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Cover Photograph Kingfisher at Camel Estuary Adrian Langdon BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY Sixty-First Annual Report 1991

St. George Printing Works Ltd., . Tel: (0209) 217033 CONTENTS

Page Officers for 1992/3 3 Treasurer's Report 4 Chairman's Report 6 Conservation Officer's Report 8 Editorial and Review of the Year 10 Contributors 18 Species List for 1991 20 Exotica 148 BBRC decisions 148 Ringing Report 1991 149 Skuas, gulls and terns in St. Austell Bay 153 Breeding status of the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) in Cornwall 158 The Walmsley Sanctuary Project: Past, present and future 163 Rules 167 Officers 1992-93

President: Sir Alan Dalton, C.B.E., D.L.

Chairman: L. A. Smith, 21 Vicarage Meadows, Vice-Chairman: R. J. Hooton, 17 Hawkens Way, St. Columb Major

General Secretary: M. Lawson, Fieldfare, St. Giles Drive, Gonvena, Treasurer and Registrar: Mrs. A. D. Dunstan, Bell Cottage, , Wadebridge

Recorder and Editor 'Birds in Cornwall' S. M. Christophers, Bramblings, Rachels Way, St. Columb Major Assistant Recorder and Editor: E. J. Cook, 7 Way, Conservation Officer A. R. Pay, 13 Tregellas Road, Mullion Assistant Conservation Officer: V. A. Stratton, 2 Alexandra Road, St. Ives

Field Meetings Officer: D. L. Thomas, Mirador, Whitecross, Near Newquay Public Relations Officer: Mrs. E. McKenzie Tregarrick, St. Mawgan-in-Pydar

Newsletter Editor: F. M. Couch, 29 Roman Drive, Officer for Youth and Education: Mrs. A. C. Hathway, Langurra, Meadow End, Green Lane, , Near Newquay

Research Officer: D. Lord, Tregale, New , Near Wadebridge Joint Secretary, Recorder and Editor ' Bird Report': W. H. Wagstaff, 42 Sally Port, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly and P. Robinson, Riviera House, The Strand, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly Committee Members: Dr. J. F. Ryan () - retires 1993, B. T. Craven (Launceston), S. F. Jackson (Falmouth), D. I. Julian (Wadebridge), D. Lewis () and Mrs. H. C. Pay (Mullion) -retire 1994. G. P. Sutton () and B. C. Wotton (Newquay) - retire 1995. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1991

1990 1991 £ £ £ INCOME Subscriptions 3,748 \nnual Membership 4,074 556 Tax refund on covenanted subscriptions 510 4,304 4,584 385 Donations 242 388 Rents 413 Interest 32 War Loan 32 340 NSB Investment Account 711 3,954 Charities Deposit Fund 2,816

4,326 3,559 Other Income 1.212 Sale of Annual Reports — Scilly 1,449 382 — Mainland 420 Camel Estuary Study Group 757 Art Exhibition & Newquay Conference 836 212 Other Sales & Income 332

1,806 3,794 11,209 12,592 Less: GENERAL EXPENDITURE Annual Reports 1990: 2.646 Mainland 3,255 1,564 Scilly 1,887 466 News Letters 1,550 660 Other Printing and Stationery 762 761 Postages and Telephone 1,167 135 Bank Charges 185 606 Hide and Reserve Expenses 519 76 Subscriptions 243 51 Goods for resale 109 Publicity 151 Youth and Education 168 Camel Estuary Study Group 756 Art Exhibition & Newquay Conference 727 100 Miscellaneous 507 7,065 11,986 4.144 606 SPECIAL EXPENDITURE New Hide — 644 New Hide — Walmsley 602 Walmsley Sanctuary Development 2,565 Software for Scillies Recorder 240 CTNC — Grant, Projector and Screen 250 509 Reserves equipment (net of NCC grant of £494) .. 200 Scillies hide repair grant 249 Typewriter for County Recorder 168 Display Equipment

1,126 4,301 EXCESS OF EXPENDITURE OVER INCOME £3,695 £3,018 EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE

4 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1991

1990 1991 £ £ £ INVESTMENTS £902.24 3.5% War Loan at market price at 303 31st December, 1991 329 3,064 NSB Investment Account 13,275

3,367 13,604 929 DEBTORS 367 282 STOCK at cost 242 BANK BALANCES 25,900 COIF Charities Deposit Account 12,500 430 Current Account 718 Cash in Hand

26,330 13,218 30,908 27,431 Less: LIABILITIES 271 Subscriptions received in advance 430 Creditor 33 463

£30,637 NET ASSETS £26,968 ACCUMULATED FUNDS 27,645 Balance at 31st December, 1990 30,637 3,018 Add: Excess of Income over Expenditure for year Deduct: Excess of Expenditure over Income for year 3,695

30,663 26,942 (26) Increase/(Decrease) in market value of War Loan 26 £30,637 £26,968 (NOTE: The Society also owns land at Trethias Island and Walmsley Sanctuary in addition to the assets shown in this Balance Sheet.

REPORT OF THE AUDITORS TO CORNWALL BIRDWATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY

We have audited the above Balance Sheet and attached Income and Expenditure Account in accordance with the approved auditing standards. In our opinion, the above Balance Sheet and attached Income and Expenditure Account give a true and fair view of the state of the Society's affairs at 31st December 1991, and of its excess of Expenditure over Income for the year then ended.

Dated: 13th February, 1992 Whitaker, Redfearn, Pappin & Co. Newquay Accountants

5 Chairman's Report 1992

The Diamond Jubilee of the Society was celebrated by two main events. The two day conference at the Great Western Hotel at Newquay, and an exhibition of wild life paintings at the C.T.N.C. headquarters at Allet. Dave Thomas organised both events virtually single handed and his work was greatly appreciated.

The Conference speakers were most impressive and included; Professor Janet Kear talking about "Wildfowl and Man", Peter Robinson on "Scilly Birding Update", David Ramsden on "Barn Owls in the South West", Carey Coombs, son of our late President spoke on "Wildlife Poisoning". Peter Reay, gave a detailed tongue in cheek survey entitled "Tamar Avocets. How Cornish are they?" Input from the Society was provided by Steve Madge, and Roy Phillips who showed excellent slides which provided a great deal of light hearted amusement, as well as an excellent presentation. My contribution was a brief introduction to the history of the Society starting in 1931. Our final speaker was Mike Kendall, Manager of the B.B.C. Wildlife Unit at Bristol who spoke on "Filming Peregrines in Cornwall" and showed examples of the work of the Unit. It is refreshing to note that all speakers gave their services at no expense to the Society. It was disappointing that there were not more attending the Conference, but those who did attend, experienced an unforgettable occasion.

The standard of work at the month long art exhibition was very high, well arranged, and attracted a considerable amount of interest.

The Society was represented at the Royal Cornwall Show, and we were fortunate to attract air time during our Jubilee. We were also represented at the C.T.N.C. Country Fair at Trelissick, and the Newquay Green Fair. At the A.G.M. held at the County Museum at on 24th April. Our Treasurer Alan Reynolds reported that the Society was in a most healthy state, nearly a thousand members, and a balance of nearly £27,000. Expenditure was increased in the year mainly on Walmsley Sanctuary Development, and new hides at Tregonce on the Camel, and at Walmsley. Alan Reynolds regrettably has resigned as Treasurer after serving for many years. He has done a wonderful job and will be greatly missed. His wise counsel and wisdom, helped us through many difficult situations, and he has brought professionalism of a very high standard to the post. I personally will miss his experience and total reliability. I said at the A.G.M. that he had become a legend, and this was not said lightly. Anita Dunstan has agreed to become Treasurer, and Mike Lawson will act as Membership Secretary in addition to his other duties as Secretary to the Society.

The Camel Study Group have been busy during the year, and their second report is due to be published in late May. They have been liaising with other Camel bodies concerned with the preservation of the area. Birding days, talks, and other events have been organised by Mike Lawson, Derek Julian and Anita Dunstan. It is quite amazing the amount of interest which the work of this group has generated in the short time since its formation. Dr. John Ryan, Committee member, and Penzance G.P. has introduced a birdline, called "Birding South West" which has attracted national interest. All profit from the enterprise is donated by John to aid conservation in the County.

I mentioned in last years report that a new hide was planned at Tregonce Cliff on the Camel. It is now operational and well used. Thanks to those who gave their time organising the site, and the building of the hide. The look-out at Porthscatho is now used by many members especially in the winter.

On the subject of hides, I am pleased to report that all hides locks have been standardised, and that the key issued for the hide will open all hides owned by the Society. Should members require keys they are available from Anita Dunstan, and Mike Lawson at £2.00.

6 The Walmsley Sanctuary has improved considerably during the year, thanks to the work done by the NRA., and by our members, notably Alma Hathway, and Bruce Wotton, who gave an interesting presentation at the Autumn General Meeting. This subject is dealt with in detail in the Conservation officers' report. As time goes on, no doubt the Sanctuary will improve, and provide a much needed refuge in a very sensitive area.

One of the last labours of love that Alan Reynolds undertook, was an examination of the Rules of the Society, and to clarify some points, and to improve where necessary. Copies of the New Rules with alterations underlined were circulated to members before the A.G.M. and were unanimously approved by members at the meeting. The new rules are printed at the rear of this publication. Reluctantly, it has become necessary to increase subscriptions to the Society, our first increase for 10 years. The Committee deliberated long and hard before recommending the increases which were approved at the A.G.M. It was a situation that was inevitable. The cost of printing two reports, newsletters, and postage was costing more than an ordinary subscription. Investment interest has declined, and more money spent on new hides, refurbishment and other essential items. The success of the Society for 60 years has been due to the amount of time and services which have been given quite voluntarily by members. A small independent Society which is solely associated with the County, can only survive this way. We are not in a position to employ staff as the other organisations which are nationally based. The increase to £9 for individual membership is still very good value for money. However, we are conscious of the fact that many people interested in conservation, belong to many various societies, and the total subscriptions all add up to a not inconsiderable total. We are convinced that those who are interested in birds and their preservation will stand by us, as they have in the past.

The amount of work carried out by the Society during the year is considerable, the Committee have given hours of time and travel in the interests of the Society and I would like to thank them for their support. Each year our recorder and editor manages to produce a superlative report with the minimum amount of fuss, and the maximum efficiency. We are greatly indebted to Stan Christophers for his work. Our newsletter editor and long standing member, Francis Couch, produces the newsletter each year, and is always ready to receive contributions from members. Thanks to Francis for producing the 60th anniversary colour edition.

Thanks to Dave Conway and Stewart Hutchins who have completed their three years on Committee and welcome to Graham Sutton and Bruce Wotton who return to the Committee.

Finally, I would like to thank our President, Sir Alan Dalton, for continuing to support the Society. He is ready to give advice and guidance when needed, and despite a very busy life always finds time to join us at the Annual General Meeting.

Leslie Smith Chairman. Conservation Officer's Report

This account covers the period from April 1991 to April 1992. The tremendous success of all the hard work that has been put in at the Walmsley Sanctuary is described elsewhere in this Report, so I will merely comment that when one of the R.S.P.B.'s most respected experts congratulates you on your 'superb wetland' you are entitled to feel that you have done a good job! The Society's standing as an active conservation body has been considerably enhanced by this achievement.

The Wadebridge area has been the focus of other intense activity, by the Camel Estuary Study Group. This band of local members has done much to further the cause of conservation on this sensitive estuary, where keeping our interests in balance with various other pursuits requires constant attention. Liaison has been maintained with other user groups and with the Local Authority to discuss various proposals, whilst surveys on bait-digging and on the spread of spartina grass have been carried out. All of this has been accompanied by plenty of good publicity.

Not all of our river stystems have fared as well as the Camel however. The pollution of the , and the by metals flowing from the old tin-mine gave much cause for concern and was widely reported by the national media. We were able to supply some data on birds using the affected areas, but the incident highlighted the importance of acquiring detailed knowledge of which species, in what numbers, use the various sections of our rivers and estuaries for breeding and roosting. The long-term affects of this episode remain to be seen.

We have also advised that pollution appeared to have led to the disappearance of Dippers from the Menahyl River which flows through St. Mawgan. The National Rivers Authority has mounted a full investigation into all known discharges into the river, which will hopefully lead to an eventual improvement in water quality. Let us hope that the N.R.A. continues to receive sufficient funding to enable it to maintain its good work.

Incidents of more deliberate poisoning continue to be reported. The first indication that alphachloralose has been proven to poison birds of prey in Cornwall was received in 1991. Three Buzzards were found near Penzance and later a Red Kite was found near — all having been exposed to these toxic chemicals. The Red Kite was one of twenty imported from Sweden, released in Scotland by the R.S.P.B. and subsequently seen in Ireland before moving to Cornwall where it met this disastrous demise. The use of poisons is a matter of great concern, especially in view of the Ministry of Agriculture's apparent general reluctance to prosecute offenders.

There is a body of opinion in some of our holiday resorts that Herring Gulls too should be disposed of. Contrary to popular belief this species is in serious decline and could even be considered a candidate for the Red Data list. I am hoping to persuade the relevant local authorities that the solution to their 'nuisance problem' really lies in educating the public not to encourage gulls to become over-confident by feeding them. Now for some good news — the Sea Fisheries (Wildlife Conservation) Act 1992 just managed to scrape through Parliament before proceedings were suspended for the General Election. This measure is a vital step forward in halting the mass slaughter of seabirds in fishing nets around our coasts. Bylaws can now be made to control the setting of nets when there is a danger of catching birds. At the time of writing we await to see if these provisions are passed and if a system is set up to make sure that they are enforced.

Farmers are directly responsible for the well-being of a large number of our breeding species. It is accordingly pleasing to report the Society's support for two schemes organised by Cornwall Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, on the and in the Camel Valley. Under these projects, conservation plans are being drawn up for large areas of farmland with wildlife features of each farm being designed to complement and support each other. The bird survey for scheme which was started in 1991, has revealed a healthy bird community in an area which has generally not been subjected to the more intensive

8 farming methods practised elsewhere. These schemes provide a rare opportunity to sample the breeding birds of the county which receive less attention than they deserve. As a result of our involvement with this project a large number of bird-boxes were donated to us. They were extremely well constructed by handicapped patients at the Murdoch and Trevithick Training Centre at Redruth and paid for by S.W.E.B. Barn Owl boxes have found homes on the Lizard, those for Pied Flycatchers have been located to encourage the westward spread of the species and Swift boxes have been put up in St. Ives and Bodmin where Swifts have lost some traditional sites.

During the year we have continued to monitor planning applications which pose threats to our birds or their habitats. We have made representations where appropriate. Members are reminded to bring similar matters to my attention.

I believe that the last twelve months have seen an extremely positive contribution by the Society towards the conservation of birds in Cornwall. It is my wish that we make further advances in the months, and years to come. Andy Pay Conservation Officer

9 Editorial and Review of the Year

A total of 268 species and 19 distinctive sub-species or races were reported during 1991 and found to be acceptable.

Over 340 observers submitted records for consideration. The vast majority of records were of a high standard but the lack of accompanying detail for some species considered difficult to identify (eg: Goshawk, Melodious and Icterine Warbler, Richard's and Tawny Pipit etc.), precluded several sightings.

Pied Wheatear was a new bird for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, whilst Olive-backed Pipit will be a county mainland 'first' if accepted by BBRC. Orphean Warbler was reported for the second time, as was Rustic Bunting (but details are still awaited for this bird). Other major rarities included Least Sandpiper, at least four 'Siberian' Stonechats, a possible 'Eastern' Redstart and a Shore Lark.

Reports of other extreme rarities, including Baird's Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Gull-billed Tern, Nashville Warbler and Fox Sparrow remain at the time of writing, with BBRC.

There were influxes of Little Egret, Long-tailed Duck, Jack Snipe, Woodcock and Mediterranean Gull, plus new peak counts of Great Shearwater and Black-headed and Common Gull.

Birds overwintering from 1990 included at least eight Little Egret, a Spoonbill, two Ring-necked Duck, a Marsh Harrier, a Long-eared Owl and record totals of Merlin, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Siskin.

The mild conditions experienced at the end of 1990 continued throughout much of January. Despite this, there were frequent gales, particularly early in the month which produced ideal sea-watching conditions. Two Little Auks passed on 1st, the first of fifteen during the month, a Black Guillemot was seen off Falmouth and four Manx and a Mediterranean (formerly Balearic) Shearwater were recorded off Newquay. A Sandwich Tern off Looe, then in Falmouth Bay was an unseasonal find, but wildfowl numbers were generally low. Unusual were a Whooper Swan at Drift, a Mandarin Duck and a Smew at Lynher Estuary.

Also notable were a gathering of 115 Magpie at and the first of an influx of 69 Scaup. A Bonaparte's Gull, which had overwintered in the area made a fleeting visit to St Johns Lake and a Herring Gull showing some characteristics of the North American race 'smithsonianus' was tentatively identified at Penzance.

A Spoonbill was seen at Helford, there was a Woodlark at Millbrook, a Marsh Harrier at and a Red Kite near Wadebridge. A record-equalling flock of sixty Crossbill was at Halvana on 27th and a record .gaggle of 98 Brent Geese at on 29th.

Towards the end of the month temperatures started to tumble and consequent with this, Woodcock appeared in their highest numbers since 1963 and there were considerable increases in numbers of Lapwing, Dunlin and Jack Snipe.

The cold became more intense in early February with temperatures dipping to their lowest for four years. These conditions prevailed for almost two weeks before a return to milder weather which then continued throughout March. Early February produced a new record flock of 255 Avocet on the Tamar Estuary, a Pomarine Skua at Kennack Sands and a Dotterel at . Huge numbers of birds moved into or through the county Feb 7th-10th, with particularly heavy passage on the first date. Prominent in this movement were thrushes with an estimated 100000 at alone, whilst 12000 Fieldfare and 5000 Redwing flew over Holmbush on 7th. Three Smew arrived at Drift Res. (the first of up

10 to twenty), a female Ring-necked Duck appeared at Argal Res., a Spoonbill flew over Looe and a Waxwing graced a , garden. Equally noticeable was the disappearance of many smaller, more susceptible species; Chiffchaff numbers dropped, Long-tailed Tits became scarce and Goldcrests were decimated.

A Ruddy Duck at Lynher Estuary maintained the species' annual occurrence in Cornwall and a Green-winged Teal was found amongst its Eurasian congener at . The Tregonetha Hen Harrier roost continued to attract much human interest and careful observation revealed that seven Merlin were also present on 21st. The last week of the month revealed the presence of thirty Snow Buntings at Looe Island, a party of 17 Scaup (the second largest group ever) at Mounts Bay and the first sign of spring in the shape of a Northern Wheatear at Hayle on 27th. The first three weeks of March proved exceptionally quiet with only a thin scattering of early migrants. A Great Grey Shrike at from 5th was to remain for six weeks but could prove frustratingly elusive. Chiffchaff, Sand Martin, Swallow and House Martin first arrived on 8th, 13th, 23rd and 23rd respectively whilst more unusual species included a Cory's Shearwater off on 10th, two Serins at on 15th and the first Hoopoe of the year at Penlee Point on 24th. Willow Warbler (27th), Yellow Wagtail (29th), Manx Shearwater (30th) and Garganey (31st) all put in first appearances of the spring but the most striking bird was a male Shore Lark at on 30th.

An unexpected flush of rare raptors including a male Marsh Harrier at Hayle, a Rough- legged Buzzard and a Montagu's Harrier at Lynher Estuary on 29th and an Osprey there the next day, was tempted to fly north. Meanwhile, a gathering of 38 Common Buzzards at , near Launceston on 31st provided a formidable sight.

The first half of April was generally unsettled producing a Cory's Shearwater off St. Ives and the second earliest ever Leach's Petrel off Newquay on 5th. The following day a female American Wigeon allowed close examination of its salient identification features as it loafed on Pool. Summer migrants continued to turn up in small numbers. These included Ring Ouzel (2nd), Sedge Warbler and Cuckoo (8th), Tree Pipit (12th), Grasshopper Warbler (13th) and Swift, Redstart and Whitethroat (14th). On the last date a Red-rumped Swallow briefly flirted with two observers at Marazion and it seemed inconceivable that anything could possibly halt a most promising spring immigration. Any optimism was quickly dispelled however by a persistent northerly airstream which was to dominate the weather scene for the ensuing six weeks.

The arrival of rare raptors continued with a Black Kite at St. Columb Minor on 15th and over Hayle the following day; a Marsh Harrier at Kynance on 18th, an Osprey at Tamar Estuary on 23rd and a Hobby at Newquay on 26th, but passage of abundant summer migrants such as Swallow, Blackcap and Willow Warbler was severely curtailed and there were even reports of birds returning to Africa.

May proved a most disappointing month for birds. An oiled Smew at on 5th and a Redwing at Gwithian on 10th were both tardy as were the first Lesser Whitethroats of the year, at , and Ruan Minor on 5th. Turtle Dove enjoyed its smallest spring passage for almost twenty years but rare raptors continued to appear. Most notable were Black Kites at St Johns Lake on 3rd and Marazion on 25th, a Montagu's Harrier at Botus Fleming on 11th and a Marsh Harrier at Falmouth on 18th.

A Serin at Lizard on 9th and a Wood Sandpiper at Walmsley Sanctuary the same day completed a fairly dismal first half to the month and there was to be no significant improvement in the latter half, although two Spoonbills at St. Columb Major, a Hooded Crow at Trebarwith, a Tree Sparrow at Lands End and two Roseate Terns at Marazion illustrated the diversity of species which can occur.

11 The cold north to westerly airstream continued into June causing many thousands (if not millions) of summer migrants to arrive late or to abandon their northward migration completely. Human travellers to the Mediterranean and North Africa graphically described scenes of myriads of grounded migrants held up by the adverse weather conditions. Those birds that had arrived and had settled to breed apparently enjoyed little success. Nevertheless the first half of June produced a Montagu's Harrier and a Golden Oriole at Lizard on 1st, two Golden Orioles at Kenidjack on 4th, an Osprey at Halvana on 5th, a Black Guillemot at Falmouth and a Nightingale at Penlee on 9th and two Roseate Terns at on 11th. Three Quail were heard calling before the end of the month, a late Hoopoe was at on 18th and 521 Common Scoter flew past Rame Head on 29th. Canada Geese bred at six sites, Teal bred at Crowdy Reservoir and Coot showed an increase with breeding reported from nine localities. Peregrine eyries were well attended and a pair of Hobby reared at least one young. Black-headed Gulls were successful at Crowdy and Colliford reservoirs and a pair of Water Rail bred at Tamar Estuary. Whilst many summer migrants were conspicuous by their relative absence, our two resident warblers, Cetti's and Dartford both bred successfully.

Breeding wader populations are apparently in universal decline, a fact illustrated locally by diminishing numbers of Curlew, Snipe and Lapwing.

Summer finally arrived in early July. Hot, dry and settled weather ensured little avian activity; an Osprey at Ruan Lanihorne on 6th, a Little Egret at on 15th, a Quail at St. Columb Minor on 25th and Little Ringed Plover at Marazion being the features.

August continued to be generally settled but with an occasional gale livening things up a little. A Cory's Shearwater passed on 2nd and the first two of a record movement of Great Shearwaters were noted there on 4th.

Wader passage was in progress; some species proving more numerous than usual, but others were surprisingly scarce.

Included in the latter category were Spotted Redshank which suffered its lightest autumn movement for years and Wood Sandpiper which totalled a mere fifteen birds. Curlew Sandpiper (130) and Little Stint (63) both moved through in better than average numbers.

The first Aquatic Warblers of the year were singles at on 13th and Marazion on 14th. Marazion was to attract a number of unusual birds over the next two weeks including White Stork, Spotted Crake, Icterine Warbler and Woodchat Shrike.

A total of fourteen Little Egrets was reported on 20th. Away from Porthgwarra and Lizard, south coast records of large shearwaters are rare so that a Cory's off Rame and Looe on 23rd was particularly noteworthy.

There was to be a paucity of Nearctic waders this autumn but an adult Least Sandpiper spent a brief sojourn at Landulph Marsh on 25th. The following day a Black Stork flew over thus continuing this species' recent regular occurrence in Cornwall. Other observations included up to three Garganey at , three Garganey flying west off Porthgwarra, a Nightingale at and a 'fall' of 100 Whitethroats at Kenidjack.

September was warmer than normal but with frequent westerly gales. Early in the month an American Wigeon was identified at Loe Pool and a flock of eighteen Little Stint gathered at Marazion. Three Little Ringed Plovers frequented Upper Tamar Lake and a Scarlet Rosefinch consorted with House Sparrows at Kenidjack.

12 Three Siskins at Lands End on 7th heralded another impressive passage of this formerly rare visitor to the county. Apart from a whole series of Aquatic Warblers at Marazion there were also singles at Stithians and St Bury an on 8th. A Dotterel at St Just Airfield, a Wryneck at (the first of five in ten days), a Ring Ouzel at Porthgwarra (the first of a record passage), a Melodious Warbler and an Ortolan Bunting at and a Woodchat Shrike at all arrived 9th/10th.

A count of 1445 Great Shearwaters off Porthgwarra on 14th exceeded the previous county mainland total since 1930! A Cory's Shearwater, 18 Mediterranean Shearwaters at the same site plus a Little Ringed Plover at Hayle, a Red-backed Shrike at St Ives and a Scarlet Rosefinch at Nanquidno completed a most satisfactory day. Pursuers of the Woodchat Shrike also located three Dotterel and a Melodious Warbler at Nanquidno the next day. The second half of the month produced a diverse selection of rarities including Spotted Crakes at Poldhu and Par, White-winged Black Tern at Tamar Estuary, Rose-coloured Starling at (both 17th), Red-breasted Flycatcher at Treveal (19th), Osprey at Porthtowan and Ortolan Bunting at Lizard (both 21st), 28 Leach's Petrels and six Long- tailed Skuas off Pendeen (22nd), six Sabine's Gull off St Ives and two Buff-breasted Sandpipers near Kynance (also 22nd), a Pectoral Sandpiper at Marazion and another Long-tailed Skua off Pendeen (23rd), Long-tailed Skua off Newquay (24th), a Honey Buzzard over Treveal (25th), a Melodius Warbler at Kenidjack and the first of a light movement of Lapland Bunting, at Rumps Point (26th). A Marsh Harrier flew over Rame Head on 27th and the first Snow Bunting of the autumn was at Nanquidno the same day. A wandering Ruddy Shelduck which was to remain in the county almost to the end of the year was first noted at Par on 28th.

The sole Nearctic passerine of the year was an obliging Red-eyed Vireo at Lizard from 30th, the same day as a Corncrake was flushed at and a Richard's Pipit arrived at Lizard.

October was a cool month with a predominantly southeasterly airstream but also occasional northwesterly storms. A wide diversity of species was reported but numbers of most were small.

A Blue-winged Teal at Loe Pool on 2nd was a good find as was a Rose-coloured Starling at on 6th. Other county rarities during the first week included Osprey, Corncrake, two Wryneck and a Melodious Warbler.

From 8th a selection of eastern rarities and the first of the largest influx of Long-tailed Duck since 1937, started to arrive.

The first of thirteen Yellow-browed Warblers was at Kelynack on 8th and a Red- backed Shrike was located at Sennen. The latter area was to produce a plethora of unusual birds over the ensuing week including 'Siberian' Stonechat, a Redstart showing some characteristics of the eastern race 'samanisicus', Woodlark, Tawny and Olive-backed Pipit, Great Grey Shrike and Rustic Bunting.

Elsewhere there was another Corncrake at , a Red Kite over Penzance, Red- breasted Flycatchers at , Nanquidno, Kelynack and Lizard, Honey Buzzard at Rame Head, Osprey at Park Head, Marsh Harrier at Marazion, Richard's Pipit at Nanquidno, Barred Warbler at Kelynack and Icterine Warbler at Porthgwarra.

Another 'Siberian' Stonechat was identified at Lizard, large parties of Coal and Blue Tits wandered aimlessly around and several gaggles of White-fronted Geese hinted at winter. Two Juvenile Spoonbills arrived at Lynher Estuary on 15th and were joined by an adult on 20th.

Sea-watching had proved relatively disappointing to date but a northwesterly gale on

13 17th/18th brought good numbers of pelagic birds close inshore off both Pendeen and St. Ives. Prominent amongst this passage were Pomarine and Long-tailed Skuas and Sabine's Gulls.

Subsequently the avian scene adopted a wintry feel with wildfowl and thrushes arriving or passing through. A Whooper Swan appeared at on 20th, twenty Eider flew past Treveal, two Barnacle Geese flew past Gwithian and six were at Porthgwarra, a Ruddy Duck skulked around Loe Pool, a Bewick's Swan briefly joined the herd of Mute Swans on the Camel Estuary and two Greylag Geese settled in for a prolonged stay at Crowdy Reservoir.

Early November was characterised by unsettled weather with frequent northwesterly gales, but after the first week of the month there was a more settled pattern to the end of the year. Temperatures again remained above average and rainfall was low.

The month opened with a bang for one lucky observer who discovered a male Golden Pheasant near Sticker and then had the good fortune to locate Cornwall's first Pied Wheatear at , Dodman.

72 Pomarine Skuas passed St Ives in a northwesterly gale on 3rd and a late Sabine's Gull moved west off Rumps Point the same day.

Mid-month produced a Serin at Phillack, four drake Mandarin Ducks at Restronguet and a male 'Siberian' Stonechat at Kenidjack for several days.

Woodpigeon normally attract little attention but a heavy movement occurred during the third week of the month, culminating in a record single day count of 5180 passing over Sennen on 20th, with 3800 at Marazion the same day.

A drake Green-winged Teal was found amongst Teal at Lynher Estuary and a count of 67 Red-breasted Merganser at Carrick Roads was the best second winter flock since 1980. With mild weather continuing into December wildfowl numbers were generally low.

A Waxwing fed on cotoneaster berries in a St Just garden for a few days from 5th but despite another irruption to the east coast of the U.K. there were no other observations in Cornwall. Seven Whooper Swan arrived at College Reservoir and remained throughout winter, amazing many observers unfamiliar with their confiding nature.

5060 Dunlin at St Johns Lake on 8th was the second highest ever count in Cornwall and 230 Canada Geese at Upper Tamar Reservoir on 14th represented a new county maximum.

Also setting records was the grossly under-watched Camel Estuary gull roost off . Vast numbers of Laridae gathered to shelter from stormy weather on 21st/22nd. Peaks of 1200 Common Gull and 20000 Black-headed Gull were estimated — both record counts for Cornwall. The year ended quietly with up to 18 Little Egrets wintering, plus two Bean Geese, a Ring Ouzel, a roost of four Long-eared Owls at Sticker and a Long-eared Owl at Trebelsue most notable. Thanks To everyone who submitted records for inclusion in this Report. To John Cook for his tireless and unheralded work in extracting records for the section Red-legged Partridge to House Martin. To Jack Wright for the NWC and BOEE counts. To Steve Madge for information from the C.F.N.H.C. file.

.4 To John Ryan for information from the Birding Southwest file.

To Dave Flumm for information from the Lyonesse Guest House log.

To Adrian Langdon, Graham Sutton and Peter Walsh for photographs. To Andrew Birch, Steve Bird, Alison Gregory, Ren Hathway, Paul Semmens and John Walters for drawings. To Steve Jackson, Roger Lane and Bruce Wotton for articles. To Dave Flumm, Ted Griffiths, Steve Madge, John Ryan, Roger Smaldon and Victor Tucker for advice and decisions concerning county rarities and contentious records.

WILDFOWL and WADER COUNTS 1991 These counts are organised by Jack Wright, Anchor Cottage, Chapel Street, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 OAE.

Volunteer counters are always required and anyone interested is asked to contact Jack at the address above.

It will become apparent whilst comparing the figures in the tables with the maximum counts under the main species account that there is frequently a considerable anomaly. This is a seemingly insurmountable problem in that the NWC and BOEE surveys are conducted on just one set day per month and that may not necessarily coincide with the 'best' day for the species at that particular locality.

Nevertheless the counts provide an extremely valuable source of regular data for a number of important sites.

RARITIES National rarities Reports of national rarities must be accompanied by a full description, preferably notes made in the field. Sketches and photographs can be of great assistance but are not normally returnable. These descriptions should be submitted to the Recorder as soon as possible after the occurrence, and should, wherever possible be written on the appropriate form obtainable from the Recorder or from the Secretary to BBRC, M.J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3AZ.

County rarities Owing to the sheer welter of work undertaken by BBRC the species considered by them is constantly under review. From time to time species establish a regular and frequent pattern of occurrence in the U.K. At such times species may be removed from the list of National Rarities, whereupon they are automatically installed into the framework of the list of County Rarities.

This latter list is also constantly under review and changes are regularly made.

Five species (Little Egret, Surf Scoter, Bee-Eater, Pallas's Warbler and Woodchat Shrike) were removed from the BBRC list in 1990 and are now incorporated in the County Rarities list. In addition, in an attempt to alleviate some of the paperwork encountered by conscientious observers, the amount of detail required for a number of county rarities has been re-appraised.

15 County rarities requiring a full description are marked with an asterisk, those requiring fewer notes, but still sufficient to justify the identifications, remain unmarked.

Red-necked Grebe Sabine's Gull Black-necked Grebe * Ring-billed Gull Leach's Petrel Iceland Gull Cory's Shearwater * Glaucous Gull Great Shearwater * Roseate Tern Bittern Arctic Tern Little Egret * Black Guillemot Purple Heron * Ring-necked Parakeet White Stork * Long-eared Owl Bean Goose * Bee-eater * Pink-footed Goose Woodlark Greylag Goose Shore Lark * Snow Goose * Richard's Pipit * Ruddy Shelduck * Tawny Pipit * Garganey Water Pipit Red-crested Pochard Yellow Wagtail (variants) Ferruginous Duck * Waxwing Scaup Nightingale * Surf Scoter * Bluethroat * Velvet Scoter Cetti's Warbler Smew Savi's Warbler * Ruddy Duck * Aquatic Warbler * Honey Buzzard * Marsh Warbler * Red Kite * Icterine Warbler * Marsh Harrier * Melodious Warbler * Montagu's Harrier * Barred Warbler * Goshawk * Pallas's Warbler * Rough-legged Buzzard * Yellow-browed Warbler Osprey Red-breasted Flycatcher * Hobby Bearded Tit Spotted Crake Willow Tit * Corncrake * Golden Oriole Crane * Red-backed Shrike Stone Curlew Great Grey Shrike Little Ringed Plover Woodchat Shrike * Kentish Plover Chough Dotterel Tree Sparrow Temminck's Stint * Serin * Pectoral Sandpiper * Twite * Buff-breasted Sandpiper * Scarlet (Common) Rosefinch Red-necked Phalarope * Hawfinch Pomarine Skua Lapland Bunting Long-tailed Skua * Ortolan Bunting * Mediterranean Gull Cirl Bunting Additionally, the Recorder may at any time request full details of an unusual occurrence. Records of the above species which are not accompanied by adequate detail will not be included in 'Birds in Cornwall'.

16 SUBMISSION OF RECORDS Records should follow the order shown in this Report; not in alphabetical order or diary form. Adherence to this basic guideline will greatly facilitate the extraction of information from observers' notes. Records for 1992 should be sent to the Recorder by 15th January 1993 at the latest. However to assist with the early publication of the Report I would be pleased to receive the bulk of records at any time during the current year.

Finally, I apologise for any errors or omissions which are attributable to me. I welcome any constructive criticism or any idea which might improve the Report.

Stanley Christophers Contributors

Adams, P.W. Chugg, B. Griffiths, E. Alexander, P.W. Clegg, D. Gynn, G.G. & Mrs. E.G. Aley, P.H. Colenutt, S.R. Hadley, Mr. Allen, Mrs. B. Collinge, D.T. Hall, M.C. Allen, R. Conway, D.A. & Hambridge, K. Armfelf, N. Mrs. I.M.E. Hammon, V. Aston, A.E.C. Conway, G.J. Hanby, Dr. A.M. Backshall, Mrs. D.I.P. Cook, E.J. Hanby, S. Bailey, A. Cooper, B.J. Hando, N. Balmer, Mrs. D.E. Couch, F.M. Hanlon, J. Barker, D.D. Courtnell, D.R. Hannaghan, M.J. Barker, D.J. & Mrs. D.C. Cox, D. Harland, P. Barker, S.R.J. Cox, Mrs. E. Harper, R. Barlow, Mrs. Y. Cox, S.J. Harris, A. Bassett, J. Craven, B.T. Harris, Mrs. J.A. Bazeley, Mr. & Mrs. D Cray ton, R. Hathway, Mrs. A.C. Beasant, A. Dallas, B. Hathway, R.J. Beasant, W. Dartnell, Mrs. S. Hawken, B. (BH) Bedford, R.J. Dingle, T.J. Hawkey, J. (JH) Beer, M. Dinsdale, J. Hedley, B. Bennett, C. Dunford, A. Herdson, D. Bingham, C.L. Dunkerley, G.H.J. Hicks, J.H. Birch, A.R. Dunstan, Mrs. A.D. Higson, P. Bird, S. Dustow, J. Holmes, J.S. Birding Southwest Eddy, S.R. Honeychurch, F.H. Birkin, M.J. Edmunds, Miss M. Hooper, S. Blair, Sqdn. Ldr. M.J. Edmunds, P. Hopkin, P.J. Blatchford, Elcoate, M. Hoskin, W.H. M. & Mrs. G.M. Elliott, P. Huggins, H. & Mrs. J. Blonden, A. & P. Ethridge, C.J. Hutchins, J.V.P. Blowers, B.D. Eva, D. Huxley, G. Blunden, A. Evershed, R. Jackson, D. (DJ) Boon, J.A. Eyre, C. Jackson, G.C. Bosistow Group Finch, J.H. Jackson, S.F. Bottom, J.E. Fisher, E.A. James, CM. & Mrs. B. Bottomley, J.B. & Mrs. S. Flumm, D.S. James, J.W. Bourne, Miss C.L. (CLBo.) Flunder, D.J. James, R.M.R. Brooks, Dr. C. Flynn, J. Jane, J.A. Browne, C. Forbes, B.F. Janman, C.R. Bryden, J.D. Ford, A. & Mrs. V.M. Jenkins, D. Burn, J. Ford, R.W. Jenkins, J. Bury, S. Fox, I.L.M. Jenkins, K. Butts, R. Frost, M.P. Johnson, D.L. Cabbie, N.J. Fuller, N. Jones, M.F. Caddy, Mrs. Gaisford, M.J. Jones, P. Field & Gammage, P.A. Jones, R.A. Natural History Club Garner, D. Julian, D.I. Carne, T.M. Gask, J. Kallmer, D. Cave, B. Gilbert, J.S. Kendall, F.H.C. Chapman, B.E. Glenn, N. Kendall, I. Chell, D.R. (DRCh.) Glenn, Miss S. Knifton, J.F.W. Christie, P. Gould, R.W. Knight, A. Christmas, S.G. Grace, E. (EGe) Kolodziejski, S. Christophers, B.T.S. Grant, G. Lane, R. Christophers, E.M. Grant, I. Langley, B. Christophers, S.M., Greenhalgh, M.E. Large, S. Mrs. AD. & Miss H.M. Gregory, Miss A. Last, W.G.

18 Lawman, Mrs. J. Porter, Mr. & Mrs. J. Swensson, D. Law son, M. Potts, F. Sutton, G.P. Lee, R.J. Powell, L.S. & Sutton, Mrs. M.A. Legge, W.G.D. Mrs. E.M. Telfer, M.G. Lester, A. Press, P. Thomas, G.H. Lewis, D. (DL) Prytherch, R. Thomas, M. Lewis, G.D. Reay, P.J. Tillinghast, Mrs. M. Lister, S.M. Reid, Miss J.M. Tremewan, Mr. & Mrs. P. Lockyer, D. Reynolds, A.F. Truscott, L.A.C. Lord, D. (DLo) Rigby, D.J. Tucker, V.R. Lyon, R.J. Riley, D. Tyzzer, J.G. Lyonesse Guest House Log Ringrose, G. Vaughan, H. McCallum, J.R. Roberts, Dr. H.R.M. Visick, Mrs. M.P. McKenzie, J. & Mrs. E. Robinson, Miss B.J. Wake, R.E. McMahon, Miss S.M. Robinson, Mr. & Walbridge, D. McMillan, J.D. Mrs. S.C. Walbridge, G. McVey, P.J. Robson, S. Walsh, T. Madge, S.C. Rogers, M.J. Walters, J.M. Mansell, D.N. Rogers, S. Warren, D. Marrett, Mrs. A. Rosier, A.R. Warwick, J. Martin, M.J.P. Ross, J.H. Wear, E.A. Massey, D.G.R. Rowe, Dr. G.P.G. Webb, B.L. Masters, Mrs. A. Rowse, P.A.S. Webb, L. Masters, C.F. Royal Air Force Wesley, N.A. Matthews, H.D. Ornithological Society Whillock, N. & Mrs. J. Meredith, Mrs. H. Rule, M. White, Fit. Lt. D.K. Merlane, H. (HMe) Rundle, B.G. White, G.R. & Mrs. M. Miles, H. Rundle, P. White, J. Miller, J.A. d'E. Rutter, P.A. White, W.J. Millett, J.E. Ryan, Dr. J.F. Whitehouse, I.C. Mitchell, O. Sabran, G.R.G. Wicks, S.C. Moncaster, Sqdn. Ldr. C. Sari, L.A.H. Wightman, M.K. Morrison, D.G. Sawle, A.C. Wilkinson, D. Moss, V. Shayler, D.M. Williams, C. Mumford, I. Shillingford, J. Williams, E.H. Nancarrow, A. Short, B.J. Williams, L.P. Northcott, W.C. Shutter, G.G. Williams, P. Odell, D. Sillifant, P.T. Wills, K.B. Ogden, Mr. & Mrs. H.G. Smaldon, R. Wilson, D. Ohlsen, R. Small, B. Wilson, E.J. Osborne, C.A. Smith, L.A. & Wilson, J.H.W. Page, N.H. Mrs. F.M. Wolfenden, W.A.R. & Parfitt, A. Smith, R. Mrs. M. Park. A.J. & Mrs. S.A. Southam, M. Woodcock, A. Pattenden, B. Spalding, A. Wooldridge, D.B. Pay, A.R. Sparkes, C.J. Wotton, B.C. Pearman, Mrs. S.J. Spong, P. Wright, J. Pellow, K. Stafford, Mrs. P. Yelland, D.M. Penhall, K.A.W. Stephenson, Mrs. D. Young, J. Penhallurick, R.D. Stephenson, G.C. Perry, A. Stockhausen, B. & Mrs. J. B.T.O. Phillips, N.J. Storrow, A.J. R.S.P.B. Phillips, N.R. Stuart-Smith, J. Pilbeam, S. Stubbs, P.L.

19 Species List for 1991

RED-THROATED DIVER - Gavia stellata

Uncommon winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although well distributed along the more sheltered south coast, recent observations have discovered sizeable concentrations along the north coast particularly between and . Whilst these flocks are large for Cornwall they are much smaller than the parties of several hundreds reported almost annually off Hartland Point, North . 1991 was an exceptionally poor year for the species in Cornwall. Reports were received from 27 localities; ten on the north coast, fifteen on the south coast and two inland. As usual, few overwintered and there was little evidence of any movement until the freeze in early February, when a total of c.33 birds was noted in the county. Spring passage was light and ended with one flying west at Rame Head May 3rd. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Looe: one Jan 1st-10th, four Jan 12th. Newquay: noted until Mar 5th. A total of four flew west and a peak of 26 was in the Bay Feb 6th. Rame Head: singles flew west Jan 6th, Apr 27th and May 3rd. St. Austell Bay: one to three regular Jan 14th-Apr 13th, but four Mar 1st and 26th. Loe Bar: two Feb 9th-17th, three Mar 29th and one on 30th. Pentire Point: two Feb 10th, one Feb 26th. Trevose Head: eight flew west Mar 10th, 17 Mar 12th and ten Mar 29th. Inland there were singles at Argal Res. Jan 20th-22nd and Drift Res. Feb 17th-19i:h (when found dead). All other reports were of singles. The first in autumn was one flying west off Pendeen Sept 22nd, with another there the following day. Small numbers continued to be noted off the North coast in the autumn gales, but only eight birds were reported in the county at the end of the year. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Pendeen: singles Sept 22nd and 23rd, two Sept 27th and three Oct 17th. St. Ives: a total of 16 flew west between Oct 17th and the end of the year with a maximum of three Nov 3rd and again Nov 4th. Rame Head: singles flew west Nov 13th, Dec 1st and 14th, two Dec 28th. Bay: two Dec 1st. Loe Bar: three Dec 1st, one Dec 28th. All other reports in both winter periods concerned singles.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER - Gavia arctica

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Predominantly a bird of the more sheltered south coast with large gatherings in the to Carrick Roads area. / Bay regularly attracts as much as 5% of the U.K. winter total. Reasonable numbers are also reported fromn St. Austell Bay and occasionally Mounts and St. Ives Bays. Like the preceding species, a disappointing year with reports from only 22 localities; seven on the north coast, fourteen on the south coast and one inland.

Early in the year there was a large flock in Falmouth Bay, presumably of birds displaced from Gerrans/Veryan Bays. Few of these birds remained after mid January corresponding with an increase at the traditional sites. A small number lingered in Gerrans Bay throughout the summer but elsewhere observations were sporadic.

The first in autumn were two at Loe Bar Sept 1st, but there was no more until one in Mounts Bay Oct 4th. Only three more were reported during October but more than usual were identified during sea-watches in November, c.30 were reported as overwintering into 1992.

20 Regular reports and maximum numbers:

Gerrans Bay: monthly maxima: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 32 12 16 13 4 3 5 2 0 0 10 22 Veryan Bay: monthly maxima: Jan Feb Mar Apr May 45 6 44 52 10

Surprisingly there was none here in the second winter period.

Falmouth Bay: noted until Feb 8th with max of 55 Jan 11th. One Apr 30th. Mounts Bay: four Jan 6th and Apr 26th. Singles on four dates Oct 4th-Dec 29th. St. Ives: one Jan 1st, two Feb 24th, one May 18th. In November, two on 4th, one on 9th and four on 16th — all west. Sennen: four Jan 6th. One Nov 8th. Seaton: seven Feb 19th. Rame Head: one Apr 20th, two Apr 27th and two May 11th — all flying east. Inland there was a singleton at Drift Res. Jan 12th-20th. There was no more than two at any other site in either winter period.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although the most widespread of the divers in Cornwall, most birds tend to be solitary and rarely form anything other than small 'rafts', unlike the more gregarious Red and Blacked-throated divers. Recent observations have shown St. Austell Bay to be the most important site for the species in the county. Good numbers are also regularly reported from Veryan, Gerrans, Mounts and St. Ives bays.

A much improved year for this species with observations from 41 localities; ten on the north coast, 28 on the south coast and three inland.

There was a gradual build up early in the year with c.60 birds present in mid January. Spring passage was evident from mid March to mid June with the last at Mounts Bay Jun 18th. First in autumn was one flying west off Sept 14th. Three others were reported before the end of September but subsequently birds were rather scarce to the end of the year.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: St. Austell Bay: monthly maxima: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 11 14 20 26 5 1 — — 1 5 8 1 Looe: noted to May 18th and from Nov 1st with max of 12 Jan 6th, seven Feb 23rd and three Dec 22nd. Gerrans Bay: noted to Jun 2nd and from Nov 2nd with max of 14 Jan 20th and four Dec 26th. Veryan Bay: noted to May 2nd with max of six Jan 12th and eight May 2nd. Two Oct 19th. Falmouth Bay: noted to Jan 17th with max of 14 Jan 10th. Singles Mar 20th and June 7th. Hayle Est./Carnsew Pool: noted to Apr 17th with max of four Jan 12th. Mounts Bay: noted to Jun 18th and from Oct 5th with max of five Jan 20th and Feb 24th and six Nov 15th. Camel Est: noted to Apr 26th and from Nov 2nd with max of six Feb 6th and two in November. Helford Est: noted to Mar 29th and from Nov 15th with max of five Jan 5th and three Dec 25th-27th. Rame Head: a total of 13 noted flying west between Jan 6th and Jun 7th. St. Ives: noted to Apr 5th with max of five Jan 6th, ten Mar 3rd and seven Apr 3rd. c.30 flew west between Oct 17th and end of year with max of six Oct 31st and five Dec 2nd.

21 Carrick Roads: five Jan 24th, two Dec 26th. Pentewan: eight Apr 23rd and May 17th. Rumps Point: six Nov 3rd, one Nov 12th and two Dec 22nd — all west. : four Dec 24th. Seaton: five Dec 27th. : five Dec 29th.

There was no more than three at any other site in either winter period. Inland there were singles at Siblyback Res. Jan 14th-20th and Drift Res. May 29th-31st. Most unusual was one flying south over St. Breock Downs Nov 27th.

LITTLE GREBE — Tachybaptus ruficollis Scarce resident. Occasionally breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Formerly a regular breeding species at Stithians Reservoir but low water levels there during recent summers has not proved conducive to successful nesting. There was no hint of breeding anywhere in the county this year.

The last in spring was one at Dozmary Pool May 6th and the first in autumn was one there Jul 31st. As reported in 1990 the number of birds overwintering into 1991 was very low and there was little improvement until the February freeze. Most birds moved quickly through and there was a light spring passage from mid March to Apr 20th. In autumn, six birds arrived in August and there was a small influx in mid September. Numbers increased during October, but the end of year total was disappointing. Maximum numbers:

Hayle Est: 16 Jan 19th, 12 Dec 8th-26th. St. Johns Lake: 11 Jan 20th, five Dec 8th. Drift Res: eight Feb 8th. : 17 Feb 11th, seven Dec 13th. Camel Est: ten Feb 12th, 20 Dec 18th. : five Feb 17th. Tresillian River: six Feb 17th, eight Oct 13th and Nov 25th. Helford Est: nine Feb 17th. Fowey Est: 11 Mar 24th, ten Dec 22nd. Loe Pool, ten Sept 16th, 13 Oct 13th. Caerhays Lake: eight Sept 30th. Long Rock Pool: six Oct 22nd. Par Beach Pool: five Dec 16th-22nd.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE — Podiceps cristatus

Rare resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred successfully at Lower Tamar Lake in 1930 but did not attempt to breed again until 1985. The following table illustrates subsequent events: (figures represent number of young reared; n = nest unsuccessful).

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 College Res. n Lower Tamar Lake 3 1 1 1 1 1 — Upper Tamar Res. — 1 1 1 — — — Crowdy Res. 3 — 2 — — — — With a steadily expanding British population, other potential breeding sites should not be overlooked. Elsewhere there was a pair at Colliford Res. May 28th-Jun 30th and again Aug 25th with three to Sept 9th. Nearby, there was an adult at Dozmary Pool Jun 30th and Jul 31st,

22 two birds there Aug 10th and a single again Sept 1st-16th.

There was the usual scatter of records in the first winter period and spring but no reports awa> from the north and east of the county in autumn and the second winter period. Lynher Est: noted to Apr 24th and from Oct 13th with max of 11 Feb 2nd, 17 Feb 17th, ten Mar 17th and 17 Nov 17th. St. Johns Lake: noted to Mar 17th with max of seven Feb 17th. One Aug 11th, three Dec 8th and one to the end of the year. Falmouth Bay: one Jan 6th. St. Austell Bay: one or two Feb 13th-24th, singles Apr 15th, Jul 29th, Sept 5th and Nov 5th, but three Sept 26th. Tamar Est: one Feb 14th, two Feb 17th. One Nov 27th-Dec 7th, two Dec 8th/9th. Camel Est: singles Feb 17th, Mar 31st and Sept 8th. Siblyback Res: one Feb 19th and two Feb 24th (flew west). Trevose Head: one Mar 10th. Rumps Point: one Jun 2nd. Porth Res: adult Sept 1st-14th.

RED-NECKED GREBE — Podiceps grisegna

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Most are reported from the sheltered bays of the south coast between Par and Falmouth, but regular sites on the north coast include St. Ives Bay and Camel Estuary. Due mainly to diligent observation by RL over the last 6/7 years, the species has been proved to be considerably more common than previously thought. (An account of these observations appears in 'Birds in Cornwall 1987' pps. 122-125). Another very good year, but no evidence of birds displaced by the freeze in February.

St. Austell Bay: one from 1990 to Jan 9th. Singles Sept 18th-Oct 3rd, Sept 24th/25th and Nov 2nd 10th RL.DJ.JHWW. Falmouth Bay: singles Jan 4th-20th and Jan 12th-19th. Three Nov 8th. JMW.JRMcC. BC. St. Johns Lake: one Jan 4th (presumed the Lynher bird of December 1990) GDL. Helford Est: two Jan 16th with one to 20th. JMW. Gerrans Bay: one Jan 20th-Feb 2nd. RL.RAJ. Veryan Bay: eight Jan 21st, four Mar 14th, one Mar 23rd, three Apr 12th. Two Oct 19th. RL. St. Ives Bay: singles Feb 6th/7th, Mar 5th and Dec 8th. Two Dec 15th. DSF.MS. Carnsew Pool: singles Mar 2nd/3rd and Nov 2nd-10th. NJC.JFR.DSF et. Pentewan: one Sept 22nd. RL. Trevose Head: one Oct 25th MJB.ABR.CJS.DKW. et al. Drift Res: one Nov 2nd-16th. FP et al. : one Nov 4th. DJ. Camel Est: singles Nov 10th-12th and Dec 13th. SFJ.ML.DIJ. Stithians Res: one Dec 24th. FHH. Several other reports lacked sufficient detail.

SLAVONIAN GREBE - Podiceps auritus

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Largest parties occur off the south coast between Par and Falmouth, but smaller numbers regularly frequent several north coast localities notably St. Ives Bay, Camel Estuary and Carnsew Pool, Hayle. Whilst the preceding species has become more numerous around the Cornish coast in recent years, the present species has become less obvious. Once again there was none in Newquay Bay and only sporadic sightings in St. Ives Bay late in the year.

23 Birds were reported from 18 localities during the year; 13 on the south coast, three on the north coast and two inland. The majority of birds reported in December 1990 remained although the Carrick Roads birds had moved out into Falmouth Bay. There was a small influx towards the end of January but few appear to have been displaced by the freezing conditions in February. A gradual movement eastwards took place late in March and early in April with the last at Looe Apr 27th.

First return birds were at Stithians Res. and Loe Pool Oct 12th. Second winter numbers were exceptionally low.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: St. Johns Lake: three from 1990 to Feb 1st. Singles Feb 6th and Nov 24th, three Nov 28th. Lynher Est: one or two regular to Mar 30th but four Mar 10th. One Nov 13th to end of year, another Nov. 14th. Looe: three from 1990 to Jan 7th, two to Feb 24th and one to Apr 27th. Singles Nov 26th and Dec 23rd. St. Austell Bay: noted to Apr 12th with max of nine Jan 29th, 11 Feb 19th and four Mar 21st-Apr 1st. Noted from Nov 2nd with max of four Nov 22nd/23rd. Gerrans Bay: noted to Apr 8th with max of six Jan 20th and four Mar 31st. Noted from Nov 16th with max of four Nov 21st to the end of the year. Falmouth Bay: noted to Mar 24th with max of 12 Jan 11th and eight Mar 13th. One Dec 31st. Carrick Roads: one in January and four Feb 17th. Mounts Bay: two Jan 6th, one to Feb 27th. Two Oct 23rd-25th and one Dec 29th. Camel Est: noted to Mar 9th and from Nov 13th with max of four Feb 12th and Dec 22nd. : three Jan 26th. Veryan Bay: singles Feb 17th and Apr 7th, but six Mar 14th. St. Ives Bay: two Oct 31st and singles Nov 2nd and Dec 29th. Seaton: three Dec 29th. Singles were observed at Helford Est. Jan 6th, Hayle Est. Mar 2nd, Loe Pool Dec 2nd-14th and Drift Res. Nov lst-Dec 8th.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps nigricollis Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. The scarcest of the grebes in Cornish waters, occurring like the others, mainly off the south coast between Par and Falmouth. More likely to be encountered on inland waters than Slavonian Grebe. Helford Est: singles Jan 12th-19th, Mar 13th, Nov 20th and Dec 24th-30th. LAHS. Carrick Roads: three Jan 24th and Dec 24th into 1992. RL.WGL.IM. Drift Res: one Feb 24th. RJH.FP.JFR. Mounts Bay: one Mar 8th-17th. RB et al. Stithians Res: one Aug 20th-Sept 16th. Another Sept 16th. JAJ.MGT. et al. Loe Pool: two Sept 28th/29th with one to Oct 12th. SB.JSG. et al. An average year. The Stithians and Loe Pool birds were probably the same.

NORTHERN FULMAR - Fulmaris glacialis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. First bred in Cornwall in 1944 and has subsequently colonised the entire coast of the county. Breeding success can best be gauged at the end of the summer when adults have left breeding ledges to moult, leaving well grown young to fend for themselves. For recent breeding records see 'Breeding Seabirds Survey Results 1987 (Birds in Cornwall 1987 pps. 113-121) and Breeding Seabird Survey 1985 (Birds in Cornwall 1985 pps. 124-145). Breeding in 1991 was reported from the following sites: Treganhawke — three pairs Combe Haven, Fowey — eight nests; Bay — three pairs; Broom Pare, Portloe — 51 nests;

24 St. Anthony Head — six pairs; Swanpool — two pairs (both failed); Maenporth — four or five pairs; Kibernick Cove, Nare Head — 'new small colony'; , Godrevy — 15 young fledged; Hells Mouth — five pairs; Crantock — five chicks; , Newquay — three chicks; Park Head to — 15/20 pairs; Longcarrow Cove to Butter Hole — 'present, not counted'; Dinas Head, Padstow — 30 on ledges; Trevone to Hawkers Cove — 56 pairs (including 20 at Porthmissen); Pentire Point to Ranie Point — 248 nests; Port Quin — two nests; Epphaven — eleven nests; Trewethett, Trevalga — two pairs; Compass Point to Upton, Bude — 2/3 pairs. Apart from 700 west off Newquay Jan 7th and 300 west of Pentewan Jan 8th there was little evidence of movement until late March/early April. Light autumn passage was noted during August and there was a large single day count at St. Ives in December.

Maximum numbers: Dodman Point: 300 west Mar 3rd. Porthgwarra: 260 west Apr 2nd, 170 west Aug 18th. St. Ives: a total of 1354 west between Mar 31st and Apr 5th with max of 760 on last date. : 360 per hour west Apr 6th. Rosemullion Head: 2050 south in two hours Apr 6th. Lizard Point: a total of 514 west Aug 16th-18th with max of 238 on first date. Pendeen: 228 west Aug 12th. St. Ives: 2090 west Dec 23rd.

Late September sightings were few and there was a total of only 14 reported in October. Blue phase birds were reported as follows: Newquay: single 'D' phase Jan 2nd and 5th. SMC.PAM.DU. Pendeen: one Sept 15th. MS. Trevose Head: one 'D' phase Nov 8th SMC St. Ives: one Dec 20th SFJ.

CORY'S SHEARWATER - Calonectris diomedea

Scarce passage migrant (mainly late July to early September) with occasional 'good' years. Pre-1959 data is very sketchy, although noted by Ryves (1948) as occurring around Wolf Rock. Since 1980 records have proved annual with regular reports from the main sea- watch points in the west of the county.

Penberth: one Mar 10th. MS. St. Ives: one Apr 5th. JR. Porthgwarra: singles Aug 2nd and Sept 14th. DSF.JH.RWW. Rame Head: one Aug 23rd. PE.ME. Looe: one Aug 23rd. EJW.

Other reports received lacked adequate documentation. The poorest year since 1984, but the two earliest ever in spring. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — 1 2 2 5 1598 3631 53 3 2 2 (27%) (69%)

The county mainland total stands at c.5299 since 1959.

Top sites: Porthgwarra — 5105 (96%), RMV Scillonian — 59, St. Ives — 37, Pendeen — 26.

GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis Scarce passage migrant (mainly late July to early September). Very rare in Spring. Porthgwarra: in August; two on 4th, three on 5th, 20 on 23rd and two on 24th. In September;

25 1445 on 14th, 823 on 15th, six on 16th. DAC.GJC.DSF.JH.MS.JFR et al. Pendeen: two Aug 6th. In September; one on 15th, ten on 16th, three on 17th and four on 22nd. MS.AB.JFR. et al. RMV Scillonian: three Aug 18th and 1140 Sept 14th (presumably same as the Porthgwarra birds, and treated as such in the county total). REW et al. Sennen: singles Aug 24th and Oct 2nd. DSF.JL.

Other reports were received but lacked detail. The Porthgwarra total of Sept 14th is a record and is more than the previous total reported since 1930!

The county mainland total moves to c.3680 since 1930, prior to which data is extremely sketchy.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — 2 — 2 74 467 3033 100 2 — (82%) Top sites: Porthgwarra: 2698 (73%), RMV Scillonian — 637, Pendeen — 140, St. Ives - 112.

Shearwater sp. Pendeen: 812 west Sept 15th (presumed Greats but too distant for positive identification) JFR. One (probably Great) Oct 7th. IK.DJR. Porthgwarra: singles Sept 18th and 22nd. DSF.

SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus

Passage migrant (mainly late June to early October). Occasional 'good' years. Pentewan: one Jul 8th. St. Austell Bay: one Jul 9th. Treyarnon Bay: one Jul 12th. Pendeen: noted Jul 24th-Nov 3rd. Monthly totals; Jul — two, Aug — 20, Sept — 112, Oct — 11, Nov — two. Max; nine Aug 23rd, 17 Sept 16th, 78 Sept 22nd. RMV Scillonian: one Jul 26th, seven Aug 18th, 12 Sept 14th. Porthgwarra: noted Aug 2nd-Oct 7th. Monthly totals; Aug — 49, Sept — 28, Oct — 11. Max: 40 Aug 23rd, 15 Sept 14th, ten Oct 7th. Lizard: singles Aug 6th and 7th and Oct 7th. Rame Head: two Aug 10th, one Aug 23rd. Looe: three Aug 22nd, singles Sept 14th, Oct 7th and Oct 14th. St. Ives: nine Sept 14th, 64 Sept 22nd and one Oct 1st. (the lowest total here since 1981). Treveal: six Sept 15th. Rumps Point: one Sept 16th. : 45 Sept 22nd. Newquay: one Sept 23rd. Mevagissey: one Sept 28th and three Oct 7th. Cot: one Oct 3rd.

The total of c.402 birds is the lowest since 1984. The county mainland total moves to c. 13934 since 1937. Top sites: St. Ives — 5841 (42%), Pendeen — 3658 (26%), Porthgwarra - 2526 (18%), Cape Cornwall — 448, Godrevy — 328 and Newquay — 288.

MANX SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus Passage migrant (mainly March to October). Feeding parties in summer, presumably from breeding colonies on the islands off the coast of South Wales.

26 Gales early in the year forced four close inshore at Newquay Jan 5th PAM.DU.LW. The first for spring was one off Rame Head Mar 30th followed by 16 at Apr 1st and regular passage from Apr 2nd. Summer movements were apparently lighter than 1990, but autumn passage was much improved on recent years with counts at St. Ives and Pendeen regular into November. In December there were eight at St. Ives on 8th and one there 23rd.

Regular counts and maximum numbers: Rame Head: a total of 986 passed west between Mar 30th and Sept 28th with max of 285 Jun 9th. St Ives: 1896 in April including 1290 on 5th. 1172 in autumn with max of 285 Aug 14th. Pendeen: 1500 Apr 5th and c. 14267 west in autumn between Jun 9th and Nov 7th with max of 4000 per hour Jul 24th, 1650 Aug 17th and 5000 Sept 22nd. Bude: 550 per hour Jun 9th, 2000 per hour Jun 27th and 2500 per hour Jul 27th. Pentewan: 2000+ in two hours Jun 8th. Porthgwarra: 2325 west between Apr 4th and Oct 16th with max of 500 Aug 2nd. Loe Bar: 1000+ Jul 8th. Rumps Point: 2000 Jul 24th.

MEDITERRANEAN SHEARWATER - Puffinus yelkouan

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly late July to late October). Formerly considered conspecific with Manx Shearwater, the two races breeding in the Mediterranean and coloquially known as 'Balearic Shearwater' and 'Yelkouan Shearwater' have finally been separated from Manx and will henceforth be referred to as 'Mediterranean Shearwater'.

Newquay: singles Jan 5th, Jun 9th and Aug 23rd. Two Sept 23rd. Porthgwarra: 52 west between Jul 14th and Oct 16th with max of 18 Sept 14th. Rame Head: 39 west between Jul 21st and Sept 28th with max of 16 Aug 24th. (A record single day count here). Pendeen: 53 west between Jul 24th and Nov 3rd with max of ten Oct 17th. Portwrinkle: two Jul 26th. Lizard: four Aug 6th, three Aug 7th, four Sept 14th. St. Ives: 59 west between Aug 6th and Nov 7th with max of 13 Sept 22nd and Oct 7th. Trevose Head: one Aug 20th. Looe: four Aug 23rd, two Oct 5th. (Only one previous record here). Rumps Point: one Sept 21st. Cape Cornwall: eleven Sept 22nd. Mevagissey: three Sept 28th, three Oct 7th.

The total of c.246 is the second highest ever — bettered only by 1263+ in 1961.

The county mainland total moves to c.4583 since 1958 prior to which data is incomplete. Top sites: St. Ives — 2464 (54%), Porthgwarra — 692 (15%), Lizard — 565, RMV Scillonian — 216, Pendeen — 208, Newquay — 128 and Rame Head — 81.

BRITISH STORM PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus

Uncommon passage migrant. Small feeding parties in summer months (mainly north coast). Breeding has not been proved in the county since 1968 but may occur unnoticed on islands off the north coast. Exceptionally rare inland. Heaviest passage off the north coast was noted in early June whilst unusually large parties were seen off the southeast coast late in the same month.

Newquay: 138 west between May 19th and Jun 23rd with max of 80 Jun 9th and 40 Jun 11th. Also 21 Aug 23rd. Porthgwarra: one west Jun 9th and c.29 west between Jul 14th and Sept 15th with max of nine Aug 5th. Pendeen: 47 west between Jun 9th and Sept 22nd with max of 14 Jun 9th and ten Jul 24th.

27 Rame Head: 44 west between Jun 22nd and Aug 24th with max of 28 Jun 29th. RMV Scillonian: 128 noted between Jun 22nd and Aug 29th with max of 25 Jul 26th and 50 Aug 18th. Looe: 43 Jun 23rd. Pentewan: 40 Jun 23rd. Mounts Bay: five Jul 1st, 30 Aug 4th. Loe Bar: three west Jul 5th. Rosemullion Head: three west Jul 7th. Rumps Point: six Jul 10th, 26 Jul 26th. Falmouth Bay: two Jul 16th. Lizard: four Jul 19th and singles Aug 6th and 7th.

St. Ives: nine west between Aug 14th and Nov 5th with max of two Aug 14th and Oct 17th.

LEACH'S PETREL — Oceanodroma leuccorhoa Scarce passage migrant (mainly early September to late October) and generally a little later than Storm Petrel. Newquay: one west Apr 5th. (The second earliest ever and only the second for that month). JH.RL.MT.LW. Two Sept 22nd and singles Sept 23rd and Oct 17th. SMC.GJC.MT. Pendeen: one Sept 21st, 28 Sept 22nd, two Oct 1st and singles Oct 5th, Nov 3rd and Nov 7th. JFR.MS.DSF.EGG.GGG.PHA.DE.TMC. et al. St. Ives: 22 Sept 22nd, one Oct 5th, two Nov 4th. CLBo.IK.DJR.DJ. Cape Cornwall: 12 Sept 22nd. SB.BC.MS. The total of c.76 obviously contains much duplication, particularly in relation to the passage of Sept 22nd.

The county mainland total stands at c.2030.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 3 — 1 3 2 4 — 10 1103 538 214 152 (54%)

Top sites: St. Ives — 1424 (70%), Newquay — 236, Pendeen — 100, Godrevy/Navax Point — 63, Bude — 48, Porthgwarra — 32.

NORTHERN GANNET - Sula bassana

Passage migrant. Bred on Gulland Island off Padstow until 1478 but the nearest present day colony is on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire. Numbers were generally low until late September. Subsequently, heavy passage was noted on several days in the autumn gales.

Maximum numbers: St. Ives: c.2874 between Feb 28th and Apr 5th with max of 1250 on last date. 4000 per hour Sept 22nd and 5930 in IIV2 hours Oct 17th. Rame Head: c.4091 between Mar 23rd and Oct 26th with max of 1000 Jun 9th and 366 Jul 20th. Pentewan: 630 Jun 22nd. Porthgwarra: 695 Aug 16th. Pendeen: 2562 Sept 22nd, 1300 Oct 5th, 7600 in Vh hours Oct 17th. : 1000 per hour Sept 22nd. Bude: 700 per hour Oct 2nd. Lizard: 1500 in one hour Oct 2nd. Mevagissey: 1550 in V/i hours Oct 7th.

CORMORANT — Phalacrocorax carbo Resident. Breeds at a number of sites on both coasts. Occurs on all reservoirs and most other freshwater localities from time to time.

28 For recent breeding records see 'Breeding Seabirds Survey Results 1987' (Birds in Cornwall 1987 (pps. 113-121) and 'Breeding Seabirds Survey 1985' (Birds in Cornwall 1985, pps. 125-145). Information concerning breeding birds in 1991 was very sparse. The only records received were as follows: Looe Island: c.15 pairs. Gull Rock, Nare Head: 'many young in nests'. Mullion Island: 29 nests counted but others may have been hidden by vegetation. Hells Mouth: six nests May 7th. Maximum counts were slightly lower than 1990 and 1989: Tamar Est: 42 January. 47 May. 71 October. St. Johns Lake: 22 January. 44 August. Colli ford Res: 18 January. 30 August. Camel Est: 26 May 19th. Crowdy Res: 15 flew south Aug 24th.

As usual there were reports from all of the reservoirs and most other inland pools.

SHAG — Phalacrocorax aristotelis Resident. Breeds on both coasts. Passage migrant. Very rare inland. For recent breeding records see 'Breeding Seabirds Survey Results 1987' (Birds in Cornwall 1987 pps. 116-117) and 'Breeding Seabirds Survey 1985' (Birds in Cornwall 1985 pps. 131-134).

The breeding season was poorly documented with the following comments the only appropriate records received.

Looe Island: ten nests. SCM. Black Head, St. Austell: 20+ pairs. RAJ. Gorran Haven: 27 nests May 17th. LAS.FMS. St. Anthony Head: two pairs Mar 7th. WARW. High Cove, Park Head: four pairs each reared two young. CM. Minnows Islands, : one pair: CM. Trevone to Hawkers Cove: 12 nests DU. The usual large 'rafts' were reported early in the year, but observations later in the year were less notable. Maximum numbers: Falmouth: 260 Jan 11th. : 150 Jan 17th. Newquay: 95 Feb 16th. St. Anthony: 80 Aug 10th. Rame Head: 237 west and 22 east between Aug 10th and Oct 26th. Pendeen: 60 Oct 3rd.

LITTLE EGRET — Egretta garzetta

Formerly rare vagrant but now a rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A potential breeding species. At least eight are known to have overwintered from 1990 and a small number arrived during January and February. The latter were probably birds which had attempted to overwinter on the estuaries of South Devon or maybe farther east and/or north.

Only one definite spring migrant was sighted and none was reported between May 31 st and July 15th. Another singleton arrived Jul 31st and there was a small influx Aug 10th. The maximum possible total of birds involved in the autumn influx was c.36, but the actual number was undoubtedly considerably fewer. Because of its conspicuity and its' mobility the species as well-reported. The highest single day count was 14 August 20th with 11/12 birds regular throughout September.

29 At least 18 birds are known to have overwintered into 1992 (c.f. only three instances of overwintering prior to 1989).

Lynher Est/: at least two (possibly three) from 1990. One noted until Apr 15th, the other until May 9th. One from Aug 10th, three Aug 30th, six Aug 31st-Sept 30th. Four regular to the end of the year, but five Nov 15th-22nd. EG.SCM.EJW.RS. et al. Tamar Est: one from 1990 to Feb 18th. Singles Aug 13th-26th, Aug 17th-26th and Oct 13th-Dec 20th. Three Dec 21st into 1992. PE.KP.JSH. et al. St. Johns Lake: singles Jan 2nd and Apr 14th-21 st. One Aug 15th, three Aug 16th, four Aug 20th, seven Sept 29th and six Oct 4th. DCl.HMe.VRT.KP.SCM. et al. Fowey Est: one from 1990 to Apr 1st. One Sept 1st, Oct 26th and Dec 22nd. LAS.FMS.RJL.BS.JS.DJ. Ruan Lanihorne: one from 1990 to Apr 20th. Two more Jan 13th-Feb 11th. One Sept 3rd into 1992, another Sept 29th and another Nov 30th-Dec 9th. GR.AM.GCJ.JL.SCW. et al. Hayle Est: one from 1990 to Mar 22nd, another intermittently Jan 13th-Mar 6th Singles Jul 31st adn Aug 27th/28th. Two Oct 22nd/23rd, one Nov 26th, two Nov 29th-Dec 16th, three Dec 17th into 1992. GRW.MW.DSF.FHH. et al. Gannel Est: one from 1990 to Feb 23rd. One Nov 20th-25th and Dec 27th into 1992. SMC.DRCh.HM. et al. Near : one Feb 15th RS. Tresillian: singles Mar 13th, Jul 15th and Aug 17th-21st. WARW.PW.JBB.SB. et al. Long Rock Pool: singles May 24th, May 31st and Aug 10th-13th. BP.MS.DSF. Loe Pool: four flew north Aug 10th. JSG. Stithians Res: five Aug 10th, with one to 26th but four Aug 24th. JAJ.CLB.DRCh. et al. Camel Est: two Aug 11th increasing to three Aug 20th and six Aug 29th-Sept 7th and Oct 6th. Otherwise three or four regular with one Oct 31st into 1992. ACH.BCW.ML.PASR. et al. : singles Aug 15th-Sept 17th, Aug 26th, Nov 2nd-17th and Dec 14th. JHWW.BC.SD. et al. Percuil: two Aug 20th, singles Sept 22nd and Nov 22nd into 1992. PR.GR.WGL. : singles Aug 24th and Dec 15th, two Dec 31st. AK et al. Mylor: one Aug 30th. EC.DC. St. Just in Roseland: one Sept 5th/6th and up to three regular Oct 21st-Nov 17th then one into 1992. LSP.EMP. Sennen: one Dec 15th. RJH.ACH.BCW. Godrevy/Gwithian: one flew south Dec 17th, one Dec 21st. PAR. Looe Est: two Dec 18th-28th, another Dec 26th into 1992. JBa.SCM.EG. Par: one Dec 22nd. DJ. Presumably there was much interchange between the Tamar/Lynher/St. Johns Lake birds, the Ruan Lanihorne/Percuil/St. Just/Devoran/Mylor and the Gannel/Camel birds. It is no longer possible to differentiate between birds which are newly arrived and those which are semi-resident (temporarily, at least).

GREAT WHITE EGRET - Egretta alba Rare vagrant. Lynher Est: one Mar 30th. EG. The fourth county mainland record. Accepted by BBRC. GREY HERON - Ardea cinerea Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Breeding was reported from the following heronries during 1991 (with comparative data for 1985-1990). Figures = number of nests counted, p = present but not counted, nc = no count.

30 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 Shillingham, Lynher Est. 24 16 16 17 — — — Trenant Point, Looe 7 11 9 13 6 8 9 St.. Winnow, Fowey Est. 6 8 13 13 14 10 n.c. Pelyn, Percuil 7 6 7 7 9 3 5 St.Just in Roseland 1 2 4 1 1 — — Pill Farm, Fal Est. 4 n.c. 6 5 — — — Kea Wood, Malpas 10 12 10 13 13 6 10 Borlase Wood, 4 4 5 9 6 5 6 , Helford Est. 12 11 10 11 11 7 3 + 2 3 4 6 + 7 6 6 Pmkson, Creek, Camel Est. 18 14 16 14 17 16 15 Sladesbridge 2 2 3 4 4 3 4 The total of 97 nests was a small reduction on 1990 but several of the less frequently counted herories were apparently not visited. The 24 nests at Shillingham constitutes the second largest heronry ever reported in Cornwall. The largest was one containing 28 nests at Looe in 1928. Maximum numbers: Tamar Est: 32 January. 34 August. St. Johns Lake: 25 January. 30 August. Lynher Est: 24 January. 17 August. 39 December. Fowey Est: 22 Feb 24th. Marazion: 14 Feb 28th. 15 Sept 2nd. Truro River: 22 Mar 20th. 19 Jul 14th. Camel Est: 35 Sept 3rd. Percuil: 18 Dec 1st.

These; excellent counts corroborate evidence of a gradual increase in this species' population nationally, as well as locally. The 35 at Camel Est. and 34 at Tamar Est. are record counts for those localities and the Truro River count equals the previous highest there.

Possible migrants included four at Sennen Sept 1st with two there Sept 7th and singles Oct 28th and Nov 15th. Singles were noted flying south at Trevose Head Sept 7th and Lands End Oct 26th.

BLACK STORK - Ciconia nigra Very rare vagrant (but increasing). St. Buryan: one Aug 27th. A. Blunden, J. Warwick. There were rumours of a Black Stork flying over Drift Res. and Hayle Est. the same day but no detail has been received. Presumably it was the same individual. Accepted by BBRC. The seventh for the county mainland (five in the last four years).

MonthlJan y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — — 3 1 — 1 1 — 1 — WHITE STORK - Ciconia ciconia

Vagrant.

Marazion: one flew over Aug 15th. PWA.

The county mainland total moves to 19. Corresponding with an increase in records of the preceding species, reports of White Stork

31 have become progressively less predictable, with only six in the last decade.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — 4 2 5 2 — 1 3 1 1 —

SPOONBILL — Platalea leucorodia Rare passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters, particularly on the Lynher Estuary. Lynher Est: one from 1990 to May 11th. Two juveniles Oct 15th were joined by an adult Oct 20th. All three remained to Nov 9th, but only the adult and one juvenile into 1992. AN.JSH.DIPB.DC1.RS. et al. Frenchman's Creek, Helford Est: one Jan 19th. EGG.GGG. Looe: one flew west Feb 10th. MBe.PP. , St. Columb Major: two May 16th (later flew south). Mr. & Mrs. D. Bazeley, SMC. Ruan Lanihorne: two May 18th-20th. GR.GCJ. Assuming that the Retallack and Ruan Lanihorne birds were the same, and that the adult at Lynher Est. was the same returning individual, the county mainland total moves to c. 171 this century (but there is obviously some duplication of wandering and returning birds).

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 7 6 10 17 12 12 3 1 17 42 34 10 Top sites: Ruan Lanihorne — 28, Tamar Est. — 24, Camel Est — 22, Hayle Est. — 20, Marazion — 19, Lynher Est. — 13, Helford Est. — 11.

MUTE SWAN — Cygnus olor Resident. Breeds. Moulting herds in autumn. Winter visitor. There has been evidence of a general decline in this species population over the last twenty years but hopefully numbers have now stabilised.

In 1991 successful breeding was reported from the following localities (with comparative data for the years 1986-1990).

Figures = number of young; n = nest unsuccessful or success not known; p = present but success not known. More than one figure indicates more than one nest.

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 Moditonham, Tamar Est. 3 1 — 2 _ Millbrook Lake 5 6 — _ _8 7 4 — — — — — Harbour 2 2 — — — — Par Beach Pool 3 8 2 5 8 4 Innis, 6 — — — Swanpool 7 1 n n n n Stithians Res. 4 7 5 6/5 5/n/n 4 Helston Park Lake 8 — 6 — 6 n Marazion 5 — — Long Rock Pool 6 2 n — _ 4 Hayle Millpond 6 — — — — — Camel Est. 5/5/4 1 n 3 8 3/n/n Unsuccessful nests were reported from St. Just in Roseland (deserted), Froe Creek (eggs destroyed by vandals), Harlyn Bay Fish Ponds (deserted), Walmsley Sanctuary and Lake, Newquay. Nests were also built at Antony, East Looe River, West Looe River and Bude Marshes but there was no indication of success or otherwise.

32 Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 35 Jan 1st, 42 March, 28 Oct 6th. Camel Est: 19 Feb 13th, 18 November. Penryn: 14 May 2nd, 25 October. Par: 18 May 3rd. Marazion: 15 May 28th. St. Johns Lake: 19 August. Devoran: 22 August-October. Loe Pool: 28 Sept 14th. Ruan Lanihorne: 14 Oct 13th (the most here since 1981)

Obvious migrants included two at Sennen Oct 5th and 12th and Nov 17th with five there Dec. 31st. One was noted at Nanquidno Oct 16th and four were at Whiteacres Fishing Lake, Newquay Nov. 20th. Monthly NWC/BOEE counts at principal localities 1991

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 104 79 112 42 73 70 63 62 79 97 119 104 Hayle Est 12 6 25 nc 17 14 7 6 5 — 1 — Copperhouse 19 20 17 nc 4 3 3 1 11 12 22 15 Loe Pool 2 — 2 nc nc nc nc nc 28 12 4 4 Devoran 2 1 6 10 2 1 2 — — 2 6 12 Camel Est 18 16 15 13 16 18 17 13 9 12 14 7 St. Johns Lake 5 2 4 2 10 6 13 13 6 — 8 7

BEWICK'S SWAN - Cygnus columbianus

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Annual since 1959 Camel Est: adult Oct 29th SMC. : three adults Nov lst-9th, with two to 21st. SMC.EM.JM.MGR.SCR. et al. Drift Res: two adults Nov 22nd, one Nov 30th. Two Dec 30th. DSF.FP. et al. Trevorrian Pool, Sennen: immature Dec 29th-31st. JFR et al.

The Mawgan Porth and Drift birds were probably the same.

The county mainland total moves to c.461 since 1930, prior to which data is incomplete.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 115 48 33 6 22 133 104 Top sites: Camel Est. — 91, Dozmary Pool — 58, Hayle Kimbro Pool — 56, Lower Tamar Lake - 46, Hayle Est. - 33.

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Annual since 1971. Drift Res: immature Jan 3rd-14th. FP. Hayle Kimbro Pool/: five (two adults) Jan lst-6th. RB.ARP. et al. St. Austell Bay: immature Feb 12th. RL. Dozmary Pool: adult Oct ?9th. EJW. Retallack, St. Columb Major: adult Oct 22nd-25th. Mr. & Mrs. DB.SMC. et al. Porthgwarra: three (two adults) Oct 30th. DO. Penberth: three flew south east Nov 2nd. JL. St. Loy: immature Nov 21st-29th. JL. College Res: seven (two adults) Dec 7th into 1992. BLW.LAHS et al. The County mainland total moves to c.432 since 1930, prior to which data is incomplete.

33 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 87 21 14 1 — — — — 1 46 164 98 (3856) The Dozmary Pool bird is the first there since 1968 and the Retallack bird the first there since 1978. The St. Austell, St. Loy and College Res. birds were all site firsts. Top sites: Camel Est. — 74, Tamar Lakes — 45, Hayle Est. — 36, Marazion — 35, Loe Pool, Tamar Est. and Gwithian — 22 each.

BEAN GOOSE - Anser fabalis

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Sennen: two Dec 31st into 1992. JFR. et al. The first since 1982.

The county mainland total advances to c.20 since 1930, prior to which the species was apparently more regular (see Penhallurick 1969 and Rodd 1880). Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 13 3 3 1 Top sites: Camel Est: — 14 (70%), Sennen — three.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE — Anser brachyrhynchus

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Sennen: one Dec 6th. DSF. The county mainland total moves to c.48. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 4 3 — — 1 — — — 22 11 2 5 (46%)

Top sites: Mawgan Porth — 20 (42%), Walmsley Sanctuary — six, Tamar Est. — five, Tamar Lakes — three.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Most birds arriving in Cornwall are of the Eurasian race 'Anser albifrons albifrons' but small numbers of the less common Greenland race 'Anser albifrons flavirostris' occasionally occur. The species was formerly more numerous in the county with a regular wintering flock at Walmsley Sanctuary from 1935 to 1973. The size of this flock peaked at an average of 146 in 1961-1965 (excluding huge numbers in 1963), but since 1973 birds have wintered there with less regularity with none between 1982 and 1988 and none in 1990 or this year. Reasons for this decline are not fully understood but probably relate to ecological and botanical changes in the make-up of the Sanctuary following the damming and straightening of the River Amble, compounded by persistent dredging of the riverbed and a lack of saltwater inundation. Whatever the reason, it appears unlikely that the species will ever regularly winter there in good numbers again. Porthgwarra: seven Oct 15th EG.VRT.KBW. six (four 'A. a. albifrons' and two 'A. a. flavirostris') Oct 19th. SMC.BG.ABR.JFR. and eleven flew east Oct 23rd. MS. St. Ives: six flew west Oct 18th. SMC.DRCh.JH.DIJ.ABR. et al. St. Mawgan: seven flew north Oct 18th. REW.

34 St. Buryan: two Oct 19th. SJP. Pentire: one flew east Oct 22nd. SMC.ABR. A difficult set of records to assess but presumably the two St. Buryan birds were the two 'flavirostris' seen over Porthgwarra. The possible maximum of 38 birds is the highest since 1982.

GREYLAG GOOSE — Anser anser

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Many records undoubtedly relate to feral escapes and wanderers. Most reports refer to the western race 'Anser anser anser' but the eastern race 'Anser anser rubirostris' also occurs occasionally. Upper Tamar Res: one Sept 4th and Oct 22nd (A. A. anser). Two Dec 28th into 1992. FHCK.SMC. et al. Crowdy Res: two (A. a. anser) Oct 30th into 1992. RS.MJG.DTC. et al.

The Crowdy birds were extremely wary and generally considered to be wild birds whereas the Upper Tamar Res. birds were all thought to be of feral stock. The species has been annual since 1973 and the county mainland total now stands at c. 121 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec not dated 12 7 7 2 3 — 8 1 2 25 32 21 1 Top sites: Camel Est. — 47 (39%), Kynance and Tamar Lakes — ten, Hayle Kimbro Pool — seven.

CANADA GOOSE — Branta canadensis

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Prior to 1983, apart from occasional migrants, the species was confined almost exclusively to the south east of the county. Between 1968 and 1975 there was an average of just one bird per annum and apart from a small influx in the arctic weather conditions of winter 1962/3, a total of only nine birds was reported prior to 1968.

Away from the Lynher Estuary where a small semi-feral population has existed for many years, breeding was first proven in 1983. Subsequently there has been a steady increase and it appears likely that the species' population could reach plague-like proportions, as it has done in many other areas. Despite this it remains a scarce wanderer to the far west of the county.

In 1991 breeding was reported from the following sites (with comparative data for 1985-1990). Figures represent number of young; B = bred, success not known; n = nest; p = present during breeding season.

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 Crowdy Res. 2 6 21 15 6 8 7 Fleardon Farm 4 4 p 4 B 4 — Colliford Res. 2 P p 5 5 5 — Lynher Est. B P 6 — — 4 — Popesmill Farm, 6 Upper Tamar Res. B (first breeding here since 1984) Maximum numbers: Crowdy Res: 54 Jan 26th, 111 Aug 12th, 121 Oct 22nd. Colliford Res: 123 Feb 11th, 147 Jun 30th, 88 Dec 11th.

35 Lynher Est: 67 Feb 11th, 90 August, 84 December. Upper Tamar Res: 133 Oct 22nd, 230 Dec 14th. (The large flock here in December 1990 had disappeared by January this year). Tamar Est: 70 flew south Dec 28th. Dozmary Pool: 22 Dec 28th.

The peak counts at Crowdy Res., Colliford Res. and Upper Tamar Res. are all record gatherings at those localities. There was no more than three at any other site but possible migrants away from traditional areas included two at Apr 18th-29th with three there May 11th and singles at Ruan Lanihorne Apr 20th, Par Apr 21st and Fowey Jun 28th.

None was reported west of Newquay/Truro.

BARNACLE GOOSE — Branta leucopsis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Feral escape. Crowdy Res: one Jun 19th-Aug 4th. MJG et al. Upper Tamar Res: one Aug 27th/28th and two Dec 28th. FHCK. Gwithian: two Oct 22nd. PAR. Porthgwarra: six flew east Oct 30th. BP. Newquay: two flew east Nov 5th. TMC. (Presumed one of same on Crantock Beach the same day. JHWW). Percuil: one Nov 24th. RDP. The Crowdy and Upper Tamar Res. birds were presumed feral escapes and are not included in the county mainland total which advances to c.219 (plus at least 32 feral individuals).

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 9 26 17 31 80 41 15 Top sites: Tamar Est. — 30, Gwithian/Godrevy and Porthgwarra — 24 each, Camel Est. — 19 and St. Ives — 14.

BRENT GOOSE — Branta bernicla Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Both dark-bellied (Branta bernicla bernicla) and pale-bellied (Branta bernicla hrota) races have been reported in increased numbers in recent years, but Cornwall still does not attract a regular wintering flock. Only one bird overwintered from 1990 but there was a notable influx at the end of January which included the largest gaggle ever reported in Cornwall. The majority however, were eager to move quickly through as the Arctic conditions enveloped the county.

Many of the earliest arrivals in autumn were pale-bellied birds, but several parties of dark- bellied birds were also noted. Passage was regular throughout October and November and above-average numbers were observed in December.

Overall, the totals of c.329 dark-bellied and 44 pale-bellied birds were both record year totals.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Camel Est: one (pale) from 1990 to Apr 4th. One pale Oct 9th-15th, then regular Nov 4th into 1992 (one) with max of 12 Dec. 1st. Par: six Jan 28th, seven Feb 7th, eight mid-February. 12 (pale) Sept 20th-Oct 4th. Hayle Est: 98 Jan 29th (the largest party ever in Cornwall) DIJ. One May 29th (the second latest ever in spring) DSF Noted from Sept 29th-Dec 29th with max of 16 Nov 21st. Of interest were seven birds in December; three of which were pale and four dark-bellied. Mounts Bay: 12 Jan 29th decreasing to ten Feb 4th. 15 pale-bellied Oct 7th-11th, eleven Oct 26th, two Nov 7th, one Dec 2nd/3rd and four Dec 30th. Looe: 22 Jan 29th. Two Oct 11th and one flying south east Dec 10th. Lynher Est: eight Feb lst/2nd, 14 Feb 5th but only two Feb 18th. Ten Oct 21st-23rd, one to Nov 9th, four Dec 7th-21st. Tamar Est: one Feb 3rd-17th. 13 Oct 3rd, four Dec 4th, eleven Dec 6th. St. Johns Lake: 18 Feb 9th. One Dec 2nd. St. Mawes: one mid-March. Seven Nov 1st.

Elsewhere in the first winter period there were singles at Pentewan, Reskajeage and Gerrans early in February. Elsewhere in autumn and the second winter period there were eight at Rumps Point Sept 24th. eleven flew west at Porthgwarra Oct 10th, two flew east at Rame Head Oct 11th with another two east there Nov 17th, one at Caerhays Nov 3rd, singles at Cape Cornwall Nov 3rd and Dec 7th/8th, 20 flew west at St Ives Nov 4th with three west there the following day, nine flew west at Godrevy Nov 4th, one at Poldhu Nov 20th, two at Loe Pool Nov 23rd with nine there Dec 7th and singles at Gannel Est. Dec 4th into 1992, Seaton Dec 6th and Bude Dec 23rd into 1992.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE — Alopechen aegyptiacus Rare visitor. Feral escape or wanderer. This Category 'C species occurs as a feral species in the U.K., mainly in East Anglia, but with small populations elsewhere, including East Devon. Camel Est: one from 1987 present throughout the year. Innis Fish Farm, Penwithick: one from 1988 present throughout the year. A total of eleven was recorded in Cornwall between 1841 and 1878 but there was no further published information until 1981. There has been 13 since.

RUDDY SHELDUCK - Tadorna ferruginea Vagrant, but the majority, if not all, are presumed escapes from wildfowl collections or wanderers from a feral population in The Netherlands.

Par: female after southeasterly gales Sept 28th. RAJ. Hayle Kimbro Pool: female Oct 2nd. ARP.GW.DW. Hayle Est: female Oct 3rd-Dec 2nd. DSF.PTS.JS-S et al. Poldhu: one Dec 3rd. ARP. Lizard Point: one flew east Dec 3rd. SK.

The dates strongly suggest that only one bird was involved in all of the sightings. The county mainland total advances to c.18. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 1 — — 1 3 1 5 2 2 — 2 — 1 Top sites: Camel Est. — seven, Upper Tamar Res. — three, Par, Ruan Lanihorne and Skew jack — two each.

SHELDUCK — Tadorna tadorna Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Present on virtually all Cornish estuaries, in varying numbers from November to July when, apart from a few juveniles, all birds leave to moult.

Breeding reports for 1991 were received from the following localities (with number of young in parentheses).

Tamar Est. (22), Lynher Est (nine), Gerrans Bay (five and four), Ruan Lanihorne (26), Tresillian (six) and Camel Est. (nine, eight, four and two).

37 Nesting was also suspected at St. Just in Roseland.

Although flock size was below the norm at the end of 1990 there was a significant influx in January and February as birds sought refuge from the cold. Second winter concentrations were again below the recent average.

Maximum numbers: Tamar Est: 224 January, 123 Dec 30th. St. Johns Lake: 288 January, 286 December. Lynher Est: 382 January, 292 December. Percuil: 62 Jan 11th, 37 Dec 27th. Camel Est: 148 Feb 12th, 134 Dec 8th. Truro River: 61 Mar 17th, 71 Dec 8th. Hayle Est: 74 Mar 26th, 15 Dec 12th. Ruan Lanihorne: 136 Apr 15th.

Monthly NWC/BOEE counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 1167 1180 779 618 527 212 274 91 43 13 231 765 Hayle Est. 14 27 55 30 31 11 49 12 7 — — 3 Copperhouse 31 28 15 — 5 4 — — — — 2 10 Helford Est. 9 25 34 17 14 6 — — — — 2 2 Devoran 41 33 42 26 12 3 — — 2 — 1 6 Tresillian 22 21 35 38 43 27 — — — — 7 23 Truro River 47 57 61 23 38 125 16 — 1 1 21 71 Ruan Lanihorne 9 16 55 136 110 — 59 28 11 5 1 2 Camel Est. 100 139 92 73 79 36 19 nc — — 17 134 Tamar Est. 224 105 100 37 76 nc 49 22 3 3 66 55 Lynher Est. 363 283 186 167 94 nc 41 — 10 — 82 215 St. Johns Lake 288 426 98 68 25 nc 33 23 9 3 32 234

MANDARIN — Aix galericulata

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Escapee. Feral release. A Category 4C species. Most Cornish records probably relate to birds which derive from a small feral population on the Plym Estuary area of South Devon.

Truro River: drake from 1990 to Mar 12th and Sept 21st.MO. Lynher Est: single females Jan 5th/6th and Feb 8th. SCM. Restronguet: four (three drakes) Nov 15th. JHWW. The county mainland total moves to c.44 — all since 1973. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 2 1 6 2 — — — 5 3 6 15 3 1 Top sites: Camel Est. — eight, Lynher Est. — seven, Retallack — six, Restronguet, Fowey Est. and Millbrook — four each.

WIGEON — Anas penelope Winter visitor. Passage migrant. May occur in very large numbers in cold waters. Overwintering flocks were small and it seems likely that many had left the county in the mild weather at the end of 1990. A few birds returned as the weather turned colder later in January but only small parties remained into March and none into April. Two at St. Austell Bay May 29th were unusually late.

The first return birds were ten at Hayle Est. Aug 28th and one at Stithians Res. the same day. Apart from Hayle Est. and Lynher Est. numbers remained low to the end of the year.

38 Maximum numbers: Stithians Res: 300 Jan lst-24th, 109 Oct 27th. Colliiord Res: 201 Jan 13th, 144 Dec 11th. Lynher Est: 1660 Feb 1st, 759 Nov 24th. Hayle Est: 430 Feb 4th, 1529 Nov 10th, 723 Dec 27th. Maer Lake: 150 Feb 8th, 230 Dec 24th. Ruan Lanihorne: 200 Feb 11th, 220 Dec 22nd. Camel Est: 182 Feb 12th, 321 Nov. 27th. Monthly NWC/BOEE counts at the principal localities — 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 1653 1525 218 — — — - 17 175 1320 2903 1557 Hayle Est. 114 83 29 105 825 1529 34 Copperhouse 94 167 114 772 Stithians Res. 157 111 21 nc nc nc nc nc nc 18 53 189 Ruan Lanihorne 215 150 30 30 34 76 3 Camel Est. 30 142 70 73 148 201 Colliford Res. 201 172 48 1 10 71 — Lynher Est. 680 624 13 267 759 360

AMERICAN WIGEON — Anas americana

Rare vagrant. Long Rock Pool, Marazion: female Apr 6th-10th. JFR.SR.RB. et al. Loe Pool: female Sept lst-4th. JFWK.JFR. et al. These two take the county mainland total to 14 — all since 1981. Both accepted by BBRC.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — 1 — — — — 10 1 2 — Top sites: Hayle Est. — five, — four, Loe Pool — two.

GADWALL — Anas strepera Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although less numerous in mild winters, the species has become more regular at several localities over the last fifteen years. Top sites are Marazion Marsh, Loe Pool, Par Beach Pool and Upper Tamar Reservoir, although holds the record single day count. After a disappointing year in 1990, there was a pronounced improvement in the numbers of this internationally increasing species, in 1991. A small influx of birds displaced by the freezing conditions was noted in February, but most apparently moved quickly through.

Last in spring was a female at Par May 21st, although a drake again remained here throughout the year.

The first in autumn were three at Hayle Est. and a single at Stithians Res. Aug 31st. Only nine birds arrived in October and few were noted in November until late in the month. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Tamar Est: five Jan 1st — Feb 19th. Two Dec 21st. Par: noted until May 21st with max of eight Feb lOth-Mar 18th and from Nov 21st with max of five Dec 22nd into 1992. Stithians Res: two Jan 1st, three Feb 8th and singles Apr 14th and Aug 13th — Sept 1st. Regular from Nov 6th with max of 20 Nov 30th but only two at the end of the year. Loe Pool: six Jan 1st. Two Sept 28th-Nov 16th, four Dec 10th and six Dec 14th. Marazion: noted until May 7th with max of 23 Feb 23rd and from Sept 21st with max of eight Dec 4th-21st.

39 Drift Res: noted Jan 12th-Mar 1st with max of six Feb 19th and from Dec 3rd with max of 16 Dec 15th. Camel Est: noted Jan 13th-Feb 17th with max of three last date and from Nov 12th with max of three Dec 22nd. Tregathenan Res: 12 Feb 16th/17th. Three Dec 11th with two to 14th. Lynher Est: two Feb 17th and Dec 8th. Hayle Est: one Feb 17th-24th. Three Aug 31st and singles Nov 23rd-30th and Dec 18th. College Res: noted from Dec 8th into 1992 with max of six Dec 9th. Elsewhere in the first winter and spring period there was one at Porth Mear Feb 9th, a pair at Swanpool Feb 10th, four at Pentire Feb 10th, one at Maer Lake, Bude Feb 13th- Mar 5th and five at Hayle Kimbro Pool Feb 17th.

Elsewhere in autumn and the second winter period two flew north at Trevose Head Sept 21st, one was at Siblyback Res. Oct 11th, one was in Newquay Bay and later at Gannel Est. Dec 20th-23rd.

TEAL — Anas crecca

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeding has been proved only sporadically over the last twenty years and all records apart from one at in 1970, have emanated from , with Crowdy Reservoir the most regular site. Like Wigeon there was a noticeable reduction in the number of birds present early in January but there was an increase towards the end of the month with large flocks at several localities. Few remained after mid March and the last in spring were five at Maer Lake Apr 27th. A pair bred at Crowdy Res. and reared two young. FHCK. Nearby, four birds including three drakes were noted at Colliford Res. Jun 16th. Autumn passage commenced with one at Stithians Res Aug 17th but only small parties were noted until November. End of year flocks were predictably small. Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 341 Jan 1st, 478 Dec 27th. Stithians Res: 200 Jan lst-24th, 164 Dec 8th. Marazion: 67 Jan 14th. Colliford Res: 196 Jan 20th, 220 November. Lynher Est: 317 Jan 20th, 364 Dec 8th. Devoran: 395 Jan 20th, 370 Nov 10th (the second and third highest counts ever respectively, here). Truro River: 200 Jan 25th, 140 Nov 30th. Upper Tamar Res: 190 Jan 26th, 150 Dec 9th. Crowdy Res: 123 Feb 3rd, 200 Dec 30th. Maer Lake: 350 Feb 3rd, 180 Dec 24th (the second and fifth largest counts ever here). Par: 110 Feb 7th. Tamar Est: 262 February, 153 December. St. Johns Lake: 131 February. Ruan Lanihorne: 175 Feb 17th, 158 Sept 25th. Poldhu: 80 Mar 29th. Loe Pool: 60 Oct 3rd. Camel Est: 200+ Dec 22nd. Drift Res: 100 Dec 22nd. Monthly NWC/BOEE counts at principal localities — 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 1484 1086 208 7 — — — — 157 205 788 928 Hayle Est. 73 87 2 40 45 90 97 Stithians Res. 43 34 14 nc nc nc nc nc nc 35 18 164 Devoran 395 325 370 18 Truro River 102 65 26 27 Crowdy Res. 85 12 — nc nc nc nc nc — — — — Colliford Res. 179 44 84 nc nc nc nc nc 50 33 84 9

40 Tamar Est. 147 122 9 11 20 43 86 Lynher Est. 317 161 92 7 24 45 364 St. Johns Lake 64 131 3 4 20

GREEN-WINGED TEAL — Anas crecca carolinensis

Annual vagrant. The North American race of Teal, drakes of which are readily separable from the nominate race. Ruan Lanihorne: drake Feb 17th. SMC. Lynher Est: drake Nov 23rd-Dec 15th. SCM et al. The county mainland total advances to c.35 — all since 1962. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 5 4 3 2 1 — — — — 7 5 8 Top sites: Hayle Est. — nine, Stithians Res. — five, Marazion — four, Lynher Est. — three.

MALLARD — Anas platyrhynchos

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Feral release for wildfowling purposes at a number of sites. Breeding was reported from Tregathenan Res., Froe Mill, Tresillian, Truro River, Marazion, Gwithian, Retallack, Goss Moor, Walmsley Sanctuary, Crowdy Res and Lower Tamar Lake.

With the exception of November/December, flock size was below the recent average. Maximum numbers: Crowdy Res: 91 Jan 3rd, 119 Dec 1st. Tamar Lakes: 152 Jan 3rd, 180 Dec 9th. Colliford Res: 83 Jan 13th, 139 September. Par: 139 Jan 20th, 107 Dec 8th. Lynher Est: 288 Feb 1st, 318 November. Camel Est: 78 Feb 13th. Tarnar Est: 115 Feb 17th, 200 December. St. Johns Lake: 55 Feb 17th, 72 September. Tresillian: 142 Aug 18th, 84 Nov 10th. Swanpool: 102 Sept 8th. Marazion: 66 Oct 5th. Gannel Est: 76 Oct 11th. Loe Pool: 139 Oct 18th. Ruan Lanihorne: 100 Oct 21st. Helford Est: 77 Nov 13th. Monthly NWC/BOEE counts at principal localities — 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 853 606 323 131 86 125 291 265 532 1085 1238 1031 Helford Est. 13 20 12 4 2 4 3 6 5 34 77 28 Tresillian 16 9 3 20 — 13 31 142 nc 24 84 45 Ruan Lanihorne 12 15 4 2 18 20 4 3 73 75 81 70 Swanpool 37 34 17 nc nc nc nc nc 102 51 40 27 Camel Est. 41 1 4 5 1 — 1 nc 1 30 46 26 Par Pools 139 115 106 nc nc nc nc nc nc 76 92 107 Colliford Res. 83 17 6 nc nc nc nc nc 90 87 110 77 Tarnar Est. 107 115 48 15 21 41 51 30 54 190 169 190 Lynher Est. 192 63 38 47 16 14 155 39 61 190 315 206 St. Johns Lake 28 55 22 16 18 6 12 30 24 32 27 21

41 Female Mallard with young John Walters

PINTAIL — Anas acuta

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Apart from feral birds the species has bred only once in Cornwall — in 1978. There has been a substantial reduction in the number of birds wintering in the county in recent years.

Very few overwintered from 1990 and there was no increase until the freezing conditions in February produced a scatter of small parties. Most remained only a few days and the last in spring was at Par Mar 28th. There was a very early bird at Walmsley Sanctuary Jul 30th, but then none until one at Marazion Sept 4th. The excellent autumn passage of 1990 was not repeated despite an interesting trio of observations at Porthgwarra.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Lynher Est: noted until mid-March with max of 27 Jan 20th and 35 Feb 17th and from Oct 20th with max of 21 Dec 1st. Maer Lake, Bude: two females Jan 26th. One female Nov lst-15th, four drakes Nov 7th-14th and five Nov 15th. Marazion: noted Feb 7th-Mar 6th with max of seven Feb 13th and 13 Feb 17th. One Sept 4th-Oct 11th and two to Oct 27th. Hayle Est: two Feb 8th-l 1th. One Sept 13th-Oct 13th. Loe Pool: two Feb 9th. One Sept 14th-29th, five Nov 16th-19th. Camel Est: four Feb 13th with two to 17th. One to three regular Sept 30th to end of the year but eleven Nov 11th. Stithians Res: drake Feb 16th. One to three regular Sept 15th-Dec 13th but four Dec 7th. Porthgwarra: four Oct 10th, two Oct 12th, six Oct 27th — all flying west. Elsewhere in the first winter period and spring there was one or two at Par from 1990 to Feb 21st, one at Gwithian Jan 26th-Feb 26th, two at Drift Res. Feb 8th with three there

42 next day, a drake at Pentewan Feb 9th-16th, three at Tamar Est. Feb 10th decreasing to one by Feb 24th, a drake at Millbrook Feb 13th-15th and one at Mullion Mar 23rd. Elsewhere in autumn and the second winter period one flew west at St. Ives Oct 5th, there was three at Upper Tamar Res. Oct 22nd and three in St. Austell Bay Oct 25th.

GARGANEY — Anas querquedula Scarce passage migrant with numbers fluctuating from year to year. Has bred on at least six occasions including three successive years 1981/3. Gunwalloe: drake Mar 31st SB. Marazion Marsh: female Apr 8th-12th, drake Apr 28th-May 7th, another female May 6th and a pair May 23rd. DSF.JFR.BP.MS. et al. Gwithian: drake Apr 17th-May 2nd, duck Apr 17th. PAR.FHH.DL. et al. Stithians Res: pair Apr 30th. WARW. Four females Aug 17th but only three next day, two to Aug 31st and one to Sept 6th. DL.JEM. et al. Par Beach Pool: drake May 9th. DJ. Porthgwarra: three flew west Aug 29th. ARB.BSm. Loe Pool: one Sept 4th. JFR. Lynher Est: female Oct 13th. DSI.GDL. After four dismal years 1985-8, there has been a welcome upsurge in sightings in the last three years.

The county mainland total advances to c.637 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — 2 232 167 62 11 30 94 25 11 1 2 (36%) (25%) The Gwithian birds are the first there since 1968 whilst the Porthgwarra and Lynher Est. birds are site firsts. Top sites: Marazion — 248 (39%), Stithians Res. — 67, Par — 38, Hayle Kimbro Pool — 36 and Tamar Lakes — 34.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL - Anas discors

Rare vagrant. Loe Pool: eclipse drake Oct 2nd. GW.DW. Accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total moves to 23 — all since 1976. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — — 2 — — 3 14 4 — — (61%) This is the first at Loe Pool. Top sites are Tamar Lakes — five, Stithians Res. — four and Marazion — three.

SHOVELER — Anas clypeata Winter visitor. Scarce passage migrant. Numbers wintering in the county have declined by at least 60% since the 1970's. Top sites are Marazion Marsh, Loe Pool and Par Beach Pool. An improvement in overall numbers this year including the highest first winter total since 1985 and the largest second winter influx since 1981. Early in the year the majority of birds arrived in late January and the first half of February with many remaining for several weeks. The last in spring was a drake at Charlestown Lake Apr 17th.

43 The first return birds were two at Upper Tamar Res. Aug 21st.

Only two more arrived in August and five in September. There was a good count at Stithians Res. at the end of October but elsewhere numbers were low until the second week of December.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Marazion: noted until Apr 10th with max of 30 Jan 26th and 25 Feb 27th and from Aug 21st with max of 23 Dec 23rd. Hayle Est: noted until Feb 11th with max of three Feb 8th. One Nov 2nd, two Dec 12th. Maer Lake: noted until Mar 26th with max of eight Jan 26th and Mar 21st. Camel Est: one Jan 20th, six Feb 15th, pair Apr 13th. Noted from Dec 1st with max of ten Dec 22nd. Lynher Est: two sporadically Jan 21st-Mar 29th. Noted from Oct 22nd with max of four Nov 23rd. Stithians Res: pair Jan 16th-28th and Mar 25th-Apr 1st. Female Aug 24th-Sept 1st then regular Oct 23rd-Dec 10th with max of twelve Oct 27th. Upper Tamar Res: two Jan 26th, Aug 21st and Oct 22nd. Par: noted Feb 3rd-Mar 23rd with max of six Feb 7th. Loe Pool: six Feb 8th, two Mar 31st, one Apr 20th. Noted from Sept 6th-Dec 7th with max of ten Oct 3rd and Dec 7th. Drift Res: noted Feb 8th-Mar 1st with max of three Feb 24th. One or two Nov lOth-Dec 12th. St. Johns Lake: noted Feb 16th-23rd with max of five 17th/18th. Poldhu: six Mar 17th increasing to eight Mar 29th. Crowdy Res: two Oct 24th, three Dec 11th, one Dec 30th. Siblyback Res: noted from Nov 16th to end of year with max of four first date. Colliford Res: four Dec 11th, one Dec 30th. Dozmary Pool: seven Dec 11th. Tamar Est: five Dec 14th. Hayle Kimbro Pool: six Dec 14th. College Res: five Dec 31st. Elsewhere in the first winter period there was one or two at Pentewan, Swanpool, Gwithian and St. Just in Roseland (the first that LSP. & EMP have seen here in seventeen years).

Elsewhere in autumn and the second winter period one or two were observed at Skewjack, Porthgwarra (two west Oct 27th) and Harlyn Bay Fish Ponds.

POCHARD — Aythya ferina Winter visitor. Passage migrant. May have bred at Crowdy Reservoir in 1977. First winter flocks were the smallest since 1980 but second winter congregations were slightly larger than those reported in 1990 and 1989. A pair lingered at St. Andrews Pool, Par until Jun 13th with the female once again 'summering' but there was no indication of a breeding attempt. Drakes were also noted at Argal, College and Stithians reservoirs during May. The first return birds were three at Colliford Res Jul 31st but very few arrived until October.

Maximum numbers: Argal Res: 37 Jan 20th. Loe Pool: 59 Jan 20th, 52 Oct 18th, 62 Dec 14th. Stithians Res: 40 Jan 24th, 21 Oct 24th. Upper Tamar Res: 72 Jan 26th, 30 Oct 28th. Par Beach Pool: 24 Feb 10th, 21 Dec 16th. Siblyback Res: 31 February, 42 December. Drift Res: 20 Mar 9th, 26 Dec 26th. Dozmary Pool: 37 Oct 13th. Porthgwarra: 27 flew west Oct 27th. Sennen: 27 flew west Oct 27th (same as Porthgwarra birds).

44 Long Rock Pool: 39 Dec 17th. Tamar Est: 56 Dec 30th. It is noticeable that at sites where coarse fishing has been introduced (eg. Porth and College reservoirs) the population of this and other wildfowl, has collapsed.

Monthly NWC/BOEE counts at the principal localities — 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul .Au g Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 142 110 50 38 69 118 147 Loe Pool 31 55 27 nc nc nc nc nc 18 27 48 62 Argal Res. 37 10 — nc nc nc nc nc — — — 9 Dozmary Pool 14 14 8 nc nc nc nc nc 13 37 36 7

RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris Annual vagrant. Long Rock Pool/Drift Res: two drakes from 1990 regularly commuting between the two waters until Mar 23rd. One remained at Long Rock until Mar 30th and the other at Drift Res. until Apr 17th. One returned to Drift Res. Dec 14th and overwintered into 1992. BP.DSF.FP.JFR. et al. Argai/College Res: female Feb 9th-28th. BC.SMC.JDB.JFR. et al. Mullion: Drake Mar 28th. ARP. Loe Pool: two drakes Apr 1st, one drake Apr 10th and three drakes Apr 20th. JSG. Drake Aug lOth-Nov 30th. JSG.HV. Presumably the Mullion bird was a new arrival which then moved to Loe Pool meeting first one and then both of the Long Rock/Drift birds. The Mullion and College birds take the county mainland total to c.36 — all since 1976.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 11 2 — 1 — — — 4 9 5 4 (but note the early re-appearance o£f returning birds). Top sites: Stithians Res. — eleven, Drift Res. — six, Tamar Est. and Loe Pool — four each.

TUFTED DUCK - Aythya fuligula Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeds almost annually at Crowdy Reservoir but only occasionally elsewhere. Another poor first winter period with little evidence of immigration during the freeze.

Second winter flocks were about the average of recent years. Birds remained at Charlestown Lake, Swanpool, Colliford Res and Tamar Lakes into June but there was no evidence of breeding at any of these sites. Maximum numbers: Swanpool: 60 Jan 9th, 61 Feb 25th. 40 Dec 4th-20th. Long Rock Pool: 28 Jan 9th (the highest count here since 1975). Siblyback Res: 28 Jan 19th, 32 December. Argal Res: 37 Jan 20th, 23 Dec 8th. Drift Res: 53 Feb 15th, 27 Dec 30th. Stithians Res: 26 Feb 28th, 33 Oct 24th. Loe Pool: 82 Aug 10th, 95 Nov 16th. Dozmary Pool: 25 Dec 29th.

Monthly NWC/BOEE counts at principal localities — 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 172 148 94 62 57 167 204 Drift Res 15 28 10 nc nc nc nc nc — — 1 31 Loe Pool 17 15 18 nc nc nc nc nc 46 36 93 73

45 Argal Res. 37 10 3 nc nc nc nc nc — — 21 30 Swanpool 39 36 6 nc nc nc nc nc — 1 21 30

SCAUP — Aythya marila Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Only two overwintered from 1990 but there was a sizeable incursion involving c.69 birds in the first winter period with most arriving Feb 8th-20th. The build up in numbers is illustrated by single day counts of five Jan 29th, 14 Feb 8th, 16 Feb 16th, 34 Feb 18th and 32 Feb 26th. Subsequently there was a gradual decrease with only two birds remaining at the end of March. A female lingered at Mounts Bay until Apr 19th but a female which remained at St Johns Lake until Jul 6th became the latest ever in spring (and equalled the earliest ever arrival in autumn).

The first in autumn was at Drift Res. Sept 5th but only two more arrived before mid- November when there was a large party at Loe Pool. 14 birds remained in the county at the end of the year. The total of c.40 birds in autumn and the second winte^ period was the highest ever for the time of year.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Millbrook/St. Johns Lake: noted until Jul 6th with max of four Feb 16th-25th. Female Oct 1st. Drift Res: noted Jan 14th-Feb 25th with max of four Feb 11th. One Sept 5th then regular Nov 21st into 1992 with max of ten Dec 24th. Lynher Est: noted Jan 20th-Feb 23rd (three birds involved). Female Nov 5th. Mounts Bay: noted Jan 29th-Apr 19th with max of 17 Feb 26th. St. Austell Bay: noted Feb 8th-Mar 17th with max of seven first date (ten different birds involved). Two Nov 6th and one Nov 20th. Loe Pool: noted Feb 8th-Mar 23rd with max of five first date. Nine Nov 16th, 12 Nov 23rd and one on 24th. Camel Est: female Feb 13th, two females Nov 12th-Dec 11th and four to Dec 15th. Truro River: single females Feb 17th-Mar 6th and Dec 31st. Percuil: four Feb 18th-24th, five Mar 16th. Two Nov 13th. Rame Head: four females flew east Mar 23rd. Tamar Est: noted from Nov 9th with max of three Dec 26th into 1992. Long Rock Pool: nine Nov 16th, 12 Nov 23rd and one Nov 24th. Elsewhere in the first winter one or two were reported from Siblyback Res., Carnsew Pool, Tamar Lakes, , Gannel Est., River, Pentewan, Tresillian River, Looe, Dozmary Pool and Harlyn Bay Fish Ponds.

The only additional autumn and second winter records concerned a juvenile at Stithians Res Oct 26th-29th and one which flew west at St. Ives Nov 4th. The peak counts at Mounts Bay, Loe Pool and Drift Res. are the second, fifth and sixth largest parties respectively, reported in Cornwall.

EIDER — Somateria mollissima Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. Annual since 1952, prior to which birds were reported in only seven years 1931-1951 and a mere eight records pre-1900. Six birds overwintered from 1990, up to eleven arrived in January, two in February and one each in March and April. The species was particularly scarce in the second half of the year; apart from a large flock off Treveal only three singles were observed to the end of the year.

Mounts Bay: three females from 1990 to Jan 8th. Three drakes Jan 23rd/24th. Three (two drakes) Feb 8th. One Oct 25th. St. Ives: female from 1990 to Jan 6th, another Apr 3rd. Camel Est: immature drake from 1990 to Jan 26th.

46 Poldhu: female from 1990 to Feb 6th. Falmouth Bay: six (four drakes) Jan 12th. Par: one Jan 14th/15th. Dodman Head: one Jan 22nd. Carrick Roads: drake Jan 24th. Helford Est: two Feb 19th, one Mar 14th Sennen: female Mar 30th. Godrevy: female Oct 20th-27th. Treveal: 20 flew west Oct 21st. Whit sand Bay: female Dec 17th.

Long-tailed Duck Paul Semmens

LONG-TAILED DUCK - Clangula hyemalis

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Annual since 1962.

A poor first winter with only one new arrival but a sizeable incursion in autumn and the second winter period.

Sennen: two Jan 26th, one Feb 20th. JFR.RJH. Three Oct 19th increasing to five Nov 6th-10th and 22nd, then four to Nov 25th. DSF et al. Mounts Bay: female Feb 19th. DL and singles Oct 22nd-27th and Nov 26th-30th. DSF et al. St. Austell Bay: drake Oct 8th-llth. RL. Looe: one Oct 11th per CFNHC. St. Ives: one west Oct 17th. EGG.GGG. another west Dec 20th. SFJ. Lynher Est: one intermittently Oct 19th-Dec 13th. EJW.JW.WJW. et al. Loe Pool: one Oct 21st, two Oct 26th, three Nov 3rd, four Nov 5th, five Nov 6th and six Nov 8th-10th. Three or four regular to end of November but six Dec 1st-13th and only three to the end of the year. SB.JSG. et al. Newquay: female Nov 6th into 1992, another Dec 23rd into 1992. SMC.DRCh et al. Siblyback Res: singles Nov 9th and Dec 7th-27th. JSH.EJW. et al. Camel Est: one Nov llth-24th. SMC. et al. Polurrian: female Nov 26th-Dec 4th. ARP. Drift Res: one Dec 6th/7th. JFR.FP. Harlyn Bay: four Dec 8th into 1992. CM. et al. Hawkstor Clay Pit: drake Dec 9th into 1992. SMC.BH. et al. Copperhouse, Hayle: juvenile Dec 12th-20th. DSF.SMC.JFR. et al. Colliford Res: two Dec 13th into 1992. JSH. et al. Gerrans Bay: two females Dec 18th-20th and one Dec 30th. GCJ. et al. Stithians Res: one Dec 29th into 1992. DE. The total of c.37 is the highest since 1937 and advances the county mainland total to c.388 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 51 29 44 14 4 3 1 1 1 45 102 93 (26%) (23%)

47 Top sites: Sennen — 80, Mounts Bay — 59, Loe Pool — 27, St. Ives — 22, Hayle Est. — 16 and Camel Est. — 14.

COMMON SCOTER — Melanitta nigra Winter visitor. Passage migrant. A few summer. Small numbers may be seen almost anywhere around the Cornish coast, but larger parties often congregate in Whitsand Bay, St. Austell Bay, Veryan/Gerrans Bay and Mounts Bay. Small parties overwintered from 1990 and there was a light spring passage during April and May.

A county record count off Rame Head in late June signalled a notable, protracted autumn movement which continued into November. Above average numbers were also noted at the end of the year with observations from many widely scattered localities.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Rame Head/Whitsand Bay: noted in every month. 21 remained from 1990 but gradually declined to four Mar 18th. Spring passage was evident Mar 23rd-May 11th and involved a total of 35 birds. Autumn passage was exceptional. Between Jun 1st and Nov 17th a total of 656 flew west and 106 flew east with max of 450 west and 71 east Jun 29th and 34 west Aug 10th. Up to 49 lingered in Whitsand Bay during December. St. Austell Bay: noted in every month. 40 remained from 1990 but gradually declined to 14 Apr 23rd. 17 new birds appeared May 14th and autumn birds arrived from Jun 24th. Highest counts included 70 Jun 30th and 140 Nov 2nd-9th. Only 14 remained in December. Mounts Bay: noted until Mar 17th with max of 22 Jan 26th and from Aug 16th with max of 60 Nov 17th and 30 Dec 24th into 1992. Lizard: 40 flew east Apr 10th, 12 west Jul 7th and nine west Jul 27th. Rosemullion Head: 122 Jun 5th, 30 Jul 7th, 40 Oct 7th — all west. Gribbin Head: 40 flew east Jun 19th. Newquay: 23 west between Jun 28th and Nov 6th and 42 in the Bay Dec 11th. Up to 30 into 1992. Gerrans Bay: noted from Aug 15th with max of 40 Nov 7th-11th. St. Ives: 204 west between Sept 22nd and Nov 28th with max of 48 Nov 9th and 64 Nov 16th. Pendeen: 151 west between Sept 22nd and Nov 13th with max of 47 Sept 27th and 51 Nov 12th. Very an Bay: 45 Nov 21st.

Other maximum counts included 20 at Looe Apr 1st, 20 at Pentewen Jun 8th, 25 north at Bude Sept 29th and 23 at Harlyn Bay Dec 1st.

Less than 20 birds were reported from another 22 sites. Most unusual was one inland at Upper Tamar Res. Sept 9th. FHCK.GPS. (The first inland record since 1985).

VELVET SCOTER - Melanitta fusca Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. St. Austell Bay: female from 1990 to Jan 3rd. RL. Treveal: two west Oct 21st, female Nov 6th-llth. BG.EGG.GGG. Porthgwarra: four west Oct 23rd. MS. Rumps Point: one west Nov 5th. ML. Mounts Bay: one Nov 20th. JFR. St. Ives: one west Nov 25th, one in Bay Nov 29th/30th, female west Dec 20th. NJP.DSF.SFJ. : female Dec 1st. JSG. Newquay: immature drake Dec 11th into 1992. SMC.EJC. Pendeen: one west Dec 20th. MS. Carrick Roads: female Dec 28th into 1992. WGL.IM. et al. Whitsand Bay: immature Dec 28th into 1992. SCM. Tamar Est: one Dec 30th into 1992. JJ. et al.

48 Gerrans Bay: one Dec 30th. NJC. The county mainland total advances to c.368 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 44 73 23 12 2 - — 1 1 40 100 72 Top sites: St. Ives — 81, Carrick Roads/Falmouth — 42, Mounts Bay — 36, Rumps Point - 26.

GOLDENEYE — Bucephala clangula Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Small numbers appear on all of the county's reservoirs at one time or another, but by far the largest flock gathers in Carrick Roads. Numbers visiting the county have declined inexplicably by about 60% since the 1970's.

Another poor start to the year with few overwintering from 1990. However there was a definite increase from Jan 20th and a more notable influx during the first two weeks of February. Only small parties remained at the end of the month and there was no evidence of a spring passage. Last was one at Colliford Res. May 1st.

The first return bird was at Siblyback Res Oct 11th followed by five at Crowdy Res. Oct 24th. There was a widespread arrival from Nov 20th and apart from Carrick Roads where numbers were very low, the total was about the average of the last five years. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Carrick Roads: noted until Feb 24th with max of 35 Feb 3rd. Four Dec 26th was the only report for the second half of the year. St. Johns Lake: noted until Feb 24th with max of four Feb 11th. One Dec 1st into 1992. Camel Est: noted until Mar 31st with max of 16 Feb 14th and from Oct 29th with max of seven Dec 27th. Drift Res: noted until Mar 2nd with max of four Feb 8th and from Oct 27th with max of nine Dec 24th (a record count here). Havle Est: noted until Mar 28th with max of nine Feb 17th and from Nov 24th with max of ihree Dec 27th. Loe Pool: noted until Mar 28th with max of ten Feb 9th and from Nov 3rd with max of ten Nov 23rd-30th. Colliford Res: noted until May 1st with max of six Feb 17th-Mar 2nd. Stithians Res: noted Jan 22nd-Apr 1st with max of five Feb 28th and from Oct 27th with max of nine Dec 24th. Fowey Est: noted Feb 14th-24th with max of five last date. Crowdy Res: five Oct 24th (the most here since January 1978). College Res: noted from Nov 10th with max of eight Dec 24th (a record count here). Porthpean: four Nov 20th.

There was no more than three together at any other site.

SMEW — Mergus albellus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Apart from 1989, annual since 1973. After none in 1989 and only one in 1990 there was a sizeable influx during the first quarter of 1991. All except two arrived Feb 7th-27th having been displaced by the arctic weather conditions farther north and east. Up to twenty birds were involved but no doubt there was some duplication as individuals moved from site to site. The highest single day count was nine Feb 18th. Lynher Est: drake Jan 5th IG. Drift Res: three redheads Feb 7th-13th, one on 14th and four redheads on 18th. FP.MS. et al.

49 Siblyback Res: drake Feb 13th was joined by a redhead Feb 17th and another drake Feb 19th. These three again reported on 24th and another redhead joined them Feb 27th-Mar 2nd. ACS.NAW.DTC.RS. et al. Long Rock Pool: redhead Feb 13th-17th. JBB.SB. et al. Colliford Res: two (one drake) Feb 14th. RL. Stithians Res: drake Feb 16th-25th, redhead Feb 20th. RB.DAC.SMC.GHT. et al. Dozmary Pool: two (one drake) Feb 17th-24th. DAC.BTC. Argal Res: redhead Feb 20th. SMC. Lanivet: redhead Feb 22nd. MB.KAWP. Copperhouse: one oiled May 4th. DSF.DC1. et al.

In addition one was taken to Bird Hospital Feb 17th. per JFR. The county mainland total moves to c.296 since 1930. The Copperhouse bird is the latest ever in spring.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 138 92 20 2 1 - — — — 1 11 31 (47%) (31%) The Long Rock bird is the first in that area since 1963 whilst the Argal and Lanivet birds are both 'site firsts'. Top sites: Siblyback — 76 (26%), Camel Est. — 30, Colliford Res. — 28, Tamar Est. — 26, Tamar Lakes, Loe Pool and Marazion — 13 each.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER — Mergus serrator Winter visitor. Uncommon passage migrant. Rare inland. Approximately 60% of the annual county total is recorded at Carrick Roads where birds gather to roost offTurnaware Point and Loe Beach. At dawn they disperse to feed throughout the Fal Estuary complex. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Carrick Roads: noted to Mar 3rd with max of eleven Jan 6th and 67 Feb 3rd. Noted from Oct 11th (30) with max of 72 Dec 26th. (The largest first winter gathering since 1979 and the highest second winter count since 1980). Percuil: noted to Apr 9th with max of 13 Jan 14th and 14 Mar 9th. Noted from Oct 11th with max of ten Dec 27th. Penryn River: noted to Apr 8th with max of six Jan 7th-10th and from Nov 13th with max of two Dec 2nd. Lynher Est: noted to Apr 1st with max of 17 Jan 12th (the second highest count ever here) and 12 Mar 24th. Noted from Oct 21st with max of nine Dec 1st. St. Johns Lake: noted to Mar 24th with max of eight Feb 1st and 12 Mar 3rd. Noted from Nov 13th with max of nine in December. Camel Est: noted to Feb 2nd with max of four Jan 26th and from Nov 8th with max of four Dec 2nd. St. Ives: five Nov 4th, one Nov 5th, two Nov 14th and one Nov 26th — all west (best autumn here since 1977). Mounts Bay: four Nov 7th. Up to three were reported from Truro River, Tresillian River, Ruan Lanihorne, Devoran, Stithians Res., Hayle Est., Par and Mounts Bay in the first winter and spring periods and from Rame Head, Hayle Est., Rumps Point, Porthpean, Ruan Lanihorne and Looe in autumn and the second winter period. The last in spring were two at Percuil Apr 9th and the first in autumn a drake at Rame Head Sept 28th. (the fourth earliest ever).

Overall the best year for this species for at least a decade.

50 GOOSANDER — Mergus merganser Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. The species has become increasingly common in Cornwall in recent years and is a potential breeding species, particularly since a few pairs now nest annually in Devon. Birds overwintered from 1990 at Hayle Est., Par and Crowdy Res. There was a small influx from early to mid-February plus five spring migrants in March and an additional two in April.

The last in spring was one at Crowdy Res Apr 20th and the first in autumn were two at Drift Res Nov 20th.

Hayle Est: drake from 1990 to at least Jan 16th. Two drakes Feb Ist-lOth. DSF. et al. Par: brownhead from 1990 to at least Jan 19th. Two (one drake) Feb 7th. RL.LAS.FMS. Crowdy Res: noted until Feb 24th with max of six (three drakes) Jan 3rd, ten (six drakes) Jan 19th and seven (four drakes) Feb 24th. MJG.JSH.BTC. et al. Noted from Dec 8th with max of six (three drakes) Dec 15th. JH. et al. Siblyback Res: noted Jan 17th-Feb 28th with max of three (one drake) Feb 18th. BS.JS.RL. et al. Drake Dec 12th-26th. JSH. et al. Ruan Lanihorne: two drakes Jan 21st. GCJ. Upper Fowey Valley: two (one drake) Feb 2nd. JHF. Drift Res: two drakes Feb 2nd/3rd, brownhead Feb 28/Mar 1st. FP.MS. Two drakes Nov 20th. FP. Innis Fish Farm, Penwithick: brownhead Feb 7th. MB. Tresillian River: two drakes Feb 8th-16th, one 17th. WARW.MW.PT.PW.TMC. Fowey Est: brownhead Feb 14th, two (one drake) Mar 1st. EJW. et al. Four (two drakes) Dec 9th. KP. Seat on: brownhead Feb 19th. KP. Boscathnoe Res: brownhead Mar 5th/6th. SL.JFR. Percuil: two (one drake) Mar 22nd. PR. Tamar Est: two drakes Mar 29th. BTC. Argal Res: noted from Nov 22nd to end of year with max of six Dec 6th and four into 1992. BC.JFR. et al. Loe Pool: two brownheads Dec 7th. SB.JSG. Stithians Res: two Dec 7th, three Dec 9th and one Dec 10th. FHH. et al. Discounting those which obviously overwintered from 1990 the county mainland total advances to c.785. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 365 75 59 15 3 — — — — 13 89 166 (47%) Top sites: Crowdy Res. — 96, Siblyback Res. — 67, Camel Est. — 61, Drift Res. — 54, Hayle Est. — 48, Dozmary Pool — 46, Stithians Res. and Argal Res. — 45 each.

RUDDY DUCK — Oxyura jamaicensis

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Annual since 1977. Lynher Est: female Feb 16th. DC1.GDL. Loe Pool: female Oct 22nd-Nov 23rd (at least). JFR. et al. The county mainland total moves to c.91 — all since 1977.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 35 18 2 — — — 1 — 3 14 17 1 (38%) Top sites: Loe Pool — 23, Stithians Res. — 22, Drift Res. — seven, Siblyback Res — six and Marazion Marsh — five.

51 HONEY BUZZARD — Pernis apivorus

Rare passage migrant. Breeding has occurred annually in Devon since 1979 and could conceivably occur in Cornwall in the near future. Boswednack: one May 21st. EGG.GGG.NRP. Kenidjack: one flew southeast Aug 28th. ARB.BS. Trevail: one Sep 25th. EGG.GGG. Rame Head: one Oct 12th. DRC.

Several other reports were considered but contained insufficient or inconclusive detail.

The county mainland total stands at c.73 — all but nine since 1972.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d — — — 6 14 4 3 5 17 18 — 1 5

Top sites: Hayle — eight, Rame Head — seven, Porthgwarra — six.

Honey Buzzard Andrew Birch

BLACK KITE — Milvus migrans

Rare vagrant. The species has been increasing in recent years in N.W. Europe and this is reflected in more frequent sightings in the U.K. It is anticipated that this trend will continue. St. Columb Minor: one flew soutwest Apr 15th. SMC.ADC.JH. Hayle Est: one flew south Apr 16th. ARB.LPW. St. Johns Lake: one May 3rd. EJW. Marazion: one May 25th. DSF.

Assuming that the first two reports refer to the same individual the county mainland total now stands at eight — all since 1975. The St. Columb Minor bird is the earliest to date.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — 1 4 — — — 1 2 — —

Top site is Porthgwarra with three, but this is the second occurrence at Hayle.

52 Black Kite Andrew Birch

RED KITE — Milvus milvus

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. There are various ancient claims of breeding in Cornwall but none is considered fully authentic. Rumours have persisted in recent years of birds summering in apparently suitable breeding habitat within Cornwall and the possibility of successful nesting in the future should not be overlooked.

Near Wadebridge: one Jan 28th-Feb 1st. SMC.DU.DLJ. et al. Hayle Est: one Feb 3rd. JWt. Penzance: one Oct 9th. CLBo.IK.DJR. Ladock: one found dead Dec 16th had succumbed to alphachlorose poisoning. It was a bird which had been imported from Sweden, released in Scotland and arrived in Cornwall via Northern Ireland and Eire.

The first two observations may have involved the same individual.

The county mainland total moves to c.78 since 1952, prior to which data is very sketchy.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 8 4 10 6 5 2 4 1 5 20 7 6

Top sites: Porthgwarra — eight, Nanquidno, Siblyback and Lizard — three each. 49 other localities have attracted the species on one or two occasions. Clearly this is a bird that can and does turn up anywhere at any time of the year.

MARSH HARRIER — Circus aeruginosus

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Marazion: male from 1990 remained to Apr 17th. DSF.BP. et al. Female Jan 22nd and 26th DSF.JSG. Another Mar 26th. DSF. Juvenile, probably female Oct 13th. Male Oct 18th — Dec 4th. Female/immature Oct 23rd. DSF.EAF.CAO.JY.BP. et al. Gunwalloe: immature male Jan 23rd. SB. Female Mar 31st-Apr 15th. SB. Hayle Est: male Mar 28th. DSF. Near Kynance: female/immature Apr 18th. BC. Falmouth: female/immature May 18th. BC. Rame Head: female/immature Sept 27th. VRT.

53 Other reports were received but lacked detail. The county mainland total moves to c.93 since 1930. The Marazion/Gunwalloe/Hayle Est. sightings in March may have involved the same two birds.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 3 1 12 12 19 2 1 4 16 14 4 4 Top sizes: Marazion — 21, Porthgwarra — seven, Skewjack — five, Gunwalloe — four.

An additional 31 localities have attracted the species on three occasions or less.

HEN HARRIER — Circus cyaneus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. There are four main wintering areas in the county. On the mid-Cornwall moors and West Pen with moors the roost sites are well known and documented, but the Lizard peninsula and Bodmin Moor roost sites have attracted less attention.

Bodmin Moor: A much better year with at least two birds involved in a series of sightings in the first winter period to Feb 17th. A male was observed at Crowdy Res. Jan 14th and 26th and at Dozmary Pool Jan 29th whilst a female was sighted at Garrow Tor and Crowdy Res. Jan 3rd, Colliford Res. Jan 21st and Dozmary Pool Feb 17th. In spring there was a male at Dozmary Pool Apr 5th and another, presumed different was reported from the Upper Fowey Valley May 2nd/3rd. A single ringtail was noted at Siblyback Res. Apr 21st. In autumn ringtails were reported from Colliford, Siblyback and Crowdy reservoirs between Oct 13th and 21st and may have referred to only one bird. A wing-tagged bird, ringed in Scotland in 1990 frequented Crowdy Res. Nov 2nd-6th and a ringtail was at Temple Dec 11th. Mid-Cornwall moors: Seven birds (five males) overwintered at the Tregonetha roost and these were joined by two more ringtails Jan 4th. At least seven birds were regularly reported until Feb 19th when an extra male was also present. Subsequently numbers gradually diminished throughout March with the last on Mar 24th. Birds presumably associated with the roost were noted as follows: a ringtail throughout January at Park Head, a ringtail at Feb 23rd and a male at Walmsley Sanctuary Mar 3rd. The first in autumn was a male Nov 8th with a gradual build up to a maximum of five (four males) from Nov 24th into 1992. Elsewhere there was a male at Retallack Nov 11th, a female at St. Columb Major Nov 19th and a ringtail at Goss Moor Dec 23rd. West Penwith moors: At least three birds (two males) were involved in a series of sightings during January and February. Two males were at Cam Galver Jan 10th whilst a single male was noted at Chykembo Common Feb 3rd and St. Buryan Feb 14th. A ringtail was seen on three occasions at Boswednack Jan llth-20th and the same or another was at Marazion Feb 17th. A ringtail at Treveal Apr 21st was the sole spring migrant. Autumn passage was noted Oct 15th-Nov 6th but it is difficult to assess the number of birds involved. Single ringtails were at Bostraze and Nanquidno Oct 15th, Porthgwarra Oct 19th and 23rd, Chykembo Common Nov 3rd and Treveal Nov 6th. Single males were reported from Lands End Oct 21st, Marazion and Great Works, Pendeen Oct 23rd and Bostraze Oct 26th. At least two birds, a male and a ringtail were observed during December. The male was seen twice at Drift and Chykembo and once at St. Loy. A ringtail was seen at Bostraze Dec 28th. There was no count in either winter period of birds using the traditional roost site near . Lizard peninsula: In the first winter there was an immature male in the Gunwalloe area Jan 26th-Feb 3rd whilst there was a male in spring at Goonhilly Apr 13th, 21st and 26th. In December, a wing-tagged bird was noted at Goonhilly Dec 19th and a second year male was there Dec 27th. Elsewhere: A ringtail flew northeast at Dunmere Mar 25th, a ringtail quartered stubble fields at Rame Head Oct 13th-21st and two ringtails were seen at , near Bude Nov 24th.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER - Circus pygargus

Rare passage migrant. Formerly bred regularly, but not since 1975. A small recent increase in the U.K. breeding population may auger well for the future locally. Lynher Est: female flew north Mar 29th. per CFNHC. Botus Fleming, near : female May 11th. DEB.GDL.SMcM.SCM. Lizard Downs: ringtail Jun 1st. ARP.RB.SB.

The Lynher bird was particularly early and was just one of a trio of good raptors there in two days; the others being Rough-legged Buzzard and Osprey.

GOSHAWK — Accipiter gentilis

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A few pairs breed annually in Devon and odd pairs may breed unnoticed, or unrecorded in Cornwall. Bodmin Moor: female Jul 16th. JSH. Penzance: female Aug 19th. MS. Drift Res: female Aug 25th. MS. Sennen: female Aug 30th. DSF. Porthgwarra: female Oct 25th. MS.

The three August records could relate to the same individual.

These were just five of sixteen reports received. The remainder included several without any accompanying detail, some with only limited detail and others which were not conclusively described.

Observers are reminded of the need for full field notes of this species and other rare raptors. *

After a complete review the county mainland total stands at c.61.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 4 4 3 8 4 — 2 9 9 10 6 2

SPARROWHAWK - Accipiter nisus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. There were no reports of change in status and with records from 69 localities, including 21 in the breeding season it is evident that the species remains widespread throughout the county apart from the Lands End peninsula, where the majority of sightings apparently concerned migrants. In mid-Cornwall CM located four nests. 'Typical nest site was in dense hawthorn/alder wood in bottom of poorly drained valley. The nest was invariably in hawthorn covered in ivy either over, or close to stream. Nest was normally three metres off the ground. Fledging success was poor. Of four nests found, three failed at the egg stage whilst the fourth nest produced just two young from five eggs. The poor success may have been influenced by a poor food supply.'

Possible spring migrants included one at Sennen Apr 14th and one at Rame Head May 31st. Autumn passage was apparent from Aug 18th-Nov 16th. Apart from singles there was

55 two at Marazion, Kenidjack and Cot. At the last two localities sightings were regular throughout autumn as they were at Camel Est., Hayle Est., Nanquidno, Porthgwarra and Sennen.

BUZZARD — Buteo buteo

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Another exceptionally good year including the largest gathering ever reported in Cornwall.

Maximum numbers: Marazion: eight Mar 13th, 12 Oct 21st. Goss Moor: eight Apr 16th. Colliford Res: 12 Jun 30th. Kennards House//Lewannick area, near Launceston: 38 Mar 31st, 25 May 18th, 28 May 23rd BTC.JJ.VRT.

The 28 were gathered in a field of spring-sown cereal for approximately two weeks around this date. VRT was unable to find any reference to such large groups of ground-feeding birds at this time of year. Tubbs in The Buzzard' (1974) (pps. 28-30) briefly refers to similar behaviour by smaller groups of birds in the post-breeding season. However, many of the recent, large groups in Cornwall have been ground-feeding, (ie: 27 at in late September 1989, 31 at St. Mabyn and 16 at Constantine in November 1989, 20 at Marshland Mouth in November 1986 and 25 near Launceston in November 1980). SMC.

Breeding was widely reported. Of particular note were 10/12 pairs noted by GJC between and Dunmere with another three pairs between and Wadebridge.

The cliff nest at was again utilised. DLo. CM located 38 pairs in the triangle formed by /Porthcothan/Winnards Perch but reports a disappointing year with poor productivity. Nest sites varied from high up in mature oak and beech trees in the centre of woods to the tops of tall isolated coniferous trees and in exposed wind-cropped hawthorns within hedgerows. Of the 38 occupied territories, 36 were checked for nesting. At least 21 pairs reached the nest-lining stage and of these, five were inaccessible but probably reached the pullus stage. Of the other 16 nests, two failed at the pre-laying or incubation stage (no eggs seen), three failed at the incubation stage, two were not inspected further and nine contained young. Of these nine, two failed with dead young and the remainder produced a total of eight young.

Only one of the clutches inspected contained three eggs (although the third egg was abnormally small and failed to hatch). Most clutches involved two eggs but one bird was incubating a single egg.

Food availability may have proved a problem early in the season, leading to small clutch size and non-viable young, but the cold, wet weather of June undoubtedly took its' toll of chicks. One nest contained a dead chick surrounded by rabbit and rook prey items. Other prey included grey squirrel, magpie, woodpigeon, grass snake and a free-range chicken! Inter-nest spacing averaged out at 1.5km (with a small standard deviation) but occasionally reduced to 0.8km. Based on these figures CM estimated a total population of 40 territories in the area bounded by the A3059 Newquay-St. Columb Major- A39-Winnards Perch-B3274-Padstow roads.

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD - Buteo lagopus Vagrant. Lynher Est: one Mar 29th. per CFNHC. Two other reports were received but similar species were not excluded. The first since 1983 and the 37th in all. 56 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 3 3 5 9 3 4 7 3

OSPREY — Pandion haliaetus Scarce passage migrant. Lynher Est: one flew east Mar 30th. EJW. Tamar Est: singles Apr 23rd EG and Aug 19th-Sept 26th. PE.ME.KP. et al. Port Quin: one May 24th. RS. Halvana: one Jun 5th. BTC. Ruan Lanihorne: singles Jul 6th and Aug 5th-12th. JJH. Porthtowan: one Sept 21st. TW. Porthgwarra: one flew west Oct 1st. CMJ.BJ.GW.DW. Park Head: one flew north Oct 12th. CM.

These ten take the county mainland total to c.163. The Lynher Est. bird is the fourth earliest ever and the first Ruan Lanihorne bird the second earliest ever in autumn. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oc: Nov Dec — — 4 19 26 6 9 43 46 9 1 — (26%) (28%)

Top sites: Camel Est. — 30, Ruan Lanihorne — 19, Tamar Est. — 14, Hayle Est. and Lynher Est. — eight each. Birds have been noted at 48 other localities on five occasions or less.

KESTREL — Falco tinnunculus

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. As usual there were conflicting reports concerning status: MJR considered it scarce in the Towednack area and CLB found it less common at Penryn. CM reported it as common along the north coast whilst FHCK reported moderate numbers on the coast, but with the exception of the Crowdy area, scarce inland. LSP.EMP. considered that status was maintained in the Roseland district.

Overall, the number of sightings was definitely down on recent years. There was a small increase in autumn with maxima of five at Porthgwarra Oct 13th, six at Sennen the same day and ten at Crows-an-wra Oct 23rd.

A melanistic bird with a dark brown head and neck and the remainder of the plumage correspondingly darker was noted at Loe Bar by JSC

MERLIN — Falco columbarius

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred at Perranporth in 1954. Another excellent year with record numbers in the first winter period and on autumn passage. At least 17 birds were present in January and another twelve arrived in February. Most reports concerned single day sightings of lone birds but there was also two each at Siblyback and Upper Fowey Valley.

At the Tregonetha roost there was three Jan 12th but during February new birds appeared. Late evening visits by JDB revealed the presence of five birds Feb 19th and seven on 21st. Subsequently birds drifted away and the last was a male Mar 17th. Seven birds passed through the county in March and another six were reported in April.

57 Last in spring was a female at Lizard May 4th.

The first in autumn was a female at Porthgwarra Sept 3rd but there was no more until Sept 21st when singles were noted at Marazion and Crowdy Res. It proved to be a protracted movement with only one or two new birds arriving daily. The exception was Oct 19th-21st when at least twelve new birds moved through. C.60 birds were reported from 36 locations with the majority in the Lands End peninsula area. Regular reports were received from: Porthgwarra: one Sept 3rd, then regular Oct 5th-Nov 1st with max of three Oct 20th. Marazion: singles Sept 21st, Oct 4th, Oct 20th/21st and Nov 4th. Sennen: one Sept 22nd then singles regular Oct 4th-Nov 25th but two Oct 8th. Near Kynance: singles Sept 29th and Oct 13th-15th. Gwithian/Godrevy: singles Sept 19th, Oct 20th and 26th. , singles Oct 3rd and Oct 14th-19th. Lizard: singles Oct 8th and 12th/13th. Camel Est: singles Oct 9th and 16th. Nanquidno: singles Oct 10th and 23rd. Penberth: singles Oct 11th and 21st. Newquay: singles Oct 17th/18th and Nov 2nd-5th. Pentire: two Oct 20th-Nov 3rd, one Nov 8th. Tregonetha: noted Oct 21st-Nov 23rd with max of two Nov 10th. Reskajeage: one Oct 22nd, two Oct 23rd, one Nov 10th. Goss Moor: two Nov 5th, one Nov 14th. 14 birds were noted during December, all singles except two each at Crowdy Res., Tregonetha and Tamar Est.

HOBBY — Falco subbuteo Scarce passage migrant (increasing). Occasionally breeds in the East of the county. A pair bred at one locality rearing at least one young. DAC.JSH. et al. Newquay: one flew east Apr 26th. SMC. Colliford Res: singles Apr 28th, Jun 6th, Jul 14th, Aug 16th and Sept 18th. EJW.DAC.GJC.MGT. et al. Bearah Tor: one Apr 28th. EG. Rame Head: one May 6th. DRC. Croft Common: one May 24th. MS. Treveal: one May 27th. JFR. Skewjack: singles May 29th and Aug 29th. DSF.ARB. Goonhilly: one Jun 2nd. ARP. Respryn: one Jun 5th-17th. DAC.EJC. Halvana: one Jun 20th. SMC.EJC. Upper Fowey Valley: three Aug 4th, one Aug 17th. EJW. Lizard: immature flew east Aug 6th. MCH.SML. Morvah: one catching butterflies Aug 18th. SJP. St. Johns Lake: one Aug 21st. SCM. Lower Tamar Lake: adult Sept 4th. FHCK. Drift Res: immature Sept 5th. RJH. Crowdy Res: one Sept 19th FHCK. A number of other reports received lacked sufficient detail. The county mainland total advances to c.344 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec - - - 30 89 53 31 42 66 33 - - (26%) Top sites: Porthgwarra — 38, Goonhilly — 23, Lizard — 15, Marazion — 13, Stithians Res. - 11.

58 PEREGRINE FALCON — Falco peregrinus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. This species goes from strength to strength. This year birds were reported from at least 140 localities and the number of breeding pairs is probably at, or near its highest ever level.

Birds appear to be widespread along both coasts and inland sites continue to be exploited. Prey items included Teal, Dunlin, Woodcock, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Sand Martin, Carrion Crow, Starling and Linnet. A bird at Porthgwarra took a Storm Petrel Jul 14th whilst a female there in October was seen to kill a male Merlin Oct 20th and a female Merlin Oct 23rd.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE - Alectoris rufa

Resident. Breeds? Feral release. Hundreds if not thousands of hand-reared birds have been released in various parts of the county over the last twenty years. Particularly large numbers have been introduced into mid Cornwall but very few remain. The reason for the species' failure to colonise is not fully understood but is probably related to its' preference for lighter, sandier soils. Tregoney: one Feb 1st. Forder, : one Feb 19th. : two Mar 13th, one Apr llth-Oct 30th. Gribbin Head: two Mar 16th-Apr 23rd, three Sept 16th, 25 Oct 14th, two Oct 19th. Cross Putty, St. Columb: pair Mar 24th, one later found dead. St. Anthony: one Mar 25th. : one Mar 29th. Lerryn: three Apr 17th. Boswednack: one Nov 8th-20th. Rame Head/Penlee: pair resident. Bred, seen with chicks early summer. Pentire, Polzeath: one resident throughout year. St. Loy: 200 released. Another excellent year with breeding proved for the first time since 1986.

GREY PARTRIDGE - Perdix perdix

Resident (declining). Breeds. Feral release. The Grey Partridge has been in decline in Cornwall for many years, but this decrease accelerated during the 1980's, reaching rock bottom in 1988. Locally, this decrease is probably connected with increasing usage of herbicides and insecticides coupled with a lack of fallow land suitable for feeding birds in winter. Without continuing releases of feral birds the species will probably become extinct in Cornwall within a decade. 1991 was another poor year for the species with reports from a meagre 29 localities and breeding proved at only two. The majority of reports derived from southeast Cornwall, but apart from coveys of four at Rame Head Feb 9th and nine at St. Germans Oct 27th plus a family party at in June, all observations related to pairs or single birds. The most westerly record was of one at Kynance in spring and apart from five at Jan 20th and one at Roseland Apr 28th there was no other south coast observation west of Looe.

Along the north coast birds were observed at 13 sites between Newquay and Trevalga — a slight improvement on 1990, but once again numbers were very small. The maximum were a pair with nine young at Port Quin Jul 26th, five at Porth Mear Oct 11th and nine at St. Eval Dec 13th.

In the Bude area FHCK has not located the species in either of the last two years.

59 QUAIL — Coturnix coturnix Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor. Occasionally breeds. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Has overwintered. Annual since 1975. Tregadillett: one calling Jun 17th. BTC. Viverdon Downs, St. Mellion: one calling Jun 19th. RS. East Downs: one calling Jun 28th. SMC. St. Columb Minor: one calling Jul 25th. DRCh. A typical set of records. The county mainland total moves to c.232 (+63 young) since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1 1 3 60 95 38 23 7 2 2 Top sites: Camel Est. — 24, Lizard — 21, Winnards Perch — 16, Newlyn East — 14, Porthgwarra — 12.

PHEASANT — Phasianus colchicus

Resident. Breeds. Thousands of birds are released every year for sporting purposes, thus ensuring that populations are maintained at a high level. The species continues to thrive in all areas. 550 at Caerhays and 50 at Sept 30th were presumably recently released birds.

On the Lizard peninsula ARP reports that birds had been released and were quite numerous whilst on the Lands End peninsula two pairs bred at Boswednack and singles were noted daily at Porthgwarra from Oct 13th.

GOLDEN PHEASANT — Chrysolophus pictus

Feral release. Escapee. A Category 'C species. Near Sticker: male Nov 1st. DJ.

Presumably a bird released on one of the local estates. The first since 1986.

WATER RAIL — Rallus aquaticus Rare resident. Breeds in very low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A pair bred at Salter Creek, Tamar Est. and successfully reared three young.

There was no proof of breeding at Marazion this year, despite calling birds being heard until May 11th. Calling birds were also heard at Gunwalloe through the summer and at until May 11th.

The number of birds overwintering from 1990 was low and there was no evidence of immigration during the February freeze. With reports from only 16 sites it was one of the poorest winter totals on record.

The largest concentrations included seven at Marazion Jan 2nd, three at Swanpool Jan 5th and four at Camel Est. Jan 12th.

The first autumn migrant were singles at Marazion Aug 18th and Par Aug 28th. Passage was light with the majority moving through during October. The maximum included ten at Skewjack in October, four at Loe Pool Oct 3rd and 23rd and six at Marazion 0:t 28th.

Birds were reported from ten sites in December — all singles except four at Tamar Est. on 6th, two at Bude on 7th and three at Tamar Lake on 9th.

60 SPOTTED CRAKE - Porzana porzana

Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn from mid August to early October). Very rare winter visitor. Bred in 1860, 1862 and 1874. Marazion/Long Rock Pool: singles Aug 18th-24th. DSF et al. and Sept 14th/15th. DSF.SR.EJC.RJL. Poldhu: one Sept 17th. ARP. Par: juvenile Sept 30th. SMC. Other reports received lacked sufficient detail.

The county mainland total stands at c.83 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — 3 1 2 1 — 3 29 36 7 1 — (35%) (43%)

Top sites: Marazion — 41 (50%), Sennen — seven, Par, Porthgwarra and Tamar Lake — four apiece.

CORNCRAKE — Crex crex

Rare passage migrant. Last bred in 1967, but possibly did so in 1977. Has overwintered. Ninemaidens, Morvah: one Sept 30th. VVHH. St. Keverne: one Oct 1st. MR. Nanjizal: one Oct 8th-13th. BG.

Other reports received lacked sufficient detail.

The county mainland total advances to c.142 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1 — — 10 30 40 7 14 17 19 3 — (plus another which overwintered) Top sites: Wadebridge — nine, Polzeath, St. Mawgan, Saltash, Marazion and Porthgwarra/Nanjizal — five each.

70 other localities have attracted the species on four or less occasions.

MOORHEN — Gallinula chloropus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. With the loss of suitable breeding habitat in recent years there appears to have been a substantial reduction in the breeding population. The exceptionally dry summers of 1989 and 1990 with the consequent lowering of water levels has exacerbated the problem.

This year however, there was a welcome increase in breeding reports with proven success at 18 localities and probable at many others. Apan from single pairs there was at least twelve pairs at Swanpool, five pairs at Walmsley Sanctuary, three pairs at Par and two pairs at St. Johns Lake.

First winter maxima were about average with peaks of 55 at Marazion Feb 5th, 17 at Polridmouth Feb 10th and 20 at Caerhays Mar 23rd. Second winter gatherings were the smallest since 1986. The largest groups were 14 at Par Sept 30th, 28 at Marazion Oct 30th, ten at Camel Est. Nov 24th and 23 at Swanpool Dec 13th.

61 COOT — Fulica atra Resident. Breeds annually at Stithians Reservoir, Marazion Marsh and Swanpool, but only sporadically elsewhere. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. In 1991 breeding was reported from the following localities (with comparative data for 1986-1990). Figures represent number of pairs.

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 Marazion/Long Rock 1 3 2 10 7 2 Swanpool 1 1 2 2 — — Stithians Res. 5 — 1 2 8 3 Colliford Res. 3 P — — 1 3 Dozmary Pool 2 — — — Siblyback Res. 2 — — — — 1 St. Andrews Pool, Par 1 — — — — — St. Merryn Fish Ponds 1 (pools are only three years old). Tamar Lake 1 — 1 — — P The number of birds visiting the county in recent years has declined quite dramatically and is well illustrated by low counts this year. Maximum numbers: Par: 22 from 1990 to Jan 17th. Tamar Lake: 26 Jan 6th, 24 Dec 14th. Marazion: 49 Jan 9th, 68 Nov 22nd-Dec 4th. Colliford Res: 69 Jan 13th, 73 Feb 17th, 87 December. Swanpool: 56 Jan 22nd, 43 Dec 3rd. Siblyback Res: 105 Feb 13th/14th, 103 November. Argal Res: 50 Feb 16th. Dozmary Pool: 80 October. Loe Pool: 142 Oct 18th. Stithians Res: 102 Nov 6th.

OYSTERCATCHER — Haematopus ostralegus Resident. Breeds in low numbers (mainly North coast). Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Single pairs bred at Hells Mouth (first here since 1988), Wills Rock, Porthcothan (first here since 1982), Rumps Point and The Moules plus two pairs at Trevan Point, Port Quin.

Maximum numbers: St. Johns Lake: 189 January, 320 August, 225 October. Camel Est: 280 January, 180 Nov 27th. Par: 50 Jan 10th and May 30th, 104 Aug 21st. Truro River: 59 Jan 20th, 73 Aug 11th. Hayle Est: 51 Jan 21st, 87 Sept 18th. Gannel Est: 103 Nov 10th. Bude: 150 Dec 23rd. Inland there were singles at Drift Res. Jan 9th and Stithians Res. Jul 26th. These remain the top two inland sites with 91 and 57 respectively since 1969. Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 641 501 291 200 85 225 158 704 725 725 558 632 Hayle Est. 38 4 17 — 10 11 13 64 69 78 18 14 Truro River 59 18 26 25 5 3 29 73 61 42 30 30 Ruan Lanihorne 12 18 60 11 14 22 — 28 160 43 13 11 Camel Est. 249 168 72 69 12 80 67 100 143 170 180 180 Tamar Est. 26 43 28 6 2 2 1 27 16 47 29 47 Lynher Est. 19 44 10 3 — 45 4 33 10 16 20 25 St. Johns Lake 189 158 28 25 41 62 34 320 208 225 198 146

62 AVOCET — Recurvirostra avosetta Scarce winter visitor. Rare passage migrant. Has wintered annually at Tamar Estuary since 1947/8 but only occasionally elsewhere. Tamar Estuary: noted until Mar 17th (three) with monthly maxima of 210 January, 255 February and 94 March.

First return birds were reported Nov 2nd with monthly maxima of 218 in November and 217 in December.

Five year average maximum counts at this site reveal the following:

1st winter period 2nd winter period 1945/50 3 2 1951/55 15 15 1956/60 39 41 1961/65 52 52 1966/70 49 55 1971/75 59 54 1976/80 58 63 1981/85 82 83 1986/90 120 121

Elsewhere reports came from: Lynher Est: six January, two Feb 1st. Ten November and one December. Ruan Lanihorne: one from 1990 to Feb 3rd. Truro River: one Feb 13th. Camel Est: one Dec 13th. A total of c.261 birds has been reported away from Tamar Est. since 1930. Lynher Est. — 125, Ruan Lanihorne — 34, St. Johns Lake — 26 and Camel Est. — 19 have proved the most attractive.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius dubius

Uncommon passage migrant. Marazion: singles Apr 17th MS.DL.DSF. and Jul 29th-31st. DSF.DRCh. et al. Gwithian: one May 17th. PAR. Upper Tamar Res: one Sept 1st-10th, another Sept 4th-10th and another Sept 9th/10th. GPS.FHCK.RMRJ. Hayle Est: one Sept 14th. DSF. The poorest year since 1987. The county mainland total advances to c.164 — all but one since 1956. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d — — 3 43 30 4 13 41 25 3 1 — 1 Top sites: Marazion — 35, Stithians Res — 30, Hayle Est/Copperhouse — 29, Drift Res — 12 and Tamar Lakes — eleven.

RINGED PLOVER — Charadrius hiaticula Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Formerly a scarce breeding species but this has not been confirmed since 1972. It is unlikely to breed in Cornwall again owing to vastly increased coastal disturbance even in the most remote districts. Reasonable numbers were reported from Mounts Bay, Hayle Est. and Camel Est. in both winter periods. Spring passage was apparent from Mar 30th to Jul 4th and the first return birds were noted

63 Jul 19th. Several hundred moved through mid-August to mid-September but very few were reported then until early November.

Maximum numbers: St. Johns Lake: 26 January, 40 August. Mounts Bay: 50 Jan 13th, 205 Sept 1st, 59 Nov 23rd. Camel Est: 150 Jan 31st, 100 Aug 18th, 53 Nov 11th. Hayle Est: 60 Feb 8th, 54 May 26th, 54 Nov 5th. Par: 35 May 23rd, 80 Sept 11th.

There was the usual scatter of birds at inland sites. Most unusual was one with Lapwing at He was water Feb 17th. Elsewhere the maximum included six regularly at Stithians Res. during August/September, five at Tamar Lake Sept 11th and 63 at Predannack Sept 15th. Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 114 87 - - 40 1 - 54 25 20 67 67 Hayle Est. 32 1 - - 24 1 - 5 — — 11 6 Copperhouse — 20 - 2 11 7 Camel Est. 56 48 - - 4 — - 35 5 18 45 32 Tamar Est — — — - 5 — - 11 11 — —- — St. Johns Lake 26 18 - — — — - 3 — — _- 22

DOTTEREL — Charadrius morinellus Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Sennen: one Feb 3rd (possibly the bird of November 1990). JFR. St. Just Airfield: one Sept 9th-15th. JFR.JAJ.RB. et al. Nanquidno: three (including the airfield bird) flew south Sept 15th. JH. The county mainland total stands at c.195. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec - 1 9 22 13 - - 20 88 35 6 1 (45%) Top sites: Porthgwarra — 66 (34%), Lands End/Sennen/St. Just Airfield — 34, Airfield - 19.

GOLDEN PLOVER — Pluvialis apricaria Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding has never been proved in Cornwall, although a few pairs probably still nest in Devon and single birds are occasionally seen in suitable breeding habitat on Bodmin Moor from time to time. Excellent numbers were reported in both winter periods this year. Spring passage was noted Mar 24th-May 8th and autumn passage commenced Sept 1st, although few arrived until the third week of October.

Maximum numbers: Stithians Res: 1000 Jan 1st, 1000 Oct 26th, 1000 Dec 20th. Sennen: 500 Jan 3rd, 700 Feb 3rd, 716 Nov 28th. Colliford Res: 1500 Jan 20th, 4000 Oct 25th (the highest count ever here), 2500 December. Camel Est: 1500 Jan 21st, 2000 Oct 28th. Crowdy Res: 450 Jan 26th, 2000 Oct 22nd. Siblyback Res: 600 October. Langstone Downs, Bodmin Moor: 4000 Oct 21st. Hayle Est: 1030 Dec 27th. Narkurs, near : 531 Dec 27th.

64 Only two birds showing characteristics of the northern race 'P. a. altifrons' were reported; singles at Trevose Head May 8th and Oct 9th.

GREY PLOVER — Pluvialis squatarola Passage migrant. Winter visitor. First winter flocks were larger than for the corresponding period in 1990 but numbers in the latter part of the year were again low. Spring passage commenced with one at Mounts Bay Apr 9th and ended with two at Camel Est. Jun 5th. The total of c.39 birds involved was again low.

Autumn passage commenced with two at Camel Est. Jul 31st but few arrived until late October. Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 83 Jan 6th, 65 Feb 8th, 58 Dec 27th. St. Johns Lake: 111 Feb 17th, 48 December. Camel Est: 104 Feb 17th, 68 Dec 22nd. Poitscatho: 40 Feb 20th.

Inland records: Hayle Kimbro Pool: one Jun 2nd. Stithians Res: two Sept 28th, one Nov 21st. Near Kynance: one Sept 29th. Crowdy Res: singles Oct 22nd and Dec 11th. Drift Res: one Nov 25th.

Of the 104 inland reports since 1960, 38 have occurred at Stithians Res., 31 at Crowdy Res./Davidstow Airfield and nine near Ky nance. Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 140 279 21 1 1 - - - 23 32 124 96 Hayle Est. 40 35 — - 1 - — 15 4 Ruan Lanihorne 18 1 7 1 - - _ _ _ 4 10 8 Camel Est. 31 104 - - 12 14 54 24 St. Johns Lake 37 111 10 10 31 48

LAPWING — Vanellus vanellus Resident. Breeds, mainly on Bodmin Moor, but with a few pairs on the mid Cornwall moors, Lizard Downs and occasionally elsewhere. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. This species was apparently affected by the freeze more than any other wader. Frozen feeding grounds forced large flocks south and west in late January and early February. Most moved quickly through and few remained after mid-February. Small parties of spring migrants were observed Apr 14th-May 22nd. The first return birds were at Stithians Res. Jul 4th, but there was no triple-figure congregation until mid-October.

Breeding was proved on Bodmin Moor at Colliford (three pairs) and Crowdy Res. (two pairs) and a pair were noted displaying at Bastreet. At Lizard a a pair reared two young near Ky nance.

Maximum numbers: Lynher Est: 1097 January. Sennen: 1200 Jan 3rd, 500 Oct 26th and Nov 23rd-25th. Colliford Res: 1000 Jan 20th, 2000 December. Camel Est: 3500 Jan 21st, 3000 Nov 30th. Ruan Lanihorne: 620 Jan 21st. Stithians Res: 600 Jan 24th, 500 Oct 26th.

65 Tamar Lake: 900 Jan 26th. Hayle Est: 950 Feb 8th. , St. Blazey: 500 Feb 13th/14th. Crowdy Res: 2000 Oct 20th-22nd and Dec 30th. : 500 Dec 15th. Marazion: 1000 Dec 18th. Kelynack: 1000 Dec 19th. Porth Res: 500 Dec 28th. Maer Lake: 500 Dec 31st. Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 6296 668 — — — — 23 34 59 167 535 136 Hayle Est. 500 400 8 — 70 15 Ruan Lanihorne 610 27 10 2 Camel Est. 3500 63 1 18 387 — Tamar Est. 206 71 — — — — 23 27 35 94 65 73 Lynher Est. 1097 120 28 1 45

KNOT — Calidris canutus Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Formerly occurred in much greater numbers, particularly at St. Johns Lake where an examination of five-year average maximum counts reveals the following: 1st winter period 2nd winter period 1961/65 750 650 1966/70 775 750 1971/75 549 550 1976/80 420 277 1981/85 83 87 1986/90 75 23

Highest counts at this site during 1991 were 38 in February and 22 in December.

Elsewhere in the first winter period there was ten at Lynher Est. Jan 13th and 20 at Polbathic Feb 21st (in both instances these were probably birds from the St. Johns Lake flock).

At Camel Est. the species was present Jan 20th-Apr 14th with a max of 28 Feb 13th-17th, whilst up to three were at Hayle Est. Feb 2nd-Mar 6th, two were at Porthleven Feb 10th and one was at Par Feb 10th/11th. Spring passage consisted of singles at Par May 8th-18th and Hayle Est. May 26th.

Autumn passage commenced with one at Camel Est. Jul 14th followed by two at Par Jul 17th.

The total of c.80 birds was a 33% improvement on the dismal passage of 1990. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Camel Est: noted Jul 14th-Oct 29th with max of ten Aug 18th. Par: noted Jul 17th-Sept 27th with max of five Sept llth-13th. Hayle Est: noted Jul 28th-Nov 1st with max of 15 Oct 7th. Mounts Bay: noted Aug 27th-Sept 7th with max of nine Sept 1st. Near Ky nance: 13 Oct 7th.

In the second winter period the only birds away from St. Johns Lake were eight at Camel Est. Dec 8th and one at Dec 23rd.

Inland records: Stithians Res: one Jul 21st, three Aug 27th with one to Sept 11th. Res: two Sept 7th.

Of the c. 132 inland reports since 1960, the most attractive sites have proved to be Siithians

66 Res. — 57, Davidstow Airfield/Crowdy Res. — 26, near Kynance — 15 and Drift Res — eleven.

SANDERLING - Calidris alba

Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Mounts Bay is undoubtedly the most important site for the species, attracting the largest migrant parties and the only regular wintering flock. Small migrant flocks also visit Par Beach, /Porthkidney Beach and Camel Estuary annually but the species is irregular elsewhere. Mounts Bay attracted its largest flock since 1986 (and the fifth largest ever in the county) and Par attracted its largest ever flock, but elsewhere numbers were disappointingly small. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Mounts Bay: noted until Jun 19th with max of 150 Jan 13th and 160 Feb 27th and from Jul 14th with max of 80 Sept 30th and 66 Dec 2nd. Par: noted until Jun 19th with max of 70 May 23rd and from Jul 5th with max of 25 Sept 12th. Hayle Est./Porthkidney/Gwithian Sands: one Mar 17th, up to 32 May 21st-31st. Also noted Jul 24th-Oct 14th with max of 50 Sept 7th. Looe: five May 14th. St. Johns Lake: 12 May 19th. Kennack Sands: three Jun 2nd, eight Sept 3rd. Bude: six Sept 3rd. One or two were also reported from Pentewan, Falmouth, Maenporth, Gannel Est., and Camel Est.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER - Calidris pusilla Rare vagrant. 1989 record

The bird at Camel Estuary Sept lst-4th has been accepted by B.B.R.C.

LITTLE STINT — Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. Despite various claims none was considered fully substantiated in the first half of the year. Autumn passage was excellent with c.63 birds reported. Stithians Res: one Aug 18th-Sept 1st, two Sept 29th, one Oct 28th-30th, another last date. Tarnar Est: c. six between Aug 25th-Sept 12th with max of four Sept 7th. Colliford Res: one Aug 26th-Sept 1st. Marazion: c. 19 between Aug 27th and Sept 12th with max of 18 Sept 1st. (The second largest gathering ever^n the county). Par: one Aug 28th-31st, another Aug 31st, another Sept 11th. Tarnar Lakes: c. ten between Sept 2nd and Oct 3rd with max of nine Sept 7th. Hayle Est: c. seven between Sept 7th and Oct 14th with max of four Sept 8th. Bude: one Sept 9th-16th, another Sept 16th. Gannel Est: one Sept 9th. Camel Est: one Sept 9th-12th. Crowdy Res: five Sept 10th with one to 11th. Near Kynance: one Sept 19th-22nd, another Sept 21st/22nd. Ruan Lanihorne: one Oct 13th.

LEAST SANDPIPER — Calidris minutilla Very rare vagrant. Landulph, Tamar Est: adult Aug 25th. SCM.SMcM.DCl.JJ. et al. The sixth county mainland record.

67 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1 1 3 1

PECTORAL SANDPIPER — Calidris melanotos

Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Marazion Marsh: juvenile Sept 23rd-27th. DSF.RB.EGG.GGG. et al. 1990 record Maer Lake: one Sept 30th. GPS. These two take the county mainland total to c.193. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2 2 2 25 128 31 3 (66%)

This is the first at Marazion since 1982.

Top sites: Stithians Res. — 36, Drift Res. — 25, Marazion — 24, Hayle Est. — 17, Davidstow Airfield/Crowdy Res. — 15.

CURLEW SANDPIPER - Calidris ferruginea

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. None in spring but another notable autumn migration involving c.130 birds.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Hayle Est: c.37 between Aug 13th and Nov 30th with max of nine Aug 28th and 17 Sept 23rd. Tamar Est: c. nine between Aug 22nd and Sept 28th with max of seven Aug 24th — Sept 1st. Camel Est. c. eleven between Aug 26th and Oct 9th with max of seven Sept 17th. Mounts Bay: c.27 between Aug 28th and Oct 12th with max of 16 Sept 1st. Par: c.17 between Aug 28th and Sept 19th with max of 15 Sept 8th. St. Johns Lake: six Aug 31st. Stithians Res: c. six between Sept 1st and Oct 27th with max of three first date. One or two birds were reported from Colliford Res., Bude, Truro River, near Kynance, Gannel Est., Trevose Head, Tamar Lake, Lynher Est. and Ruan Lanihorne.

PURPLE SANDPIPER — Calidris maritima Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Mounts Bay remains the prime site for the species in Cornwall with small numbers regular at Looe, Par, Falmouth and Newquay. Several other sites attract the species less frequently. The Mounts Bay flock was about the average of recent years but the Godrevy flock continues to expand and is now the largest congregation in the county. The last in spring was one at Par May 29th and the first return bird was at Mounts Bay Aug 31st.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Mounts Bay: noted until May 25th with max of 44 Apr 29th and from Aug 31st with max of 54 Dec 4th. Looe: noted until Apr 28th with max of nine in January and from Nov 9th with max of seven in December. Par: noted until May 29th with max of ten May 17th and from Nov 21st with max of eight Dec 31st. Newquay: noted until Feb 9th with max of five Jan 5th. One Nov 17th. St. Ives: noted Mar 27th-Apr 4th with max of eight first date. Noted from Sept 29th to end of year with max of six Nov 4th and Dec 23rd.

68 Godrsvy: 54 Apr 14th. Sennen: 22 Oct 5th. Treen: six Oct 23rd-26th. Pendeen: ten Nov 7th. Gerrans Bay: 15 Dec 30th

Up to three were reported from Mevagissey, Swanpool, Rosemullion Head, Ky nance Cove and Bude.

DUNLIN — Calidris alpina

Passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Breeding has been reported during the last decade but recent information is scanty. These are the most southerly breeding Dunlin in the world. This year four birds were noted at Crowdy Res. Jun 28th and one remained there Jul 4th, but there was no indication of breeding. An excellent year with a considerable influx during the cold first winter period. The peak count at St. Johns Lake was the highest there since 1978 (and the fourth largest ever in Cornwall) and the maximum at Hayle Est. was the third highest ever count there. Spring passage was light with most moving through in May.

The first return birds were three at Hayle Est. Jul 8th, but apart from an extraordinary 'fall' at the same locality Aug 3rd, numbers were low until November.

Second winter flocks included the highest count at Devoran since 1975, a record number at Mounts Bay and a record count at St. Johns Lake (also the second highest count ever in Cornwall).

Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 1120 Jan 19th, 1700 (only 23 of which were juveniles) Aug 3rd, 850 Dec 12th. Truro River: 360 Jan 20th, 385 Dec 8th. Ruan Lanihorne: 350 Jan 21st, 700 Feb 17th. St. Johns Lake: 3269 Jan 20th, 4355 Feb 17th, 2052 Nov 10th, 5060 Dec 8th. Tresillian: 300 Feb 9th. Mounts Bay: 320 Feb 10th, 1131 Dec 2nd. Camel Est: 900 Feb 12th, 1000 Nov 27th. Lynher Est: 400 Nov 10th. Devoran: 805 Dec 27th.

The only inland site to attract birds in the first winter period was Crowdy Res. where there was a maximum of 92 Jan 19th.

In autumn there were reports from Stithians Res. (max 18 Nov 6th), Drift Res. (max four Sept 14th), Crowdy Res. (max 30 Oct 22nd), Tamar Lakes (max nine Sept 4th), Colliford Res. (max five Oct 19th), Siblyback Res. (max 16 Nov 22nd, Predannack (max 23 Sept 15th) and Pond, Penwithick (max six Sept 8th).

During December there was 100 at Crowdy Res., 24 at Predannack, eight at Siblyback Res and four at Colliford Res.

Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the DrinciDal localities 1991. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 5434 6732 697 2 344 — 71 334 164 547 2758 7614 Hayle Est. 700 200 4 5 130 220 Copperhouse 120 80 12 50 2 100 Devoran — 200 — - 150 — — 2 28 24 1 265 Truro River 360 320 3 - 2 — — 10 — 8 145 385 Ruan Lanihorne 350 275 1 1 - 10 30 40 9 298 Camel Est. 550 793 11 - 54 —_ 14 40 91 60 384 865 Tamar Est 50 289 — - 50 — 43 70 1 15 6 229 St. Johns Lake 3269 4341 652 1 67 4 200 254 2000 5060

69 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER - Tryngites subruficollis

Vagrant. Near Kynance: two Sept 22nd with one to Oct 16th. ARP.EG. et al. The county mainland total stands at c.76; two in the nineteenth century and the remainder since 1968.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 3 66 6 1 — (87%)

Top sites: Near Kynance — 27, Davidstow Airfield/Crowdy Res — 19, Stithians Res — eight, St. Just Airfield and Porthgwarra — five each.

RUFF — Philomachus pugnax

Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. A male and female were noted at a potential breeding site in 1980 but there has been no repetition. The poorest year since 1981.

In the first winter period there were two at Sennen Jan 3rd with another there Feb 28th and a single at Hayle Est. Feb 8th.

Spring passage commenced with one near Kynance Mar 17th and ended with one at Marazion May 25th. Additional singles were reported from Camel Est. Apr 9th, Maer Lake Apr 10th, Marazion Apr 14th, Gwithian Apr 17th-20th and Par Apr 17th.

A&mm passage- s&mmgnssd with a£ SU£&i£8S Res. A«g %Z& ssd ^s^£ ^4t% ^mt at Sennen Oct 27th.

It was a light movement with c.41 birds involved.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Hayle Est. c. eight between Aug 18th and Oct 19th with max of five Sept 14th. Par: six Sept 12th. Camel Est: c. six between Aug 18th and Oct 4th with max of four Sept 2nd. Stithians Res: c. six between Aug 8th and Sept 21st with max of four Sept 7th. Crowdy Res: five Sept 18th-22nd with two Sept 28th.

Elsewhere there was a total of three at Sennen, two at Bude and Gannel Est. plus singles at Predannack, Ruan Lanihorne and Tamar Lake.

In the second winter period there were singles at Maer Lake Nov 28th, Ruan Lanihorne Nov 30th and Camel Est. Dec 22nd.

JACK SNIPE — Lymnocryptes minimus

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. The best year since 1984.

The total of c.21 reported January to March included many which were apparently displaced by the freeze.

In autumn c.12 birds were reported and included several long stayers, some of v/hich remained into December.

Hayle Est: seven in December 1990 had reduced to three Jan 1st. None then until one Feb 8th increasing to two Feb 21st and three Mar 6th. One Nov 9th. Tamar Lake: one Jan 25th. Two Sept 19th-Oct 22nd, one Dec 17th. Par: one Feb 7th-9th. Drift Res: one Feb 9th. One Oct 26th, one Nov 30th into 1992, another Dec 1st and another Dec 8th. Maenporth: one Feb 10th. Lanivet Lakes: two Feb 10th-14th but three Feb 11th. One Oct 11th into 1992, another Dec 4th. Trevanson, Wadebridge: two Feb 13th. Polhawn: one Feb 17th. Skew jack: one Feb 17th and Oct 12th-15th. : three Mar 3 rd. Marazion/Long Rock Pool: two Sept 17th with one to Nov 6th. One Dec 23rd. Walmsley Sanctuary: singles Sept 30th and Nov 3rd. Lands End: one Oct 12th. North Cliffs: singles Oct 22nd and Dec 8th. Zennor: one Oct 25th. Tregonetha Downs: one Dec 1st.

SNIPE — Gallinago gallinago

Resident. Breeds in low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Only two breeding season records received: On June 2nd RS located a single bird 'ticking' at Hawks Tor Gate and on June 20th JSH observed a single bird at Redmoor Marsh, Fox Tor.

Although widespread in the first winter period, the species was apparently largely unaffected by the inclement weather. Apart from Ruan Lanihorne and Marazion, peak counts were below recent averages at most localities.

A lig'nt spring passage was noted from Apr 13th with the last at Marazion May 6th.

The first return birds were six at Stithians Res Jul 28th followed by four at Walmsley Sanctuary Jul 30th. Very few arrived until the second week of November but with exception of Maer Lake no notable influx was reported to the end of the year.

Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 60 Jan 3rd. Pentewan Marsh: 50 Jan 7th-10th. Ruan Lanihorne: 100 Jan 20th, 78 Mar 11th, 35 Dec 26th. Marazion: 100 Jan 21st, 90 Nov 15th, 55 Dec 23rd. Tamar Lake: 30 Jan 25th, 150 Mar 9th, 40 Sept 26th. Maer Lake: 150 Jan 26th, 300 Dec 31st. Gweek: 40 Feb 24th. Stithians Res: 30 Aug 11th. Camel Est: 53 Nov 11th.

WOODCOCK — Scolopax rusticola Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding has been proved on very few occasions in Cornwall and there has not been the slightest suspicion for at least twenty years. Unlike Snipe this species was obviously affected by the first winter freeze. The total of c. 183 birds reported January to March was the highest since 1963. Of these c.120 (66%) arrived with the cold at its most intense, Feb 7th-17th, but the large party at in January indicated that many more probably went undetected in that month.

The maximum included 20 at Carne Wood, Warleggan in January, eight at Nanjizal Feb 9th, six at Par and five at Kenidjack the same day, seven at Maenporth Feb 10th, 35 at Mount Edgcumbe Feb 11th, 12 at Tregonetha Feb 12th, five at Penberth Feb 17th and five at Feb 29th. Up to four were at Drift Res, three at Newbridge,

71 Lanivet and near Kynance with one or two at 38 additional localities. The last in spring were seven at Mar 2nd and one at Tregonetha the same day. The first in autumn was at Porthgwarra Oct 12th followed by one at Lizard the next day.

It proved to be the best autumn and second winter period for at least 15 years with c.95 birds reported. 30 arrived in October, 12 in November and 53 in December. All autumn passage observations concerned singles except two at Kenidjack Oct 25th, two at Lands End Oct 30th and two at Tregonetha Oct 30th.

At the last named locality, 40 were flushed by shooters in December. There was also two at Drift Res Dec 1st, two at Kenidjack Dec 12th and singles at nine other localities during the month.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa limosa Passage migrant. Winter visitor, almost exclusively to south coast estuaries. There has been a substantial reduction in the number of birds wintering in the county over the last twenty years. This year winter flocks were again small. Could this decrease be related to a corresponding increase in the number of birds wintering on the Exe Estuary in Devon?

Spring passage was poor, consisting of three at Camel Est. May 19th, one at Hayls Est. May 26th-31st, one at Crowdy Res. May 30th and one at Tamar Est. Jun 17th. The first return bird was at Hayle Est. Jun 29th, but no more until singles at Truro River and Camel Est. Jul 17th.

Flocks built up gradually, peaking at Ruan Lanihorne in mid September but at other localities in November and December. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Truro River: 76 Jan 4th, 49 Nov 10th. Tamar Est: nine February, 16 Nov 24th. St. Johns Lake: 37 February, 61 December. Lynher Est: 28 February, 49 December. Devoran: 41 Feb 17th, 25 Dec 8th. Ruan Lanihorne: 21 Jul 24th, 100 Sept 10th and Nov 30th.

At the height of autumn migration there was also max of six at Hayle Est Aug 26th, 13 at Par Sept 2nd/3rd, eight at Camel Est. Sept 8th and nine at Bude Sept 24th. Inland records: Crowdy Res: singles May 30th, Aug 4th and Aug 20th. Stithians Res: singles Aug 7th/8th and Aug 25th, four Sept 8th. Colliford Res: two Aug 16th. Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 79 182 36 2 4 - 5 54 89 85 90 148 Devoran 13 41 4 2 _ 25 Ruan Lanihorne — — — 2 - 3 48 55 51 7 16 Tamar Est 4 9 14 _ 6 10 Lynher Est 23 28 8 _2 — — 2 2 26 29 23 20 St. Johns Lake 9 34 4 — 1 60 61

BAR-TAILED GODWIT — Limosa lapponica Passage migrant. Winter visitor. There was a predictable scarcity of birds overwintering from 1990 but there was a imall

72 influx early in February. Spring passage apparently commenced with one at Hayle Est. Mar 19th and ended with one at the same locality Jun 3rd. Unlike some recent spring movements it was a comparatively light affair with only four double-figure counts.

The first return bird was at Par Jul 16th. Only nine more arrived before the end of the month, plus a meagre 36 in August. The species was more numerous in September but most had moved through before mid October.

The Camel Est. flock was large in the second winter period and there was a good count at Tresillian but elsewhere there was few.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Lynher Est: 21 January, 29 September. St. Johns Lake: 71 February, 13 May, 73 October. Mounts Bay: 22 Feb 8th, 21 Sept 7th. Hayle Est: 12 Feb 8th, 51 Sept 14th-22nd. Cainel Est: 18 Feb 14th-21st, 17 Jun 2nd, 100 Sept 23rd, 76 Dec 24th-26th. Tamar Est: 16 Mar 17th, seven Sept 17th. Widemouth Bay: 15 Apr 17th. Par: ten May 22nd-30th, 26 Sept llth/12th. Devoran: 20 Sept 15th. Sermen: 20 Sept 18th. Tresillian: 43 Dec 8th. Inland records: Dozmary Pool: two Sept 7th. Stithians Res: one Sept 8th. Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 11 94 42 4 30 4 — — 32 133 114 178 Camel Est. — 10 4 9 1 _ — 18 31 84 76 Lynher Est. 9 16 16 1 8 1 9 St. Johns Lake 2 71 16 - 21 2 — — 3 73 7 12

WHIMBREL — Numenius phaeopus

Passage migrant (mainly spring). A few overwinter. In the first winter period there were singles at St. Johns Lake until Apr 20th, Carrick Roads until Mar 23rd and Camel Est. Jan 20th. Spring passage commenced with two at Hayle Est. Mar 26th followed by one at Par Apr 8th. Heaviest passage was reported Apr 20th-25th, May 3rd-5th and May 9th-12th.

The last in spring were six at Mounts Bay Jun 8th and the first return birds were 20 at Tamar Est. Jun 22nd. Most autumn birds moved through from mid July to mid August with only small parties in September and October.

Two were at St. Johns Lake in November with one remaining into 1992. Maximum numbers: Loe Bar: 50 Apr 20th. Camel Est: 40 Apr 22nd, 20 Jul 18th. Pentewan: 48 Apr 23rd. Par: 40 Apr 23rd. St. Just in Roseland: 45 Apr 24th. Mounts Bay: 70 Apr 25th. Sennen: 23 Apr 25th, 21 Sept 6th. Kennack Sands: 85 Apr 26th. St. Johns Lake: 50 May 3rd, 54 Jul 20th.

73 Seaton: 40 May 5th. Maenporth: 22 May 9th. Porth Joke: 30 May 11th. Hayle Est: 100 Aug 2nd. Pendeen: 108 flew west Aug 17th.

CURLEW — Numenius arquata Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. This species is becoming progressively scarcer as a breeding bird in Cornwall. There was no proof of breeding this year. The only breeding season reports concerned two 'bubbling' at Loveney Reserve, Colliford May 11th, one at Ninestones Bridge, Upper Fowey Valley May 12th, a pair at Penkestle Moor in June, a pair at Letter Moor in late June and one at Colquite Jul 10th.

Former breeding areas at Goss Moor, , St. Breock Downs and Gconhilly Downs all appear to have been deserted.

Maximum numbers: Tamar Est: 292 Jan 20th, 249 Aug 11th. St. Johns Lake: 346 Jan 20th, 156 Aug 11th. Lynher Est: 362 Jan 20th, 816 Aug 11th. Hayle Est: 806 Jan 19th, 923 Nov 30th. Ruan Lanihorne: 400 Jan 20th, 585 Aug 8th. Devoran: 253 Jan 20th, 378 Jul 14th. Gannel Est: 521 Jan 20th, 318 Aug 11th. Camel Est: 155 Jan 20th, 800 Aug 19th. Truro River: 204 Feb 17th, 252 Dec 13th. Tresillian: 250 Feb 26th, 400 Sept 23rd.

Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 2478 1342 491 140 103 197 2471 2538 3071 1768 1418 1016 Hayle Est. 800 20 114 — 5 12 191 187 146 181 24 25 Devoran 253 185 77 24 25 21 378 224 344 252 210 108 Tresillian 181 62 51 12 7 18 307 391 372 322 240 143 Truro River 96 204 44 10 5 13 191 169 151 169 88 84 Ruan Lanihorne 12 12 17 8 2 30 263 170 346 50 12 8 Camel Est. 319 150 93 58 25 22 460 800 500 144 187 87 Tamar Est. 292 218 29 7 13 13 220 249 358 219 193 144 Lynher Est. 362 270 48 9 10 35 398 426 698 225 262 164 St. Johns Lake 182 184 8 5 11 28 17 15 24 154 146 116

SPOTTED REDSHANK — Tringa erythropus

Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor, almost exclusively confined to south coast estuaries. Average numbers in both winter periods, but a negligible spring passage and a derisory total of c. 16 on autumn passage — the lightest movement for many years.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Lynher Est: noted to Mar 17th with max of 18 Jan 4th and from Aug 11th with max of 21 Nov 18th but only ten in December. Tamar Est: noted to Apr 7th with max of four Jan 20th and from Aug 11th with max of 13 in September and October. Tresillian: noted to Apr 7th with max of eight Jan 22nd and from Jul 15th with max of 12 Oct 27th and eight Dec 8th. Hayle Est: singles Jul 28th, Aug 26th and Sept 6th-21st, two Sept 22nd, three Sept 28tli-30th with one or two regular to Oct 24th. Three again Nov 3rd with one on 4th. Camel Est: one Aug 13th-Sept 3rd, two to Sept 27th.

Elsewhere in the first half of the year there were singles at Truro River Jan 23rd-Feb 1st

74 anc Apr 5th and Percuil Mar 3rd. In the latter half of the year there were singles at Ruan Lanihorne Aug 15th and Nov 30th, Par Aug 27th, Millbrook Lake Oct 17th-22nd and West Looe River Oct 27th. Inland there was one at Stithians Res. Aug 26th-Sept 11th and another Aug 27th-Sept 2nd.

Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 11 9 15 7 7 — 8 3 5 13 26 19 Tresillian 5 5 7 — — — 1 2 2 9 7 8 Tamar Est. 1 1 2 4 — — 7 — 2 2 9 1 Lynher Est. 5 3 6 3 — — — 1 1 2 10 10 St. Johns Lake — — — — 7 — — — — — — —

RLDSHANK — Tringa totanus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding has occurred only twice — in 1904 and 1980, but was also probable in 1968. Peak counts were slightly reduced on recent averages in both winter periods. Spring passage was again light with the last at Bude May 9th. First in autumn were two at Devoran Jun 16th. There was a sizeable influx in July but most moved through during August. Maximum numbers: St. Johns Lake: 172 January, 279 August, 208 November. Tamar Est: 195 January, 211 July, 251 October. Hayle Est: 47 Jan 19th, 65 Sept 27th, 59 Dec 2nd. Camel Est: 57 Jan 20th, 80 Aug 13th, 135 Nov 11th. Devoran: 139 Jan 20th, 83 Jul 14th, 85 Dec 8th. Truro River: 49 Jan 20th, 100 Aug 5th, 75 Nov 30th. Lynher Est: 247 February, 270 August, 186 November. Ruan Lanihorne: 85 Feb 17th, 150 Sept 21st. Tresillian: 70 Feb 24th, 120 Sept 21st.

Inland: Stiihians Res: singles Jul 5th and Aug 8th, five Sept 7th with one to Sept 21st. One Dec 13th. Sennen: singles Aug 1st and Nov 28th. Colliford Res: one Oct 30th. Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 951 902 221 27 0 8 715 938 664 776 956 762 Hayle Est. 36 17 12 — — — 8 6 40 35 18 8 Devoran 139 108 5 24 — 2 83 40 32 26 45 85 Tresillian 40 55 5 — — — 87 64 125 43 47 62 Truro River 49 39 3 — _ — 3 17 1 32 65 53 Ruan Lanihorne 68 30 40 — — — 5 34 20 18 63 40 Camel Est. 57 52 20 — — — 26 80 21 48 55 7 Tamar Est. 195 181 42 — — — 211 126 159 251 244 205 Lynher Est. 166 247 9 3 — 3 143 270 109 143 176 144 St. Johns Lake 128 119 66 0 — 3 143 258 116 136 145 95

GREENSHANK - Tringa nebularia Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Small numbers were reported from all of the county's estuaries in both winter periods. Spring passage apparently commenced with one at Marazion May 6th and ended with one at Hayle Est. Jun 3rd. c. eight birds were reported including singles flying over Boswednack

75 and Trevose Head May 28th. The first autumn birds were seven at Tamar Est Jun 17th but there was no more until one at Percuil Jul 9th. Passage was generally light, particularly inland, until mid September.

Maximum numbers: St. Johns Lake: 19 January, 29 August, 13 December. Devoran: four Jan 13th, 14 Sept 8th, four Dec 8th. Camel Est: eight Jan 20th, 25 Sept 25th, 12 Dec 1st. Tamar Est: ten Feb 3rd, 20 September, nine December. Fowey Est: six Feb 24th, eight Sept 1st. Lynher Est: nine March, 16 September, six December. Percuil: seven Sept 20th, four Dec 1st. Hayle Est: eight Sept 14th-23rd. Froe Creek: eight Dec 9th. The maximum inland included nine at Stithians Res. Aug 27th, three at Sennen Sept 7th, three at Drift Res Sept 14th and three at Crowdy Res. Sept 18th. The relative scarcity at inland sites was illustrated by the lack of records from Siblyback, Porth, Crowan, College and Argal reservoirs and Dozmary Pool.

Monthly B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 27 32 26 13 1 1 28 36 67 49 31 26 Devoran 2 2 2 1 — — 2 - 14 4 2 4 Camel Est. 9 6 4 — — — 2 3 12 8 2 2 Tamar Est. 2 2 2 4 — 1 10 0 14 4 2 4 Lynher Est. 2 4 2 1 1 — 4 7 16 13 5 3 St. Johns Lake 7 12 9 6 — — 8 24 16 5 6 12

LESSER YELLOWLEGS - Tringa flavipes Rare vagrant. 1990 The Nanjizal bird was, surprisingly, not accepted by B.B.R.C.

GREEN SANDPIPER - Tringa ochropus Passage migrant (mainly autumn). A few overwinter. In the first winter period (Jan-Mar) there were singles only at Lanivet, Pentewan, Tamar Est., Hayle Est. (but two there Jan 28th-Feb 4th) and Lynher Est. (but two there Feb 18th- Apr 5th).

Spring passage consisted of singles at and Caerhays Apr 13th, Hayle Est. Apr 14th and Upper Fowey Valley May 12th.

The first in autumn was at Stithians Res. Jul 5th. A total of c.75 birds was reported with the majority moving through about a month later than normal, Aug 27th-Sept 8th.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Stithians Res: c. nine between Jul 5th and Sept 4th with max of six Aug 27th. Camel Est/Walmsley Sanctuary: c. nine between Jul 17th and Sept 15th with max of five Jul 30th and Aug 12th. Sennen: c. seven between Jul 31st and Sept 13th with max of three Aug 31st.

Elsewhere peak counts included three at Loe Pool Jul 27th, four at Lanivet Aug 28th, six at Fowey Est Sept 1st, three at Penhale Pool, Penwithick Sept 8th and three at Tamar Est Oct 19th.

In the second winter period there were singles at Tregathenan Res., Drift Res., Hayle Est., Camel Est. and Lynher Est.

76 WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Another poor year with one in spring and 15 in autumn.

Walmsley Sanctuary: one May 9th. BCW. St. Loy: two Aug 8th. JL. Tamar Est: one Aug 10th-13th. KP et al. Stith ans Res: two Aug 19th increasing to five Aug 24th-29th then three to Sept 2nd, two to Sept 5th and one to Sept 22nd. JH.FHH.JEM.HV. et al. Colliford Res: two Aug 25th. EJW. Crows-an-wra: one Aug 28th. MS. Hayle Est: two Aug 30th with one next day. DSF.JFWK. Crowan Res: one Sept 7th. DIJ. Par: one Sept 8th-l 1th. SMC.EMC. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.652 since 1965.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — 3 9 29 27 62 375 127 18 2 — (59%)

Top sites: Stithians Res — 176 (28%), Hayle Est — 63, Marazion/Mounts Bay — 59, Drift Res — 54 and Crowan Res — 39.

COMMON SANDPIPER — Actites hypoleucos

Passage migrant. A few overwinter. Bred in 1989, probably in 1988, but previously not since 1910. In the first winter period (January-March) a total of 12 birds was reported. There were singles at Lynher Est., Portscatho, Mylor, Helford Est. and Hayle Est. Two were at St. Johns Lake and Tresillian whilst Tamar Est attracted three. Spring passage apparently commenced with one at Marazion Mar 23rd and ended with two at Camel Est. Jun 4th. A total of c.76 birds was reported, of which c.25 moved through Apr 20th-25th and another 22 were observed May 3rd-7th.

Highest counts included seven at Tamar Est. Apr 25th, five at Bude May 3rd, four at Loe Pool May 4th and four at Crowdy Res the same day. A pair remained at , Tamar Est throughout the breeding season but there was no suggestion of breeding.

The first return bird was one at Par Jun 16th and the majority of autumn migrants moved through during July and early August.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Tamar Est: 21 July. Crowdy Res: noted Jul 4th-Oct 5th with max of five Jul 10th and Sept 18th. Par: noted Jun 16th-Sept 25th with max of six Jul 20th. Stithians Res: noted Jul 5th-Sept 8th with max of 11 Jul 21st. Hayle Est: noted Jul 8th-Oct 20th with max of 12 Jul 31st. Camel Est: noted Jul 14th-Nov 10th with max of ten Aug 18th. Marazion: 13 Jul 17th. Lyniter Est: eight Jul 26th. Colliford Res: five Aug 25th. Fowey Est: ten Sept 1st. Tamar Lake: seven Sept 4th. In th^ second winter period (late November-December) singles were reported from Tamar

77 Est., St. Johns Lake, Lynher Est., West Looe River, East Looe River, Froe Creek, Hayle Est., Gannel Est. and Upper Tamar Reservoir.

TURNSTONE — Arenaria interpres Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. Rare inland. Although peak counts were noticeably lower than those for 1990, site maxima were in line with recent averages. Spring passage, apart from a large party at Marazion, was light and early autumn passage was poor.

Maximum numbers: St. Johns Lake: 56 January, 100 September. Camel Est: 48 January, 50 Dec 30th. Par: 30 Jan 10th and Apr 11th. 51 Aug 11th. Looe: 101 February, 100 December. Polridmouth, near Fowey: 50 Feb 5th. Mounts Bay: 47 Mar 1st, 60 Apr 29th, 108 Dec 2nd. Lynher Est: 28 March, 20 November. Portscatho: 32 Apr 4th. Bude: 24 Dec 9th-llth. Hayle Est: 56 Dec 18th.

Inland records: Drift Res: one flew over Jan 7th. Stithians Res: two Aug 15th. Near Kynance: one Nov 2nd.

GREY PHALAROPE — Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. None in either winter period but a notable autumn passage involving c.92 birds. RMV Scillonian: one Aug 9th (the fourth earliest ever in autumn). Lynher Est: one Aug 9th. Pendeen: six Sept 16th, three Sept 22nd, 15 Oct 1st, eleven Oct 17th, three Oct 18th. Cape Cornwall: four Sept 22nd. St. Ives: one Sept 23rd, ten Oct 17th, 14 Oct 18th, four Nov 3rd, seven Nov 4th. Newquay: three Sept 29th, two Oct 5th, one Nov 1st, two Nov 3rd. Penberth: one Oct 4th. Par: one Oct 7th. Porthgwarra: one Oct 7th. Sennen: one Nov 16th.

The county mainland total stands at c.3758 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov E>ec 31 10 3 1 — — 1 45 1040 1952 547 128 (28%) (52%) Top sites: St. Ives — 2698 (72%), Pendeen — 235, Newquay — 210, Mounts Bay — 152, RMV Scillonian - 48. (Inexperienced seawatchers are advised to beware of other small waders migrating over the sea which can appear extremely pale in bright viewing conditions).

POMARINE SKUA — Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. One in the first winter and fifteen in spring, but a record total of c.442 in autumn (although

78 there was undoubtedly duplication on several dates as birds passed different north coast headlands. Kennack Sands: one Feb 3rd. (Only the fifth ever for that month). JRMcC.JMW. Porthgwarra: singles Apr 6th, Jun 8th, Aug 15th and 16th, two Oct 7th. MS.JH.HV. Rame Head: six Jun 9th and singles Jul 20th/21st, Jul 28th, Aug 23rd and Oct 29th. PE.GDL.SCM.EJW. et al. Pentewan: three Jun 21st. RL. Looe: four Jun 23rd, one Sept 28th. PE. et al. Pendeen: c.125 west between Aug 12th and Nov 3rd with max of six Sept 22nd, 13 Oct 17th, 37 Oct 18th and 63 Nov 3rd. SML.JFR.MS. et al. Hayle Est: one Sept 7th/8th. DSF. St. Ives: c.208 between Sept 22nd and Nov 14th with max of 47 Oct 17th, 56 Oct 18th, 72 Nov 3rd, 14 Nov 4th and eight Nov 5th. SMC.PE.DSF.AH.JH.NJP.ABR. et al. Cape Cornwall: three Sept 22nd, 62 Oct 17th. MS.BG. Mevagissey: three Sept 28th. RL. Godrevy: one Oct 5th. MS. Sennen: singles Oct 5th and Nov 16th. DSF. Trevose Head: four Oct 30th, one Nov 8th. SMC. Rumps Point: 21 Nov 3rd. EG.

The passage of Nov 3rd is the second heaviest on record and that of Oct 17th and 18th, the third and fourth heaviest respectively.

Data prior to 1906 is extremely sketchy and none was reported in the county between 1906 and 1950. Subsequently the county mainland total has advanced to c.1986.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 5 5 — 27 231 41 30 125 315 811 375 21 (41%) Top sites: St. Ives — 936 (47%), Pendeen — 317, Porthgwarra — 168, Rame Head — 126, Cape Cornwall and Rosemullion Head — 68, Newquay — 53.

ARCTIC SKUA — Stercorarius parasiticus Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Extremely rare winter visitor. The first in spring was one off Newquay Apr 5th. 19 birds were observed with the last off Bude Jun 24th.

Autumn passage commenced with one off Pentewan Jul 12th, consisted of c.441 birds and ended with singles off Lizard and Rumps Point Nov 9th.

The same caveat applies regarding duplication of birds passing different headlands on the same day. Newquay: one Apr 5th and a total of ten between Sept 6th and Oct 1st with max of four Sept 22nd. Mevagissey: one Apr 10th, 22 Sept 28th. Rame Head: five, all singles between Apr 14th and Jun 22nd and a total of 21 between Jul 28th and Oct 5th with max of 12 Sept 28th. Rosemullion Head: one Jun 5th. Pentewan: singles Jun 6th and 8th, two Jun 15th and 23rd and singles Jul 12th and Aug 22nd. Looe: two Jun 21st and 23rd, six Sept 28th, four Oct 10th. Bude: one Jun 24th, two Jul 30th, one Sept 16th, two Oct 17th. Porthgwarra: c.52 between Jul 21st and Oct 16th with max of 12 Sept 28th and 28 Oct 7th. Pendeen: c.165 between Jul 25th and Nov 3rd with max of 13 Sept 16th, 29 Sept 22nd, 35 Oct 1st, 40 Oct 17th and 15 Nov 13th. St. Ives: c.83 between Aug 11th and Nov 3rd with max of nine Sept 13th, nine Sept 28th, 12 Oct 17th and nine Oct 18th. Cape Cornwall: 43 Sept 22nd, five Oct 17th.

79 Lizard: two Sept 22nd, three Oct 1st, six Oct 17th, one Nov 9th. : one Oct 4th. Par: one Oct 7th. Lands End: four Oct 10th, one Oct 13th. Rumps Point: singles Nov 3rd and 9th.

The peak counts at Cape Cornwall, Porthgwarra and Looe were all site records but the autumn total at St. Ives was the lowest there since 1975.

LONG-TAILED SKUA — Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant. Pendeen: six Sept 22nd, one Sept 23rd, two Oct 1st, one Oct 5th, two Oct 17th, one Oct 18th. ARB.SJC.DSF.JFR.IK.DJR.BC.BG.PTS. et al. Cape Cornwall: two Sept 22nd. MS.BC. Newquay: one Sept 24th. MT. Looe: juvenile Sept 28th. RWG. Lands End: adult Oct 3rd. ICW. St. Ives: juvenile Oct 18th. SMC.DRCh.JH.ABR.VAS. et al. The total of c. 19 birds is the second highest ever and occurred concomitant with a heavy passage elsewhere in the U.K., notably off the northeast coast.

(Several others were claimed but did not warrant inclusion owing to lack of detail).

The county mainland total advances to c.133. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec - - - - 3 2 2 14 78 30 4 - (59%) Top sites: St. Ives — 53, Pendeen — 47, Newquay — seven, Porthgwarra — five.

GREAT SKUA — Catharacta skua

Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Uncommon winter visitor. Only five, all singles, were reported in the first winter: at Looe Jan 1st, Newquay Jan 5th and Marazion Jan 18th plus tideline corpses at Seaton Feb 24th and Mar 5th

28 were reported in spring between Apr 5th and Jun 23rd and a total of c.463 in autumn between Jul 13th and Nov 13th. In December there were observations of three at St. Ives on 18th and another two there on 23rd and singles at Pendeen on 20th and Rumps Point on 22nd.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Rumps Point: one Apr 5th. 23 west between Oct 1st and Dec 22nd with max of nim Oct 17th and 12 Nov 3rd. St. Ives: one Apr 5th. c.153 west between Sept 14th and Dec 23rd with max of 52 Sept 22nd, 12 Oct 1st, 13 Oct 17th and 43 Nov 3rd. Pendeen: two Apr 5th, one Jun 13th and c. 177 between Jul 19th and Dec 20th with max of 52 Sept 22nd, 20 Oct 1st, 37 Oct 17th and 48 Nov 3rd. Porthgwarra: five Apr 6th, one Jun 8th and c.23 between Jul 28th and Nov 6th with max of four Jul 28th. Cape Cornwall: 29 Sept 22nd, 30 Oct 17th. Rame Head: two east Apr 5th and eight between Jul 28th and Oct 5th with max of three last date. Rosemullion Head: three Apr 6th and singles Jun 5th and Oct 7th. Mevagissey: four Apr 6th, five Sept 28th and four Oct 7th. One or two were also reported from Pentewan, St. Austell Bay, Carrick Roads, Treveal and Sennen.

80 Mediterranean Gull with Black-headed Gulls John Walters

MEDITERRANEAN GULL — Larus melanocephalus

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. St. Johns Lake: adult from 1990 to Feb 9th. Adults Jul 30th-Aug 1st, Sept 29th and Oct 21st. Second winter from 1990 to Jan 19th, same or another Mar 8th. First winters Feb 8th and Mar 3rd. Falmouth/Swanpool: nine birds (five adults, one second winter and three first winters) remained from 1990 and were joined by another first winter in January. None remained after Feb 13th. A first summer was present May 27th. Second winters Oct 26th and Dec 10th, two first winters Oct 26th. Mounts Bay: adult Jan 3rd-Mar 16th, another Jan 19th-Feb 17th but five Feb 9th. Second winter Feb 3rd-17th, second summer Jul 29th and second winter Aug 29th-Sept 23rd. First summer Mar 14th. Two adults intermittently Sept 17th-Dec 4th with one into 1992. First winter Oct 20th-Nov 29th. Camel Est: adults Jan 10th, Jul 18th, Sept 12-Oct 29th and Dec 1st into 1992. Two more Dec 21st into 1992. Second winters Sept 26th, Oct 16th, Nov 24th into 1992 and another Dec 7th into 1992. First summer Aug 31st-Sept 26th. First winter Sept 26th, two Dec lsc into 1992. Juvenile Aug 4th. (At least eight different birds noted in December). St. Austell Bay: adults Jan 12th, Aug 21st and Sept 21st. First winters Feb 20th and Sept 8th. L>nher Est: adults Jan 13th and Aug 13th. Loe Pool: adults Feb 21st and Oct 21st. Second winter Jan 19th-25th. First winters Jan 25th and Sept 29th-Oct 3rd. Drift Res: adult Jan 25th, two Feb 12th and Mar 5th, two Sept 11th with one intermittently to the end of the year. First winters Dec 29th into 1990 and another Dec 30th. Porthleven: adult Mar 9th. Second winter Jan 26th-Feb 9th. Newquay: first winter Jan 28th. Adults Sept 22nd-29th and Dec 2nd. Second winter Oct 1st. First winter Dec 28th. Hayle Est: two adults Feb 1st, one Mar 3rd-20th, another Mar 10th and one Aug 2nd-Dec 21st. Second winters Aug 19th, Sept 17th and Nov 27th. Juvenile Jul 28th and Aug 29th. Reskajeage: adults Feb 3rd and Nov 25th. Cot Valley: adult Feb 3rd and 26th. Mevagissey: adult Feb 4th. Sennen: adult Feb 20th-27th, two Sept 11th and one Oct 20th-Nov 10th. Second winter Nov 2nd. First winter Oct 12th. St. Ives: second winters Mar 3rd and Nov 3rd. Adult Nov 3rd.

81 Portwrinkle: adult Mar 3rd. : adult Mar 10th. Stithians Res: adults Aug 18th and Oct 27th. Second winter Sept 5th. First winter Nov 27th. Juvenile Aug 19th. Towednack: second winter flew west Oct 15th. Bude: juvenile Oct 19th. : adult Nov 16th. Looe: adult Nov 24th into 1992. First winter Dec 15th. No Mans Land, near Looe: adult flew south Dec 30th.

Another record breaking year with a potential total of c.109 birds. However the exact number is difficult to interpret because of the species' mobility between sites.

LITTLE GULL — Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Only two in the first winter period; single adults at Newquay Jan 2nd and Mounts Bay Jan 28th-Mar 5th. Spring passage commenced with one at Newquay Mar 24th, consisted of c.17 birds and ended with a bird which lingered at Par until Jun 24th.

Autumn passage commenced with an adult at St. Johns Lake Aug 17th and ended with a first winter at Looe Nov 30th. c.52 birds were reported, mainly on sea watches in October and November.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Newquay: single first winters Mar 24th-Apr 7th, Apr 5th, May 1st, and Aug 23rd, two first winters Sept 29th and one Oct 5th. Loe Pool: two first winters Apr 9th, another Apr 10th and anther Aug 26th-Oct 12th. Also an adult and a second winter Apr 10th. Mounts Bay: first winters Apr 14th-17th, Oct 7th and Nov 15th. Adult Nov 7th. St. Johns Lake: adults Apr 14th and Aug 17th-24th. First winter May 15th. St. Austell Bay: first summer May 20th-Jun 24th, first winter Sept 12th-20th. Hayle Est: adult Jun 1st. First winter Oct 15th-20th, another Oct 20th. St. Ives: 22 west between Sept 22nd and Nov 16th with max of three Nov 5th, three Nov 14th and five Nov 16th. Sennen: adult Oct 2nd, four (two adults) Oct 27th and first winters Nov 2nd and 16th.

Elsewhere in spring there were singles at Reskajeage Apr 24th and Tamar Est May 18th and two at Colliford Res May 12th. In autumn there were additional sightings as follows; singles at Fort Picklecombc Sept 8th, Mevagissey Oct 7th, Rumps Point Oct 18th, Bude Oct 19th, Falmouth Oct 26th, Trevose Head Oct 30th, Stithians Res. Nov. 20th, Polbathic Nov 23rd and Looe Nov 30th plus three west at Pendeen Oct 17th.

SABINE'S GULL — Lams sabini Scarce passage migrant (mainly September/October). St. Ives: six Sept 22nd and singles Sept 27th, Oct 5th and Oct 17th — all west. DSF.DR.EGG.GGG. et al. Pendeen: three Sept 22nd, two Oct 5th, one Oct 18th — all west. DSF.SJC.JFR.DRCh.GCS. et al. Cape Cornwall: one Sept 22nd. MS. Rumps Point: first winter Nov 3rd. EG.

Several other reports lacked sufficient documentation. The county mainland total advances to c.869 (involving at least 698 birds).

Top sites: St. Ives — 536 (62%), Pendeen — 125, Newquay — 90, Cape Cornwall — 18, Godrevy — 16, Rumps Point — 14.

82 BONAPARTE'S GULL — Larus Philadelphia Rare vagrant. St John's Lake: adult Jan 17th and Feb 19th. GJC.DMY. Presumably the bird which enjoyed a prolonged sojourn at this locality in 1990. It was regularly noted off Devils Point, Plymouth from Jan 7th to at least Feb 24th.

1990 record Swanpool: first winter Mar 20th/21st. BC.

Presumed one of the wandering birds from Mounts Bay/Lizard areas.

Accepted by B.B.R.C. BLACK-HEADED GULL — Larus ridibundus Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred at Stithians Reservoir from 1967 to 1969. Has bred at Crowdy Reservoir since 1976 and at Colliford Reservoir since 1990. Colliford Res: 100/120 pairs were in residence May 12th, 30 young were seen Jun 30th and a total of 103 juveniles, mostly fledged were counted Jul 14th. Crowdy Res: c. 100 pairs present May 30th and three young were seen Jun 28th. However this data appears incomplete because JAdEM observed that numbers seemed much the same as in the latter half of the 1980's. (eg 96 juveniles in 1986 and 90 nests in 1987). Peak counts this year, particularly in the second half of the year, were high.

Maximum numbers: Tamar Est: 2035 Jan 20th, 2811 Aug 11th. Lynher Est: 1205 Jan 19th, 2930 Sept 8th (the highest count here since 1984). Crowdy Res: 1600 Jan 19th. Camel Est: 3200 Jan 20th, 1013 Sept 8th. 18000 Dec 21st increasing to 20000 Dec 22nd. This huge roost is the largest ever reported in the county and comprised mainly of birds sheltering from northwesterly gales.SMC. Devoran: 1000 Jan 20th. Tresillian: 1000 Jan 20th and Feb 7th. 1193 Sept 8th. Hayle Est: 1000 Jan 21st, 4500 Oct 13th (the highest count ever here). Gannel Est: 2300 Jan 21st. St. Johns Lake: 8543 Feb 17th, 3705 Oct 13th. Par: 2750 Sept 4th. Ruan Lanihorne: 1200 Nov 23rd. Looe: 3000 Nov 24th. (the highest count here since 1983). Unusual was a leucistic bird at St. Johns Lake Jul 31st which had also been noted there annually since 1988. B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 14502 13544 2360 1249 454 693 7721 9374 10087 9380 8263 6602 Devoran 1000 600 120 132 58 56 775 700 400 450 800 650 Tresillian 1000 1000 — 1 — 3 371 1015 1193 515 416 365 Truro River 700 400 13 4 2 10 475 800 800 300 450 300 Ruan Lanihorne 300 120 22 4 1 — 337 856 440 510 205 300 Camel Est. 2900 812 35 99 9 9 974 82 1013 850 300 — Tanar Est. 2035 946 1021 815 140 368 1945 2771 2082 2440 1228 547 Lynher Est. 1102 653 322 87 92 91 1171 200 1390 371 1040 653 St. John Lake 4060 8384 520 92 121 47 1298 846 2657 3250 2943 2780

RING-BILLED GULL — Larus delawarensis

Rare winter visitor and passage migrant.

83 Since the first record in 1979 the species has been annual, apart from 1980. Par: Third winter from 1990 to Mar 27th. Adults Jan 14th-Apr 27th, Sept 27th into 1992 and Dec 25th into 1992. First winters Jan 18th-Feb 20th, Feb 5th-Apr 3rd and Dec 8th into 1992. RL.SMC.GJC. et al. Hayle Est: adult from 1990 to Mar 24th. Another Jan 6th-Mar 3rd. Adult Oct 6ih into 1992 and another Dec 16th into 1992. Two second winters Jan 1st with one to Jan 19th, two again Mar 3rd-llth with one to 24th. First winter Jan 24th. First summer May 7th. DSR.JFR.NJP et al. Falmouth/Swanpool: two first winters from 1990, one to Feb 20th, the other to Apr 15th then in first summer plumage to May 1st. Second winters Jan 1 ltn-Mar 8th and another Mar 5th. Third winter Jan 1 lth-Mar 5th. Adult Jan 1 lth-Mar 5th. JMW.JRMcC.BC.JH. et al. St. Johns Lake: first winters from 1990 to Jan 20th and from Mar 8th-25th. SCM.EJW.IG. et al. Truro River: second winter from 1990 to Feb 12th. DU.JH.DL. Camel Est: adult Jan 20th-Feb 26th. Adult Dec 7th. DSF.CM.DU.ML. et al. Tamar Est: adults Feb 9th and Dec 31st. EG.SCM. et al. Mounts Bay: second winter Feb 10th. First winter Mar 7th. MS.EG. Devoran: second winter Mar 27th. BC. Reskajeage: first winter Apr 4th. DL. Ruan Lanihorne: first winter Dec 10th-28th, another Dec 28th. JFR.

Other reports lacked adequate detail.

Another record breaking year with a possible total of 29 new birds.

The county mainland total stands at c.169.

MonthlJan y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 31 30 38 16 4 — — 2 2 5 12 29 Age breakdown on first arrival: first winter — 84 (50%), first summer — seven, second winter — 24, second summer — two, third winter — five, 'sub-adult' — three, adult — 44. Top sites: Hayle/Copperhouse — 37, Mounts Bay — 26, Par and St. Johns Lake/Mill brook — 21, Swanpool — 16.

COMMON GULL — Larus canus Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. The best year since 1985 with good numbers particularly in January and December.

Last in spring was one at Newquay Jun 11th and the first return birds were eleven at Mounts Bay Jul 4th.

Maximum numbers: Mounts Bay: 237 Jan 4th. Maenporth: 200 roosting Jan 5th. Camel Est: 130 Jan 20th and 400 Dec 14th increasing to a record count of 1200 sheltering from gales Dec 21st/22nd. SMC. Ruan Lanihorne: 177 Jan 21st. Gannel Est: 160 Jan 28th. St. Johns Lake: 398 Feb 17th, 189 Dec 8th. Looe: 300 roosting Nov 26th. Lynher Est: 216 Dec 8th. Siblyback Res: 124 Dec 27th. B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 705 551 132 8 4 — — 3 4 20 118 485

84

Ruan Lanihorne 177 77 33 Camel Est. 156 13 1 14 16 10 Lynher Est. 51 13 — — 4 — — 2 1 1 6 207 St. Johns Lake 123 387 113 8 — — — 1 3 3 67 184

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus fuscus

Resident. Breeds in low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Successful breeding was reported only at where a pair reared one young. Pairs were also noted at Park Head and Polperro.

Overwintering flocks were generally small but there was the usual rapid build up from late January to mid March and subsequent equally rapid dispersal with few remaining into April.

Small numbers lingered throughout the summer and autumn passage commenced in August. From mid September to mid November flocks were small but several large parties were present at the end of the year.

Maximum numbers: Gannel Est: 350 Jan 26th, 630 Mar 9th. East Looe River: 360 Feb 23rd. Hayle Est: 900 Feb 24th, 1000 Mar 9th, 360 Sept 3rd, 560 Nov 19th. Lynher Est: 200 February. Loe Pool: 200 Mar 9th. Camel Est: 1021 Mar 17th, 790 Dec 22nd. Colliford Res: 448 Aug 11th, 1600 Nov 10th. Crowdy Res: 228 Nov 23rd. Birds showing characteristics of the South Scandinavian race 'Larus fuscus intermedius' were reported from: Par: four adults Jan 26th with two to Feb 19th, three adults Mar 11th increasing to five Mar 25th. Five adults Aug 22nd-Sept 14th. RL. Pentewan: adult Feb 9th-15th. RL.

Birds showing characteristics of the North Scandinavian race 'Larus fuscus fuscus' were reported from: Par: adults Jan 26th-Feb 1st, Mar 25th and Sept 14th. RL. Mounts Bay: adults Feb 19th and May 20th. MS. Lynher Est: adult Dec 8th. SCM. B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991. Jan Feb Mar Apr ]Ma y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Countv total 1071 519 1447 24 1 7 15 35 131 41 81 145 Hay le'Est. 220 350 360 — — — 9 13 55 14 4 55 Camel Est 797 104 1021 8 — — 1 — 57 13 14 7

HERRING GULL — Larus argentatus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. There has been a dramatic decline in the population of this species, not only locally, but also nationally. The reason for this decrease is not fully understood.

Breeding was reported as follows: on the north coast c.62 pairs were noted between Pentiresteps, Bedruthan and Porthmear and c. 115 pairs were counted on ledges between Pentire Point and Ranie Point. On the south coast roof-nesting was noted at Penryn (two pairs), St. Just in Roseland (one pair), Par Docks (25 pairs) and at Falmouth where it was described as common.

A ground nest at Par Docks was successful, as was cliff-nesting at Gull Rock, Nare Head (20+ pairs) and Looe Island (30-1- pairs).

Peak counts were the highest since 1986. Several large concentrations were reported in

85 January and there was a notable spring passage from mid March to mid May.

Autumn passage was less pronounced and second winter parties considerably diminished. Maximum numbers: Maenporth: 2500 roosting Jan 5th. Hayle Est: 509 Jan 1st, 928 Mar 19th (the highest ever count here?), 664 Oct 30th. Gannel Est: 850 Jan 28th, 800 Mar 9th. St. Johns Lake: 259 Jan 20th, 319 May 19th, 481 Oct 13th. Camel Est: 276 Mar 17th, 365 Sept 8th, 500 Dec 22nd. Pentire: 2000 roosting Mar 18th, 700 Apr 4th. Helford Est: 245 Apr 16th. Tamar Est: 246 May 19th. : 300 May 30th. Rame Head: 398 flew east in two hours Sept 2nd. Ruan Lanihorne: 305 Nov 11th. Two birds showing aberrant plumage were reported.

A melanistic bird at St. Johns Lake Aug 31st caused quite a commotion and put everything to flight as it came in to land on Sango Island. It was apparently not soiled but the plumage was uniform sooty brown all over, including the underwing, and even the primaries appeared no darker than the rest of the upperwing. The bill was dusky yellow with some reddish towards the tip. SCM.

An adult at Looe Dec 21st showed a wing tip pattern resembling 'Kumliens' Gull (ie: dark ash grey primaries patches) but was typical Herring Gull size. 'Scandinavian' Herring Gull was eliminated by the pale mantle colour. EJW.

'Scandinavian' Herring Gull Birds showing characteristics of the distinctive nominate race 'Larus argentatus argentatus' were reported as follows: Hayle Est: third winter Jan 12th, second winter Dec 10th into 1992. DL.DSF. Par: third winter Mar 27th, adult Dec 25th. RL.GJC. Tamar Est: adult Dec 22nd. SCM. East Looe River: adult Dec 22nd. SCM. This race has been identified in the county annually since 1984 and these six take the county mainland total to 34.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 9 6 1 3 2 — 13 Top sites: Looe — seven, Par — five, Hayle Est — four, St. Johns Lake/Millbrook — three.

Age breakdown: adult — 23, third winter — ten, second winter — one.

'North American' Herring Gull A single bird showing some characteristics of the North American race 'Larus argentatus smithsonianus' was noted at Eastern Green Beach, Penzance Jan 16th. RJH.JFR.

JFR has commented thus: 'I saw the bird with RJH on Eastern Green Beach at Penzance whilst looking for an Iceland Gull which had been reported there. This bird stood out amongst the Herring Gulls because of the uniform sooty grey upperparts, all dark tertials and bill reminiscent of a Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus).

The bird appeared to be a second year because of the fairly uniform grey mantle. We thought that it could be a possible 'smithsonianus' due to the uniform dark unde parts, but not knowing any of the features of second year plumage we approached to within about thirty yards of the bird and flushed it a short distance.

It showed a white rump and we were surprised to see that it showed an all black tail. There

86 was a small amount of barring somewhere at the base of the outer tail but it was difficult to see whether this was on the base of the outer tail feathers or on the side of the rump. Structure: We both noted the elongated look of the head, which together with the pale- based and dark-tipped bill gave a Glaucous Gull like impression. Otherwise the size and structure was similar to the nearby Herring Gulls.

Plumage: The head was generally pale with some darker streaks at the rear of the crown and neck. The mantle was pale grey, similar to Herring Gull, with some darker 'arrows' on the rear scapular feathers. The underparts were a fairly uniform sooty grey with some fine, regular barring on the undertail coverts.

The wing coverts were dark centred and were more closely barred than Herring Gull; the overall effect was of a dark bird. The greater coverts were fairly uniform and the tertials uniform blackish, appeared to have no barring reminding us of a first year Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis). The primaries were dark with no obvious mirrors.

In flight, all of the tail feathers were uniformly black except possibly the base to the outer tail feathers. The rump was white. Soft parts: The bill was a greyish flesh colour with a black terminal quarter. Eye colour was not seen well but appeared dark. Legs were greyish flesh.

I returned within an hour with my camera but unfortunately the bird had disappeared. (The above account was forwarded to Killian Mullarney whose paper 'American Herring Gulls in Ireland' appears in Birding World Vol 3 (3) pps. 96-100. KM suggested that the description certainly sounded like a good 'smithsonianus', but considered that it was probably a first year bird as opposed to a second year. He agreed to research further and would correspond again).

Herring Gull showing characteristics of 'L. a. smithsonianus' Ren Hathway

YELLOW-LEGGED HERRING GULL — Larus argentatus/cachinanns Vagrant Birds showing characteristics of one or other of the yellow-legged races of Herring Gull (which are considered separate species by some authorities) were reported as follows: Looe: first winter Jan 12th SCM. Par: adult Jan 27th, Feb 12th and May 20th. RL.GRW.MW. Pentewan: adult Feb 9th (presumed same as Par bird). RL. Hayle Est: adult Mar 27th. JFR. Colliford Res: adults Aug 25th and Nov 9th. SCM.EJW. Rame Head: two first winters Sept 22nd. SCM.SMcM. Tamar Est: adult Dec 21st. SCM.DC1.

87 The county mainland total advances to c.37 — all but two since 1983. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 5 3 4 — 1 — — 4 4 7 4 5 Age breakdown: first winter — six, second winter — one, second summer — one, third winter — three, fourth winter — one, adult — 25. Top sites: St. Johns Lake/Millbrook — seven, Looe — six, Colliford Res — five, Par — four.

ICELAND GULL — Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Looe: first winter from 1900 to Mar 2nd, another first winter Jan 27th — Mar 8th. Second winter Dec 10th into 1992. SCM.RWG.KP.EG.JJ.EJW. et al. Newquay: first winter from 1990 to Apr 23rd. Second winter Mar 24th-29th. SMC.EJC.MT. et al.

Iceland Gull Alison Gregory

88 Reskajeage: first winter Jan 6th, Feb 17th and Apr 3rd-8th, another Apr 10th-17th. Second winter Mar 23rd-Apr 17th. DL. St. Ives: second winter Jan 7th. EGG.GGG. Hayle Est: first winter Jan 7th and Mar 6th, two Mar 22nd with one intermittently to Apr 18th. (Probably same as Reskajeage birds). Adult Dec 18th. DSF.JWt.DRC.EGG.GGG. et al. Mounts Bay: adult Jan 15th-20th. First winter Apr 16th. Second winter Apr 16th and presumed same May 23rd. RJH.DSF.JFR.RB.MS. et al. Maenporth: first winter Jan 20th. JRMcC.JMW. Camel Est: adult Jan 20th. First winter Jan 20th-Mar 7th. DSF.JH. et al. Falmouth Bay: first winter Jan 25th-Feb 4th. JRMcC.JMW. (The Maenporth bird). Par: adults Jan 27th and Apr 28th. Second winter Feb 14th and Mar 17th-Apr 16th. RL.DJ. et al. Cape Cornwall: first winter Mar 5th. AG. Portwrinkle: second winter Mar 16th/17th. JJ. Loe Bar: first summer Mar 22nd. First winter Dec 8th. JMW.DSF. Cawsand: first summer Apr 7th-27th and Jul 27th-Aug 22nd. JSH.SCM. Mousehole: one Apr 17th. MS. Charlestown: second winter Apr 20th (presumed same as Par bird). RL. Pentewan: second winter Apr 22nd (presumed same as Par bird). RL. Seaton: first winter/first summer May 18th. SCM. Millbrook: first summer Aug 24th (presumed same as Cawsand bird). BTC. Drift Res: second winter Dec 28th into 1992. FP.JFR. The third best year on record — beaten only by 57 in 1984 and 32 in 1983 — these 28 take the county mainland total to c.265.

The Cawsand bird is the latest ever in the county. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 75 59 48 39 12 1 - - - 3 1 27 Age breakdown: first winter — 112 (42%), first summer — 13, second winter — 61, second summer — four, third winter — 18, fourth winter — two, adult — 43, 'immature' — eight, not aged — four.

Top sites: Mounts Bay — 61, Falmouth — 49, Hayle Est. — 33, St. Ives — 17, Looe — 12.

GLAUCOUS GULL - Laurus hyperboreus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Sennen: first winter Jan 3rd. JFR. Looe: first winter Jan 8th-Feb 24th. SCM.RS. et al. Bussow Res: first winter Jan 12th/13th. DSF. Tamar Est: first winter Jan 20th. EJC.RJL. Newquay: first winters Jan 28th-Jun 11th and Dec 20th. SMC.GJC.RAJ. et al. Mousehole: first winter Jan 30th-Feb 12th. MS. Mounts Bay: first winter Feb 3rd-15th (presumed same as Mousehole bird). Second summer Jun 18th. JH.SMC.JFR.DSF.MS. et al. Hayle Est: first winters Feb 11th and Mar 17th. JAJ et al. Gwithian: first winter Feb 15th. (presumed same as Hayle bird). SMC. Camel Est: second winter Feb 17th-27th. DL.DLJ.DU. et al. Second winter Oct 28th. ML. Connabridge Tip, Looe: first winter Feb 19th (presumed same as Looe bird). KP. Portwrinkle: second winter Mar 10th. EHW. Rame Head: first winter Mar 17th. JJ. Par: third winter Mar 28th, First summer May 13th. RL.SMC. Rosemullion Head: second winter flew west Oct 29th. BC. Loe Pool: adult Nov 9th. First winter Nov 19th. SB. The best year since 1985. The county mainland total advances to c.400 since 1930.

89 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 132 88 50 22 14 3 1 2 5 13 28 42 Age breakdown: first winter — 178 (44%), first summer — 12, second winter — 82, second summer — two, third winter — 20, third summer — two, fourth winter — seven, adult — 41, 'immature' — 23, not aged — 33.

Top sites: Mounts Bay — 98, Hayle Est — 54, Falmouth — 49, St. Ives — 44, Porthgwarra and Loe Pool — 13.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus marinus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding was reported only from Park Head (one pair), Polzeath — Ranie Point (two pairs), St. Clements Island, Mousehole and Chapel Cliff — Lizzen Cliff, Polperro (three pairs). Maximum numbers: Camel Est: 400 January, 152 Oct 16th. Par: 100 Jan 17th. Ruan Lanihorne: 150 Feb 18th. Hayle Est: 200 Mar 1st, 105 Sept 8th. Portwrinkle: 150 Sept 28th. Tamar Est: 183 December. Looe: 200 Dec 26th. B.O.E.E. counts at the principal localities 1991 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec County total 217 250 384 93 96 102 169 93 285 251 132 209 Hayle Est. 27 16 4 — 15 25 83 12 86 12 — 34 Ruan Lanihorne 39 150 12 15 13 30 36 72 110 44 71 62 Camel Est. 64 55 290 38 6 13 33 — 32 152 — 34 St. Johns Lake 54 — 9 20 22 6 11 — 27 6 21 36

KITTIWAKE - Rissa tridactyla Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Breeding season reports were received from Ranie Point — (220 birds on ledges), To wan Head, Newquay (not counted, but colony thriving) and Porthtowan (colonies of 200 and 100 pairs). On the south coast at Gorran Haven (200+ pairs), Portloe (20 nests), Gull Rock, Nare Head (usual strength) and Mullion Island and Vro (six pairs (150 pairs in 1985)). Passage early in the year was light and there was little improvement until mid October.

Maximum numbers: Looe: 400 per hour west Jan 8th. St. Ives: 525 Apr 5th, 5805 in eleven hours Oct 17th. Newquay: 1000 Apr 5th. Trevose Head: 7975 in 4V2 hours Oct 30th. Rumps Point: 25000 west Nov. 3rd. (the highest single day count since 1979).

SANDWICH TERN — Sterna sandvicensis Passage migrant. An extraordinary series of sightings in the first winter period probably related to a single bird. It was seen at Looe Jan 6th, then regularly in Falmouth Bay Jan lOth-Mar 14th and also at nearby Gerrans Bay Feb 9th-11th. The first in spring were two at Loe Pool Mar 7th — the earliest arrival ever. Next was one at St. Austell Bay Mar 15th but only 19 were reported before the end of the month. It proved to be a light spring movement with heaviest passage Apr 3rd-9th and Apr 22nd. Autumn migration was equally unimpressive. Several small parties were noted off the south

90 coast in the last week of July and there was a number of flocks off the north coast late in September. Last were four at Hayle Est Nov 10th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: St. Austell Bay: noted Mar 15th-Oct 21st with max of 22 Apr 3rd, 23 May 9th and 25 Jul 30th. St. Ives: 12 Apr 5th and 100 west between Sept 7th and Nov 2nd with max of 30 Sept 23rd and 29th. Mounts Bay: noted Apr 2nd-Jun 19th and Jul 29th-Oct 8th with max of 15 Apr 9th, 18 Apr 22nd and 17 Jul 30th. Rumps Point: eleven Apr 5th. Kingsand: 12 Apr 7th. Kennack Sands: 12 Apr 22nd. Camel Est: 15 May 1st, 12 Jul 31st, 35 Sept 26th. Hayle Est: 16 Jul 7th, 28 Aug 24th, 31 Sept 7th. Rame Head: 30 Jul 28th, 20 Aug 24th. Loe Bar: 12 Jul 29th. St. Johns Lake: 14 Jul 30th, 40 Aug 23rd. Treveal: 26 Sept 15th. Falmouth: 35 Sept 30th.

ROSEATE TERN — Sterna dougallii

Scarce passage migrant. Marazion: two May 27th. DSF. Pentewan: two sub-adults Jun 11th. RL.

The poorest year since 1961.

The county mainland total stands at c.758 — all but two since 1951. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d — — — 32 114 30 124 144 273 40 — — 1 (36%) Top sites: St. Ives — 399 (53%), Hayle Est/Porthkidney Sands — 195 (26%), Newquay — 28, Par — 25, Porthgwarra — 22, St. Johns Lake — 21, Mounts Bay — 20.

COMMON TERN - Sterna hirundo Passage migrant. The first in spring were two off St. Ives Mar 28th — the only report for the month. It proved to be an exceptionally poor spring migration with the last at St. Austell Bay Jun 22nd. Autumn passage commenced with the largest party of the year, 62 at Loe Bar Jul 6th and ended with singles (probably the same bird) off St. Ives and Pendeen Nov 3rd.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: St. Ives: two Mar 28th, three Apr 2nd, 26 west between Sept 29th and Nov 3rd with max of 14 Oct 1st. St. Austell Bay: noted Apr 4th-Jun 14th and Aug 2nd-Oct 4th with max of eleven May 12th and seven Aug 31st. Rame Head five in spring between Apr 6th and Jun 22nd and 36 west between Jul 23rd and Sept 28th with max of 12 first date and ten last date. Mounts Bay: noted Apr 12th-Sept 17th with max of eleven Jun 7th. Porthgwarra: 32 Apr 27th, six Jun 9th. Hayle Est: five Apr 30th and 21 between Jul 26th and Sept 1st with max of 14 Aug 2nd. Camel Est: 12 May 1st. Godrevy: 18 May 7th.

91 Loe Bar: 62 Jul 6th. St. Johns Lake: 27 Aug 7th. Pendeen: eleven west Aug 23rd. Newquay: 68 west between Aug 23rd and Nov 2nd with max of 45 first date and 15 Sept 29th. Buder 15 Sept 5th. Mevagissey: 12 Sept 28th.

There was no more than five at any other site.

ARCTIC TERN — Sterna paradisaea

Uncommon passage migrant. Spring passage was the poorest since 1981, consisting only of singles at Camel Est May 1st, Par May 12th-22nd and Tamar Est May 30th. Autumn passage commenced with one at Par Jul 6th and ended with one west at Pendeen Nov 3rd. It was a light movement involving c.59 birds, 41 (69%) of which were noted during October. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Par: singles Jul 6th and 30th, Sept 20th and Oct 4th. St. Johns Lake: singles Aug 2nd-21st, Aug 16th and 28th and Sept 29th. Pendeen: one Aug 23rd, five Oct 1st, eight Oct 17th, three Oct 18th and one Nov 3rd. Newquay: singles Aug 23rd and Sept 28th, two Sept 29th, four Oct 1st. St. Ives: 16 west between Sept 29th and Nov 2nd with max of four Oct 1st and three Oct 17th. Rumps Point: three Oct 1st. Mevagissey: two west Oct 7th.

Singles were also reported from Mounts Bay Jul 30th, Lynher-Est Aug 13th, Seaton Sept 28th, Tamar Lake Sept 30th, Portwrinkle Oct 1st, Rosemullion Head Oct 7th and Sennen Oct 12th.

LITTLE TERN — Sterna albifrons

Uncommon passage migrant.

A mere ten in spring and 13 in autumn combined to produce the worst year since 1979.

Mounts Bay: singles Apr 22nd and May 8th. JH.MS. Par: six Apr 29th, two Apr 30th and one to May 19th, another May 31st. RL.SMC.EMC. et al. Tamar Est: one May 29th. EG. Hayle Est: five Aug 2nd. DSF.SL. Rame Head: six Aug 24th. SCM.EJW. Pendeen: one Sept 22nd. SJC.DSF. Looe: one Sept 28th. CFNHC. BLACK TERN — Chlidonias niger

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Loe Pool: singles May 1st and 29th, three Sept 2nd, one Sept 11th. SB.JSG. Rame Head: two west May 3rd. EJW. Marazion: two May 27th. DSF. Tamar Est: singles May 29th and Aug 4th. EG.PJR. Pendeen: singles Aug 17th and Oct 18th. SML.PTS. Tresillian: one Aug 21st. CLB.FHH.Mr. & Mrs. PT. Tamar Lake: two Sept 2nd. FHCK.GPS. Stithians Res: one Sept 2nd. JAJ.JEM. Porthkidney Beach: one Sept 3rd. JAJ.JEM. In common with the other tern species, another poor year.

92 WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN - Chlidonias leucopterus

Rare vagrant.

Tamar Est: juvenile Sept 17th. EG. The 18th county mainland record.

MonthlJan y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d — — — 1 4 — 2 2 7 1 — — 1

GUILLEMOT - Uria aalge Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season reports were received from: The Sisters: 60 Apr 15th. Lye Rock: 22 Apr 20th. Short Island: 21 Apr 27th. Ranie Point — Pentire Point: 80 on ledges, including 58 at Pentireglaze. Trevose Head: nine on ledges. Hells Mouth: eggs on ledges. Gull Rock, Nare Head: estimated 60 pairs.

No large passage was reported in the first nine months of the year but 1334 flew west at Rumps Point Oct 17th with a further 1545 in two hours Nov 5th.

RAZORBILL — Alca torda

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season records were received from: The Sisters: 30 Jun 16th. Ranie Point — Port Isaac: 54 birds on ledges. Carnweather Point — Pentire Point: 36 on ledges. Cataclews Point, Harlyn Bay: eight Apr 26th. Cats Cove, Trevose Head: six Apr 27th. Trevose Head: four on ledges Mar 29th. Gunver Head: 14 Apr 21st. Carters Rocks: 19 Apr 20th. Samphire Island: 20 May 26th. Deadmans Cove: eight May 26th. As with the preceding species very few reports of large numbers positively identified but 400 flew past Porthgwarra Oct 16th and there were 1000's off St. Ives Nov 4th.

Auk sp (Guillemot/Razorbill) St. Ives: 1070 west Apr 5th. Pendeen: 5000 per hour Oct 17th, 700 per hour Oct 18th. Rumps Point: 30000 Nov 3rd. Trevose Head: 792 west in four hours Nov 8th.

BLACK GUILLEMOT - Cepphus grylle

Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Falmouth Bay: singles Jan 4th-12th and Jun 9th/10th. JMW.JRMcC. Pentewan: one in summer plumage flew west Oct 20th. RL. The county mainland total advances to 41.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 7 4 4 5 — 1 — — 3 4 4 5 4 Top sites: St. Ives — 13, Falmouth — nine, Sennen and Trevose Head — two each.

93 LITTLE AUK - Alle alle

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasional 'wrecks'. Looe: two west Jan 1st, three west Jan 5th, one Jan 8th. NJC.ME.PE.RWG.JSH. SCM.ACS. Swanpool: one Jan 5th-12th. JRMcC.JMW. Farm, Mawgan Porth: one blown across road in front of car Jan 5th. JMcK.EMcK. Newquay: singles Jan 5th and Dec 27th. DIJ.DMY. Rame Head: two west Jan 6th. per CFNHC. Launceston: one wrecked Jan 6th was later taken to Looe and released. BTC.PE. Tamar Est: one Jan 6th. PJR. Par: one Jan 8th/9th, another found dead Jan 9th. RL. Hemmick Beach, Dodman: one found dead Jan 10th. BA. Kynance Cove: one found dead Jan 27th. JRMcC.JMW. Porthkidney Beach: one found dead Feb 24th. DSF. Pendeen: two Oct 17th, singles Nov 3rd and 7th and Dec 20th. JFR.MS. Porthpean: one Nov 6th. RL. Mounts Bay: one Nov 7th. MS. Trevose Head: one west Nov 8th. SMC. Rosemullion Head: one west Nov 17th. BC. Portscatho: one Nov 23rd/24th. PR. Park Head: one Nov 25th. Mr. & Mrs. SCR. Reskajeage: one Dec 22nd. DL. Rumps Point: one Dec 22nd. EG.

The county mainland total advances to c.1124 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 75 120 32 2 1 3 59 347 485 ~ (31%) (43%) Top sites: St. Ives — 526 (47%), Porthgwarra — 217, Falmouth — 76, Loe Pool/Mullion — 44, Newquay — 29.

Little Auks John Walters

94 PUFFIN — Fratercula artica

Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. There has been a substantial reduction in the breeding population in Cornwall over the last three decades.

At Lye Rock for instance, 3000 or more birds could be seen in the 1940's and 600 or more was not uncommon in the 1960's. As recently as 1970, 60/70 birds were still present, but now there are none. Other former breeding sites at Trevone, Holywell Bay and Gull Rock, Nare Head are similarly deserted.

The species may well become extinct as a Cornish breeding species before the end of the century. This year, breeding season records were received from: The Moules: present from Apr 22nd to Jul 26th. Breeding success not known but max of 17 birds Jun 18th and 18 Jul 17th-24th. Long and Short Islands: present Apr 27th-Jul 14th. Breeding success not known but max of 20 birds Jun 16th. Brissons, Cape Cornwall: two May 28th-Jun 1st.

Passage birds were reported as follows: Pendeen: two Mar 17th, one Apr 3rd, two Apr 7th and singles Jun 13th, Jul 24th and Aug 24th. Porthgwarra: 30 birds flew west between Apr 3rd and Aug 5th with max of seven Apr 9th and Aug 3rd. Mevagissey: two Apr 6th, three Apr 24th, one May 7th and four Sept 28th. Looe: two May 11th. Lands End: one May 28th. Rosemullion Head: four Jun 5th. Rame Head: singles Jun 9th, Jun 29th, Jul 6th and Aug 5th. Falmouth: one Jul 16th. Mousehole: one Aug 4th. St. Ives: six west between Oct 5th and Nov 4th. Treveal: one Oct 21st. FERAL ROCK DOVE — Columba livia

Resident. Breeds. Pure Rock Doves may still survive on some of the more remote parts of the north coast but they would probably prove to be indistinguishable from feral stock. Very few records received but no change in status reported. Most observations derived from the north coast where the largest flocks were 40 at Wadebridge and 30 at Trevose Head throughout the year.

STOCK DOVE — Columba oenas Scarce resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Described as 'very scarce on the Lizard' by ARP, 'by no means common at Bude' by FHCK and 'difficult to locate in mid-Cornwall this year' by SMC. At least five pairs were noted at Quarry during the breeding season but few other breeding reports were received.

Numbers were low during the first nine months of the year — the max being 17 at Mar 10th, 30 at Trerulefoot Mar 16th and ten at St. John May 11th. Autumn passage commenced with two at Skewjack Oct 6th and ended with small parties at several localities Nov 21st.

Maximum numbers: Lands End/Sennen: 15 Oct 20th, 17 Nov 6th, 63 Nov 21st.

95 Porthgwarra: 40 Oct 20th. Lynher Est: 50 Nov 3rd. Marazion: 40 flew west Nov 9th, 300 Nov 20th. 48 flying northeast at Tregonetha Dec 27th was the sole observation of note in the second winter period.

WOODPIGEON — Columba palumbus Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. No change in status reported — remains abundant and widespread. There was a dearth of information for the first nine months of the year, although 100 at Lerryn Feb 14th, 60 at Gerrans Mar 6th and 100 at May 4th were notable.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with 15 at Loe Pool and continued to Nov 21st.

It was an exceptional movement culminating in a record single day count at Sennen Nov 20th. Maximum numbers: Penlee Point: 100 Oct 23rd. Treveal: 150 Nov 9th, 1000 flew out to sea Nov 10th. St. Columb Major: 515 flew west in % hour Nov 10th. Wadebridge: 120 Nov 16th. Sennen: 90 Nov 16th, 5180 Nov 20th, DSF. 630 Nov 21st. Marazion: 3800 flew east Nov 20th. Wadebridge: 700 Nov 20th.

The heavy autumn passage was reflected in the number of large flocks reported in the second winter period. Tamar Est: 250 Dec 1st, 500 Dec 26th. Polbrock: 500 Dec 7th. Gerrans: 175 Dec 9th, 600 Dec 19th. Sheviock: 300 Dec 21st. Polbathic: 166 flew east Dec 22nd.

COLLARED DOVE — Streptopelia decaocto

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The species was first noted in Cornwall in 1959 and populations built up to a peak in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Subsequently there has been a levelling off in numbers and a noticeable decrease in some areas. The reason for this reduction is not fully understood but does coincide with the species' removal from the list of birds protected by law. No change in status was reported in 1991. Spring passage was evident from Apr 14th-Jun 2nd and involved c.136 birds, including an impressive flock at Sennen. Autumn migration was less notable and end of year flocks were small.

Maximum numbers: Sennen: one Apr 14th, 17 May 9th, 63 May 23rd. Trevose Head: three May 10th, 15 May 28th, two Jun 2nd. Marazion: 29 flew west May 29th. Antony: 60 Sept 19th. : 42 Oct 8th. Treen: 15 Oct 23rd. Pentire: 20 Dec 2nd. Penryn: 15 Dec 16th.

96 TURTLE DOVE — Streptopelia turtur Passage migrant. Bred in 1981 and probably in 1978 and 1977. Summering birds are not unusual but winter records are rare. The first in spring was one at Porthgwarra May 7th — the latest first arrival since 1967.

Predictably, with prevailing northerly winds it proved to be the poorest spring migration since 1973. 14 (64%), of the c.22 birds reported, arrived May 25-29th. Six were observed at Treveal May 25th but all other reports concerned singles.

One at St. Ives Jul 12th was unusual, otherwise autumn passage commenced with one at Caerthillian Aug 29th. Passage was light with a total of c.21 birds reported. All were singles except two at Rame Head Sept 1st and two at Lands End Oct 12th. Later birds included singles at Cot, Nanquidno, Sennen and St. Levan Oct 13th and at Pentire Oct 22nd.

RING-NECKED PARAKEET - Psittacula krameri Vagrant. Feral release and escapee. A Category 'C species. Holmbush, St. Austell: the bird from 1990 was noted until at least Jul 22nd. SMC.DRCh.RL. Polbathic: two flew west Apr 14th. BCo.

CUCKOO — Cuculus canorus Summer resident (declining). Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly spring). The first in spring were singles at Apr 8th followed by one at St. Clement Apr 15th. Five more arrived Apr 16th and 16 Apr 26th-28th, with small numbers continuing to appear throughout May. Highest counts included four at Lizard May 8th and four at Upper Fowey Valley May 27th.

GCJ reported a very poor year at Portscatho, ARP found it scarce at Lizard, SB saw none at Loe Pool apart from two migrants, BLW heard none at Golden Bank, Falmouth for the first time in three years and DU noted a slight decrease in the Camel Valley.

Birds had stopped calling by mid June and the only juveniles reported were singles at Nanquidno Jul 14th, Pendeen Aug 17th, Holmans Moors and Kenidjack Sept 6th, Sennen Sept 7th and Brefa Farm Sept 12th-19th.

The only brown phase bird of the year was at Kynance Aug 4th.

BARN OWL - Tyto alba

Resident. Breeds. Loss of breeding sites, loss of hunting habitat, pesticides, increased road traffic and a series of cold winters followed by cold wet summers have all conspired to take a heavy toll on this highly vulnerable species. Despite this, Cornwall remains a major stronghold for the Barn Owl in the U.K. In 1991 reports were received from 121 localities with breeding proved at 16 and suspected at many others. In the Caradon district there were reports from 37 sites, mainly single day observations indicating a small but widespread population. Unfortunately, there was again no report of successful breeding. At least two birds were resident in the Landulph area and up to three were seen between Looe and Pelynt. In the district there were sightings from 25 localities with four instances of proven breeding. Success was low however, with only two young per nest at St. Columb Major, St. Mawgan and Colan plus three young at . Several nestlings were found to

97 be in poor physical condition, thin and starving. The cold, damp weather hindering hunting by adults was considered the primary reason for the low rate of success. SMC.

In , birds were observed at 27 sites with breeding proved at Polzeath., St. Issey, Bedruthan Steps and St. Eval but again fledging success rate was low. Most sightings derived from the Padstow — Bodmin — triangle with none from the Camelford — Bude — Launceston district.

CM, in his study of the Newquay — St. Columb Major — Padstow area discovered that several traditional sites were not occupied. In the Carrick district the species is evidently well distributed east of Truro, particularly on the . Breeding was proven at St. Just in Roseland, Ruan Highlanes, Ruan Lanihorne and . Only five casual sightings were reported from the district; singles at Helston Mar 20th, Culdrose Mar 23rd, May 23rd, and Sept 9th and Nov 5th. However, ARP located five breeding pairs on the Lizard peninsula, four of which were in buildings and one in a tree stump. Conversely, JWJ did not record any acitivity at the 1990 breeding site near .

The species was equally scarce in the Penwith area. All sightings were of singles; at Marazion Jan 6th, Feb 9th and 17th and Nov 29th, at St. Ives Jan 13th and Sept 15th, St. Buryan Aug 13th, Catchall Aug 16th, Crean Oct 15th, St. Just Airfield Oct 15th and Kelynack Oct 17th.

LITTLE OWL — Athene noctua

Widespread but scarce resident. Breeds. Despite vastly increased observer coverage there has been a substantial diminution, relatively, in the number of birds reported annually. There was a 50% reduction between 1983 and 1986, but a slight improvement subsequently. In 1991, breeding was reported from (three young) JAJ.JEM and Bastreet (two young). DAC.GJC.

Elsewhere the species remains very scarce. Trewortha Farm, Bodmin Moor: noted throughout year. JSH. Pentire: one throughout year at one site, two at another site Apr 22nd and one there Oct 22nd. DLo.SMC. et al. St. Minver: one or two on several occasions Jan lst-Feb 1st. One Oct 22nd-Dec 1st. DLJ. Chytodden-Bussow Res: one or two may be resident. MJR. St. Keverne: pair in spring: AD. Erisey, Lizard: present at two sites. NRE. Sheviock: one Jul 31st. SCM. : one Aug 14th. DL. Mullion: one calling in September. ARP. Porthgwarra: one Oct 22nd and 25th. BG. Tehidy: one Oct 23rd. DMY. Wiggle, Whitsand Bay: one Dec 27th. SRE.

None was located at Tregathenan, Sithney this year. JWJ.

TAWNY OWL - Strix aluco Resident. Breeds. Owing to its nocturnal habits this species is invariably under-reported, but records of calling birds would be appreciated. The species is a widespread resident in the Caradon district but breeding was reported from only one site — a juvenile was seen at Golitha May 12th. Unusual was one at Polhawn Apr 20th, some distance from substantial tree cover. In the Restormel area breeding was proved at Lostwithiel and , St. Austell. Two were regularly heard at Trethurgy but all other reports concerned singles. In North Cornwall the species was noted at twenty sites with breeding observed at St. Eval, Treburrick, and North Hill. Two birds were watched at Tolpetherwin Feb 7th, two were noted at Trevanson May 31st, several were heard at Stratton in spring, four pairs were located between Wadebridge and Polbrock, two were calling at Halvana Jul 10th and five were present at Tamar Lake in autumn. In Carrick, breeding was successful at , Coldrose Farm (Truro), Penmount and Jolly's Bottom (). There were many other reports from the Truro area indicating a healthy population. West of Truro the species remains rather scarce. In Kerrier district four were heard calling at Tresprison, Helston in January, there was one at Gunwalloe Apr 16th, three at Loe Pool Nov 6th and two at Mullion in November. Nocturnal calling was noted on many occasions at Tregathenan and the species is apparently resident at Penventon, Redruth. Two injured birds were found at Coverack in December. In the Penwith district birds were noted throughout the year at St. Loy and St. Bury an with breeding proven at the latter site. Elsewhere there were singles at Trengwainton Mar 5th, Skewjack May 24th-28th, (Marazion) Aug 28th, (Penzance) Sept 3rd, Kelynack Oct 19th-21st, Bay Nov 1st and Towednack in November. Two were found at Porthgwarra Oct 8th with one staying to 21st and birds were heard at three other sites in St. Levan parish during October.

LONG-EARED OWL - Asio otus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred in 1985, 1934, 1927 and 1924. Probably bred in the Upper Fowey Valley in 1976 following a large incursion into the U.K. the previous autumn. : one Jan 1st. SCM.DCl.SMcM. Porthgwarra: one Oct 15th and 20th. JMW.JRMcC.BG. Three Water Rail corpses were found beneath this birds' roost on the latter date. Sticker: four Dec 21st (but up to six may have been present a few days earlier). At least one remained into 1992. PW. Trebelsue, near Newquay: one Dec 29th. CM. The Sticker roost is the largest in the county since 1976.

The county mainland total stands at c.62 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 3 4 5 6 1 5 — 1 2 11 7 14 3 Top sites: Porthgwarra — eight, Stithians, Upper Fowey Valley and Sticker — four each.

SHORT-EARED OWL — Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers fluctuate from year to year but several areas are regularly frequented. Bred in several years in the 1930's and 1940's and almost certainly near Foxhole in 1983. Only four in the first winter and spring period but the best autumn and second winter since 1982. Gwithian: one Jan 24th-Feb 6th. Pentire: singles Feb 11th and Dec 31st. Duloe: one Mar 30th. Sennen: singles Apr 18th and Oct 12th-14th, two Oct 22nd, three Oct 26th. Bostraze, near St. Just: singles Sept 29th, Oct 20th and Nov 23rd. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 12th-23rd, Nov 1st and Nov 21st.

99 North Cliffs: one Oct 21st. Pendeen: one Oct 21st. St. Loy: one Oct 22nd. : two Oct 23rd. Trevose Head: one Oct 23rd-26th. : one Oct 26th. Crowdy Res: singles Oct 31st and Dec 1st. Copperhouse: one Nov 1st. Penlee Point: one Nov 8th-16th. Mullion: one Nov 9th. Drift Res: one Nov 11th. : one Nov 22nd-24th, two Nov 25th into 1992. Tregonetha Downs: one Nov 22nd into 1992. Common: one Nov 30th. Bedruthan Steps: one Dec 3rd-6th, two Dec 7th. Rumford: one Dec 7th. St. Eval: one Dec 13th and 25th. Colliford Res: one Dec 24th. Rosenannon Downs: one Dec 31st.

NIGHTJAR — Caprimulgus europaeus Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Formerly more common and widespread as a breeding species in Cornwall, but range has contracted dramatically with recent breeding information confined to six sites:

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 West Penwith 3 males 6 pairs 3 males 5 males 4 males Lizard 1 male 2 males 2/3 males 3 males 3 males Near Bodmin none 1 pair female male 1 pair Bodmin Moor 4/5 males 4-1- males 4/5 males male Lostwithiel none male none female 1 pair Near St. Austell 1 male 1 male Data was certainly incomplete for the Lizard site, but several visits were made to the Lostwithiel and Bodmin sites without success. Some habitat creation work has been carried out at the latter locality and it is hoped that the species might return in 1992. The first in spring was one at the Bodmin Moor site May 24th. DAC.GJC. and the last in autumn was the single bird at Lizard Aug 8th. MR.

The possible occupation of the site near St. Austell offers a degree of optimism.

SWIFT — Apus apus

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The first in spring were 16 at Trewethett Apr 14th but there was no more until one at Par Apr 22nd.

Birds were slow to arrive with main immigration noted May 6th-10th and May 19th-30th. Several favoured feeding places attracted large parties in June but apart from colonies at Bude and Rock breeding numbers were universally reduced. It seems probable that the unseasonably cold and wet weather of May and June severely hampered breeding attempts with the result that success was minimal.

As usual, most had left the county before mid August with only ten noted in September — the last being at Tregaseal on 20th.

Maximum numbers: Colliford Res: 250 May 6th, 500 Jun 13th. St. Austell: 250 May 16/17th, 100 Jun 24th. Marazion: 300 May 20th, 100 May 31st/Jun 1st and Jun 15th.

100 Trelow Downs, St. Issey: 100 May 29th. Stenalees: 150 Jun 5th. Pentewan: 120 Jun 12th, 100 Jul 8th and 13th. Sennen: 300 Jul 2nd.

Of particular interest was information concerning the cliff nesting colony at Godrevy which was last reported in 1985. Evidently the colony continues to thrive with five or six pairs nesting this year. PAR.

KINGFISHER - Alcedo atthis

Scarce resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Winter visitor. After a series of cold winters during the 1980's populations had reached a low level by 1987. However, subsequent milder winters have proved beneficial to this species both nationally as well as locally.

The species was particularly widespread in the first winter period of 1991 with reports from at least thirty localities. Many of these birds appeared from mid January and may have been individuals displaced by the cold weather.

Most reports concerned singles but there was two at Tresillian Jan 13th-20th, three at Jan 16th, three at Hayle Est Feb 3rd, two at Helford Est Feb 19th, two at Lerryn Mar 1st and two at Golitha Falls Mar 3rd.

The last two sightings may have related to breeding pairs, but the only proof of breeding emanated from , North Hill where a family party of five birds was observed during the summer.

Birds were reported from other potential breeding sites including Penpol (Fowey Est), West lxx>e River, East Looe River, , Pillaton, Upper Fowey Valley, Tolpetherwin, Par and Porth Res.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Tresillian Jul 15th, followed by one at Crowdy Res Jul 16th.

It proved to be a poor passage with only c.45 birds reported. All were singles except two regularly at Par, two at Tamar Lakes Jul 21st, two at Camel Est Aug 25th with three there Oct 19th, two at Hayle Est Oct 8th, two at Crowdy Res Oct 19th, two at Fowey Est Oct 26th and two at West Looe River Oct 27th.

The majority moved through before the end of October and the maximum in November were two at Lerryn on 2nd and three at Loe Pool on 6th. In December there were eight singles, two at Fowey Est. and three at Camel Est.

HOOPOE — Upupa epops Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). Bred in 1969, 1968, 1962, 1905 and 1901. Penlee Point: singles Mar 24th and Apr 13th. KJ.EHW et al. : one killed by car last week of March. LPW. Crows-an-wra: one Mar 31st. Dr CB. Bude: one Apr 10th- 13th. GPS. Saltash: one Apr 10th-13th. EG.SMcM. : one Apr 12th. CFNHC. Skewjack: one Apr 17th. JFR. Lizard: one Apr 19th/20th. AW.GHT. West Looe: one Apr 22nd-24th. JB. Trerulefoot: one Jun 18th (or 19th). per EJW. An average spring but none in autumn for the first time since 1986.

The county mainland total advances to c.389 since 1930 prior to which data is sketchy.

101 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d — 3 72 172 58 7 7 12 25 21 10 — 2 (44%)

Wryneck Ren Hathway

WRYNECK - Jynx torquilla

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Has overwintered twice. There is no fully authentic record of the species having bred in Cornwall and in view of the recent, rapid contraction in range in the U.K., any future attempt seems highly improbable.

Curiously there has been an upsurge in the number of migrant birds noted in the county in recent years. Marazion: one Apr 27th. DSF. Boswednack: one Sept 10th. EGG.GGG. Rame Head: one Sept 10th. KP.

102 Nanquidno: singles Sept 15th-21st and Oct 3rd-9th. JH.RB.MGT. et al. Cot Valley: one Sept 17th. EGG.GGG. Kenidjack: one Sept 20th. DR. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 1st and Oct 15th-26th. DSF.BG. et al. St. Buryan: one Oct 13th. RB. St. Levan: one Oct 13th. AP.

Other reports were received but lacked sufficient detail for acceptance.

The county mainland total advances to c.205 since 1930. 105 (51 %) have occurred in the last six years.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1 — 2 13 7 1 — 18 121 40 2 — (59%)

Top sites: Porthgwarra — 37, Lizard/Goonhilly — 25, St. Ives — nine, Kenidjack — seven.

GREEN WOODPECKER - Picus viridus

Resident. Breeds. The species was reported from at least 77 localities during 1991. FHCK noted 'reasonably good numbers in the Bude area', but MJR at Towednack and GCJ at Portscatho considered it scarcer this year. Generally, there does appear to have been a reduction in population particularly in peripheral areas such as coastal valleys which were occupied by birds in the 1970's.

Birds were certainly difficult to locate early in the year with only four reports for January and two for February.

Breeding was proven at Shillingham (Lynher Est), Rame Head and Ruan Major and was probable at many other localities.

Numerous reports were received from the Lands End peninsula in autumn with daily sightings from Porthgwarra, Skewjack, Cot, Nanquidno and Kenidjack.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos major

Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. It appears that the population and distribution of this species reached its zenith in the late 1970's and early 1980's after the onslaught of Dutch elm disease. The initial affect of the disease provided an abundant food source which was temporarily exploited but which has subsequently dissipated as trees have decayed and become sterile. Considerably more information was received this year indicating that the species remains widely but thinly distributed throughout the county with records from at least 70 localities. Breeding was proven at (St. Columb Major), Wood (Ladock), St. Just in Roseland, Coldrose Wood (Truro) and Dunmere Woods. Breeding was suspected at Coronation Park, Wadebridge and possible at 26 other sites which held birds during the summer months.

Observations at the Lizard peninsula are never numerous, therefore records from Porthallow, and Lizard are noteworthy.

The small, annual autumn increase was noted with possible migrants at St. Levan, Porthgwarra and Kelynack in October.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor

Scarce resident. Breeding has not been proved in the county since 1980 but undoubtedly

103 occurs unnoticed. Dunmere Woods: pair Jan 19th. MT. Mount Edgecumbe: one in March. DGM. Near Sheviock: two in early April, per CFNHC. Kilminarth Wood, Looe: male May 19th. JHF.

With reports from a total of 52 different sites since 1977, the population of this species may not be quite as desperate as the above records might suggest.

WOODLARK - Lullula arborea

Rare resident and passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. This premier songster was formerly widespread with breeding records from many parts of the county until c.1968. Subsequently there has been a gradual contraction in range with no breeding season records away from the east of the county since 1981. Breeding has been proved only twice in the last twenty or so years — at St. Germans in 1983 and at Treveneage in 1968.

Millbrook: one Jan 20th. DE. Sennen: one Oct 13th. NPA.BG. Gribbin Head: one Oct 14th. DRCh.MJB.CJS. et al. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 15th and 26th. BG.SMC.ABR. Kenidjack: one Oct 15th. ABR. Skewjack: two flew over Oct 20th. JH.DU. Reskajeage: two Oct 21st-24th with one to 27th. DL.MS.JFR.DSF. St. Loy: one Oct 30th. JL.

The best year for migrants since 1967.

Of the 108 migrants reported since 1967, 46 (43%) have been observed at Porthgwarra.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 3 3 2 3 — — — 2 2 63 27 3 (58%)

SKYLARK — Alauda arvensis Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. 200 at Porthleven Jan 20th, 100 at Crafthole Jan 21st and 100 at Menabilley Feb 2nd were the largest flocks reported in the first half of the year.

There was no apparent cold weather movement and no evidence of spring migration. Away from Reskajeage autumn passage was light and this was reflected in the smallest second winter flocks for many years.

Passage commenced with 24 at Trevose Head Sept 21st and ended with one flying west at Marazion Nov 27th. Maximum numbers: Porthgwarra: c.497 flew south between Sept 22nd and Nov 6th with max of 150 Oct 23rd. Marazion: c.370 flew west between Oct 9th and Nov 27th with max of 110 Nov 6th. Trevose Head: 100 Oct 20th, 200 Oct 23rd. Rame Head: 320 Oct 21st. Pentire: 188 flew north Oct 22nd. Reskajeage: 500 Oct 23rd, 1000 Oct 26th and Nov 23rd, but within a day of stubble being ploughed in, the flock dispersed leaving only 60 birds.

SHORE LARK — Eremophila alpestris Vagrant. Godrevy: male Mar 30th-Apr 4th. PAR et al.

104 The bird of the spring for most observers who saw it. • The first since 1985 and only the tenth in all.

MonthlJan y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — 5 — — — — 2 — 3 — — Seven of the ten have occurred on the north coast — the exceptions being one at Falmouth in 1944 and two at Porthgwarra in 1975.

SAND MARTIN — Riparia riparia Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Small numbers roost with Swallows at traditional sites in autumn. There was a well documented 'crash' in population levels nationally from 1968 to 1979. This reduction was related to prolonged drought in the Sahel region of Africa. Subsequently, numbers fluctuated around a very low base, apparently reaching rock-bottom in 1984 and 1985. However, an improvement in Sahel rainfall since 1986 has resulted in a significant upturn in the species' fortunes.

1991 breeding season reports were received from (with comparative data since 1986):

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 Clay Pit 30 30 + 66 + 27 25/30 20/25 Gunwalloe 22 80 80 35 15 5 p — 'many' 8 — — Hawkstor Clay Pit 22 — — — — 15 (Figures represent number ot occupied holes, p = present) The first in spring was one at Hayle Mar 13th and birds were reported from ten other localities before the end of the month. It was a protracted immigration with many not arriving until late May.

Autumn passage commenced with one at Marazion Aug 14th and ended with one at Treveal Oct 21st. Maximum numbers: Marazion: 100 Apr 1st and 13th, 50 May 5th-7th, 300 May 3rd. (The largest single flock in the county since 1982). Loe Pool: 30 Apr 1st. Par: 45 Apr 2nd. 60 at roost Aug 29th increased to 140 Sept 8th. Siblyback Res: 26 Apr 6th. Skewjack: 40 Apr 11th, 30 Jun 5th. St. Erth: 70 Apr 14th. Colliford Res 20 Aug 23rd.

SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms large roosts at traditional sites in autumn. A few remain into December most years and birds occasionally overwinter into the New Year. The first in spring was one at Holywell Bay Mar 23rd, incredibly, the only report for the month. In fact, very few arrived until late April as birds struggled north against adverse winds.

Several large flocks were reported as birds congregated at favoured feeding grounds, but few arrived at breeding sites.

All breeding reports indicated a lean year with few pairs in residence and poor fledging success.

105 Autumn passage commenced with 60 at Rame Head Jul 30th and continued until late November with the last at Gerrans Nov 29th. It proved to be an unexpectedly impressive movement with peak numbers at traditional roosts from late August to mid September. Thousands passed quickly through in October including several flocks on 13th.

Maximum numbers: Marazion: 120 Apr 30th, 200 May 20th. Trevose Head: 450 May 9th. Sennen: 100 May 10th-22nd. Bude: 100 May 11th. St. Austell sewage works: 100 May 16th-27th. Marazion: roost occupied Jul 31st-Sept 21st with max of 2000 Aug 27th. Par: roost occupied Aug lst-Sept 11th with max of 700 Aug 18th, 2000 Aug 25th and 3000 Aug 27th. Tamar Lakes: 2000 Aug 27th increasing to 3000 Sept 2nd-9th. Gwithian: 1400 Aug 29th. Gunwalloe: 2000 Aug 29th. Morvah: 150 Sept 11th. Loe Pool: 500 Oct 3rd. Porthgwarra: 254 flew south Oct 13th. Gerrans: 200 Oct 13th. Predannack: 200 Oct 13th. Lands End: 152 Oct 13th. Nanquidno: 100 Oct 13th. Rame Head: 300+ Oct 13th.

Most unusual was the observation of a pair nesting in a cave at Gull Rock, Nare Head. RDP watched the adults hunting, entering the cave and flying out with faecal sacs.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW - Hirundo daurica

Rare vagrant. Marazion: one Apr 14th. EJC.RJL. The 23rd county mainland record — all but three since 1980.

MonthlJan y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d — — — 4 4 — — — — 9 5 — 1 Top sites: Marazion — five, Gwithian — three, Porthgwarra and Treveal — two.

HOUSE MARTIN - Delichon urbica Summer resident: Breeds. Passage migrant. A few remain into December most years but there are only two instances of overwintering — both in 1975. The first in spring were singles at and Antony Mar 23rd.

Only four more were reported in March and there was not a single report of a double figure flock in April. Like the other hirundines, birds were exceptionally late in arriving with peak counts in the last week of May and early June.

The largest breeding colonies were 50 at Portquin and 14 at (where there was only one in 1990) but most comments received indicated a reduced population. Autumn passage was light with few noted after mid October. c.25 were reported in November, whilst December produced singles at Treveal on 1st, Loe Pool on 8th-10th and Penryn on 11th.

106 Maximum numbers: St. Austell sewage works: 40 May 2nd, 100 May 13th, 200 Jun 9th-11th, 150 Jul 13th-27th. Marazion: 200 May 31st. Polbrock: 200 Jun 9th. Pentewan: 120 Jun 15th, 300 Sept 22nd. St. Minver: 50 Jun 14th, 60 Aug 25th. Trethurgy: 200 Aug 17th. St. Just in Roseland: 50 Sept 2nd. Rame Head: several hundred Sept 21st.

RICHARD'S PIPIT — Anthus novaeseelandiae

Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Annual since 1974. Lands End: one Sept 30th. ICW. Nanquidno: one Oct 16th and 22nd. JFR.MGT. Porthgwarra: one Oct 27th. JFR.

The poorest year since 1981. The county mainland total advances to c.209 — all except nine since 1960. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2 3 7 46 125 20 6 (60%) Top sites: Porthgwarra — 73 (35%), Lizard — 15, Trevose Head — ten.

TAWNY PIPIT — Anthus campestris Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn but occasionally as a spring over-shoot from the south). Annual since 1979. Lands End: one Oct 10th-13th. DJG.BG. et al. Rame Head: one Oct 13th. VRT. Porthgwarra: one Oct 15th. GHH.KBW.

Several other reports were received and considered by the local records committee but were rejected because of lack of conclusive detail.

The county mainland total advances to c.88 — all but three since 1960. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — 4 5 — 3 3 48 23 2 — (55%)

Top sites: Porthgwarra — 36 (41%), Marazion — five, Sennen and St. Just Airfield — four each.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT - Anthus hodgsoni

Rare vagrant. Sennen: one Oct 15th. PHA. The first county mainland record.

TREE PIPIT — Anthus trivialis

Breeds. Summer resident. Passage migrant. In common with national population levels, there has been a definite decrease in the number of birds holding territory or breeding in Cornwall over the last three years.

The main centres of population are found on heaths and in conifer plantations in mid and

107 east Cornwall, particularly Bodmin Moor, Redmoor/Helman Tor/, Goss Moor and Ladock/ areas. There has been no breeding season record west of Truro since 1970 and the species remains scarce or under-recorded north and east of Camelford. This year, in the far east of the county EG counted at least sixteen in song at Gunoak Wood May 22nd and others were noted at Pillaton, Kit Hill (six males Jun 20th), Viverdon Downs and Egloskerry.

On Bodmin Moor numbers have certainly declined despite there being counts of ten males at Halvana Jun 2nd, five males in the Upper Fowey Valley, three pairs at Smallacombe, two pairs at Bearah Tor, five males at Crowdy/Davidstow and one at Hawks Tor.

Only two males were reported from the Redmoor/Helman Tor/Breney Common area. In mid Cornwall there were single males at Goss Moor, Retallack and . The first in spring was one at Goss Moor Apr 12th followed by one at Bulland Down the next day.

A mere nine migrants were reported away from breeding areas. All were singles except two at Lizard Apr 28th. The last was one at Marazion May 28th.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Colliford Aug 16th followed by one at Rame Head Aug 18th and ended with one at Porthgwarra Oct 19th.

A total of c.155 birds were involved with most moving through Aug 31st-Sept 9th and a lighter passage Sept 19th-21st. A total of twelve was reported in October.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Sennen: c.38 birds between Aug 26th and Oct 15th with max of 23 Sept 2nd and eight Sept 8th. Kenidjack: c.50 birds between Aug 27th and Sept 21st with max of 40 Sept 1st (the largest single count for many years). Nanquidno: c.22 between Sept 9th and 20th with max of eight Sept 15th. Trevose Head: two Sept 10th, four Sept 21st.

Three or less per day were reported from another 14 localities.

PECHORA PIPIT - Anthus gustavi

Exceptionally rare vagrant. 1990: The Lands End bird accepted by BBRC.

MEADOW PIPIT — Anthus pratensis

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Winter flocks in excess of 50 are rare but substantial cold-weather movements (as in January 1979 and 1982) are occasionally noted. No change in status was reported.

Small flocks were widespread in the first winter period. Larger parties included 123 at Predannack Jan 13th, 40 at Polbathic Jan 19th and 30 at Marazion Jan 21st. There were no observations of spring migrants.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Sennen Aug 18th followed by twelve at Trevose Head Aug 20th. Apart from 67 at Porthgwarra Sept 3rd passage remained light until Sept 20th.

Movement was most noticeable Oct 6th-15th and mainly in the west of the county. At recognised migration sites passage ceased in early November.

108 Regular reports and maximum numbers: Lands End/Sennen: c.2100 between Aug 18th and Oct 25th with max of 597 Oct 6th and 1080 Oct 12th. Trevose Head: c.277 between Aug 20th and Oct 20th with max of 130 Oct 9th. Marazion: c.534 between Aug 21st and Nov 27th with max of 130 Oct 23rd. Porthgwarra: c.2184 between Sept 3rd and Oct 27th with max of 460 Oct 15th and 450 Oct 23rd. Rame Head: c.980 between Sept 21st and Oct 21st with max of 500 Oct 12th. Late in the year the only parties of note were 100 at Lynher Est Nov 10th and 40 at Gerrans Dec 2nd.

Unusual was one at Dodman Head with a wholly white tail. A. Bailey.

ROCK PIPIT — Anthus petrosus. Resident. Breeds. Well distributed on all suitable coastline. Very rare inland. No change in status reported. Apparently bred in good numbers on both coasts. FHCK described it as well distributed in suitable coastal localities and DIJ located eleven pairs between Trevone and Hawkers Cove; a distance of two miles.

The largest congregations included 15 at Portwrinkle Jan 5th, 16 at Gerrans Bay Oct 9th, 40 at , Dodman Nov 4th (the largest flock in the county since 1982) and 15 at Trevose Head Nov 8th.

There was a small increase in autumn with possible migrants including five flying east at Lands End Oct 10th and two flying east at Nanjizal Oct 11th.

'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit — Anthus petrosus littoralis

Looe: one Mar 26th. Per CFNHC.

The county mainland total advances to 12.

WATER PIPIT — Anthus spinoletta

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Formerly regarded as a sub-species of Rock Pipit, but since 1986 recognised as a full species.

Small numbers are reported annually from traditional sites in winter but migrants occur almost anywhere. The majority are reported between mid October and late March but April records are not uncommon.

Maer Lake: one Jan 1st. IK.CLBo. Hayle Est: one Jan 7th and Feb 21st. DSF. Landulph: one Jan 12th-Feb 19th, two Jan 19th. SMC.NJC. et al. One Nov 17th-Dec 9th. per CFNHC. Colliford Res: one Jan 12th. per CFNHC. Marazion: two Jan 21st with one intermittently to Feb 23rd. DSF.BP. Maenporth: one Jan 22nd-Feb 26th. JMW. Loe Pool: one Feb 2nd. SB. Castle Beach, Falmouth: one from 1990 to Mar 21st. JRMcC.JMW. St. Germans: one Mar 18th. AB.PB. Walmsley Sanctuary: one Mar 22nd. ACH.BCW. Poldhu: one Nov 16th. ARP.

Apart from the exceptional influx of 1990, 14 is about the average of recent years.

YELLOW WAGTAIL — Motacilla flava flavissima Passage migrant. Uncommon in spring but forms roosts in autumn at Marazion Marsh,

109 Par Beach Pool and Loe Pool and occasionally elsewhere. Bred almost annually 1956-65, sporadically prior to that, but not since. A few variants, notably Blue-headed, occur annually. Spring passage commenced with one at Rame Head Mar 29th and proved to be the poorest since 1982 with only 13 migrants reported. A total of four were sighted at Marazion, there was three at Lizard and two each at Rame Head, Hayle Est. and Sennen/Lands End. The last were singles at Marazion and Lands End May 19th.

Autumnm passage was noted from Aug 26th when seven were counted at Gunwalloe. By the end of the month small numbers had been reported at ten other sites.

Passage was regular until Sept 23rd but over lA of the total of c.239 birds was noted Sept lst-8th. Nine birds passed through in October with the last at Nanquidno Oct 30th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Par: c.20 between Aug 27th and Sept 17th with max of ten last date. Sennen: c.27 between Aug 30th and Oct 27th with max of 20 Sept 8th. Porthgwarra: c.48 between Aug 30th and Oct 27th with max of 35 Sept 2nd. Loe Bar: 28 Sept 3rd. Kenidjack: 15 Sept 5th.

Other single day maxima included five at Rame Head and Hayle Estuary Aug 31st, five at Treveal Sept 1st, five at Stithians Res. Sept 3rd, five at Marazion Sept 8th, six at Porthleven Sept 9th, eight at Caerthillian Sept 21st and six at Hayle Sept 23rd.

BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava flava Penzance: male May 10th. JF. Marazion: male May 19th/20th. DSF.RB. Treveal: male Sept 1st. GHT.

GREY WAGTAIL — Motacilla cinerea

Resident and breeds on most suitable streams and rivers in mid, east and north Cornwall. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Very small roosts occasionally reported, usually associated with Pied Wagtail roosts. There were no reports of any change in status.

First winter numbers were low, but birds were widespread. The maxima included three at Helston sewage works Jan 14th, three at Marazion Jan 19th, three at Tregoney Feb 9th and four at Mar 16th. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Marazion Aug 24th but very few were reported until Sept 15th when there was a small influx. A total of c. 150 birds was reported with passage ceasing abruptly Nov 8th.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Marazion: c.14 between Aug 24th and Nov 29th with max of eight Sept 29th. Sennen: c.22 between Aug 26th and Oct 27th with max of eleven Oct 6th. Porthgwarra: c.18 between Sept 15th and Oct 27th with max of six Oct 26th.

Elsewhere there were maxima of six at Treveal Sept 17th, five at Nanquidno the same day and five at Towednack Oct 15th.

As usual second winter records were sparse reflecting a lack of observations as opposed to a lack of birds. Four at St. Austell sewage works was the highest count.

PIED WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba yarrelli Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts, some of which are well established, in autumn and winter. Main roosts appear to be Par Beach Pool, Marazion/Long Rock reedbed, Helston and Copperhouse.

110 Breeding was again poorly reported but no change in status was suspected.

Roosts: Hardy Carpets, Truro: 30 Jan 16th. Penzance Boating Lake: 52 Feb 9th. Par: 30+ Apr 14th, 170 Sept 17th. Marazion: c.200 September, 25 Oct 9th. Gwithian: 172 left roost Oct 10th. Looe: 22 Nov 14th. The only definite spring migrants were four at Trevose Head May 8th.

Autumn passage commenced with 41 at Gerrans Aug 11th and continued to late October. Peak counts included 49 southwest at Lands End Oct 6th, 65 at Porthgwarra Oct 10th, 50 at Rame Head Oct 22nd, 61 at Sennen Oct 24th and 78 at Treen Oct 25th.

The sole gathering of note in the second winter period was 'hundreds' at St. Austell sewage works Nov 23rd and Dec 4th.

WHITE WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba alba

Passage migrant. The nominate race of Pied Wagtail breeding throughout Europe. Spring passage commenced with one at Marazion Mar 8th but there was no more until two at Maer Lake Mar 23rd. A total of c.41 birds was reported with a maximum of ten at Marazion May 1st and the last were two at the same site May 12th.

Autumn passage was noted Aug 20th-Oct 25th. A total of c.468 birds was reported with maxima of 64 at Loe Bar Sept 5th, 35 at Sennen Sept 8th, 195 at Predannack the same day and 50 at Davidstow Sept 30th.

WAXWING - Bombycilla garrulus

An irmptive species which occurs in Cornwall as a very rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Annual since 1985. Garras, Helston: one Feb 11th. YB. St. Just: one Dec 5th-10th. Mrs. Caddy.

The county mainland total advances to c.77. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 7 4 4 1 1 — — — 2 27 28 3 (35%) (36%)

Other reports received lacked sufficient detail.

DIPPER — Cinclus cinclus Scarce resident (mainly mid and east Cornwall). Breeds. Pairs are present on most suitable stretches of the Rivers Camel and Fowey with the nucleus of breeding birds centred on Bodmin. Recent coverage of potential sites in the east of the county has revealed a healthy population on the Rivers Lynher, Neet and Inny.

Despite this apparently optimistic situation there can be little room for complacency — the species remains at risk from vastly increased pollution in our rivers plus loss of, and disturbance at breeding sites. Breeding was successful this year at Clapper Bridge, Tolpetherwin, Draynes Bridge, , , , , Bodmin, Respryn, Pelyn Wood,

111 Carnanton, Idless and near Helston. Breeding was probable at Bridge, River Tiddy and possible at , Pontsmill, , Trewiddle (St. Austell) and . The only record from the far west was one at Lamorna Jul 10th-17th, but other reports away from the recognised range included singles at Sowdens Bridge (Looe) Feb 3rd, Feb 9th, Stratton Mar 28th and Oct 24th.

WREN — Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident. Breeds. Populations may be severely reduced after prolonged cold winters. This was particularly evident and widespread in 1963, but in 1986 and 1987 these decreases were more localised. Despite observations from FHCK and JJ that the species was abundant, there was a general impression that numbers were reduced by the freeze in February.

At St. Keverne ARP found c.40 males in song per 1km2 on farmland during May.

The highest concentration reported during the year was 27 at Porthgwarra Oct 26th. R\FOS.

DUNNOCK — Prunella modularis

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Unlike the preceding species there was no evidence of a diminution in numbers as a result of the cold weather in February. BP reports that it bred in all of the usual places around Marazion, FHCK found good numbers breeding at Bude and ARP located c.25 males in song per 1km2 on farmland at St. Keverne.

An increase in numbers in October probably indicated a light autumn passage. Highest counts derived from Porthgwarra where there was 104 Oct 9th, 50 Oct 19th and 85 Oct 26th. BG.RAFOS.

ROBIN — Erithacus rubecula

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). RL thought that the species was possibly depleted by the cold weather in February, otherwise there was no report of change in status.

At St. Keverne ARP located c.25 males in song per 1km2 on farmland. Autumn passage commenced with two at Sennen Sept 20th and apparently ended with 15 at Polhawn Oct 28th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Sennen: 66 Oct 8th, 31 Oct 12th. Porthgwarra: 51 Oct 9th, 25 Oct 13th, 29 Oct 26th. Rame/Penlee Point: 50 Oct 20th. St. Eval: 20 Oct 20th.

NIGHTINGALE — Luscinia megarhynchos

Rare passage migrant. Although there is a small breeding population in East Devon this species has only once been proved to breed in Cornwall and that was in 1940. In 1978 a male was heard singing for six weeks at a site in West Cornwall and in 1984 a male was heard singing for six days in mid June at a site near Bude. Penlee Point: male in song Jun 9th. SGC.LACT. Trevalga: one Aug 31st. NJC. The county mainland total stands at c.36.

112 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d — — — 5 9 4 — 5 8 2 — — 3 Top site is Porthgwarra/Nanjizal with eight.

BLACK REDSTART — Phoenicurus ochruros

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Bred sporadically in the 1940's and 1950's in the Perranporth area. In 1986 a pair with three well grown young was seen at Perranporth but there was no evidence that they were locally bred. In 1981 a juvenile was seen at Colliford in July and there was much speculation as to its origins. In 1988 a male was at Penhale Jul 26th and in 1977 a male was present at Blackpool China Clay Pit during July. Twenty birds were reported during the first winter period; January to early March. All were singles except two males at Tamar Lake Jan 26th, two at , Port Quin Feb 8th and two at Porthpean Feb 9th-14th.

Apart from the Tamar Lake birds and singles at St. Columb Major and Tehidy all were coastal records. Spring passage commenced with a female at Coverack Mar 30th and ended with a male at Skewjack Apr 28th. It was the lightest spring movement since 1980 with only eight birds reported. In addition to the two already mentioned there was one at Lizard Apr 10th, three at Penlee Point Apr 13th and two at Sennen Apr 18th. Autumn migration commenced with singles at St. Levan and Sennen Oct 10th and ended with one at Cawsand Nov 16th. c.50 birds were reported from 21 sites — the poorest and least widespread passage since 1983. With so few birds in evidence there was no noticeable influx — the highest single day count mustering only seven Oct 26th.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Sennen/Lands End: c.nine birds Oct lOth-Nov 16th with max of four Oct 20th. St. Levan: one Oct lOth/llth, five Oct 26th, one Oct 28th. Porthgwarra: c.five birds Oct llth-Nov 6th with max of two Oct 25th. Towednack: two Oct 12th-15th, two Oct 29th-Nov 1st. Gwithian: three Oct 24th. St. Ives: three Oct 31st. St. Keverne: two Oct 30th, another Nov 4th. No more than one was reported at any other locality. Despite the lack of birds in autumn a total of 19 remained into the second winter period. Most reports involved singles at traditional localities but there was also two each at Lamorna, Penzance, Porthkerris and Luxulyan plus three at Reskajeage.

REDSTART — Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Uncommon summer resident, almost exclusively confined to Bodmin Moor and the broadleaved woodlands around Bodmin. Breeds. Passage migrant. Spring passage commenced with three at Rame Head, two at Lizard and singles at and Towednack — all males on Apr 14th.

After this encouraging start adverse weather brought a virtual halt to any further immigration. Birds started to arrive at breeding sites by May 6th but only four birds were noted on migration — all between May 23rd and May 31st, with the last at Kenidjack. The total of c.18 birds was most disappointing.

Breeding season reports derived from Bearah Tor (four males), (one male), Hawks

113 Tor (one male), Industry, Bastreet (pair bred), Halvana (three males), Trewortha Farm (two pairs bred) Dozmaryhill, Harrowbridge and Smallacombe (one male) on Bodmin Moor. Elsewhere there was a female at Luckett, three males at Boconnoc, two males at Dunmere/Pencarrow and a pair with a nest at Lanhydrock. Autumn passage commenced early with a juvenile at Rame Head Jul 20th, but there was no more until one at Kenidjack Sept 8th. It was a light movement involving c.28 birds, with a higher proportion than normal (66%) in October. The last was one at Porthcurno Oct 25th.

Apart from singles there was a total of five at Rame Head, four at Nanquidno, three each at Towednack, Sennen and Church Cove, Lizard and two each at Kenidjack and Porthgwarra.

The maximum together were three at Sennen Oct 10th and Nanquidno Oct 12th.

'Eastern' Redstart Sennen: a female showing characteristics of the race 'P.p. samanisicus' Oct 12th/13th. AMH.GCS.SJC. et al. The first Cornish record of this race which breeds in South Russia and through Asia Minor to Iran.

There are three previous British records — all males, including one at Southwold, Suffolk on 29th September 1991.

WHINCHAT - Saxicola rubetra Uncommon summer resident. Breeds exclusively on Bodmin Moor. Passage migrant. There has been a significant decrease in the breeding population of this species on Bodmin Moor since 180 pairs were located there in 1984. Whilst there has been no serious attempt to census the Moor during this time, the disappearance of pairs from peripheral (and accessible) sites has been patently obvious.

Spring passage commenced with a female at Lizard Apr 27th and ended with one at Predannack Jun 2nd. c.33 birds were reported — all singles except two at Penlee Point May 3rd-5th, 17 at Whitsand Bay May 8th, four at Caerthillian the same day and two at Trevose Head May 9th. 26 (79%) of the total arrived May 8th/9th.

Breeding was reported from Colliford, Hawks Tor and Wimalford on Bodmin Moor. Pairs were also present at Bastreet and Kilmar Tor and a male was noted at Hawkstor Clay Pit.

Autumn passage commenced with two at Crowdy Res. Aug 20th and ended with one at Lanivet Nov 11th. c. 176 birds were reported, 92 (52%) of which moved through Sept lst-9th. Only thirteen were reported in October.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Crowdy Res: c.19 between Aug 20th and Sept 21st with max of 13 Sept 6th. Sennen/Lands End: c.39 between Aug 26th and Oct 16th with max of 32 Sept 1st and six Oct 12th. Marazion: c.eleven between Aug 28th and Sept 28th with max of five Sept 9th and 18th. Rame Head: c.13 between Aug 31st and Oct 6th with max of seven Sept 21st. Colliford Res: seven Sept 1st. Trevose Head: c.eleven between Sept 1st and 18th with max of seven Sept 10th. Mullion: six Sept 7th. Porthgwarra: six Sept 8th. Nanquidno: five Sept 11th.

114 STONECHAT — Saxicola torquata

Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Suffers severe losses in prolonged cold weather. Generally, another good year, although DAC found few pairs on Bodmin Moor and LAS.FMS considered numbers down in the Fowey/Par district. Breeding pairs were noted throughout the county including many inland. The most heavily populated areas included Rame Head (four pairs), Gribbin Head (four pairs), Porthleven — Gunwalloe (four pairs) and Crugmeer — Padstow (six pairs).

There was the usual increase in autumn indicating a light migration. The maxima included 12 at Trevose Head Aug 20th, 40 at Cot Sept 13th, eight at Holmans Moors Sept 24th, 15 at Trevalga Oct 9th, nine at Sennen Oct 9th-11th and ten at Boswednack Oct 10th.

Of particular interest was a very brightly coloured male at Kit Hill Jun 16th-20th which showed characteristics of 'S. t. rubicola' which is resident throughout mainland western and southern Europe. RS.SMC.

'Siberian' Stonechat Birds showing characteristics of one or other of the eastern races 'S. t. stejnegeri/maura were reported as follows: Sennen: female Oct 10th-15th. SMC.MB. et al. Lizard: immature Oct 15th. ARP. Kenidjack: male Nov 15th-23rd. JFR. et al.

These formed part of an unprecedented influx which involved at least thirty birds, mainly to the east coast of the U.K. during late September and October.

The county mainland total is doubled to six — all since 1982. All have arrived between Oct 1st and Nov 15th.

NORTHERN WHEATEAR - Oenanthe oenanthe Summer resident. Breeds, mainly on Bodmin Moor but single pairs breed almost anywhere along the north coast and on the Lizard peninsula. South coast and other inland sites are seldom exploited. Passage migrant. The first in spring was a male at Hayle Feb 27th (the earliest arrival ever and possibly a bird which had overwintered in France or Iberia). EGG.GGG. Other early arrivals included singles at Duckpool Mar 2nd, Marazion Mar 3rd, Pentire Mar 4th and Predannack Mar 5th. The first noticeable influx occurred Mar 17th when 14 birds were present. A trickle of incoming birds continued to the end of the month but owing to adverse winds during April, numbers were well down on the norm. Passage picked up again in May and the overall total of c.431 birds, although down on 1990, was above the recent spring average.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Marazion: c.19 between Mar 3rd and May 23rd with max of seven May 22nd. Par: c.15 between Mar 14th and Apr 11th with max of seven last date. Trevose Head: c.81 between Mar 17th and Jun 2nd with max of 20 Apr 16th and 28 May 9th. Mullion: c.17 between Mar 21st and Jun 2nd with max of eight first date. Rame Head: c.32 between Mar 28th and May 9th with max of 14 May 5th. Lizard: c.37 between Mar 29th and May 11th with max of 20 first date. Porthgwarra: c.35 between Apr 13th and May 26th with max of 12 first date. Lands End: c.15 between Apr 15th and May 22nd with max of seven last date.

Other single day maxima included nine at Pentire Mar 27th, ten at St. Loy May 5th, eleven at Kenidjack May 9th and 12 at Tregathenan Res. May 26th. Breeding was poorly documented. On Bodmin Moor breeding was proven at Bastreet (two pairs), St. Bellarmins Tor, Cardinham, Temple, Hawkstor Clay Pit (eight pairs), Colliford (two pairs) and Hawks Tor (three pairs).

115 On the north coast pairs were successful at Pentire and Compass Point, Bude. There were no reports from farther south or west. Autumn passage apparently commenced with singles at Sennen and Godrevy Aug 7th and ended with one at Marazion Nov 23rd. A total of c.338 birds was reported, which apart from 1989, is about the average of recent years. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Rame Head: c.40 between Aug 8th and Oct 30th with max of 24 Aug 19th. Sennen/Lands End: c.64 between Aug 18th and Nov 14th with max of 38 Sept 7th and 19 Oct 12th. Trevose Head: c.23 between Aug 20th and Oct 26th with max of eleven first date. Lizard: c.30 between Aug 25th and Oct 15th with max of 17 last date. Predannack: c.39 between Aug 26th and Oct 18th with max of 13 first date. Porthgwarra: c.21 between Sept 8th and Nov 3rd with max of 13 Oct 11th- 15th. Cot: ten Sept 12th.

'Greenland' Wheatear — Oenanthe oenanthe leuccorhoa Small numbers of this large distinctive race are recorded annually in Cornwall.

Towednack: one May 17th. MJR.

PIED WHEATEAR — Oenanthe pleschanka

Exceptionally rare vagrant.

Penare, Dodman: adult male in winter plumage Nov lst-5th. DJ.SMC.JH. et al. The first for Cornwall. Accepted by BBRC.

RING OUZEL — Turdus torquatus

Scarce passage migrant. Has overwintered. Breeding was last suspected in 1976 and last proved in 1970. In spring there was two at Cot Apr 2nd and one at Penlee Point Apr 14th — the poorest spring passage since 1982.

Autumn passage was unprecedented with a total of c. 133 birds reported from 21 localities. Porthgwarra: one Sept 10th and c.16 in October with max of 12 Oct 13th. Holmans Moors: four Sept 17th, one Oct 30th. Towednack: two Sept 17th, singles Oct 2nd and 13th, 15 Oct 15th. Nanquidno: singles Sept 26th, Oct 15th and 22nd, two Oct 26th with one to 28th St. Keverne: one Oct 1st, seven Oct 14th, three Oct 28th. Pendeen: four Oct 3 rd. Caerthillian: one Oct 11th. Lands End/Sennen: c.20 between Oct 11th and 27th with max of 12 Oct 13th. Cot: c.ten between Oct 12th and 24th with max of five Oct 13th. Kelynack: seven Oct 13th. Soap Cove: Kynance: eight Oct 13th, three Oct 14th and 26th. Rame Head: three Oct 13th, one Oct 19th, two Oct 21st/22nd. Loe Pool: two Oct 14th, one Oct 27th. Marazion: one Oct 15th. Treveal: two Oct 15th, seven Oct 19th, one Oct 21st. Skewjack: three Oct 15th. Kenidjack: two Oct 17th, one Oct 25th. Penberth: two Oct 18th. : two Nov 10th.

116 Mullion: one Dec 9th into 1992. HCP.ARP. The highest single day total was c.46 Oct 13th; more than many previous year totals. The Mullion bird is the third to overwinter — previous records in 1968/9 and 1986/7.

Pied Wheatear Steve Bird

BLACKBIRD — Turdus merula

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn but also in winter as a result of cold weather). Forms roosts in winter but these are rarely reported. Small numbers of 'pied' birds are reported annually. Few records were received for the first half of the year but no change in status was reported.

Although hundreds were seen in the St. Columb Major area Feb 2nd/3rd there was no other evidence of birds displaced by the freeze. Autumn passage commenced with 17 at Trevose Head Aug 20th but these were probably local migrants because there was no other evidence until two were at the same site Oct 2nd. Regular passage was noted Oct 9th-Nov 10th with max as follows: Porthgwarra: 36 Oct 16th, 60 Oct 19th, 45 Oct 22nd, 35 Oct 26th. Kenidjack: 32 Oct 24th.

117 Sennen: 30 Oct 23rd. Nanquidno: 70 Oct 24th. Boswednack: 50 Oct 28th, Camel Est: 60 Oct 29th.

FIELDFARE — Turdus pilaris Winter visitor. Passage migrant with peak numbers normally in mid November at the height of autumn migration and in mid winter as a result of cold weather. Forms roosts in winter. A single bird summered in the Upper Fowey Valley/Smallacombe area in 1987. With only small parties present in December 1990, numbers were predictably low in the New Year. This situation changed rapidly late in January and early in February as tens, if not hundreds of thousands of birds were forced south and west as snow and ice enveloped feeding grounds to the north and east.

A massive movement took place Feb 7th-10th with numerous birds seeking refuge in gardens. The affect of the cold was so severe that most birds moved on after a brief sojourn — presumably to the south west coast of Europe or to Ireland. Few remained in March and there were reports of only three in April; one at St. Eval Apr 8th and two at Goss Moor Apr 10th.

Maximum numbers: Siblyback Res: 500 Jan 14th-19th. Colliford: 300 Jan 23rd. Holmbush, St. Austell: 12000 (five hours) Feb 7th, 8000 (five hours) Feb 8th, 1000 (two hours) Feb 9th, 1000 (one hour) Feb 10th — all flying west. St. Columb Major: hundreds everywhere Feb 7th. Tregantle: heavy movement Feb 7th-10th. On the first date 100000+ thrushes were along the coast of Whitsand Bay. 1000's were on fields and 1550 per hour were flying west. 70% of these were Fieldfare. Marazion: 400 Feb 8th. Porth Mear: 250 Feb 9th. Fowey: 600 Feb 17th. Halvana: 300 Mar 9th. Autumn passage commenced with one at Cam Grey, St. Austell Oct 2nd followed by five at Oct 10th.

It was an exceptionally light passage with only 111 birds reported for the whole of October. There was little improvement in November with peak counts of 200 at Loe Bar Nov 5th, 120 west at St. Columb Nov 10th, 150 at Marazion the same day, 170 at Davidstow Nov 23rd and 500 at Tregonetha Nov 25th.

At the end of the year with mild conditins prevailing there were only three flocks of consequence; 200 each at Colliford, Bastreet and Tregonetha.

SONG THRUSH — Turdus philomelos

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. This species appears to have declined locally over the last ten years. Hundreds were present in the St. Columb Major area Feb 2nd/3rd but there was no feedback from other areas at this time.

Very little breeding season information was received but ARP in his survey of farmland at St. Keverne found it scarce with probably less than four males on territory per 1km2. Autumn passage commenced with one at Treveal Sept 19th but few were reported until the third week of October. Once again there was a welcome increase in the volume of records submitted. Maximum numbers included:

118 Porthgwarra: c.114 between Oct 6th and 27th with max of 53 Oct 23rd. Marazion: 20 Oct 23rd. Kenidjack: 22 Oct 24th. Camel Est: 25 Oct 29th. Gerrans: 50 Nov 18th, 35 Nov 22nd.

Redwing Paul Semmens

REDWING — Turdus iliacus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Peak numbers occur in mid winter as a result of birds being displaced by severe weather and in mid November at the height of the autumn migration. Habitually forms large roosts but these are poorly documented. Small parties overwintered from 1990, the most notable being 100 at Jan 2nd and 150 at St. Johns Lake Jan 10th.

However, associated with the mass movement of Fieldfare there was a parallel increase in the number of Redwing arriving in the county. Like Fieldfare, many visited gardens and spent several days foraging for food, but most moved rapidly on to seek warmer climes. Few remained into March, but there were late birds at Kynance Apr 9th and Gwithian May 10th.

Maximum numbers: Treskilling: 200 Feb 1st. Tregonetha: 350 Feb 3rd. Saltash: 'hundreds, if not thousands' Feb 7th. Holmbush: 5000 (five hours) Feb 7th, 1000 (five hours) Feb 8th, 1000 (two hours) Feb 9th, 1000 (two hours) Feb 10th. Mullion: 'many flew south and thousands in village' Feb 7th. St. Columb Major: 'hundreds everywhere' Feb 7th-10th. Penzance: 1000 Feb 7th, 2000 Feb 17th. Camel Est: 1000's moving west Feb 9th-13th. Rame Head: 'very large flocks' Feb 9th. Falmouth: 1000's Feb 10th.

119 Fowey: 400 Feb 17th. Sennen: 200 Feb 17th. Many road casualties were reported as birds attempted to eke out an existence on roadside slush and verges.

Autumn passage commenced with two at Porthgwarra and singles at Sennen and Cot Oct 10th.

Although numbers remained low throughout October and early November, it was nevertheless, a more pronounced movement than Fieldfare. Maximum numbers included 200 at Treveal Oct 19th, 150 at Camel Est. Oct 25th with 450 there Nov 11th, 400 at Loe Pool Nov 5th, 450 at Par Nov 6th, 450 west at St. Columb Nov 10th and 200 at Lynher Est the same day.

Late in the year there were 200 at Tregonetha Nov 25th, 200 at Sancreed Dec 30th and 100 at Gerrans and Bastreet.

MISTLE THRUSH — Turdus viscivorus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Like Song Thrush a species which appears to have decreased quite markedly in the county over the last decade. Following a period of increase in the 1970's, signs of localised decreases were first reported in 1983, but subsequently steady declines have been noted in many parts of Cornwall. Although the Mistle Thrush is never particularly evident as a cold weather migrant to the county, the reduced population may well be associated with the series of severe winters in the mid 1980's. Four at St. Minver Feb 7th and six at Penryn the same day were the only evidence of immigration in the first winter period. Pairs were reported breeding from several localities in the east and centre of the county but only at Loe Pool in the west.

Post-breeding flocks were the largest for many years and included ten at Crowdy Jul 16th, 36 flying east at Cooksland, Bodmin Aug 10th, seven at St. Austell Aug 24th and ten at Trevaylor, Penzance Sept 15th.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with five at , Penzance Sept 27th and continued to Nov 11th when two flew west at Penzance. c.109 birds were reported with most moving through Oct 19th-27th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Porthgwarra: c.36 between Oct 13th and 22nd with max of 22 Oct 19th. Rame Head: six Oct 20th, two Oct 21st. Loe Pool: six Oct 26th. Landulph: ten Oct 27th. Ponsandane, Penzance: 15 Oct 27th. Marazion: five Nov 5th, three Nov 6th — all west.

Seven at Wadebridge Dec 28th was the only party of note in the second winter period.

CETTI'S WARBLER - Cettia cetti Scarce resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant. This recent colonist was first noted in the U.K. in 1961 but did not reach Cornwall until 1973. Colonisation was initially slow but by 1978 birds were reported from six localities and included the first proof of breeding in the county; at Marazion. Subsequently, breeding has been proved here in most years and was probable in others. Until 1990 the only other site where breeding had been confirmed was at in 1981 and 1982 but sadly

120 the site has been destroyed, although occasional reports from Phillack may indicate a remnant population. These successes of the early 1980's probably account for the continued increase and dispersal throughout the county, although some immigration may also have occurred. By 1984 birds were noted at eleven localities and in 1985, despite a reversal in the number of sites, at least 36 birds were located and there was a speculative estimate of 100 birds at Marazion Marsh alone. More recently, severe winter weather caused a reduction of numbers in many parts of the U.K. including a virtual wipe-out in the species former stronghold, Kent.

The Cornish population was apparently halved from 1985 to 1986 and was again reduced in 1987, but there has been a slight improvement annually since. Marazion/Long Rock: noted throughout the year with a maximum of seven males in song May 23rd. Bred. DSF.BP. et al. Par: one male noted throughout the year. Two males Mar 14th-Jul 6th at least, and three males Apr 30th-May 3rd. Bred. Female ringed Sept 1st. SMC.EMC.BTSC.DAC.DJ. et al. Swanpool: male Mar 29th. SMC. Gunwalloe: three males Mar 29th-May 5th, four males May 12th, six males May 14th. Two Oct 19th. JH.ARP.RB.JSG. et al. St. Erth: male Apr 14th. JFR. Kennack Sands: male May 18th. JMW. St. Enodoc Golf Course: male Jun 24th. DLJ. Loe Pool: male Oct 3rd and Nov 30th. CLBo.IK.DJR.GRW.MW. Site fidelity since the first in 1972 reveals that birds have been noted at Marazion in 16 years, Calstock — ten, Gunwalloe — nine, Skewjack and Bude — seven, Par — six and Poldhu, Porthgwarra and Loe Pool — five.

30 other localities have played host to the species on four occasions or less. The Kennack Sands bird was a 'site first'.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia.

Summer resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant (mainly spring). Spring passage commenced with one at Goss Moor Apr 13th followed by one at Trevose Head Apr 16th.

Due to adverse winds birds were slow to arrive with a mere 17 reported before the end of April. Another 45 arrived in May, 29 (64%) of which were first noticed May 4th-9th. Predictably, most reports concerned one or two individuals but there was also a total of four at Trevose Head between Apr 16th and May 10th, three at Crugmeer May 4th, five at Lizard May 5th, three in the Upper Fowey Valley May 9th and three at Landulph May 15th-18th.

As usual there was a lack of breeding season information but MS observed that a good number of sites were occupied in the Penwith district.

Autumn passage consisted of singles at Rame Head Sept 20th, Predannack Oct 2nd and Lands End Oct 13th.

AQUATIC WARBLER — Acrocephalus paludicola Rare passage migrant (autumn).

For a summary of Cornish records see 'Birds in Cornwall 1988' pages 132-134.

Gunwalloe: adult Aug 13th/14th, juvenile Aug 29th. ARP. Marazion/Long Rock: noted Aug 14th-Oct 13th. DSF has analysed the complex series of sightings and has concluded that twenty birds were involved, seven in August, eleven in September and two in October. The maximum was five Sept 1st and none was seen Sept 19th-Oct 8th. DSF.BP. et al. 121 Stithians Res: one Sept 8th. JAJ.JEM. St. Bury an: one Sept 8th. PJH. The total of 24 birds is the second highest ever — beaten only by 37 in 1976. The county mainland total advances to c.201. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 111 76 13 — — 1 (55%) (38%) Top sites: Marazion/Long Rock — 144 (72%), Stithians Res. — 25 and Gunwalloe — nine.

SEDGE WARBLER — Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Summer visitor. Breeds. Passage migrant. Nationally this species has declined quite dramatically over the last ten years reaching a very low population level in 1985. This has been reflected in observer's comments in Cornwall, although there has been a slight recent improvement. The decline may be attributable to a number of factors including the loss of breeding habitat, prolonged drought in the wintering quarters in the Sahel region of Africa and more recently exacerbated by inclement early summer weather resulting in poor breeding success. Following a slight improvement in 1990 there was a definite reversal again this year with very few breeding season records and precious little indication of success. Three males held territory at Colliford and several pairs frequented a small reedbed at Treyarnon Bay but elsewhere there were only one or two pairs.

Spring passage commenced with one at Marazion Apr 7th but there was no more until one at Par Apr 18th. It was a dismal passage with very few noted away from breeding areas. The maximum included seven at Marazion and seven at Skewjack Apr 26th, ten at Lower Tamar Lake May 10th, five males at Bude Canal May 12th, eight males at Gunwalloe and five at Lizard May 14th and six at Kenidjack May 27th.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at St. Eval Aug 3rd and ended with one at Cot Oct 15th. As in the previous two years it was a poor passage.

At Marazion, birds were noted until Oct 4th with max of 22 Aug 16th and 14 Aug 24th, but no more than five per day in September and only four in October. At Par a meagre total of 19 birds was noted Aug 23rd-Sept 30th.

Elsewhere there was four at Goss Moor Aug 4th, five at Sennen Sept 7th and 20 at Upper Tamar Res. Aug 21st-26th, but no more than three at any other locality.

MARSH WARBLER — Acrocephalus palustris Vagrant. Now a very rare breeding species in the U.K. , St. Levan: one frequented rough ground on the edge of the cricket field Oct 22nd-28th. JMW.JRMcC.GCS. et al.

The sixth county mainland record. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1 1 4

122 REED WARBLER — Acrocephalus scirpaceus Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. This species was formerly a very rare visitor to Cornwall — so much so that one at the Camel Estuary on 1st September 1951 was considered sufficiently unusual to be included in the Introduction to that year's Report! The species bred only sporadically, but has subsequently colonised most, if not all, of the county's Phragmites reedbeds. The first in spring was one at Gunwalloe Apr 16th but there was then a lull until one arrived at Par Apr 23rd. Like so many other migrants these spring birds were slow to arrive with few noted before late May. Away from breeding sites the only migrant was at Penlee Point Jun 9th. Breeding season reports were received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1986-90): (B = Bred. Figures represent number of pairs/singing males, p = present, numbers/success not known).

1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 Harlyn Bay 3 P — — 7 — Mawgan Porth 1 — — 1 — — Bolingey 3 11 — — 7 — Marazion/Long Rock 6 B B P P P Loe Pool 2 B — — — 23 Gunwalloe 5 — B — P P Poldhu 4 B — — Lawmans Pools 2 — — — — — Swanpool 7 B — 5 — 7 Tresillian 2 B — — — — St. Just in Roseland 1 (The first here since 1974 LSP.EMP). Par Beach Pool 5 B P P 6 6 St. Andrews, Par 1 — — — Pentewan 1 — — — — — Tamar Est reedbeds 16 P P P 7 7 Autumn passage was extremely light throughout August and September but c. 12 were noted in October.

At Marazion the maximum was 16 Sept 1st but there was no more than six on any other day whilst at Par there was seven Aug 18th and ten Aug 29th but few thereafter. Three were at Salter Creek, Tamar Est. Sept 11th and at Sennen Oct 8th. A total of four were seen at Skewjack. Late birds included singles at Lands End Oct 22nd, Marazion Oct 24th, Porthgwarra Oct 25th and Rame Head Oct 28th.

ICTERINE WARBLER — Hippolais icterina

Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Marazion: one Aug 25th-Sept 1st. DSF. et al. Nanjizal: one Oct 15th. JH.BJS. et al.

The county mainland total stands at c.41 — all but one since 1966.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 13 23 5 (32%) (56%) Top sites: Porthgwarra — 17, Lizard — five, Marazion and Nanquidno — three.

123 MELODIOUS WARBLER - Hippolais polyglotta

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Treveal: one Sept 10th. JEM. Nanquidno: singles Sept 15th-17th and Oct 3rd-12th. JH.GJC.DSF.SMC. et al. Kenidjack: one Sept 26th. RJH.

The county mainland total stands at c.87 — all but one since 1966.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — — 3 — 1 30 38 14 1 — (34%) (44%)

Top sites: Porthgwarra — 39 (45%), Nanquidno — 12, Cot — six, Lizard and Kenidjack — four each. 'Hippolais' warbler species

Cooksland, Bodmin: one, (either Melodious or Icterine Warbler) Sept 1st. GJC.

DARTFORD WARBLER - Sylvia undata Status volatile. Rare resident. Occasionally breeds. Rare passage migrant. Birds have been present in the county during the breeding season in every year since 1980, in which year the species bred here for the first time since 1940. Breeding was proven on the south-east coast of the county each year to 1985 but there has been a subsequent decline with no records from the area in 1991. Breeding was also proven at Lizard in the early 1980's but this population too, has dissipated. Other isolated successes have been reported but the species appears unable to establish itself. In 1990 a pair bred at Kit Hill and this was repeated in 1991.

Kit Hill: a pair reared two broods. HRMR.SMC.RS. et al.

ORPHEAN WARBLER - Sylvia hortensis Exceptionally rare vagrant. Saltash: male May 20th-22nd. EG.

The second for mainland Cornwall.

BARRED WARBLER - Sylvia nisoria Rare passage migrant (autumn). Kelynack: one Oct 15th. OM.BFF.CRJ.MFJ. et al.

The county mainland total stands at c.30 — all west of St. Ives/Penzance.

1V1U1IU1 NUUVVU, MonthlJan v Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n d 2 13 13 1 — 1 Top sites: Porthgwarra — 20 (67%), St. Just valleys — six.

LESSER WHITETHROAT - Sylvia curruca Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant (mainly spring). Formerly a very rare summer visitor and passage migrant with only three instances of proven breeding prior to 1977, in which year a pair nested at Saltash. Throughout the 1980's the number of reports increased and the species could be looked for with confidence in several areas. However there was a slight reversal in 1990 followed by a pronounced reduction this year.

Breeding was not proven anywhere, although pairs/singing males were present at several

124 localities during the summer months and three at Wadebridge Aug 18th may have bred locally. Spring passage commenced with males singing at Landulph, Rame Head and Ruan Minor May 5th. Males were also located at Lizard, Penlee Point, St. Keverne, Treveal and Kenidjack before the end of the month, whilst two were heard at Loe Pool May 25th and up to three were at Gunwalloe the same day.

Systemmatic checking of recent traditional sites between Perranporth and Port Isaac during May and early June failed to locate a single bird until one was heard at Gannel Est. June 6th. It was not heard again and there was only one other report from the north coast; a male at Porth Joke Jun 30th. Additional records for June originated from St. Breward, Lynher Est., Luxulyan and Portnadler — all singles, plus a pair at Par Jul 6th. Autumn passage consisted of eleven birds. At Kinidjack there was one Aug 29th, three on 31st and one to Sept 6th. Porthgwarra attracted one Sept 11th and another Sept 30th. Singles were also reported from Bodmin, Rame Head, Nanquidno and Coverack with the last at Porthcurno Oct 15th.

COMMON WHITETHROAT — Sylvia communis

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Formerly more common, this species has never fully recovered from the population crash of the late 1960's and numbers now fluctuate annually around a comparatively low base. The first arrivals were singles at Rame Head Apr 14th and Skewjack Apr 17th, but there were only nine more before the end of that month and numbers remained low throughout May. Most arrived late and DU., RL.,LSP., EMP. and FHCK. all considered the species scarce or less numerous in the breeding season.

Conversely, GCJ 'found the usual numbers in the Gerrans coastal area' and SL stated that 'there seemed to be a lot everywhere on the coast in the west'. MJR reported 'no shortage at Towednack' and ARP counted 30 singing males on 3km of farmland and coastal scrub at St. Keverne.

Peak counts in spring included six at Lizard May 14th, six at Treveal the same day, six at Crantock May 23rd, ten at Port Quin May 24th-27th, five at Trebarfoote May 26th, four at Trevose Head May 28th-Jun 2nd, four at Marazion Jun 1st and seven at Duckpool Jun 16th. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Sennen Aug 14th and ended with one at Porthgwarra Oct 22nd (the latest since 1979). c.162 birds were reported — the most for at least 15 years, but this total is distorted by the huge 'fall' at Kenidjack Aug 31st. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Sennen: c.17 between Aug 14th and Sept 17th with max of 12 Sept 7th. Cot: noted Aug 28th to Oct 2nd with max of five Sept 8th. Kenidjack: 100 Aug 31st ARB (the largest autumn concentration since 1967). Porthgwarra: c.13 between Sept 7th and Oct 22nd with max of ten Sept 8th. Treveal: four Sept 10th, two Sept 19th. Nanquidno: four Sept 11th, three Sept 17th with one to 21st. Lizard: four Sept 15th. One or two were reported from another eleven sites.

GARDEN WARBLER - Sylvia borin

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant.

125 Well distributed in suitable habitat east of Truro. There are also now regular reports from areas in the west of the county, notably around Camborne, Falmouth, Helston and the Lands End peninsula, where it was previously much less obvious. The first in spring at Tregadillett Apr 26th — the only report for that month. Three arrived May 6th and six more before mid-month but it was a dreadful spring passage and undoubtedly the worst breeding season for years.

Three males were singing at Helston May 1st, four were in the Upper Fowey Valley May 19th, EG counted twenty males singing in Gunoak Wood May 23rd and four males were heard at Trendeal Wood, Ladock May 23rd. No other site held more than two birds.

Autumn passage commenced with two at Crowdy Res. Aug 24th and ended with one at Porthgwarra Oct 22nd. A total of c.30 birds was involved with regular reports and maximum numbers at: Kenidjack: five Aug 31st, three Sept 11th and singles Sept 13th and 26th. Treveal: three Sept 8th. Nanquidno: noted Sept 14th-Oct 15th with max of three Sept 15th. Cot: three Sept 15th.

BLACKCAP — Sylvia atricapilla Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. A few overwinter. 58 birds had been reported in December 1990 and the same number was present in the first winter period this year. Obviously some new birds were involved and there was re­ distribution of others but records were received from a total of thirty localities.

Apart from singles there was three at Carlyon Bay Jan 13th and up to 15 (Jan 25th/26th) at Quarry Car Park, Falmouth. Two birds were at each of the following; , Saltash, Looe, Fowey, Holmbush, St. Austell sewage works, Portholland, Gerrans, Swanpool and Newquay. Spring passage apparently commenced with two at Looe Mar 17th but there was only seven more before the end of the month. It proved to be an abysmal passage with no single day count of over ten birds. Maximum counts included six at Dunmere Apr 17th. five at Mevagissey Apr 19th, seven at Tamar Lake May 7th, six at Breney Common May 21st and four at Polbrock Jun 9th.

RL observed that the species bred extensively in south coast wooded valleys and ARP plotted 25 singing males along 4km of wooded valleys at St. Keverne. CLB found fewer at Penryn and there was a paucity of information from other areas. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Poldhu Aug 31st followed by seven at Rame Head the next day. c.183 birds were involved in this movement which continued into mid November.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Rame Head/Penlee Point: c. 19 between Sept 1st and Nov 3rd with max of seven first date. Cot: c.20 between Sept 8th and Nov 10th with max of eight Oct 13th. Treveal: c.26 between Sept 8th and Oct 21st with max of 20 Sept 8th. Porthgwarra: c.27 between Sept 27th and Oct 27th with max of 15 Oct 22nd. Kelynack: c.12 between Oct 8th and Nov 16th with max of five last date. After the excesses of winter 1990/1, numbers this winter were reduced, c.24 birds were reported in December including two each at , and Salrash and five at Downderry.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Very rare winter visitor.

126 Kelynack: one Oct 8th, two Oct 9th JFR. et al. Nanjizal: one Oct 8th. EAF. , St. Just: two Oct 13th, one Oct 15th. JFR. et al. Lands End: one Oct 13th. PHA. Porthgwarra: one Oct 14th-Nov 2nd. JFR.JY. et al. Loe Pool: one Oct 15th. SB. Skewjack: one Oct 20th. EAF. Nanquidno: one Oct 22nd-26th. JH et al. St. Levan: one Oct 24th. GCS. Polgigga: one Oct 24th. GCS. Treen: one Oct 25th. AMH.GCS. With all but one in the far west of Penwith district there may be some duplication of birds wandering from site to site.

The county mainland total stands at c.182.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2 11 160 6 3 (88%)

Top sites: Porthgwarra — 35, Cot/Kelynack — 27, Nanquidno — 21, Lizard — 13, St. Levan — nine, Kenidjack — eight. Several other reports were received but lacked sufficient detail.

BONELLI'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus bonellii Very rare vagrant. 1990

The Porthgwarra bird has been accepted by BBRC.

WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix Uncommon summer resident. Occasionally breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Most breeding season records derive from the broadleaved woodlands around Bodmin and the valleys of the Rivers Fowey, Camel, Lynher and Tamar. The number of singing males per annum fluctuates and site fidelity from year to year is not assured. None was reported in spring away from potential breeding habitat. Breeding season records were received from a wide area of north and east Cornwall but there was no indication of success or otherwise. Six in autumn was the most since 1986. Luxulyan: male May 2nd. BA. Bag Mill Wood, Sheviock: male May 4th. EJW. Luckett: male May 6th and 23rd. LACT.EG. St. Nectans Glen, Bossiney: male May 9th. TJD. Golitha Falls: male May llth-Jun 16th, another May 18th. DAC.GJC.SCM. et al. Hornifast Wood, Halton Quay: male May 19th. EG. Trebartha: male May 24th. GJC. Dunmere: male May 25th-Jun 15th. GJC.SMC. Halvana: male Jun 2nd-16th. RS.SMC. Polhawn, Rame Head: one Aug 31st. DRC. Kenidjack: one Sept 2nd. ARB.RJH. Lands End: one Sept 7th-11th. DSF. et al. Gribbin Head: two Sept 10th. GJC. Cot: one Sept 12th-18th. RAJ. et al.

127 CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus collybita Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Small numbers overwinter. A record number of birds had been reported in December 1990 and there was an increase in January this year with at least 149 individuals reported.

It became apparent however that most either succumbed during the freeze or were forced out of the county because less than thirty remained after the first week of February. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Marazion: 20 from 1990 increased to 33 Jan 21st but only seven remained Jan 28th and three Feb 10th. St. Austell sewage works: 30 from 1990 increased to 40 Jan 9th-11th but only one in February. Helston sewage works: 32 from 1990 increased to 45 in January but only 15 in February. St. Columb Major sewage works: five Jan 20th. Spring passage apparently commenced with one at Pentire Mar 8th followed by singles at Cape Cornwall and Rushyford Gate, Bodmin Moor Mar 13th. Parallel with many other summer visitors it was a poor arrival. Birds had been observed at 25 localities before the end of March but only 13 extra sites hosted the species in April. The maximum included ten at St. Blazey Mar 18th, 17 at Gribbin Head Mar 28th and ten at Luxulyan the same day, ten at Caerthillian and Soap Cove Apr 13th, ten at Lizard Church Cove Apr 14th, 12 at Sennen Apr 16th and 15 at Porthguarnon the same day and 30 at Redmoor Apr 28th.

There was a paucity of breeding season information but the general impression was that the species was considerably scarcer than normal.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Sennen Aug 25th and continued to early November.

Small influxes were noted Sept 19th-21st and Oct 8th-15th but few were reported after Oct 26th.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Sennen/Lands End: c.25 between Aug 25th and Oct 26th with max of 14 Oct 15th. Porthgwarra: c.85 between Sept 9th and Nov 1st with max of 47 Oct 11th. Nanquidno: c.48 between Sept 8th and Oct 30th with max of 15 Sept 19th. Cot: c.33 between Sept 8th and Oct 28th with max of ten Sept 8th, Sept 29th and Oci 18th. Lizard Church Cove: c.20 between Sept 11th and Oct 15th with max of 12 Oct 13th/14th. Skewjack: c.20 between Oct 6th and 25th with max of 12 Oct 15th.

Elsewhere there were 14 at Millbrook Sept 10th, ten at Pentewan Sept 19th and ten at Kenidjack Oct 8th. Second winter sightings were fewer this year, c.78 birds were reported with max of 20 at St. Austell sewage works Nov 23rd-25th, 15 at Helston sewage works Dec 13th and six at St. Andrews Pool, Par Dec 16th.

Many grey birds were again reported. No doubt several will have been of the northern race 'P.c. abietinus'. Individuals considered to be of the eastern race 'P.c. tristis' were reported as follows: Looe: Jan 9th. Nanjizal: Oct 16th. Porthgwarra: Oct 21st. Penberth: Oct 21st. St. Levan: Oct 25th. Seaton: Dec 1st.

128 WILLOW WARBLER - Phylloscopus trochilus Abundant summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Various claims have been made of birds wintering in the county, but none is considered fully authentic. The first in spring was one at Mullion Mar 27th. Singles were also noted at Rame Head, Lynher Kst. and Sennen before the end of the month. Yet again adverse weather delayed the main arrival. Several large gatherings were reported Apr 13th-16th but subsequently the species was less numerous than normal.

Maximum numbers: Breney Common: 30 Apr 13th, 50 Apr 20th. Lizard: 20 Apr 13th, 15 May 5th. Goss Moor: 30 Apr 14th. Marazion: ten Apr 14th. Porthguarnon: ten Apr 16th. Redmoor: 25 Apr 28th. Rame Head: 15 May 3rd. Despite the species remaining widespread, SMC.,GCJ. and FHCK all reported reduced sightings in the breeding season. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Sennen Aug 8th and ended with one at Lizard Church Cove Oct 13th. A total of c. 144 birds was reported with most moving out before the third week of September. The largest parties included 20 at Lanivet Aug 16th, six at Marazion Sept 1st, 13 at Sennen Sept 7th, 15 at Porthgwarra, 15 at Cot and ten at Nanquidno — all Sept 8th.

GOLDCREST — Regulus regulus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). The succession of cold winters 1984/86 undoubtedly had a deletorious affect on this species but milder winters to 1990 assisted in an almost complete recovery. Arctic conditions in February this year has reversed this trend with few breeding season records and a minimal autumn passage.

Widely distributed at the beginning of the year with flocks of ten at Cardinham Jan 16th and 35 at St. Austell sewage works Jan 23rd.

However this species was severely affected by the cold weather with RL estimating a reduction of 75 — 99.5%. The demise was general throughout the county and the reduction was probably nearer RL's upper estimate. Two oases were discovered; CLB reported that the species was fairly common around College Res. with young often seen whilst ARP counted five singing males along 4kms of mainly decidious wooded valley at St. Keverne in May.

Indications that the population crash was not restricted to Cornwall were confirmed by a dismal autumn passage.

Birds were noted from Sept 24th to Nov 10th with the highest counts as follows: five at Cot Oct 10th, six at Treveal Oct 21st, eight at Penberth Oct 22nd, eight at Porthgwarra the same day and 19 at Ladock Oct 27th.

PTS reported 'numerous parties at Tehidy Woods' Dec 10th but few others were submitted for the second winter period.

FIRECREST — Regulus ignicapillus

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn) and winter visitor. A potential breeding species (cf. probable breeding in Devon in 1985). The record total of 37 birds in December 1990 was considerably reduced in the New Year.

129 14 — all singles were reported in January with two more in early February.

Rather surprisingly only one of the nine at Marazion remained. Others were at Mount Edgcumbe, Lynher Est., Antony House, St. Germans, Par, St. Austell sewage works, Tregrehan (St. Austell), Argal Res., Maenporth, Smith, Helford, Coverack, Helston, Wadebridge, Lundy Bay and Can worthy Water (killed by a cat).

In March singles were noted at Bay on 3rd and Kenidjack on 14th.

Autumn passage commenced with one at Treveal Oct 6th and ended with one there Nov. 16th. With only 18 birds reported it became evident that this species may have suffered similar losses to Goldcrest during the freeze. The number of birds documented was the lowest in autumn since 1977 and less than 15% of recent passage.

Three were seen at Treveal between Oct 6th and Nov 16th, singles were at Cot Oct 9th and 16th/17th and St. Levan Oct 20th-22nd, but all other sightings were single day/single bird.

In the second winter period there was one at Loe Pool Nov 20th-24th and one at Hicks Mill, near Penryn Dec 10th — the poorest end to a year since 1965. Top winter sites in recent years have been Loe Pool (records in each of last ten years), Camel Est. (nine years), Falmouth/Swanpool (seven years), , Copperhouse and Penlee Point (six years).

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER — Muscicapa striata

Summer visitor. Breeds. Passage migrant. There has been a significant decrease in the number of pairs breeding in the county in recent years. A similar decline was noted in the mid 1970's but there was an improvement later in the decade and in the early 1980's. The first in spring was at Upper Fowey Valley May 3rd — the latest first arrival since 1981. c. 108 migrants were reported away from traditional breeding sites, 85% of which arrived May 24th-27th.

Maximum numbers included ten at Gunwalloe May 25th, 40 at Kenidjack May 27th, 14 at Trevose Head and eight at Nanquidno the same day. Eight males were holding territory at Dunmere/Pencarrow woods May 25th and several pairs bred at Stephengelly, Lanivet. The species appeared to be widely but thinly distributed in the county east of Truro, but there were few reports of breeding father west.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Cot Aug 28th and ended with one at Nanquidno Oct 24th. 150 (90%) of the total of c. 167 had moved through before Sept 15th and the species was particularly difficult to locate in October with only seven reported. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Cot: c.26 between Aug 28th and Sept 19th with max of 25 Sept 7th. Kenidjack: c.20 between Aug 31st and Sept 15th with max of 12 Sept 7th. Mullion: six Sept 3rd-6th. Treveal: 30 Sept 8th. Sennen: seven Sept 8th. Nanquidno: ten Sept 9th. Millbrook: five Sept 10th. Gribbin Head: five Sept 10th.

130 RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula parva Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Annual since 1980. Treveal: juvenile Sept 20th-22nd. EGG.GGG.VAS. Trevose Head: juvenile Oct 9th. MB.SMC. Nanquidno: juvenile Oct 9th-llth. BG.PHA.BTC. et al. Kelynack: one Oct 12th-15th. CRJ.BFF.OM. et al. Lizard: one Oct 14th. JRMcC.JMW.

The county mainland total advances to c.92.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1 2 23 64 2 (70%) The Trevose bird is the first ever there.

Top sites are Porthgwarra — 30, Lizard — eleven, Nanquidno and Cot — ten each.

PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. One of the success stories of the 1980's. First bred in Cornwall at Lanhydrock in 1966, but there were only six more proven instances of breeding in the county up to 1980. At Lanhydrock there was a gradual build up to a peak in 1986, but subsequently there has been an inexplicable decrease. This year for instance there was an excellent count of singing males in May but breeding success was limited. Elsewhere the provision of nestboxes has encouraged the species to breed at new sites. Continuing colonisation appears likely to the north and west of the existing range.

Breeding season reports: Lanhydrock: first male Apr 21st, Four males by May 11th and eight May 13th. Broods of 7,7 and 6 reared but a brood of 8 died (the lowest number of young here since 1983). FMC.SMC.GHT. et al. Golitha Falls: first male Apr 27th. Four males by May 14th. Broods of 6,6 and 3 reared. SCM.EG.GJC.DAC. et al. Dunmere/Pencarrow: first male May 3rd. Four males by May 25th. Pair at nestbox May 26th but no further information. SMC.GJC.RAJ. Bodmin Parkway: male in song May 13th-25th. GJC. Crendle Down, Pillaton: male in song May 14th-25th. EG. Hornifast Wood, Halton Quay: male in song May 19th-30th. EG. Boconnoc: six males in song May 26th. EG. The last named site has not been visited since 1984, but it is clearly a very important area for the species. Spring passage commenced with a male at Penlee Point Apr 14th — the third earliest ever. Males were also noted at Trevose Head Apr 28th, Bodgara (near Liskeard) May 9th and Kenidjack May 9th/10th, whilst females were reported from Nanquidno May 29th-31st and Penlee Point May 31st. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Trebartha Aug 16th.

A total of c.63 birds was reported with the last at Nanquidno and Cot Oct 13th. Of these, 21 (33%) moved through Aug 28th-Sept 2nd and 27 (43%) were noted Sept 10th- 15th with only six in October. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Towednack: three Aug 25th-Sept 1st.

131 Nanquidno: c.eight between Aug 28th and Oct 13th with max of four first date. Cot: c.eight between Aug 28th and Oct 13th with max of four first date. Kenidjack: c. 13 between Aug 30th and Oct 10th with max of six Aug 30th and Sept 11th. Treveal: c.14 between Sept 1st and Oct 8th with max of 12 Sept 10th.

LONG-TAILED TIT — Aegithalos cavdatus

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Widespread in January with several good-sized flocks reported. The largest were ten at Respryn Jan 11th, 20 at Pontsmill Jan 15th, 12 at Helston sewage works Jan 19th, 30 at St. Austell sewage works Jan 20th and 29 at Marazion Jan 21st. However, the species' vulnerability to cold weather is illustrated by the lack of observations from February to June. RL described a 75% decrease after the freeze and LSP. & EMP. found the species in very short supply at St. Just in Roseland.

A degree of recovery was noted in autumn and the second winter period with flocks of ten or more reported from thirteen localities. The largest parties were 16 at Lanivet Sept 30th, 15 at Penberth Oct 12th, 18 at Redmoor Oct 14th, 20 at Penryn Oct 28th and 15 at Swanpool Dec 13th.

MARSH TIT — Parus palustris

Resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Fairly common, occurring in most suitable habitat east of Truro, but less common in the west, notably the Lands End peninsula which produces very few records. Very few records received but no change in status was reported. There were no reports from the Lands End peninsula and there was none south of Loe Pool on the Lizard peninsula. Three at Pentewan Mar 2nd, five at Lanivet in March and six at Percuil in October were the largest groups.

WILLOW TIT — Parus montanus Scarce resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant? This species has a very patchy distribution in Cornwall, occurring in damp scrubby woodland to the east and north of and with main centres of population in the Goss Moor, Redmoor/Helman Tor/Breney Common, Upper Fowey Valley and Bude/Tamar Lakes areas. Fully authenticated records of birds further west are exceptionally rare. The species undoubtedly suffered as a result of the succession of cold winters in the mid 1980's, but has also contracted in range due to extensive habitat loss.

Upper Fowey Valley: present at Ninestones Bridge throughout the year. Singles also at Trezibbett Apr 10th and Golitha Falls Jul 10th. RB.DC1.DE.DRC. et al. Nearby there was one at Hawks Tor Jun 7th. JSH. Tamar Lakes: present January to August at least with max of four Aug 21st. CLBo.IK.RAJ.FHCK.RMRJ. Lakeview, Lanivet: singles regular Feb 22nd-Nov 11th, two Apr 26th. MB.SMC. Goss Moor: noted throughout the year. Four males holding territory Apr 16th and six with a tit/warbler flock Aug 4th. SMC.DMY.MB. et al. Breney Common: one or two regular Apr 20th-Sept 17th. RL. Treskilling: one Jul 21st. GRW.MW.

COAL TIT — Parus ater Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Very few records received for January-August but no reason to suspect any change in status.

132 Autumn passage was exceptional: It commenced with two at Zennor Sept 10th and continued to the end of October with two lingering at Cot Valley until Nov 10th. Some of the largest flocks ever seen in Cornwall were reported from West Penwith in mid-October. A total of c.332 birds was reported with maximum numbers as follows: Treveal: c.33 between Sept 19th and Oct 21st with max of 28 Oct 12th. Cot: c.45 between Sept 28th and Nov 10th with max of 34 Oct 14th. Skewjack: c.21 between Oct 6th and 23rd with max of 13 Oct 20th. Penberth: c.20 between Oct 6th and 21st with max of ten Oct 14th. Porthgwarra: one Oct 6th increasing to 28 Oct 8th and 54 Oct 12th. The last flock was seen flying south and was probably the main constituent of a party of 56 seen moving east Oct 15th. Lower numbers to Oct 24th. Lamorna: 50-1- Oct 14th (possibly the Porthgwarra birds). Elsewhere there was max of ten at Nanquidno Oct 3rd, ten at Sennen Oct 6th, ten at Kenidjack Oct 9th and ten at Camel Est Oct 22nd. Did this incursion signify an excellent breeding season or a failure in food supply? Certainly birds remained more numerous than normal to the end of the year. One at Skewjack Oct 12th showed characteristics of the continental race 'P. a. ater'.

BLUE TIT — Parus caeruleus

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. EMP & LSP reported a disastrous year at St. Just in Roseland whilst both SMC and RL commented that there were fewer garden visitors this year. 45 at Pol brock Jul 19th was the sole observation of note for the first eight months of the year. However, like the preceding species there was an unprecedented influx in autumn.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Porthgwarra: 70-1- Oct 13th, 94 flew west Oct 15th, 35 Oct 19th and 36 flew north Oct 21st. Cot: 89 flew east Oct 13th, 20 Nov 10th. Kelynack: 30 Oct 13th (possibly some of the Cot birds). Lamorna: 30 Oct 14th. Boscean. St. Just: 31 Oct 15th. Treveal: 20 Oct 15th. Other large parties included 15 at Towednack Oct 15th, 14 at Gunwalloe Oct 19th, 12 at Rame Head Oct 21st and 18 at Tamar Lake Oct 23rd.

The spectacle of large numbers of tits undertaking migration in Cornwall is a rare sight. The 94 at Porthgwarra and the 89 at Cot are the largest and third largest flocks ever reported in Cornwall.

GREAT TIT — Parus major

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Noted as less numerous at Penryn by CLB but present in normal numbers at Gerrans, Long Rock and Camel Valley by GCJ.BP. and DU respectively. Less noticeable amongst the irruption of Coal and Blue tits, but a few larger than normal parties were observed at migration sites.

15 flew east at Cot Oct 13th and 18 were there the following day, 20 were at Lamorna Oct 14th, 12 flew west at Porthgwarra Oct 15th and eight were at Treveal the same day.

133 NUTHATCH — Sitta europaea Resident. Breeds. Common and widespread in suitable habitat in most parts of the county but scarce on the Lands End peninsula west of Drift and on the Lizard peninsula south of Culdrose.

Apparently survived unaffected by the freeze with records from most traditional sites.

On the Lands End peninsula singles were noted at St. Loy Feb 17th, Towednack May 21st, Newmill Sept 26th, Porthguarnon Oct 23rd and St. Levan Oct 29th, whilst woodlands in the Penzance area evidently hold a small resident population.

The maximum at any site were ten males at Lanhydrock Apr 23rd and four at Carbis Bay Oct 30th.

TREECREEPER — Certhia familiaris

Resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant?

Common and widespread in suitable habitat in the county as far west as Loe Pool and Hayle. Although very few records were received there was no reason to suspect any change in status. Possible migrants included singles at Penberth Oct 11th and 21st and at St. Levan Oct 29th. The species bred at Drift and other birds on the Lands End peninsula were reported from Marazion and Ponsandane.

GOLDEN ORIOLE — Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). Annual since 1971. This species may have been encountered more commonly in the nineteenth century. Some evidence of this is provided by Penhallurick (1976) who lists a number of records including an incredible flock of 40 at Trevethoe, Lelant in April 1870. Early twentieth century records are more sporadic but may be due to a lack of documantation rather than a paucity of birds.

Kennack Sands: male June 1st JDMcM. Kenidjack: two (male and female) Jun 4th. ARB.DLoc.

These three take the county mainland total to c. 100 since 1930. Of these, 56 have been males, 28 females and 16 not sexed.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — 24 61 6 3 3 2 1 — — (61%) Top sites: Skewjack — 12, Porthgwarra — six, Lizard — five, Kenidjack — four.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Has bred sporadically in Cornwall, but not since 1968. There are unpublished records of birds on territory on Bodmin Moor in the 1970's, and in 1981 a male was noted for three days in June in the Upper Fowey Valley. There has however, been a catastrophic decline in the species status as a breeding bird in the U.K. and it now appears to have been completely extirpated. Clodgy, St. Ives: juvenile Sept 14th. VAS et al. Sennen: juvenile Oct 8th-13th. AMH.NH.EAF. et al.

1990 record St. Buryan: juvenile Aug 25th. JL.

134 The county mainland total advances to c.71 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — — 5 7 3 10 26 19 1 — (37%) (27%)

Top sites: Porthgwarra — 16, St. Just valleys — seven, — four.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE — Lanius excubitor

Scarce passage migrant. Occasional winter visitor (declining). Goss Moor: one Mar 5th-Apr 16th. RO.DMY et al. Sennen: one Oct 13th/14th. PHA.SJC. et al. Kelynack: one flew north Oct 14th. BH.CRJ.OM.

Assuming that the Sennen and Kelynack records relate to the same individual, the county mainland total advances to c.62. The Sennen bird is the third earliest ever in autumn. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec u/d 8 8 9 7 — 1 — — — 11 6 8 4 Top sites: Bodmin Moor (south of A30) — 13, Goss Moor — six, Porthgwarra — five, Tamar I^akes and Bodmin Moor (north of A30) — four each.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE — Lanius serrator Rare passage migrant (mainly spring). Annual since 1979. Marazion: juvenile Aug 26th-29th. DSF.AB.RMRJ. et al. Nanquidno: juvenile Sept 10th-26th. PJH.EAW et al.

These two take the county mainland total to c.44.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — — 5 19 4 2 9 3 2 — — (49%) Top sites: Porthgwarra — 13, Lizard — eight, Sennen/Lands End — four and Marazion — three.

JAY — Garrulus glandarius

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Influxes occurred in 1972, 1979, 1981 and 1983 — the last being well-documented in 'Birds in Cornwall 1983'. No change in status was reported although SL observed that 'the west of the county does not hold that many' and CM described it as 'local' in the Newquay-St. Columb Major- St. Merryn area. One to three were seen or heard at many sites and there was a maximum of four at St. Blazey Mar 23rd.

There were no reports of migrants this year.

MAGPIE — Pica pica Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms small roosts outside the breeding season. Increasingly common, despite intensive culling in gamebird rearing districts.

135 Maximum numbers: Treesmill: 115-1- at roost Jan 11th. The main attraction seems to be piles of straw and feed thrown out from mink cages. RL. Trevose Head: 15 Oct 2nd. Porthgwarra: 14 Oct 13th, 38 flew west Oct 15th, 59 Oct 23rd, 21 Oct 27th. Wadebridge: 50 Dec 3rd. Penryn: 25 Dec 12th. Innsworke, Millbrook: 27 Dec 22nd.

CM located eight nests in his study area (Newquay-St. Columb-St. Merryn) but all failed at the egg stage or shortly after hatching. Six of the nests were deserted whilst predation accounted for the other two.

CHOUGH — Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Vagrant. Last bred in Cornwall in 1947. Subsequently, few were reported, with the last endemic bird noted at Stem Cove, Mawgan Forth in June 1973. Port Isaac: The surviving bird of the pair released at Rumps Point in October 1990 remained throughout the year. (Unfortunately it could not be located early in 1992). Kit Hill: one Mar 24th. MR.

JACKDAW — Corvus monedula

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms large roosts outside the breeding season but these are poorly documented. 'Pied' birds are frequently reported. No change in status reported. Once again few reports for the first six months of the year but the usual evidence of autumn migration.

Maximum numbers: Sennen: 122 Jul 21st. Trevose Head: 60 Sept 21st. Porthgwarra: 75 Oct 13th, 927 Oct 23rd, 205 Oct 27th. Lanivet: 64 Oct 23rd. Gerrans: 200 in December.

ROOK — Corvus frugilegus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The following rookeries were reported during the year (with selected changes in the number of nests since 1975). For additional information see 'B.T.O. National Census of Rookeries — The Cornish Results' by P.S.D. Jones and R.D. Penhallurick in 'Birds in Cornwall 1976' pps. 87-102. Newtown, Lanhydrock: 30 nests (15 in 1990, 72 in 1983, 38 in 1975). Roche Churchyard: 20+ (25 in 1981). Tregathenan: 14+ (25 in 1990, 10 in 1989). Trevalsoe, St. Keverne: 5/6 (new?). Tregellast Mill, St. Keverne: 10 (new?). Trevidder Mill, St. Buryan: 62 (rookery has been here at least 70 years GPGR. Ii does not appear to have been documented previously. Ed). Penhellick, Truro: 3 (New. Offshoot from Polwhele House School). Old Rectory, St. Dennis: 7 (17 in 1975). Halloon, St. Columb Road: 60+ (89 in 1989, 67 in 1983, 14 in 1975). Carworgie Manor Park, St. Columb: 20 (new). , St. Columb: 7 (new?). Merlin, Mawgan Porth: 15 (new?). Lower Lanherne Farm, St. Mawgan: 50+ (new). Trevibban, St. Issey: 17 (new?). Trewollack, St. Breock: 55. Denzell, St. Mawgan: 87 (72 in 1989), 100 in 1983).

136 Whitewater, St. Columb: 8 (21 in 1983). Bedruthan Farm: 33 (new?). Porthcothan: 63 (48 in 1989, 28 in 1983). Perlees Farm, Camel Est: 15. Dinham, Camel Est: c.30. Coronation Park, Wadebridge: 38 (37 in 1990, 5 in 1989). Church: 51 (53 in 1990, 36 in 1986). Tregadillett: 26 (new, but probably related to the destruction of a rookery for the new by-pass).

CARRION CROW - Corvus corone

Abundant resident: Breeds. Grossly under-reported as always, but no reason to suspect any change in status. The largest flocks reported were 72 at Sennen Oct 22nd and 31 at Percuil Nov 7th-Dec 9th.

CM located 23 nests in his study area in the Newquay-St. Columb Major-St. Merryn districts. Clutch size varied from two to five, with four eggs being the norm. 50% failed at the first attempt (almost all at the egg stage). Four repeat clutches were laid, but these also failed. Of those that were successful, the norm, and maximum number of fledglings was two Some quite advanced young were found dead in the nest with their active sibling. Nest sites ranged from lone, stunted wind-cropped hawthorns to mature oak trees within shelter belts and woods. Internest spacing averaged out at .4km, although it varied from a very common .2km in typical north coast farmland to .8km on inland tree-less moors. Most sites appear to be traditional, with the same trees having been in use for many years.

One was reported hanging upside down from telephone wires at Rame Head Apr 28th. Although not an uncommon occurrence, this is the first such report for several years.

HOODED CROW — Corvus corone cornix

The northern race of Carrion Crow. Trebarwith: one at rubbish tip May 18th. BTC. The first since 1988, taking the county mainland total to c.46 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2 6 1 9 5 2 1 2 1 5 6 6 Top sites: Camel Est. — five, Porthgwarra — four, Lizard — three.

RAVEN — Corvus corax Resident. Breeds. Roosts have been reported in the past but recent documentation is sadly lacking. A most productive year for breeding pairs with successful nests at St. Austell Bay, Portloe, Nare Head, Pigeon Ogo and Porthgwarra on the south coast and at Perranporth Airfield, Watergate Bay to Park Head (three pairs), Trevose Head, Camel Est, and Bossiney on the north coast. Inland sites exploited included Passmores Engine House (), Luxulyan Quarry and an electricity pylon at Goss Moor.

The largest groups in the first winter period were six at Lands End Jan 13th and ten at Crowdy Jan 26th.

There was the usual scatter of small parties moving about the county in late summer; these included six at Treskilling Jul 20th and six at Morwenstow Aug 2nd. The largest gathering later in the year was 20 feeding at a sheep carcass near Siblyback Oct 3rd.

137 STARLING — Sturnus vulgaris

Common resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Eastern European and Scandinavian populations of this species have diminished in recent years and this probably accounts for the corresponding deterioration in the size of Cornish roosts. Traditional roosts at Crowdy, Par, Stithians and Par all attract fewer birds.

Prompted by my remarks regarding a decline in the number of birds visiting the county in winter, a selection of new roosts was reported this year.

Gunoak Wood and Halvana plantation were both used in the first winter, c.3000 were estimated at Looe Island Jan 1st and up to 3000 used bushes at Trenance Lake, Newquay during January (but in the second winter period the roost had been re-sited in the zoological gardens). 'Millions, impossible to count' was how BTC described the roost near Crowdy Res. and 2500 were regular as a pre-roost gathering at during early February. 5000 were using the reedbed at Par Beach Feb 7th. Other large flocks in the first winter included 1000 at St. John Jan 1st, 1200 at Pentire Feb 1st, 1000 at Pentewan Feb 4th-10th and 1000 flying north at Holmbush Mar 13th. No change in breeding status was reported.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with 60 at Sennen Jul 5th, but flocks remained small until October.

There was a regular roost of 300+ at The Shell Shop, Penzance Harbour during September and up to 50000 roosting at Marazion. 29600 were estimated flying east at Rosenannon Downs, in 35 minutes late afternoon Nov 14th. Other maxima included 1000 at Sennen Oct 11th, 1500 at Lanivet Nov 14th, 3000 at Siblyback Nov 24th and 'thousands' at Newmill Dec 12th.

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING — Sturnus roseus Vagrant. Towednack: juvenile Sept 17th-19th. MJR et al. St. Ives: juvenile (presumed same as above) Sept 25th-Oct 30th. VAS et al. Kelynack: juvenile Oct 6th. DG.SG. All accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total moves to c.36. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec n/d 6 1 7 5 10 1 — 6 Top sites: Lands End — four, Davidstow — three and seven sites with two.

HOUSE SPARROW — Passer domesticus

Common resident. Breeds. Cornish populations were very inadequately documented prior to 1980. In the current decade decreases were reported from many areas until about 1985, but there has been a welcome upsurge in numbers over the last five years. This type of fluctuation has been noted in the county previously. (See Penhallurick 1976 pps. 326/8). No change in status reported this year.

GCJ observes that the Gerrans population continues to thrive, probably in proportion to the availability of old House Martin nests, which are used for roosting and nesting. At Holmbush RL noted a large male which had overwintered from 1990. He considered that it was at least 20%, possibly 50% larger than others present.

138 A leucistic bird was noted at Gweek Jul 24th. The largest groups included 50 at Marazion in autumn, 80 at Lanivet Sept 4th, 48 at Trevose Head Sept 28th, 35 at Holmbush Sept 28th and 41 at Treen Oct 26th.

TREE SPARROW — Passer montanus

Scarce passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. Bred at Lands End in 1989. Lands End: one May 22nd. DSF. 1990 record Polbathic: one intermittently Feb 23rd-Mar 10th. B. Courtnell. The county mainland total advances to c.284. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 4 6 5 6 58 15 5 10 3 122 28 22 (43%) Top sites: Porthgwarra — 149 (52%), Wadebridge — 23, Nanquidno — 14, Lands End — 13 and Rame Head — ten.

RED-EYED VIREO - Vireo olivaceus

Rare vagrant.

Lizard Church Cove: one Sept 30th-Oct 10th. BC.DL. et al.

The eleventh county mainland record — all since 1982.

MonthlJan y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 5 6 — — Top sites: Porthgwarra — three, Cot — two.

CHAFFINCH - Fringilla coelebs Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. As anticipated, very few overwintered from 1990, but the freezing cold late in January encouraged many to move west.

The largest congregations were 500 at Lanhydrock Jan 26th/27th, 200 at Gwithian Feb 15th, 80 at Upper Fowey Valley Feb 16th, 250 at Charlestown Feb 19th-22nd and 50 at Mar 23rd.

Breeding season information was scanty but LSP & EMP describe it as 'prolific' at St. Just in Roseland and ARP located 24 singing males per 1km2 of mixed farmland/woodland at St. Keverne. Conversely, CLB considered it 'less numerous' at Penryn. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 30 at Gribbin Head Sept 10th and continued to late November.

Migration was most pronounced Oct 15th-22nd with regular reports and maximum numbers as follows: Sennen: c. 1456 between Oct 6th and Nov 23rd with max of 250 Oct 15th and 325 Oct 20th. Porthgwarra: c.4160 between Oct 9th and Nov 6th with max of 884 east Oct 13th, 658 Oct 19th, 257 Oct 22nd and 468 Oct 27th. Marazion: 300 flew west Oct 15th, 150 Nov 6th, 300 Nov 9th. Pentire: 230 Oct 22nd. Reskajeage: 500 Oct 10th. Second winter flocks were the largest since 1988. The largest parties were 300 near St.

139 Austell Nov 19th, 250 at Nov 24th, 500 at Hatt Dec 8th and 200 at Tamar Lake Dec 28th.

BRAMBLING — Fringilla montifringilla Winter visitor. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Numbers fluctuate wildly from year to year. Only two birds had been reported in December 1990, but a few new arrivals were reported during January and February, and there was one in spring. Landulph: three Jan 1st, eight Jan 3rd. Cargreen: male Jan 3rd. St. Minver: two Jan 25th. Lanhydrock: male Jan 27th-Mar 3rd, female Feb 11th. Rame Church: three Feb 9th. Towednack: one Apr 15th. Autumn passage commenced with two at Cot Oct 12th. The total of c.227 birds reported was the highest since 1986. The majority moved through Oct 15th-23rd and Nov 16th.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Porthgwarra: c.78 between Oct 13th and Nov 21st with max of 25 Oct 20th. Sennen/Lands End: c.46 between Oct 23rd and Nov 23rd with max of 30 Nov 16th. Lizard: 15 Oct 15th. Pentire: ten Oct 22nd. Marazion: c.30 between Oct 23rd and Nov 16th with max of 16 last date. A total of c.60 birds was reported in the second winter period. The largest flocks were 20 at St. Austell Nov 19th-25th, 12 at Hatt Dec 8th, ten at St. Mellion Dec 18th and five at Wenmouth Cross, St. Neot Dec 30th.

SERIN — Serinus serinus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A potential breeding species (cf. recent successes in south and east Devon). Phillack, Hayle: male and female Mar 15th-17th, female again Mar 26th. Male Nov 14th. LPW. Caerthillian, Lizard: male May 9th. DL.ARP.

The county mainland total advances to c.67.

MonthlJan y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — 7 7 5 7 1 — — 2 12 19 7 Top sites: Porthgwarra — 14, Marazion — nine, Lelant — seven, Camborne — four.

GREENFINCH - Carduelis chloris

Common resident. Breeds. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. Although relatively poorly documented in the past, this is a species which has increased quite dramatically in recent years probably as a result of the vast number of artificial feeding stations provided in the county. The large flocks at and Boswednack in January 1990 had apparently dissipated but the St. Columb Major garden continued to attract large parties, with another 229 birds ringed, taking the total for the winter to 555.

Other maxima included 21 at Long Rock Jan 19th and 90 at Jan 21st-Feb 9th. There was no noticeable increase in reports during the cold weather; perhaps this species' willingness to exploit artificial feeding stations enabled it to overcome this hazard, unscathed.

LSP & EMP described it as 'prolific and greedy' at St. Just in Roseland and CLB found

140 it 'fairly common' around Penryn. ARP however, failed to locate the species in open country at St. Keverne.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with ten at Trevose Head Aug 20th and continued to mid-November.

It proved to be a poor movement with the lowest numbers since 1985. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Penzance: 33 Sept 28th. Porthgwarra: c.113 between Oct 9th and 27th with max of 30 first date. Par: 40 Oct 12th-15th. Marazion: 60 Nov 15th.

In the second winter period the largest flocks were 100 at St. Austell Nov 19th, 40 at Cargreen Dec 6th and 250 at Gerrans Dec 11th.

GOLDFINCH — Carduelis carduelis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Compared with 1989 and 1990, this year proved slightly disappointing for Goldfinch. In the first winter period there was 100 at Helston Jan 20th but no more than 20 at any other site. There was evidence of a light spring passage Mar 23rd-May 5th, which included charms of 20 at Caerhays Mar 23rd and 30 at Pentewan Mar 27th.

ARP described it as 'very common during the breeding season at St. Keverne' but there was no other information regarding breeding status. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 12 at Par Sept 3rd and continued to the end of October. It was a widespread movement with ten flocks of 10-39 birds reported. Larger parties included 60 at St. Eval Sept 4th, 40 at Trevose Head Sept 7th, 60 at Liskeard Sept 15th, 60 at Bussow Res. Sept 19th, 50 at Rame Head Sept 21st, 100 at Crowdy Res. Sept 29th, 40 at Nanquidno Oct 10th, 50 at Zennor Oct 12th, 48 at Sennen the same day and 50 at Porthgwarra Oct 13th.

The sole gathering of note in the second winter period was 40 at St. Teath Dec 31st.

SISKIN — Carduelis spinus Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Winter visitor. Breeding was not suspected in Cornwall until 1970 and not proved until 1984.

Prior to 1970 Siskins were only rarely reported in winter, but the species can now be looked for with some confidence at several regular sites, and is becoming more frequent as a garden visitor to the ultra-attractive red peanut bags, particularly in late winter.

Subsequent to a record-breaking autumn passage, but disappointing second winter total in 1990, the highest ever first winter total was reported this year. The vast majority of the total of c.608 birds were apparently forced west by the poor weather in late January and early February. Small flocks were widely distributed in the north, east and centre of the county but the only report west of Truro concerned 13 at Swanpool Jan 13th. The largest flocks were 30 at Tresillian Jan 1st, 25 at Kings Wood, St. Austell the same day, 28 at Halvana Jan 13th, 30 at Dunmere Jan 19th, 40 at Clapper Bridge Jan 21st, 45 at Keveral Wood, Seaton Jan 28th, 20 at West Looe Feb 3rd, 200 at Coombe, near Bude Feb 8th (the largest winter flock ever reported in Cornwall TJD). 20 at Upper Fowey Valley Feb 19th, 25 at Feb 28th and 25 at Gunnislake in March.

141 Breeding season information emanated from an increasingly expanding area. On Bodmin Moor the species was certainly successful at Smallacombe where juveniles were noted in late summer. Nearby, at Halvana up to ten were present during June. At Davidstow plantation three males were observed displaying May 30th. At Gunnislake, at least two birds remained until July and may have bred in the Tamar Valley plantations. Up to four birds were at Dunmere/Pencarrow until at least the end of May, whilst a male was singing at Wadebridge May 14th and up to five frequented the Lanhydrock area in May and June. July produced four at Cardinham on 11th and two at Hawkstor Clay Pit on 20th. Autumn passage commenced with three at Lands End Sept 7th and continued to Nov 21st when 14 were at Porthgwarra. Although less impressive than 1990, the movement was the second heaviest on record with c.2880 birds involved. Highest day totals were Sept 19th (600), Sept 20th (227), Oct 6th-9th (304) and Oct 19th-27th (716). Passage in November was light and the December total was disappointing.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Marazion: c. 121 between Sept 15th and Nov 9th with max of 74 Sept 19th. Porthgwarra: c.590 Sept 15th to Nov 21st with max of 85 Oct 22nd and 107 Oct 26th. Sennen: c.220 Sept 15th-Nov 20th with max of 45 Oct 6th. Nanquidno: c.406 between Sept 15th and Oct 26th with max of 129 north Sept 19th and 78 Sept 20th. Towednack: c.135 Sept 18th-30th with max of 84 Sept 20th. Sheviock: 150 Sept 19th, ten Sept 20th. Kenidjack: c.135 between Sept 19th and Oct 20th with max of 60 Oct 9th. Boswednack: c.211 between Sept 19th and Oct 26th with max of 200 first date. Rame Head c.93 between Sept 20th and Oct 22nd with max of 50 Sept 21st. Cot: c.119 between Sept 25th and Oct 26th with max of 60 Oct 12th. Penberth: c.96 Oct 9th-18th with max of 50 Oct 15th. St. Erth: 50 Oct 21st.

The largest second winter flocks were six at Respryn Dec 8th, 30 at Tresillian Dec 15th and eight at Siblyback Dec 28th.

LINNET — Carduelis cannabina

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. This species has decreased over the last decade owing to loss of habitat and through the effects of weedkillers on food sources.

Like several other finches this species was apparently affected by the freeze with several large parties arriving in the county during January and February. Peak counts included 50 at Hayle Est. Jan 13th, 60 at Pentire Jan 19th, 100 at Tubbs Mill, Caerhays Jan 21st, 160 at Rame Head Feb 9th and 48 at Lanivet Feb 28th/Mar 1st.

Spring migrants were noted from late March to early May and included 40 at Pentewan Mar 27th increasing to 70 by Apr 17th, 50 at Par Apr 11th, 30 at Trevose Head Apr 22nd, 20 at Cligga Head May 7th and 20 at Porthleven May 8th.

Few breeding season reports were received but no change in status was notified.

Autumn passage was the lightest for many years but unlike Siskin it is not possible to estimate the number of birds involved because most flocks of this species linger at favourable feeding localities for days, even weeks, whereas Siskins always appear to be on the move.

Regular reports and maximum numbers: Sennen: noted Jul 21st-Nov 16th with max of 100 Oct 12th and 150 Oct 27th. Trevose Head: noted Aug 20th-Oct 30th with max of 260 Sept 28th and 220 Oct 9th. Rame Head: noted Aug 31st-Oct 23rd with max of 250 first date. Porthgwarra: noted Sept 30th-Nov 23rd with max of 100 first and last dates.

142 Other single day maxima included 100 at Upper Tamar Res Aug 27th, 300 at Nanquidno Oct 2nd, 100 at Mevagissey Sept 28th, 200 at Dodman Sept 29th, 150 at Cot Oct 3rd, 100 at Oct 9th, 190 at Pentire Oct 22nd and 500 at Reskajeage Nov 23rd.

REDPOLL — Carduelis flammea Scarce resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding was first confirmed in Cornwall in 1968 and numbers have fluctuated annually since.

Most breeding season records derive from the conifer plantations of Bodmin Moor and similar habitat near Bude and at Hustyn and Great Grogley Downs, near Wadebridge. Systematic checking of plantations in the Ladock and Truro areas might prove rewarding. Only two in the first winter period; singles at Week St. Mary Jan 9th and Bude Feb 4th TJD.

There was none in spring and the first bird on breeding territory was at Dunmere May 3rd.

Breeding was not proven anywhere this year but the scatter of breeding season observations was the widest ever. On Bodmin Moor birds were present at Smallacombe (max five), Bearah Tor (one), Upper Fowey Valley (four), Halvana (20), Trebartha (one) and Cardinham (three). From the plantations in the Bodmin-Wadebridge district there were reports of four at Hustyn Downs and singles at Great Grogley Downs, Dunmere and Lanivet. New areas under investigation this year were Gunoak Wood, Stokeclimsland (three May 23rd), Trendeal Wood, Ladock (one Jun 17th) and Lydcott Wood, Seaton (one Jun 29th). Autumn passage apparently commenced with three at Crowdy Res. Sept 6th, although these may have been local breeding stock. It was an average passage involving c.35 birds. Callington: two Sept 10th. per CFNHC. Trevose Head: singles Sept 21st and 28th. SMC. Lands End: singles Sept 30th and Oct 8th. ICW.BG. Upper Tamar Res: seven Oct 4th. FHCK.IK.DJR. Near Redruth: one Oct 6th. EAF. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 6th and 8th, five Oct 15th. ICW.BG.SMC. et al. Zennor: one Oct 12th. MS. Sennen: singles Oct 12th and 27th. GCS.DSF. Cot: one Oct 16th. JMW. Nanquidno: singles Oct 19th and 24th. MGT.JDB.MKW.DKW. Rame Head: one Oct 21st. SMC.ABR. et al. Lanivet: two Oct 24th. MB. St. Keverne: one Oct 28th. DL. Lostwithiel: one Nov 26th. DJ. Par: four Dec 8th. GRW.MW.

COMMON CROSSBILL — Loxia curvirostra

An irruptive species which is not recorded annually in Cornwall. Bred in the county in 1985 and probably did so in 1987. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. One legacy of last years' unprecedented irruption to the county was a record-equalling flock at Halvana in January this year. The other was proof of breeding at the same locality and possibly also at Smallacombe.

One spring migrant was reported and 54 were recorded in autumn, with a further 23 in the second winter period. Overall, the fifth good year in the last seven.

Halvana: 60 Jan 27th, 12 Mar 3rd, then lower numbers into May. 34 (including juveniles) Jun 2nd, 32 Jun 16th, then lower numbers again to Jul 5th. BTC.DAC.IMEC.RS. et al.

143 Saltash: one Mar 10th EG. Ninestones Farm, Upper Fowey Valley: two Mar 17th. BS.JS. Smallacombe: three Mar 29th, 20 Apr 14th, pair to May 11th, 19 May 25th. EJC.JSH.DEB.GDL. et al. Towednack: 16 flew southwest Jul 6th, six Jul 29th, three Jul 30th. MJR. Drift Res: one Jul 28th. JFR. North Hill: nine flew east Aug 7th. DAC.GJC.DMY. Crowdy/Davidstow: four Sept 8th, 15 Sept 25th. GJC.SCM. Seaton: three Oct 5th. CFNHC. Siblyback: male Nov 16th. CFNHC. Indian Queens: nine flew south Nov 25th. SMC. , Camborne: 13 Dec 26th. BD.

Scarlet Rosefinch Andrew Birch

SCARLET ROSEFINCH — Carpodacus erythrinus

Vagrant. Kenidjack: juvenile/female Sept 5th-8th. ARB.RJH. et al. Nanquidno: juvenile/female Sept 14th. RAJ.RWW. Other reports received lacked description.

The county mainland total stands at nine — all but two since 1985.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1 1 5 2 Top sites: Cot and Porthgwarra — two each.

BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Winter visitor. A small increase in reports this year with up to four birds at many localities throughout.

Larger resident parties included six at Lamorran Feb 3rd, five at Chyandour, Penzance

144 Mar 4th, five at Calstock May 5th, five at Trethurgy Jul 31st, seven at Lanivet Aug 19th and five at Boswednack Dec 2nd.

Few breeding reports received and CLB considered the species less common at Penryn with no young seen. ARP meanwhile, located four pairs per 1km on mixed farmland/woodland at St. Keverne. Autumn passage was apparent from Sept 11th when five were at , Zennor to Oct 29th when 16 were counted at the Camel Est. With the exception of the Porthmeor birds all were noted after Oct 12th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Porthgwarra: noted Oct 15th-27th with max of nine Oct 20th and 27th. Nanquidno: noted Oct 15th-23rd with max of five Oct 22nd. Kenidjack: noted Oct 15th-24th with max of seven last date. Rame Head: four Oct 21st.

LAPLAMD BUNTING — Calcarius lapponicus Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Rare winter visitor: Very rare inland. Rumps Point: one Sept 26th SCM. Reskajeage: c. 13 between Sept 30th and Nov 10th with max of eight Oct 22nd. DL.MS.DSF. et al. Sennen/Lands End: c.seven between Oct 6th and 24th with max of four first date. DSF. et al. Trevose Head: one Oct 9th. SMC. Porthgwarra: five Oct 13th, one Oct 19th-23rd. BG.SMC.ABR. et al. Godrevy: one Oct 28th. DO.

The poorest autumn passage since 1984 and the least widespread since 1983. The county mainland total advances to c.889 since 1930, with c.666 of these occurring in the last seven years.

Top sites: Porthgwarra — records in 20 years, Trevose Head and West Pentire/ — 13, Reskajeage — eleven, Sennen, Lizard and Rame Head/Penlee Point — nine years each.

SNOW BUNTING — Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. Boscean, St. Just: one from 1990 to Feb 18th. ARB.RJH.JFR. Looe Island: 30+ Feb 23rd. EG. Autumn passage was disappointing with a meagre total of c.36 birds reported. Despite six remaining to the first week of December there was no report of overwintering into 1992. Nanquidno: singles Sept 27th and Oct 2nd. SMC.DJ.IK. Newquay: one Sept 28th-Oct 9th, another Oct 5th-9th. MT.DRCh. et al. St. Ives two Sept 29th, three Oct 1st, four Oct 11th with one to 17th and two 19th. GW.DW.DTC. et al. Porthgwarra: two Sept 30th and singles Oct 9th-13th and Oct 20th. CLBo.IK.PHA. Near Kynance: male Oct 3rd. ARP. Sennen: one Oct 5th-12th, another Oct 6th. AH.BG.IK. Trevose Head: one Oct 9th. SMC. Towednack: singles Oct 13th and Nov 20th. MJR. Pentire: one Oct 16th-18th. DL.ML. et al. Reskajeage: three Oct 22nd-26th, one Nov 5th, six Dec 1st, four to 3rd and one to 15th. DE.MS.DL. et al. Boswednack: one Oct 26th/27th. EGG.GGG.SL. Marazion: one Nov 16th. DSF.

145 YELLOWHAMMER - Emberiza citrinella

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. A small improvement in flock size was evident this year. First winter maxima included 20 at Sheviock Jan 11th, ten at Tubbs Mill Feb 9th, 50 at St. Kew Mar 16th and 17 at Rame Head Mar 17th.

Probably owing to a lack of arable farmland, ARP found the species scarce with a patchy distribution during the breeding season at St. Keverne whilst PTS described it as 'less numerous' at Porthtowan. Along the south coast between the Fowey and Fal estuaries RL found it 'well distributed', as did CLB in the Swanpool/Maenporth district. At Towednack MJR described it as 'widespread with at least one pair per 1km2'

In the parishes of St. Merryn, St. Ervan and St. Eval CM found pairs spaced at 5km apart along overgrown hedges and roadsides. Autumn passage commenced with six at Nanquidno Sept 19th and ended with 18 at Kenidjack Nov 23rd. It was a light movement with most moving through Oct 13th-26th.

Maximum numbers included 16 at Sennen Oct 14th, 15 at Kenidjack Oct 18th, 21 at Rame Head Oct 21st, ten at Boswednack Oct 23rd and 16 at Reskajeage Oct 26th.

During December there was max of ten at Pentire on 3rd, 32 at Lundy Bay on 7th, ten at St. Anthony on 11th and 11 at Boswednack on 31st.

CIRL BUNTING — Emberiza cirlus Rare resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant. Formerly more common and widespread, there has been a protracted decline over the last twenty years. In 1967 up to 15 pairs were located in the southeast of the county alone and despite poor coverage in subsequent years, birds were still present at fifteen sites in the county in 1975. This decrease is part of a general contraction in range throughout the U.K. and it appears that the species will continue to move inexorably towards extinction as a breeding bird in Cornwall. That said, there is evidence in 1991 that there are still small peripheral pockets of birds along the south coast. A full survey of the county in 1992 will hopefully reveal more.

Near Falmouth: site one: male singing in spring. Pair May 24th. Three males and two females in June. BC.DWi.JMW.DDB. site two: pair Apr-May 22nd. Male to at least Jul 2nd. JMW.SMC. et al. site three: male singing Apr 19th-Jun 10th. BC. St. Keverne area: site one: pair May 14th-late August. Nest building noted May 17th and Aug 13th. One juvenile seen ARP. site two: male in song May 14th to end of year. Another male Dec 28th. ARP. site three: male in song May 21st and Jul 30th. ARP. site four: male in April. ARP. site five: male in early August. ARP. Mawgan-in-: pair in spring. Female/immature Aug 27th. ARP. Church Cove, Lizard: male in song May 3rd-9th. EGe.

ORTOLAN BUNTING — Emberiza hortulana

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Treveal: one Sept 9th. per JFR. Lizard: one Sept 21st. SK. The county mainland total advances to c.73.

146 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec — — - 1 3 — — 4 49 16 — — (67%)

Top sites: Sennen and Porthgwarra — eleven each, Nanquidno and Lizard — eight each, Trevose Head — four.

RUSTIC BUNTING — Emberiza rustica Very rare vagrant Sennen: one Oct 14th. AMH.BJS.JY. et al. The second county mainland record and like the previous bird, first noted Oct 14th. 1990 record

The Lands End bird accepted by BBRC.

REED BUNTING — Emberiza schoeniclus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Although one to three birds were reported from many localities during the first winter period, the maximum were a mere six at Marazion Feb 28th and five at Par Mar 1st. Few breeding reports were received but no change in status was notified. Six singing males were located in the Trekeivesteps to Trezibbett stretch of the Upper Fowey Valley May 28th and at least four pairs bred at Tamar Lakes and Stithians Res. Small numbers were observed at many other sites but predominantly in the north, east and centre of the county. 16 at Colliford Res. Aug 25th and 15 at Gunwalloe Aug 28th may have included some migrants, otherwise passage commenced with four at Marazion, two at Lizard and one at Sennen — all Sept 15th. It was a light migration involving fewer than 90 birds, most of which were noted Oct 8th-27th. The maximum included five at Porth Mear Oct 4th, a total of 32 at Porthgwarra with a peak of 20 Oct 27th, eight at Marazion Nov 15th and eleven at Towednack Nov 20th. In December there was 30 at Harlyn Bay Dec 1st and 30 at Tregonetha Downs Dec 29th.

CORN BUNTING - Miliaria calandra Resident. Breeds. Flocks outside of the breeding season. Cornwall remains the stronghold for this species in the south west, with the majority found along a narrow coastal strip in the north of the county between Rumps Point and Godrevy Head.

A steep downward trend nationally is reflected in continually reducing numbers in Cornwall. This trend appears to be irreversible and is particularly unfortunate because until recently the local population had appeared to be stable.

Once again none at The Lizard. On the Lands End peninsula DSF recorded a singing male May 24th-Jul and Aug 16th at Sennen, whilst GW & DW identified a singleton at St. Just Oct 4th. A male was noted at North Cliffs from May through the summer, but a flock of 25 in stubble fields there Oct 24th may be indicative of a larger breeding population. Two birds were nearby at Godrevy Oct 16th, with ten there Oct 28th. Diligent field work by CM plus supplementary observations by other birders revealed at least 55 singing males between Porth Joke and Padstow. The most heavily populated areas were Trebelsue — three, Trevose Head — 15, Crugmeer to Hawkers Cove — four and Hawkers Cove to Padstow — four. Birds from many of these sites apparently converge on the Trevose Head/Harlyn Bay area where there is suitable

147 feeding habitat, during autumn and winter. The largest flocks reported were 18 Oct 30th and 20 Dec 1st. North of the Camel Est. DLo. found five singing males in the Pentire/Rumps Point area and TJD discovered four birds at Tintagel Feb 5th.

EXOTICA

BLACK SWAN Stithians Res: one Jul 22nd/23rd. Porthcurno: one flew west Aug 13th. Port Navas: one late August to Sept 10th. Hayle Est: one Sept 20th-Oct 7th. Saltash: one Nov 4th-Dec 30th.

BAR-HEADED GOOSE Colliford Res: one Jul 30th. Upper Tamar Res: one Sept 2nd into 1992.

SUPERB STARLING Porthleven/Helston/Mullion: one September. MYNAH sp. Percuil: one Dec 13th.

LAYNARD'S BLACK-HEADED WEAVER Carnkie, one Dec 1st.

B.B.R.C. Decisions The following records, none of which has appeared in 'Birds in Cornwall' have all been rejected: 1991 Little Shearwater Pendeen Aug 23rd Little Shearwater St Ives Sept 18th Little Shearwater Pendeen Nov 3 rd Black Stork Aug 16th Black Kite Oct 2nd Franklin's Gull Marazion Mar 3rd Bonaparte's Gull Hayle Oct 22nd Bimaculated Lark Reskajeage Oct 22nd 1990 Little Shearwater Pendeen Sept 21st Red-footed Falcon Tregardock Jul 17th-Aug Bonaparte's Gull Newlyn Feb 15th Black-eared Wheatear Rame Head Nov 4th Sardinian Warbler Porth Joke Feb 25th Little Bunting Lizard May 1st

1989 Baird's Sandpiper Lynher Est. Nov 14th Bonelli's Warbler Harlyn Bay Apr 8th Rose-breasted Grosbeak Cot Valley Nov 13th

148 RINGING REPORT - 1991

1392 birds of 46 species were reported as ringed in Cornwall in 1991 and another 2035 were reported for the years 1987-1990.

Sadly, with the death of Noel Exelby during the year, the county lost one of its senior and most respected ringers. Although less active in recent years Noel held an earlier affection for ringing seabirds and was responsible for marking many such birds at Mullion in the 1960's and 1970's. We shall, no doubt, continue to receive details of the recovery of his birds for many years to come.

Contributors S.M. Christophers 664 birds of 31 species at Par and St. Columb. F.M. Couch 359 birds of 23 species at Bodmin and Truro. G.G. Gynn 200 birds of 26 species at Boswednack and Treveal. F.H.C. Kendall 71 birds of 16 species in the Bude area. B. Pattenden 74 birds of 11 species at Marazion. D. Riley 24 birds of nine species at Nanquidno.

In addition P.L. Stubbs sumbitted the following returns for the years 1987-1990: 1987 — 223 birds of 18 species. 1988 — 221 birds of 24 species. 1989 — 577 birds of 36 species. 1990 - 1014 birds of 47 species. All birds ringed at Gunwalloe and Culdrose.

Recoveries, controls and ring sightings Kestrel One ringed at Traboe, St. Martin, near Helston on 14th November 1989 was found shot at St. Blazey on 14th December 1989.

Sanderling Ring No. SVS 3389274 ringed as an adult at Ottenby, Oland, Sweden on 12th August 1989 was found freshly dead at Gannel Estuary, Newquay on 7th February 1991. Black-headed Gull One ringed at Cantley, Norfolk on 10th June 1989 was shot for flight safety reasons at R.N.A.S. Culdrose on 2nd October 1989. Herring Gull One ringed at Skomer Island, Dyfed, Wales on 24th May 1984 was shot for flight safety reasons at R.N.A.S. Culdrose on 25th January 1990.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Ring No. GM 13823 ringed as a fledgling at Annet, Isles of Scilly on 4th July 1966 was found injured at Bude on 1st March 1991.

Ring No. GG 65572 ringed as a juvenile at Isle of May, Fife, Scotland on 7th June 1990 was seen at Copperhouse, Hayle Estuary on 2nd December 1991. (It was identified by its unique combination of colour rings).

Swallow One ringed at Llanlenniech, Dyfed, Wales on 23rd August 1990 was controlled at Winniartton, near Helston on 31st August 1990.

One ringed as a juvenile at Long Rock on 6th August 1990 was controlled at Portland Bill, Dorset on 26th May 1991. Chaffinch Ring No. F 986693 ringed as a juvenile female at Ribbesford, Near Bewdley, Hereford on 27th July 1990 was controlled at St. Columb Major on 27th January 1991.

149 Greenfinch Ring No. VE 03622 ringed as a first year female at St. Columb Major on 7th December 1988 was found dead behind a car radiator at Maldon, Essex on 22nd May 1991. Ring No. VE 74588 ringed as an adult female at St. Columb Major on 5th February 1989 was controlled at Lane End, Bucks, on 17th April 1991.

1991 19 79-199 1 F.G. Pulli Total \G. Pulli Total Fulmar — — — 3 3 Manx Shearwater — — — 2 — 2 Storm Petrel — — — 3 — 3 Gannet — — — 2 — 2 Mute Swan — — — 66 — 66 Shelduck — — — 8 — 8 Mallard — — — 1 — 1 Common Scoter — — — 1 — 1 Sparrowhawk — — — 20 2 22 Buzzard — — — 5 21 26 Kestrel — 6 6 4 30 34 Water Rail — — — 18 — 18 Spotted Crake — — — 4 — 4 Oystercatcher — — — 409 6 415 Ringed Plover — — — 203 — 203 Lapwing — — — 24 3 27 Knot — — — 4 — 4 Sanderling — — — 22 — 22 Curlew Sandpiper — — — 1 — 1 Dunlin — — — 993 — 993 Jack Snipe — — — 1 — 1 Snipe — — — 11 — 11 Woodcock — — — 1 — 1 Black-tailed Godwit — — — 1 — 1 Bar-tailed Godwit — — — 1 — 1 Whimbrel — — — 5 — 5 Curlew — — — 73 — 73 Spotted Redshank — — — 7 — 7 Redshank — — — 297 — 297 Greenshank — — — 48 — 48 Turnstone — — — 45 — 45 Black-headed Gull 1 — 1 18 — 18 Herring Gull — — — 14 — 14 Guillemot — — — 24 — 24 Razorbill — — — 1 — 1 Little Auk — — — 1 — 1 Stock Dove — — — 4 4 Woodpigeon — — — 6 10 16 Collared Dove — — — 21 4 25 Cuckoo — — — 2 3 5 Barn Owl — 6 6 22 170 192 Little Owl — — — 1 2 3 Tawny Owl — 4 4 16 30 46 Short-eared Owl — — — 1 — 1 Long-eared Owl — — — 1 — 1 Nightjar — — — 2 — 2 Swift — — — 4 — 4 Kingfisher — — — 9 — 9 Green Woodpecker 1 — 1 5 — 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker — — — 7 — 7 Skylark — — — — 6 6 150 Sand Martin 23 — 23 111 — Ill Swallow 222 33 255 4698 552 5250 House Martin — — — 37 25 62 Tree Pipit 8 7 15 Meadow Pipit 2 — 2 71 15 86 1 1 Water Pipit — — — ~ Rock Pipit — — — — 5 Yellow Wagtail — — — 40 40 Grey Wagtail 21 47 68 Pied Wagtail 2 2 171 54 225 Dipper 2 16 18 73 318 391 Wren 42 — 42 1100 24 1124 Dunnock 28 — 28 871 15 886 Robin 47 — 47 1201 62 1263 Bluethroat — — — 1 — 1 Black Redstart — — — 2 2 Redstart — — — 12 15 27 Whinchat — — — — 12 Stonechat — — — 4\l8 10 58 Northern Wheatear — — — 322 306 628 Blackbird 29 7 36 917 111 1028 Fieldfare — — — 4 — 4 Song Thi-ush 15 — 15 299 30 329 Redwing 4 4 125 125 Mistle Thrush — — — 6 y 15 Cetti's Warbler 3 — 3 84 — 84 Grasshopper Warbler — — 28 — 28 Aquatic Warbler 1 — 1 30 30 Sedge Warbler 28 — 28 2945 — 2945 Marsh Warbler — — — 2 — Z Reed Warbler 38 — 38 2880 4 2884 Icterine Warbler — — — 1 — 1 Melodious Warbler — — — 1 1 Lesser Whitethroat — — — 13 — 13 Whitethroat 2 — 2 267 — 267 Garden Warbler 2 — 2 157 — 157 Blackcap 25 — 25 613 — 613 Yellow-browed Warbler — — — 2 z Chiffchaff 29 — 29 981 8 989 Pallas's Warbler — — — 1 — 1 Willow Warbler 11 — 11 1580 108 1688 Goldcrest 11 — 11 911 — 911 Firecrest — — — 64 — 64 Spotted Flycatcher — — 35 65 100 Red-breasted Flycatcher 1 — 1 1 1 Pied Flycatcher 1 27 28 25 360 385 Long-tailed Tit 5 5 644 1 645 Marsh Tit 3 3 131 47 178 Willow Tit — — — 121 — 121 Coal Tit 13 — 13 180 38 218 Blue Tit 189 44 233 4874 2227 7101 Great Tit 47 13 60 1272 408 1680 Nuthatch 1 4 5 18 66 84 Treecreeper 1 — 1 93 6 99 9 9 Jay 20 32 52 Magpie - 1 39 12 51 Jackdaw 1 Rook — 12 12 Carrion Crow z 4 25 29 Starling 27 — 27 1323 — 1323

151 House Sparrow 21 — 21 441 1 442 Red-eyed Vireo — 1 - 1 Chaffinch 41 — 41 1386 32 1418 Brambling — — — 30 - 30 Greenfinch 272 — 272 3002 32 3034 Goldfinch 7 — 7 96 12 108 Siskin 5 — 5 58 - 58 Linnet 1 — 1 176 18 194 Redpoll — — — 5 — Bullfinch 18 — 18 526 3 529 Yellowhammer 2 — 2 95 7 102 Cirl Bunting — — — — 3 3 Reed Bunting 8 — 8 412 4 416 Corn Bunting — — — 1 21 22 Totals 1232 160 1392 37851 4942 42793

152 SKUAS, GULLS AND TERNS IN ST. AUSTELL BAY by Roger Lane

Par Bay is situated at the north-eastern extremity of St. Austell Bay, of which it forms an integral part.

It is the only broad expanse of inter-tidal water exposing muddy sand flats within the Bay. It therefore proves attractive to feeding terns, roosting gulls and occasional passing skuas. The skuas are essentially oceanic seabirds normally seen from headlands on sea-watches, but are occasionally forced inshore by southerly gales during spring and autumn migration.

Gulls are less pelagic and use the broad sand-flats as a staging post on migration and as a pre-roost area. Unfortunately, apart from small sewage outfalls, no feeding facilities (eg. fish-market, rubbish tip etc), exists to entice long-stays by gulls. However, as they use Par as a roosting area whilst on passage, this produces a high turnover of individuals with plenty of potential for variety.

Terns are undoubtedly attracted by the relatively rich source of sand-eels within the Bay and may remain here for several days on migration.

Skuas A relatively small family of exciting piratical marauders which are seldom seen in the Bay. During spring and summer they may be blown inshore in south and south-westerly gales. If they then locate feeding terns or gulls, usually Kittiwakes, they may stay inshore to parasitise them. They are scarce at best and the frequency of species is variable;

The Pomarine Skua is rare in the county at anytime and often difficult to differentiate from Arctic Skua. It is probably not annual inshore at Par but in recent years it has been shown to move east along the south coast of Cornwall annually in spring and sometimes in sizeable flocks. Flocks of up to a dozen may cross the Bay offshore but it has been rarely identified inshore here. It is the only skua seen in Cornwall which forms regular spring flocks.

The Arctic Skua by contrast is the most likely species to be encountered inshore in the Bay. It is almost certainly annual in spring but normally only during or after strong south or south westerly winds. Single dark phase birds appear to be most frequent but up to five birds together have been seen harrying Kittiwakes and terns off Par Harbour. A party of three were observed performing superb aerobatic displays, outflying luckless terns over the Bay and later resting on the Par Sands at high tide. However, such sightings are rare and the casual visitor will be lucky to see a single bird, despite it being the most frequent skua inshore here.

The Great Skua whilst seen annually crossing St. Austell Bay amid parties of Gannets and typically in southerly gales is seldom seen close inshore. It is the second commonest skua here but is not as susceptible as the Arctic Skua to being blown off course by the wind. The Great should be considered almost as rare as the Pomarine Skua inshore and neither can be 'expected'. Indeed I have not connected with a single bird inshore in five years (cf. 15 Arctic Skua in the same period).

The Long-tailed Skua is rare anywhere in the county and can almost be ignored in a St. Austell Bay context. It is the most oceanic of the four species, seldom recorded even from headlands in southerly gales. Yet, one at least has been seen crossing the Bay. A summer- plumaged adult was watched flying inshore of a fog-bank at Pentewan in mid June 1986, but theoretically the best chance of another would be in a force ten autumn gale.

Gulls At least len species plus two sub-species or races are annual in the Bay. The family also shows by far the highest numbers of individuals, varying from one or two of some species to ten thousand or more of other species. The primary difference is that the gulls are essentially winter visitors as opposed to the migratory skuas and terns.

153 There is some overlap with all three groups present in March/April and August/September.

Only in the evenings (and early mornings) is the true number of gulls apparent. The whole of St. Austell Bay is used as a pre-roost area with all the gulls moving out onto the sea at dusk to roost overnight. The Mediterranean Gull is certainly annual; the problem lies in locating them amongst the multitudes of Black-headed Gulls. It is a scarce visitor but has been recorded in every month, being least frequent in May and June. The first birds of autumn arrive in July or August, often in striking summer plumage when they are more easily identified. However, most occur in immature plumage, later in autumn and winter and locating one or two amongst the Black-heads can prove problematical. Up to three have been present simultaneously but singles are the norm. Up to ten may move through Par Bay during the year but they remain nevertheless a worthwhile find. Three rare American gulls have yet to be recorded here but should not be discounted having occurred at other south coast localities. These are the Laughing Gull, Franklin's Gull and Bonaparte's Gull.

The Little Gull is certainly annual but relatively scarce inshore and normally a short-stayer as a spring and autumn migrant. Of the five or so which occur each year they appear fairly frequently on Par Beach Pool, sometimes with a juvenile in August or September. A bird in second summer plumage is believed to have 'summered' in 1991, but the majority of birds are first winter or adult birds which are seen out over the Bay with Terns and Kittiwakes.

The Sabine's Gull is a scarce pelagic species, probably annual off the south coast headlands, and certainly cannot be anticipated with any confidence in the Bay. In September 1987 a juvenile spent five days feeding and resting at Par Beach but this must be considered unusual here.

Conversely, the Black-headed Gull is easily the most common gull, indeed bird species of any kind, occurring in St. Austell Bay. Numbers vary from a minimum of five to ten birds in May to a maximum of five to ten thousand individuals in mid-winter.

It may frequently be seen in its brown-headed summer plumage but is more numerous in winter dress. At this time the majority of birds have probably travelled some distance from the north and east, including The Netherlands, Germany and Scandinavia. Several have exhibited foreign leg rings and this together with plumage aberrations add a different dimension to gull-watching. Leucistic specimens, some almost completely white, occur occasionally but more unusual was a suspected melanistic specimen which was well watched during the winter of 1989. This was a very strange individual particularly when then; are apparently no accepted records of melanism in gulls (Sharrock: pers. comm.).

The Ring-billed Gull is something of a Par speciality with several individuals occurring here every year. All ages from first winter to adult have been identified and up to five birds have been present together. They often arrive late in the year and remain into March and April, moving off with the main emigration of Black-headed and Common Gulls. Occasionally, single birds have remained throughout the year. There is sometimes a return passage with one or two accompanying other northern gulls in autumn.

Par is currently the third best site for the species in the county and birds are particularly easy to watch as they take bread and scraps at the side of Par Beach Pool.

The Common Gull hardly lives up to its name, for although five hundred may be present in mid winter there are usually none from May to July when the species moves north to breed. It is most numerous from November to February.

There is little variation except very rare leucistic specimens and dark eastern forms (L. c. Heinii), the latter separable only in its extreme form. Only one of each variation has been recorded at Par in the last six years.

Care should be taken, at Par Beach Pool especially, not to confuse the species with Rng-

154 billed Gull, to which it is similar. The Lesser Black-backed Gull is not common locally in summer although one pair has recently takent to nesting annually on the roof at Par Docks. Large flocks of migrants gather on the beach at Par particularly in spring and autumn. Over five hundred have been counted, easily outnumbering Great Black-backed Gulls.

Several hundred are normally present all winter, either as residents or in transit. The main interest, apart from spotting Darvic colour-ringed birds is in differentiating between the various races which occur.

The British breeding race 'L. f. graelsii' is easily the most numerous and the southern Scandinavian race 'L. f. intermedius' is fairly regular from September to March. This race is slightly darker on the mantle than the British race and sometimes constitute up to 5% of all birds present. The northern Scandinavian form 'L. f. fuscus' is infrequent. It is a smart, neat, long-winged bird with a mantle equally as dark as Great Black-backed Gull. Uniform light without sun represents the best conditions for differentiating between these races.

The Herring Gull is the only true resident, breeding widely over Par Docks and wintering in considerable numbers. Flocks of immatures remain in the Bay during the summer but even with the influx of adults in winter numbers do not approach those of Black-headed Gull but may peak at one thousand. Again the main interest is in identifying races. Two distinct forms occur, either or both of which could attain full species status in the future. The Scandinavian race 'L. a. argentatus' is probably annual but still remains a prize. It is larger, darker mantled and more heavily streaked on the head than the British race 'L. a. argenteus'. It has pink legs, has an angular head and appears 'fierce'. Odd birds are found between September and March but they rarely linger. More distinctive are the yellow-legged varieties 'L. a. michahellis/cachinnans.' Like the Scandinavian form it is also darker mantled and relatively large but there the similarity ends. It is a neat, clean gull with a rounded or domed head which is typically white but finely streaked grey in winter. It maintains a well-coloured bill and truly yellow, not orange legs (at least when adult). Hence the Yellow-legged Herring Gull is a most distinctive and pristine bird — an adult can hardly be missed.

Both races show a dark mantle colour intermediate between Herring Gull and Lesser Black- backed Gull, close to Common Gull and often with a noticeable tertial step. Both forms have a tendency to stand with Lesser Black-backed Gulls, with which they appear to have a greater affinity. The Iceland Gull is a scarce winter visitor, subject to 'good' and 'bad' years. 1991 proved to be the best year for some time with birds of all ages reported from Par in the first winter period. It is one of the 'white-winged' gulls, about Herring Gull in size and with a gentle look. It has a neat Common Gull type head and bill, quite unlike the ferocious appearance of Glaucous Gull.

First winters are most regular. It is a rarity here, perhaps just annual. The Glaucous Gull is a distinctive Great Black-backed Gull sized, white-winged gull, but much fiercer, more raucous and angular than the Iceland Gull. In most years it is more numerous than Iceland Gull (1991 being an exception) and averages one or two birds per annum here. The majority are in first winter plumage and adults are surprisingly rare.

They are normally to be found standing with Great Black-backed Gulls and the lack of black in their plumage makes them fairly conspicuous. This species is usually noted 'in transit', often in mid-winter. Both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls are less numerous here than at some other localities such as Mounts Bay or Falmouth

155 where the fishing industry provides a ready food-source.

The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest and darkest of all species present. It is a resident, nesting sparingly around the Bay. Small numbers, particularly immatures remain at Par throughout the summer but numbers increase greatly in winter and on migration when up to five hundred may be present. Such numbers may also congregate at Par Beach during stormy weather.

There are no recognisable sub-species of this large unpleasant marauder of dubious habits. The Kittiwake is more common in St. Austell Bay than is widely realised. Ten or more may often be observed feeding offshore with terns. More frequently one or two can be found resting on Par Beach or flying over the nearby beach pool. Birds are typically present from early spring to late summer with many presumably deriving from the large breeding colony at Gorran Haven. Individuals may occasionally be seen in winter, especially after strong southerly winds. It can best be described as common offshore but scarce inshore.

Terns This family is well represented with up to six species annual. Par Bay is highly favoured due to the wide expanse of sheltered, shallow waters providing abundant food such as sandeels. It is second only to the Hayle Estuary/Porthkidney Sands/St. Ives Bay complex for the family. Since no terns nest in the vicinity it is important mainly in spring and autumn.

The Sandwich Tern is undoubtedly the most common species with up to thirty in spring and up to seventy in autumn. It occurs earlier and later than other terns and is present almost continuously from late March to mid October. There has also been a recent winter record. The species' grating calls often betray their presence initially and in autumn the number is swollen by noisy juveniles being fed by adults.

Largest parties are seen on autumn evenings when pre-roost gatherings can be watched on the beach at Par, before they fly to roost on the seaward side of the harbour wall.

The Roseate Tern is the rarest tern occurring in St. Austell Bay, but it is annual inshore. May and July have proved to be the peak months but birds have arrived in June, August and September. The summer-plumaged adult is a graceful bird and a visit is well worthwhile when it is known to be present.

Birds may occur singly, in pairs or in mixed flocks of other 'commie' terns when such parties are blown into the Bay in southerly winds. The Common Tern, contrary to its name, is probably only half as frequent as the Sandwich Tern (although up to fifty times more numerous than the Arctic Tern). Occasionally, flocks of fifty or more may be blown into the Bay during spring migration, typically May. First arrivals are usually about a month later than Sandwich Tern. From mid-July juveniles may be present with adults and stragglers may occur until October but unlike Sandwich Tern the maximum numbers tend to pass through in spring. A few individuals apparently 'summer' most years and in June 1987 forty or fifty birds were noted in a single flock. These were considered to be non-breeding birds as at least one first summer bird was identifiable.

The Arctic Tern is scarce, almost a rarity here, but is annual. Few are identified amongst flocks of Common Terns, though doubtless several are overlooked at distance owing to the problem of identification.

Those which occur often arrive in May but these seldom linger. Individuals may then be seen from late July to early October with occasional juveniles late in the year. It is probable that larger groups move through unnoticed particularly in spring, since flocks are sometimes identified at other south coast localities.

The Forster's Tern is a rare North American vagrant which has occurred here once; a

156 single bird spending a day in early October 1990. However any 'commie' type tern occurring here in winter should be checked for the distinctive winter head pattern of this species. The Little Tern is annual in St. Austell Bay in limited numbers. It arrives in spring, usually from mid April and normally as singles or in small parties of up to six. Double-figure counts have been made at this season but it is rare, not even annual, in autumn. They may typically be seen fishing close inshore with characteristic hovering flight but owing to their small size can easily be overlooked.

The Black Tern is enigmatically scarce here, because although it is basically a marsh tern it is annual around much of the coast of Cornwall. Very few have been reported from Par in spring and there is little improvement in autumn. Those that do occur arrive during or after southerly winds associated with mist and rain. They have been noted flying over Par Beach Pool but like the preceding species could easily be overlooked owing to their small size.

Several other species of terns are candidates for the St. Austell Bay. At least seven species are potential visitors; White-winged Black, Whiskered, Gull-billed, Lesser Crested, Bridled, Sooty and Caspian plus a few even more exotic possibilities.

References: Birds in Cornwall 1983 pps. 106-110. Birds in Cornwall 1984 page 103. Birds in Cornwall 1985 page 63. Birds in Cornwall 1986 page 53. Birds in Cornwall 1990, ppps. 78. 79, 81 and 82.

157 BREEDING STATUS OF THE GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea) IN CORNWALL

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large, graceful, long legged, long billed wading bird. It has a deep body with a long whitish neck, contrasting grey wings and black primaries. Both sexes are alike and there is little seasonal variation.

Herons feed mainly on fish, amphibians, small mammals, insects and reptiles caught mostly in the morning and evening. This food is taken on land or in shallow water where it wades or stands, usually on its own. The prey is caught by grabbing or stabbing and is usually killed before it is swallowed.

Herons start patching up or building their nests as early as January, the nest is a large platform of branches and sticks built up over a number of years becoming more substantial as time goes by. The eggs are laid from early March, with the peak towards the end of March and the beginning of April. There are usually four eggs, pale blue in colour. Incubation takes 25-26 days and hatching is asynchronous, the young birds leave the nest after 25-30 days for nearby branches, the fledging period is 50 days.

Of the young birds 69% will be expected to die in the first year, the life expectancy of a newly fledged bird is only 1.5 years. Older birds have a 31 % mortality and when birds start breeding at two years old they have a life expectancy of 2.7 years. The first breeding survey of this species was undertaken by Max Nicholson in 1928 under the auspices of "British Birds" magazine. After the B.T.O. was formed in 1933 the Heronry Census became part of its permanent portfolio, with further national census' in 1954 1964 and 1985. Since the last national census we in Cornwall have checked the county's 15 heron colonies annually and it is this field work over the last seven years that forms the basis of this short paper.

Counting normally starts in early to mid March when most pairs have settled down to the serious business of rearing young, and a regular check is kept on the site until about mid May when the leaves on the trees start to obscure the nests. In Cornwall we are fortunate in that most colonies are in trees on steeply sloping valley sides which enables observers to see and count the nests easily and as regularly as they wish with the minimum of disturbance to the nesting birds, from the opposite side of the valley. If the colony is in close proximity to a rookery as happens at one site the herons eggs are open to predation from their neighbours if left unattended, consequently the amount of disturbance from ornithologists must be kept to a minimum.

The Camel Estuary site has an interesting history, this colony started at Prideaux Place in Padstow and in the 1880's moved to on the north side of the estuary where it stayed until about 1943 when it again moved, this time to its present site at Pinkson Creek. The reason for this move was disturbance by aircraft noise from a nearby wartime airfield. It is now one of the largest colonies in the county.

The Marazion Marsh site, in pine trees to the north of the marsh, has been in use since 1959. In 1986 two pairs nested in the reed bed due to disturbance from a local farmer who had planted potatoes in an adjacent field. At present only two pairs nest here, perhaps their circumstances will change now that their landlord has changed; with the R.S.P.B. presently in charge, will numbers increase now that the water level in the marsh has been raised?

The herons on the Fal estuary seem to move around quite a lot, whether this is due to disturbance or whether the population is growing I'm not sure. The Kea Wood site opposite the aptly named Heron Inn at Malpas has been in existence since 1949 and is at present the largest colony on the estuary with ten breeding pairs.

The Pelyn Creek site has a record of one nest in 1947 then no records until the colony was mentioned in the "Cornish Bird Report" in 1966, the colony peaked in 1975 with 12 nests and since then has varied between two and nine nests.

Borlaise Wood supported four breeding pairs in 1969 but R.D. Penhallurick suggests that the site is much older with a heronry mentioned here in 1864. The 1954 survey showed

158 a colony of eight pairs at Philleigh which is only a mile or so away from Borlaise Wood. I would suggest that these birds move round a little. The heronries at St. Just Creek and Pill Farm/Trelissick Wood have only recently been notified to me, St. Just starting in 1987 and Pill Farm in 1988 although herons have probably nested at the latter site since 1937.

Excepting the colonies at Marazion Marsh, Sladesbridge and Newbridge, the distribution of heronries in the county show the importance of estuaries to these birds, as feeding, roosting and breeding centres. Every major estuary in the county has one or more colony of herons along its length. The Fal estuary is unusual in that it supports five colonies in the complex of creeks, totalling 26 breeding pairs, making it the premier site for herons in the county. The number of breeding pairs have remained fairly constant at all the breeding sites probably reflecting decreased mortality during the relatively mild winters that we have experienced through the period of the survey. The increase in numbers seems to be due to increased observer effort rather than improved performance by the birds themselves. It is also interesting to note the site fidelity of individual colonies. Looking through the 1928 survey sites, only three are at the same site they used 52 years ago, these are Polwheveral Creek on the , Great Wood on the Fowey River and at Trenant Point on the Looe estuary.

The colony at on the Tresillian River was extinct from about 1968. The nest at St. Cadoc Farm was lost about twelve years ago when the elms were felled after they had died from Dutch Elm disease. The colony at Trebartha Hall was extinct by the 1930's.

The colony on the Lynher River has seen several sites, the first colony in Sheviock Wood was established in 1872, to become extinct in 1906. There was a colony at Whacker Lake until 1921 when a second colony at Sheviock Wood was established, this too became extinct in the early 80's after being "shot out" by "fishermen". These birds were probably the ancestors of those now at Shillingham, this colony was found late in 1988 when 17 empty nests were counted.

One final point, when looking at the maps showing the distribution of heronries, there is a large blank area to the north of a line drawn from the Camel estuary to Gunnislake and right to the northern extremity of the county, this area includes the upper reaches of the Tamar, with no records of breeding herons. If you know of any breeding herons in this area or anywhere in Cornwall I would be interested to hear about them.

This paper would never have seen the light of day without the efforts of all the fieldworkers who regularly count our nesting herons, my thanks to all of them.

References: Birds in Cornwall 1939-1991. Penhallurick R.D.: Birds of the Cornish Coast 1969. Harrison C: Nests, Eggs and Nestlings 1975. Cramp et al: Handbook of Birds of British & Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Stephen F. Jackson, 2 Trelawney Cottages, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 3NY.

Site 1928 1954 1964 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1. Marazion Marsh * * 3 5 5 6 5 4 3 2 2. Polwheveral Creek 3 9 2 * 7 11 11 10 11 12 3. Pill Farm * * * * * * 5 6 * 4 4. Kea Wood * * * 10 6 13 13 10 12 10 5. St. Just Creek * * * * * 1 1 3 2 1 6. Borlase Wood * * * 6 5 6 9 5 4 4 7. Merther 12 + 8 5 * * * * * * * 8. Pelyn Creek * * * 5 3 9 2 7 5 7

159 9. Pinksons Creek * 10 8 15 16 17 14 16 14 18 10. St. Cadoc Farm 1 * * * * * * * * 11. Trevelver 10 * * * * * * * * * 12. Dinham, St. Minver 1 * * * * * * * * * 13. Sladesbridge * * * 4 3 4 4 3 2 2 14. St. Winnow 8 10 * * 10 14 12 16 5 15. Creek * * * * * * * 1 o 0 16. Trenant Point 28 + 3 * 9 8 * 13 9 11 7 17. Trebartha Hall 10-14 * * * * * * * * 18. Newbridge * * * * * * * 3 3 * 19. Sheviock Wood 10 14 9 * * * * * * 20. Shillingham * * * * * * * 10 16 24 21. Gunnislake * * * * * 4 4 4 0 * •indicates no information

160 161 162 THE WALMSLEY SANCTUARY PROJECT: THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Some years ago I was given a copy of 'Bird Life in Cornwall' written by the founder of the C.B.W.P.S., Col. B.H. Ryves. In his book he described the Walmsley Sanctuary: 'with its marsh herbage and fresh-water pool' as 'extraordinarily attractive to all manner of Ducks, Wild Geese and the rarer Waders'.

Having read all this I picked up my binoculars and rushed out to see this marvellous place for myself. When I eventually found it I was very disappointed and I came to the conclusion that at some stage catastrophic events must have taken place to transform this site from the wonderful area described by Col. Ryves into the barren pastureland, totally devoid of birdlife which I saw before me. I subsequently learned that the catastrophe had occurred in the 1960's when the then Cornwall Water Board had carried out substantial drainage and canalization work on the River Amble and had built a tidal barrier at the river mouth. This had the effect of inhibiting tidal flow up the River Amble and the resultant lowering of the water level had caused the marsh to dry out with disastrous results for bird and acquatic life.

According to Sir Dudley Stamp in 'Nature Conservation in Britain' (New Naturalist No. 49 published by Collins in 1969) this work was done without the prior knowledge of the Nature Conservancy Council. The C.B.W.P.S. however, were aware of the scheme and to add insult to injury were forced to pay £1000 towards the cost, thus depleting funds for years to come. In 1986 some low banking was installed from west to east by South West Water. This bank followed an old meander and incorporated sluice pipes but unfortunately this had little or no effect on the overall situation. In 1988 1 was elected onto the Executive Committee and saw this as my chance to do something about restoring this derelict marsh and make it a valuable refuge for wildfowl and waders once more.

I re-visited Walmsley Sanctuary with Andy Pay (our Conservation Officer) and Alma Hath way (Education Officer) and a plan formed in my mind as to what needed to be done. My idea was to raise a substantial embankment with scrapes just inside the western and north-western perimeter of the area to link up with the existing low bank which had been created some years previously and to remove the old leaking sluice pipes. This would hopefully have the effect of totally enclosing approximately twenty acres, thus enabling us to raise water levels considerably in this area, yet not affecting drainage on surrounding farmland.

At the apex of the north-western corner a hide could be strategically placed with convenient access from the adjacent public footpath. Wooden fences would be erected to screen the approach in an attempt to minimise disturbance.

Additional wire fencing could be erected around the whole enclosure to allow a controlled grazing regime to be implemented.

With the onset of winter rains, subsequent inundation of this part of the reserve would attract large numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders such as Snipe. (During our first winter visit to the site we actually saw two birds — a Carrion Crow and a Pied Wagtail!).

Andy and Alma thought the plan was feasible and Andy suggested calling on the professional services of A.D.A.S. to confirm that the idea was viable.

David Robinson, A.D.A.S. water engineer made three visits to the site taking levels from the relevant areas and concluded that if the plan was accepted it would be possible to raise the water level by as much as two feet — thus coming near to realising Col Ryves' dream 'that some day a dam may be built so as to form a lake'. David's comprehensive report was duly shown to the rest of the Executive Committee.

163 I then met with Steven Warman of English Nature to discuss the proposals, as the Walrnsley Sanctuary is part of the Amble Marshes S.S.S.I. Steve was also in favour and with his approval we could now proceed.

Alma and I visited our tenant farmer, the late Mr. John Menhennick of Farm, Wadebridge. Mr. Menhennick had no objection to the plan and added that in his opinion the work should have been done a long time ago.

In March 1989 I met a contractor, who was a specialist in this type of work, on site. He could envisage no problem and an estimate for the proposed work was duly received.

My biggest problem now was to convince the rest of the Committee that the project was not only viable but that it would at last fulfil the trust and obligations placed in and upon the Society by its' founder and Dr. R.G. Walmsley who bequeathed the legacy with which the Sanctuary was purchased, and after whom it was named. After much discussion and perhaps a degree of indecision it was finally resolved to approach the newly formed National Rivers Authority with a view to them carrying out the scheme.

Several site meetings took place which ultimately resulted in a letter to our General Secretary from the N.R.A. Conservation Officer stating that 'I feel the N.R.A. could not support your most recent proposals to impound water flows within newly created bunds'.

However, I had already decided that whatever the outcome with the N.R.A. request, we would get the job done somehow. The original contractor was recalled and he in turn contacted the N.R.A. to ensure that our proposals were in line with their regulations. Within days the N.R.A. notified us that they had changed their minds and would carry out the bulk of the work, free of charge, under their new conservation policy.

Worked commenced on 11th February 1991 and I gladly volunteered to supervise the work on behalf of the Society.

The excavation of the banks and buildings of the sluice took two and a half months, rather longer than envisaged by the N.R.A. As work progressed one of my primary jobs was to remove a fence which had been illegally erected on our land and re-locate it on the boundary. I also made, and placed at strategic points around the boundary, notices banning entry to, and shooting on the Sanctuary, as there had been ample evidence of this from the number of cartridges we found.

Letters were sent to the local hunt informing them that hunting would no longer be allowed on our land. By 14th March the bulk of the work was complete and water levels were rising — this was also the day we first saw Sand Martins hawking over the new expanse of water. On March 19th we met Mike Oram, the N.R.A. engineer to discuss our requirements with regard to the sluice gate in the eastern ditch.

Water levels continued to rise and more birds appeared. On 7th April the water level reached its maximum for the year — 14.5 inches above the original level, and the highlight of the day was an Iceland Gull for the 'Walmsley list' which I had been keeping since the day that work began.

At this time, Alma and I planted approximately 250 trees, some for screening and some for wildlife. Hawthorn and prunus were included to help re-instate the depleted hedges. Our next job involved the erection of a 550 metre barbed wire fence incorporating two gates thus enclosing the newly flooded area and enabling us to control grazing on this part of the Sanctuary.

On 23rd April the excavator driver used his machine to push in all the fence posts, before leaving the site. The following day, whilst putting up the fence we saw our first Swifts of the year and hundreds of hirundines skimmed over the water or sat on the wires we

164 had just stapled into place. The next stage was to create a better scrape in front of the hide to attract more birds, especially waders. In September, when water levels were at their lowest, I called in a contractor with a JCB to scrape off more of the surface vegetation. A dumper was used to remove the excess which was then utilised to build up and extend the new bank. Landscaping of the exposed area was carried out leaving small islands and hollows so that there would always be varying levels of mud and water for loafing and feeding.

We have placed the hide in a position overlooking this area and it is hoped at some time in the future to erect another farther along the western boundary which will provide good views over the remainder of the Sanctuary.

There is still a fair amount of work to be completed in the form of extra fencing, banking and tree planting but I hope that most of this work will have been carried out by the time that this report is published.

I suppose the greatest worry for any wetland site manager is the possibility of the site drying out. I am pleased to report that this has not happened to date.

When the banking was completed in spring 1991 the winter rains had already ceased and this was followed by a dry autumn and one of the driest winters on record. Despite this, water levels have remained high enough throughout to attract hundreds of wintering duck including Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail, Tufted Duck and Pochard plus flocks of Snipe and good numbers of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Curlew to the outlying areas of the site during the winter months.

Spring and autumn migrants have also been dropping in; Lapwing, Dunlin, Ruff, Jack Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green, Wood and Common Sandpipers. Other 'goodies' have included a flock of six Little Egrets, Little Grebe, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Iceland Gull, Barn, Short-eared and Tawny Owls, Kingfisher, and Water and Richard's Pipits. At the time of writing my species list stands at 93.

Along with the now permanently wet situation has come a new ecological structure in the form of aquatic plants and animals. These in turn provide extra cover and opportunities for a wide variety of birds. Some of the plants include 'Scirpus maritimus' 'Scirpus tabernaemontanii' many species of 'carex' and grasses.

Sticklebacks, bladder snails, frogs and toads, lizards, vast numbers of invertebrates (including insect lavae), dragonflies and damselflies illustrate the diversity and richness of the fauna. As the ecology of the site is still developing it needs to be constantly monitored so that the correct management regime can be achieved. This would include for example maintaining high water levels in spring to attract breeding species: the correct level of grazing and possibly some mowing during the breeding season; maintenance of fences and hedges whilst keeping human disturbance to a minimum. With the help of a grant obtained from the Countryside Commission under their stewardship scheme for the next ten years and the rent from our tenant farmer we should be able to carry out the necessary work.

When I first suggested this project Society funds stood at just under £25000. Now they stand at about £27000, so that in terms of financial security we have lost nothing but we have re-gained a first class bird reserve which is now self-financing and not a drain on Society resources. Not only is it now an important site for birds in Cornwall but it is also a fine example of what C.B.W.P.S. is capable of doing in the field of bird conservation.

This in turn may attract new membership and the attention of other conservation organisations.

165 I believe that as a Society we must take a more active part in the acquisition, preservation and management of bird habitats in Cornwall, as the loss of these habitats is one of the main threats to our bird populations. We now have an active, enthusiastic and forward-looking Committee. We have the expertise and we have the funds so as far as I can see there is nothing standing in our way. Bruce Wotton

166 THE SOCIETY'S RULES "Current from April 1992" Rule 1. (Name) The Society shall be called "The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society".

Rule 2. (Objects) The objects of the Society shall be:- (a) To further the study of birds in the field. (b) To assist in their preservation. Rule 3. (Membership) Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objects of the Society. Classes of membership shall be as follows:- Ordinary Members — any person over the age of 18 years. Life Members — any ordinary member who has paid the prescribed Life Membership Subscription. Junior Members — any person under the age of 18 years. Honorary Members — any person, whether otherwise a member or not, who is elected an Honorary Member by a General Meeting on a recommendation of the Executive Commiitee in recognition of outstanding service to the objects of the Society. Group Members — School or similar Groups. All members shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the Society (except that Junior members shall not be eligible to serve as Honorary Officers or as members of the Executive Committee) and shall be entitled to vote at General meetings (Group Members shall be entitled to one vote only on behalf of that body). The Executive Committee shall have the authority to exclude from membership, or cancel the membership of, any person if it considers that person to have contravened any requirements contained in these rules or any legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or for any other matter which the Executive Committee considers offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society.

Rule 4 (Subscriptions) Subscription rates shall be as approved from time to time by the Society in General Meeting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee. Subscriptions shall be payable on joining and on the 1st of January thereafter, but any member paying a first subscription after the 30th of September in any year shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until after the close of the following year. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall, after being reminded, cease to receive the Society's publications, and when six months in arrears shall cease to be a member.

Rule 5. (Officers) The following Honorary Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re-election:- President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar, Field Meetings Officer, Honorary Solicitor, Conservation Officer, Assistant Conservation Officer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Officer, County Recorder and Editor, Assistant Editor, Officer for Youth & Education, two Joint Editors for the Isles of Scilly, Research Officer. Any member, with the exception of Junior members, shall be eligible for election as an Honorary Officer. In the event of a vacancy arising at any time of the year, the Executive Committee shall be empowered to appoint a member to fill that vacancy and such appointment shall be reported to the next General Meeting for approval or election as appropriate.

Rule 6. (Meetings) General Meetings shall be held twice a year, and the first General Meeting shall be the Annual General Meeting. The quorum for a General Meeting shall be 30 members. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, or at the request of 20 members by application to the Chairman and the General Secretary, such applications to be accompanied by details of the motion or motions to be moved.

167 Rule 7. (Management) The Annual General Meeting shall elect an Executive Committee to deal with all business of the Society, and any obligation undertaken by the Executive Committee shall be an obligation of the Society. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Honorary Officers and nine other members. Non-officer members shall be elected for a period of three years and shall not on the expiry of that period be eligible for re-election until a year after the termination of that period of three years. Nominations for posts as Honorary Officers and for vacancies on the Executive Committee shall be made in writing to the General Secretary over the signatures of the proposer and seconder and must reach the General Secretary at least ten days before the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall meet as often as is necessary and shall be convened by General Secretary in consultation with the Chairman. The quorum for the Executive Committee shall be ten members. The Executive Committee shall have the powers to appoint such sub-committees as it considers desirable and shall determine the membership and powers of such sub-committees, whose proceedings will be reported to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall not delegate to any sub-committee the power to commit the Society to any expenditure. The Executive Committee shall delegate to the Management Team (comprising Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar, and Conservation Officer) power to take decisions on urgent matters which cannot await the next meeting of the Committee. Decisions of the Management Team must be unanimous and shall be reported to the next meeting of the Executive Committee.

Rule 8. (Accounts) The audited accounts of the Society shall be presented annually to the Society for approval at the Annual General Meeting.

Rule 9. (Trustees) Property and investments of the Society shall vest in not less than four members of the Society appointed by the Society in General Meeting. Each Trustee shall remain in office until such Trustee resigns or is removed at a General Meeting. In the event of the death or resignation of a Trustee the Executive Committee shall have the power to fill the vacancy, such decisions to be reported to the next General Meeting for confirmation.

Rule 10. (Dissolution etc.) This Society shall neither be dissolved, nor amalgamated with, nor subordinated to any other body without the consent of two-thirds of the Members, at a General Meeting where the business is transacted, and in respect of which dissolution, amalgamation or subordination, prior notice must be given under rule 11. For the purpose of this Rule, Members may vote by post. Rule 11. (Alteration of Rules) An alteration of the Rules of the Society may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been set out in full on the agenda sent to members and that the proposed alteration is passed by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting.

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