West Midland Bird Club

October 2011

The month began with the warmest October temperature on record. Rainfall was below average although there was some appreciable rain towards the end. Water levels only went up slightly. At times it was breezy with some good spells of southerly and easterly winds. Wader passage slowed appreciably but Dunlin were present throughout and once again Blithfield hosted a Little Ringed Plover in October. The last of the summer migrants lingered well into the month with both Arctic and Black Terns seen. In mid month there was a substantial winter thrush arrival across Staffordshire and this was witnessed at Blithfield. The highlights though must have been the displaying Short--eared Owl seen by a fortunate few and thus overshadowed the presence of the year's third Spoonbill. A Bar-tailed Godwit remained on the 1st and the long staying Curlew Sandpiper was also located along Admaston Reach. 17 Dunlin and 17 Ringed Plovers were also present. In Tad Bay 5 Snipe were amongst the tree stumps. 3 Pintail spent much of the month in Tad Bay. News that a license had been issued by Natural England to cull Cormorants was discovered and 107 Cormorants resided at various locations around Blithfield. 167 Lapwings were also recorded. 2 Mandarin were found on the 2nd. A Little Ringed Plover brought back memories of last year. 8 Goosander were also noted. Little Ringed Plovers increased to 2 on the 3rd when 2 Peregrines were also disturbing the peace. Ringed Plovers increased to 22 and Dunlins were up to 21 whilst there were now 2 Curlew Sandpipers. A Green Sandpiper was also found. A female Mandarin was identified in Tad Bay. 3 Wheatears were also present. No increase of Wigeon was noted as only 3 were counted. A Swallow was also noted. This commenced a series of sightings. 3 Swallows were seen on the 4th. 2 Green Sandpipers were again found and a Common Sandpiper also. A single Snipe was located and a Wheatear too. 2 Peregrines were seen again. On the 5th both a Black-tailed and a Bar-tailed Godwit were reported but not necessarily confirmed. The Little Ringed Plover was still present and 4 Ringed Plovers were new. The Dunlin count remained at 22 with just the lingering Curlew Sandpiper. 3 Pintail dabbled in Tad Bay and there was another Peregrine sighting. It was estimated that 500 Linnets were around the perimeter..12 Swallows cruised around for awhile near the dam. On the 7th Swallow numbers continued to rise to 16. 164 Meadow Pipits were counted on the Blithe Bay mud but there were many more at other places around the Reservoir. 5 Wheatear were found. The Bar-tailed Godwit flew into St. Stephen's Bay with a Black-tailed Godwit keeping up the extended wader passage. This was enhanced by the fleeting arrival of 5 Golden Plovers. Once again there was a Peregrine.

On the 8th 16 Swallows were over the dam still as late passage continued. 8 Dunlin were in St. Stephen's Bay with a Ringed Plover. The Back tailed Godwit was in Blithe bay still. A female/juvenile Merlin at the top of Blithe Bay on the 9th. Golden Plovers increased to 62 whilst Dunlin decreased to10 but the Curlew Sandpiper still kept them company. The late Common Sandpiper also was found as well as the Black-tailed Godwit and a single Snipe. Ringed Plovers increased to 6. 7 Swallows were reported. Skylark passage was evident with 31 flying west. A Redshank was a one day bird. 246 Greylag Geese were counted. 3 Pintail were still in Tad Bay. A Wheatear was also on site. 23 Wigeon were counted on the 10th starting their autumn arrival from Russia. There were also 23 Goosanders and the same number of Dunlin! 35 Golden Plovers were in Tad Bay. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were present. An Arctic Tern was a surprise. A Goldeneye off Beech Tree Point on the 11th was a new arrival as was an Oystercatcher that flew noisily around Tad Bay. The adult Arctic Tern was still over the Deep End where the adult Yellow-legged Gull was relocated. 16 Dunlin were feeding peacefully in St .Stephen's Bay. The Curlew Sandpiper was in Blithe Bay still. A female Mandarin was with the Teal flock in Tad Bay when a juvenile female Peregrine flew through. Also in Tad Bay were 7 Shoveler and just 4 Tufted Duck. 20 Swallows flew south over the Duckley Plantation. A Wheatear was on Admaston Reach where 3 Ringed Plovers were found. Linnet numbers were estimated at 800. An influx of Long-tailed Tits was noted. The Arctic Tern was again noted on the 12th when a Treecreeper was seen near the "Prehistoric Pool''. A Rock Pipit was almost expected but fully appreciated on the dam on the 13th. The adult Arctic Tern was joined by a juvenile bird. A second Goldeneye appeared too. Redwing and Fieldfare passage was noted over Blithfield for the first time this autumn. Unlike elsewhere in Staffordshire Redwings outnumbered Fieldfares with 350 counted to just 4 Fieldfares. Conversely a Wheatear, Common Sandpiper and a Ringed Plover remained. A single Golden Plover was the only one seen on the 13th . On the 14th Goldeneyes increased to 3. Redwings were estimated at 100 and Fieldfares 200. 100 Golden Plovers arrived in Tad Bay indicating that autumn arrivals were well and truly underway. A drake Scaup in Tad Bay was a one day bird.

The WeBs was conducted by just 3 stalwarts on the 15th. 226 Canada Geese were counted and just one more Greylag Goose. A lone Mute Swan was present. 87 Cormorants were seen during the counting time but there could have been more during the day as some come in later. Great Crested Grebes remained but just 2 Coot were almost unnoticed. 2 Moorhen were on the "Prehistoric Pool''. 20 Grey Herons were present. Only 2 Dunlin and a single Ringed Plover were present. 15 Golden Plovers dropped into Tad Bay. A Green Sandpiper was in Blithe Bay. 214 Lapwings were split between the two northern bays and the Deep End. There were now 7 Goldeneye 25 Tufted Duck and 10 Goosanders. The 3 Pintail remained in Tad Bay. 14 Shovelers were in Tad Bay but these were eclipsed by 432 Teal and 403 Mallard. Wigeon had increased to 93. A single Great black Backed Gull was present and 10 Lesser black Backed Gulls. 2 Herring Gulls were at the Deep End. 515 Black-headed Gulls remained as they seemed to prefer to spend the entire day at Blithfield rather than disperse and return in the late afternoon. A Peregrine was seen and a Buzzard was present too. Skylark passage continued with 17 flying over the Deep End. Linnets, Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits were recorded as present but there had been a substantial reduction in Meadow Pipits. A minimum of 2407 wetland birds were therefore present on 15th October. Additionally and outside the survey time a Little Ringed Plover was relocated.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the 16th was a superb Short-eared Owl that flew high over the Reservoir and commenced seemingly to display. It dived and soared for over an hour. One explanation may be that just to the north of Blithfield it was raining and the bird concluded that it was best to suspend its passage through the area to wait for conditions to improve. There had been a big arrival of Short-eared Owls into the UK during the month with many seen coming in off the sea. Also on the 16th and perhaps at the other end of the spectrum a Rock Pipit was still present. A Peregrine sat on a stump in Tad Bay on the 17th. The Little Ringed Plover was with 4 Dunlin in Portfields Bay on the 18th. 3 Pintail were still in Tad Bay. Daily occurrences of Peregrine were maintained on the 19th and 5 Dunlin were located. A Black-tailed Godwit was also present as well as a Green Sandpiper. The Rock Pipit was also found again. Just 3 Golden Plover were recorded on the 20th as the autumn build up still failed to gather momentum. 8 Dunlin persisted and an Arctic Tern was a late arrival. An immature Little Gull maintained Interest on the 23rd. The Arctic Tern remained. A female Goldeneye was reported. The dam was still home to a Rock Pipit. The Little Ringed Plover was found in Tad Bay. Pintail had increased to 5and 2 Goosander were noted too. In Blithe Bay 6 Golden Plover were roosting and feeding occasionally. A Pochard was found on the 24th when summer was represented by a late Swallow, Little Ringed Plover, Little Gull and a Wheatear. The Rock Pipit was more seasonable. Dunlin increased to 12 on the 25th. The Little Gull was seen again. 2 Goosander were recorded and just 4 Golden Plover. A fully plumaged drake Pintail was found on the 26th. 150 Lapwing outnumbered the 4 Golden Plovers. Dunlin numbers continued to increase as 14 were counted as they commuted between the two northern bays. 2 Common Gulls were also noteworthy. 15 Dunlin were seen on the 27th. The Little Ringed Plover continued and a single Golden Plover was reported. A Mandarin was in Tad Bay. 2 Goosander were also there and 4 Goldeneye were around. At last Golden Plover reached 80 birds on 29th. On the 30th a Spoonbill was a good find. Weekend birders also found the Little Ringed Plover, 9 Goosander, 4 Pintail, 20 Golden Plovers and 15 Dunlin whilst others preferred to spend more time at other sites. On the final day 106 Golden Plovers were on the Tad Bay mud and 2 Ruddy Duck put in a surprise appearance. Dunlin increased to 18 and the drake Pintail looked very smart.

September 2011

After a sunny start most of the month was cool, often with blustery westerlies but it was generally dry with just a couple of days where rain made birding difficult. The month ended however with fine hot and sunny conditions. It was more like mid - summer than autumn as winds came from the south. Water levels continued to plummet. Consequently shorebirds were on offer throughout with good numbers especially of Ringed Plovers in Blithe Bay.

A Ruddy Duck was a surprise on the 1st. A Garganey was still present and a Pintail was located in Tad Bay. 4 Gadwall were there too. The Osprey with the Scottish blue ring still entertained. A Hobby also was a good find. 6 Ruff were located at various locations. Other waders were 12 Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin. A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was in Blithe Bay. Just a single Common Sandpiper was located. 9 Barnacle Geese were present and 3 hybrid geese continued to confuse at least one observer! A Common Tern was seen off Beech Tree Point. 6 Yellow Wagtails were along Admaston Reach. A Little Grebe was reported in Tad Bay. Interestingly a Raven was seen deliberately dropping a water mussel on to pebbles as if to break open the shell to feed on the contents. 2 Wigeon were noted on the 2nd when a juvenile Knot arrived in St. Stephen's Bay. Ringed Plovers were up to 20 but there were only 8 Dunlin. 6 Greenshank was a good total. 2 Common Sandpiper maintained light passage for that species. The Curlew Sandpiper was still attracted some admirers. A Black Tern frequented both sides of the causeway. Passerines included 3 Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher and a Garden Warbler. The continued arrival of many Meadow Pipits is also worthy of mention after an absence throughout the summer. The lingering Osprey remained. 2 Knot were along Admaston Reach on the 3rd and Ringed Plovers continued to increase with 36 now on the Blithe Bay flats. Still only 8 Dunlin and the Curlew Sandpiper accompanied them. 2 Bar-tailed Godwits arrived in St. Stephen's Bay to commence a prolonged stay. 2 Green Sandpipers revealed themselves. A single Ruff was present. 6 Greenshank continued to show around the Reservoir. The 2 Common Sandpipers continued. 3 Black Tern were at the Deep End. The long-staying Yellow-legged Gull was also at the Deep End. 3 Common Tern and an Arctic Tern were identified too. On the shore 3 Wheatear and a Whinchat were found. A Raven also flew over. One of the Knot had left on the 4th. 2 Garganey and a Pintail were present. 4 Greenshank and 6 Ruff were also reported. A Great Black-backed Gull was new. 4 Wheatears were seen. Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Curlew Sandpiper remained as on the previous day. 2 Little Stint were enjoyed on the 5th. 3 Hobby skimmed over Duckley Plantation and 2 Goosander were loafing in Blithe Bay where a juvenile Shelduck was also present. 2 Wigeon were in Tad Bay. A Little Egret was new on the 6th. 3 Shelduck were now in Tad Bay. A Garganey was located. 2 Hobby were seen as well as 2 Peregrine. Numbers of Ringed Plover and Dunlin remained much as they had done for the last few days with 34 and 7 respectively. The 2 Bar tailed Godwit also were in Blithe Bay. 2 Green Sandpiper were found. 3 Black Tern and a Common Tern were still present. 8 Swift were still over the causeway. There was also a considerable total of 20 Wheatear (8 Blithe Bay,10 below the dam and 2 in Mickledale Bay). On the 7th the juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again located in Blithe Bay. The 2 Bar tailed Godwit showed very well. 2 Greenshank were found and a Common Sandpiper. 37 Ringed Plover were counted and 6 Dunlin 2 Peregrine and 2 Hobby were also still around. Just a single Ruff was found amongst the Tad Bay stumps. The summering flock of Barnacle Geese totalled 21. The 2 Goosander were still present. 8 Wheatear were along Admaston Reach. 3 Swift were over the causeway still. There were now 4 Black Tern. 2 Skylark were in the St. Stephen's area. On the 8th Club members could still enjoy exclusively in Blithe Bay 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper. 4 Greenshank,38 Ringed Plover and 6 Dunlin. Meanwhile a Peregrine sat on a stump in Tad Bay where 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 3 Shelduck , 2 Goosander and a Ruff could also be seen. 2 Green Sandpipers were seen again too. A late Swift was over the causeway. Other birds present were a juvenile Black Terns, 2 Arctic Terns a Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. 25 Siskin were an advanced guard for many more on the 9th. Also new was a Little Egret. There was an increase in Ringed Plover numbers as there were now 51 birds present. Dunlin numbers were comparatively low at 10. Also just the lone Curlew Sandpiper.3 Arctic Terns and a single Black Tern were recorded. One Swift was still present. The Whinchat lingered as well as 7 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtails. A passage of 14 Arctic Terns and 5 Common Terns was recorded on the 10th after gales on the previous day. A Black Tern at the deep end and a juvenile Little Gull livened up a still breezy afternoon. Much better though was the discovery of a juvenile Shag just north of the causeway. A male Goshawk had also been reported earlier in the day. A Knot was in St. Stephen's Bay and a Ruff was in Tad Bay where a Little Stint was newly arrived. Despite the presence of a Peregrine 3 Greenshank were seen plus 11 Dunlin, 2 Bar tailed Godwit and the Curlew Sandpiper.53 Ringed Plovers was a new maximum. A Yellow Wagtail was also on the day list as well as 7 Wheatear. Meadow Pipits continued to increase especially in Blithe Bay. Ringed Plovers increased to 55 on 11th and Dunlin were up to 19. The Little Stint, Little Gull and the Shag remained. Just one Bar-tailed Godwit was reported but there were now 2 Curlew Sandpipers. Masses of Swallows and House Martins were passing through. 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were seen again on 13th but they had transferred to Tad Bay. Also there was a female Pintail and a Ruff. 2 juvenile Shag stood on Ten Acre Island posing for a photograph. 2 Swift were still over the causeway. 31 Ringed Plovers were in Blithe Bay and 7 Dunlin. A Little Stint was along Admaston Reach. 2 Greenshank were in Barn Farm Bay. The Knot remained peacefully in St. Stephen's Bay. 3 Wheatear were discovered on the muddy vegetation of Blithe Bay with the Meadow Pipits. 5 Arctic Terns were off Beech Tree Point. A Sparrowhawk was over the Broompits. Just a single Shag was found on the 14th when 6 Black-tailed Godwits joined the 2 Bar-tailed Godwits. The Knot continued its stay but was now in Blithe Bay. Presumably the same lingering Swift was over the causeway. 2 Greenshank were reported and the 5 Arctic Terns remained. Dunlin and Ringed Plovers remained stable. 2 Wheatear were logged. A Garden Warbler was a noteworthy passerine.

An Osprey was seen on the 15th after not featuring since early in the month. This however was not the same individual as the previous bird because this one was un-ringed. A Hobby and a Peregrine completed the raptor list. 5 Greenshank were present and 19 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin were counted. The Black Tern was also seen and 4 Wheatears were reported. 5 Curlew was a notable record on 16th when the Osprey remained. The Hobby once again performed. 31 Ringed Plover were in Blithe Bay and 7 Dunlin.3 Common Sandpiper were around the Deep End. The 2 Bar tailed Godwit continued to entertain in front of the Stansley Wood Hide as the water level continued to fall. Wheatears reduced to 3. Messrs Holt, Betts, Ray, Taylor and Mant conducted the WeBs on 17th in my absence. They reported 2 Moorhen, 55 Coot, 573 Mallard, 321 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 2 Goosander, just 2 Tufted Duck, 258 Canada Geese, 322 Greylag Geese, only 6 Mute Swan, 90 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 60 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1428 Black-headed Gulls, a single Black Tern and Arctic Tern, just one Grey Heron, 4 Common Sandpiper, the Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank, 70 Ringed Plover (possibly some double counting) 19 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 115 Lapwing and just one Bar tailed Godwit, an immature male Peregrine, 7 Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk and the Osprey. In addition Swallows and House Martins were very obvious as they reached the height of their migration period.

On the 18th news was received that there was an unusual juvenile amongst the 20 Yellow Wagtails with cattle adjacent to Admaston Reach. It was reported as "possibly of the eastern form'' as it lacked any yellow or buff tones. Ringed Plovers were again assessed at 55 and 13 Dunlin were present. The Curlew Sandpiper remained. 3 Green Sandpipers was a good count for this often elusive species at Blithfield. Strangely 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were located and 2 Common Sandpipers too. The Arctic Tern and Black Tern continued their stay as did 2 Wheatears and the Osprey. A Shelduck was a new arrival.2 Sandwich Terns added to this year's good series of records for this species on 19th when 4 Wigeon were located and 9 Goosander as well as a Pintail. 26 Dunlin indicated that there was a good turnover of individuals happening. The Arctic Tern was still delaying its departure as were 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank and the 2 Bar-tailed Godwits. The Osprey too was reluctant to leave. Only 2 Yellow Wagtails were found and were outnumbered by 6 Wheatear. The 20th was quieter with just the Osprey, Arctic Tern, a Little Grebe 3 Wigeon, 3 Snipe and a party of at least 15 Long-tailed Tits were reported.

35 Shoveler represented a substantial increase in Tad Bay on the 21st. 6 Wigeon were seen as well as a Pintail and 3 Goosander, Hobby, Peregrine, Buzzard and Osprey represented the raptors. Shore birds included 54 Ringed Plover, 34 Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpipers and a new arrival in the form of a Grey Plover on the Blithe Bay mud. The Arctic Tern held on stubbornly as did a single Wheatear. There was little change on the 22nd except for the discovery of a juvenile Little Stint. The Arctic Tern remained at the Deep End where a Greenshank and 5 Common Sandpipers were present. An immature Marsh Harrier on 23rd relieved the monotony of the stagnated wader passage for the Blithfield regulars although the casual visitors could still enjoy the Grey Plover still in Blithe Bay, 50 Ringed Plovers, 30 Dunlin, the Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Peregrines, a Goosander and Yellow Wagtails. 7 Common Crossbills flying over Stansley Wood was a reflection of that species' recent influx on 24th. A second Grey Plover joined the other bird in Blithe Bay. A Yellow-legged Gull and Great Black-backed Gull were found in Tad Bay. 2 Peregrines were again reported as well as the Osprey. The Ringed Plover flock remained at 54 .19 Dunlin accompanied them. The Curlew Sandpiper continued to associate with them as did the Little Stint. Both the last two birds could be elusive on the large and increasing area of mud in Blithe Bay. Other migratory species present included a Wheatear, Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper. A Knot and Hobby were also reported. On the 25th numbers of Meadow Pipit, Pied. Wagtails and Siskin were extremely prominent. Over 100 Siskins were thought to be on the Blithfield Estate in various locations. An increase in Goldcrests was also reported. The 2 Grey Plovers showed well in Blithe Bay on the 25th but just one Bar-tailed Godwit was present in Tad Bay where a Ruff was seen again amongst the tree stumps. More difficult still to see was a Little Stint close by. 4 Snipe also emerged. Ringed Plovers were estimated at 50 and Dunlin at 20. A Fallow Deer was also seen on the shore in Tad Bay. 3 Red-crested Pochard including an eclipse drake were in St. Stephen's Bay on 26th. A single Grey Plover remained as did the Bar tailed Godwit, Ruff and Little Stint. There were now 2 Curlew Sandpipers. The presence of 3 Peregrines stirred things up and it became difficult to count accurately the numbers of Ringed Plovers and Dunlin for they commuted between the top of Blithe Bay and Admaston Reach. It was thought that their numbers were little changed. Two of the Dunlin though had longer bills than the other birds. They were also in winter plumage and were possibly of the form alpina. 8 Yellow Wagtails were found along the dam and 6 Wheatear were at Admaston Reach. Other birds present included a Black Tern, Common Tern, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper. The first Merlin of the autumn was reported on the 27th making a good comparison with the Peregrine. Just a lone Curlew Sandpiper was present. 26 Ringed Plover and 12 Dunlin were noted. 2 Wigeon and 2 Pintail were found. A Wheatear was also recorded.

The only record received for the 28th was a Little Stint on Admaston Reach. There were no records for 29th but the month ended much as it had been for several days. Ringed Plovers were down to 17 and Dunlin had reduced to 8. The Grey Plover remained. 5 Snipe were in Tad Bay where the Bar tailed Godwit slumbered amongst the Teal.3 Green Sandpipers were again present. A Peregrine continued to have the potential of causing mayhem. Wigeon increased to11. 2 Swallows were the first for a few days. A Common Crossbill was heard.

We would like to thank Graham Mant, Nick Smith, Richard Powell, Richard Berry, Martyn Yapp, Julian Allen and E.S.Clare amongst others plus Staffordshire Bird News ( Steve Seal) for submitting records this month whilst so many of us were away from Blithfield.

August 2011

At the commencement August was warm and sunny but the month as whole was cooler than average. There were many dull days too. Much of the forecasted rain though either failed to materialise, was lighter than expected or fell within the hours of darkness. The last week was wetter with heavy showers and some prolonged rain. Water levels continued to fall. The mud was freshened around the perimeter edges and with the resumption of recirculation of water into the reservoir they rose slightly in the last few days.

There were always good birds on offer as Blithfield enhanced its recent return to form. One special feature was the exceptional Yellow Wagtail passage with yet another regional record being claimed.

This aided wader passage and some late breeding particularly of Little Ringed Plovers and Tufted Duck. On a drizzly morning on August 4th a small Greenshank-like bird with an unfamiliar call seemed to tick all the boxes for Marsh Sandpiper. Unfortunately the bird was observed only for a short time before flying out to the west and never to be seen again. Ospreys were present throughout promoting some uniformed debate about what should happen next. Other raptors in included fly through Marsh Harriers, several sightings of Hobby and the seasonal appearance of Peregrines. The bushes to the north and south of the main reservoir held many Chiffchaff, some Willow Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatchers, a Tree Pipit and Redstarts on several days. Out over the water good numbers of Common Terns were seen and Black Terns also reappeared. In the last few days two delightful Little Gulls were present in Blithe Bay. 3 possibly 5 Black-necked Grebe also passed through.

The sub-adult Spoonbill was still present in Tad Bay on the 1st as were the 2 Yellow-legged Gulls at the deep end. 21 Common Terns were estimated still with a substantial number being recently fledged presumably from nearby. The adults were still feeding them. Tad Bay also hosted a Snipe and 3 Dunlin. New and brief visitors were an adult Curlew Sandpiper in Blithe Bay and a Whimbrel on Beech Tree Point. 4 Arctic Terns were claimed on the 2nd. 3 Dunlin remained and an Osprey was present. The Spoonbill was on offer again on the 3rd. 17 Little Ringed Plovers were at various locations around the eservoir. A Turnstone was reported and the Osprey again. On 4th the morning was damp and drizzly. A single wader in Blithe Bay was heard and a bird resembling a Greenshank was located about thirty yards in front of one of the Dairy House Reach Hides. The call which was given repeatedly however was not that of a Greenshank. Unfortunately after about ten minutes the bird flew overhead still calling and with long trailing legs. Other features on this bird strongly suggested Marsh Sandpiper It flew strongly to the west not to return.. Blithe Bay was checked out during the day but there was no further sign of the bird. Meanwhile the Spoonbill continued to slumber in Tad Bay where a Little Egret appeared whilst the Osprey looked on. 24 Barnacle Geese arrived to spend much of the month at Blithfield as has been their habit in recent years at this time of the year. Meanwhile a Black-tailed Godwit was in Blithe Bay later and an Oystercatcher was also located. 85 Great Crested Grebe were counted and 21 Grey Heron. 126 Mute Swans remained. Broods of 6,8,4,7 and 5 Tufted Duck emerged. There were about 20 Common Terns present. 8 Common Sandpipers were either on the causeway or scattered around the deep end. A Buzzard soared overhead. Stock Doves were also featured. 2 Green Sandpipers were found on. 2 juvenile Yellow Wagtails were seen around Mickledale Bay. 2 Skylarks were seen at St. Stephen's Hill Farm. On 5th 2 Green Sandpipers were seen. Little Egrets increased to two. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull was in the gull roost. It was the only one all month. An Osprey was still on offer. Barnacle Geese increased to 26 on 6th when 3 Green Sandpipers were located. 3 Shoveler were in Tad Bay. A Little Egret was in Tad Bay also. A family of 6 Little Ringed Plovers included 4 chicks at Dairy House Reach. A single Ringed Plover was in Tad Bay Only 2 Common Sandpipers were present. The 3 Dunlin remained in Tad Bay 6 Yellow Wagtails were along Admaston Reach and 17 Pied Wagtails were found around the reservoir. A flock of 25 Linnet indicated an expected seasonal increase. 2 Wheatear were found on the western shores. 6 Swift were found over the causeway. An increase of Sand Martins was also noted 2 Moorhen were on the River Blithe. A Little Owl showed well at St. Stephen's Farm near the Angling Club. A total of 12 Willow Warblers were on site but only 2 Chiffchaff. The area north of Blithe Bay was explored. A family of 6 Reed Warblers confirmed that the pair present throughout the summer had bred successfully. A Spotted Flycatcher was along the River Blithe. 2 Garden Warblers were found. A grey juvenile Cuckoo was considered to be the best find as a Peregrine flew around creating disturbance. On the 7th another Whimbrel was present. The Little Egret was still present and a juvenile Peregrine continued to perform. A Hobby began a series of appearances.

Breeding success of Shovelers was confirmed on the 8th when a duck appeared in Tad Bay with6 ducklings. 2 Garganey were also a good find. 14 Black-tailed Godwits,3 Hobby,9 Little Ringed Plovers and 26 Barnacle Geese completed the roll call. Swifts had largely left by now but as usual some stragglers could be found when ten were over the causeway on the 9th. The long staying Yellow-legged Gull was still in residence at the deep end. The 2 Garganey continued to sleep for much of the time in front of the Stansley Wood Hide and an Oystercatcher was again present. 6 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Ringed Plover and 10 Dunlin were located but 2 Sanderling were new. A Knot was a new arrival too. 2 Black-tailed Godwits remained. A juvenile Spotted Redshank shared St. Stephen's Bay with a Redshank. The former commenced a prolonged stay. It preferred the St. Stephen's area despite being disturbed occasionally by dogs. The Spotted Redshank was found in Tad Bay after it had been flushed on 11th. A juvenile Black-necked Grebe was found lurking in Tad Bay. 3 Ruff were new arrivals. 4 Little Grebe were in Tad Bay on 12th but there was no sign of the rarer cousin in the morning although there is a report of Black-necked Grebe later. The 3 Ruff continued their stay. 5 Dunlin included a juvenile and there Spotted Redshank was a juvenile Knot too. The 2 Black-tailed Godwits were still present as was the juvenile. There were now 2 Redshank as well. A single Ringed Plover was found. 6 Little Ringed Plovers were reported. These included 3 youngsters were on Ten Acre Island. Clearly they could swim! A juvenile Shelduck was in Tad Bay where the Shoveler family was still intact. 25 Barnacle Geese were counted. An influx of Linnets and Goldfinch was noted around the shores especially around the St. Stephen's area. A Swift count totalled ten still. 2 Peregrines were reported.

The WeBs was conducted on 13h by the usual faithful Group of Messrs Broadbent, Betts, Holt Taylor and Mant. 26 Barnacle Geese, 503 Canada Geese, and an amazing 321 Greylag Geese were present. 10 domestic geese were included in the count. 2 hybrid geese and 4 Mallard hybrids were present. One white domestic duck was in St. Stephen's Bay The Mute Swan flock was at 135. A grand total of 1244 Mallard included many young birds. 2 Garganey continued their summer stay. Teal had increased to 155. 23 Shoveler were in Tad Bay. The single Shelduck remained 80 Cormorant and an impressive 116 Great Crested Grebe were found but still only 18 Grey Herons. The major find perhaps though was a Black-necked Grebe. Although clearly a juvenile the finder of the bird two days earlier was convinced that this was a different individual. 3 Goosander over Tad Bay flew in to represent the diving duck but they were scarcer this year. 2 Pochard were also in Tad Bay accompanying 127 Tufted Duck. Moorhen can often be overlooked so six was a good total. These included a family on the 'Prehistoric Pond'. The Spotted Redshank was originally missing as dogs were again on the loose at St. Stephen's Hill Farm. Fortunately it returned during the late morning to be included in the count. It was again accompanied by a Redshank. 6 Little Ringed Plovers were located and 25 Ringed Plover indicated several new arrivals. Their frequent travelling partners totalled 5 Dunlin. 78 Lapwings were around the deep end and in Tad Bay. 11 Common Sandpipers were around the deep end and in Tad Bay. None were in Blithe Bay. 25 Common Terns included many juveniles still begging for food. At least 1510 Black-headed Gulls were spending the day at the reservoir, 14 Lesser blacked Gulls were found and a single Herring Gull with nice pink legs. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls were still present. Raptors were represented by 2 Buzzards, a juvenile male Peregrine and a single Osprey still. A Grey Wagtail below the dam was a convenient discovery. A total of 66 Pied Wagtails were found. At least 50 Linnets were present and at least 6 Reed Buntings too. A minimum of4482 birds were counted yet that did not include any of the following. A Whinchat along the western shore of Blithe Bay was an excellent find. At least 6 Swift were still over the causeway and the wet weather forced down increased numbers of House Martins, Sand Martins and Swallows. Below the dam there was a very bright Lesser Whitethroat whilst a Whitethroat found its way in front of the Stansley Wood Hide. It is therefore feasible that a total of 4700 birds were present on the 13th.

It was rewarding on certain occasions for birders to tear themselves away from the water and concentrate on the bushes at the north and south ends of the reservoir. The bushes at the top of Blithe Bay held Lesser Whitethroats and Whitethroats on the 14th. Best of all were 3 Redstarts. Blithe Bay itself held a Ringed Plover,13 Dunlin and the first evidence of a remarkable influx of Yellow Wagtails. 2 Wheatears and a Common Sandpiper were on the causeway. 2 Little Egrets were present around Tad Bay. The Osprey remained as did the 2 Garganey. A Turnstone was reported in Ten Acre Bay.

On 15th there were various attempts to count Yellow Wagtails around the reservoir. One birder reckoned that he saw 70 Yellow Wagtails. Another stated his count was 150 whilst a third count reached 180 Yellow Wagtails. Some of us in times gone by can remember falls of Yellow Wagtails especially in the Spring but never as big a spectacle as that. There were many juveniles indicating that they had a highly successful breeding season somewhere in Western Europe 3 Hobby were seen again. Also present were 3 Ruff,3 Little Ringed Plover, 13 Ringed Plover,3 Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper the Spotted Redshank still, a Redshank 5 Greenshank were new,, a juvenile Shelduck, a Common Tern,2 Wheatear and the Black Necked Grebe. The latter remained in Tad Bay on the 16th. A paler juvenile Spotted Redshank dropped into Tad Bay in the afternoon whilst the original bird could be photographed in Stephen's Bay again. At least 50 Sand Martins were seen. A Marsh Harrier was reported as a female on 17th in the afternoon over Tad Bay. The Osprey was present throughout the morning. 10 Common Sandpiper were counted. Also 4 Little Ringed Plover, a Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank,a Ruff,2 Garganey and a Black-necked Grebe were all on offer whilst 3 Redstarts and 3 Wheatear completed another good day. 2 Osprey were seen on 18th. A Peregrine was also seen. 3 Ringed Plover were found. 3 Greenshank,Ruff and 5 Little Ringed Plover were also enjoyed as well as the Black Necked Grebe in Tad Bay still. Along Admaston Reach there was a much sought after Whinchat and a Wheatear. 80 Yellow Wagtails remained on the 19th along Admaston Reach. Blackcaps, Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Spotted Flycatchers appeared to be continuing their post breeding dispersals in the hedgerows and bushes. The juvenile Peregrine continued to search for avian food. 2 Hobby were over St. Stephen's Hill. The Osprey was enjoyed by visitors as it preened in the dead tree. What may have been a new Black-necked Grebe was present plus the 2 long staying Garganey that occasionally reared their heads to reveal their distinctive facial patterns. 150 Linnets around the deep end and 70 Tree Sparrows below the dam were noteworthy. A Peregrine was on a stump in Tad Bay on 20th. 26 Barnacle Geese continued their summer holidays at Blithfield. A Black-necked Grebe remained as did the 2 Garganey. A Raven was noted and just 2 Dunlin and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 80 Yellow Wagtails were estimated around the deep end as well as the Yellow-legged gull. In Blithe Bay there was a Greenshank and 2 Redshank. Interestingly 2 Osprey were claimed.

30 Black-tailed Godwits were a spectacle on 21st and the sight of a juvenile Marsh Harrier passing through added to a good afternoon. Added to this the Black-necked Grebe and the Osprey made the trip to Blithfield a successful one for the week end birders. 2 Greenshank. 4 Ringed Plover and the 3 Garganey were discovered as well whilst Tad Bay hosted 3 Dunlin and a lone Snipe. 4 Little Ringed Plover were also located, but only a single chick, suggesting that some predation had occurred. A Whimbrel in Mickledale Bay was a good find before it was flushed. A single Common Tern indicated that there had been a mass departure. On 22nd a Willow Tit was observed at the Broompits feeding station. This was quickly followed by an aggressive male Sparrowhawk perched on the crossbars. A family of Tree creepers was also about as well as a Nuthatch family 2 Chaffinch were seen but these have become scarce recently. Along the River Blithe 2 Spotted Flycatchers were found and a very smart Tree Pipit. Tad Bay was still graced by the presence of an Osprey. 4 Greenshanks were present. Also there were 5 Dunlin 3 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Ringed Plover, and a Ruff. A Curlew came into Blithe Bay in the afternoon illustrating that no matter how long you may spend at Blithfield it is always possible not to see everything. A very young brood of 7 Tufted Duck with mother came out of St. Stephen's Bay indicating the importance of that area to conservation. A drake Gadwall was in Tad Bay. 7 Shelduck reappeared. 2 delightful juvenile Little Gulls arrived in Blithe Bay on 23rd. 26 Ringed Plover had moved in with 4 Dunlin. There were 3 Greenshank as well as a Spotted Redshank still. A grey form juvenile Cuckoo was flushed from a bush at the top of Blithe Bay. Peregrine and Wheatear were also noted A Little Grebe was seen. An adult and a juvenile Whinchat were in Mickledale Bay on 24th. The juvenile Spotted Redshank had been flushed from St. Stephen's Bay into Mickledale Bay. A juvenile Moorhen was a little unusual in the Blithe Bay mud upon which the 2 Little Gulls sat. Willow Warblers were prominent indicating that they were on the move still. The Peregrine was also about and a Hobby was around Blithe Bay The Osprey was in Tad Bay. Other birds present were 3 Greenshank and an influx of Sand Martins. A Pochard in with Tufted Duck A Black-necked Grebe was still present. On 25th A Little Grebe was seen off Beech Tree Point. It was 'shadowing' a very dusky juvenile Black-necked Grebe. This was clearly not the same individual grebe as was present on the previous day. The 2 Little Gulls were still on the Blithe Bay mud. In the bushes 6 Reed Buntings including juveniles were present. There seemed to be Chiffchaffs calling from every bush and 20 were estimated. 3 Willow Warblers were identified. A smart male Redstart emerged briefly and there was another below the dam. 3 Greenshank preferred the sanctity of the River Blithe rather than the open shore. There was also a Green Sandpiper Just one Garganey was located in Tad Bay. A Ruff was in Portfields Bay and the Spotted Redshank still preferred Mickledale. 4 Dunlin were present and 12 Ringed Plover. A Shelduck was in Tad Bay too. A Wheatear was on the causeway. 30 Yellow Wagtails were reported around the deep end and Common Sandpipers totalled eight. A Hobby cruised around Blithe Bay again. Osprey and Buzzard concluded the raptor list. Some days are clearly better than others and the momentum had been gathering for some time to produce some excellent birding for the next few days.

The 26th offered excellent birding opportunities. Yet another Black-necked Grebe was present. Again quite different from the previous day. 4 Black Tern had arrived at the deep end. They were usually offshore between Ten Acre Bay and St. Stephens Bay. A Green Sandpiper was flushed from St. Stephen's Bay. 5 Dunlin were recorded and a single Golden Plover was a good find. A Lesser Whitethroat performed well in a hedgerow along Admaston Reach. 30 House Martins, 50 Sand Martins and 250 Swallows gathered in the evening. 50 Pied Wagtails were mostly juveniles as were a similar number of Yellow Wagtails. There was a single Swift over the causeway. 2 Willow Warblers maintained the migration effect. A Hobby disturbed 21 Ringed Plover in Blithe Bay during a squall and 5 Turnstone whizzed through excitedly. 7 Redshank were present and the Spotted Redshank alighted on the Blithe Bay mud briefly having obviously been disturbed from St. Stephen's Bay where it was found again in the evening before being flushed once more. 2 Ruff were present. 2 Little Stint were on the Blithe Bay mud and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was in Tad Bay. A juvenile Shelduck was also there 2 Little Egrets were seen. Garganey, Common Tern and Wheatear were all on site. Blithfield was showing once again why it is Staffordshire's best birding location. The theme was maintained on the 27th when 2 Sanderling flew around Tad Bay in the evening before locating to Admaston Reach. The 2 Little Gulls continued their stay A Hobby was over the causeway. A Greenshank, Redshank and Little Stint were all recorded. An Osprey was seen over the causeway and then in Tad Bay. A Black-necked Grebe was in the middle of Tad Bay. 21 Barnacle Geese were counted and at least 20 Shoveler were there too. Also a drake Gadwall was found there again too. 3 Black Tern remained. On 28th 3 Spotted Flycatchers were a good find near the cottages. 2 Osprey were again present and there were 2 Hobby also. The 4 Black Tern and their travelling companions the 2 Little Gulls remained. 12 Swift were a good total compared with recent days. 2 Goosander were new. Ringed Plover were down to nine but there was an increase to 14 Dunlin. A Little Stint was still present. A Black Necked Grebe and a Garganey were still on offer with patience. 2 Greenshank were probably easier to see. 2 Ruff were recorded 30 Lapwing were counted in Tad Bay. Stock Doves were prominent again and a Little Egret showed well. The Spotted Redshank held on at the deep end as well as a Sanderling. There was yet another sighting of a Green Sandpiper. These are not always obvious at Blithfield but it has been a good year for them so far. A Whinchat was photographed north of the causeway. Good numbers of House Martins were pleasingly commented upon. Willow Warblers were heavily outnumbered by Chiffchaff. On 30th a Green Sandpiper was on the River Blithe again. 7 Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin were roosting at Admaston Reach. They were quickly joined by 6 more Dunlin,a moulting Sanderling and a juvenile Little Stint. There were 6 Swift over the causeway. 150 Swallows were present with 30 Sand Martins and about 100 House Martins. A Hobby was over the causeway. A juvenile Black Tern was off Beech Tree Point. The Black-necked Grebe continued to attract birders and the Osprey offered a bonus in Tad Bay where 22 Barnacle Geese remained. 4 Gadwall were there too. 2 Wheatear were present including a very young and approachable bird in Ten Acre Bay. What was presumed to be the same juvenile Whinchat as seen previously presented itself again at Mickledale Bay. Records for the final day of the month were fewer but none the less exciting with another fly through and much sought after Marsh Harrier in the late afternoon. The Osprey saw the month out as expected. A Ruff and a Sanderling were also reported.

What to look for in coming weeks

Grey Phalaropes occur after big autumn storms. A Wilson's Phalarope is overdue and would do very nicely. Leach's Petrels seem to arrive after strong north westerlies and any sea bird can occur inland. American 'peep' identification needs to be brushed up as Baird's, White-rumped and Pectoral Sandpipers are all possibilities.

July 2011

Low pressure dominated the UK's weather for most of the month. Winds came in from a westerly or northerly direction on most days.vConsequently after the first few days showers had to be dodged. There was still plenty of sunshine and only a couple of days where there was prolonged rain. Nevertheless water levels went up slightly for awhile but as most of the heavy rain avoided Blithfield they stabilised and then started to fall considerably especially in the last week. Ospreys were seen on most days with three present on one occasion. The fourth Little Tern of the year was found on the Blithe Bay 'delta'. Surprisingly it was possible to view an unringed Brent Goose at the same time. This posed the question "What on earth is going on?" The shoreline continued to attract a variety of waders including good numbers of Black-tailed Godwits. Sandwich Terns put in another appearance. Eclipse Garganey was another feature. Little Ringed Plovers again set a new record when 62 were seen on one day. This is a Staffordshire, and possibly a regional, record. The month ended with a second Spoonbill for the year.

On the morning of the 1st a Wood Sandpiper was found in Tad Bay with a dark male Ruff. Confusingly there was then a report of a Wood Sandpiper in Blithe Bay but a quick check back in Tad Bay revealed that there were in fact 2 delightful Wood Sandpipers present. A Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover (including 2 juveniles, 6 Little Ringed Plovers and a Redshank were with the Blithe Bay bird. Meanwhile an Osprey was seen over the dam and 6 Common Sandpipers were on the causeway. What may have been the same Osprey spent most of the afternoon in a willow opposite the Stansley Wood hide. At least 200 Lapwings had gathered and Sand Martins became a feature. 12 Common Tern were present and 12 Grey Heron. Broods of 10 and 3 Shelduck were located with their parents. A Wigeon and a Pintail were located in Tad Bay. A check around the deep end and dam area revealed families of Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit and Great Tit. The active group of Tree Sparrows were joined by young House Sparrows. The Tad Bay Wood Sandpiper remained in Tad Bay on the 2nd. During the afternoon a Little Stint, a single Black-tailed Godwit and an eclipse Garganey were found in Blithe Bay. A Snipe was also a good find as was a Grey Wagtail. Both species have remained scarce up to now. 11 Common Sandpiper and 23 Little Ringed Plovers indicated that they were leaving their breeding sites for the delights of Blithfield. 98 Mute Swan and 97 Tufted Duck were in Tad Bay. The single summering Pintail was also seen again. 2 juvenile Great Crested Grebes appeared north of the causeway but were not reared at Blithfield. A Hobby was over Tad Bay. Reports of Osprey, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard completed an impressive raptor list. A Little Egret was new on the 3rd. The Little Stint was reported as was the Wood Sandpiper. The Redshank, and Black-tailed Godwit remained. A Garganey was located in Tad Bay where the Wigeon continued summering. A Dunlin was newly arrived. Little Ringed Plovers rose to 28. It was estimated that at least 15 Common Tern were at various locations but as ever exact numbers were difficult to assess as they were highly mobile. The Common Terns were feeding young to the south of the reservoir. 2 Siskin and a flyover Crossbill represented the passerines. 2 Osprey were seen. 2 Greenshank were new arrivals on the 4th. 12 Oystercatcher were present. The Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit were seen again. 3 Common Sandpipers were located. An Osprey was again resting in Tad Bay. 37 Little Ringed Plovers was considered to be a good count on the 5th. 5 Ringed Plover were amongst them. A Redshank was with the Black Tailed Godwit again. Common Sandpiper numbers rose to 13. 2 Ospreys were seen again. A Hobby was over the Education Centre on the 6th as a Pied Wagtail fed a youngster on the roof. A Little Grebe was in Blithe Bay where a Sedge Warbler was flushed from the shoreline vegetation. There was a report of a second-summer Mediterranean Gull. 3 broods of 10,5, and 3 Shelduck were located at various locations around the reservoir. Sadly all the Great Crested Grebes had deserted their nests. 37 Little Ringed Plover were counted again and 11 Common Sandpipers maintained their midsummer passage. A Greenshank was still present as was the Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Redshank. On the 7th a female Garganey was identified and a female Tufted Duck presented her family of 7 ducklings. 23 magnificent islandica Black-tailed Godwit graced Blithe Bay. 18 Common Terns were seen. They included the first juveniles recorded at Blithfield for the year. 2 Ringed Plover and a Greenshank were also recorded.

A Blithfield record number of 47 Little Ringed Plover was recorded on the 8th but this was soon to be surpassed. 41 Great Crested Grebe were in Tad Bay and 125 Mute Swan were in Blithe Bay and at the deep end. A Sparrowhawk was over the Duckley Plantation and a Buzzard sauntered over the Broompits whilst it was still possible to witness the Osprey eating a fish. 101 Lapwing were counted with 87 of them in Blithe Bay. 10 Gadwall, 47 Teal, 116 Tufted Duck and a female Wigeon were all in Tad Bay. The melanistic Grey Heron at the fish farm was one of 14 Grey Heron present. 25 Shelduck were still present including broods of 10, 4 and 3. There seemed to be an increase of juvenile Pied Wagtails around the shoreline. There was also a notable increase in Sand Martins and Swifts. House Martins too featured prominently. 7 Linnet were in St Stephen's Bay where a Reed Bunting continued to sing. Altogether at least 6 Reed Buntings could be found singing throughout the month around the reservoir. The main attraction in St. Stephens' bay was 2 excellent Greenshank. 15 Black-tailed Godwits in the deep end. 62 Little Ringed Plovers smashed the Staffordshire site record on the 9th. These included many juveniles. Also 2 Ringed Plover were found. 3 Dunlin were present. Other waders were 4 Redshank, 14 Black-tailed Godwit, a single Greenshank and 13 Common Sandpiper. A Green Sandpiper was notable as was a Curlew. A Little Egret was seen too. 500 Sand Martins were estimated to be around the reservoir. Other birds were the predictable Osprey, Pintail and Wigeon. 2 Yellow Wagtails were located on the 10th. 2 Wigeon were now present. A 1S Common Gull was reported. The Little Egret was seen again and of course an Osprey. A juvenile Redstart was a nice surprise on 11th. Other noteworthy birds were a Little Grebe, Snipe, Hobby and Little Egret. Dunlin numbers rose to 4 with 4 Redshank. The Greenshank was still on offer as were 13 Black-tailed Godwit and 4 Common Sandpiper. The only records for the 12th were 3 Dunlin and 3 Common Sandpiper. The 13th was better with 16 Black-tailed Godwit in Blithe Bay, 18 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank and a Redshank. Light Redstart passage continued with a second Redstart. A Hobby was again recorded as was an Osprey once more. Common Tern numbers were assessed at 15. On the 14th the 16 Black-tailed Godwit remained. 4 Dunlin could be found and there were 3 Redshank and 2 Greenshank still. 3 Ringed Plover were present and only 4 Oystercatcher. 2 Shoveler were amongst the roosting Mallard and 4 Wigeon were in Tad Bay. Osprey was again on the day list. A Whinchat was a substantial find on the 15th along Admaston Reach. 3 Little Egrets were located and 3 Garganey were in Tad Bay where 2 Wigeon were identified too. Black-tailed Godwits reduced to 9. 6 Oystercatchers were the only other birds noted.

Messrs Radford, Betts, Holt, Mant and Broadbent carried out the monthly WeBs on the 16th in rain. The survey found 44 species associated with wetland habitat and 2360 individuals. Just 14 Grey Heron were present including some recently fledged birds. A single Little Egret indicated that a repeat of last year's record numbers was unlikely. 48 Cormorant revealed a stable population visiting the reservoir but again several birds were juveniles. A grand total of 301 Coot were present but only 2 Moorhen were revealed. 81 Great Crested Grebes remained despite all their nests being abandoned for the second year running. Waders were represented by one Greenshank, 9 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper, 6,218 Lapwing, 31 Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover and 8 Oystercatcher. 39 Tufted Duck seemed a low total given recent numbers. The dabbling duck present were 688 Mallard, 3 Garganey, 39 Teal, 2 Gadwall, a single Pintail, 4 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon. 6 Mallard hybrids represented some concern amongst the birders. There were also 2 white individuals present. Only 9 Shelduck could be located as several of the ducklings had fledged. 121 Canada Geese were outnumbered by 201 Greylag Geese. A single hybrid goose was also recorded as well as the usual 10 farmyard geese. The summering Mute Swan flock had reached a total of 130. An excellent Yellow-legged Gull was found at the deep end. 318 Black-headed Gulls were present as well as 9 Lesser black-Backed Gulls. 16 Common Tern were present which was in line with recent estimates. A single Buzzard and Kestrel represented the raptors with the Osprey. 13 Pied Wagtail were recorded and 2 Skylark. Yellow Wagtails were also present as well as Reed Buntings. The morning closed with 2 Grey Partridge showing for a prolonged period.

Many of the species reported in the WeBs were present the following day but a Pochard was a surprise. Dunlin improved to 8 and a Redshank was new. 4 Black-tailed Godwits reflected their ongoing summer passage period. A Hobby also flew over the causeway. 10 Common Sandpiper were on Beech Tree Point. The 3 Garganey remained as well as the Osprey. On the 18th a summer plumaged Sanderling in front of the Tad Bay forward hide delighted the finder! 34 Little Ringed Plovers were located. 3 Greenshank were in Blithe Bay and a scarce Kingfisher was seen below the dam. A female Kestrel was another bird representing the species that had been seen less frequently this year. Meanwhile 2 Raven were overhead. Common Terns numbered 23 were boosted now by several newly fledged birds. 2 Garganey were eventually found as well as a Ringed Plover. The Osprey flew in from the north east during the morning of the 19th and delighted one observer in particular once it was located on its perch. 3 Garganey were sleeping on the Tad Bay mud and 5 Dunlin were found including one in Tad Bay. A male Kestrel was at Admaston Reach. The best bird was a Whinchat in Ten Acre Bay. Another member of the "scarce brigade" was also seen in the form of a Snipe. Meanwhile a Chiffchaff, Blackcap and a Song Thrush continued to sing in Stansley Wood. Birds noted on the 20th by various observers were: Osprey, 5 Dunlin, 13 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Garganey, a Pintail, 2 Wigeon, a Greenshank, 2 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatchers and 2 Common Sandpipers. The best bird(s) were not seen. However, the familiar call of Quail carried for 600 yds. on the wind from an adjacent inaccessible cereal field. Meanwhile a pair of Reed Warblers was still holding a territory.

The fourth adult Little Tern of the year was found in Blithe Bay. As its predecessors did, it spent much of its stay on the mud which was by now resembling a delta! It did however fly around occasionally. On one occasion two birders were astonished to see a Brent Goose fly through their binoculars' field of vision before it landed with a small group of Canada Geese. It bore no rings. 8 Greenshank were at various locations around the reservoir but only one Redshank. 8 Oystercatchers were accounted for. A Black-tailed Godwit flew over Ten Acre Bay before turning south. Two others were seen elsewhere. 10 Shelduck were still present. 3 families of Little Ringed Plovers belatedly produced 3, 2 and 4 chicks respectively. This probably represents their most successful year at Blithfield. A third-year Yellow-legged Gull seemed to have taken up residence on a blue buoy at the deep end. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was also nearby. At least 25 Common Terns were on site. A female Tufted Duck had 6 ducklings below the dam on the Blithe where 16 Grey Heron could be found. Just 2 Common Sandpipers were seen. A single Dunlin was also recorded. The first Goosander for several weeks was located in Blithe Bay. Finally a Grey Wagtail appeared. An investigation of some bushes revealed a juvenile Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and Whitethroat. 3 Foxes were noteworthy. The Brent Goose was still available in Blithe Bay on the 22nd. 2 Greenshank were there and a Little Egret. 3 Black-tailed Godwits were in Tad Bay where a Dunlin was found. Other waders included a Green Sandpiper, 4 Ringed Plover, 5 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 23 Little Ringed Plovers. Alarmingly for some, 2 Peregrine were recorded. A Garganey remained in Tad Bay. A Spotted Flycatcher was a reassuring find as well as a Garden Warbler family. Young Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers were also present. A young Wheatear was something of a surprise. A Kingfisher was seen again. At least 100 Swallows were present with many fledglings but only about 10 House Martins were noted. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls were again available for close study.

Another returning Sanderling was found on the 23rd. 6 Dunlin and 3 Ringed Plover were found. A single Greenshank was outnumbered by 3 Redshank. Only 2 Common Sandpiper were recorded. At least 30 Little Ringed Plovers were on site. A similar number of Common Terns were present too with an increasing number of juveniles begging their parents for offerings. Similarly there was an increase in the number of juvenile Black-headed Gulls. 6 Snipe indicated some return passage. 2 Kingfishers were reported and a Lesser Whitethroat was the best of the passerines. The seemingly static Yellow-legged Gulls and Osprey concluded another good day at Blithfield. The following day revealed only one bird, the Osprey. During this period it was photographed and shown to be bearing a blue ring. Investigations have proved conclusively that the bird is a bird of Scottish origins. There is some uncertainty as to which site this bird can be linked to. It was again present on the 25th when just a Redshank and Dunlin were on the mud. Was this related to the fact that a Peregrine was once again sighted? Interestingly on the 26th a report of a Spotted Flycatcher was noted near the reservoir at a traditional site. A drake Common Scoter in Portfields ( Concrete) Bay reflected some national passage on the 27th. Buzzard and Kestrel were recorded. A Little Grebe was seen again. The only other birds noted in a notable slowdown were a Redshank and an Osprey! A Curlew was new on the 28th. Things pepped up again on the 29th when 3 Red Knot arrived to join 2 Dunlin, a Greenshank, 12 Common Sandpipers and at least 8 Little Ringed Plovers. This was a good day for passage as 23 Arctic Terns flew through and 2 Sandwich Terns were seen in Tad Bay. The 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and the Osprey were not tempted to move on. Despite this no records were forwarded on the 30th but the final day produced Blithfield's second sub-adult Spoonbill of the year in Tad bay. 2 Dunlin, a Redshank and Greenshank were also seen whilst 3 Crossbill flew over Blithe Bay and a fourth one was heard to conclude a bird filled month.

A Black-tailed Godwit was seen to have a number of colour rings on it. Information received indicated that this bird was ringed in Iceland and as reported last month these birds were of the form islandica. Further details are awaited.

June 2011

June was cooler than average and the weather was unsettled. There was often a threat of a shower. Not all fell on Blithfield but when they did some were heavy. Nevertheless there was only one really wet day when the wind moved into the east for the day. It was often breezy. In the final week temperatures and humidity soared for a day only to be brought to an end by a thunderstorm and night time rain. Consequently water levels rose slightly as water was being pumped into the Reservoir. Excellent foreshore conditions were created and wader passage persisted throughout. Lapwings and Shelduck produced good numbers of offspring whilst Mallards and Coot seemed to produce new broods on a daily basis. Many pairs of Great Crested Grebes once again built nests and ran the risk of being marooned but the rain helped to intervene and success appeared to be attainable. Early in the month birds were thought to be northward bound but as the month progressed it seemed they were failed breeders arriving ahead of the return passage. Star birds included a second Red-necked Phalarope and a Spoonbill. Ospreys were seen on most days with three individuals on successive days.

Strangely no records were recorded on the 1st. Presumably the 41 Greylag Geese goslings seen on 2nd were also present on the 1st. The 2 Little Ringed Plovers continued to defend a territory along Admaston Reach. A Goosander was on the mud in Blithe Bay and 3 Teal were also present. The Lapwings had 8 chicks and a pair of Little Ringed Plover revealed a chick. There were now three broods of Shelduck of ten, five and five. This gave a grand total of 35 Shelduck including adults and ducklings. Several Mallards also had families. 20 Dunlin were clearly migrants as were 5 Ringed Plover. A juvenile Grey Heron raised hopes momentarily as it appeared bluish on the wings and back and very dark on the breast. After a very detailed inspection supplemented by photographic evidence it was decided that it was a melanistic form of Grey Heron. An Osprey was also reported. Intriguingly a Spotted Flycatcher was reported to be carrying either food or nest material on the 3rd but was not seen again. 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and a Redshank maintained wader passage. A Pochard and a Shoveler were in Tad Bay. An Osprey put in its daily appearance. A Red Kite was observed on the 4th when 286 Mallard were counted. The Redshank remained. There was a report of a Lesser Whitethroat feeding a family on 5th.

Interestingly one of 8 Black-tailed Godwits had yellow above red rings on the right leg and red above green on the left. 2 Dunlin maintained the passage of the species. A Redshank was present and other waders included 2 Little Ringed Plovers and a Ringed Plover. Best of all though was an adult Little Tern originally found in Tad Bay. 12 Common Terns were also present. A 1S Common Gull was also reported at Admaston Reach. Also present were 6 Teal and a Yellow Wagtail. On the 6th the second Red-necked Phalarope of the year was found in Blithe Bay. The following day 2 Ospreys were claimed. Wader passage continued with 4 Black-tailed Godwits, a Dunlin and11 Ringed Plover. The 2 Oystercatchers still had 3 well grown chicks. 2 Little Ringed Plovers were found and 2 Yellow Wagtails fed along the Reservoir's perimeter. Ospreys increased to three on the 8th. This is believed to be a record. 11 Shoveler were counted and a Raven flew over. 3 Ospreys were again seen on the 9th when 3 Dunlin were also present. 8 Ringed Plover were along Admaston Reach where 3 Common Gulls stayed briefly. There was a new brood of 5 Shelduck. Together with adults and ducklings a total of 42 Shelduck were present. A pair of Little Ringed Plovers also presented 3 chicks inflating their number to 16 individuals. 41 goslings were amongst the Greylag Geese making that species the fastest increasing species at Blithfield. Mallards totalled 470 as new broods continued to appear each day. 251 Coot also included newly hatched offspring. A Moorhen was at the "Prehistoric Pool". A flock of 48 Starlings also included recently fledged birds. A family of Whitethroat provided proof of breeding3 male Reed Buntings were establishing territories around the Deep End. Meanwhile many of the 59 Great Crested Grebes were either building or occupying nests. None of the 91 Mute Swans however were able to produce a single cygnet. A drake Pochard was in Tad Bay and there was a total of 18 Gadwall. There were now 5 Shoveler. 4 Black-tailed Godwit remained in Blithe Bay. 2 Hobbies were also seen.

The WeBs was conducted by Peter Betts, John Holt and Roger Broadbent on the 11th. An instant reward came in the form of a sleeping Spoonbill amongst the Mute Swans on the Tad Bay mud. Only when it briefly revealed its bill could the bird be aged confidently that it was a second summer bird. The short crest and lack of brown on the breast also indicated that it was not an adult. 76 Canada Geese included 8 goslings whereas the 159 Greylag Geese had 43 goslings amongst their ranks. A lone Barnacle Goose was with the Canada Geese. 99 Mute Swans had gathered for the summer Swan Fest. 342 Coot was a substantial count with some chicks present whilst other birds sat on nests. Only 2 Moorhen could be found. 15 Cormorant was a low number for them and 14 Grey Heron continued the pattern established since the winter. 71 Great Crested Grebes included several pairs on nests mostly in Tad Bay at this stage where they ran the risk of being left high and dry. Breeding waders were represented by 123 Lapwing (including 11 chicks), 16 Little Ringed Plovers (3 chicks), 7 Oystercatchers (3 chicks). Migrant waders included a Dunlin and a single Ringed Plover. Mallard numbers swelled to 527 supplemented by countless ducklings. 46 Shelduck included 20 ducklings. 20 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler and 17 Teal were summering. A single drake Pochard was amongst the 109 Tufted Duck. Daytime roosting gulls were assessed at 62 Black-headed Gulls and10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. 20 Common Terns were counted. Other birds present were a Hobby, Buzzard, 23 Pied Wagtails ( including some juveniles) 7 Reed Buntings, 2 Skylarks and an unspecified number of Yellow Wagtails.

On the following day there were 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plover. The Spoonbill still slumbered and the first returning Green Sandpiper appeared. The Spoonbill continued its sleepover in the late afternoon sunshine on the 13th when an Osprey was more entertaining and eventually landed on its favourite perch. There were now 4 Pochard including a female. A drake and duck Shoveler were in Tad Bay. Great Crested Grebes continued to display and copulate. A pair of Lapwing had 3 chicks in Tad Bay. The Spoonbill became more active and flew between the two northern bays. A Redshank and Curlew were new on the15th. 2 Raven flew over. 2 Wigeon were found and a female Pintail. The 4 Pochard remained and Teal increased to 24. 6 Shoveler were counted. 2 Grey Partridge were the best find. These are extremely uncommon at Blithfield. Similarly scarce this year, a male Kestrel hung around Admaston Reach. A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was at the Education Feeding Station. 10 adult Common Terns were present around the Reservoir. One of the broods of Shelduck had reduced from five to four. The Little Ringed Plover family still include 3 chicks. Small numbers of Linnets were around the Deep End. 4 Dunlin appeared to be the only highlight on the 16th. The first juvenile Black-headed Gulls appeared in Blithe Bay having been reared elsewhere. Increasing numbers of Sand Martins were noted on the 17th when an Osprey appeared again. 4 Dunlin continued their stay and just one juvenile Black headed Gull was seen. A Ringed Plover and a juvenile raised a few eyebrows! 10 Lapwing chicks were amongst the 40 Lapwings in Blithe Bay where the melanistic Grey Heron was seen again. On the 18th 17 pairs of Great Crested Grebes were nesting in Blithe Bay and a further seven in Tad Bay The 4 Dunlin seemed reluctant to move on. 62 Tufted Duck were in Tad Bay where 44 Lapwings gathered plus a pair with 3 well developed youngsters. A Hobby was also present. On the 19th the 2 Grey Partridge were located again. 2 Redshank were new and 8 Little Ringed Plovers were seen. These did not include the breeding pair with 3 chicks. 2 Common Sandpipers were early returners and 4 Dunlin continued their stay. Best of all was a party of 7 Sandwich Terns north of the causeway that was found whilst birders were admiring a Little Tern off Beech Tree Point. The Tern family was further represented by 4 Common Terns

Another sighting of the 2 Grey Partridges was obtained on 21st. A Cuckoo was in the Broompits again on the 22nd and a Garden Warbler continued to sing and show well in front of the Stansley Wood Hide. A female Sparrowhawk flew over the Duckley Plantations towards the Broompits. A Common Sandpiper was along Admaston Reach. A party of Ringed Plover had 2 juvs. 5 pairs of Lapwing had 16 juvs at various stages of development. 4 Little Ringed Plovers were equally divided between Blithe and Tad Bays. 67 Tufted Duck and 3 drake Pochard were in Tad Bay. A total of 20 Gadwall were summering plus 2 Shoveler and 16 Teal. A new brood of Mallards appeared in Blithe Bay. 27 Great Crested Grebe nests remained. 7 Oystercatchers were present too. The melanistic juvenile Grey Heron showed well. A family of Chiffchaffs was in Stansley Wood and the Garden Warbler continued to entertain. The 23rd was quieter with just 4 Gadwall and a Dunlin reported. Lesser Whitethroats began singing again on the 24th after going silent as usual from the beginning of the month. A juv. Redshank was in Blithe Bay and 2 Common Sandpiper were found. 6 Ringed Plovers were also present and there was a total of 15 Little Ringed Plovers. The Dunlin remained. The Grey Partridge were reported again. At least 10 adult Common Terns came in but as ever they were difficult to count due to their high mobility and their comings and goings to and from the south. A female Ruddy Shelduck of suspect origins commenced a visit to Tad Bay. It is strange how this species has a habit of coming to Blithfield in the summer. The morning of the 25th was predictable with 2 Common Sandpiper still and 2 Redshank. 4 islandica Black-tailed Godwits in super plumage, 4 Little Ringed Plovers and 2 Ringed Plover were reported and Oystercatchers and Shelduck were all present. A second Dunlin joined the long staying one. The Ruddy Shelduck was still present. The value of a late afternoon visit was highlighted when a wonderful Spotted Redshank was found in front of the forward hide in Blithe Bay. In the evening this bird called regularly giving a truly virtuoso performance. Sadly the previous evening's star bird was not found on the following morning despite an erroneous claim. The 4 Black-tailed Godwits were accompanied by 5 Redshank. 2 Dunlin were present still as was the Ruddy Shelduck. 7 Little Ringed Plovers were counted. The Mute Swan flock was 101. A Black tailed Godwit was in Tad Bay on the 27th. It was accompanied by a handsome dark form Ruff and 69 Lapwing.14 Grey Herons were at various locations.

Late June normally offers the opportunity, when the migration period is quieter, to assess the breeding bird population in the adjacent woodlands as well as on the reservoir itself. On the 27th the Broompits and part of Stansley Wood were visited. A family of 4 Garden Warbler was found in the Broompits. A total of 7 Blackcap were present. Some showed aggression indicating breeding birds and others had held territories for several weeks. Just a single Willow Warbler was heard in this section but 3 Chiffchaff obviously had successfully reared offspring. 2 Coal Tits were seen. They were singing but no definite evidence of breeding success was found. 2 male Chaffinch continued to sing and at least 2 Nuthatch were making contact calls suggesting that young birds were present. 6 Wrens were singing but positive breeding evidence was already known. A family of Blackbirds contained four recently fledged birds. Meanwhile there were still 7 Great Crested Grebe nests in Tad Bay, several Coot nests and families plus many successful Mallard families with new ducklings still emerging.

The top of Blithe Bay and the western side of Stansley Wood were visited on the 28th. The male Reed Warbler was still holding a territory raising hopes that breeding was taking place. 2 Chiffchaff were singing as well as 2 Willow Warblers in locations where they had been for several weeks. Some juvenile Chiffchaffs were in Stansley Wood. A family of Lesser Whitethroats was found after a male had been singing. 3 Garden Warblers were present with a pair seemingly feeding young. A juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen. Blue Tits and Great Tits had reared many youngsters. A family of Coot inhabited the 'Prehistoric Pool' where it was known that Coot had raised a youngster. A pair had four young on Barn Farm Pool. A Treecreeper was in Stansley Wood where a Blackbird family was present. 2 singing Chaffinches were heard. The song of 2 Stock Doves indicated their presence. A Reed Bunting was clearly feeding young. Similarly a female Yellow Wagtail appeared with food in its bill and was reluctant to leave the immediate area. News of the third Little Tern of the year was then released. This was duly found on the Blithe Bay mud. 2 Black-tailed Godwits were nearby with 5 Redshank and 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. A walk around Beech Tree Point revealed an Osprey on its favourite perch as it ate a large fish. Meanwhile the Tufted Duck flock in Tad Bay had reached 122.

A Jay was in the Duckley Plantation on the 29th and a Buzzard called loudly overhead. A Coal Tit sang and as expected there were Chiffchaffs. A Garden Warbler was seen to carry food to a recently fledged bird. In close proximity was one of 2 Blackcaps. Several juvenile Great Tits were present. Along an adjacent hedgerow a Yellowhammer sang. In a nearby field a Skylark was singing and a juvenile Pied Wagtail fed on a dung heap. In the northern bays there was a Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 10 Ringed Plovers, 4 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, a Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 20 Teal -and the Ruddy Shelduck. In the afternoon an Osprey spent several hours perched opposite the Stansley Wood Hide in a willow. On the final day 2 Ruff were present. Little Ringed Plover were recorded and there was another sighting of a Sparrowhawk.

May 2011

The dry and warm conditions from last month continued most of the first week. Black Terns were a feature. Eventually the weather changed to an unsettled, showery and often breezy westerly type. Precipitation did little to change water levels. The muddy fringes attracted a variety of wading birds either for breeding purposes or a respite for long distance migrants. May 2011 was a busy month with new arrivals and departures on most days. As the month progressed wader passage reached a peak with the highlight being a Red-necked Phalarope following gales on the previous day.

On the 1st 2 Arctic Terns passed through early morning and a Whimbrel. 3 Wheatear were at the Deep End and up to 20 Shelduck were present. Swift passage remained disappointing with only 20 overhead. The female Pintail remained as well as a drake Shoveler. 2 Little Ringed Plovers set up a prospective territory in Tad Bay but Blithe Bay had the best bird in the form of a Grey Plover. A handsome drake Garganey was also there. Evidence that resident birds were well advanced with their breeding schedule was provided by a Blackbird carrying food presumably to chicks in a nest opposite the Education Centre. A pair of Lapwings was holding a territory in Tad Bay adjacent to the Little Ringed Plovers. Swifts increased to 60 on the 2nd. A drake Pochard was a surprise and a female Goosander was present on the mud. A female Kestrel was found near one of last year's nest sites. The Garganey and Grey Plover were still in Blithe Bay. 6 Common Sandpipers were found. A few Coot were occupying nests and the first brood of Mallards emerged somewhat belatedly. A recently fledged Grey Heron arrived below the dam from a nearby heronry. A male and female Wheatear were located nearby. A Ringed Plover was along Admaston Reach. It consorted with 2 Little Ringed Plovers that remained there for much of the month. 10 Black Terns were new off Beech Tree point on 3rd. 2 Arctic Tern and 8 Common Tern were also there. The Grey Plover in Blithe Bay was joined by a Bar-tailed Godwit. A total of 6 Little Ringed Plovers were holding territories around the reservoir. Two of these seemed to be in vulnerable positions due to potential disturbance. 29 Teal remained and Shoveler had increased to 3. There were 7 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon ,3 Goosander and 3 Shoveler. On the 4th there were 4 Black Tern, 6 Arctic Terns and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Typically a Red Kite flew through at 11-45. 2 Wheatears were also reported. The Black Tern passage continued with 8 on the 5th.. The Bar-tailed Godwit remained too. A Pintail, Whimbrel and Dunlin were also reported. A brief visit of a Whimbrel was witnessed on the 6th . A Reed Warbler was singing and showing well in front of the Stansley Wood Hide. A second bird was found in another location. At least 3 Garden Warblers were singing to be compared with 8 Blackcap. 2 Whitethroat were good to hear but it was even better to find a singing Lesser Whitethroat in a hedge along the boardwalk at the top of Tad Bay. 3 Chiffchaff added to a good morning for bird song. A late drake Goldeneye was in Tad Bay. 26 Great Crested Grebe were found as their numbers began to increase at last. A single Black Tern remained on a buoy on the 7th long enough for the week end birders to add to their year lists. 11 Common Terns were found, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Wheatear extended the prolonged their migration period. A Common Sandpiper was also there. 2 Oystercatchers were on the causeway.

The Black Tern was off Beech Tree point on the 8th and 7 Common Terns were seen there too. 2 Common Sandpiper were found. 2 Little Grebe made an appearance in Blithe Bay. A drake Shoveler and a drake Wigeon were in Tad Bay whilst Blithe Bay hosted 22 Shelduck and a female Goosander. Mute Swans increased to 16 with 3 pairs attempting to nest but all were set to fail again. A new Grey Plover was reported in Blythe Bay later in the day. 4 Spotted Flycatchers had arrived by the 9th and were very active. 26 Mute Swan were now present. Several Mallard broods had emerged in Tad Bay where there were 4 Gadwall. On the 9th the main event though was the arrival of Gilleard Bros. to erect new hides. They promptly reported a Hobby! They were later surprised on the 11th by a great splash behind them in Blithe Bay. When the Gilleard team turned around they were astounded to see an Osprey emerging from the water. Throughout the day they were accompanied by a male Wheatear. A Hobby was also present as the Swifts continued to mass over Blithe Bay. A Marsh Harrier continued the raptor theme when one flew over Blithe Bay on 12th. It was estimated that Swifts were crossing the causeway at 360 per hour as they headed north. Some were then held up at the top of Blithe Bay where in the evening at least 500 were present. Unsurprisingly this attracted a Hobby over the causeway. A male Kestrel was noteworthy as they remain scarce at Blithfield this year. House Martins too continued to give rise for concern as just one was seen. 3 Dunlin heralded the start of a good sequence of passage. They too had been noticeable for their absence. An Arctic Tern was seen from the causeway from where Buzzards could be observed Garden Warblers continued to entertain in Stansley Wood. 13 Gadwall was an increase as were 47 Mute Swans. 16 Ringed Plovers arrived on the 13th when 4 Dunlin were seen. A Hobby and an Arctic Tern were recorded.

The WEBS count concluded the second week. Totals were: 47 Mute Swan, 11 Greylag Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 9 'farmyard geese', 18 Gadwall, a single Teal, 244 Mallard including ducklings, 4 hybrid ducks (an increasing feature), 68 Tufted Duck, 19 Shelduck,135 Coot, 26 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 9 Lapwing, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 14 Oystercatcher, 17 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 22 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Terns and an Arctic Tern. Also present were a Cuckoo, Buzzard, 2 Linnets, several Reed Buntings, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 15 Pied Wagtails. A winter plumaged Sanderling was seen briefly. Once again our thanks go to Messrs. Taylor, Mant, Betts and Holt for assisting with these valuable counts.

A Wood Sandpiper was identified In Blithe Bay on the 15th but its stay was all too brief. A drake Garganey was also located. A Cuckoo was a good find on the 18th. 4 Goosander were present. 22 Shelduck were in Blithe Bay on the evening of the 18th . Delightfully this number included a family of 10 ducklings. These were seen from the newly relocated hide which is now positioned to largely eliminate disturbance and the glare of the sun. 4 Goosander were present again. 7 Dunlin were there too. They were long billed which is a feature of the northern race Calidris alpina alpina. 2 Yellow Wagtail were on the Tad Bay mud where 12 Gadwall were counted. On the 20th a first summer Common Gull was the month's only record. The good series of Sanderling records was continued when parties of 9 and 6 passed through.

By the 23rd Gadwall had increased to 23. The ten Shelduck ducklings had survived and 3 female Goosanders loafed around on the mud in Blithe Bay. A drake Teal was also present. An Osprey was reported again at 12-30. The successful breeding season was maintained when 3 tiny Oystercatcher chicks emerged on the causeway. No wonder that the parents had become so vocal during the day seemingly taking issue with anyone who ventured across the causeway. They were therefore best observed from the relative peaceful Beech Tree Point Hide! 7 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin and 7 Sanderling continued wader passage. 12 Arctic Tern was a good total. 2 Common Tern were therefore in the minority.

The 24th was a good day. A Crossbill was flushed from Dairy House Plantation and 18 Dunlin were in Blithe Bay. They were accompanied by a lone Sanderling in emerging breeding plumage. Tad Bay had been quiet in recent days. Nevertheless it should never be omitted from a Blithfield visit. On arrival the Bay seemed as quiet as ever and a Gadwall count was commenced. Approximately half way through this exercise a small bird was seen to scurry through the field of view. It was almost immediately identified as a female Red-necked Phalarope. News was quickly got out once the South Staffs Water Company was alerted that it would be necessary to activate the Rare and Scarce Birds Plan agreed with the Club. Our thanks must go to John Morrall for arranging additional parking opposite the Education Centre.

During the afternoon an Osprey performed continuously over Tad Bay vying for attention as an increasing group of Bird Club members admired the phalarope swimming in the shallows. A Hobby and a Cuckoo were also located and a Sanderling was reported near the causeway. One observer reported "several" Yellow Wagtails. Almost unnoticed Teal had increased to two and a moulting drake Shoveler was in Tad Bay too. Next day things were much quieter with single Dunlin in both the northern bays. Additionally in Blithe Bay there was a Ringed Plover and 2 Little Ringed Plovers. The two Teal were still present plus the Shoveler. A feral Barnacle Goose was found on 26th. The drake Teal and a Pochard continued the unseasonal theme. 27 Dunlin and 14 Ringed Plover were more in keeping with late spring. Another Sanderling continued that species strong showing. A Turnstone was on the causeway briefly. 3 Arctic Tern were seen and a Black-tailed Godwit dropped into Tad Bay late in the afternoon. A second brood of Shelduck hatched on 27th when a pair had 5 ducklings. 9 Oystercatchers were seen. This included the 3 causeway chicks. A Curlew was in Tad Bay for a bathe and a Black-tailed Godwit heralded the start of passage late spring for this species. Sanderling passage continued with 3 along Admaston Reach. 4 Little Ringed Plovers completed the wader round-up. An Osprey with a recently caught fish rounded Beech Tree Point. Seven pairs of Great Crested Grebe were nesting in Tad Bay as last year. A changeover was witnessed at one nest and at least one egg was seen briefly. Optimism though was not great for as last year water levels were receding and the nests looked as though they would soon experience the same fate as last year although perhaps not on the same scale. Meanwhile a Sedge Warbler was located, 2 Ospreys circled Tad Bay for much of the afternoon of the 28th. The 4 Sanderling were along Admaston Reach but with 4 Dunlin. This offered some an opportunity to improve their I.D. skills by comparing the flight patterns of these species. The Black-tailed Godwit remained in Blithe Bay. Another Grey Plover appeared in full breeding plumage. A party of 5 Terns were thought to be 3 Arctic Terns and 2 Common Terns. 40 Greylag Geese and 45 Canada Geese were present. 12 Lapwing were present in Blithe Bay but seemed to be non breeding birds. 2 Little Ringed Plovers were in Blithe Bay. A total of 17 Gadwall continued. 250 Swifts were still around and at last there was a higher number of House Martins with in excess of fifty in attendance. In poor weather a male Kestrel sat on a road sign opposite the Admaston car park on the 30th. 2 Sanderling were reported and an Osprey was seen again. Finally a pair of Lapwing produced 4 chicks. The month closed with a lone Turnstone in Tad Bay and 3 Sanderling at Admaston Reach. A pair of Little Ringed Plover were defending a territory.

April 2011

April was reported as the warmest since 1910. It was also very dry despite a few showers in the first week. Consequently water levels continued to fall as water was recycled unseasonably early. The Reservoir was only 80% full by the end of the month. Throughout the month summer migrants arrived and those birds that had wintered had mostly moved away.

The month commenced with 2 Little Ringed Plovers on the northern side of the causeway. 6 Oystercatchers maintained their presence. Meanwhile 3 Buzzards circled overhead. A male Peregrine flew over Barn Farm Bay and a Sparrowhawk was at the Education Centre feeders. Notably an Osprey was claimed. 2 Raven were extremely vocal for much of the morning. 10 Jackdaws were seen around Stansley Wood and were busy carrying nest material. 113 Teal remained in Tad Bay with 18 Shoveler. A Gadwall was also noted and just 2 Goosander. 15 Great Crested Grebe was still a relatively a low total. 16 Shelduck was a commendable count. The Blackcap continued to sing opposite the Education Centre but was reluctant to show itself. A Willow Warbler sang at the top of Blithe Bay. A Swallow was with the Sand Martins off Beech Tree Point. A Green Woodpecker was an assuring discovery below the dam. The first Yellow Wagtail was reported on the 2nd. On the 3rd 20 Brambling were reported. A Sandwich Tern flew north east on the 4th. A Yellow Wagtail was still on offer as was the Blackcap. Surprisingly, a drake Ruddy Duck was reported. On the 5th a White Wagtail was seen. 2 Wheatear, 80 Sand Martins and 6 LRP were the other summer visitors. A Snipe was a good discovery as they have been scarce for several months. A Ringed Plover was present too. 35 Wigeon remained. 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls seemed to be paired. The Education Feeders attracted a male Reed Bunting although most were now dispersed at various locations around the reservoir. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming close by. Only 4 Grey Herons could be located.

Osprey migration continued with another bird passing through. A Willow Tit was in the Broompits. 2 Yellow Wagtails ,2 Ringed Plovers, a Wheatear and 2 Oystercatchers were also noted. One, possibly two ,Osprey were seen by a number of observers on the 7th. There had been two birds seen earlier over Doxey Marshes. Certainly an Osprey was seen to haul itself out of the water at Beech Tree Point.

The first Common Sandpiper was on the 8th as Yellow Wagtail arrivals continued. A singing Redstart entertained below the dam on 9th. Also in song was a Yellowhammer in Yeatsall Lane raising the prospect that perhaps in the future this species may return to the Blithfield Estate as a resident breeder. 2 Curlew were also seen. A Sandwich Tern was accompanied by a Common Tern at the deep end on 10th but neither stayed very long. Wheatears increased to 3.at least 5 Willow Warblers were singing with just a single Chiffchaff. Blackcap, were well established in suitable breeding habitat. 3 Yellow Wagtails continued their daily presence. A Common Sandpiper was located on the causeway. 2 Skylark were singing and were present all month. Nuthatches too were busy in Stansley Wood. Two separate Tree Sparrow colonies were extremely active below the dam and near Ten Acre Bay. At least 30 birds present. 18 Goldeneye were counted with 3 Gadwall 118 Teal and a male and female Pintail in Tad Bay. Mute Swans continued to increase and 14 were now present. Another Osprey was observed on the 12th when the same observer reported a male and female Garganey. The latter however were surprisingly not relocated. Also present were 10 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. 8 Goldeneye remained and there were now 4 Gadwall. 3 redheaded Goosander stayed. Notably 200 Sand Martins were estimated and just one House Martin. There were no other large flocks of hirundines as the weather remained clear and sunny. Once again House Martins remained very scarce. Yet another Osprey was seen present on 13th. 2 Snipe were seen too. 8 Yellow Wagtail and a Wheatear were on the dam and a Common Sandpiper. 220 Tufted Duck reflected some considerable passage.

By the 14th Shelduck had increased to an amazing 24. 19 Little Ringed Plover was also amazing figure more in keeping with the flocks that can be seen at their wintering quarters. 3 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe continued the wader theme. 2 White Wagtails 10 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Wheatear maintained the emphasis on migration. 22 Goldeneye were present still on the 15th.

The WeBs was once again conducted on the 16th. 67 Coot were counted and a pair of Moorhen were at Barn Farm Pool. 12 Great Crested Grebe were located and a single Little Grebe.12 Canada Geese and 8 Greylag Geese reflected some dispersal. 12 Mute Swans were scattered around the Reservoir with one cob becoming increasingly aggressive towards other swans in Tad Bay. 106 Mallard and 126 Teal were counted but only 12 Wigeon remained. They appeared to be paired up. 3 Gadwall were found and interestingly the 2 Pintail remained. 15 Shelduck were adjudged to be present as maybe they too were dispersing or moving on. 220 Tufted Duck was a good spring total as 11 Goldeneye lingered, occasionally displaying. 2 Goosander were seen. Grey Heron totals remained very low with just 5. 11 Lapwing was a small number also but they too were displaying and defending territories mainly against Carrion Crows. 4 Little Ringed Plovers were inspecting potential nest sites. Also present were 2 Common Tern, a single Common Gull, 11 Black-headed Gulls, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Although not included in the WeBs, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails and 2 Wheatear were later seen. A guest birder at Lakeside Cottages kindly reported one of Blithfield's missing birds when he saw a Little Owl close to where he was staying. On 17th a Eurasian White-fronted Goose was a surprise. A Little Grebe was the only other bird of note. 22 Yellow Wagtails was a spectacular fall on the 18th. A drake Pochard was a new arrival. A Great Spotted Woodpecker delighted an observer at the feeding station.

Temperatures soared to well above average during this period. It was warmer at Blithfield than in Alicante! 11 Fieldfare below the dam on 20th were the last flock recorded. 10 Yellow Wagtails were on the dam and a White Wagtail by the causeway. 2 Little Ringed Plovers were on the causeway with 2 Oystercatchers and a Common Sandpiper. A Dunlin was also present. 2 Shelduck were prospecting in St. Stephen's Bay. A Goosander was also loitering with some intent! Meanwhile several pairs of Lapwing were defending territories around the reservoir. 4 Gadwall remained in Tad Bay where 79 Teal were there still. A Yellow-legged Gull was at Admaston Reach. The first Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat of the year were singing too. On the 21st an early Garden Warbler was found singing. A Whimbrel went through on the 22nd when a Sedge Warbler arrived. A Redpoll was a notable sighting. It was good to see a Common Tern off Beech Tree Point too. Blackcaps were well established around the estate by 23rd and Willow Warblers seemed more numerous than in recent years. Best of all was a Cuckoo around Tad Bay. 25 Great Crested Grebe in Tad Bay were encouragingly showing signs of potential breeding. Several Coot were on nests. 9 Wigeon remained and 4 Shoveler. Gadwall increased to 6. A drake Pochard was relocated. 20 Shelduck continued to be on sit. A Black Swan appeared on the 24th. It was seen until the end of the month. A pair of Red-legged Partridge were noted and Common Terns increased to 2. Just a single Common Sandpiper was found and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 6 Dunlin were found on 25th when 17 Yellow Wagtail were seen. Also 6 Goldeneye was noteworthy. 3 Swifts arrived overhead. Interestingly a Chiffchaff sang in Stansley Wood. It was described as a 'mixed singer' as it closed its sequence with a Willow Warbler flourish. On 26th, 4 Swift were new. Also 2 Raven, 10 Little Ringed Plover and 20 Shelduck still were present. On 28th, 6 Arctic Tern went straight through the deep end. 6 Common Tern were located later north of the causeway. Swifts increased to 8. 2 Garden Warblers were singing in Blithe Bay and a Lesser Whitethroat sang from an overgrown hedge. Nearby 2 Willow Warblers, a Sedge Warbler,2 Blackcap, and a Whitethroat were all in good voice. Tad Bay hosted 9 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 16 Great Crested Grebe and 41 Teal. A Common Sandpiper was seen and a Wheatear. Mute Swans were building a nest in St. Stephen's Bay as they did last year. This pair have done this before, only to quickly lose interest. A Hobby was claimed on the 29th

A busy month ended with early morning excitement on the 30th. 9 Bar-tailed Godwits were revealed and 19 Arctic Terns. A Wood Sandpiper and a late Green Sandpiper also went through. These two species winter together as far south as West Africa and may have travelled in each other's company for hundreds of miles. 10 Gadwall were in Tad Bay with 10 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler and a single Goldeneye. A female Pintail was also found.

Report Your Sightings

This is the final breeding season for the BTO Atlas project so any news of breeding activity should be sent in. All sightings of Kestrels, Little Owls, Green Woodpeckers, Grey Wagtails and Kingfishers should be submitted. Even breeding records for Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Reed Bunting are under recorded and more information is required.

Finally, the old Stansley Wood Hide has been taken down and moved to a new site in Blithe Bay. It will be replaced by a larger hide. A new hide will be constructed in Blithe Bay on the site of the recently demolished hide on the eastern shore. The Stansley Wood Hide log book has therefore been removed. Please report your sightings in the ususal way or send to blithfield@westmidlandbirdclub.com.

March 2011

There was below average rainfall and more sunshine during March 2011. Consequently the reservoir which started the month at full capacity began to fall. By the end of the month there was an expanse of mud within the willows at the top of Blithe Bay. From the middle of the month summer migrants began to arrive mostly around their average dates of arrival. One summer breeder however arrived substantially early. Sightings of some species seen frequently before the hard winter were either missing or very scarce. These included Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher and Little Owl. It would be helpful if all records of these species were entered into the log book in Stansley Wood Hide so that an assessment can be made of their 2011 status at Blithfield.

On a more positive note Wrens began to sing indicating that they had not been as badly affected as first thought. The final week was especially mild and sunny although towards the end Atlantic fronts brought some rain.

On the evening of the 1st the Great White Egret revealed its continued presence by raising its head in the willows in Tad Bay following a determined search. It had eluded a steady stream of birding hopefuls all day. At least 4 Pintail and 5 Goldeneye were still noted plus 95 Wigeon. The flock of 25 Pochard remained. A drake Gadwall was new. A passage of Common Gulls was noted on the 2nd when 24 were in Blithe Bay and at least 80 were in the gull roost later that day with an accompanying adult Mediterranean Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls were also found. The 11 Pink-footed Geese were still present. 2 Shelduck were seen at the Deep End. 151 Greylag Geese were present in Blithe Bay. Curlew were prominent throughout the day with up to five birds calling frequently. Oystercatchers were now up to seven. 4 Pintail were seen including two drakes. 3 drake Shovelers were in Tad Bay. 25 Goosander remained. Great Crested Grebe numbers remained lower than normal with just eight present. There was a Jay in Broompits, 4 Buzzards were overhead and a Tawny Owl called again near Portfields Bay. A Siskin and 4 Long-tailed Tits were in Stansley Wood and a Wren sang there too. A Nuthatch was at the feeding station. There was another Wren in Dairy House Wood. 2 Mistle Thrush were prominent around Tad Bay. The Great White Egret continued to attract a growing crowd along Newton Hurst Lane on the evening of the 4th. Having assumed the habits more akin to a crepuscular bird it once again emerged at 6:12pm. The wait was not uneventful though as over 40 Fieldfare and 5 Redwing were roosting in the Broompits. 52 Goosander gathered in Tad Bay with 18 Goldeneye. A drake and duck Pintail also patrolled the backwaters. The highlight for many was a male Peregrine flying strongly south.

The next few days saw little change with up to 15 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 10 Goldeneye, 23 Goosander and10 Goldeneye counted. The Great White Egret was still on offer on the 8th when a Pink-footed Goose was found with the Greylag Geese. 48 Goosander were recorded with one Pintail still present. A juvenile Iceland Gull roosted. The Great White Egret flew out of the willows at 15-15 hrs on the 9th and flew towards Blithe Bay. The first 2 Sand Martins arrived on the 10th when 26 Goosander were counted. 25 Pochard were still present and the Peregrine was seen again. The 2 Sand Martins remained on the 11th. The Great White Egret seemed to be gaining confidence on the 12th when it made a 12:15 appearance in Tad Bay. Peter Betts, John Holt, Steve Taylor and Graham Mant conducted the Webs on the 12th. 18 Canada Geese, 105 Greylag Geese and the Pink-footed Goose were counted. Just 2 Mute Swans were located. Cormorant figures remained low at 26. Coot had recovered to 140 but only 13 Great Crested Grebe had returned. 86 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 172 Wigeon and only 17 Teal indicated the departure of many of the wildfowl that had used Blithfield as a refuge throughout the winter. 2 Gadwall were also found. 35 Pochard was a good count for that species and 83 Tufted Duck indicated the commencement of some late winter passage. 18 Goldeneye were also present but their numbers are always difficult to assess as they frequently dive and are prone to frequent flights. Some wader passage was noted with a Ringed Plover, 18 Golden Plover, and a Redshank. 4 Oystercatchers and 6 Lapwing probably involved birds that were prospective Blithfield breeders. Buzzards and a Grey Herons were listed as present as were Linnets, Pied Wagtails and Skylark. (A notable absentee was Ruddy Duck). Later in the day 8 Sand Martins were seen. A House Martin was also claimed and awaits confirmation.

On the 13th 21 Sand Martins had arrived. The Great White Egret dropped into the Tad Bay willows and was observed from 3:50-5pm. 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming. 8 Shelduck were present on 14th and the Great White Egret continued its stay. 4 Snipe were new on the 16th. A Redshank and Curlew also reflected some wader passage. A Chiffchaff was new. 6 Oystercatcher were found and the Pink-footed Goose was seen again. On 17th a female Red-crested Pochard was identified in Tad Bay. 12 Shoveler were seen and 75 Wigeon. 3 Red-crested Pochards were found on 18th. The Great White Egret was seen again on the 18th, but its final appearance was on the 19th when it came into roost at 6:42pm. The gull roost contained an Iceland Gull. The Pink-footed Goose was found again on 20th when only 2 Sand Martins were seen. Two Blithfield regulars however were able to claim their earliest ever sighting of House Martin off Beech Tree Point. 2 Shelduck a Redshank and a Curlew were the only other birds seen that day.

2 Common Scoters sleeping in the middle of the deep end were the highlight on the 22nd. Earlier a morning count revealed 36 Teal, 161 Wigeon, 116 Tufted Duck, 12 Shoveler, 26 Goldeneye, a lone female Goosander, 13 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Grey Herons and a single Moorhen. A Carrion Crow was seen carrying nest material. 2 Long-tailed Tits seemed to be investigating a prospective nest site close to where they have nested previously. Encouragingly 4 Wrens were singing at various locations. A total of 7 Reed Buntings were also found including three at the feeding station. The first Wheatear of 2011 was located on 23rd. Gadwall numbers were up to four on the 24th with three drakes. Also 14 Shoveler were in Tad Bay. 175 were still present and 2 Shelduck were in Blithe Bay. Just 62 Teal were found. An Little Ringed Plover was the first to be seen this year on the causeway. 2 Little Grebe were present. Also 6 Grey Heron were below the dam where the small rookery appeared to have ten active nests. A flock of 10 Redwing were nearby. 4 Buzzards were overhead. A Peregrine flew along the dam. 6 Chiffchaff were singing at various locations around the reservoir and a total of 9 Reed Buntings were found too. 2 Long-tailed Tits were nest building at a site favoured last year. 2 Marsh Tits were near the Broompits feeding station. At Portfields Bay the resident Tawny Owl called. An adult Great Black-backed Gull and a first-winter bird perched on buoys at the deep end. 150 Sand Martins were held up by poor weather on the 26th. 26 Goldeneye was a good count. 3 Goosander were present during the day. Ten Acre Bay hosted 2 Little Ringed Plovers. Two separate colonies of Tree Sparrows also seemed particularly busy. The first 2 Swallows appeared on the 27th with over 200 Sand Martins. A singing Blackcap was new opposite the Education Centre. A Wheatear was also present. 10 Shelduck were in Blithe Bay and 13 Shoveler and the 4 Gadwall continued to be seen. A Snipe was flushed. The Pink-footed Goose was relocated on the 29th. 2 early Willow Warblers were singing and an Little Ringed Plover was recorded. Shelduck increased to 12. The Peregrine was again seen. 19 Lapwings were recorded on 29th. 55 Golden Plover circled over the northern bays on 30th. 88 Teal indicated an increase as water levels continued to fall. 108 Wigeon conversely indicated further departures. 9 Shelduck and 14 Shoveler continued too. 3 Little Ringed Plovers were found and a Redshank was a new bird. 80 Sand Martins were joined by a Swallow off Beech Tree Point. Nearby in Stansley Wood the Blackcap continued to establish its territory. Reed Buntings continued to visit the Education Feeder but were distracted by the presence of a female Sparrowhawk. A pair of Great Crested Grebe appeared to be courting and inspecting possible nest sites.

Finally there was an unconfirmed report of an Osprey on the 31st. Unfortunately the observer did not provide details. If substantiated, this record could be one of the earliest Ospreys seen at Blithfield. More information would be appreciated, please.

February 2011

February was generally a cloudy month with single digit temperatures interspersed with some milder conditions mid month. Cooler and wetter weather set in during the last week. Fortunately the heaviest rain fell during the hours of darkness. Water levels continued to rise. Birding highlights included three species of sawbill in a three day period, roosting Bewicks Swans, Pink-footed Geese, a Ring-billed Gull with Caspian Gull, Iceland Gull and Mediterranean Gulls also being reported. The month ended on a high with a wintering Great White Egret.

13 Great Crested Grebes were at the deep end on the 1st when a superb female Peregrine again frequented the dam. Below the dam a Treecreeper had survived. Just 22 Goosander were present in the two northern bays during the morning. 35 Goldeneye were counted. There was a total of 30 Tufted Duck. A drake Pintail was with the Wigeon along Admaston Reach. c700 Wigeon were estimated and 350 Teal. 105 Coot indicated a returning trend. The 2 Ruddy Duck remained in Blithe Bay. 3 Gadwall were in Tad Bay where 2 Shoveler were still present. The sleeping Pochard flock remained stable at 25. 40 Lapwing were in Tad Bay also. 5 Barnacle Geese were with 392 Canada Geese in Blithe Bay. 11 Pink-footed Geese were at the deep end still. The education feeding station attracted a female Brambling. 2 Woodcock were found by the nest box working party on the 2nd.

A Kingfisher was a good find on the 3rd.when a strong south westerly blew. Consequently only 30 Goosander roosted in Tad Bay because their favoured area was very rough. A single Great Crested Grebe investigated the bay. The area immediately in front of the Stansley Wood Hide was sheltered and a larger than usual gull roost gathered there. Viewing conditions were ideal with a bright evening and calm water with the gulls in close. The roost included c1000 Black-headed Gulls, 455 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, c200 Herring Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 10 Great Black-backed Gulls, 11 Common Gulls. Best of all a Ring-billed Gull was in front of the hide. It was probably last December's bird although its plumage was somewhat advanced from that observed then. A flock of 85 Lapwing was highly mobile and this drew attention to the top of Tad Bay where the 11 Bewick's Swans had gone unnoticed. 3 Shoveler were also reported on the 3rd.

The gull roost revealed a juvenile Iceland Gull and a Caspian Gull on the 6th. 228 Lapwing were present. 26 Pochard and 48 Tufted Duck were seen. 209 Greylag Geese were also seen.

The 5 Barnacle Geese were still present in Blithe Bay on the 8th with 335 Canada Geese. 2 Ruddy Duck continued to look lonely. 215 Greylag Geese were in Tad Bay. 304 Lapwing was an impressive count. The drake Pintail was still with the Wigeon flock in Blithe Bay. 2 drakes plus a duck flew around Beech Tree Point. 26 Pochard remained. 62 Tufted Duck were present and Goldeneyes were assessed at 25. Tad Bay also hosted a Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler. The Goosander roost was exactly 80 a total of 17 Common Gulls was present at various locations. Encouragingly a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming and a Mistle Thrush, Chaffinches, Robins, Dunnocks, Great Tits and Coal Tits were all singing. A Skylark also flew south west over Barn Farm Bay. A Goldcrest, Treecreeper and a Wren around Stansley Wood were all worthy of recording as these species will have undoubtedly suffered during the harsh weather in the three earlier winter months. Further monitoring of these species is essential during the forthcoming breeding season. Early indications would suggest that numbers of Wrens and Goldcrests are greatly reduced. A search revealed 3 Woodcock on the 10th when an adult summer Mediterranean Gull was in the roost at the deep end. The 11 Bewick's Swans including 5 cygnets once again roosted in Tad Bay on the 11th, when Tree Sparrows were reported. Also present an Oystercatcher, Curlew, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, a drake Pintail and 27 Goosander were counted during the afternoon. A Raven was also around. A male Brambling was photographed. Scanning through the wildfowl in Tad Bay in late afternoon revealed a redhead Smew. A Little Egret was found on the 12th and evidence of some passage emerged when a Ringed Plover arrived. The 11 Bewick's Swans again flew in evocatively at dusk. Gull-roost watchers were rewarded by the presence of a juvenile Iceland Gull, a first- and a third-winter Caspian Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gulls.

There was therefore some optimism when the WeBs counters convened on the morning of the 14th. This was immediately rewarded when the Ringed Plover was in the bay immediately north of the causeway. A quick gaze over the water produced the third sawbill in as many days when a female Red-breasted Merganser was found with a group of Goldeneye. Later the Red-breasted Merganser relocated to Tad Bay where it remained until early afternoon only. The poor weather though soon dampened spirits and counting in the open became difficult. As a result, perhaps only 46 Teal were counted. All of these were in Tad Bay. 226 Mallard, 631 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 2 Shoveler were the other dabblers. Diving duck were represented by 95 Tufted Duck, 17 Goosander, 24 Goldeneye, 24 Pochard and 2 Ruddy Duck. 112 Coot and a single Moorhen were present but 12 Cormorant were a low score. Only 10 Great Crested Grebes were at the deep end but 2 Little Grebe were in Tad Bay. 510 Canada Geese were mainly in Blithe Bay where once again the 5 Barnacle Geese could be found. Only 17 Greylag Geese were present at the time of the count with the main flock thought to be feeding outside the confines of Blithfield. 3 Mute Swan were present. In addition to the Ringed Plover waders were represented by a lone Dunlin in Tad Bay, an impressive 10 Oystercatchers in Blithe Bay and an even more superb total of 528 Lapwing. 6 Grey Herons represented perhaps the effects of the hard winter weather earlier on. A Sparrowhawk was the only raptor. It was doubtlessly encouraged by 235 Linnets, at least 8 Pied Wagtails and 3 Reed Buntings at the education feeders. A Jay was in Stansley Wood. A Skylark flew over the deep end. 550 Black-headed Gulls were present but the only other gulls were just 3 Herring Gulls and 3 Common Gulls off the dam. The 11 Bewick's Swans completed a good days birding as they flew the entire length of the reservoir in the rainy afternoon to roost at the top of Tad Bay.

7 Shelduck arrived on 14th and the 11 Pink-footed Geese were seen again. 471 Lapwing were independently counted on 15th when a male Reed Bunting was again noted at the education feeder. 2 Shelduck remained on 16th as did the 11 long staying Pink footed Geese. A Goldcrest was seen again and a female Brambling. 5 Gadwall were found in Tad Bay.

No records were received in the next 5 days. There were 3105 individual birds at least present on WeBs day so it seems incredulous to suggest that serious birders could not find anything interesting to report for 5 days! Nevertheless it can only be presumed that things were very stable during this period.

Confirmation of this was perhaps justified when on 22nd c500 Wigeon were present and at least 300 Lapwing. 266 Teal was a much more realistic figure than on WeBs day. Gadwall had increased to 6.2 Shoveler were again in Tad Bay and 28 Goosander and 18 Goldeneye were seen. An Oystercatcher was near Portfields Bay. A Curlew was heard but not seen over Blithe Bay in late afternoon. A female Stonechat was a welcome return on 23rd as this species again needs to be monitored after two very hard winters. A male Brambling was at the feeders again reportedly. Bramblings are attending feeders overlooking the reservoir with Siskins . During this period 2–3 Mediterranean Gulls have been seen in the roost. 2 Skylark were reported on the 25th when 2 Oystercatchers were reported. 5 Shelduck appeared on the 26th when Oystercatchers increased to 5.

The end of the month ended on a higher note when a late afternoon visit to Tad Bay once again paid off. 2 Pintails and 2 Shelduck had been seen earlier but a Great White Egret was a lovely bird to see during a gloomy afternoon. Interestingly there has been a belated report of one wintering about 3 miles to the north west of the reservoir. Further enquiries will be made.

An unexpected influx of 13 Pintail occurred on the final day. The 11 Pink-footed Geese were still present. 6 Gadwall in Tad Bay included 4 drakes. 17 Goldeneye and 47 Tufted Duck roosted with 60 Goosander in Tad Bay. A Little Grebe emerged and a Raven called overhead. 2 Mute Swan continued to cruise around often going into the willows at the top of Tad Bay where one persistent observer relocated the Great White Egret also amongst the willows.

January 2011

January commenced quietly with the reservoir over 90% frozen. Very few birds were present. Rain on the 1st confirmed that daytime temperatures were just above freezing. Night time temperatures dipped again below zero. The ice therefore was reluctant to retreat and it was well into the second week before the reservoir was ice free. Consequently many birds continued to be absent although over 400 Mallard and Wigeon remained throughout. Small numbers of Teal were present and perhaps so were Shoveler and Pochard, but in even smaller numbers. For several days wildfowl packed into areas where free water flowed into the reservoir, but others either presumably moved to the coast or further south. Alternatively others resorted to life on the local rivers. In the middle of the month birds began to return and the WeBs saw some substantial counts. Over 6000 birds present during the morning count. Much of the month was dry, but the Blithe did burst its banks for a while before another spell of mild and dry weather. The cold returned during the last two days with the return of ice. The reservoir continued to fill slowly, but was still below full capacity at the month's end.

There was none of last New Year's Day excitement. Fewer birders visited Blithfield to see what was just standard fare. They preferred to go elsewhere to bolster year lists. A Treecreeper was found in Stansley Wood on the 2nd and a party of Long-tailed Tits. 3 male Brambling and 13 Chaffinches including eleven males were trapped and ringed on the 3rd. Surprisingly all except one of the Chaffinches were thought to be young birds. Jays were a feature in Stansley Wood also whilst on ice free water 127 Teal were feeding with 14 Wigeon.400 Mallard were considered a good count given the hostile conditions. A single Greylag Goose was detached from the main flock. 6 Lapwing were in attendance too, but most had moved away. Carrion Crows may not feature in these reports very often and 27 may not be too extraordinary. When they are in the middle of the deep end, albeit on ice, perhaps their mention can be justified. In Tad Bay there were just 28 Teal, 2 Goosander, 5 Wigeon and a drake Shoveler. 50 Redwing were in Stansley Wood, but the only Fieldfares seen were two at the dam. 6 Grey Herons were at the fish far. A lone Snipe was found on the 5th when Shoveler increased to two. 3 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye and 20 Goosander were the only other birds of note. A Grey Wagtail was at the dam on the 6th when only 2 Lapwings were in Tad Bay. There was also a report of a mixed flock of about 50 Linnets and somewhat improbably, Meadow Pipits, given the condition. Portfields Bay remained a favoured spot with 236 Wigeon there, 80 Teal and 40 Greylag Geese off shore. At last the 8th was milder after overnight rain and there was a sense that birds were returning. 8 Pink-footed Geese in Mickledale Bay may have been the same family that had been seen briefly in December. 2 Buzzards were around Blithe Bay and a Sparrowhawk was seen over the northern drive. Kestrels were scarce, but there was one near Bagots Bromley Farm. A handsome Peregrine was perched on a post below the dam where it was seen on several other days throughout the month. Goldeneye increased to 25, but there were still only 4 Pochard and 10 Tufted Duck. The Goldeneye favoured water near the edge of the retreating ice in Blithe Bay. 193 Greylag Geese were in Blithe Bay. 6 Grey Heron were again present, but Lapwings increased to 29. 3 Brambling were with Chaffinches, Linnets and Goldfinches near Barn Farm Bay. They seemed to be attracted to the weedy fringe created by the permissive path. 25 Linnets were around Portfields Bay. A duck Pintail was revealed in Tad Bay where there were 2 Gadwall also. 2 Mute Swans cruised around Tad Bay and a Mistle Thrush was on the grassy are at the top of the Bay. The Education Feeders were attracting Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Coal Tits, Blue Tits and Great Tits whilst the Dell feeders had 2 Nuthatches and Long-tailed Tits. There was a noticeable increase in bird song from tits and Robins. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming. The latter were also at the Broompits. Flocks of Redwings and Fieldfares were in adjacent fields. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was in the roost. On or around the 8th a Kingfisher and a returning Shelduck were reported, but exact details were not recorded by the observers (see below). 37 Wigeon were counted in Tad Bay on 10th and 23 Black-headed Gulls. 2 Redpolls were in Stansley Wood on 11th and 2 Common Gulls were identified in Tad Bay, but no ages were given. 8 Great Crested Grebes at the deep end were incredibly the first at Blithfield for the year. A Little Grebe also occurred for the first time.

Blithfield was ice free by 13th and the Little Grebe was again recorded. A Mistle Thrush was at Beech Tree Point. 3 Jays squawked around the Education Hide and remained prominent for the remainder of the month. 3 Nuthatches were at the Education Feeders and a male and female Brambling also, 2 Ravens flew over the northern bays. 309 Wigeon were counted 21.Tufted Duck were present, 400 Teal and a similar number of Mallard. 5 Shoveler were good to see and there was a returning flock of 250 Lapwings on the shore. 85 Goosander roosted in Tad Bay overnight. That number was not exceeded again. 29 Pochard were present on the 14th.

The WeBs accounted for over 6000 bids on the reservoir on the morning of the 16th. This was caused in part by an unusual number of gulls spending the day around Blithfield. 992 Canada Geese were mostly in Blithe Bay and 108 Greylag Geese were present too. 8 Pink-footed Geese grazed in Tad Bay almost unnoticed by an RSPB Group. 3 Mute Swan were also in Tad Bay. 425 Mallard was a similar total to what had been present throughout the cold spell, but 902 Wigeon was a huge increase that had materialised in the last couple of days. 613 Teal also represented a big increase over recent weeks. 2 Shoveler were in Tad Bay and 2 Shelduck in Blithe Bay were a pleasing find.36 Goldeneye and 50 Tufted Duck represented an increase too, but other diving ducks were slow to return with just 6 Pochard and 3 Goosander spending the day at Blithfield. Only 36 Coot were counted. The Little Grebe was still in Blithe Bay. Only 2 Great Crested Grebes could be found at the deep end. 2 Ruddy Ducks in Blithe Bay were new birds for the year list. Grey Heron numbers continued to be well down with still only seven. 31 Cormorants were also lower than previously. 196 Lapwings indicated the strength of their return after the harsh conditions. 2 Skylarks flying through were a surprise. A flock of Tree Sparrows was located along Newton Hurst Lane and a Buzzard was reluctant to fly. A minimum of 2862 Black-headed Gulls were present with 50 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 50 Herring Gulls, but only 2 Common Gulls. It would not be inconceivable therefore to assume that the evening gull roost contained 5000 birds.

A third winter Iceland Gull continued the larid theme in Ten Acre Bay on the 17th. On 18th a flock of 60 Redwings with a few Fieldfares was at the top of Blithe Bay. 361 Teal were in Tad Bay where there were 2 Shoveler and a duck Pintail was located. 2 Buzzards were still present. A male Bullfinch was along Newton Hurst Lane. The deep end evening gull roost was much smaller, but attention in the gathering gloom was drawn to a flock of grey geese across at Ten Acre Bay. Clearly some birds were smaller than the main flock of Greylag Geese. 8 of the smaller birds were obviously the Pink-footed Goose family, but there was a ninth smaller goose. When this bird turned face on it revealed a bold white blaze on its forehead. It was a single Eurasian White-fronted Goose. On 20th a ringing session was rather disappointing still with 2 male Bramblings and 14 Chaffinches (including 8 males). 13 of the latter were again birds of last breeding season.

Another Goosander roost count was conducted on 21st and amazingly the count was exactly as the previous attempt with 85. A single Great Crested Grebe was present with at least 12 Goldeneye and 45 Lapwing. A drake and duck Gadwall were new arrivals and a drake and duck Shoveler were also in Tad Bay. The Pochard flock had increased to 18. The 2 Mute Swan remained. A flock of 60 Siskin were along Newton Hurst Lane on 23rd when Willow Tits could be found at three locations. 2 Snipe were all that be found though. The Mistle Thrush was in Tad Bay again. An early returning Oystercatcher was found on 24th and the 2 Ruddy Duck were relocated. The Great Crested Grebe remained and 214 Lapwing were present. 11 Pink-footed Geese were seen on 25th. The White-fronted Goose was also reported with the Greylag Geese again. A Willow Tit was present at one of the feeding stations. The 2 Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost were an adult and a first winter. Marsh Tits and Willow Tits were at the Broompits feeding station on 26th when encouragingly a Goldcrest was also reported. Perhaps best of all was a flock of over 80 Long-tailed Tits that had survived the bitter winter. A single Snipe was seen again. The 11 Pink-footed Geese were still around and 5 Barnacle Geese of unknown origins were with the Canada Goose flock. The day closed with a calling Tawny Owl.

The number of Pink-footed Geese was assessed at 13 on 27th when 110 Coot were now present. 573 Wigeon were counted and the male and female Gadwall could still be found in Tad Bay. Blithe Bay hosted 5 Shoveler, the Oystercatcher and the 2 Ruddy Duck. 22 Pochard were in Tad Bay. Meanwhile the daytime numbers of Goosander were just five and 25 Goldeneye were seen. A Great Crested Grebe was off the dam and may have been a new arrival. 4 Buzzard were present and a Raven flew over Blithe Bay. A flock of 51 Linnets were at the top of Tad Bay. The cold returned for the last three days, but not with the severity of December. 55 Goosanders were seen in the late afternoon of the 30th. 25 Pochard were still largely asleep in Tad Bay. Dusk provided the best birds of the day however when a herd of 11 Bewick's Swans dropped into Tad Bay, encouragingly, they included 5 cygnets. By the 31st Tad Bay was 90% frozen. At 4:30pm, 66 Goosanders were roosting with the promise of more to come possibly later. The 11 Pink-footed Geese could still be found. Great Crested Grebes finally made double figures again with 13 present.