Sunday 2nd August 2026: Middleton Lakes

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 We departed Shropshire today, calling into Middleton Lakes RSPB reserve near Tamworth on our way home. We have not visited here before, but would do so again. The path initially passes through woodland, which was fairly quiet today, but we found Nuthatches in a tall oak tree, alerted by their call. Then Emilie spotted a Treecreeper in the same tree which she got her mum onto, but I didn’t manage to locate. It was great to see her confidence in her find, having had very recent views at Haughmond Hill and Gilfach nature reserve, and clearly describing its striped brown back and white belly.

Continuing onto the wetlands, our target bird was a Wood Sandpiper, which duly revealed itself on a muddy bank, standing close to a Redshank and looking very diminutive in comparison. This was a lifer for Kate and Emilie, and they both had excellent views through my scope. Soon we found a Green Sandpiper too, enabling them to study the differences in plumage, with the Wood Sandpiper sporting a distinctly mottled back and obvious white supercilium. It was also taller and slimmer than the Green Sandpiper. 

With time running short, we started to retrace our steps, then headed along another track, noting a Great White Egret foraging near  the lake edges. Suddenly a Green Woodpecker flew past, flashing its yellow rump as it passed. We moved on and spotted it perched in a dead tree, a juvenile with streaked back and spotted underparts. Later it reappeared just a short distance in front of us, giving another great view. Emilie was thrilled. We ended the session with a tally of 30 species.

Middleton Lakes


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