West Midland Bird Club

October 2012

Congratulations to Messrs. Allen and Yapp and Kay (who has produced a good account on her entertaining and informative blog)for finding the 256th species for Blithfield on 29 October in the form of a pair of Velvet Scoters. Incredibly there were two scoter species that day plus another rarity in the form of 3 Greater Scaup. Much to the frustration of even those that were on site these birds only made a brief visit allowing flight photographs only. The Greater Scaup were on offer in varying numbers for much of the month as were a Little Gull which stayed for eighteen days and a late Black Tern. 7 Black Terns appeared one day Rock Pipits too were a feature. Those summer migrants that remained had largely departed by the end of the first week although there was a late Swallow Small numbers of Redwings were seen from mid month but the arrival of Fieldfares was delayed until the last few days. This was a drier month than those that preceded it and most rain fell in the hours of darkness. Nevertheless the Blithe continued to spill over frequently even after moderate rain. Once again the Reservoir was full to overflowing. There were a few days when the wind was in the east and there were some foggy mornings. Westerly winds however usually prevailed. Temperatures were once again mainly below normal with some overnight frosts.

September 2012

No notes received.

August 2012

Summer 2012 concluded with the fifth consecutive wetter than average month making the summer the wettest in living memory. There were some mini warm spells however but a feature was some very heavy showers accompanied on occasion by thunder and lightning. Nevertheless water levels began to subside for awhile leaving a margin of rotting vegetation rather than mud. The rains returned in the final week and by the end levels were almost back to square one with the Blithe bursting its banks again. Birding highlights included 2 Sandwich Terns, good numbers of Common Terns and probably as many Black Terns as any site in the country. Wader passage was extremely light with a Sanderling probably the best bird. 2 Common Scoters appeared but it was raptors that finally stole the show with at least 2 Ospreys, 3-4 Marsh Harriers, a Merlin and at last a few sightings of Hobbies that were attracted by Swift and hirundine passage. Moorhens usually get scant mention in these reports as they are so elusive normally at Blithfield. They at least enjoyed the high water levels for their offspring appeared at many locations around the edges of the Reservoir after a very successful breeding season. Passerine passage gathered momentum towards the end.

In fact the month kicked off with confirmation of a good breeding record when a family party of 3 Green Woodpeckers was on the grassy slope of the dam. A recently fledged Shelduck was in Blithe Bay and a Little Egret emerged in Blithe Bay also 4 Common Sandpipers maintained that species' migration period. An Osprey was present for at least fifty minutes in the early afternoon. There were up to 40 Common Terns still present. In Barn Farm Bay a Redshank was flushed whilst 2 Spotted Flycatchers were around Beech Tree Point. The Little Egret was in Blithe Bay again on the 3rd and the female Ruddy Shelduck was in Tad Bay where the 2 Black Swans remained. A Little Ringed Plover was new. The Osprey continued to show. The Common Terns were again assessed at 40. A heavy thunderstorm lasted for two hours on the afternoon of the 4th. 18 Moorhens along the fringes of Tad Bay were an indication of their successful breeding season. 8 Gadwall flew around and 5 Teal, 2 Shovelers, 2 Shelduck and 4 Pochard were also found. The Lapwing flock in Tad Bay exceeded 100. The Little Ringed Plover and 3 Common Sandpipers were also recorded. Common Terns reduced to 25. An adult Little Gull was a good find on the 5th, when there was as yet an unsubstantiated report of a Whimbrel. A Redshank was reported again. There was a further report of an Osprey in Tad Bay in mid afternoon where the Ruddy Shelduck remained. The Osprey had a huge fish on the 6th and 2 Oystercatchers were in Tad Bay. What was presumed to be the Little Ringed Plover recorded earlier in the week was present again as 3 Common Sandpipers remained too. 7 Swifts were over the causeway from where 25 Common Terns could be seen north of the causeway. In Tad Bay there were 4 Teal and 6 Pochard. Also reported were a Redstart and a Wheatear on the dam. Probably best of all though was the report of 2 Ospreys mid afternoon. An Arctic Tern was identified off Beech Tree Point on the 7th. A Little Grebe was in Tad Bay where once again an Osprey thrilled those that made a specific trip to enjoy this exciting raptor. 6 Shovelers were amongst the moulting wildfowl. The Little Egret was found again. Other observers enjoyed 8 Common Terns and 2 Common Sandpipers.

Unexpectedly water levels stated to drop from the 8th. This coincided with the arrival of an adult Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover and 3 Common Sandpipers whilst 2 Redshank were once again present. The Ruddy Shelduck and 2 Black Swans of dubious origins remained. A count of 355 Mallard was made as well as 59 Tufted Ducks and 2 each for Teal and Gadwall. 2 Yellow Wagtails were the only passerines of note. There was a report of 2 Black-tailed Godwits on the 9th amongst the Lapwing flock but they could not be relocated in the evening. Compensation then came in the form of a female Common Scoter as it cruised off Watery lane towards the causeway. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls perched on the buoys in the evening at the Deep End. 18 Common Terns were counted and 6 Common Sandpipers patrolled the causeway in the evening. The Ruddy Shelduck continued its stay. The Admaston Reach Lapwing flock totalled 154 on the morning of the 10th. The Common Scoter was relocated off Mickledale Bay. 2 Ospreys circled over Stansley Wood. Waders were represented by 4 Common Sandpipers and a single Oystercatcher, Redshank and a Little Ringed Plover. 2 Little Grebes were in Tad Bay again whilst another pair of Great Crested Grebes introduced two chicks to the world as they rode on a parent's back. A sub adult Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull and a Great Black-backed Gull sat on the Deep End buoys. A Little Egret was in Blithe Bay again and 2 Spotted Flycatchers were again in the Barn Farm Bay area. 2 Ravens flew overhead also. The Common Tern flock remained at about 20. 2 Wigeon were found in Tad Bay. A Hobby was seen over the Duckley Plantation and a female Sparrowhawk too. Even better was an immature Marsh Harrier over the same locality. 3 Yellow-legged gulls were roosting at the Deep End. A successful evening was concluded by a juvenile Mediterranean Gull located just north of the causeway amongst the hundreds of Black-headed Gulls. The 12th started promisingly with the discovery of 2 Sandwich Terns at the Deep End. Also 3 loafing Yellow-legged Gulls and 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found with a juvenile Great Black-backed Gull nearby. 38 Common Terns indicated that there was an ongoing tern passage. 6 Common Sandpipers were reported at various locations. The gorse bushes at Admaston Reach held 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaff and a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher whilst 2 Yellow Wagtails were on the dam. At 11. 20 a Marsh Harrier flew east. A Hobby added to a good day's birding for an Arctic Tern was also found. The 12th was the last day of the Ruddy Shelduck's stay. 12 Back Terns were new arrivals on the13th. Typically they were accompanied by a juvenile Little Gull and 2 juvenile Arctic Terns whilst 5 Swifts lingered overhead. A Stock Dove sang in Stansley Wood perhaps indicating breeding activity. 24 Gadwalls were in Tad Bay with 19 Shoveler and 59 Teal. A Dunlin was a good find. A Hobby was seen again and the evening gull roost once again produced a juvenile Mediterranean Gull and a single Yellow-legged Gull. The Black Tern flock increased to 17 on the 14th. They enjoyed perching on the floats between Beech Tree Point and the causeway. Unlike the 25 Common Terns that could only show two juveniles the Black Tern flock consisted of mostly juveniles. The attractive juvenile Little Gull remained amongst the terns that also included a single Arctic Tern. There was also a substantial count of 39 Grey Herons based mostly below the dam. A family of Great Crested Grebes emerged in Ten Acre Bay included two chicks that had clearly hatched recently. An immature Peregrine was reported and an Osprey too. A Little Egret was present again but probably spent more time hiding in the Blithe Bay Sallows. A male Redstart was below the dam. Perhaps more interestingly was the report of a White Wagtail but no further details are available. Another Common Crossbill was also reported.

9 Barnacle Geese arrived more or less in time on the 15th. A juvenile Marsh Harrier set the pulses racing again. It was good to have 3 Snipe flushed from around Blithe Bay. There were reports of 2 Black-tailed Godwits amongst the Lapwing flock and 2 Whimbrel went through. 10 Common Sandpipers were at various locations. At least 20 Shoveler were in Tad Bay and 50 Teal also. The Little Egret emerged once more and 4 Swifts were over the causeway. There was a good count of 20 Common Terns and there were now 21 Black Terns and 2 Arctic Terns. The White Wagtail was again reported. On the 16th 20 Swifts were high up over the Reservoir. Just 4 Common Sandpipers were found whilst 23 Black Terns and 22 Common Terns were observed. Meanwhile 2 Oystercatchers were mobile. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls remained at the Deep End giving observers a good chance to familiarise themselves with this species when out of the water as they perched on two buoys. Almost unnoticed by many, the 2 Black Swans were thought to be worthy of a mention. In the context of 2012 2 Greenshanks were considered to be a very good addition to the month's list. 4 Spotted Flycatchers were certainly welcomed too. A singing Stock Dove was in the Admaston Reach area. A Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler offered good comparisons in a hedgerow. The Lapwing flock there was down to 95 as the rest tended to disperse around the Reservoir. 30 Swifts on the 17th was a good August count as 3 Shelduck flew around Tad Bay. A Goosander reappeared too. A Turnstone appeared south of the Causeway and a Redshank was found too. 3 Snipe were once again around Blithe Bay. 6 Common Sandpipers were located. 20 Common Terns were outnumbered by 23 Black Terns as they continued to attract a growing list of admirers. A Hobby was seen. 6 Wigeon were in Tad Bay. A careful count of Black Terns revealed that there were in fact a maximum 24 present on the 18th when there were 30 Common Terns. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were in Tad Bay amongst the Lapwings there. 15 Common Sandpipers were present. Another juvenile Mediterranean Gull came to roost in the evening. 6 Yellow Wagtails were on the dam and a female Redstart was just below with a Wheatear close by. 2 Lesser Whitethroats were in the bushes beyond the fish farm.

John Holt, Graham Mant, Max Radford and Roger Broadbent were a vailable for the WeBS on 19th. Mute Swans had increased to 157 and the 2 Black Swans remained. Will they ever leave? Greylag Geese also increased to 298 whilst the more mobile Canada Geese decreased to 168 from the July 2012 count. 7 Wigeon were an early cohort for what will undoubtedly follow. 20 Gadwall was a good number particularly as only seven were reported in the corresponding month last year. 49 Teal were a substantial increase as well. 675 Mallard was also compared favourably to 130 in August 2011. Tufted Duck numbered 290 and this was fifty eight more than a year ago. These numbers are almost certainly as a result of wildfowl benefiting from the higher water levels in 2012. Additionally 3 Pochard were present too. Little Grebes included 2 juveniles and the 133 Great Crested Grebes included at least 17 Blithfield reared chicks. Only. 35 Cormorants were present and 34 Grey Herons were found including many young birds. 145 Coot also included many young birds whilst several nests were still occupied. Waders were represented by a single Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, a Snipe and 319 Lapwing. 2 Kingfishers were a pleasant surprise. 1463 Black-headed Gulls continued to loaf around various locations. Many of the BHGs had arrived in recent days and outnumbered significantly the 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Just one Great Black-backed Gull was found at the Deep End perching on a buoy adjacent to 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. Tern numbers were again excellent with 21 Common Terns continuing their stay but with only two recently fledged juveniles and an amazing maximum of 24 Black Terns. The 2 Black Swans continued to make the list as did the stable population of 9 Domestic Geese. A domestic duck also was included as well as a Mallard hybrid. A lone Buzzard took to the sky as did a Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. 2 Hobbies were seen over the Duckley Plantation. A disappointing 2 Yellow Wagtails were present but 44 Pied Wagtails clearly showed that they at least continue to do well. Species not included in the WeBS but also present on 19th August were a Green Woodpecker, a female Redstart, Wheatear and 3 Spotted Flycatchers. A Mediterranean Gull was found in the evening.

2 Little Egrets were seen on the 20th when just 8 Black Terns remained. A Whinchat was found by the Sailing Club and 2 Wheatears were around the dam with 3 Yellow Wagtails. Best bird of the day was undoubtedly a drake Common Scoter amongst the Tad Bay Tufted Duck flock. Black Terns were down to 2 on the 21st and only 6 Common Terns hung on. 2 Common Sandpipers and a Little Ringed Plover were also located. 6 juvenile Wrens were worth a mention in Stansley Wood. Common Terns were back up to 10 on the 22nd and the 23rd. when 2 Snipe were flushed. A fortunate few managed to see 2 Whimbrel strangely fly north up to Blithe Bay and a Turnstone was reported briefly near St. Stephen's Bay. Also recorded on the 23rd were 3 Common Sandpipers a Little Egret and a single juvenile Black Tern off Beech tree Point. A Lesser Whitethroat and a single Whitethroat were also logged. A total of 224 Lapwings were found around the Reservoir on the 25th whilst 7 Swifts were overhead. Common Terns increased to 16. A Black-tailed Godwit was also reported and 3 Shelduck too. 23 Wigeon were worthy of a mention. A Little Owl maintained a presence below the dam where there was also a male Redstart and a single Wheatear. An immature female Marsh Harrier was an interesting individual seen in Blithe Bay. A Hobby continued this month's better showing. A Ringed Plover was found and 2 Snipe were seen whilst 3 Common Sandpipers were found again. 3 Whitethroats were reported and a Lesser Whitethroat too.

Marsh Harriers are always good birds to see at Blithfield so the sight of 2 lingering Marsh Harriers over the Duckley Plantation on the 26th must have been special. A Hobby and a Peregrine were also reported. A Kestrel and a Buzzard completed the raptor list. 3 Ringed Plovers were able to enjoy an emerging muddy shore. A lone Green Sandpiper below the dam and 2 Common Sandpipers were seen. The Little Owl showed again. A male Redstart nearby was a good find. There was another glimpse of a Kingfisher. An Arctic Tern was off Beech Tree Point. 7 Swifts were over Concrete Bay. 2 Curlew and 2 Little Egrets were seen during the evening in Blithe Bay. 2 Ravens were reported during the day. The Marsh Harriers continued to show amazingly well when a juvenile and an immature female perched in a willow in Tad Bay. An Osprey added to the excitement. A juvenile Little Gull was also enjoyed and was typically accompanied by a juvenile Black Tern. 16 Common Terns completed the Tern list. 2 Ringed Plovers remained with a Dunlin and 5 Snipe also present. Only one Common Sandpiper was found for their migration was now clearly petering out. 10 Swifts were seen. A Wheatear showed well around the dam.

An immature/female Marsh Harrier and a juvenile were reported in the willow in Tad Bay again on the 27th. An Osprey was also reported. Other "star'' birds were the juvenile Little Gull and Black Tern and 2 Little Egret. Evidence of some wader passage was revealed by 2 Ringed Plovers, 5 Snipe, a Common Sandpiper, Dunlin and possibly 8 Knot. 10 Swifts maintained continuing Swift passage. A Wheatear was also claimed. A Pintail in Blithe Bay was reported on 28th but it was not seen again. The Osprey perched in the dead tree in the Duckley Plantation and a juvenile Marsh Harrier travelled north before returning to perch again in Tad Bay. Hobby and Peregrine completed the raptor list. The single juvenile Black Tern remained as did 2 Common Sandpipers, Little Egret, 3 Ringed Plovers again and 2 Snipe. Other passage birds were 6 Swift and 2 Wheatears. 3 Raven were also seen. A female Merlin was added to the "raptor fest'' when it was said to be perched on a post near the Angling Club on the 29th by a Blithfield veteran. 2 Ospreys were seen perched in the dead tree during the late afternoon. 6 Black Terns were off Beech Tree Point all day. They were accompanied by at least 12 Common Terns and the juvenile Little Gull. 2 Common Sandpipers and a Little Ringed Plover were the only waders reported. A Little Egret was also still present. Hundreds of hirundines were present. Over 20 Swifts were seen. 2 Marsh Harriers seemed to be chasing each other around at the Broompits on the afternoon of the 30th as they managed to upstage a perched Osprey. A Hobby was over the Duckley Plantation too. 6 juvenile Black Terns and a Little Gull lingered. Common Terns were down to 10. A Little Egret was revealed again. A Sanderling was a surprise in the context of this autumn and a Black-tailed Godwit too was seen although not by all. Meanwhile the feeders seemed particularly busy with Chaffinches, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits especially. A Goldcrest was also seen. There was an immature Peregrine on the 31st as 2 Marsh Harriers were continued to entertain. 7 Buzzards were counted in the skies above the Reservoir. The Osprey also was present. A Hobby was over the Duckley Plantation where a perching male Common Crossbill was located. There was a Dunlin in Tad Bay. 4 Snipe and a Little Ringed Plover were the only waders reported. The 6 Black Terns maintained their presence whilst 4 Wheatear were around the dam. A new bird was a Whinchat along Admaston Reach on its way to West Africa whilst 2 Raven seemed to be quite happy to stay.

July 2012

Yet another month of unsettled weather with heavy showers, longer periods of rain and at times gusty southerly or westerly winds as a procession of depressions arrived off the Atlantic. There were however some warm and even hot days in mid month but these were all too brief. Temperatures were back to normal by the end Nevertheless Blithfield provided a commendable diversity of birding opportunities for the faithful and there were a few surprises! Birding highlights included a surprising run of Common Crossbill records, a return of breeding Spotted Flycatchers, a lingering Osprey, a female Common Scoter and 2 Black-necked Grebes. Great Crested Grebes continued to produce youngsters as did Mallards and Coot. Towards the end of the month the first Tufted Duck broods appeared and Moorhens benefited from the high water levels too. Sadly the Shelduck families were presumed to have succumbed as none could be found.

On the 1st 3 Common Sandpipers were on the causeway and 8 Common Terns were present. At 15-20hrs. an Osprey appeared. In the evening 2 Redshank were along Admaston Reach. 22 adult Common Terns were reported on the 2nd. A Siskin calling above the Education Centre feeders was an unseasonal sound but this coincided with several reports on feeders elsewhere. The Blithfield feeders were also busy with many Great Tit families dispelling the concerns that they may have had a poor breeding season. Also present at this time were Nuthatches and a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker. A family of recently fledged Long Tailed Tits was at the top of Blithe Bay where 2 Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Reed Buntings continued to sing. The Reed Warbler was also present still in the phragmites bed. A Chaffinch with a BTO ring was at the Dell Hide. 3 Little Ringed Plovers were seen on the 3rd when 19 Common Sandpipers were counted on the causeway and 15 Common Terns were just off Beech Tree Point. A pair of Great Crested Grebes showed off a newly hatched chick. Common Sandpipers quickly reduced to 12 on the 4th but there were now 5 non-breeding Little Ringed Plovers 2 Oystercatchers seemed equally to be unsuccessful in their attempts to rear a family this year. . 17 Common Terns were present 3 Lapwings were reported with what was reported as a young bird. On a rare hot day the 5th produced a Peregrine, a Buzzard, 2 Shelduck(but no youngsters), 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Redshank again and 17 Common Terns. Little changed until the 7th when a redhead Goosander flew north over the causeway pondering the question as to whether it had been pushed off a prospective breeding site by rising floods. A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was on the causeway and Common Terns were assessed at 27. A juvenile Black Headed Gull was the first of many more to be seen later in the month. A Yellow-legged Gull sat on a buoy at the Deep End as did a Great Black-backed Gull. Meanwhile Common Sandpiper passage clearly continued but no count was made.

An Osprey appeared again after a few days' absence on the 8th. 40 Common Crossbills gave an unexpected opportunity at the larch plantation at the edge of Stansley Wood on the 9th. A Spotted Flycatcher there also raised a few eyebrows. The Osprey appeared at 12-30 hrs. 2 Bullfinches were reported and Garden Warbler continued to sing. The 2 Shelduck remained as did 2 Redshank and an Oystercatcher and 8 Common Sandpipers. 7 Common Terns were reported but there were probably many more. Juvenile Pied Wagtails were noted at Ten Acre Bay on the 10th Tree Sparrows were prominent at several locations around the Deep End and below the dam where 24 Grey Herons were counted. 2 Oystercatchers were also below the dam with a third in Tad Bay A Kestrel and a Buzzard were also seen. A Yellow-legged Gull was again present. 13 Lapwings were found and 141 Canada Geese. A male, female and juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker were on the Education Feeders with 2 Nuthatches. 2 Teal were new arrivals in Tad Bay where there were also 5 Gadwall. A pair of Bullfinches behaved as a breeding pair in front of the Stansley Wood Hide. A Mistle Thrush was on the grass at the top of Tad Bay. 47 Common Terns were now present and just 7 Common Sandpipers.

There were still at least 15 Common Crossbills in the larches on the 11 th. Another very young Great Crested Grebe chick rode on its parent's back. A Buzzard was also reported which was not unexpected as they were nesting within the Reserve. A Kingfisher in Tad Bay was a welcome record on the 12 th when a Spotted Flycatcher was again recorded. The Osprey was over Blithe Bay. On 15th there was apparently a female Red Crested Pochard in Blithe Bay but there was no entry in the log book or elsewhere. A Curlew flew through and once more the Osprey spent much of the day at Blithfield. There was now a family of Spotted Flycatchers around Barn Farm Bay and a nest was found with well developed chicks in the larches. A Green Woodpecker was again around the dam. 33 Common Terns were seen and 8 Common Sandpipers again. 2 Oystercatchers continued to hang around. The Osprey lingered on the 16th and again on the 17th. The Spotted Flycatchers continued to do well as 4 Spotted Flycatchers were seen at the larches including 3 very large chicks in a nest that looked too small for purpose. By just turning 180 degrees observers could admire the roosting Osprey at its favourite spot. The second Spotted Flycatcher family were at Barn Farm Bay on the 19th 2 Treecreepers were also seen. At least 36 Common Terns continued to feature. The Bullfinches showed again in Stansley Wood Osprey and Buzzard were reported plus a Hobby which this year has been scarce at Blithfield. Several of the 150 Black-headed Gulls on the dam were juveniles. A Turnstone on the dam was a nice surprise on the 20th whilst an unseasonal Pochard was in Tad Bay. Spotted Flycatchers delighted visitors too. 2 adult Little Gulls flew through Blithe Bay also. 2 recently fledged but self sufficient Redstarts were observed at Admaston Reach on the 21st suggesting that they may have bred locally. No adults were seen.

The WeBS was conducted on the 22nd by Messrs Holt, Powell, Mant, Betts and Broadbent. The 2 long staying Black Swans continued to enjoy the Blithfield water. The non breeding Mute Swan flock was counted at 120. 127 Greylags were present but they did not seem to have many young birds amongst them. There were 267 Canada Geese. The dabblers were represented by 7 Gadwall, 2 Teal, and a surprisingly low 130 Mallards. There were also 5 hybrid ducks including 4 ducklings of mixed parentage. 232 Tufted Duck were the only diving ducks present. 51 Great Crested Grebes were located and 29 Cormorants maintained their recent low totals. A creditable 37 Grey Herons were found mostly below the dam. 170 Coot were at various locations with several young chicks. 4 Oystercatchers emained but there was still no sign of further breeding activity. A single Little Ringed Plover was around the causeway still and the post breeding Lapwing flock totalled 113 mostly along Admaston Reach and in Tad Bay. 9 Common Sandpipers were seen and the Turnstone continued its presence on the dam. A Kingfisher was seen in Blithe Bay. At least 181 Black-headed Gulls were present during the morning and 2 Herring Gulls were identified and outnumbered by 24 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A grand total of 64 Common Terns were present but there were only 2 juveniles amongst them. 2 Buzzards were noted and Kestrel was recorded as present as were Skylark, Reed Bunting, Linnet and Yellow Wagtail. 22 Pied Wagtails were counted though and these included several locally bred juveniles. A Dunlin and a 3 cy Yellow-legged Gull were reported later. In addition at least one juvenile Redstart was lingering along Admaston Reach with a family of Willow Warblers and a Chiffchaff. A Dunnock was seen taking food to a family in a nest in Stansley Wood. 2 Lesser Whitethroats were also logged but their location was not revealed.

On 24th 2 Green Woodpeckers were seen again around the dam. They may have bred nearby as 3 Green Woodpeckers were seen there on an unspecified date. 12 Common Sandpipers were found and the Dunlin remained. 2 juvenile Black-necked Grebes were found in Tad Bay on the 25 th when 4 Arctic Terns including a juvenile were off Beech Tree Point with c 30 Common Terns. A moulting Sanderling was on the causeway. A Jay was in Stansley Wood still. An uncounted flock of Black-tailed Godwits added to the month's wader list on the 26th as they flew over the causeway. 2 Green Sandpipers were also noted On the 27th. c12 Common Crossbills were seen again in the Stansley Wood larches prompting a rethink as to the future of this area of Stansley Wood. 5 Common Crossbills at least were still there on the 28th when an Osprey reappeared. 2 recently fledged Spotted Flycatchers were also close by. At the other end of the Reservoir an early returning Whinchat was found. The Osprey continued on the 29th and again 20 Common Crossbills were present. A Turnstone was found in Ten Acre Bay but was elusive. Common Sandpipers were certainly present but only 2 were recorded An Oystercatcher was also reported. The evening Black-headed Gull roost began to attract attention as it tends to do in late July/August. Observers were promptly rewarded when a fine adult Mediterranean Gull was found.

On the 30th a male, female and juvenile Common Crossbill were located after a heavy rain storm in the larch plantation. The recently fledged Spotted Flycatchers were present there and at Barn Farm Bay. Willow Warblers, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits and Goldcrests were also in the plantation. A female Common Scoter avoided positive identification in Tad Bay for awhile until it reared its head amongst the Tufted Duck flock. Meanwhile the Osprey looked down from its perch. A Reed Bunting continued to sing also. The 2 Teal remained but 4 drake and a duck Pochard were new arrivals. There was also a female Shoveler. Gadwall totalled eleven. Broods of 2(x2) (x2), 2, and 3 Great Created Grebes were noted and there was a new brood of Coot too. A Little Grebe was in Ten Acre Bay. On the dam there was a juvenile Little Egret which apparently had been seen a few days earlier. At least 70 Swifts were seen apparently moving south. 2 juvenile Ringed Plovers were on the causeway with 2 adult Dunlin. A Green Sandpiper was below the dam where an Oystercatcher was also found. 51 Common Terns were counted. These included 27 that chose to roost in a field off Admaston Reach with a Black-headed Gull flock. A single Arctic Tern was also identified. 6 Common Sandpipers were present and 82 Greylag Geese were at the Deep End.

On the 31st a Hobby flew south west across the Deep End and on to Colton and beyond. A juvenile Shelduck was in Tad Bay where 8 Gadwall flew around Common Terns were assessed at a new maximum of 67. A Raven flew low over Barn Farm Bay grunting loudly Broods of 4, and 6 Tufted Duck were noted and 10 Moorhens that gave an indication that they too like high water levels!

June 2012

The second wettest June on record and surely one of the coldest did not make June 2012 one of the best ever. The trickle of migrants soon came to a halt. The causeway was the only suitable available spot for waders. Few members included Blithfield in their birding plans but one who did was justly rewarded whilst others were left to monitor breeding birds.

A drake Pochard was found in Tad Bay on the 1st.Encouragingly a Great Crested Grebe was parent to a chick. A pair of Shelducks had 5 ducklings too. A brood of 7 Mallard ducklings emerged. Other ducks noted included a drake Shoveler and 9 Gadwall. At least 4 Coot remained on well built nests. A Jay revealed its presence. A Sedge Warbler was at a favoured location whilst 2 Willow Warblers, a Garden Warbler and Common Whitethroats were all singing. A family of Long-tailed Tits were almost certainly locally bred. A pair of Lapwings behaved suspiciously as if they had at least one hidden offspring. Another 6 Lapwings were at the water's edge. A pair of Yellow Wagtails also resented any human presence. On the dam 2 Linnets remained. A female Kestrel was seen near Ten Acre Bay and may have been near a nest. A pair of Pied Wagtails had a family of three at the same location.2 Buzzards soared over the Reservoir whilst 3 Common Terns were over the water. On the 4th the 2 Black Swans were again in Tad Bay and at last the pen seemed to be preparing to leave the nest without positive result. The Mute Swan flock increased to 59 birds. Just 4 Grey Herons were located. A second pair of Shelducks had 10 ducklings along Admaston Reach. An Osprey flew over the Education Centre during the morning of the 5th. An hour later it was relocated in a tree at the water's edge in Tad Bay.

A Treecreeper was located along Newton Hurst Lane on the 6th. Two broods of Mallards of 8 and 5 were in Blithe Bay. The parent Great Crested Grebe still had the single and vociferous chick. The pair of Shelducks with 5 ducklings were seen. The drake Pochard and Shoveler were found again. At least 5 Common Terns were present. A Skylark was flushed from the top of Blithe Bay where a Kestrel was also hunting. A Goldcrest sang almost continuously opposite the Education Centre. The discovery of 2 Greenshanks in Tad Bay on the 8th coincided with a slight drop in water levels but these were strangely the only birds recorded by the observer. Perhaps this reflects the main interest of those who come to search for specific kinds of birds at Blithfield rather than the lack of birds. In fact there was a Little Ringed Plover on the causeway and at least 30 Swallows, an influx of 80 House Martins and an estimated 600 Swifts skimming over the road on a stormy day. Weather conditions relented slightly on the 9th when Swifts reduced to no more than 250.Just 2 Common Terns were recorded but daily totals are prone to vary by the hour. The 12th undoubtedly produced the highlight of the month but was only enjoyed by one occasional visitor. He was in the right place at the right time to witness two Common Cranes fly from the west and continue in an easterly direction much to the disappointment of two regulars! For them a Little Ringed Plover on the causeway and 8 adult Shelduck flying by offered little compensation. Neither did 5 Common Terns. A Skylark sang south of the causeway. Interestingly a pair of Gadwall continued to paddle around St. Stephen's Bay which possibly offered the prospect of nesting habitat for them. A near adult Yellow-legged Gull was on a buoy at the Deep End. Meanwhile 2 Kestrel chicks could be seen at a nest site near Ten Acre Bay. Lapwings seemed to be still holding territories to the east of Blithfield. Yellow Wagtails too were present nearby. Inspection of nearby fields can reveal interesting birding and if birders have time to spend these forays into the wider area they can produce some rewards for those that enjoy self finding. It was good therefore to find a singing Yellowhammer.

The mid—summer blues continued and there was little change until 20th. The 2 Kestrel chicks continued to grow. The male and female Gadwall were in St. Stephen's Bay. Both Black Swans were at last swimming around Tad Bay. The Mute Swan flock was estimated at 100 with 86 in Tad Bay alone. 21 Grey Herons were also a seasonal increase. There were now 2 parent Great Crested Grebes with a single chick each. Mallard broods of 2 ,4, 5, 8 (x2), and 9 were seen. A flock of Greylags contained just 6 goslings which was well down on last year's total. 4 Teal reported earlier were confirmed. 2 Oystercatchers seemed to be trying to establish themselves once more. 10 Common Terns were seen. A Jay called again from Stansley Wood and the Goldcrest continued to sing near the Education Centre. The WeBS was conducted by Messrs. Broadbent, Betts, Powell and Smith. Special mention and thanks to Nick Smith who came back from an early morning trip to New Brighton to cover the Deep End and then to do further survey other locations within Staffordshire. The Blithfield counts were however unspectacular. The totals included 98 Mute Swans, 2 Black Swans, 202 Canada Geese and 58 Greylag Geese. Just a seasonally low total of 19 Cormorants was interesting. The 76 Great Crested Grebes included 2 chicks. Surprisingly only 4 Grey Herons were found given the recent influx. 5 hybrid ducks included the white mother and 3 similar ducklings but the forth offspring was dark brown. 9 Gadwall were found as well as the drake Shoveler. The single drake Pochard was also in Tad Bay. 16 Shelduck included 10 ducklings in broods of 8 and 4 in Blithe Bay. 72 Tufted Ducks were present but there was no indication of successful breeding yet. The total of 219 Coot contained several families including those on Barn Farm Pool and the 2 prehistoric "pond". 21 Common Terns was a good total with 17 in Tad Bay. All were adults. There must be some concern on their breeding successes away from Blithfield. An adult Common Gull loitering on the northern side of the causeway was a surprise. A 2cy Great Black-backed Gull was at the Deep End and 19 summering Lesser Black-backed Gulls remained. The 7 Black-headed Gulls were mainly around the fish farm. The near adult Yellow-legged Gull was seen again. Waders were represented by just a single Redshank over the dam, an Oystercatcher, and 12 Lapwings. Interesting passerines were 2 Skylarks, 7 Reed Buntings, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 18 Pied Wagtails. Tree Sparrows were listed as present but they were scattered around various locations around the Deep End especially. The Kestrel family remained in good health. Finally a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was at the Education Centre feeders and 2 Ravens were seen.

On 26th a Great Crested Grebe had a recently hatched chick on her back making this the third instance of a successful breeding attempt. The Grey Heron flock was back up to 24. 3 Little Ringed Plovers reappeared at last on the causeway where 2 Oystercatchers were once again present. 6 Common Terns were seen in the afternoon. The Kestrel chicks were by now appearing very prominently in their nest hole. 2 Reed Warblers were found at last in their favoured and usual location on the 27th. This minor success was supported by 2 singing Reed Buntings, a Blackcap, Chiffchaff 2 Garden Warblers and 3 Whitethroats. 2 Grey Herons found the top of Tad Bay to their liking. In Blithe Bay were 6 Black-headed Gulls and 6 Common Terns. 3 Teal were flushed but earlier 5 Teal had been in Tad Bay. It was able to confirm that a pair of Shelduck in a corner of Blithe Bay had 8 ducklings. 3 drake Pochards were now present. On the causeway the first returning Common Sandpiper was located with the 3 Little Ringed Plovers and 2 Oystercatchers. The day was enhanced by several Beautiful Demoiselles dancing over the Blithe with their more common Banded Demoiselle relatives.

On the 30th the Common Sandpiper remained on the causeway and a single Little Ringed Plover, 9 Common Terns were fishing again in Tad Bay. 53 Greylags swam in front of Beech Tree Point and 2 Mistle Thrushes were at a favourite location at the top of Tad Bay. One of the Kestrel chicks was perched in a nearby tree whilst the second bird was still at the nest entrance. 2 recently fledged Jays flew across the drive of Newton Hurst Lane to join a parent.

May 2012

May continued as April ended with cold, wet conditions. The wind was often in the north as depression after depression swept across the U. K. Finally from around the 18th high pressure began to build and light winds from the east predominated. There was a trickle of migrants but high water levels meant that any shorebirds were limited to the causeway. The reservoir was full to over capacity. The drought was well and truly over. Highlights were few and far between. Some Arctic and Black Tern passage continued and Common Scoters lingered too. Last month's Green-winged Teal also continued to attract admirers for a few days. Inclement weather usually can be expected to provide spectacular gatherings of hirundines and May 2012 was no exception. Big numbers of Swifts reminded us that it was indeed May. The best two waders were a pair of Whimbrel on some floating vegetation and a Knot which stayed around for three days. Just a single Sanderling , albeit in fine breeding plumage, was seen.

An Osprey delighted the observers on the 1st. There was a Goldeneye in Blithe Bay. The Green-winged Teal remained. 4Shelduck ,2 Oystercatchers, and a Common Sandpiper were pretty standard fare for early May. 4 Arctic Terns and 3 Black Terns off Beech Tree Point indicated some passage. A White Wagtail was a product of south easterlies. Several Blackcaps were reported as singing. A Raven flew over. 2 Common Terns joined the lingering Black and Arctic Terns on the 2nd. A Curlew flew over the causeway where there were 2 Dunlin and 2 Oystercatchers. Also there were 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 2 Common Sandpipers. The White Wagtail remained and the long staying Black Swans continued with the pen still on the Tad Bay nest as it would throughout the month. 2 Wheatears were on the dam. Around the fringes of the Reservoir the songs of, 4 Common Whitethroats and 2 Lesser Whitethroats could be enjoyed whilst a Sedge Warbler was a new arrival. Just a single Swift was seen. 5 Common Terns were identified on the 3rd and a Black Tern. 500 hirundines were estimated as the weather remained unfavourable for their dispersal. They were joined by 50 Swifts. An Little Ringed Plover was recorded as well as a single Yellow Wagtail. A Goldeneye was still present. 3 Common Scoters including 3 drakes were at the Deep End off St. Stephen's Bay on the 4th. . There was a resurgence of Arctic Tern passage with 25 birds present. Careful examination of the Tern flock indicated just one Common Tern The latter were very much in the minority. There was also a lingering Black Tern. An estimate of 1200 Swallows indicated a major hirundines event. 400 Swifts supplemented the spectacle. Unsurprisingly perhaps therefore a Hobby put in an appearance. 4 Common Sandpipers were either on the dam or causeway. 5 Wheatears were around the dam. The Green-winged Teal was apparently still present. There were still 5 Goldeneye in Tad Bay on the 5th. The 3 Common Scoters were still present off St. Stephen's Bay. 3 Shelduck were said to be present. and of course 2 Black Swans. 2 Eurasian Teal were amongst the willows but there was no sign of their American cousin ! Several Coots were sitting in nests at various locations and encouragingly Great crested Grebes were also on nests in the two northern bays. The Tern count was 3 Common, 3 Arctic and a single Black Tern. 2 Common Sandpipers were on the causeway where 2 Oystercatchers continued to show interest. A Kestrel patrolled the St. Stephen's Farm area where a Whinchat was on fence wires. 4 pairs of Lapwings were holding territories in an adjacent bare field to the east of the Reservoir. Other birds recorded were a Garden Warbler in the Duckley Plantation, a White Wagtail still, a Yellow Wagtail near a favourable habitat, a Treecreeper, Skylark and a Nuthatch in Stansley Wood where Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs continued to sing. A Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat were singing below the dam where Tree Sparrows were a feature. 2 Arctic Terns, a Common Tern and a Black Tern were still on offer on the 6th. 5 Yellow Wagtails were seen. 4 Common Sandpipers and 3 Oystercatchers were reported.

A drake and duck Pintail were a surprise in Blithe Bay on the 7th. 5 Little Ringed Plovers and a single Common Sandpiper were the only other birds of note that were recorded. Things remained quiet on the 9th when 2 Shelduck were seen and a male Reed Bunting was seen as it sang in front of the Stansley Wood Hide. A Nuthatch was on the feeders and a Sparrowhawk was also seen. A Wigeon appeared on the 10th. 2 Wheatears continued the prolonged passage of that species but the real star bird was another Whinchat. 5 Dunlin were new on the 11th but the Arctic Tern and a Common Tern were probably lingering birds as was a Little Ringed Plover. 5 Wheatears were counted and a Hobby was seen again. The Hobby was above St. Stephen's Farm before drifting south on the 12th. On the whole reports of this species were fewer than in previous years. The 5 Wheatear were still around the dam. 12 Lapwings were holding territories to the immediate east of the Reservoir but tilling and planting may have disturbed their attempts to breed successfully. 4 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin were on the causeway. An Osprey brightened up lunchtime as it appeared over Tad Bay before drifting towards Blithe Bay. Little passage seemed to be occurring so it was decided to do an assessment on the number of singing birds that were on site. 10 Chiffchaff easily outnumbered the 3 Willow Warblers and a single Sedge Warbler. There were 10 of each for Blackcap and Garden Warblers. Certainly the latter appeared to be well down on previous years. Lesser Whitethroats were heard but a count of Common Whitethroats was not recorded although at least two were found. Additionally there were 2 Skylarks and 4 singing male Reed Buntings. 2 Yellow Wagtails were in suitable breeding habitat. Tree Sparrows were also busy below the dam. Ducks were represented by a loafing female Goosander, a pair of Gadwall a drake Shoveler and surprisingly a pair of Pintail was enjoying the high water levels 50 Tufted Ducks were recorded. A brood of 3 Mallards appeared and several Coot were occupying nests. There were at least 4 pairs of Great Crested Grebes on nests too. The Black Swans were present of course. A Sparrowhawk was seen and Buzzards too. A Cuckoo was heard calling to the north of the Reservoir. During the mid afternoon the causeway was checked out again. A Common Tern attracted attention and as it was followed it flew over a floating log off Beech Tree Point. There were not only 2 Mallards on the log but two other birds that required scoping. These were soon identified as 2 Whimbrel. The songbird survey was continued into the early evening when the Osprey did a repeat performance over Tad Bay before drifting west ending a long day on a high note. 2 Whimbrel were also recorded on the 13th as well as the Dunlin and the Osprey once more.

Much of the following week was quiet and little changed until the 17th when a moulting Knot was found on the northern side of the causeway. There was also a Ringed Plover, Dunlin and 3 Common Terns on offer. At a favoured location the first Spotted Flycatcher of the year was found in the evening 2 Wigeon were a surprise having commuted from Blithe to Tad Bay during the day. Other birds reported were Coal Tit and a singing Chiffchaff. The Knot was seen again on the 18th when an Arctic Tern appeared with 4 Common Terns giving a chance for those unsure of their sterna identification skills an opportunity to have a crash course. The single Sedge Warbler was relocated.

On a typically damp early morning the WeBS was carried out by Messrs,. Holt, Powell, Mant and Broadbent. A total of 19 Great Crested Grebes were found. 113 Coot were seen and just 20 Cormorants. 14 Grey Herons was a respectable number. 150 Mallards, 5 Gadwall, the 2 Wigeon and pair of Pintails again. 2 Shoveler were found too, 14 Shelduck were located and the single Goosander. 117 Tufted Ducks was a good total. 9 "Farmyard Geese'' were the usual residents as were the 2 Black Swans that were still trying so hard. 11 Canada Geese and 12 Greylags were recorded. The Mute Swan herd had increased to 32. The Knot was lurking on the shore just south of the causeway and close to the Admaston pull off. A Common Sandpiper was flushed from there as well. A single Ringed Plover was still in residence as was just one Little Ringed Plover. A lone Lapwing flew over the Deep End. 4 Oystercatchers were seen. A single Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were all present. At least 21 Pied Wagtails were around as well as 4 Yellow Wagtails. 2 Skylarks were on the stretch from St. Stephen's Bay to the dam. A Sedge Warbler and 4 singing Reed Buntings got on to the list as did 2 Linnets. Tree Sparrows were in residence too. 8 Lesser Black-backed Gulls appeared to join 2 Great Black Backed Gulls and a single Black-headed Gull at the fish farm. A Common Tern was seen. Other birds present but not included on the WeBS were a flock of 20 Starlings at St. Stephen's Farm where a Cuckoo was a pleasant surprise. The Green Woodpecker was flushed from the grassy bank of the dam. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was also in attendance. Many House Martins had arrived with Swallows and Swifts.

A Black Tern was off Beech Tree Point on the 20th and the Pintails were seen again. Gradually the weather began at last to improve but we had to wait until the 25th for the next significant arrival. The causeway was once again the location where a Sanderling in breeding plumage was discovered in the afternoon. It was with a Ringed Plover and a Dunlin. An Oystercatcher had returned to the causeway too and there was another in Ten Acre Bay. 2 Yellow Wagtails were around the causeway too. A Coot had chicks in Tad Bay where there were 2 Shelduck. A well grown Great Crested Grebe was accompanied by a parent. 6 Lapwings were on the shore. 6 Gadwall were located and the pair of Pintail continued their stay. A Mallard family emerged A Buzzard was over Ten Acre Bay. On 26th a Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin and the Ringed Plover were noted. On 27th an Osprey put in an appearance and the Black Tern lingered. There was also a report of a Barnacle Goose and of course 2 Black Swans!. 2 Spotted Flycatchers were seen at the top of Blithe Bay on 28th. 2 Goosanders also flew over. A female Bullfinch was along the Kittyfisher Brooke. A lone Dunlin was on the causeway. A Kestrel was at nearby Newton. The final reports received were on the 30th when 2 Goosanders were reported once more. Also 2 Common Terns and the pair of Wigeon.

News from June 2011

A Black-tailed Godwit present on the 5th and 6th June 2011 at Blithfield. It was colour ringed. It has recently been identified as a bird that was ringed in Iceland the previous year. We thank Richard Powell for his perseverance regarding this matter?

Please note: It is becoming increasingly difficult for us to compile these monthly reports as fully and as accurately as we would like. Unfortunately a number of birders who visit Blithfield on a regular basis fail to either enter their observations in the log book or send them to us via email at blithfield@westmidlandbirdclub.com. It is not the intention of these reports to just concentrate on rare and scarce birds. Common bird surveys are very important too. Please do not keep your records to yourself. Certainly if a bird of some significance is found please let someone know immediately and contact a bird information service. The Staffordshire Bird News contact number is in the Stansley Wood Hide.