Thursday November 10th

Ladywalk NR
At 0900hrs a Bittern was at Crake Corner. The first of this winter period it showed on and off throughout the morning (Steve Cawthray et al). Also 75+ Shovelor, 2 Goosander, 2 Pochard, Green Sandpiper and a Little Egret.

Middleton RSPB
Staffs: 2 Great White Egret flew north from Jubilee Wetland at 1135 hrs; one was thought to have returned to Dosthill NR shortly after. 3 Shelduck, 4 Goldeneye, 5 Dunlin, 35 Golden Plover, 4 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper and 2 Cetti's warblers were also present (Steve Atkinson).

Shustoke Res
2 Redshanks and 43 Pochard (Bob Duckhouse).

On this day in 1985 the Region experienced a small influx of Skuas, after much larger numbers on the East coast the same day. Pomarines were seen at Chasewater and Sheepwash Urban Park and three Arctics were seen at Blithfield. In the Tame Valley I was completely bamboozled when a flyby Pomarine was closely followed by an Arctic at Coton Lakes. This was so unexpected at the time I could only guess at the identities as it was so brief and, therefore, the records were not submitted as 100% certain. Observers at Ladywalk NR told me that all the birds on the reserve took to the air just after the time of the Arctic, which headed their way.