By Richard King
Introduction
This is my seventh consecutive breeding report for Ladywalk and as the years progress it
is easier to see patterns of birds’ presence and breeding, with the counts (Appendix One)
being particularly useful. I have continued to split the reserve into 12 transects and my
methodology was again to list all birds in each transect by sound or sight on each visit.
The reporting details that follow are largely from my notes, plus information from other
sources such as regular users of the reserve using the reserve’s Whats App and Twitter
accounts. We have been again provided with much information from the ringers, notably
about the success or otherwise of tits and other species in the nestboxes. I am sure that
there are other peoples’ breeding records that can enhance this report. If so please
forward them to me via Richardking54@gmail.com .
The vast majority of the information in this report again relates to the Ladywalk reserve,
accessible to members through the locked gate via a coded padlock. Whilst the Bourne
and Blythe Meadows are observed and reported on by Ladywalk visitors, they are not
included in this report. It would add much to our local knowledge if another volunteer
came forward to survey and record the breeding activity in this area.
The transects on the reserve remain the same as previous years and are as follows –
Transect 1 – from car park to the double gates, technically not part of the reserve but
treated as the reserve in this report.
Transect 2 – from double gates to Hide A.
Transect 3 – at Hide A
Transect 4 – from Hide A to Rudd Hide *
Transect 5 – at Rudd Hide
Transect 6 – from Rudd Hide to Riverwalk Hide*
Transect 7 – at Riverwalk Hide
Transect 8 – from Riverwalk Hide to Bittern Hide*
Transect 9 – at Bittern Hide
Transect 10 – from Bittern Hide to B Hide*
Transect 11 – at B Hide
Transect 12 – from B Hide to Lock Up inc. the fishing pools*
*Or vice versa
Fourteen survey visits were carried out in 2022, normally between approx. 8am and early
afternoon and were dated below. There are occasional reports from other dates as a result
of my visits in addition to the survey dates and reports from other birders.
31 March 31 May
14 April 9 June
22 April 16 June
26 April 30 June
8 May 8 July
10 May 18 July
24 May 2 21 August
Weather
2022 will be remembered as the year with record high temperatures and a drought as
long as that in 1976. By the end of the survey period water levels were extremely low,
and by late October certain areas had completely dried out, such as keyhole scrape and
part of the angling pools. There was one short period of flooding after heavy rain on 4/5
June when the river flowed over the footpath near the raised bench and some of the sand
martins’ nests were flooded out. Like in 2021 the sand martins showed some interest in
the sand martin bank by Rudd Pool attracted by the taped sand martin calls, but within a
day the birds had returned to the river colony between Riverwalk and Bittern Hides.
April was the driest of the survey months whilst May and June had rainfall slightly higher
than average. Temperatures throughout the summer were higher than average,
contributing to 2022 becoming one of the years with highest annual temperatures. July
was again dry, with not a lot more rain than April, with record temperatures. August was
cooler at times but we had less than 50% of the average rainfall in that month, mirroring
similar statistics in previous months. We saw no significant rain until early September
and that month’s rain, and then October and November’s led to the above mentioned
pools filling quite quickly.
It is difficult to quantify whether birds’ breeding success was affected by the high
temperatures or the aforementioned June flooding. By then one of Wali’s sluices had
been installed and it is thought that the flow of water to B Pool was slowed by this sluice.
However the breeding little ringed plovers did not stay long after the flood so we assume
that their nest(s) were flooded.
A detailed summary for the 2022 breeding season
Canada Goose: the first two nests including one on the river island were noted on 31
March and by April nests were being seen across the reserve. The above island nest could
not be seen by 8 May so may have hatched and on 24 May there were two broods on the
river including one on the island. On 31 May there were two large broods, 12 goslings in
each brood, in the same vicinity and a brood of five medium sized goslings between
Rudd and Riverwalk Hides.
There were two nests on Main Pool in April and the eggs at one of these was seen on 5
May being pilfered by a badger (BE). Despite this 2 adults and two goslings were seen
on this pool on 9 June.
On 24 May at B Pool there were broods of seven and three at B Pool, and it is likely that
the 2+4 seen here on 31 May was one of these broods. It has been unusual for Canada
Geese to nest at Angling Pools and there was a nest identified here in April but it appears
to have been predated.
The majority of goslings were seen on the river which suggests that they are moved there
from nests by the pools. On the basis of the above information I suggest that approx. five
or six broods were on the reserve which is comparable to the last two years.
Greylag Goose: On 10 May a family of 11 goslings was seen from Bittern Hide but
they were not seen again. This was my first record of this species breeding on or near to
the reserve. As usual there was a large post-breeding flock on the reserve, there were
approx. 30 in a group on 21 August.
Mute Swan: One pair as usual successfully bred on New Bay: the nest was visible on 31
March and the nest still on view on 10 May. Five cygnets hatched and were present
during June & July but by 21 August one cygnet had disappeared. A pair also appeared to
nest off B Pool as two cygnets in this area were recently hatched by 21 May and seen
on subsequent visits, but on 9 June there was one cygnet. This brood graduated to the
river by my last visit on 21 August.
Egyptian Goose: These birds are non breeders here but as they breed elsewhere in the
Tame Valley it is likely that similar will happen here. However there was less of a
presence on the reserve in 2022 than in recent years.
Shelduck: In recent years a pair have been present in the early parts of the breeding
season but this was not the case in 2022. There were five at B Pool on 31 March and a
pair flew into this location on 26 April. Little else.
Shoveler: this species was present on occasions throughout the summer. They have
successfully bred here in the past but no evidence this year.
Gadwall: Pairs were present throughout the season on the pools, including the Angling
Pool (pair on 18 May), and river. On 8 May there were approx. 20 at B Pool. On 13 June
PS had a brood of six on B Pool, and this family or another with the same no. of
ducklings was on the river on 3 July (PS). On 18 July SLC reported a brood of eight on
Main Pool. After good numbers of ducklings in the past two years it is likely that there
were 7-10 broods in 2022.
Mallard: Continues to breed in good numbers and the first report of ducklings was from
PL who saw seven ducklings on 9 April. On 22 April two broods of five and ten were
reported on the river between Riverwalk & Bittern Hides (DL). Three days later there
was a female and three small ducklings at the Angling Pools.
As summer went on fully fledged ducklings were a common sight on the river. More
detailed information about broods as follows –
8 May – 1 + 2 small ducklings on river T1 and 2+9 on river where Bourne joins Tame.
Also on this date there were two broods on New Bay (1+2; 1+5) and a further brood of
five on the river between Bittern and B Hides.
24 May – 1+4 large ducklings on river by copse, and 1+2 on river between Riverwalk &
Bittern Hides. Also on this date on the river were 2+10 small ducklings as well as a duo
of larger ducklings with a pair of mallard, with another brood of at least 4 at Main Pool.
31 May – brood of small ducklings on river by copse and it appears that the 10 ducklings
seen the previous week were still together. Also on this date it appears that there were
three broods with an aggregate of at least 14 young ducklings on the Angling Pools
9 June – brood of small ducklings on river by copse and also 1+9 were on Main pool
which could have been the brood referred to on 24 and 31 May. There was also a brood
of 12 medium sized ducklings between Riverwalk & Bittern hides.
30 June – a pair with at least five large ducklings were on the river, as well as fully
fledged birds
8 July – a large family were still at the Angling pools where there seemed more breeding
activity by this species this year.
It is very difficult to quantify the numbers of broods and of ducklings that grow to adult
sized. May is undoubtedly the peak month for mallard families and I have made an effort
to record all I saw. The above information suggests that there were approx. 15 broods and
at least 80 fledged ducklings. There will be some double counting in a day’s records, and
most of the broods are seen on the river but as parts of the river are not viewable I am
sure that some broods are overlooked.
Teal: small numbers were present through the summer but as usual there was no sign of
breeding.
Tufted Duck: breeding returns for this species have been inconsistent during these
surveys. Last year I estimated at least six broods on the reserve, probably more than in
2020 and considerably better than in the period 2015-19. However there appears little
evidence of successful breeding in 2022. As usual there was a small no. of pairs across
the reserve and the first brood, six ducklings, was reported by PS on 27 June. On 11 July
11 ducklings were reported at B Pool via Whats App and my breeding records state a
female and a medium sized duckling at B Pool on 18 July and there were two juveniles
seen on the river at T6 on 21 August. There must have been more ducklings than this, and
sightings of adults at the Angling Pools in July and August suggest that they may have
bred in this secluded area.
Goosander: this is a well reported species, that has increased in breeding numbers over
recent years, but it appears that the high nos. of 2021 have tailed off. They again bred in
reserve nestboxes, three, with eggs in a nestbox reported by the ringers on 1 March, and
they reported that these eggs had hatched four weeks later.. A second nestbox was
recorded with eight eggs on 8 April and a third nest was abandoned and taken over by a
barn owl.
Birds are normally seen on the river and the first brood of 11 ducklings was
photographed on 15 April. There were five ducklings by the island on 8 May, and on
both 18 and 24 May there were reports of 1+2 elsewhere on the river. Broods of four
were reported on 14 June (CW) and on 27 June (PS). The final report was 10 large
ducklings by the island and the final count of numbers of broods is at least six.
Common Pheasant: This species is regular on the reserve particularly under the feeders
but again my visits this year yielded no sightings of families or juveniles. The only report
of a brood was six on 15 July (CW) and this may confirm my impression that there were
less females on the reserve in 2022.
Little Grebe: bred at Rudd Pool, where there was a pair on 16 June at a nest and seen on
two further visits. I am unsure if young hatched or fledged but the adults, at least, were
reported to be still present in mid July.
Singles and pairs were present across the reserve during the breeding season but there
was little evidence of breeding success. A pair on Main Pool were recorded on 31 March
and on 18 July, with singles being seen here on other dates. Also on 31 March there was a
pair on B Pool with one bird seen here on 22 April.
Of greater significance there was a single chick on Angling Pools on 18 July. These are
so overgrown it is likely that there was more then one chick. The above figures imply that
there were two successful broods from 2-3 pairs. This is a lower return than 2021 so any
additional information would be welcome!
Great Crested Grebe: Birds were present throughout the survey on both pools. There
was courtship on Main Pool on 10 May and by 31 May birds were at a nest, with there
being at least two eggs in situ on 9 June. The nest was still occupied on 16 & 30 June,
and two young had emerged by 8 July and fledged by 21 July.
B Pool also hosted a nest, in loosestrife on 14 April and this produced seemingly three
young, down to 2+2 on 24 May and on two dates in June, but by 8 July there was only
one juvenile.
In conclusion it appears three grebes fledged from two pairs.
Bittern: with two pairs successfully breeding at RSPB Middleton in 2021 it was hoped
that in addition to further breeding at that site we might have a presence in 2022 at
Ladywalk. This species did not appear at Ladywalk during the 2022 breeding season and
there was less information about breeding at Middleton, although there have been
suggestions that breeding did take place.
Cormorant: nested in the same location as in recent years and during my visits I made
regular counts from Hide A, concluding that numbers of nests in the colony are
increasing. On 5 April 45 were reported (PS) and by mid April young birds could be
seen at nests. On 22 April there appeared to be 40 birds on nests, many young, and on 30
June there were 35 birds on nests and 22 on the Main Pool island. 50-60 birds were
normally recorded from the colony and Main Pool islands.
Grey Heron: as the summer progressed juveniles were seen on the reserve from one or
two local heronries as was the case in previous years.
Little Egret: this species was increasingly seen across the reserve and river but there was
no evidence of breeding. There was a small roost at the reserve, with the cormorants and
this could be a potential breeding site for this species.
Sparrowhawk: this species is a regular breeder on the reserve and 2022 was no
different. On 26 April a bird was seen to leave a nest in a wooded part of the reserve
and birds were seen on occasions at the nest or nearby during May and June. On 8 July
three young were seen at the nest, and one or more were being fed at the nest on 25 July.
On 12 August fledged birds were seen and heard in the area of the nest. This was the only
nest on the reserve and we believe that three birds fledged.
Buzzard: on 22 April one was on a pile of grass in the meadow. It is regularly seen over
and heard off the reserve but again there is no evidence of breeding which considering
the size of the reserve and its trees is again disappointing.
Water Rail: at least two bred on the reserve in 2021 but in 2022 breeding was less
obvious. On 22 April one was heard between Bittern & B Hides and on 31 May one was
heard below Riverwalk Hide. Historically the reedbed in front of B Hide has been best
for water rail breeding and the only record in 2022 was 1+1 there on the latter date (DE).
On the basis of this 2022 was disappointing with only one breeding pair.
Moorhen: this species is a regular breeder across the reserve, with keyhole scrape in
front of Hide A normally starting things off. On 8 May there was a brood of four here
but within two days two had disappeared. It is likely that two did fledge from this brood.
Elsewhere on 3 May there were six moorhen young below Riverwalk Hide and on 31
May the Main Pool hosted another brood, 2+2
Activity at B Pool was 1+2 on 24 May, seen from Bittern Hide, and these were seen
again the following week. This pool seemed best for breeding moorhens as on 30 June
1+3 were recorded and on 4 & 8 July 2+2 were seen. Additionally on 18 July I recorded
1+1 at this pool.
On 16 June there was a bird on a nest in a tree directly in the river (T6). This nest was
vulnerable to flooding and was not seen again! Also on this date a family was seen at
the Angling Pools which are secluded and birds are probably less likely to be predated.
On 18 July two juveniles were at Rudd Pool and on the next survey visit on 21 August
these were still present.
I am estimating approx. 14 fledged birds this year but comparing reports it appears that
2023 was not as prolific a breeding season as 2022.
Coot: the most numerous and easily identified breeder on the reserve and breeding
activity per pool as follows –
Rudd pool – a pair appeared to attempt to breed here, with a nest built around 8 May,
with something red on it. The nest was obvious for a few weeks but there was no activity.
31 May – two unoccupied nests seen.
30 June – fledged coot on Rudd.
Main Pool – on 24 May there was a nest at New Bay.
31 May- three nests here (one occupied; one unoccupied and one being built).
9 June – four nests seen from Riverwalk Hide and these were occupied over the next
month. Also on this date 1 + 2 small ones were on the pool.
8 July – 2 + 1 large juvenile.
On 30 June a juvenile was on the river near Main Pool.
B Pool was the busiest with reference to a nest in loosestrife seen from B Hide on 14
April and subsequent dates.
22 April – a nest in inlet to left of B hide seen on this date, as well as 31 May & 6 June
24 May – two nests and 1+3.
9 June – 2+2 and an occupied nest in front of Bittern Hide and a week later there was 1+2
on this pool, possibly the same birds.
16 June – three nests in use in the area of B Hide included some of the above and on the
following day 2 adults and a small young bird were together here.
Angling Pools – hosted young coots that were seen and heard on 8 & 10 May, with
similar outcomes on 9 June. This is where there is so much deadwood in the water it is
very difficult to see what is in the pools.
The impression is of fewer nests and smaller broods in 2022, the latter could be an
indication of continued predation.
Oyster Catcher: after several seasons where birds were unsuccessful with nests on a
Main Pool island 2022 was a successful breeding season. As usual singletons and a pair
were on the reserve during my early visits, a pair was seen on 26 April at B Pool and a
pair were in the vicinity of Main Pool on 24 & 31 May and 9 June.
On 6 June PS reported two chicks with an adult at B Pool, CW saw these on one of his
early morning visits six days later but on 16 June there was only one chick. That chick
survived being seen on my visits on 30 June, 4 & 8 July. This was the first year of my
surveys when they bred at B Pool, and success may have been due to a greater no. of
species nesting in the vicinity, notable gulls, terns and terns and they may have helped to
keep predators away.
The oyster catcher chick fledged, and was the only pair at the reserve.
Avocet: this was regular on the reserve, mainly at B Pool, during March and April – my
last sighting was on 26 April. There was speculation that they might breed here but there
was no sign. The areas of scrape at B Pool would lend itself well for this species breeding
but it is possible that there is too little space, compared with RSPB Middleton.
Lapwing: this species is regular on the reserve throughout the year and 2022 was
another successful year for breeding. Information from both pools as follows-
Main Pool and / or meadow – on 22 April there were six adults put up by a peregrine.
Additionally on this date the first young were seen – 1 + 3 small ones.
25 April – two birds on nests on the meadow.
3 May – brood of two by Main Pool (BE).
8 May – 3 chicks were seen, but nearby a jackdaw appeared to be eating a lapwing chick.
10 May – two juveniles were present, from one of the above broods. There appeared to
be a bird on a nest below Riverwalk Hide.
24 & 31 May – 2 adults and two fledged chicks were seen, from the original brood?
31 May, also was a bird on a nest on the meadow, with a fully fledged bird nearby.
16 June – by this date several fledged juveniles were present.
30 June – juveniles were present and there were two nests opposite Riverwalk Hide.
18 July – at least one juvenile present at Main Pool but there were three juveniles by the
river. This is unusual but not surprising bearing in mind the dry summer and the
resulting shingle by the riverbanks.
B Pool – on 5 April PS reported up to six sitting birds and nests were regularly seen later
in the month.
28 April – first report of lapwing chicks (three) on B scrape (PL).
3 May – two broods of three were here, and on 8 May (BE)– one of these broods was
sighted and due to this lapwings were mobbing a magpie and crow.
10 May – emphasising that B Pool was the best location for breeding waders this year, on
this date there were 5 / 6 juveniles of different ages, as well as two nests being brooded.
During the latter part of May fledged birds were being seen here and by –
16 June there were about 12 fledged birds on this part of the reserve.
27 June -three chicks in a new brood sighted (PS) and on 8 & 15 July – single recently
hatched birds seen.
In 2021 there were approx.15 fledged birds and I would suggest a similar number,
possibly a few more. There seemed little predation from crows and gulls (the example of
the jackdaw excepted) and this is likely due to the presence of breeding common terns
and black headed gulls, the latter for the first time. It will be interesting to see the effect
that a potentially greater no. of breeding gulls will have on wader breeding.
Little Ringed Plover: this species was present throughout the breeding season
particularly B Pool where there were up to six present, with mating seen on 25 April
(PL). In late April, into May two or three were constantly seen here and on 24 May, two
adults were incubating a nest. In early June the reserve was flooded in places inc. B Pool
scrape and any nests were flooded out. On 6 June PS reported on Whatsapp a pair
mating. These had prob. been flooded out . By 16 June there were two adults present but
no evidence of further attempts at breeding. In late June there was a juvenile present but
this had originated from off the reserve. My last record was on 30 June.
It is hoped that the addition of a north sluice, to the one constructed by the footbridge in
early 2022, may cut out the worst effects of flooding in 2023.
Redshank: birds were regular on the reserve during March – May inc. two pairs at B
Pool on 31 March and three pairs across both pools on 14 April. Pairs continued to brood
their nests into June, at both pools, and breeding success was confirmed on 1 June when
there was a chick in front of Bittern Hide (PL) and on 9 June there were three chicks and
three adults at B Pool. This was equalled at the same pool when three young were present
on 27 & 30 June, as well as 3 July (CW) and it is hoped that these fledged. This
consolidates the first breeding success for many years in 2021 and the success of the
work to create the B Pool scrapes several years ago.
Black-headed Gull: this species is ever present on the reserve and river and and 2022
saw the first successful breeding by this species, at B Pools, which was expected after
pairs remained at potential nest sites last year.
Nest building was recorded on 22 April and four days later an adult appeared to be on a
nest. On 8 & 24 May there appeared 5-7 nests and on the latter date mating was seen.
On 31 May PS reported 15 nests and three juveniles and I recorded five young present on
9 June. On 16 June there were approx. 12 juveniles and by 27 June there were 26
juveniles counted. (PS)
Common Tern: this species is seen at all the pools on the reserve but breeding activity is
concentrated at B. There was concern that the absence of tern rafts at this pool would
result in birds not breeding in 2022. Birds were present from mid April and mating and
courtship was reported on two dates in May. By 9 June there were two pairs showing
aggression to the gulls as they had nests on the scrapes in front of B Hide. On 16 June
CW reported five adults with chicks and by late June / early July there were three young
present and at least two of these fledged. This is the same no. as in 2021.
Feral Pigeon: are regular on the reserve but there was no evidence that they nested in
any nestboxes this year, unlike stock dove. Feral pigeons nest locally on man made
structures such as Whitacre waterworks and the bridges over the Tame.
Stock Dove: this species appear to do well on the reserve, assisted by ample nest sites in
holes in the large poplars, as well as the owl nest boxes. Evidence of their presence on the
reserve was approx. 12 feeding on the meadow on 22 April. However transect 12 is the
area where they are most often encountered as this is the area with the aforementioned
poplars beside the brook. Additionally on 31 March there was a pair at the nestbox
between Riverwalk and Bittern Hides (T8) where they are thought to have bred , and later
in the year, 30 June I observed two birds, likely juveniles by the nestbox on T2.
I estimate approx. six breeding pairs on the reserve.
Wood Pigeon: as usual this species was constantly on the reserve, where it is sure to
have bred in several locations. No nests or young were seen / reported but nos. appear to
be stable.
Cuckoo: this species appeared less numerous on the reserve than in 2021 but was still a
regular with up to four birds present, such as on 9 June when PS thought there were two
pairs present: I had heard two earlier.
On 31 May I heard a bird calling and saw two birds chasing each other. This came a day
after a female had been ringed on the reserve.
The last cuckoo I heard was on 8 July but there was a continuing presence with a juvenile
being seen by three observers on the reserve, or by the river in September.
Barn Owl: barn owls are doing well in the Tame Valley, largely due to the presence of
owl boxes and again Ladywalk contributed to the continuing success of this species. Two
nest boxes were used, one produced two chicks that were ringed. At a second box it
appears that barn owls took over a goosander’s nest and four barn owl chicks were
produced. By July one of these was dead so we assume that three fledged, and by July
there was a stock dove nesting in the box!
The ringers have positioned some more boxes for 2023, with assistance from the
beekeepers. Some of these have replaced disintegrating boxes and I am wondering due to
the competition between goosander, stock dove and two species of owl we ought to be
erecting more?
Tawny Owl: these birds are regularly encountered on or adjacent to the reserve, but in
2021 there was no certainty that they bred. 2022 was better with two eggs reported by the
ringers from a nestbox on the reserve on 8 April and eventually two chicks were ringed
on 8 May. We assume that these fledged.
Additionally a bird was regularly seen off the reserve, from T1 in a sycamore over the
river. This included a young bird on 10 April. It is likely that they nested here.
Kingfisher: last year I feared only one pair nested on the reserve, but in 2022 it is likely
that two pairs nested. There was continued presence of birds at the river between
Riverwalk and Bittern Hides. I encountered them in this area on six visits, including 31
May when they were very active and possibly had young in the nest, whilst on 16 June
CW reported a bird entering a hole in this area.
I also believe that they nested where the Bourne meets the Tame (T6) as there was one by
the old bridge on 8 May and a pair were at the nearby Rudd Pool on 31 May.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: I did not see or hear this species on or near the reserve this
year, although there was one calling just off the reserve by the copse (T6) on 4 May (PS).
It is possible that they nested off the reserve but there is no certainty about this. The best
place to hear and see these is at RSPB Middleton.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: these are regular across the reserve, but I continue to
believe there is possibly a slight decline in their presence. I am aware of two nests that
produced young in 2022. One was on transect 1 on the right of the track just before the
reserve gate and young were heard here on 24 &31 May. A pair together on T4 ie
between Hides A & Rudd on 14 April may have been associated with this nest.
A second nest was opposite the gate to the meadow, not on the survey route and I have no
information on its outcome.
On 28 May an adult feeding a young bird was filmed and placed on Ladywalk’s Twitter.
Juveniles are often at the feeders such as on 8 July and on such a wooded reserve I
would suggest four – six pairs bred.
Green Woodpecker: Ladywalk does not provide the ideal habitat for this species. In
2022 I was likely to encounter them in the area of our car park or Fishery Lane, such as
two heard on 18 July.
On the reserve proper I encountered single birds at T12 probably juveniles on 8 & 18 July
near to the poplars. As is always the case with this species they are regularly heard in the
autumn, and with regards to Ladywalk this was often on the north side of the reserve. It is
therefore possible that any breeding, possibly two pairs, took place off the reserve.
Kestrel: this species has recently nested just off the north end of the reserve but this year
a pair took up residence in the same area our side of the river, in a disintegrating nestbox
in an oak. From my first visit on 31 March birds were at or near the box and four
nestlings were ringed on 24 June. However by 30 June only three young were peering out
of the nest. They subsequently left the nest and the three were seen being fed in the trees
on 12 July. Interestingly in 2021 a pair were removed from this box by a pair of
goosanders!
This species is also still regularly present on the Whitacre meadows and a pair are likely
to have nested in this vicinity as they did in 2021. When birds are hovering over the
reserve they could be from either pair.
Hobby: singles seen on 9 June and 8 July during my visits. It is hoped that they bred
reasonably near to the reserve but there were few reports of juveniles on the reserve
during September / October.
Peregrine Falcon: a bird of this species was high over the reserve on 9 June, and one
was on a pylon on 8 July. A pair nested on the BMW building as one of the chicks fell
out of the nest and Ladywalk ringers were asked to assist. The bird was rescued, taken for
treatment and returned to the nest some days later and three / four young later fledged
from this nest. Juveniles are often sighted or heard over the reserve such as on 30 June.
Jay: this species continues to breed at Ladywalk and again T12, around the lock up is
their main area. On 31 May there was a juvenile at this location and on 30 June there
was the sound of young at the nest and birds were again noisy here on 8 July.
I feel that there was less evidence of sightings of jays particularly family groups since I
started these surveys in 2016. It is likely that one – two pairs bred.
Magpie: these are common and regular particularly along the entrance tracks to the
reserve (T1, T2) and are also attracted to the feeders such as at Hide A. On 26 April
there were six noisy birds in flight by transect 1 and on 9 June there was a group of noisy
birds just over the river nearby and this probably constituted a family. On this date three
birds from this group, or additional birds were near Riverwalk Hide.
Jackdaw: this species continues to be regular on the reserve particularly on the meadow
and the area between Hides A and Rudd. They inhabit the wood behind the cormorants –
this needs checking for evidence of breeding.
On 8 May 2 jackdaws were observed from Riverwalk Hide seemingly eating a dead
lapwing chick.
Carrion Crow: regularly recorded across the reserve and whilst there were no specific
reports about breeding this must have occurred. On 10 May a pair were noted mobbing a
buzzard which probably suggested a nearby nest. It is easy to identify used nests when
the leaves are off the trees, but not easy to see crow activity at these nests!
Raven: there is no presence on the reserve, they are occasionally heard or seen high over
the reserve. They would have bred locally but there is no evidence that they bred on the
reserve or the adjacent meadows.
Coal Tit: as in past years this species is most often encountered at T12 where I heard one
on 8 May and on 16 June there were prominent calls in this transect, near the roller which
suggested a family. One was reported on Hide A feeders, nearby by PL on 21 August.
The other area where a bird was heard was at the north end of the reserve, also on 16
June.
This species is not associated very often with nestboxes so a report from the ringers of a
dead adult in a box on 7 May adds to the mystery of this species breeding.
It is possible that two pairs maximum nested on the reserve.
Marsh Tit: I had no evidence nor reports of this species on the reserve during the
breeding season so it is possible that they no longer breed here, which was my conclusion
last year. However there were records of marsh tit in September so perhaps they bred off
the reserve.
It should be noted that there were a number of reports of marsh and willow tits via social
media and it seems that there was some confusion between the species.
Willow Tit: much work has been done to encourage this declining bird on the reserve
but unfortunately there was no clear evidence of successful breeding for the second year
running. BE reported a willow tit calling behind Bittern Hide on 10 April, a week after
an adult had been controlled nearby the previous week. One was reported at B feeders on
14 & 22 April and CW reported one on the reserve on 2 May. Similar to the above
species at least one has been noted on the reserve from September onwards, regularly
coming to feeders. With one exception of 2 May reports are of only one bird which is of
concern.
Blue Tit: There were reports from the ringers about their nestbox monitoring and ringing
on the reserve this year for this species and those last year: see the ringers’ returns below.
Blue Tit, 2022 2021
Number ringed: 127 87
Number of nests: 18 14
Average: 7.5 6.21 nestlings per box
These figures are better than those last year but of concern was the higher number of
nests predated – nine. 5 at egg stage, 2 at young stage and 2 where the birds were half
grown.
From my observations blue tits were more common across the reserve than great tits and
by 9 June there were many families , with young on feeders by 16 June. The strongholds
for tits on the reserve are transects 1, 2 and 12
Great Tit:
The nestbox records for this species are as follows –
Great Tit, 2022 2021
Number ringed: 17 5
Number of nests: 3 11
Average: 5.7 5.9 nestlings per box
Three successful nests is a very poor return and this is a matter of concern. It confirms
my impression that blue tits were the majority tits on the reserve in 2022. Nevertheless
young birds were noted on my visits such as three at A feeders on 8 July and a family
seen at T2 on 21 August.
Sand Martin: this is the third season that the sand martin nestbox by Rudd Pool has been
in position, with no sand martins using its holes. In 2021 we ran the sound of sand martin
calls from the box for a few hours and there was an immediate response with birds
circling the box, holding on the its face and briefly entering the holes. This led to a
decision to do the same throughout the 2022 breeding season in an attempt to tempt them
away from the adjacent riverbank. Through good work from Wali, the sand martin calls
commenced in mid April and continued until August. They had little effect as birds used
the riverbank used previously on T8, but interestingly there was no interest in the bank
which had also been used in 2021, closest to the sand martin box.
There was heavy rain on 4/5 June and it is possible that some birds were affected at the
T8 nest sites. Perhaps as a result, on 9 June there was a group of four birds over the river
by the previous nest site near to Rudd Hide and on 27 June birds were at the sand martin
box responding to the calls. They were seen to land by some of the top row holes, and
there was evidence that they attempted some burrowing into the holes.
The riverbank opposite T8 was the favoured natural nesting area and on 26 July four or
more juveniles were being fed by adults over the river. Birds this year were not using the
riverbank by Rudd Hide
Swallow: this again bred in the stables and associated buildings across the river, which
is a good area for young birds to flex their new wings as they fly up and down, as was
evident on 18 July when there were 13 present.
House Martin: small nos. of this species over but did not breed at the reserve.
Cetti’s Warbler: this bird is regularly heard at various sites across the reserve – T1, T4
between A & Rudd Hides, below Riverwalk Hide and at B Hide. The most prolific area
was beside the path between Riverwalk and Bittern Hides (T8)– there were five along
here on 14 April and three on 22 April. Birds were seen prospecting the riverbank on 14
May and were in the vicinity of their nests here on 9 June, 10 July and still present on 21
August, which suggests double brooding as has been found in previous years. On the
middle date a juvenile found its way into Hide B!
29 new birds were ringed this year,which is nearly double the number in 2021 and it is
likely that there were about 15 breeding pairs on the reserve.
Long-tailed Tit: is regular and widespread on the reserve and groups of this species
including young are a common sight across the reserve. I saw no specific family groups,
nor were there any reports of them, unlike in 2021 but there is no evidence of a change of
status on the reserve. Last year I estimated between five and seven breeding pairs.
Willow Warbler: I heard or saw this bird on eight occasions in 2022, with the highest,
four, on 14 April, which may have been migrants as this was the first date in 2022 that I
encountered the species. These nos. do not reflect 2021’s returns when I encountered
birds on 12 of my 14 visits with the max. being eight on 30 April.
There was one regularly singing between Hide A feeders and B Hide and this may have
been using the margin of the meadow and adjacent woodland. There was also a regular
singer over the river where the habitat is more conducive for willow warbler, unlike that
of the reserve. We would have to clear a lot of wooded areas and keep them as scrub to
tempt this bird in higher nos. on the reserve. Nine birds were ringed of which seven were
youngsters and it is interesting that all the young were ringed after14 July, these may
have been birds reared off the reserve. It is possible that only one pair bred on the
reserve.
Chiffchaff: with the exception of the number quoted below the highest no. on one visit
was 13 on 31 March which was likely to be boosted by migrants. Thirteen was the same
total in the last two years.
Regular song came from the ringing area, between Hides A & Rudd and there was a
further bird regularly in song at the north end of the reserve (T10). On 18 July there was
an agitated bird in the helleborine area which suggested the presence of a family. The
number of tall trees and amount of woodland on the reserve lends itself well to this
species and I would estimate four to six breeding pairs based on the numbers during my
visits.
As is the case every year there seemed be a lot of contact calls from this species across
the reserve in July / August, with 17 recorded om 21 August and this would have been a
combination of local breeders and passing birds.
Sedge Warbler: the highest count of birds seen / heard across the transects was a lowly
four (ten on the last two years) and there are consistently less sedge warblers than reed on
the reserve. They were again regular by the bund between Bittern Hide and the sluice
where they would have bred. I had no reports of specific families but generally numbers
appeared healthy with the ringers reporting higher numbers of birds in 2022 – 61 new
ringed birds on the reserve, and 22 previously ringed birds.
I estimate two / four breeding pairs on the reserve.
Reed Warbler: there are parts of the reserve where this species is numerous, notably
below Riverwalk Hide where there were two / four birds on 24 May, and three the
following week. This species was a regular by B Hide – very vocal and active on 10 May
and four seen on 24 May. PL photographed two young being fed by both parents on 24
May. Three to four were seen on 16 June. A juvenile was seen between Riverwalk &
Bittern Hides on 8 July.
Keyhole Scrape (in front of Hide A) is another regular haunt with lots of activity and
where they definitely bred.
Birds in the above locations led to statistics of seven and eleven birds in May and June
across the reserve so my estimate of 2021 remains that 10-12 pairs bred on the reserve
this year.
Reed warbler ringing returns were again high with 119 of which 92 were juveniles ( in
2021 it was a total 164). This information may provide data about whether the young
were reared on the reserve and with 89 young being ringed after 14July there is a
suggestion that these were migrants that were reared off the reserve.
Grasshopper Warbler: one of the highlights of 2021 was the ringing of two adults and
two juveniles on the reserve, proving breeding on the reserve. Unfortunately there was no
such evidence in 2022:. Whilst I heard no song during my visits there were many on line
reports of song such as during April, and 15 &17 July. The fact that reeling birds were
quite regular throughout the summer may suggest that breeding did take place.
Blackcap: again this was the most numerous summer visitor across the reserve with 28
birds encountered on 31 May and there were a further four visits with 20 or more birds
and these figures are broadly similar to those in 2021. Transects 1 and 2 tended to have
most birds as in previous years, at the former two families were seen on 16 June, the date
that I also encountered another family between Riverwalk & Bittern Hides (T7). On 28
July PL reported a juvenile behind Bittern Hide (T10).
The ringers report ringing 79 new birds which is 14 more than 2021 but a lot lower than
the 2020 number. 70 of the 79 ringed were juveniles and all but eight of those were
ringed after 14 July suggesting that there were migrants, not local breeders.
From my numbers in the chart I again suggest 15-20 pairs across the reserve again this
year.
Garden Warbler: in 2021 I recorded greater nos. of this species than in recent years –
between one and eleven were recorded on 10 visits. This increase did not appear to
follow in 2022 when the highest no. that I encountered was eight on 8 and 10 May. On
other visits a nil return was not unusual, up to three. Nevertheless there were two areas
where this species was strongly represented- between Rudd and Riverwalk Hides (T6)
and also between Riverwalk and Bittern Hides (T8).
There was a pair displaying by the river at T4 and on the basis of my figures above it is
possible that the five breeding pairs across the reserve referred to last year was not
achieved in 2022.
Lesser Whitethroat: I did not encounter this bird on or near to the reserve during my
visits and there were no birds ringed either, so we are to assume that no breeding took
place.
Common Whitethroat: numbers on the reserve appear stable, with the top count being
11 on 8 May (12 in 2021) and again additional birds were heard over the river. Compared
with 2021 I did not see much evidence of specific breeding activity with the exception of
a bird with food on 24 May at T10. On 28 July there was a juvenile behind Bittern Hide
(T10), reported by PL.
The ringers’ report that they ringed 2 adults and 19 juveniles, which if compared with
the 28 juveniles ringed in 2021 is a poor return for 2022.
Goldcrest: this species continues to hold its presence on the reserve, in 2021 I estimated
at least three breeding pairs on the reserve. Birds were regular in the area of the roller
(T2) and one was gathering nest material on this transect on 31 May. On 18 July a likely
family was by the roller so were successful here, as in 2021. Another stronghold was on
T10, beside the brook with three seen in two areas on 10 May.
Wren: again the most numerous woodland breeder on the reserve, with the most heard or
seen being 35 on 31 May (compared to 45 in 2021). Whether this portrays a decline I
don’t know, previously there had been a 50% increase over three seasons.
Birds were seen with nesting material on the track from the car park (T1) on 10 & 31
May, and they probably nested by the gates into the reserve. On the latter date there was a
family of at least three young between Hide A and Rudd (T4). Also on 31 May there was
a family in nettles near the river on T8. This suggested that the first hatchings were in late
May but by 18 July there was evidence of birds showing anxieties, suggesting the
presence of late or second broods.
Again I estimate 25-30 breeding pairs, it will be interesting the effect of a colder winter
2022-23.
Nuthatch: this species seems to be declining on the reserve with again little evidence of
birds on the reserve in the breeding season. Birds are normally heard or seen in the
poplars along the length of the brook, such as one at T2 on 16 June. Further along the
trees T10 appears to be the stronghold, with a brood of two with two adults reported on
18 July. This information suggests that a maximum of two pairs bred on the reserve.
Treecreeper: in contrast to the above bird this species is doing very well, no doubt
benefiting from the poplars on the reserve, and the tendency of their branches coming
away, leaving splits in the trees’ structure. In April one was reported to be nesting in the
dead tree on T10. Most likely, but I never saw one there! However there were three active
young birds in this vicinity on 21 August.
They are likely to have nested again in the poplars by the reserve entrance gate and
another stronghold was in the copse at T6 where there were two on 8 May and singles
seen on two further occasions. The species is stable, or increasing and I again estimate 4-
6 breeding pairs on the reserve.
Starling: are not commonly seen within the reserve in the breeding season and I saw
none on my visits to the reserve. In 2021 I was informed that a pair nested in a tree near
the ringing area, which had happened in previous years, but I have had no reports for
2022.
Blackbird: widespread across the reserve partic. in the wooded areas. The most birds
seen or heard was 21 on 9 June, in 2021 it had been 24. There were high numbers evident
in late May / early June, particularly at T10 where there were six on 31 May and seven on
9 June.
On 8 & 18 July young birds were heard between Rudd and Riverwalk Hides.
This species is holding its status on the reserve so my estimate of 15 pairs remains.
Song Thrush: the maximum encountered was a total of four on 31 May, which is down
from seven and six on two dates in 2021. There was no specific evidence of breeding, my
best records were of seeing two together on three dates with the most regular locations
being the two entrance tracks and T12.
Robin: the maximum birds seen / heard was 24 on 8 May, closely followed by 23 on 14
April. These are slightly higher than the maxima of the last two years. Specific details of
breeding are as follows –
- juvenile in brushwood at T10 on 10 May.
- juvenile at T1 on 24 May.
- most likely to have bred in the woodyard again this year as adult birds seen here
on at least two occasions.
This is an increasing breeder at the reserve, with an estimate of 12 – 15 pairs. - House Sparrow :this species is seen a little more regularly on the reserve, and are
known to breed over the river in the stables and houses. There was a report of four behind
Riverwalk Hide by the river (T10) on 3 May (CW) and there were reports of birds
carrying food on two occasions by the river and on 18 July SLC reported juveniles
further along the river, again at T10. - Dunnock: the most recorded was 14 birds on 14 April (12 in 2021) so numbers are
pretty static. A stronghold on the reserve is the Hide A area – there were two pairs in
front of the hide on 14 April. On 9 June I saw a bird with food between Hide A and
Rudd, an area with thick bushes where they are regularly seen.
On the basis of my figures I would estimate at least ten pairs across the reserve. - Grey Wagtail: these are an ever-present along the length of the river adjacent to the
reserve and there was evidence of breeding as usual in 2022. On 31 March I saw a pair on
the river near to Rudd Hide (T4), and also there was a another pair, or the same pair,
further along the river at T6. At least one pair was regularly seen in this area, with one
seen catching flies by the old bridge on 8 May. On 15 May there was a report on Twitter
of this species feeding young, and PS reported a juvenile being fed by the entrance track
from the car Park (T1) on 30 May. This bird may have been the one seen the following
day at T6. Two juveniles were seen on 7 July by SLC and finally one was on the shingle
beside the river at T8 on 18 July.
There were less reports of adults or juveniles in 2022 than 2021 when I estimated that
there were three breeding pairs on our stretch of the river; this level may be an
overestimate. - Pied Wagtail: this species was often located quite near to the grey wagtails, which it
outnumbers, with T6 again being where it was most regularly seen. Here various slabs
and stones have been placed on the far riverbank which appears to be ideal nesting
habitat. Birds were also seen at T4 which is the area by Rudd Hide and it is likely that the
same birds inhabitated both areas. On 31 May with a pair near Bittern Hide, I calculated
a minimum of three pairs on the river length.
A juvenile was seen with an adult from Riverwalk Hide on 30 June, another good
viewing point for this species, and there was a juvenile by the river at T6 on 18 July.
Birds are regular on the muddy margins at B Pool with approx. six viewable from Bittern
Hide on 24 July including at least one juvenile, and there was a further sighting of a
juvenile and adult here on 21August.
On the basis of my records it is possible that three / four pairs bred on the reserve or the
adjacent river in 2022.
Chaffinch: whilst birds are quite regular at the Hide A feeders in winter and early spring
this species is not common on the reserve in the breeding season. This species is most
likely to be found at the copse on T6 and there was a male in song here on 8 May, with a
female not far away by Rudd Hide. This may constitute a pair but there have been no
reports about chaffinch breeding on the reserve for the last two years.
Bullfinch: it is strange that this species no longer uses the feeders at Hide A and when I
started these surveys in 2016 they were commonplace on the reserve, or on the track
above it at T2. Unlike 2021 there were no reports of a family on the reserve, which
probably originated off the reserve. Nowadays they can be invariably seen on Fishery
Lane where the hedges are to their liking. The best Ladywalk can do is accommodate
them at the car park and they were regularly seen there on at least four of my visits, with
a pair eating wild flower seeds by the gate on 31 May.
Greenfinch: this species continues to be regular at the feeders in winter / spring with six
at the Hide A feeders when I visited on 31 May. Juveniles were regularly sighted here as
the breeding season continued and these would have been produced on the reserve. The
number of birds ringed, adults and juveniles, was lower this year which may suggest that
breeding pairs was lower than my previous estimate of three / four pairs.
Linnet: continue to be a regular on the reserve particularly in the area of river between
Rudd and Bittern Hides and they probably nested in this area as there are adequate areas
of bramble and rape plants, such as by Bittern Hide. There is always a presence on the
reserve, exemplified by 13 being ringed, however the habitat over the river is more to
their liking.
Goldfinch: this species is regular on the reserve with ones and twos regularly heard and
seen on transects 1-6. There were two on thistles on the latter transect on 8 July but it is
disappointing that there were no reports of juveniles or family groups on the reserve but
it is hoped that one or two pairs nested.
Reed Bunting: the maximum number for 2022 was 13 on 31 March but during the
breeding season nos. were lower than in 2021 with eight being the highest on two dates.
However there were 30 birds ringed on the reserve but my impression on my visits was
that there were fewer birds, such as in the previous stronghold under Riverwalk Hide. I
saw no juveniles at the feeders in July / August, they must have been present, and my
previous estimate of 4-6 breeding pairs may be high based on my survey numbers.
Conclusion
2022 saw continued success on the reserve for breeding waders, particularly at B Pool.
There were juvenile redshanks at B Pool that probably survived the reserve’s worst flood
in early June due to the construction of a first sluice and this contributed to three
redshanks fledging. Another success was the pair of oyster catchers producing a
youngster – they had previously attempted to nest on Main Pool islands – unsuccessfully.
Little ringed plovers were not as fortunate and they were flooded out. The installation of
a second sluice bodes well for this species when there are further summer floods as we
will have a greater ability to control water flows into B Pool.
The continued success of breeding waders at B Pool is a testament to the work done to
create a larger scrape several years ago but this creates an imbalance with Main Pool,
where waders are less likely to breed. The meadow held some breeding lapwings but it
would be good to have more breeding activity on the Main Pool islands. Some digger
work here in the autumn created an extra island or two, with some deeper channels
created which may put off predating animals reaching any nests.
B Pool may have had its success because of the presence of a larger nos. of breeders,
committed to driving off predators. Common terns nested here despite there being no tern
rafts available. They took to the islands, alongside black headed gulls, and we await
whether an increase in this species will have a positive or negative effect on other species
breeding success. It will be interesting to see the effect of the proposed siting of two tern
rafts this year on B Pool. Will gulls take these over?
Moving away from the water there appeared to be a major decline in great tits in
nestboxes, in terms of numbers and breeding success, whilst blue tit nos. held up well.
Regarding willow tits there was no specific evidence of their breeding on the reserve but
birds have been seen since the breeding season on the reserve. At such a well watched
reserve it seems unlikely that we missed their breeding and it is possible that they bred
off the reserve.
If there are comments, additions or amendments to this report please contact me at
ladywalk@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk
Richard J King
March 2023
Blue tit nestbox returns 2022
Nest Date Comments
1 18/5/2022 7 ringed
2 18/5/2022 9 ringed
3 18/5/2022 6 ringed
4 18/5/2022 10 ringed
5 18/5/2022 9 ringed
6 18/5/2022 10 ringed
7 18/5/2022 8 ringed I egg
8 18/5/2022 8 ringed I egg
9 21/5/2022 7 ringed
10 21/5/2022 7 ringed 2 dead
11 21/5/2022 6 ringed
12 21/5/2022 7 ringed
13 21/5/2022 8 ringed I egg
14 24/5/2022 4 ringed 3 dead
15 24/5/2022 5 ringed
16 24/5/2022 6 ringed
17 29/5/2022 5 ringed
18 29/5/2022 5 ringed 2 dead
127 in 18 nests, average 7.05 , max 10 , min 4.
1 8/5/2022 Predated at egg stage
2 8/5/2022 Predated at egg stage
3 8/5/2022 Predated at egg stage
4 8/5/2022 Predated at egg stage
5 8/5/2022 Predated at egg stage
6 9/5/2022 Predated at young stage
7 9/5/2022 Predated at young stage
8 24/5/2022 All dead half grown
9 29/5/2022 All dead half grown
Great tit nestbox returns,2022
Nest Date Comments
1 28/4/2022 6 ringed
2 18/5/2022 3 ringed
3 18/5/2022 8 ringed
17 in 3 nests, average 5.7 , max 8 ,min 3
1 7/5/2022 Chicks fledged
2 18/5/2022 Predated at egg stage
3 18/5/2022 Predated at chick stage
LadywalkNATURE 