W e s t Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 41 1974

The front cover shows a Greenshank, a regular autumn passage migrant throughout the Club's area.

A Common Partridge settles on its nest in which a Pheasant has also laid an egg. This can be seen in the foreground.

West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 41 1974

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

Contents

2 Officers and Committee

3 Editor's Report

4 Secretary's Report

6 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement

8 BranchsReports

9 Membership Secretary's Report

9 Ringing Secretary's Report

10 Field Meetings Report

10 Ladywalk Reserve

11 The Birds of Whittington Sewage Farms

19 Classified Notes

80 Recovereries in 1974 of Birds Ringed in the WMBC Area

87 Recoveries in WMBC Area of Birds Ringed Elsewhere

89 Arrival and Departure of Migrants

97 Key to Contributors

98 List of Species Requiring Descriptions

Price 60p

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Off icers and Committee 1975

President

Vice-Presidents

Chairman

Secretary

Assistant Secretary Membership Secretary

Treasurer

Editor

Field Meetings Secretary Ringing Secretary Conservation Officer Chairman Research Committee Kidderminster Branch Rep Stafford Branch Rep Coventry Branch Rep Solihull Branch Rep Main Committee

The Lord Hurcomb, GCB, KBE A J Harthan, Dovers Cottage, Weston Subedge, Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire

A T Clay, The Coppice, Pork Lane, Great Alne, Warwickshire B49 6HS A J Richards, 1 St Asaph's Avenue, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JB J N Sears, 81 Alcester Road, Hollywood, Birmingham B47 5NR D M Hawker, 19 Wycombe Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9EN D M Thomas, 43 Mayhurst Road, Hollywood, Birmingham B47 5QG B R Dean, 2 Charingworth Road, Solihull, West Midlands B92 8HT N P Coldicott, 18 Greenhill, Burcot, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire E J Pratley, 54 Welford Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 5DP G C Lambourne, The Cottage Farm, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 OAP A R M Blake, 102 Russell Bank Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coidfield, West Midlands

L R Bayes, 23 Woodland Avenue, Sweetpool Lane, West Hagley, Worcestershire DY8 2XQ B Craddock, 44 Haling Road, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5DA C H Potter, 227 Boswell Drive, Walsgrave, Coventry

Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, West Midlands Mrs D Dunstan, Miss J Hughes, Mrs C Randall, Miss M Young

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Editor's Report The major event of the year was the introduction of the new county boundaries, the result of which was not only the formation of the West Midland Metropolitan County but the amalgamation of Worcestershire and Herefordshire into a new county of Hereford and Worcester. The old county boundaries are missing from current maps and, since memories fade, some well-defined boundary to the Club's recording area will have to be eventually established. Whilst awaiting a nationally agreed policy the Club will continue to use the traditional areas and reports within the Metropolitan County will be placed within a four-county system. The Classified Notes this year have been jointly written by Rob Hume and myself and this approach dividing the species notes between several writers is likely to continue. If several report writers, co-ordinated by an Editor, are involved in the production of the Report, this should allow each writer the time required to make a more meaningful analysis of records than is possible at the moment. I am very grateful for the help Rob Hume has given me and for the excellent drawings he has once again provided. Finally I must repeat the plea for more records of the common species. For many of these insufficient material is being received for a detailed assessment of the status in any one year to be made. There were several species this year for instance for which no records at all were received!

Birds in 1974 In a mild winter there were perhaps fewer arctic gulls than we have come to expect in recent years, though the presence of Black-throated Divers, two Long-tailed Ducks, Whooper Swan and several Bearded Tits provided interest in January. February saw several interesting species including Bittern, Hoopoe, Firecrest, Peregrine and Rough-legged Buzzard, but March was very quiet being highlighted only by an Avocet at the end of the month. April was dry and cold with northerly winds and migrants were generally slow to arrive. Two more Avocets and two Firecrests were recorded at the beginning of the month at which time an Osprey moved through. Towards the end of the month a passage of Common Scoter occurred and Upton Warren produced a Velvet Scoter. Dry weather continued through May, and after a heavy passage of Little Gulls at the beginning of the month, the last week in May produced no less than Temminck's Stint, Red-necked Phalarope, Wood Sandpiper and Little Egret. Interesting breeding species in the area included Siskin, Shelduck, Com-mon Tern, several Black Redstarts, Hen Harrier and an exceptional breeding record of Fieldfare. June and July continued dry and water levels fell rapidly at the reservoirs, wader passage starting early with support from such interesting species

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as Osprey, Marsh Sandpiper, Temminck'c Stint and two Spoonbills. Cyclonic weather, bringing cool, wet and unsettled conditions dominated the autumn with depression after depression crossing the Atlantic. The only bird of note in August was a Kentish Plover, whilst a wreck of sea-birds during gales in early September brought Shags, Fulmar, Manx Shearwaters, Gannet and Great Skua. Following another Red-necked Phalarope, there was a calm period in mid-September when a reasonable passage occurred and many Terns were noted in addition to Wryneck, Hoopoe and White-winged Black Torn. October was one of the coldest and wettest known and gales brought three Velvet Scoter and more Shags to the three counties. A Bittern and two further Ospreys were also of interest, as were two more Rough-legged Buzzards. The sequence of Rough-legged Buzzards continued into November with possibly three other birds being seen. Other reports included Little Auk, Great Northern Diver, several Whooper Swans, another Shag, Peregrine and Hoopoe. The best record of the month, however, was undoubtedly the Little Crake present for several weeks at the Ladywalk Reserve. A very mild December still managed to produce two more Whooper Swans, two Firecrests, a Great Northern Diver and a Mediterranean Gull, all helping to overcome the disappointment of the Waxwing invasion failing to reach our area. B R Dean

Secretary's Report Indoor Meetings Annually the task of arranging a programme of indoor meetings gets more difficult. The demands on speakers' time is such that many just cannot take on more engagements even though they would like to. This is particularly evident with the national ornithological bodies who are under great pressure to provide speakers for the proliferation of bird groups and clubs that are now in existance. We ourselves have greater demands to make now, for not only do we have our Birmingham meetings to arrange but also those in Coventry and Solihull. Mercifully the Stafford and Kidderminster branch organise their own programmes, but I know the problem is just as acute for these branches as for the parent club. For this reason we are all the more grate-ful for the speakers who not only entertained us but added greatly to our knowledge of birds during 1974. January G H Green ' Greenland Expedition ' February L G Holloway ' Ornitholidays to Ethiopia ' March AGM and Members' slides night April Dr J Raines ' Birds of the Caucasus

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May

October

Leo Batten

D Richards

' Birds and Towns '

' Birds of Zambia '

November Dr P Schofield ' Birds of Upland Streams '

December P Haymen ' Birds of Prey '

Special thanks must also be extended to the following speakers who gave the time to talk to us at meetings held during the year at Coventry or Solihull: A R Dean, R A O Hickling, R Margoschis, C Potter, N Sills and Dr K H Southall.

Open Day On Saturday, November 16, this club, in conjunction with the Worcester-shire Trust for Nature Conservation, held a most successful Open Day at the Carrs Lane Church Centre. As is usual on these occasions many willing helpers were responsible for ensuring that everything went according to plan, our grateful thanks to them all. We would also like to thank those that supported the event by providing display stands or other services, particularly Peter Gaffney Ltd, Hudsons Book Shops Ltd and The Wildlife Sound Recording Society.

Town and Country Festival The WMBC put on a display at the above event over the three days August 24, 25, 26. Our participation was only made possible through the sterling efforts of a number of club members, who put in a great deal of work. Particularly Mrs Daphne Dunstan must be singled out for her work over the three days.

Surveys The main preoccupation in 1974 was the BTO Habitat Register to which many members contributed.

Bird Watching Permit Schemes Our three major permit schemes were again well utilised with the annual rate of issue exceeding 1000 permits. A J Richards

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Treasurer 's Report (year ending December 31st, 1974)

Our decision to raise the subscription rates at the beginning of the year has produced a surplus for 1974 of £500.81. This will help to meet vastly increased costs likely in 1975 (increased postal charges operative from March, 1975, alone will cost us upwards of £250). Handling charges on permit applications ensured that these were not a burden on general

I n c o m e and Expend i tu re A c c o u n t fo r the Y e a r ending D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 1 9 7 4

1973 Income £ . £

1,746 Subscriptions received for 1974 2,587.29 5 2 Sale of Reports 44.10

1 Sale of " Birds of Staffs " 3.70 4 6 Field Meetings 31.75 17 Collection—Indoor Meeting -6 0 Contributions to Conservation Fund -63 Building Society Interest 107.84

2 7 8 Reservoirs (Permit Fees) 471.38 8 5 Atlas Fund 90.15 17 Open Days 66.00 51 Sale of Greetings Cards 59.44

5 Sale of Field Lists 16.28 1 0 6 Sale of Calendars 53.82

- Raffle 59.01 - Film Show Receipts (Wild Fowl Trust) 4.40

£2 ,526 £3,595.16

Less Expenditure 1 1 2 Indoor Meetings 73.92 7 7 6 Reports - 955.34 951 Bulletins 1,207.91 1 5 4 Printing, Stationery, Postage, etc. 250.02 2 6 4 Reservoirs (Permit Fees), Insurances, Hide Rental 400.68

19 Subscriptions to Associates 17.65 5 Open Days 98.92

53 Greetings Card and Expenditure 7.80 1 1 8 Calendar Expenses 13.75

8 0 Draycote Hide 7 Belvide Stiles - Raffle Expenditure 7.56

Belvide Report 37.50 - Film Show (Wild Fowl Trust) 23.30

£2 ,539 £3,094.35

13 (Deficit) Surp lus fo r Year 500.81

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funds. Energetic sales efforts (greetings cards, field lists, calendars and atlases) again produced good profits, as did the innovation of a raffle. We continued to receive commission on atlas sales from the publishers. Our 1963 publication "Birds of Staffordshire" has finally sold out. We received £106.73.from the Inland Revenue in tax refunds. Our thanks must go to those members who covenanted their subscriptions. K H Thomas, Hon Treasurer

Balance Sheet at December 31, 1974

Surplus £ As at January 1, 1974 1,003.48 Plus Surplus for year 500.81 Plus, Cancelled cheque 1973 Account 13.95

1,518.24 Subscriptions in advance 494.50

2,012.74

Represented by Cash at Bank 492.98 Investment in Leicester Building Society 1,237.34 Conservation Fund 282.42

(£226.2 Scot Exempt Growth Units at cost)—Market value £213 2,012.74

We have examined the above Income and Expenditure. Account for the year ended December 13, 1974. and Balance Sheet at that date and we certify that, in our opinion, the said Income and Expenditure Accounts give a true and fair view of the Club's Excess of Income over Expenditure for 1974 and the Balance Sheet gives a true and fair view of the state of the Club's affairs as at December 31, 1974, in accordance with books, vouchers and information given to us.

Arthur Young, McClelland Moores & Co, Chartered Accountants

196 Wolverhampton Street, Dudley, Works DY1 1 DZ January 27, 1975

K H Thomas, Hon Treasurer

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Staf fs Branch Report, 1974 The branch programme of indoor meetings was again divided equally be-tween Hanley and Stafford, five being held in each town. Once again there was a wide variety of speakers, subjects and styles. They ranged from the locally well known to the nationally famous and included Robert Gillmore expounding wittily on the art of bird illustration, Harry Green with the waders in Greenland, Bill Grant in the depths of Grizedale Forest, David Hunt ranging round the Scillies, Richard Porter protecting birds at home and abroad and Maurice Waterhouse, David Smallshire and Bevan Craddock extolling the delights of their own particular bit of the home county. Joint film shows were held in conjunction with the Wildfowl Trust and the RSPB. Out-of-doors visits were organised within the county to all the hardy perennials—Blithfield, Belvide, Leek Moors and Cannock Chase—as well as less familiar ones like Dovedale. Beyond the boundary there were excursions to both Allscott and the Dee for autumn waders and to Drake-low for winter wildfowl. The branch continued to work in close co-operation with the County Trust on the ornithological aspects of conservation. There was also a representative of the club on the working committee of the Standing Conference of Countryside Organisations. E W Longman

Kidderminster and District Branch Report

The public library in Kidderminster continued to be the venue for indoor meetings in the winter and autumn months of 1974 and the Branch's change of title to Kidderminster and District may have been responsible for the attendance at these meetings of members from a wider area, including some from the Staffordshire Branch, who were most welcome. The Branch was indebted to Mr. Roy Blewitt for a programme on waders at the beginning of the year and to Mr. Gareth Thomas, of Redditch, who started the autumn programme with a talk on sea birds. Mr. Andrew Fraser, conservation officer of the Worcestershire Nature Conservation Trust and Mr. Robert Haycock, assistant warden of the Calf of Man Bird Observatory, spoke about their work at the October and December meetings respectively. Outdoor meetings were held throughout the year at some new and some well-tried places. Mr J R Mountford led a meeting in February to Whit-tington Sewage Farm near Stourbridge and Mr Fred Fincher entertained members at Randan Wood in April. Mr Ken Thomas kindly produced a Nightingale and a Grasshopper warbler in full song at Crowle in May. The Branch continued to be associated with nest box schemes in the Wyre

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Forest area and these added to the populations of seven species by some 500 fledglings. Pied Flycatchers occupied boxes at four of the sites and most of their breeding attempts were successful. Common Redstarts brought off two successful broods at one site and at another they occupied an open-front box with a full clutch pf eggs, but with doubtful outcome due to the predations of a neighbouring cat. The successes of the seven species varied between 200 plus recorded Blue Tit nestlings and a single Tawny Owl fledgling that survived after its sibling had been predated. The duties of Field Meetings Secretary were gallantly taken on by the Branch Chairman, Miss M Badland, from the middle of the year as no volunteer for the post was forthcoming following the resignation of Miss M Hadland. Mrs J Gillam assumed the equally onerous duties of Hon. Branch Secretary after a long and distinguished stint in the post by Mr Malcolm Upsall. L R Bayes

Membership Secretary's Report During 1974 the membership of the Club remained fairly constant, and by the end of the year totalled 1922. This consisted of 1789 adult members and 133 juniors, representing a net decrease of 14 members from the record total membership achieved at the end of 1973. Although the subscription was not increased during 1974, the Committee had to strike off 218 members for non-payment; this compared with 122 in 1973. With the ever-increasing cost of postage I would make a plea for all who wish to resign from the Club to notify the Membership Secretary at the beginning of the year, and thus save the Club considerable expense. D M Thomas

Ringing Secretary's Report Ringing in the winter Thrush roosts has produced some of the more interest-ing recoveries of 1974. Sandon featured in particular, with Redwings being reported from as far away as Georgian SSR between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea and from the Aegean Islands near Turkey, and a Blackbird from Sweden. Another Blackbird moved from the Blithfield roost to Kaliningrad USSR. Wigeon ringed at Blithfield Reservoir, their winter haunt, have again been reported from various places in the USSR during the month of May, indicating the breeding range of this species. The study of the Mute Swan in South Staffordshire continued and is now in its fourteenth year. Canada Geese in the same area were again rounded up in early July and checked and ringed when necessary. Ringers continued to help with the Acrocephulus enquiry organised by the BTO and followed up their own projects in hirundine, thrush and finch roosts at the appropriate season.

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A small group of ringers making a special study in the nature reserve at Edgbaston Park only two miles from the City centre, ringed thirty-four species of birds including Common Sandpiper and Wood Warbler, and in the Coventry area eighty-one species were ringed by the very active group there. This total included such unlikely species as Manx Shear-water, Gannet, Shag, Water Rail, Wheater, Firecrest and Corn Bunting. Two of the larger nest box schemes in the Club area are managed by ringers. In the Wyre Forest 373 nestlings hatched of seven species, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Starling, Nuthatch and Tawny Owl. Ninety-one nestlings were ringed. The other site at Kings Norton Golf Club has eighty-five nest boxes. Three species occupied fifty-five boxes, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Tree Sparrow, 271 nestlings were ringed. In previous years Coal Tit, Spotted Flycatcher and Nuthatch have occupied boxes at this site. E J Pratley

Field Meet ings Report

A total of 18 field meetings was held during the year. The ' bread and butter' trips comprised one-day visits to the Dee estuary, Central Wales, the Welsh marches and various sites within the Club's area. A weekend expedition was made to Norfolk and there were two holidays of longer duration—a week in the New Forest and a fortnight in Guyana. The latter was the Club's first extra-European venture and (in common with the less ambitious items in the programme) it was well attended and well enjoyed. I must conclude my last note as FM Secretary with a word of thanks to the many friends I have made through the field meetings. Their comrade-ship has made my. 14 years' tenure a most rewarding experience. A F Jacobs

Ladywalk Reserve

1974 saw changes in the use of Church Pool Covert and, less noticeable, in the ecology of the marsh area. The addition of seven new species to the bird list would indicate that these changes were to the ornithological good. As suggested last year the clearing of the pool and the opening of the covert to school parties has resulted.in an increased number of woodland species being reported, while the pool's edge has already achieved fame as a place to watch the rarely seen crakes and rails. The improved biological condition of the river Tame is noticeable on the marsh. Passage waders increasingly use its shoreline and could well pass

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unnoticed. The fledgling Shelduck brood spent most of its time on the river for the first time this year. Two pairs of Little Ringed Plover nested successfully, but the encroaching vegetation has caused a marked drop in the total numbers seen. While the post-breeding Lapwing flock goes from strength to strength (3000 plus) the lack of hard weather has kept the dabbling duck totals down. The hard work put in by a few enthusiasts clearing the shoreline in front of Hide A is much appreciated by the Management Committee. A new next-box scheme in the covert is under consideration by Messrs. Pugh and Hopkins. The Botanical Survey of the covert is now printed and copies will be avail-able soon. H T Lees

Birds of Whi t t ington Sewage Farms

Whittington Sewage Farms are located close to the A449, Kidderminster to Wolverhampton road, half-mile from Stewponey at Stourton. They lie in the Stour valley, within a sizeable area of agricultural farmland. The three individual farms covered an original area of 1,075 acres, namely Whittington 275 acres, Whittington Hall 600 acres, Round Hill 200 acres. Formerly Whittington Farm took sewage from the Stourbridge area. Roundhill served the Brierley Hill district until 1970, since when it has only dispensed sludge. During the early 70s, Roundhill was completely rebuilt on the northern side, its formerly marshy areas now holding a huge modern purification system. With the recent news that the remnant of Roundhill and much of Whittington are now to be converted to sludge treatment works, during the next three years, these notes can no doubt, from an ornithologist's angle, be termed an obituary. The farms are bordered on the north and east by two large mixed woods, respectively Gibbet Wood and Bunker's Wood. Both are well known for their huge starling roosts and Bunker's attracted nine roosting species in winter months. The River Stour forms the border on much of the western perimeter with farmland to the south. There were four rather small pools in the area although Lower Whittington is now dry. The dates of this annotation reveal the farms' technical conversions, betrayed by the gradual demise of " wetland " species. Redressing this is the influx of small passerines, notably finches, finding compatibility with the new, drier conditions. Although these vicissitudes will arbitrariily cause a wane in the stature of the area, its famous flock of curlew may remain unaffected, as they have, of late, inclined toward wintering on the drier sectors.

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KINVER

CAUNSALL

TO KIDDERMINSTER

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These records are collated from the post-war annual reports and more recently, from this observer's sightings made since 1966, sometimes involving several visits weekly. As with other such sites (notably Min-worth, Baginton and Blackbrook), the diversity of species attracted to the area is unexpected. Like Blackbrook also, the farms were " discovered " only since the war, and presumably many records went incognito, since sewage was first employed there in 1884! Thanks are given to J C Lamming for advice and technical data. Reference: Notes on Curlew population at Whittington, by W M Clarke, Annual Report of West Midland Bird Club, 1954.

M S Smith

Classified List Great Crested Grebe. Has bred or attempted to in recent years. No winter records. Dabchick. 1 on August 11, 1973, was the first sighting since 1969, when breeding last occurred, followed by one on September 15, 1974. A scarce bird for many miles oround. Heron. Bred in single nest in 1974, otherwise a consistent visitor from the local Enville Heronry. Mallard. Numbers are escalating with the cleaning of the Stour. -Up to three pairs breed. Teal. Regular in colder months to Hidden Pool, which has a reed-bed. 48 there on January 1, 1973. Summered in 1974. Garganey. Singles on September 4, 1948, and April 21, 1968. Tufted Duck. A few winter on southern pool, where pairs have sum-mered since 1969. Pochard. Very few seen casually with the Tufted. Goosander. 6 on February 21, 1954. Shelduck. 2 on September 7, 1954, then none till December, 1970, up to 3 birds. Canada Goose. Sometimes attempts to nest. Up to 70 pass over in winter when commuting between Enville Hall and Stevens Park, but normally do not land. M u t e Swan. Formerly bred on southern pool, but very few pairs and some singles seen in recent years. Rough-legged Buzzard. Single birds seen on October 23 and Novem-ber 6, 1966. Buzzard. Breeding in local woods is probably ended, but still a regular

,winter visitor. Sparrowhawk. Probably breeds annually in Bunker's Wood. Also seen ir. other parts in summer months.

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Hen Harrier. A female ur immature seen on November 27, 196R. Mer l in . 1 on March 24, 1967. Hobby. 1 at Bunker's Hill on July 23, 1953. Kestrel . Bred on sewage farm in 1965 and 1970 and annually nearby. Pack of five seen hunting on February 21, 1974. Golden Pheasant. Noted occasionally in summer months, eg, 1971 and 1974. Red-legged Partridge. Largest number noted was 25 on December 14, 1969, but more recently up to 12 in winter. 4 breeding pairs were reported in 1966 and nests and broods have been subsequently located each year. Partridge. A common breeder. No decrease having been apparent over the years as in other parts of the club's area. Compare 40 counted on December 9, 1967, with similar on dates in 1970s. Quail . No nests located since 1969, but calling birds noted in " good quail years." W a t e r Rail. No winter records since 1966. Corncrake. 1 calling on May 1 5, 1949. Moorhen. Breeds abundantly (29 nests located in 1966), with late brood on October 19, 1974. In winter up to 100 birds round Upper Whittington Pool in freezing weather. Coot . Breeding for many years on Southern Pool and Hidden Pool and, since 1971, on Upper Whittington Pool. Nest on June 8„ 1974, had five Moorhens added. Lapwing. Always abundant. 28 nests were inspected in 1966 and breeding status has not changed. Winter flocks of 1000 i n the early fifties were repeated recently. Golden Plover. 7 with Lapwings on October 13, 1973, was the only record. Grea t Snipe. 1 on April 25, 1954. Snipe. ' Many pairs ' were recorded as breeding in earlier years, but of late probably less than three. Jack Snipe. First reported in 1954 when 5 were seen on April 27. Appears to be of much the same strength. Woodcock. Fair breeder in Gibbet Wood area and seen on occasion flying over the farm. Cur lew. Perhaps the area's ' publicity agent,' forming as it does the only wintering flock to be regularly found in the Club's area. In the 1953 report, W M Clarke, in a definitive article on the species, presumed breed-ing to be commencing and a wintering residence to be developing. In

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retrospect, each prophecy has seen vindication. However, later experi-ence has revealed that few, if any, ' national ' migrants are involved, as proven by two factors: (1) The numbers early in the year gradually decline as birds disperse to their breeding grounds, receiving no augmentation in late March (as Upton Warren does annually) from birds returning for the summer; (2) After the autumn passage peak in August-September, the numbers stabilise till the end of year. Even should freezing weather affect the Stour drainage system, the agri-cultural set-up is such that sewerage gutters are maintained above fatal level due to their high content of common diptera and vegetable matter needed in ' breaking-down.' This ensures an all-year-round aid to Curlew diet. Whimbrel. 1 on September 18, 1966, and 2 on May 13, 1967. Wood Sandpiper. 1 on September 4, 1966, and 1 from July 16-21, 1967. Black-tailed Godwit . 1 from August 21 -25, 1967. Green Sandpiper. A winter record as early as December 30, 1951, with up to 3 in more recent years. Spring passage only seen in 1972 and 1974, but more obvious i n autumn with 8 on August 16, 1967, the maxi-mum. Common Sandpiper. Remarkably sparse records, with usually only single birds recorded on either passage. Redshank. Breeding was discovered in 1948, thereafter has probably bred each year, although no birds were reported in the summers of 1970 or 1974. Winterers noted in 1971 -73. Rather scarce on passage with 4 in spring, 1950, the most seen. Spotted Redshank. A single record, on April 25, 1954. Greenshank. Not noted by this observer in spring, nor any published records, but up to 4 in autumn. Extreme date was October 20, 1974. Dunlin. Surprisingly, only 1 in January, 1974. Curlew-Sandpiper. 1 on April 9, 1954. Ruff. 1 on April 10, 1949, was the only known occurrence on spring passage, but up to 3 were regular in the autumns of the 50s and 60s. Most seen were 7 on August 28,1966, with a very late bird on November 3, 1968. Phalarope. 1 of unidentified species on small pool to the east on June 18, 1973. Greater Black-backed Gull. Singles on odd dates in winter. Lesser Black-backed Gull. Formerly unknown, now seen in singles any month of the year. 40 in April, 1972. Herring Gull. Regulars pass over in winter, vagrants in other months. Common Gull. Maximum seen was 60 on ploughed land, August 4-5, 1973.

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Black-headed Gull. 500 were counted on December 30, 1951. Less since then, but seen in any month. Stock Dove. In 1966 12 breeding pairs were assumed and a party of 11 was counted on July 4, 1968. Some decrease lately is probable. W o o d Pigeon. Abundant. Flocks can reach 1,000 in winter. Tur t le Dove. A healthy species on passage, with late birds on October 17, 1966, and October 6, 1973. Several pairs breed and in 1968 a pair unusually utilised an old wood pigeon's nest. Collared Dove. First recorded in 1966, soon increasing to 20 on August 2, 1968. By the seventies, at least 100 were roosting in Bunkers, with about 250 feeding near there during January, 1975. Barn Owl . 1 or 2 pairs still breed in area, but gradually declining. Litt le Owl . Commonest breeding owl, nesting wherever old trees exist. Apparently equivalent to 1948 when ' common ', Roost located in old silo. Long-eared Owl . A dead bird on September 4, 1971. Kingfisher. Numbers are returning to their former quota with the Stour's gradual rejuvenation. Skylark. 200 on January 1, 1971, the most recorded. S w a l l o w . Very late bird on November 21, 1973. House Mart in . 2 or 3 tardy birds till November 11,1972. Sand Mart in . Traditional settlement, which held 160 nests in 1953, was gradually surrendered in the 70s due to re-working. Raven. 1 on January 24, 1973, and 1 from February 6-10; 1975. Rook. Was single-nest rookery ' for many years at Upper Whittington Pool. One in January, 1972, had white wing-bars. Most seen, 250 on September 9, 1972. Carr ion Crow. Flock most months of up to 500. In winter months huge roost at Bunker's, where 3000 were estimated in late 1972. Hooded Crow. Remarkable sequence of records, occurring regularly, up to five, in cold months since 1966/67 winter. Jackdaw. 400 were counted on March 10, 1968. Roost with crows at Bunker's Reaches 1000. In 1969 a pair bred in an open crow's nest. Magpie . Most seen, 10 on October 27, 1973. Long-tai led Tit. Largest parties were 31 in June, 1968, and 39 in December. W r e n . Late-sitting bird on eggs, September, 1971. M i s t l e Thrush. Bred each year but usually predated. Parties of 20 in February, 1973, and 40 in July, 1974. Fieldfare. 600 on April 17, 1954. More recently, 500 on February 18, 1971.

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Song Thrush. 400 on January 1, 1970. Redwing. Fewer than Fieldfare, but regular. 330 counted roosting at Bunker's, February 18, 1973. Ring Ouzel. Singles on passage, April 20, 1967, and April 22, 1974. Blackbird. Large roost at Bunker's from September-March, with over 1000 in hard winters. Wheatear. Regular passage. Breeds some years. Stonechat. Singles in September, 1966, January, 1967, March, 1968, March, 1972, and January, 1974. 2 in December, 1973, and 3 on Sep-tember 9, 1974. Greenland Wheatear. 1 or 2 identified on spring passage, 1954. Whinchat. Strong on passage. Bred in 1968 and probably in 1973-4. Redstart. 30 present on May 10, 1953. Since then irregular with birds present in 1965, 1968 and 1974, with breeding in the last two years. Black Redstart. Cock bird present around old building at Southern Pool in autumn months, 1970. Nightingale. Probably bred in 1968-69 and nearby in 1973. Robin. Nest with large clutch of 7 eggs, found in May, 1974, which suix'ussfully hatched. Grasshopper Warbler. No singing males heard since 1968, although habitat of rough herbage remains suitable. On passage since. Garden Warbler. Early migrant on April 12, 1966. 7 males in May, 1953. Whitethroat . Before the widespread demise in late 60s, was a common nester in the open areas, and healthy on passage. Extreme dates were a very early April 12, 1974, and October 16, 1966. Wood Warbler. Recorded on passage in 1971-72 and 1974. A singing male at Bunker's Wood, 1974, was first resident noted. Blackcap. 5 singing males on May 10, 1953. Meadow Pipit. Common on passage and winter flocks reach three figures. Pied Wagtail . Fewer breeding pairs than formerly (29 nests were ex-amined in 1966). Large numbers in winter flocks, eg, 200 on December 4,1971. Whi te Wagtai l . 1 or 2 in April or May recorded, with 2 on the rather late date of July 28, 1973. Grey Wagtail . After suspicion of breeding in 1972-3, a pair were feeding young on May 11, 1974. A unique party of 17 seen on December 4, 1971, when the Stour suffered freezing weather. A bird with a white belly was present in May, 1972. Yel low Wagtail . Designated 'common' in 1947. Since the mid-60s a steep decline due to changing habitat conditions. Birds were formerly seen regularly on passage when parties could be 25 or more. Recently, breeding apparent on adjacent vegetable fields.

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Blue-headed Wagtai l . Singles seen on May 18, 1973, and May 2, 1974. Great Grey Shrike. 1 on March 1, 1970. Red-backed Shrike. Formerly nested in area, the last nest being seen in 1 948 was later deserted. Starl ing. Still the famous roost at Bunkers/Gibbet Woods known for many years now. Greenfinch. General increase since evolution to agricultural habitat. Now up to 300 in winter. Goldfinch. Increased since new conditions with breeding since 1969. Flocks of 50-60 were recorded regularly. Linnet. Always abundant in southern area where gorse/heathland exists. Large flocks from August with 1000 on December 22, 1973. Redpoll. Increasing. Nest located in 1972 and noted in summer since. 60 on December 22, 1973, was the maximum. Crossbill. 2 on April 28, 1957, 5 on February 26, 1964, 2 on July 16, 1966, and 2 on May 5, 1967. Chaff inch. With the advent of a drier environment, a large flock now resident through winter with 700 in 1972. Brambling. Regular in winter. 300 in 1974. Corn Bunting. First recorded in 1966. Singing males in subsequent years and young in 1973. Probably still increasing. Cirl Bunting. 1 with other passerines on dates in 1970. S n o w Bunting. 1 on December 29, 1974. Reed Bunting. Spread into dry areas noted as conditions changed. Especially common on the western boundary along margins of Stour. House Sparrow. Often 1000 around farm buildings feeding on seed in agricultural area. Albino in February, 1953. Tree Sparrow. Winter flocks of about 300 were counted in April, 1950, March, 1953, December, 1969, and December, 1973, revealing a constant level over the years. Employment of Sand-martin's holes was noticed in May, 1953, and again in 1970-72.

Sundry Residents Pheasant, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Vellowhammer.

Summer Residents Cuckoo, Swift, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher.

Occasional Vagrants Dipper, Tree Pipit, Siskin.

19

Classified Notes

I he sequence followed is that of the BTO Species List of British and Irish Birds (1977) based on the Wetmore Classification. See page 97 for key to contributors.

Black-throated Diver Warks One arrived at Shustoke on January 14 FB. VAB, and was seen

by several observers until February 11. The first in the county since 1970.

Great Northern Diver Warks A bird seen at Bartley on November 18 KHT, MT, and was seen

virtually every day by many observers up to December 29 DRR, MSS. Some observers thought the December bird to be a different one to that in November, but no gap exists at all in the almost daily sequence of reports. One present at Draycote seen by several observers from November 16 to December 9. Note the coincidence of arrival with the Bartley bird.

Great Crested Grebe Warks High water levels led to poor breeding season in Tame Valley

EAH. Maxima reported were 21 at Shustoke on March 13; 16 at Draycote on March 19; 35 at Bodymoor Heath on April 3; 24 at Alvecote on April 13; 21 at Bartley on June 14; 21 at Coombe Abbey on November 24.

Worcs 35 at Bittell on March 30 where poor breeding season ; 14 counted at Upton Warren on April 7; good breeding season at Westwood, where brood hatched in March—maximum of 20 birds noted there during the year.

Staffs 94 at Blithfield on January 27 JL, is very unusual for a water which holds very few during the winter normally. Usual peaks occurred of 130 on June 15 and 120 at least on July 7 and Nov-ember 24, high totals remaining to end of year. 25 counted at Chillingtori on February 23; poor numbers at Cannock Reservoir except for 17 on April 17; similarly poor numbers at Belvide except for 30 on May 15.

Slavonian Grebe Walks At Draycote singles noted from April 4 to 30 DNM, RPW, and

on October 4 and 5 RB. JL. DNM, RPW. Woics A bird first seen on April 13 at Upton Warren FF, AFJ, had attained

summer plumage when last seen on April 28—several observers.

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Staffs Two present at Belvide from April 16—many observers to 17 AD, and another from November 24 to December 1 AD, CJH. One reported at Blithfield on December 8 BCG, GIG.

Black-necked Grebe Warks A bird present at Bodymoor Heath on October 13 EAH. Staffs At Belvide one present from August 27 onwards GRH, NPH, CR,

with 2 from September 14 to 28, and one until October 12 MN. One noted at Cannock Reservoir on October 30 RAH.

Little Grebe Warks One at Bartley on July 27 where unusual; 15 at Ladywalk on

September 5; 30 at Alvecote on September 15; 23 at Draycote on September 18 and October 10; 40 at Bodymoor Heath on October 9.

Worcs 6 noted at He well Lake on March 30; up to 12 noted at Bittell in spring and autumn; 4 noted at Upton Warren on several dates; 5 seen at Wilden on September 7.

Staffs 20 counted at Blithfield on January 5; 24 at Belvide on July 27; 30 at Gailey on October 31.

Fulmar Worcs One found in a field at Welland on September 7 appeared to be

exhausted and died overnight CAN.

Manx Shearwater A small wreck in early September makes an interesting comparison with the dates for Fulmar, Shag, Great Skua, Leach's Petrel and Gannet.

Warks Two birds picked up at Leamington Spa on September 8 per EJB weighed 480 grammes and 440 grammes; other birds recorded at Ryton gravel pit from September 10 to 17 and Coven-try on September 11 CHP; one at Draycote on September 10 BAF, RPW. Three birds released on coast with two Shags. One had been ringed on Skokholm.

Worcs One picked up near Droitwich on September 12 was released at Bittell on September 14 FF.

Leach's Petrel Staffs One reported at Blithfield on September 26 EBB when white

rump and forked tail seen clearly.

Gannet Warks One picked up at Little Kineton on September 5 was released at

Draycote and remained there until September 8 RB, GRH, CHP.

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Cormorant Warks At Draycote one seen on January 26 and April 10, followed by

up to 8 from September 6 to November 28 with 14 on October 7. At Alvecote one noted on April 28 and May 12 followed by regular singles between September 22 and December 22. At Bodymoor Heath one recorded on May 11 and August 28 and 29, followed by one or two from October 8 to end of year. One seen at Leam-ington Spa reservoir on June 9, with 2 on September 15. One or two noted at Ladywalk from September 8 to October 28. One reported at Packington Park on September 3 and December 25. At Brandon one or two from September 5 to end of year. At Coombe Abbey 6 seen on September 11 followed by 2 during October; one seen at Earlswood Lakes on November 24.

Worcs Singles seen at Upton Warren on April 13 and October 13; at Wilden one on September 7; one at Bittell on September 6, October 6 and December 18; three seen at Westwood on September 10; one at Severn Stoke on September 14.

Staffs Various maxima reported: 9 at Cannock reservoir on April 20; 27 over Brocton on October 6; 42 at Blithfield on December 14; never more than single figures at Belvide.

Shag Far more records than usual.

Warks At Draycote one seen on January 28 CHP, followed by up to 7 seen by many observers from August 28 to September 18, one remaining to November 27. One seen at Rotton Park reservoir on November 5 ARMB.

Worcs One picked up at Chaddesley Wood on January 17 was released next day at Upton Warren FF.

Staffs At Belvide 2 noted on March 16 CJH and 3 on May 23 DS; at Cannock reservoir one seen on November 2 ARMB and from November 12 to 15 RAH; at Blithfield 2 noted on September 7 JL, one found dead on November 17 RAH. MJt, and 2 on Decem-ber 22 CHP. An extraordinary number of records for a species regarded as a vagrant. Not all were associated with the wreck of other mari-time species in September.

Heron Warks 10 at Brandon on May 19 was the maximum noted there; 16

pairs bred at Coombe Abbey where 40 seen on June 1 ; maximum at Draycote was 21 on July 19; 27 recorded at Bodymoor Heath on September 1,

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Worcs Much smaller numbers reported than in other two counties. 4 at Wilden on February 13; 6 at Bewdley on March 31 ; 14 on several dates in August at Bittell; 3 at Upton Warren, Westwood and Sandwell Valley in autumn and early winter.

Staffs Proximity of housing estate prevented nesting of pair which nested at Wildwood in 1973. 25 nests present at Enville Hall; 3 nests at Checkhill Bog; 69 nests at Aqualate Hall; possibly 2 nests at Chillington Hail; pair nested in Stour Valley. Better numbers this year at Blithfield with about 20 on several dates from mid-June, and 27 on October 1.

Bittern

Warks One flushed from Bracebridge Pool, Sutton Park, on February 9 GRH, NPH.

Little Egret

Staffs A small white heron with dark legs and bill was identified as this species at Belvide on May 30 CJH, SM. Second county record. There were several Little Egrets in the country around this date.

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Spoonbill Staffs One appeared at Blithfield on July 13 GCB. PKD, and was joined

by a second bird from July 27 to August 10, one remaining until August 16—many observers.

Mallard Maxima at various localities:

Warks 243 in Sutton Park on January 1 ; 850 at Draycote on January 13 ; 100 at Brandon on January 19; 200 at Leamington during March; 240 at Alvecote on September 28; 800 at Ladywalk on October 8; 150 at Bodymoor Heath on October 30; 600 at Coombe Abbey on November 24.

Worcs 170 at Upton Warren on October 17; 500 at Westwood on November 3 ; 300 at Bittell on December 15.

Staffs Poor breeding season at Belvide with only 15 broods totalling 74 young recorded. Maximum noted was 1500 during late Novem-ber. At Blithfield 1500 through most of December with 1750 on December 1 and 29; 1800 at Aqualate on December 19; 500 at Chillington on December 22.

Teal Maxima at various localities:

Warks 125 at Bodymoor Heath on January 19; 40 at Packington on February 2; 177 at Alvecote on September 24; 250 at Ladywalk on November 5; 41 at Draycote and 200 at Brandon on December 28.

Worcs Pair bred near Kidderminster—only the third county record RM. 35 at Upton Warren on September 15; 80 during December at Bittell.

Staffs Bred at Gradbach; summered at Whittington for the first time; presentjn breeding season at Himley and probably bred. Many waters held up to 50 birds. At Belvide 100 present in January, March and December; 150 at Latherford on January 25; large increase to 500 at Blithfield in November and 700 on November 24.

Garganey Warks A pair seen at Brandon on March 31 and one on May 8; two or

three seen regularly at Bodymoor Heath from April 21 to end of May, with a drake seen often until August 7 ; odd birds seen on one or two dates in spring at Ladywalk; one or two seen at Alvecote from May 12 to June 2; one noted at Packington gravel pits on August 25.

Worcs One at Bittell from June 16 to 30. One recorded at Upton Warren from July 30 to August 6.

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Staffs Unusually few records. At Blithfield one seen from April 17 to 20, and another on August 30. At Belvide one from April 18 to 20 and one from August 6 to September 21 with two on September 25. One at Tittesworth on April 27 was the first recorded there FCG.

Gadwall Warks Two seen at Bodymoor Heath during January and up to 7 from

September to end of year with 13 on November 3. Pair in Lady-walk-Lea Marston area from Februaryonwardsandthoughtpossibly to have bred EAH. Other records at Ladywalk were of up to 4 during most of March. At Alvecote a pair present on January 26 and 27, two on April 6 and 7, and one on November 3. A pair present throughout April at Packington gravel pit. At Draycote a pair seen from April 24 to 30, followed by two or three between September 11 and December 18, with 5 on November 1. At Brandon one present from October 27 to 31 and another on December 16.

Worcs Present at Westwood in both winter periods with 8 on January 27 and 10 on October 6. At Upton Warren two seen on January 6, 2 on April 20 and one from August 1 6 to September 14. At Bittell two seen on April 16 and up to four from September 22 to end of year with six in December. One or two at Cofton Pool during October.

Staffs At Belvide one on March 16 and one or two from September 7 to November 24 with 4 on September 25. At Blithfield a pair present from April 20 to May 5, followed by two from June 30 to July 3, two from September 14 to 17, two or three between November 3 and 23, and one on December 27. A pair at Weston Park on April 28; two at Cannock reservoir on October 13; four at Tillington Marshes on November 27 (first record); pair at Doxey Marshes on December 18.

Wigeon Warks Maxima reported were 20 at Coombe Abbey and 50 at Brandon

on January 20; 101 at Shustoke on January 31 ; 250 at Draycote on February 2; 100 at Bodymoor Heath on March 1; 96 at Ladywalk and 68 at Alvecote on March 9.

Worcs Only one or two reported from Upton Warren, Wilden and West-wood. Numbers regarded as very low at Bittell, the only con-centration being 34 on January 31.

Staffs 1,020 counted at Blithfield on February 24; 150 at Belvide on March. 2. Recorded at Cannock reservoir, where unusual, on January 2 (pair), October 20 and 21 AFtMB.

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One reported at Bridgtown subsidence pool for the first time on April 12. Generally numbers lower than usual.

Pintail Warks At Draycote one seen on January 11, followed by one or two

from September 26 to November 9 and another on December 21. At Bodymoor Heath present between January 20 and April 25, usually two or three but with 12 on March 24 RJJ and another seen in late December. At Shustoke 21 seen on February 17 DTU; two at Little Packington on March 16; at Middleton Hall Pool 12 seen on March 17 GAA; two or three at Ladywalk in mid-September and late December; one or two at Alvecote from October 6 to November 17; one at Coombe Abbey on December 7; two at Packington Park on December 29.

Worcs Three at Westwood on January 1 ; at Upton Warren up to three present from January 1 to February 27; at Bittell up to three noted from January 13 to March 18.

Staffs At Blithfield three or four noted from January 6 to February 3, followed by six on August 30, and up to four from October 5 to end of year with six on a few dates. At Brocton one seen on January 6 and two on December 31. At Tittesworth two present from April 21 to 28. Two or three noted at Belvide between October 3 and December 28 with 10 seen on October 8 CR. One recorded at Cannock reservoir from October 4 to 20 and two noted on December 23. At Cheddleton 18 reported on November 30 JCS.

Shoveler Warks 26 at Draycote on January 6 was the most seen there; 15 at

Packington gravel pit on February 2; 34 at Ladywalk on March 13; 112 at Alvecote on August 31 ; 60 at Bodymoor Heath on October 13; 70 at Coombe Abbey on November 24; 34 at Shustoke on December 7; 24 at Brandon on December 16.

Worcs Pair flew low over trees near Dowles Brook in Wyre Forest on March 16 ARMB-ar\ odd record. 50 at Upton Warren on September 15; 12 at Pulley on October 13; 11 at Pirton Pool on November 17; 28 at Bittell on December 8.

Staffs 50 at Aqualate on April 28; high numbers at Belvide during the autumn with 385 counted on October 13 CR, DS, MW. Extraordinarily low numbers at Blithfield, the only count to exceed single figures being one of 20 on December 27.

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Warks

Worcs Staffs

Ked-crested Pochaul A drake seen at Bodymoor Heath on May 13. One stayed in Sutton Park from May 21 to mid-August. One noted at Draycote on July 17 and a different bird there on July 19, and later from September 17 to 19. A drake at Upton Warren from January 13 to 19. Two drakes stayed at Belvide from December 26 to end of year and were also noted at Gailey.

Scaup

J^Z

Warks Worcs

Staffs

One at Draycote from October 29 to December 9 DMB, JL. One at Upton Warren seen by many observers from January 26 FF to March 2 MCC. A drake at Wilden from August 30 to Septem-ber 3 MHB. Two or three seen at Cannock reservoir from the beginning of the year to mid-February, one remaining to March 31—many ob-servers, followed by one from October 19 to November 26 ARMB, CR, JL. Two remained at Blithfield from the beginning of year to end of January wi th one staying to March 23—many observers. Then three occurred on October 27, one appearing to be a hybrid ARD, PDH. At Belvide one seen from January 6 to 13, and from February 17 to April 21 ; then two from April 22 to 30, one staying to May 9 paired with a Tufted Duck. A bird then present from August 1 5 to September 25, from November 9 to 30, and from December 14 to 28—many observers. One noted at Bromley Pool on January 12 JPM.

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Tufted Duck Warks Up to 100 present at Ladywalk during winter; 220 at Draycote

on January 13; 100 at Brandon on January 19; 90 at Packington Park on February 17; 213 at Alvecote on March 2 ; 95 in Sutton Park on March 3; 100 at Shustoke on October 28; 300 at Bodymoor Heath on December 1.

Worcs Up to 30 seen on various dates at Upton Warren; 170 at Bittell on October 6; 53 at Wilden on October 20. Up to 20 seen at Westwood in winter.

Staffs 335 at Cannock reservoir on January 19; 380 at Gailey on Febru-ary 2; low numbers at Blithfield, the best counts being 102 on February 16; 70 at Aqualate on April 28; good numbers at Belvide.

Aythya Hybrids Hybrids causing some identification problems for some observers were present at the following localities:

Tuf ted Duck x Scaup Staffs A drake at Gailey on February 2, and then at Belvide on February

13, 23 and March 20. A duck at Cannock reservoir on March 16 and then at Belvide on April 13 and 15.

Tufted Duck x Pochard Worcs A drake at Upton Warren from November 16 to December 4. Staffs A drake at Belvide from February 2 to March 9 and on October 1.

A duck at Cannock reservoir on December 28.

Pochard Warks 230 at Shustoke on January 13 when 219 present at Alvecote;

150 at Coombe Abbey on January 20, 200 at Bodymoor Heath on January 27; 90 at Packington Park on February 17; 475 at Draycote on February 23; 120 at Edgbaston Park on December 31.

Worcs 150 at Westwood Park on January 27; 66 on Captain's Pool on March 9; 60 at Bittell on March 24; 120 at Upton Warren on December 28.

Staffs 300 reported at Belvide on January 19; 75 at Cannock reservoir on February 3; 120 at Gailey on October 31 ; 850 at Blithfield on December 8.

Goldeneye Warks Several isolated records involving one or two birds. 35 at

Bodymoor Heath on February 17; 39 at Draycote on April 9; 22 at Shustoke on November 26.

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One or two noted in winter at Upton Warren, Westwood, Wilden, Bittell, Cofton Pool. Most seen were 5 at Westwood Park on January 27. Usual large fluctuations noted at Cannock reservoir with a maxi-mum of 64 on January 3 and December 21. At Blithfield 70 present from January 12 to February 3. 14 at Chillington on February 23. Very large numbers, more than 100, present in first winter period at Belvide, with a maximum of 126 at dusk on March 27 DS. A drake summered at Gailey and 10 present on November 26.

Long-tailed Duck A duck at Shustoke from January 1 to March 31 and then at Bodymoor Heath until April 23—many observers. A duck present at Upton Warren from 1973 to April 28—many observers.

Velvet Scoter A drake seen at Upton Warren on April 21 GCB, PKD, SFLE. Three arrived at Belvide on October 13, two remaining until November 23, and one until November 27—many observers. An extraordinarily long stay and interesting record.

Common Scoter Warks Two present at Bartley from March 23 to April 7—several observers.

Five noted at Alvecote on April 21 GAA, RAH. Four at Coombe Abbey on August 17 CHP. One at Bodymoor Heath on September 15 EAH, and three on October 17 BLK.

Worcs At Bittell two seen on February 16 GCB, KC, PKD, with one on April 28 KC. At Upton Warren two present from April 14 ,4 fJ to 17 RCB. One recorded at Wilden from May 2 RM to 5 MHB. Two noted at Westwood Park on July 14 CPB, AFJ.

Staffs At Belvide one present from April 17 ARD to April 30 EBB, DS, and one from November 24 to end of year—many observers. At Cannock reservoir 8 seen by many observers on April 20 and one present on August 3 RAH. At Blithfield 11 noted on April 20 RAH, six on July 14 and one on July 21—several observers, followed by another on August 4 MJI. Four reported at Gailey on April 21 RCB, and one at Rudyard on the same date HWK. Note the obvious influx between April 14 and 21 with at least 36 birds in the three counties.

Worcs

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

Worcs Staffs

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Ruddy Duck Warks At Alvecote up to three present from April 20 to June 22, and up

to four between August 31 and December 14. A pair noted at Packington Park from July 9 to August 14. Up to four seen at Middleton Hall Pool from July 31 to November 17, with five on October 13. Three recorded at Bodymoor Heath from September 24 to 30.

Worcs Present throughout the year at Upton Warren with up to six recorded. Two pairs bred bringing off broods of five and six, both broods being reduced to two each by late October. Regular at Westwood Park in small numbers, parents with three young seen on June 30. At Bittell one seen on September 19 and October 10.

Staffs At Cannock reservoir, where unusual, a duck seen on dates in January, September, October and December. Four pairs noted displaying at Copmere on April 14 and five pairs at Aqualate on April 28. Pair present throughout season at Chillington. Three noted at White Sitch on May 10. At Belvide three pairs bred, young appearing typically in late August to early September; large increase to 100 in early November and 110 counted on November 4. At Blithfield over 50 noted regularly in both winter periods with 74 counted on December 21.

Red-breasted Merganser Warks At Draycote a duck noted from May 3 RPW to May 7 when two

ducks recorded DNM, RPW, followed by another duck from October 5 to December 5 (several observers) with a pair seen on November 9 RB. A duck seen at Chesterton in November OLL, TWL.

Staffs At Cannock reservoir a duck seen on April 20 PA, GE, RAH, followed by two ducks from October 5 to 8 ARMB, EBB, RAH. JL. This sequence of records alters the previous trend for drakes to predominate.

Goosander Warks Up to three present at Shustoke from January 1 to March 16.

A duck noted at Packington Park on January 11. At Compton Verney a duck noted on January 13 and December 15. At Draycote one seen on January 13 and February 24. At Alvecote one recorded on January 13 and February 8, with two drakes on December 22. At Bodymoor Heath two ducks seen on February 18, March 23 and November 8. A drake present at Ladywalk on March 13, and three birds reported at Seeswood on April 12.

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Worcs A duck present at Bittell on January 14 and three seen on February 21 and 22.

Staffs 68 on January 6 at Blithfield where a pair summered. A duck at Cannock reservoir from January 8 to 26. Three noted at Weston Park on January 20, on which date 11 were noted at Copmere. At Belvide 20 in mid-February was the only concen-tration reported. Eleven seen at Bromley Pool on February 24, with two at Armitage on February 27 and 5 at Little Haywood on March 3. Six seen over Dunstall on December 1. Note the coincidence of the Warwickshire and Worcestershire records around January 13.

Shelduck Warks Three seen at Bartley on January 6 and one on August 17.

Present at Draycote from January 6 to May 23 with seven on March 7, and then up to seven seen between September 18 and December 14. One or two noted at Coombe Abbey from January 20 to May 19 and from September 21 to December 8. At Packington gravel pits one recorded on February 2 and two from August 30 to September 23. A juvenile seen at Meriden gravel pits on July 30. At Bodymoor Heath seven appeared on January 27 with up to four present until end of May. A pair thought to have attempted breeding but suspected site fired in late May. Five then noted from October 27 to November 24. At Ladywalk one arrived on January 27 and a pair on March 3, rearing a brood of six which preferred to use the River Tame rather than the lagoons as in previous years. One or two noted in September. At Alvecote up to 6 present from February 2 to late June and from August 22 to November 30. Two pairs present and display-ing from April to June but no young appeared. Up to six noted at Brandon from September 14 to December 28. One flew over Hall Green on November 1 and two noted at Middleton Hall Pool on November 17.

Worcs At Upton Warren one seen on January 1, from January 23 to 27, from August 24 to September 1 and two on November 2. At Bittell single birds seen on February 24, April 29, August 24, October 16 and 8 on November 1. Four present at Wilden on August 17, one staying to September 5, followed by another from December 1 to 8, and three on December 21. One noted at Westwood on September 1.

Staffs At Blithfield six present on January 5, decreasing to one by Feb-ruary 9, and then two noted on May 14; then one seen on August 4 followed by one or two on dates from August 28 to December 23. Three at Bromley Pool on March 2; whilst at Belvide one or two

31

from March 29 to May 27 when four seen, followed by up to four from October 3 to December 7. Four seen at Aqnalate on April 28; four at Chillington on June 22; three at Cannock reservoir on August 17, followed by three on September 19, one on October 31 and 13 on November 1. One seen at Doxey Marshes on November 1 ; one at Tillington Marshes on November 9; four at Gailey on December 29.

Grey Lag Goose All records probably feral birds.

Warks . 103 at Packington Park on January 11, and 65 goslings hatched during the year; one at Coombe Abbey on January 20; 10 at Brandon on February 17; two at Alvecote on March 17; 80 at Ladywalk on September 16; 85 at Bodymoor Heath on Septem-ber 17; 7 at Ryton gravel pit on December 8.

Worcs One at Goosehill Wood on April 13; one at Upton Warren from April 25-27.

Staffs Five at Blithfield from January 5 to 27, two remaining to April 6 gave every impression of being wild.

White- f ronted Goose An extraordinary lack of records.

Warks At Sutton Park 3 seen on March 3 and 4 noted on November 17.

Pink-footed Goose Worcs One seen with Canada Geese at Pirton Pool on August 14, and

another also with Canada Geese from September 25 to October 27 at Bittell. Both these are likely to be feral birds.

Staffs One seen at Aqualate on April 28.

Barnacle Goose Most records must refer to feral birds.

Worcs Two with Canada Geese from November 21 to December 8 at Bittell.

Staffs At Belvide two flew over calling on March 30 and one seen with Canada Geese on December 27. At Blithfield one noted with Canada Geese between September 1 and November 24.

One present at Chillington on December 22.

Canada Goose Warks Breeding noted at Ladywalk, Sutton Park, Bodymoor Heath,

Edgbaston Park, Brandon. Largest flocks were 200 on King Edward School playing fields in August; 300 at Bodymoor Heath from September 9 to October

32

6; 100 at Packington Park on September 22; 4b at Coombe Abbey on September 29; 50 at Marston gravel pit on October 14; 56 at Middleton Hall Pool on November 17; 200 at Brueton Park on December 2.

Worcs Breeding reports from Captain's Pool, Hurcott Pool, Upton Warren, Stevens Park, Lickey Hills. Maxima recorded were 40 at Wilden on August 3; 58 at Upton Warren nn August 24; 167 at Bittell on September 25; 85 at Stevens Park during October; 1 67 at Cotton HaCkett on Decem-ber 21.

Staffs Breeding recorded at Chillington, Gailey, Drayton Manor, Dray-ton Bassett, Enville. Largest numbers were 100 at Enville on March 9 and October 6; 139 at Gailey on July 22; 350 at Blithfield on September 10; 270 at Belvide on October 12; 120 at Aqualate on December 19; regular flock of up to 300 at Chillington.

M u t e Swan A better breeding season reported than last year.

Warks 30 present at Bodymoor Heath on February 3 and May 1 ; at Alvecote 218 seen on July 21 ; at Tamworth on October 11-13 about 170 birds affected by oil entering the Tame—62 birds died; 29 noted at Draycote in mid-October.

Staffs 34 recorded at Blithfield on June 19; 40 at Cannock reservoir on August 3.

Whooper Swan

Marston gravel pits from November 10 to 14 KS; one stayed at Bodymoor Heath from December 7 to end of year EAH; one at Packington Park on December 25 KS.

33

Staffs One stayed briefly at Belvide on January 6 DS, /CW; two paid a short visit to Cannock reservoir on October 12 GE.

Bewick's Swan Warks At Bartley three noted on January 27 and six seen on February

23; at Draycote 23 noted on February 21, with 24 on March 1 decreasing to seven on March 14; then up to three present from October 18, increasing to 10 on November 6 and 14 on November 7 with a last record of five on November 13. At Ladywalk four recorded on February 24 and 20 on March 5. At Leamington Spa 12 reported on November 2; four seen at Bodymoor Heath on November 3 and seven on November 23; nine seen at Warwick on November 12; 16 present at Alvecote on December 9.

Worcs 13 reported at Bittell on February 22 and three on March 10; at Upton Warren nine seen on October 27, one from November 2 to 17 and eight seen on December 27; up to six present at Pirton Pool from November 17 to December 7; seven seen at Upton-on-Severn on November 24; 45 counted over High Green on December 8 and seven on 9.

Staffs At Blithfield present from January 5, and numbers of around 25 noted regularly until March 9 when a peak of 34 was reached, followed by decreasing numbers until two last seen on April 10; then up to 11 noted from November 10 to December 15. At Belvide three noted on January 6, one on January 19, four on 27 and 16 on February 19, followed by six on November 7 and 11 on November 10. Three reported at Tittesworth on February 3; six at Cannock reservoir on February 23 and one on October 13—the earliest Staffordshire record known JL; four on a pool near Bridgetown subsidence pools on November 16; seven at Cheddleton on November 30; five over Smestow School on December 12.

Buzzard 16 reports outside breeding season comprising 6 in Warwickshire, 2 in Worcestershire and 8 in Staffordshire.

Warks Single birds recorded at Ladywalk on May 19; Arbury during May.

Worcs One seen in Merritt Wood on June 30; pair with young seen in Teme Valley on July 15. This species must certainly be under recorded.

34

Rough-legged Buzzard

Birds recorded in both winter periods, coinciding with exceptional East Coast influx.

Warks One seen at Brandon on February 24 BMCG. At Draycote one noted on October 29 JL. A bird found shot at Mancetter in October was cared for and released on December 12 per GAA.

Worcs An exhausted bird perched on goal post at Bromsgrove School on November 7.

Staffs One watched at Cannock reservoir on November 2 ARMB. GRH. Another noted at Brocton, on Cannock Chase, on November 2 was considered to be a different bird CR, DS, ICW, MW, and was seen again on November 5 RAH.

Sparrowhawk -Warks Reports from 10 localities outside breeding season.

Breeding season reports from Sutton Coldfield and Bodymoor Heath.

Worcs Reports from twelve localities outside breeding season. In breeding season noted at High Green, Wilden and Wyre Forest.

Staffs Reports from 25 localities outside breeding season. Breeding season records from Belvide, Gailey, Himley, Chilling-ton, Baggeridge, Bobbington, Ashwood Basin, Highgate, Whit-tington, Dudley, Enville, Brocton, Sherbrook Valley, Wrottesley, Ingestre, Beaudesert, Coombes Valley, Ridgehill Wood, Bunker's Hill, Blackbrook Valley.

Hen Harrier Staffs The 1973 bird on Cannock Chase was seen by many observers

up to January 19. Family party seen on North Staffs Moors during August FCG.

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Osprey Warks A bird reported at Draycote on October 5 CHP. Staffs One at Rudyard on April 3 and during June and July. One seen

by many observers over Blithfield on September 1.

Hobby Warks One recorded at Combrook on May 19 and again on May 26 RA.

A juvenile seen over Bodymoor Heath by several observers between July 27 and August 11. Single birds noted at Leaming-ton Spa reservoir during June and August EJB. Birds recorded at Priors Hardwick on August 2 and Marston Doles on September 10 RB. A pair seen at Broadwell (near Draycote) on August 9 DS, and one or two seen at Draycote from August 18 JL to October 1 WKT with family party on September 15 DNM, RPW. At Brandon one or two seen from August 3 to September 26 BMCG. One reported at Charlecote on June 10 PJR and at Hulton on August 22 EJB WGB.

Worcs A bird reported at Kempsey on August 1 JRHo. Staffs Single birds seen at Belvide on April 13 CJH and at Branston on

August 28 JCE-D. Bird seen at site used for last five years on June 30 but did not breed this year DS.

Peregrine Warks A bird recorded at Leamington Spa on November 28 EJB. Staffs One reported at Blithfield on February 16 FERP.

Merl in Warks Single birds noted at Draycote on December 9 JL, and at Body-

moor Heath on December 22 ARD, PDH, and December 23 JEF. Staffs Single birds seen at Patshull on January 17 PGD, at Brocton on

February 17 CRG and November 4 JEF and at Flash on April 7 AP. Pair bred at site in north of county per FCG.

Kestrel

A general increase reported.

Red Grouse

No apparent change, though very few reports received.

Black Grouse Staffs Reports received from Gun Hill, Gib Tor, Swallow Moss.

Most recorded were 17 at Swallow Moss on January 27.

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Red-legged Partridge Largest numbers reported were:

Warks 4 at Brandon on March 14; 4 at Bodymoor Heath on March 23; 7 at Ladywalk on September 12.

Worcs 8 at Westwood on January 19; 12 at Tardebigge on October 12. Staffs 12 at Pondeford on January 6; 25 at Ashwood Basin on

November 3.

Partridge Warks Coveys much smaller than usual. 12 at Brandon on February 23

was the largest noted. Worcs Again coveys smaller than in recent years. Up to 13 noted round

Halesowen in April. Staffs Noted increase around Staffordshire-Shropshire border.

20 at Cannock reservoir on September 5; 20 at Gothersley on September 29; 18 at Welford on October 12; 19 at Blithfield on November 15.

Quail Worcs Calls heard at Franche on July 23 RM. Staffs Heard at Hanstall Ridware during June.

Pheasant No change in status reported.

Warks One noted at Brown's Coppice, Solihull, where apparently not recorded since 1954 DMH.

Staffs Disturbed bird at Bagot's Park on May 19 gave injury feigning display and hissing note not mentioned in handbook JL. 13 together at Belvide on November 4 was an unusual number for the locality.

Wate r Rail Many single birds reported in winter.

Warks Noted in breeding season at Ladywalk and Bodymoor Heath. Three wintered in Edgbaston Park and 3 were noted at Brandon on October 13.

Worcs Noted in breeding season at Westwood.

Spotted Crake Warks One present at Ladywalk on September 10 BLK and November 26

HTL. One noted at Draycote from October 5 to 23 DNM, CHP. RPW.

' 37

Little Crake

Warks A bird seen on seven occasions at Ladywalk from November 7 to December 12 HTL. The first record for the Club's area. Points noted at close range included small size, slate-grey cheek, throat and underparts, indistinct whitish bars under tail, crown and mantle olive brown, the mantle streaked black with a few lighter streaks, bill horn coloured, legs green and eye red.

Moorhen No change in status.

Coot Largest numbers were:

Warks 130 at Shustoke in winter months; 100 at Ladywalk on January 5; 650 at Bodymoor Heath on January 13; 735 at Alvecote on September 28; 1250 at Draycote on November 19.

Worcs 200 at Bittell on August 6. Staffs 311 at Cannock reservoir on January 3 ; 362 at Blithfield reservoir

on January 5 ; 100 at Himley on January 20; very high numbers present at Belvide with over 1000 from August onwards and 1800 on November 1. An albino bird reported at Belvide by several observers during late September and early October was thought to have been the individual seen at Copmere during the same period in 1973. At Weston Park 170 on December 8 ; at Gailey 200 on December 29...

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Oystercatcher Warks One at Bartley on February 27; one at Draycote, March 16, and

at Bodymoor on March 31 and from May 12 to 15; singles at Alvecote and Ladywalk on May 12 ; three at Draycote on July 18 and one there again from August 11 to 25.

Staffs Four at Cannock reservoir on April 20, six on May 18 and singles on September 9 and November 12. One flew over Keele on May 7. Three at Blithficld on August 3 and cinglco there on August 30 and December 22 and at Belvide on September 15.

Lapwing Some unusually large flocks reported.

Warks Numbers reported include 1000 at Alvecote and 800 at Shustoke on January 12; 1800 at Bodymoor Heath on February 25; 3000 at Ladywalk on July 9 ; 1200 at Bodymoor Heath on July 13 then 5000 there on November 30 and 2000 on December 8; 1500 at Alvecote and 650 near Hockley Heath on December 1 and 1000 at Brandon on December 29. Several pairs bred at Bodymoor and seven broods reared at Alvecote.

Worcs 800 moved east at Westwood on January 21. At Bittell 800 on February 3 and 1000 on December 8 and at Upton Warren records include 525 on August 11 and 1000 in late December.

Staffs Very large numbers reported around Belvide with 5000 estimated in mid-January; an exceptional 10000 flying south on February 9 and 2000 on February 13. Flocks of between 800 and 2000 reported there on various dates in November and December. 1000 at Drayton Bassett on January 12 and 1100 at Blithfield on the same date. Movement to the west noted at the latter locality on January 19, when there were 1000 at Whittington Sewage Farm. 1700 at Madely on January 29 and 5000 estimated on February 12 at Tillington Marshes. At Blithfield there were frequent estimates of between 750 and 1500 from August to December. 1000 at Water Eaton on December 18. There were 38 breeding pairs reported around Whittington Sewage Farm.

Ringed Plover Warks Single birds at Bodymoor Heath on five dates between April 23

and May 19 and on eight dates between August 14 and September 29, with two on September 8 and three on 17. One at Marston Gravel Pits on March 1. At Packington Gravel Pits one on July 17 and two on August 27. Three at Bartley on August 17 and one thereon September 10. Up to three occurred at Alvecote between May 12 and 20 with six on 21, then up to three on a few dates from July 29 to August 26. Two at Brandon Marsh on April 4 were

39

followed by singles on four dates in May then up to seven from August 16 to 31, with 10 on 20 and one on September 15. At Draycote singles noted from March 12 to May 21, with five on May 20; then up to four from August 3 to October 5 with seven on September 1 and 7 and 11 on September 8. A final bird there on December 31. One at Shustoke on December 9.

Worcs One at Bittell on June 9, then recorded there from July 30 to September 16, usually two to four but seven on August 31, increasing to 14 on September 3 with 10 until September 11. A final bird in October. At Wilden singles were seen on May 21 and 23 and up to four between June 27 and September 11. One or two seen at Upton Warren between May 20 and 27; singles on June 25, July 20 and from August 13 to 18.

Staffs One at Latherford on March 28 and at Essington on May 19 and four at Tittesworth Reservoir on May 21. Noted at Belvide between April 7 and May 23, occasionally up to four and with six on May 21. Then up to three from June 22 to 24 but reported on only three dates in autumn, two on September 2 and singles on September 7 and 29. Blithfield had a much better year with 10 and 11 on May 28 and 29; then up to 19 from June 2 to 9; up to four between June 23 and July 3 and up to five between July 21 and 29. Numbers built up gradually to 20 by August 10 and increased suddenly to 40 on August 17. Totals reported varied after that, with maxima of 54 on August 22; at least 91 on August 24; then 88 on September 5 and 66 on September 14 with distinct decreases between these peaks. After 30 on September 22 there were just occasional reports of up to six until October 12. At Cannock Reservoir up to five occurred between May 4 and June 8 with 11 on May 23, but the autumn was poor there with one on July 8 then up to five on a few dates from July 25 to September 18.

Little Ringed Plover Warks Single pairs bred at Alvecote, Brandon, Charlecoteand Packington.

Two successful broods at Ladywalk, three pairs at Bodymoor Heath and two at Middleton, with two pairs present at Meriden and birds present in summer at Ryton-on-Dusmore, Whitacre Heath and Lea Marston. Reduced numbers at Ladywalk; small numbers present at Alvecote from April 16 to August 24; at Brandon from March 9 to September 8 with 10 on August 18; and at Bodymoor Heath from April 9 to August 26.

Worcs One to three at Bittell from July 20 to August 16; one on Sep-tember 4. Singles at Wilden on April 13, August 19 and September 8 and near Holt Church on April 23 and July 28.

40

Noted at Upton Warren from April 9 to September 8, usually one or two but three on July 20. A pair displayed in spring but there were no further signs of breeding.

Staffs Two pairs nested at Blithfield, one successfully, having taken advantage of the falling water level. A pair bred near Walsall; two pairs at Tittesworth and one or two pairs at Essington reared young. At Belvide up to three birds were noted from April 16 to May 19. Birds were seen at Blithfield from May 29 to September 21, frequently up to 10, with 20 on July 21 ; 17 on July 27 and 15 on August 4. One or two noted from April 9 to August 5 at Cannock Reservoir but no evidence of breeding.

Kentish Plover Warks One at Draycote on August 21 JL. Points noted at close range

included dull black legs, broken breast band, dull brown cap, white superciliary stripe, slight wingbar and black bill. This appears to be the first record for Warwickshire.

Grey Plover Warks Single birds at Brandon on May 17 and 19 and at Draycote on

September 27 and 29. At Bodymoor Heath five on September 25 and two on October 9.

Worcs Two at Bittell on September 16. Staffs NB. The final series of records in the 1973 Report should have

referred to Blithfield, not Belvide. One at Blithfield on June 23 and singles there again on August 15 and October 1 and 6; two on September 26.

Golden Plover Warks A large flock in the Middleton area in the first four months of the

year reached 600 on February 17 and a regular flock at Ansty totalled 120 on March 9. At Alvecote 175 on April 24 contained 100 of the northern race.

Worcs 22 at Bordesley on January 1 was the only party noted. Staffs Few records from the moors. Up to five at Blithfield on several

dates in August and at Belvide on a few dates in August and September. Large numbers included 500 at Drayton Bassett on January 12—probably related to the Middleton flock above— 1.80 at Dosthill on February 26; up to 200 at Werrington in March and 300 in October; 350 at Essington on March 31 and 230 at Alrewas on April 1. Then 150 at Flash Bar on September 22 and 250 at Water Eaton on December 22. As usual these are almost all traditional areas for flocks.

41

Turnstone Warks One at Bodymoor Heath on April 29. After three on May 4 at

Draycote one occurred there uii July 31 and one or two on several dates from August 28 to September 24, with nine on August 30.

Worcs A bird at Wilden on May 11 and 12; two at Bittell on July 26 and two there again on August 10.

Staffs Belvide had single birds on April 21 and 23; May 15 and October 8. One at Cannock on May 4. Singles appeared at Blithfield on May 17, 28 and 29; July 20 to 22; and August 3 and 4, with two on August 7 and four on August 17.

Snipe Three or four pairs bred at Alvecote, where there were 37 on January 21. Four birds noted drumming at Brandon where 150 were noted on January 20. Breeding noted in Sutton Park. 50 at Ladywalk in March and again in autumn; 100 at Leamington Spa reservoir on January 26 and varying estimates, up to 300 EAH, reportsd from the Bodymoor Healh area In January. Up to 18 noted at Bittell and 50 at Wilden on August 31 and October 26. Good numbers at Belvide from September to November with 60 on November 9. Lower numbers than usual at Blithfield in the autumn but 66 on September 20 and then 100 on October 27. At Cannock Reservoir 50 present on January 26 and between 40 and 70 during November. Whittington Sewage Farm had 72 in January and around 200 in the latter part of the year with an influx on October 20 giving a high total of about 500 RAD, MSS. 80 at Latherford in early April and 200 at Doxey in November.

Jack Snipe Warks Small numbers in both winter periods at Leamington Spa reser-

voir, Draycote, Packington, Ladywalk and Sutton Park, with six at Brandon on December 22 and 10 at Bodymoor on January 20.

Worcs One or two noted regularly at Upton Warren, with up to six in spring and autumn; singles at Stour Hill on November 30; at Westwood on April 27 and Wilden on December 7. One or two at Bittell in January, October and November.

Staffs Up to five at Belvide in January and February and from October to the end of the year, with nine or ten on November 2. Present at Cannock Reservoir in low numbers until April 9 but two on December 29 was the only record in the latter part of the year. Odd birds at Blithfield and Pelsall and eight at Smestow on December 8.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

42

Woodcock Warks Several winter records with 10 in Warwick Castle Park on Decem-

ber 23. Roding birds reported from Ullenhall, Bentley, Kingsbury, Woodend, Wappenbury and Sutton Park.

Worcs Roding or present in summer at Twiland Wood, Wyre Forest, Randan Wood, Goosehill Wood, Stevens Park.

Staffs Roding or breeding season reports from Kinver, Enville, Highgate Common. Checkhill, Stourton, Gothersley, Ridgehill Wood, Lady Edge, Wrottesley, Chillington, Pensnelt, White Sitch, Shcr brook Valley—several—Castle Ring—up to four roding birds— Moors Gorse, Needwood Forest, Hanchurch.

Curlew Warks Numerous records, with maximum of 22 on August 15, at Lady-

walk. Worcs Frequent at Upton Warren in the spring with 27 on March 2 and

32 on March 14. Staffs Rather more than usual at Cannock Reservoir with one on February

19 and April 7; seven on April 19 and singles on April 21, May 4 and September 12. On moorland edge near Middle Hills 40 on June 22. At Whittington Sewage Farm up to 71 in January and recorded from July 6 onwards with 120 on August 14.

Whimbrel Warks One at Brandon on April 6 ; two at Ladywalk on April 30 and one

at Bodymoor Heath on May 6. At Draycote there were five on May 4 and two flew over on August 16.

Worcs Singles occurred at Upton Warren on April 29 and May 15, 20 and 21.

Staffs At Blithfield a small group was heard flying over on April 10 and a single bird was there on June 2. On July 16 there were 10 DJC; three on August 3, one on August 9 then 23 on September 1 JCE-D, composed of two parties, 9 and 14, flying west. Two on September 29. Single birds at Belvide on May 14 and at Cannock Reservoir on September 12.

Black-tailed Godwi t Warks Four at Brandon Marsh on April 16 and 19 and four flying over

Walsgrave on May 3. Staffs Three birds at Belvide on March 16 and one on September 18.

One recorded at Blithfield on July 2 and 3; two on July 7; four on July 23 and one on 28. One from August 10 to 17 and on October 5 and 12, with two on October 7.

43

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks Singles at Draycote on April 26 and May 12. Woics A single bird at Wilden on May 11 and one at Upton Warren on

April 21. Staffs One flew east at Belvide on March 24 and two arrived on April

27, one remaining until 30. One at Blithfield, August 15 to 17. At Cannock Reservoir eight, in various plumages, appeared on April 21 and there was one on May 4 and three on May 13.

Green Sandpiper Warks Winter records at Brandon, Hurley, Middleton Hall Pool, Body-

moor Heath, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Shustoke. Larger totals included up to seven at Brandon from July 21 to September 17; up to four at Bodymoor in July and August with 13 on September 9 DJC; up to six at Ladywalk and four at Shustoke on October 28.

Worcs Winter reports from Caunsall and Wilden. Six at Wilden on August 30; five at Holt on August 6. One at Upton Warren on March 30, then up to three between April 21 and 28 and fre-quently up to seven from June 21 to September 20, with eight on June 24 and 10 on August 4. A final bird there on October 27.

Staffs Isolated winter records at Belvide, Whittington Sewage Farm, Himley and Greensforge. Only five records of singles at Belvide and two there on March 30. A very poor year too at Blithfield with one or two, rarely three, from July 14 to September 8 and five ,on July 28.

Wood Sandpiper Numbers remain at a low level.

Warks One at Brandon on September 17 and one at Draycote on Sep-tember 1. At Ladywalk, two on August 19 and singles on August 26 and September 1.

Worcs Singles at Bittell on June 27—very early—and August 27. Staffs One at Belvide from May 29 to 31 and singles at Blithfield on

August 19 and 24. One at Cannock Reservoir, where unusual, from September 8 to 13.

Common Sandpiper Warks Noted frequently on passage in small numbers, not often exceeding

five. Up to nine noted at Bodymoor; five at Brandon on August 1 ; five at Alvecote on August 26; up to 12 at Ladywalk on August 17 and at Bartley on September 8 ; eight at Packington on September 1. At Draycote regularly up to six, with 17 on September 1 and 25 on September 6. Noted at Shustoke on March 2 and one remained there until December 15, as did a bird at Bartley.

44

Singles, occasionally two, at Upton Warren between April 1U and May 13, then small numbers from June 24 to September 22 with 11 on August 6. Small numbers at Bittell, six on September 2 being the most recorded. 12 at Wilden on August 9 and 12. One near Redditch on November 1. One at Blake Brook on June 16 and a pair on the River Dove above Rocester on July 28. Present at Belvide, up to four, between April 18 and May 29 and then up to five from June 23 to October 6, with 15 on July 7 and 10 on July 21. The bird from 1973 remained at Blithfield until January 6. After only two records in May birds were present there regularly from June 30 through to October 13 with 30 on July 14 and 35 on July 21 ; then 20 on August 4 and 19 on September 3. An individual seen from November 10 to December 7. At Cannock Reservoir the 1973 bird stayed right through to at least February 24. Then few spring records, between April 19 and May 18, followed by very small numbers from July 12 to September 18 except for 10 on September 5. A bird then appeared on October 21 and remained until at least December 23. The wintering birds apparently arrive after the usual autumn passage has finished.

Redshank ^ Increasingly frequent in winter.

Warks Small numbers wintered in the Tame valley, with up to 10 at Shustoke and Ladywalk in January and at Bodymoor in February and up to eight again at Shustoke in November. Two or three pairs bred at Brandon; at least one successful pair at Alvecote and bred near Wilmcote; one pair at Ladywalk and others nearby.

Worcs Bred successfully at Wilden; two pairs near Eckington Bridge. Winter records at Bittell.

Staffs Winter records from Belvide, Blithfield—up to four in January and three in November—and Cannock Reservoir. Bred near Baswich, Belvide and Landywood and probably bred at Doxey Marshes, Rickerscote. and Wheaton Aston. The maximum at Blithfield was 12 on July 21.

Spotted Redshank Warks Present at Draycote between August 21 and September 24,

usually up to three but seven on September 6 and six on September 9. One at Alvecote from August 22 to 24 and one or two at Packington Gravel Pits between August 27 and September 1. At Brandon three were noted on August 30, declining to two by September 1, then one on October 30. One at Bodymoor Heath

Worcs

Staffs

45

on September 15 and three at Meriden on August 24 with one on 26.

Worcs One at Wilden on September 15 and two on September 17. At Upton Warren one from August 26 to 28 and another on Septem-ber 1 5.

Staffs A poor year. Recorded only at Blithfield Reservoir where there was one on June 16 and then one to three between September 1 and 18 except for six on the first date.

Greenshank Peak in late August and early September.

Warks Up to four occurred at Brandon between May 15 and 21 and singles on July 7 and August 7. Present at Draycote between July 5 and October 17, most in late August and early September with a peak of eight on September 1 and 6. Recorded at Bodymoor Heath on April 2 and then between August 7 and October 24 with up to three between August 21 and September 8. Singles at Ladywalk from July 18 into October with four on September 8. One or two at Packington on September 6 and 9; at Meriden between August 24 and September 1 ; at Bartley between August 24 and September 17 and at Alvecote on April 10 and 26, August 16 and 22 and September 1.

Worcs Singles at Bittell between September 16 and 26, with two on September 18 and 22. At Upton Warren, singles on June 15, July 1 and from August 8 to 16. One at Wilden on August 17 and again on September 15.

Staffs One at Doxey Marshes on the late date of November 7 and one at Whittington Sewage Farm on October 20. Belvide had a poor year with one on April 29, two on July 17, one on August 26, two on 31 and one on September 14. Cannock Reservoir also produced very few, with one on August 9, 16 and 27. Blithfield, however, had a better year, with one on April 17 and 21 ; then regular records from July 13 to September 23, with up to six until mid-August and between 10 and 15 thereafter until mid-September.

Marsh Sandpiper Staffs One at Belvide Reservoir on June 22, the first record for the Club's

area GRH, NPH, OS, ICW. Points noted included general colour and pattern of plumage much as summer Greenshank but body size smaller than Red-shank, white up back and no wingbar in flight, small head, long neck, slim body, fine straight bill and very long legs giving almost stilt-like appearance. Call a quiet " kyip kyip kyip ".

46

Knot Warks One at Draycote on October 1 5 and one at Powells Pool, Sutton

Park, on September 9 EMR. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir on October 14. Recorded at Blithfield,

singly on April 20, July 30, August 31, September 1 and 15 and October 14. Rather a poor year for the species but the coincidence of the three Octoher Hates is interesting,

Little Stint Warks At Draycote two on May 20 and one or two from August 29 to

September 1 5, with three on September 8. One at Alvecote on the unusual date of July 13 GAA.

Worcs One at Bittell on August 31 and September 1, then two until September 7.

Staffs Records confined entirely to Blithfield where there was a very unusual summer record of one on June 2 ARD, PDH (one of several wader species recorded there in June). Then recorded from July 23 to 28 and from August 26 to September 26, with up to 11 being present on September 5 and regularly from three to five.

Temminck's Stint Worcs One at Bittell from July 30 KC to August 3 GCB. KC, PKD. Staffs One at Belvide on May 23 DS.

Close views revealed yellow-green legs, white outer tail feathers, suffusion on breast, dull grey-brown upper parts with dark blotch-ing. Since 1963 the species has been recorded in five autumns else-where in the county and now three springs at Belvide.

Dunlin Large numbers over extended periods again this year.

Warks One in Sutton Park on February 23; two at Bartley on August 3 and one there on December 11. At Alvecote, noted between March 18 and May 21, up to five, and from July 24 to September 29, up to four birds; a final one there on November 23. Nine at Packington Gravel Pits on July 17, five on 20, seven on 28; one on August 26 and 27 and two on October 3. One at Rotton Park Reservoir on October 17 and two there on November 6. 11 noted at Brandon on January 5 and up to 16 later that month; then 38 on March 14 and 20 until mid-April, with smaller numbers in May and early June. Small numbers then occurred from July to October with 17 on October 14.

47

At Draycote birds were noted in every month except June with 13 in January; 22 in February; 33 in March; 15 in September; 30 in October; 37 in November and 35 in December being the monthly maxima. Up to three at Shustoke in November and December. At Ladywalk peaks noted were 28 on April 7 and nine on October 5 and 8. Bodymoor Heath had small numbers in most months with 11 on February 23 the only total in excess of four.

Worcs At Wilden up to four in May and three in August. Present at Bittell from January to April, with 22 in the former month, and from July to December with 12 in the latter month. Small numbers at Upton Warren in March, up to five in April and four in May, six in July, four in August and one or two occasionally until October.

Staffs Three at Penkridge on February 12 and 20 at Dosthill on February 26. Four at Berry Hill on March 27, two at Latherford next day and one on the River Sow in Stafford on three dates in May. Two at Tittesworth Reservoir on May 21 and at Werrington on October 13. Four at Doxey Marshes on November 1. At Belvide one on January 3 and 6; two on February 17 and one on 23. Regularly then from March 9 to May 29, usually less than 10 but 17 on April 20; 20 on May 11 and 11 on May 23. Again present from July 9, irregularly, until November 23, less than seven except for 17 on September 15. Two on December 26. Blithfield had 40 on January 5 which decreased rapidly and only one was seen in February then no more until up to five between May 15 and 17. One was present on June 2 and up to six later in that month. Numbers built up in July to reach 80 at the end of the month. 175 on August 2 represented a sudden large increase and totals between 110 and 170 were recorded until August 9, after which there , was a decline, with some revival mid-month. From just 10 on August 28 numbers again increased, with some fluctation apparent, around 20 to 35 being noted; on September 26 there were 55 and three, days later 80. There appears to have been an abrupt decline then, before 96 on October 5; numbers gradually dropped to 30 by the end of October but again there was a revival, with 90 on November 10. By November 24 there were just two birds and none were seen thereafter. At Cannock Reservoir up to 14 were seen in January and two in February. Up to 10 occurred on a few dates in April and May and from July 23 there were small numbers more frequently, up to 17 in August and nine in October and November. Last birds were seen on December 3 and 24.

48

Curlew Sandpiper Warks Two reported at Leamington Spa Reservoir on May 5 EJB. Five

noted at Bodymoor Heath on August 7 and one at Packington Gravel Pits on September 21.

Staffs As with Little Stint, noted only at Blithfield. After two on August 7 there were five on August 9, four remaining until 11th and then two from August 24 to September 14 with one on September 17.

Sanderling Warks One at Bodymoor Heath on May 20, one at Draycote on May 21

and one at Bartley on August 3. Worcs A bird at Wilden on May 21. Staffs After four at Belvide on April 29 singles were seen there on May 9,

11, 25 and 31. One was seen at Blithfield on May 12 and 29, two on July 20 and 21, one on August 11 and three on August 26. Recorded at Cannock Reservoir as usual, with four on May 4, two on May 23 and nine on May 28. Single birds were later seen on July 31 and August 5.

Ruff Warks Winter records are rare in the Club's area so birds at Alvecote on

January 13 GAA, Shustoke on November 19 and December 6 and 7 BLK and Ladywalk on December 3 JEF are of particular interest. The Alvecote bird associated with a large flock of Lapwings. Further records at Alvecote were of singles on June 17 and between July 29 and August 7. At Ladywalk singles were seen on March 16, between April 2 and 29 and on October 1. A bird occurred at Packington on April 25 and one at Lea Marston on May 19. At Bodymoor Heath one stayed from April 16 to 28, another on May 17 and 18 and then several singles were seen from August 3 to September 9 with two occasionally and four on August 20. Singles appeared at Brandon on April 13 and 19 and May 10; two on May 17 and then birds from July 24 to September 22 with a maximum of 19 on September 1. After one on May 21 birds were at Draycote from August 3 to September 24 with seven on August 25.

Worcs Two stayed at Bittell from August 22 to 25, with one on September 5. Singles at Wilden from August 3 to 9 and on August 27, then two on October 5. Noted at Upton Warren on May 5, June 14 and from July 19 to September 19, usually one to three but seven on August 30.

Staffs At Blithfield one or two seen from June 15 to 25, then regularly noted from July 20 to October 1, with good totals in early Septem-ber. 29 counted on September 3 and 30 on 8. The best passage at Blithfield since the early sixties, coinciding with an unusually

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large and extended passage noted widely in Britain. Belvide had a single bird from May 9 to 14, two on May 22 and 23 but in autumn it could manage only two parties flying over, three on August 28 and four on September 8. Reported from Tittesworth Reservoir in September and one with Golden Plovers at Flash Bar on September 22.

Avocet Warks At Brandon, one on March 31, two on April 1 and singles on

April 2 and 6 and May 5 and 6 BMCG. Worcs One reported resting on the lake at Westwood on April 21 CPB

before water-skiing began. Staffs One at Belvide on the afternoon of April 21 (several observers)

spent some time on the water and later left to the north. Unusual numbers recorded away from breeding sites in Britain in three main periods, April 2 to 10; April 21 to 28 and May 3 to 6.

Red-necked Phalarope Worcs A bird at Bittell from September 8 to 10 KC, AFJ. The second

occurrence in the county in three years. Staffs One at Cannock Reservoir on May 27 PA. The first recorded

at the locality and only the seventh in the county since 1952.

Great Skua Staffs One at Belvide for a few minutes on September 7 CJH. The

fourth successive year that this species has occurred in Stafford-shire after previous records in 1957 and 1967.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks No large totals reported this year. At Brandon, up to 10 in

January, July and September. Eight at Shustoke in February and five at Bodymoor in November.

Worcs One at Bittell on December 27 was the only one reported. Staffs Noted at Belvide—up to 10 in February—at Blithfield in low num-

bers except for up to 50 in December and at Cannock Reservoir where 20 were seen in January and up to 15 regularly in November and December.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks Up to 3000 estimated at Ladywalk in June and 2000 at Pack-

ington in the same month. 3500 at Bodymoor Heath on Novem-ber 8. Frequently observed around Alvecote but in very small numbers, rarely roosting there. 1000 at Bartley on August 27 but no winter roosting there due to preventative measures; 2000 near Brandon in January. 12000 estimated at Draycote on December 31.

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Worcs 300 at Bittell on November 23; no other sizeable totals reported except for 68 at Wilden on April 9.

Staffs Belvide roost small, with maximum of 800 on November 9, thought to be due in part to the cessation of tipping at Wednesfield. The Blithfield roost continues to be very large, however, with 5000 or 6000 in November. The Cannock Reservoir roost exceeded previous totals considerably, with 1 600 by late October, 3200 in November, 4150 on December 11 and between two and three thousand thereafter, practically all adults. Roost failed to form at all on December 23, though no reason was apparent to the observer.

Warks

Worcs Staffs

Herring Gull No roost at Bartley. 100 at Brandon in January and October arid at Ladywalk in January; 650 at Packington on January 21 and 600 at Shustoke on February 4. At Bittell the maximum was barely 100 on November 23. Little information on totals at Blithfield but about 750 roosted there in December. 250 at Cannock Reservoir on February 18; by late November the roost reached 200 and in December 500. From November 2 into December a bird was frequently observed by several observers which exhibited a practically pure white head, mantle darker than Common Gull but strongly contrasting black wingtips, brightly coloured bill and biscuit-yellow legs. Addi-tionally many dark-mantled birds with streaked heads, reduced amount of black at the wingtip and large bills, long legs coloured deep pink, mostly very large birds. A few similar birds at Blith-field in December. The numbers of Herring Gulls may be affected by a reduction in food available at rubbish tips with the increased practice of rapid burial of refuse and greater use of large-scale incinerators.

Common Gull Warks Small numbers except for 50 at Ladywalk in January and 100

at Coombe Abbey on December 8. Slight evidence of northerly passage in April.

Staffs Up to 12 regularly roosting at Blithfield and Cannock Reservoirs in winter and a few July and August records. On April 9 at least 88, of which 85 were adults, passed over Blithfield to the north-west at dusk, mostly in three separate groups RAH.

Glaucous Gull Staffs An adult at Belvide on March 23 CJH, GH, NH, 26 CR and

27 DS. At Blithfield an adult noted on January 13, 16, 20 and 27 (several observers). On February 10 there were three,

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two adults and one second-winter ARMB, DS, and one or two adults were seen again on February 11, 16, 17 and 18. The second-winter bird was noted on February 18, 24 and 25 (several observers). An adult was watched on December 22 ESC, JEF, EGP, and 27 RAH, and an apparently different adult on December 29 JEF, MJI, DS. At Cannock Reservoir an immature on February 10 GH, NH, and it or another (a second-winter) in the early afternoon but not roosting, on February 18 RAH. This may have been the bird later seen at Blithfield.

Glaucous/Iceland Gull Staffs Adult birds seen only in flight at Belvide on February 2 DS and

April 25 GH, NH.

Iceland Gull Warks An immature over Brandon Marsh on March 17 BMCG. Worcs One at Bittell on April 7 GCB Staffs A first-winter bird at Belvide Reservoir on April 16 CR, ICW.

A bird at Blithficld on February 8 and 18 JC, JL. At Cannock Reservoir the third-year bird noted in 1973 remained until January 2 JEF, RAH, EGP. and the 1973 adult until January 3 GE, RAH. One seen on January 26 GH, and February 19 EBB may have referred to the same adult. An adult noted there again on December 18 GE, RAH, and on December 28 JEF, DS.

Mediterranean Gull

Staffs A second-winter individual at Cannock Reservoir on December 4 RAH. Flight views at close range revealed relatively thick and blunt dark bill, dark patch back from the eye in wedge shape, very

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pale upper wings with no white and four dark spots close to the tips and pure white under wings, slightly stockier in build than Black-headed Gull. The third county record and the fourth year in succession in which the species has occurred in the Club's area.

Little Gull The best year so far for this species. Exceptional passage noted on English south coast on May 3 and 4.

Warks One at Alvecote on May 4 GAA and 15 DJC. Eight at Draycote on May 4 DNM. Nine at Draycote from May 5 to 7 and one on October 26 DNM.

Worcs An immature bird at Wilden on May 16 and 17 GE. One at Upton Warren on August 4 SFLE.

Staffs Recorded at Belvide more often than usual, with one on April 16 GH, NH, DS, six on May 4 GH, NH, five of these on May 5 PCT, EGP, and four still present on May 7 EBB. An immature remained from May 11 to 29 EBB, PDH, DS. Three on June 2 GH, NH, GS, one on June 10 and 11 EBB, DS, PCT, and 18 ARMB. Finally four on August 30 GH, NH. A good year at Blithfield, too, with an adult on April 20 RAH, 15 on May 4 JL, PCT, and one next day ARMB, EGP. Then noted by several observers on four dates until May 29, with three on 21 GCB, PKD. An adult on July 17 EMR and two on July 28 CJH, DS. One on August 30 ARMB and up to three on September 8 RCB, ARD, PDH. Cannock Reservoir produced three on May 4 CR. MW. one from September 5 to 8 (several observers—apparently exhausted in gales and allowed itself to be picked up RAH) and two or three on 9 JEF. SMH, AK.

Black-headed Gull Warks 1000 at Brandon Marsh on January 12. At Alvecote small

numbers regular, 100 roosting by late July, 2000 by late August. At Ladywalk 6500 estimated on March 1 5 and 6000 on October 2. An estimate of 11000 at Bodymoor Heath on November 8 BLK and at Shustoke 13500 on January 13 and 24000 on March 6 BLK, greatly exceeding previous estimates there. Draycote roost estimated at 12000 on November 17 and 60000 on Decem-ber 31.

Worcs May have attempted to breed at Wilden. At Bittell 900 on November 23 and 1500 on December 1, well down on the 1973 figures.

Staffs Drainage at Doley Common has led to the extinction of the colony there but, at Norbury, where three pairs nested in 1972,150 birds present until deliberately disturbed by farmer FCG. Belvide

53

roost generally reduced and not more than 10000 DS, though 18500 estimated on December 1 AD. At Blithfield a daytime concentration of 1200 on April 20 was almost entirely composed of first-year birds, whereas adults greatly predominate at winter roosts. Five or six thousand roosted in December, a reduction on recent years. At Cannock 3480 roosted on January 12, about 5000 in November and 6000 on December 5, with a large decrease after that.

Kitt iwake Warks One at Brandon on March 10 and two at Draycote on May 5

DNM with Little Gulls. Worcs One at Bittell for a short period on April 24 KC. Staffs Noted at Belvide, singly, on February 2 CR, DS, MW, March 21,

May 19 and September 12 DS. One at Blithfield on February 10 ARMB. One at Cannock Reservoir on ApriM 8 RAH; May 4 with Little Gulls CR, MW; from October 30 to November 3 GH, RAH, JL, and on November 27 RAH.

Black Tern Warks At Alvecote Pools up to five from May 4 to 26, then one to three

from September 11 to 17 except for 41 on 15, the highest total ever there GAA. One at Brandon on April 16 and September 15. At Bodymoor Heath three on May 15 and 14 the following day. One or two in early September and then 37 on September 15 EAH, SMH, AK. At Draycote one on May 5 and three on 9, then noted from September 6, when there were 25 JL, to the late date of October 23, with 48 on September 12 DIP, 20 on Sep-tember 14 and 38 on September 15 JL, DNM. One at Ladywalk on September 17 and at Packington on September 30; four or five at Earlswood on May 4.

Worcs Five at Wilden on September 15. Singles at Westwood on May 3 and June 23, then small numbers from August 27 to the end of September with six on September 3 and 7. At Bittell up to four were seen from August 31 to September 22 but on September 12 between 90 and 100 came in from the north and flew off to the south-west a few hours later KC. Occurred at Upton Warren from September 1 to 16 with 26 on September 15.

Staffs After two on May 5 and one on 16 at Belvide, one remained from June 22 to 29. Noted then from August 26 to October 2 with more than 10 on several dates between September 8 and 18 and peaks of 29 on September 12 and 34 on 15. A bird occur-red on May 4 at Blithfield, singles again on May 29, June 23, July 3 and August 5; 10 on August 29 and up to 12 until Septem-ber 29 with 18 on September 13, then 16 on 16 and 20 on 17.

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One at Bloxwich on May 4. At Cannock Reservoir three on May 3 and singles on May 25, June 23, August 4, 5 and 30 and up to five until September 28. The dramatic September passage, especially on 12 and 15, which was noted widely in Britain, is obvious, but equally interest-ing is the occurrence of Black Terns at eight localities. Little Gulls at five and Kittiwakes at two places between May 3 and 5 and Black Terns at four places around June 23.

Whi te -winged Black Tern Staffs A bird at Belvide from September 1 5 to 17, during the major

Black Tern passage, was watched by several observers. Points noted included brown saddle, white rump and collar, pale grey wings, lack of patches at the sides of the breast and short bill; legs variously described from reddish black to bright red. The first county record was as recent as 1970 but this is now the fifth.

Common Tern Warks A pair nested at Bodymoor Heath but the eggs were again taken.

A few records there in April, May, August and September, ones and twos, but five on June 2. At Alvecote, a few records of up to three between April 21 and August 29 with five on June 23. One bird at Draycote on April 4, an early date, then 45 on May 4 and 30 next day DNM. Two at Brandon on May 29 and singles on June 30 and August 21.

Worcs Six at Bittell on May 4, one on August 23, two on September 11 and four on 16. One at Westwood on May 3 and up to four between September 3 and 22. A bird at Wilden on June 22 and one or two between September 7 and 15. Five at Upton Warren on April 28, one on May 4, September 3, 4 and 16.

Staffs Two at Aqualate on May 20, one at Brierley Hill Pools on Septem-ber 8 and from September 17 to 22. Noted at Belvide from May 4 to June 2, with 10 on May 19; then singles on June 29 and July 23. Present again in small numbers from August 6 to September 28, with eight on September 7. There were 10 at Blithfield on May 5 then up to seven until June 6. After four on June 19 and two on 25, occurred in very small numbers from July 7 to September 24 with eight on September 8. On May 4 at Cannock Reservoir 40 occurred PA, then there were small numbers, once seven, from July 8 to October 3. No details from Branston. Again passage around May 4 is prominent (see Little Gull and Black Tern) and widespread presence in June.

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Arctic Tern Strong passage in late April and early May.

Warks 12 on May 4 at Draycote and 30 on May 5 DNM. One or two there in September. Five at Brandon on May 4 and three at Coombe Abbey on June 1. One at Bodymoor Heath on Septem-ber 8 and at Rotton Park Reservoir from September 10 to 16. At Alvecote two occurred on July 14 and two on 26.

Worcs One at Westwood on September 10. At Bittell there were four on May 4, one on August 3, one on September 7 and two next day. Two appeared at Upton Warren on September 8 and 10 and one on 15.

Staffs Noted at Belvide between April 13 and May 26 with five on April 19; on 23 there were 37 birds CR, ICW, on 28 there were 11 birds and on May 5 there were 20. Up to four seen between July 20 and September 29, one remaining from 14 to the latter date. At Blithfield there were 14 on April 20 and 17 on May 5; one on May 19; three on June 1 and then occasional records from July 22 to September 22 with 18 on September 3. Occur-red at Cannock between April 17 and May 5 with 10 on the latter date, 14 on April 20 and 11 on 28. On June 8 there were 18 present, then one on 21. Occurred then from September 4 to October 10, up to nine birds. Lengthy stay of individual birds (see Belvide) illustrated by presence of an adult with broken primaries from September 9 to at least October 10.

Common/Arct ic Tern Heavy movement north in Bristol Channel in late April and excep-tional totals on south coast of England from May 3 to 5. Largest totals as follows:

Warks 14 at Powells Pool on May 3; 50 at Draycote on May 7. Worcs 26 at Bittell on May 3. Staffs 38 at Blithfield on April 27 thought to be Arctic; 15 at Tittes-

worth on April 28; at Blithfield 40 on April 28; at Cannock 70 on May 3 ; at Blithfield 50 on May 4 ; at Cannock 1.8 on May 5 when totals (mostly Arctics) of 35 and 32 recorded at Belvide and Blithfield.

Roseate Tern Staffs One at Blithfield on June 2 ESC, JCE-D, JEF. Only the seventh

county record and the first at Blithfield since 1957.

Little Tern Warks One at Bodymoor Heath on May 10flZ./Cand one there on Septem-

ber 4 EAH. One at Powells Pool, Sutton Park, on June 17 EMR and at Alvecote on June 23 GAA.

56

Staffs One at Brierley Hill Pools on June 11 ICW; at Belvide on Septem-ber 14 GH, NH. At Blithfield four on May 29 PDH; five on June 4 JCE-D and two on September 3 JL. One at Cannock Reservoir on May 3 and 6 and July 17 PCT.

Sandwich Tern One noted at Draycote on September 9 DIP. One at Bittell on September 3 GCB and September 19 DMH. Two birds at Cannock Reservoir on April 10 RAH. Two at Blithfield on August 4 MJI, RJJ.

Little Auk Staffs One found exhausted at Rugeley on November 1 died next day

GWW.

Warks Worcs Staffs

Stock Dove Largest gatherings reported were:

Warks 160 at Draycote on January 4. Worcs 8 at Bittell in January, 16 at Tardebigge on March 2, 300 in Over-

bury Woods, Bredon Hill on November 27. Staffs At Blithfield 50 seen on January 5 and 25 on February 3.

Wood Pigeon Largest flocks noted were:

Warks 500 roosting in Edgbaston Park; 1200 at Wimpstone and 200 at Brandon on January 12; 100 at Moreton Morrell on January 16; 300 at Alvecote on February 2; 2000 at Great Wolford Wood on February 10; 750 at Bodymoor Heath on March 1 ; 1000 at Kingsbury during December.

Worcs About 500 at Bittell in both winter periods; 1000 at Kyre on November 16.

Staffs At Whittington Sewage Works 1000 present on February 23 and November 3; 150 at Elford and 250 at Water Eaton on Febru-ary 27; 750 seen at Rickerscote on March 22; 1200 at Enville on December 1 ; 300 at Blithfield on December 8 ; at Belvide 1000 seen on December 8 and 21 ; 450 near Penkridge on December 14; 600 at Aqualate on December 19.

Turt le Dove" Generally reported as breeding in many areas in small numbers.

Warks 30 noted at Bodymoor Heath on July 3. Staffs Numbers reported as decreased in South Staffordshire by several

observers.

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Collared Dove Warks 100 reported shot at site in county to prevent birds taking grain;

100 roosted at Lanchester Polytechnic in winter months; 100 at Walsgravc in Juno.

Staffs 55 seen at Tixall on March 18 and 160 there on November 1 ; 200 in December at Bunker's Wood roost; 39 at Seisdon on December 12; 70 at Brewood on December 22.

Cuckoo Warks Reported as more common this year at Bartley and in Tame Valley. Worcs Decrease noted in Bittell area but considered more numerous at

Wilden and Uptop Warren. Staffs More common at Enville, Baggeridge and on North Staffordshire

Moors.

Barn Owl Warks Reported from Marston Doles, Priors Hardwick, Ansty, Bodymoor

Heath, Binton, Wilmcote, Pinley, Amington, Lowsanford, Strat-ford, Hartshill, Ladywalk, Arbury, Nuneaton, Brandon, Walsgrave, Ufton Fields. Breeding noted at Coombe Abbey, Hurley, Kingsbury, Whitacre, Dunton, Maxhall, Bentley and Leamington Spa.

Worcs Records from Upton Warren, Hanbury, Wilden, Sedgebarrow, Worcester, Bewdley, Pershore, Kyre and Goosehill Wood.

Staffs Noted at Admaston, Hilton Park, Belvide, Blithfield and Swindon. Probably bred at Perton.

Little Owl Warks Recorded at Astley, Hartshill Haze, Draycote, Middleton, Rugby,

Stratford, Wilmcote, Milcote, Idlicote; Moreton Morrell, Shirley and Brandon. Breeding noted at Bedworth, Alvecote, Kings-bury, Hurley, Bentley, Bodymoor Heath, Whitacre, Coombe Abbey, Ladywalk and Leamington Spa.

Worcs Reported from Severn Stoke, Hopwood, Habberley Valley, Flad-bury, Eyemoor Wood, Wilden, Blackstone, Hanbury, Elmley Castle, Nafford, Knighton, Pershore, Wichenford, Goosehill Wood and Trench Wood. Breeding noted at Twiland Wood.

Staffs Seen at Brewood, Belvide, Blithfield, Iverley, Trentham, Barlaston, Bobbington, Gothersley, Kinver, Hammerwich, Wheaton Aston, Beacon Hill, Enville Hall, Swindon, Admaston, Gradbach. Bred at Whittington and probably at Himley and Baggeridge.

Tawny O w l Warks Seen at Packington, West Heath, Kineton, Solihull, Alvecote,

Wappenbury, Coombe Park, Bartley, Earlswood, Brandon.

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Bred at Edgbaston Park, Kingsbury (2 pairs), Hurley (3 pairs), Wuudend (2 pairs), Ladywalk, Bodymoor Heath (2 pairs), Maxhall, Middleton (2 pairs), Hall Green, Ryton Wood and Leamington Spa.

Worcs Noted at Bittell, Wilden, Westwood, West Hagley, Northfield, Halesowen, Sandwell Valley, Rowley Regis, Severn Stoke, Kid-derminster, Woodcote, Stourport. Breeding noted at Dowles Brook.

Staffs Recorded at Harlaston, Drayton Manor, Blithfield, Wolverhampton, Pensnett, Gornal Wood, Himley, Wordsley, Brewood and Whit-tington. Bred at Belvide, Baggeridge Wood, Dunston, Haughton Church, Brierley Hill.

Long-eared Owl Staffs Bred on Cannock Chase FCG; one picked up dead at Cannock

Reservoir on November 17 AEC; at Enville one heard on Decem-ber 17 PStJB.

Short-eared Owl Warks At Draycote one seen on January 1 JH and on October 31 BAF.

3 noted at Nuneaton Fields on February 3 FG. At Bodymoor Heath one seen by many observers from October 27 to end of year, joined by a second bird from November 3. One present at Bran-don from October 20 and two from October 24 to the end of November BMCG.

Worcs A bird seen at Defford Airfield and Croome Perry Wood on October 20 JRM. Single birds recorded at Halesowen on December 1 MCC and at Upton Warren on December 3 RM.

Staffs Winter records from Belvide, Branston, Gib Tor, Goldsitch Moss, Little Aston, Cannock Reservoir. Summer records from Gradbach, Swallow Moss, breeding at Gib Tor and Perton.

Nightjar Worcs One reported in a Bromsgrove garden on June 24 per FF. Staffs Churring birds recorded at Moor's Gorse and Sherbrook Valley

(4 birds); Hanchurch and Enville (single birds); two pairs bred at Kinver.

S w i f t Warks Largest gathering was 600 at Bodymoor Heath on June 11.

Several pairs nested in centre of Leamington Spa; breeding col-ony of 50 in suburban area of Coventry and 200 over colony at Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, in May; several pairs on buildings at Ladywalk. Main exodus from county took place on August 18.

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Worcs 250 seen at Wilden on August 12. Staffs 200 at Cannock Reservoir on May 11 ; several hundred at Blith-

field on May 12; 1000 to 1500 at Belvide during June and July; many hundreds at Watling Street subsidence pools on June 23.

Kingfisher Reported from seventeen localities. Breeding recorded at Brandon, Coombe Abbey, Meriden Gravel Pits, Edgbaston Park, Leamington, Clifford Chambers, Bodymoor Heath (3 pairs), Tame Valley (5 pairs) and probably at Alvecote. Noted at 22 localities, breeding proven at Bittell, Dowles Brook, Ribbesford, Kyre, Lickhill Manor. Recorded from 15 sites, but only breeding record was of a " probable '' at Belvide.

Hoopoe One on the exceptional date of February 16 at Stratford-upon-Avon, and one at Preston-on-Stour on April 20. One seen at Peopleton, near Pershore, from September 25 to 27 FP. At Cannock Reservoir one reported on November 2 GRH.

Green Woodpecker No changes reported.

Great Spotted Woodpecker No change in status recorded.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Breeding season records as follows:

Warks Packington Park, Goldicote, Wilcombe Woods, Edgbaston Park (two pairs bred), Hartshill Haze, Newbold Comyn Park (2 pairs bred), Ladywalk.

Worcs Twiland Wood (bred), Wyre Forest, Upton Warren, Hadzor, Hanbury, Eymore Wood, Habberley Valley, Wribbenhall, Gills Rough, Pudford Hill.

Staffs Blithfield, Himley, Chillington (3 pairs bred).

Wryneck

Staffs One seen by many observers at Belvide from September 14 to 16.

Skylark Warks 10 pairs located at Alvecote and 12 pairs in 200 acres at Wilnecote.

60 moved SW in one and a half hours at Bodymoor Heath on September 22, and gathering of 50 noted at Brandon on October 12.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

Warks

Wnrcs

Staffs

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Worcs About 150 seen at Bittell on November 10. Staffs 60 recorded at Hixon on January 1 ; 100 at Iverley on February

16 and October 22; light westerly passage noted over Cannock Reservoir on October 9.

Swal low Warks Decrease recorded at Bodymoor Heath EAH and Leamington RG.

Roosts of 2000 at Belgrave on August 19; 1000 at Alvecote on September 13; 5000 at Brandon on September 19; 20000 at Bedworth Sloughs on September 21.

Worcs Largest flocks reported were 150 at Wilden on August 4 ; 250 at Bittell on September 11.

Staffs 1000 roosted at Four Ashes on August 16; 750 to 1000 at Cannock Reservoir roost on September 12.

House Mar t in Warks Decrease reported at Bodymoor Heath area EAH. 200 at Coombe

Abbey on September 29. Worcs Decrease recorded in Elmley Castle area JA. 100 noted at Bittell

on September 11; 50 at Wilden on October 5. Staffs Decrease noted in Rushall area AEC. 140 at Cannock Reservoir

on September 26; 200 at Belvide and at Blithfield on September 28. Late brood at Longdon Hall fledged between September 19 to 26 DMH.

Sand Mar t in Warks Conflicting reports of both increases and decreases in the centre

of the county. 80 seen at Bodymoor Heath on August 30; 100 at Alvecote on August 31 and September 1.

Worcs Poor year in Wilden area MHB. Staffs Exceptionally poor year in county ARMB. 50 at Cannock

Reservoir on August 9 RAH and 120 at Belvide on July 17 DS were the only gatherings reported by observers who regarded numbers on passage again very poor.

Raven Worcs One reported over Wilden on July 20 MHB and two over Pudford

Hill on December 26 RM.

Carrion Crow Warks 50 counted at Ladywalk on March 25; 65 at Brandon on

November 3 ; 150 in Sutton Park on November 24; 44 at Bartley on December 15; up to 40 at Bodymoor Heath, 100 at Kingsbury Wood and 50 at Coventry tip during winter months.

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Staffs 110 seen at Blithfield on October 12 and 190 there on November 10.

Hooded Crow Warks One present at Packington Gravel Pits from 1973 was seen by

several observers until April 8. Staffs One flew over Cannock Reservoir on April 8 and was the first

recorded there RAH.

Rook Warks 100 counted at Wilnecote from January 20 to 23 and again on

September 30; 100 seen at Dosthill on October 23; 200 at High Cross on December 18.

Worcs 500 noted at Whychbold on December 27.

Jackdaw Warks 50 seen regularly in April moving over Brandon from roost. 50

counted in Sutton Park in late December.

Magpie Warks Bird watched building nest in Sutton Coldfield on February 7 JL.

Up to 10 seen regularly at Ladywalk; at Bartley 10 noted on January 1 and 15 on May 9; 26 in Sutton Park on March 24; at Earlswood 12 counted on April 13; high wintering numbers in Tame Valley with up to 20 at Bodymoor Heath and 30 at

i Ladywalk; at Hall Green 18 seen on December 2; 100 present in Edgbaston Park in winter.

Worcs 18 noted at Devil's Spittleful on January 31 ; 8 at Tardebigge on June 10 and October 12; 14 at Bittell on October 21.

Staffs v 26 counted near Cannock Reservoir on November 30; 11 at Belvide on December 15; 25 at Pool Hall on December 20.

Jay

No changes reported.

Great Tit No changes reported.

Warks Up to 100 wintered in Edgbaston Park; 500 counted at Brandon Hall on December 23. Blue Tit No change in status.

Warks Up to 200 in Edgbaston Park in winter; 300 at Brandon Hall,on December 23.

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Coal Tit Slight increase rioietl.

Warks Large increase in numbers present in Edgbaston Park during winter; 50 noted at Brandon Hall in December.

Staffs Particularly common at Enville on December 30.

Marsh Tit No changes recorded.

Wi l lo w Ti t

No change in status noted.

Long-tailed Ti t Many reports of winter parties of up to twelve.

Warks 45 noted at Edgbaston Park on October 17; 20 at Alvecote on October 20.

Worcs 20 noted at Tardebigge on June 4, 30 in Twiland Wood on October 29, up to 16 around Bittell in winter and 30 in Lickey Woods on November 1.

Staffs 30 at Enville on June 29; 25 at Belvide in autumn; 20atGothers-ley on November 3; 18 at Cannock Reservoir on November 18; 40 at Chillington on December 22. Nuthatch Possibly a slight increase noted.

Warks One seen in Sutton Park on March 3 was first for several years.

Tree Creeper

No changes reported; well distributed.

Wren

Considered very common once again.

Dipper Worcs Breeding season reports from Dowles Brook, Menith Wood,

Sling Pool, Halesowen, Bewdley, Trimpley, Belbroughton. Staffs No reports received for breeding season.

Bearded Ti t Warks Up to 8 present until late March at Brandon and 2 from November

3 to end of year BMCG. Worcs Up to 5 remained at Upton Warren until end of March and up to

4 from October 24 to November 23 (several observers). One recorded at Stour Hill on November 10 RM.

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Mist le Thrush Warks Singing birds heard at Wilnecote on January 12 and at Alvecote

on November 23 GAA, MAA; also noted in song at Aston Park on February 20 and in various Birmingham suburbs during mild period at end of December DMH. 16 noted at Bartley on June 22 and 10 at Brandon on August 5; flock of 41 recorded near Combrook on September 8.

Worcs 16 noted at Wilden on March 24. Staffs 40 seen at Whittington Sewage Farm on June 8.

Fieldfare Birds seen well into early summer and at least one pair bred in Staffordshire. Strong arrivals in early November when maximum numbers recorded.

Warks 1000 roosted at Brandon on April 4; 2000 present at Bodymoor Heath from October 16 to 23; 500 at Draycote on October 13; 500 at Alvecote on November 8; 2000 flew regularly over Lady-walk at dusk between November 11 and 25; 400 at Shustoke from November 18 to 25.

Worcs 400 at New End on March 29; 100at Whoopers Wood on October 31 ; large movement over Bittell on November 7 when at least 430 counted; large numbers at Bredon Hill in early November.

Staffs Many flocks of up to 100 reported. 400 seen at Essington in late March; 500 at Cannock Reservoir on November 2; 500 at Doxey Marshes on November 7; at least 1000 at Belvide between November 4 and 9, with 2000 there on December 21. At least one pair bred in the county, for the first time, rearing four young. Another pair present and probably bred per FCG.

Song Thrush No change reported.

Warks A pale yellow bird seen during September in an Erdington garden. Worcs 40 noted in Whoopers Wood on October 31.

Redwing Many flocks of less than 100.

Warks 500 at Brandon on October 13; 500 at Bodymoor Heath during October and early November; 100 at Alvecote on November 8 ; 250 at Shustoke on November 26; 230 at Minworth on Decem-ber 14; 120 at Botley on December 15.

Worcs 300 at New End on March 29; 150 at Whoopers Wood on October 31 ; at least 300 arrived at Bittell on November 7; large numbers at Bredon Hill in early November.

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Staffs 400 at Blithfield on March 24; 180 at Congreve on April 7; 277 luusied in Sutton Park on April 8; 100 se^n at Cannock Reservoir on November 2; 150 at Wandon on November 9 ; 200 at Himley on November 18; 500 at Pensnett on December 7; 400 at Belvide on December 15.

Ring Ouzel Warks One noted at Ladywalk on April 24 HTL. Worcs One reported in Twiland Wood on April 22 and another on

July 24 MCC. Staffs Several reports in breeding season from Cannock Chase, Roaches

and North Staffordshire Moors. At least 6 present in Oldacre Valley on September 28

Blackbird Warks 16 males seen on a small green in Coventry on March 4; 17

pairs bred in Edgbaston Park; four birds noted in St. Philips Churchyard in city centre on September 8; 23 moved over Hall Green on November 1 ; 50 counted at Bartley on December 11 ; 46 near Leamington Spa Reservoir on December 17.

Worcs 30 seen in field near Worcester on January 11 ; 50 in Whoopers Wood on October 31 ; 33 at Bittell on December 27.

Staffs Pair nested at Whittington in a vertical wire coil. Several hundred in Bunkers Hill roost from October. Influx noted at Cannock Reservoir on November 4. Bird found dead in Ingestre garden on November 27 PAK had ring marked Helgoland, Germania.

Wheatear Poor passage this year.

Warks All observers reported only one or two birds on passage except for the following isolated records: 5 at Alvecote on April -13; 5 at Draycote on September 1 ; 9 at Bodymoor Heath on Sep-tember 14; 5 at Bartley on a few dates in September.

Worcs Again only reports of one or two birds received. Staffs Apart from 9 at Blithfield on September 8, only one or two birds

reported from areas usually providing reasonable numbers on passage; some areas report no birds at all on passage.

Greenland Wheatear Warks One reported at Ladywalk on April 20 APJ and on April 29 FB,

VAB; up to 4 in May HTL. Staffs One noted at Landywood on May 19 DS.

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Stonechat

Warks At Brandon 2 present throughout January and February, and one or two between October 5 and November 19 with 3 on December 1. One or two at Alvecote trom January 1 to March 16, and from October 20 to November 24. At Ladywalk one or two noted from January 5 to March 9 and up to 4 from October 12 to end of year. Two seen at California Tip in Birmingham on January 22. At Bartley one seen on April 20, a family party of 5 on October 5 DCWH, DRR, MSS, and one bird from November 8 to December 22. One reported at Draycote on March 19 and up to 3 from September 19 to December 29. At Bodymoor Heath up to 5 present from October 6 to end of December. One or two recorded in Sutton Park between October 8 and November 7. At Marston Gravel Pits one noted on October 9,2 on October 14 and then one in Packington Park on October 27. At Camphill one reported on October 28 and at Long Marston one or two seen from Novem-ber 12 to December 4. One or two watched at Tamworth between November 8 and December 20, one at Kettlebrook Lakes on December 7 and one at Higham on December 29.

Worcs One or two at Upton Warren from January 6 to February 23 and from October 5 to end of year, apart from four on November 2. At Wilden one or two noted from January 14 to February 13 and from November 9 to December 26. One seen at Bittell during early spring and late autumn. A bird reported at Redditch on November 1. One seen in Twiland Wood on July 24 MCC.

Staffs On Cannock Chase birds seen in Sherbrook Valley on January 6, March 2, October 20 (3 birds) and November 8 (pair), at Rawnsley Hills on February 23 and at Brocton two in December. Up to 3 seen at Belvide from January 6 to March 7. A pair at Wombourne on January 20; on January 27 one at Park Hall and at Pensnett; one at Whittington Sewage Farm on February 17; two at Gothersley on September 29; at Cannock Reservoir one or two from October 3 to end of year; one at Blithfield on October 13; one at Doxey Marshes from November 1 to 7; a pair at Perton from November 22 to end of year; a pair near Stafford town centre on December 4; one at Brockmoor on December 15; two at Baggeridge on December 22. One at Pelsall on November 2.

66

Whinchat

Breeding season reports f rom: Warks Minworth and Ladywalk (3 pairs).

No birds at Alvecote in breeding season, the first such occurrence since 1947. Up to 6 on passage at Ladywalk and 4 at Bartley during late August.

Worcs Upton Warren, Trench Wood, Wilden, Halesowen, Stour Hill, Cofton, llley. None seen at Castlemorton Common where usually present JL. Up to 8 on passage at Upton Warren in September.

Staffs Whitt ington Sewage Farm, Cannock Reservoir, Roaches, Can-nock Chase, Perton, Gradbach, Shenstone, Highgate Common. 4 on passage at Whitt ington on August 14 and 5 at Blithfield on August 17. Virtually none on passage at Cannock Reservoir GE, RAH.

Redstart Warks 4 noted at Ladywalk on August 26. Worcs 6 counted along Dowles Brook on May 22. Staffs 10 present at Chillington on May 18.

Far fewer records received this year though no observers com-mented on a decrease.

Black Redstart Warks Pair bred successfully in Coventry EHT and an immature seen in

Coventry on December 6 CHP. Bird sang on remains of Snowhill Station, Birmingham, in May. One sang at Saltley on October 5 JEF. One reported at Ladywalk on October 20 SMH, AK.

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Worcs Pair bred in Dudley PGD. Staffs Single birds reported at Eccleshall on March 26 GM and Belvide

on April 12 GRH, NPH.

Male present at Bilston site but again no proof of breeding PGD.

Nightingale Warks Singing birds noted at Combrook; Wappenbury (4 birds);

Heethley Wood; Ufton Woods (8) ; Hay Wood; Waverley Wood; Wellesbourne Wood (5); Print Wood (6) ; Snitterfield Bunks; Brascote Canal.

Worcs Goosehill; Bow Wood (3) ; Tiddesley Wood; Badger's Hill; Trench Wood (4) ; Cobblers Coppice; High Green; Wilden. None recorded at Shortwood Rough Grounds, where usually 3 pairs present MJI. Robin No change in status.

Warks 26 pairs bred in Edgbaston Park.

Grasshopper Warbler Warks Singing birds recorded at Ufton Fields; Ladywalk (2 ) ; Bodymoor

Heath (1 irregularly after 3 last year); Sutton Park (decreased); Lighthorne; Alvecote; Tamworth; Brandon (1 after 6 last year)

Worcs Reported at Wilden, Crowle, Upton Warren, Bittell (decreased), Defford, Besford Court, Dudley, Trench Wood, Wyre Forest, Goosehill Wood (7), Lower Habberley. Scarcer than in 1973 at Elmley Castle; none heard at Castlemorton Common, where usual, and none at Tardebigge after decrease from five singing birds, in 1970.

Staffs Singing at Brewood ; Blithfield; Perton (3 ) ; Sherbrook Valley; Swindon; Doxey (4). None at Belvide or Cannock Reservoir this year.

Reed Warbler Warks Noted at Packington Park; Minworth (two singing); Ladywalk

(three or four pairs); Bodymoor Heath; Alvecote (up to 10 pairs); Edgbaston Park; Brandon.

Worcs Reported from Bittell area (three singing birds); Wilden (three singing); Podmore Pool (two singing males).

Staffs Two sang at Blithfield; two at Belvide; increased to three or four pairs at Baggeridge; 30 pairs or more at Chillington; three at Rushall and one at Shelfield.

Marsh Warbler Worcs Noted near Eckington and near Nafford.

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Sedge Warbler Warks Generally little change in Bodymoor Heath-Ladywalk area.

Twelve pairs at Alvecote, a slight recovery; six singing birds at Minworth.

Worcs At Tardebigge, none heard in an area which held eight singing birds in 1971. Well up to normal numbers at Bittell however.

Staffs Very little information ; six singing birds at Belvide and decreased from five to three at Brierley Hill Pools.

Blackcap Warks One at Four Oaks, January 5 SUB; a bird at Leamington Spa on

February 3 PCJ; at Erdington on March 12 TD; Alvecote, November 4 GAA; Edgbaston Park, November 23 KESOS; Olton, December 16. Eight singing birds in Coleshill Woods; three sang at Alvecote and eight pairs in Edgbaston Park. 65 trapped at Brandon (only 10 Garden Warblers).

Worcs A female in a garden at Kidderminster from January 28 to March 5 was joined by a male for a week in February GJW. 10 singing at Goosehill Wood on May 11 ; six along Dowles Brook in the Wyre Forest on May 22; five at Twiland and four at Wassell Wood.

Staffs A male in Wolverhampton on November 10 FA. Decrease in Belvide-Brewood area this year to nine singing birds, but still eight pairs in the Baggeridge-Himley area. Present in Bagot's Park in numbers similar to those of Garden Warbler.

Garden Warbler Warks Two singing at Alvecote and at Earlswood; two pairs bred at

Brandon. Only one pair in Edgbaston Park where there were eight pairs of Blackcaps.

Worcs Three singing in Twiland Wood and three at Trench Wood where also three Blackcaps. 10 heard singing at Highgate Common as against only two Blackcaps. Three heard along Dowles Brook on May 22 but reported as more common than Blackcap on June 11.

Staffs Three sang in the Belvide-Brewood area and three at Blithfield, where there were five Blackcaps.

Whi te throat Warks Increased, but still scarce in Leamington and Wootton Warren

areas. Little recovery at Ladywalk but numbers at least double those of 1973 at Bodymoor Heath where 11 sang on May 12. Decreased to one or two pairs at Alvecote. 15 trapped at Brandon as against 12 Lesser Whitethroats.

69

Worcs Some decrease in the south but better numbers reported in several areas; three pairs at Wilden; five males on Croome estate and four at Little Goosehill Wood. Increased at Bittell and Tardebigge.

Staffs Decreased to five singing birds in Belvide-Brewood area and still scarce in southern Staffordshire generally. Slight increase at Enville but still very few; increased from one or two to five pairs at Pensnett but no change around Himley.

Lesser Whitethroat Warks Some decrease in the Leamington area. Three sang at Body-

moor Heath and two at Alvecote during the summer. One pair bred at Brandon.

Worcs Two pairs at Bittell and three at Twiland Wood. Staffs Four sang in the Belvide-Brewood area but little hope of recovery

with large-scale destruction of hedges.

Wi l low Warbler Warks Decrease in Tame Valley. About 50 at Alvecote on April 22,

where five or six pairs bred. 28 singing birds at Coleshill Woods on May 14; up to 17 sang at Brandon; 14 pairs in Edgbaston Park.

Worcs Influx of 30 or more birds in Hewell Park, Redditch, on April 13. At Great Malvern 30 singing birds counted on April 15.

Staffs 48 singing in the Belvide-Brewood area. 22 sang at Cannock Reservoir on April 17 and 24 on Kinver Edge on June 15.

Chiffchaff Warks Decrease at Coleshill Woods in recent years and another poor

year in the Tame Valley. 12 singing birds found in Sutton Park; three pairs in Edgbaston Park and two pairs at Brandon where large numbers passed through on September 21 and 22.

Worcs Six sang along Dowles Brook on May 22. Very little information. Staffs Six singing birds in Belvide-Brewood area. Again outnumbered

Willow Warbler at White Sitch.

Wood Warbler Warks An exceptionally early bird, singing, at Brueton Park, Solihull,

on March 5 per DMH. Spring passage birds noted at Kingsbury and Woodend and two in autumn at Bartley. Singing birds noted at Haywood, Waverley Woods, Cubbington Woods and Coleshill Woods with two at Earlswood. Bred in a Birmingham locality.

Worcs 21 singing males along Dowles Brook, May 22 ARMB. Five pairs on the Lickey Hills; five singing at Norton Covert and six in the Habberley Valley. Three singing at Lye Head and singles at Menith Wood, Bewdley, Saltwells Wood, Malvern, Chaddesley

70

Wood, Pipers Oak Wood, Eymore Wood, Eastman Coppice, Gills Rough and Weymans Wood.

Staffs Bred at Ridgehill Wood; five in song in Dimmingsdale, four at Himley, two at Black Brook and singles singing at Alton, Keele, Blithfield and Back Forest. Spring passage bird at Bunkers Hill Wood.

Goldcrest Warks 100 at Leamington Spa in November. Worcs 30 at Whoopers Wood, October 31. Increasing around Bittell. Staffs 12 at Cannock Reservoir on December 29, an unusual total there.

Firecrest Warks Female trapped in suitable breeding habitat in the county. One

in Newbold Comyn Park, Leamington, April 3 ID. Worcs One reported in a garden near Bittell on December 27 ARL. Staffs One at Belvide on February 9 AD, CJH. A male at Seven Springs,

Cannock Chase on April 4 AJD.

Spotted Flycatcher Warks Three pairs in Edgbaston Park and two pairs at Brandon. Staffs Three pairs, an average number, bred at Belvide but numbers

halved at Himley.

Pied Flycatcher Warks Three in Edgbaston Park on May 2. A male at Ufton Woods on

May 23 and a bird at Bartley on August 24. Worcs One at Bittell on May 2 and 3 was unusual. In the Wyre Forest

first arrived on April 20; a total of 31 young fledged from 15 occupied boxes, two of which were robbed.

Staffs Nine pairs in Coombes Valley, six of which had eggs taken by boys. Also reported from Manifold Valley and Longsden. Birds present at Belvide on May 25, August 6 and 7 and September 22.

Dunnock Warks Good numbers in Tamworth district and Alvecote area and 21

pairs, a good total, in Edgbaston Park. No change at Brandon. Staffs Very common in Cannock-Burntwood-Lichfield area in wide

variety of habitats.

M e a d o w Pipit Warks Autumn movements noted over Hall Green from September 14

with more than usual on October 5. Over 50 at Alvecote on October 1 and at Bartley on October 5 and during early December.

Worcs 40 at Bittell on September 30.

71

Staffs Spring peak of 100 on March 27 at Belvide and 75 on April 10 at Cannock Reservoir where there were 75 again in mid Septenv ber. Over 150 at Blithfield on September 24; 70 at Whittington Sewage Farm on October 19; at Perton there were 50 on Novem-ber 25 and 50 were at Wombourne on December 8.

Tree Pipit Warks One pair at Ladywalk but a poor year in the Tame Valley generally.

None found in Coleshill Woods and none located in Sutton Park for the first time in over twenty years. A bird sang in Edgbaston Park on May 16, the first record there. Passage at Bartley from August 17 to October 5.

Worcs Five singing males in a largely cleared area of Twiland Wood; six heard singing in Wyre Forest on May 22; four singing in Eymore Wood, four in Habberley Valley and four at Lower Habberley.

Staffs A male singing at Cannock Reservoir on June 8. Bred in several areas of Cannock Chase and Bagot's Park. Increased at Himley from two to five singing birds; three singing in Black Brook area. May 11.

Rock Pipit Warks One at Bartley on December 8 CJH. At Draycote singles on

March 2 and 29 RB and one or two between October 5 and November 8 RB, DNM. RPW.

Worcs A bird at Bittell on October 24 DMH and at Wilden from October 26 to 30 MHB. Birds at Upton Warren on October 13 GET and November 3 SFLE.

Staffs Noted at Belvide on October 6 DS. Two at Blithfield on October 27 ARD, MJH, PDH; one on November 2 GCB, PKD and two on November 6 JL. At Cannock Reservoir singles on October 7 and 9 and two on 10 RAH; one or two from October 13 to 21 ARMB and two on November 4 RAH, DS.

Water Pipit Warks Singles at Brandon on January 26 and March 10. Worcs At Wilden birds seen on April 7 MHB and 13 RM and November

10 RM. One or two at Upton Warren from March 28 AFJ to April 23 MCC.

Staffs The 1973 bird remained at Cannock Reservoir until January 12 ARMB, RAH and one seen there on February 18 RAH and between March 2 and 16 DS may have been the same individual. One there again on November 14 RAH and 23 DS and from December 3 to 18 RAH. One at Doxey on December 29 DS. A bird at Belvide on April 7 and 11 DS.

72

Pied Wagtai l Warks Over 100 roosted at Ladywalk on September 24 and 300 on

October 2. The Brandon roost totalled 85 on January 26 and 150 on February 23.

Worcs 50 at Wilden on August 26 ; 37 at Bittell on January 29 and 70 at Devil's Spittleful on December 29.

Staffs 205 roosted in reeds at Blanford Mere on November 16. At Whittington Sewage Farm there were 50 on January 27 and at Kinver 40 on March 9. 20 followed the plough at Perton on Nuvenibei 20.

W h i t e Wagtai l Warks 10 at Draycote on May 4 CHP. Singles at Ladywalk on March 31

BLK and April 20 APJ; at Shustoke on March 30 BLK and Body-moor Heath on April 9 SVB. Two at Bartley on May 29 MT.

Worcs Birds at Wilden on April 14 RM and May 11 MHB; and at Upton Warren on April 14 GCB, SFLE, 20th and 28th GET.

Staffs Singles at Belvide in May and at Cannock up to three between April 6 and 22 GE, RAH.

Grey Wagtai l

Many winter reports including a few of birds feeding on flat roofs in urban areas.

Warks Bred at Ryton Gravel Pit, Bartley, Edgbaston Park and near Cannon Hill Park.

Worcs Breeding season reports at Belbroughton, Drayton, Churchill, Brakewill Pool (bred), Iverley (bred), Bransford, Dowles Brook and Wyre Forest area (bred), Arley, Wribbenhall, Podmore Pool, Kidderminster, Eymore Wood, Bittell.

73

Staffs Noted in breeding season at Pennhole Bridge (bred), Churnet Valley, several between Alton and Oakamoor, Belvide, Brewood, Stourton, Gothersley (bred for first time), Little Aston. Bred at Himley for the first time, a nest with five young being found on a bridge only two feet from a Pied Wagtails' nest, also with young BMM.

Yellow Wagtai l Warks Less common at Brandon this year. Five or six pairs bred at

Alvecote where up to 25 were seen in August and September. 50 at Leamington Spa Reservoir on August 18.

Worcs 12 flew over Bredon Hill on April 24 when 22 were counted at Upton Warren; 30 at Wilden on August 9.

Staffs 40 at Blithfield on April 27 but generally poor numbers there in the autumn except for 100 on August 11 ; about 45 on August 29 and 40 on September 21. On April 26 there were 50 at Belvide with 30 next day and 40 the following day; 30 there on August 1. At least 300 (99 trapped) roosted at Doxey Marshes on August 2 FCG.

Blue-headed Wagtai l Warks A male at Draycote on May 4 CHP. Staffs One at Whittington Sewage Farm on May 2 MSS. Pale-grey-

headed variants at Belvide in late April and on May 19 DS. At Blithfield a male on May 12 JCE-D and a pair on June 23 ARD, PDH, DS and on August 11 DS.

Waxwing Warks One at Earlswood Lakes on January 6 AGH and two watched in

Edgbaston Park on February 7 GFA. Worcs One in Halesowen garden on December 10 per MCC. Staffs A bird noted at Baswick, Stafford, on January 12 BBG. One at

Stone on March 14 WB.

Great Grey Shrike Warks Singles at Alvecote on January 27 and March 31 GAA; Arbury

on February 2; at Brandon from January 6 to 24; Bodymoor Heath on January 20 RJJ and February 24 KNK; Ladywalk on March 2 BLK and in October; in Sutton Park on February 22 and March 16 JEF; at Shustoke on March 2 BLK and at Ufton Fields in November and December.

Worcs One at Wilden from October 19 to the end of the year MHB and a bird at Bittell on October 26 and 27 GCB, KC, NJR and November 30 PCTu. One at Upton Warren from November 3 NJR to the end of the year AFJ and at Devil's Spittleful on December 29 RM.

74

Staffs Noted at Cannock Reservoir on January 24 JRHo and from Octo-ber 19 ARMB Lu Nuvmiibui 24 GC, RAN and on December 27 JL. A bird at Uttoxeter on March 22 per FCG and at Wrottesley on March 24 GIG. One at Drayton Manor on November 29 RJT. On Cannock Chase noted in the Old Acre Valley/Brocton Field area from January 1 to March 22 FCG and from late October/ beginning of November to the end of the year with two from early November EBB. RAH. DS. One at Wolseley Bridge on October 14 FERP may have been one of these two.

Warks Worcs

Staffs

Starling Flocks of 500 or more frequent in the north of the county. An estimated 250000 roosted in late December at Bow Wood, Crowle DMH, KHT. 50000 estimated near Bittell in late Decem-ber PCTu. 200000 at roost in Bunkers Hill Wood on February 16 MSS; 15000 at Rownall on March 3 HWK; about 250000 roosting at Willenhall in the early months, mostly coming from the north-west and several thousand roosted on the island at Gailey on August 16 DS.

Hawfinch Warks Three at Hartshill on July 14. On October 20 two at Compton

Verney RA. Worcs One on July 1 at Dowles Brook, Wyre Forest JW. Staffs One in Weston Park on June 26 JL. A bird at Brewood on

November 19 AJD. Two at Dunstall on December 1 DS and two or three at Chillington on December 14 and 15 PKD. At Belvide two noted on March 31 MJH, DS, then up to four DS seen by several observers between April 4 and 29. Two on July 17 DS, MW and one on December 8 DS.

Greenfinch Warks Good breeding numbers in the north. No large flocks at Brandon

this year; 50 at Bodymoor Heath on December 12 and 80 in Sutton Park in December.

Worcs More than usual at Bittell with 80 on September 19. No other information received for the county.

Staffs Largest flocks included 150 at Keele on November 20; 200 at Whittington Sewage Farm in February and in the Stour Valley in March; over 750 at Huntington, Cannock on February 2; 100 at Highgate Common in March and 300 at Whittingham on February 3. Very little information apart from winter flocks.

75

Goldfinch Warks 80 on October 4 at Brandon, then 100 on 24 and 50 throughout

November. 50 in August at Bartley; 25 at Yardley Wood in October and 30 in Packington Park in the same month. At Ladywalk the most recorded was 100 on September 21 and flocks at Draycote totalled 100 on August 18 and 60 on September 15, then about 350 on September 21 JL, an unusually large gathering.

Worcs 80 to 100 around Bittell on October 27 and 50 at Upton Warren on September 15. At Wilden flocks variously estimated between 75 and 100 in late August then 100 in September and 250 on October 17 TCEL with an exceptionally large flock of 600 on 5 MHB.

Staffs 60 at Belvide on September 25 and 20 at Cannock Reservoir on October 20. At Perton 150 noted on November 8.

v

, Siskin Several reports of birds in gardens, some at new localities, though fewer or none at all in some gardens visited in previous years.

Warks 35 in Sutton Park on January 27 and two early ones there on September 29. There were 20 near Combrook in December and 24 at Shustoke in February.

Worcs A cock with newly fledged young in the Wyre Forest on May 28 AFJ. 55 at Wilden on January 14 and 50 on November 21. At Bittell there were 26 on January 12 and then present from October 9 with 40 on November 7 but generally few until mid-December, then 60 on December 29.

Staffs Seen in Weston Park on April 28 and a bird in song at Millmeere on April 17. In January and February there were 30 in Trentham Park; 40 at Himley on January 6 and 25 there on January 20. At Seven Springs up to 50 in January, 20 in March and 50 in December.

Linnet Warks Brandon had up to 40 in January, 100 in August and September

and 80 in November. There were 60 at Ladywalk in January; 100 at Bartley in August; 200 at Draycote on October 14 and 80 in Sutton Park in December. Feeding flocks in fields of oil seed rape, an increasingly frequent crop, totalled 100 at Light-horne, 100 at Hatton and 150 at Hockley Heath on August 1.

Worcs 150 in oil seed rape at Kinnersley on August 22. At Bittell 26 on November 23 was more than normal there; 250 at Hales-owen on October 31 and 100 at Devil's Spittleful on December 29. At Wilden, where 200 were seen on October 5, about 15 pairs bred in 15 acres of gorse.

76

Staffs Flocks at Blithfield totalled 100 on September 7 and 120 on 13, then JbU on September 21. After 120 oh October b, 350 present on 12 and 150 on 22. Very few in winter at Cannock Reservoir as usual, but 220 to 250 on September 11. On January 17 there were 200 at Whittington Sewage Farm; in February there were 100 at Pillaton on 2 and 30 at Hanley Park on 7 with 60 at the latter locality on March 20. On August 18 a flock of 280 noted at Little Onn and 100 at Hawbush on November 17.

Tw i te Staffs M. Waterhouse reports over 50 pairs present in north Staffordshire,

but little information on breeding birds otherwise. At Cannock Reservoir much of the habitat used since at least the 1940s is being lost. 10 seen on January 2 and one on February 3 ARMB; five on February 10 and 24 on March 16 CR, DS. Two on October 5 ARMB, then 40 on 29 and 48 on 31 RAH. In November a few were seen by several observers, then 55 on 30 CR; 32 on December 14 JL. Several thorough searches during this period revealed none at any of the favoured spots.

Redpoll Still increasing in some areas; seen more frequently than before in south-east Birmingham areas. In Sutton Park, where good numbers were present in summer, 60 noted on March 3, then 55 on April 13 and 50 on December 24. Up to 50 present in winter in Edgbaston Park and 40 at Brandon from late October onwards. 50 at Wilden in November and December and at Stevens Park in January. Over 50 at Hornhill Wood on April 27 and 25 to 30 at Bittell in November and December. Still increasing, and now breeding in at least 10 localities, in Kidderminster district. Widespread in breeding season, with some suburban records around Wolverhampton and breeding noted in Kingswinford Park. Larger flocks included 15 at Loynton Moss on February 2, about 50 at Seven Springs on April 4, then 70 in Old Acre Valley, Cannock Chase, on September 28 and December 8; up to 50 at Highgate Common on November 5; 30 at Seven Springs on December 21 and 50 in Streetly on December 30.

Bullfinch Five pairs bred in Edgbaston Park; common at Brandon in spring and unusually common in Henley-in-Arden/Stratfordv area in December. 18 at Moreton Morrell on January 16; over 20 at Alvecote on January 21 and up to 20 at Bodymoor Heath in December. Up to nine at Wilden in December.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

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Staffs 1 5 at Belvide on January 21 was the only record submitted for the county—too little information available, as with many common species.

Crossbill Worcs One at Twiland Wood on April 22 MCC and one in Wyre Forest

on July 14 MAB.

Chaffinch Warks Small numbers at Alvecote, with 30 on March 23 the maximum.

50 at Brandon Hall on December 15. Worcs 50 at Bittell on September 26 and December 27. Staffs Very common in the plantations of Cannock Chase but very few

birds noted in the plantations at Enville. 200 near Aqualate on January 26; 200 at Whittington Sewage Farm on January 27 and 500 at Blakeshall on February 6. At Highgate there were 150 on December 8.

Brambling

Warks The 1973 flock at Bartley persisted until February 24 with about 200 on 3. About 60 at Alscot Park on January 12; 90 at Little Sutton on February 2 and 200 at Sutton Coldfield on February 9. Up to 100 at Brandon Hall at the end of the year.

Worcs 25 at Tardebigge in March; 50 in Hanbury Park on February 17. 100 noted near Redditch on February 23. Remarkable numbers at Wilden, with up to 300 regular, 600 on January 14 RM, 700 on January 21 EGP, 500 on February 13 MHB and 50 to 100 in late March.

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Staffs 400 reported at Pendeford on January 6 GIG; 75 at Whittington Sewage Farm on 17 and 50 near Aqualate on 26. In February again huge flock of 2000 noted at Brewood on 3; 500 at Blakeshall on 6 RM; 250 at Whittingham on 3 ICW; in March up to 100 at Whittington Sewage Farm and at Ridgehill Wood on 23 and, in April, 40 at Himley on 1 and 40 in Sherbrook Valley on 27. Very scarce in the latter part of the year.

Corn Dunting Breeding season reports at following localities:

Warks Clifford Chambers, Loxley, Stratford, Moxhall, Curdworth, Alve-cote, Ufton, Marston, Wetford, Ailstone (four singing), Hams Hall, Brandon. 60 to 80 roosted at Brandon from January to April and 10 in December. 38 roosted in Sutton Park on March 24 and 20 in April and December there. 12 at Bodymoor Heath in December.

Worcs Nafford, Eckington, Upton Warren, Caunsall (3), Stourport, Stone. Westwood Park, Bickmarsh, Little Comberton, Lower Ham (3), Bredon Hill, Marlbrook, Salwarpe, Red Hall, Holt Heath, Wilden, Torton, Wolverley. 18 roosted at Devil's Spittleful on January 31.

Staffs Iverley, Whittington, Fradswell, Hammerwich, Swindon, Aldridge, Essington, Perton (3), Stafford, Dunston, Chartley Park, Bridg-town, Tamworth, Lichfield, Weston-under-Lizard, Trysull, Wom-bourne.

Yel lowhammer Warks Five or six pairs bred at Alvecote and the same number at Wilne-

cote. 40 at Brandon on January 26. Worcs No information received at all this year.

Staffs 30 at Blithfield on January 5 and 40 at Belvide on February 2.

Reed Bunting Warks 80 pairs nested at Brandon where 1000 roosted from January to

March and 200 in December. Six pairs bred in Edgbaston Park and 40 roosted there in the winter.

Worcs Good numbers bred at Wilden. Staffs Usual early spring influx at Belvide with 100 on April 11. On

March 30 most of the 40 birds there were males. Up to 50 roosted in winter at Blanford Mere. Snow Bunting

Warks One at Draycote on November 19 JL. Worcs Two at Bittell on November 10 GCB, PKD. one on 14 and one

on December 1 KC, MJI.

79

Staffs One with mixed finch flock near Wolverhampton on October 25 CJH. At Cannock Reservoir one on November 2 ARMB and December 26 PA. Two at Blithfield on October 12 GIG and one on 13 GS. A bird watched with finches at Whittington Sewage Farm on December 29 DCWH, MJW.

House Sparrow Warks 150 in rushes at Brandon on November 19. Up to 400 at Bartley

in the autumn. Worcs 40 at Bittell on September 19 decreased to 100 on 26. Staffs First nest with eggs recorded at Weston Park on January 20.

Tree Sparrow Warks 100 at Alscot Park on January 12; a flock of 120 at Draycote on

February 2; over 150 at Bodymoor Heath on February 25 and at Bartley on December 11. About 80 near Weston-on-Avon on December 7. Seven pairs bred in Edgbaston Park.

Worcs 40 at Twiland Wood on October 29 and 100 at Bittell on December 27.

Staffs 100 near Shenstone on February 3, a good flock for the area, and 100 at Belvide on December 15.

" EXOTICA "

Pelican Sp. Warks One at Draycote on October 26.

Chilean Flamingo Warks One at Draycote on September 19 and 20.

Carolina Duck Staffs Two at Knypersley during February

Chiloe Wigeon Warks One at Draycote from October 3 to November 9 and again on

December 20.

American Wigeon Worcs One at Upton Warren on December 2.

White- f ronted Tree Duck Worcs One at Upton Warren on May 2.

Red-billed Tree Duck Worcs Three at Wilden on July 20.

80

Australian Black Duck Staffs One from 1973 remained at Belvide until February 13 and

appeared again from December 14 until end of year.

Ruddy Shelduck Warks One at Ladywalk on September 8 and presumably the same bird

at Alvecote on September 9. Staffs One at Belvide from May 7 to 9.

Bar-headed Goose Warks Two seen at Bodymoor Heath and at Ladywalk on June 20.

Selected Recoveries in 1974 of Birds Ringed in the W M B C Area

Key Pull 1Y 2Y 1W

Pullus (nestling) Juv Bird in its first year P J Bird in its second year FG Bird in its first winter Ad

Juvenile (young unable to fly) Post-juvenile Full grown (age uncertain) Adult (at least one year old)

Arrangement of Entry By species and recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. A recovery marked thus + indicates the bird was found dead, shot or killed. A recovery marked thus x indicates the bird was caught or trapped and released alive. Recoveries received too late for 1973 Report are published in this Report.

Ringer Species Movement Ring No. Age Date Place (k-kilometres) Heron 106 3773 Pull 04 05 68 Gailey Res, Cannock, Staffs CDTM

+ 12 05 74 Condover (Salop) 40 k W 104 2669 Pull 25 04 65 Gailey CDTM

+ 12 05 74 Pontneathvaughan, Glyn Neath, Glamorgan

160 k SW

108 1613 Pull 27 04 74 Gailey CDTM + 22 10 74 R Ulla (Pontevedra), Spain 42° 45' N

08° 25' W

81

Wigeon

SS 83712 Ad 28 12 69 Blithfield Res, Rugeley, Staffs CDTM + 19 09 72 l.oyma, Knmi, USSR 60° 39' N l.oyma, Knmi, USSR

48° 48' E SS 73048 Ad 14 01 73 Blithfield CDTM

+ 08 05 73 Yelizarovd (Tyumen), 61° 26' N USSR 68° 15' E

SS 93771 Ad 23 01 72 Blithfield CDTM + 12 05 73 Sherkazy (Tyumen), USSR 62° 49' N

65° 31' E SS 95412 1W 31 12 72 Blithfield CDTM

+ 25 05 73 Vanzevat (Tyumen), USSR 64° 18' N Vanzevat (Tyumen), USSR 65° 59' E

SS 95399 Ad 14 01 73 Blithfield CDTM + 27 12 73 Lacanau (Gironde), France 44° 59' N Lacanau (Gironde), France

01° 05' W FS 54906 Ad 14 01 73 Blithfield CDTM

+ 03 01 74 Threecastles (Kilkenny), Eire 52° 4 2 ' N Threecastles (Kilkenny), Eire 07° 20' W

SS yb4/0 Ad 14 01 73 Blithfield CDTM + 22 01 74 Oostzaan (Noord Holland), 52°27' N

Netherlands 04° 52' E SS 73052 Ad 07 12 68 Blithfield CDTM

+ 08 05 74 Igrim (Tyumen), USSR 63° 14' N 64° 30' E

SS 95407 1W . 31 12 72 Blithfield CDTM + 31 08 74 Cylling Naes (Jylland), 55° 51' N

Denmark 10° 10' E SS 95346 Ad 14 01 73 Blithfield CDTM

+ 00 11 74 Wyk Fohr, North Friesian 5 4 ° 4 2 ' N Islands, W. Germany 08° 34' E

FS 54905 2Y 14 01 73 Blithfield CDTM + 16 11 74 Hallig Oland, North Friesian 54° 40' N

Islands, West Germany 08° 43 'E SS 83788 Ad 14 12 68 Blithfield CDTM

+ 28 12 74 T J Euke Meer (Friesland), 52° 54' N Netherlands 05° 49' E

Canada Goose 5057694 Ad 29 06 74 Gailey Reservoir, Cannock, CDTM

Staffordshire 04 10 74 Abergele, Denbigh 120 k WNW

82

M u t e Swan Tamworth (Staffs) CDTM Liverpool (Lanes) 125 k NW Wychnor, Alrewas (Staffs) CDTM Slimbridge, Glos 115k SSW Whittington, Lichfield, Staffs CDTM Tamworth Tamworth Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs Staveley, Derbys Ellesmere Port, Cheshire 105 k N of

Whittington Owing to restrictions on space Mute Swan Recoveries within the Club

Area are not included

Z 1 8 5 2 5 FG 16 01 66 + 12 02 74

Z 34420 Pull 11 08 73 X 25 03 74

Z 32019 Pull 02 09 72 15 10 72 21 01 73 01 02 73 23 04 73 20 07 73

+ 16 04 74

Kestrel EF 37717

EF 1 3968

Pull 05 06 71

+ Pull

EF 81 683 Pull

EF 37782 Pull

12 03 74 02 07 74

06 08 74 15 07 74 26 08 74

17 06 72 24 10 74

Temple Grafton, Warwick- JAH shire Coventry, Warwickshire 32 k NE Old Milverton, Leamington, JAH Warks Syston, nr Leicester, Leics 52 k NE Temple Grafton, Warks JAH Between Clevedon and 100k SW Portishead, Som Temple Grafton, Warks JAH Milton Keynes, Bucks 75 k ESE

Coot GP 09589 Ad 22 12 73 Blithfield Res, Rugeley, Staffs CDTM

+ 08 04 74 Coudroy, Lorris (Loiret), 47° 5 5 ' N France 02° 28' E

Snipe CV 97783 Ad 06 10 73 Stafford, Staffs CDTM

+ 07 12 74 St Barthelemy, Urt (Landes), 43° 31' N France 01° 20' W

Black-headed Gull EF 82823 2Y 01 01 73

x 11 02 74 EF 63211 1Y 24 02 73

x 01 03 74

Cannock Res, Staffs SCB Brandon, Coventry, Warks 48 k SE Cannock Res SCB Zeebrugge (West Flanders), 51° 20' N Belgium 03°12 'E

.83

ED 54324 1Y 10 12 72 Cannock Res SCB + 26 09 74 Nr Blackmoorfoot Res, 105 k N

Huddersfield, Yorks ED 54333 1Y 10 12 72 Cannock Res SCB

• / + 13 11 74 Hildesheim, West Germany 52° 09' N Hildesheim, West Germany 09° 58' E

ED 54334 1Y 10 12 72 Cannock Res SCB + 14 12 74 Waltham Abbey, Essex 170 k SE

ED 54345 1Y 10 12 72 Cannock Res SCB x 19 12 74 Leeuwarden (Friesland), 53°11' N

Netherlands 05° 48' E

Swal low JH 35498 Juv

JN 45678 Juv

+ JN 85993 Pull

+

JV 84316 Juv

x

JN 45776 Juv

x

06 09 71 Upton Warren,iBromsgrove, GHG Worcs

16 04 74 Nr Souk El Arba du Rharb 34° 41' N (Ouezzane), Morocco . 05° 59' W

26 08 73 Branston, Burton-on-Trent, M Et C Staffs

24 06 74 Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts 43 k NE 15 07 74 Meer Hill, Loxley, Warks JAH 10 09 74 Great Linford, Bucks 60 k ESE 31 08 74 Upton Warren, Bromsgrove, CMH

Worcs 11 09 74 Norton Place, Hemswell, 160 k NE

Lines 19 08 73 Branston, Burton-on-Trent, M & C

Staffs 30 09 74 Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex 230 k SSE

Jackdaw EF 13920 1Y

+ 15 01 70 Red Hill, Alcester, Warks JAH 06 04 74 Tatenhill, Burton-on-Trent, 63 k NNE

Staffs

Great Tit BN 40168 Ad 20 10 73 Northfield, Birmingham WRG

03 11 73 Northfield, Birmingham 24 12 73 Northfield, Birmingham 09 02 74 Northfield, Birmingham 16 02 74 Northfield, Birmingham 16 05 74 Whitney-on-Wye, 78 k WSW

Herefordshire

84

Blue T i t J E 74859 1Y

+ JS 39256 1Y

x JV 32193 Juv

x

09 04 72 Wylhall, Worcs PI 25 01 74 Bromford Bridge, Birmingham 1 5 k NNE 26 01 74 Edgbaston Park, Birmingham SB 17 02 74 Outhill, Studley, Warks 18kESE7"£ 30 06 74 Outhill, Studley, Warks TE 07 12 74 Temple Grafton, Warks 11 k S JAH

W r o n 456278 Ad

x 14 07 74 Bescot, Walsall, Staffs WRG ? ? 10 74 Cardiff, Glams 190 k SSW

Redwing CJ 80667 Ad 03 03 73 Fillongley Hall, Coventry, Mac

Warks + 16 01 74 Spatheraious, Samos, 37° 44' N

Aegean Islands, Greece 26° 58' E BV 29733 1Y 29 12 72 Sandon, Stone, Staffs JRM

+ 20 01 74 Nr Keda (Adzhariya), 41° 35' N Georgian SSR 41° 56' E

CN 66379 Ad 22 01 72 Sandon M&C + 03 02 74 Ponto do Lima (Minho),. 41° 46' N

Portugal 08° 35' W CH 30185 Ad 03 01 73 Sandon SCB

+ 06 03 74 Segresse, Dex (Landes), 43° 41' N France 01° 0 4 ' W

CJ 84562 1Y 17 12 72 Sandon JRM + 24 03 74 Cissac, Me'doc (Gironde), 45° 14' N

France 00° 50' W

Blackbird CN 46351 1Y 22 12 73 Welford-on-Avon, Warks JAH

+ 18 03 74 Ipswich, Suffolk 195 k E CJ 80461 1Y 17 03 74 Blithfield, Rugeley, Staffs LRG

X 25 04 74 Nr Rybachiy (Kaliningrad), 55° 11' N USSR 20° 49' E

CH 07132 Ad 19 01 74 Coombe, Coventry, Warks BRG X 02 05 74 Maentaka, Kodiksami Lapri 60° 05' N

(Turki Pori), Finland 21° 25' E CC 13095 1Y 04 12 66 Sandon, Stone, Staffs JAH

+ 23 07 74 Granared, Hokerumn 57° 51' N (Elvsbora), Sweden 13° 17' E

CH 36771 Ad 03 03 74 Berkswell, Coventry, Warks PI + 01 11 74 Montivilliers (Seine- 49° 32' N

Maritime), France 00° 11' E

85

Reed Warbler JN 90663 Pull 21 06 73 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG

X 13 08 74 Titchfield Haven, Hants 170 k S

Sedge Warbler JS 27062 Juv 02 08 73 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG

X 15 08 74 lie du Migron (Loire- 47° 25' N Atlantique), France 02° 20' E

JV 54701 Juv 17 08 74 Brandon BRG X 26 08 74 Long Rock, Penzance, 375 k SW

Cornwall JV 84176 Juv 16 08 74 Upton Warren, Bromsgrove, CMH

Worcs X 01 09 74 Thatcham Marsh, Newbury, 110 k SSE

Bucks

Goldcrest 763019 Ad 11 11 73 Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffs GF

X 02 11 74 Fillongley Hall, Coventry, 20 k SSW Warks M&C

Starling XV 19997 Ad 23 12 72 New Oscott, Sutton Coldfield,

Warks EJP + 28 07 74 Jelonki Paslek (Olsztyn), 54° 02' N

Poland 19° 34' E XX 70808 PJ 03 02 74 Handsworth Wood, TE

Birmingham + ? ? 08 74 Bellin, Veckermunde (Neu- 53° 45' N

brandenburg), E. Germany 14° 20' E

Greenfinch BC 94079 Ad 27 10 73 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG

X 02 01 74 Tipton, Staffs 47 k WNW BN 38433 PJ 16 02 74 Fillongley Hall, Coventry, M&C

Warks + 30 04 74 Sibsey, Boston, Lines 120 k ENE

BH 28849 FG 16 03 69 Bloxwich, Walsall, Staffs WEM + 25 12 74 Charingworth, Glos 65 k SSE

Siskin JN 26940 1Y 14 02 73 Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs RCB

X 07 03 74 Mier (Oviedo), Spain 43° 15' N 05° 46' W

86

Linnet JN 85244 Pull

+ JN 90698 Juv

x

22 05 73 Wellesbdurne, Warks JAH 23 02 74 Nr Grinon (Madrid), Spain 40° 13' N

03° 51' W 30 06 73 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG 20 10 73 Garrosse, Morcenx (Landes), 44° 00' N

France 0 1 ° 0 0 ' W

Redpoll JN 45532 PJ 12 03 73 Nuneton, Warks M&C

+ 03 06 74 Litton, KettlewelI, Yorks 180 k NE

Bull f inch JP 78177 1Y 04 11 73

x x

21 06 74 07 07 74

Weatheroak Hill, Wythall, PI Worcs Bodymoor Heath, Warks SB Bodymoor Heath SB

Chaff inch HJ 18358 1Y 02 02 69 Berkswell, Coventry, Warks PI

+ 27 04 70 Heimdal, Sandefjord, Vest- 59° 08' N ford, Norway 10°14 'E

HX 15642 PJ 24 01 70 Temple Grafton, Warks JAH + 21 05 74 Stromsund (Jamtland) 63° 51' N

Sweden 15°35 'E

Brambling JH 99900 Ad 06 01 74 Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, M&C

Warks x 20 10 74 Groby, Lines 140 k EN E

Reed Bunting JN 90754 Ad 02 07 73 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG

x 22 04 74 Finstock, Charlbury, Oxon 57 k S

Tree Sparrow JS 27385 Ad 30 09 73 Brandon, Coventry, Warks BRG

X 21 07 74 Kenilworth, Warks 12 k WSW

87

Birds ringed Elsewhere and Recovered in 1974 in the W M B C Area

Species Ring No. Age Date Place

Ringer Movement

(,k-ki/ometres)

Manx Shearwater FS 91220 Pull 30 08 74

X 09 09 74 Skokholm, Pembroke (Pembs) Leamington Spa, Warks (BRG) 265 k ENE

Canada Goose 5053312 Ad 13 07 71

X 29 06 74

5052525 1Y 28 06 72 X 29 06 74

5053800 Ad 03 07 73 X 30 06 74

M u t e Swan Z 20648 FG 14 01 67

30 08 73

X 1974

Z19967 1Y 16 05 66 July, 73

X 31 07 74 Z 32789 1Y 05 10 73

X 27 07 74

Z 26452 1Y 18 09 68 16 05 74

X 06 10 74

Lesser Black-backed Gull GM 04560 Pull 20 07 63

X 23 12 72

GM 03201 Pull 01 07 63 X 03 02 73

Harewood Park, Leeds, Yorks Gailey Res., Cannock, Staffs (CDTM ) 1 4 0 k S S W Darenth Pits, Dartford, Kent Wolverhampton, Staffs {CDTM) 205 k NW Harewood Park Branston, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs {CDTM) 1 2 5 k S

Oxford, Oxon Wyken Slough, Coventry, Warks Wyken Slough, Coventry, Warks {CHP) 75 k NNW Abingdon, Berks Stratford-on-Avon, Warks Ashow, Kenilworth {CHP) Abingdon, Berks Alvecote, Shuttington, Warks {CDTM) 105 k NNW Oxford, Oxon Calcutt Reservoir

06 10 74 Draycote Reservoir, Coventry, Warks {CHP)

Walney Island Draycote Reservoir, Coventry, Warks {BRG) Walney Island Draycote Reservoir {BRG)

88

Black-headed Gull Arnhem Pull 23 05 73

3149863 X E 1077419 Pull

Copen-hagen 6046498

Blue Tit JC 57168

x

Pull

X

Ad

x

01 01 74 20 05 73

31 07 74

09 06 73

27 12 74

28 05 72

06 10 74

Europoort (Zuid Holland), 51u 57' N Netherlands 04° 08' E Cannock Reservoir, Staffs (SCB) Stars Wies (Siedlice), Poland 52° 18' N

22° 18' E Draycote Reservoir, Coventry, Warks Avernake (Fyn), Denmark 55° 01' N

10° 17' E Cannock Reservoir, Staffs (SCB)

Drakelow, Nr Burton-on-Trent, ORG Staffs Bescot, Walsall, Staffs (WRG) 32 k SW

Blackbird Copen- FG 14 10 73 hagen 8574412 X 06 01 74 Arnhem 1Y 12 11 73

K 514273 X 17 02 74 Stavanger 2Y 12 10 73

7 1 3 4 5 8 6 X 01 04 74

Horsholm (Sjaelland), 55° 53' N Denmark 12° 30' E Hopwas, Tarn worth. Staffs (GF & CMH) Kennemerduinen (Noord ? ? Holland), Netherlands Coombe, Coventry, Warks (BRG) Store Faerder, Tjome 59° 04' N (Vestfold), Norway 10° 22' E Coleshill, Warks

This bird was apparently nesting in the garden in which it was found as a nest with four eggs was deserted after this date

Reed Warbler JE 10333 Juv

x

JE 10265 Ad x

Greenf inch BN 92745 1Y

x

BN 63406 1Y

x

12 08 73 Attenborough, Beeston, Notts 21 07 74 Brandon, Coventry,

Warks (BRG) 60 k SSW 21 07 73 Attenborough 06 07 74 Branston, Burton-on-

Trent, Staffs (WEM) 30 k WSW

03 03 74 Hollingworth, Hyde, Cheshire 17 05 74 Branston, Burton-on-Trent, 75 k SSE

Staffs . 16 01 71 Highgate Common, Swindon,

Staffs 13 10 74 Brandon, Coventry,

Warks (BRG) 55 k ESE

89

Siskin Arnhem

S 600556

1Y 1 9 1 0 7 2

26 02 73

Laaxum (Friesland), Netherlands New Oscott, Warks

Brambling Arnhem 1Y

B 311991 X

22 10 73 Kroonspolder, Friesland Island, Netherlands

18 01 74 Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffs

52° 51' N 05° 25' E

(PP)

58° 15' N 04° 57' E (.LRG)

Key to R SB RCB SCB TE GF LRG GHG JAH Mac BRG

ingers' Initials S Bingham CMH C M Hemmings R C Bennett PI P Ireland S C Brow CDTM C D T Minton T Edwards JRM J R Mountford G Fernihough CHP C H Potter L R Goodyer EJP E J Pratley G H Green PP P Pratley J A Hardman WFM W F Merrill Merrill and Clarke DRG Drakelow Ringing Brandon Ringing Group Group WRG Walsall Ringing Group

Migrants The average arrival or departure dates given below for each bird are based respectively on the first and last dates (excluding freak dates) given in the Annual Reports up to 1974. The figure in brackets is the number of years on which the average is based.

Arrival Chiffchaff Mar 18 Average (40) Mar 3 Middleton

9 Upton Warren 17 Westwood 17 King's Bromley 25 Many records

Departure

Oct 11 Average (40) Oct 27 Leamington Spa

14 Shoal Hill 13 Bittell

Wheatear Mar 24 Average (37) Mar 17 Leamington Spa

19 Draycote 21 Ladywalk 21 Bittell

Oct 2 Average (38) Oct 9 Draycote

5 Cannock Reservoir Sept 29 Several records

90

Arrival

Sand Mar t in Mar 26 Average (39) Mar 19 Draycote

24 Bodymoor Heath 24 Blithfield 26 Upton Warren

Departure

Oct 2 Oct 10

9 6

Average (39) Cannock Reservoir Bodymoor Heath Several records

W i l l o w Warbler Mar 28 Average (40) Sept 28 Average (40) Mar 20 Leamington Spa Oct 13 Belvide

30 Westwood 4 Sutton Park 30 Coombe Abbey Sept 30 Draycote 31 Bodymoor Heath 31 Himley

Li t t le Ringed Plover April 3 Average (10) April 6 Ladywalk

9 Brandon 9 Bodymoor Heath 9 Upton Warren

Sept 22 Average (10) Sept 21 Blithfield

13 Bittell 8 Upton Warren 8 Brandon

S w a l l o w April 3 Average (40) April 5 Dodford

6 Alvecote 7 Leamington Spa 7 Hurley

Oct 27 Average (40) Nov 24 Belvide

7 Yoxall 7 Bittell 4 Warwick

Blackcap April 6 Average (40) Sept 23 Average (37) Mar 31 Brandon Dec 16 Ulton April 6 Rugeley 1 Halesowen

8 Dodford Nov 23 Edgbaston Park 8 Chaddesley Corbett 10 Wolverhampton 8 Weston Park

Ring Ouzel April 7 Leek Moors

9 Gradbach 21 North Staffs Moors 22 Twiland Wood

Nov 1 Belvide Oct 26 Edgbaston Park Sept 28 Cannock Chase

91

Arrival

Garganey April 8 Average (.1?) Mar 31 Brandon April 17 Blithfield

18 Belvide 20 Ladywalk

Yel low Wagtai l April 7 Average (38) April 4 Belvide

5 Draycote 6 Stakenbridge 7 Blithfield

Tree Pipit April 10 Average (37) April 11 Belvide

12 Bicktord 13 Goosehill Wood 14 Shoal Hill

House Mar t in April 10 Average (40) April 1 Warwick

7 Hurley 13 Belvide 15 Blithfield

Departure

Sept 15 Average (31) Sept 25 Belvide

1 Bodymoor Heath (Only records)

Oct 2 Average (37) Nov 5 Coventry Oct 9 Bodymoor Heath

6 Alvecote 1 Bridgtown S.p.

Sept 15 Average (36) Oct 5 Bartley Sept 17 Blithfield

Oct 26 Average (40) Nov 4 Southam Oct 31 Draycote

28 Yoxall 27 Bittell

Common Sandpiper . April 11 Average (38) Oct 15 Average (35) April 10 Bodymoor Heath Dec 23 Cannock Reservoir

11 Draycote 15 Bartley 12 Upton Warren 15 Shustoke 13 Blithfield 8 Blithfield

Redstart April 12 Average (38) Sept 14 Average (37) April 14 Baggeridge Oct 3 Cannock Reservoir

15 Bewdley Sept 29 Draycote 15 Alton 18 Ufton Fields 16 Manifold Valley 15 Blithfield

92

Arrival Departure

Cuckoo April 14 Average (38) April 11 Cannock Reservoir

12 Randon Wood 12 Upton Warren 15 Smestow

Sept 15 Average (36) Sept 15 Chillington

10 Wiston Cross 1 Bodymoor Heath

Wh i te th roa t April 17 Average (40) April 14 Weston Park

18 Leamington Spa 28 Upton Warren 30 Bodymoor Heath

Sept 21 Average (40) Oct 1 Yarningale Sept 25 Sutton Coldfield

18 Tutbury 15 Several records

Sedge Warbler April 19 Average (38) April 2 Lea Marston

12 Upton Warren 13 Warwick 13 Brandon

Sept 24 Average (31) Sept 29 Bittell

22 Leamington Spa 20 Cannock Reservoir 19 Doxey

Grasshopper Warbler April 19 Average (38) April 23 Ufton Fields

27 Westwood 28 Goosehill 29 Ladywalk

Aug 19 Average (22) Aug 11 Bodymoor Heath

1 Lighthorne

Night ingale April 22 Average (38) May 2 Radford Semele ' No records received

8 Trench Wood 8 Waverley Wood

13 Several records

W o o d Warbler April 23 Average (38) Aug 11 Average (28) Mar 5 Solihull DMH Aug 24 Bartley April 11 Woodend 10 Hoar Cross

21 Westwood 24 Belbroughton

93

Arrival Departure

Pied Flycatcher April 24 Average (27) April 20 Wyre Forest

21 Belbroughton May 2 Edgbaston Park

3 Bittell

Aug 24 Bartley 6 Belvide

Lesser Whitethroat April 23 Average (38) Sept 15 Average (38) April 13 Upton Warren Oct. 8 Draycote

21 Bodymoor Heath Sept 28 Ufton Fields 21 Chaddesley Woods 22 Brandon 22 Ufton Fields 22 Weston Park

Swi f t April 24 Average (40) Sept 10 Average (40) April 17 Warwick Oct 10 Sutton Coldfield April

29 Bodymoor Heath Sept 15 Leamington Spa 29 Blithfield 14 Tardebigge

May 1 Westwood 13 Brookvale Park

Garden Warbler April 24 Average (37) Aug 27 Average (36) April 9 Radford Semele Sept 25 Edgbaston Park

14 Yoxall 10 Weston Park 28 Blithfield Aug 26 Blithfield 28 Goosehill Wood

Aug 25 Alrewas

Whinchat April 25 Average (38) April 21 Ladywalk May 5 Bittell

6 Doxey 11 Upton Warren

Sept 26 Average (35) Oct 20 Halesowen

13 Upton Warren 10 Alvecote

6 Belvide

Reed Warbler April 29 Average (34) April 18 Ufton Fields

29 Ladywalk May 4 Bodymoor Heath

4 Upton Warren

Sept 16 Average (26) Sept 26 Ladywalk

18 Ufton Fields 15 Several records

94

Arrival Departure

Tur t le Dove April 29 Average (39) April 6 Belvide

14 Eymore Wood 21 Upper Arley 21 Little Stoke

Corncrake No records

Spot ted Flycatcher May 4 Average (37) May 1 Hatherton

4 Wyre Forest 9 Draycote

13 Several records

Night jar May 17 Average (34) May 21 Cannock Chase

31 Hanchurch

Red-backed Shrike May 18 Average (14) No records

Quail No records

M a r s h Warbler June 3 Average (26) June 1 Nafford

8 Bredon Hill

Golden Plover Aug 30 Average (29) Aug 4 Bodymoor Heath

6 Belvide 17 Blithfield 30 Cannock Reservoir

W i g e o n Sept 5 Aug 21

27 Sept 1

Average (36) Draycote Belvide Brandon

Sept 19 Average (39) Oct 10 Brandon

1 Chesterton Sept 24 Ladywalk

22 Weston Park

No records

Sept 22 Average (37) Sept 28 Weston Park

21 Leamington Spa 19 Yoxall 16 Rolleston-ori-Dove

Aug 17 Average (23) Sept 3 Kinver Aug 29 Sherbrook Valley

No records

No records

No records

April 12 Average (29) April 30 Essington

28 Alvecote 26 Beckbury 24 Lighthorne

April 27 Average (40) May 22 Brandon

18 Belvide 18 Alvecote 17 Blithfield

95

Arrival Departure

Redwing Oct 2 Average (40) April 12 Average (40) Sept 28 Ufton Fields April 29 Little Aston

29 Alvecote 28 Alvecote 30 Edgbaston Park 27 Belvide

Pintail Sept 29 Average (28) April 10 Average (34) Sept 5 Ladywalk April 27 North Staffs Mooi

16 Blithfield 25 Bodymoor Heath 26 Draycote 21 Tittesworth -

Jack Snipe Oct 8 Average (33) April 3 Average (30) Sept 5 Ladywalk April 27 Westwood

9 Upton Warren 14 Warwick 22 Brandon 12 Upton Warren

12 Bittell

Brambling Oct 13 Average (40) April 8 Average (39) Oct 13 Ufton Fields May 4 Cannock Chase

13 Blithfield April 26 Edgbaston Park 13 Yoxall 24 Eymore Wood

18 Several records

Fieldfare Oct 10 Average (39) April 28 Average (39) Sept 19 Coventry May 17 Bodymoor Heath

26 Dunstall 8 Belvide 28 Wandon 8 Little Aston

Oct 1 Leamington Spa 6 Ladywalk

Goldeneye j

Oct 16 Average (36) April 27 Average (37) Sept 7 Brandon June 5 Bodymoor Heath Oct 4 Draycote May 25 Belvide

8 Sutton Park April 28 Blithfield 10 Shustoke

April

Summer record from Gailey

96

Arrival Departure

Siskin Oct 17 Average (37) April 4 Average (38) Sept 24 Ufton Fields April 28 Weston Park

28 Cannock Chase 22 Twiland Wood Oct 7 Blithfield 17 Betley Mere

9 Several records 17 Bittell

Goosander Nov 13 Average (35) April 2 Average (35) Oct 6 Blithfield April 16 Belvide

24 Kings Bromley Mar 23 Bodymoor Heath Nov 2 Westport Lake 16 Shustoke

8 Bodymoor Heath Pair summered at Blithfield

S m e w Dec 15 No records

Average (28) Mar 2 Average (25) No records

97

Key to Contributors

The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the report.

J Abbott D J Corley A G Hall A McCutcheon P Allsopp R Courtman A Hancock C McGowen G F Appleton B Craddock t J Handley S McMinn R Armfield S Harrap J P Martin G A Arnold A Davidson D C Harris B M Marsh M A Arnold f l Dawson G R Harrison R Maskew F Aughtie A J Dean Mrs J V Harrison R Mather (RMa)

A R Dean D M Hawker T P Milsom F Baldry B R Dean C J Hawkridge t D N Mirecki Mrs V A Baldry P G Deans S M Haynes Mrs J Moore

fR Barnes (RBa) P K Dedicoat H S Hemsley-Hall G Moss Miss D L Barres A Dent ( A D e ) Mrs J M Heynes J R Mountford L R Bayes A C Derry (JMHe) G Beech J C Eyre- J R Hodson J E Newcombe B Bentley Dickinson (JRHo) Miss M Newton K J Bentley 1 J Dix M J Hollls C A N orris S V Bingham E S Dorsett E A Hopkins

C A N orris

A R M Blake Mrs D M-Boss M H Bourne

R A Dowen T Doyle Miss J Dykes

G R Hopkins N_P_Hopkins H Hughes

F E R Peach F Peplow E G Phillips A R Plant D 1 Porter C H Potter E J Pratley

P St J Bowen J R Hully (JRHly)

F E R Peach F Peplow E G Phillips A R Plant D 1 Porter C H Potter E J Pratley

W Bowman tMiss E A Eatell R A Hume

F E R Peach F Peplow E G Phillips A R Plant D 1 Porter C H Potter E J Pratley

tE J Bradford K S Edwards J R Hutchings

F E R Peach F Peplow E G Phillips A R Plant D 1 Porter C H Potter E J Pratley f M r s W G Bradford

M A Brazil S F L Edwards D Emley

P D Hyde M J Inskip

F E R Peach F Peplow E G Phillips A R Plant D 1 Porter C H Potter E J Pratley

R C Broadbent G Evans

P D Hyde M J Inskip

C P Brooking tMrs 1 M Evans A F Jacobs > A J Richards E B Brown

tMrs 1 M Evans A Jefferson N G J Richards

R Brownsword F Fincher R J Jennett J H W Ridley G C Bruton T W Ford t P C Jinman R W Righton C H Bullock J E Fortey J G Jordan D R Roberts D E Butler

J E Fortey A Keatley t J Roberts

Miss E M Gartland H W Key t P J Robins Mrs J Cadbury B C George P A Kilgallen D H Rogers M Charlambides R Gibbs K N Kingscott R Rooke D K Chesterman *F Gibson B L Kington Miss E M Rose E S Clare M Green v f G Knight S J Rose A Clarke F C Gribble tMrs 0 L Lancaster C Rutter K Clifford C R Griffiths t T W Lancaster Mrs E Cloake G 1 Griffiths H T Lees King Edward's J R Coleman T C E Link School A E Coles Brandon Marsh E W Longman Ornithological M C Cooper Conservation J Lord Section P J Cooper Group A R Lowe A Shepherd G N Cope fMiss E E Gutch W G Luton K Simmons

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J C Skellain t C Small (CSm)

D Smallshire R L Smallwood M S Smith

fR Smith R K Smith R Stanbridge G Summers C Sui'iVldl I

t D T Underhill

E H Tunnicliffe P C Turner

(PCTu) W K Turner

G E Timmins M Townsend

K H Thomas R J Thomas P Till

G W Ward Miss Y M Way M J Webb I C Whitehouse M Whitehouse A Whitemore G J Wilcox Mrs M L Williams A J Wood J D M Wright R P Wright

t Member of Warwick Natural Hist. Society

* Member of Nuneaton and Dist. Bird Club

P C Taylor D M Thomas

t M r s E Thomas J Wagstaff T A Walsh D W Yalden

Species requiring descriptions In order to reduce the considerable volume of correspondence and to assist the speedy filing of records members are asked to submit descriptions in support of reports of the following species. A full and detailed description is not necessarily required for the less rare or difficult species, but enough to show how the species was identified. Such descriptions should be accompanied by brief details of the circum-stances of the report and the observers' experience of the species or " confusion species." 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 Duck: Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck,

All spp. of Scoter, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Smew Geese other than Canada and Grey Lag Whooper Swan Birds of Prey except Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk and Buzzard Quail Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Kentish Plover, Grey Plover, Dotterel, Wood Sandpiper, Purple

Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Avocet Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Glaucous, Iceland, Mediterranean, Little, Sabines, Kittiwake Terns: Roseate, Little, Sandwich

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Auks Long-eared Owl Hoopoe, Wryneck, Golden Oriole Woodlark, Shore Lark Raven Bearded Tit

Black Redstart Bluethroat Warblers: Marsh, Melodious, Icterine, Barred, Dartford, Yellow-browed Red-breasted Flycatcher Richard's Pipit Rock/Water Pipit Waxwing Shrikes Hawfinch Twite away from breeding and regular wintering localities Buntings: Cirl, Ortolan, Lapland, Snow

Photographs P D V Weaving front cover M Wilkes inside front cover

Printing Charles Clarke (Haywards Heath) Ltd, Sussex