Monday 28th Feb 2011 - Kidderminster & Shenstone

Whilst walking my dog round the block this morning I was treated to the sight of a ♂ Peregrine flying right over my head. I continued to watch the bird as it flew and landed on the Weaver's Wharf chimney stack. Once I had walked the dog and got back in the house I grabbed my bins and from a upstairs window managed to locate the bird on the stack. I then decided to set up my scope and enjoy the views of the bird. I even managed a record shot through the double glazing. The bird remained perched for over an hour. What a great start to the day.

Peregrine - Weaver's Wharf, Kidderminster:

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On the patch today there were 2 Grey Partridges seen along Witch Lane (MS).

Also, 32 Corn Buntings were still present in the Witch Lane area (TMH). 9 Yellowhammers and 5 Reed Buntings were at Back Lane and 10 Lapwing flew over. c.50 Linnet were along Stanklyn Lane. Kestrels were seen at both at Witch Lane and Heath Lane (TMH).

It was mid afternoon before I got to the patch today. On arriving at Witch Lane I failed to pick up either the Corn Buntings or Grey Partridges. All was not lost though because as I scanned across one of the winter wheat fields I picked up a ♀ Peregrine that was on the ground busily plucking away and feeding on its prey. This is only the third time I have recorded Peregrine around Shenstone so needless to say I was pleased. For myself the day was turning into a raptor day and over the stubble opposite the former grainestore I picked up a ♀ Sparrowhawk.

I then headed over to Heath Lane. The paddock area was, other than a load of Wood Pigeons pretty much birdless. The same couldn't be said for the model aircraft field where c.60 Fieldfare, C.200 Starling, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Chaffinch and a Pied Wagtail were all feedining on the plough or perched up on the hedgerow....that was until a Sparrowhawk came through and put everything up. A Common Buzzard was sat perched on a fence post at the rear of the field.

Saturday 27th Feb 2011 - Shenstone

3 Lesser Redpoll and c.50 Siskin were seen feeding underneath an Alder at Captains pool this morning (TS). The pair of Great Crested Grebes have now built a nest at the edge of the island.

A mixed flock of c.40 Yellowhammer/Corn Bunting was still present at Witch Lane. c.50 Filedfare and a Kestrel were also seen in the area.

Thursday 24th Feb 2011 - Shenstone

My pursuit of the Shenstone Grey Partridges continued today. I just hope they don't become my patch bogey bird this year.

I started my visit by putting some time in at Heath Lane model aircraft field. Needless to say I didn't connect with said Partridges. It was a nice day however with sunshine, blue skies and considerably milder temperatures. As a result of the good weather 5 Common Buzzards were up soaring over the lane and many Skylarks were chasing and singing. It almost felt like spring had arrived. Also seen in this area were 36 Fieldfare, a Goldcrest and a Pied Wagtail which flew over heading NW.

Heath Lane paddock held 2 Mistle Thrushes and 14 Redwings. A single Corn Bunting was singing from the telegraph wires and a flock of c.70 Linnet were in the adjacent stubble field.

The Stanklyn Lane area of the patch was a right off today due to the steady flow of traffic to and from Halls Agricultural Sale that takes place in the gallops field opposite the paddocks. Its kind of like an agricultural car boot sale...with farm yard machinery and horticultural equipment for sale... you get the picture.

My final stop today was Witch Lane where 30 Yellowhammers and 14 Corn Bunting were present. As with Heath Lane, there were many Skylarks singing and 2 Ravens were also in the area. Again I didn't manage to see any Grey Partridge but I did hear one calling from the winter wheat field...there's hope yet!

Other news from the patch: the 3 Shoveller (2♂) were still present on Captains Pool (TS) and the first Bumble Bee of the year was seen along Witch Lane (RE).

Wednesday 23rd Feb 2011 - Shenstone

Having heard that 2 Grey Partridge were again reported along Heath Lane yesterday, I returned this morning to put in another stint waiting and looking for them. Needless to say I didn't connect with them.

The model aircraft field held 9 Stock Dove and 6 Skylark (a couple of which were up singing). A Common Buzzard was on a fence post at the rear of the field and 2 cock Pheasants were also present. Further up the lane 3 Corn Buntings were perched up in separate locations singing. The paddock held c.60 Redwing, c.40 Fieldfare and c.40 Starling. 3 Goldfinch, 3 Greenfinch and a Chaffinch were also noted.

The mixed Bunting flock was still present along Witch Lane with c.30 Yellowhammers and c.20 Corn Buntings present. The number of Corn Buntings within this flock has certainly decreased but then around the patch individual birds are just starting to set up territories. Also, whilst at Witch Lane, a flock of 24 Lapwing flew over heading West.

Monday 21st Feb 2011 - Upper Bittell Reservoir & Shenstone

This morning, (TS) and I decided to pop 10 miles down the road to Upper Bittell reservoir to see the ♂ Red-breasted Merganser that had turned up the previous evening. On arrival it was showing between the dam and the sailing club allowing for pretty good views of this good looking sawbill. Unfortunately I only managed to get a handful of crappy record shots due to the poor lighting and the birds constant diving for food. Also seen at Upper Bittell were good numbers of both Goosander and Great Crested Greebe, and a single Grey Wagtail was along the waters edge at the dam.

We then popped across to Lower Bittell where we saw 3 ♀ Goldeneye, yet more Goosander, a few Teal, Shoveller and Tufted Duck. (TS) was lucky enough to see 2 Kingfishers but I was busy gassing with a fellow birder and missed them completely...ah well.

Red-breasted Merganser (drake) - Upper Bittell:


On the way back from Bittell we quickly popped to Witch Lane where 24 Corn Buntings were still present. A nice patch of Snow Drops were in bloom along the verge so it was out with the camera! On returning to Captains Pool, 3 Shoveller (2 drake) and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were of note. The 2 Great Crested Grebes were displaying and doing that funny head dance thing that is always nice to see.

Snow Drops - Witch Lane: