West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 56 1989

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Turnstone, Chasewater, July 1989 (Phill Ward).

West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 56 1989

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

Contents

2 Officers and Committee

3 Editor's Report

3 Birds in 1989

15 Hon. Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement

18 Secretary's Report

19 Field Meeting Secretary's Report

20 Permit Secretary's Report 20 Membership Secretary's Report

20 Staffordshire Branch Report

21 Ladywalk Report

23 A Jubilee and A Centenary — J Duncan Wood

26 A Bird in the Hand — C F Nicholson

28 Silent Death — CF Nicholson

29 Lesser Scaup — A First for Britain in The Midlands — J J Holian

31 Wintering Aythya Ducks — A R Dean

41 1989 Bird Record Localities

47 Classified Notes

162 Ringing in 1989

169 Key to Contributors

170 Species Requiring Descriptions

Price £5.00

The inclusion of colour photographs has in part been subsidised by a generous donation from SYCHRODATA LTD, 25Long Street, Bulkington, Nuneaton CV129JZ, Electronic Engineers and C.N.C. Specialists.

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Officers and Committee 1990 President C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire

WR13 6NL Vice-President Vacant Chairman and A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire Promotions and Fund B80 7JG Raising Committee Chairman Deputy Chairman G R Harrison, "Bryher" , Hatton Green, Hatton,

Warwickshire CV35 7LA Secretary H M MacGregor, 74 Ivyfield Road, Erdington,

Birmingham B23 7HH Treasurer K A Webb, Copper Beech Cottage, Bagot Street,

Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire WS15 3DB Report Editor S D Norman, 62 Portland Drive,

Whittleford, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 9HY Bulletin Editor P J Rollin, 48 Kiln Way, Polesworth, Tamworth,

Staffordshire B78 1JE Membership D S Evans, 49 Inglewood Grove, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield Secretary B74 3LN Field Meetings S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Birmingham Secretary B17 9EL Permit Secretary Miss M Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close,

Birmingham B15 3LX Ringing Secretary A E Coleman, 67 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth,

Staffordshire B78 3HZ Research Committee J R Winsper, 32 Links Road, Hollywood, Birmingham Chairman B14 4TR Staffs Branch D W Emley, 3 Meadowside, Loggerheads, Market Drayton, Chairman Shropshire TF9 4RB Solihull Branch G A Morley, 64 Cambridge Avenue, Chairman Solihull, West Midlands B91 1QF Warwickshire S M Haynes, 4 Spinney Close, Old Arley, Recorder Coventry CV7 8PD Worcestershire S M Whitehouse, 5 Stanway Close, Rudyard Gardens, Recorder Blackpole, Worcester WR4 9XL Staffordshire Mrs G Jones, 4 The Poplars, Lichfield Road, Abbots Recorder Bromley, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 3AA kVesf Midlands T C Hextell, 49 Cradley Croft, Handsworth, Recorder Birmingham B21 8HP Main Committee R C Broadbent, S C Brown, E S Clare, Mrs D Dunstan,

B L Kington, G M Lewis, D Mather, C F Nicholson, R M Normand, I E Oliver, R W Skeates, J R Winsper

Records Committee S M Haynes, T C Hextell, Mrs G Jones, W J Low, S D Norman, S M Whitehouse

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Editor's Report This is the first Annual Report with which I have been involved, having taken over the job as Editor from Nick Barlow. It was a difficult act to follow, I could not emulate Nick (an impossible task!) The Report was a great challenge to me as I have no previous experience, although working with our printers Charles Clarke Printers Ltd has been a pleasure. If there are things that you do not like about the Report, please write to me and any suggestions or criticisms will be taken into account for the next one (If I get the job again). Particular thanks go to the authors of the articles — A R Dean, J Duncan Wood, D W Emley, J J Holian, B L Kington C F Nicholson — the photographers — Bill Low, Eric Harvey, Phill Ward, Keith Warmington — the artists — Roger Hancox, Phil Jones, John Martin, Terry Parker, and of course the County Recorders and their teams: Warwickshire: Steve Haynes.

Worcestershire: Steve Whitehouse, Richard Harbird, Gavin Peplow, John Sirrett. Staffordshire: Gilly Jones, Dave Emley, Gordon Hayes, Bill Low, John Martin,

Trevor Smart and Steve Welch. West Midlands: Tim Hextell, Peter Forbes, Pete Hackett, Mark James.

Migrant Arrivals and Departures: Steve Welch. Hotline: Eric Clare. Not forgetting my wife Linda, for her help with the proof reading.

S D Norman

Birds in 1989 A total of 224 species were recorded during the year, two more than in 1988, they included Falcated Duck (which awaits consideration by the BOURC and BBRC), Blue-winged Teal, White-rumped Sandpiper, Sabine's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Gull-billed Tern and Hoopoe. January's weather could on most days be attributed to Spring rather than Winter. The conditions were governed by the mainly westerly airflow, with mostly unsettled wet conditions. There were occasional frosts in sheltered areas. Birders who ventured out on New Year's Day, still had plenty to celebrate, even with sore heads! A Brent Goose was at Draycote and remained there until 4™. Also at Draycote, an adult Mediterranean Gull was discovered. Other Gull species figured prominently and none more so than the Glaucous Gulls at Madeley Heath, a 1988 bird which was seen up until 6 t h and at Belvide, where the same bird was seen on several subsequent dates during the month, both at the above location and at Cannock Tip. An Iceland Gull was found at Queslett Tip and was seen intermittently, during the remainder of the month. Another Mediterranean Gull, this time a first-winter bird, roosted at Westwood until 3HD.

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A Long-tailed Duck was at Coton and stayed in the area until 15th. Up to seven Snow Huntings could be seen on the first day of the year, four at Kingswood and three up on the Moors at Boarsgrove, which were also seen on the following day. Three of the Kingswood birds remained until the end of the month. A Merlin was noted, at Tibberton.

The three Waxwing from 1988 could be seen at Wellesbourne. Plenty of 'year ticks' to get the New Year off to a good start.

On 2nd there were eight White-fronted Geese and a first-winter Iceland Gull at Draycote. Other birds of note were Glaucous Gulls at Coton, which was also seen on 7 and 8>H and another at Blithfield, also seen on 6™. A Lesser Black-backed Gull showing characteristics of the race intermedius was located at Westport.

The fol lowing day saw up to five Yellow-legged Gulls at Westport, a Bewick's Swan at Draycote and a Stonechat at Lea Marston. On 4™ the Waxwing count at Monkspath was 19, these most obliging birds having been initially discovered in 1988. There were still two Snow Buntings at Boarsgrove and these remained for about six weeks. The 5™ day of the month produced a Peregrine at Bredons Hardwick and on 6 th, four Bearded Tits at Brandon. On the same date a Merlin was at Essington.

Gull species began to f igure again on 7™ with a first-winter Iceland Gull at Blithfield, it was joined by a second bird on 21st. An adult Glaucous Gull was at Draycote and a pair of Stonechat was seen regularly at Sheepwash U.P. from this day. Valley Park produced a male Merlin. Six Pink-footed Geese visited Kingsbury on 8™ but moved to Belvide later in the day. The 1988 Black Redstart was seen again at Rocky Lane, Aston. Glaucous Gulls were at Blithfield and at Cannock Tip, where the first-winter bird was recorded on several dates during the month. It was still only 9™ when a party of six Crossbill were found at Eymore Wood. Third-winter and adult Yellow-legged Gulls were at Throckmorton.

An adult Yellow-legged Gu//was at Belvide on 10™ and another remained from this day at Westport, throughout the month. At Draycote the number of Smew peaked at six on 1 1 th. A Waxwing was an exciting find at Sandwell Valley and a Glaucous Gull was discovered at Coton. Another , race of Lesser Black-backed Gull, an adult fuscus (Scandinavian) remained at Throckmorton from 12th to 16™. Two Glaucous Gulls were seen from this day, on various dates at Blithfield during the subsequent eight weeks or so. On 14™ a Turnstone at Draycote was an unusual find. The two Glaucous Gulls there, were perhaps less so.

A Water Pipit found at Coton, stayed until February but was never easy to locate. Another was discovered at Needwood Airport, where there was also a Waxwing, making it a good day there. A White-fronted Goose put in an appearance at Bredons Hardwick and a Yellow-legged Gull at Blithfield was joined by a second on the fol lowing day. It was a good day for gulls at Blithfield as there were also two Glaucous Gulls in attendance.

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A flock of 40 Brambling at Holt on 15th must have been a joy to watch, as was a Firecrest at Westwood which brightened up a winter's day. A female Red-crested Pochard was seen at Blithfield and stayed for a couple of days. Yellow-legged Gulls were back in the news, with a second-winter at Throckmorton. On 16™ Peregrines were entertaining birders at Bredons Hardwick and at Belvide. A second Long-tailed Duck joined the earlier North Warwickshire bird at Shustoke. Two adult Whooper Swans arrived at Dunstall on 17™ and liked the area, they stayed for a couple uf months.

Mushroom Green Marsh was the place to be on 18™ to see the two Flrecrests. On the following day a first-winter Mediterranean Gull was discovered at Queslett Tip and was subsequently seen there up until 26™. Tips were attracting birders as well as Gulls and an Iceland Gull was found at Cannock Tip on 20™. The 21st also produced an Iceland Gull, this tttjie an adult at Westport. A Glaucous Gull was at Draycote and another, an adult was at Coton. The Stonechat was still in the Lea Marston area on 22nd and a male Bearded Tit was seen at Church Lench Pool. Dramatic things were happening on 23 rd with a female Hen Harrier at Warndon and a Peregrine at Throckmorton, seen again the following day. The 24™ was the day we said goodbye to an 'old friend', the wintering Dotterel departed from Wellesbourne Airfield, but a Merlin was at Oakley. A Pink-looted Goose wasn't attracted to Ladywalk on 26™ and carried on flying. Gulls were back on 27™; an Iceland Gull at Chasewater and a Glaucous Gull that did fancy the power station and stayed at Ladywalk for a couple of days. On 28™ three Tittesworth Twite twisted the tongue, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull was at Coton and three Glaucous Gulls were to be seen at Chasewater. A male Merlin impressed at Draycote, another at Bartley. More Gulls on 29™, an Iceland Gull at Westport and two Glaucous Gulls dining at Cannock Tip. Offenham Cross was 'brightened up' ornithologically speaking with a Hoopoe which lodged until 31st and two female Snow Buntings were a nice find at Alvecote. To round off a good month the Bewick's Swan was back at Draycote and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull of the race fuscus was at Westport on 31st.

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February was another mostly mild month, until the last week when cold windy conditions prevailed, with some snow on higher ground. This month saw possibly eight Glaucous Gulls on a variety of dates at Chasewater. On 2nd, the two Snow Buntings were still at Alvecote. A pair of Raven, seen from 3H0, remained in the North Hill/Raggedstone Hill area for most of the year. On 4™, an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Draycote and on the following day an adult was seen at Westport. The 5™ produced a Peregrine at Belvide, Iceland Gulls at Blithfield and Cannock Tip, where there was a Glaucous Gull, which was also seen on two subsequent dates, 6™ and 9 th. Good finds on 6™ included three Bean Geese at Belvide, they stayed until 14™, and a Twite amongst a Linnet flock at Queslett N.P. On 7™, a male Black Redstart was at Evesham, it was joined by a female on 22N0. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls, categorized as of the race intermedius, were picked out at Tittesworth. A White-fronted Goose arrived at Pirton on 8™ and stopped for a month. Another long-stayer was a Shag, that remained on the River Trent at Alrewas, from 10™ for about the same length of time. The Firecrest was seen again at Westwood on 11™. On the same day, a Yellow-legged Gull was at Westport and a Glaucous Gull on Cannock Tip. A Peregrine was at Belvide on 12™. A very early Garganey was at Belvide on 15™. The 16™ was the day that the long-staying male Hen Harrier at Swal low Moss was last seen. A very good find at Throckmorton was a Ring-billed Gull, it was also seen on the fol lowing day, 17™. On 18™ at Draycote it was possible to see a female Red-breasted Merganser and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull, which was also there on 19™, another was at Belvide. A Glaucous Gull visited Kingswood on 19™ and on the fol lowing day a Peregrine was at Bredons Hardwick and a Yellow-legged Gull at Throckmorton. At Coton on 21st two male Red-crested Pochards turned up, followed by a Peregrine at Belvide on 22nd. On this date there were two Twite at Tittesworth. On 23HD a male Merlin was at Bredons Hardwick. Things started to liven up again on 25™, the Peregrine was back at Belvide, Iceland Gulls were at Blithfield, for a week, and Queslett Tip. Glaucous Gulls were at Draycote, Throckmorton and two at Berry Mound,.reducing to one on 27™. On 28™, a first-year Mediterranean Gull was at Queslett Tip, bringing the month to a close.

March was a month of complete climatic contrast, initially cold, wet and windy, the temperature reached the mid-sixties F in the last week and the Bank Holiday was the warmest for many years.

The regularly seen flock of Hawfinch atChil l ington peaked at 57, on 1st. A Peregrine was at Larford on 2ND and a male Merlin at Elford. Also on 2nd an adult intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Westport and two Glaucous Gulls were at Chasewater. The 3 r d saw a Yellow-legged GullaX Queslett Tip, an Iceland Gull at Blithfield, that also appeared there the next day and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull, a lso seen on 10™ and both subsequent days.

More Gulls on 5™, this time a first-winter Mediterranean Gull at Blithfield, also seen

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on 12™, and an adult at Draycote, where there was also a Glaucous Gull. The first summer migrant returned on 6™ (ignoring the early Garganey) a Sand Martin at Blithfield. It is difficult to distinguish between over-wintering Chiffchaff and early arrivals but the first of that species, appeared to be those seen at Blithfield, Canwell and Pensell on 7 th. Also on that date an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull of the fuscus race, was at the first location. QueslettTip had the best bird on 8™, an adult Ring-billed Gull, it was also seen there on 15™. The first Wheatear was at Draycote on 9™ and there was still a Glaucous Gull at Berry Mound on 11™. A male Merlin was at Holt. Most of the Siskin had left by the 15™. The first Little Ringed Plover of the year made it to Barton on 16™ and the first Willow Warbler was at Belvide on the next day. Also on 17™, there was an adult Glaucous Gull at Blithfield. A Firecrest was at Ribbesford oh 18™ and also seen there on 24™, at Draycote an adult Mediterranean Gull could be seen and at Dunstall Park, an Iceland Gull. A female/immature Merlin was at Sutton Park. On the 19™ the long-staying Long-tailed Duck left Shustoke, probably the first returning Blackcap, was seen at Keele on 20™. A Great Skua was at Belvide on 24™ and Mediterranean Gulls were prominent on this date with a first-winter and a second-summer at Draycote, the latter bird was also seen there on 26™. A Twite was on the Moors at Swallow Moss on 25™ and another species associated with Moorland, Ring Ouzel, was first seen this year at Holt on the same date. Also on 25™, the first Quail was at Wall Heath and that heralded on amazing year for the species in the Region. A male Ruddy Shelduck stayed overnight at Bartley on 26™ and an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Draycote.

Thoughts of summer were inspired with the arrival of the first Swallows at Bramley Pool and Wickhamford, on 27™ and the first Yellow Wagtail at Draycote. Two Raven were seen at Erdiston on 28™ and the first House Martins were seen at Larford and Sandwell Valley. On the following day 29™, the first Redstart was also seen at Larford. April reverted back to winter after the "balmy" weather in late March, the cold weather returned and snow fell on the higher ground. Nesting birds experienced a tough time. The first (of the more usual) Garganey was recorded at Kingsbury on 1ST, there were two Mediterranean Gulls at Draycote, a first-summer and an adult. A first-winter bird was also there on 2nd to join the adult. Ten Waxwing were at Highgate Common, they remained until 14™ and five stayed on until 17™. On 4™ a Black Redstart was at Blithfield. More first migrants were recorded on 5™ with a Hobby at Doxey and a Tree Pipit at Sandwell Valley. On 6™ a Mediterranean Gull was at Needwood Airport. A Brent Goose arrived at Westport on 7™ and stayed for almost a week. Migrants were still arriving, the first returning Common Sandpiper at Wilden on 8™ and the first Whitethroat at Doxey on the same day. Also on 8™ Mediterranean Gulls could be seen at Bredons Hardwick and Eckington, where there were two. A Firecrest was at Happy Valley.

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The f i rst Grasshopper Warbler was at Church Lerich on 9™ and a Hoopoe graced Great Comberton from this date to 13™. Another Mediterranean Gull, this time a first-winter bird at Bredons Hardwick. A Red Kite at Bartley Green on 10™ coincided with the arrival of the first Cuckoo at Malvern.

The f i rst Sedge Warbler put in an appearance at Kingsbury on 12™ and there were two female Red-breasted Merganser at Belvide. A Twite was picked out in flight over Westport on 13™ and the first Garden Warbler arrived at Belvide. On 14™ there were seven Waxwing at Twogates and three remained near their telegraph pole until 25™. Jack Snipe was last seen in the Region at Sandweli Valley on 15™, the same day as the first Lesser Whltethroats were reported at Kineton and Wormleighton.

The f i rst returning Common Tern arrived back at Kingsbury on 16™ and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull was at Draycote (how many is that?). The first Pied Flycatcher was at Malvern on 17™ and the first Swift at Sandwell Valley on 20™. Goosander was last seen in the Region at Blithfield on 21st, coinciding with the first arr ival date of Wood Warbler at the same location. More firsts and lasts on 22nd, the first Whlnchat at Holt and the last Redwing at Sandwell Valley. The 23rd brought about quite an influx of Wood Warblers and two Blue-headed Wagtails, one at Kingsbury and one at Bredons Hardwick. An Osprey visited Blithfield and an Arctic Skua crossed the county boundary from Frankley to Bartley. A Waxwing must have been a nice surprise in an Erdington garden on 24™ and a pair of Red-crested Pochards were in Valley Park.

On 27™ a Whooper Swan was at Westport and another Blue-headed Wagtail was recorded, this time at Barton. A Wryneck was another 'garden goody1 at Worcester on 30™ and this date announced the arrival of three more migrant species, Turtle Doves at Bentley Woods and Lordsley, Nightingale at Wellesbourne and Reed Warblers at Aqualate, Belvide and Betley.

May was hot and dry and weather statisticians were referring to their record books again. The winds were mostly from the South East. On 2ND, there were two Twite at Knotbury, the latest Brambling was seen at Chasewater and the earliest Spotted Flycatcher at Doxey. The latest Fieldfare was seen at Sandwell Valley on 7™ and the earl iest Nightjar arrived at Katyn Memorial. An Osprey was at Betley Mere also on this date. On the canal at Aldersley junction, on 9™, a male Red-crested Pochard was recorded, with another there on 11™. On the 13™, the presence of an Osprey at Kingsbury was announced by acacophany of gull calls. The 14™ was the latest date for two species, Wlgeon at Draycote and Golden Plover at Wasperton.

At the latter location there was excitement on 15™ with two Temminck's Stints and a Wheatearof the Greenland race. Both Stints were also present on 16™ and possibly a third thereon 17™. On 19™ an immature Marsh Harrier roosted at Ladywalkandon 20™ the latest Pintail in the Region left Kingsbury, and most Quail arrived on and around this date, in large numbers. Marsh Harriers were also on the move on 21st

with a female at Brandon and an immature/female at Belvide. An Osprey visited Westwood also on this day. A Whooper Swan shouldn't have been at Belvide on 24™ but it was, for one day.

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On 26™ the latest Siskin left Stourbridge, a male Elder was at Westport and a Spotted Crake stayed for two days at Belvide. A Red-necked Grebe in breeding plumage arrived at Belvide on 28™ and stayed into the following month. Also on 28™ a Fulmar called in at Blithfield, a female Marsh Harrier was at Belvide and a Raven flew over Halesowen. From 29™ tor about a week a Marsh Warbler was recorded in the Avon Valley, unfortunately the only Regional record.

June started fairly unsettled but later the weather again became hot and dry with temperatures pushing into the late eighties F. Towards the end of the month it became slightly cooler but still dry.

The month started off well, with a male Red-necked Phalarope at Belvide on 1st. On 2ND14 Twite were counted at Knotbury. On 4™, male Red-crested Pochards could be seen at Bittell and Sheepwash U.P. Another Red-necked Phalarope, an adult female, graced Upton Warren on 6™ and 7™. On 10™ an Osprey gave the anglers at Draycote a lesson in Trout fishing. The Twite had reduced in number to ten at Knotbury by 18™. Those being lulled into the belief it was a quiet month were awakened with the news of a Gull-bllled Tern at Blithfield, the first record of .this species in the Region since 1899. As often happens with rare Tern species, sadly it did not stay for a second day. On 21st a Golden Oriole was heard singing at Nunnery Wood, Worcester and on 27™ a Raven was seen at Suckley.

July's weather was dominated by an area of high pressure over the country. Again temperatures hit almost record heights. Water levels dropped significantly even at our largest waters.

An unusual sight met birders at Draycote on 8™, in the form of a Brent Goose. On 10™ a Red-necked Phalarope was recorded at Wilden. The 14™ was the latest recorded date in the Region for Nightingale, a bird at Eckington. Adult Yellow-legged Gulls were at Ladywalk on 15™ and 20™. A first-summer Mediterranean Gull was an unusual first at Wilden on 19™, as was a Wryneck in a Stratford garden on 21st. On the following day at Throckmorton a third-summer Yellow-legged Gull was discovered.

The month ended with a pair of Ruddy Shelduck at Upton Warren for five days, the female remaining in the area for a couple of months, and 22 Bar-tailed Godwits flying over Brandon.

August experienced both warm conditions and extremely wet and windy weather, the latter explaining the occurrence of several species of seabirds in our Region. A Manx Shearwater skimmed the water at Blithfield on 1s t and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at Bredons Hardwick. Yellow-legged Gulls were once more in evidence, when they could be seen at Throckmorton and Queslett Tip on 2N°. Belvide also played host to a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, on 4™. Things were fairly quiet, relatively, until 11™ when an Arctic Skua was seen at Belvide, with the exception of a male Merlin at Fatholme on 8™.

On 13™ the earliest recorded Wigeon in the Region appeared at Blithfield. An Osprey visited Belvide on 14™ and a Peregrine was at Bredons Hardwick, it was also seen there on 16™ and 27™. The 15™ was the latest date for Cuckoo, the

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part icular individual having been noted at Kenilworth. At Saltwells Wood, the latest Wood Warbler was seen on 17™. On 19™ a Spotted Crake was seen at Sandwell Valley, it was also recorded on the following day. A more unusual record was a Nightjar at Seeswood, Nuneaton. At Draycote the first returning Pintail appeared and the last Nightjar was seen at Springslade. A female Blue-winged Teal was found at Upton Warren and stayed until 27™, the third Regional record. Another Spotted Crake record was noted on 20™, with one at Brandon and a Wryneck was at Newland.

The 22n d was an exceptionally early date for a Goosander, nevertheless, one was seen at Blithfield. On 24™ an immature Marsh Harrier was at Upton Warren briefly.

On 25™ birds of a marit ime flavour arrived in the Region. Fulmars at Blithfield and Chasewater. Five Arctic Skuas at Blithfield and singles at Bittell and Chasewater. A Shag which arrived at Tittesworth on 26™ remained until 31st. Another Shag appeared the following day and stayed overnight at Strensham. Then another Fulmar was seen at Blithfield also on 27™. That date saw the first arrivals of Golden Plover, at Blithfield, Dosthill and Kingsbury. The latest Grasshopper Warbler was recorded at Church Lench and the earliest Siskin was noted, at Belvide. On 28™ a Peregrine was at Upton Warren and a Shag was seen at Redditch.

September was livened up in mid month with North Easterly gales and the larger waters were the places to be, to experience some unique sights, now part of our ornithological history.

A duck Blue-winged Teal was discovered during the month at Brandon and remained there albeit elusively, for the rest of the year. This record still has to be considered by the BBRC.

The last Pied Flycatcher to be seen in the Region during the year, was at Brownhills on 1 s t , an Osprey was at Blithfield on the same day. A White-fronted Goose which arr ived at Bredons Hardwick on 3HD remained there until 16™ and an immature/ female Merlin was at Draycote, with a male there on 9™. Five Red-crested Pochards arr ived at Blithfield to begin a stay which lasted to 17™. It was Mediterranean Gulls again on 7™, an adult at Draycote, also seen on 9™ and a first-winter bird at Belvide.

The Great Skua at Belvide on 8™ and the strong North East winds during the subsequent weekend, prepared the 'stage' for an amazing performance particularly at Draycote. On 9™ there were two Great Skuas at Draycote and a Yellow-legged Gull at Blithfield. On 10™ at Draycote, there were an incredible 14 Great Skuas, a juvenile Sabine's Gull, a Fulmar, Kittiwakes and a Leach's Petrel, another was seen at Belvide. Still on 10™ a 'ringtail ' Hen Harrier was at Blithfield, a third-summer/fourth-winter Yellow-legged Gull was at Ladywalk and the Twite at Needwood Airport was also seen there on 11™. On that date two exhausted Fulmars were found in Worcestershire, another, in better condition was at Belvide, where there was also a Peregrine. The first Jack Snipe of the second-winter period was found at Seeswood, on 13™ an early date, a more normal time of year for the Wryneck at Greenhill.

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The first returning Fieldfare, arrived at Broadway on 14™. On 16™ a female/ immature Red-crested Pochard was at Coton, this bird was seen at a number of North Warwickshire sites until the end of the year. A Peregrine was seen again at Upton Warren. From 17™ to 19™ an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Belvide and a 'ringtail' Hen Harrier was on Cannock Chase. An immature male Peregrine was seen at Belvide on 20™ and subsequently at many Staffordshire localities until the year's end. On 21st, an Osprey was at Kingsbury and the latest Turtle Dove was reported at Radway. The 23 rd was a day of 'lasts'. The latest Little Ringed Plovers were seen at Draycote and Sheepwash U.P. The latest Common Terns were seen at Draycote and Westport. The latest Swift was seen-at Calf Heath and the latest Redstart at Sandwell Valley. On the same day a Shag was first seen at Draycote and it remained there into the following month and a Merlin was at Calf Heath. The 24™ was the last recorded day in the Region for Lesser Whitethroat, at Holt and Willow Warbler, at Upton Warren. There was another Osprey, this time at Calton and an adult Yellow-legged Gull at Ladywalk.

A Grey Phalarope was at Hill Ridware on 25™ and 26™. The 25™ was the latest date for Sedge Warbler, at Bredons Hardwick and Garden Warbler at Aldersley. After their prolific year the latest Quail recorded in the Region was at Longdon on 27™, followed closely by the latest Reed Warbler, seen at Betley on 2B™. On the last day of the month a Gannet was seen at Bltteil, the last of the more normal records of Whitethroat came from Rugby and an immature male Merlin was at Throckmorton.

October began with warm dry weather and many clear nights. Around mid-njonth, conditions became wetter and more windy with a westerly bias.

On 1st the latest recorded Yellow Wagtail was seen at Bredons Hardwick and the first migrant Redwing was at Park Lime Pits. On the 2nd an adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Throckmorton and the last Whinchat called in at Sandwell Valley. With the exception of the over-summering bird at Blithfield/Belvide, the first returning Goldeneye arrived at Blithfield on 3H0. On 4™ three Yellow-legged Gulls were discovered at Throckmorton and could be seen there, until 8™. The last Sand Martin in the Region was recorded at Barton on 6™ and the first Brambling arrived on 7™, at Kinver Edge. Another Yellow-legged Gull, an adult was at Ladywalk on 8™ and subsequently on 14™ and 15™. A Peregrine was at Naunton Beauchampand the last migrant Chiffchaffs were noted on 8™, at Brandon, Elford and Great Haywood. A Bittern arrived at Upton Warren on 9™ and the latest Spotted Flycatcher was seen at Packington on 12™. On 15™ and 16™ a Firecrest illuminated Trench Wood and on the former date the last Hobby was recorded, at Lighthorne. A 'ringtail ' Hen Harrier was at Belvide on 19™ and a second-winter Mediterranean Gull was noted at Throckmorton as the last Tree Pipit was watched, at Sandwell Valley.

An interesting gull was found at Throckmorton on 20™ and remained there until 22nd, it had characteristics of the omissus type of Herring Gull. A Raven was seen at Abbots Bromley. On 21st a male Ferruginous Duck was at Westwood, it was at Bittell from 25™ to 27™ and then at various Worcestershire pools until the end of the year. Also on the 25™ two Firecrests were discovered at Stourbridge. The 26™ was

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the date upon which the last Wheatear was recorded in the Region, at Draycote. The 27™ saw a Twite at Chasewater. A Brent Goose at Upton Warren, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull at Throckmorton and a Yellow-legged Gull at Westwood could all be seen on 28™, as well as the latest Swallow, at Blithfield. Storm Petrels were in evidence on 29™, with singles at Blithfield and Chasewater, a Shag at Bredons Hardwick completed a seabird trio. Two latest records were noted on this date, a Garganey at Doxey and a Blackcap at Aldersley. On 30™ an eclipse male Red-crested Pochard started a week's stay and a Black Redstart was seen at Marquis Drive Visitors' Centre. On the last day of the month there was another Shag discovered, on this occasion, at Wychbold. November was mostly cool at night with many frosty mornings, although some dayt ime temperatures reached 60°F, with the assistance of the dominant high pressure, it became colder later in the month with much mist. On the 2N0 and 3 r d a Chiffchaff showing characteristics of the race tristis (Siberian) was at Hollybush Lake. On 3 r d aJ/Vhite-rumped Sandpiper was at Rudyard Lake, a rare inland record of this neararctic wader, only the second occurrence of this species in the Region, the first being at Blithfield in 1979. On 4™ the adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Ladywalk and again on 7™. On 5™ two Twite had returned to Tittesworth, the latest House Martin was also seen on 5™, at Bedworth. A first-winter male Falcated Duck was found at Middleton, the details of which are to be considered by the relevant Committees, (don't hold your breath, if the Pitsford bird can be used as a time gauge). Numbers of Yellow-legged Gulls were increasing, four were at Throckmorton on 6™. The latest Ring Ouzel was noted on 7™, at Happy Valley. On the 10™, another Yellow-legged Gull, this time at Westwood. On 11™ a first-winter Red-crested Pochard, began a month's stay at Kingsbury. Bitterns were at Aqualate on 12™ and Chasewater on 13™, where there was also a Yellow-legged Gull, which was seen on several subsequent dates. On 15™, two Brent Geese flew over Codsall and three were seen flying over Belvide. The avian indication of the approaching winter, continued with a Red-necked Grebe at Bartley on 17™. On 18™ an adult Glaucous Gull was at Westwood and a Firecrest was seen at Happy Valley. Gulls were arriving back into the Region, a Yellow-legged Gull was at Blithfield on 19™ and a Merlin wasseen.atWellesbourne. On 20™ a Lesser Black-backed Gull of the race intermedius was discovered at Westport. Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Bredons Hardwick in the form of a second-winter, and a first-winter at Westwood. The best of all was found at Bredons Hardwick, a second-winter Ring-billed Gull. There was an Iceland Gull at Chasewater on 22nd. An adult fuscus was at Westwood and could be seen there until the end of the year, from 23rd. A Bittern was another long-stayer at Fens Pool from 23HO for about three weeks. From 25™ a male Snow Bunting began a week's visit to Bredons Hardwick. Two more Snow Buntings were seen at Draycote on 26™ and both a male and 'ringtail' Hen Harrier began to roost at Swallow Moss. Another Firecrest was discovered, at Sandwell Valley and remained for about three weeks. On 28™ a White-fronted Goose arrived at Bittell and spent the rest of the year there.

13

December was mainly fine to begin with but around mid-month depressions were queuing up over the Atlantic ready to cause heavy rainfall and strong winds.

!

During the month Snipe numbers reached 160 at Doxey, and the highest count of Cormorant for the Region was 135 at Blithfield. On 1s t the count of Yellow-legged Gulls was down to two at Throckmorton. On 2ND a Brent Goose was at Coton. The 4™ produced a male Merlin at Hartshill Sewage Farm. A male Red-crested Pochard took up residence at Bartley on 8™ and 9 th. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull roosted at Throckmorton from 10™ to 16™, as did a first-winter Iceland Gull at Westwood from 11™ to 14™.

Things started to pick-up from 16™ with a Bittern at Rushall and an Iceland Gull at Westport. On the 17™ a Leach's Petrel called in atTrimpley Reservoir, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull was at Belvide and two Glaucous Gulls were at Chasewater. An immature Great Northern Diver arrived at Westwood on 18™ and remained until at least the end of the year. A Yellow-legged Gull was at Westport and an Iceland Gull was seen at Dunstall. The 19™ brought a Bittern in flight over Yarnfield, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull at Queslett Tip and a Chiffchaff of Scandinavian race abientus. On 20™ another Great Northern Diver arrived, this one at Draycote.until 23HD. There were two Yellow-legged Gulls at Westport and a Glaucous Gull at Draycote, also seen on 23HD. Those at Queslett Tip on 21st were rewarded with a Yellow-legged Gull. A Shag began a two day stay at Draycote on 22NO; A third Great Northern Diver arrived in the Region on 23HD, at Rudyard, until the year's end. Shags were at Bredons Hardwick and Beckford for five days. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull

14

was at Strensham, a Yellow-legged Gull at Westwood and an adult Glaucous Gull at Draycote. On Christmas Eve a Leach's Petrel was found at Gailey and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull was at Westwood. A Merlin first seen at Beckford on 3R0 was again present. Those birding in the Region on Christmas Day were given the 'gifts' of Leach 's Petrel at Shustoke, Shags at Poor's Piece, Nuneaton and Sandwell Valley and two Yellow-legged Gulls at Bartley. Dosthill had a fourth-winter Yellow-legged Gull on Boxing Day for two days. On 27™ there were two Glaucous Gulls at Coton and another at Chasewater on 28™, 29™ and 31st. A Shag spent two days at Netherton Reservoir from 29™ and an Iceland Gull was found at Queslett Tip. A female Eider was at Westwood on 30™ and a first-winter Mediterranean Gull at Upton-on-Severn Ham.

New Year 's Eve provided some good birds and some of these no doubt sneaked onto some '1989 year lists'. A Black-throated Diver at Draycote where there was also an immature male Velvet Scoter. A Leach's Petrel was at Barton, two Raven were at Stockton-on-Teme, an Iceland Gull at Sheepwash U.P. and a Merlin at Defford.

S D Norman

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Hon. Treasurer's Report Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 31,19B9

1989 1983 tnrnmfj £ F Subscriptions received 10,718.50 10,166 Sale ol Reports 137.53 126 Interest received 7,011.59 1,973 Reservoirs (permit lees) 2,745.00 2,046 Gifts and Donations 191.65 56 Sales ol checklists and car stickers 32.32 33 Advertising Income 18.00 81 Commission on Sale of Books etc. 7.45 8 Raffles and Peanut Sales (net) 49.06 46 Profit on Sales of Ties, Pens and Mugs 147.09 294 Open Day (net) 56.61 —

Total Income £21,114.80 £14,829

Expenditure Solihull Branch and Stafford Branch 600.00 600 Indoor Meetings 1,375.65 945 Reports 5,780.00 4,753 Bulletins :>,394.82 3,871 Priming, Stationery and Postages 3,908.68 2,332 Reservoirs — Permit Fees and Insurance 1,527.75 1,543 Subscriptions and Donations 22.50 23 Sundry Expenses 697.28 378 Purchase ol Projector — 259 Diamond Jubilee (net cost) 1,353.70 —

Total Expenditure £20,660.38 £14,704

Surplus for the year £454.42 £125

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Belvide — Income and Expenditure Account lor the year ended December 31,1989

1989 1986 Income £ £ Permits and Field Meetings 2,535.02 2,434 Interest received 24.77 12 Donations — 108 Grazing 50.00 50 Open Day 54.50 —

Total Income £2,664.29 £2.604

Expenditure Permits and Rules 124.44 122 Reserve Maintenance 267.93 895 Keys 77.50 25 Rent 1.352.10 1,354 Car Park Renl 72.00 66 Car Stickers 94.10 —

Postage, Stationery, etc. 69.78 36

Total Expenditure £2,057.85 £2,498

Surplus for the year £606.44 £106

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" Balance Sheet at December 31,1989

1989 1988 Fund Balances £ £ General Fund — Balance January 1,1989 25,060.59

Add Legacies Received 36,321.88 Add Surplus — Main Account 454.42 Add Surplus — Belvide Account 606.44

Birds ol West Midlands Fund—Balance at January 1, 1989 5,881.86 Add Sale ol Books 517.80

Conservation and Reserves Fund— Balance at January 1,1989 427.00 Add Mall Sales of Ladywalk Books 329.33

Belvide Bird Reserve — A Natural History Fund Balance at January 1, 1989 (2,161.48)

Less Sales of Books 223.46

62,443.33 25,060

6,399.66 5,882

756.33 427

(1,938.02) (2,161)

£67,661.30 £29,208

Fund Balances represented by:—

Fixed Assets

F. Dale Reserve at cost 7,500.00 7,500

Current Assets Stocks on Hand — Ties, Pens and Mugs 1,196.39 685 National Savings Income Bond 8,000.00 8,000 Cash at Bankers on Deposit and Current Account 61,638.74 25,142 Halifax Building Society 331.23 314 Sundry Debtors and Prepayments 496.00 367 Interest free loan — Bardsey Bird Observatory 2,000.00 —

£73,662.36 £34,508

Total Assets

Current Liabilities Subscriptions in Advance 2,536.50 2,225 Permit Fees In Advance 3,031.65 2,419 Sundry Creditors (inc. Annual Report) 7,932.91 8,156

£13,501.06 £12,800

Total Net Assets £67,661.30 £29,208

We have examined the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Accounts. In our opinion these accounts give a true and lair view ot the state olthe Club's affairs at December 31, 1989 and the excess ot income over expenditure lor the year ended on that date.

Lichfield Dain & Co. April 30, 1990 Chartered Accountants

K A Webb Hon. Treasurer

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Secretary's Report 1989 has been a special year for the Club, and a most rewarding one. A year in which we celebrated our 60th Anniversary, and the Club has indeed progressed a long way since its early beginnings at a house in Lyttleton Road, Edgbaston.

To mark the event, our Chairman arranged for a Souvenir Jubilee Programme to be prepared, and the highlight of the year was our Diamond Jubilee Buffet Reception which was held on March 21 at the Edwardian Tea Rooms in the Birmingham Art Gallery in the presence of the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Fred Grattidge, and dist inguished guests.

The evening provided an opportunity tor a reunion Of members both old and new, and amongst the guests was a founder member of the Club, Mr Duncan Wood who gave a fascinating and informative talk on those early pioneering years. Our thanks to all those who made the event a success, and to Mrs Brown who baked the Jubilee cake, complete with matching Ruddy Ducks.

Extra events were organised including a 'Duck Race' in Cannon Hill Park on June 11 and our.Open Day at Belvide which was attended by Bill Oddie. A special Diamond Jubilee pen and mug were produced and added to our list of sales items, and the year was rounded off with an Open Day at the Birmingham and Midland Institute, Margaret Street on October 28 on the theme 'A Celebration of Birds'.

The Club is now branching out into new technology and it was a privilege, especial ly in our Jubilee year to have been given a computer, by kind permission of Mr Andrew Johnson, Area Chief of the Midlands Electricity Board, Tipton Area. The Computer is an Amstrad 2086 with colour printer, and we are indebted to Bob and Alicia Normand for all their help behind the scenes in making this acquisition possible, and also for providing the necessary software.

At present the computer is being primarily used for recording data from the Black Redstart Survey, and it is envisaged that its use will extend to include WMBC records and other projects.

On the subject of records we would like to convey our thanks to Dave Emley, Chairman of the Staffordshire Branch for compil ing the 2nd Edition of the Club Check List, which has proved to be a useful and worthwhile publication for our members.

Reserves

Earlier last year the Club made a formal approach to Birmingham City Council with a view to obtaining its first urban reserve within the city boundary, on part of the Harborne Walkway on the site of former allotments between Woodbourne Park Road and Park Hill Road. Matters are now progressing, and a Management Agreement is being drawn up between the City and the Club, and we hope to unveil plans for this site in the very near future.

Bli thfield Reservoir is to be given a new reserve status, and a draft licence is being current ly prepared by the South Staffordshire Water Works Company.

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It was with sadness that we heard of the death in September of one of our founder members Horace Alexander, who was, for a time President of the Club. He was a major figure in Midlands ornithology during the 1930's and 40's, and in April the Club sent a congratulatory telegram on the occasion of his 100th birthday to his home in Pennsylvania. More recently we heard of the death of Cecil Lambourne, our Vice-President, and former Conservation Officer who had been associated with the Club over many years — both will be missed. Our thanks to Daphne Dunstan and helpers for representing the Club at country shows and exhibitions, and to Bert Coleman for seeing to it that our display stands are placed prominently in local libraries throughout the region. Thanks also to Alan Richards for once again obtaining a selection of first-class speakers, and to the projection team comprising Charles Brown, Roy Galloway, Tom Leach and Ken Webb.

Indoor Meetings — Birmingham

January Barrie Taylor 'Birds of Prey'. February Mike Wilkes 'The Everglades'. March Annual General Meeting, and Brian Hawkes 'Birds of the

Pribilof Islands'. April Ken Webb'Bird Miscellany'. May Bert Coleman 'Passerine Movements through the West Midlands' July David Cottridge 'In the Shadow of Moon Mountain'. August Alan Richards 'A Birding we will go'. October Christopher Mylne 'The Remarkable Willow Grouse'. November Richard Margoschis 'Wildlife Sound Recording'. December Mike Wilkes'The Gambia'. H M MacGregor

Field Meeting Secretary's Report A total of thirteen field meetings were run by the parent club during the year, eleven day trips and two week-end meetings to South Devon and Norfolk. The Devon meeting was again split into two weekends. The venues for the day meetings were:

Slimbridge Elan Valley Ouse Washes Point of Ayr Rutland Water Rutland Water Ludlow Martin Mere Wyre Forest Bittell & The Lickeys Goyt Valley

All the meetings were well supported with a full coach on many trips. Unfortunately on occasions it was not possible to take all who applied. It was encouraging to see so many new members during the year and to have the support of the regular members.

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The number of birds seen was again satisfying, at the Elan Valley, Red Kite and Peregrine obliged, as did Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, and Grouse at the Goyt Valley. There were no Waxwings in Norfolk this year but a Red-rumped Swallow appeared. On a personal note may I thank all the members who have supported me during my term as Field Meeting Secretary, for the suggestions of venues they have made and. for the help they have given over the last 12 years. I trust they will support my successor as well as they have me. Many thanks. Stan Young

Permit Secretary's Report The numbers of permits issued during 1989 are as follows

Belvide 688 Blithfield 541 Ladywalk 671 Total 1900

Thank you to all members who apply for permits promptly Miss M A Surman

Membership Secretary's Report The membership figure at December 31, 1989 was 1981, made up of 1937 adult members and 44 juniors. The f igures represent an increase of 119 adult members and 6 juniors. Another successful year with an increase in membership in most areas, particularly in East Staffordshire. Again the value of displays to the public, has been proved.

Thanks are due to Bert Coleman and Mrs Daphne Dunstan with her team of assistants, for their efforts in promoting the Club. D S Evans

Staffordshire Branch Report 1989 was a fairly quiet year for the Committee with only three meetings being held, one being cancelled because of fog. The Blithfield draft management plan was completed and our thanks must go to Frank Gribble for all the effort that he has put in to this. The Belvide management plan for the plantation was also completed and again our thanks go to the Belvide Committee, and especially to the long suffering Pete Dedicoat. Frank Draper attended an appeal hearing against the refusal, by the Borough, of planning permission by Tarmac for the construction of 85 houses on Stafford Common.

(1988) (573) (490) (579)

(1642)

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Approaches by the owner of Trentham Park for help with a proposed Conservation area were received but it was decided to take no action. The threat of a leisure park at Bagots Wood has hopefully receded. The Branch received a request from the Forestry Commission to undertake a survey of the Nightjars on the Chase so that they could assess the effects of their management work. It was decided to incorporate this with a survey of all crepuscular species. Pete Dedicoat and Bev Craddock undertook to organise this.

Gilly Jones joined the Committee in her capacity as County Recorder as did Ray Cartlidge as Field Meetings Secretary. Grants from the John Ball Bursary were given to Bert Coleman for his Mute Swan work and to Pete Fontana for his constant effort project at Lordsley Quarry. Our thanks are due to our Bardsey Representative Bev Craddock and to Eric Clare who represents the Branch at Birmingham. Thanks are also due to those Committee members that entertained speakers before and after meetings. Indoor Meetings were varied and with a few exceptions, well-attended. They included:

Birds of Needwood: Ian Wallace The Other Spain: Mike King Bird Song: Roy Blewitt Atlas (4 Census Studies: Rob Fuller New Zealand & its Birds: Adrian Plant Greenland White-fronted Geese: Tony Fox Common Sandpipers: Derek Yalden

Outdoor Meetings were, unfortunately, rather poorly attended and several had to be cancelled. This has made the Committee think carefully about the number, type and location of field meetings forthefuture. It was thought that attendance was in no small part due to the late publication of the Bulletin. Venues included: Chasewater, Ladywalk, Churnet Valley, Ynys-hir, Trench Wood, Cannock Chase, Alvecote and Tixall. Finally, it is with deep regret that I have to record the death, earlier in the year, of Johann Eyre-Dickinson. He was a popular and long standing supporter of the Staffordshire Branch. A familiar figure at Blithfield, he was always ready for a chat with both novice and expert alike and, had he been alive today, he would have had a significant involvement with the Clubs' plans for Blithfield. His untimely death is a great loss to us all. David Emley Chairman

Ladywalk Nature Reserve It was a quiet year compared to 1988, which had itself seemed dull after the amazing year of 1987. The species total of 129 was very pleasing in the circumstances, especially when the absence of such birds as Corn Bunting and Tree Sparrow is

22

taken into account. Although there were no long-staying rarities, permit-holders visited in very good numbers, especially at weekends and during passage. Donations by visitors totalled £353.80, which compared very favourably with £340.44 in the previous 16 months. This means that, in spite of considerable extra expense for emergency pumping into the Keyhole Scrape, we had £22.82 in cash and about £15 worth of food in hand at the end of the year, after receiving about £160 from the Bird Club. Sales of "Birds in a Manmade Land", my history of the Reserve, have raised the Bird Club's share of the costs of the new Hide; PowerGen have very kindly agreed to bear most of the cost involved. I am very grateful to the CEGB for pr int ing my book and giving me hundreds of copies to sell: at the moment, the long-distance record-holder is one sent to a professor at Peking University. It will serve as an important catalogue of the fauna and flora of Ladywalk for years to come, and as a record of the constant changes and surprises over the first 18 years.

1989 proved once again that "a normal year" has become a very rare occurrence in the last 20 years. It was the warmest year in the West Midlands since 1659, after the warmest winter since 1868/69. It was probably the sunniest and driest year locally for 80 and 49 years respectively. When autumn passage began, levels were very low elsewhere in the Tame Valley, with very few exceptions, and many "permanent" pools belied their status by drying up. There was still plenty of water at Ladywalk and a surprising number of waders occurred. Grey Plover and Black Tern were seen after an eight year gap and the most Golden Plovers ever were noted present in seven months of the year. Pink-footed Goose in January was a new species. Water Pipit can now be considered as a separate species, and the site-total since Harry Lees' records began in 1957 has thus reached a staggering 192. Records of note this year were: Long-tailed Duck (second record), Glaucous Gull, up to 750 Golden Plovers, six Pintail in February and three in September, three Redstarts, one or two pairs of Garganey, Marsh Harrier, a Mandarin for six weeks in midsummer, a juvenile Garganey in September, Water Rails in eight out of 12 months, single Yellow-legged Gulls on 11 days from July 20 to November 7, over 50 Cormorants on several days, three Scaup in November and 32 Great Black-backed Gulls on December 28. Two Ruff occurred in April, July and December and two Spotted Redshank in July. Breeding species included Mute Swan, Kestrel, Gadwall and Tufted Duck. Both grebes reared young but in the presence of many Corvids. Waders continue to have a very unsuccessful time. Green Woodpeckers raised at least three young on the Reserve and there seemed to be more warblers than ever; 25 pai rs of Reed Warbler, for instance, compared to 20 in 1988 and just one in 1971. Lesser Whitethroat bred on the marsh for the first time and Redpoll probably did so. There were probably two pairs of Grasshopper Warblers, one of them just off the Reserve. Hobby was only seen once and the sole Peregrine was wearing jesses, as it chased pigeons round the cooling towers whilst dodging an antagonistic Sparrowhawk.

The Whitacre Heath Reserve was granted SSSI status but the NCC decided that Kingsbury Water Park and Ladywalk did not need the enhanced reputation which comes with it. I eventually received a draft report of the RSPB survey ol 1987-8, unfortunately the conservation reports by Dr Martin Griffiths and Mark Robins were

23

not included. A great deal of management work was undertaken this year, John How and Dave Benbow being part icularly helpful and industrious. Only 37. Bee Orchids were found, but strenuous efforts in the Marsh Helleborine colonies led to 538 healthy stems appearing, of which 165 f lowered. Most of the latter seeded extremely well, in spite of very hot and dry conditions. Hard work and regular evening watering achieved this successful outcome. A pregnant or nursing North American Mink in December was an unwelcome sight, this species having a reputation for excessive ki l l ing of f ish and water birds. I also heard this year that the last badger disappeared from Sych Wood in the autumn of 1988.

My abiding memories of 1989 wi l l include the sight of Dunlin and Ringed Plovers crouching in the shade of a small plank in the big lagoon in August, on days when afternoon temperatures reached 90 deg. F locally; Long-tailed Tits feeding on fat (and even nuts) at both feeding-stations; a Wren eating minute pieces of peanuts at Hide A; the Marsh Harrier quartering the reed beds meticulously and fruit lessly when food was readily available nearby, in the form of Canada goslings of various sizes; a Great Spotted Woodpecker, in autumn, hammering cow-parsley stems; a Turkey roosting high in the trees in Sych Wood during spring; most of all, the lovely colours of drake Garganey and the haunting cries of Curlews.

Pumping on 15 days in July, August and October put about 150,000 gallons into the Keyhole Scrape and raised the level 75 inches altogether, at a cost of £151.15. The pools at B are independent of rainfall, since they take waste water f rom the boilerhouses, but the pools at A rely on rain and floods and became very low in consequence. The massive flood of December 14 covered the entire marsh and put things right, so the Reserve ended the year in very good condition. When Hide D is ready, all visitors should be able to enjoy its birds on every visit, even at busy weekends. B L Kington Hon. Head Warden

A Jubilee and a Centenary Two important events in the history of the Club occurred in 1989: the Diamond Jubilee, celebrated by a big party in the Art Gallery on March 21 and the death on September 30 a few months after his^OOth birthday, of H G Alexander who — with all due respect to other founder-member'SsSuch as W E Groves and Henry Lloyd Wilson — provided the impetus and inspiration which in 1929 launched the Club on its dist inguished'career. \

i * The Club's beginnings were very humble: a small, selected group of perhaps ten members which met in secret in a room at the Grand Hotel — a far cry from the very largely attended 60th birthday party held in the full glare of publicity. Sixty years ago it would have been unwise to open the Club to al lcomers or to broadcast its proceedings. At that t ime, anyone claiming to be interested in birds was all too likely to be a collector of eggs or, possibly, of skins. The founders of the Club belonged to a minority — happily, a growing one — interested in the l iving bird

24

rather than in museum specimens; and they did not wish to share their information about the birds of the Birmingham district with collectors, for fear that local rarities might share the fate of the Osprey, the extinction of which in Britain at the hands of egg-col lectors was fresh in their memory. The smal l ornithological "establ ishment" of those days was still dominated by collectors who were sceptical of any record of a rarity — particularly of a bird new to the British list — if it was not backed by a specimen to prove it; "what 's hit's history, what's missed's mystery" was the order of the day. Bird-watching, as now practised by thousands of enthusiasts, was then a relatively rare eccentricity.

(John Martin)

The revolution which has enabled the eccentrics of sixty years ago to become the mainstream of ornithology today began at about the time the Bird Club was founded. Those years saw the birth of the BTO, an organisation devoted to the study of the living bird and dependent on the voluntary assistance of the new style of bird-watcher. The BTO also needed the assistance of local societies, such as those already flourishing at Oxford and Cambridge on which the Birmingham Bird Club (as the WMBC was originally called) was consciously modelled, making it one of the earl iest links in what has become a nationwide chain, and, of course, the BTO needed a body of competent field ornithologists capable of reliably identifying what they saw.

25

Since I was one of his first pupils, I tend to assume that all today's bird-watchers are the unconscious disciples of Horace Alexander. Of course, he was not alone in the field but one of a small but influential band which included such men as A W Boyd, T A Coward, Charles Oldham and B W Tucker; but I think it is fair to claim that Horace brought the art of bird-watching to the Midlands. Anyone who had the privilege of accompanying him on a visit to Bittell or Belvide will surely have been impressed by his phenomenal sharpness of both eye and ear. Perhaps his greatest contribution to modern bird-watching was his stress on the importance of songs and calls as a vital element in identification. He had made this point long before he came to Birmingham to lecture at Woodbrooke, Bristol Road, Selly Oak, when he and his brother Christopher — sadly, killed in the First World War — described the different call-notes of the Marsh Tit and the Willow Tit (which had been discovered to exist in Britain only at the turn of the century), thus making it possible for the non-collector to distinguish reliably between them. Without this pioneer work, on which later generations have built, it would surely have been impossible for the BTO to map the distribution of these two species in its Atlas. Horace's reliance on the ear as much as the eye enabled him to add perhaps ten species to the lists which he kept meticulously day by day, compiling them very quickly since each bird had its number, based on the list in Dresser's Birds of Europe. From his lists he abstracted the information summarised in the charts of song-periods published in Witherby's Handbook. His ear also enabled him to add new species to his Midlands list. There is a story that he was in his garden in Gibbins Road, Selly Oak, when he saw a plover approaching. Obligingly, it called as it flew overhead. The call was unfamiliar to him. He consulted the literature and discovered that it must have been a Dotterel — but I do not know whether he regarded this ias sufficient evidence on which to publish a record of a Dotterel in Warwickshire. He taught us never to jump hastily to conclusions, never to claim to have seen a particular species if a critical piece of evidence was missing. He was as severe to himself as to others, once, to my knowledge, disavowing in print one of his previously published records. He felt it necessary to make this disavowal in order to establish the credibility of sight-records as a legitimate, and preferable, alternative to the collection of specimens. For binoculars are not a soft option: their users must maintain the same standards of skill, precision and discipline as are expected (though not always achieved) of the man with the gun.

Another thing we learned from Horace was the value of systematic observation in one's chosen "patch". He had started this in his schoolboy days in Kent before coming to Birmingham where he concentrated on the surroundings of Woodbrooke and on the Bittell/Lickey Hills round, adding, later on, Belvide, a "patch" which he brought within the Birmingham orbit. In some parts of his patches he undertook a form of census based on mapping, thus anticipating the BTO's Common Birds Census. A map of Upper Bittell, upon which he recorded by number the presence of various species, appears on p.156 of his Seventy Years of Birdwatching. It would be an interesting exercise for a present member of the Club to decipher and decode this map, which must date from the twenties, and cover the same area to discover its bird population in the nineties.

26

I am su re that Horace enjoyed watching birds for their own sake and took pleasure in exercising his bird-watching skills; but he also enjoyed making his contribution to our knowledge and understanding of these fascinating creatures. The same can surely be said of the present members of the West Midland Bird Club. Among them are, I note, many who have their own chosen "patch" on which some quite remarkable discoveries have been made; and, happily, some of these patches have become reserves under the Club's protection. Among the members, too, are many highly skil led practitioners who have advanced the frontiers of bird identification into tr icky and difficult areas, operating on Horace's dictum that, if the birds thftmselves can distinguish between one another, it should not be beyond the range of human ingenuity to discover how they do it. The Club's greatly enlarged membership enables it to cover its chosen area much more systematically than was possible in the thirties and to undertake new fields of enquiry, atlas and census work or the intensive study of a single species, such as the Marsh Warbler. All of which made a fitting present for Horace on his 100th birthday and provides solid ground from which the Club can look forward with confidence to its own centenary in 2029. J Duncan Wood

A Bird in the Hand Many people's emotions are aroused by the mass killings of migratory song birds as they cross the Mediterranean to their destinations further north or south. Yet it would serve us well to look at our own country to find the number of small birds that are being trapped for the cage bird trade in this Region and particularly in the Black Country.

It is diff icult to estimate the extent of the problem as the number and species of birds involved in each case varies considerably. The RSPCA take many cases during the year, and Staffordshire Rural Crime Squad are very busy with this type of offence. Al though the RSPB collects a great deal of finch trapping cases, it takes few prosecutions, but assists the RSPCA and police in these cases.

The Society recorded 471 confirmed cases from 1971 until 1980. Since then 343 cases up until the end of 1984, from 1985 to 1988, 204 cases, 52 in 1989 and 32 so far this year (1990).

Finch trapping in this Region involves mainly goldfinch, chaffinch, bullfinch, greenfinch, linnet, siskin, redpoll and occasionally reed bunting. They are caught for the pet and cage bird trade and change hands privately and some through pet shops. However this does not mean that if birds of a species mentioned above are seen in a pet shop that they have been illegally taken from the wild. Many will have been legally bred in captivity and legitimately offered for sale.

To help us differentiate between the two methods we only have to look at the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which states "Unless appropriately licenced, it is an offence to sell, offer for sale, possess or transport for sale or exchange:

27

a) Any live bird unless listed on schedule three, part one and then only if aviary bred and close ringed with an approved ring as defined by the regulations".

The close ring is a continuous ring or band of metal without any break or join like a wedding ring.

The problem arises when rings have been tampered with by enlarging the internal diameter to give the impression that the bird has been fitted with the approved ring and is therefore legally bred. But in truth these are wild birds with over-sized rings fitted on their legs. Many of these birds will display the actions of recently confined birds and their abraded feathers on wings and tail are a damning indictment of illegal activities.

Methods of catching these birds vary enormously. Some are well tried traditional methods, while others reflect the initiative of the individuals. The most common method is through the decoy trap. One wire compartment holding the decoy bird and joining compartments (which can number from one to four) are baited with seed or thistle and teasle heads, particularly attractive to goldfinch. The open door at the top of the trapping compartment is spring loaded often by means of an elastic band. A false perch inside this compartment is sensitively set to fall as the unsuspecting bird alights, releasing the spring-loaded flap, trapping the bird.

In other cases bird liming is used as a method to ensnare wild birds applied to fine wires, twigs or smeared on teasle heads provided as a bait. A variety of sticky substances are used including Stockholm tar and molasses but all generally referred to as bird lime. The birds are attracted down to the bait of introduced teasle stems by a call bird in a cage. Law of averages dictates some of the unsuspecting birds landing on any convenient perch before feeding on the tempting bait wil l be held fast on these sticky perches, making it easy for the bird trapper to pick them up.

Finch trapping is generally an autumn and winter activity, carried out on any wasteland where a variety of wild flowers provide an abundant food source attracting large flocks of mixed finches. It could be the derelict industrial site, the railway cutting, canal bank and even a person's back garden where the call from the birds in the aviary will attract wild birds close to the traps.

Despite heavy fines and the confiscation of bird traps and the activities, particularly of the RSPCA, the practice still persists. Whether it significantly affects the size of local bird populations is questionable. What is certain is that it is against the law and it is yet another pressure that wild birds at present, still have.to contend with.

Leaflets are available from the RSPB and a booklet, costing E1.00 entitled "Wild birds and the Law" explains in layman's terms certain parts of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Carl F Nicholson RSPB — Midlands Regional Officer

28

Silent Death The recent poisoning incident in Hereford has highlighted once again Ihe problem created by some game-keepers, particularly in this Region, who il legally lay poisons, supposedly to kill magpies and crows. The reality is, through this reckless and i r responsible action, not only crows and Magpies are kil led but Buzzards, Red Kites, cats, working and pet dogs and elsewhere in the country Golden Eagles, Harr iers and White-tailed Sea Eagles have also been victims. It also jeopardizes the safety of people using the countryside, particularly the local population. In the recent incident, Endrin was used, a banned agricultural insecticide since 1981. Residues of this chemical have been stockpiled and sold to game-keepers for £50 a gallon. The incident also came to prominence because, as far as the RSPB was concerned, it was the largest haul of chemicals that had been amassed for the i l legal control of wildl i fe. In total 29 gal lons of Endrin, 6 kilos of Alphachlorolos, 2 g rammes of Strychnine and 22 mil l i l i t res of mixture and 5 pints of Phosdrin. The toxici ty of the Endrin alone could have kil led nearly 11,000 people, 26,307 labrador sized dogs or 2.7 mil l ion birds of red kite size. From our experience these are all poisons regularly used by many game-keepers as tools of the trade.

This haul confirms what we have always believed, that the poisoning incidents reported to us are only the tip of the iceberg. The results of this highly publicised case must be gratifying to all the people who over the years have informed the RSPB about their suspicions of poisoning or provided us with carcasses. Several of these people are bird watchers but many are farmers who are regularly losing farm cats and dogs.

Why do game-keepers resort to this clandestine activity? After all, it is perfectly legal to shoot crows and Magpies with landowners' permission at any time of the year. Crow traps and Larsen traps are also legal alternatives. Maybe it is the t ime factor, it is far easier to lay a poison bait than to pursue your victim with a gun. Perhaps a part t ime game-keeper hasn't t ime to control 'vermin', probably laying poisons on one weekend and picking up the result of their irresponsible action the next weekend. In the intervening t ime of course, many scavengers could be suf fer ing from secondary poisoning. Perhaps it is the requirement for bigger bags of g a m e and anything that jeopardizes these results is given tacit approval to be removed by some landowners and syndicates.

Whatever pressures the game-keepers are under, it gives them no right to jeopardize the welfare of other forms of wildl i fe and domestic animals or prevent an easter ly spread of Buzzards. The game-keepers age-old excuse that they maintain the balance of nature is wearing thin. Apart from confirming their ignorance on conservat ion matters, the imbalance of nature was created by them in the first instance by releasing an artif icially high population of a single species of bird into an a rea of land that cannot always support them.

In the meantime, as the public become more aware of the problems, let us continue to be vigilant whi le in the countryside and report any suspicions you may have.

C F Nicholson

29

Lesser Scaup — A First for Britain in the Midlands It was about 9.45 a.m. on March 8,1987 that I stopped at Jefferys Swag, Chasewater, to look for a long-staying specimen of drake Scaup Aythya marila. I found instead, a small, immature, Scaup-tvpe duck asleep amongst the wintering flock of Tufted Duck. As there was obviously something 'different' about this bird, I brought it to the attention of A D Barter and J J Oliver who were also present. Together, we set about examining it in greater detail. After half an hour or so, we were still uncertain about the identity of this duck and so decided to obtain a comparison with the drake Scaup which had by then, been located on the main pool; after studying the Scaup for a while, we returned for another look at the small bird on the Swag and spent the best part of an hour observing the bird and taking field notes. At this stage, the following points were noted:

A smal l , Scaup- type duck, s imi lar in s ize to a Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula with a ve rmicu la ted back, broken-brown breast mark ings and brownish p r imar ies that s e e m e d to be indicat ive of an immature male . The head w a s not as noticeably rounded as that ol the drake Scaup, having a pronounced 'bump' at the rear; it a p p e a r e d to be uniformly dark but without any green-g loss being apparent . T h e bird habitual ly held its tail erect, a l lowing the r a g g e d condit ion of the tail feathers to be noted. T h e undertai l was buffish or off-white, with just a hint of darker brown on the feather tips. Unfortunately, the bird w a s as leep for much of the t ime but w h e n the bill w a s observed , it a p p e a r e d to be Scaup- l ike, b lue /g rey in colour, with a sma l l black nail; finally, the eyes w e r e yel low but s o m e w h a t dul ler than those of the adjacent Tuf ted Ducks.

During this time, we were joined by J Bennett and pointed the bird out to him; after some discussion, we all agreed that it was in all probability a Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid. Later in the day, the bird was independently observed by another regular Chasewater birdwatcher, G Evans, who subsequently came to the same conclusion.

For the next few days the bird received scant attention, until on March 15, J E Fortey visited Chasewater and expressed his opinion that it was in fact, a specimen of the North American Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis, a species that he had recently spent some time studying and photographing in the collection at Slimbridge. In the light of this revelation, I returned to Chasewater to study the bird further.

News of the Lesser Scaup was to bring people to Chasewater from places as far apart as Scotland and the continent but no-one seemed to have any literature that related to the immature plumage of the species; because of this, the many hours that I spent observing the bird seemed to raise more unanswered questions about various aspects of the plumage. The reference books that were available indicated that the Lesser Scaup should have a dark purple gloss to the head, something that the Chasewater bird showed in good light; however, there was also a noticeable green sheen around the cheek area that seemed to extend down onto the sides of the neck. I mentioned this point to A R Dean when I met him at Chasewater on March 21, he suggested that this feature was illustrated in The Birds of Canada; when I subsequently saw a copy of this book, I was concerned to find that the green on the cheek was not shown as extending onto the neck. On the following day I returned to Chasewater, to find the bird was quite active and so was . able to obtain comparatively good views of its head, allowing me to pick up another feature that

30

had not previously been noted; a small, pale-blue margin, much paler than the rest of the bi l l , situated immediately behind the black 'nail'. I was not at ail sure if a Lesser Scaup should show this, so that same evening I conferred with E G Phillips to find out what he thought. He had also noted the pale area on the bill and was also concerned about another plumage feature, the colour of the undertail. (Although he bel ieved that this feature was probably only indicative of the bird's immaturity.) The only w a y to finally put our minds at rest was to compare the bird at Chasewater with other specimens of Lesser Scaup, so on March 29,1 visited Slimbridge to examine the b i rds that were in the collection. Unfortunately there were no immature birds present, but it was a bright day and the glossy purple sheen on the drakes heads was obvious; all of the drake birds observed also had the green sheen on the cheek that I had noted and I was pleased to find that it did indeed extend down onto the side of the neck in the same manner as on the bird at Chasewater. All of the drake specimens at Slimbridge also featured the pale area behind the nail, although this did vary in extent from one bird to another. I returned to Chasewater, well pleased with the outcome of my investigation.

As the bird's stay at Chasewater continued, I regularly returned to the Swag to monitor its progress. On April 11,1 first became aware of two small, dark spots on the undertail. As the days passed, this flecking increased, until, by the time the bird eventual ly left it had become very prominent. I last saw the bird on April 25,1 believe that it was seen for the last time on the following day. A summary of the notes taken during its stay at Chasewater is as follows:

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis The fol lowing is a summary of notes taken during about forty hours of observation. This b i r d w a s approx imate ly the s a m e s ize as a Tuf ted Duck but a p p e a r e d f latter on the back, an i m p r e s s i o n probably he ightened by its tendency to hold its tail more or less continuously erect .

The bi l l a p p e a r e d to be sl ightly darker in colour than thai of the Tufted Duck and did not s e e m to be s o steeply arched; t h e r e was a smal l black te rmina l 'nail ' which was separa ted f rom the S c a u p - l i k e b lue /grey bill by a pale b lue margin .

T h e h e a d s h o w e d a distinctly 'bumped ' a p p e a r a n c e at the rear a n d was glossy purple with an i r i d e s c e n t g reen sheen to the c h e e k s that ex tended onto the sides of the neck. (In dull c o n d i t i o n s the h e a d a p p e a r e d to be uniformly dark.) T h e eyes w e r e yel low but not as bright as those of the d r a k e Tufted Duck.

W h e n t h e bird w a s first s e e n , its b reas t w a s a broken, m e d i u m chestnut -brown colour with pale buf f a r e a s showing through; as t ime passed, a sma l l black patch a p p e a r e d , initially on the s i d e s of the breast , but progress ive ly increasing until by the t ime the bird departed, the upper b r e a s t w a s black and the lower breast broken-brown. T h e feather ing on the back w a s p r e d o m i n a n t l y g rey with black tips, giving the s a m e genera l a p p e a r a n c e as a Scaup except that t h e black a p p e a r e d to be more prominent , part icular ly on the mant le . T h e f lanks w e r e a dull o f f -wh i te colour with f ine vermiculat ions. T h e shape of the f lank-patch w a s different to that of the Tuf ted Duck, showing a gent le r 'S' s h a p e to the top edge. O n closed wings, the p r i m a r i e s a p p e a r e d dark -brown but in flight s e e m e d to be m o r e grey ish-brown. T h e bird s h o w e d a very bright whi te wing patch on the s e c o n d a r i e s that did not a p p e a r to extend onto the p r i m a r i e s as it does on the Scaup.

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T h e tai l fea thers w e r e b r o w n and s e e m e d to be quite ragged. W h e n the bird w a s first observed, the undertai l w a s pale buff or off-white, with slightly darker e d g e s to the feathers; dur ing the t ime that the bird w a s present , black spots or blotches gradual ly b e c a m e evident . T h e lower e d g e of the f lanks, just on but mainly below the water l ine , had a prominent l ine of brown, immature p lumage that was visible on both sides. This feature gradua l ly faded and broke-up as the bird cont inued to moult. On the ra re occasions that the legs w e r e visible, they a p p e a r e d to be greyish.

Many birdwatchers came from all over Britain and even from France to see the Lesser Scaup and their interest was rewarded in November 1989 when it was accepted as the first record of this species for Britain and Ireland; British Birds: 82:517. Although I initially found this bird, full credit for its identification must go to J E Fortey; were it not for his knowledge and exceptional birdwatching skills, I wonder if the Midlands would have had the prestige of this first British record?

References GODFREY W E 1986. The Birds of Canada. Chicago. J J Holian

Wintering Aythya ducks at Coton and Lea Marston A. R. Dean During the early 1980s, a remarkable change in the status of Aythya ducks occurred in the Warwickshire Tame Valley. The initiating factor was the flooding of a large and well-vegetated pit at the southern end of Kingsbury Water Park. The resulting Hemlingford Water, with its wealth of submerged plant-life, ideally met the predominantly vegetarian diet of Pochard Aythya ferina. Hemlingford Water was already designated for water-sports, however, and its suitability for wildfowl was inevitably ephemeral. In the longer term, developments to the south of the park were to prove of greater significance. The conversion of extensive sand and gravel workings at Coton and Lea Marston, to create the National River Authority (previously Severn-Trent) settling lakes, led to a substantial increase in suitable habitat, and effectively completed a five-mile chain of wetland sites between Kingsbury Water Park in the north and Shustoke Reservoir in the south. Despite these developments, few would have predicted the scale of the increase in numbers of diving duck which resulted.

Figure 1 plots the annual peak counts of Pochard and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula in the Kingsbury area between 1970 and 1988, as recorded in the annual West Midland Bird Reports. During the 1970s the mean annual maximum for Pochard was 215, and for Tufted Duck 290. In January 1980, however, Tufted Duck peaked at 750, while in December of the same year no less than 1500 Pochard were counted. The mean annual peaks during the 1980s have been 1200 and 1600, respectively, with absolute maxima of 1500 Tufted Duck in December 1982 and 2500 Pochard in

32

1 9 7 0 7 5 8 0 8 5

Fig. 1. Annual peak counts of Pochard and Tufted Duck In the Kingsbury area between 1970 and 1988. Pochard: — Q — Tufted: - - x - -

February 1983. Thus, there has been a four-fold increase in the numbers of winter ing Tufted Duck and an astonishing seven-fold increase in the numbers of Pochard. From the tables and distribution maps in Wildfowl in Great Britain (2nd edit ion, 1986), it can be deduced that the Coton/Lea Marston lakes are now among the top ten British (top seven English) waters for wintering Pochard and among the top 25 waters for wintering Tufted Duck.

It is therefore surprising that (apart from the stalwart efforts of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust counters, who have assiduously counted the flocks on a monthly basis each winter) this nationally important assembly of wildfowl has received relat ively little attention in it own right. Most observers' interest seems to extend no further than the possibility of finding the odd Scaup or other rarer species which are, inevitably, attracted to this huge gathering of diving duck. The following

33

discussion of the attributes of the area and the behaviour of the wildfowl it supports will, it is hoped, act as a stimulus for more comprehensive studies. Habitat i. characteristics

A

N

0 0 m.

a p p r o x . s c a l e

Fig. 2. Approximate configuration of Coton and Lea Marston Lakes.

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Figure 2 conveys the general configuration of the lakes at Lea Marston and Coton. The lakes can conveniently be divided into two sections, either side of Coton Road. The southerly Lea Marston Lakes, 1A and 1B, are in fact joined near Ihe northern weir which adjoins the road; a long peninsula stretching from the southern end effectively divides the water into two lakes. Lake 1A lies on the original course of the river, though the banks have been completely reshaped and reinforced to minimise erosion. To the north of Coton Road the original course of the river still exists, f lanking lakes 2A and 2B on their western and northern boundaries, but a considerable percentage of the water volume is diverted through lake 2A and rejoins the river via a weir at its northern end. Lake 2B has not been incorporated into the river cleansing scheme and is enclosed on all sides by embankments, the southern of which divides it from lake 2A. To the south-west of the river, opposite the s i te of Coton Hall, is a smaller enclosed pool.

Several features can be distinguished which are important in determining either the basic suitability of the area for supporting a large population of diving duck, or specific aspects of behaviour: 1. The settling lakes are designed to entrap as much as possible of the suspended

pollutants in the River Tame. In consequence, they are inherently contaminated, and are unsuitable for water-sports. The amount of visible debris (which shows the lakes are doing their job!) is also a discouragement to casual trespass. Thus, cleansing operations apart, the level of disturbance is relatively low.

2. The existence of several adjacent lakes means that, during the infrequent disturbances which do occur, birds can simply move to an adjoining undisturbed water, i.e. there are reliable refuge waters.

3. The current generated by the transit of the river through the lakes means that 1A, 1B and2A do not freeze, even in very cold weather{\r\ severe winters this is often the only open water for many miles around).

4. The various lakes have rather different physical characteristics which separately provide both effective feeding and sheltered resting areas.

Lakes 1A, 1B and 2A constitute the active settling lakes. Putsimplistically, the river leaves its hitherto relatively narrow confines and enters a broad shallow expanse; the consequent reduction in velocity and momentum lowers the carrying capacity of the water and much of the suspended debris and pollutants are either entrapped within the confines of the lakes or deposited on the lake beds, from where they are mechanically removed by drag-line and dredging. At present, dredging takes place only on lakes 1A and 1B. This is carried out during 5Vi days per week, the entire lakes being dredged in one year, after which the process is repeated (A K Crawford in litt. for NRA).

Although the river slows considerably during its transit through the settling lakes, there stil l remains a distinct current and, in times of river spate, this may become severe. In contrast, lake 2B is an enclosed lake which has not been incorporated into the river cleansing scheme; in consequence it lacks currents and is relatively free of suspended and floating solids. During flood conditions, however, the central embankment between 2A and 2B is not infrequently breached (while the northern

35

embankment incorporates an over-flow channel), so the waters of 2B are not entirely pollution-free.

ii. Utilisation Although all the lakes are used by Aythya ducks, there are very considerable variations in the frequency of occupancy and the numbers of birds involved. These differences are correlated primarily with weather conditions and nature of activity. Of the principal waters, lakes 1A, 2A and 2B are generally preferred, while lake 1B is distinctly less favoured and only infrequently holds more than a fraction of the total number of duck in the area. Lake 1A is the favoured feeding area, particularly for Pochard. It can be presumed that this lake supports a relatively rich subaquatic vegetation, which may be related to the fact that 1A lies on the original course of the river.

Conversely, lake 2B, which is an enclosed water through which the river does not pass, is generally the preferred loafing area. The lack of currents (relatively still water) is no doubt a factor in its attraction as a resting area, but it is arguably also the most secluded water.

Lake 2A regularly holds feeding flocks (though 1A is generally selected in the absence of disturbance or other adverse conditions) but is also used as a retreat during the not-infrequent periods of strong west to south-westerly winds. In such conditions birds gather near the western shore of lake 2A, where the embankment and adjoining hedgerow generate a wind-break and relatively sheltered water; birds form a tight raft close inshore, with a percentage resting on the leaward side of the embankment itself. To a lesser extent, the central embankment between 2A and 2B also provides a wind-break for birds which remain on 2B. Away from these two embankments, the area as a whole is rather exposed. This in itself may be an asset to the birds, enabling early detection of approaching danger or disturbance. However, during severe gales the water surface can become extremely rough; if this occurs in combination with heavy rain and floods, a great deal of large debris can be carried very rapidly and violently across the rough waters, and the lakes can become virtually uninhabitable. In these circumstances the entire complex may be deserted, with birds resorting to KWP or Ladywalk.

Seasonal Numbers Figure 3 displays the average monthly maxima, based on personal counts through the ten years 1980-1989, and is plotted from summer through winter to illustrate the natural profile of numbers.

Pochard is fundamentally a winter visitor to the Tame Valley, with only a handful of non-breeding birds in the summer and an abrupt and substantial influx of birds during October and November. From mid-November to late-January numbers remain relatively constant, and there is a rapid exodus during February and early March, with very few remaining into April. Ringing recoveries indicate that Pochard wintering in Britain originate mainly from the Baltic countries and the USSR east to at least 61° (Wildfowl in Great Britain).

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In contrast, Tufted Duck breed in some numbers in the Kingsbury area (typically around twenty pairs) while there is additionally a corps ot non-breeders. Even in mid-summer, therefore, there may be several, hundred Tufted Duck in the area. Numbers begin to increase from late-July through August and there is a relatively gradual development to a peak in late-November and December. The earlier arr ivals are probably relatively local birds which use the area as a moulting ground, while later arrivals are winter immigrants from further afield. Brj^isfTringed Tufted Duck have been recovered from Iceland east through central Europe to central USSR. However, immigration does not start until late-September, so the monthly profile of numbers suggests that, unlike Pochard, a relatively high proport ion of wintering birds are of British origin.

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

Fig. 3. Mean monthly maxima of Tufted Duck and Pochard between 1980 and 1989. Pochard: — Q — Tufted: — x —

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Sex Ratios As males of both Tufted Duck and Pochard undergo wing-moult five or six weeks earlier than females (about mid-July and late-August respectively), drakes tend to migrate earlier and this results in a bias in the sexual composition of wintering flocks. Basically, females have to migrate further to find adequate, unoccupied feeding grounds. In central England males predominate. Table 1 lists the numbers and percentages of males and females at Coton/Lea Marston on four dates during the winter of 1989/90. The dates were selected merely on the basis of finding composite non-feeding flocks where accurate counts could be made and thus involved a sample rather than the entire population. It is therefore possible that sexual differences in feeding and resting behaviour could influence the figures, as the percentages of drakes seem surprisingly high.

Pochard Tufted Duck

Date drake duck drake duck

no. - % no. % no. % no. %

14.09.89 30.09.89 11.11.89 10.2.90

90 79.6

550 83.3 460 78.0

23 20.4

110 16.7 130 22.0

820 82.8 430 71.6

170 17.2 170 28.4

Weighted Mean

80.7 19.3 78.6 21.4

Table 1. Sex ratios of Pochard and Tufted Duck at Coton/Lea Marston during the winter 1989/90.

Feeding habits Pochard is regarded as primari ly vegetarian while Tufted Duck is more omnivorous. Both are largely bottom feeders and prefer waters free from excessive floating vegetation but (especially in the case of Pochard) with prolific submerged plantlife. In general, Tufted Duck are primarily diurnal feeders while Pochard frequently feed at night (BWP 1), but there are regional and local variations in this respect. At Coton and Lea Marston the diurnal patterns of the two species appear rather similar. Both indulge in periods of intense and active diurnal feeding followed by prolonged periods of loafing, preening and sleeping. These activities seem to be loosely co-ordinated in mixed flocks, with a majority of both species either feeding or resting at any given time. It seems likely that extraneous factors such as weather conditions and availability of favoured feeding areas (i.e. absence of disturbance) influence the feeding pattern, as well as innate temporal cycles.

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Typical ly, sleeping or loafing occupies up to three-quarters of daylight hours, while at dusk there is considerable relocation of flocks, birds moving between waters at Coton and Lea Marston but also flying off towards KWP. It thus seems likely that there is nocturnal feeding at this site but its extent, and any significant differences between Pochard and Tufted Duck, are matters which require clarification.

The vast majority of food for both species is obtained by diving, and the duration of dives is related not only to local physical factors, such as water-depth, but also to the sex and age of the birds. During the autumn of 1989 the diving times of male and female Pochard and male, female and juvenile Tufted Duck were monitored using a stop-watch. A series of fifty dives for individual adult drakes and ducks was timed on lake 2B (i.e. stil l water) and either 1A or 2A (i.e. water with current), immature Pochard arr iving in October are already in first-winter plumage (closely resembling adult female) and were not separately monitored but a full-grown juveni le Tufted Duck was timed on 1A in mid-September. The results of the total of 450 t imed dives are presented in table 2.

Lake 1A 2A 2B

mean sd mean sd mean sd

Tufted drake Tufted duck Tufted juv

20.45 20.79

2.98 3.63

24.60 3.25 23.79 22.72

3.36 3.78

Pochard drake Pochard duck

23.48 22.86

2.95 3.17

23.73 22.29

3.95 1.95

Table 2. Diving times in seconds (mean and standard deviation) for Pochard and Tufted Duck, according to sex, age, and locality.

No statistically significant difference emerges between still and current-bearing waters, nor between comparable sexes of the two species. However, the mean diving times ranked in descending order are:

Drake Tufted 2A 24.60 Drake Tufted 2B 23.79 Drake Pochard 2B 23.73 Drake Pochard 1A 23.48 Duck Pochard 1A 22.86 Duck Tufted 2B 22.72 Duck Pochard 2B 22.29 Juv Tufted 1A 20.79 Duck Tufted 1A 20.45

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Thus, there is a clear tendency for drakes to dive longer than ducks, reflecting their ability to dive to greater depths and one factor leading to a preponderance of drakes on some waters.

Conclusion The mid-winter British populations of Tufted Duck and Pochard have been estimated as 62,000 and 50,000, respectively (Wildfowl in Great Britain). Thus, during the 1980s, Coton and Lea Marston have supported around two percent and three percent of the British wintering population of these two species, easily confirming them as sites of national significance for Aythya wildfowl. As changes and developments are planned in the area (e.g. restoration of Coton Hall and its use as an exhibition centre), it is important that any physical changes, and any associated increase in the number of human visitors, are planned carefully. Some of the factors which are central to the effectiveness of the site were identified under 'Habitat characteristics', and it is essential that future developments do not jeopardise the existence of suitable feeding and resting conditions for Aythya wildfowl in this very special part of the Tame Valley.

A ckno wledgem ents I would like to thank A K Crawford of the National Rivers Authority (Severn-Trent Region) for providing operational details of the River Tame Cleansing Lakes at Coton and Lea Marston.

References Cramp, S, and Simmons, K E L (eds.) (1977). The Birds of the Western Palearctic, vol. 1. Oxford University Press. Owen, M, Atkinson-Willes, G L and Salmon, D G (1986). Wildfowl in Great Britain. (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

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1989 Bird Record Localities

The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a record was submitted in 1909.

Warwickshire Alcester SP0957 Compton Verney SP3152 Kinwalsey SP2585 Alvecote Pools SK2504 Compton Wynyates SP3341 Knightcote SP4055 Arbury SP3389 Coombe Abbey SP4079 Arley SP2890 Coppington Farm Ladbroke SP4158 Arley Wood SP2891 Copston Magna SP4588 Ladywalk SP2191 Ash End SP1797 Cottons Furze SP4785 Lawford Heath SP4674 Astley SP3189 Cubbington Wood SP3468 Lea Marston SP2093 Astley Gorse SP2989 Curdworth SP1892 Leek Wooton SP2868 Aston Cantlow SP1359 Lighthorne SP3355 Aston Grove SP1458 Daw Mill SP2689 Lillington SP3267 Alherstone Goll Course SP3096 Oordon SK2600 Little Wolford Heath SP2734 Atherstone on Stour SP2051 Draycote Water SP4669 Lower Radbourne SP4457

Dunchurch SP4871 Baddesley Common SP2797 Maxstoke SP2386 Baddesley Ensor SP2798 Earlswood SP1174 Merevale SP2997 Ballards Green SP2791 Eathorpe SP3969 Middleton Pool SP1898 Barford SP2760 Exhall SP1055 Milcote SP1852 Beausale SP237U Moreton Paddox ' SP3US4 Bedworth Nook SP3486 Farnborough SP4349 Myton Pool . SP3064 Bedworth Slough SP3587 Fenny Compton SP4151 Bedworth Woodlands SP3487 Fillongley SP2887 Napton Reservoir . ' SP4759 Bentley Woods SP2895 Freasley SP2499 Neston on the Hill SP Bermuda SP3589 Furnace End SP2491 Newfield Pool SP4554 Bishops Tachbrook SP3161 North End SP3952 Bodymoor Heath SP1996 Gaydon SP3654 Nuneaton SP3691 Brailes SP3337 Grandborough SP4965 Bramcote SP4188 Great Alne SP1159 Oversley Wood SP1056 Brandon Marsh SP3875 Great Packington SP2384 Over Whitacre SP2591 Brookampton SP3151 Grendon SP2798 Oxhill SP3146 Bulkington SP3986 Griff SP3689 Oxhouse Farm SP3050 Burton Dassetl SP3950 Burton Farm SP4190 Hampton Wood SP2559 Packington SP2384 Burton Hastings SP4189 Hams Hall SP2092 Pillerton Hersey SP3148 Butlers Marston SP3150 Hartshill Hayes SP3294 Polesworth SK2602

Hartshill Sewage Farm SP3395 Pooley Mound SK2503 Caldecote SP3594 Hatton Rock SP2357 Poolfields SP3253 Chadshunt SP3553 Henley-in-Arden SP1566 Priors Hardwick SP4756 Chadwick End SP2073 Hoar Park SP2693 Purley Chase SP3096 Charlecote SP2656 Hockley Heath SP1572 Chase Wood SP2572 Honnington SP2642 Radway SP3649 Cherrington Hill SP2936 Hoo Mill SP1057 Ragley Hall SP0755 Chesterton SP2656 Hunts Green SP1897 Rugby SP5175 Church Pool Covert SP2092 Hurley SP2495 Ryton Wood SP3872 Claverdon SP1964 Cliftord Chambers SP1952 Judkins Quarry SP3493 Seeswood Pool SP3290 Cloudesley Bush SP4686 Shawbury SP25B8 Clowes Wood SP0973 Kenilworth SP2971 Shelfield SP1262 Coleshill SP2089 Kineton SP3351 Shustoke Reservoir SP2291 Combrook SP3051 Kingsbury SP2096 Shuttington SK2606

42

Snitterfield SP2159 Somers, The SP2282 Southam SP4162 Spernal l Sewage Farm SP0862 Stockton SP4364 Stoneleigh SP3372 Stoneton SP4654 Stratford SP2055 Studley SP0763

Tanworth in Arden SP1170 Temple Grafton SP1254 Temple Herdewyke SP3752 Temple Pool SP3744

Worcestershire Abberton Aldington Alfrick Alvechurch Ankerdine Hill Areley Kings Arrow Va l ley Lake Arrow Va l ley Park Ashlon-under-Hil l Astley Cross Aston Mi l l Avonside

Barnard 's Green Bartiey Batchley Pool Beckford Belbroughton Bengehil l Lake Beoley Berrow Hill Berry M o u n d Besford Betts Reserve Bewdley Bir l ingham Bishampton Bittell Blackmore Park Blackpole Blakedown Bow F a r m Brakemil l Branstord Bredon Bredon Hill Bredons Hardwick Bredons Norton Bretforton

Ullen Hall SP1267 University ol Warwick SP2975 Upper Chelmscote SP3141 Upton SP3645

Walton . SP2852 Wappenbury SP3770 Warwick SP2864 Wasperton SP2658 Weddington SP3693 Weltord-on-Avon SP1452 Wellesbourne SP2755 Wellesbourne Wood SP2753 Whatcole SP3043

British Camp S07640 British Camp Reservoir S07639 Broadwas S07655 Broadway SP0937 Broadway Gravel Pit SP0837 Bromsgrove S09570 Broughton Hackett S09254 Burt, The S08167 Bushley Green S08634

Callow Hill S07473 Castlemorton S07937 Castlemorton Common S07839 Caunsall SOS581 Chaddesley Corbett S08973 Charlton S08271 Chase End Hill S07635 Chateau Impney S09164 Childswickham SP0738 Church Lench SP0251 Cleeve Prior SP0748 Clent S09379 Clifton-upon-Teme S07161 Cotton Hackett SP0075 Cotton Richards SP0175 Collington S06460 Cotheridge S07854 Croome Pool S08744 Crowle S09256

Deerfold Wood S09047 Defford Airfield S09044 Devil's Spittletul S08074 Diglis S08453 Doverdale S08566 Dowles Brook S07776 Dunhampstead S09160

Earnshaw Quarry SQ7647

Whateley SP2299 Whichford Wood SP3034 Whitacre Heath SP2192 White Stone SP3889 Whittleford SP3392 Wilmcote SP1558 Winderton SP3240 Wixford SP0854 Wood End SP2498 Wootton Wawen SP1563 Wormleighton SP4451 Wroxhall SP2271

Eckington S09241 Eight Oaks S07839 Elmley Castle S09841 Evesham SP0343 Eymore Wood S07779

Fladbury S09946 Foley Park SOB275 Frankley S09980 Fred Dale Reserve S07776

Grafton Flyford S09656 Grafton Mill S09555 Great Comberton S09542 Great Farley Wood S09578 Great Malvern S07745 Great Witley S07565 Greenhill SP0445 Grimley S08360 Guarlford S08145 Gullet. The S07638

Habberley Valley S07645 Hadley S08663 Hagley S09180 Ham Bridge S07361 Hampton Ferry SP0243 Happy Valley S07645 Hartlebury S08470 Hartlebury Common S08270 Hartlebury Pool S08270 Harvington SP0549 Hillditch Coppice S08270 Hillpool S08975 Himbleton S09458 Hindlip S08758 Hinton-on-the-Green SP0240 Hipton Hill SP0348 Hollybush Roughs S07636

S09953 SP0644 S07453 SP0272 S07356 S08069 SP0665 SP0667 S09937 S08069 S09435 SP0343

S07845 SP0080 SP0368 S09735 S09276 SP0543 SP0670 S09962 SP0978 S09144

S07875 S09342 S09851 SP0174 S07944 S08657 S08878 S08736 SOB979 S07952 S09136 S 0 9 1 3 9 S09135 S09339 SP0943

43

Holt S08262 North Hill S07646 Stoke Heath S09468 Hornhill Wood S09558 Norton S08751 Stone S08575 Huddington S09457 - Nunnery Wood S08754 Stourport S08171 Huntsman's Quarry S09336 Strensham S09039 Hurcott S08577 Oakley S08960 Strensham Sludqe Laaoons Hurcoll Pool SUbb>7 Oddingley S09059 S09139

Offenham SP0546 Suckley S07251 llley S09881 Offenham Cross SP0546 Sugar Loaf S07645 Interfield S07749 Old Hills S08248 Swinyard Hill S07638 Ipsley Alders SP0665 Ombersley S08463

Ombersley Park SOS462 Tanwood S09074 Kemerton S09436 Temeside Way S08451 Kempsey S08549 Pensham S09444 Tenbury Wells S05968 Kempsey Lowerham S08748 Peopleton S09350 Thirdsland S07642 Kidderminster S08376 Pershore S09445 Throckmorton S09849 Knapp, The S07451 Perseverance Hill S07642 Tibberton S09057 Knightwick S07355 Piper's Hill S09665 Tiddesley Wood S09245 Kyre Pool S06364 Pirton S08747 Torton S08472

Pitchers Hill SP0641 Trench Wood S09258 Larford S08169 Podmore SOB672 Trimpley S07778 Leigh Sinton S07750 Porter's Mill SO866O Trimpley Reservoir S07678 Lenchwick SP0347 Powick S08351 Twyford SP0446 Lickey S09975 Powick Hams SOS352 Little Comberton S09643 Purshall Green S09071 Uckinghall S08638 Little Malvern S07741 Upper Broomhall S08651 Lnngdon Hill SOS238 Radford 6P0054 Upton-upon-Severn S08540 Long Saw Croft S09779 Raggedstone Hill S07536 Upton Warren S09367 Lower Moor S09847 Ravenshill Lake S07353 Lower Smite S08958 Redditch SP0467 Vale Animal Recovery Lower Wick S08352 Rhydd S0834S Centre S09944 Lynall's Coppice S07375 Ribbesford Wood S07872

Ripple S08738 Walkmiils S09165 Madeley Heath S09577 Romsley S09679 Walton Hill S09479 Madresfield S08047 Rous Lench SP0153 Warndon S08856 Major's Green SP0977 Rowney Green SP0471 Welland S07940 Malvern S07745 Rushock S08871 West Hagley S09080 Malvern Hills S07745 Rushwick S08253 West Malvern S07646 Malvern Link S07847 Ryall S08640 Westmancote S09437 Malvern Wells S07742 Westwood S08763 Martin Hussinglree SO886O Sale Green S09357 Wick S09645 Martley S07559 Saleway S09259 Wickhamford SP0642 Mary Brook S09443 Saxon's Lode S08638 Wilden S08272 Midsummer Hill S07637 Sedgeberrow SP0238 Wissetts Wood S06772 Mustow Green S08674 Shaver's End S07668 Wood Green S08067

Shelsley Walsh S07263 Woodrow SP0565 Naftord S09441 Shenstone S08573 Worcester S08454 Naunton Beauchamp S09652 Shrawley S08064 Worcestershire Beacon S07645 Newland S07948 St. Ann's Well • S07745 Wychbold S09265 New Mills Bridge S07262 Stanford Court S07065 Wyche, The S07744 Norchard SOB468 Stanford Pool S07065 Wyre Forest S07475 Norgrove Court SP0065 Stoke Bliss S06562 Wyre Piddle S09647

Staffordshire Abbots Bromley SK0824 Alsager SJ7955 Aqualate SJ7720 Acton Trussell SJ9317 Amington SK2504 Ashwood S08688 Adbaston SJ7627 Anslow SK2125 Astonfields SJ922S Alrewas SK1715 Anslow Bank SK2126

44

Backforest SJ9865 Baddesley Baggeridge C.P. S08992 Bagots Wood SK0927 Bagots Forest SK0428 Barlaston SJ8938 Barton Pit SK2017 Baswich SJ9422 Beaudesert SK0313 Bednall Head SJ9717 Belvide SJB610 Berry Hill SJ8946 Betley Hall SJ7549 Betley Mere SJ7447 Bishop Wood SJ6309 Blake Brook SK0761 Blithfield SK0623 Blorepipe SJ7731 Blymhill Common SJ7913 Boarsgrove SK0462 Borrowpit Lake SK2003 Bottom House SK0452 Brancole Sewage Works SJ9622 Brankley SK1621 Branston SK2120 Bridgtown Subsidence Pool SK9709 Brindley Heath SK9914 Brocton SJ9619 Brocton Coppice SJ9819 Brocton Golf Course SJ9619 Brown Edge SJ9153 Brownhills SK0405 Burslem SJ8749 Burlon-on-Trent SK2423

Calf Heath SJ9208 Cannock SJ9710 Cannock Chase SK0017 Cannock Tip SJ9909 Canwell SK1400 Cat Holme SK2016 Catton SK2015 Chase End Corner Chasewater SK0307 Cheadle SK0143 Chillington SJ8606 Churchbridge Pool SJ9808 Clay Mills SK2625 Clayton SJ8543 Codsall SJ8603 Colwich SK0122 Consall SJ9748 Coombes Valley SK0052 Copmere " . SJ8029 Cressweil Grove SJ8925 Croxall SK1914 Cuckoo Bank SK0310

Danebridge SJ9665 Deep Hayes SJ9653 Deepmore Dimmingsdale SK0543 Doley Common SJ8121 Dosthill SK2100 Doxey Marshes SJ9024 Draycott-in-the-Clay SK1528 Drayton Manor SK1901 Dunstall SK0726 Dunston Heath SJ9117 Dydon SK1344

Eastwood Pool Eccleshall SJ8329 Eland Brook SK1426 Ellord SK1810 Enville S08286 Essington SJ9503

Fatholme SK2017 Fisherwick SK1709 Forton SJ7521 Four Ashes SJ9208 Fradley Wood SK1513 Fradswell SJ9931 Freehay SK0241

Gailey SJ9310 Gnosall SJ8220 Gradbach SJ9965 Great Haywood SK0022 Great Wyrley SK9907 Greaves Wood SK1627 Greenforge S08688 Greenway Bank SJ8855

Hanch Reservoir SK1013 Hanchurch SJ8441 Han ley Park SJ8846 Hednesford SK0012 Highgate Common S08389 High Offley SJ7826 Hill Ridware SK0717 Himley S08891 Hixon SK0025 Hoar Cross SK1323 Holden Lane Pool SJ8950 Hollies Common Hollybush Lake SK1326 Hopton Pools SJ9525 Hopwas SK1705

Nam Hall SK1351

Jackson's Bank SK1423 Jackson Coppice SJ7930

Katyn Memorial SJ9816 Keele SJ8045 Keele Bank Keele University Woods SJ8244 Kettlebrook Lake SK2103 Kings Standing SK1624 Kingswood SJ9908 Kinver Edge S08383 Knotbury SK0168 Knypersley SJ8955

Lea Healh SK0326 Lichfield SK1110 Little Aston SK0900 Little Wyrley SK0105 Longnor SK0864 Longsdon SJ9755 Longsdon Mill Pool SJ9554 Longsdon Wood SJ9655 Lordsley SJ7437 Lum Edge SK0660

Maer SJ7938 Manifold Valley SK0954 Marquis Drive SJ9914 Marston SK9227 MaustyWood SJ9512 Mayfield SK1545 Mealord Power Station SJ8835 Merryton Low SK0461 Mill Green Park SJ9810 Millwich SJ9732 Morridge SK0256 Mottley Meadows SJ8313 Mucklestone SJ7238 Mytholme SK1814

Needwood SK1624 Needwood Airport SK1624 Newborough SK1325 Newcastle SJ8445 Newport SJ7519 Norton Canes SK0108

Oldacre Valley SK9718

Park Hall C.P. SJ9345 Pasturefields SJ9825 Pattingham S08299 Pelsall S01104 Pelsall Wood S01104 Penkridge SJ9214 Pillaton SJ9413 Porthill SJ8548

Ranton SJ8524 Rickerscote SJ9320

Eider, Westport, May 1989 (Bill Low)

Red Grouse, North Staffs Moors, March 1989 (Steve Norman)

Goldeneye, Kingsbury Water Park, December 1989 (Keith Warmington)

45

Roaches SK0063 Stoneydelph SK2003 Upper Longdon SK0514 Rocester SK1139 Stourton S086B5 Roundhill Sewage Farm S08783 Stowe Pool SK1210 Wall Heath Royal Cottage SK0263 Stretton SK2623 Warwickshire Moor Rudyard SJ9459 Stretton Hall SJ8611 Werringlon SJ9647

Swallow Moss SK0660 Westport SJ8S50 Sambrook SJ6923 Swindon S08690 Wheaton Aston SJ8512 Sandbach Flashes SJ7260 Wheaton Aston Airfield SJ84 i4 Sandon SJ9429 Tamworth SK2003 Whiston Mill SJ8914 Satnal Hills SJ9820 Teddesley SJ9615 White House SJ9916 Seighford Aerodrome SJ8625 The Blyhe SK0428 Whitemoor Hay SK1813 Seven Springs SK0020 Threapwood SK0440 Whittington Sewage Farm SK1680 Sherbrook Valley SJ9818 Three Shires Head SK0068 Wilnecote SK2201 Shipley S08095 Thorpe Constantine SK2609 Winnington SK7238 Shoal Hill SJ9711 Tittensor SJ8738 Wombourne SOS793 Shugborough SJ9922 Tittesworth SJ9959 Wolsley Bridges SK0220 Smestow Tixall SJ9722 Woodmill Pond SK1321 Smith's Pool SJ8844 Trenlham SJ8640 Wychnor SK1716 Stafford SJ9223 Trenlham Gardens SJ8640 Stafford Common SJ912S Trenlham Park SJ8540 Yarnfield SJ8632 Stansley Wood SK0525 Trysull S08494 Yoxall SK1419 Stockton Brook SJ9052 Twogates SK2101

West Midlands Acock's Green SP1183 Darby's Hill S09669 Lower Gornal S09191 Aldridge SK0500 Daw End SK0300 Lutley S09483

Doe Bank Wood SP0696 Barr Beacon SP0697 Dudley S09390 Marston Green SP1785 Barr Common SP0699 Dunstall Park SJ9000 Meriden SP2482 Bartley Reservoir SP0081 Monkspath SP1475 Bentley Heath SP1675 Edgbaston SP0584 Moseley SP0883 Birmingham Cily Centre SP0686 Edgbaston Park SP0584 Moseley Hall SJ9203 Bloxwich SJ9902 Edgbaston Reservoir SP0486 Mushroom Green S093B6 Bourne Farm SK0700 Brades Hall S09790 Fishley SK0003 Netherton Hill S09388 Bradnock's Marsh SP0481 Fordhouses SJ9103 Netherton Reservoir S09388 Brandwood Cemetery SP0779 Four Oaks SP9918 Northycote Farm SJ9303 Branton Hill Quarry SK0600 Fulford Heath SP0974 Brierley Hill Pools S09186 Oakham S09689 Bromwich Wood S09981 Halesowen S09583 Oldbury S09889 Brownhills SK0505 Hall Green SP1081 Oldswinford S09083 Brueton Park SP1678 Harborne SP0284 Olton SP1381 Buckpool S08986 Hardwick Wood SP0699 Oxley SJ9002 Burnt T ree S09590 Hayhead Wood SP0498

Highbury Park SP0682 Park Lime Pits SP0299 Cannon Hill Park SP0683 Hillfield Park SP1578 Pelsall SK0203 Chadwick End SP2073 Pelsall Wood Common SK0103 Cheswick Green SP1275 llley S09881 Penn SOS996 Clayhanger SK0404 Pouk Hill Quarry S09999 Cocks Moors Woods SP0879 King's Heath SP0781 Prospect Lane Park SP1280 Colton Hills S09095 King's Norton SP0579 Compton S08898 Kingstanding SP0794 Queslett Nature Park SP0694 Cornets End SP2381 Kingswinford S08988 Quinton Cemetery S09885 Coseley S09494 Knowle SP1876 Coventry SP3379 Rough Wood SJ9800 Cradley Heath SQ9485 Lifford SP0579 Rowley Regis S09687

46

Rushall SP0299 Sutton Coldfield SP1296 Russell 's Hall S09289 Sutton Park SP0997

Saltwel ls Wood S09387 Temple Balsall SP2076 Sandwel l Valley SP0291 Tettenhall College Wood S08899 Shard End SP1588 Tipton S09592 Sheepwash Urban Park S09791 Tividale Sewage Works S09790 Shirley SP1279 Triltiford Park SP0980 Shut End S08989 Tudor Grange Park SP1479 Slough, T h e SK0204 Turner's Hill S 0 9 6 8 8 Solihull SP1579 Stourbridge S08983 Valley Park SJ8900 Slubbers Green SK0401 Vigo SK0502

Wall Heath S08889 Walmlev. SP1393 Walsall Arboretum SP0198 Warrens Hall Park S09588 West Heath SP0277 Wharl Lane Sand Pit SK0406 Wightwick Manor SOS698 Willenhall Memorial Park S09698 Wolverhampton S09198 Wood End Farm SP0398 Woodgate Valley SP0083

Yardiey Wood SP1080

47

Classified Notes The sequence followed, is that of the "British Birds", List Of Birds Of The Western Palearctic (1978), which follows the List Of Recent Holarctic Bird Species, compiled by Professor K. H. Voous. The average arrival and departure dates given for migrants are based on the first and last dates (excluding freaks) shown in the Annual Reports up to 1989. Figures, in brackets denote the number of years upon which the averages are based. In the tables, —denotes, no count available. A list of contributors is included at the end of the Annual Report. The policy regarding wildfowl species normally dismissed as escapes or feral (unless obviously so), is not to comment. Until further research is carried out any such comment would be speculation.

Black-throated Diver Warks An adult remained for four hours at Draycote on December 31 before flying

off to the south-west GIG, PDH.

Great Northern Diver Warks A first-winter was at Draycote from December 20 GIG to 23 REH, PDH. Worcs An immature present at Westwood from December 18to31 WD, SMW, was

the first recorded in the County since 1982. Staffs An immature at Rudyard on December 23 remained to the end of the year

BDC, AH, WJL, NC.

Little Grebe Warks Breeding pairs were noted at Alvecote (two), Brandon (four), Great

Packington (six), Maxstoke, Ragley Hall and Whittleford Park. Also seen at five other sites in the breeding season. Notable maxima were 19 at Hartshill on November 9 and 20 at Kingsbury on December 20. A juvenile at Brandon was taken by a Grey Heron.

Worcs Monthly maxima at Larford:

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

22 21 21 4 A 7 14 12 22 22 20 15

Bred at Beckford (two pairs), Bittell, Bredons Hardwick, Church Lench, Hartlebury Pool, Larford (three pairs reared just two young) and Wilden. Noted in the breeding season at Hindlip, Kempsey, Ravenshill Lake and Stanford Pool. Noted outside the breeding season at 21 localities with maxima away from Larford of nine at Bittell on September 5 and nine at Bredons Hardwick on September 12.

Staffs Monthly maxima at Croxall:

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

- 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 28 26 17 7

52

Bred at Alrewas, Barton, Ooxey (two pairs), Hollybush Lake, Kettlebrook, Mill Green, Westport and Woodmill Pond. At Elford there were 13 on April 24,25 at Gailey on August 18, and counts of 17 at Barton and 12 at Elford in September. Present at Belvide, Kettlebrook and Westport throughout the year and smaller numbers at Blithfield, Branston, Chillington, Clay Mills, Freehay and the River Tame, Tamworth.

W Mid Breeding confirmed at Albright and Wilsons chemical pool Oldbury (two pairs), Coseley, Edgbaston Park (two pairs), Hillfield Park, Meriden (at least three pairs), Parkhead Locks, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash U.P., Stubbers Green and Warrenshall. Sightings from seven other localities included reports from canals of ten birds between Wightwick and Aldersley in the first winter period and nine birds between Compton and Newbridge in November.

Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at main sites:

J F M A M J J A s O N D

Alvecote 7 14 20 10 10 10 6 10 10 10 5 1 Draycote 6 10 11 — — — — — — 14 33 75 Earlswood 14 28 28 20 25 22 20 7 ' 6 4 1 —

Kingsbury 26 26 27 — — — — — — 12 27 50

Bittell 4 7 6 6 8 6 8 7 Bredons Hardwick — 1 12 5 5 2 4 — — — 1 La fiord 4 5 10 12 a 10 — 4 3 2 2 1 Upton Warren 7 5 6 7 s 6 4 4 2 2 3 1 Westwood 26 14 27 29 20 10 4 3 3 11 6 14

Aqualate 0 7 27 19 18 16 4 1 0 Belvide 23 35 34 — 10 16 35 23 36 30 56 60 Blithfield 11 17 40 12 46 115 175 111 66 15 40 41 Chasewater — — 53 — — — — — — — — —

Croxall — — 3 3 6 — 18 13 21 10 1 2 Gailey 12 16 6 — — 3 — — 3 6 4 5 Rudyard 9 25 24 12 — — — — 2 3 3 —

Westport 9 9 7 6 4 5 6 5 2 2 2 4

Sandwell Valley 7 10 14 14 6 6 4 a 5 5 7 2 Sheepwash U P. 1 2 6 11 13 14 14 11 3 3 1 0

Warks Breeding pairs were present at Alvecote (two), Brandon (four), Earlswood (three), Middleton (two), Packington (nine), Ragley Hall, Seeswood (two) and The Somers (two).

Worcs Bred at Beckford, Hurcott Pool, Kyre Pool (two pairs unsuccessfully), Larford (two pairs), Lower Moor, Podmore Pool, Upton Warren and Westwood (four pairs, but only one juvenile raised to the flying stage).

Staffs At least two pairs bred successfully at Barton, Belvide, Branston, Doxey, Elford, Knypersley and Tixall, with single pairs at Croxall, Himley, Hopton Pools, Stowe Pool and Westport. 53 at Chasewater on March 26 was a new site record, 14 at Branston and 15 at Rocester in March, and smaller numbers at seven other localities.

49

WMid Bred at Brierley Hill Pools (two pairs), Canonhill Park (two broods), Edgbaston Park (three pairs), Mer iden (four pairs), Netherton (unsuccessful), Sandwell Valley (three pairs), Sheepwash U.P. (three pairs), Small Heath Park, Sutton Park (at least three pairs), Swanshurst Park, The Vale and Trittiford Park (two pairs). Further reports from seven localities with a notable count of 18 at Bradnocks Marsh on October 11.

Red-necked Grebe Staffs An adult in breeding plumage remained at Belvide from May 28 to June 4

APJ et al.

WMid One was at Bartley on November 17 JHB, TE, SMW.

Black-necked Grebe Staffs Birds in breeding plumage were at Westport on May 6 several observers,

Barton from May 9 to 13 DJA, GMH, MDW, RAW and probably another on May 21 GMH. A winter plumaged bird at Belvide on September 2 SN, IM, and a juvenile/winter plumaged bird was at a site in the west of the county on October 1 KA. Slavonian/Black-necked Grebe 1988 Addendum

Staffs One at Chasewater on August 7 CM.

Fulmar Warks One paused for five minutes at Draycote on September 10, leaving to the

south-west GIG, PDH. Worcs An exhausted bird was picked up near Hagley on September 11 per SMW

with another found in a similar condition at Upton-upon-Severn mid-month which recovered at Vale Animal Recovery Centre per SMW.

Staffs Singles at Blithfield on May 28 GIG, PDH, August 25 MDJ and August 27 GIG, PDH, MJL Elsewhere singles at Chasewater on August 25 AC and Belvide on September 11 EBB, SN.

1988 Addendum Warks One at Earlswood on June 13, a typical date JC.

Manx Shearwater Staffs One at Blithfield on August 1 ESC, JCE-D.

Storm Petrel Staffs One well watched bird was at Blithfield on October 29 MDW, RAW, GIG,

PDH and another was at Chasewater on October 29 GMH.

50

Leach's Petrel

(Phil Jones)

Warks One at Draycote on September 10 GIG, PDH et at. One at Shustoke on December 25 JAA, BLK.

Worcs One was seen flying high above Trimpley Reservoir on December 17 following severe gales BW.

Staffs Singles at Belvide on September 10 SN, EGP, JKH, Gailey on December24 MDJ, ICW, and Barton on December 31 GMH.

Gannet Worcs An immature flew over Bittell on September 30 AC. The only previous

record for this locality was in July 1954.

1988 Addendum Staffs One briefly at Belvide on September 16 AMF. WMid One noted flying over Southbank Road, Coundon in Coventry, on

November 11 RC.

51

(Terry Parker)

Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Draycote 1 2 2 11 9 3 4 Kingsbury 60 70 71 30 8 4 6 9 5 35 70 85 Ladywalk 8 2 27 14 — — 1 18 37 53 52

Bittell _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 1 — — Bredons Hardwick 8 8 1 2 2 — — 1 3 1 1 9 22 Lartord 1 1 — 5 — — — — — — — 1 Pirton — 4 3 ' 1 — — — — — — — 1 Slrensham — 3 1 — — — — — — — 2 5 Upton Warren — — — .1 i _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 Westwood 6 8 8 7 1 _ _ _ _ 1 2 1 0

Aqualate 15 23 38 28 3 — — — 9 14 — 18 Barton — — 28 11 6 1 0 7 8 8 33 16 Belvide 26 45 ' 16 16 6 3 1 4 5 15 24 44 Blithfield 105 141 91 48 7 S 15 39 101 114 120 135 Croxall — — — — 6 — — 4 1 10 6 20 Gailey . 16 23 15 — — . — — 8 4 1 22

Sandwell Valley — 1 1 4 5 1 1 5 4 5 1 1

52

Warks Others, usually less than ten, were seen at Alvecote, Brandon, Great Packington, Seeswood and Shustoke.

Worcs Nine individuals, including three immatures, flew over Longdon Hill on September 9. Elsewhere, smaller numbers noted at nine other localities.

Staffs Records spread throughout the year at Chasewater, Doxey, Elford and Westport, where up to six birds were present. Eight at Branston and five overTrentham in mid-February. 20 were atClay Mills in March. In autumn, eight were at Hill Ridware on October 10 and there were 19 over Westport on December 18. One or two were reported from eight other sites. Belvide birds appear to roost at Chillington, where 36 were noted in December. The February counts at Belvide and Ulithtield established new site records. A colour-ringed bird at Belvide on December 17 was found to have been marked as a nestling on St. Margarets Island, Dyfed in June 1989. This is the second record at Belvide of a Cormorant colour-ringed on St. Margarets Island, the previous one being in August 1986.

WMid Six at Bartley on March 27 were probably the same birds reported over Sheepwash U.P. the same day. 11 flew over Sutton Park on August 31 and ten flew over Sheepwash U.P. on September 17. Further reports of one to four birds from Bartley, Brierley Hill Pools, Edgbaston Reservoir, Finchfield, Netherton Reservoir, Park Lime Pits and Sheepwash U.P. mostly in the autumn.

Shag Warks Two immatures were recorded at Draycote. The first was present from

September 23 REH to October 8 DJS and the second from December 22 GIG to 24 AC. An unusual record, coinciding with the national wreck of Leach's Petrels, was one in a small and very enclosed quarry pool at Tuttle Hill, Nuneaton on December 25 RD.

Worcs Single immatures at Strensham from August 27 to 28 MW, at Redditch on August 31 SD, SMW, at Bredons Hardwick on October 29 SJH, at Wychbold on October 31 SMW, at Bredons Hardwick on December 23 SJH, and finally at Beckford from December 23 to 28 NJM, SJH, SMW.

Staffs One was well watched, on the River Trent in the Wychnor/Alrewas area from February 10 to March 5 DJA etal, and an immature was at Tittesworth from August 26 to 31 MJW.

W Mid An adult was on Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley on December 25 and 26 JEF. An immature bird was present on Netherton Reservoir from December 29 to 31 CJT, TE. Both birds constituted firsts for their respective localities.

Bittern Worcs One at Upton Warren on October 9 REH, RRH, SMW. Staffs One at Aqualate on November 12 FCG. One was at Chasewater on the

following day November 13 MSG per GP. Another was seen in flight at Yarnfield on December 19 PF.

53

WMid One at Fens Pool from November 23 to December 12 EGP, BMM et al, which was probably the same bird, located at Ladypool, Rushall on December 16 TCH.

Night Heron 1987 Addendum

Staffs A first summer bird at Blithfield on May 10 to 11 JAB. Approximately 2/3 size ol Grey Heron, seen alongside, in flight (excluding leg length). An all brown heron with a hunched and squat posture when perched Underparts lighter than upperparts which were of a streaky appearance. Head not plumed and without obvious markings. Bill slightly shorter than head length, thick with upper mandible darker than lower. Watched for 45 minutes.

Grey Hsron Warks Bred for the first time at Earlswood raising two young. 20 pairs at Ragley

Hall raised 35 young, a slight increase. No details were received from other known heronries and no large counts noted either.

Worcs Two occupied heronries were noted in the county. The one in central Worcestershire contained 17 nests, whilst one in the south of the county contained six nests. Largest gatherings reported were of 19 at Bittell in July and September, 11 at Bredons Hardwick in September, and 11 at Westwood in March.

Staffs An excellent breeding season, 290 nests being the highest number recorded. Nests were reported from Aqualate (39), Bagots Wood (93), Chillington (3), Eccleshall (6), Enville (15), Gailey (43), Longsdon Wood (19), S.E. Staffs (54) and Trentham (18). A maximum of 39 at Blithfield on June 19 and an exceptional 68 at Rudyard on September 5 included 21 juveniles. A bird was seen "plunge-diving" into deep water at Blithfield, successfully catching two fish. The smaller was swallowed as the bird sat on the water, with wings outstretched.

WMid Monthly maxima at Sandwell Valley:

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

21 20 15 3 5 4 6 12 15 15 16 17

Small numbers were reported from 18 well scattered localities. Away from Sandwell Valley the maximum reported was eight at Meriden consisting of some young birds, no doubt from the nearby Berkswell heronry. A melanistic bird was at Sheepwash U.P. from October 1 to 11.

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Mute Swan Monthly maxima at main sites:

J F M A M J J A s O N D

Alvecote 16 6 27 33 70 92 149 85 85 11 15 28 Kingsbury 15 9 9 26 — 33 25

Bredons Hardwick 18 10 35 24 11 4 1 1 9 7 11 12 Larlord 3 4 3 5 20 17 7 11 31 9 51 B Pirton 18 40 35 19 15 19 4

Belvide 7 10 5 4 24 56 57 50 9 6 11 9 Blithfield 5 4 b 4 24 Si 6 60 ao 44 3 2 0 Catholme — 70 101 — . — — — — 13 20 18 40 Chasewater 23 — — — — — — — — — — —

Ellord 23 11 9 12 12 12 12 — 13 10 14 15 Kettlebrook 8 8 6 6 15 15 15 — 14 11 15 15 Westport 62 55 55 42 56 46 46 39 34 23 13 20

Sandwell Valley 4 5 4 7 11 12 9 9 9 14 11 16

Warks Breeding pairs were present at Alvecote (Iwo), Bedworth (two), Brandon, Great Packington (three), The Somers (three) and Warwick. 31 at Stratford-upon-Avon in November was the best flock recorded there for some time.

Worcs A comprehensive breeding survey revealed pairs at 33 localities throughout the county.

Staffs Successful breeding was reported from Barton (two pairs), Betley Mere, Doxey, Elford (five pairs), Gailey, Holden Lane, Kettlebrook (two pairs), King's Standing, Mill Green, Shugborough (two pairs) and Westport. Two pairs at Belvide failed and two nests at Blithfield were robbed. Elsewhere, there were 70 on the river at Tamworth in January, 15 at Stowe Pool in October and smaller numbers at nine other sites.

WMid Pairs bred successfully at Clayhanger, Edgbaston Park, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash U.P., Stubbers Green and Walsall but unsuccessfully at Meriden. Sightings were reported from a further six localities.

Bewick's Swan Warks In the first winter period, two at Draycote from December 1988 were joined

by 27 adults and four immatures on January 3 with 17 on 4 and two until 21. Three were then seen from January 28 to February 8. Elsewhere, four adults remained at Wasperton from January 10 until March 5. In the second winter period, two were at Draycote on November 18 and 19, with six on December 28 and two on 30. At Brandon, two adults and three immatures were present on December 28.

Worcs A party of 24 including four immatures remained at Bredons Hardwick from February 16 to 18, increasing to 27 on February 19, before departing towards Gloucestershire. On October 29, four, including two immatures, flew over Bredons Hardwick, and an adult stayed briefly at Upton Warren before leaving to the north. Four adults were at Larford on November 16,

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with one present on November 18, and five the next day. Finally, one flew over Westwood on December 29.

Staffs Eight flew south-west over Belvide on January 3. The three at Blithfield on 22 were probably the same birds which stayed in the Whitemoor Haye area from February 6 to March b. I hree visited Uelvide on October 2/, then a further three stayed from November 7 to 21, a fourth bird joining them on 16 and 18. Four adults were noted at Blithfield on October 28. Five at Elford on November 12 combined with five which arrived at Barton on 25, to create the Trent Valley flock which built up to 17 by December 29. Three flew west over Baggeridge County Park on November 16 and seven left Tittesworth to north-west on 19.

Whooper Swan Staffs Two adults were in the Dunstall/Branston area from January 17 to March

29 CCO et at. The adult at Westport on April 27 NC, AH, WJL, MS, was the bird which wintered with Mute Swans at Sandbach Flashes, Cheshire and presumably the same bird was at Belvide on May 24 to 25 SJ, SN, IM.

Wild Swans Warks Four, thought to be Whoopers, flew over Bulkington on January 17 PSL. 15

over Earlswood on October 19 FVB, VAB and five over Kingsbury on December 28 PAF, TCHwere probably Bewick's.

Bean Goose 1988 Addendum

Staffs Three were at Belvide from February 6 to 14 SJ, IL, SN.

Pink-footed Goose Warks Six which circled the Kingsbury area on January 8 departed west and

were later seen at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) ARD. One flying over Ladywalk on January 26 was a first record for the reserve BLK.

Staffs Six flew west over Belvide on January 8 SN, IL. The following records probably refer to a single feral bird which associated with the same flock of Canada Geese presumably from 1988. Seen at Doxey on January 15 to 17 MC, MDB, March 3 SAR, March 5 MDB and from March 30 to April 10 MDB, Blithfield on January 19 GMH, January 20 GNJ, MDJ, and February 12 JCE-D, WJL, Belvide on March 27 to 30 EAG and April 16 to 19 JCE-D, SAR. White-fronted Goose

Warks Eight flew west over Draycote on January 2 PDH. Worcs An immature was at Bredons Hardwick from January 14 to February 12

SJH, GHP, SMW. Single adults were at Pirton from February 8 to March 5 AJT, AW, at Bredons Hardwick from September 3 to 16 SJH, and at Bittell from November 28 to the end of the year REH, GJM.

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Staffs Three flew over Codsall on January 1 SN, IM. One was at Tittesworth on January 28 to February 5 TE, PJS. There were 14 at Belvide on October 29 APJ, TGS.

Lesser White-fronted Goose Staffs A single adult at Tittesworth, present all year FCG, WJL was apparently

released there in 1988.

Greylag Goose Warks Bred at Brandon. The regular flock at Packington and the Tame Valley

peaked at 40, seen at Kingsbury on December 20. Smaller numbers, probably all feral, occurred at a number of other waters with notable maxima of eight at Draycote on December 12 and 13 at Seeswood on October 8.

Worcs Singles were at Bredons Hardwick on March 12 and 30, also present at that locality from April 8 to June 14, peaking at five birds on April 27 and May 7. Elsewhere, two were seen at Arrow Valley Lake on May 7 and two were at Larford on April 11 and 15. Singles were at Upton Warren on April 8 and at Westwood on May 8.

Staffs Singles were at Tittesworth on January 22 and Rocester on February 12 with two at Kingswood the following day. One was at Elford on March 4, then four were at Blithfield on 30. Two seen at Blithfield on April 14 were probably the same birds at Chasewater on the 24 and Belvide on May 1. Also at Belvide, one on April 16. A single joined three wing-clipped birds at Westport on June 11 and 12. Three were at Belvide on October 3 and singles were at Doxey on October 29 and from December 26 to 31. Another was at Barton on November 12. Four that flew over Newborough on October 5 constituted a first record for the area.

WMid One flew over Valley Park on January 25. Two were at Sandwell Valley on February 13 followed by a single on March 18. One was at Sheepwash U.P. on several dates between March 21 and May 14, it could be linked to reports at West Smethwick Park on April 19 and 28, Bartley on May 6 and Sandwell Valley on May 6 and 7.

Greylag x Canada hybrid Staffs Four birds were at Belvide throughout January. Singles were reported

from Belvide on April 7, Doxey on November 2 and December 17 and Blithfield on November 12.

Snow Goose Worcs An adult "white phase" was at Church Lench Pool on January 14. Two, one

"blue phase", and one "white phase", were at Bredons Hardwick on February 2, with the "blue phase" remaining until March 26. Finally, a "white phase" was seen at Throckmorton Tip from September 17 to October 1.

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Staffs Two "white phase" birds were at Gailey on April 16 and one flew over Little Wyrley on 27. Two were at Belvide on May 17, one of which stayed a second day. On June 11 three arrived at Belvide and one at Croxall, the latter staying until the 16. Four were at Belvide on September 12 and one was intermittently seen at Blithfield from September 8 to the year's end.

W Mid Singles were with Canada Geese at Valley Park on March 8, August 8 and 21.

Canada Goose Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Alvecote 205 110 107 17 16 8 100 85 150 75 120 Brandon 70 60 66 60 97 49 60 17 45 48 50 350 Coombe — — — — — — — — 68 51 230 125 Draycote 45 50 30 — — — — 85 74 — 92 95 Kingsbury 240 123 257 — 75 . — 150 380 550 700 400 700

Bittell 49 42 380 220 144 133 242 Bredons Hardwick 202 103 90 60 69 47 160 161 264 205 207 142 Larford — 10 8 16 18 24 — 7 45 43 — —

Pirton 2 104 64 — — — — — 57 — — —

Upton Warren 102 103 83 56 55 54 50 1 45 7 1 17

Aqualate 35 227 85 eo 131 — • 89 146 140 116 Belvide 121 167 72 58 71 103 80 74 62 52 — —

Blithfield 308 405 54 37 9 20 16 557 341 312 684 705 Ooxey 137 175 80 8 6 16 10 141 136 130 213 290 Elford 32 2 85 — — — — 380 195 270 2 —

Sandwell Valley 106 96 100 150 256 314 340 230 182 198 Sheepwash U P. 25 94 65 60 47 71 111 141 81 50 53 36

Warks Little significant breeding information was received. There were 18 broods at Brandon and nine at Ladywalk. Other maxima included 440 at Ladywalk on September 12, a site record; 350 at Jephson Gardens, Leamington on December 27 and 293 at Seeswood in October.

Worcs A widespread species with breeding records received from 16 localities including 25 pairs which produced 70 young at Arrow Valley Lake. Flocks reported included 284 at Wilden on September 19, 200 at Grimley on December 26 and over 250 at Westwood the next day. Finally there were reports of singles of one of the smaller races at Grimley on May 6 and at Bredons Hardwick on June 1.

Staffs Five pairs bred at Doxey. Gosling counts elsewhere numbered: Aqualate (17), Belvide (21), Borrowpit (5), Elford (140), and three at Westport, a first breeding success. 130 were seen at Branston in January, 210 at Rudyard in February and good numbers at six other sites. Birds showing characteristics of the race B.C. minima were noted at Belvide on June 3, and Blithfield from October 22 to November 19.

WMid Bred near Bickenhill, Canon Hill Park, Edgbaston Park, Sandwell Valley (13 or 14 pairs raised about 80 young), Sheepwash U.P. (six or seven pairs raised 26 young), Small Heath Park, Stubbers Green, Sutton Park, The

58

Vale, Trittiford Park and Walsall Arboretum. Noteworthy counts were 101 at Canon Hill Park on May 5, 110 at Trittiford Park in June and 100 over Valley Park on August 23.

Barnacle Goose Warks A party of six, presumably feral, birds from 1988 remained at Kingsbury

until February 12 MAA, RJT. The same group, identifiable by red colour rings on two birds, were at Draycote on March 12. Whilst at Kingsbury, a further six were with them on February 3. A single was at Alvecote on September 3 and 5. 12 at Draycote on November 11 were possibly wild birds REH, GJM.

Worcs Singles were at Pirton on March 11 and at Bredons Hardwick on March 27. Two were seen at Grimley on Apri l 3, eight at Larford on April 15 and 16, with three there on June 12. Further singles were at Westwood on September 23 and December 27 to 31 and at Grimley on December 25. Disappointingly, the regular wintering flock at Bittell failed to reappear in the autumn, although a party of six there on September 23 were considered wild birds due to their nervous behaviour.

Staffs Two were at Blithfield from January 1 to 20 and one until February 16. Another two at Doxey from January 10 to February 12 were followed by six on the River Sow at Doxey on 27. Two birds at Kingswood from March 4 to 6 were possibly the same.ones at Belvide on 29. A single at Doxey on May 13 was followed by another on September 17 which was probably the same one seen earlier that day at Barton. One at Blithfield on August 17 was joined by three others on November 12, all four staying until the end of the year. Also on November 12 a single bird was seen at Aqualate.

W Mid One at Sandwell Valley on May 14 was presumably the same bird reported flying over Sheepwash U.P. the same day. Six flew south-east over Bartley on September 23.

Barnacle x Canada hybrid Staffs One at Blithfield from November 5 to until the year's end.

Brent Goose Warks Dark-bellied birds were present at Draycote from January 1 to 4 ARD, GIG,

SDN and on the unseasonal date of July 8 PDH. This is the first summer record for the region although the wild origin of this bird must be open to debate. Another of the dark-bellied race flew north over Coton on December 2 ARD.

Worcs A dark-bellied adult at Upton Warren on October 28 RRH, SMW et al was the first record for that locality.

Staffs One dark-bellied race B.b. bernicla remained at Westport from April 7 to 13 BDC, WJL, PJS, NC. Two flew over Codsall on November 15 SN and three flew over Belvide also on November 15 KA.

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1988 Addendum A flock of 32 flew over Chillington on April 1 SN, IL.

Egyptian Goose Warks One was present in the Kingsbury area throughout the year. Worcs One was at Bredons Hardwick on April 15. Staffs The long staying bird at Hollybush Lake was seen limping on December 10

and was absent later that month.

Ruddy Shelduck Worcs. A pair were at Upton Warren from July 30 to August 3, with the female

remaining until September 10. This bird visited Bittell on August 4, 5, 10, and 25.

W Mid A male was at Bartley on March 26 and 27 JHB.

1988 Addendum Staffs Two were at Aqualate on August 29.

Shelduck Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Alvecote 12 23 27 14 5 8 4 2 3 Brandon 1 2 1 2 5 — — — 1 — — 1 Draycote 4 3 1 3 — — — 4 2 1 1 —

Kingsbury area 11 15 17 19 26 18 10 3 2 1 2 1 Ladywalk — 3 11 17 — 2

Bittell 2 1 Bredons Hardwick 2 3 — 8 ' 1 — — — 3 6 3 —

Larford — 1 1 Upton Warren — — — 3 4 — — — 2 — — —

Westwood 3 2 — 1 — - — — — 2 — — —

Barton 0 1 5 3 9 4 0 11 7 0 3 1 Belvide 5 2 1 7 4 1 0 0 7 1 4 3 Bllthfield 3 3 1 a 2 5 2 a 13 3 1 3 Chasewater — — — — — — — — — — 4 —

Clay Mills 0 5 12 Elford 1 2 9 3 2 0 5 0 1 — — —

Westport 6 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 8 0 1

Warks One pair bred at Alvecote and at least four at Kingsbury. In the Hartshill and Caldecote area a pair raised at least seven young. This appears to be the first successful breeding in the county, outside the Tame Valley. A pair was present in the Wasperton area in May and June but did not breed.

Worcs Pairs were present at Strensham on April 9, and at Kemerton on May 1. One was seen flying south over Stourport on November 12 and one at Church Lench Pool on November 19.

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Staffs

WMid

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

No breeding records this year. Present throughout spring at Branston and Croxall, where there were maxima of tour and two respectively. Ihfee pairs were at Aqualate and a pair at Rickerscote in'April.' A pair was at Betley Mere in June. Singles were noted at Chillington and Doxey. Birds were reported at Sandwell Valley on March 27, April 11 (two) 18, 23 and 30, also May 1 to 3. Sheepwash U.P. recorded birds on July 22 (two immatures) and November 19.

Mandarin An eclipse drake was at Ladywalk from June 4 to July 16 and at Draycote, a pair were present on December 10. A male was at Beckford on February 12, a pair was in the Wyre Forest on February 17. A male was at Kemerton on May 1, with two males there on May 27 and an eclipse male present on June 4. A pair was at Severn Stoke during May and a pair bred at Hinton-on-the-Green. An eclipse male was at Upton Warren from June 17 to 21 and another male was there on November 12. A female was seen at Diglis Lock on November 27 and finally a female was at Beckford from December 17 to 24. Females were noted at Blithfield on November 24 and at Hanch Reservoir on December 9. A drake was present in Bruton Park, Solihull from mid September to the end of the year.

Wigeon Average: August22 (51) to May 5 (54) Monthly maxima at principal sites:

J F M A M J J A S O N O

Alvecote 17 15 15 2 4 — 3 Brandon 8 9 4 — — — — 1 16 19 4 44 Draycote 950 300 79 — 1 — — — 13 75 186 367 Kingsbury area 8 56 65 6 1 1 1 — 47 86 163 84 Ladywalk 60 200 150 36 29 100

Bittell 2 4 17 28 Bredons Hardwick 317 413 277 5 1 1 1 — 29 150 110 I I S Lariord 10 — — — — — — 6 9 2 14 3 Pirton 35 24 Upton Warren — — — 1 — — — — 4 — 3 2 Westwood 6 4 4 — — — — 1 — 2 4 5

Aqualate 8 23 9 — — — — — 2 6 2 26 Barton Pit 70 58 — 3 2 2 3 — 12 25 13 302 Belvide 58 102 90 7 2 3 0 0 22 33 70 96 Bllthfield 671 585 478 80 — 0 2 18 124 75 62 376 Chasewater — — — — — — — — 14 6 8 10 Croxall 90 — 2 2 — 69 220 Doxey 2 0 0 0 — — — 1 — 3 3 Tittesworth 100 127 19 — 0 0 0 3 20 20 — 160 Westport 4 2 2 2 1 3

Sandwell Valley 19 35 22 — 2 8 30 26 30

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Warks Other records of note were 20 at Great Packington on January 15 and 140 at Shustoke on March 19.

Worcs Small numbers were noted at ten other localities with a flock of 140 flying south over Upton-on-Severn on December 30.

Staffs Notablecounts Were 5U at Little Wyrley on February 1 and 146 at Mythoime on December 10.

WMid Between September 9 and November 15, small numbers were noted at Edgbaston Park, Meriden (eight on September 19), Netherton, Park Lime Pits (first locality record) and Sutton Park.

Falcated Duck Warks A first-winter male was present near Middleton on November 5 JAA, ARD.

Although the origins of individuals of this species are always open to question the record has been submitted to British Birds Rarities Committee for possible future consideration as a full Category A species.

Warks

Worcs

Gadwall Monthly maxima at principal sites:

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

Brandon 1 2 1 2 — 2 2 — 1 8 2 4 Draycote 4 1 — — 1 — — — — 6 4 5 Kingsbury 17 18 7 6 4 1 1 — 21 21 21 34

Bittell _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 — 3 7 Bredons Hardwick — — 2 2 — — — — 1 2 4 1 Church Lench 5 5 2 — — — — — 3 — — 7 Larford 6 8 10 7 8 8 14 7 11 10 15 18 Pirton 3 1 6 — — — — — — — — — Upton Warren — — 2 2 4 4 5 2 1 10 — 1 Westwood 9 9 5 7 2 2 1 4 3 18 26 26

Barton Belvide Blithfield Branston Chasewater Doxey Ellord Westport

0 7 4 2 8 6 1 8 15 21 6 7 5 4 8 8 6 5 6 2 3 5 8 5 1 0 0 2 2 9 8 5 12 2 2 3 2 2 8 — 1

2 2 0 0 2 5 5 5 2 0 0 0 0

13 4 5 3 1 2 9 11 1 2 22 16 9 6 5 7 4 8 8 9 11 6 12 6

Meriden 5 5 5 4 — 4 — — — — — — Sandwell Valley 1 1 1 2 — — — — 3 2 5 4

Bred at Ladywalk where a brood of nine seen on June 17 had reduced to five by July 1. Others occurred infrequently at Alvecote (max. five in February), Compton Verney, Earlswood (two) and Seeswood (two). Two pairs bred at Larford, where broods of five and seven were recorded. A pair was also present at Croome on April 29. Outside the breeding season, up to 15 were at Wilden in September, and eight at Grimley on December 25.

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Bred at Belvide (five fledged from a brood of six), Doxey (three fledged) and Westport (five fledged). Eight were at Clay Mills in March and three at Aqualate in April, where nesting was suspected. Smaller numbers were at Amington and Hill Ridware. The September count at Blithfield constituted a site record. No proof of breeding. A drake was at Sheepwash U.P. on August 27 and September 1 and two with a duck on September 4. Ten flew north-east at Bartley on September 9 with drakes at Brierley Hill Pools from September 15 to the year's end and near Netherton from September 20 to 24. In November a pair was at Netherton Reservoir on 13 and 14, a duck at Sheepwash U.P. on 26 and a drake at Longmoor Pool, Sutton Park on 29. Finally there were three at Bartley on December 3.

Teal Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Alvecote 108 150 150 10 2 2 40 125 100 200 250 Brandon 240 210 185 80 4 16 18 128 440 343 283 302 Draycote 87 50 57 26 10 35 100 Kingsbury area 220 111 60 34 33 213 129 Ladywalk 70 40 42 90 27 160 10

Bittell 23 14 10 12 12 B0 Bredons Hardwick 27 7 12 9 — — 3 5 30 3 32 112 Hoi I 32 — — — — — — — — 23 43 —

Slrensham S 18 5 — — — — — 44 — — 60 Upton Warren 38 29 27 19 4 25 9 60 145 170 205 360 Weslwood 32 10 10 6 2 — — 30 72 100 115 142

Aqualate 90 44 30 4 30 120 102 407 Barton — — — — 1 — — 36 68 158 37 192 Betvide 60 51 35 15 — 5 7 35 86 91 64 198 Blithfield 251 242 18 10 4 28 36 — 563 900 660 1130 Croxall — 90 30 — — 2 — — 15 21 149 75 Doxey 228 127 138 4 4 6 — 120 108 65 94 485 Ellord 14 6 6 — 1 7 — 26 147 40 50 3 Tittesworth 7 10 20 10 — 109 119

Sandwell Valley 70 62 30 16 4 6 4 3 28 40 40 58 Sheepwash U.P. 26 20 16 8 2 14 15 15 38

The count of 360 at Upton Warren on December 16 was a locality record, 100 were at Ripple on February 12, 45 at Croome on August 28, 75 on floodwater at Teme S ideway on December 25, and 60 at Uckinghall on December 30. Smaller numbers were recorded at Church Lench, Larford and Pirton. The November count at Branston, and the December counts at Aqualate, Blithfield and Doxey appear to be the highest for many years. As last year, two pairs bred at Doxey. The maxima elsewhere were 120 at Clay Mills on January 15, 100 at Branston on November 4, 150 at Hill Ridware on November 5, and 120 on floods at Rickerscote on December 17. Smaller numbers were reported from Betley Mere, Chasewater, Chillington, Mill

Staffs

W Mid

Worcs

Staffs

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Green, Needwood Airport, Rudyard and Westport. In autumn, a very tame duck stayed at Westport for seven weeks.

WMid Up to 45 were at Meriden in the first winter period. 15 were reported at Wychall Reservoir on February 23 and Stubbers Green on March 10 with 30 at Clayhanger on March 26. A count of 21 at Little Aston Mill Pond on September 11. December maxima of 13 at Brierley Hill Pools, 55 at Clayhanger and 14 at Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park. Smaller numbers were noted at Edgbaston Reservoir and Park Lime Pits.

Mallard Maxima recorded at principal sites:

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

Alvecote 125 96 52 30 60 100 200 165 232 220 225 Brandon 180 85 34 47 161 228 249 340 279 200 185 287 Coombe 200 210 205 60 61 60 150 200 312 277 310 120 Draycote 255 330 65 — — — — — 533 460 998 600 Kingsbury 152 41 93 86 — 80 257 Ladywalk 90 80 40 520 275 310 130 Middleton 180 80 15 — — — — 100 225 250 125 150

DcCkfui J 390 350 1/0 260 Bittell 87 97 — — — — — — 83 85 87 215 Bredons Hardwick 40 106 105 20 52 42 130 64 97 60 55 64 Lariord 46 25 14 5 8 10 33 72 95 30 20 32 Upton Warren 165 77 40 30 95 174 212 283 131 275 186 230 Westwood 150 68 25 20 — 100 235 220 240 200 150 360

Aqualate 901 386 53 88 750 413 843 510 423 Barton — — — — — — — — 548 227 314 276 Belvide 656 310 142 — 187 — 458 436 740 814 600 706 Blithlield 891 556 74 — — — — — 1010 719 1240 1133 Chasewater 290 200 100 — —

Croxall ' — — — — — — — — 197 79 189 138 Doxey 165 90 96 37 63 71 40'" 250 201 190 207 324 Elford 60 94 16 — — — — 384 57 38 167 60 Westport 76 68 50 40 62 96 132 117 106 124 120 110

Warks At Alvecote, four broods totalled 31 young and at Shustoke, 23 broods produced 179 young.

Worcs Breeding pairs were reported from 17 localities, with a maximum of ten broods at Upton Warren. Outside of the breeding season, 202 were counted at Throckmorton on September. 12, and 100 at Wilden on September 16, with smaller numbers reported from British Camp Reservoir, Church Lench, Pirton and Strensham.

Staffs 18 pairs bred at Doxey (1988:15), Blithfield, Kettlebrook, and Westport each had three broods, while Hanley Park, Knypersley and Smith's Pool all held two broods. The maximum elsewhere was 156 at Tittesworth on December 28. New si te records were establ ished at Chasewater in August and Doxey in December. Breeding was under-recorded.

WMid Breeding was confirmed at Bilston, Canon Hill Park, Edgbaston Park, Highbury Park, Knowle, Lifford Pool, Park Lime Pits (one nest being about

64

40ft. up a Beech tree), Sutton Park, Trittiford Park, Valley Park and Walsall.-76 were countcd at Shoopwach U,P. on Docombor 25.

Pintail Average: September 1 (45) to April 20 (50) Monthly maxima at main sites:

J F M A M J J A s O N D

Draycote 2 1 — — 10 S 2 — —

Kingsbury area — 2 S — 1 — — — 2 1 — 2 Ladywalk — e — — — — — 1 3 — — —

Bredons Hardwick 1 1 1 1 Upton Warren 2 2 1 2 —

Westwood 1 — 1 1 2

Belvide 3 2 3 26 2 Blithlield 4 1 1 1 — 1 21 35 8 5 2

Warks A flock of 28 seen moving north over Seeswood Pool on August 28 SMH was an unusual record. Others were noted at Alvecote on January 4, August 23 and October 22 (two) and at Brandon (two) on December 31.

Worcs Five were at Strensham on October 22, and four at Teme Sideway on December 25.

Staffs Five were noted at Kingswood on October 17. There were several records from Chasewater, Barton Pit and Westport, with casual records from Aqualate, Colwich, Doxey, Elford and Tittesworth.

Pintail x Mallard hybrid Worcs One was present at Bredons Hardwick on November 12. Staffs Possible Pintail x Mallard hybrids were seen at Belvide in March and

October, when there was also one present at Bridgetown.

Garganey Average: April 2 (46) to September 26 (45)

Warks Pairs were present at Alvecote on May 16 and 17, at Coton on May 3, Draycote on May 14, Kingsbury on April 1,10 and 27 and Ladywalk on April 28 and May 19. A female was at Ladywalk on June 1. A good number of birds were present in the autumn. At Draycote, up to three were noted between August 6 and September 17, including a juvenile September 9 and 10. Elsewhere singles wereat Brandon on September3, Kingsbury on July 9 and 13, Ladywalk on September 3 (a juvenile) and Seeswood Pool on August 20.

Worcs A pair present at a locality in the south of the county from May 1 into June did not breed. A pair was at Bredons Hardwick on May 11, and an eclipse male there f rom July 25 to August 11. A male was seen at Westwood on June 10. An immature remained at Upton Warren from September 1 to 4 and two were at Wilden on September 11. Finally, an exceptional record of a bird remaining at Beckford from November 5 to the end of the year.

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Staffs A considerable increase in records this year. A very early record from Belvide on February 15, was followed by single drakes on April 10, 11 and 15 and May 21 to 31. Other spring records were singles at Doxey on May 9, Barton on May 12 and June 6 and Catholme on June 9. A duck was seen at Uelvide tor tour days from July 9. Autumn records included one at Chasewater from August 10 to September 8, two at Blithfield from August 13 to 15, with one still present on August 27, one at Barton on August 24 and 25, a drake at Belvide from August 28 to September 19 and one at Doxey on October 29.

W Mid Two drakes were at Sand well Valley from May 26 to 28 and an eclipse bird was at Sheepwash U.P. from September 25 to 27.

Blue-winged Teal Warks Details regarding the occurrence of a long staying duck at Brandon

Marsh, have been forwarded to the British Birds Rarities Committee for consideration.

Worcs A duck was at Upton Warren from August 19 to 27 EGP, SMWet al.

Shoveler Maxima recorded at principal sites:

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

Brandon 11 17 21 e 7 3 35 20 55 30 20 Coombe 60 15 20 2 2 2 2 10 114 117 125 —

Draycote 9 2 1 14 — — — 5 13 4 3 26 Kingsbury 65 85 30 8 — 3 16 — 143 100 110 119 Ladywalk 54 75 75 52 3 3 — 10 40 16 15 116 Seeswood 6 7 10 28 17

Upton Warren 11 8 6 3 2 7 6 38 59 63 44 21 Westwood 54 43 32 2 1 2 3 1 1 88 66 55

Aqualate 15 19 20 7 4 — 3 32 0 2 Barton 0 4 7 12 3 4 0 1 29 66 28 14 Belvide 7 27 35 20 7 6 3 66 119 46 19 45 Blithfield 3 2 1 1 7 7 16 27 89 105 29 43 Croxall — — — — — 1 — — — 2 18 9 Ellord 2 — 5 — — 2 7 6 2 6 6

Sandwell Valley — 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 e 7 5

Worcs There were 11 at Bredons Hardwick on April 11 and 18 at Wilden in September. Otherwise only small numbers (up to four) at Beckford, Larford and Lower Moor.

Staffs No breeding records have been received. 67 birds at Hill Ridware on October 26 were still present on November 5 but had dwindled to 18 by December 15. Smaller numbers were recorded at Branston, Chasewater, Doxey, Hollybush Lake, Needwood Airport, Rickerscote, Stowe Pool, Tittesworth and Westport.

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W Mid Four were at Netherton Reservoir on March 16 and a pair was at Meriden on Apri l 8. At Sheepwash U.P., a pair on June 16, four on June 28, then singles on July 22, July 24 to August 4 and September 3 with three oTT September 4. At Brierley Hill Pools a drake was present from December 3 to 8 and two pairs were there on December 30.

Red-crested Pochard

(Phil Jones)

Warks Two adult males were present at Coton on February 21 GMH, GJM. A female/immature which first appeared at Coton on September 16 and 17 KW et at was very reluctant to settle anywhere for long. What appeared to be the same bird was at Seeswood Pool on September 20 SMH, Alvecote on 29 GAA, MAA, Lea Marston on October 1 and at various poojs at Kingsbury from October 4 to the year end ARD et al. A first-winter male was also at Kingsbury from November 11 to December 16 ARD et al.

Worcs A drake was seen at Bittell on June 4 REH, GJM and an eclipse drake was present at Throckmorton from October 30 to November 4 PFS, SMW.

Staffs A female at Blithfield on January 15 to 17 several observers was considered to be a hybrid. Another or possibly the same female was at Elford from February 12 to 23 DJA and again considered to have been a hybrid. An immature/female was at Belvide on July 11 SN, JKH. Five were at Blithfield from September 9 to 17 several observers.

W Mid On the canals, reports of a pair at Valley Park on April 24 AD, FD, followed by two drakes south of Aldersley Junction on May 9 and one on May 11 AD, FD. Single drakes were at Sheepwash U.P. on June 4 GWand at Bartley on December 8 and 9 JHB, SMW.

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Pochard Maxima recorded at principal sites:

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

Alvuuule \Ud 13U 64 14 13 11 18 40 120 Coombe 93 61 6 20 10 15 15 15 5 61 72 . 20 Coton/KWP 819 1000 461 . — — — — — 358 582 827 1500 Earlswood "IS 35 14 2 — 7 — — — 6 16 15

Beckford 42 37 28 Bittell 6 34 — — — • — — — 8 16 19 31 Bredons Hardwick 36 29 20 — 2 1 8 2 5 20 22 54 Larford 23 12 10 — — — 2 2 14 45 134 158 Pirton 43 52 20 — — — — — 2 — — —

Upton Warren 51 39 18 — — 3 5 7 12 58 37 39 Westwood 150 40 27 4 1 — — 4 — 54 110 140 Wilden 35 43 35

Belvide 76 98 53 11 23 30 65 20 67 117 87 138 Blllhlield 261 262 41 2 4 44 94 26 82 125 111 150 Chasewater — — — — — — — — — 11 — —

Doxey 37 39 18 4 20 Ellord 34 55 36 2 — — — — 1 9 21 35 Gailey 49 60 2 — — — — 15 6 " 10 25 45 Tittesworth 64 61 22 — — — — — — — — 46 Westport 73 100 74 3 3 6 7 3 9 55 145 220

Sandwftll Valloy 37 <10 16 2 1 43 02 90 03 Sheepwash U.P. 34 19 7 — 1 2 1 2 25 29 35

Warks Bred at Alvecote with a brood of five and at Coombe (six pairs). Also seen in summer at Avon Dassett. Other maxima included 178 at Great Packington on January 15 and 42 at Seeswood on January 22.

Worcs 70 were on floodwater at Upton-on-Severn on December 30 and 40 at Grimley on December 25. Smaller numbers were at Hindlip, Church Lench and Bengehill Lake.

Staffs Bred at Belvide, but only one chick of a brood of four survived the first week. Maxima elsewhere were 38 at Aqualate, 44 at Borrowpit, 60 at Branston and 20 at Clay Mills in January. 42 were at Copmere, 21 at Rocester, and 20 at Rudyard in February. In November there were 29 at Barton, 31 at Croxall and 20 at Stowe Pool. Also noted at Amington, Betley Hall and Mere, Chill ington, Churchbridge Pool, Hollybush Lake, Kingswood and Smith's Pool.

WMid Notable counts of 23 were at Slubbers Green on January 12, 55 at Bradnocks Marsh on October 8 and 115 at Meriden on December 26. Smaller numbers were reported from Brierley Hill Pools, Netherton Reservoir, Park Lime Pits, Plantsbrook Reservoir, Queslett G.P., Sutton Park, The Vale and Trittiford Park.

Ferruginous Duck Worcs A drake was recorded at Westwood on October 21 SMW, then at Bittell

from October 25 to 27 REH, MJI, it moved back to Westwood on November 5 GHP, then to Upton Warren from November 9 to 11 JTB et at. Finally it reappeared at Beckford from December 5 to the end of the year PFS.

72

Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at main sites'.

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

Alvecote 62 85 52 4 6 10 140 Brandon 120 78 68 31 22 21 12 4 18 52 78 67 Coton/KWP 1243 782 461 150 — — — — 904 946 1794 1618 Draycote 61 60 — — — — — — — 110 112 70 Ladywalk 50 71 101 — — — — — 22 34 58 70

Bittell 77 72 10 87 105 75 56 Bredons Hardwick 24 35 29 42 19 23 22 8 24 22 34 16 Larford 9 1b A) • 5 27 14 28 23 34 40 CO CO Pirton 62 32 38 20 — — — — 13 — 5 —

Weslwood 80 60 82 80 20 20 40 20 20 17 30 80

Aqualate 85 60 47 50 9 23 27 46 Belvide 113 110 161 150 67 — 321 435 82 56 102 98 Blithfield 53 86 50 65 57 176 158 — 88 32 35 44 Branston 120 60 76 — — — — — — — — —

Chasewater — — — — — — — — — 40 — —

Elford 58 68 60 6 20 — 52 Gailey 20 55 26 — — — — — 14 20 30 52 Westport 122 163 167 61 12 20 35 21 33 83 70 . 60

Brierley Hill Pools 56 32 27 23 3 1 8 15 40 41 Netherton Reservoir 3 4 19 20 — — — — 7 5 49 30 Sandwell Valley 25 37 46 16 33 — — — — 25 30 27 Sheepwash U P. 8 19 27 28 30 31 50 — — 22 7 14

Warks Only nine broods were reported, roughly spread between Alvecote, Great Packington, Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Maxstoke.

Worcs Six pairs bred at Beckford, three pairs at Bredons Hardwick, two pairs at both Larford and Wilden, and single pairs at Hartlebury, Lower Moor and Throckmorton.

Staffs Bred at Belvide (nine broods totalled 54 young), Blithfield, Doxey (three broods), Elford (seven broods totalled 29 young), Gailey (four broods), Kettlebrook and Yoxall. Good winter numbers at Betley Mere, Chillington, Clay Mills and Copmere. Autumn counts included 84 at Barton and 190 at Croxall. At Belvide a female was taken by a large pike on July 4.

W Mid Bred at Meriden (at least two pairs), Sheepwash U P. (11 broods, although many of the young fell victims to voracious pike) and Trittiford Park. Surprisingly no young were noted at Sandwell Valley this year. Counts of interest were 40 at Queslett G.P. on February 1, 30 at Park Lime Pits on February 27,36 at Meriden on April 1 and 131 at Sutton Park on October 16. Smaller numbers were reported from a further six sites.

Scaup Warks At Draycote, four from 1988 were present until January 6, with three on 7.

Six (two immature males and four immature females) were present there from January 14 to March 18. At Lea Marston, nine from 1988 remained until January 15 and up to three from 22 to Apri l 3. One of these birds was seen at Shustoke on February 25. The second winter period was quiet by

69

comparison, there being three immatures at Ladywalk and one at Coton on November 25 and possibly the same single at Coton on December 2 and 10.

Worcs A female was at Lower Moor on January 28. Staffs An immature male at Blithfield on January 8 was joined by a female on

February 19, both birds remained until April 18. At Belvide an immature male on January 28 was followed by a male from Apri l 11 to May 1 and unusually a female on June 9. An adult female at Aqualate on October 15 was the only autumn record.

WMid A drake was at Bartley on October 18.

Aythya hybrids Warks Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrids were seen at Draycote on November 4 and

in the Coton area on December 3 and 10. A drake Red-crested Pochard x Pochard hybrid at Lea Marston from December 27 into 1990 was an unusual variation from the normal hybrid records: Size and shape, including head shape, much as Red-crested Pochard. Mantle w a s caramel brown as Red-crested Pochard but with a greyish tinge. Flanks were grey and head colour chestnut as Common Pochard. Bill was uniform lead grey.

Worcs The female Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid remained at Church Lench from the beginning of the year until March 26, and was seen again at Bredons Hardwick on November 27. Another Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid was at Upton Warren on June 21 and July 2.

Staffs A probable Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid drake was at Blithfield from February 12 to 26. A similar bird was seen in the Croxall/Eiford area during both winter and autumn periods.

W Mid A drake Pochard x Ferruginous Duck hybrid was at Witton Lakes from December 25 to 31 JEF. Like a small , very dark drake Pochard. Head with a more pointed peak.

A drake Pochard x Tufted Duck hybrid was again present at Sandwell Valley on several dates between February 9 and December 6, what was possibly the same bird at Netherton Reservoir on April 6 and Sheepwash U.P. on May 11.

1988 Addendum Staffs A bird resembling a redhead was at Needwood Airport Pond on October

19 DIMW.

Eider Worcs A female at Westwood on December 30 departed just after dawn the

following day WD, SMWetal. Staffs An adult male was at Westport on May 26 WJL.

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Long-tailed Duck Warks The 1988 Shustoke bird remained there until March 19 ARD and was

joined by another on January 16 and 17 BLK. The latter, probably the third bird of the winter in the Tame Valley area, was present at Coton, Ladywalk and Lea Marston on January 1 and then intermittently in the Coton area from January 7 to 15 ARD, BLK.

Worcs A male was at Upton Warren on April 13 RRH, SMW. Staffs An immature male at Belvide on June 2 EAG, GMH, SN, was then at

Blithfield from June 18 to 23 several observers.

Common Scoter Warks Singles, mostly drakes, occurred at Draycote on April 7 and 8, September

11 and November 18 with one drake and four females on October 28. Elsewhere, 11 drakes and two females were at Shustoke on July 8 and a pair at Lea Marston on 9.

Worcs A male was at Westwood on April 3. Six immature males were at Larford on May 11, a female was at Bredons Hardwick on July 8 and a male at Wilden from July 8 to 10.

Staffs A male was at Belvide on April 2. On May 9, the first record of this species for Doxey comprised of four males and a female with a male still present the next day. Five males and two females were at Belvide on June 8 and a pair visited Westport on July 13. A male at Blithfield on September 22 was followed by a female at Belvide on October 3. A female was at Stowe Pool on November 4 and 5, then nine birds were at Belvide on 15, followed by a raft of 53 females and immatures at Blithfield on 17, which established a new site record.

W Mid Two ducks were at Bartley on August 5. Two drakes at the same locality on September 4. Two ducks were at Netherton Reservoir on November 15.

1988 Corrigendum Staffs At Westport on May 12 there were seven drakes and five ducks. There was

not a duck present at Westport on September 2.

Velvet Scoter Warks An immature male was at Draycote on December 31, remaining there into

the new year GIG, PDH.

Goldeneye Average: September 19 (49) to May 7 (47) Maxima recorded at principal sites:

J F M A M J J A s O N D

Draycote 95 101 75 10 25 35 60 Kingsbury . 46 29 44 19 4 6 46 Shustoke 14 10 1 1 — 10

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Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

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

Bittell 8 7 1 1 _ _ _ _ _ 1 B 9 Bredons Hardwick — — — — — — — — — — 1 2 Larford 6 7 Weetwood 1 1 — _ _ _ _ _ _ — 6 3

Belvide 49 79 98 78 4 2 1 1 0 15 31 25 Blithfield 37 43 35 53 1 0 0 0 0 7 15 45 Chasewater 53 51 — ' — — — — — — 2 20 48 Westport 13 14 14 8 0 0 0 0 0 2 12 10

Bartley 12 12 9 3 6

Others were reported from Ladywalk (max. tour) and Seeswood (max. three). Small numbers were noted in January at Upton Warren and in December on floodwater at Grimley, Bredon and Strensham. A typical scattering of records from Alrewas, Aqualate, Barton, Betley, Borrowpit Lake, Branston, Croxhall, Elford, Hanch, Rudyard and Tittesworth. One was at Bradnocks Marsh on February 5. Ducks or immatures were noted at Meriden, Netherton Reservoir, Sheepwash U.P. (up to two) and Sutton Park in November, with one at Brierley Hill Pools on December 19 and a drake at Edgbaston Hark on December 25.

Smew Warks It is likely that the six redheads from 1988 remained at Draycote until

January 11 JRM, although only four were seen together on most dates. Four were then seen regularly until January 28, three until February 19, two until 25 and one until March 4 several observers. The only other record in the first winter period involved two redheads at Seeswood Pool on January 28 SMH. In the second winter period a redhead arrived back at Draycote on November 25 REH, PDH and stayed until the year's end several observers. Another, also on November 25, appeared at Kingsbury DA, GAA, MAA, RJTmoving to.Coton on December 31 ARD.

Staffs The injured male at Belvide remained throughout the year several observers. It was joined by a female from January 26 to March 27 BDC, SJ, after which it was seen displaying with Tufted Ducks on April 7 JPM. Elsewhere a female was at Tittesworth from January 22 to March 5 several observers and a male was at Rudyard from December 27 to the end of the year BDC, AH, WJL, NC.

Warks Staffs

Red-breasted Merganser A female was at Draycote on February 18 PDH. Two females were at Belvide on April 12 JC.

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1988 Addenda Warks A rprlhparl was at Draycote on the unusually early date of September 1b

PMH. Staffs A pair was seen at Belvide on November 2 JR.

Goosander Average: October 26 (44) to April 17 (41) Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Draycote 6 2 — 1 — — — — — — B 16 KWP/Coton 10 4 — - -Ladywalk 12 12 12 2 — — — — — 1 — 6 Shusloke 1 0 — 6 — — — — — — 1 — —

Bittell 9 — — — — — — — — — 1 — Bredons Hardwick — 3 1 — — — — — — — — 2 Larford — — 1 —

Belvide 14 17 11 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 21 Blithfield BO 82 65 16 — 0 0 1 1 8 31 51 Doxey 7 3 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9

Warks Others were seen at Alvecote (max. four), Brandon and Chesterton (two on December 3).

Worcs A female was below Ham Bridge on the River Teme on January 1 and four, including a drake were on the Teme at Stanford Bridge on December 31. Two redheads were at Church Lench on November 29. Three redheads were seen at Strensham on December 24 and one at Westwood on December 26.

Staffs The normal casual records were received from Barton, Chasewater, Copmere, Hill Ridware, Shugborough, Tittesworth and Wolseley Bridge.

WMid A duck flew over Park Lime Pits on March 5 and a drake was at Meriden on April 1. A single redhead flew over Sandwell Valley on December 17 with four reported at Bradnocks Marsh on December 22.

Ruddy Duck Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Bittell 2 3 4 2 1 1 Pirton 1 7 20 4 — — — — 3 — — —

Upton Warren 1 — 10 16 9 3 2 5 2 2 3 2 Westwood 8 — — 1 5 5 7 — — 1 5 5

Belvide 140 177 204 149 20 90 251 372 317 .126 165 Blithfield 600 364 300 87 6 8 19 68 200 501 425 50B Gailey 1 — 3 — — — — 29 13 20 37 —

Sandwell Valley 1 2 2 1 — 1 1 Sutton Park — — 3 — — — 3 — 3 3 — —

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Warks Pairs bred at Middleton and Seeswood (two). Seen during summer at a further nine sites. Maxima of seven at Alvecote, 14 at Coton, 17 at Great Packington and 20 at Kingsbury.

Worcs Bred at Church Lench (three broods), Purshall Green (one brood), and at Upton Warren (one brood). Small numbers were seen at Bredons Hardwick, Larlord, Oakley and Wilden.

Staffs Breeding was confirmed at Amington (two broods), Belvide (one brood), Doxey (two broods compared with six in 1988) and Gailey (four broods). About eight pairs bred at Betley Mere, where 30 adults were present on August 5. Smaller numbers were at Aqualate, Barton, Betley Hall, Canwell, Chasewater, Croxall, Elford, Hollybush Lake, King's Standing, Stretton Hall, Tamworth, Tixall Park and Westport.

WMid A pair bred at Clayhanger but the two ducklings did not survive. No ducklings were seen at Edgbaston Park this year, where the maximum count was ten on September 7. Two pairs were at Stubbers Green on May 5. Singles were noted at Bradnocks Marsh, Brierley Hill Pools, Queslett G.P. and Sheepwash U.P.

Red Kite Worcs One was at Bushley Green on April 10 MR.

Marsh Harrier Warks An immature female which roosted at Ladywalk on May 19 BLK was seen

until mid-day on 20 PDH, GJM. Another, an adult female, was at Brandon on May 21 REH, DJS. There were supposedly another four records from Brandon, a record year there, but unfortunately details have not been received.

Worcs An immature was at Upton Warren on August 24 DAJ. Staffs An immature/female was at Belvide on May 21 PKD, JKH, SN and a female

on May 28 APJ.

1983 Addendum

A female flew south over Blithfield on August 21 BDC, LC.

1988 Addendum Warks The unconfirmed record at Brandon, mentioned last year, has now been

accepted for May 8 only JR.

Hen Harrier Worcs A female was at Warndon on January 23 RRH. Staffs The male at Swallow Moss from 1988 remained until February 16 several

74

(Phil Jones)

observers. In the autumn an adult male and a ringtail, regularly roosted at Swallow Moss from November 26 to the end of the year GIG, AH, PDH. Elsewhere single ringtails were at Blithfield on September 10 MDJ, ICW, Chase Road, Cannock Chase on September 18 JWand finally at Belvide on October 19 SAR.

WMid A ringtail was at Sandwell Valley on November 18 TCH, JEF, PSF, DS, AJW.

Harrier Sp Staffs A bird was at Belvide on September 10 FCG. WMid One drifting slowly over cereals by Park Lime Pits on August 6, was

probably a Marsh Harrier AKD.

Goshawk Worcs A pair bred at a north-western locality. Staffs Two successful breeding pairs in the county. Sightings of individuals

came from the south of the county on March 27, 28, 29 and April 1. East of the county on April 7 and 8. One in the south of the county on October 1.

1988 Addendum One seen during the breeding season in the north-west of the county. One in the east of the county during April and also an immature male at the same site in September. A female was seen in the south of the county on September 18.

75

(Terry Parker)

Warks 104 records were received this year. Definitely bred at Grendon and Hampton Woods and further summer records received from Arbury, Arley, Avon Dassett, Bermuda, Burton Dassett, Compton Verney, Dordon, Earlswood, Farnborough, Kineton, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Lighthorne, Moreton Paddox, Packington and Radway. Close observations at the Ladywalk feeding station revealed the presence of at least five individuals in autumn. A large female regularly flew along covered alleyways between buildings at Coleshill.

Worcs Breeding was confirmed at Bredons Norton and Offenham. Noted in the breeding season at 22 localities. Considered to be increasing in the Malvern area.

Staffs Breeding reported from Abbots Bromley (two pairs), near Doxey (three fledged), Dydon, Elford and Kingswood (five fledged). One was seen mobbing a Buzzard at Gnosall on July 8. Also recorded at 40 other sites.

WMid Breeding records were received from Leigh's Wood, Mill Green, Moseley Bog, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley (two or three pairs), Sutton Park, Tettenhall College Wood, Trittiford Park, Valley Park (one pair raising four young) and Willenhall Memorial Park (one pair raised three young). Probable breeding occurred in Stourbridge Town Centre. Records from gardens continue to increase, with reports from a further 32 sites. Birds now seem exceptionally widespread and numerous, with frequent sightings even in Birmingham City Centre!

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

Warks

Warks

Worcs

Buzzard Summary nf arrival dates:

A M J J A S O

2 — 1 1 2 8 2

Another good year. Most involved one day singles but three over Coleshill on September 23 was very unusual SLC. Reported from Arbury, for a week around September 12, Brandon, Cottons Furze, Earlswood, Kingsbury, Little Wolford Heath, Winderton, July 18-August 12, Wixford and Wormleignton. Frequent breeding season sightings from many parts of the Teme Valley indicate a stable breeding population there. Also noted in the breeding season at a locality in the south-east of the county and at a locality in the south-west of the county. Noted at 13 localities outside the breeding season, including five in the air together at Clifton-on-Teme on September 3. Bred at two sites in the west of the county, four young fledged successfully. A northern site was also occupied by a pair during the breeding season. Winter sightings from Aqualate on January 15, Canwell on 29, Newcastle and Trentham on February 4 and 5, all involved singles. One over Essington on March 29 and at Gnosall on July 9. Singles were seen regularly in the Belvide and Blithfield areas during spring and summer. Post breeding individuals were at Kinver Edge on September 4, Westport on 20 and Bishops Wood on 23. Three at Belvide on both September 5 and 26. Singles at Enville on October 12 and 24, Kinver Edge on 19 and high over Westporl on December 27. A good run of records from Sandwell Valley, with singles recorded on March 25, 29, April 3, August 7 and 28. The only other report received, concerned a single bird flying east over Walmley on August 12.

1988 Addendum Buzzard sp. Two frustrating records involving brief views of birds having many of the characteristics of Rough-legged Buzzard occurred at Ladywalk on November 4 BLKand at Shawbury on December 4 SMH.

Osprey Three records. The first, at Kingsbury on May 13, was so high it would have gone unnoticed were it not for the reactions of the breeding Black-headed Gulls JLA, SLC, SMH, DIL. The others were at Draycote on June 10, pausing long enough to take a trout ARD, GIG, PDH and at Kingsbury again, flying south, on September 21 ARD, GMH. One was at Westwood on May 21 INR.

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Staffs Singles at Blithfield on April 23 JCE-D, MJI, GJM, Betley Mere on May 7 JAL, Belvide on August 14 SAR, Blithfield on September 1 EGPand Catton on September 24 per NPB.

1985 Addendum One over Newborough on May 16 DIMW.

Kestrel Warks Only 14 records received this year. Bred at Great Packington, Hartshill,

Ladywalk and Polesworth. Other breeding season records were received from Alvecote, Judkins Quarry, Whitacre Heath and Warwick Castle.

Worcs Bred at Abberton, Bredons Hardwick, Hagley, North Quarry Malvern, Upton Warren and Wilden. Breeding season records were also received from Beckford, Bushley Green, Castlemorton, Dowles Brook, Earnshaw Quarry Malvern, Little Malvern Priory, Larford, Westwood, and Wickhamford.

Staffs Bred at Cannock, Doxey (two pairs), Fradley Wood, Mill Green, Stafford and probably Wilne'cote. Under recorded but still widespread and common throughout the county.

W Mid Breeding records were received from Birmingham City Centre (a pair with two young on the Museum just learning to fly), King's Heath Church, Northycote Farm, Stourbridge Town Centre, Tettenhall College Wood, Valley Park, Wightwick Manor, Willenhall M.P. (two pairs) and Yardley Old Church. Perhaps not as common as Sparrowhawk in some areas these days! Merlin

(Roger Hancox)

78

Warks At Draycote, a male on January 28 REH, PDH, an immature/female on September 3 SMH and an immature male on September 9 PDH, 10 GIG, PDH, GJM and October 1 GJM. A female at Wellesbourne Airfield on November 19 REH, DJS and a male at Hartshill Sewage Farm on December 4 WGL, EHTrounded off a good year.

Worcs A female was at Tibberton on January 1 RRH and another at Oakley on January 24 SMW. A male was at Bredons Hardwick on February 23 SJH and a female there on October 29 SJH. A male at Holt on March 11 REH, DJS. An immature male was at Throckmorton on September 30 GHP, and on October 20 SMW, with an immature female there on November 11 GHP. A male at Madresfield on October 11 AW. A female was at Upton Warren on October 24 RFEB, a male at Huntsman's Quarry on November 6 SJH, a female was at Beckford on December 3 and 24 and a male was at Defford on December 31 SMW.

Staffs A male was at Essington on January 6 RKS. A male at Elford on March 2 GMH and one also on March 19 MDW. A male at Fatholme on August 8 MDW. A female or immature was at Tittesworth on September 15 MJW, a male at Calf Heath on September 23 PTH, PG and a female at Belvide on October 15 AC. A male was at Newborough on October 21 DIMW and another male was between Blithfield and Rugeley on October 27 REH, MJI. A female was at Elford on November 26 BR and a male at the same site on December 2 DJA, BR and 10 AC. A male was at Essington on December 27 RKS and a female at Wychnor Junction on December 28 MDW, RAW.

WMid A male was reported from Valley Park on January 7 FD, with female/ immature birds at Bartley Reservoir on January 28 JHB and Sutton Park on March 18 NFO.

1988 Addendum Staffs A female was at Belvide on January 3 SJ and another on November 27

PKD.

Hobby Average: April 24 (22) to October 1 (25)

Warks Bred at the same two sites as last year and probably at a third in the north of the county. A total of eight young were seen to fledge. Birds were seen at 24 other sites with five records from Draycote, 12 in the Tame Valley and on 18 dates at Brandon, where one seen on several dates in August had a severely damaged leg.

Worcs A pair at a north-western locality successfully raised one young, and another pair at a central locality also bred successfully. Recorded throughout the breeding season at 34 localities, suggesting the presence of a healthy population.

Staffs No breeding records received this year — despite a considerable increase in sightings. Seen regularly at Barton, Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater, Croxall and Doxey. Casual records from Abbots Bromley, Canwell, Dydon Wood, Elford, Lichfield, Little Wyrley, Longdon, Newcastle, Nurton, Sherbrook Valley, Swindon and Yarnfield.

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W Mid Spring records came from Sutton Road in Walsall on May 5, Sandwell Valley on May 14 and June 3, Woodgate Valley on May 15 and June 16, Dunstall Park/Valley Park area on May 24, June 1, 6 and 7 (on two occasions with prey), Sheepwash U.P. on May 31 and the Longford area of Coventry on June 24. Summer/autumn records came from Netherton Hill on July 19, Sandwell Valley on July 29 and August 19 (two birds on the latter date), Valley Park on August 5 and September 7, Sheldon on August 13, Park Lime Pits on August 19 and high over Cradley Heath on September 21.

Peregrine Worcs Immature males were noted at Bredons Hardwick on January 5 PFS, and

February 20 SJH and at Throckmorton on January 23 and 24 PFS. An immature female was at Bredons Hardwick on August 14,16 and 27 and on November 6 SJH, SMW. Single adults were noted at Larford on March 2 MDJ, Upton Warren on August 27 SMW, Westwood on September 16 WD, and Naunton Beauchamp on October 8 GHP.

Staffs The bird from 1985 at Meaford Power Station was seen intermittently until August 5 BDC, PF, WJL. At Belvide one on January 16 EBB. An immature on February 5 SJ and 12 SN, IM, an adult on February 22 SN, IM and 25 SJ and another adult on March 24 SAR. An immature on July 13 SN, an adult on September 11 SN and an immature male on September 20 KA. An immature female on October 8 SJand 13 GMH, 24 SN, 25 KA. A male on November 9 KA and a female on December 9 SN. At Blithfield an adult on February 12 JCE-D, WJL, an immature male on 14 BR, JCE-D, GMH, GNJ and an adult on 28 JCE-D, GNJ. An immature female regularly seen from August 8 to December 17 several observers, was seen to take and consume a Black-headed Gull on August 14 DJA, WJL. An adult male was present on September 15 GMH, MDJ. An immature male was seen on September 3, 9 and 28 GJM. One flew high to the south at Westport on February 19 WJL.One was at Mytholme, Alrewas on February 19 NGA and one at Morridge on March 5 NH. A male was seen over Lum Edge near Swallow Moss on June 2 CCO. An adult female was at Aqualate on October 15 FCG and at Needwood Airport a male, on October 20 DIMW. At Elford an immature from November 25 to December 9 DJA, BR.

1988 Addendum One at Belvide on November 27 PKD, the same day as the Merlin..

Red Grouse Staffs Few records at Swallow Moss, 20 on January 1, ten on July 30 and 12 on

November 26, and 12 at Knotbury on March 29. A poor breeding season reported due to worm infection probably due to the mild, wet, winter per FCG.

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Black Grouse Staffs The impression is that the population has stabilised. All records are

confined to Swallow Moss and nearby Blake Brooke Valley, where three males and a female were flushed in late March. Eight males at main lek in January had increased to ten in April and remarkably 17 in May FCG, reducing to ten again in December. Up to nine greyhens were recorded in January and five in December.

Reri-legged Partridge Warks Bred at Alvecote and Ladywalk. Outside of the breeding season the only

notable coveys were 17 at Avon Dassett, 25 at Combrook, 15 at Griff and 14 at Maxstoke.

Wore5 Reported from 22 localities with breeding confirmed at Wilden. In winter a covey of 14 was seen at Beckford in January. Larger autumn coveys reported included, 44 at Bredons Hardwick on November 5 and 20 at Larford, also during November.

Staffs Bred in Sherbrook Valley where four juveniles were noted. Widespread but in small numbers, the largest covey totalling eight, was at Belvide in October.

WMid Suspected breeding in Sandwell Valley, Tividale and Valley Park. Birds were also noted at Barr Beacon, Meriden and Netherton Canal. Seems generally to be quite scarce in the county.

Grey Partridge Warks Fewer breeding pairs were seen this year. Only one or two pairs were at

Alvecote (1988: five) with others at Wasperton. Maxima in excess of ten reported as follows: Bermuda (20), Combrook (12), Compton Verney (18), Draycote (13), Dunchurch (12), Kineton (16) and Upper Radbourne (18).

Worcs Reported from 21 widespread localities and at 11 of these during the breeding season. In winter, coveys of 13 were seen at Larford in January, with ten at the same site in February. In autumn, numbers built up from 14 in August to 24 in September and 25 in December at Bredons Hardwick, whilst at Larford numbers increased from ten in August to 26 in November and 34 in December. Elsewhere, a covey of 17 was seen at Throckmorton in September.

Staffs The only notable winter covey reported was 19 at Alrewas on January 15. At Belvide 11 on August 10 and a maximum of 50 on Kinver Edge on 28. Also at Belvide two coveys totalled 33 birds on October 2 and 15 were seen on November 1. At Essington 12 on October 12 and 11 at Needwood Airport during the autumn. Smaller numbers noted were widespread, including urban localities.

W Mid Probably bred in Sandwell Valley, with two pairs present on land west of Meriden but no proof of breeding. The largest coveys reported were 11 near Meriden in October and seven in Aldridge in November.

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Quail Average: May 4 (3) to September 12 (3) An outstanding year nationally, reflected in the Regional figures.

Warks First reported at Brandon, where at least four were heard on May 21. One was still present on June 3 and July 5 BMCG. A male and female were heard at Maxstokefrom July 22 SLC, SMHand on August 8, from the same field, several fledged gamebirds calling loudly were thought to be this species NPB. Three called at Shuttington on July 12 and 13 KW. Others were heard at the following localities and were generally assumed to be single calling males: Aston Grove — July 13, Atherstone — June 22, Beausale, Kenilworth — July 11, Coppington Farm — June 18, Milcote — June 3 to July 8, Pleasence Farm, Kenilworth — June 20, 28 and July 2, PFA, Furnace End — June 14 SMH, OIL, Temple Grafton — July 13, Wellesbourne — June 26, Whitestone, Nuneaton — July 4, 5 and 7 WGL, EHT, Wormleighton Reservoir — June 10 and 26 and Wilmcote — July 12.

Worcs A large influx with calling birds heard as follows:— Alfrick on May 10 GL. Three at Larford on May 20, with up to five in the Astley Cross/Larford area during June and July and two still present until August 20 MDJ et at. At least three birds in the Trench Wood/Sale Green area from May 30 to June 16 after one was heard on May 28, with one still present here until July 9 TWHetal. One was at Upper Bittell from May 30 to June 2 with presumably the same at Cofton Richards for a week from June 13 TE, JMH etal. Three were near Clifton-upon-Teme on May 30 with one or two heard into June MS, SMW. Shenstone from June 3 to 25 REH, SMW. Ripple between June 4 and 8 SJH, SMW. Peopleton between June 8 and 23 with two on 18 GHP, SMW. Three were near Crowle from June 9 to 17 AHT, KHT. Wood Green on June 10 MDJ. Kempsey Ham on June 10 and 30 JH, MS. Bransford in mid-June perJJD. Stone on June 17 REH. Rous Lench on June 17 with two in the Abberton/Rous Lench area from July 3 to 20 GHP. Frankley on June 18 DR with one at Torton the same day REH. Near Walton Hill on June 22 MH. West Hagley on June 25 MH. Radford on July 4 GHP. Finally singles at Little Comberton from July 18 to 20 PFW, Bretforton on July 19 PFR and Grafton Flyford on July 30 WRHP.

Staffs Two were seen at Abbots Bromley on May 23 GNJ. One at Adbaston on August 3 PF. Four near Alsager on June 24 WJL, MS. One near to Bednall Head on July 8 JW. At least two at Belvide from June 22 to July 12 GMH. One at Blithfield on July 1 JCE-D. One at Blorepipe on June 18 BC. One at Doxey on August 24 GS. One at Fradswell on July 19 BR. Two at Gnosall on June 19 EAG. At High Offley five were in the usual fields from May 20 to July 16 several observers and four were in fields about a mile away from June 9 to July 2 WJL. One was at Himley on June 12 AP, per MDJ. One at Kingswood from June 9 to July 1 NAF. One at Kinver Edge on June 15 EB. One at Lea Heath on June 19 WJL, JPM. One at Needwood Airport on July 2 DIMW. Three at Mucklestone on July 2 DWE. At least two at Pattingham from June 19 to July 6 PKD. One at Ranton on June 2 BC. One at Sambrook on June 22 BC. Two at Seighford Aerodrome from June 27 to August 26

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MDB. PFR. One seen and one call ing near Shipley on June 10 GJM. Three at Swindon on June 10 MJI. Three at Smestow from June 12 lo 16 MDJ. One at Teddesley on June 4 PKD. One at Trysull on June 15 PKD. One at Wheaton Aston from May 25 to August 16 PB and one also at Wheaton Aston Airfield on June 11 and 18 SJ. Six at Whitemoor Haye from June 17 to July 31 several observers. Five at Winnington from June 17 to July 13 DWE, WJL, JPM. Two at Yarnfield on July 20 PF.

WMid An exceptionally early bird caught in an exhausted state in a Wall Heath garden and later released at Clent may possibly have been of captive origin CJT. A bird was calling in Sandwell Valley from May 18 to 20 JEF, with other call ing birds at Lutley from May 25 to at least mid-July MDJ, lley near Romsley on June 4 SC and Foxcote Farm in Cradley from June 18 to July 2 MH.

Pheasant Warks 185 were seen in a small field near a keeper's cottage at Coleshill. Albinos

were seen at Bodymoor Heath and The Somers. Worcs Few reports received but of note was a count of 120 at Huntsman's Quarry

near Bredon on November 6. Staffs Seven pairs bred at Doxey (1988:eight) and up to five regularly in a

Stafford suburban garden in December, two of which accepted nuts from the hand.

WMid No breeding records received. One to three birds were reported from Colton Hills in Wolverhampton, Knowle, Moseley Hall in Wolverhampton, Sutton Park, Turner's Hill (where it is said to be unusual), Valley Park and Woodgate Valley.

Water Rail Warks Bred at Alvecote, where two small young were seen on July 28, and

probably at Brandon. Outside the breeding season recorded at Alvecote, Chesterton, Compton Verney, Draycote, Eathorpe, Great Packington, K ingsbury , Ladywa lk , Lower Radbourne, Whi tacre Heath and Wormleighton.

Worcs Two pairs bred at Upton Warren and one was heard early in the breeding season near Ripple. In winter, reported from Broadway, Castlemorton Common, Church Lench, Hampton Ferry, Upton Warren (up to four) and Westwood (three). In the autumn noted at Abberton, Church Lench (two), Hampton Ferry, Oakley (four in November), Upton Warren (two) and Westwood (four).

Staffs Present throughout the year at Doxey where a notable 12 pairs bred (1988:nine) and a maxima of six were recorded in February and May. Also noted in most months at Belvide where one pair bred and four birds were seen on September 7. Other records from Aqualate, Astonfields (three in November), Betley Mere, Elford (two in September), Himley, Rickerscote, Shugborough and Yoxall.

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W Mid Present in the summer months west of Meriden — the only indication of possible breeding in the county. Fairly widespread in both winter periods, with records from Brierley Hill Pools (a maximum of four in November), Hay Head Wood, Mill Lane Pond in Walsall, Mushroom Green Marsh (a peak ot seven on November 7, with the total November population here reckoned to be an incredible 12 to 16 birds!), Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash U.P. (six on December 1), Valley Park and Wychall Reservoir.

Spotted Crake Warks ' An adult was seen at Brandon on August 20 JMR etal. Staffs One at Belvide on May 26 to 27 SN. Seen on eight dates at a site in the

county from June 10 to August 18. W Mid One in Sandwell Valley on August 19 and 20 JEF, JWM. The third

consecutive year that this species has appeared at this locality.

Moorhen Warks Maxima reported of 30 at Alvecote and 68 at Brandon. Worcs The highest counts received came from Upton Warren where there were

31 in October and November. Staffs 19 pairs bred at Doxey (1988:12), four at Kettlebrook and one at both

Rudyard and Westport. Maxima of note were 52 at Doxey in January, 49 at Belvide in August and 30 at Kettlebrook in December.

WMid Breeding reports from 16 localities, with 23 broods counted along the S ta f fo rdsh i re /Worces te rsh i re canal in Wolverhampton . Winter concentrations of note included 21 at the Slough in Pelsall on November 7 and 33 at Brierley Hill Pools on November 26.

Coot Monthly maxima at main sites:

J F M A M J J A s 0 N • Alvecote 145 91 96 64 50 30 40 Coton 923 209 80 660 872 1040 1240

Church Lench 60 30 31 30 40 40 Larlord 18 20 25 10 5 14 — 90 120 170 165 116 Upton Warren 8 18 13 12 14 23 24 47 30 17 17 11

Belvide 284 327 232 278 976 858 350 187 113 212 Blithlield 278 321 178 — — 321 — — 465 26 26 —

Chasewater — — ' — — — — — — — — — —

Eltord 70 30 40 126 200 90 60 Galley 230 275 110 — — — — 480 421 181 110 84 Westport 309 163 150 100 81 95 141 159 180 170 170 230

Brierley Hill Pools 78 54 45 48 66 • 68 83 Sandwell Valley 62 36 — — — — — 67 85 133 141 152

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Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Warks

Worcs

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WMid

No change in breeding status reported. Overall, numbers were unimpressive and the December peak at Coton was some 500 birds less than in 1988. Seven pairs nested successfully at Church Lench but low breeding success was reported from Larford. At Pirton there was a maxima of 163 in February, whilst 93 were counted at Westwood on July 1. Three pairs bred at Blithfield, two at Borrowpit, 17 at Doxey, seven at Kettlebrook, one on the river at Tamworth and 14 at Westport, where breeding commenced in late February. A good breeding season, with large broods, reported from Belvide. Breeding noted at 14 localities. 40 at Bradnock's Marsh on October 8 was the only other significant concentration.

Oystercatcher A pair at Kingsbury made an unsuccessful breeding attempt. Up to five were seen there after the first one returned on March 5. The pair were seen from March 31 to July 1 with one until 9. Elsewhere, one or two were seen regularly in May and June at Ladywalk and The Somers, with three at Ladywalk on April 9 and May 15. With falling water levels at Draycote, one or two were occasionally present from August 26 to December 22 and three until the end of the year. In spring, singles were noted at Arrow Valley Lake in March, Bartley on March 25, Bredons Hardwick on March 9, 26 to 28 and April 20 to 23. Further singles were at Larford on March 15, 29 and 30, April 10 and May 6 and at Upton Warren on March 30 and May 6. Return passage began with one at Bittell on June 29, with further birds at Larford on July 13 and Wilden on September 10. Monthly maximum at selected)sites:

J F M A M J J A s O N D

Barton 2 2 3 4 1 2 Belvide — — — 1 2 — — 1 1 1 — —

Blithfield — — 2 1 — — 1 2 2 — — —

Branston — — 2 3 Chasewaler — — — — 1 — — 2 — — — —

Croxall — — 2 — 3 2 12 Elford — 2 4 5 4 8 11 2 — — — —

Tittesworth — — — — — 1 1 1 . — — — —

Westport 1 1

Single breeding pairs noted at Elford (two young) and a possible pair at Mytholme. Singles were at Sheepwash U.P. on March 5, April 28, May 24 and 28, and Bartley on March 11 and 25. Three birds were noted near Meriden during May and June, whilst a single bird at Dunstall Park on December was a first for the locality.

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Avocet

(Roger Hancox)

Staffs A bird at Chasewater on April 17 EGP was later seen at Kingswood Pool where it roosted JJH, GJM.

Little Ringed Plover Average: March 22 (25) to October 3 (25) Half-monthly maxima at main sites:

M A M J J A s O 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Alvecote 3 4 3 2 3 9 Oraycote — 1 2 10 2 6 4 — 10 3 4 7 5 6 — —

Kingsbury/Coton — 3 5 8 6 6 6 6 8 4 2 — — — — —

Ladywalk — 1 2 2 S S 2 2 S 14 1 1 — — — —

Wasperton — 1 6 12 8 6

Bittell 3 23 10 2 1 1 —

Bredons Hardwick — — 3 5 3 5 12 17 12 11 5 2 2 1 — —

Holt — — — — 2 2 2 — 4 1 Larford — — 2 3 4 2 1 1 4 2 1 Lower Moor — — — — 2 2 4 Throckmorton — — — — — 1 1 1 1 1 2 Upton Warren — 5 2 7 7 5 6 10 10 7 1 1 2 1 — —

Wilden — — — — — — 2 2 3 — 4 4 3 — — —

Other sites (3) — — 2 3 — — — — — — — — — — — —

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M A M J J A < o 1 7 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Barton • 0 1 2 4 6 6 4 9 16 1 Belvide — — 1 2 4 2 — — — — — — — — — —

Blilhlield — — — — 1 2 6 4 30 24 8 7 7 2 0 0 Chasewater — — — 9 10 10 10 8 — 14 — 3 — 1 — —

Doxey 0 1 1 5 8 5 3 6 1 7 1 1 1 0 0 0 Elford 0 1 2 4 6 6 4 9 16 1

Sandwell Valley 0 2 3 6 4 5 4 6 6 2 1 2 0 0 _ —

Sheepwash U.P. 0 1 3 8 5 7 6 5 8 14 11 1 2 1 — —

Warks Bred at Alvecote (one pair raised two broods), Draycote (one paii with another pair unsuccessful) and in the Kingsbury area (four pairs). Others attempted breeding at Brandon and Earlswood.

Worcs At Bittell one pair raised four young; at Bredons Hardwick four broods totalling 12 young were raised; at Holt a pair was seen with two juveniles in early July, whilst at Lower Moor one pair raised two young and at Wilden one pair hatched at least one juvenile. There was no proof of breeding at Larford and birds at Upton Warren were again unsuccessful.

Staffs Breeding pairs at Alrewas (four), Barton (two), Chasewater (two), Croxall (one), Doxey (two), Rudyard (one) and Tittesworth. Also noted on passage at another six sites.

WMid At least two pairs attempted to breed in Sandwell Valley, but were sadly unsuccessful, whilst up to four pairs attempted to breed at Sheepwash U.P., two of which were successful rearing five young. Two or three pairs were present in the breeding season near Meriden, but no proof of breeding here. One to two birds reported from Bartley and Stubbers Green from March to May.

Ringed Plover Half-monthly maxima at main sites:

M A M J J A S O 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Draycote 2 2 2 2 14 5 1 5 30 41 18 1 1 Kingsbury/Coton • 4 S 8 1 2 2 3 2 5 1 — 3 1 — — —

Ladywalk 1 — 2 2 1 3 5 — 2 4 Wasperton — 2 — 6 10 8 14

Bittell 2 3 — 1 4 7 12 2 2 Bredons Hardwick — 1 2 — 1 1 — — — 1 2 — — — — —

Upton Warren — — — 7 6 7 3 5 — — 3 1 1 — — —

Wilden 2 4 1 — —

Other sites (3) — — — — 1 1 1 — — — 6 — 1 — — —

Barton 6 9 8 4 7 4 S 7 11 4 2 1 1 Belvide 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 1 14 12 10 5 0 Blithfield — • — — — 2 1 12 a 5 2 9 125 55 22 9 1 Chasewater 2 3 5 5 31 18 36 7 5 4 14 22 16 30 1 —

Elford 2 — 5 4 4 5 S — 2 — — — 1 — — —

Tittesworth — — — — 2 3 — — — — 1 4 14 — — —

Others (5) 1 2 — 2 4 6 4 1 1 — 12 3 — — —

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M A M J J A S O 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Sandwell Valley 1 0 0 2 1 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Sheepwash U.P. 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0

(Roger Hancox)

Warks The first birds to return to breeding territories at Kingsbury arrived back on February 20. Two pairs attempted to breed, one of which raised two chicks. Display was noted at Wasperton and breeding may have occurred had the habitat not been destroyed. Others were seen at Brandon (max. three), Earlswood, Middleton, Seeswood and near Stratford.

Worcs One was at Bredons Hardwick on February 21 and six were seen at Throckmortion Tip on August 15.

Staffs Breeding pairs were noted at Barton (three or four), Chasewater (two) and possibly Mytholme. Noted in early February at Belvide, four at Barton on February 19 followed by five on February 23, two at Elford on February 20 and two at Mytholme on February 26. Good numbers recorded at most sites. 125 at Blithfield on August 26 is the highest total since August 1970. At Tittesworth on September 15 two birds were badly oiled possibly from the Mersey oil spill.

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WMid

Warks

Warks

Worcs

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WMid

One pair present during the breeding season just west of Meriden.

Dotterel The wintering bird seen at Wasperton and Wellesbourne Airfield in 1988 remained in the area until at least January 24 GJA et al.

Golden Plover Average: August 12 (42) to April Hi> (43) Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Bramcole 286 1100 . Draycole area 500 270 150 69 480 90 600 Kingsbury — 350 80 350 Ladywalk — 750 — 52 — — — — — 15 650 200 Wellesbourne area 650 300 — 200 50 550

It is hard to establish the true numbers wintering in the area. The numbers fluctuate considerably from month to month and some flocks are not counted on a regular basis. The previously favoured area at Dordon was unsuitable this year. Amongst the flock at Wellesbourne Airfield a grey variant was present on February 19 and a pale plumaged variant on December 24. One present at Wasperton on the late date of May 14 had a badly injured leg. Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Bredon area 1400 250 — 330 480 700 1260 Lenchwlck — 370 750 Powick Ham 800 500 Throckmorton area — 61 — 25 3 44 300 Uplon-upon-Severn — — 130 — — — — 500

In March 35 were seen at Childswickham and 30 at Holt. 57 were counted at Abberton in late November whilst 120 were present at Wyre Piddle on December 23 with a flock of 500 noted the following day at Eckington. One or two pairs displayed on the moors, although no breeding was observed. Notable counts were 400 at Eastwood Park on January 2,600 at Kingswood on January 8,150 at Park Hall Country Park on November 30, 1000 at Stretton on December 7 and 140 at Barton Pit on December 31. 70 birds flew south-west over Dunstall Park on January 30, with 160 birds flying west-north-west over there, on February 9. On February 4, 30 were moving south-west over Bartley. An impressive flock of 400 birds was found near Eastcote, Solihull on December 28 remaining into the New Year. Smaller numbers were reported from Sandwell Valley and Sheepwash U P.

89

Grey Plover Singles occurred at Coton on April 7, at Draycote on September 16 (a juvenile) and in the Kingsbury and Ladywalk areas from November4to 19. One was amongst Lapwing and Golden Plover at Bredons Hardwick on January 14. In autumn,a juvenile stayed at Wilden from September 27 to 30 and another flew over Bittell on December 3. Two flew over Barton on May 11. A shabby winter-plumaged bird at Chasewater on May 15 was probably the same bird seen on May 22 and June 16 as it changed into summer plumage. At Blithfield one on July 8 and August 3. One flew over Barton on August 14 and Blithfield on September 10. One at Belvide on October 10 and four at Blithfield on October 27.

Lapwing Few breeding pairs were reported and those that were appeared to enjoy mixed success, as usual, due to the attentions of Corvids. 11 pairs were present at Great Packington and three at Alvecote. Outside the breeding season maximum numbers were reported in January and December. Only flocks of 1000 and over are mentioned. In January, maxima of 1000 at Brandon, 3500 at Draycote, 1800 at Ladywalk and 1200 at Wellesbourne. Maxima in the second half of the year were as follows: Brandon, 1000 in September; Coventry Airport, 2500 in December; Draycote, 1000 in December; Ladywalk, 1050 in October; Northend, 1000 in September and December and Wellesbourne, 1480 in December.

Worcs Noted in the breeding season at Bredons Hardwick, Broughton Hacket, Church Lench, Himbleton, Larford (four pairs), Malvern, Upton Warren and Wick. In winter 4450 were at Bredon in January with numbers dropping to 1350 in February. 1200 were counted at Holt in January with 2000 here in March. Elsewhere 600 were seen at Stoke Heath in January, 800 at Strensham in February and flocks of 500 at Lenchwick, Powick Hams and Throckmorton in the same month. Post breeding flocks increased from 470 to 740 between July and August at Bredons Hardwick and from 584 to 1034 between August and September at Upton Warren. Late autumn flocks were impressive reflecting the flooding of the Avon and Severn Valleys, with maxima of 2000 at Bredon, 877 at Holt, 1000 at Lower Moor and 1300 at Powick Hams in November and 3600 at Bredon, 1000 at Eckington, 1200 at Evesham, 1000 at Powick Hams and 2000 at both Throckmorton and Upton-upon-Severn in December. Also of note were three different, partially leucistic birds seen in the late part of the year in the south of the county.

Staffs Breeding pairs confirmed at Brocton Golf Course (three), Deepmore, Doxey (nine), Needwood (seven, some lost to ploughing), Pasturefields (nine to 13), Rickerscote (six, most lost to flooding) and Tixall (four to nine). Possible breeding at Kingswood and Pillation. BTO Waders of Wet Meadow Partial Survey for 1989, of the areas re-surveyed 56 to 72 pairs against 108 in 1982, revealing a decline in nesting pairs per FCG. Noteworthy counts were 1000 at Acton Tursell on January 28, 680 at

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

Warks

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Belvide on September 3, 1000 at Blithfield on January 27, only 390 at Bottom House on July 30 (1988:2300), 750 at Croxall on February 10 and December 9, 1000 at Doxey during January, 1200 at Fisherwick on September 26, 1900 at Hixon on January 15.

W Mid About ten pairs bred in Sandwell Valley, but fledging success appeared to be rather poor, whilst three pairs reared three young at Sheepwash U.P. Notable flocks consisted of 400 west of Meriden from January to March and again in July, 160 at Slubbers Green on January 30 with 125 here on December 16,175 in Sandwell Valley in August and 250 birds noted flying east over Saltwells Nature Reserve on December 22. Smaller numbers, usually less than 100, were reported from Dunstall Park/Valley Park, Edgbaston Reservoir and Knowle.

Knot Warks Singled at Draycote on January 28 and at Wasperton from March 31 to

April 2. Two at Kingsbury on Apri l 2. Worcs An adult in summer plumage was seen at Upton Warren on July 30 and 31. Staffs One at Chasewater on February 1. Return passage birds at Blithfield, one

from July 29 to 31, followed by three on August 15, two from 16 to 20 with one remaining until 25. Three at Belvide on September 15 and one on September 26 and 27. Two at Chasewater on November 8.

Sanderling Warks One at Draycote on April 7. Four at Coton on May 9 and the same number

at Draycote on 21. In autumn, two at Draycote on July 30 and one at Cotori on August 8.

Worcs In spring singles were seen at Bredons Hardwick on May 10 and 12 and at Upton Warren on May 11. At Bittell two were present on May 31 with five there the following day. On return passage one was seen at Bittell on July 30.

Staffs A good year with Doxey having its first site record on March 5 and 11, followed by 11 on May 5. At Chasewater a series of records starting with six on May 9, peaking at 11 on 13 with two still present on June 7. Three at Blithfield on May 12 and one on 14. One at Barton on May 15, two on June 14 and one on 19. Singles at Westport on June 2 and Elford on June 9. One at Blithfield on July 18 followed by three on 29, one on 30, two on August 2, three on August 24 with one remaining until September 1.

Little Stint Warks All records relate to Draycote. Singles were often present between August

19 and September 11 with two on August 28, three on September 2 and two on 16.

Staffs The bird from 1988 remained at Blithfield until January 6, and was presumably the same bird seen at Belvide on January 14,15,16,21,22 and at Doxey on January 24. Spring passage birds noted at Doxey on March 9 to 11 and May 11 and also two at Barton on June 10. Return birds noted at

91

six sites, again with a late bird remaining at Blithfield until December 17. Belvide had good numbers in late September with a maximum of seven on 22 and 23, dwindling to one by 29 and a single bird on November 25. At Blithfield present throughout August, September and from November 10 to December 17 with a maximum of two on several dates in all months. One at Chasewater on September 10,11,15 and one from September 29 to October 3. Single birds also noted at Doxey on September 4, Rudyard on September 8 and Tittlesworth from August 26 to 28.

W Mid A juvenile in Sandwell Valley on September 22 was the second locality record.

Temminck's Stint Warks Two at Wasperton on May 15 and 16 PFA, GJM and possibly a third there

on 17 PFA. Worcs Two birds were seen at Larford on May 22 and 23 MDJ et al.

1988 Addendum Warks One at Ladywalk on May 17 BLK.

White-rumped Sandpiper Staffs A juvenile at Rudyard Lake on at least November 3 per Brit. Bird 83:462.

Curlew Sandpiper Surprisingly few birds this year, compared to the relatively large numbers recorded during 1988.

Staffs A very poor year with records from only two sites. At Doxey on August 26 a first for the site and Chasewater on September 20.

Dunlin Half-monthly maxima at main sites:

J F M A M J J A S O N D 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Alvecote 1 1 — 4 4 Draycole 17 1 3 1 1 5 35 2 12 12 44 42 12 3 44 13 11 12 18 Kingsbury/Coton 2 12 2 22 3 12 2 1 15 2 1 1 Ladywalk 3 — 1 — 3 — 3 — 2 3 5 Wasperton 4 5 — 14 9 6 others (6) 1 4 2 1 1 — 2

Bittell 8 16 11 18 1 — 1 1 1 1 Bredons Hardwick 166 — 22116 15 31 1 4 2 2 1 — 1 3 1 1 — 2 1 75 Holt 1 1 2 4 1 Lartord 1 1 — 2 3 — 1 3 10 1 Upton Warren 1 10 6 1 3 4 3 4 1 9 — 2 1 — Wilden 2 2 1 — 2 5 1 Other sites (2) 1 — 4 11

92

J F M A M J J A S O N D 1 2 1 2 1 ? 1 7 1 ? 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Barton 1 3 4 11 6 3 — 3 4 — 6 Belvide 13 11 0 2 4 2 1 9 17 3 2 0 1 7 7 8 6 7 4 3 0 21 2 1 — Blilhlield 1 3 2 23 1 — 2 44 68 60 93 27 18 4 69 14 8 1 — Chasewater 2 — 32 55 26 2 2 2 78 49 14 — 8 3 22 17 9 16 6 11 6 19 18 10 Doxey 10 7 6 5 11 3 1 6 7 1 2 Elford 3 — 1 — 2 1 — 6 — 3 Titlesworth 10 1 3 1 9 4 3 Westport 1 — 1 2 1 — 4 2 1 2 Others (6) 8 3 1 2 8 1 — 5

Barlley — — 1 Brierley Hill Pools 1 1 1 — Sandwell Valley 1 1 1 — 5 6 — 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 Sheepwash U.P. 1 2 — 2 4 2 1 2 — 1 5

Warks A partial albino at Draycote on October 28 caused identification problems for observers.

Worcs Lower numbers than usual recorded at Bredons Hardwick in winter and late autumn.

Staffs Another good year with most sites having early and late birds but counts were not as high as in 1988.

W Mid Elsewhere, one or two birds recorded from Edgbaston Reservoir, west of Meriden and Stubbers Green.

Ruff Half-monthly maxima at main sites:

M 1 2 1

A 2 1

M 2

J 1 2 1

J 2

A 1 2 1

S 2

O 1 2

Draycote Kingsbury/Coton Ladywalk

— — — 4 2

1 1

1 1

— — 1 2

— — 7

2 4 — —

Bredons Hardwick Upton Warren Other sites (4)

3 2 8 4 9 1 1

2 2 2

— 1 2

- - — 1 1

1 — —

Barton Belvide Blithfield Doxey I

I I

I

I I I

I -

1 2

8

1 0

1

— 1

1 2 2

1

1 — 2

1 7

1 2 8 1

3 1 2

Elford Others (4) — - — 3 2 = = —

— — 1 2

Warks Another very poor year. The only other spring record was of a single at Wasperton on May 21. On return passage singles were at Alvecote on August 23 and September 1. Two appeared at Ladywalk on December 28.

Worcs Recorded at Bredons Hardwick from the beginning of the year with maxima of six on January 15, four on February 12 and three on February 26, and again on November 12 when four were present and December 16 when one was seen.

93

Staffs A poor year again. Present from May to mid September with the maximum number of eight only at Blithfield in early September and Doxey on May 7.

W Mid Sandwell Valley played host to the only record, with a single bird on July 2 1 .

Jack Snipe Average: September 29 (48) to April 19 (44)

Warks Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Brandon Kingsbury

1 — 5 — 1

— — — — — 1 2 6 —

Others were seen at Bermuda in January and on the early date of September 13, at Seeswood.

Worcs In winter singles were recorded at Abberton, Bredons Hardwick, Castlemorton Common, Church Lench, Holt, Strensham and Upton Warren, where there was a late bird on April 23, whilst in.autumn birds were reported from Bittell, Bredons Hardwi.ck, Castlemorton Common (three in December) and Wilden (two in December).

Staffs Maximum counts of six at Belvide on January 15 and Doxey on February 4, and nine at Chasewater on November 17. Smaller numbers were noted at Amington, Aqualate, Blithfield and Elford.

WMid Sandwell Valley produced the bulk of records, although slightly reduced numbers on recent years, with up to 16 birds present during January, declining to eight in February, six in March and finally one in April. In the autumn, a single bird was present in October, four in November and up to five in December. Elsewhere, a maximum of eight reported from Brierley Hill Pools during early October ailthough only a single bird here on December 11, with one's and two's reported from Sheepwash U.P. in January, March, October and November, Monkspath in February, Netherton Hill in September and October, Mushroom Green Marsh and Russells Hall Hospital Grounds both in December and Clayhanger (four on December 12).

Snipe Warks Pairs in the breeding season were reported at Brandon (two), Great

Packinglon (two), Kingsbury and Ladywalk/Whitacre Heath. Numbers outside the breeding season were disappointing with maxima of 42 at Brandon, 23 at Kingsbury, 20 at Ladywalk and 20 at Middleton.

Worcs Drumming noted at Bredons flardwick (five on April 2), Eckington, Rous Lench and Wilden (where one pair bred). Very low numbers in winter with the highest count of 21 at Grimley in March. Late autumn counts were slightly better with 22 at Castlemorton Common in November and 48 there in December. Also in December, 60 were seen at Holt and 65 at Powick Hams.

94

Staffs Breeding noted at Brancote Sewage Works, Doxey 13 pairs (1988:11), Pasturefields two or three pairs, Rickerscote, and Tixall (up to three pairs), also possible breeding at Belvide, Knotbury and Royal Cottage. Reported trom several locations with maxima of 84 at Baswich on February 11, 58 at Belvide in early October, 45 at Blithfield on September 15, 84 at Doxey in December, over 100 at Elford on December 27, 150 at Stafford Common on January 28 and 35 at Tittesworth on August 9.

WMid No breeding records received. Recorded from 11 sites, with notable concentrations of 37 at Sheepwash U.P. in March, 50 in Sandwell Valley in April, 65 at Clayhanger in December and 60 in Sandwell Valley also in December.

Woodcock Warks Roding birds were noted at Arley Wood, Atherstone Golf Course (four),

Chase Wood (two), Earlswood (two), Shawbury and Whichford Wood. There were widely scattered records in winter, usually of singles, at 11 sites. Three at Brandon on November 12 were thought to be newly arrived migrants.

Worcs In the breeding season roding birds noted at Chase End Hill (two), Trench Wood (two), Weethley Wood and between the Wyche Cutting and Gullet Quarry (up to eight). Outside the breeding season seen at Majors Green, Ribbesford Wood and Wissetts Wood in March; Bredons Hardwick in October; Bredon Hill, Castlemorton Common, Oakley and Pershore in December.

Staffs Roding birds reported from 12 separate sites on Cannock Chase from May 14 to July 3 as well as Bagots Forest and Chillington. Also noted at Back Forest two on December 29, Baggeridge C P. on November 17, Belvide on January 28 and December 17, Blithfield on February 19, 26, March 5 and December 19, Consull Valley on May 6, Elford on January 2 and February 18, Longsdon Woods on February 17, Maer on January 30, Millwich on February 14 and Swallow Moss on January 15. Two were shot at Mausty Woods, Hatherton on December 2.

W Mid Single birds were reported from Meriden in January, Sandwell Valley in February, March, April, November and December, Willenhall Memorial Park in April, Sheepwash U.P. in July, Sutton Park in August and Brierley Hill Pools in December.

Black-tailed Godwit Warks Eight were seen flying north-west over Kingsbury on May 14, one at

Brandon on June 22 and 11 moving south-west over Draycote on September 3.

Worcs A poor spring passage with only two noted at Bredons Hardwick on April 4. In contrast a good return passage began with a party of eight at Upton Warren on June 28 and 29 and continued with one at the same locality on July 30, a further singleton at Bredons Hardwick on September 10, three at Holt on the same day and finally another at Upton Warren on September 24.

95

Staffs Few spring passage birds with singles noted at Doxey on May 4 and 5 and Branston on May 14. Return passage began with four at Blithfield on June 25, three on 26, 27 and one on 30. Followed by regular sightings throughout July and early August with a maximum of 27 on July 11. At Belvide noted on six dates during July with a maximum of 16 on July 11, the same day as Blithfield's highest total. Also, singles noted at Doxey on July 13, Barton on July 31 and Belvide on September 14.

W Mid Four birds were noted flying over Swan Pool in Sandwell Valley on May 14.

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks At Kingsbury, three on April 30 and one on May 6. On July 30 a remarkable

22 were seen moving south over Brandon. Worcs In spring singles at Bredons Hardwick on April 7 and at Larford on May 5.

At the end of the year one was seen at Bredons Hardwick on December 31. Staffs Noted on spring passage only at Belvide on March 13, Blithfield on April

23, Chasewater on May 5 with two on May 7 and 8 and two at Doxey from May 6 to 8. This was a first for the site.

Whimbrel Warks First seen at Kingsbury on April 1 with further records at Alvecote on 10,

Kingsbury again, on 30 (two), Coton on May 13 and three over Kenilworth on May 22. Only one was seen on return passage, at Coton on July 16.

Worcs Noted in spring at Bredons Hardwick on April 16, May 13 and 14 and June 2; at Larford on April 25 (when a party of nine were seen flying north-west) and May 12, and at Upton Warren on May 1 (two). On return passage birds were seen at Bittell on July 13, Bredons Hardwick on July 31 and September 5 (five), Wilden on August 16, Upton Warren on August 25 and September 10, and Barnard's Green on September 25.

Staffs Single spring passage birds noted at Elford on April 27, Belvide on May 4, Chasewater on May 8, Doxey on May 9 and five at Belvide on May 12. Return passage began with six flying west over Belvide on July 17. At Blithfield one was present from July 22 to August 16, followed by two on August 25 and 26. Elsewhere singles noted at Elford on August 10 and Westport on August 13. One flew south-west over Burton-on-Trent on September 17.

W Mid In spring, singles were at Sandwell Valley on April 10, Sheepwash U.P. on April 23 and May 13 and flying east over Bartley Reservoir on May 5. Return passage birds comprised ten birds flying over New Invention on July 25 and a single at Sheepwash U.P. on August 14.

Curlew Warks Monthly maxima at Ladywalk:

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

2 10 19 2 4 B 19 20 20 16 15 -

96

Breeding season records were received from Great Alne (two pairs), Kineton, Lighthorne, Maxstoke, Morton Bagot and Poolfields. 34 moving north-west over Seeswood on August 7 was an unusuai record. Lesser numbers were recorded at Brandon, Coleshill, Draycote (max. eight in December), Kingsbury and Shustoke.

Worcs Monthly maxima at Upton Warren:

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

26 17 52 a 10 110 1 80 111 65 - 8

Pairs raised two young at Bredons Hardwick and Eckinylon whilst at Peopleton four juveniles were seen. Other breeding season records were received from Beckford, Bransford, Broadway, Castlemorton Common, Clifton-on-Teme, Cotheridge, Doverdale, Himbleton, Lower Smite, Oakley, Oddingley, Ripple (three pairs), Rowney Green and Trench Wood. Outside the breeding season and away from Upton Warren the highest counts came from Holt, where there were maxima of 22 in July, 19 in August and 20 in September.

Staffs Breeding pairs noted at Abbots Bromley, Anslow, Aqualate, Brown Edge (several pairs), Doley Common, Eccleshall, Gnosall, Mottey Meadows and Rickerscote. 150 roosted at Longsdon Mill on March 12 and 130 at Tittesworth on March 17. Other records came from several locations with maxima of 13 at Barton on August 20, seven at Belvide on March 25, 27 at Blithfield on September 17, nine at Branston on October 26 and 40 at Forton on February 23.

W Mid One or two birds reported from Sandwell Valley on several dates in March, April, May, June, July, August and September, with a single bird roosting from August 27 to September 3. Single birds were noted flying over Sutton Park on March 6, Sheepwash U.P. on March 12 and November 18 and Valley Park on August 15.

Spotted Redshank Warks Two roosted at Ladywalk on July 4 and singles were at Brandon on August

28 and September 25. Worcs In spring a summer-plumaged bird was seen at Bredons Hardwick on May

17. On return passage a juvenile with an injured wing remained at Upton Warren between August 13 and September 23 and was joined by second birds from August 16 to 21 and on September 15.

Staffs Singles were noted at Doxey on April 14, 23 and on May 2 and 8. Return passage birds reported from Croxall on June 15, Belvide a juvenile from August 19 to 25, at Blithfield two on August 26 and 27 with one remaining until September 2 and one at Barton on September 1.

W Mid A single bird at Sheepwash U.P. on August 14 was the only record — still remains a scarce passage migrant in the West Midlands County.

97

Redshank Warks Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Brandon — Kingsbury/Coton 5

— 1 4 33

2 17

5 6

6 8

1 6 4

1 — 1 2

1 5

At Alvecote, two out of three pairs were probably successful. Also attempted to breed at Brandon and near Coleshill (two pairs). At Kingsbury, three pairs were present, one of which was seen with chicks and at Wasperton, a pair displayed for a time but eventually moved on.

Worcs Monthly maxima at Bredons Hardwick:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N • 3 28 41 21 19 9 1 1 - 3

Bred successfully at Bredons Hardwick (three to four pairs), Ripple and Strensham with further reports of possible breeding pairs at Aston Mill, Eckington and Larford. Again failed to breed at Upton Warren although two birds were present for much of the spring. Elsewhere passage birds were noted at Bittell, Bredons Norton, Holt, Kempsey and Wilden.

Staffs Breeding pairs noted at Belvide, Doxey three pairs (1988:one), Four Ashes, Pasturefields three pairs, Tixall one or two pairs and Wychnor. BTO Waders of Wet Meadows Partial Survey of 18 areas re-surveyed, nine to 11 pairs noted as against 18 in 1982 per FCG. Noted at several locations throughout the year with noteworthy counts of nine at Belvide in late Apri l and early June, 13 at Blithfield on June 11 and nine at Doxey on June 22, small numbers noted at Aqualate, Astonfields, Barton, Baswich, Branston, Chasewater , Croxal l , Elford, Kingswood, Mytholme, Rickerscote, Stafford Common, Tittesworth and Westport.

W Mid Monthly maxima at main sites:

J F M A M J J A S o N D

Sandwell Valley 0 1 2 4 2 1 3 0 2 2 0 0 Sheepwash U.P. 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 . 1 0 0 1

One pair attempted to breed in Sandwell Valley, and up to two pairs were present in the breeding season west of Meriden, although there was no proof of breeding. Two were at Bartley Reservoir on March 25 and 27, with singles here on March 29, 30 and July 8, with one reported from Valley Park on May 5.

98

Greenshank Half-monthly maxima at main sites:

M 1 2

A 1 2

M 1 2

J 1 2

J 1 2

A 1 2'

S 1 2

0 1 2

Brandon Draycote Kingsbury/Coton Ladywalk Wasperton

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 1 — — 2 1 1

— — 2 3 — 2 — — — 1 2

Bittell Bredons Hardwick Upton Warren Westwood Other sites (2)

— l I 5 2 — 2 1

3 — — — 1

Barton Belvide Blithfield Croxall Doxey Elford Rudyard Tittesworth Others (6)

4 2

•10

— — 2

Barlley Sandwell Valley Sheepwash U.P.

2 — —

Warks Singles were also seen at Alvecote and Shustoke and three were at Seeswood on August 27.

WMid Single birds in flight noted over Wall Heath on August 14 and Valley Park on August 28, the latter constituted a first record for the locality.

Green Sandpiper Monthly maxima at main sites:

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

Brandon 2 1 3 2 6 14 18 6 2 3 1 Kingsbury/Coton 4 2 4 4 1 3 4 7 4 1 3 1 Hartshill S.F. 1 1 1 — — — — 3 1 2 1 1 Ladywalk 2 2 3 3 — 2 10 11 7 3 5 1 Wasperton 3 5 7 8 Others (3) 1 1 — 4

Bittell 1 2 Bredons Hardwick 3 3 2 2 1 3 5 5 4 3 3 3 Church Lench — — — — — — — 1 — — 1 —

Larford — — — 2 1 — — — — — — —

Strensham 1 — 1 1 — — — 2 1 1 — —

Throckmorton 1 1 Upton Warren — — — 1 1 13 21 9 4 2 1 1 Westwood 1 1 —

Wilden 2 2 1 1 —

Other sites (4) — — — 2 — — — — 1 1 2 —

99

J F M A M . J J A S O N D

Barton _ _ _ 1 — — 1 2 1 1 _ _ Belvide — — — — — 1 2 2 2 1 1 — Blithfield — — 1 — — 2 3 3 1 1 1 — Branston — — — — — — — — — 1 — — Catholme — — — — — 1 — 2 1 —

Elford 2 2 3 3 1 4 10 6 5 2 2 5 Rudyard — — — — — — — 2 1 — — — Tittesworth _ _ _ _ _ _ i 2 1 _ _ _ Others (4) — 1 2 — — — — — — — 4 1

Bartley — — 1 1 — — — — — 3 — — Brierley Hill Pools . — — — — — — 1 — — — — — Cornets End — — — 3 — — 2 3 2 1 — — Sandwell Valley — 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 _ _ _ _ Sheepwash U.P. — — — — — 1 1 — — — — —

Wood Sandpiper Warks In spring, singles were seen at Kingsbury on May 27 and at Wasperton on

May 13, 23 and 28. Two were on a small pool at Bedworth Woodlands on May 26. In autumn, one was at Coton on August 18 and another from September 16 to 23.

Worcs In spring singles were seen at Bredons Hardwick on May 10 and Throckmorton Tip on May 21. On return passage birds were noted at Strensham Sludge Lagoons on July 2 and August 13, Wilden on August 2 to 6 and at Bredons Hardwick on August 5.

Staffs Singles at Doxey on May 6,7,21, increasing to two on 22 and 23. Singles at Belvide on May 26, Blithfield on May 30 with return passage birds from August 15 to 22. One was at Elford from September 24 to October 8.

W Mid One was at Sandwell Valley on May 25, with another present from June 24 to 27.

Common Sandpiper Average: April 6 (53) to October 21 (49) Half-monthly maxima at main sites:

M A M J i A s 0 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Alvecote 2 2 7 Coton — — 4 4 3 3 — — 6 7 e 4 2 5 — —

Draycote 1 1 — 4 2 2 — — 3 e B 12 6 14 1 1 Earlswood — — 2 3 1 1 1 5 2

Bittell 4 6 6 5 3 1 2 Bredons Hardwick — 1 — 9 4 2 1 4 5 5 6 4 2 1 — 1 Larford — — 1 17 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 — 2 2 1 —

Lower Moor — — — 4 — — — — — — — — 1 1 — —

Throckmorton — — — — — 2 — — — — — 1 1 — 1 1 Upton Warren — — 1 6 4 2 — 2 4 6 2 3 1 1 — — —

Westwood — — — 1 4 — — 1 2 — — — 3 — — —

Wilden — — 1 — 2 — — — 3 2 2 — 2 3 — —

Other sites (9) — — — 2 5 — — — 1 1 — 2 10 — — —

100

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

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

Barton 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 2 6 3 4 1 2 2 1 0 Belvide 0 0 0 7 1 1 0 0 2 4 1 3 3 3 0 0 Blithfield 0 0 0 6 4 1 1 3 13 20 13 9 5 4 1 1 Chasewater 0 0 0 4 6 2 1 0 0 3 3 3 2 3 0 0 Doxey 0 0 0 2 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 3 6 0 0 0 Tittesworth 1 1 1 1 1 5 2 2 10 7 7 4 1 1 1 1 Westport 0 0 1 1 5 1 0 3 3 2 0 1 7 0 0 0

Edgbaston Reservoir 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Netherton Reservoir — — 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 14 — 0 0 Sandwull Valluy — — I 19 9 i I 3 a a 2 I I — u u Sheepwash U.P. — — 0 2 5 2 1 1 2 3 5 3 6 3 1 0

For the third year running a bird wintered at Draycote in both periods. On February 19 it was seen picking insects from the remains of a dead Gull. Other smaller numbers were seen as follows, with maxima in brackets: Brandon (three), Hartshill (three), Ladywalk (three), Seeswood (three), Shustoke (two) and Wasperton (two). The count of 17 at Larford on Apri l 26 was notable as were the ten seen along the River Severn at Grimley on September 10. The autumn individual at Throckmorton remained until at least December 10. No nesting recorded this year. The 1988 individual overwintered for the first winter period, and presumably the same bird was still present on December 28. Also noted on passage at another 12 sites. Small numbers on passage reported from Bradnock's Marsh, Cornets End and Park Lime Pits. 15 in Sandwell Valley during April and 14 at Netherton Reservoir in September were locality record counts.

Turnstone One at Draycote on the unusual date of January 14 heralded a good year there for the species. Others were seen on May 13, 23 (two), June 4, July 30, August 12 (two), September 2 (three), September 3, 9 and 10 (three). Other localities did not fare so well, with singles at Coton on May 7 and Kingsbury on July 30 and August 4 and 26. Two were seen at Bittell on July 30 and another was at the same locality on August 12. One flew over Blithfield on April 23. At Barton present throughout May with a maximum of eight on 21. Singles at Blithfield on May 13 and 18, Chasewater on June 6 and 7, Tittesworth on July 7, Westport on July 24, Belvide on July 28 and 29, Barton on July 31 and August 6. Two at Blithfield on July 28 and one on August 8. Six at Belvide on August 10, 12 at Chasewater on August 14 with one on next day and two on August 20. Three at Barton on August 25, two at Blithfield on August 24 and 25 with one remaining until 28 and one on September 10. At Belvide one on September 4 and 12 on 5 and a single bird at Westport on October 25.

101

Grey Phalarope Staffs One at Hill Ridware on September 25 and 26 DJA, JCE-D, GJM.

(Phil Jones)

Worcs An adult female seen by many observers at Upton Warren on June 6 and 7 DA J et al, was followed by a moulting female at Wilden on July 10 GHP et al. These constitute the fourth and fifth county records and the first since 1978.

Staffs A male was at Belvide on June 1 MDR.

Wilson's Phalarope 1988 Corrigendum

Warks The dates for the first-winter bird at Draycote should have read September 12 to 23 per Brit. Birds 83:464.

Arctic Skua Worcs A dark-phase bird crossed the county boundary from Frankley to Bartley

Reservoir on April 23 JHB. A pale-phase adult was at Bittell briefly on August 25 SMW.

102

Staffs A pale-phase adult was at Belvide on August 11 SN, JKH, PT. At Blithfield one pale-phase and four dark-phase birds flew through on August 25 EGP per GMH and at Chasewater a dark-phase bird flew northwards on the same day AC.

WMid A dark morph spent a few minutes at Bartley Reservoir on April 23 JHB.

Great Skua Warks All records relate to Draycote. Two singles, briefly, on September 9 REH,

PDH, GJM were followed the next day by one of the most incredible sights ever at an inland reservoir, when a group of 14 flew in at 0940 hrs, circled around, and then departed to the south-west. These were followed by another two at 1300 hrs, which also soon left to the south-west GIG, PDH, GJM. Of the previous 28 Regional records, 26 related to singles.

Staffs One at Belvide on March 24 SN, IL, IM and one at Chasewater on September 8 MDJ. Skua Sp.

W Mid One was seen briefly at Bartley on May 1 JHB.

1988 Addendum Staffs A probable Pomarine was seen at Blithfield on December 2 BR.

(Roger Hancox)

103

Warks Nine birds were thought to have occurred at two sites, equalling last year's record total. All but one, a first-winter at Coton on January 28 JAA, ARD, were at Draycote where two first-winters, a second-summer and four adults were present in the first half of the year. Two adults and a second-summer which arrived in March and a first-winter which arrived in April constituted the first county records for arrival dates in those months (see article in 1988 Report). For ease of reference the Draycote individuals are listed numerically: First-winters — (1) February 18 REH, PDH, DJS and 19 ARD, March 12 REH, 24 ARD and April 2 AC, REH. (2) April 8 PDH and 16 ARD. Second-summer — (1) March 24, 26 and April 1 (displaying briefly to an adult on March 26) ARD. Adults — (1) January 1 ARD, GJM. (2) February 4 PDH. (3) March 5 (in breeding plumage) ARD. (4) March 18 REH and 26 ARD, April 1 ARD and 2 AC, REH. (5) September 7 and 9 ARD

Worcs A record year for this species. A first-winter was in the Westwood roost from January 1 to 3 REH, SMW. An adult and a second-year, both in summer plumage were at Eckington on April 8 GHP. A first-winter was at Bredons Hardwick on April 9 REH, MJI and a first-summer was at Wilden on July 19 PFR. A moulting juvenile was at Bredons Hardwick on August 1 SJH. A second-winter was at Throckmorton from October 19 to 21 PFS, SMW followed by a first-winter there on October 28 GHP, SMW. Another second-winter was at Bredons Hardwick on November 21 PFS, while a first-winter roosted at Westwood the same evening SMW. Another first-winter was found at Throckmorton on December 10 GHP and this bird roosted at Westwood from December 10 to 16 GHP, SMW. Other first-winters were also seen at Strensham on December 23 GHP, Westwood on December 24 SMW et al and finally at Upton-upon-Severn Ham on December 30 GHP.

Staffs At Belvide a first-winter on February 18 SN, IL, IM followed by a remarkable record of a juvenile on August 4 SN, IM, SPTand presumably the same bird moulting into first-winter plumage on September 7 SN, JKH, IM, PT. An adult in winter-plumage was present from September 17 to 19 SNet al and a first-winter on December 17 SN, IM, SPT. At Blithfield first-winter birds were seen on March 5 DJA, PDH and March 12 JCE-D, GIG, PDH. At Chasewater a first-winter from January 21 to February 20 TE et al and another first-winter bird considered different to previous birds on March 3,10,11 and 12 JEF, MJI, MDJ. Elsewhere an adult was at Westport on February 5 AH and an adult/second-winter near Needwood Airport on April 6 DIMW.

WMid A first-year at Queslett Tip on January 19 to 26 JEF, with the same or possibly a different first-year bird there on February 28 to March 9 JEF, TE, MDR. Another first-year bird was located here on December 19 JEF.

104

Little Gull Warks In spring, birds occurred between April 3 and May 11, though numbers

were well down on last year. The first record was from Shustoke where a first-winter was present from April 3 to 5. A second-summer bird was there on April 7 and an adult on 27. At Draycote, first-winters were present on April 8 and 23, and two first-summers on May 1. At Kingsbury, two that were not aged were present on May 6 and a first-winter on 11. On return passage, Draycote held about 20 different birds between August 26 and September 24 with a peak of five on September 10. A late bird was present there on October 29. The only other records came from Shustoke with singles on August 13 and 17 and two on 26. From August 30 until September 1 a dark-morph juvenile was present there. With the exception of three adults at Draycote, all autumn records related to juveniles or first-winters.

Worcs A first-winter was at Bredons Hardwick on March 29 followed by a first-summer at Westwood on April 4. A second-winter flew south at Bredons Hardwick on Apri l 10 followed by an adult and two first-winters there on April 11. Further first-summers occurred at Bredons Hardwick on April 22 and July 1. A moulting adult was at Bredons Hardwick on August 22 followed by two juveniles at Bittell on August 25. Further juveniles included one at Bredons Hardwick on September 3, three there on September 12 and one there on September 19. Seven at Wilden on September 11 including six immatures, were followed by a single immature there on October 28. An adult was at Bredons Hardwick on October 27 and first-winters at Upton Warren and Westwood on October 29. Finally a first-winter was at Upton-upon-Severn Ham on December 17.

Staffs Several early spring records. An immature at Belvide on March 9 and a first-winter on April 11. Adult and an immature at Elford on March 27 followed by an immature at Branston and adult at Westport on March 31. Blithfield then had three on April 8 and two adults on April 23, Chasewater an immature from April 7 to 9, an adult on April 25 and ten adults and an immature on May 4. At Belvide adult and first-winter on May 3, adult and five immatures on May 20 with an immature from May 22 to 26, second-summer on June 30 and adult on July 12. An adult was at Blithfield on July 4. Autumn records all involved immatures except where stated. At Blithfield one was present on August 18 and 19 with two from August 20 to 27 and three on August 26 with another on September 9 and an adult on November 12. Belvide had singles on August 25 and September 4, two on September 19 and singles from September 20 to 24 with three including two adults on September 25 and one adult on 26, one on November 1 and two adults on November 15. Elsewhere singles were at Barton on July 5,9, and August 10 and Doxey on August 22 and 28.

WMid A first-summer bird was at Sheepwash U.P. on June 7, followed by a second on June 27. Sandwell Valley had two immatures on April 2, with two adults present on April 5. Two first-winters were noted at Edgbaston Reservoir on September 11.

105

Sabine's Gull Warks A juvenile was at Draycote on September 10 SDN etal. This was the third

county and seventh Regional record.

•lack-headed Gull Warks Estimates of roosting numbers at Draycote were as follows (000's):

J F M N D

15 20 15 10 10

The best flocks seen in feeding areas were 1300 at Radway on March 8 and 1500 at Seeswood on January 7. Two albinistic birds were at Draycote on March 18.

Worcs In winter, the Westwood roost peaked at 3000 on January 5, dropping to 1300 on January 15 before reaching a secondary peak of 2300 on February 4. Elsewhere, 300 were at Madeley Heath on January 2, 350 at Hollybush Roughs on January 14 and 420 at Throckmorton on January 30. 376 were counted at Upton Warren on February 11 and 500 were at Throckmorton on March 7. Spring passage along Avon Valley started early with 1400 at Bredons Hardwick on February 20.1250 moved through the latter locality on March 17, with a steady daily passage peaking at 2700 on April 22. Numbers increased again from July with 800 at Bredons Hardwick on July 25 and 400 at Upton Warren on August 4. 300 were at Bittell on October 7 and 650 were at Throckmorton on October 19. 700 was the late autumn peak at Bredons Hardwick on October 28. Madeley Heath held 600 on November 17, with maxima at Holt 600 on December 14 and 800 at Hartlebury the next day. 1500 were at Throckmorton on December 23 with both Eckington and Powick holding 500 birds on December 26. The roost at Westwood began in August, but still only numbered 350 by September 20. This had risen to 1400 by October 21 and 3400 were estimated on November 28. Numbers then increased steadily thereafter peaking at 7000 on December 24, a locality record.

Staffs Few records received. The only breeding record was a pair at Barton. Other records included 8000 at Belvide on February 11 and 6000 on October 17, 13500 at Blithfield on September 9 and 2500 at Westport on January 28. A partial-albino was at Himley Tip on February 24 and perhaps the same bird in December, otherwise no more than 600 reported.

W Mid 750 roosted at Bartley on November 2, with maxima of 1000 at Sheepwash U.P. on November 30, 840 in Sandwell Valley on December 10 and 800 at Compton on December 20. A leucistic individual was noted in Sandwell Valley on January 2, whilst a yellow-dyed bird was on the boating pool in Bournville on November 2.

Ring-billed Gull Worcs A first-winter was at Throckmorton on February 16 and 17 PFS, followed by

a second-winter at Bredons Hardwick on November 21 PFS. The second and third county records.

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W Mid The first for the county, an adult, occurred at Queslett Tip on March 8 JEF, JJD, RMNand wac looatod again on March 15 JJB.

Common Gull Warks Only nine record slips received but continues to occur in good numbers in

the east of the county, particularly at Draycote, where maxima of 5000 on March 12 and 3500 on December 30 were the peak counts for the two winter periods. Birds were absent in the county between May 26 and August 5 with singles on both of these dates at Alvecote.

Worcs Scarce in the winter period with maxima of two at Throckmorton on January 24 and three at the Westwood roost on February 4. Spring passage started with 295 over Broadway on March 15,200 over Kemerton on March 22 and 60 at Chase End Street on March 25. Floodwater in the Lower Avon Valley attracted 160 to Eckington on April 8 and over 1000 to the Bredons Hardwick-Strensham area the next day. 950 remained in this area on April 10. Notable'numbers concluded with 35 at Bredons Hardwick on Apri l 22. A first-summer at Pershore on June 5 was unusual. Small numbers were recorded at Bittell, Throckmorton and Upton Warren in July. At Bredons Hardwick an autumn passage commenced in mid-July with 200 passing over on August 7. Later autumn totals here included 32 on October 29 and 24 on December 24. Smaller numbers during this period included 22 over Castlemorton Common on September 9, eight at Throckmorton on October 19 and 15 in the Westwood roost on December 24. Smaller numbers were also recorded from Abberton, Beckford, Guar l ford , Uck ingha l l , Upton-upon-Severn , Upton Warren and Wickhamford.

Staffs Present at Belvide in all months except May and June in single figures with a maximum of 16 on Apri l 3. Blithfield had 30 on February 17, 35 on March 12, one first-summer on June 19,26 on October 29,25 on November 5 and 14 on December 5. At Westport present in single figures in all months except May and June with a maxima of 12 on February 25 and over 50 on December 22. Four at Chasewater on July 2 and one at Needwood Airport on 20.

WMid Monthly maxima at principal sites:

J F M A M J J A s 0 N O

Sandwell Valley Sheepwash U.P.

3 5 1 2 — — 1 — 2 — 1 —

1 2

1 1

1 1

2 1

5 1

1 3

Elsewhere, small numbers were reported from Billesley Common, Cornets End, Dunstall Park/Valley Park and Fox Hollies Leisure Centre in Acock's Green.

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Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks Roosts were noted as follows. Maxima based on seven counts:

J F M A M J J A S O N O

Colon Draycote 300 600 300

— — — — 830 — 600

900 570 —

Numbers at roosts slowly declined after early November with only 30 to 50 at Coton at the year end. 200 at Bermuda on October 29 were, no doubt, Draycote bound.

Worcs Monthly maxima at selected sites:

J F M A M J J A s O N D

Bredons Hardwick 130 150 25 16 380 260 380 90 260 Throckmorton 800 850 420 55 — — 200 700 750 750 800 1200 Weslwood 63B 450 — — — — — 205 30 50 550 1800

At least one pair raised two young in Worcester. A pair with locally bred young were at Bredons Hardwick on July 27. At Madeley Heath 120 were present on January 21 and 400 were estimated there on November 17.119 passed over Birlingham in 15 minutes on November 26. 250 were at Holt on December 14 with 300 at Hartlebury the next day. The count of 1800 at the Westwood roost on December 24, after strong south-westerly gales was a locality record. Birds dyed with orange-yellow from Stoke Orchard (G/os) were recorded at Throckmorton, Grimley and Westwood.

Staffs Monthly maxima at Westport Lake:

J F M A M J J A s O N D

932 414 222 13 27 29 87 94 509 649 460 260

46 flew over Barton on May 31. Belvide had maximum counts of 750 on February 18 and 510 on November 12. Blithfield roost held 1000on January 8, 700 on March 12, 620 on July 4, 2400 on September 9 and 2500 on November 5. Very few other records received.

WMid Monthly maxima at principal sites:

J F M A M J J A s O N . D

Sandwell Valley 70 115 120 25 5 4 35 4 12 70 16 21 Sheepwash U.P. 100 12 50 22 45 50 500 60 151 200 400 110

Possible breeding was noted at two localities in the City Centre and one in Smethwick. 53 birds were seen circling over Cradley Heath on May 28, whilst over 600 were counted at Dunstall Park on October 31 and 563 were counted rposting at Bartley on November 2.

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Worcs

Staffs

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

Subspecies: L f fusci is Adults showing the characteristics of this race were at Throckmorton from January 12 to 16 PFS and in the Westwood roost from November 23 to December 30 SMW.

One adult of this race was at Westport on January 31 WJL and one at Blithfield on March 7 JCE-D.

L.t.mtermecJius Adults considered to be of this race were at Westport on January 2, March 2 and November 20 WJL. Two were at Tittesworth on February 7 AH.

Herring Gull Counts at Coton and Draycote showed fluctuating roosting numbers. In the first period, 550 atCoton on January 2 and 1000 at Draycote on January 14 were noteworthy. In the second period peak numbers occurred in December with 800 at Coton on 27, falling to 450 on 31. At Draycote the only December count was 1150 on 30. The only other reasonable count was 100 at Judkins Quarry on January 29.

The largest winter concentrations included 270 at Madeley Heath on January 2, 35 at Westwood on January 13 and 130 at Throckmorton on January 15. In the late autumn 80 were at Madeley Heath on December 9, 20 at Hartlebury on December 15 and 400 at Throckmorton on December 24. A roost of 800 at Westwood on December 24 was a locality record.

Monthly maxima at Westport Lake:

J F M A M J J A s O N O

794 90 46 2 7 4 0 4 3 5 69 230

Other records included 200 at Belvide on January 6. 2000 at Blithfield on January 8 with 160 there on March 12 and 76 on November 5. The main mid-winter influx coincided with that of Great Black-backed Gull. 50 at Himley Tip on December 21 had increased to 600 on 26.

Monthly maxima at principal sites:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N •

Sandwell Valley Sheepwash U.P.

27 ao

62 3

60 1 — — 3 1

1 1

2 4 1 2

1 16 7 23

270 birds were counted at Tividale on January 1, with 30 in Dunstall Park on January 7 and again on December 20.

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Subspecies: Yellow-legged Gulls — Southern 'Cachinnans' group Birds showing characteristics of this race were recorded as follows:

Warks At Ladywalk three or four different individuals were possibly involved, as follows: Adults on July 15 JEF, 20 BLK, September 24 ARD, October 8 ARD, 14 and 15 BLK, November 4 and 7 BLK. A third-summer/fourth-winter bird on September 10 and 14 ARD was probably the bird later seen at Dosthill, just inside the county boundary, on December 26 and 27 ARD. An adult was also present there on December 27 ARD.

Worcs At Throckmorton an adult and a third-winter on January 9 PFS. A second-winter on January 15 GHP followed by an adult on February 20 PFS. A third-summer on July 22 GHP, SMW. Further adults on August 2 and October 2 PFS, followed by three adults from October 4 to 8 PFS. At least one adult remained until December 27 SMW was joined by second birds on November 6 SMW and December 1 PFS. Two fourth-winters were present on November 6 SMW, one of which remained until November 25 GHP, SMW. Finally three sub-adults on November 20 PFS, SMW. In the Westwood roost adults were noted on October 28, November 10 and regularly between December 7 and 25 with two present on December 20, 23 and 24 MJI, GHP, SMW. A first-winter was identified on November 22 SMW followed by a fourth-winter on November 25 GHP, SMW, a third-winter on December 23 and a second-winter on December 24 GHP, SMW.

Staffs One adult was at Belvide on January 10 GMH. One at Blithfield on January 14 S/WWand two adults on 15 JCE-D, GIG, PDHand one adult on January 19 GMH, single adults were present on September 9 WJL and November 19 GIG, PDH. At Chasewater two adults on November 13 MSG per GP, single adults were present on November 20 MSG per GP, 21 and 22 JPM. At Westport, regularly present throughout January several observers, with a maximum of five adults on January 3 WJL, PJS and three on January 20 WJL. Single adults were also present on February 11 WJL, November 23 AH, November 25 PJS and December 18 WJL.

WMid Adults were noted at Queslett Tip on March 3 JJB, August 2 JEF and December 21 JEF, PSF. A fourth-winter bird and a second-winter bird were at Bartley on December 25 INR.

L.argentatus — 'Omissus' type Worcs An adult showing characteristics of this type, was at Throckmorton from at

least October 20 to 22 GHP, PFS, SMW.

1988 Corrigendum To clarify the comment made in the Annual Report 1988:109 (iv). The putative Thayer's Gull at Galway City was present from March 17 to at least March 31,1989. Birding World2:125. It was obviously not present at a similar time as the bird reported from Chasewater (Staffs) from March 23 to 25 1988. The dates concerned are only at a similar time of year. Ed.

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Iceland Gull Warks A-first-winter was at Draycote on January 2 PDH and 3 GIG. Worcs A first-winter roosted at Westwood from December 11 to 14 and the same

bird visited Holt Tip on the latter date SMW et at. Staffs At Blithfield a first-winter from January 7 to 21 GMH et at. Another first-

winter on January 21 MJI, GJM and an adult on January 31 JCE-D. A third-or fourth-winter bird on February 5 DJA, GJM. A first-winter on March 3 and 4 MDJ. RKand bird moulting into first-summer plumage on March 12 JCE-D, GIG, PDH. At Chasewater a first-winter on January 27 JJH and a second-winter from February 25 to March 2 JJH. A first-winter on November 22 JPM. At Cannock Tip a first-winter on January 21) JHMand an adult on February 5 MJH. At Westport an adult on January 21 WJL, a first-winter on January 29 WJL and a first-winter on December 16 WJL.

W Mid A first-winter was at Queslett Tip on most days from January 1 to at least 27 JEF, RRH, MDJ. A first-year was at the same location on February 25 TCH, SGAH, with an adult present on February 27 JEF. Another first-winter was at Dunstall Park on March 18 FD, AD, DJ. In the second winter period, a probable second-winter bird was at Dunstall on December 18 AD. A first-winter bird was again at Queslett Tip on December 29 JEF, whilst another first-winter was at Sheepwash U.P. on December 31 GP.

1988 Addendum Warks First-winter birds were at Coton on January 3 ARD and Draycote on

February 10 AC and 13 PDH.

Glaucous Gull Warks As in 1988, most occurrences were in the first winter period, followed by

an influx in late December. Draycote was again favoured with nine different birds against only five in the Tame Valley. For ease of reference the records are listed numerically: Coton First-winter (1) January 11 SMW. (2) & (3) December 27 ARD. Third-winter (1) January 2 ARD, MDR, 7, 8 and 29 ARD (also seen at Ladywalk on January 27 and 29 BLK). Adult (1) January 21 ARD. Draycote First-winter{1) & (2) January 14 REH, PDH, DJS. (3) February 25 REH, PDH, DJS. (4) March 5 ARD. (5) December 20 GIG, 23 REH, PDH, GJM. Third-winter (1) January 21 REH, PDH, DJS. (2) February 12 ARD, REH, DJS. Adult (1) January 7 REH, PDH, DJS. (2) December 23 PDH.

Worcs The first-winter, first seen at Madeley Heath on December 30 1988 remained there until January 6 SMW, PFR. First-winters were also seen at Berry Mound (two) MJI, GJM and Throckmorton GHP on February 25 with at least one seen again at Berry Mound on February 27 GIG and March 11

111

GJM. An adult in the Westwood roost on November 18 WD, SMW remained for a short period the following morning GHP.

Staffs At Belvide single first-winter birds on January 1 and 2 PKD, SJ, SN, DS, January 7 and 8 MJI, GJM which was considered the same bird as the one feeding early that day at Cannock Tip. January 15,17, 29, SA/and February 11 PKD. At Blithfield single first-winter birds on January 1 GIG, PDH and 6 MDJ. A third-winter on January 6 MDJ. Adults on January 8 JCE-D, GIG, PDH and 14 MJI, GJM, S/WWwith single first-winters January 14 DJA, 22 DJA, JCE-D, GIG, PDH, 27 MDJ and 31 JCE-D. Single first-winter and third-winter on February 12 JCE-D, WJL. First-winter on February 17 MDJand 18 DWE. First-winter and third-winter again on February 19 JCE-D, GIG, PDH. Single third-winter on February 20 DJA and 26 GIG, PDH, MJI, GJM, with two first-winters on 26 as well GIG, PDH, MJI, GJM. Single first-winters on March 2 GNJ, 5 DJA, JCE-D, GIG, PDH, March 11 Bf land one moulting into first-summer on March 12 WJL, with adult on March 17 MDJ. At Chasewater two first-winters and single second-winter on January 28 JJH. Single first-winter on February 3 JJH, GJM, MDJ. Singlefirst-, second-and fourth-winter birds on February 15 JJH followed by single first-winters on 17 MDJ, 19 RAH, 22 JJH and 28 GMH with adult on 25 JJH, RRH. First- and second-winter birds on March 2 JJH. During the second winter period single first- and second-winter birds on December 17 GIG, JJH, PDH and first-winters on December 28 RAH, December 29 MDJ and December 31 GMH. At Kingswood single first-winters on February 19 MJH and December 23 NAF. At Cannock Tip single first-winters during January on 8 MJI, GJM, 12 EBB, 14 SMW, 19 EBB, 20 JPM, 21 MJI, GJM, and two on 29 MJH. Single first-winters on February 5 MJH, 6 and 9 EBB. At Westport single first-winters on January 8 AH, PJ, WJL and January 19 WJL.

1988 Corrigendum First-winter on February 28 and adult on February 29 at Westport WJL and not as stated.

Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrid Worcs A third-winter was at Throckmorton on January 14 GHP.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks Maxima based on 11 counts:

J F D

Coton 157 210 Draycote 50 , 47 114

The roost at Coton held an average of 123 birds based on five late December counts. 32 at Ladywalk on December 28 was the only other count of any significance.

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Worcs In the winter period, 20 at Madeley Heath on January 2 was the highest figure recorded. Elsewhere, eight were at Throckmorton on January 14, up to three were in the Westwood roost in January and February with smaller numbers being seen at Berry Mound and Bredons Hardwick. Present at Throckmorton again from July 16 with a peak of ten on December 26. Small numbers in the Westwood roost from November onwards with five there on December 24. A single was on Powick Hams on December 26.

Staffs Records conformed to the now expected pattern: large numbers in mid-winter, a rapid departure in February-March and a slow build-up in late autumn with December influx. Belvide had a maximum of 25 on January 8 with a single third-summer on July 4 and three on 23. Blithfield had 300 on January 8 with just three on March 12 and a late first-summer on April 24. An adult had returned by October 29 with eight on November 12. At Cannock Tip there were 300 on January 20. Chasewater counts illustrate the autumn-build up with 32 on November 21,270 on December 28 and 510 on 30 (the observer remembering seeing four here in the sixties, then a record count!). An influx at Himley Tip resulted in 50 on December 26. At Westport a maximum of 13 on January 3.

WMid Small numbers were reported from Birmingham City Centre, Dunstall Park, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash U.P., Tividale (seven on January 1), Valley Park and Willenhall M.P.

Klttiwake

O / ^ 'go

(John Martin)

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Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

Last year's unprecedented numbers did not re-occur. Adults were seen at Draycote on February 18 and October 29 and at Kingsbury on January 15 and May 13. An adult roosted at Westwood on February 4 and presumably the same bird was at Upton Warren the next day. Two were at Throckmorton on February 16 followed by an oiled adult at Larford on February 17; further adults were at Upton Warren on February 19 and Westwood on February 22. Singles were at Throckmorton on March 1 and March 20. Adults were again at Westwood on April 8 and Bredons Hardwick on April 18. An exhausted juvenile was at Bittell on August 21. First-winters were at Madeley Heath and Upton Warren on November 7. An adult was at Bredons Hardwick on December 17, followed by a first-winter there on December 24. Another first-winter was at Throckmorton on December 23, whilst an adult roosted at Westwood on the same day. Belvide, single adults on February 16 and March 1, two on May 9 and an immature on 23. At Blithfield a first-winter on March 21. Chasewater had an adult on February 1 and an immature on April 27 and 29. Chillington, one on April 2 and Westport two adults on February 14. A small influx in late August with an immature at Barton on 23, 24 and an adult and immature at Blithfield on 25. A good crop of records in the county, particularly in March. The bulk of records refer to single adults, with birds at Sheepwash U.P. on January 4 and February 14, Brierley Hill Pools on March 19, a dead individual found in Sandwell Valley on March 24 with five present the next day and a single adult at Dunstall Park also on March 25. Sandwell Valley then held the monopoly on records, with one on April 23, 34 flying north at dusk on November 3 and a final flock of five birds on November 11.

Gull-billed Tern

(John Martin)

114

Staffs An adult was at Blithfield on June 19 WJL et al. This was the first county record. A large stocky Tern almost as big as accompanying Black-headed Gull with a thick neck, large head and deep chested although slimmer body than Black-headed Gull. Head, solid long black cap from base of upper mandible, through eye to base of nape where it joined the grey of the mantle, the rest of the head was white and a dark eye. Bill was short, thick and black. Throat and underparts were white. Due to the light conditions the exact tones of the mantle and wing coverts were variable, at first they appeared pale grey, much paler than the surrounding Black-headed Gulls in the intense afternoon sunlight but later they looked much darker. Upperwlng pale grey, inflight the primaries showed darker shafts with an indistinct trailing edge forming a narrow line and at rest the primaries were slightly darker than the rest of the upperparts with the extreme edges paler. Underwing whitish showing a distinct thick dark line across the tips of the primaries when flighting against the sun and although it was silhouetted the light shone through the primaries giving a translucent effect. Tail and rump were not really visible even In flight therefore 'the greyish tones' shown by Gull-billed Tern could not be seen. The tail was short and squarish though a slight fork was apparent when the tail was spread. Legs long and black with black feet.

Sandwich Tern Warks After an early record at Draycote on March 28, others followed atShustoke

on April 11 and at Brandon on April 23 (two). In autumn, two were at Draycote on September 9, with three there on 10, when two were atCoton.

Worcs One flew high over Upton Warren on June 27. Seven were noted at Bittell on September 22, whilst a single was at Wilden on September 25.

Staffs One at Chasewater on April 7. A tired bird at Westport on April 12 and 13 may have been different to a corpse found on 20. At Belvide three on April 27, a remarkable 22 in heavy rain on May 23 and single birds on June 13, July 23 and September 13. Three at Blithfield on September 8.

Common Tern Average: April 11 (4) to October 10 (4)

Warks Breeding birds or juveniles were present in the Kingsbury area from April 16 until August 28. 20 were present there on May 14 and 30 on 27. At least 30 young were present by late June and at least 70 birds in total on July 23. A party of 25 at Coton on May 20 were probably passage birds as were 20 juveniles seen at Coton on September 10. At Draycote, spring birds were present from May 1 to June 11, with a maximum of nine on June 19. In autumn, up to ten were present between August 13 and September 23. Elsewhere only occasional occurrences with maxima of 12 at Alvecote, three at Brandon, two at Earlswood and ten at Seeswood.

Worcs Parties of one to three birds noted at Bittell, Bredons Hardwick, Holt, Larford, Throckmorton, Upton Warren, Westwood and Wilden between April 23 and September 12. Maxima of seven adults at Westwood on May 21 and 16 there on September 9.

Staffs At least 11 pairs nested at Barton with approximately 30 young fledged. Fairly low numbers during the spring passage. Notable return counts were 26 at Blithfield in late August and 13 at Westport on August 25. Also noted on passage at Belvide, Betley, Borrowpit Lake, Branston, Chasewater, Doxey, Elford, Kettlebrook, Knypersley and Lichfield.

115

W Mid Two pairs plus a single bird were present throughout May to July just west of Meriden, but no proof of breeding here; whilst up to two pairs were again present in Sandwell Valley during June and July (peaking at seven on August 23). At Sheepwash U.P., two to four birds were present on a fairly regular basis from mid-June to mid-July with a peak of 21 on July 8 being particularly notable. Elsewhere, birds were reported from Sutton Park on May 26, June 29 and July 11, Park Lime Pits on July 1, Netherton Reservoir on July 8, Dunstall Park (a first record for the locality) and Brierley Hill Pools on July 12, Bartley on August 26 and September 12 (two) and flying over Small Heath by-pass on September 19. A first-summer bird, previously known as a 'portlandica-type' was in Sandwell Valley on May 29.

Arctic Tern Warks Passage commenced on April 23 with one at Draycote. 40 at Shustoke on

April 27 preceded 24 there on 29 and 54 at Draycote the same day. The only record for the return passage involved four juveniles at Shustoke on October 27.

Worcs An early bird was at Bredons Hardwick on April 7, followed by another at Upton Warren on April 23. Seven were at Bredons Hardwick on July 7 with one at Bittell on July 30. An exhausted juvenile remained at Upton Warren from August 11 to 18. One was at Bredons Hardwick on August 29. Two adults were at Larford on September 9 followed by an immature there on September 24. Finally, one was at Westwood on October 24.

Staffs Passage was again very much concentrated in the last few days of April. On April 27 there were 30 at Belvide and 20 at Blithfield while on April 29 there were 30 there and 13 at Chasewater. The few other records showing a maximum of four together all fell between April 21 and May 12 or August 20 and September 10 apart from a late adult at Blithfield on November 11.

WMid An exceptionally early bird was reported from Edgbaston Reservoir on April 2. The only other spring records concerned a total of 24 birds flying through Bartley Reservoir on April 29, and a single in Sandwell Valley on May 20. Return passage birds were only recorded at Sheepwash U.P., and consisted of singles on August 28, September 3 and 12.

Little Tern Worcs One was at both Upton Warren and Westwood on May 9. Staffs Singles were at Belvide on May 9 and 23, Westport on May 21 and two at

Blithfield on June 24.

Black Tern Warks The first record of the year came from Coton on May 3. Between May 6 and

23, 52 birds were seen at Coton, Draycote, Earlswood and Shustoke. The peak period was in early May when parties of ten and 21 were seen on 6 and 8 at Coton and eight were seen at Draycote on 9. Autumn passage commenced on July 9 at Coton after a sole June record on 18 at Brandon.

116

Numbers were disappointing with only two flocks, the remaining records involved singles at Coton, Draycote, Kingsbury, Ladywalk (where unusual) and Shustoke. The flocks were nine at Coton on August 19 and four at Shustoke on September 9.

Worcs A short spring passage produced singles at Larford and Westwood on April 27. Three more at Westwood on May 6 increased to five on May 8, when two were also at Bredons Hardwick. Autumn singles were at Westwood from September 4 to 6, at Bittell on September 11 and Bredons Hardwick on September 23. An adult still in full summer plumage was at Wilden on October 28 followed by a very late immature at Westwood on November 6 WD.

Staffs A poor year with 24 at Belvide on May 8 the only count above ten. Small numbers were noted at Blithfield, Betley Mere, Barton, Knypersley and Tittesworth. A late bird at Belvide on October 29 and 30.

Stock Dove Warks Up to 75 were regular at Draycote from January to March with a maximum

of 114 on March 9. 250 at Hartshill Sewage Farm on September 14 was exceptional with 80 at Burton Hastings on October 17. At Ladywalk, a leucistic bird was present on July 17 and a melanistic bird on July 23.

Worcs A total of 32 pairs was recorded in the breeding season from the Malverns and the Old Hills. Bred at Beckford, Lynall's Coppice and noted as a common breeder at Hagley Hall. Flocks of 90 were at Broadway on February 19 and 106 at Throckmorton on July 1. Smaller gatherings were reported from Belbroughton, Church Lench, Larford, Lenchwick, Strensham and Upton Warren.

Staffs A flock of 65 at Barton on January 31. At Belvide, flocks of 50 on February 18,30 on March 6 and 20 on October 27.20fed in af ield near Swallow Moss on April 4. Over 100 feeding at Needwood Airport on April 15 and 175 on October 22.

W Mid At least three pairs bred in the Sandwell Valley, with at least two pairs in the Aldersley/Oxley area of Valley Park. A pair probably bred at Park Lime Pits, where displaying and prospecting were noted in March and April. Elsewhere birds were reported from Cocks Moors Golf Course throughout the year, Edgbaston Park, Knowle and Trittiford Park. The only flock of any note concerned nine birds at Valley Park on March 8.

1988 Corrigendum Worcs The number of pairs for Castlemorton Common, Old Hills and Malvern

should have been 30 not 54.

Wood Pigeon Warks The only noteworthy record was 600 at Brandon on November 5. Worcs During the winter period the largest flocks included 800 at Little Malvern

on January 15, 250 at Castlemorton Common on January 22, 500 near Guarlford in late January, 500 at Strensham on February 18, 130 at

117

Wickhamford on February 14 and 245 at Church Lench on March 31. The only autumn data received involved a movement of 600 birds over Barnard's Green on November 1.

Staffs A flock of 500 was on Rickerscote flood meadows on January 14. At Belvide I68 on January 15 and b5B on February 25. 200 at Great Wyrley in February.

WMid Breeding was noted at Brandwood Cemetery, Sandwell Valley and Trittiford Park. The only flocks reported were 200 at Knowle on January 8, 125 at Stubbers Green on February 2, 90 at Sheepwash U.P. on February 15, 90 at Willenhall Memorial Park on April 9 and 200 at Park Lime Pits on April 22. In the autumn, 150 birds were regularly noted flying over Valley Park and 133 were counted in the Willenhall area on December 28. Reported from a further eight localities.

Collared Dove Warks 25 were regularly seen at Devitts Green and 30 at Whateley. Worcs Widely distributed throughout the county. Concentrations included 34 at

Wickhamford on June 14 and 57 at Abberton on September 23. Staffs A flock of over 150 at Penkridge on November 10 and at Belvide a flock in

Dficernhfir huilt up to over 50. WMid Confirmed breeding at Brandwood Cemetery and the Sandwell Valley. 68

were roosting regularly at Bloxwich in January, with 84 on a factory roof in Aldridge on September 15 and up to 30 feeding in a boatyard in Valley Park during the autumn. Elsewhere up to 17 were noted as being resident in a Hall Green garden, with records from Highbury Park, Knowle (where it is said to be common), Moseley Woods, the Four Oaks area of Sutton Coldfield (where again said to be very common) and Trittiford Park.

Turtle Dove Average: April 25 (54) to September 24 (54)

Warks A possible reduction this year was noted specifically at Brandon. Singing males were heard at Alvecote, Bentley, Brailes, Great Packington (two), Kingsbury (five), Radway, Wasperton (six), Wootton Wawen (three), and Wroxall (three).

Worcs Nested successfully at Little Comberton and recorded from 20 other localities during the breeding season. Only seven singing males located on the Malvern Hills and Commons this year. Concentrations included 32 at Wickhamford on June 30,25 at Bredons Hardwick on August 15 and 21 at Throckmorton on September 17.

Staffs Singing males noted at Aqualate, Chillington, Lordsley and Meaford Power Station. Several breeding season sightings came from Elford, Barton, Hollies Common, Mytholme and Whitemoor Haye. Seen on passage at Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Croxall, Doxey, Hanch and High Offley.

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Breeding near Meriden was a distinct possibility, where a pair were noted in May, and a bird again noted in late July. Spring migrants were present in Sandwell Valley on May 7,14 and 23, Bartley on May 16 and Sheepwash U.P. on May 21. Another bird was present in Sandwell Valley on the unusual date of June 25, with autumn migrants here on August 13 and 24 and at Wharf Lane Sand Pit, Brownhills on September 18.

Ring-necked Parakeet One at Doxey on August 6 was presumed to have escaped from a nearby aviary. One at Bartley Reservoir on July 4 JJB, with a male in Scotland Lane, Bartley Green on November 30 feeding on Hawthorn berries DJH.

Cuckoo Average: April 11 (53) to September 6 (52) Heard at 15 sites. Two juveniles remained at Kenilworth until August 16. Reported from 20 scattered localities within the county. The breeding season census of the Malvern Hills and Commons gave a total of about 23 singing birds. Six were on Castlemorton Common on June 13. Only two young were raised at Doxey compared to five last year. Elsewhere records were also down with birds only noted at 14 sites. Reported during May and June from Bartley, Knowle, Netherton Hill (two on May 10), Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley (three on May 3), Solihull, Sutton Park (two birds on June 2) and Valley Park (two on May 20 and 21). A juvenile was present in Sandwell Valley on July 8, with an adult at Fordhouses, Wolverhampton on July 10 and another juvenile at Mushroom Green on August 10.

Barn Owl Five pairs were known to have bred successfully, all in the south of the county. Winter records were received from Chadshunt, Coton, Freasley, Furnace End, Hurley, Kineton, Lighthorne, Moreton Paddox, Oxhill, Shustoke and Whatcote. Noted during the breeding season at Bredons Norton, Little Comberton and near Romsley. Outside the breeding season reported from Aldington, Blackmore Park, Bredon Hill, Callington, Hadley, Hinton on the Green, Larford, Martin Hussingtree, Norchard, Radford, Shelsley Walsh, Upton Warren, Warndon and Wilden where one of two birds was found killed in the late autumn. Two pairs bred at a Western locality. Birds noted in the breeding season from the following locations: Abbots Bromley, Ashwood, Doxey, Gnosall railway line, Greensforge, Hopwas, Newport, Rocester, Shipley, Swallow Moss and a bird was seen feeding around Junction 16 of the M6 on several occasions.

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(Terry Parker)

Warks Reported from 27 widespread sites with an equal presence in the north and south of the county.

Worcs Breeding pairs reported from Beckford, Bredon, Bredons Hardwick (two), Cleeve Prior, Larford, Ombersley, Rushock, Stone, Throckmorton, Tibberton and Upton Warren (two). Reported from a further 27 sites including Abberton where there are still three or four resident pairs.

Staffs Widespread in the county with records from 36 locations. WMid No confirmed breeding, although a pair were seen at Chadwick End, just

south of Knowle in April with one of the pair entering a hole in a tree. In spring, single birds were noted at Bradnock's Marsh, Fulford Heath near Earlswood, Heronfield, Kenilworth and by the A34 close to Junction 4 of the M42. June records were received from Redhill and Moseley Hall and Northycote Farm in the Wolverhampton area. Autumn records came from Park Lime Pits (two), Pelsall and Sandwell Valley. Up to three birds were present in the Bartley/Frankley area throughout the year.

Tawny Owl Warks Only 12 records received but still thought of as widespread and possibly

on the increase in some northern areas. Worcs Breeding confirmed at Defford Airfield, Great Malvern, Lynall's Coppice

and Malvern Wells. Reported from a further 19 localities throughout the year.

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Staffs Two pairs bred at Belvide where an owlet with an injured leg was taken into care but eventually died. Also reported from a further 22 widespread localities.

WMid Suspected as having bred in Brandwood Cemetery and at Knowle. Present throughout the year in Valley Park. Records were also received from Cocks Moors Woods, Hayhead Wood (a pair, on a fairly regular basis), Meriden, Moseley, Sandwell Valley (sadly, one of a well known roosting pair was killed deliberately) and a garden in Walsall.

Long-eared Owl Warks One at Chesterton on February 19, one at Gaydon on October 14 and one

trapped at Brandon on November 26. A roost discovered last year near Kineton again held birds in the second winter period with up to four being present.

Worcs One was found shot near Ombersley on March 27. One was seen roosting at Upton Warren on November 5.

Staffs The now regular roost at Park Hall held a maximum of 12 birds, four leaving in April and eight staying until May 20. A pair bred at Coombes Valley and also a pair on the North Staffs moors. Elsewhere singles noted in the Manifold Valley on May 1 and at Needwood Airport on September 24.

WMid A bird was seen in the Sandwell Valley on January 22 and 26, with up to two birds reported here from November 10 to at least December 19. A bird roosted at Sheepwash U.P. from November 4 until December 12.

Short-eared Owl Warks Good numbers in the Tame Valley did not materialise this year, although

elsewhere, records were far more widespread. One or two were present at Draycote from January 8 to April 8 and one or two remained in the Lighthorne, Compton Verney and Gaydon area from January 8 to March 7. Other, occasional, singles were seen at Kenilworth on March 28, Coton on April 20, Poolfields on April 14 and Tysoe on April 29. Between April 8 and 10 a small movement probably took place with singles at Bermuda, Curdworth and Ladywalk. In the second winter period the first record was of two at Kingsbury on September 16 and one or two were usually present there from November 11 to the year's end. Singles were seen at Bermuda from October 29 to November 4 (later found dead), Draycote on November 26 and Brandon on December 27 and 29. Two were present at Poolfields from October 8 to 30.

Worcs One at Throckmorton on January 22 was joined by a second bird on January 24. One was mobbed by crows at Castlemorton Common on March 24, followed by one over Bredon Hill on April 7. One remained at Upton Warren from April 14 to 19 and was seen again on April 27. One flew over North Hill on September 23. One or two present at Throckmorton from October 15 to 21 and finally one at Upton Warren on October 29.

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Staffs No breeding records received and sightings were mainly of long staying birds. In the first winter period, reported from Belvide, one during January and one on March 28. Berry Hill which is becoming a regular spot for winter birds had seven on January 29. Catholme on February 19. Croxall Pool from February 19 to April 18. Three at Cuckoo Bank on January 8. At least two birds at Doxey from March 10 to the end of the year, with three on July 29. Draycott-in-the-Clay on March 11. Elford from February 19 to April 24. Mytholme on February 19. Two at Park Hall on Apri l 8. Pelsall Wood on April 13 and at Swallow Moss in varying numbers from January to March with a maximum of six on February 16. Few autumn records, apart from Doxey, singles noted at Belvide on October 17 and Swallow Moss on November 25 and December 28.

W Mid Up to four birds were noted near Meriden from January to at least March 18. Singles were noted at Sandwell Valley on January 29, March 4 and April 27, with at least two birds present throughout October and up to December 5. A bird was in Dunstall Park/Valley Park from April 12 to 15 and was the first recent record for the locality. A single bird flew over Sheepwash U.P. on the afternoon of October 30.

Nightjar Average: May 16 (49) to August 22 (36)

Warks One seen hawking insects at dusk over Seeswood Pool on August 19 MO. This is the second county record in two years after an absence of 20 years.

Staffs A survey carried out on Cannock Chase throughout the summer months, suggested a breeding population of 24 to 26 pairs.

Swift Average: April 23 (55) to September24 (55)

Warks Flocks were generally small this year, although this was probably due to the fine weather keeping birds higher than usual. 200 and 400 at Brandon in May and June were the best numbers reported by far.

Worcs The first influx of any number was 22 at Westwood on Apri 127 fol lowed by a build-up of 200 there by May 12.300 were flying over a freshly-cut hay field at Interfield on June 23, while 100 were over Perseverance Hill, Malvern on June 30.140 were feeding over stubbles at Elmley Castle on July 13 and the only early autumn build-up was 25 at Wilden on August 2.

Staffs Few breeding records were received. Notable counts were 250 at Chasewater on May 13,1500 at Blithfield on June 2, 500 at Belvide in early June and 300 at Doxey on August 3.

WMid Breeding records came from King's Heath and several localities in Knowle. An early bird was in Sandwell Valley on April 20, with the main arrival here on May 20 when 200 were present. Other notable concentrations included 250 at Sheepwash U.P. on July 5,150flying south-west over Harborne in front of a storm on July 6 and up to 60 in mid-July over Valley Park. Reported from a further nine localities.

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Kingfisher Breeding season reports from Alvecote, Brandon, Chesterton, Compton Verney, Compton Wynyales, Earlswood, Eathorpe, Farnborough, Great Packington, Kineton, Ladbroke, Middleton, Polesworth, Stoneleigh and Warwick Castle Park. Breeding reported from Bredons Hardwick, Evesham, Lower Moor, The Knapp, Powick, Upton Warren and Wilden. Other breeding season records from Bittell, Bransford, Crowle, Chateau Impney, Dowles Brook, Fladbury, Kyre Pool, Larford, Mary Brook, New Mills Bridge, Offenham, Porter's Mill, Strensham and Westwood. Seen at a further 13 localities outside the breeding season. Reported from 25 sites in the breeding season with a maximum of four pairs in the Trentham area. Bred at Park Lime Pits, where a brood of newly fledged young were observed on August 8. A pair attempted to breed in Valley Park but sadly failed, with unconfirmed reports of breeding along the River Cole in Yardley Wood and breeding in Sandwell Valley a distinct possibility. Elsewhere reported from Brierley Hill Pools, Cannon Hill Park, Hayhead Wood, Knowle, Lifford, Olton, Rushall, a garden in Solihull, Slubbers Green, Sutton Park, Temple Balsall, Trittiford Park and Walsall Arboretum. Seems to be generally quite common even in the most built-up of areas and on the dirtiest stretches of canal and river.

Hoopoe One was seen at Offenham Cross on January 29 and 31 per S/WWfollowed by one at Great Comberton from April 9 to 13 perSMW.

Wryneck An unusually early record was of one in a garden at Stratford on July 21 per J AH. One visited a Worcester garden on the evening of April 30 and was seen briefly again the following morning RJH. Singles followed in the autumn at Newland on August 20 CB, STB and at Greenhill, Evesham on September 13 GHP.

One in Sandwell Valley on September 24 DC, BM, a first for that locality.

Green Woodpecker Recorded at 17 widely spaced localities with one or two creeping into gardens in the more rural areas. Breeding reported from Bredon Hill, Castlemorton Common, Habberley Valley, Happy Valley, Hartlebury Common, Hillditch Coppice, Hillpool, Stourport, Tibberton and Wilden. Up to ten frequently recorded from the Malvern Hills and Commons with a maxima of four adults and nine juveniles on North Hill — Happy Valley on July 30. Reported from 22 other localities throughout the year.

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Breeding pairs noted at Coombes Valley (three), possibly two at Elford and a pair at Treapwood were seen using a hole that had been used previously that year by a Pied Flycatcher. Also noted at a further 19 sites with a maximum of six seen in Oldacre Valley on August 6. One, possibly two pairs bred in the Sandwell Valley. Noted in the breeding season from the following localities: Knowle, Marston Green, Meriden, Park Lime Pits and Sutton Park (three territories located on the north-east side). Reported as having declined locally in recent years in the Dunstall Park/Valley Park area, although a juvenile was noted in June. Other reports from Brierley Hill Pools, Brueton Park, Edgbaston, Temple Balsall Church and farmland at Willenhall (apparently the first local record since 1982).

Great Spotted Woodpecker Undoubtedly under-recorded in summer as there were only records from eight sites. The value of ringing information was underlined when no less than 15 different adults were ringed in a small area of Packington Park in October, November and December. Bred at British Camp, Hartlebury Common, Hillpool, Hurcott, Ipsley Alders, Stoke Bliss, Stourport and West Hagley. Reported from a further 28 localities throughout the year. Records received from 20 localities. Confirmed breeding at Cocks Moors Golf Course, Edgbaston Park, Halesowen, Ham Dingle, Sandwell Valley (at least three pairs) and Tettenhall College Wood. Recorded throughout the year at Park Lime Pits, Sutton Park and Valley Park. Reported from a further 12 sites, with garden records received from Fordhouses, King's Heath and West Heath.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Summer or breeding records were received from Brandon, Kineton, Merevale, Packington (four pairs) and Shustoke. Recorded at a further eight sites in winter. Bred at Hillpool. Recorded at Alfrick, Broadway, Chase End Hill, Crowle, Dowles Brook, Elmley Castle, Hunnington, Westwood and Worcester during the breeding season. Noted at ten further sites outside the breeding season. No confirmed breeding records received. Reported from ten localities. Still remains scarce in the county, or perhaps just undetected! The only breeding record concerned a pair nesting in a Birch tree at the Osier Bed near Aldridge. First winter period records were received from a garden in Fordhouses, Meriden and Temple Balsall. The second winter period produced only two records, a male feeding on an Apple tree in a Hall Green garden on December 12 and a bird at a feeding station in Valley Park on a couple of occasions in December.

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Skylark Warks A general decline appears to continue which was noted specifically at

Alvecote MAA. Only three flocks were noted. 75 at Alvecote on January 20, 23 at Temple Herdewycke on January 8 and 80 at Wellesbourne Airfield between November 26 and the year end.

Worcs The count of breeding season singing males along the Malvern Hills and Commons produced 45. Five pairs were at Shenstone. In the winter period, flocks included 36 at Bredons Hardwick on January 1,46 at Church Lench on February 5 and 35 at Throckmorton on January 18. Late autumn-winter build-ups were evident at: Bredons Hardwick with 60 there on November 5,40 at Westwood on the same day, 100 at Larford on November 8 and 80 at Grimley on December 17.

Staffs Only one pair bred on the Doxey CBC (1988:two). Singing birds reported from Belvide (three), Cannock Chase (several), Hopwas (two), Kingswood (several) and Warwickshire Moor (two). A flock of 80 at Anslow on December 7. At Blithfield 50 on February 7. 150 flew over Belvide in two hours on October 19 and in adjacent fields 150 were present on November 9. Around 50 flew south-east over Hednesford on September 16.175 were atNeedwood Airport on November 1 and 100 by Eland BroOk on November 27.

WMid Confirmed breeding at Dunstall Park (at least two successful pairs) and the Sandwell Valley (in excess of ten pairs). Probable breeding at Park Lime Pits (four pairs), with singing birds noted at Coseley, Knowle, Meriden (three), Russells Hall and the north-east side of Sutton Park (11). Notable counts included 20 at a Compton barley field on January 21, 57 at Meriden shafts on February 5, 30 at Clayhanger on November 5 and 40 flew north-west over Mushroom Green on December 10.

Sand Martin Average: March 23 (54) to October 9 (54)

Warks Small numbers attempted to nest at Kingsbury and Middleton. Numbers in spring were a little higher than in recent years. 350 occurred at Shustoke on March 30 and April 4 and 250 were there on three dates in April. 150 were at Kingsbury on March 30 and 100 at Draycote on April 29. Heavy sleet at Packington on April 5 forced 74 birds to fly in a very slow del iberate manner in order to pick insects from the water surface. In autumn, 65 at Kingsbury on July 18 and 100 at Packington on August 6 were fairly disappointing post-breeding numbers.

Worcs Breeding colonies included 180 pairs at Beckford, 86 pairs at Bredons Hardwick, 22 pairs at Lower Moor and 25 pairs at Powick. 210 holes were counted at a new colony at Brinton's No. 6 Factory at Kidderminster on June 25 while another 200 holes were estimated at a site near Stourport. The Grimley colony held at least 100 pairs. After an early arrival concentrations included 110 at Larford and 200 at Upton Warren on March 28 with over 100 at Westwood the next day. 100+ were at Bredons Hardwick on April 7 while up to 250 fed over Westwood for most of April.

Sanderling, Chasewater, June 1989 (Phill Ward)

Redstart, Broadway, June 1989 (Eric Harvey)

Brambling, Chasewater, March 1989 (Phill Ward)

r i g r m ' % * •# J" • V i H I I I H H K S P r F s H Snow Bunting, Chasewater, November 1989 (Phill Ward)

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Smaller autumn flocks Included 70 at Bredons Hardwick on September 17 and 50 at Brakemill on September 23.

Staffs Nested at Alrewas (30), Barton (20), with many more on the Derbyshire side and Croxden (26). The only large passage counts were 400 at Belvidp on April 3 and Blithfield on April 24.

WMid The only breeding record came from Cornets End, where up to 125 pairs were present. In spring birds were noted at Bartley Reservoir on March 16 (three in a sleet shower!), 30 in the Sandwell Valley in late March/early April, Park Lime Pits and 40 at Bradnock's Marsh on April 28. The only autumn records came from Sandwell Valley, where a small passage began on July 5 with small numbers on most days during August. Two late birds here on October 21.

Swallow Average: April 1 (55) to November 3 (55)

Warks Only 11 flocks of over 100 birds were noted. 100 at Draycote on April 29 was the only spring record of note. In autumn, Alvecote saw roosting numbers of 1000 on September 5 and 3000 on 13, but otherwise, numbers were disappointing. A maximum of only 250 were recorded at the Brandon roost. Elsewhere 500 at Draycote and 300 at Shustoke on September 9 were the best flocks.

Worcs Bred at Bishampton, Broughton Hacket, Pershore, Westwood and Broadway where brood numbers were high and 50 + juveniles assembled on August 3. The only spring flocks reported were 50 at Westwood on April 23,40 at Upton Warren on April 17 and 25 at Bredons Hardwick on April 20. Birds were more numerous in the autumn with 165 moving south at Little Comberton on August 4 and 400 at Upton Warren on August 25. 80 were at both Castlemorton Common and Church Lench on September 6 with 65 at Bredons Hardwick on September 3. A small passage occurred over Wickhamford during early October.

Staffs Notable spring counts of 1000 at Blithfield on April 24 and 500 at Belvide on April 27. Exceptional numbers again roosted at Doxey from August 19to21 with estimates into 10000s, and up to 600 roosted at Betley. An autumn count of 1000 at Blithfield on September 17 was notable.

W Mid Bred in the Knowle area, Sandwell Valley and Valley Park (two pairs). An early, notable arrival in the West Midlands County with birds reported at Netherton Reservoir and Sandwell Valley on March 28. The only notable spring concentration comprised 30 birds in Sandwell Valley on April 21 and 29. Summer records from Lifford, Moseley and Trittiford. Autumn passage included 20 birds over Compton barley field on August 21, 30 birds flying over Sutton Park on August 30, 30 birds through Sandwell Valley on September 2 and many moving south over Knowle in small groups all day on September 17.

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House Martin Average»• April 8 (55) to November 1 (55)

.Warks No breeding numbers recorded. Return passage flocks were reasonable with maxima of 200 at Arley and Brandon, 1500 at Draycote on September 9 (in cold weather) and 400 at Shustoke the next day.

Worcs Five pairs bred at Abberton and 20-30 nests were counted at Norgrove Court. At West Malvern nests were down slightly to 23 this year compared to 29 in 1988. Breeding reports also from Crowle, where five nests on one house was the best ever; Bishampton, Broughton Hacket, Dunhampstead, Himbleton, Peopleton, West Hagley and Worcester. Largest spring flock was 60 at Westwood on May 12 with 200 there on June 8. Autumn concentrations included 150 at Larford and 100 at Upton Warren on July 31 and 500 at Upton Warren on August 25. Large numbers of up to 700 were recorded over the northern Malvern Hills during the second half of September and early October. Elsewhere 80 were at Bredons Hardwick on September 10.

Staffs Breeding noted at Tamworth and Upper Longdon with six and 25 respectively. The only notable count was 200 at Belvide on August 4.

WMid Breeding reported from the Aldridge area, where apparently quite widespread, on the Graham Street Sikh Temple in Birmingham city centre, Cheswick Green and on the periphery of Sandwell Valley. Seen in large flocks regularly at Brandwood Cemetery, Cannon Hill Park, Jasmin Croft recreation ground, Lifford Pool and Trittiford Park. 200 were in the Sandwell Valley on August 8, with 'hundreds' feeding over Aldersley in early September, 150 near Meriden on September 19 and 60 on telephone wires in Aldridge on September 21.

Tree Pipit Average: April 7 (52) to September 20 (50)

Warks There were few reports this year and the first negative return at Wootton Wawen in the last nine years. Pairs were present in the breeding season at Baddesley Common (five), Wood End and Whichford Wood. Passage birds were seen at Packington, Seeswood (three) and Wellesbourne Wood.

Worcs Bred at Church Lench, Devil's Spittleful, Greenhill and Offenham. Recorded from the length of the Malvern Hills and. on Castlemorton Common with selected breeding season singing male counts of five at Happy Valley and 13 between Midsummer Hill, Raggedstone and Chase End. Other singing males reported from Callow Hill (four), Clent, Dowles Brook (two), Great Fairly Wood (four), Ribbesford and Walton Hill. Few reports of passage birds included two at Strensham on August 14 and one at Bittell on August 21.

Staffs A count of 14 pairs at Coombes Valley with singing males also noted at Beaudesert, Brocton, Consall, Oldacre Valley and Seven Springs. Seen on passage at Belvide, Hanchurch, Highgate Common and Satnall Hills.

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W Mid Bred in Sutton Park, where two pairs were seen carrying food on July 20. Spring migrants were noted on many dates in the Sandwell Valley from April 5 to May 20 and at Sheepwash U.P. on April 19, 21 and 29. Autumn passage began with two birds on Netherton Hill on August 10, three birds at Netherton Heservoir on August 18 and another two birds on Netherton Hill on September 3. In Sandwell Valley birds were reported from August 13 to September 13, with a maximum of six on August 25. Singles recorded at Darby's Hill on August 14, Valley Park on August 24, King Hayes Farm, Vigo, on August 30, Dunstall Park and Rough Wood on September 7. A record of an exceptionally late bird in Sandwell Valley on October 19 RMN.

Meadow Pipit Warks Small numbers bred at Alvecote, Bermuda and Kingsbury. The only

reasonable flock reported in the first winter period was 100 at Hartshill Sewage Farm in January/February. In the latter part of the year, 60 at Brailes on November 26, 80 at Brandon on September 17,100 at Bedworth on September 25, 50 at Henley-in-Arden on December 29 and 250 at Draycote on October 26 were the best flocks.

Worcs The breeding season count for the Malvern Hills and Commons was again around 80 singing males. At least two pairs on Hartlebury Common. The only winter flocks reported included 12 at Castlemorton Common on January 8 and 16 at Offenham Cross on February 3. Spring passage totals included 75 on North Hill on March 7 and 35 at Bredons Hardwick on April 4. Autumn concentrations included 100 at Happy Valley on September 25,60 at Castlemorton Common on September 21, 60 at Bredons Hardwick on September 30 and 100 again in the North Hill —Worcestershire Beacon area on October 15. Smaller numbers were reported from Beckford, Bengehill Lake, Bittell, Hinton-on-the-Green, Throckmorton and Upton Warren.

Staffs There has been a gradual decline in breeding numbers at Doxey from 12 pairs in 1984 to one pair in 1989. This has been attributed to increased public pressure in the breeding areas. Autumn movements were first noted at Belvide on September 10, numbers had increased there to 72 by 26,25 to 30 were seen feeding on newly emerged craneflies at Hednesford School on 16 and also on the same day 90 were at Essington and at Cresswell Grove Stafford 180 to 200 birds passed over on"September 23. 70 at Chasewater on October 27 and 200 at Blithfield on December 17.

W Mid Four pairs were seen feeding young on waste ground near Tipton Station on June 1. Elsewhere a pair were present in Dunstall Park from early May until early June disappearing after grass cutting, and young were being fed at Sheepwash U.P. on May 23 with three birds in song here on June 5. 50 were in Sandwell Valley on March 24, 50 at Sheepwash U.P. on March 31, 24 at Park Lime Pits on September 16, 50 at Sheepwash U.P. in September and October, 20 at Cornets End on October 15, ten on playing fields near Aldridge on October 12, nine birds in Hillfield Park on November 5, ten birds at Knowle on November 26,40 at Brierley Hill Pools on December 15 and up to 20 in Valley Park during December.

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Rock Pipit Warks All records came from Draycote. One on September 23, three on October

7, two on 8 and one on 14. Worcs In the autumn a single was at Bittell on September 30, two were at Wilden

on October 7 and 8 while a party of three at Bittell on October 20 included a colour-ringed bird.

Staffs Up to two birds at Blithfield from January 2 to February 17 and two from October 8 to the end of the year. One at Stowe Pool on October 5. Two at Belvide on Octobers, three on 15, six on 17, three on 18 and 19 and singles on 28 and November 1. One at Barton on December 12.

WMid One at Sheepwash U.P. on October 5, with two noted on October 7. Unusually a single bird was noted along the stream at the base of Netherton Hill on October 8 and one was seen briefly in Sandwell Valley on October 17.

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Water Pipit In the Coton and Lea Marston area one was present from January 14 to February 25 ARD et al, two on March 11 PDH and 25 ARD, PDH and one on April 1 JAA, 2 and 9 several observers. Three returned there on October 7 with two on 8 and one on December 30 ARD. Elsewhere one was at Ladywalk on November 12 ARD and another north-east of Kingsbury on December 9 ARD, PDH. Two were at Wilden on February 11 MJI, GJM with singles there on March 3 GHP and March 11 REH, DJS. A summer-plumaged bird was at Bredons Hardwick on April 5 SJH. In the autumn a single bird remained at Wilden from October 27 GHP until at least December 3 MJI. One at Needwood Airport on January 14 DIMW. One in Sandwell Valley on October 21 and 22 TCH, PSF, PMH.

Yellow Wagtail Average: April 2 (53) to October 11 (53)

Warks Reported as being relatively scarce this year at Alvecote and Kingsbury. In spring, 30 at Coton and 54 at Wasperton on April 23 and 40 at Draycote on April 29 were the best flocks. In autumn, 150 present at Draycote on August 19 held a good percentage of juveniles. 75 were there on September 3 and 44 at Seeswood on 18.

Worcs Noted as having high breeding success in the south of the county with ten pairs at Bredons Hardwick. Also bred at Larford, Ryall, Shenstone, Torton and Upton Warren. On spring passage 27 was the maximum at Bredons Hardwick on April 22 while 20 were at Upton Warren the next day. A large autumn passage was noted at Bredons Hardwick with a peak of 130 on August 25. Smaller numbers were reported from Little Comberton, Wickhamford and Worcester during this period.

Staffs Present in the breeding season at Baswich, Belvide, Blithfield, Doxey and Stafford. Notable counts were 90 at Blithfield on April 24,100 were there on August 27 and 31 at Doxey on September 9.

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W Mid Three pairs were apparently nesting on arable farmland by the Slough, Pelsall with possible breeding reported from Meriden. Notable spring counts included 14 at Sheepwash U.P. on April 24 and 30 in Sandwell Valley also on April 24. Birds also reported from Bradnock's Marsh and Valley Park during April. In autumn birds were noted at Aldersley/ Compton, Park Lime Pits, Sheepwash U.P. (15 on September 3), Tube Investments playing fields, .Aldridge, Sandwell Valley and Wharf Lane Sandpit, Brownhills.

Blue-headed Wagtail Birds showing characteristics of this race were noted as follows:

Warks One at Kingsbury on April 23 GIG. Worcs A male at Bredons Hardwick on April 23 SJH. Staffs One at Barton on April 27 MDW.

Grey Wagtail Warks Definite breeding or summer records were received from Aston Cantlow,

Clifford Chambers, Combrook, Earlswood, Farnborough, Great Alne, Hoo Mill, Seeswood, Studley, Warwick, Welford, Wootton Wawen and Wormleighton.

Worcs Breeding pairs were noted at Chaddesley Corbett, Dowles Brook (two), Hillpool, The Knapp and Westwood where three young were reared. Reported from 30 other localities outside the breeding season.

Staffs Breeding pairs reported from Blithfield, Doxey, Dydon, Knypersley, Shugborough, Trentham Gardens and Trentham Park. Records also came from 20 other localities, involving single birds with maxima of eight at Belvide in October and four at Blithfield on August 28.

WMid Breeding reported from Sandwell Valley, Tividale Sewage Works and Woodgate Valley. Possibly bred at Buckpool, Lifford and Stourbridge Town Centre. Elsewhere regularly recorded outside the breeding season at some 24 sites with a maximum of five at Smestow Brook, Valley Park on September 5, seven at Sheepwash U.P. on September 9 and six in Sandwell Valley during October. A bird was observed regularly perching on car wing mirrors admiring its own reflection in King's Heath during the winter.

Pied Wagtail Warks Few breeding records received. On passage, 30 at Draycote on March 27

and 15 at Wasperton (with 31 White Wagtails) on April 23 were the best flocks. In the first winter period, 120 at Hartshill and 280 at the University of Warwick, Coventry were the best roosts.

Worcs Bred at Tibberton, Wickhamford and Wilden. The largest flocks included 86 flying south to roost over Castlemorton Common on January 16, 65 at Bredons Hardwick on March 24, 50 at Bittell for most of August and 50 at Lower Wick on December 30. Smaller gatherings of 31 were at Upton Warren on October 8 and 34 on the flood plain at Eckington on December 3.

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Staffs Flocks of over 20 at Roundhill Sewage Farm on January 8. 300 at Whittington Sewage Farm on January 16. 59 at Westport on February 7. 100 at Blithfield on September 1 and over 430 roosted at Doxey on October 18.

W Mid Pairs bred at Meriden (two), Sandwell Valley (at least two) and Sheepwash U.P. (one). Large flocks included 100 at Lower Gornal Treatment Works on January 1, 200 inside the grounds of a factory in Dumblederry Lane, Aldridge on January 14, 125 flying north at Brierley Hill Pools to roost at Russells Hall Hospital on January 15, 38 at Oldbury Telephone Exchange car park on February 17,300 roosting in the centre of a busy traffic island at Burnt Tree, Dudley during February and March, and 113 at Brades Hall, Oldbury on March 3. Rather fewer numbers noted in autumn and the second winter period, although around 500 were estimated, roosting at Russells Hall Hospital in December. No autumn roost at Sheepwash U.P. this year possibly due to low water level or lack of reeds. Reported from three other sites.

White Wagtail Warks All records came in the period April 15 to 29. A good movement took place

on April 23 when 12 were seen at Draycote and 31 at Wasperton. Six were present at the latter site on 27. Otherwise ones and twos were seen at the usual sites with four at Coton on April 15 being the best record.

Worcs Another good spring passage commenced with one at Wilden and one south of Worcester on March 29. Two at Bredons Hardwick on April 11 were followed by nine there on April 25 and one on April 27. At Larford 11 were present on April 23 followed by eight on April 27 and a single on May 1. At Upton Warren birds were noted from April 14 to April 30 with a peak of five on April 24. Two more were at Wilden on April 14 and two were at Strensham on April 29.

Staffs A good spread of records. Records included: two at Barton on March 31 and four on April 13. Noted at Belvide from April 15 to 28 with a maximum of six on 24. Up to four at Blithfield from April 23 to 29. Five at Chasewater on April 29. Four at Mytholme on March 19. One at Shugborough on April 18. Two at Tittesworth on April 29 and singles at Westport from April 10 to 14 and one on 24.

W Mid First noted at Sandwell Valley on April 8 with birds noted on many dates up to April 27, peaking at ten on April 24. A single was at Sheepwash U.P. on April 15, with birds recorded on a further 7 dates up to May 2 with a maximum of ten on April 23. Four were present at Bartley Reservoir on April 23.

1988 Addendum Staffs One was at Needwood Airport on August 13 DIMW.

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Waxwing Warks Three of the four at Wellesbourne in 1988 were still present there on

January 1 GJM. Staffs Ten were at Needwood Airport on January 14 DIMW. Ten at Highgate

Common from April 2 to 14 with five remaining to April 17 SLH, DJH, NJH, MDJ. Seven at Twogates, Tamworth on April 14 with three remaining from April 18 to 25 GAA, MAA.

W Mid The much observed Monkspath birds remained in the area until February 19, when they had dwindled from a maximum of 18 or 19 on January 3 and 4 to six on February 19 GIG, PDH, GJMetal. One was at Sandwell Valley on January 11 DAS. A single bird was observed in an Erdington garden on April 24 per NPB.

1988 Corrigendum The birds were first located on December 11, not 12 as stated, and numbered 15 birds. Peak numbers occurred on December 14 when 22 and not 45 were present JHS.

Dipper Worcs Only reported from Dowles Brook, where two pairs bred. Staffs Breeding pairs were seen at Coombes Valley (two), Danebridge, Dydon

(pair with two young), Nam Hall, Trentham (pair carrying food on April 26), Three Shire Head and Wombourne.

Wren Warks Five pairs bred at Alvecote. 27 juveniles ringed at Eathorpe between

August 21 and November 5 indicated a good breeding season. Worcs 32 singing males on Castlemorton Common was a considerable increase

(1988:15). 37 singing males were counted at Old Hills. In the autumn 30 birds were found roosting in a small patch of weeds at Strensham.

Staffs The mild winter resulted in 17 pairs breeding at Doxey (1988:eight) and at Belvide a minimum of 14 territories were occupied in early May.

WMid Pairs bred at Aldridge Churchyard, Edgbaston Park Woods, Moseley Bog, Park Lime Pits (at least nine pairs) and the Sandwell Valley. Elsewhere said to be common and particularly abundant in Knowle, Sutton Park, Trittiford Park and Valley Park — no doubt helped by yet another relatively mild winter.

Dunnock Warks Seven pairs bred at Alvecote. Worcs The breeding season census on the Malverns suggests an increase in

numbers. 14 singing males were counted at Old Hills. Staffs Ten pairs bred at Coombes Valley, 18 pairs at Doxey (1988:six) and a

minimum of seven territories were held in April and May.

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WMid Bred at Lifford, Moseley Woods, Park Lime Pits (at least five pairs), Sandwell Vallev. Trittiford Park and Willenhall M.P. (at least three pairs). Also reported from Sutton Park in good numbers and Valley Park where there was no change from 1988 numbers.

Robin Warks Seven pairs bred at Alvecote. A pair in a garden at Arley lost their entire

brood to a hedgehog, which dragged the nest one foot down to combine the nest material with its own nest underneath.

Worcs 12 singing males on Castlemorton Common was a considerable increase (1988: four). 30 singing males were counted at Old Hills and a further eight at St. Anne's Well.

Staffs Seven pairs bred at Doxey (1988:two). At Belvide a minimum of five birds were singing and one was heard imitating the song of a Lesser Whitethroat during February and March.

W Mid Breeding reported from Edgbaston Park, Highbury Park, Moseley Bog and Woods, Park Lime Pits (at least six pairs) and Sandwell Valley. Present in good numbers on the north-east side of Sutton Park, with high numbers reported along Valley Park and the Staffordshire/Worcestershire Canal. An interesting observation of.a juvenile caught by a cat in a Fordhouses garden on February 19, indicating eggs having been laid around mid-January:

Nightingale Average: April 19 (55) to August 6 (16)

Warks Recorded at fewer potential breeding sites this year. Records were received from Kineton (six), a Lill ington garden and Oxhouse Farm (three). A passage bird was at Brandon on May 10.

Worcs Bred successfully at Ripple. Singing males noted at Eckington, Croome Estate (seven), Huntsbridge, Old Hills, Trench Wood (11) and Westwood. A roadside corpse was found at The Ramplings on May 6 while five pairs were at another site in the south of the county.

Black Redstart Worcs A female at Evesham from February 7 to March 7 MET, MJI, GHP was

joined briefly by a male on February 22 MET. Staffs A male at Blithfield on April 4 JCE-D. A female or first-winter was at the

Marquis Drive Visitor's Centre on October 30 JW. W Mid Confirmed breeding at Rocky Lane, Aston with a pair successfully rearing

two broods BL, JRW. A brood of four well fledged young there on August 2 were judged to be from another breeding pair nearby on plumage development BL. At Albright and Wilson Chemical Works in Oldbury, a pair was observed carrying food on July 7 indicating local breeding GW. Elsewhere, breeding possibly occurred at Ocker Hill Power Station MDJ, EGP, and in the Frederick Street area of Hockley a bird was noted carrying food with the sorig pattern of the male indicating probable breeding PC,

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JRW. Singing birds were concentrated in the Hockley/City Centre areas of Birmingham (no doubt with a degree of duplication) as follows: Church Street/Cornwall Street NPB, NFO, Edmund Street/Livery Street RRH, HSQ, Hampton Street/Lionel Street/Mary Ann Street NFO, Regent Place NFO, Snow Hill Station (where a ringed male was present from April to August PC, JRW, and a second male was noted from May 2 to 4, but sadly no breeding here this year) and Warstone Lane Cemetery. Passage birds were reported from Brierley Hill Pools on May 5 AP, Icknield Port Road, Ladywood on April 22 JRW and Tividale on August 27 to 29 DW, GW. The female/immature male from 1988 was still in the Rocky Lane, Aston area on January 8 PC.

Redstart Average: April 10 (53) to September 23 (52)

Warks A pleasing increase in passage birds but apart from a female at Bentley on May 6 no hint of breeding. Between April 13 and 29 three singles were seen at Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Radway and in autumn, between August 5 and September 21, two appeared at Kenilworth, one at Ladywalk and four at Seeswood.

Worcs Bred at Bredons Hardwick, Bredon Hill, Callow Hill, Clent, Dowles Brook (four pairs), Malvern Hills (20 singing males). Spring migration started early with a male at Larford on March 29. Other passage birds noted at Abberton, Alfrick, Bewdley, Broadway, Church Lench, Clifton, Fladbury, Oakley, Old Hills, Ripple, Upton Warren and Wickhamford.

Staffs Singing males at Brocton (one), Consall (two), Dydon Wood (three), Kingswood (two), Mayfield (one) and a site in the south-west of the county (one). Seen on passage at 15 sites.

WMid An early bird was in Sandwell Valley on April 9, with a further 14 records up to May 7 (three on April 27). One was noted in a garden at Burnt Tree, Tipton on April 13, with one at Sheepwash U.P. on April 24. A single was in Ounstall Park on April 25, with two in Valley Park on April 29. Autumn records were received from Brierley Hill Pools on August 4, with birds noted from September 4 to 22 (maximum of three), Sandwell Valley from August 12 to September 23 (birds noted on most days with a maximum of ten), Netherton Reservoir on August 11 to 18 with a second bird on August 19, Sheepwash U.P. on August 18 and September 17, Valley Park on August 26 and Park Lime Pits from August 26 to September 16 (maximum of three).

Whinchat Average: April 23 (53) to October 5 (49)

Warks No breeding records were received. Spring passage involved singles at Brandon, Compton Verney, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Shustoke and, Whittleford Park. In autumn, singles at Ash End, Brandon and Seeswood and up to four at Kingsbury and Poolfields and five at Radway.

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Worcs At Castlemorton Common a juvenile was seen at the end of July, followed by a steady autumn passage peaking at 15 on September 21. Other passage birds noted at Bengehill, bredons Hardwick, Church Lunch, Crowle, Diglis, Grimley, Holt, Kempsey, Larford, Sheriff's Lench, Throckmorton (maximum of eight on September 17), Trench. Wood, Upton Warren, Wilden and Worcester.

Staffs Three pairs at Swallow Moss and one near The Roaches were the only breeding records received. A count of ten at Pelsall from August 31 to September 17 was notable. Seen on passage at Belvide, Blithfield, Catholme, Doxey, Dunston Heath, Elford, Mayfield, Tittesworth and Westport.

W Mid No evidence of breeding this year. Spring passage began with two birds in Sandwell Valley on April 24, followed by birds on a further eight dates to May 10 when four were present. Birds were then reported from Dunstall Park on April 27, May 12 and 29, Sheepwash U.P. from April 29 to May 17 with three present on May 9 and Brierley Hill Pools on May 8. Unusually, a bird was in Sandwell Valley on June 26, with autumn passage commencing here on July 10 with birds present on most days throughout August (11 noted on August 28). A single was in Sutton Park on July 20 (the only record of the year from this former breeding areal), with birds appearing at Sheepwash U.P. on August 3 and present on a regular basis until September 21 (maximum of four on September 5 and 7). Elsewhere singles were noted at Valley Park/Dunstall Park on August 14, 18, 28 and 30, September 4, 7,9,10 and 11, Bourne Pool (two on August 23), Hillfield Park on September 9, Wood End Farm on September 13, Wharf Lane Sand-pit on September 18 and the Tube Investments playing fields, Aldridge on September 24.

Stonechat Warks Singles were noted at Lea Marston on January 3 and 22, Brandon on

October 1 and Kingsbury from December 9 to 30. Worcs Two pairs bred successfully on the Malvern Hills. Three birds were at

Castlemorton Common from January 2 to February 11. A pair was at Happy Valley from January to March with three there on February 3. A pair was also on the Evesham By-pass from January 25 to February 28 with three there on February 3. A pair was on Throckmorton Common on January 15. A male was seen singing on North Hill on April 15 but not subsequently. A male was at Upton Warren on September 23 and a female/immature at Bredons Hardwick on September 30 and October 1, with another at Bittell on October 14. Two were again at Happy Valley on October 31. Present at Castlemorton Common from October 1 until the end of the year with three birds seen on several occasions and at least four during mid-November. A male was at Throckmorton on October 20 and November 4. Two females were at separate sites in Worcester throughout November and December.

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Staffs At least three pairs bred on Cannock Chase between the White House and Brocton and five or six broods of recently fledged young were reported in mid-August JW. Also up to three reported during the autumn and winter. Elsewhere wintering records as follows: Belvide, a female on February 25, an immature on October 1 and an adult on 15, a female from November 5 until the year end which was joined by a male from November 15 to 25. At Chasewater a male on November 4. Doxey a male on January 2 and a pair on S and 31, with an immature on November 2. A pair was at Pelsall Wood on October 8. A female was at Swallow Moss on November 26 and a pair on December 28 and 29. A pair was at Three Shire Head on October 24.

W Mid In the first winter period, a pair was present at Sheepwash U.P. from January 7 to February 25 with three birds noted on February 26 and 27, with a pair again reported on March 3. In the Sandwell Valley, a female was present from February 19 to 26, with another female reported from Park Lime Pits on March 5 and 25. More widespread in the autumn/second winter period, beginning with one at Netherton Hill on September 15, two birds in Sandwell Valley on October 7, November 24 to 26 with singles on December 6, 23 and 26. Six birds were at Sheepwash U.P. on October 8, with a pair regularly present from October 14 to the year's end, joined by another two birds on November 12 and with a third bird present from November 15. Elsewhere a male was at Bartley on October 10, with a female near Meriden on October 15, with three birds in the Longmoor area of Sutton Park on October 24, and a pair in the same vicinity on November 7.

Wheatear Average: March 20 (52) to October 14 (53)

Warks Seen at 12 sites in spring with maxima of six at Brandon, three at Coton, four at Ladywalk and seven at Lighthorne. Mainly singles were recorded at seven sites in autumn but five at Ash End on August 28 were noteworthy.

Worcs A male was singing on North Hill on April 15 but not subsequently. A bird at Bredons Hardwick on May 2 was noted as of a Northern race. In spring birds were recorded from 14 sites with a maximum of ten on Bredon Hill on April 29 and eight on North Hill on May 2. Noted in autumn at 15 sites. A late bird was at Throckmorton on October 22.

Staffs Only four pairs noted on the moors (1988:12). Noted on passage at 14 sites with much larger numbers noted in the spring. Notable occurrences were 13 at Branston on March 26 and May 1 and six at Blithfield on September 3.

WMid An early arrival in the county, with the first bird reported at Sandwell Valley on March 11, although birds were generally scarce here until late March when 15 were noted on March 28, with heavy passage throughout April peaking at 20 birds on April 25 and continuing until mid-May with nine birds on May 3. Sheepwash U.P. had an early bird on March 12, with birds regularly present from March 13to May 19 peaking at nine on March 22 and 29. At Valley Park/Dunstall Park birds were noted on six dates from March 16 to May 16. Other records came from Meriden on March 20 and

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April 8, Bartley on March 27 and May 6, Brierley Hill Pools on April 27 (three), 28 and May 2 and 16, Hayhead Wood on April 30 (four) and Sutton Park on May 15. Autumn passage birds were reported from Bartley Reservoir, Brierley Hill Pools, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash U.P., Sutton Park, the Tube Investments playing fields, Valley Park/Dunstall Park (maximum of four in August) and north Walsall and consisted of mostly ones and twos.

Greenland Whpatp.ar Warks A female showing characteristics of the Greenland race, O.o. leucorrhoa

was noted at Wasperton on May 15.

Ring Ouzel Average: March 31 (33) to October 21 (27)

Warks A female at Bermuda on May 11. Worcs Spring passage on the Malverns occurred from March 27 to April 23 with

notable peaks of ten on April 9 and seven on April 15, all in the Happy Valley/North Hill area. Elsewhere, one was at Holt on March 25, two were at Bredon on April 7, two at Hollybush Roughs on April 23 and one in an Ombersley garden on April 30. A very poor autumn passage with only one bird, a female at Happy Valley from November 1 to 4.

Staffs Only three pairs noted on the moors. Singles were seen on passage at Blithfield on April 28 and Westport on November 7.

W Mid A male was seen on Netherton Hill on April 9, with a good series of records from Sandwell Valley beginning with one on April 16 and 17, then birds on 19, 22 (two), 27 (two), 29 to May 1.

Blackbird Warks 12 pairs bred at Alvecote (1988:ten). Worcs The breeding season counts on the Malverns suggest that the population

remains stable. Notable movement into Happy Valley occurred on December 2 when c.40 were present.

Staffs At Doxey the CBC revealed that 26 pairs bred (1988:21). Eight birds were singing during April. At Lum Edge 12 birds were seen perched in hawthorns on January 29.

WMid An early brood was being fed out of the nest at St. Philip's Cathedral, Central Birmingham on March 2. At least four pairs bred at Park Lime Pits and breeding was also reported from Sutton Park, where according to the observer they appear to have avoided the attentions of Magpies this yearl A late brood was reported from Hall Green on August 13 again avoiding the dreaded Magpie! Continental migrants swelled numbers during the autumn and winter.

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Fieldfare Average: October 1 (54) to May 1 (53)

Warks Flocks of 200 or more were recorded as follows: 200 at Butlers Marston on February 10, 600 at Alvecote on February 18, 300 at Brandon on 19, 200 at Kineton on March 23 and 400 at Brandon on April 7. In the second winter period, 500 at Kingsbury on November 25 were followed by a large influx on December 9 when 300 were at The Nook, Bedworth, 1200 were at Kingsbury and over 2000 were in the Ladywalk and Whitacre Heath area. 1500 were at Alvecote on December 22.

Worcs In the first winter period notable flocks were of 700 at Rhydd on January 16, 450 at Saleway on February 19,800 at Bredons Hardwick on March 21 and 400 at Nafford on March 25. In the autumn 400 at Bredons Hardwick on November 25, 850 at Eckington on December 28 and 1500 at Bredons Hardwick on December 31.

Staffs No suspected breeding this year. Large counts from the first winter period were 1000 at Longor on January 29, 500 at Merrington Low on March 13 and 850 at Brankley on March 21. The second winter period once again gave much fewer large counts, with the most notable being 500 at Belvide pn November 25 and 400 at Branston on December 19.

WMid First winter period and spring records consisted of 200 at Knowle on January 2, 75 at Aldridge on January 22, 200 at Sandwell Valley on February 14, 90 at Woodgate Valley on March 5, 150 at Meriden on March 18,100 at Park Lime Pits in late March/early April, eight near Barr Beacon on April 30, with 75 still in Sandwell Valley in late April and two late birds here on May 2. Only one instance of garden-feeding reported, in King's Heath during February and March. The first birds of the autumn were reported from Sandwell Valley on October 16, with one heard over Sutton Park on October 23. Flocks in the second winter period included 125 over Valley Park on November 16, 200 in Sandwell Valley on November 25, 400 in Knowle on November 26 and 50 birds near Branton Hill Quarry on December 28. A roost of 2000 was discovered at Pelsall Wood Common in December.

Song Thrush Warks A continuing increase in records, in the north of the county, although still

noted as scarce in the Eathorpe and Leamington areas. Worcs No change in status reported. Staffs An increase to seven pairs breeding at Doxey (1988:one). While Coombes

Valley had only eight pairs, which was the lowest number during the 1980s (1981:31) and at Belvide never more than one bird singing.

W Mid Bred at Aldridge, Knowle (although the population is said to be 'thin'), Park Lime Pits and Sandwell Valley. Singing birds were noted at Brandwood Pool, Highbury Park and Moseley Woods, and said to be still fairly common all along Valley Park. Reported as being still a relatively rare bird in the north-eastern corner of Sutton Park.

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Redwing Avpragp- Xpptpmhpr ?7 (55) to April 18 (54)

Warks The only spring flock of any note was at Great Packington in mid-March with up to 150. An influx, with Fieldfares, around December 9 was noted at The Nook, Bedworth (200) and Farnborough (100). 150 were present at both Alvecote and Eathorpe on December 22 and 31 respectively.

Worcs In the first winter period 550 were at Saleway on February 19 and 400 at Bredons Hardwick on February 25. In the autumn 170 at Happy Valley on November 25 and 200 on December 3, 300 were on Sugarloaf on November 29-30 and 500 at Bredons Hardwick on December 31.

Staffs A juvenile was seen in the north-west of the county on July 29. Very poor numbers present with notable counts of 100 at Baswick on February 15, 100 at Brankley on March 21, 200 at Belvide on November 5 and 70 at Blithfield on December 28.

WMid Flocks in the first winter period were somewhat disappointing, with 30 in Valley Park on January 6, up to 30 in Sandwell Valley throughout January and February with the last birds noted here on April 22, and 120 in Woodgate Valley on March 5. Sadly, one or two birds were killed by a motor car along the Chester Road, Brownhills on April 16. More widespread in the latter part of the year, with records from Park Lime Pits on October 1 (with up to 100 there in November/December), small numbers in Valley Park from October 8 and small flocks flying over Coventry on October 11. Larger flocks were noted as following: 100 feeding on haws at the Slough, Pelsall on November 7, 400 in Sandwell Valley on November 25, 750 at Brierley Hill Pools on December 21, 122 at Willenhall on December 29 and 1000 roosting at Pelsall Common Wood in December. Also reported from Hayhead Wood and Sutton Park. An aberrant bird, with completely bright orange/red underparts but retaining typical Redwing streaking, was noted at Trittiford Park from at least January 15 to 21 NPB, PKD, JPM.

Mistle Thrush Warks No change in status reported. Worcs No change in status reported. Staffs One pair bred at Doxey as revealed by the CBC (1988:none) and two pairs

at Westport. Autumn flocks included ten at Clayton on August 16, a flock at Kinver peaked at 61 on September 17,27 were at Elford on October 6 and a minimum of six at Belvide on November 7.

W Mid Breeding occurred at Brandwood Cemetery, King's Heath Park, Sandwell Valley, Valley Park (up to eight territories) and Willenhall M.P. Notable flocks in the latter part of the year included 14 at Hillfield Park on July 27,24 flew south-west over Park Lime Pits on August 13, 11 at Sheepwash U.P. on September 12,25 in Sutton Park on September 18,11 at Willenhall M.P. on September 27, 18 in Valley Park on September 28 and 32 in Sandwell Valley on November 9. Also noted at Highbury Park and King's Heath Park during the winter period, with up to 20 birds at the latter locality.

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Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 18 (53) to August 24 (43)

Warks Reeling was heard as follows: Arley, Baddesley Common (three), Brandon (five), Combrook, Compton Verney, Fenny Compton, Kineton, Kingsbury (four), Ladywalk (two), Poolfields, Radway, Whichford Wood, Whitacre Heath (two) and Wootton Wawen.

Worcs 42 reeling birds heard from 25 sites with the main concentrations being four at Castlemorton, three at Church Lench, and three at Ipsley Alders. A large increase in records.

Staffs Reeling noted at Anslow Bank, Baddesley, Belvide, Betley (two), Brindley, Chasewater (two), Doxey (three), Eccleshall, Katyn Memorial, Kettlebrook, River Anker, Sherbrook Valley, Shoal Hill, Shugborough, Stockton Brook, Stretton and Wall Heath.

W Mid Four or five 'reeling' birds in Sandwell Valley, with one or two pairs almost certainly breeding. The only other record received concerned two birds in Sutton Park on April 22.

Sedge Warbler Average: April 16 (53) to September 28 (47)

Warks Two pairs at Grendon nested in Oil Seed Rape, well away from any waterside habitat. The only other breeding information came from Alvecote (eight pairs), Eathorpe, Kingsbury (15 pairs in the Cliffe Pool area) and Seeswood.

Worcs Singing males reported from 17 sites including Abberton/Rous Lench (12), Bredons Hardwick (two), Church Lench (five), Lower Moor (three), Pensham (two), Ripple (eight), Strensham (three), Upton Warren (seven), Westwood (six) and Wilden (two).

Staffs Singing males or breeding noted at Barton, Belvide (11), Betley (eight), Blithfield, Doxey (50), Elford and Westport. Seen on passage at Brocton.

WMid Two or three successful breeding pairs in Sandwell Valley, with singing birds reported from Bartley (two, with a bird noted carrying food into a bramble on September 12), Brierley Hill Pools (two on June 11), Meriden, Sheepwash U.P., Valley Park, Warrens Hall Park and Woodgate Valley (two on May 18). Autumn passage birds were noted at many of the above localities, with an additional bird along the canal at Park Lime Pits on July 18.

Marsh Warbler Average: May 31 (39) to July 16 (2)

Worcs A single colour-ringed male from a pair which bred successfully in 1988 was present in the Avon Valley from at least May 29 to June 7 SMW. Sadly this was the only record this year.

Reed Warbler Average: April 25 (49) to September 24 (43)

Warks 15 pairs in one colony at Brandon produced 38 young which was low

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compared to previous years (1988 — 1 8 pairs, 51 young). Elsewhere there were five pairs at Alvecote, three at Great Packington, 25 at Ladywalk and eight at Wormleighton.

Worcs 55 singing males were reported from 15 sites. The largest concentrations being at Bransford (four), Bredons Hardwick (three), Church Lench (four), Eckington (five), Hindlip (two), Holt (two), Lower Moor (five), Oakley (two), Oddingley (three), Upton Warren (six) and Westwood (15).

Staffs Singing birds at Belvide (five), Betley (35), Borrowpit, Branston, Doxey (ten), Elford (four), River Anker (two) and Westport. At Betley, 52 adults and 83 juveniles were netted.

WMid Two singing males were at Brierley Hill Pools, with one pair breeding successfully. Breeding was also noted in Sandwell Valley with four or five singing birds present. Only one record from Sheepwash U.P. this year, a bird in song on June 10, where numbers have gone right down in the last five years — a reduction in the reed-beds seemingly the main cause. Reported during spring passage from Valley Park on May 21.

Lesser Whitethroat Average: April 22 (53) to September 20 (53)

Warks Small numbers were recorded at only nine localities. From the limited information the breeding population appears stable.

Worcs Singing males reported from 23 sites with three at both Larford and Wilden and two at Bredons Hardwick and Upton Warren.

Staffs Breeding season records from 11 sites, although there was no recorded breeding at Doxey this year. Seen on passage on several occasions at Blithfield.

WMid Pairs bred at Brierley Hill Pools, Pouk Hill Quarry and Valley Park. Probable breeding occurred at Park Lime Pits (four pairs) and the Sandwell Valley, with a family party noted at Rushall. Singing birds were reported from llley, Queslett Nature Park, Sheepwash U.P. and Penn, Wolverhampton. Autumn migrants were noted at a Cradley Heath garden, Marston Green, Netherton Hill and Reservoir (four on August 12 and September 3) and a garden in Tipton.

Whitethroat Average: April 14 (55) to September 26 (54)

Warks A further increase was noted specifically at Brandon and at Wootton Wawen, where there were six pairs along a mile of woodland edge. Two pairs were again present at Alvecote and eight in the central area of Kingsbury Water Park. A juvenile was found dead alongside an extractor fan in Rugby town centre on the fairly late date of September 30.

Worcs The breeding season count from the Malverns produced 127 singing males. Elsewhere 63 singing males were recorded from 41 sites.

Staffs Noted at 14 sites during the breeding season, with five pairs at Belvide, Dosthill and Doxey, large numbers at Elford and four pairs at Little Aston.

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WMid Breeding records from Brierley Hill Pools (five singing birds in May), . Bushbury Gasworks, Colton Hills in Wolverhampton (at least six pairs), Park Lime Pits, the Slough in Pelsall (about eight pairs), Sandwell Valley (a minimum of ten pairs), Sheepwash U.P. (two or three) and Valley Park (at least 15 pairs). Probable breeding reported from Daw End and Northycote Farm in Wolverhampton. Additionally, singing birds were at Buckpool, Coseley, Knowle (six), Lutley (three), Marston Green, Meriden, Mushroom Green (two) and Sutton Park. Significant autumn counts included 12 at Sheepwash U.P. on August 8 and 10 in Sandwell Valley on September 3.

Garden Warbler Average: April 22 (52) to September 9 (51)

Warks Only six record slips were received but numbers appear stable. Two pairs were present at Alvecote, five at Oversley Wood and two at Wroxall. 11 singing males were present at Brandon on May 28.

Worcs 85 singing males recorded in the Malverns area (1988:87). Elsewhere 44 singing males were recorded from 16 sites.

Staffs A count of 44 pairs at Coombes Valley. Only reported from another seven sites during the breeding season.

WMid At least one pair bred successfully in Valley Park, with breeding a distinct possibility in Sandwell Valley. Singing birds were reported from Brierley Hill Pools, Buckpool, Hayhead Wood, Knowle, Park Lime Pits, Shard End, Sutton Park (two territories on the north-east side) and along the canal at Walsall. Autumn passage birds were at Sheepwash U.P. from August 6 to 15 (a peak of three), Netherton Reservoir (six on August 11) and Park Lime Pits. A late bird was at Aldersley, Valley Park on September 28.

Blackcap Average: April 4 (55) to October 8 (52)

Warks Singing males present at Alvecote (three), Kingsbury (six), Oversley Wood (five) and Wood End (two). Wintering birds were present at Alcester on January 27 (two males, one female) and Warwick on December 31 (male). A male at Baddesley Ensor between January 14 and February 10 fed avidly on peanut butter.

Worcs A slight increase in numbers reported from the Malverns. Elsewhere 34 singing males from 22 sites. 22 birds overwintered, mainly in gardens.

Staffs Noted at 12 sites during the breeding season, including 12 pairs at Coombes Valley and nine pairs at Hopwas. The only winter records were at Belvide in November, the last on 28.

W Mid Breeding occurred at Lifford Pool Woods, Sandwell Valley, Valley Park (at least 20 pairs) and Willenhall M P., with probable breeding at Brierley Hill Pools (three), Hayhead Wood, Park Lime Pits and Sheepwash U.P. Elsewhere, singing birds were reported from Buckpool (two), Knowle, Marston Green, Moseley Bog, Prospect Lane Park in Shirley, Sutton Park and Trittiford Park. First winter period records came from an Aldridge

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garden (seen daily from January 14 to April 4), a Halesowen garden, a King's Heath garden (male and female), a Knowle garden, Monkspath (male and female), a Stourbridge garden and yet more gardens in Walsall and Wolverhampton. A notable autumn count was 15 in Sandwell Valley on September 3 feeding on Elderberries. Second winter period produced birds in gardens at Aldridge, Cradley Heath (a pair), Dudley (a pair), King's Heath, Kingstanding, Knowle, Stourbridge (a pair), Walsall and Wolverhampton. Other localities to hold birds in this period included Bartley Reservoir, Park Lime Pits, Sheepwash U.P. and Valley Park.

Wood Warbler Average: April 21 (53) to August 18 (41)

Warks Bred only at a wood in the north of the county (two pairs) and the first nil return in 14 years came from Clowes Wood NDG. A movement was detected from May 6 to 8 with birds noted at Ballards Green, Bentley Woods, Ladbroke, Radway and Seeswood (three). Others were seen at Hartshill Hayes (two) and Kingsbury and a sole autumn record was of one at Kineton on July 30.

Worcs A decrease reported from the Malverns where there were only 16 singing . males (1988:38). One pair bred at Devil's Spittleful. Elsewhere singing

males reported from Callow Hill (seven), Dowles Brook (eight), Ockbridge Wood (two), Ribbesford (two). Passage birds noted at Abberton on May 14, Far Forest on May 21, and Westwood on May 6 and July 4.

Staffs Breeding season records from Brocton (two), Consall (four), Coombes Valley (14), Dydon Wood (three), Gradbach (three), Hanchurch, Knypersley (two), Seven Springs and Upper Longdon (two). Seen on passage at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater, Greenway Bank, Maer, Tittensor and Westport.

W Mid The only confirmed breeding record came from Saltwells Wood (one pair), although breeding in Sutton Park must have been a possibility with five singing birds here between May 1 and June 7. Spring migrants were at Valley Park on April 29, Sandwell Valley on April 29 and again from May 6 to 9. A single bird was at Park Lime Pits on August 7 and another was at Brierley Hill Pools on the relatively late date of August 30 — a lirst record for the locality.

Chiffchaff Average: March 16 (55) to October 15 (55)

Warks Three pairs were reported from Alvecote and nine from Oversley Wood. Elsewhere small numbers reported from widespread localities. Wintering or late birds were present at Earlswood on February 21 and Kingsbury on January 22 and February 11 in the first period and in the second, Brandon on November 5, Lea Marston from November 18 to December 10 and Warwick on October 29 and November 5.

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Worcs Widespread throughout the county from the second half of March. Singing males in notable concentrations were at British Camp to Gullets Quarry (28), Eckington (ten), Old Hills (27) and Trench Wood (18). In autumn 50 were at Happy Valley on August 24, 20 at Church Lench on August 31 and September 2 and 20 at Bredons Hardwick on September 1. In winter birds were noted at Happy Valley, Upton Warren and Westwood in November and Bredons Hardwick and Ombersley Park in December.

Staffs Breeding season records from Barlaston, Blithfield, Cannock Chase (over 30 records), Chasewater, Chillington, Doxey, Drayton Manor, Eccleshall, Great Haywood, Greenway Bank, Hednesford, Hopwas, Lordsley, Newcastle, Shugborough and Westport. Passage maxima of 15 at Belvide on September 7 and nine at Westport.

W Mid Breeding records came from Park Lime Pits (three pairs), Sandwell Valley (at least five pairs), Sutton Park (12 singing birds on the north-east side being the highest count for at least 10 years) and Valley Park. Singing birds during the breeding season were noted at King's Heath Park, Lifford Pool, Moseley Bog and Woods, Oakham, Rowley Regis, Trittiford Park and Willenhall M.P. Spring migrants were reported from Barrowhill (on the early date of March 7), Brierley Hill Pools, Bromwich Wood, Buckpool, Fordhouses, Ham Dingle in Pedmore, Hayhead Wood, Knowle, Marston Green, Meriden, Queslett Nature Park, Rough Wood, Sheepwash U.P. and Temple Wood. Birds in the first winter period were at Harborne from January 25 to February 28, a Kingswinford garden on January 11, Queslett Nature Park in January and February and Sheepwash U.P. on February 12 and 15. Late autumn and second winter period birds were at Park Lime Pits in early November, Valley Park on November 12, a Knowle garden on November 18, Willenhall on December 3, Sheepwash U.P. on December 4 and Netherton Reservoir on December 11.

1988 Corrigendum At Westport a maximum of 12 on passage in September and not singing as stated.

Subspecies: P.C.abietinus

Staffs Birds resembling the Scandinavian race were at Westport from December 19 to 31 NC, WJL, PJS.

WMid At Meriden a bird was reported, resembling this race NPB.

P.C.tristis Staffs A bird showing characteristics of the Siberian race was at Hollybush Lake

from November 2 to 3 DIMW.

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Willow Warbler Average: March 27 (55) to October 6 (55)

Warks Five pairs again present at Alvecote, 20 in the central area of Kingsbury Water Park and 12 singing males at Brandon on April 9.

Worcs Singing males noted at 25 localities. The breeding season counts from the Malverns suggested an increase in numbers. One male was singing at Bredons Hardwick on the early date of March 18.

Staffs Present in good numbers during the breeding season at Belvide (12), Blithfield, Dosthill (ten), Doxey (15), Elford, Hopwas (14) and Westport (ten). There were no notable passage counts.

WMid Generally an early arrival, with several records in late March. Breeding/ singing birds were reported from Branton Hill Quarry in Aldridge (three), Hayhead Wood, Knowle, Lifford Reservoir, Marston Green, Moseley Bog, Park Lime Pits (six), Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash U.P. (six), Sutton Park, Trittiford Park, Valley Park (five), Willenhall M.P. and Woodgate Valley (ten). Spring migrants were also reported from an Acock's Green garden, Fordhouses, a Shirley garden and Meriden. In the autumn, 20 were at Sheepwash U.P. on August 8 with birds in gardens in Acock's Green and Shirley again. An exceptionally late bird was identified in Sandwell Valley on November 2 JEF, PSF.

Goldcrest Warks No change in status reported. Worcs Bred at Tibberton. Breeding season singing males reported from

Avonside, Bengehill, Bredon Hill, Broadway, Callow Hill (15), Childswickham, Dowles Brook (four), Kemerton, The Knapp (three), Little Comberton, Long Saw Croft, Pershore, Ribbesford (three), Tiddesley Wood, West Hagley, Westmancote and Wickhamford. During the winter and autumn periods small numbers reported from many localities, the maximum 25 in Happy Valley on September 25.

Staffs A pair possibly bred in the Doxey area. Maxima of five at Belvide in September, six at Blithfield in November and nine at Keele University Woods on October 3. Few other records received.

WMid A very good year. Present throughout the year at Brandwood Cemetery and Sutton Park, with a bird in song in Sandwell Valley during June. Records in the first winter period came from Aldridge, King's Heath, Knowle, Marston Green (three), Park Lime Pits (three), Sandwell Valley (25 on February 5), Sheepwash U.P. (three), Shirley, Trittiford Park, Valley Park and Willenhall M.P. (maximum of 12). In the autumn birds were present at many of the previously mentioned localities, with notable concentrations of 35 in Sandwell Valley on November 6 and 12 at Sheepwash U.P. on November 23. A frequent visitor to gardens in Aldridge, Fordhouses, King's Heath, Knowle and Shirley.

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Firecrest Worcs The bird first seen at Westwood on December 27 1988 was seen again on

January 15 S/WWand February 11 GHP. A male was again at Ribbesford on March 18 RRH and March 24 GHP. Another male was in Happy Valley on April 8 GHP. Two pairs were located in suitable breeding habitat in June and July at a site in the north of the county GHP, SMW. In the autumn singles were at Trench Wood on October 15 and 16 PCD and again in Happy Valley on November 18 GHP.

WMid Two were observed at Mushroom Green Marsh on January 18 CJT. A well watched individual was present in Sandwell Valley from November 26 to at least December 10 SL et at, with another two birds located at Oldswinford Church, Stourbridge on November 25 SMW.

1988 Corrigendum

Staffs One at Belvide on April 8 and 9 SN, IL, SAR, DJA and not as stated.

Spotted Flycatcher Average: May 1 (53) to September 26 (53)

Warks Breeding pairs were reported from Alcester, Arley, Astley, Earlswood, Eathorpe, Exhall, Kinwalsey, Packington (five), Tamworth-in-Arden and Warwick.

Worcs Wideley reported in the breeding season with three pairs at Abberton, two pairs at Hindlip, Knapp and Westwood, and single pairs at 28 other localities. Ones and twos were noted on passage at a further eight localities, whilst at Bredons Hardwick there were 14 on July 28.

Staffs Breeding records from Abbots Bromley, Belvide, Blake Brook, Blithfield, Coombes Valley (five pairs), Doxey (two pairs), Hopwas, Lichfield, Stafford (two pairs), Tamworth (three pairs), Thorpe Constantine (three pairs), Trysail and Upper Longdon (two pairs).

WMid Breeding records from Cocks Moors Golf Course, Longford in Coventry and Valley Park (possibly six pair?), with probable breeding at the parish church in Coventry City Centre, Cheswick Green and Marston Green. Noted in the spring at Park Lime Pits, Rowley Regis and Warrens Hall Park. More widespread in the autumn with records from Brierley Hill Pools, Netherton Hill and Reservoir, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley (ten on September 5), Sheepwash U.P. and Walmley. Also reported from Pedmore but sadly no reports from Sutton Park this year. Pied Flycatcher Average: April 21 (43) to September 6 (24)

Warks An unaccompanied male held territory at Chase Wood from May 3 to June 1. Passage birds were seen at Farnborough on April 29, Packington on April 25 and a Warwick garden from August 23 to 26.

Worcs Bred in the Wyre Forest with five pairs along Dowles Brook and others seen on the Betts Reserve and at nest boxes in Far Forest. At Lynall's Coppice, in the Wyre, ten nest boxes were occupied, a record over 20

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years, but only five were successful producing 32 young: eggs were abandoned in four boxes and three young were found dead in one other. Whilst again in the Wyre, on the Fred Dale Reserve, six pairs, three of them using nest boxes, and four unpaired males were noted on May 2. The Malverns recorded a very good year, eight pairs nested in nest boxes, six of them successfully rearing a total of 34 young, and there were a further six males in song there during the breeding season. On passage, single birds were at Bredons Hardwick on July 31 and at Church Lench on August 21.

Staff5 A good breeding season with a record 24 pairs at Coombes Valley with a further 19 pairs in the surrounding area with breeding pairs also at Deep Hayes (one), Dimmingsdale (one), Dydon Wood (three), Jackson's Coppice (two) — a new site, Knypersley (three) and in the south of the county (seven). Also mid-summer records from Belvide and four sites at Cannock Chase and on passage at Brownhills and Norton Canes.

W Mid One in song in Sutton Park from May 18 to 26. On spring passage, reported from Sandwell Valley on April 24,26 and 27, Valley Park on April 24,26 and 27 and Hayhead Wood on April 30. A bird was in a garden at Fordhouses from at least July 14 to 22, with another at Doe Bank Wood in Pheasey on August 2 and one at Fox Hollies Farm, Walmley on August 3.

Bearded Tit Warks Only recorded at Brandon. In the first winter period there were four on

January 6, three on 7 and 22 and two on February 9. Four returned there on October 15 with one on November 12.

Worcs A male which was trapped and ringed at Church Lench Pools was present from January 22 to at least April 10. A bird was heard calling at the same site on October 14 and 18, and male and female birds were present there from December 3 to the end of the year. The autumn male was ringed, but was different from the bird present earlier in the year.

Staffs A female was at Doxey from November 23 to December 11. WMid Five were reported from Lady Pool, Rushall on December 12. Several

other unconfirmed reports came from this locality.

Long-tailed Tit Warks Bred in small numbers at Alvecote, Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Weddington.

Numbers in post-breeding flocks were poor with maxima of 15 at Great Packington and The Somers and 30 at Brandon. At the Ladywalk feeding station birds began to take fat and peanuts from the hanging feeders.

Worcs Breeding records from Bredons Norton, Larford, Tibberton (pair with ten young, June 21) and Upton Warren (pair with 15 young, May 19). Flocks of up to 25 were frequently recorded on the Malverns outside the breeding season. Elsewhere, noted at a further ten sites with 39 at Bredons Hardwick on September 23 and 30 at Callow Hill on December 10.

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Staffs Four pairs bred at Anslow, pairs at Belvide, Blithfield and Dydon, and two pairs at Elford and Westport. Flocks of note were 25 at Anslow on October 24, maximum of 50 at Belvide on November 7 and 15 at Elford on January 28.

W Mid Breeding records were received from Brierley Hill Pools (one pair which constitutes the first breeding record for the locality), Buckpool, Knowle, Mushroom Green, Netherton Hill, Sandwell Valley and Valley Park (at least three pairs). Also noted throughout the year at Edgbaston Park and in Sutton Park. Large parties in the first winter period included ten at Knowle on January 1, ten at Sheepwash U.P. on January 4, 20 at Moseley Bog on January 25 and ten in Sandwell Valley on February 10. 17 were counted at Trittiford Park on June 21, with autumn flocks often in a garden at Bentley Heath on September 15,25 at Brierley Hill Pools on October 12, 12 at Sheepwash U.P. on November 11, 30 in Valley Park on November 20, ten at Edgbaston Reservoir in November, 20 in Sandwell Valley on December 9 and 25 reported from Saltwells Wood. Smaller numbers were noted at Fordhouses, King's Heath, Marston Green, Park Lime Pits, Rough Wood and Willenhall.

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Marsh Tit Summer records were received from Coombe, Great Alne, Hoar Park, Oversley Wood, Ryton (five pairs), Seeswood and Warwick Castle Park, 12 records were received from a study area in the south of the county compared to 39 for Willow Tit. One was seen near the hides at Kingsbury on December 16, where the species is unusual. The Malverns held 15 territorial males, compared with 31 in 1987 and seven in 1986. Other breeding season records from Bredons Norton (two broods), Deerfold Wood, Dowles Brook (two pairs), Hartlebury Common, The Knapp, Tiddesley Wood, Trench Wood and Westwood. Outside the breeding season up to eight were seen in gardens in Great Malvern and Malvern Wells whilst others were seen at Callow Hill and Westwood. Only three pairs bred at Coombes Valley for the second year running, numbers have declined from ten pairs in 1980. Other sightings came from Belvide, Blithfield, Chillington and Westport. Remains scarce in the West Midlands County. One was on wasteland at Willenhall on January 9, with another at Valley Park on January 21. Between five and seven were at Rough Wood on March 26 and another singleton was reported from Knowle on July 9.

Willow Tit Warks Probable or definite breeding records received from Alvecote, Arley,

Brandon, Grendon Wood and Stockton. Nine were seen at Brandon on August 3.

Worcs Bred in Tiddesley Wood and seen in the breeding season at Lower Moor, Ribbesford Wood and the Wyre Forest. Ones and twos at 15 other locations outside the breeding season, but generally scarce.

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Staffs Records came from Aqualate, Belvide (maximum of five in February), Chillington, Stourton and just north of Elford (maximum of eight in February).

W Mid Breeding records came from Brierley Hill Pools (one, possibly two pairs), Moseley Hall in Wolverhampton, Mushroom Green, Northwood and Northycote Farm both in Wolverhampton, Sandwell Valley and Valley Park (possibly six pairs). Probable breeding occurred at Park Lime Pits. Elsewhere birds were noted at Ham Dingle, Hayhead Wood, Oldswinford, Saltwells Wood and Wall Heath.

Coal Tit Warks No change in status reported, only two record slips received. Worcs Recorded at 13 localities, with gatherings of 25 in Happy Valley on

February 19 and 18 in the Wyre Forest on July 7. Staffs Breeding pair at Blithfield and Dydon. Noted regularly at Belvide during

the autumn and winter months. WMid Confirmed breeding in Sandwell Valley and Valley Park (possibly three

pairs) whilst almost certainly bred in Brandwood Cemetery, and recorded throughout the year in Sutton Park (where presumably breeding took place). Other reports came from Marston Green, Park Lime Pits and Willenhall M.P. (eight being present during September to December), with garden records from Aldridge, Fordhouses, Hall Green and King's Heath.

Blue Tit Warks 46 different birds were ringed at Eathorpe on six visits between

September 28 and November 25. Up to 20 visited an Arley garden, at any one time, in January and February.

Worcs Breeding data from Hornhill Wood, where there were 17 nest boxes occupied, and from Lynall 's Coppice, where there were six boxes occupied, the average young fledged at both sites was ten young per box. Single pairs were also noted nesting on the Betts Reserve, in a young oak, at Lower Moor in a mobile excavator, in a Stourport nestbox and in a pear tree at West Hagley.

Staffs 116 pairs bred at Coombes Valley and eight pairs at Doxey (1988:six). A brood of five were successfully hand-reared on maggots at Eccleshall only to have one killed by a Sparrowhawk when they were released. A flock of 65 were in Stansley Wood in January.

WMid Under-recorded as usual! Confirmed breeding noted at Edgbaston Park Woods, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park, Trittiford Park and Valley Park. A pair was also reported breeding on Snow Hill Station! Said to be present in many areas in good numbers, with 52 counted at Willenhall M.P. on December 19 a notable total.

Great Tit Warks No change in status reported.

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Worcs

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The only records received, record breeding at Hornhill Wood, where an average eight young fledged from each of seven nest boxes, Lynall's Coppice, which had a poor year, with nine young from two boxes, and West Hagley, where a pair successfully bred in a nest box originally constructed for Swifts! Three pairs bred at Doxey on the CBC (1988:two) and 81 pairs at Coombes Valley. Very little information received, but bred at Edgbaston Park, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park, Trittiford Park and Valley Park.

Nuthatch The only breeding season records came from Baddesley Common, Bentley, Earlswood, Farnborough, Ryton Wood, Shawbury and Warwick Castle Park. Common at Great Packington with one pair to 4-5 acres in suitable habitat. Breeding noted at Bredons Norton, Lynall's Coppice and Westwood (two pairs), and at British Camp where there was a family party of nine on June 11. Also recorded at 12 other locations. Reported from ten localities in the breeding season. Bred at Cocks Moors Woods, Harbome Churchyard, Moseley Hall, Sandwell Valley, Temple Balsall, Tettenhall Wood, Tudor Grange Park in Solihull and Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton. Elsewhere, presumed to have bred in Sutton Park and probably did so at Trittiford Park. Also reported from Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Park, Highbury Park, King's Heath, Moseley Bog and Woods and Valley Park.

Treecreeper Breeding season records from Alvecote, Brandon, Earlswood, Great Packington, Middleton, North Cubbington Wood, Ryton Wood, The Somers and Warwick Castle Park. Four young fledged from a nest box at Lynall's Coppice. One pair bred at Upton Warren and two pairs at Westwood. Also recorded at Betts Reserve (Wyre), Broadway Gravel Pit, Callow Hill, with six on December 12, Cofton Richards, Evesham, Foley Park, Happy Valley, Himbleton, Malvern Link, North Hill, Ripple, St. Ann's Well and Tibberton. One pair bred at Doxey (1988:one). Also noted at nine other sites from around the county. Sightings were mainly of single birds with Belvide having a maximum of five in July. Breeding records came from Fordhouses, Ham Dingle, Hardwick Wood, Tettenhall Wood, Valley Park and Woodgate Valley. Regularly encountered in Sutton Park, and probably bred at Trittiford Park. Also noted in Brandwood Cemetery, Brierley Hill Pools, Hagley Plantation, Hayhead Wood, Moseley Bog and Woods, Park Lime Pits and Willenhall M.P. Two garden records were received from Dudley and Fordhouses.

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Golden Oriole Worcs One was heard at Nunnery Wood, Worcester on June 21 LAB.

1988 Addendum Staffs One was at Hoar Cross on May 29 DIMW.

Great Grey Shrike Worcs The bird that was recorded at the end of 1988 in the Eastnor Park area,

county of Hereford, was presumably the same one, seen by many observers on Castlemorton Common between January 1 and January 7 GM, JS, SMW.

Jay Warks Only one observer contributed information. A pair were present at

Alvecote and one or two pairs at Wood End. Worcs Widely distributed. A group of eight noted on Midsummer Hill on May 20. Staffs Probably one or two breeding at Belvide. Two to four pairs regularly seen

in the Elford area. Six were all together in one tree at Keele University Woods on April 12.

WMid This relatively secretive species is obviously under-recorded in the West Midlands. Three young birds on a garden fence in Hall Green indicate local breeding, with other breeding season records from Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park and Trittiford Park. Reported from a further eight sites. The only notable gathering concerned eight birds in Sandwell Valley on November 4.

Magpie Warks No records of note received. Worcs Largest concentrations reported were from Arrow Valley Park, with 24 on

February 9, Castlemorton Common and Hollybush Roughs with 32 on January 15, and Larford with 40 on January 13.

Staffs 25 at Blithfield on January 25 and a roost of 52 at Westport on November 20.

WMid Pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, Moseley Bog, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park, Trittiford Park, Valley Park and Willenhall M.P. Still a very numerous bird in the West Midlands, with 106 counted going to roost in Sutton Park on January 30, 85 on Turner's Hill on March 11, 36 in a field at Skip Lane in Walsall on November 11 and 43 at Brierley Hill Pools on December 5.

Jackdaw Warks At least 30 pairs bred at Packington and judging by the winter flocks in the

Nuneaton quarries, a common breeder there. Maxima reported of 300 at Gaydon on November 26, the same number at Judkins Quarry on April 1 and 100 at Ragley Park in February and March.

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Worcs The largest flocks noted were 160 at the Gullet Quarry on February 20,150 at Oakley on October 25 and 150 at Throckmorton on November 4.

Staffs A flock of 455 flew to a roost at Maer on January 30. 106 at Belvide flew north on August 14. 325 were near Blithfield on November 4. 300 at Needwood Airport on December 23 and 20 on Cheadle cricket grounds on 24.

WMid The only breeding record received concerned two pairs in Valley Park, although probable breeding occurred at Edgbaston Park. 12 birds flying south-west over Park Lime Pits on January 1 was the largest party noted there, with 20 birds feeding in Valley Park in mid-March. In the autumn, 14 were counted at Walsall Arboretum on August 21,46 in Sandwell Valley on October 13 and 30 were feeding in a barley field in Valley Park during November. Further reports came from King's Norton Churchyard, Sutton Park and Walsall.

Rook Warks Information on some of last year's rookeries was not received. 18 nests

were counted at Whateley with eight in the pylons. 30 nests were in the New Plantation rookery at Middleton. 600 at Bramcote, 500 at Whateley and 200 at Gaydon were the best winter totals.

Worcs Some small and medium-sized rookeries in the Welland area have shown a general decline; e.g. North Welland Crossroads held 45 nests in 1986, but only 25 in 1987, 34 in 1988 and 31 in 1989. A semi-albinistic individual was seen near Worcester, the bird was milky brown in colour with a black or dark head. The largest flock recorded was 100 at Throckmorton on November 4.

Staffs 187 at Little Wyrley on February 1. 200 at Walsall Road, Lichfield on March 2 and 92 at Essington on October 13.

W Mid Seven occupied nests were counted at Manor Way, Halesowen, with breeding also noted in Sandwell Valley (about 20 pairs). The only notable counts received were 100 feeding in Valley Park on January 7 and 200 birds feeding on grazing pasture at Aldridge on December 28.

Carrion Crow Warks 48 at Wellesbourne Airfield on January 8 was the only notable gathering. Worcs Only record from the Malverns, numbers up to 35 in the North Hill area. Staffs Six pairs bred at Doxey (1988:four). 120 flew over Maer to roost on January

30. At a garden in Stafford one was seen to carry off a young starling as it was feeding. At Belvide 40 fed on the exposed shoreline in September and 57 were counted on October 19.

W Mid Pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, Highbury Park, Moseley Woods, Park Lime Pits, Sandwell Valley, Valley Park (four) and Willenhall M.P. (two, with another two pairs nearby). Some quite high concentrations included 120 at Lower Gornal Treatment Works on January 1,110 at Shut End on January 22, 62 at Tividale on February 11,130 birds in Valley Park on February 13, 200 at Queslett Tip on March 15 and 66 on Darby's Hill on March 30. Late

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summer/autumn flocks were noticeably smaller, but included 75 on Turner's Hill on July 15, 90 in Valley Park on August 13 and 45 at Barr Common, Aldridge on September 23. Also said to be exceptionally numerous in Sutton Park.

Raven Worcs A pair on the Malvern Hills ranged from North Hill to Ragged Stone Hill

from February 3 to December 6 BH, MJI, GJM. TwoatErdistonon March 28 SAR, one at Suckley on June 27 GL, and two at Stockton-on-Teme on December 31 GHP.

Staffs Reports of a single at Marston, near Wheaton Aston on May 14 JH, a nearby site on June 4 and 18 and at Belvide on August 2 SJ, probably refer to a bird which escaped from captivity at Blymhill Common during late March PKD. One, a mile east of Abbots Bromley on October 20 DIMW.

WMid One noted flying over Halesowen on May 28 TE.

Starling Warks The only records of note were for a roost at Brandon with maxima of 5000

in June and 2000 in September. Worcs Of note were flocks of 1500 at Bredons Hardwick on July 31 and 800 and 500

at Throckmorton on November 11 and December 12 respectively. Staffs Only four pairs bred at Coombes Valley (1988:five), numbers continue to

decline, pairs in 1981 numbered 40, this dropped to seven in 1982 due to the severe winter, however numbers rose to 21 in 1985 but since then have steadily decreased each year. Three pairs bred at Doxey (1988:one) where 10000 roosted on July 17.15000 flew over Westport on October 20 as attempts by the council were made to remove the roost in Burslem. 10000 roosted at Kettlebrook Park on August 29. Flocks of 5000 were common in the Potteries between November 1 and 14 but numbers had decreased by December.

WMid Bred in good numbers in Sandwell Valley, Sutton Park and Valley Park, with breeding also reported from the City Centre at Rocky Lane and Snow Hill Station. The only flock of any note was 600 on Compton barley field in Valley Park on September 8. A partial albino bird with a white head, neck and breast markings was noted in the Bartley area throughout the year.

House Sparrow Warks 50 at Gaydon and 60 at Wellesbourne Airf ield on November 26. Worcs No significant records received. Staffs No records received. WMid No significant records received.

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Tree Sparrow Warks Six flocks of less than 50 reported from widespread sites. In January, 50 at

Alvecote on 9 and 75 at Southam on 8 were the best first winter flocks. In the second period, 70 at Brandon Farm in November, and 50 at Burton Dassett and 100 al Kinelun in December.

Worcs Noted as having bred at Besford, Chaddesley Corbet, Hartlebury, Pitchers Hill, Hushock, Stone and Torton and as being present in the breeding season at Astley Cross, Bittell, Church Lench, Fladbury Mill, Hindlip, Larford, Lower Moor, Peopleton and Throckmorton. There were 11 recorded sightings of flocks often or more birds, the largest of which were 30 at Castlemorton on January 7, 50 at Upper Broomhall on January 29, 150 at Tibberton on February 2 and 30 at Wick on April 23.

Staffs Sizeable flocks were reported from the Trent/Tame area of Alrewas: 68 on March 12, 44 at Belvide on July 16, 150 at Blithfield on December 22, 55 at Chillington on July 27, 50 at Elford on March 9, over 100 at Fisherwick on January 9, over 100 in Radmore Lane, Abbots Bromley during February and over 100 at Tittesworth on November 19.

W Mid Breeding was reported from Aldridge (one pair) and the Sandwell Valley (several pairs). Elsewhere, probable breeding and pairs in suitable habitat were noted at Knowle, Meriden, Pedmore and the Slough in Pelsall. Flocks consisted of 24 near Lower Farm, Fishley on January 11, 20 in Valley Park during January and February, 6 near Barr Beacon on April 30, four at Sheepwash U.P. (where said to be 'unusual') on November 12 and 20 in Sandwell Valley on December 12. Also reported from Bourne Farm near Aldridge on August 23.

Chaffinch Warks Most flocks were seen in the second winter period. Maxima of 50 at

Kinwalsey in March, 55 at Brandon, 170 at Gaydon and 70 at Kingsbury in November and 50 al Burton Farm Tip and 100 atTheSomers in December.

Worcs There were over 100 singing males, widely distributed, on the hills and commons of the Malverns during the breeding season, indicating little change in their breeding status. Outside the breeding season the largest flocks reported were 100 at Castlemorton on January 2, 340 at Throckmorton on October 12 and an autumn movement through Happy Valley of between 450 and 500 birds, in small parties, during the first hours of daylight on October 15, with a similar movement early morning on October 30.

Staffs 73 pairs bred at Coombes Valley, six pairs at Doxey (1988:two) and at Belvide at least 17 territories were held. Sizeable winter flocks reported were 150 at Newborough on January 7, 100 at Dunstall Lane, Hopwas on February 19, 20 at Blankley on February 26 and 115 at Eland Brook on October 20.

WMid Breeding confirmed at Sandwell Valley (at least five singing males), Valley Park and Willenhall M.P. Three pairs also probably bred at Park Lime Pits. Flocks included 100 at Sheepwash U.P. on January 7, 70 in

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Sandwell Valley on February 26, 29 at Willenhall M.P. on April 19 and 40 again at Sheepwash U.P. in November and December. Other reports were received from Edgbaston Park and Sutton Park. A white-headed bird was present at Trittiford Park in the first winter period.

Brambling Average: October 10 (54) to April 16 (53)

Warks Rather more records this year but no flocks of any note. The most reported was ten at Lighthorne on January 8 with six there on February 17 and six also at Packington on April 12. Elsewhere there were one's and two's at Avon Dassett, Baddesley Common, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Oversley Wood and Seeswood. A small movement probably took place around April 29 when a single appeared at Earlswood and two were at Shustoke.

Worcs Generally scarce in winter and autumn, most records concerning single birds. However, a flock at Holt present from January 1 numbered 40 on January 15, there was a flock of 42 at Lenchwick on February 15, a flock of

- 20 at Little Malvern on February 12 and a late passage of six birds at Trench Wood on April 23.

Staffs First heard in sub-song on Cannock Chase on April 22 and a male was seen at Brocton Coppice in amongst a flock of Chaffinch from June 24 to July 2 PF, EF, JW. Notable counts in the first winter period were 30 at Codsall on January 1,50 at Hopwas on February 10, up to 70 at Brankley.on February 26 and 30 at Keele on April 9. The only second winter period records were 30 at Tittesworth on November 5, one at Seisdon on November 4 and three at Tittesworth on November 28.

WMid Again quite scarce this year, with most records coming from gardens. A female was in an Aldridge garden during January, with birds in Sandwell Valley on six dates from January 21 to March 24 (maximum of five on March 11), Valley Park from February 14 to 21 (two) with another on April 13, a Hall Green garden on March 10, a male at Brierley Hill Pools on April 1 and a final female at Willenhall M.P. on Apri l 14. In the autumn, single birds were reported from Valley Park on November 1 and 3, the Slough in Pelsall on November 7, Sandwell Valley on November 26, a Stourbridge garden on December 26 and an Aldridge garden on December 27 (two).

Greenfinch Warks 46 different birds were ringed in a garden in Lillington between January 20

and April 28. By far the best flock was 200 at Atherstone-on-Stour on October 15. Other flocks of note were 100 at Brandon on January 10, 50 at Oversley Wood on March 19 and 40 at Wellesbourne Airfield on December 3.

Worcs The largest flocks noted outside the breeding season were 107 roosting at Norton on January 9,100 at Strensham Sludge Lagoons on January 28, 50 at Interfield on February 21, and 120 at Bredons Hardwick on November 12, with 130 and 90 there on December 27 and 31 respectively.

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Staffs Three pairs bred at Doxey (1988:three). A flock of around 30 at Stoneydelph, Tamworth on August 2 and 50 were at Belvide on October 21.

WMid Birds bred at Chamberlain Square in Central Birmingham, Sandwell Valley and Valley Park (about 20 pairs). Small numbers in the first winter period present in Aldridge Churchyard and Brandwood Cemetery. 100 were counted at Wharf Lane Sand Pit in Brownhills on September 18, 40 in a mixed flock of Finches and Buntings at Meriden on October 15 and 40 in Aldridge on November 5. Also noted in gardens in Shirley and Sutton Coldfield and Highbury Park — numbers in the Shirley gardens said to be way down compared to ten years ago.

Goldfinch Warks Appears to be a fairly common breeding bird within the villages of North

Warwickshire. Two pairs bred at Alvecote. Most sizeable flocks were reported in late July, August and September with maxima of 30 at Bermuda, 32 at Exhall, 35 at Kingsbury and 30 at Radway. 200 at Burton Farm Tip on December 26 was a notable exception.

Worcs The only breeding record concerned a pair raising three young at Tibberton. Outside the breeding season the largest flocks were of 42 at Church Lench on April 4, up to 40 feeding on thistles and teazels near Evesham on October 3, and at Bredons Hardwick up to 50 in August, 130 on September 17, 60 on October 7 and 120 on December 31.

Staffs Four pairs bred at Doxey (1988:two). A winter flock of over 100 at Tittesworth on January 22. Also at Tittesworth at the end of December a mixed flock of Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch were seen feeding on floating leaves/stems which had gathered at the edge of the reservoir after several storms. The main food item were the seeds of trifid bur-marigold (bidens cernua). Autumn flocks of 101 at Belvide on August 30, 120 at Doxey on August 22, 120 at Tittesworth on November 10, 25 at Westport on November 29 and 35 at Wilnecote on October 1.

WMid The only breeding information received was from Valley Park, where about three pairs bred — apparently down on recent years. The only notable fiocks consisted of 50 at Brierley Hill Pools on August 31 and 40 at Park Lime Pits on December 2. Smaller numbers were reported from Aldridge, King's Heath, Knowle, Meriden and Walsall. Regularly encountered in the centre of Birmingham, attracted to the weeds to be found on vacant and derelict land.

Goldfinch x Brambling hybrid Staffs One fed at a bird table in Werrington during March and April MW.

Siskin Average: September 30 (52) to April 15 (50)

Warks Numbers were again down, the average flock size being 26 birds. Maxima of 36 at Farnborough on January 7, 35 at Freasley on 11, 38 at Ladywalk on 30 and 30at0vers ley Wood on March 19. In the second winter period, 30 at

15fi

Arley on November 11, 60 at Brandon by the end of November and 30 at Kingsbury on December 2. Only four gardens held birds and as usual, these were all in the first period. In a Lill ington garden, 19 birds were ringed between January 29 and April 9.

Worcs No confirmed breeding but April and May records from suitable areas at Callow Hill and in Ribbesford Woods. There were flocks at Bittell of 24 on January 14 and 50 on February 2. At Diglis there were 50 on February 4 and 30 on February 5 and at nearby Worcester Cathedral there were 30 on March 5. Flocks were noted in the autumn, with 50 at Lickey on October 21, 40 at Ombersley on December 29 and 50 at Upton-on-Severn on December 30.

Staffs No breeding season records this year. Good numbers noted from January to April, with 50 at Westport on January 15,80 at Mill Green on February 18, 200 at Highgate Common on April 5 and 40 at Brocton on April 23. Numbers increased in December quite quickly with counts of 40 at Belvide on December 11 and The Blythe on December 29. Reported as a regular garden table visitor from six localities.

WMid Seemingly quite widespread this year, with numerous garden records. Flocks in the first winter period comprised 13 at Sandwell Valley on January 1, 18 at Sheepwash U.P. on January 18, 12 at Trittiford Park on February 2, 20 in Manor Abbey Wood, Halesowen on March 17 and 40 in Sutton Park on April 3. The first returning birds of the autumn were at Valley Park on September 24 with 14 birds at Sheepwash U.P. on October 31 the only flock of note in the second winter period. One to nine birds were reported from a further 18 sites, mostly gardens, with late birds still present in an observer's garden on May 26!

Linnet Warks More large flocks were reported this year with an average of 135 at nine

sites. Maxima of 300 at Draycote and 150 at Lighthorne in January and in the second winter period, 200 at Draycote in October, 200 at Kineton and Seeswood in September and 150 at Lawford Heath in November.

Worcs No apparent change in the breeding population around the Malverns. Also bred on Bredon Hill, at Lower Moor, Tibberton and Upton Warren. Outside the breeding season there were 100 at Bredons Hardwick on April 3 and 200 there on September 5. Throckmorton had 48 on January 11 and several flocks totalling 480 on October 12. Other significant records were of 50 at Upper Broomhall on January 29,70 at Offenham Cross on February 2,104 at Lenchwickon April 9, and in the late summer/autumn period, 60 at Bittell on August 12, 80 at Hampton Ferry on September 28, 36 near Blackpole on October 22 and 90 at Larford on December 4.

Staffs At Doxey three pairs bred (1988:two). Reports of sizeable flocks were 50 at Blankley on February 26, 30 at Belvide on October 27, 75 at Blithfield on April 25,60 at Chasewater on October 27,38 at Doxey on August 28,130 at Kingswood on January 13 and 500 on weed seeds at Needwood Airfield on September 18. 30 around Smiths Pool Fenton in early November and 200 at Tittesworth on August 24.

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W Mid Bred at Rocky Lane in Central Birmingham, Sandwell Valley, Sheepwash U.P. (two or three pairs) and Valley Park, with probable breeding occurring at Aldridge and Knowle. Flocks included 40 at Park Lime Pits on February 25,60 in Sandwell Valley on February 26,45 at Meriden on April 1 and 60 at Sheepwash U.P. on April 4. An impressive flock of 300 birds were at Sheepwash U.P. on September 10, with 50 at Dunstall Park on October B. Smaller numbers were reported from a further six localities.

Twite Staffs Three at Tittesworth on January 28 BDC, PJwere the birds from 1988. Two

were still present on February 22 WJL and two on November 5 PJS. One at Swallow Moss on March 25 PJS. One flew over Westport on April 13 WJL. Two at Knotbury on May 2 PFR, H o n June 2 CCOand tenon 18 JCE-D. One at Chasewater on October 27 REH, MJI. One at Needwood Airport on September 10 and 11 DIMW.

W Mid One at Queslett N.P. on February 6 was associating with Linnets RRH.

1988 Addendum Staffs One at Needwood Airport on April 16 DIMW.

Redpoll Warks Probably bred at Ladywalk and summer records received from Whichford

Wood and Temple Pool. Very few flocks were reported with maxima of 30 at Ladywalk in October and 40 at Packington on October 12.

Worcs Breeding season reports from Callow Hill and Harllebury Common. In January and February up to 120 were at Eight Oaks, Castlemorton, feeding on fat hen Chenopodium album, nearby there were 70 in the Gullet area on Swinyard Hill on March 24 and 52 al Chase End on March 25, with 30 there on April 9. Away from the Malverns there were 20 at Holt on January 9, 20 at Suckley on February 27 and 25 at Callow Hill on April 22. Smaller numbers in the autumn at seven locations, of note being 40 in Trench Wood in October with 23 still present at the end of the year.

Staffs At Belvide a maximum of ten on April 29 with birds present during both winter and spring months. Two flocks of between 50 and 100 birds between Chase End Corner and Brocton from October to November. A flock of 50 at Highgate Common on April 4 and reported scarce at Westport from January to March.

WMid Breeding was reported from Oldswinford, along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal between Fordhouses and Castlecroft and along Valley Park. Probable breeding occurred at Quinton Cemetery and Sheepwash U.P. Small numbers of up to 20 birds were counted at ten localities outside the breeding season, with the largest flocks being 40 at Valley Pairk on March 7,20 to 50 birds at Binley Woods School, Coventry on April 6,70 at the Slough in Pelsall on November 7 with 26 in Sutton Park on the same date and 40 in Aldridge on December 28.

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Warks

Worcs

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Staffs

Worcs

Crossbill Two unusual records, substantiated by a photograph, concerned singles in a garden at Grendon. A male was definitely seen on a date around the end of May (and suspected other dates) and a female was observed some time in September. Both birds were attracted to Scots Pine cones. The only definite record was of a probable family party of six birds in Eyemore Wood on January 9, though evidence of Crossbills was found in a traditional haunt, Thirds Land, Malvern, where freshly plucked cones were found on March 24. A recently fledged youngster was seen at Brindley Heath on July 16. One on Highgate Common on January 8 and one at Greaves Wood on April 7.

Bullfinch Flock sizes were less than last year with maxima of ten at Alvecote and Brandon and seven at Gaydon. Up to seven frequented a garden in Warwick during January. Recorded at 14 localities, the largest party being 11 at Upton Warren on December 31. Breeding pairs at Blithfield, eight at Elford and two at Westport. Ten were at Chill ington on January 4. Six at Belvide during January where a male was seen to hover from a low branch on several occasions fly-catching gnats SJand ten on November 7. Pairs bred in Sandwell Valley and Valley Park, with probable breeding at Park Lime Pits (two pairs) and Lifford. Also reported from Hayhead Wood, Knowle, Sutton Park and Willenhall M.P.

Subspecies: p.p. pyrrhula Four resembling Northern birds were at Yoxall Park on January 21 DIMW and a single female at Needwood Airport on November 1 DIMW.

1988 Addendum One male at Needwood Airport on November 6 DIMW and a female near Yoxall on December 3 DIMW.

Hawfinch A pair bred near Bewdley. Winter records from the Malverns came from Chase End Hill with three birds on January 2 and February 2, and from the top of Happy Valley from January 21 to April 18, when up to six were frequently recorded feeding on Hawthorns. Elsewhere, a single bird was seen at Hartlebury on April 17, up to four were in the Wyre between May 6 and June 4, one was between Trimpley and Eyemore on May 30 and two were on Bredon Hill on June 6.

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Staffs The large flock at Chillington from 1988 remained and peaked at 57 on March 1. Singles at Belvide on January 1, February 7, two on March 1,15 and 18, singles on April 11, July 23 and November 5. Two at Shugborough on January 22 and one at Hollybush on the same day.

W Mid The only record received, concerned a bird observed in Hawthorn bushes near the Dunstall Water Bridge in Valley Park on February 9.

Snow Bunting Warks Two females present at Alvecote on January 29 and February 2 with one

remaining until the following day GAA. Two males were seen at Draycote on November 26 GJM.

Worcs A male was present at Bredons Hardwick from November 25 to December 4 SJH, GHP, PFS.

Staffs At Kingswood the birds from 1988 were still present with four on January 1 GIG, PDH, DS. Three on January 8 GIG, FCG, PDH, GJM which remained until January 19 FCG. A male was present at Kingswood on December 10 NAF. On the moors three were in the Boarsgrove area on January 1 ESC, JCE-D and 2 DJA, PJ with two from January 4 to February 12 NC, BDC.

Yellowhammer Warks Hve pairs bred at Alvecote. I he only notable flocks were 50 at Alvecote on

January 9, 40 at Gaydon on November 26 and 80 roosting at Shustoke on January 3, with 60 often present on other dates in the month.

Worcs The Malvern breeding season census records 39 singing males on the Hills (19BB:26); at Old Hills there were 15. Flocks exceeding 20 were noted at Lenchwick, 22 on February 15, at Holt, with 25 on March 11,100 on March 18 and 67 on March 23. At Grimley there were 30 on April 2, and at Beckford 47 on December 29.

Staffs A flock of 20 at Belvide during January, 44 on February 11 and 30 on November 12. At Blithfield 49 on April 17, 30 at Chasewater on April 8 and 30 at Kettlebrook Park on November 14.

WMid Several pairs bred in Sandwell Valley, with breeding almost certain at Knowle. Probable breeding noted at Meriden (two pairs) and Park Lime Pits (probably five pairs). Outside the breeding season, 50 were in Valley Park on February 21 and 60 in Sandwell Valley on February 26. Other records received from Sutton Park and Willenhall M.P. (where said to be distinctly unusual).

Reed Bunting Warks Six pairs at Alvecote and also bred at Brandon, Bedworth, Kingsbury and

Ladywalk. An influx on March 25 was noted at Shustoke and Coton with 50 (predominantly males) at the latter site. A small roost of 20 built up at Eathorpe in November and December. Up to nine were seen in a garden at Arley and in a Lillington garden 13 individuals were ringed in the first winter period although no more than six were seen together.

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Worcs Breeding reported from Beckford, one pair, Church Lench, two pairs, Eckington, four pairs, Lower Moor, three pairs, Northwide Marsh, two pairs and Offenham, two pairs. Singing birds noted at Frankley Green, Trench Wood, Uffmore Wood and Wickhamford. Largest flocks were 15 at Church Lench on January 21, and ten at Upper Broomhall on January 29.

Staffs At Doxey 45 pairs bred (1988:21). At Belvide at least seven territories were held with a maximum of 13 seen in late March. A flock of over 20 were at Stoneydelph on January 29.

WMid Pairs bred at Brierley Hill Pools (two), Sandwell Valley, Valley Park (two) and Bushbury Gasworks, Wolverhampton, with assumed breeding at Clayhanger (ten), Park Lime Pits (five), Sheepwash U.P. (one or two) and Woodgate Valley (ten singing males). Additional singing males were noted at Cradley and Netherton Hill (two), with four pairs present during March and April at Meriden. Also reported from Sutton Park and Trittiford Park, with garden records received from Fordhouses and Walsall. The largest concentration outside the breeding season consisted of 14 at Sheepwash U.P. on November 23.

Corn Bunting Warks Singing males reported from Bramcote, Bulkington, Over Whitacre,

Polesworth and Wasperton (five). In winter, a roost of up to 25 built up at Eathorpe, up to 15 were seen on route to a roost at Coton and 20 were seen at Wellesbourne Airfield on November 26.

Worcs Five pairs bred in the Shenstone-Stone area and two pairs at Bredons Hardwick. Also bred at Rushock, Torton and Woodrow, whilst singing birds were recorded during the breeding season at Bishampton, Doverdale (two), Holt, Kempsey Lowerham, Larford (up to three), Peopleton (four), Throckmorton and Upton Snodsbury (three). Largest flock outside the breeding season was at Lenchwick with 75 on February 10,100 on February 11 and 140 on February 15. At Battenhall there were 24 on March 3 and 17 on March 10. Whilst at Bredons Hardwick the monthly maxima of a flock first seen on October 28, were 11 on October 28, 23 on November 11 and 29 on December 27.

Staffs Singing males reported from 15 sites. There were flocks of 40 at Dunstall Lane, Hopwas on February 10, 30 at Elford on August 20, 28 in the Trent/ Tame area at Alrewas on March 12 and 20 at Fisherwick on January 9.

WMid Two singing birds were at Pedmore near Stourbridge in June. The only other record received concerned two birds feeding with Yellowhammers, Linnets and Tree Sparrows in Sandwell Valley on March 17.

Exotica

Lesser Flamingo Worcs An adult, wearing a blue plastic ring, was present at Upton Warren from

August 26 and was last seen there on September 27, having been seen at Wilden on September 11.

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Black Swan Staffs Four were at Belvide on September 28. W Mid One flew over Sandwell Valley on May 16, with two immature birds noted

on Powell's Pool in Sutton Park on September 18.

Bar-headed Goose Worcs Singles at Kemerton Pool, May 27 and Westwood on December 31.

Muscovy Duck WMid Bred at Walsall Arboretum, where two females produced a total of 23

young, many of which were predated.

Wood Duck Staffs A male at Elford from February 12 to 20 and up to three males and a female

at Westport from January to November.

Speckled Teal

Warks One at Brandon from September 21 to December 8.

Ringed Teal

Worcs The male was again at Upton Warren, May 4 to 7 and June 6 and 7.

Hottentot Teal Worcs One at Bittell intermittently from July 27 to November 20, was seen at

Upton Warren between September 4 and 11. Cape Teal

Worcs One at Bittell first seen on July 27 and last seen on October 25 was at Upton Warren September 5 to 11 and on September 16. Chukar

Staffs A pair at Needwood Airport on April 24 and a male on May 2.

Sacred Ibis Staffs One at Whiston Mill from October 11 to 13. The same bird was also seen

feeding near to the Cannock M6 junction on November 13 and reappeared at Belvide on December 11 and again on December 19. Barbary Dove

WMid One at Willenhall on April 24.

Peach-faced Lovebird WMid One at Park Lime Pits on May 7.

Blue-fronted Parrot Warks One at Coton on July 29.

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Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Warks A bird, probably of this species, at Seeswood oh September 20. Staffs Still at Chill ington, first seen there in 1976.

Monk Parakeet Staffs Still present in the Newcastle area with one pair again seen at a nest but

the outcome was unknown.

Cockatiel Worcs There was a male at Broadway on January 30. W Mid Singles at Pelsall Common on September 26 and Park Lime Pits on

October 29 and December 17.

Budgerigar Warks One at Whitacre Heath on September 2. Worcs One at Little Comberton from July 21 to 31. Staffs One at Doxey on August 22. W Mid A totally white bird noted at Shirley on October 13.

Red-headed Cardinal W Mid A male in Sandwell Valley on July 2.

Ringing in 1989 1989 proved to be another excellent year for bird ringing, annual returns received from individual ringers and the secretaries of local Ringing Groups indicated a total of 9530 birds ringed during the season. The total included 79 species, the most notable being Leach's Petrel, Rock Pipit, Savi's Warbler and Bearded Tit.

The m i ld winter and early spring resulted in fewer birds visiting garden feeding stations and for the second year running no substantial winter Finch and Thrush roosts were recorded. The mild winter weather also resulted in a high survival rate which ensured high population levels at the start of the season. Many species had an excellent breeding season, nest box schemes in particular doing very well with large numbers of Tit pulli being ringed. Some species such as Grey Herons and Mute Swans had extended breeding seasons. Tits again constitute the largest number of birds ringed, 32% of the total, the next highest being Hirundines with 18% of the total. Warbler numbers remained high, 12% of the total, with twice as many Reed Warblers as Sedge Warblers being caught. Finches and Thrushes formed 14% and 6% of the total respectively. Ringing recoveries have produced excellent results with our first ever recoveries for Savi 's Warbler and Common Scoter. 1989 also heralded our first African recovery for a Pied Flycatcher bred in the Wyre Forest. Longevity records continue to accrue, 1989 producing a Grey Heron aged 12.2 years, a Canada Goose aged 14.5

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years, Black-headed Gulls aged 13.5 and 16 years, a Blackbird aged at least 8 years and last but certainly not least a Great Tit over 7.5 years of age. Some excellent long distance movements were also recorded with Wigeon from Blithfield Reservoir and a Common Snipe from Worcestershire making movements of over 2uu0 kilometres to Hussia, a Blackbird moving over 1000 kilometres to Sweden and a Common Tern making a massive journey of 4476 kilometres to the Senegal. Black-headed Gulls also continued to provide a plethora of long distance movements with birds from Germany, Finland, Schleswig-Holstein and Czechoslovakia arriving in the West Midlands while West Midland ringed birds were recorded in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Holland and Russia.

Long term studies within the area continue to produce useful information. Wigeon ringing at Blithfield Reservoir, commenced in 1988 to improve our understanding of their movements once they reach Britain, continued during 1989. To date over 180 birds have been colour ringed and already many useful sightings have been recorded. Colour ringing of Common Tern chicks from the Kingsbury Water Park colony commenced during 1989, the colour code for the year being a light green plastic ring on the left leg. The number of breeding pairs broke all records with an impressive total of 67 nestlings being ringed as opposed to 48 in 1988. The Staffordshire Mute Swan Study, now in its 29th year, figured very prominently in the 1989 International Swan Symposium held at Oxford in December, and the long term study of Grey Herons at Gailey continues to produce information for the B.T.O. Nest Record Scheme as well as the Annual National Heronry Census. 1988 saw the Black Country Black Redstart Project beginning to produce results but unfortunately due to industrial development the number of birds colour ringed during 1989 was less than 50% of the 1988 totals. We hope that the trend will be reversed during 1990. Finally may I express my thanks to all the ringers who have, over the past year, sent in their ringing recoveries. A E Coleman Ringing Secretary

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Selected List ol Recoveries involving the WMBC Area Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries for 1989 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres (62 miles) are included. Treatment of movements of less than 100 kilometres depends on the species involved.

Key:

Age at Ringing: Pull Pullus (nestling) Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) 1Y Bird in its first year 2Y Bird in its second year Ad Adult (at least one year old) Fg Full grown (age uncertain)

Sex: M Male F Female Manner ol Recovery: v Caught and released with ring + Shot or killed x Found dead or dying vv Ring read in field ? Manner of recovery unknown

Species Ring No. Aga/Sax Data P l a r . p

Ringer Movement

Grey Heron 1092943 Pull 16.07.77 Gailey Reservoir (Staffs) CDTM

V 28.10.89 Wyken Slough, Coventry (Warks) 52km 125deg

Mute Swan 260178 Juv 03.11.88 Reading (Berks) EGI

V 29.07.89 Alvecote Pools (Warks) 137km 341deg

Bewick's Swan SUF' Ad 31.01.85 Slimbridge (Glos) WT

V 11.03.85 Slimbridge (Glos) V 20.11.86 Slimbridge (Glos) V 12.03.87 Slimbridge (Glos) V 15.03 89 Belvide Reservoir (Staffs)

Canada Goose L01959 Ad 26.06.82 West Branston (Staffs) CDTM

+ 31.12.88 Boddington (Glos) 100km199deg LOO103 Fg 28.06.78 Drayton Manor, Tamworth (Staffs) MRG

+ 09.09.89 Coleshill (Warks) 11km 174deg 5076272 1Y + 26.06.76 Bodymoor Heath, Kingsbury (Warks) CDTM

+ 06.12.89 Kingsbury (Warks) 2km 360deg 5082145 2Y + 26.06.77 West Branston (Staffs) . CDTM

+ 15.12.89 Branston (Staffs) 0km 360deg 5069300 Pull 29.06.75 Kings Bromley (Staffs) CDTM

+ 23.12.89 Hill Ridware (Staffs) 4km 270deg

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Wigeon FA02706 A d . M 31.12.88 Blithfield Reservoi r (Staffs) MRG

+ 13.05.89 Kimkiasui , Tyumen, USSR 3872km 72deg FA02705 1Y.M 31.12.88 Blithfield Reservoi r (Staffs) MRG

+ 20.05.89 Yermi tsa , Komi Assr, USSR 3361km 62deg FA02731 Juv.F 31.12.88 Biithfieid Reservo i r (Starts) MHU

+ 21.08.89 Posio, Lappi , Finland 2253km 49deg FA02513 1Y.M 31.12.88 Blithfield Reservoi r (Staffs) MRG

+ 28.10.89 O u s e W a s h e s (Cambs) 148km 104deg FA02544 Ad.F 31.-12.88 Blithfield Reservoi r (Staffs) MRG

+ 20.12.89 Inverness, Highland Reg ion (Scotland) 539km 344deg

Common Scoter QK22292 Ad 03.07.84 Coventry (Warks) BRG

X 03.01.89 Belvoir Cas t le (Lines) 74km

Water Rail DR42206 Juv 08.09.87 Brandon (Warks) BRG

vv .M 14.05.89 Bromsgrove (Worcs) 51km

Common Snipe RA048B1 2Y 18.01.86 Gr imley , Hal low (Worcs) WRG

+ 20.08.88 Dorogobuzh, Smolensk, USSR 2353km 83deg

Redshank DR82080 Pull 04.07.89 Kingsbury Wate r Park (Warks) MRG

X 23.08.89 Hoylake, Wir ra l (Merseys ide ) 134km 312deg

Black-headed Gull 5231148 Juv 22.06.80 Insel He lmsand , Schleswig-Holste in , F R G

Y 17.01.81 M a d e l e y Heath, Bromsgrove (Worcs) V 17.01.87 M a j o r s G r e e n , Solihull (W Mid)

E277103 Pull 01.06.85 Piestany, Brat is lava, Czechos lovak ia X 26.03.88 Draycote Wate r (Warks) 1414km 287deg

EH96355 Ad 19.02.83 M a d e l e y Heath, Bromsgrove (Worcs) PI vv 30.09.88 Ainsdale (Merseys ide ) 150km

EH96142 Juv 18.12.82 M a d e l e y Heath , Bromsgrove (Worcs) PI vv 14.11.88 A insda le (Merseys ide ) 150km

EP68471 A d 13.12.87 Throckmorton (Worcs) SEGG V 25.12.88 Radipole L a k e (Dorset) 173km

EP27931 Ad 29.11.87 Throckmorton (Worcs) SEGG v 17.01.88 Bowers Gifford (Essex) 186km

5225698 Pull 20.06.79 M o e w e n Insel Molfsee, Schleswig-Holste in v 17.01.89 M a j o r s Green , Solihull (W Mid)

EN91195 Ad 12.12.87 M a j o r s G r e e n , Solihull (W Mid) PI v 20.03.89 Renseanleg, Hvidovre, Sjael land, Denmark

EF95063 2Y 16.02.75 Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) CDTM + 28.03.89 Olonetsky, Karel ia , USSR 2294km 67deg

EN91094 1Y 17.01.87 Ma jors Green , Solihull (W Mid) PI v 18.05.89 Freunsholm, Jylland, D e n m a r k

EK56310 Ad 12.12.87 M a j o r s G r e e n , Solihull (W Mid) PI + 23.05.89 Nisosjarvi , Kuortane, V a a s a , F in land

EK56052 1Y 05.01.86 M a j o r s G r e e n , Solihull (W Mid) PI v 24.05.89 Renseanleg, Hvidovre, Sjael land, Denmark

EH70566 Ad 17.01.81 M a d e l e y Heath , Bromsgrove (Worcs) PI X 31.05.89 I jsse lmeerpolders , Nether lands

166

E N 9 1 0 3 4 1Y 17.01.87 V 15.06.89

E F 0 2 9 0 0 r g 24.12.75 X 15.06.89

E P 2 7 9 5 8 Fg 29.11.87 V 25.06.89

E P 2 7 9 0 5 Fg 29.11.87 V 30.06.89

E N 8 2 4 4 5 Fg 22.02.87 V 12.07.89

E N 9 1 0 5 3 Ad 17.01.87 X 13v08.89

E K 5 6 4 2 9 Ad 17.01.87 V 24.10.89

E N 8 2 4 1 6 Fg 22.02.87 V 18.11.89

S T 1 2 7 3 4 1 Pull 02 .07 .89 X 02.12.89

Lesser Black-backed Gull G G 2 0 0 1 8 Fg 10.06.84

v 01.02.89

Herring Gull G K 8 0 3 3 2 Ad 01.01 .80

x 14.05.88

Common Tern X S 7 3 9 2 2 Pull 16.06.89

x 28.12.89

Bam Owl G J 2 1 7 1 0 Pull 24.06.88

x 16.02.89

Sand Martin E 7 3 0 3 0 0 Juv 05.09.88

v.F 11.06.89 E 7 4 3 3 8 5 Juv 02.08.88

v .M 18.06.89 E 7 4 4 4 4 5 Juv 06.08.88

V 24.06.89 F 2 7 9 6 7 5 Juv 24.06 .89

V 11.07.89 E571B31 1Y.M 29.08.87

V 12.07.89 E 5 7 1 7 6 7 1 Y . M 29.08.87

V 12.07.89 E 7 4 4 7 8 2 1 Y .F 13.08.88

V 12.07.89 E 9 6 3 4 2 6 Juv 16.10.88

V 13.07.89 E 4 9 8 8 9 9 Juv 28.06.88

V 23.08.89 F 2 7 9 8 1 8 Juv 15.07.89

V 01.09.89

M a j o r s G r e e n , Solihull (W Mid) PI Ankerp laa ts , V l ie land, Nether lands — -

Dlithfield n e 3 e r v o i r (Staffs) CDTM Ouderkerk , Noord-Hol land , Nether lands 466km 97deg Throckmor ton (Worcs) SEGG Lannas , O r e b r o , S w e d e n 1352km Throckmor ton (Worcs) SEGG Vl ie land, Ne ther lands 483km Throckmor ton (Worcs) SEGG Sjae land , D e n m a r k 936km M a j o r s Green , Solihull (W Mid) PI Virksund, Jy l land, D e n m a r k M a j o r s Green , Sol ihul l (W Mid) PI Bergen op Zoom, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands Throckmor ton (Worcs) SEGG Groningen , Ne ther lands 595km Draya is , V a a s a , Finland T a m w o r t h (Staffs) 1834km 229deg

Plank Lane Tip, Leigh (Lanes) SEGG Throckmor ton (Worcs) 156km- -

M a d e l e y Heath , B romsgrove (Worcs) PI Kjosvel l , M a l s e l v , T roms, Norway

Kingsbury W a t e r Park, Coleshi l l (Warks) MRG Joal , Mbour , S e n e g a l 4 4 7 6 k m 1 9 8 d e g

Mar t in M e r e (Lanes) SWLRG K e e l e (Staffs) 78km 151deg

Wor th M a r s h e s (Kent) Cornets End, M e r i d e n (W Mid) 246km Ick lesham (Sussex) Cornets End, M e r i d e n (W Mid) 234km Ick lesham (Sussex) K idderminster (Worcs) 260km Kidderminster (Worcs) DF L'Aigui l lon Sur M e r , V e n d e e , France 667km Ick lesham (Sussex) R and W Gr imley , H a l l o w (Worcs) 251km 307deg Ick lesham (Sussex) R and W Gr imley , Ha l low (Worcs) 251km 307deg Ick lesham (Sussex) RandW Gr imley , Ha l low (Worcs) 251km 307deg C h a s e w a t e r (Staffs) MRG S e i n e - e t - M a r n e , France 786km 355deg C h a s e w a t e r (Staffs) MRG H a b l e D'Ault , S o m m e , F rance •369km 141deg Kidderminster (Worcs) DF I ck lesham (Sussex) 260km

167

Wren IN4344 Juv 16.08.87

v 30.04.89

Blackbird XJ08477 Juv.F 17.12.80

X 05.03.89 RA78050 2Y .M 16.01.87

X 16.03.89 XN04337 Juv.F 03.12.83

X 22.07.89 A d . M 14.01.89 X 24.09.89

RA38676 Juv.F 02.12.87 V 12.11.89

Savi's Warbler E707693 Ad .M 07.05.89

v 14.05.89 v 14.07.89

Sedge Warbler F378556 Juv 06.08.89

v 19.08.89

Reed Warbler F378608 Pull 02.07.89

v 06.08.89 v 22.08.89 Juv 26.07.87 v 16.05.89

3340718 Juv.F 30.08.87 v 24.06.89

Blackcap C243036 Juv 10.07.84

x 03.04.87

Chiffchaff 9N1303 Fg 06.09.89

v 04.10.89

Willow Warbler 6R4049 1Y.M 21.08.88

x 18.08.89

Goldcrest 7P8790 Juv .M 23.10.88

v 22.02.89

Pied Flycatcher E177370 Pull 03.06.88

x 21.04.89 E084670 Pull 29.05.87

v 04.06.89

Naseby (Northants) Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) 58km 291deg

Sutton Coldfield (W M i d ) . MRG Four Oaks , Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) 2km 270deg The Knapp, Alfrick (Worcs) WRG Rolf A Oil Plat form at Sea , North S e a 589km 50deg Sutton Park (W Mid) MRG Wylde Green , Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) 5km 138deg M a e r Hal l (Staffs) RS Bodarna , Uppsala , S w e d e n 1439km 5 8 d e g Kinver Edge (Staffs) EB C r i m d e n Park (Co Durham) 264km

Brandon M a r s h (Warks) BRG Brandon M a r s h (Warks) N r T r i n g (Herts) 81km

Brandon M a r s h (Warks) BRG Wil l iamlhorpe (Derbys) 89km

Brandon M a r s h (Warks) BRG Brandon M a r s h (Warks) Ick lesham (Sussex) 219km . Bet ley M e r e (Staffs) PF Heusden, Oost -V laanderen , Be lg ium 476km Mor tagne Sur -Gi ronde, France Lea Mars ton (Warks) 786km 355deg

Gadbury Bank (Worcs) • WRG Tahar Souk, Morocco 1930km 185deg

Sutton Coldf ield (W Mid) MRG Dungeness (Kent) 268km 133deg

Betley M e r e (Staffs) JAL Maisonneuve V ienne , France 720km 166deg

C r i m d e n Park (Co Durham) Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) 244km 189deg

B e w d l e y (Worcs) JRM Settat, Morocco 2187km 191deg Brockweir (Glos) DC Wyre Forest (Worcs) 79km 15deg

174

Blue Tit E289981 Juv 20.08.88 M a e r Hill (Staffs)

V IB. I2.HH W o l v e r h a m p t o n (W Mid) 40kivi 1G4deg

Great Tit JP97851 Ad.M 24.12.81 Wolver ton, Stratford (Warks) BRG

X 10.07.89 Wolver ton, Stratford (Warks) 0 k m

Carrion Crow F V 6 3 0 0 2 Fg 18.11.78 Sutton Coldf ie ld (W Mid) MRG

X 29.04.89 Witton (W Mid) 4 k m 1B0deg

Chaffinch 9 7 9 8 4 8 3 Juv.F 13.09.84 K a r m o g , R o g a l a n d , N o r w a y

V 20.03.88 Tet tenhal l , W o l v e r h a m p t o n (W M i d ) 867km 212deg Ad .M 13.10.85 Ana-S i ra , F lekkef jord , Ves l -Agder , Norway V 21.02.88 K e e l e (Staffs) 802km 223deg

E 7 6 4 6 4 7 Ad.F 10.01.88 K e e l e (Staffs) JAL X 17.03.89 Morpe th (Nor thumber land ) 244km 9 d e g

Siskin C 5 1 5 8 7 8 1Y 12.04.86 Shustoke (Warks) MRG

V 23.03.88 H a m b u r g , G e r m a n y 794km 82deg F192456 1Y.F 14.02.89 Li l l ington (Warks) BRG

V 03.03.89 Retford (Notts) 120km C 5 1 7 7 0 9 Ad.M 16.03.86 Sutton Coldf ie ld (W Mid) MRG

X 16.04.89 Straiton, Strathclyde, Scotland 347km 331deg F219056 2Y.M 22.01.89 Stoke-on-Trent (Staffs) JAL

X 26.04.89 Mat fen (Nor thumber land ) 226km 4deg E5U0969 1Y.F 16.04.89 Four O a k s (W Mid) MRG.

V 06.07.89 Achach, Strathclyde, Scot land 493km 333deg

Reed Bunting C 7 6 4 5 4 6 1Y.F 01.11.87 Bet ley M e r e (Staffs) JAL

V 18.07.89 Pennington Flash, Le igh (Gt Mancheste r ) 53km 348deg

Contributors E Blunt Brandon Ringing Group D Cooksey Edward Grey Institute of

Field Ornithology P Fontana D Fulton P Ireland

J A Lawrence Mercian Ringing Group DrC DTMin ton J R Mountford Rumsey and Willsher Severn Estuary

Gull Group

R Simister South-West Lancashire

Ringing Group Wildfowl and Wetlands

Trust Wychavon Ringing

Group

169

Key to Contributors

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

L) J Abbott • Addler J L Alitor) G J Ariss G A Arnold M A Arnold N G Arnold J A Asbury K Aslett P F Atherton

T Bagworth J A Baker F V Baldry N P Barlow A D Barter L R Bayes . J T Belsey E Blunt M 0 Boote C Bormond S T Bormond R Boulstridge J J Bowley G T Bridgewater J H Brindle P Brooks E B Brown L A Brown A Brydges R F E Butler

D Campbell N Carter B D Carthy L Carthy S L Cawthray J A Chidwick E S Clave D J Clifton J Clifton B Cook B Craddock M L Cresswell D M Crips M B Crips S Croft • Cuir A Curran P A Curry

Mrs K Dale

R Dawk ins J J Day A R Dean P K Dedicoat G B Degg M Den n ant N Denton A Dickie S Dicks F Dickson A K Dolphin P C Douglas R E Duckhouse S M Dungey R G S Dunned W Dutton

D W Emley T Evans J C Eyre-Dickinson

K Faulkner N A Follows P Fontana P A Forbes A M Ford J E Fortey P S Fox P Francis E French P French

N D Galloway E A Gardener P G Garner S Gibson G I Giles D N Gosling E R Green M Green F C Gribble P Gruar

P M Hackett J Hampton A Hancock R E Harbird J A Hardman N Harris M Harrison S L Haycox G M Hayes

S M Haynes T W Haynes G Hertsey T C Hextell S G A Hextell J M Heynes J K Higginson B M Higson T M Hinett D J Hobday N J Hobday Miss B Hodgkinson J Hodson J K Holbrook J J Holian M J Hollis L Holmes P Holrand R R Howl S J Huggins G Hughes R A Hume R J Hume PHunt J S A Hunter P D Hyde

M J Inskip

D Jackson W T Jackson S Jaggs M D James A P Jarvis R J Jennett D A Jennings B Jones Mrs G N Jones P Jones

D J Kightley R J King V A King B L Kington J Kirby R Knightsbridge

S Langton P S Lathbury J A Lawrence J Lennon B Lewis

170

SLi l ley T C E Link u i L o n g D Lovatt W J Low PLunt W G Luton I Lycett

I R Mach in Malvern Hills Conservators J R M a n n J W M a i n in ly G J M a n t B M Marsh J P Mart in C Mason H J Mi l ler H J M i l n e r C Mitchell 0 Mitchell R Moffatt A A M o o r e B M o o r e 1 Moore

P P Newe l l S N e w m a n G K Nicholls S D Norman C A Norris Nuneaton & District

Birdwatcher's Club S Nuttall

N F Osborne C C O w e n

G Pa lmer P Pa lmer Pensnett Wildlife Group G H Peplow

W F Peplow W R H Peplow A Perry E G Phillips A Pritchard

H S Quiney

J Reace B Reavey J Reece P F Rhodes I N Ricketts D Roberts M Roberts D H Rogers S A Roper M D Rowbottom J Rushlorth

Sandwell Valley Birders D A Saunders D J Scanlan S Seal D J Simkin J H Sirrel D Slaney D Smallshire P D Sniallwuud T G Smart B W Smith D Smith E Smith V C Smith R K Southall M Squire M Stephens P F Stewart G Summers M Sutton P J Swinhoe

S P Taylor P Ten Hoeve A H Tliumas K H Thomas R J Thomas J L Till C J Timmins P Tipler Tividale Birding Group D Trigg E H Tunniclille J M Turner A J Tyrcr

D Vernon

• Waite M I Wakeman D I M Wallace J Walton H J Warmington K Warmington A Warr Y M Way S K Welch N R Went B Westwood D J Westwood M J Wlialley P F Whitehead I C Whitehouse S M Whitehouse J Wilkinson G Williams A C Wilson M D Wilson R A Wilson K Wimbush J R Winsper G T Woodin M Woodward

Submission of Records All contributors are asked to refer to A Checklist of the West Midlands and a Guide to Status and Record Submission Second Edition (1989) for full guidance on the submission of records. All records should be sent to the County Recorders as soon after the year end as possible. Records received beyond February may not get included and those received after that seriously hold the report up.

171

A full description is not necessary lor the less rare or difficult species, but enough to show how the species was identified. Such descriptions should be accompanied by brief details of the circumstances of the report and the observer's experience of the species and other, similar species. Lack of proper descriptions may lead to records being rejected.

Records of the following species will not be published unless they are supported by adequate descriptions.

All national rarities (not published unless accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee) All out-of-season migrants Unusual races Divers Grebes, other than Great Crested or Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Storks and Spoonbill Whooper Swan Geese, other than Canada, Greylag and feral Snow and Barnacle Ducks: Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Eider, Long-

tailed Duck, all Scoter spp except Common, Smew, Red-breasted Merganser Birds of Prey, except Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel and Hobby Quail and Golden Pheasant Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Avocet, Stone-Curlew, Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Temmincks's Stint,

Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Mediterranean, Sabine's, Iceland, Glaucous and Ring-billed Terns: Roseate Auks Ring-necked Parakeet Long-eared Owl (summer only) Hoopoe and Wryneck Woodlark and Shorelark Pipits: Richard, Tawny and Water Wagtails: Blue-headed and other flava races, White (autumn only) Bluethroat, Black Redstart Warblers: Cetti's, Savi's, Marsh, Icterine, Melodious, Dartford, Yellow-Browed,

Barred, Aquatic Firecrest Red-breasted Flycatcher Golden Oriole Shrikes Chough, Hooded Crow, Raven (except Malverns) Finches: Serin, Twite, Mealy Redpoll Buntings: Lapland, Snow, Cirl and Ortolan

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