W e s t Midland Bird Club m

Annua!Report No 47 1980

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Sand Martins by R. J. C. Blewitt

West Midland Bird Club

Annual Report No 47 1980

Being the Annua/ 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

10 Membership Secretary's Report

10 Field Meetings Secretary's Report

10 Branch Reports

12 Belvide Reserve

12 Ladywalk Reserve

13 The decline of six typically heathland bird species at two Worcestershire heathlands

231 1980 Bird Record Localities

26 Classified Notes

98 Ringing in 1980

108 Key to Contributors

109 Species requiring descriptions

Price £1.50

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Officers and Committee 1981

President Vice-President Chairman

Deputy Chairman

Secretary

Membership Secretary Treasurer

Editor

Field Meetings Secretary Ringing Secretary

Permit Secretary

Chairman Research Committee Kidderminster Branch Secretary Staffs Branch Secretary Solihull Branch Representative Main Committee

C A Norris, Brookend House, Welland, Worcestershire G C Lambourne, Melin Dan-y-rhiw, St. Davids, Dyfed A R M Blake, 102 Russell Bank Roiad, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. West Midlands G M Lewis, 9a Plymouth Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham B45 8JE A J Richards, 1 Lansdowne Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7JG Miss J M Nicholls, 296 Olton Boulevard West, Birmingham B11 3HH J H W Ridley, 33 Blakedown Road, Halesowen, West Midlands G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Warwickshire CV35 7LA S H Young, 32 Carless Avenue, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9EL P L Ireland, 33 Banbrook Close, Solihull, West Midlands B92 9NF MissM Surman, 6 Lloyd Square, 12 Niall Close, Birmingham B15 3LX G R Harrison, "Bryher", Hatton Green, Hatton, Warwickshire CV35 7LA

D Emley, 127 Harpfields Road, Stoke-on-Trent

Mrs D Dunstan, 4 Blossomfield Road, Solihull, West Midlands Miss E Corbett, A R Dean, Mr & Mrs B Hutton, Mr & Mrs A F Jacobs and K A Webb

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Editor's Report Following the editorial team's loss of Rob Hume last year, Alan Dean has regretfully announced that he will be unable to offer his services after this year. I should like to thank him very much indeed for all his efforts over the years. I should also like to express my gratitude to Pete Dedicoat and Dave Smallshire for their contributions and to Rob Hume for his drawings, which do so much to enliven the text. Finally, I must again thank all those who have submitted records. Inevitably there is a constant turnover of contributors, but this year a number of regular names are missing and I have the feeling that the overall coverage has been poorer. I especially like to receive any data from comprehensive surveys of specific areas and was particularly pleased to have the results from the Sutton Park Survey Group. Unfortunately, though, there was no comparable information from either Edgbaston Park or Kingsbury Water Park this year and a number of other societies failed to submit their customary material. Too many records of rare or unusual species are still submitted with little or no supporting details and contributors are asked to pay special attention to this. Following up inadequate descriptions is both time consuming and expensive. G R Harrison

Birds in 1980 Climatically and ornithologically, the year was uneventful, with records of 211 species, but few particularly unusual movements or influxes. Generally mild weather persisted throughout January and February and the occasional cold spell was never severe enough to provoke hard-weather movements. Glaucous Gull and Siskin were both numerous, however. 1979's highlight, the male Two-barred Crossbill, remained until early April and other interesting species from the previous year included Great Northern Diver, Shag, Long-tailed Duck, Smew, Iceland Gull, Bearded Tit and Great Grey Shrike. A Long-eared Owl appeared on New Year's Day, there was a small influx of Smews in mid-January, more Long-eared Owls followed and a Hen Harrier was seen on the twentieth. Two Little Gulls on February 1 and a Black-tailed Godwit on the nineteenth were most unseasonal visitors, but Whooper Swan and Common Scoter early in February and three Iceland Gulls in mid-month were more characteristic. A record herd of 95 Bewick Swans gathered on the twenty-third, but the highlight of the month was a Mediterranean Gull which appeared on the seventeenth. South-westerly winds in the first half of March encouraged the early departure of winter visitors, but wintry conditions later in the month inhibited the arrival of summer visitors. Consequently it was a quiet month, though another Iceland Gull was seen early on, a Cetti's Warbler stayed for much of the month and a Firecrest was seen at the end.

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Cold, arctic air persisted for much of April and many migrants, notably Cuckoo, were slow to arrive. Two Slavonian Grebes arrived on the first, one of which stayed three weeks, and a Red-necked Grebe was seen on the ninth. Early Quail and Corncrake both appeared on the fifth. Marsh Harrier passed through a week later and a brief mild spell in mid-month brought a small passage of Common Scoter, a Green-winged Teal and two Hoopoes. Settled, warmer weather in May heralded a flood of migrants, with Red-breasted Merganser, Marsh Harrier, three Avocets, Kentish Plover, Roseate Tern and Firecrest in the first week, followed by another Marsh Harrier and an influx of Black Terns in mid-month. A small passage of Temminck's Stints and Sanderlings occurred between the twelfth and twenty-third, whilst late May brought another Corncrake, Black-throated Diver, Black-necked Grebe and a few Common Scoter, with more in early June. Another Red-breasted Merganser, Golden Oriole, Curlew Sandpiper, Raven and one of the year's highlights—a Little Bittern—were amongst the few bright spots in a wet, chilly and sunless June.

Shelduck, Gadwall and Water Rail all enjoyed breeding success, but a nesting attempt by Garganey failed and there was no evidence of Hen Harriers having bred, although a pair was present. Oystercatchers summered at two sites, but they tantalisingly provided no evidence of breeding, though there was a welcome consolidation by both Ringed Plover and Common Tern, with up to four pairs of each. Perhaps the most notable event, though, was the presence of three calling Corncrakes. At a more mundane level, there was circumstantial evidence that Crossbills bred, but Wood Warblers were scarce.

Apart from two Quails calling early in the month, July was quiet, but the last few days brought Red-crested Podhard and passages of Common Scoter and Black Tern. The unsettled weather of the month continued throughout August, when two Spoonbills enlivened the second week. Shag and Peregrine both appeared on the eighteenth, a second Peregrine arrived two days later to stay a month, and Marsh Harrier and Temminck's Stint passed through. During August, too, the concentration of Coot at Belvide reached a regional record of 2050. September began quietly with Shag and Black-necked Grebe, but strong westerly winds culminated in severe gales in mid-Atlantic on the twelfth and thirteenth and these brought the only notable influx of the year. It began with a Buff-breasted Sandpiper, which appeared on the seventh, and was closely followed by a second Nearctic wader, a Spotted Sandpiper, on the tenth. Both stayed for two weeks. Four more Shags then appeared on the twelfth, with another the next day, together with a Great Skua, whilst a party of seven Arctic Skuas passed through on the fourteenth. These were followed by a Grey Phalarope on the seventeenth; Marsh Harrier and Arctic Skua the next day; an influx of Black Terns, and a few Sandwich Terns and Common Scoters, between the nineteenth and twenty-first;

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and finally a further Shag, an Osprey, Marsh Harrier and two Blue-winged Teal. October was less exciting, but another Hoopoe appeared, Shoveler reached a peak of 461 at Belvide and a second Osprey passed through on the fourth, followed by a small party of Knot the next day. More Shags and a Ferruginous Duck arrived between the tenth and twelfth. Bearded Tits returned a week later and a Firecrest was seen on the twenty-sixth. The brief autumn was abruptly curtailed by a very cold spell in early November, which saw the arrival of one or two Whooper Swans, yet more Shags and the first Smew and Long-eared Owls of the winter. A northerly airstream between the sixth and eleventh brought Black-throated Diver, Black-necked Grebe, another Smew, Iceland Gull and Slavonian Grebe and these were followed in the next ten days by two Great Northern Divers, another Slavonian Grebe, Peregrine, Great Grey Shrike and the first Hen Harriers. The month closed with a third Smew, Red-breasted Merganser and a Firecrest on the thirtieth. Yet another cold, arctic blast in early December yielded Great Northern Divers, Slavonian Grebe and Whooper Swan again. A party of 24 Barnacle Geese stayed for much of the month and raised speculation about their origin, as did two Red-crested Pochards. Interestingly, yet more Shags, a Ferruginous Duck and Red-breasted Merganser were seen about the same time and two more Smews arrived soon afterwards. During the month Ruddy Duck reached a record 467 at Blithfield. Finally the Christmas period brought two Firecrests, an unseasondl Spotted Redshank which was to remain through the winter, a Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot. G R Harrison

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Treasurer's Report (year ending December 31,1980) After the deficit of £944 sustained in 1979, the Club's financial reserves were restored in 1980 by the surplus on the income and expenditure account of £1,762. This surplus arose jointly from the decision to increase subscriptions on January 1, 1980 and the windfall profit of £853 on sales of First day cover stamps. The Belvide account showed an excess of income over expenditure of £444 thanks to continued support from members in purchasing permits. J H W Ridley

I ncome and Expenditure Account for the year ended December 3 1 , 1 9 8 0

Income Subscriptions received for 1980 Sale of reports Building Society interest Reservoirs (permit fees) Sale of commemorative Evening Mail Gifts and donations Proceeds of Raffle and 50th anniversary ticket sales Film show receipts Conservation fair receipts Pictures Field Meetings Sales of Atlas Sales of First day cover stamps Commission on sale of books

Total Income Less expenditure Stratford Swan appeal Field meetings Indoor meetings Reports Bulletins Printing, stationery and postage Reservoirs, permit fees and insurance Subscriptions to associates Kidderminster branch expenses 50th anniversary evening First day cover stamps

Surplus/(Deficit) for the year

642 2,015 2,563

730 851

17 29

288

1980 £

5,719 89

756 972

147

50 9

1,141 18

8,901

7,139

£1,762

1979 £

4,341 90

252 1,106

7 15

908 5

20 14

6,758

50 581

1,743 3,175

295 789

20 58

991

7,702

(£944)

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Belvide—Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended December 31 , 1980

1980 1979 Income £ £ £ Permits 1,309 1.?03 Field Meetings 33 22 Donations etc. 5 10 Grazing 115 86 Birds of Belvide 85 111

1,547 1,432 Less expenditure Reserve maintenance 379 102 Keys 33 85 Rent 602 602 Insurance 53 53 Car park rent 36 33 Printing — 44 Postage and general expenses . — 5

1,103 924

Surplus for year £444 £508

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Balance Sheet at December 3 1 , 1 9 8 0 1980 1979

Surplus £ £ £ As at December 31, 1979 10,804 5,281 Add: Surplus/(Deficit) on main account 1,762 (944)

Surplus on Belvide account 444 508 F. Dale Bequest 195 5,959

2,401

As at December 31, 1980 £13.205 £10,804

Represented by:

F. Dale Reserve 7,500 Current Assets

Cash at bank 2,507 — Leicester Building Society 7,440 11,622 Halifax Building Society 495 2,392 Debtor in respect of Belvide 152 152

18,094 14,166

Less: Current Liabilities

Bank overdraft Subscriptions in advance Permit fees in advance Creditor in respect of Belvide Creditor in respect of Annual Report etc.

1,213 1,273

178 2,225

1,239 927

1,196

4,889 3,362

Total Net Assets £13,205 £10,804

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, 1980 and of the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

C L Dain & Co, Chartered Accountants

J H W Ridley Hon Treasurer

St. Johns Court, Wiltell Road, Lichfield 1981

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Secretary's Report The Parent Club's Indoor Meetings were again held in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery throughout the year, though the December 1980 meeting was the final occasion that this long-established venue was used for such a purpose by the Club. Due to the fact that extensive alterations and renovations were going to be made to the Gallery which had been "our home" for 30 years, it was necessary for us to find other accommodation. For three decades we have enjoyed the unrivalled facilities provided by the Museum and Art Gallery, which, coupled with an ever-present, willing and helpful staff, is a combination that will be greatly missed. The 1980 programme of talks comprised:— January Bryan Sage 'New Zealand Wildlife'. February Malcolm Ogilvie 'The Status of Wild Geese in Britain Today'. March Bruce Campbell 'Looking Back with Pleasure'. April AGM and Charlie Brown 'Wyre Forest'. May Derrick Scott 'Kenya Safari'. October Richard Margoschis 'Sounds from Nature'. November Dr John Raines 'Waders'. December Alan Richards 'Birds of the West Midlands'. Meetings were also held in Solihull as follows:— January Barry Taylor 'Seabirds'. February Eric Harvey 'Wildlife Here and There'. March Dr Graham Martin 'Owls'. October Dr John Tranter 'Wildlife of Australia'. November Mrs Helen Campbell 'Strangeford Loch, its people and birds'.

Events During the course of the year, the WMBC put on displays at:— The Solihull Conservation Fair, March 29 and 30. The Worcestershire Trust Conservation Fair, June 7. The Town and Country Festival, August 23-25. the Warwickshire Nature Conservation Trust's Conservation Fair at Sutton Coldfield, September 27 and 28. The Club is indebted to the many helpers who gave of their time and energies to ensure our successful participation on each of the above occasions.

Belvide Reserve Developments and improvements for both birds and birdwatchers continue as part of our long-term planning for this reserve and notable during 1980 was the erection of a third hide.

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Birdwatching Permit Schemes During 1980 permits were issued as follows: Belvide and Gailey 476, Blithfield 370 and Ladywalk 450. A J Richards

Membership Secretary's Report The membership figure at December 31 was 1855, this being made up of 1786 senior members and 69 junior members. There was an overall increase of 33 senior and 2 junior members during the year—this in spite of the increase in subscriptions in January. Non-payers deleted from the membership in March were 213 seniors and 19 juniors. The largest influx of members came after the Birmingham Mail "Bird" Special, which yielded 45 new members. As is usual now, many new members are also members of the RSPB and more recently are also members of either the Warwickshire or Worcestershire Nature Conservation Trusts. Miss J M Nicholls

Field Meetings Secretary's Report A total of fourteen field meetings were run during 1980/81. In addition one meeting in April had to be cancelled because of an unseasonable blizzard. The number of members attending was again high and on many of the meetings it was necessary to run two coaches. As well as visits to places within the West Midlands, venues elsewhere gave us some very good birdwatching. These trips included Point of Ayre, the Ouse Washes, Brown Clee and a first trip to Bridgwater Bay. The Devon weekend was so successful that it was necessary to run two week ends. I should like to express my thanks to those who have helped in organising and running the trips. S H Young

Staffordshire Branch Report—1980 Twelve indoor meetings shared between Hanley and Stafford meant that members were once again well-supplied with both enlightenment and entertainment. Geographically our speakers ranged as widely as ever; from Australia (John Tranter) across to Ontario (David Smallshire) and back home to the Ouse Washes (Carl Nicholson). We maintained our traditional link with the BTO, this time with two joint meetings; Rob Fuller described the bird communities of scrub and

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woodland and the newly-appointed Director, Dr. Raymond O'Connor, showed, with a detailed look at the lives of Great Tits, how the computer can come to the aid of the ornithologist. Two other single species talks were "Mute Swans", the result of a fascinating long-term study by Bert Coleman and "Hawfinches", some remarkable film from Robin Hitchcock. Our joint film show with the RSPB brought a record audience of over 900 to the King's Hall, Stoke. We also had a successful showing of the Society's films in Stafford, this time in conjunction with the Staffs Conservation Trust. An extra meeting in April gave members the opportunity of hearing about recent and current enquiries and resiearch in which the Branch was involved. In the field we held meetings at nine localities. The Wyre Forest, Blythe Valley and Upton Warren appeared in the list for the first time, plus return visits to old favourites such as Blithfield, Belvide, Ynyshir, the North Staffs Moors and Trentham. Conservation and research again figured largely in the work of the committee. We were represented at the meetings of the Peak Park Wildlife Group and commented in detail on the proposed management plan for the newly-purchased Roaches-Back Forest area. Although the future of this is now reasonably safe other threats to other sites continue to loom. Among them, during 1980, were Cannock Chase, Aqualate and Westport, all of which received our attention and suggestions. The Branch funds received a healthy boost from various raffles held at indoor meetings and we are most grateful to those members who very generously gave prizes. Thanks are also due to those members whose literary efforts provided us with a regular flow of short articles for the bulletin on various aspects of the county's bird life. Eric Longman

Kidderminster and District Branch Report The Branch changed the venue for its indoor meetings to the King Charles Room in the renovated Kidderminster Town Hall and, by joining with the local activity group of the Worcestershire Nature Conservation Trust, audiences were increased considerably. Members have been indebted to the Branch Chairman, Miss M N Badland, and Branch Treasurer, Miss B Perkins, for arranging the indoor and outdoor meetings in 1980 and for dealing with the Branch's business generally. The offices of Branch Secretary and Field Meetings Organiser were unoccupied during the year. The nest box scheme at the Far Forest home of Club members Mr and Mrs E Reed produced the best results for Pied Flycatcher since 1973—4 boxes occupied producing 18 young. Elsewhere in the Forest of Wyre area—at Knowles Coppice and Rock Coppice—19 young were bred from 7 boxes occupied. Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Starling were also successfully bred at the Far Forest site, but Redstart again

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turned down the offer of suitable boxes, although at Knowles Coppice and Sturt Common they occupied 2 boxes and produced 5 young. These and all the Pied Flycatcher fledglings, 20 Starling and 22 Blue Tit young were ringed by Mr J R Mountford. LR Bayes (Branch Vice-Chairman)

Belvide Reserve A further small increase in permit sales encured once again the finances essential for the continuation of the Reserve. 1980 was a rather unremarkable year, with about 1 55 species recorded, of which at least 60 are believed to have bred. Twenty-two broods each of Mallard and Tufted Duck were reared, as were a record five broods of Ruddy Duck, and Pochard bred again. Moulting flocks of up to 718 Tufted, 250 Ruddy and 2050 Coot gathered in late summer and a very large flock of Shoveler peaked at 461. Scaup, Merganser, Scoter, Smew and a herd of 32 Bewick's Swans added spice to the wildfowl scene during the year. A pair of Black-necked Grebes in May unfortunately stayed only a short time, as did a Great Northern Diver in November. Other oddities reported included Shag, Merlin, Corncrake, Grey Phalarope, Kittiwake, Glaucous Gull, Little Gull, a party of seven Arctic Skuas, Roseate Tern, Short-eared Owl, Rock Pipit, Water Pipit and Firecrest. Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, Little Owl, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Reed Warbler bred or probably bred in the area. Water Rail provided suspicions of breeding for the first time, but a cock Brambling in early August did not. The non-ornithological event of the year was the discovery of three Bee Orchids, known to grow at only one other site in Staffordshire. D Smallshire

Ladywalk Reserve The weather of 1980, with its dry spring, cold and wet summer, short autumn and a start-stop winter which began in early November, was hardly conducive to any unusual bird records and the systematic list reflects this, with only 120 species recorded. Over 70 species bred, however, which was more than last year. The effects of lower water temperatures, consequent upon reduced generation at the power stations, are not evident yet. The next spell of hard weather should show whether or not the reserve has lost its ice-free advantage over nearby waters. The establishment of permanent water areas just to the north of Ladywalk is already resulting in increased winter duck numbers in the Tame Valley,

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with over a thousand Pochard already reported. It will be interesting to see the effects of this on the reserve. There have been more records this year of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker than in the previous nine years put together; most likely yet another spin-off from Elm clearance. Church Pool maintains its improved biological quality; Kingfisher returned to nest there after a long absence and feeds there throughout the year, ice permitting. H T Lees

The decline of six typically heathland bird species at two Worcestershire heathlands

Introduction This paper is concerned with Nightjar, Woodlark, Whinchat, Stonechat, Grasshopper Warbler and Red-backed Shrike. The national decline of several of these species has been considered by, for example, Stafford (1962) for Nightjar, Magee (1965) for Stonechat and Bibby (1973) for Red-backed Shrike. Only one of the species under consideration was studied at one study area over a number of years; that being the Red-backed Shrike whose decline was reported by Ash (1973). This paper attempts a historical review of the declines of these six heathland species at two Worcestershire heaths which are about 4km apart and considers the likely factors contributing to these trends. Consideration is also given to the factors involved in data accumulation, in this case based on regional annual bird reports and the private notes of a few observers.

The Sites Devil's Spitt/eful and Rifle Range nature reserves Located at S0807747, 61 ha in extent and 30-60m OD. Devil's Spittleful, occasionally known as Devil's Spadeful, is privately owned and the Rifle Range is owned b.y the Wyre Forest District Council and there is free access to both. The Devil's Spittleful/Rifle Range area, hereafter referred to by the initials DR, contains a high proportion of open heather, Calluna vulgaris—heath with some gorse, Ulex europaeus and U. gallii and broom, Sarothamnus scoparius encroachment. The remainder is birch, Betula pendula, woodland of various ages with smaller areas of more mixed woodland and hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, scrub. The vegetation overlies Bunter sandstone and soils, away from the woodland, are therefore very light. The whole area has been subject to gross disturbance, seemingly now being covered with secondary heathland following agricultural use (especially Devil's Spittleful) and a

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variety of pre-war uses on Rifle Range, including a horse-racing track and a rifle range and tank-training groundj Current natural trends are towards- a continuation of the succession to closed heath and birch/mixed woodland.

Hart/ebury Common Local Nature Reserve Located at S0824707, 88ha in extent and 20-55m OD. The Common is owned by the County Council of Hereford and Worcester and there is free access to the whole area. Hartlebuiy Common LNR, hereafter referred to by the initials HC, is 4km south of DR and is on two levels, lower terrace near the River Severn and upper terrace to the north-west which is some 25m higher. Lower terrace, either side of the A4025, is a mixture of open heather-heath and floriferous turf, comprising Worcestershire's largest tract (circa 18ha) of the former. Upper terrace currently has some heath and large tracts of gorse and broom. There are also three plantations and some oak, Quercus robur, woodland. Lower terrace is largely blown sand above Bunter sandstone, while upper terrace is on Keuper sandstone. Soils are particularly light, especially on the lower terrace blown sands. Virtually the whole of the Common has been subjected to continued gross disturbance for at least 80 years (Tucker 1980). This has included widespread aggregate extraction, the presence of many gypsy camps and the grazing of their stock, official and unofficial rubbish tipping and the use of part as a rifle range. Parts of the area are now managed as a public open space. Current natural trends are leading to the overgrowth of heather by gorse, broom and possibly bracken, Pteridium aquilinum, and the local spread of birch and oak woodland (Tucker 1980).

Sources of data Most ornithological records have been taken from the WM Bird Reports for the years 1934-79. Howard (1928) provided a few earlier notes. It is regrettable that Howard left only his brief 1928 paper as specific to HC; since he lived less than a kilometre from the Common and his writings, largely based on work at the site, were among the first on the concepts of bird territoriality (e.g. Howard 1920). F Fincher, D W Scott and M Thursfield also provided particularly valuable information from their own notes, whilst the author has known both areas for four years and is responsible for the Management Plan for HC (Tucker 1980, 1981). Complete bird species lists have been compiled for both areas (Tucker 1980 for HC and 1981 a for DR). The area referred to as DR includes, for Nightjar, the undeveloped parts of the West Midland Safari Park to the north-west and, for Woodlark, some

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similar habitat to the north at about S0811757. The boundaries of HC are fairly well defined, the area being surrounded by fields and latterly housing developments.

Presentation of results Nightjar, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler and Red-backed Shrike are Palearctic/Ethiopian migrants, breeding in Britain. Stonechat is partially a migrant to the European continent and Woodlark is largely resident. The initial objective was to determine the years in which breeding occurred at the study areas. The results are presented as Figure 1 in which the size of dot indicates the degree of proof of breeding, following Sharrock 1976.

The records As in any discussion of this nature, the reviewer has been bedevilled by the problems of observer cover; observations must first be made, then they must be documented. The sole remaining testimonials of the WMBC up to 1 974 are the Annual Reports, since no correspondence from which those reports were completed survives in club files (Harrison pers comm.). The analysis therefore reflects what is available from the Annual Reports and what has been gleaned from the unpublished notes of some observers, particularly D H Naylor (for DR). Figure 2, to the same horizontal (time) scale as Figure 1, shows the features relevant to the records. The durations of peak ornithological interest of the areas are defined as those years in which two or more per year of the reviewed species were recorded, viz. for HC from 1945-1964 and 1978 and for DR from 1939-67. In general terms there has been a steady increase in the volume of published data in the WM Bird Reports, this being affected in the early stages by the war and to a lesser extent at intervals by changes of editorial practice. Specific to the areas under consideration, the activities of three observers in particular must be considered. D H Naylor kept close watch over DR from about 1939 to 1956 and to a lesser extent so did M Thursfield through the 1950s and 1960s. R Maskew watched particularly DR, but also HC, between 1964 and 1975. It is also instructive to examine the attention which has been given to the reviewed areas and species in the Annual Reports up to 1979. The first reference to HC was in 1935, while DR was not mentioned for a further 12 years. Overall 146 records have appeared from both sites (all species) and of these 53% have been from DR. Of the 24 species reported from HC the five reviewed (Nightjar being unrecorded from HC) account for 21%. Likewise the six reviewed species account for 19% of all those reported from DR. More significant again is the fact that, for HC, 55% of published records relate to the reviewed

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Figure 1 The recorded occurrence of breeding of six bird species at Hartlebury Common (H) and Devil's Spittleful/Rifle Range (D). Worcestershire. Principal period covered is 1 9 3 4 - 8 0 , with 1 9 2 8 . Small dots, possible breeding; medium dots, probable breeding; large dots, definite breeding (as Sharrock, 1976) . Dashes indicate winter records (Stonechat only) and crosses indicate early records of definite absence. See also Figure 2.

1940b 1950K 1960. 1970. = . . . . . . 1 . .6. . . 1 . . . & . 1 1 6. . . 1 6 i 1

Nightjar H

D • • • a a • • • • • • • • • • • Woodlark H * o

• • • • • • • • . . .

H # Whinchat D • •

• •

• • • •

• • •

H 9 # Stonechat D - • • • • •

• •

Grasshopper W. ^ ' • • • • • mmm m • • • • •

•

Rad-backad S. H •

• • • • • • • •

I BM. JSSI _

1940. 1950. 1960. 1970.

F igure 2 Some factors influencing the recording of birds at Devil's Spittleful/Rifle Range (DR) and Hartlebury Common (HC), Worcestershire. Lower: trace of length of Classified Notes section of the West Midland Bird Club annual report, 1 9 3 4 - 7 9 . e indicates changes of editorship of the report. Above: duration of bird-watching activities of three principal observers, D. H. Naylor (DN, at DR only), M. Thursfield (MT, mostly at DR) and R. Maskew (RM, both sites but more at DR). Upper: the periods of peak interest at the areas—those years in which two or more of the six species were recorded (derived from Figure 1).

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species and from DR the corresponding figure is 44%. That is there has been a disproportionate amount of attention given to the recording of the heathland bird species of both areas. The implications of these factors on individual species are considered below. However the general point is that though the apparent increase in interest is only the result of the start of documentation the more recent decline is better documented, real and open to meaningful comment. Research into the continuing decline of such species as the Red-backed Shrike is problematical and the results sometimes conflicting and often inconclusive, even when concurrent with the decline; causes must be distinguished from correlates. In this review it has only been possible to indicate correlates with the documented changes in species status, since causal relationships cannot be demonstrated retrospectively.

Nightjar The total absence of records from HC deserves comment. It has been suggested (Berry 1979) that Nightjars are intolerant of disturbance by recreational uses, particularly in the Birmingham area (Stafford 1962). The Common certainly has a long history of high levels of human disturbance (Tucker 1980), formerly (pre-1930) by aggregate extraction and for longer by recreation and this may account for the absence of Nightjars. As many as four pairs have been present at DR (as in 1944, DHN in litt.). Here the decline in the late 1950s may again be related to increased disturbance, partly because of the increasing use of the countryside in general and specifically to the adjacent housing estates begun after the second war. Another likely factor at DR is the expansion of birch woodland at the expense of open heath, which is to the detriment of Nightjars (Bibby 1 979) and which at DR followed the cessation of firing on the Rifle Range after the war and reduced rabbit grazing following myxomatosis in the mid-1950s. Apart from song heard in 1977, Nightjars have not been recorded at DR since 1958.

Woodlark Howard (1928) wrote 'of recent years Wood-Larks have made [HC] their home', concurring with the start of the known population increase of the species in Britain between the 1920s and the 1960s (Hughes 1970, Parslow 1973, Sharrock 1976). WM Bird Reports continued with references to HC as a 'usual haunt' through to the late 1950s, their presence there last being recorded by confirmed breeding in 1957. References were usually to simple presence, though in 1948 two singing birds were recorded at HC. These two territories may have occupied something between 10 and 25ha- on the 88ha Common (Harrison & Forster 1959, on territory sizes), possibly on the scarp, as slopes were the preferred Worcestershire habitat (Harthan 1946, 1961).

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The Woodlark was in national decline in the 1950s and 1960s. This coincided at HC with increasing human disturbance from recreation and the development of ground flora and scrub following myxomatosis in 1953. Harthan (1946) said the species preferred 'bare hillsides on open land where the grass is thin and poor", a view shared by DHN (pers comm.). Harrison & Forster (1959) suggested that the suitability of habitat was more important than the persistence of a particular pair in determining its use in successive years. At DR the fate of the species was followed by DHN, and also at a site just north of DR; with breeding last confirmed in 1957, as at HC. The absence of records pre-1943 is the result of observer cover only. At DR the disappearance coincided with the increase in scrub and woodland, though at the site to the north watched by DHN this was not considered the reason for the decline.

Whinchat Infrequently reported at HC. Additionally to Figure 1 F Fincher recorded the species in 1929. Harthan (1946) could not explain the decrease in 'the last forty years', but in 1946 it was still 'common on gorse covered parts of the Common' and in 1951 there were an estimated ten pairs. With the exception of a breeding report in 1964 and the late 1970s, the last two pairs were recorded in 1955. It is apparent that at HC the species was probably under-recorded and present through to about 1955. On HC the Whinchat appears to have been restricted to the gorse areas of upper terrace (F Fincher pers comm.). Following the disturbance of the ground by aggregate extraction in the 1920s and 1930s gorse probably colonised much of upper terrace and was periodically burned. This may have kept it to the height favoured by Whinchats, whereas now most gorse on upper terrace is higher than 1,5m and quite unsuitable for them. Recent reports of the species have been from lower terrace, perhaps in response to the spread of low scrub over heather there. At DR the Whinchat was probably again under-recorded. One or two pairs appear to have been typical and three were recorded in 1967. The 1 954-66 gap may be real and the post-1972 absence probably is. Woodland and tall scrub development over open heath correlate with the recent decline of the Whinchat at DR.

Stonechat At HC, additional to Figure 1, breeding was probable in 1929 and 1935. Except for these records, and possible breeding in 1946 and before (Harthan 1946), the only records up to 1977 were outside the breeding season. C A Norris (pers comm.) also refers to the species having been a winter visitor and non-breeder. The usual wintering areas are the Continent or British coasts and the low altitude of lower terrace (20-25m

19

OD) may account for its use as a wintering ground. Wintering records are distributed as follows: Nov 2, Dec 2, Jan 1, Mar 2. The confirmed breeding of single pairs at HC in 1977 and 1978 was a notable event, particularly considering that these years followed the cold winter of 1976/7, which may have had the effect of depressing the population and contracting the British range, since Stonechats are susceptible to bad winters (Sharrock 1976). At HC the Stonechat appears to have been typical of lower terrace with its heather and scattered gorse, cf. the Whinchat on upper terrace with its higher proportion of gorse. At DR the species bred in 1942 (DHN in litt., contra Blake 1961) and later in 1948, 1949, possibly 1950 and certainly in 1952. Since then the species has been absent, with the exception of a pair in April 1961 and a 1968 winter record. The British Stonechat population is susceptible to cold winters. To this Blake (1961) attributed the Worcestershire decline in the 1940s, unaware of the 1942 breeding record at DR. Magee (1975) considered the reasons for the national decline in the species, citing accidental fires, development -and human recreational disturbance of habitat as contributory factors. All these, except development, may be affecting both HC and DR to some extent, though the 1978 breeding at HC was despite considerable recreational pressure near the territory which was close to the lower terrace main car park.

Grasshopper Warbler Seems to have been rare or absent at HC since Howard (1928) reported that it bred. The reasons for the absence, assuming that it is real, are not at once apparent. Evidently the preferred stage of scrub development has not been present, or it has remained unsearched and the species overlooked. At DR the species was recorded intermittently into the late 1960s. Its absence in the 1970s is probably real, though again the reasons are not apparent as suitable scrub is seemingly available.

Red-backed Shrike Both HC and DR were once regular haunts of this species, as were many other sites in the county and indeed the country before its decline (Peakall 1962, Bibby 1973), which has spanned over a century. Tomes (1901) considered the species irregular in Worcestershire and by the 1940s Harthan (1946) was expressing concern over its decline. It was probably this reported decline which lead to HC being reported in the 1950s as a locality where it was normally present, its presence there hitherto being blandly accepted. Red-backed Shrikes last nested there in 1953.

20

Again at DR its presence was probably not thought particularly noteworthy until the decline was realised. The species last attempted breeding there in 1952 and a male was seen on June 8, 1964. Bibby (1973) succinctly summarised the factors thought to be contributing to the decline of the Red-backed Shrike in Britain. The primary cause appeared to be climatic, with warmer and wetter summers reducing the availability of large invertebrate prey, a relationship confirmed experimentally by Ash (1970). Subsidiary factors enumerated by Bibby (1973) included habitat loss, which is not applicable to either HC or DR, and egg collecting. The latter was not considered by Peakall (1962), but Ash (1970) and Bibby (1973) both discussed it at length. The Red-backed Shrike lays attractive and variable eggs, which make it popular among egg-collectors. Exacerbating the problem was the acceptance of the British breeding population as a distinct race (Vaurie 1955), which led to a demand for British clutches from Continental collectors (Bibby 1973). The impact of collectors at HC and DR is not known. Certainly both sites would have been known to collectors and no secret was made of the sites by the WM Bird Reports. The last nest at DR is known to have been robbed (DHN in iitt.). Ash (1970) attributed 20% of egg losses at his study areas to suspected egg-collecting and Bibby (1973) demonstrated that areas with habitat destruction and egg-collecting were depopulated twice as rapidly as others without either. Thus egg-collecting is probably not a sufficient condition to explain population reductions, though it is of detriment to populations already in decline. Its significance at HC and DR remains unknown.

Summary for the sites It is impossible to assess the early interest of the two sites. The periods of interest delineated in Figure 2 begin only as observer interest and documentation commenced, namely in 1945 for HC and 1943 for DR. The declines in interest are easier to define, because they fall in periods of higher interest in, and recording of, birds. Interest declined in the 1950s and 1960s. For DR it can be defined as ending in 1957, with outposts in 1964 and 1967, and for HC as 1952 or 1953, with outposts in 1964 and also 1978/9. At DR all reviewed species showed disappearances or major discontinuities in the 1950s, with Whinchat and Grasshopper Warbler being exceptions in making temporary reappearances in the late 1960s or 1970s. At HC Woodlark, Red-backed Shrike and probably Whinchat disappeared in the 1950s, the latter to reappear in 1964 and the late 1970s.

Acknowledgements D H Naylor gave access to his notes for DR and Mrs M Thursfield commented on that site as she recalls it. F Fincher provided some early

21

records and comments on HC. C J Norris loaned me his WM Bird Reports for 1934-61 and A Millward his for 1962-77. R Maskew confirmed some details for his records in these reports and D W Scott provided records from recent years from both areas and commented on a draft of this paper. John J Tucker

References Ash, J S (1970) Observations on a decreasing population of Red-backed Shrikes. Brit.

Birds 63:185-205, 225-39. Berry, R (1979) Nightjar habitats and breeding in East Anglia. Brit. Birds 72(5):207-18. Bibby, C (1973) The Red-backed Shrike: a vanishing British species. Bird Study 20:103-

10. Blake, A R M (1957) The status and distribution of the Nightjar in the West Midlands. W M

Bird Report 24:12-8. Blake, A R M (1958) The status and distribution of the Nightjar in the West Midlands. W M

Bird Report 25:12-4. Blake, A R M (1961) The Stonechat in the West Midlands. WM Bird Report 28:13-7. Harrison, C J 0 & Forster. J (1959) Woodlark territories. Bird Study 6(2):60-8. Harthan, A J (1946) The Birds of Worcestershire. Worcester Press. Harthan, A J (19611/1 revised list of Worcestershire birds. Worcester Press. Howard. E (1920) Territory in bird life. John Murray, London. Howard. E (1928) Birds and Bird Migration on Hartlebury Common. Proc. Birm. Nat. Hist.

& Phil. Soc. 15(7): 143-6. Hughes, S W M (1970) The decline of the Woodlark as a Sussex breeding species. Sussex

Bird Report 22:65-8. Magee, J D (1965) The breeding distribution of the Stonechat in Britain and the causes of

its decline. Bird Study 12:83-9. Parslow, J. (1973) Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. Peakall, D B (1962) The past and present status of the Red-backed Shrike in Great Britain.

Bird Study 9:198-216. Sharrock, J T R (1976) The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. British Trust for

Ornithology. Stafford, J (1962) Nightjar Enquiry, 1957-58. Bird Study9:104-1 5. Tomes, (1 901) Birds in Victorian History of Worcestershire. Tucker J J (1980) Management Plan for Hartlebury Common LNR. MSc dissertation.

University College London. Tucker, J J (1981) Management Plan for Hartlebury Common, a lowland heath in

Worcestershire. County Council of Hereford and Worcester. Tucker J J (1981a) Preliminary annotated check-list of the birds of Devil's Spittleful/Rifle

Range NR, Kidderminster. Cyclostyled. Vaurie, C (1955) Systematic notes on Palearctic birds. No. 17: Laniidae. Am. Mus. Novit.,

1752:1-19.

23

1980 Bird Record Localities The following alphabetical fist for each county gives the grid reference of all localities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying map shows every locality for which a rccord was submitted in 1980.

Warwickshire Admington SP 2046 Hams Hall Prince thorpe SP 4 0 7 0 Alvecote SK 2 5 0 4 (see Ladywalk) Purley Park SP 3096 Arrow SP 0 8 5 6 Hartshill SP 3 2 9 4 Ashorne SP 3057 Haseley SP 2 3 6 8 Ryton GP SP 3772

Haselor SP 1257 Baddesley Clinton SP 2071 Henley-in-Arden SP 1565 Seckington SK 2 6 0 7 Baginton SP 3474 Seeswood Pool SP 3 2 9 0 Bearley SP 1760 Idlicote SP 2844 Sherbourne SP 2661 Bedworth SP 3587 llmington SP 2 1 4 3 Shustoke SP 2291 Birdingbury SP 4 3 6 8 Stra tfo rd-on-Avo n SP 2 0 5 5 Brandon Marsh SP 3875 Kenilworth SP 2 8 7 2 Studley SP 0 7 6 3 Bubbenhall SP 3672 Kineton SP 3351 Sych Wood SP 2092 Burton Hastings SP 4 1 8 9 Kingsbury WP SP 2 0 9 6

Temple Grafton SP 1254 Chesterton SP 3558 Ladywalk SP 2 0 9 2 Churchover SP 3375 Lud Murston 3P 2 0 9 3 Urioi-i GP 3861 Coleshill SP 2 0 8 9 Leamington Spa SP 3165 Umberslade Park SP 1371 Combrook SP 3051 Luddington SP 1652 Coombe Abbey SP 4 0 7 9 Walton SP 2 8 5 2 Coton SP 2 1 9 4 Marston GP SP 2 0 9 4 Wappenbury SP 3 7 7 0 Crimscote SP 2 3 4 7 Maxstoke SP 2 3 8 6 Warwick SP 2 8 6 4 Curdworth SP 1792 Middleton SP 1898 Water Orton SP 1791

Welford-on-Avon SP 1452 Dordon SK 2 6 0 0 Newbold Revel SP 4 5 8 0 Weston-on-Avon SP 1551 Draycote Water SP 4 6 6 9 Newnham Paddox SP 4 8 8 4 Whateley SP 2 2 9 9

Whitacre Heath SP 2 1 9 2 Earlswood SP 1174 Offchurch SP 3 5 6 5 Willey SP 4 9 8 4 Ettington SP 2 6 4 8 Wishaw SP 1794

Packington SP 2 2 8 4 Wolston SP 4 1 7 5 Hampton Lucy SP 2557 Preston Bagot SP 1765 Hampton Magna SP 2665 Preston-on-Stour SP 2 0 4 9 Yarningale SP 1865

Worcestershire Abberton SO 9953 Bewdley so 7875 Captains Pool SO 8474 Arley SO 7680 Bittell SP 0174 Castlemorton Common Arrow Valley Park SP 0667 Blackpole so 8657 SO 7839 Astley SO 7867 Brakemill Pool SO 8979 Chaddesley Corbett Aston Mill so 9435 Bredori SO 9136 SO 8873

Bredon Hill SO 9539 Chaddesley Wood SO 9173 Beaconwood so 9875 Broadway SP 0937 Clent SO 9379 Beckford so 9735 Bromsgrove SO 9570 Cobblers Coppice SO 9 2 6 9 Beoley SP 0669 Burlish Top SO 8072 Cofton Hackett SP 0075 Berrow Hill so 9962 Burnt Wood SO 7673 Cofton Hall SP 0 1 7 5

24

Cofton Reservoir SP 0 0 7 5 Kniahtsford Bridge SO 7 3 5 6 Severn Stoke SO 8544 Coldridqe Wood SO 8 0 8 2 Knowles Mill Shatterford sn 7981 Croome SO 8 8 4 4 (see Dowles Brook) Shortwood Roughs Crowle SO 9 2 5 6 SP 0 1 7 0

Lickey SO 9 9 7 5 Shrawley so 8064 Defford SO 9 1 4 3 Longdon SO 8 3 3 6 Sinton so 8 1 6 0 Devils Spittleful so 8 0 7 4 Lower Sapey SO 6 9 6 0 Slade Wood SP 0 2 5 3 Dodford so 9 3 7 3

Lower Sapey Sling so 9477

Dowles Brook so 7 6 7 6 Madeley Heath SO 9 5 7 7 Stanford-on-Teme SO 7065 Droitwich so 8 9 6 3 Malvern SO 7745 Stour Hill so 8373

Eckington so 9 2 4 1 Menith Wood SO 7 0 6 9 Stourport so 8171

Eckington so 9 2 4 1 Midsummer Hill SO 7637 Strensham so 9039 Eymore Wood so 7 7 7 9 Monkwood SO 8 0 6 0 Summerfield so 8373

Far Forest so 7 2 7 5 Fladbury so 9 9 4 6 Naunton Beauchamp Tardebigge so 9 8 6 8

North Littleton 9U SOOZ Thorngrove so 8 2 6 0

Gadbury Bank North Littleton SP 0 8 4 7 Torton so 8472 Goosehill Wood so 9 3 6 0 Trench Wood so 9 2 5 8 Grimley so 8 3 6 0 Oakley SO 8 9 6 0 Trimpley so 7778 Grimley

Oldington SF SO 8 1 7 3 Twyning Green so 9036 Hagley so 9 1 8 0 Old Yew Hill Wood SP 0 2 5 2

Twyning Green

Hallow so 8 2 5 8 Ombersley SO 8 4 6 3 Harvington SP 0 5 4 8 Upton Snodsbury so 9454 Hewell Park SP 0 0 6 9 Parkatt Wood SO 7 9 7 9 Upton Warren so 9367 High Green so 8 7 4 5 Pershore SO 9 4 4 5 Highstank Pool so 8 9 6 5 Pipers Hill SO 9 5 6 5 Hindlip so 8 7 5 8 Pirton SO 8 7 4 7 Waseley Hills so 9777 Holt so 8 2 6 2 Powick SO 8351 Weethley Wood SP 0455 Holt Heath so 8 1 6 3 Puckrup SO 8 7 3 6 Westwood Park so 8763 Hoobrook so 8 3 7 4 Pulley (see Oakley Wilden so 8272 Hornhill Wood so 9 5 5 8 Woodcote Green so 9172 Horsley Hills so 8 0 8 0 Redditch SP 0 4 6 7 Worcester so 8454 Hurcott so 8 5 7 7 Red Hall SO 9 0 7 8 Wyre Forest so 7475

Rock Coppice SO 7 6 7 3 Kempsey so 8 5 4 9 Romsley SO 9 6 7 9 Kidderminster so 8 3 7 6 Rous Lench SP 0 1 5 3 Yeald Wood SP 0152

Staffordshire -

Abrahams Valley SK 0 0 2 0 Beaudesert Old Park Cannock SJ 9 7 1 0 Admaston SK 0 5 2 3 SK 0 3 1 3 Cannock Chase SK 0017 Alrewas SK 1715 Belvide SJ 8 6 1 0 Canwell SK 1400 Alton SK 0 7 4 2 Blackbrook Valley SK 0 0 6 4 Chasewater SK 0307 Aqualate SJ 7 7 2 0 Blithfield SK 0 6 2 3 Cheddleton SJ 9752

Branston SK 2 1 2 0 Chillington SJ 8606 Back Forest SJ 9 8 6 5 Bridgtown SJ 9 7 0 8 Clifton Campville SK 2 5 1 0 Baggeridge so 8 9 9 2 Brocton SJ 9 7 1 9 Coombes Valley SK 0052 Bagots Wood SK 0 7 2 7 Burnt Wood SJ 7 4 3 4 Copmere SJ 8029 Baldwins Gate SJ 7 9 3 9 Croxall SK 1913 Barlaston SJ 8 9 3 8 Calf Heath SJ 9 3 0 9

Dane Bridge SJ 9 6 6 5 Ipstones . SK 0 2 4 9 Rudyard SJ 9 4 5 9 Derrington SJ 8922 Ivetsey Bank SJ 8 3 1 0 Rugeley SK 0 4 1 8 Doley SJ 8121 Rushton Spencer SJ 9 3 6 2 Dosthill SK 2 1 0 0 Jacksons Coppice SJ 7 9 3 0 Doxey (see Tillington) Scobridgc SJ 8 3 4 3 Drayton Bassett SK 1900 Keele SJ 8045 Seisdon SO 8 3 9 4

Kings Bromley SK 1216 Seven Springs SK 0 0 2 0

Eccleshall SJ 8 3 2 9 Kinver SO 8 3 8 3 Shenstone SK 1004

Elford SK 1810 Knighton SJ 7427 Sherbrook Valley SJ 9 8 1 8

Enville SO 8 3 8 6 Knypersley SJ 8 9 5 5 Silverdale SJ 8146

Essington SJ 9 6 0 3 SK 1109

Slitting Mill SK 0 3 1 7 Etching Hill SK 0 3 1 8 Lichfield SK 1109 Stafford SJ 9 2 2 3 Etching Hill SK 0 3 1 8

Little Aston SK 0 9 0 0 Stoke-on-Trent SJ 8745 Little Wyrley SK 0 1 0 5 Stretton Hall SJ 8811

Flash SK 0 2 6 7 Longnor SK 0 8 6 4 Style Cop SK 0 3 1 5 Ford Green SJ 8 9 5 0 Longsdon SJ 9 5 5 4 Sugnall SJ 7 9 3 0 Four Ashes SJ 9 2 0 8 Loynton Moss SJ 7824 Swallow Moss SK 0 6 6 0 Fradley SK 1513

Loynton Moss

Fullmoor Wood SJ 9411 Maer SJ 7938 Tamworth SK 2 0 0 3 Maple Hayes SK 0 9 0 9 Teddesley Park SJ 9 4 1 5

Gailey Garmelow Gib Torr Goldsitch Gradbach

SJ 9 3 1 0 Milford SJ 9721 Tillington SJ 9 0 2 4 Gailey Garmelow Gib Torr Goldsitch Gradbach

SJ 7927 SK 0 2 6 4 SK 0 1 6 4 SJ 9965

Mottey Meadows

Newcastle-under-Lyme

SJ

SJ

8 3 1 3

8445

Tittesworth Trentham Trysull Two Gates

SJ SJ so SK

9 9 5 9 8 6 4 0 8 5 9 4 2 1 0 1

Gun Hill SJ 9761 Newchurch SK 1423 Wall Grange SJ 9 7 5 4

Oldacre Valley SJ 9 7 1 8 Warslow SK 0 8 5 8

Hammerwich SK 0 6 0 7 Oldacre Valley SJ 9 7 1 8 Weetmans Bridge Hanch Reservoir SK 1013 West Branston Hanchurch SJ 8441 Patshull SJ 8 0 0 0 Westlands SJ 8 3 4 4 Hanley SJ 8 7 4 7 Pattingham SO 8 2 9 9 Westport SJ 8 5 5 0 Hatherton SJ 9 5 1 0 Penkridge SJ 9 2 1 4 Wheaton Aston SJ 8 5 1 2 High Off ley SJ 7 8 2 6 Perton SO 8 5 9 8 Whitley Heath SJ 8126 Hilton Park SJ 9 5 0 5 Poplars SK 0 0 0 9 Whittington SF so 8 5 8 2 Himley SO 8891 Wolseley SK 0 2 2 0 Hixon SK 0 0 2 5 Rickerscote SJ 9 3 2 0 Hopwas SK 1705 Rodbaston SJ 9211 Yoxall SK 1419

West Midlands Alcott Wood SP 1786 Brownhills SK 0 4 0 5 Edgbaston Park SP 0 5 8 4 Aldridge SK 0 5 0 0 Edgbaston Ashen Coppice SO 9195 Cannon Hill Park SP 0 6 8 3 Reservoir SP 0 4 8 6

Chelmsley Wood SP 1786 Elmdon SP 1682 Bartley SP 0081 Cornets End SP 2 3 8 0 Erdington SP 1191 Berkswell SP 2 4 7 9 Bickenhill SP 1882 Dartmouth Park SP 0 1 9 2 Four Oaks SP 1198 Birmingham City Dorridge SP 1675 Four Oaks SP 1198

Centre SP.0686 Bournville SP 0481 Eaves Green SP 2682 Gornal Wood SO 9 1 9 0

26

Halesowen SO 9683 Hall Green SP 1081 Hampton-in-Arden SP 2 0 8 0 Hockley Heath SP 1 572 Hydes Road Pool SO 9994

Klngstanding

Marston Green Meriden Minworth Moseley

SP 0 7 9 4

S P 1 7 8 5 SP 2482 S P 1 6 9 2 SP 0783

National Exhibition Centre SP 1983

Nechells New Invention

Penn Pensnett

Rushall

SP 0989 SJ 9601

SO 8995 SO 9188

SK 0201

Sandwell Valley S P 0 2 9 1 Sedglev SO 9193 Selly Oak SP 0482 Shenstone Woods SO 9784 Shirley S P 1 1 7 8 Solihull SP 1579 Stoke SP 3779

Stonebridge SP 2183 Stourbridge SO 9084 Stubbers Green SK 0401 Sutton Coldfield SP 1296 Sutton Park SP 0997 Swanshurst Park SP 0981

Tettenhall SJ 8700

Vale Hall SP 0584

Walsall SP 0198 Wednesfield SJ 9400 West Heath SP 0277 Wolverhampton SO 9198 Wyken Slough SP 3683

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 1980. Figures in brackets denote the number of years on which the averages are based, in tables. — denotes no count available. See page 108 for key to contributors.

Red-throated Diver Worcs One at Trimpley Reservoir on December 28 MT.

Black-throated Diver Worcs A bird at Bittell on November 8 was the first in the county since

1962 GCB, CL. Staffs One in full breeding plumage visited Blithfield briefly on May 25

OWE, WJL, GS.

Great Northern Diver Warks At Draycote, the bird from 1979 remained until January 5 while

later in the year one was present from December 9 RCM to 24. One occurred at Shustoke on November 21 and 22 BLK.

Staffs A bird at Belvide on November 1 5 JKH, EGP. PT flew off to the NE and was presumably the same individual that visited Blithfield on the following day several observers. One at Westport Lake on December 2 WJL.

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Diver sp Staffs On October 25 an unidentified diver circled high over Belvide

before departing to the WNW DS.

Little Grebe Warks Breeding reports received only from Alvecote, Brandon,

Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Preston-on-Stour and Ryton. Maximum counts included 14 at Alvecote on February 24, 12 at Kingsbury on September 29, 45 at Draycote on October 12, and 11 at Brandon on November 28.

Worcs Bred at Bittell (where there were 14 birds on August 31 and September 14), Droitwich, Holt, Oakley, Upton Warren (where there were nine birds on April 6), and Westwood.

Staffs Four broods recorded at Belvide and nesting also reported from Gailey, Ipstones, Kings Bromley and two sites in Tamworth. Few concentrations were reported, but they included 24 at Belvide on August 9, 15 at Blithfield during September and 15 on October 12 at Chasewater, where this species was unusually numerous in autumn.

WMid Probably three pairs bred at Edgbaston Park and one pair at Stubbers Green. A pair and two immatures occurred at Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, on September 27, while up to three birds were seen intermittently in Sutton Park.

Great Crested Grebe Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote S 15 2 3 2 0 18 I S 12 8 1 0 11 Draycote 1 4 0 4 5 7 2 5 0 5 4 5 3 6 2 3 2 5 0 6 0 8 7 8 0 Kingsbury 6 11 2 6 2 2 3 2 19 2 7 14 15 8 13 11

Bittell 7 2 1 2 6 2 6 1 2 9 6 Wes twood 2 8 4 8 6 6

Belvide 11 7 13 17 15 17 15 9 8 15 15 2 Blithfield 4 7 3 4 5 5 7 3 7 3 9 1 1 6 1 1 2 0 8 8 8 0 6 3 5 0 Chasewater 6 2 12 13 8 6 13 6 7 5 5 6 Kings Bromley 3 3 a 16 18 17 17 17 18 2 0 8 8

Warks Nesting reported from only seven localities and productivity apparently low. At Earlswood the maximum was 31 on May 26 and at Shustoke nine during mid-September.

Worcs Bred at Cofton, Fladbury, Tardebigge and Upton Warren. Staffs Bred with limited success at Aqualate, Belvide, Himley, Kings

Bromley and Westport. At Blithfield early nests were flooded out and no young appeared until early July, but by the end of the month 60 juveniles had been hatched, a record total. 20 birds were present at Branston,on September 11.

28

WMid Four pairs bred at Edgbaston Park, three pairs at Sutton Park and one pair at Poncnott Pools. 13 birds rnnnted on Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, on April 19 and seven at Bartley on July 31.

Red-necked Grebe Worcs A bird in transitional plumage occurred at Bittell on April 9

several observers.

Slavonian Grebe Warks At Draycote two in summer plumage were present on April 1

RCM and 2, one remaining to 22, while later in the year a bird appeared on November 11 RCM.

Worcs One noted at Upton Warren on December 4 AFJ. Staffs At Himley one recorded from November 20 GCW to 26.

Black-necked Grebe

Warks Single birds in the Kingsbury area from September 6 JAA to 21 and on November 8 JEF, BLK and 9, the former moving to Shustoke on September 22 BLK.

Staffs A pair visited Belvide on May 25 FCG.

Cormorant Warks One at Dordon in early January. At Alvecote, one on January 5,

five on August 30 and singles on September 13 and 14, October 25 and December 21. At Brandon, two on March 20, singles on April 24, August 30 and September 13, and three on October 5. One at Kingsbury on February 9 and 10, and on June 18. One noted at Ladywalk on August 28 and 31, and three on October 12, while a party of 16 flew over on August 29. Up to three

29

occurred at Draycote between August and October, with up to five in November.

Worcs Two flew S over Stourport on March 18, with one the following day. At Trimpley Reservoir there were three on March 30 and one on September 14 and November 30. Two flew over Grimley on March 30 and one on April 13. At Upton Warren one occurred on July 31 and three on October 11, with the same number having been seen the previous day flying along the river at Severn Stoke. Two appeared at Arley on November 2 and single birds at Wilden on April 13, Westwood on August 30, Bewdley on October 26, Holt on November 30, and Worcester on December 11 and 16.

Staffs Monthly maxima:

J F M A M J J A 5 0 N 0

Aqualate 6 21 6 13 2 1 Belvide B 14 4 1 — — — 2 2 6 6 9 Blithfield 10 2 1 3 3 3 — 2 6 13 3 5 2 5 2 0 4 7 Branston 2 6 2 6 2 0 9 1 3 1 1 4 13 8 2 0 Kings Bromley 59 6 0 6 5 19 2 2 3 2 a 7 4 78 8 1

Two at Westport on January 2; 12 at Chasewater on January 12; four at Bridgtown on February 17 with two on March 20; seven at Chillington on March 1; seven over Seabridge on April 9; one at Himley on September 18 and November 21; one over Milford on November 1; four over Westlands on November 3; maximum of 11 at Gailey on December 11; 13 at Elford on December 15; one at Stretton Hall in late December; and noted fairly regularly over Alrewas, with a maximum of 18 flying NW on December 4.

Shag Warks Another good sequence of records from Draycote, where four

from 1979 remained until January 7 and three to January 25 several observers, then up to five present from August 18 RCM to 28, three on October 10 ARD and 11, and one on November 1 ARD, RCM and 2. An immature found dead at Ashorne on September 13 per PC. One at Kingsbury on December 6 JEF and 7.

Staffs At Chasewater one occurred on September 5 ARMB, four on September 12 GE with one remaining to 14, and two from November 23 GE, RAH to 30. Single birds observed at Belvide on October 12 DS, and Westport on November 8 PGB, RH, WJL.

WMid One observed on September 23 at Stubbers Green GE, where there were unconfirmed reports of one or two birds for several days in late September.

30

Little Bittern Warks A male at Kingsbury from June 24 to July 2 RSA, JAE, JP was the

second in the county in little more than four years. Small Jackdaw-sized heron with broad, well-rounded wings, long, sharply-pointed bill and long legs, which trailed in flight. Crown, nape, back and upper tail black. Tip and trailing edge of wing black, but coverts buff, forming prominent oval patch. Sides of head, neck and underbody all sandy-buff. Bill yellow with a striking orange-red base. Legs yellow-green. Generally secretive, remaining within cover much of the time, and on one occasion watched standing motionless for some 30 seconds with head and neck upstretched. Climbed among branches with, surprising agility, however, and flight buoyant with rapid wing-beats.

Grey Heron Warks About 20 pairs bred at Coombe and 14 pairs at another central

site. At Brandon the maximum was six on April 6, at Alvecote seven on June 21, at Kingsbury 30 on August 26, at Ladywalk 16 on September 1 and at Draycote 13 on December 23. Smaller numbers were reported from Alvecote, Coleshill, Earlswood, Henley, Middleton, Seeswood, Shustoke and Ufton Fields.

Worcs 12 pairs raised 26 young at a site near Worcester. Seven birds noted at Highstank Pool on July 6, nine at Bittell on August 11, five at Wilden on August 30 and smaller numbers at 19 additional localities.

Staffs The total number of nests recovered to 165, with 37 at Aqualate, 18 at Gailey, 65 at Bagots Wood, seven at Chillington, 17 at Enville, five at Longsdon Wood, and 16 at a site in SE of the county. The peak count at Blithfield was 80 on June 15; very small numbers were reported from only five additional localities.

Spoonbill Staffs Two birds reported over Blithfield on August 10 were

subsequently observed circling over Branston on August 16 JCE-D. The first in the county since 1976.

Mute Swan Details of only 20 nests received. Monthly maxima at principal localities:

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

Alvecote 2 3 2 9 3 1 3 2 6 1 7 5 8 5 73 6 1 8 7 2 1 Kingsbury 7 11 2 2 — 15 2 3 2 7 4 0 4 7 53 3 2 3 4

Belvide 5 4 2 16 2 3 4 1 4 8 4 8 2 0 8 5 5 Blithfield — — 2 2 3 12 4 5 4 2 13 — 2 4 Chasewater 4 7 — 6 6 4 8 2 7 2 4 3 9 3 9 2 4

31

Worcs 26 at Pirton on December 6. Staffs 30 on March 16 at Tamworth, where there was another oiling

incident on April 24-26 from which 28 birds were rescued and transferred to Alvecote. 15 birds counted at Hanley Forest Park on November 14, and 22 at Himley on November 22. Increasing effects of disturbance illustrated by unprecendented absence of birds from Chasewater for a fortnight in late July and early August. By contrast, the relative sanctuary of Belvide is attracting an increasingly large moulting flock.

Bewick's Swan Warks At Draycote 12 birds were noted on January 12, while on

February 23 60 birds that had been present throughout the day were joined at dusk by a further 35 birds to produce a regional record total of 95 ARD; later in the year there were three from November 10 to 15, two on November 30 and four on December 28. Four were at Kingsbury on January 6, followed by eight on November 15 and one on December 6 and 7. Up to 12 frequented Alvecote during the second half of February and a single bird occurred on March 22. Two flew E over Warwick on January 28 and one was seen at Brandon on February 24.

Worcs Eight flew over Upton Warren on February 14, while later in the year 13 were present on October 26, two on November 2 and 12 in flight on November 30. Two were seen on the River Avon at Bredon on December 8 (wanderers from a herd of up to 65 birds wintering on water meadows just over the border into Gloucestershire). Seven flew over High Green on November 15 and 18 three days later, whilst at nearby Pirton Pool four were present on December 2, 31 on 7, and three on 19 and 21. Three were also near Puckrup on December 21 and one at Tardebigge on December 28.

Staffs Recorded at Blithfield from January 25 to March 2, usually two or three but up to 14 from February 12 to 17; six occurred on November 30, while 20 arrived in the area on December 14, increasing the following day to 25 which remained into the new year. At Belvide 32 were present on February 23 and a similar number on February 25, while 17 were atTeddesley on February 24. The latter birds moved to Gailey on February 25 and were joined on 26 by the Belvide birds, the resulting flock of 49 birds remaining until at least February 27. Seven were at Tittesworth on January 20, followed by two on March 9. Two occurred at Ford Green on February 24. In the Rudyard-Longsdon Mill area one was seen on November 8, then up to five until November 16 and three from December 14 to the end of the year. Six flew over Stafford on December 10.

32

Whooper Swan Warks Nine reported flying NW over Draycote on December 2 RCM. Worcs One flew S over Upton Warren on November 1 AFJ. Staffs In the Rudyard-Longsdon-Tittesworth area up to 12 birds were

present from the beginning of the year until March 1 and three birds from December 6 into the new year PGB et al. Four were at Westport Lake on January 1 PGB, WJL. At Doxey one was recorded from February 3 to March 8 and two from November into the new year several observers.

Pink-footed Goose Staffs Single feral birds were recorded at Aqualate on January 19 and

at Blithfield from December 29 into the new year.

White-fronted Goose Warks A feral bird was observed at Kingsbury on several dates between

January 20 and June 23, while two occurred at Newbold Revel on January 20 and Brandon on February 2.

Worcs One at Westwood on April 9 was considered to be an escape. Staffs Two were seen at Blithfield on December 29; they remained into

the new year when they were joined by a third bird. Again, behaviour suggested feral birds.

WMid Eight flew S over Sandwell Valley on November 22 AN, RN.

Greylag Goose Feral birds reported as follows:

Warks Three pairs reared seven young at Ladywalk. At Brandon four present from February 16 to 22 and a pair during April and May. Two noted at Ryton on April 24. Noted regularly at Kingsbury outside the breeding season, with a maximum of 105 on October 6.

Worcs One at Upton Warren on April 13. Staffs One or two regularly observed at Blithfield, with eight on April

12. One resident at Kings Bromley. One at Aqualate on January 19, February 18 and September 14. At Belvide two recorded on April 13 and five on August 16.

Snow Goose Feral birds recorded at the following localities, all single birds unless otherwise specified:

Warks Packington on April 9 and Kingsbury on April 7, with seven (including one blue-phase) on April 30 and May 1.

Worcs Wilden on April 21. Staffs In flight from Drakelow (Derbys) over Branston on April 1, at

Himley on April 16, Aqualate on September 14 and Belvide on September 23 and 27.

33

Canada Goose Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Chesterton 6B B9 2 1 5 1 2 3 3 8 1 4 5 Kingsbury 3 5 0 2 0 0 1 7 0 — — 112 1 5 5 — 5 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 3 3 5 0

Bittell 3 4 7 3 2 1 2 7 9 7 2 23

Aqualate 3 3 9 3 3 9 2 4 3 2 7 7 5 4 9 4 4 9 2 6 0 Belvide 171 7 3 16 3 1 2 8 2 5 14 14 7 2 1 3 8 51 3 8 Blithfield 3 7 0 B5 13 8 2 5 3 6 6 5 2 2 1 5 6 0 192 2 2 7 6 8 0 Kings Bromley 1 2 0 2 1 0 1 1 8 1 2 4 5 5 2 5 7 2 5 0 3 2 0 7 8 1 4 0 2 4 0 2 0 0

Isolated counts included: Warks 117 at Newbold Revel on January 20; 270 on August 31 at

Ladywalk, where six or seven pairs bred; 140 on October 18 at Brandon, where five pairs bred producing 23 young of which 19 fledged; 65 at Earlswood on November 26; 62 at Seeswood Pool on December 4; 100 at Alvecote on December 21.

Worcs 276 on January 15 at Westwood, where a bird showing characters of the race minima was observed on November 1; 44 at Beckford on August 16; 120 at Arrow Valley on August 20; and 300 at Holt during August and September.

Staffs 160 at Gailey on August 19 and 180 at Brocton on September 23. At Kings Bromley 98 young were present in June.

WMid 100 at Stoke Floods on February 7; 65 on August 13 at Edgbaston Park, where a pair raised six young; 88 at Hydes Road Pool on August 23; 95 on September 21 at Sutton Park, where four pairs reared 15 young; 65 at Vale Hall Pool on December 16; and 150 at Brueton Park, Solihull, on December 29.

Barnacle Goose Reported from the following localities, all single feral birds except where otherwise stated:

Warks Ladywalk on many dates between February 28 and May 11, and Kingsbury during the latter part of March. At Earlswood 24 appeared on December 6 NDG, 13 still being present at the end of the year: these birds were rather tame, but arrived during a winter which witnessed an influx of the species to several counties of central and southern England.

Worcs Bittell on December 28. Staffs Blithfield during early January; Gailey on January 13; and

Aqualate on four dates between January 19 and March 16. A party of nine flew over Belvide on September 23 but, being accompanied by a Snow Goose, were presumably feral.

WMid Hydes Road Pool on February 18.

34

Egyptian Goose Single birds at:

Staffs Gailey on January 13. WMid Cannon Hill Park on January 3 and in the Edgbaston Park-Vale

Hall area throughout the year.

Shelduck Monthly maxima at selected localities:

M A M J J A S O N

Alvecote — 1 3 4 2 2 1 — 6 — — 6 Brandon 3 — — 1 2 — — 2 2 — 7 5 Draycote 1 — — 9 — — — — — 2 1 1 — Kingsbury 1 5 6 6 9 2 1 2 2 3 — — — Ladywalk — — 1 4 — — — 1 _ — — 1

Upton Warren — 6

Belvide — 1 — 4 4 — — — 3 1 — 3 Blithfield — 2 — 2 — — — — 6 — 1 — Chasewater 1 1 — — — — — — 1 — 1 2

Warks At Kingsbury broods of eight, eight and three appeared during May, but only one young was successfully fledged. A duck occurred at Packington on May 5.

Worcs At Bittell two noted on February 20 and three on October 26. Three visited Westwood on April 11, four Wilden on October 4 and one Pirton on October 8.

Staffs Eight recorded at Westport Lake on January 12, followed by one on February 23 and two on April 3. At Tittesworth three observed on February 10 and one on March 30. Two noted at Branston on February 17, one at Chillington on March 16 and one at Rickerscote on March 21. A pair, recorded in fields near Wheaton Aston on March 1 and during the first-half of May, possibly attempted to breed in the area.

WMid At Bartley one present on April 19 and two on November 27. Eight flew S over Sandwell Valley on September 19.

Mandarin Warks A male at Draycote on November 22. Worcs At Aston Mill Pit a male observed on May 8 and then a duck with

one young between June 26 and July 26. Staffs The drake from 1979 was last seen at Belvide on January 1. A

drake present at Knypersley on June 4 and 6.

35

Wigeon Average: August 25 (42) to May 2 (45) Lingered into May at three or four localities, with the latest at Blithfield on 25 and Upton Warren on 29. Returning migrants confused by summer records at Belvide and Blithfield, but two at Belvide on August 9 were probably the first. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

Alvecote Brandon Draycote Ladywalk

26 3 5

3 0 0 1 3 0

F M A

2 0 2 4 2 6 5 9 1

200 80 — 1 5 0 1 1 3 2 9

A S 0 N D

2 — 1 2 1 ' 2 4 — 3 5 1 2 4 2

3 2 2 2 5 1 3 3 2 5 0 2 3 2 7 1 0 0 8 5

Aqualate Belvide Blithfield Tittesworth

1 4 5

8 3 0 5 4

10 5 3

4 2 5 9 3

9 0 3 2

2 3 8 201

3 15 10 14

— — 41 2 5 6 2 4 9 5 9

— 14 2 9

8 2 — 3 2 5 1

161 7 5 0 8 2 1 2 0

Warks Small numbers noted irregularly during both winter periods in the Kingsbury area, with 32 on January 12 and 65 on December 16. At Shustoke up to 12 were present in January followed by two on May 1, up to nine during November and up to eight during December. Three were seen at Ufton Fields on December 28 and nine at Packington on November 30.

Worcs One or two recorded intermittently at Upton Warren up to May 29 and again from September 27, with 14 on October 12. Small numbers frequented Bittell between January 12 and April 17, with 35 on the first date, and between September 1 and December 8, with 12 on the last date. Up to six were at Westwood from January 13 to February 5, one at Fladbury from April 2 to 8, eight at Wilden on September 21, eight near Twyning Green on December 19, 40 near Puckrup on December 19 and five at Grimley on December 22.

Staffs Noted irregularly at Chasewater during January and from September 30 to December 14, usually one or two, but with 31 on January 13 and nine on October 18. One or two appeared occasionally at Westport up to April 25, between September 19 and 26, and during late November and December. A drake was at Gailey on January 12, a peak of 19 birds at Kings Bromley on January 20, and 70 at Knighton Reservoir during November and December. Summer records included single birds at Belvide on July 5 and at Blithfield from July 13 onwards.

WMid At Bartley up to 100 were reported on January 12 and up to a dozen subsequently until February 24. One occurred at Edgbaston Reservoir on October 13 and two at Sutton Park from November 1 to 14.

36

Gadwall Monthly nidAiiVia at selected waters:

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

Brandon 2 2 2 * 3 18 Draycote 8 1 0 8 6 — — — 2 — 1 8 2 7 2 6 Kingsbury 4 3 7 6 7 3 — 9 2 0 3 7 5 5 5 1 Ladywalk 4 7 1 — — — — — 1 — 8 —

Binell 1 — 4 4 — — — — 5 - 2 —

Belvide 2 2 4 6 2 2 / 4 7 Blithfield — — 2 2 4 — 4 2 — — 2 —

Branston — — 2 2 2 4 4 2 1 4 — —

Warks A pair bred again at Kingsbury, rearing six young BLK et at. At Alvecote a pair noted on six dates between January 8 and April 18, and five birds on November 1.

Worcs At Oakley there were three on February 17, nine on November 9 and 12 on December 6; at Pirton 18 on December 6; at Upton Warren one on March 16, one on July 3 and up to three during November; and at Westwood four on November 24.

Staffs A pair recorded at Aqualate on February 18. Present at Chasewater from September 5 to November 16, with up to five in October and up to nine in November. A pair frequented Westport Lake from November 7 to December 13.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

Teal Monthly maxima at principal waters:

Alvecote Brandon Draycote Kingsbury Ladywalk Water Orton

Bittell Upton Warren

Aqualate Belvide Blithfield

3 0 1 1 5 100 2 4 3 2 3 0

10

7 5 56

4 5 1 4 0

4 2 7 5 7 0 4 9

9 5 3 0

M 13

160 7

4 7 2 7 3 0

6 5 7

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

3 0 100

8 53

9 12

2 4 26

3 0 1 7 0

2 9

1 4 0

12 200

1 4 0 2 7 0

2 20 3 5 31

B 5 5

3 3 0

4 2 2

1 4 5 2 4 5

17 5 0

1 0 5

14 4 8

N

1 2 5 4 3 0

7 0 SO

200 9 8

81 80

1 2 5 1 7 5 1 6 5 1 3 7

9 8 131

8 5 2 5

4 1 5 0 — 91 1 6 0 2 9 1

3 3 8 561 7 5

One or two birds present during summer at Alvecote and Ladywalk, with breeding considered probable at latter. Noted at Oakley in the early summer, but no evidence of breeding. Up to 60 birds in winter months at Holt G P. Maximum at Kings Bromley was 61 on January 6, at Ford Green 50 on January 19 and at Longsdon Mill 60 on February 9.

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At Stubbers Green up to 20 were noted in January and a single bird on December 26. Two were seen at Bartley on January 11 and 12 and 11 at Edgbaston Park on November 2, one of which remained to 30. A pair occurred in Sutton Park on May 24. A male showing the characters of the N. American race, Green-Winged Teal, was observed at Kingsbury on April 1 7 JEF. The second county and regional record (the first being at Baginton in January 1953). Plumage similar to European race, but distinguished particularly by distinctive vertical white stripe on sides of breast and lack of horizontal white stripe along scapulars. More subtle differences included less bright head pattern, with green eye patch showing buff border below, but not above, and richer buff, heavily spotted breast.

Mallard Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N •

Alvecote 2 2 0 4 5 2 6 3 9 7 9 138 3 9 3 6 8 5 2 5 5 1 8 0 Brandon 6 0 6 2 6 6 5 8 1 1 2 1 5 0 7 0 4 3 5 3 1 0 0 0 5 5 6 0 Chesterton 6 0 0 B2 2 0 — — — — — 3 2 0 1 7 0 7 0 1 6 3 Draycote 9 4 0 5 0 0 3 6 — — — 6 4 — 6 6 4 3 2 0 7 6 0 9 6 8 Earlswood 1 3 0 1 2 0 — — — — — — — 8 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 Kingsbury 3 8 4 1 7 3 8 5 — 6 8 79 4 2 — 5 1 3 4 0 0 4 6 3 2 0 5 Ladywalk 5 5 0 9 5 6 4 — — — — 3 0 0 4 5 0 5 5 0 1 2 5 3 0 0

Beckford 1 6 0 1 2 5 1 0 1 0 5 2 3 5 5 5 Bittell 4 0 0 9 5 7 5 1 0 — — — — 1 5 0 2 8 0 3 5 0 2 8 0 Upton Warren 78 5 0 17 3 7 2 7 118 1 5 4 3 2 6 1 8 5 97 1 7 6 1 8 6 Westwood 1 6 0 6 6 3 0 0 5 0 1 5 0 6 0

Aqualate 1 0 7 8 2 0 8 BO 3 5 4 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 4 4 0 1 8 5 0 —

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

Sutton Park 2 2 4 1 5 6 102 2 1 3 1 1 7 1 3 5 1 8 6

Warks 11 broods totalling 76 young were reared at Alvecote. The maximum count at Coombe was 600 on January 13.

Worcs At Bittell there were nine broods totalling 57 young and at Beckford seven broods totalling 49. A locality record total of 200 birds occurred at Wilden on September 21.

Staffs 22 broods totalling about 100 young were reared at Belvide. Miscellaneous maxima included 200 at Gailey on January 1, 320 at Trentham during January and February, 100 at Branston on December 13 and 700 at Copmere on December 21.

WMid Breeding reported from several parks as usual, with five pairs in Sutton Park, four broods at Edgbaston Park, and three broods at Swanshurst Park.

WMid

Warks

38

Pintail Average; Soptombor 8 (36) to April 16 (41) Last noted at Brandon on March 20. Returned on August 16, to Blithfield and Kingsbury.

Warks At Draycote one noted on January 4, four on January 12, and single birds on seven dates between October 4 and December 27. Single birds appeared at Kingsbury on February 10, 17 and March 1, followed by two on September 22, one on October 2 and 18, four from November 3 to 10, and one on December 16. At Ladywalk there were three on January 13; three on September 24 with two on 27 and one on 28; and one or two on four dates between October 8 and December 7. Single birds occurred at Brandon on March 20, October 19 and December 7, while four flew N on September 27. A pair visited Shustoke on January 13 and a drake was at Seeswood Pool on December 4 and 12.

Worcs Three noted at Wilden on February 3, single birds at Upton Warren on September 10, October 12 and November 16, and one at Bittell on September 14.

Staffs At Belvide there were two on January 1, three on January 6, one from February 2 to 16, one on October 18 and 25, nine on November 2, and four on December 13, with three remaining to December 20. One or two frequented Blithfield between January 20 and March 16, with four on February 23; followed by up to three from August 16 to September 28, six on October 12, three on November 30 and six on December 26. Six reported at Branston on February 10 and three on September 14. Single birds recorded at Chillington on March 16, Chasewater on October 12, and Rudyard on October 18.

WMid A drake seen at Bartley on January 12.

Garganey Average: March 31 (37) to September 27 (36) A pair at Bittell on April 11 were the first of the year and one at Draycote on October 12 the last.

Warks A drake at Ladywalk from April 22 was joined by a duck on May 13; a predated egg was reported found in late May HTL and subsequent reports of adults were few, with the last a duck on July 27. Perhaps this same individual was noted intermittently at Kingsbury between July 5 and September 21. A drake was observed at Alvecote on May 23 and 24; a duck at Draycote on July 31 and October 12; and a drake at Brandon from August 28 to September 1.

Worcs A pair noted at Bittell on April 11; and single birds at Oakley on May 4; Upton Warren on August 10, 11 and September 2; and Wilden on August 14.

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Staffs At Belvide one or two between July 13 and August 24, and one from September 17 to 20. Single birds recorded at Blithfield on May 25, June 19 and August 16.

Blue-winged Teal Worcs Two present at Upton Warren from September 29 to October 11

JTB, RFWH, JHWR, et at. were considered to be an immature and an eclipse male. The second regional record, the first involving a drake also at Upton Warren in March 1968. Superficially recalling Garganey but readily distinguished by longer, more spatulate bill; darker and rather greyer apearance; plain greyish-buff cheeks

< below dark eye-line; rather more extensive loral spot; more prominently marked flanks; bluer forewing (recalling Shoveler), and blackish trailing edge to secondaries. One individual displayed predominantly orange-yellow legs.

Shoveler Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 2 3 9 2 7 2 1 17 18 12 12 B t a n j u n 15 1 0 14 8 2 7 1 I B 55 3 8 9 19 Kingsbury 38 2 0 15 2 8 6 6 — — 2 0 5 0 72 5 0 Ladywalk 15 3 8 67 4 5 13 — — — 15 4 0 4 0 3 1

Upton Warren — 4 2 0 6 4 2 2 4 5 6 4 1 1 5 9 4 2 6

Aqualate 1 5 9 5 — 1 0 0 3 BO 4 4 9 Belvide 1 0 0 4 0 16 2 4 16 12 6 4 3 3 4 9 4 6 1 1 2 5 1 3 3 Blithfield — 11 10 B 5 1 10 2 0 18 18 4 0 2 0

Warks Breeding reported at both Kingsbury and Ladywalk. Numbers less than ten recorded intermittently at Draycote, Middleton, Packington and Shustoke.

Worcs Up to 20 noted at Holt and Grimley during winter months; 20 at Westwood on November 16; 14 at Wilden on November 2; ten on March 2 at Bittell, where lesser numbers were noted in all months except January and June to August; and six at Oakley on December 6.

Staffs Numbers up to seven recorded irregularly at Chasewater, Rickerscote, Rudyard and Westport. The October numbers at Belvide were a locality record.

WMid At Edgbaston Park two observed on February 13, one on August 31 and two on October 4. Occasional single birds noted in spring at Sutton Park and five on September 28.

Red-crested Pochard Warks Two males at Draycote on December 9, one remaining till the

following day RCM. Staffs A duck at Chillington on July 27 AN, RN.

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Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 1 3 0 1B5 181 2 9 2 2 8 10 19 51 7 2 102 8 5 Brandon 3 9 4 3 2 5 5 4 7 6 3 17 16 18 4 2 Draycote 1 7 5 5 0 — — — — — — — 7 0 1 2 0 1 5 0 Kingsbury 4 0 0 3 7 8 5 6 — — 1 0 — — 1 0 0 5 0 0 8 0 0 1 5 0 0 Ladywalk 5 5 8 1 0 1 4

Upton Warren 13 31 7 2 2 5 3 2 1 3 0 125 7 6 Wes twood 4 0 3 2 12 8 0 81 3 2

Belvide 5 3 8 5 9 10 2 2 6 0 6 2 8 8 127 151 2 2 2 7 7 Blithfield 1 9 3 1 2 5 — — — — 1 0 12 5 4 51 91 7 9 Chasewater 7 1 2 2 4 1 1 1 1 3 56 6 3 4 0 3 5 Gailey 5 4 . 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 6 15 5 7 Himley 1 6 6 — — — — — — — — 2 115 1 5 6 Westport 4 0 6 4 2 6 — — — — 2 0 4 0 51 79 7 9

Hydes Road Pool 9 9 5 6 3 6 4 — — — — 12 8 4 9 6 4 4

Warks At Alvecote only a single brood of four recorded. During December Kingsbury appeared to attract all the Pochard for miles around: estimates varied somewhat, but maximum numbers reported constitute a regional record. 100 birds reported at Shustoke in December.

Worcs A pair bred at Oakley and two juveniles were noted at Westwood on June 1. 50 birds counted at Captain's Pool on February 3 and 125 at Pirton Pool on October 26.

Staffs At Belvide one pair nested successfully and a second nesting attempt was suspected. 48 on February 18 was the maximum at Aqualate, and 75 on December 13 at Branston.

WMid 44 at Sandwell Valley on January 1 5; 26 at Bartley on January 2; and 37 at Edgbaston Park on December 13.

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Ferruginous Duck Warks Occurred at Draycote for the third successive year, a bird

appearing on December 9 RCM. Worcs A drake at Upton Warren from October 12 to 18 AFJ, BLK was

the first in the county since 1968.

Tufted Duck Monthly maxima at principal waters:

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

Alvecote 1 4 4 115 119 1 0 0 67 2 7 5 8 3 8 5 5 3 6 72 1 4 6 Brandon 2 6 8 6 87 5 0 3 0 16 2 5 6 2 5 19 2 0 3 9 Draycote 6 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 6 9 0 — 3 7 6 8 — 4 2 3 0 5 BOO 6 0 0 Kingsbury 7 5 0 1 9 6 2 2 0 1 3 0 1 5 0 1 0 5 8 6 — 1 9 8 2 3 8 4 3 0 3 7 5 Ladywalk 2 0 0 6 9 56 71 — — — — 37 2 0 1 3 0 6 7 Shustoke 7 8 1 1 0 8 0 2 2 1 2 1 5 2 8 3 3 5 0

Bittell 6 5 8 5 4 0 9 . 5 6 8 0 125 1 6 0 1 6 5 Upton Warren 8 2 9 53 78 19 15 3 8 4 4 3 0 2 6 3 2 4 2

Aqualate 3 4 7 6 5 4 8 6 — . 55 19 Belvide 133 9 4 8 2 1 5 3 1 3 0 3 4 7 4 5 2 7 1 8 2 5 0 2 1 8 2 6 1 1 6 0 Blithfield 3 5 9 9 3 7 8 4 5 8 5 3 5 2 3 9 9 6 2 1 2 7 Branston — — — — — — — — 137 03 13S 1 0 0 Chasewater 2 5 5 2 5 5 2 0 6 1 3 0 19 4 3 3 1 7 5 2 5 5 3 2 5 5 0 0 Chillington — 7 8 1 3 0 8 2 1 2 0 — 4 0 Gailey 1 0 0 1 2 0 6 9 — — — — — 2 1 4 3 3 5 7 0 Kings Bromley 1 8 0 9 0 7 0 6 9 59 2 8 5 3 6 5 2 2 5 2 1 1 0 8 0 Westport 9 2 9 9 104 2 6 — — — 15 4 1 4 9 8 6 119

Bartley 9 4 4 5 — — — — — — — 15 4 2 14 Sutton Park 3 8 3 5 3 4 — — . — — — 3 3 4 0 6 0 2 8

At least 60 young at Kingsbury; ten broods totalling 25 young at Alvecote; and eight broods totalling 35 young at Ladywalk. Breeding reports included six pairs at Holt and five broods totalling about 25 young at Upton Warren. Almost no breeding data submitted. Isolated maxima included 52 at Copmere on April 5 and 60 at Hanch Reservoir on November 16. Five broods totalling 23 young at Meriden and two breeding pairs at Sutton Park. Birds noted throughout the year at Edgbaston Park, with a peak of 40 during August.

Scaup See comments on Aythya hybrids below.

Warks In the Kingsbury area there were two on January 5, three from January 12 to 20, a duck from April 14 to May 4, another on September 13 and a single duck on October 11, after which numbers then increased to five by November 9 and ten, all ducks or immatures, from November 23 to December 14 many observers. At Draycote a drake reported on January 19 and 27

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

W Mid

42

PDH and up to four birds (a pair and two immatures) between November 2 and the end ot the year several observers. A drake noted at Ladywalk on the unusual date of June 24 HTL, a duck at Alvecote on November 27 RJJ and two ducks at Shustoke on December 10 BLK.

Worcs Single ducks at Upton Warren on March 10 AWH and November 30 SFLE, AFJ, GET. At Bittell a pair on April 28 and a drake on July 30 JMD.

Staffs A duck at Blithfield on February 17 WJL, IRM, JPM; a drake at Belvide from March 22 to 30 DS; two ducks at Chasewater on October 12 GE; and a duck at Westport from December 2 WJL to the end of the year.

WMid A noteworthy series at Edgbaston Reservoir, involving two ducks and an immature male from January 7 to February 1, two birds on February 7, and up to three ducks and a drake between February 1 5 and March 3 ARMB. Aythya hybrids An increasing number of hybrids is creating considerable problems in the identification of certain Aythya ducks. Many birds, particularly Tufted x Pochard, are often obviously hybrid and up to four birds at Kingsbury in November and December were considered to be of this origin. A further individual superficially resembled a Lesser Scaup. It must be emphasised, however, that the hybrid origin of other individuals is less readily detected: the appearance of Scaup hybrids in particular can differ only marginally from that of pure bred birds. It is probable that in recent years a number of hybrids have been submitted as unqualified Scaup. A Scaup x Tufted was recorded at Brandon from February 23 to March 17, while a bird at Draycote in late October and early November, and others at Kingsbury have generated controversy. The need for caution is clear.

Long-tailed Duck Warks One of the birds from 1979 was still present at Shustoke on

January 1 EG P.

Common Scoter Warks All records again came from Draycote, where there were nine

(five males) on May 31 JAA, a duck on August 3 ARD, a duck or immature on September 21 EGP, a duck on November 2 JAA, PDH and four ducks on November 11, of which three remained to November 22 several observers.

Worcs A duck at Bittell on July 30 JMD. Staffs A drake at Belvide on February 9 PKD, FCG, DS. Three (two

males) at Tittesworth on September 21 PGB. Surprisingly, there

43

were no reports from either Blithfield or Chasewater, the first blank year at the latter locality since 1960.

WMid At Bartley a duck was present from April 14 to 21 AWH, MSS, YMW, 15 drakes on June 2 KHT, and two ducks on September 21 MSS.

Goldeneye . A verage: September 2 7 (40) to May 5 (38)

Excluding summering birds, the latest spring record came from Belvide on May 6 and the first in autumn from Brandon on the early date of August 3, though no more were seen until October 12, at Bittell. Monthly maxima at principal waters:

J F M A 0 N 0

Draycote 2 0 4 9 5 0 8 3 4 1 6 0 Kingsbury 15 3 5 2 8 7 3 2 3 2 5

Belvide 2 0 5 0 5 6 4 2 13 4 2 4 1 Blithfield 3 5 3 0 14 2 0 — 15 15 Chasewater 4B 51 8 1 4 5 — 3 2 6 6

Warks A drake summered at Kingsbury for the sixth successive year. Small numbers noted in winter months at Shustoke, with a peak of 16 in mid-December. At Ladywalk one was present on March 2 and two on April 27, at Brandon one on the early date of August 3 and another on October 26, and at Alvecote a duck on October 25 and November 16 and two drakes on December 6.

Worcs One or two frequently present at Upton Warren during the winter months, with three on November 3 and 30. At Bittell two drakes noted on March 21 and one on April 2, then up to three birds between October 12 and December 14. A drake present at Westwood in late January, followed by four birds on November 9 and one on December 10. A duck recorded at Wilden on November 23, and a drake at Pirton from November 29 till December 20.

Staffs At Westport two occurred on January 5 and up to five from late October to the end of the year, while a duck again appeared during the summer, being recorded from May 27 to June 22. Up to eight frequented Rudyard from January 12 to April 7 and up to five from October 31 to the end of the year. 19 on March 30 was the maximum at Gailey, but in general numbers at this locality were less than half-a-dozen. At Kings Bromley one or two were noted in January and February, five on November 16, and one on November 23. Up to four were recorded at Branston in the winter months, while one was at Aqualate on February 18 and two at Tittesworth on March 1, followed by one on November 23.

44

W Mid At Bartley up to three were seen until April 4 and one or two during November and December. One or two at Sutton Park during November and two on December 23. One frequented Pensnett Pools between November 28 and December 31.

Smew All redheads except where otherwise stated.

Warks The bird from 1979 remained at Kingsbury until March 17, and was joined by a second bird from January 1 GRH, JVH to 12; later, two were present from December 16 REH into the new year. At Draycote a male from January 16 RCM to 25 was joined by a duck between January 19 and 22 several observers; a duck was observed on November 2 CHP and from November 25 RCM into the new year. One noted at Shustoke on January 3 JEF.

Worcs One at Bittell on November 9 GCB, CL moved to Upton Warren later the same day AFJ.

Staffs Single birds at Blithfield on January 13 several observers and at Belvide on January 23 and 24 EDE, DS.

WMid One at the National Exhibition Centre on December 27 JAA.

Red-breasted Merganser Warks At Draycote an immature male present from June 1 RCM to 7, an

immature female from November 29 ARD into the new year and a drake on December 11 RCM.

Worcs A drake at Bittell on May 1 KGC. Staffs An eclipse drake at Belvide on September 20 DWB, PGB. DS. A

duck which frequented Drakelow (Derbys) from mid-December into the new year was occasionally noted at Branston MSS.

Goosander Average: October 28 (36) to April 16 (33) Last noted at Belvide on April 7, except for a very late bird at Blithfield on May 25 GS, which was the latest ever. First return on October 5, when noted at Upton Warren. A duck at Draycote on January 10 and 16, a drake on March 15 and up to five birds from November 9 to the end of the year. At Kingsbury a pair noted on January 12 and two ducks on November 22, one remaining until the new year. A drake was at Alvecote on January 27, followed by two ducks on November 1 with one to December 7. Up to three at Brandon from March 20 to 23, two ducks on November 8 and a duck and an immature on December 6. A duck frequented Upton Warren between mid-February and mid-March, two ducks flew S on October 5 and one was present on December 21. Single birds were observed at Hurcott on February 15, Bittell from October 29 to November 8, Arley on

Warks

Worcs

45

November 2, Westwood on December 10 and Grimley on December 21.

Staffs Monthly maxima at Blithfield were somewhat lower than usual:

J r M A M 0 N D

45 60 53 40 2 1 25 39

At Belvide there were three on January 19 and February 9, up to four from March 22 to April 7, two on October 25, one on December 8, four on December 21 and five on December 27. Seven occurred at Rudyard on January 12, followed by four on February 3 and singles on March 15 and December 22. Tittesworth held four on January 26, two on February 23, one on October 19 and two or three from December 20 to the end of the year. A pair recorded near Wolseley Bridge on January 18, two at Kings Bromley on January 22, two at Gailey on January 26, up to five at Aqualate during March, three at Weetman's Bridge on March 15, two at Chasewater on November 1, one at Chillington on December 7, one at Branston on December 13 and 22 and two at Tittesworth on December 26.

WMid Single birds at Bartley on January 1,11 and 13, at Sutton Park on November 2 and at Sandwell Valley from December 3 to 11.

Ruddy Duck Monthly maxima at selected waters:

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

Alvecote 7 1 5 9 8 12 11 18 15 7 5 Kingsbury 1 7 16 1 0 Middleton — — — — — — 9 — — 4 3 —

Upton Warren 15 12 18 7 7 6 11 17 17 13 Westwood 1 2 — 6 2 2 1

Aqualate 1 5 2 4 1 17 17 2 I B Belvida 18 131 165 51 2 5 2 8 3 9 1 8 5 2 5 9 2 6 8 119 1 4 5 Blithfield 2 9 7 3 7 5 162 4 0 — 2 — 5 5 2 1 3 7 7 4 6 7 Copmere — — — 10 2 2 2 2

Warks At Alvecote two pairs bred rearing seven young; at Bedworth one pair bred; at Brandon four pairs reared eight young; and at Coombe and Packington two pairs bred. Up to nine birds were present during the breeding season at Middleton, with three until November 16. Two were seen at Draycote during January and up to three from October 10 to the end of the year. One was at Ladywalk between February 10 and April 21, three from July to September 1 and one for the remainder of the month. At

46

Seeswood Pool seven were recorded on October 23 and five on October 26. One was noted at Earlswood in December.

Worcs Three pairs reared seven young at Upton Warren, two broods totalling ten young were observed at Oakley and two young were noted at Westwood. At Bittell single birds present on January 1 and June 28, three birds on September 20, two on October 4 and one erratically up to November 30.

Staffs Five broods reared at Belvide, three broods totalling seven young at Gailey, a brood of two at Chillington and a brood of five at Stretton Hall. Probably also bred at Bridgtown Subsidence Pools, where four adults and five juveniles observed on August 26. At Chasewater three birds noted on January 2, singles on January 19 and 20, and from September 18 to 25, two on October 4 and one the following day. One was observed at Westport from August 21 to September 6, with two on September 20. At the end of the year Belvide and Blithfield together held about 45 per cent of the British population per DS.

WMid Up to seven adults noted at Edgbaston Park, where a brood of eight in early July had dwindled to six by the end of the month. Up to five present at Berkswell between April and August. At Sutton Park a pair recorded at the end of July and up to three in September.

Marsh Harrier Warks At Brandon a male reported on April 12, an immature on May 11

and a male on September 18 BMCG. Worcs A female at Aston Mill Pit on May 7 DVM. Staffs A female at Blithfield on August 23 AN, RN, SR et al. A female or

immature flew E across the Derbys/Staffs border at Branston on September 27 TC.

Hen Harrier Warks A male reported at Brandon on November 15 and 16 BMCG. Staffs A ring-tail reported at Beaudesert on January 20 per DS. A pair

present in north of the county during May, but no evidence of breeding. A ring-tail frequented the Brocton area from November 22 FRD, GR into the new year.

Goshawk Reports from five localities, involving three counties.

Sparrowhawk Warks Breeding season reports from Brandon, Kingsbury, Ladywalk,

Packington and Ryton; noted at Alvecote, Baddesley Clinton, Draycote, Earlswood and Sherbourne at other seasons: appears to be under-recorded.

47

Worcs Reported in breeding season from Aston Mill, Berrow Hill, Bittell, Blackpole, Burnt Wood, Croome, Eymore Wood, Grimley, Hagley, Holt, Horseley Hills, Parkatt Wood, Redditch, Shortwood Roughs, Shrawley, Stourport, Trench, Upton Warren, Wilden and Wyre Forest. Noted at 16 additional localities at other seasons.

Staffs Up to eight observed in display over Cannock Chase during March and April, while other breeding season reports came from Baggeridge, Belvide, Blithfield, Copmere, Gib Torr, Kings Bromley, Lichfield, Pattingham, Seabridge, Silverdale, Stafford, Walton, Westport and Wheaton Aston. Additional reports from ten other localities.

WMid Bred at Sandwell and Sutton Park and also noted during breeding season at Edgbaston and Four Oaks. At other seasons reported from Bickenhill, Erdington, Stonebridge and Tettenhall.

Buzzard Single birds unless otherwise stated noted at:

Warks Alvecote on April 26 and September 29; and Draycote on December 27.

Worcs Two pairs bred in the county. Seen at Croome throughout "the year and at Bredon on January 20; near Worcester on May 16; Knightsford Bridge on August 10; Upton Warren on August 27; Bewdley on September 28 (an immature forced into R. Severn by Crows, subsequently died); and Trench Wood on December 13.

Staffs A pair present throughout the breeding season at one site in the west of the county and a bird noted in spring at a second site, where breeding has occurred previously. Canwell on January 9 and 12; Newchurch on March 4; Belvide on April 12 and 13, August 16 and 24, and September 6 and 13; Drayton Bassett on June 8; Westlands on August 28; and Hilton Park on September 17.

Osprey Staffs One frequented a trout fishery at Danebridge from September 24

to 28 CFN, while possibly the same bird was observed at Rudyard on October 4 WJL. Missed Blithfield for the first time in eight years I

Kestrel Warks One observed feeding on a gull carcass at Draycote on January 5. Worcs Seven in the air together at Malvern on August 16. WMid Reports included the usual sightings in the centre of Birmingham

and along the verges of motorways.

48

Merlin Warks At Draycote a female observed on January 5 ARD and a male on

October 11 RCM. A female or immature occurred at Kingsbury on February 2 CJH and 19 GRH, JVH and a male on December 27 JAA, JEF. Females reported at Brandon on March 30 and November 30 BMCG.

Worcs One flew south down the Severn on October 13 JRH, a male near Chaddesley Corbett on November 2 AFJ, one reported at North Littleton during October and November A WH, a male over fields at Severn Stoke on December 4 and another at Croome on December 21 JRH.

Staffs Males near Little Aston on January 6 ARMB, at Dosthill on February 19 JEF, Wheaton Aston on several occasions between February 22 and March 29 PBB and on August 25 DS, at Gradbach on March 9 WJL, Gib Torr on April 27 PAG and June 1 JEN, Westport Lake on November 1 WJL and Belvide on December 31 DWB.

WMid A female at Alcott Wood on January 2 PAM. Hobby Average: April 29 (13) to September 30 (16) First noted at Upton Warren on April 16, but no further sightings for a fortnight. Last seen at Brandon on September 25.

Warks At least one pair bred. Single birds noted at Brandon on a number of dates between April 30 and September 25 BMCG; at Curdworth on May 21 JEF; at Kingsbury on May 22 CJH and June 29 ARMB; at Draycote on August 17 JEF, 18 and 23 RCM; at Princethorpe on August 17 JEF; and at Churchover on September 13 IRM, JPM.

Worcs A pair successfully reared three young. One or two noted at Upton Warren fairly regularly between April 16 and September 21 AFJ et at. One observed at Droitwich from May 28 to 30 and again on June 16 CPB. One at Holt on August 5 SWW.

Staffs An adult and an immature observed in suitable breeding habitat in mid-August P StJ B. Single birds reported at Stafford on May 11 IRM; flying over the Derbys border towards Branston on May 16 TC; at Blithfield on June 24 JCE-D; Whittington on July 9 MSS; Chasewater on September 19 DAD; and Two Gates on September 23 GAA.

WMid Single birds noted at Sutton Park on May 11 AW; near Eaves Green on July 20 ARD; and at Bartley on August 2 DF. Peregrine

Warks One reported at Draycote on August 18 RCM. Staffs One frequented Blithfield from August 20 PAG, CJH to

September 16, and perhaps the same bird again on November 16 ARD, JR.

49

Red Grouse Presumably still plentiful on the North Staffordshire moors, but very few reports received.

Black Grouse Staffs 15 on February 3 was the most reported at Swallow Moss, where

the lek held up to eight males and six females in spring. A pair present at Gib Torr in April and Gun Hill held a male on October 4 and three birds on December 26.

Red-legged Partridge Warks The commonest gamebird at Ladywalk, where a total of 21

present on September 15. A covey of 19 at Ettington on November 26.

Worcs 15 at Holt on October 4 and 13 at Strensham on December 1. Apparently fewer at Bittell in recent years.

Staffs A bird stunned itself on the window of a Stafford house during darkness on March 13. 28 at Pattingham on November 24 and 19 at Whitley Heath on December 25.

WMid A pair probably bred in Sutton Park, where seven present from September to December.

Grey Partridge Warks 18 at Alvecote on January 1 and 25 there in three coveys on the

26. 12 at Ufton Fields on January 4. Worcs Ten at Upton Warren on January 27 and 23 in two coveys at Holt

G P on October 4. 12 at Oakley on September 25 and 19 at Westwood Park on November 9.

Staffs 24 on January 12 at Fradley, where the CBC plot revealed no changes in status.

WMid Singles noted in Sutton Park.

Quail Worcs Two calling in oats at Holt G P on July 8 SWW. Staffs One, sometimes two, calling in barley during summer months at

High Off ley IJD, NRW. WMid One flushed in Sutton Park on the exceptionally early date of April

5 SMH.

Pheasant WMid Two males noted in Sutton Park. A female in gardens at Hall

Green was the first noted in the area. \

Golden Pheasant Staffs A male seen near Wheaton Aston on April 8 DS and an escaped

male present in woods at Sugnall in the autumn NRW.

50

Water Rail Warks Bred at Ladywalk and possibly at Brandon and Packington. Noted

in winter at these sites and also at Alvecote, Draycote and Kingsbury, with a maximum of 11 at Brandon on December 21.

Worcs Present during the breeding season at Oakley, and in winter months at Bittell, Oakley (up to 4), Sling Pool, Upton Warren (up to 6), Westwood and Wilden.

Staffs Possibly bred at Belvide for the first time; also noted there in winter and at Chasewater, Copmere and Rudyard.

WMid One heard at Edgbaston Park on January 12.

Corncrake The best year since 1969.

Staffs One called at 0110 hours at Rickerscote on the exceptionally early date of April 5 FCG. One called in late evening on May 26 from cereals at Hatherton DJS. At least three males calling in the east of the county, where also present in 1978 and 1979 FCG. A bird flushed by a combine harvester at Belvide in September per DS.

Moorhen Warks Mainly a breeding season visitor to Willey farmland CBC plot. Staffs At least 100 at Belvide in September. WMid About six pairs bred in Sutton Park. An unusual record of an adult

grazing a small suburban garden lawn at Wednesfield during heavy rain on May 31.

Coot Warks A recent marked decline in numbers at Ladywalk. Worcs 36 juveniles reared at Bittell. Staffs About 80 pairs bred at Belvide, where the moulting flock reached

a new regional record of 2050 on August 30 DS. Two pairs bred at Chasewater, where the higher winter numbers resemble those of the early 1950's. 100 at Tillington-Doxey Marsh on February 2 and 104 at Himley in December.

WMid About 13 pairs bred in Sutton Park. Up to 90 in Edgbaston Park in autumn. Monthly maxima at selected waters:

51

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

Alvecote 3 2 0 2 5 0 1 4 0 9 0 1 6 0 1 8 5 1 6 0 2 1 5 1 6 0 1 0 5 1 6 0 1 8 5 Draycote — — 1 8 6 6 6 — 6 0 18 — — 6 5 0 6 7 0 —

Kingsbury 6 7 0 2 0 4 6 0 3 5 1 2 0 2 0 5 2 1 5 — — — — —

Shustoke i u b 5 i 4 2 2 3 0 I 7 5 3 0 0 166

Bittell 4 5 4 0 8 0 7 0 3 0 2 6 6 8 7 5 7 0 8 5 1 3 5 2 0 0 Upton Warren 6 5 — — — — — — — 1 3 6 — — —

Westwood 8 4 — 3 6

Aqualate 1 1 9 5 9 6 4 — 9 1 1 7 0 2 8 0 1 6 0 4 3 Belvide 1 3 8 2 1 1 2 7 0 2 4 5 4 8 4 8 6 0 1 6 3 0 2 0 5 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 3 Blithfield — — 2 0 6 112 195 2 7 7 4 1 1 4 2 4 5 2 — 1 1 3 3 4 4 Chasewater 7 5 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 4 5 16 3 9 9 5 3 3 5 5 1 3 6 1 5 8 0 0 Gailey 2 3 0 6 5 . 3 4 12 — — 57 1 8 0 1 4 6 1 3 5 9 0 1 5 0 Westport 1 2 5 1 1 6 6 0 3 8 — 2 0 4 4 7 1 73 9 7 1 4 2 1 7 8

Oystercatcher Warks Singles present at Draycote on April 9, May 14 and 25 and

August 9, and at Ladywalk in late spring. At Kingsbury one on April 13 and 15, three on 19, then one or two intermittently until July 24 (perhaps attempting to breed), apart from three on May 5 and 24.

Worcs Two at Bittell on March 29 and one on September 29. One flew over Wilden on May 25.

Staffs Singles at Belvide on March 2 and December 31 and at Chasewater on March 23 and May 6 and 11. At Blithfield singles noted on April 4, 26 and May 18, four on August 9, six on 21, one on 22 and September 20 and two on 21. Two at Branston on March 27. Two at Tittesworth on May 17 and four on August 7. The Tame Valley breeding pair from previous years was again present, but apparently unsuccessful AEC.

WMid One called at 2300 hours over Erdington on August 19.

Avocet Warks Three birds reported in flight one evening in spring (probably May

1) near Kingsbury per DS.

Little Ringed Plover Average:March 24(16) to October4 (16) First recorded at Brandon on March 16, but not reported elsewhere for another fortnight. Left early, with none after September 23, at Bittell. A total of perhaps 37 breeding pairs at 16 sites is the best ever.

Warks Bred at Brandon (probably two pairs), Kingsbury (probably 11 pairs in the area in early June), Ladywalk (two pairs), Packington (two pairs), probably at Alvecote (two pairs) and possibly at Lea Marston (perhaps two pairs). Up to nine on spring passage at Brandon and small numbers elsewhere.

52

Worcs Bred at Beckford, where 10 present on July 16, and a pair made three unsuccessful attempts at Bittell, where up to five present on passage. Five pairs nested at Holt G P (previously only one pair), but some young were taken by the resident Kestrel. A pair bred for the second time at Wilden, but an attempt at Upton Warren was unsuccessful; a maximum of 12 occurred at the latter site on July 27.

Staffs One of two pairs bred at Perton and three pairs at Tittesworth. No other breeding was reported, although nesting may have been attempted at Westport. In late summer up to seven were noted at Branston and 10 at Blithfield. One at Aqualate in May was the first record for the locality, and small numbers also occurred on passage at Belvide, Chasewater (where an immature on July 27 had engorged a fishing hook and line), Stafford and Rudyard.

WMid Bred at Brownhills clay quarry and Meriden G P.

Ringed Plover

Last year's first breeding in the Region was followed by further colonisation.

Warks Two of three nests at Kingsbury were successful, constituting the first breeding record for the county BLK et a/. Spring passage at Kingsbury peaked at 40 on June 1, and one flew over on December 24, a late date.

Staffs Believed to have bred at King's Bromley G P MJA. 25 on August 28 was the maximum noted at Blithfield. Half-monthly maxima at all reported sites:

53

F 2

M 1 2

A 1 2 1

M 2

J 1 2 1

J 2 1

A 2 1

S 2

0 1

D 2

Brandon Draycoxe Kingsbury

— — 2 — 2

3 5

16

1

6 4 0 B 4 3 3

4 4 J

2 1 4 1 2

1

Bittell Upton Warren 3

1 —

1 2 2

9 4

9 1 1 —

—

Belvide Blithfield Chasewater

i 1 —

2 2 7

3 — 8 — 1

1 6 16

3

1 2 5

4 I B

3 6 2

— E All other sites 2 1 — 4 2 6 5 2 4 — 3 4 2 1 — —

Kentish Plover Warks A male seen at Lea Marston on May 3 EGP comprised the fourth

record for the county and the tenth for the Region. Golden Plover Average: August 12 (33} to April 25 (34} Reported regularly until late April and last noted at Kingsbury on the late date of May 1 5. Returned to Alvecote on August 9, but not generally noted until mid-September.

Warks The Alvecote flock peaked at 350 on January 27, the Kingsbury-Lea Marston-Middleton flock at 600 on March 8 and the Seckington flock at 200 on October 19. 50 were at Wolvey on October 9. A sick bird appeared at Kingsbury on May 18 and another bird on July 12.

Worcs 60 fed in meadows at Powick on January 26 and up to 30 near Bredon in December.

Staffs A westerly movement was apparent at several sites during a cold snap on January 1. The main flocks peaked as follows: 500 at Alrewas-Fradley on April 21 and 22; 350 at Drayton Bassett on February 24; 300 near Garmelow on November 22; 300 at Kings Bromley on October 25; 150 at Perton on April 7; 153 at Rodbaston on February 3; and 200 at Stretton on November 8. There were 200 on the moors at Flash on January 13, followed by 28 at Gib Torr on March 9 and at least one pair displaying in April in the Goldsitch-Gradbach area. Monthly totals of all records of selected wader species:

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

Golden Plover 1 0 6 9 1 1 1 2 6 8 1 1 0 5 3 1 — 1 132 1 1 5 7 5 5 9 1 5 5 1 2

Lapwing 2 2 5 7 7 2 1 7 9 1 4 4 6 1 2B 1 3 8 8 4 1 4 5 4 1 0 0 2 7 2 5 6 0 0 0 1 0 4 4 0 B 4 6 0

Snipe 1 2 6 3 4 8 2 0 1 7 8 15 18 17 •92 2 5 4 2 7 7 3 1 6 1 6 2

Curlew — 18 2 7 7 6 3 18 14 2 8 7 9 6 8 5 8 3 4 2

Redshank 1 0 3 0 6 9 4 5 6 4 5 6 3 0 10 6 1 2 4 19

54

Grey Plover Warks Singles at Alvecote on May 4, Brandon on May 13 and Draycote

on May 4 and 13, followed by four at the latter site on August 23. One noted at Kingsbury from April 12 to 17 and on May 6, followed by three on the 11, one remaining to 13 when it flew out high to the north-east.

Staffs The long-staying bird from 1979 was last seen at Belvide on January 1. Further singles appeared there on March 15, May 12 and October 12. Singles appeared at Chasewater on May 12 and 20. Two flew over Blithfield on August 9 and one was present on the 15.

Lapwing Many flocks of up to a thousand or so, the larger flocks being:

Warks 8000 at Kingsbury on March 3 and 5000 there on November 22 BLK.

Worcs 5000 near Bredon on December 21. Staffs 3000 at Blithfield on November 22. Large numbers were reported

moving west in the south of the county all day on January 1.

Knot Warks A bird in summer plumage was at Draycote on August 23 and

eight flew over on October 5. One at Kingsbury on September 14. Staffs Singles noted at Blithfield from August 16 to 23 and on

September 7 and at Chasewater on September 21.

Sanderling Warks Two at Lea Marston on May 3 and singles at Kingsbury on May 3,

6, 10, 13, 25, 26 and June 1, with three on May 14. Three at Draycote on May 8, with one on the 1 7 and two on August 21.

Worcs One at Bittell on August 13. Staffs Singles present at Chasewater on April 19 and May 17, followed

by three on May 19, seven on 20, one from 31 to June 3 and three the following day. Five at Blithfield on May 25 and one at Branston on June 1.

WMid One at Bartley on May 27.

Little Stint A poor autumn for this species and its frequent companion, the Curlew Sandpiper.

Warks Two at Kingsbury on May 6, 10 and 14, with further singles on June 1 and September 1 and 27. One at Draycote on September 25.

Worcs Three at Upton Warren on the unusual dates of June 3 and 4 comprised the only record for the'county in 1980.

55

Staffs Noted only at Blithfield, where two or three present from August 31 to September 20, with a final bird on the 27.

Temminck's Stint Waiks One ul Brandon un May 22 and 23 BMCG. Worcs Single birds at Upton Warren on May 18 JAA, SFLE, GET, AFJ,

PGG and at Bittell from August 28 to September 1 KC, MJI, GJM et al.

Staffs Singles noted at Perton on May 12 CRG and at Chasewater on May 19 and 20 GE.

Curlew Sandpiper Singles noted at Kingsbury on May 3 and from 11 to 15 and an exceptional bird there from June 14 to 16 JAA, FB, VAB, ARD, JEF. As with Little Stint, Blithfield had the monopoly of this species in the county, with three adults present on August 6, two birds from August 24 to September 5, one from 11 to 20 and perhaps the same bird on October 4 and 5.

Dunlin Monthly maxima at all sites reported:

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

Brandon 7 2 2 1 2 3 Draycote 2 — — — 2 — 1 1 0 2 2 4 4 Kingsbury — — 4 3 1 1 1 0 4 2 3 3 2 0 5 Ladywalk — 1 1 — 12 — — — — 1 — . —

Bittell 1 0 1 4 4 6 1 Upton Warren — — 2 3 — 2 1 3 — 1 —

Belvide 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 Blithfield 3 — — 1 — — 18 16 12 8 6 1 Chasewater 1 — — 5 2 1 — 4 — 2 1

12 other sites 2 3 2 1 3 1 2 9 3 — — —

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Staffs A bird present at Blithfield from September 7 to 22 PGB et al.

was the second record for the county and the Region. A small, buff-coloured wader, slightly larger than a Dunlin or Ringed Plover, with yellow legs. Intricate, scaley pattern on upperparts due to pale buff edges to very dark feathers. Buff underparts, becoming paler on the belly. Rather long wings and tail gave slim, attenuated appearance. Short, black bill. Remarkably uniform in flight, but dark centre to tail and white central panel to underwing. Fed very actively, with flexed legs, usually on exposed mud, rarely entering shallow water.

Warks

Staffs

56

Ruff A small party wintering in the Kingsbury area was exceptional. Monthly maxima at all sites:

J F M A M J J A S 0 N •

Alvecote Brandon Draycote Kingsbury Ladywalk — 1 1

2 1 2

2

2

2 6 2 5 2

2 1 6 3 2

4

9 1

1 a 5

Bltw!! Holt Upton Warren Wilden

— — — — 1 —

—

1 5 7 — — —

Belvide Blithfield Rudyard

— — — — — 1 2

5 11

1

1 2 0

2 —

—

—

Jack Snipe Average: September 30 (39) to April 18 (35) Last noted at Alvecote on April 20. First noted in autumn at Blithfield on September 20.

Warks Five present at Brandon on March 21 and November 15, with smaller numbers noted at Alvecote, Coton, Ladywalk, Kingsbury and Packington.

Worcs Five at Upton Warren on November 23. Eight in October at Wilden, where 12 flushed from a dry area of Chenopodium (as in 1979) on December 19. Small numbers reported at Bittell, Grimley, Kempsey and Oakley.

Staffs Six at Chasewater on December 12 and up to three at Belvide, Blithfield, Ford Green and Tillington.

WMid One in Sutton Park on March 1 and six at Wyken Slough on March 27. Snipe

Warks Three or four pairs bred at Alvecote and drumming birds heard at Brandon (three) and Kingsbury. Peak counts included 70 at Ladywalk in February, 100 at Kingsbury in October and 72 at Brandon on December 24.

Worcs Bred as usual at Wilden, where 68 present on October 19. 60 were present on floodwater at Grimley in January and February. Drumming noted at Aston Mill Pit and Rous Lench.

Staffs Drumming reported at Belvide (bred), Calf Heath, Maple Hayes, Mottey Meadows (bred), Rudyard, Tittesworth and Wall Grange with up to four at Wheaton Aston and seven at Gib Torr. Largest counts were 107 at Blithfield on September 6, 68 at Belvide on September 27, 80 at Rickerscote on November 13 and 53 at Ford Green on November 23.

57

WMid One at Edgbaston Park on April 27 and four drumming at Sutton Park.

Woodcock The usual widespread reports of small numbers in autumn and winter. Roding birds noted at:

Worcs Hurcott Wood, Weethley Wood and Wilden. Staffs Many areas of Cannock Chase, Kinver Edge (four) and Fradley,

where bred as usual. WMid Roding in two areas of Sutton Park, where about ten birds were

present in winter. Singles at Ashen Coppice in February, September and October.

Black-tailed Godwit Warks A bird at Ladywalk on February 19 RSA comprised the first record

for the Region for the period late November-mid-March. Singles at Brandon on April 23 and at Kingsbury on April 27 and July 10.

Worcs One at Upton Warren from August 23 to 28. Staffs Singles at Blithfield on July 6, August 23, 24 and September 21;

and at Branston on August 23.

Bar-tailed Godwit A poor year.

Worcs An adult at Upton Warren on August 9 and 10. Staffs Two circled Belvide on April 13 and one flew north-east over

Branston on May 1.

Whimbrel Warks Single birds noted at Kingsbury on April 23 (flying N), July 27 and

September 7; and at Brandon on May 3, 15 and August 9. Two flew south-west over Wishaw on August 7.

Worcs Singles at Upton Warren on May 19 and flying over Wilden on August 3 and Upton Warren (to the S) on August 19.

Staffs One or two noted at Blithfield on July 19, 26, 28, August 3, 20 and 24. Four flew north-east at Branston on May 8 and two likewise on 20; one noted on September 25. 12 flew south-west over Chasewater on July 26 and five over Clifton Campville on August 18.

Curlew Frequent and widespread reports for February-November.

Warks Possibly bred at Crimscote Downs and one present at Maxstoke on May 26. Regular roost at Ladywalk peaked at 14 on March 3 and 21 on September 29.

Worcs 30 on March 9 was the most reported at Upton Warren. One or two pairs at Longdon Marsh and near Trench Wood in April.

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Staffs Bred at Belvide, Ivetsey Bank, Kings Bromley area (several pairs) and Mottey Meadows, with summering birds at Aqualate, Cupmere, near Lichfield and al seveial biles un Llie Muuis. Tim regular flock at Whittington S F contained 46 birds on September 12. Other flocks included up to 100 or more in March at Longsdon Mill Pool, 97 at Tittesworth on March 22, 22 at Kings Bromley on April 2 and 42 at Blithfield on October 12, with a single there on December 29.

Spotted Redshank Warks At Brandon, singles on May 23 and August 10, with three on 26,

two on 31 and one until September 21. One at Draycote on August 9 and 10 and present at Alvecote from August 26 to September 16, with six on September 6 and 13. Singles at Kingsbury on June 8 and from 14 to 16, followed by small numbers from August 25 to October 25, with four on October 4 and 19. A bird present at Lea Marston on December 27 remained into 1981 and provided the Region's first evidence of over-wintering.

Worcs Two at Wilden from May 6 to 8 and one at Upton Warren from August 9 to 15 and again on 28.

Staffs One at Rudyard on August 27 and September 2 was the only record away from Blithfield, where three present on August 3, six on 6, five on 27 and one or two until September 14.

Redshank Warks Bred at Alvecote, Ladywalk and Kingsbury, where three or four

pairs present. Wintering reports from the Tame Valley included up to three at Kingsbury, seven at Ladywalk, 11 at Lea Marston and eight at Shustoke. 17 present at Ladywalk on March 27.

Worcs One or two pairs bred at Aston Mill Pit, Upton Warren and Wilden. 10 at Bittell on February 17 and nine at Wilden on May 2.

Staffs Bred at Belvide (two pairs), Wheaton Aston and probably along the Trent near Kings Bromley. Summer records from Aqualate, Stafford area and Essington. The only winter records were singles

. at Blithfield on January 1 and at Belvide from December 13 into

. 1981, with two there on 24. 10 at Belvide on several dates was . the most reported.

WMid Nine at Meriden G P on March 30.

59

Greenshank Half-monthly maxima at all sites:

A M J J A E O N 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 7 1

Alvnrnrn 1 1 1 — — — 1 1 1 2 — — — — Brandon — 2 — 1 — 6 — 5 2 3 2 — — — Draycote — — — — — — — 2 4 — — — — — Kingsbury — 3 1 1 1 8 6 2 3 4 3 4 2 1 Ladywalk _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 — 4 — 2 — — — Packington — — — — — — — — . 1 1 — — — — '

Aston Mill Pit — — — 1 — — — — — — — — — — Bittell — 1 — — — — — 1 2 — — — — — Holl _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 2 — — — — — Upton Warren — — 1 — — — 1 3 7 1 — — — — Wilden 1 1 1 — — . — — 1 3 — — — — —

Belvide — 3 — — — 1 _ _ 1 — I — — — Blithfield — 1 1 — 1 3 3 8 4 — 1 — _ _ Elford — 1 — — — — _ — — _ — — — — Rudyard — — — — — — — 3 2 — — — — — Tittesworth — — — — — — 3 3 1 — — — — — Westport — — — — — — — — — 2 2 — — —

Meriden — — — — — — — 1 — — — — Eutton Park —. — — — — — — — — — 1

19 at Brandon on July 31 and 18 at Upton Warren on August 15 were by far the largest parties reported. Monthly maxima at all sites:

60

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

Alvecote — — 1 1 _ — 2 i " i _ _ _ Brandon — 2 2 3 3 6 1 9 1 4 9 4 1 — Draycote — — — — — — 2 2 — 1 — 1 Kingsbury 2 1 1 3 3 2 2 7 3 6 2 2

'Ladywalk — — — — — — 2 — 4 — 2 — Shustoke — — — — — — — — — — 4 3

Bittell — 1 1 1 — — — 7 7 1 _ — Holt - i Oldington S F — — — — — — — — 9 — — — Upton W a r r e n — 1 1 2 — 2 9 1 8 7 1 1 — Wilden 1 I I i I — J 4 y — 1 3

Belvide — 1 — 2 — — — 1 1 2 — — Blithfield — — — — — 2 4 6 1 1 — — Branston — — — 3 — — 9 9 1 3 — — Rudyard — ' — — — — — 1 4 3 — — — Tittesworth — — — — — 2 1 3 — — — —

9 other sites — — — — — 2 — 4 4 3 1 —

Wood Sandpiper Warks One at Brandon from July 30 to August 5. One at Kingsbury from

May 11 to 17, three on August 9 and two on 10. Worcs Single birds noted at Upton Warren on May 25, June 9 and

between August 5 and 20, and at Wilden on August 1. Staffs Three at Blithfield from July 27 to August 5, with five on July 28

and 29 and one remaining until August 11. One at Branston on April 18, with two there on August 10 and 11. One at Tittesworth on July 31.

Common Sandpiper Average:April 7 (44) to October 19 (40) Punctual arrival, with one at Brandon on April 6 followed by others in the following days. Individuals recorded into early October, with the last at Draycote on 12 apart from one which was noted at Lea Marston on November 9, 23 and December 27. In 1980 and 1981 all territories used in recent years by the species on the North Staffordshire Moors were checked and found to be unoccupied DWY. The species may now be extinct as a breeding bird in the Region. Monthly maxima at all sites:

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A M J J A S 0

Alvecote 1 3 2 3 1 Brandon 1 1 4 — 4 1 1 Draycote — 1 0 — 12 14 5 1 Kingsbury 2 6 2 2 0 B 3 Ladywalk — 2 — 1 1 — 1

Bittell 4 6 14 8 7 1 Holt 4 — — — — 1 1 Upton Warren 4 4 1 7 14 7 —

Wilden 2 B — 1 8 1 —

Belvide 2 1 2 9 3 1 BlithField 6 4 1 13 31 4 —

Branston 2 1 — 6 5 6 —

Chasewater 4 4 1 6 6 2 —

Kings Bromley — — — 1 6 — —

Rudyard — — 1 1 8 — —

Tittesworth — 4 4 15 12 — —

17 other sites . 9 6 3 6 4 3

Spotted Sandpiper Warks The second record for the county and the Region came again

from Draycote, from September 10 to 25 ARD et at. The main points were as follows: Very similar to Common Sandpiper, but slightly smaller and neater with shorter tail, continuous blackish-brown and pale buff barring on upperwing coverts, less white in wing-bar and outer-tail, yellowish legs and distinctly flatter and lower-pitched disyllabic calls ("zreet-weet" and "tut-wit"). Other points included clean white throat, supercilium and eye-ring; plain grey-brown breast patches; narrow, whitish trailing edge to wing; tail noticeably dark and compact in flight; fine bill was horn-coloured with darker, very slightly decurved tip.

Turnstone One flew over Brandon on May 10. One at Draycote from May 4 to 8 and present from August 6 to 21, with three on 8. One at Kingsbury on April 29, two on May 1, four on 3 and one on 12 and 13. Singles at Upton Warren on May 26, 27 and July 19. Singles at Belvide on May 10 and at Chasewater on May 5, 6 and 14. Singles at Blithfield on July 26 and August 3, four on 9, two on 10, one on 11 and finally two on September 8.

Grey Phalarope Staffs One at Belvide on September 17 and 18 BC, DS et al. was the

first there since 1963.

Arctic Skua Staffs A party of seven flew SW through Belvide on the evening of

September 14 GH, NH and one was found dead there on 18 WJL, IRM.

Warks

Worcs Staffs

62

Great Skua Warks One at Draycote on September 13 several observers.

Mediterranean Gull Staffs An adult at Blithfield on February 1 7 ARD, PDH, MJI, GJM, JHWR

and 24 JHWR.

Little Gull Warks At Draycote immatures on May 13 RCM and 17 JAA and again

on November 8 PDH. At Alvecote an adult on April 13 GAA and at Brandon immatures on August 19 and 20 and September 20, with an adult on November 3 BMCG.

Worcs Singles at Bittell on April 13 CL and at Wilden on April 21 RM. Staffs At Blithfield immatures on July 26 ARMB, August 23 and 24

(two) several observers and November 9 ARD, MJI. Two adults and an immature at Chasewater on May 5 GE and two immatures there on August 29 AN, RN. Two adults flew through Branston on May 11 TC and one was at Belvide on May 12 DWB.

WMid An unusual record of two adults at Edgbaston Reservoir on February 1 PAM.

Black-headed Gull No reports of breeding this year.

Warks 15000 estimated at Draycote in January and several smaller roosts (up to 1000) reported elsewhere. 1800 seen following the plough at Willey on February 16.

Worcs Usually no more than 400 roosted at Bittell, but 1000 reported on March 21. 220 at Upton Warren in January and maxima of 300 at Wilden and 200 Trimpley in December.

Staffs Maxima estimated were 20000 at Belvide in February, 15000 at Blithfield and 10000 at Chasewater in December, and 5000 at Aqualate in March.

Common Gull Warks Most reported from Draycote was 1000 in January. Up to a

dozen birds seen at various other localities. Worcs Up to 10 reported from Bittell, Upton Warren and Wilden. 45

seen circling high over Bredon on March 22. Staffs 70 at Belvide on April. 3. Up to 10 noted at Blithfield and

Chasewater. WMid Single birds seen in Sutton Park and at Bartley in January and at

Shirley in March.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Warks 4000 roosted at Draycote on January 12. Maximum reported

from Kingsbury was 300 in March.

63

Worcs Maxima of 180 at Bittell and 100 at Upton Warren in January. Staffs Roosts of 1200 at Blithfield in November and 1100 at

Chasewater in March were the largest reported. Birds showing the characteristics of the Scandinavian race were noted at Westport Lake in January and Chasewater in March.

Herring Gull Warks 3000 roosted at Draycote on January 12. Worcs Maxima of 120 at Bittell in December and 100 at Upton Warren

in January. Staffs 2500 at Blithfield on January 20 and 500 at Chasewater on

several dates.

Iceland Gull Warks A second winter bird at Kingsbury on March 1 ARD, PDH and 6

BLK. Worcs An adult flew low over Upton Warren on November 9 AFJ. Staffs The bird first seen at Westport Lake on December 30 1979

remained until January 12. At Chasewater a first year bird on February 15 and 16 ARMB, GE, RAH and an adult on several dates during the last week of February GE, EGP. An adult at Blithfield on February 10 and 17 was reported by several observers, but at least one had doubts about the identification of this bird.

Glaucous Gull Warks Reports from Draycote during January and February JAA, ARD,

RCM involved at least two birds, a first winter and a second winter. Single first winter birds were also present there on November 29 ARD, PDH and December 20 JAA, ARD, PDH, JHWR, an adult on December 4 RCM and second winter birds on December 13 ARD, PDH, JHWR and 31 RCM. At Kingsbury single first winter birds were reported on March 15 JAA, JP and December 27 and 28 several observers.

Staffs Records from Chasewater during the first part of the year involved a minimum of ten different birds, with an adult present on March 7 GE and 8 RAH, a third year bird seen during most of February several observers and again on April 4 and 5 GE, two second year birds reported on various dates in January, February and March and on April 4 GE and at leas: six first year birds. An adult was also seen there on December 30. At Blithfield an adult bjrd (presumably that first reported in December 1979) roosted regularly throughout January and February and was last seen on March 9 several observers. During the second half of January, several immatures were also recorded with a total of five birds (the adult, three first years and one second year) on January 20

64

ARD, JHWR, GS. Single immatures were also seen on March 9 and 1 5 AN, RN. At the end of the year an adult was present on December 26 ARD, EGP and 28 and a first year bird on December 21 ARD, MJI and 28. Other reports were of an adult at Stafford Common on February 23 FCG, a first year at Dosthill on March 13 JEF, a second year at Belvide on April 2 GH and at Leacroft tip, Cannock, a second year on March 30 and April 3 and a third year on March 31 and April 3 GE.

WMid At least five birds were seen at Bartley during January and February, including a small adult which was thought by some observers to be an Iceland Gull and which was possibly a hybrid. First year birds were seen on January 1 JTB, EGP, MSS and February 12, 13 and 14 JTB, MSS; a second year on February 1 JAA; a third year on February 5, 6 and 7 JAA, JTB; and an adult on January ~\0 JTB and February 13 and 14 MSS. At the end of the year an adult was seen again on December 7 AWH and 27 JTB, MSS and two first-winter birds on December 30 JHWR.

Glaucous or Iceland Gull Warks One seen in flight only at Packington tip on March 29 JAA.

Glaucous x Herring Gull Staffs A large first winter bird at Chasewater on February 8 JEF was

thought to be a hybrid.

Great Black-backed Gull Warks 56 roosted at Draycote on January 5. Single birds occasionally

seen at Ladywalk. Worcs Single birds at Bittell and Westwood in January. One flew N over

Hindlip Hall on March 19. Staffs At Chasewater 60 on January 1 and 50 on December 29; at

Blithfield 28 on December 14. Small numbers (up to eight) noted at Aqualate, Belvide, Rickerscote, Stafford Common and Westport Lake.

Kittiwake Warks An immature at Kingsbury on May 11 BLK, two adults and an

immature at Draycote on October 26 ARD, PDH and an immature there on November 9 RCM.

Worcs Single adults flew over Longdon Marsh on January 27 RM and Bittell on March 19 GJM.

Staffs At Blithfield single adults seen on March 9 RN, 16 WJL and 30 ARD and June 29 ARD and immatures on November 1 ARMB and 2 ARD, MJH. Immatures at Belvide on October 26 DWB, JKH, MJH and December 31 DWB. At Westport Lake two on October 26 PGB and single adults at Whittington S F on March 23 RM and flying S over Stoke on March 28 WJL.

65

Sandwich Tern Warks At Draycote one on April 26 JAA and three on September 21

EGP. Worcs Three at Bittell on April 13 CL and one there oh August 9 KC,

GJM. • Staffs Two at Chasewater on September 22 per GE.

Roseate Tern Staffs One at Belvide on May 7 and 8 DWB, JKH. Only the eighth

county record. Common Tern

Warks Successful breeding at Kingsbury, where three pairs raised four young. Up to 17 birds seen there on several dates in July and August and small numbers also noted on passage at Alvecote, Brandon, Draycote, Earlswood'and Ladywalk.

Worcs Usual spring and autumn records of ones and twos from Bittell, Upton Warren, Westwood and Wilden, with maximum of 11 on August 9 at Bittell.

Staffs At least one pair bred successfully at a site in the east of the county. Passage birds noted at Belvide (maximum 36 on May 31), Blithfield, Chasewater (maximum 33 on May 11), Chillington, Croxall, Kings Bromley, Lichfield, Rudyard and Westport.

WMid Two at Edgbaston Reservoir on May 15 and three in Sutton Park on August 28 were the only records.

Arctic Tern Another poor year with a total of only about 80 birds reported.

Warks 14 at Draycote on April 26 was the maximum. Other records came from Brandon and Kingsbury.

Worcs The majority of records came from Bittell, where the maximum was 11 on August 9, but one was at Upton Warren on August 17.

Staffs Ones and twos at several localities, but the largest party seen was of six birds at Blithfield on May 5.

Common/Arctic Tern Reports from several localities of parties up to 20 birds. Common, Arctic and Black Tama: Summated totals of maxima at all localities, 1 9 8 0 1=1 st to 15th 2=16th to 30th or 31st.

April 1 2

M a y 1 2

June 1 2

July 1 2

Aug. 1 2

Sept. Oct. Nov. 1 2 1 2 1

Common 2 1 7 0 5 3 4 7 15 13 3 1 B1 4 4 8 2 7 2 — — Arctic — 16 3 0 — 5 — 2 — 13 1 5 6 — — — Black 1 0 — 1 2 2 5 6 — 7 7 6 2 8 14 8 1 4 9 2 — 1

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Little Tern Warks Singles at Draycote on June 11 RCM and Kingsbury on July 20

JMD, 31 LEP and August 9 JAA. Staffs Two at Blithfield on July 23 JMD and 26 and one on July 6 GS.

Singles also at Westport on June 5 PGB and July 17 WJL, Chasewater on July 26 ARMB, GE and over Branston Golf Course on September 11 TC.

WMid An adult and a juvenile at Swan Pool, Sandwell Valley, on September 13 AN, RN.

Black Tern Influxes occurred mid-May, at the end of July and on September 19.

Warks One at Kingsbury on the early date of April 13. The largest party reported was of 16 at Draycote on May 11 and a very late bird was at the same locality on November 2 PDH.

Worcs 14 at Upton Warren on May 11 was the most seen. Staffs Maxima were 57 at Blithfield JTB, 48 at Belvide DAD and 27 at

Gailey EGP all on September 19. Nine at Blithfield on the early date of April 13.

WMid Two at Edgbaston Reservoir on May 12.

Guillemot WMid One found at Wordsley on December 30 was taken to Dudley

Zoo, but subsequently died per DS.

Stock Dove Warks Breeding records from Alvecote, Ladywalk and Willey (two pairs). Worcs 50 flew over Westwood on December 10 and 40 were at Upton

Warren in February. Staffs 42 at Etching Hill on March 28. WMid 32 pairs reported present in Sutton Park during the breeding

season. Bred at Meriden G P.

Woodpigeon Many winter flocks of up to 500 noted.

Staffs Over 2000 estimated at a roost in Fullmoor Wood on December 24.

Collared Dove Continues to be under recorded. Some suggestion of a further reduction in numbers.

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Turtle Dove

Average: April 26 (45) to September 25 (45) First noted at Kingsbury on April 13, but not widespread until early May. Last reported on September 29 at Ladywalk. Under recorded, but several observers referred to a reduction in numbers.

Staffs Only two pairs at Fradley Wood, where there were seven pairs in 1979.

Cuckoo Average: April 7 1 (44) to September 5 (43) Very late arriving, with none before April 20 (at Bittell) and few before April 26. One at Brandon on September 8 was the last of the year. Possibly more widely distributed than in recent years.

Warks A juvenile was seen being fed by a Yellow Wagtail at Draycote on July 5.

Staffs A pair of Dunnocks were still feeding a juvenile on July 26 at Belvide.

WMid Reported from Aldridge, Edgbaston Park and Sutton Park.

Barn Owl , Warks Reported from nine localities. Bred at llmington. Worcs Reported from only nine localities. Bred near Droitwich and at

Beckford. Staffs Reported from 14 localities. WMid One seen regularly during the summer months in the vicinity of

the National Exhibition Centre. One at Shirley on August 21.

Little Owl Warks Noted at 13 sites. Four pairs bred at Packington.

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Worcs Noted at 18 sites. Breeding records included three pairs at Wilden.

Staffs Noted at 23 sites.

WMid Noted at Aldridge, Bartley, Meriden G P and Minworth.

Tawny Owl

No changes in status reported.

Long-eared Owl Warks One at Kingsbury on January 1 EGP and another reported there

on November 2 JJH. Staffs Four found roosting at Chasewater on January 5 and a single bird

there on several subsequent dates until January 19 several observers. Short-eared Owl A poor year by recent standards.

Warks Several reports from Ladywalk early in the year. One at Kingsbury on February 10 and present again in November. One or two at Brandon from September 28 to December 21 and one at Draycote from November 28 to December 13.

Worcs One at Holt G P on December 7 and two at Defford during December.

Staffs Noted at four sites on the moors. One reported from Kings Bromley on August 20 and two early autumn sightings at Belvide. Nightjar Average: May 15 (40) to August 21 (31) Extreme dates, both from Cannock Chase, were May 14 and July 14, though presumably birds were present later than this.

Staffs Usual records from Cannock Chase. At least one pair at Kinver.

Swift Average: April 23 (46) to September 24 (46) First arrival at Belvide on April 26 and widely distributed by early May. Many September records, with the latest at Malvern on 28.

Staffs 3000 at Belvide and 1000 at Blithfield at the end of May.

Kingfisher Warks Reported from 11 localities. Bred at Ladywalk, Brandon and

Preston Bagot and probably at Alvecote and Kingsbury. One died after flying into a window at Birdingbury.

Worcs Reported from 13 localities. Bred at Bittell and Upton Warren. Staffs Reported from 13 localities. Bred in the Belvide area and at

Hopwas. WMid Reported from six localities.

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Hoopoe . Worcs One in an orchard near Dowles Brook, Wyre Forest on April 20

GGSW. Staffs One at Milford on April 14 PBB, BH. One reported from the

Weeping Cross, Stafford, area in October per Nfi W.

Green Woodpecker Widespread records from all four counties, with no change in status indicated.

Great Spotted Woodpecker No change in status reported.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker No marked changes in status reported, although one or two local decreases indicated due to felling of dead elms. Most records were from Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

Skylark About 12 breeding pairs at Alvecote and nine at Willey, where there were seven paiiS in 1979. Several autumn and winter flocks reported. Maximum 1 50 at Hoo Brook in February. 100 at Lichfield on January 12.

Breeding season records from Sedgley and Sutton Park.

Sand Martin Average:March 23 (45) to October 9 (45) Late arriving for the second year running, with none until March 31 at Belvide and Brandon. Left early as well, with the last at Packington on October 3.

Warks 1000 at Kingsbury on September 1. Several pairs nested in river bank at Ladywalk and up to 100 roosted in reeds there at the end of June.

Worcs Reports suggest about 80 occupied nests at Beckford, 166 pairs at Holt G P and 26 pairs at Grimley G P.

Staffs Maxima of 350 at Chasewater and 200 at Belvide in July. Over 100 roosted at Two Gates in September. An albino at Chasewater on August 17. Swallow Average: April 1 (46) to November 2 (46) Prompt arrival, with one at Draycote on April 2 and a strong passage in the following week. Widespread until mid-October and several later stragglers, with the last at Pattingham on November 9.

Warks

Worcs

Staffs WMid

70

Warks 2500 roosted at Brandon on August 16, including an albino. A reduction in breeding numbers reported from Willcy.

Worcs 500 noted at Upton Warren on September 11. Staffs Maxima reported from main roosts in September were 17000 at

Ford Green, 7000 at Chasewater and 5000 at Two Gates.

House Martin Average:April9 (46) to October31 (46) One at Brandon on March 30 was the earliest arrival since 1967 and birds were widespread in early April, though the main passage did not begin until the third week. Widely reported until late October, with the last on November 1 at Chasewater.

Staffs Over 200 noted at Belvide in May and July. On September 15 a total of 427 passed S over Westlands. -At Pattingham on September 19 and 20 up to 50 flew round and settled in a flowering cherry tree. Individual birds settled for only a few seconds, but were seen to peck at leaves and appeared to be feeding.

Tree Pipit Average: April 8 (43) to September 20 (41) One at Beaudesert on April 5, but no more until April 10, after which a steady arrival. Just two September records, with the latest at Packington on 20.

Warks Singing birds noted at Purley Park and Umberslade Park (two). Worcs Singing birds noted at Broadway (five), Chaddesley Wood (two),

Gadbury Bank, Lickey Woods (two), Shrawley Wood (at least five pairs bred). Trench Wood (three) and Wyre Forest (1 5 on May 4).

Staffs Singing birds at Coombes Valley and Hopwas Wood and many reports from Cannock Chase. Absent from Fradley Wood for the first time since 1971.

WMid Two singing birds at Hockley Heath and four in Sutton Park.

Meadow Pipit Warks Several pairs reported to have bred at Ladywalk and up to 50

there in winter. 40 at Alvecote on March 23 and 30 at Draycote on March 29. Noted on passage at Willey.

Worcs The largest party was 400 at Wilden on March 23. Autumn records included 72 at Bittell and 30 at Abberton. In December up to 100 at Oldington Sewage Works.

Staffs Flocks of 100 noted at Belvide and Whittington S F on March 23 and at Wheaton Aston on March 30.

WMid Bred in Sutton Park. Usual small numbers noted at Edgbaston Reservoir. Movement to SE noted in Selly Oak and Hall Green from September 14.

71

Rock Pipit Warks At Draycote two on April 1 RCM, one from October 2 to 14

several observers, three on November 1 ARD and one on November 5 RCM. One at Brandon on October 13 BMCG.

Worcs Single birds reported from Bittell on April 4 KC, UJM, the most unusual date of June 15 KC, and October 31 AJR; Holt G P on September 28 MJI; Kempsey Common on October 5 RM; and Oldington S W on December 19 RM. Another unusual record was of one at Upton Warren on August 5 JEF, whilst a single bird was also noted there on October 12 SFLE, GET.

Staffs One at Belvide on September 20, two on 27 and singles again on October 4 and 12 DS. At Blithfield two on September 29 WJL, three on October 5 ARD and singles on October 12 WJL and November 2 EGP. Singles also at Chasewater on September 21 ARMB, DAD, GE, October 12 ARMB and November 1 ARMB, GJM; and at Westport on October 4 and 14 RH, WJL and December 15 WJL.

WMid One at Edgbaston Reservoir on March 19 PAM. Water Pipits were reported as follows:

Worcs At Wilden usually up to three present January 6 to April 13, but five on April 7. Returned October 12 and present until the 6rld of the year. At least seven and possibly ten birds noted on December 22 and 24 PGG, RM.

Staffs Singles at Belvide on March 1 5, November 2, 8 and 1 5 DS.

Yellow Wagtail Average: April 1 (44) to October 10 (44) Late arrival, with the first at Erdington on April 7, but the main influx not beginning for a further week. Noted regularly throughout September and last seen atTamworth on October 5.

Warks Probably six pairs bred at Alvecote and breeding records also from near Idlicote, Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Shustoke and Willey. 100 estimated at Draycote on August 27.

Worcs At least ten pairs reported to have bred at Holt G P. Other breeding records from Bittell (three pairs), Cofton Hackett (two pairs), Oakley (two pairs) and Wilden (four pairs). 100 estimated at Upton Warren on May 5.

Staffs The only breeding records were from Belvide, Blithfield and Chasewater. 60 at Blithfield on August 23 and 50 at Branston on August 10.

WMid No positive breeding records, but may have bred in Sutton Park. Birds showing the characteristics of the Blue-headed Wagtail were noted as follows:

Warks A male at Draycote on April 11 GRH, JVH and one at Kingsbury on April 20 AN, RN and 29 BLK.

72

Grey Wagtail A pair bred at Preston Bagot. but no other reports of breeding. Noted at ten sites outside breeding season. Noted at 11 sites during the breeding season. Breeding reported from the Belvide area, Coombes Valley, Croxall and Seven Springs. Noted at 12 other sites outside the breeding season. A pair bred in the vicinity of Edgbaston Reservoir. Birds noted at ten other sites outside breeding season.

Pled Wagtail Maximum at Brandon roost was 280 on October 5. 200 flew NE over Wilden on February 15 and a similar number were at Oldington S W on November 30. 200 also reported roosting in greenhouses near Holt in October and November. Maximum at Bittell was 62 on October 24. 200 roosted at Ford Green on October 4. White Wagtails were reported as follows:

Warks Three at Kingsbury on April 26 and May 3 JAA and ones and twos there on several subsequent dates until May 17 PAG. At Draycote singles on several dates from April 14 CJS to May 8 RCM, with two on April 26 JAA. One at Ladywalk on April 26 BLK, two at Lea Marston on April 19 PDH and one a week later JAA, one at Packington on March 30 DKC and one at Shustoke on May 1 BLK.

Worcs Singles at Bittell on April 19 MJI, GJM and 26 GCB, May 1 KC and 3 MJI, GJM. One at Trimpley on March 30 RM, two at Upton Warren on April 20 and May 1 AFJ and four at Wilden on April 18 RM. An autumn bird at Bittell on September 5 KGC.

Staffs Singles at Blithfield on April 12 UD. 13 DWE, WJL and 27 GS and at Chasewater on May 2 GE.

WMid One at Edgbaston Reservoir on April 24 ARMB. Dipper

Worcs Breeding season records from Astley Mill, Dowles Brook, Leigh Brook, Lower Sapey, Shrawley, Sling Pool and Stanford Bridge.

Staffs Breeding season records from Coombes Valley, River Dove (near Longnor) and Warslow Brook. Single birds noted at Seven Springs in January, Beaudesert Old Park on March 15, Danebridge on December 26 and Knypersley on December 30.

WMid One reported from Halesowen in December. Wren Evidence of an increase in numbers, but still well below the level prior to the 1978/9 winter.

Warks Five pairs reported to have bred at Willey compared with two in 1979.

Warks

Worcs Staffs

WMid

Warks Worcs

Staffs

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Staffs 13 pairs at Fradley Wood compared with 46 in 1978 and three in 1979.

Dunnock Warks A slight increase in numbers noted at Willey. Staffs Breeding numbers at Fradley Wood fell again (30 pairs in 1977,

13 or 14 pairs in 1979, 11 pairs in 1980).

Robin No marked change in status reported.

Nightingale

Average arrival: April 18 (46) First noted on April 19 at both Trench and Goosehill Woods. The BTO Census revealed just 99 singing birds, which was only 59% of the 1976 total. In Warwickshire there were only 23 singing birds compared with 75 in 1976.

Warks Singing birds reported from Combrook, Ufton Fields and Wappenbury Woods (nine).

Worcs Singing birds reported from Croome Estate (eight), Goosehill • Wood (eight), Longdon Marsh, Monkwood (two). Old Yew Hill

Wood, Slade Wood, Trench Wood (nine) and Weethley Wood.

Black Redstart Warks A male noted at Hams Hall on January 2 JAA and three pairs

subsequently bred there several observers. Singing males noted also at Coleshill gas works on March 25 and April 12 PAM.

Worcs A singing male on Walton Hill on April 5 PGG. WMid Reported to have bred again at Windsor Street gas works,

Birmingham, and probably also at Nechells B' power station PAM. Several records of singing males in Birmingham city centre and an immature male on Penn Common on May 1 JKH.

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Redstart Average: April 10 (44) to September 22 (43) One at Keele on April 8 was the year's first, but not widespread until the month's end. September records from Wilden on 18 and Abberton on 24 were the latest.

Warks Noted in spring at Brandon, Shustoke and Wappenbury Wood and in autumn at Alvecote. Two or three pairs bred at Packington.

Worcs Singing birds noted at Broadway, Lickey Hills, Longdon Marsh and Wyre Forest. A male on spring passage at Upton Warren and autumn records from Abberton and Wilden.

Staffs Breeding season records from Blackbrook Valley, Burnt Wood, Coombes Valley, Hopwas Wood, Loynton Moss, Milford Common, Sherbrook Valley and Trentham. Noted in spring at Belvide, Blithfield and Tamworth and a different bird appeared in the same Tamworth garden in August.

WMid 10 breeding pairs estimated in Sutton Park. Passage birds at Meriden on July 27, Bartley on August 10 and Erdington on August 14.

Whinchat Average: April 24 (44) to October 5 (40) Arrived punctually, with birds at Blithfield on April 20 and Brandon the next day, but no more were reported until the first week of May. Last noted on September 30, at Sandwell Valley, apart from very late individuals on November 1 and 16.

Warks At least two pairs bred at Ladywalk. No other breeding records, but noted in spring at Brandon, Draycote and Packington and in autumn at Admington, Coton and Draycote (maximum of five on September 6).

Worcs Reported in spring at Crowle, Oakley, Stour Hill and Upton Warren. In autumn noted at Castlemorton Common, Holt G P and Upton Warren (maximum of six on August 31). Probably bred in the Wilden area, where five were present on August 31 and a very late individual was seen on November 16 SFLE, GET.

Staffs A singing male at Chasewater on May 13, but the only definite breeding record came from Sherbrook Valley where a pair were seen feeding young at the end of June. There were no reports from the Moors. In spring birds were seen at Hilton Park, Perton and Wheaton Aston and in autumn at Belvide and Ford Green, with a late bird in Sherbrook Valley on November 1.

WMid Two pairs bred in Sandwell Valley and at least two pairs also in Sutton Park. Up to six were seen in autumn at New Invention.

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Stonechat Another very poor year.

Warks Records from Alvecote (March), Brandon (February and November), Draycote (January and October) and Kingsbury (February) involved a total of probably only nine birds.

Worcs Noted at Holt G P (March and October) and Wilden (January, February, October and November). Probably no more than eight birds in total.

Staffs At least one pair bred in the Sherbrook Valley area. The only other records were from Belvide (August and November), Gradbach (December) and Perton (November), all involving single birds.

WMid A pair bred in Sutton Park. The only record away from that area was of a single bird at New Invention in October.

Wheatear Average: March 21 (43) to October 13 (44) One at Chasewater on March 23 heralded a small influx that gathered strength in early April. Last noted at Draycote on October 12, apart from one at the same locality from November 16 to 10, which is the latest ever recorded.

Warks Small numbers noted in spring at six sites. Reported from five localities in autumn, with up to 16 at Draycote during late August.

Worcs In spring seen only at Holt G P and Upton Warren. Autumn records from six localities, including Malvern Hills where bred.

Staffs Noted at 13 sites in spring, with six at Wheaton Aston on April 4. In autumn reported from seven sites, with three at Blithfield on August 17 and at Perton on September 18.

WMid Up to 15 in spring in Sutton Park and noted also in Sandwell Valley, where a male seen perched in an oak tree on May 12 was thought to be of the Greenland race RJJ. In autumn seen at four sites, with nine birds present on school playing fields at Alumwell, Walsall on September 22.

Ring Ouzel Average: April 2 (24) to October 22 (18) First noted on its breeding grounds at Gradbach on March 30. Two November records, with that at Beaconwood from 27 to 30 the latest ever.

Worcs About 15 feeding on rowan berries in Happy Valley, Malvern Hills on September 28 MJI. A male at Beaconwood feeding on berberis and pyracantha berries from November 27 to 30 CC.

Staffs Many records from the Gradbach/Blackbrook Valley area. A female at Chillington on April 5 FCG and a bird reported from a garden in Stoke in early NovemberperNRW.

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WMid One occurred in a garden at Sutton Coldfield on September 28 ARMB.

Blackbird No significant changes in status reported.

Fieldfare Average: October 2 (45) to April 30 (44) Several lingered into the first week of May, with the last on 11 at Broadway. One at Alvecote on August 19 LEP was the earliest arrival on record and was followed by others at Maple Hayes on August 26 and Erdington on September 9, though the main arrival did not begin until October 12. Maxima were:

Warks 500 at Alvecote and 330 at Brandon on November 16, 300 at Kingsbury on October 20 and 200 at Willey on April 8.

Worcs 500 estimated at Bittell on December 5, 400 on Bredon Hill on November 16, 250 at Longdon Marsh on April 25 and at Oakley Pool on November 9.

Staffs 800 estimated in the Blithfield area on November 16 and 600 reported from near Yoxall on March 2 and again on November 2, whilst 604 passed S over Stoke-on-Trent in 1-^ hours on December 19.

WMid Over 1000 present in Sandwell Valley on March 31.

Song Thrush No significant change in breeding numbers reported.

Warks An exceptional flock of over 300 noted at Ladywalk on November 1 6 . Redwing Average: September 27 (46) to April 17 (45) Noted in spring until April 8, with two late individuals at Willey on May 16. Two exceptionally early birds at Bartley on August 18 MSS and Alvecote the next day LEP were easily the earliest ever. There were no subsequent reports until the main arrival began on October 3.

Warks Movement over Brandon on November 9 involved 1300 birds and 300 were at Alvecote on November 16. A singing bird at Willey on May 16.

Worcs The largest flocks were 500 in Wyre Forest on October 12 and at Oakley Pool on November 9, 400 on Bredon Hill on November 16, 350 at Bittell on December 5 and 300 at Wilden on February 24. At least 2000 passed W over Severn Stoke on October 13.

Staffs 700 were estimated at Belvide on November 8 and 500 on November 16. One with a white head at Hixon on December 24.

WMid 230 at Meriden G P on November 16.

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Mistle Thrush No significant change in status apparent. Several flocks of up to 50 birds reported.

Cetti's Warbler Worcs One was seen and heard at a locality in the centre of the county

from March 2 to 22 many observers.

Grasshopper Warbler Average: April 19 (44) to August 23 (34) First seen on April 12 at Brandon, but not well established until the end of the month. Last noted on August 24, also at Brandon. Another good year, with at least 81 singing birds.

Warks Very little information. Reeling birds heard at Alvecote (up to three), Brandon (eight, with one juvenile trapped on June 29), Draycote (two, with one bird carrying food), Kineton, Kingsbury and Ladywalk (two). One seen and heard at Earlswood on May 4 was the observers' first record from the locality in six years.

Worcs Males were reported singing at Abberton (two), Bittell, Burlish Top, Eckington, Goosehill Wood (three), Monkwood (8-10), Oakley (2-3), Shortwood Roughs (five), Upton Warren (4 or 5), Wilden and Yeald Wood (two). Said to be numerous on passage at Bittell, but scarce as a resident.

Staffs Singing birds at Aqualate, Baggeridge, Belvide, Blithfield (from a field of barley in early August), Chasewater (where probably three pairs bred), Copmere, Ford Green (bred). Four Ashes (three), Little Wyrley (three), Loynton Moss, Perton (two), Sherbrook Valley (four), Stafford Polytechnic (an unmated male during May and June) and Tamworth.

WMid One in late April on Brownhills Common may have been a passage bird, but another bird at Sandwell Valley remained throughout the summer in a reed-bed, constituting the first record for the area. In Sutton Park singing birds were established at seven sites.

Sedge Warbler Average: April 16 (44) to September 27 (38) One at Blithfield on April 13 heralded a strong influx within the next few days. Several late September records, with the latest on October 5 at Brandon. Varying reports on status, but apparently fewer than last year overall.

Warks Half-a-dozen pairs bred at Alvecote and an unspecifiied number at Ladywalk, but Brandon and Kingsbury remain the county strongholds of this species. At the former 24 males were in song on May 10 and a maximum of 46 birds were present on May 28.

Worcs

Staffs

WMid

Worcs

Warks

Worcs

Staffs

At Kingsbury up to 20 were in song in early May. Up to six birds wore also present at Draycote. Bred at Aston Mill, Bittell (four pairs), Grimley (two pairs). Holt (two pairs) and Oakley, where about 20 pairs were present. Up to nine were heard singing at Upton Warren and 10 were in song at Wilden—the same number as in 1979. Three, or possibly four, pairs bred at Belvide, two pairs each at Bridgtown Subsidence Pools, Chasewater and Tillington, and up to four pairs at Wheaton Aston, where there had been a complete absence in 1979. Conversely none were seen at Copmere, where a few years ago it was plentiful. Two or three were noted at Doley Common in July and a similar number at Westport, where possibly bred, but numbers everywhere were small. Two pairs bred in Sandwell Valley and birds were noted on passage in Edgbaston Park (spring) and Sutton Park (spring and autumn).

Marsh Warbler Average arrival: June 1 (31) No changes in the breeding strength of the main colonies GHG, where three were reported in song on the early date of May 25 PJC. Up to three birds were also in song at a new site for most of June and nesting was suspected, whilst a juvenile was caught and ringed at another site near Droitwich on August 10.

Reed Warbler Average: April 26 (40) to September 20 (34) Arrived early, with one at Oakley on April 18, but not well-established until the first week of May. Several reports until the last week in September, with one at Brandon on October 5 the last of the year. About 30 pairs estimated at Brandon, where early nests suffered from egg collectors. Otherwise only small numbers, with six or so pairs at Alvecote, two or three at Ladywalk and an unspecified number at Kingsbury. Probably bred at Draycote. Between 55-60 pairs bred at Oakley and at least 25 pairs at Ombersley, but the colony at Thorngrove was much diminished with only 10 pairs. Nine pairs bred in the Grimley area and six were in song at Astley, with smaller numbers at several other localities. Due to cutting of the reed-beds, only two pairs bred at Bittell. An apparent increase was reported at Copmere, where 32 adults and 41 juveniles were trapped. Otherwise the most reported were seven in song at Aqualate, six at Branston. three at Belvide and two at Baggeridge.

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WMid One pair bred in the Sandwell Valley, two birds sang in Sutton Park and one was seen at a small marsh near Gornal Wood.

Lesser Whitethroat Average: April 22 (44) to September 19 (44) Early arrival, with the first at Bittell on April 14, but no others until 24, at Little Aston, with the main influx following in early May. Most departed in August, but a few stragglers were seen in September, with the last on 14 at Upton Warren and Wilden.

Warks Reported from only five localities, with two or three pairs at Alvecote, three in song at Kingsbury and successful breeding at both Ladywalk and Willey. The most reported was six at Brandon on August 24.

Worcs Singing birds reported from sixteen localities, with three at both Bittell and Wilden. Upton Warren held three pairs compared with just one pair of Whitethroats.

Staffs Reported from just nine sites, mostly only on a single date. At Belvide two sang during the summer and at least five were present on August 24, whilst singles were noted in a Garmelow garden on several occasions during August, usually foraging in laburnum trees.

WMid Two were in song on Brownhills Common on May 18 and one at Bartley, whilst singles appeared on passage in Sutton Park in spring and in an Erdington garden between August 24 and September 18.

Whitethroat

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Average: April 14 (46) to September 24 (46) First noted on April 13 at Dittell, with ilm main anival beginning a week later. Last seen on September 29, also at Bittell.

Warks Reported from only nine localities, with the most at Kingsbury, where up to seven in song, though only four pairs believed to have bred. At least three pairs bred at Draycote and two or three pairs at Alvecote.

Worcs Small numbers reported from fourteen widely-scattered localities. In the Stour Hill-Wilden area there were 18 in song compared with 19 last year and numbers here have been fairly stable since 1977. Five or six pairs were present at Abberton and it was said to be much commoner this year at Bittell.

Staffs Few reports, but one observer said it appears to be maintaining its breeding numbers, though a decrease was reported from Fradley Wood. The most reported were about five pairs at Chasewater and at least three in song at Belvide.

WMid Approximately six pairs bred in Sutton Park, seven sang on Brownhills Common on May 18 and one appeared in a Solihull garden on August 17.

Garden Warbler Average: April 22 (43) to September 5 (42) Although the first was noted on April 20 at Westwood Park, no others were seen until the first week of May, when there was a strong influx. Very little information on departure, with just one record after the end of August—on September 20 at Belvide.

Warks No apparent change in status, with two pairs again at Alvecote, five in song at Brandon, four at Kingsbury and Wappenbury Wood, and two at Earlswood. Bred again at Willey (one pair) and probably at Ladywalk.

Worcs Good numbers on spring passage at Bittell, where three pairs remained in residence, and many pairs bred in Shrawley Wood, where it out-numbered Blackcap by 2:1 SWW. Conversely, there was no breeding at Upton Warren after two or three successful years. The most reported were five in song in the Stour Hill-Wilden area and four near Broadway and in the Wyre Forest.

Staffs Fradley Wood held four or five pairs, which was the first time since 1973 that substantial numbers had been present, but elsewhere birds appeared scarce, with no more than two singing in Stansley Wood and three at Belvide on July 24 the most on passage. Three were in song at Beaudesert and breeding occurred for the first time along the canal at Wheaton Aston.

WMid Two or three pairs bred in Sutton Park and singles visited an Erdington garden on August 27 and September 3—the latter feeding on yew berries. One in song at Bartley, where unusual.

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Blackcap A verage: April 4 (46) to October 6 (43) Migration appeared to begin with one at Cheddleton on April 5 and end with singles at Brandon on October 13 and Abberton on November 1, but wintering individuals cause some confusion. Reported to be noticeably common at several localities, but scarce at others.

Warks A male was present at Coleshill from mid-February until late March. Breeding season numbers were about normal, with three pairs at Alvecote, five in song at Brandon and three each at Earlswood and Kingsbury. One or two pairs also bred at Ladywalk and a single pair at Willey. A female was found dead in a garden at Whitacre Heath on December 11.

Worcs A male in a Droitwich garden on January 9 was joined shortly afterwards by a female. Both, or others, appeared daily until early March and sporadically until April 1 and were joined by a second male on February 6. During the breeding season birds were noted at twelve localities, with maxima of seven in song at Trench Wood and the Wyre Forest, six in the Stour Hill-Wilden area and five at both Bittell and Sling Pool. Late autumn birds included a male in the same Droitwich garden on October 2b, another male at Abberton from October 15 to November 1 and a female on Bredon Hill on November 19.

Staffs Males were seen alongside the Caldon Canal on February 11 and in a Trentham garden on February 24. No change in numbers was reported from Fradley Wood, but this was the only information received on breeding apart from Belvide, where three were in song. An immature frequented a Lichfield garden from December 3 to 11, followed by a male on December 30 and 31.

WMid Wintering birds appeared in gardens at Bournville on January 6 (a female feeding on cotoneaster berries); Hall Green on January 20 (a female) and again for two days in March (a male feeding on Viburnum and Skimmia berries); and Erdington on January 28 and March 21 (males). In Sutton Park between 25 and 30 pairs bred, whilst five were in song at Edgbaston Park. During autumn passage birds again appeared in gardens at Hall Green and Erdington, where a late female was seen on November 21.

Wood Warbler Average: April 21 (44) to August 17 (35) First noted on April 26 in the Wyre Forest and well established by early May. Last reported on August 28 at Hanchurch Pools. Apparently very scarce this year.

Warks Only three reports. Up to three were in song at Earlswood, two at Wappenbury and one at Purley Park.

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Worcs Breeding season reports from only eight localities. In the Wyre Forest 20 ware in song on May 26 and at Lickoy good numboro were reported. Elsewhere, though, numbers were small, with three in song on the slopes of Midsummer Hill, Malvern, and singles at Beaconwood, Broadway, Cobblers Coppice, Sling Pool and Wilden, but none this year at Hornhill Wood.

Staffs Breeding season reports only from Back Forest, where two in song, Blithfield and Burnt Wood, with singles at each. Passage birds at Chillington on April 27, in a Tamworth garden on August 1 and at Hanchurch Pools on August 28.

WMid Two or three sang in Sutton Park during May and on June 1, but subsequently disappeared. One on passage at Bartley on August 10.

Chiffchaff Average: March 16 (46) to October 15 (46) Extreme dates for true migrants as distinct from wintering birds appeared to be March 23 and October 4, both at Packington Park. Poor numbers almost everywhere.

Warks One in song at Brandon on February 29 and March 7. Little information on breeding, but two or three pairs believed to have bred at Alvecote, up to eight in song at Ufton Fields, five at Brandon, three at Earlswood and several at Hartshill. One was at Curdworth on November 30 and another at Brandon from October 27 to November 3, with perhaps the same individual on December 7.

Worcs Said to be fewer than usual in the Wyre Forest, where seven in song on May 4 compared with 45 Willow Warblers, but good numbers reported from Bittell. Maxima of singing birds were 10 at Chaddesley Wood, seven at Stour Hill-Wilden and six at Trench Wood. A late autumn bird was noted at Bittell from November 30 to December 7.

Staffs Following a peak of 10 pairs in 1977, the numbers at Fradley Wood have declined to just half that number, whilst at Belvide there were again no breeding birds. Four in song at Beaudesert was the most reported during the breeding season, though a large autumn movement was noticeable during the first week of September in the Potteries. A late bird was at Maer on November 29.

WMid Sutton Park held 34 pairs and three singing birds were present in Edgbaston Park and at Hockley Heath. Several reports of single birds in gardens during spring and more especially autumn, with a late individual in Sutton Park on November 1.

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Willow Warbler Average:March 27 (46) to October 4 (46) One reported at Hagley on March 20, but no further sightings until April 3, when the main arrival began. Noted regularly throughout September, with the last at Brandon on October 13.

Warks No change in breeding strength at Alvecote, where at least six pairs bred and 26 were heard in song on April 18. Maxima of singing birds at other localities were 21 at Brandon, 20 at both Earlswood and Kingsbury, and 12 at Ufton Fields. Said to be generally numerous at Willey, where nine territories.

Worcs Singing birds were reported from the Wyre Forest (45 against seven Chiffchaffs), Trench Wood (12), Chaddesley Wood (8) and Bittell (6), with smaller numbers at several localities.

Staffs More normal numbers at Fradley Wood, following the peak of last year. At Belvide up to 19 were in song, at Chasewater 13 and at Beaudesert nine. Otherwise little information received.

WMid Sutton Park held 1 58 pairs and 24 were in song on Brownhills Common. Within the urban area up to six were noted in Edgbaston Park, two sang at Moseley Bog and up to two appeared on passage in an Erdington garden.

Goldcrest • Very little quantitative data from which to assess status.

Warks The usual autumn influx was apparent at Brandon, reaching a peak of 21 on November 30. Elsewhere no report concerned more than three birds, but an interesting obituary concerns one that flew into a window at Hampton Magna on October 31.

Worcs Said to have been scarce during the winter, but more numerous in autumn and a slight increase was reported from Bittell. Nonetheless no report specifically mentioned more than two birds!

Staffs No change in numbers at Fradley Wood. Up to 10 were noted in a flock on Cannock Chase in spring and a similar number were at Brocton Field in the autumn, whilst at least eight were at Belvide on December 16 and a flock of 16 was at Knypersley on December 30.

WMid Up to 18 pairs were reported in Sutton Park, where at least 100 were present on October 25. Otherwise singles were seen in the autumn in gardens at Erdington, Hampton-in-Arden, Shirley and Solihull. Firecrest Two in spring and six in autumn—the best year ever.

Worcs Spring records from Bredon Hill, where one on March 31 GHCB and Upton Warren, where one in song on May 4 AFJ et at. In autumn two juveniles were trapped and ringed at Thorngrove SWW.

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Staffs One was reported from Beaudesert on November 30 PAG, another wa3 3ccn and heard at Chillington on December 21 RN and a male was noted accompanying Goldcrests, Tits and Treecreepers at Belvide on December 24 JKH.

WMid One was ringed in Sutton Park on October 26 per SPSG.

Spotted Flycatcher A verage: May 1 (44) to September 25 (44) First returned on May 3 at Bittell and last seen on September 28 at Ruchton Sponoor.

Warks Three pairs bred at Willey, which was similar to recent years, and breeding also took place at Ladywalk and probably Alvecote. Otherwise few records, with just one's and two's on passage, except four at Draycote on August 27.

Worcs Breeding reported from Abberton and Bittell (two pairs each), Far Forest (five young fledged from nest-box), Hindlip and Stourport, but the usual pair at Upton Warren was absent this year. The most on passage was three, at Upton Warren on September 7.

Staffs Better numbers on passage than in other counties, though the only breeding reports were of at least one pair at Belvide and a pair at Garmelow, which reared four young. One was reported from the main GEC works at Stafford on the strange date of June 20. In autumn, 11 were at Hanchurch Pools on August 1 and 12 at Belvide on August 30, with smaller numbers at several localities.

WMid Five pairs were present in Sutton Park, of which two definitely bred, and breeding also occurred at Chelmsley Wood, Erdington and Hampton-in-Arden. One was at Edgbaston Reservoir on September 23.

Pied Flycatcher Average: April 21 (34) to September 6 (16) Extreme dates were April 13, at Brakemill, and September 9, at Erdington, but main arrival did not begin until April 27. Scarce on passage and breeding success not so good as in 1979.

Warks The only record was a female at Brandon on August 24 BMCG. Worcs Males at Brakemill on April 13 and Beaconwood on May 15 were

presumably on passage. In the Wyre Forest area 18 young successfully fledged from four occupied nest boxes at Far Forest—the best year since 1973—17 young were raised from five nest boxes at Knowles Mill and 2 from two occupied boxes at Rock Coppice perJRM.

Staffs Nine pairs bred at Coombes Valley compared with six in 1979, a male and two females were present near Longsdon on May 24 in suitable breeding habitat and a pair was at Alton on May 26. A male returned to the breeding site of previous years in the south-

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west of the county, but no female was seen this year. A passage bird was at Seabridge on September 2.

WMid A female on passage visited Sutton Park on May 10 AN and another was seen in an Erdington garden on September 8 and 9 TD.

Bearded Tit Another lean year.

Warks Recorded only from Brandon, where up to eight were present until February 13, with six remaining until March 8 and a pair last seen on April 3. Returned on October 18, when four present, increasing to 10 on November 3, with eight remaining into 1981. Of seven birds which were trapped in November, one had been ringed here in 1979 BMCG.

WMid A female at Wyken Slough on March 27 CHP.

Long-tailed Tit Warks No changes in breeding status reported. The largest flocks were

22 at Kingsbury on July 2 and 20 each at Ladywalk on July 11, Kingsbury in October and Brandon on December 21. Smaller parties were widely noted.

Worcs Two nests were located at Bittell, where two separate parties totalling 25-30 birds were present in the autumn. Similarly-sized autumn flocks were also present around Romsley and Waseley Hills. Smaller parties, up to 12, were seen at many localities.

Staffs No significant numerical change at Fradley Wood, where the population is still below its 1978 peak. Six or seven pairs held territory at Belvide, where the maximum seen was 12 on October 4. Other maxima were flocks of 20, at Rudyard on November 9 and Eccleshall during autumn, and 15 along the Trent and Mersey Canal at Fradley on March 12. Smaller numbers were noted at several other localities.

WMid Five pairs bred in Sutton Park, a party of 30 was seen in woodland near Hockley Heath on January 27 and small numbers were noted in Edgbaston Park.

Marsh Tit No change in status. Reported from twenty-two localities.

Warks Only one seen at Packington Park, where the species has declined steadily during recent years while Willow Tits have increased fast DKC. One or two pairs were present during the breeding season at Alvecote, but otherwise only a few random sightings were reported.

Worcs Reported to be less common than formerly at Westwood. Birds .were present at Bittell throughout the year and three sang in the

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Wyre Forest, but apart from these only scattered sightings were noted.

Staffs The population at Fradley Wood remained stable and one or two were noted erratically at Belvide, including one which fed on thistle heads in autumn.

W Mid Sutton Park held three pairs, one was seen at Hampton-in-Arden in January feeding in a garden yew and four were noted at Rushall on December 10.

Willow Tit No change in status. Reported from twenty-one localities.

Warks Has increased fast in recent years at Packington Park DKC. Worcs A poor year reported from Westwood CPB. Staffs No change in numbers at Fradley Wood. WMid Four pairs bred in Sutton Park.

Coal Tit Warks A good year reported at Ladywalk, where seen regularly. Worcs No change reported at Bittell. Staffs The population at Fradley Wood showed no significant change.

Said to be numerous along Abrahams Valley. WMid Over 50 singing birds were located in Sutton Park.

Blue Tit Warks Little change reported from Willey, where five pairs were present

compared to three last year SCN. At Admington an abandoned nest-box was found to contain two nests, one on top of the other, together with two or three infertile eggs. It is known that both nests were used in the same season, but whether to raise a second brood or by a different pair is uncertain DAS, RMS.

Worcs Normal numbers were maintained at Bittell, but at Far Forest it was a poor year with only three of 30 nest-boxes successfully occupied and breeding success unknown. However one box contained eight dead young and another three holed eggs. At Menith Wood, where 36 young were fledged from ten nest-boxes, damage by woodpeckers was a problem. A flock of 42 was at Wilden on August 30.

Staffs Nested successfully in one of the vertical supports to the hide at Belvide. Slight improvement at Fradley Wood from the poor numbers of 1979.

WMid A very common breeding species in Sutton Park.

Great Tit Warks Numbers at Willey recovered to the usual four pairs. Worcs No change in status at Bittell, but again a poor year in the Far

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Forest where just four young were raised from two occupied nest-boxes out of a total of 30. At Menith Wood 13 young fledged successfully from six occupied boxes.

Staffs No significant change in numbers at Fradley Wood. WMid A common breeding species in Sutton Park and substantial

numbers reported from Shenstone Woods, Halesowen.

Nuthatch Warks Reported only from four localities. Surely it is more widespread? Worcs Reported from ten localities, with at least 20 in the Lickey Woods

on November 27. Apparently confiding, since up to eight could be fed from parked cars at Pipers Hill, whilst a pair chose to nest in an oak outside the Redditch golf clubhouse just a metre or two from the putting green.

Staffs Has not been recorded at Fradley Wood since 1977. Only six isolated reports received.

WMid Up to 10 pairs bred in Sutton Park and birds were frequently seen throughout the year in Edgbaston Park. At Hampton-in-Arden up to four were noted throughout the year at a bird table or in dead elms, a yew or a monkey-puzzle tree.

Treecreepar Warks Birds were present throughout the year at Brandon and Willey,

with breeding at this latter locality and at Ladywalk and Preston Bagot. However, at least one observer said that very few were to be seen again this year DTU.

Worcs Numbers at Bittell were said to be normal and birds were regularly seen at Westwood during the winter.

Staffs Absent from Fradley Wood for the second consecutive year, though one was seen along the nearby canal on March 12. Maximum at Belvide was six on December 24.

WMid At least 12 pairs bred in Sutton Park and birds were also noted in Edgbaston Park in winter, at Ashen Coppice, Sedgley, and at Shenstone Woods, Halesowen.

Golden Oriole WMid A "dull" bird, which was seen in Sutton Park on June 7 and 8

was presumed to be a male as the characteristic song was heard, but not whilst the bird was visible JEF, EGP, EG, SMH et al.

Great Grey Shrike Another very poor year. This species is now very scarce away from Cannock Chase.

Staffs The 1979 bird remained in the Beaudesert area until February 10 and was seen by many observers. It, or another, returned on November 20 and remained in the Brocton Field-Oldacre Valley area into 1981 many observers.

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Jay Warks Two at Draycote on November 6, where unusual. Worcs Seemingly more numerous at Bittell. Staffs Twelve together at Beaudesert on April 5, at which time a fox

was nearby. No change in status at Fradley Wood. Ten at Blithfield on October 4.

WMid Up to 18 pairs bred in Sutton Park and said to be common in Edgbaston.

Magpie Warks Numbers decreased at Willey, where a continuing study of the

species' food showed one pair to have consumed at least 24 eggs from five species—including 11 Blackbirds' eggs SCN. Largest gathering was 11 at Alvecote on March 2.

Worcs Said to be increasing rapidly, with flocks of 32 at Upton Warren on January 6 and 34 at Bittell on September 16.

Staffs Reported as increasing around Eccleshall. Largest flocks noted were 23 to the north of Chasewater on March 9 and 70 at an undisclosed locality on January 26 PAG.

WMid At least 50 pairs bred in Sutton Park and said to be very common in Edgbaston and increasing in the Sandwell Valley.

Jackdaw No change in status reported.

Warks The most reported was 60 at Seeswood Pool on December 12. Staffs Several hundred regularly moved S or SW across Belvide in the

evenings, presumably to roost at Patshull. WMid Just two pairs bred in Sutton Park.

Rook No significant change in status was discernible.

Warks The most reported were from Whateley, where 500 flew over on February 11 and 300 assembled on October 24, and Ladywalk, where 800 flew N on September 28 to their Sych Wood roost. Rookeries in the Willey area all showed small increases. Following the felling of dead elms, 25 nests were found in a single, isolated oak at Draycote.

Worcs No flocks reported, but good numbers in the rookeries at Beoley (80 nests) and Woodcote Green (70 nests).

Staffs The most reported were 300 at The Poplars refuse tip, Cannock, on August 5 and also over Gailey on July 16. The rookery at Teddesley Park contained 90 nests.

WMid The largest reported flock was of 150 birds at Aldridge on January 6.

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Carrion Crow Numbers back to normal after the reductions of 1979.

Staffs Up to 200 were feeding at the Poplars refuse tip on April 9 and 21 5 were al Slittingmill on March 22.

WMid A maximum of 10 pairs bred in Sutton Park, where the roosting flock reached 350 on November 19. For the third successive year there were no records of Hooded Crow.

Raven A poor year with only one definite record.

Worcs One seen and heard over Upton Warren on June 1 5 SFLE, GET.

Starling Incredibly there was no report of any flock or roost larger than 600.

Worcs Twenty young were raised from five nest boxes in the Wyre Forest.

House Sparrow No change in status. One was reported to have been driven off by a frog KNK.

Tree Sparrow No change in breeding status, but very few and much smaller flocks outside the breeding season.

Warks The largest flock reported was 29 at Kingsbury on January 12. Worcs Said to be hard to find and absent from its usual haunts at

Westwood CPB. Flocks of 100 at Summerfield on January 6 and at Bittell outside the breeding season.

Staffs The most noted was 40 at Belvide on February 16. WMid Regularly reported from an Erdington garden.

Chaffinch Warks A small increase noted in breeding numbers at Willey, where up

to 40 were feeding on stubble during the autumn. In February up to 50 fed at a cattle feeding station at Newnham Paddox, whilst in March at least 100 were feeding at Haseley and in December a flock of 30 was noted at Alvecote, but no large flocks were seen.

Worcs Several large flocks including some 300 in a mixed finch flock of a thousand near Beckford on January 1, 100 near Summerfield on January 6 and the same number at Wilden in February and March and at Bredon on March 22. In autumn up to 350 congregated in the Lickey Woods, 300 were noted in the Wyre Forest on October 12 and 350 on Bredon Hill on November 16.

9 0

Staffs No change in the breeding status at Fradley Wood. In winter about BOO were seen at Style Cop, Cannuuk Chase, on January 1, whilst in autumn 150 were noted at Blithfield on December 28. These were the only large flocks to be reported.

WMid At least 70 singing males were located in Sutton Park. Autumn parties of 50 and 60 were respectively reported from Shenstone Woods, Halesowen, on November 28 and Swanshurst Park on December 26.

Brambling Average: October 9 (45) to April 13 (44) Noted at several localities until mid-April and last seen on April 27 at Chillington. Excluding the unusual August record, returned on October 4, at Kingsbury.

Warks Scarce as usual in this county. The only winter records were of singles—at Lea Marston on January 2 and Packington on both January 20 and March 9. Not many more in autumn, with just two at Kingsbury on October 4 and one at Ladywalk on October 12 apart from flocks of 20 at Brandon Hall on November 16 and at least 36 at Hartshill High School on December 2.

Worcs Much more widespread and numerous in autumn, but scarce in winter. About 80 amongst a large flock of Chaffinches feeding in blackcurrant bushes at Harvington on February 20, up to three near Summerfield in January and singles at Beckford on January 1 and Brakemill from March 23 to April 5 were the only winter records. In autumn up to 80 were at Lickey on November 4 and about this number could be seen on most days until the end of the year, though between 300-400 were present on December 26 GJM. Possibly the same flock, or part of it, visited Cofton Hall on November 8. Elsewhere 150 were noted on Bredon Hill on November 16, 25 in the Wyre Forest on October 12 and up to ten at several localities, including two feeding amongst winter wheat at Abberton in late October.

Staffs More than the other counties in winter, with up to 20 at Blithfield from January to March, and a peak of 50 on January 6; at least 70 feeding with Chaffinches on freshly-manured land at Admaston on March 1; 50 at the roost at Baldwins Gate on February 16; 16 at Himley the same day; 12 at Slittingmill on March 22 and smaller numbers at several localities in early April. A male was at Belvide between the unusual dates of August 3 to 9 DWB. Strong autumn influx with several in a mixed flock with Chaffinches feeding on sycamore seeds at Jackson's Coppice; a flock of around 70 at Himley from late October to the end of the year, with a peak of 180 on November 29 EGP; 250 at Maer also on November 29 and a roost of 400-500 at Baldwins Gate on the same date. Smaller flocks up to 50 were widely reported.

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WMid The only winter record was of a female in an Erdington garden in late March. In autumn 75 roosted in Sutton Park on December 20, at least 21 were in Swanshurst Park on December 26, about a dozen were regularly seen in Edgbaston Park during December and three frequented Dartmouth Park throughout November and December.

Greenfinch No changes in status reported.

Warks Little information, but described as a common resident at Willey during the summer, though it is absent in winter. An autumn influx was noted at Ladywalk and a large roost was reported at Ufton Fields on December 28.

Worcs Winter flocks included some 600 amongst a mixed finch flock of a thousand birds near Beckford on January 1, 50 at Hoo Brook on February 3 and 30 at Stour Hill the same day. In late summer a concentration at Upton Warren peaked at over 200 on August 21, whilst in autumn parties of 50 were noted at both Bredon Hill and Devils Spittleful in November.

Staffs Very few reports received, but numbers at Fradley Wood showed no significant change. A very large feeding flock was reported at Brocton Golf Course on November 25.

WMid Two pairs bred in Sutton Park. At Tettenhall in July the pods of a small oilseed rape plot were apparently devastated by birds of this species, together with Linnets and a few Redpoll DS. Usual reports of birds in suburban gardens.

Goldfinch

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No change in status. Warks The most reported were 43 at Brandon on March 8 and 45 at

Draycote on October 20. Worcs Parties of 50 at Wilden on February 24 and 100 at the same

locality on September 14 were the largest reported. At Bittell up to 25 fed in alders during the autumn along with Siskin.

Staffs The most seen was 20 at Belvide on September 27, but smaller flocks were widely reported and one observer comments that birds regularly visit his garden to feed on teasel seeds, which he grows especially foi llmm.

WMid One pair bred in Sutton Park and 40 birds were present there on October 5. Low water-levels at Edgbaston Reservoir exposed an abundance of weed seeds and up to 17 were present feeding on these in January. Several birds visited gardens and waste land in the urban areas.

Siskin Average: October 5 (43) to April 14(41) Last reported on April 6, from Beaudesert where several hundred were still present. In autumn first noted at Solihull on September 12. Some much larger flocks this year, except in Warwickshire.

Warks Up to 30 at Shustoke from January until March 31, 20 at both Earlswood on February 12 and Packington on March 17, one or two at Varningale on January 6, several at Leamington on January 12 and singles at Kingsbury on March 8 and Hartshill Hayes on March 26 were the only winter records. Returned early in autumn, with one at Packington on September 20 and four ringed there the next day, but remained generally scarce. Up to 20 were usually present at Brandon from October 25 to the end of the year, with a peak of 47 on November 23; up to a dozen were at Seeswood Pool from November 10, increasing to 24 on December 12; a small party frequented alders at Ladywalk; and singles were seen on three dates at Draycote.

Worcs The largest winter flock was that at Bittell, where up to 90 were present on January 1 and about half that number remained until early March. Elsewhere, 50 were at Wilden on January 24, 35 at Eymore Wood on March 30, up to 30 at both Westwood on February 5 and Chaddesley on February 9, 25 at Hagley on February 17 and smaller parties at Coldridge Wood, Shatterford, Sling Pool and Upton Warren. One was seen in Broadway Wood on May 11. In autumn the first birds returned to Bittell on October 5 and by October 29 a flock of 200 had developed, declining to between 60 and 70 by the end of the year. A good flock also gathered at Wilden, with a locality record of 100 on

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October 10; at least 50 were at Westwood on November 24 and a flock at Upton Warren had steadily built up to a similar number by Christmas. Parties up to 20 were noted at Shatterford, Stour Hill, Worcester and the Wyre Forest.

Staffs In winter small numbers were present in the Beaudesert area until early March, when a rapid build-up peaked with about 400 in larches in late March RAH, DS and several hundred still present on April 6 SEF. Up to 50 were at Seven Springs in January, 40 at Barlaston Downs on January 1 and parties up to 20 were seen at Belvide on January 20, Gailey on February 14, Blithfield on February 23, Trentham Park in February and Fradley Wood from February to April. Many less in autumn, with 50 at Beaudesert on October 12, 34 at Westlands on December 5 and parties of 30 or less at Derrington, Himley, Jacksons Coppice, Seven Springs and Sherbrook Valley.

WMid Up to 150 frequented Sutton Park in March and parties of a dozen or so were reported in winter from Ashen Coppice, Sedgley, Edgbaston Park and Elmdon Park. One or two appeared in gardens at Erdington and Hall Green. Less widespread in autumn, but up to 40 were in Sutton Park, 20 were noted in London Road Cemetery, Coventry, on November 16, about a dozen returned to Ashen Coppice in October and a similar number frequented Edgbaston Park in December.

Linnet Warks No change in breeding status at Willey, where 15 were feeding

on ploughed land on March 30 (probably migrants) and 50 on oilseed rape stubble on September 11. Coincidentally 300 were also feeding on unploughed rape stubble at Bubbenhall on the same day. The only other notable flock was of 100 at Alvecote on August 3.

Worcs Flocks of 100 at Wilden on September 14, 50 on Bredon Hill on January 20 and November 16 and 40 to 50 at Bittell on October 25 were the only reports.

Staffs Appeared to be fewer in the Fradley area MJA. The only winter flock was one of 40 at Ford Green on February 24, whilst in autumn 300 were at Perton from mid-August to mid-September and 108 were noted at Blithfield on October 12.

WMid Low water levels attracted up to 57 from January to early March at Edgbaston Reservoir, with the peak in January. At least 30 pairs bred in Sutton Park, but did not breed this year at Ashen Coppice, Sedgley, and said to be generally scarce in the area.

Twite Warks Two at Draycote from October 5 ARD to 12 GCB.

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Staffs Birds were present at Chasewater until March 9 (at least 30), with a peak of about 60 on Jonuory 1. They were reported to have fed on wormwood and perhaps fat hen. One flew over Swallow Moss singing on April 27 DS, but no other moorland records were received and information on breeding status would be welcome. There were no reports of birds at Chasewater in autumn, but two visited Blithfield on October 12 WJL.

Redpoll Very few either in winter or autumn.

Warks The largest winter flock was 60, at Brandon on January 12. Bred at Alvecote, Kingsbury and Ladywalk, but no information from more typical sites. The most seen in autumn was 37 at Ladywalk on September 25.

Worcs During winter and spring the most reported were 50 at Trench Wood, up to 40 at Bittell and 30 in the Stour Hill-Wilden area. A few breeding records were received, but it was said to be much less common during the breeding season at Wilden and afterwards it was probably the scarcest of the common finches in central and northern districts. Autumn maxima were up to 30 at Bittell and 20 at Devils Spittleful, apart from an exceptional flock of 200 at Monkwood during November.

Staffs Winter period maxima were up to 120 at Chasewater feeding on wormwood, 100 in the Sherbrook Valley on April 28 and up to 60 at Beaudesert on April 8. No change in breeding status was evident at Fradley Wood and good numbers were reported in the new plantations at Gib Torr, but at Belvide the species is said now to be scarce, with no breeding season records and only one's and two's at other times. One or two family parties were reported from gardens at Stafford and Tamworth, whilst in autumn the most noted were 1 50 at Chasewater on December 21 and 40 at Longsdon on September 27.

WMid At least three pairs bred in Sutton Park and a flock of 65 was present on March 21. Up to 35 were present at Alcott Wood on January 27, but otherwise all records referred to small parties of less than a dozen. These showed a good temporal and geographical spread, including several breeding season sightings and birds in gardens. Three at Bartley on January 7 showed characteristics of the race A.f. f/ammea, or Mealy Redpoll MSS.

Two-barred Crossbill Staffs The bird first discovered at Beaudesert in 1979 remained in the

area until April 1 per JEF and was seen to mate with a Crossbill on March 9 AN, RN.

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Crossbill Worcs Birds were present in the Wyre Forest from the beginning of the

year until at least May 11 GKN, JP, with maxima of 19 on January 27 MJI and 1 5 on April 8 EGP. During this time mating was observed GHP and one was seen carrying nest material MJI. One or two were also heard on October 10 RM. Away from the Wyre Forest, birds were first noted in Coldridge Wood on March 8 and up to three pairs were present during the breeding season RM. A male and four females were also seen in Eymore Wood on November 30 RM.

Staffs At Beaudesert birds were present from the beginning of the year until April 9 at least PAM, with a flock of 30 until mid-March, when numbers either declined or birds dispersed. The maximum count was 36 on March 15 PAG. Birds were again seen carrying nest material FCG, JEF and two pairs were seen mating AN, RN. In autumn up to 14 birds were seen in the same area from October 5 JCE-D until the end of the year. Elsewhere on the Chase one was seen at Seven Springs on February 13 JEF and three in Abrahams Valley on November 12 per RJJ. Away from the Chase there were reports of one or two at Chillington in late March and early April AN, RN, DWE and one was heard at this locality in the latter half of December AN, RN. Two flew over Blithfield calling on July 6 WJL.

WMid One was seen in Sutton Park on October 25 SPSG.

Bullfinch No changes reported in breeding status, but customary parties in autumn were smaller than of late.

Warks The most reported was 13 at Kingsbury on December 15. Worcs No reports of any flocks or parties. Staffs The largest reported party was one of seven at Chasewater on

December 6. WMid At least 19 pairs bred in Sutton Park and up to nine were seen

regularly in winter at Ashen Coppice, Sedgley.

Hawfinch Worcs In the Wyre Forest up to eight were seen on March 30 GHP,

WFP, WRHP; two, perhaps a pair, on April 27 MJH; an adult and a juvenile near a nest on June 22 and two adults and a juvenile away from the nest site on July 1 AN, RN. One flew over Trench Wood on April 26 RM and a pair was seen near Arley in a roadside hedge on May 3 AFJ.

Staffs At Chillington birds were seen between February 17 (three ARD) and April 13 (four MJH), with a maximum of 18 on March 9 MJH. Three were again seen on October 26 DWB.

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Yellowhammer No significant change in status.

Warks No change in breeding strength at Willey, and up to 50 could be seen both here and at Newnham Paddox feeding at cattle feeding stations during the winter. 40 were at Draycote on January 12.

Worcs Winter flocks of 50 near Westwood on January 13 and 1 50 at Hoo Brook on February 3. Breeding season numbers were normal at Bittell, and at Hagley birds were seen regularly in gardens at this season. Autumn brought flocks of 60 to Bittell and 50 to both the Wyre Forest, on October 12, and Bredon Hill, on November 16.

Staffs The most reported was 100 at Style Cop on January 1. There were no records of autumn flocks.

WMid About 30 pairs bred in Sutton Park.

Reed Bunting Flocks were fewer and smaller this year.

Warks Several were heard singing from oilseed rape stands in various areas, whilst at least eight sang from the more typical habitats of Kingsbury, and Alvecote held six to ten pairs. Up to 100 roosted at Brandon during December. A noticeable passage at Draycote on April 11, when 30 present.

Worcs Up to 50 were at Hoo Brook in early February, but no other report concerned more than a dozen birds. Numbers at Bittell were said to be normal.

Staffs Numbers at Fradley Wood fell to just one pair from five pairs in 1979, whilst at Belvide the maximum seen was 25 in early April. The only substantial gathering was 60 at Swallow Moss on December 26.

WMid At least eight pairs bred in the Sandwell Valley and 18 pairs at Sutton Park, where 80 were seen on October 25. A pair was present in Edgbaston Park throughout the summer and several were said to be at Marston Green golf course on November 30.

Corn Bunting Warks Few records, but present in the breeding season at Alvecote (two

or three pairs), Burton Hastings, Curdworth (bred), Kingsbury, Ladywalk, Long Itchington, Luddington, Marston (bred) and Offchurch (three in song). At Brandon the winter roost peaked at 100 on February 13 and the autumn roost at 40 on December 7, but at Ufton no more than four went into the roost on December 28 and at Ladywalk there was no autumn roost for the first time in seven years.

Worcs Breeding season reports from Abberton, Brakemill, Broadway Wood, near Bromsgrove, Dodford, Grimley, Hagley, Hallow, Holt

97

Heath, Naunton Beauchamp, Red Hall, Shenstone, Sinton Green, Stour Hill, Torton, Upton Snodsbury and Upton Warren. In winter 20 were at Hoo Brook on February 3 and the usual roost at Upton Warren held about 15 birds and persisted until April. In autumn six again roosted at Upton Warren on November 2, whilst 10 were at Hoo Brook on December 14.

Staffs Reported in the breeding season from Clifton Campville, Eccleshall, Hammerwich, High Offley, Mottey Meadows, Penkridge, Seisdon, Stafford Polytechnic, Tamworth, Trysull and Wheaton Aston. Outside the breeding season, eight or nine flew E at dusk at Chasewater on February 16, whereas they normally fly W as indeed ten did at dusk on December 24.

WMid Two at Sutton Park on May 13.

Exotica Cattle Egret

Worcs One at Crowle on December 10 was presumed to be an escape as it had a blue band on its leg. It had been present for several days beforehand and had earlier been seen at Upton Snodsbury per KHT. It is worth noting, however, that three others occurred in Britain at this time {Brit. Birds 74:160). Chilean Flamingo

Staffs An adult was disturbed from Gailey by a shooting party on November 29 and transferred to Belvide, where it spent the rest of the day. Black Swan

Warks One seen at Alvecote on March 2 and 31. Staffs The same individual seen near Tamworth on March 4 and 27.

Bar-headed Goose Warks One at Kingsbury on December 14. WMid Two at Sutton Park on November 30.

New Zealand Scaup Staffs An adult male at Belvide on October 25 and November 1 5.

Crowned Crane Worcs Two in field at High Green on October 5 later flew S.

Barbary Dove WMid One at longstanding on April 4.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Staffs Present throughout the year at Chillington.

Canary Staffs A singing male at Belvide on August 16.

Addenda 1979 Sandwich Tern: One at Chasewater on April 10 DAD.

Black Tern: One at Westwood on April 11, which merely appeared in the table, was in fact the earliest ever recorded.

Ringing in 1980 1980 saw the continuance of various projects and the large number of recoveries received for species such as Canada Geese, the gulls, Sand Martins, Swallows, thrushes and some finches reflect the results being accumulated. The more spectacular recoveries are published here, but additional data is also being gathered by the ringers concerned with each project from more local recoveries and from other information which can be gained from the bird in the hand (moult, weight etc.). The list of recoveries is rather shorter this year, but this would appear to be coincidence rather than any change in the pattern of ringing. One particularly productive area in 1980 was the nestbox schemes, with record numbers fledging. As mentioned in the 1979 report, a lot of ringing is done by ringers who have formed themselves into groups. In this year's report a fairly high proportion of the recoveries are credited to four ringing groups ARG (Arden Ringing Group), BRG (Brandon Ringing Group), MRG (Mercian Ringing Group) and WGG (Worcester Gull Group). Where other initials are given these belong to an individual (See 'Key to Contributors' for their name), but in many cases it is a group of people who just use one of their member's names for paperwork. P L Ireland

Map of Ringing Recoveries All foreign recoveries except Black-headed Gull in the Netherlands

and Belgium

Key: —

+ Black-headed Gull Si Siskin B Blackbird Sn Snipe C Chaffinch St Song Thrush L Lapwing Sw Swallow Lg Lesser Black-backed Gull W Willow Warbler R Redwing Wi Wigeon

100

Selected List of Recoveries Involving the WMBC 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 1980 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 kilomotroc.

Key Age: Pull Pullus (nestling) Juv Juvenile (young able to fly) 1Y Bird in its first year PJ Post Juvenile Ad Adult (at least one year old) FG Full Grown (age uncertain)

Sex: M Male F Female Manner of Recovery: v Caught and released with ring + Shot or killed x. Found dead or dying

Species Ring No. Age/Sex

Mute Swan Date Place

Ringer Movement

Z 2 3 4 7 5 1 Y 17.01.76 Stratford-on-Avon (Warks) ARG V 27.06 .76 Abbey Park, Leicester 65km NE X (20.06.80) Syston (Leics) 5km NNE

Z 2 3 3 2 6 Ad 08.02.69 Stratford-on-Avon ARG X 09.07 .80 Thrapston (Northants) 82km ENE

Z 3 8 1 5 0 Pull 27.08.79 Arrow (Warks) ARG X 16.09.80 Ellesmere (Salop) 101km NW

All reported movements of greater than 60km are given. Also two Mute Swans ringed in 1961 were recovered in 1980 making them at least 20 years old.

Canada Goose L 0 2 2 3 7 Ad +

L 0 0 0 5 6 Pull v

L 0 2 8 4 4 Pull +

L 0 2 2 0 2 Pull

01.07.79 Kings Bromley (Staffs) MRG 14.02.80 Cobham (Surrey) 185kmSSE 27.06.78 Kingsbury W P (Warks) CDTM

(15.06.80) Abingdon (Oxon) 112km SSE 29 .06 .80 Kings Bromley MRG 15.09.80 St. Helens (Merseyside) 105km NW 01.07.79 Kings Bromley MRG 27.09.80 Tyninghame, Lothian Region,

Scotland 366km N

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L 0 0 4 9 1 Ad 02.07.78 Kings Bromley CDTM + 14.10.80 Esher (Surrey) 182km SSE

5043051 Pull 29.06.69 Kingsbury W P CDTM V 21.10.80 Hornsea Mere (Humberside) 177km NE

0082405 Ad 07.07.77 Kinysbuiy W P CDTM V 21.10.80 Hornsea Mere 177km NE

5 0 8 6 0 9 3 Ad.M 10.07.77 Kingsbury W P CDTM V 21.10.80 Hornsea Mere 177km NE

5044485 Ad 03.07.71 Worksop (Notts) V 17.11.78 Slimbridge (Glos) 149km SSW + 26.10.79 Croome (Worcs) (JRH)

No fewer than 20 Canada Geese ringed as Pullus in 1979 in the West Midlands were moulting at the Beauly Firth in early July 1980. Additionally the recoveries of 6 adults were associated with the Beauly Firth.

Wigeon SS 8 3 7 2 5 Ad.M. 28.12.69 Blithfield (Staffs) CDTM

+ 10.06.72 near Yar-Sale (Yamel-Nenets) 6 6 ° 5 3 ' N USSR 70°50 'E

Teal EH 2 3 5 5 0 1 Y.F 14.12.79 Spalding (Lines)

+ 05.01.80 Hampton Lucy (Warks) 106km W S W (ARG)

Sparrowhawk EH 2 4 5 8 0 Pull 06.07.79 Haselor (Warks)

+ (09.02.80) near Monmouth (Gwent) 76km SW EH 17496 Pull.F 08.07.78 Windsor Forest (Berks) ARG

X 01.10.79 near Bewdley (Worcs) 153km N W EH 3 6 8 2 0 Pull.F 30.06.79 near Ascot (Berks)

X (02.10.79) Coombe (Warks) 125km NNW

These are the longest Sparrowhawk movements ever recorded in the WMBC Annual Report.

Kestrel EH 33388 Pull 12.06.79 Pershore (Worcs) JRH

X 01.01.80 Ropley (Hants) 135km SE EH 12896 Pull 22 .06 .78 Sherbourne (Warks) ARG

X (15.08.79) Alconbury (Cambs) 93km E EH 3 1 0 6 2 Pull 21 .06 .80 Kenilworth (Warks) ARG

V 01.12.80 Wooburn Green G P (Bucks) 104km SE

Lapwing DR 6 5 3 2 8 Ad.M

+ DR 2 9 9 8 8 Pull +

23.08.79 Holt (Worcs) 15.01.80 La Garnache (Vendee) France 03.06.79 Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) 27 .01 .80 Cleder (Finistdre) France

S W W 4 6 ° 5 3 ' N 1 ° 5 0 ' W AW 4 8 ° 4 0 ' N 4 ° 0 6 ' W

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DR 3 4 6 8 7 Ad.M V

DR 3 0 3 6 5 FG +

Snipe XB 8 3 3 9 8 1Y

+

26.01.77 — 07 Rf) 26 .10.75 03 .09 .80

14.12.77 06 .10 .80

Holt (Worcs) Vaala (OIIIII) Finland Shenstone (Staffs) Hondschoote (Nord) France

Holt (Worcs) Lake Kubenskoye (Vologda)

USSR

SWW/CMH 6 4 ° 3 0 ' N ? 6 ° 4 V F CDTM 5 0 ° 5 9 ' N 2°30'E

CMH 5 9 ° 4 2 ' N 39°30 'E

Black-headed Gull 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 8 2 1 — 2 2 — 1 — 1 2 . — 19 1 0 1 - 2 6 0 k m — 2 — 2 — 1 1 2 1 — 1 — 10

USSR — — — 1 — 2 — — — — — — 3 Estonia — — — — — 2 — — — — — — 2 Finland — — — — 2 2 — — — — — — 4 Sweden 1 — — — 1 — 2 — — — — — 4 Denmark — — — — — 1 — 2 — — — — 3 East Germany — — — 1 — — — — — — — — 1 West Germany — — — — — — 1 — — — — — 1 Netherlands — 1 1 2 1 1 — — 1 — — — 7 Belgium — — 1 — — — — — — — — — 1

EH 7 6 4 5 3 Pull 09 .06 .79 Wellington (Salop) V 01.01 .80 Droitwich (Worcs) 59km SE

WGG EC 4 3 8 3 8 Pull 26 .06.65 Branston (Staffs) CDTM

X 05 .07 .80 near North Scarle (Lines) 79km NE AT 8 1 9 8 0 Pull 30 .06 .73 Bowes (Durham)

V 10.01.80 Bearley (Warks) 257km S ARG

EJ 4 0 9 2 9 Pull 17.07.80 Elford (Staffs) MRG X 17.10.80 Wrexham (Clwyd) 95 km W N W

All recoveries involving British bred birds are given in full. EC 43838 is also the longest lived bird reported in 1980.

Lesser Black-backed Gull All recoveries relate to birds caught feeding on refuse tips during the winter. Three have been recovered in Wales and a further 18 showed involvement with the northern counties of England at other times of the year. Other recoveries are given in full. GK 6 8 2 6 6 Ad 27.01.79 Droitwich (Worcs) WGG

v 23 .07 .80 Helensburgh (Strathclyde) Scotland 450km NNW GK 8 0 3 1 3 Ad 01 .01 .80 Madeley Heath (Worcs) PU

v (25.07.80) Mainland. Orkney. Scotland 749km N

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GK 4 9 5 5 6 Ad 10.02.79 Studley (Warks) ARG X 2 8 . 0 7 . 8 0 Oeerness, Orkney, Scotland 7 4 1 k m N

GK 6 6 9 9 1 Ad 30 .12 .78 Worcester WGG X 16 .08 .80 St. Mary's, Orkney, Scotland 7 4 5 k m N

Norway Pull 0 5 . 0 7 . 7 5 Tisler, Hvaler (0stfold) Norway 5 8 ° 5 9 ' N 1 0 ° 5 8 ' E 4 9 5 0 0

V 12 .01 .80 Worcester WGG

This last recovery is the first indication that Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed Gulls may be present on Midlands rubbish tips during the winter.

Herring Gull GJ 1 6 5 0 2 1Y

x GK 5 1 8 5 4 Ad

v GP 9 2 1 2 8 Ad

x

YY 8 1 9 8 Ad.M

17 .01 .80 Madeley Heath (Worcs) 15 .07 .80 Formby (Merseyside) 18 .02 .78 Coleshill (Warks) 2 1 . 0 9 . 7 8 Seaton Carew Tip (Cleveland) 2 7 . 1 2 . 7 6 Leatherhead (Surrey) 10 .01 .80 Shustoke Reservoir (Warks)

10 .10 .79 Glasgow (Strathclyde) 12 .01 .80 Worcester

MWC 146km S W PLI 2 4 7 k m N

161km N W ARG

4 3 1 k m SSE WGG

Barn Owl GJ 0 0 0 1 1 Pull

+ GK 8 0 9 1 8 Pull

10 .07 .79 Sherbourne (Warks) ARG 0 7 . 0 1 . 8 0 Newcastle-under-Lyme (Staffs) 94km N N W 0 7 . 0 7 . 8 0 Weston-on-Avon (Warks) ARG

(09 .10 .80) Towcester (Northants) 47km E

Swift SA 5 0 1 8 2 Ad

x SE 5 3 7 7 5 Ad

v

18 .06.77 Homer Green (Lanes) 2 0 . 0 6 . 7 8 Kingsbury (Warks) 2 9 . 0 5 . 7 6 Attenborough (Notts) 2 5 . 0 6 . 8 0 Chasewater (Staffs)

140km SE

54km S W MRG

Kingfisher SB 0 5 0 1 5 1Y

v 2 3 . 0 8 . 8 0 2 1 . 0 9 . 8 0

SA 8 5 0 7 1 Ad.M 0 6 . 0 7 . 8 0 v 2 1 . 1 0 . 8 0

Both these are unusually was rescued from a cat.

Wellington (Salop) Packington (Warks)

Chesterfield (Oerbys) Rugeley (Staffs) long movements

68km ESE DKC

62km SSW

for a Kingfisher. SA 85071

Sand Martin The increased number of Sand Martins ringed in 1979 and 1980 both at colonies and roosts is now being reflected in the number of recoveries for the species. All data received this year has related to birds ringed at one

104

locality and then recaught (rather than being found dead) at another colony or roost. Details of the many, fairly short, movements within the WMBC area have been omitted from this report. Recoveries outside the WMBC area are summarised by county below and all movements of greater than 200km are given in full.

Scotland 1 Cumbria 2 Yorkshire 1 Lincolnshire 1 Nulliiiylidiiisliliu 0 Shropshire 6 Wales 1

Herefordshire 1 Oxfordshire 4 Buckinghamshire 3 Bedfordshire 4 Hampshire 1 Kent 2

A 3 1 2 7 4 3 Juv 2 2 . 0 6 . 8 0 Cornets End (W Mid) PU V 0 2 . 0 7 . 8 0 Canterbury (Kent) 2 3 2 k m ESE

KJ 6 5 0 1 1 Juv 2 9 . 0 7 . 7 6 Holt (Worcs) CMH V 0 3 . 0 8 . 8 0 Carlisle (Cumbria) 2 9 5 k m N

A 7 0 9 2 3 2 Juv 2 3 . 0 6 . 8 0 Carlisle V 2 4 . 0 7 . 8 0 Stubbers Green (W Mid) 2 0 0 k m SSE

MRG KX 1 3 8 5 1 Juv 2 7 . 0 7 . 7 8 Canterbury (Kent)

V 2 4 . 0 7 . 8 0 Stubbers Green 2 5 6 k m N W MRG

A 5 0 5 3 7 9 Ad.M 2 4 . 0 7 . 8 0 Drumbeg, Drymen, Central Scotland V 2 8 . 0 8 . 8 0 Stubbers Green 4 1 8 k m SSE

MRG

Swallow As wi th Sand Martins large numbers were caught in 1979 and 1980 at reed bed roosts. All recoveries showing movements of greater than 80km are shown below. A 3 6 0 4 8 1 Ad.M 0 2 . 0 9 . 7 9 Bedworth (Warks) MRG

X 0 3 . 0 5 . 8 0 St. Mary's, Scilly Isles 4 4 2 k m S W A 2 6 6 4 8 4 Juv 0 7 . 0 9 . 7 9 Tamworth (Staffs) MRG

X 0 2 . 0 7 . 8 0 Trowbridge (Wilts) 144km SSW A 6 0 1 8 4 8 Juv 15 .09 .79 Tamworth MRG

? 0 9 . 0 7 . 8 0 Skipton (Yorks) 1 52km N A 6 0 1 0 6 6 Juv 15 .09 .79 Tamworth MRG

V 19 .07 .80 Gibraltar Point (Lines) 145km ENE A 8 2 7 8 0 2 Juv 16 .08 .80 Tamworth ' MRG

? 14 .09 .80 Radwell (Beds) 89km SE A 1 9 0 4 4 0 Pull 2 3 . 0 6 . 7 9 St. Andrew (Ches)

V 2 0 . 0 9 . 8 0 Tamworth 88km SE MRG

Robin A 4 2 8 1 5 9 FG 3 0 . 0 9 . 7 9 North Somercotes (Lines)

V 0 3 . 0 2 . 8 0 Ufton (Warks) 173km S W ARG

105

Blackbird XH 72784 PJ.F

v XE 75253 Ad.F

v

16.03.80 Sutton Park (W Mid) MRG 13.04.80 Withernsea (Humberside) 183kmNE 02.12.79 Welford-on-Avon (Warks) ARG 09.11 .80 Lede (Oost-Vlaanderen) Belgium 5 0 ° 5 8 ' N 3°59 'E

Song Thrush NX 50235 1Y 17.09.78 Packington Park (Warks) DKC

? 18.10.78 Arruda, Portugal Hiddensee PJ 09.05.78 Hiddensee (Rostock) East Germany 5 4 ° 3 6 ' N 13°07 'E 7 0 2 2 5 1 5

? 23.01.79 Worcester

Whilst several Midland ringed Song Thrushes have now been recovered on the Iberian Peninsula, the bird ringed in East Germany is only the second recovery to indicate that continental Song Thrushes may winter in the WMBC area. (The first was ringed in Harborne in December 1935 and recovered in Holland in March 1936).

Redwing XC 10668 Ad 28.11.76 Packington Park (Warks) DKC

X 1978 Bilbao, Spain NX 01814 1Y 26.01 .80 Hewoll Grange (Woroo) CG

V 02.05 .80 Korppoo (Turku-Pori) Finland 5 9 ° 5 0 ' N 21 °37'E NX 0 5 1 2 0 Ad 28.10.79 Ufton (Warks)

+ 03.12 .80 Marmande (Lot et Garonne) France 4 4 ° 3 1 ' N 0 °02 'E

Reed Warbler JC 3 9 0 4 5 Ad 03.07.71 Ipswich (Suffolk)

V 08.06 .80 West Branston (Staffs) 219km NNW MRG

A 4 9 6 5 1 9 Juv.F 19.08.79 Peterborough (Cambs.) V 26.05.80 Oakley (Worcs) 131km W S W

SWW A 6 7 9 3 4 6 Ad.M 14.06.80 Calf of Man

V 22.07.80 Wolston (Warks) 294km SE BRG

A 561433 1Y 13.07.80 Shotton (Clwyd) V 01.08 .80 Wolston (Warks) 143km SE

BRG

There were also 11 movements of less than 100km reported.

Blackcap A 4 8 0 4 3 2 Juv.F 05 .07 .80 Barnsley (S. Yorks)

V 25.08 .80 Kingsbury W P (Warks) 107km S MRG

Willow Warbler 9A3312 Juv 26.08.79 Ufton (Warks) ARG

V 16.04.80 Vale Marais, Guernsey, Channel Islands 4 9 ° 3 0 ' N 2 ° 3 2 ' W

106

Goldcrest 1 6 3 0 2 5 1 Y.F

v 13.10.80 North Somercotes (Lines) 30 .11 .80 Stourport (Worcs) 213km SW

SWW

Pied Flycatcher KE 9 3 6 8 8 Pull 12.06.76 Hereford

v 29 .05 .80 Wyre Forest (Worcs)

A 0 3 7 3 9 9 Pull 24 .06 .79 Wyre Forest v 29 .05 .80 Wyre Forest

KR 7 6 0 4 5 Pull 12.06.77 Wyre Forest v 07 .06 .80 Berriew (Powys) Wales

39km NE JRM

Local JRM

61km W N W JRM

A 037399 is the first record since the nestbox scheme started of a Pied Flycatcher returning to its natal area in the Wyre Forest. The only previous Pied Flycatcher recovery recorded in any WMBC Annual Report moved a distance of 22km from the Wyre Forest to Bromyard (Herefords).

Bearded Tit PJ.M 23.12.79 Brandon (Warks) BRG V 07.05.80 Mucking (Essex) 161km SE V 29.06 .80 Mucking V 18.08.80 Mucking V 02.11.80 Mucking 1 Y.F 04 .08 .79 Silverdale (Lanes) V 27.03 .80 Wyken Slough (WMid) 215km SSE

BRG

These recoveries follow the normal pattern of movement for this species, wintering in the West Midlands but breeding elsewhere.

Great Tit A 5 8 5 6 2 3 1Y.F

v

Starling XE 6 8 1 0 1 1 Y.F

x XC 3 6 7 4 0 FG.M

v

Tree Sparrow KX 3 0 5 6 4 PJ

10.12.79 Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) MRG 1 7.05.80 Hillington (Norfolk) 158km E

19.01.79 Worcester S W W 03.03 .80 llfracombe (Devon) 1 7 3 k m S W 01.11.77 Bournville, Birmingham GFA 11.04.80 Milnathort (Tayside) Scotland 433km NNW

1 5.01.78 Severn Stoke (Worcs) JRH 22.07.79 Weobley (Herefords) 50km W

Tree Sparrow recoveries are rare and ones showing this distance of movement even rarer!

107

Chaffinch A 0 0 2 6 5 6 PJ.F

x Arnhom 1Y.M B 4 4 9 1 2 4

x

Brambling A 2 9 6 7 6 9 Ad.F

x

Greenfinch BR 76469 FG.F

X NA 8 4 3 5 - Ad.M

NE 9 8 3 8 0 V 1 Y.M

NA 8 4 0 6 7 V 1 Y.M X

NH 54323 Ad.F V

NE 5 9 7 4 8 1 Y.M V

NA 8 8 9 4 6 1 Y.F V

There were also

Siskin Oslo Juv.M. BB 47781 x

Redpoll KS 8 6 3 8 8 1 Y.M

Reed Bunting A 4 1 5 6 1 3 1 Y.M

v A 0 0 2 7 8 8 1 Y.F

17.03.79 Berkswell (W Mid) PL! 03.04 .80 Bilthoven (Utrecht) The Netherlands 5 2 ° 0 7 ' N 5° 27.10.78 Wassenaar (Zuid Holland)

The Netherlands 5 2 ° 0 8 ' N 4 ° 25 .03 .80 Temple Grafton (Warks) ARG

16.02.79 Hallow (Worcs) SWW 05.12.80 near Douglas, Isle of Man 263km N W

18.10.75 Porthgwarra (Cornwall) (09.04.79) Stourport (Worcs) 350km NE 17.03.79 West Heath, Birmingham CMH 18.11.79 Portsmouth (Hants) 183km SSE 25.01.80 Sutton Park (W Mid) MRG 26.03.80 Retford (Notts) 103km NE 21.03.79 Bromsgrove (Worcs) CMH 09.04.80 Mansfield (Notts) 105km NNE 05.03 .80 Sutton Coldfield (W Mid) MRG 27.04.80 Cottingham, Hull (Humberside) 165km NE 11.04.79 Rickmansworth (Herts) 20 .01 .80 Packington Park (Warks) 126km SE

DKC 13.01.80 Corby (Northants) 27 .01 .80 Stourport (Worcs) 113km W

SWW

19 reports i of movement of less than 100km.

22.09.79 Ringerlke (Buskerud) Norway 17.11.80 Yoxall (Staffs)

6 0 ° 0 6 ' N 10°11 'E

21.01.79 08.05.80

Ufton (Warks) Wirral (Merseyside)

ARG 168km N W

03.12.79 Hallow (Worcs) 12.10.80 Warrington (Cheshire) 07 .09 .80 Dorridge (W Mid) 05.11.80 Wellington (Salop)

SWW 131km N PLI 82km N W

108

Key to Contributors The following members and non-members have forwarded materia! for the Report.

C A Albrighton I J Oix G F Appleton J M Dodgson Mrs E F Arden T Doyle G A Arnold M A Arnold E D Edees N G Arnold 6 F L Edwards Mrs E Arthur N Ellis J A Asbury J A Elmore R S Atkins D W Emley M J Austin G Evans

J C Eyre-Dickinson F Baldry Mrs V A Baldry D Field P G Barratt P J Finerhy L R Bayes D Fisher (DFi) M Bellamy J E Fortey J T Belsey A R M Blake N D Galloway P St J Bowen P G Garner Mrs Breasley P A Gluth P B Brookes E Green C P Brooking G H Green G C Bruton F C Gribble D W Burns C R Griffiths G H C Byford Brandon Marsh

Conservation C Cadbury Group S R Cale Sutton Park Rev J F Capper Survey Group P J Chadder D K Chesterman C J Hall K G Clifford R E Harbird T Cockburn G R Harrison A E Coleman Mrs J V Harrison N Collingwood A W Hatfield Mrs P Copson D M Hawker D E T Court E E Hawkeswood B Craddock S M Haynes A Curran B Healey

A W P H e a r n I K Dawson R F W Hemming A R Dean C M Hemmings P K Dedicoat Mrs J M Heynes R J Dickens R Higgins F R Dickson J K Higginson D A Diskin J R Hodson

J J Holian Dr J E Newcombe D Holland G K Nicholls M J Hollis S C Nichols G Hopkins C F Nicholson N Hopkins Mrs A Normand R A Hume n Normai id P D Hyde

D A Orton M J Inskip P L Ireland J Palfery

Mrs L E Palmer A FJacobs F Peach S J Jenkins G H Peplow R J Jennett W F Peplow R J Jennett

W R H Peplow E G Phillips

M H King C H Potter R J King K N Kingscott H S Quiney B L Kington

H S Quiney

Mrs P Kirby A J Richards R Kirby S Richards

J H W Ridley Mrs D Langford D H Rogers CLee G Russon H T Lees T C E Link D J Simkin W J Low J Sirrett D M Lyons C J Small K Lyons D Smallshire

E F Smith M S Smith

I R Machin Dr D A Southam G J Mant Dr R M Southam D V Mardle F G Stokes D Marland G Summers J P Martin R Maskew R T Taylor D Mather (D/Wa) K H Thomas R C Mays G Thursfield C D T Minton Miss G E Timmins A P Moran P Tipler P A Moran M Townsend Mrs T Moran G Moss A Underhill J R Mountford D T Underhill

109

S W Walker T J Walton G G S Wardle Miss Y M Way

M S Weake S K Welch N R Went A Whittaker

A J Wood Mrs E M Woolrich G C Wright M Wylie

Dr D W Yalden

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-breased Merganser Raptors other than Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel Quail Crakes other than Water Rail Waders: Avocet, Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Grey Plover, Temminck's Stint, 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

110

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

"4