Report of Visit to Oldbury Power Station February 9th 2026
Seventeen of us gathered at Oldbury Power Station for our annual U3A birding visit. We were lucky that the morning remained dry for us but of course the recent continuous downpours meant that the paths were wet and slippery.
Our first surprising sighting was a Muntjac deer trapped within the Power Station's parallel security fences before security staff set about rescuing it. We embarked on the slippery path along the western perimeter to the River Severn, knowing that the high tide would be just before midday. Blackbird, Long-tailed Tits, Song Thrush and Robin were spotted. On reaching the river, a Curlew flew off, with Wigeon, Shelduck, Black-headed Gull, Mallard and Oystercatcher observed on the river. Along the riverbank, we were delighted to see the Black Redstart with its distinctive rusty-red tail as well as Pied Wagtail, Magpie and Meadow Pipit. On our return near the orchard, Redwing and Fieldfare were seen and the seed feeders attracted numerous Great Tit and Blue Tit together with Nuthatch, Robin and Coal Tit. Some of the party visited the lake where a pair of Mute Swans and Coot were seen. Our final addition was the sighting of 5 Buzzards flying above us at the car park.
The result was a commendable total of 28 species seen plus Green Woodpecker, Wren and Cetti's Warbler being heard.
The full list:-
Blackbird Long-tailed Tit Song Thrush Robin
Curlew Wigeon Shelduck Mallard
Oystercatcher Black-headed Gull Black Redstart Pied Wagtail
Stonechat Herring Gull Meadow Pipit Wood Pigeon
Carrion Crow Redwing Fieldfare Great Tit
Blue Tit Nuthatch Coal Tit Mute Swan
Coot Moorhen Cormorant Buzzard
Alan