RSPB Sandwell Valley, Birmingham 2
I've just paid a visit to the West Midlands to see my family and took some time to myself to pay another visit to the RSPB reserve; Sandwell Valley.
It had been snowing over night and the trains were running erratically. It took a little over 3 hours for me to get to the reserve, arriving just after noon.
It was very quiet, I only saw two other birders, perhaps the weather had kept everyone away - not so the birds, fortunately.
As soon as I went through the gates and onto the path to the visitor centre, I was surrounded by House Sparrows - about 10 in the bushes along the path and several Robins, Blue Tits and Great tits. There was many Magpies and Carrion Crows flying over the scrub, alighting in the trees and bushes. A group of three Crows landed on the ice of one of the frozen pools and slid around looking for food.
The visitor centre was shut for some reason, but I was able to observe the feeding station at the rear, which was awash with Greenfinch, Great tits, Blue tits, Chaffinches and the most Bullfinches I had seen in one go; there were 4 males and three females, but probably more.
I walked along the woodland paths and arrived at the hide, which was locked - perhaps the weather was worse than I thought! Fortunately, there was a clearing further along the path with a bench from which I could observe one side of the main pool.
There was quite a bit of water that was not frozen right in front of my position and I had good views of 4 Pochard, 20+ Coot, 15+ Tufted ducks, at least 15+ Gadwall, 60+ Black-headed gulls, 3 Herring gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed gulls, 4 Shoveler ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe in winter plummage, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Moorhens and a new life tick for me and the star attraction - 4 Goosander's; 2 males and 2 females. Walking back along the paths there was a small group of Goldfinch on some teasle and lots of Long-tailed tits flitting around the trees, which was nice to watch.
I had originally planned on going to the reserve on Tuesday, but the weather forecast said it would be clear and dry on the Monday and wet on the Tuesday - so, here I was on the Monday. I went to use the facilities at the visitors centre before going home and it was still locked. However, there was a member of staff inside who let me in and explained that they were closed on Monday's, but that he was there as they were having some building work done - typical, I should have read my pamphlet before leaving home!!
Anyway, he allowed me in to use the facilities and then offered me a hot drink and showed me a lovely little Snipe, feeding in the scrub, through one of the centres scopes.
I'd like to say a big thank you to the staff of the reserve for their kindness and generosity. The first time I visited this reserve, back in early August, I commented in my blog then, just how helpful the staff are.
I've updated my Sandwell Valley album with a few pictures from this trip and a few attachments below.
It had been snowing over night and the trains were running erratically. It took a little over 3 hours for me to get to the reserve, arriving just after noon.
It was very quiet, I only saw two other birders, perhaps the weather had kept everyone away - not so the birds, fortunately.
As soon as I went through the gates and onto the path to the visitor centre, I was surrounded by House Sparrows - about 10 in the bushes along the path and several Robins, Blue Tits and Great tits. There was many Magpies and Carrion Crows flying over the scrub, alighting in the trees and bushes. A group of three Crows landed on the ice of one of the frozen pools and slid around looking for food.
The visitor centre was shut for some reason, but I was able to observe the feeding station at the rear, which was awash with Greenfinch, Great tits, Blue tits, Chaffinches and the most Bullfinches I had seen in one go; there were 4 males and three females, but probably more.
I walked along the woodland paths and arrived at the hide, which was locked - perhaps the weather was worse than I thought! Fortunately, there was a clearing further along the path with a bench from which I could observe one side of the main pool.
There was quite a bit of water that was not frozen right in front of my position and I had good views of 4 Pochard, 20+ Coot, 15+ Tufted ducks, at least 15+ Gadwall, 60+ Black-headed gulls, 3 Herring gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed gulls, 4 Shoveler ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe in winter plummage, 2 Mute Swans, 6 Moorhens and a new life tick for me and the star attraction - 4 Goosander's; 2 males and 2 females. Walking back along the paths there was a small group of Goldfinch on some teasle and lots of Long-tailed tits flitting around the trees, which was nice to watch.
I had originally planned on going to the reserve on Tuesday, but the weather forecast said it would be clear and dry on the Monday and wet on the Tuesday - so, here I was on the Monday. I went to use the facilities at the visitors centre before going home and it was still locked. However, there was a member of staff inside who let me in and explained that they were closed on Monday's, but that he was there as they were having some building work done - typical, I should have read my pamphlet before leaving home!!
Anyway, he allowed me in to use the facilities and then offered me a hot drink and showed me a lovely little Snipe, feeding in the scrub, through one of the centres scopes.
I'd like to say a big thank you to the staff of the reserve for their kindness and generosity. The first time I visited this reserve, back in early August, I commented in my blog then, just how helpful the staff are.
I've updated my Sandwell Valley album with a few pictures from this trip and a few attachments below.
Total Comments 3
Comments
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A most enjoyable read of your report of your day at RSPB Sandwell Valley, Alan! A pity with the weather, in my area and many others it was gridlock on the roads due to lack of gritting! Your bird species list more than made up for the weather by the looks of it! Chuffed for you with the Goosanders, a smart bird aren't they! I agree about the staff being friendly and helpful, they really do feel passionate about the reserve and are always willing to help with info etc!
I haven't been to Sandwell Valley for a while now, I will put it on the agenda for this year. Did you walk around the boundary of the reserve? It is a lovely walk and not strenous! The Wildlife garden I see is having improvements done to it, it is a lovely area to linger and to look for bugs and beasties.lol!!
Delightful photo's to compliment your report, Alan!
Posted 04-02-10 at 08:25 AM by Little Sparrow
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A super read Alan,with some stunning images especially the Goldfinch and Goosander!
Always nice to hear of friendly and helpful staff too.......the reserve is one I've not visited but with my youngest son looking to be living in the area for another few years maybe I'll get a chance for a visit one day soon!
Let me know if you're ever planning a trip to Cheshire so I can get out my snow boots will you!!! lol
Posted 04-02-10 at 09:24 AM by Twitcheruth
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Thanks Judith & Ruth,
I was very chuffed with the Goosander, although I think it's ironic that there has been lots of recent sightings of them locally, yet I had to travel 130 miles to see them
I also had my first sightings for this year of Bullfinch, Snipe and G C Grebe, so it's bumped my list up a little.
I walked the perimeter last August Judith, the River Tame is lovely and had quite a few ducks on it. This visit I was too cold and chickened out
It's not a reserve I would recommend someone to go out of their way to visit - simply because it is a small reserve and if you are making a special trip, it may not be what you hoped for, but if you're in the area, such as visiting your son Ruth, then definately go. It is a lovely place and I can't praise the staff enough.Posted 04-02-10 at 01:40 PM by alanjns
