Following the success of our inaugural WMBC Kestrels walk, our 2nd walk soon came round. This time we were at RSPB Middleton Lakes, and reserve volunteer / WMBC member Colin Sedgwick was leading for us. We were slightly depleted in numbers due to the lurgy, but it was great to meet some of the Kestrels members who hadn’t been on the first walk. The weather-gods were on our side again, and it was a lovely autumnal morning for a walk around the reserve. The walk through the for

Announcing the WMBC Ospreys! A new birding group for young people aged 18-28! We are very excited to announce that we are forming a new group for young adults across the region, the WMBC Ospreys. This will bring together young adults who are interested in birds and nature to meet like-minded people of their own generation and of course so they can get out and about birding together! This is a wonderful opportunity to make friends and enjoy birding together in a relaxed frie

The webpage for our LadyBirders is now live. Please pay a visit and see what's on... LadyBirders

The webpage for West Birmingham Branch is now live. Please pay a visit and see what's on... West Birmingham Branch

Six young birdwatchers joined WMBC’s inaugural Kestrels walk at Belvide Reservoir, enjoying an autumn morning of woodland and wetland birding. Highlights included Kestrel, Black Tern, Pintail, Ringed Plover and Treecreeper, with volunteers helping the group spot birds and build confidence. A successful first outing for WMBC’s new 8–17 young birders group.

Experiencing Life on Fair Isle Earlier this year, we announced a new partnership with Fair Isle Bird Observatory (FIBO) giving two aspiring conservationists the chance to join a residential placement on the island. The joint scheme is designed to support young people from the region who are looking to pursue a career in conservation, helping them gain practical skills and valuable experience of life at a bird observatory. One of those taking part was 20-year-old Ida, who grew

After a short summer break, we began our Autumn / Winter programme of walks with a trip to Brandon Marsh, on the outskirts of Coventry. The site is part of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and is an ideal site for an organised walk; good paths, excellent hides…and a café serving coffee and cake! It was lovely to see some returning faces from our previous walks, as well as lots of new faces. We were joined on the walk by 14 guests, so it made more sense to split into 2 groups

The webpage for Solihull & Warks Branch is now live. Please pay a visit and see what's on... Solihull & Warks Branch

You will be allotted a sector to survey at approximately fortnightly intervals between late February and July. This will include two crepuscular visits in late May/June for Nightjars, Woodcock and Owls. Your results will help monitor and protect vulnerable birds and their habitat. Ideally two volunteers will be allocated per sector, for health and safety and ease of recording. For more information and to get involved contact Chris Evans : stafford@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Announcing the WMBC Kestrels! A new birding group for young people aged 8-17! We are very excited to announce that we are forming a new group for young people across the region, the WMBC Kestrels. This will bring together youngsters who are interested in birds and nature to meet like-minded people of their own generation and of course so they can get out and about birding together! This is a wonderful opportunity to make friends and enjoy birding together in a relaxed frien

Buzzard : present in every month of the year. 3 together on March 1st. 2 on May 20th. 2 juvs calling on August 10th, 3 on the 17th. A minimum of 30 records during the year. Sparrowhawk: birds seen through the year but could be elusive at times. Peregrine: 1 on January 31st,1 on October 28th.1 on December 4th. Tawny owl: one male heard calling at various times through the year.2 males calling on February 7th. Heron : occasional flyovers through the year; 3 records in November

In September and October, the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) are hosting training sessions in the region for people interested in the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). Join BTO staff and passionate birder, David White, to hone your skills of waterbird ID and learn more about the Wetland Bird Survey including how to use BirdTrack to record what you see. This is a great opportunity to increase your confidence in a supportive environment, contribute valuable data for bird re

Courtesy and copyright of the BBC here is the tribute to Bill Oddie aired on 27 July 2026.

We are terribly sad to learn of the passing of Bill Oddie and our hearts go out to his family and friends who will be heartbroken by this news. Whilst so many know him as a comic, entertainer and brilliant naturalist, we in the West Midland Bird Club, know him as one of our own and as a keen lifelong birder. In fact, few people have had such a long, distinguished and enduring association with the West Midland Bird Club as Bill Oddie. Bill's love affair with birds began duri

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