The Newsletter of Cornwall Birds (CBWPS) No 32 - Summer 2009 Golden Eagle seen at Stithians is Cornwall’s first record since 1810 What is certain is that the huge bird seen by Angela Tonry at Stithians in April this year was a Golden Eagle (see her picture, left). What is less certain at this stage is whether or 30 bedroom ‘eco-lodge’ at not it was a wild bird. Hayle may open late 2010 Although private collections of birds of prey have said they know of no escapees, The computer-generated picture (above) some doubt remains as to whether this young shows what a planned eco-lodge overlook- bird was indeed a wild eagle a long way from ing the Hayle estuary could look like. home. The building will have stunning Angela takes up her story: “I noticed views across the estuary and each room will a soaring bird of prey above to the right of be equipped with binoculars and scope. The The Buzzard mobbing the Golden Eagle me. I then noticed a smaller bird of prey - a lodge will feature a café and restaurant and shows their relative sizes. (Angela Tonry) Buzzard - heading towards it. I watched for a visitor centre for birdwatchers. moment or two and noticed more Buzzards, a Work to clear the site has, ironically, total of five, all mobbing the bigger bird. The bird was considerably larger in size than the had to be halted because of the disturbance Buzzards, and I remember thinking how long the fingers were on the wing tips, especially caused to nesting Swallows! It is hoped to in comparison to the Buzzards.” Let’s hope the record is finally authenticated. recommence after the breeding season.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Tony Jones is new CBWPS New committee members summer events schedule Honorary Treasurer On page 3 you will see the new faces help- ing Cornwall Birds by taking on new roles Apart from the bird-oriented field meetings Tony introduces himself to members in his on the committee. organised by Cornwall Birds and the local own words: Our Society cannot function without RSPB group, our “I am told that my grey hair and a group of committed volunteers doing their friends at the florid complexion are quite distinctive, and bit - and we need more. We are looking for CWT also have a I suspect that I am known to many of you, several new committee members, so contact great programme by sight at least, either by meeting on one Tony Bertenshaw if you are interested and of wildlife events of Bruce’s river trips, at the AGM or gener- would like to know what it entails. through the sum- ally rambling about the Rame Peninsula. It is not very burdensome, but is mer months. I have always had an interest in interesting and fulfilling. Please consider it. These wildlife and, before running away to sea at include butterfly 16, had always wanted to be a game- Dormouse walks, boat trips keeper. Although a bit long in the tooth to CONTENTS to see marine rekindle the ambition for the latter, I have Chairman’s wildlife, bat meetings, close encounters with been able to revive my interest in nature, Chat - p 3 dormice, rockpool rambles for children and and birds in particular, on my retirement wildlife in churchyards. from the RN and a subsequent job working Bird Report: For more detail on what’s on offer on behalf of Spring from the CWT see their excellent website the MoD for - p 4 and 5 www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk. the Sea Ca- det Corps, a Reserve news little over £20,000 Maer Lake gift two years - p 6 and 7 A very generous member has donated the ago. handsome sum of £20,000 towards the Maer I have been a Peregrine at Rame Head Bird records Lake appeal. member of by Tony Jones. Below: made easy The donor wishes to remain anony- the National Trust and the RSPB for many Grey seal enjoying a fish - p 8 mous but the society will be forever grateful years, and I joined CBWPS, Cornwall supper at Padstow by to them for their wonderful contribution. It Wildlife Trust and the Caradon Field and Andy and Shirley Park Field meet- effectively means that our appeal target is Natural History Club soon after moving ings: Summer reached in one go. Nevertheless, other kind back to Cornwall from Scotland in 2007, members have topped that figure up by well - p 10 and 11 when I settled in Millbrook. In addition to over £3,000. my passion for nature, I serve as under- As Graham Sutton reports on p 7, the gardener to my wife Diana and have started Robin story acquisition is still not done...fingers crossed! to get into photography.” - p 12
Committee and Officers Palores - July 2009 President: Steve Madge ne of my absolute favourite birds nests every year in the creeper on the wall of Seawinds, Lower Trerive, Downderry, Torpoint, O our house. I love to see it when it returns, later than many summer visitors, PL11 3LZ (01503 250432) and perches on the telephone wires prior to rebuilding in more or less the same spot as last year. Its quiet comings and goings and its watchful presence are fascinating Chairman: Derek Julian to me, but not once did I ever think of submitting the bird as a record. 12, Dunveth Road, Wadebridge, My Spotted Flycatchers, I now realise, are one of Corn- PL27 7XD. (01208 816779) wall’s rather less common birds and certainly one of its [email protected] least well-recorded as a breeding bird. I really should submit them as a record… Vice Chairman: Bruce Taggart But how? Like many bird enthusiasts, I just Primrose Bank, Radford Lane, Millbrook, PL10 1AH didn’t know whether it was important, how to do it, (01752 829163) [email protected] when to do it. I was, if I’m honest, a bit scared about sending in any records. So I asked Darrell Clegg, our Honorary Secretary: Tony Bertenshaw Spotted Flycatcher knowledgeable county recorder, and he told me he’d Hantergantick, St. Breward, PL30 4NH (01208 850419) [email protected] love to have records of familiar as well as rare birds - the object of compiling records being to build a picture of all the birdlife of Corn- Hon Treasurer: Tony Jones wall each and every year. “Lansdowne”, Southdown Road, Millbrook So, I’m going to record all the birds in my garden and immediate locality Torpoint PL10 1EJ and submit them to Darrell so that even my humble observations can become part (01752 822694) of the jigsaw that is as complete a picture of our county’s birdlife as we can man- [email protected] age. On page 8 of this Palores, Darrell explains how easy it is to record the birds Membership Secretary: Angela Tonry you see. Please read how to do it - and then give it a go. It really is very satisfying 20 The Copse, Boscoppa, St Austell PL25 3EU to help and it increases the pleasure of one’s interest in birds. Simon Marquis [email protected]
County Recorder: Darrell Clegg Cornwall Birds 55 Lower Fore Street, Saltash, PL12 6JQ (01752 844775) [email protected] The Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Editor, Birds in Cornwall: Derek Julian 12, Dunveth Road, Wadebridge, PL27 7XD. (01208 816779) [email protected]
Website administrator: Nigel Climpson [email protected]
Registered Charity No 255899 Editor, Palores: Simon Marquis St Breock Place, Wadebridge, PL27 7JS Cornwall Birds (as the CBWPS) was founded in 1931 to encourage the study (07711 883876) [email protected] and preservation of birds in Cornwall. The Society has over 750 members. It owns 3 reserves and manages jointly several others. The Society organises Field Meetings Officer: Colin Selway weekly bird-watching field trips (some jointly with the RSPB local members group). Palores (its colour newsletter for members) is published quarterly. Conservation Officer: Tony Blunden Every year the Society also publishes its authoritative annual record - Birds [email protected] in Cornwall - sent to all members. Committee members: 2009 Subscriptions: Adult £14 Rosemary Parslow, Kester Wilson Family £18 Senior Citizen £11 Reserve Wardens: Senior Family £13 [email protected] Adrian Langdon Life member £200 [email protected] Graham Sutton [email protected] Andy Pay Subscriptions for 2010 are due by 1st January 2010 . [email protected] Dave Conway [email protected] Dave Parker Gift Aid saves the Society £1,500 a year. Please pay - if you can - by Gift Aid. [email protected] Simon Taylor
Membership: to join Cornwall Birds, please call, email or write to Sara McMahon, Membership Secretary, 72 Underwood Road, Plympton, PL7 1SZ, Honorary Solicitor: Greg Adams (01752-242823), e-mail: [email protected]. 2 Wendron Street, Helston TR13 8PS
Palores is published four times a year - January, April, July and October. Independent Examiner: Mrs J E Cox FCA Advertising rates: Full colour page £100, Half page £50. Whitakers (Chartered Accountants) Small ads and notices are free to members: contact the Editor. Bryndon House, 5 Berry Road, Newquay TR7 1AD Design and typesetting by the Editor. (01637-873838) Printed by R. Booth Ltd, The Praze, Commercial Road, Penryn, TR10 8AA Distribution by Envelope Supplies, Holsworthy, Devon.
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So in my first communication I implore you to stand up and be Chairman’s Chat counted. We need a minimum of three new members to join the ranks of the committee and help in making our small society would like to start my first article as Chair- stronger. I man by thanking Peter Crispin for handing We have many exciting projects on the go at the moment, over the society in such good condition. as well as the purchase of new land at Maer Lake. We are engaged Peter has work tirelessly for us in the last in many schemes ranging from nest boxes to the possibility of four years and deserves all the gratitude we can acquiring a new reserve. All our reserves are flourishing at the give. In the same vein, I would also like to thank moment due to the hard work of our wardens. This magazine is Graham Sutton, who also stood down at the getting better with every edition and our website is now one of the Derek Julian AGM, for all his hard work over the years and best county bird sites in the country. his continuing endeavours at Maer Lake. I am I can hear many of you saying ‘what about the outstanding look forward to working with both of you again in the near future. Bird Reports?’. Well I can tell you that two more will be published Looking at Peter Crispin’s chats in previous editions, a this year and then hopefully two the year after. We will then be up recurring theme is evident: the need for more people to step up to to date. Just in time for the work on the Cornwall Bird Atlas to the plate and help the society grow. Over the last few years many start. key positions have gone unfilled and this can only be to the detri- I look forward to meeting many of you in the field in the ment of the society. coming months and wish you all a rarity-filled early autumn.
Titbits... he Cornwall branch of Butterfly T Conservation (CBC) would be interested to hear from any members of the Society with records of butterfly species they may encounter whilst birding. Any records should be sent to the Recorder for CBC, John Worth at 20, St Clare Flats, Penzance, TR18 Comma 2PR or by email [email protected]. CBC is also involved in transect walking and there are a number of transect squares available for anyone who would like to take part. It only requires 2 walks, one in July and another in August. Full details can be obtained from the CBC Transect Co-ordinator, Jim Barker at "An Arth", Alexandra Road, St. Ives TR26 1BX or by email [email protected] Gary Lewis reports: The Society’s accounts have been audited for the year 2008 and passed. Overall the Society increased its Total Assets held by £5,500 (to £78,000) which coincides with the ex- pected outlay for Birds in Cornwall 2008 when that is ready for publication. The £78,000 is made up of: Freehold Land £28,500 Deposit Account £37,500 Current Account £9,500 Other Assets £2,500 The projected income and expenditure for 2009, in par- ticular the publishing of a number of back editions of Birds in Cornwall, should see the Current Account return to a more sensi- Hobby, on the Lizard, by Tony Blunden ble operating level. The Society claimed £1,900 back from the taxman in Gift Nightjar Meeting: Apologies to everyone who wished to go on Aid. If you are a standard rate taxpayer and have not completed a this walk. Unfortunately we had to cancel due to not receiving the Gift Aid form, please contact the Treasurer who will forward one correct permissions to lead a walk on Forestry Commission Land. to you for completion. It costs you nothing, but is a valuable This was an oversight and will be rectified for next year. source of income for us. M eet the people in new roles for Cornwall Birds. Many thanks to them all for taking on these responsibilities in the running of your society.
Derek Julian Bruce Taggart Tony Bertenshaw Tony Jones Angela Tonry Kester Wilson Chairman Vice-chairman Hon Secretary Hon Treasurer Membership Sec Cttee member
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European Storm-petrel. Very few reports this spring with 15 at bird report Newlyn and 21 off Towan Head on 17th May being the only re- cords.
Cattle Egret. At least one group of up to six birds wandered around the west Penwith area slowly dwindling in numbers until the final sighting of two birds at Sellan Farm, Drift on 22nd May. What was possibly a separate group of as many as nine was pre- sent at Hayle until 15th April.
Great Egret. One was seen flying over Marazion marsh on 11th June.
Black Stork. An intriguing record of three Storks, thought most likely to be this species was seen high over Camborne on 3rd June.
Eurasian Spoonbill. The bird at Wacker Quay remained until 12th May. The only other record this spring was of a bird which came in of the sea at Porthgwarra on 2nd June. European Honey-buzzard. The only record was of one over Porthguarnon Valley, St Buryan on 24th May.
Black Kite. In what appears to be a good spring for this species, singles were reported from Hayle on 12th April; Porthgwarra on 12th May; Marazion 12th May and 7th June; Mount Hawke 13th May; Goss Moor 17th May; Clodgy Point and Zennor 25th May; Polgigga and St Buryan on 1st June.
Red Kite. In another good spring at least 82 birds were logged. Most birds were singles but larger groups of ten at St Levan and 14 at Polgigga on 11th May must have been an impressive sight. Nine remained at Polgigga until the next day.
nd Marsh Harrier. One was present at Walmsley on 2 May, and a bird flew over Hayle estuary on 10th May. April-June 2009 Osprey. Four birds were seen this spring, all in the west of the county. Singles were noted at Truro on 23rd April; Windmill Farm, Darrell Clegg our county recorder takes over 1st May; Hayle Estuary, 3rd May; Argal Reservoir, 30th May. the Bird Report slot for Palores and records Gyr Falcon. The elusive individual that seems to have been pre- the spring’s most interesting sightings. (Photo of sent all winter was seen in the Newquay area until 4th April Short-eared Owl, above, by Brian McGeough) Stone Curlew. One was reported briefly along the Military Road, th Green-winged Teal x Eurasian Teal. An apparent hybrid was at Penlee on 12 April. Walmsley Sanctuary on 10th June. Kentish Plover. A pair spent the afternoon and evening at Hayle th American Black Duck. Our old friend the drake Black Duck re- Estuary on 19 April. th appeared at Colliford Lake on 24 May to spend what is probably th his 9th summer on Bodmin Moor. Apart from the odd sighting at Little Stint. Two were at Walmsley on 29 April Butters Tor Marsh, his whereabouts for the rest of the year still remains a mystery! Temminck’s Stint. An excellent spring with two records. One was at Walmsley 29th April and a second was at the same site on th Garganey. Single drakes were seen on the lake at Pendarves wood 12 May. rd th on 3 May and at Marazion and St Gothian Sands on 12 May. th th Pectoral Sandpiper. One was at Walmsley from 26 – 30 April. King Eider. A possible drake was reported flying past Sennen th Curlew Sandpiper. The only spring record was on one on the Cove on 7 May. th rocks at Jubilee Pool, Penzance on 4 June. st Common Quail. Birds were reported singing at Sennen on 21 th rd Wood Sandpiper. Two were at Walmsley on 11 May, and one May, New House nr Kilkhampton on 23 May and at Crows-an- th Wra on 4th June. was seen on nearby Amble Marshes on 10 June.
Pomeraine Skua. Penzance, two 25th April; Newlyn, one 29th Cory’s Shearwater. An exceptionally unseasonal bird was re- th th th ported flying across Par Bay on 16th May. April; Porthgwarra, four 30 April, two 7 May, one, 17 May.
Sabine’s Gull. An excellent series of spring records with singles Balearic Shearwater. Two possibles were seen at Rumps Point on th th th 2nd May and single birds were seen at Sennen Cove on 18th and at Lizard Point on 9 & 16 April and Porthgwarra on 17 April. th Porthgwarra on 19 May 4
Ring-billed Gull. The first winter bird remained at Helston boat- ing lake until 12th April.
Glaucous Gull. The first winter bird remained at Newlyn through- out the period. A juvenile flew over Trevilley farm, Sennen on 11th May
Iceland Gull. The juvenile remained in the Mount’s Bay area, mostly seen around Newlyn and Marazion until 12th May. At Least one juvenile was also in the Sennen Land’s End area until 29th May.
Little Tern. Two flew past Marazion on 17th May.
Great Spotted Cuckoo. The second Cornish record this year was a very well twitched bird at Bartinney Downs from 1st – 6th April. A third bird was reported at Pentire Point on 11th April.
Snowy Owl. All great things must come to an end but this bird While Palores is of course a family magazine, readers will per- certainly went out in style, relocating to Sennen Cove and finally haps accept that this intimate moment, captured by Adrian Lang- th St Gothian Sands at Gwithian before flying off from there on 19 don, is permissable for its sheer magic and beauty. April.
Alpine Swift. One was seen briefly at Walmsley on 29th April.
European Bee-eater. Singles were seen at Breage on 20th May and at Land’s End on 23rd and 28th-29th May.
Hoopoe. Three records were received from different parts of the county. Saltash, one 4th April; Windmill Farm, one 23rd April; Crowlas, one 7th May.
Red-rumped Swallow. One spent a short time at Millbrook Pond on 28th April, one flew north over Lizard Point on 23rd May and one was found sitting on wires near Coverack on 4th June.
Woodchat Shrike. One was seen at Porthgwarra on 18th April. In the far north of the county, one was at Lower Sharpnose Point on 16th May. One was also seen at Gwenter on 31st May.
Melodious Warbler. There have only ever been three spring re- cords of this species in Cornwall before, so to have May records in the same year is unprecedented. The first bird was found between Brian McGeough’s camera picks up the superb lighting effect on Land’s End and Sennen on 23rd May, and this is probably the same th this wheeling Fulmar (above) while the Hen Harrier silhouetted bird recorded singing near Land’s End car park on 30 May. On against the evening sky makes for an equally evocative shot. the Lizard one was seen at Croft Pascoe pool on 24th May.
Yellow-browed Warbler. A welcome spring record (and our first ever June record) was of a single at Predannack Head on 5th June.
Subalpine Warbler. A male from the western race (cantillans) was singing from 60 foot cover at Porthgwarra on 2nd April. A second male was discovered singing at Land’s End on 22nd May.
Serin. A male was seen on the coastal path south of Coverack on 18th April.
Golden Oriole. Singles were seen at Porthgwarra on 10th & 23rd May; Land’s End (trapped & Ringed) 13th May; Polgigga, 23rd May; Cot Valley, 30th May; Duckpool, 31st May.
For Darrell’s guide to easy ways to Photographic competition! submit records and help keep tabs Don’t forget about the Cornwall Birds 2009 photographic compe- on birdlife in Cornwall, see page 8 tition. You have until the end of the year to take and submit your three best bird pictures! 5
reserves report Drift By Dave Parker he period started with dwindling wildfowl and Mute Swan T numbers dropping from 58 to a low of 31 by the end of April. Likewise Canada Geese numbers fell from 31 to just 7. The 2 Pink-footed Geese stayed until 12th April, also the last date for Tufted Duck. A pair of Pochard put in a brief appearance in May, as did a pair of Great-crested Grebes. A juvenile Scaup was seen on 3rd March. Again no Mute Swans bred successfully and the Canada Geese also struggled with just three goslings surviving from two pairs. Interestingly, Mute Swans were observed trying to drown some of the goslings. So, mink aren’t the only danger to the geese though, with regular sightings, they remain the biggest threat. The Cattle Egrets put in sporadic appearances but never totalled more than three and were last reported on 11th April. A number of Iceland Gulls including a third winter bird used the April-June 2009 reservoir for bathing and preening; the last juvenile was seen on the 12th April. By contrast only one Glaucous Gull (juv) was seen on 25th March and a single adult Mediterranean Gull on 6th March. reeding is in full swing at Summer migrants started to arrive on 12th March when 15 Walmsley B Walmsley now with all the Sand Martins were reported. The first Swallow was seen on 28th regulars nesting. Our Lapwings and a Willow Warbler on 31st. The first Sedge Warbler was seen By Adrian Langdon again seem to have failed to on 10th April quickly followed by a Reed Warbler on 14th and it breed with pairs being on terri- appears to have stayed to breed after a long absence. It wasn’t until tory in the spring but leaving the site soon after. 6th May that the first Whitethroats arrived and a single Swift was We have had a problem with two dogs in the reserve on seen on the same day. several occasions since last summer and despite many protesta- With water levels still depressingly high there were few tions they were found attacking the Swans and eating their eggs. waders reported, just a couple of Common Sandpipers on 15th and Fortunately they are being kept away at the moment and our 23rd April and a few Whimbrel, with a good flock of 50 seen on Swans have gone on to re-lay another brood. We now have two 27th April.April-June Part of a 2009 larger influx into Penwith, a single Red Kite pairs with three and four cygnets respectively. was seen on 11th May. Moorhen, Coot, Mallard and Little Grebe have all nested although there do seem to be very few young around. At this time of the year predators all visit the sanctuary and there have been Herring and Great Black-backed gulls, Raven, Carrion Crow, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, Hobby and of course the Grey Heron which takes a lot of prey and eggs. We also regularly have foxes, badgers and otters visiting, the most recent of these that I witnessed was of three otters enter- ing the water below the tower hide and swimming up the channel toward Amble. I later saw a single one hunting in front of the hide and swimming toward the old hide. Short-eared Owl by Matt Sallis
doing well. 2 pairs of Great-crested Grebe have bred this year Stithians giving 3 chicks between them. Away from the water and up to three different Cuckoos By Simon Taylor could be seen/heard by lucky observers. A Grey Wagtail has been seen feeding a youngster by the dam witnessed by Terry and Mar- he reserve has gone garet Hasdell, so it's possible these have bred at the reserve. T very quiet now with most species either breeding or feeding Also a possibility for breeding is Grasshopper Warbler. At young. The most notable sighting since the last report was that of a least 5 birds were reeling on a recent moth trapping eve- Golden Eagle found and photographed by Angela Tonry on the ning. Great Spotted Woodpecker have bred on or very close to the 14th April. reserve as a juvenile was photographed by Matt Sallis on the A few phone calls the day after gave me the information feeder with a parent. that if the bird was an escapee it hadn’t escaped from a Cornish Water levels continue to drop with the wader passage sea- collection. With no obvious signs of leathers hanging down and a son only a month away. As some of you will know through the week's worth of southerly winds the record was submitted to the website there have been two incidents of minor vandalism in the county for acceptance/rejection. We await the news. Main Hide. All the winter species have now left and all the summer As a result of this, combination locks have now been fitted ones are in. Sightings of Whimbrel have seen a big increase this with the combination being set at 5016. Please ensure you lock up year with 14 being seen again the day I write this. Little Grebe again when you leave. They are your hides as much as they are have once again done us proud by producing a chick even if it is mine. only one. The Mute Swan started with 6 cygnets, going down to 5 Please don’t give troublemakers an open invitation to ruin then losing a further 3 overnight in one go. The remaining two are the precious place that we have.
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Maer Lake Windmill Farm By Graham Sutton By Andy Pay
n agreement in principle was reached to purchase the extra n common with many other sites, our first Spring migrant this A land at Maer during late November of 2008, and now over I year was a Black Redstart: in this case, a male in full plum- six months later I am still not able to confirm its completion. The age. Other reports in late March included a Jack Snipe, a flyover proposed purchase has been like a game of snakes and ladders, Chough (despite the farm being less than a mile from Kynance with just as many ups as downs, and twists and turns. Cove, the Choughs are hardly ever seen this far inland) and fresh The general economic climate and the involvement of a Otter spraints along the western boardwalk, which is clearly a bank in the sale has caused many unforeseen difficulties and prob- regular thoroughfare for them. lems. The addition of the extra land is both a unique opportunity For the second year running, a Little Grebe turned up on and a very exciting project, so it is well worth the effort and hassle Ruan Pool at this time, but did not stay long. Golden Plover were to persevere and see if we can secure the purchase. I would now still around in early April, with 200 present on 4th. Greenshank expect a final agreement/decision from the vendors in July, and the and Common Sandpiper appeared in mid month, then on 23rd a Society will keep members fully informed on the website Hoopoe was found in the northern fields. Unlike last year's bird, www.cbwps.org.uk. this one moved straight through. I am very pleased at the wonderful support that the mem- Whimbrel started passing through from April 24th, with bers have given to this project, and for making sure that we are in the best count being 15 on May 1st. On that same day, the best a sound financial position to proceed if at all possible with the bird of the Spring was found: a first-for-the-farm Osprey, which extension to the reserve. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been had probably roosted overnight, flew from the yard and perched on strongly behind the project all the way through, and I am more the gate by the Plantlife pond, before flying on down towards The than grateful to Callum Deveney for his help and advice during the Lizard village. A peak count of five reeling Grasshopper Warblers difficult negotiations. was also recorded that morning. On May 12th a Bar-tailed Godwit Whimbrel numbers were excellent this spring with many flying over with Whimbrels was also, somewhat surprisingly, new small parties passing through, and over thirty birds were recorded for the reserve. The month ended with a Turtle Dove, then on June on two occasions, and then a final flock of forty six. Black-tailed 1st two Red Kites drifted over. During the first week of June, two Godwit was also much in evidence with twenty four birds being male Reed Warblers were holding territory and a pair of Pied present in early June. Dunlin numbers peaked at a splendid sev- Wagtails were feeding two fledglings on the shed-roof. enty seven in May. The reserve received its normal spring visit The farm had its fair share of the unprecedented influx from Spoonbill, Little Ringed Plover, Mediterranean Gull and of Painted Ladies, 60+ being counted in the arable fields on May White Wagtail etc. 26th. A few days later, Red-veined Darters arrived, with a mini- More interestingly a pair of the increasingly scarce Gad- mum of five seen on June 1st. An excellent display of the scarce wall was present in May. Coot bred for the first time, with two plant Yellow Centaury can be found along the track to Ruan Pool, single chicks surviving. Shoveler again attempted to nest, and I am whilst the meadows are full of Yellow Bartsia and a host of other disappointed to report that again they were unsuccessful. The last flowers. time this happened a pair bred successfully at the Walmsley Sanc- If visiting during the summer months, please ensure you tuary the following year. have insect repellent to deter the horseflies!
Members of Cornwall Birds looking around the Maer Lake reserve Yellow Bartsia at Windmill Farm by Andy Pay. Below: Woodchat prior to the society’s 2009 AGM held on 9th May in Bude Shrike and Red Kite at the Lizard by Tony Blunden
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Most birdwatchers never submit records of what they see. Bird records - They may feel under-qualified or think that the House Spar- rows nesting in their eaves aren’t worth recording. Don’t be we can all help! put off - County Recorder Darrell Clegg explains...
ow that we are halfway through 2009 (I am writing this on Are you lucky enough to have Spotted Flycatcher or Bullfinch in N the longest day!) I can reflect on how the recording year is your garden? Do you know of any rookeries? going. So far there are 16,000 records on the database for 2009 so Large numbers of birds are useful too. Do you see many winter thank you very much to those of you who submit your records on a thrushes, Meadow Pipit or Golden Plover? Do you still have regular basis, it is much appreciated. plenty of House Sparrows? Many members do not submit their sightings, not because Submitting your records is easy, and there are a number of they don’t want to, but because they are not sure what kind of ways to do it. You could put all your records on a piece of paper, records are required. As county recorder I could, and perhaps remembering to include dates and grid refs – especially in some of should say that every record is important, but of course even the the more rural or isolated areas, then post them to me (my address best of us is not going to record every single Blackbird, Wren and is on the inside cover of this issue). The more technologically Robin – and I would never be able to input that much data! minded amongst you may like to email your records to me re- What I hope we can achieve is an accurate picture of the [email protected] If you want to be especially helpful you birdlife in the county from year to year, but to achieve this we could send them to me as a spreadsheet attachment. I can then need your records. How many of us record every Yellowhammer download the lot into the database in a few minutes rather than an we see? Yellowhammer is not a particularly rare or exciting spe- evening or more spent typing in each record. If you want to do this cies but in Cornwall we are not sure if the population has stabi- please email me for a record template and I’ll explain the proce- lized following a number of years of decline. dure. More records would help to clarify the picture – are we Alternatively you could send your records to the Birdtrack seeing records from the same areas or are they moving into new scheme www.bto.org/birdtrack, a national survey developed by the territories – your records can give us that information. How many BTO together with the RSPB and Birdwatch Ireland. This allows rookeries are there in Cornwall? The 2006 report records only five. individuals to submit their records to a national database which In 2006 we only had two breeding Swallow records and no breed- can help species at a local, national and international level. If you ing Collared Dove – a great change from the reports of the early do this and tick the box which allows the local recorder to access 1960’s! the records you can be sure that all your records will reach me. A Birds do not need to be rare or exciting to be worthy of number of Society members use this method and it is very useful. recording, everyone can do it. Breeding records are especially Whatever method you prefer, please consider submitting useful. If you have ducks on a local pond – how did they get on? your records so that your sightings can be put to good use for the Have Canada Geese moved in? benefit of those we are here to support - the birds!
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Wilson’s Storm-petrel Records of this globally common seabird in
Cornwall have been few and far between. References: Derek Julian reports CBWPS; Birds in Cornwall, (Annual Reports) Cramp et al; Birds of the Western Palearctic, Vol. 1 Penhallurick, R. D.; Birds of the Cornish Coast ue to an error in the Birds in Cornwall 2006, all records of Penhallurick, R.D. ; Jonathan Couch’s Cornish Birds this species are re-presented accurately here. D Witherby et al; The Handbook of British Birds, Vol. 4 One of the commonest seabirds in the world, Wilson’s
Storm-petrel has been recorded ten times off the Cornish mainland. In May 1838, John Gould, en-voyage to Australia, noted Map of Wilson’s Storm-petrel sightings in Cornwall many just beyond Lands End, but this record was thought to be an error by H. F. Witherby, stating that subsequent observa- tions indicate that only a few are to be found in the North At- lantic in May.
Ironically the first accepted record for Cornwall, (and Brit- ain), was of one found dead, in a field after a storm, at Polperro in
August 1838.
The first bird in more recent times was one off St Ives on
October 29th1967. St Ives became “the place” to see this species with sightings of singles on October 20th 1970, September 11th
1978, September 3rd 1983, and two on August 26th 1986 and a further single on September 24th 1995.
St Ives’ stranglehold ended on September 10th 1998 when a single bird flew past Towan Head showing the lucky observers its yellow-webs.
The most recent sighting was a single bird off Pendeen on
Aug 17th 2000.
` All records have been in the period Aug 17th to Oct 29th.
Four have been in August, four in September and two in October.
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Sunday 26th July 10.15am
field meetings Coastal Butterflies and Wildlife. A three hour circular walk through ancient woodland and coastal SSSI in North Cornwall. Meet Trevigue car park, near Crackington Haven, Bude, next to farmhouse. Booking essential on 01840 230730. Cost £2, Con- cessions £1.50, Family £6 Map ref: SX137 954
Wednesday 29th July 6.15pm Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings) St Gothian Sands, Godrevy. An evening walk, details as 15th July. Map ref: SW584 422
Saturday 1st August 9.00am Leader Derek Julian July-September 2009 (01208 816 779) Lellizzick (Camel Estuary). A meeting to look for migrant, plus Wednesday 8th July 6.15pm Leader Gordon Mills resident birds and to count the moult gathering of Mediterranean (01209 718144 evenings) Gulls that assemble there in late summer. Meet at Lellizzick, Hells Mouth. An evening walk to see breeding sea birds - Guille- (parking just off the side of the road, do not go down the hill to mot, Razorbill etc. Meet in lay-by on B3301 Hawker’s Cove). From the B3276 above Padstow take one of the Map ref: SW604 428 two lanes towards Trethillick, pass through Crugmeer and on to Lellizzick. Map ref: SW908 774 Wednesday 8th July 5.30pm for 6pm start to 8.00pm Thursday 6th August 2.00pm Cornwall Council Evening coastal sea-safari led by Chris Lowe and Dave Thomas (01872 323468) Contact: Chris Lowe (01637) 850 930 Mobile: 07860 927 833. St Gothian Sands History and Nature Walk. An afternoon walk Email: [email protected] around the nature reserve covering the history, wildlife, birds and
Heathland Birds on Kit Hill. A local morning walk with bird th expert Dr Malcolm Wright and the Kit Hill Wardens. Booking not Sunday 16 August 9.15am Leader Gordon Mills essential but preferred. Free. Meet Kit Hill entrance car park. (01209 718144 evenings) Map ref: SX383 713 Loe Pool and Helston Boating Lake. A morning walk to the Na- tional Trust hide looking for woodland birds, gulls and wildfowl. Meet at Helston Amenity Area car park. th Wednesday 15 July 6.15pm Leader Gordon Mills Map ref: SW654 270 (01209 718144 evenings) St Gothian Sands, Godrevy. An evening walk around the area Sunday 16th August 10.00am to 1.00pm Leader Dave Thomas looking for resident and migrant birds. Meet in the first National (01726 861093) Trust car park (fee payable for non NT members). CWT Breney Common Nature Reserve. A morning nature ramble Map ref: SW584 422 around this wildlife rich Nature Reserve to look for butterflies, dragonflies and birds. All welcome, ideal for beginners. Bring Saturday 25th July 9.00am Leader Viv Stratton binoculars and nature guide book. Meet at Gunwen chapel car (01736 796487) park, Near Helman Tor. Hayle Estuary and Porth Kidney Sands. A look around the area Map ref: SX 053 613 for gulls, waders and migrant birds. Meet at Ryan’s Field car park.Map ref: SW549 362
Field meeting safety advice: Please always take stout footwear, appropriate clothing and protection against sun, rain, thorns, insects etc. Ask permission before bringing a dog - and keep it on a lead. Beware of rabbit holes and low branches. Take water to drink.
10
Wednesday 19th August 6.15pm Leader Gordon Mills Saturday 19th September 9.00am Leader Roger Hooper (01209 718144 evenings) (01209 820610) Godrevy Headland. An evening walk around the headland look- Marazion and Hayle. A morning walk finishing around 1.30pm. ing for resident and migrant birds. Meet in the first National Trust Meet in the car park by the entrance to Marazion Marsh (fee pay- car park (fee payable for non NT members). able) to look for migrants in the marsh and on the beach. Move to Map ref: SW584 422 Hayle (park at Ryan’s Field) to view as the tide falls. Map ref: Marazion SW513 311, Hayle SW549 362
Sunday 23rd August 9.00am Leader Steve Rogers Sunday 20th September 9.30am Leader Sid Cole (01872 263444)
Seawatching. Enjoy a day, a half day or a few hours sea-watching Gribbin Head, near Fowey. Join local birder, Sid Cole, for a walk at either Pendeen Watch or Porthgwarra. A decision on which through farmland and along the coast path looking for a variety of site, depending on weather and wind, will be made on the day bird life. Suitable for experienced birders and beginners alike. before. Please either phone Steve on the above number or on his Bring binoculars. A telescope will be available for a really good mobile – 07776 214300 or call into SW Optics. A chair, picnic look at the birds. Meet at the grass car park at the end of the road lunch, sun shade and telescope are recommended. at Menabilly Barton, grid ref SX 096 511. For more information Map Ref: Pendeen Watch SW379 359, Porthgwarra SW371 218 call Matt Ward on 01726 815313.
Sunday 30th August 10.30am Leader Roy Phillips Thursday 24th September 1.00pm Leader Pat Farmer (01736 351793) (01209 718648) Gurnard’s Head/Porthmeor Cove. A short walk (c.2.5miles) and Tresillian River, St Clements. An afternoon walk along the river crouse (lunch) on the cliff to see what’s about in some beautiful looking for waders, ducks and gulls. Path can be muddy so strong scenery at a dull time of year for birds. Also flowers and butter- footware recommended. Meet at St Clements car park (can be flies, the possibility of sharks and dolphins or passing seabirds if restricted). weather is poor. Not suitable for dogs. Meet at the lay-by near Map ref: SW852 439 Gurnard’s Head Pub. With Eric’s retirement Pat has kindly stepped in to lead the Tresil- Map ref: SW435 375 lian walks.
Wednesday 2nd September 6.15pm Leader Gordon Mills Saturday 26th September 9.00am Leader Viv Stratton (01209 718144 evenings) (01736 796487) Godrevy Headland. An evening walk around the area looking for Zennor Foage Valley. A walk along the valley looking for mi- resident and migrant birds. Meet at the first National Trust car grant and resident birds. Meet Zennor Church. park (fee payable for non NT members). Map ref: SW454 385 Map ref: SW584 422 Sunday 27th September 9.15am Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings) Saturday 5th September 9.00am Leader Terry Hasdell Carminowe Creek, Loe Pool. A morning walk around the creek (01209 710683) and seaward end of the Pool. Meet at Digibna Chapel car park. Drift Reservoir. A morning circular walk around the reservoir Map ref: SW653 251 looking for duck, waders and other species of interest. Meet in the PLEASE NOTE reservoir car park. Walk leaders have given their telephone numbers with each walk. Map ref: SW436 288 However before contacting them would you please check the
Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society website Sunday 6th September 9.00am Leader Colin Moore www.cbwps.org.uk for the latest information. Every effort will (01736 788787) be made to keep the website updated with cancellations, changes Nanquidno. A morning walk around the Nanquidno area looking in venue or route or any access problems. for migrant and resident birds. Actual route may vary according to latest information. Meet in the large lay-by on the east side of the B3306 opposite Lands End Aerodrome. Pentire and Rumps Nature Walks. Duration approximately 4 Map ref: SW377 292 hours. The walks will take place every Wednesday during July and Saturday 12th September 9.00am Leader Steve Rowe August starting at 10.00am and will be led by Bernard Ide and (01637 875788) Martyn Cutland. Porth Joke. A morning walk around the valley looking for mi- Meet at Pentire Farm. grant and resident birds. Turn off the A3075 (Newquay Road) to Map ref: SW936 803 Crantock. Take the first left between Crantock and West Pentire, this takes you past Treago Farm, ignore gates and meet in the NT Camel Trail Nature Walks. Duration approximately 4 hours. car park. The walks will take place every Wednesday through September, Map ref: SW776 599 starting at 10.00am and will be led by Bernard Ide and Martyn Cutland. Sunday 13th September 9.30am Leader Gordon Mills Meet outside Countrywise, Eddystone Road, Wadebridge. Phone (01209 718144 evenings) Countrywise on 01208 812423 to check if walk is on. Bude Marshes and Maer Lake. An all day walk, the Marshes in Map ref: SW989 725 the morning and the Lake in the afternoon. Meet in the main town car park by the canal, bring a picnic lunch. Both walks will cover wild flowers, butterflies and animals as well Map ref: SS206 065 as birds. A donation of £2 is requested for the Pentire and Camel
walks towards the purchase and erection of a hide at a location to
be agreed at a later date.
11
Robin rescue
Another tale of a bird rescue by retired RSPCA warden Rex Harper MBE that goes to show it is sometimes humans as well as birds that need rescuing...
ould you please help me?” The ladies voice at the “C other end of the phone sounded mildly hysterical, “Our tame robin was in the house when the cat frightened the bird and it flew straight at the sash window which was partly open, but missed the gap and fell down into the space be- tween the top and bottom window. We cannot get it out - the poor thing is becoming exhausted.” The old fashioned sash windows on houses and cot- tages in Cornwall were made in two sections, sliding one over the other, which worked by weights. As often as not only one section was used, and this was the case in this particular inci- dent, the bottom part being held fast by years of added paint so that only the top section could be opened. In response to the phone message I drove to the ad- dress given and eventually found myself walking up a long garden path between borders of colourful flowers and neat rows of vegetables, towards a typical, square-built Cornish cottage. Robin by Brian McGeough The door stood open and an elderly Cocker Spaniel With the arrival of the hammer and chisel I explained my bitch which had been lying in the sunny porch, staggered to her intentions, and obtained instant permission to go ahead. “Don’t feet and came to meet me, her stump of a tail wagging a welcome. worry should the glass break” said the lady, “my husband can soon Right behind the old dog, her owner, a rather stout, middle-aged put in a new piece.” lady in a brightly-coloured ‘pinny’ with a worried expression on The putty came away easily when tapped with the chisel her face and hands covered in flour, followed. and soon the window glass was being held in place by just four “Oh I’m so pleased that you came over so quickly” she tacks which I removed with a pair of pliers supplied by my willing said “this robin is rather special. He has been with us for a couple helper. Fortunately the glass had not broken and I was able to ease of years and is so tame; he will even take cake crumbs from my the pane away from its frame and pick up the Robin which had hand.” more or less given up and was lying on its side gasping. “Right, lets see what we can do” I said, following the lady Taking the little bird into the cottage we found a small along a passage leading into a low, beamed sitting room bright cardboard box in which I placed a damp cloth, lying the Robin on with sunlight, which poured in through the partly-opened window, the moist cotton. I then made some air holes in the sides of the and enhanced the brightness of pots of red geraniums on the win- box, closed it up and placed it in a cool corner of the kitchen. dow seat. The sunlight had done nothing to help the unfortunate “We will just leave him there for a while,” I said. “With a robin trapped between the two sheets of glass, for the little bird bit of luck he will recover after he’s had a chance to cool down, was obviously overheated and exhausted from its efforts to escape. there is no point in trying to give him water as any handling will Unless I could free it from its hot prison pretty quickly I only stress him further.” felt there was very little chance of the Robin surviving, but there While the kettle was put on I tacked the window glass back was no way that I could get between the two windows or manoeu- in place leaving everything ready for a fresh application of putty vre the bird out of the narrow crack. and returned to the cottage kitchen where a welcome cup of tea “I’m going to have a look at the window from the outside,” and some Cornish splits with jam and cream awaited me. I said, “do you think you might have a chisel in the house?” “Oh Small scratching and scraping sounds coming from the yes” said the lady, “my husband has several in the shed, I’ll get cardboard box in the corner of the room seemed to denote that our you one.” “Oh, and a hammer,” I called after her as she hurried off patient was recovering so, after about half an hour, we took the to the shed. box out into the garden and I carefully opened the lid . Walking round the outside of the cottage to the window, Before the lid was half way open the Robin was out, flying closely followed by the panting spaniel, I examined the wooden strongly on to the top of a rose pagoda, bobbing his head and flick- surrounds and found what I had hoped for: dried out putty which ing his tail, obviously none the worse for his traumatic experience. had not been painted for some years and which had cracked under A rescue with a happy ending such as this one not only constant exposure to the hot sun of several summers. Hopefully, made my job seem very worthwhile but also helped to establish with the owners permission, I could carefully chisel out the old good public relations, so altogether very important where charities putty, remove the glass pane and release the prisoner. such as the RSPCA are concerned. 12