West Midland Bird Club

The Bodenham Arboretum Nest Box Project had a very successful year despite the very cold weather in April and May. Very little serious breeding activity was seen until late April into early May. However, once breeding started, egg production — particularly amongst the Tit species — was exceptional, compared to the previous three seasons. Some boxes contained up to 13 eggs, which helped increas the egg total to 341: our best total to date.

The occupation rate was 90.00% (86.20%). Hatching rate increased to 90.90% (88.00%) and fledging rate increased to 86.77% (85.20%). To help the young chicks we continued our policy to feed meal worms for a 3 week period.

We were very pleased to have two new species using the nest boxes for the first time, with one pair of Tree Sparrows occupying a box in the orchard and a pair of Wrens forcing our pair of Marsh Tits to move house. In addition it was also very pleasing to see both pair of Spotted Flycatchers returning to breed.

In addition to the breeding pairs in the nest boxes, the following species bred successfully within the Bodenham Estate.

• 5 pairs of Blackbirds
• 2 pairs of Blackcaps
• 1 pairs of Bullfinches
• 1 pair of Buzzards
• 1 pair of Carrion Crows
• 3 pairs of Coots
• 6 pairs of Chaffinches
• 2 pairs of Dunnocks
• 2 pairs of Goldfinches
• 5 pairs of Greenfinches
• 3 pairs of House Martins
• 1 pair of Long-tailed Tits
• 1 pair of Little Owls
• 2 pairs of Linnets
• 3 pairs of Mallards
• 2 pairs of Mistle Thrushes
• 3 pairs of Pheasants
• 2 pairs of Pied Wagtails
• 3 pairs of Red Legged Partridges
• 2 pairs of Song Thrushes
• 1 pair of Spotted Flycatchers
• 2 pairs of Whitethroats
• 2 pairs of Wrens

We are indebted to Richard Shuttleworth. David Kelsey and the staff for their help.

Brian Rickett
Project Manager, West Midland Bird Club, Kidderminster Branch.