Stuart Hares

Birmingham based birder. Patch watching at Bartley, Bittell Res & Marsh Lane NR. Currently attempting nocmig.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Some superb totals on today's #westmidsalldayer We can't compete with these Premier league sites but Bartley reservoir finished on a creditable 62sp. Thanks to all who took part and to @pmandrews1973 for organising.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Quite an enjoyable #westmidsalldayer at Bartley and Frankley today. About half a dozen of us incl @_kateashley & @jjzomerset managed to get us to the dizzy heights of 68sp! Which we think is a new record for the area. Highlights incl shelduck, whimbrel, LRP & crossbill.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

3 Avocets in Dec was not what I was expecting at Bartley this morning. Just flown high NE

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@pmandrews1973 @Chris23565 @ladywalk_nr @JoshT01UK @chrisaluco Can't say for certain Phil, but it does look like a different bird in the video. A bit more active & less 'chunky'. There's been a few more about this year & the usual bird was at Bittell last Saturday.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Not sure if it's a first for Bartley area or not, but there is a Cattle Egret in the field at the southern end. Technically in Worcs I suppose! #WorcsBirds

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Adult Med Gull at Bartley Res feeding with black heads from Scotland Lane. Didn't even have to leave the car!

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@TerryHinett @pmandrews1973 Cheers Terry. The Knot was a Bartley & West Mids county tick for me.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Brent Goose at Bartley this morning. With Canadas, best viewed from Scotland Lane @WestMidsBirding

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@pmandrews1973 Yes Phil. Dark-bellied, not much of a collar, so prob a juv. Just about got knot in pic below

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Got a Knot now! Feeding on north east shore, just north of the spit

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@WestMidsBirding Just flown off North. My 3rd here.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Superb bit of vis-mig on Lickey Hills this morning. One Hawfinch over Bilberry Hill was enough, but was followed by 5, then 4 more and another single, all going NW. Someone picked up 5 more going the other way but managed to miss those. @WorcsBirding #worcsbirds

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@pmandrews1973 @BelvideBirding Bittell bird still in residence this morning

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@Clive_Davies1 @Staffsbirdnews Was wondering where it had got to. Assuming it's the one from N Worcs, first seen at Bittell in Aug 2022. Last seen Apr 2024 in the company of a WF Goose that may also have abandoned its wild instincts!

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@rbstrng Nice one Rob. Curlew are quite scarce at Bittell.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Nice to catch up with the White-fronted Goose that was at Bittell earlier this year, now at Grange Lane, Alvechurch. Less satisfying to see it hanging out with 'that' Bean Goose 🤦‍♂️

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Bit cold out this morning, so my earliest ever Sand Martin at Upper Bittell was a bit of a surprise #worcsbirds @WorcsBirding

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Unexpectedly came across the Bittell Bean Goose this afternoon, along Watery Lane, Lea End. Just hanging out on a farm pond with 30+ Canadas, which is not going to do its wild credentials any harm whatsoever 🤣

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

Enjoying looking at everyone's #Birdtrack summaries. Quite envious of some! Mine shows a similar number of species to 2022, but 50% increase in complete lists & increase in places from 33 to 79! Did a lot of exploring & the app has really helped with this.

[Stuart Hares @stewpotstew]

@sec_462 Couldn't see any just now, but have re-found 5 back at Ridgeacre Lane near Tescos again