Upton Warren Bird News

Upton Warren Nature Reserve

Monthly Reviews

Written by Phil Andrews

July 2009

WILDFOWL - June’s influx of Gadwall carried into early July, with a max of 4 at the Moors on 4^th. A peak of 350 Mallard were across the reserve on 7^th. Small numbers of Teal were present throughout the month with a max count of 5 on 4^th and 17^th; likewise Shoveler were occasionally encountered with a peak of 3 at the Flashes on 4^th. 4 Shelduck flew over the reserve on 24^th. A female Garganey was at the Moors on 8^th. 2 Pochard were on the Moors on 4^th with a juvenile there on 24^th. 6 broods of Tufted Duck totalling at least 24 young were produced at the Moors with a max count of 16 adults on 4^th. Coot numbers peaked at 144 on 12^th. A young Water Rail was at the Moors on 5^th with 2 young from different broods at the Flashes on 11^th. 62 Canada Geese were across the reserve on 11^th. 16 Greylag Geese were at the Sailing Pool on 12^th with 16 also at the Moors on 24^th and a similar numbering flying over the Flashes on 18^th (equalling the reserve’s record count). The second pair of Mute Swan with its 6 cygnets remained at the Moors Pool. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 10 on 12^th with 1 young fledged at the Moors and a brood of 3 hatching on 13^th, 1 of which was still present at the month’s end. Little Grebe were present in small numbers at the Moors with a peak of 3 on 26^th. 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 4^th. A Little Egret was at the Moors on 1^st with 2 there on 22^nd and another at the Moors between 29^th and 31^st. A Bittern was at the Moors on 18^th and again on 21^st, 23^rd, 24^th, 26^th, 27^th, 28^th and 29^th, the first non-wintering record for the reserve. Small numbers of Cormorant were present, with a max of 5 on 11^th, 28^th and 31^st.

WADERS - Curlew were regularly noted, with a max of 40 at the Flashes roost on 26^th and 30^th (the latter date including a fresh juvenile). A peak of 5 adult Oystercatcher was present across the reserve on 4^th; the youngster from the first brood fledged and the 2 young at the Moors were virtually fledged by the month’s end. Lapwing numbers began to rise with a max of 135 at the Flashes on 25^th; the chick at the Moors continued to develop. A peak of 13 Avocet, including 3 fledged young, were at the Flashes on 1^st with numbers rapidly declining to 1 bird by the second week which was last seen on 12^th. Little Ringed Plover numbers peaked at 8 at the Flashes on 5^th; all June’s chicks had perished by 8^th and the species had disappeared by 24^th. 2 Dunlin flew over the Moors on 15^th with singles at the Flashes on 19^th, 21^st, 22^nd and 26^th. A Common Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 2^nd and 3^rd before a marked influence on 4^th when there were 7 across the reserve (1 at the Moors and 6 at the Flashes, including a juvenile). Green Sandpiper numbers continued to grow at the Flashes, peaking at 16 on 5^th. 6 Black-tailed Godwit were at the Flashes on 5^th with 2 there late on 7^th, 3 on 9^th, 1 on 14^th and 15^th, 9 on 19^th and 2 on 22^nd; 6 over-flying godwits on 8^th were believed to be this species. 2 Whimbrel flew south-west over the Flashes on 7^th. There were several sightings of Redshank at the start and end of the month, including a juvenile, peaking with 4 at the Flashes on 13^th. Single Greenshanks were at the Flashes on 13^th (also seen at the Moors) and 24^th. 2 Snipe were at the Flashes on 29^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Common Terns were resident at the Moors, with a max count of 7 pairs. The first fledged youngster was at the Moors from 4^th and 11 chicks were raised, the most successful year on record (despite 1 being taken by a Lesser Black-backed Gull and another well-grown noted dead on 26^th). An Arctic Tern was at the Flashes on 17^th and 18^th. An adult Herring Gull was at the Flashes on 8^th with another on 26^th. A first summer Common Gull was at the Flashes on 26^th and again on 30^th. The Black-headed Gull roost reached 1,000 at the Flashes on 31^st; around 65 chicks were fledged across the reserve. A colour-ringed juvenile (white ring 2V02 on its right leg) was in the Flashes roost on 30^th. An adult Mediterranean Gull (yellow ring 2C31 on its left leg) was at the Flashes on 18^th with different juveniles in the roost on 24^th and 26^th and a new adult (white ring 3N93 on its left leg) in the roost on 28^th and at the Flashes during the day on 30^th.

MIGRANTS - There were several sightings of Hobby at the Moors and Flashes. A Garden Warbler was near the feeding station at the Flashes on 8^th. At least 120 Swifts were over the Flashes in the evening of 30^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Nuthatch was along the River Salwarpe on 1^st and again on 8^th with a young bird along the path to the East Hide at the Moors also on 8^th; 1 was in the Education Reserve on the 15^th with 2 there on 25^th. A family party of Cetti’s Warbler were at the Moors on 8^th. A Little Owl was on the old barns at the Flashes on 10^th, 24^th and 31^st whilst 2 Tawny Owls were there on 8^th. A family party of Green Woodpecker were at the Flashes on 11^th. Up to 4 Kingfisher were regularly seen at the Moors. There were continued sightings of two or three Otters at the Moors; 1 was noted dead on the M5 Junction 5 slip road late in the month. A family party of Treecreepers were in the Education Reserve on 25^th. 75+ Goldfinch were at the Flashes on 18^th. 2 Rooks flew over the Flashes on 30^th.

June 2009

WILDFOWL - 1 or 2 Shelduck were present at the Flashes or the Moors throughout the month with 6 on 7th. There was a large influx of Gadwall at the start of the month, with 18 across the reserve on 2nd - the second highest count in the reserve’s history – and then present throughout the month. 185 Mallard were at just the Flashes on 22nd. Small numbers of Teal were at the Moors and Flashes on several dates in the month, peaking at 7 at the Flashes on 27th. Single drake Shoveler were at the Moors and Flashes on several dates with 4 at the North Moors on 25th. 4 Pochard were on the North Moors on 8th with a female at the Moors on 14th and a juvenile there from 25th. A brood of 8 young Tufted Duck emerged at the Moors on 24th with a max count of 38 on 14th. 7 Ruddy Duck were at the Moors on 9th with 1 there on 11th. Coot numbers peaked at 92 on 17th and 20th with many family parties. 2 juvenile Water Rails were seen from the concrete hide at the Moors late in the month. The Greylag Geese family remained at the Sailing Pool fledging 7 young, the first successful breeding of this species at Upton Warren; 3 adults were present on many dates with 11 briefly on 13th. 4 Mute Swan cygnets fledged on the North Moors with a second pair on the Moors Pool hatching 6 cygnets from 27th. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 12 on 14th with 2 young fledged at the Moors; a third chick was present on 10th only. After several weeks absence Little Grebe returned to the Moors from 17th with 2 well developed young seen from 19th. Cormorant was scarce with a max of 2 at the Moors on 6th and 21st and over the Flashes on 21st. 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 6th and 17th.

WADERS - Curlew were recorded in small numbers on several dates with a max of 30 at the Flashes on 27th. A peak of 5 Oystercatcher was present at the Moors on 9th and 10th; a pair hatched with 1 young from 6th with a second pair producing 2 young from 20th. Lapwing numbers were low with a max of 40 across the reserve on 27th; the 3 young at the Flashes disappeared in the second week of the month whilst 1 chick was seen at the Moors from 25th. Redshank were present throughout the month with a peak of 4 at the Flashes on 3rd and 10th but no signs of any successful breeding. A peak of 13 Avocet were at the Flashes late in the month, including 3 fledged young. Little Ringed Plover numbers peaked at 9 at the Flashes on 4th, 3 pairs attempted to nest with one producing 3 young from 27th and another hatching 2 by the month’s end. Single Ringed Plovers were present at the Flashes on 4th and 5th with 2 there on 6th and 7th. A Curlew Sandpiper approaching full summer plumage was at the Flashes on 4th and 5th. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 7th. Single Snipe were at the Moors on 6th, 7th and 8th. A Common Sandpiper was at both the Moors and Flashes on 15th, with 1 at the Moors on 30th. Green Sandpiper re-appeared at the Flashes from 16th, with numbers growing rapidly to a peak of 11 on 27th. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Moors on 20th with another at the Flashes on 26th, rising to 2 on 27th. A female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, just the fifth record for the reserve, was at the Flashes from early morning until dusk on 21st. 2 Greenshank were briefly at the Flashes on 23rd.

GULLS / TERNS - Common Terns were resident at the Moors, with a max count of 10 on 3rd, 7th and 19th; 2 pairs produced 3 young at the Moors from 19th and by the end of the month there were 4 pairs with chicks. 2 Black Terns were at the Moors late on 6th and again on 7th before moving later to the Flashes; another was at the Moors early morning on 24th. Up to 35 pairs of Black-headed Gulls nested across the reserve with many young produced; at least 400 birds were present in the Flashes roost on 25th. Single adult Herring Gulls were at the Flashes on 14th and 19th. A first-summer Common Gull was at the Moors on 10th.

MIGRANTS - There were several sightings of Hobby at the Flashes early in the month, a period which also saw a run of Cuckoo records culminating in 3 at the Flashes on 7th. 200 Swifts were over the Education Reserve on 8th. 2 young Reed Warbler were noted being fed on the east side of the Moors on 11th. A Chiffchaff feeding young was along the Salwarpe on 17th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Rook flew over the Moors on 2nd. A Tawny Owl was seen perched on wires near Hobden Hall Farm on 2nd and then seen at the Flashes on the old barns of Sagebury Farm on 5th and 25th. Young Jay and Kingfisher were noted at the Moors on the 4th and 5th respectively. A family party of Pied Wagtail with 4 young was at the Flashes on 6th. A small Starling roost developed at the Flashes, peaking at 300 birds on 11th. Up to 20 Reed Buntings were noted singing across the reserve on 11th. A Goldcrest was on the west side of the Moors on 9th. 3 Kingfishers were at the Moors on 19th. 2 Otters were seen again around the concrete hide at the Moors on 14th and several dates thereafter, often between dawn and 9am. The Treecreeper family remained around the Hen Brook at the Flashes. A family party of Cetti’s Warblers with at least 2 young was on the east side of the Moors early in the month.

May 2009

WILDFOWL - A male Shoveler was at the Moors until 6^th with a female seen on odd dates until 16^th. April’s pair of Wigeon were at the Moors until 3^rd with just the male on 4^th. A pair of Garganey were at the Moors on 16^th. There were many Mallard broods, with a max count of 171 birds on 28^th. A peak of 4 Shelduck were present on 9^th. Gadwall were a daily occurrence with 5 birds on 23^rd and 25^th. Tufted Duck numbers peaked across the reserve at 41 on 26^th. 2 Pochard were at the Moors on 11^th with 1 at the Flashes the following day. Ruddy Duck were seen on several dates until the 6^th, peaking at 2 birds on 2^nd and 4^th, with 2 again on 9^th. 2 Coot broods were noted at the Flashes and 1 at the Moors from 17^th; numbers peaked at 50 on 24^th. A Moorhen brood was at the Moors from 10^th. A peak of 4 Greylag Geese were present on 16^th; a brood of up to 8 young was at the Sailing Pool with 6 still by the end of the month. Several Canada Geese nested, with a peak count of 35 on 16^th. A Barnacle Goose was at the Sailing Pool on 23^rd. A brood of 5 Mute Swan cygnets was on the North Moors from 23^rd. Great Crested Grebe numbers peaked at 14 on 13^th, with young present by the end of the month. Cormorant were present in very small numbers with a max of 3 at the Moors on 23^rd. 3 Little Egrets were at the Moors early on 10^th before flying over the Flashes whilst 1 landed at the Flashes later the same day; 2 were at the Flashes on the 24^th.

WADERS - Curlew were recorded in small numbers several dates with a max of 12 at the Flashes on 28^th. Up to 4 Oystercatcher usually were present throughout the month with 5 at the Moors on 16^th. Lapwing numbers were low, with 3 young at the Flashes from 25^th and all still present at the end of the month. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 8^th. Redshank were present throughout the month with a peak of 5 at the Flashes late in the month. Up to 10 Avocet were at the Flashes; 1 brood with 4 young hatched from 12^th with 3 still present at the month’s end. Up to 8 Little Ringed Plover were present at the Flashes. Single Ringed Plovers were present at the Flashes on a number of dates with 4 there on 15^th. Common Sandpiper were present on several dates early in the month, with a peak of 3 at the Flashes on 8^th. A good Dunlin passage saw birds present from 1^st to 17^th and again from 23^rd to 25^th with 1 on 29^th; a peak of 17 were at the Flashes on 15^th. A Turnstone was at were noted on several dates; the last being the 24^th at the Flashes. A female Ruff was at the Moors, then the Flashes, from 10^th to 13^th. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 12^th with 2 at the Moors briefly on 25^th. A Bar-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes on 15^th. There was a sustained run of Whimbrel records from 2^nd to 18^th, peaking at 5 at the Flashes late on 15^th and early on 16^th with singles there on 22^nd and 26^th. 2 Sanderling were at the Moors on 15^th and 16^th with another at the Flashes from 27^th to 29^th. Single Snipe were recorded on several dates.

GULLS / TERNS - 2 Black Terns flew through the Moors on 12^th. Up to 6 Common Terns were usually at the Moors; 15 flew through the Flashes on 13^th with 9 at the Moors on 23^rd and 30^th. Single Arctic Terns were at the Moors on 4^th and at the Flashes on 5^th and 9^th. An adult Kittiwake was at the Moors Pool on 21^st. 2 Common Gulls were at the Moors on 11^th. Up to 35 pairs of Black-headed Gulls were nesting across the reserve by mid May with several chicks present by 26^th; a max count of 96 were present on 24^th. An immature Herring Gull was at the Moors on 6^th whilst 2 single birds flew over the Flashes on 16^th, 1 was over the Moors on 23^rd and a first summer was at the Flashes on 27^th.

MIGRANTS - A Grasshopper Warbler reeled between the first Flash and the sewage works on 13^th and 14^th and again on 23^rd, 25^th and 30^th. Hobby were regularly encountered early in the month, with 3 at the Moors on 2^nd. A female Marsh Harrier was at the Flashes on 4^th whilst another spent 5 minutes there on 20^th. At least 300 Swift were over the Moors on 18^th. A male Whinchat was at the Flashes on 10^th. A Spotted Flycatcher was near the feeding station at the Flashes on 9^th with another near the sewage works at the Flashes on 25^th. 3 singing Whitethroat were present late in the month.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A pair of Treecreeper with up to 5 young were by the Hen Brook from 8^th. A Raven flew over the Flashes on 16^th. A female House Sparrow was at the Moors on 16^th. 2 Rooks flew south over the Flashes on 15^th; 2 singles repeated the event on 16^th with singles again at the Flashes on 23^rd and 24^th, 6 over the Flashes on 25^th and 2 flew south west over the Flashes on 27^th. A Little Owl was on Sagebury Farm barn on 16^th. A Coal Tit was at the Moors’ feeding station on 22^nd. Two Otters were seen at the Moors on 5 dates between 6^th and 12^th. A Red Kite flew over the Sailing Pool on the afternoon of 24^th with another (or perhaps the same lingering in the area) over the Moors on the morning of 26^th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at the Moors on 27^th.

April 2009

WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low with a peak of just 8 at the Moors on several dates; 1 bird remained until the end of the month with a damaged bill. A maximum count of 17 Teal were across the reserve on 4^th and 5^th, departing on 29^th. 4 Shelduck were present all month with 6 birds on 14^th. At least 1 pair of Gadwall were resident throughout the month with 7 birds on 16^th. 3 Wigeon were at the Moors on 1^st with a drake then present from 4^th to 29^th with an additional drake on 12^th and a female from 23^rd also to 29^th. The first Mallard broods were seen from 10^th April. Tufted Duck numbers grew dramatically, peaking at 65 birds on 16^th, the highest number for 9 years. March’s drake Goosander remained at the Moors until 3^rd, re-appearing on 11^th, 12^th and 18^th to 20^th. A Ruddy Duck was at the Moors on 28^th and 29^th. Greylag Geese were sighted most days; a peak count of 9 flew over the Flashes on 18^th. Great Crested Grebe numbers increased steadily, peaking at 19 on 11^th. Little Grebe sightings were sparse with a max count of only 2 on 4^th. Cormorant numbers were lower than recent months, peaking at 6 at the Moors on 14^th.

WADERS - Curlew were occasionally seen at the Flashes, with a peak of 18 at the Flashes on 4^th. The last Snipe was seen on 29^th, with a max count of 10 at the Flashes on 9^th. 1 or 2 Jack Snipe were regularly seen at the Flashes up to 11^th. 2 pairs of Oystercatcher frequented both sides of the reserve with 6 birds on 13^th and 14^th. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 2^nd, 3^rd, 11^th, 13^th and 18^th and at the Moors on 13^th. 2 or 3 Redshank were at the Flashes all month, with 4 there on 14^th and 17^th. 9 Avocet remained at the Flashes all month. Little Ringed Plover numbers gradually rose, with a peak of 10 across the reserve from 14^th. A Common Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 5^th with regular sightings there after; 4 were present on 18^th and 25^th. 2 Whimbrel circled over the Moors on 12^th with 1 at the Flashes on 26^th. 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin were at the Moors following rain on 16^th; 1 Ringed Plover and 7 Dunlin were there the following day whilst 5 Dunlin flew through the Flashes on 18^th and a single there on 29^th. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Moors, then Flashes, on 28^th.

GULLS / TERNS - An adult Little Gull visited both the Flashes and Moors on 8^th with 2 adults at the Flashes for 30 minutes on 16^th and 1 adult at the Sailing Pool the following morning and at least 1 adult over the Flashes / Sailing Pool in the afternoon. 2 Herring Gulls flew south over the Moors on 10^th with a second summer bird over on 16^th, an adult over the Flashes on 18^th, 2 singles over the Flashes on 25^th and another on 28^th. A Common Tern was briefly at the Moors early morning on 10^th with single birds on several dates after; 2 bird were present on 15^th. 3 Arctic Terns were over the Sailing Pool on 17^th, the joint earliest date, with others through the Flashes early on 19^th and the Moors on 27^th and 30^th.

MIGRANTS - The first House Martin was at the Moors on 4^th. Numbers of hirundines peaked on 16^th following heavy rain – 200+ Swallows, 100+ House Martins and 50+ Sand Martins. A White Wagtail was at the Flashes on 1^st with 2 males at the Moors on 13^th. 3 Blackcaps were singing on 4^th. The first Willow Warbler was at the Moors on 3^rd with at least 6 birds across the reserve by 10^th. The first Reed and Sedge Warblers were at the Moors and Flashes respectively on 9^th. A male Redstart was at the Flashes from 9^th to 11^th. A Whitethroat was on the east side of the Moors on 12^th. A Wood Warbler, the first since 2000, was on the southern side of the Sailing Pool on 14^th. The first Lesser Whitethroat was at the Flashes on 15^th (with 3 by 20^th); the first Cuckoo the following day. The 16^th also brought a reeling Grasshopper Warbler (the joint earliest) to the Moors which remained until 20^th; the same (or another) reeled from the Broadmeadow on 25^th. A Yellow Wagtail flew over the Moors on 16^th with others seen at the Flashes on 17^th (3), 24^th to 26^th (1). 2 Wheatear were at the Flashes briefly on 24^th. A Garden Warbler was at the Moors on 20^th. A Hobby was at the Moors on 21^st with occasional sighting thereafter, including 2 on 26^th. An Osprey flew over the Moors late on 25^th. Swift were seen on both sides of the reserve from 25^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - There was another run of Mealy Redpoll records from the Moors, either along the path to the East Hide or by the horse chestnut tree. An adult male was seen on 3^rd and 4^th with a first winter male seen on 3^rd and 5^th. There were several sightings of small numbers of Lesser Redpoll, the largest being 10 along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 4^th, last being noted on 14^th. 5 Siskin were on the east side of the Moors on 10^th. A Treecreeper was in the hedge by the Flashes’ tower hide on 2^nd with another by the Hen Brook bridge on 3^rd and 5^th and in the Education reserve on 25^th. Single Raven flew over the Moors on 14^th and Flashes on 26^th. Up to 8 Cetti’s Warblers were singing across the reserve by mid month. A female Stonechat was at the Moors on 14^th. A House Sparrow was at the Moors feeding station on 25^th with a female near the East Hide 2 days later and a male at the Moors on 29^th. A Tawny Owl called from the direction of Wychbold late on 25^th. A Rook flew over the Flashes on 25^th.

March 2009

WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low, with a peak of just 8 at the Moors on 4^th. A maximum count of 21 Teal were across the reserve on 21^st. 2 Shelduck were present usually at the Moors all month, with a peak of 4 on 17^th and 31^st. A pair of Gadwall were at the Moors throughout the month with 3 birds on several dates and 4 on 21^st. There was an unconfirmed report of a pair of Garganey at the Moors on 9^th. A drake Mandarin was at the Moors early on 29^th. Tufted Duck numbers continued to grow at the Moors as spring progressed, peaking at 27 birds on 22^nd. Pochard numbers remained low at the Moors, with a peak of 6 on 1^st, and virtually absence by the month’s end. A pair of Goldeneye were at the Moors on 2^nd. A drake Goosander was at the Moors on 30^th and 31^st. A maximum count of 82 Coot were across the reserve on 7^th and 13^th. 20 Moorhen were across the reserve on 13^th. Water Rails were frequently seen, especially at the Moors feeding stations and around the Hen Pool. A maximum count of 97 Canada Geese were across the reserve on 21^st. Greylag Geese were sighted most days; at peak count of 6 were present on 8^th. Great Crested Grebe numbers grew as the month wore on, peaking at 15 on 22^nd. Little Grebe was seen most days, with a max count of 3 on 1^st. Cormorant numbers were lower than recent months, peaking at 17 at the Moors Pool on 5^th but reducing markedly later in the month. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a maximum of just 2 on several dates. 1 Bittern continued to be seen at the North Moors Pool with the final sighting on 19^th, the joint latest date on record. A Little Egret was at the Flashes on the morning of 4^th.

WADERS - A peak count of 200 Lapwing were at the Flashes on 4^th. Curlew were a regular visitor to the reserve in the first half of the month, with a peak count of 27 at the Flashes on 2^nd. Snipe numbers were high early in the month, with a max count of 50 across the reserve on 1^st. 11 Jack Snipe were flushed at the Flashes on 1^st; 1 was seen there on 4^th, 6^th and 24^th with 2 on 11^th and 3 on 18^th. At least 2 pairs of Oystercatcher frequented both sides of the reserve, with 7 present on 21^st. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes from the start of the month to 18^th. A Redshank was present from early in the month, with 2 from 16^th when an additional 6 birds briefly dropped in. The first Avocet returned to the Flashes on 1^st with numbers building up to 5 birds from 17^th, 8 from 19^th and 9 on 31^st, when an additional 4 birds were also at the Moors. A Dunlin was at the Moors Pool on 8^th whilst there was an unconfirmed report of a Knot there on the same day; another Dunlin was at the Moors on 28^th. The first returning Little Ringed Plover was briefly at the Moors on 11^th, the joint earliest date on record; the second was at the Flashes on 15^th with numbers building there to 5 on 22^nd. A Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 21^st. The first Common Sandpiper of the year was at the Flashes on 16^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 350 at the Flashes on 15^th but with numbers generally much lower. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls remained resident at the Moors. An adult Herring Gull was at the Flashes on 7^th, with 2 there on 16^th and a second winter bird on 15^th. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 27^th.

MIGRANTS - The winter’s last Redwing was in the horse paddock at the Moors on the early date of 4^th whilst the final Fieldfare record flew over the Moors Pool on 22^nd. The first Sand Martins were 4 over the Sailing Pool on 14^th with 1 at the Moors later that date; small numbers were reported during the remainder of the month, with a max count of 7 on 20^th. The first singing Blackcap was at the Moors on 21^st. A presumed wintering Chiffchaff was again near the Moors feeding station on 4^th with an assumed spring migrant near the East Hide on 11^th; at least 5 birds were singing across the reserve by 22^nd. 3 Swallows were over the Sailing Pool on 25^th with small numbers daily thereafter.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - There were several sightings of small numbers of Lesser Redpoll, the largest being 11 along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 28^th. A Treecreeper was near the Flashes’ feeding station on 1^st with others to the rear of the West Hide at the Moors on 4^th and by the Hen Pool on 8^th. A male and female Peregrine were on the transmitter masts at the Flashes on 1^st; the female was seen to bring in a Wood Pigeon. A Brambling was briefly at the Moors feeding station on 4^th. 200+ Wood Pigeon were in fields to the east of the Flashes on 7^th. A Coal Tit was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 5^th, with 3 opposite Lifestyles at the Moors on 13^th. A notable count of 21 Rook were in the fields to the east of the Flashes on 8^th, together with 17 Stock Dove and 10 Pheasant; 2 Rook flew over the Sailing Pool on 20^th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 11^th. A single then 3 Ravens flew over the reserve on 13^th with 1 over the Moors on 22^nd. A female Merlin flew through the Moors on 15^th. At least 4 singing Cetti’s Warblers were around the reserve. A female Stonechat was at the Flashes on 14^th. A Grey Wagtail was singing at the Moors on 21^st. A Little Owl was again on the old barns at the Flashes on 14^th.

February 2009

WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low, with a peak of just 14 at the Moors Pool on the 16^th. A maximum count of 40 Teal were across the reserve on the 14^th. 101 Mallard were across the reserve on the 7^th. January’s 2 Shelduck were present, usually at the Moors Pool, all month with 3 birds on several dates from the 11^th and 4 on the 14^th, 17^th and 23^rd. 2 Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on the 7^th, with 1 there on 14^th and 3 on the 19^th. A drake Gadwall was reported at the Moors Pool on the 15^th, with a pair there on the 28^th. A pair of Pintail were at the Moors Pool on the 18^th. Tufted Duck numbers grew at the Moors Pool during the month, peaking at 28 birds on the 20^th. Pochard numbers remained low at the Moors, with a peak of 14 on the 17^th. A maximum count of 150 Coot were at the Moors Pool on the 7^th. 30 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 14^th. Water Rails were frequently seen, especially at the Moors feeding stations. A maximum count of 115 Canada Geese were at the Moors Pool on the 7^th. 2 Greylag Geese were at the Moors Pool on several dates from the 7^th, with 5 birds on the 22^nd. A Eurasian White-fronted Goose, only the 19^th occurrence on the reserve and the first since 2005, was at the Moors Pool on the 7^th and then again on a further 7 dates (at the Moors Pool on the 8^th, 11^th, 12^th, 17^th and 19^th and at the Flashes on the 15^th and 18^th). Great Crested Grebe numbers grew as the month wore on, peaking at 13 at the Moors Pool on the 17^th. Little Grebe was seen most days, with a max count of 6 on the 1^st. Cormorant numbers remained high, peaking at 21 at the Moors Pool on the 23^rd. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a maximum of 4 on the 27^th. Bitterns continued to be regularly seen at the Moors Pool, with 2 on the 7^th and 14^th but no further sightings after the 24^th.

WADERS - A peak count of 954 Lapwing were at across the reserve on the 15^th. Curlew were a regular visitor to the Moors Pool early in the month, then more frequently at the Flashes later in February - a peak count of 36 was at the Flashes on the 17^th and 18^th. Snipe numbers remained high throughout the month, with a max count of 103 at the Moors Pool on the 13^th, the largest count since 1995. 6 Jack Snipe were flushed at the Flashes on the 1^st; 1 was on Amy’s Marsh at the Moors Pool on the 7^th, 8^th and 16^th. 3 Golden Plover were briefly on the East Island at the Moors Pool on the 16^th whilst 1 flew over the Moors Pool on the 17^th and another on the 23^rd. An Oystercatcher returned to the reserve on the 17^th and was seen on both sides up until the month’s end, with 2 birds at the Moors Pool from the 22^nd. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on the 19^th, 20^th and 22^nd. The year’s first Redshank was at the Flashes on the 28^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 160 at the Moors Pool on the 1^st. Fly-over Herring Gulls were noted on many dates with 1 at the Moors Pool on the 1^st; an adult, then a first winter, at the Flashes on the 15^th with 2 there on the 22^nd. An adult Great Black-backed Gull flew over the Moors Pool late on the 1^st. A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on the 3^rd. 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls took up residency at the Moors Pool; 10 were there on the 8^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - 2 Raven flew over the Flashes on the 1^st, with 1 over the Moors Pool on the 7^th. A Little Owl was noted on the old barn roof at the Flashes on many dates, with 2 there on the 11^th, 17^th, 18^th and 19^th. A peak count of 11 Lesser Redpoll were along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 25^th. A Treecreeper was in the Education Reserve on the 4^th, 15^th and 20^th. There were several sightings of small numbers of Siskins, usually around the Moors Pool and Education Reserve - the largest flock being of 30+ in the latter location on the 14^th. A Coal Tit was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 4^th whilst another was at the North Moors on the 15^th. A juvenile Peregrine was noted at both the Moors Pool and the Flashes on several dates. A Rook flew over the Moors Pool on the 14^th. 47 Fieldfare were at the Moors Pool on the 3^rd. 3 Sparrowhawks soared over the Moors Pool on the 17^th. A Mealy Redpoll was in the hedgerow along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on the 18^th and 19^th and again on the 25^th. Three Kingfishers were along the Hen Brook on the 17^th. A Grey Wagtail was at the Flashes on the 20^th. A Skylark was noted singing in fields to the east of the Flashes on several dates whilst 4 flew over the Flashes on the 26^th. 2 Goshawk were noted displaying to the east of the Flashes on the 21^st. A Chiffchaff was near the Moors Pool feeding station on the 27^th. A flock of at least 100 Chaffinch were noted in the ploughed field to the east of the Flashes on the 22^nd February.

January 2009

WILDFOWL   - Shoveler numbers were very low, with a peak of 27 at the Moors Pool on the 24^th, but generally less than 10 were present. A maximum count of 139 Teal were across the reserve on the 25^th. 285 Mallard were at the Moors Pool and Sailing Pool on the 11^th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors Pool between the 14^th and 17^th. A female Pintail was at the Moors Pool on the 25^th. 4 Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on the 21^st with 3 there on the 29^th and 1 the following day. A Shelduck was at the Moors Pool from the 2^nd with 2 birds from the 15^th until the month’s end; 3 were across the reserve on the 17^th. Tufted Duck numbers peaked at the Moors Pool at 25 birds on the 1^st. Pochard numbers remained low at the Moors, with a peak of 19 on the 25^th. A drake Goosander was at the Moors Pool on the 10^th. A maximum count of 200 Coot were at the Moors Pool on the 4^th. 25 Moorhen were across the reserve on the 11^th. Water Rails were frequently seen, with up to 4 birds at the Moors feeding stations. 3 Mute Swans were at the Moors on several dates. A maximum count of 196 Canada Geese were at the Moors Pool on the 11^th. 3 Greylag Geese were at the Moors Pool on the 18^th. Great Crested Grebe numbers were lower than December with a peak of 11 at the Moors Pool on the 1^st. Little Grebe was seen most days, with a max count of 5 on the 18^th. Cormorant numbers grew during the month, peaking at 30 at the Moors Pool on the 31^st. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a maximum of 5 on the 31^st. Bitterns continued to be seen at the Moors Pool, with 2 birds on the 1^st, 7^th, 21^st and 24^th.

WADERS - A peak count of 710 Lapwing were at across the reserve on the 16^th. Curlew were a regular visitor to the Moors Pool, with a peak count of 21 on the 11^th. Snipe numbers were low at the start of the month in the freezing conditions but grew as the ice retreated, with a max count of 71 across the reserve on the 25^th. A Woodcock flew over the causeway at the Moors Pool at dusk on the 1^st. A Green Sandpiper was at the Moors Pool on the 9^th. A Jack Snipe was on Amy’s Marsh on the 17^th and 18^th. A Golden Plover flew over the Moors Pool on the 31^st and was seen later the same day in the Lapwing flock at the Flashes.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 250 across the reserve on the 18^th. Fly-over Herring Gulls were noted on several dates, including 3 over the Moors Pool on the 17^th whilst 9 were on the ice at the Moors Pool on the 11^th and 3 flew through the Flashes on the 28^th. A Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on the 1^st. 2 Great Black-backed Gulls roosted on the ice at the Moors Pool on the 11^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpolls were noted on several dates, with a peak of 8 at the Moors on the 10^th. A max count of 8 Siskins were at the Moors Pool on the 11^th. A Coal Tit continued to occasionally visit the Moors’ feeding station and the feeders in the gardens on the east side (with 2 there on the 2^nd); 1 was at the Flashes feeding station on the 10^th and 11^th. A male Merlin flew through the Flashes on the 2^nd, the first since March 2002. There were several records of Grey Wagtail. A Waxwing flew over the Moor Pool on the 4^th. 8 Rook were in the ploughed field to the east of the Flashes on the 2^nd, together with 25 Magpie and 9 Stock Dove. A female Blackcap was on feeders in gardens to the east of the Moors Pool on the 2^nd and 10^th; a male was present there on the 11^th and 14^th. 2 Nuthatches were on the east side of the Moors Pool on the 5^th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at the Moors on the 11^th. 4 Raven flew over the Flashes on the 11^th, with 2 over the Moors on the 10^th and 17^th and singles over the Moors Pool on the 24^th and 25^th and Flashes on the 24^th. A Little Owl was noted on the old barns at the Flashes on the 10^th, 21^st and 29^th. A possible Tree Sparrow was reported at the Flashes feeding station on the 11^th. A Treecreeper was in the Education Reserve on the 21^st. A Skylark was heard calling from fields adjacent to the Flashes on the 25^th. Peregrine was noted at the Flashes on several dates. 100 Redwing were at the Flashes on the 30^th. Linnet were reported occasionally at the Flashes, including a flock of 9 on the 29^th.

2008 Summary

Whilst lacking the spectacular sightings of 2007, 2008 was a good solid year with 155 species recorded. Highlights includes the reserve’s second Shorelark sighting, its third Grey Phalarope, its fifth Red-crested Pochard and Crossbill sightings, sixth (and most prolonged) Waxwing occurrence, ninth Smew and potentially its second Honey Buzzard. 2008 was the most productive year on record for Red Kite (5 sightings), Little Gull (at least 15 birds), Raven and Mealy Redpoll (at least 9 birds involved with a continual presence from early February to mid April). However, above all it was the breeding success of the reserve for which 2008 will be most remembered – 3 pairs of Avocet raised 10 young, 1 pair of Redshank fledged all 4 young, 1 Oystercatcher and 2 Lapwing chicks were raised, at least 15 pairs of Black-headed Gulls nested, Coot, Mallard, Moorhen and Canada Geese all had bumper years, Tufted Duck had their most successful year ever with at least 62 young hatched, 3 Great Crested Grebe chicks fledged whilst several young Little Grebes were seen and most surprisingly, a Gadwall raised a brood at the Flashes, only the reserve’s second breeding record.

DECEMBER 2008

WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers were very low, with a peak of just 11 at the Moors on 21^st. A max count of 67 Teal were at the Moors on 31^st. 102 Mallard were at the Moors on 3^rd. 2 drake Gadwall were at the Moors on 18^th with 2 birds also on 26^th. 3 Wigeon were at the Moors on 19^th with 4 at the Sailing Pool (later at the Moors) on 31^st. A drake Pintail was at the Moors on 21^st. A female Mandarin was at the Moors on 1^st. November’s 2 Shelduck were at the Moors up to 3^rd, with 1 or 2 birds on many dates from 10^th onwards. Tufted Duck numbers continued to remain low at the Moors but started to increase late in the month with a highest count of 25 on 31^st. Pochard numbers also remained low at the Moors, with a peak of just 7 on 27^th. A female Goldeneye was at the Sailing Pool on 26^th. A female Goosander was at the Flashes on 1^st. A drake Smew spent the afternoon of 29^th on the Broadmeadow Pool at the Moors. A max count of 253 Coot were at the Moors on 3^rd. 17 Moorhen were across the reserve on 12^th. Water Rails were frequently seen at the Moors feeding stations, with 3 birds there on 5^th. 2 Greylag Geese were at the Moors on 26^th. Great Crested Grebe numbers grew as the month wore on to a max count of 20 on 31^st – 11 at the Moors and 9 at the Sailing Pool. 2 Little Grebe was seen at the Moors on 17^th and 20^th. Cormorants numbers peaked at 18 at the Moors on 26^th. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a peak of just 4 on 16^th. 1 or 2 Bitterns continued to be seen on a near daily basis at the Moors with 3 birds on 27^th; one was seen flying from the Flashes to the Hen Pool on 3^rd. In total up to 4 birds may be present across the reserve. A Little Egret was at the Moors on the afternoon of 19^th before flying towards the Flashes.

WADERS - A peak count of 430+ Lapwing were at the Flashes on 22^nd, with 200 at the Moors on 2^nd. Curlew were a regular visitor to the Moors Pool, with a peak count of 26 on 12^th. Snipe numbers remained high with max counts of 38 at the Moors Pool on 17^th and 35 at the Flashes on 7^th. 6 Jack Snipe were flushed by the work party at the Flashes on 7^th whilst 3 were noted there on 3^rd.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 87 at the Flashes on 12^th and 52 at the Moors on 12^th. An adult Herring Gull was at the Moors on 7^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th and 23^rd with singles at the Flashes on 20^th and 27^th; 3 were there on 29^th. A “white-winged gull”, believed to be a first winter Iceland Gull, was seen over the Moors from the tower hide at the Flashes on 20^th (interestingly a juvenile Iceland Gull was seen the following day at Throckmorton Tip then in the Westwood Pool roost). A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors on 23^rd. Freezing temperatures at the end of the month brought an adult Great Black-backed Gull and a possible Yellow-legged Gull (together with up to 6 Herring Gulls and 25 Lesser Black-backed Gulls) onto the ice at the Flashes at dusk on 31^st.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Lesser Redpolls were noted on several dates, with a peak of 16 in the Education Reserve on 26^th. A max count of 20 Siskins were at the Moors Pool on 3^rd. Linnets were regularly encountered at the Flashes, with a peak count of 50+ on 20^th. A Willow Tit was seen and heard briefly near the Hen Pool on 14^th. A Coal Tit continued to visit the Moors’ feeding station with 2 there on 23^rd; 1 was at the Flashes facility on 14^th. Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were noted at the Moors Pool on 1^st and 6^th (a female); one was near the path along the River Salwarpe on 19^th, 27^th and 31^st. 2 Little Owls were on the old barns at the Flashes on 1^st. A Treecreeper was at the Moors Pool on 6^th and 14^th. A Stonechat was at the Flashes on 14^th, with a female there on 18^th. 2 Ravens flew over the Moor Pool on 19^th. There were several records of Grey Wagtail. A Nuthatch was in gardens bordering the path to the Moors’ East Hide on 17^th. 8 Rook were at the Flashes on 21^st. A Yellowhammer was in the ploughed field to the east of the Flashes on 26^th, as were 18 Stock Dove. 10 Waxwing frequented trees around the Sailing Centre car park (also visiting Webbs Garden centre and the Education Reserve) on 24^th, the sixth record for the reserve. Up to 21 birds were present on Christmas Day with 23 on Boxing Day and a peak of 21 again on 27^th. A Barn Owl was near the North Moors on 27^th.

NOVEMBER 2008

WILDFOWL - A peak of 40 Shoveler were at the Moors on 1^st; 24 were at the Flashes on the same day. A max count of 15 Teal were at the Moors on 10^th, with 49 on 7^th at the Flashes. 55 Mallard were at the Moors on 15^th. The autumn’s good run of Wigeon continued, with 4 at the Moors on 1^st, singles there on 8^th and 15^th and 3 at the Moors on 26^th; 4 were at the Flashes on 30^th. A Shelduck was at the Moors between 18^th and 23^rd (also seen at the Flashes on the first date); 2 birds were present at the Moors on 25^th, 29^th and 30^th and at the Flashes on 26^th. Tufted Duck numbers continued to slowly rise with 33 at the Moors on 23^rd. Pochard numbers remained low at the Moors, with a peak of 9 on 23^rd. A drake Goldeneye spent the day at the Moors on 4^th with another or the same on the Sailing Pool. Single drake Goosanders were at the Flashes on 11^th and the Moors on 15^th and 25^th, with 2 birds there on the morning of 26^th. A max count of 410 Coot were at the Moors on 1^st, the highest number ever on record.   15 Moorhen were across the reserve on 30^th. Water Rails were frequently seen at the two feeding stations. A peak count of 13 Great Crested Grebes were at the Moors on 23^rd. A max count of 5 Little Grebes were at the Moors Pool on 5^th and 23^rd. 98 Canada Geese were at the Moors on 15^th. 9 Mute Swans were across the reserve on 23^rd. Cormorants remained a present at the Moors in high numbers, with a max count of 29 on 10^th. Grey Heron numbers were low, with a peak of just 4 on 30^th. Bitterns continued to be seen on a near daily basis at the Moors Pool with 2 birds on many dates; in a new development there were several sightings on the North Moors Pool. Single Bitterns were also seen at the Flashes on 3^rd, 7^th and 11^th.

WADERS - A peak count of 167 Lapwing were at the Flashes on 9^th, with 90 over the Moors on 30^th. Curlew were an infrequent visitor, with a peak count of 25 at the Moors on 23^rd. Snipe numbers remained high at the Moors with a max count of 60 on 16^th but numbers continued to be low at the Flashes, with a peak of 21 on 13^th being the exception. Up to 5 Jack Snipe were flushed by the work party at the Flashes on 2^nd and 3 were noted on 26^th. A Dunlin was at the Moors Pool on 2^nd and 4^th with another there on 21^st. A Common Sandpiper, the latest ever on record, was at the Moors Pool on 5^th. 2 Green Sandpipers were at the Flashes on 15^th. A Woodcock was flushed in the Education Reserve on 17^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers reduced markedly, with a peak of 100 at the Flashes on 23^rd. 2 Herring Gulls were at the Moors Pool on 9^th whilst 2 flew over the Flashes on 23^rd.

MIGRANTS - A mixed flock of 200 thrushes was in fields to the east of the Flashes on 9^th – more specifically a peak of 50+ Redwing were at the Flashes on 2^nd whilst 100+ Fieldfare were at the Flashes on 18^th.   Single Chiffchaffs were in the Education Reserve on 15^thand 23^rd. 2 Blackcaps were around the Moors’ feeding station on 13^th with the same number at the eastern end of the causeway on 16^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Peregrine Falcons were often seen around the transmitter masts. A Coal Tit continued to visit the Moors’ feeding station throughout the month, with 1 also at the Flashes feeding station on 9^th. 4 Stock Doves were at the Flashes on 9^th. Siskin were regularly reported but only in small numbers, with a max count of 20 at the Moors Pool on 9^th. Single Lesser Redpolls was noted in the Education Reserve on 15^th and at the Moors Pool on 2^nd, 4^thand 9^th   Linnets were regularly encountered at the Flashes, with a peak count of 20 on 7^th. A Tree Sparrow, the first report for over a year, was at the Moors feeding station on 7^th, with an unconfirmed report on 1 also at the Flashes feeding station on 9^th. A Crossbill, only the 5^th record for the reserve, flew south over the Sailing Pool towards the transmitter masts on 15^th. 2 HAWFINCH were reported at the Moors’ feeding station on 13^th; if confirmed this would represent the first record of this species at Upton Warren. Over 1,000 Wood Pigeons flew over the Flashes on 10^th, with “several thousand” reported the previous day. Ravens were encountered on a number of dates – singles over the Moors on 11^th and 16^th, singles over the Flashes on 12^th, 18^th and 18^th and 2 over the Flashes on 23^rd. A Red-legged Partridge was in the field adjacent to the A38 and north of the Moors’ access road on 23^rd. A Nuthatch was in gardens on the east side of the Moors Pool on 9^th and in the dead oak tree at the rear of the East Hide on 28^th. A Willow Tit was reported on the Moors’ feeding station on 13^th. 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were in the Education Reserve on 13^th with singles near the horse paddock by the Moors Farm on 23^rd and a female near the feeding station on 27^th. A Stonechat at the Flashes on 4^th, near the Moors’ West Hide on 13^th and a female was at the Flashes on 26^th. A Red Kite flew over the Moors Pool on 27^th. 3 Otters (possibly a female with 2 cubs) was in front of the West Hide then the concrete hide at the Moors Pool in the early morning of 30^th.

OCTOBER 2008

WILDFOWL - Shoveler numbers continued to increase as autumn progressed, with a max count of 90 at the Moors on 19^th. 79 Mallard were at the Moors on 5^th. Teal number also grew as the month wore on, with a peak count of 90 across the reserve on 11^th. September’s run of Wigeon continued, with birds present on virtually a daily basis – a peak of 12 were at the Moors on 31^st. A first winter Pintail was at the Moors on 19^th. After a virtual absence in late September Tufted Duck numbers started to grow again, with a peak of 20 on 31^st. Single Pochards were frequently sighted at the Moors early in the month, with a peak of 6 on 19^th; 1 was at the Flashes on 3^rd. A max count of 380 Coot were at the Moors on 31^st. Following a good breeding season, a peak count of 35 Moorhen were present on 3^rd. Water Rails were frequently seen at the two feeding stations. A peak count of 7 Great Crested Grebes were at the Moors on 1^st, 6^th and 11^th. A max count of 10 Little Grebes were at across the reserve on 1^st (8 at the Moors, 2 at the Flashes) and 22^nd (all at the Moors). Greylag Geese were encountered on a number of dates early in the month, peaking at 8 at the Moors on 3^rd and 4^th. 145 Canada Geese were present at the Moors on 3^rd whilst 200 flew over the Flashes on 28^th. A peak count of 4 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 17^th. Cormorants remained a regular fixture at the Moors, with a max count of 18 on 31^st. The first Bittern of the winter was noted at the Moors on the morning of 11^th, with 2 birds in the afternoon and regular sightings there after of singles birds; 2 birds were seen again on 29^th.

WADERS - A peak count of 203 Lapwing were at the Flashes on 24^th, with 168 at the Moors on 17^th. Curlew were regularly encountered at the Flashes with a max count of 38 on 8^th; 30 were at the Moors on 22^nd. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 9 dates, with 2 birds on 8^th and 12^th; 1 was at the Moors on 6^th. Snipe numbers grew throughout the month at the Moors with a max count of 50+ on 15^th but numbers dropped at the Flashes, with a peak of just 6 on 1^st. 2 Dunlins were at the Flashes on 1^st, 3^rd and 11^th with single birds on 2^nd, 4^thto 8^th, 10^th, 12^th and 30^th; single birds were at the Moors on 1^st, 5^th and 11^th. A Curlew Sandpiper was reported at the Flashes on 9^th. A Black-tailed Godwit was seen on both sides on the reserve on 18^th. The autumn’s first Jack Snipe was at the Moors on 16^th with daily sightings until 19^thand at the Flashes on 16^th, 19^th and 22^nd.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers peaked at 1,300 at the Flashes’ roost on 17^th. At least 1 Herring Gull passed over the Flashes on 5^th with 2 in the roost at the Flashes on 10^th, 3 were at the Moors and 2 at the Flashes on 11^th and 1 bird was at the Flashes on 28^th. A second winter Mediterranean Gull was briefly at the Flashes on 10^th (a similar bird was in the Bartley Reservoir roost 2 days later) with a first winter bird at the Flashes on the afternoon of 13^th and again on 16^th. Up to 40 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the ground across the reserve on 11^th. A Common Gull was at the Moors on 13^th.

MIGRANTS - Swallows continued to be seen for the first few days of the month, with the last report being of 6 at the Flashes on 5^th. House Martin was recorded at the Flashes on 1^st(5 birds) and 5^th (1 bird). A Hobby was seen over the Sailing Pool on the late date of 5^th. In line with the trend for over-wintering warblers, a female Blackcap was at the Flashes on 1^st and a male in the Education Reserve on 8^th; whilst 3 Chiffchaffs were in the Education Reserve on 1^st whilst single birds were seen occasionally throughout the month at the Moors. Redwing was first recorded on 11^th with 2 birds over the Moors whilst the autumn’s first Fieldfare was seen at the Flashes on 19^th; 30 bird were there on 31^st.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Peregrine Falcons (including a female and an immature) were often seen around the transmitter masts. A Coal Tit continued to visit the Moors’ feeding station. 10 Stock Doves were at the Flashes on 5^th. Lesser Redpoll were reported on a number of days, with a peak count of 6 in the Education Reserve on 8^th. Likewise Siskin were regularly reported, with a max count of 20 in the Education Reserve on 8^th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at the Flashes feeding station on 8^th whilst a female was in the hedge behind the West Hide at the Moors on the same day and another was in the horse chestnut near Lifestyles on 13^th. 2 Ravens flew over the Flashes on 11^th and 1 bird was over the Moors on 21^st. 6 Rooks passed over the Flashes on 8^th. Stock Doves were commonly seen at the Flashes, with 10 present on 5^th. A Little Owl was again seen on the roof of the old barns at the Flashes on 8^th, 16^th and 19^th. There was an increase in the sighting of Treecreeper, including 2 in the Education Reserve on 8^th. A flock of 60 Jackdaws were at the Flashes on 3^rd. Skylarks were heard over the fields surrounding the Flashes with2 birds there on 31^st. A Rock Pipit was at the Flashes on 18^th, the first since 2004. A SHORELARK, the second record for the reserve following 3 birds in October 1996 and just the seventh for Worcestershire, graced the Flashes from 18^th to 24^th before being flushed late in the day by a Sparrowhawk. A Stonechat was at the Flashes on 16^th. 17 Linnets were at the Flashes on 31^st. Grey Wagtails were regularly reported, with 2 at the Flashes on 11^th and 19^th.

SEPTEMBER 2008

WILDFOWL - 2 Gadwall were at the Moors on 5^th with a drake there on 10^th and 20^th, and a pair on 14^th. Shoveler numbers increased as autumn progressed, with a max count of 66 at the Flashes on 25^th. Teal number grew as the month wore on, with a peak count of 130 on 23^rd. Following a successful breeding season, 405 Mallard were across the reserve on 6^th (the highest count for 4 years). Wigeon were present in small numbers throughout the month, with numbers increasing to half a dozen birds later in the month, peaking at 11 birds across the reserve on 23^rd. A drake Mandarin was at the Moors on 8^th and 9^th. August’s 2 Shelduck remained until 4^th. Tufted Duck were present in only small numbers and virtually absent by the month’s end. Single Pochards were frequently sighted at the Moors, with a peak of 4 birds at the Moors Pool on 28^th. A female Red-crested Pochard, only the fifth record for the reserve, was at the Moors, then the Flashes, on 8^th. A male Wood Duck was at the Flashes on 9^th. A peak count of 292 Coot were across the reserve on 29^th and 30^th, whilst 34 Moorhen were present on 30^th. At least 6 Water Rails were calling at the Moors on 20^th. A peak count of 7 Great Crested Grebes were at the Moors on 6^th and 20^th. A max count of 9 Little Grebes were at across the reserve on 20^th (7 at the Moors, 2 at the Flashes) and 29^th. Greylag Geese were encountered on a number of dates early in the month, with peaks of 6 at the Flashes on 6^th and 10^th and 7 at the Moors on 12^th. Over 400 Canada Geese were present on stubble fields adjoining the Flashes on 8^th. A peak count of 6 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 14^th and 30^th. After being largely absence over the summer, Cormorants were regular at the Moors, with a max count of 11 on 20^th.

WADERS - A peak count of 231 Lapwing were across the reserve on 23^rd. Curlew were regularly encountered at the Flashes, with a max count of 42 on several dates mid month. Common Sandpiper were present up to 29^th, with a peak count of 3 across the reserve on 6^th and 12^th. Green Sandpiper were present at the Flashes all month, with a peak count of 8 on 16^th; singles were at the Moors on 1^st, 22^nd and 24^th. Snipe numbers grew throughout the month on both sides of the reserve, with max counts of 29 at the Moors (19^th) and 25 at the Flashes (20^th). A juvenile Ruff was at the Flashes (and occasionally the Moors) from 1^st to 13^th. Single Greenshanks were at the Moors Pool on 1^st and 3^rd, a juvenile at the Flashes between 7^th and 10^th, and 1 again at the Moors on 10^th, 12^th and 13^th with finally 1 at the Flashes on 16^th. An adult GREY PHALAROPE, only the third for the reserve and hot on the heels of last November’s record, was at the Flashes on the afternoon of 11^th and until dusk on 12^th. Single Dunlins were at the Flashes on 16^th, 26^th and 29^th with 2 birds on 27^th, 28^th and 30^th. A juvenile Little Stint was at the Flashes on 20^th, joined by a second juvenile from 21^st to 27^th. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes on 15^th and 16^th; presumably the same bird was also at the Moors late on 15^th. A Woodcock was reported at the Flashes late on the afternoon of 27^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers peaked at 1,200 at the Flashes on 5^th before falling away. An adult Common Gull was at the Flashes on 2^nd and 16^th; a second winter bird was in the roost on 30^th. A first winter Herring Gull was at the Moors Pool on 3^rd. This summer’s Common Terns were present up to 13^th, with 4 juveniles at the Flashes on 10^th; a juvenile flew through the Moors on 23^rd. 3 Sandwich Terns (including 2 juveniles) spent 30 minutes at the Moors Pool on 1^st. A juvenile Arctic Tern flew through the Moors on 7^th.

MIGRANTS - Common summer migrants were last recorded on the following dates: Swift (13^th), Sand Martin (6^th), Hobby (24^th - 2 at the Moors on 23^rd), Lesser Whitethroat (20^th - the equal latest ever date), Common Whitethroat (8^th), Reed Warbler (17^th), Willow Warbler (13^th - 4 in the Moors’ car park). There were no September records of Sedge Warbler whilst Swallow and House Martin were recorded right through the month and into October. A female Yellow Wagtail was at the Flashes on 5^th. An Osprey flew south through the Flashes on 6^th, approximately 3½ hours after one had passed through Upper Bittell Reservoir. A Wheatear was at the Flashes on 19^th. Single Spotted Flycatchers were at the Flashes on 13^th (near the steps), 19^th (near the sewage works) and 23^rd (by the feeding station - the latest date since 1969). A Garden Warbler was at the Flashes on 13^th. A Hobby was noted to catch a House Martin and then a Swallow within a 10 minute period at the Flashes on 6^th. A dark morph HONEY BUZZARD passed over the Moors on the afternoon of 29^th accompanied by 3 Common Buzzards being mobbed by crows; the same bird was possibly also seen the previous afternoon. A Brambling was reported at the Flashes’ feeding station on 19^th, the earliest date on record.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Peregrine Falcon were often seen around the transmitter masts. A large Starling flock of approximately 400 birds was noted on fields adjoining the Flashes early in the month. A Raven flew over the Sailing Pool on 2^nd whilst 2 passed over the Flashes on 21^st, 1 over the Moors on 25^th and 2 over the Moors on 30^th; a reserve record of 8 flew over the Moors on 24^th. After a paucity of records, there were 5 fly-over sightings of Rook, including 3 at the Flashes on 22^nd. The Little Owl was often seen on top of the old barns at the Flashes. A Barn Owl hunted over fields adjacent to the First Flash on the evening of 8^th and was also heard near the A38 field during the night of 13^th. There were regular reports of Grey Wagtails, including 2 at the Sailing Pool on 8^th and 2 at the Moors on 24^th. Fly-over Meadow Pipits were reported at the Flashes from 13^th, with 20 on 20^th and 27^th. A male Stonechat was at the Flashes on 22^nd. A Coal Tit was at the Moors’ feeding station from 20^th, with 2 birds on 30^th. Lesser Redpoll were encountered on 5 dates from 14^th in the Education Reserve and by the Hen Brook, with a peak count of 3 on 22^nd and 23^rd. There were several records of Siskin from also from 14^th, mainly in the Education Reserve, peaking at 5 birds in the Education Reserve on 24^th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was near the Moors’ sluice gate on 24^th. A Nuthatch, the first since August 2007, was at the Flashes’ feeding station on 27^th.

AUGUST 2008

WILDFOWL - The female Gadwall and her fledged brood remained at the Flashes, often disappearing amongst the numbers of moulting Mallards; a maximum of 5 were present on 2^nd and 8^th. Small numbers of Shoveler were at the Flashes all month, peaking at 17 on 20^th. Teal numbers built up during the month, peaking at the Flashes at 43 on 30^th and 5 at the Moors on 8^th. June’s drake Wigeon was seen on and off at both the Moors Pool and Flashes all month; 2 birds were present at the Flashes on 19^th and 20^th. A juvenile Shelduck was at the Flashes from 15^th to the month’s end, with 2 birds on 30^th. July’s male Pochard remained at the Moors Pool all month with a pair on 7^th; a female was at the Flashes on 13^th. A female Ruddy Duck was at the Moors Pool on 30^th. A maximum count of 8 Great Crested Grebe was at the Moors on 8^th. Little Grebe were noted regularly at the Moors Pool, with 1 young seen on 3^rd and 9^th. A juvenile Water Rail was at the Flashes on 13^th. A peak count of 245 Coot was at the Moors on 30^th. Single Greylag Geese were at both sides of the reserve on a number of dates early in the month before numbers increased from 16^th to a peak count of 16 birds at the Moors from 20^th to 22^nd, a record for the reserve. Canada Geese numbers increased after another successful breeding season to a max of 325 at the Moors on 22^nd. 7 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 30^th. 5 Little Egrets spent 30 minutes at the Flashes on the morning of 6^th, equalling the reserve’s highest count from October 2003; others were at the Flashes on 18^th and the Moors Pool on 19^th, 25^th and 26^th, with 3 flying over the Flashes on 23^rd. Cormorant were present at the Moors most days with a peak count of 13 on 30^th.

WADERS - Lapwing numbers slowly built up at the Flashes to a maximum count of 172 on 16^th. Curlew became more frequent and numerous at the Flashes, with a peak of 42 on 14^th and 17^th, still well below the usual totals for this time of year. 8 Avocet were present at the start of the month, with 4 birds from 3^rd finally departing on 14^th. 2 summering Little Ringed Plover were at the Flashes until 3^rd; there were no signs of a return passage. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes on 2^nd whilst 6 birds spent 20 minutes at the Flashes on 3^rd. Common Sandpiper were reported across the reserve on a near daily basis, peaking at 3 at the Flashes on 2^nd, 3^rd, 12^th and 17^th. Green Sandpiper were present all month at the Flashes, peaking on 7^th with 11 birds; 1 was at the Moors on several dates with 2 on 29^th. Dunlin were at the Flashes on 1^st and 2^nd and again between 5^th and 19^th, often with 2 birds and peaking at 3 on 7^th and 13^th. July’s Greenshank remained at the Flashes until 2^nd with another on 15^th. Small numbers of Snipe were noted at the Flashes on many dates, with a max count of 6 on 30^th; 1 was at the Moors on 22^nd and 2 on 29^th. A Ringed Plover flew through the Flashes on 13^th whilst a juvenile was there on 22^nd and 23^rd. A Redshank was at the Flashes on 15^th, with 3 birds there on 22^nd (having first visited the Moors). A Grey Plover was at the Moors Pool on 29^th and early morning on 30^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Black-headed Gull numbers peaked at the Flashes at 1,000 in the roost on 24^th. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 2^nd. Juvenile Mediterranean Gulls were observed at the reserve, usually the Flashes, daily between 6^th and 22^nd (except 11^th); at least 2 individuals (possibly 3) were involved, including a bird sporting a colour ring (E029) on its left leg ringed in Noordelijk Insteekdak, Belgium on 21^st June. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were a frequent visitor, with a max count of 27 at the Flashes on 18^th. A Yellow-legged Gull was at the Moors Pool on 21^st. There was an unconfirmed report of 11 Little Gulls at the Flashes on 25^th. 2 Common Tern young fledged early in the month at the Moors Pool, with a second pair of 2 young also present; numbers peaked at 7 birds on 1^st and 30^th. An adult Arctic Tern was at the Flashes on 24^th with another at the Sailing Pool on 29^th and a juvenile at the Moors on 31^st. A Black Tern was also at the Moors Pool on 31^st.

MIGRANTS - A Willow Warbler was noted singing at the Flashes on 3^rd. A Spotted Flycatcher was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors Pool on 9^th. Swift was last noted on 22^nd at the Flashes. After an absence of a few weeks Hobby were recorded on both sides of the reserve from 23^rd. A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew over the Flashes, then the Moors, on 30^th. 2 Whitethroat were noted on the east side of the Sailing Pool on 27^th whilst a Lesser Whitethroat was near the Flashes’ steps on 30^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST – A Peregrine Falcon was regularly seen around the transmitter masts, with 2 birds on 8^th. The Little Owl remained loyal to the barns at Sagebury Farm at the Flashes. Linnets were frequently noted at the Flashes. A Raven flew over the Sailing Pool on 8^th and another over the Flashes on 20^th. A Coal Tit was at the Moors on 14^th. A family party of Goldcrest were at the Moors on 13^th. A Siskin flew over the Sailing Pool on 30^th.

JULY 2008

WILDFOWL - The female Gadwall and her brood of 10 young remained at the Flashes all month; a bird was also noted at the Moors on 27^th. A Shoveler was at the Moors on 9^th. Low numbers of Teal were at the Flashes, peaking at 5 on 16^th. A Shelduck was present at the Flashes on 3^rd and 11^th. June’s drake Wigeon was seen on and off at both the Moors Pool and North Moors until the month’s end. Tufted Duck had their best breeding season ever on record with at least 10 broods - 7 (7:6:6:5:3:2:2) noted at the Moors on 16^th and 2 on the first Flashes (12:9) from 11^th and 1 on the third Flash (6 chicks) from 17^th – in total at least 63 chicks were hatched. This upsurge in breeding success, combined with excellent breeding seasons for Mallard, Coot and Moorhen is probably at least partly due to the mink eradication programme undertaken earlier in the year. A male Pochard was at the Moors Pool from 30^th. Ruddy Duck were noted at the Moors Pool throughout the month, with at a peak of 3 birds on 3^rd and 11^th. A maximum count of 10 Great Crested Grebe was at the Moors on 13^th (including 3 fledged young). The juvenile Little Grebe remained at the Flashes and a brood with 1 chick was seen at the Moors on 13^th (but not subsequently) and unconfirmed reports of 2 young on 23^rd and 1 on 31^st. Following a very successful breeding season Coot numbers were high, with a max count of 138 at the Moors on 13^th. The pairs of Mute Swan at the Moors Pool continued to raise their 6 cygnets. Single Greylag Geese were noted at the Flashes on 20^th and 30^th, and the Moors on 21^st. A Little Egret briefly dropped into the Flashes on 11^th. 4 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 26^th; one was seen to take 3 Tufted Duck young at the Moors on 21^st. Cormorant were present at the Moors on a number of days but with a peak count of just 4 birds on 26^th.

WADERS - Lapwing numbers slowly built up at the Flashes to a maximum count of 130 on 30^th. Oystercatcher was commonly encountered, including the family party of 3, with a peak of 7 at the Flashes on 13^th. Curlew became more frequent and numerous in the evenings at the Flashes, with a peak of 40 on 30^th. Avocet numbers started to fall away as the fledged families departed the reserve – a total of 20 birds were at the Flashes early in the month dropping to 8 by the ends of the month; all 10 young birds fledged. Following the fledging of the 4 young Redshank at the Flashes, numbers dropped away to just a single bird which had departed by the middle of the month; 1 bird was then present at the Flashes on 30^th. A peak of 9 Little Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 2^nd; of the 2 nesting attempts at the Flashes 1 produced 3 short-lived chicks between 30^th June and 3^rd July. A Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 3^rd. A Black-tailed Godwit was at the Flashes on 6^th with a flock of 11 birds on 24^th (first seen over the Moors) and 3 from 25^th until late on 27^th. Common Sandpiper were reported across the reserve on a near daily basis, peaking at 4 at the Flashes on 26^th, 4 at Sailing Pool on 4^th and 2 at the Moors on 5^th. Green Sandpiper numbers were relatively low at the Flashes compared to previous years, with numbers usually around 6 or 7, before climbing in the last few days of the month to peak at 11 on 30^th. Single Dunlins were at both the Moors and Flashes on 16^th (the latter bird staying until 17^th) with another at the Flashes from 21^st to 24^th. A Greenshank was at the Moors on 21^st and the Flashes from 22^nd to 31^st. The first Snipe of the second half of the year was noted at the Flashes on 25^th, with 3 there by 26^th.

GULLS / TERNS - At least 16 pairs of Black-headed Gull nested at across the reserve with many young produced, estimated at 21 on the Moors and approximately 15 at the Flashes. Numbers in the Flashes roost increased all month to a peak of 800 on 25^th. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were a daily occurrence and a menace, being observed to take a young Coot off the water at the Moors Pool and kill it on the rails on 7^th whilst another took both young Moorhen and Coot on separate occasions at the Flashes before dropping them from a height (with unknown consequences). A full adult Mediterranean Gull was at the Flashes on 7^th whilst a juvenile was there on 23^rd and 24^th during the day; a 2^nd summer bird was in the roost on 24^th and 25^th. A juvenile Common Gull was at the Flashes on 18^th with an adult notes there on 23^rd and 24^th; 3 birds (adult / 2^nd summer) were in the roost on 25^th. Common Tern numbers peaked at 7 birds on 26^th with 3 nesting pairs at the Moors (2 on the main gull nesting island and 1 on a raft), 1 of which had produced 2 young from 9^th that were well developed by the month’ end. Two very young tern chicks were reported at the Moors on 28^th whilst a juvenile, not from Upton, was noted at the Flashes on 26^th.

MIGRANTS - A Spotted Flycatcher was also noted by the Moors Farm house on 2^nd, with 2 birds there on 7^th, and 1 in the adjoining paddock on 15^th. Hobby were noted over the reserve on several occasions, with 2 at the Moors on 12^th. Family parties of Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat (2+ young) were seen at the Flashes. A Willow Warbler was noted at the Moors on 13^th with a young bird at near the Tower Hide at the Flashes on 26^th and again on 30^th. Juvenile Cetti’s Warbler and Garden Warbler were ringed at the Moors Pool on 27^th. A Redstart was at the Flashes on 23^rd. A male Yellow Wagtail was at the Flashes on 30^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was near the Moors Farm house on 2^nd. A Little Owl was seen on the old barns at the Flashes on a near daily basis, with 2 present on 2^nd. Peregrine Falcon was regularly seen around the transmitter masts. A House Sparrow was at the Flashes on 2^nd. A small Starling roost was established at the Flashes with over 400 birds present in the first week of the month. At least 2 Goldcrest were active along the path to the East Hide at the Moors, suggesting local breeding. Also breeding locally were Jay, with 2 young noted at the Moors on 19^th. Kingfisher probably bred locally, with 3 birds seen at the Moors Pool on 30^th.

JUNE 2008

WILDFOWL - Gadwall were present on several dates with a peak of 2 females at the Flashes on 3^rd and 4^th. However it was a great surprise when a brood of 12 chicks was noted of 13^th (reduced to 9 by 28^th). This represents only the second breeding attempt, the last being in 1988 when 4 young were raised on the North Moors. Small numbers of Shoveler were at the Moors, peaking at 2 on 1^st, 14^th and 20^th; birds were also sporadically present at the Flashes with a max count of 6 on 6^th. 97 Mallard were at the Flashes on 5^th. Small numbers Teal were at the Flashes from the middle of the month, peaking at just 2 on 13^th and 14^th, and at the Moors from 20^th, with a maximum count of 3 on 24^th. 4 Shelduck were present at the Flashes during the month but no signs of any serious attempts were noted. An unseasonal drake Wigeon was seen at both the Moors and Flashes from 5^th to the month’s end. Tufted Duck remained stable with a peak count of 23 birds across the reserve on 7^th with a similar number just at the Flashes on 5^th. A brood of 10 young was noted at the Moors from 24^th (reduced to 9 by 28^th); a second brood with just one young was noted in Amy’s Marsh from 28^th. Ruddy Duck were noted at the Moors Pool throughout the month with at a peak of 4 birds on 25^th and 26^th; 1 was at the Flashes on 4^th and 2 there on 25^th. A maximum count of 10 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors on 7^th whilst May’s 3 young were still present at the month’s end. At least 2 pairs of Little Grebe were regularly seen at the Moors Pool, with a juvenile appearing at the Flashes from 18^th onwards. 49 adult Coot (and many young) were at the Moors on 7^th; Moorhen also breed in good numbers. Up to 3 pairs of Mute Swan were resident; the nesting pair at the Moors still had 6 cygnets (from 8) by 28^th whilst the Flashes’/Sailing Pool pair were not seen after 7^th (but could have simply moved down the Salwarpe). Greylag Geese were scarce in comparison to previous months, with 5 at the Flashes on 5^th being the only notable count. 3 Grey Heron were across the reserve on several dates. A Cormorant was at the Moors on 28^th, the first for over 8 weeks.

WADERS - May’s 2 Lapwing chicks at the Flashes fledged but no nesting attempts were noted. Several Oystercatchers were resident across the reserve throughout the month, with numbers peaking at 8 at the Moors Pool on 11^th; the surviving chick at the Moors fledged but a second sitting bird abandoned its nest. Curlew were occasionally noted in the evenings at the Flashes, with numbers growing through the month to a peak of 18 on 16^th. Typically 11 adult Avocet were present at the Flashes all month (12 on 27^th) with May’s two broods of 3 and 4 going on to fledge and a third brood of 3 hatching from 9^th. Upton’s amazing record of never losing a hatched Avocet chick continues! A pair of Redshank were at the Flashes all month and their 4 young were still present on 28^th; 3 adult birds were present on 11^th and 14^th with 4 adults on 23^rd. A peak of 6 Little Ringed Plover were at the Flashes on several dates, with a pair at the Moors producing 2 short-lived chicks from 5^th. A Snipe was seen at the Moors on 2^nd and 4^th. A Sanderling was the Flashes early morning on 2^nd whilst a Dunlin was at the Flashes on 19^th. 3 Black-tailed Godwits briefly stopped at the Flashes on 27^th whilst 4 birds were there on 29^th. 2 Common Sandpipers were at the Sailing Pool on 26^th with 1 seen at the Moors on the sane date. Green Sandpiper were present at the Flashes from 21^st with 2 birds (occasionally also spending time at the Moors Pool).

GULLS / TERNS - Up to 16 pairs of Black-headed Gull nested at across the reserve with many young produced. Common Tern numbers peaked at 7 birds on the reserve on 27^th.

MIGRANTS - May’s Grasshopper Warbler continued to reel (and show occasionally) at on the North Moors Pool until 10^th; a Gropper was also noted near the Moors’ West Hide on 10^th. A Spotted Flycatcher was briefly at the Flashes on 20^th. There were regular sightings of Cuckoo on both sides of the reserve. Hobby were noted over the reserve on several occasions, with 3 at the Moors Pool on 16 and 17^th including a juvenile bird. A Willow Warbler, now scarce outside of passage periods, was at the Moors on 17^th. A Whitethroat with young was seen near the Sailing Pool on 18^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - There were several sights of Raven including what were presumably family parties - 2 flew over the Moors Pool viewed from the Flashes on 7^th, 5 were over the North Moors on 14^th, 1 at the Flashes on 18^th, 2 at the Moors on 23^rd and 6 over the Moors on 27^th. A Little Owl was seen on the old barns at the Flashes on a regular basis, with 2 present on 15^th. An immature Peregrine Falcon was regularly seen around the transmitter masts. A Red Kite flew over the North Moors on 24^th with another sighting the same area on 25^th, making 2008 the most successful year on record for this expanding species. A juvenile Grey Wagtail was at the Flashes on 16^th. The Otter was noted again at the Moors Pool near the West Hide in the early morning and evening on 7^th and 10^th.

MAY 2008

WILDFOWL - 2 Teal were at the Moors on 1st and 5th, with the same number at the Flashes on 3^rd. Gadwall were present on many dates with a peak at the Moors Pool of 3 birds on 13^th and 3 at the Flashes on 27^th and 28^th. 2 Shoveler were at the Moors on 13^th and 1 on 25^th; birds were sporadically present at the Flashes peaking at 6 on 26^th. Up to 7 Shelduck were present on the reserve during the month. A male Pochard was at the Flashes on 6^th. Tufted Duck dropped away in May with a peak count of 29 birds across the reserve on 25^th (20 were at the Moors Pool on 4^th and 25 at the Flashes on 14^th). Small numbers of Ruddy Duck were present at the Moors Pool throughout the month, with a max count of 5 birds on 22^nd. A pair of Garganey were at the Moors on 11^th. A maximum count of 12 Great Crested Grebe were at the Moors on 3^rd and 25^th; two broods of 2 and 1 young respectively were noted from 22^nd. At least 2 pairs of Little Grebe were regularly seen at the Moors Pool, with 5 present on 28^th. Up to 3 pairs of Mute Swan were resident; the nesting pair at the Moors produced 8 cygnets from 9^th (which had reduced to 6 by the end of the month) whilst the Flashes’ pair hatched 5 cygnets from 25^th which then moved to the Sailing Pool. Greylag Geese remained common with a peak count of 12 on 5^th; 5 young were seen from the 9^th (just the second time the species has bred on the reserve) but only 1 was present by 23^rd. Just 1 Cormorant was noted, at the Moors Pool on 1^st. 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 25^th.

WADERS - 3 broods of Lapwing hatched at the Flashes with a total of 7chicks from the 1^st onwards; by 31^st only 2 chicks had survived. Up to 5 Oystercatcher were resident across the reserve throughout the month; only 1 of the 2 chicks at the Moors was present by 3^rd but it was nearly fledged by the month’s end. A max count of 4 Snipe were at the Moors on 1^st and was last noted on 28^th; 1 was at the Flashes on 3^rd and 25^th. Curlew were occasionally noted at the Flashes, with a max count of 3 on 27^th. 10 Avocet were present at the Flashes all month (with 11 birds between 25^th and 28^th and 12 on 29^th). The first brood hatched 4 young by 14^th whilst the second hatched 3 young on 30^th; all were still present at the month’s end. 2 Redshank were at the Flashes all month with 3 birds there on 3^rd and 8 on 26^th after heavy rain whilst 1 was at the Moors on 4^th; 4 young were noted at the Flashes on 31^st. A peak of 8 Little Ringed Plover were at the Flashes on 3^rd; they were also at the Moors on a number of dates, peaking at 2 on 9^th. Single Ringed Plovers were at the Flashes on 17^th, 18^th and 20^th with 1 at the Moors on 17^th and 2 on 27^th. Common Sandpiper were present at the Flashes on many dates with a max of 4 on 9^th and 24^th; 2 were at the Sailing Pool on 7^th whilst numbers at the Moors peaked at 3 on 3^rd. 2 Dunlin were at the Flashes on 1^st with single birds at the Flashes on 2^nd and the Moors on 5^th. Spring wader passage was very limited in May with just 4 Wood Sandpiper at the Flashes on 14^th (although this did represent the largest count since 5 birds in April 1986) and 2 Sanderling at the Flashes on 25^th.

GULLS / TERNS - 16 pairs of Black-headed Gull nested at across the reserve (at least 3 broods had hatched at the Flashes by 31^st), a marked increase on 2007’s position. A Herring Gull was the Moors on 4^th. A first summer Common Gull was at the Flashes on 31^st. 2 first-year Yellow-legged Gulls were at the Moors on 3^rd. Following April’s marked passage of Little Gulls, May continued in a similar vein with 2 first summer birds at the Flashes on 3^rd followed by 5 birds (an adult and 4 first summers) on 8^th, a new peak count for the reserve, with an un-aged bird reported at the Moors on 30^th, creating a total of 15 birds for the year so far, again a new record. Common Tern numbers were relatively low a peak count of just 6 birds on the reserve on 28^th. 3 Black Terns were at the Moors Pool on 7^th with numbers increasing throughout the following day to peak at 19 (the highest count since September 1992) to coincide with the above mentioned Little Gull movement; 2 were still present the following day (with 3 also at the Flashes). 1 bird was present at the Moors on 9^th although numbers again increased to 12 late in the day. A Sandwich Tern was at the Moors Pool on the evening of 12^th.

MIGRANTS - An Osprey flew over the Moors on the evening of 14^th. A Grasshopper Warbler reeled daily on the North Moors Pool from 5^th (with 2 birds present on 17^th), the most sustained presence for several years. 2 Hobby were present on several dates at the Moors, with 3 birds on 12^th. Both Cuckoo and Lesser Whitethroat were regularly reported, an improvement on 2007. 70 Swift were at the Moors Pool during heavy rain on 25^th whilst 200 House Martins were present there the following day.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Barn Owl was at the Moors on 9^th. Ravens were noted over the North Moors Pool on 2 dates – 4 birds on 1^st and 2 on 11^th. A Red Kite flew south east over the Moors then the Flashes on 7^th. Single House Sparrows were noted at the Moors on 1^st and 13^th, with 2 birds on 14^th. A Little Owl was behind the Sailing Pool on 5^th and near the old barns at the Flashes on 30^th. A Grey Wagtail was at the Sailing Pool on 3^rd.

APRIL 2008

WILDFOWL - Wildfowl numbers continued to decrease a spring progressed with the following peak counts: Teal – 6 at the Moors on 5^th and 26 at the Flashes on 3^rd, Shoveler - 29 on 2^nd (last seen on 25^th), Pochard - 3 on 3^rd (last seen on 25^th) and Coot – 57 at the Moors on 5^th. As with most years Tufted Duck numbers increased in April, with a max count of 60 on 12^th. A pair of Goldeneye were at both the Moors and Flashes on 17^th. A female Goosander was at the Moors Pool between 3^rd and 23^rd, with 2 birds on 4^th, representing the longest continuous stay of the species of the reserve. Gadwall were present on many dates and increased through the month, with numbers peaking at 10 from 19^th to 21^st. 2 pairs of Shelduck were present on the reserve during the month, with 6 birds on 2^nd, 6^th, and 12^th, and 5 on several dates. Up to 3 Ruddy Duck were at the Moors Pool throughout the month. A pair of Garganey were at the Moors on 27^th. Great Crested Grebe numbers stayed high, with a peak count of 19 on 2^nd and 12^th. 2 Little Grebes were regularly seen at the Moors Pool, with 4 birds on 7^th. Greylag Geese were common at the Moors, with a peak of 13 across the reserve on 25^th. Cormorant numbers reduced dramatically, with a peak count of just 4 birds on 19^th. 5 Grey Herons were across the reserve on 19^th. A Little Egret was at the Moors Pool on 15^th and 16^th (also at the Flashes on the latter date). The first wildfowl brood was noted on 2^nd at the Moors when a Coot was seen with 2 young; a Mallard with 3 young was noted at the Moors on 6^th.

WADERS - Lapwing numbers reduced to the breeding population, with 6 birds at the Flashes and 10 at the Moors – 2 broods had hatched at the Moors by the month’s end. A max count of 14 Snipe were at the Moors on 6^th; 7 were at the Flashes on 22^nd. Jack Snipe continued to be seen regularly at the Moors until 24^th with 2 present on several dates; 1 was at the Flashes on 12^th and 26^th. A max count of just 6 Curlew was at the Flashes on 20^th, with 2 at the Moors Pool on 9^th. A pair of Oystercatcher was resident throughout the month with up to 5 birds present on several dates across the reserve – 2 chicks hatched at the Moors on 29^th. March’s 8 Avocet remained at the Flashes all month, with 11 birds on 24^th and 10 from 25^th; 1 was at the Moors on 23^rd. 2 Redshank were at the Flashes all month, with 1 at the Moors on 9^th and 16^th. A peak of 8 Little Ringed Plover were at the Flashes on 25^th and 27^th; they were also at the Moors on a number of dates, peaking at 4 on 15^th. Single Ringed Plovers were at the Flashes on 2^nd, 17^th, 19^th and 20^th. The year’s first Common Sandpiper was at the Moors Pool on 10^th with numbers increasing later in the month to a peak of 5 birds across the reserve on 20^th. Green Sandpiper were at the Flashes on 10^th (1), 21^st (3), 22^nd (2) and 25^th (1) and Moors on 16^th and 21^st. A winter-plumage Dunlin was at the Flashes between 16^th and 19^th with 2 summer plumage birds at the Flashes on the last date; 1 was at the Moors and 3 different birds at the Flashes on 20^th with 1 at the Flashes on 21^st and 1 at the Moors on 27^th (with a further 3 flying through after heavy rain). 2 were then at the Flashes between 28^th and 30^th. A winter plumage Curlew Sandpiper was a real surprise at the Flashes from 20^th to 22^nd, the earliest date recorded and only the second spring record. A Bar-tailed Godwit flew over the North Moors on 20^th. A Whimbrel was briefly at the Flashes on the morning of 20^th with another (or the same) in that night’s roost; 2 were at the Flashes late on 22^nd.

GULLS / TERNS - A peak count of 92 Black-headed Gull was present at the Flashes’ roost on 20^th, with a peak of 46 at the Moors on 19^th. 2 Herring Gulls flew over the Moors on 2^nd, with a first winter bird at the Moors on 12^th. Late the same day saw an adult, then 2 first winters, fly south over the Moors with 2 second winter birds were at the Moors on 20^th. 2 second summer birds were at the Moors on 24^th with 1 of the same age at the Flashes on 23^rd. A third summer bird was at the Moors on 24^th with a first summer there on 26^th. A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors on 9^th with an adult at the Flashes on 23^rd. An unprecedented passage of 7 Little Gulls started on 15^th when 3 birds (2 adults and a first summer) were at the Moors Pool; the 2 older birds still were present the following day with an adult also present from 17^th to 20^th when it was joined by another adult. 1 adult remained on 21^st, joined by a second summer bird. Both birds, together with a new adult, were present on 22^nd with finally a first summer bird at the Flashes from 25^th to 27^th (also seen at Westwood) and again on 29^th and 30^th. This run of sightings matched Upton’s peak count of 3 birds (also achieved on 20^th April 1999) and made 2008 already the most successful year for the species. An Arctic Tern was briefly at the Sailing Pool on 17^th (the earliest date recorded), another spent all day at the Moors on 21^st whilst early morning birds passed through the Moors on 26^th and Flashes on 27^th. 4 Common Terns flew through the Moors on 20^th with singles on both sides of the reserve from 23^rd and 2 birds at the Moors from 27^th. A Black Tern spent 2 days at the Moors from 20^th with another there on 29^th. A first summer Mediterranean Gull was at the Moors on 27^th and 28^th.

MIGRANTS - Fieldfare and Redwing were both last seen on 7^th, when a mixed flock of 150 birds flew over the Flashes. Willow Warbler arrived at the Moors on 2^nd, with at least 9 birds across the reserve on 6^th. A female Blackcap was at the Moors on 2^nd, with a singing male by the horse paddock the same day. Osprey flew over the Moors on the evening of 4^th and the Flashes on the afternoon of 24^th. The first Reed Warbler was heard at the North Moors on 9^th, the earliest date on record. 2 Yellow Wagtails were at the Flashes on 13^th and 15^th with 2 at the Moors on 16^th, 3 at the Moors then the Flashes on 19^th and 3 at the Flashes with 2 at the Moors on 20^th. Singles were then at the Flashes on 21^st, 23^rd and 30^th with 3 at the Moors on 21^st and 1 on 24^th. A Wheatear was at the Moors on 4^th with a female at the Flashes on 5^th. A peak of 120 Sand Martins was split between the Sailing Pool and Moors on 6^th. After 2 very early March birds, the next House Martin was recorded not until 9^th. The first Cuckoo was at the Flashes on 16^th. Whitethroats were seen at the Flashes from 18^th. The Education Reserve produced a male Pied Flycatcher and a male Redstart on 19^th, a day which say 88 species recorded across the reserve, including the first Sedge Warbler at the Moors. A male White Wagtail was at the Moors on 16^th, with 2 on 20^th. A female Marsh Harrier flew over the Flashes in the afternoon of 18^th. The year’s first Hobby was over the Education Reserve on 16^th and Lesser Whitethroat at the Flashes on 21^st (with 4 by 29^th). Swift was first noted at the Moors on 23^rd. A male Whinchat was on fences at the Flashes on 26^th. A Garden Warbler was seen near the track to the Moors’ East Hide on 26^th, 27^th and 30^th with another by the Hen Pool on 30^th. A Grasshopper Warbler reeled near the East Hide on the morning of 27^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Mealy Redpoll sightings at the Moors continued until 13^th when an adult male was seen; a peak of 2 first winter birds were noted on 2^nd. 2 first winter birds were behind the Hen Pool at the Flashes on 9^th with 1 bird there on 13^th. Lesser Redpoll numbers along the path to the East Hide at the Moors tailed off with a peak count of 5 on 2^nd and were last noted on 19^th. 1 Siskin was at the Moors on 2^nd. A Rook flew over the Moors on 5^th, 16^th and 19^th. 2 Little Owls were at the Flashes on 2^nd with several sightings of singles birds near the old barns. 2 Grey Wagtails were on the Sailing Pool on 6^th and 7^th. A Barn Owl was at the North Moors on 7^th and 9^th. Ravens were noted on a near daily basis from both sides of the reserve with a max count of 4 on 6^th, 14^th and 19^th. A pair of Treecreeper were very active along the path to the East Hide at the Moors with another pair around the Hen Pool. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in the Education Reserve on 6^th. A Red Kite flew over the Moors on the afternoon of 10^th. 5 Buzzards were over the Flashes on 5^th. A House Sparrow was near the East Hide at the Moors on 23^rd and 27^th.

MARCH 2008

WILDFOWL - 63 Teal were across the reserve on 15^th, including 57 at the Flashes; 13 were at the Moors on 8^th. Shoveler numbers increased through the month at the Moors, peaking at 43 on 29^th. A pair of Gadwall was at the Moors Pool on several dates with a second pair at the Flashes on 8^th, 29^th and 31^st; 3 pairs were across the reserve on 28^th. 2 pairs of Shelduck were present on the reserve during the month, with 6 birds on 8^th, 12^th and 13^th. Tufted Duck numbers continued to grow, with a max count of 52 across the reserve on 29^th, whilst Pochard reduced as the month proceeded with a peak of 19 birds on 1^st. A female Ruddy Duck was at the Moors Pool on several dates from 20^th, with 2 on 27^th and 28^th and 3 (including a male) on 31^st. Great Crested Grebe numbers increased throughout the month with a max count of 20 across the reserve on 24^th. 2 Little Grebes were at the Moors Pool on 8^th and 28^th. Greylag Geese were encountered on several dates, with a peak count of 10 on 27^th (8 at the Moors and 2 on the Flashes). Cormorant was ever-present, with a peak of 19 birds on 1^st. 6 Grey Heron were at the Moors Pool on 18^th. There were no reports of the Bittern, which was last seen at the Moors Pool on 27^th February (its earliest departure date). Coot remained high at the Moors Pool to a peak count of 105 on 8^th; 9 were at the Flashes the same day.

WADERS - The Lapwing flock at the Flashes started to reduce through the month, with a peak of 150 on 4^th. 50 Snipe were at the Moors on 18^th, with 9 at the Flashes on 9^th. At least 4 Jack Snipe were at the Flashes on 9^th with regular sightings at the Moors Pool up to 30^th, including a max count of 9 on 18^th. A max count of 48 Curlew was at the Flashes on 1^st with 38 at the Moors Pool on the same day. A pair of Oystercatcher was resident throughout the month, with 4 birds on 19^th and 3 on 20^th. February’s pair of Avocet remained at the Flashes all month; they were joined by a third bird from 18^th, increasing to 8 birds from 23^rd. Redshank were at the Flashes on several dates, with usually 2 from 25^th and 5 birds present on 31^st; they were also occasionally at the Moors (including 3 on 15^th). The year’s first Little Ringed Plover returned to the Flashes on 12^th; 1 was present between 15^th and 25^th with 2 birds on 20^th and 26^th, 3 from 27^th, 4 on 30^th and 5 on 31^st. A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 23^rd, 24^th, 26^th and 27^th.

GULLS / TERNS - A peak count of 415 Black-headed Gull was present at the Flashes on 4^th with 155 at the Moors on 25^th. An adult Common Gull was at the Flashes on 1^st with 2 there on 23^rd; 1 was at the Moors on 8^th and 21^st whilst a first winter was at the Moors on 16^th. A first winter Herring Gull was at the Moors on 2^nd and 29^th with 2 birds at the Flashes on 13^th and 2 adults on 26^th. 2 first winter Great Black-backed Gulls flew north over the Moors Pool on 16^th.

MIGRANTS - Both Redwing and Fieldfare were last noted on 29^th at the Flashes. Spring migration started suddenly on 15^th - a male Wheatear was briefly at the Flashes, Chiffchaff were singing at both the Moors and Flashes and there were several parties of Sand Martin during the day, the largest being of 12 birds at the Moors. House Martins were noted on the 16^th (Sailing Pool) and 18^th (Moors); the earliest ever dates recorded at Upton Warren. By 19^th there were up to 6 Chiffchaffs on the reserve. The first Swallow was at the Sailing Pool on 28^th. A Marsh Harrier flew over the Moors Pool on 31st mobbed by a Grey Heron, the earliest date recorded at the reserve.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - 2 Stonechat remained at the Moors Pool until 4^th with 1 bird on 5^th; 3 birds (2 males and a female) were at the Flashes on 1^st, 5^th, 8^th and 11^th with 4 birds on 5^th and 2 from 12^th to 14^th; 1 bird was present on 17^th and 18^th and a male was then at the Flashes on 30^th. Siskin continued to be reported on a regular basis with a peak count of 20 at the Moors on 10^th. Mealy Redpoll sightings continued all month; evidence from photographs and ringing sessions indicated at least 6 birds involved (2 adult males, 1+ adult female and 3+ first winters males) – 5 birds were seen on 15^th and 4 on 25^th, with 3 reported on many dates. Lesser Redpolls frequented the path to the East Hide at the Moors on a daily basis with a peak count of at least 20 on 2^nd, 9^th and 15^th. The leucistic Mistle Thrush was reported on a number of dates in the pony paddock at the Moors. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at the North Moors on 5^th and in the Education Reserve on 14^th and 19^th. 3 Rooks flew over the Moors on 8^th. Raven were seen over the Flashes on the 23^rd (2) and the Moors on 24^th (3). A Little Owl was by the BBC transmitter buildings at the Flashes on 9^th and the old barns on 12^th. 2 Grey Wagtail were at the Flashes on 11^th. A Brambling was on feeders by the canoe training pool at the Sailing Centre on 13^th with 2 birds (male and female) at the Flashes feeding station on 16^th, 1 on 17^th and 2 on 19^th (including a different male) and 21^st; a male was then seen in gardens adjoining the Moors on 26^th. 2 Peregrine Falcons were on the transmitter masts on 15^th. At least 6 Cetti’s Warbler were singing around the reserve on 15^th. A female Goshawk flew over the Education Reserve on 15^th. A Scandinavian Chiffchaff was in the hedge along the path to the Moors’ East Hide on 15^th. A possible Water Pipit flew calling over the Moors on 16^th. 2 Coal Tits were along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 22^nd.

FEBRUARY 2008

WILDFOWL - 54 Teal were at the Flashes on 22^nd, with 15 at the Moors on 16^th. Shoveler numbers were low at the Moors and peaked at just 16 on 13^th; 3 were at the Flashes on 26^th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors on 2^nd, 3^rd and 12^th, with 2 males on 13^th and then a pair on 14^th, 15^th, 20^th to 24^th and 26^th; a pair were at the Flashes on 29^th. January’s 2 Shelduck were joined by a third bird on the 2^nd; a pair then remained (predominately at the Moors) until 17^th. 4 were then present between the Flashes and the Moors from 20^th to the end of the month, with 5 birds at the Flashes on 24^th. 51 Mallard were at the Moors on 17^th. A drake Pintail was at the Moors Pool on 19^th. A Mandarin Duck was reported at the Flashes on 1^st. A pair of Wigeon were at the Moors on 16^th. Tufted Duck numbers continued to grow slowly, with a max count of 21 on 24^th, as did Pochard, with a peak of 20 birds on 21^st. A male Goldeneye was at the Moors Pool on 11^th. Great Crested Grebe numbers increased throughout the month at the Moors Pool, with a max count of 8 on 13^th and 23^rd. 1 Little Grebe was at the Moors Pool on several dates, as were 5 Mute Swan. 2 Greylag Geese were at the Moors Pool on 8^th, with 1 present the following day; 4 were at the Moors Pool on 21^st with 6 on the Sailing Pool on 24^th and then 2 back at the Moors Pool on 29^th. Cormorant was ever-present, with a max of 19 birds on 24^th. A peak of 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 16^th. 1 Bittern was seen on a regular basis at the Moors Pool throughout the month, particularly on the north-east shore. Coot remained high at the Moors Pool to a peak count of 205 on 2^nd with 6 on the Flashes the same day. Water Rail was regularly encountered at the Moors, with 4 at the feeding station on 17^th.

WADERS - The Lapwing flock at the Flashes remained high throughout the month, with a peak of 1,700 on 8^th; at least 250 were at the Moors on 3^rd. 72 Snipe were at the Moors on 25^th with 15 at the Flashes on the same day. 6 Jack Snipe (the best count since 2003) were at the Flashes on 2^nd with 2 birds on 24^th and 1 on 27^th and 29^th; 1 was at the Moors Pool on many dates - 2 were there on 6^th, 24^th and 25^th with 4 birds on 16^th. A maximum count of 42 Curlew were at the Flashes on 27^th, with 34 at the Moors Pool on 20^th. An Oystercatcher visited both sides of the reserve intermittently throughout the month, with a pair at the Moors Pool or the Flashes on from 17^th onwards; 3 were briefly at the Flashes on 24^th and at the Moors on 28^th, with 4 present on 27^th. An early Black-tailed Godwit was at the Moors Pool on 14^th and again briefly on 16^th and 19^th, associating with Curlews; it was then seen briefly on a daily basis at the Flashes between 21^st and 24^th and finally on 26^th. A Woodcock was reported at the Flashes feeding station on 18^th. An Avocet returned very early to the Flashes on 27^th, with 2 birds there on 28^th and 29^th.

GULLS / TERNS - A maximum count of 1,250 Black-headed Gull was present at the Flashes roost on 2^nd. 2 Herring Gulls flew south over the Moors Pool on 23^rd. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 29^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Peregrine remained a regular feature of the transmitter masts at the Flashes, with 2 birds on 12^th. The pair of Stonechats remained at the Moors Pool all month; a third bird was seen at the Flashes from 24^th until the month’s end. Siskin continued to be reported on a regular basis with a peak count of 16 at the Moors on 22^nd. A Little Owl was seen on the old barns at the Flashes on 2^nd, 16^th and 29^th, whilst a Barn Owl was seen in the same area on 13^th. 2 Raven flew over the Flashes on the 3^rd with 1 reported over the Education Reserve on the same day; 2 flew over the transmitter mast field on 27^th with a third bird on the same date. 2 Coal Tits were in the Education Reserve on 10^th whilst 1 was opposite Lifestyles at the Moors on 20^th. Lesser Redpolls frequented the path to the East Hide at the Moors on a daily basis with a peak count of 20 on several dates, including 17^th and 25^th. Mealy Redpoll was noted amongst this flock on 6^th, 9^th, 10^th, 12^th, 13^th, and then daily from 15^th to the month’s end. At least 3 birds (1 adult and 2 first winters) were involved – multiple sighting included all 3 birds on 16^th, an adult with a first winter on 17^th and 25^th, all 3 birds on 22^nd, 2 first winters on 24^th, and all 3 birds again on 26^th and 27^th. This series of observations represents the most consistent run and highest numbers of Mealy Redpoll in the reserve’s history. A Brambling was at the Flashes feeding station on 10^th whilst a male was along the path to the East Hide at the Moors on 16^th and 17^th. 25 Linnet were at the Flashes on 16^th. A distinctive leucistic Mistle Thrush was in the pony paddock at the Moors on 17^th, 20^th and 28^th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker along the track to the East Hide at the Moors on 20^th with a male seen in the Education Reserve on 23^rd. 6 Buzzard were noted circling from the Moors on 27^th. A Skylark was singing in fields to the north of the Flashes on 27^th, whilst a Yellowhammer was reported at the Flashes on 28^th.

JANUARY 2008

WILDFOWL - 110 Teal were at the Flashes on 5^th, with 57 at the Moors on 13^th. Shoveler numbers peaked at 68 on 19^th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors on 2^nd, 5^th, 12^thand 23^rd and 27^th with a pair present on 9^th and 27^th. 2 Shelduck were present at the Moors on 5^th with 1 bird at the Moors Pool or the Flashes between 16^th and 25^th with 2 birds from 26^th until the month’s end. A male Wigeon was at the Moors Pool on 6^th with a female there on 20^th whilst 7 birds were on the Sailing Pool at the same time; 7 bird were then seen at the Flashes on 29^th. 101 Mallard were at the Moors on 13^th with a further 11 on the Flashes. Tufted Duck numbers grew slightly on December’s figures, with a maximum count of 25 on 27^th, as did Pochard, with a peak of 15 birds on 27^th. Great Crested Grebe numbers increased slowly throughout the month at the Moors Pool, with a maximum count of 11 on 19^th. 3 Little Grebes were at the Moors Pool on 23^rd. 2 Greylag Geese were at the Moors Pool on 1^st and 17^th, with 3 birds on 23^rd and 1 on 27^th. 7 Mute Swan were across the reserve on 27^th. Cormorant were ever-present, with a maximum of 23 birds on 2^nd. 6 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 13^th. 1 Bittern was seen on a regular basis at the Moors Pool throughout the month, particularly flying into roost at the north end of the pool late afternoon. A Little Egret arrived late each afternoon at the Moors before roosting in the Education Reserve between 2^nd and 7^th; it was also seen briefly lunchtime on 8^th. Coot remained high at the Moors Pool to a peak count of 250 on 26^th. Water Rail was regularly encountered at the Moors.

WADERS -The Lapwing flock at the Flashes remained high throughout the month, with a peak of 1,000 on 2^nd, 13^th, 16^th and 30^th; 300 were at the Moors on the 27^th. An impressive 68 Snipe were at the Moors on 13^th with 20 at the Flashes on 6^th. A Jack Snipe was seen at the Flashes on 5^th and 6^th; 2 were at the Moors Pool on 7^th and 16^th with l on 10^th, 13^th, 26^th and 27^th. A maximum count of 24 Curlew were at the Moors on 30^th; 25 were at the Flashes on 27^th. A Golden Plover was heard calling over the Flashes early on 6^th; up to 7 were with the Lapwing flock on 13^th. An unseasonal Redshank was at the Moors Pool, then the Flashes, on 3^rd whilst an early Oystercatcher visited both sides of the reserve from 29^th onwards.

GULLS / TERNS - A maximum count of 110 Black-headed Gull was present at the Flashes on 9^th, with 270 at the Moors Pool on 26^th. There were several reports of Herring Gulls, including 5 over the Flashes on 6^th, 1 at the Moors Pool on 1^st and 1 over the Moors Pool on 19^th and 25^th. A flock of 25 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew south over the Moors on 1^st whilst there was a noticeable movement south on 19^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Up to 2 Peregrines frequented the transmitter masts at the Flashes. The pair of Stonechats from 2007 remained at the Moors Pool until the end of the month. Siskin was reported on a regular basis with a peak count of 50 in the Education Reserve on 3^rd, with 30 at the Moors on 2^nd. Smaller numbers of Lesser Redpoll were also present, with a maximum of 15 on 3^rd. A Mealy Redpoll, only the sixth for the reserve, was on the east side of the Moors Pool with 3 Lesser Redpoll on 9^th. An over-wintering Chiffchaff was seen at the Moors on 3^rd whilst male Blackcaps were seen in the Education Reserve on 1^st and on the east side of the Moors on 20^th. 2007’s Barn Owl continued to hunt over the Flashes and its surrounds on an almost daily up until 7^th. A Little Owl was seen on the old barns at the Flashes on 1^st, 12^th and 27^th. A Tawny Owl was heard calling early morning on 1^st (following no reports in 2007). There were a number of sightings of Treecreeper (including 2 on 1^st), Kingfisher, Goldcrest and Grey Wagtail. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in the Education Reserve on 1^st. At least 5 Cetti’s Warblers were around the reserve on 6^th. A Coal Tit was on the east side of the Moors Pool on 9^th and 16^th. A Meadow Pipit flew over the Moors on the 13^th. 200 Fieldfare flew over the Hen Brook on 23^rd. Large numbers of Wood Pigeon frequented the Moors and Education Reserve, with several counts of 200 birds. A flock of 22 Magpie was seen at the Moors on 23^rd. A Rook, very scarce at Upton Warren, flew over the Flashes on 26^th whilst single Ravens were fly-over records at the Flashes on 27^th and the Moors on 30^th. A Brambling was along the path to the Moors’ East Hide on 30^th.

DECEMBER 2007

WILDFOWL - At least 100 Teal were at the Flashes on 28^th, with 24 at the Moors on 17^th. Shoveler numbers were high early in the month, with a max count of 77 at the Moors Pool on 5^th, then dipped before peaking at 120 on 28^th. 6 Gadwall were at the Moors on 19^th. November’s 3 Shelduck stayed on the reserve until 6^th. Unspecified numbers of Wigeon were at the Moors Pool on 15^th and 16^th, with 7 there on 17^th, 2 on 19^th and 1 on 22^nd and 24^th. Tufted Duck numbers remained low, with a max count of 10 on 27^th, as did Pochard, with a peak of 13 birds from 24^th onwards. A female Goldeneye was at the Moors on 5^th, as were 4 Goosander (1 male and 3 females) – presumably the same party as seen on 26^th November. A max count of just 3 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors Pool on 29^th; 4 Little Grebes were at the Moors on 5^th. Whilst generally absent from the reserve, 170 Canada Geese flew over the Flashes on 24^th. 2 Brent Geese were on the Sailing Pool on 26^th. Cormorant were ever-present, with a max of 21 birds on 5^th. 5 Grey Heron were across the reserve on several dates. The 2 Bitterns was seen on a regular basis at the Moors Pool on the north-east and north-west shores, with a number of sighting also in the feeding station area. Coot remained high at the Moors Pool to a peak count of 286 on 12^th. Water Rail was regularly encountered at the Moors. 17 Moorhen were across the reserve on 6^th and 22^nd. 9 Mute Swan were at the Moors Pool on 21^st.

WADERS - The Lapwing flock at the Flashes remained high throughout the month, with a peak of 1,100 on 29^th; 250 were at the Moors on 27^th. 25 Snipe were at the Flashes on 2^nd with 38 at the Moors Pool on 9^th; a total of at least 43 were present across the reserve on 6^th. A Jack Snipe was seen at the second Flash on 2^nd, with another on the East Island at the Moors on 1^st and 17^th. A max count of 23 Curlew were at the Flashes on 2^nd, with a similar number of the Moors Pool on 5^th. A Green Sandpiper was present at the Flashes late on 2^nd. A Woodcock was flushed from the North Moors Plantation on 26^th.

GULLS / TERNS - A max count of 500 Black-headed Gull roosted at the Flashes on 1^st, with 150 at the Moors on 16^th. Several Herring Gulls were reported over the reserve on 2^nd, with an adult at the Moors Pool on 5^th, 2 over the Flashes on 9^th and 3 over the Flashes on 24^th (2 adults and a juvenile). An adult Common Gull was at the Flashes on 16^th and an un-aged bird at the Moors on 19^th. A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at the Moors on 17^th. A juvenile Great Black-backed Gull was at the Moors on 23^rd.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A Goshawk was reported over the Sailing Pool on 21^st. Up to 2 Peregrines frequented the transmitter masts at the Flashes. 4 Kestrels were seen at the Flashes on 2^nd. 2 Stonechat remained at the Moors Pool until 27^th. Male Blackcaps were seen at the Moors on 1^st and Flashes on 2^nd. A Chiffchaff was in the Education Reserve on 19^th. Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were reported on a regular basis – peak counts were 3 of the former at the Moors on 6^th and at least 40 of the latter at the Flashes on 28^th. A Willow Tit has heard calling near the Hen Brook on 15^th and in silver birches to the east of the North Moors Pool on 16^th but not seen on either occasion. The Barn Owl continued to hunt over the Flashes and its surrounds on an almost daily basis up to 31^st, often in broad day-light. A Little Owl was heard calling at the Flashes on 6^th. 80 Fieldfare were in the North Moors Plantation on 6^th. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen along the River Salwarpe on 8^th and by the Moors causeway on 24^th, with 2 at the rear of the Moors’ West Hide on 26^th. There were a number of sightings of Treecreeper, Grey Wagtail and Linnet (max count of 8 at the Flashes on 27^th). 2 Raven flew over the Flashes on 16^th. At least 20 Reed Bunting were at the Flashes feeding station on 2^nd. A House Sparrow was by the Sailing Centre on 22^nd and 24^th. A Coal Tit was seen near the Moors’ East Hide on 22^nd and 29^th. 200 Wood Pigeons were seen at the Moors on 27^th. A male Brambling was on the Flashes’ feeding station for 5 minutes on 30^th. At least 5 Cetti’s Warblers were on the reserve on 30^th.

In summary, 2007 produced a total of 155 species for the reserve. This included two new species (Bee-eater and Great White Egret) and several other birds only encountered on a very infrequent basis, including Wilson’s Phalarope, Grey Phalarope, Hoopoe and Dipper (all second records), Red-necked Phalarope and Gannet (fourth records), Egyptian Goose (fifth record), Brent Goose (fifth and sixth records) and Whooper Swan (ninth record). There were also good showings from the likes of Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Bittern, Raven and Stonechat. However several commoner species were not recorded in the year including Little Stint, Sanderling, Little Gull, Black Tern, Tawny Owl and Rock Pipit. On the breeding front the reserve had a record-breaking year for Avocet (2 pairs fledged 8 young) and Common Tern (2 pairs fledging 5 young) but on the negative side both Redshank and Shelduck failed to breed and no Lapwing or Little Ringed Plover chicks were fledged from the nesting attempts.

NOVEMBER 2007

wwwwWILDFOWL - October’s Wigeon presence continued at the Moors Pool until 5^th, peaking at 4 birds on the final day; 1 bird was seen at the Moors on 15^th and 6 there on 19^th. 2 drake Pintail were present at the Moors Pool for 30 minutes on the morning of 21^st. 83 Teal were at the Flashes on 3^rd, with 27 at the Moors the same day. Shoveler numbers gradually increased through the month, with a max count of 75 at the Moors Pool on 28^th. A drake Gadwall was at the Moors Pool on 4^th, with a pair there on 17^th. October’s 4 Shelduck remained on the reserve until 3^rd when 2 departed; the other 2 stayed all month with a third bird from 11^th until the month’s end. Tufted Duck numbers remained relatively low, with a max count of 8 on 3^rd, as did Pochard, with a peak of only 7 birds on 11^th. A female Goldeneye was at the Moors on 5^th, whilst a drake was present on 12^th. A female Ruddy Duck was at the Moors Pool on 2^nd and 11^th. A female Goosander was at the Moors Pool on 1^st, 2^nd and 17^th; a pair was present on 15^th and a party of 4 birds (1 male, 3 females) was at the Moors Pool, then the Flashes, on 26^th. A Greylag Goose was seen with the Canada Geese flock at the Moors Pool on 2^nd. 8 Whooper Swans (3 adults and 5 juveniles) were at the Flashes between 08:55 and 09:30 on 18^th before flying south – this is only the ninth record and represents the largest flock recorded at the reserve and the first occurrence for 9 years. They were seen the previous day at Bittell and the following day near Bransford Bridge, just west of Worcester. A max count of 6 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors on 11^th. Little Grebe continued to be sighted at the Moors Pool with 2 on several dates and a single bird at the Flashes. Cormorant numbers remained high, with a max of 24 birds on 11^th. 6 Grey Heron were across the reserve on 3^rd. Bittern was seen on a daily basis at the Moors Pool and the presence of 2 birds was confirmed on 7^th, with birds seen on the north-east and north-west shores. Coot numbers grew at the Moors Pool to a peak count of 208 on 25^th. Water Rail was regularly encountered at the Moors, with up to 6 calling on 3^rd, and also on the nearly created habitat in front of the Flashes’ feeding station hide, where 3 were seen on 9^th.

WADERS - The Lapwing flock at the Flashes gradually grew through the month, with a peak of 570 on 25^th and 30^th. A Golden Plover was at the Flashes early morning on 3^rd. 24 Snipe were at the Flashes on 11^th; at least 30 were at the Moors Pool on 26^th. A Jack Snipe showed on the southern shore of the second Flash on several dates, with another on the East Island at the Moors on a number of occasions. A max count of 32 Curlew were at the Flashes on 1^st; 30 flew over the Moors Pool on 3^rd whilst 28 were present on 30^th. A Green Sandpiper was present at the Flashes on 3^rd. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 2^nd and 3^rd with another on 6^th to 8^th, 1 on 11^th, 2 on 14^th and finally 1 on 27^th; 1 was the Moors on 12^th. A first winter GREY PHALAROPE, only the second for the reserve, was at the Flashes from 3:00pm until dusk on 8^th and then from first light until 9:00am on 9^th. This completed the hat-trick of phalarope species for the reserve within 6 months – an amazing achievement for such a small inland site. A phalarope species (possibly the same bird?) was reported briefly at the Moors late afternoon on 10^th before flying towards the Flashes when harassed by gulls.

GULLS / TERNS - A max count of 600 Black-headed Gull roosted at the Flashes on 1^st. 16 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over the Moors Pool on 3^rd, with 30 over the Flashes on 25^th. An adult Common Gull was at the Moors Pool on 4^th with a 1^st winter bird there on 10^th, 11^thand 17^th; an un-aged was at the Flashes on 21^st. A Great Black-backed Gull was reported over the reserve on 11^th. 2 Herring Gulls flew north over the Flashes on 28^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Peregrine Falcon remained a common feature around the transmitter masts. A Little Owl was calling at the Flashes on 4^th whilst one was seen on the old barns on 16^th. Meadow Pipits were regularly reported flying over the reserve. Skylark was also a regular fly-over feature including 3 over the Flashes on 3^rd. Up to 5 Cetti’s Warblers were calling around the reserve. The 2 Stonechats remained at the Flashes until 11^th (3 birds on 4^th), with another at the Moors Pool between 3^rd and 25^th with 2 birds there on 28^th; a record 4 birds were present across the reserve on 4^th. 250 Redwing were at the Flashes on 4^th, along with 20 Fieldfare. A Raven flew over the Flashes on 4^th. A Coal Tit continued to be seen at the Moors’ feeding station during the first part of the month. Both male and female Blackcap were seen throughout the month at the Moors, often in the spindle clump. Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were seen on a number of dates on both sides of the reserve, with peak counts of 5 of the former flying over the Flashes on 3^rd and 30 of the latter at the Hen Pool on 4^th (20 were at the Moors on 21^st and 27^th). A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was near the Moors’ East Hide on 9^th. A Barn Owl was seen hunting over the Flashes on an almost daily basis from 15^th onwards, often giving very good views. The Starling roost at the Moors grew throughout the month to 500 birds by 14^th, then 1500 birds on 21^st. A remarkably late House Martin was seen over the Moors Pool on 18^th, the latest ever recorded for the reserve. Several Linnet parties were seen on the second half of the month, including 10 on 28^th.

OCTOBER 2007

WILDFOWL - A Pintail arrived at the Moors on 2^nd with a second bird from 5^th, frequenting both sides of the reserve, and remained until 15^th. Wigeon were present at the Moors Pool from 2^nd onwards – high counts included 15 on 2^nd and 11 on 20^th. 5 Gadwall were at the Moors Pool between 2^nd and 4^th, with up to 3 from 19^th to 31^st. Shoveler was present throughout the month, with 63 at the Flashes on 7^th and 43 at the Moors Pool on 14^th. Teal numbers at the Flashes rose to a max of 128 on 15^th; smaller numbers were also at the Moors with a max of 70 on 30^th. A drake Mandarin was a brief visitor to the Moors Pool on 19^th. The long-staying Shelduck remained on the reserve all month, with a second bird from 10^th and a total of 4 birds from 24^th onwards. Tufted Duck numbers rose, with a max count of 21 at the Moors Pool on 5^th. A female Scaup was at the Moors Pool briefly on the 2^nd; the same bird had also visited Grimley and Westwood. A female Goldeneye was at the Moors on 30^th. A Pochard returned to the Moors Pool on 5^th rising to 7 by 27^th. A female Goosander circled over the Moors Pool on 18^th. 2 female Ruddy Ducks were at the Moors Pool on 19^th and 21^st, with 1 on 27^th and 30^th. Canada Geese numbers remained high, with 750 at the Moors Pool on 3^rd. Greylag Geese continued to associate with the Canada Geese flock at the Moors, with a peak count of 4 on 24^th. 2 Brent Geese, only the fourth reserve record, were at the Flashes for a few hours on 15^th. A max count of 7 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors on 16^th. Little Grebe was more numerous at the Moors with a peak of 5 on 21^st; 1 bird was at the Flashes on several dates. Cormorant numbers continued on from their September heights, with a max of 29 birds on 13^th. 6 Grey Heron were on the reserve on 21^st. A pale plumaged Bittern returned to the Moors Pool on 12^th and was seen regularly for the rest of the month on both the east and west shores. A GREAT WHITE EGRET, a long overdue first record for the reserve and only the third for the county, was seen on 1^st - present at the Flashes between 2:35pm and 2:55pm and then briefly on the north side of the Moors Pool at 3:20pm; probably the same bird was seen later the same evening at Kinver. A max count of 180 Coot was at the Moors Pool on 23^rd. Water Rail was regularly encountered at the Moors, with 2 at the feeding station on 24^th

WADERS - The Lapwing flock at the Flashes had risen to 405 birds by 28^th, with 60 birds at the Moors Pool on 8^th. 2 Ringed Plover were at the Flashes on 3^rd. A Golden Plover flew over the Flashes on 7^th and 1 was present there on 23^rd. Snipe continued to increase at the Flashes with 30 on 1^st; 16 were at the Moors Pool on 22^nd. The first Jack Snipe of the winter was seen at the Moors Pool on 12^th and again on 18^th, 24^th and 27^th, with a bird at the Flashes on 22^nd and 26^th. A max count of 42 Curlew was in the Flashes’ roost on 8^th; 35 were at the Moors during the day on 24^th. A Green Sandpiper was present at the Flashes on and off throughout the month, with 2 present late on 5^th. A Dunlin was at the Flashes on 8^th (probably the same bird flew over the Moors Pool on the same date) and 25^th.

GULLS / TERNS - A max count of 1,000 Black-headed Gull roosted at the Flashes on 4^th, with 54 at the Moors Pool on 20^th. Common Gulls were regularly recorded – 4 at the Flashes on 2^nd (3 juveniles and a 1^st summer), 1 on 4^th, 4 on 5^th, a 1^st year on 8^th and 3 1^st winter birds on 13^th; a juvenile was at the Moors Pool on 5^th with a 1^st winter on 25^th and 3 birds flew over on 28^th. A 1^st winter Mediterranean Gull was in the roost at the Flashes on 8^th, 10^th and 11^th. 32 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the water at the Moors Pool on 28^th, together with a Herring Gull. An un-aged Common Tern was present at the Sailing Pool on 3^rd with 2 on 4^th and a juvenile on 6^th and 7^th; 1 was at the Moors Pool on 5^th.

MIGRANTS - The winter’s first Redwing was seen on 3^rd at the Moors with 20 over the Flashes on 15^th and again on 26^th. Fieldfare was first seen on 18^th at the Flashes with 25 birds over the Moors on 20^th. Late departing summer migrants were last recorded on the following dates: Chiffchaff - 30^th (Moors), Swallow - 3^rd (Flashes), Blackcap - 18^th (a singing bird at the Moors with 2 present on 4^th), Redstart - 29^th (Flashes; the previous latest bird was seen on 3^rd October in 1987). A female / immature Marsh Harrier passed over the Moors Pool on the afternoon of 6^th.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - A ringtail Hen Harrier was reported over the North Moors Pool on 20^th (also seen the same day at Hanbury Hall). Peregrine Falcon was a common feature around the transmitter masts, with 2 birds on several dates. A Little Owl was on the old barns at the Flashes on 8^th and 26^th. Grey Wagtail was seen on a near daily basis across the reserve. Meadow Pipits were regularly reported flying over the reserve. A flock of 10 Skylark were in a field by the Sailing Pool on 10^th. 5 Cetti’s Warblers were calling around the reserve on 31^st. The colour-ringed Stonechat remained at the Flashes all month, with 2 birds from 3^rd onwards (3 present on 6^th only); 1 was at the Moors on 31^st. A Dipper, only the second reserve record, was reported on the River Salwarpe on 20^th. A flock containing both House Sparrow and Lesser Redpoll flew over the Moors on 6^th; 2 Lesser Redpoll were at the Moors in 26^th. Siskins were seen in the Education Reserve on 12^th and at the Moors Pool on 22^nd. A Yellowhammer was seen at the Flashes on 5^th and heard there on 24^th. Coal Tit, a reserve rarity, was seen at the Moors’ feeding station from 5^th onwards, with 2 birds on 19^th. Treecreeper and Goldcrest were reported on a number of occasions.

SEPTEMBER 2007

WILDFOWL - An eclipse Pintail was at the Flashes on 1^st. 12 Wigeon were at the Moors on 11^th, with 5 on 12^th, 1 on 17^th, 23^rd and 26^th, 2 on 21^st and 7 on 29^th; at the Flashes 7 birds were present on 27^th with a further 11 flying over. 4 Gadwall were at the Flashes on 29^th, with 5 later at the Moors. Shoveler was present throughout the month, with 36 across the reserve on 21^st. Teal numbers at the Flashes rose to 98 by 10^th; small numbers were also at the Moors. 13 Tufted Duck were at the Moors on 29^th. August’s 5 Shelduck remained at the Flashes until 10^th, with 1 bird present until the month’s end. A reserve record of 750 Canada Geese were at the Moors Pool on 29^th with a Greylag Goose associating with the flock on many dates (2 present on 23^rd and 29^th). A max count of 7 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors on 1^st, 2^nd and 17^th. Little Grebe was seen on both sides of the reserve, with a peak of 8 at the Moors on 24^th. Cormorant numbers were high all month, peaking at 32 on 29^th (the highest count since 2003) whilst 6 Grey Heron were on the reserve on 2^nd and 29^th. A Little Egret was on the third Flash briefly in the early morning of 16^th with another at the Moors on 26^th. A max count of 133 Coot was present on 23^rd. 38 Moorhen were across the reserve on 1^st.

WADERS - A juvenile WILSON’S PHALAROPE was September’s star attraction. It was discovered early on 23^rd by a visiting birder from Yorkshire and stayed until dusk on 26^th, permitting the many who visited the chance to “claw back” this American wader which was only seen by a few individuals during its last visit in 1985. Green Sandpiper was present at the Flashes until 25^th, with a max count of 6 birds on 2^nd although numbers fell away later in the month. Common Sandpiper was present at the Flashes until 17^th, with 2 birds on 2^nd, 6^th,10^th and 14^th; 1 bird was at the Moors one and off from 2^nd to 13^th. The Lapwing flock had risen to 112 birds by 2^nd. August’s 3 Dunlin remained at the Flashes until 3^rd with 2 then present from 10^th to 24^th (4 were present late on 21^st and 3 briefly on 24^th). Snipe continued to be present at the Flashes with 15 on 14^th; 9 were at the Moors Pool on 2^nd. 2 juvenile Spotted Redshank were briefly at the Moors, then the Flashes, on 12^th. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 3^rd to 6^th and 14^th with 2 late on 18^th; 1 was at the Moors on 5^th, 6^th and 19^th. 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper were at the Flashes from 15^th to 26^th with 1 reported on 28^th. A juvenile Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 20^th. A juvenile Ruff was at the Flashes on 23^rd and 24^th. A max count of 36 Curlew was in the roost at the Flashes on 6^th.

GULLS / TERNS - This year’s breeding Common Terns remained until 10^th when 3 birds were seen; 1 juvenile passed through the Flashes on 29^th whilst 2 were at the Sailing Pool on 30^th. A juvenile “commic” tern was at the Sailing Pool early morning on 17^th whilst 18^th saw a movement of Arctic Tern – a well worn juvenile at the Moors around midday followed by 2 adults over the Moors mid afternoon with 1 on the Flashes a few minutes later. A max count of 1600 Black-headed Gull roosted at the Flashes on 9^th and 27^th. August’s run of juvenile Mediterranean Gulls continued with a bird present during the day at the Flashes on 1^st and 2^nd, with 2 in the roost on 2^nd and 3^rd and 1 again on 15^th. A first winter bird was reported from the Flashes on the morning of 7^th. 21 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were present across the reserve on 2^nd. An adult Herring Gull was at the Moors on 5^th. An adult Common Gull was at the Flashes on 4^th, 17^th and 20^th, with a juvenile there on 9^th, 2 juveniles on 13^th and 1 juvenile on 14^th, 16^th and 20^th. A juvenile Gannet flew south west over the Moors Pool on 27^th.

MIGRANTS - A female Wheatear was at the Flashes on 12^th. A Spotted Flycatcher was in the hedge behind the Flashes hide on 19^th and 20th. Yellow Wagtail was seen at the Moors on 17^th and heard at the Flashes on 19^th. A female Redstart was at the Flashes on 29^th. Hobby was seen on both sides of the reserve until 23^rd, with 2 at the Moors Pool on 1^st and 16^th with 3 on 5^th, and 2 at the Flashes on 12^th. Departing summer migrants were last recorded on the following dates: House Martin – 29^th (Moors), Sand Martin – 21^st (Moors), Swallow – 20^th (Flashes), Sedge Warbler – 15^th (Moors), Reed Warbler – 18^th (Moors), Lesser Whitethroat – 6^th (Flashes), Willow Warbler – 20^th (singing behind the Moors’ East Hide), Blackcap – 22^nd (Flashes).

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Grey Wagtail was seen on several dates with a max count of 3 on 15^th (2 on the Salwarpe and 1 on the Sailing Pool). August’s Stonechat (apparently with a ring on each leg) remained at the Flashes all month on and off. A Red-legged Partridge was heard calling at the Flashes on 3^rd. A Little Owl was seen perched on the dilapidated barn roof of the farm at the Flashes on the evenings of 6^th and 16^th. 4 Raven flew over the Flashes on 12^th with 2 birds seen on 16^th and 19^th with 1 on 17^th and 21^st. A calling Yellowhammer was heard overhead at the Flashes on 12^th. Meadow Pipits were reported flying over the reserve from 16^th onwards. The autumn’s first Lesser Redpolls (2) were by the steps at the Flashes on 29^th with 7 Siskin present the following day. A House Sparrow was close to the Moors’ East Hide on 16^th. 3 Goldcrest were by the Hen Brook on 17^th as part of a small influx. 28 Mistle Thrush moved through the Moors on 19^th.

AUGUST 2007

WILDFOWL - Tufted Duck numbers rose to approx 20 birds, with six young fledging at the Flashes. A Shoveler was at the Flashes 4^th, with numbers rising to 32 by 31^st. 2 Teal were at the Flashes on 4^th, rising to an impressive 84 by 30^th; small numbers were also occasionally at the Moors. July’s juvenile Shelduck remained until the month’s end, frequenting both sides of the reserve; it was joined by a further 4 from 30^th. 245 Canada Geese were in fields north of Flashes on 15^th; earlier that day, 150 were seen at the Moors. A Greylag Goose was at the Flashes on 22^nd and the Moors on 25^th and 28^th. The 15^th saw 170 Mallard on the Moors and 169 at the Flashes. A max count of 11 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors on 19^th including this year’s fledged youngster. Little Grebe were on several dates, with a well developed chick suddenly appearing at the Flashes on 16^th; 3 were seen at the Flashes on 19^th with 1 at the Moors the same day. Cormorant numbers peaked at 8 on 17^th, whilst 5 Grey Heron were at the Moors on 17^th and 19^th. A Little Egret was at the Flashes on 6^th with 2 briefly on the morning of 12^th and 2 in flight over the Moors early morning on 27^th. 40 Moorhen were across the reserve on 19^th. Water Rail continued to be seen at the Flashes including two juveniles, with a juvenile at the Moors being possibly from a third breeding pairs.

WADERS - Green Sandpiper was present all month the Flashes, with a max count of 11 birds on 2^nd; numbers decreased to 6 mid month, rose to 9 on 22^nd then reduced again to 6 at the month’s end. Common Sandpiper was also present at the Flashes all month, with 4 birds present between 13^th and 16^th. The Curlew flock was present most days with larger numbers in the evening roost, with a peak count of 54 on 23^rd. The Lapwing flock had risen to 90 birds by 18^th. July’s excellent passage of Black-tailed Godwit continued at the Flashes with 1 bird on 2^nd and 2 on 6^th to 8^th, 1 again on 9^th, 3 birds on 15^th and 2 on 25^th and 26^th; 2 birds were at the Moors on 14^th. Dunlin were at the Flashes on many dates, peaking at 4 on 27^th to 29^th. A Little Stint, the first since October 2004, was reported at the Flashes on 16^th. A Greenshank was present at the Flashes on 8^th, 20^th to 24^th and 29^th (with 2 birds late on 22^nd); 2 flew over the Moors on 30^th. A Redshank was present on 14^th and 15^th, with 2 on 20^th, and again on 29^th. The first Snipe for the second half of 2007 were seen on 1^st, increasing to 22 birds by 26^th.

GULLS / TERNS - An adult Sandwich Tern passed through the Moors on 20^th whilst an adult and juvenile spent over three hours on both sides of the reserve on 28^th (later seen at Upper Bittell Reservoir and potentially Alvecote Pools), 3 Common Terns chicks on the Flashes fledged with 3 chicks hatched in one of the boxes at the Moors on 2^nd - 2 went on to fledge; a peak count of 6 adults was seen. A max count of 2000 Black Headed Gull roosted at the Flashes on 31^st. The now annual summer occurrence of roosting Mediterranean Gulls at the Flashes started on 2^nd, 3 on 6^th (including a bird with a white colour ring 35V8), 2 on the afternoon of 7^th and singles on 8^th and 9^th; then again on 23^rd and 29^th with 2 on 31^st. One was at the Moors Pool on the afternoon of 31^st. All this month’s records relate to juveniles. A juvenile Common Gull was at the Flashes on 2^nd and 9^th, with an adult on 7^th and 29^th. 13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in the Flashes roost on 6^th. A Herring Gull was at the Flashes on 8^th and a second summer bird flew over the Moors on 28^th.

MIGRANTS - A juvenile Marsh Harrier, the first for the year, passed through the Flashes heading towards the Moors, on 4^th. This was closely followed by a juvenile / female over the Flashes on the evening of 8^th, a juvenile north over the Moors on the morning of 9^th and an immature female at the Flashes on 23^rd. The first three reports probably all relate to just one bird. A Garden Warbler was at the Moors on 10^th, Lesser Whitethroat still at the Flashes on 29^th and Common Whitethroat at the Moors on 19^th. Swift were last seen on 23^rd at the Moors (2 birds). Hobby (including a juvenile) re-appeared at the Moors from 18^th onwards, with 2 birds on 21^st.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST - Peregrine remained a regular sight around the masts at the Flashes, with 2 juveniles present on 6^th and 2 birds on 30^th. 3 Raven flew over the Flashes on 4^th, 1 bird over on 21^st and 2 on 26^th. 2 Rook were seen at the Flashes on 15^th. 500 Starling gathered on pylons north of the Moors Pool in a pre-roost on 9^th whilst 250 were seen at the Moors on 15^th. At least 2 Kingfisher were seen daily at the Moors. A Grey Wagtail was at the Moors on 16^th and 20^th, with 2 on 26^th. A Treecreeper was by the Hen Brook on 28^th whilst a Nuthatch was heard calling from the Moors Farm area the same day. A Stonechat (probably a juvenile) was at the Flashes from 25^th until the month’s end. A juvenile Green Woodpecker was at the Flashes, 2 juvenile Sparrowhawk at the Moors and three juvenile Bullfinch on the Moors feeding station. A family party of 18 Long-tailed Tits were at the Moors on 18^th. An Otter frequented the south west corner of the Moors Pool in the second half of the month.

JULY 2007

WILDFOWL - Tufted Duck numbers stayed steady, with up to 12 birds on the Moors and the year’s first brood of 7 young was seen on Flashes from 17^th. A Gadwall was at the Flashes on 2^nd and the Moors on 15^th. 2 Shoveler were at the Flashes on 7^th, 12^th and 26^th, and 2 at the Moors on 14^th and 1 on 30^th. 2 Pochard were at the Moors on 10^th. 3 Teal were at the Flashes on 31^st, with 1 or 2 present on several other dates, whilst 1 was at the Moors on 14^th and 30th. Mallard numbers continued to grow, with 156 at the Flashes on 4^th and 80 at Moors on 14^th. A juvenile Shelduck was at the Flashes from 17^th onwards. A drake Ruddy Duck was on the Flashes on 26^th, joined by a female the following day. A max count of 17 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors on 7^th with one well grown chick present at the month’s end. 2 Little Grebe were at the Moors on 2^nd with 1 or 2 birds at the Flashes late in the month but no breeding activity was observed. Cormorant numbers peaked at 8 on 25^th, whilst 6 Grey Heron were at the Moors on 25^th. A Little Egret was at the Flashes late on 16^th. 3 Water Rail (including 2 juveniles) were seen at the Flashes on several dates.

WADERS - Up to 6 Little Ringed Plover remained present at the Flashes but with no further breeding attempts and numbers tailed off, with no birds present at the end of the month. The 3 Oystercatchers (2 adults and the fledged youngster) were seen throughout the month on either side of the reserve. The Lapwing flock had risen to 70 birds by 29^th. Green Sandpiper was present all month the Flashes, with a max count of 12 birds on 18^th. A Common Sandpiper was present at the Flashes all month with 2 birds on 11^th, 16^th and 17^th, with 1 also at the Moors Pool on a number of dates. A small flock of Curlew was present most days and during the roost, with a peak count of 52 on 26^th. A good passage of Black-tailed Godwit saw 20 birds (including an Icelandic bird colour ringed in Portugal) over the Moors then at the Flashes on 5^th, the reserve’s second highest count. 9 birds were then at the Flashes on 6^th with 1 bird on 7^th to 9^th, with a second bird arriving late on 9^th. There were then 6 birds on 10^th and 8 late on 18^th and finally 13 briefly on 23^rd. Single Dunlin were at the Flashes on 15^th, 16^th, 24^th, 28^th and 31^st. 1 Redshank was present at the Flashes on 15^th with 2 birds on 17^th. 3 Greenshank were at the Flashes on 16^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Up to 5 Common Terns were present throughout the month, with the pair nesting on the Flashes producing 3 chicks which hatched between 14^th and 17^th. One adult bird was seen to be injured with blood covering its throat and in a poor state; its fate is not known. A flock of 12 Common Tern passed through the Moors in 2 minutes on 29^th. 3 Black Headed Gull fledged chicks were present on the Moors and 2 at the Flashes; the Flashes roost reached 600 birds on 19^th. An adult summer Mediterranean Gull was at the Flashes on 16^th whilst a juvenile Med Gull was at the same location on 30^th. A Common Gull was at the Flashes on 17^th, 18^th and 21^st. A flock of gulls seen following a tractor on fields between the Flashes and Moors on 25^th included 1 Greater Black-backed, 2 Herring and 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

MIGRANTS - Migrants recorded during the month included Lesser Whitethroat (2 by the Moors concrete hide, 1 by the Moors East Hide and 1 at the Flashes on 2^nd), Whitethroat and Hobby. Juvenile Reed Warbler and Chiffchaff were seen around the Moors feeding station. 90 Swift were over the Flashes on the evening of 26^th.

OTHER BIRDS OF INTEREST -Peregrine remained a regular sight around the masts at the Flashes, with 2 birds seen on 9^th. A Treecreeper was at the Flashes on 2^nd. A male House Sparrow was seen at the Moors feeding station on 4^th. A juvenile Goldcrest was seen with an adult bird by the path to the Moors’ East Hide on 8^th. Juvenile Bullfinch were seen on both sides of the reserve. Linnets were regularly seen at the Flashes, with a flock of 20 on 21^st. A Little Owl was heard calling at the Flashes on 25^th and 27^th. 2 Raven flew over the Flashes on 26^th. An unprecedented 15 Jays were seen at the Moors on 25^th whilst the same date saw a flock of 30 Long-tailed Tits in the hedge behind the Moors’ East Hide.

JUNE 2007

WILDFOWL - Tufted Duck numbers stayed steady, with 8 birds on the Moors and up to 12 at the Flashes. Shelduck peaked on the Flashes at 5 birds on a number of dates but no breeding was confirmed. 2 drake Ruddy Shelduck were reported at the Flashes on the evening of 12^th; 2 drake Ruddy Duck were present at the Flashes on several dates from 16^th onwards. 2 Gadwall were seen at the Flashes on 2^nd, with a female on 8^th and another bird on 19^th. 2 Shoveler were at the Moors on 1^st and the Flashes on 2^nd and 6^th, with 1 bird there on 19^th. 3 Teal were at the Flashes from 10^th to 13^th, 2 birds on 21^st and 1 drake on 30^th and 31^st. Mallard numbers continued to grow, with 90 at the Flashes on 18^th. 3 Red Breasted Merganser were recorded at the Flashes on 1^st, hot on the heels of 2 flew-through drakes on 31^st May. A max count of 19 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors on 2^nd and a family of 2 chicks was present at the end of the month. Greylag Geese continued to be seen in small numbers; a flock of 12 was present at the Moors on 2^nd. Cormorant was intermittently recorded at the Moors, with 3 present on 16^th, whilst 6 Grey Heron were at the Moors on 11^th. A very distant flock of 5 birds seen from the Flashes on 1^st could well have been Glossy Ibises (a similar flock was reported over the Moors Pool on 31^st May whilst there was also a record from Sandwell Valley RSPB and a possible sighting at Alvecote Pools, Warwickshire).

WADERS - A superb RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was a one-day wonder at the Flashes on 15^th; the fourth record for the reserve and the first since 1999. From photograph evidence it was considered possibly the same bird that was at Saltholme Pools, Cleveland the previous day. The first brood of 4 Avocet chicks fledged by 8^th (occasionally visiting the Moors) followed by the second brood of 4 birds later in the month with both groups departing the reserve; the last two adults were finally seen on 26^th. Up to 8 Little Ringed Plover were present at the Flashes with a further 2 birds at the Moors at the start of the month; despite several chicks hatching none survived by the end of the month. 3 Oystercatchers (2 adults and the fledged youngster) were present on the reserve, usually in the fields behind the Flashes. Only 1 Lapwing chick appeared to fledge at the Flashes, being seen in the sheep field; probably from the brood in the rear meadow; the flock had risen to 50 birds by 22^nd supplemented by failed / non-breeders. 2 Redshank were reported from the Flashes throughout early and mid June, with 3 present on 1^st and 12^th; yet again the species failed to breed despite looking promising. A Ringed Plover was at the Flashes on 2^nd. The first Green Sandpiper returned to the Flashes on 9^th, with numbers rising to 5 birds by 21^st with at least 4 still present at the month’s end. 2 Common Sandpiper arrived at the Flashes on 23^rd and remained until the end of the month. Small numbers of Curlew were seen in the evenings, with a max count of 20 on 16^th.

GULLS/TERNS - 4 Common Terns were usually present through the month, with a pair either side of the reserve (5 birds recorded at the Moors on 10^th and 16^th); a chick was seen at the Flashes on 10^th but had disappeared by 22^nd. 2 Little Terns were briefly present on the Flashes on 14^th. 2 Lesser Black Backed Gulls continued to frequent the Moors Pool with visits to the Flashes. 3 Black Headed Gull chicks were present on the Moors and 2 at the Flashes. There were reports of fly-over Herring Gull on 20^th (2 birds) and 23^rd (4 birds).

MIGRANTS - An Osprey flew through the Flashes on 15^th, the second record for the year. Migrants present throughout the month included Lesser Whitethroat, Cuckoo and Hobby. 2 Garden Warblers were seen by the steps at the Flashes on 10^th.

OTHER BIRDS OF INTEREST - A Red Kite was seen twice in June, over the Flashes on 6th and over the Moors Pool on 19th. There were 2 records of Raven (over the Hen Pool on 9^th and over the Flashes on 16^th) whilst a Rook flew over the Flashes on 2^nd. May’s Barn Owl was seen again at the Flashes on the evenings of 1^st, 2^nd and 8^th whilst a Little Owl was heard calling at the Flashes on 16^th. Peregrine remained a regular sight around the masts at the Flashes. Juvenile Pied Wagtail was recorded at the Flashes and juvenile Bullfinch at the Moors Pool. A Treecreeper was at the Flashes feeding station on 16^th.

MAY 2007

WILDFOWL - Tufted Duck numbers stayed steady, with approx 12 birds on either side of the reserve. Shelduck peaked at the Flashes on 15^th with 9 birds; usually 4 or 6 were present. Pairs of Gadwall were seen on both sides during the month with 3 birds at the Moors on 17^th. Ruddy Duck were seen on and off at the Moors and Flashes, with a max count of 5 at the Moors on 17^th. 2 Pochard were at the Flashes on 27^th and 28^th whilst 2 Shoveler were there on 29^th. 2 drake Red Breasted Merganser flew through on 31^st, still a very rare bird for the reserve. A max count of 22 Great Crested Grebe was seen at the Moors on 12^th and 14^th; 4 chicks were present on 6^th but by 17^thall had disappeared. Little Grebe was occasionally reported at the Moors. Greylag Geese numbers continued to increase, with 15 at the Moors on 6^th and a gosling first seen on 17^th (it was later killed, together with a Great Crested Grebe, by an over-protective Mute Swan on 29^th). Cormorant was intermittently recorded at the Moors, with 2 present on several dates, whilst 3 Grey Heron were at the Moors on 29^th. The first Canada Geese and Mute Swan broods were recorded at the Moors on 12^th whilst the first Coot brood was observed on 15^th. 2 Water Rail with 3 chicks were seen at the Moors on 31^st. An escaped Fulvous Whistling Duck was seen on both sides of the reserve.

WADERS - Between 6 and 8 Avocet remained at the Flashes with 4 chicks hatched by 1^st; the second family (also of 4 chicks) started hatching on 10^th – all 8 youngsters were still thriving by the end of the month. Up to 8 Little Ringed Plover were present at the Flashes with a further 2 birds at the Moors. 2 Oystercatchers were present at the Moors through the month with 2 chicks hatched on 1^st although only 1 was present by 5^th which went onto successfully fledge; 4 adult birds were seen at the Moors on 31^st. 4 Lapwing chicks were seen at the Moors from 1^st whilst up to 6 chicks hatched at the Flashes; only 1 chick at the Flashes appeared to survive to the end of the month. 2 Redshank were reported from the Flashes throughout May, with 3 present on 30^th. Common Sandpiper was present throughout the month, with 4 on 1^st and 5^th, although less frequent at the end of the month. There was a good run of Whimbrel – April’s 3 birds were at the Flashes on 1^st; 2 on 2^nd and 3^rd, 1 on 7^th, 2 at the Moors on 8^th and finally 5 at the Flashes on 10^th. April’s 3 Bar Tailed Godwits remained until 1^st only. A Wood Sandpiper was at the Flashes from 1^st to 5^th. Ringed Plover were at the Flashes on a number of dates at the start and end of the month, with a max count of 4 on 3^rd; a party of 8 to 10 birds dropped in briefly early morning on 26^th. A strong Dunlin passage started at the Flashes on 7^th with birds present up to 26^th, reaching double figures on several days (35+ birds were briefly present on 14^th); 2 birds were again present on 31^st. Birds were also seen on the Moors, including a flock of 14 seen late on 10^th. A Greenshank was at the Flashes on 3^rd. A Jack Snipe on the second flash on 10^th, 13^th and 16^th was a very late record. Occasional Curlew lingered, especially in the evenings, with a max count of 3 on 12^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Up to 3 Common Terns were present through the month, with 6 birds on 7^th; 4 Arctic Terns were reported on the same day. Herring Gull flew through the Flashes on 11^th and 28^th; a first winter Common Gull was also present at the Flashes on the same day. 2 (sometimes 4) Lesser Black Backed Gulls continued to frequent the Moors Pool.

MIGRANTS - The month’s star bird would normally have been a HOOPOE, seen briefly twice in flight during the afternoon of 1^st between the Sailing Centre and Education Reserve (only the second record for the reserve and the first for the county since the Hunnington bird in April 2003). However this was surpassed by a stunning BEE-EATER that was present in trees at the eastern side of the Moors Pool for approx 45 minutes on the morning of 28^th; this bird was possibly seen over Stoke Works the previous day. This was a first for the reserve and only the third county record, the last being in 1970 at Redditch. Single Yellow Wagtails were seen at the Flashes on 1^st and 5^th. There was a good run of Whinchat at the start of the month - 2 at the Flashes on 1^st and 3^rd; 1 at the Moors on 4^th and 1 at the Flashes on 6^th and 7^th. A Grasshopper Warbler reeled at the Moors Pool on 5^th in a similar location to the bird reported on 22^nd April. The year’ first Spotted Flycatcher was by the steps to the Flashes on 14^th. A Wheatear was at the Flashes on 25^th. The year’s first Garden Warbler was at the Moors on 29^th. Cuckoo and Hobby (2 birds recorded on 7^th) were present throughout the month. After heavy rain on 13^th over 250 Swallows gathered on the Sailing Pool, including a bird which resembled the Eastern Mediterranean subspecies transitiva, together with 30 Sand Martins; 75 House Martins were at the Moors the previous day.

OTHER BIRDS OF INTEREST - House Sparrow continued to be reported from the Moors with occasional fly over records of Rook. The Kingfishers remained active at the Moors Pool. A Raven flew over the Flashes on 12^th whilst a Barn Owl was a good record on the evening of the same day and again on 17^th. A juvenile Grey Wagtail was seen at the Flashes on 31^st.

APRIL 2007

WILDFOWL - Duck numbers continued to decline with the following max counts – Tufted Duck 40 (14^th), Pochard 6 (1^st) with no records after 4^th, Shoveler 13 (1^st) with 2 drakes lingering on the Flashes until 15^th and a lone drake again on 30^th and Teal 49 (1^st) with a lone female hanging on until 27^th. March’s pair of Garganey remained on the Moors until 10^th, with a female briefly present on 14^th. Up to 6 Shelduck were present throughout the month and a Wigeon was at the Flashes on 1^st. Gadwall increased in numbers during the month with up to 6 birds present; predominately at the Flashes. Ruddy Duck returned on 26^th with 5 drakes and were still present at the month’s end. Great Crested Grebe was present throughout the month, with a max count of 22 on 19^th. 2 Little Grebes were seen occasionally at the Moors. Generally between 2 and 4 Greylag Goose were present throughout the month, with a flock of 9 at the Flashes on the evening of 26^th. Cormorant was present at the start of the month at the Moors with 8 on 1^st but was scarce later. The first Mallard brood appeared at the Flashes on 5^th whilst a Moorhen brood was on the North Moors from 6^th.

WADERS - Avocet numbers varied between 5 and 6 but reached 8 by the end of the month, a reserve record. The first chick hatched on 30^th, the fifth successive year the species has bred on the reserve. Little Ringed Plover numbers climbed through the month, reaching a peak of 13 at the Flashes on 19^th; up to 3 were also seen at the Moors. March’s Black Tailed Godwit remained until 14th. A Jack Snipe continued to be reported on the East Island of the Moors, last seen on 12^th. A max Common Snipe count of 8 was recorded at the Moors on 3^rd, with 4 at the Flashes on 14^th. Green Sandpiper was present on the Flashes early and mid month, with 3 birds at the Flashes on 15^th and 17^th, but no records after 21^st. Small numbers of Curlew lingered, with a max count of 5 on 6^th. 2 (occasionally 3) Oystercatchers were present throughout the month. Up to 4 Redshank were reported from the Flashes throughout April with 3 birds also at the Moors on 14^th. A Dunlin was present at the Flashes from 12^th to 17^th with 2 birds on 14^thand 23^rd and 3 birds from 24^th to 26^th; a bird was also at the Moors on 24^th. A Ringed Plover was present at the Flashes from 6^th to 16^th (2 birds present on 12^th) with another bird on 30^th. The first Common Sandpiper arrived at the Flashes on 10^th and were seen throughout the rest of the month with 6 present on 29^th (5 at the Flashes; 1 at the Moors). Spring passage picked up at the Flashes during the last week of April - 2 Whimbrel associated with Curlew between 25^th to 28^th and 3 birds were present on 30^th, a Wood Sandpiper dropped in for 15 minutes on 27^th and 3 Bar Tailed Godwits were present on 29^th and 30^th.. The year’s first Lapwing chicks (2) were seen on the East Island of the Moors from 28^th, with 4 present by 30^th.

GULLS / TERNS - A flock of 30 Common Gulls flew through the Moors on 2^nd whilst a single bird was at the Flashes on 4^th. 2 Lesser Black BackedGulls took up residency on the Moors. A Herring Gull was on the Sailing Pool then the Flashes on 27^th. The first Common Tern of the year passed through the Moors on 21^st, with 3 birds present by 26^th.

MIGRANTS - Chiffchaff and Blackcap numbers grew during the month (both first recorded in March), as did Swallow and House Martin (first reported on 29^th March; the next report was not until 11^th April with a flock of 40+ on 26^th). The first Willow Warblers were reported at the Moors on 10^th with Sedge Warbler also first recorded at the Moors on the same date. The good Wheatear passage continued at the Flashes with records on 11^th (2), 14^th, 16^th and 21^st (all singles) and 24^th (2). The year’s first Yellow Wagtail was at the Flashes on 12^th (also at the Flashes on 15^th and in the pony paddock at the Moors on 22^nd). Lesser Whitethroat was singing at the Flashes from 13^th onwards whilst Common Whitethroat was first reported on 18^th. An Osprey was present briefly at the Moors on the evening of 20^th whilst other firsts on the same date were Hobby and Reed Warbler both on the North Moors Pool (2 Hobby were present on 26^thand 27^th). The 22^nd saw the year’s first records of Whinchat (at the Flashes), Swift (over the Moors) and Cuckoo (at the Moors) whilst a Grasshopper Warbler was reported early morning in the south east corner of the Moors Pool, as was another (or the same) Whinchat. White Wagtail was recorded at the Flashes early and mid month, with 2 birds present on the evening of 14^th.

OTHER BIRDS OF INTEREST - Up to 6 male Cetti’s Warblers were singing around the reserve. Little Owl (seen at Hobden Hall Farm on 1^st and heard in the same area on 4^th) made a welcomed record. Both House and Tree Sparrow were seen at the Moors later in the month. Up to 2 Peregrine Falcons remained around the masts at the Flashes. Ravens continued to be reported, whilst there were an increase in sightings of flyover Rooks.

MARCH 2007

WILDFOWL ETC - Duck numbers on the Moors continued to fall away from their winter peak with the following max counts – Tufted Duck 31 (4^th), Pochard 27 (4^th), Shoveler 29 (24^th), Teal 27 (22^nd). 74 Teal were present on the Flashes the 27^th. A splendid pair of Garganey arrived at the Moors on the 29^th and remained into April, favouring Amy’s Marsh and the Broad Meadow Pool. Two Shelduck were present throughout the month. Great Crested Grebe numbers rose steadily through the month reaching 28 birds on the 19^th whilst up to three Little Grebes were on the Moors (a fourth favoured the first Flash) Gadwall was reported from both the Moors and the Flashes on a number of occasions, either as single birds or as a pair. Water Rail was frequently seen on the Moors’ feeding station. Greylag Goose was present throughout the month, reaching a peak of four birds. Cormorant was present throughout the month at the Moors, with 15 on the 4^th. The Bittern was reported on the 4^th and finally on the 7^th at the Moors.

WADERS - The Avocets returned on the 13^th with a party of seven; numbers fluctuated for the remainder of the month between two and seven. Little Ringed Plover arrived on 15^th with two present by the end of the month. Two Black-tailed Godwits arrived on the 27^th, with one bird was still present at the start of April. A Jack Snipe was regularly sighted on the East Island of the Moors, with two being present on the 6^th and 13^th; one was flushed by the Flashes’ work party on the 11^th. A maximum Common Snipe count of 20 was recorded on the Moors on the 16^th, with 20 being flushed by the Flashes’ work party of the 11^th. Green Sandpiper was present on the Flashes throughout the month with a max count of four on the 28^th. Small numbers of Curlew remained, particularly in the evenings, with a max count of 19 on the 26^th. Two Oystercatchers were present throughout the month, with three birds on a number of occasions. Up to four Redshank were reported from the Flashes throughout March with two birds at the Moors on the 16^th.

GULLS / TERNS - Common Gull was seen on the Moors on the 25^th and the Flashes on the 25^th (two birds). A Herring Gull was briefly at the Moors on the 25^th.

MIGRANTS - The first singing Chiffchaff was heard on the Moors on the 3^rd with up to four present by the end of the month. The first Blackcap was heard on the Moors on 19^th. Three Wheatears were on the Flashes on the 30^th, with one present early the following day. The first Sand Martin was seen on the 5^th, although sizeable numbers did not arrived until the last week of the month, with peak counts of 75 at the Moors on 29^th and 50+ birds over the Sailing Lake on the 31^st. Swallow was sighted at the Moors on the 28^th with two birds on the 30^th whilst there was a report of a House Martin at the Moors on the 29^th. There were several reports of White Wagtail on the Flashes from the 14^th onwards.

OTHER BIRDS OF INTEREST - Up to five Cetti’s Warblers were singing around the reserve (three on the Moors, one in the Education Reserve and one on the Hen Pool). The wintering Stonechat on the Flashes was last reported on the 7^th. Meadow Pipit was a regular flyover on the Flashes. A Yellowhammer was heard singing distantly at the Flashes on the 23^rd. A Coal Tit on the 21^st on the path of the Moors’ West Hide was an unusual record for the reserve. Ravens were reported several times, particular from the Flashes. A Red Kite flew over the Flashes on the Wednesday 28^th (interestingly one was also seen at the Flashes on the last Wednesday of March in 2006). Up to two Peregrine Falcons were seen on their favourite haunt of the television masts at the Flashes. There were regular reports of Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Jay, Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Treecreeper and Goldcrest.

FEBRUARY 2007

WILDFOWL ETC - The following were present at the Moors throughout the month (together with their max counts):- Pochard (43 on 2^nd), Coot (48 on 8^th), Mallard (50 on 1^st), Shoveler (23 on 4^th) Tufted Duck (25 on 26^th), Teal (52 on 18^th), Canada Goose (112 on 8^th), Cormorant (19 on 26^th), Grey Heron (2 on 18^th), Great Crested Grebe (13 on 25^th) and Little Grebe (3 on 25^th). Maximum counts of duck at the Flashes included 28 Teal (13^th), 1 Shoveler (17^th), 19 Coot (25^th) and 29 Canada Geese (2^nd). Gadwall was present at the Moors on several dates with a max count of 7 on 4^th; 5 were at the Flashes on 1^st and 4 on 22^nd. 2 Shelduck were present throughout the month at the Moors, occasionally venturing to the Flashes. 2 Greylag Geese were present at the Moors Pool and Sailing Pool from 20^th onwards. 2 Barnacle Geese (of unknown origin) were at the Moors on 26^th whilst 5 Egyptian Geese on 18^th was an excellent record, allowing many to add this bird to their Upton list. 2 Bitterns were present throughout the month at the Moors, with 1 bird generally on the North shore and the other in the south west corner; dusk remains the best time to see these birds as they fly into the northern reed bed to roost. Water Rail continued to frequent the Moors’ feeding station, with 4 birds on 7^th.

WADERS - Common Snipe numbers increased at the Moors (particularly the East Island) with 25 on 23^rd; 20 were at the Flashes on 18^th. Good numbers of Lapwing remained at the Flashes (850 on 1^st) with 28 birds at the Moors on 9^th. Curlew remained at the Flashes (max count of 41 on 25^th) with 10 birds at the Moors on 20^th and 21^st. Jack Snipe was regularly seen on the East Island of the Moors from 2^nd onwards, with 2 birds on 25^th; 1 was at the Flashes on 18^th. A Ringed Plover was at the Moors on 23^rd. A flock of 40 Golden Plover was at the Flashes then flew over the Moors on 2^nd. A Green Sandpiper was present at the Flashes on 26^th and 28^th. An Oystercatcher returned to the Moors from 1^stonwards (also seen at the Flashes), with a second bird from 13^th; 3 were present at the Flashes on 25^th. 2 Redshank were at the Flashes on 24^th, with 1 bird the following day.

GULLS - 115 Black Headed Gulls were at the Moors on 26^th with a max count of 35 recorded from the Flashes on 1^st. 8 Lesser Black Backed Gulls were at the Moors on 25^th. A Herring Gull was at the Flashes on 20^th whilst a first winter Common Gull was at the Flashes on 24^th.

OTHER BIRDS OF INTEREST - The Stonechat remained in residence at the Flashes throughout the month, with 2 birds seen on 11^th and 14^th. A male Blackcap was seen along the Salwarpe and around the Moors feeding station on 7^th and 16^th. 2 Raven flew over the Moors Pool on 28^th. A Grey Wagtail was at the Flashes on 11^th. 20 Siskin were in alders along the Moors Pool causeway on 17^th. 20 Linnet were seen at the Flashes on 14^th. 3 Lesser Redpoll were at the Moors along the path to the East Hide on 24^th with a single bird the following day. A Red Legged Partridge was seen at the Flashes on 17^th. Both Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper were seen in the Education Reserve on 13^th. There were regular sightings of Peregrine, Buzzard (9 at the Flashes on 21^st), Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Fieldfare, Redwing, Kingfisher (2 on 25^th) and Cetti’s Warbler (at least 3 males singing at the Moors).

JANUARY 2007

WILDFOWL ETC - The following were present at the Moors throughout the month (together with their max counts):- Pochard (15 on 21^st), Coot (32 on 21^st), Mallard (109 on 21^st), Shoveler (11 on 4^th) Tufted Duck (22 on 13^th), Teal (35 on 13^th), Canada Goose (88 on 20^th), Cormorant (13 on 17^th), Grey Heron (9 on 19^th), Great Crested Grebe (14 on 19^th) and Little Grebe (4 on 13^th and 21^st). Smaller numbers of ducks were at the Flashes including Teal (15 on 6^th) and Coot (15 on 20^th). A female Goosander was at the Moors on 19^th whilst a male was at the Flashes on 21^st. A Ruddy Duck was on the Moors on 9^th. Wigeon was present on 1^st (4 birds), 3^rd and 4^th. Gadwall was seen on a number of dates at the Moors (especially the first half of the month), with a max count of 6 on 1^st; it was also reported at the Flashes on 6^th (1) and 10^th (5). Shelduck was a regular visitor to the Moors, with 2 present on several dates; 4 were present at the Flashes on 4^th and 6^th. 2 Bitterns were present throughout the month at the Moors, with 1 bird generally on the North shore and the other in the south west corner; dusk remains the best time to see these birds as they fly into the northern reed bed to roost. Water Rail was very much in evidence at the Moors, especially around the feeding station, with 3 birds seen on 4^th. A Black Swan was an exotic record for the Flashes on 14^th.

WADERS - Common Snipe was present throughout the month in small numbers, with 5 on several dates at the Moors and 11 at the Flashes on 6^th and 21^st. 2 Jack Snipe were at the Flashes on 21^st. Lapwing were present at the Flashes in large numbers (max count of 930 on 31^st) and also small numbers at the Moors (max count of 35 birds on 19^th). Curlew was resident at the Flashes (max count of 26 on 13^th) with regular flocks also at the Moors (max count also of 26 on 28^th). A Green Sandpiper was at the Flashes on 13^th whilst 35 Golden Plover were present briefly on 20^th.

GULLS - A first winter Common Gull was at the Moors on 3^rd and 4^th. A Herring Gull was at the Moors on 13^th with 2 birds on 21^st. 28 Lesser Black Backed Gulls flew through the Flashes on 4^th. 250 Black Headed Gulls were at the Moors on 19^th with 130 at the Flashes on 24^th.

OTHER BIRDS OF INTEREST - A Stonechat was present at the Flashes throughout the month. A female Blackcap was at the Flashes on 3^rd. Raven flew over the Flashes on 7^th and 14^th, with one over the Moors on 8^th. A Grey Wagtail was at the Moors on 1^st and 4^th. Three male Bullfinch were on the Moors feeding station on 7^th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported from the Moors Pool causeway on 28^th. A Meadow Pipit was at the Moors on 21^st with several fly-over records at the Flashes including 6 on 7^th. A Lesser Redpoll was by the path to the Moors’ East Hide on 28^th. A flock of 28 Linnets was seen at the Flashes on 4^th. 29 Magpie roosted in the Education Reserve on 17^th. There were regular reports of Redwing, Fieldfare, Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel and Goldcrest, with Treecreeper in the Education Reserve and at the Flashes.

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