Wednesday 30 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter still also adult Little Gull, Bar-tailed Godwit

Berryhill
Whimbrel  one over NE at 07:55 also Whinchat 200 yards east of the upright stone circle, 9x Wheatear, 33x Whitethroat, 2x Lesser Whitethroat, (RT)
Additionally - Female Redstart (SE HF)

By Steve Edwards

Cannock Chase
Hobby, 12x Tree Pipit, 4x Redstart, 4x Cuckoo, Garden Warbler, Grey Wagtail (JW)
Common Lizzard, 6x Green Hairstreak, Common Heath, 3x Green Tiger Beetle, hindwing from a Emperor Moth possibly discarded by the Hobby (JW)

Hobby by Jon Woodcock

Drayton Bassett Pits
2x Turnstone

Lichfield
2x Red Kites flying over to the north (PBr)

Croxall lake
 Between car park and hide; garden Warbler, sedge, reed warbler and blackcap plus 2x common tern.  Bob

Tuesday 29th April 2014

Belvide Resv
Bar-tailed Godwit still on north shore, plus adult Little Gull and 1w fem Velvet Scoter still.

Drayton Bassett Pits
Glossy Ibis still (TVB) plus Bar-tailed Godwit (KT) also 3x Turnstone (JM)

Lichfield
Osprey drifted west over Boley Park 14:25hrs

Stone - Barlaston Downs Banks
Whimbrel over, 4x Yellowhammer, 10x Willow Warbler, 3x Siskin, Whitethroat (MJ)

Trentham Gardens
Little Egret in the Herony with c25 Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, 4x Mandarin (RT)

Croxall
Garden Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, 2x Common Tern (BR)

Monday 28 April 2014

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Glossy Ibis still also 25x Arctic Tern flew through

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter still, Bar-tailed Godwit on north shore, Osprey flew over NE

Branston GPs
14x Redshank, 2x LR Plover, 2x Oystercatcher, Ruff, 33x Shelduck, 9x Gadwall, 4x Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, White Wagtail, 3x Sedge Warbler, 2x Reed Warbler,  (JW)

Codsall
Cuckoo heard early morning from Moatbrook Lane (H)

Siverdale CP
Dark Grey Heron at The Void this morning (PB)

Dark Grey Heron by Peter Bagnall

Caverswall - Weston Coyney
Green Sandpiper along River Blithe also Garden Warbler (PC)

Cannock Chase
60x Crossbill, 8x Tree Pipit, 4x Redstart, 3x Cuckoo, Hobby, 13x Redpoll (RW)

Yarnfield
Hobby around the training centre 15:10 to 15:18 (PF)

Berryhill
Cuckoo, female Redstart, 8x Wheatear (RT NP)

Swynnerton (between village and A519)
12x Yellowhammer, 7x Skylark, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, (DC)

Tittensor - Beech (Beech Dale Road)
3x Yellowhammer, 2x RL Partridge, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler (DC)

Sunday 27 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
2x Bar-tailed Godwit on the north shore at 07:30, also the 1w female Velvet Scoter, but no sign any Scaup. 2x Bar-tailed Godwit still midday plus Arctic Tern. Earlier 4x Bar-tailed Godwit.

Nigel Talbot took this photo of one of the Bar-tailed Godwits at Belvide today

Chasewater
10x Arctic Tern flew through at 10:45 with 4 still present at 11:15

Blithfield Resv
Late afternoon - 2x Black Tern, 6x Arctic Terns, 12x Common Tern, 1st summer Kittiwake (MY, KD, IW, JA)

Middleton Lakes
1x Grasshopper Warbler, 2x Redshank, 1x Cuckoo, 2-3 Cetti's Warbler, 2+ Sedge Warbler (JD, KJD). Glossy Ibis still present, plus 12x Arctic Tern, 2x Common Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, 6x LRP,6x Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo.  (JWo)

The Glossy Ibis at Middleton Lakes today by Jon Woodcock

Whitemoor Haye
2x Arctic Tern at 10:35

Uttoxeter Quarry
3x Whimbrel on the spit on main pit

Tucklesholme Quarry
Bar-tailed Godwit this morning (MY, K)

Berryhill
Female Whinchat at the viewpoint paddocks also 2x Redstart, 13x Wheatear, 4x Lesser Whitethroat, 22x Whitethroat, 5x Sedge Warbler, Curlew (RT NP KH)

Coombes Valley RSPB
3x Pied Flycatchers, Redstart (AMa)

Aqualate Mere
Male Whinchat 1ml SSE of Aqualate still on Coley Lane beyond marsh at 12:15pm. At Aqualate, 2x Hobby, Peregrine, Cetti's Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler (RSw)

Hednesford Hills
1x Cuckoo, 2x Whitethroat, Willow Warbler (ABr)

Ford Green NR
Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, 7x Whitethroat (JJ)

Highgate Common
6x Tree Pipits, 1x Cuckoo, 2x Whitethroat (HK)

Highgate Tree Pipit by Hughie King

Saturday 26 April 2014

Tittesworth Res
Drake Lesser Scaup again this morning also Little Gull, Arctic Tern

Drayton Bassett Pits
Glossy Ibis (FM) still also Wood Sandpiper, Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler (GW). Also Whinchat behind West screen Jubilee Wetlands (per JH)

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter, 4x Scaup and 2x Whimbrel on north shore

Knypersley Res
Male Pied Flycatcher by the broken wall this morning (NG)

Cannock Chase
10x Redstart, 4x Tree Pipit, 4x Cuckoo, 2x Stonechat, Hobby, c30 Crossbill (BS SP)

Silverdale CP
One possibly oiled Grey Heron flew over the Void towards Silverdale 0855hrs.

Uttoxeter Quarry
4x Pink-footed Geese in field to north of main quarry

Penn Common
Hobby over this evening (MM)

Friday 25 April 2014

Silverdale CP
Dark Heron species possibly Purple Heron or melanistic Grey Heron has recently been seen at The Void. Brief flying away views on the 22 and 23 April followed by a closer sighting by a observer on the 24 April at 09:15

Tittesworth Res
Drake Lesser Scaup again at Tittesworth at 11:00 (PB)

Belvide Res (permit only)
45x Arctic Tern at 17:30 also the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 4x Scaup

Branston GPs
11x Redshank, 3x Curlew, 4x LR Plover, 2x Oystercatcher, 4x Gadwall, 2x Shoveler, 25x Shelduck, 4x Lesser Whitethroat, 3x Sedge Warbler, Cetti's Warbler (JWo)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Glossy Ibis again at Jubilee Wetlands from Riverside screen

Bateswood CP
3x Shelduck east at 06:38 (JHu)

Thursday 24 April 2014

Drayton Bassett Pits
Jubilee Wetlands - Glossy Ibis, 11x Dunlin, 16x Ringed Plovers, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail (per JH)

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter still, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup

Ingestre
Hobby this morning (RCB)

Cannock Chase
4x Redstart, 2x Tree Pipit, 3x Yellowhammer, 2x Wheatear, Cuckoo (RW)
4x Cuckoo, 7x Redstart, Hobby, 4x Green Woodpecker (AJ)

Branston GP
6x Ringed Plover, 4x LRP, Lesser Whitethroat (DSc)

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Silverdale
Probable Black Kite over at junction of Cemetary Road and the A525 at 17:15 SJ 832455 (NP)

Dimmings Dale
No sign of the possible Two-barred Crossbill by 11:00 but c40 Crossbill early morning (AB)
Redstart, 2x Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 3x Mandarin (JWo)

Leucistic Robin by Jon Woodcock

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup, Whinchat

Blithfield Res (permit only)
4x Arctic Tern early evening also Common Tern, 70x House Martin (RCB)

Drayton Bassett Pits
Jubilee Wetlands - Glossy Ibis, Wheatear (KW RJT) 3x Dunlin, 7x Ringed Plover, LR Plover, Redshank, 2x Oystercatcher, 3x White Wagtail, Shelduck, Grasshopper Warbler (JH) - North Pit adult Med Gull, Goosander, Wigeon, 6x Shelduck, LR Plover, Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail (JH) - Dosthill NR Cuckoo

Caverswall - Weston Coyney
Hobby along the River Blithe this morning also several Whitethroats, Willow Warbler, Skylarks (SC)

Ford Green NR
2x reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 10x House Martin, 3x Whitethroat (JJ)

Hixon Airfield
Whinchat, 9x Wheatear, 6x Yellow Wagtail (RCB)

Doxey Marsh
4x LR Plover, 2x Shelduck, 4x Shoveler, 2x Gadwall, Cormorant, 20x House Martin, 2x Sand Martin, 3x Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler (AR)

Berryhill
36x Wheatear early morning also Whinchat, 4x Yellow Wagtail, 3x Lesser Whitethroat, 15x Whitethroat, 4x House Martin (RT NP KH)

Cannock Chase
2x Hobby, 5x Green Woodpecker (PT)

Trent Washlands
6x Little Egret, 3x Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 3x Willow Warbler, 2x Herring Gull (AJ)

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Community Notice Board

Survey the birds at Beacon Park, Lichfield

Come to Beacon Park on Sunday 27th April, 9am to 11am, to see and survey birds with Robert Russon, a local birdwatcher.

Robert will help the group to identify the different bird species and how to recognise birdsong. The birds that are seen will be noted down, helping the RSPB to monitor bird populations.

Robert Russon, RSPB local group leader, said "Beacon Park's got a good variety of birds and we should spot a fair number at this time of year. We will be looking to see some summer visitors such as Warblers and hope to count around 25 different species of birds. Everyone's welcome to come to join me at this free event, and don't forget your binoculars!" 

Kind Regards

Katy Anne Humpage

Ranger Events & Marketing

Leisure & Parks, Lichfield District Council, Swinfen Broun Pavilion, Beacon Park, Lichfield, WS13 6QZ

01543 308856

07976386030

katy.humpage@lichfielddc.gov.uk

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/parks

Today's news

Dimmings Dale

Poss female TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL or Crossbill with huge white wing bars (AB) seen this evening. With about a dozen Crossbill close to the Ramblers Retreat. Bird showed two huge white wingbars on the right wing and whitish tips to the tertials. Bird first seen at 17:40, and then again at 17:50 but no further sign by dusk despite observers staying on site. Park at the Ramblers Retreat (carpark open c08:00hrs), then take the right hand track past The Old Smelting Mill keeping the lake with the Black Swans on your left. After 200yds there is a Forestry Commission gate on your right, take the track behind you at this point and follow it up through the clearfell area. The bird was in the pines at the top of this path. 

Belvide Res (permit only)
12x Arctic Tern at 11:50 also the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup

Blithfield Res
1x Arctic Tern, 2x Common Tern, 9x Shelduck, 30x House Martin, 3x Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat, 2x Goosander and drk Goldeneye (RBo)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Glossy Ibis again at Jubilee Wetlands from the riverside viewing screen also Spotted Redshank

Branston GP
Black-necked Grebe on south pit, Common Sandpiper, 2x Ruff, Green Sandpiper, 17x Redshank, 5x Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, 29x Shelduck (JWo). Also 3x Green Sandpipers (DSc)

Black-necked Grebe at Branston GP today by Jon Woodcock

Trent Washlands
4x Little Egret, 2x Garden Warbler (AJa)

Cannock Chase
Brindley Heath - Cuckoo, Stonechat and 3x Tree Pipit (KSki)

Berryhill
Male Whinchat at the Viewpoint paddocks at 08:15 also female Redstart, 8x Wheatear, 2x Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 12x Whitethroat, Willow Tit, Little Owl on the disused school (RT)

Dimmingsdale
Cuckoo (TEy)

Monday 21 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
Adult Little Gull still, 1s male Pied Flycatcher in plantation below dam also the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup

The Belvide Pied Flycatcher by Nigel Talbot

Blithfield Resv
1x male Whinchat and 3x Wheatear (JA)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Glossy Ibis again at Jubilee Wetlands by the river screen at 07:50, also Arctic Tern, 3x Common Tern, 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 4x Goosander, Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler, 8x Dunlin, 15x LRP, 15x Ringed Plover, 8x White Wagtail (per JH)

Knypersley Resv
Male Pied Flycatcher between Gorton Stone and path through wall SJ894550, 1x Common Sandpiper, 1x Lesser Whitethroat, 2x Wheatears (GBr)

River Sow Meadows Baswich
Wheatear, 2x Sedge Warbler, 2x Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 2x Yellowhammer, 7x Skylark (RS)

Doxey Marshes
Grasshopper Warbler, 4x Sedge Warbler, 5x Reed Warbler, White Wagtail, Common Sandpiper and LRP (HK)

Grasshopper Warbler at Doxey by Hughie King (@HughieKing)

Whitemoor Haye
6x Gadwall, Pochard, Common Tern, 3x Redshank, 2x Sedge Warbler, 100+ Swallow, c40 Tree Sparrow, 10+ Yellowhammer, 2x Yellow Wagtail, Corn Bunting, Whitethroats (SC)

Cannock Chase
3x Cuckoo, 6x male Redstart, 4x Tree Pipit, Hobby, 8x Willow Warbler, 2x Blackcap (MJ).
Chase Vista - 5x Redstart, 2x Tree Pipit and Cuckoo (IBu)

Croxden Quarry
drake Garganey on Sandy Lane pool at 19:00hrs (AB, RPo)

The Croxden Quarry Garganey by Richard Powell

Trent Washlands
3x Little Egret, Garden Warbler (AJa)

Old River Dove
4x Yellow Wagtail, 3x Yellowhammer, 3x Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat (AJa)

Cheddleton
fem Marsh Harrier flew NW over Churnet Valley at 11:30am

Dimmings Dale
2x male Pied Flycatcher this afterno

Biddulph
Wood Warbler singing NNE of Biddulph at Elmhurst in sycamore tree on Fox Lane 08:30hrs

Berryhill
Male Whinchat at the bottom end of the Palletstacks track (NP) Still at 14:00 and 16:50 on fence posts (RT PJ) also 3x Wheatear, Green Woodpecker, 2x Fieldfare over

Hulme
Still 8x Wheatear off track between Malthouse Lane and Salters Lane (RT)

Easter Sunday, 20th April 2014

Notice

The Stafford Branch of the WMBC, in conjunction with BTO Staffordshire and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is undertaking a Lapwing breeding survey across the county this spring. To make this a success, we would be really grateful for any sightings of breeding activity - anything from displaying birds, pairs on territory, sitting birds or chicks/juveniles.

If you see any birds between now and the end of June, please email either of the contacts below, or enter your sightings on BTO Birdtrack.

Thanks in advance for participating.

Nick Pomiankowski: staffs-recorder@westmidlandsbirdclub.com

Scott Petrek: s.petrek@staffs-wildlife.org.uk  

Blithfield Resv (permit holders only)
12x Arctic Tern, 1x drk Common Scoter off Beech Tree Point (RPo, MPR) Increased to 31x Arctic Tern at 11:30 (RP)
Also 150x Swallow, 60x House Martin, 4x Yellow Wagtail, 2x LR Plover (RCB).
48x Arctic Terns late PM plus Yellow Wagtail (JWo)

Belvide Res (permit only)
9x Arctic Tern at 10:45 also the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup. 
10x Arctic Tern at 17:15hrs plus adult Little Gull.

Two pictures by Nigel Talbot of Arctic Terns at Belvide today

Chasewater
2x Arctic Terns

Gailey
1x Arctic Tern 19:00hrs

Drayton Bassett Pits
1x Glossy Ibis, Avocet, Mediterranean Gull, 2x Dunlin, Common Sandpiper (per JHa)

Westport Lake
1x Arctic Tern 17:00 to 17:30hrs (CJW, PJ)

Uttoxeter Quarry
38x Arctic Tern at 13:00 (RP). Also 30+ Arctic Tern at 19:15hrs, 2x Dunlin, 4x White Wagtail, Whitethroat, Ringed Plover (PLo)

Three photos by Richard Powell of the Uttoxeter Arctic Terns

Branston GP
imm/fem Marsh Harrier at 17:00hrs (AB). 3x Arctic Terns flew thru at 17:40hrs

Whitemoor Haye
2x Redshank, LR Plover, Oystercatcher, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Sparrow (SC)

Himley
15x Arctic Tern through Himley Great Pool at 14:00

Aqualate
1w Little Gull and 3x Arctic Tern mid day

Endon SW
2x House Martin, 30+ Swallows, 1x White Wagtail (GBr)




BLOG UPDATED 20:00 20/4/14

Saturday 19 April 2014

Notice

The Stafford Branch of the WMBC, in conjunction with BTO Staffordshire and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is undertaking a Lapwing breeding survey across the county this spring. To make this a success, we would be really grateful for any sightings of breeding activity - anything from displaying birds, pairs on territory, sitting birds or chicks/juveniles.

If you see any birds between now and the end of June, please email either of the contacts below, or enter your sightings on BTO Birdtrack.

Thanks in advance for participating.

Nick Pomiankowski: staffs-recorder@westmidlandsbirdclub.com

Scott Petrek: s.petrek@staffs-wildlife.org.uk  

Belvide Resv (permit only)
Arctic Tern this afternoon plus 1w fem Velvet Scoter, 1w drk Long-tailed Duck and 4x Scaup

Chasewater
4x Whitethroat, 1-2 Arctic Terns, 2x Common Terns (CM)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Glossy Ibis again this morning and afternoon on Jubilee Wetlands

Glossy Ibis this morning at Middleton Lakes. Photo by David Hutton

Aqualate
Hobby over this morning also Cetti's Warbler and Whitethroat

Gailey
1x Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, 2x Whitethroat, Shelduck, Wheatear (SR)

Uttoxeter Quarry
3x Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 5x Yellow Wagtails, 4x Common Sandpipers, 2x Green Sandpipers, 2x Goosander, 4x Shelduck (RPo)

Cannock Chase
Tree Pipit, male Redstart, c12 Green Hairstreak -photograph below (JWo)

Berryhill
Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, House Martin, 3x Yellow Wagtail, 2x Wheatear, 8x Whitethroat (RT)

Hanchurch Woods
80x Crossbill, 2x Brambling (NP)



BLOG UPDATED 21:00 19/4/14

Good Friday, 18th April 2014

Belvide Resv
1w fem Velvet Scoter, 1w drk Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup (two drks)

Blithfield Resv
8x Wheatear, 4x Common Sandpiper, 2x Common Tern, 5x LRP (MCh, PBe).

Drayton Bassett Pits
Glossy Ibis still this morning on Jubilee Wetlands

Doxey Marshes
Common Sandpiper, LRP, 2x Little Egret, Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat, 3x Willow Warblers, 4x Sedge Warblers, 2x Reed Warblers, White Wagtail, Goosander (RSw).
This evening - 2x Common Sandpiper, 2x White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, 2x Goosander, Little Egret, LRP (SPe)

Tittesworth Resv
Male Redstart plus Arctic Tern thru at 10:30hrs (SGib)

National Arboretum, Alrewas
Male Redstart, 1x Lesser Whitethroat (SCo)

Alrewas GP
1x fem Scaup, 8x Gadwall, Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat (SCo)

Branston GPs
14x Redshank, 2x Dunlin, Ruff, 2x Oystercatcher, 3x Curlew, 34x Shelduck, Cetti's Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (AJ)

Uttoxeter Quarry
14x White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, 2x Gadwall, 2x Shoveler, 2x Green Sandpiper, Curlew, 2x Wheatear, Whitethroat (EF)

Croxall GP
1x Common Sandpiper, 2x Oystercatcher (SCo)

Whitemoor Haye
6x Gadwall, 4x Redshank, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, 1x LRP (SCo)

Hulme, Stoke-on-Trent
Whinchat still off track between Malthouse Lane and Salters Lane, also 9x Wheatear.
SJ 941458 (RT, NP, DW)

Silverdale CP
10x Fieldfare (JHu), 1x Wheatear, 2x Whitethroats (PJ)

Audley
2x Lesser Whitethroats (JHu)

Berryhill
8x Whitethroat, 8x Wheatear (NP RT)

Cannock Chase
Redstart, Garden Warbler, Tree Pipit, 5x Wheatear, Cuckoo (MPi)
2x Male Redstart, Cuckoo (CW GW)

Old River Dove
2x Yellow Wagtail, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, 10x Sand Martin, 3x Goosander (AJ)

Trent Washlands
Garden Warbler (AJ)

Barlaston Downs
4x Blackcap, 1x House Martin, 8x Willow Warbler, 2x Raven (MJa)

BLOG UPDATED 21:53 on 18/4/14

Thursday 17 April 2014

Drayton Bassett Pits
Jubilee Wetlands - Glossy Ibis, 4x Avocet (moving between North Pit), Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, 15x Ringed Plover, 6x Dunlin, 4x LR Plover, Redshank, 2x Common Tern, 2x White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtails over - North Pit - Med Gull, 2x Oystercatcher - new reedbed Snipe
Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, 3x Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler, 4x Sedge Warbler (as per JH)

Blithfield Res (permit only)
2x Common Sandpiper on the causeway this morning (RCB)

Hulme
Male Whinchat off the track between Malthouse Lane and Salters Lane SJ 941458 also 4x Wheatear, 4x Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail (RT)

Belvide Res (permit only)
Swift this afternoon (SN) - male Ring Ouzel in field south of plantation behind Southeast bay

Branston GPs
14x Redshank, 6x LR Plover, 3x Ruff, 3x Green Sandpiper, 3x Curlew, 2x Ringed Plover, 2x Oystercatcher, 2x Dunlin, Snipe, 10x Gadwall, 19x Shelduck, Pochard, 2x White Wagtail, 3x Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, Peregrine (JWo)

Trent Washlands
Female Wheatear, 2x Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2x House Martin, 3x Willow Warbler (AJ)

Clay Mills
Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, 2x Redshank, Shelduck (AJ)

Doxey Marshes
Tillington Flash - 12:00hrs 2x Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, LRP, 2x Gadwall, Willow Warbler and House Martin (DSc)

Wednesday 16 April 2014

Cannock Chase
Female Ring Ouzel in Sherbrook Valley.
Cuckoo calling mid day at top of Abrahams Valley (AR)

Drayton Bassett Pits
Glossy Ibis to 07:30 and again 11:00 to 14:55 at least on Jubilee Wetlands also Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, 13x Ringed Plover, Med Gull, 3x Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail (FM KT)

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup, 2x White Wagtail

Whitemoor Haye
22x Tufted Duck, 13x Gadwall, 3x Redshank, 2x Oystercatcher, 2x Yellow Wagtail, Tree Sparrow & Yellowhammer this afternoon (SCo)

Tuesday 15 April 2014

Bateswood CP
Grasshopper Warbler this morning (JHu)

Blithfield Res (permit only)
Avocet swimming off the dam at 15:20 (RCB) and still at 17:00 also 4x Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, 2x Common Tern, Sandwich Tern (RCB IDB)

Uttoxeter Quarry
9x White Wagtail, 5x Shelduck, 4x Gadwall, 5x Goosander, 2x Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 7x Snipe, Wheatear, 3x Mandarin (EF)
40x White Wagtail and 4x Yellow Wagtail (IB)

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 4x Scaup, 16x White Wagtail

Trentham - Sideway
Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 5x Blackcap, Willow Warbler (LS)

Doxey Marshes
Little Egret, several Shoveler, c5 Great Crested Grebe & Green Woodpecker (GGr)

Old River Dove
3x Yellow Wagtail, 6x Sand Martin, 2x Goosander & Oystercatcher (AJa)

Branston GP's
4x Ruff, 9x Redshank, Snipe, Oystercatcher, 3x Curlew, 29x Shelduck & Willow Warbler (AJa)

Berryhill
Redstart at Fenpark side of Viewpoint paddocks (IB)

Aqualate Mere
Marsh Tit (BRi)

Monday 14 April 2014

Cannock Chase - Cadet Huts
*** HOODED CROW *** seen during the afternoon. It dropped into a tree behind the hut for around ten minutes then flew south east (Phill Ward with C & A Bladon)

Photo of the Hooded Crow on Cannock Chase by Phill Ward. Last Staffordshire record was in 1994.

Belvide Res (permit only)
45x White Wagtail, the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck and 4x Scaup

Berryhill
Male Redstart at the Viewpoint paddocks also Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, 4x Wheatear, 2x Curlew, Peregrine (RT NP)

Cannock Chase
3x Tree Pipit, male Redstart, 2x Siskin, 7x Willow Warbler, 5x Linnet (MJa). Also 2x Redstart at Chase Vista Valley (IBu)

Tree Pipit by Dave Fowler

Silverdale CP
2x Gadwall on the Void (PJ)

Blithfield Res (permit only)
2x Wheatear, 2x Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail at the dam also 3x Willow Warbler, 4x Blackcap (RCB)

Branston GP
Yellow Wagtail, 2x White Wagtail, 3x Lesser Whitethroat, 2x Green Sandpiper, 6x Ruff, 7x LRP, 9x Redshank, 2x Oystercatcher, Cetti's Warbler, 80x Sand Martin (JWo)

Drayton Bassett Pitts
Fishers Mill bridge - Lesser Whitethroat, Jubilee Wetlands - 24x Dunlin, 8x Ringed Plover, 4x LR Plover, Redshank, Common Tern, White Wagtail - North Pit - Sedge Warbler, Goosander, 2x Common Tern  (as per JH)

Sunday 13th April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
Glossy Ibis on north shore till 08.50, and again at 10:20 when flew east, also Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck & 11x Scaup but no sign Slavonian Grebe

Blithfield Res (permit only)
White Wagtail in field below dam & 6x Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear and several Swallows (SPt)

Doxey Marshes
4x Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 2x Oystercatcher, House Martin & Goosander (RSt)
also 2x Wheatear, Sedge Warbler, 2x Reed Warbler, 3x Willow Warbler, 3x Little Egret & 6x Shelduck (RSw)

Branston GP
Green Sandpiper, 2x Snipe, 10x Redshank, Oystercatcher, 34x Shelduck, 3x Lesser Whitethroat, 1x Whitethroat, Cetti's Warbler, 3x Willow Warbler (AJ & RM)
also 6x Ruff, 2x Dunlin, 4x Little Ringed Plover & 6x Curlew (JWo)

Cannock Chase (Rifle Range)
Cuckoo, 3x Tree Pipit, 4x Willow Warbler, Osprey over at 08.30, Brambling, Stonechat & 4x Yellowhammer (AMa)

Highgate Common
2x Tree Pipit and a Brambling (HK)

Coombes Valley
Male Pied Flycatcher on new trail by bridge

Uttoxeter Quarry
14x White Wagtail, 5x Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 2x Green Sandpiper, 14x Goosander, 8x Shelduck & Goldeneye (RPo)

Aston - Burston Trail
2x Green Sandpiper, Wheatear, 2x Mandarin & 2x Teal (NPo)

Saturday 12 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
Glossy Ibis to 09:20 when it flew north also Slavonian Grebe the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup, 10x White Wagtail and a Whimbrel briefly.

The Belvide Glossy Ibis today (by Nigel Talbot)

1w drake Long-tailed Duck at Belvide (photo by Staffsbirdnews)

Codsall - Brewood
Lesser Whitethroat singing this morning.

Doxey Marsh
Reed Warbler, 3x Sedge Warbler, 4x Blackcap, 2x Willow Warbler, 7x Swallow, 4x Sand Martin, 3x Little Egret, 6x Shelduck, 3x Gadwall, Peregrine over town centre (RSt)

Aqualate
Common Tern, 3x House Martin, c300 Swallow/Sand Martin, 3x Goldeneye, 4x Oystercatcher, Tawny Owl, 2x Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Cetti's Warbler (RSw)

Branston GPs
6x Ruff, 8x Redshank, LR Plover, 28x Shelduck, Cetti's Warbler (AJ)
Also Lesser Whitethroat, 5x White Wagtail and 2x Yellow Wagtails (CJW)

Trent Washlands
Little Egret, 6x Sand Martin (AJ)

Westport Lake
Cormorant, 3x Blackcap, 16x Sand Martin, 4x Swallow (AR)

Whitemoor Haye
10x Gadwall, 2x Oystercatcher, 2x Little Ringed Plover, Blackcaps, Tree Sparrows, Yellowhammers (SCo)

Friday 11 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
Glossy Ibis to 08:45 then flew off NW. Also the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup.
Slavonian Grebe still off the dam this afternoon, also the Glossy Ibis again at 19:10 along the north shore.

Westport Lake
2x Pink-footed Geese this morning (NJS, CJW)

Silverdale CP
Male Pied Flycatcher just north of building 4B on industrial estate by south footpath emtrance to the Void at 12.30 - SJ 812470 - (NP)

Branston GPs
16x Redshank, 8x Ruff, 8x Curlew, 3x Green Sandpiper, Oystercatcher, 15x Gadwall,16x Shelduck, 6x Shoveler, Cetti's Warbler, 25x Sand Martin, Swallow (JWo)

Bateswood
2x Pink-footed Geese on the lake (JH)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
North Pit 3x Common Tern, adult Med Gull  - Jubilee Wetlands  Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin - Also Cuckoo and Common Tern yesterday (GW JH FM)

Cannock Chase
2x Tree Pipit, Brambling, 2x Siskin, Swallow, 4x Willow Warbler (MJ)
Long-eared Owl, Woodcock (RW)

Alrewas GPs
12x Gadwall, 2x Shelduck, Goldeneye, Sedge Warbler (SCo)

Arboretum
3x Kingfisher, Sand Martin , Swallow (SCo)

Whitemoor Haye
4x Redshank, 6x Gadwall, 2x LR Plover, 2x Oystercatcher, Yellowhammers, Tree Sparrows, Corn Bunting, Goldcrest (SCo)

Thursday 10th April 2014

Berryhill
Whitethroat present this morning also 2x Wheatear (RT, NP) Male Redstart late morning

Westport Lake
Common Sandpiper present this morning (PLo)

Wetley Moor
c8 Brambling (inc 3x males), c15 Willow Warbler & c10 Chiffchaff (RBu)

Knypersley Resv
1x Willow Warbler, 1x Redpoll, 1x Swallow, 7x Blackcap, 4x Brambling (GBr)

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w fem Velvet Scoter still, plus 1w drk Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup, 2x Glossy Ibis this morning, present from 10.00 til 11.20 when 2nd bird flew off, and Slavonian Grebe in SE bay
Osprey over north at 17:45

Doxey Marsh
3x Little Egret, LR Plover, 10+ Swallow, House Martin (CH)

Wednesday 9 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter still also 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup and 13x White Wagtail

Drayton Bassett Pits
4x Avocet, Common Sandpiper, 4x Dunlin (GW, KSa)

Branston GP
4x Ruff, 17x Redshank, 8x Curlew, 3x Green Sandpipers, 3x LRP, 2x Ringed Plover, Raven, male Redstart, 24x Shelduck (AJa, DSc)

Whitemoor Haye
2x Egyptian Geese, 3x LRP, 1x White Wagtail, 20+ Sand Martin, 2x Shelduck (MSa)

Berryhill
Grasshopper Warbler reeling early morning and briefly mid morning also 4x Wheatear (RT PW NP)

Lichfield
Wheatear on the Fosseway disused railway (BR)

Cauldon
Ring Ouzel, 3x Willow Warbler, 2x Curlew (DC)

Tuesday 8 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup, 11x White Wagtail

Cannock Chase
Tree Pipit singing old quarry area this morning, also male Redstart in hawthorns opposite Takeroo (RCB)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Jubilee Wetlands, Greenshank, 5x Ringed Plover, 4x Little Ringed Plover, 2x Curlew, 2x Redshank, male White Wagtail & Sand Martin, on north pit, adult Med Gull, Little Egret & 5x Goosander (JHa)
also Wheatear at Jubilee wetlands (MWa)
also Glossy Ibis but shortly moved south (BVa, JMa)

John Mallinson

Dimmingsdale
3x Swallow, 2x Brambling, 5x Chiffchaff, 2x Willow Warbler (TEy)

Doxey Marsh
3x Swallow, 3x Willow Warbler, 3x Blackcap, Willow Tit (PD)

Branston WP
2x Willow Warbler, 6x Blackcap (JWo)

Yoxall
2x Swallow (JWo)

Monday 7th April 2014

Blithfield Resv
Pair of Common Scoter plus adult Little Gull reported (GJM)
Common Scoter pair still this afternoon off Barn Farm Bay also a House Martin (RCB)

Belvide Resv
1w fem Velvet Scoter, 1w drk Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup and 11x White Wagtail.

Branston GP
Adult Kittiwake briefly then flew south (photo below), 2x Ruff, Green Sandpiper, 23x Redshank, 12x Curlew, 6x LRP, Ringed Plover, 16x Shelduck (JWo)

Drayton Bassett Pits
Drake Garganey and Grey Plover on North Pit also 10x Dunlin, Green Sandpiper (GW)

Whitemoor Haye
This evening - 21x Wigeon, 6x Gadwall, 2x Teal, 7x Redshank, 3x LRP, 3x Oystercatcher, 12+ Swallow, 15+ Tree Sparrow, 12+ Yellowhammer, 1x Grey Partridge, 2x Egyptian Geese (SCo)

Stone - Barlaston Downsbanks
Brambling, 4x Willow Warbler, 6x Chiffchaff, Blackcap (MJa)

Blythe Bridge
Red Kite over the A50 Roundabout this morning (GH)

Woodseaves to Norbury and along to Gnosall along the Shropshire Union Canal
2x Blackcap (I)

Spring is in the air with these two young Tawny Owls showing in the county today

Sunday 6th April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter still also the 1w Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup, 11x White Wagtail.
2x Brambling at the feeding station (JJH)

Blithfield Res (permit only)
Osprey at 12:48

Endon SW
3x Swallow, 1x Willow Warbler, 1x Raven (GBr)

Berryhill
Jack Snipe early morning, 3x Willow Warbler, 3x Blackcap (RT NP)

Audley
1x Water Rail (bought in by the cat. Bird was released unhurt! per PJ)

Saturday 5 April 2014

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter still also House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup

Doxey Marsh
Sedge Warbler at Cresswell Flash (IG)

Uttoxeter Quarry
6x White Wagtail, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 4x Green Sandpiper, 6x Goldeneye, 4x Goosander (RPo)

Whitemoor Haye
3x White Wagtail tonight (TPe)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Red Kite over North pit at 14:55 also adult Med Gull on North pit. (JJH SJH)

Knypersley
2x Blackcap and 23x Chiffchaff (GBr)

Alton
2x Swallow (TEy)

Berryhill
Grasshopper Warbler this morning (AJ)

Friday 4 April 2014

Belvide Resv
A dark morph Arctic Skua flew over to NW at 09:35hrs

Berryhill
Male Ring Ouzel at 08:55 300m north of the mast on mound  mast side of the Palletstacks track (RT DB) Still showing to at least 11:30.

Cheadle
Female Ring Ouzel in field at Trimpos early afternoon.

Branston GP's
1st winter Little Gull on south pit til midday only, also 5x ruff, 15x Redshank, 3x Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, 2x Curlew, 23x Shelduck, 84x Teal, Shoveler, 12x Gadwall, 5x Wigeon, 2x Blackcap, Cettis Warbler, 6x Redwing & 3x Wheatear (DSc)

Alvecote Pools
4x Common Scoter at 16.50 on pretty pigs pool, viewable from the public car park (R Smith)

Parkhall CP
11x Chiffchaff, 5x Willow Warbler, 4x Blackcap, 2x Willow Tit, Yellowhammer, Green Woodpecker, Peregrine (SSt)

Silverdale CP
Swallow, Willow Warbler (PCa)

Caverswall/Blythe Bridge area
Swallow, 4x Skylark, 2x Meadow Pipit, Yellowhammer, 3x Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, 8x Linnet, 2x Stock Dove & 2x Goldcrest (ARa)

Dimmingsdale
Swallow, 2x Willow Warbler, 5x Chiffchaff (TEy)

Doxey Marsh
2x Little Egret, 2x Shoveler, Goosander (BR)

Thursday 3 April 2014

Belvide Resv
Sandwich Tern on north shore till 10:45 but not since also the 1w female Velvet Scoter, 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup

Berryhill
Male Ring Ouzel at 08:10 around the viewpoint paddocks but mobile. Also Willow Warbler, Blackcap (RT KH)

Blithfield Res (permit only)
Osprey sat in tree at the Broompits viewable from lay by (RCB)

Branston GPs (Fully working pit. Must keep to public footpaths at all times)
Drake Common Scoter (South Pit), two 1st summer Little Gulls, Common Tern, 8x Swallow, c10x Sand Martin, 6x Ruff, Green Sandpiper, 7x Curlew, 2x LRP, 4x Ringed Plover, 13x Redshank, 23x Shelduck, 6x Wigeon (JWo)

Common Scoter and Little Gull at Branston GP by Jon Woodcock

Uttoxeter Quarry
House Martin, Swallow, plenty of Sand Martins, 4x LRP, 4x Green Sandpiper, 6x Goldeneye (RPo)

Dimmingsdale
Swallow, 4x Mandarin, 4x Chiffchaff (TEy)

Wednesday 2 April 2014

Blithfield Res (permit only)
2x adult Little Gull in Blithe Bay mid day and later increasing to 5 before appearing to fly east at 17:05. Osprey flew up Tad Bay at 18:10 (GJM)

Belvide Res (permit only)
1w female Velvet Scoter still also 1w drake Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup and adult Little Gull

Chasewater
Glossy Ibis roosted at 19:35hrs but no sign juv Glaucous Gull (@CWG_sightings)

Doxey Marshes
Water Pipit by sluice gate, Green Woodpecker (site rarity) 2x Raven, 3x Little Egret, 10x Shoveler, 6x Gadwall, 4x Water Rail calling, 4x Goosander & 6x Shelduck (AHa)

Branston GP
60x Teal, 27x Shelduck, 5x Ruff, 7x Redshank, Ringed Plover, Blackcap and Cetti's Warbler singing.(DSc)

Needwood
80x Fieldfare flew north 18:30hrs (DSc)

Tuesday 1st April 2014

Happy BK day to everyone today. 

Today's page is dedicated to the memory of John Gulley "Gupta"

Tixall Wide
A 9th anniversary celebration walk by Roger Broadbent saw a Kingfisher (but not a funny one), 2x Blackcap, 5x Snipe, 5x Chiffchaff, 4x Curlew and 2x Mandarin nearby

Belvide Resv
1w fem Velvet Scoter, 1w drk Long-tailed Duck, 11x Scaup, White Wagtail

Bateswood CP
Redshank on shore til 07.05 & 2x Crossbill E at 07.12 (JHu)

Parkhall CP
2x Raven, 11x Chiffchaff, 2x Willow Warbler, 2x Green Woodpecker

Cannock Chase (Upper Longdon - Cadet Huts-Butts)
6x Crossbill, 100+Redpoll, c15 Brambling, c20 Siskin, 4x Yellowhammer, 3x,Green Woodpecker (CS). 4x Crossbill at Trig Point (AWa)

Drayton Bassett Pits
Yellow Wagtail over heading north late afternoon also Adult Med Gull, Willow Tit, 2x Ringed Plover, 2x LR Plover, 2x Redshank, 3x Oystercatcher, 4x Shelduck, 2x Goosander (JH)

Doxey Marshes
4x Goosander, 2x Shelduck, 3x Little Egret, 2x Ringed Plover, 2x LRP, 2x Gadwall, 10x Snipe, 1x Oystercatcher (DCo)

Dosthill NR
8x Goldeneye (JH)

Silverdale CP
Sum plumaged Brambling singing tonight (PJ)