WEST MIDLANDS

HIGHLIGHTS:

A Gannet at Marsh Lane was the 200th species recorded on or around the reserve.

LUTLEY:

Tree Pipits passed through in good numbers with a handful of Wheatears, Redstarts, Yellow Wagtails, Whinchats and Hobbies.

MARSH LANE:

There was a Wood Sandpiper, two Greenshanks, Green Sandpipers, four Black Terns, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Cuckoo, two Hobbies and a Med Gull. Water Rails bred. A Little Egret was regular.

SANDWELL VALLEY:

There were six Spotted Flycatchers, four Redstarts, two Tree Pipits, a Whinchat, Wheatear and Cuckoo. A Med Gull and Yellow-legged Gull were logged. There was a Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, four Common Sandpipers and the first returning Wigeon.

OTHER SITES:

A Red Kite flew over Oldbury. Redstarts and Spotted Flycatchers were in Longmoor Valley, Sutton Park. A Hobby flew over Clayhanger Marsh. Pete Hackett (0121 358 2454)