Chasewater Chat - 2010

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We welcome all your sightings, news and opinions.

  To contact us please send your e-mails and comments to

cwg_comments at yahoo.co.uk

Hi Graham

We paid a visit to Stubbers Green on Monday 30th August and took some pictures. If you are interested I have attached a few. These are low res for your site so some detail has been lost. I was taking a gull landing and when I looked afterwards I noticed what I believe to be a Tufted Duck. Its a very large crop taken at 400mm focal length. There are 2 other birds, a gull and a duck that I am unsure about. The rest I have named.

Hope these are of use to you.

Kindest regards

Trev

Hi Graham

I was walking around the area today and visited the feeding station. All the feeders and containers have been removed. I was wondering if this is in preperation for the winter or if the station is not going to be used this year. I have looked through previous posts but cant find any reference to this.

Thanks a lot

Trev

The feeding station is going to be relocated for the coming winter so that it won't be on the SSSI heathland. The site will be on the edge of the alders at the end of Fly Bay, a little more accessible than the old site but still hidden away sufficiently to give the birds a chance to feed.

All the best,

Graham

http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/08/Zinos-petrel-disaster.html 

hi there , very interesting letter about Chasewater in the RSPB Birds magazine , august issue .

 How very true indeed ,and very sad too .

Glyn

My wife and I thought we would create laughter with birders who've seen the Franklin's Gull and give comfort to those who haven't. So far, we've paid 5 visits and spent 7 hours each trying to see it, to no avail. We've been there at all times between 17:00 and 21:15. Can anyone beat our record? Our latest attempt saw us get there on 24/07 at around 17:15. The gull must have flown off whilst we were walking from the car park!

We know of one birder who got there at 04:00 one morning knowing that the bird had roosted the previous night. Was it there? Was it heck!  In the words of Clark Gable -" Franklin's my dear, I don't give a damn".

Will we back if it's reported? You bet.

Regards,

Graham & Chris Weston

Hi there. I visited with a couple of other birders from Manchester for the Franklin's Gull this evening. It flew off at 7.25pm just as we arrived and
didn't see it, so we hung around until dusk and the bird returned with some of the last returning gulls for the roost at 9.45pm in near darkness on the last scan before calling it a day. Very lucky!
Also present were 1 Little Egret, 2+ Yellow-legged Gulls (1 ad, 1+ 1st Sum), 1+ intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Peregrine (juv, causing mayhem amongst the gulls and waders), 2 Cormorants, 1 Pochard, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Linnets.
A lovely site and I hope to return soon.

Also an adult Med Gull was in the roost this evening (21/07)
Thanks. Henry Cook

Hi Graham,
I took a stroll with my wife and the camera down to the swan pools tonight , I've included 2 photos of a Little Egret and the heron. I was amazed how many cars stopped to have a look.
 
Best regards   Andy & Annmarie Swift

Photos taken at Swan Pool, Stubbers Green

Hi Graham,

Thursday 3rd June. A Profusion of Dingy Skippers and Common Blues along the railway embankment adjacent to the Slurry pool. Small heaths everywhere plus solitary Brimstone and Peacock between the Slurry pool and the Swag. Several Four-spotted chasers on the Slurry pool near the cotton grass, plus Broad-bodied chasers alongside the boardwalk on the small pond. Cuckoo calling from dead tree on North heath with 3 Red deer nearby, 2 being young stags in velvet.

Cheers for now, Kev McCarthy

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE WEST MIDLANDS BIRD CLUB WEBSITE;

http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/misc

Quote from the above website;

"Disturbance To Rare Breeding Birds

It has been brought to our attention that people have been photographing rare, protected breeding species on Cannock Chase and at other sites within our region, and that extensive use of bird recordings on mobile phones etc. is taking place, so as to lure these species into the open. Not only is this illegal, where 'Schedule 1' birds are concerned, but it discourages the birds from remaining in the area and could place them and their nest, eggs and young at increased risk of predation or other loss.

The Club strongly condemns this practice. If you witness anyone acting in such a way, please contact your local police wildlife crime officer, or the investigations section at the RSPB:

• Cannock Police Station: 0300 123 4455

• Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111 (will pass the details, anonymously, to the relevant police force anywhere in the country.)

• RSPB: 01767 680 551

Any member of the Club found to be acting in such a manner will have their membership terminated immediately and permanently. It should be born in mind that substantial fines and/or a prison sentence could result for those found guilty.

By watching birds and other wildlife responsibly, we can all help our rare species to flourish.

The Management Committee
May 2010"

Further information;

http://www.bto.org/notices/birdwatchers_code/bwc.pdf

Quote;

..............................................

I fully support the comments in your post regarding the law and common sense about disturbing birds and their nesting sites, whether photography, bird watching, or more serious vandalism is concerned. Can I suggest that a list of the more common birds listed in schedule 1 be posted here. A full list would be too large I feel, and unnecessary, but to cover the species most likely found around the greater Chase area would be useful. Most of us know some of the more common birds that might be schedule 1, but many (myself included) are not aware of all the ones we are likely to come across in this area and could easily fall foul of the law inadvertently through ignorance. Apart from the law side, most responsible enthusiasts would not want to cause a disturbance anyway especially of an endangered species.

I hope this suggestion is of use and that someone in the group with the necessary knowledge can advise.

Regards Trev

For more information on wildlife and conservation law please see the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website and also the Wildlife and Countryside Act on the OPSI website

All the best, Nat

Dear CWG,

I am a birder from south Manchester area around Stockport.

I recently came to the area to see the Hoopoe at Clayhanger.

As I arrived at Clayhanger early in the morning and saw the Hoopoe very well, I decided to also try Chasewater.

This was my first ever visit and I was not expecting to see such low water levels. It had the impression of an estuary rather than a reservoir.

What is happening to the lake to cause such low levels?

I had a few good sightings including Sanderling and Greenshank as I walked around the lake.

There were also some Little Ringed Plovers on the stoney ground just after passing the train station. These birds appeared to be paired up and were displaying.

People and dogs were walking over the area and the Little Ringed Plovers flew off out of sight.

Does the Wildlife Group have plans to protect such rare breeding birds?

I have just found your website and started to read the sightings pages.

I will definitely visit again as I travel the M6 on a regular basis.

Keep up the good work

Simon Prince

I have recently started a blog covering my local birding patch Lutley Wedge in the West Mids which may be of interest to local birdwatchers around Chasewater. Please could you link me in from your site, I have provided a link on my site to C.W.G.

Blog address:-  http://lutleybirder.blogspot.com

Many Thanks 

Craig.

Can anyone explain the hundreds of bones all over the floor of Chasewater now most of the water has drained away?  What are they from and how did they get there?  This afternoon we walked from the power boat side towards the middle and where the mud has dried out there are masses of smallish bones, mostly bigger than chicken bones.  They are visible part way down the cracks in the mud as well as on the top.

Liz (Bolton)

Does anyone know? Please send any thought or comments to cwg_comments at yahoo.co.uk (replace 'at' with @)

Hi Liz, I've been meaning to refer to all the bones for quite a while and have now added a comment and photo to the diary for May 4th. The bones are almost certainly all the remains of our Sunday and Christmas dinners that the gulls have scoffed whole whilst feeding on the local landfills. We have always wondered what effect the gull roost has had on the quality of the lake's water and now we at least have a visual clue. I'm sure there are people who can tell us more about the impact these bones, and everything else that comes out of the gulls, has upon the lake's ecosystems and it would be good to hear from them. All the best, Graham.

Liz, good afternoon.

The bones will be from a number of different sources.
Most will have been regurgitated by gulls roosting at Chasewater. Factory roofs with roosting gulls are also usually adorned with various bones.

Some bones could also have come from birds and animals that have died in and around Chasewater. These will over time settle to certain areas of the lake bed due to currents and wash caused by the speedboats.

best regards Ian

Hi.

I was just walking around ChaseWater and just past the Boat Club there was a Swan wing and lots of feathers. As I continued walking a couple of steps and there was a dead Swan to the left of me, I didn't approach it as I was a bit upset. 

I tried to telephone someone but I got through to the boat club for some reason. I explained the situation and they said they would contact the ranger.

I was wondering if they had done so? Also could you please let me know the age of the swan and what had happened. I'm hoping it's a young Swan as if it is a grown swan the partner will be cut up with grief.

As the wing was ripped off do you know what happened? Was it a large dog maybe as I'm assuming a Fox would have been fought off? I'm so upset about this - I absolutely hate to see dead animals, perhaps the shallow water was a contributing factor to this attack?

Also could you please inform me of a telephone number for the rangers or someone I could contact on weekends as well in case of something like this happening again.

Thank you

Kez

Hi Kez, I have posted your message here so that other members of the group, who may have seen the swan, can answer your questions. Unfortunately I haven't seen the bird. It's difficult to say what could have caused it's demise without having seen it- the wing may have been torn post mortem. There are a couple of contact numbers I have taken from Lichfield District Councils website for you; the Countryside team on 01543 308164 or Chasewater Rangers on 01543 370607. There was a terrible incident with a swan last year which you can read about here.

All the best, Natalie

I've now put a link to the superb Birdlife Community website on our Links Page. It certainly adds a few more absorbing hours of quality and thought provoking reading! Graham

Hello,

I've just returned from a walk around Chasewater. At about 4 o'clock on the North Shore a Short-eared Owl was hunting. (Apparently very successfully).

I've attached two photographs I managed to get. Apologies for the quality but I had the wrong lens, of course!!

Whilst watching the owl I had a close encounter with a Fox carrying what appeared to be a Magpie.

Best Regards

Pete Harper

Hello,

I have attached a photo of the owl taken on Monday afternoon.

He/she was too intent on its prey to worry about me.

The concentration as it dropped the last three feet onto the unfortunate victim is quite something.

Best Regards

Pete Harper

I've just come across the pictures of the horses that got stuck in Chasewater, as for your little comment beside I don't think it's right as you don't know the facts. I wasn't there but I am the owner of the horse in the pictures. The girls that were riding were not even near the silt at the time. But they were attacked by a dog that was lose, this dog bit one of the horses which caused them to bolt off, they ended up in the silt through shear panic trying to get away from the dog. All riders had been thrown off whilst the horses had tried to escape so I want to know how they were foolhardy? They were out trying to enjoy a summers night! The owner of the dog fled, leaving two young distraught girls on the floor, the adult rider had been knocked unconscious and had broke her foot! He hadn't brought a lead out for his dog, so I'd like to know why the girls who are totally not to blame should be made to look silly like they could of prevented this? I spent 7 hours the following day calming my horse down and bathing him. The two girls both were in shock and were very shook up, and my good friend still is poorly with her back. The lesson is here is not to judge as you see! The main culprit here is the dog walker, a coward and an irresponsible pet owner.
This is not a hate message as I'm sure it comes across, but it got me very upset to see the pictures then the comment saying that it was the girls fault.
I hope more people become aware of horse riders as we should all be able to enjoy Chasewater together.
Thank you. Abie Stanley.

 

Hello Abie,

Thank you very much for responding to the diary entry and now we have more detail as to what happened we will be able to modify the diary. Yet again it seems that an irresponsible dog owner has been the cause of a really nasty and potentially very serious incident. The Council has drawn up a voluntary code of conduct for dog owners where between April and August the shores of the lake are a no go area for dogs. The trouble is that, apart from putting it on their website, they don't seem to have told anyone yet!

I'm not sure about the Council's view regarding horse riding on the shore, you probably know far more than we do, but the rare and protected shoreline vegetation, much of which is a Site of Special Scientific Importance, can be badly damaged by excessive trampling by both human feet and horses' hooves.

We are very pleased to hear that the horses have recovered and we hope that the children and adult involved have not been too traumatised by the unfortunate incident.
All the best, Graham Evans

Thank you for your reply. As for riding along the front, when the incident happened they weren't even by there, I can vouch for the girls on my yard that they never ride along there anyway as we know it's dangerous and some of us at least do our homework about where we're riding before we go. But thanks to the incident I don't think any of the girls will be riding over there any time soon as it's too dangerous.
Thank you again, Abie Stanley.

Hi Graham

I wonder if you can advise please, I am a regular reader of your web site and often see references to Jacks Wood. Now, it might be me being stupid, but I cant seem to find a way into the wood to see what's going on. I checked mainly the Church Road area but it seems to be all surrounded by a steel fence.

My main interest is natural history photography and regularly visit the feeding station, but am always on the look out for different locations. You may remember, I sent in the picture of the turtle on the no fishing notice some time ago.

If you can advice please it would be appreciated, or if you know of any other sites around Chasewater that are suitable. I ask that because reading your daily logs you seem to be able to spot the visitors in certain areas, but I have yet to find them lol.

Thanks again and kindest regards.

Trev

 Hi Trev, Since the building of the by-pass, Jack's Wood can only be accessed by a path that leads from Church Street just opposite the old school and just before the row of houses that lead to Chasetown Football Club.

All the best, Graham

Hi

I enjoy looking at the diary to see the bird sightings around Chasewater….but can you tell me why some species are in bold text and others are not?.....just curious.

Regards

Stuart Drury

Hi Stuart, they are usually in bold if they are a species 'of note', for examples the first migrants of spring or less common species either at Chasewater or the region.

All the best

Nat

Hi,
I sadly feel that the deer numbers may now be down to 37.
Coming from Lichfield on Sunday afternoon, half way between The old Three Tuns pub and Pipehill lights there was a red deer lying dead on the footpath.
That isn't a long way across the fields and I wonder if the Chasewater deer do wander as far as Lichfield.

Pat

This has got me puzzled, ever since I was a lad I was always warned not to swim in the 'pool' because the weeds would trap you. Also when I went fishing in there more often than not I would get my line caught and reel in a load of weed. But now nothing , only stones, tyres and black mud, what has happened ? Anyone know.

A puzzled JB.

Hi, I would imagine most of the plant life in Chasewater dies back in the winter, lies dormant and begins to grow again in the Spring. Hopefully someone with more knowledge of Chasewater's plant life may be able to shed more light on this; if I get any further replies I will post them here

Nat

Hi there,

I was just reading posts from other people and was shocked at the one about the 17 dead gulls.

This has upset quite a bit - I saw 2 dead a few weeks ago, 1 by the edge of the park - just by the railway cafe and 1 by the other side of the park; by the steps going down into the pool.

They may be the ones Pat had already counted. Does anyone have any idea why they're dying?

It's such a shame, maybe it has something to do with the draining of the pool? Or maybe some type of animal? Surely not dogs as what type of owner would/could allow their dogs to kill 17 birds!?

Can you inform me of where the bird feeder is? I've never come across it but would absolutly love too!

I'm coming from the Norton East road way so directions from there would be fab!

Also I would like to say I throughly enjoy looking at the picture sent in by the readers of this website - they're truly beautiful!

Thanks for keeping such a wonderful website - so informative & time consuming - I could spend all day browsing your sightings!

Kez

Hi Kez, thank you for the compliments on the website. The feeding station is marked on the map (see home page). Any dead birds found can be reported to DEFRA (when deaths are 10 or more as in this case). Unfortunately the results of any analysis they perform are not given to us as members of the public (see private email for further information)

Keep enjoying Chasewater and remember to send us your sightings

All the best

Nat

Hi, I have attached a few photos taken at the chasewater feeding station recently, The photo of the rat was taken just before he jumped out of the tree onto the feeding table!  :) please feel free to use any on the website if you wish.
Thanks
Stu

After having read the discussions on the LDC Chasewater Dam Blog  anyone wishing to sign a petition to 'save Chasewater's fish' can follow this link sent in by Derek Sadler.
http://www.gopetition.com.au/online/35001.html

Dear CWG, 

The Pink Footed Goose, presumably the same one as seen at Stubbers Green recently, was seen today 25/3/2010 along the canal between Longwood Bridge in Aldridge and Park Lime Pits in Rushall. Walking from Longwood Bridge pass under Riddians Bridge and it was in the second field on the right across the canal with several Canada Geese.

Regards

Harry

I spotted this goose while i visited chasewater today sunday 21st .. i assume its the pink footed goose mentioned earlier in the week
Also i was lucky enough to see the frogs spawning the same day ... what a rare treat
kay cunningham

Hi Kay, I think the goose is a Chinese goose (a feral/domestic/introduced bird). I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. The pink-footed goose is being seen at Stubbers Green which is a small lake near Shelfield in the West Midlands where lots of Chasewater's gulls hang around to bathe after feeding on the tips. I can send you a location map if you'd like. The frogs are out in force, great to see some pictures thank you

All the best

Nat

Hi. Yesterday afternoon my husband and I was talking to a member of your group. After he drove away we moved off the road and onto the beach. We had just turned the bend coming away from the jetty opposite the railway buildings. After just a few paces we came across a dead gull. After only a few more steps we saw another one. Altogether along that stretch of beach between the jetty and the car parks near the entrance to Chasewater we saw 7 dead gulls. All were the same breed. This is a picture of one of them (hopefully I manage to send it to you}
Pat

Unfortunately I have not been able to download the picture. Pat, I have sent you an email regarding reporting the birds. Regards, Natalie

Hi we walked the west shore again today and found another 10 dead gulls this brings the total to 17 discovered since Saturday we have not walked the other shores yet so we don’t know if there are more casualties. I rang DEFRAs dead bird line this morning and registered the deaths they said they would call me if they needed any more info and said to notify the council. We also witnessed the netting of the large pool by the pier, A few small fish were rescued along with an eel about three and a half feet long these were released into the main pool. The north side of the speedboat jetty is a small pool which contains 2 large unfortunately dead eels a real shame they could not have been saved. Regards Mick.

Thank you for taking the time to report the birds, DEFRA are normally pretty helpful. 17 is a lot, they tend to follow up reports of 10+. Please let me know if they get in touch with you. Did you get chance to report to the council too or do you need help finding a contact number? Let me know. Regards, Natalie

Mick and Pat's image of one of the dead black-headed gulls

I sadly fear that the 39 deer are now reduced to 38, I am sure that this morning at about 6.20 I saw a body of either a deer or something big on the side of the road where Hanney Hay Rd goes over the toll. 

John Butler

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed a trip to the feeding station on Sat 27th although it was very wet & dull and I got soaked it was well worth the effort. I am amazed at how bright the bullfinches are... not seen them that brightly coloured before on other walks. I saw a few different tit varieties which I was over the moon with as I find them so hard to photograph as they’re so quick. I have enclosed a few pics of the hour or so I was up there & will get some better photos when the weathers a bit brighter

It’s a place I will visit frequently from now on

Kay 

Hi, I had another wander up to the feeding station Monday 1st March & took a wrong turning but doing so I almost walked into 3 stags just off the main track. I also managed to see 2 brown rats at the feeding station & the usual birds...what an enjoyable morning 

It took an hour to walk home as everyone wanted to stop & chat what a friendly bunch you get up Chasewater  

I have enclosed a few pics of the deer & the rats

Kay

Thank you for the pictures Kay

All the best

Nat

Thanks for your information on how to find the feeding station, we went and found it on Sunday morning it was sound lots of different birds in there eating away, very good.

On another point , the emptying of the pool is really intriguing me, does any one know where the ' plug' hole is or are there any plans etc showing the detail, I have looked on the council site but I can’t see anything. Surely if it is not dead centre in the deepest part some water will remain for some time. Also who thinks there will be a big find of some kind in there be it grisly or war linked or something along those lines. Lots of things are being found within throwing distance of the dam, some one I know found a load of cats last weekend ( don't worry not real ones ! ) they were some kind of porcelain figurines, trumpets. I found a mallet on Sunday. It will be interesting to see what happens.  I think there will be some army type devices, when I was young the names of the areas were different, Fly Bay was the ' target' because it was said that the army practised there, Fly Pool was the Cinder Hole, the seven hills were there but they are long gone along with the ' Willow Wood' pool and another swag. When we were young in the late 50's you would find lots of bullet cases in the ground over by this area. I am finding the whole operation very sad , but at the same time fascinating.

John & Sue  

Hi John and Sue, the plug hole is now revealing it's location as a small vortex that can be viewed from the dam. I saw it today while out walking, no one else seemed to notice it as it's not that impressive yet

Nat 1.3.10

Hi there,

I’ve been following your daily updates for over a year now and have been particularly interested in the changes in Chasewater now that the level is constantly falling. I like to get over there every month or so and managed a trip over on Saturday afternoon.

It was just as the sun was setting so I managed to get some nice shots and have attached a couple you may like. The first is of the receding waters looking North (ish) with the visitor centre about 100 yards behind me. The other is a silhouette shot of the castle which would only normally be possible from a boat !!

Keep up the good work

Cheers,

Andy Colman

Beautiful images Andy, thank you for sharing them

Natalie

The week after I sent these pictures, I bumped in to Graham at the reservoir. It was nice to be able to put a face to the web-site.

The reason for writing now is that I notice from the site that the fish rescue is likely to take place next week. I would be very interested in helping out if that is feasible (other people seem to be volunteering via the site) and could have a day off work if necessary.

Could you keep me posted with any developments?

Many Thanks

Andy

Hi Andy; the site your are referring to is the Lichfield District Council Chasewater Blog which we have linked to via our news page. This website is distinct from the Chasewater Wildlife Group Site. A lot of people have been adding comments to their blog offering help but I would imagine contacting the council by phone and offering to help would be better. I am trying to find out the best contact number to use and will get back to you.

Regards, Natalie

As a local angler I’ve been very interested in Chasewater for years (even joined the boating club so I could do my own survey of the lake) and have been a part of netting team all over the West Midlands. What happens when they net lakes like this is they do have an interest in the fish but of the 50000 fish estimated to be in the lake their only concern is of the 400 to 600 premium fish they mention. These are the fish like specimen pike, catfish, large bream, and carp which they will sell on to fisheries all over the U.K. to the highest bidder. These fish will have a high price tag 'cause they have reached this size not by anglers bait but by natural ways and are priceless. I think that all these specimen fish should be put in the swag pool next to Chasewater along with as many of the smaller fish as they can get in there and kept in there till such time they can be re-introduced back to their natural environment where they belong. There are many people wanting to
know what monsters are going to come up in these nettings so please back me and lets keep these fish where they belong in Chasewater. I'm sure in a few years to come if they are put back Chasewater will stand to make a lot more money out of anglers that want to fish for these specimen fish than they will ever make from speed boats and the sailing club. Stick together its on your door step
 
Hope this has some effect

Derek ****** thank you

Thank you for your comments Derek. A lot of people are very worried about the fate of the fish. Have you voiced your concerns and suggestions to Lichfield District Council?

Natalie

Dear Site Readers

Having spoken with British Waterways employees on Friday whilst walking around Chasewater and they were of the opinion that every drop of water is to be taken out - completely emptied.

The impact will catastrophic - apart from the effect on the food cycle the impending death of fish will be witnessed by hundreds of visitors to the park. I noticed fish in the 9 foot struggling in inches of water - imagine that on a much wider scale.

I have asked LDC to comment on the rescue plan - including the bullheads - but have had no definitive reply.

An impending farce.......

(No name included with email comment) Please include your name in the future or your emails will not be included (GE).

How very distressing to see the fish struggling like that. Did you inform the rangers?

Natalie

The CWG is also very concerned about how the long-term ecology of the lake will be affected and hope that everything possible will be done to ensure that the quality of the refill water will be of a standard suitable for allowing the rare aquatic and littoral vegetation to recover as well as fish and crayfish populations, the latter having massively crashed over the past couple of years.

At a meeting with Neil Turner, LDC Leisure Services Manager, last week we were given details of how the water levels are going to be lowered and how fish populations are going to be managed. The following is a copy of the information from the LDC Chasewater Blog.

With regards to the timing of the fish rescue, the team at Chasewater are waiting for the water level to drop a little lower, so it will be easier for us to catch as many fish as possible.

We plan to catch a sample of fish this week, so we can confirm the fish population is healthy. Once the test results are in, we will be able to confirm the locations where the fish will be released.

We continue to work closely with British Waterways and the Environment Agency to ensure that we carry out the operation properly, and we expect the main rescue to be completed by the end of March – before the start of the fish spawning season.

As soon as more details are known they will be posted to the blog.

The level of the lake when full is at 152m above sea level. It is now down to 148m and will continue to be lowered to 144m when it will be the same level as the canal and further water will need to be pumped out as necessary but there will always be around a metre of water left in the lake and the streams will be allowed to continue to flow. During the works on the dam the Swag will be left to find its own levels but it may need lowering during October and November when the culvert is put into the causeway.

I hope Neil takes this opportunity to reply to our Chasewater Chat as I know he cares greatly for the wildlife of the site, including the Bullheads, and he told me at the meeting that Natural England has advised that the whole site should be regarded as a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Importance) during the course of the works.

Graham

From a personal point of view I would like to see representatives of LDC out and about on the dam, particularly at the weekends. They can educate the public on the works and help reduce the number of rumours flying around. The LDC blog is great but how many people know it's there? There are so many people with a passion for the place that are forming their own often misguided opinions. We talk to people when we're out and about and you wouldn't believe the rumours that are flying around. It's no good having a few signs or a display in the innovation centre as people walk around with their eyes closed (it took me a week to notice the signs!). Straight from the horses mouth would make a huge difference.

Nat

Its the way of the world; Councils have to represent their taxpayers as a priority just as companies have to represent their shareholders. We all have restrictions put on what we would ideally want. You want to remain anonymous yet others want your email deleted, we can't all have our way, Paul. As for the pumps, once the level reaches 144m (the level of the canal), pumps will have to be used to send the water uphill but it does not necessarily mean the final 2-3m will be completely drained. Graham

Hi there

I have been out & about this week & took this pic of a waxwing on the small garden in the centre of Norton Canes. The date was 20.2.10. Also a Mistle thrush I saw in the trees by Norton swag

Can you tell me whereabouts the feeding station is please & if it’s possible to take pics there?

Kay Cunningham

Kay, good morning.

Thank you for the great photographs. The waxwing is a very rare sighting this winter.

The feeding station has been marked on the map on the website (directions in your inbox). The screens provide good cover and there are some very good photo opportunities with good numbers of bullfinch, reed bunting and occasional willow tit.

best regards

Ian Ward

Thanks for the reply Ian

I did have a good walk all round the pool on Sunday & didn't see anything different but saw 3 deer in an area near the blanket of snowdrops & near the plastic that's been installed to stop the newts wandering off  

I had no idea there was so much beauty up there its amazing & I will be a regular walker round the swag & Chasewater

I spent a few hours watching the swans courting & generally showing off which was very entertaining & I think the lovely pair that I have followed for the last year on the swag have seen there cygnets off to the big pool

I got some pretty good photos of the cob I assume defending the food I was feeding them when the Canada geese arrived last year he was pretty aggressive with the geese & I also got one of him picking a coot up & throwing it

Out of interest when do they ring the cygnets & I have noticed the cob on the swag has a metal ring but the pen has a metal one & a yellow one is that normal or could the cobs coloured ring have come off

I have enclosed a few swan photos but I could go on forever taking photos of them & never tire of seeing them & everything else that inhabits this lovely area.

Many thanks for the reply

Kay Cunningham

Thanks for the posts Kay. Your Waxwing record is wonderful (and so are the photos). There are many years when no Waxwings are seen in the Midlands and yours is certainly the first I've heard of in this area this year. Graham

The feeding station is still very busy and is being topped up several times a day some days, which is fantastic. I've noticed that sometimes the fat balls in the hanging feeder are being emptied out onto the table, leaving the hanging feeders empty. This is great for the bullfinches and other birds that use the table but don't forget these little guys;

The long-tails use the hanging feeders all the time and prefer the fat balls to anything else. They are such lovely little characters, I could watch them for hours.

All the best

Nat

Hello

I stumbled across your site by accident, but I am thrilled to find you.  My first bird watching experiences were at Chasewater, years ago.  I used to go there every evening after work (living in Brownhills on Ogley Road, it was ideal).  I only wish I had taken it more seriously back then.  My first "rarity" was a Bar-Tailed Godwit there, which was pointed out by a chap called Phil!  Happy memories!

I shall continue to follow and enjoy your site.

Wishing you all the best

Angie

Hi Angie, Chasewater is lovely in the evening and a great place to unwind after work. I've not been so lucky to see a godwit there unfortunately. Thank you for the message and I hope you enjoy the site

Natalie

Thanks for your great website.

Having lived in the area all my life and benefited from the joys of Chasewater I despair at the current work that is taking place and the confusion regarding how the fish stocks are to be safeguarded.

Apart from the survey that has taken place and the promise that British Waterways are going to transfer the remaining fish to BW waters (not the Swag or Stowe Pool!) I have seen no specific mention of the humble bullheads (millers thumb) and what fate awaits them as the levels drop.

Bullheads are a protected species, and although they don't compare to the beauty of a big roach or pike I still believe they deserve a fighting chance as the rocks they frequent become exposed and eventually dry up.

Like lots of other people it sometimes needs a project like the dam repair to fuel my enthusiasm to help and I intend to attend your meeting on Tuesday to join the group and hopefully lend a hand to minimise the impact on our lovely environment - perhaps others will.

Paul

Hi Graham,

I do not know if you were the birder I met on Mon 8th Feb or your mate.
Anyway you guided me to the Slurry pool and Smew.
Also tried to show me a Med Gull on main Lake and I had a blond moment and could not see it.
but just after you left I managed to get a Glaucous gull in flight over the raft amongst Great BBGulls.
Thought you would like to know for your records.

Andy Butler.

Hi,

I just thought I would forward you a photo of the drake Smew that I took on Monday 8th Feb.  The bird was partially concealed behind branches on the small island at the Slurry Pool.  Also of interest was a Willow Tit that was seen in the area of damp woodland where the footpath runs between Jeffrey's Swag and Slurry Pool.

Cheers Jason Kernohan

Jason, thank you for the image. It does appear to be a favourite spot for the Smew lately. It was almost invisible behind the branches all but a small flash of white on Tuesday.

Natalie

Some of you may well have seen my wife and I walking round the pool, we are the ones with the 3 legged greyhound, any way could someone tell me  :- A) where is the feeding station for the small birds, is it in the field near the sailing club ? B) this is more difficult, we all know that the water is being released from the pool to the canal by the valve, is the process reversible, i.e. could the pool be refilled from the canal when ready ? Thanks,

John and Sue

The feeding station is actually to the North of the North Heath close to the fence that runs alongside fly pool. Graham has marked it on the map (I have sent directions to your email address)

Regards the canal and the reservoir- the canal is fed by gravity from the reservoir so unfortunately the process cannot be reversed. The reservoir will refill from rainfall and the various tributaries that feed into it. It is thought it could take three to four years to refill completely.

All the best

Natalie

Hi, Many congratulations on your excellent website. I had a very enjoyable visit to Chasewater and Stubber's Green yesterday. The feeding station was very busy and I had at least three, probably four Willow Tits visiting and the Bullfinches were the least wary individuals I've ever come across. I agree, it's a shame the council have cleared the scrub to ground level. All those potential Willow Tit nest stumps gone to waste. We have the same problem in Oxfordshire where the powers that be target their environmental efforts in one direction at the cost of all others. In your case I think it's the heath that takes priority.

An hour at Stubber's Green produced good views of the three regular star birds; the Glaucous and Iceland Gulls and the 1st winter Caspian Gull. We've had ten different 1st winter cachinnans in South Oxfordshire during January and it's interesting to note than none of them had moulted their inner tertials or greater coverts unlike the Stubber's Green bird. I've attached some pics. 

Keep up the good work.

Cheers, Ian Lewington

Hi Ian,

Many thanks for the images. It's great to know our willow tits are getting some attention.

Thank you for the kind remarks about the website

Regards

Natalie Ward

Hello Graham, Please find 2 No. Videograbs of Glaucous & Caspian Gulls. Regards Phil Parsons

Hi Phil, thank you for the images, I managed to download them without any problems this time

Regards

Natalie

My name is Michael Clinton I am 8 years old and a member of Chase water wildlife group and so is my grandad Bob Smith we went to the feeding station on Saturday 30th Jan 2010 and I took my first photos of some birds. There was a bullfinch on on of the feeders and a bluetit looking in one of the boxes near to the feeding station. I hope you like them from Michael.

Hi Michael, welcome to the group. I'm glad you enjoyed the feeding station. It's one of my favourite places. Thank you for the photographs, keep up the good work.

All the best

Natalie

Just a few notes on observations made on February 1st. Chasewater missed the overnight snowfall I left behind in Walsall, but it was still a beautiful morning following a night of heavy frost. The drake smew was near the power boat club, accompanied by three goldeneye. Two nice drake shovelers also present. Flushed a fox from the embankment by the slurry pool at 9:25am. Three red deer stags on the north heath, engaging in a bout of antler sparring, accompanied by occasional grunts. Buzzard and fieldfares present at Heathfield Farm.

Cheers for now Kevin McCarthy

Hi Kevin, thank you for your email. It's always nice to see a fox; my husband saw one in the same area, he was lying in the middle of the path enjoying the sunshine one morning!

Kind regards

Natalie Ward

Hi Nat, I've also noticed Ian loafing around in the middle of paths. He wants to be careful as he might cause a nasty accident one day :-) Gray

Hi Gray, I did think about editing my ambiguous comment but I think I'll leave it- who knows what other strange behaviours people might start to report :-) Nat

I took the attached photo today at Stubbers about 12.45 if you want to use it on your website.
Ken Mather

Hi Ken, thank you for the image. Stubbers is always a great place to study the gulls.

Natalie