Places to see birds

Elmdon Park

At first glance this park some 2 miles from the town centre, may not appear to be well located, with housing and the Land Rover works on 3 sides and the A45 and Birmingham Airport to the north-east. However with adjacent land it provides an extensive walk and plenty of birdlife. The park can be approached from the west via Tanhouse Farm Road or from the east off Damson Parkway. In the south-west corner is the usual park pool which can produce interesting birds. A few winters back a couple of goosander were present at Xmas and kingfisher has been reported. The adjacent woods can be very productive with siskin, treecreeper, nuthatch, woodpeckers and winter thrushes to be found. From this low area the extensive grassland rises steeply towards the church and is a popular location for toboganning if it snows. Across the lane to the church lies the small Warwickshire Wildlife reserve of Elmdon Manor, which is good for tits and goldcrest. Bullfinch can usually be seen here. Along the lane and to the north-east is a very extensive open wildlife/grassland area with an area of younger trees. Kestrel and green woodpeckers are often found here.
Unfortunately plans to expand Birmingham International Airport, will undoubtedly have a severe impact on this area, particularly if a second runway is built, when the land would disappear into the airport complex.