The first day of competition incredibly saw us both record 53 species!

Kevin: At Netherton Hill, there were five Snipe, four Linnet and a Reed Bunting, whilst 145 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and three adult Great Black-backed Gull (the latter mid afternoon) flew southwards, and a Water Rail was heard (but not counted). In Saltwells Wood, good numbers of Stock Dove, Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatch and Jay were seen, along with a Wood Pigeon sat on a nest. A male Kingfisher, eight Teal and a Buzzard were at Mushroom Green. In late afternoon, birds on Netherton Reservoir included a second-winter Yellow-legged Gull (image below), 600+ Black-headed Gull, 85 Lesser Black-backed Gull, single Tufted Duck and Great Crested Grebe and six Dabchick.

Gareth: First bird of the day was Mallard, the second, Mandarin (image below). A dawn skywatch included 156 Pied Wagtail, 111 Redwing, 103 Fieldfare and 11 Stock Dove. A Raven flew over Wightwick Fields, where there were three Stonechat, two Lesser Redpoll and a Yellowhammer. A Willow Tit was seen near Compton. A total of nine Dabchick were counted along the Staffs & Worcs Canal from Wightwick to Aldersley. Dunstall Park produced 35 Lapwing and two more Lesser Redpoll.