11th November 2009

Cycled to Earlswood during the early morning. A Grey Wagtail and the White-cheeked Pintail were seen at Windmill Pool, whilst 2 Teals, 4 Tufted Ducks, 12+ Siskins, 2+ Lesser Redpolls and a Coal Tit were seen at Terry's Pool. At the scrubland south of Windmill Pool, watched a Sparrowhawk and a Buzzard in different trees, whilst in nearby horse paddocks there was a fair number of passerines, including a group of 4 Song Thrushes, plus a mixed group of finches that included 3 male Bullfinches. Southwest of there, along Small Lane, saw 3 female Bullfinches (maybe they don't like male company!) and a Goldcrest. Heading home, found a dead juvenile Moorhen in the road along Poolhead Lane, Forshaw Heath :-(
M.P. Griffiths

Reminder: Solihull RSPB morning walk at Earlswood Lakes this Saturday (14th). Meet at Malthouse Lane car park (see below) at 10:00 am.