upstarts1979
Well-known member
Hopefully Rich that will be sorted :t:john
-
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Upton Warren (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter andythomas
- Start date
Hopefully Rich that will be sorted :t:john
Upton-ultra
New member
This Day In History
Having birded at Upton for 30+ years, I have had some great moments, but also some really frustrating times; being outside the concrete-hide as a Roseate Tern floated past, enjoyed by the rest of the lads who remained inside; deciding to leave the Hen-Brook hide to relieve myself, only for the Bluethroat to decide to re-appear the moment I had left! and passing a couple outside the Cuckoo hide who, 2 minutes later, had a male Montagu's Harrier over their heads!
However, on the morning of 13th May 2000, the stars finally aligned themselves in my favour. Strolling through the Education Reserve, I was stopped in my tracks by a snatch of song that I couldn't quite believe. Indeed, despite calling JTB who was on the Flashes, just to float the ridiculous notion of what I had heard, I continued over to the Moors, hearing the snatch of song again on my way over. Sitting in the East Hide, I had a nagging feeling about that call so walked back down the Salwarpe on my way to Webbs for my breakfast. Again, a half-phrase of call, but surely it was just the couple of blackbirds that had been singing together, blending their fluty-songs just to wind me up? I stood around for 10 mins or so, but all was quiet and my stomach was rumbling, so off to Webbs I trundled.
One of the things I have learned over the years of birding, is to always trust and follow-up on your gut-reaction/first-instincts, when you first come across a sight or sound, and don't walk away from it until you have nailed the culprit! This realisation dawned on me as I was tucking into my breakfast and then the panic began to set in - what the hell was I doing eating brekkie when there was a major Upton-rarity across the road with my name on it!!?? I wolfed down the final sausage and literally sprinted out of Webbs straight back into the Eddy. Just as my heart-rate had levelled, I came across Roger Hill and was about to tell him what I thought I had heard earlier, when the moment happened.....a moment I had dreamt of and a moment that remains to this day, the most amazing birding-experience of my life......a glorious, full and fluty undulating call, of exquisite, almost otherworldly resonance, echoed through the tree-tops - Roger and I stared at one another, slack-jawed, and even still, I could not believe what I was hearing. This prompted what will go down as one of the greatest quotes in Upton folk-lore, as Roger uttered the immortal line - "If that's not a Golden Oriole, I'll chuck my bins in the lake!!" We tried desperately to locate the beauty and eventually, I had a 10 second flight-view of a magnificent, male Golden Oriole. My most favourite bird, found on my most favourite reserve, which happened to be my local-patch - birding does not get any better than that.
Having birded at Upton for 30+ years, I have had some great moments, but also some really frustrating times; being outside the concrete-hide as a Roseate Tern floated past, enjoyed by the rest of the lads who remained inside; deciding to leave the Hen-Brook hide to relieve myself, only for the Bluethroat to decide to re-appear the moment I had left! and passing a couple outside the Cuckoo hide who, 2 minutes later, had a male Montagu's Harrier over their heads!
However, on the morning of 13th May 2000, the stars finally aligned themselves in my favour. Strolling through the Education Reserve, I was stopped in my tracks by a snatch of song that I couldn't quite believe. Indeed, despite calling JTB who was on the Flashes, just to float the ridiculous notion of what I had heard, I continued over to the Moors, hearing the snatch of song again on my way over. Sitting in the East Hide, I had a nagging feeling about that call so walked back down the Salwarpe on my way to Webbs for my breakfast. Again, a half-phrase of call, but surely it was just the couple of blackbirds that had been singing together, blending their fluty-songs just to wind me up? I stood around for 10 mins or so, but all was quiet and my stomach was rumbling, so off to Webbs I trundled.
One of the things I have learned over the years of birding, is to always trust and follow-up on your gut-reaction/first-instincts, when you first come across a sight or sound, and don't walk away from it until you have nailed the culprit! This realisation dawned on me as I was tucking into my breakfast and then the panic began to set in - what the hell was I doing eating brekkie when there was a major Upton-rarity across the road with my name on it!!?? I wolfed down the final sausage and literally sprinted out of Webbs straight back into the Eddy. Just as my heart-rate had levelled, I came across Roger Hill and was about to tell him what I thought I had heard earlier, when the moment happened.....a moment I had dreamt of and a moment that remains to this day, the most amazing birding-experience of my life......a glorious, full and fluty undulating call, of exquisite, almost otherworldly resonance, echoed through the tree-tops - Roger and I stared at one another, slack-jawed, and even still, I could not believe what I was hearing. This prompted what will go down as one of the greatest quotes in Upton folk-lore, as Roger uttered the immortal line - "If that's not a Golden Oriole, I'll chuck my bins in the lake!!" We tried desperately to locate the beauty and eventually, I had a 10 second flight-view of a magnificent, male Golden Oriole. My most favourite bird, found on my most favourite reserve, which happened to be my local-patch - birding does not get any better than that.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Great recounting of a superb find UU.
I knew that the bird was there but too hungover from a night out on Broad Street to do anything about it.
I knew that the bird was there but too hungover from a night out on Broad Street to do anything about it.
upstarts1979
Well-known member
Great story (true) Paul...I remember the day well. It was a Saturday I had done an early session at the FLASHES before going to work. I remember the phone call from Paul who was in an excited state...but this is where it becomes blurred. I can't remember if we had mobiles in those days but I'm sure I remember hearing the GO down the phone. Maybe time has muddied my memory or did Paul use Roger's mobile. Suffice to say I spent a very frustrating day at work unable to concentrate on my job, just eager to get back to the Mecca. I msnaged to get off early and shot over to the Education Reserve. Luckily the crowd wasn't too big so we managed to organise a 'soft flush'. Even though the ER is not smamped in undergrowth this bird was making life unbearable as it "cat called " playing hide and seek with us. The crowd built up rapidly as we gathered on the open sandy patch behind the garage. Then! as if by magic there it was at the top of a silver birch:eek!: A split second later it was gone!! Never to be seen again. A great bird to have on my local patch and a great find by Paul, never to be forgotten. B
john
wheatearlp
Well-known member
I'd had a phone for about 2 weeks at that point!
Grahamjazz
Member
Breeding season
Are the reserve wardens patrolling Upton Warren?If they are is there any way of posting about nesting birds and chicks.Regards Grahamjazz
Are the reserve wardens patrolling Upton Warren?If they are is there any way of posting about nesting birds and chicks.Regards Grahamjazz
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
One of the ways of managing breeding birds is through the volume of visitors to the reserve so personally I would suggest it is unwise to publish any details at present.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Update from the Trust:
"By Saturday 30th May most of our nature reserves will have re-opened. Upton Warren, Lower Smite Farm and The Knapp and Papermill remain closed while we work out further practicalities to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, neighbours and visitors. The hides at Feckenham Wylde Moor also remain closed.
Please visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/coronavirus for more information. Thank you for your continued support and patience."
"By Saturday 30th May most of our nature reserves will have re-opened. Upton Warren, Lower Smite Farm and The Knapp and Papermill remain closed while we work out further practicalities to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, neighbours and visitors. The hides at Feckenham Wylde Moor also remain closed.
Please visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/coronavirus for more information. Thank you for your continued support and patience."
Rob Williams
Well-known member
Thought there were some visitors to Upton today. Two cars were parked lakeside of barriers when I went to work this morning. Can’t imagine they were going boating.
upstarts1979
Well-known member
Fishing, swimming from 7 to 9.
Rob Williams
Well-known member
Even though the whole centre is closed. Oh well nothing new.
upstarts1979
Well-known member
🛶⚓️ AZTEC ADVENTURE UPTON WARREN ARE OPENING on the 13/6/2020 FOR BOAT HIRE AND LAUNCH!! 🛶⚓️
To book: https://t.co/vL6wc9TXDt or to find out more: https://t.co/rekJPC3Fjw
Questions? Please contact the office on 01527 861426 or email: [email protected] https://t.co/FGZkbNQH66
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
It will be for Aztec to determine what is an appropriate type / level of activity to be undertaken at its premises, either directly or by hiring parties. Obviously most people on site it has a business relationship with; having a stream of birding trooping through the car park / site with whom it doesn't have a direct relationship is an added complication.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Brandon Marsh is managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust so it will be them to determine the required risk assessment in accordance with the relevant Covid-19 Secure guidance albeit I suspect there will be national guidance from the Wildlife Trust council.
Upton Warren has the three-fold issue of no circular walks (save for the North Moors) by which to mitigate opposing pedestrian flows, the problem of maintaining social distancing within hides (all WoWT remain closed although in all fairness Feckenham is the only other reserve with one) and of course no on-site management to oversee the above. Other than the hides there are limited viewpoints of the wetlands and these would (a) block paths and (b) potentially disturb breeding Schedule 1 species of one thinks about the geography of the Flashes.
Thanks Phil,
I was looking at Slimbridge, which has opened the hides, but thinking most of them have and entrance and an exit, so you can go one way!
On the Worcester site it says all sites are open except Upton, Lower Smite and the hides at Feckenham and Broadway.
I hope all the wardens are well and we will be birding there soon, if it is safe!
I was looking at Slimbridge, which has opened the hides, but thinking most of them have and entrance and an exit, so you can go one way!
On the Worcester site it says all sites are open except Upton, Lower Smite and the hides at Feckenham and Broadway.
I hope all the wardens are well and we will be birding there soon, if it is safe!
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Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Spring update
Unfortunately the reserve remains closed with no target date for reopening communicated yet by the Trust. As some of you may be aware the Trust have asked the two volunteer (unpaid) Reserve Managers - Paul Moseley and John Belsey - to keep an eye on the reserve since the commencement of lockdown. Their tasks have included monitoring the livestock for their welfare, deterring anti-social behaviour, undertaking breeding bird surveys, monitoring and adjusting the water level as appropriate, undertaking low-grade maintenance work etc.
Set out below is a summary of the highlights from late March up to the first week of June. Needless to say with such limited coverage sightings are sparse with many Spring migrants recording later return dates and a number of typical species not recorded at all this spring e.g. Wheatear, Redstart, Sandwich Tern, Black Tern, Greenshank, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Flycatcher etc. Some breeding records are referenced whilst a more detailed summary will be produced by John over the summer.
Mute Swan - 2 or 3 birds present at the Moors Pool but no breeding activity
Greylag Goose - a peak of 41 birds were at the Sailing Pool on the 23rd May. 3 broods emerged at the Sailing Pool during May
Canada Goose - 4 pairs bred at the Flashes but there was no successful breeding at the Moors Pool despite 6 nests in April
Shelduck - a peak of 12 birds was present across the reserve on the 4th April. A pair bred at or the near the Flashes with 7 ducklings noted on 19th May with 6 well developed young still remaining
Gadwall - a maximum count of 12 were present on several dates
Mallard - the first brood was noted at the Flashes on the 1st April as a prelude to a very successful breeding season with 18 broods at the Flashes and 12 at the Moors Pool
Shoveler - numbers fell away from a peak of 32 across the reserve on the 7th April. A brood of 9 was on the third Flash from the 31st May although I understand all have now been lost
Teal - after an absence throughout May a drake was at the Flashes on the 3rd and 4th May.
Pintail - of the 4 birds present prior to the closure of the reserve, 2 remained at the Moors Pool on the 24th March
Wigeon - a flock of 6 were at the Moors Pool on the 2nd April whilst a female was at the Flashes on the 14th and 16th May
GARGANEY - a drake was at the Moors Pool on the afternoon of the 3rd May
Tufted Duck - the spring influxes of recent years were not repeated with a maximum of 67 across the reserve on the 14th April
Pochard - the final bird of the wintering flock was noted on the 21st April with singles then on the 30th May and 3rd and 5th June
Little Grebe - 6 birds have been present at the Moors Pool throughout spring
Great Crested Grebe - a peak of ten birds were present on the Sailing Pool on several dates in April. From several nesting attempts on both bodies of water a single chick emerged at the Sailing Pool on the 19th May
Little Egret - after an absence in April 1 or 2 birds were noted on 4 dates in May and 3 dates in June up to the 6th
Coot - there has been no successful breeding at the Moors Pool to date; 3 pairs nested at the Flashes with the first brood from the 9th May
Red Kite - one flew over the Moors Pool on the 28th May
Hobby - the first sighting was not until the late date of the 6th June
Avocet - a maximum count of 54 were at the Flashes on the 16th May
Oystercatcher - potentially as many as 11 birds were present across the reserve on the 3rd June. The 4 breeding pairs have fared poorly to date with single chicks hatched at the Moors and Flashes, both of which were lost
Lapwing - another disastrous breeding season so far with at least 6 pairs at the Flashes producing several broods, none of which survived to anywhere near fledging
Little Ringed Plover - a peak of 8 were across the reserve on the 29th April
Ringed Plover - there were 3 single birds at the Flashes in May on the 5th, 12th and 14th
Dunlin - birds were present on 8 dates in April and May with a peak of 3 at the Flashes on the 2nd May
Whimbrel - 3 were at the Flashes on the morning of the 4th April with one then over the Moors Pool on the 4th May
Redshank - 1 was at the Flashes on the 4th April
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 was at the Flashes on the 25th April
Jack Snipe - the final report came from the Moors Pool on the 7th April
Snipe - 25 were still present at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with the final record there on the 27th April. The first returning bird was at the Moors Pool on the 3rd June
WOOD SANDIPER - 2 were present at the Flashes early morning on the 2nd May
Green Sandpiper - the first returning bird was at the Flashes on the 4th June
Common Sandpiper - the first bird of the spring was at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with numbers rising to 5 across the reserve on the 29th April
LITTLE GULL - three records, all from the Moors Pool in April: a first summer on the 14th, an adult on the 17th which visited the Flashes the following day and 2 adults on the 20th and 21st which also visited the Flashes on the latter date
Black-headed Gull - over 2,000 birds were present in April and May. The Moors Pool was completely abandoned as a breeding location but conversely 850 pairs bred at the Flashes, producing upwards of 2,000 young
Common Gull - an adult was at the Flashes on the 25th March with a first summer there on the 21st April and another first summer on the 5th May
Mediterranean Gull - a pair of second summer birds took up residency at the Flashes from mid April. Other sightings include a first summer at the Flashes on the 5th May and an adult also at the Flashes on the 9th May
Common Tern - the first of the year was at the Moors Pool on the 21st April with a peak of 8 birds across the reserve on the 30th May; currently 3 pairs are in residence.
Arctic Tern - 1 was at the Moors Pool on the 17th and 18th April whilst movement on the 28th April was a presence increase through the morning to 9 birds. 1 was at the Moors Pool on the 5th May as were 2 brief "commic" terns
Stock Dove - a healthy flock around the Flashes peaked at 40+ birds on the 16th May
Cuckoo - one was on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 5th May and was noted on a further 5 dates early in the month. A further record came from the Moors Pool on the 6th June
Swift - first noted on the 25th April, the largest occurrence was a feeding flock of 150+ over the Moors Pool on the 3rd June
Pied Wagtail - a juvenile was at the \Moors Pool on the 3rd and 5th June
Yellow Wagtail - singles were at the Moors Pool on the 14th and 17th June with another single at the Flashes on the 16th May
Sand Martin - the largest occurrence was 100 birds split between the Moors Pool and Sailing Pool on the 29th April
House Martin - the first bird of spring was at the Moors Pool on the 4th April with a peak count of 120 at the Moors Pool on the 3rd June
Swallow - the first returning birds were at the Flashes and Moors Pool on the 4th June. Over 140 birds were at the Moors Pool in rain on the 28th April
Cetti's Warbler - a family party with 3 juveniles was on the west side of the Moors Pool from late May. A juvenile was heard calling from the Hen Pool on the 6th June
Reed Warbler - the first bird of the year was at the Moors Pool on the 13th April. 14 males were singing across the reserve on the 2nd May with 10 singing males at the Moors Pool alone on the 16th May
Sedge Warbler - the first birds of spring were at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with 23 singing males across the reserve on the 21st April
Garden Warbler - singles were at the Sailing Pool on the 2nd May, North Moors on the 5th May and Flashes on the 9th May
Blackcap - 17 singing males were present across the reserve on the 2nd May
Lesser Whitethroat - the first birds of the year were at the Moors Pool and Flashes on the 21st April
Whitethroat - the first bird of spring was at the North Moors on the 11th April
Willow Warbler - the first birds of the year were noted on the 7th April when 6 males sang across the reserve. 2 males continued to sing at different locations around the Moors Pool into early June and breeding is strongly suspected
Chiffchaff - 10 males sang at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with 12 singing males across the reserve on the 2nd May
Goldcrest - a male was singing in the North Moors plantation on the 7th and 14th April
Raven - singles were at the Flashes on the 7th, 18th and 21st April and 2nd and 9th May with 2 at the Flashes on the 16th May
Rook - a regular flock of 5 birds was at the Flashes on the 18th and 21st April and again on the 2nd and 5th May with a single bird there on the 9th May
House Sparrow - 2 were on the south side of the Moors Pool on the 4th June with 1 by the concrete hide on the 5th June
Reed Bunting - 10 singing males were at the Moors Pool on the 21st April
Unfortunately the reserve remains closed with no target date for reopening communicated yet by the Trust. As some of you may be aware the Trust have asked the two volunteer (unpaid) Reserve Managers - Paul Moseley and John Belsey - to keep an eye on the reserve since the commencement of lockdown. Their tasks have included monitoring the livestock for their welfare, deterring anti-social behaviour, undertaking breeding bird surveys, monitoring and adjusting the water level as appropriate, undertaking low-grade maintenance work etc.
Set out below is a summary of the highlights from late March up to the first week of June. Needless to say with such limited coverage sightings are sparse with many Spring migrants recording later return dates and a number of typical species not recorded at all this spring e.g. Wheatear, Redstart, Sandwich Tern, Black Tern, Greenshank, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Flycatcher etc. Some breeding records are referenced whilst a more detailed summary will be produced by John over the summer.
Mute Swan - 2 or 3 birds present at the Moors Pool but no breeding activity
Greylag Goose - a peak of 41 birds were at the Sailing Pool on the 23rd May. 3 broods emerged at the Sailing Pool during May
Canada Goose - 4 pairs bred at the Flashes but there was no successful breeding at the Moors Pool despite 6 nests in April
Shelduck - a peak of 12 birds was present across the reserve on the 4th April. A pair bred at or the near the Flashes with 7 ducklings noted on 19th May with 6 well developed young still remaining
Gadwall - a maximum count of 12 were present on several dates
Mallard - the first brood was noted at the Flashes on the 1st April as a prelude to a very successful breeding season with 18 broods at the Flashes and 12 at the Moors Pool
Shoveler - numbers fell away from a peak of 32 across the reserve on the 7th April. A brood of 9 was on the third Flash from the 31st May although I understand all have now been lost
Teal - after an absence throughout May a drake was at the Flashes on the 3rd and 4th May.
Pintail - of the 4 birds present prior to the closure of the reserve, 2 remained at the Moors Pool on the 24th March
Wigeon - a flock of 6 were at the Moors Pool on the 2nd April whilst a female was at the Flashes on the 14th and 16th May
GARGANEY - a drake was at the Moors Pool on the afternoon of the 3rd May
Tufted Duck - the spring influxes of recent years were not repeated with a maximum of 67 across the reserve on the 14th April
Pochard - the final bird of the wintering flock was noted on the 21st April with singles then on the 30th May and 3rd and 5th June
Little Grebe - 6 birds have been present at the Moors Pool throughout spring
Great Crested Grebe - a peak of ten birds were present on the Sailing Pool on several dates in April. From several nesting attempts on both bodies of water a single chick emerged at the Sailing Pool on the 19th May
Little Egret - after an absence in April 1 or 2 birds were noted on 4 dates in May and 3 dates in June up to the 6th
Coot - there has been no successful breeding at the Moors Pool to date; 3 pairs nested at the Flashes with the first brood from the 9th May
Red Kite - one flew over the Moors Pool on the 28th May
Hobby - the first sighting was not until the late date of the 6th June
Avocet - a maximum count of 54 were at the Flashes on the 16th May
Oystercatcher - potentially as many as 11 birds were present across the reserve on the 3rd June. The 4 breeding pairs have fared poorly to date with single chicks hatched at the Moors and Flashes, both of which were lost
Lapwing - another disastrous breeding season so far with at least 6 pairs at the Flashes producing several broods, none of which survived to anywhere near fledging
Little Ringed Plover - a peak of 8 were across the reserve on the 29th April
Ringed Plover - there were 3 single birds at the Flashes in May on the 5th, 12th and 14th
Dunlin - birds were present on 8 dates in April and May with a peak of 3 at the Flashes on the 2nd May
Whimbrel - 3 were at the Flashes on the morning of the 4th April with one then over the Moors Pool on the 4th May
Redshank - 1 was at the Flashes on the 4th April
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 was at the Flashes on the 25th April
Jack Snipe - the final report came from the Moors Pool on the 7th April
Snipe - 25 were still present at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with the final record there on the 27th April. The first returning bird was at the Moors Pool on the 3rd June
WOOD SANDIPER - 2 were present at the Flashes early morning on the 2nd May
Green Sandpiper - the first returning bird was at the Flashes on the 4th June
Common Sandpiper - the first bird of the spring was at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with numbers rising to 5 across the reserve on the 29th April
LITTLE GULL - three records, all from the Moors Pool in April: a first summer on the 14th, an adult on the 17th which visited the Flashes the following day and 2 adults on the 20th and 21st which also visited the Flashes on the latter date
Black-headed Gull - over 2,000 birds were present in April and May. The Moors Pool was completely abandoned as a breeding location but conversely 850 pairs bred at the Flashes, producing upwards of 2,000 young
Common Gull - an adult was at the Flashes on the 25th March with a first summer there on the 21st April and another first summer on the 5th May
Mediterranean Gull - a pair of second summer birds took up residency at the Flashes from mid April. Other sightings include a first summer at the Flashes on the 5th May and an adult also at the Flashes on the 9th May
Common Tern - the first of the year was at the Moors Pool on the 21st April with a peak of 8 birds across the reserve on the 30th May; currently 3 pairs are in residence.
Arctic Tern - 1 was at the Moors Pool on the 17th and 18th April whilst movement on the 28th April was a presence increase through the morning to 9 birds. 1 was at the Moors Pool on the 5th May as were 2 brief "commic" terns
Stock Dove - a healthy flock around the Flashes peaked at 40+ birds on the 16th May
Cuckoo - one was on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 5th May and was noted on a further 5 dates early in the month. A further record came from the Moors Pool on the 6th June
Swift - first noted on the 25th April, the largest occurrence was a feeding flock of 150+ over the Moors Pool on the 3rd June
Pied Wagtail - a juvenile was at the \Moors Pool on the 3rd and 5th June
Yellow Wagtail - singles were at the Moors Pool on the 14th and 17th June with another single at the Flashes on the 16th May
Sand Martin - the largest occurrence was 100 birds split between the Moors Pool and Sailing Pool on the 29th April
House Martin - the first bird of spring was at the Moors Pool on the 4th April with a peak count of 120 at the Moors Pool on the 3rd June
Swallow - the first returning birds were at the Flashes and Moors Pool on the 4th June. Over 140 birds were at the Moors Pool in rain on the 28th April
Cetti's Warbler - a family party with 3 juveniles was on the west side of the Moors Pool from late May. A juvenile was heard calling from the Hen Pool on the 6th June
Reed Warbler - the first bird of the year was at the Moors Pool on the 13th April. 14 males were singing across the reserve on the 2nd May with 10 singing males at the Moors Pool alone on the 16th May
Sedge Warbler - the first birds of spring were at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with 23 singing males across the reserve on the 21st April
Garden Warbler - singles were at the Sailing Pool on the 2nd May, North Moors on the 5th May and Flashes on the 9th May
Blackcap - 17 singing males were present across the reserve on the 2nd May
Lesser Whitethroat - the first birds of the year were at the Moors Pool and Flashes on the 21st April
Whitethroat - the first bird of spring was at the North Moors on the 11th April
Willow Warbler - the first birds of the year were noted on the 7th April when 6 males sang across the reserve. 2 males continued to sing at different locations around the Moors Pool into early June and breeding is strongly suspected
Chiffchaff - 10 males sang at the Moors Pool on the 7th April with 12 singing males across the reserve on the 2nd May
Goldcrest - a male was singing in the North Moors plantation on the 7th and 14th April
Raven - singles were at the Flashes on the 7th, 18th and 21st April and 2nd and 9th May with 2 at the Flashes on the 16th May
Rook - a regular flock of 5 birds was at the Flashes on the 18th and 21st April and again on the 2nd and 5th May with a single bird there on the 9th May
House Sparrow - 2 were on the south side of the Moors Pool on the 4th June with 1 by the concrete hide on the 5th June
Reed Bunting - 10 singing males were at the Moors Pool on the 21st April
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the Harborne Flyer
Well-known member
Sorry Phil but this is ridiculous. The paths may not permit one-way traffic but they are wide enough to allow people to pass with the chance of the virus being passed on in that half a second of passage in the open air being nil. WMBC left their hides open with each hide being risk assessed and the maximum number for each hide ,generally two or three, being posted on the outside ,in other words people were treated like grown-ups and it has worked. This is risk-aversion to the nth degree.
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