W e s t Midland Bird Club

Annua! Report No 46 1979

Corn Bunting by M. C. Wilkes

West Midland Bird Club

Annua! Report No 46 19 79

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 Editor's Report

6 Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement

9 Secretary's Report

I 1 Membership Secretary's Report

I I Field Meetings Secretary's Report

11 Branch Reports

13 Belvide Reserve

13 Ladywalk Reserve

16 1979 Bird Record Localities

19 Classified Notes

100 Ringing in 1979

111 Key to Contributors

112 Species requiring descriptions

Price £1.50

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Officers and Committee 1980

President C A Norris, Brookend House, Wclland, Worcestershire Vice-President G C Lambourne, Melin Dan-y-rhiw, St. Davids, Dyfed Chairman A R M Blake, 102 Russell Bank Road, Four Oaks,

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands Deputy-Chairman G M Lewis, 9a Plymouth Road, Barnt Green,

Birmingham B45 8JE Secretary A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley,

Warwickshire B80 7JG Membership Miss J M Nicholls, 296 Olton Boulevard West, Secretary Birmingham B1 1 3HH Treasurer J H W Ridley, 33 Blakedown Road, Halesowen,

West Midlands Editor G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton,

Warwickshire CV35 7LA Field Meetings S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Secretary Birmingham B1 7 9EL Ringing Secretary P Ireland, 33 Banbrook Close, Solihull, West Midlands

B92 9NF Permit Secretary Miss M Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close,

Birmingham B1 5 3LX Chairman G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Research Warwickshire CV35 7LA Committee Kidderminster Branch Secretary Staffs Branch D Emley, 127 Harpfields Road, Stoke-on-Trent Secretary Solihull Branch Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, Representative West Midlands Main Committee Miss G Davies, Mr & Mrs B Hutton, Mrs J Jacobs

and Miss M Young

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Editor's Report After several years of helping with the editorial work, Rob Hume regretfully feels unable to continue with his contribution and I should like to thank him very much indeed for his past efforts. Fortunately Pete Dedicoat has stepped into the breach, but I hope Rob will be able to continue illustrating the Report. Due to illness and other commitments, production of this Report has been particularly arduous and an even greater share of the burden than usual has fallen on my wife. Indeed, without her efforts it is doubtful whether there would have been a Report at all. I am also indebted to everyone who has contributed, especially those who submitted records, but I should particularly like to thank Alan Dean, Pete Dedicoat and Dave Smallshire for their help in its compilation.

G R Harrison

Birds in 1979 Some 223 species or distinct races were recorded in a year of mixed blessings. For the most part 1979 will be remembered for its severe winter, which was comparable with those of 1947 and 1963, though thankfully no particular weather pattern dominated for long so the coldest spells were not protracted. The apparent sixteen-year cycle for hard winters makes an intriguing coincidence. Inevitably the hard weather dominated bird-life throughout the year, bringing some unusual wildfowl movements as birds were forced to forsake frozen waters, many unexpected species visiting gardens in search of food and a high mortality rate which affected breeding populations. Heavy rainfall in late-spring brought flooding and this too frustrated many breeding attempts. Following their influx the previous autumn, Short-eared Owls remained widespread throughout the winter and it was also an excellent year for Brambling. Above all, though, 1 979 will be remembered as the year of the Red-necked Grebe. It opened with both Smew and Pomarine Skua from 1978 and during the first, very cold week both Bittern and Turnstone were seen. A rapid thaw that lasted for some five days brought an influx of Goosanders, a party of White-fronted Geese and four Bearded Tits. With a return to freezing conditions and heavy snow on the fourteenth, six Smew were discovered on the River Trent, taking advantage of water which had been artificially warmed during its passage through the nearby power-station. Three days later a Black-throated Diver arrived, on the twenty-first three Lapland Buntings appeared at two separate localities, a Velvet Scoter was discovered next day and then a Waxwing appeared. Finally, with the onset of even more severe snowfall and cold, the month closed with an exceptional movement of Pink-footed Geese on the twenty-seventh and the arrival of more White-fronted Geese the next day. Apart from a brief respite around the twenty-second, February was again very cold with heavy snow in mid-month. Bearded Tit and Mealy Redpoll were discovered in the first few days, but it was the anticyclone that developed

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over Scandinavia on the fourteenth, bringing Siberian conditions to the Continent and blizzards to Britain, that sparked off a flurry of movement. Within the next few days no fewer than ten divers, thirteen Red-necked Grebes, a Slavonian Grebe and a Dusky Thrush arrived, the latter being seen intermittently for some time and providing some recompense for a spate of frustratingly inconclusive claims of rare thrushes in gardens. About this time too, enormous numbers of finches descended on the Kidderminster area, culminating in a mixed flock that contained at least a thousand Brambling and twelve-hundred Linnets. In late-February, two Whooper Swans arrived, to stay until May, arid more Smew and a Great Grey Shrike appeared. One or two Iceland Gulls and more divers and Red-necked Grebes appeared during March, which remained unsettled and rather cold. Bewicks Swans moved through on the third and fourth and next day the second Bittern of the winter was found, whilst a passing frontal system on the eleventh brought a party of 42 Kittiwakes with it. A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen on the fifteenth and it, or another, was found poisoned later in the month. High pressure in mid-Atlantic brought further heavy snow on the sixteenth, but following southerly winds on the eighteenth a few Wheatears began to pass through. Their passage was quickly curtailed by the return of cold, northerly winds, however, and whilst a few Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler also arrived in March, Sand Martins failed to do so for only the third time since 1 934. Following the recent pattern, spring was again late, with April cold and unusually quiet. Few summer visitors could be found before the ninth, when southerly winds began a strong passage. Instead, and more in keeping with the weather, a second Velvet Scoter appeared on the tenth. An incredibly early Swift was seen on the twelfth, however, and despite the return of colder weather in mid-month a Marsh Harrier passed through on the twenty-fourth. Early May brought snow on the second, a brief stay from a Ring-necked Duck and a Crane, as well as seeing a Great Grey Shrike and a Red-throated Diver still lingering on.

The customary passage of Sanderling peaked about the seventh, on which day a Kentish Plover was also seen, and a strong passage of Black Terns on the thirteenth coincided with an improvement in the weather. The discovery of five Waxwings the next day, though, was symptomatic of its variability. Temminck's Stints arrived on the sixteenth and seventeenth, Osprey on the twentieth and Spoonbill five days later. Passage continued into June, with one of the year's most unexpected surprises, a Barred Warbler, on the third; a Golden Oriole on the same day; and a Great Reed Warbler on the tenth, whilst Corncrakes were heard at this time and at the end of the month. The breeding season was characterised by widespread reports of declines in the numbers of tits, Goldcrest, Wren, Treecreeper, Kingfisher and Heron, which traditionally suffer from hard winters. Heavy rain during the last few days of May also caused flooding and amongst the many ground-

5

nesting species to be washed out were Teal, Garganey, Little Ringed Plover and possibly Gadwall. Again there were no reports of Cirl Bunting either, but on the credit side Ringed Plover bred for the first time; one pair of Oystercatchers were successful, though another failed; Gadwall bred for the first time in Warwickshire; Marsh Warblers were found at two new sites; Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Hobby, Quail and Common Tern all nested successfully and Grasshopper Warbler enjoyed a peak year. Late June also saw the first of a small irruption of Crossbills, whilst early July's highlights were a singing Woodlark, Little Tern, Spotted Crake and a Brambling in song. Later in the month a Caspian Tern was seen on the twenty-fifth and a Night Heron, found two days later not far from where one was seen in 1978, poses the possibility that it had remained in the area undetected for a year. Following heavy rain and gales in mid-August, there was a passage of Little Gulls around the eighteenth and a Marsh Harrier arrived at the same time to stay for ten days. Another Harrier passed through on the thirtieth and Greenshanks peaked as usual late in the month, but it was a poor year generally for waders and particularly for Curlew Sandpiper and Dunlin. Early-September produced a Black-necked Grebe, but the event of the month was the Lesser Vellowlegs, which stayed for two weeks from the fifteenth. A party of Bearded Tits arrived on the twenty-ninth, to be followed by others in the first half of October, when a Pectoral Sandpiper was present on the first and a Golden Oriole was found dead on the third. A marked passage between the fifth and seventh brought several Little Stints and Jack Snipe, Osprey, Great Grey Shrike and a few Twite, whilst in mid-month the first of two Firecrests appeared, with the second being discovered on the twenty-ninth. Next day brought an Iceland Gull. November was largely dominated by westerly winds. More Crossbills were discovered on the fourth and, following strong northerly winds in the Atlantic, a Great Northern Diver appeared on the seventh, to be followed by two Long-tailed Ducks and a Smew in the next week. On the tenth the year's second Transatlantic wader turned up, in the form of a White-rumped Sandpiper which stayed for three days, disappeared for three weeks and then reappeared for a few more days. A Waxwing appeared on the nineteenth to stay until the end of the month, at which time another Great Grey Shrike appeared to take up residence for the winter. December opened with a late Greenshank and a party of seven Shags arrived on the eighth, whilst the sixteenth brought Great Northern Diver, Ferruginous Duck (with presumably the same bird seen ten days later) and a Two-barred Crossbill, which was to stay well into 1980 much to the delight of the nation's birdwatchers. A Brent Goose was seen on the twenty-second. White-fronted Geese the next day, a Great Grey Shrike on Christmas Eve, the only Snow Bunting of the year on Boxing Day and the twenty-seventh, yet another Great Grey Shrike the next day and an Iceland Gull on the thirtieth.

G R Harrison

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Treasurer's Report (year ending December 3 1 , 1 9 7 9 ) Inflation continued unabated during 1979 and major expenses all rose dramatically, indoor meetings by £261, the Annual Report by £208 and Bulletins by a staggering £1,030. The net cost to the Club of the highly successful 50th Anniversary evening was a very reasonable £83. The main Club account showed a deficit of £944, which almost wiped out the surpluses accumulated in 1977 and 1978. The Belvide account showed an excess of income over expenditure of £508, due wholly to the magnificent response from members in purchasing permits. After the heavy deficit sustained this year it is hoped that the decision to increase subscriptions on 1st January 1980 will ensure that the Club financial reserves can be restored in 1 980. J H W Ridley

Incoma and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 3 1 , 1 9 7 9 1979 1978

Income £ £ £ Subscriptions received for 1 979 4,341 4,185 Sale of reports 90 165 Birds of Belvide — 62 Building Society interest 252 282 Reservoirs (permit fees) 1,106 920 Sale of commemorative Evening Mail 7 —

Gifts and donations 15 40 Proceeds of Raffle and 50th anniversary ticket sales 908 —

Film show receipts 5 —

Conservation fair receipts 20 —

Pictures 14 —

Atlas Fund — 19

Total 6,758 5,673 Less expenditure Field meetings 50 —

Indoor meetings 581 320 Reports 1,743 1,535 Bulletins 3,175 2,145 Printing, stationery and postage 295 560 Reservoirs, permit fees and insurance 789 808 Subscriptions to associates 20 11 Kidderminster Branch expenses 58 —

50th anniversary evening 991 —

Donation to Richard Richardson appeal — 25

7,702 5,404

(Deficitl/surplus for the year £(944) £269

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Income Permits Field Meetings Donations etc. Grazing Survey Birds of Belvide

Belvide—Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended December 31, 1979

1979 £

1,203 22 10 86

Less expenditure Reserve Maintenance Keys Staffordshire Conservation Rent Insurance Inaugural day Car park rent Printing Postage and general expenses Key refund Photographs Grazing refund

1 1 1

102 85

602 53

33 44

5

1,432

1978 £

1,157 65

4 1 15 100

1.441

72 43 40

602 46

151 25 29 21

1 5

86

924 1,121

Surplus for year £508 £ 3 2 0

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Balance Sheet at December 3 1 , 1 9 7 9

Surplus As at December 31, 1978 Add: (Deficitt/surplus on main account

Surplus on Belvide account F. Dale Bequest

19/9

(944) 508

5,959

£ 5,281

5,523

1978 £

2,714 269 320

1.978

As at December 31, 1 9 / 9 l l U . b U 4 Lb,201

Represented by Current Assets

Cash at bank Leicester Building Society Halifax Building Society Debtor in respect of Belvide

11.622 2,392

152

14,166

1 4 ,619 2,249

57

6,926

Less Current Liabilities Bank overdraft Subscriptions in advance Permit fees in advance

1.239 927

1,196

3,362

859 786

1,645

Total net assets £10.804 £5,281

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, 1979 and of the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

Arthur Young, McClelland Moores & Co, Chartered A ccountants

PO Box 1, Union Chambers, 63 Temple Row, Birmingham J 980

J H W Ridley Hon Treasurer

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Secretary's Report 50th Anniversary The year 1979 was a notable landmark in the Club's history marking half a century since its formation back in 1929 as the then Birmingham Bird Club. To mark the occasion it was decided to do three things: (1) Hold an anniversary reception (2) Purchase a reserve in memory of Dr F Dale (3) Publish a book of the Birds of the West Midlands Item 1 was speedily and effectively organised manifesting itself as a glittering event, held in the Banqueting Suite of the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham through the kindness of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Councillor and Mrs Edward F Hanson who also graced the occasion as honoured guests on the night of Tuesday, 13th March. Other guests included Ian Presst of the RSPB, John Thompson of The Nature Conservancy Council and John McMeeking of the British Trust for Ornithology. It was also an opportunity to meet many old friends and past members of the WMBC who had moved out of the area but returned just for the occasion. All members of the Committee and the many others responsible for their part in the organisation and administration of this highly successful and memorable evening are expressly thanked for their help. Item 2 was something that should have taken a little longer but unexpectedly realised itself far more quickly than was anticipated, but even so the establishment of a reserve was not finalised until 1980 and this will be dealt with in the report for that year. Item 3 saw the setting up of an editorial committee, headed by the Editor Graham Harrison whose task was to produce a work on the Birds of the West Midlands as soon as they were able and hopefully by 1 980. At the time of writing this endeavour was well on the way to completion and this will also be dealt with in the 1 980 report.

Indoor Meetings A full programme of meetings was arranged during 1979 and as in previous years we enjoyed the facilities of The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Speakers were as follows: 2nd January: Robin Hitchcock—'Hawfinches' 6th February: J B & S Bottomley—Birds of Finland' 13th March: Social Evening 3rd April: AGM 1st May: Rob Hume—'Censusing Birds in Wales' 2nd October: Carl Nicholson—'Mans Tribute to Birds' 6th November: David Thomas—Bardsey' 4th December: Lawrence Holloway—'Ornitholidays in Sri-Lanka'

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We are also indebted to the following who spoke to members of the Solihull Group on the dates ac shown: 29th January: Peter Raines—'Wildlife of the Canaries' 25th February: David Smallshire—'Birds of Belvide' 26th March: Eric Harvey—'Bird Slides' 12th October: M C Wilkes—Birds Here and There' 16th November: David Hunt—'Birds of the Fortunate Isles'

Studies in Bird Life As part of our 50th Anniversary Celebrations we also joined with the University of Birmingham Department of Extra Mural Studies in a series of talks held in the Birmingham and Midlands Institute, three of the six being held in the later part of 1978, the remaining three taking place in January, February and March, 1979. We are indebted to Dr R A D Cameron of the University for making all the arrangements for this highly successful series of lectures.

RSPB Once again we were delighted to co-operate with the RSPB in many ways and particularly to join with them in staging film shows at Kings Hall, Stoke on 26th February, the Town Hall Birmingham on 23rd April and at Solihull on 1 7th October.

Other Events As part of our overall strategy in the promotion of the Club and its aims and Nature Conservation in general, we were represented at the Solihull Conservation Fair, on March 29th and 30th, the Town and Country Festival Stoneleigh on August 25th, 26th and 27th, the Sutton Coldfield Conservation Fair on September 29th and the RSPB Coventry Group Open Day on 10th November. The many helpers who gave of their time and made it possible for us to put on such excellent displays at these events are expressly thanked for their help and particularly Mrs D Dunstan who played a major role in all events must be mentioned, also Gwen Davies who was concerned with the arrangements and planning of the WMBC stand at Sutton Coldfield.

Permits The various permit schemes were once again ably administered by Miss Margaret Surman. Totals for 1 979 were as follows: Belvide 464 Blithfield 364 Ladywalk 442 Alan Richards

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Membership Secretary's Report The membership figure at December 31 was 1820, this being made up of 1753 senior members and 67 junior members. There was an overall increase of 106 senior members and a loss of 2 junior members during the year. The largest influx of new members—75—came in April and May, following the 50th Anniversary and the Solihull Conservation Fayre. The overall loss of two junior members is probably accounted for by 8 juniors becoming seniors. Non-payers deleted in March from the membership were 1 56 seniors and 10 juniors. This was the lowest figure for a number of years and represents a loss of 10.5% of the senior membership and 14% of the junior. As was noticed in 1978, many new members were also members of the R.S.P.B. In 1979 this was more than 50%. Miss J M Nicholls

Field Meetings Secretary's Report Fifteen Field Meetings were held during the year. Venues outside the Club's area included the Point of Ayr, Elan Valley, a day at Hunstanton in lieu of the Norfolk Week-end and a successful week-end in South Devon. On several occasions more than one coach was needed, the maximum on any meeting being 93 to Hunstanton. I would like to express my thanks to all those who helped with the Field Meetings and to all the members who attended for making them so enjoyable and productive. S H Young

Staffordshire Branch Report—1979 Indoor meetings in Hanley and Stafford attracted a good number of members and the subjects ranged over a wide spectrum of places and interests. The wintry delights of the Solway, as described by John Raines, contrasted with the warmer ornithological pleasures of Majorca, sampled by Bevin Craddock and David Smallshire. Somewhat nearer home John Robinson's comparison of the Wyre Forest with his former responsibility, Casterhanglands, displayed his ability as a photographer, whilst George Barker's look at "Urban Wildlife" proved conclusively, and entertainingly, that the Black Country is not an exclusive human environment. Rob Hume's talk on "Gulls'' was of great value as a guide to the identification of the immature birds. Richard Margoschis, on his second visit to the Branch, once more showed his skill as a sound recordist. There was also the usual joint RSPB film show, though numbers attending were lower than in 1 978.

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A new venue for a field visit was a week-end on Anglesey, otherwise meetings covered traditional ground—Leighton Moss, Martin Mere, Point of Ayr, Cannock Chase, Chasewater and the Churnet Valley. Apart from the routine business of arranging meetings and dealing with general Branch affairs the main pre-occupation of the Committee was once more conservation. Thanks to the efforts of David Smallshire a close watch was kept on the proliferation of District Plans and in every case where comments were called for the ornithological view was expressed clearly and, it is hoped, persuasively. Very often these involved close co-operation with the Staffs Nature Conservation Trust—in particular the negotiations over Doxey Marshes, a valuable wetland area on the north-western edge of Stafford, which it is hoped will eventually be afforded protection against the many threats to its existence. The outstanding news of 1979 came right at the end when, just before Christmas, the Peak Park Planning Board announced the purchase of the bulk of the Roaches—Back Forest area, that mosaic of woodland, moor and rough grazing whose birdlife had been put at risk by the break-up of the Swythamley Estate and the introduction of sheep by the new owner. That the matter was brought to such a successful conclusion was due in no small measure to the efforts of the Branch, and in particular to the co-ordinating drive of David James. We now look forward to co-operating closely with the Board on the future management of the area. Eric Longman

Kidderminster and District Branch Report The Branch lost the services of its very able Hon. Secretary, Mr Robin Jones, who left for a London University course in October. At the September indoor meeting the Chairman, Miss M N Badland, paid tribute to Mr Jones' services to the Branch since 1975 and to the Main Committee on which he had represented the Branch for two years. His predecessor, Mrs J Gillam, took over the secretarial duties again and the Branch are grateful to her for this. Miss B Perkins continued as Branch Treasurer and Mr P Woodward as Field Meetings Organiser. The Branch held a full programme of indoor meetings in the Kidderminster Arts Centre and, in spite of disappointing attendances, past and present officers and committee members of the parent Club, and other visiting speakers, gave illustrated talks of great interest. Mr John Bingham entertained with a talk on Wyre Forest and made the point that with the confusing name of the local Wyre Forest District of Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport, we should be careful in future to refer to the woodland area west of Bewdley as the Forest of Wyre. Messrs J Hardman, J J Tucker and D Smallshire kindly travelled from afar to speak on "Swans of Avon", "Ornithological Oddities" and "Birds of Belvide" respectively, and a local speaker, Dr R Coope, gave a fascinating

13

account of his love for hawks and falcons and his reintroduction of the Goshawk into the area. The Branch enjoyed a varied programme of outdoor meetings at well-favoured venues, the most successful of which was the May visit to Crowle for another guided tour of Nightingale country by Mr K Thomas. The nest-box schemes in the Forest of Wyre area again produced breeding records for Pied and Spotted Flycatchers; Nuthatch; Tawny Owl; Starling; Marsh, Coal,.Great and Blue Tits. The absence of Redstart success from these records was disappointing, but in all 69 nesting attempts produced 430 plus young of which 93 were ringed by Mr J R Mountford. L R Bayes (Branch Vice:Chairman)

Belvide Reserve Permit sales reached 465 and once again guaranteed the reserve's financial viability; permit-holders are thanked for their continued support. Management work was centred mainly on the islands and included the addition of a further 30 tonnes of gravel to one of them. Ornithologically, 1 979 was a very interesting year. While the freeze-up early in the year resulted in the dispersal of many waterfowl, notably the Ruddy Ducks, it also brought in Smew and Black-throated Diver. The water level remained high until late summer, resulting in an excellent breeding season for waterfowl. Pochard bred for only the second time and a breeding population of 110 pairs of Coot was at least double the usual density at Belvide. Late summer and early autumn concentrations of 1 520 Mallard, 350 Shoveler, 640 Tufted Duck, 200 Ruddy Duck and a record 1850 Coot illustrated Belvide's importance as a moult sanctuary. A three-metre drop in water level during the autumn to permit dam repairs killed many freshwater molluscs and led to a reduction in diving duck numbers. However, waders were attracted to the exposed mud and included Turnstone, Knot, Little Stints, Wood Sandpipers, a long-staying Grey Plover and up to 44 Dunlin. A Crane in May and a Brent Goose in December were new species for the reserve. A Marsh Harrier stayed for ten days in August, while a poisoned Rough-legged Buzzard found in March gave much cause for concern. Other unusual birds noted during the year included Scaup, Red-crested Pochard, Scoter, Merlin, Little Gull, Glaucous Gull, Kittiwake, Water Pipit and Pied Flycatcher.

D Smallshire

Ladywalk Reserve The long hard winter and the heavy rainfall of late spring were the main weather factors affecting the birds of the reserve. The arctic spell of January-March produced unprecedented numbers of duck and other wildfowl on the marsh, and it became apparent as the year progressed

14

that the same cold spell had taken its toll of the resident smaller passerines. The floods produced by the heavy rains of the last few days in May seriously affected the breeding attempts of the less common duck, such as Teal, Garganey and possibly Gadwall. Waders and other waterside birds were also affected, but seemed to recover from the inundation of first nests with quick replacement clutches. Wader passage was disappointing both in numbers and varieties. The opening up of the covert by necessary woodland conservation work resulted in three broods of ducks (2 Tufted and 1 Mallard) being reared on Church Pool and it would appear that the Garden Warbler finds this altered habitat more to its liking than its near relative the Blackcap, which until this year was a regular nester. Ornithologically 1979 was very much a year of swings and roundabouts. Overall 1 33 species were recorded, of which 67 bred. New species for the reserve were Red-necked Grebe, Bittern, Scaup and Kittiwake, bringing the grand total since inauguration to 1 59. H T Lees

16

1979 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical list for each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a record was submitted in 1979.

Warwickshire Alderminster SP 2 3 4 8 Alvecote SK 2 5 0 4 Arbury SP 3 3 8 9 Arrow BP 0 8 5 6

Baginton SP 3 4 7 4 Barford SP 2 7 6 0 Bearley S P 1 7 6 0 Bedwor th SP 3 5 8 7 Bentley Woods SP 2 8 9 5 Biddies W o o d SP 2 5 9 8 Birdingbury SP 4 3 6 8 Bodymoor Heath

(see Kingsbury WP) Bramcote SP 4 1 8 8 Brandon SP 3 8 7 5 Bretford SP 4277 Br inklow SP 4 3 7 9 Broad w e 11 SP 4 5 6 5 Bulk ington SP 3 9 8 6 Burton Hastings SP 4 1 8 9

Chesterton SP 3 5 5 8 Coleshill SP 2 0 8 9 Combrook SP 3051 Coombe Abbey SP 4 0 7 9 Curd w o r t h SP 1792

Draycote SP 4 6 6 9

Earlswood SP 1174 Eathorpe SP 3 9 6 9

Griff SP 3 6 8 8

Hampton Lucy SP 2 5 5 7 Hams Hall

(see Ladywalk) Harbury SP 3 7 5 9 Hartshill SP 3 2 9 4 Honiley SP 2 4 7 2

Kenilworth SP 2 8 7 2 Kingsbury W P SP 2 0 9 6 Kingsbury W o o d SP 2 3 9 7 Kingston SP 3 6 5 7

Ladywalk SP 2 0 9 2 Lea Marston SP 2 0 9 3 Leamington Spa SP 3 1 6 5 Little Packington SP 2 0 8 5 Loxley SP 2 5 5 2

Max stoke SP 2 3 8 6 Middleton SP 1898 Monks Park W o o d SP 2 9 9 6 Moxhull SP 1795

Napton SP 4 6 6 1 Nether Whi tacre SP 2 3 9 2

Newbold Comyn SP 3 3 6 5 Newbold Revel SP 4 5 8 0 Newnham Paddox SP 4 8 8 4 Nuneaton •SP .1891

Packington SP 2 2 8 4 Pinley SP 2 0 6 6 Preston Bagot SP 1765 Princethorpe SP 4 0 7 0

Ragley SP 0 7 5 5 Ryton GP SP 3 7 7 2

Shustoke SP 2291 Southam SP 4 1 6 1 Stratford-on-Avon SP 2 0 5 5

Temple Grafton SP 1254 Temple Herdwicke SP 3851

Ufton SP 3 8 6 1

Wappenbury SP 3 7 7 0 Warwick SP 2 8 6 4 Welches Meadow SP 3 2 6 5 Welford SP 1452 Weston-on-Avon SP 1551 Whateley SP 2 2 9 9 Whitnash SP 3 2 6 3 Willey SP 4 9 8 4 Wolford Wood SP 2 3 3 3 Woot ton Wawen SP 1563

Worcestershire Abberley SO 7567 Abber ton SO 9953 Ankerdine Hill SO 7356 Arley SO 7 6 8 0 Aston Mi l l SO 9 4 3 4

Barnett Hil l SO 8877 Beaconwood SO 9 8 7 5 Beckford SO 9 7 3 5 Bittell SP 0 1 7 4

Bordesley SP 0 4 6 9 Brakemill Pool SO 8 9 7 9 Bredon SO 9 1 3 6 Bredon Hill SO 9539. Broadheath SO 8 1 5 6 Broadway SP 0 9 3 7 Bromsgrove . SO 9 5 7 0

Calcot Hill SO 9 4 7 8 Captains Pool

Castlemorton SO 7 8 3 9 Caunsall SO 8581 Chaddesley SO 8 9 7 3 Churchill SO 8 7 7 9 Clent SO 9 3 7 9 Cothercroft Wood SO 7 0 6 9 Cotheridge SO 7 8 5 4 Croome SO 8 8 4 4

Defford SO 9 1 4 3

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Digging Wood SO 9659 Dowles Brook SO 7676 Drayton SO 9075 Droitwich SO 8963 Dunley SO 7869

Eastham SO 6568 Eckington SO 9241 Evesham SP 0344 Eymore Wood so 7779

Fladbury so 9946 Frankley SP 0 0 8 0

Gallows Green so 9362 Goosehill Wood so 9360 Great Witley so 7566 Grimley s o 8360 Guarlford so 8145

Hallow so 8258 Hampton Lovett so 8865 Hanbury so 9663 Hartlebury so 8470 Hewell Park SP 0069 Hidden Pool (see Caunsall) High Green SO 8745 Highstank Pool Hill Croome SO 8840 Hindlip so 8758 Hinton SP 0 2 4 0 Holt so 8362 Hornhill Wood so 9558 Horsham so 7357 Hurcott so 8577

Inkberrow SP 0157 Island Pool s o 8580

Kemerton so 9437 Kidderminster s o 8376

Kings Wood SO 8865 Kyre SO 6263

Lickey Hills. SO 9975 Little Comberton SO 9643 Little Wit ley SO 7863 Longdon SO 8336 Long Saw Croft SO 9779 Lower Broadheath SO 8156 Lower Habberley SO 8077 Lower llley SO 9781 Lower Sapey SO 6960 Lydiate Ash SO 9775

Madeley Heath SO 9577 Majors Green SP 1077 Malvern so 7745 Malvern Wells s o 7742 Mamble s o 6971 Menith Wood so 7069 Monkwood so 8060

Naunton s o 8739 Newnham s o 6469

Oakley SO 8960 Ombersley SO 8463

Pendock Pershore SO 9445 Pinvin SO 9549 Pirton SO 8747 Powick SO 8351 Pulley SO 8960

Queenhill SO 8636

Rednal SP0075 Ribbesford SO 7873 Rock SO 7673

Rodford Romsley SO 9679

Severn Stoke SO 8544 Shakenhurst SO 6773 Shelsley Beauchamp

SO 7362 Shelsley Walsh SO 7262 Shrawley SO 8064 Sinton SO 8160 Sling SO 9477 Stanford-on-Teme SO 7065 Stoke Prior SO 9567 Stour Hill SO 8373 Stourport SO 8171 Strensham SO 9039 Summerfield SO 8373

Tardebigge SO 9868 Tenbury Wells SO 5968 Thicknall SO 9079 Thorngrove SO 8260 Throckmorton SO 9849 Trench Wood SO 9258

Uffmoor Wood SO 9581 Upton-on-Severn SO 8540 Upton Snodsbury SO 9454 Upton Warren SO 9367

Walton Hill SO 9479 Weethley Wood SP 0455 West Hagley SO 9080 Westwood Park SO 8763 Wilden SO 8272 Wissetts Wood SO 6772 Wolverley SO 8279 Worcester SO 8454 Wychbury Hill SO 9181 Wyre Forest SO 7475 Wyre Piddle SO 9647

Staffordshire Acton . SJ 8241 Adbaston SJ 7627 Alrewas SK 1715 Aqualate SJ 7720

Back Forest SJ 9865

Bagots Wood SK 0727 Baldwin's Gate SJ 7939 Barlaston SJ 8938 Barton SK 2018 Barton-under-

Needwood SK 1818

9eaudesert S K 0 3 1 3 Belvide SJ 8610 Betley SJ 7548 Bishops Offley SJ 7829 Blackbrook Valley SK 0064 Black Lake (see Trentham)

18

Bl i th f ie ld Branston Brereton B r i d g e t o w n Br indley Heath Broc ton Bromley Bunkers Hi l l Burnt W o o d Bur ton-on-Trent

Cannock Chase Canwel l Chapel Chor l ton Chasewater Cheadle Checkhi l l Ch i l l ing ton Churnet Val ley Clayton Coombes Valley Copmere

Dane Br idge D immingsda le Dray ton Bassett

Elford Enville Ess ington

Ford G r e e n Fradley Ful lmoor W o o d

Gailey Gib To r r Gnosal l Go lds i t ch Gospel End Gradbach Gun H i l l

SK 0 6 2 3 SK 2 1 2 0 SK 0 5 1 6 SJ 9 7 0 8 SK 0 0 1 5 SJ 9 7 1 9 SJ 7 7 3 4 SO 8 7 8 2 SJ 7 4 3 4 SK 2 4 2 3

SK 0 0 1 7 S K 1 4 0 0 SJ 8 1 3 7 SK 0 3 0 7 SK 0 1 4 3 SO 8 5 8 7 SJ 8 6 0 6 SK 0 3 4 5 SJ 8 5 4 3 SK 0 0 5 2 SJ 8 0 2 9

SJ 9 6 6 5 SK 0 5 4 3 S K 1 9 0 0

SK 1 8 1 0 SO 8 3 8 6 SJ 9 6 0 3

SJ 8 9 5 0 SK 1513 SJ 9 4 1 1

SJ 9 3 1 0 SK 0 2 6 4 SJ 8 2 2 0 SK 01 6 4 SO 8 9 9 3 SJ 9 9 6 5 SJ 9 7 6 1

Hanch Reservoir S K 1 0 1 3 Hanchurch S J 8 4 4 1 Handsacre S K 0 9 1 5

Hanley SJ 8 7 4 7 Hanley Paik SJ 884G Haywood Park SJ 9 9 2 0 Highgate SO 8 4 8 9 Hill Ridware S K 0 8 1 7 Himley SO 8 8 9 1 Hixon SK 0 0 2 5 Holl inhay W o o d (see

Longsdon) Hopwas

Ingestre

Keele Kings Bromley Kinver Knighton Knypersley

Lady Edge Leek Lichfield Little As ton Litt le Haywood Loggerheads Longsdon Longton

Maer Mani fo ld Val ley Maple Hayes Mars ton Meaford Morr idge Morr idge Top Mo t tey Meadows

SK 1 7 0 5

SJ 9 7 2 4

SJ 8 0 4 5 SK 1 2 1 6 SO 8 3 8 3 SJ 7 4 2 7 SJ 8 9 5 5

SK 0 5 6 2 SJ 9 8 5 6 S K 1 1 0 9 SK 0 9 0 0 SK 0 0 2 1 SJ 7 3 3 5 SJ 9 5 5 4 SJ 9 0 4 3

SJ 7 9 3 8

SK 0 9 0 9 SJ 8 3 1 3 SJ 8 8 3 5 SK 0 2 5 7 SK 0 3 6 5 SJ 8 3 1 3

Newbo ld S K 2 1 1 9 Newcast le-under-

Lyme SJ 8 4 4 5

Oakamoor

Patshull Penkridge Perton

SK 0 5 4 4

SJ 8 0 0 0 SJ 9 2 1 4

SO 8 5 9 8

Pottall Pool (see Cannock Chase)

Rickerscote Rodbaston Rocester Rudyard Rugeley

Seabridge Seven Springs Shenstone Sherbrook Valley Silverdale Sl indon Sl i t t ingmi l l Smel t ingmi l l Springslade Staf ford Stoke-on-Trent Stret ton Hall Sut ton Bank Swa l low Moss Swineholes W o o d

Tamwor th Ti l l ington T i t teswor th Tixall Trentham Trent Vale T w o Gates

Wal l Grange Warren Hill Weeford Wergs Hall West lands Wes ton Park Weston-under -

Lizard Westpor t Whea ton Aston Wh i tmo re Wh i t t i ng ton SF Wi lnecote Wolseley W o m b o u r n

SJ 9 3 2 0 SJ 9 2 1 1 SK 1 139 SJ 9 4 5 9 SK 0 4 1 8

SJ 8 3 4 3 SK 0 0 2 0 S K 1 0 0 4 SJ 9 8 1 8 SJ 8 1 4 6 SJ 8 2 3 2 SK 0 3 1 7 SK 0 6 4 3 SJ 9 6 1 6 SJ 9 2 2 3 SJ 8 7 4 5 SJ 8 8 1 1 SJ 7 6 2 2 SK 0 6 6 0 SK 0 4 5 0

SK 2 0 0 3 SJ 9 0 2 4 SJ 9 9 5 9 SJ 9 7 2 2 SJ 8 6 4 0 SJ 8 6 4 3 SK 2 1 0 1

SJ 9 7 5 4 S J 9 7 1 5 S K 1 4 0 3 SJ 8 6 0 1 SJ 8 3 4 4 SJ 8 0 1 0

SJ 8 0 1 1 SJ 8 5 5 0 SJ 8 5 1 2 SJ 8 1 4 1 SO 8 5 8 2 SK 2 2 0 1 SK 0 2 2 0 SO 8 6 9 2

19

West Midlands Aldridge SK 0 5 0 0 Hall Green S P 1 0 8 1 Aston SP 0 8 8 8 Handsworth SP 0 4 9 0

Handsworth Wood SP 0 5 9 0 Barr Beacon SP 0697 Hawkesley SP 0477 Bartley SP 0 0 8 1 Hay Head Wood SP 0 4 9 8 Bentley SO 9 8 9 9 Hockley Heath S P 1 5 7 2 Berkswell SP 2479 Hydes Road Pool SO 9994 Birmingham City

Centre SP 0 6 8 6 Kings Heath SP 0781 Bournville SP 0481 Brierley Hill SO 9186 Longbridge SP 0077 Brownhills SK 0 4 0 5

Longbridge

Marston Green SP 1785 Canley SP 3076 Meriden SP 2482 Chelmsley Wood SP 1786 Minworth S P 1 6 9 2 Cornets End SP 2 3 8 0 Moseley SP 0783 Cradley SO 9 4 8 4

Moseley

National Exhibition Dorridge SP 1675 Centre S P 1 9 8 3 Dudley SO 9 4 9 0 Nechells SP 0 9 8 9

Netherton SO 9388 Eastern Green SP 2 8 8 0 New Invention SJ 9601 Edgbaston SP 0 5 8 4 Norton SO 8982 Edgbaston Norton Green SP 1774

Reservoir SP 0 4 8 6 Elmdon S P 1 6 8 2 Ocker Hill SO 9793 Erdington S P 1 1 9 1 Oldbury SO 9889

Olton S P 1 3 8 1 Fen End SP 2 2 7 4 Foleshill SP 3378 Pedmore SO 9182

Pelsall SK 0103 Great Bridge SO 9792 Pensnett SO 9188

Halesowen SO 9683 Quarry Bank SO 9386

Rushall

Sandwell Valley Sedgley Selly Oak Selly Park Shirley Smethwick Solihull Stoke Stourbridge Stubbers Green Sutton Coldfield Sutton Park

Tettenhall Tividale Tritt i ford Park

Wal l Heath Walsall Green Walsgrave Warley Wednesbury Wednesfield West Bromwich West Heath West Park Wil lenhall Wolverhampton Woodgate Valley

Vardley

SK 0201

SP 0291 SO 9193 SP 0 4 8 2 SP 0582 SP 1178 SP 0 2 8 8 S P 1 5 7 9 SP 3779 SO 9084 SK 0 4 0 1 S P 1 2 9 6 SP 0997

SJ 8 7 0 0 SO 9 7 9 0 SP 0 9 8 0

SO 8889

SP 3881 SP 0 0 8 6 SO 9 8 9 5 SJ 9 4 0 0 SP 0 0 9 1 SP 0277 SO 9099 SO 9 6 9 8 SO 9 1 9 8 SP 0083

SP 1285

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 1979. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based. In tables, — denotes no count available. See page 111 for key to contributors.

An influx of four Red-throated and six Black-throated Divers during the severe weather in mid-February contributed to a record year's total of 20 divers. Bartley and Draycote were especially favoured, but the Staffordshire reservoirs produced relatively few records.

20

Red-throated Diver Warks Two occurred at Draycote from February 16 RCM to 22. and one

at Kingsbury W P from March 2 DKC, EAH to 24. Staffs A bird in summer plumage observed at Chasewater on May 10

and 1 1 GE, JEF. W Mid One found injured near Edgbaston Reservoir on January 21 DC,

MJ was taken to the RSPCA, but unfortunately had to be destroyed. At Bartley, one arrived on February 14 AC and a second bird on '\§JTB, both remaining until February 23.

Black-throated Diver Warks At Draycote one from January 17 RCM to 20, with two on

January 18, and one from February 16 RCM to 24. Later in the year, a bird which occurred on October 28 JAA was the earliest autumn arrival in the club's records. One observed at Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, from February 18 EJB, WGB to 22 GRH. JVH.

Staffs A bird picked up near Himley in late January was taken to Dudley Zoo per MFJ. One appeared at Belvide on March 18 DS, while a diver very probably of this species was seen at Branston from February 17 to 24 KE.

WMid Two were at Bartley from February 1 7 many observers with three on February 23 and 24. On the latter date two departed, the remaining bird moving to the adjoining Frankley Reservoir (Worcs) on February 25.

Great Northern Diver Warks One at Draycote on November 7 JTB, SCBH, INR and from

December 1 6 JAA, CHP into the new year. WMid A bird of this species was claimed at Bartley on February 24 and

at Frankley (Worcs) the following day, but there is some indication that confusion arose with a large, bulbous-headed Black-throat present at the time.

Little Grebe Warks Bred at Alvecote, Arbury, Brandon, Hartshill S F, Kingsbury W P

(12 pairs), Ladywalk, Leamington Spa, Little Packington and Packington Park (seven pairs). Maxima reported included ten at Alvecote on January 7 and November 4, 30 at Draycote on January 14, ten at Welches Meadow, Leamington, on March 3, 22 at Packington ,Park on August 22, 40 at Kingsbury W P on November 18, and 25 at Hartshill on December 26.

Worcs Nested at Bittell, where there were 14 birds on September 1 5, Churchill, Hidden Pool, Highstank Pool, Hindlip Pool, Holt, Oakley, Pulley and Upton Warren.

21

Staffs Bred at Belvide, Blithfield, Ford Green, Keele, Kings Bromley, Smeltingmill, Stretton and Tixall. Maxima at various waters were 12 on R. Sowe at Stafford on January 1, 17 on the river at Tamworth on January 12, 13 at Aqualate on March 18, 24 at Blithfield on September 16, and 15 at Belvide on September 22.

W Mid Breeding reported from Edgbaston Park, Meriden, Minworth, where 12 birds counted on October 14, and Stubbers Green. Isolated occurrences of from one to three birds at Bartley, Edgbaston Reservoir, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at principal localities:

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

Alvecote 3 14 15 2 0 19 18 2 2 2 4 2 3 16 13 9 Draycote 1 2 0 2 2 2 8 — — — — — 12 13 1 7 1 2 0 Kingsbury W P — — 3 5 1 0 2 0 14 2 0 — 2 0 — 10 8 Shustoke — — 9 2 — — — — 1 7 3 2 3 4 31

Bitted 2 5 19 19 4 5 5 6 Westwood 2 7 — 2 0 2 — 12 12

Belvide 2 0 7 14 2 4 2 6 2 1 14 12 14' 3 6 2 5 Blithfield 4 1 2 0 61 5 0 7 0 7 3 7 0 1 4 6 8 3 5 8 1 0 8 8 2 Kings Bromley 5 4 1 0 18 16 17 16 — 4 8 5 5

Many birds deserted the area during the freezing conditions in late January and February.

Warks Breeding reported from nine localities, including ten pairs at Kingsbury W P, eight pairs at Packington Park and five broods at Alvecote. 22 birds during July was the maximum count at Earlswood.

Worcs Bred at Fladbury, Hewell Lake, Kyre Pool, Tardebigge, Upton Warren and Westwood. During the cold spell, 17 birds were counted on open water at Frankley on February 25.

Staffs Nested at sixteen localities, including Blithfield, where 4 0 young were reared, and Belvide, where 12 pairs attempted to breed but only four juveniles were successfully reared. The maximum at Rudyard was 35 on March 24.

WMid Bred at Edgbaston Park, Meriden and—the first successful attempt—at Sandwell Valley. Ten occurred at Bartley and 12 in Sutton Park on April 3.

Red-necked Grebe Unprecedented influx during cold weather in February and March produced about 24 birds, which compares with a total of 37 over the previous 50 years.

22

Warks At Draycote three appeared on February 16 RCM, increasing to seven on the following day many observers then decreasing to six by February 21 and four by February 22, with one remaining to February 28; a further individual was present from March 1 1 RCM to April 8. Single birds recorded at Ladywalk from January 27 to February 13 and February 1 7 to 25, and at Shustoke on March 27, 30 and from April 2 to 1 1 BLK et at.

Worcs Two on the R. Severn near Bewdley on February 17 KS and two at Bittell on March 2 and 3 KC.

Staffs One at Patshull from March 12 PKD to 15 was, surprisingly, the only county record.

W Mid One at Edgbaston Reservoir from February 14 to 25 and on March 19 and 20 ARMB et al. Two at Bartley on February 17 AJH, PDH, GJM, wi th one reported intermittently to 22.

Slavonian Grebe Warks Recorded only at Draycote, where single birds occurred on

February 17 EGP, March 17 DKC to April 1, and November 3 ARD to 25.

Black-necked Grebe Worcs One at Bittell from September 4 KC, MJ/, GJM to 9.

Cormorant Warks One to three birds recorded at Ladywalk from January to March,

on September 2, and from December 16 to 23. One occurred at Draycote from January 1 to 6 and nine reported on December 12. At Alvecote one was present between February 25 and March 7, with ten on February 27. Three appeared at Shustoke on November 12 and one on December 16; one was at Packington on November 18, and one or two were at Kingsbury W P on several autumn dates.

Worcs Four flew SW over Upton Warren on April 29. At Bittell one or two during the second half of September and five observed in flight on December 1. One or two birds at Fladbury on August 19, Westwood on September 7 and Holt during late September and October.

23

Staffs Monthly maxima:

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

Aquahto 1 13 0 13 1 0 10 Belvide 0 0 2 1 2 1 0 2 3 7 19 2 0 Blithfield 6 2 23 19 3 1 1 9 2 6 2 5 3 4 3 5 Kings Bromlev 7 6 5 2 33 3 6 4 1 1 9 2 6 3 4 4 6 6 9

79 on January 28 was the maximum noted at Branston; 18 flew NE over Bridgetown Subsidence Pools on February 10 and one-to-five birds were recorded on various autumn and winter dates at Chasewater, Copmere, Knighton, Knypersley, Rudyard, Tittesworth and Westport.

W Mid At Bartley, one-to-three birds noted on six spring and autumn dates. One appeared at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 2, while three flew NNE over Erdington on April 1 5.

Shag Warks Occurred for the fourth successive year at Draycote, where seven

immatures arrived on December 8 ARD, six remaining to December 10, five to December 1 6 and four into the new year.

Bittern Warks Single birds at Ladywalk on January 3 RSA, DHR and Chesterton

on March 4 and 5 RVCH, MVT.

Night Heron Worcs The fourth regional record involved a bird near Worcester on July

27 JJD, NJ, creating an interesting parallel with a similar record in 1978. A small, dumpy heron, about two feet in length and w i th a pronounced hunchback appearance. Crown greenish-black extending onto nape and down to level of eye. giving a capped appearance. Back glossy greenish-black. Forehead, cheeks and underparts white. Wings and tail grey-white, former broad and rounded in flight. Whi te plumes extended about half-way down back forming long, double crest. Bill long black and fairly deep, producing a very solid appearance. Eyes red. Legs yellow.

Grey Heron Warks 20 pairs bred at Coombe Abbey, about 13 pairs at another central

site, and one pair at Arbury. At Draycote the maximum was 1 5 on February 25, at Earlswood 11 on May 6, at Brandon 11 on June 15, and at Kingsbury W P 13 on August 19. Smaller numbers reported from Alvecote, Ladywalk, Moxhull Park and Shustoke.

Worcs Nine pairs raised at least 25 young near Worcester. Eight birds were observed at Shrawley Wood on August 27, while numbers up to four were recorded at 1 5 other localities, with Bittell, Upton Warren and Wilden being among the more regular haunts:

24

Staffs 43 nests at Aqualate; 42 at Bagots Wood; 21 at Enville; 17 at Fullmoor Wood: ten at a nowly diccovorod; but apparently established, heronry in the SE of the county; and a total of ten at five other sites. A county total of 142 nests represents a decrease of more than 20% compared with recent years, presumably a result of the cold winter. Fullmoor Wood appears to have largely replaced the Gailey heronry, which is close to extinction. The post-breeding concentration at Blithfield reached 50 on August 5, but no other locality reported above five birds.

WMid About four pairs bred at Berkswell. Observed at Sandwell Valley in all months except June and July, with a maximum of five„birds during February. One or two seen on various dates at Bartley, Edgbaston Park, Erdington, Minworth and Sutton Park.

Spoonbill Warks One at Draycote from May 25 to June 2 JAA, RCM, CHP was the

second locality record and the first in the county since 1 973.

Mute Swan Several reports of birds shot, or nests robbed, illustrate the high failure rate suffered by nesting Mute Swans, though in one area of Staffordshire an unusual number of late (mainly repeat) clutches were laid and successfully hatched. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecole 3 1 2 5 19 3 5 7 0 101 1 2 3 9 8 6 3 19 3 1 2 3 Kingsbury W P 6 B 1 6 — — 2 3 — 4 3 5 9 3 6 4 6 3 5

Belvide 4 2 S 9 4 27 2 9 2 9 31 10 7 2 Blithfield 4 — 6 5 1 0 19 3 9 4 1 3 0 — — —

Chasewater 3 5 — 2 0 14 5 6 4 1 14 2 7 4 0 4 1

Bewick's Swan Warks Noted fairly regularly in the Tame Valley between January 1 and

March 2, usually small numbers but with peaks of 25 at Kingsbury W P on February 11, 1 7 at Ladywalk on February 17 and 27 at Nether Whitacre on March 2; later in the year two occurred at Kingsbury W P on October 25. At Draycote one was present during the first half of January, with three on January 6; followed by 31 on March 4, seven on March 12, and 20 on December 16. At Brandon there were 26 on January 1 and nine on January 6; at Alvecote one on February 24, two on November 3 and 5, and four on November 4; and at Leamington Spa four flew east along the river on December 24.

25

Worcs One appeared at Bittell on January 1, with 11 the following day and two from November 28 to December 26. A party of 28 at Upton Warren on March 4 was the largest herd yet recorded at the locality. One was observed at Grimley on March 18, three appeared at Pirton on November 1 followed by 20 during December, and 14 flew over High Green on November 12.

Staffs Up to 26 occurred at Blithfield during January, followed by eight on February 25, five on March 3 and 4, three on March 1 1, six on October 28, and 13 on December 1 5 and 1 6. At Chasewater one-to-three birds were present during January, one from February 24 to April 19, and four on November 10. Belvide held five on March 4, nine on October 28 and four on November 10, the latter having flown in from Chasewater. Two appeared at Longsdon Mill from March 16 to April 1, while three on October 27 had earlier visited Rudyard Lake. A herd of 29 was observed at Branston on January 20 and two ocqurred at Tittesworth on November 11.

WMid At Bartley 18 flew in on January 1, though all but one soon departed. Six occurred on October 24.

Whooper Swan Warks Two remained at Alvecote from February 24 to May 3 many

observers. Two were seen at Wormleighton on December 22 before they flew off SE DSG, perhaps heading for the Cherwell Valley (Oxon).

Staffs Wintered again in the Longsdon Mill-Rudyard area. Three were observed at Longsdon from February 24 to April 1, whilst six at Rudyard on December 18 had increased to nine on December 22 and these remained until the end of the year PGB et at. Three occurred at Blithfield on January 5 WJL, !RM, JPM. three flew SE over Seabridge and Westlands on February 24 WJL, NCM, four appeared at Branston on November 25 KE and three at Westport on December 31 PGB, WJL, with possibly the same birds later observed in flight over Newcastle RH.

Wild Swan sp Staffs 19 flew over Wildwood on February 21, while on December 15

four were seen at Aqualate and 21 over Rudyard Lake. W Mid Three observed flying S over Erdington on October 24 (cf.

Bewick's Swans at Bartley).

Pink-footed Goose Unprecedented movements during cold weather in January and February reached a remarkable peak on January 27.

Warks Single birds at Kingsbury W P from January 5 to 14 several observers, Brandon from January 20 to 28 and March 3 to 1 7

26

BMCG, and Leamington Spa on February 24 EJB were probably Teidl. Five flew in fiuin llie N ai Kingsbury W P on February 18 ARMB, EAH, PDH.

Staffs At Blithfield, 43 flew E on January 5 WJL, IRM, JPM and six occurred on January 30 ARMB. A skein flew SE over Westlands on January 1 3, while seven were observed over the same area on March 1 7 WJL. On January 27 95 flew E over Chasewater/4/?D, a large skein flew SE over Westlands WJL, at least 200 moved NW over Trentham ENW and a similar number headed W over Newcastle RH. Single birds appeared at Whittington S F on January 27 BW and Bromley Pool on March 17 WJL, the latter probably feral. Four birds seen distantly at Aqualate on September 27 were considered to be of this species FCG.

White- fronted Goose Warks Four were at Draycote on January 1 JTB; one at Brinklow on

January 28 was joined by a further 29 birds the following day CHP; and four occurred at Brandon on December 22 BMCG. Records in the Tame Valley area, where there are now unfortunately one or two feral birds, included two at Shustoke on March 27 PAM, one at Ladywalk on October 22 FB, VAB, one at Kingsbury W P in mid-October and two in mid-December several observers.

Worcs At Grimley up to 58 were present between January 8 and 14 JJD, SWW et ai One flew S over Newnham on September 28 JJD and 18 occurred at Bittell on December 23 GCB, CL.

Staffs A skein, judged to contain about 30 birds, was heard at night over Wheaton Aston on January 1 5 MB, DS, while 36 visited Belvide on February 22 TD.

WMid Five at Bartley on January 1 5 AWH. A feral bird noted at Sutton Park on December 3 JEF.

Greylag Goose Feral birds, usually in very small numbers, reported from 1 7 areas.

Warks 110 birds in autumn at Packington Park, where about 15 pairs bred rearing 60 young. At Ladywalk, one pair reared five young, while a second brood of two was hatched but soon disappeared. One pair bred at Brandon.

Snow Goose Feral birds reported at the following localities:

Warks Four at Chesterton—Kingston Pools on March 11 and April 14. Worcs One with Canada Geese at Bittell during September. , Staffs One at Belvide intermittently from March 4 to May 27 was paired

with a hybrid bird. A bird occurred at Branston on June 10.

27

W Mid One, paired with a hybrid, observed at West Park on dates between January 31 and June 26 (cf. Belvide). One at Solihull on September 21.

Canada Goose Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J F M S 0 N 0

Chesterton 4 5 5 2 2 6 2 0 3 2 5 3 7 0 Kingsbury W P 2 8 1 2 9 3 6 7 5 0 0 3 0 0 2 5 0 3 0 0

Bittell — 8 1 8 2 4 9 3 0 0 1 9 2 4 2

Aqualate ' 18B 5 8 2 4 5 5 4 4 1 3 7 9 2 6 9 Belvide 108 5 7 7 5 3 1 4 2 2 7 2 1 5 3 Blithfield 4 6 4 — — 2 6 4 3 5 5 2 8 4 4 3 0

Isolated counts included: Warks 106 on January 28 at Brandon; 200 on October 16 at Arbury,

where a bird showing the characters of the race hutchinsii was regularly present; 120 on September 4 at Packington Park, where about 24 pairs bred; 225 on September 7 at Ladywalk; and 122 on December 7 at Leamington. About 100 young were reared at Kingsbury W P, where a bird showing the characters of the race minima was observed in summer and again during October, visiting Ladywalk on August 27.

Worcs 200 at Grimley in mid-January and on September 14; 100 at Wilden on August 16; 291 at Holt G P on August 22; and 117 at Westwood on September 28. A bird with the characters of the race minima occurred at Grimley on September 14, with two at Holt G P on September 16.

Staffs 328 at Kings Bromley on August 18; 129 at Perton on September 9; 530 at Branston during September; and 121 at Copmere on October 28. At Aqualate 22 nests were occupied on April 22. A small, dark individual occurred at Blithfield on December 1 6.

WMid All at West Park in January; up to 200 at Solihull during the winter months; 120 at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 3; 85 at Edgbaston Park on January 7; 111 at Hydes Road Pool on February 16; and 140 at Mary Steven's Park, Stourbridge, on October 23.

Barnacle Goose Presumed feral birds, all singles unless otherwise specified, were reported as follows:

Warks Packington Park on April 21 and Earlswood in November. Worcs Grimley from January 9 to February 11, Upton Warren on

February 25, Holt G P from July 30 to August 19, and Bittell on August 14.

28

Staffs Kings Bromley in February, March and on December 30; and Brancton all year, with three in January and two in AuyuSL.

WMid Meriden on April 8.

Brent Goose Staffs A dark-bellied bird at Belvide on December 22 BH, AN, RN was

the first record from the locality, and the first in the Region since 1976.

Egyptian Goose Warks One at Brandon on March 4 and April 1. Worcs One at Upton Warren on March 25 and 26. Five appeared at

Bittell on August 12, with four remaining until September 16. Staffs Single birds at Blithfield from January 1 to 7 and at Branston from

September 4 to 23. WMid One regularly observed in the Edgbaston Park area, with probably

the same bird visiting Edgbaston Reservoir on January 3 and 4. k One at Victoria Park on January 13.

Ruddy Shelduck Three records within four weeks, but of a species which is regularly kept in collections.

Warks One at Kingsbury W P on August 15 DHR. Worcs Eight circled Wilden on July 22 RM; while up to five frequented

Holt G P between August 8 and 19 JJD, MJi.

Shelduck Failed to breed in the usual areas, but bred in Staffordshire for the. first time.

Warks At Kingsbury W P reported from January to July and again in December, usually less than half-a-dozen, but with 15 on February 21 and a regional record total of 43 on December 14 JEF (the previous maximum being 29 at Blithfield in January 1976). Occurred intermittently at Alvecote in all months except July, generally less than six in earlier months, but around a dozen in autumn with a peak of 1 7 on September 12. Single birds appeared at Brandon on April 14, during May and early June, August 28, September 29 and December 24, with three birds on May 2, 13 and 16. At Shustoke there were three on March 18 and 17 on December 14 (cf. Kingsbury). Now a relatively irregular visitor to Ladywalk, where up to three recorded on a few dates between March 4 and August 27. On the R. Anker at Nuneaton, one observed on September 8 and two on November 10.

Worcs One or two at Upton Warren between March 3 and May 8 and again during mid-September. Six occurred at Wilden on April 16

29

and from August 6 to 10, while a similar number flew over Pinvin on August 3. Two visited Aston Mill on May 18.

Staffs Bred in the Stretton Hall area, where a pair with eight half-grown juveniles observed from June 19. At Belvide records of a pair in mid-April and a male on May 27 and June 1 probably involved the Stretton birds; other occurrences were of four birds on May 4 and one from October 6 to 13. Reported at Blithfield during April, with five on April 18; one on July 25; and from mid-September to December 21, usually around six but up to nine in late September-early October and 11 on November 3. Elsewhere one or two at Chasewater on January 1 and 9, April 5 and 19, and December 14; Tittesworth on July 21 and December 14; Rudyard on September 29; and in flight over Seabridge on January 28.

WMid Single birds at Stubbers Green on March 15 and at Meriden on July 1 5, with three at Bartley on October 28.

Mandarin Worcs At Aston Mill a pair was present in spring and a female with four

juveniles on July 1 7, but none subsequently. Staffs Two drakes at Belvide from October 13 to 21, with one on

October 22 and from November 17 into the new year. Single drakes at Chillington on May 6, Betley Mere on June 9, Aqualate on December 1 5 and Blithfield on December 30.

Wigeon Average: August 24(41) to May 1 (44) Noted frequently until late-April, with the last at Blithfield on May 6. Excluding the duck at Alvecote in late-June, returned on August 5, again at Blithfield.

Monthly maxima at principal localities:

J F M A A S 0 N D

Alvecote 3 5 102 2 4 1 7 1 17 Draycote 5 0 0 2 2 0 53 — — 13 3 5 1 0 6 1 7 0 Ladywalk BO 2 5 0 6 6 3 2 — 6 15 3 0 B5

Aqualate 3 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 4 B 14 7 4 Belvide 9 0 3 5 3 9 2 2 2 4 73 14 4 5 Blithfield 1 1 3 5 6 0 0 5 0 0 7 0 1 4 5 0 1 7 6 2 7 1

Warks 75 on January 14 was the maximum at Kingsbury W P, where a drake occurred on June 26; 110 were at Brandon on February 24; 50 at Birdingbury on March 3; and 1 5 at Shustoke on October 26. Single birds appeared at Chesterton Church Pool on February 23 and Packington on September 9, whilst a duck was present at Alvecote from June 24 to 30.

30

Worcs Recorded at Grimley from January 8 to March 18, with a peak of 90 on January 9, but continues to be scarce elsewhere in the county. Reported at Bittell on only six dates in the periods January

, to April and August to October, with peaks of 25 on January 12 and 12 on October 23. At Westwood the only occurrences were one on January 1 and three on January 9; at Wilden one was observed on January 30, two on February 25 and three on October 28; and one occurred at Fladbury on April 29; whilst at Upton Warren there were 12 on September 30, with smaller

. numbers into early October and one on November 4. Staffs Locality maxima included 71 at Branston in January, 4 0 at Kings

Bromley on February 4, 8 0 at Rickerscote on February 11, and 75 at Tittesworth on December 14. Small numbers also occurred at Copmere, Knighton, Westlands, Westport, Whittington S F and Chasewater, where a drake appeared on July 24.

WMid 34 flew over Warley on January 3; a pair occurred at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 4; and birds were heard over Norton on February 12 and 22. At Sandwell Valley one was present from January 7 to mid-March, followed by five on March 31 and eight on December 22, one of which remained on the following day.

Gadwal l Bred in Warwickshire for the first time.'

Monthly maxima at selected waters:

J 'F M A A S 0 N D

Draycote 2 1 7 12 8 7 19 Kingsbury W P 2 1 1 2 — — 14 4 0 4 8 Ladywalk 6 9 2 2 2 3 3 2 5

Upton Warren — — 8 2 — 2 6 3 4

Belvide 1 3 7 1 1 6 5 Blithfield 1 — — 3 1 — 2 2

Bred at Brandon, where a brood of seven observed on May 15, and at Kingsbury W P, where a brood of four appeared on July 5. The December numbers at Kingsbury have been exceeded in the Region only once. Elsewhere one occurred at Chesterton Church Pool on February 23; at Alvecote there was a pair on April 21 and 22, one on October 10 and two on December 23; at Shustoke three were noted on October 24, four on December 14 and three on December 19; and at Packington two were seen on December 1 5 . Two were seen at Oakley Pool on March 18, a pair at Grimley from April 16 to 1 9, up to four at Bittell between August 29 and

Warks

Worcs

31

October 5, and just three during November at Westwood, which is normally a more favoured locality.

Staffs Chasewater held two on January 1 and a pair from November 24 to December 10; a pair visited Himley on April 15 and one appeared at Aqualate on December 1 5.

WMid A drake frequented Sandwell Valley from January 1 to 21; two occurred at Edgbaston Park from March 6 to 14, one remaining until April 7; and one occurred at Minworth on September 16.

Teal

Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A A S 0 N D

Alvecote 3 0 4 5 3 0 3 5 5 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 7 0 1 7 5 Brandon 7 0 8 0 6 0 3 0 1 2 0 1 7 5 1 8 0 2 2 0 2 0 8 Draycote 7 6 2 5 0 1 1 0 — — 3 — 8 0 6 0 Kingsbury W P 2 9 5 1 2 0 15 3 1 0 18 2 0 3 5 1 2 3 Ladywalk 4 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 15 31 3 5 2 8 1 0 0 1 4 0

Bittell 7 6 3 2 4 2 2 4 7 12 3 5 1 0 0 9 5 Upton Warren 3 0 2 0 12 4 15 5 0 4 5 7 9 7 4

Aqualate 6 4 2 3 2 8 : 5 2 2 4 0 1 3 2 Belvide 1 0 0 5 3 8 8 16 12 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 8 6 Blithfield 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 2 5 1 0 0 6 9 0 4 5 4 4 6 2 3 7 8

Minwor ih ' - 3 7 4 0 2 19 6 3 4 0 5 0 6 3

Warks Possibly bred at Kingsbury W P, where seven juveniles observed during the last week of July. 40 birds were counted at Packington Park on December 1 5.

Worcs One or two recorded in summer at Pulley and Wilden, where 21 . birds were present on December 9. Other maxima included 200 at

Grimley on February 8, 90 at Holt G P on February 11 and 30 at Aston Mill on December 29.

Staffs One or two observed during the early summer on the N Staffs moors. At Ford Green 70 on January 21 was the maximum count, at Branston 98 during January, and at Kings Bromley 110 on January 1.

WMid A pair reported as attempting to breed at Minworth. 60 birds occurred at Stubbers Green during January, 32 in the Sandwell Valley on January 20, 50 at Aldridge on January 28 and very small numbers outside the summer months at Bartley, Edgbaston Park, Edgbaston Reservoir, Meriden, Olton and Sutton Park.

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Mallard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 1 5 5 1 0 0 3 2 3 4 4 0 74 2 1 2 1 0 2 7 5 3 1 0 7 0 8 4 Chesterton 2 3 0 2 3 5 12 2 2 0 3 3 2 7 0 8 5 Draycote 6 3 5 5 4 0 3 8 0 — — — — — 9 0 0 — 5 0 0 6 6 0 Kingsbury W P 3 1 9 1 5 0 5 5 — 5 0 8 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 2 8 4 3 0 2 3 3 0 Ladywalk 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 71 — — 2 1 0 2 4 0 2 5 0 8 0 0 7 5 0 5 0 0 7 5 0

Becklord 1 6 5 9 4 2 9 2 9 5 0 2 1 0 4 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 Bittell 9 8 2 6 1 8 7 — — — — 9 5 1 5 5 1 7 0 2 6 5 3 1 5 Upton Warren 1 0 0 5 0 2 0 3 4 5 0 6 6 9 6 1 7 5 3 0 0 2 4 1 1 0 0 1 6 4 W e s t w o o d 4 0 0 14 2 8 — — — — — 3 5 0 7 0 5 0 2 9

Aqualate 1 3 5 8 1 1 6 6 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 6 7 5 1 1 0 8 1 5 2 5 Belvide 9 5 0 7 9 2 2 8 5 1 0 0 2 8 0 3 6 0 2 0 0 4 5 0 1 1 5 0 1 5 2 0 1 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 Blithfield 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 6 6 1 5 0 5 7 5 8 8 7 1 1 6 4 1 4 8 5 1 3 4 1 1 4 5 5 Kings Bromley 3 1 0 1 8 4 2 8 2 2 — 3 6 — 8 5 1 6 2 3 4 2 5 2 3 3 7

Minworth 4 2 3 11 9 5 9 15 13 6 7 4 2 1 14 51 Sutton Park 162 2 5 9 105 — — 192 1 4 0 1 0 0 182

Warks 14 broods totalling 91 juveniles reared at Alvecote. Miscellaneous maxima included 200 in January and December at Earlswood, up to 400 in winter months at Packington, 300 on August 30 at Brandon, and 775 during October at Coombe Abbey.

Worcs Eight broods totalling 54 young counted at Upton Warren. 250 birds were observed at Grimley on August 11, 120 on the R. Teme at Horsham in September, and a locality record of 1 50 at Wilden on November 27 and December 27.

Staffs 21 broods totalling 120 juveniles reared at Belvide. Up to 400 birds occurred at Trentham during the early months of the year, 235 at Gailey on February 18, 235 at Branston during October, 1 50 at Tixall on November 11 and 570 at Copmere on December 1.

WMid Breeding reported at several localities, with six broods at Meriden. 101 birds counted in the Sandwell Valley on September 16, and numbers up to about 50 noted at Edgbaston Park, Edgbaston Reservo ir, Hydes Rd Pool, Mary Steven s Park at Stourbridge, Olton Mere, Stubbers Green and West Bromwich Park.

Pintail Average: September 22 (32) to April 11 (38) Apart from a very late pair at Alvecote on June 3, last noted at Wilden on March 7. Returned to Blithfield on August 5, but no subsequent reports until two at Alvecote on September 8.

Warks At Alvecote up to four between January 14 and February 25, a summer record of a pair on June 3, two on September 8 with one the following day, and. one on November 16. Three occurred at

33

Kingsbury W P on February 4, followed by two on November 27 and one through December. Four noted at Draycote on February 25 and single birds on October 24 and December 23.

Worcs One at Captain's Pool from January 3 to 10, January 28 and February 23 to 28; a drake at Bittell on January 9 and two birds on September 10; two at Grimley on January 14; a pair over Worcester rubbish tip on January 27; one at Holt G P on February 1 1; one at Wilden on March 6 and 7; a pair at Upton Warren on September 30; and a duck at Beckford on October 20.

Staffs Recorded intermittently at Blithfield between January 5 and March 4, usually less than three, but with 11 on January 28. Then, maintaining the recent trend of late summer appearances, a party of 11 occurred on August 5, followed by one on August 25 and up to three on half-a-dozen dates between September 22 and December 23. At Belvide a duck appeared on March 4, four birds on September 22, one from October 6 to 13, and then around half-a-dozen from October 21 to the end of the year with a maximum of 11 on November 8. Two observed at Kings Bromley on January 7, one at Westport on October 6 and one at Rudyard on November 24.

WMid One reported at Stony Lane Park on January 13, one or two at Bartley on January 28, 29 and February 1 7, and one at Stubbers Green on March 2.

Garganey A verage: March 31 (36) to September 27 (35) First record on March 31, but no subsequent ones until mid-April. One or two in early September were followed by a late bird which stayed until October 20.

Warks A pair at Ladywalk on several dates from March 31 to mid-April, the drake remaining to late May and possibly the same bird appearing on July 8, 10 and August 7. A drake noted regularly at Kingsbury W P from April 1 5 to May 9, when a duck also present; then a single bird in mid-June and from August 1 5 to 19. One occurred at Alvecote on August 12.

Worcs Single birds at Bittell on August 9 and Wilden from September 1 to 7.

Staffs At Belvide recorded from July 28 to September 2, with four on August 25 and 26 and five on September 1; followed by a later bird from October 13 to 20. One or two frequented Blithfield between July 28 and September 2.

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Shoveler Monthly maxima at principal localities:

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

Alvecote 3 10 4 18 2 2 11 2 5 3 2 3 9 3 5 Kingsbury W P 5 3 2 3 I B 4 5 4 4 15 7 0 5 5 6 8 87 Ladywalk 6 2 2 1 1 17 2 3 2 2 6 5 1 2 5 2 2 2 8

Upton Warren — 2 7 6 3 3 5 4 0 7 0 5 1 9 7 51

Aqualate 9 9 10 1 2 7 5 3 5 8 4 9 12 Qelvide 0 0 10 2 2 18 1 0 1 0 4 1 1 0 0 3 9 0 2 7 0 3 9 3 148 Blithfield — 1 1 0 13 5 — ' 5 0 4 0 1 0 16 3 0 16

Minworth — 7 3 17 3 2 1 1

Warks Broods of four and seven reported at Kingsbury W P. Isolated counts included 58 at Brandon on September 2, 100 at Coombe on September 9 and October 21, and numbers less than ten at Draycote, Earlswood, Leamington Spa, Packington Park and Shustoke.

Worcs 1 5 counted at Grimley on January 9, 25 at Wilden on August 28, 12 at Pulley on October 1, 7 5 at Captain's Pool on October 9, and 16 at Westwood on November 18. One to three birds noted at Beckford, Bittell, Hartlebury and Holt.

Staffs One or two present in summer at Hill Ridware and Tillington, while a pair made an unsuccessful breeding attempt at Belvide. 100 birds counted at Chillington on August 26, 11 at Tixall on November 11 and numbers less than ten at Chasewater, Copmere, Ford Green and Kings Bromley.

W M i d One in the Sandwell Valley on January 20, a pair at Bartley on April 3, three at Edgbaston Park on April 4 followed by up to five between September 25 and December 2, and a peak in Sutton Park of 20 on November 18.

Red-crested Pochard Staffs Ducks noted at Belvide on August 27 PKD, DS and Himley on

November 24 and 25 EGP. WMid A duck at Sandwell Valley from October 1 6 to 30 AN, RN, AJW.

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Pochard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 181 2 3 6 1 2 2 6 6 2 0 2 0 3 9 6 3 6 6 8 71 1 0 8 Brandon 3 0 1 1 6 3 6 9 — 1 12 4 2 15 9 3 5 Draycote 6 0 0 1 0 0 9 — — — — — — 6 2 7 0 2 5 0 Kingsbury . 8 5 1 3 0 2 0 2 — 5 2 0 . 12 3 5 1 8 9 1 9 5 191 Ladywalk 4 0 0 107 12 4 4 — 2 — 2 12 10 4

Upton Warren 1 5 5 15 2 3 8 3 7 3 1 61 3 0 Westwood 4 8 — 6 0 ' — — — 13 — — 2 4 2 8 8

Belvide 5 0 1 5 6 1 3 2 7 3 6 5 8 5 1 0 0 7 0 1 3 0 2 3 7 3 3 0 Blithfield 147 1 0 0 7 0 1 0 — 3 9 4 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 7 0 2 5 0 2 0 1 Chasewater 2 2 — 3 0 3 — — — — 5 7 8 8 0 5 8 Westport 3 — 3 3 1 0 1 1 3 3 6 6 8 3 9 1 8 2

Hydes Rd Pool 3 2 8 9 4 3 3 0 3 3 5 2

The value during severe weather of the pools at Ladywalk, which are slow to freeze, was demonstrated by a locality record influx during January. At Draycote, numbers at the end of the year were relatively low compared with those of the preceding winters. A duck with three young was observed at Alvecote in late June. Isolated counts included 134 on the R. Leam at Leamington Spa on February 24, 100 at Coombe on September 30, 181 at Shustoke on November 18, and 80 at Packington Park on December 1 5. A pair bred at Pulley; 20 birds were counted at Grimley on February 6, 57 at Wilden on February 25 and 50 at Bittell on March 4. Bred for only the second time at Belvide, a duck being observed with four juveniles in late June, but only one survived longer than about a fortnight. 121 birds occurred at Branston in January, 220 at Kings Bromley on February 18, 130 on October 13 at Aqualate where numbers were generally low, 193 at Himley on December 22 and 2 5 0 at Chillington on December 23. Counts included 37 at Bartley on January 3, 90 at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 8, 40 in Sutton Park on October 28 and 50 at Edgbaston Park during December.

Ring-necked Duck Warks Occurred in the Region for the third successive year, a drake

appearing at Kingsbury W P from May 3 to 9 EAH et at. Superficially resembling drake Tufted, but distinguished by erect, rather triangular headshape wi th peak at rear and wi th slightly indented almost vertical

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

36

nape; greyish f lanks out l ined w i t h whi te ; conspicuous wh i te spur extending up nast bend nf w ing her™e«n black brooGt and greyiah flonk3; g>ey winy-Liar, luny bill w i t h black t ip and wh i te bands basally and subterminal ly.

Ferruginous Duck Warks Appeared at Draycote for the second successive year, an

immature male occurring on December 26 JAA, ARD. A relatively elegant and neatly propor t ioned Aythya w i t h a distinctively high, domed crown and relatively long bill. Head, breast and flanks wa rm dark brown, flanks in particular displaying obvious chestnut or russet f lush. Mant le and folded wings contrast ingly darker b lackish-brown, almost charcoal. Undertai l g leaming white, demarcated f rom f lanks by blackish border, and fo rming in side v iew a bold, sharply-def ined wh i te sector. Bill darker grey then Tufted, w i t h small black area around nail. Iris greyish-white.

A male, presumably the same bird, was at Wormleighton Reservoir on December 16 DSG and also at nearby Byfield (Northants) on January 1 1980.

Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at selected localities:

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

Alvecote 1 5 3 1 4 2 1 1 3 1 12 4 9 4 3 9 0 3 8 6 8 61 1 0 4 Draycote 3 5 0 4 3 0 1 5 0 — — — — — 3 7 0 — 8 7 5 7 5 5 Kingsbury W P 1 7 8 1 9 0 1 9 4 1 2 8 7 0 5 0 134 1 0 0 2 7 7 3 0 9 2 9 8 1 1 0 Ladywalk 7 0 0 2 0 0 4 6 5 0 3 0 2 1 5 1 5 0 6 0 3 6 6 0 9 0 Shustoke 13 2 3 5 2 6 0 — — — — 6 5 1 2 4 2 2 4 8 9

Bittell 2 4 18 4 2 18 4 2 8 5 1 1 0 105 7 5 Upton Warren 1 — 3 0 3 8 2 0 13 3 0 4 2 2 0 16 4 4 3 0 Westwood 3 6 — 2 2 12 — — — — 3 16 31 3 0

Aqualate 5 0 2 2 4 7 — 3 5 7 3 41 2 4 Belvide 6 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 4 9 7 7 0 2 6 1 0 3 2 0 3 3 0 3 0 0 Blithfield 6 0 3 0 3 0 7 0 8 8 21 7 0 4 0 7 9 4 0 8 2 0 Branston 2 9 8 4 0 3 2 14 2 4 5 3 1 0 5 3 1 0 5 7 3 94 1 0 4 Chasewater 6 0 — 1 6 0 8 8 14 4 2 — 9 1 5 5 4 0 0 4 9 0 Coprriere 4 4 — 5 8 — 9 5 — 5 9 1 6 0 9 3 — 1 2 0 Kings Bromley 6 6 3 0 2 6 0 5 0 2 2 3 0 — 2 9 3 2 3 4 3 8 1 2 4 Westport 4 0 — 6 2 3 9 9 1 5 — 7 4 3 7 91 1 3 6

Bartley 5 0 5 0 4 2 2 8 0 Sutton Park 2 5 3 4 3 2 151 5 0 — 6 0

Warks 18 broods totalling 125 young were reared at Kingsbury W P, 11 broods totalling 44 young at Alvecote, nine broods totalling 57 young at Ladywalk and six broods totalling 28 young at Packington Park. An influx at Ladywalk during severe weather in January produced record numbers for the locality (cf. Pochard). 87 birds on March 4 was the maximum count at Brandon.

37

Worcs Five broods totalling 27 juveniles were reported at Upton Warren and four broods at Holt G P. 50 birds were counted at Grimley on February 2.

Staffs Breeding concentrations included 19 broods (85 young) at Belvide, nine broods at Branston and six broods (42 young) at Blithfield. Isolated counts included 83 birds at Gailey on March 22, 80 at Tixall on November 1 1 and 105 at Hanch on December 9.

WMid Four broods were reared at Meriden and five broods (25 young) at Minworth. 50 birds occurred at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 2 and 280 at West Park on January 31.

Scaup Warks At Draycote, nine or ten birds from 1978 remained through

January, with a single drake staying till February 25 and a duck till April 8 many observers. A drake again appeared from April 29 to May 3 JAA, RCM and from late-October to the end of the year several observers, with a second male and two ducks on November 25 JAA. It should be noted that the young from a captive Scaup—Scaup x Tufted pair breeding at nearby Coombe have been allowed to escape in recent years. The time of arrival and the plumage of most of the Draycote birds were typical, but at least one bird was considered by some observers to be a hybrid. Clearly, suspected Scaup at this and other localities should be examined very critically. A duck occurred at Ladywalk on February 10 ARMB, ARD, PDH, BLK and 11. At Kingsbury W P a duck was present from February 18 EAH to April. 1 and from late-October EAH to December 7, followed by an immature drake from December 1 5 MJ! to the end of the year. Two visited Brandon on February 25 BMCG and a duck occurred at Shustoke on November 10 ARD.

Staffs A duck was at Blithfield from September 30 JJH to October 7, followed by three' on November 18 ARMB, ARD, MJI, GJM increasing to six by November 25 and up to ten between December 2 and 1 6, of which three remained to the end of the year many observers. Chasewater produced a drake on January 1 ARMB and March 4 GE, and six birds (two drakes) on April 14 CR. A duck was observed at Belvide on April 7 ARD, DS and a drake at Westport from December 8 PGB, RH to 22.

WMid A pair occurred at Brierley Hill Pools on April 28 EGP.

Long-tailed Duck Two records, the first arrivals since 1976, both typically in November.

38

Warks Two immatures frequented Shustoke between November 8 BLK and December 24.

Worcs An immature drake occurred at Upton Warren from November 12 AFJ to 21.

Common Scoter Warks Reported only from Draycote, where there was a pair on April 29

JAA; a duck from November 3 ARD to 7, joined by two drakes on November 4 JAA, PDH; and a drake on December 23 JAA, PDH.

Staffs At Chasewater a drake occurred from March 27 GE to 31, a pair on April 7 several observers wi th five birds (two ducks) the following day JJH, JKH, and a drake on November 24 PAG. A pair visited Blithfield on April 8 several observers and a drake on July 1 ARMB, ARD. A duck appeared at Rudyard on April 7 PGB, seven drakes at Belvide on July 29 several observers, and single drakes at Westport on August 8 PGB and Tittesworth on August 27 PGB.

Velvet Scoter Two records, the first since 1976.

Staffs A drake reported at Chasewater on April 10 RN was only the second April occurrence in the Club's records.

WMid A drake was observed at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, on January 22 and 23 ARMB, RN.

Goldeneye

A verage: October 14 (40) to April 28 (41) One or two still present in early-May, wi th the last noted at Tamworth on May 27 (excluding summering birds). In autumn the first records were on August 18, at Belvide, and September 13, at Westport, but birds were not well distributed until the last week of October.

39

Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F ' M A 0 N D

Uraycote bti 1 0 0 5 5 2 2 8 4 5 Kingsbury W P 16 2 5 5 0 2 3 4 2 0 18

Belvide 3 5 21. 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 5 4 0 Blilhfield 3 0 3 0 2 6 2 2 8 9 27 Chasewater 2 1 3 2 2 2 9 2 1 4 7

Increasing number of summer records. Warks A drake again summered at Kingsbury W P. At Ladywalk five on

January 14 and six on November 18 were the highest counts. Up to ten occurred at Shustoke during November and December, but in general numbers were low due to increased boating activity. At Alvecote there were one or two birds from March 31 to April 8 and again from November 4 to 17, while a drake appeared from June 24 to July 1 and again on July 22. A single bird was noted at Earlswood during January, while at Ryton G P one occurred on February 4 and three on October 28.

Worcs Single ducks were seen at Bittell on January 1 and 2 and March 30, followed by two birds on October 23 and singles again on October 28, December 12, 20 and 24. At Upton Warren one or two were recorded from March 3 to April 9 and one on December 29. A pair visited Westwood on March 5, followed by a single bird on March 15 and a pair again on November 13. One occurred at Beckford on February 1 7.

Staffs At Kings Bromley there were more records than usual during the severe weather early in the year, with a peak of 24 birds on February 4. A party of 22 drakes flew NW over Westlands on January 27. Very small numbers occurred at Aqualate, Black Lake, Branston, Chillington, Copmere, Knighton, Rudyard, Tamworth, Tittesworth and Westport. Single birds summered at Copmere and Westport, while a drake visited Blithfield on July 1.

W Mid Up to three were seen at Bartley from January to April 10 and from October 27 to the end of the year, while up to four occurred at Edgbaston Reservoir during January. One visited Sandwell Valley on January 22, followed by two from February 1 7 to 23 and singles again on October 24 and December 22 and 23. Two were noted in Sutton Park on November 10 and 11.

Smew All redheads unless otherwise specified. One frequented the Kingsbury W P area from November 10 RSA, JAE, JP into the new year. Two visited Bittell on February 24 GCB, KC. TD.AWH. At Belvide the bird from 1978 remained until January 7; with later

Warks

Worcs Staffs

40

records of one on February 28 and March 1 and two from March 4 TO 9. Six birds (foui Uiakes.) FI equalled the R. Trent along the Staffs-Derbys border at Branston from January 14 onwards JCED, frequently moving into Derbys; the last drake remained to March 6. One observed at Chasewater on February 27 ARD, GE and 28.

Red-breasted Mcrganoor Warks A duck was at Draycote from January 6 to 8 several observers,

two drakes from February 1 7 ARMB, JTB, RCM to 24, three on February 25 JAA, AJH and then one to March 2. A pair occurred at Shustoke on February 19 DTU and an immature at Brandon from February 20 to 24 BMCG.

Staffs A duck was reported flying along R. Trent at Wolseley Bridge on January 7 AN, RN. The drake from 1978 was noted at Blithfield (and once on a nearby pool) on a few dates up to March 31 several observers, with two on March 10 WJL, NCM.

W Mid !A male was seen briefly in Sutton Park on February 23 JEF.

Goosander Average: November 12 (39) to April 2 (39) Remained at one or two localities until mid-April and last noted on April 28 at Arley. The first autumn record came from Blithfield on October 22, but the main arrival did not begin until the second week of November. A small influx occurred around January 7.

Warks Regularly recorded at Draycote from the beginning of the year to April 6, usually in single figures, but with an influx in early January which culminated in 49 birds on January 8, while up to 1 5 were present during the second half of February. At Ladywalk one-to-three were recorded intermittently between January 7 and February 21, with five on the last date. Up to three were at Alvecote on six dates between January 7 and February 18, and up to six at Brandon on seven dates between January 7 and February 25. Two occurred at Kingsbury W P on February 18, followed by one on November 5, whilst at Shustoke there were single birds on November 9 and December 1 and 2.

Worcs A duck at Bittell on January 1 and 2 was followed by a pair on February 23 and a drake from December 21 to 26. Four flew over Upton Warren on January 7 and a single bird on February 4. Six flew over Grimley on January 14, a duck was observed on the Severn near Arley on April 28 and another duck was at Hurcott Pool between December 10 and 21.

41

Staffs Monthly maxima at Blithfield:

J F M A 0 N D

1 0 0 / u IU4 32 I 12 4 0

Birds from Blithfield have taken to visiting a small pool near Abbots Bromley, where as many as 70 were counted on March 11. Appeared more regularly than of late at Belvide, with one on January 7, two or three from February 20 to March 9, then 1 5 on March 1 8, of which several remained to March 25, and a duck on April 13; later in the year two appeared on November 18 and one on 25. Up to five were seen at Branston in January; three were on the R. Trent at Wolseley Bridge on January 8; up to four were at Rudyard from March 3 to 24, with up to five from December 9 to 28; four were at Copmere on March 11 and single birds were seen at Tittesworth and over Gannock Chase on March 24. One was at Chasewater the following day; Aqualate held a pair on March 18, followed by one on December 15 and a pair on December 30; and three were at Bromley on April 7.

WMid A drake visited Sandwell Valley on January 20. At Bartley a duck occurred on February 24 and a drake on December 31. A drake was also noted at Edgbaston Reservoir on February 3.

Ruddy Duck Monthly maxima at principal localities:

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

Alvecoie 14 18 2 0 14 5 9 8 16 17 12 4 Kingsbury W P — 1 0 — 2 — — — — — 3 — 2 Middleton — — — — 1 — — 8 2 2 9 —

Packinglon 3 — — — — 8 8 — — — 1 1 15

Upton Warren 6 7 8 5 21 8 1 1 5 3 1 Westwood 1 — 2 9 — — 2 2 — — 1 —

Aqualate — 5 9 2 2 I lb 137 1 Belvide 2 4 3 4 7 5 9 3 5 18 4 3 9 0 2 0 5 1 9 0 4 6 4 2 Blithfield 2 0 0 5 0 6 0 4 3 — 1 8 5 1 0 2 0 9 0 2 6 6 Copmere — — — — 17 — — — 15 3 — —

Warks One pair bred near Arbury, two pairs at Brandon, two pairs at Coombe and four pairs at Packington Park. Up to eleven birds occurred at Draycote during the first half of January, followed by two on December 2. A drake reported at Earlswood on May 21, June 6 and October 1 7.

Worcs Three broods noted at Upton Warren, two at Westwood and one at Pulley. Birds also seen in summer at Captain's Pool, Hurcott Pool and Wilden, while singles occurred at Bittell on nine dates between April 8 and November 4.

42

Staffs At Belvide probably six pairs attempted to breed, but only two or three broods weie iedied. Twu pairs bred at Weston Park and single pairs at Maer and Tillington. Birds were recorded in summer at Adbaston, Aqualate, Betley Mere, Bishops Offley, Stretton Hall and.Wergs Hall. A record total of 41 visited Chasewater on January 4, followed by singles from March 18 to 22 and on November 4. Six occurred at Kings Bromley from February 4 to March 14. At Black Lake three were seen on April 28 and two on October 28. One was recorded at Westport from August 24 to December 1, with two on Oclober 14; one at Tittesworth on October 14; one at Knighton on December 1; and two at Rudyard on December 22.

W Mid Two broods were reared at Edgbaston Park—the first breeding record for the county—while up to seven adults were noted between March 31 and December 14. Up to seven also appeared at Bartley during January, with one on April 29. Four or five visited Edgbaston Reservoir between January 8 and 12.

Marsh Harrier Females were recorded at:

Warks Brandon on April 24 BMCG. Staffs Belvide from August 18 to 28 RN, DS et at.

Hen Harrier Staffs A pair reared two young in N. Staffs.

Harrier sp Worcs A ring-tail at Barnett s Hill on August 30 AJH was considered by

the observer to be of the above species.

Goshawk

Recorded from six or seven localities and at least two pairs bred.

Sparrowhawk Warks Breeding season reports from Alvecote, Brandon, Burton

Hastings, Broadwell, Coombe, Earlswood, Honiley, Kenilworth, Kingsbury, Newbold Comyn, Packington and Ryton, with nesting confirmed at the last two localities. Records in other seasons from ten additional sites.

Worcs Reported as now outnumbering Kestrel in the area around Upton Warren. Other breeding season reports came from Abberley, Barnett Hill, Bittell, Broadheath, Broadway Wood, Clent, Croome, Digging Wood, Eckington, Eymore Wood, Guarlford, Holt, Lickeys, Little Witley, Long Saw Croft, Lydiate Ash, Malvern, Pendock, Powick, Rednal, Ribbesford Wood, Shelsley Beauchamp, Stanford,

43

Strensham, Thicknall, Trench Wood, Wilden, Wissetts Wood and Wyre Forest. Observations from nineteen additional localities at other seasons.

Staffs Breeding season reports from Acton, Aqualate, Belvide, Blithfield, Branston, Bunkers Wood, Cannock Chase, Checkhill, Chillington, Fradley, Goldsitch Moss, Ingestre, Keele, Loggerheads, Maer, Meaford, Perton, Rugeley, Seabridge, Stafford, Stoke, Westlands, Wheaton Aston and Whitmore. Records from fourteen other areas in autumn and winter months.

WMid Recorded regularly in Sutton Park, with three on February 10. Isolated sightings from Bartley, Brierley Hill, Hockley Heath, Edgbaston, Sandwell Valley, Sedgley Broad, Mary Steven's Park at Stourbridge, Stubbers Green, Wall Heath and Wolverhampton.

Buzzard Single birds, unless otherwise stated, recorded at:

Warks Ragley Hall (two) on January 7 and over Leamington Spa on May 6. Worcs Cothercroft Wood (party of three) on March 4, Wyre Forest (two

pairs) from April to June, Menith Wood on May 27, Shakenhurst (a pair) on May 6, Rodford (a pair) on June 13, Ankerdine Hill on August 28, Shelsley Walsh on August 23, Westwood on August 29, Bredon Hill on August 30 (a pair) and September 8, Little Comberton on September 22, Kings Wood on September 25, Eastham on September 26, Newnham Bridge (two birds) on October 9, Severn Stoke on October 30 and Castlemorton Common on November 25.

Staffs Little Aston on January 5, Trentham on February 5, Canwell from March 21 to April 1, Chillington on April 1, Stafford on June 11, Weston Park on August 27, Tettenhall on August 31, Belvide on September 15, Seabridge on September 18 and a site in the west of the county, where three birds were present through most of the year.

WMid Halesowen on May 5 and August 30, Selly Park on September 2, and central Birmingham on October 29.

Rough-legged Buzzard Worcs A bird near High Green on March 1 5 JRH. CRO was the first in

the county since 1974. Staffs An immature male (conceivably the bird above) was found freshly

dead at Belvide on March 31 DS; analysis revealed that death was due to poisoning by alphachloralose in treated bait.

Osprey Staffs Single birds at Chillington on May 20 AN and Blithfield (for the

seventh successive year) on October 7 JEF, EGP.

44

Kestrel Remains generally widespread and numerous, but local decreases reported at:

Warks Kingsbury, Willey. Worcs North Worcester, Croome,

Mer l in Warks A good series of winter and autumn records from the Tame Valley,

with singles at Kingsbury W P on January 24 EAH, October 12 BLK, October 2 9 EAH and November 24 JP; in the Kingsbury-Lea Marston area from December 8 DML to 30; and at Ladywalk on February 10 PDH and 13 BLK. Elsewhere singles also at Draycote on January 28 and February 18 CHP\ Norton Green on February 18 GFA\ and Brandon on November 1 and 1 7 BMCG.

Worcs Singles at Holt on February 19 JJD, Defford Airfield during December JRH and Upton Warren on December 28 AFJ, MT.

Staffs Singles near Tittesworth on January 28 WJL, IRM, NRM, over Tamworth on February 1 5 CJH, at Chasewater on October 20 CR, Branston on October 2 8 MSS and Belvide on November 10 DS.

WMid One at Barr Beacon on February 8 JEF and another in Sutton Park from September 20 to October 6 ARMB, JEF, SMH.

Hobby Average: April30 (12) to September 30 (15) Earliest arrivals on April 24 and 25, but few present until the second week of May. Last noted on September 27. Details of only two breeding pairs received (one raising four young and the other two), but the number of casual sightings indicates that several other pairs bred.

Warks Noted at Brandon on April 24 and August 19 and 28 BMCG, Alderminster on August 12 PP. Kingsbury W P on August 20 EAH, Burton Hastings on August 23 NBC. Alvecote on September 7 GAA, Bedworth (found injured) on September 2 0 NBC and the Hartshill area, where up to three were present during September NBC.

Worcs Occurred at Upton Warren from May 6 to September 27, with a family party in autumn AFJ et al. Singles also seen at Hartlebury on May 6 BW, Westwood on May 10 JJD, Lydiate Ash on May 11 JJD, Droitwich from June 7 to July 19 CPB, Stoke Prior on July 19 JJD, High Green on September 11 JRH and Aston Mill on September 13 DVM.

Staffs Single birds at Branston on June 14 JCE-D, Wheaton Aston on June 22 DS, Westlands on July 8 WJL, Coombes Valley in July MWa, Seabridge on August 1 1 IRM, Cannock Chase on September 3 LC, KV, Blithfield on September ^6JEF, SKW and Wilnecote on September 16 NBC.

45

W Mid Singles reported at Great Bridge on April 25 SKW, Longbridge on May 17 AFJ, Edgbaston on May 1 9 AC, Hawkesley on June 17 CL, Stoke Floods on August 7 and 8 CHP, Bartley on August 12 and September 1 MSS and Walsgrave on August 30 CHP.

Red Grouse The usual reports were received from the north Staffordshire moorlands.

Black Grouse Staffs Ten males and two females at Gib Torr on April 23 and nine males

with one or two females at Swallow Moss on October 20 were the maximum at leks. Ones and twos also noted at Back Forest, Gradbach, Gun Hill, Lady Edge Wood and Morridge.

Red-legged Partridge Warks The most reported were ten at Brandon on February 18 and 1 7 at

Ladywalk on September 30. Worcs Maxima of 19 near Eastham on September 27 and 12 at

Westwood in November and December. The lack of records at Bittell was unusual.

Staffs Present in small numbers on Cannock Chase in areas seeded with grass after the fires of 1975-76.

WMid Present at Minworth and Stubbers Green.

Grey Partridge Widespread reports of coveys of up to 24 in autumn and winter months.

Warks Seven pairs located at Alvecote on April 4 and at least four broods noted at Kingsbury W P.

Staffs Said to have increased in Seabridge area in recent years. WMid Noted at Aldridge, Bentley, Foleshill GasWorks (where bred and

up to 13 noted), Minworth, New Invention, Rushall and Sutton Park.

Quail Warks Two, perhaps three pairs bred at a site in the south of the county

per GRH. Worcs Singles heard at Westwood on June 15 CPB, near Inkberrow on

July 12 JRHu and during July at Upton Snodsbury KHT. Staffs One heard near Brewood on June 11 RC per JEN.

Pheasant Warks A drop in numbers at Kingsbury W P was attributed to the hard

winter, foxes and feral cats. WMid Ones and twos encountered in Sutton Park.

46

Water Rail Warks Present in summer at Alvecote, Arbury, Brandon and near

Ladywalk. Outside the breeding season up to four were noted at several sites, with at least six at Ladywalk and up to 12 at Kingsbury W P in January.

Worcs Noted outside the breeding season at eight localities, with up to six or more at Upton Warren.

Staffs Bred at Branston and up to three reported in winter at three sites. WMid One at Sandwell Valley on January 21 was the first record for the

area.

Spotted Crake Staffs One flushed on July 1 1 at Chillington RN, where a freshly killed

juvenile was found on August 26, 1978 BC.

Corncrake Staffs One heard at Rocester on the night of June 9-10 JEF, SMH, RN

had apparently been calling during the previous week. Another called near Kings Bromley from June 1 8 to 29 ESC, JCE-D, GS.

Moorhen Warks 30 adults and 17 juveniles at Brandon on July 26. A fawn-

coloured bird noted at Alvecote on September 30. Staffs Decline noted at Fradley Wood, perhaps as a result of the severe

winter, but said to have increased in recent years at Seabridge. At least 50 at Belvide from August to December, with a maximum of 200 in late September. 46 counted at the village pond in Chapel Chorlton on December 1.

Coot Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 165 2 2 0 1 2 5 7 5 5 5 122 2 0 5 2 1 0 2 4 5 2 1 0 2 1 0 185 Draycoie — 1 6 0 2 4 0 — — — — — 6 0 0 — 1 2 5 0 9 4 0 Kingsbury W P 6 8 3 4 0 0 — — — — — — 5 0 0 — 6 5 1 —

Shustoke 73 10 2 1 8 7 198 2 0 0 135

Becklord 6 6 7 6 5 2 _ 12 2 0 2 8 3 4 3 5 15 6 Bittell — — — • — — — — 9 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 — 1 2 0

Aqualate 1 0 5 4 4 8 0 — 3 0 8 145 1 2 0 Belvide 1 2 5 2 4 0 2 4 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 4 2 0 1 0 5 0 1 6 0 0 1 8 5 0 7 0 0 8 5 97 Chasewater 4 5 0 2 0 0 2 6 5 3 1 15 — — — 2 3 0 4 0 5 5 1 0 6 0 4 Westport 19 1 0 4 2 3 4 3 1 2 1 4 0 63 1 0 4 144 1 2 9 136

The absence of data for Blithfield is regrettable and counters are urged to give this species more attention. Other totals included

47

11 8 at Grimley on January 12 and 116 at Minworth on December 16, while 26 at Bartley on January 7 was a good total for the locality. Belvide had an exceptional year, with the hard weather and low water-levels resulting in poor numbers early and late, respectively, but Very high summer water-levels leading to 1 1 0 breeding pairs rearing about 200 young and the late-summer flock reaching a record 1850 before the water level eventually fell DS.

Crane Staffs One at Belvide on May 5 SRC was only the second Staffordshire

record. Back, wings, chest, upperparts and flanks were grey. Elongated secondaries formed black, bushy, hanging " ta i l " . Primaries also black and very spread in flight. Legs black or dark grey, bill l ight in colour and shaped like that of a Heron. Forehead, nape, chin and throat were all black, cheeks and sides of the neck were white, tapering away part way down the neck. Red spot on crown. Head less angular than Heron's and stance less upright. Walked slowly and fed w i th body horizontal and neck down in a distinctive posture. Call a trumpet- l ike "croo-croo".

Oysterpatchnr Warks Singles noted at Draycote on April 15, May 2, 27 and 28 and

August 12, with two on May 7. At Kingsbury W P, singles occurred on March 31, April 27, May 5, 7 and 15; with three on May 22, two on June 2 and 28, one again on July 1 5 and finally one on November 27. Two at Lea Marston on March 31 and one at Nuneaton on November 30.

Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on February 28, March 26 and April 9, with three on August 18. Three at Grimley on March 15, with singles at Bittell on April 12 and at Holt GP on May 4 and 8.

Staffs Again bred successfully at a Tame Valley site/lfC, EAH, but a pair at Branston was unsuccessful MSS. Singles at Blithfield on April 14 and August 9 and 12. Seven at Chasewater on March 4 were followed by singles from March 24 to April 7 and on July 23, with two on April 14. Single birds were also noted on the moors at Back Forest in freezing conditions on February 20, at Rickerscote on March 21, Barton-under-Needwood on May 13, Belvide in early June, over Newcastle on August 10, at Rudyard on August 18, flying north over Lichfield on September 2 and moving SE over Seabridge at night on September 9.

WMid Singles at Edgbaston Reservoir on May 8, the first for the locality, and at Bartley on August 5.

Little Ringed Plover Average: March 24 (15) to October 5 (15) First occurred on March 18, when two at Branston, but not well

48

established until mid-April. Strong passage until mid-September, with stragglers into October, the last being at Kingsbury W P on October 1 5.

Warks Two pairs bred at Alvecote, where 17 were present on July 28. Three pairs bred at Brandon and four pairs attempted to breed at Packington, but with little success. A very good year at Kingsbury W P, with seven known breeding pairs and 34 present on August 2 PDH, MJi, the largest ever concentration in the Club's area. 25 were present at Lea Marston on August 1 9.

Worcs Bred Successfully at Berkford (as in 1978, contrary to the statement in that year's report), with presumably llie samo family party appearing subsequently at Aston Mill Pit. Nested successfully at Wilden for the first time, but breeding attempts at Holt GP and Upton Warren were unsuccessful.

Staffs Two pairs bred at Perton, but a nest at Chasewater was destroyed by grass-cutting. Up to nine noted at Newbold GP in April and up to 14 at Branston, where the lack of breeding success was probably the result of flooding. A pair was present near Cheadle on June 17 and small numbers occurred on passage at Belvide, Tittesworth, Westport and especially Blithfield.

WMid Three broods reared at Meriden and up to three passage birds noted at four other sites.

Ringed Plover Half-monthly maxima at principal localities:

M 2

A 1 2 1

M 2 1

J 2 1

J 2 1

A 2 1

S 2

0 1

Alvecote Oraycote Kingsbury W P 1

4 — 1 1

2 3 2

— 1

5 — 2 —

9 1 1

2 2 6

1 12

4 1

1

Upton Warren — 1 — 12 9 1 - — - 1 3 2 1 -

Belvide BlithField Chasewater — 4

3 2

16

3 —

4 — 2 0

1

3 14

2 14

1 4

4 3 1

There were some unusual winter records, with singles at Chasewater on February 20, Blithfield on February 24 and March 3, and two at Shustoke on November 18. A pair with an unfledged juvenile at Branston on June 24

. constituted the first breeding record for the Club's area ESC.

Kentish Plover Staffs A male at Drakelow, Derbyshire, on May 7 flew briefly over the

Trent towards Branston JAA.

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Golden Plover A verage: A ugust 30 (33) to April 13 (33) Parties in excess of 200 still evident until the third week of April and two birds at New Invention on May 3. First of the autumn on August 13 at Draycote, followed by a steady passage in September.

Warks The Alvecote flock held 300 in March, 60 in September, 200 in October, 600 in November and 800 by December 28. There were 140 at Brandon on January 6, 600 at Bretford on October 11 and 197 roosting at Bulkington on March 12, whilst 270 at Warwick on April 17 comprised birds of the northern form. The Middleton flock peaked at 400 on December 1 and birds visiting Kingsbury W P peaked at 500 in December.

Worcs There were 44 at Grimley on March 17 and flocks of 56 near Bredon, 100 at Hill Croome, 20 near Queenhill and 42 at Upton Warren on March 18,42 were present near Beckfordon October 20.

Staffs Noted in summer at Goldsitch Moss and Swallow Moss. A visiting flock at Belvide in autumn peaked at 52 on November 10. There were 50 at Gailey on September 27, 650 at Drayton Bassett on October 13, a peak of 800 at Rodbaston on November 25 and 50 at Perton on December 2. On the moors, there were 140 on November 24 at Gib Torr, where 35 flew N on October 21.

WMid Singles seen at Sedgley on January 3 and over Sutton Park on February 10, with two at New Invention on May 3 and 20 near the National Exhibition Centre on November 3.

Grey Plover Rather a poor year.

Warks One at Kingsbury W P on May 14, four on October 14 and 21, and two from October 26 to November 18. One circled over Alvecote on August 18.

Worcs One at Holt GP on May 13 and 14. Staffs Single birds at Chasewater on September 23 and at Belvide from

October 6 to 18, with another, or perhaps the same, from November 3 to December 29, a remarkably long stay. Lapwing Widespread outside the breeding season, with six reports of flocks of 1000-2500 in Warks, four in Worcs and fourteen in Staffs. In addition there were 5000 at Belvide on December 1 and separate flocks of 4000 and 7000 in the Kingsbury area on December 7 BLK. Summation of all reports of flocks gave the following monthly distribution:

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

4 9 6 9 4 5 1 3 3 2 7 6 17 3 0 2 2 5 0 5 0 0 0 4 6 1 8 3 9 2 1 4 5 5 8 6 1 5 0 2 6 3 5 6

50

Knot Wdiks One at Kingsbury W P on July 30. Worcs One at Bittell on August 26. Staffs An adult at Blithfield on August 4, with two on 9. An adult at

Belvide on August 25 and 26 and a juvenile at Chasewater from August 29 to September 5.

W Mid A bird noted feeding in a flooded field adjacent to Bartley on April 1.

Sanderling As usual, most records in May, with peak numbers around May 7,

Warks Two at Kingsbury W P on April 28, five on May 7, two on 9 and singles from May 18 to 20. Two at Draycote on May 19. No autumn records.

Staffs Most records in spring, when singles at Belvide on May 5, 6 and 13, the first bird feeding with Common Sandpipers on the steep dam wall; one at Blithfield on May 6; at least 19 individuals at Chasewater between May 5 and June 13, with peaks of nine on May 9 and seven on 18; and two at both Branston and Westport on May 7. Just two singles in autumn, at Blithfield on July 21 and August 21.

WMid Two at Bartley on May 7 and one at Meriden on August 19.

Little Stint Noticeable influx around October 6 and 7.

Warks One at Kingsbury W P on May 20 was the only spring record. In autumn the same locality held two on July 26 and 29; singles on August 2 and 16; three on October 4; four on October 6 and 8; then two until October 1 5, except for seven or eight on October 12. One at Brandon from September 11 to 13, two on October 7 and 8 and three the next day.

Worcs Two adults were at Wilden from July 27 to 29. At Upton Warren there were four on October 6 and 7, three on October 10 and one which remained until October 14.

Staffs Just one spring record, of a single at Chasewater on May 7. Autumn passage began with two at Branston on September 3. At Belvide there were three on September 30, six on October 6 and 7; five on October 13 and two which remained until October 21. Singles at Blithfield on September 20 and 30 had increased to four by October 6 and nine the next day, with two remaining until October 14 and three again on October 21. One also occurred at Chasewater on October 5.

Warks Temminck's Stint One present at Kingsbury W P on May 16 and 17 BLK with a second bird from 1 7 to 20 EAH, BLK et at.

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White-rumped Sandpiper Staffs An immature seen by many observers at Blithfield from November

10 to 12 and presumably the same bird from December 8 to 11 CR, MW et al, although there were no reports for the intervening period. This constitutes the first record for the Club's area of this transatlantic vagrant. Recalled large, heavy Stint w i th short legs and very attenuated rear end. In fl ight, distinctive narrow, white rump patch extending right across upper tail-coverts and squeaky " jeet" calls. Fed more actively than slightly larger accompanying Dunlin. Tips of characteristically long wings extended about 2 c m beyond tip of tail at rest. Bill relatively fine and short, w i th slight downward kink visible at close range. Legs shorter than Dunlin and usually flexed, Paler f lecking on dark brown crown, which contrasted w i th paler grey-brown nape, o f f -whi te forehead and conspicuous pale supercilia, to give capped appearance. Upperparts more variegated than Dunlin, w i th scaly effect caused by greyish-buff fringes to dark brown mantle feathers and wing-coverts. Scapulars and tertials similarly dark brown but wi th warmer margins. Flight feathers sepia; narrow pale wing-bar visible in flight. Underparts white wi th streaked grey-brown gorget, extending diffusely to anterior flanks. Tail blackish-brown. Soft parts all appeared black.

Pectoral Sandpiper Warks One paid a brief visit to Kingsbury W P on October 1 JEF,

Curlew Sandpiper Warks Single birds at Kingsbury W P on July 28 and August 27 and at

Alvecote on October 6. Worcs An adult at Wilden from August 7 to 12. Five at Upton Warren on

September 9, one on 10 and two from September 16 to 20. Staffs Two at Branston on September 2 and 9, Two at Blithfield on

September 1 5, four on 16 and 1 7 and up to three until September 30, except for eight on 27. Dunlin Another poor year. Except for 90-100 which were present in flooded meadows by the Avon near Bredon on March 1 9, monthly maxima at all other sites were:

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

Alvecote 10 2 3 4 1 7' 1 Brandon — — 6 — — 1 3 1 1 1 — —

Draycole 1 2 9 Kingsbury W P — — 1 1 15 — 8 2 1 6 5 4 —

Ladywalk — — 3 1 . 2 — . — — — 1 — —

Holt GP 4 1 — 1 1 —

Upton Warren — — — 1 5 — 2 1 2 1 — —

Wilden 1 1 1 1 — —

Belvide 2 10 1 2 9 4 4 2 3 Blithfield 1 1 — 3 5 — 5 2 9 12 12 1 1 2 Branston 13 14 1 0 14 5 1 2 1 — — 4 3 Chasewater — — 1 1 2 3 1 5 — 1 — 1 1

All other sites 1 - 1 13 6 - A 2 9 2 — -

52

Ruff A'poor year ogoin, cxccpt at Blithfiold. As usual, peak nnmhfirs occurred in late August and early September. The two winter records from the Tame Valley are unusual. Monthly maxima for all sites:

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

Alvecote — — — — — — 3 4 7 2 — — Brandon — — — — — — 2 2 3 — — — Dravcoie — — — — — — i — — — — — Kingsbury W P — — — 1 1 — 1 1 U I I — I Ladywalk — 1 1 — — — — — — — — —

Frankley — — — — — — 1 — — — — — Upton Warren — — — — 4 — — 1 4 1 — — Wilden — — — — — — — 3 — — — —

Belvide - 4 — — 2 — — — — Blithfield — — — — — — 1 1 6 1 9 2 — — Branston — — — — — — 3 — — -— — — Chasewater — — — — — — — — I 1 — — Tittesworth — — — — — — — 1 — - — —

Jack Snipe A verage: October 8 (3 7) to April 5 (34) Last noted on May 5, when four at Brandon. First autumn record was on October 5, when 1 1 were present at Wilden, and two days later there were 12 at Belvide. Such large numbers so early in the month are unusual.

Warks A maximum of five at Brandon on March 24, with four late birds on May 5. Otherwise, only ones and twos at Alvecote, Draycote, Kingsbury W P, Ladywalk and Nuneaton.

Worcs On October 5, 11 were flushed from Chenopodium on a virtually dry settling bed at Wilden, with a further peak of eight noted on November 2. Otherwise, up to three were reported from Bittell, Grimley, Oakley, Upton Warren and Westwood.

Staffs 12 flushed at Belvide on October 7 (cf. Wilden) and 14 at .Chasewater on November 10. In addition, singles were noted at Blithfield, Branston, Ford Green, Hanchurch, Rudyard and Seabridge.

WMid Up to three were noted at Brierley Hill Pools, Minworth, Sandwell Valley, Stubbers Green and Sutton Park.

Snipe Warks Bred at Alvecote (about four pairs), Arbury, Griff, Kingsbury W P

(two pairs), Packington (about three pairs) and possibly Brandon and Ladywalk.

Worcs Probably about a dozen pairs bred in the Wilden-Stour Hill area. Staffs Bred at Belvide and Mottey Meadows (two pairs at each) and

53

possibly Hixon. In April there were four drumming over Goldsitch Moss and eight in the Gib Torr-Gradbach area.

W Mid Bred at Stubbers Green and possibly Berkswell. Monthly maxima:

J F M A J A S 0 N D

Alvecote 2 0 0 5 0 5 0 13 4 6 7 5 5 0 2 5 5 0 Brandon 10 2 0 1 0 0 8 0 1 2 0 4 5 5 0 16 2 5 Draycote — 4 0 Kingsbury W P — — 2 0 — — — — 1 2 5 — —

Ladywalk — — — — — — — 3 5 — —

Willey 2 5 — 2 5 1 0

Bittell 18 Grimley — 3 0 8 3 3 2 Holt G P — — — — — 3 — — — 4 6 Upton Warren 15 8 2 8 6 —

Wilden — — — — — — — 1 1 0 — —

Belvide 3 5 5 3 0 8 5 0 1 12 1 2 0 3 6 Blithfield — — — 3 2 6 — 6 0 8 0 2 3 —

Chasewater 6 — 9 — — — 19 13 18 2 4 Ford Green 15 3 7 Gnosall 2 3 Rudyard 1 1 0

Minworth — — 4 0 — — 5 9 3 9 1 0 0 18

Woodcock Widely reported outside the breeding season.

Warks Bred at Arbury and Packington, although scarce at the latter this year. Roding birds noted at Bentley, Biddies Wood and Kingsbury Wood.

Worcs Roding noted at Chaddesley Wood, Dowles Brook, Goosehill Wood, Menith Wood, Malvern Hills, Monkwood, Ombersley Wood, Shrawley Wood, Trench Wood, Uffmoor Wood, Weethley Wood and Wilden Marsh.

Staffs Bred at Fradley Wood and Maer. Roding noted at Burnt Wood, Cannock Chase, Enville, Hanchurch and Kinver.

WMid Bred at Meriden and one seen at Sedgley on June 24.

Black-tailed Godwit Warks Spring records from Kingsbury W P, where singles on April 8 and

17. On return .passage, an immature remained from July 26 to mid-August at Brandon, whilst singles were noted at Kingsbury W P from July 1 5 to 21; and on August 9 and 16, with six on July 10 and two on August 7.

Worcs One at Upton Warren on July 14 and 1 5 followed by an immature which remained with Lapwings in the area from August 4 to the end of September.

Staffs Singles in spring at Chasewater on April 5 and Belvide on April

54

12, 13 and 20 and from May 15 to 21. Return passage began with one at Branston on July 12, while one which departed to the NE at Belvide on July 28 may have been the bird seen the following day at Blithfield, where there were also reports of one on July 18 and three on August 8.

Bar-tailed Godwit Warks Singles at Kingsbury W P on April 8, July 23 and 29, August 28

and September 23; and at Ladywalk on February 20 and August 29.

Worcs One at Bittell on December 12. Staffs About 20 flew W over Seabridge on September 6 NCM. Single

birds at Rudyard on September 29 and Blithfield on September 30.

Whimbrel Warks Single birds noted at Brandon on July 11, at Draycote on July 16

and at Kingsbury W P on April 27, May 11 (flying N), July 24 and 28, August 4 and 18, with four on May 1 6.

Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on May 10, 11 and 1 5, with two on May 12, July 28 and 29 (flying SW).

Staffs Two flew N at Belvide on May 14. One at Blithfield on August 5 and two on 12 and 18. A very late spring migrant flew N calling over Cannock Chase at 22.30 BST on June 12.

WMid One flew S at Bartley on August 5.

Curlew Warjks Up to 15 roosted at Ladywalk in autumn. Worcs At least 25 at Holt at dusk on March 18 and 14 at Upton Warren

on March 20. Post-breeding flock at Tardebigge reached 20 on July 21.

Staffs 45 at Longsdon Mill on March 4,. 70 at Tittesworth on March 10, 21 at Swallow Moss on July 8 and 17 at Blithfield on August 28. The regular flock at Whittington S F totalled 45 on February 4, 73 two days later, 36 on July 17, 1 50 on July 29, 1 70 on August 9, 1 35 on August 30, 88 on September 30 and 68 on October 14.

Spotted Redshank No spring records.

Warks Single birds at Alvecote on July 28, August 18 and September 1 5, at Brandon from September 6 to 11 and at Kingsbury W P on July 4 and from August 1 5 to October 9, with two on August 18.

Worcs Singles at Bittell on August 19, Upton Warren on June 17, August 19 and September 1 and Wilden on June 1 7 and August 14.

Staffs Recorded only at Blithfield, where generally two to four between

55

August 24 and October 14, but peak numbers in early-September, with eight on September 5, and a final bird on October 21.

WMid One at Stubbers Green on August 21.

Redshank Warks 16 roosted on March 8 at Ladywalk, where young were fledged

for the first time. Noted in winter at Alvecote, Brandon, Kingsbury W P (up to four), Ladywalk (eight on February 10) and Shustoke (maximum of 13 in November).

Worcs 12 at Wilden on June 24. Staffs Winter records from Belvide, Blithfield (up to three), Branston (11

in January and February) and along the River Sow at Stafford (four).

WMid Single winter records from Minworth, Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park.

Greenshank The usual late-August peak was particularly noticeable at Blithfield (15 on August 31) and Kingsbury W P (18 on August 21). An early bird was present on April 1 at Kingsbury and a very late bird stayed at Brandon until December 1. Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

1 M

2 J

1 2 1 J

2 1 A

2 1 S

2 1 0

2

Alvecote Brandon Kingsbury W P Ladywalk

2 1 I I

I I

1 1 1 1

1 1 II

3 2 1

2 2 6

1 3 8 1

3 3

18 1

3 4 6 1

1

4 1

1 2

1

Holt G P Upton Warren Wilden

1 1 2

— 2 1 1 1

2 2 3 4

2 —

—

—

Belvide Blithlield Chasewaler

2 - z z 1 4

4 8 15 14

7 5 1

1 -

Sutton Park - — - — - - — 3 2 - — -

All other sites - — — 2 3 4 1 2 — -

Lesser Yellowlegs Staffs A worn adult, seen by many observers at Blithfield between

September 1 5 RGKF, GMI, MJW and 30 JJH, constituted the first record for the Club's area of this transatlantic vagrant. An elegant wader, slightly smaller than a Redshank. Fed actively in shallow water, taking food from below the surface. Slender build, w i th long wings extending about 4cm beyond tip of tail giving a tapered, attenuated outline. Horn-coloured, straight bill about 1-J- times the length of head. Long orange-

56

yellow legs (only slightly yellower than those of immature Spotted Redshank) extended well beyond tail in f l ight, when square-cut whi te upper tail-coverts, brown and whi te barred tail, and long wings wi thout pale bar were apparent. Crown, rear neck, mantle and wing-coverts grey-brown, wi th blotched, darker feather centres and a few pale fringes. Flight feathers formed a conspicuously dark unit. Underparts off-white, w i th short, dark bars or arrows on upper breast and anterior flanks. Short, pale superci l ium visible at reasonable ranges. Call, a short " kw ip " or " tewp" , usually repeated in quick sequences of two or three notes.

Green Sandpiper Peak numbers, as usual, in late July and early August. Monthly maxima at all sites:

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

Alvecote — — — 1 — — 1 1 2 — — — Brandon — 1 2 1 2 6 1 7 2 0 9 2 1 — Kingsbury W P — 1 2 3 1 — 1 7 5 1 1 1 Ladywalk 2 — 1 1 — 1 5 2 6 — — — Packington — — — — — — 1 7 — — — — Shustoke — — — — — — — — 1 1 4 2

Aston M i l l Pit — — — — — — 6 4 5 1 — — Gr imley 1 2 2 2 — — — — — — — — Holt G P — — — — — — 1 2 — — — — Up ton W a r r e n — — 1 4 — 5 7 1 6 6 2 1 1 W i l den 1 1 1 1 — — 5 3 5 7 5 3

Belvide — — — — — — 2 1 1 3 2 1 Blithfield _ _ _ _ _ _ 6 3 2 — — — Branston — — — 1 — — 7 1 2 7 — — — Rudyard — — — — — — — 1 — 1 — — Tittesworth — — — — — — 2 2 — — — —

Bart ley — 2 — — — — 2 — — — — — M i n w o r t h — — 1 — — — 1 2 1 1 — —

All o the r si tes — 1 — 4 — — 6 6 2 — — —

Wood Sandpiper No spring records.

Warks Singles at Brandon during September 4 to 7 and 26 to 27. A good

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autumn at Kingsbury W P, with single birds from July 10 to August 19, apart from two on July 11, rising to four by 25; two or three remained until September 2 and one until 5.

Worcs Upton Warren had its first blank year in the reserve's ten-year history.

Staffs Two at Belvide from August 25 to 27, with one until September 1 and three on 2. Singles at Branston on August 11 and 12 and from September 9 to 12.

W Mid One at Bartley on August 31 was unusual for the locality.

Common Sandpiper Average:April 7 (43) to October 19 (39) First seen along the River Tame at Sandwell Valley on April 7, but not widespread on passage for another fortnight. Most had passed through on autumn passage by mid-September, but a few stayed into October, with the latest on October 11 at Bittell. One at Kingsbury W P on January 26 was the only winter record. Monthly maxima at all sites:

A M J J A S 0

Alvecote ) 2 3 4 2 1 Brandon 1 2 — 7 5 2 —

Kingsbury W P 2 1 — 2 2 3 0 3 —

Ladywalk — — — 1 3 — —

Bittell 6 6 6 1 — 1 Grimley 7 — — 1 — — —

Holt G P 1 — — 1 2 — —

Upton Warren 2 4 1 7 5 6 —

Wilden 3 — — 7 13 1 —

Belvide 2 17 a 4 4 Blithfield t o 8 1 1 0 1 0 7 —

Branston 2 4 — 5 5 — —

Chasewater 6 8 — 6 4 1 1 Kings Bromley — — — 6 7 — —

Tittesworth 2 2 2 7 2 2 —

Bartley 2 4 S 5 —

Meriden — — 2 2 4 4 —

Minworth 2 — — 1 1 — —

All other sites 9 7 — 14 16 2 1

Turnstone Warks Single birds at Kingsbury W P on January 5 (an unusual date) and

May 3. Worcs One at Upton Warren on August 1. Staffs Singles at Belvide on August 12 and from August 25 to

September 9. One at Blithfield on May 6, with two on July 29 and August 26. Single birds at Branston on May 5; Chasewater on May 11 and October 18; and Perton on June 1.

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Pomarine Skua Warks The immature bird tirst seen at Draycote on December 31 1978

was also present on January 2 and 3.

Little Gull Warks Single birds at Draycote on May 11 GJM and Kingsbury W P on

August 28 KJH, DML. Worcs An adult at Westwood on April 23 CPB and an immature at Upton

Warren on August 22 JTB, GCB. Staffs At Belvide an immature on April 22 PKD, HAG, DS was followed

by two immatures and an adult on 26 DS, an adult on 28 DS, an immature on August 19 RN, DS, KV and two birds which were not aged on September 2 DS. At Blithfield an immature on April 29 ARD, PDH, GS and 14 immatures on August 18 CR, ICW. Another immature was at Chasewater on September 1 5 GE.

Black-headed Gull Warks Maxima reported were 10000 at Kingsbury W P on March 20,

9000 at Shustoke on November 19 and 8000 at Ladywalk on January 30.

Worcs Smaller numbers than usual at Bittell, but up to 500 regularly gathered there at dusk before leaving to join the roost at nearby Bartley Reservoir. Maxima of 300 reported at Upton Warren on November 1 7 and Wilden on March 18.

Staffs 8000 estimated roosting at Chasewater in January and Blithfield in December. Other maxima recorded were 7000 at Belvide in September, 3500 at Aqualate in December, 1200 at Westport in October and 1000 on floodwater at Rickerscote in February. Bred at a site in the SE of the county, where at least eight nests were occupied in July.

WMid Allowed to roost undisturbed at Bartley, where 4000 were reported in January.

Common Gull Warks 10000 estimated at Draycote on March 24 JAA. Small numbers

(up to 30) recorded at Alvecote, Brandon, Ladywalk and Shustoke.

Worcs Most reported was 40 following the plough at Clent on April 6 and said to be much more numerous than usual in the north of the county during the early part of the year, with two scavenging round gardens in West Hagley on January 24. Elsewhere up to 20 seen at various sites.

Staffs Up to 40 at Blithfield, 30 at Chasewater, 20 at Belvide and Bridgetown and 18 at Westport. Smaller numbers at various other sites.

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W Mid Maximum of 60 at Bartley in late February. Present at Edgbaston Reservoir throughout January and February, with up to 15 birds reported. Ones and twos elsewhere including West Park, Wolverhampton, and Smethwick Hall Park in January.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks 1000 at Kingsbury W P was the most reported. Worcs Maximum of 300 at Bittell in March and December. Staffs Maxima of 2500 at Chasewater, 2200 at Blithfield and 800 at

Belvide were all recorded in November. Most birds from the Potteries continue to roost in Cheshire, but some are thought to use Blithfield. Spring passage noted at Belvide and first returning birds recorded there on June 30.

WMid Up to 1000 seen at Bartley during very cold weather early in the year.

Herring Gull Warks No counts made at Draycote, but what was probably an albinistic

bird of this species was present there on December 30 JAA. Worcs Up to 150 gathered at- Bittell in December before flying to the

Bartley roost. Staffs 1 500 at Chasewater on January 1, 1000 at Blithfield on January

7, 400 at Belvide and 178 at Aqualate on December 30. WMid Reported to be a poor year at Bartley, with seldom more than 1 50

birds present in the roost.

Iceland Gull Staffs At Blithfield an adult on March 4 MJi, GJM, a second winter bird

on March 10 and 14 WJL, JPM. AN. RN and a first year bird on March 31 ARD. At Chasewater a second winter bird on March 30 GE, JEF. In the N of the county an adult was reported on school playing fields at Clayton on October 30 WJL and a remarkably tame first winter bird was present at Westport Lake from December 30 DE, WJL until at least mid-January 1980.

Glaucous Gull Warks At Ladywalk what was probably a second winter bird on February

11 and 18 many observers. At Kingsbury W P an adult on March 31 JAA. A second winter bird at Lea Marston on December 22 JAA and at Ryton G P an adult and a juvenile on October 28 and a juvenile on December 6 CHP. One reported from Draycote on January 28 CHP, where a first or second winter bird was present on December 28 and 31 JAA.

Staffs A first winter bird roosted at Belvide on April 26 and 29" and May 1 DS. At Blithfield adults were reported on January 7 ARD, MJi,

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GJM, EGP, March 6 WJL and on several dates between December 16 and 27 many observers; a second winter hird was noted there on February 24 ARD, March 3 ARD and 4 MJI, GJM. At Chasewater an adult on January 1 ARMB, JEF, two second year birds on March 27 GE, one second year bird on 28 GE, two second year birds on 30 GE, JEF, an adult and a second year bird on 31 many observers, a second year bird on April 6 GE and 7 ARMB, ARD, PAG and a first year bird from December 28 GE until the end of the year.

WMid At Bartley first year birds were reported on January 13 AC, AJH, January 24 JTB, February 25 AC and December 28 AJH, EGP, MSS. An adult was seen at Tividale on February 17 CR.

Glaucous x Herring Gull Warks An immature at Draycote on January 28 CHP. Staffs An adult seen flying W over Belvide on October 14 DS was

probably of this origin.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks The only records were of two at Brandon on February 3, two at

Alvecote on February 1 7 and an immature at Kingsbury W P from April 20 to May 8.

Worcs Singles at Gallows Green tip on January 1, Upton Warren on February 4. and Westwood on March 30. Two seen flying up the River Severn at Grimley on April 13.

Staffs At Bridgetown 47 on February 10, at Chasewater 2 0 on February 18 and at Blithfield 15 on December 16. Small numbers at Belvide during winter months, with 12 roosting on December 30. Noted also at Aqualate and Rickerscote.

WMid An immature at Edgbaston Reservoir on January 25.

Kitt iwake Warks An immature at Ladywalk on February 1 7 ESC, BLK, an adult at

Lea Marston on March 18 ARD, three adults at Kingsbury W P on April 1 JAA and an adult at Draycote on April 29 JAA.

Worcs Two flew E at Wilden on February 11 D W and an adult seen there in an apparently exhausted condition on March 18 RM, BW was presumably the bird found dead on 23. At Bittell an adult passed through on March 12 GJM and another stayed from May 1 5 to 28 KC, CL, GJM. Two adults left N from Upton Warren on June 3 GCB, AFJ.

Staffs A flock of 42 birds, mainly adults, spent about five minutes at Blithfield on March 11 before flying off to the S ARD, PDH. At dusk on the same day two further birds, an adult and an immature, flew in from the N and joined the gull roost many

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observers. At Chasewater adults on April 1 EGP and 21 GE and at Belvide one on April 28 RN, DS. At Westport Lake three adults were present on March 29 and another on May 18 WJL An immature flew S at Westlands on Octobor 30 WJL.

WMid Three adults at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley on March 28 JEF, RN.

Caspian Tern WMid One in Sandwell Valley on July 25 followed the course of the

River Tame towards Walsall RN. The seventh record for the Club's area. Size between Lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull. Features noted were huge scarlet bill, black cap, soft pearl grey wings and mantle, dark underside of primaries and short tail w i th shallow fork. [Subject to acceptance by the Rarities Committee]

Sandwich Tern Warks Two at Kingsbury W P on June 4 and 5 BLK. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on April 10 JCE-D, Chasewater on April 24

PAG, RJJ and flying N over Newcastle on April 29 DE, WJL. WMid One at Brierley Hill Pools on April 10 roosted overnight EGP.

Common Tern Warks Small numbers noted at Alvecote, Brandon, Draycote, Kingsbury

W P and Ladywalk with the maximum reported being 10 at Alvecote on July 28. Territorial behaviour noted from a pair at Kingsbury W P during May and June, but no proof of breeding.

Worcs Usual spring and autumn records from Upton Warren, with maximum of six on June 4. Single birds at Bittell on August 25 and 26 were the only records from that locality. .

Staffs Small numbers of passage birds at Belvide, Blithfield, Chasewater, Rudyard Lake, Westlands and Westport Lake, with the largest party being of 30 terns at Chasewater on May 10 of which about half were indentified as Common. Two birds at Blithfield on April 8 were exceptionally early. Breeding records from two sites in the east of the county with a total of perhaps four pairs involved.

WMid Three at Edgbaston Reservoir on May 10 was the most reported. Singles at Brierley Hill Pools and in Sandwell Valley.

Arctic Tern A poor year for the species with a total of only about 70 birds reported.

Warks Maximum of seven at Draycote on April 29, five at Kingsbury W P on May 7 and singles at Alvecote.

Worcs Maximum of three at Bittell on August 13. Singles at Upton Warren.

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Staffs Maxima of 1 5 at Chasewater on May 10; and 11 at Belvide on May / . Also noted at Bllihfield, Tiefilham and Westport Lake.

WMid Five at Edgbaston Reservoir on July 17 and one at Bartley on April 17.

Common/Arctic Tern Small numbers at various localities, but no party reached double figures.

Common, Arctic and Black Tunis: Summnted totals of maxim" «* nil localities, 1979 1 = 1st to 1 5th 2 = 1 6 t h to 30th or 31st.

April Mav June July Aug. Sept. Oct. 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

Common 3 1 2 3 14 Arctic — 15 3 4 3 Black 1 2 1 0 6 4

19 8 1 0 19 19 18 1 0 2 2 1 1 4 8 4 — — — * — 3 — — . — 3 13 10 — 2

Little Tern Warks One at Draycote on July 10 RCM. Staffs Singles at Belvide on May 4 TD, GJM and Chasewater on May 10

GE. JEF.

Black Tern A large influx in mid-May saw the only parties to reach double figures. A poor autumn.

Warks 30 at Draycote on May 13 and 11 the following day. Staffs 51 at Blithfield and 18 at Belvide on May 13.

Stock Dove Warks Breeding reported from Alvecote, Kingsbury W P (two pairs),

Willey and Packington, where 70 on January 6. Worcs 18 at Tardebigge on March 31. Staffs 100 at Rudyard on August 1 1; 40 at Blithfield on January 28 and

35 at Slindon on January 1. WMid Bred at Minworth S F, where 25 on March 4. Also reported from

Aldridge in February and Sutton Park in April.

W o o d Pigeon Many winter flocks of up to 500 reported.

Warks 750 at Alvecote on December 23. WMid 1200 at Cocks Moor Wood, Kings Heath on January 13. Two

birds seen regularly from April onwards in an Aldridge garden where not previously recorded in 25 years.

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Collared Dove General impression is of a reduction in numbers, but under recorded. 27 at Lower llley on August 4. Reported to be less numerous in Trentham area, but numbers at Fradley Wood said to have remained static since 1973. Reported to have declined in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge areas.

Turtle Dove Average: April 26 (44) to September 25 (44) First noted on April 18 at Ufton Hill, but not well-established until early-May. Most had departed by early September, with the last at Belvide on September 30.

Warks Noted at seven sites with 10 pairs reported to have bred at Kingsbury W P.

Worcs Noted at about 30 sites. Said to be more numerous in the Tardebigge area.

Staffs Noted at nine sites. WMid Noted only at Minworth S F.

Cuckoo Average: April 1 7 (43) to September 5 (42) First arrival at Chaddesley on April 16 and well-established by the end of the month. One or two in early September, with one at Bromsgrove on September 9 the latest. Widespread in Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire with little evidence of any significant change in numbers.

WMid Reported to be present throughout the summer at Minworth S F and Sedgley. An immature noted at Erdington on August 16.

Barn Owl Several road casualties reported. Reported from only seven sites. Reported from about 20 sites. Unsuccessful breeding attempt at Wilden.

Reported from 1 7 sites, mainly in the south of the county.

Little Owl One or two observers suggest a possible decrease in numbers, but usual widespread reports received.

Warks Noted at 13 sites, with breeding in the Kingsbury W P area (three pairs), and at Bulkington, Hartshill S F, Nuneaton Golf Course and Packington (three pairs).

Worcs Noted at over 40 sites. Staffs Noted at about 35 sites. At Belvide one regularly entered farm

buildings in search of food.

Worcs Staffs

W Mid

Warks Worcs

Staffs

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WMid Noted at Bartley and Pedmore. One occurred in a garden in Handsworth Wood on April 14.

Tawny Owl Widespread reports from all four counties, with no change in status indicated.

Long-eared Owl Warks Two at Kingsbury W P from February 10 JEF. EGP to March 20

after which a single bird until at least April 29. The same roost site was used again from November 27 EAH with two birds seen on several dates up to December 22 many observers and a third bird reported dead on a nearby road on December 14 JEF. Two at Alvecote on February 3 GAA, one caught and ringed at Packington on April 16 DKC and one at Ufton Hill on April 20 DRW.

Worcs A bird reported shot at Defford Airfield in January was said to be one of four present there perJRH. One reported as a traffic victim at Malvern Wells on June 6 GHCB.

Staffs Reported to have bred at Swinehole's Wood, where at least three birds were present on August 18 DE and Warren Hill, Cannock Chase, where adult birds and two juveniles were seen during July DS. An adult heard at Pottal Pool, Cannock Chase, on July 11 FCG.

WMid One in Sutton Park from February 2 to 11 JEF. A bird with a broken wing (probably the result of a collision with overhead power cables) was found roosting in hawthorn scrub at Pensnett on November 28 and subsequently kept in captivity BMM.

Short-eared Owl Warks During the first four months of the year noted at Brandon (up to

five), Draycote (up to four), Honiley (three), Kingsbury W P (up to four), Ladywalk (up to two), Nuneaton (up to six) and Temple Herdwicke (one). Single birds also seen at Alvecote in May, Packington on June 9 and Draycote on December 16.

Worcs At Bittell one or two birds seen on several dates in March and one on April 14. Singles at Holt G P on February 21 (found dead), Croome on March 20, Upton Warren on March 24 and Wilden on February 20.

Staffs On the moors birds reported at five sites. Other records from Tamworth area (up to five in February and March), Chasewater (up to four in March and April and one on June 10), Cannock Chase (singles on June 7 and November 18), Branston (two in January), Perton (two in early May), Handsacre (one on April 2) and Essington (one in February).

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WMid Up to three in Sandwell Valley from January 13 to May 3, at least four at New Invention in February and singles in Sutton Park in April and August. Also noted near Pelsall on January 28 (two) and May 18.

Nightjar Average: May 15 (39) to August 23 (30) An early bird near Hixon on April 21 (the second-earliest on record), but no subsequent reports until May 14 (Cannock Chase). Last noted at Wheaton Aston on August 30.

Staffs Many records from Cannock Chase area, where numbers probably similar to 1978. A pair reported from Dimmingsdale, at least two churring birds at Kinver in June and one churred for about a week in June near Loggerheads. Other reports were of an apparently exhausted bird sitting in the centre of the A51 road near Hixon on April 21, one flushed from the dam at Chasewater on May 31 and one at Wheaton Aston on August 30.

WMid One in Sutton Park on May 29 and one heard churring near Meriden on the night of June 12/13.

Average:April22 (45) to September 24 (45) A record of one at Sutlers Marston on April 12 AJB was the second earliest ever, and the more exceptional since no others were seen until May 1. Well-established by the second week of May. Following the recent spate of very late departures, reverted to a more normal pattern with one or two in early-September followed by a few stragglers of which one at Pedmore on October 3 was the latest.

Warks 1000 at Kingsbury W P on June 14. Worcs Up to 500 at Bittell in May.

Swif t

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Staffs Numbers at Belvide built up to about 3000 towards the end of Mdy. 600 at Copmcro on July 22, 500 at Rlithfield nn May 18, 400 at Chasewater on May 20. Heavy rain on June 23 and 24 resulted in a strong S movement at Westlands, involving over 1000 birds.

Kingfisher A decline in numbers suggested by several observers, while others thought that the 1 978/79 winter had had little effect.

Warks Noted at 15 sites, with breeding at Burton Hastings, Hartshill, Leamington Spa Reservoir, Packington (failed) and probably at Alvecote.

Worcs Noted at about 30 sites. At least six pairs along the River Teme, with breeding confirmed near Powick, Tenbury and Stanford. Other breeding records from Bittell, Brakemill Pool, Wilden and Wyre Piddle.

Staffs Noted at 21 sites, with breeding at Belvide, Chillington, Trentham and probably at Kings Bromley.

W Mid Noted at nine sites, with probable breeding at Edgbaston Park.

Green Woodpecker Warks Noted at 15 sites. Reported to have bred at Arbury, Bramcote,

Brandon, Hartshill, Leamington Spa Reservoir, Nuneaton, Packington (three pairs) and probably at Willey.

Worcs Noted at 23 sites, with breeding confirmed at Bittell. Staffs Noted at 19 sites. One visited a Lichfield garden on January 1.

Great Spotted Woodpecker No marked changes in status reported. Noted at 11 sites in Warwickshire, 21 in Worcestershire, 26 in Staffordshire and 1 7 in the West Midlands.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Warks Noted at 13 sites, with breeding at Coombe Abbey, Kingsbury

W P, Newbold Comyn, Packington (two pairs) and probably at Willey.

Worcs Noted at 20 sites, with breeding at Bittell. Staffs Noted at 10 sites, with probable breeding at Blithfield, Chillington,

Ingestre and Trentham. WMid Noted at 11 sites with breeding at Edgbaston Park and Sandwell

Valley.

Woodlark Staffs One that was first located on Cannock Chase on July 4 RMa was

heard subsequently on fine nights for about two weeks.

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Skylark Warks 12-15 breeding pairs at Alvecote, a slightly better total than in

1978, but at Willey a small decrease was noted. In January 500 at Brandon and 25Q at Kingsbury W P.

Worcs Good numbers at Holt during January, February and March, with a maximum of 2000 estimated on January 20. A flock of 300 reported from nearby Ombersley Park on January 26.

Staffs Largest flock reported was at Whittington S F, estimated to contain 500 birds on January 22. At Chasewater 320 on March 17, at Lichfield 250 on February 4 and at Hanchurch 190 on January 1.

WMid Breeding season records from Rushall and Sedgley.

Sand Martin A verage: March 23 (44) to October 9 (44) No arrivals until April 2, at Brandon, Kingsbury W P and Westwood, which was the latest date in forty-three years, but quickly established thereafter. Last noted at Kingsbury W P on October 4.

Warks About 20 breeding pairs estimated at Kingsbury W P and a maximum of 1 200 birds there on September 3. At Shustoke 650 on September 13 and at Middleton Hall Pool 500 on August 19.

Worcs 74 nests at Beckford, but some destroyed by sand excavation; 60 nests at Holt and 30 at Grimley. Two broods of young reported still in the nest at Beckford on September 8.

Staffs Only records of breeding were from Acton Quarry and Kings Bromley. Up to 300 reported roosting in reedmace at Two Gates, in August and September. 200 in mid August was the maximum at Belvide and a similar number were at Chasewater on September 4. Swal low Average:April 1 (45) to November 2 (45) First seen at Blithfield on April 7, with the main arrival a week later. Several reports until the end of October and one on November 7—at Blithfield again.

Warks 8000 roosted at Bedworth Sloughs on September 8. Worcs 350 at Bittell on May 12. Staffs Numbers roosting at Ford Green peaked at about 13000 in early

September and those at Two Gates, at about 10000. Several hundred were seen flying S or SSW at Belvide on September 22 and over 1000 were reported in a strong wind over Sutton Bank on September 26 trying to head S but eventually moving off to WSW.

WMid 200 at Minworth S F on August 8.

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House Mart in Average: Apu'l 9 (45) to Octobcr31 (15) One at Chasewater on April 10, with arrival in strength during the next few days. Last reported on November 10, at North Malvern.

Worcs At Bittell higher numbers in autumn than in spring with maximum in region of 350-400. A complete albino noted at Arley on September 2.

Staffs At Belvide a maximum of 200 seen during May and June and strong passage to S and SSW noted there on September 22. On August 14 at Penkridgc about 40 were observed taking insects which were being blown from sycamore trees in a strong wind.

Tree Pipit Average: April 8 (42) to September 20 (40) One on April 13 at Dowles Brook was the first of the year, with birds at several localities within the next week. Last reported on September 18 at Shernal Green. Several reports of small numbers on passage.

Warks Four pairs bred at Packington. Singing birds at Ladywalk on May 13 and near Princethorpe on July 7.

Worcs Singing birds noted at Abberley, Beaconwood, Chaddesley Woods (three), Fish Hill, Broadway (three), Longdon Marsh, Ribbesford Woods (two), Shrawley Wood, Trench Wood, Wissett's Wood (four) and Wyre Forest (12 on May 6).

Staffs Singing birds noted at Blithfield, Burnt Wood, Chillington, Churnet Valley, Fradley Wood, Gradbach, Gun Hill, Hanchurch Hills, Maer Hills and Manifold Valley, with many records from various areas of Cannock Chase where 200 were reported on September 7 in Sherbrook Valley.

WMid A singing bird again noted near Hockley Heath.

M e a d o w Pipit Several reports of birds visiting gardens during January.

Warks Breeding reported from Kingsbury W P (two pairs) and Alvecote (probable). Noted on passage at Willey until April 29 and again from September 1 5.

Worcs About 20 pairs again bred at Clent and singing birds noted at Hartlebury Common (three) and Stour Hill (two). Passage noted at Walton Hill during September, with a maximum of 220 on 1 9. 60 at Bittell on March 18 and autumn peaks of 50 at Holt and 40 at Wilden.

Staffs First noted at Belvide on March 18 and at least 100 there on March 31 and April 8, with six late birds on May 5. Spring passage also noted at Maer Hills (40 on March 24), Seabridge (125 on March 31) and Blithfield (150 on April 8). Autumn

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passage at Belvide from September 8 and an influx noted at Chasewater on September 1 5, when at least 120 present. 50 on frozen, flooded fields at Rickerscote on February 11 and a similar number at Perton in October.

WMid Breeding records from Minworth S F (three pairs) and Wordsley Hospital (one pair). Up to 50 at Minworth S F in autumn and small numbers also noted at Edgbaston Reservoir (maximum 20).

Rock Pipit Warks One at Draycote on October 24 RVCH, MVT. Worcs One at Wilden on November 4 RM, BW. Staffs At Belvide singles on September 30, October 7 and 13 DS. At

Blithfield one on March 4 MJI, GJM, two on September 30 ARD and one on October 7 ARD. Two at Chasewater on March 10 and 11 ARMB, ARD. EGP and singles on October 7 ARMB and 18 GE and November 11 GE. One at Westport on April 5 WJL, IRM, JPM.

WMid Singles at Bartley on March 20 and 23 ARD and in Sandwell Valley on March 29 AN, RN. SKW.

Water Pipit Worcs At Wilden ones and twos present January 3 to April 13. Returned

October 28 and seen until the end of the year with maximum of four on December 2 PGG, RM. BW.

Staffs Singles at Belvide on April 13 and November 8 DS, at Blithfield on December 10 SKW, at Perton on March 21 DS and Westport from November 1 to December 20 WJL.

Yellow Wagtail Average:April 1 (43) to October 11 (43) One at Blithfield on April 7 preceded the main arrival by about a week. Blithfield also provided the last record, on October 14.

Warks Five or six breeding pairs at Alvecote and breeding records also from Baginton, Coleshill, Kingsbury W P and Willey where numbers remained low. 220 at Ladywalk on September 16.

Worcs 100 estimated at Upton Warren on May 5, but at Bittell, where two pairs are thought to have bred, much smaller numbers noted on passage than in 1978. Three pairs bred at Wilden and 50 birds were noted there on August 18. 40 at Holt on August 24.

Staffs 165 at Blithfield on May 2, 70 at Chasewater on May 5 and a similar total at Belvide on May 6.

WMid Probably bred at Marston Green.

Blue-headed Wagtail Birds showing the characteristics of this race were noted as follows:

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Warks A male at Kingsbury W P on May 20 JEF. Worcs One at Upton Warren on May 5 AJH. Staffs At Blithfield a male on April 21 SKW and two or three birds on

May 6 several observers.

Grey Wagtail Warks Noted at 11 sites outside the breeding season. Bred at

Leamington Spa Reservoir, Middleton and Wootton Wawen. Worcs In a survey of the River Teme carried out in August and

September 28 birds were noted and among the many other records outside the breeding season were several of birds noted in gardens during the hard weather of January and February. Breeding season records from Brakemill Pool, Bromsgrove, Caunsall, Churchill, Clent, Dowles Brook, Drayton, Hinton Mill, Holt Mill, Hurcott Pool, Shrawley, Sling Pool, West Hagley and Wilden.

Staffs Noted at 10 sites. Bred at Keele and Trentham and probably at Hanchurch Pool and Oakamoor. Seven birds noted at Chasewater on September 4.

WMid Noted at 11 sites outside the breeding season. Bred at Edgbaston Park and possibly two other pairs in the 'Edgbaston area. Also reported to have bred at Halesowen.

Pied Wagtail Warks Roosting numbers again reached 200 at Brandon in October.

Reported to be absent from Willey in summer and fewer birds than usual were at Draycote in the autumn.

Worcs 150 roosted at Upton Warren on October 6. Up to 42 noted at Bittell in autumn.

Staffs Maximum at Blithfield was 50 on September 27 and a poor year reported at Belvide, where the most seen was 18 on December 24. 70 at Whittington S F on March 30.

Whi te Wagtai l Warks Up to seven noted in the Bodymoor Heath/Kingsbury W P area

from April 17 to 30 several observers. One noted on April 14 at Brandon BMCG.

Worcs Up to three at Upton Warren from April 14 to May 8 many observers. Singles at Bittell on March 25 KC and April 1 KCH and at Wilden on May 6 RM.

Staffs Up to six at Blithfield between April 13 ARD and May 6 GS and Chasewater between April 1 5 ARD and May 4 GE. Two at Belvide on May 5 and 6 ARMB, DS and singles at Perton on April 19 DS, Westport on May 3 and 8 WJL and Whittington S F on March 30 BW. One reported from Sherbrook Valley on August 30 LC, KV.

WMid One noted in Sandwell Valley on April 2AAJW.

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Waxwing Warks One reported on January 24 in a garden at Whitnash per EJB. WMid Five noted at Woodbrooke College, Selly Oak on May 14 HFC and

one at Bartley from November 19 !NR, MSS to 30.

Dipper Warks A nest found in the west of the county at a site where a pair has

apparently bred most years since 1970. Worcs Bred at Dowles Brook, Lower Sapey, Shakenhurst Brook and

possibly Sling Pool. Again wintered at Churchill. In a survey of the River Teme in August and September 29 birds were noted.

Staffs Bred at Coombes Valley and Danebridge. Two noted at Gradbach on August 10 and winter records from Seabridge and Weston Park.

Wren A considerable decrease reported by most observers following the hard winter of 1 978/79.

Warks At Willey only two pairs compared with an average of 14 in recent years.

Worcs Numbers reported to be well up to normal at Bittell. Staffs Breeding population at Fradley Wood is reported to have been

reduced to only three pairs compared with 46 pairs in 1978. Only a slight decrease noted in Trentham area.

W Mid Breeding population in Edgbaston Park decreased from 35 pairs in 1978 to 14 pairs in 1979.

Dunnock Warks Breeding numbers at Alvecote, Kingsbury W P and Willey

reported to be unchanged. Staffs Breeding population at Fradley Wood fell from 26 pairs in 1978 to

13 or 14 pairs in 1979.

Robin Warks No significant change in numbers at either Kingsbury W P or

Willey. Staffs A reduction in numbers noted at Fradley Wood, where only 2.1

pairs present compared with 40 in 1978. WMid 14 pairs in Edgbaston Park compared with 22 pairs in 1978.

Nightingale Average arrival: April 18 (45) Birds at Combrook and Trench Wood on April 28 were the first of the year.

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Warks Singing birds noted at Combrook and Wappenbury Woods and breeding reported at Napton.

Worcs Singing birds noted at Fladbury, Goosehill Wood (five), Hanbury, Hornhill Wood, Longdon Marsh and Trench Wood (seven).

WMid A singing bird reported from Meriden.

Black Redstart Warks Bred at Coleshill gas works where present from March 23 to

December 1 PAM. Noted at Hams Hall power stations from April 22 until first week in November and a pair probably bred there RSA, EAH, BO'S. One at Draycote on January 14 RCM.

Worcs One at Wilden from November 1 1 RM to 13 BW was the first for the locality.

Staffs One at Gospel End Common on April 1 5 CR. WMid Bred at Nechells gas works PAM and Ocker Hill power station

AJH, AJW where at least two singing males were present in May and June. Singing birds also noted in Birmingham City Centre MHK, MSS, Leabrook, Wednesbury AJW and Windsor Street, Birmingham PAM.

Redstart Average: April 10 (43) to September22 (42) First reported on April 12 at Chasewater, with one or two elsewhere on succeeding days. One at Kingsbury W P on September 10 was the last of the year.

Warks Three pairs bred at Packington. Spring passage records from Bentley, Brandon, Kingsbury W P and Leamington Spa Reservoir. In autumn noted at Alvecote, Brandon and Kingsbury W P.

Worcs Summer records from Calcot Hill, Grimley, Lickey Hills, Walton Hill, Wissett's Wood and Wyre Forest. Noted in spring at Bittell, Goosehill Wood and Upton Warren, in July in a garden at Bromsgrove and in August near Cotheridge.

Staffs Present in summer at Brocton Coppice (six singing), Churnet Valley, Hanchurch, Hollinhay Wood, Manifold Valley and Trentham. Spring records from Blithfield, Chasewater, Gradbach and Newcastle and noted in autumn at Tittesworth Reservoir and Sherbrook Valley.

WMid Two pairs bred in Sutton Park. Passage birds in Sandwell Valley on May 8 and in an Erdington garden on September 4.

Whinchat Average:April24 (43) to October 4 (39) Two at Upton Warren on April 22 and six in Sutton Park on September 26 constitute the first and last records respectively.

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Warks Bred at Kingsbury W P, but although up to three were seen at Ladywalk no evidence of breeding there. Up to eight at Brandon in July.

Worcs Bred at Island Pool and probably at Wilden where the most seen was seven on August 9. Noted in spring and autumn at Upton Warren but not seen on Stour Hill this year.

Staffs Bred at Perton and Sherbrook Valley (three pairs) and probably at Chasewater and about 10 pairs noted in summer on the moors. A pair also summered at Branston.

WMid Bred in Sandwell Valley and Sutton Park. A male Whinchat and a female Stonechat were apparently carrying food to the same nest in Sutton Park at the end of July. Passage birds noted in spring at Bartley and in Birmingham City Centre.

Stonechat Only one record of probable breeding and generally a very poor year.

Warks A total of eight birds at four localities in March. Singles at Ladywalk in January, Leamington Spa Reservoir in September, Kingsbury W P in October and December and Brandon in October.

Worcs Records from eight sites involving a total of no more than a dozen birds. None noted in the breeding season.

Staffs Probably bred in Sherbrook Valley and a singing male noted in suitable breeding habitat near Chasewater on May 20. Only six records outside the breeding season, including one following the plough at Belvide on February 27.

WMid Singles in Sutton Park in January, July (see Whinchat) and September, at Bartley in March and in Sandwell Valley in October.

Wheatear Average: March 21 (42) to October 12 (43) Birds at Bittell, Kingsbury W P and Upton Warren on March 18 heralded an early influx which lasted for about a week. Reports were then scarce until the second week of April. October produced three records, with one at Kingsbury W P on October 27 the latest.

Warks Noted at 10 sites in spring, with five at Draycote on April 10 and a bird of the Greenland race at Kingsbury W P on May 7 CHP, RJJ. In autumn reported from only four sites with five at Alvecote on August 28 and at Draycote on August 17 and September 23.

Worcs A poor spring at Upton Warren, where the maximum was five on April 8. Reported from only six other localities, including Malvern Hills where bred.

Staffs Noted at six sites in spring, with seven at Chasewater on May 8. In autumn seen at five sites, with three at Blithfield on September

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18 and a bird of the Greenland race at Chasewater on September 15 GE. Breeding season lecuids fiuni GuldbilUi Mubb and Gradbach.

W Mid Noted at six sites in spring, with five at Brierley Hill Pools on May 9. In autumn ones and twos at four sites. Reported to have bred successfully at Dudley Golf Course.

Ring Ouzel A verage: April 2 (23) to October 18(17) Extreme dates were April 3, at Walton Hill, and November 19, at Bartley.

Warks One at Draycote on November 1 MBO. Worcs One at Walton Hill on April 3 and three there on 9 B W. Staffs Probably three pairs in the Gradbach/Blackbrook Valley area many

observers.

WMid One reported from Bartley on November 19 MSS.

Blackbird No significant changes in status reported. Several partial albino birds noted. Dusky Thrush

Worcs One visited a garden at Majors Green during periods of snowfall or snow cover to feed on windfall apples and apple peelings in a compost heap. It was recorded on February 18 and 28 and March 18 and 23 per RFWH. This was the first record for the Club's area of this Siberian vagrant. Identification was substantiated by a photograph which, though not clear enough to show every detail, clearly showed a typical thrush jizz, prominent pale supercilium, dark eyestripe and lores, chestnut panel on wings and pale underparts wi th black markings on the flanks and double, black breast bands.

Fieldfare A verage: October 8 (43) to April 28 (43) As usual, several reports in early May with the latest on May 7, when 55 at Belvide and two at Upton Warren. An early arrival at Leamington Spa on September 21, but the main influx did not begin until the last week of October. Widespread reports of birds visiting gardens during January and February, feeding mainly on apples.

Warks 450 at Kingsbury W P on November 23 and 350 at Alvecote on December 16, Brandon on April 2 and 6 and Maxstoke on January 10. A total of about 550 noted moving N at Willey on March 10 and 11.

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Worcs 500 in an orchard at Holt on January 20. At Bittell 450 noted moving S on January 7. Flocks of 200 noted at Hill Croome, Longdon and Naunton in mid-March.

Staffs 500 at Belvide on November 25. Flocks of 200-300 at Baldwins Gate on April 7, Fradley on April 1 and Knighton Reservoir on December 12. Again no summer records from the moors.

WMid 370 at Minworth S F on January 20 and 100 in Sutton Park on November 3.

Song Thrush Warks A decline noted in numbers breeding at Alvecote and Willey, but

no change at Kingsbury W P. Staffs An influx of continental birds noted at Maer on October 13. A

breeding season census at Fradley Wood revealed only a slight fall in numbers compared with 1978.

Redwing Average: October 2 (43) to April 14 (44) Last noted on May 2 at Seabridge. Returned on September 13, at Ufton Hill, but the main arrival began in the second week of October. Widespread reports of birds visiting gardens during January and February feeding mainly on cotoneaster berries.

Warks Movement N noted at Willey on March 10 and 1 1 involving over 200 birds. 150 at Brandon on November 11 and flocks of 100 noted at Earlswood, Packington and Shustoke in November and December.

Worcs At Bittell 400-500 noted on January 7 and about 200 there on November 20. 100 at Wilden on December 2.

Staffs 250 at Maer Hills on October 16, but a poor autumn reported there. 100 near Leek on April 4 and at Belvide on November 25.

WMid 50 at Bartley on December 13.

Mistle Thrush No significant change in status reported. The largest flock noted was of 100 feeding on yew berries in Trentham Gardens (Staffordshire) on October 24.

Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 19 (43) to August 23 (33) First heard on April 13 at Brandon, but not widespread until the end of the month. One or two in early August, with a late bird, at Brandon again, on September 9. A good year, with at least 90 singing birds which was the highest total since 19-70.

Warks Singing birds were heard at Alvecote, where probably bred; Brandon (up to three); Draycote (two); Kingsbury W P (two, with

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one pair breeding); Ladywalk (where at least two pairs bred); Monks Park Wood and Newbold Comyn (two). At Burton Hastings one sang either from oilseed rape or from the adjacent hedge DS.

Worcs After two years absence returned to Upton Warren, where at least five pairs and young seen. Singing birds also at Hewell Grange (four); Monkwood (15-17); Pulley (five); Ribbesford Woods (two); Romsley (three); Shrawley (at least 10); Sling Common; Tardebigge (two); Trench (five); Uffmoor Wood (two); Upton Warren village and Wilden. Passage birds heard at Bittell in spring and autumn and at Guarlford on Mav 1 5.

Staffs Heard in song at Blithfield; Branston (two); Brindley Heath; Chasewater (two); Ford Green; Hanchurch; Kings Bromley; Perton; Seabridge; Sherbrook Valley (three or four); Springslade and two sites at Tamworth.

WMid Singing birds at Bartley; Brownhills Common; Minworth (three) and Sutton Park (three), with a passage bird in song at Brierley Hill Pools in spring.

Sedge Warbler Average:April 16(43) to September27 (37) First arrivals on April 14, at Brandon and Kingsbury W P, with birds at many localities a week later. Several late-September sightings and one along the Teme near Tenbury on October 3. This species remains under-reported.

Warks Ten pairs bred at Alvecote compared to 12 last year. No change in status at Kingsbury W P where 30 in song was most reported. Maximum at Brandon was 100 on June 3. Otherwise reported only from Ladywalk and the River Leam.

Worcs Reported in the breeding season from eighteen localities, with 20-30 pairs at Oakley, 1 1 at a site along the. River Avon and 10 at Wilden the largest colonies.

Staffs Noted at only nine localities, with a maximum of four singing birds—at Belvide. Interesting reports from the Potteries included one pair breeding at Ford Green and a male summering at Westport. An increase to 12 pairs at Branston.

W Mid Minworth S F held 18 breeding pairs and two pairs present in Sandwell Valley were believed to be the first since 1952. However Brierley Hill Pools again-held only one pair compared to four or five pairs prior to 1978.

Marsh Warbler A verage arrival: June 1 (30)

Worcs First reported on May 25 from traditional area. A survey of the Avon Valley revealed two new sites which held at least five singing birds. Conversely one of the 1978 sites beyond the usual

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range was unoccupied in 1979, although another was again occupied. No change in distribution or numbers was reported from the main breeding area.

Reed Warbler Average: April26 (39) to September 20 (33) Failed to appear in April for the first time in twenty years, with none until May 5 (Brandon and Kingsbury W P)—the latest arrival since 1956. Most had left by the third-week in September, but a late bird was at Aqualate on October 13 FCG—the second-latest on record.

Warks Only six breeding pairs at Alvecote and three at Ladywalk. Perhaps a slight, though scarcely noticeable, decline at Kingsbury W P too, where the main feature has been dispersion of the colony with habitat changes. At Brandon the most in song was 30, on June 9, and other reports included at least six pairs at Nether Whitacre and a small colony at Napton.

Worcs No quantitative data from the main colonies along the Droitwich Canal and at Oakley, Ombersley and Thorngrove; but 12 in song at both Hewell Lake and Pulley and eight at Grimley. Two pairs bred at Bittell and singing birds also reported from Aston Mill, Beckford and Upton Warren.

Staffs Bred at Betley and at Copmere, where six in song and 40 birds were ringed including 14 adults. Singing birds at Aqualate (several); Belvide (two and breeding attempted) and Tillington (two, both in G/yceria). A passage bird was ringed at Hanchurch Pools on August 2. Due to landscaping "improvements" no birds were seen at Little Aston this year and fewer were reported from Branston.

WMid Ten pairs bred at Minworth and one at Edgbaston Park, where a second male was also in song. Numbers continued to plummet at Brierley Hill Pools, with just one breeding pair compared to nine in 1976, but several were reported from Stubbers Green.

Great Reed Warbler Warks One, caught and ringed at Brandon on June 10 DAS et at. This is

the second record of this European vagrant—the other surprisingly coming from Brandon on June 12, 1977. Both are typical dates. Attracted by the loud, guttural song which was reminiscent of Reed Warbler. Seen fl i t t ing from reed to reed and occasionally flying longer distances w i th rapid wing-beats and spread tail. Sang in response to terri tory-holding Reed Warblers and on one occasion the bird, which was noticeably larger than the Reed Warblers, was seen to fly at one and hold it under water for several seconds. A mist net was erected and the bird caught. Very similar in colouration to a Reed Warbler, wi th brown upperparts and wings, tertials and w ing coverts edged

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rufous; primaries, secondaries and tail feathers were abraded at tips. Underparts whit ish, but throat otroaked o!i»fi appearing as a slight gorget. Distinct buff supercil ium. Bill dark horn, heavy and tapering evenly to t ip. Full measurements and photograph taken.

Warks An adult male was caught and ringed at Brandon on June 3 — DAS et a/—an astonishing record since the species is exceedingly rare in spring and inland records are almost unknown. Slightly larger than a Dunnock, w i th slate blue-grey upperparts, the rump and upper-tail coverts barred dark grey. Underparts were of f -whi te wi th distinct dark grey barring on the flanks, breast, chin and under-tail coverts. Wings were brown, although the lesser and median coverts were slate grey w i th white tips and sub-terminal dark bars. Tail coloured as upperparts, but inner webs of the three outermost feathers were tipped white, which continued to the outer web tip only on the outermost feather. Eye bright yel low; bill dark horn, paler on lower mandible; and legs dirty straw.

Lesser Whitethroat Average:April22 (43) to September 19 (43) First reported on April 20, at Kingsbury W P, but not widespread until the end of the month. Last noted on September 23, at Brandon and Kingsbury W P again.

Warks Reports received from only four localities, but no apparent change in status. Two or three pairs bred at Alvecote; three, possibly four, at Kingsbury W P and one at Willey. Up to six noted at Brandon in late summer.

Worcs Reported from at least twenty localities, with 14 in song at a site in the south of the county compared to 21 Whitethroats. Apart from this, four pairs at Pulley; three each at Bittell and Upton Warren and three in song at Hampton Lovett and in the Wilden-Stour Hill area were the most reported.

Barred Warbler

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Staffs Noted during the breeding season at twenty-two localities, with successful breeding at Fradley, Perton and Trent Vale. Up to three in song at Belvide and Blithfield, but otherwise all records referred to single birds, apart from four or five on passage at Belvide on August 11 and 12. In the Potteries singing birds were heard at Hanley Forest Park and Westport Lake.

WMid Breeding season records from five localities, including a family party at Eastern Green, a pair at Brierley Hill Pools and birds at two sites at Netherton and another at Cradley. There was no evidence of breeding at the latter site, however, although it is a traditional haunt. Passage birds were noted in gardens at Wednesfield on May 15 and Erdington on August 11 and September 11 and 1 5.

Whitethroat Average:April 14 (45) to September24 (45) Extreme dates of April 16 and September 27, both from Brandon, accorded closely with the long-term average. Also noted on April 16 at Chaddesley Woods.

Warks Good numbers at Kingsbury W P, where in the central area almost every thorn bush had its birds EAH. Elsewhere there were six in song at Brandon and five at Ladywalk, with two or three pairs breeding at Alvecote. Very few records from central and eastern districts, except for one pair at Willey and two birds at Pinley.

Worcs Noted in the breeding season from at least thirty-eight localities, well distributed throughout the county. In the Wilden-Stour Hill area 19 were in song, which was the most for twelve years; 21 were singing at a site in the south of the county; and seven sang along a one-and-a-half mile stretch of canal at Tardebigge.

Staffs Reported from twenty-one localities, with breeding at Acton, Copmere (two pairs), Fradley (seven pairs), Hanchurch Pool (three pairs) and Seabridge (two pairs raised seven young). Elsewhere, five sang at both Belvide and Chasewater and two pairs were present at Perton. The Fradley numbers were about normal for this species, which fluctuates markedly.

WMid Breeding season records came from ten localities, namely Brierley Hill Pools (three pairs), the Botanical Gardens at Edgbaston, a disused railway at Halesowen (5 in song), Minworth (where 10 in song), Netherton, Rushall, Sandwell Valley, Sedgley, Walsall Green and Woodgate Valley. Passage birds visited gardens at Edgbaston on May 13 and Erdington between August 9 and September 11.

Garden Warbler Average:April22 (42) to September 5 (41) First on April 23 at Trentham and April 24 at Wyre Forest, but no

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subsequent reports until May 6. One or two noted until the end of September, with the last on Walton Hill on October 1 1—the third latest date on record.

Warks Bred for the first time in Church Pool Covert at Ladywalk and other breeding records came from Alvecote (one or two pairs), Kingsbury W P (two, perhaps three, pairs) and Willey, where again just one pair. Elsewhere up to three sang at Brandon, the same number were at Earlswood in May and June and six were at Packington on June 22.

Worcs Very common in Shrawley Wood JJD, where ringing shows it to out-number Blackcap by 5:1 SWW. Up to six sang at Wilden, five at Romsley and four at both Trench Wood and Walton Hill, with smaller numbers at a further seven localities, including three at Bittell and two along Dowles Brook.

Staffs Apparently more numerous than usual at Trentham EMW. Six pairs were reported from Keele, five from Haywood Park and four from the Churnet Valley, with smaller numbers at a further eleven localities. Seven at Blithfield on May 19 probably involved some passage birds and was the most reported.

W Mid One pair bred at Minworth, one sang in Woodgate Valley and a bird was seen in Hay Head Wood on May 6. Passage birds appeared in an Erdington garden between August 6 and September 29.

Blackcap A verage: April 4 (45) to October 5 (42) The usual spate of March records probably involved wintering birds and genuine migrants were extremely late arriving, with none until April 13, at Trentham, and very few until the last week of April. Fairly widespread until late-September, with the last migrant probably at Churchill on October 10. Some conflicting reports on status.

Warks Two, perhaps three, were observed in the Nuneaton area from January to March. At Packington a record number of 82 birds were ringed, yet at Willey only one pair was present instead of the customary two and birds were absent from other usual haunts nearby. Numbers were normal at Kingsbury W P, with three pairs; whilst at Alvecote one or two pairs bred, at Ladywalk six were in song and at Brandon and Earlswood three sang. Males were seen at Curdworth and Kingsbury W P on the late dates of November 18 and 24 respectively, perhaps the same bird.

Worcs Winter sightings included a male feeding on apples at Lower Broadheath on January 28 and singles in gardens at Hanbury on March 5 and West Hagley on March 17 and 18. Reported from twenty-six localities during the breeding season, with five pairs

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breeding at Grimley, 1 1 singing in the Wilden-Stour Hill area and eight singing at Hewell Grange as against one Garden Warbler. Late autumn birds were noted at Wilden on November 1 8 (female) and Guarlford on November 28 (male).

Staffs Up to two females were at Weston Park between January 17 and March 17; a female visited a Stafford garden between January 27 and March 18 and was joined from February 11 by a male which stayed until April 6; whilst another pair frequented a Lichfield garden from mid-February to mid-March. Noted at seventeen localities during the breeding season, with 12 pairs at Keele the most reported. A small increase was reported from Fradley. Late birds were seen at Belvide on November 11 (a male and female in separate areas) and at Blithfield on November 25 (another female).

WMid Two birds frequented a Dudley garden until March 21 and a male was seen in an Erdington garden on January 7. From mid-February until April 1 a female and at least one, possibly two, males were involved in records from three gardens at Erdington; a bird visited a garden in Handsworth Wood on March 5; a male was seen in deep snow in a Hall Green garden on March 17; another male stayed around a Solihull garden from March 28 to April 4 and a bird visited a Norton garden on March 31. During the breeding season, singing birds were heard at Edgbaston Park (up to three), Hay Head Wood, Meriden, Minworth, Quarry Bank, Stourbridge and Sutton Park. Passage birds were present in an Erdington garden on many days during September, with a late male on October 30.

W o o d Warbler Average: April 21 (43) to August 17 (34) Early migrants at Chasewater on April 1 5 and Alvecote on April 16, but no further records until April 29, when returned to Wyre Forest. As usual little information on departure, but one at Chasewater on August 11 was the latest.

Warks Four or five in song at Earlswood, but no other records from known breeding localities. Passage birds at Alvecote on April 16, Kingsbury W P on May 13 and Packington the same day.

Worcs Reported during breeding season from sixteen localities. Wyre Forest remains the stronghold, with 20 in song, mostly along the Dowles Brook. Eight sang in the Lickey Woods; three at Hornhill Wood, which constituted the first record for the reserve; two at Trench Wood, where unusual; and two at Stour Hill sang into June, suggesting probable breeding. Apart from one in song at Upton Warren on May 5, all other records came from usual haunts.

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Staffs Reported from eleven localities, with a maximum of 12 in song along Kinver Edge. Most records came from around the Potteries and along the Churnet Valley, but four were singing in Brocton Coppice, two at Canwell and one at Blithfield. Birds were also present at Chillington during the breeding season and singles were noted on passage at Chasewater on April 1 5 and August 11.

W Mid Two sang in Sutton Park and one was singing at Canley Ford on May 15.

Chiffchaff A verage: March 16 (45) to October 15 (45) First on March 21, at Sinton Green, and widespread by the end of the month. A few noted until mid-October, with late birds on October 27, at Meaford, and November 11, at Wall Grange, perhaps the last genuine migrants.

Warks A definite decrease reported in the Willey-Newnham Paddox area, where several usual sites were deserted SCN. Numbers also low at Alvecote and Kingsbury W P, where two and three pairs respectively. Noticeable passage in autumn, with a small "fail" at Willey on September 7 and 10 at Packington the next day.

Worcs Widespread, with reports from at least forty localities, but little indication of numbers. Ten pairs were located in the Wyre Forest, mostly along Dowles Brook; seven sang in the Wilden-Stour Hill area and numbers were well up to normal at Bittell. One was seen searching for food amongst roof tiles at Sinton Green on March 21.

Staffs Despite up to five singing birds in April, none bred at Belvide—an unprecedented failure. At Fradley Wood though, there was little change and the species was said to be numerous at Trentham. Five were heard in song along a 2$ mile stretch of canal at Gnosall and five also sang at Burnt Wood, whilst the Keele Woods held 10 territories.

WMid One was seen in a Hall Green garden on January 6. The only breeding season records came from Edgbaston Park, where two in song, and Hay Head Wood. Passage birds widely reported in September and early October, including several in song or in gardens. A wintering bird was noted at Selly Park on December 26.

Wil low Warbler Average: March 27 (45) to October 4 (45) First noted at Earlswood on March 30, with the main arrival beginning during the second week of April. One or two in late-September, with the last on October 4 at Kingsbury W P, which was the earliest "last date" since 1964.

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Breeding strength returned to six pairs at Alvecote and some recovery also at Kingsbury W P, where 40 were in song on May 9. Maxima in song elsewhere were 17 at Brandon and 14 at Earlswood, and numbers were said to be still high at Willey. Widely reported (42 localities), but little information on breeding strength. Very common in the Wyre Forest, where 32 in song compared to only two Chiffchaffs on May 6. Elsewhere 4 0 were in song at Grimley on April 13, when there was a marked influx into the county, and 20 at Bittell on April 25. Many records from the Potteries district, with 18 singing at Keele and up to seven at Westport Lake, where at least four broods were raised. Said also to be very numerous at Trentham. Fradley Wood held its highest population since recording began in 1964, due in part to the habitat being now at its optimum. Counts of singing birds revealed 20 at Chasewater on April 30, 31 along a mile length of the Manifold Valley on May 5 and 23 and 18 at Brocton Coppice and Blithfield respectively on the next day.

WMid Brierley Hill Pools held 10 breeding pairs compared to eight in 1978 and 19 pairs bred at Minworth. Also present in the breeding season at Hay Head Wood and Sedgley, but recorded only on passage at Edgbaston Reservoir, where one or two usually sing throughout the summer. Singing birds also noted at Edgbaston Park and in a suburban park at Willenhall, where several could be heard as late as June 29. Passage birds reported from several gardens, mostly in early August.

Goldcrest The severe weather early in the year forced one or two birds to feed in gardens where they are not normally seen. It must also have caused considerable mortality as a few observers commented on reduced breeding numbers and there was a paucity of records.

Warks In the Willey and Newnham Paddox area, where the species breeds regularly, no breeding pairs were found and the only record was of two birds seen on January 7. Only one nest was found in the Nuneaton area, though birds were said to be not uncommon, and there were two nests in the Jephson Gardens at Leamington, where birds were present throughout the year. The usual autumn influx was apparent only at Brandon and even here peaked at a mere five birds on November 4.

Worcs Several pairs were seen in the Wyre Forest; at least one pair bred at Bittell; and one sang at Hindlip Hall. Otherwise all records concerned ones and twos in winter ?nd autumn, except for a small influx of five or six at Westwood Park on November 12 and a flock of unspecified size at Wychbury Hill on December 26.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

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Staffs The few breeding season records from Fradley Wood were alliiLiuled to the effect of tho hareh winter M.IA Nn records referred to more than two birds and even these were mostly for November and December, when there is usually a small influx. One in song at Chasewater, where unusual.

WMid Only three records, from Edgbaston in January and June and Shirley in February.

Firecrest Appeared fur llie ninth successive year.

Staffs A juvenile male was trapped and ringed at Baldwins Gate on October 14, which coincided with an influx of Firecrests into Britain DE, WJL. Another was seen briefly at Seabridge on October 29 NCM.

Spotted Flycatcher Average: May 1 (43) to September 25 (43) Late arriving, with none until May 6, at Abberton, and not widespread until the next week. Widespread until mid-September, with the last on October 1 at Maple Hayes.

Warks Breeding status at Willey remained the same as in 1978 and single pairs bred at Alvecote and in the covert at Ladywalk. Otherwise reported only on passage, with no more than three birds, except for six at Alvecote on September 1.

Worcs Reported from 38 localities, though numbers in the Hallow, Holt, Sinton Green area said to be much lower than usual. The most seen was 14 at Hewell Park on July 14.

Staffs Only sporadic reports and small numbers, with eight at Blithfield on June 1 the maximum.

W Mid Bred successfully at six localities. Sightings ranged from inner-city areas such as Edgbaston Reservoir and an Aston churchyard; to Highbury Park, Moseley; Ashen Coppice, Sedgley and .Minworth S.F. Passage birds again appeared in suburban gardens, mostly during September.

Pied Flycatcher Average: April 21 (33) to September 6(15) Early arrival, with one on April 15, but not well-established in its breeding areas until the second week of May. Last noted on September 16.

Warks A disappointing year. One female near Kingsbury W P on May 7 and another, believed to be a female, at Draycote on September 1 6 .

Worcs In the Wyre Forest, 55 young were raised from twelve nests at four separate sites, but the most seen along Dowles Brook

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appeared to be two or three pairs. In the Lickey Woods a female was seen on April 26 and a male on May 7. Another, or the same, male then appeared on May 9, established a territory, took over a nest-box and remained for several weeks, but no female appeared JJD.

Staffs A singing male was on passage at Belvide on the early date of April 22 and another passage male visited Blithfield on May 6. In the Churnet Valley an even earlier male was seen in suitable breeding habitat on April 15 and it, or another bird, was present on April 21 also. A female was also seen at another site on July. 16. Six pairs bred at Coombes Valley and a pair again bred in the west of the county, raising six young.

W Mid Singlesseen inanErdingtongardenon August21 and September 8.

Bearded Tit A better year.

Warks Two males and a female were at Bedworth Sloughs on February 2 DM. Appeared as usual at Brandon, with four on January 13 and 27 and one female remaining until April 1. Five reappeared on October 14 and were later joined by a sixth (three males and three females). These birds were still present at the end of the year BMCG.

Worcs One seen at Bittell on October 2 CL. Staffs An influx of 14 at Chasewater on September 29 JJH, JKH; with

up to three remaining until October 2, one or two until October 4 and just one male until October 27 GE.

Long-tailed Tit Apparently not so affected by the severe weather early in the year as was feared, although flocks were fewer and smaller than last year.

Warks No change in status in the Willey-Newnham Paddox area or at Kingsbury W P, where four out of five known nests were successful. Small parties reported in winter and autumn, with a maximum of 20 at Alvecote on January 1. Six in a party of 50 immature tits at Ladywalk on the unusual date of July 9.

Worcs Fewer sightings reported by one observer YMW, but no definite change in status discernable. At least 40 in flocks in the Wyre Forest during September and 25 or 30 at Bittell in the autumn.

Staffs At Fradley Wood numbers fell from the 1978 peak to a more normal level MJA. Flocks of 20 or more reported from Trentham Gardens and up to 12 at one or two other localities.

WMid The only record concerned 10 in Sutton Park on January 5.

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Marsh Tit No changes in status. Reported from nineteen localities.

Worcs A nest box at Far Forest contained six nestlings, one of which was found dead after the box had been vacated LRB.

Staffs Six at Seven Springs on February 25 was the most reported anywhere.

WMid Noted in the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston and at Sutton Park, where one on January 31 and two on October 7 were the first records for some time.

Wi l low Tit No change in status, with reports from twenty-seven localities, but some references to its having resorted more to gardens during the hard weather.

Worcs More singing males heard and a slight increase probable at Bittell KGC.

Staffs Bred at Branston, where not previously seen by observer MSS. WMid Breeding records from Bartley and Halesowen were the only

reports received.

Coal Tit Little information, but suspicions of a decline after the hard winter.

Warks A decrease on the Newnham Paddox estate SCN. Worcs At Rock Coppice 14 nestlings were fledged from two nest-boxes. Staffs Decline at Fradley Wood from seven pairs in 1978 to two pairs,

which was the norm from 1970-7, so the drop may not be significant MJA.

WMid Occasional garden visitor in winter.

Blue Tit A considerable decline was evident following the hard winter.

Warks Only three territories at Willey compared to seven in 1978 SCN, but no change in status at Kingsbury W P EAH. At Ladywalk 1 5 were in a mixed party of about 50 tits on the unusual date of July 9-

Worcs Numbers normal at Bittell KGC, whilst in the Wyre Forest 228 nestlings were raised at six nest-box sites.

Staffs Considerable decline at Fradley Wood MJA, did not breed as usual in nest-boxes at Little Haywood, and fewer than usual in the Tamworth area. At Brocton Coppice eight pairs were noted compared to seven of Great Tit.

Great Tit Again reports of a decline in numbers.

Warks At Willey the number of pairs dropped from four to two SCN, but

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Wut ca

Staffs

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Warks Worcs

Staffs

Warks

Staffs

again there was no change in status at Kingsbury W P EAH. The mixed flock of immature tits at Ladywalk on July 9 included 30 of this species. Al least 100 nestlings were reared at the six nest-box sites in the Wyre Forest and a pair nested in an old offertory box in a Malvern churchyard. No change in status evident at Bittell. A considerable decline from the 1978 level at Fradley Wood, though with numbers still about the 1974-7 norm this may not be significant MJA. Fewer in the Tamworth district.

Nuthatch No evident change in status, with most reports again coming from old parkhnds and mature woodlands, especially in Worcester-shire. Considering its predilection for mature parklands, it is surprising there are so few records. Reported from only five localities. Two occupied nest boxes at Wyre Forest both contained six young LRB and the species is generally said to be increasing here JB. A pair probably bred at Clent, where not previously noted, and birds were also seen at Upton Warren and Wilden, which in bdth cases is unusual. Probably 10 pairs in Trentham Park and Gardens, but scarce around the Fradley district. Recorded from suburban parks, golf courses and other urban sanctuaries.

Treecreeper Very scarce after the cold winter, when some unusual behaviour highlighted the shortage of available food. Surprisingly, no change in breeding status at Willey SCN. Said to have done well at Bittell, where bred KGC. One observed at Upton Warren on February 11 pecking at a concrete post, presumably in search of food SFLE, GET. Singles at. Wheaton Aston-in January and again in March were seen to be searching larch-lap fencing for food DS.

Golden Oriole Appeared for the third successive year. A female flew into a window at Warwick on October 3 and was killed per PC. One was present and singing in Hopwas Wood from June 3 to 10 per GAA, MAA.

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Great Grey Shrike Just six records, making this the worst year since 1965.

Warks One at Draycote on May 6 RCM—a late date. Another at Kingsbury W P on October 6 and 7 EAH, JP.

Staffs One seen at Brocton on February 22, IRM and again on March 11 DML. Another seen on Cannock Chase in the Brereton-Beaudesert area from November 30 into 1980 JJH, PAG, CJH, JEF. One at Chasewater on December 24 GE and one at Ftickerscote on December 28 per FCG.

Jay No apparent change in status. Most sightings again in winter and autumn, although one observer ruefully comments that they are most in evidence when other birds are busy nesting.

Magpie No change in status, though during the hard weather birds became bolder and visited farm-yards and gardens to steal food from other species.

Warks Up to 24 roosted at Kingsbury W P. A study at Willey of Magpie food between April and June revealed the remains of fifty-six eggs of eight species SCN.

Worcs Numbers at Bittell and Malvern said to be too large for "small-bird" populations. At Upton Warren, on December 9, 14 were seen in one tree.

Staffs Flock of at least 35 at Keele! W Mid Flocks up to 20 reported from Aldridge, Edgbaston and Sedgley.

Jackdaw No change in status.

Staffs At least 1000 flew over Maer Hills to roost on December 2.

Rook No reports of any change in status, but fewer and smaller flocks this year.

Warks The Whateley rookery included 49 nests in trees and six on electricity pylons.

Worcs Up to 250 in winter and autumn at Bordesley was the most reported.

Staffs Most reported was 200 in the Belvide-Stretton area in late-August and early-September.

Carrion Crow No definite change in status, but affected in some ways by cold weather.

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Warks Only three nests at Willey, where usually four or five, so hard weather may have caused some mortality. Certainly birds were seen approaching farm buildings in January, contrary to their normal, wary behaviour, suggesting that food was scarce SCN.

Worcs Less than usual at Bittell, with only 20 to 30, but high water-level may have been a factor.

Staffs Up to 1 6 were on the ice at Belvide on January 27. At Blithfield in September a bird in flight across the water was seen to catch a fish and carry it, still wriggling, to the bank. Another at Belvide was watched dropping mussels from a height of 6m onto mud and stones, presumably to break them open.

WMid At least 200 flew S across Aldridge to roost on January 1 3.

Hooded Crow

For the second year in succession there were no records.

Raven Last year's promise was not sustained.

Worcs A pair seen near Mamble on April 22 RM and another pair that bred successfully in the extreme west of the county DGB were the only records. Starling No change in breeding numbers, but winter roosts were fewer and smaller.

Warks The Lea Marston roost was estimated at 100000 and up to 20000 roosted regularly at Coleshill GasWorks, especially during the second half of March.

Staffs Estimated 20000 at Branston on April 4. WMid Roost of 1 5-20000 estimated at Stubbers Green.

House Sparrow No change in status.

Tree Sparrow No change in breeding status.

Warks Winter maxima were 300 at Arbury on January 1 and 150 at Draycote on January 14. Autumn maximum of 250 at Kingsbury W P on September 9.

Worcs The most reported was 230 at Holt G P on April 13. Staffs Winter maximum was 200, at Barton on February 4; whilst in

autumn there were 100 at both Belvide in late September and Slitting Mill on December 8. A pair bred in a nest-box at Whittington S F.

WMid Up to 30 again visited an Erdington garden to feed in winter.

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Chaffinch Warks Winter maximum was 30, at Alvecote on January 27; whilst in

autumn 50 were feeding on a recently sown field at Willey on October 29 and 100 were at Brandon on December 9.

Worcs Large numbers in winter at the Worcester rubbish tip, with a maximum of 400 on January 27. During February a flock of 100 was at Summerfield and up to 80 were at Wilden, whilst in March there were over 100 at Kemerton. Fewer in autumn, with 100 at Summerfield and 50 at Wilden the most noted, both in December.

Staffs A winter roost at Maer Hills peaked at 1300 on March 24 and there were 200 in a large mixed finch flock feeding in a sprout field at Rudyard on March 31. 1 50 were at Longsdon Mill Pool on April 8. Fewer in autumn, with a peak of 550 at the Maer roost on December 9 and a flock of 100 at Kings Bromley in December the most reported.

WMid More evident in gardens during hard weather.

Brambling Average: October 9 (44) to April 13(43) Small parties widespread until mid-April, with the last at Rudyard on April 22. First of the autumn on October 6 at Packington. An unusually good winter, with several large flocks and innumerable references to birds coming into gardens to feed during the hard weather in February. In all over 4 ,400 birds were reported, a total which has been surpassed only in 1966/7, 1973/4 and 1975/6. Fewer in autumn.

Warks Small parties at most well-watched localities. Maxima were 40 at Alvecote, feeding on the seeds of Dyer's rocket on January 27; 30 at Ladywalk in late January and at Packington on April 13, and 1 5 at Kingsbury W P on January 20. None in autumn.

Worcs Scarce at Lickey and other traditional haunts, but abundant in the Kidderminster-Worcester area. At Worcester rubbish-tip numbers peaked in mid-February at over 1000 and the same number was present in a huge finch flock at Summerfield in mid-February. These were the largest concentrations ever recorded in Worcestershire. Up to 300 were also noted at nearby Wilden between January 28 and March 18, birds usually being present when weather was hardest, and 4 0 0 - 5 0 0 roosted with Chaffinches in cherry laurel and rhododendron at Great Witley. A smaller flock of 50 was at Churchill on February 1 6, whilst 14 at Kidderminster on January 28 was the most reported from a garden. Five birds at four localities were all that were reported in autumn.

Staffs Part of the large influx into the Kidderminster area spread across the county boundary, with up to 500 at Whittington S F on

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February 16, though only 350 were present the next day. Otherwise flocks were smaller, with 60 feeding on weed seeds on a traffic island at Wilnecote from March 17 to April 5, 55 at Silverdale on April 4, 42 at Hanchurch Pools on February 24, 30 at Branston on January 27 and 30 roosting at Maer Hills on March 24 the most reported. At Tamworth numbers feeding in a garden peaked at 22 on February 23. A male was heard in song at Beaudesert on July 14 CR. More autumn records than from the southern counties, with a small flock regularly at Blithfield in November and December, which reached an exceptional peak of 100 on December 30. At Himley there were 40 on December 1, with about half staying until the end of the year, and 20 were at Brocton on November 10.

W Mid On January 27 up to 200 were feeding on waste ground near to Edgbaston Reservoir MJJ, in Sandwell Valley at least 30 were present during January, with a peak of 50 on January 23, and 25, perhaps some of the same birds, appeared on. Dartmouth Golf Course, West Bromwich, on April 13. At Brierley Hill Pools 35 were present on January 28, but numbers rapidly diminished; whilst in a Handsworth Wood garden birds first appeared on February 7 and had increased to over 30 by February 20, with 14 still present as late as April 14.

Greenfinch Warks No change in breeding numbers at Willey. During the year no

fewer than 454 were ringed at Packington, where the roost on February 18 exceeded 500. A late brood did not fledge until September 8 at Kingsbury W P, where the maximum numbers were 150 on September 28. There were also 150 at Burton Hastings on October 11.

Worcs Fewer than usual at Bittell, and 150 at Holt G P on January 14 was the only substantial flock reported. A pair near Stourport chose to nest in raspberry canes on a "pick-your-own" fruit farm.

Staffs Winter flocks were 100 at Maple Hayes on January 7, 500 at Rudyard on March 31 and 1 50 at Longsdon on April 8. In autumn there were 70 on a football pitch at Longton Park on November 19, 300 at Weeford on December 21 and 100 at Slitting Mill on December 31. /

WMid Up to 50 were at Aldridge on December 3. Continues to visit bird-tables in winter, though several observers remarked on fewer numbers. KEs & NEs observe that females are the more aggressive at the bird table.

Goldfinch No change in status reported, but records fewer than in previous years, especially in winter.

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Warks The most reported were 60 at Brandon on October 6 and 50 at Draycote on September 1 5.

Worcs From January 14 to at least February 18, a flock of up to 75 frequented Wilden, whilst there were 120 at Holt G P on April 1 6 and 50 at Summerfield on February 18. In autumn the Wilden flock was present from August 18 onwards, with a peak of 80 on September 30. Up to 50 were seen on Bredon Hill on September 29.

Staffs Few records, of which totals of 100 at Aqualate on January 14 and 32 at Westport Lake on January 26 were the most noteworthy. Up to 30 at other localities.

WMid During severe weather, half-a-dozen were noted feeding beneath the overhanging river banks along the Cole at Hall Green and one was seen feeding on grounsel near central Birmingham. Present all the year at Edgbaston and noted regularly at Sedgley, but seldom seen at Edgbaston Reservoir until November, when up to eight present. The Woodgate Valley held 38 on September 30 and 20 were present in Sutton Park on December 29.

Siskin Average: October 6 (41 j to April 14 (42) Last noted on April 21 on Cannock Chase and the following day in Wyre Forest—both suitable breeding habitats. Returned on September 30, when seen at Wilden.

Warks Generally scarce. On January 14 there were 100 at Arbury, but otherwise the largest winter parties were 25 at Earlswood on February 6 and 30 at Coombe Abbey on February 1 5. In autumn there were just three records, with 30 at Packington on October 1 9 the largest party.

Worcs At Bittell present until April 13, with a peak of 140 on January 28 and many in song from early-March onwards. Good numbers in winter at Wilden too, where 75 on January 26. Elsewhere small numbers at many localities, with 40 at Grimley the most reported. Heard in song in late-April in the Wyre Forest, where 100 were present on October 19. Returned to Bittell on October 5, with numbers reaching 80 by the year's end. Again smaller numbers, up to 20, at other sites.

Staffs Scarce in winter, when up to 50 at Himley from mid-February to mid-March, 60 at Copmere on March 3 and 85 at Seven Springs on March 11 were the largest flocks. Numbers up to 30 were reported from a few sites elsewhere. On Cannock Chase birds were heard in song on April 21. Commoner in autumn, especially in northern districts, though flocks still less than 30, except on Cannock Chase, where 1 50 were present on December 18.

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WMid Up to 50 were in Sutton Park in January and again during November and December; 20 were seen at Chelmsley Wood on November 8 and 10 were in Elmdon Park on February 2. Linnet As with Brambling, an exceptional winter concentration in north Worcestershire.

Warks The only notable winter flock was 100 at Brandon on January 14. In autumn there were over 200 at Kingsbury W P during late-August and early September, with a peak of 500 on September 6. Brandon again held 100 during September and October, and 70 were feeding on pasture at Willey on September 1 5.

Worcs The largest flock ever recorded in the county—of 1200 birds—was present at Summerfield from February 11 to 18 RM, PGG. Good numbers also at Lower Habberley, where 250 on January 19; Wilden, where 200 on January 26, and Worcester rubbish-tip, where 1 50 on February 1 7. Surprisingly no records of autumn flocks.

Staffs Winter flocks were in evidence at Blithfield between February 24 and April 8, with a peak of 300 during March; at Rudyard between March 31 and May 12, with a peak of 500 on April 22; and at Longsdon, where 100 on April 8. Small numbers were also reported from elsewhere. In autumn a large flock formed again at Blithfield in November and reached a peak of 500 on December 5. At Pertori 100 were present on October 19 and 300 were at Slitting Mill on December 31, with smaller numbers also at other localities.

WMid Maxima of 150, at Handsworth on January 30 and Minworth on September 16; with birds also present during the autumn at Edgbaston Reservoir, where a peak of 70 was reached in November. Reported as breeding on waste ground in central Birmingham MSS.

Twi te Staffs No information received on breeding strength, but up to four birds

reported from the moors on May 31 and again in August. No winter sightings were reported from Chasewater, but fears that the site may have been deserted were dispelled in autumn, when five were heard on November 24 and 18 were seen on November 30. At Blithfield six flew S on October 7 ARD. PDH and two flew over on October 14 ARMB.

WMid One at Sandwell Valley on October 21 RN & AN.

Redpoll Very little information on breeding status, but no changes evident.

Warks During the year 124 were ringed at Packington, where 60 flew N on May 8 and 80 were present on October 22. Up to 200 were at

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Preston Bagot on April 5 and a flock of 35 was seen at Earlswood on May 1. In autumn the most reported was 100 al Biandon on October 28.

Worcs Largest winter flocks were 300 on Stour Hill on February 11, 100 at Wilden on February 18, 150 at Grimley on March 11 and 1 50 at Goosehill Wood on April 21. Smaller numbers in autumn, with 75 at Goosehill Wood on November 2, 35 at Guarlford on October 9 and up to 30 at Bittell from September onwards.

Staffs Breeding season records from six localities. On February 8 up to 550 were in the birches on Kinver Edge and 400 were at nearby Highgate Common on March 4. Elsewhere in winter 50 were at Copmere on April 7 and Blithfield on April 8, wi th up to 40 at several other localities. Again autumn numbers were smaller, with up to 100 in the Brocton-Sherbrook Valley area on November 4, 8 0 at Blithfield on November 25 and 70 at Barlaston Downs on November 1 7 the most reported.

WMid The most reported were up to 110 in Sutton Park during January and February, 24 at Sandwell Valley on January 1 and 25 at Trittiford Park on March 5. Present in the breeding season at Edgbaston, Meriden, Shirley, Tettenhall and the surburban part of Willenhall. Not so common in autumn, with only 40 in Sutton Park in December and the same number at Moseley Bog in November.

Mealy Redpoll Worcs A bird showing the characteristics of this race was identified at

Stour Hill on February 3 RM, when the larger size; very pale, greyer plumage and pronounced white wing bars were clearly seen.

Two-barred Crossbill

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Staffs A male, first seen on December 16 JEF, remained in the Beaudesert area well into 1980. This was the first Staffordshire record of this very rare vagrant from northern Europe and the first in the Club's area since 1838, when a female was killed near Worcester. Very distinctive, w i th two large, white, wing-bars and much brighter plumage than accompanying Crossbills. Slighter smaller, sl immer and more finely proportioned than Crossbill, w i th less heavy head and marginally slighter bill that was noticeably crossed. Upperparts and breast predominantly reddish-pink, a shade brighter and pinker than Crossbill. Head scarlet, darker over the eye and around the base of the bill; mantle red w i th obscure greenish-brown streaking: rump peach-coloured, forming conspicuous unit when wings drooped to side of tail; forked tail blackish; breast and flanks red, shading to a beautiful l ight grey in centre of belly; under tail coverts whitish. Flight feathers and coverts blackish, but greater and median coverts tipped white, the former forming a deep, white, wing-bar across the wing and the latter a second whi te wing-bar directed more towards the line of the body. Tertials also t ipped white. Soft parts all dark, the bill showing a greyish tinge in some lights.

Crossbill A small irruption, but the largest since 1972/3.

Warks Singles seen and heard at Arbury on February 8 and March 11, with a young bird feeding on May 9 EHT, WGL, but none reported in late-summer and autumn when the main irruption occurred.

Worcs In the Wyre Forest first noted on June 24 and 25, when 18 • present EGP, JEF. By June 30 numbers had increased to 45 EGP

and between 32 and 43 birds were then regularly reported in small flocks until the end of the year many observers. In June and July, at least, they were feeding on chrysalides on oaks JEF, SMH, but by December they were reported more typically feeding in larches.

Staffs On Cannock Chase, three or four birds were discovered in the Beaudesert area on November 4 FCG, KES. On December 12 a flock of 27 was located JEF and this remained in the area well into 1980, feeding mainly in larches many observers. A female in this flock showed two wing-bars, but nonetheless the size and shape suggested this species JEF. Six flew W over Maer Hills on December 31 WJL

Bullfinch No change in status, with loose flocks up to 20 strong in autumn and winter. Total of 40 in two flocks at Draycote on January 27. At Hanbury 25 present on February 1 6. Decline at Fradley from the high level of eight pairs in 1 978 to a more normal five pairs.

Warks Worcs Staffs

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Hawfinch — Worcs Two flew over Calcot Hill on April 19 BW, a pair was in Wissetts

Wood on May 6 RM and a male was seen in Trench Wood on May 18 PGG. Seen in the Wyre Forest on various dates between April 1, when six together RM, and July 1, when flock of 12 contained some juveniles SMH.

Staffs Up to three were seen at Chillington during January FCG, CJH, and a male stayed at Hanchurch Pools for a few days from January 12, NCM, WJL, DE. In the west of the county two or three were noted on various dates in May and July, followed on December 1 5 by a flock of 31 which stayed just one day to feed on some small, seed-laden hornbeams KV.

Lapland Bunting Occurred for the second successive year. A male and a female present alongside the River Trent to the south of Burton from January 21 to 28 SKW, RN, AN, PDH, JEF. Male showed pale crown stripe and eyestripe, chestnut-t inged ear coverts and chestnut nape. Chin pale buff; upper breast and flanks finely streaked dark grey, ending in an abrupt pectoral band. Primary and greater coverts chestnut w i th very pale edgings. White or pale buff "V " on back. Tail short, rich brown-black wi th buff edgings and light outer tail feathers. Legs black. Bill pale horn. Female similar, but lacking rich colouration and w i th less obvious " V " and breast markings. 'T ic- t ic - t ic" fl ight call heard. A female, or immature male, at Bartley in heavy snow on January 21 MSS.

Snow Bunting None recorded in the 1978/9 winter. The first blank winter for twenty years.

Warks As in 1978, Draycote provided the only record, with one on December 26 and 27 ARD, JAA, EGP.

Yel lowhamm er Warks The only flocks reported were up to 100 at Kingsbury W P during

November and December, feeding on a recently-manured field, and 50 at Brandon on December 9.

Worcs Reported in the breeding season from 32 localities. Winter flocks were reported from Worcester rubbish-tip, where 50 on January 27; Wilden, where 25 from January 26 to February 18; and Spennells, Kidderminster, where 40 on February 18. Up to 30 at Bittell in autumn.

Staffs No change in breeding numbers at Fradley. Several winter flocks, with at least 80 at Little Aston on January 6; over 60 at Hanchurch on January 13, 70 at Seabridge on January 27, 30 at Wheaton Aston the next day, 24 at Blithfield on February 11 and

Staffs

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40 at Canwell on April 1. Autumn flocks fewer, but 40 at Blithfield on December 5 and at least 100 at Beaudesert on December 30.

W Mid Over 100 in the Sandwell Valley in deep snow on January 23 and 45 at Aldridge on February 25.

Cirl Bunting None reported for the second year in succession. Information would be welcome. Reed Bunting No change in status, but many resorted to gardens to feed in hard weather.

Warks None present on farmland at Willey, where usually two or three pairs. Most were reported from Brandon, where 48 on April 1, 50 on May 19 and 100 on June 3. Up to 30 in loose flocks not uncommon in autumn and winter.

Worcs Numbers said to be stable at Bittell, with good breeding season. Winter flocks were reported from Holt, where 40 on January 3; Wolverley, where 40 on February 6; Worcester rubbish-tip, where 100 on February 17; and Summerfield, where 50 on February 18. No autumn flocks.

Staffs The high 1978 population at Fradley was again maintained; four pairs bred at Westport Lake and six pairs in rank vegetation at Perton. Belvide held fewer then usual in summer though, probably because the high water-level swamped their rush-tussock nest sites. The only concentrations reported were 60 at Little Aston on January 6, 30 at Belvide in April and 22 at Seabridge on October 20.

WMid Apart from 15-20 pairs which bred at Minworth S F and smaller numbers at Bartley, Meriden and Stubbers Green, all records concerned single birds—at Aldridge, Erdington and Oldbury in winter and Aldridge and Rushall in summer. Corn Bunting

Warks Very few records received, but the species is still widespread wherever arable farming predominates. At Brandon 180 roosted on January 2, but the maximum in the Ladywalk roost was only 38 (on February 20), which is less than half the usual number, whilst at Kingsbury W P no more than 20 were reported. In autumn the Brandon roost peaked at 60 on December 28.

Worcs Breeding season reports from only fifteen localities this year. At Worcester rubbish-tip 30 were present on January 27, whilst 4 0 were at Holt G P on February 27, 90 at Grimley on March 15 (including an almost total albino) and up to 30 roosted at Upton Warren during the winter and spring. In December the Upton Warren roost peaked at 12.

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Staffs Reported from seventeen localities in the breeding season—an increase over 1978—with birds at Hanchurch Pools, Trentham and Dimmingsdale suggesting a consolidation to the north and north-west of its range. Improved numbers were also evident in some areas, but again there were no reports of roosts or flocks.

WMid At least 50 were in Sutton Park on January 13 and three were seen at Nechells Gas Works on November 2, but the only reports of singing birds came from Bartley Green, Halesowen and Minworth.

Exotica Flamingo sp

Warks One at Alvecote on April 11. Chinese Goose

Warks An escaped pair bred at Packington and two of the five goslings have survived. Can be seen occasionally flying with the Grey-lag flock. Bar-headed Goose

Worcs One at Upton Warren on February 25. W o o d Duck

Staffs A female at Chillington on June 24. Khaki Campbell

Worcs Two at Grimley on May 5 and presumably the same birds at Holt G P on May 10.

Bahama Pintail Worcs One male at Upton Warren for some time in June and again on

August 21 and 23. Argentine Red Shoveler

Staffs A male at Belvide on June 23. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Staffs One frequented the Chillington area throughout the year. Ring-necked Parakeet

Staffs One flying.around Wombourne gardens on October 13. Budgerigar

Staffs An almost white bird flew S at Belvide on September 8. Red-billed Quelea

WMid One frequented a Sutton Coldfield garden from October 10 to 12. Mynah sp

WMid One at Kingswinford on December 4.

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Addenda 1976 Crossbill: 8-10 present at Back Forest Staffs in January and

February; a pair with nest in a larch in April; up to six in June and July and 20 in August, when 14 also at Coombes Valley MWa.

1978 Water Rail: 2 heard at Edgbaston Park on February 25. Little Ringed Plover: In addition to the brood on the marsh at Ladywalk, two broods were seen in an ash lagoon. On the morning of May 3, four were seen by a rain water puddle on the Birmingham University campus. Snipe: The breeding survey in Staffs revealed birds present in 123km2 of which 83 were north-east of the Churnet Valley. Total breeding population probably 500 pairs, 80% of which are in the north east. Redshank: The breeding survey in Staffs revealed birds breeding in 27km2 concentrated along the Trent and Tame Valleys. Only one pair located on the moors. Total breeding population at least 30 pairs. Pied Flycatcher: The female at Bittell was still present on April 29. A male in Edgbaston Park on May 3. Raven: One over Bartley on February 1 9. 1974 Errata

p33 Whooper Swan: two were at Chasewater on October 28 not 12. 1978 Errata

p71 Kittiwake: an adult at Bartley on December 10 not February 10.

100

Ringing in 1979 One feature of this year's recoveries list is the number of occasions when the data is attributed to a ringing group rather than an individual ringer. There has been an increasing trend in recent years for ringers to work together to achieve an objective and this has been reflected in the list of contributors to this section of the annual report. A new group formed from the beginning of 1979 was the Mercian Ringing Group and the many ringers involved mainly ring in an area to the north and east of Birmingham. One of the highlights of the group's first year in operation was the ringing of large numbers of roosting swallows in the autumn and one has already been recovered in Zaire. Even when a recovery is attributed to one person it is frequently (but by no means always) the case that several people work in a team but use one person's name on the paperwork. Perhaps the most notable example of this is the Canada Geese ringed in the West Midlands during the summer moult. To round up the birds would be impossible for an individual and requires a team of two or three dozen people! Similarly the Wigeon, Gulls and all but one of the Lapwing recovered in 1979 were initially ringed following cannon net catches, another technique requiring a team of people. For the first time since 1977, when a map initially accompanied the ringing report, it has been necessary to extend the area shown to include the whole of Africa and part of Asia. The birds marked are the furthest south and east recoveries received in those three years. Also unusual is the Turtle Dove recovery in Spain; the third recovery for this species known to the WMBC (The other two were in France in 1931 and 1974). Recoveries as listed in this report just show one aspect of what ringing can illustrate about a bird's life. During 1979 the following elderly birds were reported at or near the place of ringing; a Tawny Owl ringed in 1969 (11 years old), a nestling Little Owl ringed in 1971 (8 years), Starlings ringed in 1 9 6 9 (1 1 years) and 1970 (10 years), and two Swifts ringed in 1968 (12 years) and still alive.

P L Ireland

All foreign recoveries except Black-headed Gull

Key: —

B Blackbird LG Lesser Black-BR Brambling backed Gull C Chaffinch R Redwing TD Turtle Dove S Starling F Fieldfare SM Sand Martin HG Herring Gull SW Swallow L Lapwing W Wigeon

102

Selected List of Recoveries Involving the W M B C Area Entries are arranged by species and, within species, by recovery date except that birds ringed in the WMBC area are listed before birds ringed elsewhere and recovered in the WMBC area. Ringing details are given on the first line and recovery details on the second. This report includes recoveries received for J979 and previously unpublished recoveries for earlier years. All foreign recoveries and movements of greater than 100 kilometres are included. Treatment of movements of less than 100 kilometres depends on the species involved. All distances are given in kilometres. .

Key Age: Pull Pull us (nestling) Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) 1Y Bird in its first year PJ Post Juvenile Ad A dult (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

Species Ring No. Age/Sex Date Place

Ringer Movement

Heron' 1 0 9 4 3 1 4 Pull

x

M u t e S w a n Z 3 8 0 2 4 Pull

v v Pull X

1Y

Z 3 8 1 2 2

Z26606 Z 2 3 3 8 1 Ad.M

v

Canada Goose 5 0 5 8 0 2 9 Ad

5 0 5 6 3 8 4 Ad vv

08 .06 .78 04.02.79

09 .08 .76 28.07.78 10.12.78 17.09.77 26.12.78 30.03.69 25.07.79 13.02.72 04.08.79

08.07.73 02.07.78 03.12.78

02.07.78 03.12.78

Grimley (Worcs) Reading (Berks)

Alrewas (Staffs) Fairburn Ings (Yorks) Fairburn Ings Arrow (Warks) Near Aldford (Ches) Burton-on-Trent (Staffs) Goole (Humberside) Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) Kingsbridge (Devon)

Ollerton (Notts) Beauly Firth (Inverness) Newbold Revel (Warks)

Beauly Firth Newbold Revel

SW 125km SE

CDTM 125km N

ARG 130km NW CDTM 104km NNE ARG 2 5 6 k m SW

501km NNW 594km SSE BRG

5 9 4 k m SSE BRG

103

5 0 8 2 3 3 0 Pull 29.06.77 Lea Marston (Warks) CDTM V 02.07.78 Beauly Firth 575km NNW + 10.01.79 Packington (Warks) 585km SSE

L 0 0 4 1 3 Ad 02.07.78 Kings Bromley (Staffs) CDTM X 1 1.01.70 rteigate (Guney) 190km S t

5 0 8 2 3 0 0 Pull 26.06.77 Kings Bromley (Staffs) CDTM V 02.07.78 Beauly Firth 550km NNW X 21.03.79 Kedleston Hall (Derbys) 535km SSE

5 0 5 0 0 1 6 Ad 26.06.71 Kingsbury W P (Warks) CDTM X 21.04.79 Kirkby Stephens (Westmorland) 215km NNE

L 0 0 5 0 0 Ad 02.07.78 Kings Bromley (Staffs) CDTM X 05.05.79 Guildford (Surrey) 185km SSE

L 0 0 6 2 6 Pull 04.07.78 Kingsbury W P CDTM V 21.06.79 Petworth Park (Sussex) 190km SSE

5 0 8 6 3 0 8 Ad 02.07.78 Beauly Firth V 30.06.79 Kingsbury W P 571km SSE

MRG L 0 0 6 1 7 Pull 04.07.78 Kingsbury W P CDTM

V 09.07.79 Knaresborough (N. Yorks) 164km N 5 0 8 2 3 2 5 Pull 29.06.77 Lea Marston (Warks) CDTM

V 15.07.79 York University (N. Yorks) 163km NNE L 0 0 4 0 8 1Y 02.07.78 Kings Bromley (Staffs) CDTM

X 18.08.79 Guildford (Surrey) 190km SSE 5082192 Pull 26.06.77 Kings Bromley (Staffs) CDTM

V 02.07.78 Beauly Firth 550km NNW + 12.09.79 Near Coleshill (Warks)

5 0 8 6 0 8 5 Pull 10.07.77 Kingsbury W P CDTM V 02.07.78 Beauly Firth 570km NNW + 12.09.79 Near Coleshill

5 0 4 3 0 6 3 Pull 29.06.69 Kingsbury W P CDTM + 19.09.79 Knaresborough (N. Yorks) 166km N

Wigeon FS 6 1 9 2 6 Ad.M 31.12.76 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM

+ 02.06.78 Nadyrn Tanlovo River (Tyumen') USSR ca .65°00 'N 7 4 °

SS 9 3 7 6 4 Ad.M 23.01.72 Blithfield CDTM + 10.01.79 Taunton (Somerset) 2 0 5 k m SSW

SS 9 5 4 6 8 Ad.M 31.12.72 Blithfield CDTM + 28.01.79 Fort Mahon (Somme) France 5 0 o 2 1 ' N 0 1 ° :

T

Teal EB 4 5 0 0 6 1Y.M 01.11.74 Peakirk (Cambs)

+ 13.10.79 Hampton Lucy (Warks) 108km W S W ARG

Mallard G K 4 9 5 0 5 Pull 28.06.77 Loxley (Warks) ARG

+ 09.01.79 Beachampton (Bucks) 52 km ESE

104

Kestrel EH 1 2 8 9 1 Full 20 .06 .78 Borford (Warks) ARG

X 19.02.79 Ashbourne (Derbys) 82km N ED 1 8 9 8 7 Pull 16.06.74 Upton-on-Severn (Worcs) GHG

V 16.05.79 Salisbury Cathedral (Wilts) 111km SSE EF 5 7 6 6 3 Pull 18.06.79 Southam (Warks) ARG

X 13.08.79 Cromer (Norfolk) 199km ENE E J 1 7 0 8 3 Pull 20.06.79 Selly Oak, Birmingham GP

X 21.08.79 Warminster (Wilts) 141km S EF 5 7 6 6 2 Pull 18.06.79 Southam ARG

A 10.09.79 Matlook (Dorbys) 95km N Pull 28.06.68 Yardley, Birmingham TE X 21.10.79 Oozle Street, Birmingham Local

EF 5 7 6 6 2 and EF 57663 were members of the same brood. Note the age of the 'Local' recovery listed above.

Lapwing DR 3 9 8 8 3 Ad 24.07.77 Fen End (WMid ) PU

X 21.07.78 near Yarkovo (Tyumen ) USSR 5 7 ° 2 5 ' N 67°00 'E DR 3 0 4 8 3 Ad 24.07.76 Elford (Staffs) CDTM

+ ' 07.01.79 Guipavas (Finistere) France 4 8 ° 2 6 ' N 0 4 ° 2 4 ' W DR 2 9 8 7 7 Ad 05 .09 .76 Elford CDTM

+ 07.01.79 Dompierre sur Yon (Vendee) France 4 6 ° 4 4 ' N 01 ° 2 2 ' W DR 3 4 6 5 1 Ad.M 21.06.76 Holt (Worcs) CMH

X 21.03.79 Kubaczyn (Poznan) Poland 5 2 ° 1 4 ' N 16°32 'E DR 3 0 4 7 6 Ad 24.07.76 Elford CDTM

X 10.05.79 Rechitsa (Gomel ) Belorussiya SSR 51 ° 5 3 ' N 30°39 'E DR 0 8 9 0 7 Ad 11.05.75 Shenstone (Staffs) IPB

X 30.07.79 Leopoldsdorf (Niederosterreich) Austria 4 8 ° 14 'N 16°41 'E

Snipe XB 8 3 2 6 5 Ad

+ XB 7 4 4 9 8 Ad

+ '

14.01.78 Holt 30.11.78 Charlbury (Oxon) 06 .11 .76 Stafford —.12 .78 St. Austel l (Cornwall)

CMH 65km SE A EC 3 3 5 k m SW

Common Sandpiper BV 8 2 5 2 0 Ad 09.07.78 Moorhouse NNR (Cumbria)

v 25.06.79 Moorhouse NNR w 20.07.79 Draycote (Warks) 2 7 0 k m SSE

BRG BV 8 2 5 3 4 Pull 04.07.79 Middleton in Teesdale (Cumbria)

vv 09 .08.79 Draycote 2 6 6 k m SSE BRG

105

Black-headed Gull GFA/MWC/ARG/BRG/WGG/PU The table gives the month and locality of ringing or recovery for Black-headed Gulls caught in the. Club's area during the winter months (Movements entirely within the Club's area are omitted).

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

British-Isles 0 - 1 0 0 k m — 4 1 1 1 — — 2 — — — 2 11 101 - 2 3 0 k m 1 — 2 — 1 2 2 2 3 — 1 — 14

Estonia ' — — — — . — 6 — — 1 — — — 7 Latvia — — — — 1 — — — — — — — 1 Finland — — — 1 2 1 1 2 — — — — 7 Sweden — — — — 1 3 2 — — — — — 6 Norway — — — — — 1 1 — — — T— — 2 Denmark — — — — 2 3 — r — 1 — 1 — 7 West Germany — — — — — — 2 — — — — — 2 Netherlands — — — . — — 1 1 — — — — — 2

EF 4 9 4 0 0 Pull 20.07.71 Beaulieu (Hants) v 21.01.79 Worcester

EB 90187 Pull 02.06.78 Gainsborough (Lines) v 10.02.79 Madeley Heath (Worcs)

170km NNW

155km SSW

The above are the only British ringed nestlings controlled in 1979.

Lesser Black-backed Gull 17 reports showed the involvement of Midlands wintering birds with colonies in the north of England; Tarnbrook, Lanes (14 birds), Walney Island, Cumbria (2 birds) and Fame Islands, Northumberland (1 bird). Other recoveries over 100km are given in full. GK 68118 Ad 01.01.79 Droitwich (Worcs) WGG

X 07.06.79 Wexford, Eire 3 0 6 k m W GK 66471 Ad 17.02.79 Madeley Heath GFA

+ 24.06.79 Wigan (Greater Manchester) 130km N GK 68242 2Y 01.01.79 Droitwich WGG

X (24.07.79) Taddington (Derby) 109km N G P 0 7 0 8 0 Ad 31.01.76 Worcester WGG

V 25.07.79 40 miles SE of Fair Isle, North Sea 777km N GK 66623 Ad 18.02.78 Worcester WGG

X 30.07.79 Cardiff Airport (Glamorgan) 11 7km SW GM 7 7 1 2 0 A d 26.05.63 Copeland Island (Down)

V 27.01.79 Droitwich 350km SSE WGG

Herring Gull GP 7 7 0 5 4 Ad +

GP 0 7 1 1 1 3Y x

GK 66452 3Y v

03.01.77 Bearley (Warks) 30.06.79 Mariestad (Skaraborg) Sweden 29.01.77 Droitwich 15.09.79 Barmouth (Gwynedd) 10.02.79 Madeley Heath 13.11.79 Consett (Durham)

ARC 5 8 ° 4 3 ' N 1 3 ° 5 0 ' E WGG 138km W N W GFA 2 7 5 k m N

106

Turtle Dove EB 9 5 1 6 2 Ad 10.05.78 Wel ford-on-Avon (Warks)

10.09.78 Piedrahita (Aoila) Spain ARG 4 0 ° 2 7 ' N 0 5 ° 2 0 ' W

Sand Mar t in Sand Martins ringed as Juveniles at Holt (Worcs) were recovered as follows: SW

-R inged- -Recovered-A 0 8 3 6 1 0 A 0 8 3 6 1 3 A 3 6 3 7 5 4 A 0 8 3 2 2 3

? A 3 6 3 7 5 5

04.09.78 04 .09 .78 01 .07 .79 12.07.78 21.06.78 01 .07 .79

10.06.79 Cornets End (W Mid) 17.06.79 Bridgnorth (Salop) 22.07.79 Llangorse Lake (Powys) 25.07.79 Llangorse Lake 27.07.79 Blyth (Notts) 11.08.79 Harrold (Beds)

47km ENE 32km NNW 78km W S W 78km W S W

153km NE 11 1km E

A 3 1 2 3 1 7 Juv 08.07.79 Cornets End PU V 29.08.79 Hiers-Brouage (Charente Marit ime)

France 4 5 ° 5 2 ' N 01 ° 4 0 ' W KP 4 3 2 7 3 Juv 27.07.77 near St. Osyth (Essex)

V 24.06.79 Cornets End 185km W N W PU

A 1 6 2 5 6 6 Juv 09 .09.78 Staines (Surrey) V 24.06.79 Cornets End 125km NNW

PU KP 4 2 6 9 7 Juv 06.07.79 Stanton Harcourt (Oxfordshire)

V 22.07 .79 Cornets End 78km NNW PU

A 2 1 5 9 5 5 'Juv 07.08.79 Errol (Tayside) Scotland V 29.08.79 Aldridge (Staffs) 4 2 8 k m S

MRG A 2 7 4 1 6 1 Juv 19.08.79 Wigan (Greater Manchester)

V 04.09.79 Tamwor th (Staffs) 120km SSE MRG

A 5 1 5 5 4 7 Juv 29 .08.79 Whalley (Lanes) V 05.09.79 Aldridge 138km SSE

MRG KE 0 1 8 9 5 Juv 07 .08.79 Ballchraggan (Highland Region)

Scotland V 15.09.79 Tamwor th 592km SSE

MRG A 5 3 2 4 4 2 Juv 04 .09.79 Wintersett Reservoir (West Vorks)

V 15.09.79 Tamwor th 116km S MRG

S w a l l o w A 0 8 3 0 5 9 Pull 24 .06 .78 Holt (Worcs) SW

X 08.01 .79 Grahamstown (Cape of Good Hope) South Africa 3 3 ° 19'S 26°32 'E

A 2 6 6 3 2 4 Juv 22.08.79 Aldridge (Staffs) MRG V 07.09.79 Spurn Point (Humberside) 174km NE

107

A SI 1841 Juv 01 .09.79 Aldridge MRG V 09.09.79 Dorking (Surrey) 198km SE

A 5 8 5 1 5 0 Juv 04 .09 .79 Aldridge MRG v 10.09.79 Marblethorpe (Lines) 171km ENE

A 3 G 0 5 9 0 Juv 02 .09.79 Bedwurth Sloughs (Warks) MRG + 22.10.79 Kinshasa, Zaire 0 5 ° 3 6 ' S 1 7° 12'E

KR 10943 Juv.F 05.0?.77 Withernsea (Humberside) V 29.08 .79 Aldridge 183km SW

MRG

There were also 24 movements of less than 100 Kilometres reported.

Yellow Wagtail A 169563 Juv 07 .09 .79 Arrow (Warks) ARG

X 01.10.79 near Westbury (Wilts) 106km S

Grey Wagtail A 2 4 1 2 1 6 Pull 27.05.79 Ballater (Grampian Region) Scotland

V 30.09.79 Sutton Park ( W M i d ) 4 9 7 k m S MRG

Pied Wagtail KX 40562 Juv 16.10.77 Wilden (Worcs) JRM

X u b . u i . / y Urymen (Dunbarton) Scotland 4bUkm NNW KS 0 2 7 5 5 Juv 07 .10 .78 Arrow (Warks) ARG

X 15.06.79 Newbury (Berks) 92km SSE KS 5 5 7 0 0 Juv 13.08.77 Clitheroe (Lanes)

X 01.04.78 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) 187km SSE ARG

KJ 29207 1 Y.M 12.01.79 Bath (Avon) V 28.09.79 Arrow 97km NNE

ARG Wren 28 2 5 2 8 Juv 1 7.09.78 Packington (Warks) DKC

—.02 .79 NewSouthgate (Middlesex) 140km SE

Blackbird XC 8 5 1 4 2 Ad.M 15.01.78 Packington (Warks) DKC

V 13.01.79 Monsterlis (Kalmar) Sweden 5 7 ° 0 3 ' N 16°26 'E CS 18653 1Y.M 26.02.78 Harbury (Warks) ARG

X 24.02.79 Mildenhall (Suffolk) 125km E XC 67913 Ad.M 27.01.79 Welford-on-Avon (Warks) ARG

X 27.02.79 Chopwell (Durham) 295km N XC 3 6 8 5 0 1 Y.M 22.12.77 Bournville, Birmingham GFA

X 08.06.79 Kungsbole (Uusimaa) Finland XC 0 8 4 2 3 Ad.M 18.01.79 Dunley (Worcs) JRM

X 15.06.79 Alastaro (Turku-Pori) Finland 6 0 ° 5 7 ' N 2 2 ° 5 9 ' E XC 85381 Ad.M 14.01.79 Packington Park (Warks) DKC

X 28.06.79 Tenhola, Finland XA 4 4 4 2 8 1 Y.M 13.11.76 Sea Palling (Norfolk)

X 02.03.79 Weston-under-Lizard (Staffs) 2 6 5 k m W

108

Fieldfare XC 3 0 7 7 5 PJ.F 02.01.77 Eathorpo (Warkc) BRG

? 28.01.79 St. Enimie (Lozere) France 4 4 ° 0 2 ' N 0 3 ° 2 5 ' E XC 0 8 4 1 3 Ad.F 16.01.79 Stourport (Worcs) JRM

X 24.02.79 Bingham (Notts) 115km NE Bruxelles Ad.M 31.11 .74 Brecht (Antwerpen) Belgium 51 ° 2 1 ' N 0 4 ° 3 8 ' E 6 Z 2 5 3 9 3 v 27.01.79 Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) AW

Redwing XC 5 1 2 4 3 Ad 27.11.77 Sutton Coldfield NJS

+ 01.01.79 Biscarosse (Landes) Prance 4 4 ° 2 4 ' N 0 1 ° 1 0 ' W NX 4 8 4 2 5 Ad 10.12.78 Stourport (Worcs) SW

X 04.02.79 Le Touquet (Pas de Calais) France 5 0 ° 3 1 'N 01 °35 'E XC 8 8 7 7 - Ad 13.02.78 Sutton Coldfield AW

+ 30.11.79 Nontauban (Tarn et Garonne) France 4 4 ° 0 1 ' N 01 ° 2 1 'E

Sedge Warbler KH 3 5 5 5 4 Juv 13.08.79 Kingsbury W P (Warks) MRG

V 01.09.79 Radipole Lake (Dorset) 2 3 3 k m SSW A 3 4 7 4 3 1 1Y 28.08.79 Brandon (Warks) BRG

V 01.09.79 Selsey (Sussex) 187km SSE A 41 5 0 7 4 Juv 27 .08.79 Droi twich (Worcs) SW

V 09.09.79 Pitsea Marsh (Essex) 198km ESE A 4 5 4 3 2 6 Juv 03 .07.79 Amble (Northumberland) MRG

V 1 1.08.79 Lea Marston (Warks) 309km S

Reed Warbler A 2 6 6 2 5 4 Juv 28.07.79 Aldridge (WMid) MRG

X 20.08.79 Woot ton Bassett (Wilts) 1 17km S JC 3 9 0 4 5 Ad 03.07 .71 Ipswich (Suffolk)

V 10.06.79 West Branston (Staffs) 2 1 9 k m W N W MRG

JA 7 4 6 0 5 Ad 20.08.71 Sandown (Isle of Wight) V 10.06 79 Droi twich (Worcs) 190km NNW

SW KX 2 2 8 6 5 Ad 19.06.78 Stockbridge (Hants)

V 22.07.79 Brandon (Warks) 141km N BRG

KP 1 1 5 8 2 Ad 03.08.77 Whisby (Lines) V 12.08.79 Brandon 105km SSW

BRG

Whitethroat KS 5 9 0 6 6 Ad.F 22.05.77 Grimley (Worcs) SW

V 21.07.79 Gibraltar Point (Lines) 198km ENE

Garden Warbler KR 1 7 3 7 8 Ad.F 13.07.77 Packington (Warks) DKC

V 25.08.79 Attenborough (Notts) 58km NNE

109

Blackcap KH 4 7 4 2 3 1Y.M

v 14.05.78 16.06.79

Canterbury (Kent) Little Aston (Staffs)

Wil low Warbler 782079 Ad 09.04.77 Queen Mary Reservoir (Surrey)

v 15.05.79 Hallow (Worcs)

8A 6571 Juv v

Bearded Tit KV 73353 PJ.M

v

Blue Tit KS 9 2 0 8 6 Juv

v

Rook FV 0 2 6 0 5 Pull +

26.07.79 Glossop (Derbys) 25.08.79 Wolston (Warks)

05.03.78 Brandon (Warks) 30.06.79 Canterbury (Kent)

01.07.78 Grantham (Lines) 01.05.79 Packington (Warks)

11.04.77 Weston-on-Avon (Warks) 03.03.79 Daventry (Northants)

251km NW MRG

155km NW S W

124km SSE BRG

BRG 2 1 4 k m SE

86km W S W DKC

ARG 38km ENE

This is the third longest movement on the W M BC files for this species.

Starling XB 67985 1Y.M 24.04.77 Dorridge (W Mid) PLI/JSS

V 05.01.79 Stockethill, Aberdeen 525km N XC 4 1 1 8 5 Ad 26.02.77 Droitwich (Worcs) GHG

V 12.01.79 Norwich (Norfolk) 245km E XE 19640 Ad.M 19.12.78 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) ARG

X 26.02.79 Glangwill i (Carmarthen) 180km W S W XX 0 6 5 5 8 Ad.M 24.02.79 Bearley (Warks) ARG

X 11.03.79 Eelderwolde (Groningen) Netherlands 53° 1 VIM 0 6 ° 3 3 ' E

XX 66102 1Y 04.02.73 Nuneaton (Warks) LRG/WEM X 15.05.79 Pukhovichi, Minsk, USSR 5 3 ° 3 8 ' N 2 8 ° 0 0 ' E

XX 5 0 2 4 4 1 Y.M 02.01.78 Pershore (Worcs) ARG X 17.05.79 near Pirkkala (Hame) Finland 61 ° 2 8 ' N 2 3 ° 3 4 ' E

Kaunas Ad.F 21.06.76 Obelynas (Silale) Lithuanian SSR 5 5 ° 2 8 ' N 2 2 ° 19'E 39N14 V 13.01.79 Evesham (Worcs) WGG Pol Varsov Pull 25.05.75 Dubicze Ozoccene, Kajnowka F 6 3 3 1 5 8 (Bialystok) Poland 5 2 ° 4 4 ' N 2 3 ° 2 9 ' E

V 21.01.79 Worcester WGG Copenhagen 8 6 9 1 5 4 9 Ad.F 22.03.78 Amager (Sjaelland) Denmark 5 5 ° 3 8 ' N 12°34 'E

V 04.02.79 Throckmorton (Worcs) GHG Arnhem 1 Y.M 15.10.78 Kennermerduinen (Noord Holland) K 6 0 3 9 6 2 Netherlands 5 2 ° 2 5 ' N 0 4 ° 3 4 ' E

V 04.02.79 Throckmorton GHG

110

Chaffinch Oslo 1 Y.M 25.09.78 Brunlanes (Vestt Id) Norway 58*G8 'N 0 9 ° DB 0 9 8 4 4 V 28.01.79 Packington (Warks) DKC

Brambling A 2 9 6 7 5 4 Ad.M 16.02.79 Hallow (Worcs) SW

V 13.04.79 Helgoland, West Germany 5 4 ° 1 1 'N 0 7 °

Greenfinch N C 1 6 0 7 0 Ad.M 17.09.78 Brandon (Warks) BRG

V 12.02.79 Andover (Hants) 125km S NE 3 5 2 2 9 1 Y.M 28.01.79 Packington (Warks) DKC

V 10.04.79 Retford (Notts) 107km NNE N C 9 7 1 52 1 Y.M 24.02.79 Ounley (Worcs) JRM

V 01.05.79 Retford 144km NE NA 0 1 8 7 3 1 Y.M 01.01.78 Staveley (Derbys)

V 17.01.79 West Heath,Birmingham 105km SSW CG

Redpoll A 0 7 1 4 4 1 Juv 11.08.78 West Retford (Notts)

v 24.02.79 Sutton Park (W Mid) 110km SSW MRG

A 1 9 7 0 9 0 Juv 20.09.78 West Retford v 04.03.79 Temple Grafton (Warks) 140km SSW

ARG KX 8 3 2 9 9 1 Y.M 23.08.78 Clowne (Derbys)

v 27.05.79 Brandon (Warks) 103km S BRG

Reed Bunting KP 3 6 6 6 6 1 Y.M 12.02.77 Wols ton (Warks) BRG

V 18.03.79 Chesterfield (Derbys) 9 7 k m N A 0 3 0 1 0 6 1 Y.M 12.1 1.78 Brandon (Warks) BRG

V 21.03.79 Ashton Keynes (Wilts) 86km SSW K E 1 0 7 5 6 Ad.M 20.12.75 Eathorpe (Warks) BRG

X 15.04.79 near Marlborough (Wilts) 100km S A 4 6 2 4 3 4 1Y.F 1 1.08.79 Frodsham (Ches)

V 10.1 1.79 Arrow (Warks) 136km SSE ARG

Key t o Ringer's Initials GFA G F Appleton CG C Griffiths JRM J R Mountford IPB I P Bainbridge GHG G H Green WEM W E Merrill AEC A E Coleman LRG L R Goodyer GP G Pike DKC D K Chesterman MRG Mercian Ringing Group JSS J S Shindler MWC M W Cooke WGG Worcester Gull Group NJS N J Speak TE T Edwards CMH C M Hemmings AW A Whitaker ARG Arden Ringing Group PU P L Ireland SW S Walker BRG Brandon Ringing Group CDTM C D T M i n t o n In many cases the recoveries attr ibuted to one particular ringer could not have come about w i t h o u t the assistance given by other ringers, trainees and helpers.

111

Key to Contributors

The following members and non-members have forwarded material for the Report.

G F Appleton G A Arnold M A Arnold N G Arnold J A Asbury R S Atkins M J Aust in

F. Baldry Mrs V A Baldry P G Barratt L R Bayes M Bellamy J T Belsey

t A J Bemrose J Bingham A R M Blake Mrs D R Blake Dr D G Boddington M Boilstone (MBo)

tE J Bradford tMrs W G Bradford C P Brooking G C Bruton

•A Burdett (ABu) •A Burton G H C Byford

Mrs J Cadbury P R Cale S R Cale M/S H F Campbell L Catlin T C Cattell P J Chadder D K Chesterman E S Clare K Clifford Nuneaton Bird

Club A E Coleman Mrs P Copson R Cottis B Craddock A Curran

J J Day A R Dean T Dean P K Dedicoat I J Dix J M Dodgson T Doyle ITDo)

K Eccleshall •N Edmonds S F L Edwards

tT Edwards K Ellis (KEs) N Ellis (NEs) J A Elmore D Emley G Evans

tMrs I M Evans J C Eyre-Dickinson

R G K Farmer J E Fortey

N D Galloway P G Garner P A Gluth D S Goodwin G H Green F C Gribble Brandon Marsh

Conservation Group

C J Hall A J Hambury J A Hardman S C B Harrap G R Harrison Mrs J V Harrison A W Hatfield D M Hawker S M Haynes R F W Hemming H S Hemsley-Hall

*R Higginbottom

R J Higgins J K Higginson K C Hill J R Hodson P Hogg J J Holian E A Hopkins K J Hubble Rev D J Hudson R V C Humphries G Hunt J R Hutchings

(JRHu) P D Hyde

M J Inskip G M Ireson

A F Jacobs R J Jennett M J Jones N Jones

' M J Kedwards M H King R J King K N Kingscott B L Kington Mrs P Kirby R Kirby

CLee H T Lees T C E Link K A Loveridge W J Low

tMiss M Lowe • W G Luton

D M Lyons

I R Machin N C Machin G J Mant D V Mardle R Margoschis (RMa)

*D Marriott B M Marsh J P Mart in R Ma skew M May R C Mays S McMinn

tT K Meredith A Moran P A Moran

# J Morris J R Mountford

P W R Nadin Dr J E Newcombe G K Nicholls S C Nicholls Mrs A Normand R Normand

B O'Shea

J Palfery Mrs L E Palmer

*C Pearson G H Peplow

t M Perryman E G Phillips P Porter C H Potter

Mrs D Reed I N Ricketts C Roberts (CRo)

t J Roberts tMrs V Roberts D H Rogers R S Royle C Rutter

•C Sabin K O Simmons J E Slade D Smallshire Mrs J Smallshire

112

K S m i t h J Tromans J Welch Mrs E M Woolr ich M S Sn i i l l i "H Tunnicliffe S K Welch

tR Stanbr idge - M V Tursner D R West Dr D WYa lden F Stokes B Westwood G Summers D T Underhill L Wheeler

1 C Whitehouse K H Thomas K Verrall M Whitehouse tMember of

t M r s M E Thomas S 0 Whitehouse Warwick Natural T M Thursf ield S W Walker *A W Whi tmore History Society Miss G E Timmins M J Warren P Wi l l iams

mA Tii i li i • M Waterhouse 1- A Wilson-Whitford •Member of M Townsend (MWa) t W F Wincot t Nuneaton D Tromans Miss V M Way A J Wood Bird Club

Species requiring descriptions To be acceptable for publication, records of the following species must be accompanied by a description sufficient to show how the species was identified and to eliminate all other similar species. The poor standard of many descriptions continues to cause the Editorial Committee concern and in some cases leads to records being rejected. As a guide, observers are reminded that descriptions should include notes on weather conditions; habitat; distance and period of observation; optics used; other species present; previous experience of the species; behaviour and actions when flying, feeding or moving; size and shape of head, neck, body, tail, wings, bill and legs and call or song as well as a systematic description of plumage including colour of upperparts and underparts, the colour and position of any conspicuous marks and the colour of bill, legs, feet and eyes.

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 and Little Petrels and Shearwaters Gannet and Shag Herons other than Grey Whooper Swan Geese other than Grey Lag and Canada Duck: Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous, Scaup, Eider, Long-tailed, Scoter spp. Smew and Red-breasted Merganser Raptors other than Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel Quail Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Avocet, Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Grey Plover, Temminck's Stint,

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Pectoral Sandpiper, Purple Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Phalaropes Skuas Gulls: Mediterranean, Little, Sabine's, Iceland, Glaucous and Kittiwake Terns: Sandwich, Roseate and Little Auks Long-eared Owl Hoopoe and Wryneck Woodlark and Shorelark Rock/Water Pipit Waxwing Bluethroat Black Redstart Warblers: Cetti's, Marsh, Icterine, Melodious, Dartford, Barred and Yellow-browed Red-breasted Flycatcher Bearded Tit Golden Oriole Shrikes Raven Twite Hawfinch Buntings: Lapland, Snow, Cirl and Ortolan

NOTES

Printing: Charles Clarke (Haywards Heath) Ltd.