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Upton Warren (47 Viewers)
- Thread starter andythomas
- Start date
UW82
Well-known member
Today's highlights:
MOORS:
Great White Egret. Present from 07.30-08.10, then flew off east and did not return to roost.
Little Egret (2). Flew over the southern marsh from the east towards the Sailing Pool at dusk and a check at the Sailing Pool in the dark revealed the two birds roosting.
Pochard (11m+6f)----------------Shoveler (28)
Teal (83)--------------------------Tufted Duck (12)
Curlew (13)-----------------------Snipe (3)
Jack Snipe (reported)-------------Kingfisher
Cormorant (25)--------------------B H Gull (87)
Herring Gull (6)--------------------Cetti's Warbler (2)
Water Rail (3)----------------------G C Grebe (1)
Little Grebe (2)---------------------Song Thrush (singing)
Raven-------------------------------Coal Tit (2)
Redpoll (10)-------------------------Siskin (8)
FLASHES/HEN POOL* a.m. only
Teal (32)----------------------------Lapwing (c350)
Snpe (11)---------------------------Cetti's Warbler*
B H Gull (c90)-----------------------Redpoll (2)
SAILING POOL:
G C Grebe (8)-----------------------Little Egret (2)
Des.
MOORS:
Great White Egret. Present from 07.30-08.10, then flew off east and did not return to roost.
Little Egret (2). Flew over the southern marsh from the east towards the Sailing Pool at dusk and a check at the Sailing Pool in the dark revealed the two birds roosting.
Pochard (11m+6f)----------------Shoveler (28)
Teal (83)--------------------------Tufted Duck (12)
Curlew (13)-----------------------Snipe (3)
Jack Snipe (reported)-------------Kingfisher
Cormorant (25)--------------------B H Gull (87)
Herring Gull (6)--------------------Cetti's Warbler (2)
Water Rail (3)----------------------G C Grebe (1)
Little Grebe (2)---------------------Song Thrush (singing)
Raven-------------------------------Coal Tit (2)
Redpoll (10)-------------------------Siskin (8)
FLASHES/HEN POOL* a.m. only
Teal (32)----------------------------Lapwing (c350)
Snpe (11)---------------------------Cetti's Warbler*
B H Gull (c90)-----------------------Redpoll (2)
SAILING POOL:
G C Grebe (8)-----------------------Little Egret (2)
Des.
Birder Gladys
Well-known member
Did a bit of homework as the only Scaup I've seen is at a good distance in the sea, pic looks to be a Tufted female no white under the tail. With small numbers of Tufted around at the moment it hard to compare with others. Still nice photo.
Nice Photo Keith, shows the difference well especially shape of the head and bill
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Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Flashes work party
The next work party at the Flashes takes place this Sunday; please meet in the Sailing Centre car park at 09:50. Again we will be concentrating on the area between the steps and the feeding station hide. The weather forecast isn't the best so the task list will be relatively short; work will include:
- reviewing the area cleared last month between the steps and the brook to see the condition it has settled in; potentially we may rake up the cut materials to create a more muddy habitat for Woodcock and similar
- reviewing the areas cut by the feeding station to see if further thinning works are required
- continuing the work of the October work party in removing the willows growing along the Hen Brook
- if John feels enthused enough to bring a strimmer over we will strim some of the sedge beds adjacent to the Hen Pool to provide alternate feeding areas for Snipe and Teal
As always please bring warm clothes, boots / wellies and gloves. Light refreshments will be offered; hopefully someone will be able to break the Tuesday work party's monopoly on cakes.
The next work party at the Flashes takes place this Sunday; please meet in the Sailing Centre car park at 09:50. Again we will be concentrating on the area between the steps and the feeding station hide. The weather forecast isn't the best so the task list will be relatively short; work will include:
- reviewing the area cleared last month between the steps and the brook to see the condition it has settled in; potentially we may rake up the cut materials to create a more muddy habitat for Woodcock and similar
- reviewing the areas cut by the feeding station to see if further thinning works are required
- continuing the work of the October work party in removing the willows growing along the Hen Brook
- if John feels enthused enough to bring a strimmer over we will strim some of the sedge beds adjacent to the Hen Pool to provide alternate feeding areas for Snipe and Teal
As always please bring warm clothes, boots / wellies and gloves. Light refreshments will be offered; hopefully someone will be able to break the Tuesday work party's monopoly on cakes.
keithr
Relapsus resurgam
Female Tufted and Scaup from Bartley in Nov 2013
Attachments
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Redhead SMEW at the Sailing Pool this morning, found by Andy Pitt
Andy's third good "red" find this year after the Shrike and Phalarope
Andy's third good "red" find this year after the Shrike and Phalarope
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
BOTC shot (Vern's camera / John's phone) of the Smew here: https://twitter.com/upstarts1979/status/672721618939092992?s=09
Stone Snapper
Warrener till i snuff it
Spoonbill Finder
Well-known member
Great White Egret back at Moors Pool. Seen from West hide.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Smew still on the Sailing Pool - look out for Vern's flight shot later
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Stone Snapper
Warrener till i snuff it
UW82
Well-known member
Gert Corfield
Well-known member
Presumably this means it's buggered off and won't be there first thing?8-P Nice photo though
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Present until dark, as was GWE roosting in trees by the Sailing Pool. Early start is required before they start sailing tomorrow
upstarts1979
Well-known member
As well as the Smew ( well done Andy P ...Again !). There was a lot of activity all over the reserve today.
Flashes : Teal c15. Shoveler 2. lapwing 540 an increase of at least 100. Curlew 13. REDSHANK a RARE winter visitor these days. Snipe 3.
Sailing pool : GCG 6, Little grebe 4 . Shoveler. tufted 6. coot 12. kestrel. Kingfisher regularly showing at least 2 birds. grey wag . siskin 5. redpoll.
Moors : Little egret. Great white egret. Shoveler 20. teal 140. pochard 16 (11 males). coot 255.
Bob O had 50+ snipe on the promontory.
Flashes : Teal c15. Shoveler 2. lapwing 540 an increase of at least 100. Curlew 13. REDSHANK a RARE winter visitor these days. Snipe 3.
Sailing pool : GCG 6, Little grebe 4 . Shoveler. tufted 6. coot 12. kestrel. Kingfisher regularly showing at least 2 birds. grey wag . siskin 5. redpoll.
Moors : Little egret. Great white egret. Shoveler 20. teal 140. pochard 16 (11 males). coot 255.
Bob O had 50+ snipe on the promontory.
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Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Also Chiffchaff at the Sailing Pool (Paul A) and Coal Tit at the Moors Pool
upstarts1979
Well-known member
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Upton Warren listing - a further update
Given the latest surge of good birds, I attached a revised Top 15 known (more or less) listers at Upton Warren:
1) John Belsey - 214 (latest: Egyptian Goose)
2) Andy Warr - 206 (latest: Smew)
=3) Terry Hinett - 204 (latest: Red-necked Grebe)
=3) Mike Wakeman - 204 (latest: Smew)
5) Des Jennings - 202 (latest: Caspian Gull)
6) Dave Jackson - 199 (latest: Smew)
7) Mike Inskip - 196 (latest: Great White Egret)
8) Richard Harbird - 195 (latest: Shorelark)
9) Dave Walker - 194 (latest: Red-necked Grebe)
=10) Phil Andrews - 192 (latest: Smew)
=10) Paul Croft - 192 (latest: Great White Egret)
12) Rob Prudden - 189 (latest: Osprey)
13) Graham La Bouchardiere - 182 (latest: Bluethroat)
14) Gert Corfield - 178 (latest: Smew)
15) Craig Reed - 132 (latest: Red-backed Shrike)
Again I would caveat this as several birders who lists aren't known would be expected to feature including Arthur Jacobs (approx. 210?), Steve Whitehouse (210+) and John Ridley (205+?) plus the likes of Stuart Croft, Gordon Greaves, John Sirrett, Gene Timmins and Roger Hill.
If anyone wishes to add their list (or revise their current total) please let me know
Given the latest surge of good birds, I attached a revised Top 15 known (more or less) listers at Upton Warren:
1) John Belsey - 214 (latest: Egyptian Goose)
2) Andy Warr - 206 (latest: Smew)
=3) Terry Hinett - 204 (latest: Red-necked Grebe)
=3) Mike Wakeman - 204 (latest: Smew)
5) Des Jennings - 202 (latest: Caspian Gull)
6) Dave Jackson - 199 (latest: Smew)
7) Mike Inskip - 196 (latest: Great White Egret)
8) Richard Harbird - 195 (latest: Shorelark)
9) Dave Walker - 194 (latest: Red-necked Grebe)
=10) Phil Andrews - 192 (latest: Smew)
=10) Paul Croft - 192 (latest: Great White Egret)
12) Rob Prudden - 189 (latest: Osprey)
13) Graham La Bouchardiere - 182 (latest: Bluethroat)
14) Gert Corfield - 178 (latest: Smew)
15) Craig Reed - 132 (latest: Red-backed Shrike)
Again I would caveat this as several birders who lists aren't known would be expected to feature including Arthur Jacobs (approx. 210?), Steve Whitehouse (210+) and John Ridley (205+?) plus the likes of Stuart Croft, Gordon Greaves, John Sirrett, Gene Timmins and Roger Hill.
If anyone wishes to add their list (or revise their current total) please let me know
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Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Early morning update from Dave J:
Great White Egret and Barn Owl so far at the Moors Pool.
Not looked myself, but informed Smew still present on Sailing Pool.
Great White Egret and Barn Owl so far at the Moors Pool.
Not looked myself, but informed Smew still present on Sailing Pool.
Phil Andrews
It's only Rock and Roller but I like it
Smew
Smew Mergellus albellus
Smew remains one of the scarcest duck species in Worcestershire, despite previously being a regular winter visitor in adjoining counties. Up until a decade ago up to 350 birds may have wintered in Britain (predominately in the south-east) from its north European forest breeding grounds although these numbers have been substantially reduced in recent years. However there remains a significant wintering population in the Netherlands of over 10,000 birds, some of which may move across the North Sea during the harsher winters together with birds from the Baltic region. Most records in the West Midlands region occur in the middle of winter, a fact borne out by the pattern of records at Upton Warren:
7th February 1948 - 2 birds (both female / immatures): A. J. Martin
14th to 29th February 1976 - 1 bird (female / immature) at the Moors Pool: Simon Harrop, Arthur Jacobs, Graham Mant, Terry Walsh
9th November 1980 - 1 bird: Arthur Jacobs
14th to 16th January 1990* - 1 bird (female / immature) at the Flashes: Roger Hill, John Sirrett, Francis Peplow
18th December 1996 - 1 bird (female) on the Broadmeadow Pool: Terry Norledge, Graham La Bourchardiere
9th January 2004 - 2 birds (female & immature) on the Moors Pool / North Moors: Gordon Greaves
9th January 2004+ - 1 bird (female / immature) on the Moors Pool: Phil Quiney
17th January 2004+ - 1 bird (female / immature): Gordon Greaves
* This record is listed as being between the 14th and 16th January 1990 in The Birds of Upton Warren 1989/90 but the 14th to 16th February 1990 in West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No.57.
+ There may be some confusion regarding the occurrence of Smew duing January 2004 – the West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No.71 lists the first record on the 9th and the one relating to the 17th but not the second sighting on the 9th; The Birds of Upton Warren 2004 makes no reference to the bird on the 17th.
Mike /John - if you still have the log books for 1990 and 2004 could you have a thumb through and see what was actually entered?
Whilst the second and fourth records stayed a number of days, all the other sightings have all been one-day birds (until today!). The 1980 bird was seen earlier the same day at Bittell Reservoir whilst the 1996 bird was part of a large national influx which resulted in 80 birds reaching the West Midlands region. Based on my current understanding the 2004 sightings comprised two birds (seen a few days previously at Grimley Old Workings) on the Moors Pool and North Moors Pool before flying off to Westwood Pool late in the morning where they roosted whilst a third bird was found in the afternoon of the same day (whilst the other two were still at Westwood) but was not present the following day; a fourth bird appeared eight days later. In line with the regional trend records relate only to “red-heads” (female and immature birds) and the arrival of Upton Warren’s first drake is hotly anticipated.
Smew Mergellus albellus
Smew remains one of the scarcest duck species in Worcestershire, despite previously being a regular winter visitor in adjoining counties. Up until a decade ago up to 350 birds may have wintered in Britain (predominately in the south-east) from its north European forest breeding grounds although these numbers have been substantially reduced in recent years. However there remains a significant wintering population in the Netherlands of over 10,000 birds, some of which may move across the North Sea during the harsher winters together with birds from the Baltic region. Most records in the West Midlands region occur in the middle of winter, a fact borne out by the pattern of records at Upton Warren:
7th February 1948 - 2 birds (both female / immatures): A. J. Martin
14th to 29th February 1976 - 1 bird (female / immature) at the Moors Pool: Simon Harrop, Arthur Jacobs, Graham Mant, Terry Walsh
9th November 1980 - 1 bird: Arthur Jacobs
14th to 16th January 1990* - 1 bird (female / immature) at the Flashes: Roger Hill, John Sirrett, Francis Peplow
18th December 1996 - 1 bird (female) on the Broadmeadow Pool: Terry Norledge, Graham La Bourchardiere
9th January 2004 - 2 birds (female & immature) on the Moors Pool / North Moors: Gordon Greaves
9th January 2004+ - 1 bird (female / immature) on the Moors Pool: Phil Quiney
17th January 2004+ - 1 bird (female / immature): Gordon Greaves
* This record is listed as being between the 14th and 16th January 1990 in The Birds of Upton Warren 1989/90 but the 14th to 16th February 1990 in West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No.57.
+ There may be some confusion regarding the occurrence of Smew duing January 2004 – the West Midland Bird Club Annual Report No.71 lists the first record on the 9th and the one relating to the 17th but not the second sighting on the 9th; The Birds of Upton Warren 2004 makes no reference to the bird on the 17th.
Mike /John - if you still have the log books for 1990 and 2004 could you have a thumb through and see what was actually entered?
Whilst the second and fourth records stayed a number of days, all the other sightings have all been one-day birds (until today!). The 1980 bird was seen earlier the same day at Bittell Reservoir whilst the 1996 bird was part of a large national influx which resulted in 80 birds reaching the West Midlands region. Based on my current understanding the 2004 sightings comprised two birds (seen a few days previously at Grimley Old Workings) on the Moors Pool and North Moors Pool before flying off to Westwood Pool late in the morning where they roosted whilst a third bird was found in the afternoon of the same day (whilst the other two were still at Westwood) but was not present the following day; a fourth bird appeared eight days later. In line with the regional trend records relate only to “red-heads” (female and immature birds) and the arrival of Upton Warren’s first drake is hotly anticipated.
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