key Age at Ringing: Pull Pullus (nestling) Sex: Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) M Male. 1Y Bird in its first year F Female. 2Y Bird in its second year Manner of Recovery: Ad Adult (at least one year old) v Caught and released with ring Fg Full Grown (age uncertain) + Shot or killed x Found dead or dying vv Ring read in field ? Manner of recovery unknown Species Ringer Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place Movement Grey Heron 1194367 Pull 04.05.85 Gailey, Staffs * MRG x 16.03.86 Banbury. Oxon 90kms140deg Mute Swan Z 55676 Juv 26.08.85 Standlake. Oxon EGI w 18.01.86 Bevere. Worcester 80 kms 316 deg Z 49805 1Y 03.11.85 Droitwich. Hereford and Worcs WRG 06.12.86 Ingestre. Staffs 61 kms 5 deg Canade Goose 5057231 Pull 05.07 78 Cofton Hacket. Hereford and Worcs CMH 04.08.86 Kings Heath. Birmingham 9 kms 51 deg 5103562 Pull 28.06.81 Brandon. Warwicks BRG 06.10.86 Norwood, Killamarsh, Derbys 106 kms Kestrel EK 74929 Pull 17.06.85 Kemerton. Hereford and Worcs WRG 28.01.86 Cirencester, Gloucestershire 41 kms 180 deg Lapwing DR 54608 1Y 04.09.77 Meriden, Warwicks PI 05.01.86 Carentan. Manche, France 349 kms 175 deg 151 OR 36562 Ad 24.07.76 Tamworth. Staffs CDTM X 14.02.86 River Soar, Zouch, Notts 33 kms 71 deg DR 19206 1Y 11.10.75 Ombersley, Hereford and Worcs CMH V 26.02.86 New Ross, Wexford, Eire 318 kms 269 deg DR 42224 Pull 06.06 85 Ryton, War wicks BRG X 01.03 86 Lanveoc, France 500 kms Curlew FV 10607 Fg 21.06.76 Ombersley. Hereford and Worcs CMH + 08.10.86 Le Vivier sur Ner, llle etVilaine, 407 kms 175 deg France Black Headed Gull EJ 45747 Pull 08.06.85 Elford, Tamworth, Staffs MRG V 23.12.86 Dawlish. Devon 264 kms 207 deg EK 56284 Ad 18.01.86 Solihull, West Midlands PI X 08.06.86 Helmsanderkoog, Schleswig-Holstein, 747 kms 75 deg F R Germany EK 66106 2Y 04.0 i.bb Solihull, West Midlands PI X 12.04.86 Blyth, Northumberland 297 kms 5 deg EH 60331 Ad 10.02.79 Bromsgrove, Hereford and Worcs PI V 25.05.85 Holwerd, Friesland, Netherlands 545 kms 79 deg EH 96381 1Y 07.12.85 Wythall, Hereford and Worcs PI X 05.08.86 Pontardulais. Swansea, Wales 167 kms 243 deg EJ 45715 Pull 08.06.85 Elford, Tamworth, Staffs MRG w 25.02.86 Torpoint, Cornwall 315 kms 213 deg EJ 45430 Pull 24.06.84 Elford. Tamworth, Staffs MRG V 12.01.86 Newtown, Powys, Wales 105 kms 260 deg EJ 53672 Ad 28.07.82 Ombersley, Hereford and Worcs SWW X 19.07.86 Wermsdorf, Leipzig, Germany 1051 kms 96 deg EH 12447 1Y 13.11.76 Worcester CMH V 06.04.86 Vilnius-Seakine, Lithuania. USSR 1839 kms 81 deg EJ 19914 Ad 16.01.82 Bromsgrove, Hereford and Worcs PI + 23.06.85 Kylasaari. Pori, Turku-Pori, Finland 1752 kms 55 deg Black Headed Gull EJ 45028 Ad 09.02.80 Cannock, Staffs MRG + 25.06.86 Ostanvick, Guss Jobygden. 1604 kms 46 deg Vasternorrland, Sweden 249705 Pull 01.07.85 Daugai, Lithuania. USSR PI V 07.12.85 Solihull. West Midlands 1 752 kms 263 deg U 403538 Pull 04.07.84 Anilaid, Parnu, Estonia, USSR PI V 07.12.85 Solihull. West Midlands 1760 kms 248 deg FC 02107 Pull 26.05.85 Godnowa, Milicz. Wroclav, Poland PI V 21.12.85 Wythall, Hereford and Worcs 1317 kms 274 deg Herring Gull GK 51874 ZY 10.02.79 Bromsgrove, Hereford and Worcs PI X 03.11.86 Sunderland, Tyne and Weir 285 kms 9 deg Sand Martin A 783868 1Y 31.07.60 Stubber's Green, Aldridge MRG X 17.04.81 Ibiza, Spain 1546 kms 170 deg 152 Swallow C 228428 Juv 29.07.84 Stubber's Green, Aldridge MRG X 25.04.86 Hassi R'Mel. Ghardaia, Algeria 2226 kms 169 de C766197 Juv 29.09.85 Betley Mere, Staffs JAL V 11.09.86 Wintersett Res, West Yorkshire 92 kms Pied Wagtail C 228752 1Y 27.10.84 Stubber's Green, Aldridge MRG X 07.02.86 Darlington, Co Durham 212 kms 7 deg Wren 3K 7657 Fg 08.07.85 Droitwich. Hereford and Worcs WRG X 05.02.86 Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset 175 kms 173 dej Robin B 965656 Fg 04.01.85 Tamworth, Staffs MRG V 28.0585 Kirkby Underwood, Lines 86 kms 74 deg Blackbird XN 06671 Ad F 02.02.86 Wolverhampton, Staffs MRG X 16.05.86 Cuxhaven, Luneburg, F R Germany 734 kms 79 deg XK 33579 1YM 22.08.81 Wolston, Warwicks BRG X 18.01.86 Sutton-cum-Lound, Retford. Notts 111 kms XC 30834 1YM 16.01.77 Coombe. Coventry, W Mids BRG X 26.08.86 Coventry, W Mids Okms Sedge Warbler B 507524 Ad M 19.08.84 Brandon, Warwicks BRG V 11.05.86 Freemans Marsh. Hungerford, Berks 108 kms B 507639 Ad M 16.06.85 Brandon. Warwicks BRG V 17.08.86 La Chaume, France 654 kms E113129 Juv 03.08.86 Betley Mere, Staffs JAL V 20.08.86 Abbotsbury. Dorset 263 kms Reed Warbler JP 37469 Pull 29.06.81 Brandon, Warwicks BRG V 17.09.81 Nr Madrid, Spain 1309 kms B 63459 Juv 25.08.85 Betley Mere. Staffs JAL V 31.08.85 St. Ouen. Jersey, Channel Isles 422 kms C452951 Juv 17.08.85 Great Meadow Pond. Winsor, Berks JAL V 22.07.86 Betley Mere. Staffs 212 kms E113160 Juv 06.08 86 Betley Mere. Staffs JAL V 20.08.86 Bryanston, Blandford, Dorset 239 kms Lesser Whitethroat C 709554 1YM 08.09.85 Frampton on Severn. Glos SVRG V 24.05.86 Malvern, Hereford and Worcs 42 kms 11 deg Wood Warbler C 668640 Pull 17.06.85 West Malvern, Hereford and Worcs WRG V 15.05.86 Wellington, Telford, Salop 64 kms 349 deg 153 Chiffchaft 6K4648 Fg H 23.03.86 Nr Warminster, Wilts' RHC 04.05.86 Stourport, Hereford and Worcs 124 kms 356 deg Willow Warbler 8N0335 1Y M 25.07.86 Tittesworth Reservoir, Staffs PF 17 08.86 Landguard. Nr Felixstowe. Suffolk 260 kms Pied Flycatcher C626241 Pull 07.06.85 Bewdley. Hereford and Worcs JRM v 24.05.86 Nagshead. Parkend. Glos 67 kms 194 deg C 668613 Pull 16.06.85 Tenbury Wells. Hereford and Worcs WRG v 25.05.86 Nagshead. Parkend, Glos 54 kms 180 deg C 536984 Pull 12.06.83 Old Storridge. Hereford and Worcs WRG v 19.06.86 Beulah, Powys, Wales 85 kms 271 deg C 626115 Pull 15.06.85 Tenbury, Hereford and Worcs JRM v 14.06.86 Bewdley, Hereford and Worcs 10 kms 26 deg Blue Tjt C 668827 Juv M 17.08.85 Castlemorton. Hereford and Worcs WRG 17.11.86 Chippenham. Wilts 66 kms 168 deg Great Tit A 361974 1Y 08.07.79 Lower Langley, Sutton MRG 03.02.86 Sutton Coldfield. West Midlands 10 kms Jay EJ 45599 2Y 28.01.84 Tamworth, Staffs MRG 20.11.85 Trowbridge, Wilts 153 kms 192 deg Starling XB 67828 Ad F 24.04.77 Norton Green. West Midlands PI 30.12.85 Knowle, West Midlands 2 kms Chaffinch A 543989 Ad M 14.03.82 Berkswell, Meriden, West Midlands PI v 11.11.86 Sparregat. Wassenaar, Zuid-Holland. 408 kms 94 deg Netherlands B064715 1Y 21.12.80 Stourport. Hereford and Worcs SWW v 22.10.85 Sinaai, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium 457 kms 106 deg Greenfinch NJ 12070 Ad M 07.03.82 Endon. Staffs JAL 24.10.82 Barnack, Cambs 126 kms Siskin 1914251 Ad F 12.10.85 Middelkerte. Belgium v 16.03.86 Coventry, W Mids 326 kms B 547391 1Y M 29.05.83 Glentrool Forest, Dumfries and Galloway v 18.01.86 Wolverton, Warwicks 371 kms C814167 AdM 22.03.86 Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands MRG 154 V 24.07.86 Meppen, Weser-Ems. F R Germany 616 kms 124 deg C 767828 2Y M 13.03.86 Bewdley, Hereford and Worcs JRM V 08.04.86 Warsop. Nons 124 kms 42 deg C811396 1YF 01.03.86 Wolverhampton, Staffs MRG V 19.04.86 Gateshead, Tyne and Weir 265 kms 7 deg C811570 1YF 12.04.86 Wolverhampton. Staffs MRG V 07.05 flfi Stanwix. Carlisle. Cumbria 261 kms 349 deg C814018 Ad N 02.03.86 Sutton Coldfieid. W Midlands MRG V 19.04.86 Tain, Highlands, Scotland 598 kms 346 deg C 517664 1Y M 08.03.86 Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands MRG V 20.04.86 Forres, Grampian Region, Scotland 571 kms 348 deg B 964401 Ad M 07.04.84 Sutton Coldfield, W Midlands MRG V 19.04.86 Tegelen, Limburg, Netherlands 564 kms 104 deg. Bullfinch KV 18114 Ad M 19.01.79 Swindon. Staffs CNH X 26.02.86 Wolverhampton. Staffs 0 kms 360 deg Reed Bunting E172505 1Y 23.08.86 Brandon, Warwicks BRG V 31.10 86 South Stoke. Oxon 95 kms E113436 1Y 27.09.86 Betley Mere. Staffs JAL V 14.12.86 Eathorpe. Warwicks 100 kms 155 List of Contributors BRG Brandon Ringing Group PF Pete Fontana CMH Chris Hemmings PI Philip Ireland JAL Andy Lawrence MRG Mercian Ringing Group CDTM Dr Clive Minton JRM Jack Moutford WRG Wychavon Ringing Group SWW Simon Walker Key to Contributors The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the Report. G Allan RC Butt T Doyle LA Allan GHC Byford DF Draper LS Allen IG Duncan P Antrobus AW Carr GA Arnold N Carter MJ Eccleshall MA Arnold PW Cashmore SFL Edwards NG Arnold SL Cawthray DW Emley JA Asbury PJ Chadder G Evans K Aslett JO Chambers T Evans R Astbury JA Chidwick JC Eyre-Dickinson GR Avery TR Cleeves F Baldry KG Clifford Mr & Mrs VA Baldry DJ Clifton M Faulkner NP Barlow T Cockburn S Finch D Barnes R Cole F Fincher T Barnett W Collingham M Finnemore MJ Fisher PG Barratt AT Collins LR Bayes C Cooper P Fontana R Beer Dr M Colquhoun PA Forbes JT Belsey M Cowley JE Fortey DG Bennett Rev J Cox D Fulton JS Bennett M L Cresswell R Bishop RAN Croucher ND Galloway ARM Blake A Curran C Gambrill ME Blunt PG Garner MH Bourne K Dale Gl Giles MD Boote R Dangerfield T Giles AG Boyce H Darwen CR Gillett R Bradbury AR Dean A Gladstone J Bradshaw PK Dedicoat D Goodwin MA Brazil H Dennant P Gordon-Smith TR Briggs AJ Digby DN Gosling D Brook RM Dodd M Gram AM Brown AK Dolphin AE Gray Mrs H Brown M Doughty MR Green RFE Butler PK Downing FC Gribble 156 PM Hackett R Knightbridge D Saunders A Halliday GD Laight DJ Scanlan D Hanlon JA Lawrence M Shepherd RE Harbird CB Lee DJ Simkin S Harper TCE Link JH Sirren SC Harrap Dl Long D Skidmore GR & Mrs JV Harrison EW Longman D Smallshire M Harrison G Lowe M Smart RF Harrison WJ Lowe T Smart SL Haycox KA Loveridge D Smith GM Hayes RS Lucking EF Smith SJ Hayhow NJ Smith PV Hayman C McShane RK Southall SM Haynes IR Machin JD Stanney AWP Hearn PJ Madder PF Stewart RL Henson GJ Mant KR Stone TC Hextell DS Marland G Summers SG Hextell JP Martin J Hickman C Mason KJ Taylor JK Higginson HJ Miller SP Taylor TM Hinett C Millward RJ Thomas DJ Hobday D Mitford Tividale Birdwatching NJ Hobday Miss C Moore Group J Hodson H Morrall T Trueman D Holds J Turner EA Hopkins Miss B Newman PC Turner J Howe BJ Newsome RR Howl GK Nicholls DJ Underhill S Huggins Mrs A Normand PD Hyde RM Normand M Varney Nuneaton Bird Club Mrs L Ingleston S Nuttall SA Walker R Ingleston DIM Wallace MJ Inskip CC Owen PJ Ward PK Jackson A Warren D Parr AF Jacobs Warwickshire Natural GH Peplow S Jaggs History Society WF Peplow MD James Miss YM Way WRH Peplow MR James SK Welch M Perryman RJ Jennett B Westwood EG Phillips Mrs J Whitehead P Jeyne S Porter PF Whitehead C Johnson C Potter IC Whitehouse JA Johnson J Poyner B Jones SM Whitehouse G Jones HS Quiney G Williams Mrs J L Jones J Wilkinson JL Jones S Ravenscroft Dr M Wilson J Reece JR Winsper A Keatley D Reed AJ Wood MG Kelsey PF Rhodes M Woodward AJK Killgallon IN Ricketts C Wright RJ King G Robinson D Wynne-Jones BL Kington SA Roper J Kirkby B Rutherford B York 157 Submission of Records All contributors are asked to refer to A Checklist of the West Midlands and a Guide to Status and Record Submission for full guidance on the submission of records. All records should be sent to the County Recorders as soon after the year end as possible. Records received beyond February may not get included and those received after that seriously hold the report up. A full description is not necessary for the less rare or difficult species, but enough to show how the species was identified. Such descriptions should be accompanied by brief details of the circumstances of the report and the observer's experience of the species and other, similar species. Lack of proper descriptions may lead to records being rejected. Records of the following species will not be published unless they are supported by adequate descriptions. All national rarities (not published unless accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee) All out-of-season migrants Unusual races Divers Grebes, other than Great Crested or Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Storks and Spoonbill Whooper Swan Geese, other than Canada, Greylag and feral Snow and Barnacle Ducks: Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Eider, Long- tailed Duck, all Scoter spp except Common, Smew, Red-breasted Merganser Birds of Prey, except Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel and Hobby Quail and Golden Pheasant Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Avocet, Stone-Curlew, Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Temmincks's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Mediterranean, Sabine's, Iceland and Glaucous Terns: Sandwich, Roseate and Little Auks Ring-necked Parakeet Long-eared Owl (summer only) Hoopoe and Wryneck Woodlark and Shorelark Pipits: Richard, Tawny and Water Wagtails: Blue-headed, White (autumn only) 158 Bluethroat, Black Redstart Warblers: Cetti's, Savi's, Marsh, Icterine, Melodious, Dartford, Yellow-Browed Firecrest Red-breasted Flycatcher Golden Oriole Shrikes Chough, Hooded Crow, Raven Finches: Serin, Twite, Mealy Redpoll Buntings: Lapland, Snow, Cirl and Ortolan Phototypeset-and Printed by Quorn Selective Repro Ltd.! Loughborough, England