Warwickshire Sightings 2015

Complied reports published in Birdwatching Magazine

January Sightings

Highlight: A juvenile Kumlien’s Gull was in the Draycote gull roost (13^th-17^th) and was also seen at Bubbenhall during the day.  

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included five Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, three Goldeneye, Bittern, Little Egret, Water Rail, Dunlin, Jack Snipe, Woodcock , two Barn Owl, Marsh and Willow Tits, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff and a flock of 40 mixed Redpolls and Siskins.

Dassett Hills District: Single Merlins were noted at Bishops Itchington and Wormleighton, but Lapwings were unusually scarce and Golden Plover almost absent from the area. Farnborough Park held 25 Wigeon and two Gadwall. Knightcote had 31 Snipe, three Barn Owls, two Willow Tits and 12 Tree Sparrows. Wormleighton Res had up to four Goosander, Woodcock, Willow Tit, 40 Tree Sparrows and 55 Yellowhammers. A mixed flock of 100 Chaffinches and 380 Linnets was at Hodnell.

Draycote Water: Sightings included a Pink-footed and two White-fronted Geese, six Shelduck, two Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, 49 Pochard, two Common Scoter, 41 Goldeneye, 37 Goosander, Smew, 270 Great Crested and 63 Little Grebes, five Little Egrets, Peregrine, Merlin, Water Rail, 50 Golden Plover, Barn Owl, Willow Tit, three Chiffchaffs and 33 Tree Sparrows. In addition to the Kumlien’s Gull, the roost contained a Mediterranean Gull, five Yellow-legged Gulls, at least four different Caspian Gulls, an Iceland Gull (5^th) and Glaucous Gull (15^th and 20^th).

Salford Priors GP: Records included 17 Gadwall, 95 Teal, 11 Pochard, 83 Tufted Duck, Scaup (to 4^th), 60 Golden Plover, 15 Jack Snipe, 34 Common Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Water Rail and up to 3000 Woodpigeons.

Tame Valley:  At Hams Hall ten Chiffchaffs were joined by two Siberian Chiffchaffs and a Green Sandpiper. Wishaw sightings included ten Grey Partridge, Merlin, 700 Golden Plover, 32 Skylark, 200 Fieldfare and five Corn Buntings. Shustoke reported Red-crested Pochard, Scaup, Common Sandpiper and Jack Snipe. Red-crested Pochards also visited Dosthill and Lea Marston. Kingsbury recorded 352 Shoveler,seven Goldeneye, two Goosander, 15 Little Egret, Yellow-Legged Gull, two Barn Owl, Jack Snipe and Stonechat.

Other sites: Earlswood Lakes hosted 22 Goosander, a Water Rail, Peregrine, two Great Black-backed Gulls and two Ravens. Morton Bagot held 25 Common and eight Jack Snipe, Barn Owl, two Stonechat, 17 Redpolls and 238 Linnets. Charlecote reported Merlin, Peregrine, Green Sandpiper and two overwintering Stonechats. Lighthorne Quarry had Jack Snipe, 36 Common Snipe and Chiffchaff, with seven Goosander, Mediterranean Gull and Chiffchaff at Chesterton. A Jack Snipe was at Alvecote.

February Sightings

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included three Pink-footed Geese (28^th), four Shelduck, 71 Wigeon, four Goldeneye, 12 Pochard, Bittern, Little Egret, Water Rail,  295 Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Barn Owl, Willow Tit and Cetti’s Warbler.

Draycote Water: Sightings included a Whooper Swan (6^th), a Pink-footed and two White-fronted Geese all month, Brent Goose (10^th), Egyptian Goose, two Shelduck, 77 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 55 Teal, two Pintail, 60 Pochard, 320 Tufted Duck, 43 Goldeneye, 16 Goosander, Smew, 130 Great Crested Grebe, 69 Little Grebe, a Black-necked Grebe all month, three Little Egrets, Red Kite, Peregrine, Water Rail, four Oystercatcher, 100 Golden Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, two Chiffchaffs, 43 Meadow Pipits and 35 Tree Sparrows. In addition the gull roost contained a Mediterranean, three Yellow-legged, two Caspian and four different Iceland Gulls.

Salford Priors GP: Records included four Shelduck, 125 Teal, 102 Tufted Duck, six Water Rails, two Peregrines, Merlin, two Oystercatcher, Woodcock, 50 Snipe, three Jack Snipe, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Barn Owl, two Chiffchaffs and an influx of 10,000 Woodpigeons (22^nd).

South-east: Peregrine and Merlin continued to hunt the area, and Barn Owls were widespread. A Goshawk was seen at one site. 140 Golden Plover and 12 Ravens were at Ladbroke. Goosander, a few Wigeon and Woodcock were seen at Farnborough Park, and Lighthorne Quarry held 28 Common and two Jack Snipe. Willow Tits were noted at five sites in the area. A large influx of thrushes from mid month included a peak of 2400 Fieldfares at Fenny Compton, where there were also 80 Skylarks and a wintering Chiffchaff. A finch flock near Wormleighton Res held 110 Tree Sparrows, 160 Chaffinches and 120 Yellowhammers, while 440 Linnets were near Priors Hardwick and 200 at Fenny Compton.

Tame Valley: A Great Northern Diver visited both Kingsbury and Coton (4^th) and a Marsh Harrier flew over Coton (25^th). Siberian Chiffchaffs were noted at both Ladywalk and Hams Hall. Wildfowl counts included 355 Shoveler at Coton and 31 Goosander at Shustoke, while other counts in the valley included seven Oystercatchers at Dosthill, up to 30 Little Egrets roosting near Kingsbury and up to four Peregrines in the area. Ladywalk recorded Mandarin, Common Sandpiper, Lesser-Spotted Woodpecker and Mealy Redpoll (7^th). In the Wishaw area sightings included three Pink-footed Geese (10^th), five Grey Partridge, Merlin, 1000 Golden Plover, Stonechat and three Corn Buntings.

Other sites: Alvecote Pools records included three Goosander, Little Egret, Merlin and Curlew. Earlswood Lakes hosted a second winter Caspian Gull all month, a Goldeneye and two Water Rails. A Goldeneye was also at Napton Reservoir. At Charlecote there were sightings of Merlin, two Red Kites (18^th), two Stonechats and a (now) remarkable flock of 63 Corn Buntings. Morton Bagot recorded a Goshawk (1^st), 20 Teal, 16 Jack Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and up to three Stonechats. Bubbenhall recorded three Caspian Gull, a Mediterranean and two Glaucous Gulls.

February Sightings

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included three Pink-footed Geese (28^th), four Shelduck, 71 Wigeon, four Goldeneye, 12 Pochard, Bittern, Little Egret, Water Rail,  295 Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Barn Owl, Willow Tit and Cetti’s Warbler.

Draycote Water: Sightings included a Whooper Swan (6^th), a Pink-footed and two White-fronted Geese all month, Brent Goose (10^th), Egyptian Goose, two Shelduck, 77 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 55 Teal, two Pintail, 60 Pochard, 320 Tufted Duck, 43 Goldeneye, 16 Goosander, Smew, 130 Great Crested Grebe, 69 Little Grebe, a Black-necked Grebe all month, three Little Egrets, Red Kite, Peregrine, Water Rail, four Oystercatcher, 100 Golden Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, two Chiffchaffs, 43 Meadow Pipits and 35 Tree Sparrows. In addition the gull roost contained a Mediterranean, three Yellow-legged, two Caspian and four different Iceland Gulls.

Salford Priors GP: Records included four Shelduck, 125 Teal, 102 Tufted Duck, six Water Rails, two Peregrines, Merlin, two Oystercatcher, Woodcock, 50 Snipe, three Jack Snipe, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Barn Owl, two Chiffchaffs and an influx of 10,000 Woodpigeons (22^nd).

South-east: Peregrine and Merlin continued to hunt the area, and Barn Owls were widespread. A Goshawk was seen at one site. 140 Golden Plover and 12 Ravens were at Ladbroke. Goosander, a few Wigeon and Woodcock were seen at Farnborough Park, and Lighthorne Quarry held 28 Common and two Jack Snipe. Willow Tits were noted at five sites in the area. A large influx of thrushes from mid month included a peak of 2400 Fieldfares at Fenny Compton, where there were also 80 Skylarks and a wintering Chiffchaff. A finch flock near Wormleighton Res held 110 Tree Sparrows, 160 Chaffinches and 120 Yellowhammers, while 440 Linnets were near Priors Hardwick and 200 at Fenny Compton.

Tame Valley: A Great Northern Diver visited both Kingsbury and Coton (4^th) and a Marsh Harrier flew over Coton (25^th). Siberian Chiffchaffs were noted at both Ladywalk and Hams Hall. Wildfowl counts included 355 Shoveler at Coton and 31 Goosander at Shustoke, while other counts in the valley included seven Oystercatchers at Dosthill, up to 30 Little Egrets roosting near Kingsbury and up to four Peregrines in the area. Ladywalk recorded Mandarin, Common Sandpiper, Lesser-Spotted Woodpecker and Mealy Redpoll (7^th). In the Wishaw area sightings included three Pink-footed Geese (10^th), five Grey Partridge, Merlin, 1000 Golden Plover, Stonechat and three Corn Buntings.

Other sites: Alvecote Pools records included three Goosander, Little Egret, Merlin and Curlew. Earlswood Lakes hosted a second winter Caspian Gull all month, a Goldeneye and two Water Rails. A Goldeneye was also at Napton Reservoir. At Charlecote there were sightings of Merlin, two Red Kites (18^th), two Stonechats and a (now) remarkable flock of 63 Corn Buntings. Morton Bagot recorded a Goshawk (1^st), 20 Teal, 16 Jack Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and up to three Stonechats. Bubbenhall recorded three Caspian Gull, a Mediterranean and two Glaucous Gulls.

March Sightings

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included three Pink-footed Geese (9^th), four Shelduck, 32 Wigeon, eight Pochard, two Goldeneye, a Bittern, three Water Rails, two Oystercatchers, Little Ringed Plover, 183 Lapwing, four Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, two Willow Tits, Marsh Tit and two Cetti’s Warblers.

Charlecote area: There were sightings of Peregrine, Little Ringed Plover, a flock of 37 Curlews (1^st), Woodcock, Green Sandpiper, two Stonechat, Wheatear and 53 Corn Buntings.

Draycote Water: The Pink-footed and two White-fronted Geese, Smew and Black-necked Grebe were all still present, while other sightings included two Shelduck, 23 Wigeon, seven Gadwall, two Pintail, three Red-crested Pochard, 30 Goldeneye, 11 Goosander, Little Egret, Peregrine, Water Rail, Oystercatcher, 30 Dunlin, two Redshank, Curlew, 20 Chiffchaffs, Rock Pipit, Stonechat and 20 Tree Sparrows. In addition the gull roost contained three Mediterranean, three Yellow-legged, Caspian, two different Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous Gull.

Salford Priors GP: Records included seven Shelduck, 140 Teal, seven Gadwall, ten Shoveler, three Pochard, 142 Tufted Duck, Merlin, two Peregrines, seven Water Rails, three Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, six Jack Snipe, 75 Common Snipe, a flock of 36 Curlews (1^st), two Green Sandpipers, two Common Sandpipers, Barn Owl, Stonechat and 50 Meadow Pipits.

South-east: Fenny Compton had Grey Partridge, Red Kite, Merlin, Peregrine, 100 Golden Plover, Woodcock, 1500 Fieldfare, Black Redstart (20^th), White Wagtail (16^th), 90 Meadow Pipits and 300 Linnets. In the Farnborough area there were 25 Wigeon, 275 Golden Plover and two Stonechats, while up to 500 Golden Plover were in the Radbourn-Wormleighton area. Lighthorne Quarry held two Jack Snipe, 42 Common Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. Another Red Kite was at Wormleighton, while a pair of Brambling visited Radway. Six Grey Heron’s nests were active at two sites, and Willow Tits were singing at five sites.

Tame Valley: Ladywalk recorded a Mandarin, four Shelduck, two Wigeon, 30 Teal, 178 Shoveler, ten Goosander, Little Egret, Peregrine, Woodcock, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Siberian Chiffchaff, White Wagtail, two Marsh Tits and a Willow Tit. In the Wishaw area sightings included two Grey Partridge, 800 Golden Plover, a Peregrine, three Stonechats and a Wheatear.  Kingsbury hosted a Curlew, two Oystercatchers, a Curlew, eight Black-tailed Godwits and 48 Snipe. Shustoke sightings included Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Stonechat and two Wheatears.

Other sites: Earlswood Lakes hosted a Caspian Gull, three Gadwall, two Water Rail and a Stonechat. Morton Bagot recorded a Peregrine, 48 Teal, three Green Sandpipers, two Redshanks and a Wheatear. Napton Reservoir had eight Gadwall, Jack Snipe and Curlew.

April Sightings

Highlights: Two Black-winged Stilts briefly at Fisher’s Mill (18^th) was only the second county record. A male Montagu’s Harrier was at Napton Res (16^th).

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included a Pink-footed Goose (21^st), five Shelduck, Osprey (11^th), Marsh Harrier (18^th), Red Kite, four Oystercatchers, five Little Ringed Plover, eight Ringed Plover, two Whimbrel, five Dunlin, six Redshank, Green Sandpiper, four Common Sandpipers, Cuckoo, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler, Pied Flycatcher (23^rd), Willow Tit and Cetti’s Warbler.

Charlecote area: There were sightings of Red Kite, two Hobby, two Little Ringed Plovers, Whinchat, Wheatear and Ring Ouzel.

Draycote Water: Wildfowl included three Shelduck, two Pintail, a Garganey (8^th), eight Shoveler and 11 Goldeneye. Ospreys passed through (2^nd and 5^th), and there were reports of a Hobby and up to three Red Kites. The long staying Black-necked Grebe stayed to 5^th and a pair appeared on 27^th. Other sightings included maxima of three Little Egrets,  250 Golden Plover, two Oystercatcher, two Dunlin, a Redshank, three Whimbrel, two Curlew and eight Common Sandpiper, while gulls included Mediterranean, Yellow-legged and a maximum of 17 Little Gulls (22^nd). There were peaks of 22 Arctic, eight Common and two Black Terns. Passerines included 600 Sand Martins, Stonechat, two Wheatear, 12 Yellow and two White Wagtails, a Wood Warbler (24^th) and a peak of 30 Tree Sparrows.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included Goosander, two Common Sandpipers, two separate Little Gulls, Arctic Tern, up to 16 Common Terns, Cuckoo, Ring Ouzel (9^th), two Whinchats, Wheatear, White Wagtail and Tree Pipit.

Morton Bagot: Birds around the scrapes included 30 Teal, two Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, two Redshank, three Green Sandpipers, Cuckoo, two Whinchats, two Wheatears and White Wagtail. Some of these including three Whinchats also visited nearby Haselor scrape.  

Salford Priors GP: Records included seven Shelduck, 15 Gadwall, 35 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 152 Tufted Duck, Goosander, Peregrine, two Hobby (from 16^th), Merlin (25^th), three Oystercatcher, five Avocets (4^th), seven Little Ringed Plover, three Dunlin, three Jack Snipe, three Curlew, Whimbrel (19^th), Redshank, two Green Sandpiper, nine Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, Cuckoo, Common Redstart, three Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, and 11 Yellow and two White Wagtails. 

South-east: Three different Ring Ouzels were found on the Fenny Compton Hills (11^th-19^th), and the parish also had Red Kite, Cuckoo, several Willow Tits, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler, two White Wagtails, a Brambling and a flock of 220 Linnets. A Little Ringed Plover, 16 Common Snipe and Yellow-legged Gull were at Knightcote. Lighthorne Quarry attracted Red Kite, two Jack Snipe, 17 Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Ring Ouzel (24^th), Wheatear, Grasshopper Warbler and Tree Pipit. Priors Hardwick had a Marsh Harrier (4^th), 60 Common Snipe, six Wheatears and a Common Redstart. Wormleighton Res had two Willow Tits and a Grasshopper Warbler. The first Nightingale was back at MOD Kineton (22^nd).

Tame Valley: Reports from Ladywalk included Mandarin, 44 Gadwall, Garganey, 200 Shoveler, ten Goosander, Marsh Harrier (1^st), Bittern (6^th), nine Little Egret, Ringed Plover, three Little Ringed Plover, two Curlew, Dunlin, four Redshank, three Green Sandpipers, Cuckoo, Stonechat, Whinchat, Wheatear, three Grasshopper Warblers and White Wagtail.  Kingsbury hosted a Jack Snipe, Common Sandpiper, two Little Gulls, 16 Common Terns, Redstart, Whinchat, two Grasshopper Warblers, White Wagtail and 13 Yellow Wagtails. Two Garganey were at Fisher’s Mill and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen regularly at Middleton Hall. Marsh Harrier (10^th), Red Kite and Hobby were seen over Whiteacre Heath. Shustoke recorded a Red Kite, two Little Ringed Plover, four Dunlin, a Greenshank (21^st), ten Common Sandpipers, Arctic Tern and Cuckoo. Other sightings in the district included a Whinchat and three Wheatears at Wishaw and an Arctic Tern and Nordic Jackdaw (1^st) at Alvecote.

Other sites: Napton Res also had Mandarin, Ring Ouzel (10^th), White Wagtail and Whinchat. Seeswood Pool had two Garganey and a Red Kite. A Whinchat and Cetti’s Warbler were at Whittleford Park. A Red Kite was near Stratford and 28 Ravens were on sheep pasture at Upper Shuckburgh.

May Sightings

Highlights: These included a Hoopoe at Stratford-upon-Avon on 7^th, a Dotterel at Crimscote Downs (16^th), a female Red-footed Falcon seen to enter the county at Priors Marston (from Northants) on 30^th and a Pectoral Sandpiper at Salford Priors GP on 31^st.   

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included Egyptian Goose, five Shelduck, Garganey, Goosander, Little Egret, Osprey (26^th), two Hobby,  Water Rail, six Oystercatchers, six Little Ringed Plover, four Ringed Plover, two Whimbrel, Dunlin, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper (5^th), six Redshank, two Cuckoos, two Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Cetti’s Warbler.

Charlecote area: There were sightings of Red Kite, two Hobby, two Little Ringed Plovers, Whinchat, Wheatear and a Ring Ouzel.

Draycote Water: Records included a Garganey, 90 Great Crested Grebe, two Little Egrets, Marsh Harrier (7^th), Peregrine, two Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, ten Dunlin and three Common Sandpipers. Tern passage included peaks of four Arctic, seven Common and two Black Terns, and Little Gull was seen. There were also records of 300 Sand Martins, 600 Swifts, Whinchat, two Wheatears, five Yellow and two White Wagtails, a Tree Pipit and eight Tree Sparrows.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included two Shelducks, Red Kite, Peregrine, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, four Whimbrel (3^rd), Redshank, four Common Sandpipers, Mediterranean and Little Gulls, up to 16 Common and two Arctic Terns, Black Tern (31^st), Cuckoo, two Spotted Flycatchers, a singing Firecrest (9^th), White Wagtail and Tree Pipit.

Morton Bagot: Birds recorded included two Shelducks, two Teal, three Little Egrets, Hobby, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, two Redshank, Cuckoo, Whinchat, Wheatear, Yellow and White Wagtails, and Spotted Flycatcher.

Salford Priors GP: Records included 17 Little Grebes, six Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, Pochard, 119 Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier (9^th), two Red Kites, Hobby, Peregrine, two Oystercatcher, eight Little Ringed Plover, three Ringed Plover, three Dunlin, Sanderling, two Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, five Common Sandpipers, three Yellow-legged Gulls, four Arctic Terns, two Turtle Doves, Cuckoo, 500-1000 Swifts, 600 House Martins, Cetti’s Warbler and several Yellow Wagtails.

South-east: Up to five Greenland Wheatears were at Priors Hardwick, where a fall of 16 singing Lesser Whitethroats (4^th) and two Yellow-legged Gulls were seen. Other sightings included Peregrine at Burton Dassett, Grey Partridge at Farnborough, Turtle Dove at Wormleighton, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Radway and Whinchat at Warmington. The Nightingale remained on territory at DMC Kineton. Moderate numbers of Spotted Flycatchers and Yellow Wagtails were back on breeding territory.

Tame Valley: Reports from Ladywalk NR included Mandarin, Garganey, two Teal, two Shoveler, two Wigeon, two Goosander, four Little Egret, five Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and two Dunlin. The best count of Common Sandpipers across the valley was five at Shustoke Res. Other sightings in the district included several Cuckoos, two Garganey in the Kingsbury-Middleton area, and 35 Yellow Wagtails by the river at Mill Meadow, Kingsbury. Wishaw had a late Merlin (3^rd), with up to two Whinchats and three Wheatears. Alvecote Pools recorded an Osprey (16^th), Hobby and Grey Partridge.

Other sites: Red Kites were seen regularly at several sites in the far south of the county and presumed to be breeding. An Osprey was fishing the River Arrow at Ragley (31^st) and nine Whimbrel were reported in a field at Woolscot. Cuckoos were widely but sparsely reported in the south and west of the county.

June Sightings

Highlights: A stunning Grey Phalarope in full breeding plumage was at Brandon Marsh (2^nd), while a Black Kite was seen over Piccadilly (10^th) and Dordon (11^th).

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included three Teal, three Pochard, Red Kite, two Hobby, Water Rail, six Oystercatchers, four Little Ringed Plover, four Ringed Plover, four Redshank,  Green Sandpiper, five Redshank, six Common Tern, two Cuckoos, Grasshopper Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Cetti’s Warbler.

Charlecote area: There were sightings of Hobby, Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher and two Corn Buntings.

Draycote Water: Records included 24 Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Red Kite, Osprey (18^th), Hobby, two Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, two Ringed Plover, Curlew and Redshank. Tern passage was limited to one Arctic and three Common Terns. There were also records of 500 House Martin, 1500 Swifts, two Wheatears, four Yellow Wagtails and eight Yellow-legged Gulls (25^th).

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included Red Kite, Hobby, two Oystercatchers, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Common Terns, one Arctic Tern and a Spotted Flycatcher.

Morton Bagot: Birds recorded included two Shelducks, two Teal, Hobby, three Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, four Green Sandpipers, Redshank, Common Tern, Cuckoo and nine Crossbills (21^st).

Salford Priors GP: Records included 16 Little Grebe, two Barnacle Geese, four Shelduck and a brood, a Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 165 Mallard, two Shoveler, 60 Tufted Duck, Red Kite, two Oystercatcher, eight Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, Whimbrel (29^th), two Redshank, six Green Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, two Cuckoo, three Turtle Dove and the long staying Cetti’s Warbler. Grey Partridge was nearby.

South-east: Up to three Curlew were at Fenny Compton, a Grey Partridge at Wormleighton and a Grasshopper Warbler at Lighthorne Quarry.

Tame Valley: Reports from Ladywalk NR included Mandarin, Garganey, four Teal, 12 Shoveler, two Pochard, Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, four Goosander, six Little Egret, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and two Redshank. Fisher’s Mill had a Wood Sandpiper (26^th). Alvecote Pools recorded a Little Egret, Green & Common Sandpipers and the first returning Common Redstart, while Shustoke noted Little Tern & Arctic Tern (2^nd).

Other sites: Pairs of Red Kites are present and possibly nesting in at least three localities in the south of the county this year. A Crossbill was at Hartshill Hayes (26^th) and a Corn Bunting near Crimscote.

July Sightings

Highlights: A Night Heron was at Jubilee Pools, Ryton-on-Dunsmore (17^th-23^rd), a Spotted Crake at Brandon Marsh (30^th-31^st) and two Bee-eaters at Polesworth (18^th).

Alvecote Pools: Five Little Egrets, two Hobby, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, two Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Redstart and 12 Yellow Wagtails were of note.

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included 11 Teal, four Shoveler, three Pochard, Little Egret, two Hobby, five Oystercatcher, Avocet (24^th), five Little Ringed Plover, 250 Lapwing, ten Black-tailed Godwits (17^th), Snipe, three Redshank, Greenshank, five Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, eight Common Terns, two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Whinchat and Grasshopper Warbler.

Draycote Water: Records included three Little Egrets, Red Kite, Peregrine, three Oystercatcher, Avocet (1^st), four Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 12 Common Sandpipers, seven Yellow-legged Gulls, nine Common Terns and five Black Terns (17^th). Notable counts included 80 Great Crested Grebes, 325 Coot and 1000 Swifts.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included a Black Tern (26^th), four Common Sandpipers, a young Cuckoo, Crossbill and several Siskins.

Morton Bagot: There were reports of Shelduck, two Teal, Quail (19^th), Hobby, 56 Lapwing, three Little Ringed Plover, Snipe, Greenshank, seven Green Sandpipers, two Common Redstarts, Whinchat and 120 Goldfinches.

Salford Priors GP: Records included 24 Little Grebe, ten Shelduck, two Teal, Garganey (from 24^th), Pochard, 129 Tufted Duck, Grey Partridge, two Little Egrets, Oystercatcher, Avocet (20^th), eight Little Ringed Plovers, Little Stint (25^th), two Dunlin, Redshank, ten Green Sandpipers, six Common Sandpipers, five Turtle Doves and a Common Redstart.

South-east: A Red Kite was at Ladbroke. Six Green Sandpipers were at Lighthorne Quarry and two Common Terns at Wormleighton Res. Common Redstarts were at Fenny Compton, Knightcote and Lighthorne, with ten early Siskins at Burton Dassett.

Tame Valley: Reports from Ladywalk NR included Mandarin, Wigeon, three Teal, eight Shoveler, two Pochard, a Common Scoter (15^th), 11 Goosander, eight Little Egret, a ringtail harrier (29^th), two Hobby, three Peregrines, two Little Ringed Plover, two Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, three Green Sandpiper and two Crossbills. Middleton Pool attracted four Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, six Green Sandpipers and Common Sandpiper, with ten Siskins nearby. Kingsbury WP had a large Little Egret roost and regular Yellow-legged Gull. Shustoke Res held Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Dunlin and seven Common Sandpipers.

Other sites: Two or three Quail were calling at Middle Spernall, with Common Redstarts reported there and Napton Hill. A Black Redstart was at Woolscott (25^th), where up to 18 Yellow-legged Gulls assembled on farmland. Crossbills were seen at Hartshill Hayes.

August Sightings

Highlights: An Arctic Skua was reported from Draycote Water (28^th). A regional record high of 34 Little Egrets were roosting at Kingsbury Water Park (14^th).

Alvecote Pools: 12 Wigeon, two Little Egrets, two Ruff, Dunlin, Greenshank, two Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, three Common Redstarts and three Spotted Flycatchers were reported.

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included 21 Teal, two Shoveler, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier (10^th-11^th), two Hobby, Ringed Plover, 250 Lapwing, three Snipe, Redshank, Ruff, seven Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, six Common Terns and a Spotted Flycatcher. The first Merlin was back nearby (27^th).

Charlecote: A Quail was heard (11^th) and there were sightings of Little Egret, Whimbrel, two Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, three Common Redstarts, Whinchat, six Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit.

Draycote Water: Records included maxima of four Shelduck, seven Little Egret, Red Kite, Osprey (10^th), Hobby, two Little Ringed Plover, six Ringed Plover, 250 Lapwing, 13 Dunlin, five Ruff, two Whimbrel, two Curlew, five Black-tailed Godwit, ten Redshank, four Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, seven Common Sandpipers, 15 Turnstone, 14 Yellow-legged Gull, Sandwich Tern (8^th), 19 Arctic Tern, ten Common Tern, Little Tern (8^th), 17 Black Tern, Wheatear and 25 Yellow Wagtail. Great Crested Grebes reached 125.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included four Shoveler, Little Egret, Hobby, Greenshank, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo and Whinchat.

Morton Bagot: There were reports of 32 Teal, Hobby, Peregrine, Black-tailed Godwit, five Snipe, Greenshank, 12 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper, two Common Redstarts, Whinchat, four Spotted Flycatchers, Tree Pipit and Corn Bunting.

Salford Priors GP: Records included maxima of 47 Little Grebe, two Little Egret, Osprey (18^th), Hobby, Peregrine, six Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 47 Teal, Garganey (to 24^th), three Shoveler, Pochard, four Little Ringed Plover, nine Ringed Plover, five Dunlin, Little Stint (23^rd), Snipe, four Black-tailed Godwit, two Ruff, Spotted Redshank (30^th), 11 Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper (16^th), eight Common Sandpiper, two Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull (10^th), Yellow-legged Gull, seven Common Terns, four Black Tern, five Turtle Dove, two Common Redstart, Whinchat, two Wheatear, Grasshopper Warbler, Tree Pipit and several Crossbills.

South-east: A Black Redstart was in Fenny Compton (28^th), together with Common Redstart, Willow Tit, Tree Pipit, 50 Yellow Wagtails and 125 Goldfinches. Five Common Redstarts were at Wormleighton Res, three at Lighthorne and two at Priors Hardwick. A Red Kite and Hobby were at Wormleighton Res. Compton Verney produced a Little Egret, two Hobby and Tree Pipit, with two Green Sandpipers at Lighthorne.

Tame Valley: Reports from Ladywalk NR included four Wigeon, 55 Gadwall, 39 Teal, Garganey, 78 Shoveler, six Little Egret, three Hobby, three Peregrines, Snipe, Greenshank, seven Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper, Tree Pipit, Common Redstart, Willow Tit, 23 Siskin and a Ring-necked Parakeet. The Middleton area included Garganey, Wood Sandpiper (30^th), four Green Sandpiper, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Pipit. Shustoke Res had sightings of four Wigeon, Peregrine, Hobby, two Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, three Ruff, Greenshank, two Common Sandpipers, Mediterranean Gull, two Arctic and three Common Terns, three Whinchats and a Wheatear.

Other sites: Newton Pool attracted a Hobby and two Little Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, four Ruff, two Greenshank, six Green Sandpiper, a Common Sandpiper and 140 Goldfinch. Yardley Pool, Hartshill had a Pied Flycatcher (27^th), eight Spotted Flycatchers and two Common Redstarts. A Black Redstart was in Rugby (29^th), with Common Redstarts at Napton Hill and Shuckburgh, and Wheatears at Snowford and Wishaw. 20 Yellow Wagtails were at Long Itchington, while Siskins and Spotted Flycatchers were reported widely.

September Sightings

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included 101 Wigeon, 48 Gadwall,  60 Teal, Pintail, two Shoveler, two Grey Partridge, Little Egret, Merlin (18^th) Hobby, Peregrine, two Water Rail,  250 Lapwing, four Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Whinchat, three Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler, two Spotted Flycatcher and 20 Siskin.

Charlecote: Recorded a Marsh Harrier (16^th), Hobby, Peregrine, two Yellow-legged Gull, two Redstart, Stonechat, two Spotted Flycatcher, two Wheatear and flock of 90 Meadow Pipits (22^nd).

Draycote: Records included maxima of 35 Wigeon, five Gadwall, five Pochard, 11 Little Egret, Osprey (1^st ), Peregrine, Water Rail, two Hobby, two Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, 250 Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Sanderling, Ruff, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, two Common Sandpiper, 10 Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern, Black Tern, two Wheatear, 20 Yellow Wagtail and four Spotted Flycatcher.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included five Wigeon, Mandarin, Pintail, Shoveler, Hobby, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Redstart and Wheatear.

Morton Bagot: There were reports of 43 Teal, Hobby, Golden Plover, 20 Snipe, six Green Sandpipers, Common Redstart, four Whinchat and two Stonechat.

Salford Priors GP: Records included 41 Little Grebe, eight Wigeon, 51 Teal, ten Gadwall, two Pintail, two Shoveler, two Pochard, 84 Tufted Duck, Marsh Harrier (20^th), Hobby, two Peregrines, two Little Ringed Plover, three Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Dunlin, four Snipe, five Green Sandpiper, four Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, two White Wagtails, two Stonechat and four Whinchat.  

South-east: Up to 60 Yellow Wagtails were at Fenny Compton, with 17 at Bishops Itchington. Fenny Compton also had a Hobby, a roost of 150 Meadow Pipits and a Whinchat. Highlights at Priors Hardwick included Hobby, a Sandwich Tern (5^th), 850 Swallows, nine Common Redstarts, Stonechat, Whinchat, two Wheatear and 26 Siskins. At Wormleighton Res there were sightings of Shoveler, Osprey (12^th), Peregrine, Tree Pipit and two Whinchat, while two Yellow-legged Gulls, and single Stonechat and Whinchat were at Tysoe. A late report from last month involved an exhausted Shag found at Lighthorne at the end of August.

Tame Valley: Reports from Ladywalk NR included 51 Wigeon, 164 Gadwall, 90 Teal, Pintail, 40 Shoveler, three Little Egret, two Hobby, Dunlin,  five Ruff, two Greenshank, two Green Sandpiper, two Common Sandpiper, Spotted Flycatcher and a roost of 50 Pied Wagtail. Sightings in the Kingsbury area included three Ringed Plover, two Little Stint, two Dunlin, two Ruff, Greenshank and four Wheatear, with 32 Little Egrets roosting at Otter Pool. Middleton Hall had regular Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and two Water Rail. Wishaw reported a Hobby, Whinchat and nine Wheatear.

Other sites: A good sized flock of 270 Goldfinches was at Clifton Lakes. Paget’s Lane Pools, Bubbenhall had five Wigeon, 20 Teal, Green Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Red Kite, Peregrine, five Spotted Flycatchers and a Common Redstart. A Cetti’s Warbler was at Judkins Quarry, Nuneaton. 

October Sightings

Highlights: A Bearded Tit was at Salford Priors GP (18^th) and up to four were at Napton Reservoir (from 23^rd).

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included Barnacle Goose, 269 Wigeon, 48 Gadwall, Pintail, 68 Shoveler, four Pochard,  two Grey Partridge, two Little Egret, Peregrine, two Water Rail,  250 Lapwing, eight Snipe, Green Sandpiper, three Stonechat, Brambling and a small flock of Siskin.

Charlecote: There were reports of ten Grey Partridge, Hobby, Peregrine, 280 Golden Plover (28^th) and two Brambling (17^th).

Draycote: Records included maxima of two Pintail, six Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, 6 Little Egret, Water Rail, Ringed Plover, seven Golden Plover, 200 Lapwing, two Dunlin, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Tree Sparrow, Wheatear, Rock Pipit and Yellow Wagtail.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included Wigeon, four Mandarin, Pintail, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Goosander, three Snipe, Dunlin, Short-eared Owl (21^st) Kittiwake (2^nd), Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Pipit, Stonechat and a Hawfinch (20^th).

Morton Bagot: There were reports of 29 Teal, Marsh Harrier (4^th), 75 Snipe, four Green Sandpipers, 250 Linnets, 35 Lesser-Redpoll and two Stonechat.

Salford Priors GP: Records included 37 Little Grebe, Little Egret, 18 Wigeon, nine Gadwall, 96 Teal, two Pintail, eight Shoveler, Water Rail, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, 95 Lapwing, 32 Snipe, four Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, two Yellow-legged Gulls, Short-eared Owl (22^nd), 300 Meadow Pipits, Tree Pipit, White Wagtail, four Stonechats, two Wheatears, a late Reed Warbler (4^th), 25 Lesser Redpolls and a Corn Bunting.

South-east: Sightings around Fenny Compton included 14 Teal, Peregrine, 20 Golden Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, three Stonechats, Wheatear, an influx of 2500 Fieldfares (30^th), late Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler (both 3^rd), 33 Tree Sparrows and a Brambling. A Ring Ouzel (24^th) and two Water Rails were at Wormleighton Res, while a Hen Harrier (28^th) was seen near Wormleighton Church, where two Bramblings were feeding with 250 Chaffinches. Other reports included 33 Golden Plover at Gaydon, 85 Lapwing at DMC Kineton, a Peregrine at Moreton Morrell and both Wigeon and Curlew at Farnborough. Stonechats were noted at both Northend and Tysoe and several large Linnet flocks were noted in the area.

Tame Valley: Reports from Ladywalk NR included 83 Wigeon, 65 Gadwall, 95 Teal, Pintail, 79 Shoveler, two Goosander, two Little Egret, five Black-tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, three Green Sandpipers, Woodcock and Wheatear. Sightings in the Kingsbury area included a Peregrine, Great White Egret (7^th), with 41 Little Egrets roosting at Otter Pool. Wishaw reported 15 Grey Partridge and a female Merlin.

November Sightings

Highlights: A Great White Egret was reported from Kingsbury WP (10^th), Alvecote Pools (19^th) and Hams Hall (23^rd). Up to four Bearded Tits were present at Brandon, with others reported from Napton Reservoir and Ladywalk.

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included Shelduck, 256 Wigeon, five Gadwall, 50 Teal, two Pintail, 81 Shoveler, four Pochard, two Red-crested Pochard, Goldeneye, Bittern, two Little Egret, Water Rail, 250 Lapwing, 200 Golden Plover, ,  10 Snipe, Rose-ringed Parakeet (29^th) Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, two Willow Tits, Brambling and up to 26 Siskins, whilst gulls included single Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls.

Charlecote: There were reports of up to 1000 Golden Plover, Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl, Brambling and 28 Corn Buntings.

Draycote: Records included two Whooper Swans, a Brent Goose, Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 50 Wigeon, 140 Teal, two Pintail, 11 Shoveler, five Red-crested Pochard, a Scaup, 400 Tufted Duck, 45 Goldeneye, a Common Scoter, 15 Goosander, three Great Northern Divers,  43 Little Grebe, four Little Egret, Peregrine, two Water Rail, 48 Golden Plover, 110 Lapwing, Sanderling, Dunlin, two Black-tailed Godwits, Green Sandpiper, a Caspian and six Yellow-legged Gulls, four Chiffchaffs, a Rock Pipit and 20 Tree Sparrows.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included two Gadwall, eight Teal, Shoveler, three Pochard, two Goosander, Red Kite, Peregrine, Water Rail, three Snipe, 500 Golden Plover, Caspian Gull, and a Chiffchaff.

Morton Bagot: There were reports of five Wigeon, 147 Teal, Red Kite, Peregrine, 30 Golden Plover, 66 Snipe, three Green Sandpipers, a Black Redstart (12^th), two Stonechats, a Brambling, 200 Linnets and 25 Lesser Redpolls.

Salford Priors GP: There were sightings of one Shelduck, 27 Wigeon, 24 Gadwall, 95 Teal, 12 Shoveler, two Red-crested Pochard, 14 Pochard, 47 Tufted Duck, a Scaup, two Goosander, 28 Little Grebe, Merlin, Peregrine, two Water Rails, 65 Lapwing, Jack Snipe, 30 Common Snipe, three Green Sandpiper, a Rock Pipit, Stonechat, Chiffchaff and Brambling. Three Whooper Swans were also recorded flying over Bidford (9^th).

South-east: Fenny Compton attracted up to 3000 Fieldfares, 1650 Redwing and 2500 Starlings to feed on berries, and also had a Peregrine and 30 Tree Sparrows. Wormleighton Reservoir also had a Peregrine as well as six Wigeon, four Water Rails, a Mediterranean Gull (13^th), Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 1150 Redwing, Chiffchaff, Willow Tit and two Bramblings. The vicinity of Wormleighton Church attracted 270 Skylarks and more Bramblings. A Peregrine and Jack Snipe was at Priors Hardwick, where there were also 50 Tree Sparrows. A Yellow-legged Gull was at Stoneton, with a Willow Tit and 220 Lapwing at Knightcote. A Stonechat and 30 Tree Sparrows were at Tysoe. Several Jack Snipe were back at Lighthorne Quarry.

Tame Valley: Coleshill GP had a Hen Harrier (11^th-12^th), three Short-eared Owls, Jack Snipe and Green Sandpiper. Wildfowl counts at Ladywalk produced 110 Wigeon, 76 Gadwall, 92 Teal and 174 Shoveler, while two Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls and a Siberian Chiffchaff were also seen. One of these Short-eared Owls was also seen at Lea Marston, with Red-crested Pochard on the Coton Pools and a Kittiwake in the gull roost there. A wintering Common Sandpiper was noted at both Shustoke and Water Orton. Up to 367 Golden Plover were at Wishaw. A Bittern and an evening roost of 7000 Starlings were present at Fisher’s Mill, while nearby Middleton Hall had Woodcock, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and up to 41 Little Egrets were roosting in the heronry wood. 

Other sites: Birds reported from Alvecote Pools included two Pink-footed Geese, a very late Swift (8^th) and two Stonechats. Ryton Pools CP attracted a Firecrest (11^th), while the nearby Wood Farm Pools held up to ten each of Wigeon and Shoveler, as well as huge numbers of bathing gulls, including four Yellow-legged and 22 Great Black-backed Gulls. Napton Reservoir had five Whooper Swans (22^nd), 53 Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, two Water Rail, Jack Snipe and Chiffchaff.

December Sightings

Highlights: Great White Egret sightings came from Draycote (15^th) and at several sites in the Tame Valley and at Alvecote Pools.

Brandon Marsh:  Sightings included two Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 20+ Teal, three Pintail, 30 Shoveler, four Pochard, three Goldeneye, three Goosander, a Bittern, Little Egret, two Water Rail, 100 Lapwing, Peregrine and two Willow Tits.

Charlecote: Up to 500 Golden Plover, 400 Lapwing and 20 Corn Buntings were in the area.

Draycote: Records included six White-fronted Geese, eight Shelduck, 17 Gadwall, two Pintail, a Scaup, 45 Goldeneye, 23 Goosander, Smew, up to five Great Northern Divers, three Little Egrets, Water Rail, 23 Golden Plover, 500 Lapwing, two Dunlin, Short-eared Owl, several Chiffchaffs and up to 51 Tree Sparrows at the feeders. Up to five Mediterranean, a Caspian and three Yellow-legged Gulls were in the huge evening gull roost.

Earlswood Lakes: Sightings included Shoveler, nine Goosander, 120 Golden Plover, 30 Lapwing, the returning Caspian Gull from last winter and a Brambling.

Morton Bagot: There were reports of five Wigeon, 27 Teal, Peregrine, 85 Lapwing, two Green Sandpipers, a Stonechat, a Brambling, 200 Linnets and 40 Lesser Redpolls.

Salford Priors GP: There were sightings of a Pink-footed Goose (from 28^th), two Shelduck, five Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 128 Teal, nine Shoveler, 10 Pochard, 60 Tufted Duck, Goosander, 26 Little Grebe, Merlin, Peregrine, 35 Lapwing, Jack Snipe, 25 Common Snipe, and up to five Green Sandpipers. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported at nearby Dunnington and four Grey Partridges were at Bidford-on-Avon.

South-east: Goosanders were noted at both Farnborough Park and Wormleighton Res, with the latter water also having a Shoveler and up to six Wigeon. The best raptors involved a Merlin at Farnborough and a Red Kite at Stoneton. Wintering plovers are in short supply this winter but up to 300 Lapwing were present at Knightcote, with 100 Lapwing and 300 Golden Plover briefly at Wormleighton. Lighthorne Quarry held a Water Rail, four Jack Snipe and 37 Common Snipe, with a Woodcock at Wormleighton Res. A Yellow-legged Gull was at Knightcote, while Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and 27 Meadow Pipits were seen at Fenny Compton. Single Willow Tit and Chiffchaff were at Wormleighton Res, with another of the latter at Lighthorne Quarry. A pair of Stonechats are over-wintering at Knightcote. Up to four Bramblings were still near Wormleighton church, with one or two at both Avon Dassett and Farnborough, while the best count of Siskin was 20 at Combrook. A flock of 135 Yellowhammer at Ladbroke Hill was notable.

Tame Valley: Ladywalk highlights included a Shelduck, 84 Wigeon, 106 Teal, 41 Shoveler, two Pochard, three Goosander, seven Little Egret, Great Northern Diver (from 23^rd), Bittern, two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Peregrine, a Long-eared Owl, two Short-eared Owls, two Barn Owls and six Woodcock.

Coleshill GP had three Short-eared Owls, two Barn Owl and a Jack Snipe. Wishaw recorded 600 Golden Plover and eight Grey Partridge. Alvecote Pools recorded two Pink-footed Geese (4^th) and a Stonechat. Kingsbury WP recorded a Merlin, whilst Shustoke Res had a Woodcock and wintering Common Sandpiper.

Other sites: Single Water Rail, Cetti’s Warbler and Chiffchaff were noted at Napton Res.

Neil Duggan and Jon Bowley (07850 759 334 / 07815 675090)