31st December

RSPB Middleton - Marsh Harrier, drake Pintail, 13 Shelduck, 24 Snipe, 3 Great Egret (S Atkinson), Yellow-legged Gull, 14 Goldeneye (1 JW, 8 Dosthill & 5 Waterski lake), 4 Stonechat, 3 Pochard (M Smiles).

KWP North - 2 Goldeneye, 8 Pochard [Cliff Pool].

Bodymoor Heath (Opposite RSPB Entrance) - c30 Golden Plover circling fields (M Pollock).

30th December

RSPB Middleton - drake Pintail, 6 Shelduck, 7 Snipe, Great Egret, 5 Goldeneye (3 reserve & 2 Waterski lake), 4 Pochard, 2 Raven, 2 Common Gull, Oystercatcher through (M Smiles). Flock of Siskin, Egyptian Goose (J Hexall).

Bodymoor Heath - 6 Golden Plover (T Perrins).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Goosander, 4 Cetti's Warbler, Little Egret, drake Mandarin, 2 Shelduck, Siskin (P Andrews). Otter (B Clarke)

29th December

RSPB Middleton - Marsh Harrier [North Pit], 6 Snipe, 2 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Shelduck, Goosander, Stonechat, 5 Egyptian Geese 3 (S Atkinson). Great Egret.

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - c4 Chiffchaff, 2 Goosander, Great Egret, 11 Lapwing, Little Egret, 6 Mandarin (4m, 2f), 5 Shelduck, Snipe (C Waring), Siberian Chiffchaff along entrance track, 6 Shelduck (P Andrews).

28th December

RSPB Middleton - Great Egret [Fishers Mill], 2 Shelduck, 2 Stonechat [Jubilee], Goosander [River], 13 Goldeneye [Dosthill NR] (M Smiles). Marsh Harrier through Waterski pools mid afternoon.
Whateley - 20 Golden Plover circled fields between Hockley and Whateley

27th December

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Drake Mandarin, 5 Goosander, 3 Shelduck, Stonechat, Little Egret, Common Gull, Willow Tit and Yellowhammer over the wood yard. (P Lichfield).

26th December

RSPB Middleton - 2 Great Egret, 6 Shelduck [Jubilee], 12 Goldeneye [7 Dosthill NR, 2 Reedbed Pool, 3 Waterski Lake], 2 Goosander & Marsh Harrier [North Pit], Stonechat & small flocks of both Siskin & Redpoll (M Smiles). 

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Merlin through, Peregrine, 400 Starlings roosted, 2 Siberian Chiffchaff [right of double gates], 2 Egyptian Geese, 3 Goosander.  Several Redpoll over EON Meadow (P Softley).

KWP (South) - Great Egret [Pine Pool] (T Perrins).

25th December

RSPB Middleton - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Great Egret, Siskin, 2 Pintail, Snipe, Goldeneye (D Corfield). 

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 Siberian Chiffchaff along entrance track to the reserve plus 8 Chiffchaff, 3-4 Willow Tit, 4 Shelduck (P Softley).

24th December

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Willow Tit, 8 Shelduck, 2 Egyptian Geese, Little Egret, 50+ Lapwing (P Lichfield).

Alvecote - 57 Pink-footed Geese [Railway Pool] (R Smith).

Willow Tit - Pete Lichfield

22nd December

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - c6 Chiffchaff (1 Sibe 'type'), Egyptian Goose, 24 Lapwing, Peregrine, Pochard, 2 Shelduck, Willow Tit (C Waring). 

21st December

RSPB Middleton - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (R Hunt).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Siberian Chiffchaff [double gates] plus 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Tit (P Softley).

20th December

RSPB Middleton - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [@briza_kat], Raven (D Corfield).

Hams Hall (Edison Rd) - 2 Green Sandpiper [Outfall] (D Hutton).

Shustoke Res - 31 Common Gull, 10 Lapwing (P Forbes).

19th December

RSPB Middleton - Great Egret, Cetti's Warbler, Shelduck, Egyptian Goose (J Hexall). 

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Marsh Harrier, Willow Tit, 4 Stonechat, Peregrine (S Cawthray).

18th December

RSPB Middleton - 4 Pochard, Raven, 3 Goosander, 4 Shelduck 2 Great Egret (S Atkinson). 

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 4 Mandarin, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Stonechat, 2 Egyptian Geese, 3 Shelduck, Otter (D John).

17th December

 RSPB Middleton - Marsh Harrier, 2 Great Egret, 3 Stonechat, Shelduck(S Atkinson).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Peregrine (C Waring).

14th December

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 3 Common Gull, 4 Chiffchaff, 47 Lapwing, Little Egret, 2 Pochard, 2 Raven, 4 Shelduck, Snipe and c800 Starling out of the roost (C Waring).

Drayton Bassett - 14 White-fronted Geese [field between RSPB Middleton and Fazeley] (M Smiles).

Seckington - 2 Ruff, Merlin, Green Sandpiper [Hangman's Ln Junction] (A Archer).

13th December

Bodymoor Village - 14 White-fronted Geese over (T Perrins).

Alvecote - Bewick's Swan [Mill Pool] (T Perrins).

12th December

Drayton Bassett - 14 White-fronted Geese [field between RSPB Middleton and Fazeley] (S Atkinson).

RSPB Middleton - 14 White-fronted Geese [North Pit], Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, Marsh Harrier, 6 Siskin, 2 Great Egret (D Corfield).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Siberian Chiffchaff [double gates], 4 Chiffchaff, Willow Tit, 2 Stonechat, Raven, Prergrine, 20 Redpoll, 2 Snipe (P Softley). WeBs - 10 Mute Swan, 40 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 270 Mallard, 44 Gadwall, 50 Shoveler, 13 Wigeon, 204 Teal, 47 Tufted, 5 Pochard, Goosander, Goldeneye, 5 Mandarin, 7 Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, 173 Cormorant, 16 Grey Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret, Water Rail, 36 Moorhen, 83 Coot, 132 Lapwing, 8 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull (B Eaton).

Lea Marston - c200 Wigeon (P Forbes).

White-fronted Geese - Drayton Bassett - Sean Allison

11th December

Drayton Bassett - 14 White-fronted Geese [field between RSPB Middleton and Fazeley] (S Atkinson, T Perrins), 2 Great Egret (T Perrins).

RSPB Middleton - Pintail, Goldeneye, 5 Pochard, 3 Goosander, 2 Great Egret (S Atkinson).

10th December

RSPB Middleton - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (S Watts).

Drayton Bassett - 14 White-fronted Geese [field between RSPB Middleton and Fazeley] (M Smiles).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Great Egret, 5 Mandarin, Egyptian Goose, 4 Pochard, 4 Little Egret roosted with 189 Cormorant & c.200 Starlings (P Softley).

9th December

RSPB Middleton - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Harrier, c10,000 starlings roosted (P Softley), Pintail, 4 Pochard, Goosander [North Pit], 4 Stonechat, 5 Goosander, 3 Great Egret, Raven [Jubilee], 3 Goldeneye [Waterski Pools] (S Atkinson).

Drayton Bassett - 14 White-fronted Geese [field between RSPB Middleton and Fazeley] (S Atkinson).

4th December

 KWP (South) - Yellow-legged Gull [Hemlingford Water] (T Perrins).

2nd December

RSPB Middleton - 5 Goldeneye, 3 Shelduck, 2 Pochard, Snipe, Great Egret, 2 Stonechat, Blackcap (M Smiles), Marsh Harrier [Dosthill NR] (D Chetwynd).

KWP North - 3 Goldeneye [Cliff Pool] (M Smiles).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Dunlin, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Mandarin, Peregrine, Raven, 2 Little Egret, Willow Tit (C Waring).

1st December

RSPB Middleton - Dunlin, 7 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 4 Shelduck, 5 Pochard, 3 Snipe, Great Egret, 2 Stonechat (M Smiles).

6th November

RSPB Middleton - Male Hen Harrier [Jubilee] (G Williams),  Marsh Harrier [North Pit], 10 Golden Plover, Redshank, Dunlin [Jubilee] (S Atkinson). 2 Mandarin, 11 Snipe, 6 Stonechat, 5 Great Egret & c3000 starlings roosted (M Smiles).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Mandarin, Green Sandpiper, Yellowhammer through, c25 Meadow Pipits, c200 starling roosted (P Softley).

5th November

RSPB Middleton - Bittern [Dosthill NR], Jack Snipe [Jubilee], 2 Goldeneye, Pochard [Waterski Lake] (S Atkinson). 2 Marsh Harrier, Whooper Swan through at 09:30, 2 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 6 Snipe, 6 Stonechat, 2 Water Rail (M Smiles).

4th November

RSPB Middleton - Bittern [Reedbed Pool], Garganey still [North Pit],  2 Great Egret, Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 6 Stonechat, Marsh Harrier, 4 Goosander, Common Gull (M Smiles). 8 Whooper Swan [North Pit] (JJH per Staffs Bird News). Whoopers left at 2:45pm (D Corfield).

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 Otters, 2 Green Sandpiper 4  Pochard, Stonechat, Water Rail, 2 Snipe, 2 Willow Tit, 2  Chiffchaff (C Waring).

Alvecote - 8 Whooper Swan through (R Smith).

3rd November

RSPB Middleton - Marsh Harrier [Dosthill NR], Garganey still [North Pit], c20 Redpoll, 3 Stonechat (M Smiles). 5 Great Egret roosted riverside with 46 Little Egret, Marsh Harrier still present late afternoon (S Atkinson).

Bodymoor Heath GP - Woodcock (G Williams).

2nd November

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Otters, 2 Shelduck, 62  Shoveler, 2  Pochard, 2  Goosander, 25  Lapwing, Peregrine, Willow Tit, 2  Chiffchaff (C Waring).

1st November

RSPB Middleton - Marsh Harrier [North Pit], Garganey still, Pochard, 1f Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, Great Egret, 3 Snipe, 2 Stonechat, Water Rail (M Smiles). Redshank [West Scrape], 30 Redpoll [Fishers Mill], 16 Siskin [Southern Meadow] (D Corfield).

5th September

RSPB MIDDLETON ALL DAYER
TOTAL =  90 updated 19:30
Green - Seen
Red - Not Seen

1            Barn Owl

2            Blackbird

3            Blackcap

4            Black-headed Gull

5            Black-tailed Godwit

6            Blue Tit

7            Bullfinch

8            Buzzard

9            Canada Goose

10          Carrion Crow

11          Cetti's Warbler

12          Chaffinch

13          Chiffchaff

14          Coal Tit

15          Collared Dove

16          Common Gull

17          Common Sandpiper

18          Common Tern

19          Coot

20          Cormorant

21          Dunlin

22          Dunnock
23          Egyption Goose

24          Feral Pigeon

25          Gadwall

26          Garden Warbler

27          Garganey

28          Goldcrest

29          Goldfinch
30          Grasshopper Warbler

31          Great Crested Grebe

32          Great Spotted Woodpecker

33          Great Tit

34          Great White Egret

35          Green Sandpiper
36          Green Woodpecker
37          Greenfinch

38          Greenshank

39          Grey Heron

40          Grey Wagtail

41          Greylag Goose
42          Goosander
43          Herring Gull

44          Hobby

45          House Martin

46          House Sparrow

47          Jackdaw

48          Jay

49          Kestrel

50          Kingfisher

51          Lapwing

52          Lesser Black-backed Gull

53          Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

54          Lesser Whitethroat

55          Linnet

56          Little Egret

57          Little Grebe

58          Little Ringed Plover

59          Long-tailed Tit

60          Magpie

61          Mallard

62          Meadow Pipit

63          Mistle Thrush

64          Moorhen

65          Mute Swan

66          Nuthatch

67          Peregrine

68          Pheasant

69          Pied Wagtail

70          Pintail

71          Pochard

72          Raven
73          Redshank
74          Redstart

75          Reed Bunting

76          Reed Warbler

77          Ringed Plover

78          Robin

79          Rook

80          Ruff

81          Sand Martin

82          Sedge Warbler

83          Shelduck

84          Shoveler

85          Siskin

86          Skylark

87          Snipe

88          Song Thrush

89          Sparrowhawk

90          Spotted Flycatcher

91          Starling

92          Stock Dove
93          Stonechat

94          Swallow

95          Swift
96          Tawny Owl
97          Teal

98          Treecreeper

99          Tufted Duck

100        Water Rail

101        Wheatear

102        Whinchat

103        Whitethroat

104        Wigeon

105        Willow Tit

106        Willow Warbler

107        Wood Pigeon

108        Wren

109        Yellow Wagtail

110        Yellowhammer

111        Bittern

23rd June

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Mediterranean Gull [Fishers Mill], 2 Little Ringed Plover [East Scrape], Green Sandpiper, ad+juv Little Ringed Plover [North Pit] (M Smiles).

22nd June

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Mediterranean Gull [Fishers Mill], Great Egret, Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtail (M Smiles), 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, 2 Egyptian Geese, pair of Shelduck with brood of 4 (J Kenny), 18+ Common Tern (S Atkinson).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2  Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Hobby, Common Tern and Shelduck (C Waring).

21st June

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Little Ringed Plover, Hobby (M Smiles), Mediterranean Gull [Fishers Mill].




Med Gull at RSPB Middleton

20th June

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Cuckoo, 3 Grasshopper Warbler, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank (R Strong), 7 Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Common Tern (J Hextall).

19th June

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Green Sandpiper [North Pit] (M Smiles).

17th June

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - drake Garganey [North Pit], 2 Green Sandpiper [East Scrape], 6 Oystercatcher [Jubilee Wetlands].

24th March

Following the governments announcements the RSPB has closed all reserves to the public including Middleton Lakes. From today the access track from Bodymoor Heath Road and past Villa's training ground will be closed to visitors.


There will be no more posting on this blog until the situation changes nor will there be any tweets or retweets. Take care of yourselves and stay safe.

23rd March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  Cattle Egret, 5 Redshank, 7 Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Pintail, 7 Goldeneye, Curlew (K Sargent), Jack Snipe (S Atkinson).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) -  Great Egret [Southern Meadow].

22nd March

Amington - Brambling (T Perrins).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  5 Avocet, 8 Redshank, 8 Oystercatcher, 2 Pintail, 7 Shelduck, 8 Goldeneye, Black-tailed Godwit (M Smiles), 5 Snipe, Cattle Egret reported am and returned pm[Jubilee], 11 Goosander [North Pit], 22 Goldeneye [Dosthill NR].
RSPB Middleton (Warks) -  Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [car park], 4 Avocet [Hall Lake] (M Smiles), Great Egret [Southern Meadow].
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Redshank, 7 Goosander,  (B Eaton), 10 Sand Martin (J&P Fincham).
Birchmoor - c140 Golden Plover (R Smith).

21st March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Redshank, 7 Oystercatcher, 2 Pintail, Black-tailed Godwit, Raven (D Corfield), 7 Avocet, 14 Goldeneye (D Chetwynd), Goosander, Water Rail (P Andrews).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) -  Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling [Mill Plantation] (P Andrews).
Drayton Bassett -  Red-legged Partridge, c30 Yellowhammer (M Smiles)

20th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  9 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Pintail  (M Smiles), Great Egret (C Waring).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) -  3 Avocet [Hall Lake] (S Atkinson), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [car park] (C Waring).
KWP North - 4 Oystercatcher, 5 Pochard, 4 Shelduck, Little Egret, Raven (C Waring).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Black-tailed Godwit (@jrobbo63), 2 Little Ringed Plover (P Softley).

19th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  13 Avocet (S Atkinson).
KWP North - 5 Avocet [Cliff Pool] (R Walker).
KWP South - 27 Sand Martin [Hemlingford Water] (S Cawthray).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Black-tailed Godwit, Peregrine, 8 Goosander, 2 Willow Tit, 8 Lesser Redpoll (C Waring).
Amington - Redpoll (T Perrins).
Birchmoor - 2 Wheatear (R Smith).

17th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  4 Avocet, 4 Redshank, 7 Oystercatcher, 2 Pintail, 2 Sand Martin, 11 Shelduck (M Smiles), 9 Goldeneye, 7 Chiffchaff (S Atkinson), Green Sandpiper [North Pit], Common Gull [Jubilee], 2 Great Egret roosted riverside.
Alvecote - Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 22 Snipe (A Archer).
Birchmoor - 49 Golden Plover (A Archer).
KWP Nort & South - 7 Chiffchaff, 4 Oystercatcher, 15 Pochard, 2 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Egyptian Geese, Little Egret, Goosander, Raven (C Waring).

16th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  2 Pintail, 4 Avocet, 2 Redshank, Common Gull (K Sargent), 5 Redshank, 5 Avocet, 4 Oystercatcher (M Smiles), 11 Goldeneye [Dosthill NR], Curlew [North Pit].
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  3 Willow Tit, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming, Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff (P Softley).

15th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail, 8 Shelduck, Goosander, 3 Avocet, 5 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank (M Smiles).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Little Ringed Plover (S Allison)
Amington - Redpoll (T Perrins).

14th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  Mediterranean Gull, 2 Pintail, Great Egret, Redshank, Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet [Jubilee] Sand Martin [Reedbed Pool] (S Atkinson), Dunlin, 5 Redshank, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, Water Rail (D Corfield), 4 Black-tailed Godwits (G Williams), 2 Goosander, 2 Egyptian Geese (P Andrews), Little Ringed Plover.
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  2 Little Owl calling, 11 Shelduck, Little Egret, c4500 pre-roost Jackdaw & 115 Cormorant roosted (P Softley).
Birchmoor - 224 Golden Plover, Red Kite over (A Archer).

13th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  3 Sand Martin [Dosthill NR], 2 Pintail, 4 Avocet, 3 Redshank, 3 Goldeneye, 5 Oystercatcher (D Corfield), 25 Goosander [North Pit], 27 Little Egret roosted riverside with 3 Great Egret.
Birchmoor Flash - Curlew, 188 Golden Plover, Peregrine (A Archer).
Alvecote - Curlew [Mill Pool] (R Smith).

12th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  4 Redshank, 2 Pintail (S Atkinson), 3 Oystercatcher, 4 Goldeneye, 5 Shelduck, 2 Egyptian Geeses, Goosander (M Smiles).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Marsh Tit. Common Sandpiper, Redshank (S Cawthray), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Raven (P Softley).
Birchmoor - Golden Plover flock (R Smith).

11th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  18 Black-tailed Godwit (14 flew North at 0740), 5 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Goldeneye, 6 singing Chiffchaff, no Avocet (M Smiles), 3 Common Gull, 18 Goosander on North Pit at dusk.
Birchmoor - Stonechat (R Smith).

10th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  30 Black-tailed Godwit [East Scrape] (RSPB). No Black-tailed Godwits on the reserve at 4:40pm and then at 5:40pm 25 flew in from the south and roosted on the division bank between Jubilee North and South. Also 2 Avocet, Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher and 5 Goosander.
Birchmoor Flash - Ringed Plover, 13 Golden Plover, Stonechat, 2 Shelduck (A Archer).
Alvecote - 3 Little Egret, 3 Goosander (M Scott).

The RSPB Middleton year total is now at 103 with Feral Pigeon still missing

9th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  17 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Avocet [East Scrape], 2 Redshank, 2 Pintail [Jubilee], 12 Shelduck, 5 Egyptian Geese, 4 Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher (M Smiles), Yellow-legged Gull (S Cawthray).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Sand Martin (K Whiston).

8th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, 2 Avocet, 5 Redshank (D Corfield), 3 Great Egret, 6 Goldeneye (J Hextall), Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatcher, 13 Shelduck (M Smiles).
Wishaw - Goshawk (fem) Blindpit Lane heading towards Curdworth (T Perrins).
Alvecote - Great Egret, 3 Little Egret, Raven, 2 Shelduck (M Scott).

7th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Avocet, 2 Redshank, Water Rail, 4 Oystercatcher, 8 Shelduck, Goldeneye (D Corfield, M Smiles), Dunlin.
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - Redpoll [car park] (D Corfield), 21 Little and 2 Great Egret roosted in the Heronry.

6th March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 4 Avocet [Jubilee] (RSPB), 2 Great Egret, 12 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher, Redshank, Snipe, Stonechat, 2 Redpoll (M Smiles).
Amington - male Blackcap on feeder (T Perrins).
Drayton Bassett - Tree Sparrow (M Smiles).

5th March

RSPB Middleton (Warks) -  31 Little Egret left the Heronry roost at dawn (Diane).  2 Great Egret roosted at dusk.

4th March

RSPB Middleton - Raven, Stonechat, Oystercatcher, Shelduck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Great Egret, Water Rail (RSPB), 2 Great Egret, 9 Shelduck, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank (M Smiles).
Lea Marston - Drake Scaup [Lake lA], 7 Shelduck [Lake 1B] (A Dean).
Drayton Bassett - 2 Brambling (M Smiles).

3rd March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Avocet, Great Egret, 8 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatcher  [North Pit], 2 Egyptian Geese, 6 Redpoll, 3 Goldeneye [Dosthill] (M Smiles).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Great Egret, Water Rail, 6 Shelduck, Cetti's Warbler [B Hide] (P Lichfield).

Water Rail at Ladywalk NR - Peter Lichfield

2nd March

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Great Egret, Redshank, 12 Shelduck, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 5 Oystercatcher, Stonechat (M Smiles, M Scott).
Lea Marston Lakes - Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 180 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 31 Shoveler, 72 Gadwall, 352 Wigeon, 76 Mallard, Pintail, 40 Teal, 58 Pochard, 540 Tufted, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 321 Coot, 2 Siskin (P Forbes).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Bittern (K Whiston), Great Egret (BLK), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker reported from the car park.

1st March

RSPB Middleton (Warks) - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [car park] (D Corfield, K Sargent), 36 Little Egret left the Heronry (Diane).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Great Egret, 5 Oystercatcher, Goldeneye (D Corfield).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling (P Softley), 2 Raven, 2 Chiffchaff (S Cawthray).

29th February

RSPB Middleton (Warks) - 5 Great Egret and 25 Little Egret roosted in the Heronry (A Archer et al).
Tameside NR - 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Goosander (M Scott).

28th February

RSPB Middleton -  Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [car park], Great Egret, Pochard, 9 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, Water Rail, 2 Goosander (D Corfield).
Birchmoor Flash - 89 Golden Plover,2 Shelduck, Peregrine (A Archer).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Willow Tit, 2 Goosander, Water Rail, 6 Shelduck, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Little Egret (A Boddington).

27th February

RSPB Middleton -  Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling [back of feeder pool], Great Egret, Pochard, 12 Shelduck, 3 Oystercatcher [Jubilee] (M Smiles).

26th February

RSPB Middleton (Warks) - 2 Redpoll in Alders beetween feeder pool and Heronry.

25th February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  2 Curlew through North (M Smiles, D Corfield), Great Egret, 5 Redpoll, 2 Egyptian Geese [Doshill NR], 4 Oystercatcher, 7 Shelduck, 5 Pochard, Goosander, Stonechat (M Smiles).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 10 Shelduck (P Softley).
Birchmoor - Stonechat (R Smith)

23rd February

RSPB Middleton - 3 Great Egret, 12 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatcher, 6 Redpoll, 4 Pochard (M Smiles, D Corfield).
KWP North - 8  Little Egret, 3 Oystercatcher, Raven, 39 Pochard, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Egyptian Geese (C Waring).
Birchmoor Flash - 15 Golden Plover (R Smith), late afternoon 28 Golden Plover, Ringed Plover, 2 Egyptian Geese, Peregrine (A Archer).

22nd February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 5 Great Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, 18 Shelduck, 9 Goldeneye, 6 Egyptian Geese, Raven, 6 Cetti's Warbler (S Atkinson).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - 4 Redpoll in Alders beetween feeder pool and Heronry, 33 Little and 2 Great Egret roosted in the Heronry.
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Willow Tit (A Powell).

21st February

RSPB Middleton - 9 Shelduck, 4 Oystercatcher, 6 Redpoll, Goldeneye, Goosander, 4 Pochard (M Smiles), 2 Great Egret, 3 Little Egret, 12 Shelduck, Peregrine, 2 Raven, 2 Stonechat (A Archer).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Peregrine, 10 Shelduck, 2 Redpoll, 4 Siskin, Willow Tit (P Lichfield).
Alvecote - Great Egret, 2 Little Egret, 37 Wigeon (M Scott).

20th February

Alvecote - 5 Egyptian Geese (R Smith).

19th February

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 Woodcock (P Softley).
KWP North - 7 Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher [Broomey Croft] (Diane).

18th February

Birchmoor Flash - 3 Golden Plover (R Smith).
Alvecote - 5 Egyptian Geese (R Smith).

17th February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 3 Great Egret [North Pit], 4 Oystercatcher, 10 Shelduck (M Smiles).

16th February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Great Egret, 3 Little Egret, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Snipe (D Corfield).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - 2 Redpoll [near Car Park], 34 Little and 3 Great Egret roosted in the Heronry.
Amington Tamworth - Redpoll on garden feeder - possibly Mealy (T Perrins).

14th February

Drayton Bassett - Green Sandpiper, Raven, 12 Yellowhammer (M Smiles).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Willow Tit, 3 Goosander, 8 Shelduck, Water Rail (P Lichfield), Common Sandpiper, Bittern, 5 Water Rail, Fulvous Whistling Duck (P Softley).
RSPB Middleton - Great Egret, 6 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, Goosander, 3 Oystercatcher, Water Rail, 2 Great Egret and 5 Little Egret in Heronry (M Smiles). 7 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander (D Corfield).

Yellowhammer at Drayton Bassett - Mark Smiles

Sparrowhawk at Ladywalk NR - Peter Lichfield

12th February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  5 Goldeneye [Dosthill NR], 12 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, Stonechat (M Smiles), 2 Pintail, Great Egret [Jubilee] (S Atkinson).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - Yellowhammer [carpark] (M Smiles), 30 Little Egret roosted in the Heronry but strangely zero Great Egret.
Dosthill Lake (Waterski Pools) - 9 Oystercatcher, Pochard, 2 Goldeneye (S Atkinson).
Drayton Bassett - 4 Grey Partridge, Green Sandpiper [Portley's Lane] (M Smiles).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern, 11 Shelduck (S Cawthray).
Alvecote - Great Egret, 2 Little Egret (M Scott).

11th February

KWP North - 32 Pochard, 3 Little Egret, 2 Oystercatcher, Water Rail, 3 Goosander (C Waring).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern, 2 Woodcock, 4 Goosander (P Softley).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - partial Heronry roost count 5 Great Egret & 25 Little Egret. Also Woodcock over courtyard.

10th February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 15 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, Great Egret (K Sargent).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 Willow Tit, Siskin, Snipe, 2 Peregrine, c80 Golden Plover over (P Softley).

8th February

Tameside NR & Borrowpit - Pochard, Little Egret (S Allison).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Marsh Harrier (B Eaton).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 3 Great Egret [Jubilee & North Pit].
Alvecote - Great Egret, 6 Little Egret, 6 Shelduck (M Scott).

Marsh Harrier at Ladywalk NR - Peter Lichfield

7th February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Ringed Plover [Jubilee] (S Haynes).

6th February

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Woodcock, 5 Goldeneye, Raven [Dosthill NR], 3 Great Egret, 6 Oystercatcher (S Atkinson), Ringed Plover, Merlin [Jubilee] (G A Williams).

5th February

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 Mandarin  (P Lichfield).
KWP North - 8 Egyptian Geese, 35 Pochard, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Little Egret (C Waring).

Cetti's Warbler at Ladywalk NR - Peter Lichfield

4th February

Dosthill Lake (Water Ski Pool) - 6 Oystercatcher (S Atkinson).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail, Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Goldeneye [Jubilee], 4 Goldeneye [Dosthill NR], 2 Oystercatcher [North Pit] (S Atkinson).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  5 Shelduck, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Goosander, Fulvous Whistling Duck (P Lichfield), 2 Yellowhammer over paddocks, 8 Chiffchaff Rudd Pool (P Softley).
Tamworth Ladybridge area - 6 Goosander, Little Egret (M Scott).

3rd February

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Oystercatcher, Little Egret, Water Rail, 2 Goosander, Peregrine, Fulvous Whistling Duck (P Lichfield).

2nd February

RSPB Middleton (Warks) - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in Mill Plantation opposite Silt Pool boardwalk at 9.50am (C Lee, M Royston).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Willow Tit, 4 Shelduck, Water Rail, 2 Goosander (C Waring).

1st February

Dosthill Lake (Water Ski Pool) - 6 Oystercatcher (S Atkinson).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail [Jubilee], Peregrine, 2 Raven [Dosthill NR] (S Atkinson), 17 Goosander, 2 Great Egret [North Pit].
Shustoke Res - 25 Pochard, 2 Goosander, Siskins (@Saintcov).
Alvecote - Great Egret, 4 Little Egret, 4 Goosander (M Scott).

31th January

Dosthill Lake (Water Ski Pool) - 6 Oystercatcher (S Atkinson).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Raven, 4 Shelduck, 11 Goldeneye, 2 Egyptian Geese (S Atkinson], 2 Pintail [Jubilee], 3 Great Egret roosted riverside with 10 Little Egret.
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  6 Mandarin, 2 Willow Tit, 2 Peregrine (D Eaton).
KWP North & South - Great Egret, 4 Little Egret, 4 Oystercatcher, 23 Pochard, 17 Goldeneye, Goosander, 2 Egyptian Geese, Common Gull (C Waring).

29th January

RSPB Middleton (Warks) - Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [Mill Plantation] (RSPB).
Lea Marston - Rose-ringed Parakeet (R Walker).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 Mandarin, 2 Willow Tit (R Walker).

28th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 9 Shelduck, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Great Egret, 2 Egyptian Geese (S Atkinson].

27th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail, 8 Shelduck, 7 Goldeneye, Great Egret [Jubilee], 9 Shelduck, Goldeneye [North Pit] (K Sargent].
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern 4.45pm, 2 Mandarin, 3 Goosander, 3 Shelduck,Peregrine (S Cawthray).

26th January

KWP North - Ruff, Great Egret, 4 Oystercatcher (Cliff Pool), 31 Pochard, c250 Lapwing, 5 Goldeneye (C Waring), 2 Green Sandpiper on Cliff pool late afternoon.
Lea Marston - 41 Pochard, 20 Shelduck, Egyptian Goose, 3 Chiffchaff (D Hutton).
Shustoke Res - 3 Pochard, Goldeneye, 11 Goosander, 2 Common Gull (J Kenny).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 3 Goldeneye, 2 Pintail, 5 Shelduck, 2 Egyptian Geese, 2 Great Black-backed Gull [Jubilee], 15 Goosander [North Pit], 5 Great Egret roosted riverside.

25th January

RSPB Middleton (Warks) - Great Egret & 12 Little Egret left the Heronry at dawn (D Corfield)
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Stonechat, 3 Goldeneye (D Corfield), 2 Pintail, 3 Great Egret, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull [Jubilee].
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 3 Peregrines (S Allison).

24th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 2 Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Egyptian Geese, 2 Water Rail, 7 Shelduck (D Corfield), 4 Redpoll [Dosthill NR], 3 Oystercatcher [Jubilee] (S Atkinson).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern (P Lichfield), Knot (J&P Fincham) - both birds on B Pool.

Bittern at Ladywalk NR - Peter Lichfield

23rd January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern [B pool] (A Powell), 2 Mandarin, Pochard, 2 Little Egret [Main Pool], Peregrine [car park] (P Lichfield), 4 Woodcock [2 B hide, 2 woodyard] (J&P Fincham, S Cawthray).

22nd January

Alvecote - Great Egret, 4 Little Egret, 3 Goosander, Shelduck. Also Peregrine [Robeys Lane] (M Scott).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern on B pool at 16:40 (S Allison).

21st January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern roosted on B pool (P Softley), 3 Peregrine [car park], Siskin, Willow Tit (P Lichfield), 2 Mandarin, 5 Egyptian Geese, 5 Goosander (R King).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail, 4 Shelduck, 5 Goosander, 7 Goldeneye (S Atkinson), Great Egret, 15 Snipe, 2 Jack Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher [Jubilee] (RSPB).
Dosthill Lake (Water Ski Pool) - 3 Oystercatcher (S Atkinson).
Alvecote - 3 Goosander, Great Egret, 3 Little Egret (M Scott).

20th January

KWP South - 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad + 2W), 9 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Goosander (A Dean).
Lea Marston - drake Scaup, 16 Shelduck (A Dean).
Alvecote - Pink-footed Goose [Pretty Pigs Pool], Goldeneye [Mill Pool](R Smith).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members Only) - 3 Bittern at dusk - all seen together (P Softley).

19th January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Peregrine, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit (M Smith).

18th January

Shustoke Res - 10 Egyptian Geese, 2 Goldeneye (P Forbes).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - 4 Great Egret left the Heronry at dawn (D Corfield).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, 4 Egyptian Geese 3 Water Rail, 2 Stonechat, 7 Shelduck (D Corfield), Oystercatcher (R Walker). 6 Great Egret roosted riverside and Great Black-backed Gull in the roost on Jubilee.
KWP - 2 Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Goldeneye, c10 Pochard (R Walker).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern roosted on B pool at 16:45 (S Allison, J Allen). Also Curlew calling [Eon Meadow], Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [Riverwalk] (P Softley), Peregrine, Willow Tit (S Cawthray).
Lea Marston - drake Scaup, 56 Pochard (D Hutton).

The Scaup has now been present since 25th November 2019 commuting between KWP South, Coton and Lea Marston Lakes. The full moult history since it arrived can be found on Alan Dean's blog - link below.

http://deanar.org.uk/general/localgallery/wildfowl/scaup.htm

17th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Hen Harrier (f) [Dosthill NR], 4 Egyptian Geese, 6 Shelduck, Great Egret, 2 Goldeneye, Common Gull (S Atkinson).

16th January

KWP- 65 species seen including - Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Egyptian Geese, Snipe, Great Egret, 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 15 Pochard, 12 Goldeneye, 7 Goosander, 6 Little Egret (C Waring).
Alvecote - Great Egret (M Scott).

15th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Great Egret, 2 Egyptian Geese, Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Water Rail, 8 Shelduck, 2 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Raven (D Corfield).
RSPB Middleton (Warks - 2 Willow Tit [Southern Meadow] (D Corfield).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern roosted B pool 16:40 (P Softley)

14th January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Firecrest [car park], 2 Willow Tit, 3 Redpoll, 23 Siskin, Woodcock over, 10 Egyptian Geese, 2 Peregrine, (P Softley).

13th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) -  3 Lesser Redpoll, c10 Shelduck, Peregrine (R Walker), 5 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Egret, Pintail (f) [Jubilee], 2 Goosander [North Pit] (K Sargent), 6 Shelduck, Raven (S Atkinson), 6 Siskin (S Cawthray).
Alvecote - Great Egret, 2 Little Egret (M Scott).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 10 Egyptian Geese, 12 Shelduck (P Softley).

12th January

KWP North - 4 Great Black-backed Gulls through, 5 Shelduck, Snipe, 6 Little Egret, 9 Pochard, 7 Goldeneye (C Waring).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 3 Great Egret, Water Rail,  4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Stonechat (D Corfield).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - Marsh Tit [Mill Plantation], Lesser Spotted Woodpecker [through feeder pool], Red kite [over hall] (D Corfield).
Alvecote - Great White Egret, 3 Little Egret (M Scott).

11th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - Cattle Egret (4pm), 2 Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Goldeneye [Jubilee], 4 Shelduck [North Pit], 2 Pochard [Fishers Mill], 3 Great Egret roosted riverside.

10th January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) -  Bittern from B hide at midday (A Powell) and a second bird flew into B pool at dusk, 2 Willow Tit, 9 Shelduck, 10 Pochard, 6 Goosander, 4 Mandarin, 4 Egyptian Geese (P Softley)
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 3 Great Egret, 7 Little Egret, 90 Wigeon, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Pochard, 3 Water Rail, Stonechat, 6 Redpoll (D Corfield), 2 Green Sandpiper, 10 Goosander [North Pit], 5 Great Egret roosted riverside.

9th January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Willow Tit, 9 Pochard, 4 Shelduck, 5 Goosander, 2 Little Egret (P Lichfield), Bittern [B Pool 4pm], 7 Mandarin, Siskin, Redpoll, 2 Peregrine (S Cawthray).

8th January

RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail, Shelduck, 2 Egyptian Geese [Jubilee], Great Egret, 2 Goosander [North Pit], Great Egret [Dosthill NR], 2 Pochard, Water Rail, 4 Goldeneye, 5 Cetti's Warbler (S Atkinson).

7th January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - Bittern, 8 Pochard (P Softley).
Coton - 21 Shelduck, 51 Pochard, 1121 Tufted, 7 Goosander, 56 Shoveler, 120 Teal, 262 Mallard, 250 Wigeon, 165 Gadwall 168 Mute Swan, 28 Canada Geese, 105 Greylag Geese (P Forbes).
RSPB Middleton (Warks) - 27 Little Egret and 2 Great Egret roosted in the Heronry, 2 Woodcock through (RSPB).
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 19 Little Egret in the riverside roost (RSPB).

6th January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 Bittern, 10 Egyptian Geese, Willow Tit, 5 Pochard (P Softley).
Tameside NR - Redshank, 22 Lapwing,  Little Egret, Goosander (M Scott).

5th January

RSPB Middleton - 7 Pochard [Fishers Mill], Great Egret, Pintail, 2 Goldeneye [Jubilee], 4 Goosander [river], 4 Goldeneye [Dosthill NR] (K Sargent).

4th January

RSPB Middleton - 3 (m,2f) Pintail [Jubilee].
Alvecote - Great Egret, Little Egret (M Scott).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 6 Mandarin (J Holian).
Coton & Lea Marston - 14 Shelduck, 76+ Pochard, 2 Chiffchaff (D Hutton).

3rd January

RSPB Middleton (Warks) - 3 Shelduck [Hall Lake], Raven (S Atkinson), Bittern [Fishers Mill] (D Corfield), 28 Little Egret roosted in the Heronry but no Great Whites.
RSPB Middleton (Staffs) - 2 Pintail, 2 Egyptian Geese, Shelduck [Jubilee], Great Egret [North Pit], 3 Goldeneye (S Atkinson) - later 3 Pintail, Woodcock, 3 Pochard, Water Rail, 5 Goldeneye, 6 Redpoll (D Corfield).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 2 FIRECREST behind Riverwalk hide , 4 Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, 3 Redpoll, (P Softley), Peregrine, 2 Raven, 2 Mandarin (P Forbes).

2nd January

RSPB Middleton - 20 Goldeneye, Great Egret (S Atkinson), 3 Pintail, 2 Egyptian Geese, 9 Little Egret, Great Black-backed Gull, 4 Common Gulls, 8 Pochard (M Smiles).
Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - FIRECREST between Riverwalk and Bittern Hides (possibly 2 birds) also Bittern on B pool, 5 Mandarin, 7 Egyptian Geese, 4 Snipe (P Softley, S Cawthray, D Eaton).

1st January

Ladywalk NR (WMBC Members only) - 3 Peregrine, Oystercatcher (K Whiston).
KWP North - Great Egret [Otter Pool], 5 Goldeneye, 3 Little Egret (C Waring).
KWP South - Scaup, 6 Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull (A Dean).
Coton - 13 Goosander, 3 Chiffchaff (A Dean).
Lea Marston - 12 Shelduck (A Dean).
RSPB Middleton - 3 Pintail, 15 Goldeneye, 8 Pochard, 5 Shelduck, Great Egret, 5 Little Egret (M Smiles), 44 Golden Plover through, 3 Egyptian Geese, Stonechat (J Owen), 13 Goosander (North Pit), 5 Great Black-backed Gulls, 6 Common Gulls (Jubilee) and 5 Great Egret roosted riverside.

Happy New Year - Thanks again for all your sightings from last year. Much appreciated and makes the blog well worthwhile.

The RSPB Middleton year total finished on 157. This was 10 less than the previous year with the winners and losers when compared to 2018 as follows:-

Additions                                  Omissions

Kittiwake                                   Common Crane

Little Stint                                  Firecrest

Little Tern                                  Glossy Ibis

Redstart                                    Green-winged Teal

Ring Ouzel                                Hawfinch

Wryneck                                    Little Owl

                                                  Long-eared Owl

                                                  Marsh Tit

                                                  Pied Flycatcher

                                                  Red-crested Pochard

                                                  Short-eared Owl

                                                  Siberian Chiffchaff

                                                  Spoonbill

                                                  Spotted Crake

                                                  White-fronted Goose

                                                  White-rumped Sandpiper