THIRD REPORT

OF The Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society. 1933.

Edited by B. H. RYVES and G. H. HARVEY.

The Annual Meeting was held at Truro on 20th February, the President taking the chair. The President and Officers were re-elected, and Miss D. M. B. Lethbridge and Mr. G. Penrose were elected to the Executive Committee vice Messrs. Meares and Polwhele, who retired pursuant to Rule 6. The President, in moving the adoption of the Annual Report of 1932 and the Treasurer's Account, remarked on the satisfactory increase both in membership and funds. The matter of affixing Warning Notices of the County Bird Order, 1932, came under reconsideration. It was decided to have posters printed instead of the costly painted boards and that, in addition, two blank boards be purchased and placed on the Camel estuary to act as " holders " of posters. The Secretaries were authorised to carry the proposals into execution. It was unanimously agreed that Lord Buckmaster's Bill for the further protection of wild birds captured in a state of nature should receive the Society's fullest support. A resolution to this effect was read and approved, and it was decided that a copy thereof be sent to the Cornish Peers, the five Cornish M.P.s, Mr. Charles Williams, M.P., the Bishop of Truro and the President of the Cornwall Federation of Women's Institutes. It was decided to convey to Mrs. Tregarthen an expression of the Society's sympathy in her recent bereavement, the death of her husband, Mr. J. C. Tregarthen. 2

A vote of thanks to the Royal Institution of Cornwall and to Mr. G. Penrose for their courtesy in placing a room in the Museum at the Society's disposal for all its meetings was warmly accorded. Mr. A. C. Polwhele kindly consented to act as Auditor of the Accounts for 1932. It was decided that the " Watchers' Fund" be renamed the " Protection Fund " and become the financial basis of all the Society's Bird protection work. The kind offer of the Western Morning News of a Bird Competition for 1933 was discussed. It was resolved that, owing to the lateness of the season and other difficulties, the ^ Society was compelled to decline it. Mr. Machell Cox then dealt at length with a scheme he had in mind in connection with the arrivals of summer migrants. It was hoped that the Western Morning News would agree to the idea and that the scheme might be set in motion for 1934. ***** * The Second General Meeting was held at Truro on 21st November. It was reported that 100 Bird Protection posters had been printed and that about 60 had been forwarded to members at important centres, who, it was hoped, had duly fixed them to recognised hoardings in their neighbourhood. The President alluded to the recent passing into law of Lord Buckmaster's Bill which would come into force in May, 1934. It was agreed that the Society should draw the attention of all Cornish Caged Bird Shows to the new Act. Mr. Nicholson spoke about the prevalence of catapults, air-guns and pistols, the use of which by Truro boys had resulted in indiscriminate and wanton destruction of wild birds. The matter had been brought to the notice of the local Police, the Town Clerk and Educational authorities. The ventilation of the matter and the publicity given in the Press will, it is to be hoped, have a salutory effect. The President announced the very generous offer of the Proprietors of The Western Morning News to present to the Society, free of all legal costs, the green topped rock known as Trethias Island situated in Treyarnon Bay. The island is a very favourite haunt and resting place of various Waders 3 and is in danger of being lost to the birds by being bridged with the main-land and built on. The only condition the generous donors make is that the rock remain a sanctuary for all time and that, in the event of the Society's determination at any time, it shall pass to the National Trust. The gift was most gratefully accepted. Lady Vivian, Major John Williams and the Honorary Secretaries were appointed the Trustees of the valuable property. Mr. E. W. Hendy lucidly explained the Migration Scheme originated by Mr. Machell Cox. He had kindly offered to run the scheme, in 1934, on behalf of the Editor-in-chief of the Western Morning News, Mr. J. L. Palmer. The details had been discussed and agreed to by a small Committee of members of both the Devon and Cornwall Bird Societies which had met in Plymouth, at the invitation of Mr. Palmer. Six birds—Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Swallow, Spotted Fly­ catcher, Cuckoo and Whitethroat—had been selected for observation as regards first arrivals, subsequent " rushes " and nesting. Those willing to act as observers, both in Devon and Cornwall, would be asked to submit weekly records to Mr. Hendy. The Western Morning News would publish regularly a map showing the movements of the six chosen birds. The scheme is undoubtedly a good one for, by its means, it would be possible to obtain valuable information on Bird Migration. Final arrangements should be completed at the Society's Annual Meeting early in 1934. Mr. Harvey gave notice of motion for an alteration in Rule 5, which will be discussed at the next meeting. Dr. R. H. Blair closed the meeting by exhibiting and explaining a series of his own " cine-snaps " of Cornish and other birds. The pictures were excellent and the entertainment was greatly appreciated by the 45 members present. ****** Th Executive Committee met three times during the year, namely, on 20th February, 4th October and 21st November. ******

MEMBERSHIP. We regret to announce the death, during the year, of Mrs. Paynter, Boskenna, St. Buryan, 4

We have to record the following resignations: — Mr. R. S. Dixon, Truro. Mr. H. A. E. Lucas, Falmouth. Members. Capt. G. G. Petherick, Porthpean. Mr. and Mrs. Hawke, Mawgan-in-Pydar, Associates.

List of Members at the end of 1933. Adams, S. H. A., Trenance, Mawgan Porth. Agnew, Comdr., M.P., Trevanion, Camborne. Anderson, B. W., Thatched Cottage, Whyteleafe, Farleigh, Surrey. Anderson, Mrs. I. M., Thatched Cotage, Whyteleafe, Farleigh, Surrey. Banfield, R., The Hillyers, Bodmin. Barker, Miss W. M., Tregye Cottage, Devoran, Truro. Benaton, Rev. H. A., St. Gwinear Vicarage, Hayle. Bennett, Miss Lorna, Byways, Trenio, Padstow. Benson, Mrs. S. R., Bishop' Hill, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Benson, Miss M. M., Bishop's Hill, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Benson, Miss S. V., Bishop's Hill, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Bewes, Mrs. N., Trelill, Marlborough Road, Falmouth. Bickford-Smith, Mrs. G., Trevarno, Near Helston. Bickford-Smith, J. C, Trevarno, Near Helston. Bickford-Smith, W. N., Trevarno, Near Helston. Blair, Dr. R. H., Roslyn, Basset Road, Camborne. Bolitho, Mrs. F., Trewidden, Buryas Bridge. Bolitho, Lt.-Col. E. H. W., Trengwainton, Madron. Bridger, J. A. D., J.P., 7, Alverton Terrace, Penzance. Bullmore, T. K., Trebarne, Mawnan, Falmouth. Bury, Miss V. M., Colletts, Westerham, Kent. Butler, Miss F. S., Loe Vean, Feock, Truro. Campbell, Mrs. H. M. E., Little Porthilly, Rock, Wadebridge. Clarke, A. C, Ponsanooth, Perranwell Station. Clowes, Miss, Byways, Trenio, Padstow. Coldrey, A. A., Trenowan, Camborne. Cooper, Miss B. B., Heyle, Helford Passage, Falmouth. Cox, A. H. Machell, Knightstone, Yelverton, Devon. Croker Fox, H. E., Tregenver, Falmouth. Crossman, A. L., Lezerea, Ruan Minor, Grade. Crossman, Mrs. S., Lezerea, Ruan Minor, Grade. Cunningham, Miss D. W., St. Anthony, Praa Sands, Marazion. Dorrien-Smith, Major A. A., D.S.O., J.P., Tresco Abbey, Isles of Scilly. 5

Dwight, Miss E., Boslowick, Falmouth. Evans, Miss A., Boulder Cottage, Trevone, Padstow. Evans, Miss B. Walton, John's Corner, Goldsithney, Marazion. Foreman, Miss M., County School, Truro. Foster, Miss M. P., Penmilder, Liskeard. Foster, Mrs., Lawn Cliff, Flushing, Falmouth. Fox, Leonard, Carharthen, Tresillian, Truro. Fox, Miss M. V., Glendurgan, Falmouth. Gill, Mrs. M. E., Riverside, Lelant. Green, Dr. A. B., Acton Castle, Perranuthnoe, Marazion. Gunning, Mrs. S. L., The Rectory, Mawgan, St. Columb Minor. Hartley, P. H. Trahair, Bosavern, Christchurch Park, Sutton, Surrey. Harvey, Miss E. I., Rose Hill, Padstow. Harvey, G. H., Peatswood, Lidden Estate, Penzance. Joint Hon. Secretary. Harvey, Mrs. D. C, Peatswood, Lidden Estate, Penzance. Hawkey, W. J. M., 32, Cliff Road, Newquay. Henderson-Bull, Mrs. M. B., Marlborough, Falmouth. Hendy, E. W., Holt Anstiss, Porlock, Somerset. Hepburn, Mrs. B., Rock, Wadebridge. Hepburn, Ian, Laxton House, Oundle, Northamptonshire. Hext, Brig.-Gen. L. J., C.M.G., Trewornan, Wadebridge. Hicks, Mrs. F. R., Lanhainsworth, St. Columb. Hicks. J., Lieut. R.N., Lanhainsworth, St. Columb. Hosking, J. F., Villa-Ana, Perranporth. Hurrell, H. G., Peverell Park Villa, Plymouth. Jackson, Mrs. E., Penquite, Lelant. Jarvis, W. H., 1, Marcus Hill, Newquay. Johnstone, G., 26, Warham Road, South Croydon, Surrey. Lawson, H. B., The Links, Worplesdon Hill, Woking, Surrey. Lethbridge, Miss D. M. B., Tregeare, Near Launceston. Lewis, Miss C, Solva, Mawgan Porth, St. Columb Minor. Light, Miss K. E., Diocesan Training College, Truro. Luard, Major W., 14, Woodlane Terrace, Falmouth. Macmillan, J., Melrose, J.P., Trehane Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Magor, E. J. P., Lamellen, St. Tudy. McCorkindale, Miss E., Torquil, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Meares, R. H., 2, Western Terrace, Falmouth. Meares, Mrs. M. J., 2, Western Terrace, Falmouth. Moor, Miss M. R., St. Clement, Truro. Moyse, Mrs. O. R., Condurrow, St. Clement, Truro. 6

Nalder, G. F., 7, Pydar Street, Truro. Nicholson, C., Nansgwithick, Tresillian, Truro. Hon. Treasurer. Nicholson, Mrs. Nansgwithick, Tresillian, Truro. Olver, Miss V., 1, West Park, Saltash. Oxley, Mrs. C. A., Midland Bank House, Newquay. Pagan, Miss E. L., 1, Alexandra Terrace, Penzance. Pagan, Miss V., 1, Alexandra Terrace, Penzance. Paynter, Lt.-Col. C. H., J.P., Boskenna, St. Buryan. Pearce, Mrs. M. J., Faralong, Rock, Wadebridge. Pedder, Miss M. W., Diocesan Training College, Truro. Penrose, G., County Museum, Truro. Polwhele, A. C, O.B.E., J.P., Polwhele, St. Clement, Truro. Polwhele, Mrs., Polwhele, St. Clement, Truro. Pratt, Miss M., County School for Girls, Camborne. Pyemont, Rev. E. C. H., Laneast Vicarage, Launceston. Rice, C, 1, Trelawney Road, Camborne. Rice, H., 4, Farley Terrace, Truro. Rice, Mrs. 4, Farley Terrace, Truro. Roberts, Miss V., Crossfield, Mawnan, Falmouth. Rogers, Mrs. Powys, Tregye, Devoran, Truro. Rogers, Michael, Bospolvans, St. Columb. Rogers, Mrs. M., Bospolvans, St. Columb. Rougier, Mrs. F., Trerose Vean, Mawnan, Falmouth. Ryves, Lt.-Col. B. H., Mawgan, St. Columb Minor. Joint Hon. Secretary. Ryves, Mrs., Mawgan, St. Columb Minor. Ryves, Miss S. C, Scarteen, Seaford, Sussex. Seaton, Major, Lord, Manaccan, St. Martin. Seaton, Lady, Manaccan, St. Martin. Simms, G. W., Little Trefewha, Praze, Camborne. Skilbeck, Miss A. T., St. Petroc House, St. Issey. Skinner, Miss K. M., Little Polberro, St. Agnes. Smith, Miss L. E., Lynn Allen, The Avenue, Truro. Stephens, Dr. W. J., Hayne, Newquay. Stephens, Miss R., Hayne, Newquay. St. Levan, Brig.-Gen., Lord, C.B., C.V.O., J.P., St. Michael's Mount. Stokes, Miss M., Tregurrian, St. Columb Minor. Stokes, Miss S., Tregurrian, St. Columb Minor. Tatham, Miss E., Catchfrench, Trerule Foot, Saltash. Taylor, W. R., 12, Pembroke Vale, Clifton. Thompson, Stuart, 38, MorrabiRoad, Penzance. 7

Titford, W. G., Tideforfc Cross, St. Germans. Trahair, Miss M. Loveday, 3, West Park, Saltash. Trusted, Miss A. M., Chyangwel, Perranwell, Perran-ar-worthal. Tucker, S., Culham, Probus. Tyacke, Miss E. E., Brill, Flushing, Falmouth. Valentine, Miss D., Penrose, Lelant. Vivian, Col., Lord, D.S.O., J.P., Glynn, Bodmin. Vivian, Lady, M.B.E., Glynn, Bodmin (President). Vyvyan, Sir Courtenay, Bart., C.B., Trelowarren, Mawgan, Helston. Vyvyan, Lady, Trelowarren, Mawgan, Helston. Vyvyan, Rev. H., St. Ruan Rectory, Ruan Minor. Ward, J. H., 24, Sudbrooke Road, London, S.W.12. Warren, Miss U. St. L., Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Westrup, Miss E., Lamorna Gate, St. Buryan. Wilkinson, H. E. T., Windmill, St. Minver. Wilkinson, Mrs., Windmill, St. Minver. Willcocks, T. J., Tregorden, Wadebridge. Williams, Major John, Scorrier House, Scorrier. Williams, Capt. S., Scorrier House, Scorrier. Williams, Mrs. M. F., Greenway, Churston Ferrers, Devon. Williams, P. I)., Lanarth, St. Keverne. Williams, R., 1, Carclew Place, Truro. Wilson, A. M., Middlemoor, Presteigne, Radnorshire. Woodward, Rev. A. A., Cardynham Rectory, Bodmin. Woodward, Mrs., Cardynham Rectory, Bodmin. (Total 138 members). The following persons, having signed the declaration and paid the subscription after the last General Meeting of 1933 but before the end of the year, are qualified for election at the first meeting of 1934: — Fenn, H. L., Copperhouse, Hayle. Foot, Isaac, M.P., Pencrebar, Callington. Haworth, Rev. J. J., St. Clement Vicarage, Truro. Ivens-Knowles, Mrs. Frances, C.B.E., M.S., F.C.O.G., Killa- gorden, Truro. Jenkin, L., 11, Headland Road, Newquay. Magson, Dr. E. H., Truro School, Truro. Paull, Miss L., Trehaverne House, Truro. Williams, Mrs., Scorrier House, Scorrier. 8

THE COMMITTEE FOR 1934. President: Lady Vyvyan, Trelowarren, Mawgan, Helston. Honorary Treasurer: Mr. C. Nicholson, Nansgwithick, Tresillian, Truro. Joint Honorary Secretaries: Lt.-Col. B. H. Ryves, Mawgan, St. Columb Minor. Mr. G. H. Harvey, Peatswood, Lidden Estate, Penzance. Members: Lady Vivian, Miss Lethbridge, Miss Moor, Mr. Polwhele, Mr. Penrose, Dr. Stephens, Miss Walton Evans and Mr. J. Melrose Macmillan.

* * * * * t

THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT FOR 1933. At the close of the Society's third year of life, it is satisfying to review its steady progress. Membership has increased month by month. Income has continued to exceed expenditure, and a substantial balance now stands to its credit. Though hoarding money is not the raison d 'etre of the Society, yet, in foreshadowing efforts on a wider scale, in the future, towards Bird preservation, money in hand will, it is certain, be of very great value. There are three outstanding events of the year to chronicle. In November, the Protection of Birds Act, 1933, was passed in the House of Commons by the overwhelming majority of 214 to 14. The Act will become operative in May, 1934. The acquisition of Trethias Island, by the generosity of the Western Morning News, has brought the Society into the category of land-owners. It is to be hoped that, in the course of years, we may become owners of additional sanctuaries. The Warning Bird Protection posters have been printed and have found their way to many parts of the County. They disseminate, in clear and easy terms, information not only on the species which are afforded special protection but also on the penalties attached to offences against the Acts. On the Camel, a few yards from the Eastern end of Trewornan bridge, now stands a neat and serviceable board holding one of the posters. Members need hardly be reminded of the value of the Camel Estuary as a wonderful haunt of birds, including many rare species. 9

The calls on the Protection Fund have again been small. The Society's Watcher on the Godrevy Cliffs did excellent work, once more, in securing peace for the numerous birds which nest on them. He has become well known in the district and is a wholesome deterrent to wanton shooters and egg- lifters. His efforts are worthy of the fullest commendation. The Watcher appointed last year on a valuable stretch of cliffs on the north coast again rendered good service; the birds placed specially in his charge reared their broods safely. A third Watcher was employed at a place that must be nameless; in spite of his constant vigilance over a nest of a rare bird, the nest was most regrettably robbed at night on the very eve of the eggs hatching. In the case of so rare a bird, the seriousness and possible far-reaching consequences of the offence, if committed by man, must be apparent to all. Although every effort has been made to track down the culprit, the affair remains, up to the present, a mystery. Notwith­ standing the Watcher's failure to save the nest, he was deemed fully deserving of half the reward offered and was paid accordingly. In response to a report received that Lapwings (fully protected birds) were being shot in the Helston area, a member interviewed a Police Sergeant, who stated that he was aware of the offences being committed and had instructed his men to keep a look out. The member further asked the Sergeant to suggest to the Inspector to call the attention of the Bench to the matter at its next sitting. Complaints were received by the Secretaries that heavy cutting of road-hedges was being done in May in various parts of the County. This was obviously destructive of bird life and work that should be allocated to winter. The Secretaries communicated with the County Surveyor, who replied that a certain amount of trimming has to go on through the year as the men are available and as the work is required. However, he had given instructions to the Divisional Surveyor that wherever possible the heavy cutting in future should be done between September and March. Lt.-Col. Ryves was invited to represent the Society as a member of the Tonkin-Opie Memorial Committee at St. Agnes, and acepted the invitation. The Committee desires to place on record the Society's appreciation and gratitude to the Western Morning News for the great interest it takes at all times in the bird life of 10 the County in particular and the Westcountry in general. Its unfailing courtesy and valuable assistance to further the objects of the Society call for the sincerest thanks, which are proffered in full measure. As regards the " Observation " side of the Society's work, the bird records which follow must speak for themselves. We think that members will find in them some interesting matter to digest at their leisure. We feel that we cannot conclude our report without allusion to the many " foreigners " who continue to join our ranks. We offer them a hearty welcome. We value them for the proof their membership gives of their interest in Cornwall's bird life as we also value them as bird lovers working for bird welfare in their own Counties. ****** REPORT OF THE STEEL TRAP SUB-COMMITTEE. Mr. T. J. Willcocks writes : —" I have little to add to last year's report. The rabbit is a great problem. Miles of hedges, enclosing small fields, ought to be levelled, and then, I am afraid, all the remaining hedges would be full of rabbits. The long-net is good sport and would catch an appreciable number of rabbits as humanely as they possibly could be caught, but it will not catch enough, its use being so dependent on the light and the weather." Mr, W. G. Tit ford writes : —" I can see little that can be done until a reliable substitute for the steel-trap is forth­ coming. There have been several prosecutions, this year, in this district, for offences against the trapping laws. It is unanimously agreed here that the best method, for the good of birds, is to cover the traps by day with tin or board, but this entails an enormous amount of additional labour and, unless compelled to do so, trappers will never attempt to do it. I still adhere to my opinion that less damage is done to wild life other than rabbits if the traps are set well in the holes."

REPORT OF THE SWALING SUB-COMMITTEE. The Rev. A. A. Woodward writes:—"I have nothing to add to last year's report about indiscriminate burning of gorse. The farmers to whom I have spoken on the matter appear to be sympathetic but so far no improvement is discernible. In some parts it was worse this spring than in previous years." CORNWALL BIRD WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY. FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1933.

DR. GENERAL FUND. CR. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Balance from 1932 30 14 6 By Printing Report 1932 10 19 6 ,, Subscriptions-—Members 1933 31 10 0 „ ,, Letter Heading 14 6 1934 3 0 0 ,, Postages (Secretaries) 3 10 0 ,. „ ,, 1935 5 0 „ (Treasurer) 11 0 1936 5 0 „ Stationery (Secretaries) 2 13 10 „ „ Associate 1933 . 6 »* H (Treasurer) ...... 3 5 ,, Sale of Reports 1 2 6 Sundries 1 6 „ Bank Interest 16 7 Gratuity to Caretaker at the Museum 5 0 „ Percentage of Subs, to Protection Fund ... 7 0 0 ,, Balance at Bank 41 8 9 „ Cash in hand 6 7

£67 14 1 £67 14 1

PROTECTION FUND. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Balance from 1932 15 9 2 By Printing Warning Posters 1 7 3 „ Donations, 1933 3 12 0 Payment to Watcher A 1 10 0 „ Sale of "Acts and Orders" (1 copy) 6 B 1 0 0 „ Percentage of Subs, from General Fund: C 10 0 1933 6 6 0 „ Balance at Bank 13 12 9 1934 12 0 „ Cash in hand 8 1 8 1935 1 0 1936 1 0 7 0 0

£26 1 8 £26 1 8

Audited and found correct, A. C. POLWHELE, Hon. Auditor. CHARLES NICHOLSON, Hon. Treasurer, 21st February, 1934. 12th February, 1934, 12

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. I.M.A. — Mrs. Anderson, Farleigh, Surrey. L.B. — Miss L. Bennett, Padstow. R.H.B. — Dr. R. H. Blair, Camborne. S.C. — Seymour Cooke, Trelowarren. A.H.M.C. — A. H. Machell Cox, Yelverton. A.A.D.S. — Major Dorrien-Smith, Scilly. P.H.T.H. — P. H. Trahair Hartley, Surrey. G.H.H. — G. H. Harvey, Penzance. D.C.H. — Mrs. Harvey, Penzance. LJ.H. — General Hext, Trewornan. H.G.H. —. H. G. Hurrell, Plymouth. J.M.M. — J. Melrose Macmillan, Polzeath. E.J.P.M. — E. J. P. Magor, St. Tudy. R.H.M. — R. H. Meares, Falmouth. M.J.M. — Mrs. Meares, Falmouth. M.R.M. — Miss Moor, St. Clement. C.N. — C. Nicholson, Tresillian. V.O. — Miss Olver, Saltash. M.P. — Mrs. Pearce, Rock. M.R. — Michael Rogers, St. Columb. B.H.R. — Lt.-Col. Ryves, Mawgan-in-Pydar. K.M.S. —. Miss Skinner, St. Agnes. W.R.T. — W. R. Taylor, Clifton. W.G.T. —. W. G. Titford, St. Germans. D.V. — Miss Valentine, Lelant. C.B.V. — Sir Courtenay Vyvyan, Trelowarren. C.C.V. — Lady Vyvyan, Trelowarren. E.W. —- Miss Westrup, Lamorna. T.J.W. — T. J. Willcocks, Wadebridge. P.D.W. — P. D. Williams, Lanarth. Square brackets, unless otherwise stated, indicate records in which the contributor is not absolutely certain of correct identification, or where the observation is not first hand. Records by A.H.M.C. refer to the Boscastle—Bude district unless otherwise stated and this contributor visited the district on April 7, 8 and 9, June 9 and August 13. Records by P.H.T.H. refer to the St. Just-in-Penwith district unless otherwise stated. Records by B.H.R. refer to the Mawgan-in-Pydar district unless otherwise stated and this district may be taken to be Mawgan and the country with a radius from it of about twelve miles, bounded by the Camel on the north and the coast between the Gannel and Padstow. 13

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES OF MIGRANTS IN 1933. (1) Golden Oriole. (7) Blackcap. May 4 arrived A.A.D.S. Apr. 5 arrived B.H.R.

>> 14 „ E.W. (2) Spotted Flycatcher. May 10 arrived E.W. (8) Whitethroat. 17 „ B.H.R. Apr. 18 arrived J.M.M. Sept. P.H.T.H. 18 last seen 19 „ B.H.R. B.H.R. 18 20 P.H.T.H. (3) Chiff chaff. 27 „ E.W. Mar. 11 arrived G.H.H. 28 „ K.M.S. reported (The species was (9) Ring-Ouzel. in the Western Morning Apr. News from another locality 16 arrived A.A.D.S. in Cornwall and from one (10) Wheatear, place in Devon on or about Mar. this day; this suggests a 15 arrived J.M.M. small advance wave. None „ 23 „ G.H.H. heard again till Mar. 19). n 27 „ B.H.R. Mar. 19 heard at St. (Two pairs and one male). Anthony H.G.H. Oct. 14 last seen R.H.B. 22 arrived B.H.R. tt 14 J.M.M. 22 D.V. „ 21 B.H.R. 24 c.c.v. (Two birds seen on this 24 E.W. date; one was a " Common " 24 T.J.W. but the other, a larger bird 25 J.M.M. which, on the wing, showed only a small white rump- Willow-Warbler. (4) patch, I suspect was an Apr. 8 arrived G.H.H. " Isabelline.") B.H.R. 13 „ P.H.T.H. 14 „ B.H.R. (11) Black Redstart. (5) Grasshopper-Warbler. Feb. 22 last seen J.M.M. Apr. 17 arrived P.H.T.H. Nov. 16 arrived J.M.M. 17 „ B.H.R. (12) Swallow. (6) Sedge-Warbler. Mar. 11 arrived A.A.D.S. Apr. 16 arrived B.H.R. 27 G.H.H. 17 arrived (at Apr. C.B.V. and Swanpool) W.R.T. C.C.V. 19 arrived P.H.T.H. P.H.T.H. 19 „ G.H.H. J.M.M. 14

Apr. 10 B.H.R. (16) Nightjar. 11 M.R.M. May 7 arrived S.C. 15 D.V. 16 „ M.R. 18 E.W. 17 B.H.R. 23 C.N. Oct. 29 last seen B.H.R. (17) Hoopoe. Nov. 9 three seen G.H.H. May 2 arrived A.A.D.S. 14 one seen G.H.H. (18) 15 G.H.H. Cuckoo. Apr. 5 arrived P.D.W. (13) House Martin. 7 „ C.B.V. and C.C.V. Apr. 2 arrived A.A.D.S. 22 ,, J.M.M. 16 ,, B.H.R. 27 „ B.H.R. Oct. 26 last seen D.V. 28 ,, K.M.S. 30 R.H.B. and (14) Sand-Martin G.H.H. Mar. 14 arrived D.V. (19) Turtle-Dove. " 23 A.A.D.S. 27 G.H.H. May 4 arrived A.A.D.S. 27 B.H.R. (20) Whimbrel. Apr. 9 J.M.M. 13 P.H.T.H. Apr. 15 arrived M.R.M. " 23 ,, Sept. 17 last seen P.H.T.H. G.H.H. „ 29 B.H.R. (21) Sandwich Tern.

15) Swift. Mar. 26 arrived G.H.H. Apr. 29 arrived M.R.M. (22) Common (or Artie) May 1 A.A.D.S. Tern. *> G.H.H. Apr. 22 arrived A.A.D.S. >* B.H.R. Sept. 7 two seen P.H.T.H. (23) Land-Rail. 12 one seen P.H.T.H. May 1 arrived J.M.M. The word " arrived" is used to indicate the date when the bird is first observed and is not confined to species that stay to nest. Golden Oriole, Ring-Ouzel, Hoopoe and Turtle-Dove are shown in this table and not in the General Notes because the records refer to Scilly where it is understood the species are regular spring migrants, 15

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ON MIGRATION IN 1933.

(1) Some General Notes on Wader migration. On April 24 three Grey Plover were at the Marazion Marsh, one with much black on throat and underparts, two in the winter plumage and perhaps immature. On May 1 there was a Grey Plover in nearly full summer dress on Marazion Reach and, finally, I saw one in full breeding plumage at the Lelant Estuary on June 1. (See under General Notes). Sanderling, on the Marazion Beach, and Dunlin there and at Marazion Marsh and Hayle Estuary were plentiful during the first half of May but less so later. Nevertheless some were still present and I saw birds occasionally in June, e.g., on the 14th there were eight Dunlin with black underparts and about a dozen Sanderling, two apparently adult and the others immature, on Hayle Beach. My observations could not be sufficiently systematic to arrive at any general conclusions. Bar-tailed Godwits, in small numbers, appeared in May but only once did I see a bird with chestnut underparts. This was on May 28, at the Lelant Estuary, and there was only a scanty spangling of chestnut. The bird was accompanied by another that seemed to be in winter plumage and was, presumably, immature; a bird in this plumage was seen at this Estuary several times in June, up to the 24th. It is realized that to describe these immature Waders, if such they be, as being " apparently in winter plumage" is only an approximation for purposes of description.

The last Redshank seen at the Lelant Estuary was on May 28, a single bird. Several later visits revealed none but four were there on June 19, about a dozen on June 22 and sixty to eighty by July 6.

The first " Autumn " Common Sandpiper was seen at Lelant Estuary on June 28, and six were there on the 30th. I always expect to see the migration of this species apparently in full swing by the second week of July. G.H.H.

A Redshank, heard at St. Clement on June 13, was the first of the return migration. Fourteen seen there on June 14. M.R.M.

A single Common Sandpiper seen on Gulland, off Padstow, on June 29. H.G.W, 16

(2) On May 9, at the Marazion Marsh, I saw a drake Wigeon and a drake Shoveler; both had gone on the 11th. No Wigeon had been seen by me in the district since the end of March arid no Shovelers since April 11. Evidently these birds were migrants, passing, up, as was the Scaup seen on May 12. (See under General Notes). G.H.H. • * * * * *

(8) Guillemots and/or Razorbills. On October 8, and on three other days in the week commencing on October 8, from Rumps Point, I saw continuous streams of one or other of these species, perhaps both, flying low over the water about a quarter of a mile off shore. They took a south-westerly direction, in a line from Cambeak to Trevose, and all kept this course, passing mainly in flocks varying from 8—12 birds to 30—40 birds, but with odd birds between the flocks. There was never a complete break in the stream and, on one of the days, I reckoned that at least two thousand birds passed in half an hour. J.M.M.

THE WEATHER OF 1933. The year will be memorable for its abnormal and prolonged droughts, the heat waves of June, July, August and September, and the exceptionally severe cold of December which followed a very dry November. Fortunately for vegetation and for birds, the droughts and heat were sometimes tempered by short though timely showers or by thunder storms. Summer practically began about the middle of March and continued, with but few breaks, until the second week of October (the 12th March was a really hot day). Severe frost occurred between 23rd and 28th January. Cold winds and frosts were recorded in February and sharp ground frosts from 13th to 25th April. Bitter conditions prevailed between 4th and 20th December, when hard frost gripped the land. On the 12th, snow fell heavily and covered the frozen valleys and fields; it was still lying in some places nearly a fortnight later. The effect of this weather on birds, as far as recorded, is as follows : — 17

(1) Mawgan District. The January frosts, though severe, were of too short duration to do much harm. During the April ground frosts, many birds were incubating eggs and feeding nestlings, but no mortality or desertions were recorded.. As regards the long and hot summer with its low rainfall, one might have expected some ill-effects on breeding. That birds were inconvenienced seems probable, but records show that the output of young birds was well up to average and considerably in excess of that in a wet season.

The unusual earliness and severity of the arctic spell of December took toll of some species, notably Starlings and Redwings. But the death roll was trifling compared to that which was recorded for the winter of 1916—17. Considering that the bushes had been almost stripped of berries during the continuous drought of November, one might have expected the mortality to be higher. This may partly be accounted for by the fact that there were days of sunshine which set up a slight thaw in open places. Further, the 15th and 16th provided a temporary respite from frost. Finches, Buntings and Larks hardly suffered at all. Nor was there evidence that Goldcrests and Long-tailed Tits were much thinned out. When normal weather resumed, numbers of the former were seen in the woods and parties of the latter were encountered in different localities and were as lively as ever. Lapwings and Golden Plover appear to have migrated from the district; a few remained but no casualties were noted. Evidence points to marsh-feeding birds having found life difficult. The frozen channels, pools and bogs, all covered with snow, must have made it hard for them to procure their natural food. The remarks on Bittern in the General Notes probably illustrate this. Snipe were driven from their marshes and explored unusual spots. On 13th December, a Snipe visited the snow-covered cobbled yard of the back premises of the house, where a host of birds were feeding on crumbs, etc., and ran below the kitchen window sill. On December 27th a single Coot was seen at the Little Petherick Creek and one near Trewornan Bridge. (Coots do not visit the district in normal winters). B.H.R. 18

(2) Penzance District. The cold spell in December fortunately did not continue so long without a break as to wreak severe damage to birds. Particular effects noted were: — (1) Lapwing came to the fields close to the town and I saw two birds on hard tennis-courts beside the Newlyn Road. (2) Sanderling and Turnstone took to feeding on the Promenade and on the quay roads at the Penzance Floating Dock. This I cannot explain; certainly they were not finding any food put down and I can point only to some impulse to leave the shore that was felt also by the Gulls, Great Black-backed, Herring and Black-headed, which took to standing in scores on the Promenade, facing and fully exposed to the bitter wind. I saw a Ringed Plover, that had been feeding on the Penzance—Newlyn road, killed by a passing lorry. Incidentally it may be well to point out that one Turnstone at least had developed a taste for feeding on the roads by the quay before the cold snap, being seen there several times in quite open weather in November. (3) From early December onwards there were far more Coot in the district than are usually present. On December 8, besides the usual winter population on the Marazion Marsh, there was a flock of about 300— 350 by the Hogus Rocks. Up to the end of the year a small flock lived at the back of the Albert Pier, Penzance, and there were a few birds in Penzance Harbour. Never before have I found Coot staying thus on salt water; normally they readily seek the sea when the freshwater freezes but as readily return at the thaw. Perhaps the drought that has kept the Marshes low, coupled with the absence of rough seas in the bay, in part explains it. G.H.H. (3) Other Weather Notes. On December 18 a Water-Rail, the first I have noted in the St. Minver district, was seen running along a foot-path by a dried up ditch. J.M.M. A flock of about eighty Coot arrived at the Lelant Estuary on December 17. By December 26 about one hundred and 19 twenty were present and stayed until the end of the year. A pair of Pochard were on this Estuary on December 26. D.V. Coot seen on the Helford River in December. C.C.V. Several members mention the visits of Black-headed Gulls to gardens near the sea or estuaries that usually occur with prolonged frost. Eds.

* * * s£ % 5){

GENERAL NOTES FOR 1933. Raven. Nested again near Godrevy. R.H.B. Six nests visited on April 7, 8 and 9, and I have reason to believe that all did well up to the time of fledging. One of these nests was beyond my range in previous years. The nest at Dizzard Point, which last year was almost at the very top of the cliff, had gone back to the old position, one-third of the way down, with a new spare nest above it. Two of the six nests could hardly have been more than a quarter of a mile apart though they were just out of sight of each other; the exact interval between them, on a very rough uphill slope, I made to be 550 paces. (Cf. First and Second Annual Reports, pp. 14 and 15 respectively). A.H.M.C. Five nests on the eastern cliffs of Mount's Bay and one on more western cliffs were visited. It would seem that the species was probably in a better position in the district than was indicated by the note on p. 41 of the First Annual Report. The fortunes of only one pair were followed up and although two of the other nests were found with young it cannot be said how any ultimately fared. The particulars of the one nest that was frequently observed have some interest and are as follows: — The nest, unlined, was located on February 16 and both birds were present but undemonstrative. On March 3rd there was lining but it was tumbled within the cup and part was hanging out; both birds visited the ledge twice in a quarter of an hour when one sat in the nest and the other perched beside it. When they left the ledge for the second time they joined two other Ravens about a quarter of a mile away and all four soared together. No material was carried. On March 9 the pair were about but evidently there had been a consider­ able march of events in their affairs for they were undemon­ strative and ignored two Shags that were standing on the nest, apparently in full possession! The nest itself was 20 flattened, the cup almost disappeared—filled with jumbled sticks and lining—but I could see no additions that could be attributed to the newcomers. On March 15 no Ravens were seen and both Shags were in the nest which now had a shallow cup, a rough hollow in the general mass of lining and sticks. There were a few straggling pieces of a green plant laid in and around this cup. The next visit, on March 25, disclosed another reversal of the situation for no Shags were seen and soon after I had inspected the nest—I find it described in my notes as " a jumbled mess "—the two Ravens appeared, the male leading and carrying a big stick in his bill, and flew straight to the ledge. While he arranged his material his mate stood by and preened; presently both left together. Anticlimax followed, for, on March 31, the ledge was bare of all material and no Ravens were seen; there was a Shag on a ledge 20 feet below but with no nest. On April 7 no Shags were seen; two Ravens flew by silently. My next visit was on June 8 when there was a brood of nestling Shags in a nest on the Ravens' ledge. I have not previously found Shags nesting in this locality and know no colony within two or three miles.

The visits paid were too spaced and too brief to have afforded material for a theory as to what happened. A very tentative suggestion is that eggs were laid between February 16 and March 3 but came to grief and that the nest was then abandoned and the Shags took possession. Between March 15 and 25 the male Raven felt a resurgence of the nesting instinct and having, without much ado, evicted the trespassing Shags, he endeavoured to interest his mate in further building. Though it is obviously inadmissible to draw analogies with human mentality, yet one could not resist attributing to the female Raven, during the observed part of the latter process, the air of one knowingly participating in a harmless futility. Evidently the second effort soon petered out—perhaps perforce, for the nest might have been reached from above by a long pole— and on June 8 the Shags were well on the way towards reaping the reward of their perseverance. G.H.H.

A very poor breeding season. Between Newquay and Padstow only four pairs nested. One nest was robbed by undiscovered hooligans, a second came to grief (cause unknown) shortly after eggs were hatched and though both pairs were themselves unscathed yet neither renested. The remaining two 21 pairs reared three and one young respectively. The two " inland pairs" (Cf. First and Second Annual Reports, pp. 26 and 15 respectively) failed to rear broods (per report of T.J.W.). The nest of the pair that reared one nestling was frequently watched intensively. The particular cliffs have been used successfully for many years and this year the pair became extraordinarily tame. On March 3, the nest was slightly whitewashed, indicating that the hen had been sitting for some two or three days. On March 9, the nest was considerably whitewashed. On March 11, I showed the nest to about fourteen lady students of the Training College, Truro, and, in spite of much talking and gesticulations during a stay of fifteen minutes, the hen remained unconcernedly on her eggs. The hen alone incubated and was periodically fed by the male, both on and off the nest; her periods of absence never exceeded thirty minutes and more usually were about fifteen to twenty minutes. During the period when the nestlings (hatched about March 20) needed brooding, the male frequently relieved the hen and remained on duty until the latter returned, usually within an hour. He sat very high and looked the picture of discomfort and unhappiness! On March 31 the young were still being partially brooded and, as usual, fed by both parents in turn; the latter attended to the sanitation of the nest by swallowing every particle of excreta, and this they continued to do until the nestlings became strong enough to eject their droppings over the edge of the nest. On April 4, brooding had ceased and the two parents were roosting almost touching each other about twenty feet from the nest. On April 5, a hot and calm day, the parents took it in turn to stand over their young and shelter them from the direct rays of the sun. This was again observed on April 7, when I could see definitely that there were only two nestlings, whose bodies presented a dark brown appearance; as they opened their beaks, with still " wobbling " heads, the rich red of their throats was plainly visible. The parents were still devouring the excreta but had ceased to do so before April 13, when the walls of the nest were becoming really dirty. On April 15 the young, lying huddled together, looked really black and seemed to be feathering well. On April 24 they were well- feathered and one was seen to scramble from the nest and stand on the ledge. On May 3 both were seen standing about two feet from the nest but they soon returned to it. Their 22 throats were still dark red. On May 6, one young bird was perched twenty feet above the nest and, on the 7th, was seen on the wing with an adult. The other nestling had mysteriously disappeared and was never seen again. The period from commencement of incubation to final quitting of the nest was about sixty-seven days—twenty days incubation and forty-seven days fledging. The survivor of the brood remained with its parents until about September 6; after this date it disappeared and only the pair came to roost on the nest-cliff, where they live all the year round. Previous years' records show that it is normal for the young to leave their parents towards the end of August or early in September. B.H.R. Carrion-Crow. On April 3, on the Crugmere Cliffs, a pair were seen to fly straight to Gulland Island, where it would seem probable they were nesting. B.H.R. Rook. Usual numbers of nests at Trewornan but I fancy a late frost did damage as I have never seen so few young. L.J.H. Two of the four owners of the Mawgan rookery, mentioned in the First and Second Annual Reports, this year prohibited any shooting of young birds. In consequence about half the rookery was unmolested and there was a good output of fledglings. B.H.R. Jay. A pair have constantly, throughout the breeding season, visited my garden, from the Convent wood opposite, where I suspect they nested. B.H.R. Chough. No sight or sound of one. The only bird of note on this stretch of cliffs that has appreciably altered its status since 1909, to my knowledge. A.H.M.C. The status of the species in the County is more gloomy than ever. The site that fell vacant in 1932 was again untenanted this year, while the next site northwards, occupied regularly up to 1932 inclusive and from which four young were then reared, was empty. Mr. T. J. Willcocks and I scoured the coast line around the latter nesting place but never glimpsed a single bird. The former site, vacated after the successful nest of 1931, was visited on several occasions, by myself and other observers, and two Choughs were seen but they were obviously non-breeding birds. The pair whose nesting was described in Appendix I of the Second Annual Report reared four young. They built a 23 new nest—last year's nest looked intact—at the higher end of the fissure and, although it was in full view from the floor of the cave, it was so constructed that it was not possible to see the sitting hen within the cup. It was rather an untidy structure and very massive. The most striking feature was the dead stem of some very tall plant that had been worked at one end into the wall of the nest, fixed again near the centre of the wall and then allowed to go its own way. The result was a streamer about five feet long, dangling from the base of the nest. The total length of this extraordinary bit of material could not have been less than six feet.

On April 19 the hen had commenced incubation and on May 7, it appeared from the behaviour of the birds that the eggs had hatched. I did not record the date on which the four young emerged from the cavern but on June 24 I saw them with their parents and they were very strong on the wing. A point of interest is that incubation began this year about nineteen days earlier than in 1932 and the birds, without doubt, were the same pair, for I had kept in touch with them throughout the year.

In view of previous years' experiences it is noteworthy that neither of the adults showed, at any time, any dulling in the colour and gloss of bill or legs. Other bird work prevented my visiting these cliffs again until July 14 when I saw the pair with only three young and I have reason to believe, from various reports, that one was no more. On July 30 I met the pair alone but on August 7 I saw them in company with two young. On several subsequent dates I saw only the pair but on September 18 I met them again with two young. Since this date I have visited the Cliffs many times but have seen none save the pair; no communal roost has been opened at the old site and I have failed to find anywhere any of the brood of the year. All was well with the pair when I paid my last visit to the cliffs for the year, on December 23; at 3.55 p.m. they shot, as always, into the cave to roost. However, I have received reports from time to time of five birds being sometimes seen on the coast 5 or 6 miles north. These I reckon to be the pair and their three surviving young. It is significant that the pair have taken to feeding to the north and not to the west as previously. It would seem they join their young by day, who are living on certain cliffs there. B.H.R. 24

Starling. A flock of 40—50 seen at the Penryn—Falmouth Reservoir on June 5. Another observer and I were able to be sure they were all young birds. M.R. On November 4, after sunset, several flights were watched passing over Trewornan Bridge and heading towards the Allan Valley where it is to be presumed a winter roost had been established. In previous years, at Trewornan, flocks were noticed proceeding in a diametrically opposite direction and were thought to be making for the Carnanton Roost. I have not visited this roost this winter. B.H.R. Hawfinch. A flock of about five on the cliffs at Porth Chapel, St. Levan, seen towards the end of July or in early August, 1927. They appeared to me to be a family rather than a mixed flock but if so the young were well-advanced. D.V. Siskin. Two seen on February 2 and five on February 9. On both occasions the birds were feeding on the cones of the same alder trees on which they have previously been observed. (First Annual Report, p. 27). B.H.R. Brambling. One at Lelant, feeding on marshy land with Chaffinches on October 29. D.V. Yellow Bunting. In July a pair came regularly to my garden to take food that had been put out; later three young appeared and one became very tame, would follow me like a Robin and even came into the house. I did not see them after my return from a fortnight's absence commencing in mid- August. Of the food offered, crumbs, seed and dry porridge oats, the last was preferred. K.M.S. Snow-Bunting. One was picked up dead on the Golf Course, St. Mary's, Scilly, in November. The species not infrequently visits the islands in late autumn. A.A.D.S. One, seen on the cliffs of St. Minver Parish, on November 25, gave me excellent close views. The wind had been pre­ dominantly north-east for some days. J.M.M. Wood-Lark. Status in the Scilly Islands. Resident on St. Mary's but thought not to breed on Tresco; on the latter island, in early December, 1932, the species was almost plentiful and there were more Sky-larks than had been seen for very many years. A.A.D.S. Heard daily at St. Clement in June. (Cf. First and Second Annual Reports, pp. 16 and 17 respectively). M.R.M. 25

On April 16 a nest with four eggs was found. Unfortun­ ately it was robbed but the birds renested—whether successfully or not I cannot say. On April 30, the pair were feeding near the robbed nest and another pair, less than one hundred yards away, were observed with fledged young. The second nest of the latter pair was found on June 6, when it held well-feathered nestlings which were also successfully reared. The nesting territories of three other pairs were located but the nests were not found. From the little experience I have of the species I think Wood-larks are partial to returning to previous nesting- haunts. Twenty-two birds, together in stubble on December 11, during the very cold weather, formed by far the largest flock I have ever seen. On December 17 there were twelve at the same spot. B.H.R. Sky-Lark. On July 7, a nest held three newly-hatched chicks and one egg, which was not hatched until the following day. On July 15, a nest, with four feathering chicks, was found under a big stone at the top of a bare mound. B.H.R. Tree-Pipit. A bird heard singing and a nest with five eggs found near Wadebridge on May 12; this was the place where a bird of the species was heard in 1930, 1931 and 1932. (Cf. Second Annual Report, p. 18). The young hatched and, I believe, flew safely. It was the first Tree-Pipit's nest I had ever found. T.J.W. Meadow-Pipit. On May 9, a nest holding four eggs was found and was frequently observed, from the car, at very close quarters. During incubation by the hen, who fed herself almost entirely, the male rarely put in an appearance. Once, however, he alighted on a bush some distance from the nest with a grub in his bill; he uttered a low note and the hen immediately left her eggs, came to him, took the grub and then flew off. When the eggs had hatched, both parents fed the nestlings, often, though not invariably, coming together. The nest was always approached by cautious walking from a distance and by a circuitious and varying route. Departures were direct, the bird hovering over the nest, head to wind, with dangling legs, until a height of six or seven feet had been reached, when it would bound away in rapid flight. The excreta of the nestlings were always removed and dropped at a considerable distance from the nest. B.H.R. 26

Yellow Wagtail. Passage migration in the St. Just-in- Penwith district noted between August 27 and September 23. Seven was the largest number of birds seen together. P.H.T.H. Grey Wagtail. Only one nest found, the pair successfully rearing two broods. B.H.R. Pied Wagtail. This Autumn there was a well-populated roost on a coal-hulk moored in the middle of Newlyn Harbour. The vessel has a galvanized roof, well clear of the coal and fitted on posts with cross-pieces at both ends. G.H.H. At Mullion a pair nested in a hedge beside which cars were almost always parked. The nest was not six inches from the cars; nevertheless four young were safely reared. M.J.M. On September 29, I watched birds arriving in fair numbers to roost on the Bedruthan Cliffs, always favoured by these birds for the night. B.H.R. Tree-Creeper. I was shown a nest built on a shelf in a building daily entered by the owner and used as an oil and store shed. The approach to the nest was through a narrow slit in the shed wall. The nest was deserted soon after the first egg had been laid. B.H.R. Marsh-Titmouse. A pair reared a brood in a tree-hole occupied last year by a pair of Nuthatches. The hole was about ten feet from the ground. On December 17 I watched one on a willow covered with dried wild hop plants. A dozen times it snapped off a petal from a bunch of dead flower, fluttered to a perch, tore at and swallowed something and then let the petal drop. Later, on examining the flowers, I found at the base of each petal a greenish lump of " flesh," which apparently was what the tit was eating. I suspect the species of being more partial to vegetable food than are others of the genus. B.H.R. Long-tailed Titmouse. A pair began nestbuilding on or about March 24, each bird sharing the work of fetching material and actual construction. The nest was in a macrocarpa about twelve feet from the ground. On April 2, the nest was fairly large but no dome or entrance-hole was visible; I watched the birds tearing off very fine bits of lichen from a willow-tree. On April 5, the dome (or roof) was being made by the birds, building up the walls above the cup and tugging the felting inwards from inside. On April 7, the dome had been completed and the hole had taken shape; both birds were 27 frequently together within the nest. On April 9, they began lining with feathers obtained from two poultry-runs not far off. On April 15, only a few feathers were brought and, at 8.13 p.m., I saw, for the first time, both birds enter the nest and remain there for the night—this continued every night until the day the eggs were hatched, when the male ceased roosting within the nest. On April 19, about 10 a.m., the hen entered the nest and stayed within for about thirty-five minutes; I reckoned the first egg had been laid. The same thing occurred on succeeding days, laying becoming, each day, a little later and occurring at a trifle after noon on April 28. On April 29 when, I presume, the last egg was laid, incubation began and was continued throughout by the hen alone. Although the male occasionally fed her at nest yet usually she fed herself during absences from the eggs of 17—27 minutes; the sitting shifts averaged about 35 minutes. On May 12, after thirteen days incubation, it was obvious that young had hatched. The hen behaved quite differently, quitting the nest for 10—12 minutes every 8—20 minutes and the male several times came to the nest with a grub. During the following days, both parents fed the nestlings but I was surprised by the infrequence of feeding-visits throughout— rarely more than six per hour. On May 19, the hen ceased brooding the chicks during the day and, on May 23, when the young were eleven days old, she ceased to brood even at night. On the morning of May 30 the young, eighteen days old, left the nest. I could not count them owing to the dense foliage. They were well-grown, with tails rather more than half full length, and were at once very active and strong on the wing. By the evening the whole family had vanished and I could find them nowhere. There are two further points. Although I tried to find the roost of the male after the eggs were hatched and of the pair after night-brooding ceased yet I was defeated. The pair always stopped bringing food well before sunset and then took a last meal, working rapidly along the hedgerows. Certainly neither the male after hatching nor the pair after night- brooding ended, roosted within sight or earshot of the nest. The other point—which surprised me—is that even when both birds were in the nest never was any portion of tail or other part visible. B.H.R. 28

Spotted Flycatcher. The paucity noted in the Second Annual Report (p. 19) was apparent again this year. B.H.R. Pied Flycatcher. On September 10, near St. Just-in- Penwith, a number of small enclosures were literally swarming with Spotted Flycatchers and with them was at least one Pied Flycatcher. On September 12 there were still six Spotted and one Pied Flycatcher but all had gone on September 14. Two Spotted Flycatchers were seen at the same place on September 18. P.H.T.H. On September 18, at the Gannel Estuary, I saw a single Pied Flycatcher, the first I have ever seen. B.H.R. Sedge-Warbler. Early in June the nests of two pairs were found, about seventy yards apart, each being in brambles growing in sandy country some distance from the succulent valley herbage in which the birds fed. I also located a pair— obviously nesting for they were carrying grubs—in roadside brambles, close to a cliff-top and four hundred yards from water. B.H.R. Mistle-Thrush. On May 9, Mr. S. H. A. Adams showed me a nest built on top of the rain-gutter of a bungalow on the Trenance Estate and just above the outlet pipe. About one hundred yards away was the nest of another pair, built on the thick stump of a tamarisk growing on the hedge bordering a much-used road. Young were reared from both nests. The surrounding country is bare, devoid of any trees or large bushes. B.H.R. Redwing. Large numbers arrived early in November and were to be seen everywhere in the valleys feeding on hawthorn berries. B.H.R. Whinchat. A male seen at the Marazion Marsh on April 19 and a male at St. Just-in-Penwith on September 17. (Cf. First Annual Report, last para, of p. 55). P.H.T.H. Stonechat. Five definite second brood nests were in full swing during late June and in July. One, holding five eggs, was about six feet from a Corn-Bunting's nest with eggs. The latest date on which I saw young out of nest being fed by parents was August 16. B.H.R. Black Redstart. Single birds seen occasionally in and around Penzance during January and February and the first two weeks of March. 29

A bird was seen twice at the end of October near Penzance but none since. It would appear probable that none stayed for the 1933/34 winter. G.H.H. On October 26—27 a bird was accidentally shut in a small garage that was closed after dusk and where, presumably, a roost had been sought. Next day, when the doors were opened, the bird uttered what seemed to be an alarm-note, that might be syllabized as a double " keek keek," as it flew out. It is the call that seems noteworthy for the species is not very vocal on migration or in its winter quarters. D.C.H. An adult male was seen on February 18 and 25. The first Autumn birds were observed on October 21—two females or immature males feeding together and chasing each other. None have been seen since and the usual winter haunts have often been searched thoroughly but without success. It would seem that none wintered on this coast in 1933/34 as they did. in the two previous winters. B.H.R.

Robin. A completed nest was found on March 6. The first egg was laid on April 7 and on the 11th the hen was brooding a clutch of five eggs. On April 12 and 13 she did no brooding. On the 14th she again brooded normally but on the 15th she was not on the nest all day and on the 16th I thought she had finally deserted but, at sunset, I saw her on her eggs. On the 17th and 18th she brooded only for the night but on the 19th she began normal incubation and hatched all the eggs on May 2, namely twenty-one days after the last egg was laid (normal incubation period is thirteen days). I have previous records of erratic behaviour such as this resulting in no ill effects. B.H.R.

Dipper. The four pairs described at p. 23 of the Second Annual Report all nested in their usual sites and all reared full broods. Two birds laid clutches of four and the other two clutches of five, first eggs being deposited on March 16, 17 and 23 and April 5. Number 1 bird built a new nest, touching that of last year. Number 2 used last year's nest (new then) and did no repairs, save for adding fresh lining. Number 3 used the nest from which a brood was reared in 1931 and in 1932; the nest, built of green moss, appeared new in 1931 and had been repaired in no way except that the entrance-hole had been made smaller and that fresh lining had been added each year. 30

Both this year and in 1932, new nests were built within a few feet of this older structure but were never finished. Number 4 laid in a new nest, three feet from the still appar­ ently sound nest of 1932. In each case, as in previous years, eggs were laid on consecutive days and incubation began with the laying of the last egg and was undertaken by the hen alone. She feeds herself almost entirely but, very rarely, I have seen the male feed her on nest. Sitting shifts vary from forty minutes to nearly two hours, while absences from the nest are very short— four to eight minutes at most if the hen is not fearful of any danger. During incubation the male's behaviour varies. Sometimes he perches on a stone near the nest, rolling his eyes round and round and showing the whites, and thus waits for his mate to leave her eggs, when he will accompany her to feed and, sometimes, escort her back. If he returns with her he may leave at once or he may stay for a while and repeat the eye-rolling. Sometimes, on the other hand, the watcher may not see him at all for several hours. As in past records, the incubation period, in all four cases, was exactly sixteen days, each clutch hatching more or less simultaneously. (I have no record of an addled egg). As soon as the nestlings are born the male takes his full share of feeding them. The hen broods them for short intervals for a few days. Feeding visits are sometimes very frequent—I have seen as many as thirty in an hour, while at other times no parent has appeared for forty-five minutes. If the nest is undisturbed the young do not quit it until they are twenty- two or twenty-three days old. They are then active and strong and not at all easy to find. They seem quickly to separate. I found two of a brood of four, five days out of nest, three hundred yards upstream of the nest in charge of one parent while the other two were about the same distance below the nest in charge of the other parent. None of these four pairs laid second clutches. B.H.R. Two extra nesting-pairs in the St. Germans district. W.G.T. One seen on the Lamorna River, west of Penzance, in December, 1925. (Cf. First Annual Report, p. 45). D.V. Martin. On June 9, in company with Mr. R. G. Adams, I found what I think to be a new cliff colony of some dozen pairs. They were constantly disappearing under rocky ledges, 31

which made irregular eaves, and remaining for a minute or two out of sight. The situation was such that the observer could not obtain a fair view and no nests could be descried. On August 13 I visited the spot again and found the birds as busy as ever. I satisfied myself that at least six nests were occupied and possibly there were twice as many. In two or three cases I did manage to see part of a very curiously constructed adaption of their normal tenement; any shape but hemispherical. A.H.M.C. Sand-Martin. When driving across the Bodmin Moors on June 8 I saw a small colony of four or five occupied holes in a road-mending alcove with a bank only four feet high. A.H.M.C. Nightjar. Again nested on mine-dumps in the Leedstown —St. Hilary district (see Second Annual Report, p. 23); probably a regularly occupied haunt. G.H.H. Heard near my house at Tresillian in early May but not known to have nested. (Cf. Second Annual Report, p. 24). C.N. On August 16, I flushed a female with two half-grown young. B.H.R. Hoopoe. One seen at Morwenstow on May 16. C.C.V. One at Lanarth, end April or early May. P.D.W. Great Spotted Woodpecker. A nest-hole near St. Clement was watched on several occasions while young were within. Both parents paid frequent visits and attended to the nest's sanitation by carving away and dropping the faeces. The ycung were very noisy, especially as they grew older, so noisy that the nest could not be missed by any passer-by. On May 22, the female entered the hole to roost while the male remained clinging to the tree-trunk, above and opposite the entrance. On May 30, .the other occasion of observation at the appropriate time, both parents roosted outside. On June 3 the young had flown and had evidently removed some distance for none were seen though one parent put in an appearance. M.R.M. Seen and heard drumming at Trelowarren on January 8. C.C.V. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Seen at Trelowarren on January 8. S.C. Cuckoo. On July 10, at Camborne North Cliffs, a young- Cuckoo, able to flutter, was being fed by a pair of Rock- Pipits. R.H.B, 32

A fledged young Cuckoo was being fed by Rock-Pipits, on the cliff-face at Porthledden, St. Just-in-Penwith, on August 23. P.H.T.H. Little Owl. None seen or heard at Trewornan for the year. L.J.H. The species seems practically to be extinct in my district. I have seen but one bird for the year—on December 5. The steel-trap may be a leading factor. JB.H.R. Long-Eared Owl. On two evenings in September one was heard hooting near Amble. L.J.H. Short-Eared Owl. Five flushed from a marshy moor near St. Columb Major on February 2. M.R. During February, on several occasions, I put up a single bird from a particular marsh. Once I was within a few feet of it before it rose. B.H.R. Barn-Owl. Status seems to be improving. I have seen individuals throughout the year in several different localities. On February 7 I watched a pair hunting together over a marsh. B.H.R. On July 5 a nest at Tregorden held three eggs (one chipping), and one young bird. The young were still in nest on September 2. T.J.W. Gyr-Falcon. I recently purchased a stuffed specimen of this species shot in St. Tudy parish about twenty years ago. E.J.P.M. Peregrine Falcon. One pair were in evidence on each of my visits to these cliffs. On June 9 the tiercel, with a kill, was met by three young birds on the wing. On August 13 the family was still together and had not strayed from their particular fastness, where both parents fed them with much clamour. It was on April 7, however, that an incident of unusual interest occurred. The falcon flew out from near the favoured haunt and alighted on the cliffside, almost out of sight. I looked down where it came from and at once saw a conspicuous heap of white feathers on a grassy slope. In the middle of this patch lay a motionless bird with outspread wings and tail fully expanded and face buried in the feathers. At the distance it looked more like a dead pigeon than anything else, but all that I could see of it was quite undamaged. I continued to examine it closely with my glasses, and a suggestion 33 of dark rim to the tail gave me the idea that it might be the tiercel sunning itself. Presently, as I gazed, the whining cry of a tiercel, repeated again and again, seemed to come from it or very near it, but I could not detect the slightest motion of the head and it seemed inconceivable that it could be calling in such a position. I turned my glasses away to look across at the falcon and instantly was aware of the tiercel flying in the same direction beneath me. The first glance back showed that the patch of white feathers had been vacated. It had been the tiercel all the time! A.H.M.C. This species has fared badly. Of the four eyries described in the Second Annual Report, at pp. 24—26, only two were occupied and each of these produced two young. Both broods remained near the eyries until towards mid-August. B.H.R. Kestrel. In good numbers over the whole stretch of coast and particularly near Dizzard. One nest immediately over the Heron's nest referred to hereafter. A.H.M.C. Common Buzzard. Five on the wing together at Godrevy on March 5. On July 7 a pair near Godrevy behaved as though anxious* about young. R.H.B. Cliff nests—which may roughly account for, perhaps, 30 per cent, of the total within a mile of the coast—keep pace with the Ravens' almost exactly, and, I believe, did fairly well. At one, almost certainly three young were reared, which I saw on the wing on August 13. At another, where I had a perilous scramble in 1932, many tons of the cliff had subsided but the nest was placed in the gap left. This—the only cliff- nest of any bulk at all—was extremely difficult to pick out in the absence of the parent birds. Another nest, on April 8, had two eggs, visible from above, but only when one knew exactly where to seek them; they are invariably laid here with little or no materials beneath them except a little dry grass. Near Dizzard I watched for twenty minutes a curious scene, till I disturbed it by moving on; a Buzzard with its back to the rock stood on a grassy patch of about four square yards and faced a pair of Ravens which were taking every sort of liberty with it short of actual attack. One several times darted in and actually tweaked it but nothing would get it on the wing even when they withdrew a short distance. A.H.M.C, 34

One seen at Aire Point, St. Just-in-Penwith, on September 12. P.H.T.H. The following records were secured from two observed cliff-nests: — NEST A. First egg laid on April 5—hatched on May 13—incubation, 38 days. Second egg laid on April 8—hatched on May 14— incubation, 36 days. NEST B. First egg laid on April 9—hatched on May 16—incubation, 37 days. Second egg laid on April 12—hatched on May 18— incubation, 36 days. Third egg laid on April 15—hatched on May 19—incubation, 34 days. These records show that second and third eggs are hatched in less days than the first, and it seems reasonable to infer that, though the first egg is closely brooded from the moment of laying, the height of the birds' incubation temperature— both take part in the process—is not reached until a subsequent egg or subsequent eggs have been laid. In this connection the previous note as to the Robin has interest. B.H.R. Montagu's Harrier. The only known nest in the County was robbed, apparently, and shortly before the eggs were due to hatch. One other pair seen on several occasions, at quite another locality, may have nested. Eds. Sparrow-Hawk. On August 25, Mr. Harvey and I were watching a party of Redshanks bathing and feeding below Trewornan Bridge, when we witnessed the close approach of a Sparrow-Hawk. The bird had evidently been lurking in the cover of a tree some distance away. As it neared the river it dropped close to the ground, shot over the bank and, in a flash, gathered up one of the Redshanks from the water and carried it into the shelter of a hedge-row bush. B.H.R. Heron. On April 8 I went to examine the cliff-nest occupied in 1931 and 1932 (see First and Second Annual Reports, pp. 21—22 and 27—28 respectively). There was the bird standing up, as so often before, directly I looked at the spot in the distance. The three eggs must have been near hatching, as the heron was so reluctant to leave and ready to return. The nest, a little deeper than before, was already very dirty. A third heron flew away from nearby and I am always expecting to find another nest there. They were at once 35

harried on the wing by Raven neighbours. There was no time to test the eggs as the tide had nearly caught me; next day I found no birds at the nest but one of the warm eggs proved hard set when tested in water. A.H.M.C. On September 12, I saw 12 Herons leave the trees of a heronry and settle in a ploughed field. J.M.M. The pair described in the Second Annual Report ((pp. 28—30) used the same nest again, which had no lining and seemed not to have been repaired. They were earlier than last year as, on May 1, there were three small chicks and one heavily chipped egg. The pair of Ravens were not nesting on the cliff but the Stock-Doves were in evidence. B.H.R. I have seen Herons a lot in the fields among mole-runs all through the autumn and winter—just odd ones here and there on the watch. One day I saw a Heron, with something dangling from its bill, fly to the top of an elm; getting glasses on to it, I could see that it was carrying a mole. On leaving the tree, the Heron was attacked by three Buzzards and the mole was dropped unheeded by any of them. It looks to me as though these Herons are waiting among the mole- runs for moles to start heaving when they can quickly pounce on them. T.J.W. Bittern. [The presence of a bird in the Lanherne Valley, during late January, was reported to me by two reliable men. I could not find the bird myself]. On December 22 I was told that on the previous day a Bittern had been found in the Lanherne Valley and had refused to take wing when approached. The bird had been caught and confined overnight in a hen-coop and my advice was sought as to what should be done. We carried the coop to a nearby marsh, where no shooting is allowed, and released the Bittern. It was very lame but otherwise, notwithstanding the fact that apparently it could not fly, it seemed uninjured and in splendid plumage. The bird displayed all the characteristic Bittern postures—standing bolt upright with bill pointed skywards or, on occasion, ruffling its collar and spreading its wings, ready to strike upwards. I left it half hidden in reeds and could not find it anywhere on December 24, my next visit. Possibly the bitter weather accounted for its condition; the man who carried it on December 21 told me it was very light and its breast-bone sharp and prominent. B.H.R. 36

Grey Lag-Goose. One, reported to me by Mr. Willcocks, on the common at Egloshayle, seen on December 5. The bird was feeding with six domestic geese, compared with which it seemed, even at a distance, smaller and of very aristocratic carriage and appearance. It allowed approach within twenty- five yards—probably gaining confidence from the indifference shown by its companions—before flying off down the Camel Estuary. B.H.R. I first came upon the above bird on December 3. It stayed, either near Egloshayle or on the Camel Estuary, until about December 12. T.J.W. Grey Geese. (Sp. ?) Eight seen at Amble Marshes, November 5—8, but always in poor light. L.J.H. T.J.W. Brent Goose. Three seen at the Lelant Estuary on February 26 and 27, eight on March 10 and 11 and a single bird on various dates from March 19 to April 28 inclusive. The lingerer walked lame and had a tattered left wing but could fly strongly. G.H.H. The three birds were first seen on February 12 and had increased to eight by March 1. D.V. (The three geese are also reported by I.M.A., M.R.M. and K.M.S. for February 24 and the single bird by K.M.S. for March 19). Twenty-two seen on the Helford River on January 30. c.c.v. Eighteen on the Camel Estuary on January 29—the biggest flock I have ever seen—and there were thirteen there on February 1 and 5. Two were there on December 13. T.J.W. Sheld-Duck. There seemed to be the usual number of pairs at the Camel Estuary in the breeding season but I saw only one brood—twelve newly-hatched young—though frequently on the river. There were very few Great Black-backed Gulls whereas last year, when there were more young Sheld-Ducks than usual, these Gulls were also very plentiful. L.J.H. A brood of six young, with both parents, seen on Vellan Tremayne Creek, Helford River, on various dates in July. C.C.V. Mallard. In 1933 a few pairs bred around flooded fields beside the Hayle River just above the railway. D.V. Gadwall. A male seen at the Marazion Marsh on October 29 and on December 12. G.H.H, 37

Teal. On December 4 I saw a big flock, estimated at 200, on the Camel Estuary. They strung out, twisted and bunched in headlong flight over the flats and channels, like small waders. B.H.R. Garganey. A pair frequented the flooded fields— mentioned under " Mallard"—from March 29 to April 1. G.H.H. Widgeon. A flock of twenty-five seen by Mr. Willcocks and myself on the Camel Estuary as early as September 12. B.H.R. Pintail. On p. 30 of the Second Annual Report it is stated that Pintail were at the Marazion Marsh from December 11 to the end of that month. They continued there until the end of February but not thereafter, save for a single drake on March 5. I never saw less than two pairs and once there were six birds, two drakes and four ducks. G.H.H. (These birds are also reported by I.M.A., M.R.M. and K.M.S. for February 24). A drake seen on the St. Germans Estuary on March 11 and on December 27. H.G.H. A drake seen on the Camel Estuary on December 4. B.H.R. A drake seen on the Lelant Estuary on December 10. D.V. A drake was shot on the Camel Estuary on January 26. T.J.W. Shoveler. On February 19, some fifty Mallard were pitched on the sea under the Halzaphron Cliffs, near Gunwalloe, and there were sheltered from a tearing north-east wind. With them were two drake Shoveler; this eminently freshwater species sometimes is driven from the Marazion Marshes to the nearby tidal reefs in Mount's Bay, but to have come upon it on open sea under big cliffs shows a more striking departure from its usual habits. G.H.H. Tufted Duck. Noted in February 1933 in the Reservoir above St. Ives. D.V. Scaup-Duck. On May 12 there was a female in one of the Hayle River flooded fields. (See also note to migration table). G.H.H. Common Eider. A duck frequented the little bay east of the Battery Rocks, Penzance, from January 1 to February 28, being there regularly save for two or three periods of 38

absence, each of about a week, when I surmise it went to the more open waters of Mount's Bay. After February 28 it disappeared until, on March 21, two Eiders, both females, reappeared at the favoured spot and were there again on March 24, but not thereafter. G.H.H. On January 16, off Newquay Headland, I watched, for nearly an hour, a duck being tossed in a rough sea. B.H.R. Goosander. On December 5, I came upon a duck or young drake swimming in the river above Trewornan Bridge and enjoyed a view at very close range, about seven yards, before the bird rose, beating the water with its wings, and flew upstream. [It was reported to me as having been near the bridge at Wadebridge all day on December 6]. T.J.W. Red-breasted Merganser. One in Penzance Harbour on January 1. One outside Newlyn Harbour and another off Penzance Promenade on December 10; probably the latter bird seen near the same place on December 24 and 28. All were ducks or immature drakes. G.H.H. A duck or immature drake on the Camel on December 10. T.J.W. Cormorant. Building on April 7, but no eggs seen in the few nests that were clearly visible. On August 13 there were well-fledged young both in and out of nest. The numbers of these birds have remained very constant all the years I have known the place. A.H.M.C. On April 14, one was soaring very high over fields north of the Marazion Marsh. Round and round it flapped, only now and then stopping to glide for a few seconds on out­ stretched wings; I watched for ten minutes and left the performance continuing. The day was very fine. G.H.H. On June 4, I visited a small nesting colony north of Padstow. Four visible nests held three eggs, two chicks, two chicks and two eggs and a newly-hatched chick respectively. Almost touching one of the nests, a Herring-Gull was sitting on four eggs—three of her own and one of a Cormorant. In marked contrast to Shags, these birds were very wild, quitting their nests before I came in view of them and circling over the sea. B.H.R.

Shag. The notes above on Cormorants apply equally to the Shags on these cliffs. On April 7 one Shag was a ridiculous 39 figure, waddling some yards along a narrow ledge and holding a solid root of scurvy-grass in flower, almost as big as itself; this it deposited in a recess out of view. A.H.M.C. The small colony at Carn les Boel, near Land's End, was visited a number of times during the nesting season. Unfortun­ ately one or both birds of at least ten pairs were shot on nest by persons unknown; this destroyed the continuity of the observations save, probably in one case. On February 18, Shags were in nearly full force on the ledges, there was fresh material in several places and two birds brought some. On March 4 there were more birds, several substantial nests and one with a single egg. On March 12 incubation was proceeding on at least three eggs in the latter nest and another held two. On March 23 conditions were unchanged at the earliest nest and on the second nest the bird did not shift while I was watching. A third nest held two eggs and a fourth one, while about nine other nests looked ready for eggs.

On April 1 birds were incubating at the four earliest nests and at least two others had eggs. On April 19 there were young in both the nests in which eggs were seen on March 4 and 12. After this date the shooting appears to have taken place and of the six " earliest " nests above only the " March 4 " nest escaped. It held bulky young on April 30. On May 27 it held one young bird nearly ready to fly and one dead young bird. My next visit was on July 22 when a bird was incubating three eggs in the March 4 nest. On September 6 this nest held two young, well grown, and on September 27 was empty and, as there was no sign of the birds, it is presumed they left safely. It seems at least quite probable that a pair reared two broods from this nest; assuming the second brood to have left about September 15—20 the second clutch would have been laid about June 22—27. This is feasible when it is remembered that the young bird in nest on May 27 seemed nearly ready to leave. But the evidence is not conclusive, nor do I see how it can be, unless individual birds be identified. From mid-May on to early August there must always have been one or two 40

nests with eggs in some stages of incubation, the property of the few survivors of the massacre. One of these pairs may have seized upon the site vacated by the " March 4" or " earliest " pair. With reference to these later attempts of other pairs two points are worth noting. First, in one case young were in nest, apparently ready to fly, as late as September 28. Secondly, neither this pair, nor others that had young in August, could have reared two broods at this colony. (Cf. First Annual Report, pp. 22—23). G.H.H. I kept in touch with the same colonies dealt with at p. 31 of the Second Annual Report and again had fifty nests under observation. Again no cases of rearing two broods were obesrved; indeed, in but one instance, were two clutches laid and both attempts " went overboard." This year I saw no eggs until April 15, when one nest held one and another two; certainly no birds had laid up to and including April 8. No young were seen on the nest-ledges after July 30. On July 8 the female of a pair was standing at the nest; one fully-fledged youngster was perched ten feet above and the other of the brood had flown. The male flew in from the sea and coition took place on the nest-ledge, after slight courtship gestures. There were a few pieces of green seaweed lying where the nest had been. No further developments were observed, the greenery vanished and neither adult was seen on the ledge again. B.H.R. A nest with five eggs seen on April 27. W.R.T. Storm-Petrel. One was picked up dead at Constantine Bay (near Padstow) in about November, 1932, and brought to me. L.B. On June 15 five sitting birds, each on a single egg, were found on an island off the north Cornish coast. The nests were completely hidden under loose stones but were betrayed by a peculiar note uttered by the birds. M.R. Manx Shearwater. There is a nesting-colony on the Storm-Petrel island. One young bird was seen on June 15. M.R. Little Grebe. On June 8 a bird was on the pool on the Bodmin Moors referred to at p. 31 of the Second Annual Report. A friend and I tramped through the reeds but came upon only an empty nest. A.H.M.C. 41

Great Northern Diver. Two on the Helford River on January 30. C.C.V. Wood-Pigeon. A fully-developed egg was taken from a bird killed at Mawgan (Helston) on January 8. S.C. Stock-Dove. In early November, Stock-Doves frequently fed on Charlock in fields at Burniere, near Wadebridge. On the 10th I had a fine view of well over a hundred that, after feeding, had dropped into a ploughed field to rest and looked like a blue carpet on the earth. T.J.W. Turtle-Dove. One seen in St. Eval Parish on September 20 and one in St. Columb Parish on September 22. M.R. On May 31 I watched a single bird feeding in a roughly harrowed field. B.H.R. [Two seen at Mudgeon, St. Martin, on May 18. C.C.V. (Per Lt. Col. Edyvean)]. One seen at Ledstown, Breage, on June 3 and one at Constantino on June 7. C.C.V. Stone-Curlew. One in the St. Keverne district, in late January or early February, was picked up dead, apparently killed by a hawk. On November 4, a flock of twenty-five were seen in the same district; this is most unusual, for previously only odd birds at long intervals had been seen. P.D.W. Oyster-Catcher. On May 3, a nest was found holding three eggs which were being incubated—subsequent observations lead to the conclusion that incubation had only started on this date. I next visited the nest on May 14, when there were four eggs, as there were also on May 27. On May 28 there were three chicks and one egg, all being brooded; the chicks, after the parent left, remained in the nest, which I did not approach closely. On May 29, at 5.30 p.m., a parent was brooding but flew off as I drew near. In the nest, lying in the centre of the cup, was one recently-hatched chick, which did not attempt to leave. After some searching I found the three young hatched the previous day crouching singly under stones a few yards away. Later, from the cliff-top, I saw the return of one of the parents; the whole family was quickly collected in the nest and brooded. The incubation period in this case appears to have been twenty-five days. The difference in size between the baby and the three older chicks was very marked. B.H.R. 42

Kentish Plover. A flock of about fifteen seen on Lelant Beach on August 31, 1926. A description, jotted down on the spot, with the birds in view, reads " black legs and bills, incomplete rings, separate dark mark on crown, dark patch running through eye, sandy drab back." W.R.T. Golden Plover. First seen at St. Columb on September 22. M.R. On January 24, I saw an individual, in company with a few others, which was very dark—almost black—everywhere, save for yellowish mottling on the back. On November 4, on the Camel mud-flats, Mr. Harvey and I saw a large flock of about two hundred and fifty, settled with Lapwings. B.H.R. Very large flocks on Lelant Estuary in January and February and again in October. During the last month, the flock numbered about one hundred birds. D.V. Grey Plover. About thirty seen on the Tamar, below Pentillie Castle, on October 4. A.H.M.C. At the Lelant Estuary, on June 1, was an adult in full summer plumage with an immature bird. [They were seen again on June 3]. (See also notes appended to migration table). Presumably the same immature, or at least a Grey Plover in the same drab plumage, was seen at this Estuary on June 22 and July 6 and 22. G.H.H. One at Lelant Beach on August 16. D.V. Lapwing. The species, which does not normally breed in West Cornwall, was unusually plentiful there this Autumn, large flocks being present from mid-August onwards at the Marazion Marsh and Lelant Estuary; at the latter place I have no previous record of their occurring in numbers. G.H.H. Nesting birds appear to be increasing. At a colony frequently visited and in which I have no past record of more than seven nests there were, this year, ten nests. Hatchings were excellent—only one nest held an addled egg and only one was robbed, the owner of which laid again and, I believe, reared a brood. The first two nests, holding full clutches of four eggs, were found on March 22; the eggs in both hatched on April 13. On May 21, only one incubating bird was left— probably the bird that had been robbed. A record was again secured of a nest containing a stone. Early Autumn flocks (August 25 and subsequent dates in September) seem to have 43 been exceptionally large. On October 2, there were immense numbers on the Camel and, during the month, I saw large flocks in other localities. B.H.R. Large flocks noted on Lelant Estuary from early October onwards. D.V. Turnstone. Five seen on Gulland Island, off Padstow, on June 29. H.G.H. Three on Gulland Island on June 15. M.R. Ruff. The species occurred as usual in the Spring- migration—one in the flooded fields by the Hayle River on March 19, and one was at the Marazion Marsh from March 26 to April 1 inclusive. None seen this Autumn. G.H.H. Knot. Three at the Marazion Marsh on March 18 and one at Lelant Estuary on March 29 are my first Spring records. When with Colonel Ryves, on September 9, I saw a party of six at the Lelant Estuary, the most I have seen together. G.H.H. On September 19, on the Camel, I saw six birds and two on October 2. On September 21, off the reefs at Constantine Bay, a single bird was observed, swimming in rough water. B.H.R. A party of five or six seen on the Lelant Estuary on December 15. Not found there after that date. D.V. A single bird seen at a pool on Goonhilly Downs on September 27. C.B.V., C.C.V. Three seen on the Camel on October 1. T.J.W. Dunlin. On June 5, with Mr. R. G. Adams, I put up a Dunlin at a marsh on Bodmin Moors which, circling widely, hovered a moment over a spot where its mate rose to join it. Their subsequent behaviour was extremely intriguing and baffling. The only note heard was the " kwee " drawl. Just after we had come to the conclusion that there were young birds my companion picked up a hatched out egg-shell. A.H.M.C. Little Stint. Two seen on the Camel Estuary on February .26, feeding with about a dozen Dunlin. The date is most unusual but the disparity in size between the two species was observed at close quarters. The birds had a buff streak that seemed to run from the shoulders to the end of the closed wing. I.M.A., K.M.S. 44

One on Hayle Beach on September 6. G.H.H. Three on the Lelant Estuary on September 25. B.H.R. Purple Sandpiper. The ledges of the Penzance Extension Pier, referred to at p. 51 of the First Annual Report and p. 34 of the Second Annual Report, were observed frequently during the year. On January 12, thirty-eight birds were there and five others were on rocks about 180 yards away. Previously twenty-nine was the record attendance. This year the thirty mark was topped twice again—thirty-five on March 27 and thirty-seven on March 28. Time did not permit systematic or lengthy observations but, roughly, the procedure in connection with this roost appears to be as follows whatever the time of day. Birds begin to arrive there about two hours before high water, as the rising tide covers the feeding-grounds. The population peak is reached about an hour to half an hour before high water and the decline starts usually soon after the tide begins to fall. An hour or an hour and a half after high water the ledges are clear. This programme is subject to many exceptions and I have no idea if it applies to night time, when an interesting- field is open for anyone with time to work it. The only point on which I am definite is that I have never seen a bird on these ledges within three hours, either way, of low water. A large attendance may be expected with a high spring tide, especially if accompanied by a north wind, when the ledges are sheltered. With a rough sea the site is of necessity not used; in a gale from any southerly point, waves break over the pier. The ledges are irregular' and nowhere more than a few inches wide; when large numbers of birds are present there is much fluttering from one insecure stance to another. On March 17 an adult and " unoiled " Kittiwake alighted on a ledge for a few minutes. Save for this instance I have seen the pierface used by but three species—the Sandpipers, Rock-Pipits and, occasionally a Kingfisher. The last birds seen were two on May 27. The first arrival observed in Autumn was a single bird on October 25 and the species was not in force in this district until mid-November. G.H.H. Common Sandpiper. Unusually numerous in the Coves near Cape Cornwall between August 4 and August 28. P.H.T.H. 45

One seen at Forder, East Cornwall, soon after Christmas, 1932. V.O. Green Sandpiper. One at Lelant Estuary from December 3 to the end of the year. D.V. Redshank. One seen feeding in the rocks at Porth Nanven, on August 7 and 15; my first record of the species on the coast between Land's End and Cape Cornwall. P.H.T.H. On December 7, I heard a bird calling in the marshes above Mawgan Porth. My first record for this locality. B.H.R. Greenshank. First seen on Lelant Estuary this Autumn on August 4. Nine or ten birds noted there in early September. Previously I had not seen more than four together. G.H.H. A party of eight birds seen on the Camel on September 17 and two parties of five and four on September 19. One seen on the Sea Mills Creek of the Camel on December 27. B.H.R. A pair were at the Lelant Estuary from February 8 onward and through part of March. I did not see them when frequently visiting these mud-flats in January and in November and December, 1932. At the end of October a flock of ten to twelve were on this Estuary and I saw a single bird there on December 24 and 26. D.V. A party of five on the Camel on September 3. T.J.W. Black-tailed Godwit. The usual few occurrences on Spring and Autumn migration. A single bird was at the Marazion Marsh from February 26 to April 19. G.H.H. Twenty-six on March 11 on the St. Germans Estuary and seven their on November 18. H.G.H. Two, with six " Bar-tailed" on September 12, six, with about twenty " Bar-tailed " on October 2, one with three " Bar- tailed " on October 20 and one with three " Bar-tailed" on November 4. A single bird, seen by Mr. Harvey and myself on the Camel, on February 1, would seem to have been a winterer. B.H.R. A party of five—and others were about—on the Camel on October 1. T.J.W. Snipe. On June 5, with Mr. R. G. Adams, flushed a young- Snipe at Crowdy Marsh; it was already strong on the wing. A.H.M.C, 40

[One killed, by striking Godrevy Lighthouse, this Autumn. G.H.H. (Per Mr. W. J. Lewis)]. Jack Snipe. A party of twelve lived throughout the 1932—33 winter among rough grass in a damp spot in a secluded part of Trewornan Marsh. On November 5 (1933) I found five at the same place, very tame. They would hardly get out of the way of my old retriever and one merely " swore " at a stick pushed near it and required a second advance of the stick before rising. Had they only just arrived? L.J.H. First seen this Autumn on October 6, in St. Ervan Parish. M.R. On December 17 I rose one that was feeding in the open on the edge of a mill-leat in the Mawgan Valley. As it rose it uttered about six low squeaks and settled about forty yards onward. When flushed again, at a range of ten yards, it flew silently out of sight. B.H.R. Woodcock. On February 2, not far from the Cornish border, I flushed two Woodcocks that had been lying up, side by side, in dead leaves and bracken and one can suppose only that they were paired. I have some reason to believe that one was shot almost immediately afterwards. A.H.M.C. First seen this Autumn on October 8 in St. Wenn Parish. M.R. White-winged Black Tern. One was seen flying across Great Pool, Tresco, Scilly, on April 17. A.A.D.S. Sandwich Tern. One was observed fishing with three Common (or Arctic) Terns at Harlyn Bay on September 8. B.H.R. Common (or Artie) Tern. One seen on the Camel Estuary on June 29. H.G.H. One at Porth Cothan on September 11, an immature at Harlyn Bay on September 26, two at Constantine Bay on October 3 and one there on October 23. When watching a bird fishing, I noticed that, after submersion, it would rise well above the water and then vigorously shake itself. When it caught a silvery looking small fish it would mount to a height and, after shaking and battling with its capture, swallow it and then drop and continue to fish. B.H.R. Little Gull. There was an immature in Newlyn Harbour on January 23. G.H.H. 47

Herring-Gull. On June 27, as the result of a desperate fight, two birds lay battered and exhausted at the bottom of the great pit at Trevone. It was some time before they had the strength to scramble out. H.G.H. Lesser Black-backed Gull. There was an adult at Newlyn on January 21, and possibly the same bird was there on February 21. The Spring migration was observed first on February 25 when six birds, all apparently adults in summer plumage, were seen flying south past Land's End. Between Land's End and Sennen six more were floating on the water, all adults but two still had the brown head-streakings of winter, while the others were in summer-dress. After February 25, summer-plumaged adults began to put in appearance at their usual cliff-haunts and on the beaches and marshes and by mid-March were in in force. Even then a few birds retained the winter head-markings. On March 23, but not at any other time, at the Marazion Marsh, were four birds with backs as dark or nearly as dark as the backs of the Great Black-backs also there. About twenty normal lesser Black-backs were present and their slate- grey backs were a most marked contrast. It is clear that the four birds were of the sub-species known as the Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed Gull. G.H.H. Two seen off the Bedruthan Cliffs on January 23. Five, in summer-plumage, were on Watergate Beach on March 4, and the normal spring migration continuously followed from that date. B.H.R. Great Black-backed Gulls. On June 29 remains of numbers of young rabbits were found on the parts of Gulland Island frequented by these gulls. H.G.H. On April 27 a nest was seen holding two eggs. W.R.T. Glaucous Gull. One was seen on many occasions at Newlyn Harbour from January 21 to April 23 inclusive. I think it would have attained adult plumage in the 1933 summer. Another, apparently in first winter plumage, was seen off the Penzance Promenade frequently between February 13 and April 13 and was probably the individual (or one of the individuals) referred to at p. 36 of the Second Annual Report. From December 10, to the end of the year, a bird was again at Newlyn Harbour and using the favourite perches of the bird there from January to April and feeding at the same 48 spots. It appeared to be adult, having no brown on wings or tail; its head and upper-breast were brown-streaked, this being normal in adult winter-plumage. Quite possibly the same bird had returned. G.H.H. Kittiwake. The colony near Land's End was visited a number of times. On February 18, I found two birds on the ledges but they did not stay long. Seven were offshore on the sea. On March 4 about sixty were on the ledges and others were about on the wing. On March 12 about 150—200 were present. No building seen. Building was first seen on April 1. Birds would alight on a platform half-way up the cliff-face of the island and where most of the Shags nest. Here they picked up beakfuls of earth—or guano—and flew with it to their ledges. There the earth was dropped, shaken off the grubby bills and stamped down; the birds trod it as gulls dance to bring up worms. Only a few were doing this but these did it repeatedly and always the mate stayed at the ledge. Once a bird standing guard did a little stamping when alone. The birds bringing earth seemed to have practically no nest; presumably the trodden earth formed the foundation. There were three well- made nests, looking almost ready for eggs. In one the bird was turning to shape the cup.

All this is quite commonplace and well-known but I could not fathom one habit. It seemed to develop from the ecstatic behaviour that occurs when one of a pair welcomes and is greeted by its arriving mate—calling, followed by gulping and swallowing motions. This year, solitary birds and also one bird of quiescent pairs, would suddenly put their heads down and, with protruded tongue, seem to try to be sick. A very painful-looking performance. Various theories were considered but only one need be mentioned: that the birds were putting saliva on the ledge, perhaps to mix with the mud. The closest inspection did not reveal any fluid dropping. No nests held eggs on April 19 but there were two each with one egg on April 30. This is perhaps the normal date for first layings at this colony. (Cf. First Annual Report, p. 25). 49

On May 27, when the colony may be presumed to have been near its full numbers, I estimated there were 170—180 pairs. On July 22 many young were on the wing and only three still wore partial down. No nests held three young. The young still in nest, all well-grown, assumed the most negligent attitudes, sprawling anyhow, though perfectly capable of sitting neat and trim. The favourite posture was to huddle up with the head and bill tucked forward and down; time and again, Col. Ryves and I decided a particular youngster was dead, an impression heightened by the habit of co-nestlings of pecking at the exposed back of the sleeper's neck, but invariably the latter came to life again and seemed quite well. When the adults came to the nestlings the latter usually took cover by adopting this attitude, the head out of sight, and quite reason­ ably too, for the old birds, especially if moved to a burst of impassioned " kittiwaking," trod with seeming indifference on what were presumably their progeny. On July 29, there seemed to be only half as many young birds, though adults had not yet left in numbers. Two birds, on adjoining pitches, indulged in the puzzling vomiting action, much to each other's annoyance, for, in this case, the action seemed to be treated as one of defiance and was often interrupted by bouts of the usual pecking that seldom quite gets home. A pair came to a vacant ledge together and, just as in spring, called with necks laid side by side.

On August 5, I estimated that about eighty adult birds were present and about twenty-five immatures.

On September 6, five adults, with winter head-markings, were on a ledge. When I clapped they rose and circled silently—even only a month before there would have been a clamour to which each and every bird would have seemed to have been contributing. None seen on September 27.

So much for the nesting colony. As usual, adults, presum­ ably from this colony, were to be seen in Mount's Bay and St. Ives Bay throughout the summer. On June 21, at 8.45 p.m., five adults and one immature (hatched in 1932) were resting on a ledge on the seaward face of the lighthouse pier, St. Ives. 50

From observations of three oiled but still vigorous birds in April and early May, at the Marazion Marsh and Newlyn Harbour, it seems that oiling, at any rate heavy oiling, of the underparts, prevents the birds' moulting from winter to summer plumage. These birds, fully adult, retained all the winter head-markings. G.H.H.

Two (one immature) at Harlyn Bay on September 1 and one adult on September 4. In Mother Ivy Bay, on September 26, about six adults were watched " fishing " for about twenty minutes. B.H.R.

Razorbill. Between Bude and Boscastle, on April 7, about ten to twenty birds were flying in wide semi-circles over the sea and alighting occasionally among Herring-Gulls. Not more than six seen on June 9 and none on August 13. A.H.M.C. At the Kittiwake colony. One swimming close to the shore on February 18. Two flew past near the cliffs on March 4. About six on the ledges on March 12. Only two seen on March 23, both on the cliffs. None seen on April 1—evidently the former occurrences were mere visits of inspection. Still none present on April 19. Two on the ledges on April 30. On July 22 only one nesting pair was seen; they owned a chick in down. On July 29 this chick was being brooded by one parent when the other came flying by with two fish, held transversely in its bill. There was a strong west wind and three unsuccessful atempts and three long circular flights were made before, at last, a landing was effected and the youngster could seize from the bill and swallow, without effort, both the fish. After this came a little bill-nibbling between the adults, and the newcomer put down its bill, at which the chick nibbled—perhaps affection, perhaps expecting more fish, if the rather unsatisfactory practice of attributing human emotions to avian actions be adopted. The adult that had been brooding now showed signs of a desire to leave, craning its head this way and that; presently it launched off, and, with slow rythmic wing-beats, dropped almost to the sea before striking into its normal quick-flapping flight. After some preening by both parties the chick crept under the parent's wing.

Parents and young had gone on August 5. Normally only three or four pairs nest at this site. G.H.H. 51

On July 23, 1932 and 1933 a visit was paid to one of the Razorbill colonies between Trevone and Stepper Point. (See p. 35 of First Annual Report). On both dates it was found that this species and the Guillemots and Puffins that nest with them, had completed " nesting" and left. B.H.R.

On April 24, in a colony of Guillemots and Razorbills, several of both species seemed to be incubating and one egg of each species was actually seen. W.R.T.

Guillemot. About fifty huddled together on the seaward ledges of a colony between Bude and Boscastle on April 7. Counted up to fifty in same position on June 9. None seen on August 13. This colony normally numbers almost exactly fifty. A.H.M.C.

At the Kittiwake colony, the arrival of this species paralleled, in many respects, the appearance of the Razorbills. None were seen on February 18 or March 4 but forty to fifty were on the ledges on March 12. Twenty to thirty, on March 23, were on the ledges and about fifty were offshore; on this day and probably also on March 12, far more birds were about than would have made up the colony's full nesting strength. Only two were present on April 1 and none were seen on April 19. On April 30 six birds were on the ledges.

On July 22 about twenty-five birds, including one of the ringed variety, were on the ledges. Three had young and one was incubating a discoloured egg. A bird, a female, came from the sea and pitched on a crowded ledge, carrying a fish in her bill. She and another bird toyed with the catch, both holding it, and coition twice occurred. Later the hen ate the fish. These two seemed to own neither egg nor young and indeed all save four of the other birds—or pairs—present, were in like case.

On July 29 about a dozen birds were present—still the same three chicks and the bird patiently incubating. No unusual behaviour noted.

On August 5 a solitary bird, brooding one of the three youngsters, remained. The others, adults and young, even including the unfortunate individual with the eg&, and the egg itself, all had gone. G.H.H. 52

An oiled bird was seen on the river mud near St. Clement on January 22, and at high tide was captured by a resident who tried to clean off the oil but the bird was too far gone and died. C.N. See above under Razorbill, B.H.R. See above under Razorbill. W.R.T. Puffin. None on April 7. On June 9, with Mr. R. G. Adams, we were unable to watch any visit holes I have known used previously, but counted fourteen birds on the sea. While doing so I noticed one floating belly upwards and rocking with the motion of the water. We had just come to the conclusion that it was dead when a Great Black-backed Gull swooped at it; whereupon it instantly dived and stayed under so long that the Gull, after a good half minute wait, gave it up and passed on. The Puffin presently reappeared and resumed its ludicrous ablutions; floating as before, rolling sideways, standing up and flinging itself backwards.

None seen on August 13. A.H.M.C. See above under Razorbill. B.H.R.

Coot. As late as May 28—but not afterwards—a few birds were in flooded fields beside the Hayle River. No evidence of nesting observed. G.H.H.

Land-Rail. None heard at all. B.H.R.

Quail. [A single bird at Trelowarren on September 12 C.C.V. (per Lt. Col. Edyvean)]. [Heard by my father, who knows the call well, about June 1, at Tregorden. T.J.W.]. I