February round-up

A pretty quiet month in the valley.
At least 3 little grebe were present on the canal throughout the month and are now fully in summer plumage and I suspect about to relocate to their breeding habitat, which could be the racecourse lake.
Similarly with Grey Wagtails although they do sometimes nest within the valley along the Smestow.
Two birds have been regularly at the spill weir and near hordern rd.
Also near Hordern rd was a water vole but be aware that rats are seen far more often hear. my last two sightings have been at exactly the same spot 50 yards south of the road bridge.
Buzzards gradually became more visible during the month with two birds seen over barleyfield, in crowther rd and at Oxley.  Hopefully this could mean a minimum of 6 birds in the northern half of the valley but we need to wait for the warmer weather to be sure (remember the double figure count in autumn.)
Otherwise the lack of finches continues with greenfinches often being most numerous especially around aldersley stadium where up to 40 could be found. Goldcrests continue to be prominent especially around station. A wintering chiffchaff has been present just north of the valley on the Shropshire union canal alongside the sewage works. But sadly no sign of the willow tit which have seen near the canal club in previous years and no sign in the valley which may partly be due to the success of the Great spotted woodpecker which have a reputation for predating willow tit nests.