It was an amazing month for rare waders including the first Spotted Sandpiper for Worcestershire, the second and third Lesser Yellowlegs for Derbyshire and Staffordshire respectively, the second Broad-billed Sandpiper for Nottinghamshire, a Pectoral Sandpiper, a Purple Sandpiper, several Temminck’s Stints and Dotterel while a strong passage of Sanderling delighted many local patch watchers. Birds more at home around the Mediterranean region were well represented and included a Black Stork, at least one White Stork, a Glossy Ibis, three Night Herons, a Purple Heron, at least one Alpine Swift, a Golden Oriole and several Hoopoes. Worcestershire's first ever Common Rosefinch, Staffordshire's second Wryneck of the spring, some very late Waxwings and a couple Lesser Scaups were notable, while favourable weather conditions brought a good selection of seabirds to the Severn Estuary.   Whooper Swan A first-summer lingered at Aston-on-Trent Pits (Derbys) until 22nd at least.   Brent Goose One flew north over Rutland Water on 4th.   Garganey Around thirty birds, mostly drakes, were noted across the region during the month.   Lesser Scaup The immature female at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) was last noted on 9th while a drake was discovered at Cuckney Dam (Notts) on 17th remaining until 20th.    Lesser Scaup at Slimbridge (Gloucestershire). Photo: Chris Cook Eider A flock of six off Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 11th had risen to an impressive 30 by the following day.   Common Scoter Two were at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 5th.   Red-breasted Merganser A first-summer drake was at Draycote Water (Warks) on 30th and 31st.   Quail At least 30 singing males were noted across the region during the month and hinted that many more will be discovered as the summer progresses.   Black-throated Diver An immature at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 8th was relocated at Shustoke Reservoir (Warks) on 12th where it remained until 17th when it flew off to the north-west at 7.30am. The following morning it was discovered at Carsington Water (Derbys) and remained until the end of the month.    Black-throated Diver at Shustoke Reservoir (Warwickshire). Photo: Roger Dickens Great Northern Diver An adult and juvenile were still at Carsington Water (Derbys) on 7th, the day the juvenile departed, while the adult was last seen on 18th.   Slavonian Grebe A long-staying bird remained at Eyebrook Reservoir (Leics/Rutland) until 8th while in Northamptonshire, what may have been the same individual was at Earls Barton on 22nd and 23rd and constituted the first May record in the county since 1974. It or another was then at nearby Pitsford Reservoir from 31st.   Black-necked Grebe As in April, just three birds were noted: two at Westport Lake (Staffs) on 21st and one at Bittell Reservoirs (Worcs) from 14th to 16th.    Black-necked Grebe at Bittell Reservoirs (Worcestershire). Photo: Vince Garvey Fulmar Five were at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 22nd and one on 29th.   Manx Shearwater Eight were off Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 22nd and one on 29th.   Storm Petrel Singles were off Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 22nd and 26th while one was noted further upstream at Sharpness on 29th.   Gannet Two adults were seen inland: one flew south over Quarry Bank (W Mids) on 24th and one flew south over Shirebrook (Derbys) on 31st while records at Severn Beach (Gloucs) comprised one on 8th, five on 22nd and one on 23rd.   Shag One was at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 22nd.   Bittern An unseasonal bird flew over Summer Leys NR (Northants) on 20th.   Night Heron Following the arrival of least eight individuals along the south coast earlier in the spring, an adult discovered at Earlswood Lakes (Warks) on 15th was widely appreciated until 27th. In addition, a first-summer was reported at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 19th and another adult was reported at Leek (Staffs) on 25th.    Night Heron at Earlswood Lakes (Warwickshire). Photo: Aaron Yorke Purple Heron One was at Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) for around an hour and a half on 8th constituted the seventh county record.   Glossy Ibis The first for Leicestershire and Rutland was at Rutland Water on 5th before relocating to Buckinghamshire two days later.   Black Stork An elusive and mobile adult lingered in the Weedon Bec/Nether Heyford area (Northants) on 14th and 15th and was seen again on 21st before finally being noted over nearby Rothersthorpe on 29th. It constituted the second county record, the first being at Barnwell in July 1990.   Black Stork at Weedon Bec/Nether Heyford (Northamptonshire). Photo: Tom Hines White Stork One that flew east over Cress Green (Gloucs) on 1st was probably the bird noted at Port Meadow (Oxon) briefly on 2nd before flying over nearby Otmoor RSPB and Bicester the same day. It or another was reported flying north over Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 25th.   Spoonbill One that flew north over Otmoor RSPB (Oxon) on 8th had been present in Berkshire earlier that morning, while one circled over Melbourne (Derbys) on 15th, one was at Upton Warren NR (Worcs) briefly on 16th, one flew north over Budby (Notts) on 17th and one at Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) during the morning of 19th departed to the south-west and may well have been the same individual seen a couple of hours later over Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs/Warks). Elsewhere, one was at Doxey Marshes NR (Staffs) on 25th and 26th, and one was at Besthorpe NR (Notts) on 30th. Given that there was no duplication in dates, it’s quite feasible that just one, very wide ranging second-summer bird was involved in the above sightings. Although birds were variously reported as being in immature and adult plumage, this is not surprising as the ageing of Spoonbills is not necessarily straightforward when they are over one year old.   Spoonbill at Doxey Marshes (Staffordshire). Photo: Stephen Gibson Honey Buzzard One flew north over Northwick Warth (Gloucs) on 7th, one was reported over Morley (Derbys) on 13th and a male was seen over Eyebrook Reservoir (Leics & Rutland) on 17th before drifting off to the east.   Black Kite One drifted high south south-east over Ketton (Leics & Rutland) and in to Northamptonshire on 12th. It represented the first and third confirmed county records respectively.   Marsh Harrier Around 20 were noted passing through the region with most occurring during the first two weeks.   Hen Harrier Single males were noted at Cleeve Hill (Gloucs) on 2nd and Bluntington (Worcs) on 24th, while ringtails were noted at both Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) and Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 7th and at Madley (Herefords) on 15th.   Montagu’s Harrier A ‘ringtail’ that flew over Idle Valley NR (Notts) on 3rd was the only record.   Rough-legged Buzzard One was reported again at Warborough (Oxon) from 8th to 10th.   Osprey Around 25 were noted passing through the region although at least two lingered long enough to be enjoyed by many: one at Bittell Reservoirs (Worcs) from 6th and at least one at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) from 27th. Osprey at Bittell Reservoirs (Worcestershire). Photo: Pete Walkden  Corncrake One was reported singing at Coombe Hill NR (Gloucs) on 30th. Common Crane In Nottinghamshire, one flew over Clifton Grove and Holme Pierrepont on 1st, the same day that a probable flew north over Croxall Lakes NR (Staffs). One that flew north-east over Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 2nd was relocated at Otmoor RSPB (Oxon) on 3rd and what was presumably the bird same bird flew west over there on 7th while one flew south over Knipton (Leics) on 10th.   Dotterel A widespread passage occurred during the first week of the month commencing with one at Abney Clough (Derbys) on 1st and nine at the Long Mynd (Shrops) from 1st with three still present on 7th. Further records comprised 11 flying north-east over New Passage (Gloucs) on 3rd, four at Idle Valley NR (Notts) on 2nd, two at Gringley Carr (Notts) on 2nd and 3rd with a male remaining  until 4th, one at Whitemoor Haye (Staffs) on 3rd and 4th, six at Bradnor Hill (Herefords) on 4th and one at Cleeve Common (Gloucs) from 4th to 7th.    Dotterel at the Long Mynd (Shropshire). Photo: Jim Almond  Grey Plover Singles were at Port Meadow (Oxon) on 1st and 6th, Eyebrook Reservoir (Leics/Rutland) on 1st, Rutland Water on 1st rising to three on 2nd, with singles also there on 6th and 11th, Willington Pits (Derbys) on 2nd, Summer Leys NR (Northants) on 2nd, 7th and 8th, Winforton (Herefords) on 4th, Idle Valley NR (Notts) and Hollowell Reservoir (Northants) on 3rd, Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) on 5th, Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 6th, Bredon’s Hardwick (Worcs), Chasewater (Staffs), Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs) and Daventry Reservoir (Northants) all on 7th, Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) on 8th, Wanlip Meadows (Leics) on 11th, Collingham Pits (Notts) on 11th and 13th and Uttoxeter Quarry (Staffs) on 30th. Special mention should also be made of the flock of 15 that flew through Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 7th in the company of an amazing count of 42 Bar-tailed Godwits and 30 Knot!   Grey Plover at Bredon's Hardwick (Worcestershire). Photo: Ian & Sue Lavell Knot Inland records comprised three at Daventry Reservoir (Northants) on 2nd, two at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 6th with one remaining until 9th, while the same site recorded an amazing flock of 30 that flew through on 7th and another bird was there on 20th and three flew over Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs/Warks) on 9th.   Sanderling An incredible showing took place throughout the month with no fewer than 170 birds being noted inland. Numbers rose steadily as the month progressed with peak counts occurring during the second half of the month and included 14 at Uttoxeter Quarry (Staffs) on 19th, 12 at Rutland Water on 30th, 20 at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 30th and 21 at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 30th. Sanderling at Venus Pool NR (Shropshire). Photo: Jim Almond  Little Stint Singles were reported briefly at Coombe Hill NR (Gloucs) on 9th, Doxey Marshes NR (Staffs) on 20th and Croxall Lakes NR (Staffs) on 29th and 30th.   Temminck’s Stint A total of 17 were reported throughout the month: singles at Wellington Pits (Herefords) on 1st, Wanlip Meadows (Leics) from 1st to 3rd, Summer Leys NR (Northants) from 1st to 3rd and on 7th, while four were at Besthorpe NR (Notts) on 6th before relocating to nearby Collingham the same day where they were joined by a fifth individual on 7th. Elsewhere, singles were at Rutland Water on 7th, 13th, 25th and 26th, over Cuddesdon (Oxon) on 10th, Chasewater (Staffs) on 11th (the first site record for 31 years), Croxall Lakes (Staffs) on 19th, Stanwick Pits (Northants) from 15th to 17th and Attenborough NR (Notts) on 28th and 29th.   Pectoral Sandpiper One at Grimley (Worcs) on 23rd and 24th was the first spring record for the county.   Pectoral Sandpiper at Grimley (Worcestershire). Photo: Chris Cook Curlew Sandpiper Singles were noted at Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs/Warks) on 12th, Eyebrook Reservoir (Leics/Rutland) from 14th to 16th and Ambaston Pits (Derbys) on 22nd.   Purple Sandpiper A very rare spring record concerned one at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 30th and occurred during a strong overland passage of Sanderling and Dunlin. Most inland records of this species occur during late autumn.   Broad-billed Sandpiper One at Idle Valley NR (Notts) on 13th was the second county record, the first being in August 1961.   Bar-tailed Godwit Following the impressive numbers recorded at the end of April, the first ten days of May continued to bring very goods numbers to the Severn Estuary including 450 at Saul Warth (Gloucs) on 1st and 900 at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 2nd. Many sizeable flocks penetrated well inland and included 18 over Wassell Grove (Worcs) on 1st, 27 at Port Meadow (Oxon) and 22 at Rutland Water on 2nd and 42 over Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 7th.   Spotted Redshank Singles were noted at Birstall Meadows (Leics) on 3rd, Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs/Warks) on 4th, Rutland Water on 5th, Croxall Lakes NR (Staffs) on 7th and 8th and Idle Valley NR (Notts) on 8th, while two at Radley Pits (Oxon) on 2nd were presumably the same two seen at nearby at Drayton on 4th.   Lesser Yellowlegs One briefly at Willington Pits (Derbys) during the early morning of 29th was relocated 13 miles to the west-north-west along the A50 at Uttoxeter Quarry (Staffs) later that day where it remained until the evening of 31st when it flew off to the north. These were the second and third county records respectively.   Lesser Yellowlegs at Uttoxeter Quarry (Staffordshire). Photo: John Davenport  Wood Sandpiper The influx that occurred during April continued unabated until the third week of the month and included no fewer 50 than being reported during this period including remarkable counts of seven at Rutland Water from 1st to 3rd and five at Middleton Lakes RSPB (Staffs/Warks) on 3rd.   Spotted Sandpiper A very spotted bird discovered at Westwood Pool (Worcs) on 3rd was widely appreciated when special access was kindly granted to this private site. It constituted the long anticipated first county record.   Spotted Sandpiper at Westwood Pool (Worcestershire). Photo: Andy Warr Turnstone At least 35 were noted inland with the largest single gatherings being five at Idle Valley NR (Notts) on 14th and 16th and another five at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 24th.    Turnstone at Grimley (Worcestershire). Photo: Bob Hart Red-necked Phalarope Four were noted: singles at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) and Middleton Moor (Derbys) on 24th were followed by a female at Upton Warren (Worcs) from 28th to 31st which was joined by a second female on 30th. The latter location has an unparalleled track record for attracting this family of waders. The reserve has now hosted no fewer than four Grey, eight Red-necked and two Wilson’s with all three species appearing in 2007!   Red-necked Phalaropes at Upton Warren NR (Worcestershire). Photo: Jim Almond Pomarine Skua Following a probable off Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 8th, the same site attracted a dark morph on 11th and two pale morphs on 22nd. Elsewhere, one was reported inland at Hoveringham Pits (Notts) briefly on 28th.   Arctic Skua As expected, Severn Beach in Gloucestershire claimed most of the birds seen during the month comprising two on 1st, six on 2nd, two on 3rd, six on 22nd, one on 23rd and two on 31st. Further upstream, singles flew past Saul Warth (Gloucs) on 1st and Lydney (Gloucs) on 2nd and 3rd.   Caspian Gull Interestingly, two first-summer individuals were noted and remained in to early June: one at Kilvington Lakes (Notts) from 27th and Bittell Reservoirs (Worcs) from 29th.   Kittiwake One at Saul Warth (Gloucs) on 2nd was followed by one at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 21st, which heralded a flurry of birds at this site including 80+ on 22nd, 10 on 23rd and one on 29th. Inland records comprised three adults at Grimley (Worcs) on 13th, five flew north over Bredon’s Hardwick (Worcs) on 23rd, single adults were at Draycote Water (Warks) on 23rd, Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) on 19th and Gailey Reservoir (Staffs) on 30th while a first summer was at Attenborough NR (Notts) on 24th.   Little Gull Around 40 were noted during the month with the largest single count being eight at Daventry Reservoir (Northants) on 2nd.   Sandwich Tern Just two were noted and both in Worcestershire: at Westwood Pool on 8th and Ripple Pits on 27th.   Arctic Tern Although a number of flocks numbering well in to double figures were noted at many sites across the region, these were totally dwarfed by the 1,000 that passed Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 2nd.   Little Tern A marked influx during the first week of the month comprised one at Saul Warth (Gloucs) on 1st, two at Clifton (Notts) on 2nd, singles at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon), Rutland Water, Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 4th the same day that three lingered at Daventry Reservoir (Northants). Singles were also at Draycote Water on 5th and 7th, two were at Rutland Water on 6th, while on 7th, one was at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs), three passed through Middleton Moor (Derbys) and a remarkable total of ten passed through Bittell Reservoirs (Worcs) and one was at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 22nd.   Black Tern A flurry of arrivals during the first ten days involved around 240 across the region including the largest single count of at least 30 at Draycote Water (Warks) on 3rd, while a small arrival on 30th brought singles to Derbyshire and Staffordshire and two to Gloucestershire.   Rufous Turtle Dove The long-staying first-winter was last reported at Chipping Norton (Oxon) on 9th.   Short-eared Owl Singles were noted at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 1st. and Moira (Leics) on 2nd.   Alpine Swift One was over Ladywalk NR (Warks) on 8th while in the same county another was reported over Brandon Marsh NR briefly on 31st.   Hoopoe Four were noted but they were either seen only briefly or in private gardens and comprised singles at Oldbury Power Station (Gloucs) on 3rd, Stratton (Gloucs) from 9th to 12th, Kenilworth (Warks) on 11th and Whitwick (Leics) from 27th to 31st.   Wryneck Staffordshire’s second bird of the year was discovered near Biddulph at Marshes Hill NR on 5th.   Waxwing There were some remarkably late records, largely confined to Derbyshire and comprised one at Carsington Water on 1st, 20 at Tintwistle on 2nd, seven at Hathersage on 3rd and 20 at Barlborough on 6th. However, the accolade of the latest date went to a bird present in Northampton on 11th.   Nightingale A singing male at Ambaston (Derbys) from 1st to 8th was the first county record since 1999.   Black Redstart A late passage record concerned an adult male at Upton Warren (Worcs) briefly on 8th.   Ring Ouzel With the bulk of spring passage taking place in April, just a handful of birds were noted during the first week of the month comprising three at Charnwood Lodge NR (Leics) on 1st, singles at Annesley Pit Top (Notts) on 1st, 2nd and 5th, two at Summer Leys NR (Northants) and three at Bredon Hill (Worcs) on 2nd while one re-appeared at Lydbrook (Gloucs) on 3rd.   Wood Warbler A singing male at Corby (Northants) from 9th to 22nd at least was a good county record.   Firecrest A singing male at (Northants) from 8th to 17th at least while one or two males were regularly noted singing in the Forest of Dean (Gloucs) during the month.   Golden Oriole A singing male held territory near Oundle (Northants) on 18th and 19th.   Crossbill Seven flew over Harrington disused airfield (Northants) on 21st, while a flock of 80 in the Wyre Forest (Shrops) on 30th contained many juveniles, indicating local breeding while five and two were at the Forest of Dean (Gloucs) on 21st and 31st respectively and a singing male was at Newent Woods (Gloucs) also on 31st.   Common Rosefinch A first-summer male was reported in song briefly at Upton Warren NR (Worcs) on 29th and if accepted, will constitute the first county record.   Hawfinch A pair were noted feeding two juveniles in the Forest of Dean (Gloucs) on 21st. Copyright: Birding Today (Copyright of photos remain with the credited photographers).