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WMBC News Is published in March, June, September and December each year to link members with each other, what’s been happening, current issues and forthcoming events on the birding scene in our area and further afield together with a selection of your articles and a comprehensive summary of the recorded bird sightings in our area.

In This IssuePage 3 Meet The Editor - Liz ClipsonPage 4 From the Postbag: “A Flash in the Pan” or a new TrendPage 4 Membership MattersPage 5 Belvide Work Party Dates 2019/2020Page 5 Opportunities: Education TeamPage 5 ClassifiedsPage 6 Opportunities: Harborne WMBC Nature ReservePage 7 From Ladywalk Reserve: West Midlands All DayerPage 10 Opportunities: Open Day at Ladywalk ReservePage 11 Land of the Rising Sun (and falling snow) - A bird trip to JapanPage 14 Blythe Valley Countryside Park, Solihull; Nestbox monitoring - 2019 Breeding SeasonPage 15 A Long Billed Blue TitPage 16 Angry Birds: An ObservationPage 17 Kinver Edge - Current Management and Future AspirationsPage 19 Conservation Matters - Dave JacksonPage 21 Isle Of Skye - April 2019 - Trip ReportPage 25 Roof-top nesting gulls from within the Birmingham Boundary - Foreword by Jim WinsperPage 29 WMBC Trip Reports - Nagshead RSPB and Lakenheath RSPBPage 31 Club and Branch Page 31 Indoor Meetings and Field TripsPage 33 Call for SubmissionsPage 34 Bird Notes May - July - Compiled from your records by Humphrey MillerPage 38 WMBC Officers

It all started in April 2013, my dad and I were discussing ways to be more active. My dad, living close to the Wyre Forest, suggested that we go out walking. To be honest, we didn’t realise how monumentally the next sentence would change our lives; “we both hate walking without a purpose, we could get a pair of binoculars and look for birds”. Since then, we have both been keen birders and we bring my partner, a keen lover of nature, along to enjoy the sights too.

Growing up, my dad and I embraced nature living in Norfolk, he certainly nurtured my enjoyment of wildlife, building a moth trap with me aged 6, looking at nature in our garden pond, and telling me stories of the North Norfolk bird reserves.

Since 2013, I have seen so many species and like everyone, I have my favourites. Firstly, I have a big fascination with Common Eiders, I even have their call as my text message tone. I would love to pinpoint exactly what it is about them that attracts me so much.Another bird that has stayed with me is the Red Footed Falcon, in particular the individual that I life-ticked in Stoke-on-Trent, my hometown at the time. I will never forget that manic morning where I had about an hour to connect with the bird before my commute to Manchester. I had expected distant views and to pull up and see it on those wires was priceless. As I am sure many of you are aware, the bird ended up being under police protection before flying to Cambridgeshire where it met its untimely end, something that greatly upsets me even now. I have been fortunate to see these wonderful birds in other locations in the UK and also abroad in Lesvos.

Getting out birding creates so many wonderful memories, whether it is the adrenaline pumping through your veins when one of your birding party finds a Penduline tit at Titchwell and you are desperate to get a record shot to add to the rarity report, or to life tick a bird in your home county with the help of local birders, (Wryneck in Berryhill fields), even the thousands of geese flying overhead to roost in North Norfolk can ingrain itself in the mind. One recent moment I had was in Lesvos where we had seen a black stork hunting in a ford, we sat down and the stork was a comfortable distance away. This bird kept coming closer and closer to us, and got within a few metres, quite happily catching frogs. I remember being so filled with excitement, but was scared to breathe it was coming so close.I think this is why we will still go out in the cold and wet, just in case we have that moment of excitement; a new bird for us, something unusual, something new for our “patch”, or just views of a bird that is in good plumage. It’s certainly an escape from the grey office of weekdays.

To be the new WMBC editor is a great privilege, especially as I am following Sue Judge who did so much for the newsletter, I certainly have big shoes to fill. I hope I will be able to facilitate the sharing of those memorable moments alongside all the comings and goings of club activities as well as your

wonderful articles. Liz

Red-Footed Falcon Picture: Liz Clipson

Black Stork in Lesvos Picture: Liz Clipson

Meet The Editor - Liz Clipson

Well that was a last minute change of front cover with a lovely regional rarity turning up! Welcome to the Autumn Issue of the WMBC Newsletter, and my first as Editor.

Firstly I want to thank Sue Judge for all her hard work as editor before I took over and to thank her for all the extra support whilst I have been getting to grips with the role. I have taken the time to introduce myself overleaf. I spend a lot of my time in Worcestershire birding as well as in my home county of Staffordshire; if you see me around, please come and say hello.

There are certainly some good opportunities arising on our reserves, branches and field trips in the upcoming months, and some further roles are advertised within the newsletter itself. Club activities both behind the scenes and actively on reserves do require the services of members as volunteers. Please come and get involved, you might meet some new friends to go birding with! I would also like to introduce Glen Kirby to the role of Education officer and I am sure he would love to hear of any ideas you have in regards to this- his contact details are on the officers list (page 38).

I will always need photographs and articles in order to produce the newsletter. The deadline for the Winter Edition will be 1st November 2019. Please send any submissions to the Newsletter email address prior to this date.

Liz

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Sunday 29th September

Sunday 6th, 20th and 27th October

Sunday 10th and 17th November

Sunday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December

Sunday 12th and 26th January

Sunday 2nd and 16th February

All gloves and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own.Meet at the reserve car park at 9.30am

Belvide Work Party Dates 2019/2020

Opportunities: Education TeamThe Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Glen Kirby as our first Education Officer

following our announcement on the vacancies page on the website www.westmidandbidclub.org.uk

The advertisement is still on the website because it is clear that we need an education team if the Club is to be effective.

If there are any other members interested in developing the Club’s education programmes across the age ranges from the very young and into adult education please contact Mark Rickus the WMBC

Secretary via email on secretary@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

If you would like to contact Glen in regards to his work as Education Officer, you can find his contact details within the WMBC Officers list at the back of this newsletter.

Membership MattersWe are pleased to welcome the following new members of the club who have joined since the last newsletter. Please note the names shown are as on the membership form but that all family members at each address are included in this welcome.

ClassifiedsEnquiries regarding advertising in this publication should be addressed to the Editor. Small ads of direct benefit to members and ‘for sale’ items from members will be normally be included free of charge, space permitting.

For Sale: Opticron ES 80 GA Waterproof telescope with HDF 20-60 zoom lens, and stay-on

case, plus spare case. Exc condition, £395.

Tel 07905 563385 / 01785 509970

Mrs A & Mr P Yardley of STAFFORD, Ms J Woolam of BIRMINGHAM, Mr M Hughes of BIRMINGHAM, Mr A Kelso of STOCKPORT, Mr R O’Donoghue of WOLVERHAMPTON, Mr G Brough of COVENTRY, Ms H Percival of STAFFORD, Mr R Greenslade of STRATFORD ON AVON, Mr K Phillips of NUNEATON, Dr E Barkell of SOLIHULL, Ms S Insull of SOLIHULL, Mr T Jones of TELFORD, Mr R Burns of WOLVERHAMPTON, Ms S Williams of STOURPORT, Ms E Cole of MARKET DRAYTON, Mr G Ryott of SOLIHULL, Ms H Jones of SOLIHULL, Mr A Tunnicliffe of STOKE ON TRENT, Mr R & Mrs P Wakelam of COVENTRY, Mr R Bates of MALVERN, Ms D Lewsley of SOLIHULL, Mr K O’Flaherty of WOLVERHAMPTION, Mr A Grundy of COVENTRY, Mr S Mountford of NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME, Mr D Budeanu of RUGELEY, Mr P & Mr J Cobley of BIRMINGHAM, Ms C Khan & Mr J Khan of BIRMINGHAM, Mr G Nicholls of ATHERSTONE, Mrs P Bradshaw of STAFFORD & Mr P Picken of SHREWSBURY

Kind Regards

Michael Bevan, Membership Secretary64 Brookfields Road, Ipstones,

Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST10 2LYEmail: membership@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

From the Postbag: “A Flash in the Pan” or a new TrendEarlier this month I recieved this email:

Since the 19th June we have heard a Common Redstart singing in the trees and hedge opposite our urban location in the town of Kingswinford. On one occasion ‘he’ was seen singing from our neighbour’s tv aerial. As the bird is heard only from first light until about 8 am, we deduce that other duties occupy his time for the rest of the day, so perhaps there is a nest of young to feed. This is the most urban of sighting we have made of this species. We mainly see them a few miles away in the Wyre Forest so we are wondering, is this just a ‘flash in the pan’ or the beginning of a movement similar to Goldfinch coming from the countryside to urban gardens?

Clive & Sheila Williamsonp.s Still here singing on 1st August in Granville Drive, Kingswinford.

What are your thought’s regarding this? have you seen (or heard) similar strange goings on in recent years or are you of the impression that Clive and Sheila’s Common Redstart is an anomaly?Let us hear your thoughts via email; newsletter@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk and we will share some thoughts in the next edition. Liz

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The Club has recently reached an agreement with Birmingham City Council giving us a further 10 years to operate on the site. The City Council has also given us a Management Plan which will require more input from volunteers beyond the hard working team that we have at the moment.

Education:The Plan requires that the site be used as an educational resource and that we should build links with primary schools in the area. To this end we need a volunteer to come forward to carry out schools liaison and, at its basic level, organise visits to the reserve tailored to their needs from schools in the surrounding area. However, schools outside walking distance sometimes have transport difficulties so the educational activity may have to take other forms, such as visits to the schools. Any volunteer would obviously have to enjoy this sort of work and be able to have time off during the week. At the same time the Club itself is developing an education policy in order to inspire the next generation of birders and wildlife enthusiasts, and has recently appointed an education officer. The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust ( BBC WT ) already have links with schools in certain areas ,but not ours, and have a programme that chimes in with the school curriculum. The Club will be liaising with BBC WT to glean some ideas on best practice.

Ringing: The reserve has about 12 nest boxes plus an owl box and we would like some ringers to come forward to monitor these and do any other ringing as they wish. The Club only uses licensed ringers and they must adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct. It might even be possible to link this to the previous item and carry out a ringing demonstration during a school visit.

Working parties:At present we have a loyal and hard-working Wednesday work party but the Plan is proposing some changes to the site for which a Sunday work party of two or three more volunteers would be of assistance . A very wet area of the reserve is prone to seasonal flooding and the Plan proposes digging a scrape or trench here and then planting up with phragmites reed as the trench/scrape fills up with water. This would create a new type of habitat and hopefully increase the number of bird and insect species. Higher up the reserve is an area of dry grassland; the Plan proposes the creation of a wildflower meadow, involving a very low cut in early autumn and then raking off the cuttings to remove fertility from the grass. The result will hopefully lead to an increase of bees, butterflies and moths. Some long grass will be left as that can attract certain species. Both of these tasks do require some physical effort. This commitment would not be open ended and once these tasks have been achieved there might not be a need for a Sunday work party of the same size or it might continue on an ad hoc basis.

Birders: In the 1980s and 90s the site had many species not found now such as lesser spotted woodpecker and willow tit. Migrant birds such as grasshopper warbler and spotted flycatcher were annual visitors and found by birders such as Club stalwarts Stan Young and Simon Cull . Many of these species are now red or amber listed and can be very hard to find anywhere, but it is possible that some birds passing through between mid-April and mid-May are just simply missed . It would be great to see more birders during this period.Anyone interested in these posts can contact me at harborne@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Paul Bateman, Harbourne Reserve Representative

Opportunities: Harborne WMBC Nature Reserve From Ladywalk Reserve: West Midlands All DayerSaturday May 4th, it’s 4.15am and I am standing on the side of a road at the boundary of Ladywalk Nature reserve. It’s still dark, it’s unseasonably cold and it is very, very quiet. Kev, fellow teammate and Ladywalk volunteer, has suggested we listen for owls here. We are likely to get Barn Owl and Tawny Owl, but I am really hoping for a Little Owl. This is my third all dayer and I feel a little more prepared than last year. Like a child on Christmas morning, I have been awake far earlier than I needed to be, wondering how the day will go. What will we see – will the Greenshank, Redshank and Spotted Redshank, that have been seen regularly the past week, stay a little longer and will I contribute something more to my team list than last year’s humble Starling? So far, the only sound has been an occasional car and a Coot calling in the distance.

By 4.30, Tracey, our most recent member of the team has joined us. Introductions are made and I can’t help feeling relieved there is finally another girl on the team. We get our binoculars, scopes and cameras, switch on the group chat on our phones and we are ready to start.As the sun rises, the air feels damp from yesterday’s rain. Everywhere is lush and green. The dawn chorus is building. Close by a Robin sings, and further away, Blackbirds can be heard. A little closer, Thrush and a variety of warblers join in. The song builds, louder and louder as more birds join the chorus until the sound becomes almost overwhelming, individual birds are becoming indistinguishable. I post our sightings so far to the group chat, Robin, Blackbird, Song thrush, Cuckoo, its call so loud and clear, it could be right next to me. We continued in our quest to add owls - if we don’t tick them early, someone could be having a late night.

All three phones ping in succession. Pete, Ladywalk’s reserve manager is on the main reserve, adding Little Egret, Cormorant and no doubt a good number of our regular and often overlooked birds. The rest of the team-Steve and John, Ben and David and Richard are working different areas of the reserve and its boundaries, covering its great range of habitat of woodland, wetland and farmland. We add Buzzard and Greylag Goose, pausing for a moment to watch as hundreds of Jackdaws rise from their roost and take flight. The sound is phenomenal as is the sight. Our phones ping, as more birds are ticked, Pete adds Greenshank –yes still here! David and Ben add Oystercatcher, Stock Dove, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Bullfinch. Steve and John add Kingfisher, Goosander, Grey Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat, Linnet, Green Woodpecker and Redshank. Ben adds Dunlin, then Ringed Plover. Pete adds Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Lapwing, Yellow Wagtail, Willow Tit, Treecreeper. The phones are pinging like crazy. A Tawny Owl screeches its return to roost, sparking a series of alarm calls that flows through the trees. We call in Tawny and a Mistle Thrush.

Tracey, Kev and I move on to Church pool covert, adding House Sparrow, Goldcrest, Goldfinch –and a Starling on the way. By now its 6.30, I admit I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t see or even hear a Little Owl and we also failed to locate another of our target birds, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. My feet are cold and damp and my stomach is rumbling. With perfect timing, Tracey produces a box of doughnuts, ‘anyone else feeling hungry?’Refuelled, we start our search of the wood, there is still a good chance we may see a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. We start off well, ticking a Nuthatch, a usually common bird around Ladywalk, but one that proved to be very elusive on my first all dayer.

It’s still very cold, but the sun is shining brightly. The woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic, the dew glistening in the dappled sunshine. As we follow the path through the wood and over the little steam, the sound of bird song surrounds us, as we stop to admire the views and watch a Wren, busy collecting food. I’ve fallen behind the others a little bit, lost in my own thoughts.

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Scanning the treetops, wet leaves reflecting the sunlight and as a strengthening breeze creates movement high in the trees. A patch of bright white catches my eye. Taking a closer look through my binoculars, the leaves move a little more to reveal something black and white. I’m not too confident when it comes to bird watching. I think it’s the putting it out there, the risk of getting it wrong, but I do know what I am looking at here, yet the words won’t come out. Plenty of thoughts are racing round my head though. What if I‘m wrong? What if I’m the only one to see - will anyone believe me? Do I believe me? Or worse –what if I’ve missed a fantastic bird because I’ve convinced myself it could be a plastic bag. That’s the thought I go with – missed opportunity, not the plastic bag. I shout Kev. ‘I really think you need to see this quick, there’s a black and white bird’. It hopped, so not a bag. Kev came rushing over as I tried to direct him to where the bird is, desperate for someone else to see it. I’ve left my camera in the car. Kev, who thought he was looking for a Lesser Spot and, in my excitement, I hadn’t indicated otherwise, needed a little more direction than ‘you see that branch, the sticky out one’ Tracey to the rescue again! She has also spotted the bird and does a far better job directing Kev to where it is -for once I’m rendered speechless. He’s quiet for what seems like forever, while he confirms it in his own mind. I am holding my breath (please don’t say it’s a magpie) ‘Sam, you’ve only gone and found a Pied Flycatcher,’ (I did know it!) ‘That’s going to be our bird of the day! Post it to the group- great find!’ There followed much excitement - I think there was even a woop! I posted it to the group. It was a pristine male, we watched for a few moments as it flitted in the treetop catching flies, before returning to its preferred spot in the sun. ‘Beautiful, but we must leave the bird behind and continue with the race!’

The phones pinged again. ‘Nice find, where was it?’ I’d completely forgot to say in my excitement and before long we were joined by Steve. We returned to show him where it had been and thankfully it was still there. The views this time were much better we all agreed it was a stunning looking bird. The phones pinged us back to reality, Pete -Collared Dove, Pied Wagtail. Tracey, Kev and I decided to continue along the boundary, while Steve headed off in the opposite direction. Phones pinged. Richard –Shoveler, Skylark and a female Redstart, Ben –Snipe, David –Marsh Tit, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, then Steve- Redpoll and the suggestion we should meet for breakfast in the reserve car park around 9? In the excitement I’d forgotten my stomach (and my cold, wet feet) Breakfast sounded great. As we headed back to the car park –and breakfast, we kept our eyes peeled for Partridge. We watched as a fox settled, lying low in the long grass along the hedgerow, listening to the endless chattering of Lesser Whitethroats, Tracey pointed out a bird, asking what it was –Yellowhammer! An increasingly difficult bird for us with our locally diminishing farmland, and one we had missed last year, so another great tick.

Back at the car park, the day was warming up nicely as we started to prepare a breakfast of sausage and bacon sandwiches, tea, coffee, biscuits and more doughnuts. One of the local Peregrines flew over. While we were eating, we discussed the birds we had already seen. There were many additions to last year’s list -Snipe, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Yellowhammer, Greenshank and the Pied Flycatcher. It had been a fantastic morning and there were still a good number of Ladywalk’s more regular birds yet to be ticked. There was a real buzz amongst the team, and we felt sure we could beat last year’s total of 93.

While working out our target birds we posted a rough estimate of our current total on twitter. We put it as somewhere between 70-80, but our lists were all over the place and some birds we’d had didn’t appear on our group chat. We estimated a realistic target list of around 15 birds for the next part of our morning as we all set off in different directions. The phones are always much quieter after breakfast, but it wasn’t long before Steve added Water Rail. Pete added Meadow Pipit and the Spotted Redshank had returned- an unexpected bonus. By midday, we realized we had passed last year’s total, and still the birds kept coming. Kev and I stopped off at the hides on the reserve to check to see if any new birds had dropped in, asking everyone we encountered what they had seen,

advising them what was about and taking a bit of time to enjoy the reserve. It was nearly 2pm, we were back at the car park and fatigue had set in for all of us. Pete and Ben were there with the news that the total so far was 97! The temptation to stay a little longer and try to get to 100 was great, so we had a last look for the elusive Partridge –and failed. Again. It was nearly 3pm, so along with some of the others we called it a day.

I got home, tired and aching, but having had a brilliant day. My phone continued to ping through the afternoon. Pete, Richard and Ben were back on site after a short break. Slowly the number of birds went up. They finally ticked that Partridge; Common Tern increased the total to 99. Pete reported 100s of Swifts had just flown over the reserve, as he and Ben continued to sit it out. Then, as dusk approached a Hobby flew through, taking our total to 100. We did it -we’d hit the magic 100!

After a good night’s sleep, someone had the unenviable task of listing all of the birds recorded, before submitting the final total. Nobody wants this job. The phone pinged. It was Pete, with the news that we hadn’t got 100 birds after all. I admit I felt gutted, I’d usually reply saying, still a great target…although Pete hadn’t actually said what the final figure was. David was the first to respond. 99? I wondered if the rest of the team were holding their breath, as I was - waiting for Pete to reply. No, we got 102! It was a fantastic result for the team and for Ladywalk.

The full list of birds;1 Spotted redshank 2 Tawny owl 3 Barn Owl 4 Pied flycatcher 5 Blackbird 6 Blackcap 7 Black-headed Gull 8 Willow tit 9 Blue Tit 10 Bullfinch 11 Buzzard 12 Canada Goose 13 Carrion Crow 14 Cetti’s Warbler 15 Chaffinch 16 Chiffchaff 17 Coal Tit 18 Collared Dove 19 Yellowhammer 20 Common Sandpiper 21 Common Tern 22 Coot 23 Cormorant 24 Cuckoo 25 Yellow wagtail 26 Dunlin 27 Dunnock

28 Wren 29 Feral Pigeon 30 Gadwall 31 Garden Warbler 32 Wood pigeon 33 Goldcrest 34 Goldfinch 35 Goosander 36 Grasshopper Warbler 37 Willow warbler 38 Great Crested Grebe 39 Great Spotted Woodpecker 40 Great Tit 41 Whitethroat 42 Redstart 43 Green Woodpecker 44 Greenfinch 45 Greenshank 46 Grey Heron 47 Water rail 48 Grey Wagtail 49 Greylag Goose 50 Herring Gull 51 Hobby 52 House Martin 53 House Sparrow

54 Jackdaw 55 Jay 56 Kestrel 57 Kingfisher 58 Lapwing 59 Lesser Black-backed Gull 60 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 61 Lesser Whitethroat 62 Linnet 63 Little Egret 64 Little Grebe 65 Little Ringed Plover 66 Long-tailed Tit 67 Magpie 68 Mallard 69 Meadow Pipit 70 Red-legged partridge 71 Mistle Thrush 72 Moorhen 73 Mute Swan 74 Nuthatch 75 Oystercatcher 76 Peregrine 77 Pheasant 78 Pied Wagtail

79 Treecreeper80 Tufted duck 81 Raven 82 Redshank 83 Reed Bunting 84 Reed Warbler 85 Ringed Plover 86 Robin 87 Rook 88 Redpoll89 Sand Martin 90 Sedge Warbler 91 Shelduck 92 Shoveler 93 Skylark 94 Snipe 95 Song Thrush 96 Sparrowhawk 97 Starling 98 Stock Dove 99 Swallow 100 Swift 101 Marsh tit

102 Teal

Sam Frost, Ladywalk volunteer and all dayer team memberThe next West Midlands All Dayer is scheduled for Saturday 7th September 2019. The event takes place

both in Spring and Autumn and entries are welcome for any reserve or patch, however big or small, in the West Midlands region. Every bird counts whether it is a Woodpigeon or a Robin all the way thorough to

the rarest of the rare, they are worth the same! Your Local Patch needs YOU! To add your patch message Phil Andrews @pandrews1973 on twitter and use the hashtag

#WestMidsAllDayer Liz

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Land of the Rising Sun (and falling snow)A bird trip to Japan

The following report is intended as a summary and not a detailed, day by day report of our trip. We have tried to produce a flavour of our whole experience and not just birds.

During the last week of January and the first week of February, we went on a bird trip to Japan, organised by Avian Adventures in Stourbridge. We were joined by 7 other birders plus a leader from the UK. In Japan, we were accompanied by a local guide / interpreter and driver(s).

We spent time on 3 of the islands, Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido, visiting habitats such as forest, lakes (frozen and unfrozen), reservoirs, ports, rivers, fields and sea. Our day-to-day transport was a microbus which afforded us plenty of room. Although we experienced lots of snow, there was no problem with the driving with specially developed snow tyres being very effective.

Our accommodation included a couple of traditional Japanese style inns (ryokans). The rooms were floored with tatami (tightly fitting oblongs of matting) and the furniture was limited to a low table and two legless chairs which are moved to one side at night to accommodate futons (double mattress on the floor). The rest of the accommodation was of a normal hotel type. All hotels were of good quality.

The accepted dress in all areas of the hotels was the yukata, originally a bathrobe, but now even worn outdoors, especially in summer. At some of the hotels, there were onsen geothermally heated springs harnessed for bathing. Onsen are communal but separate for men and women (bathing is nude) and may be inside or out. Immersion in the ryokan’s outdoor onsen while snow was falling was a special experience.

Breakfast and evening meals were eaten at the hotels. They differed from Western style meals where we have separate courses. There were a number of different small dishes of food and they were replaced when you had finished them (see photo). Sweet and savoury were served at the same time and often in the same dish. A good example was an egg custard type dish that had mushrooms in. Evening meals included 2 dishes that had a small candle underneath that was lit when you sat down. One contained a clear soup and the other one had rice. The food was cooked when the candle went out. Very clever.

We used chopsticks, eventually to an acceptable level where more food went in our mouths than in our laps! Amongst new experiences for us was having lovely creamy soups with breakfast and eating chrysanthemum leaves (bitter taste when cold, fine when cooked), dandelion leaves, all sorts of flowers and bamboo.

For our lunches, it was easier to purchase sandwiches, etc. from convenience stores. There were some interesting choices available, such as condensed milk sandwiches, banana and cream wraps

Example of food Picture: Graham and Chris Weston

Opportunities: Open Day at Ladywalk ReserveTo commemorate the 90th Anniversary this year of West Midland Bird Club an open day is to take place at Ladywalk reserve on Saturday 21st September between 10am and 3pm. The reserve is situated on the Hams Hall Distribution Park at the end of Faraday Avenue situated off the A446 .

Whilst the reserve is restricted to Inclusive members of West Midland Bird Club (WMBC) this is an opportunity for the club to show off one of its premier reserves to non-members interested in the reserve and its natural history. It is also an opportunity for Standard Members and Inclusive members who live further afield from the reserve to come along, be shown around and see what they have been missing. Visitors will take a walk on the reserve and observe its variety of birds from the five hides.

The reserve is situated on part of the old Hams Hall power stations’ site where there were three stations that were all demolished by 1993. It is surrounded on three sides by the River Tame, the fourth side is a stand of poplars planted originally to screen the power stations. Habitats include mature woodland, birch trees and scrub, meadow noted for its wild flowers, grassland which is managed for the helleborines each July, and extensive reedbeds. There are two main pools and areas of shallow water and mud by these. Work has recently been carried out to expose further mud at the margins to attract waders, and the creation of new pools has led to record duck numbers in winter.

On the open day visitors are invited to use the circular walk of approximately two miles around the reserve allowing them the opportunity to take in all or some of the hides that overlook the pools and reedbeds. There are other paths such as in the woodland behind Hide B and along the brook under the poplar trees.

There will be experts on the reserve and in the hides to show visitors the bird life on the reserve. There should be a lot of ducks in late September and Water rail are often seen under the feeders, which attract many tits, finches and buntings, providing good photography opportunities from the main hide. There may be a passing Osprey and September is a good time to see a Hobby chasing dragonflies. Ladywalk also has become noted for providing a good breeding habitat for Willow tits that have declined markedly in the last twenty years.

Visitors on the day will have a good chance to see Muntjac or a Fox, or an Otter which is a real highlight and now a more regular visitor to the reserve. There will be guided walks to see the birds, as well as other walks for butterflies and plants. Through the efforts of bird ringers we know a lot about the birds that live or breed on the reserve, and where they go to on migration. We will hold a ringing demonstration with an opportunity for visitors to get close and personal to the birds. Likewise there will be a moth expert identifying moths caught in the moth trap.

The open day, which is supported by Sainsburys who are lending us part of their car park, is free of charge although there is an opportunity for any non-members to join the Bird Club.! See the WMBC website for more information: http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk/

Richard King, Ladywalk Reserve Representative

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and strawberry and cream sandwiches. Someone had to taste them and we were amongst those that volunteered!

The staff at the hotels were very friendly. On the days we departed, some of the staff came out to bow and wave us off. The waving continued until we were out of sight. This also happened with our internal flights, where the check-in staff and baggage handlers came out onto the runway to wave us off. What a lovely thing to do.

On Honshu, we visited Lake Suwa, Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Yaen Koen (‘Snow Monkey Park’), Karuizawa, Oneyama Shinrin-koen (Oneyama Forest Reserve) and Myogi-ko (Lake Myogi).

Leaving our hotel on our first morning in Japan gave us the chance to see and photograph Mount Fuji in the distance. We were told that it wasn’t always this visible. On the day we went to the Snow Monkey Park, (the subject of a BBC documentary a few years ago), 30cm of snow had fallen overnight, resulting in about 60cm in total. It was -11ºC when we went for a pre-breakfast walk. The suggested packing list for the trip included snow boots and ice grippers and these were very useful here and at other places. The snow made for a very scenic 1.9km walk on the forest trail to the park where the group of Macaques bathe in the hot springs. They have become totally habituated and wander around your feet. Approaching the end of the trail to the springs, we found Brown Dipper on the river. Whilst enjoying the Macaques, a Japanese Serow was seen about 100m up the side of the valley. This is a mammal with an appearance of half deer and half goat and not easy to find.

Matsumoto castle (see photo), surrounded by a moat and set in parkland, dates back to the 16th century and is one of the few original castles left in Japan. One of the nearby areas contained some ice sculptures. It was near the castle that we saw a Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker.

A sample of other birds seen on Honshu were Baikal Teal, Falcated Duck, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Green Pheasant, Long-billed Plover, Japanese Green Woodpecker, Bull-headed Shrike, Varied Tit, Brown-eared Bulbul, White-cheeked Starling, Dusky Thrush, Daurian Redstart, Japanese Wagtail, Japanese Grosbeak, Long-tailed Rosefinch and Grey-capped Greenfinch.

One evening, a lady gave a 30 minute recital on a Japanese koto (a large, horizontal stringed instrument) in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, the audience was invited to have a close look at the instruments and to try playing one if they wished.

The temperature range on the island was -11ºC to 4ºC.

On Kyushu, we visited Sendai River, Arasaki Crane Centre, Higashi Kantaku, Warabi-jima, Izumi Crane Centre, Fukunoe, Kogawa dam, Komenotsu River and Arasaki.

This was crane-fest! Arriving at Arasaki in the dark early one morning, we could hear the cranes and their bugling sound was quite evocative. As the light improved, we could see thousands (estimates of 10,000+) of mainly Hooded Cranes with good numbers of White-naped Cranes. In amongst them,

Matsumoto Castle Picture: Graham and Chris Weston

we found 2 Common and 1 Sandhill Crane. Other major highlights at Arasaki were Black-faced Spoonbills and 2 Racoon Dogs. Our second visit here had the cranes flying directly above us - a sight and sound to behold. There was also a good number of corvids here. At Kogawa Dam, we were surprised to find White-bellied Green Pigeon.

A sample of other / new birds seen on Kyushu were Daurian Jackdaw, Japanese Tit, Japanese White-eye, Pale Thrush, Russet Sparrow and Masked Bunting.

The temperature range on the island was 3ºC to 12ºC and was balmy compared to Honshu.

On Hokkaido, we visited Otowa Bridge, Dosanko, Shibecha, Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, various ports, Cape Kiritappu, Furen-ko (Lake Sunset), Cape Nosappu, Nemuro City Yoroushi, Lake Kussharo, stopping at Kotan and a 2 hour cruise out of Habomai port.

A sign of Japanese efficiency was the flight crew apologising for the late arrival on Hokkaido – by 5 minutes! Hokkaido was the destination for Red-crowned Crane, Steller’s Sea Eagle, White-tailed Eagle and Blakiston’s Fish Owl.

It was -20ºC when we set out at 06:00 for pre-breakfast birding on Otowa Bridge, about 15 minutes away. There was no wind, so as long as you were dressed accordingly, the temperature was not a major issue. The advice is to dress like an onion, so you can peel things off. You just needed to move now and then to warm up your feet. The river that the cranes roost on was shrouded in mist and this added to the atmosphere (see photo). When this started to clear, the Red-crowned Cranes could be seen bit by bit in the distance. Our guide’s experience said that they would not be moving in the short term, so we went back for breakfast. Returning 90 minutes later, the cranes had barely moved. They soon started to

take off, in twos and threes and flying over our heads, calling as they went. After they had gone, we moved on to a Ural Owl site, where the bird was showing well in sunlight, some 80m away.

A visit to Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary meant we got very close to about 120 Red-crowned Cranes and they looked lovely against the snow. There was plenty of action with birds arriving and departing.

We visited various ports on Hokkaido, finding a variety of waterfowl with Harlequin Duck deserving special mention. It was at one of these ports that we saw our first Steller’s Sea Eagle (see photo). Cape Kiritappu rewarded us with 2 Sea Otters gambolling in the swell and floating on their backs. It was here that we also found various auks.

Furen-ko (Lake Sunset) was the next day’s destination and we enjoyed around 80 Steller’s Sea and White-tailed Eagles at the feeding station on the frozen lake. There was plenty of squabbling to watch whilst Back Kites and Crows waited for their turn. The following morning’s calm weather allowed us to take a 2 hour boat trip from Habomai port

Red Crowned Cranes Picture: Graham and Chris Weston

Stellar’s Sea Eagle Picture: Graham and Chris

Weston

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to Cape Nosappu, a rewarding trip. There was a sprinkling of auks, with Common, Pigeon, Brunnich’s Guillemot and Rhinoceros Auklet being seen.

After this, we drove to our next hotel which is renowned as a site to see the world’s largest owl – Blakiston’s Fish Owl. The hotel has a holding pool in which it stocks live fish and is overlooked by a large window. Sightings of the owl on previous days were varied, with appearances reported as early as 16:15 and sometimes not at all. We took up position at 16:00, dressed in our yukatas. At

18:31, the owl appeared (see photo), landed only 6m away and looked at us. Was it watching us or were we watching it? It took one of the live fish and ate it in front of us. It then caught another fish and flew off down the river with it. It was a very happy group of birders that dined that night. It appeared well after midnight the following evening, so showed how lucky we had been.

A sample of other / new birds seen on Hokkaido were Japanese & Pelagic Cormorant, Solitary Snipe, Spectacled Guillemot, Long-billed Murrelet, Ancient Murrelet, Crested Kingfisher and White-backed Woodpecker.

The temperature range on the island was -20ºC to 1ºC.

In total, the group saw 142 bird species (based on the IOC World Bird List v9.1) and 11 mammal species.Whilst we hope this has given you a flavour of our trip, a detailed day-by-day report can be obtained from the company mentioned earlier.

Chris and Graham Weston

Blakiston’s Fish Eagle Picture: Graham and Chris Weston

The Club’s tenth season of its project of monitoring nestboxes at Blythe Valley, which is registered with the B.T.O.’s Nest Record Scheme, has been completed successfully. Our report on the season’s breeding performance, with appendices, can be found in the Solihull branch section of the website.

Participants in the monitoring were Humphrey Miller, Jim Winsper, Ray Davies and Mark and Christopher Rickus, with ringing of nestlings and reporting of breeding performance to the B.T.O. carried out by Tony Kelly of the Redditch Ringing Group. Paul Bateman was, as in previous years, in charge of winter sessions of nestbox erection and maintenance. Many thanks to all participants for contributing to a successful year’s work.

Humphrey is withdrawing from his role as overall organiser of the project, for health reasons, and a replacement is needed for the 2020 season, preparatory work for which is expected to commence in November. The necessary skills to run this operation are easily learned, and no previous experience is required. Interested members should apply to Secretary@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk. Humphrey will give a thorough handover briefing to his successor, including copies of the relevant B.T.O.

guidance notes and other literature. Humphrey Miller and Roger Broadbent

Blythe Valley Countryside Park, Solihull; Nestbox monitoring - 2019 Breeding Season

Gill and I are avid Garden Birdwatchers and participate in the online weekly submission of records to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). We have two feeding stations, one in the front and the other in the back garden. Both are viewable from our kitchen. Most of our observations coincide with the times that we are preparing for a meal, tidying up afterwards or during periods of poor weather. I would like to think that we do not miss too much!

During the late afternoon of Friday March 23rd. I saw briefly a Blue Tit with what I thought was a short stick in its bill. After it had gone, I reflected on my initial conclusion. I had never seen a Blue Tit carrying material like that in its bill before. My suspicions were confirmed on Sunday 25th when the bird reappeared. It was not carrying a stick. The bird had an extraordinary long bill although it seemed to be feeding normally. Indeed, it was extremely active taking mixed cereals and especially also food from fat slabs. From then on it was a daily visitor to both feeding stations.

One Thursday in April I was able to photograph it . My photos show that its upper mandible was unduly long and pointed upwards. The lower mandible was also longer than normal. Both were

translucent pink and the upper seemed flexible for at times it seemed quite straight.

As I continued to enjoy this fascinating and unusual individual to I began to have a few anxieties. Was the bird’s deformity my fault? I remembered that Tits that have avian pox probably have that problem as a result of visiting unhygienic bird feeders. I decided to contact my friends at the BTO Garden Birdwatch (gbw@bto.org) to ask if they could tell me the possible causes of bill deformities. In due course I got a very full reply with an attached pdf.

The reply stated that there is a common suggestion that exposure to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides is suspected but this is unsubstantiated. Physical trauma is also a possibility, but research has shown that may not be a major factor either. Nutritional

deficiencies could also influence beak abnormalities especially in isolated populations where human-provided foods are unlikely to provide a complete diet. These can differ in texture compared to natural food. Infections and or congenital malformation have also suspected to influence beak abnormalities.

All of this is another way of saying “We don’t know.” Current evidence is not conclusive and further research is required.

The pdf, however, went into greater detail. Since the late 1990’s a condition called avian keratin disorder (AKD) has emerged in populations of chickadees and corvids in Alaska causing beak abnormalities. Chickadees are closely related to our Tit family but presently there is no evidence that AKD has arrived in Britain where Blue Tits, Blackbirds and free-living parrots such as the Ring-necked Parakeet are the most commonly affected species. In total thirty-five species in Britain have been recorded as having beak abnormalities.

Most affected birds adopt alternative feeding postures and remain in good condition. Breeding and

Blue Tit with elongated mandibles Picture: Roger Broadbent

A Long Billed Blue Tit

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feeding offspring can be affected. I thought that it would be difficult for a Blue Tit with a bill like the one on our feeders to build a nest, feed youngsters and preen. Keeping plumage in good condition during the challenges of a busy breeding season would be a challenge. Nevertheless, our Blue Tit was an almost ever-present visitor, especially on our front garden feeders where it continued to feed voraciously.

It came as a surprise when it was not seen again after Saturday April 20th when it had seemed just as active as ever and in good condition. It disappeared as quickly as it had first been discovered pondering more questions than answers. Was it predated or did it move on? Blue Tits are largely sedentary so it may still be feeding on a nearby feeder. Certainly, this long-billed Blue Tit will be best remembered out of all the Blue Tits that have visited our garden since Gill and I began reporting our garden birds on a weekly basis in 2005 to BTO Garden Birdwatch. Like a long lost friend we would love to see it again.

Finally, I can totally recommend subscribing to BTO Garden Birdwatch (www.bto.org/gbw).

We have done so since 2005. We can see our garden records over that period discovering trends in populations of birds and other wildlife in our garden over that period. If you see a bird with a deformed beak you might wish to record it to the BTO Beakwatch Survey (https://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw/about/background/projects/bgbw)

or alternatively report it to www.gardenwildlifehealth.org

AcknowledgementsThanks to Jamey of the BTO Garden Ecology team at the BTO for the information on the possible causes of beak deformities. (garden.ecology@bto.org).

Roger Broadbent

Blue Tit with elongated mandibles Picture: Roger Broadbent

Kinver edge is a high sandstone escarpment straddling the border of South Staffordshire and North Worcestershire. It has been in the ownership of the National Trust for 102 years, growing from 200 acres in 1917, to now almost 600 acres. It is a mosaic of habitats including broadleaved woodland, lowland heath, acid grassland and conifer plantation, with exception of the conifer plantation much of the site is designated a SSSI for both its biology and geology.

If we were to go back 100 years, Kinver edge would be a very different place than it is today, back then, the majority of the 600 acres now in our ownership would have been open heathland, with small pockets of woodland and some field grown trees. During the early 20th century the areas that are currently broadleaved woodland would have been lowland heath, the loss of grazing to this part of the landscape led to the succession of the woodland that is present today. By the 1980’s the current area of lowland heath on the south facing dip slope had also been mainly lost to succession of trees, and it was a continual effort of volunteers to restore the heathland to what we see today. This loss of habitat type and increased disturbance of the site meant birds such as Nightjar and

Woodlark are no longer present. The area to the south of the site known as Blakeshall Common (and Kingsford Country Park) once heathland is now dominated by conifer plantation planted in the 1920’s and 1960’s.

The heathland today is managed in a sensitive way, we don’t want trees to encroach and woodland to develop but at the same time (and unlike many other heathlands) we are much more accepting of the development of gorse and scrub trees which are a huge benefit to our Adder population at Kinver. Since stopping mechanisation on the heath and allowing a more diverse mosaic of scrub to develop, we have seen populations increase which is bucking the trend of most West Midlands sites. Scrub is

managed to try and deter people and dogs from entering the more sensitive areas. In conjunction with this scrub in many areas is managed by thinning rather than whole scale removal, this allows a continual coverage and connectivity of scrub beneficial to a wide range of species. The heathland

Kinver Edge - Current Management and Future Aspirations

Heath Grazing Picture: Ewan Chapman

Tree Pipit Picture: Ewan Chapman

Angry Birds: An ObservationIt’s not only humans that can get exasperated by their uncooperative offspring. I would like to share the comedy I witnessed in my garden when a male blackbird was trying to feed its fledgling with a ripe cherry, presumably from our own cherry tree, from which all the fruit is stolen by birds.

Right under my kitchen window, the parent presented a cherry in its beak to a juvenile. The youngster stood still, seemingly unimpressed. The parent wiped the cherry across the baby’s beak several times, but there was absolutely no response. The adult continued tapping the cherry on its offspring’s face and beak, but the youngster just stood there stiffly, looking grim.

At this point the parent seemed to lose control, leapt into the air and swiped the baby across the head with its feet. The unwilling juvenile just flew away, with the parent in pursuit, still determined to deliver the cherry. Who knows which bird ate the fruit in the end?

Chris Tilley

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is home to many bird species including Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler, Linnet, Whitethroat and occasional Wheatear. Other important species on the heath include Brown Argus butterfly and a wealth of other specialist invertebrates.

The broadleaved woodland has developed into an important habitat in its own right over the years and is a SSSI for woodland despite the loss of heathland. Woodcock are regularly seen over the escarpment, Wood Warblers and Cuckoo are now heard regularly every year as well as occasional Redstart and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. All 4 species of widespread reptiles and White Admiral butterfly are also present. The woodland however, is in need of

management due to lack of age and species structure, the main focus in this area over the past couple of years and in the near future is the creation of woodland rides (6.5km in total) to connect up the areas of open habitat and for those light demanding species. In conjunction with this, we have been and will be, continuing to create a network of glades as well as a 30% thin of the trees and we have already seen a big increase in tree pipit moving into areas of thinning.

Our major piece of habitat management and restoration work we have planned is to remove around 20ha of conifer plantation and restore the area back to heathland. By carrying this out we will connect up 2 currently fragmented areas of heathland allowing connectivity for species, the hope is that by creating ‘bigger, better and more joined up’ heathland in conjunction with managing dogs in the nesting season, we may hopefully again see Nightjar and Woodlark breeding here once again. Kinver Edge has been under recorded for birds in recent years so we would really like WMBC members to be involved in volunteering for species monitoring in the future. This could be specific species monitoring such as Woodcock surveys, breeding bird surveys or just feeding in occasional records. Anybody who registers as a volunteers and carries out up to 50 hrs annual volunteering qualifies for a National Trust Volunteer card allowing free entry to all our properties as well as parking in our car parks, in addition, it gives discounts in our tearooms, holiday cottages and many other benefits.

If anybody is interested in becoming a volunteer and helping with survey work and monitoring then please get in touch.

Ewan Chapman, Area Ranger, Kinver Edgeewan.chapman@nationaltrust.org.uk

Don’t forget to submit any records to the relevant county recorders; you can do this by the BTO BirdTrack system, or electronically to the recorders:

Staffordshire: Nick Pomiankowski - Email: staffs-recorder@westmidlandbirdclub.org.ukWorcestershire: Steven Payne - Email: worcs-recorder@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

To submit via record slips please see the county recorder contact details on page 42

Liz

Green Hairstreak Picture: Ewan Chapman

Adder Picture: Ewan Chapman

Hs2 Proposed Power Lines near Blithfield Reservoir Dam - High Speed Rail (West Midlands to Crewe) Bill February 2019

In March I lodged a Petition on behalf of the Bird Club in respect of the proposal to construct two lanes of pylons with around six cables from each pylon proposed to be constructed within the Hs2 impact zone near to the dam at our SSSI Reserve at Blithfield Reservoir, as mentioned in the last WMBC News. Thankfully we have had the result we asked for following the petition I presented in front of several MP’s at the House of Commons Hs2 Select Committee on 24th April.The extract below is taken from the Committee Report Decisions.

West Midland Bird Club (Petition No. AP2–59)“70. The West Midland Bird Club, which has 1,800 members, supported the underground option for provision of power at Parkgate. They argued that should the underground proposal not be possible, bird diverters should be installed on a 5km section of the pylon wires, ‘from Newlands Lane National Grid sub-station at least to Bentillee Cottage in order that both migrating and non-migratory birds do not fly into the wires and are killed. The Club demonstrated that the proposed section of the pylons would run across a valley that was part of the birds flightpath into and out of Blithfield Reservoir.71. Counsel for HS2 estimated the cost of installation of bird protectors for the whole route at “approximately half a million pounds” and for the area suggested by the West Midlands Bird Club, “about £300,000 for that particular stretch of pylon wires.72. We instruct HS2 to install bird protectors on the pylon wires across the valley sections between Newlands Lane National Grid sub-station and the Parkgate substation. HS2 should act on advice from the West Midland Bird Club on the most appropriate sections on which to install the protectors.”I expect to hear from Hs2 Ltd on the type of, and to agree the location of the bird diverters for installation along the overhead power lines in due course, that is if Hs2 is actually constructed.Please will all members who bird-watch from the reservoir dam make a list of the species they see flying up and down the Blithe Valley, and submit their records to me in twelve months time.

Edgbaston Reservoir and Birmingham Council’s Big City Plan

On 18th June our Club Chair, along with Paul Bateman and myself met on site with Sammy Pritchard from the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust to look at ways we could jointly recommend to the Council positive bird and wildlife friendly actions at Edgbaston Reservoir. This followed the Council going out to consultation on their Greater Icknield Plan (part of the Big City Plan) which can be found on the Council’s website.I have forwarded a Bird List of recent and historic sightings to the Council, which had been provided by Paul, and have asked for the Bird Club to be included as a Consultee going forward.To improve the site for birds and wildlife we would like to see twenty metre blocks of phragmites planted along at least two sections of shoreline, to create better nesting and feeding opportunities for a number of species with Sedge and Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings in mind. We would also like to see a section of shoreline fenced off , with viewing areas and/or vandal proof screens, in order to provide a refuge for birds from dogs/ dog walkers, these refuges could be used by passage

Conservation MattersDave Jackson

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waders and loafing ducks and gulls, as there is far too much pressure from walkers and dogs along the shoreline at present.The area at the Rotton Park Road entrance could also be ideal for reed planting. Currently this area has a good stand of Willow and this could be enhanced by reeds.The shoreline near to the western arm is very shingly and this would be a great place for a 50metre long fence. This would still leave much of the shoreline open, allowing the mixed use ethos over part of the shore.Thanks to Martyn Yapp for bringing the Council’s consultation process to our attention.

Update on the Skylark population at the Snipes off Windsor Drive, Stourport- on-Severn, Worcestershire

Good news so far in that the farmer agreed not to cut the main breeding meadow until the middle of July. Hopefully the Skylarks should have had a decent breeding season, despite the bad weather we had a few weeks ago.National Willow Tit Survey 2019/2020 - Your continued assistance requested.Please submit your records to your County Recorder.

Worcestershire Curlews

Please report any lowland Curlew sightings in the Club’s recording area to me, with details as to where they are thought to be breeding or have bred and the outcome, if known.I will be attending the national Curlew Forum at Slimbridge WWT later this year and will report on our findings.

Worcestershire Peregrine eyrie - An update from Hugh Fletcher

Earlier in the year I reported that the Bird Club, together with other parties objected to a Planning Application, which would have seriously affected a Peregrine eyrie in Worcestershire. Hugh Fletcher, a bird of prey expert, brought the Planning Application to my attention. The Planning Application was thankfully refused by the local Council. Hugh has provided the following update: “The pair were incubating on their normal ledge for at least four weeks with no evidence of hatching, then, after two days of very heavy rain, they were seen to resume their normal perches and did not return to the nesting ledge. Whether the eggs were infertile or the rain was channelled into the ledge or something else happened is unclear, because there is no vantage point that allows a view into the ledge. The two adult peregrines are still behaving normally and staying on site so I’m optimistic that they will remain and breed next year. I will certainly keep monitoring them and there is a person living nearby who sees them daily.” Lets hope they have better luck next year.

Dave Jackson – Conservation OfficerEmail: conservation@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

The northernmost of the Inner Hebrides, Skye is nearly 50 miles long, and has an incredibly diverse ecosystem with lochs, mountains, glens, woodland, moorland and a vast length of coastline. Skye has in the past been rather unfairly regarded as a birdwatching backwater, renowned for its eagles alone. However, with a list of over 260 species that include the likes of Blackpoll Warbler, White-Throated Sparrow and Black-Headed Bunting, coupled with its location on the west coast, the lack of sightings must surely be down to lack of coverage rather than a lack of birds. Having visited Mull and Iona in 2017, we wanted to explore another of Scotland’s famous islands. So, armed with Bob McMillan’s excellent third edition of Skye Birds and Gordon Hamlett’s Best Birdwatching Sites: Scottish Highlands we decided to plan a trip to ‘Misty Isle’.

25th April 2019Skye is around a 10 hours drive from our house (if no comfort breaks are included) so we set off northwards early at 5.20am, entering Scotland nearly four and a half hours later. As we neared the highlands, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Curlew were all present in the surrounding fields whilst a resplendent male Goosander was on a roadside loch. Hooded Crow and Raven started to appear beyond Loch Lomond. The road to Skye takes you through Glen Coe, and as it was a gloriously sunny day, we stopped to take in the scenery. Our first Golden Eagle of the trip was seen soaring close to Glen Etive before being lost to view; also present were Common Gull and a few Sand Martin. Further on at Loch Garry, a stunning summer-plumaged Black-Throated Diver was on the water, with a hunting Peregrine and a single Red Deer stag at Loch Cluanie. As we reached Eilean Donan Castle, Skye Bridge came into sight and at 4.07pm we made it into Skye. The Cuillins, mountains that are the remnants of a central volcano whose lava flows created the Duirinish and Waternish peninsulas, dominated the horizon. The weather had by now taken a turn for the worse and the road to Broadford seemed completely devoid of life, birds or otherwise, and we began to wonder whether previous comments of the island being ‘birdless’ were actually true. But as we entered Broadford itself, we had our first bird- Goldfinch- not particularly exciting I know but you have to start somewhere! Whilst refuelling at the Co-op we took the opportunity of scanning the bay itself, which yielded Oystercatcher, Curlew, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Herring Gull, Common Gull, House Sparrow, Rock Pipit and a single Swallow. It would still be another 40 minutes to our accommodation at Kensaleyre, and whilst nearing our destination, a White-Tailed Eagle was spotted over a plantation and was watched for 5 minutes or so before heading off. At the head of Loch Eyre, which lies next to our accommodation, a pair of Greenshank flew over the road and onto the estuary, where fifteen Oystercatcher were feeding. At 5.40pm, we had finally made it- a full 12 hours 20 minutes later, so a good rest was therefore needed! Before settling down for the night, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit and Song Thrush were all seen outside in hedgerow surrounding the property.

26th April 2019Before setting off this morning, we allowed for a few minutes to scan Loch Eyre, where Lesser Black-Backed, Herring and a single Black-Headed Gull were in attendance, as were four Grey Heron, Curlew and Oystercatcher. A male Red-Breasted Merganser was on the water and a Wheatear was in the field between us and the loch. We then headed towards the Fairy Pools and Glen Brittle. At Satran were four Sand Martin and at Loch Harport three Swallow and a pair of Teal- the latter were

Isle Of Skye - April 2019 - Trip Report

Glen CoePicture: Chris North

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the only birds of the trip. Whilst on an island like Skye, it would be criminal not to explore the outstanding scenery, and the Fairy Pools themselves, along with the Old Man of Storr and Talisker Distilery, are the most popular and crowded spots on the whole island. Even with the Cuillin mountains in the mist, the pools themselves were a most beautiful spot, and on the return walk, we heard our first Cuckoo of the year but failed to locate it. We afterwards chose to drive down Glen Brittle to the bay at the far end. On the road we found two Twite, a bird which had eluded us whilst on Mull. Also here were Meadow Pipit, Willow Warbler, Skylark, Wheatear and Chaffinch. As we were

in that part of the island, we went to Carbost, and visited the distilery, sampling a dram of Talisker Storm in the process. Around the town itself, a Buzzard was seen circling overhead. Our final port of call for the day was Talisker Bay. On the walk to the beach, another Cuckoo was heard and a number of Goldfinch and Greenfinch were seen in a patch of woodland. Five Twite were by the beach, and displayed wonderfully whilst I reeled off a number of shots with my camera. Also of note were ‘pure’ Rock Dove on the cliffs and Great Black-Backed Gull on the rocks. Returning home, we saw a herd of around twenty Red Deer on a hillside opposite the road.

27th April 2019When we awoke at 7.30am we were greeted by the call of a Cuckoo from nearby. We had decided to spend the day on the Waternish peninsula so travelled west, noting three Red-Breasted Merganser and Greylag Goose on Loch Greshornish on the way. Stopping to look at the Fairy Bridge, we then also stopped a little way on to scan the heather. A Grasshopper Warbler was heard reeling, whilst a Whinchat and a few Wheatear were flitting about. As I was turning round I noticed a White-Tailed Eagle flying low over the car purposefully heading towards the coast. We then carried on to Trumpan, seeing a single Twite, Song Thrush and Pied Wagtail in crofts before we parked up, with the intention of walking to Waternish Point. From the car park vast rafts of auks (mainly Guillemot and Razorbill with smaller numbers of Black Guillemot) were on the sea, as were two Great Northern Diver and numerous Shag. The area around here looked ideal for Corncrake- the RSPB apparently works alongside local landowners to help preserve the crofts for the benefit of the birds. The ditches beside the road were alive with colour and contained a varied assortment of plants with Yellow Flag, Marsh Marigold, Bluebell, Primrose, Red Campion, Meadow Buttercup, Ferns and Horsetails present. We began our walk down over the headland, seeing Stonechat, Wheatear and Kestrel. Nearing the point, an adult Golden Eagle was viewed over a slope off to our right but soon disappeared into the heat haze. Deciding not to go right down to the lighthouse, we set up the scope on the headland and soon spotted a large group of birds feeding on the sea, which included Gannet, Puffin and two Great Skua. A Kittiwake also flew past as we were watching. Reed Bunting and Linnet were seen on overhead lines on the return journey. Driving out of the Waternish peninsula, we stopped at Stein, where a Grasshopper Warbler was heard and seen in a small reedbed and six Buzzard were up together enjoying the thermals. We finally went to the Duirinish peninsula, and parked up overlooking Loch Dunvegan. Two pairs of Eider, a Common Sandpiper and twelve Greylag Goose were out on the water, whilst an astonishing 140 seals were hauled out on the shorelines around the islands. A walk out to Coral Beach, a stunning location formed from the bleached skeletons of a red coralline seaweed known as Maërl, produced six Ringed Plover, Curlew, Raven and another calling

Twite at Talisker BayPicture: Chris North

Coral BeachPicture: Chris North

Cuckoo. That evening at Uig a Tawny Owl was heard calling near the hotel and driving back along the A87, a Barn Owl flew low over the front of the car and away over nearby moorland.

28th April 2019Yesterday evening I became aware that a drake Garganey had arrived in Broadford Bay, only the 2nd ever record for Skye following seven birds in 1943. We thus decided that today we would explore the southern parts of the island, taking in the bay on the way. Parking at the Co-op, Common Sandpiper, two Red-Breasted Merganser, four Great Northern Diver and three House Martin were present but the Garganey appeared to have departed. We travelled round to Waterloo to view the furthest eastern extremities of the bay, where a single Whimbrel, known locally as the May Bird, and a pair of Shelduck were found. Deciding to have a further search later, we set out for

Kylerhea, the most eastern part of Skye. On the way there, a Grey Wagtail was spotted on rocks by a small stream and a Grasshopper Warbler was heard reeling. Walking down to the Otter Haven hide, a Tree Pipit was seen in song flight. We failed to see any Otter, not surprising considering it was the middle of the day, but we managed Common Sandpiper and Black Guillemot. It was then down to Sleat, known as the ‘garden of Skye’ for its relatively mild climate and large swathes of deciduous woodland, containing birch, ash and oak. Forestry is a major contribution to the local economy, but since most of the trees planted elsewhere on the island are coniferous, the plantations hold a limited number of birds. Armadale Castle Gardens is as good a place as any to find strictly arboreal species on the island. We were slightly too early in the year for the arrival of Wood Warbler, but had Cuckoo, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Siskin, Long-Tailed Tit, Willow Warbler and Song Thrush along the paths that led from manicured gardens into the woods. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling here as well- Sleat is the best and practically only place on Skye where this species is encountered. That evening we walked around Fairy Glen, where the abnormal rock formations yielded yet another calling Cuckoo and three Wheatear.

29th April 2019Today we again visited the peninsula of Duirinish, where Neist Point, probably the finest seawatching headland on the island, was our first destination. We counted over 70 Fulmar on the cliffs whilst large numbers of Guillemot and Razorbill were on the sea. Small numbers of Black Guillemot and two pairs of Eider were seen from the end of the point, as were distant Manx Shearwater and Kittiwake. Sitting on the headland was a rather obliging Great Skua, which remained there quite contently whilst I photographed it from a safe distance, occasionally standing up and stretching its wings before finally flying off out to sea. With the use of the scope, I managed to pick out a pod of 14 Common Dolphin leaping out of the water a long way off towards the Outer Hebrides. We then went for lunch at Cafe Lephin, where we heard and finally saw our first Cuckoo of the trip- fortunately the bird was out in the open near the top of one of three distant trees; another Cuckoo was then heard when we later checked Pool Roag. We passed the remainder of the afternoon at Dunvegan Castle, where we admired the exotic and native plants on show here. A Mistle Thrush was added to the trip list, and a Common Seal sat out on the rocks just offshore. Returning to the B&B, a Cuckoo (probably the same

Whimbrel in Broadford BayPicture: Chris North

Great Skua at Neist PointPicture: Chris North

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heard on the 27th) was calling. That evening, having heard that Corncrake had arrived back on the island, we decided to check an area in Uig, as suggested by one of the books. Arriving at around 7.10pm, we parked the car next to suitable fields and listened out. Hearing nothing, I decided to get out and walk up the road, and as I got half way up, the rasping ‘crek-crek’ of a male Corncrake was heard from the nearby field. It failed to call again for a while and the bird was most likely in the ditch where the vegetation was a good deal higher than the rest of the land. We then drove round the top of the field and stopped to listen. The bird

was still calling but seemed to be closer to us this time, but this species is notorious for throwing its voice. In addition to the Corncrake, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler was audible. We then made our way northwards and watched the sun set over the sea. At a spot along the A855 between Uig and Kilmuir, we heard two Cuckoo, calling as if in response to the other. On the sea itself were large rafts of auks and a single Great Northern Diver close in to shore. On the way back, a Brown Hare ran along the road and in through a fence.

30th April 2019The final day was reserved solely for the northern parts of the island. Firstly, we returned to Uig to see if the Corncrake was still present. Unfortunately, the bird failed to call, perhaps unsurprising as there was construction work going on nearby. We moved onto Duntulm, one of the northernmost villages on Skye, where a small loch held 2 Little Grebe, 10 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. Carrying on along the road we saw a lovely old stone bridge and jokingly said that there might be a Dipper on the rocks below, and to our surprise there were 2, which flew upstream and sat beside a miniature waterfall. At Balmaqueen, was the first Lapwing of the trip (by no means a common bird on Skye), only the second Kestrel hunting around the headland, and a Stonechat on the heath. On the beach at Staffin we tried unsuccessfully to locate the dinosaur prints but did manage a good look over to Staffin Island, where four Great Skua were found. On the sea were nine Gannet, Cormorant, Oystercatcher and Curlew. For the final afternoon of the trip, we drove down to the only area we still had not covered- Strathaird. We stopped to overlook Loch Cill Chriosd, the location of the only extensive reedbed on Skye. Three Lapwing were seen on the shoreline, along with Mallard and Hooded Crow. That evening we parked the car by Monadh Choisleadar forest in the hope of finding owls, yielding little aside from a calling Tawny Owl that failed to show. We then retired to bed early in order to rest up for the long return trip to come the following morning.

Overall 83 species of bird were found on the island, with an additional 7 whilst in mainland Scotland, as well as 7 Mammal species. It was quite reassuring that during our stay we saw or heard Cuckoo in ten different locations, and Grasshopper Warbler in four. Surprisingly, and perhaps worryingly, we failed to locate any Hen Harrier, despite spending time in suitable habitat. I would thoroughly recommend a birding trip to Skye, and it is worth noting that Strontian, the home of the now-famous male American Black Duck, is in the vicinity on the mainland, but would probably require a day’s exploring as it is a two-hour detour from the main road.

Dipper at KilmaluagPicture: Chris North

Wheatear at BalmaqueenPicture: Chris North

Chris North

In the early spring of 2008 I embarked upon a personal study of rooftop nesting gulls that breed within the Birmingham boundary. The aim of this project was to place a benchmark figure on the number of breeding pairs of Herring Gull Larus argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus from within this area. The project covered the breeding seasons of the four year period 2008 - 2011 inclusive (intentionally designed to coincide with BTO Atlas work) and the results of this study are published in the 2011 West Midland Bird Club annual report.

From there on, post 2011, any new figures relating to this population could be evaluated against the findings of my survey. Any notable change would become proportionally meaningful, prompting investigation and further fulfilling the aims of this project.

Some eight years on since the completion of my four year study and with the likelihood of several generations of this population reaching sexual maturity and becoming breeding birds themselves, there has been a considerable change involving a noticeable growth in numbers of both species. In addition to the natural process of a growing number of reproductive adults and their offsprings bolstering the population, there is also the possibility of a continued influx of birds into this region from expanding colonies elsewhere, in particular, Bristol in the west country and Cardiff in South Wales (see - Roof-top nesting gull study: concerning the population of gulls that breed within the Birmingham boundary - Jim Winsper - WMBC annual report No. 78, year 2011).

Anyone visiting this part of our region during the spring and summer months, particularly central Birmingham and some of its industrial and commercial areas, will be well aware of the increasing presence of these birds. The Herring Gull in particular has become increasingly conspicuous and most certainly more numerous since my survey period when I regarded this bird as being a novelty species. An increase in the Lesser Black-backed Gull population is also very evident with many areas being awash in gull activity.

Finding urban gull colonies is not a difficult task, making accurate counts of apparently occupied nests (AONs) within these colonies, can be. The BTO have investigated this problem and take up the story from here. We are extremely grateful to Ian Woodward, BTO Research Officer, for making this information available to us.

In order to accommodate the findings from this investigation within the confines of our Newsletter, the following article consists of extracts drawn from the report that deliver the thrust of the exercise in abbreviated form, without detracting from the objectives and results. Anyone wishing to obtain the report in its entirety can do so by contacting Steve Davies the BTO Regional Representative for Birmingham and West Midlands at: stevedaviesbtorep@hotmail.co.uk

Jim Winsper

Roof-top nesting gulls from within the Birmingham Boundary

Foreword by Jim Winsper

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URBAN GULL SURVEY:Highlights from the 2018 Survey in Birmingham

1. INTRODUCTION The 2018 Urban Gull Survey in Birmingham was the first stage of a two-year project supported by Defra. We would like to thank all volunteers in the Birmingham area who took part in the ground level surveys for your interest and valuable contributions to the survey. In particular, we thank Steve Davies, BTO Regional Representative for Birmingham and the West Midlands, who co-ordinated the survey coverage. Volunteers in Birmingham contributed an impressive total of 113 hours observation time to carry out surveys, covering 80 1-km squares, and counting a total of 284 Herring Gulls and 1,290 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The data from these surveys (together with those from 2019 in North Wales) will be compared with data from aerial surveys and vantage point surveys to help us understand how we can monitor gulls nesting in urban areas and produce robust population estimates from ground level counts. 2. OVERALL PROJECT AIMS The UK is of international importance for many seabird species, and has international obligations (e.g. under the Bern Convention and EU Birds Directive) to protect their populations. To inform policy regarding gull conservation, and as part of the current national ‘Seabirds Count’ census of the UK and Ireland (http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-7483), there is a need for robust population estimates of breeding gulls, including those nesting in urban environments. Presently, however, methods to estimate populations of urban breeding gulls across large spatial scales are unproven. This study aims to evaluate the use of surveys from the ground as a means of determining populations. As the probability of detecting nesting gulls in an urban environment from the ground may be low and variable, the study aims to assess this variation, and to calculate a correction factor, if possible, to enable ground level counts to be used to generate breeding population estimates. The project aims to assess and account for the limitations of different survey methodologies using a two-step approach to provide estimates of numbers of Apparently Occupied Nests (AONs) of two gull species, Herring Gull Larus argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus, within two different areas: (1) Birmingham (in 2018) and (2) North Wales (in 2019). Analyses will provide: (i) a comparison of ground-based counts, aerial counts and vantage point counts and (ii) population estimates with confidence limits for two study areas (Birmingham Metropolitan District in 2018 and North Wales in 2019), incorporating correction factors and estimated confidence ranges (note that these population estimates will be produced after the surveys in both study areas have been completed, so population estimates are not included in this interim summary produced for volunteers in Birmingham). The project is being undertaken by the BTO and Hi-Def Aerial Surveying Limited on behalf of Defra.

3. SURVEY METHODOLOGY 3.1. Tetrad/1-km square selection for the 2018 Surveys We selected tetrads from the Birmingham City Council metropolitan district boundary, rather than the wider West Midlands area. One sample tetrad was subsequently dropped from the final sample and replaced by random selection as it could not be covered by the digital aerial survey due to its proximity to the Birmingham International Airport. Using a stratification of urban habitat which was developed for the purposes of this study, to ensure that it would be suitable for a national survey, 1-km squares within the selected tetrads were assigned to four strata: one dominated by ‘suburban’, one dominated by ‘industrial’, one with a mix of ‘suburban and industrial’ and one with a mix of all three habitats, but the most ‘urban’. 3.2. Ground level surveys Ground level surveys were undertaken by volunteers, co-ordinated by the BTO’s Regional Representative for the Birmingham area (Steve Davies). Surveyors were asked to undertake survey visits entirely at ground level, without undertaking any surveying from higher level vantage points, even if buildings with vantage points were publicly accessible. A single survey was carried out in each 1-km square, in May or June. The vast majority of surveys were carried out between 13th May and 9th June. Surveyors were asked to check all suitable habitat within the 1-km square boundary (i.e. primarily urban rooftops) and count the numbers of apparently occupied nests, apparently occupied territories and individuals for both Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 3.3. Vantage point surveys The vantage point surveys were undertaken by staff from Natural England and Defra, with most visits being carried out on 4th or 5th June 2018. Surveys were carried out from vantage points from which the surveyors were able to observe the activity of gulls on nearby rooftops. The aim of the vantage point surveys was to obtain comprehensive counts, with the expectation that bird behaviour and more extensive observation periods would be less prone to missing or misinterpreting nest occupancy than a “snap-shot” obtained from an aerial survey. Surveyors mapped each building or group of buildings and gave each survey area a unique number. They were asked to observe the rooftops for as long as was necessary to count the numbers of AONs, AOTs and individual birds, with Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls counted separately.

3.4. Digital aerial surveys Digital aerial surveys of the Birmingham study area were undertaken by HiDef Aerial Surveying Limited on 3rd June 2018. After data checks, video footage for all tetrads was analysed and gulls were marked. The number of AONs and individual birds of each species was calculated for each 1-km square and vantage point survey area. An AON was defined if a bird was associated with substantial nesting material i.e. plant material in a structure, such as a circle or oval (depending on the nest location) extending clearly beyond the typical size of a sitting bird. Quality checks were carried out both at the review/marking and identification/behavioural assessment stages.

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Table 2 Comparison of the total numbers of adult gulls and AONs counted in each stratum, by species and method. Counts are for the 80 squares which were covered by both survey methods (i.e. the aerial counts exclude squares which were not covered by the ground level surveys).

5. DISCUSSION The 2018 surveys highlight wide variability in the density of gulls nesting in the Birmingham study area, particularly between the different strata, with higher numbers of nesting gulls being found in squares in the Industrial stratum by all three survey methods, and nesting gulls being mostly absent or found in only low numbers in squares in the Suburban stratum. In total, 200 Herring Gull AONs and 1,921 Lesser Black-backed Gull AONs were counted by the aerial survey across the 100 sample squares. This compares with totals of 35 confirmed or probable Herring Gull pairs and 500-600 confirmed pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull counted by Jim Winsper in 2008-2011 (Winsper 2014). Assuming the aerial counts do not over-estimate the number of birds on nests, there are probably two different factors which explain the large increase. First, the earlier survey could only observe those rooftops which were visible from vantage points and hence the aerial survey would have enabled more complete coverage of the area. Second, the number of gulls in Birmingham may have increased in the 7–10 years since the earlier survey was completed. Bird Atlas 2007–11 (Balmer et al. 2013) highlighted the spread of gulls to inland urban areas in recent decades. The ground level surveys also observed adult gulls in squares in which the aerial surveys suggested that nesting gulls were absent, in particular in the suburban area. It seems likely that these observations relate to off-duty birds which were foraging away from the nest site. REFERENCES Balmer, D.E., Gillings, S., Caffrey, B.J., Swann, R.L., Downie, I.S. & Fuller R.J. 2013. Bird Atlas 2007–11: The Breeding and Wintering Birds of Britain and Ireland. BTO Books, Thetford. Winsper, J.R. 2014. Roof-top nesting gull study: concerning the population of gulls that breed within the Birmingham boundary. West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No.78: 237–249

4. RESULTS4.1. Summary of Survey Coverage A total of 25 tetrads (2x2km squares) were selected within the study area; hence a total of 100 1-km squares were included in the sample. The level of coverage achieved in the 2018 surveys is summarised in Table 1.

StratumNo. of

squares in sample

Volunteer Ground level survey Vantage Point Survey Aerial Survey

No. of Squares covered (% of total)

No. of squares Surveyed

No. of Survey areas within

these

No. of squares covered (% of

total)

Industrial 11 11 (100%) 5 25 11 (100%)

Most Urban 18 15 (83%) 5 29 18 (100%)

Suburban 48 37 (77%) 4 13 48 (100%)

Ind/Sub Mix 23 17 (74%) 5 15 23 (100%)

TOTAL 100 80 (80%) 19 82 100 (100%) Table 1 Level of coverage achieved in Birmingham in 2018, summarised by strata.

4.2. Summary of total counts We expected the ground level counts to be lower than the other methods, on average, as gulls on rooftops will often be hidden from the view of observers at ground level. Indeed, one of the most important aims of the survey is to assess the size and variability of this difference. The number of adult gulls counted by the aerial survey in Birmingham (which excludes loafing flocks outside of suitable nesting habitat) was around two times the number counted by the ground level survey for Herring Gulls, and four times the number counted by the ground level survey for Lesser Black-backed Gulls. The numbers of AONs counted on the aerial survey were seven and 14 times the ground level counts for Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls respectively (Table 2). The number of AONs counted by the digital aerial survey show that nests were mostly clustered in and closer to Birmingham city centre.

Stratum (number of squares covered) Total

Ind/Sub Mix (17) Industrial (11) Most Urban (15) Suburban (37)

Herring Gull

No. Adults (ground level survey) 140 53 22 69 284

No. Adults (Aerial Survey) 155 203 107 37 502

No. AONs (ground level survey) 8 15 1 0 24

No. AONs (aerial survey) 45 92 26 10 173

Lesser Black-backed Gull

No. Adults (ground level survey) 263 388 218 421 1290

No. Adults (Aerial Survey) 1282 2006 1245 436 4969

No. AONs (ground level survey) 20 84 15 9 128

No. AONs (aerial survey) 510 753 371 126 1760

WMBC Trip Reports - Nagshead RSPB and Lakenheath RSPB

Nagshead RSPB. - Sunday 26th May.A party of 27 boarded the coach in Cambridge Street for the trip to Nagshead RSPB reserve in the Forest of Dean, our first club trip to this location for many years. The journey was punctuated by a short comfort stop at Strensham services.

As soon as we set foot on the reserve the amount of birdsong was noticeable - the whole day seemed to be played to a sound track of Song Thrush. Most of the group quickly headed for the Lower Hide and on the way most heard and some saw both Blackcap and Garden Warbler. Our attention was then caught by a Pied Flycatcher attending nest boxes and closer to the hide a Spotted Flycatcher was perched in a dead tree. From the hide itself a male Redstart was spotted although he was very mobile. A female Mandarin was vainly trying to keep her brood of

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adventurous ducklings together on the pool in front of the hide.

Moving back towards the centre Nuthatch and Blue Tit were seen using nest boxes in the area. A Great Tit had nested behind the ventilation grille in the ladies toilets allowing some of us excellent close up views of the young being fed. (The birds were not at all distressed by this, the toilet was in use and the birds were just getting on with life.)

Campbell Hide is a raised hide overlooking a pool which is a magnet for birds and other wildlife. In a very short space of time Siskin, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Blue, Great and Coal Tits, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Song and Mistle Thrushes, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Robin came to either drink, bathe or both. Jay was seen in the area and also Fallow deer.

Those that ventured further along the main trail were rewarded with Wood Warbler. Others that took the long trail saw Peregrine in a quarry area and Dipper on a stream just outside the reserve.The weather remained pleasantly warm and bright for us all day and we returned to Cambridge Street in the early evening.

Lakenheath RSPB - Sunday 23rd June.A cool and cloudy morning saw 29 WMBC members boarding a coach in Cambridge Street for a trip to Lakenheath RSPB, another reserve we haven’t visited for a few years. After an uneventful journey with a short stop at Cambridge services we arrived at the reserve and discovered it had become much warmer, much adjustment of clothing was needed!

The track down to New Fen viewpoint was productive with Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Garden Warbler all either seen or heard. An immature Marsh Harrier gave good views from the viewpoint both perched and in flight while a Kingfisher darted across the water in front of us. Little Grebe was feeding against the reeds.Walking on we came to Trial Wood viewpoint where immediately a Bittern came up and gave excellent views as it flew away from us across the reeds. A Hobby then flew down the channel in front of us.

Cuckoo had been heard calling ever since we left the visitor centre but we’re proving very tricky to see. Many birds were reported at Joist Fen viewpoint including Bittern and Great White Egret, Bearded Tits were flying back and forth across the channel. Marsh Harriers were hunting over the reeds and some were lucky enough to witness a food pass.

The number of insects on the reserve was impressive and returning to the centre via the footpath along the river we were all treated to many butterflies including Painted Ladies, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small Tortoisehell, Red Admiral, Small Skipper and Small Copper. A good selection of Dragonflies was also seen throughout the day. Some were lucky enough to catch up with Cuckoo perched up along this path too. The Washland area had become very overgrown and required some tactics to see the ducks and waders present.

A very smooth journey home which included a brief stop at Corley services saw us back in Cambridge Street for 19.30.

Liz Palmer – WMBC Field Trips

Spotted FlycatcherPicture: Ray Davies

Please note: All WMBC members and their families are welcome to join all WMBC field trips and attend any Branch indoor meetings or field trips.

WMBC FIELD TRIPSCoaches depart from Cambridge Street, Birmingham City Centre, promptly at the time stated. Food and drink should be brought as required. Appropriate clothing and footwear to guard against the elements is recommended.

Field Trip Contacts: To book or for further information please contact Liz Palmer on 01827 54557 or 07947 456448wmbcfieldtrips.liz@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk Please note that the coach can become fully booked (48 is possible) but non arrivals on the day can prevent those on a waiting list the chance to enjoy the day. Could members please contact Liz – however late – if they have to cancel their booking. On Sunday morning ring Liz’s mobile, 07947 456448, with any delays or late cancellations.

Sunday 8th September 2019 Frampton Marsh, RSPB, LincolnshireDepart: 07.00hrs. Expected Return: 19.30hrsCost: £21A further visit to this, now renowned, coastal wetland reserve with reedbed, large freshwater scrapes and wet grassland that was enjoyed by all. At migration time a wide range of wader species and interesting passerines can be expected. RSPB card required or charge of £2 payable.

Sunday 6th October 2019 Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire Depart: 07.00hrs. Expected Return 19.30hrsCost: £22A mix of fresh and saltwater marshes, sand dunes and shore on the northern edge of the Wash and beside the North Sea attracts waders, wildfowl and seabirds as well as passage migrants and rarities. Reserve entrance fee is included in the cost.

Norfolk Weekend Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd November 2019 L’estrange Arms Hotel, Hunstanton£72.50 per person per night for half board. No Single Supplement. £50 deposit required per person. Travel by own transport to meet at 18.30hrs for dinner at 19.00hrs. Various birding hotspots will be visited over the weekend depending on weather and what’s about. There is optional sea watching before breakfast on both days and this usually produces some interesting birds. Deposits to Liz Palmer, 58 Fontenaye Road, Coton Green, Tamworth. B79 8JU. Please make cheques payable to West Midland Bird Club to be received by 20th September 2019.

PLEASE REMEMBER DEPOSITS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 20th SEPTEMBER TO GUARANTEE A PLACESunday 1st December 2019 - Ham Wall RSPB/Shapwick Heath, SomersetDepart: 07:00hrs. Expected return: 19:00hrs. Cost: £22Another first visit to an exciting and developing RSPB reserve. Search the trackside scrub and alders for Goldcrest and maybe Firecrest as well as tit and finch family species including Siskin and Redpoll, and other woodland species. The wide range of wildfowl is augmented by the likely presence of herons such as Little and Great White Egrets as well as Grey Heron and Bittern, with Glossy Ibis and Cattle Egret possible. Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers add to the mix. The nearby Shapwick Heath area increases the possibilities with potential for wader species. A Starling murmuration at the end of the day could complete the experience. RSPB card required or charge may be payable.

Sunday 5th January 2020 Rutland WaterDepart: 07:00hrs. Expected return: 18:30hrs. Cost: £25 Includes reserve admission feeRutland water provides a wide range of habitats and therefore a good number of species to get our year off to a good start.

Club and Branch Indoor Meetings and Field Trips

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ADVANCED NOTICE:Devon Weekend Friday 5th - Sunday 7th April 2020EARLY BOOKING RECOMMENDEDThis year we return to the Best Western Passage Hotel in Kingsteignton for this popular weekend. The hotel is adjacent to Hackney Marshes nature reserve so ideally placed for some pre breakfast birding (not compulsory!).Over the weekend we will search for local specialities such as Cirl Bunting and hope to catch up with the first summer migrants.The cost is £60 per person per night half board, there is a single supplement of £20.Travel by own transport to meet in the bar at 1830hrs for dinner at 1900hrs. Please inform Liz of any dietary requirements.Names to Liz by February 29th please along with full payment.Please make cheques payable to West Midland Bird Club (WMBC) and send to John Palmer at 58 Fontenaye Road, Tamworth, Staffs. B79 8JU.

Watch out for Trips to... Old Moor RSPB, The Forest of Dean, St.Aidens RSPB, Lake Vyrwy RSPB and more in the coming issues.

SOLIHULL BRANCHBranch Contact: Branch Chair, Richard Harvey - 0789556125Email: Solihull@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Indoor meetingsIndoor meetings are held in the Guild House, Knowle B93 0LN, commencing at 19:30hrsAdmission: WMBC members £2.00, non-members £2.50. Please note: Access from the eastern car park via the churchyard can be unlit and those who are not confident about their night vision should either bring a torch or take the slightly longer route via the High Street. Friday 11th October 2019 - Jim Reynolds Ascension Island and Sooty terns

Friday 8th November 2019 - Saffron Summerfield - Dawn Chorus and Bird Song

Friday 13th December 2019 - Nick Martin Discovering the Wildlife of Scotland’s Western

and Northern Isles

Friday 10th January 2019 - Richard Broughton - Marsh tits-ecology of a declining species

Friday 7th February 2019 - Ashley Grove Shetland to Scilly

Friday 6th March 2019 - Keith Offord - What raptor is that?

Field MeetingsSunday 15th September 2019 Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve Meet at the reserve car park. B78 2BB at 10:00Map Ref: SP 192 967

KIDDERMINSTER BRANCH Branch Contact:Branch Chair, Roger Pannell - 01384 872828Email: kidderminster@westmidlandbirdclub.org.ukWe are delighted to report that at the branch AGM Roger Pannell was elected as the new Branch Chairperson.Roger has wasted no time in getting a full programme in place for the remainder of 2019 and he is currently developing his support team Any member wishing to help and get involved with this popular and thriving branch should contact Roger.

Indoor Meetings Meetings are held at St. Oswald’s Church Centre, off Broadwaters Drive, Kidderminster DY10 2RY commencing at 19.30hrs.  WMBC Members £2.00, non-members £2.50, which includes refreshments.

Wednesday 25th September 2019Gordon Forrest - Upton WarrenGordon will present a talk on the Attractions and History of Upton Warren, the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust flagship reserve.

Wednesday 23rd October 2019Professor Graham Martin (Emeritus Professor of Avian Sensory Science at Birmingham University) - Through a Bird’s EyesGraham will give us a fascinating illustrated talk on how birds see the world.

Wednesday 27th November 2019Colin McShane - Four Go Wild in MongoliaPLEASE NOTE: there will be no branch meeting in December

Dates for your 2020 diaryAll 2020 Indoor meetings will take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month as follows 22nd January; 26th February; 25th March; 22nd April; 23rd September; 28th October and 25th November.

STAFFORD BRANCHBranch Contact: David Dodd 01543 490096 Email: stafford@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Indoor MeetingsThese are held at the Perkins Sports & Social Club, Tixall Road, Stafford. ST16 3UB. Drive past reception and follow the road to the wooden building on your left. Park at the Club site. Meet at 19.30hrs for a sharp 19.45 start.

Tuesday 5th November 2019 Chris Galvin - Around the World in Eighty BirdsCompare your most interesting birds with those of Chris.

Tuesday 3rd December 2019 Kate MacRae - A World of Wildlife in my PatchWildlife Kate, you may have seen her on the box.

Tuesday 7th January 2020 Jim Almond -Scilly in AutumnJim’s new talk on the famous Scilly Season

Tuesday 4th February 2020 Nick Pomiankowski - Bird recording in StaffordshireWhat Nick does with your observationsANDThe Birds of BerryhillWhat the Berryhill Association are fighting to save and Stoke City Council want to build on

Tuesday 3rd March 2020 A Members EveningOne of our occasional evenings when we invite you to show us your birds, your patch or what ever.

Field MeetingsThis initiative, arranged in partnership with Stafford U3A, has proved hugely popular and WMBC members are invited to attend. Check out the Stafford page of the Club’s website for details of future meetings. Contact for field meeting arrangements and further details: Chris Evans - 07905 563385 or email staffordfieldmeets@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk.

All meetings meet at 9:50am for a 10:00am start.

Monday 16th September 2019 Belvide Reservoir

Monday 21st October 2019 Ladywalk

Monday 18th November 2019 Chasewater

Call for SubmissionsYour Newsletter needs YOU!

WMBC News is made by all the good quality articles and photographs that WMBC members take or write and send in. The newsletter is always in need of content for future editions.

If you have any articles that you have written that you would like to see featured, or have a photo that you have taken that you want to see on the front cover please send them to:

newsletter@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk Liz

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These notes, which are compiled from unchecked records, cover the latter part of the spring migration, the breeding season and the beginning of the autumn migration. My thanks to all who have provided details of their sightings.

WILDGOOSE RESERVE – THE FIRST RECORDSN.B. Please note that this reserve is not officially open. Members must check the Wildgoose page on the Club website for further information on visiting arrangements.

There were three weeks with records of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, in late May and early June. Species in respect of which juvenile birds were seen included Marsh Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Gadwall. Raptors were represented by Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Red Kite and Common Buzzard and falcons by Common Kestrel and Hobby. A maximum of three Common Cuckoos was recorded. Tawny Owl was reported in four weeks. 1-2 Common Kingfishers were seen in five weeks. The species with the highest numbers were Linnet, Blue Tit and Great Tit.

RARITIES

The period began with a report of a Golden Oriole at Hollywood Golf Course on 1st May, and ended in even more spectacular fashion with the sighting of two juvenile Red-billed Choughs on British Camp, Malvern, from 27th July, which was the second regional record, the previous one having been in 1828. There were reports of Black Kite at Bredon Hill on 5th May and Bewdley on 14th. A Honey-buzzard was reported from Bodymoor Heath on 13th May.

Records of Red-necked Phalarope came from Uttoxeter Quarry on 27th May (predated by a Peregrine Falcon) and Belvide on 13th June. A Purple Heron was seen near Stanford-on-Teme on 6th May. A Eurasian Spoonbill was recorded at Branston on 20th July. A Glossy Ibis was seen over Bredon’s Hardwick on 1st July. Two White Storks were reported from Earlswood Lakes on 15th May. Cattle Egret records came from Ladywalk (a reserve first record), Branston, Doxey Marshes, Belvide, Ryder’s Mere and

Bird NotesMay - July

Compiled from your records by Humphrey Miller

Kingsbury Water Park. A Hoopoe was at Branston from 8th-10th May, with the same bird or another nearby at Barton-under-Needwood on 10th. A Common Crane was at Bittell firstly from 14th-21st May, with the same or another bird recorded on 16th and 17th June. On 25th May a night-time recording was made of a fly-over bird at Earlswood which has been identified as a Spotted Crake. A Ring-necked Duck visited Wagon Wheel Lane, Grimley, from 10th-20th June. Branston’s Long-tailed Duck reported last time was last seen on 6th May, and there was a subsequent report from Tucklesholme on 9th June.

W.M.B.C. RESERVES

BELVIDE

There was a good range of wader species, including Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit (highest count 43), Red Knot, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Turnstone, Ruff, Common Greenshank, Dunlin (highest count 57), Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper (highest count 16), Ringed and Little Ringed Plover. There was a total of 89 Arctic Terns on 28th July. Two Sandwich Terns visited on 27th July. 8-9 Black Terns were recorded on several dates in May. Common Terns had two broods. The Mediterranean Gull of Polish origin mated with a Black-headed Gull, producing one hybrid chick. There were a couple of records of Kittiwake. A Northern Goshawk was recorded on 27th June, and there were occasional visits by Osprey, Marsh Harrier and Red Kite. Two Common Pochard young survived from an original brood of five. 2-3 Common Scoter visited in the second half of June. Two Garganey were present in late July. The first Spotted Flycatcher was recorded on 18th May, and there were a few records of Whinchat. A Barn Owl was recorded on 6th July, and the species bred at a nearby farm. Black-necked Grebes were reported on three dates in May and two in July. There was a count of 1500 Common Swifts on 29th May. Ringing results included a Sedge Warbler originally ringed in France.

BLITHFIELD

On 28th July there was a remarkable aggregation of 108 Common Scoters from four flocks, a regional record. A Greater Scaup was present from 9th-12th July. A pair of Common Shelducks bred, with 13 young seen on 21st June. A Garganey was recorded on 9th May. Northern Lapwings bred successfully, but a Little Ringed Plover nest was predated. Counts of common waders were: Common Sandpiper 20, Black-tailed Godwit 17, Oystercatcher 12, Ringed Plover 10 and Sanderling 9. Other wader species recorded included Whimbrel, Turnstone, Little Stint, Red Knot, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper and Common Snipe. A Great White Egret was recorded between 11th and 26th July. A Little Tern was reported on 14th June. Common Terns bred, with a count of 11 young, the highest count of Arctic Tern was 17, and there were a few counts of small numbers of Black Terns. Six Great Black-backed Gulls were recorded on 18th May, and there were a few reports of Mediterranean Gull. There were several reports of Osprey and occasional reports of Red Kite. The highest count of Yellow Wagtails was 20, and there were single reports of Brambling, Spotted Flycatcher and Northern Wheatear.

HARBORNE

Young of the following which have been seen include: Blackcap, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Robin and Blackbird. Song Thrush and Blackcap were still singing well into July. Common Swifts seemed more numerous at the end of July than in May, possibly indicating a good breeding season. 29th July was an unusual date for a Common Raven, which after seeing off a Common Buzzard went into display mode, terminating in a closed-wing plunge in trees to the east: this action was repeated

Red-Billed ChoughPicture: Brian Stretch

Ring-necked DuckPicture: Brian Stretch

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several times. Green Woodpecker was very vocal in all parts of the site through June and July, and this could involve more than one bird, even though only adults have been observed. Grey Wagtail was seen occasionally.

Butterflies included Painted Lady and Large Skipper. Brown Hawker dragonfly was recorded in July. A dead Red Fox with throat wounds was found in an area frequented by Badgers, though this could be just a coincidence.

LADYWALK

A Turtle Dove on 17th May was an outstanding record. There was an excellent run of reports of Garganey, with several records of four birds and one of five (on 3rd July). Breeding records included successful Willow, Marsh and Coal Tit, Eurasian Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail, Northern Lapwing, Common Cuckoo, Gadwall and five broods of Goosander on or near the reserve. Sadly all the Sand Martin nests were destroyed by floods. On 23rd May a Red Kite was seen being harassed by a Peregrine Falcon. There were many reports of up to three Hobbies. A Marsh Harrier visited on 10th May. There were three sightings of Eurasian Bittern in mid-July. A family party of seven Common Ravens were seen in the second half of May. Other passerine species included Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher (in Church Pool Covert), Whinchat, Common Redstart, Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. Highest counts of waders included 42 Dunlin, 10 Common Redshanks, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Green Sandpipers, 4 Red Knot and 3 Whimbrel, with Grey Plover, Spotted Redshank and Common Greenshank also recorded.

SELECTED RECORDS FROM OTHER MAIN SITES

MORTON BAGOT

Two outstanding May records were a Temminck’s Stint on 4th and a Turtle Dove on 9th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen on 23rd June. Wader species reported included two Avocets on 2nd June. Two Black Terns passed through on 9th May. A Marsh Harrier was reported on 14th July. Breeding species included Common Shelduck, Little Owl, Common Kestrel and Grasshopper Warbler. Other passerine species reported included Whinchat and Lesser Redpoll.

BITTELL

A Black Redstart was reported on 22nd May. A Red-breasted Merganser visited on 11th May. Eight Common Scoters were recorded on 7th May. A Garganey was seen on 23rd May. An Osprey was seen on 2nd May. Waders reported included Red Knot (highest count five), Common Greenshank (four), Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit (11), Sanderling (three) and Wood Sandpiper. There were a few visits from a Great White Egret. Up to five Black Terns were recorded. There were single visits from a Little Gull and a Mediterranean Gull.

PRINCIPAL RECORDS ELSEWHERE

NON-PASSERINES

A Whooper Swan was at Marsh Lane, also being seen at Packington, on several dates between 17th May and 8th July. An unseasonal Common Goldeneye was recorded at Earlswood Lakes on 28th

and 29th July. Common Quails were reported from Hanchurch, Whitemoor Haye, near Bewdley, Birchmoor and Bredon Hill. A Black-necked Grebe was at Shustoke Reservoir at the end of the period. Additional records of Eurasian Bittern came from Middleton Lakes and Brandon Marsh. Great White Egret records included a remarkable count of seven birds at Draycote Water on 4th July. The only report of European Golden Plover was from Knypersley on 11th May. Most counts of Eurasian Curlew were in single figures, so 11 birds at Branston on 22nd July was notable. There was a passage of Bar-tailed Godwits on 8th May, with sightings reported from Middleton Lakes, Grimley (Camp Lane), Upton Warren and Chasewater. Temminck’s Stints were also recorded at Middleton Lakes, Upton Warren and Arboretum Pit (Alrewas). Further reports of Little Stint came from Chasewater and Tucklesholme. A Pectoral Sandpiper was reported from Clifton Pits on 6th July. Woodcocks were recorded at Cannock Chase and Tittesworth. A very late Jack Snipe was found at Middleton Lakes on 1st May. A Spotted Redshank was recorded at Middleton Lakes on 1st July.

A Caspian Gull was reported at Brandon Marsh on 8th June. There was a remarkable count of 48 Yellow-legged Gulls at Draycote Water on 24th July. A Sandwich Tern was at Upton Warren on 4th

June. Additional reports of Little Tern came from Upton Warren, Grimley (Camp Lane) and Middleton Lakes. Other records of Black Tern include a count of 60 birds at Draycote Water on 7th May. On 19th May there was a count of 16 Common Cuckoos on Cannock Chase. Reports of Barn Owl came from Marsh Lane, the North Staffordshire Moorlands, Norton Bridge, Branston, Brandon Marsh and Middleton Lakes. A Short-eared Owl was seen at Berryhill Fields on three dates in May, with another record coming from Doxey Marshes.

PASSERINES

Additional records of breeding Marsh Tits come from the Manifold Valley (three broods) and Clowes Wood. Cetti’s Warblers have also bred at Marsh Lane and Uttoxeter Quarry. Reports of Wood Warbler come from the Wyre Forest, Walton Hill, Hagley Hall, Cannock Chase and Croxden Quarry. Garden Warblers bred at Marsh Lane, and there were said to be several present at Brandon Marsh in the first half of May. There were two breeding pairs of Lesser Whitethroat at Salford Priors.

Spotted Flycatcher records include seven pairs in the Manifold Valley. Five singing Common Nightingales were found at a site in south Worcestershire on 8th May. Pied Flycatchers were mostly reported from north Staffordshire (Knypersley Reservoir was a regular site), with other reports from Cannock Chase, the Wyre Forest and Earlswood. Other records of Black Redstart came from Worcester, Bredon Hill and the Wyre Forest. Common Redstart records included a count of 20 territories in the Manifold Valley. At Berryhill Fields there was a count of 18 Northern Wheatears on 4th May, followed by two Greenland-race birds on 8th.

Dippers were reported from Consall, Trentham , Tittesworth and the North Staffordshire Moorlands. There was a report of a Blue-headed Wagtail at Ripple on 4th and 5th May. A White Wagtail was reported from Middleton Lakes on 10th May. The best Tree Pipit counts were of 14-15 birds at Cannock Chase, and the species was also reported from Highgate Common, Maer Hills, Berryhill Fields and Trentham Gardens. The highest count of Common Crossbills was 25 at Hanchurch Woods on 12th May. Reports of Corn Bunting away from the regular sites came from Upper Elkstone, Hanchurch and Salford Priors.

Black RedstartWyre Forest

Picture: Robert Clipson

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WMBC OfficersPresident - W. E. Oddie O.B.E.

Vice Presidents - A.J. Richards, J.R. WinsperG.R. Harrison and J. Harrison

Chairperson - Roger Broadbent,Maple Cottage , 8 Home Farm Court, Ingestre Stafford ST18 0PZEmail: chair@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Deputy Chairperson - Sue JudgeEmail: deputy-chair@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Honorary Secretary - Mark Rickus,27 Ringmere Avenue, Castle Bromwich B36 9ATEmail: secretary@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Honorary Treasurer - Andy Thomas24 Awbridge Road, Dudley, West Midlands,DY2 0JAEmail: treasurer@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Membership Secretary - Michael Bevan,64 Brookfields Road, Ipstones, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 2LY Email: membership@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Group Permits Secretary - As Honorary Secretary Email: permits@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Press Officer - Rob SwiftEmail: press@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Conservation Officer - Dave JacksonEmail: conservation@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Annual Report Editor - D.W. (Dave) Emley, 23 Leacroft, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8GFEmail: report@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Website Manager - Christopher RickusEmail: website@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Newsletter Editor - Liz Clipson7 Globe Avenue, Stafford, ST17 9GFEmail: newsletter@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Education Officer - Glen KirbyEmail: education@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Our Reserve Representatives Belvide - Sue Judge Email: belvide@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Blithfield - Peter BettsEmail: blithfield@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Harborne - Paul BatemanEmail: harborne@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Ladywalk - Richard KingEmail: ladywalk@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Our BranchesKidderminster - Roger PannellEmail: kidderminster@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Solihull - Richard HarveyEmail: solihull@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Stafford - David DoddEmail: stafford@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

WMBC Field Trip organiser - Liz Palmer wmbcfieldtrips.liz@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Our County Recorders

Staffordshire - Nick Pomiankowski Email: staffs-recorder@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk22 The Villas, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 5AQ

Warwickshire - Chris HillEmail: warks-recorder@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk17 Brampton Crescent, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3SY

West Midlands - Kevin Clements Email: west-mids-recorderwestmidlandbirdclub.org.uk26 Hambrook Close, Dunstall Park, WV6 0XA

Worcestershire - Steven Payne Email: worcs-recorder@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk6 Norbury Close, Reddich, B98 8RP

The WMBCIs a Registered Charity (number 213311), serving birdwatchers, ornithologists and all who have an interest in the birds of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands Counties.

Website - westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Twitter account @WestMidBirdClub

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