West Midland Bird Club · Slavonian Grebeat Draycote remained to the 7th while the highlight of the month must be the Lesser Scaup, a first for Worcestershire, that appeared on the

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Annual R

eport No. 73

2006

The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire,Worcestershire and the West Midlands

2006

Annual Report 73

Editor

D.W. Emley

Published by

West Midland Bird Club

2008

Published by West Midland Bird Club

© West Midland Bird Club

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in aretrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of thecopyright owners.

The West Midland Bird Club is a registered charity No. 213311.

Website: http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/

ISSN 1476-2862

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Farthing Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5AP.

Price £9.00

The Birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire,Worcestershire and the West Midlands

2006

Annual Report 73

Contents

4 Editorial

5 Submission of Records

6 Birds and Weather in 2006

13 Systematic List

215 Ringing in 2006

221 Franklin’s Gull at Blithfield; a first for Staffordshire

223 County Lists

230 Gazetteer

237 List of Contributors

241 Index to Species

Front Cover Photograph: Goldfinch on Teasel, Dave Taylor

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EditorialGlobal Warming is a phenomenon with which we are all familiar these days. It manifestsitself in all aspects of the natural world; that of birds being no exception. Some of ourresidents are nesting earlier while many of our summer migrants are arriving earlier andstaying longer, up to three weeks in some cases. It is not possible to show these relativelyrapid changes using the average arrival and departure dates as they cover too long a period(over 70 years in some cases) so this year I have included the average dates over theprevious eight years (not including the current year) – as used in New Birds of the WestMidlands.

With over 600 contributors to the Report this year it is inevitable that there are many withthe same initials – indeed there are seven with CS alone! In order to make sure that thosespecifically mentioned in the species reports get their deserved recognition, we havedecided to abandon the use of two-character initials and instead add subsequent letters ofthe surname until we get a unique set of initials. Hopefully this will avoid any ambiguity.

British Birds has announced a number of changes to the scientific names of some of ourgulls, for so long in the genus Larus! Black-headed and Bonaparte’s Gulls are now inChroicocephalus while Sabine’s is in Xema and Little in Hydrocoloeus. The changes meanthat the position of these species in the sequence used in the Report also changes.Thankfully, BBRC has now raised Caspian Gull to a full species – something most of ushad done already! Modern technology came to the fore this year when a radio-taggedHoney-buzzard was recorded flying over Cannock Chase without anyone actually seeingit. The world of virtual birding is indeed upon us!

Thanks are due to Andy Warr who retired as Recorder for Worcestershire at the end of2007. His place has been taken by Brian Stretch and we wish him well in that post.

AcknowledgementsI would like to thank all those who helped with this year’s report. I am especially gratefulto all those who contributed records, especially those sending in valuable census data; toRoger Broadbent for his article; to artists and photographers Phil Jones, Dave Kelsall,Steve Seal, Graham Soden, Dave Taylor, Steve Valentine and Andy Warr for making theirwork available; to Bert Coleman for his informative ringing report and above all to theCounty Recorders and their teams:

Warwickshire: Jonathan BowleyWorcestershire: Andy Warr and Brian Stretch.Staffordshire: Nick Pomiankowski, Report Writers; NDP, Neil Carter, Martin

Godfrey and Andy Lawrence, Rarities Committee; Eric Clare,Bernard Smith, Mark Sutton, Steve Turner and Steve Nuttall, SiteReport Compilers; Mike Boote, Graham Evans, Steve Nuttall, RayPerry, Brenda Scott; Data Input and proof reading; Mary Holley.

West Midlands: Kevin Clements, Gareth Clements and John Oates.

I would like to thank Mike Gaydon of Healeys and my wife Sue, for her support and helpduring the compilation of this report.

David Emley

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Submission of Records

All contributors are asked to follow the guidelines set out in the booklet A Checklist of theBirds of the West Midlands and a Guide to Status and Record Submission (second edition1989). A copy of these can be found on our website http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com.All records should be sent to the relevant County Recorder as soon as possible afterobservation. Concise, though adequate, field descriptions (including how the species wasidentified, the circumstances of the sighting and the observer’s experience of the species)should accompany records of all species – marked as A in the Details column of thechecklist. In addition, descriptions are required for all out-of-season migrants, unusualhybrids and scarce sub-species, including Scandinavian Rock Pipit, Blue-headed and otherflava race wagtails, White Wagtail (autumn only), Black-bellied Dipper, GreenlandWheatear and Chiffchaff races. The lack of an acceptable description may lead to recordsbeing rejected.

Records should be sent to the appropriate County Recorder:

Warwickshire Jonathan Bowley17 Meadow Way, Fenny Compton, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 [email protected]

Worcestershire Brian Stretch13 Pitmaston Road, Worcester, WR2 [email protected]

Staffordshire Nick Pomiankowski22 The Villas, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 [email protected]

West Midlands Kevin Clements26 Hambrook Close, Dunstall Park, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 [email protected]

Ringing SecretaryAll ringing recoveries and sightings of colour-marked birds should be sent to:A E Coleman, 67 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffs, B78 3HZ.

Records can be sent electronically as Excel, Word, CSV or RTF files or on record slips.These are available from the Club Secretary (address inside back cover) at indoor meetingsor a copy can be downloaded from our web site: http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/.Another alternative that is proving very popular is the BTO’s BirdTrack websitehttp://www.bto.org.uk/birdtrack/. Data entered here can be accessed, with permission, bythe County Recorder, thus obviating the need to send in slips etc.

David Emley, 23 Leacroft, Stone, Staffs, ST15 [email protected]

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Birds and Weather 2006

2006, the warmest year for 90 years, saw 239 species recorded in the Region compared to242 in 2005 and 235 in 2004. There were no additions to the Regional list but Staffordshirehad its first Franklin’s Gull and first acceptable Stone Curlew while Worcestershirerecorded its first Lesser Scaup, of which there were three in the year. A number of speciesput in their first appearance for many years. They include Staffordshire’s first Red-backedShrike since 1956, Warwickshire’s first Gull-billed Tern since 1899, Worcestershire’ssecond Long-billed Dowitcher and Staffordshire’s and the Region’s second Glossy Ibis –the first being in 1840. Wood Larks bred for the first time in Worcestershire, reflectingthe increasing fortunes of this species. In Staffordshire Egyptian Goose bred for the firsttime and both Firecrest and Mediterranean Gull attempted to do so while Ospreysummered for the first time in Warwickshire. On the other hand, Pied Flycatchers failedto be recorded on passage in Warwickshire for the first time since 1972.

January was a rather dry month but it began rather changeable with some light rain andcloud but with temperatures dropping to zero overnight when clouds cleared. Long-stayingbirds remaining from 2005 included three Great Northern Divers at Draycote, Black-necked Grebe at Dosthill, Smew at Drayton Bassett and Chasewater, Yellow-browedWarbler at Baswich, Bearded Tit at Napton, Firecrest at Baggeridge CP andFarnborough Park, Great Grey Shrike at Walton-on-Trent and Hawfinches at a numberof sites. The large roost of Common Ravens at Swallow Moss in 2005 peaked at 71 on the4th. New birds included Red-crested Pochard at Branston and three Snow Buntings atWorcestershire Beacon. Two Hen Harriers were seen on most evenings on Swallow Mossbeing joined by a third bird on the 20th. A small passage of Pink-footed Geese began with20 over Apedale on the 2nd to be followed by 300 over Baddeley Green on the 4th. A ridgeof high pressure built from the 5th to give cloudy but dry weather for the next week. AWater Pipit was found at Doxey on the 5th while an Egyptian Goose on the 6th remainedthere into April. A flock of five Waxwings at Aldridge on the 7th increased to 21 on the30th. A Bean Goose of the Taiga race fabalis was identified at Defford Airfield on the 8th.The weather became more unsettled from the 9th as a series of depressions spread in fromthe Atlantic bringing rain. Four Bean Geese of the Tundra race rossicus were found nearIngestre from 13th to 19th. White gulls were scarce with just an adult and first-winterIceland Gull at Draycote on 12th and 13th while Smews were seen at Belvide and Croxallon the 14th and 15th. Warm south-westerlies coming in off the Atlantic on the 19th gaverise to the warmest temperatures of the month; Keele recording 10.7°C. However, highpressure then built and dominated to the end of the month producing a cold spell with someovernight frosts. On the 22nd 65 Pink-footed Geese passed over Tittesworth while threeSmew were at Whitemoor Haye and a Water Pipit at Essington. Two Red-necked Grebesarrived at Alrewas on the 28th and were joined by a third on the 29th. A Slavonian Grebewas seen at Draycote on the 28th and two Iceland Gulls at Bartley. On the 29th, fiveCommon Crossbills were seen on Cannock Chase and a Marsh Harrier at Brandon whilea Common Redpoll was picked up at Hanchurch on the 31st.

February began cold with high pressure still dominating. At Keele the temperature did notget above freezing for two days. A cold front pushed south on the 7th with a north-westerlywind bringing a few wintry showers. There were, however, good spells of sunshine. Anincredible 118 Reed Buntings were recorded going to roost at Belvide on the 2nd. The

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Slavonian Grebe at Draycote remained to the 7th while the highlight of the month mustbe the Lesser Scaup, a first for Worcestershire, that appeared on the River Severn atGrimley on the 11th and then at other localities in to March. A Firecrest was found atKempsey STW on the 11th and two Common Redpolls at Birchmoor on the 12th. AnAtlantic depression over Biscay on the 18th allowed cold, brisk easterly winds to spreadover the Region with wintry showers and temperatures below freezing in places lasting fora week or more. A female Ring-necked Duck at Napton Reservoir on the 19th waspossibly the bird from last year. On the 20th a flock of 20 Mandarins was seen byWhitmore Hall while the 21st saw a Black-necked Grebe at Draycote and a White-fronted Goose over Wormleighton Reservoir. Seven Whooper Swans at Doxey on the25th were the first there for 20 years. Meanwhile a Marsh Harrier dropped in atLadywalk and a Red Knot at Belvide where a female American Wigeon was a good findon the 26th. The month ended with further wintry showers brought in by a north-westerlywind following the passage of a cold front southwards.

The weather at the start of March was dominated by low pressure over the North Sea whichbrought a period of cold weather and wintry showers on a north-westerly airflow andtemperatures at Keele dropped to –5°C. A flock of 12 White-fronted Geese passed overMarsh Lane NR on the 2nd while seven Smew were seen on Canal Pool on the 3rd and fourat Dosthill on the 4th. A male Hen Harrier arrived at Defford airfield on the 4th and wasseen in a number of localities in to May. The break-up of a weak ridge of high pressure onthe 7th produced heavy showers with some of the rain turning to snow. This may have beenresponsible for the arrival of Gannets at Tittesworth on the 12th and at Sandwell Valley onthe 15th. A cold easterly airflow then set in for a few days with temperatures belowfreezing in parts and a Little Ringed Plover at Wiseman’s Scrape on the 15th and a BarnSwallow at Bredons Hardwick on the 16th probably wondered why they had bothered toarrive so early! The first Garganey was noted at Pype Hayes Pool on the 17th and aWaxwing at Warwick while a count of 303 Eurasian Curlew at Tittesworth on the 19thwas a site record. Despite low temperatures persisting, the first Northern Wheatear wasseen on Bredon Hill on the 22nd and on the 23rd the first Sand Martins at Coton andDraycote and first House Martin at Coton too. From the 23rd there was a transition tomilder conditions but this brought with it unsettled and showery weather. A Great WhiteEgret was discovered at Chesterton Pools on the 24th along with a Grey Plover at Belvide.A Brent Goose was seen at Salford Priors and a Twite at Blithfield on the 26th. Theappearance of a Great Skua at Draycote on the 27th and a Gannet at Holts Heath on the28th coincided with a period of heavy rain and strong winds in the west. The end of themonth was marked by a welcome increase in temperature even though it remained showery.The first Ring Ouzel of the year was found at Berry Hill on the 30th while the firstCuckoo was seen at Happy Valley and Yellow Wagtail at Draycote on the 31st.

April started unsettled but warm with Pershore reaching 14.7°C on the 2nd. Three Avocetsarrived at Upton Warren on the 1st and remained to breed while the 2nd saw the firstCommon Swift at Belvide and Tree Pipit on Cannock Chase. A Firecrest was a nice findat Belvide on the 3rd as was a Honey-buzzard at Knypersley on the 4th along with thefirst Common Redstarts at Bredon Hill and Lodge Farm. On the 5th, a ridge of highpressure built from the west giving rise to dry and fairly sunny conditions but with frost atnight in parts. High-pressure gave way early on the 6th and a more unsettled period ofweather followed with low pressure dominating. A Ring-billed Gull was found at Bredon’s

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Hardwick on the 7th and a Great Grey Shrike at Belvide on the 8th. The wind then turnednortherly bringing showers, wintry in parts. An active weather system then brought rainacross all parts of the region on the 11th. This was followed swiftly by a weak weather fronton the 14th which left the Region relatively dry and sunny. Black-necked Grebes appearedat Blithfield and Gailey on the 11th and 12th respectively. Two Avocets at Blithfield on the14th moved to Whitemoor Haye the next day. A Common Crane was an exceptional findat Bateswood on the 17th while two Red-breasted Mergansers were found at Blithfieldand 26 Northern Wheatears at Berry Hill on the 19th. It then became warm withtemperatures rising as weak fronts crossed the Region from the 25th. High pressuredominated from 26th giving dry weather before allowing fronts to push in from the west.On the 22nd an immature Montagu’s Harrier was found at Whitemoor Haye while on the23rd the first Whinchats were picked up at a number of sites and an impressive flock of52 Black-tailed Godwits dropped in at Belvide. A ring-tailed Hen Harrier passedthrough Blithfield on the 26th while the 27th saw the first Turtle Dove at Little Combertonand the 28th the last Brambling at Shooting Butts. An over-shooting Hoopoe was foundat Harborough Magna on the 29th while a Spotted Crake, heard calling at a site inStaffordshire on the 30th, remained there until May 13th.

May began with showers in many parts courtesy of a low pressure system in the north-west.Pressure then began to rise and a period of warm and settled weather set in for a week ormore. The 1st saw five Bar-tailed Godwits at Upton Warren and a passage of 110 ArcticTerns through Staffordshire while four Dotterel at Whitmore on the 2nd were a surprisingfind. Early Common Quail were picked up at Whitemoor Haye on the 3rd while the 4thsaw a Montagu’s Harrier over Bredon Hill and a surprising Long-tailed Duck at GrimleyNew Workings. More Hoopoes were found on the 5th at Ingestre and Charlton. Continuingwader passage was represented by six Whimbrel at Tittesworth on the 6th and on the 7thtwo Temminck’s Stints at Barton and two Red Knot at Blithfield where there was also aRoseate Tern. A Grey Plover was then seen at Upton Warren on the 8th. From the 10th,pressure once again increased bringing plenty of dry, sunny and warm weather; Keelerecording 16°C on the 12th. However, this triggered some thunder storms and the weathergenerally turned cooler with a mixture of sunny spells and showers, some heavy andthundery, particularly on the 13th when Pershore recorded 22mm in 12 hours. A SpottedRedshank was found at Salford Priors on the 16th and a female Black Redstart atPackington on the 18th. On the 19th a Slavonian Grebe was found at Alvecote but theundoubted highlight was the Gull-billed Tern at Kingsbury. The 17th to 23rd saw an otherunsettled and showery period, some of the showers being quite heavy and temperatureswere generally lower. Waders continued to pass through with nine Sanderling at Blithfieldon the 20th and a Black-winged Stilt at Upton Warren on the 21st. There was also asprinkling of Common Quail too. Towards the end of the month pressure began to risewith the weather becoming more settled. A Honey-buzzard drifted over Milford Commonon the 25th while Staffordshire had its first reliable Stone Curlew - at Elford on the 27th.The month ended with a Spoonbill over Westport Lake on the 30th.

Generally June was a warm, very dry and sunny month. At Keele the monthly rainfall totalof 19mm was nearly 50mm less than the average! It was not surprising then that no rainwas recorded there for 20 consecutive days. High pressure dominated the first third of themonth and temperature rose to over 20°C by the 12th. Three male Common Scoter werefound at Belvide on the 2nd, a Sanderling at Draycote on the 3rd and further Common

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Quail at Lower Moor and Weston Jones on the 4th and 9th respectively. A Black-neckedGrebe was seen at Belvide on the 9th but most surprising was a first-summer GreatNorthern Diver at Newbold Quarry from the 10th–16th! A more unsettled spell developedfrom the 11th as a cold front became stationary over south-east England. This broughtsome welcome rain to most places. It may have been responsible for the Manx Shearwaterat Blithfield on the 14th while a flock of 11 Common Scoter dropped in at Tittesworth onthe 17th when a Red-crested Pochard was seen in Central Forest Park in the Potteries. Adeep area of low pressure developed in the Atlantic on the 19th in association with ex-tropical storm Alberto. This produced some unusually strong winds for June. An adultTemminck’s Stint was found at Upton Warren on the 22nd. The end of the month sawtemperatures falling with Keele only managing 10°C on the 27th. There were furtherCommon Quail reported across Staffordshire and another flock of 11 Common Scoter atBartley on the 24th.

July was again exceptionally warm and sunny, with below average rainfall. The monthlytotal of 14mm rain at Keele was, as last month, 50mm below normal. Having said that the2nd saw torrential downpours and large hail triggered by high temperatures and the 5th and6th heavy and thundery showers. The bird of the month was undoubtedly the Lesser Scaupat Tittesworth on the 1st; the second one in the Region in a year. On the same day therewere two Black-necked Grebes at Belvide and also at Brandon on the 2nd. There was thefirst signs of a returning wader passage with a Grey Plover at Belvide on the 5th. ACommon Quail was found at Whitmore on the 6th and further Black-necked Grebes atThrockmorton, Belvide and Copmere while a Red Knot was found at ThrockmortonLagoons on the 9th. High pressure became established again over the UK on the 14th,lasting until the 18th. Temperatures peaked on the 19th when Keele recorded 31.3°C – arecord for that station but continuing high temperatures triggered heavy thunderstormsacross the Region on the 22nd. A Quail was found at Rous Lench on the 19th and RedKnots at Throckmorton on the 20th and Blithfield on the 31st. By the 30th, temperatureshad dropped to around 17°C as a band of rain spread slowly eastwards bring showers tomany parts.

August was an unsettled month with some heavy, thundery downpours especially mid-month. At Keele rainfall was nearly 60mm above the norm. Nationally it was the dullestsince 1986 and this is borne out by Keele’s sunshine figures being 25 hours less than thenorm. The month started with heavy, scattered showers and fairly low temperatures for thetime of year. A cold front brought some heavy rain overnight into the 7th and, astemperatures lifted, Pershore reached 29.7°C. Wader passage gathered pace at Blithfieldwith Red Knot on the 2nd, Grey Plover on the 3rd and Spotted Redshank on the 4th. ATemminck’s Stint was found at Salford Priors on the 6th and two Red-crested Pochardat Marsh Lane NR on the 8th. The 8th started fine but rain spread overnight to clear againthe next day. Showers developed later; torrential in some parts of the country. The highlightof the month was Staffordshire’s first Franklin’s Gull at Blithfield on the 9th. AFerruginous Duck was found at Blithfield on the 12th, remaining there to September 8thwhile a Red Knot arrived there on the 14th. An Atlantic low off SW England broughtheavy showers on the 15th which developed more widely on the 16th. Further bands ofheavy rain moved in on the 17th and there was even a tornado in Leamington Spa! Theshowers persisted until the 19th. A Black-necked Grebe was seen at Belvide on the 18thwhile five Little Egrets were noted at Blithfield on the 19th – a sign of the times! There

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was brief respite from the rain before a cold front brought rain, hail and thunder on the23rd. This showery weather continued to the end of the month. Three Dotterel toucheddown on Bredon Hill on the 20th while a Spotted Redshank was at Blithfield on the 23rdand a Pectoral Sandpiper at Belvide on the 24th, which date also saw a Wryneck in agarden at Boldmere. Black-necked Grebes were seen at Kingsbury on the 27th andDraycote on the 29th.

On the whole, September was a very warm month; Keele recording its hottest Septembersince 1952! Both rainfall and sunshine hours were above normal. Bands of rain dominatedthe first week of the month courtesy of a low pressure system. Three Black-neckedGrebes were at Belvide on the 1st and a Curlew Sandpiper at Blithfield. On the 3rd,Belvide was host to a Great Skua while a Red-necked Grebe was at Brandon on the 4thand a Pectoral Sandpiper at Kinsham Lake on the 5th. A warm and humid airflowproduced high temperatures from 11th to 13th and some heavy, thundery rain too. Therefollowed a generally quiet spell of weather, with temperatures remaining above averagewith some fine and sunny days. Another Red-necked Grebe appeared on the 8th, this timeat Belvide, and a Red-necked Phalarope at Upper Bittell. On the 9th a Curlew Sandpiperturned up at Brandon and a Spotted Redshank at Westwood while Blithfield was host toa respectable, these days, flock of 100 Yellow Wagtails. A Curlew Sandpiper was seenthere on the 10th while Red-crested Pochards were seen at Ladywalk (three) and Tixallon the 13th. From 11th to 14th a major passage of Black Terns took place with over 300birds reported across the Region. The 14th saw a Spoonbill, Grey Plover and CurlewSandpiper at Blithfield and a Wryneck in a Bromsgrove garden. On the 15th there was aBlack-necked Grebe at Draycote, Pectoral Sandpiper at Blithfield and CurlewSandpiper at Drayton Bassett. The 16th saw a Ferruginous Duck at Chasewater andArctic Skua at Draycote but the most interesting bird was a satellite-tagged Honey-buzzard that was known to have flown over the Chase but which was never seen! Is thisthe first record of a virtual tick! A Honey-buzzard was seen on the 17th at Belvide whilethe highlight of the month was a Glossy Ibis at Burton-on-Trent; the second county andRegional record – the last being in 1840! A band of heavy rain pushed into western areason the afternoon of 18th and was responsible for a Manx Shearwater at Draycote. AWryneck arrived at the National Motorcycle Museum on the 20th and remained until the23rd. Remnants of hurricane Gordon late on 21st brought strong winds with furthersightings of Manx Shearwaters at Tenbury Wells, Penkridge and Aqualate on the 23rd. APectoral Sandpiper was at Marsh Lane NR from 22nd-26th, while a Sabine’s Gull wasreported at Blithfield on the 24th where there were also 11 Little Stints. The 25th producetwo nice birds; a Great White Egret at Lowsonford and a Long-billed Dowitcher atUpper Bittell which remained into October. By the 27th Blithfield had accumulated fourPectoral Sandpipers while a Hoopoe was found at Reedswood Park on the 28th and aBlack Kite at British Camp on the 29th. The month ended with heavy showers and winter’sfirst Jack Snipe at Upton Warren and Brambling at Ladywalk.

Overall, the weather in October was unexceptional with both temperature and sunshineaverage and mean rainfall above average with some heavy downbursts. It was anunsettled start to the month with low pressure bringing rain and showers; some heavy andthundery. These eased and a cooler feel introduced on north-westerly winds. The 5th and6th saw another area of low pressure bringing strong winds and bands of rain or showers,some heavy before a dry few days were interrupted by more heavy showers on 8th/9th. A

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Snow Bunting was found on Worcestershire Beacon on the 2nd and a Twite with aLinnet flock at Bramcote Hall on the 3rd. Waders continued to pass through with a RedKnot at Bittell on the 4th and a Grey Plover at Belvide on the 8th while a FerruginousDuck was seen at Brandon on the 10th. Warm weather continued until the 24th withwinds from the south-east moving round to the south and south-west and bringingshowers, some heavy. A late Whinchat was found at Lower Moor on the 12th, while aRed-backed Shrike at Berry Hill on the 15th drew many admirers during its stay to the23rd. A Red-throated Diver at Bedworth Slough on the 17th remained to the 23rd. The18th saw a Leach’s Petrel at Blithfield, two Bearded Tits at Napton Reservoir and aShore Lark at Edgbaston Reservoir The last Common Swift was seen at Westwood onthe 19th. A Ring Ousel at the White House on Cannock Chase on the 20th was joined byfour more on the 22nd – an exceptional gathering. Meanwhile, the last NorthernWheatear was reported from Blithfield on the 23rd. Late Wood Sandpipers were seenat Blithfield on the 25th and Upper Bittell from 30th to November 2nd. From the 26th anarea of low pressure passing to the north or north-west, brought bands of rain andshowers to most places, Keele recording 21mm on one day, while temperatures wereabove average. More settled conditions and sunshine on the 29th and 30th brought apleasant few days for the end of October. A skein of 100 Pinkfeet passed over Clay Millson the 28th while a Great Skua was seen at Draycote on the 30th. Four Whooper Swanswere seen at Smestow Valley on the 31st and a Red-breasted Merganser at Blithfieldremained in to November.

Mean temperatures in November were generally 1 to 2°C above average, which confirmedthe warmest autumn for 90 years. While sunshine hours were above average, some areasexperienced above-average rainfall. The first week saw high pressure bringing the firstovernight frosts. As the high slowly declined, the dominant feature was dense fog overmany areas on the 5th and 6th. More Red-breasted Mergansers were found on the 1st,this time at Bartley and Draycote, where there was also a Slavonian Grebe. The 2nd sawtwo Brent Geese at Whitemoor Haye and another Snow Bunting at WorcestershireBeacon. The bird of the month was another Lesser Scaup, this time at Blithfield on the3rd. Blithfield then had a Smew on the 4th while a late Garganey was at Fisher’s Mill GPon the 5th and four Red-crested Pochard at Draycote on the 6th. Cloud and rain on the8th gave way to a dry day on the 9th with overnight frost. The next week becameincreasingly wet, though remaining mild. A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese passed overStoke on the 10th while there was a Water Pipit at Blithfield. Two Hawfinches were foundat Combrook on the 15th and a male Red-breasted Merganser at Draycote on the 16th.Following a few days of wet and windy weather it became colder from the 18th with frostsbefore low pressure dominated the remainder of the month bringing frequent spells ofheavy rain and showers. A Leach’s Petrel was seen at Westwood on the 19th and a Ring-billed Gull at Tittesworth on the 20th. The other contender for bird of the month was amost unexpected Red-rumped Swallow at Norbury Junction on the 21st. A GreatNorthern Diver arrived at Chasewater on the 23rd to be joined by a second on the 25thand then a third on 29th and these remained to December 16th! Draycote hosted a BrentGoose and a Slavonian Grebe on the 25th while on the 26th a skein of 20 Pink-footedGeese passed over Tittesworth, a Glaucous Gull was found at Chasewater and a Shag atNapton Reservoir. Another Glaucous Gull was found on the 27th at Dosthill while therewere two Slavonian Grebes at Chasewater and six Bewick’s Swans at Draycote on the28th where there was a Great Northern Diver on the 29th.

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With a wet and windy start and end to December, mean temperatures, rainfall and sunshinewere all above average. Unsettled conditions affected most of the British Isles with strongto gale force south-westerly winds predominating, bringing in Atlantic frontal systems andproducing a lot of rain in places. The 3rd, in particular, was very stormy. This heralded asignificant “wreck” of wind-blown waifs with 11 Leach’s Petrels, a Pomarine Skua anda Manx Shearwater being found between the 5th and 9th. A Snow Bunting a atChasewater on the 1st remained to the end of the year, as did a Smew at Croxall, while aShag lingered at Branston from 2nd to 10th. Draycote held a Red-throated Diver and twoGreat Northern Divers on the 5th while Tittesworth had two Red-crested Pochards. Aparty of seven Bewick’s Swans was at Blithfield on the 18th before moving to Belvide onthe 19th. The run up to Christmas saw several days of freezing conditions, with foglingering in many parts. As the anticyclone began to move away into the continent on the27th a frontal system brought some rain and somewhat milder temperatures. The yearended with a very windy, though relatively mild spell as an area of low pressure developed.A Great White Egret was seen at Salford Priors and a Siberian Chiffchaff at SalfordPriors on the 17th while on the 18th there was a Glaucous Gull at Bartley and a Smew atFisher’s Mill GP. A Great Skua at Draycote on the 26th remained into the New Year – anice Christmas present and the fourth in the Region this year! An Iceland Gull was seenat Chasewater on the 26th while the year ended with a Great Grey Shrike at Kenilworthon the 29th, seven Bewick’s Swans at Bredon’s Hardwick on the 30th and 200 TreeSparrows at Whitmore on the 31st – the largest flock in Staffordshire for many years.

With thanks to Keele University Weather Station and the Meteorological Office’s WeatherLog.

Dave Emley

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Systematic List

The sequence of species and the scientific names follow those of The British List (BritishOrnithologists’ Union, 2003) with amendments (British Birds Vol. 99:1). The Englishnames are those published in British Birds (Vol. 86:1), with amendments (Vol. 97:1).Records of distinctive subspecies are listed separately immediately after the commonlyoccurring race, their commonly used English names appearing in italics. All records ofspecies within Categories A-C of ‘The British List’ appear in the main section, even ifsuspected of being of captive origin, though the latter are not included in the totals. Allother species appear under Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 (Exotica); these mainly refer toescapes from avicultural collections. In the case of hybrids, the species listed first is thatdeemed by the observer to have contributed the dominant characteristics. Records ofNational rarities are only published if they have been accepted by the BBRC, with the onlyexceptions being well-documented records which are still being assessed due to latesubmissions.

The status comments are based on current knowledge and must therefore be highlysubjective, although not beyond modification in future reports. The figures in bracketsafter these comments, in species recorded less than annually, are a measure of frequencyand refer to the number of calendar years in which they have appeared during the previousten years, i.e. not including the current year.

The waterfowl tables include the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts for selected species.As these are done on the same day, they give a snapshot of the total population at a giventime.

For migrants the average arrival and departure dates for the last eight years not includingthe current year are included as well as the long-term average.

A key to the contributors to these notes appears at the back of this Report.

The following status categories have been used:

Very rare fewer than ten records ever.Rare ten or more records, but less than annual (recorded in nine or less of

the last ten years). Breeding less than annually.Scarce fewer than 20 birds occurring per annum or 10 pairs breeding.Uncommon 20-100 birds occurring or 10-50 pairs breeding.Frequent 100-500 birds occurring or 50-250 pairs breeding.Fairly common 500-5000 birds occurring or 250-2500 pairs breeding.Common 5000-20000 birds occurring or 2500-10000 pairs breeding.Very common 20000-50000 birds occurring or 10000-25000 pairs breeding.Abundant 50000+ birds occurring or 25000+ pairs breeding.

The following abbreviations have been used:

CBC Common Bird Census NR Nature ReserveCP Country Park Res ReservoirGC Golf Course SF Sewage FarmGPs Gravel Pit(s) STW Sewage Treatment Works

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Mute Swan Cygnus olorFairly common and increasing resident.

Monthly maxima at selected sites:J F M A M J J A S O N D

Coton – – – 30 111 108 218 246 150 72 61 38Draycote 5 4 2 23 18 42 49 35 51 3 2 2Kingsbury area 23 12 14 12 50 48 70 41 35 46 28 20Ladywalk 6 9 5 2 2 – 8 10 12 10 10 46Salford Priors GP 6 3 2 4 6 9 8 9 13 21 12 11Shustoke 14 7 2 2 2 – – 9 15 3 12 7Bittell Reservoir 3 2 2 2 6 2 7 6 5 – – –Bredonʼs Hardwick 36 21 30 3 4 2 6 2 23 18Grimley New Workings 8 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 5 2 2Gwen Finch Wetland 6 – – 3 10 4 4 4 4 3 1 5Kinsham Lake 6 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 5 3 5Pirton Pool 12 17 11 11 11 26 38 42 11 16 20 2Upton Warren 4 5 4 8 2 2 4 2 2 3 5 5Westwood Pool 6 4 3 6 3 8 9 9 0 2 3 2Alrewas 7 159 – – 70 27 6 – – 8 147 62Aqualate 13 2 5 4 3 28 35 34 18 17 6 4Aston to Burston Trail 42 22 – – – – – – – – – –Belvide 31 21 41 6 20 85 130 94 11 5 16 12Blithfield – – 5 6 – – 169 148 38 – – 7Chasewater 40 42 42 – – 7 63 64 – 5 5 41Croxall GP 9 – – 6 – – 39 – – 11 – –Doxey 14 9 10 15 17 14 15 17 18 14 10 13Elford Gravel Pits 60 118 54 71 – – – – – 9 27 6Whitemoor Haye 150 50 150 70 50 – 6 – 33 – 207 240Marsh Lane NR 78 17 12 19 10 22 16 17 24 16 10 46Sandwell Valley 12 10 15 30 24 25 18 2 1 12 7 2Smestow Valley 5 4 4 4 5 2 – 2 2 3 2 2WeBS 2005 816 535 642 613 419 638 596 569 663 697 538 484WeBS 2006 523 715 587 591 462 630 624 636 582 643 656 432

Note: WeBS counts were not carried out at Blithfield in 2006.

Warks A total of 36 breeding pairs was located, with single nests unless otherwisestated at: Bedworth Slough, Brandon (three, but only one brood hatched), Charlecote,Compton Verney, Coombe Abbey, Coton, Cryfield, Dosthill Lake, Earlswood Lakes,Farnborough Park (two), Fulready, Great Alne, Guy’s Cliffe (River Avon), Kingsbury WP(two), Ladywalk, Lea Marston, Lighthorne Pools, Lower Radbourn, Marlcliff Weir (RiverAvon), Middleton Hall, Napton Res, Priors Marston, Salford Priors GP, Seeswood Pool,Shipston (River Stour), Shustoke, Stoneton Moat, Temple Pool (Upton), Warwick (three)and Whittleford Park. In addition to the tabulated sites, other counts of 15 or more included23 in a field off Woodford Lane, Hartshill on January 31st, an exceptional (for recentyears) 115 at Alvecote on February 10th, 39 at Coombe Abbey on March 11th, 15 at SweetKnowle on 21st, 26 at Hall Pool, Packington Park on April 10th, and 24 on a new pool atLongbridge on December 10th.Worcs Breeding pairs were reported from Bredon’s Hardwick, Gwen Finch Wetland,Kinsham Lake, Pirton Pool (two), Strensham Lagoons and Upton Warren (two). The onlynotable count made away from the tabulated localities was of 117 on the River Severn atWorcester on March 3rd.Staffs Breeding was reported from Aqualate (eight cygnets were hatched, but by mid-August only one had survived), Belvide (six cygnets), Burton-on-Trent (three cygnets),

Castletown Pool (one nest), Chasewater (eight pairs bred with a total of 21 cygnets),Coldmeece (one cygnet), Dead Waters (one pair), Doxey (six pairs), Fauld (two pairs bredwith one pair raising nine cygnets, some possibly “obtained” from another brood)Greenway Bank CP (two cygnets), Tixall (one cygnet) and Woodmill (one pair bred takingyoung to Swarburn River). Maximum untabulated counts include 103 at Burton-on-Trenton August 1st, 64 at Drayton Bassett on July 18th and 47 on June 11th, 40 at Burston onJanuary 26th and 20 at Copmere on December 7th.W Mid Breeding was only reported from Dartmouth Park, Dudley No.2 Canal atPrimrose Bridge, Dunstall Park, Hill Hook LNR, Marsh Lane NR (three pairs), RocketPool, Sandwell Valley (two pairs), Sheepwash UP, Sutton Park and Trittiford Park. Birdswere also noted in the breeding season at Clayhanger Marsh, Edgbaston Reservoir, FensPools, The Leasowes, Netherton Reservoir, Walsall Arboretum and Whitley. At Powell’sPool (Sutton Park) 30 were counted on March 19th and 26 on October 8th. Further reportscame from Balsall Common, Cannon Hill Park, Mary Stevens Park, Reedswood Park,Smestow Valley and Stubbers Green.

Bewickʼs Swan Cygnus columbianusFrequent, though declining winter visitor and passage migrant.Warks The few records all came typically from Draycote, with four adults there onNovember 11th, six on 28th and two on December 28th.Worcs Three flew south over Junction 6 of the M5 near Worcester on December 17thand seven adults frequented the river meadows at Bredon’s Hardwick on 30th.Staffs As can be seen from the table, recent years have seen a progressive reduction insightings, after a peak during 2002 and 2003.

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Herds 4 5 9 8 6 3 3Birds 16 10 41 44 17 15 10

Three flew west over Belvide onJanuary 27th and one wasrecorded at Westport Lake onNovember 5th PJon. A party ofsix adults and a juvenile landedat Blithfield on December 18thGJM, moving on later toBelvide and staying there until19th, with three adults and thejuvenile staying until 20th SNu.W Mid Three birds were seento fly in to land at ReedswoodPark on January 28th.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnusScarce or uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Also a recent feral visitor.Warks There were three at Draycote on March 9th and one on December 28th RCM.Staffs In the early winter period, two adults commuted around the Croxall/Sittles Farm/Alrewas/Whitemoor Haye area from January 1st until March 19th and two birds whichvisited Blithfield on March 27th might have been the same pair. Seven adults were at

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Bewickʼs Swan, Westport Lake, Dave Kelsall

Doxey on February 25th, the first record there since 1986. In the late winter period the firstreport came from Blithfield where two adults arrived on October 30th, these were thenjoined by another on November 2nd. Also on November 2nd three adults and a juvenilewere present at Belvide and three at Whitemoor Haye. During the rest of November, twowere at Whitemoor Haye on the 3rd and 23rd, visiting Croxall on the 5th and 19th; on the4th one was at Elford, on the 8th four were at Chasewater and an adult and a juvenile atAqualate on the 12th. In December the same two birds were reported at WhitemoorHaye/Sittles Farm throughout the month and also at Croxall on the 24th.W Mid Four adults flew westwards over Smestow Valley on October 31st – the secondlocal record GAC.

2005 CorrigendumW Mid The adult that visited Marsh Lane NR briefly did so on October 2nd, notNovember as published.

Whooper Swan X Mute SwanWarks The long-staying adult at Alvecote was reported occasionally during the year.W Mid One was noted at Marsh Lane NR on January 28th and eight dates fromSeptember 10th to December 9th.

Bean Goose Anser fabalisRare winter visitor (7/10).Worcs One discovered grazing in a wetmeadow at Defford Airfield on January 8thMSm et al, was identified as being of theTaiga race A. f. fabalis This recordconstitutes the first of this race for thecounty. Unfortunately this site is strictlyprivate and the landowner permitted onlylimited access for a few birders. It haddeparted by the following morning.Staffs Four birds of the Tundra racerossicus were located at Pasturefields, nearIngestre, January 13th-19th GJM et al.

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchusFrequent passage migrant and winter visitor to Staffs, but normally rare further south. Alsoa scarce feral visitor or escapee.Warks A presumed feral bird occasionally consorted with Greylag Geese at Brandonfrom January 1st-21st, and was then seen at Coombe Abbey on March 11th-12th, and backat Brandon on April 16th-17th.Worcs The only report this year came from Grimley New Workings, where one waspresent on May 10th.Staffs The very large movements reported in 2005 were not repeated this year, only twoskeins of over 100 being reported in the entire year. On January 2nd 20 flew north-westover Apedale at midday while on the 4th the largest skein of the year, numbering 300, wasseen in the late afternoon over Baddeley Green. One present at Belvide from the 12th tothe 28th, was joined by a second bird on the 25th. On the 22nd, 65 flew over Tittesworthand 50 passed over Knypersley Reservoir. In February, 85 flew over Tittesworth on the

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Taiga Bean Goose, Defford, Andy Warr

22nd. The only March records came from Belvide with one on the 2nd and 26th and inApril the last of the early winter period were four at Blithfield on the 14th. The onlysummer record was of a feral bird at Westport on June 5th. In October, 100 flew east overClay Mills on 28th. On the 10th November 50 flew north over Stoke while on the 26th, 30flew over Tittesworth. On the 17th December an unknown number flew over Little Stokeat 6pm when it was dark. On the 26th one on the River Sow at Baswich with Canada Geesewas also seen at Tixall Bridge, Milford and Stafford and then from the 27th-28th what wasprobably the same bird was at Doxey.

White-fronted Goose Anser albifronsUncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Also scarce feral visitor or escapee.Warks An adult flew south at Wormleighton Res on February 21st JJB.Staffs One of the European race, believed to be a wild bird, was seen at Belvide onOctober 24th CSW, SNu et al.W Mid Twelve flew over Marsh Lane NR towards the northeast on March 2nd, the thirdrecord for the reserve per NPB.

Grey Geese sp.Warks Six, thought to be Pinkfeet, flew over Salford Priors GP on March 26th. InDecember, skeins of 21 flew south-east at Wormleighton on 2nd and 75 north-east overOversley Hill on 17th. These were thought to be either Whitefronts or Pinkfeet.

Greylag Goose Anser anserFrequent feral resident, mainly to north Warks but increasing and spreading elsewhere.


Brandon 130 73 56 41 36 60 36 120 216 23 185 189Dosthill/Kingsbury 81 130 78 – 31 40 55 190 280 130 120 101Bredonʼs Hardwick 43 61 46 12 2 10 6 7 5 68 – 65Kinsham Lake – – 9 4 6 29 24 35 36 – – 20Lower Moor 49 28 30 10 10 17 60 72 75 – 34 49Belvide 78 – 41 8 2 – 200 152 163 122 118 108Blithfield – 47 53 8 – – 48 95 148 104 63 40Branston GPs 100 80 – – – – – – – 89 – –Denstone 92 – – 14 – – – 50 – – – –Doxey 3 1 5 6 3 – – – 2 10 1 1Drayton Bassett Pits – – – – – – 65 59 – – – 37Elford Gravel Pits – 2 7 6 – – – 8 – – – 4Whitemoor Haye – – – 30 8 – 3 – 14 – – –Marsh Lane NR 365 60 80 13 10 6 300 310 372 443 350 300Smestow Valley – – 1 4 3 2 – – – – – 10WeBS 2005 409 185 166 99 135 223 234 158 352 332 222 293WeBS 2006 187 149 143 109 107 256 337 286 476 301 602 536


Warks Broods were noted at Brandon (ten from at least a dozen nests), Charlecote(four), Great Alne (five), Kingsbury (two) and Morton Bagot (two). In the north maximaincluded 183 at Seeswood Pool on February 28th and 100 at Maxstoke on September 22nd.The only count of note from Coombe Abbey was 63 on March 11th. Further south maximaincluded 33 in the Spernall/Studley area on March 13th, 46 at Charlecote GP on August

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9th, 22 in the Salfords on September 10th, 22 at Draycote on December 15th and 23rd, and36 on the Avon meadows at Hampton Lucy during November-December.Worcs Still increasing as a resident breeder, in the south of the county, with four pairsobserved with 21 young at Kinsham Lake on June 20th, whilst three pairs bred at LowerMoor and one at Bredon’s Hardwick. Away from the tabulated sites, Westwood Pool heldfour on March 29th, one was noted at Hewell Grange on April 4th, three were at GrimleyNew Workings on 25th and May 14th, three at Bishampton Vale Pool on May 1st andsingles at Upton Warren on 6th and Arrow Valley North on June 11th. The post-breedingflock of 75 from Lower Moor visited Throckmorton Lagoons on September 14th and 17th,whilst at Upper Bittell Reservoir two were reported on 18th, October 7th and 10th. Twoflew over Abberton on September 21st and the Canada Geese flock at Arrow Valley Northattracted one on October 22nd, two on 29th and one on November 22nd.Staffs The only breeding record received came from Byrkley Park where 20 goslingswere hatched. Maximum untabulated counts include, up to 200 at Byrkley Park “at varioustimes of the year”, 134 at Dunstall on November 25th and 78 on January 29th, 61 atBrookleys Lake on October 15th, 60 at Radford on December 5th and 30 at WhitemoorHaye on April 30th. A bird seen at Belvide with a white ring numbered 4JU had beenringed as an adult at Hogganfield Loch, Glasgow on July 8th 2006 as part of a ringingstudy, this being the first subsequent sighting.W Mid In February, at least 25 were at Balsall Common on 11th and at least six flewover Hall Green on 20th. Other sightings involved one at Dartmouth Park on March 23rdand 24th, two on Bracebridge Pool (Sutton Park) on April 4th, singles at Sheepwash UP onMay 6th and Mary Stevens Park on October 1st, and about 250 over Meriden on December4th, presumably heading towards Marsh Lane NR. Sightings at Sandwell Valley includedone in February, three in March and two in May.

2005 AddendumWarks There were 180 at Coombe Abbey on September 19th.

Greylag Goose X Bar-headed GooseWorcs One was at Kinsham Lake on March 30th and at Lower Moor on April 26th.

Greylag Goose X Canada GooseWarks At Abbots Salford, a Greylag paired to a Canada Goose, had two hybrid goslingsin tow on May 21st. In addition a single adult hybrid was there from April 2nd-May 21st.A single bird was in the Charlecote/Hampton Lucy area on February 18th, April 30th andagain on December 12th, with probably the same bird on the Avon at Stratford on May25th. Another bird was present in the Lea Marston/Whitacre Heath area from November3rd to the end of the year.Worcs Kinsham Lake held one on April 13th and two on September 5th.W Mid Single birds were noted amongst flocks of Greater Canada Geese at TrittifordPark on January 14th, 24th and 31st, at Marsh Lane NR on April 14th and at Dunstall Parkon September 11th.

Greater Canada Goose Branta canadensisCommon and increasing feral resident. Fairly common breeding species

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Abbots Salford 280 150 141 142 135 150 280 250 305 145 200 270Brandon 126 126 96 105 71 112 107 164 65 137 75 231Coton/Lea Marston – – – – 49 25 124 28 157 108 240 96Draycote 300 220 115 21 18 190 270 255 600 133 93 166Kingsbury WP area 330 124 170 105 140 260 265 310 380 123 315 166Bittell Reservoir 34 2 43 37 8 51 121 112 29 182 99 130Bredonʼs Hardwick 272 142 26 37 16 2 – 2 24 98 – 458Grimley New Workings 250 385 250 130 52 38 78 665 168 378 26 220Gwen Finch Wetland 47 3 15 31 14 2 – – – 63 – 56Kinsham Lake – 16 7 17 25 4 11 78 13 3 2 7Pirton Pool 62 10 8 36 64 8 47 86 84 24 28 65Upton Warren 170 85 95 35 28 23 39 190 408 160 6 230Westwood Pool 537 8 6 12 30 65 80 130 197 60 15 550Alrewas – – – – 34 120 200 – – – 150 –Aqualate 180 5 26 30 48 51 45 16 6 409 375 358Belvide 351 – – – 75 170 171 380 263 481 300 –Blithfield – 142 – – – – 220 292 505 519 486 250Chasewater 46 52 22 – – 7 41 133 68 48 – 34Croxall GP 200 – – 35 – – – – – 96 400 –Doxey 531 502 240 145 169 364 327 340 816 700 923 742Drayton Bassett – – – – – – 40 32 – – 124 –River Sow, Baswich 42 – 36 – – – – – – 44 45 60Tittesworth 165 24 45 50 25 427 365 65 – 136 200 245Whitemoor Haye – – – 40 – – 165 – 6 – – –Dunstall Park 203 274 138 12 14 23 – 192 250 73 68 –Fens Pools 51 34 21 25 9 68 57 15 15 48 44 43Marsh Lane NR 65 10 3 24 8 12 4 52 31 5 2 22Sandwell Valley 122 182 48 100 80 50 50 12 – – 30 30WeBS 2005 4771 4756 2996 1828 1598 4259 2801 3739 3176 3703 2447 2854WeBS 2006 3252 3035 2070 1693 1606 3160 2890 3805 2999 3590 2625 2770


Warks Counts of broods included 13 at Abbots Salford, eight at Brandon, six atKingsbury WP (north), four at Ladywalk and six at Ryton Pools CP. 26 goslings were notedat Chesterton on May 1st. Maxima at non-tabulated waters included 200 at DMC Kinetonon August 30th, 229 at Chesterton on November 7th, and a peak of 325 on river meadowsat Hampton Lucy on December 12th. Other flock counts included 120 at Alvecote inJanuary; 125 at Coombe Abbey in March; 125 at Salford Priors GP, 176 at Shustoke and120 at Stratford-upon-Avon in September; 135 at Stirch Pools (Priors Marston), 120 atSeeswood Pool and 125 at St Nicholas Park (Warwick) in November; with 147 atLadywalk and 140 at Walton Hall in December.Worcs Breeding pairs reported from many localities throughout the county. Outside thebreeding season and away from the tabulated localities, 215 were at Saxon’s Lode onJanuary 7th, 170 at Lower Moor on March 4th, 60 at Birtsmorton Pools on September 17th,199 and 192 at Lower Moor on November 6th and December 20th respectively and 184 atArrow Valley Lake on December 24th.Staffs Few breeding reports this year, those submitted were from Aqualate (18goslings), Belvide (11 goslings), Byrkley Park (14), Chasewater (five), Doxey (32 – doublethe previous three year average), Handsacre (five) and Tixall (10). Maximum untabulatedcounts include 422 at Ingestre on August 23rd, 400 at Coldmeece on August 27th and 141on January 2nd, 300 at Radford in November and December, 160 at Stanley Pool on March5th, 150 at Branston GP on August 6th, 125 at Rudyard on August 26th, 100 at Burston on

November 26th, 90 at Brookleys Lake on December 31st and 74 at Byrkley Park inJanuary.W Mid Breeding was only reported at Dartmouth Park, Dudley No.2 Canal nearNetherton Reservoir (two pairs), Dunstall Park (six pairs, but just two were successful,each fledging four young), Grapes Pool, Rocket Pool, Sandwell Valley and Sheepwash UP.Birds were also noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Burys Hill, Chadwick End,Clayhanger Marsh, Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston Reservoir, The Leasowes, Moseley Park,Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Saltwells LNR, Walsall Arboretum and Whitley. Away fromthe tabulated sites, high counts included 136 at Powell’s Pool (Sutton Park) on February4th, 120 at Trittiford Park on 5th, 135 along the Daw End Branch Canal at Aldridge onApril 14th, 100 at Whitley on September 25th and 105 at Mary Stevens Park on October1st. Also recorded at Balsall Common, Bartley Reservoir, Cannon Hill Park, The Dingles,Haden Hill Park, Priory Fields, Titford Pools and Warrens Hall LNR.

2005 AddendumWarks A total of 301 were culled at Coombe Abbey in 2005 per PEH.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsisRare winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon feral visitor or escapee.Warks Two present at Draycote at the end of 2005 remained until April 26th and therewere three there from January 12th-14th. Up to two were again noted at Brandon all year,with one of these occasionally visiting nearby Coombe Abbey. Three very wary birds at theGreat Pool, Packington Park on April 12th were earlier seen over nearby Marsh Lane NR(West Mids), and were thought to be possibly of wild origin. The only other reportsinvolved singles at Salford Priors GP on May 21st and by the Oxford Canal to the south ofNapton Hill on October 2nd.Worcs A single bird was observed with Canada Geese at Saxon’s Lode on January 7thand at Bredon’s Hardwick, two were present on February 2nd, one from March 28th-April23rd, two on May 1st and six on 13th, 14th and 26th. Singles also reported during the firstwinter period at Holt Prairies on February 12th and Grimley New Workings on March12th. Autumn and second winter period sightings comprised singles at Kinsham Lake onAugust 31st, Gwen Finch Wetland on October 28th, Lower Moor from November 6th-21stand Bredon’s Hardwick on December 16th.Staffs The only flock reported in the early winter period came from Croxall with 52 onMarch 3rd. At Doxey the four long-staying individuals from November 2005 remaineduntil March 22nd. One was at Higher Lower Perton Lake on March 18th and one visitedBelvide from April 26th until May 2nd. Summer records include two at Blithfield on June28th and one at Whitemoor Haye on July 10th. At Blithfield, August began with two on the9th but the next day 29 arrived being noted as “the usual autumn arrival of these feralbirds”. This flock fluctuated in numbers between 23 and 40 throughout the month with 34on September 6th being the last record. Elsewhere in August, on the 23rd six were atIngestre with 422 Canada Geese and one Bar-headed Goose and two were at Croxall on the28th. At Doxey six arrived on September 10th and remained until October 1st; on October29th five arrived and from then on until the year’s end birds remained with up to 10 presentat times. Two were at Blithfield on October 1st while one at Croxall on November 5th, 18thand December 2nd also visited Whitemoor Haye on November 18th. At Stourton onDecember 20th one hit power lines and was taken into care. This bird had BTO ringnumber 1500058, ringed at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham on July 26th 2005. All birdshere are assumed to be from feral populations.

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W Mid Three flew over Marsh Lane NR on April 12th, the first for the reserve. One flewover Dunstall Park on September 11th, whilst on December 21st there were two inSandwell Valley and one at Netherton Reservoir.

Brent Goose Branta berniclaScarce passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks Single birds were noted at Salford Priors GP on March 26th MLi and Draycoteon November 25th RCM.Worcs One was observed at Upper Bittell Reservoir on January 16th KWh and an adultcommuted between Pixham Meadows and Kempsey Lower Ham on December 10th SMWet al. Both were of the dark-bellied race.Staffs Two of the dark-bellied race visited Whitemoor Haye from November 2nd-5thGJM, RCBr, ESC.W Mid A dark-bellied individual was seen briefly at Box Trees on December 27th MJI.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacusRare feral visitor or escape (9/10).Warks Single birds were reported at: Alvecote on several dates during March 12th-26thRLS et al, Abbots Salford from April 28th-30th BGP, Kingsbury on May 2nd severalobservers, and Abbots Salford again on September 1st BGP.Worcs One was at Lower Moor from February 25th-March 12th RAP et al and ArrowValley Golf Course held one on October 15th, two on 29th and one on November 5th and12th SPay.Staffs A pair bred for the first time in the county – at Aqualate. At Doxey one waspresent from January 6th until April 10th, one at Croxall on April 23rd and one atWhitemoor Haye on April 30th remained until 22nd May.

Monthly maximaJ F M A M J J A S O N D

Aqualate 6 6 – 4 3 2 4 – 3 – 8 9

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadornaFrequent passage migrant and summer visitor and winter visitor. Scarce or uncommon, butincreasing breeding species.


Alvecote 16 21 21 21 13 4 – 3 – – 4 7Brandon 1 2 4 4 3 2 1 – – 1 1 1Coton/Lea Marston – – 2 3 6 3 – – – – – –Dosthill/Kingsbury 7 10 9 8 5 14 4 – 2 – 3 7Draycote 2 2 – 1 9 – 3 – – 3 – 3Ladywalk 4 4 3 5 2 2 – 1 – – – 2The Salfords – 1 2 4 6 – – 1 1 – 1 2Bredonʼs Hardwick – 4 2 6 – – – – – – – 2Gwen Finch Wetland 6 7 3 2 1 – – – – – – –Kinsham Lake 2 2 2 4 3 – – – – – – –Lower Moor – 1 2 2 5 2 – – – – – 1Upton Warren 3 5 3 3 2 2 12 3 3 2 2 4Aqualate 5 12 7 15 9 6 – – – – 1 1Barton GP – 6 24 – 2 – – – – – 4 –Belvide 2 1 1 7 6 – – 1 1 – 1 –

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J F M A M J J A S O N DBlithfield 2 4 6 6 2 – 5 15 5 – – –Branston GPs 15 18 17 – 35 5 4 8 6 1 8 10Croxall GP 1 4 7 7 5 – – – – – – 1Doxey 1 1 1 2 2 – – – – – – 1Drayton Bassett 6 6 7 8 13 25 24 4 – – – 4Whitemoor Haye 6 6 12 18 6 1 – 2 – – – –Marsh Lane NR 2 7 4 4 2 2 1 – – – 2 6WeBS 2005 36 51 68 33 40 19 12 6 6 0 1 12WeBS 2006 20 46 70 57 55 26 5 1 1 9 8 9


Warks Only two broods reported (cf. six in 2005) and both were lost. One of 12 hatchedat Alvecote had all perished by the next day, while a brood of ten, hatched at Kingsbury inMay, were all subsequently lost to predation and flooding. Away from the main tabulatedsites very small numbers were noted at five further localities in the Tame Valley area.Further south there were records of one flying north along the Fosse Way at Ditchford onJanuary 27th, one at Earlswood Lakes on April 1st, two in flight over Stoneleigh GC onMay 7th, and singles at Napton Res on November 2nd and Charlecote GP on December31st.Worcs Successful breeding pairs were confirmed at Lickmore Wetland and UptonWarren, where 10 young were fledged. Pairs were also present during the breeding seasonat Bury End Flash (two), Longdon Marsh and Lower Moor, whilst juveniles were observedin August at Grimley New Workings (two), Ryall Pits (four) and Upper Bittell Reservoir(three). Away from the tabulated sites, Westwood Pool held singles on February 5th andMarch 12th, plus two on 14th, three at Grimley New Workings on February 12th, precededsingles on April 9th and May 3rd and one was at Upper Bittell Reservoir on February 19th.Three flew over Defford Airfield on March 7th and pairs were noted at Cropthorne on April16th and Upper Strensham Pool on 22nd. During the second winter period, Westwood Poolheld three on October 10th and one was at Longdon Marsh on December 31st.Staffs Breeding reports came from Drayton Bassett Pits where two broods of ten andeleven on June 5th had, by July 15th, each been reduced to seven. On July 8th two broodsat Branston GPs had, by the 22nd of the month, merged into one brood of nine. At HintsGPs there was a brood of two on July 17th. Away from sites in the table, the onlysignificant count was of 11 at Westport on May 17th. Records were received from a totalof 28 sites.W Mid A juvenile was noted at Marsh Lane NR on July 14th. Other sightings involvedtwo birds at Bartley Reservoir on March 13th and November 10th, two at Sheepwash UPon April 8th, one at Sandwell Valley in May and two over Dunstall Park on June 15th.

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulataUncommon, but increasing, feral resident and visitor.Warks Most records this year came from Abbots Salford, where birds fromWorcestershire may be in the process of becoming established. There were reports of upto three (two males and a female) on many dates here during the period January 20th-June4th, with up to two (a male and female) from September 6th-30th. Elsewhere in thecounty there was a bird at Draycote on January 12th, four males in Packington Park fromApril 15th-May 9th, a male at Brandon on September 8th and a female at Coton onOctober 18th.

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Worcs Possibility now extinct as a breeding species around Bredon Hill and thesurrounding area, with no females or juveniles reported during the spring and summermonths, but a drake was observed at Ashton-under-Hill on April 24th. Within a five mileradius of Bredon Hill, drakes were also reported at Bredon’s Hardwick from March 26th-April 14th, Lower Moor on 2nd, May 16th, 17th and 24th and Throckmorton Lagoons on25th. In contrast, good numbers were recorded in the Wyre Forest region. Four young werereared along the Dowles Brook, where two pairs were present during the breeding seasonand at Trimpley Reservoir, 10 were counted on March 4th, 11 on 5th, seven on 18th and apair on May 28th. Upper Arley held two females on March 5th, a drake on April 30th andfive on May 4th. Away from the two aforementioned regions, a pair was along the RiverTeme at Powick on March 23rd, two drakes visited Westwood Pool on 25th, a pair was onthe River Severn in Worcester on April 1st and drakes at Flint’s Dingle on 7th and Abbertonon May 13th. In July one flew over Stoke Bliss on 6th, a female was at Lower Moor from12th-23rd, a female at Trimpley Reservoir on 12th and two pairs still frequented theDowles Brook. Trimpley Reservoir and the adjacent River Severn, continued to attractbirds during late summer and the autumn, with two on August 8th, three on September13th, five on 24th and October 9th and six on 20th. Elsewhere a female/immature was atGrimley New Workings on September 4th, a drake at Westwood Pool on 22nd, two femalesat Throckmorton Lagoons and a female at Alfrick Pound on 17th and three pairs on theRiver Teme at Bransford Bridge on November 15th. A females was on the River Severn inWorcester on 30th and December 1st, Kyre Pool held six on 6th, then one on 27th, one flewover Stoke Bliss on December 9th and three drakes were on Spetchley Lake on 27th.Staffs Breeding records came from Branston GPs where a female was seen with threeducklings on June 18th but, by July 8th, only one had survived. Calwich Abbey had a broodof ten on July 4th. At Keele University a brood of five, first seen on June 23rd and almostfully grown by July 16th, constituted the first breeding record for the site. Wolfscote Daleheld two broods of three and four on July 16th. The highest individual counts include 20at Whitmore Hall on February 8th, 11 at Brookleys Lake on October 15th and 10 onDecember 31st and eight at Fauld on May 27th. During the year two males and two femaleswere observed at Tittesworth on 19 occasions, but never more than two at a time. Recordsfrom other locations, in ones and twos unless otherwise stated, as follows; in January atBelvide, Byrkley Park, Norbury Manor and Upper Hatton; in February at Bratch Locks inMarch at Crumpwood and Okeover Weir; in April at Croxdon, Denstone Hall, NorburyManor, Swallow Moss, Trentham Gardens and Under Whittle; in May Blake Brook atReapsmoor, Crumpwood, Wettonmill and Whitmore; in June at Brund Mill, ManifoldValley and Meaford; in July at Dovedale, Stableford, Whitmore and Winkhill; in August atBlithfield, Branston GP, Byrkley Park and Winkhill; in September at Brookleys Lake; inOctober at Shugborough (four); in November at Branston GP, Brookleys Lake (five) andWaterhouses and finally in December Branston GP (three).


Dunstall 5 6 – 4 – – – – – – 3 –Keele University – – 2 5 – 2 6 – – 3 – –Tittesworth 2 2 – 2 1 – 1 2 – – 1 1

W Mid A pair was at Olton Mere on January 3rd. A female was at Steelpark Way(Wednesfield) on March 29th. A drake flew southwards over Smestow Valley on October29th and November 4th, with undoubtedly the same bird seen along the Staffs. & Worcs.Canal at Wightwick on November 10th and December 1st, 25th and 31st.

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Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelopeCommon winter visitor, scarce in summer.


Abbots Salford 200 250 221 33 1 1 1 – 22 60 137 41Alvecote 160 180 240 20 – 2 – – 26 70 85 80Brandon 30 3 17 3 – – 1 1 50 92 80 46Charlecote/Wasperton 91 109 95 10 – – – – 2 12 62 52Coton/Lea Marston 25 – 20 – – 4 4 1 1 11 60 121Dosthill/Kingsbury 220 146 308 7 3 2 4 8 20 100 156 206Draycote 300 250 370 10 3 – – 5 30 7 135 150Hodnell 100 125 – – – – – – – – 95 220Ladywalk 200 92 60 2 – – 1 – 250 400 16 13Shustoke 160 149 127 4 – – – – 4 107 85 96Bittell Reservoir 98 30 14 – – – – – 7 5 40Bredonʼs Hardwick 381 1216 800 50 1 1 1 1 69 212 250 463Chateau Impney 162 – – – – – – – – 30 66 101Grimley New Workings 8 7 10 – – – – – 10 1 1 –Gwen Finch Wetland 76 100 90 – – – – – – – 15 22Gwen Finch Wetland 43 77 73 1 – – – – 4 – – 7Kinsham Lake 16 – – – – – – – 13 19 32 12Upton Warren 2 4 3 1 – – – – 4 6 24 23Westwood Pool 33 15 49 0 1 – 4 – 20 7 42 102Alrewas 4 200 – – – – – – – 70 10 120Aqualate 93 32 64 11 3 – – – 6 4 69 171Aston to Burston Trail 60 100 150 – – – – – – – – –Belvide 308 168 177 14 – 2 6 7 87 57 114 127Blithfield 300 1044 500 120 – 1 5 6 80 73 409 425Chasewater 147 48 31 – – – 6 4 43 66 90 67Croxall GP 50 135 80 6 – 1 – – – 3 120 –Doley Common 85 60 22 3 – – – – – – – 40Doxey 6 2 5 2 – – – 4 48 31 59 52Drayton Bassett Pits – – – – – – – 3 20 – 28 100Tittesworth 42 – 99 2 – – – – 14 40 – 53Whitemoor Haye 20 300 160 – – – – – – 40 300 100Marsh Lane NR 302 320 300 18 1 – 1 2 84 218 300 300Sandwell Valley 45 30 48 – – 1 – – 2 22 5 12WeBS 2005 3701 3489 2200 47 2 3 1 22 456 1010 1228 1627WeBS 2006 1673 2672 1828 20 2 2 8 5 481 437 935 1938


Warks There were more summer records than usual, particularly in the Tame Valleywhere two females which summered on Cliff Pool, Kingsbury are known to have beeninjured birds. Away from tabulated sites a male also spent the summer at WormleightonRes. Autumn numbers away from the Tame Valley were generally low, with the winteringflock at Draycote not arriving until the end of November presumably due to the mildweather. Away from the main sites, maxima elsewhere included 20 at Coombe Slade Pool(Brailes) on January 8th, 29 at Coombe Abbey on 15th, 24 at Salford Priors GP onSeptember 17th, 20 at Stirch Pools (Priors Marston) on November 2nd, and 51 at LowerRadbourn on December 17th. Up to ten were also reported from: Chesterton, ComptonVerney, Earlswood, Edstone, Farnborough Park, Knightcote, Lighthorne Quarry, MortonBagot, Napton Res, Seeswood Pool and Wormleighton Res.Worcs A female summered at Bredon’s Hardwick, a drake was at ThrockmortonLagoons on April 23rd and four unseasonable birds appeared at Westwood Pool on July

28th. Away from the tabulated localities, the first winter period produced counts of 16 atPirton Pool on January 15th, 10 over Little Comberton on 17th, 25 at Ryall Pits onFebruary 11th, 12 at Pirton Pool on 12th, 35 at Abberton on March 13th and 65 at LowerMoor on 14th. Autumn and second winter period sightings comprised nine at Clifton Pitson September 12th, 13 at Pirton Pool on 16th, eight at Birtsmorton Pools on 17th, 85 atLower Moor on November 26th, 28 at Kempsey Lower Ham on December 10th and 30+at Longdon Marsh on 31st.Staffs Maximum untabulated counts were 155 at Dosthill on September 21st, 120 atOkeover Weir on January 13th, 107 at Fauld in January and December, 80 at Foker Grangeon March 17th and 60 at Heaton on January 24th. Birds were reported from a total of 40 sites.W Mid Other sightings included one at The Mere (Norton) on January 31st, four atNetherton Reservoir on February 3rd, four over Dunstall Park on September 16th and twothere on November 1st, and singles at Fens Pools on October 20th, over Smestow Valleyon October 27th and at Dartmouth Park on December 21st. Singles were also seen atSheepwash UP in February, April and December, and birds were noted at Clayhanger.

American Wigeon Anas AmericanaVery rare vagrant (3/10).Staffs A female bird was expertly picked out amongst the wintering Eurasian Wigeonflock at Belvide on February 26th where it remained until March 28th SNu. It was believedto have been present since February 12th at least. It was the fourth county record, the lastbeing at Blithfield in 1998.

Gadwall Anas streperaFrequent and increasing winter visitor. Uncommon breeding species.


Alvecote 8 21 40 55 18 28 5 32 50 6 7 10Brandon 18 19 19 5 4 6 3 16 28 50 54 30Coombe Abbey 59 47 20 – – – – – – – – –Coton/Lea Marston – 71 20 – 26 34 50 49 31 36 141 108Dosthill/Kingsbury 62 60 31 30 28 52 31 75 90 100 81 123Draycote 27 24 24 14 – 2 1 1 7 1 14 28Ladywalk 72 29 100 22 – – – 12 114 134 68 6Salford Priors GP 29 43 28 21 7 10 12 21 28 26 26 32Shustoke 87 62 41 2 2 – – – – 6 12 28Bredonʼs Hardwick 20 5 4 – – – – – – 1 1 4Grimley New Workings 35 16 12 22 6 10 12 16 42 38 21 51Kinsham Lake 16 16 12 3 – – – – 2 1 1 4Upton Warren 4 7 14 12 6 – 2 – 3 5 5 5Westwood Pool 47 38 8 2 5 7 3 2 4 6 2 13Aqualate 3 2 11 4 6 7 7 2 6 2 – 6Belvide 48 33 40 24 30 67 34 52 6 44 73 78Blithfield – 1 30 8 – – 8 25 15 6 10 5Branston GPs – 9 – – – 9 7 5 – – 5 35Chasewater 31 38 30 1 2 1 1 3 1 3 8 15Croxall GP 9 2 2 2 – 4 – – 4 – – –Elford Gravel Pits 30 29 8 4 – – – – – – 6 4Marsh Lane NR 36 40 36 7 6 11 12 22 20 23 45 26Sandwell Valley 5 6 24 9 8 20 13 8 11 11 1 15WeBS 2005 242 223 200 144 88 89 44 245 259 292 309 312WeBS 2006 274 182 154 97 87 101 76 142 183 249 260 262


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Warks A record breeding season, with broods noted at: Abbots Salford, Fisher’s MillGP, Kingsbury WP (four), Ladywalk (two), Lea Marston, and Salford Priors GP (four).Other sites to attract very small numbers during the year included: Charlecote GP,Chesterton, Earlswood, Hodnell, Lower Radbourn, Napton Res, Ufton Fields andWormleighton Res.Worcs Three to four pairs bred at Grimley New and Old Workings, but still no evidenceof breeding attempts made away from this locality. Away from the tabulated localities, onewas at Bittell Reservoir on February 12th, 16 at Lower Moor on March 7th, 13 at BittellReservoir on 22nd and Strensham Lagoons held four Drakes and three females on 26th anda pair on April 17th. Reported at Pirton Pool during the autumn and second winter period,with four present on September 16th, a pair on November 10th and one on December 17th,whilst at Bittell Reservoir one was noted on 23rd.Staffs Breeding confirmed at Aqualate with broods of two and six, at Belvide wherethere was a total of 33 ducklings, Branston GP a brood of six, at Drayton Bassett Pits whereseven broods produced a total of 48 ducklings and at Woodmill where there was a femalewith a single duckling. Possibly bred at Needwood where nine pairs were seen prospectingfive sites. Maximum untabulated counts include 45 Drayton Bassett Pits on June 11th and15 at Dunstall on November 22nd. Reported from a total of 24 sites.W Mid A pair bred at Marsh Lane NR, raising nine young – the first breeding record forthe site. Other sightings involved one bird at Sutton Park on February 4th, three atNetherton Reservoir on February 20th, a pair at Sheepwash UP on May 1st, two males andtwo females at Dunstall Park on October 6th and a female at Berkswell on December 4th.

Eurasian Teal Anas creccaCommon winter visitor. Uncommon in summer, but a rare breeding species.


Alvecote 160 120 130 38 19 3 5 11 80 80 60 60Brandon 232 121 102 53 24 11 35 114 192 275 311 260Coton/Lea Marston 71 17 15 2 2 – 4 1 7 12 41 53Draycote 200 85 160 75 – – 4 20 67 63 77 130Kingsbury area 70 120 52 32 8 6 14 25 34 50 55 73Ladywalk 68 81 80 16 – – 3 15 90 50 14 19Salford Priors GP 200 155 61 33 2 4 7 80 145 350 220 177Bittell Reservoir 70 60 40 3 – – – 3 7 13 61 136Bredonʼs Hardwick 23 24 69 4 – – – – 2 2 – 33Grimley New Workings 38 15 50 30 – – – 1 7 6 3 3Gwen Finch Wetland 173 180 14 11 – – – 7 70 76 102 168Kinsham Lake 10 16 12 3 – 2 4 2 10 4 2 3Lower Moor 25 114 105 70 7 – – – – – 85 25Pirton Pool – – 2 – – – – 4 23 8 – 2Upton Warren 60 70 75 39 1 4 10 24 121 108 72 130Westwood Pool 120 100 10 2 2 0 3 13 17 30 86 106Aqualate 57 4 31 6 2 – – 11 12 – 38 50Aston to Burston Trail 40 10 35 – – – – – – – – –Astonfields Balancing Lake 18 18 8 – – – – – – – 13 –Belvide 458 227 150 84 29 7 20 92 250 435 410 330Blithfield 100 57 30 40 – – 35 246 437 398 1189 394Chasewater 150 4 – 2 – – 1 4 8 20 18 –Croxall GP 12 – 50 – – – – – – 83 142 –Doley Common 40 20 80 60 – – – – – – – 30Doxey 113 138 50 44 14 – 7 20 330 160 112 256

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J F M A M J J A S O N DRiver Sow¸ Baswich 12 40 45 20 – – – – – – 18 18Tittesworth 70 36 43 7 2 2 5 12 38 92 100 84Goscote Valley 20 8 2 – – – – – 6 14 14 17Marsh Lane NR 97 60 20 12 – 2 4 14 87 153 183 153Sandwell Valley 24 32 25 9 2 4 10 28 40 80 70 77Saltwells LNR 9 10 6 – – – – – – – 6 3Sutton Park 7 4 5 2 – – – – – 4 – –WeBS 2005 2048 1115 1236 312 5 27 21 441 1375 2086 1330 2442WeBS 2006 1601 1228 922 384 3 14 52 252 909 1455 1365 1568


Warks Good numbers remained into the breeding season, but again there was no directevidence of breeding. Maxima at non-tabulated waters included 50 at Coleshill STW onJanuary 8th, 40 at Abbots Salford on 11th, a record 50 at Farnborough Park on 23rd, 20 atLighthorne Quarry on February 7th, 35 on the River Itchen at Knightcote on 25th, 52 atSpernall on March 6th, 30 at Morton Bagot on 8th, and 24 at Charlecote GP on December30th.Worcs Notable counts made away from the tabulated sites were of 130 at GraftonReservoir on February 25th, 80 at Longdon Marsh on December 11th and 226 at CliftonPits on 20th. Small numbers also observed at Birtsmorton Pools, Ryall Pits and StrenshamLagoons during the winter months.Staffs Two breeding records this year, the first was a female with six ducklings atTittesworth on June 3rd while the second was of a female and two ducklings on July 2ndat Doxey. A second pair also attempted at Doxey but failed. Maximum untabulated countswere 210 at Byrkley Park in November and December, 147 at Norbury Park on December17th, 70 at Hatton Bogs on January 1st and 50 at Whitemoor Haye on January 10th.W Mid Birds were also noted elsewhere, including a high of 14 at Sheepwash UP onJanuary 1st, plus small numbers at Balsall Common, Clayhanger, Dartmouth Park,Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Olton Mere, Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) and Stubbers Green.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchosCommon resident and very common winter visitor.


Abbots Salford 143 250 150 100 75 60 330 475 600 320 500 750Brandon 54 54 43 26 52 80 144 270 150 121 101 76Coombe Abbey 297 301 170 – – – – – – – – –Coton/Lea Marston – – – – 55 58 142 60 69 58 63 78Draycote 300 82 170 61 68 125 265 405 510 152 215 150Earlswood – – 45 46 – 205 180 – 142 – 105 60Kingsbury WP (north) – 77 60 30 – 45 140 162 140 58 57 37Ladywalk 177 248 66 34 – – – 57 200 75 87 90Lower Radbourn 80 – – – – – – – 53 162 180 160Salford Priors GP 150 200 85 51 52 85 120 230 180 400 155 105Shustoke 100 73 67 62 49 – 146 159 157 152 159 135Bittell Reservoir 105 73 40 26 51 44 147 64 127 162 206 216Bredonʼs Hardwick 143 82 55 38 47 18 31 70 19 47 60 150Grimley New Workings 56 32 36 28 27 38 38 45 219 140 60 72Gwen Finch Wetland 22 11 9 5 11 14 10 9 12 12 6 10Kinsham Lake 25 21 16 10 15 34 28 102 12 33 36 38Pirton Pool 43 11 4 15 26 32 29 61 15 6 6 6

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J F M A M J J A S O N DUpton Warren 50 25 25 50 130 155 258 24 274 126 82 50Westwood Pool 102 3 16 10 14 100 188 72 35 110 71 48Aqualate 32 38 7 30 33 84 177 31 79 7 13 57Belvide 180 – 61 40 32 77 244 433 270 410 303 223Blithfield 50 115 80 50 – – 580 400 200 420 800 749Brookleys Lake 368 148 68 14 – – 116 420 220 356 350 420Chasewater 175 211 124 – 31 40 171 314 31 79 38 130Copmere 35 4 – 5 10 83 180 35 54 60 35 21Doxey 233 126 110 59 91 191 198 125 423 307 212 385Greenway Bank CP – 20 – – – 60 – – – 100 – –Tittesworth – – – – – – 40 120 – 131 – 134Fens Pools 34 31 22 46 37 71 22 54 39 13 12 53Marsh Lane NR 120 30 16 20 25 60 76 134 108 104 98 82Sandwell Valley 90 12 5 28 36 14 9 6 – – 30 80Saltwells LNR 27 33 30 26 10 38 62 54 54 45 9 81WeBS 2005 4208 2694 2274 1522 1355 2448 3379 3761 3568 3881 3746 3521WeBS 2006 3789 2996 1919 1778 1605 2386 2700 3996 4191 4219 3788 3344


Warks An excellent breeding season was evident, with the larger brood countsconsisting of 15 at Brandon, 19 at Draycote, five each at Earlswood Lakes, Morton Bagotand Napton Res, 22 at Salford Priors GP, and seven at Shustoke. The high autumn countsat Abbots Salford were again partly as a result of the release of captive-bred birds forshooting. Maxima of 70 or more at non-tabulated waters included: 125 at Alvecote onJanuary 4th, 74 at Napton Res on July 23rd, 115 at Stoneton Moat on August 10th, 72 atNewbold Comyn on 18th, 135 at Middleton Hall Pool on 21st, 100 on floodwater atLeamington Hastings on October 12th, 75 at Wormleighton Res on November 9th, 70 atChesterton on December 1st, 70 at Compton Verney on 6th, 130 at Hodnell on 26th and 77at Edstone on 30th.Worcs A very common breeding species at many localities throughout the county.Breeding census counts along the Dowles Brook revealed five nesting females, threebroods being successful, whilst three broods were recorded at Bodenham Arboretum. Theonly counts received away from the tabulated sites were made at Strensham Lagoons, with35 on August 6th and 36 on 28th.Staffs Breeding records came from Aqualate (eight ducklings), Baswich (eight duck -lings), Belvide (13 ducklings) and Doxey (33 breeding pairs, at least 75 ducklings). AtDrayton Bassett Pits there were seven broods totalling 40 ducklings and a late brood ofeight on August 2nd. Elsewhere, Hints Gravel Pit (three ducklings), Kettlebrook Lakes (sixbroods), Silverdale (11 ducklings), River Sow, Basford (eight ducklings), Tittesworth(several broods) and Wettonmill (11 ducklings). At Doley six pairs were reported as havingbred but no reports of number of young. Significant maximum counts away from thetabulated sites were 120 at Hatton Bogs on January 1st, 94 at Croxall on October 23rd and55 at Whitemoor Haye on January 10th,W Mid Broods were only reported from Coundon Wedge, Dartmouth Park, DunstallPark, Grapes Pool, Marsh Lane NR (at least 77 chicks counted in eleven broods), RocketPool, Smestow Valley, Sheepwash UP and Steelpark Way (Wednesfield). Other highcounts included 90 at Trittiford Park on January 31st, 83 at The Leasowes on February2nd, 72 at Sutton Park on 9th, 120 at Walsall Arboretum on March 30th, 64 at DunstallPark on August 17th, 89 at Mary Stevens Park on October 1st, 108 at Olton Mere on 5thand 76 along Smestow Valley on December 1st. A pair was regularly noted in the water

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feature in Victoria Square (Birmingham) during late April and early May, with two malespresent on 17th.

2005 AddendumWarks There were 300 at Coombe Abbey on August 22nd.

Northern Pintail Anas acutaFrequent winter visitor and passage migrant, rare in summer.


Alvecote – 2 1 – – – – – 12 – – 1Brandon 2 1 1 – 1 – – – 2 2 4 5Coombe Abbey 2 1 1 – – – – – – – – –Draycote 5 4 – – – – – – 4 1 9 3Dosthill/Kingsbury 1 4 – – – – – 2 9 1 1 –Ladywalk 2 5 – – – – – – 1 2 1 1The Salfords 1 – 2 1 – – – – 2 2 – 1Aqualate – – – – – – – – 5 – 1 4Belvide 2 2 2 1 – – – 1 5 – 3 9Blithfield 9 20 3 3 – – – 3 20 13 17 9

Warks A better year, with particularly good numbers recorded in mid Septemberincluding maxima of nine at Kingsbury on 14th and 12 at Alvecote on 16th. There werealso five at Coton/Lea Marston Pools on September 15th. The only other records from non-tabulated sites involved a female at Hodnell Pool on February 8th and a female atCharlecote GP on November 28th-29th. Two late spring records were of a female at SalfordPriors GP on April 23rd and a male at Brandon on May 21st.Worcs A pair was observed at Lickmore Wetland during May and June, but no youngwere located. During the first winter period a small village pond at Hanley Swan held oneor two pairs between January 2nd-February 26th, a drake remaining here until March 27thand a female was also observed on April 3rd. A drake was at Westwood Pool on January23rd, then a pair on 26th, Grimley New Workings held a drake between February 4th-12th,one was at Bittell Reservoir on 20th, three drakes at Lower Moor on March 7th, two drakesand a female at Grimley New Workings on 12th and 13th and three at Bredon’s Hardwickon 15th. The first autumn bird appeared at Westwood Pool on September 8th and hereaftertwo drakes were at Grimley Old Workings on 17th, one at Bittell Reservoir from 29th-October 11th and at Clifton Pits, three were noted on October 8th, two on 14th and 21st,one on 22nd, two on November 26th, five on December 2nd and two on 9th and 26th. Twofemales were at Grimley New Workings on October 19th, one at Kinsham Lake onNovember 2nd, Lower Moor held one on 17th, six on 26th, 14 on 27th, whilst one was atWestwood Pool on 29th. Good numbers were observed on the floodwaters at LongdonMarsh during the second winter period, with 70+ on November 30th, 50 on December 11thand 52 on 31st and at Bredon’s Hardwick 14 present on December 9th, preceded four on16th, 15 on 17th and 30th and 12 on 31st. Floodwater at Kempsey Lower Ham held fiveon December 11th, then eight on 12th and three were seen at Lower Moor on 30th.Staffs A fall in numbers is suggested from the counts at the two main sites, Belvide andBlithfield, with the peak count of 20 on September 18th at Blithfield being well below thatof the 2005 period. The last date for the first part of the year was April 30th when one waspresent at Blithfield and the species was not noted again until August 30th at Belvide. Alsonoted in small numbers at Barton GP, Chasewater (six on January 24th), Copmere, Croxall,

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Doxey, Drayton Bassett Pits, Little Stoke, Radford Bank, Tittesworth, Westport and White -moor Haye.W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, single drakes were present on January 13th and April 3rd,with two on September 15th. One was also at nearby Cornets End on January 22nd.

Garganey Anas querquedulaUncommon passage migrant and summer visitor, but rarely breeding. Very rare in winter.Long-term average: April 2nd (63) to October 3rd (62).8-year average: March 26th (–7 days) to October 19th (+16 days)First noted at Pype Hayes Pool on the early date of March 17th. Apart from a bird thatlingered at Lower Bittell Reservoir to the end of the year, the last was a late bird at Fisher’sMill GP on November 5th.Warks Spring passage opened with a pair at Brandon on March 24th. No more werereported until a male stayed at Draycote from May 8th-13th, with two males on 10th oneof which moved to Brandonlater in the day, where a malewas also present on 14th-15thand 18th. A male which wentinto eclipse plumage waspresent at Kingsbury from May26th-June 10th. On returnpassage Brandon hosted asingleton on July 8th-9th, andan eclipse male from August13th-17th. In the Tame Valleythere were singles at MiddletonHall Pool on August 7th, andFisher’s Mill GP on 21st, 30thand September 29th. An eclipsemale was a good find atSeeswood Pool on August 27th,while there was a bird atAlvecote on September 15thand two on 16th. A late femaleat Ladywalk on October 3rd-4th was surpassed by a male at Fisher’s Mill GP on November 5th MJI, the latest countyreport on record.Worcs Only drakes were encountered during spring passage, with one at Upton Warrenon May 7th, one at Lower Moor on 15th, Westwood Pool held one on the 31st, then two onJune 7th and one was at Grimley New Workings on 18th. During the autumn, a juvenilewas at Gwen Finch Wetland on August 13th and 14th, whilst at Grimley New Workings aimmature drake on 24th, preceded an adult female, which was present from 26th-28th.Finally an immature drake was discovered at Lower Bittell Reservoir on September 5th andremained there throughout the second winter period.Staffs Spring passage started on March 31st when a drake was at Belvide, followed bya pair at Blithfield on April 10th, these staying until the 18th. Single males were seen atWhitemoor Haye on April 29th and at Westport on May 1st, and Croxall reported threebirds on the 4th and two pairs on the 5th. At Belvide two males were present on May 5th,

Garganey, Draycote, Steve Seal

and thereafter single males were noted between May 13th and 18th and again between June5th and 11th. Other spring passage birds included two at Forest Farm (Anslow) on May 8th;singles at Branston GP between 8th and 13th; a male at Chasewater on the 9th and singlemales at Barton GP, Doxey and Whitemoor Haye on the 14th. A female was at HandsacreFlash from May 26th-27th and a pair at Branston GP on June 11th. In the latter part of thesummer there was a regular showing at both Belvide and Blithfield: the former site heldan adult and juvenile on August 9th and up to three birds were noted until September 6th.At Blithfield a single was first noted on July 22nd and the species was probably continuallypresent well into October with eight birds noted between August 10th and 22nd, the finalsighting being of a single on October 26th. Away from these two sites a female was atGailey on July 12th, a drake at Doxey on July 22nd, a single at Chasewater between August10th and 30th and a single at Aqualate on August 19th.W Mid A drake remained at Pype Hayes Pool from March 17th-21st at least, anotherwas at Clayhanger on May 27th, with two drakes and a female the next day, and a drakewas at Dunstall Park on June 8th – the first record. In Sandwell Valley, singles were presenton June 10th, August 16th and from September 26th to October 4th.

Shoveler Anas clypeataFairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare and decreasing breeding species.


Abbots Salford 4 – 11 1 – – – – 12 10 1 –Brandon 30 47 78 15 4 5 6 35 55 66 62 79Coton/Lea Marston 182 320 10 2 2 – – 3 – 4 36 5Draycote 2 3 4 – – – – – 9 13 10 –Kingsbury area 136 400 107 55 14 15 5 37 62 68 90 108Ladywalk 70 127 108 48 – – – 7 55 51 44 51Salford Priors GP – – 1 8 – 2 3 8 21 16 5 14Shustoke – 2 6 – – – – – 2 65 48 6Bittell Reservoir 16 17 10 – – – 1 1 10 11 22 43Grimley New Workings 30 25 43 6 1 – – – 5 2 – 1Gwen Finch Wetland 2 2 12 7 – – – 1 7 7 12 1Upton Warren 20 22 32 28 2 3 1 12 36 64 20 24Westwood Pool 68 102 50 4 1 0 1 2 18 10 30 23Aqualate 31 – – 18 2 1 – 2 150 31 4 16Belvide 24 13 8 12 9 9 10 67 77 47 16 34Blithfield 4 16 15 6 – 1 22 58 21 20 40 21Chasewater 4 10 4 2 – – – 1 8 7 3 8Doxey 35 31 40 35 2 2 2 8 45 51 36 45Drayton Bassett Pits – – – 10 6 12 14 24 12 33 50 69Dartmouth Park 10 2 7 – – – – – 9 42 7 21Dunstall Park – – – – – 2 1 4 2 7 2 –Fens Pools 1 2 3 – – – – – – 2 1 2Marsh Lane NR 54 71 72 32 1 2 4 16 31 61 38 17Sandwell Valley 16 20 48 9 2 2 1 12 34 45 24 23WeBS 2005 237 250 260 48 17 12 26 172 548 560 383 149WeBS 2006 208 155 185 103 8 22 1 72 221 356 245 251


Warks A brood of five on the Staffs side of Fisher’s Mill GP on May 8th could possiblyhave been hatched in Warwickshire. The count of 400 at Kingsbury on February 11thBLK during a cold snap, was a county record. 320 of these formed a compact flock

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which moved between Lea Marston Pool and Bodymoor Heath Water. Away fromtabulated sites Alvecote could only manage a peak of 12 in January-February, while theautumn flock at Coombe Abbey again remained uncounted. At smaller waters, there wereup to three in Charlecote Park in March, up to five at Earlswood Lakes and four atSeeswood Pool in September, with six on floodwater at Leamington Hastings on October12th. One or two were also noted at Charlecote GP, Napton Res, Newfield Pool andWormleighton Res.Worcs Pairs were present during the breeding season at Kinsham Lake and UptonWarren, but there was no evidence of breeding taking place. Away from the tabulatedlocalities, counts during the first winter period comprised four at both Kinsham Lake andPirton Pool on January 15th, 14 at Holt Fishing Pools on February 22nd, three at Bredon’sHardwick on March 5th and 15 at Lower Moor on 7th. Spring sightings included 16 atRyall Pits on March 26th, 24 at Bury End Flash on April 4th and Lower Moor held eighton 9th and 15th, plus a drake on May 14th. During the second winter period, Bredon’sHardwick held seven on October 8th, four on December 16th and 11 on 17th, Pirton Poolattracted 20 on November 10th, eight were at Hewell Grange on 11th and at Lower Moor,14 and 15 were noted on 28th and December 17th respectively.Staffs Breeding was reported at Drayton Bassett where a female and five young werepresent on May 17th. In addition, three pairs attempted at Doxey but all failed at the eggstage as a result of flooding. Maximum counts for the late summer flocks seemsubstantially down from the previous year with only Aqualate reporting a three-figurecount – of 150 on September 14th. Counts from Blithfield, which has a previous five-yearaverage maxima of 184, totalled less than one-third of this number, suggesting either apoorer year for the species, or partial coverage. Also reported from a further 27 sites withthe largest count being 50 birds at Dosthill Pits on March 21st.W Mid Although birds were noted during the breeding season, there was no indicationof any nesting. Also present at Sheepwash UP from January until May, with a maximumof eight noted. A pair was at Stubbers Green on January 18th. At Olton Mere, a pair waspresent from February 15th until April 7th at least, with totals of four birds on March 1st,seven on 23rd and five on 27th. Two were at Fens Pools on February 18th, with singles atNetherton Reservoir on March 22nd and November 2nd, and two at Sutton Park on October8th and Sheepwash UP on December 30th.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufinaScarce visitor, with most records probably of feral origin.Warks A good year, with reports of three at Ladywalk on September 13th per SLC, afemale at Alvecote from 14th-16th AAr, RLS et al, three (a female and two eclipse males)at Brandon on 29th JMR et al, and four (three males and a female) at Draycote onNovember 6th RBR et al.Worcs The only record for the year came from Pirton Pool, where a pair was present onNovember 10th PRh.Staffs Birds seen include one at Branston Water Park on January 1st, a male throughoutJanuary at Ford Green, one at Central Forest Park (Hanley) on June 17th, one at Forebridgeon July 16th, a female at Tixall on September 13th, one at Brookleys Lake on December9th, two males at Tittesworth on the same date and a drake at Chasewater on 26th.W Mid Two females were at Marsh Lane NR on August 8th – the third record for thesite GPR.

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Common Pochard Aythya ferinaCommon winter visitor. Scarce and declining breeding species.


Abbots Salford 50 71 77 9 – – 3 – 15 29 30 72Brandon 51 35 22 3 – 3 5 5 6 18 20 38Coombe Abbey 47 43 6 – – – – – – – – –Coton/Lea Marston 300 1000 145 – – 2 29 47 28 36 205 251Draycote 45 50 31 – – – – – 1 18 10 13Hodnell 10 – – 1 – – – – – 8 18 20Kingsbury area 27 30 15 1 1 5 9 1 5 3 24 13Salford Priors GP 3 27 4 – – – – 2 4 9 20 20Shustoke 51 81 19 1 – – – – 10 42 149 250Bittell Reservoir 51 45 25 – – – – – 1 10 24 42Bredonʼs Hardwick 18 12 12 2 – – – – – 3 30 39Grimley New Workings 14 8 18 – – – – – – – 6 32Kinsham Lake 3 4 10 5 4 4 2 1 1 1 24 31Pirton Pool 4 10 15 – – – 1 – – – – –Upton Warren 16 12 17 3 2 1 3 3 15 24 29Westwood Pool 44 42 40 4 1 2 11 8 25 35 46 39Aqualate 8 18 31 10 – – 9 6 9 9 6 8Belvide 73 65 46 – 3 9 15 27 58 147 91 117Blithfield 50 120 53 – – – 22 20 11 16 90 76Chasewater 172 158 82 5 – – 3 2 6 17 56 50Copmere 17 34 18 – – – – – 1 – – 6Croxall GP 144 – 2 – – – – – – 12 55 –Doxey 6 6 12 2 – – – – 7 3 – –Drayton Bassett Pits – – – – 1 – – – 8 10 5 –Tittesworth 22 22 12 2 – – – – 3 4 30 9Westport 20 30 8 – – – – – – – 10 14Dartmouth Park 5 4 4 – – – – – – 1 3 2Fens Pools 5 3 2 – – – – 2 – – – –Marsh Lane NR 42 50 35 3 – – 7 – 10 17 29 40Sandwell Valley 25 21 15 3 3 1 8 3 7 42 52 61Sheepwash UP 32 35 18 2 – – – – – 2 30 35Sutton Park – 8 6 – – – – – – 2 – –Trittiford Park 17 16 6 – – – – – – – – –WeBS 2005 932 958 425 43 4 10 30 42 92 254 407 437WeBS 2006 608 607 477 36 11 11 37 39 161 325 578 600


Warks The count of 1000 at Lea Marston on February 11th during a cold snap was thelargest county flock for five years. Away from the main waters, there were counts of 31 atAlvecote on February 8th, 14 on the River Avon at Bidford on March 1st, and 25 at Edstoneon 15th. Up to ten were also recorded from: Bermuda, Charlecote GP, Chesterton,Compton Verney, Earlswood, Farnborough Park, Ladywalk, Lawford Heath GP, LighthornePools, Napton Res, Newbold Comyn, Packington, Ryton Pools CP, Seeswood Pool andSweet Knowle.Worcs Two pairs breed successfully at Kinsham Lake and a pair was observed at GwenFinch Wetland on April 29th. During the first winter period, and away from the tabulatedsites, Bishampton Vale Pool held 61 on January 19th, 37 on February 12th and 14 onMarch 28th, whilst 19 were at Throckmorton Lagoons on February 10th and 15 at LowerMoor on Marsh 4th. A good July record was of seven at Grimley Old Workings on 20th.Second winter period sightings were of five at Arrow Valley Lake on October 8th, three at

34

Hewell Grange on November 11th and 18 at Throckmorton Lagoons on December 2nd.Staffs No reports of breeding were received in 2006 but numbers for the early part ofthe year seemed higher at Chasewater and Croxall and lower at Belvide and Blithfield.There was no marked change in the latter part of the year with the Belvide maximaoccurring on October 30th.W Mid At Olton Mere, a “notable” 16 birds were present on March 1st, with six onDecember 21st. Other sightings involved singles at Whitley on January 16th, HandsworthPark on May 3rd and Netherton Reservoir on October 14th.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collarisRare vagrant (7/10).Warks A female was well-watched at Napton Res from February 19th-April 5th JJB etal. This was presumably the bird that had been seen there at the end of December 2005,but where it had been in the meantime is a mystery.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyrocaScarce winter visitor, some probably being escapees or of feral origin (9/10).Warks A male was at Brandon on October 10th MDo et al, only the second record forthe reserve and the first in the county for five years.Worcs The escaped drake present in the county since 2003 was observed on the canalat Tallow Hill, Worcester on January 24th, 27th and February 10th, plus at Grimley NewWorkings on 12th.Staffs An eclipse drake lingered at Blithfield from August 12th until September 8thmany observers, whereas a juvenile spent just one day at Chasewater on September 16thGEv before moving on. An escaped drake with a green ring visited Belvide on September4th SNu and was later relocated in Lancashire.

Ferruginous Duck X Baerʼs Pochard?Worcs A particularly striking drake Ferruginous-type hybrid was at ThrockmortonLagoons between December 9th-12th. Its structure was perfect for Ferruginous, but wasmarginally larger than a drake Tufted Duck and its colouration was not dissimilar to a drakeBaer’s Pochard Aythya baeri, to which its other parentage was considered likely.

Common Pochard X Ferruginous DuckStaffs A bird was present at Belvide on October 23rd-24th.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligulaCommon winter visitor and frequent breeding resident.


Abbots Salford 10 23 24 53 36 2 23 45 65 51 21 20Brandon 40 50 58 48 32 31 23 13 9 25 26 44Compton Verney 22 25 – – – – – – – – 38 36Coombe Abbey 55 47 23 – – – – – – – – –Coton/Lea Marston 800 – 830 – 76 121 1150 1114 736 850 1186 1202Dosthill/Kingsbury 263 145 120 93 77 155 334 106 105 87 118 115Draycote 850 500 450 115 70 81 225 377 700 930 820 500Hodnell 80 65 – 30 7 – – – – 45 100 110Ladywalk 58 78 80 16 – – – 9 36 41 72 20Napton Res 93 51 47 25 5 10 7 10 12 16 53 47

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J F M A M J J A S O N DSalford Priors GP 33 41 54 65 56 36 29 42 47 81 59 43Shustoke 86 156 87 25 19 – 6 62 160 314 221 175Bittell Reservoir 26 45 31 27 7 10 77 78 95 68 22 39Bredonʼs Hardwick 58 36 23 12 10 3 2 – 1 22 39 109Grimley New Workings 44 75 68 51 35 42 47 65 3 21 90 108Gwen Finch Wetland 4 1 3 3 4 4 – – 2 – 1 2Kinsham Lake 6 14 25 34 32 32 21 24 7 21 20 24Pirton Pool 10 11 34 29 31 30 25 47 38 3 6 18Upton Warren 9 17 25 60 48 27 13 12 20 11 10 36Westwood Pool 40 32 67 60 8 14 34 26 50 17 72 74Alrewas – 36 – – 40 13 – 12 – 20 9 –Aqualate 97 113 260 118 24 56 99 152 311 294 195 173Belvide 70 103 125 83 81 76 147 167 152 – 55 82Blithfield 20 134 300 60 – 1 245 129 100 53 64 68Brookleys Lake 56 – 48 36 – 10 10 73 109 76 167 90Chasewater 583 395 289 117 13 22 165 402 1067 997 420 406Coldmeece Pools 60 60 46 19 – 24 9 22 – – – –Copmere 51 76 55 62 4 19 40 25 141 90 64 96Croxall 93 – – 30 – – 75 – – 81 50 –Doxey 16 19 23 29 33 17 4 9 10 16 27 22Drayton Bassett Pits – – – 50 – 30 100 16 – – – –Elford Gravel Pits 16 33 20 13 – – – – – – 9 4Silverdale Colliery 12 21 22 22 20 – – 12 – 30 7 21Tittesworth 70 36 43 20 10 2 5 12 38 92 100 84Westport 20 20 24 30 – – 2 2 – – – 23Whitemoor Haye 40 – – 60 – 17 10 – – – 20 –Dartmouth Park 57 38 17 22 14 9 12 7 19 27 31 18Fens Pools 71 59 32 29 11 18 32 25 39 81 83 103Marsh Lane NR 31 36 62 61 43 33 45 65 11 10 35 17Netherton Reservoir 2 7 21 – – 3 4 1 6 13 3 1Olton Mere 8 2 – 2 – 2 – – 6 12 – 20Sandwell Valley 62 50 45 42 26 35 31 40 25 38 53 29Sutton Park – 50 50 21 6 6 – – – 44 – –WeBS 2005 2034 1918 1733 1343 759 742 1254 1501 1647 1571 1443 1408WeBS 2006 2034 2063 1897 1193 612 746 1710 1918 2583 2691 1880 2058


Warks Broods were noted at: Abbots Salford (three), Brandon (five-six), Charlecote GP(two), Coton, Draycote (three), Fisher’s Mill GP (three), Kingsbury (seven), Ladywalk,Lapworth Park, Napton Res (three), Salford Priors GP (16), Stoneton Moat, Sweet Knowleand Wimpstone. Counts from untabulated waters included 51 at Alvecote and 22 atCharlecote GP in January, 17 on the River Avon at Bidford and 26 at Sweet Knowle inMarch, 28 at Lawford Heath GP in April, 25 at Wimpstone in June and 29 at SeeswoodPool in September. Counts of 10-15 were also noted at Brownsover Res, Farnborough Park,Lighthorne Pools, Lower Radbourn, Ryton Pools CP and Whittleford Park.Worcs Successful breeding pairs were recorded at Birtsmorton Pools, Grimley Old andNew Workings, Kinsham Lake (five), Lower Moor (three), Pirton Pool, Ryall Pits (two),Strensham Lagoons (one), Throckmorton Lagoons (three), Upton Warren and WestwoodPool. Pairs also observed during the breeding season at Holt Fishing Pools, Stoke Bliss andStonyford Pool (two). Away from the tabulated localities, 40 were at Bevere Lock onFebruary 11th eight at Hewell Grange on April 12th, 44 at Bishampton Vale Pool on 16thand 37 at Bevere Lock and 15 at Holt Pools on November 9th.Staffs Breeding birds noted at Aqualate, Belvide (broods of 11, 11, 8, 7, 6, 4, 1)Blithfield, Brookleys Lake (broods of 8, 8, 7, 7, 6, 5, 5), Byrkley Park, Chasewater, Cold -

meece Pools, Doxey (four pairs, three failed, one duckling), Drayton Bassett, Dunstall,Gailey and at Hints GP. Numbers of birds at Chasewater, recently the premier site for thespecies in the county, reached 1067 on September 10th and confirmed at least a good yearfor the species. The leucistic female from last year returned to Copmere on March 5th.W Mid Birds bred at Marsh Lane NR (six broods with a minimum of 39 ducklings) andSheepwash UP. Also present in the breeding season at Clayhanger, Park Lime Pits andWalsall Arboretum. Small numbers also noted at Balsall Common, Blythe Valley CP,Cannon Hill Park, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Titford Pools, Trittiford Park,Smestow Valley and Warrens Hall. A drake bearing a red nasal saddle at Marsh Lane NRon March 31st and again from April 2nd-4th had been marked at São Jacinto Dunes NR,Portugal, on November 20th 2005 and was still present there on March 11th 2006.

Common Pochard X Tufted DuckWarks The usual male wasback at Brandon for its seventhconsecutive year, with recordson February 9th and 15th-16th,from April 12th-18th, and fromSeptember 8th-October 8th.Staffs A male hybrid waspresent at Copmere from Feb -ruary 2nd-March 5th. Anotherappeared at Chasewater fromSeptember 16th-24th.

Greater Scaup AythyamarilaUncommon winter visitor andpassage migrant. Rare insummer.Warks An unusual site for this species was an effluent channel at Hartshill STW, wherea male was present from at least January 13th-February 3rd. Draycote also had a maleduring this period, with reports on almost identical dates during January 11th-February3rd. A first-winter male at Brandon on February 2nd relocated to Draycote next day whereit joined the adult. The final reports of the winter involved single males at Kingsbury andthen Coton on March 11th and Draycote on April 12th. The first autumn record involved afemale or immature bird at Dosthill on September 27th, followed by a female at Draycoteon October 1st. Two males were at Draycote on October 26th, with single birds onNovember 16th, December 15th and two on 18th. Finally, a first-winter male was atShustoke from November 11th-12th.Worcs Kinsham Lake held a drake from February 1st-12th, then the same individualreappeared at Kinsham on 19th, 25th-28th and March 3rd. A juvenile visited Gwen FinchWetland on September 14th.Staffs During January two birds, reported as immatures, were at Blithfield from thestart of the year until the 21st with a pair (possibly the maturing birds) noted there betweenthe 14th through to April 5th being joined by another male from February 27th. Twoimmature males at Belvide on January 11th were followed by an adult and immature maleat Chasewater on the 14th and these were regularly noted until March 27th. At Croxall two

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Common Pochard X Tufted Duck, Brandon,Steve Valentine

birds were present on January 28th. Alrewas GP held two males, an adult and a first winterbetween February 5th and March 19th. Gailey held a single female bird on February 5thand this or another individual was noted regularly until April 4th with a single male presenton April 15th. The species was not seen again until August 14th when a male was atBelvide, staying until the 21st. A single female was at Blithfield between November 4thand 18th, with two present on December 2nd, a single female remaining until the 4th anda male or immature there on December 16th. At Chasewater a first-winter male bird wasnoted on November 26th and reported occasionally until December 23rd.W Mid In Sandwell Valley, a female was reported on October 8th and a drake and twofemales on November 2nd.

Greater Scaup X Tufted DuckStaffs A hybrid bird was present at Croxall NR on January 28th.

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinisVery rare vagrant (1/10).Worcs A first-winter drake, was discovered with Tufted Ducks on the River Severn atBevere Lock, Grimley on February 11th BRS et al. It was still at the lock and also movedto Grimley New Working the following day, then commuted between here and the river upuntil the 14th. On the 15th, it was relocated at Westwood Pool WDu et al, remained hereuntil 19th and then was seen again at Westwood from March 4th-7th. This was the firstcounty and fourth regional record.Staffs It has taken nearly twenty years since the first ever UK record at Chasewater in1987, for a second bird to visit Staffordshire, and then a third! A drake spent just one day

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Lesser Scaup, Grimley, Andy Warr

at Tittesworth on July 1st PBa et al as did a female at Blithfield on November 3rd GJM,RCB, MPR. These were also the fifth and sixth regional records.

2005 CorrigendumWarks The male at Kingsbury on May 21st was initially discovered by JHa, and firstidentified by JKLA.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalisRare winter visitor with occasional summer records (8/10).Worcs A second-calendar year drake at Grimley New Workings from May 4th-6th OWoet al visited both Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire before returning to Grimley foranother three days, from June 15th-17th BRS et al.Staffs An immature male at Branston GPs on January 19th spent most of the winterand spring there and occasionally at Branston Water Park, moulting into summer plumageby the time it was last seen on May 8th many observers.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigraUncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, principally in spring, late-summer andautumn.Warks Fewer reports came from Draycote this year, with most of these in spring andearly summer. These consisted of a female on March 11th, four (including one male) onApril 22nd, a male on 25th, single females on 30th and May 6th-7th, and five males onJune 27th. Shustoke did well, with a party of eight (including two males) on April 22nd,followed by a male from August 2nd-6th, four males on 26th and a final male here onSeptember 9th. Subsequentlythere were two immatures atAlvecote on September 16thand one on 17th, with a male atDraycote on October 1st.Worcs A drake visited threelocalities over a period of eightdays. Arriving at Upper BittellReservoir on June 27th, hedeparted there the next day,only to be relocated on theMoors Pool, at Upton Warrenand remained until 30th. Hewas reported at both UptonWarren and Upper BittellReservoir on July 1st and againat Upton Warren on 2nd, thenfinally frequented WestwoodPool on 3rd. A second bird was found at Upper Bittell Reservoir on July 22nd and TrimpleyReservoir held a drake on December 18th.Staffs Spring migration was first noted on March 26th when a male was present atChasewater. Belvide held a male on April 4th and nearby Gailey was visited by a male onApril 9th, this staying until the 16th when a group of six males briefly stopped at Blithfield.Blithfield also hosted a small party of four males and a female on April 22nd and a single

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Common Scoters, Shustoke, Steve Seal

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male on the 30th whilst Aqualate attracted a single on April 29th, and a pair was present atBelvide between May 7th and 14th. June records were represented by a group of threemales which called at Belvide on the 2nd; 11 (five males and six females) at Tittesworthon the 17th; and on the 24th a group of three males were at Blithfield and a single malewas at Chasewater. Later in the summer four birds (two males and two females) were atBelvide on August 5th, when two males were also present at Gailey these remaining untilthe 8th. Dosthill held two males and a female/immature on August 7th, and at Blithfield afemale or immature was noted on the 13th, and drakes were at Chasewater on the 17th andat Blithfield on the 26th. Two males and two female/immatures were at Blithfield onSeptember 14th. In the north of the county a bird was at Westport on October 11th and thefollowing day a group of four females called at Belvide. Blithfield again hosted a singlebird on October 28th and finally two females were at this site on November 12th.W Mid Eleven drakes were at Bartley Reservoir on June 24th TMH.

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangulaFairly common winter visitor. Rare in summer.


Brandon 3 3 4 – – – – – – – 4 4Coton/Lea Marston 5 3 – – 4 – – – – 1 2 4Dosthill/Kingsbury 31 37 34 4 1 1 – – – 6 19 22Draycote 130 78 81 7 – – – 2 1 6 57 70Westwood Pool 15 15 16 – – – – – – 1 3 5Aqualate 5 7 4 4 – – – – – 4 2 –Barton GP – 25 – – – – – – – 3 12 –Belvide 84 84 92 84 5 – – – – 22 66 70Blithfield 6 27 60 18 – – – – – 14 14 14Chasewater 128 131 124 34 – – – – – 4 71 91Copmere 5 5 4 5 – – – – – – – 5Croxall GP 10 40 – 14 – – – – – – 3 –Drayton Bassett Pits 14 47 25 4 – – – – – – 10 16Gailey – 5 – 1 – – 2 2 – – – 14Westport 7 4 7 6 – – – – – – 5 1Whitemoor Haye 13 3 11 41 – – – – – – 9 18Bartley Reservoir – 7 8 – – – – – – – 5 10Sandwell Valley 3 4 7 1 – – – – – 1 1 2WeBS 2005 224 257 252 44 1 0 0 3 1 5 60 152WeBS 2006 255 298 270 95 1 1 1 3 1 3 107 180


Warks There were more out-of-season reports than usual, with two pairs at Coton fromMay 2nd-13th, the long-staying (since 2002) crippled male remaining at Kingsbury untilJune 13th, and two “brownheads” at Draycote from August 12th-22nd at least, with onestaying into September. A welcome slight recovery in wintering numbers was evident inboth the main localities, with the count of 130 at Draycote being the highest there sinceDecember 2001 when 180 were present. Away from the main sites one or two were alsoseen on various dates in the north at Alvecote, Ladywalk and Shustoke, while a female atPackington Great Pool on February 4th was more unusual. Records from further southincluded an adult male at Abbots Salford Pool from January 2nd-12th and a first-wintermale there on 19th-20th. A party of four at Ufton Fields on October 14th were at anunusual location for this species, and there were single immatures at Hodnell Pool on

November 21st and Salford Priors GP on December 3rd (the first site record), with afemale at Compton Verney on December 27th.Worcs All reports, apart from at Westwood Pool, see tabulated sites, came during thesecond winter period. Birds were resident at Grimley New Workings between October30th-December 31st, with maximum counts of three from November 18th-December 26th,four on 27th, 28th and 30th and five on 29th. Lower Bittell Reservoir held two onNovember 4th, one on 19th and December 17th, two on 18th and 19th and one on 24th.Elsewhere a female was at Bredon’s Hardwick from November 4th-20th, a drake at UptonWarren on November 5th, a female at Gwen Finch Wetland on 7th and a drake at RetreatFarm Pool on 27th and 29th.Staffs The “about average”numbers noted towards the endof 2005 continued into the firstperiod of 2006 with numbers atBelvide and Chasewater, thetwo main sites for the species,showing remarkable consis -tency from January to March,suggesting little movement ofbirds. Birds lingered in thecounty into May with the lastrecord being of a male atBelvide on May 11th. Mostunusually, two birds summeredat Gailey, being first reportedon July 11th and staying untilAugust 28th. The first records for the second winter period were two at Belvide on October11th and numbers in this period appear somewhat reduced from 2005 and earlier years withthe highest Chasewater count (91 on December 31st) being some way below the previous-five-year-average of 125. Also recorded from a further eight untabulated sites within thecounty, 10 at Dosthill in March being the only double-figure count.W Mid Singles were present at Fens Pools in January, November and December. Twowere at Sutton Park on February 4th, four at Stubbers Green on November 10th and one atSheepwash UP from December 10th until the end of the year.

Smew Mergellus albellusUncommon winter visitor. Very rare in summer.Warks Small numbers continued to winter in the Warwickshire section of the MiddleTame Valley, with favoured waters being Fisher’s Mill GP, Dosthill Lake and both Cliff andCanal Pools in Kingsbury Water Park. After a male was at Coton from January 1st-8th withpossibly the same at Kingsbury also on 8th, there were many reports of up to three malesand a female during the period January 27th-March 22nd with the final female atKingsbury on 29th. The best counts were of seven on Canal Pool on March 3rd and five atDosthill on 4th, both counts including the three males. In addition, the male present atDraycote in December 2005 remained there until February 7th. The only report at the endof the year concerned two males at Fisher’s Mill GP on December 18th.Staffs The male seen on the final day of 2005 at Drayton Bassett was present also onJanuary 1st and remained until the 13th. A male at Chasewater also on New Years Day,

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Goldeneye, Westport, Dave Kelsall

remained in the area at least until March 2nd. A small influx was noted in mid January,starting with a redhead at Belvide on the 14th, two males at Croxall on the 15th-19th anda redhead at Chasewater on the 16th. A female at Blithfield was first seen on January 20thand this, or other birds, were also reported on March 3rd and 24th. Two drakes and aredhead were at Whitemoor Haye on January 22nd being noted there until February 9thwith two males also present on the 15th. Drayton Bassett again held birds from January30th with four (including three males) noted and reports were regularly received of twomales and two redheads between February 10th and March 15th when three males wereagain present. The final report from this site was of a female on March 20th and the lastbirds of the first winter period were on March 21st when two males were at Dosthill andon the 24th when a single redhead visited Blithfield. The first bird of the latter period wasat Blithfield on November 4th but the species was not again noted until December 1stwhen a bird was a Croxall (staying until the end of the year) and a female at DraytonBassett, a site which held a first-winter male on the 8th to the 10th and two drakes on the18th-19th, one of these remaining until the 26th. Two males and a redhead were at Bartonon the 17th and Chasewater held one drake from December 23rd until the end of the year.W Mid A redhead was at Stubbers Green from December 29th-31st PJ.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serratorScarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably bred in Staffs in 1994.Warks The three acceptable records were all from Draycote during autumn, andinvolved a first-winter male on October 25th JJB, a female on November 1st RCM and anadult male on November 16th JJB et al.Worcs A redhead spent the day on the windsurfing lake at Bredon’s Hardwick onNovember 26th AWa et al.Staffs A first-year male and female/immature were seen at Blithfield on April 19thGJM, with another female/immature on October 31st-November 3rd GJM et al. Amoulting male at Belvide on November 27th SNu was followed by a female at Gailey fromDecember 8th-16th SAR.W Mid One was seen at Bartley Reservoir on November 1st TMH.

Goosander Mergus merganserFairly common winter visitor. Scarce in summer and rare breeding bird in Staffs and Worcssince 1990.


Alvecote 24 13 16 1 – – – – – – 8 10Draycote 32 32 30 1 – – – – – – 17 20Earlswood 3 14 8 1 – – – – – – 1 2Ladywalk 17 24 24 10 – – – – – 1 8 14Shustoke – 8 2 2 1 – – – – 1 5 3Wormleighton Res 6 6 5 1 – – – – – – – 2Bittell Reservoir 31 31 31 – – – – – – – 2 22Barton GP – 19 – – – – – – – 3 3 –Belvide 12 5 8 2 3 – – 1 – 4 4 8Blithfield 70 95 37 6 – – 1 2 42 9 34 34Chasewater 7 12 24 2 – – – – – – 3 25Copmere 7 33 9 1 – – – – – 15 2 40Doxey 13 24 17 4 2 – – – – – 5 15Knypersley 19 41 9 6 – – – – – – – –River Sow, Baswich 2 1 10 2 – – – – – – 2 2

41

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J F M A M J J A S O N DTittesworth 12 5 19 2 – – – – 10 2 6 11Dartmouth Park 2 – 1 – – – – – – – 9 20Sandwell Valley 52 49 23 2 – – – – – 2 21 21Sheepwash UP 5 6 18 17 – – – – – 2 2 13WeBS 2005 237 215 63 10 3 0 0 0 0 3 11 34WeBS 2006 74 77 100 23 30 5 9 17 7 24 30 40

WeBS counts were not carried out at Blithfield, a stronghold for this species.

Warks The Ladywalk birds regularly fished along the River Tame in the Coleshill area.Other non-tabulated sites to have fairly regular records (of up to four) during the wintermonths included Brandon, Coombe Abbey, Coton, Kingsbury and Napton Res. Moreisolated sightings included four at Chesterton on January 6th, singles at Compton Verneyon 7th and 20th, and Astley Pool on 26th, with a pair at Ufton Fields on March 12th and26th. There was one summer report of a redhead at Brandon on August 30th, while the firstautumn birds returned to Napton Res on October 14th and Ladywalk on 15th.Worcs Reasonable numbers recorded during January and February, the majority ofsightings coming from the north of the county. Away from Bittell Reservoir, see tabulatedsites, the River Severn at Trimpley Reservoir held three on January 8th and 27 on February5th, Varying numbers visited Kyre Pool between January 12th-March 19th, with amaximum of 18 on February 13th, a redhead was at Bishampton Vale Pool on January 27thand the River Severn at Upper Arley hosted 13 on 29th and 19 on 31st. Eight and 13 wereobserved on the River Severn at Bewdley on February 4th and 5th respectively, seven wereseen at Hewell Grange on 8th, one at Grimley New Workings on 12th, 17 at Hewell Grangeon 14th and one flew over Arrow Valley Golf Course on 19th. March sightings comprisedeight and 20 on the River Severn at Trimpley Reservoir on 4th and 5th respectively, fiveon the River Severn at Upper Arley and two at Upton Warren on 5th, 10 at Hewell Grangeon 14th and one at Upton Warren on 25th. The only reports during April came from alongthe River Severn at Trimpley Reservoir, where six were observed on 5th, two on 14th, 21on 22nd and a drake on 30th. Three juveniles visited Kinsham Lake on July 16th and onewas at Hewell Grange on September 13th, then during the second winter period a redheadwas at Grimley New Workings on November 9th, two at Hewell Grange on 13th andWestwood Pool held a redhead on 25th, 29th and December 1st, then five on 9th and adrake on 27th. Other December records were of a pair at Trimpley Reservoir on 2nd, twoat Throckmorton Lagoons on 22nd, three at Upton Warren on 30th and a drake at GrimleyNew Workings on 31st.Staffs Confirmed breeding only on the River Dove at Fauld where broods of eight andof two were noted. Numbers of wintering birds at Blithfield, the main site in the county,appear higher than in the previous year peaking at 95 on February 4th. Other notable firstwinter period counts came from Copmere where there were 33 on February 4th and fromBednall with 23 on the 9th. Knypersley Reservoir also seems attractive with 41 present onFebruary 21st. Later in the year notable numbers were recorded at Biddulph Grange CP,where 31 were present on November 29th and at Waterhouses with 16 on November 25th,possibly heading to roost at the nearby cement works lake. Also reported from a further 44untabulated sites.W Mid In January, there were three at Marsh Lane NR on 2nd and a male on 27th, twoat Hill Hook LNR on 20th and 27th, two at Titford Pools on 20th, six along the Daw EndBranch Canal near Aldridge on 22nd and 19 at The Mere (Norton) on 31st. In February,there were two at Sutton Park on 4th, single birds at Marsh Lane NR on 7th and 25th, two

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in Goscote Valley on 20th and eight at Woden Road Lake (Wednesbury) from 26th toMarch 2nd. Also in March, two pairs were at Marsh Lane NR on 21st, with one pair thenext day, and three birds were at Stubbers Green and four in Goscote Valley on 29th. Twodifferent birds flew over Smestow Valley on October 24th and one landed briefly atDunstall Park on December 23rd. Two were at Bartley Reservoir on November 3rd.

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensisFairly common resident of feral origin.


Abbots Salford 1 – – – 1 – – 2 7 7 6 6Brandon 1 4 2 3 2 2 1 – – – 1 –Coton/Lea Marston 38 35 25 11 5 2 10 6 4 8 34 8Dosthill/Kingsbury 7 18 5 8 5 3 2 3 2 – 2 –Draycote 1 1 3 2 2 – – 6 – 4 – –Salford Priors GP – – 3 5 6 4 13 16 23 11 4 4Shustoke – – – 2 – – 2 8 8 12 4 –Bittell Reservoir 37 11 16 1 – – – – – – 3 9Grimley New Workings – 1 – 6 4 3 – – – – – –Kinsham Lake – 1 2 7 8 6 4 5 8 – 3 3Pirton Pool – – 1 4 – 3 5 2 2 – 1 –Upton Warren – – 5 4 4 – – 3 2 – –Westwood Pool 2 4 7 3 4 3 3 1 1 3 2 1Aqualate 1 1 2 7 6 6 6 7 11 35 13 1Belvide 7 20 34 17 1 1 8 – 35 27 – 8Blithfield 70 80 31 16 – – 45 45 73 156 101 64Chasewater 4 4 1 3 8 3 5 4 3 4 9 14Doxey – – – 5 9 4 4 2 1 1 – –Marsh Lane NR – – 1 3 5 7 13 11 4 1 2 –Sandwell Valley 1 – – 2 3 2 – – – 1 2 2WeBS 2005 468 191 62 38 27 23 44 79 32 21 25 10WeBS 2006 18 10 8 22 36 29 28 24 25 48 23 18


Warks Four broods were reared at Salford Priors GP and one brood on a small pool nearOffchurch. Single pairs were also present in the breeding season at Lower Radbourn,Seeswood Pool and Stoneton Moat, with one or two birds on odd dates in spring andsummer at Alvecote, Bedworth Nook, Edstone, Ladywalk and Wimpstone.Worcs Three pairs bred at Kinsham Lake, whilst Pirton Pool held two breeding pairs. Apair also frequented Gwen Finch Wetland from May 21st-July 10th. Away from thetabulated localities, one was at Bredon’s Hardwick on January 15th and February 12th, oneat Lower Moor on August 8th and three at Throckmorton Lagoons from October 12th-December 10th.Staffs Confirmed breeding only at Gailey where an adult and two young were seen onSeptember 15th. Paired birds were noted at Aqualate, Chasewater and Doxey (twoattempted but failed), with summer birds also present at Alrewas and Drayton Bassett Pits.The autumn count of 156 birds at Blithfield on October 30th was higher than the maximaon 2005 and is not much short of the previous five-year-average, which currently stands at190 birds, although it suggests that the population continues to fall. Croxall GP andMiddleton Lakes also reported small numbers.W Mid Birds bred at Marsh Lane NR for the first time – two broods totalling fiveducklings were counted on July 25th. Individuals were noted at Sheepwash UP on January

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1st, 4th and 29th, February 18th and April 3rd and 6th, with three on July 29th. Singleswere also seen at Dartmouth Park on January 12th and June 21st, and Netherton Reservoiron June 16th.

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopusUncommon and declining resident on the North Staffs Moors.Staffs Very few records were submitted this year, with breeding confirmed only fromRound Knowl Farm – a female and a juvenile. Breeding season records were also receivedfrom Baldstones, Black Brook (two), Five Clouds (four), Gib Torr (two), Goldsitch Moss,Gradbach Hill, Gun Hill, Knotbury (two), Middle Hills (one, but 10 recorded in August),Morridge Top, Orchard Common, The Roaches, Swallow Moss and Wolf Edge. The onlyother site with winter records was Revidge with three.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufaCommon resident.Warks Remains common in areas where birds are released for shooting. There were 25territories on a 120 ha farm at Morton Bagot, the same density as in 2005. The largestcounts again came from the neighbourhood of the Ragley estate, where there were 125 atAbbots Salford on September 20th and 120 at Salford Priors GP on October 1st. Othercounts in the south included up to 40 at Ilmington Downs and 25 at Wormleighton Resduring the autumn. The best sized covies in the north involved from eight-12 at Alvecote,Maxstoke, Packington, Sees -wood and Shustoke.Worcs An adult and sevenchicks were observed on Holly -bed Common on August 14thand three broods were recordedat Bodenham Arboretum. Theonly notable count receivedwas of 26 at Throckmorton Tipon November 19th, whilstsmall parties were noted atBittell Reservoir, Bredon Hill,Castlemorton Common, Def -ford, Dowles Brook, Holly -bush, Nash End, Shenstone andWestwood Park.Staffs A pair bred at Crossplains and pairs in the breeding season were noted atBrancote STW, Denstone Hall Farm, Doley Common (three) and Swynnerton. 22 othersites held birds between May and July. Double-figure counts in January, probably ofcaptive releases, comprised 16 at Whitmore Bent Lane and 10 at Drayton Bassett Pits; inNovember 25 at Aqualate and 23 at Branston GP and in December 22 at Baggeridge CPwhile 20 was the highest count during the year at Byrkley Park.W Mid One was seen in the vicinity of Marsh Lane NR on March 28th, with twoon April 28th. One was present in Smestow Valley on March 29th. In May, single birdswere seen in Sandwell Valley on 2nd and at Chadwick End on 11th. In Coundon Wedge,one or two were noted on July 22nd, August 13th, October 28th, November 11th andDecember 23rd.

Red-legged Partridge, Cannock Chase,Dave Kelsall

Grey Partridge Perdix perdixFairly common, but rapidly declining resident.Warks Two pairs reared seven young at Birchmoor. Other pairs were present during thebreeding season at Alvecote, Billesley, Bramcote Hall, Chessetts Wood, Fenny Compton,Grandborough, Priors Hardwick, Stoneton and Weston-on-Avon. The largest coviesinvolved five at Alvecote, ten at Bishop’s Tachbrook and six at Weston-on-Avon in January,with six at Alvecote in October. Other reports of one or two came from Brandon,Curdworth, Ensors Pool, Hodnell, Ladywalk, Radway, Rushford, Salford Priors GP,Warton, Wishaw and Wroxall. There is still one “large” covey resident on the Talton estateat Crimscote, but it is now absent from the Honington/Idlicote district where three autumnshoots failed to find any in an area where they were once common GM-K.Worcs Six, presumably released birds, were seen near a cage holding captive birds atLineholt on January 28th. Other sightings comprised two at Kinsham Lake on March 5th,two at Woodrow on 20th and at Shenstone, one was present on April 13th, two on 14th,three on 29th, 30th and May 2nd and two on June 11th. Two pairs were on Bredon Hill anda single bird was noted at Nafford on May 4th, singles were observed at Cofton RichardsFarm on 29th and June 5th, plus at Axborough on 11th, six probably released birds were atBricklehampton on August 21st, two on Bredon Hill on 24th and one on North Hill onSeptember 22nd.Staffs

Monthly maxima from selected sites:J F M A M J J A S O N D

Berry Hill 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 1 2 0 3 0Cuckoo Bank 35 6 – – 2 – – 3 15 34 6 30Whitemoor Haye 17 5 8 2 1 2 8 2 0 0 7 0Whitmore Bent Lane 19 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Breeding Pairs (successful) 1 2(1) 4(1) 8(1) 0 2-3(2)

The only breeding records came from Calton (one, possibly two pairs bred) and HoarCross where a pair with nine chicks was seen on July 25th. Additional breeding seasonsightings, with never more than two birds present, came from Alrewas, Bednall, BerryHill, Brown Edge, Chasewater, Cuckoo Bank, Denstone Hall, Ellenhall, Flash, GoldsitchMoss, Ingestre, Leasowes Farm, Ouseley Cross, Rifle Range, Roddige Farm, TixallBridge, Whitemoor Haye and Woodhead. Birds were also seen at include Aqualate (one-two from January to March), Lask Edge on February 2nd (four), River Sow Meadows onApril 2nd (two), Silverdale Colliery on 11th (two), Apedale CP on August 16th, Coltonon 26th (two), Oulton Heath on September 18th (two), Silverdale Colliery on October14th (two), Drayton Bassett Pits on November 15th (10), Gailey on 19th (11) and Beechon December 21st.W Mid Two or three were present near Aldridge from February 13th-15th and on April18th. One was at Marsh Lane NR on March 19th and two in Smestow Valley on 30th. Sixwere at High Heath on October 4th. In the Wiggins Hill area, eight were noted on October20th, with eleven on 26th and eight again on December 18th.

Common Quail Coturnix coturnixSummer visitor in fluctuating numbers, but usually scarce. Very rare in winter.Long-term average: May 12th (19) to August 26th (15).8-year average: May 20th (+8 days) to August 27th (+1 days).

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The first was at Whitemoor Haye on May 3rd – much earlier than recent years; the last atWhitemoor Haye on July 31st.Warks A male was calling at Morton Bagot on May 20th JJB, in the same field aslast year when it was heard on May 14th. The only other record was of a male heardcalling at Fenny Compton on May 23rd and then again in the same hay meadow on July1st JJB.Worcs Calling males were reported from Westwood Pool on May 23rd WDu et al,Lower Moor on June 4th GHP, two and three between Eckington and Nafford on 11th and13th respectively RAP et al and at Longdon Marsh, two were heard on 18th, one on 22nd,two on 25th, one on 28th, 29th and July 2nd JHo et al. Singles also heard at Tanwood onJune 23rd TMH and Rous Lench on July 19th GHP.Staffs An excellent series of records this year. Up to three birds summered atWhitemoor Haye from May 3rd until July 31st RCB et al. Elsewhere, birds werereported from Aqualate on June 13th MPe, Beech on 20th SGD, two at High Offley from23rd-28th PJon, Whitmore Bent Lane on July 6th APa and Weston Jones from 9th-23rdRPF.

2005 AddendumWarks Probably bred at Kites Hardwick, where a bevy of seven was seen in AugustSRu.

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicusVery common resident, mainly in rural areas.Warks A total of 30 territories was located on a 120 ha farm at Morton Bagot comparedto 20 in 2005. A female was found incubating eggs under a bush near the front door of theobserver’s house at Maxstoke on March 29th, a very early date. It subsequently desertedand the eggs proved to be infertile. Another very early nest was at Radway, where a broodof chicks about three days old were seen on April 20th. The two largest counts were fromshooting estates and involved 200 on Ilmington Downs on October 6th and 200 at BrailesHill on 27th. Other notable reports included 62 at Morton Bagot on March 8th, 45 atChesterton on August 18th and 40 at Fenny Compton on October 8th.Worcs Longdon Marsh held a female with 10 chicks on July 27th and three broods werereared at Bodenham Arboretum.Staffs A pair bred at Doxey, with two chicks, another at Drayton Bassett Pits with fiveyoung. Eight pairs were believed to have attempted breeding at Doxey. Double-figurecounts, resulting from the release of captive-bred birds were noted in January at Doxey(10) and Lightwood (15); in March at Lightwood (17); in September at Chapel Chorlton(10); in October at Aqualate (25), Belvide (38) and Kemsey Manor (28); in November atAlrewas (36) and Doxey (10) and in December at Blithfield (18).W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, at least two pairs were present during the breeding season,but no young were seen; the year’s maximum was a count of 17 birds in February.Regularly recorded in Sandwell Valley, with a high of four in January, and CoundonWedge, where a peak of five males was noted on May 13th. Other high counts includedthree at Burys Hill on April 13th, four at Nailcote Hall on 19th and six at Chadwick Endon May 11th. One or two were also seen at Aldridge, Balsall Common, Blythe Valley CP,Clayhanger Marsh, Druids Heath, Lutley Wedge, Park Lime Pits, Smestow Valley, SuttonPark, Walsall Airport, Warrens Hall LNR and Whitley, whilst one wandered onto theoutfield during a match at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on May 10th.

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Red-throated Diver Gavia stellataRare winter visitor (6/10).Warks A single bird waspresent at Bedworth Sloughfrom October 17th-23rd DBo etal. Found after a foggy morn -ing, it stayed long enough to beappreciated by many and con -tinues to show that it is not justthe large well-watched watersthat attract rarities. A singlebird was also seen at Draycoteon December 5th RCM, thefirst there since 2003.

Great Northern Diver Gavia immerRare winter visitor.Warks Draycote kept up its good reputation for attracting this species with birds presentat both ends of the year. The three juveniles from December 2005 remained there untilMarch 9th, with two staying to 18th and one until April 6th. Further birds were reportedthere on November 29th and December 5th, with two including an adult on the latter date.A bird was again present from December 14th and was joined by a second during 26th-31st many observers. The only other record was of a first-summer bird at Newbold Quarry,Rugby from June 10th-16th many observers, which was doubly remarkable for both theunusual time of year and locality for a diver.Staffs Storm force winds in November resulted in a large influx of juvenile GreatNorthern Divers into the UK, believed to have originated from a north-westerly sector. Thisproduced the first ever multiple count for a Staffordshire site, when at Chasewater, onefrom November 23rd-24th increased to two 25th-28th and then three from 29th-December16th, after which two remained until the year-end GEv, PDJ, PWar et al.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollisFairly common resident.


Charlecote GP 4 6 6 6 6 8 8 15 18 13 11 7Coton/Lea Marston 14 10 10 2 2 1 16 16 20 27 21 21Draycote 43 20 15 7 1 – – 12 35 37 21 18Ladywalk 13 26 8 4 4 – – – 5 6 21 29Salford Priors GP 8 2 18 18 18 20 26 36 60 50 21 9Shustoke 16 26 22 5 6 – 16 16 43 60 50 20Grimley New Workings 22 5 15 10 6 15 15 22 11 15 24 15Gwen Finch Wetland – – 1 1 – 3 – – 2 2 1 –Kinsham Lake 7 4 8 4 8 9 12 14 6 4 5 7Pirton Pool – – 1 9 8 6 15 8 10 6 5 3Upton Warren 2 1 5 5 2 3 2 5 9 7 7 3Westwood Pool 1 3 3 3 1 3 10 9 10 8 3 3Aqualate 3 3 4 – – – – 3 2 3 2 –Belvide – – 2 – – 2 13 11 7 1 – –Blithfield 4 1 12 1 – – 8 6 10 4 4 –Brookleys Lake 6 8 6 6 – – 6 6 7 7 3 –

Red-throated Diver, Bedworth, Slough, Steve Seal

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J F M A M J J A S O N DChasewater 7 7 4 – – 2 4 7 11 19 6 9Copmere 1 4 3 – – – – – 5 2 4 5Doxey – – – 2 2 1 1 – 2 2 1 –River Sow, Baswich 5 – 4 1 – – – – – 3 3 6Silverdale Colliery – – 7 5 7 13 12 7 – – – –Tixall Bridge – – – – – 1 – 2 2 4 6 6Fens Pools 1 1 5 – 1 – – – – 1 1 1Marsh Lane NR – 2 8 12 12 14 24 28 24 11 6 2Netherton Reservoir 7 5 8 4 – – – 1 1 5 7 3Sandwell Valley 2 1 2 3 3 1 2 3 6 5 5 5Smestow Valley 3 3 8 2 – – – 2 3 2 2 5WeBS 2005 63 84 82 85 52 52 91 174 210 133 103 60WeBS 2006 64 55 96 68 53 73 90 132 143 161 113 98


Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Brandon (two), Chadshunt (two), Charlecote GP(four), Compton Verney, DMC Kineton, Ensors Pool, Fisher’s Mill GP, Idlicote, Ilmington,Kingsbury (two), Ladywalk (two), Lea Marston, Lighthorne Pools, Lower Radbourn,Napton Res (four), Packington Park (at least three), Ryton Pools CP (two), Salford PriorsGP (13), Shustoke, Stoneton Moat (three), Ufton Fields, Whitacre Heath NR, WhittlefordPark, Wimpstone (two) and Yarningale Common. The total of 53 at 25 sites was slightlybetter than 2005 (when 49 at 25 sites). Autumn counts of 60 at both Salford Priors GP andShustoke were the highest ever from those waters. Elsewhere the best counts came fromthe Dosthill/Kingsbury area, with up to 12 in February-March and ten during November-December.Worcs Successful breeding pairs were recorded at Birtsmorton Pools, British CampReservoir (two), Church Lench Pool, Grimley New Workings (three), Kinsham Lake (two),Pirton Pool (two) and Ryall Pits (three). Away from the tabulated localities, 10 were notedat Birtsmorton Pools on October 1st and three at Grafton Reservoir on November 30th.Staffs Breeding was reported only from the following sites: Belvide (a pair with onechick), Brookleys Lake (four juveniles), Byrkley Park (two pairs raised an unspecifiednumber of young) and Drayton Bassett Pits (two juveniles). At Silverdale Colliery, threepairs produced seven chicks from their first broods, two pairs then went on to secondbroods in August and produced another three chicks between them. Suspected breedingtook place at Apedale CP, Doxey and Dunstall. Away from the tabulated sites, 12 at BartonMarina on August 12th was the only record in double figures. Reported from 39 sitesacross the countyW Mid Birds bred at Blythe Valley CP, Marsh Lane NR (probably seven pairs) andSheepwash UP (four pairs). Others were present in the breeding season at HandsworthPark, Sheepwash UP and Sutton Park. Also noted at Olton Mere, Titford Pools and WarrensHall LNR.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatusFairly common resident and winter visitor.


Coombe Abbey 15 14 19 12 – – – – – – – –Coton/Lea Marston 15 – 10 10 12 14 20 25 26 20 33 37Dosthill/Kingsbury 22 25 18 18 16 17 14 20 21 18 61 19

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J F M A M J J A S O N DDraycote 80 100 135 90 75 71 68 57 81 100 165 150Earlswood – – 26 21 16 21 20 23 9 – 5 10Shustoke 21 21 37 32 31 – 68 62 105 71 82 89Bittell Reservoir 41 22 14 5 9 7 11 9 14 9 27 10Bredonʼs Hardwick 2 3 4 2 4 3 8 2 1 4 10 8Grimley New Workings – 2 5 4 4 4 4 8 5 4 4 1Kinsham Lake 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 1Upton Warren 2 9 18 14 11 8 6 7 10 14 11 10Westwood Pool 4 4 18 10 14 28 50 55 54 66 34 3Alrewas GP – 20 – – 8 – 1 – – 29 16 5Aqualate 3 – 3 10 14 20 38 39 21 40 5 2Belvide 20 22 19 13 8 – 40 50 20 147 143 73Blithfield 9 20 10 30 44 5 115 180 249 130 100 70Chasewater 22 38 20 – – – 5 20 20 27 32 49Copmere 2 – 1 – 4 1 6 – 8 12 5 2Croxall GP 4 4 2 6 2 – 9 – – 8 5 –Doxey – 2 9 8 10 8 14 14 10 7 5 3Drayton Bassett – – – 2 6 1 12 – – – – –Elford Gravel Pits – 6 13 14 – – – 8 – – 15 2Greenway Bank CP – 10 – 8 6 – 5 – – 2 – 1Tittesworth 3 5 6 6 11 8 14 16 18 10 8 4Edgbaston Reservoir 17 16 34 28 21 – 12 – – – – 4Fens Pools 4 9 8 6 10 12 12 11 10 10 10 12Marsh Lane NR – 6 8 6 3 3 6 4 4 2 6 2Netherton Reservoir 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 – – 2Olton Mere 12 20 26 8 – – 6 – 22 – – 11Sandwell Valley 3 2 6 3 2 2 2 4 4 7 10 3Sheepwash UP 2 4 – 6 7 – 4 – – – – –Sutton Park 2 14 12 6 2 1 – – – 9 – –WeBS 2005 431 289 339 312 242 295 356 380 384 393 335 328WeBS 2006 270 300 322 270 258 223 291 360 387 472 394 291


Warks Proved breeding pairs were located at: Brandon (two), Chesterton (three),Compton Verney (three), Coton/Lea Marston (three), Dosthill Lake, Earlswood (three),Fisher’s Mill GP, Kingsbury (five), Ladywalk (two), Lower Radbourn, Middleton Hall,Napton Res (three), Packington Park (at least two at the Great Pool), Ryton Pools CP,Salford Priors GP (two pairs bred for the first time), Seeswood Pool, Shustoke andWormleighton Res (two). The best count at Brandon was ten on February 12th.Worcs Three pairs bred successfully at Bishampton Vale Pool and single pairs fledgedyoung at Church Lench Pool, Grimley Old Workings and Mill Shrub Pool. Few recordswere received away from the tabulated sites, but seven were counted at Trimpley Reservoiron March 4th, 10 at Hewell Grange on April 12th, then six on November 11th and sevenat Bishampton Vale Pool on December 25th.Staffs Breeding was reported from Aqualate (three juveniles), Belvide (one juvenile),Blithfield (three), Brookleys Lake (one), Chasewater (four from two pairs of which threesurvived), Doxey (five pairs, eight young), Drayton Bassett Pits (three pairs, seven youngnot all survived), Central Forest Park (four juveniles), JCB North Lake Rocester (twoyoung), Tixall Bridge (two pairs, two young) and Westport (three juveniles). Reports ofattempted breeding, but no records of young, were received from Croxall, Holden LanePools, Hollybush Lake and Tittesworth.W Mid Pairs were only reported breeding at Dartmouth Park (three young fledged),Marsh Lane NR (two pairs), Olton Mere (14 juveniles counted on September 11th) and

Sheepwash UP (three attempted, but only one successful). Away from tabulated sites, highcounts in March included 26 at Olton Mere on 1st and 14 at Bartley Reservoir on 4th,whilst small numbers were also noted at Bradnock’s Marsh, Mary Stevens Park, MoseleyPark, Trittiford Pool and Walsall Arboretum.

2005 AddendumWarks There were 21 at Coombe Abbey on May 9th.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegenaScarce winter visitor and passage migrant.Warks A single bird was reported from Brandon on September 4th BMCG.Staffs Two located at Alrewas Junction Pit on January 28th increased to three from 29thuntil February 10th, with two relocating to Chasewater on 11th GEv and Belvide on 12thSNu, the other staying at Alrewas until 13th. A juvenile at Belvide on September 8th SNuwas the only autumn sighting.

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritusScarce winter visitor and passage migrant.Warks Single birds were reported at Draycote on January 28th REH, DJS et al andFebruary 7th RBR, and again on November 1st and 25th RCM. More unusually, a breeding-plumaged male was at Alvecote from May 19th-June 3rd RLS et al, and was seendisplaying to Great Crested Grebes during its stay. The species has not previously beenrecorded in the region in June.Staffs One in summer plumage at Pretty Pigs Pool, Alvecote May 19th-June 3rd GJMet al (the same bird as in Warks above) and two at Chasewater on November 28th PDJ.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollisUncommon passage migrant and summer visitor, which sporadic breeding. Rare in winter.Warks After two very pooryears there was a much bettershowing, commencing with the2005 wintering bird whichremained at Dosthill Lake untilat least January 3rd SSe et al.Another was seen to arrive atDraycote in the late afternoonof February 21st JJB; whilemore typical spring birdsappeared there on April 4th and8th, with two on the latter dateTBr et al. An adult in breedingplumage was admired by manyobservers at Brandon on July2nd BMCG, while post-breeding singles were recorded at Hemlingford Water, Kingsburyon August 27th SLC et al and Draycote on 29th LPr, PPr and September 15th TBr. Finallya late bird was seen at Draycote on December 8th JJB et al.Worcs Just two autumn birds were reported, with an adult on Throckmorton Lagoonsfrom July 7th-9th RAP et al and a juvenile at Westwood Pool on August 9th WDu et al.Staffs Two pairs displayed and one attempted to breed but failed. Sadly this was almost

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Black-necked Grebe, Brandon, Steve Valentine

certainly due to human disturbance. In the spring there was one at Blithfield from April11th-16th, Gailey 12th-20th and June 9th-11th and two at Belvide on May 24th. In July,two dropped into Belvide on 1st-2nd, then an adult and juvenile from 8th-12th, the juvenileremaining until 21st. In the autumn a juvenile lingered from August 18th, being joined byan adult and juvenile on September 1st, one of these remaining until September 4th whenjoined by a second bird. Finally, one was seen on October 13th. Perhaps some of these birdsalso visited Gailey where three adults and a juvenile were in residence from July 17th-31st,the adult remaining until August 7th when joined by a juvenile, which stayed for the restof the month. This juvenile remained into September when two more birds joined it from5th, increasing to two adults and three juveniles from 9th-14th. Three birds remained on15th then just an adult on 16th. Elsewhere, a juvenile was at Copmere on July 8th, an adultand juvenile at Blithfield on 13th, the juvenile remaining until 23rd, one at Chasewater on16th, two at Fisherwick/Elford North Pit on 16th, an adult and juvenile at Blithfield on30th and one on September 19th. At Aqualate there was one on August 15th and anotherfrom September 22nd-October 12th, with two additional birds on September 26th. Finally,a wintering adult remained at Barton GP from December 17th until the year’s end.W Mid An adult remained at Sheepwash UP from May 10th-13th ICW.

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinusRare, mainly storm-driven, autumn vagrant (8/10).Warks A single bird was at Draycote for over an hour on September 19th TMa et al.Worcs One was found stranded at Tenbury Wells High School on September 21st, takeninto care and released on the coast the following day ICre.Staffs An excellent year for pelagic birds generally and three “Manxies” in one year isthe highest annual total since 1985. One spent the day at Blithfield on June 14th GJM (fewif any records in this month in the region), an exhausted bird at Edwin Close Penkridge onSeptember 22nd, despite being chased by cats, was taken into care uninjured GWe and thethird was seen at Aqualate on 23rd DWE, SME.

Leachʼs Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoaRare, wind-blown autumn vagrant (5/10).Warks It was an exceptional year forthis oceanic waif, with four representingthe largest annual total in the county sincethe famous wreck of 1952. A single birdwas present for just a minute towards duskat Shustoke on December 7th BLK, beforedeparting north-east. On the same dateone appeared at Draycote, again in lateafternoon, but this bird was reportedlycaught and eaten by a Herring Gull perJJB. On December 8th another waspresent at Draycote in the morning, beingjoined by a second bird during lateafternoon RCM et al.Worcs Last observed in the county in1997, an incredible five individuals wererecorded, all but one being storm-driven

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Leachʼs Petrel Phil Jones

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birds during early December. One was found late in the afternoon at Westwood Pool onNovember 19th GDL et al. then, in December, one was picked up in the car park at BrintonCarpet Factory, Kidderminster on 5th, but died a few hours later per SDi, one was founddead in a field along the River Teme at Broadwas on 6th ACa, another was found wanderingaround Tesco’s car-park in Redditch and taken into care on 8th per SDi and finally one wasobserved flying south over floodwaters at Bredon’s Hardwick also on 8th GHP.Staffs One at Blithfield on October 18th GJM was the first since 1989 and dulyattracted a large crowd of admirers. Another was picked up dead by a non-birder at QVFTollgate Industrial Estate (Stafford) on an unspecified date “in the autumn” per CSi, RTo.Winter storms in December resulted in several inland “wrecks” across the UK, includingone at Belvide on 8th PCo, SNu, and another there briefly the following day SNu. Fourbirds in one year is a county record.W Mid One was found dead in the porch of a Bournville house on December 7th EWrand another was found alive in Tysley the next day, but later died in care per LCo.

Northern Gannet Morus bassanusRare passage migrant and storm-driven vagrant (8/10).Worcs An adult was discovered in a field near Holt Heath on March 28th, taken intocare on 29th and then released off the Severn Bridge, Gloucestershire on April 1st SD.Staffs Flyover birds are usually noted each year, but the combination of fog and a snowstorm caused an adult bird to land briefly at Tittesworth on March 12th RCH.W Mid An adult bird flew over Sandwell Valley on 15th March SWeb – the first countyrecord since 1991.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carboFairly common winter resident and passage migrant. Uncommon breeder.


Brandon 98 31 14 9 9 2 5 15 11 10 15 33Coton/Lea Marston 10 – 30 3 6 3 6 15 54 16 30 18Draycote 75 33 31 8 9 4 2 6 12 21 58 80Kingsbury area 60 57 32 26 12 27 16 55 33 51 63 45Ladywalk 195 189 150 32 5 – 20 57 104 106 177 291The Salfords 32 37 40 10 1 4 4 5 7 16 33 43Bittell Reservoir 50 50 43 8 7 4 4 2 24 6 28 20Bredonʼs Hardwick 22 3 17 12 12 2 7 11 9 25 17 20Grimley New Workings 3 2 2 – – – – 3 2 2 1 4Gwen Finch Wetland 9 5 2 2 – – – 1 2 2 – 2Kinsham Lake – – – – – – 1 2 – 6 1 2Upton Warren 6 7 5 3 1 1 5 7 11 13 17 15Westwood Pool 26 5 5 1 3 2 22 26 36 39 38 24Alrewas 1 2 – 1 2 2 – – – 5 1 1Aqualate 55 25 53 61 38 57 77 29 55 27 47 51Belvide 18 16 10 7 – 1 1 16 3 90 84 1Blithfield 14 31 27 32 1 – 40 70 70 86 51 42Chasewater 20 8 2 2 – – 2 1 1 6 14 40Copmere 17 15 3 3 2 – 1 – 8 7 4 6Croxall GP – – – 1 – – 6 – – 14 – –Doxey 6 3 3 7 2 1 2 3 8 7 13 3Elford Gravel Pits – 1 2 1 – – – – – 2 11 11Tittesworth 21 13 13 12 11 8 14 10 12 11 14 7Tixall Bridge – – 2 4 2 2 1 – 1 2 6 3Marsh Lane NR 30 24 22 12 6 6 8 8 12 15 23 69

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J F M A M J J A S O N DSandwell Valley 2 1 1 2 – – – – 1 6 4 2Sheepwash UP 2 2 2 2 1 3 1 3 1 2 3 2Smestow Valley – – 4 2 – – – 2 – 3 1 3WeBS 2005 431 349 272 163 181 226 276 252 233 558 258 346WeBS 2006 345 237 264 186 130 164 229 224 330 307 471 231


Warks The breeding colony at Coombe Abbey again increased this year with at least 30nests occupied. The largest counts away from the main waters included maxima of 15 atFarnborough Park on January 8th, 27 in Charlecote Park on February 18th, 11 on the lakeat DMC Kineton on 26th, 12 at Earlswood Lakes on March 3rd, 100 at Coombe Abbey on11th and 56 at Shustoke on August 11th. The Ladywalk roost reached a new high inDecember, with at least 291 present.Worcs Away from the tabulated localities Trimpley Reservoir held three on January 8th,eight were on Throckmorton Lagoons on September 24th and three at Hewell Grange onNovember 13th.Staffs The only breeding record came from a site in the west of the county where 31nests were counted in April, most of the young having fledged and departed by mid-May butsome nests were still holding young on July 16th. Away from the tabulated sites maximumcounts were; 21 at Black Bank on August 29th flying south-east, 20 at Dosthill on March21st, 11 at Shebdon on December 3rd and 10 at Silverdale colliery on December 9th.W Mid Highs of five birds flew over Olton Mere on April 27th and Goscote Valley onMay 10th. Up to three were also seen at Bartley Reservoir, Chelmsley Wood, CoundonWedge, Dartmouth Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Netherton Reservoir, Stubbers Green andSutton Park.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelisScarce visitor in all months, with occasional influxes in autumn and winter.Warks The only report was of a juvenile present at Napton Res from November 26th-December 8th JJB, DHa et al, with the bird found freshly dead on the last date. This smallreservoir seems to have a curious attraction for this species, with other recent birds therein 1996, 2000 and 2005.Staffs An immature lingered at Branston Water Park from December 2nd-10th ESC et al.

Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellarisScarce winter visitor. Rare in summer.Warks This charismatic species continues to overwinter at both the two main reedbedreserves. At Brandon during the first quarter the bird from 2005 was seen regularly up toMarch 28th, but with two on March 14th JMR et al. Ladywalk also had a bird (presumablyagain the individual from 2005), which was observed on dates during February 1st-March9th, with two there on March 2nd-3rd JHa, BLK et al. There were less frequent sightingsin the autumn; mainly at Ladywalk, where a bird was seen regularly from October 13th-November 3rd, and then again on November 16th and December 29th JHa et al. The onlysightings at Brandon involved singles on November 12th and 19th BMCG. In addition, abird was seen in flight at dusk over Fisher’s Mill GP on November 28th BLK, and anotherwas flushed from the edge of the Typha bed at Napton Res on December 7th RCM.Worcs During the first winter period the bird at Upton Warren first observed in 2005,remained in residence at the Moors Pool until February 28th. One was observed at Church

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Lench Pool on February 4th RAP et al, after being reported by fishermen as being presentthroughout January and was also seen on February 12th and 28th. One flew low over ArrowValley Golf Course on February 5th SPay and during the second winter period, onereturned to the Moors Pool, Upton Warren from September 19th TNo et al, two werepresent from November 1st to the year’s end TPh et al, with three observed on November13th and 14th CLa et al.Staffs A wintering bird at Aqualate was seen on ten occasions from January 1st untilMarch 18th and on three occasions between November 19th and December 19th manyobservers. Another was seen at Branston Water Park on December 12th DAS per ESC.

Little Egret Egretta garzettaUncommon and increasing visitor.Warks


Brandon – – – – 2 1 1 1 – – – –Dosthill/Kingsbury – – 1 1 – 1 1 5 7 4 1 –Ladywalk – 1 – – – 1 – 1 1 – – –Salford Priors GP 1 1 – – 1 – 2 1 2 1 – –

The numbers visiting the county continue to rise and this year the Tame Valley regainedtop spot. Here birds increased from early August as a regular roost developed at Otter Poolin Kingsbury WP, and here there was a county record peak of seven on September 20th and24th JKLA, WJE. Birds continued to use this roost site until October 24th. Elsewhere in thevalley single birds were seen less regularly in the Coton/Lea Marston area, Middleton HallPool and Whitacre Heath NR, mainly in August and September but with two at Coton onDecember 28th. Other reports in the north involved a single bird at Seeswood Pool onFebruary 13th and another at Alvecote on June 19th, with two there on August 4th. In thesouth there was a long-staying adult in Charlecote Park from February 12th-March 19th,with presumably the same bird seen in a roadside ditch near Wellesbourne on February23rd and March 18th. Possibly the same bird was seen again on the River Avon at MytonFields (Warwick) on March 31st, on the Avon at Barford on May 25th, in Warwick CastlePark on June 4th and then regularly at a new pool at Longbridge from June 5th-July 10that least. Another long-stayer was on the Clayhill Brook at Long Lawford from February24th-March 17th. Other singles were reported during the year at DMC Kineton on March17th, Draycote on April 24th and May 6th, Sweet Knowle on May 23rd, Wootton Wawenon July 27th, Earlswood Lakes on August 23rd and again on 27th-28th, and on the RiverArrow at Alcester on September 22nd. There were two at Coombe Abbey on August 26th.Worcs Three spring records comprised singles at Grimley Heronry Wood on April 29th,Grimley New Workings on May 14th and Longdon Marsh on 25th. The autumn influxcommenced with one at Bredon’s Hardwick on July 2nd and elsewhere, singles wereobserved daily at Gwen Finch Wetland between 13th-August 4th, with two also present onJuly 21st, then three on 23rd and a single on August 12th. Singles were noted at WestwoodPool on July 14th and Kinsham Lake on 18th and August 3rd, whilst at Grimley NewWorkings singles or pairs were recorded almost daily between July 18th-August 15th. Oneflew over Kidderminster on July 24th, Upton Warren held single birds on many datesbetween 25th-September 7th, plus two were observed here on August 26th and GrimleyOld Workings attracted one on July 27th and 30th, plus two on August 14th. One was alongthe Croome River on July 29th, Bredon’s Hardwick held four and three on 31st and August

19th respectively, two were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on August 5th and 6th and singlesat Throckmorton Lagoons on 10th and Hollywood Golf Course on 19th. During the secondwinter period Westwood Pool held singles on October 4th, November 11th-19th andDecember 8th, singles were noted at Bredon’s Hardwick on October 21st, Upton Warrenon November 16th, Kempsey Lower Ham from December 10th-16th and Grimley NewWorkings on 31st. Two were also noted at Westwood Pool on December 26th.Staffs Birds were seen in all months of the year, reflecting the continuing rise innumbers year on year. In addition, the map compares sightings in 2001-03 (orange squares)with those in 2004 – 06 (dots), showing a clear range expansion. From January to February11th, two birds were regularly seen at Whitemoor Haye, Croxall, Walton-on-Trent, BartonGP, with one remaining on and off until April 17th. Elsewhere two flew west over Belvideon January 17th, with one west on March 5th, one was at Blithfield on February 2nd, oneat Gailey February 5th-6th, one at Blithfield on March 8th and another at Fazeley on April19th. One at Drayton Bassett Pit on April 23rd-24th returned on May 6th. Another made abrief visit to Belvide on May 26th. In June,three were at Croxden on 3rd and one flewover Knypersley on 4th. In July, three atTittesworth on 16th dropped to one the nextday then two on 20th-21st; one was atWhitemoor Haye on 20th, two on 25th, one on28th and 30th. At Blithfield, the first post-breeding arrival was on August 7th, rising tofive on 19th-23rd, with regular sightingsthereafter peaking at six on 31st andSeptember 20th, before dropping to four untilOctober 1st, three on 2nd, two on 5th and oneon 8th with the same or another on 19th.Similarly, at Drayton Bassett Pits, one onAugust 8th rose to four by 21st, five on 28thand October 3rd, with one or two winteringbirds from November 30th until year’s end.One at Croxall GP on August 3rd was alsoseen intermittently at Whitemoor Haye andBarton GP, increasing to three by September 7th, four on 17th and November 26th with thelast bird seen on December 11th. Elsewhere there were four juveniles at Belvide on August21st, one at Tittesworth on 29th, one at Branston Water Park September 1st-3rd, one atCroxden Quarry on 11th, six at Fisherwick/Elford North Pit on November 19th, singles atShraleybrook on 27th and Belvide on 30th.W Mid Single birds were seen at Clayhanger Marsh on April 16th-17th, 24th and 26th-28th, May 9th, September 12th and October 21st, Marsh Lane NR from April 20th-24th,on August 24th-25th and 28th, and September 4th, Hampton in Arden from April 21st-23rd, in flight over Aldridge on July 10th, at Sandwell Valley in August and September, andin flight over Dunstall Park and Smestow Valley on October 21st – the second local record.Two flew over Fens Pools on May 14th.

Great White Egret Ardea albaVery rare vagrant (5/10).Warks An exceptional three records doubles the county total, but none were

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unfortunately available for a wider audience. One at Chesterton Pools on March 24th HTeVhad been present since 21st according to estate workers. They last saw the bird fly off tothe north-east on the afternoon of the 24th. The second record involved a single bird whichgave good views as it flew south-east over the Stratford Canal near Lowsonford at 07.30on September 25th LCl. The third was present at Salford Priors GP on December 17th JJB,before flying off south at about 08.45.

Grey Heron Ardea cinereaFairly common resident.


Brandon 12 7 5 6 8 9 17 15 11 10 4 8Ladywalk 10 12 3 7 3 15 16 10 12 11 5 5Salford Priors GP 4 11 6 9 9 17 12 17 21 21 10 11Bittell Reservoir 6 5 2 6 7 4 5 5 13 5 5 5Bredonʼs Hardwick 8 7 5 4 1 1 3 1 3 4Grimley New Workings 3 2 2 – – 1 1 3 2 3 1 1Gwen Finch Wetland 2 – 1 1 – 2 12 3 – 2 – –Kinsham Lake 2 2 – 1 – – 1 1 1 6 3 4Upton Warren 8 4 3 6 7 6 11 10 12 7 5 5Westwood Pool 1 2 2 1 2 4 16 15 7 20 2 3Belvide – – – – – – – – – 13 16 –Blithfield – 8 – 6 – – 13 17 42 28 8 –Chasewater – – – 3 – – 4 4 3 3 2 3Doxey 9 11 4 5 8 9 6 8 9 15 13 6Gailey – 20 – 20 – – – 10 – – – –Tittesworth 2 1 4 3 4 11 13 4 6 6 5 3Tixall Bridge – – 8 – – 7 – – – 7 7 8Marsh Lane NR 4 3 5 4 4 5 6 9 8 5 3 4Sandwell Valley 15 10 6 20 25 4 6 3 3 3 4 4Smestow Valley 3 2 2 3 5 11 16 9 12 5 3 2

Warks Counts of occupied nests at our established heronries came from: CharlecotePark (16-18), Chesterton Wood (three), Coleshill (five at a new site), Coombe Abbey (60),Middleton Hall (9-11), Sweet Knowle (three) and Warwick Castle Park (17). There werenone at Baddesley Clinton this year and it is thought that the heronry is probably nowextinct. Away from the tabulated sites, counts included a party of nine flying south-west atdusk from Warwick University to Crackley Wood on January 11th, 12 at Coton on 29th and18 at Alvecote on February 8th.Worcs The breeding populations remained stable at both Grimley (26 pairs) and SevernStoke (27 pairs). No over records received away from the tabulated sites.Staffs A number of sites were missing from the nest count this year. Those that werereceived include; Aqualate 43, Bagots Wood 45, Checkhill 8, Cowhay NR 3, Eccleshall 22,Enville 39, Gailey 20, Greenway Bank two, Hazelstrine 24, Onecote four, Tittesworth twoand Trentham 16. At Tittesworth on May 9th a heron was observed eating a Mallardduckling.W Mid Several pairs again bred at Sandwell Valley, with seven nests used at Olton Mereand one pair nested for the first time in Dartmouth Park. Birds were also noted throughoutthe year at Saltwells LNR and Sheepwash UP (into double figures), as well as at manyother locations across the county. A count of 16 birds at Dunstall Park on July 26th was asite record, whilst ten were noted at Bartley Reservoir on September 21st. At Marsh LaneNR, birds were seen to predate Little Grebe and Mallard young.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellusStaffs A juvenile was found at Newhall, Swadlincote, Derbyshire on September 17th.At 11am on 18th it was seen to fly off north-west heading into Staffordshire over Burton-on-Trent AAr, DPr. This is the second county and regional record, the first occurring over150 years ago at Fradley on January 13th 1840. The bird subsequently took up residenceon the Lancashire coast, remaining there for over a year.On Monday 18th September 2006 Dave Pratt and I were watching a Glossy Ibis near Newhall, Swadlincote,Derbyshire. The bird showed extremely well and escaped Puna Ibis was quickly eliminated from the equation. At11.01am the bird decided to take flight. It circled low for a while before heading off in a north-westerly direction.Through my scope I managed to track its progress at it made its way towards Burton-upon-Trent. The bird thencircled for a few minutes over what I estimated at the time to be the River Trent just east of Burton before continuingits leisurely trajectory north-west. We eventually lost view of the bird at 11.25am. The bird seemed to keep to itsfavoured flight path as what was undoubtedly the same individual was then seen briefly at Martin Mere WWT,Lancashire at 12.30pm on Wednesday 20th September 2006. This location is approximately 80 miles (as the Ibisflies) to the north-west of Swadlincote. The bird has now been resident in the north-west of England until June 2007at least. Even though I was standing just inside the county of Derbyshire whilst watching the bird, it was definitelyseen to enter Staffordshire air space over Burton-on-Trent. If it kept to its north-westerly route on its way to MartinMere it would have headed towards Uttoxeter then Cheadle before heading between Leek and Stoke-on-Trent.

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodiaRare summer visitor (8/10).Staffs One flew over Westport Lake on May 30th WJL while an immature landed in TadBay, Blithfield at 11.30 on September 14th and left 45 minutes later TBag.

Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorusRare passage migrant and summer visitor (9/10). Two 19th century breeding records.Staffs A good year for sightings. In spring, one passed over Knypersley Reservoir onApril 4th GBr and another over Milford Common on May 25th MGo. In the autumn, asatellite-tagged juvenile departed its breeding area in North Scotland on September 7th,moving a few miles to the south-east 8th-15th, then headed south roosting at Carnwath,South Lanarkshire 13th-15th. On 16th it was detected at dawn at Cannock Chase, probablyhaving roosted there overnight. At 09:30 it was on active migration over Wolverhamptonand from there moved to Claverley, 5 miles east of Bridgnorth before being picked up againon 19th at Warminster, Wiltshire per RCB, FCG. Presumably the same bird was observedflying over Gailey also on 16th SAR, IMo with another juvenile over Belvide the next daySNu.

Red Kite Milvus milvusScarce though increasing visitor, partly from released stock. Bred until the early 19thCentury.Warks There was a huge increase in records this year, with over twice the numberrecorded in 2005. Eighteen of these were reported in spring, with a significant number ofthese birds observed heading northwards. There were February singles at Warmington on5th, Draycote on 11th, between Darlingscott and Armscote on 23rd (carrying an orangewing-tag), Draycote again on 25th and over the A46 near Wolston on 26th. Another orange-tagged bird was at Knightcote on March 5th, followed by singles at Beaudesert, Henley-in-Arden on 8th, Ashorne on 26th, Wormleighton Res on April 7th, possibly the same againat both Fenny Compton and Knightcote on 8th and over Earlswood Lakes on 10th. On April11th one flew west at Kingsbury, with another reported from Astley on the same day. Abird was also present at Dordon for at least two days about the same time. One flew south

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high over Brandon on April 27th with another on the Fenny Compton Hills on the samedate. Further birds were noted at Draycote on May 4th and at Pillerton Hersey on 16th. Anapparent small influx during early June produced singles at Kingsbury Colliery spoilmounds on June 1st and 4th, at Fisher’s Mill GP (probably the same) on 2nd, two in theFarnborough/Fenny Compton area on 4th, one over Warwick on 7th, one at Binley Woodsand then Brandon on 10th, one over Draycote on 11th and two over Ladywalk on 13th.Further birds were reported at Ladywalk again on July 4th, by the River Arrow at Wixfordon 11th, at Alscot Park on 28th, over both Lighthorne and Longbridge on August 28th, atDraycote on October 7th and beside the M42 motorway near Polesworth on 17th. Sightingsof an immature at Wormleighton on December 24th, Oakley Wood on 25th and thenCompton Scorpion on 26th may have involved just one westward wandering individual.Worcs Just a single bird observed during the first winter period, at Fladbury onFebruary 27th, then sighting increased markedly during March, with singles reported fromBritish Camp IWe and Kempsey AHoll on 5th, Caunsall on 14th, Hartlebury ISa and UpperBittell Reservoir GJM on 20th and Upton Warren on 26th PMA, NOa, MIW, BPo. Springobservations came from Marlbrook on April 7th SSh, Fish Hill on 13th MET, Clevelode on15th MAS, Upper Bittell Reservoir on 18th SP, Swinyard Hill on 27th RHus, Bredon Hillon May 10th and 12th RAP et al, Dowles Brook on 13th JDav and Woodbury Quarry on18th. A scattering of sightings continued throughout the summer months, with singlesnoted at Crabbe Tree Farm on June 1st, Nafford on 2nd, Bredon Hill on 2nd and 19th RAP,Defford Airfield MSm and Malvern Link WEP on 3rd, Hollybed Common on 10th MSm,Astley Cross on 14th SBea, Feckenham on 16th JDav, Pendock on 18th VPh, Hollywoodon July 7th JWin and Worcestershire Beacon on 12th MBr. Hereafter sightings became fewand far between, with one at Castlemorton Common on August 6th Wde, one at HoltPrairies on September 20th TWel and one at Upton Warren on October 7th DREW. Singlesalso observed on or around Bredon Hill on many dates between September 10th-October15th RAP et al.StaffsYear <1990 1990-99 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Birds 5 13 9 4 3 15 4 11 12

Sightings continue to show an increasing trend, as a result of the national re-introductionschemes. Singles were noted at Belvide on March 10th per SNu, over Tatenhill Airfield onMarch 25th JBird, over Aqualate on 29th PJA, over Strawberry Hill the next day RSo withit or another over the A38 south of Lichfield FCG, at Belvide on April 6th SNu, 29th GJM,Handsacre Flash on June 10th ESC, Stafford on June 10th MSu, Aqualate on July 30th PJorand August 21st EHu with one at Belvide on August 15th. Many more records appearedon various hotlines but unfortunately no descriptions were submitted.W Mid Single birds were seen flying over Wordsley on March 12th GPa, Marsh LaneNR on April 2nd, May 1st and June 1st per NPB, West Bromwich (viewed from an officewindow) on April 7th REH, Shirley Heath School on June 8th NDG and Sutton Coldfieldin October per SBo. Unsubstantiated reports related to individuals over Solihull on April6th, Four Oaks on 16th, and both Northfield and Wednesfield on June 4th.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosusScarce passage migrant.

Warks A female mobbed by Carrion Crows and Common Buzzards at Brandon onJanuary 29th BMCG, may have been the same bird as that recorded near Kenilworth in

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December 2005. An immature male drifting north-east at Ladywalk being mobbed byCommon Buzzards on February 25th JNe, SSe was probably an early spring passagemigrant. Two more early migrants were noted in March, with a female flying north-east atKingsbury in the early evening of March 23rd WJE, and another over Ladywalk on 27thper SSe. More typically, single adult males passed through Draycote on May 6th RCM andFenny Compton on 9th JJB, a female was at Brandon on 14th-15th BMCG, and anotherfemale was at Cliff Pool, Kingsbury on 19th PAJN, BWo, SCWo. Just four singles werenoted on return passage, with single “cream-crowns” at Brandon on August 6th GBl and17th BMCG, a female at Kingsbury on September 9th SSe et al, and a juvenile at Ladywalkon 23rd per SLC. At least two of these were seen to depart to the south.Worcs Three spring passage females observed in the county, the first being at theFlash Pools at Upton Warren on April 30th BRS, DREW, AWa et al. Kinsham Lake heldone from May 6th-9th AWa et al., then this same individual was seen nearby at GwenFinch Wetland on 10th and 11th JHo et al. and a new female was spotted at Kinsham Lakeon 20th GHP.Staffs As with Red Kite, several observations were reported but not submitted withdescriptions. A female/immature passed over Lum Edge on May 4th RMB, with others atBelvide on 14th and 18th SNu, then Aqualate SPar and a female/immature at BateswoodCP on June 2nd MSu, an immature at Blithfield August 12th-16th SAR, GJM, ESC andagain on 20th GSu, one at Doxey on September 10th MCr and finally a female/immatureat Aqualate on September 25th DCham.

1994 AddendumWarks A female was seen near the Daventry Road in the northern part of Grandboroughparish on April 23rd TMa.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneusScarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred in Staffs in 1974-5 and 1979.Warks Eight new birds in the county this year was the best total ever. During the firstquarter the wintering adult female from 2005 remained in the Dosthill/Kingsbury areauntil April 28th many observers. It was also reported from nearby Coton on February 14th.A male and female were present in the Honiley/Wroxall area from around January 10th-March 10th PAp. On autumn passage single ringtails were observed at Brandon onSeptember 1st and October 5th JMR et al, at Kingsbury on 24th WJE, and at Wormleightonon 31st JJB. A ringtail was mobbed by crows at Middleton on November 27th SPn, whilea male was present in the Dosthill/Kingsbury area from December 11th-14th SLC, WJE,JMal et al.Worcs An adult male arrived at Defford Airfield on March 4th MSm et al. and was lastobserved here on 15th. Presumably the same male was seen on Bredon Hill on April 9thRAP, then at Cowsden on May 23rd GHP, WFP et al and Hindlip on 25th SBl.Staffs A wintering female at Drayton Bassett Pits/Dosthill remained until March 25th,although it was seen again on April 18th JHa et al. At Swallow Moss, a male and ringtailroosted most evenings JAL et al. The ringtail moulted into male plumage during its stayand on January 20th they were joined by a third, female bird RMB. Sightings were regularuntil February 18th, after which a male bird was seen on March 26th. A ringtail flewthrough Blithfield on April 26th PDH. On October 4th an immature was seen at GoldsitchMoss SJT and a second-year male quartered Drayton Bassett Pits/Dosthill on December11th-14th JHa, ARD.

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Montaguʼs Harrier Circus pygargusRare passage migrant (5/10).Worcs A female was discovered hunting along a wide set-aside margin of an oil seedrape crop on the eastern side of Bredon Hill on May 4th RAP. It then perched on a fencepost for around four minutes, before being flushed by a dog walker, then circled the rapefield twice, before heading off in a south-easterly direction. The first county record sinceone at Upton Warren in 1995.Staffs An immature female flew north over Whitemoor Haye on April 22nd at 17:45SAR, the first record since one at Belvide in May 2000.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilisScarce to uncommon resident and visitor.Warks Breeding was established at a locality in the south-west, where a pair and twoyoung were observed in July. Breeding season records also came from two traditional sitesin the north (at one of which a pair was rumoured to be present) and another in a centrallocality. Outside these areas there were a number of reports, mainly in autumn, fromseveral sites across the north of the county but most of these lack convincing descriptions,apart from an adult female flying east over Shustoke on October 18th JHa. In the south anadult male was seen at Halford on February 1st JJB.Worcs During the breeding season a pair was observed displaying above Wyre Foreston April 4th and a female was videoed plucking what was believed to be a Jackdaw on thelawn of a small Worcester suburban garden on May 19th AWin. This seemed a very strangelocality for a wild bird and the possibility of captive origin was considered, but the videoshowed the legs not to carry jesses and she also appeared unringed. She remained on thelawn for about an hour, before departing with prey. One at Upper Welland on December27th IDu, was the only other sighting this year.Staffs Probably bred at four sites with juveniles seen at one (sites and observerswithheld). The only other sightings were a male at Seighford on January 2nd MGo, a well-watched bird at Blithfield March 4th-11th GJM et al, a female at Hanchurch Woods on26th SJT and one at Tittesworth on September 3rd JOak, EPl, MBe.W Mid One lingered at Sheepwash UP during April per AGW.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisusFairly common resident.Warks No change in status. Breeding pairs were located at: Avon Dassett, Bishop’sItchington, Brandon, Chesterton Wood, Crimscote, Fenny Compton (two), Idlicote Hills,Ilmington Downs, Knavenhill Wood, Napton Hill, Oakley Wood, Oversley Wood, SalfordPriors GP, Spernall Park and near Wormleighton Res.Worcs The only report received of a nesting pair came from Upton Warren, where birdswere also observed throughout the year. Reported as resident at Timberhonger and otherrecords submitted were of one over a Malvern Link garden on March 17th, three in theWyre Forest on April 4th, three at Pershore on 15th and singles at Little Comberton on17th, Throckmorton Tip on 23rd and Bittell Reservoir on September 9th.Staffs Breeding pairs were confirmed at Chasewater, Coombes Valley, Doxey, Rantonand Tixall Bridge. Probably also bred at Brindley Ford. Records came from a further 23sites during the breeding season. Recorded from 97 sites outside the breeding season, witha maximum of four at Aqualate on March 21st and Wombourne on April 7th.

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W Mid Recorded during the breeding season at Alcester, Aldridge, Allesley Park,Ashmore Lake, Aston, Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Coundon Wedge, EdgbastonReservoir, Fibbersley, Hampton Coppice, Handsworth, Leighswood, Marsh Lane NR,Marston Green, Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Portway, Reedswood Park, SuttonPark, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Small Heath, Smestow Valley (atleast four pairs), West Bromwich and Whitley. Also noted at Acocks Green, BalsallCommon, Bartley Reservoir, Bournville, Birmingham, Burbury, Coombeswood, CradleyHeath, Daisy Bank, The Dingles, Five Ways, Great Barr, Hall Green, Highters Heath,Kingstanding, Kingswinford, New Invention, Olton Mere, Penn, Priory Fields,Thimblemill Brook, Walsall Airport and Warstock.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteoFairly common and increasing resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks A common bird distributed throughout the county. Breeding records included sixpairs in the Knavenhill Wood group of woodlands and six nests in Fenny Compton parish.At Wormleighton Res on July 27th a bird was watched carrying a large Grass Snake to thenest. There were otherwise numerous reports of up to ten together from localities in allcorners of the county, with higher counts including 11 at Dunnington on February 9th, 12at Fenny Compton on March 11th, a total of 25 passing through Ladywalk on April 1st, 17between Bidford and Marlcliff on 5th, 12 on Ilmington Downs on May 6th, 13 at Billesleyon June 23rd, 11 at Salford Priors GP on September 17th and 11 at Brandon on 26th.Worcs A common resident throughout the county. Reported from over 60 localitiesduring the breeding season, including a count of 20 birds in the Wyre Forest on April 4th,five at Hewell Grange on 12th, 16 on Bredon Hill on 17th, plus 12 on May 20th and 10 onJune 2nd, three territories were held along Dowles Brook, three breeding pairs in theTimberhonger area and a pair bred successfully at Bodenham Arboretum. Three adults andfour juveniles were seen over Evesham on August 24th and two juveniles were at LittleComberton on 26th. The best counts received outside the breeding season were of six atUpper Arley on January 29th, five at Beckford on March 6th, four at Bittell Reservoir on22nd, four at Strensham Lagoons on August 6th, six at Hollywood on 23rd, 12 on BredonHill on 25th, five at Redditch Town Centre on September 18th and 15 at Sheriff’s Lenchon 24th.Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Byrkley Park (two fledged), Belvide (three pairs, onefledged two birds), Coombes Valley (four pairs), Doley (two pairs, one and two fledged),Doxey (two pairs), River Sow Meadows (one nestling) and Tixall Bridge (one nest). Highcounts comprised eight at Blithfield and 15 at Gailey on March 25th, eight at Castle Ring(Cannock Chase) and 10 at Croxden Quarry on August 18th, 11 at Tixall Bridge onSeptember 8th, 11 at Tittesworth on 17th and 14 at Belvide on November 4th. An almostall white bird was noted at Tittesworth on August 21st.W Mid Breeding season records came from Aldridge, Chadwick End, Chelmsley Wood,Coundon Wedge, Fibbersley, Goscote Valley, Langley, Marsh Lane NR, Marston Green,Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Park Lime Pits, Penn, Quinton, Reedswood Park,Saltwells LNR (a pair present, but did not breed), Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP,Smestow Valley (two or three pairs bred, at least one successfully), Streetley and SuttonPark. Also noted at Balsall Common, Blythe Valley, Clayhanger, Cradley Heath, Dorridge,Fens Pools, Great Barr, Ketley Quarry, Kingswinford, The Leasowes, Leighswood, Lutley,Netherton, Sutton Coldfield, Temple Balsall, Trittiford Park, Walsall Airport, Walsgrave,West Bromwich, Whitley, Winson Green and Yew Tree. High counts included 13 over

Marsh Lane NR on March 19th and 12 on May 6th, 12 over Smestow Valley on March 6thand 29th, eight over Sandwell Valley in September, ten over Walmley on 6th and seven overCheswick Green on 17th and October 2nd. At Marsh Lane NR, presumably the same birdfed on fish and Mallard carcasses on February 15th-16th, respectively.

Osprey Pandion haliaetusUncommon passage migrant.Warks There were a record number of sightings this year, with a particularly impressivespring passage and the first recorded summering bird in the county. At least 13 briefly-staying spring migrants were notedin March and April; most of thesewere reported heading northwards.Single birds were reported overBrandon on March 26th and 29th,Pack ington Park and Coton on April3rd, Draycote on 4th, Kings bury on6th, Rugby on 8th, Alcester on 10th,Packington again on 12th, Draycoteagain on 14th, Dosthill Lake on 17thwith probably the same bird overMiddleton Hall the same day, overSeeswood Pool on 19th and overNuneaton on 29th. In May a singlecolour-ringed bird, first noted atCoombe Abbey on May 14th, appar -ently continued to visit there until atleast late July. From photographstaken per NPB, it was identified as abird in its second year from RutlandWater. All other records during thisperiod may well have referred to this individual which often took to wandering. Sightingscame from Draycote on May 10th, Ladywalk on 16th and 20th, in Packington Park on 31stand from June 15th-17th, and then at Kingsbury on 20th. At Brandon it was seen on June11th, 16th, 20th and July 6th. Possibly the last sightings of this bird was at Packington onAugust 3rd and then at Ladywalk on 7th, where it caught a fish before flying south. Twolong-staying birds lingered in autumn, with a juvenile in Packington Park from August 23rd-September 5th and another at Brandon from August 29th-October 28th, with two there onOctober 11th. Some of the other sightings of birds around the county during this period mayhave involved these two individuals but it is impossible to say for certain. Singles were notedat Ladywalk (a juvenile) on August 24th, Draycote on September 7th-8th, fishing atCompton Verney on an unrecorded day during the same month, over the River Avon atStoneleigh Abbey on 24th, flying south over the Dassett Hills at Farnborough on 26th, atDraycote on October 10th and over Cryfield on 12th.Worcs Singles were observed on spring passage at the Moors Pools, Upton Warren onApril 1st, Stourport-on-Severn on 4th, Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 18th, TrimpleyReservoir on 27th and Dowles Brook on 29th. During the autumn, Bredon’s Hardwick heldone from September 6th-19th, one was fishing for 30 minutes at Grimley New Workingson 10th TJ and another was fishing at Aztec Water Sports Lake, Lower Moor on 28th KM.

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Osprey, Brandon, Steve Valentine

Staffs

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Birds 17 11 6 21 16 39 33

A total of 19 birds was recorded on spring passage. The first was at Aqualate on April 3rd,then a long-stayer at Blithfield from 4th-17th and one over Pool Hall Fisheries also on 4th.Later, April sightings came from Aqualate (three), Baggeridge CP, Belvide (two), Dosthill,Seven Springs, Silverdale Colliery and Tittesworth. In May records came from Aqualate,Belvide (two), Blithfield (two) and Westport. Up to two visited Patshull Estate from June21st-23rd and singles, possibly the same bird, at Blithfield on 26th and 29th. On returnpassage, there were 11 birds, commencing with one Tittesworth on July 4th, then Blithfieldon August 26th, another from September 5th-12th which also visited Bagot’s Wood on 7th,Tittesworth on 15th, Aqualate and Gailey on 17th, Blithfield from 17th-22nd, Belvide andBaswich on 23rd, Westport on October 14th and finally Silverdale Colliery from 16th-22nd.W Mid Singles flew over Marsh Lane NR on April 12th and 29th, and June 23rd perNPB, and over Sandwell Valley in October PHac.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculusFairly common resident.Warks The population appears to remain fairly stable, with breeding pairs reported from:Broom, Charlecote Park, Compton Verney, Ettington Park, Fenny Compton, Fulready,Halford, Honington, Idlicote, Ladywalk, Maxstoke Priory, Morton Bagot, Nuneaton, PriorsHardwick, Salford Priors GP and Tredington.Worcs Just a single breeding record was received from Lower Moor, where young weresuccessfully reared. A pair were noted on Knighton Church tower during the breedingseason and other sighting made in this period at Bittell Reservoir, Hewell Grange,Hollybed Common, Holt Heath, Monkwood Green, Ryall Pits, Timberhonger, UptonWarren, Worcestershire Beacon and the Wyre Forest.Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Woodhead where a pair used a nest box, Ellastoneand Wardlow Quarry. Two pairs bred in the Silverdale area producing one and threefledglings, three juveniles with two adults at Brookleys, a juvenile was seen at Ranton anda group of eight adults and immatures hunted together at Wettonmill. Pairs were also notedat Doxey, Gib Torr, Hen Cloud, Knotbury and Weston Jones. Reported from 90 sites thisyear compared with 119 last year. This may in part be due to the drop in rodent numbersin 2006. Notable counts included five at Tixall Bridge on November 5th and four atCuckoo Bank on April 15th, Alrewas June 11th, Drystone Edge on 29th and Weaver Hillson September 1st.W Mid Pairs bred at Dunstall Park, Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory) and SmestowValley. Other breeding season records came from Aldridge, Bowmans Harbour, ChelmsleyWood, Cheswick Green, Coundon Wedge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fibbersley, Marsh LaneNR, Nailcote, New Invention, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Saltwells LNR, SheepwashUP, Sutton Park, West Bromwich and Winson Green. Also noted at Balsall Common, BarrBeacon, Beechdale Primary School, Birmingham, Cradley Heath, The Dingles, Fens Pools,Haden Hill Park, The Leasowes, Lutley Wedge, Maypole, Olton Mere, Reedswood Park,Rotton Park, Trittiford Park, Walsall Airport, Whitley, Wordsley and Yardley Wood. AtMarsh Lane NR, one tried taking a juvenile Lapwing on June 24th, but was seen off by aLapwing/Common Tern combination and was nearly drowned in the process, whilstanother appeared to be hawking dragonflies on July 24th.

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Merlin Falco columbariusUncommon winter visitor. Rare breeding species on the northern moors.

Warks The only report in the far north during the first quarter was of a female atAlvecote on January 2nd, one of two which were said to be present at nearby Shuttingtonduring the month. Another bird was present in the Coombe Abbey area during January-February, with possibly the same at nearby Brandon on February 26th and March 4th.Further south there were sightings of a bird at Knowle End on Edge Hill on January 4th,and a female at Napton Res on 5th with probably the same bird at Draycote from February8th-11th. Another female at Charlecote GP on January 6th was also seen at neighbouringWasperton on 31st. A bird was seen near Willington in the Stour Valley on January 30th,and the observer commented that he had seen them fairly regularly in that area for over 40years, showing that farmland wintering is not a new habit. DMC Kineton had a bird onFebruary 10th, followed by males at Salford Priors GP on 12th and Budbrooke on 26th. Afemale was seen daily at Fenny Compton from February 24th-March 5th, with possibly thesame bird at nearby Chapel Ascote on March 11th and Watergall on 15th. Also on March15th there were sightings of a male at Hill (Leamington Hastings) and a female atSnitterfield, while the last of the quarter involved a male at Forshaw Heath on 27th. Thefirst autumn record was of a female-type bird which flew south at Shustoke on September13th. Further Tame Valley reports concerned singles at Kingsbury on October 31st andLadywalk on November 19th. The best site in the north however was Birchmoor, wherebirds regularly attended a huge Linnet flock feeding in redundant farmland. The firstsighting here was of a female on October 27th, followed by a male from November 19th-December 1st and then a female again from December 9th-31st. Records from the southand east of the county included one at Draycote on October 9th-10th, single females atFenny Compton on 14th and Chesterton on November 7th, a male at Wormleighton Res on9th and 12th, a female at Compton Verney on December 3rd and 6th, and a final male atPriors Hardwick on 15th.

Worcs During the first winter period an immature male was at Wadborough on January2nd, an immature female at Grimley Old Workings on 7th, a female at Lower Moor on14th, a female at Shenstone on 16th, one at Grimley New Workings on 27th, a female atThrockmorton Tip and Airfield on 28th and at Holt Prairies a female was present onFebruary 12th, a male on 22nd and an immature on March 19th. Other March sightingscomprised an immature male at Gwen Finch Wetland on 3rd and 12th, a female atThrockmorton Tip on 7th and 10th, one at Severn Stoke on 11th, a female at DeffordAirfield on 15th and 23rd and a female at Westwood Pool on 25th. During April a malewas noted at Grimley New Workings on 3rd and singles were at Bredon’s Hardwick on 8thand Shenstone on 9th. An unseasonable male was reported from Little Comberton onAugust 6th. The second winter period produced one at Eckington on October 1st, ajuvenile at Westwood Pool and one at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 8th, plus Lower Moorhosted a male on 18th, a female on 26th and a male on November 8th, December 18th and28th. A female was spotted on the Malvern Hills on October 28th, Defford Airfield held amale throughout November and December, an adult male was at Grimley Old Workings onNovember 12th and 26th, a male between Drayton and Hillpool on 26th, an immaturefemale at Upton-upon-Severn on December 11th and an immature at Holt Prairies on 29th.

Staffs One pair bred successfully with three chicks with possibly another pair but thiswas unconfirmed. In the first winter period a pair lingered at Whitemoor Haye untilFebruary 8th and a female was seen three times at Belvide between January 8th and

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February 25th. Elsewhere birds were seen at Swallow Moss on January 2nd, Stramshall on7th, Aqualate on 8th (female/immature), Doxey on 12th (male), Middle Hills on 15th(male), Ingestre and Lightwood on 22nd, Blithfield on 27th (male), Prince Farm King’sBromley on 28th, Cuckoo Bank on February 9th, Doxey on 26th, Belvide on April 4th(female), Gailey on 9th (female) and Aqualate on 26th (male). In the second winter periodbirds were seen at Belvide, an immature was seen sporadically from September 16th-November 21st, an adult male on September 16th and November 25th and a female fromDecember 11th-15th. This last bird was seen to catch a Starling on 15th. A female/immature was recorded three times at Crossplains between September 23rd and November16th, as was one at Blithfield from October 6th-28th with it or another from December24th-28th. A female at Doxey from October 29th-December 9th was seen to catch a ReedBunting on November 4th. Other sightings came from Tittesworth on August 22nd, RifleRange on September 18th, Tittesworth on October 8th, an escape with jesses and bells atDrayton Bassett Pits on 13th, Chasewater on 15th (female), Cuckoo Bank on 28th(female/immature), Whitemoor Haye on 29th, Aqualate on November 7th (male), KeeleUniversity on 10th and 13th, Branston GP on December 2nd (male) and at Croxall GP.W Mid A male was noted at Monkspath on February 15th ARD and single female/immature birds were seen at Marsh Lane NR on March 24th and April 11th, Wiggins Hillon September 12th BLK, Wishaw Golf Course on October 23rd (taking Red Admiralbutterflies) and 24th BLK, and Smestow Valley on December 1st GAC, KMC.

Hobby Falco subbuteoUncommon, but increasing, summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: April 22nd (39) to October 8th (42).8-year average: April 12th (–10 days) to October 13th (+5 days).The first sighting was, in line with recent trends, at Shenstone on April 9th, the last onOctober 28th at Fenny Compton and Wordsley.Warks This little raptor appeared to enjoy a better year this year with a total of 23probable or confirmed breeding pairs located across the county, of which six were in thenorth, three were in the north-east and east, two in central locations and 12 were in thesouth. At eight sites where success was monitored, at least 12 young fledged and only oneof these pairs failed entirely. The first spring migrant appeared at Brandon on April 16th,with further birds at both Kingsbury and Ladywalk on 18th before the main arrival from25th. During June up to four adults could be seen hunting dragonflies at Brandon and fiveat Salford Priors GP. At the end of the season more were reported in early October thanusual, with reports of one or two birds coming from eight sites during October 1st-8th.Later birds were seen at Napton Res on October 14th, Bramcote Hall on 19th with ajuvenile at Fenny Compton on 28th JJB becoming the latest ever confirmed county record.Worcs Two pairs bred successfully in the south-east of the county, one fledging two andthe other a single young. Pairs were also reported during the breeding season at Clevelode,Gwen Finch Wetland, Kinsham Lake and Upton Warren. Singles were recorded in thebreeding season at Abberton, British Camp Reservoir, Bishampton Bank, Eckington,Evesham, Grimley New and Old Workings, Hampton, Hanley Swan, Little Comberton,Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor, Nineveh, Pershore, Stourport-on-Severn, Throckmorton Tipand Tilesford. The first spring bird was observed at Shenstone on April 9th and five werenoted at Kinsham Lake on May 17th and 19th. From the beginning of August, until earlyOctober, sightings came from 25 localities, including counts of four at Sheriff’s Lench onAugust 27th and three at Upton Warren on September 13th, plus a minimum of four birds

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were noted on Bredon Hill during August and September. The last five individuals wereobserved at Upper Bittell Reservoir on September 27th, Westwood Pool on 29th, UptonWarren on 30th and October 3rd, Lower Smite Farm on 6th and Bredon’s Norton on 7th.Staffs The first returning bird was seen at the Katyn Memorial on April 16th followedby one at Gailey the next day, with the main influx occurring from 22nd onwards. Breedingwas confirmed from four sites, producing one, two, three and four fledglings and birdswere seen at 32 other localities during June and July (cf. 33 in 2005). Counts of three birdswere logged at Aqualate from April to July rising to four in September. Three were alsopresent at Swallow Moss in May, Blithfield in August and Belvide in September. Autumnsightings were almost on a daily basis until September 25th, the last birds in October atAqualate (two) and Branston WP on 1st, Drayton Bassett Pits on 3rd and Blithfield on 4th.W Mid Two pairs bred in the county: one raised three young and the other at least two.At Marsh Lane NR, up to three birds were regularly noted between April 18th and October1st. Single birds were seen in the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area a record 13 times,from April 30th (the earliest ever locally) to September 6th. In Sandwell Valley, individualswere seen in May, June and August, with two in September. Single birds were noted atRussell’s Hall on May 27th, Sutton Park on June 3rd, Darby’s Hill and near to DorridgePark on 14th, Four Oaks on 18th, Walsall on July 7th, Barston STW on August 22nd,Hockley Heath on 28th, Goscote Valley on September 4th and Wordsley on October 28th.Birds were seen to take Little Ringed Plovers and Linnet at Marsh Lane NR.

2005 AdditionWarks The final total of confirmed breeding pairs was thirteen.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinusFrequent winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon breeding species.Warks A record five pairs were thought to have attempted breeding in the north and eastof the county, with two on quarry faces and three on man-made structures. At the latterthree sites, two pairs reared at least five young with the third clutch sadly reported to havebeen stolen by a collector. One of the quarry pairs may also have been robbed. Away frombreeding sites records came from over 40 localities during the year, with regular summersightings in the south-west perhaps suggesting that there may be more breeding pairs yetto be discovered.Worcs Pairs were present at seven suitable nesting localities during the breeding season,with two pairs successfully rearing broods of three and one pair fledged two young. Awayfrom the breeding sites, single juvenile birds were observed at Throckmorton Airfield onAugust 18th, at Lower Moor on 19th and at Upton Warren on October 19th. Reported from42 localities during the year, including winter period sightings from Bredon’s Hardwick,Bredon’s Norton, Clent Hills (two), Clifton Pits (two), Grimley New Workings (two),Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor (two), Lower Smite Farm, Malvern Hills, Malvern Link,Sheriff’s Lench, Stoke Bliss, Throckmorton Airfield, Upper Arley, Upper Bittell Reservoir(two) and Upton Warren (two).Staffs Successfully bred at four sites this year with a total of at least seven fledglings,failed at another site and possibly bred at a sixth site late on in the season – much the sameas last year. Birds were reported throughout the year with sightings from 60 localities, thesame at last year, suggesting that the increases in recent years might now be levelling off.Three were seen at Yoxall during August and an adult was robbed of its prey by a Raven atCroxden Quarry on January 21st.

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W Mid Pairs bred at the BT Tower and Fort Dunlop, both in Birmingham. A pairfrequented flats in Bloxwich during January and February. One or two birds were oftenseen perched on Coventry Old Cathedral from January 29th to March 4th. At Marsh LaneNR, two sightings were made in February and March, one in April and May, two in June,one in August and September, two in October, one in November and six in December; birdswere seen to take Eurasian Teal and Moorhen. In the Dunstall Park/Smestow Valley area,single birds were seen in February, May and September, and twice in October. AtChelmsley Wood, two flew over on July 27th and one on December 7th. Two birds werenoted at Wishaw on September 4th and 6th, with singles on October 27th and December15th. Individuals also flew over Sandwell Valley in January; Sheepwash UP on 4th;Erdington on February 6th; Rotton Park on March 25th; Goscote Valley on April 1st, June28th, July 21st and October 29th; Elmdon on May 13th; Clayhanger on 17th; ReedswoodPark on June 3rd, July 2nd and October 9th; Kingswinford on June 3rd; Sutton Park on11th; Nechells on September 19th; Garretts Green on November 18th; Dorridge on 28thand Dartmouth Park on December 15th.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticusFrequent winter visitor and uncommon resident.

Monthly maxima for selected sites:J F M A M J J A S O N D

Upton Warren 3 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 3 4 5Westwood Pool 3 2 2 2 2 – 1 2 1 3 3 2Marsh Lane 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 1Sandwell Valley 3 2 3 1 2 1 – 2 3 3 4 2

Warks Probable or confirmed breeding pairs were located at: Brandon (several broodsseen), Mancetter Quarry, Middleton Hall GP, Napton Res (two) and Salford Priors GP(two, one brood seen). Furtherbreeding season reports camefrom Abbots Salford, CoombeAbbey and Ladywalk. Outsidethis period maximum countsincluded at least 12 at SalfordPriors GP on October 29th,five at Wormleighton Res onNovember 12th and nine atBrandon on December 19th,while up to six were present atboth Ladywalk and Napton Resat both ends of the year. Othersites to hold one-three birds(often regularly) included:Abbey Fields (Kenilworth),Alvecote, Bedworth Slough,Brownsover Mill, Chesterton, Coton, Earlswood Lakes, Fenny Compton STW, Fisher’sMill GP, Guy’s Cliffe, Hampton Wood (River Avon), Knightcote, Lea Marston, LighthornePools, Lighthorne Quarry, Lower Radbourn, Napton Hill Quarry, Kingsbury WP,Seeswood Pool, Warwick Castle Park, Whitacre Heath NR and Whittleford Park. Oneunfortunate bird was killed by a car as it crossed a road at Whitacre Heath at dusk.

Water Rail at Brandon Marsh, Steve Valentine

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Worcs At least one pair reared two young at Gwen Finch Wetland and reported fromOakley Pool, Puxton Marsh and Upton Warren during the breeding season. During the firstwinter period, singles were at Grimley New Workings, six at Gwen Finch Wetland andthree at Lower Moor between January and March, one was at Castlemorton Common onJanuary 1st and one at Church Lench Pool on February 5th. Grimley Old Workings heldmaximum counts of four and Gwen Finch Wetland six during the second winter period,whilst four were at Lower Moor between November 5th-December 31st. Other sightingduring this period comprised one at Grimley New Workings on October 5th, two atKinsham Lake on 8th, four at Oakley Pool on November 3rd, two at Lower BittellReservoir on 19th and one at Clifton Pits on December 26th.Staffs In the first winter period birds were reported from Aqualate, AstonfieldsBalancing Lakes, Belvide, Branston WP, Drayton Bassett Pits and Doxey where nine birdswere noted on January 29th. Also reported from less regular sites at Festival Park (onFestival Pool), at Knypersley Reservoir and at Tixall Bridge. Breeding was confirmed atAqualate where juveniles were seen in mid-August and at Doxey where 29 pairs werepresent, slightly higher than the previous three years (24, 27, 27). Other summer recordscame from Branston Water Park where a single bird was noted on July 31st. In the secondwinter period the species was also at Copmere on November 11th, Oakamoor on December17th and at Dosthill with two on December 22nd.W Mid Breeding was confirmed at Marsh Lane NR for the first time, where at least oneyoungster was noted from July 20th; possibly a second pair was also present. Also recordedduring the breeding season at Sandwell Valley, but with no evidence of breeding. A wintervisitor to Sheepwash UP, being noted from January until March and again from Octobertill the year’s end, with a maximum count of three birds. Single birds were noted atFibbersley on January 15th, Goscote Valley on 16th, Mushroom Green Marsh on 21st,February 27th and March 2nd; Fens Pools in January and March; Dunstall Park onFebruary 9th and 26th; and Wightwick on April 3rd and 5th. Probably the same birdremained at Dunstall Park from October 18th to late December.

Spotted Crake Porzana porzanaRare passage migrant and winter visitor (9/10). Has bred.Staffs An exciting discovery of a bird calling on territory from April 30th until at leastMay 13th. There was no evidence of young however. Site and observers withheld.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropusVery common resident.


Bittell Reservoir 14 16 12 7 1 1 5 10 10 4 9 14Grimley New Workings 29 15 30 25 7 20 28 32 16 28 36 24Gwen Finch Wetland 12 4 5 5 3 3 4 12 8 8 4 –Kinsham Lake 6 7 6 6 7 6 6 12 8 7 10 11Pirton Pool 8 6 3 3 2 6 16 26 21 17 14 6Upton Warren 15 15 15 15 15 6 18 14 24 22 20 15Westwood Pool 2 2 2 4 3 3 12 13 3 13 2 2Alrewas 12 – – – 9 – – – – – 6 13Aqualate – – – – 7 – 12 12 – – – –Belvide 12 – – – 2 – – 73 – – 3 –Blithfield – 2 6 – – – – 16 12 12 – –

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J F M A M J J A S O N DChasewater 14 17 8 – – – – 46 28 50 15 –Doxey 22 28 19 18 12 20 24 24 18 24 24 17River Sow, Baswich 6 10 15 – – – – – – 16 12 8Tittesworth 2 1 2 2 1 – 1 6 3 1 2 3Coundon Wedge 14 9 6 3 4 1 5 5 5 2 5 6Fens Pools 14 15 15 8 9 5 8 17 12 21 19 15Marsh Lane NR 14 8 14 6 10 5 18 23 15 14 19 12Sandwell Valley – 6 2 – – 7 – – – 7 15 –

Warks At least five broods were seen at Brandon, four pairs bred on a 120 ha farm atMorton Bagot, and 12 pairs bred in the Napton Res area. At least 16 broods were notedalong the River Stour between Preston and Shipston, averaging at about one brood per km.Outside the breeding season counts remained at the low level of recent years, with maximaof: 20 at Napton Res on January 5th, 23 at Coombe Abbey on 15th, 28 at Farnborough Parkon February 4th, 20 at Hodnell Pool on 8th, 30 at Cliff Pool, Kingsbury on March 24th, 38at Salford Priors GP on August 6th, 26 at Brandon on 17th, 35 at Draycote on November16th and 27 at the Coton/Lea Marston Pools on 20th.Worcs A common breeding species at wetland sites throughout the county. Countsmade away from the tabulated localities were of 17 at Croome Landscape Park on January1st, nine at Birtsmorton Pools on September 3rd and two on Castlemorton Common onOctober 1st.Staffs No exceptional numbers were noted in the first winter period, the highestnumber reported being 28 at Doxey on February 12th. Breeding was confirmed at ninesites including previously unreported sites at Broad Heath and Berry Hill. 29 pairs bred atDoxey. In the second winter period the highest total noted was at Chasewater on October20th when 50 birds were present.W Mid Under-recorded as a breeding species: only confirmed from Coundon Wedge,Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park, Marsh Lane NR (at least six pairs, but likely to be anunderestimate), Moseley Park, Olton Mere, Rocket Pool, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valleyand Steelpark Way (Wednesfield). Also noted along the Rushall Canal near Aldridge,Balsall Common, Blythe Valley, Cannon Hill Park, Clayhanger, The Dingles, DunstallPark, Edgbaston Reservoir, Haden Hill Park, Hay Head Wood, The Leasowes, MaryStevens Park, Moseley Park, Nailcote Hall, Netherton Reservoir, Park Lime Pits,Reedswood Park, Sutton Park, Thimblemill Brook, Titford Pools, Trittiford Pool, WakeGreen, Walsall Arboretum, Warrens Hall LNR and Whitley.

Common Coot Fulica atraFairly common resident, common in winter.


Coton/Lea Marston – – 350 – 38 52 270 200 486 800 1023 331Dosthill/Kingsbury 700 455 150 95 – 110 183 278 367 463 605 636Draycote 865 511 350 100 75 235 430 605 820 226 170 121Napton Res 155 150 140 63 45 47 100 100 87 115 165 180Salford Priors GP 100 100 95 70 61 55 110 135 175 170 68 77Shustoke 530 308 176 85 37 – 380 427 363 289 196 235Bittell Reservoir 22 26 24 24 19 24 43 35 25 22 20 18Bredonʼs Hardwick 136 49 68 19 23 28 6 1 61 23 57Grimley New Workings 110 75 120 83 42 62 64 81 94 120 114 130Gwen Finch Wetland 3 11 2 1 8 9 6 2 6 – 6 –

J F M A M J J A S O N DKinsham Lake 86 78 37 30 21 35 63 101 97 128 168 178Pirton Pool 116 73 51 55 48 73 119 141 4 10 85 97Upton Warren 400 261 164 68 39 79 122 112 170 250 160 51Westwood Pool 11 10 8 20 30 108 160 125 6 24 7 14Alrewas – 14 – 5 – – – 12 – 100 148 300Aqualate 78 81 30 57 39 210 396 453 1045 798 800 20Belvide 700 301 255 203 120 513 858 634 151 44 120 141Blithfield 80 282 200 80 – – 550 600 600 300 10 81Brookleys Lake 72 10 20 – – – 30 30 23 20 26 50Chasewater 924 466 410 – 18 – – 656 – – – 930Coldmeece Pools 225 180 92 12 6 – 38 96 – – – –Copmere 3 2 4 7 10 15 70 110 305 330 450 367Croxall GP 25 – 60 12 2 – 65 – – 49 18 –Doxey 52 60 62 48 30 41 37 49 38 44 58 40Drayton Bassett Pits – – – 30 – 26 150 – – – – –Fisherwick/Elford North Pit 30 37 66 14 – – – – – 4 43 22Tittesworth – – 39 – 20 – 4 – – – – –Whitemoor Haye 40 30 – 6 – – – – – – 150 –Fens Pools 62 77 59 37 45 63 95 102 103 119 47 73Marsh Lane NR 109 108 91 60 40 47 96 150 165 158 123 130Netherton Reservoir 71 55 46 42 16 14 24 44 50 62 61 64Sandwell Valley 160 15 6 64 22 6 17 9 100 – 50 50WeBS 2005 3872 3158 2137 1287 920 2141 3243 3972 3955 3471 3402 3457WeBS 2006 3523 2670 2242 1359 993 1474 2854 3990 4636 4500 3778 3662


Warks Counts of broods or occupied nests included: at least eight at both Brandon andCoton/Lea Marston Pools, six at Draycote, five at Lighthorne Quarry, ten at LowerRadbourn, 21 at Napton Res and at least 20 at Salford Priors GP. Maxima away fromtabulated waters included 115 at Alvecote on January 4th, 69 at Coombe Abbey on 15th,70 at Compton Verney on 20th, 56 at Ladywalk in November, 50 at Abbots Salford Poolon December 3rd and 42 at Brandon on 29th.Worcs Breeding pairs recorded at Bodenham Arboretum (three), Bredon’s Hardwick(three+), Grimley New Workings (at least 14 broods), Kinsham Lake, Pirton Pool, RyallPits (two), Upton Warren (many) and Westwood Pool. Away from the tabulated localities,Birtsmorton Pools held six on August 20th, 16 on September 3rd, 10 on 17th and 27 onOctober 1st.Staffs Some high numbers were present in the first winter period with 700 at Belvideon January 1st and 924 at Chasewater on the 15th. In the breeding season reports ofbreeding were received from 16 sites around the county including Baggeridge CP,Brookley’s Lake, Castletown Pool, Coldmeece, Doxey (26 pairs), Silverdale Colliery andStableford. In the late summer numbers at Belvide were slightly lower than in the previousyear but were close to the previous-five-year-average of 963 birds and suggested littlemajor change. The highest count at Belvide, 858 birds, occurred on July 31st whilst thehighest count made in the county of 1045 birds at Aqualate, was made on September 17thW Mid Birds bred at Blythe Valley, Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park, Dudley No.2Canal, Haden Hill Park, Hill Hook, Marsh Lane NR (at least 23 pairs, c.f. eleven lastyear), Netherton Reservoir, Olton Mere, Rocket Pool, Sheepwash UP, Steelpark way(Wednesfield) and Victoria Park. Also noted along the Daw End Branch Canal nearAldridge, Balsall Common, Cannon Hill Park, Clayhanger, Edgbaston Reservoir, HayHead Wood, The Leasowes, Mary Stevens Park, Moseley Park, Park Lime Pits,

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Reedswood Park, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park, Titford Pools, Trittiford Pool, WalsallArboretum, Warrens Hall LNR and Whitley. Numbers at Sheepwash UP peaked at 60 inDecember.

Common Crane Grus grusRare vagrant (6/10).Staffs One flew off early morning at Bateswood on April 17th RJJ.

2005 AddendumStaffs The bird at Belvide on October 15th was the ninth county record and not theeighth as stated.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegusFrequent passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor and uncommon breeding bird, the lattermainly in the Tame and Trent valleys.


Brandon – 1 3 2 4 5 6 1 – – – –Dosthill/Kingsbury 1 6 6 8 8 6 6 6 – – – –Draycote – 1 6 3 1 1 1 2 – 1 – 1Ladywalk 1 1 2 2 2 6 2 – – – – –Salford Priors GP – – 2 2 5 4 2 – – – – –Alrewas – 3 2 – 2 2 – – – – – –Aqualate – – 1 4 – – 2 – – – – –Barton GP – – 2 – 5 – – – – – – –Belvide 1 4 7 6 7 8 8 – – – – 1Blithfield 1 3 6 5 3 5 5 1 2 1 – –Branston GP – 4 2 2 2 5 3 3 – – – –Branston Water Park – 2 – – 2 – 2 – – – – –Chasewater – – 2 2 2 3 1 – – – – –Coldmeece Pools – 4 2 2 1 2 – – – – – –Croxall GP – 2 4 5 1 4 1 – – – – –Doxey Marshes – – 3 4 2 3 2 1 – – – –Drayton Bassett Pits – 2 2 3 5 1 4 2 – – – –Elford Gravel Pits – – 1 3 – – – 3 – – – –Gailey 1 2 4 2 1 – – – – – – –Tittesworth Reservoir – – 1 2 1 5 5 1 – – – –Whitemoor Haye – 3 4 3 9 2 1 – – – – –Marsh Lane NR – 4 6 4 5 11 7 6 – – – –

Warks A record seven breeding pairs were located, with four of these rearing a total ofnine young. Pairs were present at Alvecote (failed), Brandon (three young reared), Dosthill(a pair laid eggs twice, but both clutches disappeared), Kingsbury (two pairs, but only oneyoung reared), Salford Priors GP (two young reared), and on a new scrape at Toft FarmLakes, Kites Hardwick (three young reared). Away from breeding sites up to three werenoted regularly during the period March-August at Abbots Salford, the Coton/Lea Marstonarea, Packington and The Somers, with odd records also at Shustoke and Whitacre Heath.A single bird visited Earlswood Lakes on May 4th.Worcs One was at Bredon’s Hardwick on February 18th, with a pair present fromMarch 19th until July when their nest was flooded out, but reared one young from a secondbrood in August. At Kinsham Lake a pair were present from March 12th-August 10th, inwhich time they reared one young, while at Upton Warren singles on February 5th, 14th,

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15th, and 21st, were followed by two on March 14th, and four on April 12th, with a pairon a nest from 26th. Elsewhere, one was at Upper Bittell Reservoir on March 10th, one atHolt Prairies on 28th, one at Grimley New Workings on 7th, two on 14th, four on April 4thand eight on 25th. At Throckmorton Lagoons, singles on April 2nd and 11th, preceded twoon May 1st and singles on May 13th and 25th and at Lower Moor one was seen regularlyfrom April 7th-June 26th. Gwen Finch Wetland hosted two on April 9th, one on June 11thand two on July 5th and one was as Westwood Pool on May 20th and one at Croome Riveron 31st.Staffs

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Breeding Pairs (successful) 2(1) 5(3) 2(1) 6(5) 7(5) 9(4)

Breeding occurred at Barton GP (three young), Belvide (three well grown young by May28th, then the same or a different pair sitting on June 4th but with no further records thisattempt probably failed), Blithfield (nest with eggs found, probably failed), Branston GP(one young), Branston WP (nesting, probably failed), Doxey (two pairs, both failed) andDrayton Bassett Pits (three young, two survived). Nine at the River Tame, Tamworth onFebruary 27th was a good count with smaller numbers recorded in February at King’sBromley GP; in March at Dosthill, Stowe Pool and Whitmore; in April at Copmere, Doley,Walton-on-Trent and Westport; in May at Fauld, Kettlebrook Lakes, Stableford, Westportand West End (Stoke); in June at Baswich, Fauld, JCB North Lake, Marchington, RugeleyPower Station, Stableford and Tixall Bridge.W Mid Two pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR, one raising two young. At Sandwell Valley,one or two birds were seen each month until June, but there was no evidence ofnesting. An unprecedented number of birds were seen in the Dunstall Park/SmestowValley area on June 17th, when a total of at least six flew over, with just one the next daythat stayed until July 5th. Two birds flew over Park Lime Pits on May 14th. Single birdswere noted at Bradnocks Marsh on April 3rd, Clayhanger on 16th and Stubbers Green onJune 8th.

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Black-winged Stilt, Upton Warren, Andy Warr

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Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopusRare passage migrant (0/10)Worcs A female at Upton Warren on May 21st and 22nd CBL et al, was a first for thereserve and only the second county record, the first being at Larford in 1986. It was alsothe seventh regional record.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosettaRare passage migrant and very rare breeder (8/10).Worcs Three arrived at Upton Warren on April 1st, whilst one was present on 5th and9th and then two from 12th, with one on a nest from 26th. The first two young hatched onJune 1st, while by 3rd, three adults and four chicks were present, with two adults and fourjuveniles present for the remainder of the month and then three adults and four juvenileson July 6th. One of the adults and the four juveniles remained until August 2nd. The onlyother record concerned two at Lower Moor on May 2nd.Staffs Two at Blithfield on April 14th DMW, ESC, RSw, GJM were relocated atWhitemoor Haye the next day MYa, ESC.

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemusRare vagrant (2/10).Staffs On May 27th, one was found with a broken wing on Burton Road, Elford andwas taken into care at RSPCA Hospital at Stapeley Grange but sadly later died per BCr.This is now the first accepted county record (see addendum below).

1956 AddendumStaffs After a review by the Staffordshire Rarities Committee, it was decided that thestatus of the record of a bird at Blackbrook SF on the unusual date of 28th December 1956should be revised to “not proven”, especially given the date of the claim. This record hasnow been removed from the county list.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubiusFrequent summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: March 20th (42) to October 4th (42).8-year average: March 14th (–6 days) to September 30th (–4 days).First seen on the typical date of March 15th at Wiseman’s Scrape; the last was later thanaverage at Blithfield on October 14th.


Brandon – – 1 3 4 2 2 – 1 – – –Dosthill/Kingsbury – – 1 7 8 7 9 1 – – – –Draycote – – 2 4 6 2 4 6 2 – – –Earlswood – – – – 1 5 9 – 1 – – –Ladywalk – – – 2 – 1 1 – – – – –Salford Priors GP – – 3 10 10 8 2 1 1 – – –Grimley New Workings – – – 2 5 1 5 – – – – –Ryall Pits – – – – 8 2 4 – – – –Upper Bittell – – – – – 1 2 3 3 – – –Upton Warren – – 4 8 10 13 16 6 4 1 – –Belvide – – 4 3 3 9 14 5 2 – – –Blithfield – – – 3 2 – 18 7 4 2 – –Branston GP – – – 6 4 3 2 2 – – – –

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J F M A M J J A S O N DByrkley Park – – 1 – – 6 – 1 – – – –Chasewater – – 1 2 3 – 1 2 1 – – –Coldmeece Pools – – 3 8 6 7 1 – – – – –Croxall GP – – – 4 1 5 3 1 2 – – –Croxden Quarry – – – – 3 2 – – – – – –Doxey Marshes – – 4 6 4 3 5 – – – – –Drayton Bassett Pits – – – 6 6 2 3 – – – – –Silverdale Colliery – – 3 3 2 – – – – – – –Tittesworth – – – 2 3 – 12 2 1 – – –Westport Lake – – – 3 – 5 2 – – – – –Whitemoor Haye – – 1 10 9 1 4 – – – – –Dunstall Park – – 1 4 2 4 1 – – – – –Marsh Lane NR – – 7 10 11 11 11 2 – – – –Sandwell Valley – – 2 3 3 8 12 2 – – – –

Warks Another good year with at least 18 breeding pairs located, although poor fledgingsuccess was as ever a problem. Single pairs (unless otherwise stated) were at: AbbotsSalford, Baxterley (one, but up to five birds present), Brandon, Dordon, Draycote, ExhallGrange, Kingsbury (three, all flooded out in June but a brood was noted in early July),Kites Hardwick (two, at a new scrape), Lea Marston, Morton Bagot and Salford Priors GP(five, all failed). A more unusual locality for this species was Earlswood Lakes, wheregood numbers were present during the summer including a displaying pair, but attemptedbreeding was not thought to have occurred. Other recent sites were no doubt occupied butnot checked, for instance an adult was seen on waste ground at Longbridge on July 7thwhere breeding occurred in 2005. Away from the main sites passage birds were also notedin the north of the county at Alvecote, Bedworth, Bermuda and Coton. Further south anadult and two juveniles were on the scrape at Newbold Comyn on July 30th, with one thereon August 5th; while a single bird was noted at Chesterton on August 18th. Extreme dateswere March 19th at Salford Priors GP and September 9th at Brandon.Worcs At Upton Warren just one chick fledged during breeding season, while atThrock morton Lagoons a pair present from May 18th-August 15th fledged one young.Away from the tabulated sites one was in Droitwich at Wiseman’s Scrape on March 15th,with a pair there on 24th and five on 25th, one at Clifton Pits on 26th, two at Bredon’sHardwick from April 19th-May 8th, four at Bury End Flash on May 3rd and two atKinsham Lake from 6th-July 29th, whilst at Lower Moor four were present from March22nd-June 9th and one on July 27th. At Longdon Marsh one was present on June 25th andthen two adults and two juveniles from July 14th-20th, whilst one at Westwood Pool onJuly 3rd was the first locality record since 1994. Gwen Finch Wetland held one on July 8thand one was at Lickmoor Wetland on July 10th and 14th.Staffs

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Breeding Pairs 11 7 9 16 17-18 14

First arrival was at Bratch Locks on March 16th then Belvide 21st; the last at Blithfield onSeptember 27th and two on the late date of October 14th. Breeding occurred at theBritannia Stadium (two pairs), Byrkley Park (one pair double-brooded producing fouryoung), Coldmeece (three pairs, one with three juveniles), Doxey (two pairs, one with twojuveniles, the other had eggs predated by crows), Drayton Bassett Pits (one pair), RudyardLake (displaying), Silverdale Colliery (one pair, one juvenile), Tittesworth (at least onepair raised two young) and Uttoxeter Quarry (two pairs probably bred). Elsewhere there

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was one at Gailey on April 15th and 30th, three at Kingswood on 19th, one at AlrewasJunction Pit on May 1st, two at Barton GP on 7th and one at Hints GP on 23rd.W Mid Birds bred at Dunstall Park (at least one pair, but unsuccessful), Marsh Lane NR(three pairs attempted, all caged, but only one was successful, fledging three young) andSandwell Valley. Also present during the breeding season at Sheepwash UP, but did notbreed. One was seen at Stubbers Green on April 4th, with two at Steelpark Way (Wednes -field) on 23rd.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticulaFrequent passage migrant and scarce summer resident. Rare in mid-winter.


Brandon – 2 5 5 5 4 2 – – 1 – –Dosthill/Kingsbury – – 1 3 3 4 1 – – – – –Draycote – – 1 2 2 – – 6 9 4 – –Salford Priors GP – – 2 14 5 2 1 1 1 – – –Lower Moor – – 1 1 2 – – – – – – –Grimley New Workings – – – – 1 – – 1 1 – – –Upper Bittell – – – – – – – 2 – 7 – –Upton Warren – – 1 6 2 2 1 3 2 – – –Barton GP – – 2 – 2 – – – – – – –Belvide – – 1 5 1 2 – 7 12 – – –Blithfield – – – 1 2 3 5 34 17 2 – –Branston GP – 3 3 3 5 4 3 1 – – – –Chasewater – – – – 3 – – 7 4 1 – –Croxall GP – 1 5 3 3 2 2 3 6 – – –Doxey – – 1 2 3 1 6 – – – – –Drayton Bassett Pits – 1 2 5 2 1 1 – – – – –Tittesworth Reservoir – – – – – – 1 – 2 – – –Whitemoor Haye – 5 4 14 15 2 12 – – – – –Marsh Lane NR – 2 8 8 10 10 9 7 – – – –

Warks Single breeding pairs were reported from: Brandon (one young reared),Kingsbury and Salford Priors GP (three young hatched, but probably later predated).Passage numbers were very slightly up on 2005, with the largest count of 14 at SalfordPriors GP on April 23rd. Awayfrom the main sites there werealso singles at Ladywalk onApril 2nd, Earlswood Lakes onJune 28th, Shustoke on August14th-15th and September 12th,and at Abbots Salford fromSeptember 13th-15th. Birdswere present in the county fromFebruary 14th-October 4th.Worcs Away from the tabu -lated sites, one at WestwoodPool on May 3rd was only thesecond locality record, whilsttwo were at Kinsham Lake on14th, one at Bury End Flash on19th and two at Saxon’s Lode on 20th. During the autumn a juvenile was at Longdon

Ringed Plover, Draycote, Steve Valentine

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Marsh on July 22nd, an adult was at Throckmorton Lagoons on August 13th, with ajuvenile there on 19th, one was at Gwen Finch Wetland on 20th and two there onSeptember 6th and finally three were at Bredon’s Hardwick on September 5th.Staffs Single pairs bred at Branston GP and Fradley, each rearing two young. Untabu -lated records came from Coldmeece Pools on April 8th, Little Hay on 30th, CroxdenQuarry on July 27th and Crossplains on September 6th.W Mid Two pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR (both caged), but only one was successful,fledging three young. Two birds were noted at Sheepwash UP on April 24th and DunstallPark on August 5th, and singles visited Sandwell Valley in March and September.

Dotterel Charadrius morinellusRare passage migrant, very rare in winter (7/10).Worcs Three on Bredon Hill on August 20th and 21st comprised a juvenile and twoadults WFP et al, with the juvenile remaining until 23rd. This record coincided with a largeinflux of the species along the English east coast a few days earlier.Staffs A trip of four birds, two females and two in transitional plumage, were found onprivate farmland at Whitmore Bent Lane on May 2nd NDP.

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricariaCommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Scarce, and declining breeding species on theNorth Staffs Moors.Long-term average: August 14th (58) to April 30th (60).8-year average: August 20th (+6 days) to April 30th (=).First noted at Gwen Finch on August 30th and last reported at Copston Magna onApril 17th.


Birchmoor 200 5 125 120 – – – – 26 60 420 220Dosthill/Kingsbury area 800 500 – – – – – – – – 2 –Draycote 250 300 250 60 – – – – – 100 146 34Fenny Compton/

Wormleighton 500 250 300 – – – – – 1 75 50 22Hartshill – – – – – – – – – 370 200 117Bredon Hill – – – 40 – – – – 5 120 160 –Lower Moor 15 450 150 – – – – 18 850 285Grimley New Workings – – – – – – – – 1 2 120 150Gwen Finch Wetland – – – – – – – 1 20 9 – –Ryall Pits – – – – – – – – – 4 180 –Throckmorton Tip 12 60+ – – – – – – – 48 – –Upper Bittell – – – – – – – – – 5 5501000+Belvide 100 25 7 50 – – – – 2 287 473 127Berry Hill – – 51 134 – – – – – 250 260 60Black Bank – – 154 370 – – – – – 9 40 12Blithfield – 1 – – – – – – 1 150 357 40Branston GP – 40 – 14 – – – – – 550 – –Britannia Stadium – – 112 76 – – – – – – – –Chasewater Reservoir – 1 – 13 – – – – – 5 13 30Crossplains 190 – 403 – – – – – – 190 320 –Cuckoo Bank – 3 100 7 – – – – – 37 80 430Doxey 100 200 20 1 – – – – – – 49 259Drayton Bassett Pits 200 300 – – – – – – – – – –Keele 282 350 164 320 – – – – – – 70 –Lower Hatton 100 – 140 – – – – – – – – –

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J F M A M J J A S O N DMorridge Top – – – 60 4 – – – – – 5 –Park Hall CP 200 220 62 300 – – – – – – – 73River Sow, Baswich 20 – – – – – – – – – 250 20Stableford 400 6 – – – – – – – – – –Whitemoor Haye 200 500 120 6 – – – – – – – –Dunstall Park/

Smestow Valley – – – – – – – – 1 11 42 48Illshaw/Hockley Heaths – – – – – – – – 2 35 320 500Marsh Lane NR 750 18 – 400 – – – – – 250 300 20

Warks The usually regular Birchmoor flock spent more time in the Bramcote Hall areaduring the early months, where it peaked at 700 on March 24th. Other sizeable flocksduring the first quarter included 130 at Charlecote GP on January 2nd, 400 at Weston-on-Avon on 5th, 500 at Bishop’s Itchington on 21st, 100 near Ufton on February 5th, 200 atAttleborough Fields on 20th, 100 at Curdworth on March 8th and 250 at Copston Magnaon April 17th. The first autumn migrant was noted at Birchmoor on September 1st but ingeneral birds were both late in arriving and in smaller numbers than usual. Away from thetabulated sites the only flocks to reach three figures involved 200 at Wellesbourne Airfieldon November 4th with 300 at nearby Charlecote GP on 8th, 250 at Brandon on December5th and 100 at Gaydon on 17th. The exception was a flock by the M6 Toll Road betweenCurdworth and Wishaw during December, which peaked at 1200 on 18th.Worcs In January, 60 were at Croome Landscape Park on 1st, three at Upton Warren on3rd, 150 at Tilesford on 31st, whilst in February 15 were at Hill Furze on 10th, with 180there on 27th. In March three were at Bredon’s Hardwick on 5th, 250 at Defford Airfieldon 7th and two there on 11th.During the second winterperiod four were at SheriffsLench on September 3rd, oneflew over Table Hill on 5th,one at Westwood Pool onOctober 7th, 10 at SheriffsLench on 21st, one at HoltHeath on November 9th, 150at Tilesford on 24th, 60 atGrimley Old Workings on26th, 130+ at Stoulton on30th, 250 at Wyre Piddle onDecember 3rd and four atClifton Pits on 27th.Staffs One or two pairs may have bred at Orchard Common, one pair behaving asthough protecting young, but this was unconfirmed. Larger untabulated winter flockscomprised; in January, 100 at Byrkley Park and 40 at Ingestre; in March, 200 at BroadHeath and 500 at Essington Quarry Pool; in April, 80 at Flash and 60 at Onecote; inOctober, 300 at Barton GP and 100 at Bury Bank; in November, 450 at Needwood and 50at Winkhill and in December, 140 at Beech, 70 at Ellenhall and 200 at Radford Meadows.W Mid Other January sightings involved four over Reedswood Park on 16th and about230 at Blythe Valley on 22nd. Later in the first part of the year, 35 were seen at Darby’sHill on March 13th, ten flew over Sheepwash UP on April 8th and seven were noted atSteelpark Way (Wednesfield) on 12th. In the latter part of the year, twenty flew over

Golden Plover, Park Hall CP, Dave Kelsall

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Goscote Valley on October 20th, 80 went over Sheepwash UP on November 9th, about 100flew over Acocks Green on 29th and one was seen at Darby’s Hill on December 20th.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarolaUncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks A bird in breeding plumage at Kingsbury on May 8th-9th also visited DosthillLake on the latter date. There were autumn singles at Draycote on October 9th andNovember 26th.Worcs One with Lapwings at Upton Warren on December 8th was the only record.Staffs Spring passage consisted of singles at Belvide on March 24th and April 30th andBranston GPs on May 17th. In autumn, Belvide hosted the first on July 5th-6th and the laston October 8th with Blithfield having one on August 3rd (flying north), 5th (summerplumage), 13th (two flew north), September 9th (flew through) and 14th.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellusCommon migrant and winter visitor. Fairly common to common, breeding species.


Brandon 200 69 26 20 14 200 450 600 750 620 358 256Dosthill/Kingsbury 1000 950 105 32 10 116 180 150 238 200 325 500Draycote 1000 600 100 – – 4 30 45 17 750 850 600Fenny Compton 200 1000 100 2 2 – 5 4 175 186 96 50Radway/DMC Kineton 1070 700 250 12 10 20 70 – – – 1 –Salford Priors GP 120 1000 36 34 45 235 400 750 214 155 60 81Bittell Reservoir 560 85 50 4 3 1 186 90 111 400 200 350Bredonʼs Hardwick 31 230 5 9 16 1 69 276 82 104 126 –Grimley New Workings 40 40 60 30 4 10 81 78 145 180 88 180Kinsham Lake 4 – 2 15 12 75 15 90 45 120 – –Ryall Pits – – – – – – – – 196 161 30 –Upton Warren 600 1500 170 10 12 20 150 120 320 377 400 958Alrewas 21 200 – – 6 18 1 – – 100 6 7Apedale CP – 2 8 – 8 – – – – – 18 –Aqualate 230 – 10 – – – – – – – – 25Aston/Burston 150 150 – 3 1 – – – 100 – – –Belvide Reservoir 1685 1268 153 18 30 232 526 710 630 1160 1117 150Berry Hill – – 6 4 4 – 32 26 32 50 120 24Black Bank – – 7 12 10 – – – 4 57 – –Blithfield 500 46 – 10 1 7 230 450 500 639 500 200Branston GP 500 1200 – – – 25 – 4 – 45 – –Brown Lees – – 32 16 14 – – – – – – –Chasewater 85 105 17 – 4 – 35 67 4 160 187 182Coldmeece Pools 19 120 23 14 11 9 – 250 200 11 – –Crossplains – – – – – – – – 300 300 – –Croxall GP – 500 – 1 1 – 11 – – 123 – –Cuckoo Bank – – – – 12 4 – – 47 44 21 –Denstone 270 240 – 2 – – – – – – – –Doley Common 360 40 40 12 – – 90 – – – 40 64Doxey 240 300 72 36 28 55 134 264 385 250 192 330Drayton Bassett Pits 500 – – – 9 17 146 170 630 200 300 250Fauld – 110 – – – – – – – – 250 –Millmeece – 200 – 8 – – – – – – – –Needwood – – – 28 – – – – 375 – – –Radford Bank – – – – – – – – – 6 80 –Ranton – – 50 6 – – – – – – – –Rickerscote – – – – – – – – – – 200 50

J F M A M J J A S O N DRiver Sow, Baswich – 28 50 10 4 – 30 130 90 40 240 250Silverdale Colliery – – 3 2 4 – 3 – – – 58 110Stableford 2200 750 52 – 8 9 – – – – 6 –Tittesworth 80 49 150 2 2 17 137 175 223 75 133 8Tixall Bridge – – 1 1 2 3 – 120 100 – 100 25Trent Valley, East Bishton 40 100 – – – – 20 – – – – –Whitemoor Haye 150 200 20 8 25 25 14 – – 30 – 2Whitmore – Bent Lane 150 148 21 15 21 57 41 87 121 87 – 56Dunstall Park 10 66 5 7 4 70 180 170 45 27 14 45Marsh Lane NR 2000 950 119 26 50 78 300 350 596 586 576 186Sandwell Valley 57 61 47 20 18 22 50 90 80 65 53 5Sheepwash UP 54 35 8 2 – 3 1 6 – – 60 41Stubbers Green 149 149 – 4 1 7 39 71 101 48 62 71

Warks The total of 100 pairs located at 34 sites was rather down on other recentseasons, but this may be due to patchier coverage. Flooding at some of the main wetlandsites in May led to many clutches lost. Breeding pairs were located at: Abbots Salford(four), near Bentley Park Wood, Bishopton, Bramcote Hall (at least two), Brandon (sevennests, only three hatched young), Chelmscote (five), Chesterton (four), CliffordChambers, DMC Kineton (five, cf. ten in 2005), Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Fisher’sMill GP, Kingsbury (five, only one successful), Kites Hardwick (four), Ladywalk (three),Lapworth, Little Dassett, Little Packington (six in area), Longbridge, Moreton Morrell,Morton Bagot, Packington Park (five), Polesworth, Poolfields, Priors Hardwick (five),Salford Priors GP (17 in area, cf. 12 in 2005), Seeswood, Shustoke, Spernall Park, Studley(three), Tysoe (five), Willicote (two), Wimpstone and Wroxall. Outside the breedingseason flocks in the order of 100-150 were fairly widespread. Away from the tabulatedsites maxima in the first quarter also included 500 at Sherbourne on January 22nd, 250between Charlecote and Wasperton on 27th and February 10th, 170 at Abbots Salford onJanuary 31st, 200 at Tysoe on February 11th and 200 near Napton Res on March 22nd.Autumn and early winter flocks included maxima of 1000 by the M40 at Avon Dassettduring September, 450 at Farnborough and then near Wormleighton Res on September26th, 650 on floodwater at Leamington Hastings on October 12th, 255 at Priors Hardwickon 30th, 200 over Coton on November 27th, 370 at Hampton Lucy on 28th, 230 at AbbotsSalford on December 1st and 800 by the M6 Toll Road between Curdworth and Wishawon 18th.Worcs Breeding season records came from Nash End, where ten were at occasionalbreeding site on March 5th, six on 31st and seven on April 30th, Throckmorton Lagoonswhere a pair bred, Upper Arley and Cobbler’s Corner with one or two pairs on May 23rd.Elsewhere, 120 were at Three Counties Showground on January 28th, 200 were at Tilesfordon 31st, 70+ at Throckmorton Lagoons on February 4th, 62 at Lower Moor on 13th, threeat Weatheroak Hill on April 18th, 100 at Longdon Marsh on June 25th, 35 at Arrow ValleyGolf Course on July 24th, 100 at Gwen Finch Wetland on July 8th, 260 on 14th, 300 on28th, 250 there on August 16th and 30 at Strensham Lagoons on August 6th. A leucisticbird was at Throckmorton Lagoons on October 9th, whilst 150 were on Bredon Hill on20th, 165 were at Arrow Valley Golf Course on 29th, with 102 there on November 5th, 200at Lower Moor on 29th, 90 at Stoulton on 30th, 150 at Longdon Marsh on December 8thand 250 at Lower Moor on 31st.Staffs

Year 2003 2004 2005 2006Breeding Pairs 350-354 284-302 284-302 280-297

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Little change in the number of breeding pairs compared with the previous two years.Productivity was very poor, full details as follows:

Alrewas 2-3 pairsApedale CP 4 pairsAqualate 5 pairsAston-by-Stone 3 pairsBateswood 5 pairs present, probably all failedBeaconside 1 pairBednall 1 pairBeech 4 pairsBelvide 7 pairs in adjoining fieldsBerry Hill 3 pairs, probably all failedBlack Bank 6 pairs, one juvenileBlithfield 2 pairs, one juvenileBrindley Ford 2 pairs, one chickBritannia Stadium 3 pairsBrown Edge 1 pairBrown Lees 5-7 pairsBurntwood 1 pairButterton (Newcastle) 3 pairsButterton Moor 3 pairsConsall Valley 1 pairChurch Eaton 3 pairsColdmeece 6 pairs, probably all failedCotes Heath 7 pairsCuckoo Bank 6 pairsDenstone Hall 1 pairDoley Common 6 pairs, all failedDoxey 18 pairs, 14 flooded out/failed; four, three, two and one juveniles fledgedDraycott Quarry 1 pairDrayton Bassett Pits 2 pairs, both failedDrystone Edge 1 pairDunwood 1 pairEllenhall 1 pairEnson 1 pairEssington 5-6 pairsFlash 10 pairs, one juvenile fledgedFoker Grange 1 pairForton 1 pairFradley 2-3 pairsGoldsitch Moss 3 pairs, all failedGoosemoor Green 1 pairGrindon Moor 1 pair with 3 well grown chicksHatton Bogs 1 pairHixon Airfield 4 pairsHulme 3 pairsKeele (Yew Tree Farm) 3 pairsKeele University 8 pairs, one pair fledged 4 youngKnotbury 3 pairsLichfield (west) 5 pairsLittle Stoke 2 pairsMiddleton Lakes 1 pair fledged youngMilford Bridge 2 pairsMillmeece 4 pairsMorridge Top 10 pairs, all failed due to predationNeedwood Forest area 14-20 pairs, all failedNorbury Manor 1-2 pairsOnecote 2 pairs, one juvenile fledgedOrchard Common 2-3 pairsOxensitch 2 pairs

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Park House Farm 4 pairsRanton 3 pairsReadyleach Green 4 pairsReapsmoor 3 pairs, all failedRiver Sow Meadows 5 pairs, all probably failedRound Knowl Farm 5 pairs bred, one juvenile fledgedSilverdale Colliery 1 pair probably fledged 2 youngStableford 4 pairs, one juvenile fledgedSwallow Moss 4 pairs all failedSwynnerton 4 pairsThe Bent 1 pair failedTittesworth 1 pairTixall Bridge 1 pair, one juvenile fledgedTrent Valley, Colwich 4 pairs with 6 well grown youngTrentham Golf Course 4 pairsWeston 3 pairsWeston Jones Mill 5 pairsWhitemoor Haye 4–10 pairsWhitmore Bent Lane 12 pairs, possibly one or two juveniles fledgedWoodhead 2 pairs, probably failed

Larger counts from untabulated sites came in January from Colton (100), Fullmoor Wood(100), Kingswood (290) and Lower Hatton (150); in February from Bednall (100), CampFarm (235), Gailey (50), Hanchurch Woods (85), Wolseley Park (100); in August fromPenk ridge Airfield (100); in September from Doveridge (100), Hazelstrine (80) andRudyard Lake (300); in October at Bury Bank (100) and Hollybush Centre (200); inNovember at Ellenhall (90), Iverley Lane (60) and National Memorial Arboretum (400); inDecember at Bottom House (180), Caltonmoor (80), Crakemarsh (86), Dove Bridge (100)and Enson (80).W Mid Birds bred at Blythe Valley CP (at least eleven pairs, with at least six young noted),Dunstall Park Lake (two pairs, both unsuccessful), Marsh Lane NR (at least seven pairs,mostly double-brooded, fledged up to eight young) and Sandwell Valley. Also present in thebreeding season at Earlswood and Park Lime Pits. Other peak counts included 90 at BlytheValley CP on January 22nd, about 50 near Dorridge on June 14th and 800 at Curd worth onDecember 18th. Also noted at Aldridge Airport, Coundon Wedge, Penn and Smestow Valley.The estimated 2000 at Marsh Lane NR on January 11th was a site record count.

Red Knot Calidris canutusUncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor.Warks No records. The last blank year was 1986.Worcs An adult in winter plumage at Throckmorton Lagoons on July 9th, was followedby a juvenile at the same site on August 20th and one was at Upper Bittell Reservoir onOctober 4th.Staffs This year there were just seven birds, unlike last year’s 84 birds. The first arrivedat Belvide on February 25th, staying until March 1st. The remainder were all at Blithfield:two flew through on May 7th, singles on July 31st and August 2nd, a moulting adult on14th and a juvenile on 19th-21st.W Mid One visited Sandwell Valley in March per MWe.

Sanderling Calidris albaUncommon passage migrant. Rare in winter.Warks On spring passage singles were noted at Draycote on April 22nd, May 7th, 23rdand 28th, and June 3rd. The only other record was of one photographed on the new scrape

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at Toft Farm Lakes, Kites Hardwick on May 17th. On return passage singles were atSalford Priors GP on August 13th and Kingsbury on 15th.Worcs Three were at Upton Warren on May 15th and 16th, whilst two were at UpperBittell on August 1st and one on 18th.Staffs A good year, with 52 birds in total. Spring passage commenced in April with twoat Chasewater on 21st and singles at Drayton Bassett Pits and Whitemoor Haye on 22nd.In May there was one at Blithfield and two at Belvide on 7th, one at Whitemoor Haye on13th-14th rising to three on 15th, one at Chasewater on 14th-15th, one at Drayton BassettPits on 15th joined by another on 16th, two at Blithfield on 19th rising to nine on 20th,with one remaining until 21st, one at Barton GP on 19th-21st, Chasewater on 20th and twoat Belvide on 22nd. In June there were three at Whitemoor Haye on 7th, three at Belvideon 12th and a summer-plumaged bird at Blithfield from 14th-16th. Autumn passagecommenced on August 2nd with one at Belvide, five at Blithfield, one at Chasewater andtwo at Tittesworth; the Chasewater bird remained to 3rd when two new birds arrived atBlithfield, followed by three at Belvide on 5th, one at Blithfield on 15th and 20th, then ajuvenile at Belvide from 30th until September 1st. Finally, singles were present at Belvideon September 16th and Blithfield on October 2nd.W Mid Single birds visited Marsh Lane NR on May 19th and November 27th per NPB.

Little Stint Calidris minutaUncommon autumn passage migrant in variable numbers. Rare in spring and winter.Warks The only reports concerned a juvenile which stayed at Draycote from September23rd-October 4th.Worcs Grimley New Workings hosted a juvenile from September 16th-19th and anothertwo from 22nd-25th and finally one from October 6th-9th. The only other locality to recordthis species was Upper Bittell Reservoir, with five juveniles on October 1st and one wasreported most days between October 2nd-November 3rd.Staffs No spring birds but good numbers in the autumn with many long staying birds.At Blithfield, a single on September 9th-10th was joined by another on 11th-14th with one

Little Stint, Draycote, Steve Seal

remaining until 21st. Then a superb count of 11 birds arrived on 24th, two of whichremained on 25th, joined by another on 26th, these three lingering until October 2nd.Belvide hosted two juveniles on September 16th, joined by another the next day, theseremaining until 23rd. At Chasewater a single bird was present from September 17th-23rd.

Temminckʼs Stint Calidris temminckiiScarce passage migrant, mainly in spring (9/10).Warks An adult at Salford Priors GP on August 6th JJB, was only present from 07.10-07.30 before departing.Worcs An adult was at Upton Warren on June 22nd and 23rd AFJ, JRa et al.Staffs Two were seen at Barton Gravel Pits on May 7th many observers.

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotosScarce passage migrant,mainly in autumn.Worcs A juvenile was atKinsham Lake on September5th and 6th RAP et al. The firstlocality record.Staffs A juvenile at Belvideon August 24th-26th AGa,another at Blithfield September15th-18th was joined by asecond juvenile 19th-22ndGJM, then another two on 27th,one a female the other ajuvenile GJM.W Mid A juvenile stayed atMarsh Lane NR fromSeptember 22nd-26th HJM, GPR, DJS.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferrugineaUncommon autumn passage migrant in variable numbers. Rare in spring.Warks Another very poor year, with just a single juvenile reported at Brandon onSeptember 9th.Staffs A very quiet year after last year’s bonanza. Juveniles visited Blithfield onSeptember 1st-3rd, 10th and 14th with another at Drayton Bassett Pits on 15th.

Dunlin Calidris alpinaFairly common passage migrant and winter visitor.


Brandon – – 5 2 2 – 3 4 1 1 – –Dosthill/Kingsbury – – 1 3 6 2 1 6 4 – 7 7Draycote 3 4 1 1 3 1 1 5 7 3 5 18Ladywalk – – – 1 1 – – – – – – –Salford Priors GP – – 2 5 1 – – 1 1 1 1 –Bredonʼs Hardwick – – – – 1 – – 1 – – – –Grimley New Workings 2 – 1 1 15 – 3 1 – 2 1 1

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Pectoral Sandpiper, Kinsham, Andy Warr

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J F M A M J J A S O N DGwen Finch Wetland – – – – – – 2 – 2 1 – –Kinsham Lake – – – – 4 – – 1 – – –Longdon Marsh – – – – – – 1 2 – – – 5Lower Moor – – 4 4 7 – – – – – 2 3Throckmorton 2 2 – – – – 1 2 – 1 – –Upper Bittell – – – – 1 – 1 2 3 3 5 2Upton Warren – – 2 3 11 – 1 4 2 1 2 –Alrewas GP – – – – 1 – – – – 11 – –Barton GP – – 10 – 5 – – – – 1 – –Belvide 3 1 6 6 12 – 4 5 11 5 13 5Blithfield – – – 2 2 5 7 25 30 9 3 2Branston GPs 18 5 2 1 4 – 3 – 2 – 6 –Chasewater – – – 1 2 – – 4 4 5 3 2Coldmeece Pools – – 3 – 6 – – – – – – –Croxall GP – 9 – – 3 – 4 3 – – – –Croxden Quarry – – – 3 4 – – – – – – –Doxey 1 – 4 2 6 1 – – 5 – 2 –Drayton Bassett Pits – – 2 2 4 – 1 2 – – 1 1Tittesworth – – – – 2 – 4 – 1 – 2 –Whitemoor Haye 8 13 8 4 39 1 – 4 1 2 – –Marsh Lane NR – – 6 7 19 3 4 6 – – 1 –Sandwell Valley 1 – – – 2 – – – – – – 1

Warks There were also singles at Earlswood Lakes on May 14th, Shustoke on August3rd, Wormleighton Res on October 26th and Longbridge on December 10th. The onlydouble-figure flock this year was of 18 at Draycote on December 15th.Worcs Away from the tabulated locations four were at Ryall Pits on May 3rd andsingles were at Bury End Flash on 19th, Saxon’s Lode on 21st and Croome River on 31st,whilst in August, three were at Ryall Pits on 1st, one at Lower Bittell Reservoir onDecember 24th and finally one at Clifton Pits on 27th.Staffs Data from a ringed bird at Chasewater on April 18th indicated that it had spentsome time in Senegal. Untabulated records came from Crossplains on March 15th,Silverdale Colliery on April 3rd, Westport on 26th, May 8th and 18th, Silverdale Collieryon August 28th and two at Rudyard Lake on September 1st.W Mid At Dunstall Park, four were present March 15th and one was seen on May 13th.Nine flew over Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) on March 29th.

Dunlin, Draycote, Steve Valentine and Westport, Dave Kelsall

Ruff Philomachus pugnaxFrequent passage migrant, though in variable numbers. Scarce in winter.Warks Single winter males appeared at Draycote on January 2nd, Alvecote on 23rd andat Draycote again from 26th-29th. The only spring bird was also at Draycote, on May 3rd.Return passage began late, presumably due to the unfavourable weather conditions. Thefirst report was of two at Lawford Heath GP on August 23rd, with one there on 24th and27th, followed by two at Draycote on September 4th, one at Brandon on 7th, two at AbbotsSalford on 10th, and singles at Draycote on 11th and Ladywalk on 16th-17th. Passagepicked up from September 19th, with one or two at Brandon on many dates from then upto October 15th, with maxima of three on September 28th, four on October 2nd, three on3rd, five on 4th-5th, and four on 7th. Draycote also had two on September 19th, with onestaying to 22nd, two more on 25th and one on October 1st. Two were at Lawford Heath GPon September 27th. The final bird was seen at Kingsbury on November 7th.Worcs A male at Upton Warren from June 26th-28th, was followed by a female at GwenFinch Wetland on July 5th and a male at Longdon Marsh on 20th. Singles were at GrimleyNew Workings on August 5th and 24th, September 6th and 16th, whilst singles were atUpper Bittell Reservoir on 18th, 21st, 22nd and from October 2nd-22nd. Further Octoberrecords comprised a juvenile male at Upton Warren on 2nd and 3rd, a juvenile female atGwen Finch Wetland on 10th and a male at Lower Moor on November 22nd.Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites. Bracketed figures show total number of different birds each month:J F M A M J J A S O N D

Belvide Reservoir – – – – – 1 – 1 3(7) 2 – 2Blithfield Reservoir – – – – – – – 5(8) 2 – 3(4) 3(4)Branston GP – – – – – – 2 – 2 5 3 –Chasewater Reservoir – – – – – – – 1 3(6) 1 – –

Untabulated records came from Drayton Bassett Pits September 15th, 18th; Doxey, ajuvenile on 21st joined by another from 23rd-30th with one remaining on October 1st andtwo at Alrewas Junction Pit on October 30th.W Mid Single birds visited Marsh Lane NR from April 4th-10th and June 25th.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimusFrequent passage migrant and winter visitor.Long-term average: September 26th (65) to April 21st (61).8-year average: September 16th (–10 days) to April 20th (–1 day).First reported from Upton Warren on September 30th; the last being at CastlemortonCommon on April 16th.


Brandon 2 2 2 – – – – – – 1 1 4Lighthorne Quarry 5 6 6 7 – – – – – 2 1 –Priors Hardwick 1 1 – 1 – – – – – – – 3Salford Priors GP 1 1 – – – – – – – 5 3 2Wasperton 2 1 – – – – – – – – 3 3Kinsham Lake 2 8 3 – – – – – – – 5 7Upton Warren 1 2 3 – – – – – 1 1 1 1Berry Hill 2 – – – – – – – – 1 1 –Branston Water Park – – – – – – – – – – 2 1Chasewater 4 2 – 1 – – – – – 4 2 10Croxall GP 1 – – – – – – – – 2 2 –Cuckoo Bank – – – – – – – – – 3 10 7

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J F M A M J J A S O N DDoxey 18 6 1 1 – – – – 1 1 9 –Silverdale Colliery 2 1 – 2 – – – – – – – –Dunstall Park 1 3 – – – – – – – 1 – –Marsh Lane NR 2 2 1 1 – – – – 1 – 2 –

Warks Other reports during the early months included singles at Dosthill on January2nd, near Earlswood Lakes on 5th, Draycote on February 1st and 4th, two at Alvecote on12th with one there on March 1st, two at Coton on 5th, and singles at Coombe Abbey on12th, Bidford-on-Avon on 17th, and Ladywalk on 28th. The last in spring was at PriorsHardwick on April 6th. Autumn passage began on October 1st with a single at Ladywalk,but most did not begin to arrive until mid-month. Additional records were of singlesat Kingsbury WP on October 14th and November 4th, and at Wormleighton Res onNovember 9th.Worcs During January, six were at Castlemorton Common on 1st, with three there on8th, three at Grimley New Workings on 7th, three at Ryall Pits on 8th, one at Lower Mooron 11th and 11 at Abberton on 15th, whilst in February singles were at Lower Moor on 7thand Abberton on 26th. Duos were at Ashmoor Common on 17th, Ryall Pits on 19th andHolt Prairies on 27th and finally six at Castlemorton Common on 19th. In March two wereat Holt Prairies and five at Gwen Finch Wetland on 10th, with four at the latter site on 16thand one on 29th, whilst singles were at Abberton on 13th, Wood Norton on 22nd, LowerBittell Reservoir on 23rd and Clifton Pits on 26th. In April three were at Abberton on 17th,whilst three were at Castlemorton Common on 16th and one there on 30th. Six were atGrimley New Workings on October 14th, with five there the next day and two on 22nd,whilst one was at Gwen Finch Wetland on 28th and six at Ryall Pits on 29th. Birds werepresent at Lower Moor throughout November, with peak counts being five on 4th and sixon 8th and 23rd, whilst elsewhere singles were at Grimley on 3rd, Clifton Pits on 19th and26th and Castlemorton Common on 25th. During December one at Clifton Pits on 2nd,preceded five there on 9th, four on 16th, two on 17th, four on 24th and one on 27th and28th, whilst four were at Lower Moor on 11th and four at Abberton on 31st.Staffs Untabulated records comprised five at Bateswood on March 18th, one at DoleyCommon on April 8th, two at Belvide October 14th with one the next day, one at ElandBrook on October 18th and 29th, one at Denstone Hall on November 1st, one at Tittesworthon December 10th with two on 27th.W Mid Also, up to four noted Sandwell Valley in February and March, and singles atGoscote Valley on January 25th, March 15th and November 6th, and Sheepwash UP onMarch 25th and occasionally in December.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinagoFairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Frequent, though much declined, as abreeding species.


Brandon 11 11 11 7 2 2 3 2 25 39 22 12Kingsbury 23 32 25 23 4 – 1 11 45 51 50 60Ladywalk 2 6 6 6 1 1 2 3 21 5 4 3Lighthorne Quarry 11 11 10 25 – – 1 1 4 16 12 5Priors Hardwick 10 12 14 12 1 – – – – 6 10 14Salford Priors GP 13 5 3 2 – – 2 6 33 25 24 18Wasperton 10 14 10 – – – – – – 2 77 95Grimley New Workings – 2 4 2 – – – – – 5 4 –

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J F M A M J J A S O N DGwen Finch Wetland 28 9 27 13 – – 2 14 10 21 14 12Kinsham Lake 3 10 17 12 2 – 1 3 – – 4 10Lower Moor 20 16 15 2 1 – – 6 4 49 65 60Upton Warren 21 8 10 11 1 1 6 9 5 21 7 10Alrewas 4 4 – – – – – – 1 1 7 –Aqualate 6 1 – 2 – – – – 5 2 – 3Belvide Reservoir 23 24 37 21 – – 12 10 16 52 – 1Berry Hill 18 5 29 3 – – – 1 36 43 12 3Black Bank/

Silverdale Colliery 59 47 62 34 – – – – 5 10 20 17Blithfield Reservoir 6 1 2 – – – 13 36 32 6 – –Branston GP – 30 – – – – – 6 10 – – –Branston Water Park 16 10 – – – – – – 3 – 3 8Chasewater Reservoir 35 6 1 – – – – 2 6 30 28 52Crossplains – – 20 – – – – – – – – –Croxall GP 1 3 3 1 – – – 3 – 12 14 –Cuckoo Bank 3 1 – 6 3 – – – 3 12 28 4Doley Common 3 3 12 3 – – – 2 4 4 4 4Doxey 310 174 82 22 – 4 9 28 297 848 307 307Drayton Bassett Pits 4 – – 4 – – – 7 25 1 11 3Ingestre – – – – – – – – – 8 – 13Keele University – – – 9 – – – – – – – 97Pipe Green 1 1 2 1 – – – – 2 1 – 1Rickerscote – – – – – – – – – – 15 –River Sow, Baswich 1 – 32 – – – – – 8 2 6 1Stableford 16 19 11 – – – – – – 25 – –Swallow Moss 5 – 1 4 – – – – – – – –Tittesworth 5 4 1 1 – 5 13 5 53 38 60 17Tixall Bridge – – – – – – – 3 4 10 1 1Wetley Moor 5 – 2 – – – – – – 1 2 –Other sites 20 5 18 15 6 1 1 – 14 11 16 3Dunstall Park 107 62 102 21 – – 3 2 29 52 68 76Goscote Valley 3 2 5 1 – – – – – 5 4 4Marsh Lane NR 12 5 7 6 4 – 2 2 22 21 10 3Saltwells LNR 3 5 6 5 – – – – – – – 1Sandwell Valley 13 34 37 15 2 1 6 7 9 24 24 17

Warks Other breeding season records include a bird at Willicote on May 9th. Maximaaway from the main sites included 18 at Knightcote on February 25th, 20 at Draycote on26th, 17 at Fenny Compton on March 3rd, 25 in a marsh near Shustoke Res on 20th, 25 atColeshill GP on October 1st, 20 at Fisher’s Mill GP on 2nd, ten at Napton Res on 13th, and36 at Chapel Ascote on November 21st.Worcs Away from the tabulated sites twenty were at Castlemorton Common on January1st, six at Longdon Marsh on 2nd, nine at Ashmoor Common and 45 at Ryall Pits on 8th,eleven at Abberton on 15th and 45 at Lower Bittell Reservoir on 20th. February recordscomprised fourteen at Castlemorton Common on 9th, five at Ashmoor Common on 11thand four there on 17th and 18 at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 12th, whilst in March two wereat Dagnell End on 3rd, 38 at Bushley on 5th, eight at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 10th and20 at Holt the same day. Six were at Ashmoor Common on April 1st and three at Castle -morton Common on 16th, whilst one was at Ryall Pits on July 30th, with two there onAugust 9th and in September two were at Brotheridge Green Pools on 10th, two at were atUpper Bittell Reservoir on 11th and one was at Castlemorton Common on 17th. InOctober, 13 were at Ryall Pits on 7th and 25 there on 29th, four were at Bredon’s Hardwickon 21st and six there on 29th, whilst in November one was at Castlemorton Common on25th, 19 at Throckmorton Lagoons on 25th and 15 were at Clifton on 26th. Finally, in

December seven were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 3rd, with one there on 17th and two on23rd, 15 were at Longdon Marsh on 8th, 20 at Clifton Pits on 16th and 24th, 27 at Throck -morton Lagoons on 23rd, four at Dagnell End on 24th, with six there on 31st, six at Castle -morton Common on 27th and 15 Abberton on 31st.Staffs An adult with a juvenile at Doley Common was an unexpected find on August12th but it was unclear if they had bred there or flown in. Breeding probably occurred insuitable habitat on the North Staffs Moors, with sightings coming from Knotbury (fourdrumming), Morridge Top (one), Reapsmoor/Hayes (ten), Round Knowl Farm (one) andSwallow Moss (four). Three pairs attempted at Doxey, after none last year, two failed, theother had two downy young but there was no evidence that they survived.W Mid A site record 107 birds were counted at Dunstall Park on January 8th. Singlefigure counts were made at Sheepwash UP until March and again from September. One ortwo were noted in the Smestow Valley in March and April. One was at Blythe Valley CPon March 30th. In Coundon Wedge, up to three were noted from September 23rd and threewere seen at Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) on October 14th.

2005 AddendumWarks More than one bird was drumming over a marsh at an undisclosed farm in thePreston Bagot district during the breeding season. The farmer has heard them annuallythere in recent years per GMs, Environment Agency. This is the first real evidence ofbreeding in the county since 1997.

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceusVery rare vagrant (0/10).Worcs A juvenile frequented Upper Bittell Reservoir from September 25th-October 3rdKWh, LBD et al. This constitutes the second county record, the first being at WestwoodPool in 1990, and the third regional record.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticolaFrequent or fairly common resident and winter visitor.Warks Bentley Woods was again the only site in the county to report roding birds, withup to six there during May-June. Wintering birds were reported from 30 widely spreadsites, with maxima of five at Brandon on January 7th, three at Napton Res on 28th, threeat Ladywalk on February 1st and three by the Oxford Canal at Fenny Compton onDecember 23rd. Extreme dates of wintering birds were March 26th and November 2nd,both from Brandon. Autumn birds were noticeably late to arrive this year presumably dueto the exceptionally mild weather.Worcs Roding birds were noted along the Dowles Brook on April 30th. Singles werenoted in the Wyre Forest on May 4th and Huntsfield on June 20th. Further roding birdscomprised two at Shatterford Wood on June 3rd, then one there on 6th, one at The Gulleton 7th and one at the Rifle Range on 17th. January records comprised two at LongdonMarsh on 2nd, two at Bockleton on 4th and one at Abberton on 15th, whilst in February,one was at Throckmorton Tip on 7th, with two there on 17th and 24th, one at CastlemortonCommon on 11th, one at Wassell Wood on 17th and three at Abberton on 26th. In Marchsingles were at Cobblers Coppice on 11th, Abberton on 13th and Fish Hill on 29th, whilstsix were flushed at Old Storridge on 13th, five were at Wood Norton on 14th and in Aprilone was at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 4th. During the autumn and second winter period,one was at Ipsley Alders on September 9th, followed by one on Bredon Hill on November1st, one on Castlemorton Common and two at Old Storridge on 3rd, one at Upper Bittell

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Reservoir on 6th and one at Grafton Wood on 30th. During December three were at WoodNorton on 3rd, whilst singles were at Feckenham Wylde Moor on 1st, Hurcott Pool on 10th,Croome Perry Wood on 24th and Castlemorton Common on 27th.Staffs Breeding confirmed at Coombes Valley (two pairs) and Needwood Forest (onepair, three young). Roding birds were recorded throughout Cannock Chase (the most being13 at Abraham’s Valley), plus Blake Brook, Brackenhurst Covert, Hawksmoor (four) andHighgate Common (two). A good number of winter records were received, with regularsightings from Belvide, Bishop’s Wood (three), Blithfield (two), Byrkley Park (two),Chasewater and Hanchurch Woods (two). Also in January at Apedale CP (two),Crumpwood, Hatton Bogs, Meerbrook and Swallow Moss; in February at the SherbrookValley; in March at Berry Hill, Rifle Range (two), Rugeley Quarry, Shortwood Cotts andTittesworth (two). No birds were observed from August to October; in November, birdswere recorded at Baddeley Edge, Blithfield (two), Chasewater, Packhorse Bridge,Silverdale Colliery and Warslow Brook; in December at Aqualate, Belvide, Chasewaterand Thorswood.W Mid Present in the breeding season in Sutton Park, with single birds noted on March30th and April 27th, three on June 28th and one on July 1st, and one also on December30th. Noted on Mons Hill CBC plot for the fifth year, the first being in 2000. AtSheepwash UP, there were single birds in January and February, and two in November.Singles were also noted at Cornet’s End Quarry on January 14th, along the River Blythebetween Cheswick Green and Stratford-upon-Avon on February 12th and March 19th,dead in the Smestow Valley on February 24th, Marsh Lane NR on April 1st (a site first)and Clayhanger on December 9th (the second record there).

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosaFrequent passage migrant, rare in winter.


Belvide – – 1 52 – 12 7 5 1 1 1 1Blithfield – – – – 5 5 35 26 1 – 1 –Branston GP – – 1 1 1 – 12 – – – – –Croxall GP 1 1 1 – – – – – – – – –Doxey – – – 11 – 1 9 2 – – – 4Whitemoor Haye 1 1 3 1 – – – – – – – –Sandwell Valley – – – – – – – 1 3 3 – –

Warks Spring passage commenced with singles at Kingsbury on March 25th and 27thand at Brandon on April 8th. Kingsbury then had parties of four on April 17th and sevenon 20th, while Brandon had an exceptional flock of 36 breeding-plumaged birds whichspent three hours at the reserve on 27th. Two birds there on June 7th may have been earlyreturn birds. Subsequent records involved eight at Alvecote on June 19th, two at Brandonon 24th, one at Kingsbury on 27th-28th and two there on July 7th, when a party of 26visited the eastern bund at nearby Dosthill Lake. Singles were seen at Abbots Salford onJuly 9th, Kingsbury from July 14th-18th, and Shustoke (the first here) from 26th-28th. OnAugust 1st there were parties of nine at Kingsbury and ten at Brandon, with further singlesat the latter site on 4th and 6th, and at Kingsbury on 9th and 16th-17th, with two there on29th. The final autumn bird was seen at Ladywalk on September 10th. Singles at Brandonon December 1st-2nd and Kingsbury on 18th-19th were late.Worcs Spring passage commenced with singles at Bredon’s Hardwick, Kinsham Lakeand Lower Moor on March 25th and three at Throckmorton Lagoons on 29th. One was also

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noted at Upton Warren on May 2nd, whilst two at Gwen Finch Wetland on 14th and 15thincluding a limosa race bird and one flew over Abberton on 25th. Return passagecommenced on June 24th, with another limosa race bird at Grimley New Workings and onewas at Longdon Marsh the next day. Numbers increased during July, with one at UpperBittell Reservoir on 4th, followed by two there on 5th and 6th, three at Upton Warren on8th and 9th, with two there on 18th, 11 on 19th, a single from 20th-23rd, two on 29th andeight on 31st, whilst singles were at Gwen Finch Wetland on 13th, Grimley New Workingson 13th and 21st, with three over on 23rd having been seen earlier that morning overWestwood Pool, where they constituted only the second site record and finally one was atKinsham Lake on 27th. August records comprised five at Upton Warren on 1st, withsingles there on 6th, 8th and 10th, five at Kinsham Lake on 2nd and three further birdsthere on 3rd and 4th, An excellent flock of 21 was at Throckmorton Lagoons on 7th, onewas at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 10th and two there on 17th, one at Grimley NewWorkings on 13th, with five there on 18th, two at Gwen Finch Wetland on 14th and alimosa race bird at the latter locality on 16th. A juvenile lingered at Grimley New Workingsfrom 30th until September 14th and finally three were at Upton Warren on October 1st.Staffs Once again, some good-sized flocks were recorded, the largest being 52 flyingthrough Belvide at 09:15 on April 23rd. Records of untabulated birds include Barton GPon January 15th, Alrewas Junction Pit on February 5th, Croxall GP on March 11th (flewhere from Whitemoor Haye), at Drayton Bassett Pits (two) on 25th, Dilhorne Dale on April8th-9th, at Doley Common (eight) on 19th with three remaining until 22nd, two at BartonGP on May 7th GP, 14 at Coldmeece on 21st, 10 at Westport on July 5th, 25 at Tittesworthon 7th, three at Gailey on August 15th, three at Chasewater on 17th and one flying westover Gailey on 23rd.W Mid Single birds were at Ryders Mere on April 27th and Marsh Lane NR on July 15thand August 3rd, with four at Dunstall Park on June 17th-18th and two at Fens Pools on July5th.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponicaUncommon passage migrant, rare in winter.Warks Spring reports involved three at Kingsbury and one at Draycote on April 20th,with further singles at Brandon on May 1st and Kingsbury on 5th. In autumn, there werefour at Draycote and nine at Kingsbury on September 16th, with one still present at thelatter site on 17th.Worcs Just one record, but an excellent count, when five visited Upton Warren onMay 1st.Staffs Just eight birds this year, down from 15 and 13 in the previous two. On springpassage, records comprised singles at Belvide on May 1st and Drayton Bassett Pits on 5th,four at Coldmeece and one at Chasewater on 7th – one of the Coldmeece birds remaininguntil 9th. On return passage one was seen at Belvide on August 1st.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopusFrequent passage migrant.Warks The total of just thirteen birds was the lowest since the exceptionally poor yearof 1999, presumably due to the fine weather conditions at peak passage times. Springpassage accounted for most records, with two flying north over Kingsbury on April 21st,one north at Birchmoor on 29th, and singles over Draycote on 30th and Brandon on May1st. A tired bird spent half the day at Shustoke on May 5th, with further singles resting on

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the East Marsh Pool at Brandon on 6th and 12th. Finally, single birds were seen headingnorth over the Fenny Compton Hills on May 9th and 14th. The only return records involvedone circling during a shower at Shustoke on August 17th, and singles at Kingsbury on 26thand Draycote on September 7th.Worcs Spring records comprised singles at Lower Moor on April 27th and May 8th,four at Ryall Pits on May 1st, one at Eckington Meadows on 7th and singles at UptonWarren on 9th and 27th. Return passage saw singles over Upton Warren on July 9th, andcalling at 23.15hr on 12th, whilst two flew over Little Comberton on August 8th andanother one flew over on 17th.Staffs A reasonable year: in spring 41 birds passed through the county (cf. 34 in 2005,22 in 2004) and in autumn, six (cf. 10 in 2005, 50 in 2004). Early arrivals dropped in atBlithfield on April 2nd and Tittesworth on 8th, the main passage starting with two atBlithfield and one a Belvide on 21st, ten through Belvide on 22nd, singles at Cheadle (JCBFactory) and Whitemoor Haye on 23rd, three at Blithfield on 26th, a single at Belvide on30th, singles at Ellenhall and Whitemoor Haye on May 1st, three at Blithfield on 2nd,singles at Belvide on 3rd and Blithfield 5th, six at Tittesworth on 6th, four throughBlithfield on 7th, singles at Whitemoor Haye on 10th-14th and Belvide on 28th. Returnpassage was quieter with singles at Blithfield on July 23rd and 30th, Belvide andTittesworth on August 20th, Belvide on 31st and Chasewater on September 2nd.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquataFairly common summer resident and passage migrant. Frequent in winter.


Ladywalk/Lea Marston 2 5 11 5 2 1 9 9 9 7 4 1Upton Warren 26 37 32 9 2 28 90 52 50 50 32 25Aqualate – 1 2 – – 1 – – – – – –Belvide Reservoir – 1 13 8 2 2 2 6 1 1 – –Blithfield Reservoir – – 1 4 – 3 2 7 3 – – –Branston GP 24 1 1 – – 4 10 12 16 16 14 –Coldmeece Pools – – 2 2 1 4 – – – – – –Doley Common – 2 7 – – 4 5 – – – – –Keele – – 1 1 – 2 1 – – – – –Reapsmoor – – 2 4 – 10 – – – – – –Revidge – – 3 2 – 5 – – – – – –Silverdale Colliery – – 3 1 1 – – – – 1 – –Swallow Moss – – 2 4 – 1 – – – – – –Tittesworth Reservoir – 2 303 28 4 10 55 6 – – – –Woodhead – – 1 4 2 – – – – – – –

Warks Pairs were present in the breeding season at: Baginton (the first time in this areafor some years), Kingsbury, Morton Bagot, Polesworth, Preston-on-Stour, Studley, Tysoeand Willicote. Birds were noted at a further 20 sites during the year, mainly in spring andsummer but distributed in all months apart from January and February. The only reports ofmore than three birds involved six flying over Salford Priors GP on June 24th and a partyof around 12-15 over Brandon on October 17th.Worcs Records during the breeding season comprised a pair at Lower Moor, which mayhave bred locally, a pair at Powick Ham and a pair nested at Sneads Green, whilst a pair atEckington fledged two young and singing/displaying birds were also noted at Bredon’sHardwick on March 26th, Shenstone on April 13th, Little Comberton on May 6th and OldStorridge on 28th and 29th. Other records comprised six at Bredon’s Hardwick on March5th, with one there on 12th and five on 19th and 25th, whilst one was at Stoke Bliss on

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11th and two at Grimley New Workings on 13th. In April, two were at Bredon’s Hardwickand five at Grimley New Workings on 9th, one at Ayton’s Heath on 17th, Kinsham Lakeon 29th and Nash End on 30th, whilst in May singles were at Bury End Flash on 3rd and19th, Upper Arley on 4th, Bredon’s Hardwick on 14th and Ripple Marsh on 20th and twowere at Gwen Finch Wetland on June 11th.Staffs A count of 303 birds at Tittesworth on March 19th was a site record. This year,breeding was confirmed at Doley where two pairs bred locally, producing one fledgling.Two pairs were present at Orchard Common, one pair acting as though guarding young. Intotal, 64-65 pairs were recorded breeding, calling or displaying (cf. 59-61 in 2005, 102 in2004), predominantly on the North Staffs Moors: Biddulph Moor (two), Boarsgrove,Byrkley Park, Calton Moor (three), Doxey (one – failed at egg stage due to flooding),Drystone Edge (two), Dunwood Bank, Enson, Flash, Goldsitch Moss (six), Gradbach Hill(one-two), Grindonmoor Gate, Gun Hill (two), High Offley, Hulme (two), Knotbury (two),Lady Edge (two), Lower Elkstone (two), Lower Hatton, Manifold Valley, Marchington(three), Morridge Top, Musden Low (two), Onecote (two), Oxbatch (two), Oxensitch (two),Readyleach Green (three), Reapsmoor (two), Rue Barn Farm, Swallow Moss (three), ThreeShires Head (two), Turn Edge (two), Warslow Brook, Wetton, Whittington Common andWoodhead (two). Wintering/passage birds in the early months were recorded at 21 untabu -lated sites, with larger counts of 22 at Barton GP on January 6th and 115 at Longsdon MillPond on March 17th. In the autumn/late winter period, recorded at just six untabulatedsites.W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, single birds were noted on March 11th, 22nd and 31st, withtwo on 15th, one on April 1st, two on 18th and singletons again on 23rd, May 5th and 26th,June 15th and 22nd, and October 12th. Single birds were noted at Sandwell Valley inMarch and April, and flying over Goscote Valley on April 11th, with two over DunstallPark on June 26th.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropusUncommon passage migrant, very rare in winter.Warks A bird in partial breeding plumage at Salford Priors GP on May 16th GDL wasthe first record for the locality.Worcs Another poor year with two short-staying individuals: a summer-plumaged birdat Upton Warren on May 2nd and a juvenile at Westwood Pool on September 9th.Staffs A juvenile at Blithfield on August 4th was joined by another on 8th, bothremaining until 23rd. An adult then arrived there on 29th, staying until September 3rd.

Common Redshank Tringa totanusFrequent passage migrant and summer resident. Uncommon winter visitor.


Brandon – – 4 10 6 5 1 – – – – –Dosthill/Kingsbury 3 5 6 7 3 5 – 1 – – 5 5Draycote 1 – – 1 – – 1 – 1 – – 1Ladywalk – – 2 2 2 1 – – – – – –Salford Priors GP – – 2 6 4 2 1 – – – – –Bredonʼs Hardwick – – 1 3 2 1 – – – – – –Grimley New Workings – – 1 4 2 – 1 1 – – 1 1Gwen Finch Wetland – – 2 5 3 5 4 – – – – –Kinsham Lake – – 3 4 7 7 4 – 1 – – –

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J F M A M J J A S O N DLower Moor – – 1 3 2 1 – – – – – –Throckmorton – – 1 1 1 – 1 – – – –Upton Warren – – 2 8 6 5 1 1 – – 1 –Alrewas Pits – 1 1 – 3 – – – – – 2 –Barton GP 10 3 1 – 2 – – – – 3 4 14Belvide 1 – 5 8 2 2 1 2 – – – –Blithfield – 1 1 3 1 2 10 3 1 – 2 –Branston GP – 1 2 4 4 4 4 – – – 2 –Chasewater – – – 2 1 – – 1 2 – – 1Croxall GP 2 3 6 9 1 3 1 1 1 – 1 1Doxey 1 – 10 13 10 9 – – 1 – 1 1Drayton Bassett Pits 2 3 2 7 2 3 – 2 – – – 4Tittesworth – – – – – 2 1 – – – – 1Whitemoor Haye 10 7 4 10 4 1 1 1 – – 1 4Marsh Lane NR 1 1 9 7 6 10 4 – – – – –

Warks Six pairs on territory during the breeding season was a slight increase, but onlyone juvenile was seen. There were three pairs at Brandon, one at Kingsbury and two atSalford Priors GP. Away from the main sites singles were also noted during the spring atAbbots Salford, Coton/Lea Marston area, Kites Hardwick and Morton Bagot. One wasseen at Earlswood Lakes on June 24th and 28th, while there was an exceptional autumnflock of 22 at Lawford Heath GP on September 14th.Worcs Breeding records comprised a pair at Kinsham Lake, which fledged three youngand a pair at Gwen Finch Wetland that fledged three of four young. One was at KinshamLake on March 25th, and a pair at Ryall Pits on 26th and in May two pairs were at BuryEnd Flash on 3rd and six birds were there on 19th, whilst four were at Saxon’s Lode on20th and two at Ryall Pits on 20th and 21st. Three were at Lickmoor Wetland on June26th and a single was there on July 10th and 14th, whilst a juvenile was at LongdonMarsh on 22nd and finally singles were at Upper Bittell Reservoir on August 12th andNovember 13th.Staffs

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Breeding Pairs (Successful) 5(2) 13-14(4-5) 8(4) 8(2) 7(1) 9(1)

Once again, a very poor breeding year with just one pair with two young at Branston GP,one of which probably fledged. A pair with three young was seen at Doxey of which twofledged, but this was the only success where seven pairs were believed to have attempted –the rest being flooded out. A pair near Belvide produced two chicks but these werepredated. An adult with a juvenile at Fauld on August 5th suggests breeding may haveoccurred nearby. Despite breeding season birds being reported from Croxall andWhitemoor Haye, no indication of breeding was noted. Untabulated records comprisedsingles at Dosthill on January 24th, River Sow Meadows on March 12th and 19th, one atBurston and two at Coldmeece on 25th, one at Milford Bridge on 31st, two at Tixall Bridgeall April, one at Doley Common on April 19th, two at Ingestre on 22nd, one at KettlebrookLakes on May 7th, two at Tittesworth on June 20th, singles at Tittesworth on July 8th,Westport on 20th and Tittesworth on December 28th.W Mid Two pairs probably bred at Marsh Lane NR, though only one was successful,raising three young. Single birds were noted at Sandwell Valley in April and May, Sheep -wash UP on April 9th and Dunstall Park on June 12th.

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Common Greenshank Tringa nebulariaFrequent passage migrant, rare in winter.


Brandon – – – – – 1 1 2 2 1 – –Coton/Lea Marston – – – – – – 1 1 2 – – -Dosthill/Kingsbury – – – – – – 1 3 1 1 – –Ladywalk – – – – – – – 2 2 – – –Salford Priors GP – – – – – 1 1 2 1 – – –Grimley New Workings – – – – – 1 – 1 2 – – –Gwen Finch Wetland – – – – – – 1 3 1 – – –Ryall Pits – – – – 1 – 1 2 1 1 – –Throckmorton – – – – – – 1 3 1 – – –Upper Bittell – – – – – – 1 3 1 1 – –Upton Warren – – 1 – – – – 2 1 – – –Belvide Reservoir – – – 1 1 1 1 9 6 1 – –Blithfield Reservoir – – – – – – 8 13 8 1 – –Croxall GP – – – 2 – – – 2 1 – – –Doxey – – – – 1 – 1 – – – – –Drayton Bassett Pits – – – – 5 – 4 4 6 3 – –Tittesworth – – – – – – 1 3 – – – –Whitemoor Haye – – – 1 2 – – – 1 – – –

Warks One at Draycote on May 21st was the only spring record. Return passage wastypically extended with records from June 25th (Brandon) to October 5th (Kingsbury).Good series of records came from the tabulated sites, but with a maximum of only three atFisher’s Mill GP on August 11th. Other single birds were noted at Earlswood Lakes fromJuly 20th-22nd, Shustoke on August 5th and 15th, Alvecote also on 15th, Lawford HeathGP on 23rd and at Draycote (where usually fairly regular at this time of year) on onlySeptember 7th, 11th, 14th and 26th.Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, spring records comprised two at Kinsham Lakeon May 6th, one at Lower Moor on 10th and two from 11th-14th, whilst singles were atBredon’s Hardwick and Bury End Flash on 19th and Saxon’s Lode on 20th. Return passagebirds were noted at Croome River, with one on July 25th, one was at Longdon Marsh on27th, then two there on 29th and in August singles were at Westwood Pool on 6th,Lickmoor Wetland on 11th and 12th, Kinsham Lake and Pirton Pool on 13th, Grimley OldWorkings on 14th, Birtsmorton Pools on 15th and Clifton Pits on 26th. In Septembersingles were at Clifton Pits on 2nd, Grimley Triangle on 3rd and Grimley windsurfing piton 22nd.Staffs First seen flying west over Berry Hill on April 2nd and last seen at Blithfieldon October 22nd. Untabulated records came from Barton GP on May 1st and 13th-16th,Aqualate on 17th, River Dove at Fauld on July 30th and August 5th-7th, three atChasewater on August 5th with one on 7th (heard calling at night) and 18th-23rd, twoat Branston GP on 14th-19th, Aqualate on 19th, Rudyard Lake on 26th and September1st.W Mid A good series of records at Marsh Lane NR: an early bird arrived on April 2nd,followed by other singles on 17th and May 4th, and two on June 1st; autumn passage sawthree on August 7th-8th, six on 13th, one on 15th-16th, two on 18th and one on 28th andSeptember 14th and 17th. Singles were noted at Sheepwash UP in May, Wren’s Nest NNRon July 10th, Sandwell Valley on 13th, with three on August 8th, and one at Dunstall Parkon September 22nd-23rd.

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Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropusFrequent passage migrant and uncommon winter visitor.


Abbots Salford 1 1 1 1 – – 4 2 2 2 – 1Brandon 1 1 1 3 1 5 9 11 6 2 2 1Kingsbury/Middleton 1 1 2 1 1 2 7 5 4 1 1 1Ladywalk 1 – 1 1 – 1 1 3 3 2 2 1Salford Priors GP 3 4 5 3 – 7 11 13 7 6 6 6Birtsmorton Pools – – – 1 – – – 7 3 – – –Clifton Pits – – – 4 – – – 2 3 1 1Grimley Old Workings – – – – – – – 3 5 1 1 5Grimley New Workings – – – – – – 6 4 4 2 1 3Gwen Finch Wetland – – – – – 1 10 11 1 – – –Kinsham Lake – – – – – – 3 2 – – –Lickmoor Wetland – – – – – 6 12 9 1 – – –Longdon Marsh – – – – – 3 17 13 – – – 2Lower Moor – 1 – 1 – – – 1 – 1 3 2Pirton Pool – – – – – – – 3 1 2 – –Ryall Pits – – 1 2 – 3 3 4 3 3 – –Throckmorton 2 1 2 1 – – 1 1 – – – 1Upper Bittell – – – – – – 3 5 1 – 2 1Upper Warren – – 1 2 – 6 12 9 8 4 1 –Belvide – 1 1 – – 2 5 3 1 1 1 –Blithfield Reservoir – – – – – 1 3 1 2 – – 1Branston GPs 3 4 7 3 – – 5 3 4 3 1 2Clay Mills – – – – – – – – 3 – 1 –Coldmeece – – 4 3 – – – – – – – –Croxall GP – – 1 – – – 1 3 1 – – –Doxey – – – 1 1 – 1 – 1 1 – –Drayton Bassett Pits 1 1 3 4 – – 2 6 5 3 2 3Elford Gravel Pits – – – – – – – 1 – – 1 1Fauld – 1 1 – – – – 1 1 – – –Whitemoor Haye 1 – – – – – 1 – 1 1 – –Marsh Lane NR – 1 1 3 1 1 6 5 3 2 – –Sandwell Valley – – – 1 – – 3 4 – – – –

Warks It was a better year than 2005 at the main sites. The last birds in spring werenoted on May 6th at both Brandon and Kingsbury. Return passage commenced on June 15,again at Brandon. Away fromthe tabulated sites one or twobirds were also reported from:Alvecote, Coleshill STW,Dray cote, Earlswood Lakes,Hampton Wood (River Avon),Hartshill STW, Kites Hard wick,Lawford Heath GP, LeaMarston, Lighthorne Pools andQuarry, Longbridge, Maxstoke,Morton Bagot, Packington,Seeswood Pool, Shustoke,Ufton Fields, Whitacre HeathNR and Wormleighton Res.Worcs Away from thetabulated sites singles were at Green Sandpiper, Brandon Marsh, Steve Valentine

Defford Airfield on March 7th, Bury End Flash on April 27th, Grimley Triangle onSeptember 3rd, over Lower Smite Farm on December 4th and two were at Lower BittellReservoir from 18th-29th.Staffs A bird was seen displaying at one site on April 12th but didn’t stay. Untabulatedrecords came from Whitmore Bent Lane on January 1st, Baldwin’s Gate on 22nd, Dosthillon 24th, Baldwin’s Gate on April 13th, Doley on 15th, Tameside Nature Reserve “inAugust”, Tittesworth on August 19th-24th with two on 22nd, Aqualate on 25th andSeptember 5th, two at Ingestre on 15th, South Doveridge on 17th, Ellenhall on October13th, Alrewas Junction Pit on November 7th, Uttoxeter Quarry on 10th-21st, River SowMeadows on 18th and Barton GP on December 24th.W Mid Single birds were noted at Dunstall Park on 13 dates from July 18th to October25th, Bradnock’s Marsh on August 7th and Smestow Valley on October 28th.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareolaUncommon passage migrant. Has over-wintered.Warks The only spring recordwas of a bird at Brandon on May11th. Singles on return passagewere noted at Middleton Hall GPon June 21st, Lighthorne Quarry(the first here) on July 29th andSalford Priors GP on August 6th.Two were present at Shustokefrom August 14th-17th with pos -sibly one of these birds also visit -ing nearby Ladywalk on 17th,followed by singles at LawfordHeath GP from 17th-23rd andBrandon on September 3rd.Worcs The only spring pass -age record was of two at LowerMoor on May 10th RAP et al. Return passage saw an adult at Gwen Finch Wetland fromJuly 8th-14th RAP et al, a juvenile at Longdon Marsh from August 10th-13th RAP et al, ajuvenile at Grimley new workings on 28th BRS et al, and finally a very late bird at UpperBittell Reservoir from October 30th-November 2nd CTh et al.Staffs Just seven birds this year compared with seven, 20 and eight in the previousthree. In spring one lingered at Barton GP from May 11th-14th. In August there was oneat Doxey on 9th, a juvenile at Belvide on 14th-16th while one at Blithfield on 19th-21stwas joined by a second on 22nd, with one remaining until 24th. One at Belvide on October25th was the latest ever record for the site and the first October record this decade.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucosFairly common passage migrant. Scarce summer resident and winter visitor.


Abbots Salford – – – 3 1 – 2 3 2 2 1 1Brandon – – – 3 1 1 2 3 2 – – –Dosthill/Kingsbury – – – 3 3 2 3 4 3 1 – –

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Wood Sandpiper, Shustoke, Steve Valentine

J F M A M J J A S O N DDraycote – – – 4 6 – 3 5 3 1 – –Earlswood – – – 1 1 2 2 3 2 – – –Salford Priors GP – – – 2 4 6 3 4 1 1 – –Shustoke – – – 1 2 1 1 3 2 1 – –Bredonʼs Hardwick – – – 11 1 – 1 2 1 – – –Grimley New Workings 1 1 – 2 2 – 1 1 1 1 – –Gwen Finch Wetland – – – – – – 1 3 1 – – –Kinsham Lake – – – 2 2 – 2 2 1 – – –Lower Moor – – – 1 – – 1 1 – – –Throckmorton – – – 1 – – 5 5 2 – – –Upper Bittell – – – 1 2 – 6 3 – – 1 –Upton Warren – – – 3 3 3 8 3 1 1 – –Aqualate – – – 2 – – 1 – – – – –Belvide – – 1 10 4 5 9 12 9 3 – –Blithfield – – – 5 4 3 17 9 3 – – –Branston GPs – – – – 3 1 3 2 – – – –Branston Water Park – – – – – – 1 1 – – – –Chasewater – – – 3 1 – 5 3 2 1 1 –Coldmeece Pools – – – 1 1 – 1 – – – – –Croxall GP – – – 1 1 2 3 2 – – – –Croxden Quarry – – – 1 – – – 1 – – – –Doxey – – 1 1 2 – 1 – – – – –Drayton Bassett Pits – – – 5 3 – 1 8 1 2 – –Fauld (R. Dove) – – – 1 – – – 1 – – – –Gailey – – – 2 2 – 5 4 2 – – –Silverdale Colliery – – – 5 2 – – – – – – –Tittesworth – – – 2 3 2 8 7 3 – – –Whitemoor Haye – – – 7 2 – 6 – 2 – – –Wolseley Bridge 1 – – – – – 1 – – – – –Dunstall Park – – – 3 2 – – 1 – – – –Marsh Lane NR 1 1 1 5 3 – 4 7 3 1 1 1Sandwell Valley – – – 13 2 6 4 2 1 – – –

Warks Two pairs were present in the breeding season at Salford Priors GP. One pairreared two young from a nest situated in the overgrown rubbly banks of a lagoon, while theother pair was seen “alarming” in June in another part of the quarry suggesting newly-hatched chicks, although these were never located. This was the second confirmedbreeding record at this site; the first was in 2002 although attempted breeding has beensuspected in other years. Only a moderate passage was noted at the main waters, withparticularly poor numbers noted at Draycote due to high water levels. Passage ran fromApril 9th (Kingsbury) to June 9th (Shustoke) and again from June 20th (Seeswood) toOctober 30th (Dosthill). Away from tabulated sites less regular series of records of up tothree birds came from: Alvecote, Compton Verney, Coton/Lea Marston Pools, DMC Kine -ton, Ensors Pool (Nuneaton), Hampton Wood (River Avon), Kites Hardwick, Ladywalk,Lighthorne Pools, Napton Res, Packington, Seeswood Pool, Spernall, Water Orton andWormleighton Res. Two wintering birds were present at the end of the year: at AbbotsSalford (see table) and on a new pool at Longbridge on December 17th.Worcs Away from the tabulated sites singles were on the River Severn at TrimpleyReservoir on April 14th, Saxon’s Lode on 30th and Upper Arley on May 4th. Elsewheresingles were at Bishampton Vale Pool on June 18th, Abberton on July 4th, Croome Riveron 10th and 27th, Longdon Marsh on 14th, whilst six were at Hewell Grange on 10th andtwo were on the River Severn north of Upton upon Severn on 11th. During August singleswere at Pirton Pool on 13th, Brotheridge Green Pool on 20th, Beckford Lakes on 22nd andtwo were at Westwood Pool on 25th. In September singles were at Brotheridge Green Pool

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on 3rd, Beckford Lakes on 4th, Birtsmorton Pools on 17th and one was at Pirton Pool onOctober 10th.Staffs For the third year, Wolseley Bridge attracted a wintering bird – on January 14thbut it didn’t return in December. An additional find at Bratch Locks on February 17th mayalso have been wintering. The first spring bird was seen at Belvide on March 28th and thelast returning bird at Chasewater on November 27th, well after the previous one at DraytonBassett Pits on October 3rd. Breeding was confirmed at Tittesworth where a nest with foureggs was located and later a family party with three juveniles. Untabulated records camefrom Westport on April 9th, River Sow Meadows on 13th-15th, three at KnypersleyReservoir on 15th, one on 17th, two on 30th, Tixall Bridge on 16th, two at Greenway BankCP on 23rd, Alrewas Junction Pit on May 1st, Church Eaton and JCB North Lake on 2nd,Dimmingsdale on 8th, Uttoxeter Quarry on June 4th, Wolseley Bridge on July 8th,National Memorial Arboretum on August 3rd and Clay Mills “in September”.W Mid Having first been recorded at Marsh Lane NR on November 29th 2002,presumably the same wintering bird was present from 2005 into the New Year, but wasrather elusive, being noted only occasionally until it was joined by the first spring migranton April 12th. The last autumn migrant left on September 7th, for thereafter probably thesame wintering bird remained till the year’s end. Single figure numbers recorded atSheepwash UP in April, May, July and August. Single birds were also noted at NethertonReservoir on April 20th, Sutton Park on 20th and 24th, Edgbaston Reservoir and OltonMere on 27th, and Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) on August 6th.

Turnstone Arenaria interpresUncommon passage migrant, rare in winter.Warks A poor year with just one bird noted on spring passage, at Draycote on April21st. Return passage yielded four at Kingsbury on July 29th, five at Shustoke on August6th with one there on 13th, and a single bird at Draycote on September 6th-7th.Worcs One at Bredon’s Hardwick from May 6th-9th, preceded another on 20th. Also asingle was at Upton Warren on May 7th and 9th, whilst two were at Upper Bittell Reservoiron July 23rd.Staffs An excellent total of 37 birds this year, compared with 27, 50 and 24 in theprevious three. May provided good numbers on passage, with individuals on the 7th atBlithfield, Coldmeece and Whitemoor Haye, then four at Whitemoor Haye on 13th, one on15th, three at Blithfield on 18th, Barton GP on 19th, Tittesworth on 24th, Barton GP on26th-27th increasing to two on 28th then four on 29th and back to two on 30th, WhitemoorHaye on 28th, Blithfield on July 21st, 30th, August 3rd, three on 11th, two juveniles on13th-14th, two on 17th-20th with one remaining until 23rd, two on 28th, four at Belvideon 12th and a juvenile at Chasewater on 16th. Finally two late birds were seen atChasewater on October 2nd and Blithfield on December 27th.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatusRare passage migrant (5/10).Worcs A juvenile at Upper Bittell Reservoir on September 8th was the first countyrecord since 1999 RWa et al.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinusRare autumn and winter vagrant (2/10).Staffs On December 7th at 12.52pm an adult pale-phase bird came in over the dam at

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Belvide and flew the whole length of the reservoir, attacking a Great Black-backed Gull inthe process, before flying off in a NNW direction SNu, BWS. This is the ninth countyrecord and the first since 1991, its presence due to the winter storms which resulted inmany inland “wrecks” including the Leach’s Petrels.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticusRare passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Very rare in winter (8/10).Warks A dark-morph adult at Draycote on September 16th RCM was the only record.

Great Skua Stercoraria skuaRare passage migrant (5/10).Warks It was an exceptionalyear with three records in thecounty, all from Draycote. Thefirst bird stayed here for just tenminutes during the after noon ofMarch 27th MDB, MDo, beforeleaving to the east. Another birdwas seen here briefly on October30th TBr, while the third wasmuch more cooperative andstayed from December 26th intothe New Year TBr et al, beingenjoyed by very many obser vers.The latter bird had first beenfound by RCM on Christmas Day about 3.5 km east, feeding on a rabbit in a field justacross the county border near Onley Prison (Northants). It was the first winter record forthe county.Staffs A juvenile was observed for most of the day at Belvide on September 3rd RClper SNu.

Skua sp.Warks An immature Skua flew in scattering the gull roost at Draycote during the lateafternoon of November 30th JJB. Although almost certainly a Pomarine Skua, the briefviews and poor light unfortunately prevented a firm identification.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalusUncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.

Great Skua, Draycote, Graham Soden

Mediterranean Gulls: Adult at Chasewater, Juvenile at Westport, Dave Kelsall

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Warks Very few appeared to be in the county during the late winter period. An adult wasin the Draycote roost fairly regularly during January 11th-February 9th, where it wasjoined by another adult and first-winter on February 6th. Perhaps the same over-winteringadult, now in breeding plumage, was at Draycote on February 22nd, March 1st and 15thand at Brandon on March 4th-5th. All other records came from the Tame Valley, withrecords at Dosthill of a second-winter on February 15th, an adult in breeding plumage onMarch 20th, a second-summer on 29th and a first-summer on April 10th. The latter birdwas also seen at Kingsbury on April 5th and an adult at Shustoke on May 13th. Some ofthese records probably refer to visits from an adult and second-summer bird that summeredon the Staffs side of the border (often in the gull colony at Dosthill NR), and the adult wasseen again at Dosthill Lake on July 5th. Birds began to reappear in the immediate post-breeding period, with a first-summer at Napton Res on July 23rd and a second-year atAlvecote on August 14th. Earlswood Lakes attracted a juvenile moulting into first-winterplumage on August 24th, the first sighting ever from here. A bird in identical plumage wasalso seen at Kingsbury on August 20th and at Shustoke on 25th, where one or two first-winters were noted on many dates during September 1st-12th and a second-winter on 27th.A first-winter also visited Kingsbury on September 16th. Subsequent records from thevalley were then concentrated in the well-watched Coton roost, with adults on October24th-28th, November 6th and December 14th, a second-winter from December 14th-19thand first-winters on October 27th-28th and November 18th. The Draycote roost produceda second-winter on October 31st-November 1st, a first-winter on November 16th and anadult on December 1st-4th and 27th, while two adults and a second-winter were there on29th. Finally, a first-winter was at Napton Res. on December 8th.Worcs The only sightings in the first winter period came from Westwood Pool, withadults observed in the roost on January 4th, 20th and 21st. Spring records comprisedsecond-summer birds at Upper Bittell Reservoir on March 26th and at Holt Prairies andLower Moor on 29th, whilst a first-summer visited Bredon’s Hardwick on April 5th. UptonWarren held a first-summer on June 18th and hereafter juveniles roosted on August 1st,6th, 7th, 20th, 22nd-26th, 28th and 29th. Elsewhere a first-summer was at Kinsham Lakeon July 22nd, juveniles at Grimley New Workings on 29th and August 7th and a juvenileon fields along Grafton Lane on 24th (Upton Warren bird). Upper Bittell held a juvenileon August 23rd, plus an adult on September 17th, 18th and 20th and a first-winter roostedat Upton Warren on 27th and October 2nd. During the second winter period WestwoodPool held a first-winter on October 31st, an adult on November 29th, 30th and December1st, plus a second-winter on December 7th, 9th, 12th and 15th. The floodwaters at Upton-upon-Severn attracted a second-winter on December 9th and a first-winter on 16th.Staffs


Belvide 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0Blithfield 1 2 2 2 1 0 1 3 1 1 0 2Chasewater 2 3 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 2Dosthill 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0Gailey 1 1 – – – – – – – – 1 1

At one site, two birds appeared to be sitting in June, but no eggs or chicks resulted and atanother site, an adult displayed to Black-headed Gulls – perhaps the first indications ofattempted breeding in the county. In the first winter period, up to four adults and a secondyear bird roosted at Chasewater, one of the adults also accounting for the sightings atGailey and probably the occasional visit to the Belvide roost. A second-winter bird was

seen at Knypersley on January 29th, an adultat Weeping Cross/Baswich February 4th-6th,an adult at Drayton Bassett Pits March 22nd, a2nd year bird at Dosthill March 29th, April12th and June 30th, presumably also passingover Crossplains on June 22nd. An adult wasalso present at Dosthill on March 30th and fivefirst summers with three second summer birdswere seen in early May at Barton GP. Finally,an adult visited Tamworth on July 4th. Birds inlate July through September were nearly alljuveniles, possibly the same three movingaround the tabulated sites above, with anotherat Westport on August 7th and 12th. InOctober, four different first winter birdsroosted at Belvide and an adult roosted atBlithfield on 1st. November saw just one adultroosting at Chasewater, often visiting Gaileyduring the day – perhaps the same bird fromthe year start. In December, at least threedifferent adults and a first winter visited thetwo roosts at Blithfield and Chasewater, with a single at Westport on 4th. The map, whichcompares sightings in 2001-03 with those in 2004-06, shows a species which appears to beincreasing its presence in the county.W Mid Sightings during the first winter period included single adults roosting at BartleyReservoir on January 28th and March 1st and 5th TMH and flying over Cronehills Linkway(West Bromwich) on February 21st REH. At Dunstall Park, a second-summer bird on July2nd was followed by single adults on July 4th and 15th, two on 16th and one on 27th,different adults on August 2nd and 3rd, and a first-winter on October 23rd GAC, KMC.Single adults were also recorded at Stubbers Green on November 10th PAJN, SandwellValley on August 15th per MW and over Wolverhampton city centre on October 20th GAC.A good year at Marsh Lane NR, with four or probably five different birds: juvenile onAugust 6th and 19th, first-winter on August 29th-30th, probably a different first-winterfrom September 18th-23rd, adult from 27th to October 1st and a first-winter on 14th REH,SHa, GPR, DJS. At Bartley Reservoir, first-winter birds roosted on October 18th and 27th,with adults on October 23rd and December 9th and 15th TMH. Single adults were alsoreported on playing fields at Summerhill School (Kingswinford) on March 7th andStubbers Green on July 22nd.

Franklinʼs Gull Larus pipixcanVery rare vagrant (1/10).Staffs One was found in Tad Bay, Blithfield, at 20:00 August 9th MPR, RCB. It flewoff shortly afterwards but must have roosted overnight at the deep end since it was presentearly the next morning again in Tad Bay, before flying off. This is the first county andsecond regional record – see page 221 for full details.

Same size as Black-headed Gull, more compact and squat looking, jet black hood extending down the nape,prominent white eyelids, slate grey mantle, large white tertial crescent, large white ‘spots’ on the black primaries,thinner redder bill than Black-headed Gull and shorter legs than adjacent Black-headed Gulls too.

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Mediterranean Gulls in Staffordshire2001–03 (orange squares)

2004–06 (dots)

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Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensisVery rare vagrant (7/10).Worcs An adult frequented sheep fields at Bredon’s Hardwick on April 7th and 8th AWaet al, then moved to the river flash at Lower Moor on the afternoon of the 8th GHP et al.Staffs An adult landed briefly at Tittesworth on November 20th WJB, ABr, KHo andcould possibly have been the Carsington Water (Derbyshire) bird, which was seen fromNovember 10th-December 23rd. This is the fifth county record and a site first, previousrecords coming from Westport, Chasewater and Blithfield.

Common Gull Larus canusCommon winter visitor and passage migrant, principally to the south and east of theregion.

J F M A M J J A S O N DBittell Reservoir – – – – – – 1 1 – 3 1 3Bredonʼs Hardwick – 13 105 150 – – – – – – – 14Kinsham Lake – 22 6 16 5 – – – – 4 4 6Lower Moor 18 12 – – – – – – – – 2 15Throckmorton Tip 5 2 6 – – – – – – – – 1Westwood Pool 6 5 3 – – – 1 1 1 3 9 6Bateswood – – 11 – – – – – – – 9 –Belvide 2 7 – – – 1 1 – – 4 – 2Blithfield 20 1 11 2 – – – 1 2 6 7 3Chasewater 20 70 – 2 – – 1 1 1 3 2 10Croxden Quarry – – 50 – – – – – – – – –Stockley Vale – – 12 – – – – – – – – –Tittesworth 36 6 126 2 – – – 2 3 1 30 75Bartley Reservoir 8 8 7 – – – 1 – – 8 6 5Marsh Lane NR 7 11 11 15 – – – 1 1 10 26 14

Warks No counts came from the vast Draycote roost, but maxima during the firstquarter in small roosts included 115 at Coton on January 6th and 124 at Brandon on 14th.The species was much more abundant on the eastern side of the county with Napton Reshaving a peak of 1500 staging on January 11th and up to 1000 were frequently on pasturein the area of Lower Shuckburgh and Calcutt. On sheep pastures further south there werepeaks of 1300 at Priors Hardwick on March 9th and 650 at Wormleighton on 15th. Therewere still 144 at Draycote on April 26th with small numbers of immature birds remainingthere into May, with the last two on 18th. A first-summer in the Dosthill/Kingsbury areaon June 4th, 10th and again on July 5th was probably summering, while the first return wasan adult at Longbridge on July 7th. Numbers apparently remained small until late Octoberwhen the main influx occurred. There were no counts from Draycote, but at Napton Resnumbers built up from 700 on November 29th, to 1000 on December 8th and 1800 on 11th.This increase was also noted further south, where there was a notable influx of feedingbirds onto local pastures in early December. Maxima here included 600 at Fenny Comptonon December 6th, 1450 at Knightcote on 13th and 1200 near Wormleighton Res on 31st.Elsewhere the Brandon roost had a peak of 142 on December 13th but only small numberswere noted in the Tame Valley, with a maximum of just 24 in the Coton roost on 16th. Aleucistic bird was found in the Draycote roost on January 28th.Worcs Away from the tabulated localities, Huntsfield held 75 on March 25th, one andtwo were noted at Upton Warren on June 26th and July 5th respectively, seven were at HoltPrairies on October 10th, six at Clifton Pits on 14th, 10 at Upton-upon-Severn SouthernHam on December 11th and two at Kempsey Lower Ham on 21st.

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Staffs Reported from 12 other untabulated sites.W Mid Singles were noted at Stubbers Green on January 13th and February 1st, withtwo on 5th. At Olton Mere, one or two birds were seen through March, with seven on 23rd,two on October 23rd, three on December 6th and four on 29th. At Dunstall Park, up to threebirds were on noted three dates until April 21st and on 12 dates from October 17th. Veryscarce at Sheepwash UP, with one in January and on March 12th.One or two wereoccasionally seen in Sandwell Valley and Smestow Valley during both winter periods.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscusVery common passage migrant and common winter visitor. Fairly common and increasingbreeding species since 1986.


Coton 380 – – – – – – – – 1100 700 630Dosthill – – – – – 82 210 220 200 – 1100 275Bittell Reservoir 3 7 16 8 25 34 11 50 56 10 12 15Bredonʼs Hardwick 3 – 6 9 28 29 19 16 3 9 – 34Grimley New Workings 3 4 2 4 3 26 42 32 3 8 2 20Kinsham Lake – – 18 165 60 80 80 25 26 12 44 32Westwood Pool 2500 1000 300 2 20 5 30 250 700 1200 1700 4000Aqualate 1300 2 350 – – 1 – – 8 142 82 2000Belvide 2 4500 – – – – – – – 450 18 3500Blithfield 500 – – – – – – 20 100 170 430 58Chasewater 600 2000 700 170 15 – 35 860 980 800 7000 700Doxey 7 21 5 15 7 3 2 5 8 2 16 33Keele – – – 80 – – – – – 110 2000 350Tittesworth 7 15 15 2 14 140 3 24 18 9 93 47Dunstall Park 30 21 28 24 22 27 21 83 84 38 76 27Edgbaston Reservoir 44 52 42 17 55 – 120 – – – – 50Fens Pools 8 46 1 5 3 13 6 4 – 17 252 9Marsh Lane NR 5 5 40 45 117 51 23 39 17 15 12 6Netherton Reservoir 160 280 520 3 2 15 76 48 135 71 200 62Olton Mere 14 38 – 42 – 22 53 – 62 – – 41Sandwell Valley 15 11 15 17 17 25 6 30 4 7 7 12

Warks The only roost count from Draycote was of 3500 on February 21st. Counts atFenny Compton of birds using the flightline between Draycote and the landfills aroundBanbury (Oxon) produced monthly maxima of: 335 on September 12th, 375 on October8th, 320 on November 19th and 700 on December 5th. More casual counts of flocksfeeding on farmland included 560 at Chesterton on August 29th, 115 at Ashow on October12th, 300 at Ufton on 14th, 300 at Snitterfield on 22nd and 250 at Bishop’s Itchington onDecember 13th.Worcs Successfully breeding pairs recorded at Bredon’s Hardwick, Kinsham Lake (two)and in Worcester, away from the city centre where many pairs breed, a pair fledged twoyoung from a nest placed between to house chimneys in Barbourne. Away from thetabulated sites, Throckmorton Tip produced counts of 2500 on January 15th and 500 onFebruary 5th and during December Longdon Marsh held 750 on 11th, 200+ roosted onflood water at Upton-upon-Severn Southern Ham on 17th and Throckmorton Tip attracted2000+ on 24th.Staffs 125 at Ingestre on August 29th and 126 flying south over Shebdon (to theAqualate roost) on December 3rd were the only other large counts.W Mid Birds bred in Birmingham, Tipton Green, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.Also noted during the breeding season at Acocks Green, Fens Pools, Lutley, Portway,

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Sheepwash UP, Sutton Park and Whitley. A total of 67 were counted in a newly ploughedfield by Earlswood station on August 23rd.

ʻIntermediate ̓Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus intermediusWarks The only reports were of an adult at Wormleighton Res on October 21st and twoat Draycote on November 16th.Staffs At least one was noted in the Chasewater roost on September 11th GEv.

(Baltic Lesser Black-backed Gull L. f. fuscus)Warks A small slender white-headed adult with a coal black mantle, long primaryprojection and no visible primary mirrors was observed at close range at Draycote onNovember 16th JJB. It closely resembled a bird videoed at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) onOctober 21st (Birding World 19: 403) and may have been the same individual. Like thatbird there was no sign of a post-breeding moult.

Herring Gull Larus argentatusCommon winter visitor. Uncommon in summer and an uncommon breeding species.


Coton 65 – – – – – – – – 33 42 105Dosthill – – – – – 10 10 13 – – 77 37Bredonʼs Hardwick 9 7 5 12 1 – 2 – – – – 4Kinsham Lake – 40 7 18 18 5 5 1 – – 2 2Throckmorton Tip 1000 2000 1500 – – – – – – 800 250Westwood Pool 350 470 30 – 3 2 2 50 120 100 160 400Aqualate 200 – 1 – – – – – – – 1 40Belvide 12 – 2 – – – – 6 2 8 – 50Blithfield 300 – 3 1 – – – – – 2 47 10Chasewater 325 386 – 20 2 – 1 2 15 90 160 1700Doxey 16 7 – 3 – – – 1 – 1 – –Dunstall Park 11 4 1 4 4 2 – 1 – 4 6 13Fens Pools 2 12 6 – – – – – – – 23 2Netherton Reservoir 10 24 22 1 – 1 1 2 4 – 2 2Sandwell Valley 5 4 3 4 2 2 3 2 – 3 2 9

Warks The only counts from the large Draycote roost involved 1000 on February 21stand 800 on March 1st. Other isolated counts included 37 at Bubbenhall Tip on January28th and 450 at Ufton Tip on December 13th. Numbers counted at Fenny Compton onmorning and evening flightlines between Draycote and the Banbury area landfills werewell down this year, with not more than 100 in January-February and a peak of 200 onDecember 14th (cf. a peak of 750 in January 2005).Worcs No confirmed breeding records received, but present during the breeding seasonin Worcester City Centre, where 20-25 pairs nested in 2005. Small numbers were recordedaway from the tabulated sites at Pirton Pool, where two were noted on February 12th, oneon March 12th, two on April 8th and two on November 19th and December 17th, whilst atUpper Bittell Reservoir, three were observed on March 10th, four on April 11th, two onJune 11th and nine on December 17th. A leucistic bird was noted at Throckmorton Tip onOctober 5th, 12th and 17th.Staffs The only other double-figure counts were 12 over Hanchurch Woods onFebruary 13th and 14 at Drayton Bassett Pits on December 18th.W Mid A pair raised one juvenile in Birmingham city centre. Recorded at Marsh LaneNR in every month except July and September, with a high of seven in December. Noted

most months at Sheepwash UP, but mostly single figures. Away from the tabulated sites,other than 17 that gathered in a pre-roost at Olton Mere on December 29th before depart -ing southwards, only single figure totals were reported.

Lesser Black-backed x Herring GullW Mid An adult was seen on a factory roof in West Bromwich on January 10th, 16thand 26th RH. It was white-headed, with the mantle colouration between that of LesserBlack-backed and Herring Gull in shade, but closer to the former; also size of the former.Legs at first thought to be straw-coloured, but in better light considered pinkish,particularly the feet.

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellisFrequent and increasing late summer, autumn and winter visitor.


Coton 1 – – – – – – – – 3 4 3Dosthill – – 2 – – 1 7 1 1 – 5 4Draycote 6 1 2 1 1 – 15 – 5 1 7 7Throckmorton Tip 3 2 2 – – – 2 1 – 4 4 3Upper Bittell Reservoir – – – – – – 1 1 2 1 1 –Westwood Pool 7 6 2 – – – – – 1 3 4 4Belvide 4 5 1 – – – 1 2 4 1 2 5Blithfield 2 – – – – – 1 – – 1 1 1Chasewater 3 2 3 – – – 1 5 2 3 4 3Whitemoor Haye – – – – – 1 1 2 – – – –Other Sites 1 – – – – – – 1 1 2 3 2Bartley Reservoir 3 2 6 – – – – – 2 6 11 5

Warks Birds were present in the county in every month of the year, with the maximumat Draycote coming on July 12th. In the same month a distinct influx was also noted atDosthill. Away from the main sites there were also early spring records of an adult at LongLawford on March 6th, and a second-year bird at Knightcote on 25th and then atWormleighton Res on 27th. Post-breeding records, mainly of adults feeding on farmland,comprised three at Ufton Tip on July 26th (which included a third-year bird), one at FennyCompton on 31st, two near Wormleighton Res on August 7th, singles at Alvecote on 12thand Birchmoor on 17th, two at Chesterton on 29th and then singles again at FennyCompton on September 12th and October 8th.Worcs Away from the tabulated localities, first winter period sighting comprised anadult at Trimpley Reservoir on January 15th, two adults at Lower Moor on 19th and 20th,an adult at Hurcott Pool on 20th and an adult at Lower Moor on February 7th and 23rd. Asecond-summer bird frequented Bredon’s Hardwick between April 30th-May 4th and anautumn juvenile visited Grimley New Workings on September 3rd and 11th. During thesecond winter period, Wildmoor Tip attracted one on October 9th, two adults on 27th andsingles on November 8th, 20th and December 19th, Upton Warren held two adults onNovember 12th, then one adult on 19th and at Lower Moor, an adult was observed on theriver flash on 21st and 28th.Staffs The records from “Other Sites” shown in the table, adults unless otherwisestated, came from Stockley Vale (first-winter) January 16th, Drayton Bassett Pits August10th, Crossplains September 18th, Branston GP October 4th, Crossplains 18th, three atColdmeece November 22nd, Branston GP (first-winter) December 2nd and Aqualate 4th.W Mid Another excellent series of records from Bartley Reservoir, starting in the first

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winter period with up to three adult and single second-, third- and fourth-winters noted on12 dates till March 26th. Birds returned on September 29th, where up to six adults and fourimmature birds were noted on 18 dates till the year’s end. Mostly adults were noted hereduring the first winter period and from early November onwards, with mainly immaturespresent during October. Through the second part of the year, 68% of sightings were ofadults (over 70% last year). Also in January, single birds were noted at Trittiford Park on24th and Dartmouth Park on 25th. A first-winter was at Dunstall Park on February 15thand one was in Coventry on March 4th. Single birds at Sheepwash UP in June, Fens Poolson July 5th and Frankley Reservoir on August 21st constituted the year’s only summerreports. One was at Kings Norton Boys School on November 13th, a second-winter wasnoted at Olton Mere on December 5th and a first-winter was at Sheepwash UP on 10th. AtDunstall Park in December, perhaps the same first-winter bird was seen on 11th, 23rd, 25thand 30th, with an adult also present on 25th.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnansRare winter visitor (7/10)Warks The only reports during the first quarter came from Draycote, with unconfirmedreports of an adult on several dates in January probably relating to the bird from the end of2005, and then a first-winter there on February 11th RCM and an adult on 21st JJB. A goodsequence of records from the Tame Valley was largely the reward of careful monitoring ofthe roosts by one observer. The first was of a first-winter bird at Coton from October 24th-27th ARD et al, followed by an adult there on 30th ARD, an adult on December 2nd and4th RLS et al, a first-winter at Dosthill on December 4th and 6th ARD, and then at Cotonon 7th ARD, and a near adult (probably a fourth-winter) on five dates during December6th-23rd ARD et al. Further records from this area were not supported by descriptions.Several reports also came from the Draycote roost but the only satisfactory record was ofthree adults there on December 29th JFCJ, RCM.Staffs

Year <2001 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Birds 0 3 0 4 0 1 5

A second-winter bird was noted at Chasewater on February 10th PDJ, GEv, IWa, movingto Belvide the next day SNu. A first-winter bird roosted Belvide on September 3rd and 7thSNu. An adult bird, also present during the day at Stubbers Green in West Midland County,roosted on many occasions at Chasewater from November 2nd-December 26th GEv, RC etal. It was joined by a first-winter bird on December 11th-12th PDJ, IWa with the same oranother on 30th-31st PDJ, JAl.W Mid Perhaps the same adult was noted at Stubbers Green on November 1st, 2nd, 4th,8th and 9th, and December 9th-11th and 14th RCl, HKi, PJe, PAH, and also at the nearbyVigo landfill site on December 9th PJe.

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoidesScarce winter visitor.Warks A single adult was in the Draycote roost on January 12th JFCJ, RCM, and a first-winter on 13th CRS.Worcs The Westwood Pool roosted attracted a first-winter on January 27th WDu, SMWet al. It was seen to leave the roost early the following morning and visited both HartleburyTip GHP and Upper Bittell Reservoir RWa et al, that same day.

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Staffs Just one bird this year, a juvenile in the roost at Chasewater from December26th-31st PDJ, JAl et al.W Mid At Bartley Reservoir, an adult roosted on January 28th TMH and a juvenile wasreported on January 28th-29th and 31st to February 3rd, but details were only received forFebruary 2nd, when it was regarded to be the same bird seen in Worcestershire in lateJanuary TMH.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreusScarce winter visitor.Warks A first-winter in the pre-roost at Dosthill Lake on November 27th ARD flew offtowards dusk in the direction of Coton. On November 28th presumably the same bird wasfound in the Draycote roost JFCJ, RCM, before being relocated at Lawford Heath Tip on30th JFCJ, and then back at Draycote on December 4th JFCJ.Worcs A first-winter roosted at Westwood Pool on December 24th SMW et al and wasconsidered to be the bird that had previously and subsequently roosted at BartleyReservoir. It was also observed leaving the roost early the next morning.Staffs A juvenile was at Chasewater from January 6th-8th PDJ, GEv, IWa, another atBelvide on February 2nd SNu, with it or another at Aqualate on 7th PJor. In the secondwinter period just one juvenile at Chasewater on November 26th PDJ, JAl, RTh flew off at11:50 eventually to roost later that day at Blithfield.W Mid An adult visited Sheepwash UP on March 10th DWa. A juvenile was observed inthe roost at Bartley Reservoir most nights and occasionally in the morning from December18th-30th TMH, HKi and reportedly flew to Frankley Reservoir on the last evening.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinusFairly common winter visitor, scarce in summer. Rare breeding species.


Throckmorton Tip 5 2 1 – – – – – – – 3 5Westwood Pool 9 2 – – – – – 1 – – – 2Aqualate 4 1 1 – – – – – 1 1 1 1Belvide 4 – – – – – – – 1 – 1 7Blithfield 5 – – – – – – – – 1 1 1Chasewater 70 75 – – – – – – – 1 20 155Doxey 21 3 – – – – – – – – – –Bartley Reservoir 5 – 1 1 – – – – 1 1 4 4

Warks The only sizeable counts came from the Draycote roost, with 70 on February21st, 40 on March 1st and 120 on November 30th. Unfortunately there were no mid-winterestimates from there when the largest numbers are generally present. It was a poor yearelsewhere with no more than four together reported in the Tame Valley, where the specieshas declined. No more than four were also noted on the Fenny Compton flightline (cf. apeak of 43 in 2005). Five over Salford Priors GP on December 17th was a good recordfrom the south-west.Worcs Away from the tabulated sites, three were at Wildmoor Tip on January 17th, twoat Upper Bittell Reservoir on 18th, one at Lower Moor on February 12th and a pair arrivedat Bredon’s Hardwick on March 19th. Singles or pairs continued to frequent Bredon’sHardwick until July 31st, but no breeding attempt was made. Singles were also observedat Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 29th and December 27th and at Bredon’s Hardwick onNovember 12th.

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Staffs No more than four birds reported from six other sites. At Belvide, the aggressivebird showing a taste for ducks returned on September 29th for its third year, killing aRuddy Duck on 30th.W Mid In February, four flew over Smestow Valley towards Pool Hall on 14th and oneheaded eastwards over Dunstall Park on 19th. At Marsh Lane NR, the only record involvedan adult that flew east on April 29th. Later in the year, two flew over Smestow Valley onOctober 29th, and at Dunstall Park in November, six went over on 5th and one was notedon 30th. Single birds flew over Reedswood Park on December 12th and West Bromwichon 19th. A scarce winter visitor to Sheepwash UP.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactylaUncommon passage migrant and storm-driven winter visitor.Warks There were spring adults at Kingsbury on February 9th and March 25th, and atShustoke on March 29th and April 30th. The few autumn records were confined toDraycote, with single adults on October 11th, November 13th and 16th, two adults onDecember 7th and then one on 8th.Worcs Spring sightings comprised an adult at Throckmorton Lagoons on March 8th anda first-summer at Lower Moor from 29th-April 3rd. During the second winter period,adults roosted at Westwood Pool on November 17th and December 6th, whilst a first-winter was at Eckington Bridge on 7th and an adult roosted on floodwater at Upton-upon-Severn Southern Ham on 14th.Staffs A total of 22 birds was recorded this year (cf. 37 birds in 2005 and 12 in 2004).A second-winter at Chasewater on March 10th was the first, followed by two adults atBelvide on 26th, another on April 11th, one at Cannock Tip on 19th, Tittesworth andWestport on 30th, an adult through Blithfield on May 7th, then another on August 13th,Belvide on September 10th and 16th, a first-winter at Blithfield on 25th, an adult atBelvide on October 10th, a first-winter roosting from 29th-30th, a first-winter at Doxey onNovember 19th, an adult at Chasewater on December 2nd, a first-winter at Westport on 3rd,an adult at Westport and a first-winter roosting at Chasewater on 7th, an adult atChasewater on 9th and finally an adult at Belvide on 14th.W Mid An adult flew over Dunstall Park on March 1st, whilst at Bartley Reservoir, therewere five adults on April 4th and one adult on October 23rd.

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutusUncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor.Warks The first record of spring passage involved two first-winters at Draycote onMarch 29th. This site then produced an adult on April 12th, a first-summer on 19th,another adult on 20th, followed by four on 22nd, three on 24th and a final first-summerfrom May 2nd-4th. On April 16th there were also two adults at Shustoke, with an adult atEarlswood Lakes on 17th, a first-summer at Kingsbury on 18th, an adult at Brandon on22nd and three more at Earlswood on 24th. On April 29th a first-summer appeared atAlvecote and an adult and first-summer at Kingsbury, with the last-named bird staying toMay 3rd. On May 2nd it was joined by a second first-summer and on the same day an adultput in an appearance at Shustoke. The final spring birds involved single first-summers atEarlswood on May 13th and Kingsbury on June 7th. On return passage there were singlefirst-winters at Draycote on September 11th and Abbots Salford Pool (the first here) on12th, with an adult at Shustoke on October 11th. An exceptional record consisted of a partyof five (four adults and a first-winter) hawking insects over the Oxford Canal at Fenny

Compton on October 16th JJB, the first record for this part of the county. In December,Draycote had a first-winter on 1st, a party of six roosting on 26th and one first-winter on27th. An adult at Napton Res on December 31st completed a fairly modest year for thisspecies.Worcs An adult roosted at Westwood Pool on January 9th and 10th, a first-summer andan adult were at Upton Warren on May 4th and a first-summer at Lower Bittell Reservoiron 14th. During the autumn an adult visited both Grimley New Workings and WestwoodPool on August 5th and was still at Westwood the following day, whilst a moulting juvenilewas reported from Upper Bittell reservoir on 12th, 15th-20th and 23rd.Staffs Another good year. In the first winter period two adults visited Belvide onJanuary 11th. A first-winter at Blithfield on March 27th was joined by another from 28th-29th. On April 1st an adult anda first-winter bird arrived,joined by another first-winterfor the next two days andjoined by a fourth bird on the4th. After these, another first-winter on 10th, then an adultand first-winter on 20th, theadult lingering until 24th; thentwo first-summers on 29thjoined by another on 30th, oneremaining from 31st until May1st. Records of other springbirds include: April 19th atAqualate (adult), May 16th atthe River Trent Croxall (one), June 11th at Barton GP, moving to Whitemoor Haye the nextday. Return passage commenced shortly after on July 11th at Gailey (immature), Belvide14th-15th (adult), August 12th at Tittesworth (second-year), 29th at Blithfield (first-winter), September 12th at Gailey (juvenile), 13th at Belvide and Chasewater, then first-winters on 27th at Chasewater, October 2nd at Westport, 11th at Chasewater, 16th atEssington Quarry Pool and 16th-18th at Belvide. Finally an adult visited Belvide on thelate date of December 28th.W Mid An adult was noted at Bartley Reservoir on October 24th TMH.

Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundusAbundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Frequent breeding bird in Staffs and northWarks and rarely in Worcs.


Coton 6500 – – – – – – – – 4000 3200 3000Bittell Reservoir 341 137 140 – – 2 110 241 211 290 237 252Bredonʼs Hardwick 73 7 73 – – – 1 5 9 – 12 370Grimley New Workings 36 20 30 3 – – 70 40 110 131 48 250Kinsham Lake 5 27 10 – 8 – 6 8 4 6 60 20Throckmorton Tip 3000 3000 2500 – – – – – – – – –Upton Warren 330 137 345 45 34 140 420 800 930 170 550 271Westwood Pool 3000 1000 1000 1 3 3 76 300 500 1000 4000 5000Alrewas 70 50 – – – – – – 40 60 300 –

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Little Gull, Westport, Dave Kelsall

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J F M A M J J A S O N DAqualate 2500 27 800 37 40 2 4 2 126 50 15 1500Belvide – 1 3000 – – – 20 300 – – 134 4000Berry Hill 50 – – – – – – 40 – 200 60 –Blithfield 10000 1 200 500 – – 96 1600 2000 3000 1150 900Burton-on-Trent – 170 – 101 – – – – – – 90 44Chasewater 1000011000 7200 80 15 – 1020 2600 5000 7000 7000 9000Doley Common 300 – 300 – – – – – – – – –Dosthill – 1000 – – 400 550 – – – – – –Doxey 233 262 180 15 17 2 140 104 96 161 453 150Fauld – – 250 – – – – – – – 750 –Greenway Bank CP/

Knypersley 400 61 – – – – – – – 200 – –River Sow, Baswich 55 – 250 – – – 20 28 200 70 415 250Tittesworth Reservoir 2500 p 1500 p 8 4 30 26 60 66 140 2000Dunstall Park 700 600 300 4 15 77 586 450 200 650 650 700Edgbaston Reservoir 400 470 420 28 – – 73 20 – – 40 100Fens Pools 315 236 313 – – 1 249 47 49 107 315 173Marsh Lane NR 200 120 248 285 30 9 120 300 570 400 340 120Netherton Reservoir 200 530 700 – – 1 60 30 78 40 190 156Olton Mere 740 30 – 9 – – – – 85 – 960 1150Sandwell Valley 550 500 160 30 15 80 500 50 60 94 500 400

Warks The main gullery at Kingsbury was again estimated at around 150 pairs, splitbetween Canal Pool (where 163 chicks were ringed on June 14th) and Cliff Pool. The lattercolony was flooded out on May 22nd and only 20 nests survived, but presumably manyrelaid. Counts from these two pools included 500 on May 2nd and 400 on June 7th, while125 juveniles were counted on July 5th. Another small overspill colony (from nearbyDosthill NR, Staffs) was found in rushes at the northern end of Dosthill Lake, with 16agitated birds and several nests noted. Elsewhere only two-three pairs attempted to nest atBrandon and none were successful. Outside the breeding season large counts during thefirst quarter included 1000 roosting at Brandon on January 10th, 2500 staging at NaptonRes on 17th, 10,000 in the Draycote roost on March 3rd, 1700 on pasture at PriorsHardwick on 9th, 1250 at Dosthill on 12th and 2500 flying east at Brandon in two and ahalf hours on April 9th. In the early winter the Brandon roost peaked at 2400 on November28th and 1500 were at Dosthill on December 13th. In early December a large influx offeeding birds appeared on sheep pastures in the south-east, with 800 at Fenny Compton on6th, 1000 at Wormleighton on 7th, 3000 near Napton Res on 11th and 1000 at Knightcoteon 13th. A leucistic first-winter bird was noted at Draycote on January 13th.Worcs Two pairs bred successfully at Upton Warren and counts away from the tabulatedsites comprised 250 at Lea End on February 16th, 321 at Hewell Grange on November11th, 2500 roosted at Upton-upon-Severn Southern Ham on December 9th and 16th and1500 were on floodwater at Kempsey Lower Ham on 12th.Staffs Eight pairs bred at Aqualate Flight Pools (cf. 12 in 2005), but two more sitesboosted the breeding numbers this year with 200 pairs producing 150 young at Dosthill and“many pairs” at Barton GP. A leucistic bird roosted at Blithfield on February 1st andprobably moved on to the Chasewater roost on 15th-16th and again from March 9th-12th.On November 2nd an albino roosted at Chasewater. A first-winter at Belvide on February18th with a white darvic 2C63 was ringed at Cotswold Water Park in 2005. Untabulatedcounts elsewhere included 150 at Westport on February 26th, 200 at Branston WP on 28th,132 at Higher Lower Perton lakes on March 18th, 300 at Stockley Vale on 26th, 130 atColdmeece on August 3rd, 140 at Batchacre Hall on October 15th, 138 at Weston JonesMill on November 19th and at 750 Silverdale Colliery on December 14th.

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W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, some interest in breeding was shown by sub-adult birds.Successive record counts were made at Olton Mere, with 740 on January 3rd, 960 onNovember 14th and culminating in 1,150 on December 29th. High counts away fromtabulated sites included 212 at Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) on January 6th, 356 atTrittiford Pool on 14th, about 500 at Longmoor Pool (Sutton Park) on February 4th, 750 atStubbers Green on 15th, 400 at Bartley Reservoir on March 4th, 230 at Ladymoor Pool on18th, 280 at Sheepwash UP on July 29th, 120 in a newly ploughed field by Earlswoodstation on August 23rd, and 250 at Reedswood Park and 216 at Mary Stevens Park onDecember 16th

Sabineʼs Gull Xema sabiniRare passage migrant (3/10).Staffs A juvenile flew through Blithfield on September 24th MPR, GJM, becoming theeighth county record.

Gull-billed Tern Sterna niloticaVery rare vagrant (0/10).Warks The highlight of the year was an adult at Cliff Pool, Kingsbury on May 19thPAJN et al. This was only the third county record (within current boundaries), with the twoprevious birds having been shot at Wormleighton Res in 1876 and Coleshill in 1899.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensisUncommon passage migrant.Warks An excellent spring passage with 11 recorded. The first bird was seen on severaloccasions at Kingsbury on March 26th-27th SLC, BLK et al, and was also apparently seenat Coton on the latter date. Two spent half an hour at Brandon on March 29th RBW,followed by singles at Draycote on April 8th RCM and Shustoke on 21st BLK. On April22nd there were up to two present during the day at Earlswood Lakes JAC, JHS, while abird flying south high over Birchmoor at 0630 on the same date RLS, had probably visitednearby Alvecote. Three at Draycote on May 2nd DCo, RCM were the last, with nonereported on return passage.Worcs A strong spring passage commenced with four at Lower Moor on April 6th, threeat Upper Bittell Reservoir on 22nd and two visited both Upton Warren and Upper BittellReservoir on May 15th. During the autumn, two adults at Upton Warren on September 4th,preceded another adult on 11th.Staffs On April 22nd, onevisited Blithfield GJM, MPR,SAR and two were at Chase -water, then another was atChasewater on July 24th GEv.

Roseate Tern SternadougalliiRare passage migrant (3/10).Staffs A large passage ofterns crossed the Midlands onMay 7th, including severalRoseate Terns, resulted in one Roseate Tern, Blithfield, Phil Jones

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being discovered at Blithfield GJM, MYa. This drew large, appreciative crowds, being thetenth county record and the first since one at Belvide in 1983.

Common Tern Sterna hirundoFairly common passage migrant. Uncommon or frequent as a breeding species, mainly inthe Tame and Trent valleys.Long-term average: April 11th (22) to October 10th (22).8-year average: April 8th (–3 days) to October 10th (=).A early first arrival on March 27th at Blithfield; the last to depart being, again, atBlithfield on the late date of November 5th.


Bittell Reservoir – – – 4 13 18 25 13 2 1 – –Bredonʼs Hardwick – – – 1 2 2 4 5 – 1 – –Grimley New Workings – – – 2 6 7 15 8 2 – – –Upton Warren – – – 2 4 4 10 4 2 – – –Westwood Pool – – – 2 2 2 4 5 1 – – –Alrewas – – – – 15 6 1 – – – – –Aqualate – – – 1 1 6 6 8 2 1 – –Belvide – – – 3 4 6 21 15 2 – – –Blithfield – – 1 6 14 10 15 31 35 1 1 –Branston GP – – – – – 2 2 – – – – –Branston Water Park – – – – 2 – 2 2 – – – –Chasewater – – – 2 4 6 15 12 2 – – –Croxall – – – – 15 5 3 4 – – – –Doxey – – – – 2 1 4 2 – – – –Drayton Bassett Pits – – – 5 5 2 10 4 – – – –Gailey – – – 4 9 – 7 9 1 – – –Tittesworth – – – – – – 2 – 1 1 – –Whitemoor Haye – – – 6 4 12 8 – 1 – – –Marsh Lane NR – – – 9 18 24 26 21 – – – –Olton Mere – – – 5 9 2 5 4 – – – –Sandwell Valley – – – 1 – 4 9 1 1 – – –

Warks There was no accurate count of breeding pairs at Kingsbury, but it may haveagain been around 40-50 pairs. Ten of these nests were on Cliff Pool which almost all wereflooded out on May 22nd, but seven had relaid by early June. At nearby Canal Pool 56young were ringed in June (cf. 45 in 2005), so it appears they had a reasonable breedingseason. Elsewhere, Brandon had an excellent season with 10-11 pairs rearing about 25young (cf. only six pairs reared 11 young in 2005), while a pair attempted to breed atAlvecote. As in 2005 there was an early arrival, with the first birds noted at Kingsbury andSeeswood Pool on March 31st. The main influx began in mid April. Small numbers wereseen at many waters in the north during the summer months, with maxima of 18 atShustoke, 15 at Earlswood and 14 at Ladywalk. In the south up to three birds were notedat Compton Verney, Napton Res, Salford Priors GP, Weston-on-Avon and WormleightonRes. Up to 30 were still at Kingsbury in early September, with the last bird there on 15than early departure.Worcs Pairs bred successfully at Bredon’s Hardwick, Grimley New Workings andUpton Warren. Away from the tabulated localities, Lower Moor held one on May 15th,Arrow Valley Lake attracted two on June 25th, then one on July 9th and two were at LowerMoor on 12th and 15th, plus singles on 19th and August 21st. Kinsham Lake held an adulton August 9th, four were at Throckmorton Lagoons, plus two flew over Washford East on15th, whilst a juvenile was noted at Kinsham Lake on 14th.

Staffs The first arrival was very early, on March 27th at Blithfield, then Belvide onApril 11th, with the major influx commencing from April 16th. There was a very latejuvenile again at Blithfield, staying from October 29th-November 5th. A pair at Belvidefledged two juveniles and of two pairs at Drayton Bassett Pits, one failed and the otherfledged one juvenile. Particularly disappointing was an incredible colony of 48 pairs atBarton GP most, if not all, failing due to their island being flooded by quarry operations.A pair may also have bred at Kettlebrook Lakes but this was unconfirmed. The highestcount of 35 birds passed through Blithfield in bad weather on September 14th. Other siteswith single sightings were Hill Hook LNR, JCB North Lake, National MemorialArboretum, Tamworth, Tutbury, Wolseley Bridge and Wyrley Common.W Mid At least 13 young fledged at Marsh Lane NR and a pair bred at Sheepwash UP,raising two young. Two were at Hill Hook LNR on May 8th and at Netherton Reservoirfrom June 7th-8th, with one on July 6th and August 10th. At Dunstall Park, one or two werenoted on nine dates from June 9th to July 17th, two flew over Reedswood Park on 11th,two were at Edgbaston Reservoir on 24th and September 14th, and two were at Fens Poolsin July.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaeaFrequent passage migrant in highly variable numbers.Warks Spring passage opened with two at Alvecote on April 20th and a single atWormleighton Res on 21st. Three at Draycote on April 22nd preceded counts of up to 54there on 23rd and 41 on 30th. Two were there on May 2nd-3rd, 12 on 6th, three on 8th andwith final singles on 21st and 23rd. Elsewhere there were also two at Dosthill Lake andone at Alvecote on April 23rd, one at Kingsbury on 24th and two on May 1st, one atShustoke and two at both Kingsbury and Coton on 7th, one at Dosthill on 8th, one atEarlswood Lakes on 18th, and a late bird at Alvecote on June 4th. On return passage twoearly juveniles were at Draycote on August 1st-2nd, followed by another on 10th, two moreon 15th and one on September 19th. A juvenile also visited Dosthill on September 1st, withan adult and juvenile at Kingsbury on 14th. An adult at Earlswood on October 6th-7th wasfollowed by exceptionally late juveniles at Shustoke on October 22nd-23rd and again on31st JHa, the latter bird which was the latest for the county within current boundaries,appearing after a shower.Worcs A reasonable spring passage recorded, with two noted at Bredon’s Hardwick onApril 13th, four spent a few minutes over the sailing pool at Upton Warren on 18th and atUpper Bittell Reservoir, six were observed on May 1st, then four on 8th. Autumn sightingscomprised an adult on the Moors Pool at Upton Warren on August 5th and 6th, whilst atUpper Bittell Reservoir one was reported on 13th, a juvenile on 24th, an adult on 26th and27th, two on 28th, an adult from 29th-September 3rd, two juveniles on 14th and onejuvenile on October 2nd and 3rd. The final record came from Westwood Pool, with ajuvenile present on 6th.Staffs The first spring birds were seen at Belvide and Chasewater on April 11th, thelast a juvenile at Chasewater from October 7th-13th, an adult at Tittesworth on 13th and ajuvenile at Blithfield on 23rd. The major passage occurred at the end of April into earlyMay with 19 on April 20th, 39 on 30th and a superb passage of 110 on May 1st. In detail,spring passage continued on April 16th at Gailey (one), 19th at Blithfield (one), 20th atGailey (two), 22nd at Belvide (six) and Blithfield (six), 23rd at Belvide (two), Blithfield(one) and Drayton Bassett Pits (two), 27th at Blithfield (two), 28th at Aqualate (one) andBlithfield (three), 29th at Blithfield (19), 30th at Aqualate (three), Belvide (nine) and

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Chasewater (27), May 1st at Alrewas GP (three), Aqualate (one), Blithfield (60), Chase -water (40), Westport (four) and Whitemoor Haye (two), 7th at Barton GP (one), Blithfield(one) and Chasewater (one), 19th at Blithfield (two), 23rd at Blithfield (two) and 24th atBelvide (one). A good return passage commenced August 2nd-3rd at Belvide (two), 2nd atChasewater (12), 3rd at Blithfield (one), 5th at Gailey (one), 12th at Chasewater (juvenile),13th at Blithfield (two adults, one juvenile), 14th at Westport (juvenile), 19th atChasewater (one), 23rd at Belvide (juvenile) and Gailey (adult and juvenile), September4th at Gailey (one), 14th at Blithfield (one), 16th at Gailey (juvenile), 27th at Chasewater(one) and October 4th-7th at Blithfield (juvenile).W Mid On April 30th, four flew over Tividale and three flew through Marsh Lane NR.An adult flew over Dunstall Park Lake August 17th.

Little Tern Sternula albifronsScarce passage migrant.Warks A better year in the county, with eight birds being the largest total recorded since2001. In spring singles were noted at Alvecote on April 22nd DPr et al and Kingsbury onMay 2nd PDH et al, with up to three at Draycote on 3rd PDH et al. On return passage therewas a juvenile at Seeswood Pool on July 29th NDBC and two adults at Kingsbury onAugust 16th LJD.Staffs A good year for sightings. One at Doxey Marshes on May 1st was a site first RStet al. Singles at Blithfield on May 19th RCB, GJM and June 14th RCB, GJM, RSw; two atBelvide on May 22nd SNu with one on June 10th SNu.

Black Tern Chlidonias nigerFrequent passage migrant.Warks Spring passage commenced at Draycote with one on April 16th, two on 21st, oneon 22nd, and then two again onMay 2nd. A small influx on May4th brought up to 22 at Kingsbury,19 at Draycote, a total of 11through Brandon, eight at Dosthilland a single bird at Alvecote.Subsequent passage was slight butincluded one at Draycote on May6th; four at Kingsbury, two atCoton and singles at both Earls -wood Lakes and Shustoke on 7th;four at Dosthill and three at Dray -cote on 8th; and singles at Kings -bury and Shustoke on 11th. Latebirds continued to appear in June,with seven at Kingsbury on 8th,one at Shustoke on 9th and avery late (or very early?) bird atAlvecote on 28th. Due to theweather conditions very few were seen on return passage until the second week inSeptember, with the only birds at Draycote on August 15th and 22nd-23rd, when two werepresent. However on the morning of September 11th the largest flock to occur in the county

Black Tern, Shustoke, Steve Seal

since 1997 built up at Draycote, peaking at 114 during the morning but dropping to 11 bythe afternoon. Subsequently there were three there on September 12th, 29 on 14th, onefrom 18th-22nd, and one from 29th-October 9th. Shustoke also did well during this period,with three on September 11th, up to six on 12th, four on 13th, two on 14th-15th and threeon 24th. The only others reported in the Tame Valley were two at Kingsbury on September14th-15th. Finally on September 14th, three during late morning at Earlswood Lakes hadbuilt up to at least 25 by late afternoon.Worcs During the spring passage, Upper Bittell Reservoir held 22 on May 4th, thenfour on 8th, one was at Grimley New Workings on 14th, nine at Bredon’s Hardwick on15th, then singles at Westwood Pool on 18th, Upton Warren on June 10th and Upper BittellReservoir on 11th. Reasonable numbers observed during the autumn, with a juvenile atUpton Warren August 24th, one at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 27th and at Westwood Pool,an adult and juvenile recorded on September 9th, preceded a juvenile from 11th-13th, aparty of 13 on 14th and seven on 22nd. Other September records comprised one at UpperBittell Reservoir on 11th, 10 at Kinsham Lake and 32 at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 14th,one again at Upper Bittell on 16th and juveniles were noted at Bredon’s Hardwick on 17th,19th and 23rd. The only October sighting came from Bredon’s Hardwick, with a juvenilepresent on 8th.Staffs In another excellent year, 14 passed through in spring and at least 113 in theautumn, peaking at 63 birds on September 14th. Spring passage commenced with an earlybird at Gailey on April 20th, then another on May 3rd, 4th at Belvide (two) and Blithfield(five), 17th at Belvide, June 7th at Chasewater (two) and 24th at Blithfield (three).An early bird on return passage passed through Chasewater on July 26th, then a juvenileon August 15th-17th joined by another on 18th, on 16th at Rudyard Lake (juvenile),20th-21st at Chasewater, 21st at Blithfield (two), 23rd at Belvide (two), 26th-28th atBlithfield (juvenile), 28th at Whitemoor Haye, September 9th at Blithfield (six), 12th atBelvide (11), Blithfield (17), 13th at Aqualate (15), Belvide (two juveniles), Blithfield(two), Chase water and Gailey (juvenile), 14th at Aqualate (two), Belvide (seven),Blithfield (15), Chasewater (12), Gailey (26) and Whitemoor Haye, 15th at Belvide(juvenile), Chasewater, Gailey (four) with two at Gailey the next day, 19th at Aqualate andBlithfield and a long-staying juvenile at Gailey staying from 19th until October 3rd,September 22nd at Blithfield. Finally, a very late juvenile was seen at Blithfield onOctober 31st.W Mid Two visited Marsh Lane NR on May 4th, one was at Sandwell Valley during Juneand an adult was at Fens Pools on August 5th. Single juveniles at Sheepwash UP onSeptember 2nd and Olton Mere on 11th were the forerunners of a notable movement thatsaw nine birds at Olton Mere on 13th and 18 in Sandwell Valley and three at EdgbastonReservoir on 14th.

Feral Pigeon Columba liviaVery common resident in urban areas.Warks No large flocks reported, with the best counts consisting of 25 at Alvecote onFebruary 8th, 30 at Dosthill on March 20th and 36 at Brandon on December 31st.Worcs No significant records received.Staffs 90 at Berry Hill on January 14th was the largest count.W Mid The only counts received of note were 21 at Aldridge on May 10th, 27 in WalsallArboretum on August 22nd, 48 in Coundon Wedge on 9th December and about 65 byWolverhampton ring road on 27th.

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Stock Dove Columba oenasVery common resident.Warks The few breeding territory counts included six in Charlecote Park, three on a 120ha farm at Morton Bagot (where there was one in 2005), and two in 40 ha of farmland atOldberrow (cf. four in 2005). Outside the breeding season there were a good number ofthree-figure flocks this year, with maxima of 150 in a rape field near Wormleighton Reson January 4th, 250 at Dunnington on February 12th, 100 at Goldicote on 24th, 140 atFenny Compton on March 11th, 120 at Umberslade on September 27th, 180 betweenFenny Compton and Watergall on October 28th and 100 at Salford Priors GP on December3rd. The largest flock was feeding in maize stubble at Abbots Salford during the autumn,where it built up from 250 on October 31st to 385 on December 17th. 59 were countedgoing to roost in Calcutt Spinney on January 17th. Single almost leucistic birds were againback at both Fenny Compton and Lighthorne Quarry on March 5th, where they remainedthroughout the summer paired to normal birds.Worcs Three to four singing males were heard along the Dowles Brook during thebreeding season, several pairs were present during May at Stoke Bliss, three birds wereinvestigating a tree hole in a mature Oak at Weatheroak Hill on April 28th and a pair wasnoted at Hollybed Common on June 4th. Seven visited a Malvern Link garden on February24th and other counts comprised 89 at Longdon Marsh on March 3rd, 16 at Shenstone and20 at Upton Warren on April 13th and 15 on Bredon Hill on 29th.Staffs A pair bred at Doley Common and probably two pairs at Apedale CP, one atBlake Brook, Greenway Bank, Hanchurch Woods, Revidge and Seven Springs. Recordedat just 12 other sites in May and June, including 22 at Blithfield on May 20th and 24 at TheMermaid pub on June 1st. Larger counts were recorded in January at Cuckoo Bank (31),National Memorial Arboretum (80) and Whitemoor Haye (25); February at WhitemoorHaye (16); March at Coldmeece (36) and Whitemoor Haye (16); April at Coldmeece (100);September at Belvide (23) and Coldmeece (40); October at Byrkley Park (20); Novemberat Scotch Hill (50) and Weston Jones Mill (18).W Mid Six territories were recorded at the Mons Hill CBC plot – the same as the lasttwo years and a slight increase on the average of 5.4 over the last 14 years. Also noted inthe breeding season at Allesley Park, Coundon Wedge, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reser -voir, Marsh Lane NR, Moseley, Nailcote, Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley, Sheep wash UP,Smestow Valley and Sutton Park. Counts included 33 at Marsh Lane NR in February, 20 atAldridge on March 21st, an impressive 144 at Wiggins Hill on April 25th, 18 migratingwith Wood Pigeons over Smestow Valley on October 29th and 25 at Marsh Lane NR inDecember. Also noted at Balsall Common, Blythe Valley CP, Daisy Bank, Haden HillPark, Lutley, Olton Mere, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Stivichall Memorial Park andTrittiford Park.

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbusAbundant resident and winter visitor.Warks Counts of breeding pairs included 11 in 62 ha of Kingsbury Wood, 12 in 120 haof farmland at Morton Bagot (cf. 14 in 2005, 16 in 2004) and seven in 40 ha at Oldberrow(as in 2005). Outside the breeding season it was very abundant across the county duringthe first quarter, with four figure counts including: up to 1300 in rape fields near Worm -leighton Res during January-March, 2000 in the Hodnell and Lower Radbourn area onJanuary 8th, 1000 at Watergall on 21st, 1000 at Chesterton on 25th, 3000 roosting inEnnister Wood (Ragley estate) on February 12th, 1500 at Norton Lindsey on March 8th,

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1100 at Priors Hardwick on 9th and 2700 roosting in Birchley Wood on 11th. Autumnflocks were much smaller. Apart from a count of 3260 flying south at Brandon onNovember 1st, the largest flock was 800 in Ennister Wood on December 17th.Worcs The largest flocks recorded during the first winter period were of 60+ at UptonWarren on January 2nd, 450 at Abberton on February 27th and 600+ at Defford Airfieldon March 12th. A strong dawn movement of birds heading south or southwest was recordedfrom October 29th, with 2000-3000 over Castlemorton Common, 2040 over Grimley NewWorkings and 2000-2500 over Malvern Link. Washford East produced counts of 3000+and 2000+ on November 1st and 2nd respectively and at Grimley New Workings a countof 3500 was made on 12th.Staffs Several pairs at Doley Common and 13 pairs at Doxey were the only reportedbreeding records for this ubiquitous bird. In the first winter period, larger flocks were seenin January at Alrewas (150), Aston/Burston (150), River Sow Meadows (300) and Whit -more Bent Lane (300); February at Aston/Burston (100), Crossplains (500), KemseyManor (100), and Whitemoor Haye (150); in March 300 flying north at Stockley Vale on1st was the only record of spring migration, elsewhere in the month seen at Aqualate (250),River Sow Meadows (300), Rolleston Park (800), Woodhead (100); in April at Berry Hill(200), Brown Lees (122), Coldmeece (800) and Woodhead (250). 200 were regular atDoley Common in June. Visible migration in autumn is tabulated below.

06-Oct Westport Lake 18 flew W23-Oct Westport Lake 55 flew W25-Oct Belvide Reservoir 592 flew south-west29-Oct Belvide Reservoir 2581 flew south-west

Westport Lake 276 flew W01-Nov Keele University 2200 Flew over campus in 30 mins early

morningWestport Lake 310 flew W

02-Nov Westport Lake 169 flew W03-Nov Belvide Reservoir 1123 flew south-west

Westport Lake 75 flew W04-Nov Westport Lake 58 flew W05-Nov Tittesworth Reservoir 1000 flew over09-Nov Black Bank 1100 Flew west/south-west12-Nov Apedale CP 1500 Flew W and SW in 45 minutes early

morningWestport Lake 50 flew W

19-Nov Westport Lake 90 flew W20-Nov Apedale CP 2630 2200 Flew N, 430 SW between 8.00-8.35 am22-Nov Apedale CP 3040 Between 0800-0840: 680 flew SW, 600 E, 1760 N04-Dec Black Bank 2850 1100N and 1750S between 8.00 and 8.45am

Larger counts in the second winter period occurred in September at Sutton (125); Octoberat Greenway Bank (150); November at Blithfield (200) and Byrkley Park (475) andDecember at Belvide (1500).W Mid A total of 16 territories were noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot – an increase onthe 14 in each of the previous two years and closer to the average of 17 over the last 14years. Early morning sky watches in Smestow Valley on eleven days from October 24th toNovember 10th (summarised in the table below) revealed a high passage of migrants, withcumulative totals of 27,159 birds in 19 hours of observation, averaging 1,423/hour andpeaking at 6,581 birds between 06.35 and 09.20 on October 29th and 9,683 between 06.55and 08.20 on November 2nd – these appear to be the largest numbers ever recorded acrossthe Region, being far in excess of 5000 noted at Holt Heath (Worcs) in 1981 and Ettington(Warks) in 1983.

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At Marsh Lane NR, notable counts included up to 500 in February and March, with up to150 migrants noted moving overhead on October 27th and 29th, and 240 on December 4th.Other high counts included 300 at Saltwells LNR and 171 at Aldridge on February 25th, 156at Allesley Park on April 8th, 650 at Hampton-in-Arden on August 1st, 221 in CoundonWedge on September 9th, 400 at Sandwell Valley in October, 120 at Fens Pools inDecember, 480 over Dunstall Park on 4th and another 2800 over Smestow Valley on 16th.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaoctoVery common resident.Warks A bird was incubating eggs at Birchmoor on March 2nd, while an occupied nestwas found in an ornamental tree at head height in the main shopping street in Nuneaton onAugust 18th. Reported flocks containing 20 or more birds included 40 in an open barn atWeston-on-Avon on January 5th, 22 in a farmhouse garden near Wormleighton Res on18th, 41 at Bidford-on-Avon on September 16th, 31 in a churchyard tree at Fenny Comptonon October 8th, 22 in a Tredington garden on November 27th and 30th, and 25 at Griffduring the final two months of the year.Worcs The only record received was of 20+ at Coombegreen Common on November11th.Staffs Three pairs bred at Doley Common. 11 were seen at Berry Hill in January, 14 atKemsey Manor in February, 10 at Alrewas in August, 10 at Berry Hill in August, 44 at theFenton Cemetery roost in November and 60 at Blithfield in December.W Mid Just two territories were recorded at the Mons Hill CBC plot – down on both lastyear’s four and the average of 3.5 over the last 14 years. Totals of 36 were counted at FensPools on September 21st and 64 at Dunstall Park on November 5th.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turturFrequent or fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant, mainly to the southernparts of Warks and Worcs.Long-term average: April 27th (71) to September 25th (71).8-year average: April 27th (=) to September 19th (–6 days).The first birds arrived in the Region on April 21st at Little Comberton and 22nd onCannock Chase; the last being seen on September 28th at Weston-on-Avon.Warks Birds were again just about holding on in the Tame Valley, with at least one pairprobably breeding in the Kingsbury/Middleton area. Single birds were also noted north ofthe regular breeding range at Polesworth on June 1st, Brandon on 2nd and Alvecote on 29th.In the south in another topsy-turvy year, 19 probable territories were located (cf. 34 in 2005,14 in 2004 and 51 in 2003). Breeding pairs were found at: Hampton Wood, Kites Hardwick(two), Salford Priors GP (two) and Weston-on-Avon (at least three), with further singingmales noted in the breeding season at: Bishop’s Hill, Coldcomfort Wood, DMC Kineton(two), Ettington Park, Fenny Compton, Ilmington, Radway, Ratley, Stoneton and Worm -leighton Res. Spring arrivals were late with the first appearing on May 1st at Kingsbury. Incontrast there were more September birds than usual with the last staying at Kingsbury until14th and Fenny Compton to 16th, but with a later bird at Weston-on-Avon on 28th.

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Sky watch totals of Wood Pigeons in Smestow ValleyOctober November

24 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 101:30 1:50 2:20 2:45 1:15 1:50 1:40 1:25 2:05 1:20 1:05 hr:min675 1144 384 6581 165 725 9683 3690 3375 397 340 birds

Worcs A single pair nested at both Broadway and Little Comberton, whilst reported asresident throughout the breeding season at Hollybed Common, which held one pair, smallnumbers frequented Lower Moor between April 29th-August 26th, with a maximum countof seven on July 3rd and at Throckmorton Lagoons, one was singing on May 7th, then amaximum of two pairs were observed regularly until September 8th, plus a juvenile wasnoted on 17th. The first spring arrival was observed at Little Comberton on April 21st andsingles were noted at Dowles Brook on 23rd, Fladbury on 27th, Drakes Broughton Orchardon May 3rd and Gwen Finch Wetland on 9th. Two were on Coombegreen Common on 28thand June 4th, four along Broadway disused railway on 4th, one at Berrow Down on 11thand Sheriffs Lench Farm held one on 26th, then two on July 24th. One was spotted atBurlish Top on June 24th, two and one were observed near Grimley Church on July 8th and20th respectively, singles were at Grimley Old Workings on July 10th and August 20th andtwo at Ryall Pits on July 19th and 30th. One was at Higher Moor on August 26th, an adultand juvenile at Longdon Marsh on 27th, two adults at Grimley Old Workings on September2nd, one at Sheriffs Lench on 3rd and one at Kinsham Lake on 6th.Staffs One or two were seen on many occasions at Beaudesert, the Rifle Range andStrawberry Hill on Cannock Chase from April 22nd until July 7th, but with no evidence ofbreeding. Other singles were discovered at Hanchurch Woods on June 2nd PJon, Bushtonon 12th DIMW, Rugeley on 30th BSm, Draycott-in-the-Clay on July 29th DIMW andBellamoor Lane August 20th ESC. Finally, an autumn migrant was seen at Blithfield onSeptember 19th-20th MJI.W Mid One flew over Clayhanger on April 22nd.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameriScarce feral visitor which has bred.Warks Single birds were reported at Hartshill STW on January 31st JJB and Coton onSeptember 27th NDBC.Staffs One at Keele University on January 23rd RTo, with possibly the same bird seenregularly at Trent Vale, Stoke in February per DWE.W Mid Probably bred in the Sandwell Valley area, where birds were noted throughoutmost of the year, with three in February, October and November per MWe. Two were notedat Trittiford Park on January 1st RWi, with singles at West Bromwich on 18th REH, MarshLane NR on April 1st GPR and Handsworth Park on July 20th and September 25th SOx.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorusFairly common, but declining, summer visitor.Long-term average:April 11th (70) to September 6th (69).8-year average: April 8th (–3 days) to September 3rd (–3 days).First seen on March 31st at Happy Valley with last at Gwen Finch on August 21st;confirming the trend of earlier arrival but also earlier departure too.Warks About 70 calling males were located during the breeding season at 49 sites (cf.86 at 53 sites in 2005), continuing the downward trend noted in recent years. Few sites hadmore than one or two males, with a maximum of just three at Brandon, Ladywalk,Kingsbury and Salford Priors GP. Count data for the important population at DMC Kinetonwas not forthcoming this year, but it was apparently similar in size to 2005 when ten maleswere logged. The first spring bird appeared at Coton on April 7th, with birds present dailyin the county from 14th. Few late summer juveniles were reported, with the last seen atAlvecote on August 8th.

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Worcs Juveniles were observed at Gwen Finch Wetland on July 14th, 15th and August21st, whilst Lower Moor held three juveniles between July 11th-August 19th. The firstspring male was heard in the Happy Valley on March 31st and the second at Grimley onApril 10th. Sighting increased from mid April, with singing males reported from Abberton,Bredon Hill, British Camp (two), Castlemorton Common, Clifton Pits, CoombegreenCommon, Dowles Brook (three), Gwen Finch Wetland, Hangman’s Hill, HartleburyCommon, Hewell Grange, Hollybed Common, Hollybush, Little Comberton, Lower Moor(three), Old Hills (two), Porters Mill, Pound Green Common, Stoke Bliss, StrenshamLagoons, Timberhonger and Upton Warren.Staffs The first bird arrived on April 14th at the Rifle Range with three at the CadetHuts the next day. Thereafter, reported almost daily until June 20th; after which there werefive July records, juveniles in August at Belvide (1st-3rd), Chasewater (3rd, 5th), Gaileyand Ingestre (6th) and in September one at Chasewater (8th) and a juvenile at Blithfieldthe last (21st). Late May-June sightings suggest attempted breeding at Aqualate (two),Beech, Belvide, Cannock Chase (10+), Copmere, Cuckoo Bank (two), Doley Common,Drayton Bassett Pits, Goldsitch Moss, Hanchurch Woods, Lady Edge, Needwood Forestarea (10 sites), Revidge, Swallow Moss (two), Three Shires Head, Uttoxeter and WestonJones. Nine birds were seen between Seven Springs and the Stepping Stones on May 30th,with four regularly seen elsewhere on the Chase, Chasewater on April 30th and CuckooBank on June 7th.W Mid Bred at Elmdon Heath, where a juvenile was watched being fed by a Blackbirdon May 27th and 29th. At Marsh Lane NR, the first was noted on April 19th, with up totwo regularly thereafter until late May, but none were recorded after June 6th. Single birdsnoted at Clayhanger on April 20th, Goscote Valley on 23rd, Sandwell Valley during May,Whitley on 4th, Dorridge on 12th and June 30th, Smestow Valley on May 12th, WestwoodHeath (Coventry) on 20th and Spring Hill on 31st and June 2nd.

Barn Owl Tyto albaFrequent, but much declined, resident.Warks The population continues to improve despite a number of reported roadcasualties and poor breeding success early in the season due to a shortage of smallmammals. After early failures many pairs apparently had better success later in thesummer. The largest concentration of breeding pairs reported was six in the 1215 ha ofStoneton and Wormleighton parishes, of which at least four reared young. Other suspectedor confirmed breeding pairs were reported from: Avon Dassett, Bishop’s Itchington,Bishop’s Tachbrook, Chadshunt, Combrook, DMC Kineton, Dunchurch, Edstone,Farnborough (two), Fenny Compton, Grandborough, Idlicote, Kingsbury, Lea Marston,Mancetter, Morton Bagot, Napton, Shrewley, Weston-on-Avon, Whichford and Willicote.Birds were reported from a number of other localities during the breeding season fromthroughout the county indicating a healthy population, although the south and east remainthe strongholds.Worcs Both Lower Moor and Sheriffs Lench held a single pair during the breedingseason, but both failed to breed successfully. Pairs also reported from Clevelode andHuntsfield during the breeding season, whilst singles were observed at Shenstone on May10th, 28th, June 11th and 19th, plus at Westwood Park on May 14th and 20th and Nash Endon 22nd. Good numbers reported between January and April, the best counts coming fromLongdon Marsh, which held three on January 2nd, four on February 24th and 25th and fiveon March 3rd. Singles or a pair were observed regularly at Huntsfield between January

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11th-April 8th, one was at Abberton on January 4th, one at Ferhill Heath on 30th andThrockmorton Airfield attracted two on February 4th, one on 26th, plus two again onMarch 5th and 11th. Singles were reported from Swinesherd Way on February 17th,Banalls Rough on 18th, Evesham (found dead on roadside) on 20th, Downend on 21st,Westwood Park on 21st, 26th, 27th and March 1st, Oakley Marsh on February 27th andMarch 19th and Churchill on February 28th. One flew into a house window at Pendock onFebruary 28th, then flew off, but was found dead in the garden the next morning and duringMarch singles other than stated were reported from Timberhonger on 4th, 5th and 10th,Defford Airfield on 5th, Bishampton on 13th, Trimpley Reservoir (two) on 15th, BirtsStreet on 18th, Oaklands Farm on 20th, Eckington Meadows on 20th and 24th, Caunsall,Upper Bittell Reservoir and Wassell Grove on 22nd and Mount Pleasant on 25th. Aprilsightings comprised singles at Bishampton on 4th, Rous Lench on 5th, Upton Warrenon 5th, 12th, 15th and 19th, Aston Somerville on 9th, Feckenham on 10th and NauntonBeauchamp on 22nd. Autumn and second winter period sighting dramatically reduced innumbers, with one at Grimley New Workings on September 7th, one at Upper BittellReservoir on 27th, a pair at Sheriffs Lench throughout this period and singles at Timber -honger throughout November, Huntsfield on November 10th, Waresley on 11th, Hartle -bury on 18th and Lower Moor on December 11th and 20th.Staffs Widespread in the county and possibly increasing, with reports received from 96different localities (cf. 62 in 2005) and breeding at Blythe Bridge, Caltonmoor, Ford, FrithBottom, Godstone, River Sow Meadows, Waterfall, Weston Jones, Winkhill and YoxallBridge. Long-staying birds were reported from Aqualate (Jan-Apr), Ashwood (Jan-Apr),Belvide (Feb-Apr), Chapel Chorlton (Mar-Jun), Doley (Jan-Jun), Tittesworth (Jan-Jul andOct-Dec) and Woodhead (Mar-May).W Mid A pair bred at Wishaw, whilst a pair nesting in Worcestershire was often seenthrough spring at Bartley Reservoir. Single birds were noted alongside the River Blythebetween Cheswick Green and Stratford-upon-Avon on March 12th and July 13th, atWalsall Wood on March 20th and April 24th, Marsh Lane NR on March 21st and 29th,Sheepwash UP during April and October, and Coventry on 9th.

Little Owl Athene noctuaFairly common resident.Warks Probable or confirmed breeding pairs were reported from: Avon Dassett, Calcutt(two), Charlecote Park, Chesterton, Compton Verney, Draycote, Ettington Park,Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Kites Hardwick, Lapworth, Maxstoke Priory, PackingtonPark (three), Salford Priors GP, Seeswood Pool and Tredington. There was again a fall inrecorded sites, with just 55 compared to 67 in 2005 and 80 in 2004. Whether this highlightsa real decline or just reflects poorer coverage is not known, but one 10 km square bird raceteam in the south-east has found it increasingly difficult in recent years to locate thisspecies.Worcs Successfully breeding pairs recorded at Bodenham Arboretum, Croome Land -scape Park, Lower Bittell Reservoir, Lower Moor and Hartlebury Common, plus singles orpairs observed during the breeding season at Aston Somerville, Bromsgrove golf course,Caunsall, Clevelode, Coombegreen Common, Hollybed Common, Grimley NewWorkings, Kempsey (two localities), Shenstone, Tanwood, and Timberhonger. During thefirst winter period, singles were noted along Holdings Lane, Kempsey on January 21st,February 14th and March 15th, whilst Shenstone held one on January 22nd, one wasat Oakley Marsh on February 9th and one along Rowan Road, Kempsey on 11th. Post

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breeding season sightings comprised one on Bredon Hill on August 24th, one at RowneyGreen on September 11th, one at Bittell Reservoir and two at Castlemorton Common on17th, three at Croome Landscape Park on October 8th and finally one at Wilden Marsh onDecember 17th.Staffs Widespread throughout the county, with breeding pairs reported from Alstone -field (one juvenile), Anslow (two juveniles), Aqualate (one), Belvide (one), Butterton nrNewcastle, Ingestre, Keele University (two), Pethillshead Farm (one), Pipe Green (one)and Whitemoor Haye. A pair was present all year at Aqualate and at Park Hall CP, and oneor two birds summered at Doley, Ellenhall, Enson, Ford Grange, Goldsitch Moss, Hulme,Morridge and Waterfall. Recorded at 37 other sites.W Mid Seen in the breeding season at Barr Beacon, Cheswick Green, Marsh Lane NRand Sandwell Valley, but with no evidence of nesting. One was noted at Halesowen Abbeyon August 28th, with three in Smestow Valley on October 24th and one on November 3rd.

Tawny Owl Strix alucoFairly common resident.Warks Reports of probable or confirmed breeding pairs came from: Avon Dassett,Brandon (in nest box), Compton Verney, DMC Kineton, Fenny Compton, Finham STW,Guy’s Cliffe, Hartshill Hayes, Hoar Park Wood, Honington, Kingsbury, Ladywalk,Maxstoke (two), Middleton Hall, Ryton Wood (three nest boxes occupied) and UftonFields (in nest box). Five were found roosting in nest boxes at Ryton Wood on February8th. In all it was reported from a total of 53 sites during the year.Worcs Breeding pairs reported from Bodenham Arboretum, Lower Moor and MalvernLink. Reported as resident at both Bredon Hill and Stoke Bliss, plus one was at LongdonMarsh on January 2nd, singles at Chaddesley Wood on February 26th, May 4th, 6th and13th, one at Naunton Beauchamp on April 1st, four at Grafton Wood on May 3rd, three atTrench Wood on August 22nd, one at Winyates Green on December 4th and 5th and one inRedditch on 9th.Staffs Breeding confirmed at Belvide (one pair, one young), Coombes Valley (fourpairs), Hanchurch Woods (four pairs calling, one juvenile heard), Keele University (onepair, two young), Kinver Edge (two young calling) and Weston Jones (one pair, one young).Breeding also suspected at Bishops Wood where five territories were recorded. Reportedfrom 37 other sites (cf. 50 in 2005), including three at Woodhead on March 24th.W Mid Presumably bred in Bilston Cemetery, where a pair was present all year, and inthe vicinity of Sheepwash UP, where a juvenile was seen on August 6th-7th. Also notedduring the breeding season at Kingswinford, Moseley, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park andWylde Green. Also recorded at Hall Green, Hay Head Wood, Monkspath, Olton, SalterStreet, Solihull, South Yardley, Warstock, Westwood Heath and Wordsley.

Long-eared Owl Asio otusUncommon and rather erratic winter visitor and scarce resident.Warks No birds were apparently seen at last year’s breeding site in the Tame Valley, buta bird was trapped and ringed at Ladywalk on May 28th DCl. A very vocal pair were alsoon territory in the Alvecote area from May 10th-June 13th AA, RLS et al. In the south-west,a bird was flushed from a spinney at a confidential site on June 23rd JJB, where agamekeeper has reported regular breeding in the past. Other records were of singles atBrandon on February 3rd CHP and Stockton on April 12th ABe.Worcs Two birds were discovered in a roadside hedge at Shoulton from January

7th-10th per GLo et al, one was atOakley Marsh from 27th-March 19thMJI et al, one roosted at the MoorsPool at Upton Warren on March 8thTNo et al and during the secondwinter period, one was at SpetchleyPark on December 26th MSm.Staffs After last year’s boom yearof 12-13 pairs, there was only oneconfirmed breeding pair in thecounty this year, a reflection on thedrop in rodent numbers nationally(note that there are reduced numbersof Little and Tawny Owls this yeartoo.) There was little evidence ofbreeding on Cannock Chase with justone adult heard calling on twooccasions. In the first winter period,up to five were present at Park Hall CP, with another site in the north of the county holdingup to three birds. One was recorded at Belvide on April 26th and July 8th.W Mid One noted in Sandwell Valley during April per MWe.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeusUncommon winter visitor in variable numbers. Scarce and erratic breeding species.Warks At least 14 birds were present in the county during January. Most reports camefrom the Dosthill/Kingsbury/Middleton area of the Tame Valley, where at least three werepresent during the period January 1st-30th, with four on 10th. Subsequently up to two wereseen here most days up to April 15th, with the last on 20th. A bird seen high over Dosthillon May 18th was probably a late migrant. Elsewhere a traditional roost site at PriorsHardwick was occupied until at least early February, with six together there on January 2ndand 8th. Other records involved two roosting again in a small plantation at Oxhill onJanuary 1st, with single birds at Napton Res on 5th and Brandon from 15th-27th. The onlyautumn reports were of single birds at Draycote on October 24th and at both Kingsburyand Ladywalk on 30th, while two were seen at Dosthill on December 17th.Worcs At Defford Airfield, one or two were present during the first winter period, withone still present on May 6th, a bird first observed on Worcestershire Beacon from lateOctober 2005, remained in the area until April 23rd and Eckington Meadows held three onJanuary 8th, two on 22nd and March 13th, then one on 20th. The only other record camefrom Upton Warren on March 24th and no sightings were reported during the secondwinter period.Staffs In contrast to our other owls, an excellent breeding year with numbers well upfrom previous years. Two pairs are known to have fledged two and one young and up tothree other pairs may have bred but these were not confirmed. In the first winter period, upto two were seen at Chasewater until April 29th and up to three at Cuckoo Bank until April17, although these could have been the same birds. In January, one was seen around theAlrewas, Croxall and Whitemoor Haye area with others at Drayton Bassett Pits (30th) andSwallow Moss (2nd-7th). One was seen at Doxey on February 12th, then it or another fromApril 8th-21st. Up to two quartered Drayton Bassett Pits from March 17th-April 10th and

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Long-eared Owl, Phil Jones

Revidge from March 23rd-April 9th. Finally, singles were seen at Chase Corner on March24th, Cuckoo Stones (Hayes) on 26th and Belvide on 29th. The second winter period wasa much quieter affair with singles at Goldsitch Moss on October 4th, Middle Hills on 9th,Cuckoo Bank on November 2nd, Croxall GP on 5th, Dosthill “in December” and CuckooBank on December 28th.W Mid One was noted at Sheepwash UP on May 1st ICW.

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeusUncommon to frequent, but very local summer resident, mainly on Cannock Chase. Rarepassage migrant.Long-term average: May 16th (63) to August 23rd (45).8-year average: May 8th (–8 days) to August 27th (+4 days).First birds heard on Cannock Chase on May 6th. The last was also on the Chase on theearly date of July 21st but they are difficult to detect in the late summer. It is encouragingto see birds at new and old haunts.Warks A churring male was seen and heard at Brandon on the evening of May 23rdGWi et al and one was seen hawking moths at dusk near the railway at Henley-in-Arden onJuly 4th ADW.Staffs First two churring birds were heard at Strawberry Hill on May 6th, then one atthe White House on 9th. About 40 birds were present on Cannock Chase this year and fivechurring birds were again found at Hanchurch Woods. In addition, a churring bird washeard in a wood to the west of the Chase, indicating a further range expansion in thecounty. Last seen at Springslade Lodge on July 21st.

Common Swift Apus apusCommon summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: April 23rd (72) to September 28th (72).8-year average: April 19th (–4 days) to September 30th (+2 days).An early arrival, even by recent trends, on April 2nd at Blithfield with the last being atWestwood Pool on the very late date of October 19th.Warks It was another early arrival, with four at Stoneleigh on April 16th, singles atBrandon and Earlswood on 17th and another at Kingsbury on 18th, with small numbers atmultiple sites from 19th. The main arrival began on April 28th when 150 were at Draycoteand smaller flocks were noted at several other waters. This date also saw the first arrivals inFenny Compton village, where the main arrival of local breeding birds was actuallywitnessed on May 3rd, which was a warm day. From four present at 10 am numbers rosesteadily to the full compliment of 60 by noon, with small parties observed spiralling downfrom high in the sky. Draycote held most of the larger spring concentrations, with estimatesof 2500 on May 8th, 2700 on 17th, 1000 on 21st and 4000 on 23rd, all during rainy orovercast conditions. The best counts in the Tame Valley were of 500 at Kingsbury on theevening of May 2nd and 400 on 7th, with 500 at Ladywalk on 21st. Up to 200 were alsoseen in the Coton/Lea Marston area on several dates in May, with peaks of 150 at SalfordPriors GP on 21st and 150 at Brandon on 25th. Summer counts were fairly average withmaxima of 500 feeding low in overcast weather at the Coton/Lea Marston Pools on June21st, 200 over Crimscote Downs on July 10th and 200 at Fenny Compton on 21st. The mainemigration appeared to take place on August 4th-5th, with 500 moving west at FarnboroughPark in less than an hour on the last date. Very small numbers continued to pass throughuntil the start of September, with the last flock of note being one of 20 at Dosthill on August

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21st. The final records of the year were of four at Dosthill and one at Fenny Compton onSeptember 4th, and then singles at Seeswood Pool on 5th and Draycote on 6th.Worcs No breeding data received. Small numbers began to arrive in the county duringlate April, with two at Upton Warren on 26th, two at both Grimley New Workings andLower Moor, plus one at Ryall Pits on 27th, whilst five were at Kinsham Lake and six atMarlbrook on 29th. Totals increased from early May and the best counts were of 34 atBroadway on 4th, 80 at Bittell Reservoir on 15th and 50 at Upton Warren on 31st, then 80here on June 21st. Birds lingered into late August, with three at Malvern Link on 23rd,three at Bredon’s Hardwick and one at Ryall Pits on 27th and one at Winyates East on 31st,plus the only sighting in September came from Malvern Link, where four were noted on1st. Two reports of late migrants during October, with a group of five observed at GwenFinch Wetland on 8th and a single bird showing some characteristics of the eastern formpekinensis flew through Westwood Pool on 19th SMW.Staffs Two early birds flew through Blithfield on April 2nd followed by singles at Doxeyon 7th and 9th. From April 17th onwards small numbers were seen regularly, with the majorinflux occurring from 25th with 30 at Chasewater, then 1000 there on 27th coinciding with70 at Gailey. There were then 100 at Belvide on 29th, 100 at Aqualate and 300 at Chasewateron 30th. In May there were 80 at Alrewas, 200 at Aqualate and Chasewater (1st), 1200 atChasewater (2nd), 200 at Aqualate (6th), 300 at River Sow Meadows (7th), 500-600 atChasewater (8th-22nd) and 160 at Aqualate (21st). Summer counts at Aqualate included 400on June 1st, 500 on 25th and 100 into July. There was also 100+ at Blithfield on June 19th.Breeding occurred at Bateswood (4 pairs), Oak Hill, Stoke (2+ pairs) and West End, Stoke(11 pairs) with all the Stoke birds nesting in roof spaces. Late summer saw 300 birdscongregating at Ellenhall on July 14th and 200 at Doxey on 23rd, with autumn passage firstnoted at Hanchurch Wood on August 1st with 196 south in 15 minutes early in the morning.This was followed by “a large movement” over Essington Quarry Pool on 11th andChasewater on 19th after which small numbers were seen regularly until September 7th,with final singles passing through Westport on 10th and 12th.W Mid Birds bred at several locations adjacent to the Smestow Valley and SheepwashUP. High counts included about 500 in Sandwell Valley in May, over 300 at Marsh LaneNR on 23rd and 200 at Dunstall Park on August 17th. Also reported from Acocks Green,Aldridge, Balsall Common, Bartley, Chadwick End, Chelmsley Wood, Coundon Wedge,Cradley Heath, Dorridge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Great Barr, Haden Hill Park,Harborne, Hawne Park, Kingswinford, Leighswood, Longbridge, Lutley, Moseley, Nether -ton, New Invention, Olton Mere, Penn, Park Lime Pits, Portway, Reedswood Park, RydersMere, Saltwells LNR, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Walsall, Warrens Hall, West Brom -wich, Whitley, Wolverhampton, Worlds End and Yardley Wood.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthisFairly common resident.Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Barford, Brandon (two), Broom, Charlecote,Etting ton Park, Farnborough Park, Finham STW, Honington, Kingsbury, Tiddington andWimp stone. Other breeding season (May-June) records came from: Abbots Salford, Alcester,Chessetts Wood, Compton Verney, Coombe Abbey, Coton, Dosthill, Draycote, Guy’s Cliffe,Halford, Hampton Lucy, Idlicote, Ladywalk, Longbridge, Napton Res, Newbold-on-Stour,Salford Priors GP, Seeswood, Tredington, Warwick Castle Park, Welford-on-Avon andWormleighton Res. Many more sites had birds at other times of the year. At Brandon up tosix were noted during the autumn, and 22 were ringed here during the year.

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Worcs Two pairs held territories along the Dowles Brook and single pairs reportedduring the breeding season at Gwen Finch Wetland, Kyre Pool, Lower Moor, Nineveh,Upper Arley, Upton Warren and Westwood Pool. Single bird observations also came fromBittell Reservoir, Bredon’s Hardwick, Kinsham Lake and Trimpley Reservoir during thisperiod. Reported during the winter period at Abberton, Arrow Valley Lake, BirtsmortonPools, Bittell Reservoir, Bredon’s Hardwick, Brotheridge Green Pool, Grimley, GwenFinch Wetland, Kinsham Lake, Kyre Pool, Lower Moor, Beckford Lakes, Upper Arley,Upton Warren and Westwood Pool.Staffs Breeding was confirmed on the River Swarbourne at Brackenhurst Covert,Doxey, Ford Green, Brookley’s Lake and on the River Dove at Clay Mills, and suspectedat Aqualate and at Tixall, although reports during May and June also came from a furthereight locations. The species was also reported, usually as single birds, from a total of 70sites around the county.W Mid Probably bred locally to Marsh Lane NR, Sandwell Valley and Sheepwash UP.Also seen in the breeding season at Coundon Wedge, Olton Mere and Walsall Arboretum.Otherwise noted at The Dingles, Dorridge Park (“first for several years”), Dunstall Park,Fens Pools, The Leasowes, Saltwells LNR, Scribers Wood, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park,Thimblemill Brook and West Bromwich.

Hoopoe Upupa epopsRare passage migrant, very rare in winter (7/10).Warks A single bird was seen at Montilo Farm, Harborough Magna on April 29thFMcM.Worcs One was observed in paddocks at Ryden Farm, near Charlton on May 5thCGr, PSt.Staffs One was seen well by a non-birder at Heathcroft Paddock, Ingestre on May 5that 5.50am J. Turner per RCB, aptly described as “a Mohican with bar-codes”! It flew offtowards Birch Hall Farm but could not be relocated.W Mid One was well watched at Reedswood Park and nearby Beechdale PrimarySchool from September 28th to October 9th several observers.

Wryneck Jynx torquillaScarce passage migrant. Last bred in 1941.Worcs One was discovered in a Bromsgrove garden on September 14th DWill. It isinteresting to note that Wryneck has been recorded annually in Worcestershire on autumnmigration since 2000.W Mid One was photographed in a Boldmere garden on August 24th SHo. Another was

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Hoopoe at Walsall, Dave Kelsall and Wryneck at Solihull, Steve Valentine

well watched at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, from September 20th-23rdBLK, GPR et al.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridisFairly common resident.Warks A common and well distributed bird,which has done well in recent years. The largestcount was eight at Brandon in June.Worcs A pair reared a single chick at StokeBliss and reported as a common resident andbreeding species along the Dowles Brook andthe Malvern Hills and Commons. Also observedduring the breeding season at Bittell Reservoir,Devils Spittleful, Hewell Grange, KempseyCommon, Old Hills, Porters Mill, Ryall Pits andUpton Warren. Reported from many localitiesoutside the breeding season and the best countsmade during the year were of three atCastlemorton Common on February 27th, fiveat Hollybed Common on March 24th, four atHappy Valley on April 2nd and four at BritishCamp on July 29th.Staffs Juveniles were reported from Anslow,Branston GP, Chasewater, Crump wood, CuckooBank, Ingestre, Katyn Memorial, Upper More -ton, Waterfall and Wettonmill. Present through -out the year at Apedale CP/Black Bank,Aqualate, Baggeridge CP, Belvide, Chasewater/Cuckoo Bank and Elford GP. One or two birds were logged at 71 other sites, with six atCuckoo Bank on May 6th, three-five in the Anson’s Bank/Brocton Coppice area in March-May, five at Dovedale on August 6th and Drayton Bassett Pits on August 25th and three atBaggeridge CP on April 17th.W Mid Recorded during the breeding season at Bradnock’s Marsh, Brueton Park, BurysHill, Chadwick End, Coundon Wedge, The Dingles, Fens Pools, Fibbersley, Marsh LaneNR (probably at least two pairs locally), Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory), Moseley, ParkLime Pits, Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park,West Bromwich and Winson Green. Also noted at Baddesley Clinton, Blythe Valley CP,Daisy Bank, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Hall Green, Haden Hill Park, Hands -worth Park, Hawne Park, The Leasowes, Penn, Reedswood Park, Stivichall Memorial Park,Warley Woods and Wordsley.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos majorFairly common to common resident.Warks No change in status. Five nests were located in the Ettington Grove/KnavenhillWood area, while six breeding pairs were reported from both the Compton Verney area andthe Idlicote Hills.Worcs A pair reared three young at Birchen Coppice, one pair fledged two young atBodenham Arboretum, reported as a common resident and breeding species along the

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Green Woodpecker, Grimley,Andy Warr

Dowles Brook and a juvenile was observed atTimberhonger. Reported from numerous locali -ties throughout the year, the best counts beingof six at Arrow Valley North on February 19th,seven at Shrawley Wood on March 14th, four atHewell Grange and six at Trench Wood on April12th, four at British Camp on July 29th and fourat Upton Warren on October 22nd.Staffs Breeding confirmed from Anslow,Apedale CP, Biddulph (Newpool), Chase water,Coombes Valley (“many”), Doley, Doxey,Ingestre, Pipe Green, River Sow Meadows,Seven Springs, Strawberry Hill, Tittesworth,Tixall Bridge and Toad Hole Bridge. Addi -tionally, six birds were recorded in Hollybush inJune and logged at 38 other sites during thebreeding season. High counts comprised sevenat Baggeridge CP on March 4th, six atHanchurch Woods on December 17th, RiverSow Meadows on December 26th and SevenSprings on March 25th, five at Doxey onNovember 19th and Tixall Bridge on December 26th.W Mid Birds noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Allesley Park, Bilston Cemetery,Chadwick End, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Long -bridge, Marsh Lane NR area (probably three pairs), Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory),Moseley, Nailcote, Olton Mere, Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (up totwo pairs), Smestow Valley, Smethwick, Sutton Park, Warley Woods and Whitley. Alsoseen at Acocks Green, Balsall Common, Barr Beacon, Black Patch Park, Brueton Park,The Dingles, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, Hall Green, Ham Dingle, Handsworth Park,Hawne Park, The Leasowes, Lutley, Mary Stevens Park, Old Swinford, Penn, Priory Fields,Reedswood Park, Stivichall Memorial Park, Temple Balsall, Trittiford Park, WestBromwich, Whitehouse Common and Wordsley.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minorFrequent to fairly common resident.Warks Three pairs were again breeding at Coombe Abbey, with single pairs at ClowesWood and Idlicote. A pair may have done so at Brandon, where three or four were seen onMarch 4th. Otherwise there were odd sightings through the year at the following sites:Abbots Salford, Alvecote, Arrow, Barford, Charlecote, Chesterton, Coton, Crimscote,Draycote, Earlswood Lakes, Farnborough Park, Fenny Compton, Finham STW, Fisher’sMill GP, Guy’s Cliffe, Honington, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Lea Marston, Middleton Hall,Oldberrow, Packington Park, Radway, Ragley Park, Red Hill, Seeswood, Shuttington,Upton Park, Wasperton, Whitacre Heath NR and Wormleighton Res. Sightings were morefrequent this year in the north of the county but fewer in the south. In all it was reportedfrom 35 sites, well down from the 47 of 2005.Worcs Probably three territories held along the Dowles Brook, where two males and afemale were noted on April 30th, a pair nested at The Knapp and Papermill reserve, ajuvenile was observed at Little Comberton between June 25th-August 11th and drumming

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Great Spotted Woodpecker,Dave Taylor

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birds were heard West Malvern on February 5th, March 4th and 5th, Old Storridge on 26thand a pair were both drumming at Pensax Wood on April 28th. A pair was resident atBirchen Coppice, but no young seen,whilst singles were observed at WestwoodPool on February 18th, Devils Spittleful on19th, Shrawley Wood on March 14th, FlintDingle on 19th, Bittell Reservoir on 26th,Hanley Swan on June 11th, Mill ShrubPool on July 3rd and Old Storridge on28th. Post-breeding and second winterperiod sightings came from Mill ShrubPool on September 11th, along the RiverSevern at Grimley, two were noted on16th, then singles on October 29th andNovember 2nd, one was at Ankerdine Hillon September 22nd, one at Upton Warrenon 26th and singles along the DowlesBrook on November 25th, December 9thand 17th. Singles were observed at GraftonWood on November 30th, at Hurcott Pooland Lower Bittell Reservoir on December 10th and at Holt on 28th.Staffs No confirmed breeding again this year but birds were heard drumming atKnypersley, Loynton Moss and Timbersbrook. An immature female arrived at Belvidefrom July 11th, followed by an immature male from 28th, these being the only juvenilesreported in the county this year and were last seen there on September 30th. Given thatadult birds were also observed early in the year, this suggests successful breeding nearby.Pairs were seen throughout the year at Aqualate, Baggeridge CP, Byrkley Park; other long-stayers included pairs at Tixall Bridge (Jan-Jun), Seven Springs (Apr-Jun), a male atWeeping Cross (Apr-Jun) and Burntwood (Jul-Sep). Three at Knypersley on April 17th wasthe highest count. Elsewhere at Mayfield on January 30th, two at Acton Trussell on March22nd, Crumpwood on 30th, River Sow Meadows on April 2nd, two at Cadet Huts on 4th,Oulton Heath on 6th, Blithfield on 8th, two at Gailey, Orton Lane Wombourne and ParkBank on 14th, Alton on 18th, Gailey on May 30th, Wergs on June 9th, Doxey on 11th,Enson on 23rd, Woodmancote on September 24th, Highgate Common on October 22nd-24th, Rowley Hall on 27th, Handley Banks on November 26th, Blithfield on December4th, Dunstall on 17th and two at Wootton on 18th.W Mid Single birds were noted in Hay Head Wood on January 20th, Trittiford Mill Poolon March 3rd, Brueton Park on 12th, 17th and 19th, and April 12th, Marsh Lane NR onMarch 15th, April 15th and June 4th, Senneleys Park on March 15th, Tettenhall College on23rd, Sandwell Valley in April and May, and Knowle on April 13th. Later in the year,singles were noted in Berkswell on July 20th, Dorridge on August 22nd September 12th,Smestow Valley on October 10th and a Northfield garden on November 19th.

Wood Lark Lullula arboreaResident until 1960s, then a rare visitor and now an uncommon, but increasing breedingspeciesWorcs One found at Crabbe Tree Farm/Merrilands Farm in early December 2005 AWaet al remained on site until February 17th. Last reported to have bred in 1965, 2006

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker,Whitacre Heath, Steve Seal

heralded the welcome return of a successfully breeding pair in the county. Two young werefledged from the first brood and the adults were observed carrying food to a second nest,the outcome of which is unknown.Staffs 38 territories were recorded on Cannock Chase, accompanying the excitingdiscovery of two new sites holding singing/territorial birds; Hanchurch Woods SJT andKinver Edge EBl. A passage bird flew over Belvide on April 29th GJM, SNu.

2003 AddendumW Mid In addition to the one seen at Lutley on October 30th, two birds were present onNovember 1st GP.

Sky Lark Alauda arvensisAbundant, though much declined, resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks A continued increase was noted on a 120 ha farm under environmentalstewardship at Morton Bagot, where 31 territories compares to 16 in 2005 and just 12 in2004. A big increase was also noted at Birchmoor, with at least 30 pairs present in set-aside(cf. 20 in 2005). Other good-sized concentrations included 30 pairs at Nunley Test Trackand 12 pairs on Warwick Race Course, while there were also eight singing betweenBidford and Marlcliff (about average) and five pairs on Little Packington landfill. A slightdecline was registered on a 100 ha farm at Shipston-on-Stour, where there were 17territories (cf. 19 in 2004, 22 in 2003). Flocks were generally small during the late winterperiod, the exception was that remaining over from 2005 in set-aside at Wasperton, peakingat 165 on February 10th. Otherwise a handful of flocks reached 30-40 in the south, with61 at Marlcliff Hill on January 20th being the best count. Visible autumn passage againcommenced slightly early on September 17th, with counts including 26 south at CharlecoteGP on 18th, 30 south at Wormleighton Res on 23rd, 65 south at Salford Priors GP in anhour on 24th and 220 west in an hour at Lighthorne Quarry on 25th. As in 2005 subsequentpassage was generally rather light, with the best counts (all per hour) including 145 movingsouth-east over the Fenny Compton Hills on October 8th and 105 south-east there on 14th,135 south at Napton Hill on October 13th and 100 west at Lighthorne Quarry on 17th.From late September to early November there were reports of flocks of up to 100, generallyin stubble fields, from a number of sites across the Feldon region. The largest countsinvolved 250 at Weston-on-Avon on September 28th, 425 at Ilmington Downs on October6th, 250 at Napton on 13th, 180 between Charlecote and Wasperton on 24th and 150 atSalford Priors GP on 29th. Subsequent wintering maxima were generally much lower butincluded 50 at Wormleighton Res on November 17th, 75 at Fenny Compton on 19th, 40 atShawbury on 26th, 50 at Wasperton on 28th and 54 at Priors Hardwick on December 15th.Worcs 50 birds were counted on Bredon Hill on March 7th, suggesting a strongbreeding population, whilst singing males were reported from Castlemorton Common(one), Conderton Hill (six), Grimley Old Workings (four), Hollybed Common (five), HoltPrairies (four), Kempsey Lower Ham (two), Lower Smite Farm (four), North Hill (two),Poolbrook Common (two), Ryall Pits (16), Table Hill (one), Timberhonger (two) andWorcestershire Beacon (four). During the first winter period, four were at Merrilands Farmon January 5th, 40 at Longdon Marsh on 8th, 60 on Bredon Hill on 10th, 12 at Blackstoneon 21st and 30 at Lineholt on 28th. Second winter period sightings comprised 20 at UpperBittell Reservoir on October 7th, Bredon Hill held 40 on 15th and 20th, plus 65 onNovember 10th, 23 were at Comhampton on October 27th, 20 at Lower Bittell Reservoiron 29th and Stoke Bliss produced counts of 30 and 40 on November 4th and December

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23rd respectively. 30 were reported at Holt Prairies on November 9th, 24 at LittleComberton and 40 at Ryall Pits on 12th, 25 flew south over Lower Moor on 19th, 40 wereat Abberton on 26th, five at Bredon’s Hardwick and 38 at Ribbesford on 8th and 40 atLower Moor between 20th-31st.Staffs There was no very early singing reported this year but the first flocks wererecorded on January 1st with 32 at Whitmore Bent Lane and 50 at Flashbrook Grange.Other flocks comprised; in January 90 at Crossplains, 44 at Cuckoo Bank and 30 atAston/Burston; in February 40 at Crossplains and 45 at Denstone Hall; in March 48 atBlack Bank, 31 at Berry Hill and 29 at Silverdale Colliery. The first singing bird was notnoted until March 9th at Baddeley Edge, then at a further 39 sites throughout the county.Double-figure counts of singing birds comprised 20 at Bateswood and Berry Hill, 12 atApedale CP and 10 at Cuckoo Bank. Autumn passage birds were noted at Belvide headingeither west or south-west, with 42 on September 24th, then 44 on October 7th, 10 on 8th(also 12 over Blithfield and 37 over Doxey), 62 on 14th and 45 on 29th. The end of the yearonly produced two flocks into three figures; 105 at Batchacre Hall on October 15th and100 at Keele on November 21st. Other large flocks were 20 at Black Bank (August 5th),60 at Belvide (September 26th), 45 at Stableford (October 19th), 32 at Crossplains (22nd),62 at Denstone Hall (November 1st), 40 at Stockley Vale (25th), 40 at Branston Water Park(26th) and 40 at Crossplains (December 22nd).W Mid Breeding season records came from Aldridge, Blythe Valley CP, BowmansHarbour (three pairs), Burys Hill, Chadwick End, Clayhanger, Darby’s Hill, Goscote Valley(first for several years), Lutley, Marsh Lane NR (up to three pairs), Netherton Hill, ParkLime Pits, Portway, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley and West Bromwich.A count of 56 birds at Marsh Lane NR on November 7th was a site record, whilst 38 werealso noted on 11th. The only other sites to have double-figure counts were Lutley with tenon January 17th, Dunstall Park with 22 on October 2nd and December 20th, SandwellValley with 12 in October and Smestow Valley with 23 on 29th. Smaller totals were notedat Aldridge Airport, Birmingham, Great Barr and Reedswood Park.

Shore Lark Eremophila alpestrisRare passage migrant and winter visitor (5/10)W Mid One was at Edgbaston Reservoir from October 18th-25th CSe. This is the secondcounty record; the first being at Billesley Common in 1997.

Sand Martin Riparia ripariaFairly common, though much declined, summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: March 21st (71) to October 12th (71).8-year average: March 13th (–8 days) to October 11th (+1 day)Bucking the trend of recent years, the first to arrive were actually behind schedule onMarch 23rd at Coton and Draycote. The last left rather early on October 2nd at Brandon.Warks About 100 pairs were present in the summer at our main colony at Salford PriorsGP, but they had a disastrous breeding season. Only about 50 pairs attempted to breed, 30of which occupied a heap of stored sand, but these were all dug out by a fox. Elsewhere,the colony at Lawford Heath GP was active but unfortunately not counted, while theriverbank colony at Ladywalk was washed out by flash flooding. Two pairs were thoughtto have attempted breeding in the banks of the River Tame at Water Orton, while aroundfive pairs bred in High Cross Quarry, Copston Magna (cf. 30 pairs there in 1997) and a fewin Paget’s Lane Quarry, Bubbenhall. Spring birds were rather late to arrive compared to

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other recent years, with the first arrivals of two at Coton and one at Draycote on March23rd. The main passage commenced on March 27th with small numbers appearing at mostof the larger waters, while at Kingsbury WP there were up to 120 present, increasing to 250there on 28th. Other site maxima included 200 at Brandon on April 2nd, 250 at Coton on11th, 900 at Draycote and 200 at Napton Res in steady rain on 19th, 250 at Salford PriorsGP and 180 at Abbots Salford on 23rd, and 100 at Shustoke on May 14th. Post-breedingcounts were generally small and included 250 at Salford Priors GP on July 16th, 50 atBrandon on August 3rd and 20 at Napton Res on 13th. The last autumn migrants were twoat Fenny Compton on September 30th, one at Abbots Salford on October 1st and seven atBrandon on 2nd.Worcs The only record received of a nesting colony came from Ryall Pits, where just14 pairs bred, compared to 26 in 2005. The first spring arrivals were observed at LowerMoor, with two present on March 25th, whilst on the 27th a reasonable passage of birdswas noted, with 60 at Bredon’s Hardwick, two at Caunsall, 40 at Kinsham Lake, 50 atLower Moor, one at Upton Warren and one at Wythall. Numbers dwindled during theremaining days of March, with 10 at Upton Warren on 29th, nine at Gwen Finch Wetlandon 30th and 25 at Mount Pleasant and 12 at Upper Arley on 31st. Counts made during Apriland May comprised 100+ at Gwen Finch Wetland on 2nd and 7th, 170+ at Grimley NewWorkings on 4th, 80 at Upper Bittell Reservoir and 120 at Westwood Pool on 8th, 32 atUpton Warren on 10th, 20 at Stanford Bridge on 20th, 200+ at Bredon’s Hardwick on 22nd,53 and 25 at Upper Arley on 30th and May 4th respectively and 210 at Upper BittellReservoir on May 15th. Just two autumn records received, with six noted at BrotheridgeGreen Pools on August 20th and 230+ at Trimpley Reservoir on September 23rd.Staffs The first arrivals were on March 25th, with three at Belvide, two at Chasewater,four at Gailey and four at Whitemoor Haye. The first of the larger flocks soon followed, onthe 27th with 92 at Belvide, 100 at Blithfield, 35 at Gailey and on 28th up to 300 atBlithfield and 100 at Copmere. The big flocks had to wait until April; 500 arriving atBelvide on the 8th and 9th and a massive 1500 at Blithfield also on the 9th. Chasewaterheld 200 birds between 3rd-11th and Aqualate 150 from 1st-4th with 150 also atTittesworth from 16th-23rd. There were six breeding colonies located; the largest atDraycott Quarry had 48 active burrows and the one at Fauld 35. Breeding was also notedat Whitmore (20), Denstone Hall (17), River Dove at A515 (5-6) and Brund (12). Lateseason flocks were better than those in 2005 but still low with only Elford Gravel Pitsreaching three figures: 100 on August 8th. The last birds of the year were at Belvide, twoon September 10th and five on 17th. W Mid Birds bred in the vicinity of Marsh Lane NR and possibly along the River Tamenear Castle Vale. Three-figure counts were regularly made at Marsh Lane NR during April,peaking at 290 on 12th, with other spring counts including 45 in Sandwell Valley and 30at Fens Pools. Later counts included 50 plus at Stubbers Green on July 31st and August2nd, and a high of 70 at Marsh Lane NR on 2nd. Birds were also noted at Aldridge, Brown -hills, Clayhanger, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Meriden, Netherton Reservoir,Olton Mere, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley and Somers Gravel Pit.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rusticaVery common, though declined, summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: March 31st (72) to November 5th (72).8-year average: March 22nd (–9 days) to November 14th (+9 days).As in recent years an early arrival with the first bird being seen at Bredon’s Hardwick on

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March 16th. The last was a bird on November 20th at Upton Warren. This species nowappears to be spending nearly four more weeks in the Region!Warks It was generally a better season for this species, with a recovery to 12 nests on afarm at Morton Bagot after a fall to three there in 2005. Of interest were two occupied nestsat the radio transmitter station on top of Lark Stoke Hill (Ilmington Downs), the highestpoint in the county. The first spring migrants were noted at both Coton and LeamingtonSpa on March 23rd, at Kingsbury on 25th and Brandon on 26th, with birds noted dailythereafter. The first main arrival occurred on April 2nd when birds were noted at manywaters including 25 at Kingsbury, while a pair arrived back to their nest in an Idlicotestable on the same day. Some huge concentrations were noted on spring passage during wetand windy weather, including 200 at Earlswood Lakes on April 17th, 700 at Draycote and170 at Napton Res on 19th, 800 at Draycote and 200 at Alvecote on 20th, and severalhundred at Seeswood Pool on 22nd. During May there were several flocks of 100-150recorded, at Abbots Salford, Earlswood Lakes and Nether Whitacre, while 500 were atDraycote on May 8th. In the post-breeding period flocks were smaller than usual probablyreflecting the fine weather conditions, with few concentrations of more than 100 reported.Of note was a large roost (at least by recent standards) which developed in the newNewlands reedbed at Brandon during late August, peaking at 500 on 28th. Other sizeablecounts included 200 at Kingsbury on August 28th and 250 on 31st, 200 at Ladywalk onSeptember 2nd, 200 at Radway on 10th, 150 moving west at Wormleighton Res on 11thand 120 flying south at Salford Priors GP on October 1st. Small flocks of up to 40 werenoted fairly widely in the county up to about October 8th, with odd birds daily up to 14thwhen two were at Temple Herdewyke. The last was at Brandon on October 23rd.Worcs 50 nests monitored in the Alfrick area produced 305 young and two pairs fledgednine young from nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum. The first spring migrant wasobserved at Bredon’s Hardwick on March 16th, then singles, other than stated, werereported from Gwen Finch Wetland on 27th and 30th, Kinsham Lake on 28th, Bredon’sNorton on 31st, North Hill on April 2nd, Lower Smite Farm on 3rd, Bittell Reservoir (two)on 4th, (six) on 8th, Upton Warren on 5th and Wassell Grove on 8th. No particularly largeconcentrations recorded during the spring, the best counts being 20 at Bredon’s Hardwickon April 9th, six at Birtsmorton Pools on 17th, six at Castlemorton Common on 18th, 60at Upton Warren on 19th, 40 at Lower Moor on 30th and at Bittell Reservoir, 50 were notedon May 2nd, then 40 on 15th. The largest groups observed during September were of 450at Grimley New Workings on 7th, 200+ over North Hill on 17th and Trimpley Reservoirheld 230+ on 23rd and 250 on 24th. Small numbers lingered into early October, with threenoted at Arrow Valley North and three at Castlemorton Common on 1st, two at BritishCamp Reservoir on 2nd and 3rd, two at Upton Warren on 5th, two at ThrockmortonLagoons on 7th and five at Ryall Pits on 8th. Upton Warren held a late individual onNovember 20th.Staffs The spring migration was again rather slow. Beginning on March 25th withsingles at Aqualate and Blithfield and two at Belvide, the birds trickled through into Aprilwith the first double figures on 2nd at Blithfield (25) and Coldmeece (20). There was asudden influx of 1000 birds at Blithfield on the 9th together with the large Sand Martininflux noted above. There were three small peaks later in the month – 100 at Chasewateron the 20th, 200 at Belvide on the 22nd and 250 at Tittesworth on the 23rd. There were afew 3-figure breeding season numbers reported for this year; 150 on the River SowMeadows (May 7th), 150 at Chasewater (14th) and 110 at Doxey (14th). Only six locationshad recorded breeding, Anslow, Brindley Ford, Bull Pen, Doley Common, Stafford

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Crematorium and Wolseley Bridge; this low number may be more a reflection of lack ofrecording than actual breeding numbers. This year the autumn migration flocks were verysmall. Accumulations started at Tittesworth with 100 (July 26th) and 200 birds (August18th), 100 at both Doxey (September 2nd), Chasewater (4th) and River Sow Meadows(15th). Visible migration was first noted at Black Bank on September 15th, continuingthroughout the month with double-figure counts only, exceeded by 581 birds throughBelvide on September 24th. In October 80 birds passed through Belvide on 1st, 20 atAqualate and 13 at Black Bank on the 3rd. Migration then rapidly petered out with the lastbeing three at Doxey on the 15th and singles at Aqualate and Doxey on the 19th.W Mid Counts of passage birds in Sandwell Valley peaked at about 50 in both spring andautumn. A total of 189 were counted flying towards the southwest over Smestow Valley in40 minutes on September 24th and about 100 moved through Marsh Lane NR in two hourson October 1st. Smaller numbers were recorded at Acocks Green, Aldridge, BalsallCommon, Barr Beacon, Chadwick End, Chelmsley Wood, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge,Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Lutley, Moseley, Nailcote, NethertonReservoir, Old Swinford, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Reedswood Park, Sheepwash UP,Sutton Park, Trittiford Mill Pool, Walsall Arboretum and West Bromwich. A bird with aparticularly orange breast at Marsh Lane NR on April 11th may have been of the racetransitiva, from the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis dauricaVery rare vagrant (3/10).Staffs A roosting bird was discovered in a work unit at Norbury Junction on the verylate date of November 21st DTa, SNu. It flew off at 9.15am. This is the latest ever UK birdother than one in Suffolk from November 21st-25th 1987 and is also the fourth countyrecord following one in 2003 and two in 2004.

2004 CorrigendumStaffs The finder of the bird at Gailey on April 29th-30th was R. Hollis, not as stated.

House Martin Delichon urbicumCommon to very common summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: April 7th (72) to November 2nd (72).8-year average: March 24th (–14 days) to October 23rd (–10 days)Continuing the trend of early arrivals, the first was on March 23rd at Coton while the lastto depart was on November 21st at Smestow Valley.Warks Two new breeding colonies were reported, with 45 nests counted on two adjacenthouses in Halford and 32 nests on a small pump house at Draycote. More were thought tobe breeding at Maxstoke than usual, where seven nests were seen; while eight nests wereoccupied at Compton Verney. A farm at Morton Bagot held 13 nests, compared to eight in2005 and four in 2004. On the negative side, only three nests were apparently occupied atthe Forest of Arden Hotel compared with the usual 60, nesting having been deterred by thestaff putting up wire netting. An early bird was noted at Coton on March 23rd, followed bytwo at Earlswood on 28th and singles at both Seeswood Pool and Kingsbury on 30th. Manysites had arrivals during the first few days in April. The larger counts on spring passagewere usually during overcast rainy weather and included 250 at Draycote on April 19th and300 there on 20th, several hundred at Seeswood Pool on 22nd, 200 at Earlswood Lakes onMay 2nd, 500 at Draycote on 8th, and 300 at Abbots Salford on 21st. Post-breeding countswere rather modest and included 200 at Fenny Compton on July 21st, 100 at Alcester on

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August 17th, 150 at Dosthill Lake on 21st, 200 at Radway on September 1st, 350 atShustoke on 2nd, 200 at Dosthill on 4th and 200 over Edge Hill on 21st. During the firstweek or so of October small flocks of up to 20 continued to pass through the county, withsome of the larger flocks comprising 150 at Radway on October 1st, 60 at Napton Res on2nd, 50 at Shustoke on 5th after heavy rain, 43 at Ilmington Downs on 6th, 40 at Brandonon 7th and 30 at Salford Priors GP on 8th. The last reports were of five at Draycote onOctober 10th and 20 at Ratley on 11th.Worcs Three pairs nested at Bodenham Arboretum, one at Kings Norton Golf Club,seven along Pershore High Street, seven pairs successfully fledged young at a property atStoke Bliss and four pairs double brooded at Moreland House, Timberhonger, where up to20 adults and juveniles were observed by August. During the spring and early summer, thefirst bird was recorded at Gwen Finch Wetland on April 2nd, Upper Bittell Reservoir heldthree and Lower Moor one on 8th, singles were at Upton Warren on 12th, Little Combertonon 14th and Bredon’s Hardwick on 15th, three at Birtsmorton Pools on 17th and UpperArley held 12 on 30th and 15 on May 6th. The two largest counts during this period wereof 50 at Upper Bittell Reservoir on May 15th and 40 at Upton Warren on June 21st. Post-breeding flocks reported were of 75 at British Camp and 84 at Happy Valley on July 29th,50 at Upton Warren on August 2nd and 100 at Winyates Green on 5th and duringSeptember, counts included 100 at British Camp and 250+ over Worcestershire Beacon on3rd, 105 over Bredon Hill on 8th, 50 at Upton Warren on 13th, 400+ over North Hill on17th and 230+ at Trimpley Reservoir on 23rd. Arrow Valley Lake held a flock of 100 onOctober 1st, 45 were hawking for insects over Tinkers Coppice, Grimley on 6th, 15 werenoted at Abberton, six over Bredon Hill, 30 at British Camp and 100+ at Great Malvern,all on 7th, 100 flew over Worcestershire Beacon on 8th and two were at Little Combertonon 16th.Staffs Like 2005 the 2006 spring migration was rather quiet. The first two birds wereseen at Aqualate on March 28th, then one at Westport on 31st, but the first three-figurenumbers were not recorded until May, the largest flocks in April being 50 at Belvide (22nd)and 44 at Doxey on 23rd. In May, 500 were seen at Chasewater on 2nd, 150 at ColdmeecePools on 7th, 200 at Belvide on 14th and 400 on River Sow Meadows on 20th. Unlike SandMartin and Swallow, House Martins did not experience a large influx in early April.Breeding was noted at Batchacre Hall, Denstone, Ingestre (28 nests), Keele University (19nests – the most for over seven years), Lower Ellastone (five), Park Farm Trysull (13) andPipe Green. A pair was still feeding young at a nest in Baswich on the late date of October9th. Late summer/autumn build-ups commenced with 300 at Doxey on July 23rd and 200at Aqualate on 31st, with August counts of 200 at Belvide on 1st, 200 at Aqualate on 11th,400 at Aqualate, 300 at Belvide, 500 at Blithfield, 400 at Tittesworth (all on 13th), 100 atChasewater on 15th, 100 at Tittesworth on 18th, 200 at Blithfield on 19th, 150 atChasewater on 23rd, 120 at Doxey on 26th and 200 at Aqualate on 29th. In Septembernotable flocks included 300 at Doxey on 2nd, 140 at Black Bank on 20th rising to 230 on22nd. After this, single- or double-figure flocks were seen regularly into October with 44flying south through Belvide on 8th and the last birds – three at Madeley STW – on the18th and three at Doxey on 19th.W Mid The only breeding records came from Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley andWarstock. Counts included 31 at Fens Pools on April 20th, 50 at Sheepwash on May 25th,300 in Sandwell Valley in May and August, 50 at Whitley on July 2nd, 100 at Marsh LaneNR on August 30th, 60 at Dunstall Park on 31st and 35 at Olton Mere on September 11th.Smaller totals were also noted at Acocks Green, Aldridge, Balsall Common, Bartley

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Reservoir, Chadwick End, Chelmsley Wood, Dudley Wood, Edgbaston Reservoir, HightersHeath, Lutley, Mary Stevens Park, Netherton, New Invention, Olton Mere, Portway,Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, Sutton Park, Warrens Hall LNR, West Bromwich,Whitley and Wolverhampton. A late bird flew over Dunstall Park on November 21st – thesame day that a Red-rumped Swallow was in Staffordshire!

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialisFairly common, though declining, summer resident and passage migrant, becomingincreasingly restricted to the northern and western parts of the Region.Long-term average: April 8th (69) to September 24th (67).8-year average: April 1st (–7 days) to October 4th (+10 days).The first arrival was in line with recent years on April 2nd on Cannock Chase; the last weretwo at Black Bank, Silverdale on October 4th.Warks A below average year. In spring there was a single bird at Wormleighton Res onApril 7th and another flew north over Fenny Compton on the same day. Singles also flewnorth over Priors Hardwick on April 25th and Ryton Pools CP on 26th. On return passagesingles flew over Lea Marston on August 30th and Alvecote on September 1st, while threewere at Wormleighton Res on 11th.Worcs Numbers remained stable during the breeding season at both the Wyre Forest andMalvern Hills. A minimum of 18 singing males were reported from four localities in theWyre Forest, with Dowles Brook holding the highest concentrations, including counts ofeight on April 15th, 10 on 30th and 15 on May 11th. Singles were also observed in the WyreForest at Pound Green Common on May 2nd, plus Callow Hill and Park Brook on June 15th.Around 22 singing males were recorded on the Malvern Hills and Commons, compared to24 in 2005. Maximum counts here were of five between Raggedstone Hill and WycheCutting on May 15th, three between Malvern Hills Hotel and Swinyard Hill on 17th andthree between Malvern Hills Hotel and Pinnacle Hill on 28th. One or two males were alsorecorded from British Camp, Hangman’s Hill, Happy Valley, Hollybush, Midsummer Hilland North Valley. Elsewhere in the county, one was singing at Penny Hill on April 14th;Bredon Hill held two singing males on 26th, then three on May 9th and a pair fledged youngat the Devils Spittleful. The first spring sighting came from Dowles Brook (two) on April14th and spring migrant birds were observed at Grimley New and Old Workings on 22nd.Autumn records comprised two at Grimley Old Workings on August 8th, two on BredonHill on 16th, then three on 21st, two at Grimley Old Workings on 26th, two at Lower Mooron 30th and finally Bredon Hill produced two on September 7th and one on 10th.Staffs Following the usual trend the first bird was seen on Cannock Chase at Straw -berry Hill/Seven Springs on April 2nd. Build up was rather slower than in 2005 as it tookuntil May 9th to achieve double figures – 11 birds at Strawberry Hill and later 13 birds inthe Stepping Stones area on 30th. Away from the Chase the first bird was seen at HighgateCommon on April 5th with singletons at Barton GP and Alrewas Junction Pit on the 10th.Other sites reporting birds on passage were Belvide, Black Bank, Blithfield andKnypersley Reservoir. Apart from the Chase the only site which reported double figureswas Hanchurch Woods, with 10 on May 18th of which nine were considered territorialmales. Other sites holding birds in the breeding season were Bishops Wood (five),Coombes Valley (four), Dimmingsdale (one), Ipstones Edge (one), Kinver Edge (six), LumEdge (one), Lower Hatton (one), Milford Common, Swineholes Wood (one) and SwallowMoss (one). Only two of these had confirmed breeding, Coombes Valley and HanchurchWoods. As in 2005 the outward passage was very quiet with just ones and twos seen in

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August, the first at Belvide on 12th the final birds being one at Crossplains on September17th, another over Black Bank on 19th and two late birds over Black Bank on October 4th.W Mid Birds were again seen at Sutton Park during the breeding season. Two were notedat Solihull on April 29th. Autumn sightings involved two over Smestow Valley on August17th and one on September 8th, two at Netherton Hill on 9th, one over Dunstall Park on10th and two on 11th.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensisCommon resident, though local in lowland districts. Widespread and common on passage,fairly common in winter.Warks Breeding pairs were down by a third at our main site Lighthorne Quarry, wherethere were about 20 pairs. This was due to close-mowing of large areas of rough grasslandin the previous autumn. On July 29th 75 were counted here many of which were juveniles,while there were still three active nests. Elsewhere in the county several pairs bred atBaginton Airport, two pairs in set-aside at Wasperton and single pairs at both Nunley TestTrack and Salford Priors GP. Other singing males were noted in the breeding season at:Brandon (two), Chesterton, DMC Kineton (two), Dosthill, Ladywalk and Tysoe. Winteringflocks during the late winter period were generally small, with counts of 20-30 comingfrom 12 widely distributed sites across the county. The only larger flocks were 70 atSalford Priors GP on January 22nd and 45 at Priors Hardwick on March 9th, the latterpossibly including early migrants. Visible migration was noted in small numbers overFenny Compton from March 11th-May 3rd, and elsewhere during this period several smallflocks of up to 50 were reported. Larger counts included 70 in a marsh at Shustoke onMarch 20th, 200 moving through at Brandon on 26th, and a peak of 115 at Salford PriorsGP on April 2nd. Visible return passage was noted over the southern hills from September7th and in the north from 15th. The largest autumn counts came from the lower ArrowValley at Salford Priors GP, where there were 170 south in two hours on September 17th,185 south in one hour on 24th and 300 south in 90 minutes on October 1st. Elsewhere 270moved west at Lighthorne Quarry in one hour on September 25th, but passage was lighterthan usual in the Fenny Compton-Wormleighton area with peak hourly rates of only 75south on September 23rd and 75 south-east on October 8th. The largest grounded flocksduring the autumn were also at Salford Priors GP, where there were peaks of 170 onOctober 15th, 350 on 29th and 200 on November 5th. Other good sized flocks included 85at Draycote on October 12th, 150 in a Napton stubble field on 13th, 170 on IlmingtonDowns on 27th, 125 at Fenny Compton on 28th, 100 at Priors Hardwick on 30th and 150at Ilmington Downs again on November 3rd. Visible migration was last noted in the FennyCompton area on November 17th, and thereafter only small wintering flocks of up to 20were present. The larger counts included 65 at Wasperton on November 28th, 50 at SalfordPriors GP on December 3rd, a peak of 58 at Fenny Compton on 4th, 29 at Coleshill GP on11th, and 26 at Kingsbury on 17th.Worcs Several pair bred near the summit of Bredon Hill and on the Malvern Hills andCommons, six singing males were counted around Worcestershire Beacon on March 23rd,plus around 50 birds were present on 28th and 29th, 10 were at Hollybed Common on 24th,20+ displaying birds were observed between North Hill and Worcestershire Beacon onApril 2nd and Castlemorton Common held three singing males on 16th and several on27th. During the first winter period, 20 were at Longdon Marsh on January 2nd, 20+ atMerrilands Farm on 5th and 7th, 14 at Lower Smite Farm on 6th, 32 at Ladywood SewageWorks on 21st, 32 at Westwood Park on 22nd, 70 on North Hill on February 2nd, 40 at

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Alfrick on 18th and 16 at Bredon’s Hardwick, plus 30 at Kinsham Lake on 26th. Marchsightings comprised 30 on Sugarloaf Hill on 3rd, 10 at Tanwood on 6th, 14 at Lower Mooron 7th, 20 at Holt Prairies on 12th and 150 at Eckington Meadows on 13th. 30+ wereobserved at Bredon Hardwick on April 14th. Post-breeding flocks on the Malvern Hills,included counts of 60+ at British Camp on July 29th, 40+ on North Hill on August 27thand 56 at British Camp, plus 25+ on Worcestershire Beacon on September 3rd. During thesecond winter period, British Camp held 70+ on October 2nd and 3rd, 50+ were noted atLower Smite Farm and 20 at Upper Bittell Reservoir on 7th, 80 at Ryall Pits on 8th, 10 atWestwood Park on 9th, 40 at Kinsham Lake on 12th, 15 at Castlemorton Common and 40at Lower Moor on 15th, 100 at British Camp and 45 on North Hill on 27th and 70+ at RyallPits on 29th. 25 frequented wet meadows at Lower Moor on November 19th and 30th, 20+were seen at Bredon’s Hardwick on December 8th and Pinnacle Hill held 50 on 20th.Staffs This very common bird was seen throughout the year across the county. Notableearly season flocks were to be found in January at Berry Hill (60) and Black Bank (44); inFebruary at Berry Hill (100) and Hanchurch Woods (45); in March at Berry Hill (60),Black Bank (140) and Blithfield (55) and in April at Silverdale Colliery (120) and WetleyMoor (50). There were six reported breeding sites of which two, Cuckoo Bank and ThreeShires Head, had confirmed breeding. Autumn passage commenced in early Septemberwith the first significant influx on 16th; flocks appearing at Belvide (60), Berry Hill (60),Blithfield (20) and Chapel Chorlton (40). Visible migration at Black Bank followed shortlyafter with counts of 120 on 18th, 60 on 22nd, 140 on October 1st, 100 on 2nd, 347 on 3rd,165 on 4th, 140 on 12th, 120 on 14th – all hourly rates. In addition there were 70 overBerry Hill on September 30th, 126 over Belvide on October 8th and 95 on the 14th. Otherautumn concentrations included 60 at Crossplains on September 25th, 100 at Cuckoo Bankon the 30th, 60 at Weaver Hills on October 1st, 55 at Berry Hill on the 8th, 60 at Ingestreon the 10th and 100 at Blithfield in October – date not provided. As migrants passed on,flock sizes dwindled from late October, the best in November being 40 at Stockley Valeand 30 at Pattingham and in December, 30 at Enson.W Mid Noted in the breeding season at Darby’s Hill, Park Lime Pits, Portway, SandwellValley and Sutton Park (up to 20 birds counted in Little Bracebridge/Streetley Gate areaon June 28th). Spring passage included totals of 20 at Marsh Lane NR on March 14th, 22at Sandwell Valley on 28th, 36 over Dunstall Park on April 20th and smaller numbers atAldridge Airport, Blythe Valley, Edgbaston Reservoir and Sheepwash UP. In the autumn,high counts included 40 at Marsh Lane NR on September 23rd, 20 over Chelmsley Woodon 26th, 115 at Dunstall Park on October 2nd, 52 in Sandwell Valley on 3rd, 20 over Reeds -wood Park on 11th and 15 over Netherton Hill on 15th. Fewer birds were also noted atBirmingham and Sheepwash UP.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosusUncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor.Warks A mid-winter bird at Draycote on January 1st was unusual. This site alsoproduced two spring birds, on April 8th and 26th. The first report of a sparse autumnpassage involved two at Salford Priors GP on October 1st. Draycote then produced birdson October 5th, 12th (two), 13th and 26th. Other singles were noted on floodwater by theRiver Leam at Leamington Hastings on October 12th and at Napton Res on 13th. The yearconcluded with four very late birds at Draycote on November 30th.Worcs Singles were discovered at Throckmorton Lagoons on October 5th and at BevereLock, Grimley on November 9th.

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Staffs In the spring two at Blithfield on March 18th were joined by another on the 19th.In the autumn, the first lingered at Blithfield from September 15th-17th, then in October,two at Chasewater on 11th were joined by another on the 12th, with two remaining to 14thand another to the 23rd. Meanwhile singles were at Crossplains on 12th, Blithfield on 14th,16th and 18th; Essington Quarry Pool on 16th, four at Belvide on 14th rising to six on 15thand dropping to two on 18th and one on 25th. The last bird was seen at Blithfield onNovember 9th.W Mid Single birds were noted in Sandwell Valley in October MW and reported thereon February 24th and March 28th, and at Edgbaston Reservoir on October 26th.

Scandinavian Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus littoralisRare passage migrant (7/10)W Mid A summer-plumaged bird was at Marsh Lane NR on March 23rd-24th per NPB,whilst one at Dunstall Park on April 9th was a site first GAC, KMC.

Water Pipit Anthus spinolettaScarce passage migrant and winter visitor.Long-term average: October 27th (16) to April 18th (16).8-year average: October 28th (+1 day) to April 17th (–1 day).First at Salford Priors on October 29th; the last to leave being on April 17th at DoxeyMarshes.Warks Only two passage birds were reported; at Dosthill on April 10th ARD and SalfordPriors GP on October 29th and November 5th JJB.Staffs One was seen at Doxey Marshes on January 5th MPe and at least three werepresent there until April 17th. One at Essington Quarry Pool on January 22nd GJM hadbeen reported from 14th until 28th and it, or another, was there on April 8th ICru. Anotherwas recorded at Blithfield on April 2nd GJM, where the only bird of the second winterperiod was also located – November 10th GJM and 12th ESC.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flavaFairly common, but declining, summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: April 3rd (70) to October 12th (70).8-year average: March 30th (–4 days) to October 11th (–1 day).In line with recent years, the first was at Draycote on March 31st and the last on October12th at Draycote.Warks A better year was noted at Fenny Compton where the regularly counted breedingpopulation increased to 27 pairs, the highest total for a decade. Elsewhere in the south andeast breeding pairs were located at: Armscote, Avon Dassett, Charlecote, ChestertonChurch Pool (four), Crimscote (eight), Draycote (two), Ettington, Fulready, Grandborough,Halford (three), Ilmington, Kites Hardwick, Long Itchington, Milcote, Northend (two),Preston-on-Stour (several), Salford Priors GP (three), Shipston-on-Stour (several), StDennis (five) and Wasperton. Few were recorded again in the north, with just two pairseach at Birchmoor and Bramcote Hall, and one pair at Middleton. The first spring migrantswere two at Draycote on March 31st, where numbers increased almost daily to reach peaksof 25 on April 10th, 30 on 20th and 31 on 24th. Salford Priors GP attracted peaks of 20 onApril 18th and 30 on 23rd, while maxima elsewhere included 12 at Napton Res on April19th, ten at Abbots Salford and nine at Seeswood Pool on 20th, and 15 at Kingsbury on22nd, indicating the peak period of spring passage. On return passage only Draycote

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attracted anything like average numbers, with peaks of 30 on August 22nd and 40 onSeptember 3rd. There were 25 at Salford Priors GP on August 6th but the roost (which hasheld up to 200 in recent years) was not visited this year at peak period. No more than tenwere seen at Fenny Compton during return passage (where there are usually peaks of 25-40), while ten at Chesterton on August 29th, six at Shustoke on 31st and ten at Bishop’sItchington on September 4th were the best of the rest. Birds were seen widely in very smallnumbers until October 1st. Birds stayed at Draycote a bit later, with ten on October 2ndand then small numbers daily until 12th when a group of three was the last record.Worcs Observed during the breeding season at Ryall Pits, where three males and afemale were noted on May 6th, six on June 25th and at least a single pair nested success -fully in a cereal crop adjacent to the workings. Other sightings between May and Julycomprised singles at Lower Moor on May 1st, 3rd and June 13th, then four on July 19thand an adult and two juveniles on 27th, one at Cofton Richards Farm on May 2nd, July 3rdand 17th, a pair at Kinsham Lake on May 6th and 8th, two at Bredon’s Hardwick on 8th,two at Bury End Flash and one at Clifton Pits on 29th, preceded four on July 30th. Twoadults and a juvenile at Longdon Marsh on July 14th preceded four on 20th and singlejuveniles on 27th and 29th and one was at Ashmore Common on 26th. Three juvenileswere noted along Old Road South, Kempsey on August 4th and with suitable breedinghabitat in the vicinity, were probably locally reared. During early April the first springarrival was observed at Upton Warren on 1st, whilst other small counts came from GrimleyNew Workings, with one on 6th and four on 9th, Bredon’s Hardwick held one on 7th, threeon 9th and 11th, two on 14th and one on 15th, plus singles were at Clifton Pits on 9th andKinsham Lake on 11th. A reasonably strong passage was recorded mid month, commenc -ing with 20 at Bredon’s Hardwick on 16th. Bredon’s Hardwick also attracted six on 17thand on the 19th the latter site held 28, whilst five were at Clifton Pits and 20 at GrimleyNew Workings. Bredon’s Hardwick held 32, Hanley Swan a pair and Ryall Pits 10 on 20th,eight were at Caunsall, 23 at Ryall Pits and 14 at Saxon’s Lode on 21st, five were atBredon’s Hardwick and nine at Ryall Pits on 22nd and 35 at Bredon’s Hardwick on 23rd,reduced to 14 on 24th. Singles were observed at Lower Moor on 24th and Little Combertonon 26th, whilst pairs were at Upton Warren on 29th and Bredon’s Hardwick on 30th.Autumn sightings were of six at British Camp on August 5th, Gwen Finch Wetland heldsingles on 16th and September 12th, singles were at Strensham Lagoons and Throck -morton Lagoons on August 16th and Bredon’s Hardwick produced counts of 16 on 26th,six on 27th, four on September 11th and one on 16th. Three were noted at Clifton Pits onAugust 26th and September 2nd, Ryall Pits held 20 on August 26th, one on 27th and twoon September 9th, whilst at Grimley New Workings, three were present on August 26th,one on September 9th, two on 16th, four on 18th and 20th, three on 21st, two on 22nd andthree on 24th. Ryall Pits produced a notable count of 20 on August 26th, then one on 27thand two on September 9th and singles were at Bishampton Vale Pool on 28th, October 1stand 4th, plus at Upton Warren on October 1st.Staffs Recording of this species was rather better than in 2005 and, although themajority of records came from Blithfield, there was a good scattering from elsewhere inthe county. The first birds were seen at Blithfield and Whitemoor Haye on April 4th withearly season peaks at Blithfield on 10th (11), 18th (31), 19th (15) and 23rd (25). Awayfrom Blithfield double-figures were recorded at Whitemoor Haye (12 on 22nd), at Ingestre(14 on 22nd) and at Doxey (10 on 23rd). There were still 21 at Blithfield on May 3rd.Breeding was confirmed at Blithfield (one), Coldmeece Pools (three), Crossplains (three),Ingestre (two), Stableford (five) and Whitemoor Haye (two), and territories were also noted

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at Alrewas (two+), Branston GP (two), Draycott-in-the-Clay (one), Fisherwick (two),Lower Hatton (two-three), National Memorial Arboretum (four-eight), Netherset Hey(one), Packington Moor (two-four), Swynnerton (one) and Weeford (one). There were alsosummer sightings at a further eight sites. Late season, all of the best counts were atBlithfield; 15 on August 27th, 30 on September 3rd, 20 on the 6th, an incredible 100 on9th, 36 on 15th and 10 on October 9-10th. Other double-figure counts were 15 at White -moor Haye on July 19th and 10 at Elford GP on August 8th. The last bird was seen atBlithfield on September 27th.W Mid An estimated total of 61 birds moved through Marsh Lane NR between April 5thand May 8th, with at least 30 present on April 20th. Return passage was much quieter, withjust one or two birds noted on six dates from June 29th to September 23rd. At DunstallPark, singles were seen on April 20th and 21st, and August 8th and 18th, with two onSeptember 5th and one on 25th. Up to three were noted occasionally in Sandwell Valleyfrom April to June and again in September. Single birds visited Penn on April 14th andSheepwash UP on 26th.

Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flavaRare passage migrant, mainly in spring.Warks There was an excellent spring passage with the best total for ten years. Recordsincluded a pair at Draycote on April 20th RCM, a male at Chesterton Church Pool on May1st and 8th ARD, two females at Draycote on May 3rd JFCJ, RCM et al and a male atLawford Heath GP on 4th JFCJ. Another male at Attleborough Fields on April 30th DWhwas only seen briefly so a hybrid “Channel Wagtail” could not be ruled out.Worcs Single male birds were observed at Saxon’s Lode on April 20th SMW and RyallPits on 30th BRS, DREW, AWa.Staffs An excellent year was capped by two possible, but unconfirmed, breedingrecords. The first arrival was a male at Blithfield on April 18th RCB et al, then one atDoxey on 23rd MLC, PDy and what was considered a different bird at Blithfield on 24thRCB. On May 9th a female bird was discovered at Stableford SJT accompanied by a maleYellow Wagtail and was seen carrying nesting material on June 6th NDP. Breeding herewas unconfirmed since all fledglings immediately moved elsewhere and grass mowing inlate June very near the nest site may have resulted in disturbance. The bird was last seenon June 25th. A second female was discovered in the breeding colony at Coldmeece onJune 9th SJT where breeding with a male Yellow Wagtail probably occurred, but again wasunconfirmed.W Mid Two females remained at Marsh Lane NR from April 17th-20th, with a differentbird present on 21st per NPB, GPR, DJS.

2005 CorrigendumWarks From photographic evidence (which appeared in the report) the male at Draycotein April appears to have been a hybrid “Channel Wagtail” rather than a pure Blue-headedWagtail.

Blue-headed x Yellow Wagtail “Channel Wagtail”Though similar in appearance to Blue-headed, the distinctly pale grey hood, obvious white-centred ear-coverts and white chin make this race appear more like the eastern race beemathan Blue-headed. Birds of this appearance frequent both sides of the English Channel andare believed to have been the result of hybridisation between the continental Blue-headedflava and British flavissima.

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Worcs Bredon’s Hardwick held a male on April 11th and 12th SMW et al and was joinedby a second male from 14th-24th AWa et al. Another male was observed at Saxon’s Lodeon 29th SMW.Staffs A male was seen in the Coldmeece colony from April 30th-June 24th SJT andbreeding was confirmed when it was observed carrying food into the nesting area on June6th.

Blue-headed x Iberian WagtailStaffs A hybrid male bird with blue head, small white supercilium, dark grey lores andwhite chin was present at Coldmeece on April 30th NDP, SJT. It was thought most likelyto be a Blue-headed/Iberian intergrade.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinereaFairly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks Breeding pairs were located at: Barford, Compton Verney, Earlswood, FennyCompton, Great Alne, Haselor Weir, Longbridge STW, Preston-on-Stour, Seeswood Pool,Shipston STW and Water Orton. Breeding season records also came from: Alcester,Brandon, Charlecote Park, Chessetts Wood, Dosthill, Draycote, Kingsbury, Ladywalk,Middle ton Hall, Morton Bagot, Oldberrow, Ratley, Salford Priors GP, Shustoke,Tredington and Wormleighton Res. Outside the breeding season the largest counts came inautumn, with maxima of seven at Earlswood Lakes on August 28th, and nine at SalfordPriors GP on September 17th and October 15th.Worcs Six territories were held along the Dowles Brook and single pairs reared youngat Bodenham Arboretum, Gwen Finch Wetland and Lower Moor. Also observed during thebreeding season at Bittell Reservoir, the Bow Brook at Tiddesley, Bredon’s Hardwick,British Camp Reservoir, Kinsham Lake, Kyre Brook, Nafford Lock, Stoke Bliss, Stren -sham Lagoons, The Gullet, The Knapp and Throckmorton Lagoons. Singles, other thanstated reported outside the breeding season at Berkeley, Birtsmorton Pools (four), BittellReservoir (two), Bredon’s Hardwick, Castlemorton Common, Clifton Pits, Hewell Grange,Kempsey Sewage Works (two), Kinsham Lake (two), Little Comberton, Malvern Link,Ryall Pits, Stoke Bliss (two), Throckmorton Lagoons, Trimpley Reservoir, Upton Warrenand Westwood Pool (three).Staffs Confirmed as breeding at Back Forest, Baggeridge CP, Belvide, Fauld, Ilam,

“Channel Wagtail” at Bredonʼs Hardwick, Andy Warr

Madeley STW, Sherbrook Valley, Three Shires Head, Tittesworth and Waterfall and asprobable breeding from a further seven locations, predominantly in the north and west ofthe county. A further 74 sites held birds during the year with 10 at Brancote STW onAugust 26th and six at Jacobs Ladder in Dovedale, River Sow Meadows at Baswich andalso at Doxey.W Mid Breeding season records came from Bournville, Edgbaston Reservoir,Fibbersley, Haden Hill Park, Harborne NR, Hawne Park, Olton Mere, Sandwell Valley,Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley (probably three pairs), Sutton Park and Walsall Arboretum.Also noted at Bartley Reservoir, Bilston, Birmingham, Chelmsley Wood, Coundon Wedge,The Dingles, Dunstall Park, Erdington, Fens Pools, Knowle, Langley (eight counted onOctober 31st), The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR, Mons Hill CBC plot, Priory Fields,Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, Solihull Park, Stirchley, River Stour in Stourbridge,Titford Pools, Trittiford Mill Pool and West Bromwich.

Pied Wagtail Motacilla albaCommon resident, summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks The only large roost documented was the traditional one at the Shires RetailPark, Leamington Spa, where at least 400 were estimated in March. A smaller roost inTypha swamp at Napton Res held 47 on January 11th and 53 on December 11th. Otherlarge assemblies during the year included 60 in a field at Weethley on January 13th, 52 atCharlecote GP on 31st, 100 in a field near Alvecote on March 16th, 63 at Shustoke onAugust 17th and 70 at Draycote on October 12th. The usual post-breeding flock at FennyCompton was noted to be much smaller than in previous years, with a peak of only 40 inSeptember.Worcs Three pairs bred successfully at Bodenham Arboretum, with one in a nest boxfledging four young. During the first winter period between 60-80 roosted by GreatMalvern Post Office from January 1st-February 10th, 80 were at Rous Lench Church onJanuary 11th, 50 at Ladywood Sewage Works on 21st, 60+ at Throckmorton Tip onFebruary 19th, 68 at Bredon’s Hardwick on 26th and 50 at Upton-upon-Severn SewageWorks on March 3rd. In April Clifton Pits held 25 on 9th and Ryall Pits 13 on 21st. Autumnand second winter period sightings comprised 20 at Bittell Reservoir on August 12th andSeptember 17th, 23 at Clifton Pits and 30 at Ryall Pits on August 26th, 25 were at GrimleyNew Workings on September 13th, then 40 on October 6th and a roost at Bishampton ValePool produced counts of 40 on September 28th, 80+ on October 4th and 60+ on 7th. 100were observed roosting by Morrison’s in Malvern Link on October 23rd, 142 that roostedat Abberton Mill on 28th, preceded 170+ on 29th, 300+ roosted at Oakley Pool onNovember 3rd, 250 roosted at Great Malvern Post Office on December 7th, 350 roosted atCrossley Retail Park, Kidderminster on 9th and Kempsey Sewage Works attracted 25 on18th, then 30 on 23rd.Staffs This species was seen throughout the county in every month of the year withsome three-figure roosts noted in both early and late seasons. The Stafford M6 servicesheld 400 birds roosting in bushes on April 9th. Post-breeding flocks peaked at 110 atTittesworth and 100 at Blithfield both on August 28th and later in the year there were 100at Hanchurch Hills on November 26th and 450 in the winter roost at Newcastle-under-Lyme on December 24th. Other autumn accumulations were 50 at Brancote STW onAugust 26th, 60 at Belvide on September 10th, 80 at Blithfield on 16th, 65 at Stockley Valeon November 25th and 65 at Hanchurch Hills on 26th. Breeding for this species wasconfirmed for Baggeridge CP, Byrkley Park, Coldmeece Pools, Crossplains, Doley, Doxey,

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Musden Low, Stableford and Tittesworth. Visible migration was observed from October1st-15th when the largest number, 38, was seen heading south over Berry Hill.W Mid Good numbers typically gathered at Dunstall Park before heading towardsWolverhampton city centre to roost, including 112 on January 26th and 286 on October15th. A total of 145 birds flew over Smestow Valley in 90 minutes during an early morningskywatch on October 24th, presumably having just left their city centre roost and headinginto Staffordshire to feed. A total of 36 flew over Marsh Lane NR on July 12th.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba albaUncommon passage migrant, mainly in spring.Warks A much better spring passage ran from March 28th-April 29th, with a totalapproaching 50 reported. Counts of more than two birds involved four at Seeswood Poolon March 28th-29th and three there on April 2nd, eight with Wheatears in a newlyploughed field at Napton on 9th, six at Draycote on 12th and nine on 14th, three at SalfordPriors GP on 18th and four again at Draycote on 20th. Other sites to hold one or two duringthis period were Alvecote, Bermuda, Brandon, Dosthill Lake, Fenny Compton, Fisher’sMill GP, Forshaw Heath and Kingsbury. An extraordinary autumn passage was recorded,with ten singles noted at Brandon during the period August 29th-October 22nd. Draycotehad at least ten on September 11th, three on 12th, two on 21st, one on October 2nd andthree on 12th. Further singles were noted at Fenny Compton on September 18th andOctober 16th, and at Charlecote GP on September 28th. Finally, an unseasonal first-winterbird was found and studied closely as it fed with Pied Wagtails in a flooded field nearOakley Wood on December 9th JJB. It was not seen again there over the winter whichsuggests that it may have been a late lingering autumn migrant enjoying the very mildweather rather than a true over-winteringbird.Worcs A strong spring passagerecorded, with Bredon’s Hardwick hold -ing the majority of birds. The first wasobserved here on April 7th, then two werepresent on 8th, one on 13th, 12 on 14th,two on 17th, one on 19th, 33 on 20th, twoon 23rd and finally seven on 24th.Elsewhere Grimley New Workings heldsingles on April 8th, 10th and 11th, twoon 19th and singles on May 4th and 5th,four were at Clifton Pits on April 9th and14th, seven at Lower Moor on 18th andRyall Pits held three on 20th, then four on23rd. Singles were observed at Caunsallon 21st and Upton Warren on 26th, whilstHollybed Common held two on 27th.Staffs Although the dam at Blithfieldis probably the best place to see thisspecies, there was an excellent scatteringof observations in 2006, typically onesand twos. The first was seen at Doxey onMarch 31st, the last in spring at Tixall Bridge on May 6th. Larger accumulations were

White Wagtail at Bredonʼs Hardwick,Andy Warr

noted in April included 11 at Coldmeece on 10th, 10 at Drayton Bassett on 12th, 10 atWhitemoor Haye on the 13th, and 10 at Blithfield on the 16th, 12 on the 18th and 23rd.Other sites included Aston-by-Stone, Belvide, Chasewater, Cross plains, Croxden Quarry,Gailey, Silverdale Colliery, Stableford, Tittesworth, Westport and Whitmore Bent Lane. Anearly summer bird visited Westport on May 31st to June 1st NJS whilst possibly the samemale bird as last year was seen at Stableford from May 1st until June 6th SJT, NDP. Inautumn, males were seen on August 30th at Brancote STW RCB and Whitmore Bent LaneNDP, the latter remaining until September 6th, and finally one at Chasewater onSeptember 20th GEv.W Mid At Marsh Lane NR, one or two were noted on March 27th and regularly fromApril 3rd-23rd, with five on 22nd. Single birds were also present at Edgbaston Reservoiron April 1st and 8th, Sandwell Valley on 16th and Dunstall Park on 17th, with two on 21st.

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulusErratic, and usually rare winter visitor, but occasionally numerous in invasion years(9/10).Warks A bird was by the railway in Guy’s Cliffe Crescent, Warwick on March 17th SVa,before flying off north.W Mid In January, five were noted at Aldridge Airport on January 7th and 21 on 30thRCl, with two or three in Halesowen on 14th, 16th and 29th RCar, and one in Shirley on24th DAd, plus two in Coseley on February 18th DCA.

Dipper Cinclus cinclusFrequent resident in north Staffs and north-west Worcs. Rare elsewhere.Worcs The only records this year came from along the Dowles Brook, where threeterritories were held during the breeding season. Other reports here comprised four onJanuary 22nd, two pairs on May 1st, two on 10th and June 11th and two adults and afledged young on July 11th. Post-breeding and second winter period sighting comprisedone on September 18th and October 23rd, then two on December 12th and 27th.Staffs There were only 32 records for Dipper this year, all at sites on the streams andrivers of the North Staffs Moors, except for one at Knypersley Reservoir from January2nd-May 27th with two there on February 18th. Breeding was confirmed at Churnet Valley,Consall CP, Dovedale, Norbury Weir, Three Shires Head and Wettonmill with the possi -bility of breeding at Coombes Valley and Danebridge. Other sites included Bearda, HampsValley, Hulme End, Ilam, Throwley Hall (Manifold Valley), Tittesworth and WolfscoteDale.W Mid One was seen along the River Stour in Stourbridge on March 7th AMG.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytesAbundant resident.Warks Territory counts included 27 in 62 ha at Kingsbury Wood, 35 (cf. 40 in 2005) in120 ha of farmland at Morton Bagot and 23 (cf. 24 in 2005) in 40 ha of farmland atOldberrow. Other more casual counts included 15 at Ladywalk on February 17th, 17 atShustoke on March 29th, 22 at Brandon on April 18th, 26 at Earlswood Lakes on 26th and20 at Kingsbury WP on June 6th.Worcs The only relevant breeding season record came from Upton Warren, with ninesinging males reported on April 29th. Eleven birds were counted at Ipsley Alders onSeptember 30th.

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Staffs This very common bird was recorded throughout the county and at all seasons ofthe year. 19 juveniles were ringed at Belvide while 70 pairs were recorded at Doxey (up from58 in 2005). The larger flocks comprised 21 at Baggeridge CP on May 16th, 22 at HimleyPlantation on May 31st, 23 at Doxey on February 1st with 30 there on November 19th.W Mid The population at the Mons Hill CBC plot was 41 territories, compared to 47recorded in each of the previous three years and an average of 47.6 over the last 14 years.At least eleven singing birds were counted at Marsh Lane NR, whilst other counts included14 at Blythe Valley CP on March 30th, 27 in Coundon Wedge on May 6th (cf. 17 in May2005) and ten singing in Saltwells LNR on June 18th. No changes in status were noted atSandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley.

Dunnock Prunella modularisAbundant resident.Warks A reduction to 35 territories on 120ha at Morton Bagot (cf. an exceptional 52 in2005) was probably nearer to the average for this farm. On the Oldberrow farm, numbersalmost doubled to 16 territories on 40 ha (cf. nine in 2005). Other casual counts included15 at Kingsbury WP on February 1st, 13 at Shustoke on March 29th, 16 singing at Brandonon April 16th and 16 at Earlswood Lakes on 20th.Worcs Six singing males reported from Upton Warren on April 29th, was the onlybreeding record received and eight were seen at a garden feeding station at Winyates Greenon February 11th.Staffs This species is ubiquitous but with rather few breeding records, just DoleyCommon, Doxey (22 pairs, no change on 2005), Silverdale Colliery and Stafford. Thelargest counts of 14 birds were recorded at Baddeley Edge in March and Doxey in April,May and November.W Mid The Mons Hill CBC plot held 14 territories, compared to 12 in each of theprevious two years and the average of 12.6 over the last 14 years. At least 12 pairs werenoted on or adjacent to Marsh Lane NR (cf. at least eight on the reserve last year). Totalsof 13 were counted in Coundon Wedge on February 18th and 16 at Allesley Park on April8th. No changes in status were noted at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP and SmestowValley. Again reported as a ‘common resident’ at Saltwells LNR, especially in the gorse onNetherton Hill.

Robin Erithacus rubeculaAbundant resident.Warks Territory counts included 29 in 62ha at Kingsbury Wood, 20 in 120ha at MortonBagot, and 17 in 40 ha at Oldberrow, all similar to 2005 figures. More casual countsincluded 24 at Ladywalk on February 10th, 25 singing at Brandon on March 19th, 21 atShustoke on 29th, 38 at Earlswood Lakes on April 26th and 28 there on September 15th,25 at Draycote on 24th and 23 at Brandon on October 5th.Worcs Two pairs fledged eight young from nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum, fourpairs bred at Hollywood and counts of singing males comprised five and 14 at UptonWarren on April 19th and 29th respectively, plus seven at Ipsley Alders and four at the OldHills on 22nd. A count of 20 was made at Upton Warren on February 21st.Staffs Breeding was noted at Apedale CP, Doley, Doxey (35 pairs, nearly doublethe counts from the previous three years), Stafford, Tittesworth, West End Stoke andWolseley Bridge. Largest counts were 27 at Baggeridge CP on May 6th and 25 at Doxeyon October 8th.

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W Mid The Mons Hill CBC plot held 37 territories, up on the 32 of last year, but veryclose to the average of 36.6 over the last 14 years. At least 13 pairs bred on or immediatelyadjacent to Marsh Lane NR (cf. at least seven on the reserve last year). The populationseemed very stable in Coundon Wedge: up to 48 birds were noted from mid August to earlyOctober, whereas no more than 33 were counted during either winter period (cf. up to 49and 32, respectively, last year). Other notable counts included 29 at Allesley Park on April8th, 23 at Nailcote on 19th and 18 singing in Sandwell Valley on September 25th. Nochanges in status were noted at Sheepwash UP or Smestow Valley.

Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchosUncommon and declining summer resident, increasingly confined to the southern parts ofWarks and Worcs.Long-term average: April 21st (71) to July 28th (23).8-year average: April 23rd (+2 days) to July 15th (–13 days).First reported on April 14th at Strensham and the last being at Bentley on July 3rd. Thedeparture dates are probably unreliable given the difficulty of locating this species whennot in song.Warks A very poor year, with just two probable breeding territories reported, both atDMC Kineton. It was first heard at this site on April 21st. None were heard in the Stretton-on-Fosse-Ilmington district, where there were four in 2005. The only other spring recordwas of one singing at last years site by the Oxford Canal at Fenny Compton on May 1st,but not subsequently. The final record unusually came from the north of the county wherea singing male was seen and heard along an overgrown lane at Bentley on July 3rd CBr.The lateness of song and unusual locality would suggest that this was an unmatedwandering male.Worcs The first singing male was reported from Strensham Services on April 14th andnearby at Strensham Lagoons one was heard on 16th, 20th and 30th, then two on May 4th.Singling males were reported from Langdale Wood between April 21st-June 2nd, with amaximum count of three on May 3rd, Upper Strensham Pool held two singing males onApril 22nd, then one on May 7th, two were singing at Ripple Marsh on 20th, one at DeffordYacht Club on 26th and a pair was present at Defford Airfield during the breeding season.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochrurosScarce summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks There were spring reports ofa female at Draycote on April 5thMDo and male there on 12th LPr, PPr,while a female frequented the stableblock at Packington Hall on May 18thNPB. On return passage there was amale in a Stockingford garden onOctober 20th NDBC and a female orimmature on the Lark Stoke Hill radiotransmitter building on IlmingtonDowns, a favourite spot, from 27th-29th JJB et al.Worcs The male, which was dis -covered at Catterhall Farm House, Black Redstart, Smite Farm, Andy Warr

Alfrick Pound in December 2006, remained onsite until March 19th BTa et al, animmature/female frequented Worcester Cathedral from January 23rd-March 22nd KCo etal and a spring migrant bird was observed in a garden at Cowleigh Bank, Malvern on April21st CDC. During the second winter period, a first-winter male was at British Camp fromSeptember 29th-October 12th CJo et al, an immature was in Happy Valley from October17th-20th AWa et al, an immature/female at Lower Smite Farm from December 4th-17thSBl et al and an immature/male was found at Holt on 27th and remained to the year’s endBWi et al.Staffs A good year, with one at Sainsbury’s car-park at Perton on October 15th LNu,SNu, another at Chasewater on 29th PDJ and a first-winter male at Blithfield on December22nd-31st GJM, ESC et al.W Mid In Birmingham, single males were noted in the Jewellery Quarter on May 5thand 7th, and June 13th-18th JGr, HKi, AMa, IOl, St. Paul’s on May 5th JM, Eastside on24th per SBo, Newtown on June 18th RJK and Ludgate Hill on September 30th DLo. Otherreports involved an immature bird in Coventry on July 22nd and an adult male at BrunelStreet car park (Birmingham) on December 19th.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurusA fairly common, though localised and much decreased, summer resident in Staffs andWorcs. Widespread on passage.Long-term average: April 10th (70) to September 27th (69).8-year average: April 4th (–6 days) to September 30th (+3 days).First arrivals on April 4th at Bredon Hill and Lodge Hill Farm; the last on September 26that Farnborough.Warks A pair bred at Oversley Wood PAC. Three singing males were located at separatesites in the Ilmington Downs-Meon Hill area in May-June, but with no evidence of breed -ing. On spring passage single males were noted at Griff from April 8th-10th, Ladywalk on15th, Whittleford Park on 16th and Brandon on 26th. A female spent three hours in aWarwick garden after heavy rain on May 8th. The first of a fairly poor return passage wasat Alvecote on July 15th, and birds were there on a number of other dates with a maximumof three on August 24th. Other singles were noted at Napton Res on July 23rd, FennyCompton on 31st, Seeswood Pool on August 11th, Fenny Compton again on September4th and 11th, Packington Park and Priors Hardwick on 7th, with the last at Farnboroughon 26th.Worcs A maximum count of eight singing males was reported at Dowles Brook onApril 30th, Singing males on Bredon Hill comprised 10 on April 20th, 15 on 26th andeight+ on May 9th, with bird present from April 4th-September 23rd and the breedingpopulation along the Malvern Hills remains stable, with singing males reported fromHangman’s Hill, Happy Valley, Hollybush, Midsummer Hill and The Gullet. A pair nest atEckington, a female was noted with two young at Frog End on June 24th and other singingmales were reported from Walton Hill on April 15th and 16th, Ayton’s Heath and FlintsDingle on 17th, Knightwick (two) on May 4th, plus Ridge Coppice and Stonyford on 18th.The first arrivals were observed on Bredon Hill and at Lodge Hill Farm on April 4th andother spring sightings comprised singles, other than stated at Wassell Grove on 8th and 9th,Lower Moor on 12th, Brickhouse Lane on 20th, Grimley Brick Pits, Grimley Old Workingsand Offerton Lane NR on 22nd, Bredon’s Hardwick on 23rd, Upton Warren (two) on 24thand Croome Landscape Park on May 31st. Present daily at Lower Moor between June29th-September 11th, with at least 10 birds involved. In July a male was at Upton Warren

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on 6th and a male at Grimley Village on 8th and 9th, whilst a juvenile was observed atNineveh on 15th and British Camp held eight on 29th. Most records during August andSeptember referred to passage birds, with one at Huntsbridge on August 4th, one atCroome Landscape Park on 6th, a juvenile at Rushwick on 9th, one at Bow Farm, Rippleon 11th, whilst on Bredon Hill, 10 were noted on 16th, five on 25th, 10 on 28th and five+on September 10th. British Camp held six on August 17th, two on September 3rd and oneon 17th, one was at Bevere Lock, Grimley and one at The Gullet on August 19th and oneat Lower Smite Farm on 21st, preceded two on September 3rd and one on 14th. A pair wereobserved along Dowles Brook on August 24th, singles at Grimley New Workings also on24th and on September 5th, one at Rous Lench on August 27th, three in Happy Valley onSeptember 10th and finally two at Malvern Common on 18th.Staffs Spring migration numbers were very low this year and, as usual, mostly confinedto Cannock Chase. Starting with singles at Cliffe Park (Rudyard Lake), Seven Springs andSwallow Moss on April 14th they reached a maximum of six on April 18th in theSherbrook Valley. Away from the Chase the maximum was five at South Pilsbury on the21st and Tittesworth on 23rd. Other sites holding April migrants were Alton, Belvide,Berry Hill, Weaver Hills and Whitemoor Haye. The greatest concentration of breedingbirds was at Coombes Valley, which had 15 pairs this year. Elsewhere breeding wasreported from Alstonefield, Barleighford, Blake Brook, Cannock Chase, Consall CP,Dovedale, Hanchurch Woods, Kinver Edge, Little Ferneyford, Reapsmoor, Rudyard Lake,Tittesworth, Warslow Brook and Waterfall. Summer sightings also came from Crump -wood, Cowhay NR, Dimmingsdale, Hawksmoor, Knypersley Reservoir, Milldale, StantonDale and Swallow Moss. The first bird on return passage was a female/immature at KeeleUniversity on July 7th which was joined by another on 10th. Berry Hill had the bestnumbers with singles on July 23rd, August 3rd-8th, four on 16th, two on 19th, one 20th,three on 28th and singles September 10th and 14th. Elsewhere there were two at Blithfieldon August 13th and three on 14th; one at Cuckoo Bank on 22nd was joined by another on23rd; one at Belvide and Crossplains on 23rd; one at Blithfield on 25th-28th with two on26th, one at Belvide on September 5th-6th, two at Tittesworth on 6th, one at Chasewateron 9th-10th and finally the last bird at Blithfield on 23rd.W Mid In April, male birds were noted at Marsh Lane NR from 11th-13th and on 23rd,Penn on 15th, Sandwell Valley on 16th and Winson Green on 20th. In autumn, two were inGoscote Valley on August 16th, with one on September 6th, plus singles at Pelsall NorthCommon on August 30th and Smestow Valley on September 11th.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetraUncommon or frequent, but much declined, summer resident, now mainly in north Staffs.Widespread on passage.Long-term average: April 24th (70) to October 10th (66).8year average: April 17th (–7 days) to October 18th (+8 days).Arrival a little later than in recent years with the first on April 21st at Sandwell Valley. Thelast was on October 12th at Lower Moor; earlier than of late.Warks A fairly average spring passage with 12 recorded. The first record was of two atKingsbury on April 30th, with two more at Charlecote GP and one at Fenny Compton onMay 1st. Singles followed at Ryton Pools CP and Seeswood Pool on May 2nd, Fisher’s Millon 3rd, Priors Hardwick on 5th and Ladywalk on 9th. A male sang at Shustoke on May13th with the final bird at Baginton Airport on 14th. Return passage was poor with just 22recorded (cf. 36 in 2005) from August 5th-October 3rd. The best count was just three at

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Tysoe on September 18th, with ones or twos at Alvecote, Baginton Airport, Birchmoor,Bramcote Hall, Chesterton, Farnborough, Kenilworth, Marlcliff Hill, Radway, SalfordPriors GP, Warwick Race Course, Weston-on-Avon and Wormleighton Res.Worcs A couple of birds at Bredon’s Hardwick on April 24th, were the first springarrivals, whilst Upton Warren held four and Westwood Pool a male on 25th. A pair was atLower Moor on 29th, then a female on May 5th and other May sightings comprised singlesat Bittell Reservoir on 1st and 4th, Shenstone on 2nd, Holt Prairies on 3rd, Grimley NewWorkings on 4th and Westwood Pool on 16th. Returning migrants comprised one atTilesford on July 22nd, one at Holt Prairies on August 6th, Gwen Finch Wetland held anestimated eight birds between 6th-September 12th, including two on August 27th and threeon 31st, two were at Birtsmorton Pools on August 20th, whilst on Bredon Hill, one wasnoted on 20th, two on 21st, one on 25th and two on 28th. Grimley New Workings held twoon 28th, then one from September 11th-14th, one was at Kinsham Lake on August 31st,one at British Camp on September 3rd and up to three birds were at Lower Smite Farmbetween 5th-12th, then singles here on 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 28th and 29th. Singles werereported from Wiseman’s Scrape on September 7th, Upton Warren on 9th, Bittell Reservoiron 10th and Abberton on 10th and 16th, Tilesford held three on 17th, one was at Shenstoneon 18th, three at Throckmorton Tip on 24th and one near Sarn Hill Wood on 28th. Threebirds observed in October, at Lower Smite Farm on 2nd, Gwen Finch Wetland on 4th andLower Moor on 11th and 12th.Staffs First noted on April 23rd with two at Doxey and singles at Blithfield andWhitemoor Haye, spring migration proceeded with typically small numbers during Apriland May, the best of which was four at Berry Hill on April 26th. Other sites holding onesor twos were Aqualate, Belvide, Black Bank, Blake Brook, Chasewater, Kingswood, RiverSow Meadows and Swynnerton. Sadly, there were no breeding records. The first returnpassage birds in July were a juvenile at Doxey (15th), Blithfield (19th) and a male atWhitemoor Haye (23rd). In August birds were seen at Aqualate, Belvide, Berry Hill (threeon 31st), Black Bank, Blithfield (peaking at four on 26th and three on 27th), Cross plains,Essington Quarry Pool and The Roaches. Good numbers appeared in September, especiallyat Berry Hill where two at the start of the month rose to four on 5th-6th, 14th, 19th andpeaked at seven on 15th. Elsewhere records included one at Blithfield on 1st, two juvenilesat Gailey on 4th, two at Blithfield and one at Ingestre on 7th, three juveniles at Crossplainson 9th, one at Whitemoor Haye on 14th, Chasewater on 16th, Blithfield, Crossplains,Doxey, Drayton Bassett Pits, all 17th, three at Aqualate, two at Black Bank and two atDenstone Hall on 19th and two at Silverdale Colliery on 21st. The last birds were one atCuckoo Bank from 30th-October 1st and three at Berry Hill from 2nd-3rd.W Mid One was noted in Sandwell Valley on April 21st, with two on 23rd and singleson 25th and 27th. Individuals were also seen at Darby’s Hill on April 25th, Marsh LaneNR on 30th and Smestow Valley on May 2nd. In autumn, singles were noted at MarshLane NR on September 14th, Smestow Valley on 25th and Sandwell Valley on 26th andOctober 4th.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatusUncommon resident, but frequent passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks About 20 were recorded during the late winter period, with four at both Bidford-on-Avon and in the Charlecote/Wasperton area, pairs at Brandon, Kingsbury and Weston-on-Avon, and singles at Birchmoor, DMC Kineton, Milcote, Napton Res, Salford PriorsGP and Whittleford Park. A further 17 were noted on spring passage between March

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14th-31st, mainly from the Tame Valley but also at Alvecote, Birchmoor, Brandon,Earlswood, Radway and with three in the Wormleighton area on March 31st. A late birdwas at Warmington on April 18th. The first autumn migrant appeared at Brandon onSeptember 1st, and was followed by a generally excellent passage during the periodSeptember 19th-November 8th with records from 27 sites. Maxima included three atNapton on October 13th, four at Radway on 15th, six at Brandon on 24th, nine at SalfordPriors GP on 29th, ten at Ilmington Downs on November 3rd and four at Blythe Mill(Coleshill) on 5th. Subsequently 33 wintering birds were reported, distributed as follows:Birchmoor (four), Blythe Mill (two), the Charlecote/Wasperton area (six). DMC Kineton(two), Fisher’s Mill GP (two), Ilmington Downs (two), Ladywalk (one), Longbridge (five),Priors Hardwick (three), Radway (two) and Salford Priors GP (four).Worcs The only breeding records came from the Malvern Hills and Commons, whereup to a dozen pairs held territories, including three broods and a total of 13 young observedon Hollybed Common and a brood of four in North Valley. Elsewhere singles were notedon Bredon Hill on April 6th and Throckmorton Airfield on 23rd. Singles, other than statedobserved during the first winter period and early spring at Bishampton Vale Pool, BittellReservoir (two), Bredon Hill, Bredon’s Hardwick, Castlemorton Common (three), GrimleyNew Workings, Gwen Finch Wetland, Longdon Marsh, Lower Moor, Shenstone, TheDingle (two), Upton Warren and Westwood Park. During the autumn and second winterperiod, the best counts are shown in the tabulated localities, whilst singles or pairs werereported from Abberton, Bredon’s Hardwick, Defford Airfield (leucistic bird), GrimleyOld Workings, Highwood, Kinsham Lake, Longdon Marsh, Lower Bittell Reservoir,Sugarloaf Hill, Table Hill, Tanwood, Throckmorton Tip, Upton Warren and Walton Hill.

Maximum site counts during the second winter period.

Sept Oct Nov DecBredon Hill 4 9 2 3Bittell Reservoir – 3 2 –Castlemorton Common 3 4 3 2Chat Valley 4 3 2 2Clifton Pits – 3 3 –Conderton Hill – – 2 3Gwen Finch Wetland – 6 2 3Grimley New Workings 2 2 – 3Happy Valley 3 3 6 2Hollybed Common 6 4 4 –Lower Moor – 8 4 8Lower Smite Farm 3 5 1 1Ryall Pits – 3 1 –Throckmorton Airfield 2 3 6 –

Staffs Stonechats were seen widely throughout the year, albeit in smaller numbers inJune, July and August, with particular breeding concentrations in the Cannock Chase areaand the north-east of the county. Breeding was reported from several sites: Black Brook,Cannock Chase (seven+ pairs), Chasewater, Cuckoo Bank (two-three pairs), DrystoneEdge, Hulme, Knotbury, Swallow Moss and Three Shires Head (two pairs). Looking atdates it is possible that at least some of the birds on the Chase had second broods. In thefirst winter period, some of the larger counts were as follows: in January 11 at the GermanCemetery and five at Berry Hill, Doxey and River Sow Meadows; in February five atDoxey, four at Berry Hill and in March, 11 at Brocton Field, six at Berry Hill and four atCrossplains. Smaller numbers were present throughout this period at Aqualate, Belvide,

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Black Bank, Blithfield and Chasewater. The first passage bird arrived at Berry Hill onSeptember 14th and numbers peaked at 16 on October 15th. Thirty in the Katyn area ofCannock Chase on September 25th, the highest count this year, was probably composedmainly of resident breeders and their offspring. Post-breeding flocks at Cuckoo Bank wereespecially good too with 19 on October 14th and 28 on 21st, perhaps boosted by somepassage birds and birds leaving the Chase. In November the best flocks were 12 at BroctonField and Doxey; in December six at Cuckoo Bank and four at Doxey. Smaller numbers inthe second winter period were seen regularly at Aqualate, Belvide, Blithfield, Croxall NR,Ingestre, River Sow Meadows and Tixall Bridge.W Mid Pairs bred successfully in Sandwell Valley (one pair, raising four young) andSutton Park (perhaps two pairs). In Smestow Valley, two pairs remained from last year: onestayed until January 5th at least, with the male last noted on 22nd, and the other stoppeduntil February 17th, with the female last seen on 6th March. At Marsh Lane NR, a malefrom 2005 was last seen on January 14th, though two males were present from March 12th-14th and one on 27th. A pair remained at Sheepwash UP from January into March. Othersightings involved two in Goscote Valley on January 1st, two at Steelpark Way (Wednes -field) on 6th, singles at Cornets End Quarry on 14th and Aldridge Airport on 30th, two atBowmans Harbour through February, one at Bartley Reservoir on March 10th, five inSandwell Valley on 14th, singles on Netherton Hill on 20th and 29th, and two near WassellGrove on 22nd. Autumn passage frequently saw single birds in Sandwell Valley fromSeptember 19th to October 13th, with six on 24th, three on 27th and four in November.Individuals were seen at Netherton Hill on September 16th and October 11th. In SmestowValley, one accompanied a Whinchat on September 25th, three were present from October5th-7th, with two staying until 9th, and a pair remained from November 24th until the endof the year. One visited Marsh Lane NR on September 30th. Four were noted at Sutton Parkon October 8th at least. Individuals were seen at Bartley Reservoir on October 13th, 15th,22nd and 29th, and November 6th, with two on 26th. One was in Goscote Valley onOctober 20th, with two on November 9th and December 13th. Six or seven were watchednear Minworth on October 24th, whilst singles visited Dunstall Park on 24th and 31st, andSheepwash UP from October until the year’s end. Two were at Steelpark Way (Wednes -field) on December 17th.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenantheFrequent, but possibly declining, summer visitor, mainly to north Staffs. Fairly commonand widespread on passage. One winter record.Long-term average: March 20th (69) to October 19th (70).8-year average: March 10th (–10 days) to October 29th (+10 days).First arrivals were later than in recent years with the first on March 22nd on Bredon Hill.Last reported at Blithfield on October 23rd.Warks At least 136 were noted at 26 sites in spring, with the first at Whitacre Heathon March 25th and the passage extending to May 10th. Counts of three or more camefrom: Attleborough Fields, seven on April 30th and 14 on May 2nd; Baginton Airport, tenon March 29th, three on April 4th and five on 22nd; Birchmoor, three on April 19th andthree on May 3rd; Draycote, three on March 28th, five on April 8th and three on 15th;Forshaw Heath, three on April 20th; Kenilworth, three on April 21st; Kingsbury, three onApril 21st; Marlcliff Hill, four on April 21st; Napton, six on April 9th; Priors Hardwick,nine on April 25th; and Wishaw, seven on March 29th. Return passage spanned the periodAugust 17th-October 13th but was relatively poor and few were noted before the end of

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the first week in September. About 50 were recorded at just ten sites, with the only reportsof more than two being three at Shustoke on August 17th, five at Draycote and five on theFenny Compton Hills on September 7th, three at Draycote on 11th, three on IlmingtonDowns on October 3rd, three on the Fenny Compton Hills on 8th and three again atDraycote on 10th, with the last there on 13th. The other sites to feature during this periodwere Alvecote, Brandon, Priors Hardwick, Radway, Salford Priors GP and Warwick RaceCourse.Worcs A pair nested successfully at British Camp and fledged two young. The firstspring passage bird was observed on Bredon Hill on March 22nd and hereafter counts ofeight were made on April 6th, two on 9th, nine on 10th, four on 14th, 10 on 15th, three on20th and six on 29th. Walton Hill held one on March 23rd, six on April 15th, one on 16th,two on 18th and three on 20th, Grimley New Workings attracted a male on March 25th,which preceded a pair on 26th, one on 29th, three on 30th, one on April 9th, 12 on 21st andtwo on May 4th, singles were noted at Holt Prairies on March 25th and April 22nd, LowerSmite Farm held a male on March 31st and April 3rd, plus two between 8th-10th, one on17th, four on 20th and a exceptional count of 23 on 21st and at Caunsall, a pair werepresent on March 31st, singles on April 3rd and 14th, four on 18th, six on 21st and singleson 22nd and 29th. A female was at Wassell Grove on April 2nd, then a pair on 4th and amale on 12th, Clent Hill held a male on 2nd and 4th, a female on 12th and one on 22nd, amale at British Camp on 3rd and 6th, preceded three on 7th, 17th and nine on May 3rd,Churchill held two males on April 3rd, one on 15th and two on 28th, whilst at WestwoodPark, a male was noted on 3rd, two males on 7th, a female on 9th, a male on 18th and 19th,a pair on 21st and 23rd, then singles on 24th, 26th, 28th, May 2nd and 16th. At Bredon’sHardwick, two females were observed on April 7th, a female on 9th, three on 13th andsingles on 14th and 23rd, one was at Lower Moor on 10th, two at Tythe Barn farm on 11th,two at Chaddesley Corbett, one on Worcestershire Beacon and two at Woodrow on 12thand the latter locality also held two on 15th, seven on 16th, 10 on 17th, two on 21st, six on28th, two on 29th and one on May 4th. Shenstone held two on April 13th and 16th, plussingles on 26th and 30th, Ryall Pits attracted one on 14th, nine on 21st, six on 23rd, threeon 30th and two on May 3rd and 6th, singles were at Shorthorn and Throckmorton Lagoonson 16th, two at Saxon’s Lode Farm on 21st, whilst singles were at Whitehouse Farm on22nd, Bishampton Vale Pool on 28th and Clifton Pits on May 1st.

During August and September, Bredon Hill attracted a steady passage of birds, withsingles present on August 8th and 16th, 10 on 20th, seven on 21st, six on 24th, two on 25th,five on 27th, one on 28th, seven on September 8th, two on 10th, eight on 15th, six on 21stand two on 23rd and 29th. Elsewhere one was at Abberton on August 13th, five onWorcestershire Beacon on 22nd and September 3rd, Grimley New Workings held one on25th, then two on 28th and September 2nd, three on 3rd, two on 7th and singles on 23rdand 30th, Westwood Park hosted one on August 25th, two on 26th, singles on 28th andSeptember 12th, two on 18th, one on 23rd, five on 29th and one was on Midsummer Hillon August 27th. British Camp held three on September 3rd and five on 5th, Lower SmiteFarm two on 3rd, one on 4th and 8th, six on 11th and singles on 14th, 20th and 22nd, onewas at Tanwood on 7th, one at Wiseman’s Scrape on 8th, one and three at ThrockmortonLagoons on 8th and 24th respectively, one at Lower Moor on 10th and 11th, one at HoltPrairies on 18th, two at Tilesford on 25th and one in Happy Valley on 30th and October1st. Other October sightings comprised one at Lower Smite Farm on 1st, one at UpperBittell Reservoir on 1st and 2nd, singles at British Camp on 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 8th, precededtwo on 10th, one on 12th and two again on 13th and 20th, singles at Gwen Finch Wetland

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on 2nd, 5th and 8th, one and three on Worcestershire Beacon on 6th and 8th respectively,one at Westwood Park on 9th and on Bredon Hill, six on 4th, preceded four on 7th, two on9th, three on 10th and one on 20th.Staffs This species was seen in small numbers throughout the county between Marchand October. As in previous years the best site for spring migration was Berry Hill Fields;the first two birds were seen here on March 25th and double-figure numbers were recordedfrom 27th with 11, then 10 on 30th, 18 (on April 1st, 17 on 9th, 10 on 17th, 26 on 19th (thelargest count), 18 on 21st) 11 on 26th and 10 on 27th. Silverdale Colliery/Black Bank alsoregularly produced double-figure counts in April with 15 on 7th, 21 on 9th, 23 from 10th-11th, 16 on 12th, 12 from 13th-14th, 16 on 25th and 11 on 28th. Elsewhere there were 11at Crossplains on April 9th, 11 at Blithfield on 10th, 14 at Doxey on 21st, 17 at Kingswoodon 22nd, 10 at Whitemoor Haye on 23rd and 13 at Kingswood on 30th. The final passagebird was seen at Croxden Quarry on May 13th. Breeding was only confirmed at BunsterHill and Musden Low (pair with three juveniles), but probably occurred at Black Brook,Drystone Edge, Knotbury, Oxensitch, Readyleach Green and Round Knowl Farm. Thisyear the return migration was very small, with the first bird arriving at Berry Hill onAugust 3rd and a maximum of just eight birds there on September 5th and six on October2nd. Most autumn sightings seem to have been at Blithfield with the last record of the yearthere on October 23rd.W Mid At Dunstall Park, fewer birds were seen than in recent years, with singles onMarch 26th and 30th, two on April 18th, four on 21st, and one on 22nd and 30th, and May5th and 6th. In Sandwell Valley, there were three on March 28th and one on 29th, totals ofup to eleven through April and the last two on May 5th. One or two birds were occasionallynoted at Marsh Lane NR from March 28th to April 20th and at Sheepwash UP from Marchto May. Single birds visited Netherton Hill on March 29th, April 1st and 21st, with six inGoscote Valley on March 29th, two at Steelpark Way on 29th and one on May 15th, two atBlythe Valley CP on March 30th, eight at Wiggins Hill on 31st, three in the Foxcote areaon April 10th and two on 14th, five at Darby’s Hill on 25th, three at Park Lime Pits on 30thand one at Clayhanger on May 3rd. One was recorded at Rood End Cemetery on theunusual date of June 29th. Return passage saw singles at Marsh Lane NR on August 13thand September 4th and 25th, Dunstall Park on August 18th and 26th, September 23rd andOctober 2nd, Netherton Hill on August 29th and September 9th, Reedswood Park onOctober 1st and Bloxwich on 4th.

Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoaRare or scarce passage migrant (9/10).Warks Spring passage produced a male at Salford Priors GP on April 23rd JJB, a maleat Draycote ARD and a pair at Priors Hardwick on 25th JJB, and a female at Offchurch onMay 28th PWo. On return passage a juvenile showing characteristics of this race was atDraycote on October 12th JJB.Worcs Birds showing characteristics of Greenland reported from Churchill, with a malepresent on April 28th TMH, a male at Saxon’s Lode Farm on 29th SMW, a male and twofemales at Clifton Pits on 30th SMW, a pair at Grimley New Workings on May 5th SMWand single males on Bredon Hill on 6th GHP and 9th RMa. Birds appearing intermediatebetween Greenland and Northern Wheatear in both size and plumage, comprised a male atCaunsall on April 22nd TMH, a male and two females at Grimley New Workings on 27thBRS et al, and a male was seen with both Northern and Greenland at Churchill on 28thTMH. These individuals were considered to be from the Icelandic breeding population of

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leucorhoa and are sometimes referred to as Icelandic Wheatear. The only autumn reportwas of one on Bredon Hill on October 20th RMa.Staffs One showing good characteristics was photographed at Whitemoor Haye onMay 15th JHa.W Mid Single birds of this race were noted occasionally at Marsh Lane NR from April12th to May 3rd per NPB.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatusScarce and declining, summer resident on the North Staffs Moors. Uncommon passagemigrant. Very rare in winter.Long-term average: March 31st (50) to October 28th (44).8-year average: March 27th (–4 days) to November 5th (+8 days)Arrivals were on schedule with one at Sandwell Valley on March 28th. The last wasreported on November 5th at Salford Priors GP.Warks In spring there were single males at Compton Scorpion on April 9th ADW andDraycote on 20th TBr, with two males at Leek Wootton on 23rd ANR. A male at SalfordPriors GP on November 5th JJB was the only autumn record.Worcs Bredon Hill held the first spring migrant, with a female present on April 4th andhereafter, three females and a male were noted on 6th, nine on 8th, 10 on 9th, six on 10thand one on 30th. Four males and a female frequented a valley east of Walton Hill between8th-20th, with two still present on 21st and at Wassell Grove a male observed on 4th and6th, preceded a female on 16th and 17th. Along the Malvern Hills, North Hill held a maleon 7th, British Camp held a male on 8th and one on 27th, Happy Valley attracted twofemales on 14th, a male on 16th and four on 28th, whilst a females was on Table Hill on16th. Clent Hill held a male on 27th. A reasonably strong return passage was recorded onthe northern Malvern Hills,commencing with two inHappy Valley on October 12th.Worcestershire Beacon andWest of England Quarry bothheld five birds on 15th, 13 wereon Worcestershire Beacon on16th, three and one in HappyValley on 17th and 18th respec -tively and 15 on WorcestershireBeacon on 19th. One the 20th,Chat Valley and North Hill heldsingles, whilst four were inHappy Valley and five onWorcestershire Beacon. Twowere in Happy Valley on 21st,two on Worcestershire Beacon on 23rd and finally four in Happy Valley on 24th and 27th.The only other autumn records came from Bredon Hill, which held two on 16th, three on20th and two on November 1st.Staffs There was a singe male at Berry Hill between March 30th and April 2nd andanother at Chasewater on the 3rd. After this, a pair arrived at Silverdale Colliery on April9th-10th to be joined by a female from 11th-13th, with two remaining until 16th, then onewas in the Sherbrook Valley on 18th and a pair at Silverdale Colliery/Black Bank on 25th.

Ring Ouzel, Silverdale Colliery, Phil Jones

Birds were back in their traditional North-Staffs breeding ground by early April, a singlebird being reported from the Roaches on the 6th and three at Knotbury on the 7th.Breeding was confirmed at Orchard Common with records at Knotbury and Three-ShiresHead probably the same birds, but no juveniles were seen this year so presumably theattempt failed. As with last year, return passage was quite good, the first being seen atBurton-on-Trent on October 15th. After this, one at the White House on Cannock Chaseon the 20th was joined by an exceptional four more until 22nd, four of these five remaininguntil 24th. The final bird of the year was recorded at Silverdale Colliery on the 29th.W Mid A male was seen in Sandwell Valley on March 28th-29th REH. April sightingsinvolved singles Aldridge on 7th MHo, a female at Dunstall Park on 9th GAC and a maleat Clayhanger on 15th-16th PDJ. In October, two were at Turners Hill from 16th-20th ICWand males were noted in Smestow Valley on 23rd and from 27th-30th GAC, KMC. Otherreports included one at Lutley on April 1st, two at Merry Hill shopping centre on 18th andone flying over Lutley on October 16th.

Blackbird Turdus merulaAbundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks Territory counts included 12 at Brandon Marsh, 27 in 62 ha of Kingsbury Wood,31 in 120 ha of farmland at Morton Bagot (cf. 27 in 2005) and 18 in 40 ha at Oldberrow(cf. 14 in 2005). In addition 46 were counted in the vicinity of Earlswood Lakes on June30th. Counts of autumn migrants included 65 grounded by fog at Napton Res on October13th, 40 at Lighthorne Quarry on 17th, 80 at Wormleighton Res on 22nd and 40 on BrailesHill on 27th. There was a late influx of 70 at Lighthorne Quarry on December 1st. Anunusual record involved a male carrying worms to a presumed nest site at Middleton Hallon November 26th, while at Fenny Compton two males were in full unseasonal song onJanuary 3rd and one on December 2nd.Worcs Observed at many localities, throughout the breeding season, the best countsreceived comprised five nesting pairs at Bodenham Arboretum, 10 singing males on theOld Hills on April 28th and six singing males at Upton Warren on 29th. Knighton Commonheld 32 birds, mainly males, on January 4th, a Malvern Link garden attracted maximumcounts of 15 in January and February, plus 12 in March, 15+ were noted in Happy Valleyon October 20th and 15 at Little Comberton on November 19th.Staffs This species was recorded throughout the county but breeding was confirmedfrom only five sites; Denstone, Doley Common, Doxey (30 pairs, cf. 28 in 2005, 26 in2004), Stafford and Weston Jones. Clearly breeding in this common species is under-recorded, although 26 at Himley Plantation in May would suggest breeding concentrationshere too. In the first winter period, the larger flocks comprised 23 at Berry Hill on January14th, 34 at Doxey on 15th, 20 at Caldon Canal (Ladderedge) 24th, then 34 again at Doxeyon March 12th and 20 at Woodhead on 20th. Winter flocks did not appear in any quantityuntil mid-November, presumably because of the mild weather, with Doxey recording 19on 12th, an impressive 51 on 19th, 27 on December 9th and 37 on 17th. Elsewhere inDecember 20 at Madeley STW on 6th rising to 24 on 13th, 20 at Kemsey Manor on 25thand 50 at Berry Hill on 27th.W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 23 territories were identified, the smallest totalsince records began and further evidence of a continued decline compared to 25 last yearand an average of 31.8 over the last 14 years. At least eight pairs were noted at Marsh LaneNR (cf. at least 12 in the area last year). Up to six birds together at Marsh Lane NR onFebruary 3rd and November 11th were probably migrants as their presence coincided with

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thrush passage. In the vicinity of Dartmouth Park, counts of 12 were made on October 17thand December 21st. In Coundon Wedge, numbers progressively increased through the yearcompared to counts made at similar times in 2005, with maxima of 58 in the first winterperiod (cf. 57 last year), 40 during summer (cf. 33 last year) and 75 in the second winterperiod (cf. 45 last year), presumably due to a combination of better breeding success andmore migrants present later in the year. Other notable counts included 31 at AldridgeAirport on January 30th and 33 at Allesley Park on April 8th. No changes in status werenoted at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley.

Fieldfare Turdus pilarisAbundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred North Staffs. Moors 1974-77, 1980 and1985.Long-term average: October 2nd (71) to May 4th (70).8-year average: September 28th (–4 days) to May 7th (+3 days)A late arrival compared with recent years with the first on October 4th at Brandon; thelast seen on May 6th at Chapel Chorlton.Warks This attractive thrush was relatively abundant during the late winter period, withflocks of up to 500 well-distributed throughout the east and south of the county. Regularcounts came from two localities, with Fenny Compton having monthly maxima of 600 onJanuary 15th, 695 on February 27th, 1000 on March 11th and 85 on April 3rd. The ItchenValley below Knightcote had maxima of 750 on January 16th, 650 on February 25th, 700on March 25th and just 27 by April 8th. Maxima elsewhere included: 1000 at Tomlow onJanuary 11th, 700 at Moreton Morrell on 25th, 750 at Charlecote on 27th and February10th, 700 at Greys Mallory on February 5th; 600 at Wormleighton Res, 700 at DMCKineton and 1000 at Farnborough all on February 21st; and 850 at Priors Hardwick onMarch 9th. North of Coventry flocks were much smaller and generally less than 100, butwith two exceptions: 500 near Middleton Hall in early January and up to 700 at Alvecoteduring the first three months. Very few were seen after the second week of April, with thelast spring records on 25th when there were two at Alvecote and three at Priors Hardwick.The first autumn reports were of ten at Brandon on October 4th and five south over FennyCompton on 8th, but there was generally a late arrival and few others were seen before thelast few days in the month. The better counts involved 60 at Maxstoke on October 18th, 40at Draycote on 26th, 55 moving west at Brailes Hill on 27th and 139 at Priors Hardwickon 30th. The main influx commenced around November 1st with many flocks of 2-300reported during the final two months in the Feldon and Avon Valley districts. The largestcounts were (now traditionally) in the south-east, with Fenny Compton having monthlymaxima of 530 on November 19th and 900 on December 23rd, and Wormleighton Res, 635on November 6th and 1300 on December 31st. Other maxima included 550 at Waspertonon November 28th and December 12th, 480 at Priors Hardwick on December 15th, 800 atKnightcote on 16th, 550 at Chesterton on 19th and 450 at Hatton Rock on 30th. The bestcount in the north was only 200 at Whitestone, Nuneaton on November 3rd.Worcs During the first winter period, flocks reported included 50 at Croome LandscapePark on January 1st, 250 at Mount Pleasant on 18th, 170 at Arley Wood on 21st, 107 atUpper Arley on 29th, 120 at Oakley Pool on February 9th, 470 at Cleeve Prior on 21st,1500 at Bredon’s Hardwick and 300 at Wichenford on 26th and 200 at Lower Moor on28th. March sightings comprised 50+ at Bushley, nine at Nash End and four at Upper Arleyon 5th, 150 at Stoke Bliss on 11th, 700+ at Bredon’s Hardwick and 300 at Defford Airfieldon 12th, plus 40 at Mount Pleasant on 25th. The only reports during April were of seven at

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Phepson Farm on 6th and 25 at Ipsley Alders on 9th. A notable absence of returning birdsduring October, the first observation being made on 27th, when 19 arrived in Happy Valley.Two were noted on Bredon Hill on 28th and two at Castlemorton Common on 29th, whilstin November 40 were at Kinsham Lake, 50+ at Bittell Reservoir and 100 at British Camp,all on 2nd, 300+ at The Knapp on 3rd, 150 and 66 at Upton Warren on 3rd and 5threspectively, 100 at Lower Moor on 4th, preceded 150 on 24th, 250+ were on Bredon Hillon 5th, 250+ at Arrow Valley North on 12th, 150 at Longdon Marsh on 15th and 300 atStoke Bliss on 27th. Two December counts received of 200 at Sheriff’s Lench on 4th and190 at Little Comberton on 13th.Staffs Significant flock counts in the first winter period were reported as follows: inJanuary; 400 at Whitmore Bent Lane on 1st and 500 on 15th, 200 at Doley Common on6th, 160 at Keele University on 14th, 400 at Byrkley Park on 16th and 250 at Croxall on27th; in February 350 at Alders Brook, including an albinistic bird for most of the monthon 5th, 330 at Croxton on 8th, 800 at Hanchurch Woods on 13th, 150 at Kemsey Manor on19th and 250 at Keele University on 25th; in March 150 at Croxall on 3rd, 200 at Tixall on4th, 350 at Fauld on 12th and 200 at Hints on 23rd. As numbers began to dwindle in April,three-figure counts included 100 at Belvide on 3rd, 120 at Woodhead on 14th and 100Weaver Hills on 15th. In May there were seven at Longton Mill Pond on the 1st, a singlebird with Northern Wheatears at Apedale CP on the 3rd and 10 birds at Chapel Chorltonon the 6th. The autumn birds started to appear in low numbers from October 6th with sixat Tittesworth, but the largest flock in the month was a meagre 40 at the Rifle Range. Alarge influx of 1100 was noted on passage over the Katyn Memorial area on November 1st,with 200 at Belvide on the same date. Thereafter, some sizeable flocks included 200 atLittle Stoke, 464 at River Sow Meadows and 300 at Tixall Bridge on 4th, 200 at Aqualateon 10th, 400 at Wetley Moor on 11th, 200 at Alrewas on 12th, 400 at Tittesworth on 19thand 200 at Belvide on 28th. December numbers included 250 at Cuckoo Bank on 1st, 400at Belvide on 11th rising to a staggering 3500 on 26th, 200 at Alrewas on 17th, 250 atDunwood on 24th, 300 at Berry Hill on 27th and 500 at Tittesworth (date not recorded).W Mid During late winter, maxima included 100 in the Aldridge Airport area, 68 inSandwell Valley, 60 at Chadwick End and 40 at Dunstall Park and Marsh Lane NR. In thesecond winter period, totals included about 400 over Reedswood Park on November 2nd,663 over Smestow Valley on 3rd (a locality record), 70 over Dunstall Park on 10th, 150 atMarsh Lane NR on 14th and 17th, and a maximum of 67 in Sandwell Valley. Smallernumbers were noted at Alcester, Amblecote, Blythe Valley, Coundon Wedge, Hay Mills,Lutley, Oakham, Perry Barr, Priory Fields, Sheepwash UP and Sutton Park.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelosMuch declined, though still abundant, resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks Farmland census work produced three territories in 120ha at Morton Bagot (cf.five in 2005) and three in 40ha at Oldberrow (cf. two in 2005). Other spring counts includednine around Earlswood Lakes on April 20th and 12 at Brandon on 23rd. Birds showingcharacteristics of the nominate continental race T. p. philomelos were again widespread inthe south of the county during the late winter period, with the last record being of a party

Sky watch totals of Fieldfare in Smestow ValleyOctober November

24 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 101:30 1:50 2:20 2:45 1:15 1:50 1:40 1:25 2:05 1:20 1:05 hr:min

– 24 13 – – 2 9 278 663 143 57 birds

of six at Salford Priors GP on March 26th. Small numbers of autumn migrants began toappear in the southern hills from September 17th, and became numerous from earlyOctober. Among the larger counts were 25 at Wormleighton Res on October 10th, 50 atNapton Res after a foggy night on 13th, 55 at Lighthorne Quarry on 17th, 50 at Brailes Hillon 27th, 25 at Salford Priors GP on 29th, 33 at Priors Hardwick on 30th, 21 at Knightcoteon November 11th, 40 at Wormleighton Res on 22nd and 30 at Charlecote GP on 28th. Thespecies was noticeably abundant in the south-east during the early winter period, with manybirds showing characteristics of the continental race arriving from late October.Worcs Very little breeding season data was received. Two pairs bred at BodenhamArboretum, two singing males were noted at Upton Warren on April 29th and three weresinging at British Camp on July 27th. Ten were observed at Bockleton on January 4th andHappy Valley held six+ on September 10th and 10+ on October 20th.Staffs Although common, this species was recorded throughout in only small numbers.As with Blackbird, breeding was significantly under-recorded, records coming from justBateswood, Bearda, Blake Brook, Doley Common, Doxey (12 pairs, cf. 15 in 2005),Rudyard Lake, Stafford, Tittesworth and Wombourne. Thirteen were noted on visiblemigration passing SW over Belvide on October 14th. Ten at Berry Hill and Doxey onNovember 19th were presumably as a result of a small influx of wintering birds.W Mid An estimated three pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR (cf. at least five territories inthe area last year). Two territories were noted at Mons Hill CBC plot, the lowest numbersince surveys began and marking a continued decline compared to the average of 4.7 overthe last 14 years. Birds were also noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Allesley Park,Black Patch Park, Chadwick End, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Daisy Bank, Dorridge,Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools (eleven birds counted in May), Haden Hill Park, HawnePark, Nailcote, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Saltwells LNR (where most commonly seenon Netherton Hill), Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (four birds singing and a continuedincrease in numbers noted), Smestow Valley (at least nine heard singing) and Sutton Park.Eleven birds in Coundon Wedge on February 4th, ten at Stivichall Memorial Park onMarch 19th, eleven over Smestow Valley on September 25th and ten at Dunstall Park onOctober 20th undoubtedly included migrants.

Redwing Turdus iliacusAbundant passage migrant and winter visitor.Long-term average: September 27th (72) to April 19th (71).8-year average: September 23rd (–4 days) to April 21st (+2 days).A late arrival compared to recent years on September 29th at Bredon Hill. The last wason April 28th at Baggeridge CP.Warks During the first quarter flocks of up to 100 were fairly widely reportedthroughout the county. At Fenny Compton monthly maxima of 250 on January 3rd, 225 onFebruary 13th and 200 on March 11th were recorded. Casual counts elsewhere included500 at Moreton Morrell on January 25th, 200 at Ufton Fields on February 19th, 150 atBishop’s Gorse (Lighthorne) on 26th, 300 at Charlecote GP on March 10th, 550 atKnightcote on 25th and up to 200 at Alvecote during the same month. Only very smallnumbers continued into early April, with the last reported consisting of two flying north-east over Napton Hill on 9th and one at Alvecote on 13th. The first return migrants weretwo south at Fenny Compton and one at Brandon on October 8th. The first real movementof the autumn occurred during October 13th-17th when parties of 40-70 were noted inmany areas and there were 105 at Lighthorne Quarry on the last date. After a lull the main

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push began on October 25th, with a strong westerly movement noted across the countyover the next few days. Counts on the 26th included a total of 2000 noted by an observeron a journey between Longbridge and Coleshill, 265 moving in an hour over WormleightonRes, 500 over Radway and 225 over Brandon. On October 27th 328 passed over Brandon,with 320 over Fenny Compton on 28th. The species was relatively abundant during thefollowing two months, with maxima of flocks feeding on berries along the Oxford Canalbetween Fenny Compton and Wormleighton Res including 630 on November 12th, 750 on22nd, 870 on December 14th, 750 on 23rd and 1100 on 31st. Other counts included 350 atWasperton on November 28th, 200 at Ufton Fields on December 13th, 325 at Priors Hard -wick on 15th, 400 at Knightcote on 16th, 200 at Napton Res on 21st, 390 at Combrook on27th and 220 at Charlecote on 30th. Flock size in the north appeared to be much smallerwith few exceeding 100.Worcs During the first winter period, 23 were at Upper Arley on January 29th, 90 atClifton-on-Teme on February 6th and in March 60 were noted on Midsummer Hill on 5th,120 at Stoke Bliss on 11th, 400+ at Bredon’s Hardwick on 12th, 60 over Winyates Greenon 15th and 200 at Eckington on 24th. The only September record came from Bredon Hill,where three were noted on 29th, whilst 150 were present here on October 16th. OtherOctober sightings comprised three in Happy Valley on 1st, were followed by 40 on 15th and20th, plus 1000 on 27th, small numbers were noted at both Broadway and Little Combertonon 16th, 89 at Lower Smite Farm on 17th and 20+ at Oakley Pool on 20th. From November,60 were at Nimmings on 1st, 500 flew over British Camp on 2nd, 120 were at Lower Mooron 4th, 50 at Stoke Bliss on December 2nd and 40 at Upton Warren on 30th.Staffs Redwing flock sizes were generally smaller than those of Fieldfares and countsincluded; in January 200 at Doley Common on 6th and Whitmore Bent Lane on 15th, thelargest flock of 350 at Byrkley Park on 16th and 164 at Keele University on 31st; inFebruary 120 at Tittesworth on 6th, 260 at Croxton on 8th, 250 at Hanchurch Woods on13th and 120 at Keele University on 25th; in March 200 at Tittesworth on 1st, 100 atWoodhead on 5th-6th and Doxey on 25th. Migration seems to have largely finished inMarch with a few trickling through in April, the last at Baggeridge CP on 28th. Autumnbirds were not recorded until October 8th when six were at Little Stoke, then one at Beechon 10th and visible migration commencing on 12th with 13 over Chasewater and 44 overBlack Bank. The first large flocks were reported on Cannock Chase – 200 in the OldacreValley on the 20th and 300 at the White House on the 22nd. Migrating flocks peaked in avery short period at month-end: 150 over Belvide and 200 over Biddulph on 27th, 745 overBelvide, 200 over Chasewater and 305 over Cuckoo Bank on 28th and ending with 147over Belvide on 29th. During this period, 200 were noted at Berry Hill on 28th. TheNovember maximum was just 100 at the German Cemetery on 5th and 55 at Doxey on12th. December continued with small numbers, with 100 at Doxey on 9th, Wetley Moor on17th and Berry Hill on 27th and 300 at Belvide on 26th.W Mid In the first winter period, larger flocks consisted of 130 in Coundon Wedge, 115at Chadwick End, 80 in Sandwell Valley and 50 at Marsh Lane NR. Elsewhere, up to 40were noted at Aldridge, Balsall Common, Black Patch Park, Blythe Valley CP, BruetonPark, Cotteridge Park, The Dingles, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, HallGreen, Hawne Park, Hay Mills, Hay Tor, Oakham, Olton Mere, Priory Fields, ReedswoodPark, Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP, Slioch, Small Heath, Smestow Valley, StivichallMemorial Park, Trittiford Park and West Bromwich. Strong passage occurred in lateOctober, most noticeably with a county record total of 4380 passing over Smestow Valleyduring a skywatch from 07.45 to 09.35 on 27th and 2335 counted between 07.30 and 09.50

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the next morning – the former count was just short of the Regional record of 5000 roostingat Maer (Staffs) in 1982/83.

Elsewhere, about 500 flew over Reedswood Park on 25th and 110 were at Marsh Lane NRon 28th. Later in the winter, high numbers included up to 150 at Marsh Lane NR fromDecember 28th-30th, up to 100 in Sandwell Valley, 57 at Fens Pools and 52 in CoundonWedge. Also, flocks of up to 30 or so birds were seen at Acocks Green, Birmingham,Bournville, Dunstall Park, Kingstanding, Kingswinford, The Leasowes, Olton Mere, Penn,Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP, Stirchley, Sutton Park and West Bromwich.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorusCommon resident.Warks Seven singing males were located in and around Oakley Wood on May 11th.Other breeding counts included three pairs in Charlecote Park and four at Pillerton Hersey,with three in the Knavenhill Wood/Ettington Grove area, three in nearby Ettington Park,and three in Ilmington village. A poor breeding season was noted in the south with manyearly broods lost. Second broods were possibly more successful, with small young still inthe nest at Crimscote on July 10th. The best post-breeding flocks concerned 17 nearChesterton Church on August 9th, 18 at Alvecote on 19th, 35 at Middleton Hall on October16th, and 15 at Ladywalk on 17th.Worcs Nesting pairs observed at Bodenham Arboretum (two) and Hollywood (three), apair was noted at Hewell Grange on April 12th, three+ singing males were reported fromStoke Bliss on May 18th, plus 17 birds counted at the same locality on July 6th, whilsteight birds were noted at British Camp on 29th. Post breeding groups reported from LowerMoor, with 20 present on August 5th, Abberton held 52 on 13th, whilst on Bredon Hill,counts comprised six on 24th, 15 on 25th and 26 on September 8th. Six were on BredonHill on October 7th, one at Castlemorton Common on October 29th and three at HollybedCommon on November 11th.Staffs This year the species was recorded from 45 sites scattered throughout the Countywith breeding at nine; Aqualate, Byrkley Park, Doley Common, Doxey (three pairs, nochange on 2004-5), Festival Park, Readyleach Green, Stafford, Tittesworth and WestonJones. Singing birds were also noted at Astonfields Balancing Lakes, Burntwood, Bishop’sWood, Rudyard Lake, Villa Farm and Westport. Post-breeding gatherings included 28 atBroad Heath on July 23rd, 32 at Berry Hill on August 27th, 32 at Westport on 28th, 40 atEssington Quarry Pool on 31st, 34 at Silverdale Colliery on September 16th, 40 at the RifleRange on October 4th, 20 at Whitemoor Haye on 8th and 30 at Black Bank on 16th.W Mid One territory was recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the same as last year, butstill down on the average 2.1 over the last 14 years. Also present in the breeding season atAldridge, Allesley Park, Bilston Cemetery, Black Patch Park, Chelmsley Wood, Clay -hanger, Coundon Wedge, Dudley Wood, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, The Leasowes, MarshLane NR, Nailcote, Olton Mere, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (somedecline in numbers noticed), Smestow Valley, Sutton Park, Wake Green, Walsall Arbore -tum and West Bromwich. Post-breeding/autumnal flocks consisted of 32 at Dunstall Parkon August 19th and 18 in Sandwell Valley in October.

Sky watch totals of Redwings in Smestow ValleyOctober November

24 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 101:30 1:50 2:20 2:45 1:15 1:50 1:40 1:25 2:05 1:20 1:05 hr:min80 4380 2335 656 262 84 21 151 222 67 – birds

Cettiʼs Warbler Cettia cettiScarce resident, breeding only since 1993.Warks There were again seven breeding territories at Brandon BMCG, and singles atBarford MRM and Coombe Abbey PEH. In addition a pair bred successfully at Napton Resfor the first time JJB, rearing at least three young and birds were here all year. A male insong at Salford Priors GP on April 23rd JJB but not subsequently, was the first for thelocality. In the Tame Valley there was no repeat of last years breeding success at Ladywalk,with the only records from here referring to two on January 3rd and then a single bird onodd dates up to April 18th many observers. Another bird over-wintered at Fisher’s Mill GPwhere it remained (and occasionally sang) up to April 21st JHa, BLK. In the south of thecounty two were seen at Chesterton Church Pool on January 6th with one on several occa -sions up to March 28th JJB. At the other end of the year two were seen at WormleightonRes on November 22nd and one was heard calling there on December 23rd JJB. Ladywalkagain had a bird on December 19th per SLC.Worcs Four singing males were resident at Upton Warren, compared to six in 2005. Noyoung were reported at the Moors Pools this year, but were almost certainly overlooked,though a family party frequented the Hen Pool reedbed during August AWa et al. The onlyother locality report came from Offerton Lane NR, where a singing male per SBl et al, plusa female BRS, SMW were discovered on April 12th. The male remained on site throughoutthe year, but no broods were recorded.Staffs Two birds were seen in suitable breeding habitat in the south and east of thecounty (sites and observers withheld).

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naeviaFrequent, but much declined, summer resident and passage migrant.Long-term average: April 18th (70) to August 29th (60).8-year average: April 10th (–8 days) to September 6th (+8 days).A typical arrival at Chasewater on April 9thand a very early departure date of August 19that Brandon – though they are difficult to locateat this time of year.Warks Probable breeding territories werelocated at: Birchmoor (one, bred), Brandon(three, bred), Coton (one), Dosthill/Kingsburyarea (six) and Lighthorne Quarry (two). Inspring the first migrants returned to Kings -bury on April 12th and Brandon on 15th. Awayfrom breeding sites passage birds also sang atEarlswood Lakes on April 20th, Fenny Comp -ton on 21st and Salford Priors GP on 23rd,while on 24th at least four sang at Brandonand three at Birchmoor. There was one returnpassage record, of a bird flushed from roughgrassland on Warwick Race Course on July28th. The last bird was recorded at Brandon onAugust 19th.Worcs The first reeling male was reportedfrom Lower Moor on April 15th and at

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Grasshopper Warbler in Staffordshire2001–03 (orange squares)

2004–06 (dots)

Castlemorton Common, one was heard on 17th and 18th, increased to two on 20th, thenthree on 22nd and four on 23rd. Between one and two male continued to sing here between27th-July 22nd. Singles also heard at Lower Moor on May 31st, June 4th and July 6th, atGrimley Old Workings on April 19th and 20th, Midsummer Hill on 21st, Upton Warren on23rd, The Dingle on 24th and at Longdon Marsh and the Wyche Cutting on 25th.Staffs Arriving in the county in early April as has been usual in recent years, it was firstseen at Chasewater on the 9th being followed by records from Silverdale Colliery on 17th,Berry Hill on 19th and Whitemoor Haye on 22nd. A heartening trend has been the steadyincrease in numbers reported as breeding across the county since 2000 (see table), andthere are now some 37 breeding birds located at nine separate sites.

Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Breeding/Reeling on Territory 7 10 14 15 20 28 37

In addition, the accompanying map, which compares the distribution of all birds in 2001-03 with those in 2004-05, shows a clear increase in distribution in the north and mid southof the county, but absence still in the far south-west and a large area to the east. Despitethe increase in territories, birds only stayed until mid-July, the last being at Drayton Bassetton the 19th. The best sites for the species in 2006, with four reeling birds each, were BerryHill, Drayton Bassett Pits and Wetley Moor.W Mid One noted in Sandwell Valley in April and seven in Sutton Park on June 14th.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenusFairly common to common, though declining summer resident.Long-term average: April 16th (70) to September 30th (64).8-year average: April 6th (–10 days) to September 28th (–2 days)An early arrival date of April 3rd at Kinsham but a late departure of October 10th atGwen Finch.Warks Again there were conflicting reports of changes in abundance from differentparts of the county. In the lower Avon valley between Bidford and Abbots Salfordterritories dropped to 11 (from 25 in 2005), while at Salford Priors GP in the nearby lowerArrow valley numbers increased from nine territories in 2005 to 20. On the other side ofthe county five territories were located in the Fenny Compton/Wormleighton Res area,compared to just one in 2005 (but cf. 14 in 2002). Other counts of singing males includedten at Brandon, at least 24 in the Dosthill/Kingsbury area, 14 in the Lea Marston/CotonPools area and seven at Napton Res. In all breeding season records came from a total of 28sites, down from 33 in 2005. In spring the first arrivals were noted at Ladywalk on April14th and Brandon (two) on 15th. Passage records included a male singing in a villagegarden at Priors Hardwick on April 25th and a peak of 18 at Abbots Salford on 26th and30th. Post-breeding dispersal was noted from July, when at least 15 were at Napton Res on23rd and a juvenile hit an office window in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon on 26th.Good numbers remained through September until 24th, with the last records at CharlecoteGP on 28th and Salford Priors GP on October 1st.Worcs Counts of singing males comprised two at Kinsham Lake on April 3rd, singles atUpton Warren on 5th and 10th, preceded three on 19th, 14 on 29th and five on May 9th and27th. One was heard along the Bow Brook at Tiddesley on April 19th, 20 at Gwen FinchWetland on 27th, one at Lower Bittell Reservoir on May 2nd, 10 at Lower Moor on 5th, sixat Oaklands Farm on 7th, whilst at Upper Bittell Reservoir, one was noted on 9th, two on29th and one on June 5th. Arrow Valley North held one singing male on May 14th and June

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18th, one was at Feckenham Wylde Moor on May 20th, one at Holt Prairies on 23rd, two atStrensham Lagoons on 28th and four on Ashmore Common on July 26th. During theautumn, singles were observed at Gwen Finch Wetland on September 12th and GrimleyNew Workings on 13th, whilst three were noted at Gwen Finch Wetland on October 10th.Staffs This common species was found at some 30 sites throughout the county fromApril to September with most records coming from the more well-watched areas ofBelvide, Doxey and Chasewater. First seen on April 16th at Belvide there was then a steadytrickle of reports of birds in low numbers with small peaks of 19 at Doxey on April 23rdand Belvide on the 29th. Ten adults and 43 juveniles were ringed at Belvide, suggestingexcellent breeding there. Birds were present and presumably bred at Alrewas, Apedale CP,Aqualate, Astonfields Balancing Lakes, Belvide, Berry Hill, Doxey (72 territories, cf. 85in 2005), Handsacre Flash, River Sow Meadows (15+ birds), Tittesworth and Tixall Bridge.There were no autumn movement peaks and the last birds were at Berry Hill on September19th and Doxey on 25th.W Mid At least 12 pairs bred at Marsh Lane NR, where a high of 15 birds sang in May.At least eight birds were present in Sandwell Valley during June and one was noted inLongmoor Valley (Sutton Park) on July 1st. Up to two sang at Sheepwash UP from Apr22nd into May. Four sang at Blythe Valley CP on May 10th, with one at Olton Mere thenext day.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceusFairly common summer resident.Long-term average: April 24th (66) to September 29th (60).8-year average: April 19th (–5 days) to October 6th (+7 days).An early arrival on April 9th at Gwen Finch and late departure on October 12th, again atGwen Finch.Warks Reported from 33 sites in the breeding season, with substantial numbers ofsinging males reported from: Abbots Salford (14), Fisher’s Mill GP (eight), LowerRadbourn (18), Napton Res (30), Newbold Comyn (at least ten), Offchurch Bury (eight),Salford Priors GP (28, a massive increase), Shipston STW (ten) and Wormleighton Res(15). Disappointingly there were again no full counts from the substantial colonies atBrandon, Coombe Abbey or Ladywalk. Other less usual sites where singing males werereported included: Armscote village (three), Barford, Bermuda, Billesley Pool (three),Knightcote, Mancetter Quarry (two), Newbold-on-Stour and Whittleford Park. The firstspring migrant appeared at Brandon on April 17th, while autumn birds lingered generallyuntil mid September. The last three reports were of singles at Lighthorne Quarry onSeptember 25th, Dosthill Lake on 27th and Seeswood Pool on October 10th.Worcs Maximum counts of singing males came from Feckenham Wylde Moor (three),Gwen Finch Wetland (20), Hewell Grange (seven), Kinsham Lake (four), Salwarpe Canal(six+), Strensham Lagoons (two) and Upton Warren (10), whilst an adult and three youngwere observed along the River Avon at Evesham on August 26th. The first spring arrivalwas noted at Gwen Finch Wetland on April 9th and post-breeding sightings comprised fourat Ryall Pits on September 9th, one at Hewell Grange on 15th, one at Grimley NewWorkings on 24th and finally one at Gwen Finch Wetland on October 12th.Staffs As is often the case with this species there was no large passage migration;scattered birds were appearing from mid-April at a variety of sites across the county, thefirst being two at Belvide on the 17th. Generally speaking the species was reported in verylow numbers, the exception being at Belvide where the newly active ringing group found

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150 birds and estimated that 17-20 pairs had bred, many appearing to have produced twoor three broods. Concentrated effort of this kind seems to demonstrate that these birds areprobably very under-recorded. Elsewhere, breeding reported at Apedale CP (eightterritories), Copmere (six), Cuckoo Bank (adult feeding young), Doxey (17 pairs, cf. 20 in2005), Festival Park Etruria (two-three) and River Sow Meadows (at least two pairs weresuccessful). Regular summer sightings also came from Aqualate, Astonfields BalancingLakes, Branston WP, Chasewater, Handsacre Flash, Tixall Bridge and Whitemoor Haye.The last birds were seen at Aqualate on September 28th and Belvide on October 1st.W Mid Birds bred at Marsh Lane, where an estimated 16 singing birds were noted, andSheepwash UP, with two or three present. Probably also nested at Sandwell Valley RSPBreserve, where up to ten birds were noted. Likely migrants included singles at SaltwellsLNR on May 9th and June 14th and 18th, two at Blythe Valley CP on May 10th and onein Coundon Wedge on 27th.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapillaVery common to abundant summer resident. Frequent and increasing winter visitor.Warks Sites with five or more breeding territories included: Abbots Salford (nine),Alcester (six along River Arrow), Brandon (12), Chessets Wood (seven along the GrandUnion Canal), Chesterton Pools (six), Coton/Lea Marston Pools (nine), Draycote (19),Fenny Compton (eight along the Oxford Canal), Kingsbury Wood (nine in 62ha),Kingsbury WP (ten), Lighthorne Quarry (five), Earlswood Lakes (11), Hampton Wood(ten), Oakley Wood (14), Oldberrow (seven in 40 ha), Ufton Fields (five) and YarningaleCommon (13). Most comparable counts were similar to those in 2005. Good numbers ofover-wintering birds were present during the first quarter with at least 21 reported (cf. 13in the same period in 2005), with birds at Clifford Chambers, Fenny Compton, KeresleyNewlands, Leamington Spa (six in two gardens), Lillington, Moreton Morrell (two),Nuneaton (five in four gardens), Radford Semele (two) and Stratford-upon-Avon (two intwo gardens). The first apparent spring migrant was at Kingsbury on March 23rd, but withno more until 29th when there was one at Shustoke. The main spring influx commencedon April 3rd and Ladywalk had a peak of 15 on April 22nd. Return passage was mostnoticeable during September, with maxima of 17 at Charlecote GP on 8th and 18 atWormleighton Res on 11th. There were still five on the Fenny Compton Hills on October8th, with the very last apparent outgoing migrant at Brailes Hill on 27th. Winter migrantsbegan arriving in early November, with 15 located at the following sites: Abbots Salford,Brandon (two), Combrook (three), Fenny Compton (two), Ladywalk, Nuneaton, PriorsMarston, Radway and Wormleighton Res (three).Worcs Two pairs bred successfully at Bodenham Arboretum and reported as a commonsummer resident along the Dowles Brook. Singing males were recorded at Hewell Grange,where three noted on April 12th, preceded five on June 5th, six were counted along thecanal at Hawford on April 14th, one was at West Malvern on 16th, four and six at UptonWarren on 19th and 29th respectively, five at Bittell Reservoir on 25th, nine on the OldHills on 28th, increased to 11 on 30th and six were at Arrow Valley North on 30th. Duringthe first winter period, a garden at Winyates Green held a pair throughout, a maximum ofthree were noted at Lower Moor between January-March and a Malvern Link gardenattracted maximum count of three between January-March, plus two in early April. A maleand an occasional female were observed in a Kempsey garden between January 1st-March26th, Abberton held one on January 2nd, then two on 28th, one was at Crabbe Tree Farmon 2nd and 5th, singles in a Oakenshaw garden on 2nd, 6th and February 2nd, plus three

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on 20th, a male in a Mount Pleasant garden on January 3rd, a male at Bickley on 4th anda male frequented a Barbourne garden from 6th-March 29th, whilst a second male waspresent on 25th. One was noted at Aston Somerville on January 22nd, a female at WinyatesEast on 29th, one at Throckmorton Lagoons on February 17th and singles at Hallow andRedditch train station on March 2nd. A female in Worcester on March 25th and one atLower Smite Farm on April 9th, were more than likely to have been wintering individuals,than new spring arrivals. The only September records received were of two at KempseyCommon on 4th and five on Bredon Hill on 18th, whilst surprisingly, no birds werereported during October. Second winter period records comprised singles at CoombegreenCommon, Grimley and Huntsbridge on November 11th, Grimley Old Workings on 26th, aSt. Johns garden on December 3rd, Lower Smite farm on 4th and Abberton on 14th. DuringDecember, Kempsey Sewage Works held two on 16th and 30th, two were in LittleComberton churchyard on 17th and at Upton-upon-Severn Sewage Works, two males anda female were present on 17th and eight were trapped and ringed here on 24th. Singlesreported from Evesham on 19th, Lower Moor on 20th and Stoke Bliss on 23rd, five in anAbberley garden on 24th, preceded four on 31st, a female in Bromsgrove on 15th, and amale in a Malvern Link garden on 26th and 27th and two at West Malvern on 29th.Staffs During the first quarter of the year, one or two birds were recorded at 15 sites,but there was no clear indication of when wintering birds left and spring migrants arrived.The largest group of passage birds was 10 at Gailey on April 22nd. Unlike 2005 there wereno particular accumulations with the exception of Belvide where the activities of theringing group produced 65. In late spring/early summer, 10 pairs attempted to breed atDoxey while 13 birds at Baggeridge CP comprised at least seven territorial males and therewere 10 birds at Tittesworth. Five to six territories were logged at Alrewas, Belvide,Bishop’s Wood and River Sow Meadows. “Many” pairs were reported to have bred atCoombes Valley. Autumn groups peaked at seven at Chasewater on August 28th and 12 atBlack Bank on 30th, numbers then tailing off until singles at Black Bank on October 4thand Chasewater 7th, presumably the last summer/passage birds. The first wintering birdarrived at Chasewater on 23rd with 16 sites thereafter holding one, occasionally two, birds.W Mid Six territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the lowest sincerecords began and compared to seven last year and an average 9.9 over the last 14 years.Breeding season records were also received from Alcester, Aldridge Airport, Allesley Park,Balsall Common, Black Patch Park, Bloxwich, Blythe Valley CP (six singing), BruetonPark, Cannon Hill Park, Chadwick End, Chelmsley Wood, Coundon Wedge, Cuckoo’sNook, Dorridge, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Fibbersley (four pairs), Haden Hill Park,Hampton Coppice, Hawne Park, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR (estimated four pairs),Moseley, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Penn, Portway, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley (upto four pairs in the vicinity of Salter’s Lane), Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley (15 singingin April), Sutton Park, Warrens Hall LNR, Whitley and Winson Green. During the firstwinter period, up to three were noted in gardens in Hall Green from January 1st to March2nd, Monkspath from January 1st to March 12th and Dorridge from January 1st to earlyMarch, whilst three were seen at Hay Head Wood on January 30th. Singles were noted inSandwell Valley in January, Halesowen on 3rd, Tilehouse on 4th, Harborne on 5th, HillHook on 7th, Solihull occasionally from 12th to March 23rd, Hay Tor from January 22ndto February 2nd, Kingswinford from January 23rd to March 23rd, Aldridge from January24th until March 30th, Edgbaston on January 31st, Daisy Bank on February 1st, Coventryon 4th, Wordsley on 5th and 26th, Shirley from 17th-27th, Coombeswood on 17th-18th,Dorridge on 18th-19th, Worlds End on 19th and Smestow Valley on March 8th. In the

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second winter period, singles visited a Bilston garden on November 12th and Acorn Barnon 25th. In Sandwell Valley, there was a male on 29th-30th, a female on December 14thand perhaps the same pair on 15th. Singles were at Goldthorn Hill on 7th, Dorridge on 13thand 17th, Marsh Lane NR and Shirley on 17th and Bloxwich on 22nd, with a pair at LowerPenn on 24th and individuals at Kingswinford and Tilehouse from 28th-31st, Solihull on29th and Westwood Heath on 31st.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borinFairly common to common summer resident.Long-term average: April 21st (69) to September 15th (68).8-year average: April 13th (–8 days) to September 24th (+9 days)First arrival on April 14th at Croxall; the last being on September 30th at RadfordSemele.Warks Sites with three or more territories during the breeding season were: BrandonMarsh (12), Chesterton Pools (four), Coton/Lea Marston Pools (12), Draycote (five),Ettington Grove area (three), Fenny Compton (three along the Oxford Canal), Idlicote Hills(five), Kingsbury WP (five), Ladywalk (five), Nunley Test Track (three), Ufton Fields(four), Ryton Wood (three) and Wormleighton Res (nine, cf. five in 2005). The first springbird was noted at Brandon on April 21st and the last at Radford Semele on September 30th.Worcs A notable increase of singing males recorded in the county this summer,compared to the previous five-year trend. Birds were reported from 37 localities, whereasjust nine sites held singing males in 2000, between 27-29 from 2001-2003, 19 in 2004 and23 in 2005, though still falls short of totals recorded in the late 1990s viz. 48 localities in98 and 40 in 99. A pair accompanied three juveniles at Nafford Lock on June 27th, whilstmultiple locality counts of singing males comprised three at Lower Moor on April 29th,followed by five on May 6th and four on June 8th, Dowles Brook held four on April 30th,then eight on May 11th, three were at Kyre Pool on 5th and July 13th, two on Walton Hillon May 6th, four at Wyre Piddle Business Park on 8th, two at Stoke Bliss on 20th andseveral on Chase End Hill, plus two in Langdale Wood on June 2nd. The Rifle Range heldtwo and three were in Trench Wood on 3rd, two in Monk Wood on 8th, three at DevilsSpittleful on 24th and three at Shatterford Wood on 26th. Singles also reported from ArrowValley North, Birchen Coppice, Bittell Reservoir, Brazier’s Coppice, Callow Hill, ChurchLench Pools, Cofton Richards Farm, Hanbury Hall, Hollybed Common, HollybushQuarry, Marsh Common, Midsummer Hill, Mill Shrub Pool, Nash End, Old Hills, Stony -ford, Strensham Lagoons, Sugarloaf Hill, The Gullet, Throckmorton Tip, Tiddesley Wood,Upper Arley, Upton Warren, Woodbury Hill and Wyche Cutting. Autumn sightings com -prised four at Croome Landscape Park on August 6th and singles at Kinsham Lake on 27thand Bredon Hill on 30th. No reports were received during September.Staffs The first was at Croxall on April 14th then a gap until mid-April before a steadytrickle of records began to appear throughout the county. The only real spring peak was offive birds, seen at Bishops Wood on the 27th. It was not recorded in great numbers duringthe breeding season, the best being 15 at Tittesworth on May 5th with eight at Park HallCP on the 10th and 10 on June 4th. Confirmed breeding was as follows: “many” bred atCoombes Valley, five at Doxey, one at Copmere, Doley and Tixall, and two at River SowMeadows. At Belvide, the ringing group ringed 25 juveniles, suggesting about four pairsbred. Many other sites reported singing birds. Autumn migration mirrored spring withsmall numbers throughout August and the last two records in September; at Belvide on the2nd and Doxey on the 16th.

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W Mid Singing birds were heard at Blythe Valley CP (four singing in May), CoundonWedge, Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park, Marsh Lane NR (four birds in June), MarstonGreen, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Sutton Park and Westwood Heath.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia currucaFairly common summer resident. Two winter records.Long-term average: April 22nd (70) to September 24th (70).8-year average: April 17th (–5 days) to October 4th (+10 days).An early arrival on April 2nd at Alvecote and a typical departure on October 9th atByrkley Park.Warks Counts of breeding pairs in the south and east of the county included eight atFenny Compton (cf. 12 in 2005), seven at Priors Hardwick, and four at both Morton Bagotand Wormleighton Res. Generally numbers were thought to be around average or slightlydown in most areas. Sketchy reports from the northern half of the county suggest a betteryear there, with five singing at Kingsbury and four or five at Brandon the best counts. Inaddition, a bird at Birchmoor on May 4th was the first recorded at this site in spring by theobserver in 14 years. A singing male at Alvecote on April 2nd MAA et al was the earliestever in the county by one day. No more were recorded until April 22nd when birdsappeared at three sites, with the main influx commencing around the 26th. Return passagewas extremely light with no real concentrations recorded, presumably due to the fineweather. The last was noted at Wormleighton Res on October 1st.Worcs The county continues to sustain a healthy population throughout. Two pairs bredsuccessfully at Little Comberton and good numbers were observed at Kinsham Lake,Lower Moor and Throckmorton Tip during the breeding season. Elsewhere, maximumlocality counts of singing males comprised two at Arrow Valley Lake, five on Bredon Hill,three on Castlemorton Common, three on Hollybed Common, eight at Huntsbridge, two atKnightwick, three at Longdon Marsh, two at Powick Ham, two at Stoke Bliss, three atUpper Bittell Reservoir and two at Upton Warren. Single songsters also reported fromBredon Hill, Bredon’s Hardwick, Coombegreen Common, Feckenham Wylde Moor,Holly bush, Lydiate Ash, Marsh Common, Offerton Lane NR, Ryall Pits, Spring LaneIndustrial Estate and Upper Arley. The first birds of spring were reported from Castle -morton Common and Offerton Lane NR on April 22nd, whilst autumn reports comprisedsingles at Elmley Castle on August 30th, Birtsmorton Pools on 6th, Upton Warren onSeptember 16th, Grimley New Workings on 17th and Lower Moor on 19th.Staffs First record of the year was a single bird at Belvide on April 22nd and there wasthen a steady trickle of reports from the more well-watched sites for the rest of the month,the most being three at Doxey and Branston Water Park. Breeding was confirmed at BerryHill, Coombes Valley, Doley Common and Waterfall but singing/territorial birds were alsoreported from Aqualate, Black Bank (two), Branston GPs, Dilhorne, Doxey (three),Ingestre, Mobberley, Sideway (Stoke), Waterhouses, Weston Jones, Wolfscote Dale andWoodhead. Autumn migration tended to produce birds in twos and threes rather than theones and twos of spring but with four at Berry Hill on August 17th, six at Black Bank 18th-24th, six at Belvide on 23rd, four at Blithfield on 27th and Belvide on 31st. There werethen a few records in the first half of September ending with two at Doxey 16th-17th, thena gap before the final bird at Byrkley Park on October 9th.W Mid Singing birds/breeding season records came from Birmingham Business Park,Blythe Valley CP, Dunstall Park, Fens Pools, Marsh Lane NR, Park Lime Pits, RowleyRegis, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley, Solihull, Sutton

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Park and West Bromwich. Noted in autumn at Marsh Lane NR, Saltwells LNR andSandwell Valley.

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communisVery common to abundant summer resident.Long-term average: April 15th (72) to September 29th (72).8-year average: April 10th (–5 days) to October 1st (+2 days).First seen on April 5th at Evesham and, apart from a late straggler at Kingsbury onOctober 27th, the last was Berry Hill on October 2nd.Warks An average season with counts of seven or more territories coming from: AbbotsSalford (ten), Birchmoor (seven), Brandon Marsh (19), Charlecote GP (seven, cf. 11 in2005), Coton/Lea Marston Pools (16), Dosthill/Kingsbury area (24), Draycote (eight),Haseley (seven in 7 ha of rough meadowland, cf. six in the same area in 1999) and MortonBagot (ten in 120 ha, cf. 13 in 2005). The first spring birds were noted at Brandon on April14th and Nuneaton on 16th. Concentrations on return passage were few but included tenat Wormleighton Res on August 7th and seven flushed from a small patch of Fat HenChenopodium album at Salford Priors GP on September 10th. The last autumn bird wasnoted at Wormleighton Res on September 26th, apart from a very late straggler atKingsbury on October 27th.Worcs Singing males were reported from 53 localities from across the county, the firstspring arrival being observed at Evesham on April 5th. The best counts were of sevensinging at Bittell Reservoir, seven at British Camp, seven along Broadway disusedrailway, five on Castlemorton Common, eight+ on Hollybed Common, eight at IpsleyAlders, four on Kempsey Common, 10 at Lower Moor, five at Lower Smite Farm, eightat Oaklands Farm, 24 on the Old Hills, 14 at Throckmorton Tip and 15 at Wyre PiddleBusiness Park. The final observation of the year came from British Camp, with onepresent on September 17th.Staffs This very common and conspicuous bird was seen at over 70 sites throughoutthe county. First noted at the German Cemetery (Cannock Chase) on April 10th andBelvide on 14th, the species demonstrated a good solid spring migration with maxima of13 at Doxey Marsh on April 23rd and 10 at Belvide on the 29th. Best breeding seasonnumbers were recorded at Berry Hill (20), Park Hall CP (20), Alrewas (17), Doxey (14)and Belvide (two adults and 14 juveniles were ringed) with summering birds from 59 othersites. The autumn migration was a quieter affair, most records being of single birds withpeaks of 10 at Black Bank on September 1st and five on the 7th. Birds were seen regularlyuntil September 19th, the final birds being at Black Bank on 22nd and Berry Hill onOctober 2nd.W Mid Breeding season records came from Blythe Valley CP (eight singing in May),Chadwick End, Darby’s Hill, Dorridge/Hockley Heath area (four birds in June), DunstallPark, Fens Pools, Fibbersley (three pairs), Harborne NR, The Leasowes, Lutley, MarshLane NR (at least seven pairs), Mons Hill CBC plot, Moseley, Park Lime Pits, Portway,Rotton Park, Rowley Regis, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley (at least 12 pairs bred in thevicinity of Salter’s Lane), Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley, Turners Hill, Warrens Hall LNRand Wolverhampton Ring Road. One noted in a Monkspath garden on September 23rd.

Dartford Warbler Sylvia undataRare winter visitor and breeder (7/10).Staffs Three territories were located on Cannock Chase with probably two pairs

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breeding. Incredibly, a pair was located on the North Staffs Moors in May but only on asingle date (observer and location withheld).W Mid Two pairs were present at the same site as last year, but were only noted in springPH, though three birds were seen on June 16th PAH, with singles on July 1st, October 8thand December 30th IBu, TCH, ATh et al.

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatusVery rare vagrant (7/10).Staffs The bird discovered at River Sow Meadows, Baswich in December 2005 wasrelocated between there and Weeping Cross on New Year’s Day and remained untilFebruary 10th RSw et al.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrixFrequent, though declining, summer resident, now mainly confined to the north and westof the region.Long-term average: April 22nd (70) to August 27th (57).8-year average: April 22nd (=) to August 28th (+1 day)First seen on the early date of April 17th at Dimmingsdale and last recorded on the ratherlate date of September 5th at British Camp.Warks A single bird at Draycote on May 3rd RCM et al was the only report.Worcs After last year’s dramatic fall in numbers along the Dowles Brook, it was a greatrelief to see totals back to their former level. Five singing males were noted on April 30thand thereafter a maximum of six were heard throughout the breeding season. A pair wasobserved collecting nesting material beyond Lodge Hill Farm on May 4th and singles werealso reported from the Wyre Forest at both Rock Coppice and Park Brook on June 29th.Along the Malvern Hills, it has been absent as a breeding species for over 10 years, thoughreports of singing males during spring passage have recently increased and it is hoped itwill re-establish as a breeding species in the very near future. Singing males observed onthe Malverns during spring comprised one on Raggedstone Hill on April 21st, two atHollybush on 30th, one on Swinyard Hill on May 14th and 17th and one in Happy Valleyon 23rd. A singing male was observed in Habberley Valley on April 24th and elsewhere,spring passage birds were heard at Cleeve Prior on April 21st, Winyates Green on 22nd,Westwood Pool on 24th and the Old Hills on 28th and 29th. A single bird reported atBritish Camp on September 5th, was the only autumn record received.Staffs After a first report from Dimmingsdale on April 17th, two to three were seenregularly at Seven Springs from 23rd. In addition, there was one at Baggeridge CP (inMay), two in Sherbrook Valley on April 30th, two at Stepping Stones on May 3rd, fourpairs bred at Coombes Valley (after several blank years), five territories at Dimmingsdale,one pair possibly bred at Hawksmoor, one at Highgate Common on April 26th, one atKingswood on May 14th, two territories at Kinver Edge and two at Tittesworth on June 3rd.There were just two post-breeding records: Belvide on July 15th and Berry Hill on August16th.W Mid Singles were seen at Sutton Park on May 11th and 28th, and Marsh Lane NR onJuly 31st – only the second record for the site.

Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybitaVery common summer resident and uncommon winter visitor.Warks Counts of singing males during the breeding season included: Bidford-Marlcliff

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(six), Brandon (13), Chessetts Wood (13 along the Grand Union Canal), Chesterton Pools(eight), Earlswood Lakes (eight), Fenny Compton (seven along the Oxford Canal), OakleyWood (eight), Oldberrow (six) and Yarningale Common (seven). Repeat counts suggest asimilar population to last year. Good numbers of wintering birds were again concentratedalong the River Tame between Ladywalk and Coleshill STW, with a maximum of 11recorded on January 8th. Elsewhere at least 19 others were reported during the firstquarter, from: Alcester STW, Alvecote, Brandon (two), Charlecote GP, Coton, Dosthill area(two), Draycote (two), Farnborough Park (two), Fenny Compton, Hampton Lucy, HartshillSTW (at least three), Kingsbury WP and Salford Priors GP. Spring migrants were generallylate to arrive with very few recorded until the main influx began on March 27th. Theearliest were singles at both Fenny Compton and Wormleighton Res on March 12th, butthe first in the north did not appear until 19th, when four were at Coton. Despite thescarcity of other migrants, good numbers of birds were reported in the post-breedingperiod. Site maxima included 12 at Chesterton Pools on August 18th, ten at Brandon on29th, 25 at Abbots Salford on September 10th, ten at Draycote on 13th, ten at SeeswoodPool on 14th, 15 at Salford Priors GP on 17th, 35 at Wormleighton Res on 23rd, 18 atLighthorne Quarry on 25th and 16 at Charlecote GP on 28th. Passage continued fairlystrong until about October 17th, with a daily trickle of birds up to the last migrant recordedat Wormleighton Res on 31st. Four at Dosthill Lake on November 6th were presumablyincoming winter birds, and subsequently about 19 were reported, from: Abbots Salford,Brandon (two), Charlecote GP (two), Coton (two), Draycote (two), Fisher’s Mill GP, HamsHall/Ladywalk (two), near Kenilworth, Lea Marston, Longbridge STW (two), Packington,Salford Priors GP and Wormleighton Res.Worcs Good numbers arrived in the county on March 28th and the highest counts ofsinging males comprised three at The Gullet on 29th, six at Upton Warren between 29th-April 29th, nine in Happy Valley on 2nd, three at Bittell Reservoir, six at Grimley NewWorkings and four at Grimley Old Workings on 4th, three at Trimpley Reservoir on 5th andalong Dowles Brook, three on 8th preceded 10+ on 15th and 22nd, plus 15+ on 23rd.Elsewhere, Lion Wood held four on April 9th, six and five were at Hewell Grange on 10thand June 5th respectively, five along the canal at Hawford on April 14th, the Old Hills heldcounts of seven on 22nd, 13 on 28th and 19 on 29th and three were at Feckenham WyldeMoor on May 20th. During the first winter period, Lower Moor Sewage Works attractedmaximum counts of eight in January, 12 in February and 19 during the first half of March,whilst at Kempsey Sewage Works, four were noted on February 12th, five on 26th and oneon March 5th. One was at Oakley Pool on February 27th and three at Upton-upon-SevernSewage Works on March 3rd. During the autumn, Bredon Hill held 20 on September 4thand 15th, 40 on 19th, 20 on 22nd and 25 on 29th, whilst in Happy Valley, a strong passageof 100+ birds recorded on 17th and October 1st preceded smaller counts of 12 on 3rd, threeon 15th and two on 17th. Second winter period sightings comprised one at Grimley onOctober 29th, November 2nd and 3rd, followed by two on 11th and singles on December3rd, 27th, 28th and 31st, maximum counts of three and seven at Lower Moor SewageWorks in November and December respectively, whilst singles were noted in Happy Valleyon November 4th, Hewell Grange on 13th and Grimley Old Workings on 19th. Two wereat Broadway Gravel Pits on 23rd, one at Bredon’s Hardwick on December 8th, KempseySTW attracted three on 14th, four on 17th, five on 27th and six on 30th, whilst Upton-upon-Severn STW held six on 17th and five, including a bird ringed in Holland, weretrapped on 24th. Holt also held a single bird on 27th.Staffs In the first winter period, birds were seen at Brancote STW (three), Chasewater,

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Dosthill (two), Doxey, Drayton Bassett Pits (four), Kinver, River Sow Meadows (two) andTamworth. Spring migration probably commenced on March 25th with two at Belvide andDraycott-in-the-Clay and one at Keele University, with numbers building up thereafter andpeaking at 11 at Doxey on April 9th and 18 at Tittesworth on 15th. During the breedingseason the best reported sites were Bishop’s Wood, (15 territories), Belvide (10-12), Doxey(13) and Hanchurch Woods (eight). The Belvide Ringing Group ringed 115 birds of which95 were juveniles. In the autumn, double-figure falls of passage birds comprised 10 atBlithfield on August 26th, 16 at Byrkley Park on 29th, 10 at Belvide on September 14th,12 at Blithfield on 16th and 12 at Doxey on the late date of October 14th. An unusuallypale bird was seen at Croxall GP on December 18th RJJ which may represent a non-Britishsubspecies. Other sites holding wintering birds included Astonfields Balancing Lakes,Barton GP, Bednall, Belvide, Berry Hill, Black Bank, Byrkley Park, Dosthill (two), Doxey(three), Drayton Bassett Pits (four), Madeley STW, Norbury Bridge and River SowMeadows.W Mid Just one territory was recorded at Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to six last yearand well down on the average of 5.5 over the last 14 years. Also noted in the breedingseason at Allesley Park, Balsall Common, Birmingham, Black Patch Park, Blythe ValleyCP, Brueton Park, Castle Vale, Chadwick End, Coundon Wedge, Dartmouth Park,Dorridge, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, HamptonCoppice, Harborne NR, Hawne Park, Hobbs Hole, The Leasowes, Lutley, Marsh Lane NR(at least four territories), Marston Green, Nailcote, New Invention, Olton Mere, Park LimePits, Priory Fields (six birds late March), Rotton Park, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley(eight birds in April and May), Sheepwash UP (one or two pairs), Smestow Valley,Stivichall Memorial Park, Sutton Park, Warrens Hall LNR, West Bromwich, Whitley andWinson Green. Wintering birds included singles in Sandwell Valley on January 29th andFebruary 10th, Smestow Valley on December 11th and 19th, and Saltwells LNR on 21st.Recorded at Sheepwash UP during every month.

Scandinavian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita abietinusWorcs Kempsey STW held two on February 12th SMW, singles on 17th and 18th SMWand one from December 21st-31st AWa, SMW. The only other report came from LowerMoor, where one was observed on December 31st SMW.

Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita tristisWarks A single bird showing the full suite of characters of this subspecies, as well asthe characteristic call note, was watched at Salford Priors GP on December 17th JJB, andwas seen again there in early 2007.

Eastern type ChiffchaffWarks A greyish individual was photographed at Ladywalk in mid-December NGr.Worcs Lower Moor Sewage Works and surrounding area held one from February7th-28th RAP and one from December 21st to the years end, being joined by a second on31st RAP. A particularly pale bird was found at Kempsey Sewage Works on December12th SMW et al. and was joined by a second, almost identical looking individual on 17thSMW et al. and both remained on site to the years end. It was noticed, that from lateFebruary, both birds showed an extensive olive hue to the upper-parts, including on themantle, plus a photograph, showing the under-wing coverts of one of these birds, revealedyellow far more extensive then would be ideal for true tristis. The calls from both birds

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were of tristis, plus the distinctive song was heard on a several occasions during Januaryand February 2007, as was mixed singing (chiff chiff chaff, followed by tristis song) on oneoccasion. Due to the extensive olive and yellow colourations mentioned above, plus mixedsinging, it seems unlikely these birds were true Siberian Chiffchaffs. A third, darker birdwas trapped at Kempsey Sewage Works on December 24th WRG et al. and was still presenton 31st. All the above birds were considered to be either from the eastern population ofabietinus, abietinus x tristis, or possibly true tristis.

Willow Warbler X ChiffchaffWarks A bird singing a song with mixed species characteristics was at Temple Pool,Upton from at least May 1st-4th PDou, RJE. A bird with a similar song found just 5 km tothe south-south-west at Winderton Warren in June 2005 may well have been the sameindividual.Worcs Birds giving mixed song reported from Offerton Lane NR on April 15th and22nd and Upton Warren between June 22nd-26th.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilusVery common to abundant, but declining, summer resident. One winter record.Long-term Average: March 27th (72) to October 8th (72).8-year average: March 24th (–3 days) to October 8th (=).A very early arrival on March 8th at Doxey preceded the main arrivals at the end of themonth. Last seen on October 16th at Fenny Compton.Warks Sites which held six or morebreeding territories included: Bidford-Marlcliff (six along River Avon),Brandon (23), Chesterton Pools (12),Coton/Lea Marston Pools (20 in area),Dosthill/Fisher’s Mill GP area (12),Draycote (18), Fenny Compton (27 along1.5 km of the Oxford Canal), KingsburyWood (ten in 62ha), Priors Marston (14in 75ha of young forestry) and Whittle -ford Park (six). It was also reported to beabundant in June around Nunley Testtrack at Honiley. At Brandon it wasreported that although numbers werehigh in the spring the breeding seasonwas subsequently poor with less thanhalf the usual number ringed. The firstspring migrant was noted at Brandon onMarch 27th, with birds noted at fourother sites on succeeding days until themain influx began on 31st. Counts onspring passage included 17 at Worm -leighton Res on April 7th, 12 atKingsbury WP on 15th, 20 at Ladywalkon 18th and 30 at Draycote on 19th. Post-breeding counts included a fall of 18 at Wormleighton Res and 11 at Fenny Compton STW

Willow Warbler, Westport, Dave Kelsall

on August 7th, and ten at Seeswood Pool on 24th. Autumn migrants continued to bereported regularly until the last bird was seen at Ilmington Downs on October 3rd. Subse -quently there were two late migrants, at Brandon on October 14th and in a Fenny Comptongarden on 16th.Worcs Numbers up on recent years along the Dowles Brook, with 10+ singing malesreported between April 15th-May 23rd, then 15+ on June 13th. Elsewhere singing malesreported from many localities from across the county, the best site counts being five atArrow Valley North, six at Beoleylade, five at Bittell Reservoir, 10 at British Camp, 10+at Burlish Top, nine in Happy Valley, three at Ipsley Alders, six at Lower Moor, nine on theOld Hills, 10 at Throckmorton Lagoons, five at Upton Warren, 10 on Walton Hill and eightat Wyre Piddle Business Park. The first spring arrival was noted at Upton Warren on March29th and post-breeding sightings comprised six at Croome Landscape Park on August 6th,Bredon Hill held 10 on September 4th, then two on 18th and one on 22nd, Happy Valleyheld 40+ on 10th and 17th, plus 25+ on October 1st, whilst singles were observed atWinyates Green on September 12th and at Upper Bittell Reservoir on October 1st.Staffs Although the first Willow Warbler was heard singing at Doxey on March 8th, thenext was not until 28th at Wolseley Bridge. Significant numbers of migrants were notreported until well into April when 15 were seen at Chasewater on the 14th, 25 at Tittes -worth on the 15th, 12 at Kinver Edge on the 23rd, 14 at Highgate Common on the 26th and41 at Bishops Wood on the 27th. During the breeding season the best sites were HanchurchWoods and Park Hall CP, both with 20, Doxey (18), Coombes Valley (14) and at BateswoodNR (six pairs) and Tittesworth Reservoir. Apart from an early accumulation of 18 at Doxeyon August 18th the autumn migration was quite quiet, with a maximum of six birdsreported at Tittesworth on September 8th and at Doxey on the 17th. The final sighting ofthe year was of two birds at Doxey on October 1st.W Mid Singing birds were noted in the breeding season at Aldridge, Chadwick End,Coundon Wedge, Dartmouth Park, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools (tenbirds in April), Fibbersley (three or four pairs), Hampton Coppice, Harborne, Marsh LaneNR (estimated four pairs), Marston Green, Monkspath, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits,Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley (nine counted in April), Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley,Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, Warstock, West Bromwich, Whitley, Winson Green andWorlds End. However, just one was heard singing along an eight mile transect of theStratford-upon-Avon and Worcester and Birmingham Canals from Warstock to Edgbastonin May and June. For the second year running, none were noted on the Mons Hill CBCplot, where up to three pairs bred regularly until 1998.

Goldcrest Regulus regulusVery common resident and winter visitor.Warks Eight territories were located in deciduous, Pedunculate Oak Quercus roburdominant, woodland and scrub at Yarningale Common. Four territories in 40 ha atOldberrow compares to three in 2005. Outside the breeding season parties of up to a dozenwere widely reported. The largest counts involved an influx of 25 along the Oxford Canalat Fenny Compton on September 23rd, 18 at Napton Hill on October 13th and at least 70in Oakley Wood on December 9th.Worcs Very little breeding season data was received, with single breeding pairs reportedfrom Evesham and Worcester, plus a singing male was observed at Little Comberton onMay 3rd. During the first winter period, Kempsey STW held five on February 19th and 12on 26th and post-breeding reports included 30 on Bredon Hill on September 22nd, whilst

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during October, Happy Valley produced counts of 20+ on 1st, 15 on 3rd and 15th, plus 18on 18th and British Camp held 15 on 13th and 10 on 17th.Staffs Unlike last year, peak numbers were reported in late winter rather than autumn,with up to 20 at Brocton Coppice in January and 37 in Hanchurch Woods in February.Breeding reports came from Beech West, Belvide (three pairs may have bred, threejuveniles were seen), Hanchurch Woods (four+), Strawberry Hill and Weston Jones. Theonly double-figure counts in the second winter period were 12 at Tittesworth on November4th-5th and 10 at Hanchurch Woods on December 17th.W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, compared to fourpairs last year, but nevertheless representing a sustained increase on the average of 1.6 overthe last 14 years. Birds were also noted in the breeding season at Alcester, Coundon Wedge,Edgbaston Reservoir, Haden Hill Park, Harborne, Hawne Park, Marsh Lane NR, ParkLime Pits, Saltwells Wood, Smestow Valley (at least three pairs), Sutton Park, Warstockand Westwood Heath. Seven birds were counted at Priory Fields on March 23rd, with fivenoted at Marsh Lane NR in March, August and October, and Edgbaston Reservoir on July24th. Smaller numbers were recorded at Black Patch Park, Daisy Bank, The Dingles,Dorridge, Halesowen, Hall Green, Hampstead, Hay Tor, Mary Stevens Park, Olton Mere,Penn, Priory Fields, Rotton Park, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Trittiford Park, WarleyWoods, Winson Green, Wordsley and Worlds End.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapillaScarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare breeding species.Warks The only acceptable reports concerned the overwintering bird from 2005 againseen at Farnborough Park on January 9th and 23rd JJB, and a singing male at Brandon onApril 20th BMCG. Unfortunately no birds returned to the 2005 breeding site.Worcs The sole county record came from Kempsey STW, where a male was presentfrom February 11th-March 22nd MAS et al.Staffs Two birds were seen from the New Year at Baggeridge CP, incredibly remaininginto May when the female was seen brooding at a nest site GWr, SEd. The eggs neverhatched but nevertheless this was the first record of a Firecrest breeding attempt in thecounty. It is most unusual for UK Firecrests to winter at their eventual nest site, this onlybeing known to happen at one location in Norfolk. Elsewhere, birds move away from theirbreeding sites in winter. The only other record was of a male at Belvide on April 3rd SNu.W Mid One visited a Marston Green garden on October 31st per RJK.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striataFairly common, though much declined, summer resident.Long-term average: May 3rd (70) to September 29th (70).8-year average: April 30th (–3 days) to September 29th (=).An early arrival on April 22nd at Upton Warren; the last being seen on October 1st atHappy Valley.Warks Another good year was recorded in the south of the county, with a continued risein woodland territories. Breeding pairs were located at: Admington, Alderminster, AlscotPark, Arbury Park, Avon Dassett, Bentley Park Wood, Bishop’s Itchington (two), Chering -ton, Compton Verney (two), Crimscote, Ettington, Farnborough Park (nine, cf. only twoin 2005), Fenny Compton (nine), Great Alne, Halford (two), Haseley, Honington (six),Hounds Hill, Idlicote (nine in parish, of which six in woodland), Ilmington (eight), Knaven -hill, Lighthorne, Morton Bagot (two), Newbold-on-Stour (two), Nunley Wood (two),

Packington Park (at least two), Pillerton Hersey (five), Pillerton Priors, Preston-on-Stour(two), Sawbridge, Shipston STW, Talton Park, Tredington (eight in parish), Ufton, UptonPark (two) and Worm leighton.The first spring migrantsappeared at Brandon andDraycote (two) on May 3rd,with further birds noted atMarston Jabbett on 4th andSeeswood Pool on 5th. Themain arrival commenced onMay 7th. The largest post-breeding party was one of ten atFarnborough Park on August5th. In the north of the countymigrant parties of four-fivelingered at Alvecote, Ladywalkand Seeswood during lateAugust and early September,while the last reports concerned two at Brandon and two at Compton Verney on September22nd.Worcs 23 pairs were located around Bredon Hill, with 51 nest monitored throughout thebreeding season. By the end of June 63% of nests had failed, due to shortage of food andpredation, but later attempts fared better, with a 22% failure rate and an overall average offour young fledged per nesting pair. Pairs (single unless stated) nested at Birchwood,Bodenham Arboretum, Eymore Wood, Grimley, Old Storridge, Stoke Bliss (four), TheKnapp and Upton Warren village. Singles or pairs were also reported during the breedingseason at Abberton, Birchen coppice, British Camp, Chase End Hill, Cofton RichardsFarm, Dowles Brook, Grafton Manor, Hanbury Hall, Hewell Grange, Ipsley Alders,Kempsey, Langdale Wood, Lydiate Ash, Nineveh, Old Hills, Park Brook, Pipers Hill Wood,Rock Coppice, Sally Beds, Westwood Pool and Whiteleaved Oak, but some of theserecords may have referred to passage birds. Three were also noted at Lulsley on July 4th.A particularly early spring migrant was reported from Upton Warren on April 22nd.During the late summer and autumn, Croome Landscape Park held five on July 25th, 15on August 1st and 10 on 9th, singles were at Grimley New Workings on July 29th, August24th, 26th and September 5th, followed by two on 13th, four were noted at Sedge Greenon August 2nd, one at Stoke Bliss on 3rd and three just north of Bevere Lock on 5th and19th. On Bredon Hill, three were at the summit tower on August 8th, the southern sideproduced counts of seven on 16th, 12 on 20th, 15+ on 24th and singles on 27th and 28th,whilst the north/eastern corner, above Elmley Castle recorded 10 on 30th, 15 on September1st and 4th, 10 on 7th, six on 9th, 16 on 15th, five on 18th and two on 21st and 22nd. Threeat Trimpley Reservoir on August 12th, increased to 11 on September 5th, one was atHurcott Pool on August 16th, one at Lower Moor on 18th, two at Lower Smite Farm on19th, one in Monk Wood on 24th, one at Birtsmorton Pools on 25th, four at Bredon’sHardwick on 17th and one at Dowles Brook on 28th. Other September records comprisedsingles at both Lower Smite Farm and Upton Warren on 3rd, four on Kempsey Commonon 4th, two at Grafton Wood on 6th and two at British Camp on 11th. The final report wasof a late departing juvenile, observed in Happy Valley on October 1st.Staffs As in 2005 spring migration was pretty quiet, mostly ones and twos. Starting

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Spotted Flycatcher, Draycote, Steve Valentine

with singles at Seven Springs and Sherbrook Valley on April 30th there were small peaksof six at Belvide on May 6th and Ingestre on the 23rd and of five at Tittesworth on the 21st.It was good to see breeding/territories reported from 28 locations, of which 16 were on theNorth Staffs Moors: Alstonefield (three males), Back Forest, Belvide (two pairs),Blithfield (two+), Brund, Chapel Chorlton (two), Coombes Valley (five), Crossplains area(five), Crumpwood (pair fledged four young), Dovedale, Ellastone, Gradbach, GreenwayBank, Ilam, Ingestre, Kinver, Knypersley Reservoir, Lichfield, Revidge, Seven Springs,Swallow Moss, Three Shires Head, Tittesworth (two-three), Tixall (two), Warslow (two),Waterfall Low, Waterhouses and Winkhill. Autumn migration was, if anything, a quieteraffair with a maximum of six birds reported from Gailey on September 4th and eight atIngestre on 7th. Last records of the year were singles at Belvide, Doxey and Gailey onSeptember 17th, Byrkley Park on 21st and Penkridge Bank on 25th.W Mid Thought possibly to have bred in Smethwick, where two visited a garden on June17th and 21st. A pair raised two young in Berkswell churchyard, where one remained untilSeptember 7th. In August, there was at Hockley Heath on 9th; one in Sandwell Valley on14th, with two on 15th and one on 21st; one in Goscote Valley on 14th and 16th, with fouron 26th; and one at Dunstall Park on 24th. More were sighted in September, with two atMarsh Lane NR and Sheepwash UP and one at Saltwells LNR on 4th, three on 11th andone still the next day, and singles at Dorridge on 6th, Smestow Valley on 6th and 15th,Sandwell Valley on 18th and Coundon Wedge on 29th.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleucaFrequent and increasing summer resident and passage migrant, though breeding regularlyonly in Staffs and Worcs.Long-term average: April 20th (60) to September 11th (41).8-year average: April 13th (–7 days) to September 11th (=).An early arrival on April 9th at BaggeridgeCP; the last at Sling Pool Plantation onSeptember 19th.Warks No records, for the first time since1972.Worcs Only seven nest boxes wereoccupied and 48 young fledged on thesouthern Malvern Hills compared to 11nests in 2005, when 57 were fledged. Thefirst singing male was noted on RaggedstoneHill on April 21st, whilst away from the nestbox scheme, a singing male was reported atBritish Camp on May 25th. Elsewhere,Dowles Brook held a pair on April 30th, twomales on May 4th, three males on 11th andsingles on June 24th and July 30th. A pairfledged six young from a nest box inChaddesley Wood, where the male was firstreported singing on May 10th. The onlyautumn sighting came from Holt, where ajuvenile was observed on September 19th atSling Pool Plantation.

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Pied Flycatcher, Bearda Hill, Dave Kelsall

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Staffs Pied Flycatchers were found at some 17 sites throughout the county after a firstrecord from Baggeridge CP on April 9th, then Coombes Valley on 15th. Away from thebreeding sites, spring migrants were seen at Bearda on April 20th, Rudyard Lake on May5th (male) and Doxey on 12th (male). Although the majority of individual records camefrom various sites around Cannock Chase, Coombes Valley held an amazing 41 pairs ofwhich 39 nested in boxes and produced 200 juveniles which were subsequently ringed!Five was the next highest figure, at Dimmingsdale. Breeding was also reported fromBarleighford (failed – nest box collapsed), Cannock Chase (two pairs), Consall CP (twopairs), Greenway Bank/Knypersley, Hawksmoor (two pairs, one successful) and Tittes -worth (two males). A male on territory at Deep Hayes CP failed to attract a mate. Autumnpassage produced just two females/immatures at Blithfield on August 26th, oneremaining until 28th, one at Byrkley Park on September 10th and finally an immature atBelvide on 17th.W Mid A male was seen near Olton railway station on April 19th-20th.

1995 AddendumWarks A male in Warwick Castle Park on May 1st brings that year’s total to eight.

Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicusRare winter visitor, much reduced since 1994 (6/10).Warks The male from the end of last year remained at Napton Res until at least March22nd JJB et al, although it was often very difficult to locate. At least two were heard thereon October 18th JJB but not subsequently.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatusCommon to very common resident.Warks Four breeding pairs were located at both Wormleighton Res and YarningaleCommon. The largest reported flocks were of 35 at both Oldbury on January 11th andCompton Verney on 20th, 45 at Kingsbury WP on 21st, and then in autumn 35 were at bothNapton Hill on October 13th and Fenny Compton Hills on 14th, with 40 at Napton Res on18th. Counts of around 20-30 were also noted during the year at: Brailes Hill, Brandon,Charlecote GP, Coleshill STW, Draycote, Earlswood, Edge Hill, Farnborough Park, Fisher’sMill GP, Ladywalk, Newbold Comyn, Salford Priors GP, Weston-on-Avon andWormleighton Res.Worcs No breeding data received and the only counts comprised 42 at Lower Moor onJuly 6th and 25 on Bredon Hill on September 4th.Staffs Reported from 39 sites with the larger counts as follows: 29 at West End Stokeon May 6th, 25 at Brown Lees on July 26th, 33 at Doxey August on 13th and September16th, 30 at Weaver Hills on October 29th, 32 at Brookley’s Lake on November 5th and 31at Doxey on December 17th. At Belvide, an adult ringed on August 5th 2005 (APK 392)was retrapped on January 17th and again on May 2nd 2006. Likewise a juvenile ringed onJuly 11th 2004 (1U 9019) was re-trapped on August 1st. Both birds have showed sitefidelity and survival through one or two mild winters.W Mid Just one territory was noted on the Mons Hill CBC plot, the lowest since surveysbegan and a dramatic decline on last year’s three and the average of 3.1 over the last 14years. Other breeding season records came from Aldridge, Allesley Park, Coundon Wedge,Dorridge, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, The Leasowes, Lutley, MarshLane NR (at least five pairs), Nailcote, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits, Saltwells LNR,

Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley and Sutton Park. Counts included partiesof 17 at Fens Pools in January, 15 at The Dingles on February 28th, up to 23 in SmestowValley in June and July, up to 20 at Marsh Lane NR from September 29th till the end ofthe year, 20 along Salter’s Lane, Sandwell Valley, on October 12th and about 60 in a mixedflock of tits at Ladywood on December 21st.

Marsh Tit Poecile palustrisFairly common resident.Warks At least ten breeding pairs were located in the Hounds Hill-Knavenhill Wood-Ettington Grove area. Other pairs bred at: Armscote, Billesley (five), Bishop’s Hill,Compton Verney, Coombe Abbey, Crackley Wood, Earlswood, Ettington Park (three),Farnborough Park (two), Fenny Compton (two), Hampton Wood, Honington, Idlicote Hills(two), Ilmington (five), Nunley Wood, Oakley Wood (two), Oversley Wood, PillertonHersey, Pillerton Priors, Ryton Wood, Snitterfield Bushes, Stockton, Tredington, WarwickCastle Park and Wormleighton Res (two-three). It was reported during the year from 54sites across southern and central parts of the county, but the only northern recordconcerned two at Ladywalk on March 23rd. Winter counts included ten at Coombe Abbeyon February 10th and 11 at Compton Verney on December 6th.Worcs During the breeding season, six territories were held along Dowles Brook, a pairfledged five young from a nest box at Bodenham Arboretum, a single pair was at bothAyton’s Heath and Birchen Coppice, one or two pairs at Brazier’s Coppice, one at ChaseEnd Wood, one at Hewell Grange, a pair at Tiddesley Wood and reported as abundant onthe slopes of Bredon Hill throughout the year. During the first winter period, one wasreported from Southcrest Wood on January 2nd and six pairs were on Bredon Hill on 26th.Autumn and second winter period sightings comprised one at Westmancote on August 8th,one at Grafton Wood on September 6th, a pair at Elmley Castle on 8th, two at SouthcrestWood on 12th, one at Mill Shrub Pool (a local rarity) on 17th and December 17th, a pairat Drakes Broughton on September 24th, singles at Pipers Hill Wood and St. Ann’s Well onNovember 1st, whilst Dowles Brook held three on 23rd and four on December 27th.Staffs Breeding was confirmed at just five sites on the northern moorland with sixterritories along Dovedale, two at Lode Mill and one at Weags Barn Reserve and WolfscoteDale. An adult and two juveniles were observed at Waterhouses. A widespread number ofsightings in late spring/summer came from Alrewas (six), Aqualate, Baggeridge CP,Belvide (two), Byrkley Park, Dydon Wood, Keele University, Martha’s Grave – CannockChase, Middleton Lakes, Tittesworth and Weston Jones Mill. Birds were seen regularly allyear at Aqualate and Byrkley Park. In the first winter period one was regular at BaggeridgeCP and two at Doley Common. January sightings also came from Apedale CP, Blithfield,Brocton Coppice, Castern Wood NR (two), Flashbrook Wood, Highgate Common (three),Marquis Drive (two), Soles Hill (two) and Weags Bridge (two). February sightings werefrom Branston WP and Hanchurch Woods (two). In the second winter period regular atBaggeridge CP (two), Blithfield, Belvide (three) and Doley Common (two) withSeptember sightings from Gailey and Martha’s Grave – Cannock Case, in October fromCaltonmoor (two), Tittesworth and Weag’s Bridge and in December from Greenway BankCP, Hanchurch Woods, Himley, Parkhall CP (two) and Wettonmill.W Mid One was present in Sandwell Valley in January, with two in April and one inOctober SBo, per MWe. Single birds were noted at Marsh Lane NR from March 19th-24th,September 23rd-24th and December 26th per NPB, GPR, with possibles on June 27th andJuly 7th. Individuals were also noted at Barston on January 6th CBis, The Dingles on

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March 2nd JNea, Bradnocks Marsh on September 14th per NPB and the Birmingham sideof Lickey Hills in April SBo.

Willow Tit Poecile montanaFairly common, but decreasing, resident.Warks This is probably one of the fastest declining birds in the county. During thebreeding season pairs were located at: Brandon (now probably just one pair), BrownsoverMill, Coton/Lea Marston Pools, Ensors Pool, Fenny Compton (four), Fisher’s Mill GP,Haseley, Ilmington, Kingsbury (two), Ladywalk, Napton Hill, Newbold Comyn, Shustoke,Stoneton, Ufton Fields, Whitacre Heath NR, Whittleford Park and Wormleighton Res(three). At Knightcote where until recently there were several pairs, only one unmated birdsang during the spring but was not seen after September. Habitat conditions here remainunaltered suggesting that something more insidious such as a virus may be responsible forthe decline. Other sites with sightings, many of which were just wandering birds outside thebreeding season, were: Alvecote, Avon Dassett, Billesley, Brailes Hill, Charlecote GP,Chesterton, Draycote, Guy’s Cliffe (another regular site left untenanted after the end ofJanuary), Hampton Wood, Lighthorne Pools, Maxstoke, Middleton, Nuneaton (Camp Hill),Priors Hardwick, Priors Marston, Ryton Wood, Weddington and Windmill Hill NR. In thefar south-west where it is now very rare, singles were noted at Abbots Salford (in song) onFebruary 12th and Salford Priors GP on September 10th. The best counts came again fromWormleighton Reservoir, with eight on September 11th and seven on December 7th.Worcs Now on the verge of extinction as a breeding species in the county, with the onlyreport of a pair on breeding territory coming from Bittell Reservoir. In comparison,breeding territories were reported from 25 localities in 1998, reducing to 15 by 2000,whilst between 10-12 locations held singles or pairs between 2001-2004 and just six in2005. Singles were also noted at Upton Warren on April 2nd, Trench Wood on 12th andBirchen Coppice on July 20th. During the first winter period one was at Lower BittellReservoir and two at Pitcher Oak Wood on January 1st, singles at Arrow Valley Lake on15th, 22nd and February 5th and Kyre On January 30th. In August, one was in a garden atLink Top on 7th and one at Grimley Old Workings on 17th and 28th, whilst singles wereobserved at Upper Bittell Reservoir on September 10th and 26th, at Mill Shrub Pool on26th, October 1st, November 2nd and December 1st, Lower Bittell Reservoir on October29th, Monk Wood on November 12th and Grimley Old Workings between 17th-December28th. Due to the scarcity of this species in the county and its similarities to Marsh Tit, itwill be added to the list of birds requiring a description from January 2007.Staffs Breeding pairs confirmed from just three sites this year: Croxall GP, CuckooBank and Doxey where two pairs attempted, one being successful. Birds were also presentin the breeding season at Aqualate, Belvide, Branston GP, Branston WP, Broad Heath,Chasewater, Drayton Bassett Pits, Kinver, Knypersley, Meir, Park Hall CP (four), RiverSow Meadows Baswich and Tittesworth. Up to five birds were present all year at Aqualate,six at Belvide, two at Branston WP, six at Chasewater, two at Doxey, three at Knypersley,two at Meir, five at Park Hall CP, two at River Sow Meadows and four at Westport. In thefirst winter period, birds were seen at Alrewas, Apedale CP, Astonfields Balancing Lakes,Baggeridge CP, Beeston Tor, Blithfield (four), Brocton Coppice, Byrkley Park, Croxall,Crumpwood, Dosthill, Drayton Bassett Pits, Dunstall, Elford GP, Ellenhall, Ford GreenNR, Hanchurch Woods, Kemsey Manor, Lightwood, Little Stoke, Oldacre Valley, SevenSprings, Sherbrook Valley, Tittesworth, Weeping Cross, Weston Jones and WhitemoorHaye. In the second winter period reported at Alton (Park Banks Wood), Apedale CP,

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Baggeridge CP, Black Bank, Blithfield, Clay Mills, Consall CP, Croxall, Croxden Quarry,Cuckoo Bank (five), Dydon Wood, Essington Quarry Pool, Gailey, Hanchurch Woods,Madeley STW, Martha’s Grave, Milldale, Needwood House, Sugnall Park, Tittesworth,Tixall Bridge and Weston Jones.W Mid One territory was recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. two pairs last yearand an average of 1.0 over the last 14 years). Also noted in the breeding season at CoftonPark, the Birmingham side of Lickey Hills, Marsh Lane NR, Sandwell Valley (at least fourbirds in April) and Smestow Valley (at least two pairs). Also seen at Dunstall Park, FensPools, Packhorse Bridge NR, Saltwells LNR, Trittiford Pool and Turners Hill.

Coal Tit Periparus aterCommon to very common resident and irruptive winter visitor.Warks The only noteworthy record involved a party of 12 on the Fenny Compton Hillson October 8th.Worcs Few reports were received of this relatively common breeding resident. Fourpairs, fledged 21 young from nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum, a pair, with fourfledglings were observed at Kinsham Lake on June 20th, seven birds were counted atHollywood on July 10th and a juvenile was at Throckmorton Tip on 12th. The only winterreports came from Kinsham Lake, a Malvern Link garden, which held singles betweenJanuary 13th-March 24th and one was at Lower Moor on January 18th.Staffs Double-figure counts came from Park Hall CP on March 1st (12), Bishop’sWood on April 27th (18) and Jackson’s Bank (10) on October 19th.W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, a notable increaseon last year’s one and the average of 1.9 over the last 14 years. Other breeding seasonrecords came from Alcester, Dorridge, Ham Dingle, Handsworth, Hay Head Wood, MarshLane NR, Moseley Park, Portway, Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley and Smestow Valley.Also noted at Allesley, Blythe Valley, Coombeswood, Coundon Wedge, Daisy Bank, TheDingles, Edgbaston Reservoir, Finchfield, Haden Hill Park, Halesowen, Hall Green,Hawne Park, The Leasowes, Mary Stevens Park, Old Swinford, Penn, Priory Fields,Sheepwash UP, Sutton Park, Tilehouse Green, Warstock and Whitley. Seven were countedin a Moseley garden on September 16th.

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleusAbundant resident.Warks 122 young fledged from 17 nest boxes at Brandon. A continued increase wasnoted at Morton Bagot, with 21 territories in 120 ha, compared with 17 in 2005 and 15 in2004. 17 territories in 40 ha at Oldberrow was unchanged from 2005. Numerous parties ofaround 20-35 were reported during the year from all parts of the county. Amongst the bettercounts were 40 at Ladywalk on February 17th, 40 by the Oxford Canal at Fenny Comptonon September 23rd and 50 at Farnborough Park on November 6th. 54 were located in 1km2of farmland at Wormleighton on November 27th. A uniformly pale yellow xanthochroisticbird visited a Fenny Compton garden on March 12th with possibly a different individualthere from November 10th-16th.Worcs 16 nest boxes were occupied, fledging 124 young at Bodenham Arboretum, asingle brood fledged at Timberhonger, but several nest also failed here and a count of 21was made at Ipsley Alders on March 18th.Staffs Two pairs bred at Doley Common (cf. 10 in 2005) and 13 at Doxey (cf. 10 in2005). Larger flocks were reported from Doxey on February 1st (29), Tittesworth on April

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4th (25), Black Bank on August 5th (30), Apedale CP on 24th (27), Black Bank onSeptember 20th (40), Doxey on November 19th (27) and Madeley STW on December13th (32).W Mid The Mons Hill CBC plot held 13 territories, marking a continued decline since20 in 2002 and down on the average of 17.2 over the last 14 years. No changes in statuswere noted at Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. Maximum countsincluded 55 in Coundon Wedge in February (cf. high of 54 last year in same month), 32 atNailcote in April, 22 at Fens Pools in November, and 25 in an Acocks Green garden and22 in Sandwell Valley in December.

Great Tit Parus majorAbundant resident.Warks 115 young fledged from 23 nest boxes at Brandon. Census data produced 13territories in 120 ha at Morton Bagot (cf. 11 in 2005) and 12 in 40 ha at Oldberrow (cf. sixin 2005). Good-sized counts during the year included 33 at Alvecote on January 4th, 30 atLadywalk in January-February, 39 at Earlswood Lakes on April 26th, 22 at Wormleightonon November 27th, and 31 at Brandon on December 17th. Easily the largest flock to bereported was one of 60 feeding on beech mast at Ilmington Downs on October 27th.Worcs Nine pairs fledged 53 young from nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum, a singlebrood fledged at Timberhonger but, like Blue Tit, several nests also failed. Ipsley Aldersheld 24 on March 18th and a maximum of 19 were observed during December at LittleComberton.Staffs Larger flocks were reported from Marquis Drive on January 5th (23), CaldonCanal at Ladderedge on 24th (20), Doxey on February 1st (27) Tittesworth on April 4th(25) and June 3rd (20) and Black Bank on August 5th (20). Nine pairs bred at Doxey (asin 2005).W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, 30 territories were identified, the most sincesurveys began and significant increases on both the 23 of last year and the average of 20.6over the last 14 years. No changes in status were noted at Saltwells LNR, Sheepwash UPand Smestow Valley. Maximum counts included 21 at Fens Pools in January, 27 at TheDingles and 21 at Balsall Common in February, 31 at Nailcote in April and 50 in SandwellValley in July.

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaeaFairly common to common resident.Warks Breeding pairs were reported from: Alscot Park, Bentley Park Wood, Billesley(three), Brandon, Charlecote Park (three), Compton Verney (four), Coombe Abbey, Earls -wood Lakes (four in area), Farnborough Park (two), Honington, Idlicote, Ilmington, Kings -bury Wood (three), Knavenhill Wood (five), Middleton Hall (two), Nunley Wood, OakleyWood (five), Pillerton Hersey, Ryton Wood, Tredington, Upton Park (two), Wilmcote,Wormleighton Res (the first successful breeding pair here) and Yarningale Common (two).Worcs At least five pairs bred at Stoke Bliss, two pairs occupied nest boxes at Boden -ham Arboretum, both fledging four young, seven birds were counted at Hewell Grange onApril 12th, a pair was at British Camp on July 29th and reported as resident at Bredon Hill,Croome Landscape Park, Tiddesley Wood and Wood Norton. Outside the breeding season,two were in Chase End Wood on January 1st, one at Little Comberton on September 17th,two at Nimmings on November 1st and one at Coombegreen Common on 11th.Staffs Three pairs bred at Belvide (up from one in 2000-2005), one at Biddulph

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(Newpool), Ingestre, Keele University, Tixall Bridge and three pairs were observed atRiver Sow Meadows, Baswich. Outside the breeding season there were four at Aqualate,Baggeridge CP and Knypersley, and three at Elford GP, Greenway Bank CP, HanchurchWoods and Moddershall. Counts of one or two birds were reported throughout the county.W Mid One territory was recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, cf. two last year, butmarking only the fourth successive year of the species presence here. Other breedingseason records were made at Allesley Park, Balsall Common, Coundon Wedge, DartmouthPark, Dorridge, Edgbaston Reservoir, Hay Head Wood, Lightwoods Park, Marsh Lane NR,Moseley Park, Olton Mere, Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley, Solihull,Sutton Park, Warley Woods and Westwood Heath. Also noted at Alcester, Bentley Heath,Berkswell, Blythe Valley CP, Cannon Hill Park The Dingles, Hall Green, Harborne, HawnePark, Hobs Moat Woods, The Leasowes, Mary Stevens Park, Nailcote, Penn, Priory Fields,Selly Oak Park, Senneleys Park and Trittiford Park. A remarkable 25 birds counted inSutton Park on February 7th, with five noted in Coundon Wedge, The Dingles, Nailcoteand Senneleys Park early in the year.

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiarisCommon resident.Warks Counts of breeding pairs/singing males included four along the River Itchenbelow Knightcote, five along the River Stour at Tredington, and five at both WormleightonRes and Yarningale Common.Worcs Two pairs each fledged four young from nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum,two were noted at Hewell Grange on April 12th, three at British Camp on July 29th andreported as resident at Bredon hill, Lower Moor, Tiddesley Wood and Wood Norton.Staffs Breeding records came from typical woodland habitat: Burnt Wood, Doxey,Rudyard Lake and Tittesworth. Six at Brocton Coppice and five at Coombes Valley andSherbrook Valley were the highest counts, otherwise one to four birds were reported from33 other sites throughout the county.W Mid One territory was identified on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. two last year and theaverage of 1.3 over the last 14 years). Other breeding season records came from CoundonWedge, Harborne NR, Marsh Lane NR (at least two pairs), Marston Green, Olton Mere,Saltwells Wood, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley and Sutton Park. Also present at TheDingles, Hay Head Wood (four birds noted on January 30th), The Leasowes, PackhorseBridge NR, Priory Fields, Trittiford Park and Warley Woods.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurioRare passage migrant. Formerly bred (5/10).Staffs A juvenile bird discovered at Berry Hill on October 15th remained until 23rdCSi et al. Given that this was the first county bird since one at Chapel Chorlton in June1956, it duly attracted a large number of admirers and county listers!

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitorRare or scarce passage migrant and winter visitor (9/10).Warks A single bird was watched closely in a garden on the very edge of Kenilworth onDecember 29th CCo. It was seen to pounce on what appeared to be either a Wren orpossibly a mouse before flying off across the fields towards Fernhill Farm but, despiteseveral searches over the following weeks, it could not be relocated in this area.Staffs The wintering bird at Catholme/Walton-on-Trent/Barton GP remained from

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New Year until April 15th many observers. Another was seen on April 8th at BelvideSNu, BSm.

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandariusFairly common to common resident.Warks Significant counts included nine at Alvecote on January 4th, seven at SalfordPriors GP on April 23rd and September 10th, and 11 at Brandon on September 16th, withten there in November-December.Worcs No breeding data was received. The only records received were of two on Castle -morton Common on February 19th, three at Rowney Green on March 24th, two onKempsey Common on September 4th and three on Castlemorton Common on October 29th.Staffs No breeding records received but reported throughout the year with six atBelvide and five at River Sow Meadows in April, seven at Park Hall CP in May, six atChasewater in August and 12 at Cuckoo Bank in October.W Mid There was one territory on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. the same the last twoyears and the average of 1.3 over the last 14 years). Also recorded in the breeding seasonat Acocks Green, Aldridge, Brueton Park, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Dunstall Park,Harborne NR, Hay Head Wood, The Leasowes, Marsh Lane NR, Marston Green, Nailcote,Park Lime Pits, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley andSutton Park. Also noted at Alcester, Balsall Common, Blythe Valley CP, Bournville, TheDingles, Edgbaston Reservoir, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Kings Norton,Kingswinford, Old Swinford, Olton Mere, Penn, Priory Fields, Wake Green, WarleyWoods, Warstock and Yew Tree. High counts included six at Saltwells LNR on March 16thand five in Coundon Wedge in September.

Magpie Pica picaVery common resident.Warks The only counts of 20 or more comprised: 28 at Ladywalk and 20 at Brandon on

Red-backed Shrike, Berry Hill, Dave Kelsall

February 7th, 35 at Alvecote on 8th, 28 at Coton/Lea Marston Pools on May 16th, and 25roosting at Wormleighton Res on November 9th. An enterprising bird at Avon Dassettduring the summer regularly entered a kitchen to steal cat food!Worcs No breeding data received. 55 roosted at Castlemorton Common on February2nd, whilst other notable counts included 21 at Ipsley Alders on September 30th, 30+ atMalvern Link on October 13th, 20 on Castlemorton Common on 17th and 31 at Bredon’sHardwick on November 28th.Staffs Two pairs bred at Doley (as 2005) and 10 at Doxey (up from six in 2005). Largeflocks throughout the year at Berry Hill peaked at 48 on March 25th, likewise at Doxeywith 36 on November 12th. In addition, there were 40 at Apedale CP on January 2nd, 45at Chasewater on March 18th and 70 at Chasewater on October 11th.W Mid Five territories on the Mons Hill CBC plot represented the lowest total sincesurveys began (cf. seven last year and the average of 7.4 over the last 14 years). No changesin status were noted at Saltwells LNR and Smestow Valley. “Hundreds” of birds roosted atSheepwash UP during both winter periods. Specific winter counts included 128 at OltonMere on January 3rd, 65 at Shirley on 7th, 49 at Fens Pools on 19th, 130 at Saltwells LNRon 21st, 50 at Hay Head Wood on 30th, 50 by Longmoor Pool (Sutton Park) on February4th and 92 at Olton Mere on December 5th.

Western Jackdaw Corvus monedulaVery common resident.Warks The only breeding records of note were nine pairs in 40 ha of farmland atOldberrow (cf. seven in 2005) and ten pairs at Tredington church. The largest counts camefrom winter roosts, with 750 at Calcutt Spinney on January 5th and a peak of 1000 in aregular roost at Ennister Wood (Ragley estate) on December 3rd. Other sizeable flock countsincluded 420 at Chesterton on January 25th, 500 at Salford Priors on February 12th, 415 atCrimscote on July 10th, 340 at Draycote village on October 25th and 405 at Wormleightonon November 27th. Flocks of around 150-300 were also noted during the year at: AbbotsSalford, Billesley, Brailes Hill, Farnborough, Fenny Compton, Halford, Hodnell, IlmingtonDowns, Knightcote, Priors Hardwick, Tredington, Ufton, Umberslade, Wasperton andWatergall. A bird sporting extensive white patches in the wings was at Wasperton on January13th, while a single bird with a distinct neck collar resembling an eastern race C. m.monedula or C. m. soemmeringii was seen in a flock at Alvecote on October 21st RLS.Although plumage variation in our own subspecies makes any identification of these racespractically impossible, the date is certainly suggestive for a continental visitor.Worcs A pair fledged four young from a nest box at Bodenham Arboretum, whilst thebest counts received were of 40+ at Webheath on January 1st, 50+ on Conderton Hill onFebruary 19th, 200 at Wick on 28th, 40 at Hollywood on July 10th, 200+ at BittellReservoir on September 26th, 100+ at Upton Warren on 27th and 80 at Lower Smite Farmon November 7th.Staffs A pair bred at Doley. Two particularly large flocks were recorded: 600 at Whit -more Bent Lane on January 15th and 850 roosting at River Sow Meadows on December3rd. Other good counts came from; in January at Beeston Tor (350) and River SowMeadows (150), in March at Aqualate (323) and River Sow Meadows (150), in August atWhitmore Bent Lane (300) and in November at Byrkley Park (240).W Mid Breeding was reported only from Mons Hill CBC plot (one territory – the sameas in each of the last two years) and Smestow Valley (numbers ‘remained stable’), andotherwise noted during the breeding season only at Marsh Lane NR, Sandwell Valley,

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Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley. High counts included a site record of 436 in a pre-roost at Olton Mere on February 21st, about 200 in Sandwell Valley in February, 206 atDunstall Park on March 18th, 70 plus at Marsh Lane NR on September 5th, at least 150 atDunstall Park on October 15th and December 20th, 87 at Berkswell on 4th and 210 atOlton Mere on 29th. As usual, large numbers of birds joined the corvid roosts at Wightwickin both winter periods, though no specific counts were made.

Rook Corvus frugilegusVery common or abundant resident.Warks Few rookery counts were forthcoming, the most notable being 118 nests in theItchen Valley between Knightcote and Watergall (cf. 121 in 2003), and a new one of 21nests at Wormleighton Res. The decennial BOS rookery survey that includes the south-eastern parts of the county found that generally speaking numbers had gradually increasedsince 1975 in almost all 10 km squares. The exception was SP35 which was the only squareto be wholly within Warwickshire. Here the nest totals peaked at 596 in 1991 beforedropping to 340 in 1998 and 371 in 2006. The largest flock counts came mainly from thesouth and east of the county, with maxima of 1300 roosting in Calcutt Spinney on January5th, 850 at Wormleighton on 15th, 550 at Chesterton on 25th, and 565 at Knightcote onSeptember 9th. Other flocks of around 300-500 were noted at: Armscote, Barcheston,Compton Verney, Dunnington, Fenny Compton, Ilmington Downs, Long Marston, Napton,Oldberrow, Priors Hardwick, St Dennis, Wasperton, Watergall and Weston-on-Avon. In thenorth, 200 at Dosthill on February 10th and 170 at Lea Marston on November 10th werethe best, although it is undoubtedly under-recorded in this area.Worcs Nest counts at rookeries comprised 21 at Bricklehampton, 26 at Hewell Grange,82 at Hill Croome and nine at Droitwich.Staffs Rookery counts this year (nests in brackets) came from Belvide (nine),Dunwood (39), Revidge (seven) and Rudyard Lake (18 + 3). Large flock counts wererecorded in January at Whitmore Bent Lane (400), in February at Camp Farm (120), inMarch at Aqualate (150), in August at Whitmore Bent Lane (250) and in September atTittesworth (90).W Mid Rookeries were only reported from Dunstall Park (four nests cf. 12 in 2005) andSmestow Valley (three nests cf. two in 2005). Counts included about 50 at Lutley onJanuary 17th, 34 at Dunstall Park on June 11th and Dudley Wood on 29th and about 30 atMarsh Lane NR on July 19th. Once again, several hundred birds joined the large corvidroosts at Wightwick in both winter periods, though no totals were noted.

Carrion Crow Corvus coroneAbundant resident.Warks Three nests on a 120 ha farm at Morton Bagot was only half that of 2004,indicating some success by the local gamekeeper. Large non-breeding counts included 390at Bubbenhall Tip on January 28th, 200 at Salford Priors GP on February 12th, 200 atSpernall on March 13th, 110 at Armscote on 23rd, 150 at Earlswood on 27th and 115 atIlmington Downs on October 6th.Worcs No breeding data received. The largest counts comprised 15 and 25 at BittellReservoir on January 15th and February 12th respectively, 20+ on Conderton Hill and 30+at Devils Spittleful on 19th, 50+ at Mount Pleasant on March 25th, 25+ on North Hill onApril 28th, 30 at Bittell Reservoir on September 5th, 30+ on North Hill and 20+ onSugarloaf Hill on October 1st and 44 at Bittell Reservoir on November 19th.

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Staffs Four pairs bred at Doxey. A regular winter roost at the Festival Park, Etruriapeaked at 115 on January 19th. Large flocks occurred in March at Apedale CP (170), RiverSow Meadows (500) and Woodhead (120), in August at Cuckoo Bank (200), October atPackington Moor (101), November at Apedale CP (100) and December roosting at RiverSow Meadows (150).W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (the same as in eachof the last two years and compares favourably with the average of 3.1 over the last 14years). Otherwise, little breeding information was received. High counts included 56 atLeighswood on January 23rd, 163 at Olton Mere on February 1st, 200 by Longmoor Pool(Sutton Park) on 4th, 72 at Dunstall Park on March 18th and 77 by Powell’s Pool (SuttonPark) on June 12th and 180 at Olton Mere on December 29th.

Common Raven Corvus coraxFrequent visitor and uncommon to frequent, but increasing, resident.Warks Continues to increase and colonise new areas. Breeding pairs were located in thesouth at: Avon Dassett, Brailes, Ettington Park, Farnborough, Ilmington, Long Itchington,Priors Hardwick, Ragley, Shuckburgh Park, Spernall, Studley, Upton Park, Warwick CastlePark and Welcombe Hills. One nest was located for the first time in a disused industrialbuilding. In the north, the usual breeding pair was at Packington Park, while a pair nestednear Coombe Abbey for the first time giving rise to regular sightings at nearby Brandon.A pair also reared four young in a northern quarry. In the post-breeding period nine-tenregularly attended an abattoir slurry pit near Kenilworth from July onwards, increasing toan estimated peak of 12 in September GEC, with birds apparently occupying a communalroost in this area through the following winter. Seven together at Watergall on November19th was the next best count.Worcs Breeding confirmed at Tank Quarry, where three young were fledged, whilstthree were also reared at Upper Bittell Reservoir and two fledged at Wood Norton. Birdswere observed regularly at Timberhongerthrough out the spring and summer andreported as resident at Bredon Hill, GwenFinch Wetland, Kinsham Lake, Old Storridgeand Throck morton Tip. Singles or pairs, otherthan stated, also reported during the breedingseason at Berrington’s Quarry, CoombegreenCommon, Grafton Wood, Hewell Grange,Holly bed Common (two pairs), Kempsey,Lower Moor (four), Nineveh, Pirton Pool(four), Shen stone, Stoke Bliss (six), UpperArley (four), Walton Hill, WorcestershireBeacon, West wood Pool and the Wyre Forest(three pairs). Singles or pairs reported from 23localities during the first winter period, whilsta count of five was made at Upper Arley onJanuary 29th. Sightings increased during theautumn and second winter period, know doubtdue to a successful breeding season. Reportscame from 43 localities, with the best countsbeing 10 at Stockton on August 22nd, 14 and

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Common Raven in Staffordshire2001–03 (orange squares)

2004–06 (dots)

27 on Worcestershire Beacon on 27th and September 3rd respectively, six and five atBritish Camp on 3rd and October 12th respec tively, four at Evesham on September 12th,five at Kinsham Lake on 29th, six on Sugarloaf Hill on October 1st, four on North Hill on20th and 10 on Bredon Hill on November 9th.Staffs After the rapid rise in numbers over the last decade, numbers this year are, forthe first time, slightly down on the previous year and suggest numbers are now starting tostabilize. 14-15 breeding pairs were located, most of which were successful. Theaccompanying map compares records from 2001-03 with those in 2004-06, demonstratinga continued expansion into the east and south-west of the county, with now just the farsouth-east corner showing no birds. The large gathering at Swallow Moss at the end of2005 was again apparent in January peaking at 71 on 4th. Numbers then declined to 12 inFebruary but rose to 33 in April. In the second winter period however, no records weresubmitted at all from Swallow Moss! In January, counts of 30 at The Mermaid Inn and 14at Thorncliffe could have been the Swallow Moss birds; however 30 at Crossplains onNovember 10th shows a marked increase in the east of the county and was the only otherdouble-figure count this year.W Mid One or two birds were noted at Marsh Lane NR on at least 34 dates and in everymonth (cf. 29 dates in nine months last year). A pair may have bred in the vicinity ofSmestow Valley, where four were present on February 9th, one or two were noted on sixdates from 14th to March 25th and three were seen on 31st. At Cheswick Green, one flewover on January 1st and March 24th, a pair was noted on 25th, August 28th, September23rd and November 12th, five on December 27th and one on 30th. Four flew overMonkspath on January 24th. One went over Dorridge on September 19th, with two onNovember 7th, one on 28th and three on December 12th. Singles were seen in CoundonWedge on March 18th, over Rowley Regis on 22nd and 31st, West Bromwich on 29th,Hockley Heath on April 14th, Netherton Hill on August 29th, Dunstall Park on September26th, Barston on October 1st, Temple Balsall on December 4th and The Leasowes on 6th.Two birds flew over Rowley Regis on December 11th and 15th.

Common Starling Sturnus vulgarisVery common to abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks The only breeding information of note was of four pairs at Oldberrow House, areduction from eight pairs in 2005 which was thought to be due to building work. The largeroost discovered at Alvecote in December 2005 was present throughout January, peakingat 10-12,000 on 3rd. It was apparently abandoned at the end of the month but presumablymoved nearby as 8000 were estimated to be feeding in grassland at Alvecote in March.Other roosts were noted in Phragmites and Typha beds at four sites in the Tame Valley andat both Napton and Wormleighton Res at both ends of the year, but none exceeded 500.Elsewhere in the first quarter good-sized feeding flocks were present widely in the east andsouth-east of the county, with maxima of 900 at Knightcote on January 16th, 1500 atDraycote on February 26th, 1600 at Priors Hardwick on March 9th and 1800 at FennyCompton on 11th. The first sizeable post-breeding flock consisted of 290 at FennyCompton on June 1st of which 90% were juveniles. Subsequent counts included 800roosting at Kingsbury WP on July 30th, 1000 at Salford Priors GP on September 11th, 442at Bidford-on-Avon on 16th, 1300 at Leamington Hastings on October 12th, a peak of 780at Brandon on November 18th, 600 at Charlecote GP on 29th, 700 at Napton Res onDecember 8th, 750 at Knightcote on 16th and 1000 near Wormleighton Res on 31st. The

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largest flock was one of 4000 in a field at Curdworth on October 26th, with probably thesame one nearby at Wishaw next day when it numbered 3000.Worcs No breeding data were received. During the first winter period, 1000+ werenoted at Bredon’s Hardwick on February 26th, 150 at Weatheroak Hill on March 20th and700 at Stoke Bliss on 22nd. Post-breeding flocks reported, included 150+ at Hollywood onJuly 10th, whilst 400 and 300 were at Ryall Pits on August 26th and September 3rdrespectively. Second winter period sightings comprised roosts of 250 at Upton Warren onOctober 22nd, 60+ at Oakley Pool on November 3rd, 7000+ at Kinsham Lake on December17th and 2300 at Gwen Finch Wetland on 28th, whilst 100 were seen at Weatheroak Hillon December 29th.Staffs In the first winter period, the only roost counts were 100 at Belvide and 150 atWoodhead, both on March 29th. No records from Aqualate, but 1090 birds were seen flyingover Kemsey Manor towards the roost on January 1st. Counts of large numbers elsewherecame, in January from Alders Brook (1400), Aston/Burston (2000) and Byrkley Park(1400), February from Aston/Burston (2000) and March from Doxey (2100). Littlebreeding information was submitted, but post-breeding flocks including juveniles, werenoted in June at Biddulph (350), in July at Berry Hill (110) and Waterfall (100) and inAugust at Berry Hill (300) and Blithfield (300). In addition, up to 260 birds startedroosting at Aqualate from July. In the second winter period, the Aqualate roost built to10,000 by the end of October, rising to 100,000 from late November until the year end.Oakamoor Quarry also held a roost of 20,000 birds from November, as did Belvide with1000-2000 in early December. In The Potteries, 150 at Berry Hill in September rose to 300in October and 750 in November. Meanwhile, 300 at Black Bank and 400 flying overWestport in October, with 3000 over Apedale and 900 over Westport in November allsuggest a local roost site nearby. Likewise in the Stafford area, 250-300 at Doxey inSeptember-December, 200 at Radford Bank in November, 100 at River Sow Meadows inOctober, 350 in November and 250 in December. Other counts of note: in October atBatchacre Hall (300) and Alstonefield (120), in November at Alrewas (180), Belvide (342west on 3rd), Blithfield (1200), Fauld (1450), Foker Grange (200) and Morridge (1000); inDecember at Blithfield (270).W Mid Noted as a ‘common breeding species’ at Sheepwash UP and continued to nest inhousing estates in Aldridge and adjacent to Saltwells LNR and Smestow Valley. High countsin the early part of the year included 150 at Marsh Lane NR on January 11th, 100 atLeighswood on February 5th, 350 in Sandwell Valley on 13th and 450 at Dunstall Park on15th. Later in the year, totals included 100 at Netherton on August 11th, over 800 at MarshLane on September 14th, 150 at Lutley on 27th, 800 plus at Dunstall Park on October 1stand 15th, and 698 on November 5th, at least 730 over Smestow Valley on November 3rd and4th, 200 at Aldridge on 2nd and 125 at Reedswood Park on December 18th.

House Sparrow Passer domesticusAbundant, though declining, resident.Warks Seven pairs bred at a farm at Morton Bagot, compared to six in 2005 andten in 2004. At Birchmoor it was noted that first broods were very successful this year.In the north despite the spread of the Trichomoniasis virus there was thought to be asyet no real decline. The largest flocks were noted in late summer and included 85 feed-ing in a wheat field at Fenny Compton on July 15th and 80 near Wormleighton Reson August 18th. Other sites to hold flocks of around 30-60 included Armscote, AvonDassett, Bishop’s Itchington, Brownsover, Earlswood, Farnborough, Northend,

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Ilmington, Kingsbury WP, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Whittleford and Wood End(Kingsbury).Worcs Two pairs, each fledged four young from nest boxes at Bodenham Arboretum.Maximum counts from a Malvern Link garden comprised 10 in January, 15 in Februaryand 10 in March, a garden feeding station at Winyates Green attracted 70 on June 13th, 85on August 7th, 95 on 11th, plus 100 on September 20th and October 22nd, whilst 50 wereat Lower Moor on September 10th.Staffs


Alrewas 17 30 – 18 24 20 34 30 6 10 12 13Astonfields B. Lakes 16 2 8 6 – – – – – – – 16Belvide 14 – – 2 – – – – – – 1 12Berry Hill 31 – 28 15 – – 25 30 35 30 25 –Burton-on-Trent 30 26 33 22 12 20 15 30 14 31 20 24Doxey 21 – 5 30 20 9 30 20 20 5 15 52Park Hall CP 3 – 5 6 10 10 – – – – – 8River Sow, Baswich – 8 6 2 – 6 – – 10 – 20 20Stableford 5 – 4 – 6 8 20 – – 12 – –Weston Jones 2 4 – 5 2 4 3 20 – 1 8 13

Records of this declining species were received from 61 sites (cf. 76 in 2005) but thelargest flock of 200 at Lower Hatton Livery Stables on July 30th NDP is the first three-figure count this millennium – presumably as a result of a successful breeding season.Other large flocks comprised 30 at Brewood on January 25th, 30 at Ashton Hays onFebruary 5th, 51 at Higher Lower Perton Lakes on March 18th, 30 at Woodside on August20th and 31 at Sutton on September 10th.W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, slightly down on thefour of the last two years and the average of 4.2 over the last 14 years. Breeding birds werealso noted at Dunstall Park, Sheepwash UP (reported as declining in the area and with nopost-breeding flocks noted), Saltwells LNR and Smestow Valley. Maxima included 54 in aKingswinford garden on January 1st, 40 in an Acocks Green garden on February 4th, 30in a Longbridge garden on April 29th, 33 at Portway on May 14th, 28 at Aldridge on July9th, 50 at Leighswood on October 2nd and 103 at Fens Pools on 20th.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanusFairly common, though declining, resident.Warks There are still many signs that this species is continuing to expand its breedingrange in the county, with small colonies now in many areas away from their Feldonheartland. Few of the larger colonies are being counted however, with the best totals ofpairs being 35 at Fenny Compton (as in 2004-05), 17 at Morton Bagot (cf. 15 in 2005) and20 at Priors Hardwick. A male was again mated to a female House Sparrow in a colony ofthe latter at Fenny Compton during the year. This pair was watched copulating on April18th, but with no resultant hybrid young noted. During the first quarter the largest flockswere noted in the south-east, with peaks of 140 near Wormleighton Res on February 11thand 200 in bean stubble at Knightcote on 21st which was the largest flock in the countysince 1984. Otherwise flocks of up to 50 were noted at a number of sites in the Feldon areaduring this period, with counts in the north and west including 34 at Lawford Heath onJanuary 5th, 26 at Bodymoor Heath on 26th, 32 at Dunnington on February 9th and 30 atArmscote on Mar 23rd. Post-breeding flocks were rather smaller and included 45 at

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Hollyland, Shustoke on August 26th, 70 at Priors Hardwick on September 7th, 70 atWormleighton Res on December 7th, 45 near Kenilworth on 9th and 60 at Morton Bagoton 24th. Flocks of 40-50 were also present at Fenny Compton, Knightcote, Northend andWarmington during this period.Worcs A pair successfully reared four young from a nest box at Bodenham Arboretumand a pair frequented Wassell Grove Business Park throughout April and May, but breedingwas not confirmed. Small numbers were reported during the first winter period, with theonly sizable count being 22 and 10 in a game crop at Kyre on January 12th and 20threspectively. Hill Furze held two on 28th and February 10th, then singles on 26th andMarch 6th, three regularly visited a garden feeding station at Sinton Green duringFebruary, two were noted at Defford Airfield on March 7th and one was at Himbleton on17th. The only second winter period sightings involved seven coming to a feeding stationat Lower Smite Farm on October 14th and 15th, plus two at Lower Moor also on 15th.Staffs Records were received from 46 5km squares, compared with 43 in 2005 and 32in 2004. Breeding records came from 14 sites this year, the same as 2005: Blithfield (nestgathering), Broad Heath (three young), Calton (three young), Chapel Chorlton (two pairs,three broods), Coley Mill (several pairs), Crossplains, Doley Common (two pairs, threebroods), Forton (several pairs), Ingestre (small colony), Moreton (several pairs),Needwood Forest (several unspecified sites), Waterfall (four pairs), Weston Jones (twopairs) and Whitmore. Also seen throughout the year at Byrkley Park (up to two), DoleyCommon (eight), Norton Stoke (four), Pattingham, Pipe Green (32) and Sutton.

Monthly maxima at selected sites (p=present):J F M A M J J A S O N D

Alrewas 14 – – 14 9 4 16 2 – 6 7 –Aqualate – 8 5 – – – – – – – 28 20Belvide 25 p 20 26 5 p 7 40 7 6 25 30Blithfield – – – 11 – – 20 30 25 – – –Chapel Chorlton 3 3 4 4 4 3 2 12 7 – 4 –Pattingham – – – 3 5 p 10 2 – – 4 –Waterfall – – – – 2 1 8 – 40 21 – –Weston Jones 1 6 7 14 3 3 2 2 – 2 2 2Whitemoor Haye 20 12 12 3 5 – 20 – 3 – – –Whitmore 30 – – – 2 1 – – – – 110 200

The only treble-figure counts this year came from Whitmore Bent Lane where a build upon game crops reached 200 on December 31st, the highest count for many years. Numbersat Whitemoor Haye however showed a marked decline from last year and the only othersignificant count came from Crossplains with 95 on August 21st – numbers here and in theNeedwood Forest area reported as “the second best year in 21 years of patch working”DIMW. Other notable counts came from Shareshill on January 27th (23), Kemsey Manoron February 19th (19), Redgreet on August 27th (15), Bednall on December 1st (15),Norbury Manor on 17th (31) and Enson on 18th (15).W Mid Birds were noted during the breeding season at Aldridge, Marsh Lane NR andPark Lime Pits, but no more than seven were counted.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebsAbundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.Warks Breeding territory counts included 12 at Brandon, 25 in 62ha at KingsburyWood, 58 on a 120ha farm at Morton Bagot (cf. 45 in 2005) and 22 in 40ha at Oldberrow(cf. 23 in 2005). Only medium-sized flocks were reported during the late winter period,

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with maxima of 100 at Weston-on-Avon on January 5th, up to 100 in a wildbird crop onthe Fenny Compton Hills from January-March, 80 at Wormleighton Res during February,and a peak of 104 near Abbots Salford on March 11th. From early April there was a hugedecline in numbers across the north of the county caused by the salivary glands virusTrichomoniasis, particularly in the Coleshill/Tame Valley area BLK and around NuneatonNDBC, but numbers in the south were apparently unchanged. Autumn migration over thesouthern hills was again fairly modest, with the best counts (all per hour) of 70 south atNapton Hill on October 13th, 85 south-east over the Fenny Compton Hills on14th and 170 west at Brailes Hill on27th. Easily the largest reported autumnflock was that at Ilmington Downs,which increased from 200 on October27th to a peak of 400 on November 24th.The only other flocks to reach threefigures were feeding in maize stubble atAbbots Salford (maximum 150 onDecember 17th) and in a game covercrop at Chester ton (maximum of 150 onDecember 19th). The only flockreported in the north of the countyduring the last quarter was just 50 atLadywalk on November 25th. A white-headed male was found in the FennyCompton Hills flock on January 13th.Worcs Six nesting pairs at Boden -ham Arboretum, was the sole breedingrecord received. Small numbers werereported from two garden feedingstations during the first winter period,with maximum counts of 12 in Januaryand 20 in February and March atMalvern Link, whilst 35 were at StokeBliss on February 8th. A game crop at Merrilands Farm attracted 60+ on January 5th, 100on 7th and 50+ on February 26th and March 4th, whilst another game crop at LongdonMarsh held 100 on January 8th and 75 on February 5th. Elsewhere, 80+ were at Lineholton January 28th, 70 at Shellford on March 20th and 80 at Mount Pleasant on 25th. 100passage birds flew west over Happy Valley on October 27th and game crops attractedreasonable numbers during the second winter period, with 30+ at New Farm on November26th, increasing to 90+ on December 2nd and 100+ on 16th, 40 at Merrilands Farm onNovember 28th and 150 at Lower Smite Farm on 29th.Staffs Three pairs bred at Bateswood (five in 2004 and 2005), two at Doley and 10 atDoxey. The first winter period produced few good flocks, in January at Byrkley Park (200at Linbrook Farm), Hanchurch Woods (100) and Whitmore Bent Lane (450); with treblefigures only at Hanchurch Woods in February (320) and March (250). Last year’s male atWeston Jones continued to feed on a hanging peanut feeder. Visible migration was muchquieter than usual, warm temperatures on the Continent causing many to stay within theEuropean landmass this year. It started on September 18th with 11 over Black Bank, then

Chaffinch, Whitacre Heath, Steve Valentine

35 over Belvide on October 1st, 22 over Black Bank on 3rd, 64 over Belvide (the peakcount) on 8th, 14 over Black Bank on 12th, then at Belvide 44 on 14th, 21 on 25th and 30on 28th. As a result, the only significant wintering flocks were 270 at Apedale CP onNovember 17th and 200 at Whitmore Bent Lane on December 31st.W Mid On the Mons Hill CBC plot, six territories were identified, the same as in eachof the last two years and slightly up on the average on 5.6 over the last 14 years. About 13singing males at Marsh Lane NR was double last year’s count. No changes in status werenoted at Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP or Smestow Valley. In January, 26 were presentat Marsh Lane NR on 14th and 70 at Aldridge Airport on 30th. Visible migration includedtotals of 72 over Smestow Valley on October 27th and 64 on 29th, 50 at Marsh Lane NRon November 25th and 21 at Fens Pools on 15th.

Brambling Fringilla montifringillaFairly common passage migrant and winter visitor, but in variable numbers.Long-term average: October 11th (70) to April 20th (70).8-year average: October 8th (–3 days) to April 21st (+1 day).First seen on the early date of September 29th at Hill Hook, the last being at ShootingButts on April 28th.Warks Substantial flocks recorded in both winter periods added up to one of the bestyears in recent times. During the first quarter a flock at Long Lawford during Januarypeaked at 46 on 15th, while at nearby Coal Pit Lane, Lawford Heath an even bigger flockreached 130 on February 28th. In the south-west there were flocks of 17 in game cover atWeethley on January 6th and 34 near Abbots Salford on March 11th. Other sites to attractone-five birds during the first quarter included: Arbury Park, Attleborough, Avon Dassett,Brandon, Budbrooke, Charlecote, Draycote, Farnborough Park, Fenny Compton, Hartshill,Knightcote, Nuneaton, Oversley Wood, Studley Castle and Wormleighton Res. In Aprilthere was a peak of nine at Draycote on 14th, with the last to be recorded being singles inan Attleborough garden on April 20th and at Shustoke on 22nd. The first autumn migrantswere noted flying over Ladywalk on September 30th and Brandon on October 8th. Birdswere noted daily from October 12th, with especially good numbers at Ilmington Downsduring the autumn, with the flock peaking at 120 on November 24th. Another large flockwas found at Upper Spernall on December 14th when 150 were counted. Otherwise thenext best count was 15 at Draycote on December 18th, with one-five also reported from:Avon Dassett, Dosthill, Draycote, Fenny Compton, Hodnell, near Kenilworth, Ladywalk,Morton Bagot, Napton Hill, Priors Hardwick, Salford Priors GP, Shuckburgh Hills andboth Wormleighton Hill and Res.Worcs Large numbers were present during the first winter period and birds lingered wellinto April. Croome Landscape Park held four on January 1st and one on 9th, four visited atgame crop at Green Street on 1st, a Stoke Bliss garden attracted good numbers between 1st-April 17th, with a maximum count here of 220 on March 2nd, whilst a game crop atMerrilands Farm produced maximum counts of 40 in January and February and 24 inMarch, with the last bird observed here being on 19th. Two were noted in a Mount Pleasantgarden on January 3rd, Abberton held singings on 6th, 27th and February 11th, then 14 on26th, Holt held one on January 8th, then eight on 11th, 100 were found in a game crop atLongdon Marsh on 8th, but had reduced to just 15 by February 5th and at Lineholt, 10observed on January 8th, preceded nine on 11th, 20 on 28th and three on February 12th.Kyre held 75 on January 12th, one was at Blakedown and five at Caunsall on 14th, one atLadywood Sewage Works on 21st, four at both Callow Hill and Himbleton on 27th, whilst

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Hill Furze held three on 27th, 25 on 28th, 20 on February 10th, 30 on 12th, four on 26th,10 on 27th and finally 20+ on March 6th. A Malvern Link garden attracted one on January27th, then a maximum of three between February 18th-April 2nd, 29 were at Church LenchPool on February 5th, Huntsfield produced counts of six on 8th, 10 on 16th, 20 on 26th,four on March 25th and five on 30th, singles were observed at Grimley New Workings onFebruary 13th and 18th and Ashwood Bank held 20 on 24th and April 2nd, plus 27 on 9th.One was at Grimley Old Workings on February 25th, singles at Timberhonger duringMarch and April, 100 at Stoke Bliss on March 3rd, an Oakenshaw garden attracted betweentwo and four from 10th-April 16th, plus a count of 10 on April 10th and one was at CroomeLandscape Park on March 15th. A Droitwich garden held between two and four birds from20th-April 8th, singles were at Lower Smite Farm and in a garden at Winyates Green onMarch 23rd, two at Shenstone on 24th, four at Crabbs Cross on April 10th, one on WaltonHill on 14th and six along Dowles Brook on 15th. The Happy Valley produced a decentpassage of birds from mid October, with 18 noted on 15th, five on 17th, 10 on 20th, 18 on25th, 110 on 27th, 30 on November 1st and 4th, three on 10th and finally two on 23rd.Small totals were observed elsewhere, with the Four Stones and Nimmings area of the ClentHills holding one on October 21st, eight on 30th, 12 on November 1st, 20+ on 16th and26th, plus 30 on December 14th. One was at Grimley New Workings on October 22nd, twoon the west side of Worcestershire Beacon on 23rd, two at Grimley Church on 24th, five onBredon Hill on 28th and Lower Smite Farm held one on November 1st, four on 29th andup to four between December 7th-23rd. Game crops at Merrilands Farm held two onNovember 24th and singles on 28th and December 2nd, whilst singles were at New Farmon 2nd and 16th and two were noted on Bredon Hill on 28th.Staffs In the first winter period, a flock of 100 birds was seen regularly by the MarquisDrive feeding station, with 80 remaining into early April, then numbers petering out untilthe last four at the Shooting Butts on April 28th. A large flock of 230 wintered at HolliesCommon and a spring build up of 200 at Tixall Bridge in early April was also noteworthy.The only other double-figure flock was up to 23 at Whitmore Bent Lane in January, withsmaller flocks at 26 other sites. This year, again due to high temperatures in Europe, nobirds were observed on visible migration in the autumn, the first returning bird being seenat Belvide on October 15th. Meagre numbers meant only two double-figure flocks: 10 atCannock Chase near the Marquis Drive feeding stations on October 16th, rising to 55 byDecember 6th and 10 at Rudyard Lake on November 23rd. Single figure counts came fromjust 15 other sites.W Mid A total of 17 were with Chaffinches in a stubble field by Aldridge Airport onJanuary 30th. Two birds were at Victoria Park on January 14th and in a Harborne gardenfrom last January into early February. Singles were noted in a Hampstead garden onJanuary 14th-15th, Sandwell Valley on April 5th, Sheepwash UP on 6th, a Haden Hillgarden from May 2nd-4th, a Hill Hook garden on October 29th. Early morning skywatchesin Smestow Valley saw three flying over on November 3rd and two the next day. Twovisited a Bloxwich garden on 9th and three flew over Dunstall Park on 22nd.

Greenfinch Carduelis chlorisVery common to abundant resident.Warks The only significant breeding territory counts were 24 on a 120ha farm atMorton Bagot (cf. 21 in 2005) and six in 40ha at Oldberrow (cf. nine in 2005). During thefirst quarter several sites had flocks of around 50-80 birds, with some garden feedershosting 40-50 at a time! The largest reported flocks were of 100 in a game crop at Northend

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on January 6th and a peak of 125 near Wormleighton Res on 24th. Greenfinch numberswere subsequently badly hit by the Trichomoniasis virus across the north, with 90% of thepopulation thought to have been killed in the Coleshill-Tame Valley district since early JulyBLK, and this observer reported that he saw no double figure flocks in that area during thesecond half of the year. A big decline was also noted around Nuneaton NDBC, but despiteseveral sick birds seen there was no perceptible decline in the south-east JJB. Post-breeding flocks appeared to be of average size in the south and east, but the only reportednorthern flock was feeding in a harvested Borage Borago officinalis field at Alvecotewhich peaked at 200 on August 28th. Other good-sized flocks included maxima of 270 ina wildbird crop on the Fenny Compton Hills on October 14th, 110 at Ilmington Downs on27th, 200 in a game crop at Wormleighton Hill on 28th and November 27th, and 150 in asunflower crop at Compton Verney on December 6th.Worcs Five pairs reported to have bred at Bodenham Arboretum. During the firstwinter period, a Malvern Link garden produced maximum counts of 10 in January, 20 inFebruary and 15 in March, whilst a game crop at Green Street held 30+ on January 1st,40 and 60 were at Croome Landscape Park on 1st and 22nd respectively, 60 in a StokeBliss garden on 11th and 20 at Longdon Marsh on February 5th. Second winter periodsightings comprised 30 on Castlemorton Common on November 9th and 50 near High -wood on 25th.Staffs In the first winter period no large flocks were noted, just typical medium-sizedflocks as follows: January at Astonfields Balancing Lakes (27), Doxey (17) and Lightwood(16); February at Astonfields Balancing Lakes (19), Doxey (44), Hanchurch Woods (21)and River Sow Meadows, Baswich (20); March at Astonfields Balancing Lakes (31), ParkHall CP (18), River Sow Meadows (20) and Tittesworth (26). 12 pairs bred at Doxey, thissite showing a steady increase year on year from five in 2003. Good sized post-breedingflocks in July and August visited Alrewas (22), Black Bank (20), Cuckoo Bank (120) andDoxey (34). A bird ringed at Brewood on April 7th 2006 made the short journey to Belvide,being recaptured there on 27th July. Visible migration in October at Belvide, birds allheading south-west, comprised 41 on 8th, eight on 14th, 19 on 28th and 22 on 29th.Associated with this was an influx/passage at Berry Hill with 30 on 8th, 100 on 15th, 25on 27th falling to seven on November 4th. In the second winter period, very few significantflocks perhaps as a result of the Trichomoniasis virus which has been affecting the speciesnationally: 27 at Doxey on October 14th, 20 at Whitmore Bent Lane on November 29th,17 at Doxey on December 17th and 40 at Park Hall CP on December 20th.W Mid Two territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot (cf. three last year andan average of 2.9 over the last 14 years). Also noted in the breeding season at AcocksGreen, Alcester, Aldridge, Allesley Park, Balsall Common, Black Patch Park, ChadwickEnd, Chelmsley Wood, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Dunstall Park, EdgbastonReservoir, Fens Pools, Hobbs Hole, Kings Norton, Longbridge, Marsh Lane NR, Moseley,Nailcote, Park Lime Pits, Portway, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP,Smestow Valley, Sutton Park, Walsall Arboretum, Warrens Hall LNR and Whitley. Firstwinter period counts included 150 at Birmingham Business Park on January 30th, 42 atTrittiford Park on 31st, 75 in Sandwell Valley during the same month, at least 30 at WinsonGreen on February 3rd and 24 at Leighswood on 5th. Later in the year, maximum countsincluded 24 in Coundon Wedge on August 5th and 30 at Marsh Lane NR on 22nd andSeptember 3rd. Early morning skywatches in Smestow Fields saw good numbers ofautumn migrants heading generally southwestwards, totals peaking at 48 birds on October28th, with 40 the next day.

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Goldfinch Carduelis carduelisVery common summer visitor and partial migrant; increasingly common in winter.Warks There were nine breeding territories on a 120ha farm at Morton Bagot (cf. six in2005) and five in 40ha of pasture and garden at Oldberrow (cf. six in 2005). Flocks of upto 30 were widely reported during the first quarter, with larger counts including 103feeding on thistles and then teasels at Fenny Compton on January 3rd-4th, 33 feeding onburdock by the River Avon at Marlcliff on 20th, 54 at Brandon on 24th, 50 in alders atKingsbury on February 23rd and 35 in alders at Coombe Abbey on March 11th. Twointeresting roosts were also documented in March, with up to 42 roosting in a Stratford-upon-Avon garden and 75 roosting in a cypress hedge at Fenny Compton. Due to the veryabundant thistle flock post-breeding flocks were numerous but very small, with mostcontaining around 20-30 birds. The best counts during the autumn and early winter were60 at Priors Hardwick on September 7th, 66 at Coton/Lea Marston Pools on October 6thand 60 feeding on teasels at Longbridge STW on December 16th. Other sites to have flocksof around 40-50 included Arley, Brandon, Draycote, Fenny Compton, Ilmington Downs,Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Lighthorne, Napton, Shustoke and Wormleighton Res.Worcs Two or three pairs reared young at Stoke Bliss. First winter period sightingscomprised between six and seven birds at a Malvern Link garden feeding station, 20 atLongdon Marsh on February 5th, 12 at Holt Heath on 22nd and 20 at Stoke Bliss on March2nd. Post-breeding flocks reported from Ashmoor Common, where 25 were noted on July30th, 20 were at Penny Hill on August 10th, 120 at Throckmorton Lagoons on 21st, 50 atRyall Pits on September 3rd, 40 at Bittell Reservoir on 17th, increased to 50 on October7th and 50 were at Clifton Pits on 14th. During the second winter period, 10 flew overHappy Valley on October 27th, 30 were at Holt Heath on November 9th, 20+ at Coombe -green Common on 11th, 25 at Lower Moor STW on 25th and December 26th, 20 at StokeBliss on 23rd and 50 at Gwen Finch Wetland on 28th.Staffs


Apedale CP/Black Bank – – – – – – 7 18 20 110 7 35Berry Hill 16 23 – – – – – 90 120 80 5 10Doxey 14 50 5 7 11 8 40 73 88 143 23 100River Sow, Baswich – – 16 – – – – – 10 – 55 16

Numbers are down on previous years with good-sized winter flocks thin on the ground.Two pairs bred at Doley, 14 at Doxey (cf. nine in 2005), one at Dovedale and West EndStoke. In the first winter period, the largest flock was 65 at Astonfields Balancing Lakeson January 26th; elsewhere birds were seen: in January at Doley Common (20), PrinceFarm, Kings Bromley (50) and Stourton Aqueduct (20); in February at Weston Jones (28)and in March at Tixall Bridge (20). Visible migration at Black Bank comprised just sevenheading south on October 3rd and 11 south on 12th. The second winter period had a fewlarge flocks with 143 at Doxey on October 8th being the highest. August counts comprisedStafford Common (30), Tittesworth (60) and Weston Jones (40); September at Belvide(100), Blithfield (80), Stanshope (35), Waterfall (120), Weston Jones (40) and Wettonmill(80); October at Batchacre Hall (30), Belvide (80), Calton (40), Ingestre (35), R. Doveat Fauld (80), Tixall Wide (30) and Wychnor Park (50); November at Elford GP (50),Hanchurch Woods (60) and Westport (40); December at Alton (40), Baggeridge CP (42),Cuckoo Bank (30) and Madeley STW (50).W Mid Recorded in the breeding season at Acocks Green, Allesley Park, Chelmsley

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Wood, Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge, Cradley Heath, Dunstall Park, Edgbaston Reservoir,Fens Pools, The Leasowes, Haden Hill Park, Hawne Park, Hill Hook, Kings Norton, Lutley,Marsh Lane NR, Nailcote, Netherton, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP,Smestow Valley, Warrens Hall LNR and Whitley. A total of 23 birds at Aldridge Airportwas the only count received for the first winter period. During the latter half of the year,maximum counts included 92 at Blythe Valley CP on August 23rd, at least 40 on MarshLane NR on 9th, 35 in Sandwell Valley in October, 25 at Dunstall Park in December and40 at Kingswinford on December 1st.2003 AddendumWarks A flock of over 200 were feeding on thistles at Street Ashton during September.

Siskin Carduelis spinusFairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare or scarce breeding species.Warks Good numbers were present in the county during the early months, with mosttaking advantage of a good crop of alder seed. The two largest flocks comprising maximaof 100 at Brandon on January 1st and 15th, and 110 at Farnborough Park on 9th. Othermaxima included 36 at Earlswood Lakes January 3rd, 47 at Shustoke on 20th, 45 atPackwood on 22nd, 50 at Abbots Salford on 25th, 50 at Alvecote during January-February,50 at Kingsbury on February 23rd, 32 at Spernall on March 6th, and 50 at Coombe Abbeyon 11th. Flocks of 20-30 were also reported from Arley, Birchmoor, Charlecote, Coton,Dosthill, Draycote, Guy’s Cliffe, Hampton Lucy, Ladywalk, Polesworth, Seeswood Pool,Stoneton Moat and Whitacre Heath. Small numbers continued in the county until mid-April, with many gardens patronised at this time, and the last to be reported were two atBrandon on April 21st and one at Lighthorne Quarry on 22nd. As in 2005 there wereseveral midsummer sightings, with singles at Bentley Woods on June 14th, Draycote onJuly 6th and two at Compton Verney on 14th; but these had presumably dispersed fromelsewhere. The first autumn reports were of singles at Draycote and Salford Priors GP onSeptember 24th, but it was a poor season with only very small numbers appearing. Sitemaxima included ten at Shustoke on September 28th, seven at Salford Priors GP onOctober 15th, eight flying west at Brailes Hill on 27th, ten at Compton Verney onNovember 15th, eight at Earlswood Lakes on December 24th and 18 at Brandon on 28th.Worcs The only breeding season report came from Little Comberton, where an adultwas reported between June 17th-July 7th, when on the last date two juveniles were alsoobserved. Numbers not exceptional during the first winter period, the best countscomprising 100+ at Bittell Reservoir between January 2nd-22nd, 40 at Cheaton Brook on4th, Upton Warren held 25 on 6th, 22 on 21st and 32 on February 28th, 30 at Holt FishingPools on January 8th, increased to 90 on 27th, 30 were at Arrow Valley North on 8th, whilst50 and 40 were at Abberton on 15th and March 13th respectively. 31 were at Evesham onJanuary 17th, 55 at Alfrick Pound on 27th, 30+ at Mill Shrub Pool on 29th, ThrockmortonTip held 25 on February 12th and 21 on March 5th, 50 were at Trimpley Reservoir and 20at Westwood Pool on February 19th, 50 at Kinsham Lake on 26th, 33 along Dowles Brookon March 11th, 24 and 40 in a Great Malvern garden on 21st and 26th respectively and 20at The Knapp on 29th. Localities, which held fewer than 20 birds between January andMarch were Arrow Valley Lake, Astwood Bank, Bushley, Callow Hill, Chaddesley Wood,Church Lench Pool, Croome Landscape Park, Gwen Finch Wetland, Ipsley Alders, aMalvern Link garden, Salwarpe Church, Slade Avenue, Stoke Bliss, Wadborough, WinyatesGreen and along the River Severn in Worcester. Sighting during April and May comprised,two in a Malvern Link Garden on 1st, then three on 2nd, two on 7th and 11th and three on

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12th, four were at Broadway from 1st-10th, four at Abberley on 2nd, two at BittellReservoir on 8th, one at Pershore Collage on 10th, a pair at Tiddersley wood on 17th, 200+along Dowles Brook on 15th, reduced to 15 on 29th, a few were noted at TrimpleyReservoir on 30th and one flew over Bredon Hill on May 9th. Totals very poor during theautumn and second winter period. Passage birds were reported over Happy Valley, withthree on September 30th, one on October 1st, plus two on 17th and November 23rd. OtherOctober sightings came from Bredon Hill, which held three on 4th, four on 15th, 24 on 20thand eight on 28th, Abberton held one and Bittell Reservoir three on 7th and singles werenoted at Little Comberton on 7th and 8th. December records comprised 25 at TrimpleyReservoir on 2nd, 18 at Bittell Reservoir on 4th, 70+ at Hurcott Pool on 10th and 20 atArrow Valley North, one at Bittell Reservoir and 10 along Dowles Brook all on 17th.Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites; p = present:J F M A M J J A S O N D

Aqualate 25 60 – 1 – – – – 2 3 10 15Belvide 41 – 21 2 – – – – 1 18 1 3Cannock Chase 15 – 20 12 6 4 – – – 30 22 50Chasewater 3 70 3 – – – – – – 1 – –Doxey 30 7 – – 1 – – – 14 1 – 12Hanchurch Woods – 180 5 – – – – – – – 20 –Knypersley 20 10 – 2 – – – – – 6 2 40Tittesworth 20 p 2 4 – – – – 15 3 8 –

The first winter period held good numbers, but in the second winter period, with a warmwinter and bumper conifer crops, many Siskins both in the UK and Europe decided toremain close to home and numbers are, as a result, well down. In the first winter period,larger flock counts came in January from Apedale CP (26), Crumpwood (22), HarpersMarsh (20), Norbury Manor (25) and Westport (50); in February from Alders Brook (60),Clayton (60), Denstone (26), Dosthill (30), Elford GP (40) and Loynton Moss (24); inMarch from Baggeridge CP (30) and Park Hall GP (25) and in April from Rudyard Lake(25) and Silverdale (24). Visible migration was noted between September 30th and October28th but consisted of just 46 birds (cf. 134 birds last year). Highest counts were fromBelvide: 11 south-west on October 7th and 17 south-west on 14th. Also noted on passage atBerry Hill and Black Bank. In the second winter period, the only other double-figure countswere 22 at Black Bank on October 4th, 17 at Berry Hill on 15th, 14 at Sugnall Park onNovember 19th, 15 at Crumpwood on 22nd and 10 at Cuckoo Bank on December 2nd.W Mid More were seen across the county during the first winter period than in the sameperiod last year. Maxima included 60 at Sheepwash UP and Smestow Valley, and 30 inSandwell Valley in January, 25 at Olton on 4th, 60 at Blythe Valley CP on 15th, 34 at PrioryFields on 17th, 35 at The Dingles on 24th, 22 at Trittiford Park on 31st, 30 in Coventry on4th February, 120 at Marsh Lane NR on 24th and 30 at Brueton Park on March 17th.Smaller totals were noted in Brueton Park, Coundon Wedge, Dorridge, Fens Pools, HadenHill Park, Hall Green, Hawne Park, Kingswinford, Kings Norton, The Leasowes,Monkspath, Old Swinford, Penn, Priory Fields, Reedswood Park, Saltwells LNR, SandwellValley, Shirley, Sutton Park, Titford Pools, Westwood Heath, Whitley, Winson Green andWordsley. Other than a maximum of 20 counted flying over Smestow Valley during earlymorning skywatches from October 24th to November 10th, and 30 about 30 in BlytheValley on December 23rd, no more than eight were noted during the second winter periodat Darby’s Hill, Dorridge, Marsh Lane NR, Mary Stevens Park, Packhorse Bridge NR,Sandwell Valley and Sheepwash UP.

Linnet Carduelis cannabinaVery common resident and partial migrant, with fewer in winter.

Warks A further decline was registered on the census plot at Morton Bagot, with eightterritories in 120ha compared to 14 in 2005 and 17 in 2004. Easily the largest flockrecorded during the first quarter was that present from 2005 in a stubble field at Kinwalseywhich peaked at 700 on January 5th. Other flocks were quite small in comparison, withmaxima of 85 at Charlecote GP on January 6th, 80 at nearby Wasperton on 13th, 92 nearAbbots Salford on February 4th, 65 at Spernall on March 6th and 125 at Fenny Comptonon April 24th, with 70 still there on May 3rd. Flocks of 40-60 were also present during thisperiod at Bidford-on-Avon, Bubbenhall, Dosthill, Long Compton, Morton Bagot, PriorsHardwick and Salford Priors GP. Autumn flocks were as usual much larger and again thebiggest of all was located in the north of the county, with up to 800 frequenting abandonedarable fields at Birchmoor from late September to late October. Other sizeable flocksincluded 200 at Marlcliff on September 16th, over 300 in two flocks at Fenny Compton on25th-26th, 100 at Napton on October 13th, 160 at Salford Priors GP on 15th, 120 atWasperton on 24th, 100 by Ennister Wood (Ragley estate) on 29th and 100 in maizestubble at Wormleighton on December 4th. In addition up to 30 regularly came to feedersin a Maxstoke garden during the year, which is still a fairly unusual habit for this species.

Worcs The Malvern Hills and Commons continues to sustain a healthy breedingpopulation, for example, many pairs were observed carrying nesting material on HollybedCommon on April 30th and around 40 birds were present here between May and July,whilst 15 were on North Hill on March 26th, two singing males in Chat Valley and anotherfour singing around Sugar Loaf Hill on April 9th, plus over 40 birds were reported fromBritish Camp on July 29th. Two pairs bred at Bodenham Arboretum and other Julysightings comprised 10 at Cofton Richards Farm on 3rd and 31st and between 20-25 atTimberhonger on 9th and 11th. During the first winter period, 600 noted on oil seed rapeat Croome Farm on January 1st, rocketed to 2000+ on 8th and 1750 on 9th, whilstMerrilands Farm game crop attracted 50+ on 1st, 100+ on 2nd and 7th, 80 on February2nd, 70 on 4th and 60+ on March 4th. Elsewhere, other notable flocks encountered atBlakedown, where 250 were present on January 24th, Church Lench Pool held 80 onFebruary 5th, 150 were at Drakes Broughton Orchard also on 5th, 100+ at ThrockmortonTip on 19th, 150 at Bewdley on 24th, 50 and 100+ at Mount Pleasant on March 5th and25th respectively, 100 at Lower Moor on April 16th and 40 at Ryall Pits on 20th. Post-breeding flocks on Bredon Hill comprised 120 on August 21st, then 100+ on 27th, whilstduring the second winter period, Clifton Pits held 140 on October 14th, then 200 on 22nd,Lower Moor produced counts of 200 on 15th, 100 on November 4th, 120 on 11th, 70 on9th and 130 on 27th, 61 were at Comhampton on October 27th, 80+ at Ryall Pits on 29th,30+ at Merrilands Farm on November 25th, 130 at Lower Smite Farm on 29th andDecember 30th and 50 at Drakes Broughton Orchard on 2nd.

Staffs Breeding pairs reported from fewer sites than last year: Dosthill (one), Doxey(one, cf. three in 2005), Flash (two), Knotbury (two), Round Knowl Farm (one), SilverdaleColliery (five+), Stableford (two), Winkhill (one) and Wolfscote Dale (a family party),with records from a further 22 sites (cf. 31 last year) in the breeding season. First winterperiod flocks in January were seen at Cuckoo Bank (150), Ellenhall (50), Prince Farm,King’s Bromley (40) and Whitmore Bent Lane (90); in February at Elford GP (50); inMarch at Keele University (32), Whitemoor Haye (70) and Whittington Common (30); inApril at Bednall (30) and Whitmore Bent Lane (30). Visible migration consisted of just 30

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SW at Belvide on October 1st and 43 flew south-west on 14th. The largest count this yearwas a post-breeding flock of 375 at Crossplains on September 9th. Elsewhere, flocks wereseen in August at Chasewater (30) and Drayton Bassett Pits (50) – the latter remaining wellinto December; in September at Blithfield (85), Cuckoo Bank (30), Moss Carr (40) andWaterfall Low (40); October at Belvide (60), Blithfield (150) and Cuckoo Bank (250);November at Blithfield (50) and December at Burston (50) and Whitmore Bent Lane (55).W Mid Breeding season reports were received from Bowmans Harbour, Burys Hill,Kingswinford, Lutley, Marsh Lane NR, Netherton Hill, Park Lime Pits, Portway, SandwellValley (about six pairs, some successful), Sheepwash UP, Smestow Valley and Sutton Park.Maximum counts in the first winter period included 75 at Marsh Lane NR on January 14th,50 at Lutley on February 9th and abut 100 at Balsall Common on 11th. In the latter part ofthe year there were up to 70 at Sheepwash UP and up to 50 at Marsh Lane NR fromOctober onwards, and 25 in Sandwell Valley on December 13th.

Twite Carduelis flavirostrisRare summer visitor to the North Staffs. Moors. Scarce and much declined winter visitor.Warks A female or first-winter bird was found feeding in a paddock at Bramcote Hallon October 3rd RLS, with a mixed flock of Linnets and Goldfinches.Staffs Just singles at Blithfield on March 26th MYa et al and November 12th MPR perESC. There have been no records from the Moors since 2004.

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaretFairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Uncommon or frequent breedingspecies, mainly in Staffs.Warks Maxima at the main sites during the late winter period were 30 at Brandon onJanuary 20th, up to 40 between Birchmoor and Polesworth during February-March, 30 atFarnborough Park on February 26th and 30 at Ladywalk on April 16th. Smaller flocks ofaround 10-20 were also noted at Alvecote, Kingsbury, Seeswood Pool, Weston-on-Avon,Whitnash and Wormleighton Res. The last in spring were six (including two singing males)in Oakley Wood on April 28th and one at Wormleighton Res on May 7th. Apart from anisolated summer report of one at Brandon on July 5th, no more were seen until the firstautumn return at Fenny Compton on September 26th. Small parties of up to ten werewidely recorded in the autumn from about October 8th, with maxima of 12 at SalfordPriors GP on October 15th, 19 at Ladywalk on 23rd, 36 at Kingsbury on December 12th,16 near Kenilworth on 15th, 20 at Middleton Hall on 19th and 35 at Brandon on 24th.Worcs The only report of singing males came from Ayton’s Heath, where two wererecorded on April 17th. Good numbers present in the county during the first winter period,with a game crop at Merrilands Farm produced counts of 60+ on January 1st, 120+ on 2nd,150 on 7th, 200 on 8th, then total fluctuated between 50 and 80+ birds until March 19th.This same flock also visited a nearby game crop at New Farm, where 60 noted on January30th, preceded counts of 80+ on February 4th and 6th, then 60 on 17th, 28th and March8th. Niger seed feeders in a Malvern Link garden attracted maximum counts of three inJanuary, 20 in February and 24 in March, 25 visited a game crop at Bickley on January 4th,100+ were at Lineholt on 8th, then 160 on 11th, 20 at Holt Fishing Pools on 11th, 60 atBlakedown on 24th and 40 at Defford Airfield on March 7th. Other reports betweenJanuary and March not exceeding 20 birds came from Arrow Valley North, Church LenchPool, Grimley New Workings, Ipsley Alders, Sheriff’s Lench, Stoke Prior, Upton Warrenand Westwood Pool. A few birds lingered throughout April and early May, with the afore

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mentioned Malvern Link garden holding 17 on 1st, 20 on 2nd, 14 on 11th, 18 on 16th, nineon 27th and finally three on 30th. Feeders at Lodge Hill Farm attracted nine on 8th, fiveon 16th, six on 26th and several on May 1st, singles were observed at Hewell Grange onApril 10th and Lower Moor on 15th, 20 were at Merrilands Farm on 16th and TrimpleyReservoir held 50 on 22nd, then seven on 30th. Happy Valley produced the first autumnbirds, with nine present on September 30th and hereafter, counts comprised seven onOctober 15th, 20 on 17th, 15 on 20th, 30 on 25th, 40 on 27th and eight on November 23rd.Elsewhere, 15 were at Grimley New Workings on October 19th, Castlemorton Commonheld 36 on 29th, then 30 on November 9th, 20 were observed along Dowles Brook on 25th,19 at Bodenham Arboretum on December 2nd, 15 at Kempsey Church on 8th and 12 in aWinyates Green garden on 18th. Localities that produced counts below 10 were ArrowValley Lake, Bredon Hill, Eymore Wood, Golden Valley, Grimley Old Workings, GwenFinch Wetland, Hollybed Common, Kinsham Lake, Lower Moor, Lower Smite Farm,Malvern Link, Monk Wood, New Farm, Ombersley Golf Course, Upper Bittell Reservoirand Upton Warren.Staffs

Monthly maxima at selected sites; p=present:J F M A M J J A S O N D

Apedale CP 36 2 50 – – – – – – 7 40 –Aqualate 10 4 4 6 – – – – – 1 10 10Baggeridge CP 12 – 3 30 – – – – – – – 3Beech 130 – – 1 – – – – – – 200 –Belvide 16 8 6 3 – – – – – 8 3 11Byrkley Park 175 200 – – – – – – – – – –Cannock Chase – – – 12 – – – – – 250 17 50Chasewater 2 – 7 – – – – – – 40 25 30Doxey 7 3 4 1 – – – – – 10 7 –Hanchurch Woods 14 40 30 15 – – – – – – 45 300Lightwood 12 20 16 4 1 1 – – – – – –Tittesworth 20 p 10 2 4 p – 2 – 6 5 40

Breeding was confirmed at Revidge and Swallow Moss; a pair being seen feeding ajuvenile at each site. Displaying/singing birds were observed at Gib Torr and Tittesworthwith two birds also present at Park Hall CP in June. In the first winter period, largeruntabulated flock counts were recorded in January at Farley (40); in February at BranstonGP (10) and Whitemoor Haye (10); in March at Branston GP (45); in April at Bishop’sWood (24), Drayton Bassett Pits (10), Hatton Common (10), Park Hall CP (12) and theTrent-Mersey Canal, Stoke (10). In October very few visible migrants passed through (seeSiskin) with just seven south-west at Black Bank on 12th, five south-west at Belvide on14th and eight south-west there on 25th. In the second winter period, higher counts inOctober at Berry Hill (10) and Downs Bank (20); November at Dimmingsdale (120);December at Cuckoo Bank (60) and River Sow Meadows (16).W Mid Records in the first half of the year included a high of 32 in Smestow Valley onJanuary 5th, 30 at Reedswood Park on 18th, 20 at Sheepwash UP on 29th, 25 in SandwellValley in April and 30 in Longmoor Valley (Sutton Park) on 18th. Up to six were also notedat The Dingles, Fens Pools, Haden Hill Park, Harborne NR, Hay Head Wood, Kings -winford, Marsh Lane NR, Olton Mere, Trittiford Park and Winson Green. In the secondhalf of the year, there were seven at Fens Pools on October 20th, ten over Smestow Valleyon 29th, 33 in Sandwell Valley in November, 12 at Reedswood Park on December 6th, 14over Dunstall Park on 19th, 15 at Packhorse Bridge NR on 26th and 20 in Longmoor Valley(Sutton Park) on 30th.

Common (Mealy) Redpoll Carduelis flammeaRare or scarce winter visitor in fluctuating numbers.Warks A male accompanied a party of Lesser Redpolls at Wormleighton Res onFebruary 11th JJB. A mixed flock of Siskins and Redpolls between Birchmoor andPolesworth yielded two on February 12th-13th AAr, RLS, two probably different birds onMarch 4th RLS, and one on 12th SMH. There were six further reports from three widelyseparated sites during January and February, but all lacked confirmation.Worcs Birds that arrived at Merrilands Farm game crop during November andDecember 2005 remained in residence throughout the first winter period. Counts herecomprised four on January 1st and 2nd, six on 3rd, singles on 4th and 5th, two on 6th, fouron 7th and 9th, one on 12th and 13th, three on 19th, two on 20th, one on 21st, two onFebruary 2nd, three on 11th, two on 17th, three on 22nd, five on March 3rd, three on 4thand finally one on 10th AWa, SMW et al. These birds also ventured to the New Farm gamecrop, where three were present on January 30th, one on February 4th, two on 6th, three on10th, two on 17th and 28th and one on March 8th AWa, SMW et al. Elsewhere, Holt FishingPools held a male on January 2nd and 8th, two males on 11th, one on 22nd, two on 28thand an female/immature on 29th BRS et al, whilst singles frequented Lineholt on 8th and11th GHP et al, a Stoke Prior garden feeder on 13th GGr, TMH, Grimley New Workingson 30th BRS, Mount Pleasant on February 7th CLa, Kinsham Lake on 26th and UptonWarren on March 24th DREW. A Malvern Link Garden held a ringed bird on March 3rd,plus a second individual, this time unringed, on 12th and 29th MWCW.

Staffs One was present at Hanchurch Woods from January 31st-February 5th NDP.W Mid Two were watched with 12 Lesser Redpolls in the Smestow Valley on February9th GAC – the second local record. One noted at Sheepwash UP in April per AGW. AtPriory Fields, one was reported on January 17th, with 12 on 30th, one on February 10th,two on March 13th and one on 31st.

Redpoll sp.Worcs A large dark individual was observed briefly amongst a Linnet flock at Merri -lands Farm game crop on January 2nd AWa et al and was considered to show characteristics

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Lesser Redpoll, Dave Taylor and Mealy Redpoll, Crabbe Tree Farm, Andy Warr

of the Greenland race. The bird appeared similar in size and structure to Linnet, was ratherdark brown on the upper parts, with strongly marked black lines on the flanks and a heavilystreaked pale rump, but two pale lines down the centre of the mantle, seemed not ideal forGreenland and bill structure was not ascertained, so its true identity remains unclear.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostraFrequent, though variable, irruptive visitor. Rare and erratic breeding species.Warks There were a handful of records during the year, commencing with single birdsat Compton Verney on January 20th JJB and Bentley Woods on March 22nd JHa. A smallinflux in May produced three at Temple Pool, Upton on 1st PDou, RJE, six moving northat Pillerton Hersey on 16th JJB, one in an Oldberrow garden on 29th JJB, and four atWindmill Hill NR on 31st DHu. Three, including a red male, were drinking from a pondat Billesley on June 25th per PWo, while the year concluded with three more flying south-west over Fenny Compton on September 12th JJB.Worcs Very thin on the ground this year, the only records being six over CroomeLandscape Park on January 14th, Dowles Brook held six on April 6th, 15 on 15th, one on19th, two on 29th, 19 on 30th and six on May 4th, one was on Walton Hill on April 15th,two on Bredon Hill on October 28th and one flew over North Hill on November 1st.Staffs The substantial influx of birds from summer 2005 into our conifer woodlands,continued into 2006, with breeding confirmed at Hanchurch Woods where a nest waslocated and courtship observed. Breeding probably also occurred at the other sites tabledbelow:

Site Peak Count Peak Count Date Last SeenBishopʼs Wood 8 April 27th April 27thCannock Chase 45 February 11th June 23rdHanchurch Woods 25 April 20th May 18thMaer Hills 14 May 7th May 7thMillion Plantation 40 – Early June

After dispersal, a dismal second winter period produced just two sightings, one at PepperSlade on November 7th, the other flying north over Silverdale Colliery on December 9th.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhulaCommon resident.Warks The only significant breeding record was of four pairs on 40 ha of farmland atOldberrow, compared to five in 2005. Counts of a dozen or more included 15 at Weston-on-Avon on January 5th, 12 at Lighthorne Quarry on October 17th, 17 by the Oxford Canalat Fenny Compton on November 12th, 20 at Ladywalk on 23rd, 13 at Earlswood Lakes onDecember 24th and 12 at Brandon on 29th.Worcs Under recorded in the county, with the few records received being a single pairbred at Bodenham Arboretum, whilst present at Hollywood, Little Comberton, the MalvernHills, Old Hills and Upton Warren during the breeding season. First winter period sightingscomprised 12-13 in a Malvern Wells garden during January and February, four at LongdonMarsh on January 2nd, five at Upton Warren on 3rd, eight at Throckmorton Lagoonsduring March and seven in a Oakenshaw garden on 10th. In September, eight were notedon Bredon Hill on 9th and 10 in Happy Valley on 10th, whilst Kinsham Lake held six onNovember 2nd and Castlemorton Common, nine on December 27th.Staffs A widespread bird with breeding confirmed or presumed at Baggeridge CP (pairwith three young), Black Bank (two juveniles), Doxey (four pairs, one juvenile) and Pipe

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Green (two pairs), with records from a further 15 sites in June and July. Double figureflock counts were submitted from Black Bank (10 in March), Chasewater (12 in January,11 in April), Lum Edge (10 in January), Marquis Drive (10 in February), Park Hall CP (12in January, 11 in March, 10 in April, 12 in December) and Tittesworth (13 in March).W Mid Three territories were recorded on the Mons Hill CBC plot, marking a furtherdecline from six of two years ago, but still comparing well against the average of 2.9 overthe last 14 years. Also recorded in the breeding season at Acocks Green, Alcester, AllesleyPark, Black Patch Park, Castle Vale, Coundon Wedge, Daisy Bank, Dorridge, DunstallPark/Smestow Valley area (several pairs), Fens Pool, Harborne NR, Kingswinford, TheLeasowes, Marsh Lane NR (up to four pairs), Moseley, Olton Mere, Park Lime Pits,Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (two or three pairs) and Sutton Park. Alsonoted at Ackers, Bartley Reservoir, Blythe Valley, Coombeswood, The Dingles, Haden HillPark, Hall Green, Hill Hook, Kings Norton, Knowle, Nailcote, Oakham, Penn, PrioryFields, Reedswood Park, Trittiford Park, Warrens Hall LNR, Whitehouse Common andWinson Green. Counts included eight at Marsh Lane NR on January 17th, Hall Green on22nd and Sandwell Valley on 23rd, 12 at The Dingles on 31st, 12 in Smestow Valley onFebruary 2nd and 11 at Trittiford Park on 5th.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustesScarce to uncommon, but declining, resident.Warks Following the exceptional autumn influx of 2005 about a dozen were reportedfrom the county during the first quarter, mainly from the south-west. Two remained in thecountry park at Draycote through most of January, with three reported on 11th. Singlebirds continued to be reported there regularly up until March 9th many observers. Alsofrom 2005, the bird at Temple Grafton continued to visit a garden there until March 13thAFJG. Other records were of a bird feeding under an apple tree at DMC Kineton onJanuary 29th PDou, two in an orchard at Studley Castle on the same date per Birdguides,two feeding under a hornbeam tree in a Great Alne garden on February 3rd JJB, two in aClopton (Stratford) garden for a few days up to April 7th per JJB, with the last reportconcerning a bird still in non-breeding plumage in a Haselor garden on May 7th MDa. Inthe autumn two were seen in a Combrook orchard on November 15th JJB, a day of heavythrush movements.Worcs A pair, with one juvenile was observed at Dodford on September 30th. Unprece -dented numbers remained in the county between January and March, as a result of the largeinflux recorded from mid October 2005. At Chase End Wood, a traditional wintering sitefor this species, three+ were present on January 1st, followed by two on 18th and 19th.Elsewhere, Croome Landscape Park held fluctuating numbers between January 1st-March22nd, with maximum counts of 20 on January 15th, 13 on February 15th, 18 on 17th, 17on March 11th and 10 on 13th. Singles were observed at Crabbe Tree Farm on January 4thand 22nd, Rous Lench churchyard held two on 4th, three on 5th, five on 7th, then singlesor pairs up until February 13th, whilst at Winyates Green and Winyates East, Redditch,singles were observed on January 15th, 22nd and February 2nd, two on 4th and 11th,singles on 12th, March 12th and 13th, two again on 18th, one on 21st, five on 23rd andfinally singles on 25th and 26th. Other sighting from Redditch comprised one in a gardenat Lakeside on February 5th, two along Rush Lane on March 9th and an Oakenshaw gardenheld one on 10th, two on 11th and singings from April 1st-11th. Harvington churchyardheld two between February 3rd-17th, one was at Kemerton Park on 4th, preceded two onMarch 30th, a small playing field off Slade Avenue, Worcester, held three on 9th, 10th and

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11th, seven on 12th, three on 13th, then one or two birds between 14th-25th. Other Marchsightings were of one at Sinton Green on 10th and two at Spring Lane Industrial Estate on13th and 14th. Just a single record during the second winter period, with one reported fromUpper Bittell Reservoir on November 26th.Staffs The three wintering birds at Ingestre from 2005 remained in the area from NewYear’s day until February 6th.W Mid Four were at Marsh Lane NR on February 24th per NPB.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalisRare passage migrant, mainlyin autumn, and winter visitor.Worcs All reports this yearcame from WorcestershireBeacon, where three birds thatarrived in December 2005 TTet al, remained until February8th, then two were reportedbetween 10th-March 13th,three again on 14th and 15thand singles from 16th-23rd. Amale was also present fromOctober 2nd-5th TTr et al andanother on November 28thPGa.Staffs A remarkable long-stayer discovered at Chase -water on December 1st IWa, PWa remained until the year’s end and well into 2007.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinellaVery common to abundant, though declining, resident.Warks Territory counts included 20 on a 120 ha farm at Morton Bagot (for the thirdyear in succession, indicating a very stable population) and 29 in 100 ha of farmland atShipston-on-Stour (cf. 31 in 2003). Few counts tend to come from the north of the countywhere the species may be in steady decline. A total of eight singing males recorded on asix mile bicycle ride in the Coleshill/Maxstoke area, compared to 12 in five miles aroundthe same area in 2003 RJK would seem to support this. Outside the breeding season thelargest flocks in the south and east of the county during the first quarter were of 158 westof Abbots Salford on February 4th, a peak of 115 near Wormleighton Res on 11th and 150feeding on spilt grain at Armscote on March 23rd. Flocks of 40-50 were noted at tenfurther sites. In the north and north-east the best count was 62 at Maxstoke on January 2nd,with further flocks of 27 at Lawford Heath and 31 at Bodymoor Heath in January and 27at Curdworth in February. After an interesting report of up to 40 coming to a Shipston-on-Stour garden feeding station in August, flocks of around 30-40 were widely reported in thesouth and east. The best were 70 at Ilmington Downs on November 24th and 140 inunharvested wheat at Priors Hardwick on December 15th. 30 at Shawbury on November25th was the only sizeable flock reported in the north.Worcs During the breeding season, Lodge Hill Farm held four birds on April 4th, whilsttwo singing male remain here on territory throughout. Singing males were recorded from

Snow Bunting, Chasewater, Dave Kelsall

eight locations around Timberhonger and two sang on Hollybed Common between Apriland July. Lea End held a singing male on March 3rd, two were at Shenstone and eight atBurys Hill on April 13th, one on Castlemorton Common on 16th and three pairs frequentedDevils Spittleful on June 17th. During the first winter period, four were at FeckenhamWylde Moor on January 4th and larger groups comprised 55 at Bickley also on 4th, 30 atHill Furze on 27th, preceded counts of 40 on February 10th, 100+ on 12th and 60+ on 26th,Longdon Marsh held 30 on February 5th, 17 were at Little Comberton on 19th and 28 atCleeve Prior on 21st. Post-breeding records comprised six on Bredon Hill on August 27th,followed by 12 here on October 15th, two at British Camp on 2nd, four at Upton Warrenon 22nd, 15 at Merrilands Farm and two at Ryall Pits on 29th, 27 at Little Comberton onNovember 12th and New Farm produced counts of 30+ on 24th and 40+ on December16th. 16 were seen along Tandy Lane on November 26th, 25 increased to 45 at LongdonMarsh on December 10th and 16th respectively, 35 were at Lower Moor on 11th and 50 onBredon Hill above Westmancote on 15th.Staffs Records were received from 58 sites during the breeding season, slightly morethan 2005 (just over 50) but no nest sites or juveniles confirmed anywhere in the county.Singing males were recorded at Belvide (pair also seen mating on adjacent farmland),Coldmeece (three), Cotes Heath (two), Doxey (one), Drayton Bassett Pits (one),Hanchurch Woods (two in adjacent farmland), Knightley Eaves (two), Lower Hatton(three), Millmeece (three), Netherset Hey (three), Strawberry Hill (one), Stepping Stones(pair), Weston Jones (two), Weston Jones Mill (five), Whitemoor Haye (five), WhitleyfordBridge (two), Whitley Heath (three+), Wincote Grange (one) and Wootton (two).Observers are requested to submit more information on singing and breeding birds due tothe species national decline. Double-figure flocks were recorded in January atAston/Burston (11), Byrkley Park (10), Norbury Manor (27), Whitemoor Haye (10) andWhitmore Bent Lane (40); in February at Aston/Burston (20), Byrkley Park (10) andNorbury Park (50); in March at Anslow (60), Aston/Burston (10), Branston WP (30) andWhitemoor Haye (12). As in 2005, Yellowhammers seem to disappear off the radar inAugust and September, recorded at 14 sites in August and just three in September with fiveat Knightley Eaves being the highest count. In the second winter period, counts of double-figure flocks came in October from Kemsey Manor (10) and Packington Moor (54 nearHopwas Wood); in November from Highgate Common (16) and Whitmore Bent Lane(20)and in December from Enson (39), Norbury Manor (22) and Weston Jones Mill (16).W Mid Recorded during the breeding season at Aldridge, Balsall Common, Burys Hill,Dorridge/Hockley Heath area (seven males noted on June 14th), Hobbs Hole, Lutley,Marsh Lane NR, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Smestow Valley, Sutton Park and WallHeath. High counts in the first winter period included 15 in Sandwell Valley on January14th and over 35 at Marsh Lane NR in February.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclusCommon, though declining, resident.Warks Counts of four or more singing males during the breeding season came from:Abbots Salford (four), Alvecote (four), Brandon (at least ten), Charlecote GP (four, cf.seven in 2005), Dosthill/Fishers Mill GP area (ten), Fenny Compton (five, cf. 11 in 2005),Knightcote (seven), Lighthorne Quarry (16), Napton Res (nine in area), Priors Hardwick(12), Salford Priors GP (16, cf. seven in 2005), Shipston STW (four), Wasperton (four, cf.12 in 2005) and Wormleighton Res (eight in area). A good number of winter flocks werereported, with maxima during the early months including 30 at Marlcliff Hill on January

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20th, 40 at Draycote on 21st, 20 near Abbots Salford on February 4th, 25 near Worm -leighton Res on 11th, 25 at Salford Priors GP on 12th, 40 in bean stubble at Knightcote on21st and 21 at Morton Bagot on March 13th. During the autumn a flock feeding in stubbleat Salford Priors GP reached a peak of 55 on October 1st, while lesser flocks included 20at Napton Res on October 13th and 20 at Priors Hardwick on 30th. Also of note were upto nine visiting a Nuneaton garden during January-March and again in December.Worcs Observed during the breeding season at Grimley Old Workings, Holt Prairies(four pairs), Lower Moor Flash (five pairs), Oakley Pool, along the River Cole, at Alve -church (two singing), Strensham Lagoons (three singing), Upton Warren and WestwoodPool. Counts during the first winter period comprised 18 at Upton Warren on January 2nd,a game crop at Merrilands Farm held 26 on 2nd, 40 on February 6th, 48 on 10th and 20+on 26th, 15 and 30 were at Longdon Marsh on January 8th and February 26th respectively,20+ at Kinsham Lake on 4th, 35 at Church Lench Pool on 5th, three in a suburban gardenat Winyates Green from 6th-March 19th, 20 at Tilesford on 7th and 18 at Abberton on 13th.Autumn and second winter period sighting included 15 at Gwen Finch Wetland onSeptember 12th, 10 at Holt Prairies on November 9th and New Farm game crop heldcounts of 20+ on 25th, 15 on 26th and 20+ on December 16th. Elsewhere, 30+ were in agame crop at Lower Smite Farm and 10 in a game crop at Merrilands Farm on November29th, 40 and 35 were noted at Lower Moor on 29th and December 22nd respectively andeight were noted at Longdon Marsh on 10th.Staffs Breeding territorieswere located at Alrewas (three),Apedale CP (two), Aqualate(two), Astonfields BalancingLakes (two+), Belvide (eight),Berry Hill (10), Black Bank(three), Blake Brook, Blith-field (four), Castletown Pool,Cheddle ton/Consall Valley(three), Coldmeece (three),Doley (three), Doxey (65 –about average for the past threeyears), Goldsitch Moss (four),Hulme End, Lower Hatton(two), Lum Edge, Morridge Top,Newtown (two), Pipe Green(three), Reapsmoor, Revidge,River Sow Meadows (15),Round Knowl Farm, RudyardLake (two), Silverdale Colliery, Stableford (three), Swallow Moss (two), Tittesworth, TixallBridge (three), Waterfall, Winkhill (two), Woodhead and 37 other sites during the breedingseason – no significant change from last year. An adult ringed on 31st December 2004 atBelvide was re-trapped there on 2nd May 2006, obviously a resident breeding bird. Againat Belvide, an incredible 118 birds were counted flying in to roost in front of the Scott Hideon February 2nd – the first treble-figure count for many years and equalling the 120recorded at the same site in January 1994. At Wetley Moor, 30 in January dropped to10-12 in February-April, and up to 11 were counted at Doxey during the same period.Counts elsewhere include: in January Elford GP (10) and Whitmore Bent Lane (10); in

Reed Bunting, Whitacre Heath, Steve Valentine

March Brocton Field (12), Dosthill (10) and River Sow Meadows at Baswich (10);September Berry Hill (20); October Doxey (26) and Chasewater (20); in November Doxey(11) and Wetley Moor (12)and in December Doxey (13) and Wetley Moor (35).W Mid Breeding season records were received from Clayhanger, Coundon Wedge,Dunstall Park (a pair fledged three young), Fens Pools, Marsh Lane NR (at least ten pairs),Park Lime Pits, Saltwells LNR, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash UP (two pairs), SmestowValley (two pairs), Steelpark Way (Wednesfield) and Sutton Park. Counts at Marsh LaneNR included 11 in January and October, and 12 in April.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandraFairly common, though much declined, resident.Warks This bird still gives grave cause for concern and is apparently now declining inall core areas. Singing males in the breeding season were only located at: Armscote (two),Birchmoor (two), Brailes, Bramcote Hall, Farnborough, Long Itchington (six, cf. at leastten present in the same area in 2005), Milcote (three) and Wasperton (three). Breeding wasproved at several of these sites. Outside the breeding season two sizeable flocks werereported, with 30 at Weston-on-Avon on January 5th and 40 at Armscote on March 23rd.Away from breeding sites, there were also a handful of records of up to four birds outsidethe breeding season from Abbots Salford, Draycote, Fenny Compton, Ilmington Downs,Lawford Heath, Salford Priors GP and Wormleighton Res, but mainly from the firstquarter.Worcs Between 19 and 21 singing males recorded from 10 localities across the county,compared to around 14 singing from nine localities in 2005. Reports during the breedingseason comprised two nesting pairs at Little Comberton, Lower Moor held one on April5th, four on 17th, three on 30th and May 12th and two on June 13th, a pair were noted atBury End Flash on April 7th and at Shenstone, one was observed on 19th, three males on24th, two on 30th and May 3rd, one on June 11th and five on 19th. Two singing males atBricklehampton on April 16th, increased to three on May 6th, Ryall Pits held a single malebetween April 30th-July 16th, one was singing at Gwen Finch Wetland on May 6th, one atPodmore on 7th, one at Throckmorton Tip on 13th and June 17th, whilst at Tilesford, threewere noted on 14th, one on July 12th and two on 14th. Becoming a difficult species toobserved during the winter months, with the only first winter period sightings being of fiveat Hill Furze on January 28th, then two at the same locality on March 6th. Second winterperiod sighting comprised three at Wick on October 19th, two at Lower Moor on 29th, 19flew over Little Comberton on November 12th, one was at New Farm game crop on 26th,two at both Throckmorton Tip and Tilesford on 8th and singles at Lower Moor onDecember 13th and 28th.Staffs Recorded in 20 5km squares this year, the best this decade, but the maximumcounty flock count was lower than in the previous two years.

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006No. of 5km Squares 6 6 8 8 10 20Max. Flock Size 17 44 6 30 38 25

25 singing males were located, compared with 19 last year, at Knightley Eaves,Loggerheads (two), Stableford, Swindon, Trysull (a pair with four fledglings the onlyconfirmed breeding record), Weeford–Packington Moor area (six), Whitemoor Haye (nine)and Whittington Common (five). In addition, breeding season birds were also seen atAlrewas (five), Catholme (one), Crossplains (one), Handsacre Flash (one), High Offley

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(one) and Roddige Farm (one). Whilst some new sites were found this year, no recordscame from Bednall and Leawood, which held singing birds in 2005. Wintering numberswere down at Whitemoor Haye, the largest flock count being just 10 (cf. 35 in 2005) butpeaking at 25 in July, presumably a post-breeding flock. Elsewhere, there were two atWhitmore Bent Lane on January 1st-February 13th, singles at Essington Quarry Pool onJanuary 22nd, Trescott Grange on March 1st, Fradley on 25th, two at Blithfield on October2nd, 10 at Batchacre Hall on 15th, two over Belvide on 28th and one at Barton GP onNovember 26th.W Mid Twelve were noted at Amblecote on January 31st.

Appendix 1This includes:• all records of species on the GB list in Categories A-C which have only been recorded

in the region as known or suspected escapes. This would include sedentary introducedspecies such as Golden Pheasant which don’t have established populations in theregion, and are unlikely to wander naturally to the area from these populations.

• all records of species currently in Category D of the GB list. This would include suchspecies as Marbled, Falcated and White-headed Ducks, Ross’s Goose, Saker and Red-headed Bunting.

Any record appearing in Appendix 1 is excluded from the main county lists.

Snow Goose Anser caerulescensWarks Single birds (perhaps the same) were at Farnborough Park on February 26th andMarch 17th JJB and Draycote on March 8th RBR.Staffs Two at Croxden Quarry on May 27th-June 4th, one at Brookleys Lake on June2nd, one at Tittesworth on July 16th, presumably the same two birds at Belvide and Gaileyon September 17th and nine at Aqualate on December 17th.

Rossʼs Goose Anser rossiiStaffs The small hybrid feral bird at Madeley Pond (from 2004) was present for mostof the year, being last seen on October 18th.

Lesser Canada Goose Branta hutchinsiiWarks A bird resembling the nominate form B. h. hutchinsii, known as Richardson’sCanada Goose, was in the goose flock on the river meadows at Hampton Lucy onDecember 12th JJB.Staffs Three were at Belvide (race minima) on April 22nd and two at Blithfield onOctober 9th.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferrugineaWarks Three birds were at Kingsbury on August 8th NDG, and then at Alvecote fromSeptember 5th-14th RLS, during which time they also visited Kingsbury again during 7th-9th SLC, WJE et al and Ladywalk on 13th JHa. A male and female were again in theDosthill/Kingsbury area on September 27th ARD et al.W Mid Two birds were at Stubbers Green between October 9th and 29th, with probablythe same at nearby Ryders Mere on 15th.

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Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatusWarks The escaped male was at Alvecote fairly regularly throughout the year RLS et al.The second male from 2005 was last reported on the River Anker at Polesworth onMarch 3rd.

Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictusWorcs A male was sighted at Nash End on March 31st, April 1st and 30th. Same birdpresent in March and April 2004 and April 2005.Staffs A male was at Woodhead from April 3rd-8th.

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocoraxWarks A very vocal bird was at Ryton Pools CP on April 24th MSm but notsubsequently. This bird was relatively confiding and was watched perched in a tree and inflight. There have been at least two other probable or unconfirmed sightings near Coventryin recent years suggesting that birds are kept in captivity locally.

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyaneaWarks A female carrying a pink plastic ring frequented a harvested Borage field atAlvecote from August 28th-September 3rd RLS et al.

Appendix 2 – ExoticaThe following species all fall into Category E of the British List (BOU 1998), as beingintroductions, transportees or escapees from captivity and whose breeding populations arenot thought to be self-sustaining. The sequence and the nomenclature used in this sectionfollow Birds of the World – A Check List, 5th Edition J.F. Clements (2000).

Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolourE. Africa, S. Asia and S. AmericaWarks One at Draycote on May 13th-14th.Staffs One was present at Branston GPs on May 20th.

Black Swan Cygnus atratusLakes in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, where introduced.Warks Single birds were noted at Kingsbury on January 19th and Shustoke on 26th.Two were again with the Mute Swan flock at Coton from at least May 6th-August 12th. Abird was also present fairly regularly at Alvecote for much of the year.Worcs An adult was at Bredon’s Hardwick on April 9th, June 11th, October 29th andNovember 20th.Staffs Four were regular at Dunstall throughout the year. Two at Brookley’s lake fromAugust 12th until year end increased to five on November 5th. One spent most of Augustat Tameside Nature Reserve. Other sightings came from Whitemoor Haye on January 24th-25th, Belvide on February 5th, Elford GP on 9th-12th, Blithfield on August 23rd, three atRocester on September 14th and one at Drayton Bassett Pits on October 1st.W Mid Presumably the same bird was noted at Marsh Lane NR from January 2nd toFebruary 5th, March 4th-31st and August 10th to October 14th, with another at MoseleyPark from September 20th-24th.

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Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinatorWestern North AmericaStaffs One at Blithfield on March 19th moved to Wolseley Bridge March 21st-22ndand Tixall Bridge on April 27th, then back to Blithfield on June 18th and Wolseley Bridgefrom July 2nd-14th and finally River Dove at Fauld on October 15th. The bird had a yellowring on its right leg.

Bar-headed Goose Anser indicusBreeds on the high plateaux in central and southern Asia and winters mainly in northernIndia and Burma.Warks Only one bird was observed this year at the former breeding site at DMCKineton, where it remained from at least February 19th-October 18th. One was noted atDraycote on July 6th and up to three were there from at least August 7th-September 24th.Two were also on the Avon meadows at Hampton Lucy in November-December. In thenorth of the county single birds were noted mainly during the summer months at bothAlvecote and Kingsbury.Staffs All sightings probably relate to just one bird, but perhaps as many as three. Oneseen regularly at Whitemoor Haye from January 8th-May 31st also visited Elford GP onApril 23rd and Barton GP on May 14th. Subsequently, one was seen at Blithfield onAugust 7th and 11th-12th, Ingestre on 23rd, Whitemoor Haye on September 7th andBlithfield on September 29th until October 30th. Finally, one at Whitemoor Haye onNovember 14th took up residence at Croxall GP from 18th until December 2nd, thenBlithfield on 6th.W Mid Probably the same adult was seen at Dunstall Park on January 26th and February1st and 26th.

Domestic GooseW Mid At Dunstall Park, one was noted on March 1st, with three on September 11th andone on 25th.

Cape/South African Shelduck Tadorna canaKaroo of southern Africa.Warks A female at Brandon on March 23rd, April 6th and October 10th was reportedto have been seen elsewhere in the local area.

Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjahAustralasia and New Guinea.Staffs One was seen at Gailey Reservoir on December 9th.

Muscovy Duck Cairina moschataLowlands of Mexico to NE Argentina and Brazil.Worcs Arrow Valley Lake held one on May 1st, two on 27th and one on July 8th, whilstone was at Hewell Grange on November 11th.Staffs One at Bateswood Lake on March 13th remained all year.W Mid Two were recorded at Walsall Arboretum on March 30th, June 14th and August22nd.

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Ringed Teal Callonetta leucophrysSouth America.Staffs One was at Gailey Reservoir on November 11th.

Wood Duck Aix sponsaForested woodlands and Inland lakes of Canada, south to northern Mexico.Warks A male was again noted at Alvecote occasionally during the year.Worcs The River Severn at Worcester held a drake on January 23rd and March 11th.Staffs Two females were at Filleybrooks on February 5th, where up to three werereported by locals from the New Year.W Mid A drake remained on the canal at Gas Street Basin (Birmingham) from midOctober to early December, at least. A pair arrived in Sandwell Valley on December 23rdand stayed to the end of the year.

Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrixOpen wetlands in southern South America and the Falkland Islands.Staffs One was at Brookleys Lake on November 5th.

Speckled (Chilean) Teal Anas flavirostrisSouth America.Staffs A male lingered at Belvide from November 19th until December 8th.

White-cheeked (Bahama) Pintail Anas bahamensisLocally in South America, the West Indies and Galapagos Islands.Warks Singles were at Earlswood Lakes (from 2005) until at least February 3rd and atAlvecote on July 6th.Staffs One was at Croxall GP on May 6th.W Mid One was seen at Tocil Pools on February 20th.

Hottentot Teal Anas hottentotaAfrica south of the Sahara.Staffs One was seen at Swan Lake, The Wolseley Centre on May 24th, then atBlithfield on August 5th.

Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australisWarks A male was at Salford Priors GP on July 16th and October 15th.

Chukar Alectoris chukarBalkans to Tibet, Mongolia and north China.Warks A party of eight showing characteristics of this species were noted on IlmingtonDowns on November 3rd, but were not seen subsequently suggesting they had all beenshot.

Green Pheasant Phasianus versicolorJapanWarks A male was seen at Compton Verney on December 6th.

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Reeves ̓Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesiiNorth-central ChinaStaffs One was seen going to roost with Pheasants on May 8th at Stourton.

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatusForests and scrub of E Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.W Mid The male bird first recorded in Smestow Valley in 1999 was again noted betweenMarch and June.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagrisAfricaW Mid Five were seen in Smestow Valley on December 11th at least.

Harrisʼs Hawk Parabuteo unicinctusSemi-arid woodland and scrub in South and Central America, north to southern Texas andArizona.Warks A bird wearing jesses was at Brandon on April 23rd. A bird first seen at PriorsMarston on August 15th remained in the local area for at least a month.W Mid One, wearing jesses, flew over the M5 in Sandwell Valley on March 21st.

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicusOpen habitats throughout inland Australia.Worcs One was seen in Evesham on August 24th.Staffs One was seen at Keele University on January 23rd-24th. Another at Broad HeathSeptember 18th-24th.W Mid One at Sheepwash UP in March – a long term escapee.

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula alexandriForests of northern India to south-east Asia, Andamans and Greater Sundas.Warks The bird from 2005 was again recorded regularly in Maxstoke gardens up untilat least October 22nd.

Lovebird sp. Agapornis sp.Africa.Staffs An unidentified Lovebird was seen at Chasewater on August 2nd.

Macaw sp.Staffs An unidentified blue and turquoise species provided a colourful display atChasewater on October 17th-18th. It was probably the Military Macaw seen later atBlithfield.

Military Macaw Ara militarisSouth AmericaStaffs One was present for an hour at Blithfield on October 29th.

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Violet Turaco Musophaga violaceaCentral AfricaWarks A single bird was found on September 9th in trees along the very ruralHambridge Road, in the Itchen valley below Knightcote. This very gaudy tropical relativeof the Cuckoo almost caused a minor traffic accident when it flew out across the lane infront of a pair of passing cyclists!

Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo buboEurasia.Warks A bird with jesses found dead hanging from a tree on Brailes Hill on April 25thwas traced to an owner in Wiltshire. It is now a mounted specimen in the possession ofADW.Worcs One was discovered perched on a house roof in Kidderminster on the evening ofFebruary 20th and was still present the following morning.W Mid One was noted at Sedgley during both winter periods, whilst individuals werecaught and ringed on the Birmingham side of the Lickey Hills on May 7th and nearjunction 2 of the M5 motorway on August 2nd.

White-collared Yuhina Yuhina diademataSW China to SE MyanmarW Mid One was found dead apparently having flown into a Walsall house window on orbefore May 21st.

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornusIndia, Thailand, MalaysiaWarks An adult visited a garden feeder at Dunchurch on August 11th.

Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicusAfrica. A common cage-bird also known as the Green Singing Finch in avicultural circles.Worcs A male frequented a garden feeding station in Worcester for three weeksbetween mid-July and early August.

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Ringing in 2006A.E.ColemanRinging Secretary

Ringing recoveries are obtained in three basic ways and the current ringing report providesexamples of each. Birds may be:(a) Re-trapped and released after the ring number has been read (b) Found dead or injured(c) Ringed with individually engraved colour rings that can be read in the field.Recoveries provide information on the lifespan of birds, the causes of death, how far theymove from the ringing site and the direction taken. In addition the biometric measurestaken provide information on their condition and the size variation within the species.

Colour rings are made from Darvic material, it comes in different colours and can beengraved with a series of letters or numerals or a combination of both thereby making eachring unique. The rings enable a positive identification to be made without having to catchthe bird. Large birds, such as gulls, geese and swans are often ringed in this way, andexamples included here show Mute Swans moving north-west from the Midlands toGwynedd in Wales and south to Sherbourne in Dorset, Black-headed Gulls from Kings -bury Water Park in Warwickshire being sighted in Northumberland and on the river Dee inChester and a Lesser Black-backed Gull oscillating between Scandinavia and the UK.

When studying colonies of small birds such as House Sparrows and Tree Sparrows wherethe rings used may be too small for individual coding, it is possible through variation ofplain colour rings and their combinations, to easily identify individuals of the colony toassess social interactions between birds.

Most birds, especially the smaller passerine species rarely enjoy a long life. Generally, thelarger the bird the greater the potential life expectancy – although accidents do happenwhich greatly shorten a birds existence irrespective of size. These ringing notes show someremarkable longevity records including a 15 year old Mute Swan, an eleven year oldEurasian Sparrowhawk and a Robin and Blackbird both in their sixth year of life – all fourbirds were still alive on the recovery date recorded. Blue Tits are traditionally short livedbirds, on average they only have about two breeding seasons, but there are always excep -tions like the Worcestershire Blue Tit recorded here, found dead over six years after ringing– and it was at least a year old when ringed.

Ringing also provides remarkable movement records. Recoveries for wintering EurasianWigeon ringed at Bredon’s Hardwick in Worcestershire never fail to impress especiallywhen an adult male moves over four and a half thousand kilometres into Russia. FemaleWigeon leave their breeding grounds after the males, their departure depending on whenthe chicks are able to fly, and after wintering here they return to their breeding groundsusing a more southerly route than the males.

The three Siskins ringed in Staffordshire are interesting. Two show expected movementsinto Cumbria and further north to breeding grounds in Scotland but the third, a juvenilemale, moved in the opposite direction – 151 kilometres south to Suffolk.

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Another interesting movement is for a juvenile female Greenfinch ringed in Staffordshirein December 2005 and recovered dead the following May in Scotland. Was this a birdhatched in Scotland, over-wintered in the Midlands and returned to breed in the north, orwas it a Midland bird?. Some recoveries pose difficult questions – but addressing them willhopefully increase our understanding of birds.

I am most grateful to the secretaries of the Arden, Mercian and Wychavon Ringing Groupsand also the Bache, Shearwood and McShane Ringing Group for sending in details of theirringing recoveries. Roger Clay, Dave Clifton, Phil Ireland and Andy Lawrence also madevaluable contributions. Without making details of their recoveries available these RingingNotes would not be possible.

Selected List of Recoveries involving the WMBC Area Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date. Ringing details aregiven on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveriesfor 2006 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries andmovements of greater than 100 kilometres are included. Treatment of movements of lessthan 100 kilometres depends on the species involved.

Key

Age at ringing SexPull Pullus (Nestling) M MaleJuv Juvenile (young able to fly) F Female1Y Bird in its first year Manner of recovery2Y Bird in its second year v Caught and released with ring Ad Adult (at least one year old) + Shot or killedFg Full grown (Age uncertain) x Found dead or dying

vv ring read in the field? manner of recovery unknown

Species Ringer/Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place Movement

Mute SwanU8235 1Y M 18.01 97 Daventry, Northants ARG

x 24.01.06 Nafford, Worcs 68 kms

Z86434 1Y F 29.07.95 Alvecote Pools, Warks C&Cx 02.02.06 Tamworth, Staffs 2 kms

W14267 1Y 26.08.03 Fladbury, Worcs WRGv v 01.05.06 Kislingbury, Northants 73 kms

Z77606 1Y F 18.08.92 Worcester, Worcs WRGv v 17.05.06 Sherborne Park, Dorset 139 kms

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W11938 1Y F 28.03.05 Chasewater, Staffs C&Cv v 21.05.06 Aber Ogwen, Bangor, Gwynedd 156 kms

U4393 1Y 28.11.93 Worcester, Worcs WRGx 21.07.06 Shuthonger, Nr Tewksbury. Glos 20 kms

W16704 1Y 15.08.05 Mythe Pool, Worcs WRGv v 25.09.06 Watermead Country Park, Leics 103 kms

W14152 1Y M 09.07.03 Bewdley, Worcs WRGv 12.09.06 Slimbridge, Glos 71 kms

U1842 1Y 20.11.91 Kemerton, Worcs WRGx 04.10.06 Ross on Wye, Hereford 41 kms

Greater Canada Goose5214048 Ad 30.06.01 Stubbers Green. W.Mids C&C

+ 31.01.06 Lower Foxhall, Worcs 87 kms

5234818 Ad 21.12.03 Perry Barr, W.Mids C&Cx 15.07.06 Dearn Valley, South Yorkshire 118 kms

Eurasian WigeonFP39154 1Y M 16.02.03 Bredons Hardwick, Worcs WRG

x 07.01.04 Porto Tolle, Ferrara and Rovigo, Italy 1294 kms

FP39381 Ad M 31.12.03 Bredon’s Hardwick, Worcs WRGx 17.05.05 Purovskiy District, Yamel-Nemets, USSR 4810 kms

FP39385 Ad F 31.12.03 Bredon’s Hardwick, Worcs WRGShot 22.10,06 Agerso, Sjaelland, Denmark 949 kms

FP39088 1Y F 16.02.03 Bredon’s Hardwick, Worcs WRGx 31.10.06 Saratov, USSR 3310 kms

FP68354 Ad M 22.01.06 Bredon’s Hardwick, Worcs WRG+ 18.11.06 Rockland St Mary, Norfolk 252 kms

Eurasian SparrowhawkEB66258 Pull F 30.06.95 Kemerton, Worcs WRG

v 07.01.06 Nr Suckley, Worcs 29 kms

Black-headed GullEH22151 Pull 14.06.05 Kingsbury Water Park, Warks MRG

v v 10.11.06 River Dee, Chester 106 kms

EL59482 Pull 14 06 05 Kingsbury Water Park, Warks MRGv v 26 04 06 Druridge Bay, Northumberland 301 kms

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AA2865 Ad 16.03.01 Hellrup Havn, Gentofte, Denmarkv v 25.03.01 Copenhagen, Denmarkv v 12.04.02 Utterslev Mose, Copenhagen, Denmarkv v 01.05.04 Utterslev Mose, Copenhagen, Denmarkv v 16.02.05 Stubbers Green, W.Midsv v 07.10.06 Stubbers Green, W.Mids

Lesser Black-backed Gull4233182 Pull 10.07.99 Farsund, Vest-Agder, Norway

v v 02.03.02 Gijon, Uviedo, Spainv v 18.02.03 Gloucester, Glosv v 17.01.04 Caine, Wiltsv v 15.07.04 Farsund, Vest-Agder, Norwayv v 27.01.05 Gloucester, Glosv v 06.06.06 Farsund, Vest-Agder, Norwayv v 28.07.06 Farsund, Vest-Agder, Norwayv v 10.09.06 Farsund, Vest-Agder, Norwayv v 14.10.06 Cannock, Staffs

Sand MartinCH9486 Juv 26.07.03 Laguna de Sarinena, Sarinena, Huesca, Spain

v 20.06.04 Cornets End, Warks 1186 kms

4789204 Juv 21.07.03 Pacy sur Eure, Eure, Francev 19.06.05 Cornets End, Warks 436 kms

T525614 Ad 19.06.05 Broom, Bedsv 11.06.06 Cornets End, Warks 101 kms

R211096 Juv 07.07.02 Cornets End, Warks PIv 22.07.06 Lochgreens, Nr Aberdeen, Scotland 535 kms

R713663 Juv 18.07.04 Cornets End, Warks PIv 10.07.05 Cottam Power Station, Notts

30.07.06 West Burton Power Station, Notts 121 kms

RobinP188083 Juv 12.11.99 Hams Hall, Warks DC

v 22.11.05 Hams Hall, Warks 0 kmsv 03.11.06 Hams Hall, Warks 0 kms

BlackbirdRC69707 Juv M 31.12.99 Hams Hall, Warks BS&M

v 31.01.06 Hams Hall, Warks 0 kms

XJ73345 Ad M 17.11.05 Dungeness Bird Observatory, Kent DBOv 24.12.06 Sandon, Staffs 299 kms

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FieldfareCF90268 Juv F 30.12.01 Suckley, Worcs WRG

v 05.02.05 Althen des Paluds, France 1059 kms

RedwingRW18833 Ad 15.01.05 Longdon Marsh, Worcs WRG

x 12.01.06 Poullan sur Mer, Finistere, France 465 kms

7X77960 Juv 25.10.01 Brecht, Antwerpen, Belgiumv 20.11.05 Sandon, Staffs 489 kms

Cettiʼs WarblerR600573 Juv F 03.06.04 Upton Warren, Droitwich, Worcs WRG

v 23.01.06 Icklesham, Sussex 247 kms

Sedge WarblerT541449 Juv 13.07.06 Grimley, Worcs WRG

v 04.08.06 Icklesham, Sussex 251 kms

T541810 Juv 31.07.06 Grimley, Worcs WRG04.08.06 Beachy Head, Sussex 241 kms

Reed WarblerP876916 Juv 30.08.03 Tichfield Haven, Farham, Hampshire BSD

v 27.06.05 Hams Hall, Warks 192 kmsv 24.06.06 Hams Hall, Warks 192 kms

R902514 Ad 22.08.04 Icklesham, Sussex RBRGv 31.07.06 Grimley, Worcs 251 kms

T079873 Juv 20.07.06 Grimley, Worcs WRGv 15.08.06 Icklesham, Sussex 251 kms

BlackcapR587401 Juv M 24.09.05 Tichfield Haven, Farham, Hampshire BSD

v 30.04.06 Ols Storridge, Great Malvern, Worcs

V297552 Juv 06.08.06 Old Storridge, Great Malvern, Worcs WRGv 12.09.06 Icklesham, Sussex 252 kms

Garden WarblerAJK220 Juv 16.08.05 North Ronaldsay, Orkney, Scotland NRBO

v 14.05.06 Lower Moor Sewage Works, Worcs 806 kms

T210257 Juv 16.08.05 Belper, Derbys SBRGv 14.05.06 Eldersfield Hill Fort, Worcs 126 kms

Pied FlycatcherR203073 Pull 08.06.05 Midsummer Hill, Hollybush, Worcs WRG

v 29.05.06 Wyre Forest, Bewdley, Worcs 39 kms

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Blue TitN597140 Ad M 20.02.00 Poolbrook Water Works, Worcs WRG

x 27.10.06 Malvern, Worcs 0 kms

Great TitTC00563 Pull 20.05.04 Hams Hall, Warks MRG

v 19.03.06 West Clowes Wood, Cantebury, Kent 229 kms

ChaffinchP188588 Juv F 17.09.00 Hams Hall, Warks MRG

v 31.01.06 Hams Hall, Warks 0 kms

P212479 Juv F 19.01.03 Light Oaks, Staffs JALx 26.08.06 Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancs 132 kms

GreenfinchTC89348 Juv F 26.12.05 Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffs AEC

x 11.05.06 Galashiels, Borders Region, Scotland 349 kms

SiskinH961680 Juv M 24.03.06 Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffs AEC

x 06.04.06 Brandon, Suffolk 161 kms

K582935 Juv M 24.03.06 Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffs AECv 06.04.06 Flimby, Maryport, Cumbria 259 kms

V013737 Juv M 19.03.06 Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffs AECx 16.04.06 Dunblane, central Region, Sclotland 423 kms

Key to Contributors to the Ringing Report

AEC A.E. ColemanARG Arden Ringing GroupBSD B.S. DuffinBS&M Bache, Shearman and McShaneC&C Coleman and ColemanDBO Dungeness Bird ObservatoryDJC D. CliftonJAL J.A.LawrenceMRG Mercian Ringing GroupNRBO North Ronaldsay Bird ObservatoryPI P. IrelandRBRG Rye Bay Ringing GroupSBRG Sorby Breck Ringing GroupWRG Wychavon Ringing Group

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Franklinʼs Gull at Blithfield; a first for Staffordshire

Roger Broadbent

At around 7.30 pm on 9th August 2006 I decided to relieve myself of grandparenting dutiesand drive over to Tad Bay, Blithfield Reservoir, primarily to look at the gull roost. Previousevenings had produced various Mediterranean Gulls as well as Little Egrets, a Grey Plover,Black-tailed Godwits and Whimbrels which had all been seen in the evenings. There wasa good chance of seeing eclipse drake Garganeys too.

I arrived in front of the Stansley Wood hide at about 7.50 pm. Max Radford was alreadythere and the gulls were arriving in good numbers. As I was setting up my tripod MR drewmy attention to a group of Garganeys that were dabbling around the near shore. I decidedto look at those first whilst he commenced the methodical process of looking at each andevery gull.

I had hardly focussed on to a Garganey when MR exclaimed that he was on to either aLaughing or a Franklin’s Gull. He quickly came over to my telescope and kindly set it onto the gull which was standing on its own in the open on the mud. I immediately andcompletely agreed with his view that it was either a Laughing or Franklin’s Gull. Theeyepiece was immediately turned up to 60 times magnification. Although the bird had itshead tucked under its wing it was clear that it was a black-hooded gull with a dark greymantle. The primary tips were black and some white mirrors were obvious. I also thoughtthat it was too small for a Laughing Gull as we could easily compare its size with theincoming Black-headed Gulls which were beginning to partially obscure our bird.

As the twilight was rapidly approaching the news was put out straight away by phoningthose keen birders who we knew could get over to see it before it got dark. The newsquickly emerged on one of the pager services to the point that I received a call fromWorcestershire informing me that there was a Laughing or Franklin’s Gull at Blithfield.My reply was “ I know I am watching it now and I think that it is a Franklin’s“ .

Shortly afterwards the bird momentarily raised its head revealing very obvious white “eyelids “ and a relatively small dark bill. At that point I swung heavily towards this being aFranklin’s Gull.

The head was raised a couple more times and I could make out that the bill was very darkred. On one occasion the very tip of the bill was seen suggesting to me that the extreme tipwas indeed yellow. This feature was not picked up in the photographs taken the nextmorning.

Meanwhile, we were joined by other birders including G.J. Mant and E.S. Clare and I thinkabout four others before all the gulls took up as one and headed out of the bay towardsBeech Tree Point.

At that moment the Franklin’s Gull could easily be picked out. Its wings were paddleshaped and had three or four bright white mirrors on the black wing tips. The mantle was

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obviously darker than the mantles of the other gulls and it certainly was no bigger than theBlack-headed Gulls. It was indeed a Franklin’s Gull, a first for Staffordshire and the secondfor the Region; the first being at Draycote in 2002.

It was relocated more or less in the same place the next morning when I understand thatanother half dozen or so birders saw it. After about one and a half hours the bird flew awaynot to return.

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County Lists

The following table shows all species in categories A to C of The British List that have beenreliably recorded in the area covered by the current boundaries of the four counties of theRegion since records were kept. The regional total as at December 31st 2006 was 342. Theyear shown is the latest in which the species has been observed in each county while nkrefers to reliable, but undated, 19th century records. Subspecies or races are shown initalics and they, along with known escapes, are not included in the totals.

DetailsThe Details column is used to indicate for which species a description or supportingdetails are required. As the status of each species is not necessarily the same across thefour counties, a description or supporting details may be required for some counties but notfor others. The level of detail required will, of course, vary with the species concerned;some requiring only a brief sentence while other, rarer species, more detailed notes.However, if the bird you are claiming is unfamiliar to you, or you are unsure of its identity,then don’t be afraid to send in a description – even if it is not requested.

The following abbreviations are used:BBRC A full description is required by British Birds Rarities Committee.A A description or supporting details required for ALL counties.St, Wa, Wo, WM A description or supporting details required for Staffordshire,

Warwickshire, Worcestershire and West Midlands respectively.

Details Warks Worcs Staffs W MidMute Swan Cygnus olor 2006 2006 2006 2006Bewickʼs Swan Cygnus columbianus St 2006 2006 2006 2006Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2005 2006 2006Bean Goose Anser fabalis A 2004 2006 2006 0Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2006 2006 2005White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons A 2006 2005 2006 2006Greylag Goose Anser anser 2006 2006 2006 2006Greater Canada Goose Branta canadensis 2006 2006 2006 2006Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis 2006 2006 2006 2006Brent Goose Branta bernicla A 2006 2006 2006 2006Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Wa, WM 2006 2006 2006 2005Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 2006 2006 2006 2006Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata 2006 2006 2006 2006Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 2006 2006 2006 2006American Wigeon Anas americana A 2002 0 2006 0Gadwall Anas strepera 2006 2006 2006 2006Eurasian Teal Anas crecca 2006 2006 2006 2006Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis A 2004 2004 2002 0Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2006 2006 2006 2006Northern Pintail Anas acuta 2006 2006 2006 2006Garganey Anas querquedula 2006 2006 2006 2006Blue-winged Teal Anas discors BBRC 1989 1989 2001 0Shoveler Anas clypeata 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Wa, WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Pochard Aythya ferina 2006 2006 2006 2006Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris A 2006 2005 2005 2001Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca A 2006 2006 2006 1998Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 2006 2006 2006 2006

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Details Warks Worcs Staffs W MidGreater Scaup Aythya marila 2006 2006 2006 2003Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis BBRC 2005 2006 2006 0Common Eider Somateria mollissima A 1993 2001 2002 1993Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis A 2005 2006 2006 2005Common Scoter Melanitta nigra WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata A 1986 2000 0 0Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca A 2005 1985 2004 1994Bufflehead Bucephala albeola BBRC 2004 0 2004 2004Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 2006 2006 2006 2006Smew Mergellus albellus Wo, WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator A 2006 2006 2006 2006Goosander Mergus merganser 2006 2006 2006 2006Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 2006 2006 2006 2006Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Wo, Wa, WM 0 0 2006 1868Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix A 0 1915 2003 1897Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2006 2006 2006 2006Grey Partridge Perdix perdix 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Quail Coturnix coturnix A 2006 2006 2006 2004Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata A 2006 1997 2005 2001Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica A 2002 1995 2000 1997Great Northern Diver Gavia immer A 2006 2004 2006 2003Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 2006 2006 2006 2006Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena A 2006 2005 2006 1996Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus A 2006 2002 2006 2003Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis A 2004 2000 1993 1996Coryʼs Shearwater Calonectris diomedea A 0 0 1971 0Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus A 2006 2006 2006 2004European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus A 1983 2003 1990 1970Leachʼs Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa A 2006 2006 2006 2006Northern Gannet Morus bassanus A 2004 2006 2006 2006Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2006 2006 2006 2006Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis A 2006 2004 2006 2005Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris A 2006 2006 2006 2005Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus BBRC 1981 1865 1901 <1836Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax A 2001 1983 2000 2004Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides BBRC 0 0 2004 0Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis BBRC 1994 1993 1987 0Little Egret Egretta garzetta WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Great White Egret Ardea alba A 2006 1999 2003 2002Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 2006 2006 2006 2006Purple Heron Ardea purpurea A 1990 2000 2005 0Black Stork Ciconia nigra BBRC 0 1956 1985 0White Stork Ciconia ciconia A 2005 2005 2005 2005Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus BBRC 0 0 2006 0Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia A 2005 2001 2006 2002Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus A 2004 2004 2006 2004Black Kite Milvus migrans A 0 1986 1991 2004Red Kite Milvus milvus WM 2006 2006 2006 2006White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla A 1891 1945 1905 0Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wo, Wa, WM 2006 2006 2006 2005Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus A 2006 2006 2006 2005Montaguʼs Harrier Circus pygargus A 2005 2006 2006 1951Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis A 2006 2006 2006 2006Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 2006 2006 2006 2006Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus A 2005 1979 2001 1996Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos A 0 0 nk 0

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Details Warks Worcs Staffs W MidOsprey Pandion haliaetus Wo, WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus A 2003 2001 2002 0Merlin Falco columbarius WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Hobby Falco subbuteo 2006 2006 2006 2006Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus BBRC 1852 0 <1844 0Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2006 2006 2006 2006Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 2006 2006 2006 2006Spotted Crake Porzana porzana A 2005 2002 2006 1998Little Crake Porzana parva BBRC 1974 0 0 0Corn Crake Crex crex A 2005 1988 1988 1965Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Coot Fulica atra 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Crane Grus grus A 2003 2004 2006 2005Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax BBRC 0 0 c1899 <1893Great Bustard Otis tarda BBRC 0 c1825 0 0Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 2006 2006 2006 2006Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus BBRC 1987 2006 1995 0Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta A 2005 2006 2006 1999Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus A 2001 1996 2006 1991Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola BBRC 1996 1994 0 0Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 2006 2006 2006 2006Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula 2006 2006 2006 2006Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus A 1993 1940 1995 0Dotterel Charadrius morinellus A 2002 2006 2006 1978American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica A 1991 0 0 0European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 2006 2006 2006 2006Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola WM 2006 2006 2006 2005White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus BBRC 1975 0 0 0Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus 2006 2006 2006 2006Red Knot Calidris canutus WM 2005 2006 2006 2006Sanderling Calidris alba WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Little Stint Calidris minuta WM 2006 2006 2006 2004Temminckʼs Stint Calidris temminckii A 2006 2006 2006 2005Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla BBRC 2002 1988 2002 0White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis A 0 1996 1989 0Bairdʼs Sandpiper Calidris bairdii BBRC 1996 0 2005 0Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos A 2005 2006 2006 2006Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea WM 2006 2005 2006 2002Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima A 1993 1988 2000 1985Dunlin Calidris alpina 2006 2006 2006 2006Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus BBRC 1985 0 2004 0Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis A 1995 0 1980 0Ruff Philomachus pugnax 2006 2006 2006 2006Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 2006 2006 2006 2006Great Snipe Gallinago media BBRC <1886 0 1954 1995Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus BBRC 1983 2006 0 0Woodcock Scolopax rusticola 2006 2006 2006 2006Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica WM 2006 2006 2006 2003Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus WM 2006 2006 2006 2005Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 2006 2006 2006 2006Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda BBRC 1851 0 0 0Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Wa, WM 2006 2006 2006 2005Common Redshank Tringa totanus 2006 2006 2006 2006Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis BBRC 0 0 1974 0Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 2006 2006 2006 2006Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes BBRC 0 0 1995 0Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 2006 2006 2006 2006

225

Details Warks Worcs Staffs W MidWood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Wo, WM 2006 2006 2006 2005Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 2006 2006 2006 2006Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius BBRC 1990 0 2005 2004Turnstone Arenaria interpres WM 2006 2006 2006 2004Wilsonʼs Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor BBRC 1996 1985 0 0Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus A 2000 2006 2004 1893Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius A 2005 2004 2005 2005Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus A 1997 1999 2006 1985Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus A 2006 1996 2005 2000Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus A 2003 1987 2004 1991Great Skua Stercorarius skua A 2006 2000 2006 1994Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Laughing Gull Larus atricilla BBRC 0 2005 0 1997Franklinʼs Gull Larus pipixcan BBRC 2002 0 2006 0Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis A 1998 2006 2006 1996Common Gull Larus canus 2006 2006 2006 2006Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 2006 2006 2006 2006Herring Gull Larus argentatus 2006 2006 2006 2006Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis 2006 2006 2006 2006Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans A 2006 2006 2006 2006Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides A 2006 2006 2006 2006Kumlienʼs Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni A 2001 2005 1999 0Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus A 2006 2006 2006 2006Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 2006 2006 2006 2006Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 2006 2006 2006 2006Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Bonaparteʼs Gull Chroicocephalus

philadelphia BBRC 1992 0 1996 0Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus 2006 2006 2006 2006Sabineʼs Gull Xema sabini A 1989 1997 2006 0Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica BBRC 2006 <1901 1989 1896Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia BBRC 1993 1971 1999 1979Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2006 2006 2005Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii A 2002 1999 2006 0Common Tern Sterna hirundo 2006 2006 2006 2006Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea 2006 2006 2006 2006Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata BBRC 0 0 1852 0Little Tern Sternula albifrons A 2006 2005 2006 2000Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida BBRC 2005 1994 2005 0Black Tern Chlidonias niger 2006 2006 2006 2006White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus A 2005 2000 2005 1977Common Guillemot Uria aalge A nk 0 1920 1980Razorbill Alca torda A nk 1953 0 1912Little Auk Alle alle A 2003 1998 2001 1999Puffin Fratercula arctica A 1984 1963 1983 1999Pallasʼs Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus BBRC 1888 1888 1908 1888Feral Pigeon Columba livia 2006 2006 2006 2006Stock Dove Columba oenas 2006 2006 2006 2006Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 2006 2006 2006 2006Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 2006 2006 2006 2006Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur St 2006 2006 2006 2006Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri A 2006 2005 2006 2006Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 2006 2006 2006 2006Barn Owl Tyto alba 2006 2006 2006 2006Little Owl Athene noctua 2006 2006 2006 2006Tawny Owl Strix aluco 2006 2006 2006 2006Long-eared Owl Asio otus Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Tengmalmʼs Owl Aegolius funereus BBRC 0 1901 0 0European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2005 2006 2005

226

Details Warks Worcs Staffs W MidWhite-throated Needle-tail Hirundapus caudacutus BBRC 0 0 1991 0Common Swift Apus apus 2006 2006 2006 2006Alpine Swift Apus melba A 2003 1997 1996 1988Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 2006 2006 2006 2006Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon BBRC 0 0 2005 0European Bee-eater Merops apiaster A 1886 1970 0 1955European Roller Coracias garrulus BBRC 0 0 1908 0Hoopoe Upupa epops A 2006 2006 2006 2006Wryneck Jynx torquilla A 2003 2006 2005 2006Green Woodpecker Picus viridis 2006 2006 2006 2006Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 2006 2006 2006 2006Lesser Spotted

Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor 2006 2006 2006 2006Wood Lark Lullula arborea A 2004 2006 2006 2004Sky Lark Alauda arvensis 2006 2006 2006 2006Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris A 1994 2003 2002 2006Sand Martin Riparia riparia 2006 2006 2006 2006Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica A 2004 2001 2006 0House Martin Delichon urbicum 2006 2006 2006 2006Richardʼs Pipit Anthus richardi A 2001 1967 2002 1994Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 2006 2006 2006 2006Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus A 1994 0 0 0Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus petrosus WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Scandinavian Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus littoralis A 2004 1997 2005 2006Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta A 2006 2005 2006 2005Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima 2006 2006 2006 2006Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava A 2006 2006 2006 2006Spanish Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae A 0 1982 1993 0Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi A 0 0 0 1996Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola BBRC 1997 0 0 0Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2006 2006 2006 2006Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii 2006 2006 2006 2006White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba A (autumn) 2006 2006 2006 2006Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Wa, Wo, WM 2006 2005 2005 2006Dipper Cinclus cinclus gularis Wa, WM 1991 2006 2006 2006Black-bellied Dipper Cinclus cinclus cinclus A 1996 0 0 0Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 2006 2006 2006 2006Dunnock Prunella modularis 2006 2006 2006 2006Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris BBRC nk 0 0 0Robin Erithacus rubecula 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos St, WM 2006 2006 1988 1979Bluethroat Luscinia svecica A 1995 1981 1994 1985Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros A 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 2006 2006 2006 2006Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 2006 2006 2006 2006Stonechat Saxicola torquata 2006 2006 2006 2006Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 2006 2006 2006 2006Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe o. leucorrhoa A 2006 2006 2006 2006Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti BBRC 0 0 1996 0Whiteʼs Thrush Zoothera dauma BBRC 1895 0 0 0Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Wa 2006 2006 2006 2006Blackbird Turdus merula 2006 2006 2006 2006Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni BBRC 0 1979 0 0Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis BBRC 0 1996 1978 0Fieldfare Turdus pilaris 2006 2006 2006 2006Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 2006 2006 2006 2006Redwing Turdus iliacus 2006 2006 2006 2006Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 2006 2006 2006 2006

227

Details Warks Worcs Staffs W MidCettiʼs Warbler Cettia cetti A 2006 2006 2006 2001Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia 2006 2006 2006 2006River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis BBRC 0 0 1996 0Saviʼs Warbler Locustella luscinioides A 2004 1999 1977 0Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola A 2005 1983 0 0Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus

schoenobaenus 2006 2006 2006 2006Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris A 2001 2005 1996 1982Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 2006 2006 2006 2006Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus BBRC 2005 0 0 0Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina A 1997 1942 1993 0Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta A 2000 0 1996 0Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 2006 2006 2006 2006Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 2006 2006 2006 2006Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria A 1979 0 0 0Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 2006 2006 2006 2006Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata A 1914 2005 2006 2006Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis A 0 0 1993 0Pallasʼs Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus A 2001 1987 1970 0Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus A 1996 2003 2006 1998Humeʼs Warbler Phylloscopus humei BBRC 0 0 1994 0Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus BBRC 0 0 0 1996Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wa 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 2006 2006 2006 2006Siberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus c. tristis A 2006 2006 2005 1994Scandinavian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus c. abietinus A 2005 2006 2005 1991Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 2006 2006 2006 2006Goldcrest Regulus regulus 2006 2006 2006 2006Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla A 2006 2006 2006 2006Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 2006 2006 2006 2006Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva A 2004 0 0 0Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Wa 2005 2006 2006 2006Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus A 2006 2004 2004 1993Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 2006 2006 2006 2006Marsh Tit Poecile palustris WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Willow Tit Poecile montana 2006 2006 2006 2006Coal Tit Periparus ater 2006 2006 2006 2006Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 2006 2006 2006 2006Great Tit Parus major 2006 2006 2006 2006Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 2006 2006 2006 2006Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 2006 2006 2006 2006Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus A 2005 2000 1997 1990Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio A 2005 2000 2006 2003Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor BBRC 0 1987 0 0Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor A 2006 2005 2006 1998Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator A 0 1893 0 1999Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 2006 2006 2006 2006Magpie Pica pica 2006 2006 2006 2006Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes BBRC 0 0 1991 0Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax A 0 1826 0 0Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula 2006 2006 2006 2006Rook Corvus frugilegus 2006 2006 2006 2006Carrion Crow Corvus corone 2006 2006 2006 2006Hooded Crow Corvus cornix A 1987 1983 1994 1984Common Raven Corvus corax 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2006 2006 2006 2006Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus A 2001 2005 2002 2004House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2006 2006 2006 2006Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 2006 2006 2006 2006

228

Details Warks Worcs Staffs W MidChaffinch Fringilla coelebs 2006 2006 2006 2006Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 2006 2006 2006 2006European Serin Serinus serinus A 2002 1981 2001 0Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2006 2006 2006 2006Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2006 2006 2006 2006Siskin Carduelis spinus 2006 2006 2006 2006Linnet Carduelis cannabina 2006 2006 2006 2006Twite Carduelis flavirostris A 2006 2002 2006 2003Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret 2006 2006 2006 2006Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea A 2006 2006 2006 2006Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni A 0 2002 1996 0Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera BBRC 0 1838 1980 0Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Wa, WM 2006 2006 2006 2005Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus A 2003 0 0 0Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 2006 2006 2006 2006Hawfinch Coccothraustes

coccothraustes St, Wa, WM 2006 2006 2006 2006Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus A 1981 0 2005 2005Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis A 2004 2006 2006 1997Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos BBRC 0 2005 0 0Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 2006 2006 2006 2006Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus A 1959 1983 1951 1950Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica A 0 1987 0 0Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla A 1902 2005 2005 2003Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 2006 2006 2006 2006Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala BBRC 2004 0 0 0Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra 2006 2006 2006 2006Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula BBRC 0 0 0 1968

Grand Total Region 342 County 307 297 311 270Total in 2006 Region 239 County 204 201 226 174

The county totals exclude all subspecies and races and those species in Appendices 1 and2 of the Regional List.

Note: The records of Red and Black Grouse on the West Midlands list refer to SuttonPark which, at the time of the records, was part of Warwickshire.

229

Gazetteer

The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid references (if known) of alllocalities mentioned in the Report.

230

WarwickshireAbberley Hill SO7566Abbey Fields SP2872Abbots Salford Pool SP0749Admington SP2046Alcester SP0857Alcester Heath SP0659Alcester STW SP0956Alderminster SP2348Alscot Park SP2050Alvecote Pools SK2504Alveston SP2356Arbury Park SP3389Arley SP2890Armscote SP2444Arrow SP0856Ashorne SP3057Ashow SP3170Astley SP3189Aston Cantlow SP1359Atherstone SP3097Attleborough Fields SP3890Avon Dassett SP4149

Baddesley Clinton SP2071Baginton Airport SP3574Barcheston SP2639Barford SP2760Baxterley SP2797Beaudesert SP1566Bedworth SP3686Bedworth Nook SP3486Bedworth Slough SP3487Bentley SP2795Bentley Woods SP2895Bermuda SP3589Bidford-on-Avon SP0951Billesley SP1456Binley Woods SP3977Birchley Wood SP4078Birchmoor SK2501Bishopʼs Bowl Lakes SP3858Bishopʼs Gorse SP3354Bishopʼs Hill SP3958Bishopʼs Itchington SP3857Bishopʼs Tachbrook SP3161Bishopton SP1856Black Hill SP2359Blythe Mill SP2190Bodymoor Heath SP2095Brailes SP3139Brailes Hill SP2939Bramcote Hall SK2704Brandon Marsh SP3875Bretford SP4277Brinklow SP4379

Broom SP0953Brownsover SP5176Bubbenhall SP3672Bubbenhall Tip SP3671Budbrooke SP2565Bulkington SP3986Bunkers Hill Wood SP4869Burmington SP2637Burton Dassett SP3951Butlers Marston SP3150

Calcutt SP4664Calcutt Spinney SP4763Caldecote SP3494Camp Hill SP3393Chadshunt SP3452Chapel Ascote SP4157Charlecote GP SP2657Charlecote Park SP2656Chelmscote SP3142Cherington SP2936Chessetts Wood SP1973Chesterton Pools SP3558Chesterton Wood SP3457Church Pool Covert SP2092Claverdon SP1964Clifford Chambers SP1952Clopton SP2056Clowes Wood SP0973Cock Bevington SP0552Coldcomfort Wood SP0758Coleshill SP2089Coleshill GP SP2090Coleshill STW SP1991Combrook SP3051Compton Scorpion SP2140Compton Verney SP3152Coombe Abbey SP4079Coombe Slade Pool

(Brailes) SP3337Copston Magna SP4588Corley SP2985Coton Pools SP2194Coughton Court SP0860Crackley Wood SP2874Crimscote SP2347Crimscote Downs SP2246Cryfield SP2975Cubbington SP3468Curdworth SP1793

Darlingscott SP2342Ditchford Frary SP2337DMC Kineton SP3651Dordon SK2600

Dosthill Lake SP2098Draycote Water SP4669Dunchurch SP4871Dunnington SP0653

Earlswood Lakes SP1174Eathorpe SP3969Edge Hill SP3747Edge Hill Wood

(Kingsbury) SP2398Edstone SP1761Ennister Wood SP0754Ensors Pool SP3490Ettington SP2649Ettington Grove SP2548Ettington Park SP2447Exhall Grange SP3384

Farnborough SP4349Farnborough Park SP4249Fenny Compton SP4152Fenny Compton Hills SP4051Fenny Compton –

Oxford Canal SP4352Fillongley SP2887Finham STW SP3373Fisherʼs Mill GP SP2099Flecknoe SP5163Forest of Arden Hotel SP2285Forshaw Heath SP0873Fulready SP2846

Gaydon SP3654Grandborough SP4966Great Alne SP1159Grendon SP2799Greyʼs Mallory SP3061Griff SP3588Guyʼs Cliffe SP2966

Halford SP2645Hampton Lucy SP2557Hampton Wood SP2559Hams Hall SP2091Harborough Magna SP4879Harbury SP3759Hartshill SP3293Hartshill Hayes SP3294Hartshill Quarry SP3394Hartshill STW SP3395Haseley SP2368Haselor SP1257Hatton SP2367Hatton Rock SP2357Haunch Lane Flood SP2094

Hawkesbury SP3685Henley-in-Arden SP1465High Cross Quarry SP4688Hillmorton SP5373Hoar Park Wood SP2693Hodnell Pool SP4256Honiley SP2472Honington SP2642Hounds Hill SP2550

Idlicote SP2844Idlicote Hills SP2843Ilmington SP2143Ilmington Downs SP1942

Jubilee Pools SP3873

Kenilworth SP2971Keresley Newlands SP3284Kineton SP3351Kingsbury SP2196Kingsbury Colliery SP2398Kingsbury Water Park SP2097Kingsbury Wood SP2397Kinwalsey SP2585Kites Hardwick SP4668Knavenhill Wood SP2449Knightcote SP4055Knowle End SP3848

Ladbroke SP4158Ladywalk SP2191Lapworth SP1671Lapworth Park SP1669Lawford Heath Tip/GP SP4473Lea Marston Pools SP2093Leamington Hastings SP4467Leamington Spa SP3165Leek Wootton SP2868Lighthorne SP3355Lighthorne Pools SP3356Lighthorne Quarry SP3456Lillington SP3367Little Dassett SP3852Little Packington SP2184Long Compton SP2832Long Itchington SP4165Long Lawford SP4776Long Marston SP1548Longbridge SP2662Longbridge STW SP2763Lower Radbourn SP4457Lower Shuckburgh SP4862Lowsonford SP1867

Mancetter SP3296Marlcliff SP0950Maxstoke SP2386Meon Hill SP1745Middleton SP1798Middleton Hall SP1998Milcote SP1752Moreton Morrell SP3155

Morton Bagot SP1064Myton Fields SP3065

Napton Hill SP4561Napton Res SP4759Nether Whitacre SP2392Newbold Comyn SP3465Newbold-on-Stour SP2446Newbold Quarry SP2957Newfield Pool SP4554Northend SP3952Norton Lindsey SP2263Nuneaton SP3691Nunley Test Track SP2373Nunley Wood SP2273

Oakley Wood SP3059Offchurch SP3565Offchurch Bury SP3466Oldberrow SP1166Oldbury SP3194Oversley Hill SP0955Oversley Wood SP1056Oxhill SP3145

Packington Park SP2283Packwood SP1772Pagetʼs Lane Quarry SP3771Pillerton Hersey SP3048Pillerton Priors SP2947Polesworth SK2602Poolfields SP3253Preston Bagot SP1765Preston-on-Stour SP2049Princethorpe SP4070Priors Hardwick SP4756Priors Marston SP4957

Radford Semele SP3464Radway SP3748Ragley Park SP0755Ratley SP3847Red Hill SP1356Rugby SP5175Rushford SP0551Ryton-on-Dunsmore SP3874Ryton Pools CP SP3772Ryton Wood SP3872

St. Dennis SP2941St Nicholas Park (Wark) SP2964Salford Priors SP0751Salford Priors GP SP0752Sawbridge SP5065Seeswood Pool SP3290Shawbury SP2588Sherbourne SP2661Shipston-on-Stour SP2540Shipston STW SP2641Shrewley SP2167Shuckburgh Hills

and Park SP4961Shustoke Res SP2291

Shuttington SK2505Snitterfield SP2159Snitterfield Bushes SP1960Somers, The SP2282Southam SP4161Spernall SP0862Spernall Park SP1062Spernall STW SP0862Stirch SP5055Stockingford SP3391Stockton SP4365Stoneleigh SP3372Stoneleigh Park SP3171Stoneton Moat SP4654Stratford-upon-Avon SP2055Stretton-on-Fosse SP2238Studley SP0763Studley Castle SP0864Sweet Knowle SP2048

Talton SP2347Temple Grafton SP1254Temple Herdewyke SP3752Temple Pool SP3744Tiddington SP2255Tidmington SP2638Toft Farm Lakes SP4868Tredington SP2543Tysoe SP3444

Ufton Fields SP3861Ufton Tip SP3961Umberslade SP1371Upper Spernall SP1162Upton Park SP3645

Walton Hall SP2852Warmington SP4147Warton SK2803Warwick SP2864Warwick Castle Park SP2863Warwick Race Course SP2764Wasperton SP2658Water Orton SP1791Watergall SP4255Weddington SP3693Weethley SP0555Welcombe Hills SP2056Welford-on-Avon SP1452Wellesbourne SP2755Weston-on-Avon SP1650Whatcote SP3044Whichford SP3134Whichford Wood SP3034Whitacre Heath SP2192Whitacre Heath NR SP2092Whitestone SP3889Whitnash SP3263Whittleford Park SP3291Willicote SP1850Willington SP2639Wilmcote SP1657Wimpstone SP2149

231

Winderton SP3240Winderton Warren SP3440Windmill Hill NR SP3493Wishaw SP1794Wixford SP0854Wolfhamcote SP5265

Wolston SP4175Wolverton SP2062Wood End SP2498Wootton Wawen SP1563Wormleighton SP4454

Wormleighton Hill SP4355Wormleighton Reservoir SP4451Wroxall SP2271

Yarningale Common SP1865

232

WorcestershireAbberley Hill SO7566Abberley SO7567Abberton SO9953Alfrick SO7453Alfrick Pound SO7452Alvechurch SP0272Ankerdine Hill SO7356Areley Wood SO7871Arrow Valley Golf

Course SP0569Arrow Valley Lake SP0567Arrow Valley North SP0569Ashmoor Common SO8446Ashton-under-Hill SO9938Ashwood BankAstley Cross SO8069Aston Somerville SP0438Axborough SO8579Aytonʼs Heath SO6963Aztec Water Sports

Lake SO9847

Banalls Rough SO6463Barbourne SO8457Beckford SO9735Beckford Lakes SO9836Beoleylade SP0568Berkeley SO8857Berringtonʼs Quarry SO7641Berrow Down SO7638Bevere Lock SO8359Bewdley SO7875Bickley SO6371Birchen Coppice SO6463Birchwood SO8081Birts Street SO7836Birtsmorton Pools SO7935Bishampton SO9951Bishampton Bank SP0049Bishampton Vale Pool SP0050Bittell Reservoir SP0174Blackstone SO7974Blakedown SO8878Bockleton SO5862Bodenham Arboretum SO8081Bransford Bridge SO8053Braziers Coppice SO6464Bredon Hill SO9139Bredonʼs Hardwick SO9135Bredonʼs Norton SO9339Brickhouse Lane SO9468Bricklehampton SO9842Brinton Carpet Factory SO8275British Camp SO7640British Camp Reservoir SO7639

Broadwas SO7656Broadway SP0937Broadway

disused railway SP0737Broadway GPs SP0837Bromsgrove SO9570Brotheridge Green Pool SO8241Burlish Top SO8072Bury End Flash SO8639Burys Hill SO8981Bushley SO8734

Callow Hill SO7473Castlemorton Common SO7839Caunsall SO8581Chaddesley Corbett SO8873Chaddesley Wood SO9173Charlton SP0145Chase End Hill SO7635Chase End Wood SO9073Chat Valley SO7746Cheaton Brook SO5762Church Lench Pool SP0250Churchill SO8879Cleeve Prior SP0849Clent Hills SO9379Clevelode SO8346Clifton Pits SO8445Clifton-on-Teme SO7161Cobblers Coppice SO9269Cobblers Corner SO7756Cofton Richards Farm SP0175Comhampton SO8366Conderton SO9637Conderton Hill SO9737Coombegreen Common SO7736Cowsden SO9453Crabbe Tree Farm SO9047Crabbs Cross SP0464Croome Farm SO8945Croome Landscape

Park SO8844Croome Perry Wood SO9046Croome River SO8844Cropthorne SO9844

Dagnell End SP0568Defford SO9143Defford Airfield SO9044Defford Yacht Club SO9142Devils Spittleful SO8074Dingle, The SO7645Dodford SO9373Dowles Brook SO7776Downend SO8233

Drakes Broughton SO9248Drayton SO9076Droitwich SO8962

Eckington SO9241Eckington Meadows SO9242Elmley Castle SO9841Evesham SP0343Eymore Wood SO7779

Feckenham SP0061Feckenham Wylde Moor SP0160Fernhill Heath SO8659Fish Hill SP1137Fladbury SO9946Flash Pools SO9366Flintʼs Dingle SO6363Four Stones SO9380Frog End SO6463

Golden Valley SO9647Grafton Lane SO9469Grafton Manor SO9369Grafton Reservoir SO9936Grafton Wood SO9756Great Malvern SO7846Green Street SO8649Grimley SO8360Grimley Church SO8360Grimley Heronry Wood SO8461Grimley New Workings SO8359Grimley Old Workings SO8361Grimley Windsurfing Pit SO8261Gullet, The SO7638Gwen Finch Wetland SO9341

Habberley Valley SO8077Hallow SO8258Hampton SP0243Hanbury Hall SO9463Hangmanʼs Hill SO7639Hanley Swan SO8142Happy Valley SO7645Hartlebury SO8470Hartlebury Common SO8270HarvingtonHawford SO8460Hewell Grange SP0169Higher MoorHighwood SO6567Hill Croome SO8840Hill Furze SP0048Hillpool SO8976Himbleton SO9458Hindlip SO8758

Flintʼs Dingle SO6363Hollybed Common SO7737Hollybush SO7636Hollybush Quarry SO7636Hollywood SP0877Holt SO8262Holt Fishing Pools SO8262Holt Heath SO8163Holt Prairies SO8262Huntsbridge SO7783Huntsfield SO7779Hurcott Pool SO8577

Ipsley Alders SP0767

Kemerton Park SO9436Kempsey SO8549Kempsey Common SO8748Kempsey Lower Ham SO8449Kempsey Sewage

Works SO8448Kidderminster SO8376Kings Norton Golf Club SP0574Kinsham Lake SO9836Knapp, The SO7451Knighton SO6370Knighton Common SO6270Knightwick SO7355Kyre SO6263Kyre Brook SO6264Kyre Pool SO6364

Ladywood STW SO8661Langdale Wood SO7943Lea End SP0475Lickey Hills SO9975Lickmoor Wetland SO8845Lineholt SO8266Link Top SO7747Lion Wood SP0871Little Comberton SO9643Lodge Hill Farm SO7576Longdon Marsh SO8235Lower Bittell Reservoir SP0174Lower Moor SO9847Lower Moor STW SO9746Lower Smite Farm SO8858Lulsley SO7455Lydiate Ash SP9775

Malvern Common SO7744Malvern Hills SO7640Malvern Hills Hotel SO7742Malvern Link SO7847Marlbrook SO6670Marsh Common SO8942Merrilands Farm SO9047Midsummer Hill SO7637Mill Shrub Pool SP0174Monk Wood SO8060Monkwood Green SO8060Moors Pool SO9367Mount Pleasant SP0439

Nafford SO9441Nafford Lock SO8441Nash End SO7781Naunton Beauchamp SO9652New Farm SO9046Nimmings SO9380Nineveh SO6264North Hill SO7646North Valley SO7646

Oakenshaw SP0464Oaklands Farm SO9745Oakley Marsh SO8960Oakley Pool SO8960Offerton Lane NR SO8857Old Road South SO8448Old Storridge SO7451Ombersley Golf Course SO8463

Park Brook SO7576Pendock SO7832Penny Hill SO7561Pensax Wood SO7268Pershore SO9445Phepson Farm SO9459Pinnacle Hill SO7642Pipers Hill Wood SO9565Pirton Pool SO8747Pitcher Oak Wood SP0267Pixham Meadows SO8448Podmore SO8478Poolbrook Common SO7944Porters Mill SO8660Pound Green Common SO7578Powick SO8351Powick Ham SO8352

Raggedstone Hill SO7586Redditch SP0467Retreat Farm Pool SO8359Ribbesford SO7873Ridge Coppice SO6464Rifle Range SO8074Ripple SO8738Ripple Marsh SO8637Rock Coppice SO7673Rous Lench SP0153Rowney Green SP0471Rushwick SO8253Ryall Pits SO8639Ryden Farm SP0245

Sally Beds SP1135Salwarpe Canal SO8762Salwarpe Church SO8761Sarn Hill Wood SO8633Saxonʼs Lode SO8638Saxonʼs Lode Farm SO8638Sedge Green SO8034Severn Stoke SO8544Shatterford Wood SO7980Shellford SO9559Shenstone SO8673

Sheriffs Lench SP0249Shorthorn SO9850Shoulton SO8158Shrawley Wood SO8066Sinton Green SO8160Slade Avenue SO8755Sling Pool Plantation SO8262Sneads Green SO8567Southcrest Wood SP0836Spetchley Lake SO8953Spetchley Park SO8953Spring Lane Ind. Estate SO7847St. Annʼs Well SO7745Stoke Bliss SO6562Stoke Prior SO9467Stonyford SO6464Stonyford Pool SO6464Stoulton SO9049Stourport-on-Severn SO8171Strensham Lagoons SO9139Strensham Services SO9039Sugarloaf Hill SO7645Swinesherd Way SO8753Swinyard Hill SO7638

Table Hill SO7846Tallow Hill SO8555Tank Quarry SO7646Tanwood SO9074Tenbury Wells SO5968Three Counties

Showground SO7842Throckmorton Airfield SO9649Throckmorton Lagoons SO9748Throckmorton Tip SO9748Tiddesley Wood SO9245Tilesford SO9650Timberhonger SO9170Tinkers Coppice SO8259Trench Wood SO9258Trimpley Reservoir SO7778Tythe Barn Farm SP0448

Upper Arley SO7680Upper Bittell Reservoir SP0275Upper Strensham Pool SO8939Upton-upon-Severn SO8540Upton Warren SO9367Upton-upon-Severn

STW SO8440Upton-upon-Severn

S. Ham SO8539

Wadborough SO9047Walton Hill SO9479Waresley SO8469Washford East SP0765Wassell Grove SO9382Wassell Grove

Business Park SO9382Wassell Wood SO7977Weatheroak Hill SP0574Webheath SP0166

233

West Malvern SO6746West of England

Quarry SO7644Westmancote SO9337Westwood Park SO8763Westwood Pool SO8763Whitehouse Farm SO8679Whiteleaved Oak SO7635Wichenford SO7860

Wick SO9645Wilden Marsh SO8273Wildmoor Tip SO9576Winyates East SP0767Winyates Green SO0867Wisemanʼs Scrape SO8865Wood Norton SP0147Woodbury Hill SO7464Woodbury Quarry SO7464

Woodrow SO8875Worcester SO8454Worcestershire Beacon SO7645Wyche Cutting SO7743Wyre Forest SO7475Wyre Piddle SO9647Wyre Piddle Bus. Park SO9547Wythall SP0775

234

StaffordshireAbrahamʼs Valley SK0020Acton Trussell SJ9318Alrewas SK1814Alrewas Junction Pit SK1815Anslow SK2125Anslow SK2125Apedale CP SJ8148Aqualate SJ7720Aqualate Flight Pools SJ7720Ashwood SO8688Aston-by-Stone SJ9131Astonfields Balancing

Lakes SJ9224

Back Forest SJ9865Baddeley Edge SJ9150Baddeley Green SJ9051Baggeridge CP SO8992Baldstones SK0164Baldwinʼs Gate SJ7940Barleighford SJ9463Barton GP SK2017Barton Marina SK2018Baswich SJ9422Batchacre Hall SJ7525Bateswood SJ7948Beaconside SJ9226Bearda SJ9664Beaudesert SK0313Bednall SJ9517Beech SJ8438Bellamoor Lane SK0320Belvide Reservoir SJ8610Berry Hill SJ9045Biddulph SJ8756Biddulph Grange CP SJ8959Biddulph Moor SJ9058Bishopʼs Wood SJ7433Black Bank SJ8147Black Brook SK0064Blake Brook SK0761Blithfield Reservoir SK0523Blythe Bridge SJ9540Boarsgrove SK0462Brackenhurst Covert SK1423Brancote STW SJ9522Branston GP SK2020Branston Water Park SK2120Bratch Locks SO8688Brindley Ford SJ8854Britannia Stadium SJ8843Broad Heath SJ8525

Brocton Coppice SJ9819Brocton Field SJ9817Brookleys Lake SK0943Brown Edge SJ9054Brown Lees SJ8755Brund SK1061Brund Mill SK0961Bull PenBunster Hill SK1451Burntwood SK0608Burston SJ9330Burton-on-Trent SK2523Bury Bank SJ8835Bushton SK2026Butterton SJ8242Butterton Moor SK0556Byrkley Park SK1623

Cadet Huts SJ9917Calton SK1050Caltonmoor SK1148Calwich Abbey SK1243Cannock Chase SJ9816Cannock Tip SJ9909Castletown Pool SJ9123Central Forest Park SJ8848Chapel Chorlton SJ8137Chase Corner SJ9817Chasewater Reservoir SK0307Checkhill SO8587Church Eaton SJ8417Churnet Valley SK0942Clay Mills SK2626Coldmeece SJ8532Consall CP SJ9948Consall Valley SJ9948Coombes Valley SK0052Copmere SJ8029Cotes Heath SJ8335Cowhay NR SJ9656Crakemarsh SK0936Crossplains SK1624Croxall SK1814Croxden SK0341Croxdon SJ7832Crumpwood SK0842Cuckoo Bank SK0310

Danebridge SJ9665Dead Waters SK1040Denstone SK1040Denstone Hall SK1040

Dilhorne Dale SJ9843Dimmingsdale SK0543Doley Common SJ8121Dosthill SP2099Dove Bridge SK1034Dovedale SK1452Doxey Marshes SJ9024Draycott Quarry SK0041Draycott-in-the-Clay SK1528Drayton Bassett SP1999Drayton Bassett Pits SP2099Drystone Edge SK0268Dunstall SK1820Dunwood SJ9453Dunwood Bank SJ9453

East Bishton SK0320Eccleshall SJ8329Elford SK1910Elford North Pit SK1810Ellastone SK1143Ellenhall SJ8526Enson SJ9328Enville SO8388Essington Quarry SJ9403

Fauld SK1828Fazeley SK2002Fenton Cemetery SJ8945Festival Park SJ8648Fisherwick SK1709Five Clouds SK0062Flash SK0267Foker Grange SJ9657Ford SK0654Ford Grange SK0653Forton SJ7521Fradley SK1513Frith Bottom SJ9961

Gailey SJ9310German Cemetery SJ9815Gib Torr SK0264Godstone SK0134Goldsitch Moss SK0164Goosemoor Green SK0611Gradbach Hill SJ9965Greenway Bank CP SJ8955Grindon Moor SK0655Grindonmoor Gate SK0754Gun Hill SJ9662

Hamps Valley SK1053

Hanchurch Woods SJ8340Handley Banks SJ9544Handsacre Flash SK0916Hatton Bogs SJ8237Hawksmoor SK0344Hayes SK0860Hazelstrine SJ9420Heaton SJ9561Hen Cloud SK0061High Offley SJ7826Higher Lower

Perton Lake SO8699Highgate Common SO8490Hill Hook LNR SK1000Himley Plantation SO8892Hints GPs SK1604Hixon Airfield SJ9926Holden Lane Pools SJ8950Hollybush Lake SK1326Hulme SJ9346

Ilam SK1350Ingestre SJ9824Ipstones Edge SK0350

Jacobs Ladder SK1452JCB North Lake SK1039

Katyn Memorial SJ9816Keele University SJ8145Kemsey Manor SJ7624Kettlebrook Lakes SK2003Kingʼs Bromley SK1116Kingswood SJ9908Kinver Edge SO8382Knotbury SK0168Knypersley Reservoir SJ8955

Ladderedge SJ9754Lady Edge SK0562Leasowes Farm SJ8611Lichfield SK1111Lightwood SJ9241Little Ferneyford SK0661Little Hay SK1412Little Stoke SJ9133Longsdon Mill Pond SJ9555Lower Elkstone SK0758Lower Hatton SJ8236Lum Edge SK0659

Madeley STW SJ7745Manifold Valley SK1055Marchington SK1330Mayfield SK1545Meaford SJ8835Mermaid Inn SK0360Middle Hills SK0363Milford SJ9721Milford Bridge SJ9621Milford Common SJ9720Milldale SK1354Millmeece SJ8333

235

Morridge SK0257Morridge Top SK0365Musden Low SK1150

National MemorialArboretum SK1814

Needwood Forest SK1624Netherset Hey SJ7843Newcastle-under-Lyme SJ8444Norbury Junction SJ7922Norbury Manor SJ7923

Oakamoor SK0544Okeover Weir SK1648Oldacre Valley SJ9718Onecote SK0454Orchard Common SK0269Oulton Heath SJ9035Oulton Heath SJ9035Ouseley Cross SK1244Oxbatch SK0461Oxensitch SK0268

Packhorse Bridge SK0567Packington Moor SK1505Park Bank SK0842Park Hall CP SJ9244Pasturefields SJ9825Penkridge SJ9214Perton SO8598Pethillshead Farm SK0652Pipe Green SK1009Pretty Pigs Pool SK2405

Radford Bank SJ9320Radford Meadows SJ9321Ranton SJ8524Readyleach Green SK0268Reapsmoor SK0861Revidge SK0759Rickerscote SJ9320Rifle Range SJ9917Roaches SK0063Roddige Farm SK1612Rolleston Park SK2126Round Knowl Farm SK0562Rowley Hall SJ9121Rudyard Lake SJ9459Rue Barn Farm SJ8027Rugeley Power Station SK0517

Scotch Hill SK1622Seven Springs SK0020Shebdon SJ7625Sherbrook Valley SJ9818Shortwood Cotts SJ7836Shraleybrook SJ7849Shugborough SJ9922Silverdale Colliery SJ8146Sittles Farm SK1712South Doveridge SK1133South Pilsbury SK1262Springslade Lodge SJ9716

Stableford SJ8138Stafford SJ9223Stafford Crematorium SJ9523Stafford M6 services SJ8831Stanley Pool SJ9351Stanton Dale SK1048Stepping Stones SJ9820Stockley Vale SK2025Stoke-on-Trent SJ8745Stourton SO8685Stowe Pool SK1210Stramshall SK0735Strawberry Hill SK0019Swallow Moss SK0660Swineholes Wood SK0450Swynnerton SJ8436

Tad Bay SK0523Tamworth SK2004Tatenhill Airfield SK1524The Bent SK0762Thorswood SK1147Three Shires Head SK0068Throwley Hall SK0952Timbersbrook SJ8962Tittesworth Reservoir SJ9959Tixall SJ9722Tixall Bridge SJ9721Toad Hole Bridge SK1443Tollgate Industrial

Estate SJ9225Trent Vale SJ8644Trentham Gardens SJ8640Trentham Golf Course SJ8740Turn Edge SK0167Tutbury SK2128

Under Whittle SK1064Upper Hatton SJ8337Upper Moreton SK0322Uttoxeter Quarry SK0935

Villa Farm SJ8028

Walton-on-Trent SK2017Wardlow Quarry SK0847Warslow Brook SK0858Waterfall SK0851Waterhouses SK0850Weaver Hills SK0946Weeford SK1304Weeping Cross SJ9421West End SJ8744Weston SJ9727Weston Jones SJ7524Weston Jones Mill SJ7523Westport Lake SJ8550Wetley Moor SJ9248Wetton SK0954Wettonmill SK0955White House SJ9916Whitemoor Haye SK1813Whitmore SJ8141

Whitmore Bent Lane SJ8139Whitmore Hall SJ8141Whittington Common SO8582Winkhill SK0651Wolf Edge SK0267Wolfscote Dale SK1357

Wolseley Bridge SK0220Wombourne SO8692Woodhead SJ9249Woodmancote SK0529Woodmill SK1321

Wyrley Common SK0206

Yew Tree Farm SJ8043Yoxall SK1418Yoxall Bridge SK1318

236

West MidlandsAckers SP0984Acocks Green SP1183Acorn Barn SP0898Alcester SP0780Aldridge SK0500Aldridge Airport SK0301Allesley SP2881Amblecote SO8985Ashmore Lake SJ9600Aston SP0690

Balsall Common SP2477Barr Beacon SP0598BarstonSP2078Bartley Reservoir SP0081Beechdale Primary

School SK0000Bentley Heath SP1676Berkswell SP2479Bilston SO9496Bilston Cemetery SO9497Birmingham SP0686Birmingham Business

Park SP1985Black Patch SP0388Bloxwich SJ9902Blythe Valley SP1375Blythe Valley CP SP1475Boldmere SP9914Bowmans Harbour SO9399Bournville SP0481Bradnockʼs Marsh SP2179Brownhills SK0405Brueton Park NR SP1678Burbury SP0983Burys Hill SO8981

Cannon Hill Park SP0683Castle Bromwich SP1489Castle Vale SP1491Chadwick End SP2173Chelmsley Wood SP1886Cheswick Green SP1275Clayhanger SK0404Coombeswood SO9785Coseley SO9393Cotteridge Park SP0479Coundon Wedge SP3081Coventry SP3378Cradley Heath SO9586

Daisy Bank SP0396Darbyʼs Hill SO9689

Dartmouth Park SP0091Daw End SK0300Dorridge SP1675Druidʼs Heath SK0601Dudley SO9490Dudley Wood SO9486Dunstall Park SJ9000

Earlswood SP1174Edgbaston SP0584Edgbaston Reservoir SP0486Elmdon SP1783Erdington SP1191

Fens Pools SO9188Fibbersley SO9599Finchfield SO8897Five Ways SP0686Four Oaks SP1099Foxcote SO9383Frankley Reservoir SP0080Garretts Green SP1586Goldthorn Hill SO9096Goscote Valley SK0102Grapes Pool SO9497Great Barr SP0494

Haden Hill Park SO9585Halesowen SO9683Hall Green SP1081Ham Dingle SO9182Hamstead SP0493Hampton Coppice SP1682Hampton-in-Arden SP2080Handsworth Park SP0590Harborne SP0284Harborne NR SP0385Hawne Park SO9585Hay Head Wood SP0498Hay Mills SP1185Hay Tor SJ9602High Heath SK0302Highters Heath SP0979Hill Hook SK1000Hobbs Hole SK0701Hobs Moat SP1482Hockley Heath SP1572

Ketley Quarry SO8988Kingʼs Norton SP0478Kingstanding SP0894Kingswinford SO8988Knowle SP1877

Ladymoor Pool SO9495

Langley SO9988Leasowes SO9784Leighswood SK0602Lickey Hills SP0075Lightwoods Park SP0185Longbridge SP0176Lutley Wedge SO9483

Marsh Lane NR SP2180Marston Green SP1785Mary Stevens Park SO8983Maypole SP0780Meriden SP2281Minworth SP1592Monkspath SP1476Mons Hill SO9392Moseley SO0782

Nailcote SP2677National Motorcycle

Museum SP2082Nechells SP0989Netherton SO9488Netherton Reservoir SO9387New Invention SJ9701Northfield SP0279Norton SO8982

Oakham SO9689Olton Mere SP1382Old Swinford SO9083

Packhorse Bridge NR SP2180Park Lime Pits SP0299Penn SO8996Perry Barr SP0692Portway SO9788Primrose Bridge SO9487Priory Fields SP0979Pype Hayes SP1392

Quinton SO9884

Reedswood Park SO9999Rocket Pool SO9694Rood End SP0088Rotton Park SP0487Rowley Regis SO9688Ryders Mere SK0304

Salter Street SP1274Saltwells LNR SO9387Sandwell Valley SP0291Scribers Wood SP1080

237

Selly Oak SP0382Senneleys Park SP0182Sheepwash UP SO9791Shirley SP1279Slioch SP1276Small Heath SP0985Smestow Valley LNR SO8899Smethwick SP0287Solihull SP1579Somers Gravel Pit SP2382South Yardley SP1284Spring Hill SO8895Steelpark Way SO9499Stirchley SP0581Stivichall SP3376Stourbridge SO9084Streetley SP0897Stubbers Green SK0301Sutton Park SP0996

Temple Balsall SP2075

Tettenhall SJ8800The Dingles SP0981Thimblemill Brook SP0088Tilehouse Green SP1776Tipton Green SO9592Titford Pool SO9887Tividale SO9791Trittiford Mill SP0979Trittiford Park SP0980Turners Hill SO9688Tyseley SP1184

Victoria Park SP0287Victoria Square SP0686Vigo SK0402

Wake Green SP0882Walsall Airport SK0301Walsall Arboretum SP0198Walsall Wood SK0403Walsgrave SP3881

Warley Woods SP0087Warrens Hall LNR SO9588Warstock SP0979Wednesfield SJ9400West Bromwich SP0091Westwood Heath SP2776Whitley SP3476Whitehouse Common SP1397Wiggins Hill SP1693Wightwick SO8698Winson Green SP0488Wolverhampton SO9198Woden Road Lake SO9994Wordsley SO8887Worlds End SP1480Wolverhampton SO9198Wylde Green SP1293

Yardley Wood SP1079Yew Tree SP0395

Key to ContributorsThe following observers and organisations have kindly provided information for theClassified Notes. Our sincere apologies if we have omitted anyone. It would greatly helpcompilation if observers could give their full set of initials with their records, as this helpsto identify them more uniquely and so cuts down the risk of confusion between similarnames or sets of initials.

AE AbbottDC AcklandD AdamsP AdamsMJ AdkinsJ AllenJKL AllenR AllenPM AndrewsSE AndrewsP ApplebyA ArcherM ArcherMA ArnoldS ArnoldPJ ArrowsmithC ArthurtonN Ashman

T BagleyM BaileyJ BakerT BaldwinK BallW BanburyBanbury Ornithological SocietyDM BanksJ BarkerNP BarlowP Barratt

ID BarthorpeP BatemanK BatesRC BaverstockSC BaverstockC BaxterN BaylissMD BaynesD BealS BeanM BebbingtonS BellA BellowsJT BelseyNW BeswickS BethelPF BettsC BignellR BillingsleyJ BirdJ BirkC BishopR BlackmoreG BlockleyS BloomfieldE BluntS BodnarR BondM BonhamD Booth

M BourneK BowerJJ BowleyR BoyceM BraceD BradfordBrandon Marsh Cons.GroupK BrannanG BreretonC BrettT BrindleyRC BroadbentD BromleyRM BrownA BrydgesWJ BrydgesBTO Bird TrackFC BuckelJE BurgessJF BurgoineDW BurnsI BurrellAK BurtonP Burton

B CalderCD CarelessR Carleton A CarrN Carter

T CartwrightR CastleSL CawthrayM ChadwickC ChamberlainD ChambersJ ChapmanK CharityC CharltonD CharltonJA ChidwickES ClareFC ClarkL ClarkGE ClarkeR Clay P ClaytonGA ClementsKM ClementsD CliftonA CobleyB CochraneC CollinsonAM CookT CookJ CooperR CooperSP CoppardL CopplestoneK CorbettR CorbettD CoxB CraddockJE CraggJH CraikI CrentisML CresswellM CreswellI CrutchleyP CurryPA Curry

C DaviesRJ DaviesJ DavisLJ DavisM DavisR DawkinsJ DawsonR DawsonJJ DayAR DeanW DedicottA DentGRJ DentA DickieS DixP DobsonSG DoddM DoughtyP DouthwaiteLB DowDraycote Log

I DunconD DunfordW DuttonP Dykta

D EatonH EdwardsS EdwardsWJ EgmontV EmeryDW EmleySM EmleyG EvansRJ EvansT EveleighT Eyre

SJ FalkC FalshawA FarrarT FarringtonJ FazakarleyJ FentonH FoxR FranklandHY FranklinRP Fussell

S GaleND GallowayC GammondCP GandertonM GardinerAFJ GardnerP GarnerA GauntB GethynD GiffordA GlaisherM GodfreyD GoodwinA GraceG GreavesH GreenL GreenMR GreenR GreenH GreenwayAJ GregoryFC GribbleN GriceL GriffinTE GriffinJ GriffithsC GroveD GruarT Guest

P HackettA HallAG HallC HallD HallT Hansard

RE HarbirdR HardingS HaresPA HarperJ HarrisGR HarrisonJV HarrisonMH HarrisonP HarrisonG HarropP HarveyR HavardSL HaycoxMP HaydonSM HaynesM HaywoodB HeatonY HewardB HewetsonR HewittTC HextellRC HiggsC HillCE HillDI HillW HillierTM HinettD HoarePE HodgesJ HodsonM HolleyA HollidayA HolmesP HolmesK HorsemanC HorsleyS Hough S HowdleC HughesE HulmeR HuntR HusbandsD HuttonPD Hyde

MJ InskipJA Irving

AG JacksonD JacksonWT JacksonAF JacobsM JamesP JenkinsRJ JennettDA JenningsPD JeynesA JohnsonC JohnsonB JonesG JonesJ JonesP Jones

238

S JonesT JonesP JordanJFC JudgeA JukesR JukesP KeelingG KenyonD KingH KingRJ KingBL KingtonC KirkD KlempererJ KnightsT KnowlesA Kydd

GD LaightC LaneCJ LaneT LaverickSD LawleyA LawlorJA LawrenceP LeachA LeakCB LeeD LeechM LeefeJ LeesL LeesJ LennonMJ LewisR LewisMJS LileyM LindseyCJ LipiecD LongK LongK LongshawS LoughtonWJ LowG LoweK LoweT Lowe

A MabbettMR MacfadyenH MaclaganJ MacMillanJ MallinsonS MansellGJ MantT MarlowP MarriottD MartinG MartinR MaskewC MasonG MatthewsJ MatthewsG Maxwell

G MayRC MaysR McCraightF McMahonB MeatyardA MellorG Menzies-KitchinG MetcalfS MicklewhiteHJ MillerI MillershipM MillershipR MinorsJ MolbyI MooreA MorrisT MorrisJ MossmanJNT MottJB MurrayL Murray

J NealLJ NeweyPAJ NewmanC NewtonJ NewtonGK NichollsD NimmoS NobleT NorledgeNuneaton and District

Birdwatchers ̓ClubL NuttallS Nuttall

J OʼDellJ OakesN OakesBA OakleyJ OatesS OatesS OʼDonnellP OganI OliverA OʼNeillR OrtonRA OrtonE OsbaldestonS Oxley

J PacyMW PaintingS ParishL ParkesG Pascoe K PatrickA PattisonS PayneGH PeplowWF PeplowG PepperT Perrins

R PerryM PerrymanS PetrekA PhillipsT PhillipsV PhillipsM PittawayJ PizzeyE PlattND PomiankowskiCR PoolWE PoolCH PotterPF PotterR PowellB PowerRW PowerD PrattR PrattA PreeceT PreeceH PriceJ PriceL PriceP PriceTR PriceA PritchardBG PruddenRA PruddenG Pryce

J RabyMP RadfordA RamsellRB RatcliffeP ReayM ReedDG RennJ RenowdenAN ReynoldsS ReynoldsF RhodesP RhodesSA RichardsM RichardsonB RickettJHW RidleyVH RileyE RobertsS RobertsC RobinsonN RobinsonS RobothamR RockGP RowlingRSPB Midland OfficeJM RushforthS RussellWJ RussellR RussonS Ryan

D Saberton

239

I SadlerT SaleC SaltMJ SandersonM SanfordDJ ScanlanDA ScattergoodFM ScottRE ScottS SealC SeebodeR SelbyB SherwinM ShooterS ShoreM ShortA SimonsC SimpsonJ SirrettJH SirrettD SkidmoreMR SkinnerM SkirrowS SlackGC SlawsonBW SmithK SmithM SmithMC SmithNJ SmithRL SmithS SmithV SmithM SnookesG SodenP SofleySouth Peak Raptor

Study GroupM SouthallR SouthallP SpinksM SquiresStaffs Ecological RecordL StanleyR StantonMP StanyerA StarkA SteeleD StenningMA StephensA StevensP StewartFG StokesK StokesD StoneT StoneBR StretchDA StrongCR StubbsG SummersMJ Summerson-LileyL SutherlandM Sutton

R SuttonA SwiftR Swift

B TailerD TalbotJ TaylorRJ TaylorJ TessH Te VeldeA ThomasP ThomasR ThomasC ThomsonJ TibbettsTittesworth ReportB ToddIR TomlinsonN TongR ToonFE TowersM TowersT TruemanB TuckZ TurbottJ TurnerME TurnerP TurnerSJ TurnerR TylerB Tymons

MA Ui HawkerN Unwin

S ValentineL von Ebling

D WaiteMI WakemanRMW WaldronDRE WalkerE WalkerMR WalkerDIM WallaceP WallaceW WallerI WardP WardPJ WardT WardR WardleK WarmingtonA WarrAD WarrenWarwickshire MuseumS WatchornT WebSC WebbT WebbS WebsterI WellsT Wells

S WendleG WentM WestS WestB WestwoodD WestwoodRB WetherillR WheatcroftK WheatleyD WhiteO WhiteP WhitePF WhiteheadIC WhitehouseSM WhitehouseCJ WildG WildD WilkinsonAG WilliamsB WilliamsD WilliamsDM WilliamsGA WilliamsM WilliamsR WilliamsRD WilliamsTR WilliamsCS WilliamsonM WillmottA WilsonAWH WincottA WinderM WingroveJ WinsperJ WisdenC WittonWMBC HotlineB WoodSC WoodT WoodcockGT WoodinC WoodsMWC WoodwardO WordsworthP WorthyK WortonD WraggE WrightG Wrightwww.birdguides.comWychavon Ringing Group

M Yapp

240

Bittern, Eurasian 53Blackbird 156Blackcap 165Brambling 193Bullfinch 203Bunting, Corn 208Bunting, Indigo 210Bunting, Reed 206Bunting, Snow 205Buzzard, Common 61

Canary, Yellow-fronted 214Chaffinch 191Chiffchaff, Common 170Chiffchaff, Scandinavian 172Chiffchaff, Siberian 172Chough, Red-billed 210Chukar 212Cockatiel 213Coot, Common 69Cormorant, Great 52Crake, Spotted 68Crane, Common 71Crossbill, Common 203Crow, Carrion 186Cuckoo, Common 119Curlew, Eurasian 91Curlew, Stone 73

Dipper 145Diver, Great Northern 47Diver, Red-throated 47Dotterel 76Dove, Collared 118Dove, Stock 116Dove, Turtle 118Dowitcher, Long-billed 88Duck, Blue-billed 212Duck, Ferruginous 34Duck, Fulvous Whistling 210Duck, Long-tailed 38Duck, Mandarin 22Duck, Muscovy 211Duck, Ring-necked 34Duck, Ruddy 43Duck, Tufted 34Duck, Wood 212Dunlin 83Dunnock 146

Egret, Great White 55Egret, Little 54

Falcon, Peregrine 66Fieldfare 157Firecrest 175Flycatcher, Pied 177Flycatcher, Spotted 175

Gadwall 25

Gannet, Northern 52Garganey 30Godwit, Bar-tailed 90Godwit, Black-tailed 89Goldcrest 174Goldeneye, Common 39Goldfinch 196Goosander 41Goose, Bar-headed 211Goose, Barnacle 20Goose, Bean 16Goose, Brent 21Goose, Domestic 211Goose, Egyptian 21Goose, Greater Canada 18Goose, Greylag 17Goose, Lesser Canada 209Goose, Pink-footed 16Goose, Rossʼs 209Goose, Snow 209Goose, White-fronted 17Goshawk, Northern 60Grebe, Black-necked 50Grebe, Great Crested 48Grebe, Little 47Grebe, Red-necked 50Grebe, Slavonian 50Greenfinch 194Greenshank, Common 94Grouse, Red 44Guineafowl, Helmeted 213Gull, Black-headed 109Gull, Caspian 106Gull, Common 102Gull, Franklin's 101Gull, Glaucous 107Gull, Great Black-backed 107Gull, Herring 104Gull, Iceland 106Gull, Lesser Black-backed 103Gull, Little 108Gull, Mediterranean 99Gull, Ring-billed 102Gull, Sabine's 111Gull, Yellow-legged 105

Harrier, Hen 59Harrier, Marsh 58Harrier, Montagu's 60Hawfinch 204Hawk, Harrisʼs 213Heron, Grey 56Hobby 65Honey-buzzard 57Hoopoe 126

Ibis, Glossy 57

Jackdaw, Western 185Jay, Eurasian 184

Kestrel, Common 63Kingfisher, Common 125Kite, Red 57Kittiwake 108Knot, Red 81

Lapwing, Northern 78Lark, Shore 131Lark, Sky 130Lark, Wood 129Linnet 199Lovebird sp. 213

Macaw sp. 213Macaw, Military 213Magpie 184Mallard 27Martin, House 134Martin, Sand 131Merganser, Hooded 210Merganser, Red-breasted 41Merlin 64Moorhen 68

Nightingale, Common 147Nightjar, European 124Nuthatch, Eurasian 182

Oriole, Black-hooded 214Osprey 62Ouzel, Ring 155Owl, Barn 120Owl, Eurasian Eagle 214Owl, Little 121Owl, Long-eared 122Owl, Short-eared 123Owl, Tawny 122Oystercatcher 71

Parakeet, Alexandrine 213Parakeet, Rose-ringed 119Partridge, Grey 45Partridge, Red-legged 44Peafowl, Indian 213Phalarope, Red-necked 98Pheasant, Common 46Pheasant, Golden 210Pheasant, Green 212Pheasant, Reevesʼ 213Pigeon, Feral 115Pigeon, Wood 116Pintail, Northern 29Pintail, White-cheeked

(Bahama) 212Pipit, Meadow 137Pipit, Rock 138Pipit, Scandinavian Rock 139Pipit, Tree 136Pipit, Water 139Plover, European Golden 76

241

Index to Species

Plover, Grey 78Plover, Little Ringed 73Plover, Ringed 75Pochard, Common 33Pochard, Red-crested 32

Quail, Common 45

Rail, Water 67Raven, Common 187Redpoll, Common 202Redpoll, Lesser 200Redshank, Common 92Redshank, Spotted 92Redstart, Black 147Redstart, Common 148Redwing 159Robin 146Rook 186Ruff 85

Sanderling 81Sandpiper, Common 96Sandpiper, Curlew 83Sandpiper, Green 95Sandpiper, Pectoral 83Sandpiper, Wood 96Scaup, Greater 36Scaup, Lesser 37Scoter, Common 38Shag 53Shearwater, Manx 51Shelduck,

Cape/South African 211Shelduck, Common 21Shelduck, Radjah 211Shelduck, Ruddy 209Shoveler 31Shrike, Great Grey 183Shrike, Red-backed 183Siskin 197Skua, Arctic 99

Skua, Great 99Skua, Pomarine 98Smew 40Snipe, Common 86Snipe, Jack 85Sparrow, House 189Sparrow, Tree 190Sparrowhawk, Eurasian 60Spoonbill, Eurasian 57Starling, Common 188Stilt, Black-winged 73Stint, Little 82Stint, Temminck's 83Stonechat 150Storm-petrel, Leach's 51Swallow, Barn 132Swallow, Red-rumped 134Swan, Bewick's 15Swan, Black 210Swan, Mute 14Swan, Trumpeter 211Swan, Whooper 15Swift, Common 124

Teal, Eurasian 26Teal, Hottentot 212Teal, Ringed 212Teal, Speckled (Chilean) 212Tern, Arctic 113Tern, Black 114Tern, Common 112Tern, Gull-billed 111Tern, Little 114Tern, Roseate 111Tern, Sandwich 111Thrush, Mistle 161Thrush, Song 158Tit, Bearded 178Tit, Blue 181Tit, Coal 181Tit, Great 182Tit, Long-tailed 178

Tit, Marsh 179Tit, Willow 180Treecreeper, Eurasian 183Turaco, Violet 214Turnstone 98Twite 200

Wagtail, Blue-headed 141Wagtail, "Channel" 141Wagtail, Grey 142Wagtail, Pied 143Wagtail, White 144Wagtail, Yellow 139Warbler, Cetti's 162Warbler, Dartford 169Warbler, Garden 167Warbler, Grasshopper 162Warbler, Reed 164Warbler, Sedge 163Warbler, Willow 173Warbler, Wood 170Warbler, Yellow-browed 170Waxwing 145Wheatear, Greenland 154Wheatear, Northern 152Whimbrel 90Whinchat 149Whitethroat, Common 169Whitethroat, Lesser 168Wigeon, American 25Wigeon, Chiloe 212Wigeon, Eurasian 24Woodcock 88Woodpecker, Great Spotted 128Woodpecker, Green 127Woodpecker,

Lesser Spotted 128Wren 145Wryneck 126

Yellowhammer 205Yuhina, White-collared 214

242

Notes

243

Notes

244

Documents

West Midland Bird Club · Slavonian Grebeat Draycote remained to the 7th while the highlight of the month must be the Lesser Scaup, a first for Worcestershire, that appeared on the