3rd July 2009

Cycled to Earlswood during the early afternoon and remained there 'til the evening. First stop as usual was the lakes. From the causeway, up to 15 Common Terns (inc. 3 juveniles) were seen at a time along with 18+ Black-headed Gulls. The 2 Mute Swans and a singing Reed Warbler remain at Engine Pool. At Terry's Pool, saw a Kingfisher and a Coot brood of 3, and heard a singing Common Whitethroat. At Windmill Pool, the older Coot brood remains but is minus a chick, and I also saw the same or another Kingfisher, 2 Tufted Ducks and a juvenile Great Crested Grebe (recently flown in). A total of 8 Grey Herons were seen.
I then went to the Sewage Treatment Works, and was rewarded with 8 Grey Wagtails (easily the most I've ever seen) and a Reed Bunting (my first here) on the filter beds, as well as a low-flying Buzzard. Elsewhere in the area, possibly saw a Hobby but it flew straight towards the low-lying sun making it very difficult to watch.
M.P. Griffiths

Red Kite alert
A Red Kite has been reported seen near Portway on June 20th and 30th, and now two days ago (July 1st) at Kings Norton Golf Course. All Worcestershire sightings, but very close to Earlswood! Seems to me that a bird could be hanging around the area, and might venture into Earlswood so keep your eyes peeled!