West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 50 1983

Ruddy Ducks by Mike Warren

West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 50 1983

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

Contents

2 Officers and Committee

3 Recorder's Report

4 Birds in 1983

7 Obituary—Harry Lees

8 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement

11 Secretary's Report

12 Membership Secretary's Report

12 Permit Secretary's Report

12 Field Meetings Secretary's Report

13 Research Committee's Report

13 Staffordshire Branch Report

14 Belvide Reserve

15 Fifty-years of Bird-watching

23 1983 Bird Record Localities

27 Classified Notes

115 Ringing in 1983

123 Key to Contributors

125 Submission of Records

Price £2.00

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Off icers and Commit tee 1984

President Vice-President Chairman

Deputy Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Recorder and Research Committee Chairman Membership Secretary Field Meetings Secretary Permit Secretary

Ringing Secretary

Bulletin Editor

Staffs Branch Chairman Solihull Branch Chairman Main Committee

C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire G C Lambourne, Melin Dan-y-rhiw, St. Davids, Dyfed A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JG G M Lewis, 9a Plymouth Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham B45 8JE A I Whatley, 8 Bowstoke Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 5EA J H W Ridley, 33 Blakedown Road, Halesowen, West Midlands G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Warwickshire CV35 7LA

Miss J M Nicholls, 296 Olton Boulevard West, Birmingham B11 3HH S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Birmingham B179EL Miss M Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close, Birmingham B15 3LX A E Coleman, 67 Park Lane, Bonehill, Tamworth, Staffordshire P K Dedicoat, 2 The Elms Paddock, Pattingham, Wolverhampton WV6 7DW D W Emley, 127 Harpfields Road, Stoke-on-Trent

Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, West Midlands A R M Blake, S C Brown, T B Hutton, Mr & Mrs A F Jacobs, H McGregor and R M Normand

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Recorder's Report This is the fiftieth Annual Report — yet another milestone in the Club's illustrious history — and I am very proud to have the privilege of writing this editorial. To commemorate the occasion, several changes have been made. The most obvious is the colourful cover, for which we are again indebted to Mike Warren. But the more discerning reader wil l detect others. 1983 completed another five-years data beyond that in The Birds of the West Midlands, so the opportunity has been taken to up-date the quinquennial analyses. The intention is to continue this in future, and to do likewise with the monthly analyses and wildfowl counts.

One criticism of recent Reports has been the limited number and scope of articles. To my regret, very few have been submitted, perhaps because The Birds of the West Midlands poached everyone's ideas. If this is true, then some of the intriguing trends to emerge from the latest five-yearly figures should send someone reaching for their pen. Why, for example, have winter visitors from northerly climes, like Great Grey Shrike, Hooded Crow, Mealy Redpoll and Snow Bunting suddenly become much scarcer? And what has happened to the Grasshopper Warbler? Meanwhile, with the changes in bird-life over the past fifty years documented in The Birds of the West Midlands. I thought it would be a change to ask some of the Club's well-known members to reflect on the changes in bird-watching over the same period. I should like to thank Tony Blake, Bill Oddie and Alan Richards for so willingly obliging.

There have been other changes too. Peter Oedicoat has left the editorial team to concentrate on the Bulletin and Dave Smallshire has left the Region. I should like to thank them both for their past efforts and to send best wishes for the future to Dave and his family. As replacements, I am pleased to welcome Dave Emley, Graham Evans and Steve Whitehouse to the editorial team. I should like to thank them, and Steve Welch, for their substantial contributions in helping to analyse the 25,000 records submitted for this Report. Another change this year is that there are no Rob Hume sketches. Rob has many other commitments, so this year I have used a selection of the work submitted by Maurice Eccleshall and Brett Westwood, for which I thank them. To Rob, I should like to say thank you once again for your past contributions — I may be back to trouble you again some day!

I have tried to make this Report special, even though this may have delayed publication. It is a pity, therefore, to conclude on a sour note, but it would be remiss of me not to refer to the vexed question of descriptions. I had hoped this problem would disappear with publication of The Checklist, but this year has caused more acrimony than ever. It is not so much that descriptions are inadequate. Indeed, only ten records were rejected for this reason — and seven of those involved raptor sightings. Rather it is the lack of any description at all, which accounted for over three-quarters of all rejections. Particular complications arise when unsubstantiated records are extracted from hide log-books. Certainly many Brandon records had to be rejected for this reason, and observers may prefer to submit their own records in future. If everyone co-operates by providing details of all sightings of Category A species, then the

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invidious task of making arbitrary judgements, and the unpleasantness this can couoo, wi l l be avoided. Thi<? wil l he fair to everyone. Finally, some important records have not been submitted by the observers concerned, and have only come to light via the annual report of the British Birds Rarities Committee. I hope by-passing the system wil l not become established practice.

G R Harrison

Birds in 1983 With 219 species, 1983 was a good year. Weather once again had a strong influence on birds. Winter was generally mild, spring the wettest for years, summer was hot and sunny, and autumn unsettled. January began mild, but wet and very windy. 1982 birds still present at the beginning of the year included Great Northern Diver, Whooper Swan, Ferruginous Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Smew, Long-eared Owls, Firecrest, Eider and Wood Sandpiper. Many of these stayed for several weeks, with the last two remaining into April. A Black-necked Grebe appeared on New Year's Day, another Smew, Peregrine and three Bearded Tits on the ninth, Long-tailed Duck on the eleventh and Mediterranean Gull on the fifteenth. The third week of January was colder, but otherwise mild, westerly weather persisted into the first week of February. Golden Plover and Lapwing were more numerous than usual, the Pochard flock in the Tame Valley reached a record 2500 and more Long-eared Owls were discovered. An anticyclone then brought cold, northerly winds and a large skein of Pink-footed Geese on the ninth. From the f i f th onwards strong gales in the North Sea caused a major seabird wreck along the East Coast and brought a Little Auk to Chasewater on the twelfth. By next day the wind had veered eastwards and a Great Grey Shrike was discovered, to be followed two days later by a Black-throated Diver. The most surprising event of the winter, however, was the discovery of a Cirl Bunting amongst a Yellowhammer flock on the twenty-seventh. March began wi th cool, westerly winds, during which the north Staffordshire Curlew roost peaked at 333. Following a brief, but uneventful spell of easterlies, warm air began to move northwards, bringing the first Wheatear on the thirteenth. This was just a brief interlude, however, as cold westerlies and northerlies soon returned to bring unsettled weather until April 1 2. Late March saw a few migrants nonetheless, including Black-necked Grebe on the twenty-fourth, Great Grey Shrike on the twenty-fifth. Peregrine the next day, a very early Whimbrel on the twenty-seventh. Redstart on the thirtieth and a good showing of Water Pipits. A. flock of Hawfinches at a new locality was also unexpected. Despite the weather, early April saw a flurry of activity, with Peregrine on the fifth. Long-tailed Duck the next day, Snow Bunting on the eighth, and both Osprey and Firecrest on the ninth. A brief spell of warmer, settled weather then saw an influx of Swallows and a Red-necked Grebe on the tenth, followed by a Kentish Plover the next day, another Long-tailed Duck and a Long-eared Owl on the fourteenth, and finally a strong passage of White Wagtails from the fifteenth.

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Cold, wet and unsettled weather then returned and, apart from a good passage of Short-eared Owls and another Firecrest on the twenty-ninth, the rest of the month was uneventful. With slow-moving depressions, the unsettled, cool and very wet weather persisted throughout May. The most influential feature was an east-west front at the beginning of the month. This halted the northerly passage of many migrants, resulting in a record passage of well over a thousand Arctic Terns on the second, accompanied by a sprinkling of godwits, Sanderlings, Turnstones and Redshanks. These were followed by another Long-eared Owl on the fourth, Avocet and Hoopoe on the seventh, two Black-necked Grebes on the eighth, and Little Terns during the following week. First highlight of the spring was a Night Heron, which was discovered on the twelfth. Incredibly, what appears to have been another individual was then located on the twenty-second. Another Black-necked Grebe on the seventeenth completed an excellent spring for the species. Finally a Marsh Harrier passed through on the twenty-second, and the second highlight — a Black Stork — appeared on the twenty-ninth. June continued cool and wet. Two Little Terns were seen on the first, whilst the fourth brought an Osprey and a Roseate Tern. An adult Puffin on the twelfth and a Kittiwake for eleven days from the seventeenth were both unseasonal visitors. More typically, two or three Quail were heard calling from mid-month onwards, breeding success in the abnormally wet spring was variable. Food was easily obtained so, providing they could keep their nestlings warm and dry, most passerines enjoyed a successful season. Many waterfowl and waders, on the other hand, had their first nests flooded out as rivers burst their banks. Such success as there was came mostly from repeat clutches. Little Ringed Plover had a particularly poor year, but Common Terns again did well and Black-headed Gulls continued to expand. Common Sandpipers and Stonechats maintained their tenuous hold as a breeding species, but only one pair of Barn Owls was reportedl Marsh Warblers were also present in their usual numbers and it was a record year for Hobby sightings.

Following the dismal spring, July was among the hottest on record. The fifth brought an Osprey and the seventh a large party of Common Scoter and an exceptionally early large flock of Fieldfare. A Montagu's Harrier, discovered on the tenth, stayed well into August, Little Tern was new on the twelfth, another Quail was calling in mid-month and the first Black-necked Grebe of the autumn appeared on the thirtieth. The hot, dry weather persisted for most of August. Another Black-necked Grebe on the second was followed by Marsh Harrier and Spotted Crake on the eighth. Small passages of Wood Sandpiper, Knot and Black Tern occurred around the tenth, seventeenth and nineteenth respectively. The latter date also brought four Little Terns, the year's only Shag and an Aquatic Warbler — the first ever for the Region. Marsh Harrier and White-winged Black Tern both passed through on the twenty-first, two Ospreys were seen on the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth brought a small passage of Little Gulls and a Purple Sandpiper. Next day a Wryneck was seen. September began with a vigorous depression tracking across the Atlantic and

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severe gales swept many seabirds inland. A Slavonian Grebe on the second was fol lowed by Manx Shearwater, three Leach's Petrels, Gannet and Common Scoter on the third. Next day brought another Manx Shearwater and Leach's Petrel, five Gannets and two Peregrines. The rest of the month was largely unsettled and uneventful, although a little flurry of activity at the end saw another Osprey on the twenty-second, a second White-winged Black Tern on the twenty-fourth and a Sabine's Gull the next day. Unsettled, westerly weather continued through the first half of October, after which conditions were more settled, but colder. Further Peregrines appeared on the second and eleventh, a Mediterranean Gull was discovered on the ninth, a Grey Phalarope was seen on the sixteenth and two Firecrests on the twenty-second. Finally, the month closed with yet another Black-necked Grebe on the twenty-eighth. Grey Phalarope, Snow Bunting and the first wi ld swans the next day, and an influx of Redwings on the thirtieth. October also saw a small irruption of Crossbills and the start of an influx of Jays, which nationally became a major invasion.

November began with an anticyclone, during which Black-necked Grebe and Long-tailed Duck appeared on the fourth. They were followed by Red-breasted Merganser and Purple Sandpiper the next day and by Great Northern Diver and Firecrest on the sixth. Another Great Northern Diver then showed on the seventh, while a stationary front brought a Brent Goose on the tenth. This was but a foretaste, for as pressure fell, cold, easterly weather heralded one of the biggest movements of sea duck and associated species to be recorded in the Region. It began on the twelfth with Red-throated Diver, Bewick's Swans, another large flock of Common Scoter and another Red-breasted Merganser. Next day there were more Bewick's Swans, scoters and mergansers, a Red-necked Grebe, a party of four Long-tailed Ducks, two Velvet Scoter and — somewhat at odds with the other species — an Avocet. Two days later a Smew appeared. The nineteenth then produced Slavonian Grebe, yet more Common Scoters, and a Mediterranean Gull, whilst on the twentieth a large skein of Pink-footed Geese flew over, and both Peregrine and Snow Bunting were seen. To maintain the contrasts, warmer weather on the twenty-third brought a party of White-fronted Geese and a Hoopoe that was to remain throughout the winter. December was dominated by an anticyclone and below average temperatures. A Great Grey Shrike appeared on the ninth, followed next day by a Long-eared Owl. Two Greenshanks on the fourteenth were unusually late. Pressure declined in mid-month and in unsettled weather Slavonian Grebe, Bittern and Mediterranean Gull were seen on the seventeenth. Next day another skein of White-fronted Geese passed over. Another Long-eared Owl on the twenty-second, a few Kittiwakes and a Red-breasted Merganser on the twenty-sixth, Hooded Crow next day and six Water Pipits on the thirtieth concluded an eventful year.

G R Harrison

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Obituary Harry Lees After a short illness, the death last May of Harry Lees, at the age of 71, was a sad loss to the WMBC. A member of the Club for many years, Harry was for a time Chairman of the Research Committee. A teacher by profession, it was through his expert tuition at Birmingham University's extra-mural evening classes that many developed their interest in birds. It was also a measure of his popularity and success that many people enrolled for his classes year-after-year. Those vyho knew him well .will remember a quiet, likeable man, with a deep interest in conservation. Most of all, though, he will be remembered for his involvement with the Ladywalk Reserve. Indeed, it was largely through his tireless efforts that the CEGB was persuaded to establish the reserve in 1970. Not contented to sit on his laurels, he then assumed the job of honorary head warden. At the same time he took on the job of head of the Hams Hall Environmental Studies Centre, where he did much to get the message of conservation across to city, school-children in a practical way. All members, I am sure, will share.in extending our sympathy to his widow and family.

G R Harrison

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Treasurer's Report (year ending December 3 1 , 1 9 8 3 ) The Club's financial reserves were maintained in 1983 by the surplus of £174 on income and expenditure account. Although subscription income has risen by £1,328 as a result of the increase on January 1, 1983, the Club's principal expenses have been rising at a faster rate. The accounts show that our principal expenses still cannot be met by subscription income alone. The Belvide accounts showed a further excess of income over expenditure of £709. thanks to the continuing high level of support from members in purchasing permits. J H W Ridley

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 3 1 , 1 9 8 3 1983 1982

Income £ £ Subscriptions received for 1983 7,182 5,854 Sale of Reports 105 120 Building Society Interest/Bank Interest 582 840 Reservoirs (permit fees) 1,588 1,850 Gifts and Donations 7 46 Sale of Checklists 11 —

Conservation Fair Receipts 43 32 Advertising Income 71 78 Legacies 100 —

Commission on Sale of Books, Calendars and Badges 51 1

Total Income 9,740 8.821

Less Expenditure .Donation to RSPB 10 —

Til l ington/Doxey Appeal 38 150 Indoor Meetings 614 421 Reports 2,890 2.354 Bulletins 3,618 3,260 Printing. Stationery and Postage 1,142 1,030 Reservoirs, Permit Fees and Insurance 1,184 1,005 Subscriptions to Associates 18 15 Conservation Fair Expenses — 4 Sundry Expenses 32 16 Open Day 20 —

9,566 8.255

Surplus for the Year £174 £566

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Bel vide—Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended December 3 1 , 1 9 8 3

1933 1932 Income C £ Permits 1,358 i ,403 Interest Received 16 31 Field Meetings 26 U Grazing 284 115 Birds of Belvide 18 36

1,702 1,593

Less Expenditure Reserve Maintenance 186 68 Keys 138 78 Rent 602 602 Car Park Rent 50 46 Postage and General Expenses 17 100

993 894

Surplus for the Year £709 £699

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Balance Sheet at December 3 1 , 1 9 8 3

1983 Surplus As at December 31 ,1982 Add: Surplus on Main Account

Surplus on Belvide Account Birds of West Midlands Fund

As at December 31,19B3 General Fund Birds of West Midlands Fund

14,498 4,937

f 13.615

174 709

4,937

£19,43b

13,615 6,690

1982 t

12,350 . 566

699 6.690

£20,300

Represented by: F. Dale Reserve

Current Assets Cash at Bank Halifax Building Society Debtor in respect of Belvide

7.500

17,442 623 330

25.895

7,500

18,216 586 210

26,512

Less Current Liabilities Subscriptions in Advance Permit Fees in Advance Creditor in respect of Annual Report etc.

Total Net Assets

1.520 1.403 3,537

6,460

£19^435

1,158 858

4,191

6.207

£20.305

Note:. The balance of the Birds of West Midlands Fund includes interest free loans repayable in 4 years f rom 1981.

We have examined the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Accounts. In our opinion these accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the Club s affairs at December 31, 1983 and of the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

C L D a i n & C o . Chartered Accountants

J H W Ridley Hon Treasurer

St. Johns Court, Wiltel l Road. Lichfield 1984

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Secretary's Report Indoor Meetings — Birmingham Meetings held in the Birmingham and Midland Institute during the year were as follows:-January Mike Wilkes 'A Wider Look at Some Birds'. February John Marchant -Waders of the World'. March Annual General Meeting. April Tony Warburton The White Ghost — The Fight to Save the Barn

Owl'. May D I M Wallace Bird Identification — The Art and the Science'. October Robert Fuller 'Woodland Bird Communities in Britain'. November Edna Gornay 'Birdwatching in Israel'. December Mike King 'The Other Spain'. Our thanks again to Charles Brown, Roy Galloway, Tom Leach and Ken Webb who looked after the projection arrangements.

Indoor Meetings — Solihull All meetings were held in the Solihull Technical College Theatre. The speakers were asfollows:-January AndyOldacre 'Neusidl to Nggorro Gorro". February Eric Harvey 'On First Name Terms'. March Mike Wilkes 'To Kenya with Sunbird'. October John Robinson 'East and West Midlands Flora and Fauna'. November Mike Lane 'The Country Lanes in England arid Wales'. An RSPB Film Show with the Solihull Branch was also held during the year (October 14) in the Solihull Library. Once again we are indebted to Mrs Daphne Dunstan for all her help and assistance.

Events During the year we were represented at the Solihull Conservation Fayre, and the Worcestershire Trust for Nature Conservation's Country Fayre. Once again we are indebted to numerous helpers who made it possible to be at these events.

The Bulletin As an economy measure, the number of Bulletins produced in a year was reduced to six,, each issue being published bi-monthly throughout the year. Though the number of Bulletins was less, the quality and content went from strength to strength and we are greatly indebted to Peter Dedicoat, the Bulletin Editor; for putting in so much time and energy to make the WMBC Bulletin such a readable and informative publication. .

A Checklist of the Birds of the West Midlands 1983 saw another publishing milestone in the annals of the WMBC, with the

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production of this Guide to Status and Record Submission, a copy of which was sent to all members in 1983. (Additional copies are available at 30p each). Produced by the WMBC Records Committee, and made possible by David Emley's word-processor expertise, it was widely acclaimed and well received in all quarters. A J Richards

Membership Secretary's Report The membership total for December 31, 1983 was 1832. This consisted of 1757 adults and 75 juniors — 33 less than at December 31, 1982. The non-payers deleted in March were 281 compared to 291 in 1982 and 215 in 1981. The two months with the highest number of new members were March, with 41, and December, with 29.1 should like to thank everyone who either pay subscriptions early or by standing order, as this takes the pressure away from Christmas and the New Year. Miss J M Nicholls

Permit Secretary's Report Support for permits in 1983 was again good, with 464 issued for Belvide, 402 for Blithfield and 424 for Ladywalk. The Blithfield figure continues to show a steady annual increase, whilst those for Belvide and Ladywalk show a slight decline from their 1981 peaks. I would like to thank all members who applied early for permits. Miss M Surman

Field Meet ings Secretary's Report A total of 13 Field Meetings were held during the year. In addition, two weekends were organised for members in the South Devon Area. The venues visited included regular haunts like Ludlow; Wyre Forest, Upton Warren and Elan Valley, a new one — Rutland Water — and. one that had not been visited for some years, Martin Mere. Rutland Water proved so popular on the first visit in February that, by popular request, a return visit was made in the autumn. On the majority of the Field Meetings demand for places was such that two coaches were necessary to accommodate the members. A record was set on the trip to Martin Mere, when 95 members attended. A total of over 180 species was recorded during the year. The t w o weekends in Devon were highly successful, both for the birds seen and the social occasion.

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I would like to thank, once again, all who helped in any way to make the Field Meetings so enjoyable. S H Young

Research Committee's Heport The Committee met regularly throughout the year. Amongst the many matters discussed at length was the effect of Cormorants on the fishery at Blithfield. Widely differing claims had been made about the number of birds present and the percentage of fish damaged. Generally there was felt to be too much opinion and too little fact. So the Staffordshire Branch organised regular early-morning counts, and Dave Smallshire and Bill Low brought all the available data together into a report — copies of which were sent to all interested parties. Progress by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) on the rescheduling of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) was also fully discussed. The meagre resources available to the NCC were deplored and fears were expressed that yet more valuable sites wil l be lost if this process is too protracted. Debates about which sites ornithologists think most in need of protection led to Brian Hill preparing a report on the claims of the Tame Valley for SSSI status. This too was sent to the Natui e Conservancy Council. Another major project was a survey of the Blackbrook Valley at Dudley, which was commissioned by the NCC. During the summer Bob Normand, assisted by two or three helpers, carried out a modified Common Bird Census in Saltwells Wood. The results of this formed the basis of a substantial report to the NCC early in 1984. During the year several committee members were also actively involved in publication of The Checklist— which has been highly acclaimed if not fully used! Also discussed were progress on the BTO's Winter Atlas and lead-poisoning of Mute Swans. Bert Coleman raised the latter subject, which is still being pursued. It is understood there is now an acceptable alternative to lead-shot as a weight and the Committee is considering hovy to get its use more widely established. Finally, I should like to thank the Committee for its continued support during the year. G R Harrison

Staffordshire Branch Report The start of the 1983-84 winter.season found us meeting, for the first time, in the Guild Hall, Newcastle. This change in venue has been welcomed by members, especially as we have the use of the room until 10 p.m. This gives us a chance to have a chat afterwards; a thing that we were unable to do at Cartwright House. The nine indoor meetings, alternating between Newcastle and Stafford, took us to Inaccessible Island (Michael Swales), Texas and Belize (Chris Mead), Point

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Pelee (John Cudworth), Cape Clear (Ian Burrows), Lake Vyrnwy (Robert Petley-jones) di id, nearer homo, the Rji/pr Snw (Roy Went). David Glue's talk on British Owls was so well attended that there was standing room only. Bill Jones gave us an insight into modern farming techniques and how they affect wildlife. Field meetings were held at Martin Mere, Alvecote Pools, Keele, Cannock Chase, Churnet Valley, Chasewater, Moddershall, Chillington and Belvide, and Westport Lake. The visit to the Chase had the added attraction of being able to witness the noble art of moth catching, courtesy of Bob and Lis Normand, who brought along their MV trap and generator. The Committee were again kept busy with conseivdlion mutters. Bov Craddock, Frank Gribble and David James attended a conference on the Future of the Uplands, where they were able to put forward our points of view. The developments at Trentham Park continue to be monitored, thanks largely to the efforts of Eric Longman. The survey of Cormorant activity at Blithfield, sponsored by the John Ball Bursary, was concluded in 1983. A report was submitted to MAFF and NCC. This was accompanied by a profile of Blithfield and its birds, writ ten by Alan Dean. A similar document is being written on Chasewater by Graham Evans. This wil l also include a botanical survey by Derek Simkin. Through Frank Gribble, the Committee continued to push NCC into early designation of the Moorlands SSSI. It is pleasing to note the official opening of the Doxey Marshes reserve in October. At the opening ceremony a Short-eared Owl and a small flock of Jays f lew over; a good omen. Finally, a site that came to our notice this year and which is likely to warrant our attention in 1984 is Maer Hills. A local company is threatening to put in an application to extract gravel over the next 20 years. D W Emley

Belvide Reserve Once again permit sales were very satisfactory and thanks are due to all those who supported the project. Since my departure from the Region during the year, the warden's duties have been ably performed by David Bird, John Higginson and John Holian. Significant events during 1983 were a very low water level, and extensive drainage works carried out at the end of the year. The low water level was predictably detrimental to most waterfowl, the notable exception being Great Crested Grebe, which occurred in probably unprecedented numbers. It was a poor breeding season for all waterfowl, and the late-summer moulting flock of diving ducks and Coot was only one-third of that in recent years. Wigeon and Goosander usage was at an extremely low level. However, the low water level was advantageous to waders and good passages were noted, the star being an early Kentish Plover in April. More Little Ringed Plovers and Greenshanks appeared than ever before, and two pairs of the former bred. After a peak of 26 Redshanks in April, at least two broods appeared. It was a

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good year for raptors also, with multiple sightings of Hobbies and Peregrine, Merlin in May, and Osprey in July. A Bittern in December was the only addition to the Reserve's list in 1983. Other miscellaneous oddities included: a pair of Blank-necked Grcbc3 in May diuJ one in August; up to four Scaup am) three Common Scoter; a July Water Rail; Grey Plover, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, both godwits and Spotted Redshank; several Kittiwakesand Little Gulls; Glaucous Gull; up to 79 Arctic Terns in spring; Roseate Tern in June; Sandwich and Little Terns; Short :eared Owl; up to 12 White Wagtails and a single Blue-headed in spring; Black Redstarts in May and August; Pied Flycatcher; Hawfinch; and a Snow Bunting in fine plumage in April. D Smallshire

Profile of Blithfield Reservoir — 1982 Corrigenda For Great Black-backed Gull, column M should read: 167 (2.2.82).

Fifty-years of Bird-watching

During the last fifty-years, the habilals and bird-life of the Region have changed considerably. All of these changes have been documented in The Birds of the West Midlands, but little has been said about the changes in bird-watching. So, I thought for this fiftieth Annual Report, it would be refreshing to ask one or two of the Club's better-known members to recall how bird-watching has changed over the same period.

To set the scene I have culled some informative passages from early Reports. Horace Alexander and J D Wood began their editorial to the very first Report in 1934 with an apology for its delay and incompleteness. A number of our correspondents have sent in voluminous notes, which have taken time to sift— a cri de coeur which I can only reiterate! Yet in 1934 there were a mere 27 correspondents. Today over 200 people contribute in excess of 25000 records each year. Such has been the growth in our hobby.

The same editorial also contains a plea for records to be sent in not later than January — so things haven't changed much here. More interestingly, there is an insight into bird-watchers' attitudes in the following passage: reservoirs and sewage-farms form the modern bird-watchers stock-in-trade, especially for all those 'deluded' observers (we confess we are of their number) who cannot resist the attraction of rushing off to see, or to miss seeing, some rare bird. So the 'deluded birders' of yesteryear knew all about the excitement of 'twitching' and the agony of 'dipping out' — even if they wouldn't have recognised the language.

So what's changed? Well, inflation for a start. In 1935 the annual subscription was five shillings (or 25 new pence), for which members received the Annual Report and the opportunity to attend two lectures. But things were not just

16

cheaper then. Everyone's life-style was very different from today's. Before the war t l ie ie was just ono car-ownnr for every ten today, and even fewer owned a telephone. Indeed, cars and telephones were still the height of luxury, and few people possessed binoculars, telescopes or cameras. Those lucky enough to have a car often found it uncomfortable, slow and liable to break down. There were few garages and the roads were tortuous and narrow, so journeys were endured rather than enjoyed. To visit Belvide, Bittell or Westwood in those days was just as adventurous as going to the coast today. Indeed, for the vast majority it was more so, since anywhere beyond the limits of a bicycle, a labouring steam train or o rickety, wooden-seated tram was completely out-of-reach.

It is again interesting, therefore, to read in Horace Alexander's 1937 editorial that the chief event of the year was the invasion of rare grebes and other unusual waterfowl after the bitter winds at the end of January. The telephones and motor-cars of Bird Club members were very busy during the early days of February. This suggests that many of the bird-watchers in those days were quite comfortably off. Indeed it is doubtful whether many of the people from poorer backgrounds would have even heard of bird-watching. If they had, they probably thought it cissy! Today things are quite different. Our hobby is now shared by people from all walks of life — many of them regrettably unemployed.

This major change, like many others, was largely brought about by the war. Indeed, after the war things were never to be quite the same again. But here Tony Blake takes up the story.

Although I did not come into the West Midlands until the middle of 1947, I had been bird-watching and keeping records for about 10 years before that. Of course during the war years, 1940-45, there was very little record of bird life in the Region. Many active bird-watchers were in the Forces. But in 1946 there was a sudden resurgence of interest.

One of the chief differences between the 1940s and the present day is that during the earlier period the great majority of the bird-watching and recording (and thus contributions to our Annual Report) was confined to 20 or perhaps 30 people. Of this group only the Arnold brothers, Arthur Jacobs and I remain actively bird-watching in our area today. One name from the late 1940s and early 1950s well known to our members today is Mike Rogers, Secretary of the Rarities Committee. He was one of a triumvirate known by their elders somewhat patronisingly as the 'three lads', who energetically cycled and 'bussed' over the three counties. One of this group, Alan Wolton, still lives in our area, but is much less active than formerly.

Of course only one or two of the older and more established members of the day, such as Tony Norris and Cecil Lambourne, had motor-cars, and their use of these for pleasure was severely restricted by petrol rationing. The rest of us either cycled or used public transport, but time-consuming though these methods of transport were, it is amazing how much ground was covered. I found on reading through my diaries that a day was spent going by bus from Erdington

17

(Birmingham) to Chasewater (or Cannock Chase Reservoir as it was then called), walking from Brownhills across the common and round the reservoir, then on foot along the A5 to Bridgtown Pools and Gailey Reservoirs, returning to Birmingham by 'Midland Red' from Gailey Cross Rnads On another day, Chasewater, Lickey Hills and Bittell Reservoir were fitted in.

I suppose the most popular and productive bird-watching area during this period was Belvide Reservoir, still then known under its pseudonym 'Bel I fields' coined by Major A WBoyd, the Cheshire ornithologist who 'discovered it'. There was of course no Blithfield Reservoir, nor the productive gravel pits currently along the-River Tame from Hams Hall to its junction with the Trent. To reach Belvide Reservoir by public transport and on foot and to return to Erdington took about 6 hours travelling and about 3 hours at the reservoir itself. We were keen! Nearer to Birmingham, we resorted principally to Bartley Green and Bittell Reservoirs, the Lickey Hills, Sutton Park and within Birmingham itself, Rotton Park (now Edgbaston) Reservoir. Further afield, the regular haunts were the A5 reservoirs of Chasewater, Gailey and Belvide. Occasionally we tried Cannock Chase, and even visited Upton Warren where the Moors Pool provided a good stretch of water which dried out in the 1950s. One area little visited now, .but popular then. was the heaths at Kinver, Enville and Highgate. Nowadays visitor pressure has sadly reduced the value of the first and last, and the once splendid Enville Heath is now covered by Forestry Commission conifers. Enville Heath was a stronghold of the Nightjar and up to five pairs of Woodlarks. I had always thought Tree Pipits had declined in our area, and my record of 25 pairs at Enville in 1949 seems to confirm this; nowadays a similar area would more likely hold five pairs.

The 1940s did not produce the rarities which are ticked-off every year in the 1980s. Still, the Sabine's Gull at Upper Bittell on 15 August 1948, the first for Worcestershire, gave me as much pleasure as any rarity I have seen since. Other snippets from browsing through my dairies include a Woodlark with four young on Kinver Edge on 6 June 1948 — it would be nice to see them there now: an early Research Committee outing to Cannock Chase on 13 June 1948, on which we failed to find any Red Grouse but did watch two singing Grasshopper Warblers. On our return to Birmingham we also found a Black Redstart singing on a bombed site in Cornwall Street: a good day at Belvide on 8 August 1948, with a Black-necked Grebe, 20 Dunlin, 30 Ringed Plover and single Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and Arctic Tern. November 1948 was remarkably good. On the 6th there was a Kittiwake at Brookvale Park Pool, Witton, then off to Bartley Green Reservoir to see a Black-necked Grebe and at Westminster Pool, now long since filled in, there was a Firecrest in the willows. On the 21st there were two Eider, a Great Northern Diver and a Red-crested Pochard at Chasewater; then off to Shustoke Reservoir where we found another Great Northern Diver and three Velvet Scoter. It was in December 1948 that I first saw Twite at Chasewater.

A Lesser White-fronted Goose at Slimbridge on a Club Field Meeting in January 1949 set the seal for another very good year for me, especially as in the autumn I

18

visited Cley for the first time. Shustoke Reservoir shone again, with a Red-necked Grebe on 23 January. At Enville in the late winter the discovery of a Long-eared Owl was an event. Another Research Committee Field Meeting on 2 Apt il went to the Long Mynd, the first acquaintance for most of us. A pair of Pied Flycatchers in the Lickey Woods in late April saved us a trip to Wyre Forest that year.

How much the habitat has deteriorated and the disturbance increased around Chasewater is demonstrated by a count in May 1949 of six singing Whinchats, five pairs of Yellow Wagtails and a pair of Redshanks with a nest with four eggs. On 19 June we found six singing Marsh Warblers on the Severn Ham and the adjacent riverside at Tewkesbury, but failed to hear or see any Corncrakes, which species still bred there.

Where did bird-watchers go on holiday in the late 1940s? Travel and currency restrictions meant that few went abroad — the Camargue was an unrealised dream for most. In Britain, Scotland attracted many, mostly to the Cairngorm region, and for the Midlander where else in autumn but Cley?

Andso to the endof the 1940s. I have a diary note for 31 December 1949.1 went, quite as usual, to Bartley Green Reservoir where three Goldeneye were the only really noteworthy birds, but at Westminster Pool a Water Rail was seen at close quarters.

Three Goldeneye hardly seem enough to justify the promise of 'a land fit for heroes'. Yet, as the country shed the last remnants of war-time austerity, this was a time of high expectations. Alan Richards tells us whether the 1950s fulf i l led these expectations.

My introduction to bird-watching came about towards the end of the 1940s through, I believe, listening to such radio programmes of the day as 'Nature Parliament' and 'The Naturalist'. Books like 'The Observer's Book of British Birds' and 'Birds of the Wayside and Woodland' also played their part in my 'conversion'. My first conscious birding excursions were made round the lanes and fields of Allesley, on the north side of Coventry, which were within walking distance of where I lived. These walks provided a good grounding in the familiarisation of the commoner birds of the area. However, as the 1940s came to a close, two things rapidly changed my style of birding — the discovery of Baginton sewage farm, and membership of the Birmingham and West Midland Bird Club, as the WMBC was then called.

The marshy habitat of Baginton, which lay just to the south of the city, produced a whole range of new and exciting species, while membership of the Birmingham and West Midland Bird Club provided a background of indoor and field meetings, and opportunity to meet other bird-watchers. It also gave the chance to submit one's own observations for publication in the Annual Report. This was a great incentive to look more closely at the status of local birds in an attempt to improve on the previous year's numbers, and the arrival and departure dates of migrants! I remember 1950 in particular as a year of considerable activity for me, with as

19

many visits as I could make to Baginton, seeing new species such as Sanderling, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper. Curlew Sandpiper and Water Pipit, which at the time were also rare to the area. (In the early 1950s British Birds was full of second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh county records I)

1951 commenced with equal ornithological intensity for me, but May of that year was to see me in khaki with the Royal Signals and then Germany for most of my two years' service. My return to Britain in 1953 saw the renewal of weekly visits to Baginton, and regular attendance at Bird Club meetings, where friendships were struck up with contemporaries such as Charles Brown, Ken Darlow, Mac Campbell, Bev Craddock, Mike Warren and Gordon Ireson — friendships that remain to this day bound by our common interest — birds.

The early 1950s were years of great discovery. Mybirding was mainly confined to home territory around the Midlands, but with increasing forays to places further afield whenever a lift in a car could be scrounged. Otherwise it was still public transport.

One of the great events of the fifties that changed the birding concept for everyone was, I believe, the publication of Peterson, Mountford and Hollom's 'Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe.' This one book opened up a whole new world and widened birding horizons as never before — even though my birding travels on any increased scale were yet to come. The decline of Baginton as a bird haunt was a loss, but was more than offset by the discovery of nearby Brandon Marsh. By the mid-1950s Brandon was producing birds Baginton had never known. The occurrence of Warwickshire's first Spoonbill there in 1957 placed the area firmly on the ornithological map. The 1950s slipped by, but each year added new birds to Brandon's list. Most of my birding activities were centred on this unique place and many happy days were spent there. At that time few bird-watchers regularly visited the area — there were of course fewer bird-watchers even then and the introduction of hides at popular birding areas was yet to come.

One other event in the 1950s that played a major part in my life was my first visit' to Cley in September 1958 — things were never the same again! Brandon continued to turn up the goodies. A Red-necked Phalarope in 1959, and both godwitsin that year, were a fitting close to the decade. January 31st, 1960 found a Smew there, and another Goodie — Bill Oddie — looking at it, but the 1960s are Bill's story.

It is not difficult for me to relive my old birding days round the West Midlands: every hour of every visit everywhere is documented in my note books, which I began in 1955 at the age of fourteen. Ornithologically, I have a very visual memory, and I only have to re-read an account of any particular day and I can literally 'see' again the birds involved. I have hundreds and hundreds of notes from Bartley Reservoir (many of which conjure pictures of no birds at all!) and almost as many from Bittell and Upton Warren. These were my regular 'local patches'. Now and again though, usually provoked by another lousy day at

20

Bartley. I did set off on distant voyages. Sometimes I even leftthe 'three counties' altogether. Such was the case in early April 1961. My note book records: '3rd April, Bartley: 1 G C Grebe and 2 Wigeon'. I wo days later the birds were rather more impressive: 'Merlin, Kestrel, several Buzzards and a Kite'. The improvement was due to the fact that I'd fled to Wales for a couple of days. On the morning of the 7th I was ticking off Choughs on the coastal cliffs opposite Bardsey, whilst enjoying a healthy visible migration of hirundines. I also noted: 'Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs numerous all along the coast'. There was a light easterly wind and patches of mist and drizzle. Nowadays, I would have read these signs and s wum over to the Bird Observatory on Bardsey Island, but back in my youth such was my dedication to my 'home counties' that I leapt into my car and raced back to the Midlands!

I decided to do the A5 Reservoirs and by early afternoon I was trotting optimistically round the shores of Belvide. The birds I saw were frankly no great shakes, but they gave me inordinate pleasure. There was a splendid little assortment of spring migrants, several of them on a date early enough to be commemorated in the Annual Report: '1 Common Sand, 6 Yellow Wags, ca12 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Redstart, 2 Wheatears, 1 Tree Pipit, ca100 Sand Martins and 5 Swallows'.

Most of these were along the northern shore of the Reservoir. Along the south side, in a little bay near where the hide is now, was another bird — not really a rarity, but one that lives in my memory as vividly as any 'crippler' I've seen since. My description reads: 'Large size . . . smooth grey back . . . pale eye stripe, pale pinkish unstreaked underparts, white outer tail.' Sounds almost like a Wheatear doesn't it? But no . . . itwasa Water Pipit, in gorgeous full breeding plumage. I've only ever seen one more like it since, and that was also in April, on Bryher in the Scillies. That somehow seemed an appropriate place for such a distinctive bird. Summer-plumaged Water Pipits may not actually be all that rare — but they certainly look it! If you've never seen one and you hear there's any about — do go and 'twitch' them. It won't be a 'tick', but it 'II be a very enjoyable experience.

Somehow this one day in spring, with migration in full flow, seems to epitomise the 'swinging sixties' — a time when we were told 'we'd never had it so good." I don't think we believed this at the time, but looking back now I'm not so sure Harold Macmillan wasn't right. At the beginning of the decade the Club's membership stood at 600. At the close it was 1000.

It was during this time that I first became interested in birds — rather later in life than most. It happened during a holiday in Scilly, when I found myself rising to the challenge of photographing Oystercatchers, Ringed Plovers and Common Terns on the beach. At the time public interest in wildlife, and birds in particular, was flourishing. It continued to do so well into the 1970s. Out of this growing interest blossomed a new awareness — of the need for conservation. The editorial to the 1963 Report notes that the problems of conservation and the preserving of birds' natural habitats have continued to be of prime

21

importance. ... A sub-committee, therefore, under the chairmanship of Cecil Lambourne, has been formed to consider areas of ornithological interest and to encourage their preservation and protection.

Conservation brought a new dimerisiun lo bird-watching'. It renewed many people's interest in iheir 'own patch' — initially as unofficial watchdog and later, if they were lucky, as warden of a proper nature reserve. George and Maurice Arnold had already known this pleasure at Alvecote for years. For most, though, it was not kindled until the Atlas surveys of 1966-72. By 1970 the Club was involved in its first reserve at Ladywalk, and in 1975 membership reached its peak at 1 937. Two years later, after years of negotiation, the Club secured its first very own reserve at Belvide.

From a personal standpoint, some ten years after I first sat on that beach in Scilly I found myself fortunate to have the opportunity of creating a nature reserve at Kingsbury Water Park. My idea was to create some large islands and to keep them free of vegetation. The hope was that they would be colonised by Little Ringed Plovers — and one day perhaps Common Terns. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that several pairs of terns would settle in the first year, nor that a thriving colony would be established in three years. Neither did I imagine that Oystercatchers arid Ringed Plovers would also come to bring a reminder of Scilly to the heart of Warwickshire. Kingsbury has had other successes, too, largely thanks to Edwin Hopkins and his many helpers. But the success of these three species has given me as much pleasure as any rarity I have ever seen.

The past fifty years have probably brought more social and economic change than any comparable period in history. Vet bird-watchers throughout have been steadfastly motivated by their desire to make new discoveries. Fifty years ago there was still much to be learned about this Region. Today, with more watchers in pursuit of fewer secrets, people are relentlessly drawn to the furthermost parts of Britain and beyond in search of glory. Yet, if this article has a moral, it must be that the most satisfying discoveries are those made on your own patch. And the lasting memories are not necessarily of rarities — but of unexpected surprises and good birds seen really well.

A R M Blake A J Richards W E Oddie G R Harrison

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23

1983 Bird Record Localities

The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a rccord was submitted in 1983.

Warwickshire Admington SP2046 Alcester Heath SP0758 Alvecote SK2504 Ansty SP4083 Ardens Grafton SP1154 Arrow SP0856 Astley SP3189 Atherstone SP3097

Baginton SP3474 Barford SP2760 Bascote Heath SP3962 Bearley SP1760 Bedworth Slough SP3587 Bentley Park SP2895 Binton SP1454 Birdingbury SP4368 Bodymoor Heath SP1996 Brandon Marsh SP3875 Brinklow SP4379

Cheringlon SP2936 Chesterton SP3558 Churchover SP5375 Cliff SP2198 Coleshill SP2089 Compton Verney SP3152 Compton Wynyates SP3341 Coombe Abbey SP4079 Coton SP2194 Crirriscote SP2347 Curdworth SP1792

Darlingscott SP2342 Draycote SP4669 Dunchu.rch SP4871

Earlswood SP1174 Edstone SP1862 Ellington SP2648

Fillongley SP2887 Freasley SP2499

Gannaway Gate SP2264 Grandborough SP4966 Grendon SK2800 Grove Park SP2364 Guys Cliffe SP2966

Hams Hall SP2092 Harbury SP3759 Hartshill SP3294 Hatton SP2367 Hay Wood SP2071 Hillborough SP1251 Hoar Park Wood SP2693 Honington SP2642 Howe Green SP3188

Idlicote SP2844 llminglon SP2143

Judkins Quarry SP3493

Kenilworih SP2872 Kingsbury Water Park SP2096 Kingsbury Wood SP2397

Ladywalk SP2191 Lea Marston SP2093 Lillington SP3267 Long Itchington SP4165 Long Marston SP1548

Marston SP7094 Marlon SP4068 Maxstoke SP2386 Merevale SP2997 Middleton SP1898

Nether Whiiacre SP2392 New Arley Wood SP2989 Newbold SP2445 Newbold Comyn SP3365 New Close Wood SP4077 Newnham Paddox SP4884 No Mans Heath SK2908 Nuneaton SP3691

Nursery Wood

Offchurch

Packington Piccadilly

SP2963

SP3565

SP2284 SP2298

Polesworth SK2602 Purley Park SP3096

Quinton SP1746

Radford Semele SP3464 Ridge Lane SP2995 Rowington SP2069 Rugby SP5075

Salford Priors SP0751 Seeswood SP3290 Shipston SP2540 Shustoke SP2291 Snitter.field SP2159 Somers, The SP2282 Southam SP4161 Spernall SP1062 Stockton SP4363 Stratford SP2055 Stretton-on-Fosse SP2238 Studley SP0763

Umberslade SP1371 Upper Coal Spinney SP3095

Wappenbury SP3770 Warwick SP2864 Water Orton SP1791 Wedgnock SP2667 Welford SP1452 Whateley SP2299 Whitacre Heath SP2192 Willey SP4984 Willoughby SP5167 Wootton Wawen SP1563

Yarningale SP1865

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Worcestershire Abberton G039S3 reckenhom CP0061 Abbots Lench SPOT SI Fladbury S09946 Ankerdine Hill S07356 Fred Dale Reserve S07776 Arley S07680 Ashmoor Common S08546 Goosehill W.ood S09360 Astley S07867 Great Malvern S07745 Aston Mi l l S09435 Grimley S08360 Atch Lench SP0350 GuarUord S08145

Badgers Hill SP0048 Habberley S08077 Baughtor1 S087<11 H^oloy Baynhall S08547 Hallow S08258 Bayton S06973 Hanbury S09663 Beacon Hill S09876 Hanley Castle S08341 Beckford S09735 Hartlebury S08470 Beoley SP0669 Harilebury Common S08270 Berrow Hill S09962 Harvington S08774 Besford S09144 Hillditch Coppice S08270 Bewdley S07875 Hillhampton S07765 Bilberry Hill S09975 Hillpool . S08975 Birch Wood S08081 Hipton Hill SP0348 Bittell SP0174 Hollywood SP0877 Blakedown S08878 Holt S08262 Bordesley SP0469 Holt Fleet S08263 Brakemill Pool S08979 Bredon S09136 llley S09881 Bredon Hill S09539 Ipsley Alders SP0767 Broadway SP0937 Island Pool S08580 Bromsgrove S09570 Broome S09078 Kemerton S09437 Burlish S08072 Kempsey S08549

Kidderminster S08376 Calcot Hil l S09478 Knapp, The S07451 Captains Pool S08474 Knightwick S07355 Caunsall S08581 Knowles Coppice S07576 Chaddesley S08973 Kyre S06263 Chaddesley Corbett SOSS73 Cleeve Prior SP0849 Larford S08169 Clent S09379 Lenches, The SP0251 Cofton Hackett SP0075 Lickey S09975 Coldridge Wood S08082 Longdon S08336 Crowle S09256 Lower Moor S09847

Lydiate Ash S09775 •eer fo ld Wood S09147 Lynalls Coppice S07375 Devils Spittleful S08074 Dowery Dell S09780 Madeley Heath S09577 Dowles Brook S07676 Malvern S07745 Droitwich S08963 Matchborough SP0766 Dunhampstead S09159 Menith Wood S07069

Mount Segg S08675 Eastham S06568 Mustow Green S0S674 Eckington S09241 Evesham SP0344 Nafford S09441 Eymore Wood S07779 Naunton S08645

Newland S07948 Far Forest S07275 Ninevah S06873

Nortl'iwick

Oakley Offerton Old Hills Oldington SF Old Yew Hill Wood Ombersley

Paddock Wood PennyflelUs Penny Hill Pepper Wood Perry Wood Pershore Pinvin Pipers Hill Pirton Podmore

Randan Wood Redditch Ribbesford Ripple Romers Wood Rous Lench

Severn Stoke Shakenhurst Shatterford Shelsley Walsh Shenstone Shernal Green Sheriffs Lench Shrawley Slade Wood Sling Pool Spetchley Stakenbridge Stanford Stanklyn Stoke Bliss Stoke Works Stone Stourport Stourvale Strensham Suckley Summer! ield

Tardebigge Thicknall Thrift, The Tiddesley Trench Wood

C00357

S08960 S08958 S08248 S08173 SP0252 S08463

S09781 309779 S07561 S09374 S06261 S09445 S09549 S09565 S08747 S08672

S09272 SP0467 S07873 S08738 S05962 SP0153

S08544 S06773 S07981 S07262 508573 S09161 SP0149 S08064 SP0253 S09477 S08953 S08879 S07065 508574 S06562 S09466 508575 S08171 S08277 S09039 S07251 S08373

S09868 S09079

S09245 S09258

25

Trimpley S07778 Walsgrove Hill S07465 Woodriorton SP0147 Twyning Green S09036 Walton Hill . S09479 Worcester S08454

Waseley Hill S09777 Wychbold S09265 Washford SP0765 Wychbury Hill S09181

Uckinghall S08637 Wassell Grove SD7977 Wyrhe S07714 Upper Arley S07680 West Hagley S03080 Wyre Forest S07475 Upper Mitton S08172 Westwood S08763 Wythall SP0774 Upper Strensham S09039 Wickhamford SP0641 Upton-on-Severn S08540 Wilden S08272 Upton Warren S09367 Wolverley S08279 Yeald Wood SP0152

Staffordshire Abrahams Valley SK0020 Clayton SJ8543 Great Haywood SJ9922 Alrewas SK1715 Codsall SJ8603 Greensforge S08688 Alton SK0742 Consall SJ9848 Greenway Bank SJ8855 Amington SK2304 Consall Forge SJ9949 Grindon SK0854 Aqualate SJ7720 Coombes Valley SK0052 Aston SJ9131 Copmere SJ8029 Hales

Coppenhall SJ9019 Hammerwich SK0607 Baggeridge S08992 Coven SJ9006 Hamstall Ridware SK1019 Bagots Wood SK0727 Croxall SK1913 Hanbury SKI 727 Bank Top Wood SKI 328 Hanch SK1013 Barlaston Downs SJ9036 Danebridge SJ9665 Hanchurr.h RJR441 Barton-under-Needwood Deep Haye SJ9653 Hatherton SJ9510

. SK1818 Denford SJ9553 Hawksmoor SK0344 Basford SJ9951 Dimmingsdale SK0S43 Haywood SJ9920 Baswich SJ9422 Doley SJ8121 Highgate Common S08489 Beaudesert SK0313 Dosthill SK2100 High Offley - SJ7826 Beech SJ8538 Dovedale SK1452 Himley S08891 Belvide SJ8610 Doxey SJ9024 Hoar Cross SK1323 Berry Mill SJ9046 Drayton Bassett SKI 900 Hockley SK2200 Betley SJ7548 Hoo Mil l Bickford SJ8814 Eccleshall SJ8329 Horsemoor Wood SJ9411 Bignall End SJ8051 Elfprd SKI 810 Horse Pasture SK0413 Big Wood SK0033 Ellerton SJ7325 Hyde Lea SJ9020 Bishops Oflley SJ7829 Enville S08386 Blackbrook Valley SK0064 Essington SJ9603 llam SKI 350 Black Lake SJ8539 Eyton Blithfield SK0623 Jacksons Coppice SJ7930 Blythebridge SJ9541 Fegg Hayes SJ8753 Bradley SJ8817 Fisherwick SKI 709 Keele SJ8045 Branston SK2120 Ford Green SJ8950 Kettlebrook SK2103 Brewood SJ8808 Fradley SK1513 Kidsgrove SJ8354 Bridgtown SJ9708 Freelord SK1307 Kings Bromley SK1216 Brindley Ford SJ8754 Froghall SK0247 Kinver S08383 Brocton SJ9719 Fullmoor Wood SJ9411 Knighton SJ7427 Burntwood SK0609 Knotbury SK0168 Burton SK2423 Gailey SJ9310 Knypersley SJ8955

Garmelow SJ7927 Cannock SJ9710 GibTorr SK0264 Landywood SJ9906 Cannock Tip SK0009 Gnosall SJ8220 Leacroft SJ9909 Cannock Chase SK0017 Goldenhill SJ8553 Lichfield SK1109 Chasewater SK0307 Goldsitch SK0164 Little Haywood SK0021 Cheddleton SJ9752 Gothersley SO8586 Little Wyrley SK0105 Chillington SJ8606 Gratwich SK0231 Longsdon SJ9554

26

Loynlon Moss

Maer Middle Hi l ls Milford

Newcastle Norbury Norton Canes

Oldacre Valley

Packmore Park Hall Pasturefields Pattingham Pendeford Penkridge Perton Podmore Poplars Tip Prestonvale

Ramshaw Rocks Rangemore Regents Wood

SJ7824

SJ7938 SK0363 SJ9721

SJ8445 SK1242 SK0107

SJ9718

SJ8654 SJ9345 SJ9825 S08299 SJ8903 SJ9214 S08598 SJ7835 SK0009 SJ8914

SK0162 SK1822 SK0315

Rickerscote Ridware Hall Roaches, The Rodbaston Royal Cottage Rudyard Rugeley

Rugeley Rifle Ranges.

Salt Seisdon Seven Springs Shelton Shenstone Sherbrook Valley Shugborough Stableford Stafford Stanley Pool Stoke Stonnall Stretton Hall Sutton Swallow Moss Talke Tamworth

SJ9320 SK0816 SK0063 SJ9211 SK0263 SJ9459 SK0418 SJ9917

SJ9527 S08394 SK0020 SJ6747 SKI 004 SJ9818 SJ9922

SJ9223 SJ9351 SJ8745 SK0703 SJ8811 SJ7622 SK0660

SJ8253 SK2003

Tatenhill SK2022 Teddesley . SJ9415 Thorpe Cnnstantine SK2508 Tittensor SJ8738 Tittesworth SJ9959 Tixall SJ9722 Trentham SJ8640 Trent Vale SJ8643 Trescott S08497 Tutbury SK2129

llttnxRtRr SK0933

Wall Grange SJ9754 Warslow SK0858 Westlands SJ8344 Westport SJ8550 Wheaton Aston SJ8512 Whitmore SJ8141 Whittington SF S08582 Wilnecote SK2201 Wolseley Park SK0220 Wolstanton SJ8648 Wombourne S08692

Yoxall SK1419

West Midlands Aldersley SJ9001 Aldridge SK0500 Ashmore Park . SJ9601

Barston SP2078 Bartley SP0081 Berkswell SP2479 Birmingham SP0686 Bournvil le SP0481 Branton Hill SK0700 Brierley Hill S09186 Brookvale Park SP0991 Brownhi l ls SK0405 Bushbury SJ9202

Compton S08898 Coventry SP3379

Dorridge SP1675 Dudley S09490

Edgbaston SP0584 Edgbaston Reservoir SP0486 Elmdon SP1682 Erdington SP1191

Finchfield Fordhouses Four Oaks

Great Barr Grove End

Hampton-in-Arden Hawkesley Hawthorn Wood Hay Head Wood Heronfield Highbury Park Hockley Heath Hydes Road Pool

Kingstanding

Limbrick Wood

Marston Green Meriden Minworth Moseley

S08898 SJ9103 SP1198

SP0495 SP1695

SP2080 SP0477

SP0498 SP1975 SP0682 SP1572 S09994

SP0794

SP2878

SP1785 SP2482 SP1692 SP0783

National Exhibition Centre SP1.983

Netherton S09388 New Invention SJ9601 Northfield SP0279

Oldbury. S09889 Old Hill SP9586

Park Lime Pits SP0299 Pedmore S09182 Pelsall SK0103 Penn S08995 Pensnett S09188 Perry Hall Park SP0691

Quinton S09984

Rushall SK0201 Russells Hall . S09290

Saltwells Wood S09387 Sandwell Valley SP0291 Sheldon SP1584 Shirley SP1178

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Solihull SP1579 Stourbridge S09084 Streetly SP0898 Stubbers Green SK0401 Sutton Coldfield SP1296 Sutton Park SP0997 Swan Pool SP0292

Swanshurst Park SP0981

Temple Balsall SP2076 Tividale S09790 Tocil Wood SP.VH1?

Wall Heath S08889

Walsall SP0198, Warley SP0086 Wednesfield SJ9400 West Smethwick SP0088 Witton SP0001 Wolverhampton S09198 Wyken Slough SP3683

Classified Notes The sequence followed is that of the "British Birds" List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1978) which follows Professor. K H Voous' "List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species "(1977). The average arrival and departure dates given for migrants are based respectively on the first and last dates (excluding freaks) shown in the Annual Reports up to 1983. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based. In tables, — denotes no count available. See page 123 for key to contributors.

Red-throated Diver Highest ever five-yearly total, due to abnormal numbers in 1979.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. ol birds 4 2 4 6 10

Warks An immature at Draycote on November 12 ARD, PDH.

1976 Addendum Warks One at Coombe Pool on April 13, now in the Herbert Art Gallery and

Museum, Coventry per CHP.

Black-throated Diver Again abnormal numbers in 1979 brought the highest ever five-yearly total.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 9 4 2 5 16

Staffs One at Chasewater from February 15 to 26 — the first at this locality since 1948 GEetal.

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Great Northern Diver Continues to appear annually in small numbers.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 7 4 1 12 12

Staffs The 1982 bird remained at Blithfield until February 27 ESC, ARD, MJE etal., followed by another immature from November 7 JAA until the end of the year many observers.

WMid An adult found injured at Keresley on November 6, later died and is now in the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum per AW.

Little Grebe Warks Bred at Alvecote (at least two pairs), Brandon and Ladywalk (three pairs).

26 were at Alvecote on December 18, whereas numbers at Draycote were rather poor.

Worcs Two pairs bred at Bittell, one at Oakley, two at Upton Warren and three at Wilden.

Staffs Bred at Alrewas, Brocton, Chasewater, Chillington, Doxey, Ford Green, Kings Bromley, Little Wyrley and Ridware Hall.

W Mid Bred at Stubbers Green and Tividale, where four broods were raised and 12 birds were present on August 26.

Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 11 16 25 27 24 21 19 2 6 3 2 29 2 2 6 Draycote SO 102 91 7 0 57 — — — 23 21 76 92 Kingsbury 8 2 0 36 — — — — — 32 — 4 9 6 Packington S 4 16 17 9 18 28 29 2 0 16 17 3

Bittell 6 19 29 3 0 23 12 10 6 2 1 6 4 Upton Warren 5 6 12 5 3 10 11 9 2 5 5 0 Westwood 4 4 14 — — 1 0 12 . — — - 4 —

Aqualate 2 0 14 15 10 7 1 _ Belvide 22 3 0 57 7 9 3 0 35 36 4 5 51 52 63 53 Blithfield 8 0 7 6 6 3 34 — 4 0 — 1 5 0 8 5 105 — —

Chasewater 1 19 9 6 1 3 5 14 10 29 19 6

Warks Bred at Alvecote, Brandon, Earlswood, Kingsbury, Ladywalk and Seeswood Pool.

Worcs Breeding noted at Captains Pool, Larford, Upton Warren and Westwood. Staffs 35 young reared at Blithfield. Also bred at Betley Mere, Bridgtown,

Chasewater, Copmere, Doxey, Fradley, Himley, Kings Bromley, Knighton, Rudyard, Tittesworth and Westport. 79 at Belvide on April 4 was the largest count there since 1950.

WMid Nested at Brierley Hill Pools, Edgbaston Park, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park. 23 at Bartley on February 19 is worthy of note.

29

Red-necked Grebe Highest ever five-yearly total, due to massive influx in 1979.

1.959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1 979- f t t

No. of birds 6 8 6 5 30

Warks One at Coton on November 13 AC, JEF, TEG, BLK et at. Staffs A summer-plumaged bird at Chasewater on April.10 and 11 ARMB, GE

was the third record at this locality, the last being in 1966.

Slavonian Grebe Continues to decline from its early 1970s peak.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 7 6 21 14 13

Warks One at Draycote on November 19 ARD, GRH, JVH, JHWR. Worcs One at Bittell on September 2 KGCcoincided with severe gales. Staffs A confusing bird, seen in thick fog at Chasewater on December 17

FCG, was confirmed as Slavonian on the following day, when visibility had improved GE. This was the f i f th record at this locality.

Black-necked Grebe

A welcome resurgence, particularly in the last two years, has coincided with an expansion of breeding numbers on the Continent. With 10 birds, 1983 was an exceptionally good year.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 19 23 34 11 22

30

Warks One commuted between Kingsbury and Shustoke from January 1 ARMB, JCE-D, TEG et al.. until at least January 30 JCE-D. A breeding-plumaged bird was present at Draycote on July 30 ARD, PDH.

Worcs One at Westwood from November 4 SMWxo 6 MJIetal. Staffs One at Chasewater from March 24 to 26 JB, AJD, GE et al., two in

summer plumage at Belvideon M a y 8 ^ D 0 , SRC, JJHet al., and another record on August 27 FCG. Breeding-plumaged birds were also at Blithfieldfrom May 17 to 31 JCE-D et at., and from August 2 to 8 JCE-D, ARD et al.

W Mid One at Swan Pool from October 28 until November 8 RAF. PMH, AJWet al., still retained some traces of summer plumage. This was the first record at this locality.

Manx Shearwater Warks Following severe gales, a bird was seen resting at Draycote on

September 4 RCM. Worcs One was apparently taken to an animal sanctuary after being found

exhausted in the Kidderminster area on either September 3 or 4 per TCEL.

Leach 's Petrel Warks Two at Draycote on September 3 RCM during gales. Staffs One at Blithfield on September 3 ARD, wi th another found dead the

following day MC.

Gannet An unprecedented showing after four totally blank years.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds. •3 ' 1 5 5 • 5

Warks A probable third-year bird flew over Draycote on September 3 RCM. Worcs Two adults and two immatures f lew over Wilden on September 4 TCEL

— the most ever recorded together in the Region. Staffs A third-year bird at Blithfield on September 4 ARD, REH sounded very

like the one at Draycote the previous day. .

Cormorant Warks A maximum of 51 at Draycote on September. 13 was most exceptional.

10 f lew over Alvecote on March 1 6 and seven were seen over Coton on October 2. Smaller numbers were noted at Brandon, Kingsbury and Ladywalk.

Worcs Seven at Grimley on January 9 and a maximum of five at Bitted, on March 20. Also recorded at Beckford, Larford, Pirton, Trimpley, Upton

. Warren and Wilden.

31

Staffs Monthly Maxima:

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

Aqualate 21 2 0 4 _ _ _ 7 7 15 10 Belvide 2 9 5 5 a 2 — 1 7 9 a 14 Blithfield 33 60 BO 11 2 1 2 2 6 39 41 6 0 8 0 Gailey 7 11 A 5 7 Kings Bromley — 102 102

Breeding was not reported this year. Notable counts were 14 at Croxall on March 5, 13 at Branston on January 11, 12 at Gailey on January 2 and 10 at Chill ington on December 11. Smaller numbers were also seen at Betley Mere, Chasewater, Doxey, Ridware Hall, Rudyard, Rugeley, Westlands and Westport.

WMid Nine f lew over Sutton Park on October 20 and singles were seen at Bartley, Erdington, Park Lime Pits and Sandwell Valley.

Shag Following the multiple occurrences up to and including 1980,. has become scarcer. 1983 was the poorest showing for many years.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of records 5 2 3 30 22 No. of birds 6 2 7 53 39

An adult was at Bittell on August 19 MDH.

Bittern

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

Np. of birds . 1 8 9 10 12

Staffs One was near the main hide at Belvide on December 1 7 JPK.

1950 Addendum Warks One, shot at Wolston on February 19, is now in the Herbert Art Gallery

and Museum per AW.

1961 Addendum WMid One found in a Coventry garden on December 27, died two days later

and is now in the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum per AW.

Night Heron Worcs A first-year bird at Bittell on May 1 2 RJD, was incredibly followed by a

second-summer bird at Stourport Bridge on May 22 and 23 RM, JHWR.

32

The latter was described as: Small'compact heron; crown blackish-brown, wi th paler forehead; upperparts dark brown, slightly paler than crown; wings paler than upperparts, wi th white blotches on coverts. Cheeks, sides of neck and underparts were buff to whi te /buf f , wi th dark streaking on the breast and particularly the sides of the breast. Legs were bright lemon-yellow and the bill was stout, wi th a pale base to the lower mandible. In (light, it was marginally bigger than a Carrion Crow — mainly due to the more substantial, rounded wings, and the legs, which extended 3 to 4 inches beyond the tail.

Although these were only the sixth and seventh regional records, the species has now appeared five times in the last six years..

Grey Heron Warks Up to 31 pairs nested at two localities in the south-east of the county.

Maximum counts of note were 28 at Ladywalk on September 1 — a locality record — 12 at Kingsbury on July 11 and nine at Draycote on November 26. Overall in the Tame Valley, there has been a substantial increase in winter records in the past three years.

Worcs No breeding records received. Notable maxima were 26 at Grimley on August 28, 10 at Bittell on July 19 and nine at Larford on October 22.

Staffs 192 nests were occupied this year — exactly the same as last year — with 37 at Aqualate, 63 at Bagots Wood, eight at Chillington, 12 at Enville, 29 at Gailey, 17 at Longsdon, one near Waterhouses and 25 in the south-east of the county. During August there were counts of 47 at Rudyard and 28 at Blithfield, while 15 were noted at Tittesworth on July 19.

WMid The maximum count in the Sandwell Valley was six in March. Smaller numbers were noted at Erdington, Park Lime Pits, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park.

Black Stork Staffs One at Coombes Valley on May 29 JH, GBP, DR et al. The first record for

the county and the second for the Region, the previous one being in 1956. The record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee, but for a bird so rare it is a pity the observers have not provided any details for inclusion in this Report.

White Stork 1981 Addendum

Staffs One at Pillaton on June 4 WJL. The first in the Region since 1896 and the first county record for over a century. Accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee, but again it is a pity the observer has not provided any details for inclusion in this Report.

33

Mute Swan Nesting reported from 27 sites. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 8 3 10 2 0 58 73 111 111 87 15 5 8

Belvide 5 2 5 3 25 53 44 4 0 22 6 1 2 Blithfield 3 0 3 3 3 32 35 36 14 0 — —

Chasewaier 13 1 0 4 8 7 4 5 9 18 22 17 18 Weslport 22 23 24 24 25 25 29 3 t 21 18 I S 26

Warks Up to 60 present at Kingsbury from September to November. Worcs 23 in December was the maximum count at Pirton. Staffs 58 at Alrewas on January 16 and 40 at Tamworth on January 15. WMid 13 in the Sandwell Valley during October was the highest count,for

many years.

Bewick's Swan Good passage in late October and November.

Warks Five at Kingsbury on January 6 and two at Ladywalkfor a couple of days from February 19. In autumn, two f lew over Kingsbury on November 12.

Worcs Winter records from the Severn Valley, with 35 at Twyning Green on February 9 and 32 at Bredon three days later. More widespread in autumn, wi th four at Bittell on October 30 and again on December 1; herds of 14, 12 and six over Upton Warren on November 13, 17 and 20 respectively; two at Pirton on November 20, one of which was still present on December 27; and 13 on flood meadows near Grimley on December 23.

Staffs Present at Blithfield from the start of the year until March 30, wi th a maximum of 16 on March 12. 14 were at Tittesworth on February 27 and one at Westport on March 22. Four returned to Blithfield on October 29 and a few remained until the end of the year, with a maximum of five on December 3. Also seen on October 29 at Rudyard (five) and' Tittesworth (one adult), the latter staying for two days. On November 12, a herd of 23 f lew over Brindley Ford and at least four were at Belvide, with one still present the next day. Finally one was at Gailey on December 3.

Whooper Swan Is now well-established as a wintering species in north Staffordshire.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of records 13 9 12 36 29 No. of birds 48 20 41 104 110

34

Warks Two, one of which was injured, were at Wootton Pool from sometime prior to January 22 until at least March 29 GRH, JVH.

Staffs Present in the Longsdon, Rudyard, Tittesworth area from the start of the year until April 10, wi th maxima of 1 5 at Longsdon and Tittesworth on January 22 and 23 PGB, AS et al., and nine at Rudyard on January 9 PGB et al. Elsewhere, two at Doxey from January 9 to 16 RA, FCG and two at Aqualate on February 13 FCG. In autumn, present in the Longsdon, Rudyard, Tittesworth area from October 29 until the end of the year, with a maximum of 10 at Rudyard on the first date. Two were also at Doxey from October 24 to 30 MC, JPM, MDJ, one at Chillington on November 13 KA (the first record for the locality), and two at Blithfield on Christmas Day ARD and again on December 31 CJH.

Wild Swan Warks Seven over Kingsbury on January 2 were thought from their calls to be

Whoopers JEF. Staffs One over Rickerscote on November 8 HG and six over Aqualate on

December 11.

Pink-footed Goose Substantial movements in hard weather have transformed the status of this species in recent years.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of records 2 3 12 10 44 No., of birds 66 5 67 35 1188

Warks Singles at Alvecote on February 13 GAA, HMand Packington on May 1 5 MHK.

Staffs Skeins of 118 flying west over Westlands on February 9 JPM and 1 50 flying south-west over Rudyard on November 20 PGB were typical of recent years. Three at Tittesworth on January 22 and 23 PGB, followed by one from June 21 to the end of the year PGB. Singles also at Branston on January 11 JCE-D, Aqualate on January 20 and November 13 FCG, Fisherwick/Elfordon February 27 ARMBand Blithfield on December 25 ARD.

White-fronted Goose

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 . 1974-78 1979-83

No. of records 29 22 51 32 48 No. of birds 835 142 792 398 442

Warks Five at Draycote on January 2 RCM, where 64 flew west on December 18 ARD, PDH, JHWR. Up to three at Kingsbury from 1982 until March 26 ARMB, ADB, SRC et al., and one from December 17 to 26 JEF, TEG.

35

A single was at Packington Park on January 16 MHK, with another on May 15 MHK.

Worcs A skein flew over Droitwich at 23.45 hrs. on November 23 RM. Singles at Grimley from 1982 until at least April 29. RM, WFP and Pirton from December 1 5 to 19 RM, WFP, SMW.

Greylag Goose Warks Maxima were 50 at Ladywalk on September 14,47 at Packington in July

and 45 at Kingsbury on January 24. Two were noted at Brandon from January 30 to March 28.

Worcs Two at Chaddesley Corbett from April 24 to 26 and singles at Pirton on March 27 and Upton Warren from.April 17 to 21

Staffs Up to six at Tittesworth and up to four at Belvide, with singles on several dates. Two put in a brief appearance at Little Wyrley on August 3 and one frequented Blithfield during December.

• Grey Geese Staffs A skein of 120 over Calton on February 12 TP, were thought to have

been Greylags, though the numbers, area and date all suggest Pink-feet as more likely.

Snow Goose All feral birds.

Worcs Singles noted at Bittell on April 6 (with three present on August 21), Captains Pool on January 15 and July 25, Holt on October 22, Upton Warren on September 19 and November 4, and Westwood oh October 23

Staffs Three at Aqualate on April 16, with the same number over Belvide on May 9 along with one or two birds in April and July. Two at Tittesworth on April 1 and a single at Himley on September 9.

A Snow x Canada hybrid was noted at Belvide in January and December, and at West Park (West Midlands) in December.

Canada Goose Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J . F M A M J J A s 0 N •

Alvecote 8 0 12 3 4 2 _ 6 2 7 • 31 81 Brandon 112 68 5 0 4 8 5 0 8 0 4 2 135 191 72 5 2 3 6 Kingsbury 4 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 7 0 6 2 • — — — 4 9 2 81 3 3 8 120

Bittell 86 79 4 2 14 . 21 2 1 0 2 4 7 140 18 54 Beckford 35 — 11 6 12 13 . 12 100 116 35 1 12

Aqualate 5 0 5 4 7 0 211 _ _ 4 6 9 108 411 4 8 3 Belvide 7 2 14 4 0 11 19 4 3 4 2 24 4 7 7 2 4 8 131 Blithfield 5 6 0 5 0 0 I B 2 0 6 62 7 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 4 8 0 5 2 0 4 5 0 Tittesworth 46 6 4 4 0 — 2 4 0 4 0 96 22 68 6 0 58

36

Warks Maxima of 280 at Chesterton on August 29, 155 at Packington in July and iOu at Ladywalk on September 1. Drooding notod at Brandon, Chesterton, Earlswood, Ladywalk, Newbold and Packington.

Worcs Maxima of 1 70 at Lower Moor on December 10, 1 30 at Holt/Grimley on February 20 and 116 at Westwood on December 26. Breeding at Beckford and Upton Warren.

Staffs Maxima of 275 at Kings Bromley on February 20 and 134 at Copmere on October 30. Bred at Aqualate, Blithfield, Doxey, Kings Bromley, Longsdon and Stretton Hall.

WMid Maximum of 85 in the Sandweil Valley in January. Nested at Brierley Hill Pools, Sandweil Valley and Sutton Park.

Barnacle Goose All presumed to be feral birds.

Warks One in the Ladywalk area from June 17 to the end of the year, with two present during June and July. Singles also at Brandon on August 31 and September 3, and Packington on July 17.

Worcs Up to 29 at Bittell from December 7 to at least December 26 were very tame and almost certainly feral, despite the numbers involved. Two at Beckford on March 6 and singles there from August 21 to September 10, at Captains Pool on July 25 and at Westwood on December 26.

Staffs Singles at Aqualate on February 13, Belvide from December 1 to 4, Blithfield from December 10 to 16, Rudyard on May 9 and Tittesworth on October 27.

WMid Three in the Sandwell Valley from 1982 until March 21 were also seen at Hydes Road Pool. One at Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, on December 11.

Brent Goose

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of records 0 4 8 1 2 No. of birds 0 7 21 1 2

Warks A single bird paid a brief visit to Draycote on November 10 RCM, coinciding with a large movement on the East Coast.

Egyptian Goose Worcs Two on flood water near Bredon on December 23. Staffs One at Blithfield on October 30.

Ruddy Shelduck Worcs One, presumably feral, at Upton Warren from the end of September

until October 2.

37

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

Warks Worcs

Staffs

Shelduck Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J f M A M .1 1 A S n N D

Alvecoie 7 7 2 5 2 2 Brandon 2 2 2 a 2 1 J — — i i —

Draycole 3 — 2 4 2 — — 5 — 5 — —

Kingsbury 4 7 10 5 9 15 6 2 3 — 2 3

Billed 2 2 1 6 2 2 Upton Warren — - — 8 2 - — 1 — 5 — 1

Belvide 2 9 7 5 3 1 4 8 8 8 Bliihlieid 2 — 3 1 6 — — — — 4 5 6 Chasewater — - — 3 — - — — — — 3 —

Bred at Kingsbury, where a brood of seven seen. Small numbers throughout the year at Ladywalk and four at Seeswood on August 3. No breeding reported. Five at Wilden on August 5, two at Grimley on February 5 and two at Holt on December 26 and 27. Four at Copmere on August 29, a maximum of three at Tittesworth on November 13 and two at Rudyard on October 2, which were joined by a third on October 11. One or two were present at Elford throughout the year, twos were noted at Betley Mere on May 15, Croxall on March 5, Westport on March 25 and Voxall on May 18, and one was at Chillington on November 20. One at Sutton Park on January 18 and 19, followed by two on October 21. Singles also at Tividale from October 3 to 9 and on November 15, with four at Bartley on December 17.

Mandarin A female at Brandon on August 8. A pair in the Wyre Forest during the breeding season and a single male at Beckford on February 13. Three males and a female at Pirton on November 20, with a further male on December 15. Single males at Blithfield on January 3, and at Belvide on October 16 and November 22 and 23.

Wigeon Average: August 23 (45) to May 3 (48) Scattered records throughout April, and one still at Kingsbury on May 9. One at Kingsbury on the early date of July 21, followed by more typical arrivals from August 24 onwards.

38

Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A A S 0 N D

Alvecote 44 51 52 4 2 16 28 34 Brandon 2 63 — 2 — — 3 6 35 Draycote 3 5 0 4 2 0 3 0 0 5 — — 15 B5 2 3 8 Kingsbury 37 7 0 34 0 18 6 1 34 15 Ladywalk 110 104 9 3 6 0 7 . 9 45 8 6

Aqualate 35 129 1 0 0 2 10 6 14 Belvide 2 0 14 24 0 2 9 16 16 2 0 Rlilhliplrl BOO 6 0 0 7 0 0 15 17 3 0 1 5 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 Tittesworih 2 1 0 2 5 7 2 0 0 45 0 0 6 2 120 2 3 0

Warks A maximum of 46 at Warwick Castle Park on January 18. Small numbers at Packington, Seeswood and Water Orton. There were no occurrences at Shustoke this year — the first time for 14 years.

Worcs Maxima of 225 on flood meadows near Twyning Green on December 12, wi th 150 near Ripple two days later, and 30 at Pirton on December 17. Small numbers also at Beckford, Bittell, Bredon, Larford, Westwood and Upton Warren.

Staffs -62 at Ridware Hall on January 9, 44 at Kings Bromley on December 27, and smaller numbers at Chasewater, Chillington, Copmere, Deep Haye, Doxey, Rudyard, Trentham and Westport.

WMid Small numbers at Edgbaston Park, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

1982 Addendum Worcs 450 on flood water near Upton-on-Severn on January 25.

Gadwall Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Brandon 2 4 4 1 1 2 2 2 Draycote 2 0 10 12 — — — — — — 11 17 11 Kingsbury 26 1 0 21 5 4 1 — 28 65 3 0 4 2 14 Ladywalk — — 6 3 — 3 8 3 — 2 2 3

Belvide 2 3 2 1 3 Blilhlield . 1 — — — 2 2 — — 3 1 — —

Wa.ks 28 at Coton on January 16. Five broods at Kingsbury of five, seven, seven, nine and 10. One brood of eight at Ladywalk. Also noted at Middleton and Packington.

Worcs Maxima of 45 at Pirton on December 17 and 22 at Upton Warren on November 4. Smaller numbers at Beckford, Bittell, Grimley, Westwood and Wilden.

Staffs Maxima of 32 at Fisherwick/Elford on December 30, 11 at Aqualate on November 13 and 10 at Branston on March 20. Also noted at Betley (a first record), Chasewater, Rudyard and Tittesworth.

WMid Two in the Sandwell Valley on December 20 — only the third occurrence at this locality.

39

Teal Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 132 59 64 54 2 4 15 . 1 0 0 175 150 200 110 Brandon 200 150 99 63 6 7 9 142 252 422 4 1 4 240 Draycoto 100 70 30 11 ' — — 1 4 14 6 0 70 Kingsbury 150 154 60 — — — — — 2 0 0 200 554 Ladywalk 280 180 70 75 — 1 a 50 70 20 ISO 230

Bittell 104 96 49 6 2 •10 18 11 20 46 Upton Warren 23 9 18 16 0 4 2 35 60 .78 46 69

Aqualate 25 88 6 _ . 10 20 31 100 Belvide 190 200 104 80 2 12 12 23 66 100 . 100 251 Blithfield 326 200 50 30 4 12 30 200 4 0 0 300 3 0 0 350

Warks There were no definite breeding records this year. 550 in the Kingsbury/Lea Marston area on December 18. Also noted at Coton, Middleton, Nether Whitacre, Packington, Seeswood, Ufton Fields and Warwick.

Worcs Maxima of 286 on flood water at Bredon on December 23, and up to 200 at Grimley in February and near Ripple in December. Good numbers also at Eckington and Twyning Green. Smaller numbers at Astnn Mill, Beckford, Northwick Marsh, Pirton and Strensham.

Staffs 180 at Hanbury on December 26, with reasonable numbers at Doxey and Rudyard. Smaller numbers at Betley, Black Firs, Cannock, Chasewater, Chillington, Copmere, Deep Haye, Fisherwick, Hanch, Kings Bromley, Knypersley, Little Wyrley, Longsdon, Ridware Hall and Tittesworth.

WMid Maxima of 133 at Minworth on December 24 and 85 in the Sandwell Valley on February 21. Smaller numbers at Brierley Hill, Pelsall, Sutton Park and Tividale.

1982 Addendum Worcs 450 on flood water near Upton-on-Severn on January 25.

Mallard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecole 52 6 0 30 42 68 112 104 365 3 5 0 270 175 148 Brandon 38 72 37 37 50 159 51 68 81 59 160 99 Draycote 900 500 300 — — — — — 553 350 7 5 0 610 Earlswood 100 160 — 4 0 — — — — — 50 64 150 Kingsbury 150 238 95 240 70 2 0 0 213 Ladywalk 350 — 50 — — — — 600 500 280 3 5 0 388 Packington 128 210 56 46 33 34 54 8 0 141 18 124 42

Beckford 300 180 30 15 eo 50 350 600 370 3 5 0 225 Billed 210 172 145 30 — 74 102 112 213 190 185 128 Upton Warren 130 170 30 12 79 80 178 290 276 75 97 106

Continued overleaf

40

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

Aqualate 1085 1439 78 100 - — — — 1300 1056 582 1265 Belvide 1370 819 8 0 0 200 150 237 180 260 900 853 630 1535 Blilhlield 1281 8 0 0 300 150 100 2 5 0 550 1400 1000 1786 1200 1500 Chillington — 200 — — — — 150 — 350 260 190 40 Gailey 53 10 10 — — — — — 70 250 49 265 Kings Bromley 370 346 68 32 — — — — — 246 282 2B3

SuttonPark 155 216 90 — — — — — 188 114 — 196

Warks 10 broods at Alvecote totalled at least 76 young, four broods totalled 34 young at barlswoOd, and one biuud of eight ot Soocwood. 350 .at Wootton Pool on January 22 and 255 at Coombe on January 16.

Worcs At least 80 young hatched at Bittell, six broods at Beckford totalled 29 young, and six broods at Upton Warren totalled 43 young. 600 at Beckford on September 18 was a record for this locality.

Staffs 10 broods at Blithfield and Doxey totalled 93 and 50 young respectively, 16 were reared at Tittesworth, and single pairs bred at Chasewater, Rudyard and Westport. No breeding data was received from Belvide. 4.20 at Trentham on December 12.

WMid Four broods at Park Lime Pits totalled 27 young, three broods totalled 12 young at Edgbaston Park and a brood of seven at Tocil Wood. In the Sandwell Valley up to five pairs bred, but there are no details of successes.

Pintail Average: September 6 (39) to April 18(44) One or two until mid-April, w i th late birds at Brandon on May 31 and Hillborough until June 8. Returned to Upton Warren on August 24 and Blithfield and Grimley on August 28, excluding three at Tittesworth in July. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Kingsbury Ladywalk

1 1

1 1 2

1 1

1 1

1 1 1

-1

1 4 2 1

Belvide Blithlield

2 3 1

2 1 1 2 10

6 15

1 8

3 4

1 5

Warks Brandon had a single on March 19, a pair from April 19 to 22, a duck on May 31 and a drake on December 10. A drake remained at Hillborough from April 5 to June 8 and was joined by a duck on April 27. At Draycote eight f lew west on October 17, a duck was present from October 21 to December 1 and three ducks on December 10. Finally a drake was at Alvecote from November 5 to at least December 18, with another drake on December 3.

Wores Two at Bittell on January 17 and February 4; four at Upton Warren from August 20 to September 6, wi th one remaining until October 2; one at

41

Westwood on November 4; and seven on flood water near Twyning Green on December 23

Staffs Two at Tittesworth on January 8. followed by one on January 30 and three on July 2. A pair at Fisherwick on January 9, a duck at Chasewater from January 20 to February 20, a pair at Chillington on January 30 and one at Little Wyrley on March 13. In autumn, singles at Rudyard and Tittesworth on October 30, a drake at Chillington from November 13 to 20,12 at Aqualate on November 13 followed by a pair on December 18, a duck at Chasewater from November 20 to December 4 and three on December 17 and one at Rudyard on December 26.

1982 Addendum Worcs Four drakes and six ducks on flood water at Upton-on-Severn on

January 21.

Garganey A verage: April 1 (40) to September 2 7 (39) A drake arrived at Belvide on May 1 and a pair was seen at Wychnor on May 2 — a very late, poor spring. Last noted at Brandon on September 14. Numbers continue to decline from their early 1970s peak.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 156 246 347 175 132

Warks A drake at Ladywalk from May 15 to 23 and a duck over Kingsbury on June 30 were the only spring records. Autumn records of a drake at Coton from July 24 to August 6, when it was joined by a pair which stayed until August 24; one at Ladywalk from August 1 to 4 and two from August 16 to 20; and a pair at Brandon from August 5 to 25, wi th additional drakes from August 11 to 21 and on September 14.

Worcs None in spring. A duck at Upton Warren on August 24, followed by a drake from August 29 to September 6; another duck at Bittell from August 30 to September 11; and a drake at Grimley on September 1.

Staffs A drake seen on and off at Belvide from May 1 to June 8 and a pair on flood water at Wychnor on May 2. In autumn, two at Blithfield on July 30 had increased to five by August 20 and a drake was still present on September 4, while at Belvide there were two on August 8 and three on September 3.

Blue-winged Teal 1982 Addendum

Worcs One present at Wilden from October 17 to 31 RM, PGG, constitutes the fourth regional and county record. Slightly larger than Teal, wi th longer, heavier bill. General plumage was grey brown, paler underneath with dark markings. Crown and eyestripe dark and a pale loral spot. Forewing was a clean light blue, wi th speculum showing a greenish tinge, bordered in front by a broad white band.

42

Shoveler Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecoie 4 _ 2 2 2 2 11 35 15 101 65 2 Brandon 11 4 10 6 2 7 12 33 24 3 2 9 Draycole 14 4 10. 4 — — — 4 1 1 9 17 Kingsbury 25 4 0 1 0 0 5 2 9 — — — 133 4 0 4 0 8 7 Ladywalk 2 0 — 21 6 2 — 4 4 29 7 10 53

Upton Warren 43 12 34 6 0 4 3 59 41 64 67 31

Aqualate 3 10 13 7 _ 475 79 63 Belvide I S 12 22 16 1 0 I S 6 4 4 1 10 1 7 0 251 Blithfield 8 23 12 4 1 1 — 2 7 3 0 —

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

Six broods totalled 50 young at Kingsbury. Also noted at Astley, Middleton, Packington, Seeswood, Shustoke, Warwick and Water Orton. 60 at Grimley on August 28, 48 at Oakley on October 8 and smaller numbers at Beckford, Bittell, Bredon, Oakley, Pirton, Westwood and Wilden. A pair at Belvide raised seven young. 120 at Chillington on November 13 and also noted at Betley, Chasewater, Copmere, Doxey, Himley, Stretton Hall and Westport. Noted at Minworth and Wyndley Pool, Sutton Park.

Red-crested Pochard Occurrences have declined since the late 1970s.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No of birds 1 6 19 33 21

Warks A drake at Kingsbury on February 15 JMD and two more on September 24 JAA. JMD.

Worcs A drake at Church Lench Pool from January 6 to 8 GHP, WFP.

1970 Addendum Warks A duck shot at Packington on October 26 is now in the Herbert Art

Gallery and Museum. 1982 Addendum

Worcs An adult male at Upton-on-Severn from January 16 to 25 AGA.

Red-crested Pochard x Pochard Hybrid Warks A drake at Kingsbury from January 23 to March 26. Staffs A drake at Belvide on July 9 resembled Red-crested Pochard, but had a

typical grey-coloured pochard bill.

43

Pochard Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M .1 .1 A s n N 0

Alvecote 208 91 57 15 14 21 11 14 9 45 77 135 Brandon 36 33 21 4 2 2 11 4 4 5 1 1 14 Colon 1 8 5 0 2 5 0 0 9 8 0 — — 33 — — — 1 0 5 0 6 3 3 3 6 4 Draycote 55 25 0 — — — — — — 21 2 2 0 3 2 0 Kingsbury 1251 2 5 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 0 — — — — 8B 1 1 4 8 1 1 0 0 1 184

Bittell 4 2 3 2 39 3 2 2 6 2 .9 12 3 2 Upton Warren 145 35 25 5 1 24 26 28 36 72 9 0 . 56

Belvide 49 10 59 18 3 150 8 0 37 27 73 65 8 0 Blilhfield 2 1 0 3 3 19 4 — 2 0 35 4 0 3 0 5 0 53 6 0 Chasewater 21 2 0 4 — — — 7 — 1 53 4 2 36 Chillinglon 4 0 — 34 — — — — — 6 — 1 0 0 2 Westport 76 101 55 2 3 7 2 8 13 84 5 4 5 0

Hydes Road Pool 55 53 34 - 4 - 2 34 4 3 4 0

Warks One brood of four at Alvecote. 750 at Shustoke on February 21 Once again the numbers in the Tame Valley during February and March set a new regional record. -

Worcs A pair at Oakley raised five young. 72 at Captains Pool on January 29 was a locality record.

Staffs No breeding reported. 78 at Aqualate on March 13 and 64 at Kings Bromley on February 13.

WMid 50 in the Sandwell Valley on February 12 and 54 at Brookvale Park on December 2.

Several Pochard hybrids were reported from Kingsbury and Lea Marston in both winter and autumn. One winter male had Tufted as the other parent, whilst the other parent of a drake from.October 23 to November 5 was Ferruginous. Pochardx Ferruginous hybrids were also seen at Belvide in January and April, and at Blithfield from July 30 to August 7.

Ferruginous Duck Warks The 1982 bird at Kingsbury was present until at least March 12 JAA,

ARD etal. This brings the total recorded in the Region to eighteen. Worcs A bird at Wilden from December 30 into the New Year RM, PGG. BW

was probably of this species, although the bill pattern suggested possible hybrid origin.

44

Female Tufted, immature male or hybrid Ferruginous, and female Pochard.

Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 187 165 1 3 9 112 4 3 58 128 74 71 125 142 154 Brandon 108 133 6 2 39 37 41 9 16 18 32 3 0 5 0 Draycoie 6 0 53 3 0 4 0 2 0 0 6 6 0 5 5 0 Kingsbury 8 1 0 8 0 0 4 0 0 170 37 140 — 150 6 0 4 1055 1000 9 2 0 Ladywalk 120 — 1 4 0 127 — 59 4 9 — 23 23 58 72 Packington 9 2 26 7 0 36 63 35 34 57 33 36 27 89 Shusioke 2 4 8 6 0 0 3 9 — — — — — 11 181 165 93 The Somers — — 6 3 9 27 15 6 3 6 9 23 0

Bittell 78 79 7 8 5 0 14 22 6 8 9 2 132 1 5 0 128 8 9 Upton W a r r e n 6 4 5 0 4 7 4 0 8 3 0 37 32 13 17 18 19

Aqualate 4 6 54 1 2 0 83 11 11 48 24 Belvide 77 193 1 0 0 52 5 0 77 3 0 0 85 78 97 183 145 Blithfield 2 0 0 4 0 7 8 6 0 4 0 110 150 100 3 0 3 0 30 5 0 Chasewater 2 7 9 269 148 65 4 — 5 15 139 2 6 0 352 4 7 0 Chillington 8 0 120 BO 160 110 5 0 17 Gailey 33 4 5 4 5 44 4 5 34 106 Kings Bromley 65 137 61 59 — — — ' — 18 4 6 54 8 5 Westporl 91 138 8 5 27 4 5 3 2 0 12 91 107' 1 2 0

Warks 20 broods at Alvecote produced 117 young, five broods at Kingsbury totalled 33 young, two broods at Brandon produced nine young, a brood of five was seen at Hartshill and a pair at the Somers. 700 on October 1 was the maximum at Coton.

Worcs Four pairs at Upton Warren produced 18 young, three pairs bred at Beckford and single pairs at Captains Pool, Holt and Wilden.

Staffs Seven broods totalled 55 young at Blithfield, six broods were seen at Belvide and single pairs at Bridgtown, Doxey, Ford Green, Kings Bromley and Little Wyrley.

WMid Bred at Tividale, where a brood of eight seen. In the Sandwell Valley three pairs were present during the breeding season, and 87 birds on November 28.

Tuftedx Scaup hybrids were seen at Coton and Kingsbury during winter and autumn.

45

Scaup Difficult to determine exact numbers because of multiple occurrences and protracted stays. Numbers in the last three years have been only half the level of 1979 and 1980, but summer sightings have increased.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 45 24 67 130 140

Warks In the Kingsbury area, a duck was present from January 15 to 23 JAA, a drake from February 5 to 27 JAA, ARMB, PDH etal., and two ducks and a drake on October 29 and 30 JAA, JEF, PDH et al. At Draycote, a pa ir was seen on April 22, with the duck still present May 6 GIG, GRH, JVH, RCM, a duck from October 17 to 19 RCM, PDH and another duck on November 12 ARD.

Staffs A pair at Westport on March 20 PAW. Two drakes at Belvide on March 29 JB, JKH, followed by another drake from June 23 to 26 KA, JB et al., and three drakes and a duck on November 11 PKD, FCG. A pair at Blithfield on May 1 ARD.

Eider

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. ol records 3 8 4 1 4 No. of birds 7 18 5 1 6

Warks The 1982 bird remained at Draycote until April 14 many observers.

Long-tailed Duck Nine birds made 1983 an exceptional year for this species. Numbers off the East Coast were also higher than usual.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 9 12 11 9 16

Warks A drake at Draycote on January 11 RCM and a duck from April 14 to 16 RCM, ARD, GIG. Four at Alvecote on November 13 HM was the most ever seen together in the Region. Their arrival was part of an exceptional movement of sea-duck.

Worcs The immature drake from 1982 was seen at Upton Warren or Westwood until March 7 AFJ, JHWR. Another drake was at Upton Warren from April 6 to 9 S/WWand yet another drake at Westwood on November 4 SMW.

46

C o m m o n Scoter With 99 birds reported. 1983 was ll ie Liesl year ever for thic specie?, swelling considerably the five-yearly total. Exceptional numbers around mid-November.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 .1979-83

No. of records 47 34 44 94 71 No. of birds 99 84 126 173 215

Warks Drakes noted at Shustoke on July 23 JAA, PDH and September 3 BLK. At Draycote a drake on August 8 and 9 RCM was followed by a duck from November 25 to December 18 RCM, ARD, GIG et at. One was at Alvecote on November 13 HM and a duck visited Kingsbury from December 30 to the New Year JAA, GIG.

Worcs A duck was at Holt on April 16 JHWR and a pair was seen on the Severn at Uckinghall on April 24 JMD, On July 7, a party of 30, comprising 28 drakes and two ducks, visited Westwood GJM, JHWR — this equals the highest count for the Region. One at Bittell on August 15 REH, GJM, KGC and finally seven further birds at Westwood on November 19 SMW.

Staffs Two drakes and a duck visited Belvide on March 12 SRC, GP, followed by a drake on July 2 SJ. Two drakes also visited Tittesworth on May 8 PGB, whilst Blithfield had two drakes and eight ducks on May 18 JCE-D, four drakes on August 6 ARD and seven females/immatures on November 13 ARD, MJE et at. A drake was seen at Chasewater on July 23 ARMB, and the year's second large party — a flock of 23 — was noted at Tittesworth on November 12 PGB.

WMid A duck was at Edgbaston Reservoir on October 18 RRH.

Velvet Scoter

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. ol records 3 0 5 9 4 No. of birds 3 0 6 14 . 5

Warks A drake and a duck, or immature, at Draycote on November 13 and 14 REH, RCM were part of a large movement of sea-duck around this time.

Goldeneye Average: September 26 (43) to May 6 (41) Widely reported until mid-April, and later from Blithfield (May 2), Kingsbury (May 20) and Belvide (May 26). One at Chasewater on the early dates of August 28 and September 4 may have been injured. The first autumn record was from Belvide on October 14.

47

Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

OravcoIR 38 1 0 31 I S ^ • _ _ ' 10 4 0 5 0 Kingsbury 22 65 4 0 10 4 28 4 4

Belvide 26 25 39 25 3 2 0 26 2 0 Blithfield 3 0 4 0 28 25 11 — — — — 15 35 2 0 Chasewater 86 1 0 0 97 63 2 — — - 1 2 0 84 8 6 Weslport 15 6 8 5 3 6 10

Warks Maxima of 21 at Shustoke in January and 16 at Ladywalk on January 9. Also noted at Alvecote, Earlswood and Packington.

Worcs Maxima of nine at Upton Warren on November 12 and seven at Bittell on December 31. Also noted at Hartlebury, Redditch, Westwood and Wilden.

Staffs Counts of 11, at Chillington on November 13, Westport on December 7 and Kettlebrook on December 27, with smaller numbers at Aqualate, Copmere, Doxey, Gailey (where a bird summered). Kings Bromley, Knypersley, Ridware Hall, Rudyard, Stretton and Tittesworth.

WMid Four at Bartley in February, November and December and in the Sandwell Valley on November 13. Singles in Suttnn Park in November and December.

Smew

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 77 22 12 31 41

All redheads unless otherwise stated: a poor year. Warks The 1982 bird at Draycote remained until March 7 RCM et al., and was

joined briefly by another on January 9 RCM et al. Staffs One at Chasewater from November 15 to December 18 KW, GE et al.

Red-breasted Merganser Continues to appear more regularly.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of records 8 10 19 29 30 No. of birds 14. 15 25 35 36

Warks A drake at Shustoke on October 21 BLK. An immature at Draycote from November 12 to 14 ARD, PDH, REH, RCM and a duck on December 26 RCM. Two paid a brief visit to Coton on November 13 AC, JEF.

Staffs One at Chasewater on November 5 ARMB, GE and a duck at Rudyard on November 13 PGB.

48

Goosander Average: October 28 (39) to April 16 (36) Very early departure, wi th none noted after March 14, at Kingsbury. Returned to Blithfield on October 23, but few other records before mid-November. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M A M 0 N • Draycote 4 3 1 0 0 0 3 3 KirigSBUry 1 1 l n n 0 3 2

Belvide 0 1 0 3 0 0 5 1 Blithfield 54 73 76 17 0 i 15 54

Warks Two drakes at Shustoke on January 7 and 8, with one still present on February 2; two at Packington on January 19, which was a new record for the area; and a duck at Brandon from November 2 to 6, which was joined by another on its last day.

Worcs A drake at Upton Warren on January 2, followed by five on January 9, and a duck at Bittell on November 30.

Staffs Despite the apparently good fishing for Great Crested Grebes, numbers still continue to fall at Belvide. A drake was at Chasewater on February 11, a pair at Chillington on November 13 and December 17, two drakes at Tittesworth on November 20 and two at Gailey on December 14, one of which was still present three days later.

Ruddy Duck Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 2 2 7 14 2 0 10 2 2 21 7 6 4 6 Brandon 2 — 4 1 1 1 0 18 13 6 1 — — —

Kingsbury 3 — — — 3 — 1 — 2 7 10 3 Packington 5 2 13 5 5 8 10 14 11 14 33 39

Bittell 1 1 2 2 5 6 3 3 _ 2 7 Upton W a r r e n 3 4 12 8 4 3 7 4 5 14 5 1 Westwood 2 11 — — —

Aqualate 26 9 15 38 12 5 0 4 Belvide 21 2 0 130 84 5 0 7 3 0 5 0 37 61 9 0 3 0 0 Bliihfield 3 8 4 192 1 3 0 33 16 12 3 0 5 0 5 0 115 2 8 0 4S0 Copmere — — — — — — — 12 — 55 12 —

Warks Bred at Alvecote, wi th six broods totalling 28 young; Brandon, with four broods totalling 23 young; and Middleton, with two broods totalling eight young. Single broods of five were also seen at Earlswood, the first breeding record; Packington and Seeswood. 27 were at Middleton on October 25. Also seen at Bedworth, Draycote, Ladywalk, Shustoke and New Waters, Warwick.

49

Worcs Four broods at Oakley. 11 at Westwood on September 8, with records also from Pirton and Wilden.

Staffs Two pairs at Doxey reared six young and single broods were seen at Black Lake, Bridgtown (with five yuung), Gailey (with nine young) and

. Hatherton (with eight young). Also noted at Betley, Brocton, Chasewater, Chillington, Kettlebrook, Kings Bromley, Little Wyrley, Mil l Green (Cannock), Rudyard, Tittesworth and Westport.

WMid Single broods of six at Edgbaston Park and four at Stubbers Green. 12 at Edgbaston Park on November 16. Also noted at Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

Ruddy x White-headed Duck 1982 Addendum

Staffs The drake present in the area during 1981 was at Belvide on March 5.

Honey Buzzard 1960Addendum

Warks One found dead between Coventry and Rugby on September 22 is now in the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry per AW. This brings the regional total to five this century.

Marsh Harrier Continues to increase and is nowan annual visitor.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 2 2 4 15 20

Warks A female left Ladywalk to the north on May 22 JAA and another female was seen briefly at Alvecote on August 21 HM, MWP.

Staffs An immature was seen at Blithfield on August 7 before it left to the north PDH, MJI. The same, or another, immature was seen the following day between Gib Torr and Goldsitch Moss MS, LS.

Hen Harrier Has declined during the past five years and no acceptable records were received for 1983 — the first blank year since 1972.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 1 9 19 27 17

Montagu's Harrier Staffs A first-summer male remained on the Moors from at least July 10 to

August 6, and may have been present from sometime in June PGB, MRGr et at. Only the fourteenth in the Region this century, but the second year running for Staffordshire.

50

Goshawk Most descriptions fail to reach the standard required tor unqualified acceptance of individual sightings. Reported from the north of the county per GRH. Pairs reported from two or three localities several observers. Breeding season reports from two or three localities several observers. An immature male flew across Chasewater on August 27 ARMB.

Sparrovuhawk Numbers continue to improve in all counties. Recorded in the breeding season at Alvecote, Brandon, Draycote, Hams Hall, Hartshill, Howe Green, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, New Close Wood, Packington and Spernall Park. Noted at 31 localities outside the breeding season. Breeding season records from Ankerdine Hill, Atch Lench, Bittell, Bromsgrove, Caunsall, Clent, Coldridge Wood, Eastham, Eckington, Eymore Wood, Goosehill Wood, Habberley Valley, Hagley, Old Hills, Pennyhill, Pershore, Pinvin, Shatterford, Slade Wood, Stakenbridge, Thicknall, Upton Warren, Wilden, Woodnorton and Wyre Forest. Reports from 49 localities outside the breeding season.

Staffs Noted in the breeding season at Alton, Amington, Baggeridge, Bagots Wood, Beech, Belvide, Blithfield, Brewood, Brocton, Cannock Chase (at least 12 areas), Chillington, Consall, Coombes Valley, Fegg Hayes, Freeford, Fullmoor Wood, Greenway Bank, Hanch, Horsemoor Wood, Kidsgrove, Kings Bromley, Little Wyrley, Longsdon, Penkridge, Perton, Teddesley, Tittesworth and Uttoxeter. Outside the breeding season, seen at 65 localities. 56 sightings in six months give a good indication of the strength of this species on Cannock Chase.

WMid Breeding season sightings from Edgbaston, Erdington, Hampton-in-Arden, Old Hill, Penn, Quinton, Sandwell Valley, Shirley, Sutton Park and Temple Balsall. Noted at 27 localities outside the breeding season.

Buzzard More reports than usual, particularly during August-October when post-breeding dispersal occurs.

Warks One in early June at a suitable breeding site in the west of the county. Singles in autumn at Brandon on August 14, Coton on August 23, Kingsbury Wood on August 29, Southam during mid-September, Rugby on October 22 and Packington during October.

Worcs Singles at Dowery Dell on January 2 and 16, Kyre Pool and Romers Wood on January 22, Perry Wood and Stoke Bliss on February 27, and Wychbold on March 6. Bred near Evesham, where pair seen with two juveniles. Other breeding season sightings from Knightwick on April 7, Shelsley Walsh (two) on May 16 and Ninevah on June 25. Singles were then seen at Pennyfields on Jujy 17, the Teme Valley on August 7 and

Warks Worcs Staffs

Warks

Worcs

51

Upton Warren on August 28, wi th two also at Deerfold Wood on the latter date. Further singles were at Eastham on September 18, Walsgrove Hill on September 25, the Teme Valley on October 1, Chaddesley Corbett next day, Hennytields on October 29 (with two on November 1 6). Shelsley Walsh on October 31, Bredon Hill on November 3, Upper Strensham on November 20 and Eynriore Wood on December 10.

Staffs Noted early in the year near Gailey on January 2, at Eyton on February 26 and over Westport on March 30. At least two, probably four, pairs bred, mainly in the west of the county, where four birds are known to have been shot earlier in the year FCG. One in the Gib Torr/Ramshaw area during July was believed to be an escaped falconer's bird. Post-breeding sightings of one or two birds on 21 occasions at 14 localities.

WMid One flew along the railway cutting in Sandwell Valley on April 28 and two were observed circling over Solihull on August 15.

1959 Addendum Warks A specimen found on September 22 is now in the Herbert Art Gallery

and Museum, Coventry. Details of locality and nature of death are not known.

Occurrences have fallen slightly over the past five years, although with seven birds 1983 was a good year.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 2 7 23 28 22

52

Warks One at Draycote on April 9, may possibly have been present for a week RCM.

Worcs One f lew over Wilden on August 27 RM, and another — mobbed by Lapwings — crossed Bittell on September 22 CBL.

Staffs One at Blithfield on June 4 RF, followed by a more customary immature from August 27 to September 4 several observers. One at Belvide on July 5 per DS and one reported for two days during August by the fishermen at Aqualate per FCG.

Kestrel Still widespread and numerous, with no evident change in numbers.

Staffs Apparently favours colliery buildings, wi th one pair breeding at Mid-Cannock Colliery and three at Wolstanton Colliery — all successfully.

Merlin Continues to show a welcome increase in appearances.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 16 30 44 74 92

Warks An adult male was seen at Coton on January 9 and Kingsbury on January 16 JAA, JEF, PDH, CJH. Another male visited Kingsbury on August 24 HM. Other Tame Valley sightings were claimed, but not adequately substantiated. At Draycote, a male on February 12 RCM, with possibly the same bird on January 23 GJM, and females or immatures on October 9 and 11 RCM and November 26 GRH, JVH.

Worcs A male at Eastham on May 28 RLS. Staffs A male seen briefly at Abrahams Valley on January 17 MB. Females or

immatures at Chasewater on January 22 GE, with possibly the same bird at Stonnall two days later per RJJ; near Tutbury on April 13 KJB; Codsall on May 2 GRP. and Belvide on May 9 DS et al. One or two breeding season sightings on the Moors, but no evidence of nesting. During autumn, a female was noted at Lichfield on October 9 RJJ, a male.contested aerial space wi th a Kestrel at Middle Hills on October 29 PGB, a sub-adult male visited Blithfield on the same day ARMB, a female hunted Fradley Airfield the next day JCE-D and a male passed through Park Hall on November 14 AJJ.

Hobby Average: April 28(16) to September 30(19) One was seen fairly regularly at Upton Warren from April 23 onwards, but few others arrived before May. One or two attended hirundine roosts in September, with the last of the year at Alvecote on October 2 and Sandwell Valley on October 13. Sightings continue to increase and, with over 100, 1983 was the best year yet, but breeding success is variable and more information would be welcome.

53

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of observations away ^ ^ from breeding sites 24 111 137 286

Warks Returned again to breed successfully at a traditional site in the south of the county, raising two young RMS. Also reported throughout the summer in the Tame Valley — at Ladywalk on April 30 and May 24, Kingsbury on May 26, Water Orton on September 7 and either Coton or Kingsbury on 1 3 dates between July 1 7 and October 1 many observers — Brandon on 14 occasions between May 7 and September 4, with two on August 20 BMCG. and Draycote on five occasions between May 3 and September 5 RCM. Otherwise singles in spring at Ansty on April 28 SMW and Churchover on May 27 SKW, followed by autumn records from Alvecote (eight occasions between August 7 and October 2) GAA, HM, JAA, Bedworth Slough on August 30 MSW and Seeswood on September 2 MSW.

Worcs Seen regularly at Upton Warren between April 23 (two present) and September 20 many observers. Presumably bred, as four birds seen in the vicinity of the traditional nest site in late August PGG. Also noted on six occasions between July b and August 24 at Abberton WFP. Otherwise casual sightings at Tiddesley (two on May 3) WFP, Wythall on May 10 JAA, Droitwich on May 15 RM, Bromsgrove on June 12 REH, Dunhampstead on August 18 RRH, Fladbury on August 21 WFP and Bittell on September 10 JHS.

Staffs Good series at Belvide, where a pair on May 2 and 6 then singles on seven dates between July 24 and September 12 many observers, and at Blithfield, where one on May 8 and singles on ten occasions between August 14 and September 10 many observers. Also seen on the Moors on five dates between June 20 and July 30 PGB. Other sightings at Tutbury on May 26 KJB, Doxey MCand Yoxall JCE-D, ESC on June 19, Perton on June 21 GP, Kettlebrook on June 28 CJH, Burntwood on July 26 PJW, Beech on August 1 RH, Wilnecote on August 15 and 17 GAA, Eccleshall on August 20 MRGr, Thorpe Constantine on September 7 GAA and Chasewater on September 14 GE. Surely with so many sightings birds must be nesting somewhere?

WMid One flew over Pensnett on August 1 MJH, singles were seen twice in the vicinity of the National Exhibition Centre during August SKl/ fand one was at Sandwell Valley on the late date of October 13 PMH.

Peregrine Becoming increasingly regular. Seven in one year was an excellent showing.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 16 3 14 12 17

54

Warks Staffs

Staffs

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

A female at Draycote on September 4 RCM. An immature at Belvide on March 2b AUti and April b tGF. Another immature at Belvide on September 4 PDH, but other claims around this date were not adequately substantiated. At Blithfield an adult was seen on January 9, 18 and 22 and on February 1 MJE, JCE-D, IJD. In autumn immatures appeared on October 11 KJB and November 20 PDH, JCE-D at Blithfield, and on October 2 CM ax Chasewater.

Red Grouse Few reports, but no evidence of any change in status. Not more than five in any covey.

Black Grouse Appears now to be only one regular lek, at which five males were the most reported. The future of this species is therefore very precarious. It is not known why numbers have fallen so dramatically, but a combination of factors is suspected. Certainly over-zealous bird-watchers are not helping.

Red-legged Partridge Several reports in autumn of coveys up to 12, mostly from the north of the county. Said to be scarcer than usual at Ladywalk. Largest winter coveys were 15 at Beckford and 10 at Bittell, both in February. In autumn, 17 at Aston Mill in September and 19 at Wilden in November were the most reported. Said now to be commoner than Grey Partridge in central and north-western districts RM. Few coveys reported, but 29 encountered during 2Vi hours in the Pattingham/Trescott area on November 20. Four birds at Whitmore on March 5 showed hybrid characters wi th Rock Partridge or Chukar. In addition to the small numbers in suburban locations, up to four were present on a building site at Tividale throughout the year and one was flushed from.the old Snow Hill Station, Birmingham, on April 5.

Grey Partridge No change in numbers at Willey. Largest winter covey was 12 at Wedgnock on January 7. More numerous in autumn, with coveys of 17 at Draycote in October and 29 at Freasley in December. Largest coveys were 12 at Grimley in January and 43 at Holt on October 9. Several coveys up to 14 reported, wi th larger gatherings at G a r m e l o w (16 in September) and Keele (19 in December). Largest coveys were 11, near Pelsall and along the old railway at Wednesfield — both in January. Smaller numbers at many sites, including seven which could be regularly seen on school playing fields at Walsall.

55

Quail Worcs Heard calling at Eckington on June 9 and 10 RCB and from barley at

Broome (two birds) between. June 22 and July 28 BW. Staffs Birds heard calling from barley at Prestonvale and Bickford Meadows in

June and July RA, and at Alrewas Hayes on July 17 and 19 ESC/JCE-D. Two or three were also heard calling in the Eccleshall area on June 23 MRGr and at least three at High Offley during June per FCG.

Pheasant Up to ten widely reported. No evident change in status.

Warks Most reported was 16 at Ardens Grafton in January. WMid Regularly encountered in Sutton Park.

Water Rail Warks Winter records of singles at Alvecote, Earlswood, Kingsbury and

Warwick. Noted in the breeding season at Middleton, Nether Whitacre and Brandon, where up to eight singing males and a maximum of six birds in autumn. Also noted in autumn at Alvecote, Draycote (two), Kingsbury (five), Ladywalk (two), Packington and Warwick.

Worcs One pair raised at least three young at Upton Warren, where up to eight birds in winter and autumn,. Probably bred at Oakley too, where juveniles seen in late summer and up to five present in autumn. Also seen in winter at Cofton Hackett, Grimley, Hillditch, Stourvale and Wilden (two), and in autumn at Bittell, Westwood (two) and Wilden (two).

Staffs Reported in winter from Belvide, Chillington, Clayton, Himley, Kings Bromley, Perton (three), Ridware Hall, Tixall andTrentham. No breeding records, but noted at Blithfield on May 15, Belvide on July 27 and Chasewater from June to August, when at least four present. Autumn records from Baggeridge, Betley, Chasewater, Copmere,. Doxey and Westport.

WMid One near Pelsall on January 23 and up to five in Sutton Park during winter.

Spotted Crake Warks One at Packington on August 7 and 8 MHK, DC.

1982 Addendum WMid One reported to have been caught and ringed at Stubbers Green on

October 23, then retrapped on November 3. Believed to have still been present two weeks later, when possibly two birds were seen per GE.

Moorhen Warks An increase of 50% on the Willey CBC plot brought numbers back to

normal. Maxima of 31 at Guys Cliffe (January), 59 at Brandon (August) and 65 at Alvecote (November).

56

Worcs Maximum of 35 at Bittell in November. Staffs Winter maximum of 24 at Keele in February. Autumn maxima of 40 at

Doxey in November, and 42 at Hanch and 47 at Little Wyrley in December. 12 pairs at Doxey produced an average brood of three.

Coot Monthly maxima for selected sites:

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

Aiyecole j f i R ISO 116 0 0 1 7 0 3 1 0 4 1 3 3 6 5 mo yso 550 Brandon 4 0 56 5 4 53 24 52 85 8 8 57 2 0 2 0 2 0 Colon 9 2 0 — 125 4 5 1 231 Draycote 1 5 6 130 8 5 103 8 0 125 121 Kingsbury 6 7 3 7 5 3 4 2 0 8 0 4 7 8 0 9 3 5 4 9 2 Packinglon 7 9 158 6 7 4 0 3 0 6 0 9 7 7 0 6 6 39 101 172 Seeswood 7 7 73 75 Shustoke 3 6 — 6 118 8 8 74 127 The Somers — — 34 9 12 0 39 5 2 95 152 119 1 5 0

Bitiell 22 4 0 52 9 2 100 9 0 86 Lower Moor 6 7 109 —

Pirton — — 4 0 — — — — — — 2 1 0 2 2 5

Aqualate 119 171 7 0 631 101 87 72 Belvide 5 6 2 2 0 159 ' 4 0 145 2 5 0 4 5 0 3 2 0 2 0 0 154 2 0 0 355 Betley 148 — 108 Blithfield 5 0 0 5 9 6 3 7 6 110 — — — — 92 97 — —

Chasewaier 4 9 0 2 7 0 165 25 — — 28 132 157 3 1 0 4 8 3 5 2 0 Ellord 3 0 3 Gailey 4 5 105 4 5 2 5 5 2 0 5 3 6 5 Trentham 2 1 0 1 9 0 Westport 2 8 0 178 9 2 3 3 25 4 4 57 100 103 194 2 0 0 2 4 8

Nine other sites 2 9 2 69 68 64 2 2 - - 81 16 15 9 0 7 0

Staffs At Doxey 12 pairs produced an average brood size of two. Poor year at Belvide, with very few early in the year, low breeding numbers because of low water-levels, and only a small moulting flock.

Oystercatcher Warks Early passage with singles at Draycote on February 20, Coton on

February 26, Seeswood on February 28, Coton on March 6 and Ladywalk the next day. Noted at Kingsbury from March 19 until late July, wi th one pair laying twice, but abandoning on each occasion. Disturbance by bird-watchers constitutes a serious nuisance. Late spring brought one to Draycote on April 16, two to Coton on May 29 and one to Alvecote on May 22, increasing to two on June 6 and five on June 8. Singles were then noted at Brandon on June 26, Draycote on August 17 and 29, Shustoke on November 11 and Kingsbury on November 30.

Worcs Just two spring records — a party of six at Upton Warren on March 2 and one at Bittell on April 10. Autumn brought singles to Upton Warren on October 1 and to Bittell on November 13 and 19.

57

Staffs First noted at Belvide from February 27 to March 6, followed by one at Croxall on March 12, seven at Chasewater on March 19, and singles at Blithfield on March 20 and Belvide again on April 7. Late spring brought singles to Blithfield on April 24 and Belvide on May 4, increasing to two from May 6 to 9. One flew over Wheaton Aston on May 13, two were at Blithfield the next day and one was there on June 5. Two pairs bred successfully in the east of the county, raising two and three young respectively. Autumn passage began with two at Blithfield on July 28, followed by singles at Belvide on July 30 and August 6 and 17, Blithfield again on August 3 and Tittesworth the next day. It culminated in a party of seven at Blithfield on August 6. August 24 brought two more to Blithfield and a single to Belvide, and the same localities each held singles on September 18. On September 26 one followed children into school at Eccleshall and inspected their shoes whilst a Club member gave a talk on the species! It was later released at Doxey, where it chose to associate with anglers, and a working party erecting a hide before resorting to a Stafford car park. Finally singles appeared at Blithfield on October 2, Rudyard on November 12, Blithfield again the next day, Belvide on November 19 and Rudyard on December 3.

WMid Recorded only in SandweM Valley, where 12 in mid-March, one on May 10 and another on October 30.

Avocet Warks One at Draycote on May 7 RCM left to the north. Another at Coton on

November 13 TEG, JEF. AC.

Little Ringed Plover Average: March 23(19) to October 3(19) First arrivals were three at Brandon on the early date of March 11 and one at Upton Warren on March 19, but generally scarce until early April. A very poor breeding season, with only a dozen successful nests — less than half the normal level. Many early nests failed due to flooding after heavy rain and most success came from repeat clutches in July, some of which did not hatch until late in the month. Regularly reported until late August and last noted at Blithfield (three again) on September 25. Half-monthly maxima at all localities based on dated records:

M A M J J A S 1 2 .1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Alvecoie — 3 — — — — 2 4 — 1 Brandon 3 — — 5 — 2 — 4 7 B 4 1 Colon _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8 — Draycote — — 1 — - — — — — 1 — — Kingsbury — — 1 1 1 2 — — — 5 11 9 Ladywalk — 1 1 1 — — — — 1 — — — Seeswood — — 1 2 — 1 — — _ _ _ _

Continued overleaf

58

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Warks

• M A M J J A S 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2

Beckford 2 2 _ Bitten 3 7 3 1 — — —

Upton Warren 1 2 4 5 4 4 6 3 9 3 1 Wilden — — 2 1 1 .2

Belvide — 1 6 6 4 4 2 4 10 12 8 8 6 '2 Blithfield 6 5 7 4 2 3 Rudyard 2 1 — — Tittesworth 13 9 6 — 1 —

Wectport 2 1

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

Sutton Park — — — 2 _ — _ — — 2 — — — —

Tividale — — — 1 — — — — 4 4 4 4 — —

Six other sites - - 1 - 1 3 - 6 - - 1 1 - -

Bred at Alvecote, Brandon and Kingsbury (probably no more than three pairs). May have bred at Hartshill. Breeding attempts at Holt, Upton Warren and Wilden all failed —a nest at the latter site being run over by a lorry, while at Upton Warren Moorhens predated the eggs. Two pairs bred at Belvide — the first success there since 1968. Also bred at Tittesworth and a site in the east, but failed at Doxey Bred successfully at Meriden, Sandwell Valley and Tividale.

Ringed Plover Bred successfully at two localities in the Tame Valley, despite two early nests being flooded out when the river burst its banks after heavy rain. It has been suggested that the recent colonisation of this area may be displacing Little Ringed Plovers. Half-monthly maxima at all localities:

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

Brandon _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 2 1 1 1 — l _ _ _ _ _ Colon . — 1 2 4 1 10 5 1 9 — 8 — — — 7 — 3 Draycote _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 i _ _ _ _ 1 1 1 1 _ _ _ _ _ i Kinosbury - 1 _ 1 1 1 • _ 2 — 3 — 1 — — — — " — _ — — Ladywalk _ _ _ _ _ _ — 1 — — — _ 6 — - — — _ _

Bittell — — 1 — 6 — 3 Upton Warren — — 1 1 3 9 3 1 — 3 1 1 —

Belvide — 2 1 12 13 7 9 6 — 4 4 9 16 10 2 4 Blithfield 1 — 1 6 1 7 1 2 7 4 1 2 Branston — — 5 _ _ — — - — — — — -Chasewater - — — — — — — — _ _ _ _ _ 2 — _ _ _ _ Doxey — — — — - — 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ — — -Rudyard — — _ _ _ _ _ _ — _ _ _ _ 1 1 — _ _ _ _ Tittesworth - — — — 1 1 9 _ _ _ — _

Sandwell Valley 1 Tividale — — — — — — — — — — — — —' — — 6 — — — — —

59

Kentish Plover Staffs A female.at Belvide on April 11 DB, DWB, GP. JJH— the thirteenth for

the Region and the earliest date ever.

Golden Plover Average: August 12 (36) to April 25 (37) Most had left by mid-March and the last spring passage birds were at Rickerscote on April 21. Returned early, with one at Blithfield on July 31, followed by more typical arrivals in late August. More numerous and widespread than usual during January. Monthly maxima at traditional and other sites:

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

Adminglon-Long Marston — — 3 0 0 .— — — — — — — — — Alvecote area 2 0 5 0 10 — — — — — 21 2 0 0 2 0 SO Coventry-Rugby 2 0 0 10 2 7 5 0 — — • — ' — 1 35 5 0 1 0 0 0 Drayton Bassett- 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 3 1 5 — — — — . — 42 6 0 0 3 0 0 4 4 0 Kingsbury-Middleton Grandborough-Willoughby — — 5 0 0 — — — — — — — — — Nuneaton area 3 7 0 2 — — — 16 — — — Warwick area 185 — — , — — — — — — — — —

Abberton-Besford area — — 2 5 0 — — — — — 20 . 18 5 ISO Aston Mill-Becklord — — 380. 75 — — — — — — . ^ • —

Aston — — - — — ' — 25 75 Belvide 4 8 — 2 1 — — — 1 4 8 4 0 6 0 5 0 Fradley-Kings Bromley — _ — — — — _ — — 1 0 — 171 High Offley — 2 0 0 -Moors 1 3 9 : — 71 41 1 — — — — — — — Penkridge-New Invention 150 5 0 — 150 — — — — 1 — 3 7 0 7 5 0 Perton-Trescott 8 3 8 -

Hockley Heath — 1 3 — — — — — — — — — 3 0

Tenother sites 6 26 39 — — — 8 3 6 6 21 4 7

Grey Plover Warks Singles at Draycote on November 19 and Kingsbury on December 18. Worcs Recorded at BittelI on November 6 (one) and December 1 (two). One with

Lapwings and Golden Plover on meadows near Twyning Green on December 23, with presumably the same bird near Ripple on December 27.

Staffs One in summer plumage at Belvide on April 28 and another, in company with four Bar-tailed Godwits, flying north-east at Blithfield on May 1. Autumn singles at Blithfield on September 3 (in summer plumage); from September 25 to October 9, wi th a second bird from October 1 to 9; November 12 and 13; and December 17 and 18.

60

Lapwing Record totals in January.

Warks Very numerous during January, with at least 7000 in four fields near . Draycote and 3000 at Stratford. 2000 also noted in the Piccadilly-Whateley area during February. Fewer in autumn, but still 3000 at Coton and 2000 at Radford Semele during November.

Worcs Largest January flocks were 3000 at Grimley, 2000 at Bordesley and 1500 at Upton Warren. December concentrations of 2000 at Twyning Green, 2300 at Holt and 7000 on floodwater near Bredon.

Staffs Generally smaller flocks, with the largest being 1850 at Kings Bromley in November. Westerly passage of 809 in 1 'A hours at Stafford on December 12 following overnight snow.

WMid 1000 at Pedmore in January and February. 2500 at Hockley Heath in December.

Summated monthly maxima at all localities for the commoner wader species:

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

Lapwing 2 7 6 5 1 5 2 1 5 7 4 8 110 29 1817 3 6 4 4 3 9 8 0 3 7 8 0 3 1 0 0 1 4 9 5 8 2 1 3 1 7 Jack Snipe 16 13 14 12 — — — — — 16 4 4 38 Snipe 1 1 2 78 185 186 19 11 6 0 4 1 3 2 5 5 2 9 4 4 3 7 5 1 8 Curlew 4 13 7 0 8 2 4 6 17 3 2 177 104 3 0 126 23 14 Redshank 13 15 6 1 5 8 6 0 3 5 37 24 7 7 15 12

Knot Warks One at Coton on May 1. Worcs One at Upton Warren on June 2 was rapidly assuming summer

plumage. Autumn singles at Bittell on November 5 and Beckford on November 13.

Staffs Two winter-plumaged birds at Belvide on April 2, followed by another from June 20 to 22. In autumn singles were at Belvide from August 15 to 28, and at Rudyard on August 17. On this latter date, six summer-plumaged adults also flew across Chasewater. Another single was at Blithfield on September 24 and finally two were seen at Belvide on October 30 and November 6.

Sanderling Warks One at Draycote on May 18. In the Tame Valley, three were at Kingsbury

on May 8, one on May 13 and one from May 21 to June 2, with four at Coton on May 28.

Worcs One beside a large, shallow puddle in an arable field at Lower Moor on May 29 RM. PGG.

Staffs Early passage, with two at Belvide from April 19 to 24, then one until May 9 when a second bird again present. Singles also at Blithfield on May 2, Westport on May 9 and 30, Chasewater on May 29 and Belvide again on May 29 and 30. Recorded in autumn only at Belvide, where one from September 1 to 5, with three on September 4.

61

Little Stint Warks One at Coton from August 16 to 21, with another there or at Lea

Marston from September 14 to 17. Singles at Draycote on September 16 and from September 27 to October 13, with two on October 2. Two were also at Coton on October 2 and two arrived at Ladywalk on October 4, increasing to three from October 5 to 10.

Staffs An adult at Belvide on July 31 and August 1. One at Rudyard on August 15 and 16. First noted at Blithfield from August 27 to 30 (one), then present from September 11 (two) to October 2 (two), with numbers steadily increasing to a maximum of nine from September 17 to 22. Further singles at Belvide from September 11 to 14, on September 24 and October 1 and 2, with one also at Tittesworth on September 17.

Curlew Sandpiper Another poor showing.

Warks A juvenile at Draycote from September 27 to October 2. Worcs One at Bittell on September 8. Staffs Two were reported from Blithfield on September 3, then one present

from September 11 to 17, two from September 18 to 20, and three on September 23, One visited Belvide on October 1 and 2.

Purple Sandpiper Warks One at Draycote on August 29 RCM. Staffs One at Blithfield on November 5 ARD, EGP, JCE-D, ESC.

1982 Addendum Staffs One at Chasewater on October 22 GE.

Dunlin Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

J F M 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

A M 2 1 2

J 1 2 1

J 2 1

A 2

S 1 2

0 1 2 1

N 2

D 1 2

Alvecote Brandon Coton Draycote Kingsbury Ladywalk

• l 2 2 2 — 6

1 3 2 1 — B 14 1 5

1 1 1 4 16 7 1 3 18 1 3

1 1

2

1 5 3 2

1

1

1 — 2 2

2 —

6 6 2 - 3 14 — 1 4

2 8 3

— 3

5 7 5 —

Bittell Upton Warren — 1 1 - 7 3 5 2

2 3

1 2

2 4

2 1

— 1 3 2

1 2 4 5

2 1

1 1 — 1

Belvide Blithfield Chasewater Rudyard Tittesworth Westport

2 1 - — 6 2 29 26 13 21 — 1 1 1 — 1 1

1 — 1 1

1 4 — 1

— 1

6 2

1

4 2

2

3 1

1 1

4 7 3 6 5 3 2 4 1 5 14 12 10 25 55 60 29 26 4 i i _ 1 1 _ i ._ 3 2 2

2

Continued overleaf

62

.1 1 2

F M A 1 2 1 2 1 2

M J J A S . 0 N D 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Sandwell Valley Sutton Park

3 3 3 2 5

Seven other sites 1 1 — 2 2 2 2 3

Staffs

Worcs

On May 10 one was observed in display flight over a moorland meadow SLH.

1982 Addendum 11 on the Ham at Upton-on-Severn on January 26, following flooding.

Ruff A poor year. Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

M 1 2 1

A M J 2 1 2 1 2

J 1 2 1

A 2 1

S 2

0 1 2

Alvecote Brandon Coton/Kingsbury Draycote Ladywalk

— — 3

u 1

1 1

1

1 II

1

1

1 II

1

1

I 1

1 II

II

II

1

"M

il

"'III 1 3 3

1 1

-2 3

1. —

1 —

Bittell Upton Warren Wilden

2 — — 1 1 — — — — 2 1

4 2 1 1

- -

Belvide Blithfield Tit lesworlh

— 1 2 — — — — 1 1 2 1 3

— 1 -

1 4

1 6

2 4

— 2 1 —

Warks One at Coton on January 8 and 17, but no subsequent records until spring. In autumn, one at the same place on November 30, but not subsequently.

Jack Snipe Average: September 30 (42) to April 19(38) Generally few reports. One at Ladywalk on April 23 was a typical last date. None in autumn until October 6 at Brandon — a late arrival.

Warks Singles at Brandon on January 9 and February 11, followed by nine on April 10 and one on April 15. Singles also noted at Coton from January 15 to 30, and on February 13 and April 11. Elsewhere, singles at Ladywalk on January 27, Draycote on February 5 and Lea Marston/Nether Whitacre on March 5 and 6. Autumn records from Brandon — singles on October 6 and November 12, wi th two on October 28 — and Draycote, where one on October 29 and up to three in December.

63

Worcs Not seen at Wilden for the first time for at least ten years. Three or four noted at Upton Warren until at least March 23, but only one or two in autumn, from October 23 onwards. Up to three also present at Lower Moor until March 28. Other winter records involved two at Holt unti l February 20, two at Ashmoor Common on January 20 and singles at Abberton (January) and Urimley (January and April). More widespread in autumn, with up to four at Holt from October 9 onwards; four at Grimley and three at Stourvale in November; and a maximum of seven at Larford from November 12 to 26. Further records from Bittell (one in October, and November), Ashmoor Common (one in December) and Abberton (two in December).

Staffs Just four winter records — of singles at Beaudesert on January 22, Chasewater on February 26, Hanchurch on March 2 and Belvide on March 9. Many more in autumn. One at Blithfield from October 9, onwards, with two on November 8; one at Alrewas on October 25; singles at Belvide, Stafford and Tittesworth in November; up to seven at Tamworth in late November, with three until Christmas; one or two at Chasewater in November and December; one at Doxey on November 13, increasing to 10 by Christmas; and one at Rudyard on December 4.

WMid Present in the Sandwell Valley until early April, with a maximum of seven on March 18. One or two also seen there in November. Otherwise only singles seen — at Stubbers Green in February, Brierley Hill Pools in November and Tividale in December.

Snipe Warks Bred at Alvecote (two pairs) and probably at Ladywalk, Middleton and

Nether Whitacre, where display flights observed. Around 50 at Coton in late March and early April, a similar number at Alvecote on October 2, and 50-80 at Brandon from September onwards.

Worcs Probably only two breeding pairs at Wilden, compared to 20 a decade or so ago. Four pairs held territory at Stourvale and one at Wolverley, whi le display was noted at Abberton and Aston Mill. Largest counts were 100 at Upton Warren and 74 at Stourvale, both in November. Up to 50 at several localities.

Staffs Birds holding territory or displaying at Aqualate, Cheddleton, Denford, Doxey (11), Longsdon, the Moors (10 localities), Pasturefields, Rickerscote (early nests failed due to flooding) and Wall Grange (three). Peak concentrations of 100 at Blithfield during August, 111 at Rudyard on August 28 and 200 at Doxey on December 28.

WMid Two heard drumming in Sutton Park. Maxima of 30, at Sandwell Valley in February, and 57, at Hockley Heath in December. Within the urban area, noted at Brierley Hill Pools and Tividale (up to 17).

64

Woodcock Usual reports from many, widely scattered localities during January-March and October-December. Roding noted as follows:

Warks Purley Park and Wappenbury Wood. (Also seen at Brandon, Earlswood and Stretton-on-Fosse during the breeding season, but not explicitly noted as roding).

Worcs Atch Lench (three). Devils Spittleful (three), Old Yew Hill Wood, the Thrift and Trench Wood. (Also seen at Bordesley during the breeding season).

Staffs Cannock Chase (at least eight sites), Enville (two), Highgate Common (three), Kinver(two), Longsdon and Loynton Moss (four). A deserted nest also found in Baggeridge Wood.

WMid One in Sutton Park. (During March, November and December also noted well within the built-up area — at Saltwells Wood, Great Barr, Highbury Park, Brierley Hill Pools and Erdington).

Black-tailed Godwit Warks Five at Kingsbury on July 2, followed by two moving between there and

Coton on August 2. Worcs Singles at Upton Warren in spring on March 13, and from May 7 to 11 —

the latter in fine summer plumage. Two also flew west over Dunhampstead on May 1. In autumn five flew north over Upton Warren on July 31, another summer-plumaged adult visited Bittell on August 14 and finally one stayed at Upton Warren from August 28 to 30.

Staffs Summer-plumaged birds at Belvide on April 9 and from May 5 to 6 were the only spring records. In autumn, one at Tittesworth on July 13, five at Blithfield on July 15, two in summer plumage at Tittesworth again on July 30, five at Stanley Pool on August 1 which left to north-west, and finally another summer-plumaged bird at Blithfield on August 17.

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks Reports of two from Coton, Kingsbury and Ladywalk on May 2 and 3

presumably involved some overlap, although two individuals were said to be in winter plumage, one in summer and two in transitional. Another returned to the same area on September 20, where it remained with the Curlew flock until October 16. Elsewhere, singles at Draycote on October 27 and Brandon on November 3.

Worcs One at Bittell on December 3 was most surprisingly still in summer plumage.

Staffs Singles at Belvide on March 12 and 20 to 24, wi th another reported on April 5. Four at Blithfield on May 1. In autumn, recorded only at Blithfield, where three on August 17, eight flying north on September 11, one on November 5 and two on November 20.

65

Whimbrel Small numbers in the Tame Valley between April 16 and May 2, with a maximum of four flying north-east on April 24. Two f lew over Draycote on May 5. The only autumn records were again from the Tame Valley, where one f lew south on August 10 and eight south on August 24. Spring records from Upton Warren, where noted from April 21 to May 5, with a maximum of five in the Curlew roost on the first date. Five also roosted at Grimley on April 29 and one flew over Wilden on May 4. Return passage noted only at Upton Warren, where one on the early date of June 22, followed by singles on July 24 and 26, August 5, 8 and 17, and finally two on September 4. One heard calling overhead at Blithfield on March 27 DE, JCE-Dwas the earliest ever in the Region. More typically, two appeared at Belvide on April 16 followed by singles flying over on April 21 and 23. One was also at Chasewater on April 22. Two were then seen at Belvide on most days between April 29 and May 7, another two appeared on May 22 and finally one f lew north-east on May 25. Returning birds were noted at Blithfield on July 6 and 17, Tittesworth on July 13 (two), 15 and 21, Belvide on July 15 and 23, Tittesworth again on August 1, 2 and 17, and finally Blithfield, where two on August 30.

Curlew Warks Noted in the breeding season at Crimscote, Hovye Green, Maxstoke and

Wootton Wawen. A flock of 21 reported from Draycote on August 19. Otherwise numbers very small outside the Tame Valley, where 18 at Ladywalk on March 22 and 24 and up to 19 present in the Coton area from late July to early November.

Worcs Breeding season records from Arley, Crowle, Goosehill Wood, Shernal Green and Trench Wood. In late April up to 10 roosted at Grimley, while nine flew north at Upper Arley on July 19. Otherwise numbers, were very small.

Staffs Again some impressive late-spring concentrations, with 200 at Tittesworth on March 6 and 183 there on March 26. The Longsdon roost began to form in early March, with a peak of 333 on March 6. Numbers remained high throughout the month, with 291 still present on 27, but then declined sharply in early April. Breeding widely reported from the Moors. Also noted in the breeding season at Denford, Garmelow, Sutton, Wheaton Aston and Yoxall. Maximum at Whittington SF was 75 on October 16.

WMid Recorded twice during the breeding season in Sutton Park.

Spotted Redshank Warks Spring records from Chesterton, where one flew north calling on April

16, and the Tame Valley, where one frequented Coton, Ladywalk and Nether Whitacre from April 23 to 25. Two reported on the unusual date of June 18 — an adult male at Brandon and a summer-plumaged female

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

66

at Ladywalk. Autumn records again mostly from the Tame Valley, with one at Kingsbury on August 6 and 7, an adult at Coton for the next two days, two more which arrived at Coton from the south on August 10, (these were presumably the same birds that were seen flying through Kingsbury), singles at Lea Marston on August 13 and Kingsbury next day, another at Kingsbury on August 30 and finally one at Coton on September 3. One also seen at Alvecote on September 4 and 8.

Worcs None in spring. Noted in autumn at Upton Warren, where two on August 5, one on August 26 and 27 and a late bird on November 4, and at Bittell, where one on September 2,

Staffs Another bird in summer plumage appeared at Belvide on the unusual date of June 17. Only one autumn record — a single at Belvide from August 30 to September 3.

Redshank Warks Bred at Brandon, Coton, Kingsbury and Whitacre Heath (four pairs).

Present throughout the year at Brandon (except December) and in the Tame Valley, with maxima of five (March and July) and eight (March) respectively. Smaller numbers at many localities.

Worcs No breeding records received. A pair present at Wilden until June 5, but no evidence of breeding. Present at Upton Warren from March 5 to June 26, with a maximum of five on June 25. Elsewhere only singles recorded, but one on flood water at Bredon on December 23 was noteworthy.

Staffs Two pairs bred successfully at Belvide and recorded in the breeding season at Pasturefields. Over-wintered at Belvide for the first time, where an impressive spring passage peaked at 26 on April 11 and 12. Severe gales brought an influx of 11 to Westport on May 2. Up to six at several localities.

WMid Recorded in Sutton Park during March, at Pelsall on July 4, Tividale on August 12 and Sandwell Valley from October 31 to November 3.

Greenshank Half-monthly maxima at all sites.

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

Alvecote — 3 1 1 2 1 Brandon 2 2 5 5 2 — — —

Coton — — 2 — — — — — 5 5 — 1 1 1 Draycote — 1 — — — — 1 — 2 4 — 1 — — Earlswood 1 1 — Kingsbury — 1 — 1 — — 1 2 3 3 2 1 — — Ladywalk — 1 — — — 2 — — 2 — 1 3 1 —

Bittell 1 4 3 _ _ Grimley — 3 1 Holt 4 Upton Warren — — 1 — — 1 3 — 1 1 1 — — —

67

A M J J 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

A 2 1

s 2 1

0 2

Belvide Blithfield Brindley Ford Rudyard Tittesworth Westport 1

1 1

1 1

1

1 1

1 1

1 1

1 1

1 1

1 1

1 1

II

1 1

1 —

1

1 -»

u

1 1

IS9 —

10 3 C 2 1 1

5 5

11

II

uu

1 1

1 1

ro 1

Sandweil Valley — 1 — — — — — —

Three other sites _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - 3 - 1

Warks At least 20 different birds said to have passed through Coton during August.

Staffs Two reported at Belvide on December 14 KA.

Green Sandpiper Monthly maxima at all sites:

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

Alvecote — — — — i 2 1 — — — Brandon — 1 — 2 — b H S I i I I Coton 2 — — — — — — — 6 3 — — Draycote — — — — — — 1 1 i — — _ Kingsbury 3 1 5 1 — 1 7 2 0 4 3 2 1 Ladywalk — — — 1 — 3 4 2 6 1 — — Nether Whitacre — — — — — — — 5 — — — — Shustoke — 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 —

Bittell — 1 — — — — 1 2 2 — 1 2 Grimley 2 — — 2 — — — 2 — — 1 — Holt _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 3 1 — — 1 Upton Warren 1 — 3 2 — 6 1 6 2 0 7 — — —

Belvide 1 — — 1 1 2 3 3 2 — — 2 Blithfield _ _ _ _ _ 1 2 3 1 — 1 — Croxall _ _ _ ] _ 1 — — — — — — Hanbury — — — — — — — — — — — 2 Prestonvale - 1 l 2 1 i _ _ _ _ Rudyard _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 1 1 — — Tittesworth _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 2 — — — —

Minwnrrh — — — — — 2 — — — — — — Sandweil Valley i _ _ _ _ _ _ i _ _ i i Sutton Park — 1 1 1 — _ _ ! _ _ _ _

12 other sites 2 — — 2 — 1 — 2 4 1 — 3

Wood Sandpiper A small influx around August 10.

Warks The wintering bird from 1982 remained in the Tame Valley until May 3. From January-March it was mainly to be found at Coton, but during April it fed mainly at Whitacre Heath and roosted at Ladywalk. In autumn singles visited Coton from August 13 to 18, with a second bird

68

for two days from August 17, Brandon from August 25 to September 10, and Coton again from September 3 to 11. Singles at Upton Warren from July 17 to 25, Bittell from August 10 to 12, and Upton Warren again from September 1 to 17. Surprisingly only two records — from Chasewater on July 30 and Doxey on August 10. A juvenile at Tividale from August 10 to 18.

Common Sandpiper Average: April 7(47) to October 19(43) One at Chasewater from 1982 until at least February 21. Apparently it later died on the end of a fishing line. Two at Earlswood on March 15, and one at Bittell on April 7 preceded the main passage, which began in mid-April. Bred at Denford and Tittesworth. Last noted at Belvide on October 2 and Wilden on October 5, apart from late individuals at Brandon on November 13 (two) and Belvide on December 1. At Blithfield two were still present well into November and one remained until the end of the year. Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

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

Alvecole 1 2 _ 2 1 2 2 Brandon — 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 3 3 2 1 — —

Draycote 1 8 3 — 2 — 3 4 3 6 4 — — — Kingsbury 1 4 16 — 1 — — Ladywalk — 1 2 1 1 — — —

Beckford 1 1 _ 1 1 2 1 • Bittell 1 5 1 — — 2 1 6 3 6 2 1 — —

Upton Warren — 7 3 1 — 1 4 6 8 5 — — — —

Wilden — 1 — — — — — 4 2 — — 1 —

Belvide 2 11 3 1 2 7 8 12 6 4 1 1 Blithfield — 6 4 1 — 3 12 15 10 6 5 2 2 2 Chasewaler — 1 — — — — 3 — 4 2 — — —

Rudyard 1 1 2 1 — — — 1 1 2 — — — —

Tiltesworth — 4 7 2 — 3 2 0 17 8 3 — — — —

Westport 1 4 1 1 — — — 1 — 1 — — — —

Bartley 3 Edgbaston Res. — — — — — — 4 — — — — — — — Sandwell Valley 1 13 3 - — — S a 1 1 2 1 — —

Sutton Park — 4 1 Tividale i 5 2 1 — — —

16 other sites - 8 2 - - - 1 6 2 4 - 1 - -

Turnstone Warks Spring records of two at Draycote on April 27 and one at Coton on April

30 and May 1. Return passage at the same localities, with one at Draycote on July 26 and two at Coton on August 21.

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

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Staffs One at Blithfield and two at Belvide on May 2. with one of the latter still present the next day. Return passage began with singles at Tittesworth on July 19 and Belvide on July 22. The latter bird was then joined by another next day and one of these — or a fresh arrival — was noted on July 31 and August 1. A party of six, accompanied by a Greenshank, left Tittesworth to the north-west on August 24, and one was noted again at Belvide on September 3.

WMid One at Sandwell Valley on May 1.

Grey Phalarope Warks An immature at Coton on October 29 and 30 JAA, JEFetal. Staffs A winter-plumaged adult at Blithfield on October 16 PDH, AC, MRGr,

MJI.

Mediterranean Gull Warks At Draycote a first-winter bird was present on January 15 ARD, PDH

and 23 GJM and an adult on November 19 ARD and December 17 REH and 18 ARD, GIG, PDH.

Staffs A first-winter bird was recorded at Blithfield on several occasions from October 9 PDH, MJI to November 20 MJI

Little Gull Judging from lack of descriptions, most observers are unaware that this is a Category A species. All records have been included this year, but in future brief notes wil l be required. An unremarkable spring passage, but at least 34 birds arrived between August 6 and September 5.

Warks Many records from Draycote started with a second-winter bird on January 8 PDH and an exhausted adult on February 1 RCM. The only spring bird was an adult on April 25 RCM. Autumn passage started wi th a juvenile on August 13 ARD and 17 to 19 RCM, then three occurred on September 3 PDH, with two remaining until September 13 RCM, and one on September 17 ARD. A first-winter bird was present from October 17 to 21 PDH, three on October 23 RCM, an adult from October 25 to 28, on which date it was joined by two immatures RCM, and finally a first-winter bird on November 26 ARD, PDH. At Coton immatures were present on April 27 and August 20 to 22 JAA. At nearby Kingsbury there was an adult on August 7 PDHanda juvenile on August 18 TEG. A first-year bird was at Seeswood Pool on May 27 MSW.

Worcs A first-winter bird was at Bittell on March 21 GJM and a juvenile at Upton Warren from August 10 to 24, during which time it also visited Westwood on August 17 several observers.

Staffs The only spring records were two first-winter birds at Chasewater on April 14 GE, an adult at Belvide on May 1 several observers and a first-summer bird at Blithfield on May 2 ESC, ARD and 3 JCE-D. A strong autumn passage started on August 6 and 7 with two juveniles at Belvide

70

WMid

Worcs

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

REH, one of which remained until August 13 DS. Five juveniles were at Blithtield on August / several observers, nine on August 29, four on August 30, 10 on September 3 JPM and 4, seven on September 6 and 7 MRGr decreasing to four until September 11, two until September 25 MJEand finally one on September 26. A first-winter bird roosted at Belvide on November 12 DS and at Blithfield on November 13 several observers. A juvenile was present at Chasewater on August 16 and 17 GE and September 4 and 5 several observers. At Westport two juveniles were present on August 16 PGB, and at Rudyard there were up to four juveniles from September 5 lo 7 PGB, AWPH. A first-summer bird was at Elford on June 25 ARMB. A juvenile was at Brookvale Park from August 10 to 13 TEG.

1982 Addendum

An immature at Upton Warren on January 4 00.

Sabine's Gull

An immature bird at Blithfield on September 25 ARD, JCE-D, ESC et al. was the sixth regional and third county record, following last year's bird at Belvide. Has now occurred for three consecutive years.

Black-headed Gull At Draycote, the gull roost was estimated at 46000 on January 27 and 25000 on December 20. In both cases, most were Black-headed. Shustoke's irregular roost held 11000 birds on January 20 and 12000 on December 13.1500 on August 31 was the highest count at Alvecote. One pair probably nested unsuccessfully at Coton. Up to 500 were recorded at several localities during the winter. The highest counts were 1250 at Westwood on January 6 and 1500 at Bittell on February 26, when a completely white bird was present. An abnormal, pink bird fed at Stourport tip on February 19 BW and at Westport (Staffs) on March 23 WJL.

71

Staffs The Tame Valley colony had up to 50 nests and breeding was also proved at Aqualate for the first time per FCG Over 12000 roosted at Belvide and 5000 at Aqualate on January 23, around 12000 roosted at Chasewater from December 10 to 31 and 3500 f lew over Westport on February 11 to roost in Cheshire. 1200 were seen on farmland at Whitmore on March 5. No count of the Blithfield roost was received, but an all white bird with black primaries was present on February 20 MJI.

1982 Addendum Worcs 3000 were present on flood water at the Ham, Upton-on-Severn, on

January 25.

Ring-billed Gull 1981 Addendum

Staffs A second-winter bird at Stoke-on-Trent on November 16 WJL was the first ever in the Region. Accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee, but again it is a pity the observer has not provided details for inclusion in this Report.

Common Gull Warks 4000 roosted at Draycote on March 19 and December 24. Up to 15

reported from several localities during the winter and spring. Worcs Single birds were reported from several localities, but the only flocks

were of over 30 at Aston Mill on September 25 and 143 at Bredon Hill on April 4.

Staffs At Westport 41 were reported in February and 32 in December. The only other records of over 10 birds were 12 at Chasewater on January 22 and 11 at Belvide on December 31.

WMid 15 were present at Wyken Slough on November 14.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks 500 at Shustoke on November 1 5 and December 13. 235 at Ladywalk on

November 26. Worcs Up to 150 at Bittell during January and 240 at Hill and Moor tip, near

Fladbury, on January 19. Staffs The Chasewater roost held 1500 birds on January 20 and December 10.

Over 1000 were present at the nearby Poplars tip, Cannock, on February 5 and 850 on August 6. Maxima at other sites were 1400 at Blithfield on December 3, 447 at Westport on February 9, 290 at Belvide and 330 at Aqualate on January 23 and 106 at Tittesworth on January 30.

Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian race were at Chasewater on January 23 and Westport on October 5.

72

Herring Gull Warks 1560 roosted at Draycote on January 22 and 100 at Shustoke on

December 13. 90 were noted at Ladywalk on November 26 and 50 at Kingsbury on January 15.

Worcs Up to 220 at Bittell and 200 at Stourport tip during January. Staffs The Chasewater roost numbered at least 1500 on January 19 and

December 10, and usually outnumbered the Lesser Black-backed Gulls from late November. Many showed characteristics of the northern race La. argentatus, whilst an adult yellow-legged bird from December 11 to 30 showed all the features of L a. michahellis ARMB, GE. Two individually identifiable aberrant/albinistic birds were also recorded: the one on January 23 had first been recorded in February 1981, while the white Herring or Lesser Black-backed first seen in December 1980 was again present in December. The vast majority of Chasewater's birds fed at Cannock tip, where over 1500 were recorded on January 11 and December 11. 1000 roosted at Blithfield in January and up to 100 at Belvide and 20 at Aqualate on January 23, 106 at Tittesworth on January 30 and 348 at Westport in December.

Iceland Gull Warks Adult birds roosted at Draycote on March 5 ARDand December 10 RCM. Staffs Cannock tip and the Chasewater roost continue to provide fine

opportunities to study this species. The first-winter bird seen at Chasewater on December 27, 1982 was frequently reported until February 3 at Chasewater GE and February 6 at the tip RAH, EGP, and could have been the bird roosting at Blithfield on January 9 ARD. The second-winter bird reported at Chasewater at the end of 1982 was again present on many occasions between February 2 and 20 and was at the tip on February 5 RAH and 19 several observers. These two birds roosted together on February 2 and 3 GE. A pale first-winter bird was at the tip on January 9 PDH and 15 EGP. A first-winter bird was at Blithfield on March 6 ARD and a first-summer bird at Chasewater again between March 17 and 21 GE. In autumn, a first-winter bird was at Cannock tip and Chasewater from December 22 to 28 several observers.

WMid A bird, probably second-winter, roosted at Bartley on December 26 and 27 MJI, GJM.

Glaucous Gull. From January to March the Region held about 15 birds, of which six were first-winter and only three were adults. From November to the end of the year there were about ten birds; five first-winter, three second-winter, one third-winter and an adult.

Warks A first-winter bird was in the Kingsbury area from January 16 to February 5 several observers and at Packington tip on February 6 JAA. A

73

different first-winter bird flew over Ladywalk on January 30 BLK. At Draycote an adult roosted on January 2 RCM and a first-winter bird on January 23 GJM and 29 ARD, PDH, JHWR. On November 15 a first-winter bird was present RCM, with another on December 11 ARD, GIG, RCM.

Staffs In winter, an adult fed at Cannock tip on January 2 and another was seen both at the tip and at Chasewater between January 1 and 16. A first-winter bird was at both sites between January 6 and February 5, followed by a first-summer bird between February 13 and 19, a second-winter bird on February 5 and 6 and a third-winter bird from January 6 to 16. A second-winter bird on January 2 and another on February 21 to 23 were seen only at the Chasewater roost GE, EGP et al. In autumn, a second-winter bird was seen at Chasewater on November 19 and 26 SJ and at the tip on November 20 GE. A first-winter bird was then at the tip on November 26 EGP and another was seen at both sites from December 10 to 30 several observers, as was a second-winter bird from December 4 to 24 several observers. Finally a third-winter bird was at Chasewater on December 1 GE. The maximum at each site was three at the tip on January 9 GJM and two at Chasewater on February 5 and December 12 EGP. At Blithfield a second-winter bird was present on January 16 ARD and a first-winter bird on January 22 GJM— the latter probably one feeding at Cannock tip. Another first-winter bird was then present on March 20 ARD. A third-winter bird was at Westport on January 24 MRGr, JPM and a second-winter bird at Belvide on December 24 JKH.

WMid A first-winter bird on a school playing-field at Oldbury on January 31 GMB. Ah adult at Bartley on November 26 CBL and a first-winter bird on November 30 JHS and December 3 GJM.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks Maxima reported were 60 at Kingsbury on January 22; 47 at Draycote

on January 15; 14 at Shustoke on December 13; 12 at Ladywalk on November 26 and six at Judkins Quarry on January 4.

Worcs The only record was one of two birds at Stourport tip on January 15. Staffs 135 roosted at Blithfield on January 19. At least 75 were present at the

Chasewater roost on January 23 and up to 100 at Cannock tip on February 6, but by early March only the odd bird remained. Other maxima were 13 at Belvide on December 27; four at Westport on December 25 and two at Doxey on December 18.

WMid Three at Edgbaston Reservoir in late December.

Kitt iwake Less than half the records for this species were supported by descriptions. Most observers appear unaware that it is a Category A species. All records have been included this year, but in future brief notes wil l be required.

74

Probably the same oiled adult was seen at Draycote. Upton Warren and Bartley in late December, when there was an influx of about eight birds to the Region.

Warks Up to 12 individuals were noted at Draycote; a first-winter bird on January 9 RCM, an adult on January 23 GJM, adults on March 19 ARD and 22 RCM, two immatures on August 7 RCM, one immature on September 13 RCM, an adult on October 17 RCM, a first-winter on October 18 RCM, an adult on December 17 RCM, an oiled adult on December 24 MJI, GJM and a first-winter bird on December 26 RCM. Adult birds were also seen at Seeswood Pool on March 4 MSWand Kingsbury on April 17 EGP.

Worcs An oiled adult was at Upton Warren on December 26 RRH and two adults at Wilden on December 27 BW.

Staffs Adult birds were noted at Blithfield on February 1 JCE-D, March 6 ARD, March 20 ARD. May 21 ARD, May 30 ESC, October 22 MJE and December 18 PAF. At Belvide adults occurred from January 16 to 27 several observers, April 5 JKH, JJH, EGP and a sub-adult on April 9 and 10 RCB. At Chasewater a dead adult was found on February 13 GE, an adult on March 12 ARMB, another on April 2 PDH and a probable second-winter bird on December 27 JJH, EGP. Adults were also present at Gailey on December 27 EGP, Tittesworth on February 5 PGB and Trentham on February 6, when a first-winter bird was also present GEt. At Westport the remains of a first-winter bird were found on February 2 JPM and an immature was present on March 20 PAW.

WMid An adult in the Sandwell Valley from June 17 to 28 per STCI/Vand an oiled adult at Bartley on December 26 and 27 GJM, MJI. INR.

1979 Addendum WMid An immature bird in the Sandwell Valley on October 3 PAF, PMH.

Sandwich Tern Warks Two at Draycote on June 8 RCM and two at Kingsbury on July 24 JEF,

TEG, EGP. One at Ladywalk on September 16 BLK. Worcs One at Bittell on June 1 KGC, MJI, GJM and two on September 4 GJM.

Two also at Upton Warren on September 4 RRH. Staffs Singles at Belvide on September 11 DB and October 1 JKH, and again at

Blithfield on September 17 several observers. Two flew west at Chasewater on October 5 GE.

Roseate Tern Staffs One at Belvide on June 4 JJH was the fifteenth regional record. Six of

the nine county records have now come from this locality in May and June

75

Common Tern First noted at Kingsbury on April 23 and last seen at Belvide on October 28.

Warks At least 37 young were raised at Kingsbury in spite of increasing disturbance. There were about 50 birds in the Kingsbury and Coton area during early May and over 60 on August 10. Two adults were seen feeding two young at Alvecote on August 5. The largest party at Draycote was 17 on June 1. Small numbers were recorded at Seeswood and several localities in the Tame Valley.

Worcs Very small numbers were recorded on passage at Bittell, Upton Warren, Westwood and Wilden.

Staffs Probably bred near Croxall. Passage birds were noted at Belvide, Blithfield (maximum 24 on May 30), Chasewater (maximum 14 on May 16), Coombes Valley, Rudyard, Tittesworth and Westport.

WMid Singles were recorded at Brierley Hill Pools, the National Exhibition Centre, Sandwell Valley and Tividale. Three were at Powell's Pool, Sutton Park on May 2

Arctic Tern By far the Region's largest recorded passage occurred on May 2, when most waters held many birds and others flew straight through to the north. 83 were noted on May 1 and at least 1350 the following day, but only 24 on May 3.

Warks At Draycote 45 appeared after heavy rain on April 22 and 60 f lew north on May 1, whilst 50 on May 2 were part of the main passage. Many birds were funnelled through the Tame Valley, with at least 270 passing through Kingsbury on May 2 and 75 leaving Coton to the east early in the morning.

Worcs Only 10 birds were recorded on spring passage and seven during the autumn. Nine were at Bittell on May 2.

Staffs A huge passage occurred at Chasewater on May 2, with 520 the largest number present at one time, although many passed straight through JEF, EGP. On the same day Blithfield held at least 170, Westport 1 27, Gailey 18 and Belvide 79, with 22 the next day. A smaller influx occurred on May 8, when there were 35 at Blithfield and 16 at Belvide. Autumn passage was slight, although 10 were at Blithfield on September 11 and five at Rudyard on September 5.

WMid Nine at Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on May 2. Singles were also recorded at Brookvale Park on September 7 and the Sandwell Valley on September 3 and October 17.

Half-monthly summated totals of Common, Arctic and Black Terns at all localities:

A 1 2 1

M 2 1

J 2

J 1 2 1

A 2 1

S 2 1

0 2

Common — 5 I B 61 38 23 9 16 29 21 45 9 8 2 Arctic — 6 5 1 4 9 2 5 — — — 7 5 24 4 5 2 Black — 16 8 5 5 5 1 8 5 4 3 37 23 5 5

Note: AM Tame Valley Common Terns have been excluded.

76

Warks

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Warks

Staffs

Staffs

Worcs

Little Tern One at Draycote on May 10 and two on June 1 RCM. One at Seeswood on July 12 MSW. Singles at Chasewater on May 9 GE and Belvide on May 15 ADB, followed by two at Blithfield on June 2 PDH. Autumn records only from Belvide, where four on August 19 JJH and two on September 24 FCG.

Black Tern One at Blithfield on April 1 6 was the start nf a very poor spring passage, A mediocre autumn passage ended on October 23 with one at Blithfield. 11 at Draycote on September 5 and seven at Kingsbury on August 21 were the largest parties at these sites. Also recorded at Seeswood, with one on April 25. Singles noted at Bittell and Upton Warren. Three at Westwood from September 4 to 11. The largest parties noted were 19 at Blithfield on August 1 9 and 1 2 at Belvide on August 21. Birds were also recorded at Black Lake, Chasewater, Doxey, Gailey, Rudyard, Stanley Pool and Westport. An immature bird at Belvide from September 11 to 17 showed characteristics of both Black and White-winged Black Terns and could possibly have been a hybrid DI/VE etal. Singles at Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on May 2 and in the Sandwell Valley on June 24.

White-winged Black Tern Juvenile birds at Kingsbury on August 21 DJM, EGP, EGr and at Draycote on September 24 ARD were the seventh and eighth records for the county and the eighteenth and nineteenth for the Region.

Little Auk One at Chasewater on February 12 ARMB, IDB, RCB. Very strong north-easterly winds associated with a low pressure system over the northern North Sea produced the largest seabird kill ever recorded in Britain.Thousands of auks sp. were found dead on the east coast, including hundreds of Little Auks. Several were found inland, including this individual; only the third county record since 1917, the last being in 1974.

Puffin The incredible record of an adult bird walking up a garden path at Bignall End on June 12 ended sadly, when it died two days later DMa. The fourth county record, the last being in 1967.

Feral Pigeon Only one record received. About 250 associating wi th Stock Doves at Thicknall on December 22.

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Stock Dove Several pairs reported breeding in nest boxes.

Warks 100 at Draycote on March 4, 45 at Guys Cliffe on January 20, 40 at Newnham Paddox on February 6,45 at Hartshill on February 18 and 30 at Grendon on December 3.

Worcs 40 near Beckford on February 13,32 at Holt on February 20,70 at Upton Warren on April 2, 300 at Hipton Hill on April 4, 150 at Thicknall on October 1, 30 at Grimley on December 15 and 100 at Ripple on December 23.

Staffs 25 at Tittensor on January 2, 90 at Blithfield on January 4, 41 at Hanchurch Pools on February 3, 21 at Gratwich on February 26, 86 at Swallow Moss on March 5 and 196 at Aston on December 31.

WMid Probably bred near Stourbridge town centre and at Pedmore. 38 ?• Minworth SF on December 24.

Woodpigeon The largest flocks reported were:

Warks 500 at Grove Park on January 16, over 5000 at Ettington on November 20, 2000 near Harbury on November 26 and 850 at Newnham Paddox on December 30. Up to 600 roosted at Brandon from January to March and in December.

Worcs 1200 at the Lickeys on January 9, at least 600 near Baughton on February 27, over 500 at Eckington on December 10 and 800 at Kemerton on December 28.

Staffs 1000 at Gnosajl on January 1, 500 roosting at Copmere on January 9, about 1000 around Hoar Cross on February 14 and over 1000 at Rangemore on December 27.

Warks Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Cojlared Dove Few records received and no change of status reported. The largest parties were: 30 at Kingsbury on January 2. 60 near Beckford on March 31, over 200 feeding from a grain store at Guarlford during August and 65 at Abberton on September 15. 70 at High Offley on February 5, over 300 on overhead wires at Hatherton on November 2 and up to 100 around the Bass Brewery, Burton-upon-Trent. 20 at Belvide on November 4 was the most ever recorded there. At Westlands an albinistic bird was noted on June 9. About 60 at Wall Heath on January 28.

Warks

Turtle Dove Average: April 25 (48) to September 24 (48) First noted at Kingsbury on April 26, but few arrived before May. Most departed in late August, wi th the last on September 19 at Wilden. Nine at Brandon on September 4.

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Worcs Reported to be thinly distributed in the north of the county, although there were about eight pairs at Shenstone. 16 at Aston Mil l on May 21.

Staffs Reported to be scarce in the south of the county.

Ring-necked Parakeet Worcs A parakeet, probably of this species, was seen at Upton Warren on April

28 PGG. WMid An adult male was seen in the Finchfield area from August 17 to at least

September 17 GP. One in Coventry on October 20 MSW.

Cuckoo Average: April 11 (47) to September 5 (46) The first of the year was at Alvecote on April 16, with the main arrival beginning a week later. A few juveniles stayed till late August, the last being at Chasewater on September 3. Reports suggest a slightly better year than 1982.

Warks Nine at Draycote on May 7.

Worcs A hepatic female reported from Upton Warren on April 24 INR.

Barn Owl Only one definite breeding record received, the majority of reports referring to birds seen in the winter months.

Warks Only reported from Alcester Heath, Draycote and No Mans Heath (found dead in May).

Worcs Records from Hanley Castle, Harvington, Malvern, Newland, Stanford Bridge, Stourport, West Hagley and Wilden.

Staffs Reported from Alrewas Hayes, Aqualate, Barton-under-Needwood, Enville, Goldenhill, Greensforge, Norbury, Pendeford, Perton, Shugborough and Whittington SF.

WMid No records received. Little O w l

Warks Reported from 21 localities, nearly all were in the northern half of the county.

Worcs Appears to be very well distributed throughout the county, with records received from 45 localities.

Staffs Reported from 42 evenly distributed localities. WMid Only reported from Bartley, Grove End, Park Lime Pits and Penn.

Tawny Owl Warks Only reported from nine sites. Worcs Recorded from 24 localities. Bred in a nest-box on the Fred Dale

Reserve, raising three young. Staffs Reported from 33 localities, mainly in the central and southern areas. WMid Only reported from Hawkesley and Northfield.

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Long-eared Owl Warks At one site two were present until January 8 and one from December 10

to the end of the year. Another site held one from January 1 to March 13, and a third site held one on January 3.

Worcs One at Upton Warren from at least May 4 to 8 REH, RRH, CBL, and another at Bittell on December 22 GJM.

Staffs Bred at Coombes Valley per FCG, on the Moors and on Cannock Chase. Two roosted at one site from mid-December to the end of the year, up to three near Tamworth from February 7 to March 22 and one at Chasewater on April 14 per GE.

WMid Two birds were seen at a roost on November 12 and 1 3, with one still present three days later per SKW. Only one bird was seen at last year's roost site in the Solihull area per DD.

Short-eared Owl An influx was noted in April, when at least 15 birds were present in the Region.

Warks At Brandon singles were noted in April, May, September, October and November. Up to two were present at Draycote from January 23 to February 12, followed by singles from April 19 to 28, and on May 18 and 19, October 28 and November 27 and 28. The Tame Valley, between Middleton and Ladywalk, produced many records from January 2 to May 30, and again from October 29 to the end of the year. Maxima were three at Kingsbury during February and at Coton on December 31.

Worcs One at Eckington between April 8 and 26. Staffs Noted at three sites on the Moors. At Doxey singles were reported on

April 24 and May 2, and from October 13 to November 27. Singles at Amington on January 22, near Stoke-on-Trent on October 22 and at Chasewater on January 8 and March 26 and 27. Birds were also reported from Belvide between April 25 to 29, Branston from April 15 to 18, Tamworth from April 30 to May 5, Berry Hill on April 23 and Park Hall (two) on April 28.

WMid Singles in the Sandwell Valley from April 24 to 29, and at Tividale on December 19. An injured bird was found at Compton on January 1.

1982 Addendum Staffs One at Bridgtown on November 15.

Nightjar Average: May 15 (43) to August 21 (33) Punctual arrival, with one on Cannock Chase on May 1 5. No information on departure.

Staffs Churring birds were recorded at about 12 sites on Cannock Chase and two were heard at Kinver.

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Swift Average: April 23 (49) to September 24 (49) A strong influx began punctually on April 22, with birds at Belvide, Brierley Hill, Doxey, Sutton and Wilden. By early May birds were widespread. A strong passage in late August and early September ended with the last on September 25, at Blithfield and Minworth.

Warks Over 200 at Draycote on May 10 and at Kingsbury on May 15 were the largest concentrations.

Staffs About 2000 at Blithfield on May 10,1000 at Belvide on May 22 and over 300 at Chasfiwatfir nn May 28.

WMid 200 at Oldbury SF in May.

Kingfisher Many more records than in 1982, indicating a recovery from the effects of the severe winter. Noted at 16 sites, with breeding season records from Brandon, Fillongley, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Middleton, Offchurch and Welford. Reported from 26 localities. Breeding season records came from near Arley, and at Bittell, Dowles Brook, Grimley (two pairs), Harvington, Lower Moor, Stourvale, Upton-on-Severn, Upton Warren, Whitsun Brook, Wilden and along the Severn, where there were four pairs between Stourport and Bewdley. Noted at 32 sites, wi th breeding season records from Belvide, Blithfield, Copmere, Fegg Hayes, Gothersley, Great Haywood, Hoo Mill, Knypersley, the River Sow and Rudyard (two broods raised). Recorded at Aldersley, Elmdon, Minworth and in the breeding season at Park Lime Pits, Walsall.

Hoopoe Fewer in the past five years than usual.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 10 15 6 10 7

Warks One, first reported at Cherington on November 23, was also seen at Idlicote, Honington and Darlingscott until the end of the year per GRH.

WMid One found in a garden at Heronfield on May 7 JRW.

Wryneck A sharp decline during the last five years.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 5 5 8 12 4

Staffs One frequented an overgrown colliery spoil heap at Fegg Hayes from August 30 to September 1 PGB, AS.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

81

Green Woodpecker Warks Recorded from only 16 sites, mainly in the north. Worcs Noted at 32 well distributed localities. Staffs Recorded at 48 sites throughout the county, with a particular

concentration on Cannock Chase where it was seen at 20 sites. WMid Noted at Aldridge, Park Lime Pits, Sutton Park, Hampton-in-Arden and

the Sandwell Valley.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Warks Only recorded at 12 sites, mainly in the north. Worcs Well distributed and recorded at 35 localities. Staffs Recorded at 65 localities, 28 of these being on Cannock Chase, where

individuals were noted feeding on old conifer stumps. WMid Noted at 13 sites, with a small concentration in Sutton Park.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Breeding season records from only 40 localities compared with nearly 60 at the height of Dutch elm disease.

Warks Noted at only seven sites, all in the northern half of the county. Breeding season records were from Alvecote, Earlswood, Upper Coal Spinney and Warwick.

Worcs Recorded at 27 localities, with breeding season records at 19 of them. Said to be rather scarcer than last year in the north of the county.

Staffs . Noted at 21 sites throughout the county, with 13 of the records in the breeding season.

WMid Nine records, with breeding season reports from Edgbaston Park, Hampton-in-Arden, Limbrick Wood and Wightwick.

Skylark Warks Numbers still 66% down at Willey CBC plot with three pairs. Twelve

pairs bred at Alvecote and a flock of 200 was found at Freasley on December 2.

Worcs Late autumn flocks of 75 at Bredon Hill on November 3, 400 at Hipton Hill on December 4, 70 at Upper Mitton and 75 at Stourport on December 11, 50 at Holt on December 26 and 200 in stubble near to Wolverl.ey on December 30.

Staffs Late autumn flocks of over 50 at Blithfield on November 4 ,100 at Hales on December 12 and 75 at Aston on December 31.

WMid The only flocks reported were of 35 at Pedmore on December 13 and 30 at Park Lime Pits from December 4 to end of year.

Sand Mart in Average: March 23 (48) to October 9 (48) An initial influx on March 20, when birds were seen at Belvide, Blithfield, Coton, Kingsbury and Packington, but not widely reported until early April. Widespread until mid-September and last noted on October 11 at Belvide.

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Warks 114 on wires near Middleton Hall on April 17,1 50 at Brandon on July 6 and 150 at Kingsbury on August 24. Two pairs brerl in drainage holes in a concrete retaining bank of the canal at Hartshill.

Worcs Holt Gravel Pit was deserted this year, but 40 holes were used at a new colony at Beckford and 30 in a sand pit at Upper Mitton, while 10 pairs bred on the Avon at Pershore. The only concentration of passage birds reported was a flock of 100 at Wilden on August 21.

Staffs Over 80 nest holes were used at Branston Pit, 15 in a sand pit at Fisherwick and breeding was reported from Kings Bromley. Passage concpntratinns of 70 at Belvide on April 17, 200 at Blithfield on May 1 and 250 at Chasewater on August 16.

WMid Two or three pairs bred at Branton Hill Quarry and "many dozens" were seen in the Stubbers Green roost.

Swal low Average: April 1 (49) to November 3 (49) None until the late date of April 10, when a strong influx was heralded by four birds at Belvide and birds at Bittell, Earlswood, Upton Warren and Wilden the next day. Widely reported until end of October, apart from a late individual at Westporton November 3 and 20 at Kingsbury on November 14.

Warks Autumn concentrations of 60 at Kingsbury on August 22, 200 at Draycote on August 29 and 20 late birds at Kingsbury on November 14.

Staffs Passage concentrations of 200 at Belvide on April 20, 110 at Tittesworth on April 22,1500 at Blithfield on May 2 and 400 at Aqualate on September 9. The Doxey roost held 5000 birds on August 31 and the Ford Green roost held 13000 birds on September 9.

House Mart in Average: April 9 (49) to November 1 (49) First arrivals at Little Haywood on April 7, followed by a strong influx around April 17. Widespread until mid-October, with late birds at Rickerscote on November 2, Westport on November 12 and Sheldon on November 17.

Warks Autumn flocks of 160 at Ridge Lane on August 21, over 100 at Alvecote on August 27 and 500 at Draycote on September 13.

Worcs 150 nests on the M50 bridge at Ripple. Passage flocks of 200 at Hanbury on August 17, 400 at Westwood Park during stormy weather on September 3, 500 at Wyche on September 5 and 300 at Wilden on September 16.

Staffs 100 at Blithfield on May 1. Poor weather resulted in between 1000 and 2000 flying low over the water at Blithfield between September 3 and September 20. 150 were seen at Chasewater on September 10, 400 at Aqualate on September 18 and 50 birds roosted at Doxey on September 21. Albino birds were seen at Rickerscote on September 6 PT, and at Blithfield on September 13 JCE-D.

WMid 60 birds in the roost at Minworth on September 25.

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Tree Pipit Average: April 8 (46) to September 20 (44) First noted at Atch Lench on April 10, followed by a gradual build-up in numbers. Last reports from Blithfield and Oldacre Valley on September 20.

Warks Singing birds reported from Bentley Park Wood, Purley Park, Wappenbury Wood and Wootton Wawen. Two passage birds were at Ladywalk on August 25.

Worcs Singing birds reported from Bilberry Hill (two), Broadway Hill (five), Calcot Hill (four). Devils Spittleful (five), Dowles Brook (12), Eymore Wood (two), Hartlebury Common (five), Habberley Valley (two), Stourvale (two). Trench Wood (two) and Walton Hill (five). 25 were reported from six localities in the Lenches.

Staffs Breeding records from 1 5 sites. A detailed survey of Cannock Chase revealed a minimum of 45 pairs MB. Other sites included Coombes Valley (16 pairs), Maer Hills (nine pairs), the Moors (five pairs), and Hawksmoor (four pairs). Noted on passage at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater and Westport.

WMid Two territories in Sutton Park and noted on passage at Aldersley, Dudley and Sandwell Valley.

Meadow Pipit Warks Winter flocks of 48 at Salford Priors on January 1 and 38 at Coton on

February 13. Passage concentrations of 50 at Ladywalk on April 3 and 60 at Alvecote on November 6.

Worcs Spring passage noted at Malvern, wi th 100 on March 30, and at Upper Bittell, with 150 on April 12. Autumn flocks of between 50 and 80 at Stone Manor on October 9, Bredon Hill on November 3, Stourport on December 11 and Upper Mitton on December 12.

Staffs Spring flocks of 150 at Belvide on March 27, 100 at Blithfield, over 120 at Rickerscote on April 4 and 53 at Poplars Tip on April 11. Autumn movement noted at Westport, when 90 f lew south in an hour on September 21, and at Stanley Pool on October 11, when 105 f lew south in two hours WJL.

WMid A party of 60 at Ashmore Park on April 4.

Rock Pipit Annual totals vary considerably — this being a poor year. Five-yearly totals show a small increase, due to a bumper year in 1981.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 41 18 90 94 118

Warks Singles at Kingsbury on October 19 PDH, Draycote between October 30 and November 6 ARD, RCM and Coton on November 19 JEF, JAA, PDH.

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Worcs Singles at Wilden on January 29 and October 4 BW. Staffs One at Blithfield from October 2 to October 9 ARMB, /WJ/and up to three

from October 23 to November 6 ARD, MJE et al. Singles at Belvide on September 25 ADB, and at Chasewater from February 13 to February 27 JKA, ARMB, and on October 1 6 ARMB.

Anthus spinoletta ssp. Worcs A bird of indeterminate race was seen at Upton Warren on October 22

REH.

Water Pipit

Five-yearly totals continue to increase as winter records become more regular.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 4 0 38 51 67

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

Present all winter in the Lea Marston/Coton area, with a maximum of seven on March 20, and last seen on April 3 TEG, JAAetal. First autumn record on October 30, with up to three then present until the end of the year JAA, PDH et al. Two at Draycote from October 3 to November 6 ARD. RCM. Present all winter at Wilden, with a maximum of six on March 26, and last recorded on April 15. First autumn record on October 16 and present through to the end of the year, with up to six on December 30 RM, PGG, BW. One at Twyning Green on December 23 RM. One at Chasewater on May 11 AJW.

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Yellow Wagtail Average: April 1 (47) to October 11 (47) First noted at Fladbury on April 7, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park on April 8 and Belvide on April 9. A major influx began on April 10 with birds at Brandon, Draycote and Upton Warren. Frequently reported until the end of September, with the last on October 24 at Doxey.

Warks First year with no breeding pairs on Willey CBC plot. Maxima at Draycote of 80 on April 16 and 100 on August 14. Up to 100 at Coton on August 23. Five or six pairs bred at Alvecote and seven at Draycote.

Worcs Breeding season records from Abbots Lench, Beckford, Bittell, Bordesley, Offerton, Naunton and Wilden. The only flocks reported were 36 at Upton Warren on July 20 and 75 at Holt on August 28.

Staffs Spring flocks of 100 at Blithfield on April 17, 74 at Chasewater on April 18 and 45 at Belvide on April 19. Autumn maxima of at least 60 at Belvide on August 1, 36 at Tittesworth on August 25, 200 in the Doxey roost on September 3, and 42 at Blithfield on September 10.

WMid Over 50 in the Sandwell Valley in late April and two at Snow Hill Station on September 5. Breeding reported from Tividale.

Birds exhibiting features of the Blue-headed race were reported as follows.

Warks One at Kingsbury on April 17 JEF, EGP. Worcs One at Upton Warren on April 30 INR. Staffs Singles at Belvide from April 18 to April 24 per DS and at Blithfield on

May 1 5 GS.

Grey Wagtail Warks Breeding reported from Fillongley and Warwick Castle, and a pair seen

in the breeding season at Hatton Locks. Autumn and winter records from 12 sites.

Worcs Recorded from eight sites during the breeding season and 21 sites during the autumn and winter.

Staffs Recorded from eight sites during the breeding season and 22 sites during autumn and winter.

WMid Breeding records from Sutton Park and Barston. Wintering records involved 13 birds from eight sites, including the Polar Bear pit at Dudley Zoo and West Smethwick shopping centre!

Pied Wagtail Warks 116 roosted at Hartshill in October as did 300 at Brandon. Up to 300 also

roosted in a courtyard, surrounded by five-storey buildings, at the Shire Hall, Warwick.

Worcs Up to 40 in the autumn at Bittell and 64 at Wilden on October 31. There was an interesting report of 10 males attacking the wing mirrors of a vian parked at the M5 service station at Upper Strensham in April.

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Staffs Up to 50 were seen at Belvide on February 22.43 at Tittesworth on July 13 and 88 at Rudyard on August 24, while up to 50 roosted at Doxey on August 22 and October 16. 43 were at Uttoxeter sewage works on November 13, up to 150 at Round Hill sewage works on December 31 and up to 80 wintered at Lichfield sewage works. Up to 300 roosted at Ford Green in late autumn.

WMid Wintering flocks of over 42 at Penn Common sewage works on January 1 and 60 at Oldbury on October 4. 160 roosted at Tividale on October 8 and 30 at Warrens Hall Park, Dudley, on November 28. 75 flew over Darby's Hill, Dudley, to roost on December 26 and up to 75 were counted leaving the roof of the Goodyear factory in Wolverhampton during the winter.

White Wagtails were reported as follows: Warks Up to five present in the Coton area between April 11 and April 23 TEG,

JAA, SLC. Two at Kingsbury on April 16 REH and one at Draycote on April 16 ARD.

Worcs Four at Upton Warren between April 2 and April 18, with singles on May 5 RRH and July 31 SFLE.

Staffs Twelve at Belvide between April 12 and May 5 REH et al., two at Blithfield on March 20 GS and one from April 16 to 17 ARD, GJM. Singles at Westport on April 13, 25 and May 8 WJL; Branston on April 22 FHI; and Chasewater on April 13 GE, TEG, with two on May 3 GJM.

WMid Up to three in the Sandwell Valley between April 15 and April 27 SCH, PMH, PAF a nd singles at Aldersley Fields on April 17 and May 3 FRD.

Dipper Warks One on the River Sowe at Baginton on October 18 was unusual. Worcs Three pairs probably bred on Dowles Brook. Wintering birds reported

from Sling Pool, where a pair was seen on March 18 and November 19, and at The Knapp on March 27, Stanford Bridge on April 19 and Shakenhurst on October 23.

Staffs Breeding season records from Coombes Valley (two pairs), Danebridge (one pair), Dovedale (two pairs) and Warslow (one pair). One noted at Stanley Pool on July 12, but no evidence of breeding. Singles noted between Consall Forge and Froghall, at Knypersley and at Black Brook on May 29. Winter records of seven between Dovedale and Mill Dale, with four in song on January 2; from Wombourne on February 27 and December 31 (two birds); at Nam (one on October 31) and near Froghall (two on November 24).

Wren Recovering slowly from the winter of 1982.

Warks Numbers still well down on the Willey CBC plot, where only three pairs

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were recorded. However, said to be present in pleasing numbers at Ladywalk, and reported to be increasing in Packington Park, w i th an estimated 15 to 20 pairs.

Worcs Good numbers reported from Bittell.

Dunnock Warks Willey CBC plot showed an increase from nine to 1 5 pairs,'though 20 to

25 would be a more typical range.

Robin Warks Numbers stable at Willey wi th 1 2 pairs. WMid 19 counted in Sandwell Valley on January 16 and 16 at Moseley Bog on

February 28.

Night ingale A verage: April 18 (49) to A ugust 8(13) First heard at Little Goosehill Wood on April 19 and Trench Wood the next day.

Warks Two at Kineton on May 16 and a juvenile at Brandon on August 7. Worcs A night survey on May 19 revealed 12 birds at Trench, four at Goosehill

and one in between. The total was the same as the 1980 survey, although the distribution was different PGG. No birds at Old Hills Common, where they had previously been for the past two years. Eight singing birds in the Lenches, two at Tiddesley, one at Pirton and two at Veald Wood.

Black Redstart All records refer to immatures/females, except breeding season ones.

Warks Singles at Hams Hall on January 23 SLCand Coton on May 2 JAA. Staffs Singles at Blithfield from January 16 to March 8 AJH, JCE-D, ARD, MJE

etal., a garden near Stoke on March 28 PAW, and Belvide on May 7 JJH, with another from August 28 to August 30 REH. JKH. FCG, ICW.

WMid Breeding season records from Saltley Gas Works (one). Hurst Street, Birmingham Carriage Works (one), Ocker Mil l (one) and Snow Hill Station (two). One at Wednesfield on August 17 ADB.

Redstart Average: April 9 (47) to September 22 (46) Apart from one at Solihull Lodge on March 30 MDH, which was the earliest on record, one at Coombes Valley on Apri l 15 began a steady arrival over the next few days. Most departed during the last week of August, and late individuals at Park Lime Pits on September 25, Sutton Park on September 27 and Doxey on October 2 may have been continental migrants.

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Warks Breeding season records from Bentley Park and Earlswood. Passage birds noted at Alvecote, Draycote, Kingsbury Wood, Purley and Seeswood.

Worcs Breeding season records from Clent Hills, Lickey Hills, Ribbesford Wood, Walsgrove Hill and the Wyre Forest. Passage birds reported from Hanbury Park and Upton Warren. One pair raised seven young from a nest-box on the Fred Dale Reserve.

Staffs Breeding reported from Blithfield (one), Churnet Valley, Coombes Valley (36), Maer, Manifold Valley (eight), Rudyard, Swallow Moss and Waterhouses. Birds noted on passage at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater, Doxey, Hanchurch, Rudyard, Sherbrook Valley, Stanley Pool and Westlands.

WMid Bred at Sutton Park and seen on passage at Park Lime Pits, Penn, Sandwell Valley, Solihull and Wolverhampton.

Whinchat Average: April 23 (47) to October 5 (43) First noted at Seeswood Pool on April 21,. with the main arrival beginning about a week later. Frequently noted until mid-September, with one or two later records of which one at Doxey on October 14 was quite late.

Warks Passage birds seen at Brandon (where one pair bred), Coton, Draycote, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Seeswood and Whitacre Heath. None bred at Ladywalk for the first t ime in 13 years.

Worcs Noted on passage at Abberton, Chaddesley Corbett, Hillhampton, Holt Fleet, Naunton, Upton Warren and Wilden.

Staffs • Breeding reported from several sites on the Moors, Cannock Chase, Chasewater and Packmore. Passage birds noted at Belvide, Blithfield, Doxey, Fegg Hayes, Tittesworth, Westport and Wilnecote.

WMid Seen on passage at Bartley, Radford Road in Coventry and Sandwell Valley. No breeding reported from this latter site, but one pair did breed at Sutton Park.

Stonechat Warks A male at Draycote on January 11 and a bird at Lea Marston on

November 27. Worcs A male atTardebigge on January 27, one at Upton Warren on November

19, a male at Eckington on November 25, a male at Abberton on December 21 and a female at Chaddesley Corbett on December 26. Breeding suspected at North Hill, Malvern, where a pair wi th young was seen on October 14.

Staffs Two pairs bred on Cannock Chase. Winter records as follows: a female at Tixall on February 2, a male on the Rugeley Rifle Range on March 3, a pair on Cannock Chase on March 5, a male at Gib Torr on April 9 (first here since 1977 PGB), a female at Belvide on April 24, two males and a female at Brocton Field on October 6, a pair at Pertpn from October 6 to

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December 31, a pair at Beaudesert on October 22, a female at Westport on October 20 and a female at Doxey from November 6 to November 20.

WMid Two in Sandwell Valley on September 20, two pairs at Tividale on •September 28 then up to three until end of year, one at Minworth on October 2 and finally eight in Sutton Park on October 17, wi th a pair remaining until December 8.

1982 Addendum Worcs A pair bred on North Hill, Malvern.

Wheatear Average: March 20(46) to October 13(47) The first occurred at Park Lime Pits on March 13 and Sutton Park the next day, with the main influx around the month's end. Few records after early August, but one or two late stragglers, the last of which was at Bittell on October 23.

Warks Recorded on spring passage at 11 sites and on autumn passage at Alvecote, Bittell, Coton, Draycote and Shustoke.

Worcs Recorded from 11 sites in spring, with a maximum of six at Eckington, and from four sites in the autumn.

Staffs Spring records came from 12 localities, with a maximum of eight at Doxey on April 17. Autumn records came from five sites and the only breeding season records came from the Moors.

WMid Spring records came from 10 sites, with maxima of 18 at Penn on April 22 and 35 in Sandwell Valley on April 23. Autumn records came from Perry Hall Park, Snow Hill Station and Wolverhampton East Park Industrial Estate. Birds present during the breeding season at Dudley Golf Course and Tividale.

Ring Ouzel Average: April 2 (27) to October 21 (21) First seen on the Roaches (four) and Walton Hill (three) on April 8. Last seen on October 8 at Draycote.

Warks A female at Draycote on October 8. Worcs Three males at Walton Hill on April 8 and one male on April 27. Six on

the Malverns on September 24 and a male at St. Anne's Well, Malvern, on October 3.

Staffs The only records were from the Moors, with the earliest being three males and a female on the Roaches on April 3. No information on breeding numbers or success.

WMid Two males in the Sandwell Valley on April 22.

Blackbird Warks An increase from 16 to 24 pairs brought the breeding population on the

Willey CBC plot back to normal.

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Worcs Numbers at Bittell were reported as being back to normal. An east-west movement was noted at Upton Warren on October 2.

Staffs 200 roosted at the Hodge Lane Reserve, Amington, at least 60 were seen along the dam at Chasewater on October 1, and 105 were feeding in Brocton Field on November 29.

Fieldfare Average: October 2 (48) to May 1 (47) Widely noted until the end of April, with the last birds at Berrow Hill and Park Lime Pits on April 30. An exceptional record refers to a flock of at least 150 flying over Spetchley on July 7. Early birds were seen at Sutton Park on September 8, Shoal Hill on September 10, Stanley Pool on September 19 and a few towards the end of September/early October with the main arrival in late October. Apart from a few flocks of up to 200 birds, reported as scarce during the winter in all counties except Staffordshire. The situation was similar in the autumn, with the Staffordshire Moorlands holding the largest concentrations in October and November.

Warks Winter flocks of 160 at Bascote Heath on January 8 and 250 at Alvecote on January 15. 200 in a roost at Brandon on March 5. A partial albino was seen at Draycote on March 3 ARD. Early December saw a large influx with 2300 at Alvecote on December 1 and 400 at Kingsbury on December 4.

Worcs Winter flocks of 400 at Grimley on January 13, 200 at both Bittell and Kyre Green, 250 at Wilden on January 22 and 500 in apple orchards at Wickhamford on February 18. Otherwise reported as scarce. Spring concentrations of 250 at the Hillditch roost on March 16 and 200 at Longdon on April 4. A fiock of at least 150 thrushes, thought to be this species, f lew south over Spetchley on July 8 KOP. This coincided with a few early records on the East Coast. Apart from parties of 100 at Bittell at the end of October, birds were scarce through to the end of the year.

Staffs Good numbers present in the winter, with the largest flocks being 500 at Coppenhall on February 2, 977 at Loynton on February 5, 642 in the Knighton/Adbaston area on February 28, 1000 at Garmelow on March 1 and 340 at Blithfield on March 13. Late birds seen at Hanchurch on April 23 and Grindon on April 24. Many reports of flocks of between 100 and 200 during the end of October and November, with up to 600 at Belvide on November 13. A bumper berry crop on the high ground in north Staffordshire attracted many thousands of thrushes in November and early December. Monthly counts at Stanley Pool showed a ratio of 1150 Redwings to 400 Fieldfare in November. 1200 birds were seen in fields near Penkridge on December 30..

WMid The only sizeable winter flocks were 170 at Pelsall on January 23 and 300 at Aldridge on February 2. Scarce during the autumn, with only 170 in the Sandwell Valley during hard weather.

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Song Thrush Warks Three pairs on Willey CBC plot was slightly down on last year. Staffs A flock of 70 at Tatenhill on March 6.

Redwing Average: September 27 (49) to April 17 (48) Swift departure with none after April 13 at Hollywood. First of the autumn over Stafford on September 30, followed by a steady flow in October that culminated in a marked influx around October 30.

Warks Thinly scattered during the winter and spring, with the last being 10 at Alvecote on April 4. An autumn influx towards the end of October/with 300 at Draycote on October 30, then 500 at Alvecote on November 11 and 1750 on December 1, and 200 at Kingsbury on December 4.

Worcs Winter flocks of 300 reported from Kyre Magna, Stoke Bliss and Upper Arley. Autumn numbers peaked in November and early December, with 400 at Bredon Vale on November 3, 500 at Bromsgrove on December 18, 250 at Twyning Green on December 23 and 300 at Eckington on December 27.

Staffs Apart from 1500 in the roost at Maer Hills in January, only scattered reports of flocks up to 200 during the winter. A census of SK03 (Uttoxeter) revealed 830 on January 9 and 1100 on February 19, compared with 610 and 970 Fieldfares respectively JB. A male was in full song at Chillington on March 27 and the last sighting was at Hanchurch on April 20. The October influx resulted in 500 at Maer on October 29, 500 at Copmere on October 30 and 450 at Nam on October 31. As with Fieldfares, the berry crop on high ground in the north attracted thousands of birds, many of these moving out in the end of November/December. 1100 were seen at Stanley Pool in November and 786 in December, 780 at Rudyard on December 3, 570 f lew over Stafford in an hour-and-a-half on December 12, 800 were seen at Penkridge on December 30 and 330 on Aston on December 31.

WMid Very scattered during the winter, with no sizeable flocks reported. Hawthorn and holly attracted many.birds in the autumn, with 400 at Aldersley on October 22, 400 at the Warrens Hill roost on November 7, 150 at Dudley on November 12, 300 at Elmdon Park on November 13, up to 1000 at Sandwell Valley on November 30 (all of which had gone by end.of year), 500 at Saltwells Wood on November 20,950 at Pensnett on November 25 and 760 at Wren's Nest on November 26.

Mistle Thrush No change in status noted.

Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 19 (47) to August 23 (37) First of the year at Draycote on April 16, followed by a gradual arrival

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Present until mid-August, after which the only record was from Belvide on September 25. The worst year yet, wi th just 36 reeling birds from 25 localities. The regional population has fallen by 40% in the last five years.

Warks Only reports were of singles: at Draycote on April 16 and May 3, at Brandon on April 22 and August 7, and at Kingsbury on May 8.

Worcs Reported from nine sites, all single birds apart from eight reeling at a locality in the Lenches and three at Trench Wood.

Staffs Reported from nine sites; all singles apart from two at a site in the Potteries and three at Gib Torr

WMid Reeling birds reported from Sutton Park (two) and Sandwell Valley (two).

Worcs A juvenile bird was trapped and ringed at Oakley on August 19. This constitutes the first record for the Region WRG. Crown blackish-brown wi th distinctive broad, light-buff streak extending to nape. Supercilium broad yellowish-buff, wi th ear-coverts brown, speckled buff. Throat whit ish with buff tinge, breast whit ish with buff tinge fading to off-white. Sides of breast buff, wi th fine brown streaks extending to flanks which were rich buff, loosely, but prominently, streaked dark brown. Belly and under-tail coverts white with buff tinge. Nape, mantle and back buff /yel lowish-buff , broadly and heavily streaked blackish-brown. Scapulars buff.

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broadly streaked blackish-brown. Rump rich buff, heavily marked wi th dark-brown streaks, extending and fading into the upper-tail coverts. Wing coverts dark-brown, broadly edged buff. Primaries, secondaries and primary coverts uniform grey-brown wi th buffish edge, fresh with little sign of wear. Of the three remaining tail feathers, all appeared fresh and pointed, uniform grey-brown with buff edges. Iris grey-brown; pupil black; upper mandible black-brown, appearing more down-curved than Sedge, lower mandible flesh, darkening towards tip; gape rich yellow. Tarsus pinky-flesh, Sedge appearing greyer. Feet wi th upper side pinky-flesh and under side yellowish-flesh. Claws horn coloured.

Sedge Warbler Average: April 16(47) to September 28(41) Following the first at Park Lime Pits on April 16, there was a strong arrival in the second half of the month. Most had left again by mid-September, with the last on the 22nd at Wilden, apart from an exceptionally late individual at Doxey on October 23 — the latest on record.

Warks Up to 18 singing birds at Kingsbury and 20 at Brandon. A poor year at Draycote, where only six pairs bred due to disturbance by Severn-Trent Water Authority work. Six pairs bred at Alvecote and singing birds were reported from Nuneaton.

Worcs Three pairs bred at Aston Mill, one at Bittell (the lowest for some years), two at Harvington, two at Upton Warren and three at Wilden.

Staffs Four pairs bred at Westport, three at Belvide and 35 at Doxey, while singles were seen at Fegg Hayes, Longsdon and Perton.

WMid Two males at Tividale and singles reported from Aldersley, Brierley Hill, Park Lime Pits and Wyken Slough. Three juveniles were seen in a garden in Erdington.

Marsh Warbler Average arrival: June 1 (33)

Worcs First noted in the traditional breeding area on May 27; last noted in the same area on August 29. No change in status reported, with 13 pairs plus 31 singing males at 16 sites. Two were seen and one heard singing at a new site:

Reed Warbler Average: April 26 (43) to September 22 (37) As in 1982, first reported on April 23, at Oakley, followed by the main arrival in early May. Most departed in late August, and September records were scarce. However, one was seen at Kingsbury on October 2.

Warks Singing birds reported from Alvecote (six), Draycote (one), Kingsbury (two) and Ladywalk (15). Fifty pairs bred at Brandon, with 18 pairs rearing 73 young, which is the best yet for this study plot.

Worcs Singing birds at Aston Mill (three), Bittell (one), Eckington (one), Larford (five), Oakley (10), Strensham Lock (four), Upton Warren (two) and Wilden (seven).

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Staffs Singing birds at Belvide (two), Betley, Copmere (where 76 were ringed in the autumn) and Doxey (five). Passage birds noted at Hanchurch on April 1 7, Westport from May 9 to early June and Rudyard on August 28. Three pairs were present at Blithfield during the breeding season.

WMid Singing birds at Brierley Hill Pools (three) and Tividale on July 15 and 28, plus a pair at Sandwell Valley.

Lesser Whitethroat Average: April 22 (47) to September 19(47) A strong influx began on April 23, wi th birds at Bittell, Shernal Green and Upton Warren. Last noted on September 25 at Whittington, apart from a late individual at Minworth on October 2.

Warks Breeding reported from seven sites, wi th two pairs at Alvecote, Draycote and Kingsbury.

Worcs Breeding records from 25 sites, with 16 males reported from 12 sites in the Lenches and three pairs each at Bittell, Eckington, Larford and Upton Warren. Widely reported on passage.

Staffs Singing birds noted at Belvide, Blithfield, Prestonvale and Talke, with passage birds at Chasewater, Stanley Pool and Westport.

WMid Breeding records from Park Lime Pits, Penn, Tile Hill Wood and Wyken Slough. Passage birds seen at Erdington and at Minworth on the late date of October 2.

Whitethroat Average: April 14 (49) to September 25 (49) First seen on April 20 at Bittell, with a strong influx within the next few days. Most left in the last week of August, but a few lingered later, with the last on September 25 at Park Lime Pits.

Warks Reported from 11 sites, with five males at Hartshill, six at Kingsbury, eight at Ladywalk and five at Quinton.

Worcs 74 singing birds reported from 17 sites, with 14 singing at five sites in the Lenches, 11 at Devils Spittleful and 15 at Old Hills.

Staffs Singing birds reported from 14 sites, with up to five pairs from several sites and a maximum of nine at Perton. Passage birds noted at Westport.

WMid Breeding season records from eight sites. One bird was singing at St. Anne's Junction in Central Birmingham.

Garden Warbler A verage: April 22 (46) to September 7(45) First arrival on April 17 at Wolverhampton, but not well established until the end of the month. Most departed again in August, but late birds were at Brandon on September 12 and Bittell on September 24.

Warks Breeding reported from seven sites, with a maximum of three pairs at Kingsbury. None were recorded on the Willey CBC plot for the first time.

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Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Warks

102 singing birds reported from 31 sites, with 17 at eight sites in the Lenches, seven in the Wyre Forest, eight along the Severn between Stourport and Arley, seven in Chaddesley Wood and eight in Offmoor Wood compared with four Blackcaps. Many sites held two to five pairs. Breeding reported from 12 sites, with 19 pairs in Coombes Valley, five at Hanchurch, four at Maer, four at Pattingham and three at Rudyard. Single pairs at the other sites. Very few records. One was singing aptly in a garden in Amblecote, one at Northfield and a passage bird was seen at Erdington.

Blackcap Average: April 4 (49) to October 7 (46) First reported on March 30 at Bromsgrove, but not widespread until mid-April. Last noted on October 27 at Brewood, apart from wintering birds. A pair at Warwick Castle Park on January 27 and at Birdingbury on February 1 2 were the only wintering records. Breeding noted at nine sites, with three pairs on Willey CBC plot, which was lower than last year. Late autumn birds at Kingsbury on October 2 and October 25, a female at Marston on October 9 and one at Alvecote on November 17. Two males and a female wintered in a garden at Dunhampstead, and one was seen at Pipers Hill on February 6. A minimum of 56 singing birds were noted at 18 sites, with maxima of eight at Chaddesley Wood and six at Berrow Hill, and between three and five at many sites. Late birds were seen in the Wyre Forest on November 6 and at Bittell on November 11 (a female), though these could have been potential over-winterers. A total of 13 wintering birds reported from gardens in Baswich, Coven, Great Haywood, Norton Cross, Stafford, Trentham, Tutbury and Westlands. Breeding season records from 11 sites, with 1 2 pairs at Coombes Valley compared with only nine last year. Late birds were noted at Westport on October 20, Brewood on October 27 and Norton Canes on December 4. A total of 13 wintering birds noted at 10 garden sites in Aldersley, Bournville, Dudley, Erdington, Fordhouses, Hall Green, Hampton-in-Arden, Northfield, Oldbury and Shirley. Singing birds were noted at nine sites.

Wood Warbler Average: April 21 (47) to August 17 (36) First noted on April 17 at Seven Springs, with the major influx beginning a week or so later. Singing birds noted at .Clowes Wood (two), Earlswood (three) and Wootton Wawen (two).

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Worcs 46 singing birds noted at 17 sites, with the largest numbers being four at Devils Spittleful, five in Habberley Valley and 18 in the Wyre Forest. A passage bird was seen at Bittell between April 23 and April 27.

Staffs Singing birds reported from five sites, plus 13 at 11 sites on Cannock Chase. Only four pairs bred at Coombes Valley, the lowest for seven years. Passage birds seen at Blithfield from April 24 to April 26, at Belvide on April 29 and at Westport on May 4.

WMid Eight to nine birds at Sutton Park, with two definitely paired, was the most recorded there. Other singing birds noted at Perry Barr, Perry Hall Park and Saltwollc Wood (throo).

Chiffchaff Average: March 16 (49) to October 15 (49) First birds (two) of the year on March 1 5 at Chaddesley Corbett, but not widespread until early April. Widely reported until late September, and last noted on October 20 in the Sandwell Valley.

Warks Wintering records of one at Kingsbury on January 8; up to two at Lea Marston between January 9 and January 30; and singles at Brandon on January 9, 30 and February 13; and Alvecote on January 12 and 13. Singing birds noted at Alvecote (two), Earlswood and Hartshill Hayes. Two late birds noted at Draycote on October 2.

Worcs Over-wintering records from Upton Warren, (two) between January 1 and 18, and Matchborough, one on December 4. Singing birds at nine sites, wi th 12 at Berrow Hill and 20 at Slade Wood. Late birds seen at Bittell and Stour Hill on November 20, and Upton Warren on November 27.

Staffs Breeding records from 1 5 sites. Passage birds seen at Blithfield on October 2, Stanley Pool on October 3, Keele on October 4, Milford on October 6, and Westport on October 20.

WMid Wintering birds seen at Hampton-in-Arden and Darlaston. Singing birds noted at Aldridge, Ashmore Park, Elmdon Park (three), Essington, Hay Head Wood, Sandwell Valley (three) and Sutton Park (seven) Late birds seen at Wall Heath on October 11 and Park Lime Pits on October 17.

A bird showing characteristics of the Siberian race abientis was seen at Blithfield on September 23 ARMB and a bird resembling the Scandinavian race tristis was seen at Chasewater on December 10 EGP, but sub-specific identification of Northern Chiffchaffs is a contentious issue.

Warks

Willow Warbler Average: March 27(49) to October 5 (49) First noted at Doxey on April 1, with the main influx two weeks later. Widespread until the last record on September 30, also from Doxey. Well distributed, with nine pairs on the Willey CBC plot — an increase of three pairs on 1982. 22 were singing at Kingsbury on April 6 and 25 at

97

Brandon on April 24, while 12 pairs.bred at Draycote, five to six pairs at Alvecote and six at Earlswood.

Worcs Large numbers reported passing through Bittell at the end of April. 12 singing at Devils Spittleful on June 26,

Staffs Widely reported on passage and breeding. A six mile walk from Perton to Belvide on May 12 revealed 69 singing birds JKH. Reports of 24 singing at Belvide, 27 at Copmere, 20 at Longsdon and 22 at Rudyard.

WMid Singing birds reported from six sites, with 14 at both Sutton Park and Penn Common.

Goldcrest Relatively few reports received, mostly of small numbers.

Warks Reported as quite plentiful in Hay Wood in November. 23 at Nursery Wood on January 18. Elsewhere late autumn parties of up to eight.

Worcs Very small numbers throughout year, six being the maximum at Ipsley Alders on February 27.

Staffs Eight feeding in gorse at Brocton on February 19 was the largest flock. Elsewhere noted at Blithfield, Belvide and Chasewater in the autumn.

WMid Three singing males at Limbrick Wood on April 28. One or two in rural and suburban gardens from September to April.

Firecrest

Five-yearly totals continue to double. Six individuals in 1983 was another reasonable showing.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 . 1979-83

No. of birds 1 2 8 17 33

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Warks A bird found at New Arley Wood in late 1982 was still present on January 20 ARD.

Worcs Two birds were seen at Trench Wood on October 22 per SMW. Staffs A single bird was recorded at Hanchurch Pools on April 9 OWE, MRGr. WMid A male was near Brookvale Park on April 29 TEG. many observers.

Spotted Flycatcher Average: May 1 (47) to September 26 (47) First seen at Copmere on April 17 and last seen on October 8 at Belvide. The main arrival did not begin until early May. Most had left again by mid-September.

Warks Widely reported in the breeding season, with pairs at Alvecote, Barford, Brinklow, Fillongley, Hoar Park Wood, Merevale, New Close Wood, Purley Park, Stratford and Willey. Autumn birds noted at Brandon, Draycote and Hartshill Hayes.

Worcs A better year than 1 982, with usual numbers at Bittell. Breeding noted at Hartlebury Common, Hillpool, Island Pool, Randan Wood, Upton Warren, West Hagley and Wyre Forest. A pair at Lynalls Coppice reared five young in a nest-box for the fifth successive year. Also seen at Bromsgrove, Chaddesley Wood, Habberley Valley, Pepper Wood, Spetchley, Thicknall and Wilden during the breeding season.

Staffs More breeding information received this year, with records from Basford, Blithfield, Himley (two to three pairs), Landywood, Maer (three pairs), the Roaches (three pairs), Rudyard, Stanley Pool and Westlands. A reasonable autumn passage, with birds at Belvide (15 on August 18), Blithfield (seven on September 18), Beacon Park (Lichfield), Chasewater (six on August 22) and Longsdon (seven on September 17).

WMid Breeding confirmed at Aldridge Golf Course, Ashmore Park, Hampton-in-Arden and Highbury Park. Autumn passage birds seen at Dudley, Four Oaks, Erdington, Park Lime Pits and Sutton Park.

Pied Flycatcher Average: April 21 (37) to September 7(19) First noted on April 16, at Salt, with the main arrival beginning a week later. Little information on departure of resident birds, but one at Doxey on September 18 was possibly a continental migrant.

Warks A juvenile at Brandon on July 30 was the only record. Worcs Males at Bittell from April 22 to 24 and at Stourvale Marsh on April 24

were undoubtedly migrants. In the Wyre Forest, only two nest-boxes were occupied at Lynalls Coppice. One produced seven young successfully, the other had four eggs abandoned. Six boxes were occupied on the Fred Dale Reserve, however, and 40 young fledged. Other pairs were also seen at Far Forest and Knowles Mill, while two males were singing at Knowles Coppice on May 16 and one at

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Ribbesford Woods on May 22. A seemingly mixed breeding season for this species. An immature at Upton Warren on July 24 was the first locality record.

Staffs Spring migrants were as follows: a female at Belvide on April 22 followed by a male next day; males at Chillington on April 24 and Westport on April 27; and females at Blithfield on April 26 and Wolseley Park on April 28. A pair at Bank Top Wood on May 3 could not be found subsequently, neither could a male at Rudyard on May 26. Nine pairs at Coombes Valley was about normal. A juvenile was at Maer on July 10, while the only autumn record was the male at Doxey on September 18.

WMid An increase in records. Two passage males were in Sandwell Valley on April 22, with another bird there on July 31, and a male sang in Sutton Park from May 14 to June 6. Juveniles appeared in gardens at Dudley on July 16 and Sutton Coldfield on August 8.

Bearded Tit A fairly lean year, with only one definite party, although an unsubstantiated report was received from Brandon. Numbers have fallen markedly during the past four years.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 5 36 100 70 54

Warks At Ladywalk, two were found on January 9 JAA, JEF, at least three were present on January 16 JAA, JEF, PDH, and one was last seen on February 9 BLK.

Long-tailed Tit Warks Bred at Alvecote and Willey. A flock of 40 at Brandon on January 2 was

the largest winter flock, while 36 at Draycote on November 21 and 27 at Alvecote on November 13 were the largest autumn counts. Elsewhere up to 15 at a number of localities during the autumn-winter period.

Worcs Bred at Bittell. Winter maxima of 46 at Bittell on January 7 and 30 at Kyre Pool on January 22. Autumn parties of up to 50 at Bittell on November 23 and 26 and at The Thrift on November 20. Smaller parties noted at several other locations.

Staffs 14 pairs at Coombes Valley compared with nine in 1982. Also bred at Belvide and Branston. Flocks of 20, at Knighton Reservoir on January 22 and Copmere next day, were the largest of winter. In autumn, parties of around 20 were at Barton-under-Needwood, Blithfield, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Keele and WeStgort.

WMid No breeding reports received.*"!2 at Hawthorn Wood was the largest winter flock. 15 in a garden at Hollywood on September 25 is of note, as is the flock of 35 at Sandwell .Valley on November 8. Smaller numbers reported from Moseley Bog, Netherton, Park Lime Pits and Sutton Park.

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Marsh Tit . Reported from 41 localises.

Warks Only a few records received. Seen at seven localities, with a maximum of four at Warwick Castle Park on November 29.

Worcs Reports from 18 localities, mainly in the Wyre Forest area where three pairs bred in tit nest-boxes. A party of 15 reported at The Thrift on November 20.

Staffs Noted at 12 localities. Still fairly common in the Churnet Valley. Very few breeding season records.

W M i d . Bred at Hay Head Wood. Also four at Bushbury Wood on April 4 Seen at just two other sites.

Willow Tit Reports from 47 sites in all.

Warks Reported from 14 localities. Bred at Willey and five singing birds counted at Kingsbury. Appears to have displaced Marsh Tit completely at Packington Park. Eight noted at Brandon in August.

Worcs Few riecords received this year. Noted in the breeding season at nine localities, with three pairs at Slade Wood and two pairs at Atch Lench.

Staffs Noted at 17 localities, with breeding activity at Baggeridge Wood and Little Wyrley.

WMid Seen at seven localities, including adults feeding young at Brierley Hill Pools on June 10.

Coal Tit Reported from only 1 7 localities in all.

Warks No breeding season records received. Recorded at only three localities, with no more than one or two individuals seen at a time.

Worcs Noted at four localities, including usual numbers at Bittell, and small numbers at Dowery Dell and Paddock Wood.

Staffs Although only reported from six localities; is obviously very numerous on Cannock Chase, where 130 were counted in two hours in the Beaudesert and Regents Wood areas on March 12. Six at Copmere on March 3.

WMid Records from four localities, two of these involving birds visiting bird tables in winter. 40 counted in three hours at Sutton Park on May 15.

Blue Tit Warks Little breeding information received. Six pairs at Willey was usual. 30 at

Ladywalk on October 15 was the largest flock noted. Worcs Good numbers at Bittell. 18 pairs used nest-boxes at Dowery Dell, on

• the Fred'Dale Reserve 160 young-fledged from 20 boxes, at Lynalls Coppice about 50 young were reared from six occupied boxes, and at Menith Wood at least 68 young were reared from 12 boxes.

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Staffs Very few records indeed. Bred at. Belvide in the nevir hide. A bird remained in the Tesco Store at Stafford for four days, feeding on apples, cress, grapes, mustard and tomatoes. It was finally removed and released by local ornithologists.

WMid Present all year in large numbers at Hampton-in-Arden, where also bred. Large numbers also noted at Sutton Park throughout the year.

Great Tit Warks At Willey a recovery from one to four pairs this year. 19 at Nursery Wood

on February 3 was the largest count reported. ' Worcs Usual numbers at Bittell. 10 pairs used nest-boxes at Dowery Dell, at

least 32 young were reared from eight occupied boxes at Lynalls Coppice, 57 young fledged from nine occupied boxes on the Fred Dale Reserve, and at least 17 young were reared from four boxes at Menith

*5 Wood. No winter flocks were reported this year. Staffs No change in status. WMid Very well represented at Sutton Park throughout year. However there'

were no reports of breeding in'the county.

»• ,

Nuthatch Warks Recorded from 14 localities, including Purley Park, where bred, and

Packington, where the population is high.at five to eight pairs. Worcs Noted at 20 localities, mainly in the Kidderminster-Wyre Forest area.

Five pairs estimated in Eymore Wood and breeding recorded at Chaddesley Wood and Sling Pool. Two pairs raised seven young from nest-boxes on the Fred Daie Reserve.

Staffs Reported from 20 localities. Bred at Greenway Bank and in a nest-box at Jacksons Coppice, where 10 young were reared. Eight were seen at Chillington on December 4.

WMid Seen at 16 localities, with young birds noted in Elmdon and Sutton Parks. Winter records at Erdington and Shirley were the first there for some time.

Treecreeper Warks Reported from only 10 localities, with breeding information restricted to

one pair found nesting in a wil low tree beside the River Itchen in May. Worcs Still well in evidence at Bittell. Noted at nine other sites only. Four

young, reared in a specially designed box at Lynalls Coppice, was the only breeding record.

Staffs Recorded from 22 localities in all. Breeding was reported only from Coombes Valley, where 12 pairs/Counts of six at Blithfield on October 8

. and nine at Copmere on April 17 are of note. WMid . Seen at eight localities, with one in a Shirley garden on November 22

the first there for 10 years. Present throughout the year in Sutton Park.

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Golden Oriole None this year, but five-yearly average has been maintained.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 2 3 3 5 5

Great Grey Shrike Following a marked increase in numbers from 1966 to 1978, has now become very scarce again. I hree this year was an average showing.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 . 1979-83

No. of birds 14 38 76 77 17

Warks One was at Newbold Comyn on March 25 EJB and another at Draycote between December 9 and 26 RCM, ARD.

Staffs The Cannock Chase bird was seen near the Glacial Bolder Stone on February 13 SRC, and the German Cemetery on February 20 EGP, wi th presumably the same individual at Rugeley Rifle Range in April, where it was last recorded on April 27 MB.

1981 Addendum Warks One at Newbold Comyn from February 8 to 21 EJB.

Jay More and larger parties than usual throughout the Region in autumn, reflecting the national irruption which wasvery pronounced on the east, south and south-west coasts.

Warks An increase in numbers observed at many places throughout the county during the autumn, with parties of 12 at Draycote on October 25 and 10 at Alvecote on December 30.

Worcs Few reports for the first half of the year, apart from six at Trench Wood on April 24. From early October onwards though, small parties were reported from many sites throughout the county. The largest flocks were 15 at Malvern on October 3, and 18 at Wilden on October 9, with another 16 there on October 31. Other flocks of up to seven were widely reported during October, but the population seems to have stabilised after November.

Staffs The autumn influx was less noticeable than in Worcestershire. However, 10 feeding on acorns at Eccleshall on September 25 and nine at Doxey on October 13, where unusual, were good evidence of incoming birds. Seven f lew west over open country at Penkridge on October 2 and six were at Belvide on October 6. Good numbers were also on Cannock Chase at this time, and later one in a garden at Burntwood in November was the first there for 20 years.

103

WMid Small numbers were reported from Aldridge, Four Oaks, Moseley Bog and Sutton Park in the early part of the year. Larger flocks of eight moving at Park Lime Pits on September 25, 10 flying west over Erdington on October 17 and another 10 flying over Dudley on October 26 were in keeping with the autumn movement. Smaller numbers were also noted elsewhere during October.

Magpie Warks Very few records received. Common at Alvecote, where 27 were

counted on February 13. Worcs No change in breeding status. The largest single gathering was 40 at

Wassell Grove on February 11. Other flocks of 20 plus, usually outside the breeding season, were recorded at Bittell, Calcot Hill, Hartlebury, Lydiate Ash, Malvern, Pennyfields, Upton Warren and Wilden.

Staffs No breeding information received. Several autumn-winter flocks of 25-30 were seen at Betley, Chasewater, Fradley and Trent Vale, while 50 were counted on November 20 around the Big Wood area.

WMid A common bird in the county, with many pairs nesting in Sutton Park. 37 on farmland at Park Lime Pits on March 12 was the largest gathering reported. Other flocks included 30 at Great Barr on March 1, 32 at Warrens Hall, Dudley, on December 26 and 23 in Moseley on February 8 .

Jackdaw Warks No changes in status reported. Parties included 60 at Guys Cliffe on

January 20 and 64 at Newnham Paddox on February 6. Worcs Regular at Bittell and Bordesley. A flock of 200 was seen on Bredon Hill

oh February 18, while 500 roosted at Grimley on October 30. Staffs A pair nesting in a dead ash tree provided Belvide with its first breeding

record. Largest winter flocks were 319 at Hanc.hurch Pools on February 3 and 459 in the Shugborough-Tixall area on February 20. 300 plus were found roosting at Tittensor in late December!

WMid No records were received.

Rook Warks No breeding information reported in 1983. Flocks included 100 at

Curdworth on January 24, 180 at Hatton on January 8 and 346 at Newnham Paddox on February 6.

Worcs About 60 pairs at the Beoley rookery commuted to Bordesley for food. . This year 758 nests were counted at 24 rookeries, the biggest being 110

nests at Stanklyn. Largest flocks were 250 at Bredon Hill on February 18 and 500 on arable land at Broome on October 1.

Staffs Small rookeries reported at Eccleshall and Coven. Feeding flocks of 300 at Hanchurch Pools and 200 near Penkridge, both on February 3. An estimated 600 were near Kings Bromley on'December 4, while 760

104

were counted in the Shugborough-Tixall area on February 20. Two northern roosts of note were about 350 at Aqualate on January 23 and up to 1000 with Jackdaws in woodland at Copmere on April 12.

WMid The largest flock was 300 at Aldridge on February 12.

Carrion Crow Warks 50 were in a field at Earlswood on January 8 and a large flock of 300 was

noted near Bodymoor Heath on November 14. Worcs 46 was the largest count at Bittell and up to 70 were at Bordesley during

the autumn. Staffs 87 were on flooded fields at Rickerscote on April 23, while 110

congregated on a field sprayed with slurry near Rugeley on March 6. WMid The largest count was 23 in a stubble field at Park Lime Pits on

September 17. Remained common in Sutton Park throughout the year.

Hooded Crow A marked decline during the past five years.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of records 4 7 13 21 4 No. of birds 4 8 16 24 3

Worcs One flying west over Stoke Works on December 27 RRH was the only report.

Raven Fewer sightings in the past five years than a decade ago.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 10 10 42 29 25

Worcs Three over the Malverns on April 15 PGG and one over the Wyre Forest on November 11 AJW. Noted throughout the year near Eastham RLS.

Staffs One f lew over Swallow Moss on May 8 SKW— the first moorland record since 1977.

Starling Warks Very little information received this year. Worcs Continues to breed successfully in nest-boxes at Lynalls Coppice. A

feeding flock of 1500 was at Ipsley on February 6. No really large roosts recorded

Staffs An apparently pure albino was reported from Baswich, Hyde Lea and Stanley Pool throughout the year. Roosts of 5000 were recorded at Tamworth on July 17 and Belgrave on September 16.

WMid No records received.

105

House Sparrow No change in status.

Staffs Two interesting colour variations were a coffee-coloured bird at Haywood during the winter and an immature with a pure white head at Westlands in September.

Tree Sparrow Warks 10 pairs bred in nest-boxes at Admington. Winter flocks were few, but

120 near Kingsbury on January 29 is of note. Seen at Alvecote throughout year, with three pairs breeding.

Worcs No breeding records received. Apart from small numbers at Bittell, Beckford and Upton Warren, winter flocks were only reported from Hartlebury (70 on December 18) and Stourport (a maximum of 300 on December 4).

Staffs Breeding status unchanged. The largest winter flocks were 120 at Blithfield on January 4 and 100 at Little Wyrley on February 13. Autumn flocks were more numerous, with 100 at Blithfield on September 17 and 200 at Aqualate oh November 13. Later 100 plus had built up at Doxey by December 28 and 250 were seen feeding at Stableford on December 21.

WMid Bred in Sutton Park. Flocks were generally small, but 100 were seen at Pedmore on February 25. In the Sandwell Valley 80.were recorded on August 3.

Chaffinch Warks No change in breeding status at Willey. 106 at Seeswood on February 3

• was the only flock reported. Worcs Usual breeding season numbers at Bittell and in the Wyre Forest.

Winter flocks of 300, at Kyre Magna on January 22 and the Lickeys next day, and 200 at Waseley Hill on January 9. Largest autumn counts were 150, at Bredon Hill on November 3, Burlish Park on November 27 and near Hartlebury on December 18. Up to 250 were reported from the Lickeys about this time.

Staffs No breeding information was received. Several reports of flocks up to 50. The largest winter flocks were over 200 at Himley on January 30 and 80 at Hanch on February 20. Most in autumn were 300 in stubble at Betley on November 22 and 100 at Doxey at the end of the year.

WMid During hard weather in January and February some large flocks built up in wooded areas, particularly where beechmast was plentiful. A flock of 100 was present during the first half of January at Park Lime Pits; 200 at Swanshurst Park on February 2 had to dodge traffic in order to feed on beech nuts lying in a bus lane; 87 were counted during three-and-a-half hours at Moseley on February 8; and a flock of 900 had'built up by mid-month at Warley. In the autumn 50 were seen at Tividale on November 1 0 .

106

Brambling Average: October W(4&) to April 76 (4/) Quite scarce during the winter. The last spring record was on April 29 at Belvide. One at Belvide on August 18 was unseasonal, but not the first summer record. Otherwise autumn passage began with records from Alvecote and Droitwich on October 22. Generally a poor year.

Warks Five in Priory Park, Warwick, on April 8 was the only record for the first half of the year. Autumn began with small numbers at Alvecote, Brandon and Lea Marston in late October, and 15 at Coton on October 30. Following very few in November, 3U were then at Brandon on December 29, while at Hartshill numbers had grown to 25 by the end of the year.

Worcs Very scarce during winter and spring, with two or three at Lickey Woods during January and February, three in Coldridge Wood on March 3, and up to three at Pipers Hill from January 23 till April 17 the only records. A better autumn produced small numbers at a dozen localities in the northern half of the county. A good flock of 125 was seen at Baynhall on November 3, while 30 were on Bredon Hill the same day. At Lower Moor, there were 14 on November 28, some of which remained until the end of the year. The most reported was 250, at Caunsall tip on December 27.

Staffs Very scarce in the south during winter, with only a few reported from just four localities. Elsewhere, 40 at Branston for a month from January 26 and 35 at Westlands during late January, when small numbers were also seen at Rudyard and Tittensor. In spring, 10 were at Hanchurch Pools on April 1 and 30 at Kidsgrove on April 8. A male at Belvide on August 18 GRP. following one three-years previously on August 3. October began with a few scattered records from Belvide, Blithfield, Maer Hills and Sherbrook Valley. Better numbers then followed, with 20 near Aqualate on November 13 and 35 at Betley on November 22. December was decidedly the best month, with 60 at Whittington Common on the first, and 150 near Brewood and 80 at Doley on December 11. Small numbers at Doxey in November had risen to 25 by December 28. A few other reports of small numbers were received for December.

WMid Small parties up to nine were seen at Bushbury, Northfield, Park Lime Pits, Pensnett and Warley during January and February. First of the autumn were three at Tividale on October 23, followed by three over Kingstanding on October 31. Two visited a Four Oaks garden on November 22, while small parties were recorded at four localities in the Dudley-Tividale area during December, wi th a maximum of 32 at Russells Hall at the end of the year.

Greenfinch No change in breeding status, but sizeable winter flocks were reported especially from Worcestershire.

107

Birds visiting gardens in Kenilworth and Lillington were the only records received. Small numbers reported from Bittell, Feckenham, Lickey Woods, Upton Warren and the Wyre Forest. During winter 400 were still at Beckford on January 1 and 100 were at Grimley on January 7, during which month birds at West Hagley were feeding on dog rosehips. Autumn flocks of 100 were recorded from Holt during October and on Hipton Hill on December 4, whilst at the Kingsway, Stourport, numbers built up from 200 on November 27 to 400 by December 11. 300 were counted in a finch flock at Strensham on December 27. Small flocks noted at Blithfield, Brewood and Shenstone in January, with 85 the largest winter count at Tittensor on January 2. A summer gathering of 200 fed on oilseed rape at Hanchurch on July 31. Autumn flocks were few, with 50 at Betley on November 22 and 30 at Doxey on December 28 the largest. Small - numbers at Aldersley, Hawthorn Wood, Moseley, Shirley, Streetly and Wolverhampton throughout the year. A party of 50 was attracted to oilseed rape at Park Lime Pits on August 27. 120 roosted at Sandwell Valley on November 9.

Goldfinch Warks. Three breeding pairs estimated at Alvecote, where 35 were present on

December 18. Elsewhere no more than 10 were recorded. Worcs Three pairs were found in Rous Lench village and a few pairs in fruit

orchards on Hipton Hill. Small winter flocks were reported from Bittell, 11 ley Mill and Wilden, while 50 were at Upton Warren on December 4. Separate flocks of 50 and 60 were counted near Eckington on September 17.

Staffs Bred at Barton-under-Needwood, Fradley and Hockley (three pairs). Small numbers were seen at numerous localities throughout the year feeding on alder, dandelion, sunflower and thistle seeds. Flocks of about 30 were at Belvide and Doxey during the autumn, and a maximum of 40 was seen at Westport on December 21..

WMid Reported throughout the year from several suburban areas, where the favoured breeding site is said to be flowering cherries. Post-breeding fjocks of about 40 at Brierley Hill Pools and Snow Hill Station during early,,September. 65 at Elmdon Park on December 29 was the largest winter count.

Siskin Average-October 4 (46) to April 14 (44) Still relatively scarce in Warwickshire and the West Midlands in both winter and autumn. More in Staffordshire and Worcestershire, though flocks were not exceptional. Away from potential breeding Sites, last seen at Stourvale on April 24. First noted in autumn on September 4 at Brandon.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

108

Warks Winter records from only eight localities and numbers poor, with maxima of 20 at Yarningdale on January 9 and 16 at Rowington on January 15. Equally scarce in autumn, wi th records from just five.sites and no party greater than 10 except at Brandon, where numbers rose from 30 on November 27 to 70 on December 22.

Worcs A male was seen in suitable breeding habitat in the Wyre Forest on May . 2, but .there was no sign of a female or nest. Winter parties up to 20 were

reported from five localities. Larger flocks were 100 at Bittell on January 9, some of which stayed into April; 175 at Shrawley on February 20; and 100 at Mount Segg on February 26, increasing to 200 by March 15. The

. established Wilden flock peaked at only 29 on March 27, when 30 were also seen at The Knapp. 60 were still at Grimley on April 1. Autumn parties up to 30 were seen in many central and northern districts. Larger flocks were 40, at Birch Wood on November 6 and Stourvale on November 27; 65 at Wilden on December 11; 120 at Caunsall on December 30; and 70 at Bittell by the end of the year.

Staffs Pairs were seen in suitable breeding habitat at Cannock Chase, Hanchurch and Keele at the end of April. Winter flocks up to 20 were seen at six localities. Larger parties were 40 at Blithfield on.January 4, and 60 at Aqualate on February 13, but most were on Cannock Chase, with 110 in the Sherbrook Valley on January 8 and 250 at Beaudesert on February 13. More widespread in autumn, with up to 30 at some twenty localities, and flocks of 40 at Belvide, Brocton, Dimmingsdale, Hanchurch, Rodbaston, Seven Springs and Yoxall during November and December. Maxima were 90 in the Churnet Valley on November 24, 70 at Barlaston Downs on December 7, 90 at Podmore Pool on December 21 and 50 at Himley at the end of the year.

WMid Winter and autumn numbers both low. Up to 10 were seen in parks and gardens at seven localities, but the only noteworthy flock was 40 at Elmdon from November 20 into December.

Linnet Warks Five breeding pairs at Alvecote, but no territories at Willey where there

are usually two. Appeared scarce in winter, with 200 at Umberslade Park on February 22 the only flock reported. Post-breeding flocks formed in late summer, with 65 at Coton on August 20 and 70 at Purley Chase the next day. Flocks of 200 were also at Ladywalk on September 22 and Whateley on September 28, with 100 at Brandon on.December 26.

Worcs No breeding information received. Small parties were reported from Beckford, Bittell, Dunhampstead and Upton Warren during winter, with larger flocks of 1 25 at Summerfield on January 9 and at Badgers Hill at the end of March. Autumn produced bigger flocks, with 300 at Holt on October 9, 250 at Baynhall on November 20, 150 at Stourport on December 4 and 200 in a sprout field near Hartlebury on December 18.

Staffs • Very scarce everywhere during the winter. Three singing males in the breeding season at Doxey and regularly seen at Belvide, with 50 on April

109

22.60 were at Ford Green on April 20, while the largest flock was 118 at Hanchurch Pools on April 23. During autumn, flocks of 70 were reported from Doxey and Longsdon, while the largest gathering of the year was 200 at Tittesworth on October 2.

WMid Scarce in the winter, apart from a flock of 130 at Pedmore on February 25, but present in good numbers in the gorse and heather of Sutton Park during the breeding season. Also recorded in summer at Aldridge, Minworth, Park Lime Pits, Rushall and Tudor Grange Park, Solihull. Autumn flocks included 150 in the Sandwell Valley on September 20 and 200 in a mixed finch flock at Tividale on September 28.

Twite Fairly scarce this year, both as a breeding bird and winter visitor.

Staffs On the North Staffs Moors, six were located at Knotbury on March 20 and 11 were seen there on April 1 PGB. A male was song flighting near Swallow Moss on June 5 SMW, and one or two birds were noted at Gib Torr, The Mermaid and Royal Cottage during midsummer. The only wintering birds were three at Chasewater on December 3 REH.

Redpoll Warks Very few records received. Seems quite scarce nowadays, wi th

breeding suspected only at Alvecote. Small parties reported from Alvecote, Earlswood, Hatton, Kingsbury, Middleton Hall and Yarningale during the winter and autumn.

Worcs A few pairs nested in a'planted birch hedge at Stourport. Noted at five localities in the Lenches and also in the Wyre Forest during the breeding season. Winter parties up to 35 were reported from Bittell, Clent, the Lickeys, Shrawley, Stourport and Wilden. 70 were counted in Coldridge Wood, 60 were near Atch Lench in March, and a late flock of 50 was at Hipton Hill on May 1. In autumn flocks of about 30' were seen at Caunsall, Ipsley Alders and Wilden.

Staffs Breeding season records from Gib Torr, Newcastle, Olda'cre Valley, Sherbrook Valley, Westlands and Westport. Only a few reported in winter, with parties of 40 at Aqualate on February 13 and 30 at Chasewater the only sizeable counts. Much more widespread in autumn, with parties up to 30 at about 20 localities. On October 27 Maer Hills held 47; during November, Brownhills and Westlands each had flocks of about 40, while Blithfield had 80 at the end of the month; and in December 60 were seen at both Blythebridge and Chasewater, while a flock of 43 was at Westport on December 21.

WMid No breeding information received, but present at Marston Green throughout the summer. Several reports of small numbers in parks and gardens, especially during the autumn and winter periods. Flocks of 30 were seen in Streetly and Sutton Park in late winter.

Yet again there were no reports of Mealy Redpoll.

110

Crossbill Worcs One flew over Stanford-on-Teme on August 7 BW. A reasonable influx

then occurred in October, with 50 in the Wyre Forest on October 20, followed by 50 at Coldridge Wood on November 6 RM. Five were feeding on sycamore seeds in Eymore Wood on November 11 RM and this party had increased to 24 by December 10 BW. Up to 20 remained in the Wyre Forest area until the end of the year, and six were seen at Ribbesford Wood on November 12 AFJ.

Staffs Records from many sites on Cannock Chase as follows: Beaudesert from January ? to April 4. wi th a maximum of 18 on March 30 JEF; 16 at Abrahams Valley on January 21 MB; two at Lower Mansty on January 27 MB; 13 flying over Regents Wood on February 19 MB; 12 at Sherbrook Valley on February 20 JSB; and three in the Rugeley Rifle Range area from April 2 to April 8 many observers. A pair then reared two young at Haywood Warren in May MB and the last sighting was one at Horse Pasture Pools on June 30 MB, In contrast, there were very few autumn records, although a female was noted at Maer on October 26 WJL and three f lew over Tittensor Common on December 21 RJH.

Bullfinch Warks No change in status, with the usual two pairs at Willey. No party

exceeded five birds. Worcs Usual numbers in the Wyre Forest and at Upton Warren. A winter party

of 12 was reported from Washford in January. In the autumn 12 were feeding on rowan berries at Malvern on October 3 and 10 were seen together at Pennyfields in November.

Staffs Small numbers were seen at several localities throughout the year, with a maximum of 16 in the Churnet Valley on November 24.

WMid No breeding reports received, but small numbers, usually pairs, were seen in gardens, parks and on waste ground.

Hawf inch Remains restricted to a few favoured haunts, but continues to increase in number.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 139 69 113 157 256

Warks A male at Newnham Paddox from January 23 to February 27 MSW. One in Nursery Wood on December 13 per GRH.

Worcs Recorded in the Wyre Forest from March 6 JEF to May 18 SMW, with a maximum of 20 on March 16 WFP, GHP. Elsewhere, reports of one at Arley on March 13 JMD; up to four in a wood near Hartlebury from March 6 to May 1 RM, BW; and singles flying over Trimpley Reservoir on September 20 BW, and at Wilden on October 29 BW and December 17 RM.

111

Staffs The 1982 bird remained at Beaudesert from January 1 to 24 many observers. At Chillington, present from March 6 SLCto May 18 KA, wi th a maximum of 12 on April 7 KA; six were then seen on November 23, and one on December 13 KA. Two young were raised at a location in the south of the county MJH. Two flew over Belvide on December 26 JJH, rnD.

WMid A flock was discovered at a new locality in woodland near Wolverhampton. It was present from March 26 to April 2, with a maximum of 19 on March 27 JKH.

1982 Addendum Staffs Two juveniles were seen at a location in the south of the county on June

6 DS.

Snow Bunting A typical showing for this species, which has become very scarce in the past five years.

1959-63 1964-68 1969-73 1974-78 1979-83

No. of birds 42 31 30 30 1.0

Warks A male at Draycote on October 29 RCM. Staffs One at Belvide on April 8 PTi et al., and a female or immature at

Tittesworth on November 20 PGB.

1982 Addendum

Worcs One seen in flight at Oldington Sewage Works on December 5 RM.

Yellowhammer Little breeding information received from the Region as a whole.

Warks Six breeding pairs at Alvecote and an increase from five to seven pairs at Willey. Good numbers reported from Admington throughout the year. A flock of 100 was seen near Kingsbury on January 29, while flocks of over 50 were at Gannaway Gate, Newnham Paddox and Polesworth in February. Small parties were seen at several other localities.

Worcs Few breeding records, but present in good numbers at Bittell and throughout the Wyre Forest during summer. 50 near Bromsgrove on April 3 was the largest spring flock, while the same number was at Holt on August 28. Flocks of 50 to75 were recorded from Bittell, Blakedown,

. Hipton Hill, Uckinghall and Upper Mitton in December, while the largest for the year was 100 at Stourport on December 11.

Staffs Common on farmland in the Eccleshall area. Small flocks of up to 25 birds were seen at five localities during the late winter period. Winter Atlas counts revealed 178 in S089 on January 8 and 56 in SK10 on February 12, while about 80 were noted at Little Wyrley on February 13.

112

In autumn, parties of up to 24 birds were recorded at Betley, Eccleshall and RodbdSlui'i.

WMid Fewer reports than usual. Said to be scarcer in the Aldridge area nowadays, but still present in reasonable numbers in gorse at Sutton Park. 1 6 were at Hockley Heath on February 9.

Worcs A female was discovered amongst a flock of Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings feeding at a grainstore near Hartlebury on February 27 BW.

• This is the first sighting in the Region since 1977. It raises the question whether a small, relict population still lingers on in the Severn Valley, or whether this was a wanderer from Southern England. Each seems equally improbable.

Warks No change in breeding status at Alvecote, with six to eight pairs. Up to 50 roosted at Brandon during winter and autumn.

Worcs No change in numbers at Bittell. Two pairs were at Aston Mill throughout the summer. No parties or feeding flocks were reported.

Staffs 24 males sang at Doxey and many young were observed being fed by adults. Two males holding territories at Fradley in May were fairly usual,

Cirl Bunf" -

Female Cirl Bunting (top) and female Yellowhammer.

Reed Bunting

113

as was one at Gib Torr in late April. Most in winter was 24 in Oldacre Valley on January 8, while the spring peak was 35 at Belvide on April 14. 30 plus were still at Doxey at the end of the year.

WMid Two pairs probably bred in Sutton Park, and Park Lime Pits held throe singing males on June 18. A few others were reported from suburban gardens during the winter and spring periods.

. Corn Bunting Warks At Admington eight males were singing along a mile stretch of road on

July 9. One or two pairs bred at Alvecote, four were singing at Freasley and three at Long Itchington. Breeding season reports from five other localities. The winter roost at Brandon peaked at 70 on February 14, while a flock of 45 was at Gannaway Gate on February 28. No other reports received.

Worcs About 40 singing males were reported from 18 localities, eight of them in the Thicknall-Broome area. Noted at some 20 localities throughout winter and autumn, with peaks of 106 at Mustow Green, and 50 at Grimley in January. A flock at a Podmore grainstore reached 57 on March 13. Elsewhere, several parties of up to 30 were reported.

Staffs 32 singing males were reported from 17 localities, with a maximum of five in the Envllle-Selsdon a red. Hecords also received from nine localities during winter and autumn, including 36 at Dosthill in early January and over 50 near Brownhills on November 26. Smaller flocks were seen at Chasewater, Ellerton and Hammerwich.

WMid Only a few records received. Singing males were noted at Pelsall and Wall Heath, and a flock of 50 fed in stubble at Pedmore on February 11.

Exotica

Flamingo Staffs Two flew south over Blithfield on August 27.

South African Shelduck Warks A drake at Seeswood on October 5.

Chestnut Teal

Staffs A pair at Perton from February 10 until the end of the year.

Bahama Pintail Staffs A drake at Belvide from December 10 until the end of the year.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Staffs The Chillington bird made an appearance at Belvide on April 24.

114

Cockatiel Staffs One at Blithfield on September 7 and 18. WMid One at Park Lime Pits on March 13.

Budgerigar WMid One at West Bromwich on November 1 7.

Monk Parakeet Staffs A pair at Newcastle on April 26 with a completed nest. Nestlings

found dead, but five seen in December, so presumably bred again.

Zebra Finch Staffs One at Blithfield on August 30.

115

Ringing in 1983

One thing which is not apparent from the following selected list of recoveries is that over 45% were sent in by non-ringers. This illustrates an important fact which is not always appreciated, namely that without the.co-operation of non-ringers a great deal of information would be lost. Add to this the number of sightings of dye-marked and colour-ringed birds sent in by bird-watchers, and the number of lettered or numbered Darvic rings read in the field and you begin to appreciate the importance of the link.

The forty-four species listed clearly indicates the industry of the ringers involved and the variety of species ringed within the Region. They range from rarely ringed species like Great Crested Grebe and Water Rail to the common Starling and Blue Tit.

During 1983 roost netting of hirundines, wagtails, finches and thrushes continued and, as in previous years, produced some spectacular recoveries. Sand Martins moved to Spain, France and the Netherlands; a Chaffinch to Belgium; a Goldfinch to Spain; and a Yellow and a Pied Wagtail to Morocco and France respectively. The long term studies of Mute Swans, Canada Geese and Grey Herons also continued. Swans and geese were caught and ringed chiefly during their flightless moult period, but large numbers were also ringed as pulli or nestlings — herons almost exclusively so. Pulli ringing is extremely valuable, since the birds are precisely aged and give that extra bit of accuracy on longevity and place of origin. Compared with passerines, their movements appear pedestrian, but the continuity of monitoring their populations is of vital importance.

It was also a good year for gulls and warblers. Recoveries of the former showed a general north-easterly movement to Estonia, Scandinavia, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands, while the warblers produced the most spectacular movement of 1983 — a Wil low Warbler to the Ivory Coast.

Recoveries from the few ducks ringed in the Region indicate that a rewarding study could be undertaken provided sufficient time and energy was devoted to catching larger numbers. I feel sure that, if only the level of Lapwing ringing achieved in the late 70s had been maintained, many more foreign recoveries would have been obtained.

The long-distance recoveries of raptors are exciting, but for me personally the most surprising recovery of 1983 was the Robin to Poland — we still await ringing details from the organisers of the Polish scheme.

Finally, may I thank my colleague ringers for their support throughout 1983. Without their help and enthusiasm there would be nothing to write about.

A E Coleman

116

Map of Ringing Recoveries

All foreign recoveries except Black-headed Gull

Key:-C Chaffinch SW Sedge Warbler G Goldfinch WR Water Rail K Kestrel W Wigeon L Lapwing WW Willow Warbler I R Lesser Black-backed Gull Y Yellow Wagtail R Robin P Pied Wagtail S Sand Martin

W W

117

Selected List of Recoveries Involving the Region Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries for 1983 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres (62 miles) are included. Treatment of movements of less than •100 kilometres depends on the species involved.

Key

Age at ringing: Pull Pullus (nestling) Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) 1Y Bird in its first year 2Y Bird in its second year Ad Adult (at least one year old) FG Full Grown (age uncertain)

Sex: M Male F Female Manner of Recovery: v Caught and released with ring + Shot or killed X Found dead or dying vv Ring read in field ? Manner of recovery unknown

Species Ring No. Age/Sex Date

Great Crested Grebe HW 27210 Ad

X 16.03.76 2802.83

Place

Witton Lakes, Birmingham Faversham (Kent)

Ringer Movement

CDTM 231km

Grey Heron 109898 Pull + 01.05.83

29 09.83 Hallow (Worcs) Cockermouth (Cumbria)

WRG 280km

Mute Swan Z44133 Pull 27.09.79 . Swinbrook (Oxon) EG!

V 08.08 83 Alvecote (Warks) 93km 244866 Pull 22.08.82 Taynton (Oxon) EGI

V 06.08 83 Alvecote (Warks) 91km 2 48051 2Y 01.08.81 Alvecote (Warks) AEC

X 14.02 83 Dunham-on-Trent (Notts) 91km 2 48055 1 Y 01.08.81 Alvecote (Warks) AEC

X 05.09 83 Stockport (Greater Manchester) 94km Z50060 Pull 30.08 82 Hamstall Rid ware (Staffs) AEC

X 05.04.83 Welshpool (Powys) Wales 85km Z 50801 2Y 27.02.83 Lichfield (Staffs) AEC

V 05.11.83 Porthmadoc (Gwynedd) Wales 158km Z 23433 1Y 22.06.74 Cleeve Prior (Worcs) ARG

X 14.03.83 Rugby (Warks) 49km Z38149 Pull 27.08 79 Arrow (Warks) ARG

X 10.06.83 Bradley (Staffs) 66km

Canada Goose L 01333 FG 06.07.81 Edstone (Warks) ARC

X 29.10.83 Elstow Pits (Bedfordshire) 88km

118

Wigeon SS 95455 Ad

Teal 3236769 1Y.F +

Mal lard GJ 0 0 0 1 3 Pull

31.12.12. 18.09.81

tt i i int ieiu (Stalls) CDTM Roskilde Fjord (Sjaelland) Denmark 964km

04.10.76 De Koog (Texel) Netherlands 17.11.82 Dunchurch (Warks)

10.07.79 Compton Wynyates (Warks) 11.11.83 Ettington (Warks)

419km

ARG 9km

Sparrowhawk EH 31169 Pull 13.07.82 Compton Wynyates (Warks) ARG

X 15.05.83 Shipston-on-Stour (Warks) 7km

Kestrel EH 68971 Pull 17 07.83 Atherstone (Warks) ARG

7 20.11.83 Bandon (Cork) Eire 488km Pull 16.06.79 Upton-on-Severn (Worcs) RH X 15.07.82 Crowcombe (Somerset) 126km

Water Rail EJ 45126 FG 21.10.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

+ 21.11.82 Vendee, France 677km

Lapwing D R 6 5 3 2 0 Ad.F 23.08.79 Ombersley (Worcs) SW

X 16.01.82 Cabra (Cordoba) Spain 1652km

Black-headed Gull EB97257 Ad 19.01.80 Bearley (Warks) ARG

+ 16.04.83 Ulenurme (Tartu Region) Estonia 1922km EB96363 Ad 10.02.79 Studley (Warks) ARG

+ 06.05.83 Ekeby, Malmkoping ISodermanland) Sweden 1391km EF 81 819 FG 27.11.76 Stockton (Warks) ARG

V 16.01.82 Madeley Heath (Worcs) 50km + 15.06 83 Polula (Rakvere) Estonia 1911km

EB97353 Ad 26.01.80, Studley (Warks) ARG X 25.06.83 Asikkala, HiIIila (Hame) Finland 1935km

EB96303 FG 16.12.78 Bearley (Warks) ARG + 04.07.83 Hallum (Friesland) Netherlands 520km

EF 81 8 4 4 FG 27.11.76 Stockton (Warks) ARG X 08.09.83 St. Marys Bay. Allhallows (Kent) 161km

EB96319 Ad 10.02.79 Studley (Warks) ARG X 12.12.83 Leybucht. Horden (Weser-ens) F.R. Germany 618km

EB 6 1 6 6 6 Ad 18 02.78 Coleshill (Warks) GA + 16.07.82 Sjobo (Malmohus) Sweden 1064km

EJ00543 Ad 10.02.79 Madeley Heath (Worcs) GA X 12.06.82 Wasfinde (Gotland) Sweden 1428km

EB 4 6 6 4 9 FG 29.12.75 Cannock (Staffs) CDTM X 16.07.83 Gdansk, Poland 1391km

EB 2 8 9 7 0 FG 24.12.75 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM X 17.10.83 Gretna Green (Cumbria) 254km

E J 1 9 8 3 2 2Y 13.01.80 Madeley Heath (Worcs) PL1 + 17 06 83 Oostvaardersdijk (Ijsselmeerpolders)

Netherlands 501km

119

Lesser Black-backed Gull GK23452 Ad 28.12.76 Evesham (Worcs) CMH

X 21.08.83 Hale Head (Cheshire) 147km GK40102 Ad 12.02.77 Stockton (Warks) ARG

X 04.02.03 Ijn'iuidcn (Noord-I lolland) Netherlands 403km GP 93079 Ad 03.01.77 Bearley (Warks) ARG

X 22.0883 Whitesand Bay, Lands End (Cornwall) 364km GK 8031 2 Ad 01.01.80 Madeley Heath (Worcs) GA

+ 01.06.82 Mallowdale (Lancashire) 185km

Herring Gull GK 95781 Ad 01.01.80 Madeley Heath (Worcs) GA

X 13.02.83 Staines Reservoir (Surrey) 151km

Barn Owl GK 87628 Pull 11.08.83 Birmingham MRG

X 18.10.83 Eckington (Worcs) 53km GJ00097 Pull 10.07.82 Barlord (Warks) ARG

X 03.01.83 Billingham (Cleveland) 264km

Kingfisher EE 35260 Juv.M 1 4.08.82 Bichops Offloy (Static) RS

V 01.07.83 Stapleton. Nr. Shrewsbury (Salop) 41km

Sand Mart in A 717392 Juv.M 08.07.80 Ombersley (Worcs) SW

V 29.06.82 Attenborough (Notts) 100km KR 76457 Ad 25.05.77 Astley (Worcs) JM

V 20.09.79 Madrid, Spain 1705krr B 302678 Juv.F 14.07.82 Hermitage (Berkshire)

v 19.06.83 Cornets End. Meriden (West Midlands) 114km B 500082 Juv.F 07 07.82 Canterbury (Kent)

V 19.06.83 Cornets End, Meriden (West Midlands) 231km A 783907 Juv.M 05.08.80 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

V 07.08.82 Errol (Tayside) Scotland 428km B374318 Ad 01.09.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

V 18.06.83 Bangor (G wynedd) Wales 161km B 577090 Juv.F 05.07.82 Hallow (Worcs) WRG

V 17.06.83 Beeston (Cheshire) 101km B536297 Juv.M 03.08.82 Hallow (Worcs) WRG

V 26.06.83 Delamere (Cheshire) 111km 9810 Ad.F 21.04.83 Charente-Maritime, France

V 12.07.83 Kemerton (Worcs) 670km A 533056 Ad.F 12.07.83 Kemerton (Worcs) WRG

V 05.09.83 Gravesend (Kent) 178km B312956 Juv 10.08.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

v 01.07.83 Friesland, Netherlands 540km B315386 Juv 18.08.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

V 30.05.83 Ounblane, Scotland 419km B 324678 Ad 19.05.83 Brandon (Warks) BRG

V 23.05.83 Keir (Dumfries and Galloway) Scotland 353km A 695403 Juv 12.08.80 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

V 07.04.83 Charente-Maritime. France 734km

120

S w a l l o w D 704772 Juv 14.00.02 •o l ton (Grtoici- Manchostor)

V 19.09.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) 113km B 314365 Juv 19.09.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

X 05.06.83 Alpha Brae Platform. North Sea 679km

House Mart in A 29624 Pull 16 08.80 Severn Stoke (Worcs) JRH

X 12.08.83 Worcester 10km

Yellow Waqtai! B 094581 Ad.F 28.07.81 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

X 11.02.83 Tan-Tan, (Sahara) Morocco 2792km B 2 4 7 2 3 2 JuvF 19.09 81 Hallow (Worcs) SIV

V 20.08.83 Chorltoncum-Hardy (Greater Manchester) 132km

Pied Wagtai l A 0 2 2 8 2 6 Ad 14.10 82 Redditch (Worcs) CMH

X 01.01.83 Demouville (Calvados) France 370km B 629585 Juv.F 24.08.82 Nr. Banchory, Aberdeen (Grampian) Scotland

v 30.10.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) 494km

Robin K 035804 Gdansk, Poland

X 29.11.83 Solihull (West Midlands)

Blackbird XA 5 3 5 5 9 1Y.F 25.01.81 Snitterfield (Warks) ARG

X 29.04.83 Eyton, Wrexham (Clwyd) Wales 121km XH 4 7 6 9 4 FG 05.12.82 Compton Verney (Warks) ARG

X 30.10.83 Weybourne (Norfolk) 202km

Song Thrush XJ 3 6 1 7 0 1Y 22.01.83 Tamworth (Staffs) MRG

X 22.02.83 Grantham (Lincolnshire) 74km

Sedge Warbler A 971 903 FG.F 19.11.82 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) MRG

v 16.03.83 Sandwich Bay (Kent) 239km B 5071 62 Juv 31 07.83 Brandon (Warks) BRG

V 04.08.83 Brandon (Warks) V 19.08.83 St. Seurin D'uzet, France 766km

B 2 7 7 8 2 4 FG 07.08.83 Pefferside (Lothian) Scotland V 04.09 83 Brandon (Warks) 415km

Reed Warbler B 3 9 7 9 6 1 FG 30.05.82 Wigan (Greater Manchester)

V 28.07.82 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) 111km JP 37527 Pull 19 07 81 Brandon (Warks) BRG

V 18.07.82 Dunham-on Trent (Notts) 107km

Lesser Whitethroat A 609275 Juv 28.07 80

X 06.08.83 Saddington Reservoir (Leicestershire) BRG Brandon (Warks) 31km

121

Blackcap B 577133 Juv 11.07.82 Shrawley Wood (Worcs) WRG

X 03.05.83 Ovingdean, Brighton (Sussex) 218km

Willow Warbler 7E3064 FG 24.04.82 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) MRG

+ 23.01.83 Dimbokro, Ivory Coast 5108km 4E7463 FG 18.04.82 Portland Bill (Dorset) PBO

v 07.05.83 Hallow (Worcs) 191km

Goldcrest 0E 5780

2H 9533

FG.M V 1Y.M V

12.09.81 05.01.83 12.03.83 2 7 0 4 83

Calf, Isle of Man Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) Maer (Staffs) Uangeniew (Gwynedd) Wales

CofMO 257km RS 95km

Long-tailed Tit 6B9211 FG

v 01.11.80 14 09.83

Southam (Warks) Belfairs, Hadleigh (Essex)

ARG 159km

Blue Tit KX 58570 1Y

X 04.01.81 27.01.83

Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) Medbourne. Market Harborough (Leics)

ARG 73km

Great Tit NK 26829 Ad

V 18.07.82 10.02.83

Nuneaton (Warks) Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands)

MRG 19km

Jay DR 42731 Juv

X 13.08.82 09.12.82

Stockton (Warks) Thenford, Banbury (Oxon)

ARG 24km

Rook FS 09361 Pull

X 24.04.77 10.05.83

Binton (Warks) Chipping Campden (Gloucestershire)

ARG 1 5 k m

Starling XE19771

XJ 36296

P415161

1Y X Juv.M X FG X

01.03.79 23.02.83 28.07.81 17.06.83 19.09.76 12.11.81

Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) Amlwch (Anglesey) Wales Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) Northfleet (Kent) Kraslava (Latvia) U.S.S R. Worcester

ARG 223km MRG 192 km

1954km

Chaffinch B 392139 Ad.M 03.12.81 Stourport (Worcs) WRG

v 18.10.82 Merksplas (Antwerpen) Belgium 505km

Greenfinch NJ 20481 FG 16 12.81 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) MRG

v 25.12.82 Downend, Bristol (Avon) 132km NK 25286 1Y.F 30.12.82 Stourport (Worcs) WRG

V 16.03.83 Potters Bar (Hertfordshire) 162km NS10838 Ad.M 24.01.82 Suckley (Worcs) SW

V 12 03 83 East Retford (Notts) 163km

122

Goldf inch • 311202 Juv 23.08.81 Stubbers Green (West Midlands) MRG

V 29 11.81 Navahondilla (Avila) Spain 1378km

Siskin A 746142 1Y.M 11.10.82 Isle of May. Scotland

V 15.04.83 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) 405km B 534846 FG 13.03.83 Dartford (Kent)

V 29.03.83 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) 190km B095251 1Y 20.03.82 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) MRG

X 25.05.83 Lochgilphead (Strathclyde) Scotland 456km 2YT 03.06.81 Shonval, Glon Urquhart, Scotland

12.03.83 Great Malvern (Worcs) 597km 2Y.M 06.03.82 Birmingham CMH

03.04.83 Drumnadrochit, Scotland 571km

Redpoll B 621153 FG 17.07.82 Wigan (Greater Manchester)

V 21.02.83 Sutton Coldfield (West Midlands) 117km B322571 2Y 12.04.82 Chobham Common (Surrey)

X 11.08.83 Lichfield (Stalls) 167km

Reed Bunting KA 8 5 2 7 0 FG.F 29.02.76 Castle Park, Warwick ARG

V 19.06.83 Altofts. Wakefield (West Yorkshire) 162km

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Key to Contributors

The following members Report.

J J Abbotts J K G Allen A G Amphlett G Appleton Mrs E F Arden G A Arnold M A Arnold J A Asbury K Aslett R E Astbury W J Atkins M J Austin

F Baldry Mrs V A Baldry J Barnes P G Barratt A D Barter B Baston (SSa) L R Bayoc M Bellamy J T Belsey J S Bennett B Bentley D Bird A R M Blake K J Bollington A Booth Mrs J Booth (JBo) E J Bradford G M Broadbent ID Broadbent R C Broadbent P B Brookes G C Bruton 0 W Burns RFE Butler G H C Byford

SRCale S L Cawthray PJ Chadder M Chilvers E S Clare KG Clifford Sandwell Valley Field

Naturalist Club Young Ornithologists

Club A E Coleman Mrs P Copson

and non-members have forwarded material for the

P P Cox P M Hackett M I. Cresswell C J Hall A Curran D J Hall

R E Harbird 1K Dawson S C Harrap J J Day G R Harrison A R Dean Mrs J V Harrison P K Dedicoat S L Haycox R J Dickens S M Haynes F R Dickson A WPHearn A J Digby S 1 Hearne IJDix C M Hemmings Mrs R Dill T C Hextell J M Dodgson Mrs J M Heynes A K Dolphin R J Higgins P J W D o r e J K Higginson T Doyle D W Hildred Mrs D Dunstan M Hildred

J R Hodson M J Eccleshall .1.1 Hnlian JEdl in A J Hollick S F L Edwards M J Hollis D W Emley E A Hopkins G Etherington(GEr) Miss J Howard G Evans R R Howl J C Eyre-Dickinson R A Hume

M D Humphreys M Finnemore P D Hyde G Fitchett Mrs J Forbes L Ingleston P A Forbes R Ingleston J E Fortey F H Ingram R Frankum M J Inskip

Edward Grey Institute N D Galloway PL Ireland PG Garner Mr & Mrs E Gibson A F Jacobs G 1 Giles S Jaggs TE Giles M D James C Gladwin R J Jennett Mrs E Green (EGr) A J Jones M R Green {MRGr) K H Jones F C Gribble Mrs H Gribble M H King Arden Ringing Group R J King Brandon Marsh K N Kingscott

Conservation Group B L Kington Brandon Ringing Group J P Kirkby Mercian Ringing Group Wychavon Ringing C B Lee

Group T C E Link Mr & Mrs D Guy E W Longman

124

K ALover idge G Palmer Dr R M Southam W J Low D Parr J A Street M R Lucas G R Payton G Summers

Miss K Pedley M Sutton G MacDonald G H Peplow I R Mach in T M M c l l r o v C McShane D J Manns {DJMa) G J M a n t D V M a r d l e T Mor low

W F Peplow E G Phillips K 0 Pierce P Porter C H Potter T Poyser G B Prescott

Mrs J M Taket (JMTa P B Taylor A 0 Thomas BT Thomas R J Thomas T Thomas P Till

J P Mar t in R Maskew H S Quiney PTipler(PTT)

Mrs J M Turner D Mather D Mayer (DMa) A Remfry Dr J H Turney

R C Mays A J Richards H J Mi l ler I N Ricketts D T Underhill C D T Min ton J H W Ridley D J Mi t fo rd 0 Roberts N J Morgan H Morra l l

G W Russon PA Wain N J Morgan H Morra l l S W Walker G J Mor t (GJ/Wo) LScragg P J Ward J R Mount ford A Sherlock Miss Y M Way

R Simister M S Weake

B J Newsome G K Nicholls S C Nichols

D JS imk in S K Welch B J Newsome G K Nicholls S C Nichols

J H Sirrett 0 B Skidmore C J Small

N R Went D R West B Westwood

J Oates 0 Smallshire 1C Whitehouse

J Oates R L Smallwood S M Whitehouse Calf of Man Observatory B Smith G Wil l iams Portland Bill G E Smith J R Winsper

Observatory Mrs P Smith A J Wood Warwick Natural A Wright

M W Painting History Society G C Wright

125

Submission of Records All contributors are asked to refer to A Checklist of the Birds of the West Midlands and a Guide to Status and Record Submission for full guidance on the submission of records. A copy of this booklet has been sent to all members, but fui'tl mi copies can be obtained from the Secretary, price 30p plus a large, stamped-addressed envelope.

Records of the following species will not be published unless they are supported by adequate descriptions.

A full description is not necessary for the less rare or difficult species, but enough to show how the species was identified. Such descriptions should be accompanied by brief details of the circumstances of the report and the observer's experience of the species and other, similar species. Lack of proper descriptions may lead to records being rejected.

All national rarities. (Not published unless accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee). All out-of-season migrants Unusual races Divers Grebes, other than Great Crested or Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Storks and Spoonbill Whooper Swan Geese, other than Canada, Greylag and feral Snow and Barnacle Ducks: Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Scaup, Eider,

Long-tailed Duck, all Scoter spp, Smew, Red-breasted Merganser Birds of Prey, except Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel Quail and Golden Pheasant Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Avocet, Stone-curlew, Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Temminck's Stint,

Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Mediterranean, Little, Sabine's, Iceland, Glaucous, Kittiwake Terns: Sandwich, Roseate, Little Auks Long-eared Owl Hoopoe, Wryneck Woodlark, Shorelark Pipits: Richard's, Tawny, Rock and Water Wagtails: Blue-headed, White Wax wing

126

Bluethroat, Black Redstart Warblers: Cetti's, Savi's, Marsh. Icterine, Melodious, Dartford, Barred, Yellow-

browed Firecrest Red-breasted Flycatcher Bearded Tit, Golden Oriole Shrikes Chough, Hooded Crow, Raven Finches: Serin, Twite, Mealy Redpoll, Crossbill, Hawfinch Buntings: Lapland. Snow, Cirl, Ortolan

NOTES

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