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The month was dominated by Nearctic species, the most notable being the first Franklin’s Gull for Derbyshire and the fifth Lesser Yellowlegs for Oxfordshire, while an American Wigeon and Buff-breasted Sandpiper arrived in Gloucestershire and the Lesser Scaup remained in Warwickshire. Meanwhile, the first Common Rosefinch for Nottinghamshire was noted in a private garden, a White-winged Black Tern continued Leicestershire’s excellent run of rare terns, a couple of Glossy Ibises were noted in the south-west of the region and a number interesting seabirds were noted well inland. Scarce passerines were represented by a probable Little Bunting, four Yellow-browed Warblers, at least three Richard’s Pipits, an influx of Bearded Tits, good number of Great Grey Shrikes and Waxwings and the Lapland Bunting invasion continued apace.
Bewick’s Swan
The only records were of two early birds that arrived at Groby Pool (Leics) on 9th while the first eight birds arrived back at Slimbridge Wetland Centre on 18th, the earliest return date for many years, but by the end of the month just four birds remained.
Whooper Swan
In stark contrast to the above species, over 100 were reported following the first record of one at Otmoor RSPB (Oxon) on 13th.
Pink-footed Goose
There were numerous records throughout the month, predominantly of birds moving between Lancashire and Norfolk. These included 120 over Tibshelf (Derbys) on 1st, 21 over Black Bank (Staffs) on 5th, 12 over Harrington disused airfield (Northants) on 2nd, 130 over Ingestre (Staffs) on 10th, 200 over Leash Fen (Derbys) and 45 over Carsington Water (Debys) on 13th, 55 over Knypersley Reservoir (Staffs) on 16th, 70 over Allestree (Derbys) on 16th, 120 over Carr Vale (Derbys) on 20th and 950 over Annesley (Notts) on 20th. A notable easterly movement took place on 24th and comprised 420 over Woodhouse Eaves (Leics), 200 over Upper Broughton (Leics), 150 over Burley-on-the-Hill (Leics), 100 over Sawley (Derbys), 300 over Kirk Langley (Derbys), 150 over Arnold (Notts), 305 over West Bridgeford (Notts), 500 over Langar (Notts), 1,300 over Kilvington, (Notts), 2,000 over Barton-in-Fabis (Notts), 1,200 over Hoveringham (Notts), 350 over Berry Hill Fields (Staffs) and 420 over Park Hall Country Park (Staffs). The first-year bird remained at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) throughout the month.
Greenland White-fronted Goose
One flew north-east over Littleton-on-Severn (Gloucs) on 17th.
Eurasian White-fronted Goose
Two at Bittell Reservoirs (Worcs) from 17th were joined by two more from 22nd with all four remaining in to November, one (unspecified to race) was at Rutland Water on 23rd while numbers at Slimbridge Wetland Cente (Gloucs) had risen to 18 by the end of the month.
Brent Goose
Singles were at Westport Lake (Staffs) and Saul Warth (Gloucs) on 9th, Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 12th and two flew over Harrington disused airfield (Northants) on 27th.
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Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Westport Lake (Staffordshire). Photo: Steve Seal
American Wigeon
A female was noted at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 21st and 22nd.
Garganey
Singles at Oldbury-on-Severn (Gloucs) on 2nd and Swithland Reservoir (Leics) on 18th were the only records.
Greater Scaup
Two at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) from 1st were joined by a third individual on 2nd, with all three remaining until 5th, two until 10th and one until 11th, while later in the month the same site hosted one from 22nd to 30th. Further singles were at Brookleys Lake (Staffs) on 10th, Westwood Pool (Worcs) on 10th and 11th, Uttoxeter Quarry (Staffs) and Rutland Water on 15th, Carr Vale (Derbys) on 21st, Foremark Reservoir (Derbys) on 25th, Kilvington Lakes (Notts) on 27th and two there on 29th, while two were at Girton Pits (Notts) from 24th to 31st, three at Rutland Water on 29th and two at Swithland Reservoir (Leics) on 31st.
Lesser Scaup
The adult drake first discovered on September 24th remained at Draycote Water (Warks) until 17th.
Common Scoter
Single drakes were noted at Shustoke Reservoir (Warks) on 1st, Kilvington Lakes (Notts) from 13th to 17th and Long Eaton Pits (Derbys) from 14th to 19th while a female commenced a prolonged stay at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) from 18th in to November.
Red-breasted Merganser
Four redheads were at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 22nd.
Red-throated Diver
One at Rutland Water from 29th remained in to November.
Red-necked Grebe
One was at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 22nd.
Slavonian Grebe
The adult remained at Rutland Water throughout the month while further singles were noted at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 18th and Draycote Water (Warks) on 28th.
Black-necked Grebe
Two remained at Rutland Water throughout the month while variable numbers were noted at Idle Valley NR (Notts) during the month, peaking at five on 10th with numbers dwindling to just one by 31st.
Leach’s Petrel
One at Chasewater (Staffs) on 21st was an unexpected occurrence given the settled weather conditions at the time.
Gannet
A juvenile was present at Chasewater (Staffs) on 8th before flying off to the north-west.
Bittern
An elusive bird remained at Upton Warren NR (Worcs) throughout the month while further singles were at Willington Pits (Derbys) from 15th, Attenborough (Notts) from 16th and Brandon Marsh (Warks) and Rutland Water from 17th.
Great White Egret
One remained at Idle Valley NR (Notts) until 10th while what was presumably the same bird was present on 23rd and again from 27th to the end of the month. Elsewhere, two were reported at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 10th with one remaining in to November and one was reported over New Passage (Gloucs) on 12th.
Glossy Ibis
Singles were seen in flight over Cotswold Water Park (Gloucs) on 7th and Wellington Pits (Herefords) on 10th.
Marsh Harrier
Singles flew over Gailey Reservoirs (Staffs) on 8th and Willington Pits (Derbys) on 9th, while one at Shenstone (Worcs) on 11th flew off north and was presumably the same bird seen heading north over Kinver Edge (Staffs), one was at Aust Warth (Gloucs) on 12th and one lingered at Croxall Lakes (Staffs) from 14th to 16th.
Hen Harrier
Single ringtails were noted at Rutland Water on 8th, Ravenstone (Leics) on 9th, Swallow Moss (Staffs) on 10th, 13th and 16th, Northwick Warth (Gloucs) and Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 13th, Syell (Northants) on 20th, Wishaw (Warks) and Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 23rd and in the Drayton Bassett (Staffs)/Fishers Mill (Warks) area on 30th. In addition, single males were at Rutland Water on 10th, Flash Head (Staffs) on 17th and Catherton Common (Shrops) on 22nd.
Osprey
Singles were noted at Carsington Water (Derbys) on 2nd, Bourton-on-the-Water (Gloucs) on 4th, Earls Barton (Northants) on 9th, Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 10th and Hurley (Warks) on 25th.
Avocet
One was at Stanwick Pits (Northants) on 9th while two were noted at Chasewater (Staffs) on 13th.
Little Ringed Plover
An exceptionally late individual remained at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) on 30th and constituted the latest ever record for the West Midland Bird Club recording area.
Grey Plover
Three juveniles were at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 3rd, one flew over Draycote Water (Warks) on 3rd and singles were at Annesley Pit Top (Notts) on 9th, Foremark Reservoir (Derbys) and over Wesport Lake (Staffs) on 12th and Belvide Resevoir (Staffs) on 14th.
Knot
Twenty were at New Passage (Gloucs) on 10th and 76 were at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 22nd, while the only inland record was of one at Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) on 31st.
Little Stint
At least 30 were noted during the month with the largest count being 15 at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 5th.
Pectoral Sandpiper
A juvenile re-appeared at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 3rd and 4th while the juvenile first discovered at Upton Warren (Worcs) in September remained until 11th.
Curlew Sandpiper
At least five were reported: at least three were along the Severn Estuary (Gloucs) during the month while singles were noted at Carsington Water (Derbys) on 6th and Rutland Water on 24th.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
A juvenile was at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 2nd.
Spotted Redshank
Following the excellent showing in September, just a handful were noted: one at Oldbury-on-Severn (Gloucs) on 2nd, two at Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Gloucs) on 16th, and one at Annesley Pit Top (Notts) on 26th.
Lesser Yellowlegs
A juvenile discovered at Port Meadow (Oxon) on 14th was still present on 17th when it flew north at 8.05am. What was presumably the same individual was then seen later that day, some 48 miles to the north at Marsh Lane NR (W. Mids) but promptly disappeared and re-appeared back at Port Meadow that evening where it then remained in to November.
Lesser Yellowlegs at Port Meadow (Oxfordshire) - the 5th county record. Photo: Pete Walkden
Turnstone
One was at Carsington Water (Derbys) on 16th and an influx brought an impressive 180 to Northwick Warth (Gloucs) on 30th.
Grey Phalarope
A first-winter was at Wellington Pits (Herefords) briefly on 24th.
Arctic Skua
A dark morph was at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) briefly on 16th.
Franklin’s Gull
Constituting the first record for Derbyshire, an adult discovered at Willington Pits on 28th roosted at nearby Foremark Reservoir that evening. The following day it made a return visit to Willington Pits before again roosting at Foremark Reservoir on 29th and 30th.
Caspian Gull
A near-adult roosted at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 3rd, a near-adult was at Stubbers Green (W. Mids) on 12th, single adults were present in the roost at Chasewater (Staffs) on various dates from 12th, while further adults were noted at Rutland Water on 14th, Carsington Water (Derbys) on 16th and Albert Village Lake (Leics) on 29th. Apart from a first-winter at Dosthill (Warks) on 29th all the remaining records were came from Oxfordshire, the premier county for Caspian Gulls in the Midlands: at least four (two first-winter and two second-winters) were in the Sutton Courtenay/Appleford area during the final week of the month while a first-winter roosted at Farmoor Resevoir on 31st.
Kittiwake
The French-ringed second-summer continued to linger in Derbyshire being noted at Carr Vale NR on 3rd and Pleasley Colliery on 9th while an adult was Annesley Pit Top (Notts) on 4th and single first-winters were noted at Earlswood Lakes (Warks) on 15th, Gailey Reservoirs (Staffs) on 16th and over the A419 near Cirencester (Gloucs) on 20th.
Little Gull
A second-winter was noted at Carsington Water (Derbys) on 12th, an adult was at Holme Pierrepont (Notts) on 13th and five first-winters flew north over Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 27th.
Sandwich Tern
One that flew over Upton Warren NR (Worcs) on 3rd was the only record.
Little Tern
One was reported at Pitsford Reservoir (Northants) on 6th.
Black Tern
Five were at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) and two at Rutland Water on 1st, while on 3rd, two were at Venus Pool NR (Shrops), one was at Westwood Pool (Worcs) and three at Thornton Reservoir (Leics) accompanied a White-winged Black Tern. Elsewhere, singles were at Rutland Water on 4th, Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 5th, the same day that nine were at Draycote Water (Warks), two were at Frampton-on-Severn on 7th, while one was at Attenborough NR on 9th and one that lingered at Shustoke Reservoir (Warks) from 7th to 10th was the final bird to be reported.
White-winged Black Tern
A juvenile was at Thornton Reservoir (Leics) on 3rd.
Long-eared Owl
One was reported in Nottingham at Arnot Hill Park on 12th.
Short-eared Owl
One was at Ingestre (Staffs) briefly on 6th, two were at Northwick Warth (Gloucs) on 7th with one lingering at nearby Aust Warth until at least 20th, one was at Bredon Hill (Worcs) briefly on 14th, two were near Maidwell (Northants) on 19th and a showy bird was at the Cotswold Water Park (Gloucs) from 22nd in to November.
Woodlark
Singles flew over Beacon Hill Country Park (Leics) and Idle Valley NR (Notts) on 2nd, Malvern Hills (Worcs) on 14th and Northwick Warth (Gloucs) on 15th while one was present at Wishaw (Warks) on 22nd and 23rd.
Richard’s Pipit
Following one at Harrington disused airfield (Northants) briefly on 4th further singles were noted flying south over Rutland Water on 8th and Burrough Hill Country Park (Leics) on 18th and a probable flew south over Watermead Country Park (Leics) on 27th.
Rock Pipit
Over 50 were reported across nine counties with the largest single counts being three at Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) on 3rd and 25th and three at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffs) on 9th.
Rock Pipit at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffordshire). Photo: Martyn Yapp
Water Pipit
Singles were noted at Annesley Pit Top (Notts) on 14th and 15th, west over Lutley Wedge (W. Mids) on 21st, one lingered at Rutland Water from 19th to 22nd, one was at the traditional wintering site of Farmoor Reservoir (Oxon) from 24th until 27th at least, one was at Severn Beach (Gloucs) on 30th, the same day that one flew over Ogston Reservoir (Derbys).
Water Pipit over Lutley Wedge (West Midlands). Photos: Craig Round
Waxwing
Following the massive arrival in Scotland, it was inevitable that some would appear in the region, although the final tally for the month was remarkably high for October. The first to be seen were four between Shepshed and Coalville (Leics) on 21st, followed by three on the Malvern Hills (Worcs) on 22nd, three at Cotgrave Country Park (Notts) and seven at Beeley Moor (Derbys) on 23rd. A notable movement occurred on 24th with one over Bardon Hill (Leics), 20 over Stanage Edge (Derbys), two on Bredon Hill (Worcs) and in Nottinghamshire, 11 were seen at West Bridgford, 13 at Girton Pits, 20 at Netherfield Lagoons, 12 at Balderton and 11 at Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The following day, three flew over Annesley Pit Top (Notts), 30 flew over Goyt Valley (Derbys), singles were at Beacon Hill Country Park (Leics), Melton Mowbray (Leics), Napton-on-the-Hill (Warks) and four were on the Malvern Hills (Worcs), while on 26th, one was at Kingsthorpe (Northants), 30 at Nuneaton (Warks), 12 at Allestree (Derbys) and three were reported over Sandwell Valley (W. Mids). Nine were at Sywell (Northants), 60 were reported over Coventry and six at Cuckney (Notts) all on 27th, with the latter group still present on 28th, six at Cuckney (Notts) on 27th and 28th, two were at Cannock Chase (Staffs), three over Eakring Flash (Notts) and 55 over Annesley Pit Top (Notts) all on 28th, 10 at Glossop (Derbys) on 29th, seven over Baswich (Staffs) and four were at Ambergate (Derbys) on 30th, while five at Belper (Derbys), three at Chesterfield (Derbys), 16 at Leek (Staffs) and 14 at Newark-on-Trent (Notts) all occurred on 31st.
Dipper
The bird first discovered in September continued to linger on the River Windrush at Witney (Oxon) until at least 17th.
Black Redstart
Eleven were discovered during the month: singles at Harrington disused airfield (Northants) from 6th to 8th, Leicester Racecourse on 7th, Market Bosworth (Leics) on 8th and Stoke-on-Trent (Staffs) on 12th, while two were at nearby Berry Hill Fields (Staffs) on 13th with one remaining until 16th. Further singles were noted at Bredon Hill (Worcs) from 13th to 18th and Anchor (Shrops) on 23rd, two were at Ozleworth (Gloucs) on 27th and one was at Lower Moor (Worcs) on 31st.
Ring Ouzel
At least 55 were noted during the month with by far the largest count being an impressive 20+ at Cleeve Hill (Gloucs) on 11th.
Yellow-browed Warbler
Four individuals were reported: at Sherwood Forest (Notts) on 2nd, at Stanford Reservoir (Northants) on 7th, at Belvide Reservoir (Staffs) on 12th and Billing (Northants) on 23rd and 24th.
Firecrest
One at Carsington Water (Derbys) on 14th was the only report.
Bearded Tit
A notable influx occurred and brought four to Netherfield Lagoons (Notts) on 5th, two at Rutland Water from 13th rising to four by 31st, a male at Napton Reservoir (Warks) from 17th to 19th, nine at Langford Lowfields RSPB (Notts) on 19th with two still present on 20th, one at Storton’s Pits (Northants) on 23rd, two at Otmoor RSPB (Oxon) from 26th rising to seven by 31st and a male at Attenborough NR (Notts) on 31st.
Great Grey Shrike
A widespread arrival occurred comprising singles at Leash Fen (Derbys) from 3rd to 10th and again on 24th, Uttoxeter Quarry (Staffs) on 6th, Beeley Moor (Derbys) from 17th to 20th, Stanford Reservoir (Northants) on 19th, Clumber Park (Notts) from 20th in to November, Big Moor (Derbys) and Harewood Moor (Derbys) on 20th, Malvern Hills (Worcs) on 21st, Carsington Water (Derbys) on 21st, Cleeve Hill (Gloucs) from 24th to 27th, Whixall Moss (Shrops) on 25th, Great Hucklow (Derbys) on 25th, Bircher Common (Herefords) from 28th, Cannock Chase (Staffs) from 29th and Napton-on-the-Hill (Warks) from 31st.
Great Grey Shrike at Napton-on-the-Hill (Warwickshire). Photo: Pete Walkden
Brambling
There were numerous reports of increasing flock sizes as the month progressed but by far the largest was that of 120+ at Cleeve Hill (Gloucs) on 25th.
Brambling at Bromsgrove (Worcestershire). Photo: Stuart Andrews
Twite
Two flew over Beacon Hill Country Park (Leics) on 11th, one flew over Barbrook Reservoir (Derbys) on 12th and two were at Rutland Water on 14th.
Mealy Redpoll
One was at Groby Pool (Leics) on 28th.
Common Crossbill
One flew over Upton Warren NR (Worcs) on 6th, three were at Hanchurch Woods (Staffs) on 7th, two flew over Bewdley (Worcs) on 9th, eight flew over Lickey Hills (Worcs) on 10th, four flew over New Passage (Gloucs) on 11th, eight flew over Stonesfield Common (Oxon) on 24th, one was in Redditch (Worcs) on 25th and two were at the Wyre Forest (Shrops) on 30th.
Common Rosefinch
A juvenile seen and photographed in a Nottingham garden on 5th represented the first record for Nottinghamshire.
Hawfinch
A good month for this species: one flew over Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) on 2nd, while a flurry of movement occurred over Beacon Hill Country Park (Leics) and comprised two on 6th, one on 13th, three on 14th, and one on 24th, singles flew over New Passage (Gloucs) on 11th and 12th, one at Clumber Park (Notts) on 16th, one flew over Bardon Hill (Leics) on 17th, two flew over the Malvern Hills (Worcs) on 25th and one at Groby Pool (Leics) on 28th while four were at Woolston (Shrops) and two at the Malvern Hills (Worcs) on 30th.
Lapland Bunting
Following the unprecedented numbers that arrived in the region during September, the invasion continued with at least 26 individuals being noted. Two flew over Eakring (Notts) on 2nd, one flew over Beacon Hill Country Park (Leics) on 4th, while the same day one was discovered at Sence Valley Country Park (Leics) and was joined by a second bird from 5th to 7th. Further records comprised singles over Clayworth Common (Notts) on 7th, at Doxey Marshes (Staffs) on 11th, over Barbrook Reservoir (Derbys) and Eakring (Notts) on 12th, two at Berry Hill Fields (Staffs) on 12th, three at Silverdale Colliery (Staffs) on 13th, four at Oldbury-on-Severn (Gloucs) on 13th, one at Aust Warth (Gloucs) on 13th, singles flew over Malvern Hills (Worcs) and New Passage (Gloucs) on 14th, one at Berry Hill Fields (Staffs) on 14th, two at Chasewater (Staffs) on 14th and one still present on 15th, singles flew over Burrough Hill Country Park (Leics) on 15th and Beeley Moor (Derbys) on 16th, one was at Rememen Hill (Oxon/Berks) on 17th, one flew over Rutland Water on 19th, one was at Old Passage (Gloucs) on 20th and one flew over Churn Hill (Oxon) on 21st.
Snow Bunting
Just three were noted: singles at Ogston Reservoir (Derbys) on 16th, Beeley Moor (Derbys) on 23rd and Ozleworth (Gloucs) on 28th.
Little Bunting
A probable was at Annesley Pit Top (Notts) briefly on 19th.
Copyright: Birding Today (Copyright of photos remain with the credited photographers).
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