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BIRMINGHAM BIRD CLUB.

REPORT ON THE BIRDS OF AND

1934. REPORT

ON THE

BIRDS OF WARWICKSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE,

1934.

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION

or THE BIRD CLUB. 1. INTRODUCTION.

2. LIST OF MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS.

3. MIGRANT—DATES.

4. CLASSIFIED NOTES.

6. OBSERVATIONS ON : BY W. E. KEN RICK.

6. REPORT ON SPECIAL SPECIES. INTRODUCTION. IN presentingt his first annual report on the birds of Warwickshire and Worcestershire, the Editors feel that they must apologise both for its delay and for its incompleteness. A number of our correspondents have sent in voluminous notes, which have taken time to sift. We do not complain of this; on the contrary, we would like to stress the importance of complete data; it is kinder to the editors if several correspondents send the same information than if all assume that full particulars will have been sent by someone else. Also, in the case of local birds, such as Reed and Grasshopper Warbler, Corn and Cirl Bunting, Wheatear and Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Nightjar, Red-backed Shrike, Siskin and Hawfinch and others, we shall always be glad of full particulars, though it may not be possible to publish it all annually. On the other hand, there are certain species, Goldcrest and Goldfinch in particular, which some observers seem to think rare, but which we believe to be generally distributed—the former, of course, only where there are conifers. In such cases evidence of the absence of the species in a particular district is more useful than notes of its presence. While we do not complain at all of the amount of information received—indeed we hope that this report will bring fresh helpers—it will be a great help if notes for 1935 can be sent in not later than January, 1936. We shall also be deeply grateful if correspondents can, as far as possible, send in their notes under separate species, rather than in diary form. If migrant tables can also be sent separately, that too will save much labour at our end. In a circular that we sent out we asked for special information about five locally distributed species. Although much valuable information has been received, reference to that section of our report will show lamentable gaps, especially in South and .

In dealing with these special reports, it has not been easy to follow an intelligible geographical plan. Worcestershire is divisible into fairly distinct zones: the plateau in the north-east, Upper Severn and Stour in the north, a well-wooded hill district to the north-west and west, most of it typical of and Salop,

3 rather than of Worcester; the Malverns in the south-west, the Severn and valleys in the south and south-east (with Hill), and a rather ill-defined lowland but undulating country, extending from Worcester, Droitwich and Stourport to the boundary, on the east. This last area is composed of lias and upper trias, and these beds also extend across most of Warwickshire. The extreme south of Warwickshire, with Edge Hill and other ridges, which practically form a continuation north-eastwards of the , forms a distinct area; then comes the Avon valley, cutting the from Rugby through Warwick to Stratford and Bidford; but to the north of this, in spite of the coal measures and Permian sandstone to the north of , the county is somewhat featureless; the north- western edge, however, from to , is part of the Midland plateau from which we started our survey.

We are particularly glad to be able to publish Mr. W. E. Kenrick's report on the new Bartley reservoir. Reservoirs and sewage-farms form the modern bird-watcher's stock-in-trade, especially for all those "deluded" observers (we confess we are of their number) who cannot resist the attraction of rushing off to see, or to miss seeing, some rare bird; but there is a real scientific interest in following the development of a new reservoir, and noting, as the Messrs. Kenrick have done with great regularity and thoroughness, the time it takes for a new reservoir to attract birds. Whether the reservoir has now already achieved its full normal population of winter Ducks remains to be seen.

As the migrant dates show, 1934 had a late spring. Cold winds prevailed during late March and the first week of April especially. But the drought of 1933 continued throughout 1934 till the late autumn, so that the -feeding Bittell reservoirs lost most of their water and became very attractive for waders. The population of small waders at the Upper Bittell in late May was quite unprecedented, but for some reason the autumn passage was not so marked, though the appearance of a Grey Phalarope at the end of the season atoned for earlier disappointments. As would be expected from the list of correspondents, we have had more records for the Birmingham District and Bittell reservoirs in particular than for any other part of our area. The records for several species at Bittell have been compiled from notes sent in by a number of different observers.

4 Finally, while thanking all those who have helped to make this report possible, may we remind our readers that the British Trust for Ornithology is asking for special information this year regarding the status and habitat of three species, the Redstart, the Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Pochard ?

Notes and criticisms should be sent to H. G. Alexander, 144, Oak Tree Lane, , Birmingham, or J. D. Wood, 52a, Linden Road, , Birmingham. H.G.A., J.D.W.

MEMBERS AND CORRESPONDENTS

H. G. ALEXANDER, Selly Oak. M. BAKER, Birmingham. F. R. BARLOW, Selly Oak. T. J. BEESTON, . E. ST. G. BETTS, Birmingham. R. M. CAREY, Rugby. Miss B. A. CARTER, Sutton J. STEELE ELLIOTT, . Coldfield. W, E. GROVES, . F. FINCHER, . G. F. HEATH, Tenbury. A. J. HARTHAN. Sheriffs Lench. W. E. & H. KENRICK, . Miss C. JAMES, . H. W. MAPLETON-BREE, G. M. KING, . Coventry. D. PAYLER, Birmingham. Miss M. E. PUMPHREY, W. W. SANDERSON, Selly Oak. . Miss M. SIMPSON, Barnt Green. A. SEGGIE, Coventry. G. H. WILKINSON, Sutton Miss M. C. TANGYE, . Coldfield. H. L. WILSON, Selly Oak. C. W. K. WALLIS, Edgbaston. J. D. WOOD, Bournville.

5 MIGRANTS, 1934. (a) SUMMER MIGRANTS: ARRIVAL. CHIFFCHAFF. WHITETHROAT. Mar. 31 Yorks Wood (M.B.) Apr 18 Bittell (H.G.A) 11 31 (J.D.W.) 21 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Apr. 6 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 21 Witley (H.G.A., F.R.B.) H 8 Bitlell (C.J.) M 8 Dowles (J.S.E.) WHINCHAT, 19 17 (G.M.K.) Apr. 18 Upper Bittell (M.S.) WHEATEAR. REDSTART. Apr. 7 Cotton (J.D.W.) ,, 11 Pedmore (G.M.K.) Apr. 18 Bittell (H.G.A.) „ 18 Dowles (J.S.E.) WILLOW-WREN. 18 Pedmore (G.M.K.) Apr. 8 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER. 13 Dowles (J.S.E.) 14 Lower Bittell (C.J.) Apr. 20 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) 19 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) NIGHTINGALE. SWALLOW. Apr. 21 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Apr. 9 Stratford-on-Avon 26 Strat(ord-on-Avon (C. A. Norris, 'Field,.") (C. A. Norris, "Field.") „ 14 Lower Bittell (C.J.) 29 Droitwich „ 16 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) (" Worcs. Advertiser.") „ 21 (G.M.K.) May 1 Dowles (J.S.E.)

COMMON SANDPIPER. HOUSE-MARTIN. Apr. 12 Lower Bittell (C.J.) Apr. 21 Tenbury (H.G.A.,F.R.B.) May 3 Bittell (H.G.A.) YELLOW WAGTAIL. „ 7 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Apr. 14 Lower Bittell (C.J. & M.S.) ,, 10 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) 17 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) LESSER WHITETHROAT. CUCKOO. Apr. 23 Dowles Apr. 16 (J.S.E.) Pedmore (G.M.K.) 26 (H.G.A.) „ 1« Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) May 2 Bittell (H.G.A.) .. 17 Barnt Green (M.S.) 4 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) „ 17 Dowles (J.S.E.) „ 23 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) SEDGE-WARBLER. 29 Yorks Wood (M.B.) Apr. 26 Cleeve Prior (H.G.A.) BLACKCAP. ,, 29 Blakedown (G.M.K.) Apr. 16 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) GARDEN-WARBLER. „ 21 Westwood Park (H.G.A. & F. R.B.) May 1 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H ) ,, 6 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) SAND-MARTIN. ,, 8 Dowles (J.S.E.) Apr. 16 Lower Biltell (H.G.A.) ,, 9 Woods (H.G.A.) TREE-PIPIT. WOOD-WREN. Apr. 17 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) May 1 Dowles (J.S.E.) ,, 18 (H.G.A.) ,, 2 Lickey Woods (H.G.A.) ,, 21 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 9 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) SWIFT. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. May 3 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) May 16 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) M 7 (J.D.W.) ,, 17 Dowles (J.S.E.) .. 8 Alvechurch (M.E. P.) 10 Droitwich (H.G.A.) ., 11 Birmingham (J. Stephens.) RED-BACKED SHRIKE. ,, 12 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) May IS Yoiks Wood (M.B.) 13 Hagley (G.M.K.) ,, IB Yorks Wood (M.B.) TURTLE-DOVE. CORNCRAKE. May 21 Dowles (J.S.E.) May 10 Droitwich (H.G.A.) „ 11 Bittell (H.G.A.) NIGHTJAR. REED-WARBLEB. May 22 Dowles (J.S.E.) May 10 Droitwich (H.G.A.) ,, 22 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.)

(b) WINTER MIGRANTS: ARRIVAL.

BRAMBLING. FIELDFARE, Oct. 2 Woodcote (F.F.) Oct. Sheriffs Lench (A.J.II.) M 29 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) Nov. Bartley (H.G.A.) Nov. 16 Hagley (G.M.K.) Yorks Wood (M.B.) Dec. S Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Woodcote (F.F.) Dec. Hagley (G.M.K.) REDWING. Oct. 12 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) 16 Woodcote (F.F.) SISKIN. 17 Lickey Woods (H.G.A.) Nov. 21 Lickey Woods (H.G.A.) (plentiful) Dec. 1 Dowles (J.S.E.) 28 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Nov. 7 Hagley (G.M.K.)

(c) WINTER MIGRANTS: DEPARTURE.

BRAMBLING. FIELDFARE. Mar. 31 (J.D.W.) Apr. 26 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) „ 6 Upper Bittell (J.D.W.) REDWING. Apr. 7 Selly Oak (J.D.W.) „ 6 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.)

(d) SUMMER MIGRANTS: DEPARTURE.

CUCKOO. SWIFT. Aug. 4 Upper Bittell (J.D.W.) Aug. Alvechurch (M.E P.) TURTLE-DOVE. Selly Oak (H.G.A.) Hagley (G.M.K.) Aug. 10 Hagley (G.M.K.) Woodcote (F.F.) 6 Dowles (J.S.E.) Dowles (J.S.E.) REDSTART. CHIFFCHAFF. Sept. 3 Dowles (J.S.E.) Sept. 28 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) „ 24 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) WHITETHROAT. „ 22 Dowles (JS.E.) ,, 14 Woodcote (F.F.) Sept. 9 Hagley (G.M.K.) „ 9 Woodcote (F.F.) „ 10 Hagley (G.M.K.) TREE-PIPIT. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Oct. 2 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Sept. 13 Bittell (H.G.A.) „ 9 Woodcote (F.F.) LESSER WHITETHROAT. „ 1 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) Oct. 4 Rednal (H.G.A.) Sept. 2 Woodcote (F.F.) WHINCHAT. HOUSE-MARTIN. Sept. 13 Bittell (H.G.A.) Oct. 7 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) SAND-MARTIN. 6 Yorks Wood (MB.) Sept. 29 Hagley (G.M.K.) Sept. 13 Bittell (H.G.A.) WHEATEAR. YELLOW WAGTAIL. Oct. 10 Bittell (H.G.A.) Sept. 22 Bittell (H.G.A. SWALLOW. COMMON SANDPIPER. Oct. 10 Alvechurch (M.E.P.) Sept. 22 Bittell (H.G.A.) „ 8 Sheriffs I.ench (A.J.H.) Oct. 1 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) ,, 7 Selly Oak (H.G.A.) Sept. 30 Hagley (G.M.K.) WILLOW-WREN. Sept. 24 Sheriffs Lench (A.J.H.) BLACKCAP. Aug. 31 Woodcote (F.F.) Oct. 21 Yorks Wood (M.B.)

8 CLASSIFIED NOTES.

RECORDS OF BIRDS SEEN IN: I. WARWICKSHIRE AND II. WORCESTERSHIRE, 1934.

NOTE.—We have included a few records of rare birds seen or obtained before 1934, where the record has not, as far as we know, already been published. All other records refer to 1934.

Hooded Crow. II- A.J.H. saw one at Sheriffs Lench on December 4, 1933. Magpie. II. A completely black specimen seen by A.J.H. on April 14, at Sheriffs Lench. Hawfinch. I. Recorded from Selly Oak (H.G.A.), Bournville (J.D.W.), Four Oaks (G.H.W.), Butlers Marston ("Field," May 12). II. Recorded from Lickey Woods (H.G.A.), Malvern (J.D.W.). J.S.E. and T.J.B. state that it is much rarer in their districts than formerly. Greenfinch. II. In the autumn large numbers came to feed on the expanses of mud at Bittell Reservoirs. On September 22 H.G.A. saw 200 at Lower Bittell, and a flock was present at one or other of the reservoirs throughout the winter. E. St. G. B. noted that they were feeding on the soft unripe seeds of bur- marigold. Associated with them were Linnets, Chaffinches, Tree- Sparrows, Skylarks and occasionally Meadow-Pipits. Goldfinch. I. Not uncommon in S. Birmingham and Lickey Districts. (H.G.A.) II. Rarely seen now at (T.J.B.). G.M.K. saw one at Upper Brake Pool on March 18; he states that it is rare in the Hagley District and so far as he knows does not nest. Siskin. I. Rare in Rugby district (R.M.C.). II. At Bittell some were seen in the alders in the early part of the year, the last recorded being on March 8. There was one in Lickey Woods on November 21, and three on December 15 (H.G.A.). At Dowles Manor, a flock of about 20 occurred on January 2, and again on December 1 (J.S.E.). Very erratic at Hagley; none seen during 1934 (G.M.K.).

9 Lesser Redpoll. I. Seen once at Yorks Wood—011 May 19, a date which suggests breeding (M.B.). II. T.J.B. has known it to nest at Wolverley. One or two pairs as usual in Lickey Woods during the breeding season. There was an unusually large flock (40—50) on the Lickeys, feeding under mountain ashes in November and December; but they were scarce in the alders at Bittell (H.G.A., E.St.G.B.).

Chaffinch. II. T.J.B. has observed a north westerly movement of Chaffinches at Wolverley in late autumn. The birds are seen only in the early morning and their line of flight crosses that of local birds moving to and from a roost at Lea Castle. This passage lasts for at least two or three weeks. It is interesting that at Selly Oak (Warwicks) H.G.A. noticed Chaffinches, Bramblings, Larks and Fieldfares moving between n. and w. on several mornings in the autumn, especially on December 16. These Midland movements may be part of the east to west flight of Chaffinches and Bramblings recorded by Ticehurst in ,— (" Birds of Kent," pp. 153—4). At Dowles J.S.E. found a nest in a hole in a pear tree; A.J.H. heard one sing the opening phrases of its song on December 17.

Brambling. II. A very large flock (several hundreds) under the beeches near Lickey church, December 14—20 (M.S.). G.M.K. observed them for the first time at Hagley during the latter part of the year, when they were fairly plentiful among beech trees. Corn-Bunting. II. T.J.B. reports that it used to be present at Wolverley in small numbers, but he has not seen any for several years. Cirl-Bunting. Though we have no records for 1934, we feel that it would be of interest to publish some old and hitherto unpublished records of this local species. I. At Rugby it is rare; one nest was found in 1931 (R.M.C.). II. At in 1911, C. J. Alexander found two birds in song in different places; T.J.B. records that "some years ago" he knew of a pair in a copse near Cookley Church and found their nest. They were present for several years but have now gone. On June 22, 1932, J.D.W. heard two birds singing at Long Green in the south of the county close to the Gloucester boundary.

10 The most recent record comes from A.J.H. who saw a male at Sheriffs Lench on December 26, 1933.

Woodlark. II- A.J.H., F.R.B. and H.G.A. heard two singing in the south of the county on May 21$ T.J.B. has seen and heard it many times in N. Worcestershire, and believes that it breeds there, though he has never found a nest. Water-Pipit. II H.G.A. saw one flying w.n.w. over Lower Bittell on March 22. One appeared in the autumn and remained for several days. On October 24 M.E. P. saw what was either this or a Rock-Pipit at Upper Bittell, where H.G.A. heard and saw a Water-Pipit on October 25 and 27. On December 12, M.E.P. saw another doubtful Pipit at Lower Bittell.

Yellow Wagtail. II- A scattered party of thirty at Lower Bittell on April 24 (C.W.K.W.). White Wagtail. II. A male by the Severn near Bewdley, April 6 (J.S.E.). Three at Lower Bittell on September 10 (H.G.A.). Firecrest. II- On November 3 one was seen by M.S., who states that its face "looked like a Sedge Warbler's." It was in the birches north of the flag-post on the Lickey Hills and seemed to be on migration. It could not be found subsequently. Red-Backed Shrike. L Nested at Yorks Wood (M.B.). Un- common in Rugby district, nests (ound occasionally (R.M.C.). II. J.S.E. reports that at Dowles only one pair now nests where four pairs used to nest in former years. He believes that this decrease is typical of the district as a whole. T.J.B. states that one or two pairs nest every year at Wolverley, while G.M.K. reports that three or four pairs nest annually at Rock beyond Bewdley. They are quite common on the Malvern Hills (J. D.W.). C.J. saw one at Rednal on July 15. Pied Flycatcher. I- H.G.A. saw a passing bird (possibly two) at Selly Oak on July 31. II. F.F. saw a male at Woodcote on May 6. In addition to these two records of passing birds, it is satisfactory to be able to record the presence of birds during the breeding season at a locality where they are said to have occurred regularly fifty years ago.

11 Grasshopper-Warbler. I. Heard singing at Yorks Wood at 7 a.m. on July 14 (M.B.).

Reed-Warbler. I. All summer at Yorks Wood (M.B.). In Rugby district it is locally common, e.g. at Brandon (R.M.C.).

Marsh-Warbler. II- H.G.A. heard one in good song at 7 p.m. on June 19. The locality is not a new one, but it is thought better not to give details as this species is often victimised by egg-collectors.

Blackcap. I. H.W M.B. reports that he had one in his garden at Allesley throughout the winter of 1930—31. Redwing. I. A.J.H. found a large roost near Sheriffs Lench containing 200—300 birds. 75% of them had left the roost by March 15, and the last he saw were on April 5. On December 22 he saw a pure white specimen amongst a flock.

Wheatear. I One or two seen on passage each year at Rugby (R.M.C.). II. T.J.B. reports that there are at least three breeding-stations in Wolverley . Several observers saw passing birds at or close to Upper Bittell during the spring. E.St.G.B. calls attention to a zone where the Wheatear and other Chats halt on migration. This includes Upper Bittell and a number of fields on both sides of the upper Arrow valley and of the L.M.S. line to . He saw several birds in this area, one of which, a male, seen on May 19, may have been a Greenlander. Two passing birds seen on the Malvern Hills on May 24 probably belonged to the large race (J.D.W.). Noted at Upper Bittell in the autumn as follows : August 9, October 4 and 10.

5tonechat. I. A passing bird seen at Selly Oak on March 23 (H.G.A.). II. C.J. saw a female at Upper Bittell on September 20. G.M.K. saw a pair at Hagley on October 6.

Redstart, Nightingale, Dipper. See Special Report.

Nightjar. I. Near Rugby occurs at Stretton-on-Dunsmore (R.M.C.). 12 [Roller. II. An article in the Birmingham Post for September 17 signed " E.H.," records that " a Roller has been seen on two days in the neighbourhood of Droitwich." No further details are given.] dreen Woodpecker. II. C.W.K.W. describes an unusual performance on the part of a Green Woodpecker. A gardener at , hearing a tapping noise in the garden, went to investigate and found a Green Woodpecker on the board of one of his beehives, on which it was tapping a few blows. The bees came out on hearing the noise, the bird caught them and then tapped again, but was frightened away by the man's approach.

Oreat Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. We hope to give details of both these in our next report. Wryneck. See Special Report. Long-eared Owl. I. Nested near Rugby in 1927 and 1930 (R.M.C.). Short-eared Owl. I- D.P. informs us that one was obtained at , on November 9. In December two were seen at (R.M.C.). Peregrine. II. H.G.A. and A.J.H. saw one chasing a crow at Upper Bittell on January 27. M.S. saw a large hawk at Upper Bittell on February 11, which she believes may have been this species. Hobby. II. J.S.E. saw one on May 26. Hen-Harrier. II. A female was unfortunately shot at Bissel Wood, near , on November 3, 1933 (T.J.B.). Sparrow-Hawk. II- On September 3, J.S.E. saw a female fly at a Green Woodpecker. The Woodpecker made such a noise that the Hawk changed its tactics and flew off. Heron. II- The largest number recorded at Upper Bittell was seventeen on September 22 (E.St.G.B.). Brent Goose. I. One at Bartley on March 23 (H.K. and W. B. Alexander). II. One appeared at Upper Bittell on December 31, when it was watched by a number of observers. This is the first record of the species for Bittell. Sheld-Duck. II. C.J. saw one at Upper Bittell on February 22, and M.S. saw one there on March 2.

Teal. I A pair at Yorks Wood on January 6 (M B.). II. Regular winter visitor to pools at Blakedown (G.M.K.). At Wolverley pairs appear in the spring and have been said to breed (T.J.B.). At Bittell there were about twenty on January 1; twenty-one on March 28; and still four on April 18. Some appeared later in the year at both reservoirs ; noted on November 19 (M.E.P.) and November 21 (H.G.A.); and about twenty were present in the latter part of December.

Wigeon. II. An occasional winter visitor at Wolverley (T.J.B.). At Bittell there were six on January 1; ten on March 17 and eight on March 24. After that not recorded till December 20.

Shoveller. I. One record of a nest near Rugby (R.M.C.). II. A pair on Upper Brake Pool, Blakedown, on April 29. This is the only record for this district in three years (G.M.K.).

Pochard. I. Occasional drakes seen in summer near Rugby; quite common in winter (R.M.C.).

II. Seen occasionally in winter at Blakedown. A male on February 18 at Windmill Pool is the only record for 1934 (G.M.K.). Occasional at Wolverley (T.J.B.). At Bittell numbers were low even when allowing for the drought. Twelve at Cofton on January 13 (E.St.G.B.) is the largest number recorded. Later in the year small numbers again appeared.

Tufted Duck. I. Nests near Rugby (R.M.C.). II. A number appear every winter on pools near Kidderminster (T.J.B.). At the Blakedown Pools G.M.K. saw one on February 10; two on February 18; two on March 18; four drakes on March 21 ; many on March 25; eleven on April 8; four on April 29. These figures seem to point to a spring passage. At Bittell E.St.G.B. reports that twenty-five seen on March 24 was the highest total for one day, seventeen of them being at Cofton. One or two were seen in most of the summer months and in late autumn numbers at Cofton increased to ten.

14 Scaup. II. A female was seen at Upper Bittell on February 22 and stayed about the reservoirs for two months. It was seen by various observers at all three reservoirs and on March 17 C.J. saw it on the pool above Lower Bitlell. It was last seen by E.St.G.B. at Cofton on April 29, by which time its face had "changed from white through buff to a very dirty white." C.J. had noted in December, 1933, what she believes to have been the same bird.

Goldeneye. I. A few every winter near Rugby (R.M.C.). See also Bartley report. II. An immature bird at Upper Bittell on February 22 and 25; one at Lower Bittell on March 16, 25 and 27.

Common Scoter. I. A female at Bartley, April 18; male at the same place, April 21 (W.E.K.).

Goosander. I. Bartley, one female, January 13; two females, February 10 (W.E.K.). II. A female at Upper Bittell on January 6 and 12; two females on various dates between January 15 and February 2; two more (or possibly the same birds) appeared at the beginning of March and stayed till the 22nd. On December 26, E.St.G.B. saw four females at Lower Bittell; all left the reservoir and went off to the south while he was there.

Cormorant. II. E.St.G.B. watched two flying over Upper Bittell on March 23. They circled round and finally pitched. One was a good deal larger than the other, but both had white thigh patches. Great Crested Grebe. II. At Bittell the first was seen on February 22 and numbers increased steadily through March until twenty-six were present at both reservoirs on April 3. There were twenty-five at Lower Bittell on May 29, but after that they decreased and there were none on July 25. A pair was present on August 4, and odd birds appeared during the autumn, viz: three immatures on September 1 ; one on September 13; one on December 14. Nesting began at Lower Bittell as early as March 17, but by the end of the season there was nothing to show for it. G.M.K. reports that two pairs nested on different pools at Blakedown, where one pair spent the winter (1934—5).

IS Dabchlck. II. One on the ice at Upper Bittell on January 1 (H.G.A.). First seen at Upper Brake Pool, Blakedown, March 10; it nested there and hatched four young (G.M.K.). Red-throated Diver. I. One found at on or about December 11, 1933, is now in the Birmingham Museum (D.P.). Wood-Pigeon. II. Three to four hundred in Lickey Woods, February 2 (H.G.A.). Hundreds feeding in , October 24 (J.S.E.). Stock-Dove. II. Not so noticeable at Upper Bittell as in some past years (E.St.G.B.). Ringed Plover. II. Passing birds were quite numerous at Bittell. Eleven were seen on May 7, and after that parlies of four to twelve birds were seen on various dates down to June 6. There were still three on June 13, and one on June 27. There were none on July 11, but some appeared on the 17th, and odd birds (1 to 3) were seen during August. The last was on September 9. Golden Plover. II. Regular on passage at Wolverley (T.J.B.). A flock of fifty arrived in usual field near , October 21 (A.J.H.). One at Upper Bittell, December 1 (H.G.A.). Lapwing. II- On March 30 A.J.H. saw two flocks flying due east at Sheriffs Lench (wind e.s.e., moderate). At Bittell C.W.K.VV. saw a flock of one hundred flying high overhead from w.n.w. on August 11. About two hundred at Upper Bittell on October 25 (H.G.A.). Sanderling. II- Seen in unusual numbers at Bittell during May. Five on 21st, three on 22nd and two on 23rd; two on 27th and one on 29th. Dunlin. II- Numerous on passage at Bittell. The first was seen on March 25, and they were observed in small numbers during April. In May they became more numerous, as many as sixteen being recorded on the 17th, twelve to fifteen on the 23rd, and twelve on the 29th; there were still three on June 6. Not recorded again till July 19, when two appeared. Small numbers (one to five) were recorded after that down to September 9, when there were three. Single birds were noted on October 29 and November 5.

16 Curlew-Sandpiper. II. One at Upper Bittell on May 29 (H.G.A.). Common Sandpiper. I. Rare at Rugby, isolated birds seen every year on passage (R.M.C.). II. At YVolverley T.J.B. sees a pair most years, either by a brook or at a pool through which a stream passes. At Sheriffs Lench A.J.H. heard a party passing south at 7-45 p.m. on October 1. At Bittell seen on passage in spring and autumn. There were eight on April 25, seven on August 11, and six or seven on September 22. M.E.P. saw one on December 12.

Redshank. I. Two or three nests every year in Rugby district (R.M.C.). II. A pair every year during the breeding season at Whittington Sewage Farm (T.J.B.). At Bittell one or two were seen in January. One appeared again on March 17, and one pair at least was present throughout the breeding season. Occasional passing birds appeared during April, May and August, and one was seen on October 10.

Qreenshank. I. W.E.G. saw one at Cole Hall Sewage Farm, Birmingham, on August 29. II. At Upper Bittell H.G.A. saw two on May 23; M.E.P. saw one at Lower Bittell on July 17 and 18, and one was present at Lower Bittell from August 11 to 16. C.W.K.W. sends the following note about the last bird : " As we have noticed before it seemed very friendly with one of the Redshanks, and eventually the two birds flew away together. Several times the Greenshank behaved in a very curious manner, dancing about on his toes while his wings were opened vertically above his back. He would also wade thigh-deep into the water, stretch his neck out straight with the beak just along the surface of the water and run along rapidly with the beak just awash and the water level with his wings. We could not see whether he was catching any surface insects in this manner, but it appeared to be an outburst of pure gaiety."

Qrey Phalarope. (I. A workman at Cole Hall Sewage Farm saw a curious bird there on August 29. From the description W.E.G. thinks that it was probably this species.)

17 II. G.M.K. reports that one spent about a fortnight on a pool near Blakedown in September 1933. At Upper Bittell, at that time reduced to about one acre of water, one was watched at close quarters by several observers on October 4, 5 and 6. This is the first definite record of the species for Bittell. [Bar-tailed dodwit, II. F.F. saw "a fairly large wader" fly south over VVoodcote on August 26. The size and appearance agreed with his experience of this species.] Curlew. I. M.B. has once heard it flying over Yorks Wood. That was at 4 o'clock on a summer morning. II. One calling and circling around over Dowles on April 8 (J.S.E.). H.G.A. saw one flying round over Upper Bittell on March 22; C.J. saw four there on April 14, one on the 16th and one on July 19. Whimbrel. I. Two going south-west over Selly Oak at 6-15 p.m. on May 19 (H.G.A ). Snipe. II- One drumming over Severn meadows on June 3, the first ever heard at Dowles (J.S.E.). One drumming at Bittell, May 11. Plenty, as usual, in July and August at Bittell (E.St.G.B.). One reported drumming at Alvechurch on March 25 (W. Goodrich Clarke—" Birmingham Post"). Woodcock. In connection with the Inquiry now being conducted tinder the auspices of the British Trust for Ornithology, a good deal of information has been collected from the two , and it may be possible to publish a summary of this at a later date. The records do not quite cover our area, and further notes are wanted from the following districts : WARWICKSHIRE : Sutton Park; the extreme north of the county, north of ; the Rugby district; the neighbourhood of ; and the valley of the Stour. WORCESTERSHIRE: Clent and Hagley; and Pipers Hill; the western edge of the county, including most of the Teme valley and the Hills. If any correspondents can undertake to interview gamekeepers in any of these regions, they are asked to get into touch with J.D.W. Black Tern. II. Two at Lower Bittell, May 25 (F.R.B.). One at Upper Bittell on October 8 and 10 (H.G.A., C.J., M.E.P.). On October 10 M.E P. watched it cleverly eluding the pursuit of

18 an indignant Rook. The Rook eventually gave up the after ten minutes in which the Tern had much the better of the game.

Common Tern. II. One passing early on May 21 (F.R.B. and H.G.A.); a juvenile was present at Lower Bittell from August 13—22. Unidentified Terns, either this species or the next were seen at Bittell on May 5—two (C J.); October 3 (M.S.) and 4 (C.J.); October 8 and 10 (M.E.P.); and October 31 (M.S.).

Arctic Tern. D.P. kindly sends us two records: I. Frank Wells found one in a railway truck at Monument Lane Wharf, Birmingham, on June 26, 1933. Presumably the bird came from some other locality. II. One was taken by G. Banfield at Tenbury on August 22, 1930. [An immature bird was found at Enville, Staffs, close to the Worcs. boundary on October 16, by G. A. R. Chamberlain (G.M.K.).]

Little Tern. II. One satisfactorily identified by C.J. at Upper Bittell on May 8.

Black-Headed Gull. II- A.J.H. saw some passing birds at Sheriffs Lench on March 29, and odd birds were noted at Bittell in every month from March to August, and again in late October and November.

Common Gull. II At Upper Bittell two adults and two juveniles were flying round the meadows near the reservoir on January 1 ; two were seen on January 13 ; and one on March 5. A.J.H. saw a pair passing Sheriffs Lench on October 1, and two flocks (13 and 25) passed over from e. to s w. on November 4.

Herring-Gull. L H.G.A. saw one at Bartley reservoir on December 19 ; it departed towards the east. II. At Dowles J.S.E. saw seven passing n. at 8 p.m. on August 25, and thirteen passing n.w. at 6-30 p.m. on September 2. A.J.H. records a pair going due south over Sheriffs Lench on August 24. Lesser Black-Backed dull. I. One flying w.s.w. over Selly Oak at 7 a.m. on April 17. One arrived from e.s.e. and departed ten minutes later to w.n.w., Bartley, November 3 (H.G.A.). II. A.J.H. saw a pair and a juvenile flying north over Sheriffs Lench on February 6, and six flying south on August 28. One at Bittell on May 4, and one on July 21 (C.J.). [Great Black-Backed Oull. II. On May 10 H.G.A. saw a very large black-backed gull by the lake at YVestwood Park, Droitwich. Unfortunately it flew off towards the Severn before he could be certain of the identification.] Kittiwake. II. An adult at Lower Bittell flying round actively and catching fish on the surface of the water, March 22 (H.G.A.). It was also seen by C.J. and others on March 23, 25 and 27. Corncrake. See Special Report. Water-Rail. I. Nests at Hillmorton (R.M.C.). II. Resident in two or possibly three bogs near Hagley (G.M.K.). Seen at Cofton reservoir on January 8 (C.J.) and 20 (E.St.G.B.). Quail. II. C.W.K.W. reports that during the summer of 1934 a bevy of Quail frequented a field at Inkberrow. They were often seen among the herbage in a dried up bit of marshy ground at the bottom of the field. He has twice previously known of Quail in that district.

20 REPORT OF OBSERVATIONS ON BARTLEY RESERVOIR, 1934. By W. E. KENRICK. Before making my report on the ducks seen on the Birmingham Corporation reservoir at , I think it would be useful to put down a little general information about the scene of the observations. The site of the reservoir is a shallow natural valley which originally had a stream running down the middle of it. The reservoir lies between Bartley Green and church and alongside the Corporation reservoirs at Frankley at the foot of Frankley Beeches. It is about 4 miles N. of the Bittell reservoirs and 20 miles S.W. of Belvide (Staffs.). The reservoir was made by putting a bank across the lower end of the valley, and there was a certain amount of excavation round the edges to level the contours and make a proper bank. Work was begun in 1925 and the reservoir was nearly full in August 1931. The surface area is 114 acres and the depth varies from 6 feet at the foot of the bank to 60 feet at the foot of the dam. The bottom is concreted for about a hundred yards in width all the way round, but apart from this it is covered with gravel. The water is from the Corporation reservoirs at Rhayader in Central Wales, and all local surface water at Bartley is caught and taken round the reservoir. There is a road running across the dam, and the rest of the reservoir is surrounded by a grass verge and an iron fence. For record purposes the reservoir may be considered to be in Warwickshire as being part of the City of Birmingham, but as a matter of fact a small piece of the Frankley end is in Worcestershire.

The area was not one which came under frequent observation and so there was no evidence as to whether the reservoir lay on a migration route and was likely to get visitors that way, but with regular visits now we are beginning to learn something about it. Our interests are almost entirely concentrated on the ducks and other aquatic birds using the reservoir itself and therefore this report will not be concerned with the passerines which haunt in the neighbourhood.

21 A canal reservoir usually has a plentiful supply of vegetable and other food suitable for both surface-feeding and diving ducks, but this is not encouraged in a reservoir for a City's water supply, so we should not expect to find the place attractive except for birds resting during the day or driven from other haunts by frost, drought or interference.

To show the growth of the bird population I propose to take each year or season separately and then go through the individual species.

The first note I have is of a single Pochard (H.G.A.) seen on a small pool where the valve tower now is, before the reservoir was finished. This was in February 1930. Twelve months later on February 18th, 1931, there were 5 Mallard and 2 Tufted Duck (H.G.A.). On April 12th there were one Mallard and 5 pairs of Tufted Duck, and two Black-backed Gulls and a Heron flew over. On May 3rd there was nothing and on May Sth there was a single Great Crested Grebe. On December 16th there were 21 Mallard, 2 Wigeon and 34 Tufted Duck (H.G.A.).

In 1932 there were rather more observations so I shall omit much of the detail The earliest observations were for March, when the number of Mallard varied from 12 to 20. Small lots of Tufted Duck, 3 to 7, were to be found, and the Goldeneye put in their first appear- ance, the greatest number being 4. On March 19th there were also 24 Wigeon and 7 Pochard, but the most interesting visitor was a male Goosander in very fine plumage seen on March 15th. This year the water level was lowered until there was a bank of shingle showing, and this probably accounted for the presence of a Common Sandpiper on April 30th and two on May 7th There were also 4 Black-headed Gulls on the former date. In the late autumn the ducks came back again in greater numbers and this time included some Shovellers, 4 on November 12th and 2 on December 31st. From December 7th onwards there was usually to be seen a small flock of 6 Goldeneye headed by a superb drake. The flock numbered 7 on January 3rd, 6th and 10th, 1933, and 9 on the 21st. There were none on January 28th, and I think they were probably scared away by a man who was trying to shoot the ducks as they stood on the ice in the cold spell in this month. Later, Goldeneye again visited the reservoir but in

22 smaller numbers. The ducks left in April, but on July 1st I happened to have an opportunity to visit the place and had the luck to see a pair of Common Scoters and two Tufted Duck.

The winter of 1933-34 saw a further increase in the number of duck, the Mallard flock reaching 150 and over on occasions. There were again a few Shoveller, 3 on December 3rd and 2 on December 14th. At the beginning of December the weather turned cold and ice formed round the edges and across the shallow end. This brought in a flock of 23 Coots which must have been frozen out of their normal area as they have not appeared at any other time. There were also 2 Redshank which were seen on December 5th and 9th, and one on the 11th. On December 16th there was a single Sheldrake in the middle at the edge of the ice, but it was gone the next day. Any observations of particular interest in 1934 will occur else- where in this report, but I would mention that on April 7th we had a pair of Teal sitting on the concrete, and these were the first Teal we had seen on the reservoir. This is enough for the historical account of the reservoir up to date and I can now give some of the conclusions I have drawn from the observations, although as yet it is difficult to say much with certainty as I have only been watching for four seasons and the last season has included an abnormal summer which completely dried up the Upper Bittell reservoir and thus forced some birds to go to Bartley.

Mallard are undoubtedly the commonest duck and are always to be found either sitting on the concrete or in flocks in the middle. Teal are never likely to be common as there is no nice muddy shore for them as on the Lower Bittell. Wigeon are as yet uncertain : they have increased enormously in this last winter of 1934-35 and the largest flock recorded was 85. They have been correspondingly scanty on Bittell. They may remain faithful to Bartley as they spend some of their time digging in the turf on the top of the concrete bank. Pochard are uncertain and do not seem to favour the reservoir. Tufted Duck are always to be found in the winter in small parties : in December, 1934, there was a flock of 70. Goldeneye are regular visitors throughout the winter and are always to be seen diving

23 somewhere in the reservoir, frequently in the deepest part. From this, I am certain that there is sufficient vegetable growth at the bottom of the reservoir to keep them happy. To show how the population has grown I took four species and divided the number of birds seen from November to March by the number of visits paid for the seasons 1931-32, 1932-33, 1933-34, 1934-35. The results were as follows :— Mallard, 11, 25, 67, 79. Wigeon, 4, 3, 10, 26. Tufted Duck, 9, 5, 9, 19. Goldeneye, 2, 4, 7, 7. I also took the percentages of these species compared with each other and the average result over the four seasons was—Mallard 61%, Wigeon 13%, Tufted Duck 18%, Goldeneye 8%. But as I mentioned above, these results are affected by the abnormal season of 1934-35. Waders are not often to be seen on Bartley as there is no suitable accommodation and when they have appeared there has been either a low water level exposing the concrete at the bottom of the bank or a fringe of ice round the edge. Gulls pass over on migration and sometimes stop for a short time, but I would not like to say as yet that the place is on a migration route as gulls might be tempted to turn aside from their line by the sight of a good sheet of water. There is undoubtedly a movement of birds between the Bittell reservoirs and Bartley. The two Redshank seen on December 5th and 9th, 1933, were reported from both reservoirs and so also were two female Goosanders seen on February 10th, 1934. This winter we have had two hybrid Mallard with white patches on the breast, which had previously appeared on the Bittells. I have purposely avoided giving more figures than I could help but should it become necessary I can supply a complete statistical record of all observations. The reservoir as a rule is visited every Saturday afternoon by myself and my brothers except in the summer, when there are no ducks to be seen. I have purposely left out any mention of Gulls in the following list as I hope to have sufficient material for a special note on these next year. SYSTEMATIC LIST. Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). Irregular visitor. Adult and 3 immature in autmn 1934. Breeds on Westminster Pool, 100 yards from the reservoir. Brent Goose ( Uranta bernicla). One seen by W. B. Alexander and HI. on 23rd March, 1934. Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna). One seen on 16th December, 1933, Mallard (Anas platyrhyneha.) In varying quantities from October to May. Common. Teal (A. crecca). Two seen on 7th April, 1933.

Wigeon (A. penelope). Fairly regular in winter from November to March.

Shoveller (Spatula clypeata). Four on 12th November and two on 31st December, 1932. Three on 3rd December and two on 14th December, 1933. Pochard ( Nyroca ferina). Uncertain winter visitor. Greatest number seen at one time was eight in December, 1934. Tufted Duck (N. fuligula). Regular throughout the winter. Flocks of sixty to seventy in December, 1934.

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula). Regular winter visitor. Usually to be found in small parties of four to six. The greatest number seen on one day was thirteen. The number of adult drakes usually remains constant for several weeks. Common Scoter ( Oidemia nigra). A pair seen on 1st July, 1933. One female on 18th April and one male on 21st April, 1934. Goosander (Mergus merganser). One male seen on 13th March, 1932. One female on 13th January and two on 10th February, 1934. Great Crested Grebe (Podicepn cristatus). Single birds may sometimes be seen in spring or autumn. Little Grebe (P. ruficollis). A single bird on 13th and 20th October, 1934. Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos), One seen on 30th April and two on 7ih May, 1932. One on 12th July, 1933. Two on 28th April and one on 24th July, 1934. Redshank ( T. totanus). Two seen on 5th and 9th December and one on 11th December, 1933.

26 REPORT ON SPECIAL SPECIES. In our circular sent to correspondents at the beginning of 1934, special information was asked as to the breeding status of five species, namely Dipper, Nightingale, Redstart, Wryneck and Corncrake. The following is an attempt to summarise the information received. 1. Dipper.

WARWICKSHIRE : None reported: not known in Rugby and Coventry districts.

WORCESTERSHIRE: From the eastern edge of the county, from Barnt Green and Bromsgrove south to Evesham, and Worcester, the Dipper, as far as we have ascertained, is absent. A single recent occurrence near Barnt Green was in autumn. At Hinton, however, in the extreme south east of the county, not far from a district of the Cotswolds where the Dipper is known to breed regularly, a pair nested in 1934 (A.J.H.). From the western slopes of the in the north, to Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport, scattered pairs occur (T.J.B. and W.E.G.), and it is noted that in this area birds occur during the winter on a stream where they do not breed (G.M.K.). Beyond the Severn, the species becomes more abundant. , the boundary stream between Worcester and Salop, is a well-known haunt; ten pairs or so haunt this brook (J.S.E.). A nest was found near Witley in April, 1934 (F.R.B. and H.G.A.). It occurs at Stanford and probably elsewhere on the Teme. On Leigh Brook, near Suckley, J.D.W. found evidence of two pairs on about a mile of the stream. One was near the Mousehole Bridge, where a nest was found on May 17th; the other was higher up near Batchelor's Bridge. We have no information from the region between the Malverns and the Severn.

2. Nightingale. WARWICKSHIRE : In eastern Warwickshire the Nightingale appears to be numerous. About Rugby it is common in all fox- covers and other suitable spots (R.M.C.). Near Coventry the numbers are less than twenty years ago, and at Allesley they have not been heard since 1921 or 2 (H.W.M.B.); but the same observer has heard them by the Coventry— road more recently. In the valley of the Avon, from Warwick to Stratford, they were

27 plentiful a few years ago, but we have no information for 1934. Nor have we anything from South Warwickshire. It occurs near Alcester, and there is some evidence that a few are found near the Worcester border up to Earlswood. It used to occur at Umberslade, but no longer does so, though still regular at Forshaw Heath ; but from the higher ground of north west Warwick it appears to be absent.

WORCESTERSHIRE : The Nighting^.j is normally absent from north east Worcestershire; but in 1932 a bird was singing for some time on a bush-covered slope by a quarry just above a stream at Upper Marlbrook. This is over 600 feet above the sea. Bromsgrove, Alvechurch and seem to be outside its normal range. On the east side of the county the boundary seems to be between Feckenham and Inkberrow. Southwards from this line the species is abundant. Mr. A. J. Harthan carried out a very thorough census of singing birds, which was published in " British Birds " in July, 1934. In an area of some 12,000 acres (5x4 miles), forty nightingales were heard singing. Thirty of these were in scrubland of thorn and gorse-bushes, five in gardens and five in roadside spinneys—none in large woods. It is very interesting that the species should be so abundant on the very edge of its range. It is equally abundant near the Avon, south-east of Mr. Harthan's district, especially under Littleton and Cleeve Hills (M.E.P. and H.G.A.), and probably also in the south of Worcester, but exact information is lacking. Three were singing at the end of May in Blackmore Park near Malvern (J.D.W.): this seems to be the nearest locality to Malvern. Northward from Worcester the distribution is patchy. One or two pairs are usually to be heard on Common, south-east of Bromsgrove, and sometimes at points rather nearer . F.F. observed some to the west of Bromsgrove in 1934. In 1934 the "Worcestershire Advertiser" of May 5th recorded that Councillor Beddoes heard one on the Droitwich golf- course on April 29th, about midnight. Between Uroitwich and one or two have been noted in recent years (H.G.A.), and in 1931 two were heard near (F.R.B., H.G.A.). Near Bewdley there are usually a few, but it is erratic, and scarcer than formerly (J.S.E.). In Wolverley parish, north of Kidderminster, there were usually eight to ten pairs thirty years ago, but now not

28 more than one (T.J.B.). G.M.K., however, notes it as still common in woods. In the west of the county, twenty-five years ago two pairs were noted by C. J. Alexander near Suckley. It is said to occur rarely at Stanford-on-Teme. Further west, about Tenbury, it is not known (G.F.H.). Comparison of the foregoing with the report on the Distribution of the Nightingale 25 years ago {British Birds, 1911—12, p. 13) indicates a decrease in both counties. At that time it was thought to be increasing. 3, Redstart WARWICKSHIRE : At Rugby it is rare and apparently does not breed. Ten years ago it was commoner (R.M.C). Near Coventry it has decreased, not having been noted since April, 1930; formerly it nested (H.W.M.B.). A nest with six eggs was found by P. Hodgson at in 1934. At Packington Park the keeper, J. Theobald, knows it well; here it evidently breeds. In 1917 there were a few in the Avon valley near Warwick (H.G.A.). At Forshaw it formerly nested, but does so no longer now.

WORCESTERSHIRE : The distribution in Worcestershire is uneven. In the south-east of the county, about half-a-dozen pairs occur on , where they apparently nest in the elders just under the summit at about 500 ft. (A.J.H.). They probably breed in willows and -trees by the Avon near and Cleeve Prior (M.E.P., H.G.A.). But only one pair has been noted in the Lenches (A.J.H.), and as far as we know, they do not normally breed in the low or gently undulating country about Feckenham, Bromsgrove, Redditch and Alvechurch, except for two or three pairs in the ancient trees of Dodderhill Common. On the Lickey Hills, however, they occur regularly. In the past fifteen years, in an area less than two miles long and roughly half-a-mile broad, birds have been noted singing in twenty-eight distinct territories. These are all above 500 feet, as at Bredon. Breeding-holes can be found in beeches and perhaps mountain-ash. The number noted from year to year has varied greatly, but a good deal of this fluctuation is probably due to the different amount of observation made from year to year. In 1924 no fewer than twenty were noted, and in 1921 thirteen; 1922, 1925 and 1931 gave ten, and 1927 eight. In 1928 and 1933 no more than four were noted, and in 1932 only three. In 1934 a

»9 more careful survey (not necessarily complete) was attempted, but only six were found. It seems probable that there has been some diminution (H.G.A.). A few years ago a pair nested in an orchard at (A. J. Hughes). This was perhaps an "outlier" from the Lickeys. Birds frequently appear on passage at other points between Barnt Green and Birmingham. It is also noted on passage at Hagley, and probably nests in Hagley Park (G.M.K.). Near Kidderminster it is only observed on passage (T.J.B.) In the Wyre Forest it seems to be holding its own, and is numerous, nesting chiefly in willow and fruit trees, though seeming to prefer holes in buildings and walls where these are available. It also chooses wood piles and nesting boxes sometimes, and in 1934 a pair nested among pots and pans on a shelf within the porch of a (J.S.E.) It has been noted in recent years in Westwood Park, Droitwich, and at Hadley (H.G.A.). It occurs in some numbers on the slopes of the Malvern Hills and adjacent country. J.D.W. noted it in the Teme valley and near Suckley in May and June, 1934, in low country among willows. It is plentiful about Tenbury (G.F.H.). Although many of its chief strongholds in the county are high up, this is evidently a matter of suitable country rather than a true case of altitudinal distribution.

4, Wryneck. WARWICKSHIRE: " Rare " near Rugby; one reported at Bitten in 1933 (R.M.C.). Not recorded from the Coventry district (H.W.M.B.). Regularly occurred in Edgbaston Park till about 1875 (C.W.K.W.). No other records received from the county.

WORCESTERSHIRE: Has been getting scarce in recent years and appears now to be practically extinct in the county. At Inkberrow last heard April 1905 (C.W.K.W.). Common in the Malvern district in the 80's and 90's (H.L.W.). Formerly three pairs known near Bewdley, then only one, the last few years none (J.S.E.). A clutch of eight eggs was taken near Bewdley about 1882 (H.L.W.). Heard in the same district, rather further up the Severn, 1922, (H.G.A.), at Pound Common in 1923 (H.L.W.), and at Common 1924 (H.G.A.). Last noted by T.J.B. in the Kidderminster district in 1931. In the south of the county, in the Evesham orchard district and the Lenches, not noted in recent years by A.J.H. A hedger near Offenham, however, reported having heard the " Cuckoo's

3° mate" on April 23rd, 1931, to M.E.P. It is easy for those who do not know birds very well to confuse the call with that of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker; but this record, like that from Bitten, is quite likely to be correct. 5. Corncrake. WARWICKSHIRE : Some decrease of this species was already noted by those who sent in particulars for the "British Birds" enquiry in 1914: but at Tamworth and Hampton-in-Arden it was still holding its own. Near Coventry it was last heard by H.W.M.B. in 1921. A pair brought off young at Coventry, 1934 (M. Berry). Nests are still found occasionally near Rugby, and a few birds of passage are heard there each year. From 1920 to 1923 one or two still occurred regularly near the Harborne Canal, South Birmingham; in 1922 one of them continued craking till July 31st. One or two were heard at this side of Birmingham as recently as 1926 (H.G.A.). In 1933 one appeared by the Bristol Road in June, and craked noisily till the hay was cut (F.R.B.). One was heard at Tyburn in 1933 (M. Baker). In 1882 it nested in Edgbaston within two miles of the city centre (H.L.W.),

WORCESTERSHIRE : An observer in North Worcestershire showed the decrease that had already taken place in 1914, by giving figures for each year from 1906. During that time the numbers were reduced from seven to one. But they were then still holding their own near Malvern. A pair nested near the Bittell reservoir in 1933 (C.K.J.). In the Hagley district one was heard in 1933, but none in 1934 (G.M.K.); whilst near Kidderminster they were formerly common, but now reduced to one bird (T.J.B.); the same observer noted that there are still some over the Staffs, boundary. A few years ago there were three pairs in the water meadows near Bewdley, then only one, now none (J.S.E.). F.R.B. and H.G.A. heard one there on 14th June, 1930. In 1934 A.J.H. reported one near Eckington (Pershore district), and M.E P. one near Alvechurch. H.G.A. heard one on May 10th, 1934 by the canal at Droitwich, and one on the 11th near the Lower Bittell reservoir. Probably both were passing birds. J.D.W. heard one at Whitbourn, on the Teme, on June 11th. These half-dozen or so records are all that we have received for 1934. We hope observers will send us further information on all these species for future reports.

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