New Years Eve 31st December 2016

Community Noticeboard

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support over 2016, this is your blog and it wouldn't exist without all your contributions via text, email & Twitter.

Also congratulations to Dave Emley who has received a British Empire Metal (BEM) in the Queens New Year Honours list for his services to Higher Education & Natural History, a well deserved honour i'm sure you'll agree.

Great Skua by Brian Carthy - Voted Staffs bird of 2016 by our Twitter followers

Happy New Year everyone & a bird filled 2017

Biddulph
One Waxwing on Rowan Trees just down from the Biddulph Arms along main road (ALo)

Chasewater Res
Adult Glaucous Gull in roost plus adult Caspian Gull & Velvet Scoter (@julianallen2009)

Radford Meadows
53x Teal 2x Shoveler 233x Wigeon 2x Snipe 14x Lapwing (@RegDavies5)

i54
Stonechat, Water Rail, 2x Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, (Foz)

Gailey Res
Drake Shoveler, drake Pochard, Common Gull, Tawny Owl (@TheSnapper1978)

Dimmingsdale
Brambling, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin & Green Woodpecker (TEy)

Tucklesholme
Grey wagtail,  Stonechat, 35x Teal, 4x Wigeon, 9x Gadwall, 118x Lapwing, Dunlin  5x Goosander 15x Golden Plover (JPa MPa)

Friday 30th December 2016

Biddulph
3x Waxwing still 300m north of Biddulph Arms

Talke Pits
c30 Waxwing at Pit Lane by PW Metal Finishers (@Timjpreston)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Caspian Gull Tad Bay, Jack Snipe, 4x Dunlin, Stonechat (@scaupface)

Whitemoor Haye
400x Wigeon. 600x Lapwing, 65x Linnet, 4x Gadwall, 4x Shoveler, Tree Sparrow (BirderAlrewas)

Consall-Cheddleton

2x Teal, 11x Mandarin Duck, Water Rail, 3x Snipe, Dipper, 11x Meadow Pipit, 30x Redwing, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting. (DSc)

Thursday 29th December 2016

Talke Pits
c15 Waxwing at Pit Lane in tree by PW metal finishers at 14:00 (@BeeBryony) 33x Waxwing present later (CBr)

Waxwing - Les Harrison

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Juvenile Iceland Gull, Bittern & Smew (@BelvideBirding)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck, 5x Little Grebe, 39x Pochard, Goosander & 2x Chiffchaff (NJS, @stevengibson42)

Gailey Res
Egyptian Goose with Canada Geese, 2x Teal & Tawny Owl (@TheSnapper1978)

Radford Meadows
c50 Snipe, 4x Goosander & 200x Wigeon (@RobSwift5)

Churnet Valley (Cheddleton to Consall)
2x Little Grebe, 20x Mandarin Duck, 3x Teal, 5x Snipe, Willow Tit, 2x Raven, Reed Bunting (DSc)

I54
3x Stonechat (JDu)

Wednesday 28th December 2016

Biddulph
6x Waxwing at 15:00 on berry trees on the main road near the Biddulph Arms pub (SFe)

Enville
Goosander, 2x Marsh Tit, c150 Skylark, 200 Linnet, c40 Yellowhammer (@scaupface)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Bittern again roosted also Redhead Smew and Common Sandpiper still (@BelvideBirding)

Churnet Valley
12x Mandarin Duck, 5x Teal, Goosander, 2x Water Rail, 4x Snipe, Tawny Owl, 2x Raven, Lesser Redpoll (DSc)

i54
3x Stonechat, 14x Teal, Grey Wagtail, 50x Meadow Pipit (Fox JDu)

Tuesday 27th December 2017

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Grey Phalarope,  Smew still, juv Iceland Gull and Bittern (@BelvideBirding)

Nigel Talbot

Aqualate
1w fem Scaup (@Ian_m_grant)

i54
Jack Snipe, 4x Stonechat, 6x Snipe, 40x Linnet, 2x Grey Wagtail, 2x Water Rail, Green Woodpecker (JDu)

Radford Meadows
336x Wigeon, 75x Lapwing, Grey Wagtail (@RegDavies5)

Doxey Marsh
Scaup briefly (@nutcracker1965)

Chasewater
Velvet Scoter still and 3x YL Gull (@julianallen2009)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still (BC LC)

Branston Gravel Pits
28x Shoveler, 22x Gadwall, 3x Water Rail, c200 Lapwing, 13x Curlew, Woodcock, 3x Snipe, Kingfisher, Tawny Owl, c20,000 Starlings roosted (DSc)

Boxing Day 26th Decembeer 2016

Whitmore Bent Lane
2x drake Pintail and 2x YL Gull (NDP)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Redhead Smew still (@NigelCarp2008) - Bittern still, 1w drake Scaup, 2x Pintail (@BelvideBirding)

Steve Nuttall

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler still (@Midlandsbirder)

Berryhill
Jack Snipe (@nutcracker1965)

Croxall
Jack Snipe, Redshank, 46x Pochard (@scaupface)

Whitemoor Haye
c150 Wigeon, c1000 Lapwing, c1500 Starling (@scaupface)

Hanchurch
3x Crossbill, 40x Siskin (@brianbeecee)

Hatherton Resv
3x Goosander (JH)

Doxey Marsh
15x Goosander, Stonechat, Water Rail, 3x Little Egret, 2x Gadwall 25x Fieldfare (BC LC)

Chasewater
Velvet Scoter, YL Gull (@CWG_sightings)

Branston GPs
28x Gadwall, 12x Shoveler, 10x Shelduck, 2x Water Rail, 2x YL Gull, 13x Curlew, Snipe, Woodcock, Cetti's Warbler (DSc)

Christmas Day 25th December 2016

From the three of us to all of you

Christmas Robin - Kev Lewis

A Very Merry Christmas

Chasewater Res
Caspian Gull, 4x Yellow-legged Gull & Velvet Scoter (@CWG_sightings)

Whitmore

Drake Pintail, Teal, Wigeon along Bent Lane (@philjo61)

Whitemoor Haye

c1000 Lapwing, 2x Pochard, 273x Wigeon, 6x Tufted Duck, Shoveler, 30x Yellowhammer, 20x Tree Sparrow & 2x Goldcrest (@BirderAlrewas)

Christmas Eve 24th December 2016

Chasewater Res
Sub adult Iceland Gull at 16.00 plus Velvet Scoter still (@julianallen2009) also 5x Yellow-legged Gull & adult Mediterranean Gull (@CWG_sightings)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Bittern flew from roost site at 7.40am and landed left of hide (@BelvideBirding)

Iverley
Waxwing flew west over Sugar Loaf Farm at 11.45 (@StourBirder)

Silverdale CP
3x Yellow-legged Gull (@philjo61)

Westport Lake
Female Long-tailed Duck still on main lake (NJS, CJW)

Branston Gravel Pits

16x Little Grebe, 38x Gadwall, 12x Shoveler, 2x Shelduck, Water Rail, 4x Redshank, Green Sandpiper, 16x Curlew, adult Caspian Gull, 2x Yellow-legged Gull, 47x Skylark, Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler (DSc)

Tuckleholme
52x Teal, 4x Wigeon, 9x Gadwall, Dunlin, 3x Stonechat, Goosander & Kingfisher (JPa, MPa)

Whitemoor Haye
3x Ruff with c1000 Lapwing (@TameBirding)

Brookley's Lake
41x Mandarin Duck, 33x Goosander (@rpintean)

Friday 23rd December 2016

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler still at Windsor Holloway west of the A449 (JJH)

Chasewater Res
2x Caspian Gull & Yellow-legged Gull (@CWG_sightings)

Silverdale CP
4x Yellow-legged Gull on the Void this afternoon (@philjo61)

Thursday 22nd December 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Bittern still from Scott hide at 07:30 (@BelvideBirding)

Codsall
2x Ring-necked Parakeet over Moatbrook Avenue this morning (@hltarry)

River Sow Meadows
Little Egret, 212x Wigeon, 324x Golden Plover, 150x Lapwing, 5x Snipe, 7x Lapwing (@RobSwift5)

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler still west of the A449 (@HughieKing)

Chasewater
Velvet Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser still, 2x Caspian Gull, 4x YL Gull in the roost (@CWG_sightings)

Tucklesholme
32x Teal, 2x Wigeon , 2x Gadwall, Green Sandpiper, 100x Lapwing, 3x Goosander, Golden Plover, Starling murmuration  (JPa MPa)

Wednesday 21st December 2016

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler by sewage works fence 10.00-10.35 then flew over road into large garden (@TheMoorehen)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still at 11.00 (@stevengibson42)

Sheepwalks
Marsh Tit, Raven & 200+ Redwing on top of the Sheepwalks (@TheMoorehen)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Bittern still (@BelvideBirding)

Doxey Marsh
Goosander, 2x Stonechat, 2x Reed Bunting, Little Egret, Kingfisher (JBi)

Dimmingsdale
5x Woodcock and 4x Mandarin over at dusk (TEy)

Tuesday 20th December 2016

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler still on Windsor Holloway by River Stour (@b2c11b6cdd86453)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Bittern roosted in Scott hide reed bed from 15.05 but obscure, Smew still present (@BelvideBirding)

Chasewater Res
In roost 2x adult Caspian Gull, 3x Yellow-legged Gull (2x adult and 4th winter) & Velvet Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser til dusk (@CWG_sightings)

Westport Lake
Female Long-tailed Duck still this afternoon (@stevengibson42)

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
Caspian Gull 2x adults, Yellow-legged Gull adult & 2nd winter (GJM)

Branston Gravel Pits
6x Green Sandpiper, 18x Curlew, c100x Golden Plover, 4x Redshank, 8x Ruff, 7x Snipe, 2x Water Rail, Little Egret, 6x Shelduck, 30x Gadwall, 22x Shoveler, 4x Wigeon, 34x Skylark, c20,000x Starlings (JWo)

Berryhill
30x Redwing, 20x Fieldfare, Reed Bunting, male & female Stonechat & Short-eared Owl (DVi)

Hanley
4x male Goosander at Central Forest Park (@stevengibson42)

Monday 19th December 2016

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler still along Windsor Holloway west of the A449 by the water works (@paulsmith15363)

Tittesworth Res
Female Ring-necked Duck still this morning (@stephengibson42)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Redhead Smew still from Scott hide, also Bittern again from 15.25 but very obscured, Common Sandpiper still & 5x adult Yellow-legged Gull roosted (@TheMoorehen)

Middleton Lakes
Great White Egret on Jubilee, 46x Golden Plover over (@RSPBMiddleton)

Caverswall
Little Egret flying along the River Blithe late this afternoon, East of Caverswall Castle (ARa)

Marley Pit
17x Goosander (JWo)

Barton Marina
c30x Wigeon (JWo)

Sunday 18th December 2016

Chasewater
Red-breasted Merganser, Velvet Scoter, Pintail (@WMBB1)  also 5x YL Gull and ad Caspian Gull in the roost (@CWG_sightings)

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler still by bridge over River Stour (CJW NJS)

Tittesworth
Ring-necked Duck still N of causeway

Radford Meadows
260 Lapwing, 114x Teal, 369x Wigeon, Little Egret, Snipe (RegDavies5)

Alrewas
Cetti's Warbler still on Junction Pit (@BirderAlrewas)

Whitmore Bent Lane
6x Bewick's Swan still (@JohnMathers1)

Belvide Resv
Bittern roosted in Scott hide reedbed (@BelvideBirding)

Uttoxeter Quarry
4x Goosander, c120x Wigeon, c500x Lapwing, 2x Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher (DSc)

Rocester
11x Goosander, Kingfisher, 60x Goldfinch (TEy)

Saturday 17th December 2017

Whittington
Yellow-browed Warbler still  west of the A449 near Whittington bridge cSO854825  (D.Co as per @TerryHinett)

Yellow-browed Warbler - Chris Vaghela

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Bittern in flight from Scott hide at 08:00 also the Smew still (@BelvideBirding)

Aqualate
Velvet Scoter still (@Ian_m_grant)

Whitmore Bent Lane
6x Bewick's Swan present this morning also YL Gull, 15x Brambling  (PJ)

Tittesworth Resv
Female Ring-necked Duck still north of the road causeway.

Westport Lake
Female Long-tailed Duck still (CJW, NJS)

Middleton Lakes
Great White Egret now on Dosthill NR (@atkinson_steve)

Chasewater Res
Adult Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull & Velvet Scoter this afternoon (TheSnapper1978) also in the roost, 2x Caspian Gull, 3x Yellow-legged Gull. 2x adult Mediterranean Gull & Red-breasted Merganser (@CWG_sightings)

Copmere
5x Goosander & 2x male Pintail (@nutcracker1965)

Croxall Lakes NR
3x Little Egret, 74x Pochard, 3x Redshank, 2x Green Sandpiper, 14x Snipe but no sign of female Smew (@TheSnapper1978)

Silverdale CP
Goosander, 11x Snipe, 15x Lapwing (PCa)

Dimmingsdale
2x Willow Tit, Green Woodpecker 6x Raven, Siskin & 60x Fieldfare (TEy)

Gailey Res
2x drake Pochard, Tawny Owl, 2x Raven & Lesser Redpoll (@TheSnapper1978)

Knypersley
4x Brambling, 1x Woodcock, 3x Goosander, 1x Shoveler, 1x Wigeon (GBr)

Friday 16th December 2016

Whittington Bridge
Yellow-browed Warbler West of A449 at SO854825 (MDJ)

Tittesworth Res
Female Ring-necked Duck still present this morning (@stephengibson42)

Croxall Lakes
Redhead Smew this morning & Bewick's Swan still nearby opposite Croxall Hall (@Dumblederry)

Cannock Chase
3x Crossbill Parr's Warren (GJM)

Barton Marina
36x Wigeon, 2x Pochard (JWo)

Thursday 15th December 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Redhead Smew still off Chappell hide

Croxall
Bewick's Swan still north of Croxall Road opposite Croxall Hall (JWo)

Chasewater
Red-breasted Merganser and Velvet Scoter still (REy)

Upper Longdon
c15-20 Crossbills with Siskins in Larches c100yds past Trout fishery (REy)

Wednesday 14th December 2016

                                                Community Notice Board

                                         North Staffs RSPB Indoor Meeting
                                            14th December 2016 at 19:30
                                           Paul Hobson - Scottish Delights
                Meetings held at the Medical Institute (Conference Centre) Hartshill
      For further information please contact Geoff Sales (Group Leader) Tel : 01782 618152

Croxall
Bewick's Swan still north of Croxall Road opposite Croxall Hall (RCB)

Caverswall - Cookshill
2x Little Egret on the R Blithe behind Western Heights estate (SCo)

Middleton Lakes
Great White Egret on Jubilee (@atkinson_steve)

Branston Water Park
124x Fieldfare, 58x Redwing, 3x Little Grebe, 14x Pochard, 5x Wigeon, 6x Teal & 17x Goosander (RNo)

Tucklesholme
4x Stonechat, Curlew, 6x Goosander, 7x Gadwall. 2x Wigeon - Marley Pit 15x Goosander (JWo)

Branston GPs
4x Ruff, 17x Curlew, 80x Golden Plover, 3x Redshank. 20x Snipe, 350x Lapwing, ad YL Gull, 20x Wigeon, 10x Gadwall, 7x Shelduck, Stonechat, 20,000 Starlings roosted (DSc)

Trentham Gardens
Dipper, Grey Wagtail, 2x Black Swan still, 12x Tufted Duck, c1000 BH Gulls came into roost (MPa)

Tuesday 13th December 2016

Community Noticeboard

North Staffs RSPB Indoor Meeting

14th December 2016 at 19.30

Paul Hobson - Scottish Delights

Meetings held at the Medical Institute (Conference Centre), Hartshill

For further information please contact Geoff Sales (Group Leader) Tel: 01782 618152

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)

1029 x Golden Plover in Tad Bay (GJM)

Westport Lake
Female Long-tailed Duck still present at 12.40 (@stevengibson42)

Hoar Cross
2x Little Egret along R Swarbourne opposite Meynell Ingram Arms (DTh)

Middleport
Trent Mersey canal towpath at 9:30 this morning - single Waxwing on Sorbus tree on Steelite site - opposite towpath (RJo)

Alvecote
1w Scaup on Pretty Pigs pool

Branston Gravel Pits
6x Ruff, Green Sandpiper, c50x Golden Plover, c350x Lapwing, 15x Curlew, 4x Snipe, Water Rail, 7x Shelduck, 15x Wigeon, 5x Pochard, 17x Shoveler, 23x Gadwall (JWo)

Monday 12th December 2016

Community Noticeboard

WMBC Blithfield Reserve

A meeting will take place on Tuesday 13th December 2016 at

The Haling Dene Centre, Cannock Road, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5DT

In Room 24 - 19.30 start

All WMBC members who bird at Blithfield are encouraged to attend this meeting to discuss future management of the reserve.  

Coffee/Tea and biscuits will be served on arrival.

Tittesworth Res
Female Ring-necked Duck present this morning (SGib)

Croxall
Bewick's Swan still in field with Mutes at 10.30, just north of Croxall Road opposite Catton Hall (DJL,JNL)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Great White Egret, c75 Golden Plover, Snipe, 6x Goldeneye & 2x Water Rail (@Rewilding85)

Chasewater Res
Adult Caspian Gull in a foggy roost on boat ramp (@CWG_sightings)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Smew still present but no sign of Green-winged Teal (@BelvideBird)

Knypersley Resv
Small flock of Bramblings where path from lower car park forks left to the Serpentine, also Goosander (JTy)

Sunday 11th December 2016

Croxall
Bewick's Swan still with Mute flock in field north of Croxall Road on lane towards Catton Hall (@BirderAlrewas)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Green-winged Teal on north shore this afternoon, Smew and Common Sandpiper still present (@BelvideBirding)

Uttoxeter Quarry
5x Pink-footed Geese, Peregrine, Dunlin, 2x Green Sandpiper, 4x Goosander, 2x Pochard, 6x Shoveler, 38x Wigeon (@rpintean)

Aqualate
2x Velvet Scoter at the far end of the mere (@Ian_m_grant)

Chasewater Res
Velvet Scoter still present this afternoon, plus Chiffchaff ((@WMBB1) also 2x Caspian Gull, 5x Yellow-legged Gull & Red-breasted Merganser (@CWG_sightings)

Whitmore Bent Lane Flood
Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Water Rail, 6x Tree Sparrow, Raven (@philjo61)

Knypersley Resv
2x drake Pintail, 9x Goosander, 1x Peregrine (GBr)

Essington
Barn Owl flew over road near quarry pool at 20:23 (JJH SJH)

Saturday 10th December 2016

Chasewater
Velvet Scoter still also 12x Goosander, Chiffchaff (@TheMoorehen)

Whitmore Bent Lane
Pink-footed Goose with c300 GreyLags also adult YL Gull, c100 Teal (NDP)

Croxall
Bewick's Swan still north of Croxall Rd along road to Catton Hall

Brookleys Lake
124x Mandarin Duck, female Pintail, 10x Goosander (@rpintean)

Belvide Resv
Redhead Smew still SE corner

Gailey Resv
1w drake Scaup on sailing lake (@TheSnapper)

Branston Gravel Pits
20x Gadwall, 22x Shoveler, 15x Pochard, 4x Water Rail, c520 Lapwing, 17x Curlew, 5x Green Sandpiper, 4x Redshank, 10x Snipe, Woodcock over at dusk, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 60x Herring Gull, Chiffchaff, 18x Skylark, c200 Redwing (DSc)

Friday 9th December 2016

Branston GPs

4x Green Sandpiper, 8x Ruff, 4x Redshank, 14x Curlew, c300x Lapwing, 4x Water Rail, 2x Pintail (1m,1f), 4x Shelduck, 8x Pochard, 26x Gadwall, 22x Shoveler, 14x Wigeon, Little Egret, Kingfisher, Yellow-legged Gull (ad), c20x GBBG, 6x Stonechat (3m,3f), 30,000+ Starlings. (JWo)

Croxall
Bewick's Swan just north of the village from Catton Road also 2x Jack Snipe (@scaupface)

Chasewater
Velvet Scoter still, 2x Caspian Gull (ad and 2w), 2x ad and a 2w YL Gull (@CWG_sightings)

Thursday 8th December 2016

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present today

Wednesday 7th December 2016

Chasewater Res
Velvet Scoter & Red-breasted Merganser still present (@BirderGaz)

Whitemoor Haye
754x Lapwing, 2x Gadwall, 21x Wigeon, Goldeneye, Pochard, Teal, 2x Green Sandpiper & 40x Linnet (@BirderAlrewas)

Doxey Marsh
Water Pipit, 2x Little Egret, 3x Stonechat, Cetti's Warbler (@DoxeyBirder)

Tuesday 6th December 2016

Community Noticeboard

Just a reminder that everyone interested in birds of prey are welcome to the Stafford Branch, WMBC, meeting tomorrow, 6th December, start 7.45pm at Perkins Sport and Social Club, Tixall Road, Stafford, ST16 3UB. Follow the arrows past reception to the wooden buildings on your left. Bob Park will talk about the live birds he is bringing from the Armitage Birds of Prey Centre.  

Chasewater
Fem Red-breasted Merganser still off sailing club but conditions were too foggy to see anything else (@tonyjac_tony)

Monday 5th December 2016

Community Noticeboard

Just a reminder that everyone interested in birds of prey are welcome to the Stafford Branch, WMBC, meeting tomorrow, 6th December, start 7.45pm at Perkins Sport and Social Club, Tixall Road, Stafford, ST16 3UB. Follow the arrows past reception to the wooden buildings on your left. Bob Park will talk about the live birds he is bringing from the Armitage Birds of Prey Centre.  

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
2x female Common Scoter, 2x Caspian Gull (adult & sub adult) & adult Yellow-legged Gull (GJM, MPR)

Chasewater Res
1st winter Caspian Gull and adult Yellow-legged Gull in roost also Velvet Scoter still present (CWG_sightings)

Branston Gravel Pits
Caspian Gull (ad), 2x Yellow-legged Gull (ad), c100 GBBG, 2x Green Sandpiper, 8x Ruff (1f, 7m), 3x Redshank, Snipe, c250x Lapwing, 11x Curlew, 5x Water Rail, 3x Shelduck, 24x Gadwall, 10x Pochard, Shoveler, 40x Wigeon, Kingfisher, 2x Grey Wagtail (JWo)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present, now free of any fishing line but seems weak (DK, SS)

Sunday 4th December 2016

Chasewater Res
Velvet Scoter & Red-breasted Merganser still present, also a Chiffchaff (JJH)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Great White Egret still present on Jubilee Wetlands

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Adult Caspian Gull this morning, also Smew still present & Common Sandpiper (@BelvideBirding)

Saturday 3rd December 2016

Chasewater
Red-breasted Merganser and Velvet Scoter still (@BirderAlrewas  @andm62)

Hanchurch Woods
9x Crossbill 1km NW of the timber yard cottage (@RobSwift5) also c40 Crossbill, c60 Siskin, Jack Snipe, 12x Snipe & 6x Brambling (SE&HF)

Crossbill - Steve Edwards

Aqualate
Bittern in flight from the hide (@Ian_m_grant)

i54
Jack Snipe, 2x Stonechat, 2x Snipe, Green Woodpecker, 10x Teal (Foz)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
1w Caspian Gull in Blithe Bay (GJM)

Middleton Lakes
Great White Egret on Jubilee (@atkinson_steve)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present (CBa)

Branston Gravel Pits
Little Egret, 52x Wigeon, 29x Gadwall, 5x Ruff (4male), 2x Redshank, Green Sandpiper, 16x Curlew, c200 Lapwing, Woodcock, 3x Snipe, adult Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull, c100 Great Black-backed Gull, c80 Herring Gull, c600 Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kingfisher, 500x Redwing, 100x Fieldfare (DSc)

Friday 2nd December 2016

Chasewater Res
Velvet Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser still this morning (@Dumblederry) also 2x Yellow-legged Gull in roost this evening (@CWG_sightings)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present this morning plus 2x Wigeon, Shoveler & 2x Teal (CJW)

Doxey Marshes
3x Little Egret, 8x Goosander, c3 Stonechat, Kingfisher, 3x Cetti's Warbler & 2x Water Rail (@DoxeyBirder)

Chillington
16x Raven and Woodcock this morning (@BirderGaz)

Silverdale CP
2x Common Gull, Raven & Stonechat (GSa) also 2x Raven (PCa)

Thursday 1st December 2016

Chasewater
Velvet Scoter and Red-breasted Merganser still also ad Caspian Gull, ad and 2w YL Gull in the roost (@CWG_sightings)

Upper Longdon
6x Hawfinch still (@chrisvaghela)

Branston GPs
Adult Caspian Gull, ad YL Gull, c100 GBB Gull (JWo)

Cheadle
One Waxwing still (TEy)

Wednesday 30th November 2016

Chasewater
Female Velvet Scoter still, female Red-breasted Merganser still, 25x Goosander (@CWG_sightings)

Velvet Scoter by Jon Woodcock

Upper Longdon
4x Hawfinch still c200m down the track from the car park also 4x Crossbill and Brambling north of Horse Pasture pool (BDy)

Berryhill
Short-eared Owl again at 16:00, also 4x Stonechat still (AJo)

Cheadle
Waxwing still Tean Road opposite the co op (BDy)

Hanchurch Woods
4x Crossbill and 2x Brambling along the bottom track (JJo)

Hem Heath Wood
c40 mobile Goldcrest flock (ARa)

Hanley Park
Red-legged Partridge (@HanleyPark)

Tuesday 29th November 2016

Chasewater
Red-breasted Merganser still off the dam (KWh)  -  Female Velvet Scoter off the sailing club at 16:20 (@CWG_sightings)

Keith Whitehouse

Upper Longdon
Hawfinch still 200m down from the car park (@tonyjac_tony)

Branston Gravel pits 

Caspian Gull (ad), 2x Yellow-legged Gull (ad), c30x GBBG, c400x LBBG, 25x Herring Gull, 18x Curlew, 11x Snipe, c250x Lapwing, 25x Wigeon, 16x Gadwall, 18x Pochard, c100x Skylark at Small Meadows, c10000x Starling - fantastic murmuration tonight. (JWo)

Monday 28th November 2016

Cheadle
2x Waxwing still along Tean Road opposite the Co op mid day (@rpintean)

Upper Longdon
Hawfinch still today (Louie)

Hawfinch - Louie

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still (@PhilLocker)

Ford Green Hall
Shoveler and a Goosander (CB

Hanchurch Woods
6x Crossbill along top track from car park towards the water tower (SSe)

Meir Park
2x Willow Tit near Stroud Close (ARa)

Barton Marina
3x Goosander, 23x Wigeon (JWo)

Doxey Marsh
Little Egret, 14x Goosander, 3x Stonechat, 2x Cetti's Warbler (@DoxeyBirder)

Sunday 27th November 2016

Upper Longdon
6x Hawfinch still at 11:00 also  2x Crossbill in larches by Horse Pasture Pool (@rpintean) also 15x Crossbill along track from car park (DFo)

Chasewater
Red-breasted Merganser still off the dam (Birdguides) also 2x Caspian Gull (adult and subadult), 4x Yellow-legged Gull (3 adult and 3w) in roost (@CWG_sightings)

Cheadle
2x Waxwing still on Tean Road by Co-op (@philjo61)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present (NJS, @JohnMathers1)

I54
Female Peregrine, 2x Stonechat, c1000 Chaffinch, 10x Redwing, c400 Pied Wagtail and c200 Meadow Pipit (@136jamie)

Rocester
7x Goosander (TEy)

Saturday 26th November 2016

Upper Longdon
Hawfinch still present this morning 250 yards down track from car park (IBu) 5x Hawfinch & c5 Crossbill over later (@TameBirding) also 11x Crossbill further along track near Horse Pasture Pool (PBe)

Chasewater Res
Female Red-breasted Merganser off dam wall this morning (GJM)

Branston GP
42x Wigeon, 36x Gadwall, 10x Shoveler, 28x Pochard. Gull roost - adult Caspian Gull, c80x GBBG, c60x Herring Gull, 16x Golden Plover, 1x Redshank, 17x Curlew, 2x Ruff, 5x Snipe, 4x Water Rail, 2x Stonechat, 60x Redwing, 2x Raven (DSc)

Hanchurch Woods
26x Crossbill from top path by Dukes Lodge (HF,SE)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Redhead Smew still in SE corner, Common Sandpiper on Dam and several hundred Redwing this morning (@BelvideBirding)

Cheadle
2x Waxwing in the town by the Co-op (DCh) 4x Waxwing on Tean Road (TEy)

Rudyard
Single Waxwing drinking water from farm track at 11.10, 350x Redwing, 18x Siskin  (SSe)

Radford Meadows
Wood Sandpiper, 3x Ruff, 33x Snipe, 10x Golden Plover, 486x Lapwing, 11x Pintail, 47x Shoveler, 450x Wigeon & 250x Teal (@RobSwift5)

Tamworth
Great White Egret over Amington at 12.46 (@TameBirding)

Gailey Res
3x Shoveler, Teal, drake Goldeneye, 5x Pochard, Tawny Owl, 2x Raven, 4x Brambling (@TheSnapper1978)

Whitemoor Haye
400x Wigeon, 16x Pochard, 30x Shoveler, Goldeneye, 50x Teal, 400x Lapwing, 3x Tree Sparrow (@{BirderAlrewas)

Westport Lake
Imm Long-tailed Duck still present. Also 3w YLG (CJW)

Uttoxeter
41x Pink-footed Geese SW over racecourse at 10:15hrs. Also 3x Raven (KWim)

Friday 25th November 2016

Chasewater
Female Red Breasted Merganser by the water ski area (@CWG_sightings.  DLe)  -  Adult and 1w Caspian Gull, 3x YL Gull - 2 adults and a 2w (@CWG_sightings)

Red-breasted Merganser - Derek Lees

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Great White Egret flew thru SE at 11:40 also Smew still SE corner, 3x Whooper Swan thru to SE at 15:53 (@BelvideBirding)

Upper Longdon
Hawfinch still, Bramblings, Crossbills (@brianbeecee.  DR)

Hanchurch
7x Crossbill (@brianbeecee)

Cheadle
2x Waxwing by the COOP (DCh)

Barton Marina
4x Goosander (JWo)

Thursday 24th November 2016

Community Noticeboard

Some of you may be aware that there is a proposal to build a massive rail freight hub in the vicinty of Gailey Resvs. We've been contacted by the group fighting the proposals and more will be posted on here soon. For starters, here is a link to their website here

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
2x Slavonian Grebe from Scott hide (@BelvideBirding) - Redhead Smew still in SE corner (RCB)

Upper Longdon
5x Hawfinch in beeches (@RegDavies5) - 7x Hawfinch later 12:30  flew north from orange coloured field.

Hanchurch Woods
9x Crossbill near top track (GSa)

Middleton Lakes
3x drake Pintail on North Pit (@RSPBMiddleton)

Chasewater
Adult and 1w Caspian Gull, 2x adult YL Gull and adult Med Gull in the roost

Branston GP
5x Redshank, 15x Curlew, 2x Water Rail, 42x Gadwall, 23x Pochard, 21x Shoveler, 40x Wigeon (JW)

Wednesday 23rd November 2016

Upper Longdon
7x Hawfinch still early afternoon c50m from the car park.

Cannock Chase
20x Crossbill at Horsepasture Covert (GJM)

Cuckoo Bank
13x Redpoll, 3x Siskin, 3x Yellowhammer, 9x Skylark, c150 Fieldfare, c 80 Redwing (GHa)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
redhead Smew again, 2x Scaup but no sign of the Black-necked Grebe (@BelvideBirding)

Tuesday 22nd November 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Imm Great Northern Diver from Chappell hide, later flew west at 16:15 also Black-necked Grebe still (@BelvideBirding)

Great Northern Diver - Steve Nuttall

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present this morning plus 5x Wigeon (CJW)

Hanbury
2x Marsh Tit along Wood Lane. opposite Greaves Wood, amongst a mixed flock of Tits (JWo)

Upper Longdon
6x Brambling but no sign of Hawfinch (@chrisvaghela)

Monday 21st November 2016

                                                       Community Noticeboard

WMBC Blithfield Reserve

A meeting will take place on Tuesday 13th December 2016 at

The Haling Dene Centre, Cannock Road, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5DT

In Room 24 - 19.30 start

All WMBC members who bird at Blithfield are encouraged to attend this meeting to discuss future management of the reserve.  

Coffee/Tea and biscuits will be served on arrival.

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
1w drake Green-winged Teal still also Black-necked Grebe and Common Sandpiper (@BelvideBirding)   

Middleton Lakes
Great White Egret on Jubilee, 200x Golden Plover (@RSPBMiddleton)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present this morning (CJW)

Bateswood CP
4x Goosander (GSa)

Trentham Gardens
Little Egret (MJW)

Sunday 20th November 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
1w drake Green-winged Teal on SW shore also the Black-necked Grebe still, Cetti's and Common Sandpiper (@BelvideBirding, @TheMoorhen)

Green-winged Teal - Steve Nuttall

Upper Longdon
7x Hawfinch with Bramblings in Beeches (@ArtherBlaydon)

Hednesford
4x Waxwing still at Pye Green at 11:18 near temp traffic lights near Common View Road.

Wolseley Centre
Red Kite over at 13:00 (@JohnMathers1)

Gailey
1x Black Swan, Goldeneye (@Snapper)

Cheadle
1x Waxwing this afternoon by the sidings (DCh)

Aqualate
1x redhead Smew, female Scaup this morning (PJord). Also YLG, 6x Water Rail, Cetti's, 952x Wigeon, 270x Mute Swan, 1800+ Coot (@ScottoftheSlimbridge)

Chasewater
3x Caspian Gulls (1w, 3w, adult), 2x YLG (3w, adult), adult Med Gull (@CWG_sightings)

Bent Lane, Whitmore (Meece Brook)
450+ LBBG, 35x Lapwing, 1x YLG, 1x Tree Sparrow (@Grizz)

Westport Lake
Imm Long-tailed Duck still present

Saturday 19th November 2016

Doxey Marshes
2x Little Egret, Redshank, 2x Stonechat, 15x Shoveler, 28x Gadwall (@RobSwift5)

Chasewater
1x Black Swan, 23x Goosander on swag. In the roost - adult Caspian Gull, adult YLG and 2x Mediterranean Gulls (@CWG_sightings)

Norton
12x Waxwing on Burntwood Road (@CWG_sightings)

Pye Green, Hednesford
4x Waxwing still present (@VariousYamYamBirders)

Aqualate
5x Whooper Swan (2 adults / 3y) this morning (PJord)

Upper Longdon
1x Hawfinch again in beeches (GJM)

Belvide (WMBC members only)
1x Black-necked Grebe, 1x Common Sandpiper, 1x Smew (@BelvideBirder. RCB)

Gailey
4x Pochard, Water Rail, drake Brambling (@TheSnapper)

Uttoxeter Quarry
20x Dunlin, 20x Golden Plover, 8x Green Sandpiper, 12x Snipe, 3x Shelduck, 56x Shoveler (@rpintean)

Beaudesert Golf Course
1x Mealy Redpoll with one Lesser Redpoll in area opposite entrance to golf course (GJM)

Radford Meadows, Stafford
166x Wigeon, 2x Stonechat (@RobSwift5)

Westport Lake
Imm Long-tailed Duck still present (@LTDfanclub)

i54
Jack Snipe, 4x Snipe, 3x Stonechat, 16x Teal, Willow Tit, Grey Wagtail (JDu Foz)

Silverdale CP
3x Snipe, 1x Stonechat (GSa)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
1x Wood Sandpiper, 1x Ruff, many Golden Plover in flight between the two bays (@BitVagueSorry)

Branston GP
adult Caspian Gull roosted with c80 GBBG, c200x LBBG, 1x Common Gull, 1x Woodcock, 2x Water Rail, 15x Gadwall, 30x Wigeon, hybrid Ruddy Shelduck type, 18x Curlew, 2x Ruff,  (DSc)

Knypersley Resv
2x Brambling, 2x Goosander (GBr)

Friday 18th November 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Redhead Smew still SE corner, Black-necked Grebe (@paulsmith15363)

Blithfield Res (WMBC members only)
Wood Sandpiper still, 3x Ruff, 33x Dunlin, 842x Golden Plover, 9x Goosander, 2x Shelduck (HF SE)

Hednesford
4x Waxwing at Pye Green (@GeorgiaLocock)

Chasewater
Adult Caspian Gull, adult and 3w YL Gull in roost (@CWG_sightings)

Ford Green NR
9x Goosander on main lake (JJo)

Thursday 17th November 2016

Branston GPs
Black-throated Diver still this morning.

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still present today on main lake

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Redhead Smew & Black-necked Grebe still present (BB)

Chasewater Res
Adult Caspian Gull in roost tonight (@CWG_sightings)

Cuckoo Bank
Peregrine, 15x Fieldfare, c.30 Redwing, 18x Skylark, 5x Meadow Pipit, 4x Bullfinch, 4x Goldcrest, 2x Reed Bunting, a mixed flock of  c30 Lesser Redpoll/Siskin (GHa)

Wednesday 16th November 2016

Community Noticeboard

RSPB Indoor Meeting on 16th November 2016

KEITH OFFORD - The Teardrop of India

Medical Institute (Conference Centre

Hartshill  19.30 start

Contact Geoff Sales - 01782 618152 for further information

Branston Gravel Pits

Black-throated Diver still on Southern Pit, please stick to footpaths, this is a working pit, CCTV and security are patrolling the area.

Westport Lake

Long-tailed Duck still present on main lake this morning (@PhilLocker)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Redhead Smew still, also 1st winter drake Scaup, 92x Goldeneye & Black-necked Grebe (@BelvideBirding)

Tuesday 15th November 2016

Community Noticeboard

RSPB Indoor Meeting on 16th November 2016

KEITH OFFORD - The Teardrop of India

Medical Institute (Conference Centre

Hartshill  19.30 start

Contact Geoff Sales - 01782 618152 for further information

Branston GPs
Black-throated Diver still on south pit (@tonyjac_tony) This is a working gravel pit please keep to public footpaths.

Blithfield Resv
800+ Golden Plover, 58x Dunlin, Wood Sandpiper, 2x Snipe, adult Caspian Gull (GJM). Also 3x Ruff (PDa)

Westport Lake
Long-tailed Duck still (@PhilLocker)

Cheadle
Up to 7x Waxwings at the Sidings (@tonyjac_tony. @ArtherBlaydon)

Weston Heights Estate (Stoke-on-Trent)
1x Little Egret (SCo)

Radford Meadows
160+ Wigeon, 100+ Teal (@RegDavies5)

Monday 14th November 2016

Branston Gravel Pits
Black-throated Diver still on Southern Pit all day, please keep to footpaths as this is a working pit (@BirderAlrewas). Also PM saw adult Caspian Gull, 105x Golden Plover, 3x Ruff, 15x Snipe, 15x Curlew, 25x Pochard, 14x Gadwall, c40x Wigeon, 3x Water Rail, 9x GBBG (JW)

Westport Lake
Immature Long-tailed Duck still present to 16:00hrs at least, also 3x Wigeon & Water Rail (CJW)

Cheadle 
6x Waxwing present still at The Sidings by Cheadle High School (PSalt)

Stourton
Waxwing in bushes around Springfield Stables on Prestwood Drive (AHa)

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
813x Golden Plover this morning (GJM)

River Blithe bewtween Caverswall and Weston Coyney
1x Little Egret (SCo)

Sunday 13th November 2016

Branston Gravel Pits
Black-throated Diver on Southern Pit this afternoon and still present at dusk, also 38x Little Grebe, 45x Wigeon, 15x Gadwall, 21x Pochard, 4x Ruff, 18x Curlew, c400 Lapwing, 2x Tawny Owl, Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler, 8x Lesser Redpoll, 3x Yellowhammer & c10,000 Starling roosted (DSc, JW). Don't forget this is a working pit with CCTV and security guards. You must keep to the public footpaths running through the area.

Westport Lake
Immature Long-tailed Duck on main lake. Third record for the lake following birds in 1976 and 1988 (CJW)

Long-tailed Duck - Dave Kelsall

Cheadle
6x Waxwing still at The Sidings by Cheadle High School (TEy AEa IBu)

Swallow Moss
Great Grey Shrike still at 12.30 opposite Fernyford Farm below Lum Edge (BMa)

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
Wood Sandpiper, 65x Dunlin, 3x Ruff, 100x Golden Plover (@julianallen2009) also Knot, Common Scoter & immature Whooper Swan (@gwrsv)

Chasewater
6x YLG (3x adult, 4w, 3w & 2w), adult Caspian Gull, 2x adult Med Gulls roosted, also 2x Common Scoter (@CWG_sightings_24hrsaday)

Doxey Marshes
In flooded fields west of M6 - 102x Golden Plover, 2x fem Pintail, Green Sandpiper. Main site - 2+ Cetti's Warbler, 10x Gadwall (AHa)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Great White Egret, 3x Shelduck & c100 Golden Plover on Jubilee Wetlands (@onionsargey) also Merlin (@briza_kat) also 6x Snipe, 5x Goldeneye, Pochard & Woodcock (@AndrewH98097400)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Smew, Common Scoter and Black-necked Grebe all still present this morning, Common Sandpiper on dam equals latest site record (@BelvideBirding)

Chasewater Res
2x Common Scoter (RSo)

Gailey Res
2x juvenile Scaup still this morning, also 3x female Goosander, 3x Teal, Shoveler, c60 Tufted Duck, 2x Pochard & 2x Raven (@TheSnapper1978)

Radford Meadows
161x Wigeon, 91x Teal, 48x Lapwing & 5x Snipe (@RegDavies5)

Consall
2x Crossbill over West at midday (DSc)

i54
Jack Snipe, Willow Tit, Water Rail, 7x Snipe, 2x Kingfisher, 17x Teal, Green Woodpecker (Foz JD)

Whitemoor Haye
8x Little Egret, 44x Wigeon, c780 Lapwing, 67x Teal & c20 Skylark (@BirderAlrewas)

Apedale / Silverdale CP
4x Siskin (PCa), Stonechat (PCa). Also 1x juv YLG, 10x Teal (PJ)

Saturday 12th November 2016

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
2x Slavonian Grebe Tad Bay (per GJM)  -  61x Dunlin, 3x Ruff, 30x Golden Plover, 60x Shoveler, 280x Teal (@rpintean)  -  Also Wood Sandpiper still, 2x Knot, Common Scoter, Whooper Swan, 232x Golden Plover. 18x Goldeneye, 5x Little Grebe, 2x Shelduck (HF SE)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Redhead Smew still, Common Scoter, 1w drake Scaup, Black-necked Grebe, Pintail (@BelvideBirding)

Aqualate
3x Bewick's Swan this afternoon (@Ian_m_grant)

Cheadle
5x Waxwing still on the Sidings cul de sac at 11:15 by the High school (@rpintean)

Terry Eyre

Middleton Lakes
Knot on Jubilee (GWi) -  Great White Egret, c260 Golden Plover (@Atkinson_steve)

Uttoxeter Quarry
24x Dunlin, 5x Green Sandpiper, 23x Snipe, Goosander, 2x Shelduck, 4x Pochard, 8x Wigeon, 37x Shoveler, 198x Teal (@rpintean)

Chasewater Res
2x Common Scoter, adult Caspian Gull, 2nd winter & adult Yellow-legged Gull (@CWG_sightings)

Gailey Resv
2x juv fem Scaup on fishing pool (@TheSnapper)

Tucklesholme
Great White Egret main pit, Common Sandpiper, 2x Green Sandpiper (MPa)

Branston Gravel Pits
Shelduck, c50 Wigeon, c200 Teal, 17x Snipe, Ruff, c400 Lapwing, Woodcock, Peregrine, c700 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 30x Great Black-backed Gull, 35x Herring Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2x Stonechat, Tawny Owl, c5,000 Starling, Barn Owl & 2x Pipistrelle Bat (DSc)

Radford Meadows
c250 Wigeon, 39x Teal & 49x Lapwing (RegDavies5)

Friday 11th November 2016

Swallow Moss
Great Grey Shrike still by Fernyford Farm (SGi)

Great Grey Shrike - Steve Gibson

Cheadle
5x Waxwing at the high school (DCh

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Red head Smew still present plus Black-necked Grebe & Black-tailed Godwit (@paulsmith15363)

Chasewater Res
Long-eared Owl, 2x Barn Owl & Tawny Owl seen during a 2am drive around, in this evenings roost adult Caspian Gull, 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull & 2x Common Scoter (@CWG_sightings)

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
Common Scoter, Pintail, 230x Shoveler, 76x Dunlin, 100x Golden Plover, Ruff & 4x Jack Snipe (@scaupface)

Tittesworth Res
Common Scoter this morning (SGi)

Uttoxeter Quarry
20x Dunlin, c8 Green Sandpiper, c40 Snipe (@SteveJTurner76)

Brookleys Lake
c90 Mandarin Duck (@SteveJTurner76)

Trentham Gardens
6x Mandarin Duck, 5x Tufted Duck, 3x Gadwall, Shoveler, Little Egret (MPa)

Thursday 10th November 2016

Middleton Lakes
2x Great White Egret on Jubilee this morning (@atkinson_steve)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Knot still to early afternoon only, Black-necked Grebe, Common Scoter.

Wednesday 9th November 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
10x imm/fem Common Scoter, Redhead Smew still SE corner, 1st win Little Gull thru at 09:20, Black-necked Grebe still, Knot north shore, Redshank, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper (@BelvideBirding)

Silverdale CP
Adult Caspian Gull again on the Void also 3x Dunlin (NDP)

Tuesday 8th November 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Redhead Smew in SE corner off the dam, Black-necked Grebe still (@BelvideBirder)

Branston GP
Ruff, 2x Snipe, 2x Goldeneye, Shelduck, 25x Wigeon, 6x Shoveler, Cetti's Warbler (JW)

Monday 7th November 2016

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Female Marsh Harrier over north pit (@RSPBMiddleton)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Juv Whooper Swan, Wood Sandpiper, 7x Ruff, 48x Dunlin, 12x Snipe, 13x Goldeneye, 5x Shelduck,  20x Golden Plover  (HF SE)

Swallow Moss
Great Grey Shrike still near Great Fernyford farm.

Sunday 6th November 2016

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Little Stint & Black-necked Grebe still present plus 3x Scaup & c4163 Woodpigeon though (@BelvideBirdng)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Great White Egret on East side of North Pit, 4x Dunlin, 2x Shelduck & 3x Stonechat on Jubilee Wetlands (@onionsargey)

Silverdale CP
Adult Caspian Gull on the Void plus 8x Teal (@philjo61)

Hanchurch Hills
24x Crossbill at 14.00 (GSa)

Iverley
8x Whooper Swan over Sugar Loaf farm at 11:25 (@StourBirder)

Uttoxeter Quarry
Black-tailed Godwit, 6x Dunlin, 2x Green Sandpiper, 17x Snipe & Little Egret (@rpintean)

I54
2x Jack Snipe, 5x Snipe, Water Rail, Peregrine, Stonechat, 2x Green Woodpecker, Kingfisher & Redwing (@136jamie)

Dimmingsdale
9x Raven, c100 Redwing, 40x Fieldfare, 17x Redpoll & c1,000's Woodpigeon moving West (TEy)

Doxey Marshes
2x Little Egret, 2x Water Rail, 2x Common Gull, c10 Fieldfare, c10 Redwing & Kingfisher (GHa)

Branston GP
17x Curlew, Redshank, 8x Ruff, Green Sandpiper (DSc)

Saturday 5th November 2016

Uttoxeter Quarry
6x Dunlin, 4x Green Sandpiper, 21x Snipe, 5x Goosander, 14x Shoveler, Goldeneye, 2x Pochard, 12x Wigeon, 124x Teal (@rpintean)

Chasewater Res
Female Common Scoter, adult Caspian Gull, adult Mediterranean Gull & 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull (@julianallen2009)

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
Wood Sandpiper still in Tad Bay, c300 Golden Plover, 30x Dunlin & 7x Goosander (@julianallen2009)

Tucklesholme
2x Stonechat, female Goosander, 3x Teal & c100 Linnet (MPa)

i54
3x Stonechat, 20x Yellowhammer, 30x Meadow Pipit, Raven (Foz)

Friday 4th November 2016

Belvide Resv
3x Whopper Swans (first since Jan 2013) till 5pm then flew off east, also Purple Sandpiper, Little Stint, Black-necked Grebe (@BelvideBirding)

Cannock Chase
Waxwing heard flying high over Castle Ring this morning (JemCoral)

Doxey
10x Snipe, 3x Goosander, 20x Shoveler, Stonechat, Little Egret (MPa)

Branston GP
9x Ruff, 3x Redshank, 18x Curlew, Dunlin, Pintail, 4x Goldeneye, 2x Shelduck, 62x Wigeon, 14x Shoveler, 2x Water Rail, 2x Stonechat, c40x Skylark, c40x Little Grebe (JW, DSc)

Thursday 3rd November 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Purple Sandpiper still on north shore, Little Stint, imm drake Common Scoter, Black-necked Grebe, 66x Goldeneye (@BelvideBirding)

Purple Sandpiper at Belvide by Steve Nuttall

Tittesworth Resv
2x adult winter Kittiwake, Goldeneye but no further sign of the reported Ring-necked Duck (SGi)

Trentham Gardens
3x Pintail (1m,2f) flew over, 6x Brambling in Beeches on NW side, 5x Teal flew off (@tighthead22)

Wednesday 2nd November 2016

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Velvet Scoter from the forward hide Tad Bay then flew out of the bay and not subsequently seen again (PH per RBe)  -  Imm Whooper Swan Blithe Bay (MPR GJM)

Tittesworth Resv
Purple Sandpiper opposite island from first car park (@tonyjac_tony)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Purple Sandpiper still from Gazebo Bay (@BelvideBirding). Also Little Stint, Black-necked Grebe, Egyptian Goose and 2x Scaup this morning (PDe)

Aqualate
Fem/imm Long tailed Duck still (@chrisvaghela)

Silverdale CP
1x Stonechat (PSw)

Tuesday 1st November 2016

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Purple Sandpiper still present on North Shore (@paulsmith15363) also Little Stint, 2x Scaup & Black-necked Grebe (@BelvideBirding)

Hanchurch Hills
7x Whooper Swan over at 12.15 heading ESE, also Stonechat (GSa)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
12x Crossbill over Broompits Tad Bay (GJM)

Branston Gravel Pits
Redshank, 2x Dunlin, 11x Curlew, 296x Lapwing, 20x Snipe, Shelduck, 4x Pintail, 2x Goldeneye, 2x Egyptian Geese, 16x Pochard, 10x Gadwall, 56x Wigeon, 21x Shoveler, 4x Stonechat, Raven, juvenile Peregrine, c25 Skylark & c1000 Starling (JWo)

Monday 31st October 2016

Community Noticeboard

Tuesday 1st November 2016 - the Stafford Branch WMBC opens it's winter season with a talk by Jeff Clarke entitled - Stand Up for Nature. Meet at Perkins Sports & Social Club ST16 3UB - follow the arrows to the wooden building - 730pm for a prompt 7.45pm start

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Purple Sandpiper on north shore opposite Gazebo hide this afternoon also Little Stint, 2x Scaup, Black-necked Grebe (@BelvideBirding)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Adult Caspian Gull plus a probable 2nd winter, adult YL Gull and a 2nd winter (GJM)

Hanchurch Woods (Lower car park)
10x Brambling, 6x Crossbill, 30x Siskin (@brianbeecee)

Tittesworth Resv
Kittiwake still, 28x Snipe, 166x Lapwing, 2x Gadwall, 4x Pochard, 15x Wigeon, 22x Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, Little Grebe (SGi)

Codsall
2x Ring-necked Parakeets late afternoon by Co-op car park (per@TheMoorhen)

Sunday 30th October 2016

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Grey Phalarope in Tad Bay at 08:55 and present from 14:20hrs to dusk (GJM). Also 1x Wood Sandpiper still, Ruff, 328x Golden Plover, 20x Dunlin, 8x Snipe, 186x Shoveler, 2x Shelduck, 2x YLG (ad, 3w) (@rpintean, @Snapper, @Jules et al)

Aqualate
Fem type Long-tailed Duck present this morning. Also 9x Common Scoter (@Ian_m_grant)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
1w Caspian Gull, 8x fem Common Scoter, Jack Snipe, Little Stint, 2x Scaup, Black-necked Grebe (@BelvideBirding)

Tittesworth
3x Common Scoter (2m1f) and 1w Kittiwake still present (@tonyjac_tonyjacjacjacjac)

Uttoxeter Quarry
1x Common Sandpiper, 6x Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, 22x Snipe, Goldeneye, 14x Goosander, 2x Wigeon (@rpintean)

Gailey Resv
No sign of Scaup. 5x Pochard, Water Rail, Redpoll over (@Snapper)

Stone
c100 Pink-footed Geese heading E at 15:00hrs and c80 heading SE at 15:30pm (DEm)

Stoke on Trent
125x Pink-footed Geese south over Blurton  at 11:45 (@tighthead22)

Cannock Chase
12+ Brambling near Old Beaudesert Forest. Also Crossbill (JCor)

i54
3x Stonechat, 25x Yellowhammer (MFo JDu)

Saturday 29th October 2016

Swallow Moss
Great Grey Shrike still present at midday in small trees in the middle of Swallow Moss but mobile (AL)

Tittesworth
Kittiwake still present (AL)

Jackson's Bank
c100x Pink-footed Geese over in two groups at 16:04 (JW)

Branston GP
4x Pintail, 52x Wigeon, 24x Shoveler, c200x Teal, 29x Gadwall, 4x Dunlin, 9x Ruff, 96x Golden Plover, 20x Snipe, 2x Curlew, 47x Fieldfare, 3x Stonechat (DSc)

Burton Trent Washlands
3x Little Grebe, 3x Goosander, c25x Goldcrest, 20x Siskin, 1x Redpoll (DSc)

Blithfield (WMBC members only)
1x Wood Sandpiper, 201x Golden Plover, 1x Ruff, 20x Dunlin, 1x Goosander, 6x Snipe (HF, SE, GHa)

Hanchurch Woods
c50x Brambling, 2x Raven, c20x Crossbill, 150x Fieldfare (AEa, IBu)

Upper Longdon
Hawfinch in beech trees 200m from Startley Lane

Gailey
imm fem Scaup on sailing lake late morning (@Snapper)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)  
1x Little Stint on north shore, 1x Black-necked Grebe, juv Scaup, 5x Brambling thru (@BelvideBirding)

Whitemoor Haye
19x Wigeon, 5x Little Egret, 94x Cormorant, 14x Skylark, c50x Tree Sparrow (@AlrewasKid)

Knypersley Resv
1x Chiffchaff, 1x Wigeon (GBr)

Friday 28th October 2016

Swallow Moss
Great Grey Shrike at 14.45 in dead tree just before farm on Reapsmoor Road (HWi)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Juvenile Little Stint, Black-necked Grebe & juvenile Scaup still present this afternoon (@BelvideBirding)

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
Wood Sandpiper, 50x Golden Plover, 30x Dunlin, Shelduck, Ruff, 2x Little Grebe, 2x Snipe & 2x Goldeneye (PDa)

Hanchurch Woods
12x Crossbill & 10x Brambling (SE, HF)

Uttoxeter Quarry
Common Sandpiper, 2x Green Sandpiper, 5x Snipe, Goldeneye, 10x Goosander, Shelduck, 8x Shoveler, 2x Gadwall & adult Yellow-legged Gull (@rpintean)

I54
c5 Stonechat (JDu)

Thursday 27th October 2016

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Little Stint on North Shore, also juvenile Scaup & Black-necked Grebe still (@BelvideBirding)

Silverdale CP
2nd winter Mediterranean Gull & adult Caspian Gull this afternoon (@SteveJTurner76)

Branston Gravel Pits
2x Redshank, 3x Ruff, 2x Golden Plover, 2x Curlew, 19x Snipe, c400 Lapwing, 5x Pintail, Goldeneye, 62x Wigeon, 24x Gadwall, 21x Shoveler, c20 Pochard, c40 Little Grebe, Water Rail, Great Black-backed Gull, 131x Lesser Black-backed Gull, Peregrine, Stonechat, c40 Skylark (JWo)

Radford Meadows
Little Egret (@RegDavies5)

Wednesday 26th October 2016

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Rock Pipit, Wood Sandpiper, 22x Dunlin, 1x Ruff, 2x Brambling, 179x Golden Plover, 2x Goldeneye, 75x Shoveler, Brambling, ( SE, HF, PBe).

Chasewater
2x Caspian Gull (adult and 1w), 3x YLG (2 ad and 3w) in roost. Ring-necked Parakeet at 17:45hrs (@CWG_sightings)

Middleton Lakes
Jack Snipe, 10x Common Snipe, 40x Golden Plover, 200x Lapwing (@RSPBMiddleton). Also Pintail, 87x Golden Plover, Little Egret, 3x Water Rail (JW)

Silverdale CP
Adult Caspian Gull still on the Void (NDP) until 15:15 when it flew off E. No sign any Pink-footed Geese in area this afternoon (RBu)

Hanchurch Woods
50+ Brambling still, 7x Crossbill, 20x Redpoll (AEa)

Branston GP
2x Raven, 22x Little Grebe, 19x Shoveler, 4x Curlew, 5x Pintail, 5x Golden Plover (@nocreditRichard)

Cannock Chase
12x Brambling around Pepper Slade and Marquis Drive also a Stonechat (GWR)

Tuesday 25th October 2016

Branston GP
3x Redshank, Ruff, 18x Curlew, c20x Snipe, 3x Pintail, 59x Wigeon, 21x Gadwall, 17x Pochard, c20x Shoveler, 2x Water Rail, c500x Starling (JW)

Silverdale CP
Adult Caspian Gull (NDP) still at the Void also 5x Greylag Geese over NE (GHW)

Hanchurch Woods
100+ Brambling still in Beeches aligning the road near the Lower car park late afternoon - SJ833393 - also 6x Crossbill (AEa)

Between Rushton and Biddulph
c10x Brambling on the lane (ALo)

Burston
10x Teal, 2x Shoveler, Little Egret (MPa)

Monday 24th October 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Probable Richards Pipit flew SW at 12:55 also Black-necked Grebe and Scaup still

Ingestre
c45 Pink-footed Geese over SE at 11.20 (RCB)

Silverdale CP
Adult Caspian Gull on the Void this afternoon (SJT)

Hanchurch Woods
c160 Brambling bottom car park (HF SE)

Gailey Resv
14x Little Grebe, 23x G c Grebe, 3x Gadwall (@TheMoorhen)

Sunday 23rd October 2016

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Juvenile Scaup & Black-necked Grebe this morning (@BelvideBirding)

Blithfield Res (WMBC Members Only)
Great White Egret still Tad Bay Ruff, YL Gull, 2x Shelduck (@rpintean)
130x Golden Plover, 18x Dunlin, Redshank, Great White Egret, 5x Snipe, 2x Little Egret, Peregrine & 2x Goosander (PDa)

Middleton Lakes RSPB
Great White Egret on Jubilee Wetlands this morning (@wizz15) also 6x Golden Plover &  3x Pintail (@onionsargey)

Branston GPs
Jack Snipe, 12x Common Snipe, 5x Pintail, 36x Shoveler, 250x Teal, 28x Gadwall, 72x Wigeon, 220x Lapwing. imm Peregrine, Stonechat (DSc)

Swallow Moss
Male Hen Harrier near the farm drive by layby late afternoon.

Chasewater
1w Caspian Gull in the roost (@CWG_sightings)

Baswich
73x Pink-footed Geese high SW at 09.25 (@RobSwift5)

Uttoxeter Quarry
Common Sandpiper, 2x Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, 8x Snipe, 2x Goldeneye, 12x Goosander, 2x Shoveler & 22x Fieldfare (@rpintean)

Whitemoor Haye
187x Lapwing, 182x Cormorant, 20x Wigeon, 57x Linnet, 10x Little Egret, Grey Wagtail, 61x Fieldfare, 12x Tree Sparrow, 20x Yellowhammer, 11x Collared Dove, 43x Stock Dove, Kestrel & Redwing (@BirderAlrewas)

i54
Jack Snipe, 2x Stonechat, 6x Common Snipe, Peregrine, Grey Wagtail, 2x RL Partridge, Green Woodpecker, 120x Lapwing, 12x Yellowhammer, 6x Teal, 30x Meadow Pipit, 70x Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker, 6x Teal, 3x Siskin, 4x Goldcrest, Raven (Foz. JDu)

Croxall Lakes
1x Merlin (SCa)

Hanchurch Woods
3x Crossbill near the lower car park (TRo)

Saturday 22nd October 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
2x juv Scaup and Black-necked Grebe still, 70x Pink-footed Geese over west at 09:30, 4x Brambling thru (@BelvideBirding)

Stafford
c80 Pink-footed Geese over Baswich NW at 10:15 (ABa)

Hem Heath
c100 Pink-footed Geese over NW (as per DEm)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Great White Egret still Blithe Bay, 9x Golden Plover, 4x Dunlin Tad Bay (RCB)

Burston Marsh
19x Teal, 2x Shoveler, 9x Snipe & 22x Pied Wagtail (AEa)

Dimmingsdale
2x Brambling & 20x Lesser Redpoll (TEy)

Friday 21st October 2016

Westport Lake
2x Redshank briefly plus 56x Jackdaw & c375 Woodpigeon over SW (CJW, NJS)

Whitemoor Haye
9x Little Egret this afternoon (@BirderAlrewas)

Thursday 20th October 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
2x Juv female Scaup and Black-necked Grebe in south east bay (@BelvideBirding)

Branston GP
108x Golden Plover, 15x Curlew, 2x Ruff, c10x Snipe, 5x Pintail, 35x Gadwall, 75x Wigeon, 36x Shoveler, 3x Stonechat (JW)

Caverswall Marsh
2x Jack Snipe, 20x Common Snipe and 60+ Pink-footed Geese over east at 10:20 (CO. GB.)

Tittesworth Resv
Kittiwake mid afternoon also 17x Whooper Swan.

Uttoxeter Quarry
15x Whooper Swan (RPo)

Chucklesholme
5x Ruff, 2x Dunlin, 1x Green Sandpiper (AG)

Trentham Gdns
2x Black Swan, at least 22x Mandarin (GSa)

Cannock Chase
3x Stonechat, 200x Fieldfare (RWi)

Wednesday 19th October 2015

Belvide Resv
1x Wheatear on north shore, 1x Curlew Sandpiper, 1x Black-necked Grebe (@BelvideBirding)

Branston GP
3x Pintail, 12x Brambling, 5x Raven, 14x Pochard, 2x Stonechat, 2x Golden Plover (++3181)

Hanchurch Woods
6x Crossbill near lower car park (@tighthead22)

Tuesday 18th October 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Curlew Sandpiper and Black-necked Grebe still also drake Mandarin, 7x Pintail (@BelvideBirding)

Middleton Lakes RSPB)
36x Golden Plover, Pintail (@onionsargey)

Monday 17th October 2016

Blithfield Resv
NO SIGN of any CATTLE EGRETS this morning but near-adult Caspian Gull present (GJM. MPR) (WMBC members only)

Trentham Gardens
 Dipper, 2x Grey Wagtail, 5x Mandarin (MPa)

Branston GP
Golden Plover, 4x Ruff, Green Sandpiper, 15x Curlew, 4x Pintail, Little Egret, 16x Pochard, 45x Gadwall, 66x Wigeon, 34x Shoveler (JW)

Ford Green-Chatfield Valley
Stonechat, 2x Shoveler, Teal (JJo)

North Staffs Moors
1x Hen Harrier (PCa) 

Sunday 16th October 2016

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
4x Cattle Egrets below the dam (GJM. AM. EH.)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Firecrest by the ringing station at 14:15, Rock Pipit on shingle island also Curlew Sandpiper and Black-necked Grebe

Aqualate
Imm Marsh Harrier also 18x Pintail (Ian_m_grant)

Alrewas GPs
Whooper Swan, Cetti's Warbler (@BirderAlrewas)

Branston GP
Pintail, c60x Wigeon, 32x Shoveler, 28x Gadwall, 17x Curlew, 2x Water Rail (DSc) 

Dimmingsdale
200+ Redwing, 10x Fieldfare (TEy)

Saturday 15th October 2016

Bobbington
Red Kite over The Mere at 16.15 (@broadwayeight)

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Black-necked Grebe, 52x Great Crested Grebe, Ruff, Redshank, 6x Pintail, 81x Gadwall, 36x Shoveler, 17x Goldeneye, 102x Wigeon, Chiffchaff & 55x Fieldfare (BB)

Silverdale CP
Whinchat in the Void area (PSw)

Friday 14th October 2016

Ipstones Edge
Short-eared Owl & Stonechat (DCh)

Whitfield Valley
2x Stonechat, 3x Reed Bunting, 4x Meadow Pipit, 35x Jackdaw & Kingfisher (JJo)

Dimmingsdale
c150 Redwing, 3x Fieldfare & 2x Swallow (TEy)

Thursday 13th October 2016

Aqualate
Imm Marsh Harrier this morning (@NandanNick)

Belvide Resv
Curlew Sandpiper on north shore (@BelvideBirding)

Branston Gravel Pits
Pink-footed Goose, 3x Green Sandpiper, 10x Curlew, c10 Snipe, Little Egret, 70x Wigeon, 58x Shoveler, 25x Gadwall, 14x Pochard, 40x Little Grebe, 60x Fieldfare, c100 Redwing, Cetti's Warbler & 3x Stonechat (JWo)

Westport Lake
Water Rail & 2x Redwing over (PWa)

Lichfield
Peregrine over city centre (ABa)

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Rock Pipit, Black-necked Grebe, 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull & 6x Pintail (BB)

Chesterton
67x Pink-footed Geese over at 10.40 (CJL)

Branston Gravel Pits
Little Egret, 42x Little Grebe, 2x Pintail, 28x Gadwall, 64x Wigeon, 36x Shoveler, 13x Curlew, 3x Snipe, 2x Common Gull, 2x Swallow, 2x Water Rail, Grey Wagtail, 12x Goldcrest, 15x Redwing, Fieldfare, Raven, Cetti's Warbler & 2x Pipistrelle Bats (DSc)

Tuesday 11th October 2016

Branston Gravel Pits
Pink-footed Goose, Common Scoter, Jack Snipe, 20x Snipe, 11x Curlew, 2x Ruff, 2x Pintail, 73x Wigeon, 35x Gadwall, 38x Shoveler, 17x Pochard, Little Egret, Kingfisher, c40 Redwing, 44x Little Grebe & Stonechat (JWo) Also 1x Fieldfare

Belvide Res (WMBC Members Only)
Black-necked Grebe, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Common Sandpiper & 6x Pintail (BB)

Branston WP
Green Sandpiper, Snipe, 130x Wigeon, 46x Teal, 41x Gadwall

Monday 10th October 2016

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Black-necked Grebe, Grey Plover still, Green Sandpiper, 8x Goldeneye, 6x Pintail, 2x Stonechat, Water Rail (@paulsmith15363)

Blithfield Resv
Great White Egret still in Tad at 13:15pm (JSh)

A38 Nr Catholme
26x Golden Plover (Ric)

Cuckoo Bank
40+ Skylark, 40+ Redwing, 18x Redpoll, 1x Peregrine (GHa)