Birding round the valley

Hi readers, today we decided to get over to Sandwell Valley for a mornings birding. We were hoping to get the odd last minute migrant knocking about and we did have some success. We began as usual with a visit to RSPB Sandwell Valley, we were thinking that we would get the Med Gull that has been about most of the week but it didn't seem to be around today for some reason. I have to admit I spent ,out of the morning scanning the Black headed Gulls in a hope that it would turn up but it was not to be. 

The RV boat group were back on the ramp today which could be a reason why but even so it would have just joined the other gulls instead of staying on the ramp, at the end of the day birds like Med Gulls don't always stay around forever a week is long enough really and I can't moan I've seen p,entry this year. 

Some of you may have seen me mention a particularly brutish Swan being the top dog around the main lake, today was the first time I found his name which seems to be Atilla. The bird disappeared for a few months and I was thinking even if it returned how would we find it if it did. Well I learnt for the first time today that Atilla has a orange ring on its left leg with the code R00 on it. And using my scope I managed to help re- find the individual which to its well known nature was hearing the other swans around the lake all morning (aggressively). I for any reason someone knows info on where the swan had gone please don't hesitate to email me (contact me page) I would find it interesting to see where it went and seen as it was ringed it is possible to find it out. 

Anyway apart from that there was little around really, the usual suspects and some nice winter ducks in the form of Teal and Shoveler. We also had a Little Grebe around and apparently yesterday one had chicks on its back which can only be good news. But no summer migrants of I Teresa around the reserve really, here's the main sightings, 

RSPB Sandwell Valley- Mute Swan x8, Little Grebe x1, Shoveler x2, Teal 5+, Lapwing 5+, Coot 20+, Great Crested Grebe x1, Carrion Crow 5+, Black headed Gull 20+, Stock Dove x1, Tufted Duck 20+,  Grey Heron x1. 

Yep very little around, but its officially the end of Summer so it is to be expected. After visiting the Valley we decided to go over to Swan Pool, we had heard of a few migrants knocking about during the week so we thought it was defiantly worth a look. At first things were looking bleak and quiet so we decided to look for the odd Wheatear or something in the horse paddocks. 

After scanning the Horse paddocks and finding only Wood Pigeon Dad drew my attention to the field next to the paddocks because it was full of various birds catching flys in the style of Spotted Flycatcher (or Pied to). At first there was only warblers around including Whitethroat and Blackcap. But as we were going to leave something a little bigger turned up, I got my scope on it quickly and loan behold a Spotted Flycatcher was sitting in the tree catching  flys. It was a nice surprise to see one and in actual fact it was getting a little late to see one. 

In my eyes I was thinking next year was my only hope to get one but we were lucky enough to get a last minute bird feeding up for its big journey. The excess amount of flys about in the area must have been what attracted the bird to the area and it was lovely to see it. Here's the main sightings from our visit, 

Swan Pool- Canada Goose 20+, Spotted Flycatcher x1, Great crested Grebe x3, Coot 20+, Whitethroat x1, Blackcap x1, Swallow 20+, Mute Swan x2 (+ 5 Cygnets). 

Again a small list but the Spot Fly lifted the birding day up a little. We are thinking of a Upton Warren visit next week or somewhere like that let's hope something turns up in the week. 

Thanks for reading and enjoy the week all- WMBB