West Midland Bird Club: Sandwell Valley News from 2003

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.

December 2003

The female brambling continued to visit the RSPB feeders until 10th December alongside up to 7 Bullfinches and the regular Willow Tits. Jays, Reed Buntings, Goldfinches and Pheasant are also partial to the free grub!

A pair of Stonechat was in the scrub by Swan Pool on the 6th and 7th and a Ring-necked Parakeet was seen briefly in Dartmouth Park. The Goosander flock reached over 60 birds on Forge Mill Lake on the 13th and up to 3 Goldeneye joined them towards the end of the month. Pochard, Tufted Duck and Shoveler numbers were high this month but the Teal were the real stars with approximately a hundred courting birds in the RSPB marsh. Two duck Smew were reported on Swan Pool but were soon gone.

The Lapwing flock on Forge Mill lake RSPB island was fairly constant at 32 and Water Rail have been seen feeding around the edges of the flooded marsh. Snipe numbers though have been low, with a peak count of 9 on the 5th.

A Water Pipit was briefly seen in the RSPB marsh on the 13th, up to 2 Tawny Owls were heard on several evenings. A large female Sparrowhawk and a beautifully marked male raided the feeders on several occasions though with little success. Buzzard have also been noted over the valley on numerous days.

To 4 December 2003

The wet weather has stopped all but the hardiest of birders around the valley with most choosing the option of watching the birds at the RSPB feeders from the warmth and dry of the visitor centre. Jays, Pheasants, Bullfinches, Willow Tits and Reed Buntings have been regulars on the table whilst Redwings and Fieldfares (over 100 on occasion) continue to raid the berries. A female Brambling has also been coming to the table almost daily for over a week.

10 Siskin and up to 30 Lesser Redpoll have been seen with the occasional sighting of Common Redpolls in amongst them. A large tit flock near Ice House Lake also included a Firecrest on the 21st though it was difficult to locate. A female Stonechat and a Tree Sparrow have been seen by Swan Pool on several occasions and a male Yellowhammer was seen on the RSPB reserve on 27 November. A Chiffchaff has been heard in the scrub by Forge Mill Lake.

Wigeon flocks are very mobile with Forge Mill Lake hosting either none or well over 150. Goosander have carried on arriving too with a peak count of 29 on 1st and 2nd December. Shovelor, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Great Crested Grebes are also present in good numbers daily on the large pools and over 30 Teal have been displaying in the RSPB marsh. A count on 30 November recorded 17 Snipe in the RSPB marsh and island though until recently it has been very dry so not suitable for them.

The Sparrowhawk has been seen less on the RSPB reserve now she has dimished the Feral Pigeon flock to just one or two but the male Kestrel has maintained his roost on the Visitor centre. Two Tawny Owls were heard adjacent to Handsworth golf course on the 30th and the escaped Eagle Owl has continued to be reported from local gardens.

Over the winter the RSPB will be aiming to carry out a lot of habitat work on the reserve and also the Forge Mill Lake north island. Work parties are each Wednesday and the first Saturday and last Sunday of every month. New volunteers are always welcome: bring stout footwear and lunch, they'll provide the rest.

To 16 November 2003

The winter is fully settled in now with regular showers, frosts and strong winds around the valley. The winter birds too are getting into a familiar routine with Teal and Shovelor displaying on Forge Mill lake, Wigeon forming large rafts (over 150 on the 13th), Snipe feeding by the RSPB marsh and Water Rail calling in the reedbed. Redwing, Fieldfare, Songthrush and continental Blackbirds are crowding in the hawthorns feasting on the abundance of berries whilst Willow Tits, Goldfinches and Bullfinches raid the feeders by the RSPB centre.

Other regulars looking for free food have included Reed Buntings and the now ever-present Pheasants. Around the valley there are often Stonechats either singly or in pairs. The farm trail and the swan pool scrub are favourites but a pair were found working along the fence by Forge Mill Lake on the 29th. Other notables have included Redpoll, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Brambling (9 November) and Siskin.

Buzzards continue to be seen regularly, whist a female Sparrowhawk has accounted for several of the feral Pigeons attracted to the RSPB feeders. Not to be left out a male Kestrel is currently roosting each night on the visitor centre! A Tawny Owl was heard at dusk on the 6th near the RSPB reserve and a Barn Owl was seen on the 3rd and 5th by the paddocks. An escaped Eagle Owl frequented gardens up by all saints on the 10th and 11th causing all sorts of excited calls.

Four Whooper Swans flew over the valley on the 8th but the bird of the month must be the fine Long-tailed Duck drake on swan pool on the same day. It showed well to the appreciative crowd and was more disturbed by the resident coots than the sailors!

To 23 October 2003

After a relatively quiet period, the winter migrants are arriving. The season's first Goosander was seen on the river on 22 October, with a big influx of continental Blackbirds on the same day, and on 23 October a Brambling was in with a flock of Greenfinch on the side of the RSPB car park. There were also 2 Brambling over Forge Mill Lake on 19 October.

Recent maximum counts include up to 46 Redwing, 56 Fieldfare, 12 Songthrush, 48 Shoveler, 38 Teal, 33 Pochard, 120 Wigeon, 6 Grey Wagtail.

A few Siskin and Redpoll have been seen, and over 200 Jackdaw have flown over. There has been quite a lot of Sparrowhawk activity and Snipe numbers are increasing.

To 25 September 2003

The summer species are now mostly gone with the last Swallows recorded on the 18th and only a few House Martins passing through. Blackcap and Willow Warbler are still skulking around the scrub in the valley but Chiffchaff seem to have found new energy and are beginning to sing again.

Winter bird numbers continue to climb with 25 Snipe reported on the RSPB island on the 21st. Wigeon, Teal, Pochard and Shoveler are also to be found in small groups on the valley lakes. Cormorant are appearing again after a long absence and the first Siskin was seen on the 14th. Water Rail are now regularly heard in the reedbed on the RSPB reserve.

Migrants are still occurring with 2 Dunlin on the RSPB reserve on the 20th and 21st, Spotted Flycatchers in the paddocks and in the RSPB marsh on the 16th and 21st respectively. A pair of Redstarts were by swan pool on the 14th.

Other birds in the valley putting in regular appearances include Buzzard, Little Owl, Green Woodpecker, Linnet, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Yellowhammer, Willow Tit and Kingfisher.

The RSPB are looking for new volunteers to help them in the winter management of the reserve. They have work parties on the first Saturday and last Sunday of each month between about 10am and 4pm. Activities include willow removal, reedbed cutting and island management and there's often an excuse for a bonfire! Training, tools, gloves, hot drinks and biscuits are provided, but stout footwear and old clothes are recommended. If you have any spare time and fancy getting some exercise please call the RSPB office for details, on 0121 357 7395. Any extra hands would be much appreciated!

To 12 September 2003

The Autumn procession continues in the valley with migrants passing through on their way to wintering grounds. Highlights have included up to four male and female Redstarts around Forge Mill Farm and the paddocks by Swan Pool, recorded daily to the 7th. Yellow Wagtails, up to 5 Whinchats and Wheatears have been found around the RSPB reserve, swan pool and around Forge Mill farm and up to 3 Spotted Flycatchers have been found all around the valley, even using the bird table at the RSPB centre as a perch from which to hunt!

On the lakes and islands, the Pectoral Sandpiper didn't quite complete the full fortnight and left on the night of the 5th. Other passage waders have included Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel (6th), 2 Redshank (7-10th) and Green Sandpiper (9th). A Mediterranean Gull was also on the RSPB reserve on the 31st but in amongst the flock of 200 plus Black-headed Gulls it was very difficult to find and most people missed it.

On Forge Mill Lake and Swan Pool winter wildfowl are arriving each day. Shoveler, Teal, Pochard are all into double figures whilst Gadwall and Wigeon are still found in small numbers. Great Crested Grebes and Little Grebes are also on most of the wetlands. Snipe are quite evident around the wetland margins and can be seen easily in the RSPB marsh as they follow the receding waterline out to the centre. Water Rail are heard occasionally in the reedbeds and lake margins. The summer birds are still hanging on however, with warblers, martins and Swallows still feeding up ready for the journey south.

Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel have been almost daily records across the valley and it looks like all three have had a good season and are settled in the area. Little Owls are still reported up by Swan Pool and Tawny Owls are also being heard frequently in the woodland areas around the golfcourses. Both Green Woodpeckers and Great Spotted Woodpeckers too are heard, if not seen, in the woodlands and grasslands.

Small birds have been forming large winter flocks, including Linnets, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit and Greenfinch. Flocks of up to 100 Goldfinches have even been noted feeding on the remaining teasel and thistle seeds in the scrubby areas. The bird feeders around the RSPB centre have been seeing more Willow Tit activity and Reed Buntings have been using the table again more frequently.

A successful art exhibition and a wildlife photography competition were held in the RSPB centre over the weekend of 6/7 September. Congratulations to the winners — the standards were very high!

To 31 August 2003

Just a quick update: Pectoral Sandpiper still showing very well on RSPB main island and islets, (viewable from the river bank). Also Snipe, Common Sandpiper and Whinchat on the reserve. The Black-tailed Godwits have now left, but elsewhere in the valley, around the paddocks, there are Wheatears and Whinchats.

To 26 August 2003

A good week of fine weather (if a little windy) has seen plenty of birders enjoying the valley. Three of the twelve Black-tailed Godwits that arrived on the 15th stayed on the RSPB reserve all week showing well in the marsh and on the island. At the time of writing two can still be seen in the marsh with 5 Snipe. A Common Sandpiper and a single Little Ringed Plover have been around the forge mill lake islands all week and with the Lapwing numbers beginning to build there are plenty of waders about.

Juvenile Sparrowhawks and Kestrel have been seen around the fields in the valley proving that they have had a successful breeding season, Buzzards too are regular over the farms and grasslands. Little Owls are still regularly seen in the paddocks by Swan Pool and young Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Green Woodpeckers are still evident around the valley. Juvenile Great Crested Grebes and Little Grebes are still with their parents on Forge Mill Lake and the small pools on the golf courses.

Shoveler, Pochard, Teal, Ruddy Ducks, Tufted Duck and Gadwall are all on the lakes in numbers and Grey Herons are into double figures around the Forge Mill islands and marsh. Black-headed Gulls are well into the hundreds whilst a single Common Tern put in an appearance briefly on the 16th. Summer birds are hanging on though and Swallows, Martins and Swifts are still present.

Small birds continue to be difficult to observe now they've stopped breeding and are into moult but Linnets, Goldfinches, Willow Tits, Bullfinches, Long-tailed Tits and various warblers are still seen and heard in the valley scrub and at the feeders in front of the RSPB visitor centre. Thrushes are beginning to flock and 26 Mistle Thrushes were feeding on the fields by Forge Farm on the 19th. Other valley birds of note this week include a Cuckoo on the 17th and 2 Spotted Flycatchers on the 21st.

Sunday saw great excitement at the arrival of a juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper mid-morning. This has remained, resting and feeding on the RSPB islands until the time of writing. The now seemingly resident pair of Black-tailed Godwit in the RSPB marsh and even a Spotted Redshank which rested briefly on the island on sunday were overshadowed by this diminutive American vagrant. This is only the third record for the valley and the first since 1988.

With many birders enjoying the valley many other notable species were also picked up including Common Sandpiper and Redstart on the islands and Wigeon on Forge Mill Lake, Tree Pipit over the RSPB Reserve finished off an excellent day.

Monday's list was perhaps even better with the Black-tailed Godwits, Pectoral Sandpiper and Tree Pipit all reappearing and Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, juvenile Stonechat and Lesser Whitethroat showing well in the paddocks. Mid-afternoon saw the arrival of two Greenshank on the islands on Forge Mill Lake and in the late afternoon three Redstarts were up in the paddocks, a Tawny Owl was calling in hilltop golfcourse and a Green Sandpiper appeared briefly in the RSPB marsh.

Tuesday saw the Pectoral Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and Spotted Flycatcher on the RSPB reserve. Swan Pool has also hosted a pair of Sandwich Terns and a Little Stint.

To 16 August 2003

The hot weather has hits the water levels in the valley and regular pumping from Forge Mill Lake has been required to keep the RSPB marsh wet. The almost tidal raising and dropping of the levels though has created perfect scrape conditions and Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Lapwings have been near constant residents. Up to 5 Snipe have also been recorded and a Greenshank was found in the marsh on the 5th and stayed into the 6th giving wonderful views from the visitor centre and viewing screen.

The Gadwall family has split up now and the young birds are found in smaller groups loafing around the edges of Forge Mill Lake. The last two weeks have also seen the arrival of Teal, Pochard and Shoveler on the Valley lakes. Water Rail have been heard in the RSPB reed beds and Ruddy Ducks and a possible duck Scaup have been seen on Forge Mill Lake. Young Grey Herons continue to explore the edges of Forge Mill Lake and Swan Pool with up to double figures in some places.

On the evening of the 15th, a flock of 12 Black-tailed Godwits rested on the island in the RSPB reserve and 3 were relocated the following day allowing for good views from the lake edge. Other birds of note in the valley have included a Dunlin (3rd), Common Gull (15th), 5 Linnets (12th) and 5 Common Tern (2nd). Little Owl have also been showing around the paddocks by Swan Pool.

A flock of over 50 Goldfinches has been feeding on the thistles around the valley and Willow Tit, Bullfinches and Pheasants are regulars on and around the feeders. Great Spotted- and Green-Woodpeckers are all easily heard around the valley both with good size families. Tufted Ducks, Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe are producing late broods on Forge Mill and Swan Pool.

To 1 August 2003

As the summer progresses in the valley, young birds continue to find their wings. The scrub around the lakes and woodlands is alive with warblers, tits and finches and Green Woodpeckers, Tufted Ducks, Great Crested Grebe and Yellowhammer continue to show off newly fledged young. Bullfinches and Linnets are also suspected to have bred near the River Tame.

Kingfishers have given up their nest site on the River Tame as the regular rising of the river had washed them out and spoilt their chances of a second brood. The first young though seem to be doing well, and Kingfisher is a permanent fixture in the sightings book at the RSPB. Herons too seem to have had a good year in the heronry at Ice House Pools and young ones are regularly on show in the RSPB marsh and on the islands in the Lakes.

The Pheasant family has been reduced by one but the remaining chick seems to be growing well and all three are often seen by the RSPB visitor centre. Willow Tits, Bullfinches and numerous other small birds are also frequently on the table and stock doves seem to be a permanent fixture underneath.

On Forge Mill Lake and Swan Pool; Common Sandpipers and Little Ringed Plover are always on the shorelines with adult and juvenile Common Terns fishing over the open water. Other waders are dropping in with increased regularity as we approach the main migration period and Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and Dunlin have all been recorded this week.

Winter birds are returning to the wetlands too with Black-headed Gull numbers well into the hundreds, over 50 Lapwing, Pochard and Teal on the lakes. Two Snipe and a Water Rail have also returned to the RSPB marsh.

A female Scaup was briefly in the tufted duck flock but views were very difficult to obtain and much confusion the result. It seems that the genuine bird remained only for a day or so, but a hybrid Tufted Duck with plenty of white on its face has been under scrutiny for the last couple of weeks.

To 23 July 2003

The 10 Gadwall ducklings are still growing well although they have been forced to move to Forge Mill Lake as the water level has dropped quickly in the last two weeks. Now that many of the young have fledged, the RSPB feeding station near the visitor centre has been busy with juvenile Greenfinches, Blue Tits and Great Tits. The usual visitors have been joined by the occasional Willow Tit and a pair of Bullfinches. Another male closely followed by his mate and two offspring has now joined our local Pheasant and can be regularly seen feeding near the RSPB visitor centre.

Just outside the RSPB centre, Green Woodpeckers can often be heard yaffling (calling) and if you are lucky you may even spot them before they fly off. Also seen were 20 Goldfinches on the 17th July. There are still many warblers to be seen and heard around the valley including Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler all of which have successfully bred this year. Our Kingfishers are doing well and a suspected second brood may be growing well along the River Tame. The first brood of which are doing well and a juvenile bird has been seen fishing along the river edge developing its vital hunting skills.

There are still a couple of Snipe to be seen in the RSPB marsh along with up to 50 Lapwings of which many are juvenile. On the 11 July there were eight Common Sandpipers seen feeding along the edge of the RSPB island and a Green Sandpiper seen in the RSPB marsh on the 6 July. A Curlew was also heard flying around on the 6 July although it was not seen. Up to 4 Little Ringed Plover have been seen regularly on both the shingle islands and the RSPB island edge and a brief visit from a juvenile bird set us asking ourselves whether they may of bred on the reserve this year. Three Common Terns were seen on the 19 July and up to 200 Black-headed Gulls have been seen across Forge Mill Lake, shingle islands and RSPB marsh.

As for the other life on the reserve, the butterfly numbers have swiftly risen as the Gatekeepers and Meadow Brown season begins. There are many other species of butterflies to see including Small Skipper and Large Skipper, Small White and Large White, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Green Veined, Small Copper and Peacock. The Painted Ladies have now arrived at the valley after migrating North from their Southern breeding grounds. There are also many Five-spotted Burnet and Six-spotted Burnet and Cinnabar Moths around the reserve and on the 15 and 19 of July the RSPB held bat and moth night events where nearly 130 different species of moths were caught.

The areas of water have also been interesting places with many Damselflies and dragonflies including Common Blue Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Emerald Damselfly and Banded Demoiselle. These were joined by Common-, Southern Hawker and Brown Hawker.

To 3 July 2003

Happily, the female Gadwall and the ten ducklings are still dong well in and around the RSPB Marsh. It looks increasingly likely that the Kingfishers along the River Tame will be raising a second brood as the male has been seen feeding the female. Hopes have also been raised that a pair of Grasshopper Warblers have bred as the male was heard reeling on 28 June and 1 July. A few early returning migrants and failed breeders have also been seen. A Ringed Plover and two Common Terns were seen on 25 June, a Teal on 28 June and a Redshank on 1 July.

Seven out of the nine warblers have been seen or heard over the last ten days, including Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and the above-mentioned Grasshopper Warbler.

Other birds of note include: 29 Lapwing seen on the RSPB Marsh, over 20 Mute Swans and signets, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Snipe and two Buzzards seen over Forge Mill Farm.

A nationally scarce plant has been found close to the RSPB reserve. The White Knapweed is normally more at home in the Chilterns — it may be a genetic variation of the Common Knapweed.

To 22 June 2003

Exciting news for Sandwell Valley and the West Midlands, with a breeding first. The female Gadwall was spotted on 17 June with ten ducklings following close behind her around the RSPB marsh. A very close eye will be kept on them over the next few weeks before they fly and become independent. Other breeding news the Kingfisher looks to be having a second brood along the River Tame. They were seen every day over the last week, often seen sitting on the poles in the RSPB marsh or occasionally on the handrail around the dipping pond near the RSPB visitor centre. Sand Martins, too, are breeding along the Tame. Yellowhammer are thought to have also been breeding near Forge Mill Farm.

Several raptors have been seen during the warm, sunny weather circling high above the Valley on the warm thermals. Sightings include Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and even Peregrine on 16 June.

We still have the occasional sighting of Snipe around the RSPB marsh in amongst the numerous Lapwings with the younger ones running around closely watched by their parents while the older ones are flying around Forge Mill Lake.

Other birds to note include: over 25 Long Tailed Tits seen around the wildlife garden near the RSPB visitor centre, Green Woodpecker, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Great Crested Grebe and Willow Tit seen on the feeder.

To 15 June 2003

Baby birds seem to be fledging the nest left right and centre around the valley this week. Tiny brown Long-tailed Tit babies are chasing around the scrub whilst large cygnets and goslings swim gracefully around the lakes and river Tame. Many of the warblers too are busy feeding fledglings and Whitethroat, Reed Warblers and Chiffchaff have all been showing off young. Garden- and Grasshopper Warblers are still calling around the RSPB reserve and Willow Tits, Bullfinches and Reed Buntings are still regular on the feeders by the visitor centre. The Pheasant now seems to have competition for his place under the feeder from another fine male. Birds visiting the table can now be seen even more easily in the centre by way of a camera on a telescope relaying live footage to the TV.

Lapwings in the RSPB reserve wetlands have been the real success story this year having hatched at least 25 young to date. This works out at over two and a half chicks per nesting pair which suggests a success rate of almost 100%. Many of the earliest young are now flying and difficult to distinguish from adults but there are still lots of little fluffy fellows running around as well. Little Ringed Plovers are still easily seen on the islands at the southern end of Forge Mill Lake but no young have been reported, suggesting failed breeding this year so far.

Whilst the first ever baby Gadwall are growingly anticipated, Little Grebe surprised everyone by appearing out of the RSPB reed bed with two tiny chicks long after everyone had concluded that they had not bred. This is only the second brood ever for the RSPB reserve. Sandmartins, too, have decided to return to the River Tame for a successive year's breeding and Kingfisher have relocated to start on a second brood.

Passage birds continue to appear from time to time with an Oystercatcher on Forge Mill Lake on the 9th and 10th and a Redshank in the RSPB Marsh on the 12th. Common Sandpiper are still occasionally seen around the valley wetlands. News of the week is another breeding first for the valley. Two adults and three juvenile Buzzards were seen tumbling high above Forge Mill Farm on the 15th almost certainly confirming the suspected breeding this year.

The grassland around the valley is full of wildflowers and alive with insects of all varieties including Burnet and Cinnabar moths, Ringlet, Common Blue and Small Copper butterflies. Around the pools, Common Blue Damselflies are pairing up and laying eggs and Broad Bodied Chasers are jealously guarding territories.

To 6 June 2003

Over the past week, only the male Gadwall has been seen on the RSPB reserve, but staff remain hopeful the female is around or that she may be sitting on a nest. People continue to see the Little Ringed Plovers around Forge Mill Lake and occasionally on the shingle islands in the marsh pool at the RSPB reserve but they seem unable to settle.

Although the Blue Tits have fledged from the RSPB camera nest box there are, still many to be heard calling in the nest boxes that are located around the reserve. Young Great Tits can also be heard around the valley and in the nest boxes located on the RSPB visitor centre. Willow Tits have also been seen gathering food for young in a hidden nest.

A further eight Lapwing chicks have been seen over the past week around the RSPB reserve, which brings the total to 20 or more making this year a very good year for Lapwing breeding. Some of the first fledged Lapwings are now beginning to take flight. It is also possible that the Lapwings are also nesting on the paddocks adjacent to the RSPB reserve.

The wetland area within the RSPB reserve is still alive with the calls and songs from Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings and Whitethroat. Chiffchaff and Garden Warbler may also be heard when the weather is still. Also seen in the wetland area were two Little Grebe chicks on 4 June, only the second time they have bred on the reserve.

Other birds to note include: Little Owl, Long Tailed Tit, Kingfisher, Skylark, over 30 Grey Herons around the valley and Bullfinches on the feeders and near by scrub.

Many Blue- and Red Damselflies can be seen along with the first dragonflies of the year, Broad Bodied Chasers.

The grasslands continue to look very beautiful with the wide variety of colours and species of wild flowers there are to be found.

To 30 May

During the last couple of weeks the Gadwall have remained around the RSPB Marsh and Forge Mill Lake and staff are very hopeful that they will become the valley's newest breeding bird. Another surprise this week is the continued presence of Snipe around the marsh edge, this is very late for Snipe which are usually all gone by mid-April.

Swallows, Swift, House Martins and Sand Martins are all present in large numbers over the pools in the valley and Hobby have been seen chasing them occasionally by the river and Forge Mill Lake. Buzzard too are resident adjacent to Forge Mill Farm, fuelling speculation about a breeding attempt. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk have been seen carrying prey too, so are probably raising chicks in the valley.

The heronry at Ice House Pools in Priory Woods has supported over twenty nest this year and the young Herons are either preparing to or leaving the nests. Lapwing around the RSPB reserve have hatched at least 14 chicks and these are all growing well whilst fiercely defended by the parents. Little Ringed Plover continue to be easily seen around the Forge Mill Lake islands but no chicks have been noted.

The Blue Tits in the camera box fledged six 19-day-old young midweek, leaving the visitor centre strangely quiet. Great Tits though continue to occupy many of the boxes around the reserve. The valley was host to over 50 Mute Swans this week, but there have been fewer nesting attempts than previous years, perhaps because of too much competition.

Tree Creeper, Bullfinch, Jay, Blackcap and Whitethroat have all been seen feeding young and Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Reed Bunting all continue to show very well around the wetlands. Two pairs of Stock Dove have been feeding by the RSPB visitor centre alongside the ever present cock Pheasant. Kingfisher fledged young from a nest on the river but are still seen daily around the RSPB marsh.

Other birds of note include: Green Woodpeckerand Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Little Owl, Yellow Wagtail (17 May), 2 Pintail drakes seen flying over the M5 by Junction 1 (18 May), Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat (18/5), Garden Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Cuckoo (24 May).

Many species of butterfly are in evidence around the valley and the wildflowers are just beginning to look fantastic. Red Damselflies and Blue Damselflies can now be found pairing up around the pools.

To 16 May 2003

During the evening of the 9th a Black-tailed Godwit was seen flying into the RSPB marsh only to be mobbed by the nesting Lapwing. It then flew briefly over Forge Mill Lake before flying away toward the city. A Hobby was also spotted over the reserve on the 15th. Buzzards are still soaring over the valley on the warmer days and can be found perched sometimes around Forge Mill Farm.

In the grassland and scrub, stock dove have been very regular as have Linnet, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel and Pheasant. The feeders by the RSPB visitor centre are still quite busy and Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Reed Bunting and Great Spotted Woodpeckers are still visiting daily. Up at the paddocks by Swan Pool, Little Owl and Treecreeper are thought to be breeding and the heronry in Priory Wood is still very active as the young begin to reach fledging age.

Nine species of warbler are still calling from the scrub around the valley with Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat all being recorded on most days. Reed- and Sedge Warblers are singing from every corner of wetland in the valley.

On the islands in Forge Mill Lake, up to 5 Little Ringed Plover are attempting nesting whilst Lapwing are turning out young at a rapid rate of knots, 14 being the maximum count so far. A single Ringed Plover and several Common Sandpiper have also been noted daily on the islnds. Gadwall are still prospecting the RSPB marsh and Kingfisher have been seen carrying fish so are presumed to be feeding young. Water Rail are no longer been noted but Snipe are still showing from time to time around the wetlands.

The nest box cam has really livened up this week with 7 young Blue Tits hatching from the 8 eggs. Unfortunately one baby died quite early but the 6 remaining birds have grown quickly being regularly fed by both parents.

To 8 May 2003

All the migrants finished drifting in this week with many Swifts joining the hirundines over the lake. Nine species of warbler including, Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat have all been singing and showing well in the scrub and reed bed around the RSPB reserve. Linnets and Bullfinches are also nest building.

Around the feeders by the visitor centre, Reed Buntings are still rushing in for seed along side the ever present Willow Tits, Jays and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The resident cock Pheasant is also still around, though his calls for a mate are still unanswered sadly. The Blue Tits in the nest box cam have been on their eight eggs all week with the female doing the majority of the brooding whilst being fed by the male. Then amongst great excitement on Wednesday six babies hatched and are already begging noisily. It remains to be seen whether the final two will hatch later.

On the island also, eight Lapwing chicks have been counted, with a few pairs still on eggs. Early indications are that it could be a bumper year for a species that is synonymous with the reserve wetlands. Canada Geese have also hatched a couple of broods. Whist certainly one and probably two pairs of Little Ringed Plovers are still on the nest. Kingfishers have also been showing regularly around the lake and are suspected to be breeding locally. Two pairs of Gadwall are still feeding in the marsh and if they stay to breed will be a new record for the valley. Little Grebe are on a nest adjacent to the marsh.

Other birds of note this week include Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, Buzzard and Redstart.

To 1 May 2003

Raptors sightings include Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, the increasingly regular Buzzard and the scarce Marsh Harrier that was spotted over-flying the RSPB reserve one evening. This was only the fifth record for the reserve and the third spring record. The last Marsh Harrier to fly through was back in 1995.

Large flocks of Swifts have been feeding over the reserve, with smaller numbers of Swallow seen mainly over Forge Mill Lake.

Several male and female Gadwall remain, often seen feeding in the Marsh Pool alongside a few Teal, Tufted Duck and a pair of Shoveler. The nearest breeding Gadwall to Sandwell Valley are at Kingsbury Water Park.

Up to five Little Ringed Plover have been recorded, their display flights sometimes visible from the visitor centre. Two Common Sandpipers have been bobbing around on the small shingle islands at the Eastern end of Forge Mill Lake. Gulls include three Lesser Black-backed, numerous Black-headed and a single Herring Gull.

Three Lapwing young, presumably all from the same brood, have been seen feeding on the island. Canada Geese and Mallard have also been seen with young. A pair of Little Grebe have been gathering nesting material. Sadly, a pair of Mute Swan abandoned their attempt to nest amongst the reeds at the edge of Marsh Pool. Their nest would have been clearly visible from the visitor centre had they continued.

Willow Tit and Reed Bunting are still regular visitors to the feeding stations. Male and female Bullfinches continue to show well here. Two House Sparrows and up to three Pheasants have taken advantage of easy feeding opportunities on the ground nearby. Warblers are by now well established with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Garden Warbler recently joined by Grasshopper Warbler. Reed Warbler and a Sedge Warbler have been heard and seen in the reedbed.

Other regular visitors include, Green- and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Long-tailed Tit. Water Rail tend to show well in the early evening when they emerge to feed around the muddy margins of the lake.

Species still being recorded frequently include Kingfisher, Sand Martin and Grey Wagtail around Forge Mill lake. In the grassland and hedges around Forge Mill Farm and Swan Pool Yellow Wagtails and a pair of Redstarts have all been showing well. No Redwing or Fieldfare remain.

Grey Herons have been occasional visitors to the reserve though Priory Wood is still the main area of activity for this species, as their young near fledging.

Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Orange Tip, Comma and Brimstone butterflies are all still in evidence. Cowslips, Periwinkle and Wood Anenome are all in flower around the valley. Smooth Newts, Common Frogs and Common Toads are all in the pools. Weasel sightings are on the increase with one seen at the end of April and a vixen was spotted near the visitor centre the next day.

To 25 April 2003

This last week has seen the arrival of up to three Grasshopper Warblers in the valley to bring the warbler species count to a healthy nine. Grasshopper Warblers have been very few and far between in recent years around the valley, so these are very welcome records. Swallows have also arrived in the valley this week and are building up into good numbers around the lake mixing with House Martins and Sand Martins. The first swift though yet to be reported [Three were reported, over Swan Pool, on the 24th — Webmaster].

It looks like there are two pairs of Little Ringed Plovers and up to nine Lapwing pairs nesting on the lake islands and Common Sandpiper are also frequently found around the lake edges. Snipe and Water Rail continue to be seen in ones and twos and Fieldfare and Redwing are still present in small numbers. Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear have also been seen on the island this week. In the marsh, Little Grebe are on a nest and up to five Gadwall are still present raising hopes of a breeding attempt. Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Green Woodpeckers are also nesting on the reserve.

In front of the RSPB visitor centre, Willow Tits, Bullfinches, Jays, Woodpeckers, Reed Buntings, Sparrowhawk and a cock Pheasant are all regular visitors to the feeders and the new Blue Tit nest box camera is providing great excitement in the centre as the female is now on seven eggs and being regularly fed by the male. Other birds regularly seen include Buzzard, Kestrel, Teal and Kingfisher.

Vetches are beggining to come into flower around the grassland whilst bluebells and cowslips adorn the hedgerows. Several species of butterfly are around in good weather and the ponds are alive with dragonfly larvae and newts both no doubt taking a heavy toll on the tadpoles!

To 17 April 2003

Across the RSPB reserve, birds settling down to breed include Gadwall, Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Little Grebe, whilst Willow Tit, Skylark, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting are still singing and pairing up.

Joining the chorus are all the warblers which have been arriving in numbers this week, with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap and Garden Warbler all to be found in good numbers in the scrub around the reserve. One or two Reed Warblers and a Sedge Warbler are also in the reed-bed although proving difficult to see.

Other regular birds include Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Redpoll, Linnet, Teal, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Tit and Buzzard, Snipe and Water Rail are still being recorded daily and Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Sand Martin and Grey Wagtail are all to be seen around the lake. In the grassland and hedges around Forge Mill Farm and Swan Pool, Little Owl, Yellowhammers, Wheatears, Yellow Wagtails and a pair of Redstarts have all been showing well and a few Redwing and Fieldfare are still hanging on. The heronry in priory wood is a scene of frantic activity as young approach fledging. Perhaps the star bird of the spring so far though has been the fine male Ring Ouzel that spent the 13th in the horse paddocks by swan pool.

Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Orange Tip, Comma and Brimstone butterflies are all in evidence and Cowslips, Periwinkle and Wood Anemone are all in flower around the valley. Smooth Newts, Common Frogs and Common Toads are all in the pools and Red-eared Terrapins are beginning to bask around the edges of Forge Mill Lake.

Spring, to 11 April 2003

Chiffchaff have been singing for nearly a month now and have been joined during the last week by a few Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. Sand Martins are already inspecting last year's nest sites and House Martins and Swallows are being reported daily.

The last Goosander and Goldeneye left this week but two pairs of Gadwall, Little Grebes, Shoveler, Teal and Water Rail all look settled in the marsh and lake.

Around the reserve, good numbers of Lapwing have sorted out territory disputes and are now working together to defend nest sites from gulls, crows and raptors. Little Ringed Plover are also nesting on the island. Passage waders have included Oystercatcher, Redshank, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Curlew, a few Snipe remain in the wetlands.

Up to 5 Buzzards have wintered up on Forge Mill Farm and are still showing well, Kestrels and Sparrowhawks are regularly hunting over the reserve and Goshawk and Peregrine have been reported on a couple of days in the last fortnight.

Other birds of note in the valley recently include Brambling, Yellowhammer, Wheatear, Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow, Tawny Owl, Skylark.

Further Information

Information supplied by our friends at RSPB Sandwell Valley,
20 Tanhouse Avenue, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 5AG (SP035928

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

Fetched from http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/westmidlands/sandwell/latest-2003 on Saturday 11 February 2012 12:54:35

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West Midland Bird Club

Sandwell Valley News from 2003