Friday, November 30, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 30th

Nearby Reports.
Iceland Gull x 2 (juvs) Stanwick GPs Northants.
Iceland Gull (juv) Ogston Res Derbys.
Glaucous Gull (2w) Frankley Res W.Mids.
Ring-billed Gull (adult) Carsington Water Derbys.
Great Grey Shrike Cannock Chase Staffs.
Bittern Stanwick GPs Northants.
Red-necked Grebe Thornton Res Leics.
Regards Steve...........

Nov 30th

The first winter drake Scaup still at Lea Marston this morning, also drake R C Pochard . (J Oates).
Pair Stonechats still watery lane Shustoke .
Glaucous Gull (juv) Dosthill Lake 14-00 / 16-00 when it flew south(A R Dean).

November 30th Draycote

Very brief visit this afternoon - Lesser Scaup 1st winter male still present in toft bay

Richard mays Dave Cox

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 29th

Nearby Reports.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Stanwick GPs Northants.
Glaucous Gull (2w) Frankley Res W.Mids.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Ogston Res Derbys.
Great Grey Shrike Cannock Chase Staffs.
Regards Steve................

Draycote Roost Nov 29th

Draycote roost
Adult Caspian Gull, 2 1st Winter, 2nd Winter & Adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Regards
Mike Doughty & Tim Marlow.

Nov 29th

Whittleford CP four Water Rails heard on Kingfisher pool, the male eclipse Shoveler still on clay pool , also two Ravens over. (R Dawkins).
At Fishers Mill 5 x Water Rail , 3 x Redshank and a Snipe. (BLK).
Barn Owl again in hollow tree on Teal Pool Brandon (M Silverman).

November 29th

First winter male Lesser Scaup still present in Toft Bay and has been showing well most of the day to the photographers. This is a new bird for Draycote Water.

Richard

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 28th

Nearby Reports.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Drayton Bassett Pits Staffs.
Glaucous Gull (2w) Frankley Res W.Mids.
Med Gull (1w) Bartley Res W.Mids.
Bittern x2 Upton Warren Worcs.
Great Northern Diver Pitsford Res Northants.
Regards Steve.................

Lesser Scaup Draycote Nov 28th

Photos by Steve Valentine

A first winter drake Lesser Scaup can be found in Toft Bay Draycote Water. It was found yesterday by Richard Mays ,but due to bad weather and a few Aythya Hybrids in our area it has taken untill today to confirm its ID with the help of some excellent photos by Steve Valentine .If accepted it will be the third record for Warwickshire, all coming in the last two years.
Farnborough Park 27th February 2005 (1w female).
Kingsbury WP 21st May 2005 (drake).
Regards Steve............

Nov 28th

Lesser Spotted Woody again today at Whitacre Heath NR (J Hoyle).
Two Y L Gulls (adult / 2w) in Coton roost tonight. (RBA Pager).
Glaucous Gull (1w) Dosthill lake today (RBA Pager).

November 28th Draycote Water

The "Lesser Scaup" was still in toft bay. Having spent most of the day with it and with Steve Valentine getting some good photos this afternoon this could be the genuine article.
(http://steve-valentine.fotopic.net)

Also seen were:-
Dunlin 2, Sanderling 2 over, Peregrine, Siskin 20+, Kingfisher 2 and a Redshank reported.

Tim Marlow had four Yellow-legged Gulls in roost


Richard

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 27th

Nearby Reports.
Iceland Gull (juv) Ditchford GPs Northants.
Glaucous Gull x3 (juvs) Ditchford GPs Northants.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Drayton Bassett Pits Staffs.
Iceland Gull (juv) Ogston Res Derbys.
Great Northern Diver Blithfield Staffs.
Long tailed Duck (1w drake) Rutland Water Leics.
Regards Steve..................

Nov 27th

Barn Owl at Brandon in hollow tree on teal pool (P Norman).
A pair of Stonechats watery lane / blythe mill lane Shustoke on reedmace (B Kington).
Red Crested Pochard drake still Lea Marston lake (G Williams).

November 27th Draycote Water

Found a duck in toft bay this afternoon resembling a first winter male "lesser scaup" but have not rule the possibility of it being a hybrid. Poor weather conditions did not help in clinching the key features even with the help of Tim Marlow who came down with his library. Keep an eye out for it tomorrow if your going.

Also present were Goosander 23, Siskin 20+, Ruddy Duck 4, and Gadwall 32.
First winter Caspian Gull just off the sailing club.
Barn Owl flew across the fields between Halfway Lane and Dunchurch towards the M45

Richard

November 27th

Whittleford C.P
4 Water Rail on stream by Kingfisher pool also 1 Kingfisher
1 Shoveler & 1 Female Goldeneye on the clay pool

Seeswood Pool
1 Female Goosander still present also 1 Water Rail in flight off the point

(D.Hutton,R.Dawkins)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 26th

Nearby Reports.
Ring billed Gull (adult) Carsington Water Derbys.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Hoveringham GPs Notts.
Glaucous Gull x2 (juvs) Stanwick GPs Northants.
Iceland Gull (juv) Ditchford GPs Northants.
Med Gull x2 (adults) Sandwell RSPB W.Mids.
Great Northern Diver Blithfield Staffs.
Whooper Swans x6 Essington Quarry Staffs.
White Fronted Goose x4 Pitsford Res Northants.
Long tailed Duck (1w drake) Rutland Water Leics.
Brent Goose Rutland Water Leics.
Great Grey Shrike Cannock Chase Staffs.
Regards Steve...............

Lea Marston Nov 26th

Scaup still at Lea Marston today but no sign of R C Pochard. (RBA Pager).

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 25th

Nearby Reports.
Ring billed Gull (adult) Carsington Water Derbys.
Glaucous Gull x2 (2w/Juv) Chasewater Staffs.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Ditchford GPs Northants.
Iceland Gull (adult) Ditchford GPs Northants.
White fronted Goose x4 Pitsford Res Northants.
Med Gull (adult) Sandwell Valley RSPB W.Mids.
Long tailed Duck Rutland Water Leics.
Great Grey Shrike Cannock Chase Staffs.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Regards Steve.................

Alvecote Nov 25th

This afternoon there were 2 x FIRECRESTS on the Staffordshire side of Laundry Lane. They spent a lot of time in the oaks just before the first obvious bend before doing a circuit and disappearing. Yesterday I heard one call from the Warwickshire side about 50 yards up from the bend but a van went passed and flushed the bird before I could get onto it. One was also seen on the Warwickshire side of the Lane at about 9.30am this morning. An immaculate adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULL dropped into Mill Pool briefly at around 10.15am and again from 3.20pm to 3.40pm. There were also 3 x GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS (ad & 2 x 1st winters). These birds are real Alvecote MEGAS, probably rarer than Yellow-legged Gull!

Just up the road on Lea Marston balancing lake the 1st winter drake GREATER SCAUP was still present along with the drake RED-CRESTED POCHARD. (A Archer).

Draycote Nov 25th.

A Bar tailed Godwit was found this morning by the outflow, also noted Golden Plover 20+, Dunlin 2, Siskin 14, Lesser Redpoll 2. (K Groocock ).

November 25th

Two Barn Owls Napton area
Red-crested Pochard male Wormleighton Reservoir + 2 Kingfisher, Tree Sparrow, Nuthatch 3 & Willow Tit 3.
Brandon Marsh had Willow Tit, Siskin 4, Goosander and Goldeneye.

Thousands of Fieldfare and Redwing in Hedgerow's on our travel's

Richard Mays & Dave Cox

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 24th

Nearby Reports.
Glaucous Gull x2 (2w / juv) Frankley Res W.Mids.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Bartley Res W. Mids.
Glaucous Gull x2 (2x juvs) Hoveringham GPs Notts.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Chasewater Staffs.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Long tailed Duck Rutland Water Leics.
Regards Steve................

Nov 24th

Red Crested Pochard (drake) still present at Lea Marston lake this afternoon view from roadbridge. (RBA Pager).
Firecrest Coventry in garden at 1-45 (RBA Pager).
Green Sandpiper Draycote Water (J Oates).
Red Crested Pochard drake Cliff Pool Kingsbury at 3-20. (RBA Pager).
Brambling (fem) at south view feeding station Polesworth. (A Archer).

Brandon Nov 24th

Lesser Spotted Woody (male) showing around central marsh pool, but no sign of yesterdays L E Owl at carlton hide. Also present 30 Siskin and Willow Tit. (J Wesson).

Friday, November 23, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 23rd

Nearby Reports.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Bartley Res W.Mids.
Glaucous Gull (2w) Frankley Res W.Mids.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Hoveringham GPs Notts.
Bittern Upton Waren Worcs.
Whooper Swans x3 Whitemoor Haye Staffs.
Regards Steve.............

Nov 23rd

Long eared Owl to the left of carlton hide Brandon today, also Green Sand and Goosander (fem). (RBA Pager)

Cliff Pool Kingsbury.
Shoveler 130
Pochard 24
Teal 30
Wigeon 19
Goldeneye 7
Snipe 19
(WJE).

Napton Res 23rd Nov

4 Bewick's Swan flew over napton res c3.30 today (T. Marlow)

November 23rd Draycote

At least 6 Yellow-legged Gulls and Med Gull first winter in roost this evening.
Little Owl Country Park

Richard Mays, John Judge, Terry Brindley & Ben MacDonald

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 22nd

Nearby Reports.
Glaucous Gull x2 ( 2w / juv ) Frankley Res W.Mids.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Dudley W.Mids.
Firecrest Clifford Hill GPs Northants.
Regards Steve................

November 22nd Draycote Roost

Iceland Gull juv / first winter off Draycote Bank
Yellow-legged Gull 4 adults off Draycote Bank
Caspian Gull 2 adults off Draycote Bank
Brambling male Biggen Bay
Kingfisher off Valve Tower
also Grey Wagtail 3, Goosander 10+, Gadwall 22 and Great-spotted Woodpecker

regards

Richard

Nov 22nd

First winter drake Scaup still present at Lea Marston this morning , also drake R C Pochard. (J Oates).

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 21st

Nearby Reports.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Ditchford GPs Northants.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Chasewater Staffs.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Hoveringham GPs Notts.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Bartley Res W. Mids.
Glaucous Gull 2 ( 2 w and Juv) Frankley Res W. Mids.
Tundra Bean Goose Ditchford GPs Northants.
Long tailed Duck Rutland Water Leics.
Regards Steve.............

Nov 21st

A Firecrest today along laundry lane Alvecote (RBA Pager).
Bittern seen again at Ladywalk also a drake Red Crested Pochard. (RBA Pager).

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Brandon Nov 20th

At Brandon today a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was noted at Primrose Bank.
(RBA Pager).

20th November

Female Goosander on Seeswood Pool,Nuneaton this morning also 20+ Siskin feeding in Alders at the back of the pool.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 19th

Nearby Reports.
Glaucous Gulls x2 (2w - Juv) Bartley Res W. Mids.
Great Northern Diver Pitsford Res Northants.
Firecrest Cannock Chase Staffs.
Regards Steve........

Nov 19th

A male Brambling on garden feeder at Guys Cliffe Warwick, also 6 Lesser Redpolls. (RBA Pager).
At Fishers Mill the Cettis Warbler is still prersent. (J Harris).

November 19th

No sign of the Pomarine Skua which went over Draycote yesterday and appeared to go down in fields behind rainbow corner in appalling weather. Checked the fields in the Hill, Birdingbury, Frankton and Bourton area and had 20 Golden Plover, a Tawney Owl near Hill roosting in a pine tree and a Corn Bunting near Bourton.

Richard

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 18th

Nearby Reports.
Long-tailed Duck Rutland Water Leics.
Glaucous Gull (juv) Bartley Res W. Mids.
Regards Steve..............

Nov 18th

Two Bramblings at Guys Cliffe Warwick this morning also a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, in a private garden. (RBA Pager).
An adult Caspian Gull again in the roost at Coton tonight also adult Y L Gull (T Perrins).

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 17th

Nearby Reports.
Med Gull adult Gailey Reservoir Staffs.
Whooper Swan x3 Alrewas GPs Staffs.
Whooper Swan x6 Essington Quarry Pool Staffs.
Knot Blithfield Staffs.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Long-tailed Duck (dam) Rutland Water Leics.
Slavonian Grebe (north arm) Rutland Water Leics.
Med Gull adult Chasewater Staffs.
Short-eared Owls x2 Chasewater Staffs.
Bramblings x500+ Wyre Forest Worcs.
Regards Steve................

Draycote Roost Nov 17th

Caspian Gull 4 three adults and one near adult
Yellow-legged Gull 7 adults

Richard Mays, John Judge, Steve Valentine, Kevin Greencock, Jon Pete & Dave Hall

also Dunlin, Goosander 18 and Ringed Plover flew over

Richard Mays

Peregrine over Rookery Farm, Lawford Heath John Judge

Coton Roost Nov 17th

Adult Caspian Gull in Coton roost this evening. (J Oates, T Perrins).

Nov 17th

The first winter drake Scaup still present this morning at Lea Marston lake from roadbridge.
(J Oates).
Six Shelduck and three Stonechats at Alvecote Pools this morning. (RBA Pager).
Two Bramblings still present around car park at Hartshill Hayes today, also Raven over. (R Dawkins).
Two Ravens over Ryton this morning. (B Minshull).
Red Crested Pochard (drake) reported again this evening at Lea Marston lake. (RBA Pager).

Friday, November 16, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 16th

Nearby Reports.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Glaucous Gull (1stw) Bartley Res W Mids.
Brent Goose Glifford Hall GPs Northants.
Long-tailed Duck Rutland Water Leics.
Regards Steve..............

Fishers Mill Nov 16th

Fisher's Mill Meadow 16/11/07 Pair Stonechat, 5 Snipe, 10 Fieldfare,Meadow Pipit, 2 Song Thrush, Kingfisher.Fisher's Mill Redshank, 3 Snipe,5 Water Rail, 20 Redwing, Skylark, GreyWag, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Meadow Pipit f/o.Found a Chiffchaff here today Ihave noticed in the past a movement into the Drayton Bassett Pits(Staffs), Fisher's mill area mid November.
(J Harris).

Draycote Water Nov 16th

No sign of yesterday's glaucous gull but JJ found a pale mantled juvenile/first winter Iceland Gull. Also present were Capsian Gull 2 adults, Yellow-legged Gull 2 adults, Pintail male, Dunlin, Goosander 8 and 22 Golden Plover over.

Richard Mays & John Judge

Hartshill Hayes CP 16th


Feeding around the car park at Hartshill Hayes this afternoon were a pair of Bramblings, also noted Coal, Willow, Great, Blue, Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatches, Goldfinches, Chaffinches and several Redwings feeding on the berries.

Regards Steve................

Warwick Nov 16th

Two male Bramblings in silver birches at the Ridgeway Warwick this afternoon. (RBA Pager).

Lea Marston Nov 16th

The first winter drake Scaup is still present at Lea Marston viewed fron roadbridge, also a drake Red Crested Pochard and two Goosander. (RBA Pager).

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 15th

Nearby Reports.
Pomarine Skua (departed 11-45 WSW) Chasewater Staffs.
Glaucous Gull ( in gull roost) Chasewater Staffs.
Long-tailed Duck (off the dam) Rutalnd Water Leics.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Bewick Swans x3 Belvide Staffs.
Regards Steve...........

November 15th

1 Peregrine Falcon over Hartshill Hayes this afternoon also Brambling at the feeders seen this morning by the Head Warden

Nov 15th

22 x Goosanders noted at Draycote this morning. (J Oates).
Stonechat Draycote by outflow (M Silverman).
At Ladywalk the Bittern were seen again. (J Harris).
And at Fishers Mill a Cettis Warbler was heard breifly and a Water Pipit seen flying towards Dosthill Lake. (J Harris).
Golden Plover flock still around 400, just south of Meriden on A452.
Caspian Gull adult Coton roost this evening. (RBA Pager).

November 14th and 15th

November 14th
Draycote Water
Common Scoter 10, Pintail 2m, Goosander 6, Dunlin 2, Siskin 3 via logbook P & L Price

November 15th
Draycote Water
No sign of Scoter,s when mist lifted. Increase in Cormorant, Goosander, Great crested Grebe and Goldeneye numbers, Shoveler 4, Gadwall 19, Kingfisher 2, Buzzard 2.

According to walkers i chatted to today who were going round yesterday they said they met another walker who had seen a dead little Auk being eaten by Black-headed Gulls on north shore. Unfortunately no other details (i.e. names, time etc) to clarify whether at any stage it was alive. Sorry for this being third hand news but of interest as the east coast little Auk passage continues.

Napton Reservoir
Common Scoter female hiding in reed bed, Water Rail, Cetties Warbler and Grey Partridge.

Draycote Water (roost)
Yellow-legged Gull 2 adults & 1 first winter
Caspian Gull 1 nr adult (same bird as saturday night)
Glaucous Gull first winter in roost very late

Richard

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 14th

Nearby Reports.
Pomarine Skua (adult) still Chasewater Staffs.
Grey Phalarope(off the dam) Rutland Water Leics.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Regards Steve...............

November 14th

Napton Reservoir
Common Scoter female still present (T Marlow)

Nov 14th

At Coton this morning a first winter drake Scaup.
(J Oates).

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 13th

Nearby Reports.
Pom Skua (adult) Chasewater Staffs........Showing very well.
Slavonian Grebe Chasewater Staffs.
Long-tailed Duck Rutland Water Leics.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Bittern Ladywalk Nov 12th

Bittern still Ladywalk and fem Goosander (RBA)

Bird News Extra Nov12th

Nearby Reports.
Pomarine Skua (adult) Chasewater Staffs.
Water Pipit Blithfield Staffs.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Regards Steve..................

Coton Roost Nov 12th

Med Gull adult, and Y L Gull adult in Coton roost tonight.
(A Dean).

Napton Res 12th Nov

Fem/imm Common Scoter still Napton Res. Prob present from at least the 10th (T. Marlow)

Warwick Nov 12th

Two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers reported this morning in a garden at Guys Cliff Warwick.
(RBA Pager).

Brandon Nov 12th

At Brandon this morning, 2 Water Rail, 4 Common Snipe and 1 Jack Snipe, no sign of Lesser Spotted Woody. A few Siskins also noted.
(M Silverman).

Draycote Nov 12th

A report this morning from Draycote of possibly two Grey Phalaropes flying from Biggin Bay to the centre of the res.
Draycote 12-30.
Adult Kittiwake again, also 5 Black tailed Godwits in Biggin Bay, no further sign of possible Phalaropes.
(RBA Pager).

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Napton Res 11th Nov

Fem/imm Common Scoter at Napton Res this afternoon (T. Marlow)

Bird News Extra Nov 11th

Nearby Reports.
Bittern x2 Upton Warren Worcs.
Great Grey Shrike Cannock Chase Staffs.
Whooper Swans x2 Clay Mills Staffs.
Long tailed Duck (fem) Rutland Water Leics.
Great Northern Diver Pitsford Res Northants.
Regards Steve..............

Visit Ladywalk Latest News.

Ladywalk NR for latest news.

http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/ladywalk/latest.htm

Brandon Nov 11th

( photo by P Sewell).
Two Grey Phalaropes on East marsh pool being chased off by a Juv G.B.B.Gull ,then settled on Teal pool to be chased off again. (13.00) Plenty of Siskins in the Alders, LSW heard but not seen. (P Sewell).
Also early this morning the Stonechat still showing well from carlton hide.
(P Norman).

Meriden Nov 11th

Just south of Meriden on A452 the Golden Plover flock is now estimated to contain around 750 birds.
(M Silverman).

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 10th

Nearby Reports.
Firecrest x2 Highfields Park Notts.
Whooper Swans x6 Essington Quarry Pool Staffs.
Kittiwake x2 Blithfield Staffs.
Long-tailed Duck (fem) Rutland Water Leics.
Gt Northern Diver Rutland Water Leics.
Scaup (1st w drake) Rutland Water Leics.
Water Pipit Grimley New Workings Worcs.
Grey Phalarope Upton Warren Worcs.
Brent Goose Clifford Hill GP Northants.
Regards Steve............

Draycote Nov 10th

Also present this morning a 1st cy Kittiwake seen around biggin bay.
(J Oates).

WMBC Annual Report

The West Midland Annual report for 2005 is now available, congratulations to S Valentine for front cover photo for the second year running. Well done mate.
Steve..............

Coton Gull Roost Nov 10th

In the gull roost this evening at Coton a 3rd winter Caspian Gull and 2nd winter Y L Gull,
both showing well from the hide.
(T Perrins, J Allen, J Oates, R Smith).

Warwick Nov 10th

Four Goosanders were present at Warwick Castle this morning.
(M Smith).

Kingsbury Nov 10th

At cliff pool Kingsbury today a Whooper Swan was present at 11-50, it later flew off north.
(A Burton, M Whale.)

Brandon Nov 10th

At Brandon this morning the Lesser Spotted Woody again around goose pool also Stonechat infront of carlton hide. Also good numbers of Siskin seen around the reserve.
(J Wesson, G Blockley).

Nov 10th Draycote and Napton

Draycote Water (am)
Peregrine
Merlin female hunting over rainbow
Curlew 3 over
Goosander 4 male
Kittiwake adult flew over
Grey Wagtail 1

Napton Reservoir
Fieldfare 300+
Redwing 50
Ruddy Duck in reeds
Lesser Redpoll 2
Kingfisher 1

more Fieldfare and Redwings in nearby hedgerow

Draycote Water roost
Yellow-legged Gull 3 adults
Caspian Gull near adult
Sparrowhawk flew in front of the gull watchers
Goosander 4 male & 1 female
"Baltic gull" possible first winter

Many thanks to all those who attended the roost and those supporting me.

Richard Mays & Steve Seal

Friday, November 09, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 9th

Nearby Reports.
Great Northern Diver Pitsford Res Northants.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Whooper Swans x4 Belvide Res Staffs.
Long-tailed Duck (fem) Rutland Water Leics.
Regards Steve..........

Ladywalk Nov 9th

At Ladywalk today the two Stonechats are still around crake corner, three Bramblings on the silver birch trees to the left of the feeding station , also Redpoll and Siskin noted today, along with Woodcock, Jack Snipe and several Water Rail. But no sign of any Bitterns.
(S Cawthray).

Nov 9th Ashlawn Cutting

A sheltered walk produced many Fieldfare and Redwing with a few Siskin and Bramling over. Only other bird of note was a Sparrowhawk.

Richard

Brandon Nov 9th

Lesser spotted Woody still present at Brandon today, also Jack Snipe on east marsh .
(RBA Pager).

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 8th

Nearby Reports
Grey Phalarope Upton Warren Worcs.
Bittern x2 Upton Warren Worcs.
Gt N Diver Pitsford Res Northants.
Regards Steve...........

Grey Phalaropes 2007

This year has seen three Grey Phalaropes in Warwickshire, the best year within the last 40 years.The three records involved birds at Shustoke, Draycote and Earlswood Lakes. All were well watched and it gave Warwickshire birders a chance to see this species at close quarters.With strong winds due over the next few days this total could rise.
Previous records are as follows.
Bodymoor Heath 02-11-69
Draycote Water 13-11-77
Alvecote Pools 22-11-77
Draycote Water 31-12-78
Draycote Water 28-09-82
Coton Lakes 29-10-83
Draycote Water 18-10-87
Draycote Water 25-09-88 ( x2 birds)
Middelton Hall 07-10-90
Jubilee Pools 02-09-94
Draycote Water 24-09-95
Kenilworth 05-10-01
Shustoke Res 03-11-05
Shustoke Res 29-09-07
Draycote Water 02-10-07
Earlswood Lakes 03-10-07

Steve.............

Kineton / Marsh Lane Nov 8th

M.O.D. Kineton today , Raven, 2 x Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 100 Fieldfare, 100 Redwing and a Peregrine. ( J Sharman).
Marsh Lane, 5 x Tree Sparrows on the reserve and by the entrance on A452 around 300 plus Golden Plovers. (Max).

Brandon Marsh Nov 8th

A male Lesser spotted Woodpecker seen today at Brandon on south bank of path between Goose pool and central marsh pool at 11-30.
(RBA Pager).

November 8th Draycote Water

Again very little despite the wind till the mother of all rain storms this afternoon brought in adult Kittiwake and Bar-tailed Godwit (toft). Also seen were Dunlin, Goosander 8, Goldeneye 10, Siskin 4 and 3 Kingfisher.

Richard

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Bird News Extra Nov 7th

Nearby Reports.
Bittern 2x Upton Warren Worcs.
Long tailed Duck (fem) Rutland Water Leics.
Gt N Diver Pitsford Res Northants.
Regards Steve...............

Kingsbury Nov 7th

Cliff Pool this evening, 150 Shoveler, 40 + Teal and a Stonechat along the path by sita hide.
(WJE.)

Plover flock by M40 7th

A flock of 50+ Golden Plover in fields nr Jct15 of M40 by A429 turning today.
(Andy).

Brandon 7th


A Short-eared Owl flew over east marsh at 1-00.
(P Sewell).

Draycote 7th

Draycote this morning 0715 / 1115
Grey Wagtail 2; Shoveler 7; Goosander 4m 3f; Pochard 17; Kestrel 3;Bullfinch 14 mf; Fieldfare 100+; Blackcap 1m; Goldcrest 18; Gadwall;Redwing 70+; Goldeneye 15 mf; Wigeon; Teal; Meadow Pipit 40+; SongTHrush 3; Green Woodpecker 3; Great Sp Woodpecker 2; Dabchick 50+;Linnet;
(K Groocock. )

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Plovers Hartshill Nov 6th

100 Golden Plovers in fields off Woodford Lane Hartshill today.
( J Harris.)

Bird News Extra Nov 6th

Nearby Reports.
Arctic Skua (juv) Eyebrook Res Leics.
B N Grebe Rutland Water Leics.
Long tailed Duck (female) Rutland Water Leics.
Great Northern Diver Pitsford Northants.
Bittern Upton Warren Worcs.
Gt G Shrike Cannock Chase Staffs.
Regards Steve.....................

Ladywalk Nov 6th

At Ladywalk today, two Bittern reported also two Curlew, two Green Sands, two Stonechat, three Goosanders, 50 Shovelers and two Buzzard. At nearby Coleshill Quarry, two Stonechat, eight Snipe and a Kingfisher.
( B. Kington, J Harris. )

Draycote Nov 6th

November 6th
Footpath between Dunchurch and Grandborough
Stonechat 2, Fieldfare/Redwing 500+, Buzzard 2.

Draycote Water
Another quiet day boosted by accidently flushing a Woodcock from Toft Shallows Pool. Goosander 4 and 8 Goldeneye on water, plenty of Fieldfare and Redwing in adjacent hedgerows. Kingfisher 2. Gull roost very late coming in tho a probable Caspian Gull adult seen at 1530hrs and two Yellow-legged Gulls adults later.

Richard

Monday, November 05, 2007

One of those days

November 5th
Draycote Water

A goose sp flew over this morning very low but got on to it to late and flew down Leam Valley with out certain i.d - had the jizz of pink-footed.

Tonight i got on to what I thought was an adult Iceland Gull-banged me scope and could not find it again - may be wishful thinking. Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Goldeneye 5, Goosander 3 and 26 Gadwall the highlights of 7hrs birding and 28 miles biking.

Richard

Bird News Extra Nov 5th

Nearby Reports.
Great Grey Shrike Cannock Chase Staffs.
Arctic Skua (juv) Eyebrook Res Leics.
Smew (redhead) Pitsford Northants.
Gt N Diver Pitsford Northants.
Long tailed Duck (female) Rutland Water.
Little Stint Blithfield Staffs.
Regards Steve...........

Last Months News (October)

Oct 1st
Two juv Gannets flew south early afternoon through Shustoke, and the Bittern showed again from riverwalk hide.
Oct 2nd
Two Little Stints, two Rock Pipits and a Grey Phalarope in rainbow corner Draycote (J Oates).
The Bittern showed again at Ladywalk.
Oct 3rd
Another Grey Phalarope, this time at Earlswood Lakes, two Little Stints at Draycote and a Little Stint and the Bittern again at Ladywalk.
Oct 4th
The Grey Phalarope was still at Earlswood and the two Stints still at Draycote.
Oct 5th
The Grey Phalarope still showing well at Earlswood, and Bittern, Jack Snipe and four Little Egrets at Ladywalk.
Oct 6th
Four R C Pochards at Ladywalk, and a Great White Egret on a private site near Dunchurch.
The Egret was last reported from this site on the evening 10th.
Oct 8th
Three Knot by the valve tower Draycote, Jack Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and a Little Egret at Ladywalk.
Oct 16th
A first winter Ring Ouzel reported from around the churchyard at Napton on the Hill.
Oct 17th
The Bittern was seen again from riverwalk hide Ladywalk also three Little Egrets. And a Greenshank was on cliff pool Kingsbury.
Oct 18th
A male Stonechat was found around Seeswood Pool, four Grey Partridges at Wishaw, 130 Shoveler, 28 Teal on cliff pool Kingsbury.
Oct 19th
A Leach,s Petrel was found by (R Mays, D Cox) at Draycote around 1-45, the bird was last seen in the evening during the roost. As normal there was no sign the following day.
Oct 20th
A Snow Bunting was located along Farnborough Bank Draycote around midday, and showed very well during its five day spell, also juv Arctic Tern, Rock Pipit (very elusive) and two Peregrines
over.
Oct 21
Three R C Pochards were of Hensborough bank( 2 x Females 1 x male), also two Ravens over the country park Draycote.
Oct 22
A female Lesser Spotted Woody at Guys Cliffe.
Oct 24
Three Rock Pipits around Draycote today, also an adult winter Slavonian Grebe.
Oct 25th
Slav Grebe still Draycote.
Oct 26th
Slav Grebe still Draycote.
Oct 27th
Pintail x2 mill pool, four Little Egret and two Stonechat at Alvecote, Slav Grebe and Merlin through Draycote.
Oct 30th
Two adult Caspian Gulls and an adult Med Gull in the roost at Draycote, also present a drake Goosander and a Pintail. 115 Golden Plover around the sewage works fields Hartshill, the Bittern still around Ladywalk, also three Little Egrets , a female Pintail and a Cettis Warbler heard.
Regards Steve Seal.........................

Late News ( Whitacre Heath )

A bit of late news from Whitacre Heath on friday 1st, 2 x Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers noted in the wood. (J Wesson).

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Draycote Nov 4th

Popped into Draycote briefly today to get records from the log book and had a Raven over the country park.

John

http://www.draycotebirding.co.uk/

November 4th

Brandon Marsh - Lesser-spotted Woodpecker reported from New Hare covet and Woodcock on ground near Goose Pool. Only Siskin seen by me and Dave Cox after the mist lifted.

Draycote Water - fog bound first thing so little seen apart from 20 Meadow Pipits

Grandborough Valley - plenty of Fieldfare and Redwing in hedgerows

November 4th ( Coton Roost )

Coton roost tonight their was an adult Med Gull, also 2 x Yellow Legged Gulls, also noted Redshank and 2 x Water Rail.
( J Oates ).

Welcome

Welcome to Warwickshire Birding, this blog will be updated on a regular basis and will include all news from the Warwickshire Birding scene. Please feel free to e mail me any sightings so they can be added to this blog. Hope you enjoy your visit, regards Steve Seal.