West Midlands/Warwickshire local patches.

[senatore]

I think that us birders who live in the West Midlands/Warwickshire area, which is recognised to be a pretty poor area for birding, need a thread to post on the birds we see so others may also go and see them.
I'll start this off but please post what you have seen in our area.

Brandon Marsh (near Coventry).Monday afternoon (11/09/06) :-

5 Green Sandpipers

9 Common Snipe

2 Stonechats

Spotted Flycatcher

Dunlin

Also an Osprey was seen there Sunday evening catching fish.

At Draycote Water several Black Terns have been seen.

Max.

[Chris Monk]

I think that us birders who live in the West Midlands/Warwickshire area, which is recognised to be a pretty poor area for birding, need a thread to post on the birds we see so others may also go and see them.
I'll start this off but please post what you have seen in our area.

Brandon Marsh (near Coventry).Monday afternoon (11/09/06) :-

5 Green Sandpipers

9 Common Snipe

2 Stonechats

Spotted Flycatcher

Dunlin

Also an Osprey was seen there Sunday evening catching fish.

At Draycote Water several Black Terns have been seen.

Max.

Do the local birders know what birds I might see at Sutton Park (Sutton Coldfield)tomorrow?

[senatore]

A Little Egret has been reported at Clayhanger Marsh this morning.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday afternoon there was a Hobby at Seeswood Pool,Black Terns at both Shustoke Reservoir and Draycote Water.There was a Med. Gull at Draycote Water.

Anyone heard of anything else in our area?

Max.

[KayD]

I think that us birders who live in the West Midlands/Warwickshire area, which is recognised to be a pretty poor area for birding, need a thread to post on the birds we see so others may also go and see them.
I'll start this off but please post what you have seen in our area.

Brandon Marsh (near Coventry).Monday afternoon (11/09/06) :-

5 Green Sandpipers

9 Common Snipe

2 Stonechats

Spotted Flycatcher

Dunlin

Also an Osprey was seen there Sunday evening catching fish.

At Draycote Water several Black Terns have been seen.

Max.


Hi Senatore,

Great idea, I was wondering if there was a W mids thread to post sightings and exchange info.

I went to Kingsbury Waterpark on sunday (the bird reserve part, not the main park) great views from the hides there. Notable sightings were several snipe, a pair of kingfishers showing really well, 5 gadwall, a few teals and wigeon, hundreds of lapwings and an oystercatcher. Apparently at dusk Little Egrets may come in to roost.

Might go to Belvide on sunday if my permit comes in time.

kstar

[KayD]

Yesterday afternoon there was a Hobby at Seeswood Pool,Black Terns at both Shustoke Reservoir and Draycote Water.There was a Med. Gull at Draycote Water.

Anyone heard of anything else in our area?

Max.


Med Gulls have been spoted fairly recently at Sandwell Valley RSPB recently, though I've yet to see one. Saw the Black-tailed Godwit there 2 weeks ago too, don't know if they've had any more there?

Little Egret also reported at Earlswood Lakes recently too.

[senatore]

Yesterday 3 Ruddy Shellducks at Ladywalk.

Yesterday 3 Black Terns and a Merlin at Shustoke Res.

Today a Lesser Spotted woodpecker at Seeswood Pool.

Any more anyone?

Max.

[Gustave4blues]

Went to Draycote water yesterday- nothing unusual apart from a strange looking goose in among Canada's near the sailing club. White head with distinct two black lines running up the face and down the back of the neck, light grey body and slightly smaller than the Canada geese. Any ideas? Probably an ornamental escapee? I took a photo but unfortunately not digital.

[senatore]

Yesterday there seemed to be an invasion of Black Terns in our area with 3 at Edgebaston reservoir,25 at Earlswood lakes,28 at Draycote water and 2 at Shushtoke reservoir.

An Arctic Tern was seen at Kingsbury water park.

At the Marsh Lane reserve a Whinchat,a Marsh Tit and a Hobby were seen.

Max.

[jeff]

There are various groups you can sign up to for the latest sightings:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/warwickbirds/ (bit more lively of late)

and

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/WMBC-WestMidlands/

Check out various web sites for online sightings:

http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/club/hotline.htm

http://www.draycotebirding.co.uk/ (has a sightings page)

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

http://www.warwickshirebirding.co.uk/ (recent reports, but looks like it doesn't get updated anymore)

Apologies for any i've missed.

[jeff]

Went to Draycote water yesterday- nothing unusual apart from a strange looking goose in among Canada's near the sailing club. White head with distinct two black lines running up the face and down the back of the neck, light grey body and slightly smaller than the Canada geese. Any ideas? Probably an ornamental escapee? I took a photo but unfortunately not digital.

Photo may help? Maybe a bar-headed goose?

Jeff

[senatore]

Yesterday :-

Black Terns were at Olton Res. (9) and Shustoke Res. (2)

A Black necked Grebe was at Draycote Water

A Gargeney was at Alvecote Pools

Max.

[senatore]

Went to my local patch on Sunday morning ( Marsh Lane) and when the fog cleared ,other than the usual Gulls,Lapwings,Geese and Ducks there was very little around.Saw a lone Common Sandpiper and a couple of Common Snipe but nothing else.It has been quiet there for some time now.

This weekend sightings elsewhere included :-

Common Scoter,Garganey, Pintail and Redbreasted Pochard at Alvecote Pools.

Arctic Skua and B/T Godwit at Dracote Water.

Max.

[KayD]

According to Birdguides Birdmap Glossy Ibis have been spotted at both Swadlincote (Derbys) and Burton upon Trent.

[senatore]

Yesterday 2 Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper at Marsh Farm Quarry.The Osprey has visited Brandon Marsh again.

Max.

[senatore]

Went to Brandon Marsh yesterday lunchtime and headed to the path opposite the Wright hide to look for Kingfishers.After 30 minutes of not seeing any I headed back down the path when out of the hedge to the left I heard "Pssssttt Are you after the Osprey?".

I joined this birder at the waters edge and had some great views of a fishing Osprey.To cut a long story short the Osprey gave excellent views for the next 90 minutes as it went fishing over all the lakes on the reserve (see pics below).So go and try for it today!!!!

To put icing on the cake I went to the Carlton hide which was empty and saw a Kingfisher on the pole nearest the hide.I have never seen a KF from this hide before(see pics below).

Max.

[jeff]

Went to Brandon Marsh yesterday lunchtime and headed to the path opposite the Wright hide to look for Kingfishers.After 30 minutes of not seeing any I headed back down the path when out of the hedge to the left I heard "Pssssttt Are you after the Osprey?".

I joined this birder at the waters edge and had some great views of a fishing Osprey.To cut a long story short the Osprey gave excellent views for the next 90 minutes as it went fishing over all the lakes on the reserve (see pics below).So go and try for it today!!!!

To put icing on the cake I went to the Carlton hide which was empty and saw a Kingfisher on the pole nearest the hide.I have never seen a KF from this hide before(see pics below).

Max.

Max,

Why not showcase your Brandon pics on the Brandon Marsh photo gallery

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/gallery

or record your Brandon Marsh sightings online at

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

Jeff

[Duck_Pond]

Is the Osprey still there? I might have to find an excuse to go before the weekend if I can. I've seen the one at Loch Garten and also at Rutland Water, but only perched / chasing off crows.

Looks wonderful :)

[jeff]

Is the Osprey still there? I might have to find an excuse to go before the weekend if I can. I've seen the one at Loch Garten and also at Rutland Water, but only perched / chasing off crows.

Looks wonderful :)

Seen again today, for latest sightings check out:

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

[KayD]

I notice on todays Birdguides Birdmap that a Wryneck was spotted in Solihull - could anyone give me any info on the location as I work in Solihull and could pop down tommorrow to see if its still around? PMs welcome, this would be a lifer for me B (:

[KayD]

Also a Great Skua spotted at Sandwell Valley :)

[paul goode]

I notice on todays Birdguides Birdmap that a Wryneck was spotted in Solihull - could anyone give me any info on the location as I work in Solihull and could pop down tommorrow to see if its still around? PMs welcome, this would be a lifer for me B (:

The location is the carpark of the National Motorcycle Museum on the M42/A45 roundabout. I got there at 6.30pm and was greeted with long faces. I was told no one who arrived after the message was put out had seen the bird or the finder.

Its a big area and even when I got there the light was fading fast, so the bird may have gone to roost. It may be worth a look in the morning, if you go good luck.

Paul

[KayD]

Thanks for the location, Paul. Sorry to hear you didn't see the bird. Unfortunately, the location sounds a bit unaccessible to me during working hours as I don't drive. Will see if my partner can drive me there if the bird shows again :)

[senatore]

Max,

Why not showcase your Brandon pics on the Brandon Marsh photo gallery

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/gallery

or record your Brandon Marsh sightings online at

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Never thought to do that with the pics.Might well do.Won't the sightings be allready reported by others?

Max.

[senatore]

Went to Brandon Marsh again yesterday afternoon.Did not see the Osprey again but it had been seen in the morning.The Kingfisher(s) were showing very well again on the poles in front of the Carlton hide.

Other sites:- Yesterday a Little Egret at Fishers Mill pit

The Wryneck has been seen at the Motor Cycle Carpark on the A45 again this morning.

Max.

[senatore]

The Wryneck was showing well this morning (I was there between7.00 -9.00AM) in the carpark at the Motorcycle Museum.It was pretty mobile and was seen in the trees and on the ground.There is a show there today so it might go elsewhere.

I then went to the Marsh Lane reserve and had good views of the Pectoral Sandpiper from the Oak hide.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday:-

3 Black Terns at Shustoke reservoir.

Pectoral Sandpiper and Hobby at Marsh Lane reserve.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

Where is this Marsh Lane reserve?

I was at Brandon Marsh on Friday and Saturday, and was lucky enough to see the osprey on both days. Saturday, early afternoon, I took some great shots of the bird from Grebe Pool. They're in the Gallery.

[senatore]

Great pics Duck Pond.I know the dead tree the Osprey was on but could not get near enough to get a shot but I was able to get some in-flight shots.

Yesterday :-

Little Stint and Ruff at Draycote Water.

Pectoral Sandpiper,Common Sandpiper, Wheatear and Black Swan at Marsh Lane.

Max.

[senatore]

Hi Duck Pond,
Sorry did not see your query re. Marsh Lane.It is just off the A452 between the Stonebridge island on the A45 and Balsall Common.As you go down the A452 from Balsall Common you will see a sign that says "lorry park" (just after one of these electrical speed signs) you turn left here and immediately right and the you will see the reserve entrance gate.You will need a permit.

Max.

[senatore]

Went to Brandon Marsh yesterday afternoon :-

The Osprey was still there but I did not see it this time.There were 18 Snipe from the East Marsh hide (I counted 11 myself).A walk in the woods produced a Willow Tit (? Marsh Tit),loads of Longtailed Tits,a G/S Woodpecker etc.There were 2 Green Sandpipers from the Carlton hide.Yet again the Kingfishers were showing very well from the Carlton hide one even sat on the post right in front of the hide(see pic.)

Elsewhere yesterday :-

The Little Stint was again at Draycote Water.The Pectoral Sandpiper was still at Marsh Lane but it may have flown off later in the day.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

Do you favour the hide at Draycote, or somewhere else? I suppose it's best to avoid the weekends - it was very busy when I was there on a Saturday.

[hornet]

Do you favour the hide at Draycote, or somewhere else? I suppose it's best to avoid the weekends - it was very busy when I was there on a Saturday.

My best advice is get there early - I always aim for 7am if possible. That way it's a lot quieter, and a lot more productive. The hide, and Tofts Shallows can be good, but if you go the other way from the visitor centre there is a mud bank (Hensborough Bank?) which can be productive for waders if the water level is low.

To be honest, the best way to get the most from the site is brace yourself for the full five mile walk - I've found decent birds along most parts of the route.

And if you've got one, don't forget a scope to check out the middle - a lot of the divers, gulls and wildfowl in winter can be hard to see with binoculars.

If you haven't found it, this site is useful for a full guided tour:

http://www.draycotebirding.co.uk/

[senatore]

Reported yesterday:-

Garganey at Sandwell valley.

6 Little Egrets at Kingsbury water park.

Osprey and Ruff at Brandon Marsh.

Med. Gull at Shustoke and Marsh Lane.

2 Ruddy Shellducks at Dostill Lake.

Reprted today:-

Little Stint at Draycote.

Hoopoe in a garden in Walsall.

Don't forget if you see or hear about anything in our area post it here.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday:-

At Marsh Lane : Med. Gull and Jack Snipe.

Walsall garden : Hoopoe.

At Bartley Res. : Yellow Legged Gull

At Draycote : Little Stint,Pintail,Black Tern and 5 Yellow Wagtails.

At Fishers Mill Pit : Garganey and Little Egret.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday:-

At Draycote : Black Tern and Little Stint.

At Marsh Lane : Adult Med. Gull.

At Marsh Farm Quarry : Little Egret.

At Sandwell Valley : Garganey.

At Walsall : Hoopoe.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday:-

The Hoopoe is still at the Reedswood Retail Park in Walsall.

Garganey at Sandwell Valley.

Common Scoter at Draycote.

Yellow Legged Gull at Bartley Res.

Max.

[Adey Baker]

Yesterday:-

The Hoopoe is still at the Reedswood Retail Park in Walsall.

Garganey at Sandwell Valley.

Common Scoter at Draycote.

Yellow Legged Gull at Bartley Res.

Max.

Saw the Common Scoter at Draycote http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/109549/sort/1/cat/500/page/1

We'd gone for the Little Stint but the weather beat us to it before we re-located it (the light was starting to get gloomy before it started to rain, anyway, so a photo was probably not likely).

The Scoter was quite close in but I haven't seen any more photos/reports - has it gone?

[senatore]

Anyone seen the Hoopoe in Walsall?

Was the area packed out with birders?

Max.

[savwaves]

I need advice on some birds that I have seen today and I think that this thread would be a good place to ask.

I arrived at the Village Hotel Walsall junction 10 M6 this evening at about 5.30 and noticed a flock of around 20 small birds (in the distance) that appeared to be hunting insects high in the sky.

The birds remained in a tight group and made continuous circles, it seems there was a cloud of insects, looking like a drift of smoke, that they were hunting.

I was in the hotel for about 40 mins, and when I returned to the car the birds were still circling high.

I didn't have binoculars with me. My instant thoughts were that the birds looked like a flock of starilng but the behaviour and hunting technique might suggest otherwise.

Has anybody got any thoughts as to what else these birds were?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[jeff]

I need advice on some birds that I have seen today and I think that this thread would be a good place to ask.

I arrived at the Village Hotel Walsall junction 10 M6 this evening at about 5.30 and noticed a flock of around 20 small birds (in the distance) that appeared to be hunting insects high in the sky.

The birds remained in a tight group and made continuous circles, it seems there was a cloud of insects, looking like a drift of smoke, that they were hunting.

I was in the hotel for about 40 mins, and when I returned to the car the birds were still circling high.

I didn't have binoculars with me. My instant thoughts were that the birds looked like a flock of starilng but the behaviour and hunting technique might suggest otherwise.

Has anybody got any thoughts as to what else these birds were?

Any advice would be appreciated.

I'd go with your initial thought and Starlings, they tend to group together in the evenings and can put on spectacular displays, especially when you get really large flocks, before going to roost.

Jeff

[Sedgley]

House martins perhaps

[senatore]

Yesterday :-

2 Osprey at Brandon Marsh.

A Little Gull at Shustoke reservoir.

Anyone heard of anything else in our area?

Max.

[Quamen]

Hi Senatore,

Great idea, I was wondering if there was a W mids thread to post sightings and exchange info.

I went to Kingsbury Waterpark on sunday (the bird reserve part, not the main park) great views from the hides there. Notable sightings were several snipe, a pair of kingfishers showing really well, 5 gadwall, a few teals and wigeon, hundreds of lapwings and an oystercatcher. Apparently at dusk Little Egrets may come in to roost.

Might go to Belvide on sunday if my permit comes in time.

kstar

Kingsbury Waterpark is my local patch, The main park is worth a wonder around in the quieter times of year,If your in the area middleton hall and dosthill quarry are also worth a visit.


Rob

[KayD]

Kingsbury Waterpark is my local patch, The main park is worth a wonder around in the quieter times of year,If your in the area middleton hall and dosthill quarry are also worth a visit.


Rob

Yes the main park can be good for birds too, sometimes go there too. Was at Kingsbury again today. Usual waterfowl - wigeon, gadwall, pochard, shoveler, teal etc...saw a GS woodpecker, lots of flyover geese. Any interesting sightings there lately Quamen?

Will check out those other places next time I'm there. Thanks for the info and a big welcome to BF :t:

[Quamen]

Yes the main park can be good for birds too, sometimes go there too. Was at Kingsbury again today. Usual waterfowl - wigeon, gadwall, pochard, shoveler, teal etc...saw a GS woodpecker, lots of flyover geese. Any interesting sightings there lately Quamen?

Will check out those other places next time I'm there. Thanks for the info and a big welcome to BF :t:

Thanks for the welcome |:d|

Nothing of real intrest the last few times I have been up but there is always a good selection of waterfowl

[senatore]

Recent reports:-

Jack Snipe and 31 Lesser Redpolls at Brandon Marsh.

Ring Ouzel at Lutley.

Yellow Legged Gull at Bartley Reservoir.

Bittern at Ladywalk.

2 Little Egrets at Kingsbury Water Park.

Red Throated Diver at Slough NR Bedworth.


Max.

[senatore]

Reported in our area yesterday:-

Red Throated Diver still at Slough NR.

Goshawk seen at Shustoke.

Med. Gull and 2 Y/L Gulls at Bartley Reservoir.

Max.

[Adey Baker]

Red Throated Diver still at Slough NR.



Max.

That's a good bird for Bed'orth - might give it a look-in at the weekend if I get time

[senatore]

Bittern reported at Ladywalk again yesterday.

Max.

[senatore]

The Red Throated Diver is still at Slough NR.

A Black Redstart was in a garden in Stockingford.

A Shore Lark was seen at Edgbaston Res. earlier in the week.

Max.

[Adey Baker]

The Red Throated Diver is still at Slough NR.


And a very nice bird it is, too. It's not a very large pool but a scope is best for viewing if it's in the middle. It does occasionally come in close to the side but dives about half a second before you press the camera-shutter ;)

I thought it was going to fly off at about 9:00am - it took off, flew around the pool several times gradually gaining height in an ever-increasing circle and flew away into the distance, took one look at Coventry and promptly returned to Bedworth! http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/112050

[senatore]

And a very nice bird it is, too. It's not a very large pool but a scope is best for viewing if it's in the middle. It does occasionally come in close to the side but dives about half a second before you press the camera-shutter ;)

I thought it was going to fly off at about 9:00am - it took off, flew around the pool several times gradually gaining height in an ever-increasing circle and flew away into the distance, took one look at Coventry and promptly returned to Bedworth! http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/112050
Great shot Adey.

Max.

[Adey Baker]

Great shot Adey.

Max.

Cheers, Max. I went again this morning to try for a better shot on the water and it came in close - eventually! If you go for it, it's best to let it come towards you whilst it's feeding. There's a viewing area close to the (small!) carpark and if you stand with the big tree at your back you won't stand out too much so you can get a shot from there.

Whilst it's not feeding it tends to drift around in the middle of the pool but when feeding it covers the whole area, sometimes coming in very close, so just a bit of patience is all that's required. I've uploaded another shot into the gallery: http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/112191 and, although I've cropped it a little bit, this is substantially the full-frame with a 400mm lens.

[senatore]

Yesterday a Black Redstart was reported at Larkstoke Hall near the radio mast.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Arctic Tern at Shustoke reservoir.

Bittern at Ladywalk.

Med. Gull and Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Reservoir.

Red Throated Diver still at Bedworth.

Med. Gull on Dunstall Park Racecourse.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday reported in our area:-

Lea Marston and Coton Lakes : Caspian Gull, Med. Gull and 2 Yellow Legged Gulls.

Kingsbury : 2 Little Egrets and 2 Stonechats.

Bartley Reservoir: Little Gull.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday in our area :-

Shore Lark at Edgbaston Reservoir.

Jack Snipe at Brandon Marsh.

Hen Harrier at Kingsbury Water Park.

Bittern at Ladywalk.

Anyone seen or heard of anything else in our area??????

Max.

[The Barn Owl]

Not a lot at Brandon today - 5 Snipe and 180 Redwings was all we could muster. Mind you, most of the time spent there we were pulling willows - joy...

No sign of the Jack Snipe

Sam

[senatore]

Keep the reports coming in.We need to know what's in our area.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday :-

Ring Ouzel at Smestow Valley LNR.

Med. Gull at Bartley Reservoir.

Bittern at Ladywalk.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday in our area:-

Great Skua at Draycote Water.

Caspian Gull and 3 Yellow Legged Gulls at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Short Eared Owl at Kingsbury Water Park.

Ring Ouzel at Smestow Valley LNR.

Max.

[xFritzx]

thanks for all the updates senatore! much appreciated.

[senatore]

thanks for all the updates senatore! much appreciated.
No problem but it would be nice if more people posted what they have seen in our area as it would help us all to see some decent birds.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday reported in our area :-

Med. Gull at Draycote Water.

Arctic Tern at Shustoke Reservoir.

Max.

[jeff]

There are various groups you can sign up to in our area for the latest sightings:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/warwickbirds/ (bit more lively of late)

and

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/WMBC-WestMidlands/

Also check out various web sites for online sightings:

http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/club/hotline.htm

http://www.draycotebirding.co.uk/ (has a sightings page)

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

http://www.warwickshirebirding.co.uk/ (recent reports, but looks like it doesn't get updated anymore)

Apologies for any i've missed.

[senatore]

There are various groups you can sign up to in our area for the latest sightings:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/warwickbirds/ (bit more lively of late)

and

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/WMBC-WestMidlands/

Also check out various web sites for online sightings:

http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/club/hotline.htm

http://www.draycotebirding.co.uk/ (has a sightings page)

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

http://www.warwickshirebirding.co.uk/ (recent reports, but looks like it doesn't get updated anymore)

Apologies for any i've missed.
Thanks Jeff I will check these out.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday in our area :-

Red Breasted Merganser and 2 Yellow Legged Gulls ay Bartley Reservoir.

Slavonian Grebe and Red Breasted Merganser at Draycote Water.


Anyone else seen anything?

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday :-

Bittern at Ladywalk.

Yellow Legged Gull and Goosander at Bartley Reservoir.

Max.

[senatore]

Went out myself yesterday for the first time in ages (bad back) and paid a visit to Marsh Lane at lunchtime.It was chilly but bright.

There were hundreds of Greylag Geese,Lapwings,Black Headed Gulls and numerous Tufted Ducks,Mallards,Gadwalls,Pochards,Teals,Wigeon,Shov ellers,Shellducks,Mute Swans etc.

Didn't see anything special but it was nice to see some Common Buzzards,a lone Sparrowhawk,5 Common Gulls,a Nuthatch on the feeders and small flocks of both Long Tailed Tits and Yellowhammers.

If you go anywhere in our area this weekend post here what you have seen.

Max.

[PAULBOY]

Visited Draycote Water yesterday. Lots of the usual ducks and gulls. Someone was mooching around looking for a Med Gull - he didn't find it. Male and female Goldeneyes seen - plus a pair of Goodanders.

[senatore]

Recent reports :-

Garganey at Fishers Mill Pit.

Red-crested Pochard at Draycote.

Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Reservoir.

Max.

[senatore]

Went out yesterday for a country lane drive mainly around Earlswood,Tanworth in Arden and Kempes Green stopping in lay-byes etc. to do some birding.The weather was great and the countryside looked fabulous.Unfortuneately the birding was very poor.

If you take out the Woodpigeons (many hundreds),the Crows and Rooks(hundreds) and a few Jackdaws and Magpies I did not see anything.We sure do live in a poor area for birding.

Max.

[jeff]

Hi Jeff,
Never thought to do that with the pics.Might well do.Won't the sightings be allready reported by others?

Max.

What if everyone had that thought? How do you know what has been reported by others? I'm sure the Brandon recorder would rather have more reports than less reports, all of which are used to make up the annual report each year.

Also for people thinking of going to Brandon Marsh, they can quickly check the online sightings page to see what's been reported recently, i've made it as simple as possible to post, all regulars posters have their reports show immediately, others are within 24hrs due to the various spammers that took advantage of my good will.

I try to post reports as i get them from other sources (birdguides/warwickbirds etc), but not everyone records their sightings in the various log books at Brandon or report them on Birdguides (to which i subscribe), maybe 'cause they were leaving the reserve when they saw something on the way out or the visitor center was closed, this give you an extra chance to get those sightings reported when you get home.

To record you sightings, the only fields you need to complete are name (doesn't even have to be your real name!) and details of your sightings, email is optional, but worth posting at least once (it doesn't show on the sightings page).

Post what you see, even if you saw run of the mill stuff, at least when people view the sightings page they'll know one way or the other.

[senatore]

What if everyone had that thought? How do you know what has been reported by others? I'm sure the Brandon recorder would rather have more reports than less reports, all of which are used to make up the annual report each year.

Also for people thinking of going to Brandon Marsh, they can quickly check the online sightings page to see what's been reported recently, i've made it as simple as possible to post, all regulars posters have their reports show immediately, others are within 24hrs due to the various spammers that took advantage of my good will.

I try to post reports as i get them from other sources (birdguides/warwickbirds etc), but not everyone records their sightings in the various log books at Brandon or report them on Birdguides (to which i subscribe), maybe 'cause they were leaving the reserve when they saw something on the way out or the visitor center was closed, this give you an extra chance to get those sightings reported when you get home.

To record you sightings, the only fields you need to complete are name (doesn't even have to be your real name!) and details of your sightings, email is optional, but worth posting at least once (it doesn't show on the sightings page).

Post what you see, even if you saw run of the mill stuff, at least when people view the sightings page they'll know one way or the other.
Hi Jeff,
I am off to Brandon soon so I will record my sightings.I wonder if I have seen you down there I've been a few times.How does one recognise you?

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday :-

Ring necked Duck at Sandwell valley.

Ruff at Kingsbury water park.

Max.

[jeff]

Hi Jeff,
I am off to Brandon soon so I will record my sightings.I wonder if I have seen you down there I've been a few times.How does one recognise you?

Max.

None discript person, late 30s', likes gardening and wildlife, i'll wear a carnation in my jacket ;-)

[d.steeley]

Hi Jeff and Max. I go every week if possible, usually later on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings. I always wear my BirdForum cap.

Dave

[jeff]

Hi Jeff and Max. I go every week if possible, usually later on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings. I always wear my BirdForum cap.

Dave

Only person i've ever saw with a BF cap was Reader (John), so if i see another it must be you :)

Jeff

[senatore]

Jeff and Dave,
I will look out for you next time I go.I am easily recognised as I am the guy who ID's birds incorrectly and misses good pics with my Canon 400 telephoto lens.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported in our area yesterday:-

Caspian Gull at Stubbers Green.

Yellow Legged Gulls still at Bartley Reservoir.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday I went to Marsh Lane at lunchtime.There were lots of birds about with numerous Geese,Ducks,Gulls,Lapwings etc. but nothing special.Highlights of a quick walk round:-

A large flock of Starlings putting on an aerial display.

A Greater Spotted Woodpecker close to the hide on the feeders.

A flock approx. 350 strong of Golden Plovers landed on the island in front of the Oak hide.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday reported in our area:-

Mandarin Duck,Brambling and L/S Woodpecker ay Smeston Valley LNR.

Raven and 2 Green Sandpipers ay Ladywalk.

5 Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Reservoir.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday in our area:-

2 Jack Snipe at Marsh Lane.

Scaup and Red Breasted Merganser at Shushstoke Res.

Caspian Gull and Yellow legged Gull at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

I went to Marsh Lane this morning but did not see the Jack Snipe.Lots of Ducks,Geese and Gulls around including at least 2 Common Gulls but nothing special seen.

Anyone seen anything good in our area?


Max.

Max.

[xFritzx]

Little Grebe at Edgbaston Reservoir. Also several Pied Watails, a gray wagtail, and last week i saw (what i presume was an escaped) Ring-Necked Parakeet.

[Pam_m]

Went to Upton Warren this afternoon, at the Moors Pools saw: 3 G.C.Grebe, 2 Shelduck. Cormorants, Herons. Water Rail, Coots, Mallards, Moorhens, B.H.Gulls, Lapwings, Kingfishers, and a Goldcrest followed by a party of Long-Tailed Tits.

PS. My Avatar is a picture of the Green Woodpecker we saw for about 40 minutes at the Flashes last Sunday.

[KayD]

First time at Brandon Marsh today. Plenty of ducks - shoveler, teal, wigeon, gadwall etc, highlight being Goldeneye, my first of the winter. Saw several green woodpeckers, a kingfisher, cormorants, GC grebe, female sparrowhawk and over 100 lapwings and similar numbers of BH Gull. Apparently a bittern has been spotted around the area in the last couple of days.

[senatore]

Thanks for the reports everyone.Keep it up.We need all the help we can get in our area.

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Scaup and Goosander (prev. said to be a R/B Merganser) at Shustoke Res.

Bittern (flyover) at Brandon Marsh.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

You're lucky then! I went to Brandon Marsh on Friday 10th Nov, and it was really quiet on the birding front. Saw lapwings, mallards, teals, black-headed gulls, a cormorant, grey heron, tufted ducks, (other) gulls (I'm not too hot on them yet!), long-tailed tits, gs woodpecker, buzzard, gc grebe, coots, moorhens, kestrel, crows, shovelers and a swan.

Popped over to Lower Bittell a couple of times over the weekend (local to me) and saw:

Grey herons, grey wagtail, tufted ducks, pochards, mallards, cormorants, goldcrest, gc grebe, coots and yesterday a gaggle of Canada Geese were floating along. There were also some lapwings on the main reservoir, but that's really low in water levels at the moment.

At Earlswood lakes, spotted a swan, mallards, black-headed gulls, pied-wagtail, and a gc grebe.

I did see a fine collection of ducks on Saturday... but they were resident at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park :)

[Duck_Pond]

Forgot to say that the weekend before, I popped up to Tardebigge Reservoir. Never been there before - it feeds the locks for the canal system there. A beautiful spot it is too - with fine views across towards Upton Warren.

In terms of birds, we saw:

Kestrels, pochards, mallards, cormorants, gc grebes, swans, coots, moorhens, tufted ducks, a goldcrest, robin, long-tailed tits, wrens, grey heron and the usual pigeons...

Was amusing in that I'd gone up there in the hope of seeing some buzzards, and failed to see one... that is, until we decided to stop for a pint at the Coach & Horses (Weatheroak) on the way back, and spotted 4 of them circling the car park!

Come February, I think Tardebigge is another place to add to my list of birding venues, as the fishing jetties are very useful for getting decent photos from.

[xFritzx]

went up to sandwell valley today, quite rainy but got some good views nonetheless. good amounts of mallard, teal, pochard, tufted and shoveler. apparently there was also garganey and goosander before i came.

22 snipe were counted.

also lots of lapwing, some heron, and a cormorant

[senatore]

Went for another country drive round the Warwickshire lanes yesterday afternoon.As usual lots of Woodpigeons,Crows,Rooks,Jackdaws and Magpies.There were quite a few Pheasants about often in the roadway.I also got distant views of a couple of Common Buzzards,a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel but except for a small flock of Chaffinches I saw hardly any smaller birds and no Redwings or Fieldfares.

No reports on the net re. decent birds seen in our area recently.We'll all have to move to Norfolk!!!!!

Only decent spot for me recently was as I opened the Kitchen blinds one morning a fabulous female Sparrowhawk was on a perch I had erected right next to the feeders and only 20 feet away.By the time I had got the camera it had gone.

Max.

[Quamen]

4 female Ruddy Ducks,2 male Teal,pair of Bull finch,16 Tufted and loads of Coot at Lea Marston today also spoted a Kestrel on the way home

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Raven in Nuneaton.

Red Breasted Merganser,Tree Sparrow and 8 Corn Buntings at Draycote Water.

Bittern at Upton Warren.

Jack Snipe at Brandon Marsh.

Bittern and 3 Goosander at Ladywalk.

Max.

[PAULBOY]

Jack Snipe reported on East Marsh Pool at Brandon yesterday

[senatore]

Reported yesterday:-

Med.Gull and 4 Yellow Legged gulls at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Reported today :-

Bittern at Upton Warren.

I went to Marsh Lane early this morning and my god was it chilly!! There were the usual Ducks,Geese and Gulls but nothing interesting except for a Common Gull.I hope some of you have had a better day.

Max.

[xFritzx]

today at edgbaston reservoir there was an influx of lasser black backed gulls, along with the usual bh gulls, geese and ducks. saw some wren, dunnock, and house sparrows, and a small group of (my first) corn bunting. also saw a juvenile pied wagtail and a gray wagtail, still very bright for this time of year...

[PAULBOY]

Went to Brandon Marsh this morning. There was a Bittern seen flying over Newlands - seen from the Carlton Hide.

I was only able to get to a couple of the hides as the water level is extremely high and the paths were flooded. Not sure how long it will take to get the levels back to normal - I suggest wellingtons if you are planning to visit in the next few days. Usual ducks including 3 Goldeneye. Lots of Greylag Geese who left the Marsh fairly early for the rich pickings on the adjacent golf course.

[KayD]

Welcome to BF Paulboy and Spargaltarzan :t:

Can anyone tell me what would be the best time of day to see the Bittern at Brandon. I think its only been spotted 2 or 3 times but I'd like to see it and don't mind getting up early. Did you see it yourself Paulboy?


Went to Sandwell Valley bird ringing on sat, birds caught were: magpie, loads of blue & great tits, a few house sparrows, couple of dunnocks, a greenfinch, wren and most interestingly a redpoll (which was a first for me!).

Didn't hang about at sandwell, went up to kingsbury after. A kestrel just outside the reserve on a wire. Usual waterfowl inc gadwalls, wigeon, pochard, teal, shoveler this time joined by a few goldeneye. Little and GC grebe. Saw a kingfisher again (briefly), plently of lapwings and flocks of long tailed tits around.

[senatore]

Yesterday reported in our area :-

Merlin,2 Peregrines and 2 Goosanders at Ladywalk.

Max.

[PAULBOY]

Welcome to BF Paulboy and Spargaltarzan :t:

Can anyone tell me what would be the best time of day to see the Bittern at Brandon. I think its only been spotted 2 or 3 times but I'd like to see it and don't mind getting up early. Did you see it yourself Paulboy?


Went to Sandwell Valley bird ringing on sat, birds caught were: magpie, loads of blue & great tits, a few house sparrows, couple of dunnocks, a greenfinch, wren and most interestingly a redpoll (which was a first for me!).

Didn't hang about at sandwell, went up to kingsbury after. A kestrel just outside the reserve on a wire. Usual waterfowl inc gadwalls, wigeon, pochard, teal, shoveler this time joined by a few goldeneye. Little and GC grebe. Saw a kingfisher again (briefly), plently of lapwings and flocks of long tailed tits around.

Hi Kstar

The Bittern was seen at 0850. I couldn't get to the Carlton hide because of flooded paths - but the people who saw it are an experienced couple of birders. My history of seeing good birds at Brandon is not great - I managed to miss the Osprey that was there for about 6 weeks recently even though I was there when it was reported! I guess it's a matter of luck and being in the right spot at the right time. No doubt the sightings will become more frequent as the frost closes in and the birds are forced out into the open.

If you want a link into what's seen at Brandon I suggest you follow this link : http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

Good luck

Paul

[KayD]

Hi Kstar

The Bittern was seen at 0850. I couldn't get to the Carlton hide because of flooded paths - but the people who saw it are an experienced couple of birders. My history of seeing good birds at Brandon is not great - I managed to miss the Osprey that was there for about 6 weeks recently even though I was there when it was reported! I guess it's a matter of luck and being in the right spot at the right time. No doubt the sightings will become more frequent as the frost closes in and the birds are forced out into the open.

If you want a link into what's seen at Brandon I suggest you follow this link : http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp

Good luck

Paul

Thanks for the info Paul. It certainly is a matter of luck with Bitterns, the good news is they seem to be appearing more often now in the midlands. Will have to try an early morning soon. I have been checking that website for the various Brandon sightings.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area :-

2 Bitterns at Upton Warren.

2 Yellow Legged gulls at Bartley Reservoir.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

Kstar - there are allegedly 3 bitterns at Upton Warren now. When I was up there on Sat morning (18th), the bods next to me spotted it with their scopes, on the main pool (Moors), from the hide at the rear of the lake. My piddly little bins couldn't see it, but the scopers all had good views.

Also had a good view of several little grebes fishing close to the hide. And there were a fair few wigeon, teals and the usual resident waterfowl. Also spotted the kingfisher from the other side.

I have to say that all the usual places to view such birds seem to be sparsely populated at the moment. I'm sure there was more to see this time last year.

[jeff]

Thanks for the info Paul. It certainly is a matter of luck with Bitterns, the good news is they seem to be appearing more often now in the midlands. Will have to try an early morning soon. I have been checking that website for the various Brandon sightings.

and to top it all you can even post your own sightings by clicking on the 'record' link:

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sign.asp?ID=Y

why not let others know what YOU'VE seen.

[jeff]

For info:

Warwickshire Birding DVD 2006 by Steve Seal - due for release early 2007.

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=18

"Warwickshire DVD Latest includes Osprey Brandon,
Little Stint Draycote, Hoopoe Walsall (W.Mids) and R.T.Diver Bedworth plus many more!!

Added Extras include
G G Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, B W Stilt , Killdeer ,
Shorelark, and Red Flanked Bluetail Suffolk.
Little Auk Snettisham"

[KayD]

and to top it all you can even post your own sightings by clicking on the 'record' link:

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sign.asp?ID=Y

why not let others know what YOU'VE seen.

Thanks Jeff, have only been once but will do that next time I'm there. It's a great place.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

House Martin and 3 Bramblings at Dunstall park racecourse.

2 Bitters at Upton Warren (Apparantly there has been upto 4 different birds been there recently)

4 Ravens at Guys Cliffe Warwick.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported in our area yesterday :-

Red Breasted Merganser and Cetti's Warbler at Napton Reservoir.

8 Jack Snipe in a meadow east of Fladbury village.

Bittern at Upton Warren.

Max.

[senatore]

Very little reported in our area recently.Only thing I've noticed was a Black Redstart reported yesterday at Draycote Water.

Anyone seen anything of interest.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

2 Bitterns at Upton Warren.

Slavonian Grebe at Draycote Water.

Max.

[Mary]

Raven flying over and calling just southwest of Alcester this am.

[xFritzx]

Same old story at Edgbaston Reservoir today...wildfowl, long-tailed tits, gulls etc. i did see my first great spotted woodpecker for the site though.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

5 Pintail and a Grey Plover at Draycote Water.

Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow Legged Gulls at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Shag at Napton Res.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Middleton Hall pools.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported recently in our area:-

Bittern (flyover) and Hen Harrier at Fishers Mill Pit.

Glaucus Gull at Dostill Lake.

4 Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Reservoir.

Glaucus Gull and 6 Bewick Swans at Draycote Water.

I myself went to Marsh Lane yesterday afternoon.The usual Gulls,Ducks and Geese were present the Teal and Wigeon looked very good in the winter sunshine.A Sanderling was seen earlier but not by me.There was a large flock of Linnets flying around and a G/S Woodpecker was on the peanut feeder.There was an unusual Lapwing on the Railway pool which had an all white back (semi-albino?).There were lots of Fieldfares and Redwings on the Hawthorns down the old road (my first of the winter) and a Grey Wagtail showed well by the puddles on the old roadway.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday's reports :-

Great Northern Diver at Draycote Water.

2 Bitters at Upton Warren.

6 Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Res.

Max.

[senatore]

Yesterday in our area :-

Glaucus Gull at Lawford Heath landfill site.

Pomarine Skua at Draycote Water.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

Does anyone know if Brandon Marsh is still partially flooded? I'm considering popping up there tomorrow, if the weather is okay, but don't want to get there to find I need waders or a boat to get around!

[jeff]

Does anyone know if Brandon Marsh is still partially flooded? I'm considering popping up there tomorrow, if the weather is okay, but don't want to get there to find I need waders or a boat to get around!

The 'onyx' route is always clear of the floods so you should at least view 'East Marsh' from one hide, also newlands and new hare covert, old hare covert and probably West marsh pool. River Pool will prob. still be inaccessible, as for the path down the middle it all depends on how much rain between now and the weekend.

Even with the path flooded in my opinion the only areas you may miss out on are Carlton and River Pools.

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk

[d.steeley]

Does anyone know if Brandon Marsh is still partially flooded? I'm considering popping up there tomorrow, if the weather is okay, but don't want to get there to find I need waders or a boat to get around!

I called in this afternoon. The only area that still has some standing water is the path through central marsh between River hide and West Marsh hide. Wellies required to reach both of these hides with dry feet.

During my brief visit I saw GS Woodpecker, Goldcrests, Treecreeper, Fieldfares and numerous tit flocks all near West Marsh hide. There is a BT Godwit on East Marsh Pool.

Dave

[senatore]

Yesterday reported in our area :-

Merlin and 2 Peregrines at Birchmoor.

Merlin and Mandarin Duck at Smestow Valley LNR.

Little Egret at Fishers mill Pit.

Max.

[senatore]

I,ve just checked out again what was about yesterday and I must admit it is depressing to see that nearly every decent bird reported was seen in Norfolk.It seems that all you have to do is open your back door if you live there and you've got a good chance of seeing something special.Hey Ho!!!!!

Anyhow reported yesterday in our barren area :-

Caspian Gull at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Med. Gull and Yellow Legged Gull at Draycote Water.

I hope some of you see something decent today.

Max.

[jeff]

I,ve just checked out again what was about yesterday and I must admit it is depressing to see that nearly every decent bird reported was seen in Norfolk.It seems that all you have to do is open your back door if you live there and you've got a good chance of seeing something special.Hey Ho!!!!!

Anyhow reported yesterday in our barren area :-

Caspian Gull at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Med. Gull and Yellow Legged Gull at Draycote Water.

I hope some of you see something decent today.

Max.

Max, we live in the middle of the country so it's far less likely that rare birds will drop in, but when they do it makes it all the more special. We can easily drive to Norfolk in a couple of hours, in fact being in the middle of the country most places are only a few hours drive.

What would you like to see in the Midlands? Did/Do you go and see any of the birds that do turn up?

Jeff

[xFritzx]

we do get a chance to see bitterns which the rest of the country can only hope for. having said that, i havent been up to upton warren yet. is there any way to get there by public transport? not being able to drive is not an asset in this country...

[hornet]

Max, we live in the middle of the country so it's far less likely that rare birds will drop in, but when they do it makes it all the more special. We can easily drive to Norfolk in a couple of hours, in fact being in the middle of the country most places are only a few hours drive.

What would you like to see in the Midlands? Did/Do you go and see any of the birds that do turn up?

Jeff

Just to build on Jeff's point (if I may be so bold), many of us like living in Warwickshire / the Midlands, and love birding here. It's a lovely part of the country, there are plenty of birds out there and it's convenient for travel.

For me birding is about watching the birds around you, not living in a permanent state of angst and wishing you lived somewhere else.

Yes, if you move to Norfolk you will see different birds. This also applies if you move to Costa Rica, or indeed anywhere else. That is one of the beauties of birding - it is different wherever you go, being totally dependent on habitat and environment.

Sharing local info is great Max, but please stop being so negative about a part of the world in which I really enjoy living (and birding).

[Duck_Pond]

Over the weekend I have visited Brandon Marsh, Lower Bittell and Sandwell Valley. None are exactly overflowing with wildfowl!

Brandon Marsh: Mallards, coots, moorhens, gulls (variety), cormorants (more than usual), kingfisher(s), heron, pochards, tufted ducks, goldeneye, greylag geese, swans, canada geese, shovelers, a mink, teals, blue / great / long tailed tits, gs woodpeckers and a sparrowhawk.

Lower Bittell: Not much water left - someone's pulled out the plug! But there were 2 herons, tufted ducks, mallards, coots, a cormorant, gulls and a gc grebe.

Sandwell Valley: Mallards, tufted ducks, goosanders, pochard, canada geese, swans, little grebe, cormorant, shovelers, gulls and a gale blowing!

Was nice to see the goldeneye up close on Saturday - took a few good pics of it, one of which is in my gallery. I've not seen one since I was at Slimbridge last Sept.

I'm sure there were more of each species here this time last year. Seems very quiet at the moment. Must be the warm weather.

[d.steeley]

Plenty of Goldeneye and Goosanders at Draycote on Saturday. Also Coots (thousands), Moorhens, Little and Great Crested Grebes (lots), Teal, Wigeon, Pochard,Tufted Ducks (hundreds), Lapwing, Cormorants, Mallards (loads), various Gulls (millions), Pied Wagtails, Tit flocks including Great, Blue and Long Tailed, Herons, Rooks, Crows, Jays, Jackdaws, Wood Pigeons, Chaffinch and Yellowhammer (1). It was about this time last year that the Hawfinches were about, anybody seen any at Draycote yet? Nothing written on the notice board in the hide about them.

Dave

[KayD]

Kstar - there are allegedly 3 bitterns at Upton Warren now. When I was up there on Sat morning (18th), the bods next to me spotted it with their scopes, on the main pool (Moors), from the hide at the rear of the lake. My piddly little bins couldn't see it, but the scopers all had good views.

Also had a good view of several little grebes fishing close to the hide. And there were a fair few wigeon, teals and the usual resident waterfowl. Also spotted the kingfisher from the other side.

I have to say that all the usual places to view such birds seem to be sparsely populated at the moment. I'm sure there was more to see this time last year.

Hi Duck Pond

I think I forgot to thank you for this info - sorry about that and thanks so much for the advice. I went there last weekend and it is a fantastic place. I didn't see the Bitterns, but if I keep going I'm sure they'll show sooner or later. Had stunning views of 3 water rail and 2 kingfishers also saw wigeon, pochard, gc & little grebes, buzzard, kestrels, goldcrests and reed buntings.

Shame no one let you look through their scope, they seem like a friendly bunch there, I'm sure someone would have let you have a peek if you asked :)

Kstar

[KayD]

we do get a chance to see bitterns which the rest of the country can only hope for. having said that, i havent been up to upton warren yet. is there any way to get there by public transport? not being able to drive is not an asset in this country...

Where in brum do you live Spargeltarzan? Perhaps we could organize a car-share thing to visit local patches? Have been there with my boyfriend and we plan to go there regularly so maybe we could help you out? PM me if interested :)

[senatore]

Max, we live in the middle of the country so it's far less likely that rare birds will drop in, but when they do it makes it all the more special. We can easily drive to Norfolk in a couple of hours, in fact being in the middle of the country most places are only a few hours drive.

What would you like to see in the Midlands? Did/Do you go and see any of the birds that do turn up?

Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Take no notice of me.I was feeling a little down as recent visits to local patches had been a waste of time and birders I had bumped into kept saying how poor everywhere was.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Merlin at Kineton.

Jack Snipe at Upton Warren.

Max.

[paul goode]

Hi Jeff,
Take no notice of me.I was feeling a little down as recent visits to local patches had been a waste of time and birders I had bumped into kept saying how poor everywhere was.

Max.

Max,

Some people enjoy being miserable!

My opinion, for what its worth, is that our patch simply can't compete with a coastal county for numbers of species, but as someone who enjoys photography as well as birding we have reserves full of photogenic birds and easy opportunities to take good images. This was brought home to me when one of the Norfolk regulars in the gallery made a point of visiting one of the local feeding sites whilst he was in the area to photograph species which are difficult to find in Norfolk!

My regular haunts of Ladywalk, Whitacre Heath, KWP and Cannock Chase are all filling up with winter flocks and the photographs are there for the taking. Just wish I had the time to get out more often!

All the best

Paul

[Reader]

Max,

Some people enjoy being miserable!

My opinion, for what its worth, is that our patch simply can't compete with a coastal county for numbers of species, but as someone who enjoys photography as well as birding we have reserves full of photogenic birds and easy opportunities to take good images. This was brought home to me when one of the Norfolk regulars in the gallery made a point of visiting one of the local feeding sites whilst he was in the area to photograph species which are difficult to find in Norfolk!

My regular haunts of Ladywalk, Whitacre Heath, KWP and Cannock Chase are all filling up with winter flocks and the photographs are there for the taking. Just wish I had the time to get out more often!

All the best

Paul

Hi Paul

I think we are talking about two different things with Birdwatching and photography in the Midlands.

With Birdwatching one can get blasé when you get to see the same birds all the time, and even then not that many species of them, whereas with photography you are looking for that better shot, possibly no matter what species we are looking at.

I agree with the sites you have mentioned for photography. In fact I have been to Whitacre Heath the last two days and even visited Ladywalk for an hour late yesterday afternoon.

At Whitacre Heath yesterday was the spectacle of a Sparrowhawk swooping past the hide and plucking an unsuspecting Blue Tit from one of the feeders. It all happened so fast that it was all over in the blink of an eye.

There are also possibly up to four Willow Tits there as well as the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that is beginning to show itself again.

John

[Duck_Pond]

kstar - I think they'd have let me - a few people in there were looking through the one chap's scope.

I've already seen a couple of bitterns there over the time I have visited, the most unusual time was the first time I went... the muddy path to the hide at the rear of the main pool - I disturbed what I thought was a "brown" grey heron amongst the reeds (at the time I wasn't familar with bitterns at all) until I read later what it actually was.

It was less than 10 feet from me, and had I been ready with my camera... well, it'd have been a good pic!

It is a great place though. It is a little surprising how little you tend to see on the smaller lake, though it is good for wandering around, and you do get to see woodland birds and sometimes green woodpeckers up close.

There is also a walk around the back of the hide (roadside) on the main pool, along the stream, over the bridge and alongside the side of the main lake. Might be a tad muddy now, but is worth a mooch along. I've seen the kingfisher on that route, and also a mink. I think the walk goes all the way into the housing estate, so I turn back after a few hundred yards.

[senatore]

Hi Paul and Hi Reader,
I think you both made some good points but it would be nice to live in Norfolk !!!

Reported yesterday in our area :-

Glaucus and Med. Gulls at Draycote Water.

Caspian and Yellow Legged Gulls at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Max.

[gareth_blockley]

Can anyone tell me more about whitacre heath NR?

I can find whitacre on the map but i'm unsure where the reserve is. how do i access it? As well as Lesser spotted woodpecker (i've noticed they are seen there fairly regularly) what other thing are about? What habitat is it? Are winter finches likely?

Any advice appreciatd

[Reader]

Can anyone tell me more about whitacre heath NR?

I can find whitacre on the map but i'm unsure where the reserve is. how do i access it? As well as Lesser spotted woodpecker (i've noticed they are seen there fairly regularly) what other thing are about? What habitat is it? Are winter finches likely?

Any advice appreciatd

Hi Gareth.

Whitacre Heath is part of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and as long as you are a member of a wildlife trust you are allowed in. The only problem is that the gate is opened via a coded lock and you need the code to get in.

The actual reserve is here where you see the arrow pointing. http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=420850&y=293155&z=3&sv=420850,293155&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&dn=516

If you are a member a phone call, or a visit to Brandon Marsh (Warks W T HQ) will hopefully get you the code. I know it but I think you can appreciate that I won't give it out to none members.

Take some feed with you if you go. There is a small feeder station right by the side where you park the car and the other feeder station is actually in the woods with a hide overlooking it.

Winter finches do go there and both Siskin and Brambling were within three feet of the hide earlier this year.

If you are into photography there are feeders positioned (also moss covered logs) just outside the hide. Place some food on them (if there isn't any already) and you could be in for some cracking images.

John

[jeff]

Can anyone tell me more about whitacre heath NR?

I can find whitacre on the map but i'm unsure where the reserve is. how do i access it? As well as Lesser spotted woodpecker (i've noticed they are seen there fairly regularly) what other thing are about? What habitat is it? Are winter finches likely?

Any advice appreciatd

Reserve layout, see attached image:

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

2 Great Northern Divers and a Red Throated Diver at Draycote Water.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

A place which isn't mentioned often in here is the walk alongside the River Leam, at Leamington Spa.

When I was getting an upgrade on my car alarm, back in the spring, I spent several hours walking along it, looking out for birds, animals and scenes, taking photos as I went.

They have set up a hide along there too, next to some small lakes, which although low in water when I went, had a pair of grey herons on. I also saw pheasants, a green woodpecker, a kestrel, various wildfowl, muntjac deer and all manner of woodland birds.

The pics I took are here (http://www.peter-walkden.fotopic.net/c924146.html) and give a good idea of what to expect. Like all public reserves, the best times are during weekdays, or early morning. That was a Saturday when I went, and apart from joggers and a couple of bikers, I didn't see anyone really.

And of course, at the other end of the walk are the Gardens, with the river and lake, with geese, swans and ducks etc.

It's worth a look on a bright morning.

[senatore]

A place which isn't mentioned often in here is the walk alongside the River Leam, at Leamington Spa.

When I was getting an upgrade on my car alarm, back in the spring, I spent several hours walking along it, looking out for birds, animals and scenes, taking photos as I went.

They have set up a hide along there too, next to some small lakes, which although low in water when I went, had a pair of grey herons on. I also saw pheasants, a green woodpecker, a kestrel, various wildfowl, muntjac deer and all manner of woodland birds.

The pics I took are here (http://www.peter-walkden.fotopic.net/c924146.html) and give a good idea of what to expect. Like all public reserves, the best times are during weekdays, or early morning. That was a Saturday when I went, and apart from joggers and a couple of bikers, I didn't see anyone really.

And of course, at the other end of the walk are the Gardens, with the river and lake, with geese, swans and ducks etc.

It's worth a look on a bright morning.
Hi Duck Pond,
Looks an interesting walk.Where do you start the walk?

There must be some great but not generally known birding spots in our area.Anyone know of any?Brueton Park in Solihull is worth a look if you go early in the morning (that's where I saw my only L/S Woodpecker).

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

A Caspian Gull was seen at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes and also at Dosthill Lake.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

I started the walk from the path leading out of the Newbold Comyn sports centre. Just sort of wandered along to find the river from there, and then followed the paths along it. I think it's a recognised area of "natural beauty" - might even be part of the wildlife trust, as I think there are some signs and guides up.

It eventually reaches farmland, and you walk away, up a hill alongside a woodland. You can then either retrace your steps, or continue around and down the comyn.

Just done a search and here (http://www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/reserves/leam-valley-lnr.htm) is more info on it.

[senatore]

Thanks for the info. Duck pond.

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Leach's Storm Petrel at Shustoke (flyover).

Caspian Gull still at Coton Lake.

Max.

[jeff]

Today:

Leach's Petrel - Draycote (10:00am)

[xFritzx]

I went to visit the Mac today and had a quick walk around Cannon Hill park after. not a bad place really, saw some pied/gray wagtail, the usual geese/ducks, and quite a lot of Song Thrush.

[senatore]

As well as the Leach's Storm Petrel a Black Necked Grebe and a Slavonian Grebe were reported at Draycote Water.I'm tempted to go myself !!!!!

Max.

[jeff]

As well as the Leach's Storm Petrel a Black Necked Grebe and a Slavonian Grebe were reported at Draycote Water.I'm tempted to go myself !!!!!

Max.

(L.S.Petrel, Slav, BN Grebe and Kittiwake at Draycote)

Only tempted?,With all the negative comments about Midland birding, i have thought just one unusual bird would have got you out!!!!

[Sedgley]

(L.S.Petrel, Slav, BN Grebe and Kittiwake at Draycote)

Only tempted?,With all the negative comments about Midland birding, i have thought just one unusual bird would have got you out!!!!

Very funny, made me laugh. o:)

[Duck_Pond]

Argh!!! Why is it whenever you're not ready with the camera, the perfect picture presents itself?

This morning, rather than going to the usual haunts (probably pop out later) I thought I'd fill the feeders, take the camera out into the garden, and see what arrived.

Piled up the trays and table first, and in seconds, the robins appeared. Got some nice shots. Then as I filled the sunflower seed feeders, a starling perched in the higher branches of the hedge, and again, I managed a decent(ish) pic.

Now, upon taking that shot I noticed that there was a hair on the sensor, or mirror, so off came the lens and I had a quick peer about inside. At that second, I hear a few bird calls, and I'm instantly surrounded by maybe half a dozen long-tailed tits. One right in front of me, acrobatically hanging off a rose bush.

Of course, as soon as I move, they do too. Typical.

Retreating to my house, I then saw: robins, dunnocks, sparrows, blue and great tits, a coal tit, green finches, pigeons, starlings, magpies, blackbirds, chaffinches, 3 squirrels and 2 bullfinches. All in the space of maybe 10 mins.

Add the fox that I saw nextdoor, this morning, and it's been quite a day so far! :)

Just hoping the rain will blow over so I can go out, to the usual haunts, of course!

[senatore]

OK Jeff point taken but it's nice to have a moan occasionally.I did'nt go to Draycote but went down to Marsh Lane and my god was it cold(another moan!!!!!).I just missed a Peregrine taking a Moorhen but a Water Rail landed in front of the car park hide but was too quick for me to get a decent pic.

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Caspian Gull and Yellow Legged Gull at Dostill Lake.

Bittern at Napton Reservoir.

Caspian Gull at Stubbers Green.

Leach's Storm Petrel at Redditch.

Med. Gull at Bartley Reservoir.

Max.

[senatore]

The Caspian Gull was seen at Stubbers Green again yesterday.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

Yellow Legged Gull at Dustall Park Racecourse.

Caspian Gull at Stubbers Green.

Hen Harrier at Dostill Lake.

1000+ Golden Plovers in the Wiggins Hill area.

Max.

[paul goode]

Reported yesterday :-

Hen Harrier at Dostill Lake.


Max.

I believe the Harrier's a male. I hope it stays till the weekend because that will be a very nice bird to see on my local patch!

Paul

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

20 Waxwings in Bromsgrove by Morrisons and the A38 (? first in our area this year).

Siberian Chiffchaff at the Kempsey sewage works.

Max.

[Pam_m]

Reported yesterday :-

20 Waxwings in Bromsgrove by Morrisons and the A38 (? first in our area this year).
Siberian Chiffchaff at the Kempsey sewage works.

Max.


Went past Morrisons on Sunday :-C Thanks for the info Max :t:

Great that the waxwings have arrived locally!!

[KayD]

Anyone know if the Waxwings are still about in Bromsgrove? Also I was wondering if they ever venture into brum in the winter and where would be good to look out for them?

No birding for me for nearly 2 weeks now, the party season and bad weather have come in the way. Hope to get out on sat or sun for some birding.

Thanks to Max for keeping us abreast of developments. Your efforts are appreciated Max and don't worry we all get disheartened now and again ;)

[Reader]

Anyone know if the Waxwings are still about in Bromsgrove? Also I was wondering if they ever venture into brum in the winter and where would be good to look out for them?

No birding for me for nearly 2 weeks now, the party season and bad weather have come in the way. Hope to get out on sat or sun for some birding.

Thanks to Max for keeping us abreast of developments. Your efforts are appreciated Max and don't worry we all get disheartened now and again ;)

Not there today i'm afraid.

John

[senatore]

The only place I've seen Waxwings and it was a couple of years ago was in the Coleshill business park near the BMW building.Do they return to regular spots when they arrive in the UK?

Reported yesterday :-

A Black Redstart at Lower Smiths Farm in Droitwich.

4 Yellow Legged Gulls,a Hen Harrier,a Peregrine and 2 Chiffchaffs in the Dostill Lake area.

Max.

[Reader]

The only place I've seen Waxwings and it was a couple of years ago was in the Coleshill business park near the BMW building.Do they return to regular spots when they arrive in the UK?

Max.

They have no real regular haunts as they are an irruptive species. That only occurs if their berry crop fails abroad then they come over and feed up on our Rowans etc.

Supermarket car parks seemed to a favourite spot though but I have seen them in many strange places.

last year there were nearly 600 in the Clifton Road area of Sparkbrook, now how strange a place can you get than that.

John

[senatore]

reported yesterday in our area :-

Caspian Gull at Stubbers Green.

Med. Gull and Caspian Gull at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Max.

[KayD]

They have no real regular haunts as they are an irruptive species. That only occurs if their berry crop fails abroad then they come over and feed up on our Rowans etc.

Supermarket car parks seemed to a favourite spot though but I have seen them in many strange places.

last year there were nearly 600 in the Clifton Road area of Sparkbrook, now how strange a place can you get than that.

John

I guess its just a case of waiting and hoping then, and maybe hanging round in supermarket carparks :)

I've heard they sometimes turn up in town centres and are quite tame. I wished I'd known that they turned up in Sparkbrook, thats just down the road from me!

Is it likely that if they turn up they'll stay in the same place for a few days or will they move on quickly?

kstar

[jeff]

I guess its just a case of waiting and hoping then, and maybe hanging round in supermarket carparks :)

I've heard they sometimes turn up in town centres and are quite tame. I wished I'd known that they turned up in Sparkbrook, thats just down the road from me!

Is it likely that if they turn up they'll stay in the same place for a few days or will they move on quickly?

kstar

All depends, the ones at hams hall a couple of years back stayed for weeks, sometimes they stop for a day, sometimes two, best bet is when you hear of any, go quick and have a look, especially if it's a quite year for waxwings :)

[senatore]

The Black Redstart was reported yesterday to be still at Lower Smite Farm near Droitwich.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Black Redstart still at Droitwich.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Kempsey SW.

Caspian Gull,Med. Gull and 3 Yellow Legged Gulls at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Max.

[Pam_m]

Had an hour at Upton Warren this morning, very quiet at the Flashes! A few Gulls, Coots and Moorhens and about 20 Magpies in the trees!! Very quiet indeed!!

The feeding station faired better, Bullfinch,Greenfinch and Chaffinch but then only pairs. Plenty of Blue and Great Tits,a Robin and a few Dunnocks and a G S Woodpecker.

[KayD]

All depends, the ones at hams hall a couple of years back stayed for weeks, sometimes they stop for a day, sometimes two, best bet is when you hear of any, go quick and have a look, especially if it's a quite year for waxwings :)

Thanks Jeff, hope we do get some local sightings.

[KayD]

Had an hour at Upton Warren this morning, very quiet at the Flashes! A few Gulls, Coots and Moorhens and about 20 Magpies in the trees!! Very quiet indeed!!

The feeding station faired better, Bullfinch,Greenfinch and Chaffinch but then only pairs. Plenty of Blue and Great Tits,a Robin and a few Dunnocks and a G S Woodpecker.

Went this afternoon for a couple of hours. The flashes and moor pool were very quiet in tems of ducks, gulls etc, but loads of other activity was observed. Bullfinches, dunnocks, greenfinch, reed buntings plus the usual tits etc visiting feeding stations and a GS Woody on the nut feeder. 2 buzzards and redwing & fieldfare flocks spotted from flashes hide.

At Moors Pool there were the reliably showy water rails (at one stage fighting each other) and a perched Kingfisher viewed from the hide, along with little grebe. 38 sightings on my list today, not bad for a winters day in the midlands :bounce:

My partner also saw a Green woodpecker, but I missed it and It said in the hide log that a Shelduck and curlews had also been seen there today and that a Bittern was last sighted a few days ago.

[wolfbirder]

Went to Cuckoo Bank, near Chasewater by Heath Hayes this afternoon, no SE Owls disapointingly - they have shown superbly here in previous winters. All I saw was 250 Golden Plovers, 30 Grey Partridge and 100 plus Fieldfares.

[Sedgley]

Went to Cuckoo Bank, near Chasewater by Heath Hayes this afternoon, no SE Owls disapointingly - they have shown superbly here in previous winters. All I saw was 250 Golden Plovers, 30 Grey Partridge and 100 plus Fieldfares.

You lucky man! I went there yesterday specifically to see grey partridges and didn't see one. I am jealous! Where were they? On the top fields?

Did see snow bunting and great northern diver at Chasewater though so not exactly a waste of time!

[senatore]

Good reports everyone.30 Grey Partidges at Cuckoo Bank is very impressive.I saw one last year at Marsh Lane and the other birders there considered it a bit of a variety.

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Med Gull at Bartley Res.

Gt.Northern Diver at Draycote Water.

Gt.White Egret and Scandinavian Chiffchaff at Salford Priors.

Siberian and Northern Chiffchaff at Kempsey SW.

Med. Gull at Coton Lakes.

Black Redstart at at Lower Smite Farm,Droitwich.

Garganey at Lower Bittell Res.

Today:-

Green Sandpiper at Kingsbury Water Park.

Max.

[KayD]

Went to Cuckoo Bank, near Chasewater by Heath Hayes this afternoon, no SE Owls disapointingly - they have shown superbly here in previous winters. All I saw was 250 Golden Plovers, 30 Grey Partridge and 100 plus Fieldfares.

Could anyone provide information on Cuckoo Bank please? Sounds good for possibly sighting SE Owl, Snow Bunting and Grey Partridge (which are missing on my year list with not much time left!). Parking info, footpaths and spotting tips would be useful.

Thanks in advance :)

Also I have found this Worcester sightings link very good:

http://www.worcesterbirding.co.uk/4.html

Its updated daily. Not W Mids, strictly speaking, but some sites like Upton Warren and Upper & Lower Bittel very handy for South Brum.

[Sedgley]

http://www.chasewater.org.uk/

Try this web site, it's very good. Actually it's brilliant.

[senatore]

Lots reported yesterday in our area :-

2 Siberian Chiffchaffs at Kempsey SW.

Common Scoter at Trimpley Res.

Garganey at Lower Bittell Res.

Glaucus,Med. and Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Res.

Gt.Northern Diver at Draycote Water.

Black-tailed Godwit and Willow Tit at Kingsbury Water Park.

Today:-

Bewicks Swan at Belvide.

Max.

[KayD]

http://www.chasewater.org.uk/

Try this web site, it's very good. Actually it's brilliant.

Thank you Sedgley - Great website. I'm trying to get my other half to take me there at the weekend. I don't drive so I'm being nice to him!

[KayD]

Apparently a Black Redstart was spotted in Brum today (on Birdguides map) anyone know where the bird was spotted and if it was male or female?

[Sedgley]

Thank you Sedgley - Great website. I'm trying to get my other half to take me there at the weekend. I don't drive so I'm being nice to him!

Hello kstar, you're welcome. If you get there you will definitely enjoy the experience. And if you see those (for me) very elusive grey partridges then let me know where you see them. ;)

[gareth_blockley]

Apparently a Black Redstart was spotted in Brum today (on Birdguides map) anyone know where the bird was spotted and if it was male or female?


Taken from - http://www.birdcallonline.com/birdnews.aspx

WEST MIDLANDS:- Birmingham male Black Redstart singing in Brunel Street c/pk 12.20pm.

Hope this helps, it would be a nice bird to catch up with

[KayD]

Taken from - http://www.birdcallonline.com/birdnews.aspx

WEST MIDLANDS:- Birmingham male Black Redstart singing in Brunel Street c/pk 12.20pm.

Hope this helps, it would be a nice bird to catch up with

Thanks Gareth :)

Great to hear of an over-wintering Black Redstart in the city. It's unusual to hear them singing this time of year I believe. Maybe he's stuck around due to the mild weather. They do breed in Brum, but I've not seen one yet, heard them a few times though I think.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

Green Sandpiper at Seeswood pool.

Gt. Northern diver and peregrine at Draycote Water.

Garganey at Lower Bittell Res.

Back Redstart at Brunel St. Car park in B'ham(see above).

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

Today I saw redwings, teal, tufted ducks, a heron, long-tailed tits, various gulls, a cormorant plus the usual wildfowl at Lower Bittell.

At Earlswood I saw mist. Couldn't even see the water! Typical. I get some time off, and the elements conspire to make photography impossible.

[xFritzx]

had a look for that black redstart earlier todey. thanks to heavy traffic i couldnt hear a bloody thing! went on to sandwell valley which was quite pleasant even though it was pretty foggy. highlight of the day were 7 goosanders.

[senatore]

Today I saw redwings, teal, tufted ducks, a heron, long-tailed tits, various gulls, a cormorant plus the usual wildfowl at Lower Bittell.

At Earlswood I saw mist. Couldn't even see the water! Typical. I get some time off, and the elements conspire to make photography impossible.
Hi Duckpond,
I sometimes pop along to Earlswood Lakes but never see much there which is dissapointing considering it is a large expanse of water.Do you know if anything good is ever spotted there?

Max.

[jeff]

Hi Duckpond,
I sometimes pop along to Earlswood Lakes but never see much there which is dissapointing considering it is a large expanse of water.Do you know if anything good is ever spotted there?

Max.

Arctic Tern, Red Rumped Swallow, Black Tern, Hobby, Peregrine, Wood Warbler......... the list goes on.


Join Warwickbirds (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/warwickbirds/join) have a search through the archives for Earlswood Lakes.

[Duck_Pond]

I popped down to Upton Warren today, and despite the mist, managed to see a bittern, some water rail and the kingfisher. Just trying to clear up the photos of them now to add to my gallery...

Thanks to a fellow twitcher, I got to hear a Cetti's Warbler, but not see it.

There were also cormorant, redwings, blue / great / long-tailed tits, dunnocks, wrens, robins, a pheasant, coots, moorhens, mallards, pochards, tufted ducks and lots and lots of mist!


As for Earlswood, in my experience I have seen: gc grebes, gulls (a variety), pied wagtails, herons, buzzards, gs woodpeckers, tree creepers, nuthatches, mallards, moorhens, coots, cormorants, wrens, robins, blue / great / longtailed tits, canada geese, kestrels, sparrow hawks, various finches...

It's good, away from weekends with all the blasted dog-walkers, as there is a decent amount of woodland around the lakes, especially Terry's Pool, at the back. And there's a proper wood nearby too, which is good to explore, though again, during the week, as it's very popular with families etc.

[KayD]

I popped down to Upton Warren today, and despite the mist, managed to see a bittern, some water rail and the kingfisher. Just trying to clear up the photos of them now to add to my gallery...

Thanks to a fellow twitcher, I got to hear a Cetti's Warbler, but not see it.

There were also cormorant, redwings, blue / great / long-tailed tits, dunnocks, wrens, robins, a pheasant, coots, moorhens, mallards, pochards, tufted ducks and lots and lots of mist!


As for Earlswood, in my experience I have seen: gc grebes, gulls (a variety), pied wagtails, herons, buzzards, gs woodpeckers, tree creepers, nuthatches, mallards, moorhens, coots, cormorants, wrens, robins, blue / great / longtailed tits, canada geese, kestrels, sparrow hawks, various finches...

It's good, away from weekends with all the blasted dog-walkers, as there is a decent amount of woodland around the lakes, especially Terry's Pool, at the back. And there's a proper wood nearby too, which is good to explore, though again, during the week, as it's very popular with families etc.

Congrats on the Bittern Duckpond! Please post a piccy of it on here if you can. Out of interest what hide did you see it from, was it showing well?

I've really enjoyed watching the water rails there, stunning views from the hides. Have heard Cetti's there also (also pointed out by another birder) but not spotted yet.

[wolfbirder]

Regards Cuckoo Bank - the map on that website is accurate but you still need to refer to an A-Z I would suggest (or any other detailed map) as I find Cannock area very hard to navigate and I quickly get lost.

There are a few access points but none are clearly marked even when you are there. Its a large area to walk but I park on the grass verge by the road just north of the traffic island below point 31 on the map. All it is is a pull over on grass, but the kerb is dropped for just long enough to drive your car up onto the grass. Walk ten yards back along the road and there is an obvious footpath between the fence to take. Follow this straight hedgelined footpath for a couple of hundred yards, then follow the path to the leftish (not right that takes you away). You come to top fields, but its all wet underfoot. A bleak, cold area, just try to get yourself up onto the elevated bank area to get a panoramic field of view. There is a tall mast presumably for transmission purposes - I stand about 100 yards up from this and scan the fields. Thats where I saw the grey partridges in 2 flocks (which may have been the same flock twice come to think of it, so maybe there was only about fifteen). They are quite mobile and melt into the ground when flushed.

Overall its a difficlut area to birdwatch, with very few access points with very few parking places obvioulsy available nearby. If you find my spot on the map its as good as any, but if you have a nice posh motor you may not fancy leaving it on a gras verge.

[wolfbirder]

Addenda - map of Cuckoo Bank is on www.chasewater.org.uk/

[senatore]

Arctic Tern, Red Rumped Swallow, Black Tern, Hobby, Peregrine, Wood Warbler......... the list goes on.


Join Warwickbirds (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/warwickbirds/join) have a search through the archives for Earlswood Lakes.
Thanks Jeff,
I will have to go more often.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area :-

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

2 Chiffchaff plus a Siberian and a Scandinavian Chiffchaff at Kempsey SW.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

Gargany at Lower Bittell Res.

Siberian Chiffchaff at Kempsey SW.

3 Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Res.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

k_star - we saw it from the Moors Pool hide on the main road side (the elevated one). The pic is attached (also in my gallery).

I was actually about to leave, but spotted a large brown wing out of the corner of my eye, and then with the help of the other chap, we located it.

[senatore]

Nice pic. Duckpond.

Reported yesterday in our area:-

2 Chiffchaff + Siberian Chiffchaff at Kempsey SW.

Caspian Gull and Yellow Legged Gull at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Glaucus Gull and 3 Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Res.

9 Goosander at Lower Bittell Res.

Max.

[The Barn Owl]

Spent a good 90 mins (ish) at Draycote yesterday

Highlights were:
Great Northern Diver (some good pics of it by Steve Seal somewhere on Surfbirds)
12 Goosander (5 male, 7 female)
Just one Little Grebe
Grey Wagtail

Sam

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

Glaucus Gull seen again at Bartley Res.

Gt. Northern Diver(see above) and Yellow Legged Gull at Draycote Water.

The Chiffchaffs incl. Siberian and Scandinavian still at Kempsey SW.Chiffchaffs also seen at Lower Moor SW.

Garganey seen again at Lower Bittell Res.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

Spotted a turkey yesterday... and today ;)

[gareth_blockley]

Draycote water:
Great northern diver (1 poss. 2), Great skua (last two days), Caspian gull (3 adults), Yellow-legged gull (5 adults), Little gull (1 juv).

[senatore]

Seen in our area yesterday :-

For Draycote Water see Gareth's post above.

Y/L Gull ,2 Little Egrets and Goosander at Westwood Pool.

Black Redstart at Holt Grange.

2 Siberian Chiffchaff at Kempsey SW.

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

3 Mandarin Ducks at Spechley Park.

15 Lesser Redpolls,3 Siskins and a Willow Tit at Packhorse Bridge in Hampton in Arden.

Jack Snipe at Clifton Pits.

Max.

[PAULBOY]

Great Skua + 1 GN Diver still at Draycote today. 2 Bewick Swans also off Draycote Bank

[wolfbirder]

Anyone else been to Kempsey for the Siberian Chiffchaffs? Over past few days 3 nominate, 2 Siberian and a scandinavian chiffcahff have been reported from there. 2 of the nominates and one Siberian have been ringed three days ago.

I went today, saw 3 birds, I think 2 were Siberian Chiffchaffs but not totally sure. They were unringed and looked right plummage wise. A 3rd bird had 4 colour rings on its legs - pink and blue on the left leg, silver and orange on the right leg. Anyone else see this bird? Can you confirm sub-species of this bird? I think it was nominate as it looked slightly more greenish.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area:-

For Draycote Water see Paulboy post above.

For Kempsey SW see Wolfbirder post above.

Dark Bellied Brent Goose seen in Hockley Heath.

Black Redstart at Holt Grange.

2 Little Egrets (flyover) at Kingsbury Water Park.

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

Great Skua,Great Northern Diver,2 Med. Gulls,3 Caspian Gulls and 7 Yellow Legged Gulls at Draycote Water.

Black Redstart at Holt Grange.

Smew at Stubbers Green.

Glaucus Gull and 2 Yellow Legged Gulls at Bartley Res..

The Chiffchaffs still at Kempsey SW.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

I spotted 2 water rails at Upton Warren today... they both appeared as the monsoon moved in, and it became too dark to take photographic evidence of them!

Apparently there are several goosanders there too. I didn't see them though. The kingfisher was busy though, and there were a few fieldfares and redwings about.

Got some good views of the goldeneye up at Brandon Marsh earlier, when it was a little drier!

[Duck_Pond]

Steve Seal (I keep an eye on his Fotopic site) has photographed a Snow Bunting at Chasewater. I hope he doesn't mind me mentioning his latest success :)

[senatore]

As the monsoon abated for a while I popped down to Marsh Lane for a couple of hours on Saturday morning.The following birds were there in varying numbers:-

Blach Headed Gulls,Common Gulls,Lesser BB Gulls,Cormorants(66),Mallards,Tufted Ducks,Pochards,Gadwalls,Shovellers,Wigeons,Teal,Sh ellducks,Greylag Geese,Canada Geese,Mute Swans,a Great Spotted Woodpecker,Bluetits,Great Tits,Chaffinches,Dunnocks,House Sparrows,Greenfiches,a Goldcrest,a Common Snipe,Lapwings,Fieldfares,Redwings,Crows,Rooks,Jac kdaws,Magpies,Blackbirds,a Song Thrush,Starlings and Pheasants.Two Ravens flew over and the Peregrine Falcon thats been visiting regularly flew across the front of the Railway hide.

Reported yesterday elsewhere in our area:-

Smew at Stubbers Green.

The Great Skua and the Great Northern Divers still ar Draycote Water.

7 Bewick Swans at Bredons Hardwick.

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

The Great Skua and the Great Northern Divers still at Dracote Water.

The Black Redstart still at Holt Grange.

Cetti's Warbler and Little Gull at Napton Reservoir.

2 Bitterns at Upton Warren.

Max.

[KayD]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!

Liked your picture of the Bittern Duckpond :)

Well I finally got a glimpse of a Bittern through somebody else's (better) scope than ours, at Upton Warren on NYE. It was well hidden in the reeds though and I could only see two inches of its back so it just dipped out on my year list :( Oh well at least I cracked the bogey so hopefully a satisfactory sighting soon.

Apart from this the usual suspects at UW Moors Pool were; reed bunting, chaffinch, bullfinch, dunnock, fieldfare, pheasants, little & gc grebe, pochard, grey heron, cormorant, LBB & BH Gull and a sparrowhawk.

[Duck_Pond]

I was there for a while on NYE, shivering in the smaller hide, the one with the corregated roof. Trying to get a photo of the blasted water rail... and only managing to see it, and photograph it, after the clouds had rolled in and I'd had to whack up the ISO setting. So mission still not accomplished on that bird. Ah well, I'll try my luck with another bird I think - one less troublesome.

I did see the kingfisher though, but even that refused to play ball, and only chose to land on the reeds either side of the hide, making the task of photo'ing it, rather hard.

Typically, today as I'm sitting at work, the sun is shining, and the water rail is probably dancing along the grass infront of the hide, doing the can-can...

[KayD]

I was there for a while on NYE, shivering in the smaller hide, the one with the corregated roof. Trying to get a photo of the blasted water rail... and only managing to see it, and photograph it, after the clouds had rolled in and I'd had to whack up the ISO setting. So mission still not accomplished on that bird. Ah well, I'll try my luck with another bird I think - one less troublesome.

I did see the kingfisher though, but even that refused to play ball, and only chose to land on the reeds either side of the hide, making the task of photo'ing it, rather hard.

Typically, today as I'm sitting at work, the sun is shining, and the water rail is probably dancing along the grass infront of the hide, doing the can-can...

The weather did turn quite horrendous on NYE and we got stuck in the hide over the other side in the storm, it was swaying in the wind and the rain was beating down really hard on the roof. Not the way I'd choose to end my year of birding (saw a w rail briefly from that side).

Stick with the water rails DP, they have been really showy, especially from that hide, you've just been unlucky with the weather and they come really close to that hide. Sometimes its sods law with birding, apparently just before we arrived on NYE both Bitterns had shown and one had walked (or even can-caned along the fence!)

[Duck_Pond]

Oh I saw it, several times. It scoots along at a right pace too - swims quickly too. There were 2 of them visible at the point just as the heavens had opened. Too dark to take a photo though, and they'd have been blurred anyway.

I think my next aim will be to see an owl in the wild. I've seen one once, years ago fly across the road in front of my car as I was driving, and there used to be a pair of little owls at the business park near Warwick, where I used to work. I hear there is a barn owl at Napton, so when the evenings are a little bit lighter, I'll take a diversion over that way in the way home from the office.

[senatore]

Reported in the last couple of days in our area:-

Kittiwake at Marsh Lane.

Med. Gull,Gt. Skua and 2 Gt. N. Divers at Draycote Water.

2 Bitterns and 2 Cettis Warblers at Upton Warren.

Med. Gull at Napton Res.

Knot at Kingsbury Water Park.

Garganey at Lower Bittell Res.

Mandarin Duck at Smestow Valley LNR

Max.

[xFritzx]

I counted 21 species at Edgbaston Reservoir today, my alltime best! too bad they are all very easy birds, but not a bad start to the year list

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

Gt. Skua still at Draycote Water.

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

6 Yellow Legged Gulls at Westwood Pool.

Max.

[xFritzx]

At Edgbaston reservoir today- 5 Cormorant, Large flocks of Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Chaffinch, 2 GS Woodpeckers, Nuthatch (my first!), Goldcrest (ditto), Pied and Gray Wagtail and the usual Gulls and fowl. that is a very good day for the site!

[senatore]

Reported yesterday :-

The Gt. N/Divers and the Gt. Skua still at Draycote Water.

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

2 Bitterns at Upton Warren.

Max.

[Mary]

Does anyone know where the unofficial Brandon website has gone, please?

[d.steeley]

Hi Mary, it's still where it always has been for me, although the site has been redesigned. I have it on my favourites list. The address is http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=16

Dave

[senatore]

I planned to go out birding this morning but yet again it's wet and dull.Since I love to take birding pics and it would be too dull to take a remotely decent pic. I've abandonned the trip.We certainly have had a bad run of crappy weather in our area.

Reported yesterday in our area :-

The Great Skua and the Great Northern divers are still at Draycote Water.

Whooper Swan at Upton on Severn.

Glaucus and Icelandic Gulls at Bartley Res.

Med. Gull at Bredons Hardwick.

Max.

[Mary]

Hi Mary, it's still where it always has been for me, although the site has been redesigned. I have it on my favourites list. The address is http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=16

Dave
Thanks,Dave. I was getting 'page not found'.

[senatore]

Seen yesterday :-

Gt.Skua,Gt. Northern Diver,Icelandic Gull,Med. Gull and Yellow Legged Gull at Draycote Water.

Whooper Swan at Upton upon Severn.

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

Med. Gull at Bredons Hardwick.

Garganey at Lower Bittell Res.

Bittern at Upton Warren.

Caspian Gull at Coton Lake.

Knot at Kingsbury Water Park.

Max.

[jeff]

Thanks,Dave. I was getting 'page not found'.

Yep, bit of a change some pages may have moved but should all be accessible from the home page:

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk

Cheers

Jeff

[Duck_Pond]

Ironically I'm not the best at identifying water birds, but I've got a photo from Lower Bittell yesterday (in the gloom and rain) that suggests the goosanders have arrived there. I've attached a pic to let you decide for yourselves!

[jeff]

Ironically I'm not the best at identifying water birds, but I've got a photo from Lower Bittell yesterday (in the gloom and rain) that suggests the goosanders have arrived there. I've attached a pic to let you decide for yourselves!

They look like goosanders to me.

[xFritzx]

Ditto. Couldnt think of what else they could be.

[Duck_Pond]

Yep, they're definitely goosanders - popped up there at lunchtime yesterday and got quite a good look at one, as it was fishing closer to the road. There seems to be a fair few of them there too. Maybe a dozen or more.

I also met a couple who own / run the lakes; apparently they're so low in water levels because one of the valves controlling the water has broken and they're waiting for British Waterways to repair it.

[charliehilken]

The numbers of goosanders at Sandwell Valley fluctuate wildly. A guy there told me he had counted 33 one day, but when we went just before Xmas there was just one pair. Fishermen complain about them! Maybe they fish a pond out and move on?? Charlie.

[senatore]

Yep, bit of a change some pages may have moved but should all be accessible from the home page:

http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk

Cheers

Jeff
Jeff,
I would like to go to Brandon soon but friends have told me it's waterlogged in some parts.Which hides are hard to get to now or are they all clear ?

Max.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area :-

The Chiffchaffs previously reported at the Kempsey SW are still there.

Knot still at the Kingsbury Water Park.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

I always go in wellies when going to Brandon Marsh now, as the Steetley (West Marsh) and River Pool Hides are always a bit on the "moist" side to get to! :)

After last night's rain though, you might need waders!

[PAULBOY]

I always go in wellies when going to Brandon Marsh now, as the Steetley (West Marsh) and River Pool Hides are always a bit on the "moist" side to get to! :)

After last night's rain though, you might need waders!

I was there yesterday and all the hides were accessible - although the path to River Pool hide was very muddy and ended up looking as though it was impassable. I kept going, and the water came to 2" from the top of my wellies so I made the hide in the end.

I was also there on Tuesday and the path to East Marsh Pool hide was flooded at 0930. By 1130 however I was able to make the Baldwin hide - the water level seems to drop very quickly [although the converse is true of course]. Wellies are essential this time of year.

[gareth_blockley]

Brandon is always quite wet in places so even in the summer its best to wear decent boots if not wellies. A couple of months ago the paths to the hides were all flooded but i tried to go anyway and the water came over the top of my boots, at this point i just thought what the hell i'm wet anyway and just waded through! The water came up to my waist - and it was hardly worth it as i didn't see any more birds!

[senatore]

Thanks for the info on the Brandon floods.I think I'll wait for a dry spell (if one ever comes).

Reported in our area yesterday :-

Gt. N/Diver,Gt. Skua,2 Med. gulls,and a Marsh Harrier over at Draycote Water.

Slavonian Grebe at Tardebigge Res.

Knot at Kingsbury Water Park.

Bittern at Upton Warren.

Iceland Gull at Bartley Res.

Glaucus Gull at Frankley Res.

Max.

[jeff]

Brandon is always quite wet in places so even in the summer its best to wear decent boots if not wellies. A couple of months ago the paths to the hides were all flooded but i tried to go anyway and the water came over the top of my boots, at this point i just thought what the hell i'm wet anyway and just waded through! The water came up to my waist - and it was hardly worth it as i didn't see any more birds!

Was there on Friday and did Carlton, Eash Marsh, Baldwin and Wright hides as well as Newlands, New Hare Covert and Grebe Pool wearing canvas trainers, some of the paths were slightly muddy but the water had gone from the paths and i got round quite easily without getting to muddy.

The Onxy trail is always passable (well i've never seen it flooded yet!) so you can see East Marsh Pool from Wright hide, Swallow Pool, Grebe Pool, Newlands, New Hare Covert, Goose Pool all safe in the knowledge your feet will stay dry :)

You could probably do Old hare covert, the woods leading to West Marsh and Steetley hide without getting to muddy as a gravel paths have been layed through here.

River hide is usually the first to get it as it's in a dip and the pool is linked to the River, if it floods further still then East Marsh, Carlton and Baldwin hide can become inaccessible doesn't happen very often, the water level drops very rapidly once the rain stops.

[KayD]

Hi All

I'm sure I heard a Black Redstart singing this morning at about 8.40am as I walked down the high st in Brum past Boots. Sounded like it was on one of the roof tops. Anyone know of any more sightings in town since the one at the car park the other week? Getting very excited!

Kstar

[senatore]

The sun came out yesterday so I popped down to Marsh Lane which is my nearest local patch.Nearly all the Gulls,Geese and Ducks had flown off to the flooded fields near the Hampton in Arden bridge so there was little to see.Also the wind got up and when you opened the windows in some of the hides the blast of cold air that came in nearly took your head off.Not one of the better birding days but it was good to get out.

Seen by others recently in our area :-

Glaucus Gull at Bartley Res.

Garganey at Lower bittell Res.

Red Necked Grebe at Kingsbury Water Park.

White Fronted Goose at Whitacre Heath.

2 Siberian Chiffchaffs at Kempsey SW.

Gt.N/Diver at Draycote Water.

Bittern at Upton Warren.

Max.

[Duck_Pond]

Looks like this weekend might actually remain dry! *crosses fingers*

I want to try to get a decent shot of the goosanders at Bittell - hopefully the lakes will start to fill up again soon, if BWW sort the valve out.

[senatore]

Reported yesterday in our area :-

Iceland and 4 Yellow Yellow Legged Gulls at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes.

Yellow Legged Gull and 8 Goosanders at Bartley Res.

Max.

[KayD]

Hi Guys,

had fantastic views of a Bittern at Upton Warren this afternoon - now officially on my list! B (: Other birds on moors pools similar to previous visits, the other highlight was a kingfisher.

Spent the last hour or so of daylight at the flashes, c200 Lapwings, 30 Curlews, 3 Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. A Buzzard sighted in a tree.

Hope everyone else had a good day :)

Kstar

[Reader]

White Fronted Goose at Whitacre Heath.

Max.

It has now been confirmed as a Greenland White Fronted. A first for Warwickshire I think.

John

[Reader]

I decided to drop over to Summer Leys NR (Northants) to see if I could
photograph some Tree Sparrows today. The weather was absolutely
horrendous. Black cloud, windy, everything against doing any sort of
photography. I got to talking to the locals and the numbers there are
down by appoximately 75%.

That got me thinking that I hadn't seen any in Warwickshire of late.
Anyway on my way home I had to call into Blooms Garden centre (near
the end of the M45) to get some Koi fish food and some food for my
aquarium. I struck out on some of the food so decided to cut across
country to Church Lawford to go to the Aquarist that is in the Wyvale
garden Centre.

On my way I took a back road that went through a farm (possibly
Rookery Hall) and as I approached the farm a fair number of Finches
took to the air. I parked up by the side of the farm and watched
where they had flown from (hay that had been churned up by tractor
wheels). Soon the Finches came back (about 60 of them). I scanned to
see if any Brambling where amongst them (there weren't any) when all
of a sudden a flock of about 30-40 Tree Sparrows descended down and
landed amongst them. It seemed to spook all the birds as they all
took off.

I sat there for nearly an hour and whilst Tree Sparrows were coming
back down there it was never more than about ten at a time.

I have to admit that this is the largest flock I have seen in Warks
for quite some time.

The O/S co-ordinates are: SP.439.745
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=443950&y=274550&z=3&sv=443950,274550&st=4&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&dn=894&ax=443950&ay=274550

Is this a known flock by any of you guys out there?

John

[Joe Ray]

For those of you who live in Coventry, where any of you in Devon on Friday? I met a gentleman at Exminster Marshes who said he lived in Coventry, and was down for the day. If so - please let me know, nice meeting you!

[jeff]

It has now been confirmed as a Greenland White Fronted. A first for Warwickshire I think.

John

Yep, two other local records, both at Blithfield (1950 and 1970).

Jeff

[Reader]

Yep, two other local records, both at Blithfield (1950 and 1970).

Jeff

I will more than likely go for it tomorrow morning Jeff. How far away from the road is it? I was wondering in case of a photo opportunity.

John

[jeff]

I will more than likely go for it tomorrow morning Jeff. How far away from the road is it? I was wondering in case of a photo opportunity.

John

John,

It was in the middle of a field, i think digiscoping would have produced a few nice pics, but unless you had a really long lense then not too much of a chance.

Jeff

[Reader]

John,

It was in the middle of a field, i think digiscoping would have produced a few nice pics, but unless you had a really long lense then not too much of a chance.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff

My DSLR is a 100-400 IS USM combined with a 1.4 teleconverter. Somehow that doesn't sound long enough. Hopefully the day will be as good as it has been forecasted to be. If it is then I may get a digiscoped shot of it.

John

[senatore]

Popped down to Marsh Lane early this morning and allthough there was nothing special on the lakes I was lucky enough to see the Peregrine Falcon twice as it flew across the front of the Car Park hide.I failed to see the Drake Pintail that was there yesterday.

Reported yesterday in our area :-

The Greenland White Fronted Goose was seen at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes and at Whitacre Heath (see above posts).

Kittiwake at Arrow Valley Lakes.

L/S Woodpecker at Whitacre Heath.

Bittern at Upton Warren.

Caspian,Med. and Y/L Gulls at Draycote Water.

Iceland Gull at Bartley Res.

Max.

[dan pointon]

The Greenland White Fronted Goose was seen at Lea Marston and Coton Lakes and at Whitacre Heath (see above posts).


Indeed this bird was showing well yesterday, not too far from the road. It was very wary, and always had one eye on us standing on the road nearby.
A real rarity within the WMBC recording area, it was the first individual of the greenland race I had seen in the UK! See pic attached:

[Reader]

Indeed this bird was showing well yesterday, not too far from the road. It was very wary, and always had one eye on us standing on the road nearby.
A real rarity within the WMBC recording area, it was the first individual of the greenland race I had seen in the UK! See pic attached:

It's also a first for Warwickshire.

This morning it had moved near to the Whitacre Heath NR and could be viewed amongst about 30 Canada's and a Greylag from the railway bridge.

John

[xFritzx]

a nice clear morning today, makes a welcome change! quite a lot of activity at edgbaston reservoir, managed to see some brambling (or is it bramblings?) and the resident nuthatch.

[senatore]

It's also a first for Warwickshire.

This morning it had moved near to the Whitacre Heath NR and could be viewed amongst about 30 Canada's and a Greylag from the railway bridge.

John
Nice pics John.

Max.