West Midland Bird Club

Tittesworth Reservoir News, in 2008

Unless otherwise stated, reports on this page are anecdotal, and have not been verified by the relevant country recorder or rarities committee.

For the scientfic names of these birds, and their local status, see our county lists.

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December 2008

30: The Mute Swan was still present. Mute Swans are very uncommon on this site. A female Shoveler was recorded.
28: Ducks present other than Mallard: four Goldeneye, 85 Wigeon, 52 Tufted Ducks, 65 Teal, six Pochards and a female Scaup. Also of interest: a single Coot (scarce at Tittesworth), two Grey Herons, four Snipe, a Raven and 16 Long-tailed Tits.
27: A Dipper was found. This species has not been noted for many months. Two male Mandarins was noted and, unusually, a very large flock of Rooks was recorded, numbering 108 individuals. Wigeon numbers were down on a few days earlier, but quite healthy at 55. Also of note: nine Cormorants, a Brent Goose, 55 Teal, a Mute Swan, six Goldcrests, two Ravens, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, two Jays, three Coal Tits and a Willow Tit.
24: The Brent Goose was still present. Wigeon numbers lifted to 68. Also of note: a Kingfisher, a female Scaup, six Pochards, a Jay and a male Sparrowhawk.
21: The best find of the day was a single Brent Goose in the car park. Also worth noting: a Little Grebe (uncommon at Tittesworth), six Goosanders, over 80 Common Gulls, 35 Siskins, five Bullfinches, a Treecreeper, a Grey Wagtail, a Tawny Owl and a Stock Dove.
20: Of note: a pair of Goldeneyes, six Pochards, a female Shoveler, 52 Teal, 45 Tufted Ducks, 40 Wigeon, nine Snipe, three Ravens, and a Willow Tit.
17: The Spotted Sandpiper was seen for the last time. Also present: 43 Teal, 44 Tufted Ducks, six Wigeon, a female Scaup, five Goldeneyes, seven Snipe, a Willow Tit and three Meadow Pipits.
15: A pair of Ravens were feeding in a field N/NW of the Conservation Pool.
14: A site rarity, a Marsh Tit was identified. The female Scaup was still present. Eight Ravens were seen flying over the site. 147 Canada Geese were counted. The Spotted Sandpiper was also logged.
13: The Spotted Sandpiper continued its entertainment for the assembled birders but also a female Scaup was found. 22 Lesser Redpolls were found in the woodlands and 134 Common Gulls were counted in the gull roost.
7: The Spotted Sandpiper, a most confiding bird, continued to perform for birders drawn from far and wide.
6: The Spotted Sandpiper was still on the dam wall. A Green Woodpecker was recorded: a site rarity.
3: The Spotted Sandpiper continued to entertain dozens of birders who had been attracted to the site by its presence. Also of note: 80 Wigeon, 51 Teal, nine Goosanders, three Kestrels, two Common Buzzards, three Nuthatches, two Treecreepers, a Jay, seven Collared Doves, 2300+ Black-headed Gulls in the roost, 37 Common Gulls and a Tawny Owl.

November 2008

28: The Spotted Sandpiper continued to show well and it was noted that it had been feeding on small fish and earthworms. Teal numbers were now up to 50. Two pairs of common Pochard were seen and also seven female Goosanders.
27: A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers were recorded.Two Waxwings were recorded. The Waxwings were seen until the 30th.
26: A pair of Goldeneye were noted. Tufted Duck numbers had lifted to 37.
25: A Crossbill flew over the conifers near the dam and also a Grey Wagtail was found.
24: The Spotted Sandpiper was still present on the dam wall but a Tawny Owl and a Grey Wagtail are worth a mention.
23: Once again the Spotted Sandpiper was the main attraction.
22: A male Pintail was located but more importantly an American vagrant was found: a juvenile Spotted Sandpiper — a first for the site.
18: A pair of Shoveler appeared.
16: Of note: A Little Grebe, 30 Wigeon, 35 Tufted Duck, 11 Snipe, 20+ Woodpigeon, four Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 15 Siskin.
15: Teal numbers had risen to 43. Two female Goosanders were noted and 36 Wigeon were counted.
14: There were 12 Tufted Ducks, 25 Teal, a male Mandarin, 15 Snipe, two Stock Doves, a Common Buzzard and a Willow Tit.
12: The following are worthy of note: eleven Tufted Duck, a Grey Heron, 37 Lapwings, a Kingfisher, 16 Greenfinches, a Common Buzzard and a Meadow Pipit.
9: 21 Teal were present. Over 40 Redwings and over 90 Fieldfares were seen. A female Stonechat was found again. More than 40 Meadow Pipits were present.
8: A Greylag Goose was found.This species is uncommon on site.
7: A Mute Swan was seen — a site rarity. Two Mandarins put in an appearance. About 50 Woodpigeons were also present.
2: Ten Snipe were seen. Ten Common Gulls were present. Also worth a mention: 12 Pied Wagtails, two Sparrowhawks, over 800 Starlings, 30+ Redwings and 80+ Fieldfares.
1: A female Goldeneye was noted — the first of the current season. Sixty-eight Pink-footed Geese flew south-east. Two Tawny Owls were located. A Rock Pipit was found on the dam wall at midday. Approximately 2000 Starlings were seen.

October 2008

31: An interesting find was a Green Sandpiper flying through.
26: Of note: 28 Teal, a Kingfisher, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 12 Mistle Thrushes.
25: A Jack Snipe was observed, from the west hide, on the eastern side of the Conservation Pool. Fifty Wigeon were also present.
22: Three Common Buzzards were observed, including the wing-tagged bird that has been seen in the area for sometime.
19: Two late migrating Swallows were noted. Whooper Swan numbers had risen to four. The female Stonechat was seen again. Six Bullfinches were counted.
17: An excellent sighting was of two Whooper Swans. A female Blackcap was also found. Two butterfly species were on the wing — Small Tortoiseshell and Green-veined White.
16: Forty eight Rooks were counted — a species rarely seen on site. A Little Grebe was also seen, another scarce visitor. Seven Fieldfares were counted, the first for the year's second winter period. Seven Goldcrests were also counted.
12: About 100 Pink-footed Geese flew west mid-morning. Also of note: a Skylark, a female Goosander, a Little Owl, a Nuthatch, a Goldcrest and two Stock Doves.
11: Of note: 25 Tufted Ducks, three male Mandarins, a pair of Kestrels, a Kingfisher, two Ravens, four Jays, a female Crossbill and 15 Lesser Redpolls.
9: The best find of the day was a juvenile Scaup.
5: A good range of species was seen including the following: two Sparrowhawks, two Kestrels, three Common Buzzards, a Little Owl, one Stock Dove, a Jay, nine Mistle Thrushes, 84 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 30+ Linnets, 80+ Meadow Pipits and a Kingfisher.
4: Three male Mandarins were found. Three Swallows hunted over the reservoir. The wing-tagged Common Buzzard was seen again.
3: Wigeon numbers had risen to 30. Thirty Teal were also counted. Two Redwings were located.

September 2008

28: Good finds included 27 Wigeon, three Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, a Sand Martin, two Moorhens, one each of Little Owl and Tawny Owl, two Kingfishers, a Goldcrest, a Coal Tit and a Willow Tit.
27: Probably the best find was a Green Woodpecker — once a resident breeder, but now a rarity.
26: The first male Common Pochard of the 2nd winter period was noted. A Little Grebe, a Dipper, about 20 Meadow Pipits and a Common Darter dragonfly were also good finds.
25: The solitary resident Mute Swan continues its stay. Two Ravens passed by. Also worth noting: a juvenile Great Crested Grebe, a Kingfisher, a male Kestrel, four Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and a juvenile Bullfinch.
24: The following were noted: seven Great Crested Grebes, a Redshank, 14 Snipe, 226 Mallards, two Little Owls, a Merlin, three Common Buzzards and six Swallows.
23: Of note: eight Bullfinches (2 adults and 6 juveniles), six Chiffchaffs, eight Common Sandpipers, a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper and six Long-tailed Tits.
22: Wigeon numbers were up to 16. A male Mandarin turned up. The following were in good numbers: Goldfinches & Pied Wagtails (over 50 each), Jackdaws (~30) and Grey Wagtails (5).
21: A Redwing, the first winter thrush arrival, was noted. One juvenile Scaup was found again. Snipe numbers had lifted to 16. Others worth mentioning are 50 Lapwings, two Jays, a Common Sandpiper, a female Goosander, a Kingfisher, a Skylark and a Willow Tit.
20: Of the ducks there were 25 Teal, two Scaup, only one Tufted Duck, two female Wigeon and the resident Mallards. Twenty Lapwings were noted and also a Kingfisher, three Bullfinches and three Common Buzzards, one of which was wing-tagged.
19: Two of the juvenile Scaup were seen again but by far the best sighting was of a Barn Owl.
18: The following were particularly good observations: five fishing Common Terns, two Hobbies, a Peregrine, a Jay, four Snipe and a Tawny Owl.
16: A Common Buzzard, a Great Spotted Woodpecker, two Meadow Pipits, juvenile Great Tits, over 60 Goldfinches and six Reed Buntings (including 1 juvenile) were recorded.
14: A Shoveler put in an appearance. The following were also present: two Kingfishers, two Little Grebes (uncommon at Tittesworth), a Common Sandpiper, 13 Lapwings, three Common Buzzards, two Kestrels, a Sparrowhawk, two Ravens, eight Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap, three Treecreepers, a Lesser Redpoll, a Brown Hare and a Fox.
13: The best sightings were a juvenile Scaup, seven Wigeon, a Kingfisher, a Kestrel and 94 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
11: Only Scaup, Mandarin and Common Sandpiper were recorded. No numbers given.
8: Two Wigeon were found. In addition the following are of note: seven adult Great Crested Grebes + two juveniles, two Grey Herons, three Scaup, a male Mandarin, a Greenshank, twoCommon Sandpipers and hundreds of House Martins passing through.
7: Of note: 21 Cormorants, two male Mandarins, three Scaup (a female & two juveniles), a female Goosander, a Greenshank, a Redshank, two Common Sandpipers, three Kestrels, three common Buzzards, 10 Swallows, 40 House Martins, a Nuthatch, eight Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and 20 Long-tailed Tits.
6: A Mandarin, Kestrel and a Kingfisher were the only species recorded. Late additions: Red-crested Pochard and a Barn Owl.
4: The Greenshank was seen for the third day in a row. In addition the following were recorded: a female Wigeon, a Shoveler, nine Teal, two Snipe, aCommon Sandpiper, a juvenile Peregrine, a Kingfisher and a Wheatear.
2: The Greenshank was seen again and a 'Commic Tern' flew North-West. Over 130 Goldfinches, a Jay, a Blackcap, a Sedge Warbler, six Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler were also noted. Butterfly species present: Comma, Red Admiral and Peacock.
1: The best finds were a Greenshank, a Raven and a calling Chiffchaff.

August 2008

31: The first Wigeon of the second winter period was recorded. Two Shovelers were also noted. Also worth a mention — two Mute Swans, three Kingfishers, a Hobby, a Moorhen (very sparse at Tittesworth), a Sedge Warbler feeding two well grown young and six Reed Buntings.
28: A Hobby flew North-West at 12.40pm.
27: A Peregrine was noted on two occasions. Also of note: 11 adult Great Crested Grebes + the two juveniles, 62 Lapwings, twoCommon Sandpipers, well over 80 Pied Wagtails, over 120 Swallows, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Common Redstart and a Willow Tit.
25: Over 50 Pied Wagtails were observed.
24: The following were noted: nine adult Great Crested Grebes + two juveniles, twoCommon Sandpipers, 77 Lapwings, a Curlew, three Kestrels, three Grey Wagtails, a Kingfisher, a Swift, three Spotted Flycatchers, two Nuthatches, three Stock Doves, a Raven, a Siskin, a Whitethroat and a wing-tagged Common Buzzard.
21: An Osprey caught a fish in the main reservoir at about 12.30pm. Probably the same bird was seen fishing in Rudyard Lake at about 2pm. Rudyard is 2–3 miles west of Tittesworth. Further good sightings: A Hobby was seen at 3.30pm carrying prey. Two Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk were noted.
20: Of note: a Redshank, five Great Black-backed Gulls, a Linnet and three Lesser Redpolls.
17: An Osprey flew over the main reservoir at about 7am. The following were also noted: 261 Canada Geese, nine Teal, six Snipe, sixCommon Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover, a Kingfisher, a male Common Redstart, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Sand Martin and six Swifts.
16: There were over 80 Pied Wagtails and 40+ Goldfinches present. Also noted: a Kestrel, a Sparrowhawk, a Sand Martin, two Grey Wagtails and two Bullfinches.
15: Three Common Buzzards soared over the site. One, probably a juvenile, continually called to the other two. A male Southern Hawker dragonfly was found near the River Churnet. The following butterfly species flew in the warm sunshine: Peacock, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Copper and Small White & Green-veined White. Twenty one plants were in flower including Harebell, Fat-hen, Upright Hedge-parsley, Greater Plantain, Nipplewort and Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil.
14: Two juvenile Great Crested Grebes were with their parents on the main reservoir. Sixty two Lapwings were counted. Teal numbers had nudged up to seven. The number of Canada Geese in the flock was 195. Two Curlews and three Reed Buntings were good finds.
13: A Swift was seen. Only one Little Egret seemed to be on site. Two Common Sandpipers and a Little Ringed Plover were noticed.
11: The best find was a Turnstone. A female Merlin was also present.
10: Five Nuthatches were observed plus three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 12 Siskins, a pair of Blackcaps with two juveniles, five Spotted Flycatchers incuding two juveniles, a Linnet, four Ravens, two Peregrines and three Common Buzzards.
9: Little Egrets were back up to three. Five Common Sandpipers, four Teal, two Common Redstarts, two Kingfishers and two Common Terns also featured.
7: The only bird logged was the Diamond Dove. It is possible it is the same bird, which was found in Meerbrook some months ago and has managed to survive.
6: Of note: a Green Sandpiper, a Peregrine, five Stock Doves, a Red Fox, a Brown Hare and a Weasel.
3: Only two Little Egrets were found. Also worthy of note were the following: 10 Great Crested Grebes, two Dunlin, two Green Sandpipers, a Snipe, two Kingfishers, 10 Ravens, a Common Tern, two Spotted Flycatchers and a Diamond Dove — an escape.
2: Forty Pied Wagtails were recorded. Also of note were six Grey Herons, five Song Thrushes, a Kingfisher and two Sedge Warblers.
1: Two Shovelers proved to be the most interesting observation.

July 2008

30: Again three Little Egrets were recorded. Also a female Teal was sighted and the following were reported: three Common Sandpipers, seven Black-tailed Godwits over flew the site, a Dunlin was spotted and the Gatekeeper butterfly was noted.
29: Good finds included — three Little Egrets, four Green Sandpipers, three Common Sandpipers, 81 Lapwings, a Dunlin, a Curlew, a Kingfisher and a Merlin.
28: Of note: three Little Egrets, three Common Sandpipers, a Black-tailed Godwit, a Curlew, juvenile Pied Wagtails and a female Grey Wagtail feeding three young.
27: The following were reported: three Little Egrets, a Black-tailed Godwit, two Common Sandpipers, 77 Lapwings and a Kingfisher.
26: Three Little Egrets were reported.
25: Two Little Egrets plus a Great White Egret were claimed for the 25th but other observers claimed 3 Little Egrets.
24: Very quiet on site. The following were seen on or around the Conservation Pool: two Grey Herons, two Little Egrets, one Common Sandpiper and two Little Ringed Plovers.
22: Five Common Terns passed by at around 11.30am heading North-West. A Peregrine flew over the Conservation Pool at about 12.30pm.
21: One adult Grey Wagtail and a juvenile were recorded. The only butterfly noticed was Meadow Brown.
20: The most interesting observations were a Black-tailed Godwit, an Oystercatcher, 60 Lapwings, three Common Buzzards, a Kingfisher, a Common Tern, a Siskin, a Goldcrest and a Brown Hare.
19: Most certainly the best observation of the day was of two Hobbies. Also present were a Common Pochard, a Whimbrel, a Dunlin, a Barn Owl amd a Treecreeper.
15: 27 Lapwings were counted. The two Mute Swans were still present — a "rare" species for this site.
14: The Roaches' Peregrines were seen.
13: The two Little Egrets are still present. Perhaps the best find of the day was a Whimbrel on passage. Juveniles/young for Whitethroat and Garden Warbler were observed. A Yellow-legged Gull was noted. Two Kingfishers were found.
12: Of note today: a Little Grebe, two Goosanders, a Green Sandpiper, two Stock Doves, three Whitethroats and a Willow Tit.
8: The best finds today were a juvenile Little Grebe, a female Mandarin, five juvenile Grey Herons, five Redshanks, two Dunlins, a juvenile Common Redstart and a Barn Owl.
7: Eight Common Sandpipers were observed and eight Little Ringed Plovers. The two Little Egrets were still present.
6: Twenty five — yes 25 — Black-tailed Godwits graced the site. Other waders present included, a Greenshank, a Redshank, six Common Sandpipers, seven Little Ringed Plovers and 29 Lapwings. A Little Grebe showed up, four Common Redstarts were on view, 13 Curlews were around and a Barn Owl put in an appearance at about 8.20 in the evening.
4: Today the resident Little Egret was joined by another. An Oystercatcher turned up, three young Spotted Flycatchers were being fed and a Brown Hare was found.
3: Redshank numbers had lifted slightly to 22. Three Grey Wagtails were observed, a Herring Gull was found and a Common Redstart was located.

June 2008

30: On the last day of the month a Little Grebe was spotted — a site rarity.
27: No great change, but a pair of colourful Bullfinches were located. Common Sandpiper numbers had lifted to five.
26: The Redshank is still present. Also following: a Redshank, a Dunlin and two Sedge Warblers with one juvenile.
25: Of note today: five Little Ringed Plovers, two Common Sandpipers, a Song Thrush, a male Pied Flycatcher and two adult Peregrines on the Roaches.
23: The following were of interest: four Grey Herons including two juveniles, four Little Ringed Plovers, two Common Sandpipers, two Kestrels, two Common Buzzards, four Great Spotted Woodpeckers including one juvenile, six Nuthatches including three juveniles, eight Goldfinches including six juveniles, two Dippers and seven Reed Buntings.
22: Of note were 10 Great Crested Grebes, 384 Canada Geese, two Curlews, five Little Ringed Plovers, a Kestrel, a Merlin, a Common Buzzard, 24 Coots, two Moorhens, 50+ House Martins, five Spotted Flycatchers, a Greenfinch family including five young, two Lesser Redpolls and three Reed Buntings. A pair of Peregrines hatched young on the Roaches to the north of the site. Thus far the chicks are doing well and should fledge in about a week or so.
21: The best find of the day was a Kingfisher. Also present were a male Mandarin, the resident Redshank and a male Common Redstart.
20: The following were of interest: two Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, three Little Ringed Plovers, a Ringed Plover, one Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 40 Lapwings, a Curlew, two Treecreepers, about 50 Sand Martins, 15 Long-tailed Tits, a Grey Wagatail and a Peregrine..
19: The Little Egret fed in the shallows of the Conservation Pool. The following were also noted: four Mute Swans, four Curlews, three Little Ringed Plovers, two adult Common Sandpipers looking after two juveniles, 23 Coots, eight Lesser Black-backed Gulls, four Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a pair of Peregrines, a Grey Wagtail and three Lesser Redpolls.
18: The Little Egret was still present.
17: A Little Egret turned up, the first this year. Very encouragingly there were six adult Spotted Flycatchers with five juveniles. There were also two Treecreepers with two juveniles. Also worth a mention: three Lesser Redpolls, a Kestrel and a Redstart.
16: Two Oystercatchers were located. A Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher were found. Two juvenile Grey Herons were observed. Also of interest were the following: two Stock Doves, two Common Buzzards, four Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a Jay.
15: Two pairs of nesting Great Crested Grebes were observed. Two Goosanders were found. The Oystercatcher was still present. A single Dunlin was reported. Sedge Warbler adults were feeding three young. There was a pair of Bullfinches, a Willow Tit and a Lesser Redpoll.
14: The most interesting sightings included Oystercatcher, three Little Ringed Plovers, eight Lapwings, a Curlew, a male Mandarin (thought to be injured), two Kingfishers, five Spotted Flycatchers and a Lesser Whitethroat.
10: Skylarks are now hardly seen at Tittesworth. However, an ascending bird was seen on nearby Gun Hill. The following were also about: two Mute Swans, a juvenile Robin, a male Common Redstart, two Grey Wagtails, a Song Thrush, a Whitethroat, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, and a Lesser Redpoll. More plants are now in flower including Bistort, Red Clover, White Clover, Foxglove, Oxeye Daisy, Ragged Robin, Autumn Hawkbit, Spear Thistle and Yellow Iris.
8: The female Goosander was still on site. A Kingfisher also around. A Rook — almost rare for this site — fed at the bird table. A Green Woodpecker, also a rarity at Tittesworth, was also seen. Five Sedge Warblers were singing, a Jay was found and a Brown Hare observed.
7: The presence of a juvenile Pochard was reported.
6: Twenty five Lapwings and five Curlews were around the Conservation Pool.
5: A single female Goosander was an interesting find. Four Greylag Geese flew in. A Peregrine was seen again. An Oystercatcher and two Little Ringed Plovers were also present.
4: A Peregrine was seen flying over the Roaches. Coot numbers had lifted to 31. There were 202 Canada Geese. This species is counted once per month. Lapwing numbers were a bit higher at 18. Ten Tufted Ducks were also present. A pair of Coal Tits was seen feeding five young and a Pied Wagtail was feeding three youngsters.
2: The Reed Warblers were located again and an Oystercatcher visited for the day.
1: Twenty one Great Crested Grebes and 26 Coots were counted, quite a high number for both species. There were also three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, three Grey Wagtails and a Lesser Redpoll.

May 2008

31: A Dunlin put in a brief appearance. Two male Common Redstarts, eight Grey Herons and three Reed Buntings were also seen.
30: The best observation of the day was of two Reed Warblers. This species is a site rarity. The following were also present: Ringed Plover, two Common Sandpipers, 14 Lapwings, a Curlew, two Grey Wagtails, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Kestrel and a Nuthatch.
29: The Little Ringed Plover pair were observed around the Conservation Pool, but thus far there is no evidence of breeding. Four Song Thrushes sang lustily on site. A Spotted Flycatcher was gathering food in Forster's Wood. Undoubtedly the best sighting was of two Treecreepers servicing a nest located in a crack within a tree close to the Blackshaw Lane road bridge over the River Churnet. Twenty two flowering plants were observed including Pink Purslane, Herb Robert, Water Forget-me-not, Yellow Rattle, Hawthorn, Bush Vetch, Common Sorrel and Germander Speedwell.
28: Tufted Duck numbers had increased to 15. There were 92 Canada Geese present plus five goslings. Coot numbers amazingly rose to 23. A Common Tern "turned up" and once again the Barnacle Goose was observed. A pair of Common Redstarts were present so hopefully breeding will occur on site. A high count of at least 110 House Martins was made.
27: Coot numbers had lifted to 19, a very high number for Tittesworth. A Little Owl was observed. Two Brown Hares were seen — a frequent observation these days.
26: A Black-tailed Godwit was located — an occasional visitor to this site. Information was received about a Willow Warbler, ringed on site on the 19 July 2007, and which was found dead at Faro, Portugal, on 1 October 2007. It travelled 1838km in 74 days using a strategy of short hops, stop and feed. After all that effort it's a pity it wound up dead in a rat trap!
25: Curlews are breeding in the moorlands but a lone bird was sighted. The Barnacle Goose was spotted again and seeing a Jay was a welcome change.
24: The female Goosander was picked up again. Thirteen Tufted Ducks were on the reservoir. There were plenty of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins about.
21: Ten Lapwings were present — a high count considering this species is now breeding in the local moorlands. Three Grey Herons were noted and six — yes six! — male Mandarins; a most colourful sight. Fourteen Coots were counted; a high number for this site. The Barnacle Goose was found again.
19: The Barnacle Goose was still presnt. The prize find of the day was of two Kingfishers.
18: By far the best find was a Barnacle Goose. This species has not been seen on site for many years. Also worth a mention: a Rook feeding on the bird table, six Lesser Redpolls, two Mute Swans (very uncommon at Tittesworth), three Spotted Flycatchers, a "red headed" Goosander and two Little Ringed Plovers.
17: A Cuckoo was heard and the following were of particular note: five Common Terns, two male Common Redstarts, four Sedge Warblers, two juvenile Grey Wagtails, a Ringed Plover and a male Kestrel.
11: Two experienced birders amassed a large number of species between them including a Great Black-backed Gull (a site rarity), a Redshank, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Common Sandpipers, a Greylag Goose (an infrequent visitor to the site), four Mallard ducklings, two Grey Wagtails, two Nuthatches, two Common Buzzards, three male Mandarins, two Spotted Flycatchers and six Reed Buntings. The following butterfly species were also noted: Small White Large White, Orange Tip, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown and Holly Blue.
10: Mandarin, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Sedge Warbler and Brown Hare were the most interesting finds of the day.
8: Four Greylag Geese flew into Churnet Bay at about 1.30pm. This species is uncommon at Tittesworth. Thirty nine species were logged, including a Grey Heron, a male Mandarin, two Common Sandpipers, two male Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Mistle Thrush, six Garden Warblers, two Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs and 11 Willow Warblers. The only butterflies on show were Orange Tip and Peacock. More species of plant were in flower including Garlic Mustard (or Jack-by-the-hedge), Ribwort Plantain and Red Campion.
7: The first Spotted Flycatcher of the season arrived, as did the first Common Redstart, a male. Also worth a mention were several Long-tailed Tits, a Bullfinch, a Treecreeper and a Grey Wagtail.
4: The best find of the day was a Black Tern. Also noted were eight Great Crested Grebes, one Little Ringed Plover, a Grey Wagtail, a male Mandarin and a Curlew.
3: An Osprey arrived at about 2pm but was mobbed by Crows so was unable to fish; it flew on. Three Common Sandpipers and a single Lapwing were present. Two Brown Hares were also noted.
2: A lone Curlew was found.
1: Birdsong showed that there was a mimimum of six Song Thrushes present. Also, by birdsong identification, at least 10 Wrens, about a dozen Robins, a Garden Warbler, three Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs and 10 Willow Warblers were present on a small section of the site, covering no more than 20% of the area. A Wheatear was seen on nearby Gun Hill. Insects present included a Peacock butterfly and a Large Red-tailed Bumblebee. Seventeen plants were in flower, including Greater Stitchwort, Lesser Celandine, Bluebell, Butterbur, Wood Anemone, Common Mouse-ear, Marsh Marigold, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Cuckooflower (or Lady's Smock) and Coltsfoot.

April 2008

28: By far the best find was a Whinchat.
27: A Cuckoo was calling (one was also seen and heard in nearby Macclesfield on the 26th). Two Dunlin turned up. Two Little Ringed Plovers were still present. A Lesser Whitethroat was located, the first for 2008. Lesser Redpoll numbers were quite high at 20. A Kingfisher was also a good find.
26: The first Whitethroat of the year was found. The number of Common Sandpipers had risen to three (this species breeds on site). Two male Common Redstarts were logged. Two Garden Warblers and two Sedge Warblers were present. Five male Reed Buntings were found. Two Peacock butterflies were identified — the first butterflies for 2008.
25: The first Garden Warbler and the first Sedge Warbler of the 2008 summer season was recorded. Coot is a relatively sparse species on this site but nine birds were reported. A Whimbrel on passage was seen.
23: Only one Lapwing was reported as being present on site. This species must have headed for the hills and moorlands to breed.
22: Six tiny Mallard ducklings were reported, the first of the year. A male Shoveler was the suprise visitor.
21: Two late staying Wigeon were observed.
20: A very young lady named Maxine found a Curlew but she also saw a Jenny Wren! Nice. The four Yellow Wagtails were still about as well as two Grey Wagtails, five Stock Doves, a Nuthatch, two Common Sandpipers, the female Brambling, a Tawny Owl and eight Song Thrushes.
19: The first Common Redstart for 2008 was located at 1:45pm — it was a male bird. Interestingly a female Brambling was also found. Another case of winter and summer season crossover. Other species of interest on this day included a pair of Mandarins, a Snipe, two Little Ringed Plovers, two Treecreepers and 11 Pied Wagtails.
17: The most interesting find on site was of four Yellow Wagtails. However, on the same day there was a report of a Great Grey Shrike just off site. Of equal interest there was a Wood Warbler by the River Churnet near the Blackshaw Lane road bridge.
15: An Osprey flew north over the reservoir at around 0830 hrs. Five Greylag Geese were present. There were now two Common Sandpipers on site. Eight Coots were counted — high for this site. Two Nuthatches were seen, a Tawny Owl found and three Great Spotted Woodpeckers “spotted”!
14: The Common Sandpiper was still present and Curlew numbers had risen to nine.
13: Willow Warbler numbers had lifted to 28, three Shelducks had turned up, two Sparrowhawks hunted on the site, two Grey Wagtails fed around the River Churnett, a single Snipe was spotted plus three Curlews, two Jays were located, five Common Buzzards were seen and best of all two Peregrines passed by.
12: The best find of the day was a Common Sandpiper. Also of interest were a male Gadwall, 40 Swallows, 30 Sand Martins and two House Martins, 22 Willow Warblers, 14 Chiffchaffs, two Lesser Redpolls and two pairs of Reed Buntings.
9: A mixed flock of over 120 winter thrushes were present. Two House Martins were seen, only the second sighting this year.
8: A selection of species seen: a Grey Heron, three Mute Swans, 15 Teal, a female Goldeneye, a Curlew, a Raven and a Willow Tit.
7: Spectacularly 120+ Sand Martins over flew the site. There were also at least 20 Swallows present. Winter ducks were still around. Five Goldeneyes were seen as were three Goosanders. Willow Warbler numbers had lifted to 12.
6: Tufted Duck numbers stood at 19. The first Little Ringed Plover for 2008 was located. There were 25 Swallows and around 70 Sand Martins over the site. Fourteen Pied Wagtails and two Grey Wagtails were found. Also a White Wagtail was observed on the dam wall. Five Reed Buntings were present.
5: A Pink-footed Goose was observed. A male Mandarin was seen trying to swallow a frog! Two Shelducks were located. Most importantly an Osprey was present on site for 25 minutes! A Tawny Owl was heard calling. Willow Warbler numbers had risen to nine.
3: The first House Martin of the year was noted. A pair of Mandarins was present and over 20 Sand Martins were noted.
2: A Barnacle Goose was noted — quite uncommon on site these days. A few years ago a pair inhabited the site on a permanent basis. Goosander numbers were still healthy at seven. Six Stock Doves were counted — quite a high number for this species. A Dipper was an excellent find and four Shelducks hunted over the site.

March 2008

31: The first Willow Warbler of the year was found. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen, a species officially classified as a resident breeder but is, in fact, quite rare on site these days. An excellent find indeed!
30: From a large number of species noted the following are worth a mention: ten Great Crested Grebes, eight Goosanders, three Goldeneyes, 45 Wigeon, two Mandarins, seven Coot, two Herring Gulls, three Kestrels, four Shelducks, a Sparrowhawk, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, eight Sand Martins, two Swallows, a Nuthatch, two Willow Tits, four Lesser Redpolls, five Meadow Pipits and four Reed Buntings.
29: Winter ducks were still present. There were three of each of Goldeneye and Goosander. Small numbers of both Swallow and Sand Martin were seen.
27: Three Sand Martins were seen — the first for 2008. Other sightings of interest included 19 Tufted Ducks, 23 Snipe, two Sparrowhawks, 45 Fieldfares, 30 Redwings, 10 Song Thrushes, a Kingfisher, a Treecreeper and six Reed Buntings.
26: By far the best sighting was of a Jack Snipe. Also of interest were a Little Grebe, two Mute Swans, a Redshank, an Oystercatcher, eight Coot, a ring-tailed Hen Harrier, four Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, a Kestrel, two Common Gulls, three Goldcrests, three Bullfinches, a Lesser Redpoll and four Brown Hares.
25: At 12:15 hours two Swallows flew over the dam — the first for 2008.
24: Two Willow Tits were present - an established bird on site for this nationally declining species. A Chiffchaff was located again. Three Shelducks were also "buzzing" around the site!
23: Cormorant numbers were high at 32. Surprisingly 45 Wigeon were found. It was thought that most had left for northern climes. Twenty three Snipe was a good count for this elusive species. Six Coot and two Moorhens were seen, which is good news for these scarce site species. Fourteen Pied Wagtails were counted and more impressively 42 Meadow Pipits were counted on the dam wall. A female Stonechat was also observed.
22: By far the best find of the day was a Chiffchaff — the first of the season. In addition the following were interesting: 20 Cormorants, three Goldeneyes, about 50 Curlews, around 100 Fieldfares and four Bullfinches.
20: Of note were the following: a Male Mandarin, 17 Curlews, nine Snipe, a Grey Wagtail, a Meadow Pipit and two pairs of Reed Buntings,
19: Ducks present included 12 Goosanders, 23 Teal, 17 "Tufties", a single Wigeon and five Pochards. The only waders present were 14 Snipe, 13 Curlew and 11 Lapwings. In addition there were nine Great Crested Grebes, two Greylag Geese, a Kestrel, a Pheasant and a Reed Bunting.
17: Twenty eight Tufted Ducks were present along with 16 Teal, a single Pochard and a pair of Mandarins. Only three Curlews were located, but 17 Snipe were observed. Once again a Dipper was found on the River Churnet. Two Song Thrushes were seen but only eight each of Fieldfare and Redwing.
16: A pair of Gadwall were noted. Teal numbers stood at 26. Two pairs of Bullfinches were observed but perhaps the best find of the day was a Peregrine.
15: Tufted Duck numbers had edged up to 21. Three Goldeneyes were still present. Curlew numbers were still healthy at 114. A Dipper was found again plus three Grey Wagtails. Twelve Song Thrushes seemed a high count but they are now singly lustily and are easy to locate. A Nuthatch was also found.
12: The following should be noted: six Great Crested Grebes, 17 Tufted Ducks, eight Snipe, two Kestrels, three Stock Doves, 75 Fieldfares, 63 Redwings and a Meadow Pipit.
9: Twenty nine Goosanders were counted but only six Pochards were found. A very large flock of Curlews was observed, numbering 125 individuals. Ten Common Buzzards glided around the site.
8: There are three active Grey Heron nests in the heronry. A Shelduck was an unusual find. The following are also worth a mention: three Mute Swans, 63 Curlews, three Goldeneyes, a Dipper, four Goldcrests, six Song Thrushes and five Reed Buntings.
7: Of note: 15 Cormorants, 48 Curlews, a pair of Pintails, 34 Goosanders, 31 Wigeon, three Mandarins, a Dunlin and nesting Grey Herons.
5: A lot of species noted. Of note: a Little Grebe (scarce on site), 26 Goosanders, three Mandarins, 11 Snipe, seven Coot, two Moorhens (the last two species being extremely scarce at Tittesworth), three Pheasants, two Treecreepers, over 60 Fieldfares, 120+ Redwings and eight Mute Swans — an uncommon site species. A Red Fox was observed and Common Frog spawn was found in the "dipping pond". Also observed: a pair of displaying Common Buzzards in a flock of ten — plus an overflying Golden Plover.
2: Ninety two Curlews were counted. Other good finds included four Goldeneyes, a Dipper, two Grey Wagtails, three Stock Doves and three Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

February 2008

28: A pair of Goldeneyes was observed and two Willow Tits were noted. Also of note were — a Nuthatch, a Song Thrush, a Mistle Thrush and two Reed Buntings. A Field Mouse was also seen.
27: There were nine Pochards present and Curlew numbers had now risen to 47. Snipe numbers were at a lowly 11. A Little Owl was found plus a Sparrowhawk, two Kestrels and a Common Buzzard.
26: At the southern end of the reservoir an adult (near summer plumaged) Mediterranean Gull was seen with Black-headed Gulls and Cormorants.
25: Two Greylag Geese were seen, quite uncommon on the site. Curlew numbers had nudged up to 17.
24: Once again a Jack Snipe was found. In addition the following were of interest: 44 Lapwings, a Sparrowhawk, a Tawny Owl and a Kingfisher.
23: Twelve Curlew were seen but also a Kestrel, a Kingfisher, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Jay and a Reed Bunting.
22: A school party from Ashbourne found six Goldeneyes and 13 Tufted Ducks. Also noted by another observer were five Pochards, eight Goosanders, 82 Wigeon, 17 Lapwings and a Lesser Redpoll.
17: By far the best finds were three Gadwall (two males & a female), a Jack Snipe and a male Pintail. Also two Brown Hares were observed.
15: A pair of Mandarins spent time gorging themselves around the visitor centre feeding station, so were easily seen by interested visitors. There were well over 100 each of Fieldfares and Redwings. Plants in flower included Snowdrops, reminding us that winter is still with us, and Gorse, Daffodil and Butterbur heralding the approach of spring.
13: Best finds were a Curlew, five Stock Doves, a female Stonechat and two Moorhens — so scarce on site these days.
10: More Goosanders turned up so that the final day count was 29. Wigeon numbers were up to 67. Sixteen Snipe were also foumd. Two Tawny Owls were observed sitting side by side. The best find of the day was a Skylark, a species that has reduced in numbers on site over the last few years. Four Reed Buntings and two Meadow Pipits were also noted.
8: Goosander numbers had lifted slightly to 24. Three Treecreepers were observed.
7: The Goosander count was 23. A single Great Black-backed Gull was noted. Eight Lesser Redpolls were seen but also two Mealy Redpolls were found feeding on the ground. A high day-count of six Great Spotted Woodpeckers was made and also a Jay was seen and a Raven passed by.
6: The most interesting records were a Little Grebe, a pair of Mandarins, 34 Common Gulls, a Tawny Owl, a Grey Wagtail and 5 Long-tailed Tits.
4: The most interesting finds were five Bullfinches, nine Lesser Redpolls and three Siskins.
3: A single Little Grebe was found — an uncommon visitor to the site. The Goosander count was 19 — a goodly number. An excellent count of 32 Snipe was made. Two female Sparrowhawks hunted on the site. A single Herring Gull turned up, a normal occurance for this time of year.

January 2008

30: 213 Canada Geese were counted. Pochard numbers had lifted to 12 and Goldeneye numbers stood at three. Thirteen Snipe were found but only 9 Lapwings. Winter thrush numbers were good with over 80 Fieldfares and in excess of 150 Redwings.
27: Worth noting were ten Pochards, 27 Teal, 16 Goosanders, two Goldeneye, ten Lapwings, two Kestrels, two Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk, over 90 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 25 Woodpigeons — normally quite scarce on the site, three Stock Doves, a Kingfisher, a Nuthatch, a Goldcrest and a Willow Tit.
26: The duck count was as follows: one female Goldeneye, nine Pochards, 52 Wigeon, 22 Tufted Ducks and a pair of Goosanders. As usual Mallard were present but were not counted. Other interesting sightings included two Kestrels, 50 Fieldfares, two Song Thrushes, 70 Redwings, a Mistle Thrush, two Lesser Redpolls, two Kingfishers and 20 Siskins.
24: Thirty species of bird were seen on and around the Conservation Pool, including the following: a Grey Heron, about 20 Tufted Ducks, three Goldeneye (two smart looking males and a female), four Snipe, just five Lapwings (where did they all go?), a Willow Tit, a female Bullfinch and a male Reed Bunting.
23: Five Goldeneyes were observed and six Wigeon. The Lapwing flock may have dispersed because only 10 birds were found. The Stock Dove count was high at six birds.
20: Pochard numbers had lifted to a more respectable 18. A pair of Mandarins were located and 18 Goosanders were counted (12 males & 8 females). In addition the following were noted: two Kestrels, a male Sparrowhawk, four Common Buzzards, a first winter Great Black-backed Gull (a very uncommon species on this site), 33 Snipe, a Green Woodpecker, two flocks of Pink-footed Geese flying SE (numbering 48 & 29) and a Brown Hare.
19: The following are worth mentioning: four Great Crested Grebes, 25 Cormorants, eight Pochards, 112 Common Gulls, two Ravens, a Tawny Owl, three Stock Doves, a Goldcrest, 40 Fieldfares, 50 Redwings, a Mistle Trush, a Nuthatch, three Great Spotted Woodpeckers, three Willow Tits, 11 Long-tailed Tits and a pair of Bullfinches.
15: Of note: over 30 Teal, six Pochards, a Common Buzzard and two Willow Tits.
14: Very quiet on site. Of note: over 1000 Black-headed Gulls, in and next to the Conservation Pool, and four Snipe.
13: There were 153 Canada Geese present, a fairly low count for the site. 17 Goosanders were also noted: seven males and 10 females. There were only six Wigeon present, an incredibly low number. There were 83 birds in the Lapwing flock. The long staying Mute Swan is still present. This species is normally quite uncommon on the site. Coot numbers have been low for many years now and only one was found.
12: A good set of birds were found and the following are worth mentioning: 13 Cormorants, 11 Goosanders, 21 Tufted Ducks, 4 Pochards, a female Goldeneye, two Mandarins, two Moorhens, 18 Snipe, 25 Common Gulls, four Common Buzzards, a Little Owl, a Tawny Owl, a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, two Meadow Pipits, three Coal Tits, three Willow Tits, two Jays, 14 Goldfinches, a pair of Bullfinches and a Reed Bunting.
1st–11th: Disappointingly, no records were submitted for the first eleven days of the year. If you were birding at Tittesworth during that period, please let us know what you saw.
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Reports by Ray Perry.

The Tittesworth Visitor Centre is at Meerbrook, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 8SW; map reference: SJ9960 .

Ornithology in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire & the West Midlands county, since 1929.

Fetched from http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/staffordshire/tittesworth/latest-2008 on Friday 03 September 2010 07:49:47

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