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Publications
The publication of the Club’s three Atlases has been a landmark event in our history, likewise, the production of our Annual Report is the culmination of everything that the Club stands for in the world of British ornithology.
Below you can buy our current report (free to members) and review some of our past reports and newsletters.
Past Annual Reports
Access a treasure trove of ornithological history with our collection of past Annual Reports.
These reports encapsulate years of research, observations, and milestones of the West Midland Bird Club, offering invaluable insights into the region's avian life. Below are snapshots of each report.
The latest copy is free to members.
Old reports can be viewed in full in the members area by subscribing to this website.
Free Past Newsletters
Originally launched in 1948 as 'The Bulletin' by Tony Norris, WMBC NEWS has evolved through various formats to become our key quarterly publication, available in Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter editions.
As a vital tool for club communication, each issue keeps members connected with updates on meetings, bird sightings, and club news.
The latest copy is free to members.
Old newsletters can be viewed in full in the members area by subscribing to this website.
Past Publications
Atlas of Breeding Birds of the West Midlands
The Club published the ‘Atlas of Breeding Birds of the West Midlands’ in 1970 - this was followed by the ‘The Birds of the West Midlands’ in 1982 and the latest work ‘The New Birds of the West Midlands’ was published in 2005. Unfortunately, neither edition are in print.
All three are exemplary works and the second and third Atlas sport dust jackets of original artwork by the renowned bird artist and WMBC member - Michael Warren. The first two works are long since out of publication but the third is still available.
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Betley Mere SSSI Ringing and Bird Reports 1985 - 1994
This document compiles the detailed reports by J.A. Lawrence from 1985 to 1994 on the bird ringing activities and ecological observations at Betley Mere SSSI.
It provided invaluable data on local avian populations and habitat interactions. Originally submitted to Staffordshire County and English Nature, these reports now serve as a significant historical and scientific resource, illustrating the site’s importance in regional ornithological research.
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The Birds of Betley Mere and Surrounding Area 1971 - 1983
This document explores the diverse avian population and ecological dynamics of Batley Mere and its surrounding areas in Staffordshire, an area steeped in natural history and marked by significant geographical changes, including the reassignment of county boundaries and ecological developments. Studied extensively since 1971, the report details regular observations across a 70-hectare site, highlighting species patterns and habitat changes, and contributing crucial data to the understanding of this SSSI region.
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The Status of the Black Redstart in the West Midland Bird Club Region - 2016/17
This survey has been undertaken as a combined effort between the West Midland Bird Club and appropriate counties in the regional network of the British Trust for Ornithology. The aim of the survey is to provide current information concerning the regional status of the Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
