Birds in 2003

Ydhyn yn Kernow

Cornwall -Watching and Preservation Society CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING & PRESERVATION SOCIETY

SEVENTY-THIRD

ANNUAL REPORT

2003

Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) The emblem of The Cornwall Bird-watching & Preservation Society HONORARY OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 2004/05

President Steve Madge, Seawinds, Lower Trerieve, Downderry, , PL 15 3LZ

Chairman Vacant

Vice-Chairman Graham Sutton, Harcombe, West Park Road, , EX23 8PB Email: [email protected]

General Secretary Darrell Clegg, 55 Lower Fore Street, , PL 12 6JQ Email: [email protected]

Treasurer Bob Bridges, 21 Pare Peneglos, Bells Hill, Mylor, TR11 5SL Email: [email protected]

Membership Secretary Sara McMahon, 72 Underwood Road, Plympton, PL7 1SZ Email: [email protected]

Conservation Officer Vacancy

Newsletter Editor Bob Bridges, 21 Pare Peneglos, Bells Hill, Mylor, TR11 5SL Email: [email protected]

Field Meetings Officer Terry Hasdell, 1 West Tehidy, Tolvaddon, , TR14 OHP Enail: [email protected]

Public Relations Officer Vacancy

Honorary Solicitor Greg Adams, 2 Wendron Street, , TR13 8PS

Committee Members: Claire Mucklow, Rosemary Parslow & Cathy Tucker

The Society is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission for and Number 255899 The Trustees are the Honorary Officers and other Members of the Executive Committee shown above

County Recorder Kester Wilson, 1 Tol Pedn House, School Hill Road, , TR19 6LP kesteraw@yahoo .co.uk

Editor " in Cornwall" Ian Wilson, 3 Hunters Close, Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, LEI7 6LG ian.wilson [email protected]

Records Committee: Mashuq Ahmad, Greg Conway, Pete Fraser, Steve Madge, Keith Pellow, Graham Sutton & Laurie Williams

Photographs Front cover: Common Kestrel - Gary Cockill Back cover: Red-backed Shrike - Gary Cockill

2 CONTENTS

Page

Review of the Year 2003 Kester & Ian Wilson 4

Editorial Ian Wilson 11

Acknowledgements 11

Submission of Records 12

Submission of Rarity Reports 14

Systematic List for 2003 Kester & Ian Wilson 16

Records for which details are still required 135

First and Last Dates of Summer Migrants 135

Contributors 136

Gazetteer 138

Ringing Report 2003 Greg Conway 146

The Society's Reserves 154

Chairman's Report Gary Lewis 157

Conservation Officer's Report Brian Craven 158

Obituary: Francis Couch Graham Sutton 160

Balance Sheet and Accounts 2003 161

The Society's Rules 167

Printed by B. J. Press Ltd., Unit 29 Threemilestone Ind Estate, , Cornwall, TR4 9LD Copyright Cornwall Bird-watching & Preservation Society 2004

3 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2003

Reports were received covering two hundred and seventy-seven species, three less than last year. Two new species were recorded, Pallid Harrier and American Robin.

JANUARY Several of last year's rarities remained in the county at the start of the year; a Great Bittern at Marsh remained to 12th Feb; an adult Eurasian Spoonbill continued its stay on the Lynher Estuary and St. John's Lake until 19th February; an adult male American Wigeon was on the Estuary to 4th April and a Green-winged Teal on Hayle Estuary stayed for a further eighteen days. Red-billed Choughs were present on all year; a pair fledged three young but one was found dead on 15th June.

The first day of the year saw one hundred and fifty-one Black-tailed Godwits on , and on 3rd a raft of one hundred and forty European Shags was in Falmouth Bay. Six Hen Harriers were seen on 4th at Men-An-Tol, and a second calendar Black Guillemot was in the sea off Sennen Cove where it remained until 25th March. There was a count of three hundred and forty-six at Walmsley Sanctuary on 5th, one hundred and ten Common Pochards were on Loe Pool, twenty-two Common Goldeneye and sixty-eight Red-breasted Mergansers were in Carrick Roads, a second calendar Ring- billed Gull arrived at Helston Boating Lake where it remained for the rest of the year and an adult Iceland Gull visited Sennen Cove. An adult Black Guillemot joined the second calendar bird at Sennen Cove on 6th and stayed to 23rd February. Three hundred Pied Wagtails were at St. Austell sewage Works on 8th and twelve Common Bullfinches were at St. Blazey. There were counts of seven hundred and twenty Eurasian Teals at both Harlyn Bay and Walmsley Sanctuary on 9th, last year's Black Duck was on Loe Pool and on 10th fourteen Northern Pintails were on the Lynher Estuary.

Forty-nine Black-throated Divers were off Hemmick Beach on 11th, thirty-five Black-necked Grebes were in the Carrick Roads, a second calendar Surf Scoter arrived at Loe Beach, Feock where it remained until 20th April, eleven Wood Larks were present at Gribbin Head, and Windmill Farm had sixty Winter Wrens, forty Hedge Accentors and twenty Great Tits. A Great Bittern was at Par Beach Pool on 12th and remained for a further seven days, there were four Merlins at Goss Moor at the start of a year when they were recorded in above average numbers; last year's Ring-billed Gull returned to Par Beach Pool where it remained until 11th March, two thousand were in Carbis Bay, two Black Guillemots were in the sea off Marazion and three hundred Eurasian Siskins at Trevithick. A second calendar Eurasian Spoonbill arrived at the Camel Estuary on 13th and remained for two months, and sixty-two Red Knots were also present. Two Ring-billed Gulls were at Drift Reservoir on 14th and ninety-seven Black-billed Magpies were at Marazion Marsh. The following day six hundred and fifty Sky Larks were at Trevose Head and, on 16th, fifty-nine Red- breasted Mergansers were on St. John's Lake.

Thirty-four Red-throated Divers were in Harlyn Bay on 17th together with one hundred and seventy- five European Shags, and four hundred and two Eurasian Curlews were present on Hayle Estuary. Five Goosanders visited Lower Tamar Lake on 18th, two Yellow-legged Gulls were on the Camel Estuary and two Hawfinches were at Polperro. One thousand seven hundred Black-headed Gulls were on Butters Tor on 19th and three White-throated Dippers at Churchbridge. Two Red-necked Grebes were in Carbis Bay on 21st and a Green-winged Teal at Colliford Reservoir was assumed to be last year's bird. Nine hundred and twelve Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the Camel Estuary on 22nd and a Bohemian Waxwing at Keverne remained for four days. A female Ring-necked Duck appeared at Dozmary Pool on 23rd and stayed until 8th May. A Great Bittern was at Trevorian Pool on 25th and remained to 14th February, one thousand six hundred Northern Lapwings and one thousand two hundred Dunlins were on the Camel Estuary; eleven Jack Snipes were at Land's End and a Bohemian Waxwing were at Mylor Bridge. Another Bohemian Waxwing was at Devoran on 28th, twenty-five Eurasian Woodcocks were at Skewjack on 29th when nine Spotted Redshanks were at Tresemple Pool and two thousand three hundred Black-headed Gulls were on the Camel Estuary. An estimated one thousand Pied Wagtails roosted in Truro on the last day of the month.

4 FEBRUARY Thirty-eight Ruddy Turnstones were on the Camel Estuary on 1st together with three hundred and twelve Mew Gulls, four Lapland Longspurs were at Trevose Head and two Snow Buntings were at Perranporth at the start of an eight-day stay. Two thousand seven hundred European Golden Plovers were at Maer Lake on 2nd and, on 3rd, one hundred and fifty Eurasian Jackdaws were on the Gannel Estuary. Another second calendar Surf Scoter appeared at Loe Beach, Feock on 5th and both remained to 20th April, there was another count of eleven Jack Snipes at Land's End and a Long- eared was ringed at Land's End. Twenty-two Red-throated Divers were in the Seaton to Downderry area on 6th and, on 8th, a second calendar Glaucous Gull was in Sennen Cove. A second calendar Iceland Gull was at on 9th, twenty-five Yellowhammers were at Penare on 11th and, on 12th, there was a Ring-billed Gull on the Gannel Estuary. An American Herring Gull appeared at Treve Common and moved around the area until 14th May and, on 13th, eleven Common Crossbills were at Hustyn. Forty-five Common Ravens were at Ninestones on 14th and, on 15th, twenty-five Northern Shovelers were at Walmsley Sanctuary; a count of thirteen Common Eiders in was the highest of the year and a second calendar Glaucous Gull was nearby.

The flock of Red-throated Divers in Harlyn Bay had increased to forty-three and there were also twenty-six in Perran Bay on 16th, fifty-three Black-throated Divers and two thousand five hundred Black-headed Gulls were in Gerrans Bay, fifteen Black-necked Grebes were still in the Carrick Roads and five hundred and fifty Great Black-backed Gulls on Hayle Estuary. There were two hundred and sixty-three Eurasian Oystercatchers on the Camel Estuary on 17th, one hundred and sixty-five Grey Plovers and eighty-five Bar-tailed Godwits were on the Camel Estuary, an adult Kumlien's Gull was seen at Copperhouse Creek and two Snow Buntings were at Trevose Head. The only report of Tundra Swan was on 24th when two were reported at , and there were twenty-eight Purple Sandpipers and twenty-eight Ruddy Turnstones at Sennen Cove. Three hundred and ninety-six Great Black-backed Gulls were counted on the Camel Estuary on the last day of the month.

MARCH A Bohemian Waxwing was at Golant on 2nd and twenty-four Common Crossbills were in Largin Wood. Ten Slavonian Grebes were seen off Seaton on 5th, a female Ring-necked Duck at Siblyback Reservoir on 8th was presumably the Dozmary bird on a day trip, an adult Kumlien's Gull visited the Camel Estuary, a Bohemian Waxwing was at Lerryn and the first Common Redstart of the year was at Mousehole. The Eurasian Spoonbill on the Camel Estuary was joined by three other birds on 12th and all four remained until one left on 28th April; three continued their stay until 8th May. The first Northern Wheatear appeared on 13th at Cleave. A second calendar Glaucous Gull visited Marazion on 15th, the first Sandwich Tern of the year was in Mount's Bay and two Scandinavian Rock Pipits were at Hannafore. The first Willow Warbler was at Bude on 16th, and there was a count of twenty-nine Blue Tits at St. Stephen. Two Hoopoes were at Rinsey Head on 17th and stayed to the following day, part of an estimated twenty-two during the year, There were twenty-nine Purple Sandpipers at Godrevy Point on 18th, the first record at this site since 1996. One hundred European Robins and twenty Black Redstarts were at St. Agnes on 19th and forty Common Chiffchaffs were at St. Agnes.

A Great Bittern was at Walmsley Sanctuary on 20th, the first Barn Swallow of the year was at St. Germans; twenty-three Black Redstarts were at Land's End and sixty Song Thrushes at Sennen. Forty-four Great Northern Divers were in St. Austell Bay on 21st, the first Ring Ouzel was on Pentire Point and the first Sedge Warbler of the year at Nanjizal. Fifty Black-throated Divers remained in Gerrans Bay on 23rd, and on 25th there were fifteen Slavonian Grebes in St. Austell Bay. There were two Yellow-legged Gulls on Hayle Estuary on 27th. An elusive fourth calendar male Pallid Harrier (a candidate for bird of the year) moved around the Sennen area on 29th and remained until the following day, and the first Spotted Flycatcher arrived at Treburgey. That day also saw an at Wherry Town and a Little Plover on the Camel Estuary, both the first records of the year. The first Pied Flycatcher arrived on 30th at Warbstow. APRIL The first Common Cuckoo arrived on 2nd at Colliford Reservoir, and the first Common Swift was recorded at St. Germans. A Common Whitethroat at Penlee Point on 3rd was the first of the year, and on 4th a male European Serin was at Trevose Head.. There were one hundred and fifty European Shags at The Brisons on 6th and a European Serin at Land's End. A Common Tern in Carbis Bay on 8th was the first of the year, as was a Tree Pipit at Trevose Head. The Common Grasshopper Warbler at Trevose Head the following day was also the first. A Red-rumped Swallow at Land's End on 12th spent three days flying around the Mayon Cliff area, and the first Eurasian Reed Warbler was at Marazion Marsh. A Eurasian Tree Sparrow was at Land's End on 16th and the first European Turtle Dove was at Nanjizal and, on 17th, a second calendar female Woodchat Shrike started a four-day stay at Land's End.

One hundred and thirty-two Sandwich Terns were on the Camel Estuary on 20th, the first Arctic Tern in Harlyn Bay and the following day a Horned Lark started a nine-day stay at Sennen. A Whinchat at Trevose Head on 21st was the first of the year, five Common Grasshopper Warblers were calling on Hensbarrow Downs, the first Garden Warbler was on Treve Common and there were Wood Warblers at both Gweek and Cot Valley. An Alpine Swift at Millbrook on 23rd was the only record of this species during the year. A Common Nightingale was located at Kenidjack on 24th and fifty Northern Wheatears passed through Land's End. An adult Purple Heron was at Walmsley Sanctuary on 25th and one hundred and fifty Whimbrels at Pentewan. Three European Turtle Doves were present at Sennen on 26th and a further three were on Lizard Point on 27th when a male Subalpine Warbler showed on Predannack Airfield. Six hundred and fifty Whimbrels passed Chapel Point on 28th during a two-hour period, and a Golden Oriole at Windmill Farm was the first of nine during the year.

MAY Two Hoopoes were at Talland Hill on 1st, the first Eurasian Hobby was recorded at Walmsley Sanctuary and, the following day, sixteen Pomarine Skuas passed . A Subalpine Warbler was at Gorran Haven on 3rd and, on 4th, an adult Black Guillemot appeared in the Cove at Sennen and a female European Serin was at Porthgwarra. An adult Purple Heron appeared at Marazion Marsh on 5th at the start of an eight-day stay and a Great Black-backed Gull killed a Glaucous Gull that had been in the Polperro area for several weeks. Six hundred Barn Swallows passed over Land's End on 6th and twenty-two Great Northern Divers were off Downderry on 7th when fifty-one Common Whitethroats were at Land's End. An adult male Montagu's Harrier was at Windmill Farm on 7th and the following day a Red-rumped Swallow was over Land's End. An adult male Montagu's Harrier flew over Kenidjack on 11th and was seen at Men-An-Tol later in the day, and ten Eurasian Reed Warblers were at Bude Marshes. A European Nightjar on 15th at Kynance Downs was the first of the year.

Ten Atlantic Puffins passed Killigerran Head on 17th, and on 20th two thousand Black-legged Kittiwakes passed Towan Head. Fifty Common Terns were present in St. Austell Bay on 22nd, an adult Black Guillemot and eighteen Atlantic Puffins were off Porthgwarra, a pair of Blue-headed Wagtails arrived at Nanjizal where they remained until 7th July to breed and fledge three young, and ten Garden Warblers were at Land's End. Six Wood Nuthatches were at St. Austell Sewage Works on 24th and a female Red-backed Shrike was at Brew. A male Little Bittern arrived at Swanpool on 26th at the start of a thirteen-day stay, and a European Bee-eater was at Duckpool. A Little Owl was seen at Pentire Farm on 28th and two European Bee-eaters flew over the Estuary. An adult Black Stork was on Goonhilly Downs on 29th, a Black Kite was at Trethewey, and there was a large arrival of Red Kites including seven at Rospannel. The Black Kite was also seen on 30th at Treen and there were several more reports of Red Kites, including eight at Porthgwarra, and a male European Serin was at Porthgwarra.

JUNE An adult male Red-backed Shrike was at Predannack Airfield on 7th, eight Great Spotted Woodpeckers were at Kilkhampton and five Marsh Tits at Kilkhampton on 9th and, on 11th, a male Red-backed Shrike was ringed at Treve Common. King Arthur's Downs had a Common Quail on

6 12th, fifteen Lesser Redpolls were at Smallacombe Plantation on 13th and, on 14th, a Blue-headed Wagtail was at Land's End. A second calendar female Woodchat Shrike was at Porthgwarra on 17th, and on 19th there were eight Eurasian Treecreepers at London Apprentice. Eleven Eurasian Jays were at Boscastle on 20th. The largest ever count of Canada Geese was of one thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine birds on 21st at Colliford Reservoir, and there were two thousand one hundred Herring Gulls on Park Clay Pit. A European Bee-eater flew over Brew Pool on 23rd, and on 24th a Common Quail was at Dinham Section. There was a fall of Red Kites on 25th and 26th, including five at St. Just. Six hundred Rooks were at St. Jidgey on 27th, and on 28th a second calendar Eurasian Spoonbill visited Wacker Quay.

JULY Eighty-six Black Scoters were off Porthgwarra on 6th and, on 7th, two hundred and nine were present off Trevose Head and one hundred and twenty Sand Martins were over Nanjizal. Six Red-billed Choughs were at Predannack Head on 8th and, on 9th, last year's Black Duck returned to Colliford Reservoir where it remained until 15th September. On 16th, twenty-two Little Terns were at Porth Kidney Beach. Twenty-three Cory's Shearwaters passed Porthgwarra on 17th, the best day-count in a poor year, and a Black Tern was at Gorran Haven. Forty-one Little Egrets were on the Truro River on 19th and thirty-six Mistle Thrushes were at Davidstow Airfield on 22nd and, on 26th, forty Sedge Warblers were at Nanjizal and five Marsh Tits at Boscundle. Forty-eight Balearic Shearwaters passed Porthgwarra on 28th together with a Long-tailed Skua. An estimated eighteen thousand Manx Shearwaters passed Cape Cornwall on 30th and one hundred and forty-three European Storm-petrels were ringed at Porthgwarra.

AUGUST One hundred and fifty European Storm-petrels were ringed at Porthgwarra on 2nd and two Yellow- legged Gulls were on Hayle Estuary. Six hundred Common Swifts at Rame Head on 3rd formed the largest flock of the year and thirty Stonechats were at Trevose Head. An adult European Honey Buzzard, at Treverven on 4th, was seen half an hour later at Marazion Marsh. There were forty Sanderlings on Porth Kidney Beach on 5th, three Wood Sandpipers at Nanjizal and six Arctic Terns at Porth Kidney Beach, and a first calendar Woodchat Shrike started a weeklong stay at Trevose Head. A Hooded Crow was at Brew on 6th and moved around the area until 23rd October. There were six hundred and seventy Eurasian Curlews on 7th on the Camel Estuary and one thousand four hundred and forty-five Herring Gulls on Crowdy Reservoir. A Spotted Crake appeared at Marazion Marsh on 8th at the start of a seven-day stay and, on 9th, an adult Roseate Tern passed Trevose Head. Seventy-seven Tufted Ducks were at Colliford Reservoir on 12th, and on 13th seventy House Sparrows were at Trevose Head.

Three Marsh Harriers at Nanquidno on 14th were part of a small influx during the month and a Wood Warbler was on Treve Common. There were twenty-nine Grey Herons on the Camel Estuary on 15th and, on 16th, one hundred and fifty Ringed Plovers were on Marazion Beach. Eleven Green Sandpipers were at Nanjizal on 17th and ten Artie Terns passed Trevose Head; a Wood Warbler was at Treve Common and one hundred House Sparrows at Trevalgan Farm. A Spotted Crake was found at Marazion Marsh on 19th and was still there the following day, and the last European Nightjar of the year was at Nanjizal. Twelve Water Rails were at Nanjizal on 22nd, and a Black Duck paid a one-day visit to Crowdy Reservoir on 23rd when ten Common Sandpipers were present at Upper Tamar Lake, the last Common Cuckoo of the year and the last European Turtle Dove of the year were in Porthgwarra, and one thousand Barn Swallows passed over Penlee Point. Fifteen Spotted Flycatchers were at Trevose Head on 24th, Carnsew Pool was visited by one hundred Ringed Plovers on 25th when a Pectoral Sandpiper commenced a three-day stay on Hayle Estuary and a first calendar Red-backed Shrike commenced a six-day stay at Land's End.

A Eurasian Dotterel was at Trevose Head on 26th and another at Nanjizal at the start of a three-day stay; a Pectoral Sandpiper also started a three-day stay at Copperhouse Creek, eighty-one Whinchats were at Land's End, forty-seven Pied Flycatchers were at Land's End and forty Pied Flycatchers at Porthgwarra. There were twenty Common Greenshanks on Upper Tamar Lake on 27th, and another one thousand Barn Swallows passed over Penlee Point and ten Tree Pipits were at Nanjizal. There were three Garganeys at Nanjizal on 28th, three Eurasian Dotterels at Kynance Farm on The Lizard,

7 a Temminck's Stint at Crowdy Reservoir, three Wrynecks at both Caerthillian Cove and Land's End and a Tawny Pipit and a first calendar Melodious Warbler at Nanjizal. Forty-five Willow Warblers were at Land's End on 29th and ten Coal Tits in Friendship Wood. Two Pectoral Sandpipers arrived at Siblyback Reservoir on 30th and one remained until 21st September; forty-five Northern Wheatears passed through Porthgwarra and seventy House Sparrows were at Dobwalls.

SEPTEMBER Twenty-two Little Grebes were at Siblyback Reservoir on 1st, forty-one Balearic Shearwaters passed Trevose Head, four Curlew Sandpipers were at Salter Mill, fifteen Mediterranean Gulls were at Torpoint and a first calendar male Spanish Wagtail was ringed at Nanjizal. A first calendar Sabine's Gull passed Porthgwarra on 2nd and fourteen Spotted Flycatchers were in Grotton Plantation. A Tawny Pipit was at Porthgwarra and six Cetti's Warblers at Marazion Marsh on 3rd and, on 4th, a first calendar Woodchat Shrike was at Nanjizal. Seventy-five Yellow Wagtails were at Lizard Point on 5th, and a similar number at Housel Bay the following day. The last Little Plover of the year was recorded at Siblyback Reservoir on 6th when seventy-five Sandwich Terns passed Pendeen Watch and three Wrynecks commenced a two-day stay at Land's End. A first calendar Osprey at St. John's Lake on 7th was the last record of the year, and twenty-two Common Terns passed St. Levan.

There was a Corn Crake at Porthgwarra on 10th and a first calendar Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Davidstow Airfield. Twenty-seven Grey Wagtails were counted at Land's End on 11th, and Hayle Estuary had a Eurasian Dotterel and a Pectoral Sandpiper on 12th when three Wrynecks started a four-day stay at Sennen where three hundred House Martins were seen overhead. Nine Little Stints were on Truro River on 13th, the largest flock of the year, and the last Common Swift of the year was reported passing over Land's End. Sixty-six Little Egrets and seventy-one Mute Swans were on the Camel Estuary on 14th, a first calendar Purple Heron was at Nanquidno, a first calendar Montagu's Harrier at Crowdy Reservoir and twenty-two Common Greenshanks, nine Common Sandpipers and seven Common Kingfishers were on the Camel Estuary. Two Great Shearwaters passed Porthgwarra on 15th and were the only report of this species during the year, an adult female Red-crested Pochard commenced a sixteen-day stay at Colliford Reservoir, a Eurasian Dotterel was at Trevose Head and three Wood Sandpipers were at Upper Tamar Lake. Twenty-three Little Grebes were at Stithians Reservoir on 16th, thirty-two Grey Herons at Marazion Marsh, a first calendar Eurasian Spoonbill at Upper Tamar Lake, twenty-eight Ruffs at Crowdy Reservoir and fifty-five Whinchats at Land's End.

Pectoral Sandpipers were at both Colliford Reservoir and Tamar Lakes on 17th, the latter staying for four days and, on 18th, eight Common Kestrels were at Land's End. An adult Pectoral Sandpiper joined the first calendar bird at Tamar Lakes on 20th and, on 21st, a Eurasian Dotterel was at Nanjizal. Forty-six Balearic Shearwaters and seven Leach's Petrels passed Pendeen Watch on 22nd together with fourteen Grey Phalaropes, fourteen Arctic Skuas and a second calendar Long-tailed Skua and thirty-nine Mediterranean Gulls were on the Camel Estuary; two Black Terns were on Dozmary Pool, two also passed both Pendeen Watch and St. Ives, and eight passed Trevose Head. Last year's Black Duck returned to Loe Pool on 23rd and remained for the rest of the year. A Greater Short-toed Lark was found at Trevose Head on 24th and a first calendar Melodious Warbler commenced a weeklong stay at Land's End. Three Pectoral Sandpipers were at Tamar Lakes on 25th, one thousand three hundred Meadow Pipits were at Land's End and a first calendar female Melodious Warbler and a first calendar Common Rosefinch were ringed at Brew. A Richard's Pipit commenced a two-day stay on Trevose Head on 26th; a Western Bonelli's Warbler was ringed at Nanjizal and stayed for a further two days and, on 27th an Aquatic Warbler was ringed at Nanjizal. Another Pectoral Sandpiper was at Crowdy Reservoir on 28th and, on 29th, there were two Rosy Starlings at Land's End that remained until 4th October and were part of a total of twelve birds seen during the year.

OCTOBER Twenty-four Great Crested Grebes were on the Lynher Estuary on 1 st, one hundred and seventeen Common Coots were at Dozmary Pool and a Lesser Yellowlegs at Land's End. A Green-winged Teal returned to Hayle Estuary on 3rd and remained to the end of the year, and a Richard's Pipit started a two-day stay at Brew where the last Common Grasshopper Warbler of the year was reported. A second calendar Roseate Tern arrived at Marazion on 4th at the start of a two-day stay

8 and, on 5th, two Eurasian Dotterels and a first calendar Common Rosefinch were at Nanjizal. A first calendar Sabine's Gull passed Trevose Head on 6th and, in a poor year for Sooty Shearwaters, the highest count of eight was recorded on 7th at St. Ives where three Leach's Petrels were also seen. That day also saw thirteen Grey Partridges at Tollgate and twelve Great Skuas at Pendeen Watch. Seven Spotted Redshanks were on Tresillian River on 8th, and fifty-five Common Blackbirds were at Sancreed and one hundred and seven at Trevose Head. Two Red-necked Grebes appeared off Pendower Beach on 9th, fifteen Northern Pintails were seen at Porthgwarra, eleven Arctic Skuas flew past Cot Valley and a Common Rosefinch was at Land's End. Forty-three Mediterranean Gulls were on the Camel Estuary on 1 Oth and ten Firecrests at Lelant. A Greater Short-toed Lark was found between Treen and Trethewey on 11th, an adult Red-throated Pipit was on Lizard Point and a Common Rosefinch was at Nanjizal. One hundred and sixty-one Common Redshanks were on Tresillian River on 12th, one thousand two hundred and thirty-five Herring Gulls were on the Camel Estuary and two thousand and eighty-five on Hayle Estuary, and a Radde's Warbler was at Sennen. There was a Eurasian Dotterel at Land's End on 13th, fifteen Blackcaps were at Nanjizal and an estimated two thousand five hundred Common Linnets at Lizard Point. A Common Quail was on Chynhalls Point on 14th, two Short-eared were at Trevose Head, the last Tree Pipit of the year was at Pinkson Creek and the last Spotted Flycatcher was at Trevose Head.

The last Sedge Warbler of the year was at Nanjizal on 15th when the last Common Whitethroat was at Rame Head; a Pallas's Warbler was at Nanjizal and a first calendar Eurasian Penduline Tit at Land's End stayed for three days. A first calendar Eurasian Spoonbill was on Restronguet Creek on 16th and remained for six days. A Pied Flycatcher at Kenidjack on 17th was the last of the year. The returning drake American Wigeon appeared on the Hayle Estuary and remained to the year-end. Twenty-two Little Grebes were recorded on 18th at Drift Reservoir, a Eurasian Spoonbill returned to the Lynher Estuary where it remained to the end of the year, two Short-eared Owls flew over Nanjizal where three Yellow-browed Warblers started a two-day stay and a female Hawfinch was also seen. A first calendar Lesser Yellowlegs appeared on Hayle Estuary on 20th and remained to the end of the year, and ten Ring Ouzels were at Kynance Cove. The following day there were eleven Greater Scaups at Par Beach Pool. A count of one hundred and twenty-five Tufted Ducks at Loe Pool on 21st was the highest of the year. There were twenty-five Little Grebes on Loe Pool on 20th; a Bean Goose on 22nd at Nanjizal was with four White-fronted Geese, and the last Eurasian Hobby of the year was recorded at Rame Head.

A Pallas's Warbler and three hundred and fifty European Greenfinches were at Land's End on 23rd and a European Serin was at Porthgwarra. Sixty Common Blackbirds were in Nanjizal on 24th and, on 25th, the last Sandwich Tern of the year was in Mount's Bay, two thousand two hundred and ninety-one Common Wood Pigeons were recorded at Porthgwarra, a Hume's Leaf Warbler was in Cot Valley and four Lapland Longspurs were at Porthgwarra. The last Common Tern of the year was at Hayle Estuary on 26th, a Pallas's Warbler was at Boswednack and eight Bearded Tits were at Marazion Marsh. Two Bearded Tits were trapped at Nanjizal on 27th and had previously been ringed in Holland, and four Lapland Buntings were at Trevose Head. The returning Ring-billed Gull arrived at Par Beach Pool on 28th and remained until 29th December, and the last Garden Warbler of the year was at Trevorian Pool. An estimated fifteen thousand Auks sp. passed Pendeen Watch on 29th and a Pallas's Warbler was at Sennen on 30th and stayed until the next day when one was also found at Kenidjack.

NOVEMBER Thirty-eight Great Crested Grebes were on the Lynher Estuary on the first of the month, twenty-five Common Buzzards at Polbathic and five hundred Common Guillemots off Cape Cornwall; the last Ring Ouzel of the year was at Porthgwarra, the last Eurasian Reed Warbler at Kenidjack and a first calendar European Serin was at Treve Common. A first calendar Iceland Gull visited Par Beach Pool on 2nd; a Glaucous Gull was at Sennen Cove and three Little Auks at Hannafore. The highest count of Northern Gannets was on 3rd when four thousand and thirty-six passed Trevose Head together with three thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight Black-legged Kittiwakes; an estimated fourteen thousand two hundred and forty-six Auks sp., thirty Great Skuas, six Little Gulls and seven thousand five hundred Black-legged Kittiwakes passed Pendeen Watch; five Little Auks passed Trevose Head and three Dartford Warblers were at Bosigran. Seven Long-tailed Ducks were off Cape Cornwall on

9 4th and three Willow Tits at Lower Tamar Lake. There were fifty-four Mediterranean Gulls on the Camel Estuary on 5th and the last Arctic Tern of the year was on the Camel Estuary.

A Northern Wheatear at Trevescan on 7th was the last of the year, a Dusky Warbler was at Land's End at the start of a nine-day visit, and fifteen hundred Chaffinches and forty Bramblings passed through Nanjizal. The last Common Redstart of the year was at Kenidjack on 8th, two thousand Fieldfares and five thousand Redwings were at Holmbush, sixty Song Thrushes were at Trevose Head, a Dusky Warbler was at Nanjizal and five Bearded Tits at Land's End. The returning Great Bittern appeared at Marazion Marsh on 9th and remained to the end of the year. Four Velvet Scoters were off Porthgwarra on 11th and, on 12th, a Scandinavian Rock Pipit was at Nanjizal and a Pallas's Warbler at St. Levan. Nine hundred and five Fulmars passed Trevose Head on 14th and a Pallas's Warbler was at Porthgwarra where it remained until the next day when there was also one at Land's End. A 'Tristis' Chiffchaff was ringed at Brew on 15th and was still there the next day. Thirty Balearic Shearwaters passed Porthgwarra on 17th and one hundred and thirty-six Eurasian Collared Doves were at St. Levan. A Willow Warbler at St. Austell Sewage Works on 19th was the last of the year, and one and a half million Common Starlings roosted at Crowdy Reservoir through to December. Seven thousand five hundred Black-headed Gulls were on the Camel Estuary on 20th together with four hundred Mew Gulls. Thirty-six Great Northern Divers were in St. Austell Bay on 21st, one hundred and seventy-three Common Coots on Loe Pool, the last Whinchat of the year was at Land's End and two European Serins were at Windmill Farm. An adult female Surf Scoter, presumably one of the birds from earlier in the year, returned to Loe Beach, Feock on 22nd and remained to the end of the year, and eleven Black-necked Grebes also returned to the Carrick Roads. Ten Water Pipits were at Nanjizal on 23rd, part of an influx into the county. Four hundred and seventy Eurasian Curlews were on Hayle Estuary on 24th and ten Wood Larks at St. Levan. A Great Bittern was at Par Beach Pool on 25th, a Scandinavian Rock Pipit was at Gwithian Towans and a Pallas's Warbler at Porthgwarra and, on 30th, seventy-one Red-breasted Mergansers were in the Carrick Roads.

DECEMBER Thirty-five Great Cormorants were on Loe Pool on 2nd and, on 3rd, a Green-winged Teal started a twenty-five day stay at Walmsley Sanctuary. Thirty-seven Purple Sandpipers were at Jubilee Pool on 4th, a disappointing high count for the year at this site, and forty Eurasian Woodcocks were at Skewjack. A Little Owl was a rare sight on 5th at Penmillard, and on 8th there were sixty-eight Mute Swans at Drift Reservoir. Sixty-two Common Moorhens were at Marazion Marsh on 9th and an adult Black Guillemot off Rumps Point. A first calendar male Green-winged Teal was at Mawgan Porth on 10th but was not reported thereafter, two hundred and fifty Grey Plovers were present on Walmsley Sanctuary and four hundred and sixty Sky Larks on Trevose Head. Two Red-necked Grebes were in St. Ives Bay on 14th, a Great Bittern was at Par Beach Pool and may have been the bird seen in November, thirty-two Northern Shovelers were at Loe Pool, four hundred and three Common Snipes at Maer Lake, six Common Kingfishers at Estuary; an obliging American Robin (the other candidate for bird of the year) was at Godrevy Point where it remained until the end of the year, and a Pallas's Warbler was at Loe Pool.

Forty-five Black-throated Divers and fifty-five Great Northern Divers appeared in St. Austell Bay on 15th, three thousand five hundred European Golden Plovers were at Maer Lake and fifteen Water Pipits at Nanjizal. Ninety-eight Gadwalls and three hundred and twenty-eight Eurasian Oystercatchers were on the Camel Estuary on 17th and four hundred and twenty European Goldfinches were at Argal Reservoir. There was a raft of one hundred and forty European Shags off Looe Island on 19th and one thousand four hundred Northern Lapwings on the Camel Estuary. One hundred and thirty-one Common Redshanks were on the Camel Estuary on 21st and thirty Rock Pipits at Hannafore. One thousand four hundred and fifteen Eurasian Wigeon were on the Hayle Estuary on 24th and, on 25th, one hundred and twenty Common Chiffchaffs and eighty Goldcrests were at St. Austell Sewage Works. Sixty Long-tailed Tits and seventy-five Carrion Crows were at St. Austell Sewage Works on 26th and, on 28th, the last Barn Swallow of the year was at Trembath. Twenty-three Yellowhammers were at St. Michael Penkevil on 30th, and a 'Tristis' Chiffchaff was ringed at Helston Sewage Works on the last day of the year.

10 EDITORIAL

I will start with the most important part of this editorial, which is to thank everyone who helped with the production of this report. Thank you also to everyone who submitted reports and records. It was very pleasing to receive an increased number of regular reports from individual sites, helping the report to provide a wider view of the spread of species across the county from month to month.

Comment has been made that a mixture of species names has previously been used in the report, mainly those used in The British List produced by the British Ornithologists' Union but some old or common names. Whilst the Recorder and Editor do not mind what names are used as long as they know what species is being referred to, it is apparent that some bird-watchers have strong views on the matter. It has therefore been decided that as it is the only official list produced, the BOU species names will be used in future together with the definitive Latin names, but that a common/old name will also be shown in brackets when appropriate. When one sees the large number of old names it is apparent that name changes are not a recent phenomenon and that it is a good thing that we have an official BOU list, albeit not favoured by all. I did consider adding all known old or alternative names, but there are so many that they would have started to take over the report e.g. alternative/old names for the Common Guillemot are Diving Pigeon, Foolish Guillemot, Guillemot, Kiddaw, Lamhi, Lary, Lavy, Lum, Lungy, Morrot, Scout, Scuttock, Sea Hen, Skiddaw, Straney, Tinkershere, Tinker's Hue, Willock and Willy.

When submitting reports please remember that the Records Committee have to base their decisions on the information submitted. If important identification features are not mentioned, the Committee are not able to assume that they have been seen.

National rarities are entered in the report when the British Birds Rarities Committee has accepted the records.

Please note that descriptions are required for single observer sightings of Category B County Rarities. This requirement is applied to all observers so that there is not one rule for some and another rule for others. An additional benefit is that there is documentation that can be referred to in future years.

My apologies if initials are in the wrong order on rarities. Unfortunately, we do not always know the name of the original finder. Indeed, the only way of eliminating the possibility of errors would be to omit initials from the report.

Please split distinctive races of species (e.g. Brent Geese and White-fronted Geese) when submitting records, and ensure that Ordnance Survey map grid references are provided for less well-known sites (e.g. farm names, and 'local' names for sites or parts of larger sites) if they are not already included in the Gazetteer.

As the "Historic Totals" for the more rare species have not always followed on from one report to the next, I have spent the last five years extracting details from old reports and placing them on a database. It is intended that the database be updated every year to achieve more continuity in future.

The database also contains details of approximate monthly totals for many of the more common species for the last eleven years. This has enabled the current year's overall totals to be compared against the average of the previous ten years, but the figures cannot be taken as a precise statement of a change in population; they should be looked upon as no more than an interesting comparison. The data may become more meaningful if records are maintained for many years, thereby producing a running ten-year average that could provide an indication of trends.

Finally, I would like to end with the annual editor's plea. Please ensure that your records for the year 2004 are sent to the Recorder on or before the 31st January 2005.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To: Everyone who submitted records to the County Recorder. To: Graham Hobin for WeBS count data. To: Steve Madge for providing details of Caradon Field & Natural History Club records. To: Mashuq Ahmad and Pete Fraser for providing details of sightings reported to Birding South West. To: Mashuq Ahmad, Greg Conway, Pete Fraser, Steve Madge, Keith Pellow, Graham Sutton and Laurie Williams for their assessment of county rarity reports. To: All ringers who have provided details of their ringing activities. To: Mushuq Ahmed, Gary Cockill, John Chappie, Pete Fraser, Paul Gale, Dave Nye, Mark Warren, Pete Walsh, Ian Wilson, Jared Wilson and Kester Wilson who allowed their pictures to be used in this report. To: Terry Hasdell, Darrell Clegg and Sarah McMahon for proofreading the report. To: Mark Warren, Martin Elliot and Kester Wilson for line drawings. To: Pete Fraser for his assistance with the computer SUBMISSION OF RECORDS

All records for the year 2004, including descriptions where appropriate, should, be submitted to the County Recorder by 31st January 2005 to guarantee inclusion in "Birds in Cornwall 2004".

The entry of records into the database is a huge task and needs to be spread over the whole year. If the submission of reports is left until the year-end, the result is late completion of the annual report. If you submit more than just a few records please submit them on a quarterly basis.

Please ensure that your name and address, together with the year to which the records apply, are shown clearly on the front page.

All records are of use. Whilst not every report is included in 'Birds of Cornwall', they are all entered in the Society's database where they are available for research. They will also be used to assist with the compilation of a Cornish Bird Atlas, a long-term project for which data will be required over several years.

Information required for county and national rarities is shown under "Rarities". All other records, to be of greatest value, should contain as much of the following information as possible: Species - English name, new or old Date - 5.10, 5/10, or 5 Oct are all acceptable Location - as accurate as possible, using names appearing on the current 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps. Please include grid references for less well-known sites (if not already in the Gazetteer) Number - individuals, pairs, singing males, etc. Age - adult, first cal (calendar year), second cal, etc. Sex - male or female Direction • (flying) N, S, E, W, NW, NE, etc

All records are worthwhile, but those included in the following categories are particularly useful: <> First and last dates for summer migrants o Scarce and rare species <> Counts of migrants (e.g. finches, wildfowl, gulls, thrushes, waders, , etc.) <> Breeding records (April to August, with six figure grid references e.g. SX123456) of singing males, or pairs, or nests, for the following species: Common Kestrel Green Woodpecker Cetti's Warbler Peregrine L. S. Woodpecker Sedge Warbler Grey Partridge Wood Lark Reed Warbler Common Quail Sky Lark Dartford Warbler Moorhen Sand Martin Lesser Whitethroat Oystercatcher Tree Pipit Spotted Flycatcher Northern Lapwing Meadow Pipit Pied Flycatcher Common Snipe Grey Wagtail Willow Tit Common Curlew Dipper House Sparrow 'colonial' Seabirds Common Redstart Linnet Stock Pigeon Whinchat Common Redpoll Turtle Dove Common Stonechat Bullfinch Barn Owl Northern Wheatear Yellowhammer Little Owl Song Thrush Cirl Bunting European Nightjar Mistle Thrush Reed Bunting Common Kingfisher Grasshopper Warbler Corn Bunting

12 oWinter records (November to February including a six figure grid reference) of flocks of the following species: European Golden Plover Fieldfare Yellowhammer Northern Lapwing Redwing Cirl Bunting Bam Owl (individuals) House Sparrow Reed Bunting Wood Lark Goldfinch Corn Bunting Sky Lark (flocks over 50) Linnet oRoost Records (all year including a six figure grid reference) for the species and groups listed below: Great Cormorant All gulls (200 + birds) All corvids All terns Common Starling Hen Harrier Sand Martin All finches Merlin Barn Swallow All buntings All waders Pied Wagtail

Guidelines for submission of computer generated records Records should ideally be submitted to the Recorder on a 'comma-separated variable' (.CSV) file which can easily be made using most proprietary spreadsheet packages. Files with the same format, with the text (.TXT) suffix, can also be made using the same packages (e.g. MS Works, Excel). Word processed files are seldom any more use than hand written notes, although sometimes easier to read! Please send your file to the Recorder by post or (better) by email to: [email protected] Please do not: - forget to include a header record with the names of each column (e.g. species, site, etc.) - save your spreadsheet in its own format. The Recorder may not have the same spreadsheet as you, or may not have the same version. That is why the .CSV/.TXT format is so useful - it is easily read by other software. - include more than one year's records in one file. - show the first and last dates in the same column. - include the grid reference with the site name - use a separate field. - do not include apostrophe's in place or bird names. - do not include letters (e.g. "c") in the number field. - do not include plus signs in the number field (e.g. "100+"). - do not include hyphens in the number field (e.g. "100 - 130"). - if a maximum monthly figure is shown, date as the first day of the month and add "max" in the comments column.

Sample submission style: SPECIES,SITE,DATE,NO,AGE,AGENO,SEX,SEXNO,NOTES Purple Heron, Marazion Marsh,25/04/99,l,AD,l,„flew in from W at 1400 Whooper Swan, Long Rock Pool,02/03/99,4„,„1430 and 1530 Brent Goose, Marazion Beach,30/01/99,1,,,,,

WILDFOWL and WADER COUNTS The organising and collating of these important counts has, since November 2001, been the responsibility of Graham Hobin, Lower Drift Farmhouse, Drift, Buryas Bridge, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6AA: tel. no. 01736 362206. County volunteers are always required and anyone interested is asked to contact Graham at the above address.

13 SUBMISSION OF RARITY REPORTS

National Rarities Descriptions of national rarities should be sent to the County Recorder who will then forward them to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) for appraisal. These descriptions should follow the criteria listed below or can be submitted on special BBRC forms that are available from the County Recorder or the Secretary of the BBRC, Mr. M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3AZ. Please enclose copies of field notes and photographs, where possible.

County Rarities The identification of the majority of county rarities is quite easy for experienced observers and, consequently, the following list of 'Group A' species requiring a full description is relatively small. Many of the species requiring a full description in the past are now included in 'Group B'. Descriptions are not required for sightings of 'Group B' species unless specifically requested by the County Recorder, and provided the bird or birds have been seen by three, experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - the names of the observers should be included when details of sightings are submitted. These arrangements have been introduced to eliminate the need for unnecessary descriptions of'easy 1 rarities, without compromising the integrity of the county records.

Group A - Species requiring a full description Bean Goose Rough-legged Buzzard Twite American Wigeon Long-tailed Skua Mealy Redpoll Surf Scoter Caspian Gull Rustic Bunting European Honey Buzzard Kumlein's Gull Any unusual subspecies Montagu's Harrier Roseate Tern Northern Goshawk Tawny Pipit

Group B - Species not normally requiring a description, provided the bird(s) has been seen by at least three experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - please submit names of observers with the record details.

Purple Heron Ring-billed Gull Barred Warbler White Stork Sabine's Gull Icterine Warbler Pink-footed Goose Long-eared Owl Melodious Warbler Snow Goose European Bee-eater European Serin Green-winged Teal Short-toed Lark Red-breasted Flycatcher Ring-necked Duck Horned Lark Woodchat Shrike Corn Crake Bluethroat Red-billed Chough Common Crane Richard's Pipit L. S. Woodpecker Kentish Plover 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit Common Rosefinch Stone Curlew Water Pipit (away from Ortolan Bunting Temminck's Stint Maer Lake and Walmsley Cirl Bunting Pectoral Sandpiper Sanctuary) Plus any uncommon races Buff-breasted Sandpiper Rufous Nightingale Red-necked Phalarope Aquatic Warbler

14 Criteria for national and county rarity descriptions

All descriptions, no matter how brief, are of great value so do not be put off by the list below. This list is for guidance to show what information should ideally be included in a description.

Always include as much information as possible; even the smallest or obvious features should be included as these are often invaluable when records are assessed. Make notes and sketches in the field, and before you refer to any textbooks.

Information to be included in a description * Species * Previous experience of species * Location * Experience of similar species * Date(s) (first and last if known) * Weather conditions * Time(s) * A brief summary of how the bird * Number was found and/or identified * Age and sex * Full details of plumage and bare parts * The finder and/or identifier * Calls * Duration of observation * Distinctive behaviour (whilst feeding, * Distance from bird(s) flying, etc.) * Optical aids used * Any other distinctive features * Species nearby for comparison

Pied Flycatcher (Martin Elliot)

15 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2003

Sightings are mainly listed in the alphabetical order of localities to facilitate easier reading of the report. All the records included in this report, together with many other sightings, are included in the Society's computerised records from which data can be extracted in alternative formats with relative ease.

The tables headed 'Approximate monthly totals' illustrate the maximum number of birds recorded on the county mainland during each month, after (as far as possible, and where possible) allowing for the movement of birds during the month.

A review of historical data has been undertaken for many species and, from this, the 'Approximate monthly totals (historic)' have been calculated. Whenever possible the figures have been adjusted to take account of birds wandering from site to site. In respect of BBRC rarities, only birds that have been reported to and accepted by the Rarities Committee have been included. The 'Regular reports and maximum numbers' tables give maximum day counts at selected sites for each month.

The term ' first caP is used as a shortened version of 'first calendar year' (i.e. a bird hatched in June of year one will enter its second calendar year on the following 1st January) and the same use is made of 'second year' etc. The purpose of introducing this system was to standardise the various systems of ageing birds that are used by birdwatchers when submitting information.

Abbreviations used within the report include the following:

BBRC - British Birds Rarities Committee BTO - British Trust for CP - Country Park Est. - Estuary Res. - Reservoir RSPB - Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Sane. - Sanctuary Tetrad - 2km x 2km grid square

The symbol ' - ' in various tables indicates that either no birds were present or that no count wad received for that particular period.

References Cornwall Bird -watching and Preservation Society Reports 1931-2002 Caradon Field and Natural History Club Report 2003

16 RED-THROATED DIVER - Gavia stellata Winter visitor and passage migrant Distributed along the entire coastline but with concentrations of spring migrants regularly occurring along the north coast off headlands between Perranporth and Port Isaac, and off the south coast between Seaton and Downderry. Reports indicate a significant increase in the average size of flocks seen in the Trevose Head to Harlyn Bay area since 1987 (by comparison with the previous ten years), and a similar situation has occurred in Whitsand Bay since 1989. Overall numbers were well below the high numbers recorded in 1987, but fifteen per cent above the average for the previous ten years. The flock of forty-three in the Trevose area in February was the highest since 1999, but well below the ninety-one recorded in January 1997. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 73 96 30 4 11 - - - 1 4 22 20 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Carrick Roads 1 1 ------ Bay - - - - 2 ------1 Mount's Bay 5 - - 2 3 - - - - - 2 1 Bay area 3 ------4 - Pendeen Watch 3 ------1 - 2 - Pentire/Perran Bay 3 26 1 ------Porthgwarra 1 - 1 - 3 - - - - 1 - - Bay 1 2 4 1 1 - - - - 1 2 2 St Ives Bay 3 1 ------1 1 7 Sennen Cove 2 - 1 ------1 - Trevose/Padstow 34 43 4 1 - - - - 1 6 2 Whitsand Bay 12 22 18 - 2 - - - - - 1 6 Other reports include: Bake Lakes: An oiled bird, perhaps the Lynher bird, on 19th - 21st Feb was taken into care on the latter date. Bude: Singles on 9th Jan and 26th Dec. Cape Cornwall: Two on 4th Nov. Cawsand Bay: One on 10th January. Cremyll: One on 1st March. Helford River: One on 11th Jan. Hemmick Beach: One on 11th Jan. Kennack Sands: One on 21st Jan. Lynher Estuary: An oiled bird on 8th February. Poltesco: One on 1st Feb may have been the Kennack Sands bird. Portholland: One on 22nd Nov. Port Isaac: Ten on 16th Jan were presumably part of the Trevose/Padstow flock. 2002: West Pentire: Thirty on 16th and 23rd Mar and seven on 27th Dec.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER - Gavia arctica Winter visitor and passage migrant Mainly a bird of the more sheltered south coast, with large gatherings regularly seen in Veryan Bay and Gerrans Bay. The latter form a significant proportion of the UK population. As it is only about eighteen miles from the western end of Gerrans Bay, through Veryan Bay and Mevagissey Bay to the eastern end of St Austell Bay, there is presumably a good deal of movement between these south coast

17 sites. Larger flocks also occur in St. Austell Bay and Mount's Bay. Overall numbers this year were approximately seventeen per cent below the average of the previous ten years. The flock of forty-five in St. Austell Bay in December is the highest recorded at that site, the previous being thirty-two in January 1989. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 84 71 56 19 17 2 2 2 4 - 32 63 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gerrans Bay 15 53 50 12 7 2 1 1 4 - 14 10 Mevagissey Bay - 2 - - 1 - - - - - 3 - Mount's Bay 10 3 5 3 5 - 1 1 - - - - St. Austell Bay 1 1 - 3 2 - - - - - 10 45 Veryan Bay 49 8 ------3 4 Whitsand Bay 1 2 1 1 ------2 Other reports include: Carbis Bay: One on 24th and 28th Jan. Carrick Roads: One on 11th Jan and two on 19th Jan. Gorran Haven: Twenty-three on 6th Mar, five on 21st Nov and three on 8th Dec may have been part of the Gerrans Bay/Veryan Bay flocks. Helford Passage: Two on 7th Dec. Kennack Sands: Three on 21st Jan. Kingsand: One on 26th Jan. Land's End: Two on 4th Nov. Poltesco: One on 1st Feb. Porthgwarra: One on 4th and two on 22nd May. Rosemullion Head: One on 13th Feb. Trevose Head: One on 28th Jan.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer Winter visitor and passage migrant This species is the most widespread of the divers, but they tend to be more solitary and rarely form more than small "rafts". Concerted survey work in the past has confirmed the significance of the stretch of coast from St. Austell Bay to the Helford River where, although thinly distributed, internationally important numbers have been located and large flocks pass through in spring. Numbers since 1996 have been significantly higher than in the earlier years of the 1990's, this trend also being seen in the size of flocks recorded in St. Austell Bay and Whitsand Bay. Overall numbers this year were approximately four per cent above the average of the previous ten years, but well below last year's exceptionally high numbers. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 48 46 87 37 96 3 4 3 3 13 88 87 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 - 1 ------2 2 Carrick Roads 3 2 3 2 ------1 1 Falmouth Bay 1 - 1 2 ------Gerrans Bay 6 17 15 6 18 3 3 1 2 - 5 7 Mevagissey Bay - - - - 2 - - - - - 11 5 Mount's Bay 6 2 7 2 3 1 - - 1 2 5 Porthgwarra 4 - 1 - 9 - - - - 1 - -

18 St. Austell Bay 3 12 44 15 20 - - 1 - 4 36 55 St Ives Bay 5 1 1 ------1 5 - Sennen Cove 2 1 1 ------1 - Trevose/Harlyn - 1 1 ------3 5 - Veryan Bay 4 5 ------10 - Whitsand Bay 5 2 10 10 22 - - 1 - - 4 3 Other reports include: Cawsand Bay: One on 10th Jan. Coverack: One on 27th Oct. Crowdy Res: One on 3rd Jan - 14th Feb: One on 15th Dec. Falmouth Bay: One on 21 st Mar. Gorran Haven: Two on 11th Nov and three on 9th Dec. Helford River: Singles on 11th and 27th Jan and 7th Dec. Lizard Point: Four on 1 st May Lynher Est: One on 10th Jan - 8th Feb. Millbrook & St John's Lakes: Two on 1st - 23rd Jan. Padstow: Three on 6th Dec. Penberth: One on 7th Oct and three on 20th Nov. Pendeen Watch: Singles on 22nd Sep, 3rd and 14th Nov. Porthallow: One on 30th Dec. Sancreed: One on 25th Oct. Siblyback Res: Last year's bird to 4th Jan. Tater-du: Eighteen on 24th May. Upper Tamar Est: One on 5th Jan - 4th Mar.

LITTLE GREBE - Tachybaptus ruficollis Scarce resident that occasionally breeds, passage migrant and winter visitor The number of birds recorded is always low in April to July but, whilst this will in part be due to some migration of birds out of the county, it probably also reflects the skulking nature of this species during the breeding season when other than single birds are rarely seen. Recorded numbers increased steadily in the 1990's. There was a substantial reduction of numbers in the last quarter of 2000, but overall numbers have increased steadily since then and are again within ten per cent of the peak in 1998/9. There were high numbers at Swanpool in the mid/late 1990's, with a peak of forty-one in 1998, but numbers have now dropped back to previous levels. Overall numbers this year were approximately seven per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 112 93 69 23 19 22 30 66 95 130 142 134 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes - - - 1 2 2 5 5 2 - - - Camel Est. 5 5 6 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 13 8 Colliford/Dozmary ------1 2 3 1 1 - Drift Res. 15 12 4 - - - 1 3 6 22 14 4 Fowey Est. - 2 3 ------4 2 5 Harlyn Pools 10 7 5 1 - - - 1 - 3 7 8 Hayle Est. 7 8 ------2 7 7 6 Helford River 5 3 ------2 1 Loe Pool 9 13 4 3 3 4 2 18 10 25 10 12 Marazion Marsh 7 5 5 2 1 1 - 3 5 11 7 10 Millbrook/St. John's 12 8 6 - 1 - - - 4 13 15 15 Par Beach Pool 2 1 4 2 1 3 3 4 3 4 6 8

19 Percuil River 3 2 5 ------3 5 4 St Andrews Pool, Par 1 2 2 - - - - - 2 5 6 5 Siblyback Res. 8 5 3 - - - 4 6 22 15 16 11 Stithians Res. 3 2 4 1 - 6 2 6 23 - 3 15 Swanpool 8 4 5 1 2 2 3 - 5 5 5 3 Tresillian River 5 7 4 1 - - - 6 6 5 6 7 Other reports include: Caerhays Lake: Ten on 22nd Nov. Breeding was reported at Antony, Bake Lakes, Skinham Pond, Stithians Res, Tregathenan and Trevassack.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE - Podiceps cristatus Rare breeding resident, scarce passage migrant and winter visitor There has been an increase in wintering birds that commenced during the winter of 1978/9, particularly on the Lynher Estuary: Prior to then there was rarely more than a single bird on the estuary in January whereas, during the last five years, there has been an average largest flock of thirty- eight. Overall numbers have been at similar levels for the last five years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 66 66 47 25 21 31 33 40 32 39 65 52 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr M ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 6 6 2 1 - - 1 - - 1 - 1 Carrick Roads 3 2 ------2 College Res. 2 2 - - 2 2 1 - - - - 1 Colliford/Dozmary 1 - 2 6 4 6 6 4 1 - - - Crowdy Res. - - 3 3 3 5 4 2 1 - - - Drift Res. - - 2 - - - 2 2 1 1 - - Hayle Est. 1 - 3 ------3 - - Loe Pool - 1 - 2 1 - - - - 1 2 3 Lynher Est. 16 7 5 2 2 - 1 11 5 24 38 10 St. Austell Bay 15 19 14 1 - 2 1 3 2 2 6 12 St. John's Lake 10 9 1 - - - - 2 3 3 12 9 Siblyback Res. - - 2 2 3 5 5 4 2 3 - - Stithians Res. 2 4 8 6 4 10 12 10 5 1 - - Tamar Lakes 7 14 - - - - - 2 6 - 2 2 Breeding was reported from College and Siblyback Reservoirs, and there was a failed attempt at Stithians Reservoir. Three pairs attempted to breed at Colliford Reservoir.

RED-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant The majority of wintering birds are seen on the south coast between St. Austell Bay and the Helford River. Although they are regularly encountered on the north coast at St Ives and Hayle, few birds have been reported from those areas during recent years. This is now the most rare of the grebes in Cornwall. Overall numbers were similar to last year, and better than 2001, but approximately fifty-four per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Red-necked Grebe (Kester Wilson)

20 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 5 3 - - 1 1 1 - 5 2 3 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 1 1 Carrick Roads 1 1 Gerrans Bay 1 1 2 1 Hayle Est. 1 1 Loe Pool 1 Porthgwarra 1 St. Austell Bay 1 1 St. Ives Bay 2 2 1 St. John's Lake 1 1 Sennen Cove 1 Stithians Res. 1 1 1 Veryan Bay 1 1 Whitsand Bay 1

SLAVONIAN GREBE - Podiceps auritus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Largest parties occur along the south coast in Gerrans, Whitsand and St. Austell Bays, with smaller numbers regularly frequenting the Camel Estuary on the north coast. Overall numbers have reduced over the last six years, as have the sizes of the largest flocks at all the main sites. Numbers this year were approximately twenty-nine per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 41 24 41 - - - - - 2 10 20 25 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 5 5 5 ------3 Carrick Roads 1 - 1 ------2 2 Gerrans Bay 8 4 5 - - - - - 2 3 9 4 Hayle Est. 2 - 1 ------Lynher 2 ------1 - Millbrook/St. John's 3 1 ------2 1 4 Mount's Bay 2 2 2 ------1 - 1 St. Austell Bay 3 6 15 ------3 4 5 St Ives Bay 4 1 1 ------1 Whitsand Bay 6 4 10 ------1 2 3 Other reports include: Drift Res: Two on 3rd Jan. Helford Passage: One on 29th Nov. Loe Pool: One on 6th Dec. : One on 23rd Dec. Portmellon: Two on 21st Jan. Sennen Cove: One on 8th - 13th Jan: One on 21st Feb: One on 3rd Mar.

21 BLACK-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps nigricollis Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor This species occurs mainly off the south coast between St. Austell Bay and Falmouth, but is more likely to be encountered on freshwater sites than the Slavonian Grebe. Numbers increased appreciably from 1995 onwards, doubtless reflecting a doubling of the UK breeding population over the last two decades of the 1900's. The ten-year running average of overall numbers is now six times higher than it was in 1989. This species used to be described as the most rare of the grebes in Cornwall, but numbers now far exceed the Red-necked Grebe population. Overall numbers this year were similar to last year, but approximately ten per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 56 26 7 5 - - - 2 3 3 19 15 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Warrick Roads 35 15 5 3 - - - - 3 3 11 8 Other reports include: Dozmary Pool: One on 26th Mar: One in full breeding plumage on 8th Apr. Drift Res: One on 3rd Jan. Gerrans Bay: Three on 23rd Feb, five on 16th Nov and three on 14th Dec. Loe Beach: Eleven on 3rd Jan with one reported intermittently on Loe Pool until 26th Feb: Two on Looe Pool on 17th Aug and one on 14th Dec. Lynher Est: Singles on 1st Jan and 8th April, the latter in full breeding plumage: Two on 15th November and one on 19th Nov and 10th Dec. Millbrook Lake: Last year's bird to 22nd Feb: One on 31st Dec. Par Beach Pool: One on 7th - 10th Mar. St. John's Lake: Six through January to 9th February, and four on 17th Feb: One on 30th Nov to the end of the year. Siblyback Res: One on 10th Jan.

NORTHERN FULMAR - Fulmarus glacialis (Fulmar) Breeding resident that travels widely. Most adults leave British waters to moult during September and October This species first bred in Cornwall in 1944 and has subsequently colonised the entire coastline in significant and increasing numbers. Reports include: Newquay: 252 on 18th May and 238 on 19th May. Porthgwarra: 150 on 10th May, 199 on 22nd May and 179 on 23rd May. Trevose Head: 106 on 7th Mar, 198 on 27th Apr including a blue phase bird, 127 on 19th May, 111 on 24th Jul, 244 on 30th Jul, 121 on 3rd Aug, 201 on 23rd Sep, 905 on 14th Nov and 216 on 29th Nov.

CORY'S SHEARWATER - Calonectris diomedea Scarce pelagic visitor, mainly seen in mid-June to early September, but with occasional years when large numbers are recorded Mainland records commenced in 1961 when the Rare Birds Committee accepted a record off Land's End. Small numbers of up to five in any one year were then seen, with several blank years, until 1980 when two thousand seven hundred and thirty-two were reported. Records have been annual since

22 with regular reports from the main seawatching points in the west of the county. Large numbers were recorded in 1993 (2,084), 1998 (4,910) and 1999 (4,116). Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------37 3 2 - - - Cape Cornwall: Singles on 28th and 29th Jul MTE. Gorran Haven: Four on 17th Jul DHP. Pendeen Watch: Five on 17th Jul BD, FJH: One on 30th Aug BSW. Porthgwarra: Twenty-three on 17th Jul KAW, JL, MWa: Singles on 22nd Jul MrF, 30th Jul BSW and 31st Jul DEB, PWi and 10th Aug BSW: Two on 7th Sep SML. Trevose Head: One on 5th Aug SMC, LW. The county mainland total is now c. 19,676 since 1961. The total of forty-two was poor, the lowest since 1996, and far below the excellent years of 1998 and 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 4 7 287 2,642 10,017 6,702 11 3 2

GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis Scarce pelagic visitor, mainly seen in mid-July to early September, but with occasional years when large numbers are recorded The first mainland record was reported in 1958, with only occasional sightings in the following years to 1975 when one hundred and twenty-eight were reported. The first very large count was in 1991 when two thousand three hundred and twenty-six were reported, and the best ever year was in 1999 when two thousand eight hundred and twenty-five were reported. Porthgwarra: Two on 15th Sept RWi, LWi. The county mainland total increases to c. 7,960 since 1958. Almost a blank year; it would have been the first since 1984. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 - 4 112 3,976 3,825 37 3 -

SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus Pelagic visitor There have been reports of a global decline of this widespread , and we are perhaps starting to see a reflection of this in the number of records seen in recent years. Average numbers since 1994 are significantly lower than were reported in the early 1990's and the 1980's. There were one hundred and four birds this year, the lowest since 1976 when the number of seawatchers was perhaps less than it is today. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - - - 1 19 7 33 35 8 - Reports include: Cape Cornwall: One on 30th Jul. Cot Valley: Two on 9th Oct. Killigerran Head: One on 20th Jul. Land's End: One on 5th Jun. Lizard Point: Two on 11th Oct. Pendeen Watch: One on 30th Jul: Three on 9th Sep: Eight on 10th Sep: Six on 22nd Sep: Six on 7th Oct: Six on 3rd Nov.

23 Porthgwarra: Four on 17th Jul: Singles on 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Jul: Two on 28th Jul, one on 29th Jul and one on 31st Jul: One on 1st Aug and two on 2nd and 23rd Aug: Singles on 7th and 10th Sep: One on 18th Sep: One on 9th Oct: Six on 10th Oct. Sennen Cove: Singles on 12th Jan and 13th Nov. St. Ives Island: Eight on 7th Oct. St. Levan: Five on 11th Sep. Trevose Head: One on 27th Jul and two on 29th Jul: Singles on 30th Jul, 1st Aug, 10th Aug and 1st Sep: Two on 13th Sep, four on 22nd Sep and one on 23rd Sep: Two on 6th and 8th Oct: Three on 9th and 10th Oct and one on 14th Nov. The county mainland total is now c. 19,787 since 1968. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 2 - 2 6 85 1,202 5,558 11,011 1,802 94 16

MANX SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus Summer visitor, mainly from late March to October Non-breeding birds increase numbers in late summer. Feeding parties are seen offshore in summer, and a few are seen during winter months. Breeding at the last known mainland colony, at Kellan Head, is believed to have ceased in 1936. Numerous corpses have subsequently been recovered on a regular basis from north coast headlands where there are numerous rabbit burrows and an apparently suitable breeding habitat. Numbers this year, based upon the records of large flocks reported from the main sea-watching sites, were well below average. Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 18,000 on 30th Jul. Pendeen Watch: 4,000 on 30th Jul: 1,143 on 9th Sep. Pentire Point: 3,000 on 30th Jul. Trevose Head: 2,395 on 27th Apr: 13,077 on 20th May: 5,151 on 17th Jun: 1,701 on 3rd Jul: 3,880 on 30th Jul: 5,825 on 1st Aug.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER - Puffinus mauretanicus (Mediterranean Shearwater) Regular pelagic visitor The running ten-year average of records has increased every year since 1990, but this may result from increased observer awareness rather than an identifiable increase in birds off our shores. Six hundred and ninety-eight birds were recorded this year, approximately twenty-eight per cent above the average of the previous ten years and a good total bearing in mind that the number of Manx Shearwaters was below average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 - - - 4 8 253 91 143 77 89 26 Reports include: Cape Cornwall: Eleven on 28th Jul: Eleven on 29th Jul and six on 30th Jul: Three on 18th Aug. Downderry: Seven on 2nd Jul. Hannafore: Seven on 27th Jul and nine on 28th Jul. Killigerran Head: Five on 20th Jul. Land's End: Six on 13th Nov. Pendeen Watch: Three on 30th Jul, 11th Aug, 1st Sep and 9th Sep: Forty-six on 22nd Sep: Three on 3 rd Nov and thirteen on 14th Nov.

24 Porthgwarra: Three on 1st Jun: Three on 17th and eight on 18th Jul: Ten on 19th Jul and sixteen on 20th Jul: Seven on 23rd and two on 25th Jul: Forty-six on 26th Jul and forty-eight on 28th Jul: Nine on 31st Jul and six on 1st Aug: Four on 2nd and 9th Aug: Three on 28th Aug and seven on 31st Aug: Eighteen on 10th Oct: Four on 31st Oct. Three on 10th Nov and thirty on 17th Nov: Nineteen on 21st Nov: Fourteen on 8th Dec. Rame Head: Six on 27th Jul and nine on 23rd Aug. St. Ives Island: Four on 17th Jan: Twelve on 22nd Sep: Nine on 6th Oct and twelve on 7th Oct: Seven on 14th Dec. St. Levan: Four on 27th Aug and three on 28th Aug: Six on 31st Aug. Towan Head: Four on 28th Jul. Trevose Head: Six on 31st Jul: Four on 10th Sep and twelve on 23rd Sep. Six on 6th Oct and three on 3rd Nov. The county mainland total increases to c. 9,368 since 1971. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 66 69 9 6 44 174 1,308 3,026 2,667 1,570 333 96

EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus (Storm Petrel) Common summer visitor that normally remains well out to sea during daylight hours unless driven inshore by storms Evidence of breeding was last found in 1997 when two old eggs were discovered on The Brisons. Inland sightings are very rare. Whilst numbers seen during daylight are relatively low the number of birds ringed during the early hours of the morning, virtually in the pitch dark, provides evidence of the number of birds "out there". The earliest report since 1936 was on 26th March 1986 at Porthgwarra, and the latest at Newquay on 23rd December 1989. This year the earliest was on 19th May at Portmellon, and the latest at Pendeen Watch on 7th October. Reports include: Land's End: Fifty-five on 5th Jun. Pendeen Watch: Twenty on 22nd Sep. Porthgwarra: 143 ringed on 30th Jul: 150 ringed on 2nd Aug: Fifty-three on 18th Aug. St. Ives Island: Twenty-four on 29th Aug. St. Levan: Twenty-seven on 11th Sep. 2002: St Ives Island: Thirty-five on 27th Oct.

LEACH'S STORM-PETREL - Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce, pelagic passage migrant that is rarely seen inland A large number of birds were seen in 1974 when 510 were reported, 400 of which were off St Ives on 24th September. The next highest year was in 1952 when the species suffered heavily in severe gales; two hundred and ten were recorded, of which twenty-seven were dead birds. Most recently, two hundred and fifty-seven were seen at Pendeen Watch and two hundred and fifty at St. Ives on 6th February 2002. The average number of birds seen during the thirty years up to and including 2000 was seventy-one per annum, but six years of high numbers have a significant impact on that average. Only ten birds were recorded this year, the lowest since 1994 when there were three. Pendeen Watch: Seven on 22nd Sep MWa, MTE. St. Ives Island: Three on 7th Oct SMC, KBG, CJM, GRS. The county mainland total increases to c. 3,207 since 1948. St Ives has had the largest number of reports.

25 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 516 1 3 2 6 1 184 1,296 724 248 161

NORTHERN GANNET - Morus bassanus (Gannet) Present offshore throughout the year, and large numbers winter around our shores. This species bred on Gulland Island, Padstow until 1478 but the nearest colony is now on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire. Reports include: Porthgwarra: 1,157 on 23rd May: 1,138 on 8th Dec. St. Ives Island: 1,738 on 7th Oct. Trevose Head: 979 on 31st Jul: 1,049 on 1st Aug: 4,036 on 3rd Nov: 1,427 on 14th Nov.

GREAT CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax carbo (Cormorant) Resident, migrant and winter visitor This species occurs inland on reservoirs and other freshwater localities, as well as on the sea. It breeds in small numbers on all coasts and is quite mobile during the non-breeding season, appearing anywhere where food is in good supply. Reported numbers were at similar levels to recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 147 151 142 80 129 105 146 199 219 173 164 177 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal/College Res. 3 4 2 1 1 1 2 - 1 - 1 2 Camel Est 17 15 8 6 12 24 27 13 26 27 20 28 Carrick Roads 12 11 6 6 3 - - - - - 25 5 Colliford Res. 9 8 7 2 5 6 7 10 15 14 9 10 Crowdy Res. 2 1 1 3 2 4 2 4 5 6 5 3 Drift Res. 1 - - - 1 - - - 3 2 2 1 Fowey Est. - 8 5 2 2 2 2 11 19 8 11 7 Gerrans Bay 10 9 15 ------6 12 7 Hayle Est. - 1 2 - 1 - 1 1 7 1 4 - Loe Pool 21 16 12 5 6 7 16 20 14 - 16 35 Looe Est. 3 6 3 1 - 1 - 1 2 2 - 4 Lynher Est. 4 5 3 1 5 4 5 19 10 11 4 4 Mount's Bay 2 21 10 14 6 11 - 2 1 1 1 - Par/St Austell Bay 2 3 8 3 4 3 6 3 8 4 5 3 Porth Res. 3 2 3 4 8 - 4 5 8 - - 1 Siblyback Res. 2 2 - 1 2 1 2 4 5 7 6 4 Stithians Res. 4 2 - 2 1 3 15 15 15 3 - 2 Swanpool - 1 2 1 - - - - 1 5 1 1 Tamar Est. - Lower 11 10 18 4 9 13 20 31 20 21 12 21 Tamar Est. - Upper 22 15 26 13 15 20 26 45 51 42 18 26 Tamar Lakes 4 6 - - - - 6 12 11 - 9 11 Tresillian River 3 1 2 - 2 1 3 2 2 3 3 5 Trevose Head area - 4 3 5 4 2 4 12 1 1 1 1 Truro River 6 2 - 1 3 2 4 - 4 4 7 2 Other reports include: Hell's Mouth: Fourteen nests on 1st May.

26 EUROPEAN SHAG - Phalacrocorax aristotelis (Shag) Widespread resident that is rarely seen inland This species breeds in small colonies on all coasts. First year birds disperse widely and large "rafts" are seen at favoured feeding sites in winter. Numbers in our waters, using the size of 'rafts' in Falmouth Bay as an indicator, have reduced in recent years. Flocks of four hundred plus were seen on a number of occasions in the past, and one of six hundred and fifty was reported on 14th December 1981. The maximum count this year was only one hundred and forty. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est 27 7 14 11 6 2 22 56 6 52 25 28 Carrick Roads 6 1 1 ------45 - Genans Bay 2 ------4 8 18 Killigerran Head - - - - 19 - 74 - 51 - 93 - Mount's Bay 50 7 9 21 34 37 - - - 8 - - Newquay - - - 5 - 18 - - 12 5 - - Porthgwarra - - - 6 29 10 - - 17 - 16 52 Trevose Head area 175 52 91 36 70 58 126 106 41 39 119 34 Other reports include: Falmouth Bay: 140 on 3rd Jan. Godrevy Point: A nesting pair on 6th Apr. Lizard Point: Forty-seven on 15th Jun. Looe Island: 140 on 19th Dec. St. Ives: Forty-four on 7th Oct. The Brisons: 150 on 6th Apr. 2002: West Pentire: Eighty on 27th Dec.

GREAT BITTERN - Botaurus stellaris (Bittern) Occasional visitor occurring mainly between October and March Marazion Marsh: Last year's bird remained until 12th Feb and was presumably the bird that returned on 9th Nov and remained until the year end per DSF et al. Par Beach Pool: One on 12th - 19th Jan SMC, JCN may have been the bird that spent the previous winter at this site, and was presumably the bird that appeared on 25th Nov RL and was still present on 14th Dec. Trevorian Pool: One on 25th Jan - 14th Feb MWA et al. Walmsley Sane: One on 20th Mar SMC. Was it the bird seen on 17th Nov last year? 2002: Porth Joke: One on 2nd Mar - 9th Apr SGR et al. The county mainland total is now c. 157 since 1930. Most records are at Marazion, and Par has also good numbers with several before 1980. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 55 33 10 1 _ _ 1 1 5 4 19 27 *one undated.

LITTLE BITTERN - Ixobrychus minutus Rare vagrant - mainly spring overshoots from continental Europe Swanpool: A male on 26th May - 7th Jun JHo et al. This is the fourth record for Swanpool. There was a female on 26th April - 13th May 1970, and a female and a second calendar male on 27th - 28th April 1976. Ten years have elapsed since the last accepted record at Skewjack on 17th April - 19th May 1993. The Cornish Mainland total increases to c. 15 since 1952. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 5 7 1 - 1 - - -

LITTLE EGRET - Egretta garzetta Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor The growth of the population of this species is one of the success stories of recent years. The aggregate of monthly totals was only three in 1984 and this year, twenty years later, it was two thousand three hundred and ninety-six. It bred for the first time in 1997, and annually since 1999. Numbers in March, May and December were the highest ever recorded and overall numbers were a little higher than the previous two years. The running ten-year average of overall numbers has increased by approximately five hundred and eighty-seven per cent since 1994. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 136 152 205 147 111 112 189 317 363 304 200 160 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 18 16 35 20 10 15 36 63 66 41 31 27 Carrick Roads 3 7 4 3 5 - - 6 2 2 5 - Colliford/Dozmary - - 1 - - - 1 2 3 2 1 - Drift Res. 2 - 1 - 1 - - - 3 3 2 3 Fowey Est. - 12 24 22 9 7 21 24 35 34 19 17 Gannel Est. 8 11 8 3 5 - 6 8 9 7 9 7 Gerrans Bay 2 3 2 2 1 1 - - 2 1 2 4 Hayle Est. 8 23 8 10 4 - 10 16 16 20 8 9 Helford River 12 6 19 20 23 34 - 26 35 29 16 - Looe Rivers & Est. 5 5 7 10 5 7 19 30 30 30 29 21 Lynher Est. 17 15 14 15 5 4 9 38 57 36 22 17 Marazion Marsh 4 2 2 2 2 - - 1 7 12 3 5 Par 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 2 4 Percuil River 8 6 7 4 - - - - - 4 5 5 Ruan Lanihorne 6 3 7 4 4 6 8 10 17 - 4 2 St. John's/Millbrook 4 6 1 - - - 1 - 8 - - 10 Tamar - Upper 17 12 35 11 15 13 29 43 53 50 26 16 Tresillian River 6 8 16 12 5 8 3 15 8 11 2 - Truro River 4 1 5 4 15 14 41 23 9 9 5 2 Whitsand Bay 1 1 1 1 - - - 5 1 4 2 2 Other reports include: There were four nests at one site. Another site had six pairs but breeding was not proven.

GREY HERON - Ardea cinerea Breeding resident, dispersing widely after breeding, and a passage migrant Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal/College Res. 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 Camel Est. 7 8 24 5 11 25 18 29 18 18 18 7 Colliford Res. 3 1 - 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 Crowdy Res. - 1 1 1 2 1 1 - 2 2 1 -

28 Drift Res. 1 2 - 2 1 - - - 2 - 4 2 Fowey Est. - - 4 3 5 1 8 7 12 4 2 1 Gannel Est. 1 - - - - - 3 1 3 2 1 - Hayle Est. 2 - - 1 1 - 1 - 1 1 6 7 Helford River 6 11 18 20 19 24 - 9 7 7 7 - Loe Pool 2 2 2 2 2 2 6 1 - - - 2 Looe Est. 2 4 10 12 4 10 4 3 2 3 5 4 Lynher Est. 5 3 3 15 4 8 5 6 6 6 7 12 Maer Lake 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 Marazion Marsh 12 10 8 6 9 8 10 20 32 19 7 10 Par Pools 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 1 3 2 - 2 Percuil River 4 3 4 ------1 - 2 Porth Res. 2 2 2 3 5 - 5 3 3 3 3 2 Restronguet Creek 5 - 3 ------Ruan Lanihorne 1 1 2 2 4 3 3 2 4 - - - Siblyback Res. - - 1 - - 6 10 4 2 2 1 Stithians Res. 1 1 - - 4 8 20 12 6 3 2 1 Tamar Est. - Lower 9 3 2 1 3 6 1 25 10 6 22 4 Tamar Est. - Upper 7 9 13 4 6 13 12 14 19 10 12 14 Tresillian River 5 1 4 3 2 3 3 5 5 3 5 4 Truro River 6 15 6 14 26 113 11 9 4 5 4 9 Windmill Farm - 2 2 - - - - - 1 1 1 - Other reports include: Marazion Marsh: A melanistic bird on 31st Mar - 1st Jun.

PURPLE HERON - Ardea purpurea Vagrant - mainly spring overshoots from continental Europe Marazion Marsh: An adult on 5th - 13th May SGR et al. Nanquidno: A first cal on 14th Sep DBn et al. Walmsley Sane: An adult on 25th Apr CS, SMC, BMP. The mainland total is now 27 since 1956. There have now been five records at Marazion, two at Gunwalloe and Poldhu and three at Retallack. These are the first records at Nanquidno and Walmsley Sanctuary. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 10 10 1 - - 3 1 - -

BLACK STORK - Ciconia nigra Very rare vagrant Goonhilly Downs: An adult on 29th May SFE et al. The mainland total is now 11 since 1977. Previous records were at Ladock on 23rd May 1977, Porthgwarra on 14th June 1988, Wendron on 20th September 1988, on the Hayle and Camel Estuaries on 4th and 9th May 1989 respectively, St Buryan on 27th August 1991, St Buryan and St Keverne on 24th August 1993, Crantock on 12th October and Porthcurno and Porthgwarra on 13th - 14th October 1993, St Buryan on 31st July 1995, Walmsley Sanctuary and Burniere Point on 8th - 15th August 1995, and Church Cove on the Lizard on 28th August 1998. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 3 1 1 4 1 1 - -

29 Black Stork (Kester Wilson)

EURASIAN SPOONBILL - Platalea leucorodia (Spoonbill) Passage migrant that occasionally over-winters Camel Est: A second cal on 13th Jan - 11th Mar was presumably the first cal bird seen in the area in September last year DIJ, SMC et al: Four on 12th Mar - 28th Apr and then three until 8th May DIJ, SMC et al. Devoran/Restronguet Creek: A first cal on 16th - 21st Oct DE. Lynher Est: Last year's adult remained until 19th Feb, but was absent for much of Jan; and what was presumably the same bird returned on 18th Oct and remained until the end of the year JCN. A second cal with black wing tips flew in and alighted opposite Wacker Quay on 28th Jun JCN. St. John's Lake: An adult at Southdown Point on 1st - 12th Jan was presumably the Lynher bird SMC, RS et al, as was the bird off Gravesend, Torpoint on 31st Jan ML. Upper Tamar Lake: A first cal on 16th Sep CS. The county mainland total advances to c. 191 since 1935. There have been records every year since 1977, the second of two blank years. The largest group was ten that were first seen on the Camel Estuary on 2nd October 1997. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 5 17 11 17 15 6 5 20 49 19 15 *one undated

MUTE SWAN - Cygnus olor Breeding resident and winter visitor After a period of decline in overall numbers during the 1970's and 1980's, there was a distinct improvement in the 1990's that peaked in 1996. The improvement then tailed-off and numbers were at lower levels by 2000, but they have now returned to mid-1990's levels. Overall numbers this year were approximately twenty-nine per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 316 254 334 241 263 167 192 250 302 299 269 283 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 5 4 6 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4

30 Camel Est. 61 57 54 56 59 63 61 60 71 51 51 45 Drift Res. 54 52 45 35 39 - - 65 41 55 61 68 Fowey Est. - 3 4 2 7 6 10 10 10 14 - - Hayle Est. 5 1 39 5 5 4 2 3 8 8 8 Helford River - 5 3 5 4 2 - - 2 - - - Helston Boat Lake 7 7 2 2 2 6 6 1 4 - 2 2 Loe Pool 11 2 6 7 6 7 13 7 25 35 4 4 Looe Rivers/Est. 18 18 21 21 21 4 22 23 12 22 22 19 Lynher Est. 7 2 6 4 10 2 8 10 5 13 8 9 Marazion Marsh 10 8 15 14 26 4 4 10 40 19 5 5 Millbrook Lake 9 2 6 6 14 7 6 8 13 6 10 11 Par 6 6 11 3 4 6 6 4 5 8 21 24 Saltash/Torpoint* 31 18 19 15 15 21 21 26 5 20 - - St. John's Lake 12 6 31 28 13 1 7 11 19 10 1 15 Swanpool 38 28 3 2 2 2 2 - 10 8 15 45 Tamar Est. - Upper 13 12 14 4 21 8 8 4 13 10 42 8 Tresillian River 2 2 5 3 3 - 2 - 9 9 2 - Truro River 11 7 2 2 2 - 2 3 2 2 2 - * A mobile flock of non-breeding birds moves between the foreshores of the two towns. Breeding was reported at Bude Marshes, Harlyn Pools, Kingsmill Lake, Marazion Marsh, Millbrook Lake, Par Beach Pool, St. Germans, St. Johns Lake, Steps Pond, Wadebridge and Walmsley Sanctuary.

TUNDRA SWAN - Cygnus columbianus (Bewick's Swan) Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor There is no pattern to the records. It was annual from 1959 to 1999 but there were none in the three years to 2002 and numbers varied between twenty-three and one during the previous twenty-two years. West Hill, Wadebridge: An adult and a second cal on 24th Feb DIJ. The county mainland total increases to c. 404 since 1949. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 112 28 26 8 - - - - - 22 125 83

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor There is no pattern to the records since 1968, with numbers varying between none and thirty-two per annum and with no increasing or decreasing trends. This year's total of thirty-one was approximately seventy-two per cent above the average of the previous ten years, but was less than last year. Adams Hill, St. Buryan: Eight on 12th Jan. Brew, Sennen: An adult on 27th Nov was presumably the Nanjizal bird. Camel Est: Four on 11th Mar: An adult on 28th Nov - 18th Dec with two on 8th Dec at Walmsley Sane. Drift Res: Two on 9th - 26th Jan. Kenidjack: Four on 20th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Two on 12th Jan may have been the Drift birds. Nanjizal: Five on 21st Feb: An adult on 22nd - 30th Nov may have been the Sennen bird. Nanquidno: Two on 9th Jan, 3rd Feb and 11th Feb. Portmellon: A first cal on 4th Nov. Sennen: One on 28th Oct. Sennen Cove: An adult on 18th Dec was perhaps the bird wandering around the far southwest. Trevorian Pool: Two on 11th Jan and 1st Feb may have been the Drift birds. The county mainland total advances to c. 525 since 1930.

31 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 108 23 14 2 1 - - - 2 149 132 94

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13 1 ------1 5 7 * one undated

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE - Anser brachyrhynchus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor Crowdy Res: One on 27th Oct - 23rd Dec SMC. Nanjizal: One on 24th Oct was presumably the Porthgwarra bird KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 22nd Oct MWa, SMC et al. The county mainland total remains at c. 81 since 1930.

Pink-footed Goose (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 2 1 - 1 - - - 28 33 4 9

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons (White-fronted Goose) Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor Cornwall receives visits from both the Eurasian race A. a. albifrons and the Greenland race A. a. flavirostris. Numbers fluctuate from year to year and this was a lower than average year. There were no records of the flavirostris race. *****

Approximate monthly totals - Greenland albifrons race: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------3 5 1 12 Crowdy Res: An adult on 25th Sep - 9th Oct. Maer Lake: A first cal on 15th Dec. Nanjizal: Four on 22nd Oct were with a Bean Goose. Siblyback: One on 18th Sep: Two first cal on 29th Sep. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 4th Nov and 5th Dec. Walmsley Sane: Ten on 7th - 8th Dec.

32 GREYLAG GOOSE - Anser Anser Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor, but many records undoubtedly relate to feral escapes Whilst feral birds are breeding widely and in increasing numbers in many parts of England, this has not yet happened in the county. Many old records relate to a small number of feral birds moving around the county, making it difficult to identify genuinely wild birds, and the same situation continues today. Bake Lakes: One on 23rd Aug. Camel Est One on 3rd - 30th Mar: One on 6th May - 13th Jun: Sixteen on 8th Nov: Two on 26th Nov -31st Dec. Colliford Res/Dozmary Pool: Two on 27th Feb: Singles on 8th, 12th and 23rd Mar, and 25th Sep: Three on 15th Nov. Crowdy Res: One on 17th Sep - 15th Dec and two on 23rd Dec. Downderry: Two on 21st Mar and one on 4th Oct. Gerrans Bay: Three on 14th Dec. Land's End: Two on 6th Dec. Malpas: Five on 11th Aug. Nanjizal: One on 20th - 21st Apr: Sixteen on 9th Nov. Ruan Lanihorne: Three on 8th Nov. Siblyback Res: Two on 5th Jan: Singles on 10th Jan - 27th Feb, 6th - 18th Sep, 6th - 15th Nov and 19th-30th Dec. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 2nd and 24th Feb.

CANADA GOOSE - Branta canadensis Breeding resident with some dispersal This species has undergone and is continuing to undergo a population explosion. The high count at Colliford on 21st June was a further increase on last year's record level, and overall numbers during ten months of this year were the highest ever recorded. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,872 1,290 437 280 891 2,262 2,714 1,962 2,116 1,271 2,127 2,507 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 2 38 46 14 20 23 23 128 23 4 1 3 Camel Est. 2 46 57 29 28 17 200 394 476 18 - - Colliford /Dozmary 750 416 113 63 494 1,889 1,806 175 164 576 778 584 Crowdy Res. 87 37 22 21 26 180 210 268 253 112 74 79 Drift Res. - - 1 2 7 - - 5 5 5 5 5 Lezant 45 45 45 45 - - 6 - - - 45 45 Lynher Est. 163 140 5 2 2 - - 102 14 161 145 258 Maer Lake/Bude 84 68 7 12 1 1 1 - 5 28 46 242 Millbrook/St. John's 40 16 12 8 30 25 36 24 30 - 23 48 Ruan Lanihorne - 2 - 6 6 2 14 132 108 - 4 - Siblyback Res. 350 159 45 4 212 66 226 156 240 254 564 342 Stithians Res. 17 15 7 16 - 5 5 - 2 - - - Tamar Lakes 247 104 - - - 2 - 543 420 - 333 464 Upper Tamar Est. 82 42 20 9 10 6 - - 66 - - 151 Breeding reported at Bake Lakes, Breney Common, Camel Est, Cargreen, Colliford Res, Crowdy Res, Delford Bridge, Drift Res, Eglarooze, Lezant, Lower Tamar Lake, Millbrook Lake, Park Clay Pit, Rew, St. John's Lake, Stannon Clay Pit, Tamar Lakes, Trecarrell Manor, Upper Tamar Lake, Walmsley Sanctuary and Winnard's Perch. Other reports include: Looe: 218 on 1st Sep.

33 Park Clay Pit: 118 on 14th Feb and 180 on 25th Nov. There were many reports of hybrid geese.

BARNACLE GOOSE - Branta leucopsis Uncommon drift migrant, winter visitor and feral escapee Many old records relate to a small number of feral birds moving around the county, making it difficul to identify genuinely wild birds, and the same situation continues today. There is a free-flying flock at Newquay Zoo that must be responsible for some of the reports. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford/Dozmary 5 5 3 5 4 7 7 3 2 2 2 4 Siblyback Res. 2 1 2 - - - - - 9 7 8 1 Other reports include: Camel Est: Two on 3rd - 4th Dec. Nanjizal: One on 20th - 22nd Apr. Par Pools: One on 17th Jun. Park Clay Pit: Two on 14th and 25th Feb. Pentewan: One on 14th Aug - 10th Sep. St. Germans: Eleven on 23rd October were reported at Bake Lakes a few days earlier. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 23rd Aug and 4th Sep: Three on 30th Sep: One on 4th Nov, 3rd and 5th Dec.

BRENT GOOSE - Branta bernicla Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Both dark-bellied B.b.bernicla (Western Siberia) and pale-bellied B.b.hrota (Arctic Canada anc Greenland) races occur. Numbers vary considerably from year to year, particularly for the pale race and there are no regular flocks. Records were low this year. Birds of Pale - bellied B. b. hrota race: Camel Est: Six on 7th Jan and five on 13th Jan - 6th Apr. Approximate monthly totals of Pale-bellied: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 5 ------

Birds of Dark-bellied B. b. bernicla race: Camel Est: One on 30th Jan - 31st Mar. Hannafore: One on 7th Dec and two on 28th Dec. Hayle Est: One on 22nd - 24th Apr: One on 23rd Oct, two on 12th Nov and 4th and 12th Dec. Seven on 5th Dec were also seen at Hell's Mouth. Land's End: Three on 27th Nov. Lynher Est: One on 25th Oct. : One on 7th Dec. Par Bay: Eight on 17th Oct: One on 9th - 11th Nov: Two on 8th - 14th Dec. Pinkson Creek: One on 16th Oct. St. John's Lake: Two from last year increased to three on 10th - 12th Jan. Seaton: One on 4th Dec may have been the bird seen at Downderry a few days later. Approximate monthly totals of Dark-bellied: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 1 1 1 - - - - - 11 6 12

34 COMMON SHELDUCK - Tadorna tadorna (Shelduck) Resident that breeds in low numbers on most of the main estuaries, passage migrant and winter visitor This species is a common sight on most estuaries, with numbers normally increasing around the start of the year. After the breeding season the majority of birds move to regular moulting grounds, returning at the end of October. The nearest moulting site is Bridgwater Bay, Somerset. Overall numbers reduced during the early 1990's to a low in 1995 and then made a recovery in the years to 1999. The first two years of the twenty-first century were again low, with some recovery in 2002 and again this year, but are still below the levels seen in the late 1990's. However, the flock of four hundred on the Lynher Estuary in January was one of the highest of the last forty years. Overall numbers this year were approximately five per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May J un Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,407 1,068 998 637 557 359 194 67 33 131 512 919 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 163 149 149 135 116 110 70 14 3 8 32 89 Fowey Est. - 15 25 37 37 10 4 - - 4 14 19 Hayle Est. 52 63 90 30 35 4 15 3 1 5 8 52 Helford River 28 22 42 31 8 4 - 3 - - 11 - Looe Rivers/Est. 3 4 8 11 8 6 2 - - - - 1 Lynher Est. 400 212 140 124 95 47 43 15 13 70 213 185 Percuil River 18 28 54 15 - - - - - 4 4 45 Restronguet Creek 24 33 30 - 34 - - - - 2 - - Ruan Lanihorne 26 15 86 70 65 53 13 3 4 - 20 12 St. John's Lake 364 271 120 55 53 17 6 12 4 10 80 255 Tresillian River 90 85 48 13 27 14 4 6 - 4 24 61 Truro River 82 97 81 37 33 47 1 1 1 - 26 51 Upper Tamar Est. 154 73 122 64 28 43 35 7 6 23 78 141 Breeding was reported at the Camel, Hayle and Lynher Estuaries and at Rame Head, Ruan Lanihorne, St. John's Lake and on the Tresillian and West Looe Rivers.

EURASIAN WIGEON - Anas penelope (Wigeon) Winter visitor and passage migrant that occurs in very large numbers in cold weather Although flocks of between two and five thousand birds were seen on the Lynher Estuary between 1977 and 1982, the average size of the largest flocks in the 1990's was only seven hundred and fifty-seven. There was also a reduction on the Camel Estuary but, conversely, there was an increase in the average size of the largest flocks on the Hayle Estuary. The highest flock size on Stithians Reservoir in the 1990's was two hundred and eighty-four, but has been at reduced levels for the last four years. Overall numbers this year were better than the three previous years, but a little below the average of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2,288 1,539 741 92 1 1 - 6 832 1,852 2,971 3,402 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 355 . 247 180 89 1 - - - 7 350 350 540 Colliford /Dozmary 23 14 4 - - - - - 2 33 29 2 Crowdy Res 1 ------1 35 37 25 Drift Res. 2 ------17 16 5 Gannel Est. 52 52 80 - - - - - 1 - 65 108 Hayle Est. 455 449 230 - - - - 2 800 1,013 1,415 1,250 Kingsmill Lake 125 55 ------8 40 78 129 35 Loe Pool 70 - - - - 1 - 4 - 167 123 75 Lynher Est. 110 130 135 ------67 260 375 Maer Lake 210 141 53 1 ------76 128 Mawgan Porth 92 79 20 ------52 Ruan Lanihorne 426 136 24 ------180 150 St. John's Lake 175 81 6 ------5 80 160 Stithians Res. 36 37 - 1 - - - - 3 11 85 103 Truro River 40 50 ------2 58 37 Trevose/Harlyn 51 46 - 1 - - - - 2 - 67 112 Upper Tamar Lake 27 2 ------72 Windmill Farm 17 1 ------7 8 Other reports include: Nanjizal: Fifty-seven on 28th Oct.

AMERICAN WIGEON - Anas americana Regular vagrant Hayle Est: Last year's drake to 4th Apr, and presumably the same returning bird on 17th Oct to the year end LPW et al. The county mainland total remains at c. 18 since 1981. There have been ten records at Hayle, four of | them in 1981 when this species was first recorded in the county. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 - - - 6 4 5 1

GADWALL - Anas strepera Winter visitor and passage migrant Although numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on the severity of winter weather, the species has become more regular since 1980. Having peaked in 1996 and 1997 numbers steadily reduced to reach a low point in 2000, but have since increased. Overall numbers this year were approximately four per cent above the average of the previous ten years. The flock of ninety-eight on the Camel Estuary on 17th December is the highest ever recorded, the previous highest being at Loe Pool in December 1996 when seventy-three were recorded. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 32 11 5 4 1 - - 2 15 16 21 148 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 13 5 2 1 ------2 98 Colliford Res. 3 2 ------2 - - Hayle Est. ------2 2 2 Loe Pool 11 4 ------12 10 14 24 Marazion Marsh 1 ------2 2 1 - 6

EURASIAN TEAL - Anas crecca (Teal) Abundant winter visitor and passage migrant Breeding has been confirmed only sporadically since 1975. The average size of the largest flocks has increased at most sites during the last twenty years. Maer Lake saw numbers increase three to fourfold, presumably owing to the improving habitat, but numbers this year were less than half of the previous two years. Overall numbers were a little above the average of the last ten years.

36 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3,054 1,267 497 93 15 6 12 136 529 1,276 1,842 2,647 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford/Dozmary 170 65 10 2 - - 7 30 55 63 18 139 Crowdy Res. 42 25 8 10 2 - 2 12 75 46 115 110 Drift Res. 9 5 2 - - - - - 3 38 265 44 Halton Quay, Tamar 40 47 40 ------15 90 Harlyn Bay 720 57 3 6 - - - - - 5 1 16 Hayle Est. 11 82 30 - - - - 24 95 584 316 495 Kingsmill Lake 63 60 3 - - - - 1 - 3 96 75 Loe Pool 15 5 4 - - 6 - - 38 108 70 139 Lynher Est. 213 85 72 ------11 75 167 Maer Lake 296 258 164 - - - 2 18 65 42 140 235 Marazion Marsh 80 72 16 8 - - - 21 25 60 42 60 Mawgan Porth 229 130 ------165 Millbrook/St. John's 75 51 19 - - - - - 3 12 42 16 Siblyback Res. 7 2 - - - - - 5 58 74 103 38 Skewjack/Nanjizal 80 3 18 7 - - - 2 1 20 15 50 Stithians Res. 80 11 - - - - 1 - 9 20 36 89 Tamar Lakes 4 26 - - - - - 2 21 - - 50 Truro River 36 63 9 - - - - - 6 10 20 13 Walmsley Sane. 720 170 57 44 - - - 11 48 54 360 600 Windmill Farm 4 ------4 6 2 25 10 Breeding was reported at Crowdy Reservoir.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL - Anas carolinensis Regular vagrant Colliford Reservoir: A drake on 23rd Jan was assumed to be last year's bird SMC, LW. Hayle Est: Last year's drake to 19th Jan, and presumably the same bird returning on 3rd Oct and remaining until the end of the year LPW et al. Mawgan Porth: A first cal drake on 10th Dec SMC. Walmsley Sane: A drake on 3rd - 27th Dec SMC. The county mainland total is c. 44 since 1962. There have been six records on Hayle Estuary, five on Marazion Marsh and four each on Lynher Estuary, Stithians Reservoir and Colliford Reservoir. This is the second record for Mawgan Porth, but the first for Walmsley Sanctuary. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 4 5 2 1 - - - - 4 9 10

MALLARD - Anas platyrhynchos Abundant resident with release for wildfowling purposes at many sites Based upon largest flock sizes at the main sites, numbers appeared to be at their highest in the 1980's. The Lynher Estuary had its largest flock of three hundred and thirty in January 1981; the Tamar Estuary had four hundred in December 1985, Crowdy Reservoir had four hundred in August 1980 and Colliford Reservoir had four hundred and five in December 1985. Overall numbers for the last twelve years have fluctuated from year to year with no particular trend, and this year were approximately twelve per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,638 753 481 342 445 580 789 1,339 1,343 1,501 1,292 1,712

37 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 5 4 7 9 8 14 14 14 6 2 5 4 Camel Est. 346 98 41 32 20 33 68 80 77 55 130 140 Colliford /Dozmary 44 20 12 9 9 32 45 31 37 26 13 12 Crowdy Res. 28 4 4 5 10 13 10 52 54 46 47 34 Drift Res. 6 6 3 5 12 - - - 42 19 30 42 Fowey Est. - 5 17 12 8 10 25 11 82 30 50 74 Hayle Est. ------62 33 20 - - Helford 12 2 - 6 6 3 10 35 56 10 - - Loe Pool 102 28 26 18 26 57 115 340 294 52 156 132 Looe/Hannafore 43 43 38 41 30 18 20 27 30 110 62 55 Lynher Est. 52 43 17 11 17 36 22 42 87 109 76 128 Maer Lake/Bude 27 45 19 16 18 10 45 70 22 18 29 58 Marazion Marsh 53 30 13 8 19 17 11 23 65 45 40 50 Millbrook/St. John's 52 34 21 15 29 20 21 46 55 32 26 58 Par 100 54 55 47 43 86 66 39 54 100 100 100 Percuil River 20 6 2 4 - - - - - 3 - 22 Porth Res. 150 83 24 20 26 - 26 125 28 210 87 160 Ruan Lanihorne 12 20 6 4 8 12 12 5 3 - - - Siblyback Res. 27 29 18 2 11 23 53 53 84 86 65 46 Stithians Res 37 6 6 3 4 16 - 25 26 34 17 28 Swanpool - - - - 25 - - - - 120 130 29 Tamar Lakes 99 44 32 20 40 32 84 57 92 147 98 218 Tresillian River 145 19 12 10 12 16 41 13 1 32 14 3 Truro River 31 9 2 2 5 1 1 2 14 3 1 7 Upper Tamar Est. 99 44 32 20 40 32 84 57 92 147 98 218 Windmill Farm - 5 6 - - 9 16 30 - 20 - 7 Other reports include: Carne: Forty-seven on 26th Dec. Park Pit: Thirty-eight on 21st Jun. Seaton: Eighty on 1st Jan and 100 on 1st Aug. Trenance Lake: Thirty-six on 18th Mar.

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK - Anas rubripes Rare vagrant Colliford Res: Last year's drake on 9th July - 15th Sep SMC, LW. Crowdy Res: One on 23rd Aug SMC. Loe Pool: One on 9th Jan PAF, GHT and 23rd Sep - 6th Dec was presumably last year's bird PB et al. The mainland total is now c. 8 since 1984. Previous records are of one at Crowdy Reservoir in 1984, two at Walmsley Sanctuary and one at Stithians Reservoir in 1998, two at Colliford Reservoir and one at Hannafore in 1999, and one at Loe Pool in 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - - - - 1 1 2 1 2

(Apparent) AMERICAN BLACK DUCK HYBRID Colliford Res: A drake, with whitish tail sides, at the Loveny Reserve on 28th Jun and 15th Jul SMC.

NORTHERN PINTAIL - Anas acuta (Pintail) Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant Overall numbers increased between 1992 and 1996/1997 but have since reduced. There was an

38 increase this year, but numbers were approximately thirty-three per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19 14 6 1 - - - - - 26 24 35 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est - 1 1 - - - - - 7 4 4 Hayle Est. ------6 3 Loe Pool ------7 11 Lynher Est. 14 9 3 ------1 3 9 Marazion Marsh 4 ------1 6 Other reports include: Brew Pool: A first cal on 12th Nov was presumably the Nanjizal bird. Bude Marshes: One on 23rd Jan may have been the Maer Lake bird, and two on 24th Feb. Colliford Res: Two on 27th Oct. Crowdy: Two on 1st Nov. Drift Res: One on 2nd Nov. Land's End: Seven on 19th Oct may have been part of the Porthgwarra flock. Lerryn: One on 19th Mar - 20th Apr. Maer Lake: One on 2nd Jan. Nanjizal: Three on 27th Oct, with a first cal remaining to the end of the year, may have been part of the Porthgwarra flock. Porthgwarra and Treen: Fifteen on 9th Oct. St John's Lake: Four on 10th Jan may have been part of the Lynher flock. Stithians Res: One on 20th Oct. Trenance Lake: Two on 8th Feb and one on 18th Mar. Upper Tamar Lake: Two on 3rd Dec.

GARGANEY - Anas querquedula Scarce passage migrant that has bred on at last six occasions, including three successive years from 1981 to 1983 Numbers averaged nineteen per annum in the 1970's, fifteen in the 1980's, twenty-one in the 1990's and thirty-four in the last four years. However, only twenty were reported this year. The earliest bird since 1935 was at Hayle Kimbro Pool on 17th March 1982, and the latest at Clowance Pool on 28th December 1973. This year the earliest bird was at Nanjizal on 18th March, and the latest on 23rd October at Hayle. Colliford Res: A female on 3rd Oct. Hayle Est: Singles on 18th Sep and 23rd Oct. Marazion Marsh: Two on 12th - 21st Apr: A male on 10th - 16th May: One on 11th - 18th Sep. Nanjizal: Singles on 18th Mar and 11th - 17th Apr: Three on 28th Aug. Porth Res: One on 20th Aug. Stithians Res: Two on 18th Oct. Walmsley Sane/Camel Est: One on 22nd Mar - 5th Apr and a pair on 13th - 16th Apr: Singles on 13th - 20th Aug and 11th - 13th Sep. The county mainland total is now c. 1,067 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 293 285 145 20 48 162 75 30 3 4

39 NORTHERN SHOVELER -Anas clypeata (Shoveler) Winter visitor and scarce passage migrant This species bred at Walmsley Sanctuary in 2000. Numbers were at a high level during the winters of 1995/6 and 1996/7, but had reduced by as much as seventy per cent by the year 2000. However, records of flock sizes at some of the regular sites indicate that this is not an abnormal situation as numbers have fluctuated significantly in the past. Overall numbers this year were the second lowest of the last twelve years, approximately sixty-four per cent below the average of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 46 53 28 4 4 - - 4 6 29 15 62 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 1 ------2 4 4 Colliford/Dozmary ------3 2 3 1 Loe Pool 2 10 ------16 - 32 Marazion Marsh 10 4 ------1 1 5 Siblyback Res. - 1 ------2 3 - - Stithians Res. ------1 3 2 1 Walmsley Sane. 22 25 25 3 - - - 2 - - 5 12 Other reports include: Padstow: Six on 6th Dec. Par Beach Pool: Six on 25th Jan and eight on 16th Feb.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD - Netta rufina Rare visitor with the possibility of feral birds Colliford Res: An adult female on 15th - 30th Sep SMC et al. The mainland total increases to c. 31 since 1946. This is the second record at Colliford Reservoir, the first being of a drake on 1st September 1993. Assuming that the records of a female at Tamar Lakes in 1952, 1953 and 1954 were of the same returning bird, there have been four records at that site. Loe Pool also has four records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 - 1 2 - - 1 - 14 - 1 4

COMMON POCHARD - Aythya ferina (Pochard) Winter visitor and passage migrant Although overall numbers fluctuated from year to year, fluctuations were generally small in the 1990's. However, numbers have since dropped away and this year saw numbers at their lowest level of the last twelve years, approximately forty-seven per cent below the average of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 196 143 24 7 1 1 2 2 8 26 158 183 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 7 6 3 1 - - - - - 3 5 5 Colliford/Dozmary 35 28 7 - 1 1 2 2 2 21 36 30 Drift Res. 5 4 ------4 Loe Pool 110 78 4 6 - - - - 6 - 61 95 Marazion Marsh 3 3 1 ------6 12 Millbrook Pond 4 4 4 ------1

40 Siblyback Res. 6 ------1 36 30 Stithians Res. 10 9 1 ------Other reports include: Wacker Quay: Ten on 14th Nov.

RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris Regular vagrant Dozmary Pool: A female seen intermittently between 23rd January and 8th May SMC, LW et al. Siblyback Res: A female on 8th Mar was assumed to be the Dozmary bird EJW. The mainland total is now c. 51 since 1979. There have been six records at Loe Pool and five at Drift Reservoir. Stithians Reservoir has had most records with twelve, six of which were present on 15th October 1979. This is the fourth record at Dozmary Pool and there have also been two at Colliford Reservoir. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 1 2 8 - 1 - 2 4 14 3 4

TUFTED DUCK - Aythya fuligula Mainly a winter visitor but occasionally breeds Overall numbers fluctuate from year to year with no apparent trend. This year they were approximately twenty-one per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 417 386 226 76 54 83 108 176 184 246 320 409 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 14 50 ------13 Bake Lakes 20 18 15 4 4 5 2 10 12 15 24 22 Colliford/Dozmary 23 20 28 22 17 45 45 77 53 26 21 20 Crowdy Res 1 2 4 2 - 11 1 - 4 1 2 - Drift Res. 73 72 15 5 4 - 1 - 2 8 55 58 Helston Boat Lake 15 12 9 5 5 4 18 13 9 9 8 6 Loe Pool 78 74 16 8 8 - 28 43 48 125 101 110 Par Pools 20 12 11 2 - 1 1 - 2 3 8 6 Siblyback Res. 29 28 20 7 14 - 9 7 17 55 38 26 Stithians Res. 52 39 65 18 2 6 3 26 37 - 40 55 Swanpool 71 48 35 2 - - - - - 4 16 61 Breeding reported at Bake Lakes and Helston Boating Lake.

(Apparent) TUFTED DUCK x POCHARD HYBRID A drake suggesting Lesser Scaup was present up to 27th Feb SMC et al.

GREATER SCAUP - Aythya marila (Scaup) Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Records over the past twenty-five years indicate that numbers follow no particular pattern, fluctuating from year to year with occasional large numbers being seen e.g. one hundred and one in January 1985 and sixty-one in January 1997. Numbers this year were the highest since 1997 and approximately thirty-one per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Camel Est: A female on 2nd Jan - 15th Mar.

41 Carnsew Pool: Two on 15th Nov. Colliford Res: Two on 16th Sep: A female on 25th Sep. Crowdy Res: One on 7th Aug and two on 27th Oct. Drift Res: Five on 1st - 11th Jan: Six on 12th Jan - 6th March: One remained to 7th Apr with two on 11th - 14th Mar: One on 22nd and 28th Nov and 14th Dec. Loe Pool: Two on 5th Jan - 16th Feb: Three on 17th Feb and one on 26th Feb: One on 24th Oct. Five on 14th Dec had reduced to three on 25th Dec. Millbrook Lake: The female, first recorded in October 1990, was present all year: Another appeared on 1 st November and remained until the year end, but associated with a female Tufted Duck rather than the old female Greater Scaup. Par Beach Pool: Eleven on 19th Oct had reduced to two on 25th Oct and singles were seen on 18th Nov and 30th Dec. St. Andrews Pool: One on 4th Jan: Up to three birds were seen between 24th Oct and 28th Dec and may have been part of the original Par Beach Pool flock. Siblyback Res: A single female was seen on five occasions between 27th Feb and 6th May. Stithians Res: Singles on 2nd and 9th Nov and 2nd Dec Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 12 9 2 2 1 1 2 3 15 10 12

COMMON EIDER - Somateria mollissima (Eider) Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor, and a few remain in summer Records for the past twenty years indicate that numbers follow no particular pattern. There are annual fluctuations with occasional good years, as in 1994 and 1996. Whilst numbers during the last three years were below the 1994 and 1996 levels, they were above the average of the previous fifteen years. Camel Est: Two on 1st Jan - 26th Mar: Two on 14th - 25th Sep. Three on 26th Sep - 12th Oct. Carlyon Bay: One on 12th Mar and 18th Nov. Carrick Roads: Two on 11th and 16th Jan: Ten on 24th Mar: Three on 2nd Nov. Coverack: One on 31 st Oct. Crantock: One on 5th - 18th Dec. Downderry: A female on 22nd Apr: A fem/first cal on 3rd Sep. Godrevy Point: One on 15th Jan: Three on 15th - 29th Dec. Hannafore: A female on 31st October. Hayle Est: One on 18th Oct. Helford River: Ten on 12th and 25th Jan, thirteen on 15th Feb and eight on 23rd Mar. Maenporth: One on 20th - 22nd Apr. Mount's Bay: One or two between 9th Jan and 15th Mar: One on 10th Apr and three on 22nd Apr: Three on 7th May: One on 22nd May: Three on 3rd Jul: One on 14th Sep: One on 7th Dec. Newquay: Singles on 13th Jan and 17th and 28th Feb: One on 2nd - 16th Mar but two on 11th Mar. Par Bay: Singles on 8th and 22nd Jan and 14th Nov: Twelve on 4th - 6th Dec. Polhawn Cove: Two females on 20th - 22nd Feb. Polkerris: One on 11th Mar. Portscatho: Singles on 20th Jan and 5th Feb. Rame Head: A female on 11th Jan. St. John's and Millbrook Lakes: Three from last year to 12th Jan: A drake on 12th Jan - 22nd Feb: A female on 5th - 8th Feb: A drake on 19th - 22nd Mar and 8th Apr. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 24 23 27 6 3 - 3 - 5 6 5 17

42 LONG-TAILED DUCK - Clangula hyemalis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor that is occasionally encountered on freshwater sites Cape Cornwall: Seven on 4th Nov. Drift Res: Last year's bird to 6th Apr. Mount's Bay: One on 8th Jan. Polhawn Cove: A drake on 11th Jan - 14th Feb: A drake and a female on 20th - 24th Feb. Polridmouth Cove: One on 8th Jan and 6th Feb. Rame Head: One on 15th Feb was presumably the Polhawn Cove bird. St. John's Lake: One on 9th Feb. Trevose Head: One on 25th Nov. Whitsand Bay: One on 23rd Feb was presumably the Polhawn Cove bird. The county mainland total is c. 515 since 1932. Numbers were similar to the two previous years. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 59 47 80 18 5 3 1 1 2 57 127 115

BLACK SCOTER - Melanitta nigra (Common Scoter) Winter visitor, passage migrant and some summer There have been significant fluctuations in historic numbers caused by periodic visits of large flocks to our shores e.g. three hundred and sixty-seven were seen off Rame in July 1994, and four hundred and ten off Pendeen in November 1998. Overall numbers this year were approximately twelve per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 52 148 46 37 23 11 355 75 98 54 420 86 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gerrans Bay 4 27 - - 1 - - - - 3 7 - Mount's Bay 7 - 2 7 8 - 4 8 - 5 60 - Porthgwarra 1 19 - - - 10 86 2 4 10 45 8 St. Austell Bay 20 IS 23 15 8 - 8 10 - 12 70 60 St. Ives Bay - - 1 ------4 25 - To wan Head 16 12 ------3 Trevose Head - 12 6 - - 1 209 40 40 11 43 3 Whitsand Bay 1 35 14 12 5 - 45 15 15 8 12 1 Other reports include: Gorran Haven: Thirty-two on 11th Nov. Land's End: Twenty on 28th Sep and 13th Nov. Pendeen Watch: Eighty-two on 20th Nov.

SURF SCOTER - Melanitta perspicillata Rare vagrant Loe Beach, Feock: A second cal on 11th Jan was joined by a second on 5th Feb and both remained to 20th Apr SMC et al: An adult female, presumably one of the birds from earlier in the year, on 22nd Nov - 31st Dec SMC et al. The county mainland total increases to 13 since 1980. This is the first record for the Carrick Roads. St Austell Bay has had three records, and St Ives Bay and Loe Pool (Helston) have had two records.

43 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 2 1 - - - - 5 1 1

VELVET SCOTER - Melanitta fusca Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor There were records every year between 1968 and 1999. Annual records fluctuated between one and twenty-seven, with an average of less than ten per annum. Higher numbers have generally been seen since 1996 but, after two years of high numbers, this year's total was twenty-five per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Carrick Roads: One on 1st and 3rd Jan DE: Two on 16th Feb, 24th Mar RL and 16th Nov JL. Pendower Beach: Two on 28th Nov - 1st Dec SMC. Porthgwarra: Four on 11th Nov JL. Sennen Cove: Four on 13th Nov may have been the Porthgwarra birds MTE. The county mainland total advances to c. 456 since 1943. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 69 60 33 17 2 - - 1 1 51 113 109

COMMON GOLDENEYE - Bucephala clangula (Goldeneye) Mainly a winter visitor but also a passage migrant Records of maximum flock sizes on the Carrick Roads show that larger numbers were seen at that site during the late 1970's. Overall numbers were high in 1997 and 1998, but have since reduced and this year were approximately fourteen per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 58 38 30 9 1 - - - - 21 31 36 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 8 3 3 ------6 Camel Est. 7 4 3 - - - - - 1 1 1 Carrick Roads 22 9 2 - - - - - 6 12 8 Colliford /Dozmary 4 4 5 5 1 - - - - 1 5 4 Crowdy Res. 1 2 4 3 ------Drift Res. 2 2 2 - - - - - 4 3 6 Loe Pool 3 2 ------4 6 8 Siblyback Res. - - 3 - - - - - 5 - - Stithians Res. 6 7 5 1 ------1 Other reports include: Park Pit: Three on 7th Feb: Three on 25th Nov.

SMEW - Mergellus albellus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant Bake Lakes: A redhead on 11th - 23rd Jan EJW et al. Colliford Res: A redhead at the Loveny Reserve on 11th - 23rd Jan was assumed to be the bird on Dozmary Pool on 24th - 25th Jan EJW et al. Crowdy Res: One on 9th Jan SMC. Siblyback Res: A redhead on 12th Jan - 7th Feb MPF et al: A redhead on 15th November DR. Stithians Res: One on 3rd Jan - 22nd Mar SMC et al.

44 The county mainland total is c. 343 since 1938. The records for the last twenty-five years show no particular pattern with numbers as high as twenty-eight in 1985 but with none during several years. There have been occasional small influxes (as in 1987, 1991 and 1997) but, otherwise, numbers tend to be small. Numbers this year were above the average of the previous ten years, but less than half of the average of the ten years to 1993. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 168 81 27 2 2 1 - - - 2 15 45

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - Mergus serrator Winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant that is rarely seen inland The majority of birds occurring in the county are found in the Carrick Roads where they gather to roost offTurnaware Point. The maximum flock size in the Carrick Roads was eighty-two in the late 1970's but then reduced to lower levels: The flock size increased again in the 1990's and was in excess of eighty from 1997 to 2000. The county as a whole has also seen a steady increase in numbers during recent years. Overall numbers this year were the highest of the last twelve years, and approximately seventy-three per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Good numbers were reported from Millbrook and St. Johns Lakes.

Red-breasted Merganser (Kester Wilson)

Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 171 125 116 44 8 - - - - 35 128 127 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 2 1 1 - - - - - 2 - - Carrick Roads 68 43 42 42 7 - - - - 18 71 60 Lynher Est. 5 8 10 ------8 11 Millbrook/St. Johns 59 38 6 1 - - - - - 3 35 48 Percuil River 16 12 10 ------12 - 2 Tresillian River 8 5 2 ------Truro River 4 9 3 ------Upper Tamar Est. 3 4 6 ------6 5 Other reports include: Looe: Thirty on 24th Mar.

GOOSANDER - Mergus merganser Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant After being stable for the previous seven years, there was a significant increase between 1993 and 1999. Numbers then reverted to previous levels and have remained at low or lower levels since. Overall numbers this year were approximately fifty-two per cent below the average of the previous ten years.

45 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 29 17 8 ------2 11 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal/College Res. 4 1 1 ------4 Drift Res. 5 5 3 ------Loe Pool 3 3 ------1 Siblyback Res. - 1 ------1 Stithians Res. ------Tamar Lakes 5 4 4 ------Other reports include: Boscathnoe Res: Five on 17th Jan. Kilkhampton: Six on 17th Mar may have been going to or from the Tamar Lakes.

RUDDY DUCK - Oxyura jamaicensis Scarce winter visitor The first county record was at Stithians Reservoir where a female was present from 16th to 29th January 1977. Birds have been seen every year since, with the exception of 1993. Bake Lakes: A female/first cal on 28th Sep SCM: Two females/first cal on 4th - 24th Oct LACT, EJW; one remained until the end of the year when it had moulted into non-breeding plumage DC, SCM. Colliford Res: A first cal on 27th Oct SMC, LW: A first cal on 15th Nov SMC, LW. Dozmary Pool: A female/first cal on 9th and 19th Dec SMC, EJW. Loe Pool: One on 15th Dec per KAW. Siblyback Res: A drake on 4th Sep EJW: A female/first cal on 6th Sep SMC, MPC, LW: A female on 10th - 15th Nov SMC, JCN. Stithians Res: One on 2nd Dec SMC. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 25th Sep CS. The county mainland total is now c. 163 since 1977. There have now been five records at Bake Lakes, eleven at Colliford Reservoir, four at Dozmary Pool, forty-one at Loe Pool, fourteen at Siblyback Reservoir, twenty-four at Stithians Reservoir and three on Upper Tamar Lake. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 46 19 2 - 1 - 2 - 31 25 23 14

EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD - Pernis apivorus (Honey Buzzard) Rare passage migrant Treverven: An adult female on 4th Aug was identified by its plumage and was seen at Marazion half an hour later DJCu. The county mainland total advances to c. 13 since 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 1 1 5 5 - -

BLACK KITE - Milvus migrans Rare vagrant - mainly spring overshoots Trethewey: One on 29th May was seen at Treen on 30th May KAW, MWa et al. Predannack: One on 18th April SFE.

46 The county mainland total increases to 17 since 1975. Previous records were at Porthgwarra in 1975, Porthgwarra and Hayle in 1983, and one moved widely around the west of the county in 1989. One was at Buryas Bridge in 1990, a bird visited St Columb Minor in 1991, and another was at Marazion in 1991. Others were at Porthgwarra in 1993, Catchall near St Buryan in 1994, Land's End in 1995, Trevose Head and near Newbridge in 1996, the Sancreed/Land's End/Nanjizal area in 1998, Nanjizal in 2000, Skewjack/Treen/Trethewey in 2000, Nanjizal and Sennen in 2001 and Boscastle in 2002. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 9 - 1 - 2 1 - 1

RED KITE - Milvus milvus Passage migrant and winter visitor Records are increasing as the result of reintroduction schemes Boscundle: One on 29th May RL. Caerthillian Cove: Two on 30th May SGR. Camborne: Four on 30th May RWi, LWi. Colliford Reservoir: One on 30th May SMC, LW. Copperhouse Creek: One on 29th May LPW. Downderry: One in off the sea on 29th May SCM, AECA. Drift Res: Two on 30th May were possibly some of the Porthgwarra birds BSW. Godrevy Point: One on 11th Jun BSW. Goldsithney: One on 14th Jun was Red Kite (Martin Elliot) possibly one of the Newbridge birds PAD. Goonhilly Downs: One on 8th May SFE: Four on 30th May BSW: One on 14th Jun SK, SFE. Goss Moor: One on 1 st Sep JHo. Heamoor, Penzance: Four on 30th May were possibly some of the Porthgwarra birds FJH. Kelynack: Two on 28th May were also seen at St. Just CMo. Lamoma: Two on 30th May BSW. Marazion: One on 8th May DSF. Mevagissey: One on 28th May HO. Millbrook: Two above Blindwell on 29th May could have been two of the Rame birds as the Military Road is only two miles away as the kite flies CR. Newbridge, Penzance: Two on 14th Jun BSW. Newquay: One on 18th Apr SGR. Penlee Reserve/Rame Head: Three on 29th May at 11.15 MB and two at 11.45 flew over the Coastguard Headquarters and landed in the fields by the Military Road where they remained until 13.30 KP. A very pale bird, moulting its inner primaries, flew over the fields at the Military Road at 13.55 RSm. Plain-an-Gwarry: Two on 15th Jun BD. Polbathic: One in late May could have been the Wacker Quay bird per BC. Polgigga: Eight on 30th May were presumably the Porthgwarra birds DE. Porthguarnon: One on 28th May BSW. Porthgwarra: Eight on 30th May MTE. Roseworthy: One on 14th Jun IRS.

47 Rospannel: Seven on 29th May KAW. St. Buryan: Four on 29th May were presumably some of the Nanjizal birds BSW. St. Columb Major: One on 16th Jun SMC, LW. St. Just: Five on 15th Jun DBn. St. Just Airfield: Two on 28th and 29th May were presumably the Sennen birds MTE. Sancreed: Two on 15th Jun may have been some of the St Just birds DSF. Sennen: Two on 28th May MWa. South Treveneague: Two on 15th Jun FJH. Treen: Seven on 30th May were presumably some of the Porthgwarra birds MWa. Tremar, St. Cleer: One on 17th - 28th June RMF. Trethewey: Four on 29th May were presumably some of the Nanjizal birds KAW: One on 15th Jun KAW. Truro: One on 29th - 30th May AM. Wacker Quay: One on 29th May RMF. : Two on 10th Jun and one on 16th Jun BSW. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 46 20 - - 1 - - - The county mainland total is now c. 205 since 1966. This was a very exceptional year, the year's total representing almost fifty per cent of the total of previous records. There were multiple records on 29th and 30th May, and on 15th and 16th June. The majority were second calendar birds and presumably from the increasing British population. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 6 20 12 61 27 5 2 10 28 14 10

EURASIAN MARSH HARRIER - Circus aeruginosus (Marsh Harrier) Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor Brew, Sennen: One on 31st Aug was presumably one of the Nanjizal birds MWa. Burniere: An adult female on 19th Sep could have been the Walmsley bird DAC. Caer Bran: A female on 3rd Apr may have been the Cot bird BSW. Carnyorth: Two on 11th Aug may have been the birds seen at Pendeen three days earlier JL. Colliford Res: A fem/first cal at Loveny Reserve on 11th Sep LACT. Cot Valley: A female on 3rd Apr BSW. Drift Res: A first cal female on 7th Sep FJH. Goonhilly Downs: One on 20th Apr may have been the Kynance Cove bird and a different bird on 21st Apr SFE: One on 6th - 7th May SK, SFE: One on 14th Jun may have been the Kynance Cove bird SFE, SK: A first cal on 16th Aug SFE. Goss Moor: One on 6th, 12th and 13th Jan SMC, LW. Kynance Cliff: A first cal on 11th Aug may have been the bird seen later on Goonhilly Downs JCW. Kynance Cove: Singles on 19th Apr and 14th Jun ARP. Lamorna: One on 29th May BSW. Land's End: A second cal on 29th May MWa: A first cal on 15th Aug and 4th and 25th Sep was presumably the Nanjizal bird MWa. Marazion Marsh: Singles on 4th and 19th Apr per DSF. Nanjizal: One on 18th Apr: A first cal and a second cal, intermittently 15th Aug - 10th Nov, ranged around the area KAW. Nanquidno: Two on 13th Aug CMo: Three on 14th Aug DBn. Pendeen Watch: Two on 8th Aug JL: One on 15th Sep JL. Penlee: One on 20th Aug AECA: Two first cal on 21st Aug RWG: A first cal on 23rd Aug JCN and 1st Nov RMB. A first cal on 4th - 6th Sep AECA, AJ&SAP et al.

48 Pinkson Creek: One on 4th Sep CS. Polgigga: One on 4th Sep was presumably one of the Nanjizal birds BSW. St. Just Airfield: A first cal on 17th Aug may have been the Nanjizal bird BSW. Skewjack: A first cal on 22nd Aug was presumably the Nanjizal bird MWa. Tregantle: Two first cal on 22nd August hunted over fields to Antony and beyond JCN, RWG, AECA and one was still present on 23rd Aug JCN, AECA. Tregonetha Downs: One on 4th and 9th Feb SMC, LW: One on 11th - 12th May SMC, LW. Walmsley Sane: One on 11th May SGR: One on 14th Sep DE. Wiggle: One on 6th Sep was presumably one of the Rame birds AECA. Windmill Farm: One on 15th Mar ARP: One on 21st Apr may have been the Goonhilly Downs bird ARP. Winnard's Perch: One on 24th Jun AMJD. 2002: Porth Joke: A female on 16th May SGR. The county mainland total advances to c. 250 since 1930. Numbers have increased in recent years with an average of thirteen point five during the eight years to 2002, whereas there was an average of less than five during the previous twenty years with no year having more than nine reports. This was an exceptional year with approximately thirty-four records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 7 14 40 59 11 7 33 39 23 7 5

HEN HARRIER - Circus cyaneus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor This species forms communal roosts in winter. Most reports are received from West and the Lizard Peninsula where there is a concentration of birds as they move south and west. Moor Crowdy Res: One on 11th and 23rd Jan: One on 27th - 29th Sep: One on 9th Nov. Gillhouse: A ringtail on 30th Dec. Mid-Cornwall Moors Goss Moor: One on 6th Jan. Tregonetha Downs: A second cal male on 5th Jan: A male and a female on 12th Jan: One on 23rd Jan: One on 4th Feb: A male on 16th Feb: A male on 16th Mar. Lizard Peninsula Bruggan Farm: One on 16th Feb. Croft Pascoe: One on 15th Jun. Goonhilly Downs: Singles on 9th Feb, 22nd Feb, 5th, 21st and 27th Apr, 3rd and 6th May, 14th and 15th Jun and 25th Oct. Kynance Cove: One on 29th Apr. Lizard Downs: One on 26th Apr. Predannack: A male on 15th Feb. Ruan Minor: One on 18th Jan St. Keverne: One on 6th Feb. Windmill Farm: Single birds seen on various dates in Feb, Apr, May Aug, Sep and Nov. West Penwith Adams Hill, St Buryan: One on 18th Oct. Bartinney Downs: A first cal and a second cal on 19th Oct. Cape Cornwall: One on 2nd Dec. Dinham: One on 14th Dec. Drift Res: One on 5th Jan. Heamoor: Two on 5th Jan: A ringtail on 31st Jan.

49 Land's End/Sennen: One on 30th Mar: A first cal on 20th - 21st Oct: A first cal intermittently 27th Nov-31st Dec. Men-An-Tol: Six on 4th Jan. Nanjizal: An adult and a second cal male on 20th Jan: An adult male on 13th Mar: A third cal male on 29th Mar: A second cal female on 12th Apr: A first cal on 16th Oct, 7th Nov and 18th Dec. Sancreed: Two on 7th Dec. Trevorian Pool: A male on 2nd Jan and 15th Feb. Trewey Common: One on 24th Jan. Other reports Carrick Roads: One on 8th Jan. Penlee Point: A ringtail on 12th Mar. Trevose Head: Singles on 7th April, 13th Oct and 8th Nov.

PALLID HARRIER - Circus macrourus Very rare vagrant Sennen: A fourth cal male moved around the area on 29th - 30th Mar JJG, SM, RM. Although this bird was elusive it showed very well when it did appear, flying across the fields behind the school at Sennen. It was seen in Humberside two days later, identified by its tail plumage. This is the first county mainland record. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1

MONTAGU'S HARRIER - Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant This species was formerly a breeding species. Breeding was last confirmed in 1979. As with all rare raptors it is important that plumage details are noted, the primary spacing on the open wing being an essential detail. A report that relies solely on the fact that a bird looked long winged and slim bodied is unlikely to be considered as proven. Crowdy Res: A first cal on 14th Sep SMC, BMP. Kenidjack: An adult male on 11th May MWa. Men-An-Tol: The Kenidjack bird later in the day on 11th May MTE. Windmill Farm: An adult male on 7th and 10th May SFE, ARP. The county mainland total is now 12 since 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 1 1 1

HARRIER sp. Goonhilly Downs: A ringtail on 6th May was thought to be a Montagu's harrier SK, SFE.

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK - Accipter nisus (Sparrowhawk) Common and widespread breeding resident and passage migrant The number of reports received fluctuates greatly and it is assumed that most observers do not Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Kester Wilson)

50 submit records of single sightings of this common raptor. There is an increase in numbers in autumn as a result of dispersal and migration. There were reports of birds from eighty-nine localities, eleven less than last year. Reports include: Marazion Marsh: Three on 30th Apr. Nanjizal: Four on 14th Aug and three on 25th Aug. Windmill Farm: Three on 2nd Aug.

COMMON BUZZARD - Buteo buteo (Buzzard) Abundant breeding resident with some dispersal Birds were reported throughout the county. Reports include: Goonhilly Downs: Thirteen on 28th Apr. Kilkhampton: Thirteen on 5th May. Polbathic: Twenty-five on 1st Nov. Trewardale: Twenty-two on 25th Dec.

OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus Scarce passage migrant Bake: One on 1st May TL. Camel Est: An adult on 8th Aug SMC, LW. Goonhilly Downs: An adult on 3rd Aug SFE. Hayle Est: One on 2nd Sep BSW. Land's End: One on 26th Aug JC, LPW. Lynher Est: An adult off Earth Island and Wacker Quay on 6th - 9th Aug AECA, RMB et al: A first cal on 22nd - 23rd Aug JCN, RWG. Marshland Nature Reserve, Morwenstow: One on 28th May RHo. Portreath: One on 29th May KAW. Roche: One on 16th Jul TP. St. John's Lake: One at the ford on 22nd Aug RWG: One on 2nd Sep LACT: A first cal on 7th Sep SCM. Tamar Est: One on 25th Aug PE. Wherry Town: One on 29th Mar MTE. Even allowing for the increase in the number of observers during the period, the impact of the burgeoning breeding population to the north is having a significant impact on the number of migrants passing through the county. However, whilst there was an average of twenty-five birds passing through the county in the previous eight years, this year's total of fifteen was the lowest since 1994. The county mainland total is now c. 404 since 1945. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 7 42 56 20 18 83 132 39 7 -

COMMON KESTREL - Falco tinnunculus (Kestrel) Breeding resident and migrant No reports were of more than three birds, apart from the following: Goonhilly Downs: Four on 5th Oct. Land's End & Sennen: Eight on 18th Sep: Four on 3rd Oct. Nanjizal: Six on 28th Aug and 17th - 18th Oct. Porth Joke: Five on 24th Aug.

51 MERLIN - Falco columbarius Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor Records of this species are normally only of single birds, and we ask that details of all sightings are reported. Numbers fluctuate from year to year but with no particular trend, and this year were a little above average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 12 9 7 2 - - - 7 26 22 13 Bartinney Downs: One on 19th Oct. Beagles Point: One on 7th Oct. Boscastle: One on 9th Nov. Bursdon Moor: One on 3rd Jan. Caerthillian Cove: One on 13th and 19th - 20th Oct. Camel Est: Singles on 14th Jan, 31st Jan, 10th Mar, 8th Oct, 10th Oct, 29th Nov and 6th Dec. Chynhalls Point: Singles on 12th and 15th Oct and 7th Dec. Colliford Res: One on 16th Jan: A female on 7th and 27th Feb: A female on 27th Oct: A female on 16th Dec. Cot Valley: Singles on 5th and 26th Oct. Crowdy Res: Singles on 9th and 23rd Jan: One on 23rd Oct: Two on 30th Nov. Davidstow Airfield: One on 30th Oct. Duckpool: One on 12th Nov. East Taphouse: One on 24th Nov. Goonhilly Downs: Singles on 11th Jan, 22nd Feb, 21st Apr, 20th Sep and 5th Oct: Two on 12th Oct: Singles on 25th Oct, 15th Nov and 29th Dec. Goss Moor: Two on 6th Jan, four on 12th - 13th Jan, two on 17th Jan, 11th Feb and 19th Nov and three on 18th Dec. Harlyn Bay: One on 9th Mar. Higher Tregiffian: One on 8th Feb. Kenidjack: One on 30th Oct. Kilkhampton: One on 2nd Mar. Land's End & Sennen: One on 9th Jan: One on 1st - 5th Oct and 9th Oct and two on 9th Oct to the end of the year. Lizard Point: Singles on 29th Mar, 6th Oct, 11th Oct, 17th Oct and 14th Nov. Loe Pool: One on 11th Oct. Maer Lake: One on 4th Nov. Marazion Marsh: Singles on 5th Apr and intermittently on 11th Nov - 23rd Dec. Mitchell: One on 9th Feb. Nanjizal: Singles on 20th - 21st and 29th Mar, 19th and 22nd Apr, 25th Sep, 5th - 18th Oct, 12th and 22nd November: Two on 30th Nov. Nanquidno: One on 9th Oct. Par Beach: One on 2nd Nov. Penberth: One on 11th Oct. Pendeen: One on 7th Oct. Penlee: Singles on 2nd Sep, 5th Sep and 8th Oct. Pentire Farm & Pentire Point: One on 29th Oct and 7th Nov. Penzance: One on 28th Dec. Porth Joke: Singles on 18th Mar, 22nd Apr, 17th Sep and 12th Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 29th - 31st May: One on 12th Sep: one and two on 6th Oct - 20th Oct. Predannack: Two on 26th Sep: One on 28th Sep, 11th and 25th Oct. Rame, nr Stithians Res: One on 18th Oct. Retallack: One on 1 st Apr.

52 St. Breock: An adult male on 13th Oct. St. Buryan: Singles on 8th Jan, 23rd Jan, 8th Feb, 18th Oct, 20th Nov, 26th Nov and 10th Dec. St. Issey: One on 3rd Feb. St. John: A female on 9th Feb. St. Merryn: One on 30th Sep. Tregonetha Downs: One on 15th Dec. Tregoss Moor: Two on 4th Jan. Trehemborne: One on 31st Mar. Trevose Head: Singles regularly 5th Mar - 6th May, and on 30th Oct, 8th - 20th Nov and 29th Nov. Walmsley Sane: Singles on 13th Mar, 1st Nov and 19th Dec. West Hill, Wadebridge: One on 13th Mar. Windmill Farm: Singles on 22nd Mar and 20th Oct. Winnard's Perch: One on 20th Feb. 2002: Porth Joke: One on 23rd - 24th Mar.

EURASIAN HOBBY - Falco subbuteo (Hobby) Scarce passage migrant and a rare breeding species in east Cornwall This species has occurred with increasing regularity throughout the county since 1975 (there was an average of less than six birds per annum during the 1970's) and this trend looks set to continue given the steady increase of the UK breeding population. Overall numbers this year were similar to last year but a little below the average of the previous ten years. The earliest report since 1969 was on 10th April 1988 at Dunmere, and the latest at Marazion Marsh on 15th November 2000. This year the earliest report was on 2nd May at Walmsley Sanctuary and the latest at Rame Head on 22nd October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 7 13 11 9 6 3 - -

PEREGRINE FALCON - Falco peregrinus (Peregrine) Breeding resident and winter visitor Records were received from ninety-one localities, twenty more than last year but still well below the average for the 1990's. Breeding reports: 2003 2002 2001 Site 1 Three young Three young Two eggs failed Site 2 Four young Four young Male and female young Site 3 Three young Three young No activity at site Site 4 Failed - Two young Site 5 - - Two male young Site 6 Two young Two young Three young Site 7 Two young Two young One young Site 8 - - No activity at site Site 9 Three young Three young Two male young Site 10 Present Present Two young Site 11 - - Two young Site 12 - - Three young Site 13 Present Present Two young Site 14 - - Bred Site 15 Three young Three young One young (Kester Wilson)

53 Site 16 - - Two males and a female Site 17 - Bred Site 18 - Nested Site 19 - Nested Site 20 One young Site 21 Nested Site 22 Nested Site 23 One young Site 24 Two young Site 25 Two young Site 26 Three young Site 27 Two young

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE - Alectoris rufa Uncommon breeding resident that is also released for sporting purposes Many hundreds of hand-reared birds were released for shooting purposes in the 1970's and 1980's, particularly in mid and east Cornwall. However, the breeding success of these feral birds was poor. Most reports are from the east of the county. Numbers reported have been higher during the last three years, and there has been a significant increase in numbers reported this year, but it is not known if this results from the release of birds for shooting purposes. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Walmsley Sane. - 2 5 4 2 - - 1 - - - 13 Reports include: Blable: Five on 15th Jan. Burniere: Nine on 4th Oct. Caerhays: Twenty-five on 9th Oct and thirty on 30th Nov. Cross Putty: Twenty on 26th Jan. Gribbin Head: Ten on 8th Jan and thirty on 6th Feb. Perlees Farm: Eighteen on 26th Jan and twenty-nine on 4th Oct. Tregunna: Six on 6th Oct. Trewornan: Fifteen on 9th Oct and eighteen on 14th Nov. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 56 39 13 19 30 23 11 6 14 95 52 25

GREY PARTRIDGE - Perdix perdix Rare breeding resident that is also released for sporting purposes In 1944 there were "several coveys at St. Eval" and they were "very plentiful at Tregorden" in 1946 when they were a common bird in many parts of the county. However, the Grey Partridge has been declining nationally for many years, this decrease accelerating since the 1980's owing to the impact of modern intensive farming practices. Reports were received of birds at twenty-seven sites in 1987, and at twenty-nine sites in 1991, but only from twelve sites in 2003 (three more than last year). The aggregate of approximate monthly totals has increased substantially this year but, as birds are released annually for shooting purposes, it is possible that the species is no longer self-sustaining. Coswarth: Ten on 14th Oct SMC. Edmonton: Two on 12th May SMC. Goonhilly Downs: Eight on 1st Sep, three on 18th Oct and six on 30th Nov SFE.

54 Lansallos: A pair with five chicks on 15th Aug CBu. Lizard Point: One on 9th Jul BSW. St. Agnes Head: One on 5th Apr DJC. St. Germans: Ten on 14th Jan RB. Tollgate: Nine on 28th Jul, five on 25th Sep and thirteen on 7th Oct JP. Tregaswith: Six on 10th Jan SMC, LW. Trewey Common: One on 3rd - 7th Mar DSF. Walmsley Sane: One on 23rd Feb DIJ: Two on 23rd Feb and 2nd Mar SMC, LW: One on 5th Mar, two on 29th Mar and one on 16th Apr DIJ: Eight on 14th Oct JP. Week St. Mary: Two on 4th Feb AMJD. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 16 4 3 2 2 - 10 7 13 34 6 -

COMMON QUAIL - Coturnix coturnix (Quail) Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor Chynhalls Point: One on 14th Oct PB. Dinham Section: One on 24th Jun DIJ. Kilkhampton: Three on 9th Jul BCM. King Arthur's Downs: One on 12th Jun SMC, LW. There is no pattern to annual numbers. The last blank year was 1974, following blank years in 1972 and 1969. Numbers since then have ranged between singles in 1985 and 1986 and fifty-nine in 1989. The last confirmed breeding was in 1982. The county total is now c. 342 (plus 37 young) since 1931. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 1 5 95 124 61 26 19 7 2 - * one undated

COMMON PHEASANT - Phasianus colchicus (Pheasant) Breeding resident with thousands released annually for sporting purposes

WATER RAIL - Rallus aquaticus Resident that breeds in small numbers, passage migrant and winter visitor It is difficult to estimate numbers of this secretive species, particularly during migration when there is a regular turnover of birds. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirteen per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 32 21 17 16 1 3 2 22 27 45 54 36 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bude Marshes 3 1 2 ------3 5 Drift Res. ------1 2 - Harlyn Bay 4 3 - 1 - - - - - 2 7 5 Land's End/Sennen ------2 2 2 4 Loe Pool 2 1 - 2 1 2 1 2 8 3 2 5 Maer Lake 2 2 1 2 - - - 4 2 4 3 3 Marazion Marsh 8 5 2 9 - - - 3 4 8 11 10 Nanjizal - - - 2 - - 1 12 4 10 - -

55 Par Beach Pool 3 3 1 ]I 3 2 Walmsley Sane. 2 3 2 1 2 1 2 Windmill Farm - - 1 2 3 -

SPOTTED CRAKE - Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant and rare winter visitor that bred in 1860, 1862 and 1874 Marazion Marsh: One on 8th - 14th Aug DSF: One on 19th - 20th Aug DSF. The county mainland total advances to c. 160 since 1947. Marazion Marsh has now had ninety-two records, and Tamar Lakes has had nine. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 3 3 2 1 - 4 67 61 IS 1 -

CORN CRAKE - Crex crex (Corncrake) Rare passage migrant that last bred in 1967 and has over-wintered. Porthgwarra: One on 10th Sep SML. The mainland total is now c. 161 since 1932. This species was described as a common species in 1715, and was still breeding annually in the early 1900's, but there were only thirteen sightings in the 1990's and none in 2000. However, it is understood that conservation work in the Western Isles has met with some success in recent years, and this may perhaps result in more frequent sightings in future. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 11 28 27 8 20 20 18 3 - *twenty-five undated

COMMON MOORHEN - Gallinula chloropus (Moorhen) Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor After a period of apparent decline during the 1970's and 1980's, due mainly to habitat loss, a more enlightened attitude toward habitat conservation and creation in the 1990's enabled the Moorhen to regain some lost ground. Reported numbers then started to reduce from 1998 onwards, to a low in 2001, but have again increased for the last two years. Overall numbers this year were approximately eleven per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 157 147 133 80 61 87 121 144 137 231 158 227 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 4 2 9 4 1 4 12 12 5 6 8 9 Bude Marshes 40 40 ------46 College Res. - 1 2 1 1 1 - - 4 12 4 5 Colliford Res. 1 - 2 2 2 1 1 - - - - - Drift Res. 4 3 2 4 2 - - - - 23 - - Harlyn Pools ------10 15 - 28 22 - Helston Boat Lake 12 2 4 8 2 12 12 5 9 - 12 8 Loe Pool 5 14 6 6 4 16 13 6 16 34 18 25 Maer Lake 22 28 24 14 20 15 36 21 20 22 14 23 Marazion Marsh 36 28 18 3 6 3 2 38 40 51 20 62 Millbrook Lake 3 1 2 1 - - 2 1 2 3 4 6 Par 8 8 12 6 7 10 15 12 16 25 30 20 Porth Res. 3 2 6 3 - - 2 4 6 6 2 1

56 Swanpool 3 4 4 2 1 2 2 - 3 4 5 5 Tresillian River 3 1 2 3 2 1 2 5 5 3 1 4 Walmsley Sane. 4 10 19 13 - 1 - - 2 2 6 6 Other reports include: Stithians Res: Ten on 21st Aug.

COMMON COOT - Fulica atra (Coot) Breeding resident, passage migrant and common winter visitor Overall numbers fluctuate from year to year with no particular trend; numbers this year were marginally above the average of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 403 322 176 115 91 136 260 378 530 611 468 498 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 47 39 24 10 21 23 27 31 35 45 49 60 College Res. 14 2 - 2 - - - - 1 5 6 12 Colliford/Dozmary 23 38 14 7 8 22 40 85 85 117 95 52 Drift Res. - 21 8 3 1 - - - 15 57 - 52 Helston Boat Lake 74 36 6 8 6 11 17 24 39 15 33 45 Loe Pool 31 18 12 12 15 22 96 153 182 166 173 120 Marazion Marsh 11 12 8 7 6 3 - 3 2 7 11 15 Par 15 11 15 12 10 18 26 10 24 32 28 14 Porth Res. 15 16 6 2 - - 1 8 7 6 9 12 Siblyback Res. 64 51 22 - 2 6 13 24 72 25 25 28 Stithians Res. 48 31 10 4 5 - 18 37 45 92 9 31 Swanpool 30 20 27 37 10 20 22 - 21 38 23 32 Walmsley Sane. 16 14 13 6 6 4 - 1 2 - 4 7 Other reports include: Hawkstor Clay Pit: Fifteen on 4th Dec. Breeding was reported at Bake Lakes.

EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER - Haematopus ostralegus (Oystercatcher) Resident that breeds in small numbers (mainly on the north coast), common passage migrant and winter visitor Overall numbers for the last twelve years appear to indicate a reducing trend; numbers this year were approximately nineteen per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 643 966 547 264 295 156 314 514 662 842 1,167 989 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 27 263 149 102 97 87 145 186 222 286 269 328 Constantine Bay 79 60 48 - 16 - - - - - 76 - Fowey Est. - 10 15 14 10 2 1 34 11 14 6 2 Gannel Est. 10 9 - - - - 27 7 7 8 7 - Gerrans Bay 12 12 15 12 3 4 5 9 10 9 12 15 Hannafore/Down. 47 68 10 18 24 - - 23 16 65 40 90 Hayle Est. 38 14 45 6 11 - 22 49 33 45 44 53 Helford River 10 3 13 - - - - - 9 19 18 - Looe Est. 7 4 - 1 ------6 6 Lynher Est. 74 29 72 - 3 - 4 10 16 76 16 25

57 Maer Lake - - - 7 - - - 3 - - - 28 Mount's Bay - 20 7 8 13 ------Par 35 80 45 30 33 26 31 26 33 4 120 30 Percuil River 15 12 22 2 - - - - - 7 7 11 Ruan Lanihorne 24 14 16 10 16 18 32 46 37 - 70 40 St John's Lake 95 187 31 11 21 17 35 50 78 105 125 134 Tresillian River 11 4 - - - - - 7 20 3 9 3 Truro River 64 32 14 - - - - 20 105 44 46 23 Upper Tamar Est. 33 54 18 - 8 2 12 8 42 87 56 111 Whitsand Bay 47 68 10 18 24 - - 23 16 65 40 90 Other reports include: Carbis Bay: 200 on 7th Nov. Devoran: Thirty-four on 21st Aug. Harlyn Bay: Forty-two on 21st Feb. Mawgan Porth: Nineteen on 7th Mar.

PIED AVOCET - Recurvirostra avosetta (Avocet) Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor Records mainly involve the same birds moving around the Lynher and Tamar Estuaries. There were only three reports of birds in Cornwall prior to 1948, the year when there was a first sighting of the species (two birds) on the Tamar Estuary. Numbers gradually rose in the area until the latter part of 1986 when a count of one hundred was obtained, and then more than doubled by early 1991 when there was a maximum count of two hundred and fifty five. Numbers (judged by maximum flock sizes on the Tamar) have exceeded two hundred every year since, with maximum counts of three hundred and forty six in January 1996 and five hundred and ninety three in December 1997. Numbers peaked in the mid 1990's and then dropped away to a low in 2001, but have increased during the last two years to a point nearer their peak. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 140 80 ------44 66 Upper Tamar Est. 317 53 1 - - - - - 6 19 147 365

LITTLE PLOVER - Charadrius dubius (Little Ringed Plover) Uncommon passage migrant Annual numbers have fluctuated between three and twenty-seven since 1980, with an average of eleven per annum. There were thirteen records this year. The running ten-year average shows a steadily increasing trend over the last thirty years, from three point four per annum in 1974 to fifteen this year. The earliest report since 1956 was on 12th March 2000 at Maer Lake, and the latest at Stithians Reservoir on 28th October 1983. This year the earliest was on the Camel Estuary on 29th March, and the latest on 6th September at Siblyback Reservoir. Camel Est: Singles on 29th Mar SMC, and 19th Apr SMC, LW. Crowdy Res: A first cal on 28th Aug SMC. Maer Lake: One on 10th Apr RKT: An adult on 6th Jul SMC, LW. Nanjizal: A second cal female on 28th - 29th Apr KAW. Plain-an-Gwarry: One on 20th - 21st Apr PAD. Siblyback Res: A first cal on 6th - 10th Sep SMC, MPC, LW et al. Trevose Head: One on 29th May SMC. Walmsley Sane: One on 19th Apr BSW: One on 19th May CS. Windmill Farm: Singles on 9th - 12th Apr and 18th Apr ARP.

58 The county total is now c. 334 since 1956. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 13 77 61 13 31 76 55 5 3 -

RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius hiaticula (Great Ringed Plover) Passage migrant and winter visitor Formerly a scarce breeding species, but none recorded since 1972. Overall numbers fluctuate considerably from year to year with no particular trends; this year they were marginally above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 62 9 58 11 9 77 813 578 156 83 45 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 19 20 2 29 - 5 7 34 53 21 22 23 Colliford Res. ------1 33 26 9 - - Crowdy/Davidstow ------14 40 27 50 - - Gannel Est. ------3 17 9 2 - - Hayle Est. 25 28 - - - - 17 100 26 36 13 3 Maer Lake - 3 3 - 3 - - 6 2 - - Mount's Bay 2 2 - - 3 - 2 150 5 12 26 - Nanjizal - - - 1 - - - 20 - 1 - - Par 10 3 2 2 - 4 3 10 4 3 4 12 St. John's Lake 8 6 ------21 6 12 4 Trevose Head - - - 6 1 - - 5 2 2 _ _ Upper Tamar Lake ------32 24 - - - Walmsley Sane. - - - 1 1 - - 2 1 - - - Windmill Farm ------1 14 - - - -

EURASIAN DOTTEREL - Charadrius morinellus (Dotterel) Scarce passage migrant This species has been an annual visitor since 1968. Numbers fluctuate from year to year and there appears to be no particular trend. Hayle Est: One on 12th Sep SMC. Kynance Farm, Lower Predannack Downs: Three first cal on 28th Aug SCr, PNP. Land's End: One on 13th Oct MWa. Nanjizal: A first cal on 26th - 28th Aug KAW: A first cal on 21st Sep MWa: Two on 5th Oct with one to 14th Oct KAW. Trevose Head: One on 26th Aug SMC, LW: One on 15th Sep SMC. The county mainland total now moves to c. 294 since 1931. Porthgwarra has most records with seventy-seven, Davidstow Airfield has had twenty-nine, St. Just Airfield twenty-two and Trevose Head nineteen. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 14 33 20 - 40 126 48 9 2

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialis apricaria (Golden Plover) Passage migrant and winter visitor Breeding has never been proven in Cornwall, although a few pairs breed on Dartmoor and single birds

59 are occasionally seen in suitable nesting habitat on Bodmin Moor. Numbers fluctuate considerably from year to year but there does appear to be a reducing trend, presumably reflecting recent milder winters. Overall numbers this year were approximately twenty-seven per cent per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5,191 6,656 3,914 101 8 - 2 253 63 5,886 4,930 10,040 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 900 500 11 200 Camel Est. 600 - - - - 350 700 - Colliford /Dozmary 505 - - _ - 1 600 1,300 3,500 Crowdy/Davidstow - 1,200 2,000 38 8 - 228 - 2,000 1,500 1,500 Goonhilly Downs 86 40 150 - - - - 38 - Hayle Est. 300 - - - - - 830 12 - Land's End/Sennen 800 325 2 - 1 10 17 400 115 806 Maer Lake 2,100 2,700 580 - - 3 - 700 3,500 Siblyback Res. - - - - - 1 1,200 24 - Walmsley Sane. 23 60 15 - - - - - 120 Windmill Farm - 400 200 - 1 - 60 200 - Other reports include: Blable: 445 on 20th Mar. Copperhouse Creek: 300 on 17th Jan. Gribbin Head: 336 on 8th Jan. Hoe Point to Rinsey Head: 236 on 24th Feb. Praa Sands: 200 on 22nd Dec. Roche: 600 on 4th Jan. Ruan Lanihorne: 340 on 22nd Jan. Trewennack: 250 on 10th Nov.

GREY PLOVER - Pluvialis squatarola Passage migrant and winter visitor Although overall numbers increased this year, the average of the last five years shows a forty-six per cent reduction when compared with the previous seven years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 292 449 125 1 1 1 3 2 1 41 53 320 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 56 165 70 1 - 1 3 - - 8 10 34 Gerrans Bay 14 1 - 5 2 2 Hayle Est. 45 42 17 7 19 35 Lynher Est. 50 85 13 - - 27 Mount's Bay 25 10 2 - - - Sennen 8 7 - - - - St. Johns Lake 60 100 - 15 10 3 Trevose Head area 13 28 23 1 11 - Other reports include: Walmsley Sane: 250 on 10th Dec.

60 NORTHERN LAPWING - Vanellus vanellus (Lapwing) Scarce resident that breeds in low numbers and winter visitor There are significant variations in the numbers seen from year to year, doubtless reflecting the severity of winters to the north, and a substantial reduction in numbers during recent years. Whilst the maximum flock size this year was sixteen hundred birds, flocks of several thousand birds were not unusual in the past. Overall numbers this year were approximately sixty-two per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,992 3,979 433 31 10 35 63 42 22 1,039 3,005 3,430 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 ,600 650 120 5 2 4 2 - 13 57 1,100 1,400 Colliford/Dozmary 65 300 10 8 4 17 49 30 - 18 100 108 Crowdy/Davidstow - 900 10 12 2 2 5 - - 400 600 31 Hayle Est. 550 110 ------35 93 100 Land's End/Sennen 279 183 10 - - - 2 - - 65 176 195 Lynher Est. 35 150 ------31 - Maer Lake/Bude 800 650 274 4 - - - - 1 62 185 800 Ruan Lanihorne 946 252 ------12 Stithians - - - - - 1 3 4 8 39 - 6 Upper Tamar Est. 109 198 - - - - - 8 - 14 101 231 Windmill Farm - - 1 1 - 1 - - - - 135 95 Other reports include: Gannel Est: 150 on 25th Jan. Germoe: 200 on 9th Feb. Goonhilly Downs: 153 on 1st Feb. Grampound: 150 on 30th Dec. Harlyn Bay: 160 on 27th Feb. Trevellas Airfield: 320 on 17th Jan. Trewennack: 300 on 10th Nov. Breeding was reported at Dozmary Pool.

RED KNOT - Calidris canutus (Knot) Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Flock sizes on St. Johns and Millbrook Lakes, formerly the stronghold of this species, have reduced significantly. There were regularly two hundred or more prior to 1988, with six hundred in January 1978 and five hundred the following year, but the high count since 1988 is only sixty-two. There appears to have been a reduction in overall numbers during the ten years to 2001 and, whilst they increased as a result of higher numbers in the latter part of 2002 that carried through to 2003, numbers were again low at the end of this year. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirty-six per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 84 113 81 1 2 - - 22 16 15 11 12 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 62 55 55 1 - - - 2 5 5 3 3 Hayle Est. 3 ------4 - - - - Lynher Est. - - 16 ------2 Mount's Bay - - - - 1 - - 5 - - - - St. John's Lake 15 8 ------

61 SANDERLING - Calidris alba Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Mounts Bay is the main site for this species, supporting the main wintering flock and also the largest numbers of migrants. Overall numbers increased towards the end of the 1990's but dropped off again in the 2000's; this year numbers were approximately three per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 42 34 44 11 170 1 107 189 55 18 40 12 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 6 6 4 10 1 27 11 12 1 2 1 Hayle Est. 3 5 - 2 - - 25 2 - 3 - Mount's Bay 30 20 20 6 26 - 30 25 - • 12 35 8 St Austell Bay 3 3 2 3 - - - - 2 4 - 3 Trevose Head area - - - 9 - 10 10 4 - - - Other reports include: Killigerran Head: Forty on 16th May. Porth Kidney Beach: Forty on 5th Aug: Twenty-eight on 6th Sep. Porthgwarra: Twenty-one on 22nd May.

LITTLE STINT - Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor Numbers vary greatly from year to year with less than fifty records in many years, but approximately one hundred and eight were reported in September 1993 and an exceptional nine hundred in September 1996. Numbers this year were on the low side with only fifty records. Little Stint (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 ------16 36 5 - Camel Est: One on 26th Aug. Colliford: Two on 15th - 17th Sep with one to 20th Sep: Two on 3rd Oct. Crowdy Res: Singles on 28th and 31st Aug, 4th and 6th Sep: Two on 14th and 18th Sep: Singles on 20th and 25th Sep: three on 27th Sep: One on 28th Sep - 3rd Oct with two on 29th and 30th Oct and one also seen at Davidstow Airfield on 28th Sep - 1st Oct. Gannel Est: One on 31st Jan - 1st Feb. Godrevy Point: Two on 17th Sep. Hannafore: Two adults on 16th Sep. Hayle/Copperhouse: One on 12th Sep: Two on 14th Sep: Three first cal on 16th - 21st Sep. Maer Lake: Two on 4th Sep. Restronguet Creek: Two on 1st Sep. St. Germans: One on 13th Sep. Stithians Res: A first cal on 30th - 31st Aug. Truro River: Nine on 13th Sep. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 27th Aug: Five on 15th Sep: Singles on 17th and 24th Sep: Two on 26th Sep. Walmsley Sane: Singles on 31st Aug and 2nd Sep. Windmill Farm: One on 29th Aug.

62 TEMMINCK'S STINT - Calidris temminckii Rare drift migrant Crowdy Res: One on 28th Aug SMC. The mainland total is now c. 27 since 1955. This is the first record for Crowdy Reservoir. Stithians Reservoir and the Hayle Estuary have the highest number of records with four each. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 2 6 2 - 6 10 - - -

PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Calidris melanotos Regular vagrant This species is the most frequent American wader to visit the county with only four blank years since 1960, the most recent being in 1997. The highest number reported was twenty-five in 1984 when there were six at Colliford Reservoir between 5th and 8th September. Colliford Res: One on 17th Sep SMC. Copperhouse Creek/Hayle Est: One on 26th - 29th Aug LPW: One on 12th Sep LPW. Crowdy Res: One on 28th Sep FHCK. Gwithian Towans: A first cal on 25th - 28th Aug was not the Hayle bird LPW. Siblyback Res: Two first cal on 30th Aug with one to 21st Sep, but with two on 17th and 20th Sep SMC, MPC, LW et al. Tamar Lakes: A first cal on 17th - 22nd Sep CS, FHCK et al, but an adult and a first cal on 20th Sep AMJD: Three on 25th Sep CS. The mainland total is now c. 254 since 1948. Colliford Reservoir has now had eight records, Hayle Estuary nineteen, Crowdy Reservoir/Davidstow Airfield twenty-three, Gwithian Towans one, Siblyback Reservoir seven and Tamar Lakes thirteen. Stithians Reservoir has most with forty-two. Approximate monthly totals (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 2 2 - 39 160 46 4 -

CURLEW SANDPIPER - Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor Usually seen in small numbers but with occasional exceptional years, as in 1999 when seventy-eight were reported on the Camel Estuary in September and thirty-five on the Hayle Estuary in August. Numbers were low this year, the lowest since 1997. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - 5 24 2 - - Camel Est: One on 16th Aug: One on 3rd - 8th Sep: One on 13th Sep, three on 14th Sep. Crowdy Res: One on 28th Aug: One on 14th - 16th Sep. Devoran: One on 6th Aug. Hayle Estuary: An adult on 22nd Jun: Three first cal on 19th Sep: One on 12th Oct. Maer Lake: One on 4th Sep: Two on 11th Sep: A first cal on 21st - 22nd Sep. Millbrook Lake: One on 15th Sep. Pinkson Creek, Camel Est: Three on 19th Sep. Salter Mill: Four in Sep. Stithians Res: Two on 7th Aug. Tamar Lakes: One on 3rd Sep: Singles on 14th - 17th Sep, 22nd and 24th Sep: Two on 25th - 26th Sep. Windmill Farm: One on 20th Oct.

63 PURPLE SANDPIPER - Calidris maritima Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor Mount's Bay is the main site for this species, with a minimum (largest) flock of twenty-four in 1974 and a maximum of seventy-five in 1996. However, the ten-year average of the largest flock has reduced by more than twelve per cent since then. The largest flock was only thirty-seven this year. There has been a reduction in overall numbers in the county during the twelve years to 2003. The average of overall numbers during the last six years reduced by approximately forty per cent by comparison with the previous six years. Part of this reduction was the disappearance or non-recording of the Godrevy Point flock but there was a record of twenty-nine birds at that site this year, the first since 1996 when seventy-one were reported. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirty three per cent below the average of the previous ten years Approximate monthly totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 45 106 18 9 25 - - 2 28 17 43 50 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Constantine Bay 10 15 7 ------9 - 1 Gerrans Bay ------25 - 2 3 Godrevy Point - 29 ------1 Hannafore/Down. ------2 - - 4 4 Mount's Bay 33 34 11 5 23 - - - - 2 - 37 Sennen Cove - 28 ------3 15 28 - |

DUNLIN - Calidris alpina Passage migrant and winter visitor, but small numbers have occasionally bred on Bodmin Moor and are the most southerly breeding Dunlin in the world Overall numbers reported have reduced since the 1980's and 1990's. Whilst the size of the largest flocks at the major sites were generally better than last year, apart from on the Hayle Estuary, flock sizes in recent years are significantly lower than during the previous two decades. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirty-three per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5,779 2,807 72 119 385 15 331 1,578 2,285 542 1,207 2,057 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1,200 800 25 23 23 7 89 105 59 100 250 600 Colliford Res. ------1 25 23 14 - - Crowdy/Davidstow 12 2 - 2 - 1 5 22 15 10 35 7 Gannel Est. 13 1 - - - - 6 49 4 12 - - Gerrans Bay 60 60 ------120 Hannafore 2 - - - 1 - - 8 4 2 1 19 Hayle Est. 880 430 4 5 - - 22 400 676 135 360 550 Lynher Est. 75 350 4 - - - - 14 39 25 - 31 Maer Lake 52 48 3 - 32 - 2 170 70 - 6 28 Mount's Bay 200 60 - 8 30 1 4 100 - 8 55 30 Restronguet 11 8 - - 5 ------Ruan Lanihorne - 14 - - 15 - 8 28 14 - 30 - St. Austell Bay 6 6 30 12 4 - • 18 14 6 22 40 St. Johns Lake 3,200 1,000 - - 35 - 12 60 110 100 436 600 Tresillian River - 3 1 - - - 6 23 37 34 - - Trevose Head area 1 _ - _ 15 3 1 1 -

64 Truro River 50 4 93 27 36 33 21 Upper Tamar Est. 55 14 - 24 40 63 7 12 7 Upper Tamar Lake 27 31 Windmill Farm 1 4 1 1 5 4 3

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER - Tryngites subruficollis Regular vagrant Davidstow Airfield: A first cal on 10th Sep SMC, LW. The county mainland total increases to c. 103 since 1968. Crowdy Reservoir/Davidstow Airfield have most records with twenty-five, Predannack Airfield has had twenty, Stithians Reservoir eleven, St. Just Airfield seven and Sennen six. This is the first record since 2000 when there were nine records. Approximate monthly totals (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - 4 86 11 1 -

RUFF - Philomachus pugnax Uncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor Although the passage in September was the highest of the last twelve years, overall numbers this year were approximately thirty per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 4 9 4 - - - 38 113 3 - 1 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. ------4 4 1 - - Crowdy/Davidstow - 1 - 1 - - - 3 28 - - - Maer Lake - 1 1 - - - - 4 19 - - - Upper Tamar Lake ------8 4 - - - Walmsley Sane. - - 7 1 - - - 1 6 - - 1

JACK SNIPE - Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Relatively few records are received every year, but this species is reportedly often shot on Bodmin Moor in the winter months and is probably commoner than the records would suggest. The lack of records undoubtedly results from the effectiveness of this bird's camouflage and the fact that they normally do not flush until they are virtually under someone's foot. The number of birds reported in the 1990's and 2000's is higher than during the 1980's, and overall numbers this year were approximately twenty-seven per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 17 13 2 2 - - - - 1 8 10 7 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Land's End/Sennen 11 11 1 ------1 3 3 Maer Lake/Bude 1 ------1 1 Marazion Marsh 1 ------_ 3 2 2 Nanjizal - - 1 1 - - - - - 1 1 - Windmill Farm 1 1 - 1 - - - - 1 1 1 -

65 COMMON SNIPE - Gallinago gallinago (Snipe) Resident that breeds in small numbers on Bodmin Moor, passage migrant and winter visitor Maer Lake holds the largest concentrations of wintering birds. Numbers at that site increased substantially between the 1980's and 1990's, doubtless reflecting the improvement in the habitat, but the highest flock size in the 2000's has been less than was seen in the 1990's. Numbers vary appreciably from year to year, undoubtedly affected by the severity of winter weather, but have been lower in recent years. This year was not an exception, apart from Marazion Marsh where there was a flock of two hundred in December. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirty-seven per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 345 225 108 17 6 5 6 63 210 113 598 944 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford Res. 6 52 - - - - 6 6 1 - 26 Crowdy Res - - - - - 1 2 6 17 15 - Drift Res. 1 ------1 40 - Harlyn Bay/Trevose Head 42 26 - - - - 5 1 1 6 12 Hayle Est. ------5 2 - Loe Pool 16 11 - - - - 12 2 2 4 30 Maer Lake - - - - - 1 18 25 9 240 403 Marazion Marsh 10 10 4 3 1 - - 2 5 20 56 200 Nanjizal/Skewjack - 6 3 2 - 1 6 4 8 8 30 Par 55 29 27 4 3 - 3 2 3 10 4 Porthgwarra - - - 1 - - - - 5 2 - Sancreed ------4 - 7 26 9 Sennen/Land's End 54 25 14 3 - 2 6 - 15 70 - Siblyback Res - 1 - - - - 2 1 - - 4 Stithians Res. ------16 - 3 6 Tresillian River 1 9 2 ------12 10 Upper Tamar Lake ------4 50 - - - Walmsley Sane. 95 45 5 1 - - 6 - 2 82 120 Windmill Farm 26 - 12 5 2 - 3 1 4 6 67 Other reports include: Mawgan Porth: Twenty-eight on 7th Mar. Polbathic Saltings: Twenty-one on 4th Jan.

EURASIAN WOODCOCK - Scolopax rusticola (Woodcock) Passage migrant and winter visitor that bred in the 1960's Few reports are received for this skulking species, most large counts being reported from shoots. This year was about average, but it has to be remembered that annual totals are largely a reflection of the amount of information received from shoots. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 37 1 4 1 - - - - - 15 21 46 Reports include: Skewjack: Twenty-five on 29th Jan: Forty on 4th Dec.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa limosa Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Flock numbers at main sites over the last twenty years show considerable variation but no particular

66 trend. Flocks of two to four hundred birds were regularly seen on the Tamar Estuary complex prior to then and, whilst few birds have been recorded at Ruan Lanihorne in recent years, flocks as high as two hundred and ninety five were recorded in the 1980's and before. Overall numbers for the last twelve years show no particular trend; this year numbers were approximately thirty-seven per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 263 108 47 58 42 7 46 237 314 126 269 242 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. 2 5 1 - 1 - - 21 8 1 2 - Kingsmill Lake 19 11 - - - - - 4 11 17 66 61 Lynher Est. 2 - 2 - 17 - - 2 6 29 3 9 Maer Lake - - 1 - - 7 - 13 19 - 1 - Millbrook/St. John's 37 1 ------3 11 20 Restronguet 8 - 5 4 ------1 Tresillian River 4 4 - - - - - 10 7 1 5 6 Truro River 151 64 12 1 - - 1 2 23 26 62 57 Upper Tamar Est. - - 2 - - - - 2 - - - 18 Walmsley/Camel 8 11 14 11 3 - 19 24 48 26 26 46

BAR-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa lapponica Passage migrant and winter visitor Flock numbers at the main sites over the last twenty-five years show considerable variation but no particular trend. Overall numbers this year were approximately twelve per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 158 132 68 76 17 - - 29 47 22 22 25 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 76 85 59 15 8 8 - 4 7 11 4 12 Hayle Est. 15 8 7 5 1 - - 3 11 6 3 5 Kingsmill Lake - 1 1 - - - - 5 3 - 10 - Lynher Est. 2 34 ------15 2 - 9 Mount's Bay 9 7 - 3 2 - - - - 1 - - St. John's/Millbrook 30 25 - 7 - - - - 1 3 4 6

WHIMBREL - Numenius phaeopus Passage migrant and a few have over-wintered Numbers vary appreciably from year to year, without any particular trend, with occasional large day counts e.g. approximately one thousand seen at Mount's Bay in April 1990 and in May 1992. Birds pass through quickly in spring, with lower numbers seen in autumn. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirty-seven per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 6 5 1,937 600 18 354 194 45 11 11 9 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 25 7 4 20 18 5 1 - - Hayle Est. - - - 7 10 - 2 4 - - - - Millbrook/St John's 6 6 3 56 13 2 2 12 8 8 7 5

67 Mount's Bay - 1 36 55 - 2 - - - - - St. Austell Bay - - 650 11 ------Trevose Head area - - 7 26 - 63 22 1 - 1 - Upper Tamar Est. - - 6 3 2 3 12 1 - - 1 Reports include: Cape Cornwall: Seventy-eight on 27th Jul. Chapel Point: 650 passed in two hours on 28th April. Colliford Res: Fifty-seven on 27th Apr. Downderry: Fifty-nine on 23rd Apr: 140 on 26th Apr. Hannafore: Sixty on 2nd May. Pentewan: 120 on 25th Apr. Perranuthnoe: One on 4th Jan. : One on 3rd Jan. 2002: Porth Joke: Fifty-two on 8th May.

EURASIAN CURLEW - Numenius arquata (Curlew) Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor There has been a reduction in maximum flock sizes at the main sites during the last twenty-five years. Overall numbers this year were approximately twenty-one per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2,244 1,438 452 207 75 363 1,499 2,506 1,893 1,840, 2,423 2,139 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 170 172 65 1 17 130 477 670 594 364 263 177 Fowey Est. - 5 5 1 4 - 42 180 76 52 49 105 Gannel Est. 360 76 - - - 2 82 5 6 3 151 264 Gerrans Bay - - 5 5 - - 2 1 - 6 3 16 Hayle Est. 402 248 25 131 10 50 120 295 66 180 470 275 Helford River 5 187 4 1 3 2 - 175 144 212 244 - Looe Est. 28 23 - 5 - - - 1 15 48 28 Lynher Est. 108 122 15 1 3 56 85 227 200 306 102 149 Maer Lake 184 52 1 6 - - 27 15 19 48 68 127 Percuil River 41 4 152 ------23 24 125 Restronguet 49 15 30 - - - - 144 - - - - Ruan Lanihorne 12 - 2 12 7 4 280 200 189 - 300 250 St. Johns Lake 221 80 15 4 1 40 117 175 116 138 155 138 Tresillian River 95 100 - 4 1 30 113 156 141 140 94 60 Truro River 115 108 35 3 5 18 98 65 108 170 114 138 Upper Tamar Est. 139 97 31 19 10 17 44 102 219 175 93 149 Other reports include: Argal Res: 120 on 17th Dec. Loe Pool: Sixty on 5th Jan. 2002: Gannel Est: 300 on 29th Jan, 183 on 4th Mar, 280 on 7th Nov and 300 on 24th Dec.

SPOTTED REDSHANK - Tringa erythropus Uncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor Whilst numbers of this species are usually small there has been a reduction in overall numbers, an

68 in maximum flock sizes since the 1980's and before. The Tresillian River had a flock of twenty-one in October 1984 and the Lynher Estuary of twenty-two in October 1975, but the maximums this year were only nine and two respectively. Overall numbers this year were approximately twenty-four per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 25 13 7 - - - 1 10 15 15 27 14 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Kingsmill Lake 7 6 3 - - - - - 3 5 8 6 Lynher Est. 2 1 1 ------1 Millbrook Lake 1 1 1 ------1 1 1 Tresillian River 9 3 4 - - - 1 - 5 7 4 6 Truro River 3 2 ------1 2 - Other reports include: Stithians Res: Five on 27th Nov. Sunny Corner: Six on 25th Nov.

COMMON REDSHANK - Tringa totanus (Redshank) Passage migrant and winter visitor Records indicate that there has been a considerable reduction in maximum flock sizes at the majority of sites; the Tamar Estuary had one thousand two hundred in 1965 but only three hundred and one this year, and the Camel Estuary had four hundred in 1969 but only one hundred and thirty-one this year. Overall numbers this year were approximately seventeen per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 926 675 163 19 9 342 398 549 884 1,008 801 528 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 80 131 45 - - 18 58 48 82 92 131 87 Fowey Est. - - 1 2 - - - 18 20 17 16 13 Hayle Est. 67 30 1 - - - 7 1 63 84 56 56 Helford River 14 33 8 - - - - 28 49 38 32 - Looe Rivers/Est. 7 8 7 ------2 9 24 Lynher Est. 132 103 3 8 - 47 50 63 57 98 48 Millbrook/St John's 110 142 61 3 - 22 45 76 108 121 84 41 Percuil River 13 5 12 2 - - - - - 3 11 7 Restronguet Creek 23 8 5 - - - - 1 - - - - Ruan Lanihorne 32 16 - - - - - 6 4 - 10 20 Tresillian River 58 83 14 - - 3 92 126 122 161 74 114 Truro River 92 38 15 - - - 40 75 68 68 76 45 Upper Tamar Est. 243 40 25 - 8 120 172 90 204 301 150 38

COMMON GREENSHANK - Tringa nebularia (Greenshank) Passage migrant and winter visitor Overall numbers fluctuate from year to year, but figures for the last twelve years show no particular trend. However, the size of the largest flocks reported at St. John's Lake in recent years have been a good deal smaller than during the 1980's and early 1990's. Overall numbers this year were approximately twenty-four per cent above the average of the previous ten years.

69 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 77 37 56 49 14 23 73 275 330 91 110 78 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 3 2 5 1 7 6 5 16 22 9 17 9 Crowdy Res. - - - 1 - - 5 4 3 - - - Fowey Est. - - 1 1 - - 3 - 1 3 1 1 Hayle Est. 4 3 3 1 1 - 3 9 9 6 7 4 Helford River 2 4 2 1 - - - 7 7 - 4 - Kingsmill Lake 18 4 17 - - 2 27 34 46 22 18 15 Lynher Est. 6 8 1 1 - - 1 7 5 1 7 7 Maer Lake ------3 3 - - - Millbrook/St John's 7 6 7 4 - - - 9 18 13 13 12 Percuil River 6 3 6 1 - - - - - 4 11 8 Restronguet Creek 9 - 3 20 - - - 13 - 2 13 2 Ruan Lanihorne 2 1 1 - - - 1 2 3 - - 2 Stithians Res. ------6 6 2 - - Tresillian River 6 5 6 7 - - 10 15 19 17 11 9 Truro River 4 2 3 - - - 6 4 15 7 2 2 Upper Tamar Lake ------20 11 - - - Windmill Farm - - - 1 - 1 - 2 2 - - -

LESSER YELLOWLEGS - Tringa flavipes Vagrant Hayle Estuary: A first cal on 20th Oct - 31st Dec SMC, LPW et al. Land's End: One on 1st Oct MWa. The county mainland total is now c. 32 since 1936. This is the fourth record at Hayle. The first was a bird that first appeared at Stithians Reservoir on 30th September - 4th October 1989, moved to Hay on 5th October - 7th November, returned to Stithians on 8th - 9th November and then reappeared i Hayle on 10th - 20th November. Subsequent records were on 28th August - 12th September 1997 am 30th September - 3rd October 2000. Land's End had a previous record on 18th - 28th August 1998. There have been seven records on the Camel Estuary, Drift Reservoir has had five, Stithians Reservoir has had four and the rest are well spread. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------6 14 10 2

GREEN SANDPIPER - Tringa ochropus Passage migrant and a few over-winter Annual numbers, and numbers at individual sites, fluctuate from year to year. Ringing activities at Nanjizal show that small numbers of different birds move through at peak passage times. Numbers! appear to have increased in recent years, but this may in part be the result of being able to identify the arrival of new birds by the absence of rings. Birds are being colour ringed at this site and, if a bird is seen with rings, please note the colour combination and advise the details when reporting. Overall numbers this year were approximately seventy-eight per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 3 8 8 - 1 29 121 36 16 12 4

70 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford Res ------1 1 - 1 - Crowdy Res. ------2 - 1 - 1 - Drift Res. - - 1 - - - - - 1 2 1 - Loe Pool ------2 1 1 1 - - Lynher Est. 3 1 ------2 2 2 Maer Lake ------1 2 1 - - - Marazion Marsh ------1 - 2 3 - Nanjizal/Sennen - 1 1 1 - 1 3 11 3 - 1 - Ruan Lanihorne 1 2 - - - - 1 - 2 - - - Salter Mill 1 - - 1 - - - 2 1 - - - Siblyback Res. ------1 2 1 - - - Tamar Lakes ------2 3 - - - Walmsley Sane. 1 - 1 2 - - - 3 - - 1 - Windmill Farm ------2 8 1 1 1 -

WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant There were fifty-six reports in 1996 but only seven in 1984, and there was an average of thirty per annum during the last twenty-six years. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirty per cent below the average of the previous ten years. The earliest report since 1935 was on 2nd April 1977 at Mitchell, and the latest at Marazion on 6th November 1981. The earliest report this year was on 2nd June at Windmill Farm, and the latest at Upper Tamar Lake on 15th September. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 3 20 3 - - - Adams Hill, St. Buryan: One on 23rd Aug JL. Tredinney Common: One on 21st Jul CMo. Brew, Sennen: One on 2nd Aug MWa. Copperhouse Creek: One on 27th - 29th Aug LPW. Crowdy Res: Singles on 21st and 31st Aug PNP, SMC. Dozmary Pool: One on 30th Aug SMC. Land's End: One on 28th Aug MWa. Maer Lake: Two on 4th - 6th Jul FHCK, CBy: One on 14th Aug SMC. Nanjizal: Three on 5th Aug, with one to 7th Aug: Singles on 14th, 26th and 28th Aug KAW. Plain-an-Gwarry: One on 11th - 12th Aug PAD. Stithians Res: Two on 5th August DE: One on 21st - 31st Aug SMC, SFE et al. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 30th - 31 st Aug SMC: Three on 15th Sep CS. Windmill Farm: Singles on 2nd Jun and 26th Aug ARP.

COMMON SANDPIPER - Actitis hypoleucos Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor that bred in 1910 and 1989 Reports of this species show a good deal of variation and indicate no particular trend. Overall numbers this year were approximately twenty-five per cent above the average of the previous nine years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 11 7 34 12 4 139 146 102 10 13 17 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 5 1 - 1 1 3 8 7 9 - 1 2

71 Colliford Res. ------2 4 1 2 1 - Crowdy Res. ------8 5 4 - - - Drift Res. - 2 - 4 - - 2 2 2 - - - Fowey Est. - - 1 4 - - - - 3 1 - - Gannel Est. ------3 2 - - - - Gerrans Bay ------2 - 1 - - - Hayle Est. ------8 8 - - - 1 Helford River - 1 1 - - - - 3 2 - 1 1 Loe Pool - 1 1 1 - - 4 2 1 - - - Looe Est. - 1 - - - - - 4 1 - - - Lynher Est. 4 4 2 - - - 1 7 - 1 3 - Maer Lake - - - 2 - - - 1 - - - - Marazion - - - 3 - - 2 1 - - 1 - Nanjizal - - - 1 - - 1 5 1 - - - Par - 1 1 1 - - 2 8 2 2 1 6 Percuil River 1 1 ------2 1 2 Porth Res. - - - 5 - - 4 3 1 - - - Ruan Lanihorne - - - 1 2 2 5 4 4 - - - Siblyback Res. ------1 5 6 - - - Stithians Res. - - - 2 - - 3 4 3 - - - Tresillian River - - - 1 - - 2 - 1 - - - Upper Tamar Est. 5 1 1 10 - - - 1 1 Upper Tamar Lake ------1 10 1 - - -

RUDDY TURNSTONE - Arenaria interpres (Turnstone) Passage migrant, winter visitor and a few summer. Numbers of this species have reduced steadily over the last eleven years, and there has been a significant reduction in the number of birds recorded at Looe. Whilst the largest flock at Looe this year was the largest since 1997 overall numbers remained low, although better than the previous three years; numbers this year were approximately thirty per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 128 185 134 22 42 2 32 53 149 142 173 155 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 19 38 10 4 - - 6 5 - - 26 21 Gerrans Bay 3 1 17 - - - 7 10 12 12 - 18 Hayle Est. 3 25 16 - - - - 1 6 11 14 - Looe/Hannafore 18 17 41 - - - - 14 47 48 56 48 Mevagissey Bay - 4 - 1 15 ------Mount's Bay 20 2 4 1 4 - - - - 20 3 - St. Austell Bay 13 15 15 1 6 2 4 3 8 3 24 20 St. Ives Bay - - - 3 - - 7 - - 6 6 8 St. John's Lake 24 26 17 10 2 - 1 5 42 19 16 12 Sennen Cove - 28 ------19 6 - Trevose Head area 10 9 11 - - - 1 5 1 1 14 - Truro River 2 2 2 ------1 -

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor Although sightings are usually uncommon, there are days following adverse weather conditions when large numbers have been seen e.g. St. Ives on 23rd September 1984 when one hundred were reported and on 7th October 1988 when seventy-four birds were seen, and at Pendeen Watch on 8th October 2001 when seventy-five were seen. There were forty-three records this year, compared with an

72 average of twenty-six in the 1970's, one hundred and thirty-six in the 1980's (as a result of the 1984 high) and fifty in the 1990's. Land's End: One on 5th Oct KBG, CJM, GRS. Pendeen Watch: Two on 31st Aug BSW: Fourteen on 22nd Sep MWa: Five on 3rd Nov: MWa, KAW: Two on 14th Nov MWa. Sennen Cove: Two on 8th Oct KBG, CJM, GRS. St. Ives: One on 22nd Sep BSW. Trevose Head: Five on 13th Sep SMC, LW: Two on 23rd Sep CS: Two on 29th Sep SMC, LW: Five on 3rd Nov SMC, LW: Two on 16th Nov SMC, LW. 2002: East Pentire: One on 3rd Nov SGR. The county mainland total advances to c. 4,575 since 1926. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 54 14 3 1 - - 3 81 1,230 2,430 612 147

POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor Usually only seen in small numbers, but high counts during the last twenty-five years have been ninety-eight at St. Ives on 7th October 1988, seventy-five at Pendeen Watch on the same date, and sixty-two at Cape Cornwall on 17th October 1991. This year's total of sixty-eight was approximately thirty per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 9 43 - 1 4 7 1 3 Cape Cornwall: Singles on 27th Jul and 18th Aug MTE. Carlyon Bay: One on 21st May RL. Chapel Point: Eight adults on 29th Apr RL: Four on 3rd May RL. Killigerran Head: Single adults on 16th and 23rd May and two on 7th Sep SMC, LW. Mevagissey: Two adults on 15th May SMC, LW. Newlyn: One on 18th May and two adults on 2nd May MKA. Pendeen Watch: One on 1st Sep BSW: One on 22nd Sep MWa: Two on 3rd Nov KAW: A second cal on 14th Nov MWa. Porthgwarra: An adult on 29th Apr KAW: Sixteen on 3rd May DSF: Nine on 4th May DSF: Four on 5th May DSF: Two on 11th May, one on 1st Aug and one on 4th Sep BSW. Trevose Head: Two on 28th Aug and adults on 22nd and 23rd Sep and 6th Oct SMC. 2002: St. Ives: Four on 27th Oct SGR. The county mainland total is now c. 3,169 since 1955. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 10 2 72 435 102 170 241 479 1,110 467 70

ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus Passage migrant and rare winter visitor Numbers reported from St. Ives and Pendeen Watch appear to indicate a reduction in recent years by comparison with the 1980's. This year's total of one hundred and twenty-four was approximately sixty per cent below the average of the previous ten years.

73 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 11 25 2 11 4 32 38 1 - Black Head: One on 21st Sep. Chapel Point: Singles on 29th Apr and 3rd and 21 st May. Cot Valley: Eleven on 9th Oct. Downderry: One on 8th Jul. Hannafore: Two on 3rd May. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Two on 27th Apr. Killigerran: Two on 16th May: Two on 17th May. Land's End: An adult on 17th Jul. Lizard Point: Singles on 5th Jun and 16th and 17th Oct. Mevagissey: One on 15th May. Mount's Bay: Singles on 28th Apr and 7th May. Pendeen Watch: One on 8th Sep: Six on 9th Sep: One on 10th Sep: Fourteen on 22nd Sep: One on 7th Oct. Porthgwarra: Singles on 20th and 29th Apr: Two on 4th May: Five on 16th May: Four on 22nd May: Two on 23rd May: Singles on 28th Jun and 18th Jul: Three on 19th Jul: Two on 20th Jul: One on 28th Jul: Four on 9th Oct: Eight on 10th Oct: Singles on 11th Oct and 10th Nov. Rame Head/Penlee Point: Singles on 19th Apr, 20th Apr, 23rd Aug and 4th Oct. Sennen Cove: One on 6th Oct. St. Ives: One on 22nd Apr: Two on 4th Oct: Two on 6th Oct: Four on 7th Oct. Newlyn: Singles on 2nd and 3rd May. Trevose Head: Singles on 27th Apr, 25th May, 29th Jul, 30th Jul and 1st Aug: Two on 28th Aug and 13th Sep: One on 22nd Sep: Six on 23rd Sep: One on 10th Oct.

LONG-TAILED SKUA - Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant Pendeen Watch: A second cal on 22nd Sep MWa, MTE. Porthgwarra: An adult on 28th Jul NJH, JL, CMo. The county mainland total increases to c. 197 since 1961. Most reports have come from St Ives Island with sixty-five and Pendeen Watch with sixty-six, whereas Porthgwarra on the south coast only has eighteen records. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 5 4 3 20 105 54 6 -

GREAT SKUA - Stercorarius skua Passage migrant, and seen in winter during westerly gales Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year, with no apparent trend. There have been occasional exceptional days as on 12th November 1977 when four hundred and eighty-eight were reported at St. Ives, and following severe gales four hundred and fifty were seen at St. Ives and four hundred at Pendeen Watch on 3rd September 1983. Numbers this year were low; the total of one hundred and ninety-three was approximately sixty-five per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 15 2 38 9 46 70 8 5 Regular reports & monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Pendeen Watch ------27 44 - -

74 Porthgwarra 4 2 30 4 2 2 St. Ives Island - - - - 3 12 4 Trevose Head 4 2 10 6 8

MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Larus melanocephalus Passage migrant and winter visitor Birds are constantly passing through and it is difficult to calculate total numbers - observers at the main sites have to use differences in plumage and colour rings to identify individuals. It is helpful if observers estimate and advise the numbers of different birds involved in sightings at regularly watched sites on a monthly basis. Reports appear to indicate that numbers have increased tenfold over the last twenty years. Overall numbers this year were approximately eighty per cent above the average of the previous ten years, and the running ten-year average has increased by two hundred and fifty- five per cent over the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 68 39 26 4 9 21 83 62 66 93 75 45 Regular reports & monthly numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 10 7 4 2 3 8 29 19 43 55 54 13 Drift Res. 1 ------1 - Gannel Est. 7 4 4 - - - 1 7 - 1 2 3 Hayle Est. 4 4 - - 6 6 6 3 5 2 3 3 Loe Pool 4 1 1 - - - - 2 - - - 1 Mount's Bay 1 2 - - - 1 5 2 - 2 - - St Johns/Millbrook 11 12 13 1 - 6 30 20 13 19 7 8 Sennen Cove 4 7 1 - - - 1 2 - 3 1 2 Stithians Res. 2 ------1 1 2 - - Swanpool 4 1 - - - - 8 5 3 6 2 5 Other reports include: Penryn: Eleven in January.

HYBRID MEDITERRANEAN GULL x BLACK-HEADED GULL Hayle Est: One on 24th Jan. St. John's Lake: One on 2nd - 3rd Oct may have been the bird seen from Torpoint last year.

LITTLE GULL - Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers vary from year to year with no particular pattern. This year they were approximately thirty- eight per cent below the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthlv totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 6 2 5 1 - - - 3 11 9 3 Camel Est: A third cal on 2nd Jan: A third cal on 1st - 4th Feb: A third cal on 18th Mar: One on 20th Mar: A second cal on 13th Apr - 21st May: A first cal at Pinkson Creek on 1st Oct. Carbis Bay: A second cal on 10th Jan. Colliford Res: An adult on 29th Mar. Drift Res: An adult on 6th Jan. Gannel Est: A second cal on 28th - 29th Jan. Harlyn Bay: A second cal on 16th Feb. Hayle: An adult on 27th Feb: One on 3rd Mar.

75 Maer Lake: An adult on 2nd Feb. Marazion: Two adults and a second cal on 18th Oct: A first cal on 25th Oct: One on 10th Dec. Mawgan Porth: A third cal on 10th Feb. Millbrook: An adult on 21st Apr. Pendeen Watch: An adult and five first cal on 3rd Nov. Porth Nanven: An adult on 7th Jan. Porthpean: A first cal on 22nd Nov. Sennen Cove: A second cal on 9th - 21st Jan: An adult on 21st - 27th Feb: And adult on 8th Oct: An adult and a first cal on 17th Oct: A first cal on 19th Oct: Two first cal on 9th Nov. St. Ives: An adult on 7th Oct: Two on 14th Dec. St. John's Lake: One on 5th Apr: Two first cal on 24th Sep. Torpoint: An adult on 6th Sep. Trevose Head: Singles adults on 5th and 9th Apr and 13th Oct: A first cal on 8th Nov. 2002: Porth Res: A second cal on 6th Mar.

SABINE'S GULL - Larus sabini Scarce passage migrant Past records show fluctuations from year to year but with no obvious trend. Severe gales on 2nd September 1983 resulted in an exceptional one hundred birds being reported at St. Ives the following day. Two records this year is the lowest since 1977 when there were no reports, and compares with an average of twenty-five per annum since 1951. Porthgwarra: A first cal on 2nd Sep SML. Trevose Head: A first cal on 6th Oct SMC, LW. The county mainland total is now c. 1,317 since 1951. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - 3 2 4 12 170 722 330 68 5

BLACK-HEADED GULL - Larus ridibundus Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor that breeds in relatively small numbers at some reservoirs Large numbers of this species pass through the county, making it very difficult to calculate total numbers. Reports show considerable fluctuations from year to year, but the size of the largest flocks has reduced considerably at the majority of sites since the early 1990's. There was breeding at Colliford Lake but numbers were low, presumably owing to the low water level and the resulting risk of predation. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13,571 8,108 1,053 858 332 857 5,432 7,068 7,549 5,485 12,740 6,187 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal/College Resi . 29 11 2 - - - 6 - 17 37 123 26 Camel Est. 1,600 - 370 140 11 340 387 1,016 1,276 1,065 7,500 1,468 Carrick Roads 750 28 15 - - - - - 25 50 300 350 Colliford Res. 59 31 59 120 77 78 45 - 8 1 73 Crowdy Res. - - - 8 1 4 2 - - - - 200 Drift Res. 245 3 ------9 72 145 Fowey Est. - - 120 50 3 - 172 480 576 240 - - Gannel Est. 2,300 92 - - - - 62 21 20 54 880 -

76 Gerrans Bay 60 2,500 - - 4 - 4 - - 125 450 500 Hayle Est. 762 280 20 - 8 - 215 150 240 50 76 60 Helford River 47 194 - - - 17 - 310 320 280 308 - Loe Pool 270 26 2 - - 2 8 23 19 - 238 39 Lynher Est. 218 527 86 68 62 75 921 1,157 1,186 597 180 215 Maer Lake 649 149 12 6 2 - - 24 28 16 140 290 Millbrook Lake 982 438 51 253 64 49 511 256 1,034 318 341 380 Mounts Bay 70 520 - - - - 1 - - 80 50 40 Percuil River 15 150 18 ------10 100 350 Porth Res. 65 56 - - - - 10 5 6 58 66 64 Ruan Lanihorne 500 96 - - - - 340 430 156 - - - Siblyback Res. 65 30 67 10 3 - - 46 26 46 41 11 Stithians Res. 81 7 - - - - 12 36 20 73 35 113 St. Austell Bay 100 100 70 - - 2 50 38 40 63 80 90 St. John's Lake 600 1,750 8 110 32 150 350 350 350 750 600 350 Swanpool 110 115 53 18 - 2 5 - 9 60 31 75 Tresillian River 305 145 - - - 24 425 670 415 165 117 320 Truro River 574 224 - 1 2 10 527 829 743 400 247 445 Upper Tamar Est. 1,474 620 96 61 59 96 1,376 1,215 1,043 931 741 583 Other reports include: Butter's Tor 1,700 on 19th Jan. Harlyn Bay: 700 on 26th Jan. 2002: Gannel Est: 530 on 7th Nov and 770 on 24th Dec.

RING-BILLED GULL - Larus delawarensis Regular vagrant with some birds returning annually to overwinter This species was recorded in increased numbers within a few years of the first record in mainland Cornwall in 1979, perhaps in part owing to increased observer awareness. Numbers have fluctuated from year to year since then, and appeared to peak at the end of the 1980's and early 1990's. However, whilst this species is now a regular sight in Cornwall it remains a rarity. Historic numbers are not shown in the report owing to the difficulty of estimating the number of individual birds when they spend several weeks or months in an area, move extensively around the area and return to sites periodically. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 5 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 Drift Res: An adult on 4th Jan BSW: A third cal on 5th Jan GH: A second cal on 11th - 13th Jan GH: A third cal and a second cal on 14th Jan GH: All these birds were present last year. Gannel Est: An adult on 12th Feb SGR. Hayle Est: A second cal on 22nd Feb PJB: A second cal on 13th May MWa, MTE: An adult on Copperhouse Creek on 17th Dec LPW. Helston Boating Lake: A second cal on 5th Jan remained to the end of the year SFE et al. Millbrook: An adult in mid-January MJ and 29th Mar JCN was thought most likely to be last year's returning bird. Nanjizal: A second cal on 22nd Mar KAW. Par Beach Pool: An adult, intermittently 12th Jan - 11th Mar SMC, may have been last year's bird: An adult intermittently 28th Oct - 29th Dec was presumably the same RL et al. Sennen Cove: A third cal on 3rd - 26th Feb was last year's bird MWa: A first cal on 2nd Nov MTE. St. John's Lake: An adult on 25th, 26th and 31st Jan was presumably the Millbrook bird GDL, DC. St. Just Airfield: An adult on 15th Dec MWa. 2002: Gannel Est: A first cal on 27th Dec SGR: An adult on 31st Dec SGR.

77 MEW GULL - Larus canus (Common Gull) Passage migrant and winter visitor and a few summer Whilst reported numbers fluctuate from year to year, they appear to show that numbers have reduced appreciably in the 2000's by comparison with the 1990's. This year's flock of two hundred and fifty on St. John's Lake was the highest at that site in the 2000's, but there were four years in the 1990's with flocks above that level and a maximum count of one thousand. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 933 931 141 6 1 - 9 11 17 70 445 521 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 285 312 32 2 - - 8 5 9 20 400 370 Hayle Est. - 30 - - - - - 1 - - 6 2 Lynher Est. 5 26 ------1 8 10 35 Millbrook Lake 279 100 57 ------7 4 32 Sennen Cove 21 31 2 ------6 6 7 Siblyback Res. 2 3 ------1 - 8 St. John's Lake 220 250 40 1 - - 1 2 4 12 8 9 Upper Tamar Est. 1 6 - 2 - - - 2 2 1 2 2 Other reports include: Mithian: Sixty on 27th Feb. 2002: Gannel Est: Twenty-two on 24th Dec. Winnard's Perch: Sixty-three on 26th Feb.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus fuscus Common passage migrant and winter visitor that breeds in low numbers The maximum size of flocks at Hayle Estuary indicate an increase from the 1970's into the 1980's, with that level continuing through the 1990's, and then reducing to generally lower levels in the 2000's. A similar trend is shown by flock sizes at Colliford Reservoir. Relatively small flocks were reported at most sites this year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2,608 1,878 1,785 125 61 42 125 663 896 1,144 1,059 637 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 912 736 818 15 1 - - 35 68 70 68 241 Colliford Res. 87 8 26 6 8 10 73 73 127 230 625 105 Crowdy Res. - - - - 4 8 14 225 225 280 - 34 Drift Res. 3 6 3 11 2 - - - - 28 2 - Fowey Est. - - 80 4 2 - - - - 46 1 1 Gannel Est. 368 141 80 42 - - - 4 20 21 3 - Gerrans Bay 5 5 - - 7 2 - - - - - 18 Hayle Est. 980 655 327 - 6 - 7 16 23 7 18 - Looe River/Est. - - 108 - - - - 320 355 - - Lynher Est. 8 19 86 20 1 - 2 3 3 - 4 6 Ruan Lanihorne - - - 2 10 16 26 28 - - - - Sennen Cove 25 36 65 ------Siblyback Res. 95 58 80 - 1 - - 250 16 100 258 221 St. Austell Bay 30 15 13 4 10 2 2 3 4 2 3 6 St. John's Lake 20 18 2 - - - - 5 5 5 - 3 Trevose Head area 33 - 78 2 - - - 17 83 - - -

78 Other reports include: Porthluney Cove: Seventy-four on 13th Nov. Winnard's Perch: 127 on 26th Feb. 2002: Gannel Est: 210 on 6th Mar and thirty-four on 24th Dec.

HERRING GULL - Larus argentatus Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers appear to have been higher in the mid to late 1990's than they are today. A flock of four thousand was reported on the Camel Estuary in 1995, but only one thousand two hundred and thirty-five this year. However, whilst that situation appears to be reflected at many sites, Looe had its highest ever flocks in 2001 and 2003. Scandanavian Herring Gull (Martin Elliot) Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7,321 4,331 6,304 4,670 3,452 4,784 2,861 5,022 7,339 9,299 1,990 4,919 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 535 968 966 720 198 242 14 146 833 1,235 612 559 Carrick Roads 50 10 9 40 25 - - - 20 35 28 50 College Res. 12 17 48 48 11 11 17 - 21 21 48 16 Colliford Res. 156 92 58 320 393 72 5 17 4 41 21 27 Crowdy Res. - - 59 - 50 1,000 1,445 - - - - 35 Drift Res. 130 427 43 256 7 - - - - - 520 40 42 Fowey Est. - 103 550 352 89 145 137 400 552 390 267 63 Gannel Est. 1,000 460 715 - 104 - 86 92 142 210 124 60 Gerrans Bay 60 125 - - 50 65 50 - - 70 50 152 Hayle Est. 960 910 1,226 200 295 - 140 1,550 900 2,085 85 70 Helford River 97 32 168 68 59 62 - 47 250 177 83 - Loe Pool/Helston 148 36 40 52 31 54 112 68 64 - 51 60 Looe Est. 3,249 - 460 1,161 938 - - 1,861 3,555 3,560 - 2,658 Lynher Est. 84 79 206 53 108 77 84 52 59 100 160 366 Maer Lake 39 6 3 12 8 7 15 3 5 6 - 30 Millbrook Lake 114 141 91 81 42 51 111 149 132 104 28 212 Mount's Bay 74 282 102 243 92 192 - - - 30 40 18 Percuil River 8 25 12 12 - - - - - 26 30 120 Porth Res. 8 5 26 17 3 - 58 90 13 54 17 8 Ruan Lanihorne - 88 86 25 12 30 26 43 58 - - - St. Austell Bay 55 15 343 269 340 84 64 58 60 33 58 34 St. John's Lake 175 140 200 200 148 175 200 250 330 350 85 120 Siblyback Res. 14 3 16 1 3 - - 4 - 6 5 45 Stithians Res. 42 16 24 - 7 - 20 5 62 60 20 6 Swanpool 130 65 71 21 7 15 21 - 20 24 56 62 Tresillian River 22 18 7 14 8 13 7 10 22 9 12 11 Truro River 89 49 121 237 176 180 100 85 98 53 49 53 Upper Tamar Est. 70 219 123 54 82 159 148 92 139 100 21 40 Other reports include: Harlyn Bay: 495 on 4th Mar. Park Pit: 2,100 roosting on 21st Jun.

79 Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian form L. a. argentatus were noted as follows: Camel Est: An adult on 13th Jan - 3rd Feb SMC. Gannel Est: An adult on 29th Jan SMC. Hayle Est: One on 29th Jan SMC, LW: An adult on 11th and 17th Sep LPW: An adult on 5th Dec LPW. Sennen Cove: One on 16th Mar MTE: A fourth cal on 7th Dec MTE. A bird of the American form L. a. smithsonianus, the second accepted record for the county j mainland, was noted as follows: Treve Common: A second cal moved around the area as far as Polgigga on 12th Feb - 14th May MWa et al. The first record was on the Hayle Estuary on 10th March 2002. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 1 ------

WESTERN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL - Larus michahellis Scarce visitor Numbers reported have increased steadily over the last twenty years, but it is not known if this is owing to increased numbers or increased observer awareness, or a combination of both. Overall numbers were similar to last year, but with a more even spread over the year rather than peaking in February and March. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 2 7 4 2 3 4 5 5 2 4 5 Camel Est: An adult on 17th Jan and two on 18th Jan SMC, TMC: A third cal on 20th and 28th Jan SMC: An adult on 2nd Feb SMC: A fourth cal on 22nd Feb - 17th Mar SMC: Adults on 4th and 27th Mar SMC: A second cal on 29th May SMC. Colliford Res: A fourth cal on 4th Jan SMC et al: Adults on 5th Jul SCM, DC, AECA, 15th Jul, 2nd Aug, 6th Sep and 25th Sep - 3rd Oct SMC et al: A first cal on 25th November SMC. Drift Res: A first cal on 28th Nov MWa. East Looe River: A fifth cal on 1st Mar SMC. Godrevy Point: A first cal on 15th Dec KAW. Harlyn Bay: A fourth cal on 26th Jan SMC. Hayle Est: An adult and a fourth cal on 7th Jan LPW: An adult on 25th Jan JCN: A fourth cal on 29th Jan SMC, LW: An adult on 27th Mar LPW: A fifth cal on 27th - 28th Mar LPW: Adults on 9th Apr, 25th - 27th Apr and 3rd Jun LPW: A first cal on 30th Jul - 10th Aug, with two on 2nd Aug DEB, PMW, MKA: Two first cal and one second cal on 18th Sep MTE: An adult on 5th Dec LPW. Marazion: A second cal on 4th Jun KAW. Nanjizal: An adult on 16th and 22nd Mar MWa, KAW: Two second cal on 3rd Apr and one on 11th Apr KAW: A first cal on 13th Jul KAW: A different first cal on 13th and 20th Aug and two on 24th Aug KAW: A first cal on 1st and 12th Oct KAW: A first cal on 9th Dec KAW. Porthgwarra: An adult on 23rd May SMC. Porthluney Cove: An adult on 13th Nov SMC. Sennen: A third cal on 14th Mar MWa: A first cal on 6th Jun MTE: An adult on 7th and 11th Dec MTE. Siblyback Res: Adults on 10th Nov and 6th Dec SMC, JCN. Walmsley Sane: The Camel adult on 27th Mar SMC.

80 • Western Bonelli's Warbler • Red-throated Pipit Nanjizal, September 2003 Lizard, October 2003 Jared Wilson Pete Fraser

• Yellow-browed Warbler • Arctic Tern & Common Tern Nanjizal, October 2003 Marazion, October 2003 Ian Wilson John Chappie

• Little Bunting • Common Rosefnch Brew Pool, April 2003 Brew Pool, September 2003 Kester Wilson Mark Warren • Water Pipit Nanjizal, November 2003 - Kester Wilson

• American Robin Godrevy, November 2003 - Gary Cockill • American Herring Gull, Sennen, February 2003 - Mashuq Ahmad

• Pallid Harrier, Sennen, March 2003 - Paul Gale

A Western Yellow-legged Gull, Hayle.August 2003 - Dawn Balmer A Bearded Tit • Bearded Tit Marazion, November 2003 - Pete Walsh Marazion, November 2003 - Pete Walsh

• PendulineTit • Little Bittern Lands End, October 2003 - Dave Nye Swanpool, May 2003 - John Chappel ICELAND GULL - Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor and rare passage migrant Estimating the number of individual birds can be extremely difficult when they spend several weeks or months in an area, move extensively around the area and return to sites periodically. Only by making detailed notes of plumage details can observers identify individuals, keep track of their movements and calculate how many birds are involved in the sightings. Numbers vary from year to year, but this year's total of three was well below the average of twenty- four during the previous ten years. The last such poor year was 1987. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 Par Beach Pool: A first cal on 2nd Nov SMC, BMP. Porthcurno: A second cal on 9th Feb DSF. Sennen Cove: An adult on 5th Jan MWa. 2002: Gannel Est: An adult on 4th and 9th Mar SGR: A second cal on 18th Mar SGR.

Birds of the form known as Kumlien's Gull L. g. kumlienii were noted as follows: Camel Est: An adult on 8th Mar SMC, BMP. Copperhouse Creek: An adult on 17th Feb LPW. The county mainland record total is now c. 11 since 1979. Previous records were of adults in Mount's Bay in 1979, at Newquay in 1996, on the Hayle Estuary and the Camel Estuary in 1998, at Drift Reservoir in 1999, at Hayle Estuary and Siblyback Reservoir in 2000, at Hayle in 2001 and at Hayle in 2002. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 3 7 1 ------

GLAUCOUS GULL - Larus hyperboreus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant Estimating the number of individual birds can be extremely difficult when they spend several weeks or months in an area, move extensively around the area and return to sites periodically. Only by making detailed notes of plumage details can observers identify individuals, keep track of their movements and calculate how many birds are involved in the sightings. There were relatively few records until January 1984 when there was an influx into the county. Some of those birds returned in subsequent years, but numbers gradually dropped until the winter of 1982/3 when there was another influx. The next influx was in January 1998, but numbers have gradually reduced to their present low since then. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 2 1 1 - - - - - 1 - Helford River: A second cal on 15th Feb BSW. Kynance Cove: A second cal on 16th Feb was presumably the Helford bird SFE. Marazion: A second cal on 15th Mar PAF. Polperro: One was present for several weeks in spring but died after being attacked by a Great Black-backed Gull on 5th May JM. I Sennen Cove: A second cal on 8th Feb per KAW: A second cal on 2nd Nov MTE. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus marinus Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers vary from year to year with no particular trend. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,085 1,180 685 708 122 72 121 312 1,009 298 459 377 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 352 396 246 - 13 4 32 104 272 74 211 239 Carrick Roads - - - 3 5 - - - 10 - 15 28 Colliford Res. 10 2 16 4 4 4 6 3 2 2 - 1 Crowdy Res. - - 2 - 10 9 24 14 3 - - 1 Drift Res. 8 3 2 3 3 - - - - 24 4 2 Fowey Est. - 2 2 3 6 1 2 1 1 5 1 3 Gannel Est. 26 78 10 14 42 - 10 3 5 11 - - Gerrans Bay 12 15 - - 5 9 - - - 12 18 25 Hayle Est. 147 550 72 5 4 - 6 5 15 13 7 8 Helford River 1 7 9 1 1 - - 3 3 2 2 - Loe Pool 90 11 14 14 9 4 4 - 12 - 18 9 Looe 120 - 140 - - - - 153 256 135 - - Lynher Est. 13 11 48 5 4 3 9 6 6 8 3 23 Mount's Bay - 31 63 17 5 7 - - - 1 2 - Par 150 3 8 3 5 3 2 2 3 1 2 1 Ruan Lanihorne 40 10 22 24 5 - 4 - - - 120 - St. John's/Millbrook 17 10 14 2 23 5 5 5 10 5 4 8 Upper Tamar Est. 11 45 13 4 15 10 12 9 10 4 - 9 Other reports include: Harlyn Bay: Eighty-one on 15th Jan. Porthluney Cove: Fifty-two on 13th Nov. Wiggle: 400 flew into Polhawn on 4 Sep.

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE - Rissa tridactyla (Kittiwake) Breeding summer visitor, abundant passage migrant and winter visitor Measured in terms of the largest flock sizes at the usual seawatching sites, numbers in recent years appear to be much lower than in the past. No birds were reported nesting on the cliffs at Land's End, and the colony no longer exists. Reports include: Newquay: 468 on 18th May. Pendeen Watch: 7,500 on 3rd Nov. Porthgwarra: 820 on 17th Nov: 1,134 on 24th Nov. Towan Head: 2,000 on 20th May. Trevose Head: 3,768 on 3rd Nov: 997 on 27th Nov

SANDWICH TERN - Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant and rare winter visitor Numbers vary from year to year but with no particular trend. Overall numbers this year were approximately thirty-one per cent above the average of the previous ten years. The earliest report since 1933 (excluding the over-wintering birds in 1979 and 1991) was on 4th February 1995 on the Hayle Estuary, and the latest also in Carbis Bay on 24th December 2002. The earliest report this year was on 15th March at Marazion, assuming that the birds at Hayle and Torpoint in January were over-wintering birds, and the latest in Mount's Bay on 25th October.

82 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 1 51 928 109 92 279 587 595 38 - - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 5 132 1 10 33 59 52 5 - - Hayle Est. 1 - 1 30 - - 6 18 18 1 - - Mounts Bay - - 2 39 4 16 2 2 - 6 - - Newquay area - - - 5 2 8 - - 40 - - - Pendeen Watch ------2 75 - - - Porthgwarra - - - - 15 - 3 1 5 - - - Sennen Cove - - 4 - - - - - 5 2 - - St. Austell Bay - - 3 15 8 10 - 3 - - - - St. Ives Bay - - - 12 - - - - 30 1 - - St. John's Lake 1 1 - - - 3 6 11 8 1 - - Trevose Head area - - 2 15 1 2 6 22 18 1 - - Whitsand Bay - - 1 20 20 1 ------Other reports include: Hayle Est: One on 3rd Jan. Killigerran Head: Fourteen on 7th Sep. Portmellon: Fifteen on 17th May. Sconner: Eleven on 7th Aug. Torpoint: One on 31st Jan and 2nd Feb. 2002: Hayle Est: Seventeen on 1 st Apr.

ROSEATE TERN - Sterna Dougallii Scarce passage migrant Trevose Head: An adult on 9th Aug SMC. Marazion: A second cal was videoed on 4th - 5th Oct per PWa. The county mainland total now stands at 7 since 2000. The number of reports has reduced steadily over the last thirty years, reflecting the reduction seen at breeding sites in the north Atlantic. Most reports have come from St Ives, although relatively few have been reported at that site during the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 1 3 - 2 - -

COMMON TERN - Sterna hirundo Passage migrant Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year, 'good' years usually resulting from particularly large day counts e.g. five hundred birds were reported past St. Ives on 30th September 1978 and five hundred on 30th August 1980. The earliest report since 1937 was on 3rd March 2002 at Cargreen, and the latest was at Sennen Cove on 30th November 2002. The earliest report this year was on 8th April in Carbis Bay, and the latest at Hayle Estuary on 26th October. Numbers were better than 2001 and 2002, but were approximately sixteen per cent below the average of the previous ten years.

83 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 65 185 4 13 72 66 38 - - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 6 - - 6 4 1 7 - - Hayle Est. ------5 - 1 - - Mount's Bay - - - 6 10 ------Porthgwarra - - - - 8 - - 4 - - - - Sennen Cove ------2 8 - - St. Austell Bay - - - 10 50 2 - 3 1 - - - St. Ives Bay - - - 7 ------St. Levan ------5 22 - - - Trevose Head area - - - 3 - - 1 8 7 1 - -

ARCTIC TERN - Sterna paradisaea Passage migrant Numbers vary considerably from year to year, doubtless reflecting weather conditions during their migration. The largest day count during the past twenty-five years was two hundred past St. Ives on 2nd September 1988. This year's total of sixty-three was well below the average of one hundred and twenty-three for the previous thirty years, and also below the average of one hundred and eight for the previous ten years. The earliest report since 1942 was on 3rd April at Killigerran Head, and the latest at St. Ives on 23rd November 1986. This year the earliest was at Harlyn Bay on 20th April, and the latest on 5th November on the Camel Estuary. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 6 - - 38 5 7 4 - Camel Est: One on Pinkson Creek on 16th Oct: One on 31st Oct - 5th Nov. Cargreen: A first cal on 14th Oct. Carlyon Bay: One on 30th Apr. Charlestown: One on 22nd May. Downderry: Two on 26th and three on 27th August. Harlyn Bay: Singles on 20th Apr and 9th Oct. Mount's Bay: One on 23rd May. Padstow: Three first cal on 5th Nov. Par Beach: One on 28th Apr. Porth Kidney Beach: Six on 5th Aug. Porthgwarra: Singles on 7th and 8th Sep. Rame Head: Four on 4th May. St. Ives: Two on 22nd Sep: One on 7th Oct. St. John's Lake: An adult on 24th August: A first cal on 27th Sep - 11th Oct. Sennen Cove: A first cal on 16th - 19th Oct. Trevose Head: Ten on 17th Aug: Eight on 25th Aug: Eight on 29th Aug.

LITTLE TERN • Sterna albifrons Uncommon passage migrant There are considerable variations in annual numbers, between two hundred and nineteen in 1986 and thirteen in 1996. This year's total of forty two is above the average of thirty-five since 1987. The earliest report since 1935 was on 3rd April 1983 at Mevagissey, and the latest at Clodgy Point on

84 23rd October 1977. The earliest this year was on 19th April on the Camel Estuary, and the latest at St. John's Lake on 2nd October.

Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 7 - - 26 4 4 1 - - Camel Est: Singles on 19th and 24th Apr: Four on 26th Aug. Carlyon Bay: One on 26th Apr. Harlyn Bay: One on 24th Apr. Par Beach: Two on 24th Apr and one on 28th Apr. Pendeen Watch: Three on 20th Aug and two on 22nd Sep. Porthgwarra: One on 16th Sep. Porth Kidney Beach: Twenty-two on 16th Jul and four on 29th Jul. St. John's Lake: One on 2nd Oct. Trevose Head: One on 23rd Sep.

BLACK TERN - Chlidonias niger Uncommon passage migrant There are considerable variations in annual numbers, between two hundred and five in 1997 and eighteen in 1991.This year's total of sixteen compares very unfavourably with the average of eighty- seven since 1972. The earliest report since 1940 was on 12th April at the Upper Tamar Lake, and the latest on the Tresillian River on 3rd November 1994. The earliest report this year was on 17th July at Gorran Haven, and the latest at Trevose Head on 23rd September. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 - 15 - - - Dozmary Pool: Two on 22nd Sep. Gorran Haven: One on 17th Jul. Pendeen Watch: Two on 22nd Sep. St. Ives: Two on 22nd Sep. Trevose Head: Eight on 22nd Sep and one on 23rd Sep.

COMMON GUILLEMOT - Uria aalge (Guillemot) Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Day counts in the thousands were received quite regularly in the past but none have been received since 1996. The counts of five hundred at Cape Cornwall in each of the last two years are the largest since 1998. Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 500 on 1st Nov. Mevagissey: 102 on 15th May.

Porthgwarra: 134 on 22nd May and 127 on 23rd May.

RAZORBILL - Alca torda Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor The last really large day count was in 1994 when 6,000 were reported past Rumps Point on 30th December. Whilst there were no such large counts this year, the large count of Auks sp. off Pendeen Watch on 29th October may have contained a large number of this species.

85 Reports include: Carbis Bay: 2,000 on 12th Jan. Killigerran Head: 168 on 17th May. Porthgwarra: 244 on 7th May and 119 on 22nd May.

AUK sp. (Common Guillemot or ) Reports include: Newquay: 1,097 on 2nd Apr. Pendeen Watch: 15,000 on 29th Oct: 1,500 on 3rd Nov. St. Ives: 1,150 on 7th Oct: 1,480 on 26th Oct. Trevose Head: 2,021 on 23rd Sep: 2,389 on 5th Oct: 1,436 on 6th Oct: 1,760 on 29th Oct: 3,410 on 1st Nov: 14,246 on 3rd Nov: 4,058 on 16th Nov: 1,920 on 19th Nov: 5,200 on 26th Nov: 3,509 on 27th Nov.

BLACK GUILLEMOT - Cepphus grylle Occasional visitor that sometimes over-winters Marazion: Two on 12th Jan AMJD et al. Porthgwarra: An adult on 22nd May SMC. Rumps Point: An adult on 9th Dec CS. Sennen Cove: A second cal on 4th Jan - 25th Mar was joined by an adult on 6th Jan - 23rd Feb MWa et al: An adult in summer plumage Black Guillimot (Mark Warren) on 4th May TG. The mainland total now stands at c. 81 since 1930. St Ives Bay is the most regular site with sixteen records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19 8 4 7 6 2 - - 4 11 9 11

LITTLE AUK - Alle alle Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor Records of this species are very weather dependant. There were obviously some 'good blows' in 1979 when St. Ives recorded one hundred and thirty-two on 15th December, sixty-five on 28th December, fifty-five on 29th December and thirty-four on 31 st December, and Porthgwarra had one hundred and fourteen on 11th November. This year's total of twenty-five compares with an average of twenty-six since 1943, and of thirty-three for the last ten years. Chapel Point: Singles on 2nd and 14th Nov RL. Gwynver: One on 5th Nov MWa. Hannafore: One on 31st Oct EJW: Three on 2nd Nov DC, SCM. Land's End: One on 13th Nov MWa. Pendeen Watch: Two on 3rd Nov KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 21st Nov SMC, TMC. Porthminster: One on 22nd Jan RKT. Porthpean: One on 24th Nov RL. Portmellon: One on 2nd Nov RL. Sennen Cove: One on 20th Jan BSW. St. Ives: Two on 26th Oct SMC, TMC. Trevose Head: One on 1st Feb SMC: Two on 29th Oct SMC, LW: Five on 3rd Nov SMC, LW. The county mainland total increases to c. 1,450 since 1943.

86 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 130 110 40 4 - - - 1 5 126 520 514

ATLANTIC PUFFIN - Fratercula arctica (Puffin) Uncommon summer visitor, passage migrant and unusual winter visitor The earliest report since 1937 was on 5th January 1988 at Rame Head, and the latest at Newquay on 27th December 1994. The earliest report this year was on 25th March at Porthgwarra, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 21 st November. Reports include: Killigerran Head: Ten on 17th May. Porthgwarra: Eighteen on 22nd May. Atlantic Puffin (Kester Wilson)

FERAL PIGEON / ROCK PIGEON - Columba livia (Rock Dove) Breeding resident Pure Rock Pigeons are unlikely to have survived inter-breeding with feral pigeons.

STOCK PIGEON - Columba oenas (Stock Dove) Breeding residents, dispersing birds and winter visitors There were relatively few reports and no records of large flocks. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 4 13 15 1 3 6 4 4 182 152 58 Reports include: Porthgwarra: Eighty-seven on 25th Oct and eighty-one on 26th Oct: Sixty on 7th Nov.

COMMON WOOD PIGEON - Columba palumbus (Woodpigeon) Breeding resident, passage migrant, dispersing birds and winter visitor Numbers vary from year to year with no particular pattern. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 158 250 338 176 75 36 - - 200 7,656 2,852 377 Reports include: Bolgigga: 1,360 on 24th Oct and 900 on 27th Oct. Cape Cornwall: 800 on 4th Nov. Holmbush: 500 on 8th Nov. Land's End: 650 on 4th Nov. Nanjizal: 500 on 5th Nov were presumably part of the Land's End flock. Porthgwarra: 2,291 on 25th Oct and 700 on 26th Oct. Rame: 500 on 24th Oct. Ruan Lanihorne: 500 on 8th Nov. Sancreed: 1,000 on 25th Oct. Stepper Point: 700 on 23rd Nov.

87 EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE - Streptopelia decaocto (Collared Dove) Resident breeder with some dispersal in spring and autumn The first Cornish report of this species was on 10th June 1959 when one was seen at Trethewey near Porthcurno, and another bird was seen the following year on 24th September at Trethvas, Lizard. Numbers have grown steadily and quite large flocks are now being seen on an annual basis. It is difficult to comment on current numbers as only very large flocks are reported from the majority of sites, whereas it is known that smaller numbers are present at many sites throughout the year. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hoe Point to Rinsey - 2 33 10 4 6 - - - - - Polgigga/St Levan - - - - - 16 80 - 45 136 - Sancreed 6 6 - 6 9 7 7 5 3 5 7 7 Trevose Head - - 3 3 6 2 2 5 1 - - Other reports include: Treleaver Farm: Twenty-seven on 22nd Oct.

EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE - Streptopelia turtur (Turtle Dove) Passage migrant and occasional summer resident that probably bred in 1981, 1978 and 1977. Numbers were similar to last year. The earliest report since 1931 (excluding birds thought to be wintering in 1985/6 and 1992/3) was on 15th March 1996 at St. Ives, and the latest at Holmbush on 11th November 1984. This year the earliest was on 16th April, and the latest at Pendeen on 9th November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 12 24 9 - 4 8 5 1 - Gulval: Two on 30th May. Hayle Est: One on 12th Sep. Kelynack: One on 27th May. Kenidjack: Singles on 23rd Apr and 5th Jun. Land's End/Treve Common: Singles on 23rd and 28th Apr: Two on 28th May: Singles on 29th May - 2nd Jun, 5th Jun, 2nd - 3rd Sep and 15th Sep. Levant: One on 29th May. Lizard point: Two on 26th Apr and three on 27th May. Marazion Marsh: Two on 6th May. Nanjizal: Singles on 16th and 21st Apr, 21st and 29th May, 11th Aug, 5th and 28th Sep and 11th and 15th Oct. Penare: One on 27th Apr. Pendeen: A first cal on 9th Nov. Polgigga: One on 30th Aug. Poly Joke: One on 29th May. Porthgwarra: Singles on 29th May, 1st Jun and 20th Sep. Raftra Farm: One on 9th Oct. Rame: Singles on 24th Apr and 24th May at the Barton and by the Military Road on 31st May. Sancreed: One on 14th Apr. Sennen: Singles on 30th Apr and 4th May: Three on 26th May: Singles on 27th - 28th May and 6th Jun: Two on 10th Jun and one on 23rd Sep. St. Levan: One on 29th Aug. Treleaver Farm: Two on 7th Oct. Trethewey: One on 15th Jun. Trevorian Pool: One on 1st May.

88 Trevose Head: Singles on 24th Apr, 8th - 9th Aug and 24th - 27th Sep. Triffle: One on 7th Jun.

COMMON CUCKOO - Cuculus canorus (Cuckoo) Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Numbers reported this year were a little above the average of the previous four years. The earliest report since 1929 was on 19th February 1968 at Newquay, and the latest at St Columb on 30th November 1984. The earliest report this year was on 2nd April at Colliford Reservoir, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 23rd August. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 23 62 40 7 10 Reports include: Goonhilly Downs: Three on 5th May. Lizard Point: Three on 26th Apr. Smallacombe Plantation: Three on 13th Jun. Windmill Farm: Four on 12th - 13th May.

BARN OWL - Tyto alba Scarce breeding resident with some dispersal Loss of breeding sites, the destruction of habitat and increased road traffic has had a detrimental effect on this vulnerable species. There were reports from sixty-four locations, twelve less than last year, of which three reports were of dead birds. Breeding was reported at only three sites, four less than last year. However, the three sites did not include any of last year's sites so the reduction may result from a lack of reporting, as may the reduction in the number of locations from which reports were received.

LITTLE OWL - Athene noctua Very scarce breeding resident The 1937 report mentions that this species was 'black listed' by Somerset, and Cornwall County Councils for up to five years on unscientific evidence (there was even a theory that they killed birds and mammals in order to later enjoy a feast of carrion beetles at the corpse) and that it had become a rare bird in Cornwall. There was an increase in reports in the early part of the 1990's but numbers have reduced steadily since. With only two reports this year, it will be interesting to see if there are any next year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 Penmillard: One on 5th Dec DRC. Pentire Farm: One on 28th May DE.

TAWNY OWL - Strix aluco Resident There were reports from thirty-six locations, five less than last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 4 1 7 13 3 9 8 4 7 4 1

89 LONG-EARED OWL - Asio otus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor that occasionally breeds Land's End: One ringed on 5th Feb KAW, MWa: One on 13th and 16th Feb was presumably the same BSW: One on 13th Jun CMo, MTE: One on 12th Sep MWa: One on 16th Oct BSW et al. Nanjizal: One on 30th Nov KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 17th Oct SMC, TMC. St. Buryan: One on 1st - 7th Dec SJP: One on 19th Dec MWa. The county mainland total is now c. 113 since 1967. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 11 8 7 5 6 - 6 4 21 16 17 * four undated

SHORT-EARED OWL - Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Monthly totals since 1977 show fluctuations between years but no particular trend. Numbers were low, representing less than half of the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 1 - - - - - 2 7 3 - Arden-Sawah: One on 5th Nov. Bursdon Moor: One on 3rd Jan. Gwithian Towans: One on 10th Nov. Helford: One on 11th Jan. Nanjizal: Two on 18th Oct. Polhawn Cove: One on 16th Oct. Porth Joke: One on 29th Sep. Porthgwarra: One on 25th - 26th Oct. Predannack Downs: One on 18th Mar. Treve Common: Singles on 23rd Sep and 20th Oct. Trevose Head: Two on 14th Oct and one on 8th Nov. 2002: Porth Joke: One on 7th May.

EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus europaeus (Nightjar) Scarce breeding summer visitor and rare passage migrant The Nightjar was formerly a more common breeding species in the county, but is now restricted to a small number of sites. The earliest report since 1932 was on 28th April 1993 at Boswednack, and the latest at Nanjizal on 21st October 1996. The first report this year was on 15th May at Kynance Downs, and the last at Nanjizal on 19th August. Breeding season information was received from the following areas. Figures represent maximum number of 'churring' males. 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Bodmin Moor 1 - 1 3 5 4 1 3 Lizard - Site 1 2 3 3 3 2 2 1 1

90 Site 2 - - - - 2 3 2 - Site 3 2 ------Newquay 1 2 1 2 2 - 1 - St. Austell - Site 1 - - - 2 - 1 2 1 Site 2 - - - 1 - - - - Site 3 - - - 2 - - - - Site 4 - - - 1 - - - - Site 5 - - 1 - - - - Site 6 - - 3 - - - - - West Penwith - Site 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 Site 2 1 - - 2 2 2 1 2 Total 10 11 20 15 14 10 10

COMMON SWIFT - Apus apus (Swift) Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor Numbers recorded can vary appreciably from year to year, and this was perhaps an average year for recent times. The earliest report since 1932 was on 6th February 1995 at St Ives, and the latest on 29th November at Godrevy Point. The first report this year was at St. Germans on 2nd April, and the last on 13th September at Land's End. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 684 2,461 922 477 1,415 4 - - - Reports include: Bake: A partial albino with a white rump on 10th May. Colliford Res: 100 on 11th May. London Apprentice: 100 on 18th May. Pentewan: 100 on 12th May: 150 on 13th May: 250 on 17th May: 200 on 18th May: 150 on 19th May: 200 on 21st May: 100 on 22nd May. Rame Head: 600 on 3rd Aug. St. Germans: 300 on 2nd Aug. Treve Common: 300 on 12th Jun: 150 on 12th Jul. Trereife: 150 on 1st Aug. Trevose Head: 140 on 5th Aug. Walmsley Sane: 300 on 29th Apr: 100 on 12th May.

ALPINE SWIFT - Apus melba Rare vagrant Millbrook: One on 23rd Apr BT. The mainland total is now 23 since 1969. Records are well spread, but with most along the south coast. Approximate monthlv totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 9 3 2 2 1 2 2 - -

COMMON KINGFISHER - Alcedo atthis (Kingfisher) Scarce breeding resident with some dispersal, migrant and winter visitor Reports were received from seventy-four sites, ten more than last year.

91 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 10 10 - 1 5 8 28 44 32 27 24 Reports include: Camel Est: Seven on 14th Sep: Four on 12th Oct. Looe Est: Six on 14th Dec.

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER - Merops apiaster (Bee-eater) Vagrant Brew, Sennen: One on 23rd Jun MWa. Duckpool: One on 26th May FHCK, BBy. Fowey Est: Two on 28th May CT. The county mainland total increases to c. 84 since 1956. There have been a number of multiple occurrences; the largest influx was in 1985 when fifteen birds were seen at Porthgwarra on 26th May. Porthgwarra has most records with twenty-five. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 44 31 7 - 1 - 1 -

HOOPOE - Upupa epops Scarce drift migrant, mainly spring overshoots The average number of records in the 1970's was seven per annum, increasing to almost thirteen in the 1980's and to fourteen in the 1990's. This year's total of twenty-three was close to the highest annual number of twenty-nine in 1996. Amy Tree: One on 28th Feb JM. Brew, Sennen: One on 23rd - 30th Mar MWa. Crows-an-Wra: One on 1 st Apr per DSF. Cubert: One on 21st - 22nd Sep BSW. Drift: One on 2nd Mar BSW. Escalls: One on 6th and 19th Mar MWa. Hendra, Nanquidno: One on 27th Feb BSW. Land's End: One on 17th Mar MWa. Little Kelynack: One on 19th Apr CMo. Mevagissey: One on 26th Mar LB. Newtown: One on 18th Mar SG. Polperro: One on 22nd Mar JMm. Porthcothan: One on 24th Nov SCI. Porthgwarra: One on 30th Mar BSW: One on 28th Aug SML. Rinsey Head: Two on 17th - 18th Mar BSW and one on 21st Mar JMi. Sennen: One on 30th Mar BSW. Skewjack: One on 27th - 30th Mar JR. Talland Hill: Two on 1st May per JMm. Trevose Head: One on 22nd Apr SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 547 since 1932.

92 Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 10 117 229 77 16 7 16 35 25 12 - *three undated

EURASIAN WRYNECK - Jynx torquilla (Wryneck) Scarce drift migrant The average number of records in the 1970's was less than five per annum, increasing to almost twelve in the 1980's and to just over fourteen in the 1990's, catching up with and then surpassing Hoopoe. The previous highest annual total was twenty-eight in 1988. However, numbers this year were exceptional with an estimated sixty-six birds. As usual, most reports were in autumn with only five in spring. Black Head: One on 15th Oct PJB. Caerthillian Cove: One on 15th Apr PAF: One on 27th Apr SFE and three on 28th Aug ASu, SCr: One on 6th Sep SK. Hayle Est: One on 19th Sep BSW. Kenidjack: Singles on 24th Aug PS, 28th Aug CMo, 4th and 11th Sep AB. Kynance Farm: One on 27th August SCr. Land's End: One on 19th - 21st Apr MWa: Three on 28th Aug MWa: One on 3rd Sep BSW: Three on 6th - 7th Sep MrF, DJe, SGR: Singles on 11th Sep and 12th Oct MWa. Lizard Point: Three on 23rd Aug BSW. Morvah: Two on 10th Sep MWa. Nanjizal: Singles on 3rd Sep KAW, 6th Sep MWa and 13th - 19th Oct KAW. Nanquidno: One 9th Apr JDS: Two on 28th Aug and one on 1st, 5th and 11th Sep CMo. Newlyn Coombe: One on 19th - 20th Sep BD. Penberth: One on 16th Oct BSW. Pentire Point: One on 13th Sep SGR. Penzance: One on 27th Aug KAW. Porth Joke: One on 20th Sep SGR. Polperro: One caught by a cat on 8th Sep GDF. Pordenack Point: One on 13th Sep BSW. Porthgwarra: Two on 28th Aug BSW: One on 2nd Sep and two on 4th Sep BSW: One on 6th Sep FHCK, SGR: One on 18th Sep BSW: One on 21st Sep DE: Singles on 24th and 30th Sep BSW: One on 5th Oct SJC. St. Agnes Head: One on 26th Aug BSW. St. Germans: One on 28th Mar A&PB. Sennen: One on 30th Aug - 1st Sep BSW: Two on 4th - 6th Sep BSW: One on 9th Sep BSW: Three on 12th - 15th Sep with one on 17th Sep BSW: One on 24th and 26th Sep BSW. Skewjack: One on 5th Sep JR. Soapy Cove: One on 28th Sep SFE. St. Just: One on 11th Sep BSW. The Lizard: Three on 28th Aug may have been the Caerthillian birds PNP. Treveen: One on 5 th Oct PHA. Windyridge Farm: One on 28th Sep SFE. Zennor: Two on 19th Sep BSW. The county mainland total is now c. 450 since 1946. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 4 22 12 1 1 63 261 80 5

93 GREEN WOODPECKER - Picus viridis Breeding resident Reports were received from seventy-four sites, similar to last year. All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: Chyuerton: Four on 20th Mar. Siblyback Res: Three on 10th Nov. Ventongimps: Three on 14th Feb.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos major Breeding resident, with some dispersal Reports were received from ninety-six sites, sixteen more than last year and the highest since 1998. No more than two birds were reported at any site other than the following: Carbis Moor: Four on 30th May. Crowdy Res: Three on 25th Nov. Goonhilly downs: Three on 5th Jul. Great Grogley Downs: Four on 2nd Jun. Kilkhampton: Eight on 9th Jun. Porthgwarra: Four on 18th Oct. Respryn: Four on 15th Jan.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor Scarce resident Records for the last twenty years indicate that this species has done no more than cling on as a resident and, as Cornwall is on the fringe of its normal range, its future in the county is not certain. Antony House: One heard calling and drumming on 6th May RB. Cross Putty: One on 23rd Jul SMC. Innis Fish Farm: One in flight on 24th Aug RL. Mt. Edgecumbe: One by Hooe Lake Cottage on 11th Oct JCN. Ponts Mill: One calling on 16th Jun. Tideford: One at Cutcrew on 12th Jun and perhaps the same male at Heskyn Bridge on 26th Jun EHW.

GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK - Calandrella brachydactyla (Short-toed Lark) Vagrant Treen/Trethewey: One on 11th Oct DSF, NR, KAW. Trevose Head: One on 24th Sep SMC. The mainland total increases to 29 since 1959. Sennen has had six records, Porthgwarra four and Land's End two. These are the second records at both Treen and Trevose Head. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 4 - - 1 8 11 2

WOOD LARK - Lullula arborea (Woodlark) Scarce visitor that has bred This species was formerly widespread in the county with breeding records from many areas until 1968. There was then a gradual contraction in range, and breeding was last confirmed in 1983. However the national population has been expanding recently and, with birds breeding over the border in Devon, a re-colonisation is not impossible. Certainly, there has been an appreciable increase in the number of records since the winter of 1992/3.

94 Adams Hill, St. Buryan: Two on 1st Nov and one on 9th Nov JL. Freathy: One at Shallow on 13th Oct JCN. Gribbin Head: Eleven on 8th Jan SMC. Land's End: One on 4th Nov MWa. Manaccan: Two on 22nd and 27th Dec ARP. Military Road, Rame: One in fields on 29th Aug AECA, and four on 27th Oct AP. Nanjizal: Present in area 12th Oct - 5th Nov with maximum nine on 2nd and 5th Nov GT, KAW. Nanquidno: One on 31st Oct DJC, NLG. Porthgwarra: Birds present in the area on 19th - 28th Oct SMC, JDB, DSF, with a maximum of four on 25th Oct, may have been some of the roaming Nanjizal birds: One on 21st Nov SMC, TMC. St. Levan: Ten on 24th Nov SMC. Sennen: One on 24th Oct MWa may have been one of the Nanjizal birds. Trevose Head: Singles on 27th Oct, 5th Nov and 8th Nov SMC, LW. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 ------1 - 14 24 2

SKY LARK - Alauda arvensis (Skylark) Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers fluctuate from year to year, and this year's overall totals are in line with recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,644 621 211 102 124 70 2 2 49 1,318 554 714 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Porthgwarra - - - 7 7 4 - - 4 100 50 - Sennen 83 20 ------130 - - Trevose Head 650 410 90 10 - - - - 45 320 270 460 Windmill Farm - - 3 - - - - 2 - 10 2 - Reports include: Coswarth: 250 on 13th Oct. Military Road, Rame: 200 on 22nd Nov. Pentire Point: 450 on 15th Jan. Rame/Penlee 200 on 13th Oct. Trevescan: 110 on 6th Dec. Trevithick: 100 on 12th Jan.

HORNED LARK - Eremophila alpestris (Shore Lark) Rare drift migrant Sennen: One on 21st - 29th Apr MWa et al. The mainland total is now 14 since 1938. Ten of the records have been along the coast between Cape Cornwall and Porthgwarra. Horned Lark (Mark Warren) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 5 1 1 - - 2 - 5 - -

95 SAND MARTIN - Riparia riparia Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor Numbers reported were lower than during recent years. The earliest report since 1932 was on 16th February 2002 at Marazion, and the latest at Penzance on 24th November 1983. This year the earliest was on 1st March at Walmsley Sanctuary, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 19th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1,004 904 568 202 252 38 20 8 - - Reports include: Nanjizal: 120 on 7th Jul. Breeding season records were received for the following colonies. Figures represent number of occupied nest holes: P = present but not counted. 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 Hawkstor Clay Pit 6 3 P - - - - - Park Clay Pit 38 P 90 - - - - 16 Stannon Clay Pit 26 42 ------Treskilling Clay Pit P P 60 20 30 75 46 77

BARN SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica (Swallow) Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Overall numbers reported were similar to recent years. However, the largest flock size reported this year was only of one thousand birds whereas, in the past, much larger flocks of as many as ten thousand (Camel Estuary 1993) and fifteen thousand (Par 1966) have been reported. The earliest report since 1932 was on 6th February 1989 at Portscatho, and the latest at Par on 30th December 1989, but that excludes an over-wintering bird at Penzance from 6th December 1989 until 14th January 1990 and another bird at Marazion on 14th January 1998 that was also assumed to be over-wintering. The earliest this year were on 20th March at St. Germans, and the latest at Trembath on 28th December. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 8 2,271 6,276 549 85 4,430 4,866 584 15 5 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Land's End - - 1 130 600 - - - - 12 4 Marazion Marsh - - 1 100 300 60 20 100 200 1 1 1 Nanjizal - - 1 80 450 - - 200 150 8 1 - Porthgwarra - - - 15 250 6 - 150 70 7 - - St. Austell Bay - - - 50 150 50 - - - - - 1 Sennen - - - 5 150 - - - 400 2 1 - Trevose Head - - 3 155 175 25 27 350 160 7 - - Walmsley Sane. - - 1 350 240 15 - 500 300 - - - Reports include: Bussavean Farm: 100 on 26th Aug. Launceston: 144 on 1st Jun. Lizard Point: 350 on 25th Oct. Lower Tamar Lake: 120 on 15th Sep. Penlee Point, Rame: 1,000 on 23rd Sep and 27th Sep. Sancreed: 100 on 7th Sep. Tredavoe: 200 on 14th Aug.

96 RED-RUMPED SWALLOW - Hirundo daurica Vagrant Land's End: One on 8th May DBn, PWa. Marazion Marsh: The Mayon Cliff bird on 19th - 20th Apr DSF. Mayon Cliff, Sennen: One on 12th - 14th Apr MTE. Nanjizal: One on 13th - 19th Apr was the Mayon Cliff bird KAW: The Land's End bird on 8th May MWa. Walmsley Sane: 24th April CS. 2002: Hannafore: One on 9th Nov GDL. The mainland total is now 34 since 1977. Records are well spread but Marazion Marsh has had six reports, three of them together on 5th - 7th November 1987. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 7 8 - - - - 10 7 -

HOUSE MARTIN - Delichon urbicum Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Good numbers passed through in May, the highest for some years but, otherwise, overall numbers were about average for recent years. The earliest report since 1932 was on 11th February 2001 at Newlyn, and the latest on 27th December 1988 at Crafthole, but there was also an assumed over-wintering bird at Mullion on 17th January 1990. This year the earliest was at on 12th March, and the latest on 24th October at Penzance. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 4 815 3,807 581 25 1,344 1,188 9 - - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Marazion Marsh - - - 20 70 80 6 30 10 - - - Nanjizal - - 1 8 50 - 6 50 - 2 - - Pentewan - - - 100 200 50 ------Porthgwarra - - - - 30 5 - 35 - 1 - - Portmellon - - - 30 50 20 ------St. Austell S.W. - - - 50 250 150 ------Trevose Head - - - 6 12 10 2 248 100 - - - Walmsley Sane. - - - 40 60 18 - - 250 - - - Reports include: Land's End: 100 on 14th May. Penlee Point, Rame: 250 on 23rd Sep. Ponts Mill: 100 on 13th May. Sennen: 300 on 12th Sep. Trevorian Pool: 150 on 29th Aug.

RICHARD'S PIPIT - Anthus novaeseelandiae Annual vagrant in small numbers, mainly in autumn There have been reports every year since 1974 with a maximum annual total of thirty-nine in 1994. There are normally large fluctuations in numbers from year to year, but there have now been eleven records in each of the last three years.

97 Brew, Sennen: A second cal on 21st Apr MWa, KAW: A first cal on 3rd - 4th Oct MWa. Nanjizal: One on 3rd Oct was perhaps the Brew bird KAW: One on 9th Nov KAW: One on 22nd Nov KAW. Nanquidno: One on 12th - 13th Oct CMo. Porth Mear: One on 14th Oct SMC, LW. Porthgwarra: One on 17th Oct SMC, TMC: One on 15th Nov MDW. Treve Common/Land's End: Singles on 26th Sep MTE and 23rd Oct MTE et al. Trevose Head: One on 26th - 27th Sep SMC, LW. The county mainland total is now c. 352 since 1961. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 2 9 1 - - - 66 197 61 14

TAWNY PIPIT - Anthus campestris Vagrant, mainly in autumn Nanjizal: One on 28th Aug KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 3rd Sep SML. The county mainland total is now c. 117 since 1949. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 6 - 3 6 65 31 2 -

TREE PIPIT - Anthus trivialis Passage migrant in small numbers, and breeds in small numbers in east Cornwall Numbers fluctuate from year to year and, this year, overall numbers was above the average of the last seven years. The earliest report since 1935 was on 19th March 1999 at Tregoss Moor, and the latest at Loe Pool on 1st November 1996. This year the earliest was on 8th April at Trevose Head, and the latest at Pinkson Creek on 14th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ - - 18 13 25 4 84 65 5 - - Reports include: Kit Hill: Four on 1st Jun. Land's End: Six on 25th Aug and eight on 26th Aug: Nine on 28th - 31st Aug: Four on 1st Sep and eight on 3rd Sep. Nanjizal: Ten on 27th Aug and eight on 28th Aug: Ten on 31st Aug and six on 3rd Sep. Porthgwarra: Five on 12th Sep. Redmoor: Four on 15th Jun. Sennen: Four on 2nd Sep. Smallacombe: Five in song on 13th Jun. Tregoss Moor: Four on 28th Jun. Trenow(Boat Cove): Four on 30th Apr.

MEADOW PIPIT - Anthus pratensis Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor The number of birds passing through in autumn is always significantly higher than in spring, and this year was no exception. Numbers fluctuate from year to year, and this year's figures were in line with

98 recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 106 519 427 243 19 38 - 115 3,608 2,755 489 67 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Porthgwarra 15 11 13 120 90 73 2 Trevose Head 65 45 35 36 - - - 70 250 190 32 65 Windmill Farm: 27 15 7 15 - - - - 70 40 40 - Reports include: Land's End/Treve Common: 250 on 13th Sep: 350 on 16th Sep: 410 on 24th Sep: 1,300 on 25th Sep: 300 on 5th Oct. Lizard point: 160 on 17th Oct and 110 on 25th Oct. Predannack: 125 on 28th Sep. Rame Head: 100 on 27th Sep: 300 on 6th Oct. Talland Barton: 200 on 17th Oct. Ventongimps: 200 on 14th Feb.

RED-THROATED PIPIT - Anthus cervinus Very rare vagrant Lizard Point: An adult on 11th Oct KBG, CJM, GRS. The mainland total is now 14 since 1983. Previous reports were at Skewjack in 1983, Porthgwarra in 1985, Reskajeage in 1986, Marazion Marsh and Treen in 1990, Sennen and Pentire Head in 1994, Nanquidno in 1995, Porthgwarra in 1996, Nanjizal and The Lizard in 1998, Davidstow Airfield in 1999 and Nanjizal in 2001. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 2 - - - 1 10 - -

ROCK PIPIT - Anthus petrosus Breeding resident with some dispersal and scarce migrant. Rarely seen inland. Reports include: Hannafore: Thirty on 21st Dec. Little London: Twelve on 25th Feb and fourteen on 2nd Mar. Looe Beach: Twenty on 6th Jan. Marazion Beach: Twelve on 12th Mar and eleven on 28th Nov. Par: Fifteen on 21 st Jan and twelve on 20th Oct. Porthgwarra: Fourteen on 21 st Nov. Predannack Cliffs: Eighteen on 25th Feb. Trevose Head: Fourteen on 5th Jan and sixteen on 22nd Mar.

Birds showing characteristics of the form known as Scandinavian Rock Pipit A. p. littoralis, probably quite a regular visitor to the Cornish coastline, were noted as follows: Gwithian Towans: One on 26th Nov KAW. Hannafore: Two on 15th Mar and one on 16th Mar SMC, DC et al. Nanjizal: One on 12th Nov KAW.

99 The county mainland total is now c. 27 since 1969. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 5 12 4 ------3 1

WATER PIPIT - Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Monthly totals for the past twenty-five years show an increasing trend in the number of reports of this species through to the late 1990's, but then declining numbers to 2002. However, the situation has been turned on its head; this was the best autumn on record, not only in Cornwall but also in many places in northwest Europe. Brew, Sennen: Two on 6th Nov flew to Nanjizal MWa: One intermittently on 10th - 21st Nov was trapped on 15th Nov, having previously been ringed at Nanjizal MWa. Crowdy Res: One on 27th Oct - 9th Nov SMC, KC, JDB: One on 15th Dec SMC. Gunwalloe: One on 15th Dec ARP. Gwithian Towans: Three on 26th Nov MWa, KAW, two on 1st Dec MWa and one on 11th Dec BSW. Helston Boating Lake: One on 11th Dec BSW. Landulph Marsh: One on 9th Jan DRC. Lizard Point: One on 25th Oct SMC, KC, JDB. Marazion Marsh: One on 10th Nov - 31st Dec with two on 17th - 30th Dec DSF. Mawgan Porth: One on 10th - 30th Dec SMC. Nanjizal: One on 24th Oct KAW: Present on 6th Nov - 31st Dec with a maximum of fifteen on 15th Dec KAW. Porthallow: One on 30th Dec SFE, ARP. Ruan Lanihorne: One on 12th Feb SMC. Sennen: One on 28th Oct MTE. Siblyback Res: One on 11th Nov to the year end CS, SMC et al. Stithians Res: One on 17th Dec SMC, LW. Walmsley Sane: Two on 2nd Jan - 22nd Mar then one to 13th Apr, but three on 11th and 23rd Mar SMC, SGR: One on 23rd Nov - 23rd Dec and two on 30th - 31st Dec SMC, SGR. Windmill Farm: Singles on 20th Oct and 21st Nov and two on 3rd Dec ARP. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

3 3 2 1 _ _ _ _ _ 5 18 30

Water Pipits (Kester Wilson)

100 YELLOW WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava Passage migrant that bred almost annually from 1956 to 1965 but not since Spring numbers were poor by comparison with the average of recent years, but there was a good autumn passage. The earliest report since 1935 was on 13th March 1993 at Towednack, and the latest at Trevose Head on 7th November 1997. This year the earliest was on 13th April at Trevose Head, and the latest at Trethewey on 17th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 6 23 1 3 99 346 8 - - Reports include: Caerthillian Cove to Lizard: Three on 28th Aug. Church Cove Lizard: Three on 1st Sep. Colliford Res: Two on 17th Aug. Dozmary Pool: One on 24th Aug. Goonhilly Downs: Three on 30th Aug. Gwithian Towans: One on 26th Aug. Housel Bay: Seventy-five on 6th Sep. Land's End: Intermittently on 5th - 14th May with maximum three on the first day: One on 25th and two on 26th May: Intermittently 19th Aug - 26th Sep with maximums of eighteen in Aug and fifty-five in Sep. Lizard Point: Seventy-five on 5th Sep. Marazion Beach: One on 12th Aug. Marazion Marsh: One on 4th, two on 6th and one on 8th May. Nanjizal: Two on 19th Apr and one on 14th May: Singles on 2nd, 3rd and 6th Jul: Intermittently in August with a maximum of ten on 27th Aug; Four on 3rd and one on 25th Sep: Singles on 13th and 16th Oct. Nanquidno: Three on 4thSep, eleven on 14th Sep and twelve on 16th Sep. Par Beach: An albinistic bird on 3rd - 4th Nov. Penlee Battery: Singles on 24th Aug and 3rd October and three on 4th Oct. Porth Joke: Singles on 26th Aug and 13th Sep. Porthgwarra: Singles on 23rd Apr and 22nd May: Two on 16th and one on 19th Aug. Predannack: One on 26th Sep. Predannack Downs: Singles on 29th and 31st Aug. Rame Head: Two on 25th Aug and 19th Sep: Four on 25th Sep and one on 28th Sep. Roskestal: Thirteen on 27th Aug. St. Levan: Three on 6th Sep. Sancreed: Nine on 5th and one on 7th Sep. Sennen: Singles on 16th and 24th Apr: Three on 9th and singles on 14th and 16th May: One on 30th Jun: Three on 12th Sep and one on 15th Oct. Siblyback Res: One on 6th Sep. Stithians Res: One on 1st Sep. Trebudannon: One on 13th Sep. Trethewey: One on 17th Oct. Trevose Head: Singles on 13th Apr, 29th May and 24th - 26th Aug: Two on 13th and 15th Sep: One on 28th Sep. Walmsley Sane: Two on 6th May: Singles on 11th and 17th May: Windmill Farm: Singles on 8th and 20th Aug: Two on 24th Aug: One on 26th - 30th Aug and two on 31st Aug and 5th Sep: Singles on 6th and 13th Sep.

101 2002: Gannel Est: Three on 29th Aug. Porth Joke: Singles on 21st Aug and 18th Sep.

Individuals of the race M.f. iberiae, known as Spanish Wagtail, were noted as follows: Nanjizal: A first cal male ringed on 1st - 2nd Sep showed characteristics of this race KAW. The mainland total is now c. 4 since 1979. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 1

Individuals of the race M. f flava, known as Blue-headed Wagtail, were noted as follows: Land's End: One on 14th Jun MWa. Nanjizal: A pair on 22nd May - 7th July bred and fledged three young KAW. The mainland total is now c. 210 since 1936. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 55 84 13 6 9 39 1

GREY WAGTAIL - Motacilla cinerea Breeding resident with some dispersal, and winter visitor Present on suitable sites throughout the county, but there are normally only small numbers at any one site and the species is probably under-recorded as a result. Numbers reported have been lower during the last four years than during the mid'1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 25 12 20 10 7 18 21 10 127 90 20 12 Reports include. Crowdy Res: Five on 4th Jul. Kenidjack: Five on 19th Oct. Land's End: Five on 5th Sep, twelve on 9th Sep and twenty-seven on 11th Sep. Nanjizal: Seven on 6th Sep and six on 12th Oct. Porthgwarra: Five on 12th Sep. River Allen: Five on 1st - 30th Jan. St. Austell Sewage Works: Eight on 2nd Mar. St. Erth: Five on 19th Oct. Siblyback Res: Five on 26th Jul. Trevose Head: Five on 13th Sep

PIED WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba Common breeding resident and passage migrant that forms roosts in autumn and winter Reported numbers vary according to the size of the winter roosts. The roost of one thousand reported at Treliske Hospital, Truro is the highest ever reported. Approximate monthly totals (M. a. yarrellii): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,854 26 255 75 7 3 12 80 159 289 165 504

102 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Trevose Head 14 - 22 6 - - - 6 23 22 10 - Other reports include: Drift Res: Sixty on 31st Jan. Land's End: Sixty on 11th - 12th Oct. Looe: Fifty on 6th Jan. Par Beach: 130 on 21st Jan. Penzance Harbour: 243 on 16th Jan and 300 on 20th Jan. Predannack Downs: 108 on 11th Oct. St. Austell Sewage Works: 300 on 8th Jan, 150 on 5th Mar, 150 on 30th Nov and 200 on 8th Dec. Treliske Hospital, Truro: 220 on 2nd Jan, 1,000 on 31st Jan and 250 on 1st Dec.

Birds of the nominate continental race M. a. alba, known as White Wagtail, that occur as a regular passage migrant in the county, were noted in good numbers as follows: Davidstow Airfield: Twenty on 28th Aug. Land's End: Twenty on 6th - 7th Sep: Forty on 8th Sep: Twenty-five on 15th Sep. Nanjizal: Twenty-three on 17th Mar: Twenty on 28th Aug: Thirty on 2nd Sep: Sixty-five on 3rd Sep: Twenty-five on 6th Sep: Thirty on 25th and 27th Sep. Sennen: Twenty-five on 27th Aug. St. Agnes: Forty on 19th Mar. St. Hilary: Twenty on 14th Sep. Separating alba and yarrellii in early autumn flocks can be difficult, with many flocks likely to contain some first calendar yarrellii birds. The earliest report since 1935 was on 3rd February 1998 at Par Beach, and the latest also at Par on 12th November 2000. The first report this year was at Sennen on 27th February, and the last on 19th October at Nanjizal. Numbers vary from year to year with no apparent trend. Approximate monthly totals (M. a. alba): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 85 100 1 - - 111 310 75 - -

BOHEMIAN WAXWING - Bombycilla garrulus (Waxwing) Rare winter visitor Devoran: One on 28th Jan per KAW. Golant: One on 2nd Mar per KAW. Lerryn: One on 8th, 10th and 24th Feb PWe, DAC. Mylor Bridge: One on 25th Jan BBa. St. Keverne: One on 22nd - 25th Jan MrsH, SK. The mainland total is now c. 80 since 1951. This species is an infrequent visitor as, although there have been eighty records, twenty were in 1965 and twenty-seven in 1996. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 26 9 - 1 - - - - 2 27 7

WHITE-THROATED DIPPER - Cinclus cinclus (Dipper) Scarce breeding resident

103 Pairs are present on most suitable stretches of the Rivers Camel and Fowey, with the majority of breeding pairs centred on the extremities of Bodmin Moor and with small populations in the middle and west of the county. All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: Churchbridge, West Looe River: Three on 19th Jan.

WINTER WREN - Troglodytes troglodytes (Wren) Breeding resident with a population that may be severely reduced by prolonged cold winters Reports include: Cudden Point: Twenty-four on 22nd Apr. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Sixteen on 24th Feb: Thirty-one on 18th Apr: Thirty-one on 10th May: Twenty-nine on 7th Jun. Little London: Eighteen on 30th Mar. London Apprentice: Fifteen on 19th Jun. Porthgwarra: Forty on 20th Apr: Twenty-five on 27th May: Twenty-six on 1st Jun: Thirty on 17th Oct. Prussia Cove: Twenty-three on 11th May. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Seventeen on 30th Mar: Twenty-one on 6th Apr: Thirty-one on 4th May. Trenow, Boat Cove: Twenty-four on 22nd Apr. Trevose Head: Twenty-five on 14th Oct. Windmill Farm: Sixty on 11th Jan.

HEDGE ACCENTOR - Prunella modularis (Dunnock) Breeding resident and rare passage migrant Reports include: Gannel Est: Twenty on 14th Feb. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Twenty-one on 21st Apr. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Sixteen on 30th Mar. Windmill Farm: Forty on 11th Jan.

EUROPEAN ROBIN - Erithacus rubecula (Robin) Breeding resident and irregular passage migrant in the southwest Reports include: Caerthillian Cove: Forty on 13th Oct. Church Cove, Lizard: Thirty on 13th Oct. Coverack to Beagles: Twenty on 9th Sep and 15th Oct. Housel Bay: Thirty-five on 13th Oct. Land's End: Eighty-five on 18th Mar. Porth Joke: Twenty-four on 3rd May. Porthgwarra: Thirty on 17th Oct. St. Agnes: 100 on 19th Mar. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Thirty-first on 27th Feb: Forty-four on 16th Mar: Thirty-nine on 6th Apr: Thirty-nine on 4th May. Trevose Head: Fifty on 15th Oct: Trevose Head: Twenty-four on 8th Nov. Windmill Farm: Sixty on 11th Jan.

COMMON NIGHTINGALE - Luscinia megarhynchos (Nightingale) Rare passage migrant that bred in 1940 and summered in 1978 and 1989 Kenidjack: One on 24th Apr DBn.

104 The mainland total is now c. 50 since 1945. This is the third record at Kenidjack, there having been previous reports on 19th April 1987 and 10th September 1988. Porthgwarra has most records with nine. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 7 16 4 - 8 12 3 - -

BLACK REDSTART - Phoenicurus ochruros Passage migrant and winter visitor that bred sporadically in the Perranporth area in the 1940's and 1950's Overall numbers vary from year to year with no particular trend. This year's numbers were approximately three per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 38 23 156 12 3 2 2 - 2 11 41 20 Reports include: Cligga Head: Four on 12th Jan. Cot Valley: Four on 18th Mar. Land's End: Thirty-three on 20th Mar. Nanjizal: Five on 7th Nov. St. Agnes: Twenty on 19th Mar.

COMMON REDSTART - Phoenicurus phoenicurus (Redstart) A summer visitor that breeds almost exclusively in the Bodmin Moor area and a scarce passage migrant Found during the breeding season in many wooded valleys and farmsteads on Bodmin Moor, this species is thinly spread with most sightings of single birds. Overall numbers this year were around the average for the previous three years. Breeding was reported or suspected at eight sites. The earliest report since 1935 was on 6th March 1984 at Truro, and the latest at Culdrose Airfield on 21st December 2002. The earliest this year was on 8th March at Mousehole, and the latest at Kenidjack on 8th November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 9 10 8 3 5 14 9 1 - Reports include: Bradford, Blisland: Two on 4th May. Crowdy Res: Two 31st May. King Arthur's Downs: Two on 12th Jun. Land's End: Two on 15th Sep. Smallacombe: Two on 13th July.

WHINCHAT - Saxicola rubetra Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Numbers this year were similar to last year and well above the levels reported for the previous two years. The earliest report since 1936 was on 29th March 1984 at Lelant, and the latest at Copperhouse on 11th December 1984. The earliest this year was on 21st April at Trevose Head, and the latest at Land's End on 21 st November.

105 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 7 2 6 - 283 257 18 1 - Reports include: Colliford Res: Ten on 20th Sep. Land's End: Eighty-one on 26th Aug: Fifty-five on 16th Sep. Porth Joke: Twenty on 1st Sep. Porthgwarra: Ten on 28th Aug.

STONECHAT - Saxicola torquatus Breeding resident with some dispersal that suffers heavy mortality in prolonged cold weather Reports include: Goonhilly Downs: Seventeen on 20th Sep. Gorran Haven: Eight pairs in Apr to Jun. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Fourteen on 17th May. Land's End: Twenty-two on 5th Oct. Porth Joke: Fifteen on 13th Sep. Porthgwarra: Eighteen on 18th Oct. Predannack Downs: Twenty-three on 23rd Aug. Sennen: Thirty-five on 12th Sep Trevose Head: Thirty on 3rd Aug.

NORTHERN WHEATEAR - Oenanthe oenanthe (Wheatear) Summer visitor that breeds primarily on Bodmin Moor and along the coastline, and passage migrant Fewer birds were reported than last year, but more than the average of the previous seven years. Over fifty per cent of the birds ringed in the Land's End area in spring were from the Greenland race Oenanthe o leucorhoa. The first arrived on 9th April and the maximum count was of eleven on 24th April. The earliest report since 1932 was on 22nd February 1993 on The Lizard, and the latest at Poldhu Cove on 1st December, but there was also an apparent over-wintering bird at Kelsey Head on 23rd November 1988 through to 1st January 1989. The earliest this year was on 13th March at Cleave, Calstock, and the latest at Trevescan on 7th Nov. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 161 436 239 35 11 492 470 42 1 - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Davidstow Airfield - - 1 12 - - - 3 2 1 - - Land's End - - 14 50 22 - - 45 45 11 1 - Porthgwarra - - - 3 8 - - 45 30 - - - Trevose Head - - 7 32 8 - - 10 15 1 - - Windmill Farm - - 1 5 1 - - 1 5 1 - - Other reports include: Caerthillian Cove to Lizard: Thirty on 28th Aug. Mill Bay: Twenty on 21st Sep. North Cliffs: Twenty-eight on 24th Apr. Porth Joke: Twenty-one on 6th May. Predannack: Thirty on 28th Aug. RAF Portreath: Twenty-one on 23rd Apr and 10th May.

106 Rame Head: Twenty on 29th Aug. St. Agnes Head: Twenty-seven on 16th Sep. The Lizard: Fifty on 28th Aug.

WHITE'S THRUSH - Zoothera dauma Very rare vagrant 1962: Widemouth, Bude: One on 1st - 2nd January FEC. This record appeared in the thirty-second annual report of the Society but, hitherto, it had not been considered by the BBRC. Details were circulated in 2003 and the record has now been accepted, the first for the county mainland. White's Thrush (Kester Wilson)

RING OUZEL - Turdus torquatus Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor that bred in 1970 and 1996 Numbers this year were approximately sixty-one per cent higher than the average since 1975. The earliest report since 1931 was on 6th March 1977 at Pendeen, and the latest at St Austell on 9th December. However, a wintering bird was seen at both Kingsand on 15th January and Widegates on 22nd January 1987, another was at Mullion on 9th December 1991 until 5th April 1992, and what were considered to be five over-wintering birds were at Blackpool Clay Pit on 11th February 1996. This year the first bird was seen on 21st March on Pentire Point, and the last at Porthgwarra on 1st November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 4 10 - - - - - 67 2 - Bass Point: One on 13th Oct. Beagles Point: A first cal on 14th - 15th Oct. Caerthillian Cove: Two on 16th, five on 17th, four on 18th, one on 20th and two on 24th Oct. Cot Valley: Singles on 4th - 5th and 12th Oct. Freathy: One on 17th Oct. Kenidjack: Singles on 23rd Apr and 5th Oct. Kynance Cove: Five on 17th Oct and ten on 20th Oct. Kynance Farm, Lower Predannack Downs: Two on 17th Oct and three on 20th Oct. Land's End: Two on 14th Apr and singles on 2nd, 15th and 17th Oct. Lansallos: Two on 27th Oct. Lizard Point: One on 18th Oct. Lizard Village: Two on 16th and three on 17th Oct. Loe Bar: One on 17th Oct. Nanjizal: Singles on 23rd Mar, 10th Apr and 12th, 15th, 16th and 18th Oct: Two on 19th Oct. Nanquidno: Singles on 9th Apr and 17th - 19th Oct. Pentire Point: One on 21st Mar. Polhawn Cove: An adult male on 14th Oct. Porth Joke: One on 9th Apr. Porthgwarra: One on 30th Mar and 2nd Oct: Two on 19th Oct and 1st Nov. Sennen: Singles on 23rd Mar and 16th Oct. Soap Cove: One on 22nd Apr. Treve Common: One on 18th Apr.

107 Trevose Head: Singles on 6th Apr and 13th and 16th Oct. Vellandreath: One on 16th Oct. Woodford: One on 19th Apr.

COMMON BLACKBIRD - Turdus merula (Blackbird) Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Although this species does not flock to the extent of some other thrushes, small numbers sometimes gather together during the winter months but usually disperse by the end of February. Numbers I passing vary from year to year with no particular trend. Reports include: Hoe Point to Rinsey: Twenty-one on 28th May. Nanjizal: Eighty on 18th Oct, forty on 19th Oct and sixty on 24th Oct. Par: Twenty-one on 13th Mar, twenty-five on 31st Mar, twenty-two on 8th Apr, twenty on 16th Apr, twenty-seven on 24th Apr and twenty-nine on 1 st May. Pendeen Church: Thirty-three on 9th Nov. Penzance: Twenty-one on 27th Feb. Porth Joke: Twenty-six on 3rd May: Forty on 8th Nov. Porthgwarra: Thirty-six on 18th Oct, thirty on 21st Oct, twenty-eight on 24th Oct and twenty-one on 17th Nov. Sancreed: Fifty-five on 8th Nov and thirty on 15th Nov. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Twenty-three on 27th Feb: twenty-five on 16th Mar, twenty two on 6th Apr and twenty-one on 4th May. Trevose Head: Twenty on 22nd and 27th Mar and 4th Apr: Twenty-two on 6th Apr: Forty on 13th and forty-five on 15th Oct: Sixty-two on 16th and sixty-eight on 27th Oct: 107 on 8th Nov and thirty-nine on 10th Dec. 2002:

Porth Joke: Twenty-five on 28th Oct.

FIELDFARE - Turdus pilaris Passage migrant and winter visitor that summered in the Upper Fowey Valley in 1987 Overall numbers were higher than the previous two years, but lower than the mid and late 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 919 1,122 130 1 - - - - - 2,185 3,086 385 Reports include: Colliford Res: 101 on 16th Dec. Holmbush: 500 on 20th Oct and 2,000 on 8th Nov. Land's End: 340 on 20th Oct. Men-An-Tol: 250 on 3rd Nov. Nanjizal: 150 on 20th Oct. Porthgwarra: 368 on 20th Oct and 107 on 25th Oct. Sancreed: 126 on 22nd Nov. Tregonetha Downs: 330 on 18th Nov. Trevithick: 275 on 12th Jan. Ventongimps: 800 on 17th Feb. Walmsley Sane: 250 on 1st Nov.

108 SONG THRUSH - Turdus philomelos Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers reported vary from year to year and this year's overall numbers are within the range of recent years. Hard winters appear to be a factor as we have recently had mild winters and no flocks above one hundred have been seen since 1997 whereas, in January 1982, "Arctic conditions" produced a flock of five thousand at Bude. Reports include: Brew, Sennen: Thirty-five on 20th Mar. Land's End: Twenty-five on 7th Apr. Nanjizal: Fifty on 18th Oct. Pendeen Church: Twenty-four on 9th Nov. Porth Mear: Twenty-five on 14th Oct. Porthgwarra: Twenty-two on 24th Oct. Sennen: Sixty on 14th Feb and twenty on 4th Nov. Trevose Head: Twenty-two on 15th Oct, twenty-one on 27th Oct and sixty on 8th Nov. Windmill Farm: Twenty-six on 11th Jan.

REDWING - Turdus iliacus Passage migrant and winter visitor The "Arctic conditions" of January 1982 produced fifteen thousand birds at Bude, and a flock of thirty thousand was reported at Truro in October 1983. Numbers this year were higher than the previous four years, but were appreciably lower than during the mid-1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,257 983 68 - - - - - 1 1,189 9,662 568 Reports include: Brew, Sennen: 300 on 16th Nov. Hewas Water: 200 on 2nd Jan. Holmbush: 200 on 22nd Oct and 5,000 on 8th Nov. Porthgwarra: 300 on 5th Nov. St. Germans: 2,000 on 8th Nov. Sennen: 300 on 14th Feb. Treve Common: 250 on 3rd Feb and 400 on 8th Feb. Trevose Head: 427 on 8th Nov.

MISTLE THRUSH - Turdus viscivorus Redwing (Kester Wilson) Breeding resident, scarce migrant and winter visitor Numbers fluctuate from year to year, and this year they were a little below the average of recent years. Reports include: Bastreet: Thirty on 13th Jul. Breney Common: Twelve on 23rd Aug. Davidstow Airfield: Thirty-six on 22nd Jul. Military Road: Ten on 5th Oct.

AMERICAN ROBIN - Turdus migratorius Very rare vagrant Godrevy Point: An adult female on 14th - 31st Dec PAG et al. This first and most welcome addition to the county mainland list provided good views for the many

109 birdwatchers who travelled long distances to see this attractive American visitor. It spent most of its stay in a cattle field and thanks must go to the farmer and the landowner who allowed visitors to enter upon their land.

CETTI'S WARBLER - Cettia cetti Scarce breeding resident, with some dispersal in autumn This recent colonist was first noted in the UK in 1961 and reached Cornwall in 1973. Since then the population has fluctuated because the species is prone to losses during severe winters. Ringing at Nanjizal appears to indicate that birds disperse in late October and November, particularly females. There were reports from ten sites, one less than last year and seven less than 2000. The following table shows numbers of singing males at regular sites (a dash = no count received) 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 Marazion Marsh 6 12 6 10 7 4 10 Par Beach Pool 2 4 4 2 3 2 5 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 2 4 3 2 2 - - 8 6 8 6 Bude Marshes: Singles on 9th Jan, 4th Nov, 3rd - 12th Dec and 25th Dec. Harewood, Calstock: One on 23rd Apr. Harlyn Bay: Singles on 5th Jan, 21st Feb, 28th Mar and 6th and 24th Dec. Little London: Two on 2nd and 30th Mar. Mawgan Porth: One on 26th May. Nanjizal: One on 26th Sep. 2002: St. Columb Porth: One on 29th Mar.

COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia (Grasshopper Warbler) Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant that is rarely reported in autumn Numbers this year were below the average of the previous three years. The earliest report since 1931 was on 3rd April 1998 at Porth Joke, and the latest at Duckpool on 27th October 1988. This year the earliest was on 9th April at Trevose Head, and the latest at Brew, Sennen on 3rd October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 33 13 11 11 3 3 1 - - Reports include: Hensbarrow Downs: Five on 21st Apr. Tremedda Common: Four on 22nd Jul. 2002: Porth Joke: Three on 6th May.

AQUATIC WARBLER - Acrocephalus paludicola Rare drift migrant in autumn Nanjizal: One ringed on 27th Sep JMW, LM-B et al. The county mainland total is now c. 234 since 1951. Marazion is by far the best site with one hundred and seventy-six records, many being found in the years when ringing took place at the site. Stithians Reservoir has Aquatic Warbler (Kester Wilson)

110 seventeen records, twelve of which were found in 1976 when eight birds were ringed. Nanjizal has had one previous record. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------138 83 16 - - * one undated

SEDGE WARBLER - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Overall numbers were a little below the average of the previous three years. The earliest report since 1932 was on 14th February 1998 at Bude Marshes, and the latest at Coverack on 22nd November 1996. This year the earliest was on 21st March at Nanjizal and the latest at Nanjizal on 15th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 75 160 55 90 162 55 2 - - Reports include: Brew, Sennen: Fifteen on 14th May. Land's End: Fourteen on 16th May and ten on 25th May and 26th Aug. Nanjizal: Thirty on 18th and forty on 26th Jul: Forty on 2nd Aug, twelve on 13th Aug and ten on 14th Aug. Par Beach: Twelve on 28th Apr and twenty on 26th Jun. Porth Joke: Twenty on 3rd May. Upper Tamar Lake: Ten on 23rd Aug and twelve on 3rd Sep. 2002: Porth Joke: Fifteen on 6th May.

EURASIAN REED WARBLER - Acrocephalus scirpaceus (Reed Warbler) Breeding passage migrant and summer visitor Forty years ago this species was such a rare visitor to Cornwall that the presence of one on the Camel Estuary on 1st September 1951 warranted a special mention in the introduction to that year's bird report. At that time the species was seen only sporadically, but it has since become a regular breeder in the county's reed-beds. Overall numbers were about average for recent years. Unless they were still heading south from the previous autumn, and assuming that the bird at Porthcurno on 3rd December 1998 was still on migration, the two birds at Land's End may be the first record of over-wintering. The earliest report since 1959 was on 8th March 1998 at Marazion, and the latest at Porthcurno on 3rd December 1998. This year the earliest report was on 12th April at Marazion Marsh, and the latest at Kenidjack on 1st November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - - 19 44 40 11 34 20 14 1 - Reports include: Bude Marshes: Ten on 11th May. Land's End: Two on 14th - 15th Jan: Eight on 28th Mawgan Porth: Six on 26th May. Nanjizal: Ten on 26th Jul and six on 7th Aug. Par: Six on 28th Apr and ten on 26th Jun. Polbrock: Five on 16th Jun. Ill BOOTED WARBLER Hippolais caligata/SYKE'S WARBLER - Hippolais rama 2002: Land's End: One on 10th - 16th Sep MWa et al. The BBRC decided that it was not possible to positively identify this bird as either Booted Warbler or Syke's Warbler. Some Booted Warblers have bills the same length as Syke's Warbler and look very long billed.

Hippolais sp. One at Chynhalls Cliffs on 26th Aug was thought to be an Icterine Warbler.

MELODIOUS WARBLER - Hippolais polyglotta Scarce drift migrant, mainly in autumn Brew, Sennen: A first cal female ringed on 25th Sep MWa. Land's End: A first cal on 24th - 30th Sep MWa. Nanjizal: A first cal on 28th Aug KAW. The county mainland total is now c. 125 since 1931. Most records have been at Porthgwarra where forty-nine have been located, and there have also been eleven at Nanquidno. This is the first record at Sennen although there has now been seven just down the road at Land's End, and seven at Nanjizal. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 2 - 1 35 67 19 1 -

DARTFORD WARBLER - Sylvia undata Rare breeding resident with some dispersal There were thirteen reports of this species prior to 1980, including one of confirmed breeding in 1943. Breeding was again proven on the southeast coast of the county in 1980 through to 1985, but there was a subsequent decline in the area with only sporadic sightings outside the breeding season. Breeding was confirmed on the Lizard in the early 1980's but that population also disappeared. In the early 1990's a small but viable population became established in the Callington area and in 1996 birds were again discovered on the Lizard. Reports away from possible breeding sites were: Bosigran: Three on 3rd Nov. Land's End: One on 31st Oct - 1st Nov. Wheal Kitty: One on 11th Jan. The county total of birds away from possible breeding sites is now c. 105 since 1931. Approximate monthly totals away from breeding sites (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 6 13 10 6 1 - 5 5 25 18 4

SUBALPINE WARBLER - Sylvia cantillans Vagrant, mainly spring overshoots Gorran Haven: One of the western race on 3rd May MDa. Predannack Airfield: A male of the western race on 27th Apr DSF. The county mainland total has now increased to 29 since 1975. These are the first records at all three sites. Nanjizal has most records with five. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 8 16 - - - 1 1 - -

112 LESSER WHITETHROAT - Sylvia curruca Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Numbers were a little above the average of the previous eleven years. The earliest report since 1942 was on 5th April 1995 at Par, and the latest at Hayle on 19th December 1999. However, there was also an over-wintering bird at Torpoint between 5th December 1985 and 26th April 1986. The earliest report this year was on 12th April at Wheal Kitty, and the latest at Land's End on 3rd Sep. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 6 10 9 8 1 - - - Breney Common: A male on 24th Jun. Brew, Sennen: A first cal ringed on 16th Aug. Camel Quarry: A male on 6th Jun - 2nd Jul. Downderry: One on 20th Aug. Duckpool: A male on 26th May. Hayle Kimbro: One on 27th Apr. Helman Tor: A male on 24th Jun. Land's End: One on 3rd Sep. Little Petherick: One on 6th Jun. Maer Lake: One on 11th May. Marazion Marsh: A male on 12th May. Millbrook: Singles on 24th Apr, 29th May and 23rd Aug. Lesser Whitethroat (Kester Wilson) Old Town Cove: A male on 6th Jun - 7th Jul. Padstow: Two on 29th Jun - 7th Aug bred. Perlees Farm: A male on 19th - 24th May. Pinkson Creek: Two on 6th Jul feeding young. Plain-an-Gwarry: One on 3rd Jul and two on 2nd Aug. Tregoss: Two males on 11th Jun. Tregunna: A male on 6th Jul. Walmsley Sane: A male on 12th May. Wheal Kitty: A male on 22nd Apr. Windmill Farm: One on 2nd Aug.

COMMON WHITETHROAT - Sylvia communis (Whitethroat) Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant that over-wintered in 1952/53 Overall numbers appear to indicate a steady increase over the last four years. The earliest report since 1932 was on 31st March 1980 at Epphaven and the latest at Church Cove, The Lizard on 9th November 1996. The earliest this year was on 3rd April at Penlee Point, and the latest at Rame Head on 15th Oct. Reports include: Brew, Sennen: Ten on 29th Apr and twelve on 20th Aug. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Twelve on 10th May, sixteen on 28th May and eleven on 16th Jun. Land's End: Fifteen on 28th Apr, twenty-three on 4th May, thirty on 5th May and fifty-one on 7th May. Nanjizal: Ten on 22nd Apr, thirty on 8th Jul and ten on 13th Aug. Porthgwarra: Twenty on 7th May, fourteen on 18th May, nineteen on 27th May, fourteen on 31st May, nineteen on 1st Jun and ten on 28th Aug.

113 GARDEN WARBLER - Sylvia borin Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Widely distributed in suitable habitat east of Truro. It was formerly scarce in the west of the county, but there are now regular breeding season reports from several areas. Overall numbers appear to indicate a steady reduction over the last four years. The earliest report since 1935 was on 3rd March 2001 at Golitha/Draynes Wood, and the latest near St. Just on 17th November 1982. However, there was also an assumed over-wintering bird that was seen nine times at Phillack between 6th and 25th January 1994. The earliest report this year was on 21st April at Treve Common, and the latest at Trevorian Pool on 28th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 13 20 25 6 4 5 2 - - All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: Brew, Sennen: Five on 9th May - 20th Jun. Downderry: Five on 28th Dec. Helman Tor: Three on 24th Jun. Land's End: Ten on 22nd May. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Three on 4th May. Stithians Res: Three on 22nd Jun. Upper Tamar Lake: Three on 6th Jul.

BLACKCAP - Sylvia atricapilla Breeding summer visitor, passage migrant and winter visitor This species tends to be under-recorded in the summer months, but catches the attention in winter. Reported numbers were below the previous two years but more than 2000. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 29 18 22 125 25 40 1 12 20 169 58 36 Records include: Brew, Sennen: Eight on 18th Oct. Halvana: Six on 7th Jun. Kenidjack: Six on 5th Oct. Land's End: Six on 13th Oct and nine on 27th Oct. London Apprentice: Seven on 19th Jun. Nanjizal Six on 18th and 21st Apr, 9th Aug and 11th Nov: Fifteen on 13th and 18th Oct: Six on 22nd Oct, eleven on 24th Oct and six on 10th Nov. Stratton Terrace, Truro: Six on 1st, 27th and 28th Nov. Trevose Head: Eight on 18th Apr and eleven on 23rd Apr. Vellandreath: Six on 16th Oct. 2002: Porth Joke: Five on 6th May and eight on 1st Sep.

PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus proregulus (Pallas's Warbler) Scarce vagrant in late autumn Boswednack: One on 26th Oct JL. Kenidjack: One on 31st Oct CS. Land's End: One on 23rd Oct and one on 15th Nov MWa. Loe Pool: One on 14th Dec SFE.

114 Nanjizal: One on 15th and 17th Oct KAW. Nanquidno: One on 28th - 29th Oct CMo. Porthgwarra: One on 14th - 15th Nov MDW: One on 25th Nov CDRH. St. Levan: One on 12th - 15th Nov MDW. Sennen: One on 30th - 31st Oct MTE. The county mainland total is now c. 52 since 1975. The county's first record was in 1975, the second in 1979 and then four in 1982. There was then a five-year gap before there were records in three successive years up to 1987. This was followed by another five-year gap and then by annual records from 1994 to 1999. After a good year in 1999 when there were nine records, there were no records for two years and only one in 2002. However, this year is the best ever with eleven records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------35 15 2

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus Regular vagrant that has wintered Brew, Sennen: One ringed on 28th Oct MWa. Cam Trevean: One on 28th Oct BSW. Charlestown: One on 23rd Nov RL. Church Cove, Lizard: Singles on 13th and 24th Oct and 1st Nov SFE. Cot Valley: One on 12th Oct DBn, one on 13th - 14th Oct JDS, two on 15th - 18th Oct BSW and one on 26th - 28th Oct DE. Freathy: One on 9th - 11th Oct MPF, RMF et al. Helston Sewage Works: One on 4th - 5th Jan BSW. Kenidjack: Two on 12th Oct DBn and on 17th - 19th Oct BSW: One on 24th Oct JDS. Kennack Sands: One on 31st Oct PAF. Land's End: Two on 13th Oct: Singles 15th - 16th Oct and 21st - 23rd Oct MWa. Lansallos: One at the coastal end of the valley on 27th Oct RMF. Lelant: One on 23rd - 25th Dec LPW. Nanjizal: Two on 13th Oct: Three ringed on 18th Oct with two remaining to 24th Oct: One on 27th Oct. Nanquidno: Singles on 12th Oct and 24th Oct and two on 25th Oct CMo. Par Beach: One on 28th Oct SMC. Pendeen Church: One on 17th Oct BSW. Polgigga: One on 16th - 17th Oct MDW. Polperro: One on path to Lansallos on 21st Oct DR. Porth Joke: Singles on 11th Oct and 13th - 14th Oct SGR, SMC. Porthcurno: One on 27th Oct JDS. Porthgwarra: One on 15th - 21st Oct with two on 17th Oct: One on 25th Oct: One on 31st Oct SMC, TMC, LW: One on 12th Nov MDW. Sennen: One on 12th - 13th Oct MWa. Skewjack: One on 2nd Dec KAW. Stratton Terrace, Truro: One on 14th Oct DJe. Treve Common: One on 17th - 19th Oct MWa. Trevose Head: One on 15th - 16th Oct SMC, LW. 2002: Porth Joke: One on 16th Oct SGR. The county total is now c. 466 since 1950. This year's total of forty-nine, resulting from the large fall in October, is the highest ever recorded.

115 Approximate monthly breakdown (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 - 1 - 1 - - - 23 385 41 11

HUME'S LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus humei (Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler) Rare vagrant Cot Valley: One on 25th - 26th Oct DBn, MTE et al. The mainland total is now 3 since 1998. The first record was of one in Church Cove, The Lizard on 22nd - 23rd November 1998, and one paid a brief visit to Porthgwarra on 23rd December 2001. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 1 1

RADDE'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus schwarzi Rare vagrant Sennen: One on 12th Oct PSa et al. The county mainland total is now 9 since 1988. All have been found in the far west between the 9th and the 19th of October. Previous records were at Porthgwarra in 1988, Nanjizal in 1989, Porthgwarra in 1995, St. Levan in 1997, Little Kelynack in 1999, and St. Levan and Land's End and Nanjizal in 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------9 -

DUSKY WARBLER - Phylloscopus fuscatus Rare vagrant Land's End: One on 7th - 15th Nov MWa et al. Nanjizal: One on 8th Nov KAW. The county mainland total is now 14 since 1985. Previous records have been at Cot in 1985, Kenidjack and Harlyn Bay in 1992, Bude Marshes and Kenidjack in 1995, Porthgwarra in 1996, Sennen in 1998, Nanjizal in 1999, and Treen and Porthgwarra in 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------6 6 1

WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus bonelli Rare vagrant Nanjizal: One ringed on 26th - 28th Sep JMW, LM-B et al. The mainland total is now 12 since 1958. Previous records were at Marazion in 1958, St Just in 1983 Sennen in 1985, Land's End and Porthgwarra in 1989, Lizard and Porthgwarra in 1990, Land's En( in 1993, and Land's End and Nanquidno and Pendeen Church in 2002. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 8 3

116 WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix A scarce passage migrant, and a rare breeding summer visitor in the past Most breeding season records were received from the broad-leaved woodlands around Bodmin and the valleys of the rivers Fowey, Camel, Lynher and Tamar, but the number of singing males fluctuated and site fidelity was not assured from year to year. Breeding now appears to have ceased as it was last recorded in 2000. The earliest report since 1935 was on 2nd April 1978 at , and the latest at Rame Head on 29th October 1987. This year the first report was at Cot on 21st April, and the last on 17th August at Treve Common. Cot Valley: One on 21st Apr PC. Gweek: One on 21st Apr NH. Treve Common: One on 14th and 17th Aug MWa. The mainland total is now 9 since breeding ceased in 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 2 - - 2 1 2 - -

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus collybita (Chiffchaff) Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, with small numbers over-wintering Numbers have increased during recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 60 31 430 340 76 60 10 92 238 403 293 181 Reports include: Breney Common: Fifteen on 15th Apr. Brew, Sennen: Twenty-five on 10th Nov. Halvana Plantation: Eighteen on 7th Jun. Helston Sewage Works: Eighteen on 7th Jan and twenty on 15th Feb. Jericho Valley: Twenty-three on 4th Apr. Land's End: Sixteen on 16th Mar, twenty-five on 13th Oct, twenty on 20th Oct and twenty-four on 20th Mar. Marazion Marsh: Twenty on 6th Dec. Nanjizal: Thirty on 27th Mar, twenty on 2nd Sep and fifteen on 10th Nov. Park Head: Fifteen on 17th Aug. Porthgwarra: Twenty on 26th Sep, twenty-five on 18th Oct and nineteen on 21st Oct. Siblyback Res: Twenty-five on 17th Sep. Smallacombe Plantation: Nineteen on 13th Jun. St. Agnes: Forty on 19th Mar. St. Austell Sewage Works: Eighteen on 8th Jan, thirty on 5th Mar, forty on 30th Nov and 120 on 25th and 30th Dec. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Nineteen on 6th Apr and twenty-two on 4th May. Trevose Head: Fifteen on 27th Sep.

Pale birds showing characteristics of the Siberian races P. c. tristis and P. c. abietinus (some clines between these two sub-species are similar in look and call, so identifying such individuals is safer when done in the hand) were reported as follows: Brew, Sennen: An abietinus ringed on 6th Nov MWa: A first cal tristis type ringed on 15th - 16th Nov MWa: One on 3rd - 6th Dec MWa. Drift Res: Three on 9th Nov DSF.

117 Harlyn Bay: One on 5th - 6th Jan SMC, LW: One on 24th Dec SMC. Helston Sewage Works: A tristis ringed on 31st Dec GJC. Kenidjack: One on 26th - 31st Dec DBn. Land's End: One on 24th Nov MWa. Marazion Marsh: Two on 12th Feb DSF. Nanquidno: One on 12th Oct BSW. Tolcarne Arms: One on 2nd Feb DSF.

WILLOW WARBLER - Phylloscopus trochilus Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Numbers have been reducing during recent years. Whereas there used to be more Willow Warblers than Common Chiffchaffs at some sites, the converse now applies. The earliest report since 1932 was on 2nd March 2001 at Wheal Kitty, and the latest at Par Beach Pool on 13th December 2001. However, a bird also over-wintered at Helston Sewage Works between 12th December 1996 and 1st January 1997. This year the earliest was on 16th March at Bude Marshes, and the latest was at St. Austell Sewage Works on 19th November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 105 349 65 69 5 276 38 3 1 - Reports include: Breney Common: Thirty on 15th Apr and twenty on 8th May. Bunny's Hill: Twenty on 18th Apr. Land's End: Forty-five on 29th Aug. Treve Common: Twenty on 26th Aug. Trevose Head: Twenty on 17th Aug and thirty on 28th Aug.

GOLDCREST - Regulus regulus Common breeding resident and passage migrant This year's autumn passage was larger than during the previous three years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 18 5 44 44 13 4 2 1 46 776 338 95

Reports include: Brew, Sennen: Twenty on 11th Oct. Caerthillian Cove: Twenty-eight on 18th Oct. Kenidjack: Twenty-five on 5th Oct. Lamorna Cove: Forty on 25th Nov. Loe Pool: Twenty-six on 21st Nov. Nanjizal: Twenty-five on 9th Oct, sixty on 22nd Oct and thirty on 10th Nov. Penberth: Twenty-five on 7th Oct. Pinkson Creek: Forty on 14th Oct.

St. Austell Sewage Works: Twenty on 30th Nov and eighty on 25th Dec.

FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapilla Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor Numbers vary appreciably from year to year and this year was at the higher end of those variations.

118 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19 24 13 - 1 - - 1 22 124 65 37 Reports include: Brew, Sennen: Five on 18th Oct. Lelant: Ten on 1 Oth Oct. Porthgwarra: Seven on 19th Oct and six on 17th and 21st Nov.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Muscicapa striata Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant Reported numbers more than doubled between 2000 and 2002, and numbers were at a similar level this year. The earliest report since 1932 was on 25th March 1979 at Bude, and the latest at St Mawgan on 3rd November 1996. This year the earliest was on 29th March at Treburgey, and the latest was at Trevose Head on 14th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 - 19 31 21 108 69 4 - - Reports include: Blisland: Bred. Bussavean Farm: Ten on 31st Aug. Grotton Plantation, Mt. Edgcumbe Park: Fourteen on 2nd Sep. Land's End: Five on 29th Aug and 5th Sep. Porthgwarra: Six on 29th Aug. Treve Common: Twelve on 16th Sep. Trevose Head: Fifteen on 24th Aug and eight on 28th Aug. Walmsley Sane: Five on 22nd Aug and 1st Sep.

PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant This species first bred at Lanhydrock in 1966. There were only six more confirmed instances in the county up to 1980. Subsequently, small populations became established at Lanhydrock and in the Camel Valley, and more recently in the Upper Fowey Valley. These populations have fluctuated markedly from year to year owing to variable breeding success, but there has been a steady decline since 1993. Numbers were high in August this year, about ten times the average of the previous four years and the highest in most peoples' memories, with a particularly large fall on 26th August. The earliest report since 1933 was on 10th March 1997 at Duckpool, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 6th November 1993. This year the earliest was on 30th March at Warbstow, and the latest at Kenidjack on 17th Oct. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 9 4 10 - 448 52 1 - - All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: Blisland: A pair bred and fledged eight young. Cot Valley: Fifteen on 26th Aug. Kenidjack: Ten on 26th Aug. Land's End: Forty-seven on 26th Aug. Nanjizal: Nineteen on 26th Aug. Porthgwarra: Forty on 26th Aug. Trevose Head: Fourteen on 5th Aug, twenty on 25th Aug and twelve on 4th Sep.

119 BEARDED TIT - Panurus biarmicus An irruptive species that occasionally disperses into the county. Land's End: Two on 27th Oct and five on 8th Nov MWa. Marazion Marsh: Present 21st Oct - 4th Dec with maximums of eight on 26th Oct, seven on 21st Nov and four on 2nd Dec DSF et al. Nanjizal: A pair on 27th October were trapped and had been ringed in Holland in September KAW. Par Beach: One on 28th Oct and two on 29th Oct: Two on 7th, 11th and 28th Nov SMC. The county mainland is now c. 234 since 1965. Many of the historic records are from thirty and more years ago. Twenty two were seen at Marazion Marsh on 17th October 1965, forty were at the same site on 22nd October and nineteen at Porthgwarra on 14th October to 4th November 1972 following an irruption from Holland, and ten were also seen at Marazion Marsh on 27th October 1973. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 8 1 1 1 - - - 185 21 14 *one undated

LONG-TAILED TIT - Aegithalos caudatus Breeding resident that disperses in good breeding seasons Reported numbers appear to indicate a steady reduction in numbers during the last four years. Reports include: Carlyon Bay: Twelve on 3rd Nov. Great Grogley Downs: Eighteen on 2nd Jun. Harlyn Bay: Eleven on 25th Oct. Loe Pool: Twenty-five on 25th Dec. Marazion Marsh: Eighteen on 6th Jan and twenty-seven on 27th Aug. Porth Mear: Sixteen on 14th Oct. St. Austell Sewage Works: Twelve on 8th Jan and sixty on 26th Dec.

MARSH TIT - Parus palustris Breeding resident There were reports of birds from forty localities. The number of birds reported has reduced during each of the last three years. Reports include: Boscundle: Five on 26th Jul. Kilkhampton: Five on 9th Jun. Marsh Tit (Kester Wilson)

WILLOW TIT - Parus montanus Scarce breeding resident The Willow Tit has a patchy distribution in Cornwall, occurring in damp and scrubby woodland to the east and north of Indian Queens, with population centres historically at Goss Moor, Redmoor, St. Austell, Upper Fowey Valley and Tamar Lakes. The species is largely sedentary and has contracted in range. Sightings are rare in the west of the county. Reports were received from only ten localities two less than last year, and the number of birds reported has almost halved. Breney Common: One on 22nd Mar. East Colliford Farm: One on 17th Sep. Goss Moor: Singles on 6th May and 15th Jun.

120 Harrowbridge: One on 8th Jun. Lower Tamar Lake: Two on 9th Jan, singles on 10th Apr and 6th Jul and three on 4th Nov. Luckett Woods: One on 26th Oct. Ninestones: Singles on 16th Apr and 2nd Aug. Park Pit: One on 7th Jun. Trezibbett: Two on 3rd May, 19th Jul and 30th Dec. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 18th Sep.

COAL TIT - Parus ater Breeding resident with some dispersal in good breeding seasons Found in coniferous woodland in the east of the county, and a regular visitor to garden feeders. Birds remain fairly faithful to home ranges, but there can be dispersal in autumn and winter that is thought to result from food shortages. Numbers increased as conifer plantations were expanded, but reported numbers have reduced over the last three years. Reports include: Friendship Wood: Ten on 29th Aug. St. Austell Sewage Works: Five on 12th Dec. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Four on 16th Mar.

BLUE TIT - Parus caeruleus Breeding resident with some dispersal Reports include: Penzance: Sixteen on 27th Feb. River Allen: Seventeen on 1st Jan. St. Austell Sewage Works: Fifteen on 12th Jan. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Twenty-four on 27th Feb and Twenty-nine on 16th Mar: Eighteen on 6th Apr and 4th May. Windmill Farm: Twenty on 11th Jan.

GREAT TIT - Parus major Breeding resident with some dispersal Reports include: Windmill Farm: Twenty on 11th Jan.

WOOD NUTHATCH - Sitta europaea (Nuthatch) Breeding resident The species is found in most suitable deciduous woodland. There were reports from twenty-three localities, fifteen less than last year and twenty-one less than in 2001. Reports include: Kilkhampton: Four on 9th Jun. Respryn: Four on 15th Apr. St. Austell Sewage Works: Six on 24th May.

EURASIAN TREECREEPER - Certhia familiaris (Treecreeper) Breeding resident with some short distance dispersal Reported from thirty-one localities, one less than last year. Reports include: Golitha, Draynes Wood: Two on 23rd Jun. Kings Wood: Two on 12th Jan. 121 London Apprentice: Eight on 19th Jun. Pencavenick Wood: Two on 29th Jan. Porth Res: Two on 29th May. Siblyback: Three on 6th Nov.

EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT - Remiz pendulinus (Penduline Tit) Rare vagrant Land's End: A first cal on 15th - 17th Oct DC et al. The county mainland total is now 6 since 1993. Previous records were of four at Land's End on 11th - 13th October 1993, and one at Ryan's Field in Hayle on 2nd December 1996 - 10th January 1997. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------5 - 1

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE - Oriolus oriolus (Golden Oriole) Scarce passage migrant, mainly spring overshoots from continental Europe that has been annual since 1971 Goss Moor: One on 6th May SFE. Land's End: One on 5th - 8th May MWa. Little Kelynack: One on 5th May CMo. Nanquidno: One on 4th May RWi, LWi. Porthgwarra: One on 27th May BSW. Stithians Res: One on 1st May BSW. Trethewey: A second cal male on 29th May KAW. Windmill Farm: One on 28th Apr per ARP. The county total is now c. 215 since 1945. The average number of records in the 1970's was less than two per annum, increased to over five in the 1980's, and was almost ten in the 1990's. Most reports were received in 1984 when there were twenty-one records. This year's nine is about average for recent years. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 29 152 19 4 3 4 3 - -

RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio Uncommon drift migrant, mainly in autumn, that last bred in 1960 Brew, Sennen: A female on 24th May MWa. Land's End: A first cal on 25th - 30th Aug MWa. Predannack Airfield: An adult male on 7th Jun SK, ARP. Treve Common, Land's End: A male ringed on 11th Jun MWa. 2002: Porth Joke: A first cal on 18th Sep SGR. The county mainland total is now c. 120 since 1940. Sennen has now had four records, Land's End four and Predannack Airfield two. Porthgwarra has had most records with twenty-three. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 - 13 14 _ 16 45 28 3 _

122 WOODCHAT SHRIKE - Lanius senator Rare drift migrant that has been annual since 1979 Land's End: A second cal female on 17th - 20th Apr MWa et al. Nanjizal: A first cal on 4th Sep KAW. Porthgwarra: A second cal female on 17th Jun PJB. Trevose Head: A first cal on 5th - 11th Aug SMC, LW, DMY. The mainland total is now c. 89 since 1949. Land's End has had eight records, Nanjizal three, Porthgwarra eighteen and Trevose Head two. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 13 33 10 2 14 10 5 1 -

EURASIAN JAY - Garrulus glandarius (Jay) Breeding resident with occasional large irruptions An article in the 1983 report provided details of an invasion of this species; there were reports of large movements of Jays across Poland, Northern France and the Channel, and they were first reported in Cornwall on 5th October. There were three thousand and twenty-one recorded between 8th and 14th October and seven thousand four hundred and eight between 15th and 21st October, but they moved on quickly and numbers were back to normal during the last ten days of the month. The largest counts were one thousand two hundred and fifty near St Just on 17th October and one thousand at Mullion on 19th October. A common but under-recorded species that is usually seen as single birds or pairs, it was reported from sixty-one locations, ten less than last year. Reports include: Boscastle: Eleven on 20th Jun. London Apprentice: Six on 19th Apr and 24th May. Trembath: Six on 18th Apr.

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE - Pica pica (Magpie) Breeding resident This is a species that is increasing on a national basis. The largest ever count in the county was one of one hundred and thirty at Treesmill on 24th January 1990. Reports include: Gwallon: Eighteen on 24th Jan. Marazion Marsh: Ninety-seven on 14th Jan, thirty on 10th Feb and eighty on 12th Nov and 3rd Dec. Nansmellyn: Twelve on 31st May Penlee Battery: Ten on 8th Mar. Porthgwarra: Sixteen on 17th Oct. Rame Barton: Fifteen on 1st Mar. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Thirteen on 27th Feb. Truro: Sixteen on 4th Dec.

RED-BILLED CHOUGH - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (Chough) Resident breeder, occasional visitor and escapee This species is an amber listed bird of conservation concern. The small group of Choughs on the Lizard maintained their presence all year, moving widely around the southwest of the peninsula.

123 Reports include: Polperro: One on 6th Apr and several times in early May per JMm. Predannack Head: Six on 8th Jul FJH and on 31st Aug PJB. Rame Head: One on 1st Feb AECA, AJ&SAP. Sennen and the far west: A first cal from The Lizard intermittently on 4th Nov to the end of the year MTE et al. The Lizard: A pair all year fledged three young but one was found dead on 15th Jun.

EURASIAN JACKDAW - Corvus monedula (Jackdaw) Breeding resident Large flocks have been reported in the past, twenty thousand at Porthgwarra on 23rd October 1983, nine thousand at the Ladock roost in 1988 and three thousand at Pinkson Creek on 4th November 1995, but the maximum count this year was only one hundred and fifty on the Gannel Estuary. Reports include: Gannel Est: 150 on 3rd Feb. Tregonetha Downs: 125 on 9th Feb.

ROOK - Corvus frugilegus Breeding resident Of the common members of the family Corvidae, only the Rook has been reducing in numbers on a national basis, most likely owing to changes in the way farmland is worked. A census in 1976 produced reports of six hundred and eighteen rookeries and thirteen thousand nine hundred and thirty-eight nests. Pinkson Creek was the site of a flock of two thousand on 4th November 1995, but this year's maximum was only six hundred at St. Jidgey. Reports include: St. Jidgey: 600 on 27th Jun. St. Just in Roseland: 100 on 10th Apr.

CARRION CROW - Corvus corone Breeding resident Movements of this bird are difficult to detect in the southwest because there is a resident population that moves around in family parties. Large concentrations do occur, mainly at estuaries where there are good feeding areas, and five hundred were reported at Penlee Point on 12th January 1980. This year's maximum was only seventy-five at St. Austell Sewage Works. Records include: Bodmin Moor: Eleven on 6th Apr. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Fourteen on 7th May. Little London: Ten on 30th Mar. Porth Joke: Nineteen on 3rd May. Prussia Cove: Ten on 8th Apr. RAF Portreath: Twelve on 25th Jun. St. Austell Sewage Works: Forty on 13th Mar and 18th May, thirty on 11th Jun and seventy-five on 26th Dec.

HOODED CROW - Corvus cornix Rare Visitor Brew, Sennen: An adult intermittently on 6th Aug - 23rd Oct MWa was seen around the area as far Polgigga.

124 Gwithian Towans: One on 2nd Nov may have been the Brew bird MrF. The county mainland total is c. 61 since 1941. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 7 3 9 7 3 1 3 1 7 6 8

COMMON RAVEN - Corvus corax (Raven) Breeding resident Many sightings are of pairs calling to each other as they fly overhead, but they also gather in flocks. Reports include: Bussavean Farm: Thirty on 1st - 30th Jan. Colliford Res: Twenty-six on 7th Feb. Ninestones: Forty-five on 14th Feb. Park Pit: Twenty-eight on 7th Feb and thirty on 30th May. Trago Mills: Twenty-two on 27th Sep.

COMMON STARLING - Sturnus vulgaris (Starling) Breeding resident and winter visitor Most winter visitors have left the county by the end of February. Breeding takes place across the county, but information during the summer months is very limited. The mild winters of recent years are presumably the reason why we are not seeing the numbers that caused an observer at Crowdy Reservoir in 1991 to comment "millions, too many to count". Numbers this year were much higher than during the previous three years. Reports include: Crowdy Res: 1.5 million in Nov and Dec. Dobwalls: 2,000 on 16th Nov. Gannel Est: 900 on 4th Feb. Land's End: 1,000 on 14th Jan and 6,000 on 31st Oct. Marazion Marsh: Maximum counts of 200,000 in Jan, 50,000 in Feb, 100,000 in Nov and 200,000 in Dec. Nanjizal: 7,000 on 9th Nov. Porthgwarra: 1,300 on 25th Oct. Trethewey: 2,000 on 17th Jan. Trevorian Pool: 3,000 on 31st Jan. Trewidden: 1,000 on 23rd Nov and 4th Dec.

ROSY STARLING - Sturnus roseus (Rose-coloured Starling) Regular vagrant Cadgwith: One on 4th - 11th Jun GT. Connor Downs: A first cal on 1st - 2nd Oct ARP. Goldsithney: Last year's bird to 20th Mar PAD. Millbrook: An adult photographed at Hounster Hill on 6th Jun RK per KP. Penzance: Last year's bird on 28th Jan - 11th Mar BSW: Two first cal on 15th Oct with two to 24th Oct and one the end of the year per KAW. Lamorna: One on 24th Aug per KAW. Land's End/Sennen: A first cal on 19th Sep - 15th Oct, with two on 29th Sep - 4th Oct MWa. Millbrook Lake: One on 6th Jun per KAW. Perranporth: A second cal on 6th - 23rd Jan JC. South Petherwin: A first cal on 28th Oct AMJD. Trevescan: Two on 24th Oct RJH, AH, FRC. The county mainland total is now c. 78 since 1965. After last year's major influx of approximate!] twenty-five birds, the twelve birds recorded this year seemed to be an anticlimax but was in fact thi second highest number ever recorded. Land's End/Sennen has now had eleven records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - - - 1 20 8 3 17 21 5 1

HOUSE SPARROW - Passer domesticus Breeding resident This species has suffered a dramatic reduction in numbers across the . Number reported increased appreciably this year, but may be the result of increased reporting rather than increased numbers. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Pelynt, Beacon Park 43 29 22 14 11 11 25 61 51 32 31 32 Sancreed 12 8 6 4 8 8 6 6 4 4 4 24 Other reports include: Chyuerton: Twenty-four on 20th Mar. Deweymeads: Twenty-six on 25th Jan and thirty-one on 5th Oct. Dobwalls: Seventy on 30th Aug. Hayle Est: Eighteen on 22nd Mar. Holmbush: Twenty on 1st Mar. Lower Clubworthy: Thirty-five on 22nd Mar and twenty on 6th Apr. Mount Faddens, St Just: Fifty on 10th Sep. Newlyn Coombe: Thirty-five on 2nd Aug. Par: Twenty-eight on 16th Oct. Philleigh: Forty on 31 st Aug. Polgigga: Thirty-two on 14th Aug. St. Columb: Forty-five on 25th Dec. St. Stephen, Foxhole: Sixty-three on 27th Feb, fifty-five on 16th Mar, sixty-seven on 25th Apr and thirty-four on 4th May. St. Winnow: Forty on 9th Nov. Skewjack: Twenty on 14th Aug. Treburgey: Thirty on 29th Mar. Treginegar: Forty on 16th Aug. Trerulefoot: Nineteen on 5th Sep. Trevalgan Farm: 100 on 17th Aug. Trevose Head: Seventy on 13th Aug. Treworga: Sixty on 31st Aug.

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW - Passer montanus (Tree Sparrow) Occasional sightings of dispersing birds but bred in 1990 and 1999 - 2002 It is known that most sightings are likely to be of dispersing birds, with the peak in May to be birds searching for new nesting sites. Land's End: One on 16th - 17th Apr may have been one of last year's birds MWa. The county mainland total is c. 228 since 1945. Porthgwarra is the most frequently visited site with seventeen reports of sixty-nine birds.

126 Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 6 6 82 8 14 8 4 45 19 16 * nine undated

CHAFFINCH - Fringilla coelebs Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers reported were a little higher than last year and a good deal higher than the previous two years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ,510 1,197 222 258 109 26 15 10 28 4,261 5,887 2,075 Reports include: Argal Res: 250 on 17th Dec. Gerrans: 300 on 2nd Jan. Gribbin Head: 450 on 8th Jan. Gwithian Towans: 250 on 26th Nov. Land's End: 440 on 17th Oct and 800 on 7th Nov. Lanhydrock: 350 on 12th Feb. Nanjizal: 1,500 on 7th Nov. Penlee Battery: 250 on 22nd Nov. Porthgwarra: 800 on 25th Oct. Seaton, Keveral Farm: 300 on 26th Nov to the end of the year. St. Levan: 380 on 24th Oct. Trevose: 489 on 26th Oct, 435 on 5th Nov and 320 on 6th Dec. West Looe Downs: 300 on 2nd Feb Windmill Farm: 250 on 22nd Nov and 750 on 8th Dec.

BRAMBLING - Fringilla montifringilla Winter visitor and passage migrant Numbers were higher this year than during the previous four years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 8 1 3 - - - - 1 172 237 62 Report include: Argal Res: Thirty-five on 17th Dec. Land's End/Sennen: Twenty-two on 27th Oct and twenty-six on 5th Nov. Nanjizal: Forty on 7th Nov. Porthgwarra: Twenty-sixth on 24th Oct.

EUROPEAN SERIN - Serinus serinus (Serin) Drift migrant and occasional winter visitor Land's End: One on 6th Apr MWa. Nanjizal: One on 6th Apr may have been the Land's End bird KAW. Porthgwarra: A female on 4th May DSF: A male on 30th May CMo, MTE: One on 23rd and 25th Oct SMC, KC, JDB. Treve Common, Land's End: A first cal on 1st Nov MWa. Trevose Head: A male on 4th, 12th and 18th Apr SMC, LW, PMM. Windmill Farm: Two on 21st - 24th Nov CBo, SCH, ARP, MT.

127 The county total now advances to c. 131 since 1967. Land's End has had seven records, Nanjizal eleven, Porthgwarra thirty-one and Trevose Head five. Our new reserve at Windmill Farm has had its first two records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 9 9 20 20 1 - - 9 32 25 5

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH - Carduelis chloris (Greenfinch) Breeding resident that disperses widely This species wanders widely and has become well adapted to a suburban lifestyle, feeding on garden bird feeders. Numbers were less than last year but similar to 2001. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 52 92 173 224 111 49 152 104 67 1,109 998 193 Reports include: Higher Lampetho Farm: Fifty on 23rd Oct. Land's End: 350 on 23rd Oct. Marazion Marsh: Sixty on 10th Dec. Par Beach: 150 on 30th Jul. Porthgwarra: 143 on 19th Oct. St. Columb: Fifty-five on 25th Dec. Trevose Head: 136 on 16th Oct, 545 on 8th Nov and fifty on 24th Dec.

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH - Carduelis carduelis (Goldfinch) Breeding resident, summer visitor, passage migrant and winter visitor Overall numbers have been at a similar level during each of the last four years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 40 51 76 192 91 18 13 563 1676 830 220 519 Reports include: Argal Res: 420 on 17th Dec. Colliford Res: 120 on 5th Sep and 130 on 17th Sep. Deweymeads: 100 on 31st Aug. Land's End/Sennen: 125 on 25th Sep and 150 on 1st Oct. Porth Joke: 180 on 19th Aug. Rame/Penlee: 200 on 24th Sep and 100 on 5th Oct. St. Agnes Head: 125 on 3rd Sep. Triffle: 150 on 28th Sep. Upper Tamar Lake: 180 on 23rd Aug. 2002: European Goldfinch (Kester Wilson) Porth Joke: 100 on 24th Aug and 15th Sep.

EURASIAN SISKIN - Carduelis spinus (Siskin) Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Prior to 1970, the Siskin was only a rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Winter numbers increased almost annually and the species then established itself as a regular breeding species in the mid-1980's, partly owing to the increase in coniferous plantations on Bodmin Moor. Whilst this year's numbers were a little lower than last year, they were higher than the two previous years.

128 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 474 34 222 15 35 81 11 - 47 703 56 11 Reports include: Brew, Sennen: Seventy-two on 11th Oct Camel Est: Sixty on 2nd Jan. Nanjizal: 120 on 11th Oct. Pentire: 110 on 2nd Mar. Trevithick: 300 on 12th Jan.

COMMON LINNET - Carduelis cannabina (Linnet) Breeding resident, summer visitor and passage migrant Unlike many farmland species, there has not been a dramatic reduction in the Linnet population and they can be seen on most open areas of coastal gorse during summer. Numbers reported this year were higher than during the three previous years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May J un Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 750 205 273 754 384 128 57 870 2,990 6,455 380 1,020 Reports include: Camel Est: 420 on 28th Sep, 332 on 27th Oct, 120 on 1st Nov and 350 on 24th Dec. Cheesewring: 400 on 13th Sep. Chynhalls Cliffs: 400 on 17th Sep. Gribbin Head: 200 on 8th Jan. Lanhainsworth: 250 on 19th Aug. Lizard Point: 2,500 on 13th Oct. Porthgwarra: 220 on 12th Sep. : 200 on 9th Dec. Rame/Penlee: 500 on 27th Sep and 5th Oct, 800 on 14th Oct and 350 on 22nd Nov. Tregantle: 500 on 5th Jan. Wiggle: 200 on 5th Oct.

LESSER REDPOLL - Carduelis cabaret (Redpoll) Scarce resident, uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Although better than 2000, numbers this year were a good deal lower than the two previous years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 3 3 15 23 3 1 1 12 6 - All reports were of one to three birds apart from the following: Halvana: Six on 7th Jun. Porthgwarra: Four on 26th Oct. Smallacombe Plantation: Fifteen on 13th Jun.

COMMON CROSSBILL - Loxia curvirostra (Crossbill) Occasional winter visitor that has been recorded annually since 1979 and has bred Numbers of this irruptive species vary substantially from year to year. The aggregate of monthly totals was only eighty-one this year, below the average of one hundred and sixty-eight for the previous ten years that contained the exceptional year of 1997 when the aggregate was nine hundred and six.

129 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 17 24 - - 2 - 14 5 5 8 - Brew, Sennen: One on 18th Aug MWa. Churchbridge: Six on 12th Jan AJ&SAP. Croft Pascoe: Four on 10th Aug and 12th Oct SFE. Crowdy Res: Two on 15th Jun SMC. Hustyn: Eleven on 13th and 15th Feb SMC. Land's End: Three on 11th Sep and two on 18th Sep MWa. Middle Taphouse, Largin Wood: Six on 1st Feb KR: Twenty-four on 2nd Mar EHW. Nanjizal: One on 8th Aug and three on 25th Aug KAW: One on 5th Oct PHA, RW. Trewidden: One on 6th Aug BD. Trezibbett, Upper Fowey Valley: Eight on 23rd Nov JCN. Truro: Four on 13th Aug DE. 2002: Hayle Est: Two on 1st Sep SGR. Holman's Moors: Twenty on 1st Sep SGR. Porth Res: Eight on 27th Aug SGR. Treveal: One on 1st Sep SGR.

COMMON ROSEFINCH - Carpodacus erythrinus (Scarlet Rosefinch) Regular vagrant, mainly in autumn Brew, Sennen: A first cal ringed on 25th Sep MWa. Land's End: One on 9th Oct MWa. Nanjizal: A first cal on 5th Oct PHA, RW, KAW: One on 11th Oct KAW. The county mainland total increases to c. 35 since 1945, with all but two since 1984. This is the first record at Sennen; there have been two at Land's End and five at Nanjizal. Porthgwarra has most records with seven. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - - 2 3 2 - 11 15 1 -

COMMON BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula pyrrhula (Bullfinch) Breeding resident with some dispersal This timid species tends to move around in pairs or small family groups and, consequently, is often not fully recorded. Ringing activities indicate that there is a continuous small turnover of birds after the breeding season, further increasing the difficulty of compiling accurate information. The number of birds reported this year was lower than during the previous three years. Reports include: Great Grogley Downs: Eight on 2nd Jun. Halvana Plantation: Six on 7th Jun. St. Blazey: Twelve on 8th Jan. Smallacombe Plantation: Eight on 13th Jun. South Petherwin: Five on 16th Jan. Treliske Hospital, Truro: Six on 3rd Jan.

130 HAWFINCH - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Occasional visitor Nanjizal: A female on 18th and 21st Oct KAW. Polperro: Two feeding on the seeds of a cordaline palm on 18th Jan JMm. The county total is now c. 97 since 1933. Records are well spread, but Porthgwarra has had six records and Nanjizal has had eight. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 4 8 9 5 6 7 - 4 32 7 7

LAPLAND LONGSPUR - Calcarius lapponicus (Lapland Bunting) Scarce drift migrant in autumn, and rare winter visitor that is rarely seen inland There was considerable growth in the numbers with an average of eleven per annum in the 1970's and forty-six in the 1980's, but the average then reduced to forty in the 1990's and 2000's. This year's total of thirty-one was approximately three per cent above the average of the previous ten years. Adams Hill, St. Buryan: JL. Godrevy Point: One on 15th Dec ARP. Kelsey Head: One on 16th Nov SGR. Land's End: Singles on 13th Sep and 13th Nov MWa. Nanjizal: One on 11th - 13th Oct KAW: One on 24th Oct KAW. Pengirt Cove: Two on 23rd Feb SMC. Pentire Point: Two on 15th Jan SMC. Porthgwarra: Two on 20th Oct, one on 21st Oct, two on 24th Oct, four on 25th Oct, one on 26th Oct and one on 28th Oct SMC. Raftra Farm: One on 28th Oct SMC. Sennen: Singles on 14th and 24th Oct MWa. Stithians Res: Two on 12th Oct DE. Trevose Head: Two on 5th, 15th and 17th Jan: Four on 19th Jan and 2nd Feb: Two on 23rd Feb and one on 26th Mar: One on 13th and 16th Sep: Four on 27th Oct and one on 1st Nov: Three on 6th Dec, one on 7th Dec, five on 10th Dec and one on 24th Dec SMC. The county total is now c. 1,047 since 1960. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 7 4 2 - - - - 205 560 238 21 * one undated

SNOW BUNTING - Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon drift migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor The approximate monthly totals for the last twenty-five years show considerable fluctuations in numbers between years, but no particular pattern. Numbers were below average this year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 3 3 - - - - - 1 6 1 4 Adams Hill, St Buryan: One on 16th - 17th Mar. Brew, Sennen: Two on 16th Oct. Carnyorth: One on 1st Oct. Fraddon: One on 3rd Mar. Godrevy Point: One on 30th Sep.

131 Goldsithney: One on 3rd - 10th Dec. Harlyn Bay: One on 7th Dec. Kelsey Head: One on 16th Nov. Nanjizal: One on 9th and 12th Oct. Perranporth: One on 1st Jan - 4th Mar, with two on 1st - 8th Feb. Porthgwarra: One on 21st Oct: One on 9th Dec. Porthoustock Valley: One on 3rd Mar. St. Ives: One on 7th Oct: One on 19th Dec: One on 27th Dec. Trevose Head: One on 14th - 17th Jan and two on 19th Feb.

YELLOWHAMMER - Emberiza citrinella Breeding resident with some dispersal. Like all members of the Emberizidae family, the Yellowhammer is becoming a less and less common sight in the British countryside, its numbers having reduced more quickly than any other farmland species. Overall numbers reported were a little higher than last year, but below 2000 and 2001. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Kilkhampton - - 2 3 5 - 2 - - - - - Pelynt, Beacon Park 14 12 10 11 7 5 3 - 1 - - 3 Sancreed 4 5 3 5 4 2 - 1 - 1 2 2 10 6 7 3 ------2 Trevose Head - - 1 1 - - - - - 2 - 2 Reports include: Coswarth: Fifteen on 13th Oct. Gribbin Head: Eight on 8th Jan. Metherell: Twelve on 12th Mar. Penare: Eleven on 10th Jan and twenty-five on 11th Feb. Pentire point: Ten on 15th Jan. St. Columb: Ten on 1st Jan. St. Michael Penkevil: Twenty-three on 30th Dec.

CIRL BUNTING - Emberiza cirlus Rare resident that bred up to 1999 There has been a protracted decline over the last twenty years of this once common and widespread farmland species. Up to fifteen pairs were located in the southeast of the county in 1967 and birds were still present at fifteen sites in 1975. The UK population is almost exclusively restricted to south Devon but a recent increase in that population has not been reflected in Cornwall where this species now maintains only the most tenuous of footholds. Indeed, the CM Bunting has become so rare in Cornwall that we wish to receive descriptions for all sightings unless the 'three observer' rule applies. The RSPB is very keen to receive information about sightings so that, if it is established that birds frequent a particular area, they can make efforts to introduce special land management schemes. Penlee Battery: One by the car park on 10th Nov BK. Rame Head: One by the church on 2nd Aug BT.

ORTOLAN BUNTING - Emberiza hortulana Scarce drift migrant, mainly in autumn Cot Valley: One on 31st Aug MTE. Hendra, Nanquidno: One on 6th Sep DBn.

132 Housel Bay: Two on 5th Sep PAF. Two adults and three first cal on 6th Sep SK. Kenidjack: One on 28th Aug MTE. Lizard Village: A first cal on 28th Aug ASu, PNP. Nancherrow: One on 4th Sep BSW. Nanjizal: A first year female on 2nd - 5th Sep KAW. Nanquidno: One on 31st Aug BSW. Porthgwarra: One on 29th Aug SML, MCH: Two on 4th Sep JDS, four on 5th Sep SML, MCH and three on 6th Sep DSF: One on 18th Sep BSW. Raftra Farm: One on 28th Aug KAW. Sancreed, Trennack Farm: Two on 7th - 10th Sep BSW. Sennen: Two first cal on 5th - 6th Sep MWa. St. Levan: Four on 6th Sep SGR. Trevose Head: A first cal on 25th Aug SMC: A first cal on 13th Sep SMC, LW. The county mainland total is now c. 184 since 1956. Most records have been at Porthgwarra where there have been twenty-eight reports. There have been twenty-one at Trevose Head, twenty-six at Land's End/Sennen, fourteen at Lizard and eleven at Nanjizal. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 3 - - 17 137 24 1 -

LITTLE BUNTING - Emberiza pusilla Rare vagrant Sennen: A singing male ringed on 30th Apr - 3rd May MWa et al. Porthgwarra: One on 25th Oct SMC, CDRH. The mainland total is now c. 16 since 1979. Previous records were at St. Eval in 1979, Rame Head and Porthgwarra in 1981, Skewjack in 1983 and 1984, Lizard in 1986, Sennen in 1987, Tregonetha Downs and Bude and Cape Cornwall in 1992, Porthgwarra in 1993 and 1994 and 1998, and Rame and Sennen in 2002. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 - 6 1 - - - - 5 2 -

REED BUNTING - Emberiza schoeniclus Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers vary from year to year with no particular trend; this year they were better than last year, similar to 2000 and a good deal less than 2001.

Reed Bunting (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 34 18 25 18 13 23 5 5 7 37 32 32

133 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Windmill Farm 7 7 13 - - 3 3 3 3 1 3 5 Reports include: Gribbin Head: Ten on 8th Jan. Haye: Thirteen on 27th Dec. Marazion Marsh: Eight on 23rd Apr, six on 24th Oct and seven on 10th Dec. Penare: Six on 11th Feb. Perranporth: Seven on 25th Jan. Porthgwarra: Ten on 25th Oct. Redhill Downs: Fourteen on 15th Nov. Trevose Head: Six on 10th Dec.

CORN BUNTING - Emberiza calandra Uncommon breeding resident This species is a red listed bird of conservation concern. Corn Buntings nest later in the season than most farmland birds and their nests are susceptible to harvesting operations. Many farmers on the north coast are now managing their land under the Countrywide Stewardship scheme especially for Corn Buntings. Crops that are not harvested provide safe nesting habitat as well as a year round seed supply, and grass margins provide good foraging opportunities. The RSPB advise that its main foothold is now reduced to a narrow coastal strip between Rumps Point and Newquay, with most of the breeding records coming from only four sites. This year only one pair was found during the breeding season on the North Cliffs, a former stronghold of this vulnerable species, indicating a further range contraction. The record of forty-three birds at Trevose Head in January is the highest since 1998 when there were forty-four birds at the same site. The farmer planted a sacrificial crop that helped to sustain the birds throughout the year. Birds were also found wintering in small numbers at other breeding locations, notably around Porthcothan. Overall numbers reported have increased for the last two years after reducing in 2001. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Trevose Head 43 2 6 21 - - - 12 6 10 9 25

134 REPORTS FOR WHICH DETAILS ARE STILL REQUIRED

All the 2003 reports listed below require documentation as descriptions have not been submitted by observers. If you saw and can confirm the details of any of these birds, please forward a description to the County Recorder. Purple Heron: One at Par Beach on 3rd Jul: One at Pendarves on 30th Apr: One at Towednack on 30th Mar. American Black Duck: One at Stithians Res on 16th Jul. Lesser Scaup: One at Land's End on 10th Dec. Smew: One at Polhawn Cove on 15th Feb. Black: Kite: One at Goonhilly Downs on 2nd Jun. One at Restronguet on 30th May: One at St. Buryan on 29th May. Sabine's Gull: An adult at Pendeen Watch on 1st Sep: One at Porthgwarra on 18th Aug. Ring-billed Gull: One on the Camel Estuary on 17th Feb: One on the Gannel Estuary on 11th Jan: An adult at Stithians Reservoir on 3rd Apr: A second cal at Swanpool on 15th Feb. Roseate Tern: One at Hayle Est. on 20th Jul. Alpine Swift: One at St. German's on 2nd Aug. European Bee-eater: One at Sennen on 14th Jun: One at St. Just on 15th Jun. Aquatic Warbler: One at Marazion Marsh on 15th - 16th Aug. Melodious Warbler: One at Nanquidno on 26th Sep. Little Bunting: One at Cot Valley on 17th Oct: One at St. Austell Sewage Works on 11th Apr.

FIRST AND LAST DATES FOR SUMMER MIGRANTS (Excluding wintering individuals)

Species Arrival Site Departure Site

European Storm-petrel 19th May Portmellon 7th Oct Pendeen Watch Garganey 18th Mar Nanjizal 23rd Oct Hayle Estuary Eurasian Hobby 2nd May Walmsley Sanctuary 22nd Oct Rame Head Little Plover 29th Mar Camel Estuary 6th Sep Siblyback Reservoir Wood Sandpiper 2nd Jun Windmill Farm 15th Sep Upper Tamar Lake Sandwich Tern 15th Mar Mount's Bay 25th Oct Mount's Bay Common Tern 8th Apr Carbis Bay 26th Oct Hayle Estuary Arctic Tern 20th Apr Harlyn Bay 5th Nov Camel Estuary Little Tern 19th Apr Camel Estuary 2nd Oct St. John's Lake Black Tern 17th Jul Gorran Haven 23rd Sep Trevose Head European Turtle Dove 16th Apr Nanjizal 23rd Aug Porthgwarra Common Cuckoo 2nd Apr Colliford Reservoir 23 rd Aug Porthgwarra European Nightjar 15th May Kynance Downs 19th Aug Nanjizal Common Swift 2nd May St. Germans 13th Sep Land's End Sand Martin 1 st Mar Walmsley Sanctuary 19th Oct Porthgwarra Barn Swallow 20th Mar St. Germans 28th Dec Trembath House Martin 12th Mar Callington 24th Oct Penzance Tree Pipit 8th Apr Trevose Head 14th Oct Pinkson Creek Yellow Wagtail 13th Apr Trevose Head 17th Oct Trethewey Alba/White Wagtail 27th Feb Sennen 19th Oct Nanjizal Common Redstart 8th Mar Mousehole 8th Nov Kenidjack Whinchat 21 st Apr Trevose Head 21st Nov Land's End Northern Wheatear 13th Mar Cleave, Calstock 7th Nov Trevescan

135 Ring Ouzel 21st Mar Pentire Point 1 st Nov Porthgwarra Common Grasshopper Warbler 9th Apr Land's End 15th Oct Nanjizal Sedge Warbler 21st Mar Nanjizal 15th Oct Nanjizal Eurasian Reed Warbler 12th Apr Marazion Marsh 1 st Nov Kenidjack Lesser Whitethroat 22nd Apr Wheal Kitty 3rd Sep Land's End Common Whitethroat 3 rd Apr Penlee Point 15th Oct Rame Head Garden Warbler 21st Apr Treve Common 28th Oct Trevorian Pool Wood Warbler 21 st Apr Cot 17th Aug Treve Common Willow Warbler 16th Mar Bude Marshes 19th Nov St. Austell Spotted Flycatcher 29th Mar Treburgey 14th Oct Trevose Head Pied Flycatcher 30th Mar Warbstow 17th Oct Kenidjack

CONTRIBUTORS R. C. S. Abbott (RCA) B. Byrne (BBy) M. T. Elliot (MTE) H. Adkins (HA) C. Byrne (CBy) S.F. Elton (SFE) P. G. Akers (PGA) K. Cairns (KC) D. Eva (DE) M. K. Ahmad (MKA) F. R. Cannings (FRC) L. G. R. Evans (LGRE) P. H. Aley (PHA) T. M. Carne (TMC) C. Eyre (CE) D. M. Allen (DMA) F. E. Carter (FEC) G. Fabbram (GF) R. E. Allen (REA) N. Chambers (NC) D.S. Flumm (DSF) A. Andreae (AA) J. Chappie (JC) T. Folland (TF) A. E. C. Aston (AECA) J. Chesher (JCr) P.A. Fraser (PAF) A. Atkinson (AAt) D. J. Chown (DJC) R. P. Fray (RPF) B. Baker (BBa) M. P. Christophers (MPC) Mr. Freeston (MrF) C. C. Baker (CCB) S. M. Christophers (SMC) M. P. Frost (MPF) D. E. Balmer (DEB) B. Chugg (BC) R. M. Frost (RMF) R. Barlow (RB) S. Clark (SCI) R. Fuller (RF) Mr. Basset (MrB) P. Clarke (PC) G. D. Fullery (GDF) M. Battern (MBa) D. Clegg (DC) P. A. Gainey (PAG) N. Bayl (NBa) D.A. Conway (DAC) S. Gantley (SG) N. Beasley (NB) G. J. Conway (GJC) J. Gask (JG) P. J. Bedford (PJB) E. J. Cook (EJC) G. S. Gay (GSG) M. Beer (MB) C. Coombes (CC) T. George (TG) C. Beesley (CB) F. M. Couch (FMC) K. B. Gillam (KBG) R. M. Belringer (RMB) D. R. Courtnell (DRC) J. J. Gilroy (JJG) L. Bergis (LB) S. Cox (SC) R. W. Gould (RWG) G. S. Bilbao (GSB) S. J. Cox (SJC) N. L. Grace (NLG) C. L. Bingham (CLB) B .T. Craven (BTC) G. Grant (GG) A. Birch (AB) P. S. Crockett (PSC) M. Greenwood (MG) Birding South West (BSW) S. Croft (SCr) R. Greenwood (RG) J. Birkett (JB) D. J. Curtis (DJCu) E. Griffiths (EG) W. E. Birkett (WEB) M. Dando (MD) G. Gruitt (GGr) R. Bishop (RBp) A. M. J. Davey (AMJD) M. Guillisord (MGu) A. & P. B. Blonden (A&PB) M. Davis (MDa) E.G. Gynn (EGG) T. Blonden (TB) R. & H. Dawson (R&HD) M. C. Hall (MCH) B. Bowler (BB) D. G. Dennis (DGD) N. J. Hallam (NJH) C. Boyd (CBo) R. Dennis (RD) A. P. Hancock (APH) A. Boyt (ABo) B. Dodd (BD) B. Hannaford (BHan) K. W. Brewster (KWB) C. & J. Duffy (C&JD) J. Hannaford (JHan) D. Brown (DBn) PA. Dukes (PAD) R. Hannaford (RHan) J. D. Bryden (JDB) I. & E. Dunn (I&ED) R. Harper (RHa) P. Bulfield (PBu) S. R. Eddy (SRE) R. E. Harbird (REH) S. Bury (SB) P. Edmonds (PE) A. Harding (AHar) C. Butters (CBu) S. B. Edwards (SBE) J. Harris (JH)

136 R. Harris (RH) A. J. Mackay (AJM) T. Riddle (TR) T. Hasdell (TH) A. G. Mackonochie (AGM) K. Rigby (KR) J. Hawkey (JHy) P. S. Madge (PSM) A. Riley (AR) M. J. Healan (MJH) S.C. Madge (SCM) R.D. Riley (RDR) C. D. R. Heard (CDRH) S. Mahood (SM) G. P. Rowe (GPR) A. Herbert (AH) J. Makeham (JMm) S. G. Rowe (SGR) R. J. Herbert (RJH) J. Manners (JM) Royal Air Force Ornithological C. Hewes (CH) S. F. Marshall (SFM) Society (RAFOS) Mrs. Hewes (MrsH) L. Marshall-Ball (LM-B) M. J. Rule (MJR) R. Hibbert (RHi) A. Mason (AM) D. Russell (DR) N. Hilton (NH) R. McCartney (PMcCa) P.A. Rutter (PAR) G. Hobin (GH) P. McCartney (PMcC) J. Ryan (JP) R. Hoddinott (RHo) P. M. McGenity (PMM) K. Safa (KS) J. Holmes (JHo) P. McKeogh (PMcK) P. Sanpier (PSa) P. Howland (PH) S. McMahon (SMcM) A. Saunders (ASu) F. J. Hull (FJH) C. J. Meaney (CJM) B. Saunders (BS) G. Husband (GHu) J. Middleness (JMi) G. Sayner (GSa) S. C. Hutchings (SCH) C. Moore (CMo) C. Selway (CS) S. Jackson (SJ) R. Moors (RM) P. Semmens (PS) S. F. Jackson (SFJ) B. C. Morris (BCM) P. T. Sillifant (PTS) E. C. James (ECJ) J. C. Nicholls (JCN) V. Simpson (VS) J. W. James (JWJ) P. Norris (PN) R. Smaldon (RSm) R. M. James (RMJ) W. C. Northcott (WCN) R. L. Smith (RLS) D. Jenkins (DJe) M. Northey (MN) G. R. Sparshott (GRS) D. Jennings (DJen) R. J. Olliver (RJO) D. Spers (DS) D. V. Johns (DVJ) M. Orchard (MO) B. A. Staley (BAS) D. Johnson (DJ) H. Orford (HO) G. Stevenson (GS) R. Johnson (RJn) P. O'Shea (PO'S) A. B. Stewart (ABS) R. A. Jones (RAJ) A. J. & S. A. Park (AJ&SAP) I. R. Stewart (IRS) M. Jordan (MJ) R. Parslow (RP) W. Stewart (WS) D. I. Julian (DIJ) J. Pask (JP) J. & R. Stockhausen (J&RS) D. Kelsall (DK) E. Paterson (EP) B. Stone (BSt) I. C. H. Kendall (IK) P. N. Paul (PNP) I Stone (IS) F. H. C. Kendall (FHCK) A. R. Pay (ARP) G. P. Sutton (GPS) R. Kerslake (RK) A. Payne (AP) J. D. Swann (JDS) J. Kersley (JK) D. H. Payne (DHP) A. Swash (AS) R. W. Key (RWK) S. J. Pearman (SJP) D. Swash (DS) J. Kirk (JKi) A. R. Pease (ARPe) R. & J. Symons (R&JS) B. Kirkpatrick (BK) K. Pellow (KP) B. Taggart (BT) S. Kolodziejski (SK) R.D. Penhallurick (RDP) G. J. Tamlyn (GJTa) R. Lane (RL) J.C. Pert (JCP) A. & A. Tate (A&AT) A. A. Langford (AAL) Mr. Phillips (MrP) J. F. Tetley (JFT) J. Lawman (JL) B. M. Phillips (BMP) C. Thomas (CT) M. Lawson (MLw) N. R. Phillips (NRP) G. H. Thomas (GHT) M. Leggatt (MLe) R. M. Phillips (RMP) G. Thompson (GT) J. D. Leslie (JDL) T. F. Phillips (TFP) T. Thompson (TT) G. D. Lewis (GDL) A. S. Pilbeam (ASP) G. Thorburn (GT) S. M. Lister (SML) T. K. Plummer (TKP) R. K. Treeby (RKT) T. Lister (TL) S. Preddy (SP) L. A. C. Truscott (LACT) R. C. Loader (RCL) P. Priske (PP) S. Tucker (ST) L. Lock (LL) T. Pritchard (TP) V. R. Tucker (VRT) A. Lord (AL) L. J. Proctor (LJP) G. J. Tuckett (GJT) J. Lord (JLo) P. Rainsden (PR) M. Tunmore (MT) M. Lord (ML) M. Rashley (MR) R. E. Wake (REW) P. J. Luxford (PJL) N. Renwick (NR) P.A. Wakelin (PAW) B. M. Lye (BML) C. Richards (CR) J. Waldon (JW)

137 M. D. Wallace (MDW) S. C. Wicks (SCW) I. M. Wilson (IMW) P. Walsh (PWa) C.White (CW) J. M. Wilson (JMW) M. Warren (MWa) R. White (RW) K. A. Wilson (KAW) R. S. Warren (RSW) W. J. White (WJW) P. M. Wilson (PMW) J. C. Wasse (JCW) M. K. Wightman (MKw) K. Wood (KW) B. L. Webb (BLW) L. Wilkins (LWi) P. Wood (PW) D. Webb (DW) R. Wilkins (RWi) J Worth (JWo) L. Webb (LW) E. H. Williams (EHW) J. Wright (JWt) P. Weberhard (PWe) L.P. Williams (LPW) D. M. Yelland (DMY) C. W. Westwood (CWW) E. J. Wilson (EJW)

GAZETTEER

This list contains most of the place names mentioned in the Systematic List. Grid references refer to the four-figure square in which the site (or the majority of it) lies. All sites are marked on the 1:25 000 or 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey maps (Landranger series), sheets 190, 200,201, 203 and 204.

Acton Castle SW5528 Bilton Wood SX3169 Bosanketh Adams Hill SW4025 Biscovey SX0653 Boscadjack Alex Tor SX1178 Bishops Quay SW7225 Boscastle Allen Valley SX0476 Bishops Wood SX0070 Boscawen Park, Truro Allet SW7948 Bissoe SW7741 Boscathnoe Reservoir Altarnun SX2281 Black Head, Coverack SW7716 Boscawen Park Alverton SW4630 Black Head, St. Austell SX0447 Boscawen Pond Amble Confluence SW9774 Black Rock SW6634 Boscawen Rose Amble Marshes SW9874 Blackacre SW9461 Boscoppa Amy Down SX3666 Blackcombe Wood SX2874 Boscundle Anderton SX4352 Blackcross By-pass SW9060 Bosigran Angarrack SW5838 Blackpool Clay Pit SW9854 Bosistow Antony SX3954 Blacktor Downs SX1573 Bosjewans Valley Antony Estate SX4156 Blindwell SX4252 Boskenna Antony Passage SX4157 Blisland SX0973 Boskenwyn Arallas SW8544 Blue Hills, St Agnes SW7252 Bosloe Arden-Sawah SW2722 Boat (Trenow) Cove SW5329 Boslowick Argal Reservoir SW7632 Bochym SW6820 Boslymon Ashill SW6142 Bodelva Moor Ponds SX0555 Bosorne Ashton SW6028 Bodgara SX2686 Bosporthennis Badger's Cross SW4833 Bodieve SW9973 Bossiney Bake SX3258 Bodigga Cliff SX2754 Bosullow Common Baldhu SW7742 Bodinnick SX1352 Boswarthen Barms Nose SX0589 Bodmin SX0666 Boswarva Barriper SW3863 Bodmin Moor SX1876 Boswednack Bartinney Downs SW3929 Bodmin Parkway Stn SX1164 Boswens Common Basset's Cove SW6344 Bodmin Sewage Works SX0566 Boswin Bass Point SW7111 Bodrugan SX0143 Boswinger Bastreet SX2476 Bofarnel Downs SX1163 Botallack Battery Rocks SW4729 Bogee Farm SW9069 Botallack Head Baulk Head SW6522 Bohetherick SX4167 Botherick Bawden Rocks SW6545 Bois House SX1774 Botus Fleming Beacon Cove SW8466 Bojewyan SW3934 Bowithick Beagles Point SW7616 Bolgigga SX2754 Boxheater Bear Wood SX1164 Bolingey Marsh SW7653 Boyton Bear's Downs SW8968 Bolventor SX1876 Bradford Bearah Tor SX2574 Bone Valley SW4632 Bradworthy Bedruthan Steps SW8469 Bonython SW6920 Brane Beeny Cliff SX1092 Booby's Bay SW8575 Bray's Cot Pool Berry Down SX3755 Boquio Downs SW6633 Brea Bethel SX0352 Borlase Wood SW8540 Breage

138 Brea Hill SW9277 Cam Gloose, Gurnards Head SW4338 Colliford Lake Park SX1773 Breney Common SX0561 Cam Gloose, St Just SW3531 Colliford Reservoir SX1772 Brew, Sennen SW3625 Cam Kenidjack SW3832 Colquite SX0570 Brickmoor Plant'n SW7951 Camanton SW8764 Com Head SW9480 Brill SW7229 Came Creek SW7725 Common Moor SX2469 Brockabarrow Common SX1574 Camevas SW8672 Congdon's Shop SX2878 Brocton SX0168 Cam-les-Boel SW3523 Constantine SW7329 Browngelly Downs SX1972 Cammenellis SW6936 Constantine Bay SW8574 Bruggan Farm SW7114 Camon Bridge SW7839 Coobe Farm, Maker SX4251 Bucklawren SX2655 Camon Downs SW8040 Cooksland SX0867 Bude SS2106 Carnpalla SW9754 Coombe SS2111 Bude Bay SSI 607 Camsew Pool SW5537 Coombe, Feock SW8340 Bude Breakwater SS2005 Camweather Point SW9580 Coombe, Fowey SX1151 Bude Marshes SS2005 Carnworthy Water SX 2291 Coombe, Lynher River SX3662 Bugle SX0159 Carnyorth SW3733 Coombe, St Austell SW9552 Bunning's Park SX1872 Carracawn Cross SX3257 Coombe, Tehidy SW6242 Burniere SW9873 Carricknath Point SW8432 Copperhouse Creek SW5637 Burniere Point SW9874 Carrick Roads SW8335 Cornwall College, Camb SW6641 Burnt House SX2166 Carthew farm, St Issey SW9571 Coronation Park, Wadeb SW9871 Burras SW6734 Camvannel Downs SW6444 Coswarth SW8659 Buryas Bridge SW4429 Carworgie SW9060 Cot Valley SW3630 Bury Down SX1959 Castle Beach SW8131 Cotehele SX4268 Bush SS2307 Castle-an-Dinas (East) SW9462 Cotehele Woods SX4268 Bussavean Farm SW8047 Castle Gate SW4934 Cotton Wood SX0167 Bussow Reservoir SW5039 Castle Homeck SW4530 Coverack SW7818 Butterstor Plantation SW1577 Cataclews Point SW8776 Cowlands Creek SW8340 Butter's Tor Marsh SX1678 Cat's Cove SW8576 Crafthole SX3654 Butterwell, Nanstallon SW0267 Catchall SW4327 Crankan SW4633 Cabilla Woods SX1365 Catchfrench SX3059 Crantock SW7860 Cadgwith SW7214 Cawsand SX4350 Crean SW3824 Cadsonbury SX3467 Cawsand Bay SX4450 Cremyll SX4553 Caer Bran SW4029 Chapel Amble SW9975 Creney Farm SX0761 Caerhays SW9741 Chapel Point SX0243 Crinnis SX0551 Caerloggas SW9557 Chapel Porth SW6949 Croft Pascoe SW7220 Caerthillian Cove SW6913 Charlestown SX0351 Croft Pascoe Pltn SW7219 Calenick Creek SW8343 Chasewater SW7444 Croft Pascoe Pool SW7319 Callington SX3669 Cheesewring SX2572 Crooklets Beach SS2007 Calstock SX4368 China Fleet Club SX4258 Cross Lanes SW6921 Camborne SW6540 Chiverton Cross SW7446 Crousa Downs SW7618 Camel Estuary SW9374 Chiverton Farm SW5429 Crowan SW6434 Camel Quarry SW9537 Churchbridge SX2158 Crowan Reservoir SW6535 Camel River SX0267 Church Cove, Gunwalloe SW6620 Crowan Beacon SW6635 Camelford SX1083 Church Cove, Lizard SW7112 Crowdy Reservoir SX1483 Candra SX1179 Chybucca SW7848 Crowlas SW5133 Canonstown SW5235 Chyenhal SW4528 Crows-an-Wra SW3927 Cape Cornwall SW3531 Chyauster SW4734 Crugmeer SW9076 Carbis Bay SW5239 Chynhalls Point SW7817 Cubert SW7857 Carbis Moor SX0255 Chy Pond SX1772 Cubert Common SW7859 Cardinham SX1268 Chyuerton SW7951 Cudden Point SW5427 Cardinham Woods SX1067 Clapper Bridge SX3565 Culdrose SW6626 Cargenwen/Crowan Res. SW6535 Clarrick Wood SX4351 Culdrose Airfield SW6725 Cargloth SX3354 Cleave Camp SS2012 Curgurrell Beach SW8837 Cargreen SX4362 Clift SX4055 Cury SW6721 Carland Cross SW8453 Clifton SX4264 Cutcrew Mill SX3386 Carlean Wood SW6042 Cligga Head SW7353 Cutmere Bridge SX3260 Carloggas Downs SX0256 Clitters SX3772 Dairyland SW9658 Carluddon SX0155 Clodgy Point SW5041 Danescombe Valley SX4269 Carluddon Mica Dam SX0054 Coads Green SX2976 Dannonchapel SX0382 Carlyon Bay SX0551 Cober Valley, Wendron SW6731 Daubuz Moor, Truro SW8245 Carminow Cross SX0865 Colan SW8661 Davidstow Airfield SX1485 Carminowe Creek SW6524 Coldrose Farm, Truro SW8248 Davidstow Woods SX1484 Cam Bosavern SW3730 Coldvreath SW9858 Daymer Bay SW9277 Cam Brea, Camborne SW6840 College Reservoir SW7633 Degibna Wood SW6525 Cam Brea, St. Just SW3828 Colliford Dam SX1771 Delabole SX0683 Cam Galver SW4236 Colliford Downs SX1871 De Lank Water Works SX1376

139 Demain Farm SW9042 Foage SW4637 Gull Rock, Portreath SW6445 Dennis Cove SW9274 Forder, Kingsand SX4250 Gull Rocks, Penhale Pt SW7559 Dennis Head SW7825 Forder, Saltash SX4158 Gulland Rock SW8778 Dennis Hill SW9274 Four Lanes SW6838 Gulval SW4831 Denzill Mill SW8956 Fowey SX1251 Gunnislake SX4371 Deveral Common Sw4031 Fowey Estuary SX1254 Gun Point SW9176 Devoran SW7939 Foxhole SW9654 Gunver Head SW8977 Deweymeads SX1772 Fraddon SX9158 Gunwalloe SW6522 Diggory's Island SW8467 Freathy SX3952 Gunwalloe Marsh SW6621 Dinas Head SW8476 Friendship Wood SW5431 Gurnard's Head SW4338 Dinham Woods SW9774 Froe SW8633 Gwallon SW5231 Ding Dong SW4334 Froe Creek SW8633 Gwavas SW7113 Dinham Bridge SX0373 Frogpool SW7640 Gweek SW7026 Dinnaboad SX0481 Gannel Estuary SW7961 Gweek Woods SW7025 Dobwalls SX2164 Garras SW7023 Gwendreath SW7316 Dodman Point SX0039 G arrow Tor SX1478 SW3621 Dollar Cove SW3425 Garvinack Farm SW7748 Gwenter SW7417 Doublebois SX1965 Gear Common SW4436 Gwenver SW3627 Downas Valley SW7617 Geevor Mine SW3734 Gwinear SW5937 Downderry SX3253 Geonamarth Farm SW9855 Gwithian SW5841 Doyden Point SW9680 Germoe SW5929 Gwithian Towans SW5841 Dozmary Pool SX1974 Gerrans SW8735 Gwynver SW3627 Draynes SX2169 Gerrans Bay SW9037 Gyllyngvase Beach SW8031 Draynes Bridge SX2268 Gerrans Point SX0348 Halamanning SW5530 Draynes Common SX2170 Gillan SW7824 Halfway House, St Jidgey SW9469 Draynes/Golitha Wood SW2268 Gillan Creek SW7725 Halloon SW9159 Drift SW4328 Gillan Harbour SW7825 Hallworthy SX1887 Drift Reservoir SW4329 Gillhill Wood SX2257 Hals Grave SW9571 Droskyn Point SW7554 Gillhouse SX1873 Halsetown SW5038 Duckpool SS2011 Glebe Cliff SX0488 Halton Quay SX4165 Duloe SX2358 Glendurgan SW7727 Halvana Plantation SX2077 Dunmere SX0467 Godolphin Cross SW6131 Halwyn SW9374 Dunmere Wood SX0468 Godolphin Wood SW6032 Halzephron Cove SW6521 Dunveth Farm, St Breock SW9872 Godrevy Island SW5743 Hannafore SX2552 Duporth SX0351 Godrevy Point SW5743 Hannafore Point SX2552 Durgan SW7727 Godrevy Towans SW5842 Hannibal's Cam SW4336 East Colliford SX1870 Golant SX1254 Hare wood SX4469 East Coombe SX7509 Goldsithney SW5430 Harlyn SW8775 East Looe SX2553 Golitha/Draynes Wood SX2268 Harlyn Bay SW8775 East Looe River SX2554 Golitha Falls SX2268 Harlyn Pools SW8775 East Moor SX2177 Goonbell SW6951 Harpur's Downs SX1179 East Taphouse SX1863 Goonhavern SW7853 Harrowbarrow SX4070 Eastern Green Beach SW4830 Goonhilly Downs SW7219 Harrowbridge SX2074 Edmonton SW9672 Goon Husband SW6625 Hatt SX3961 Efflins SW8570 Goonzion Downs SX1767 Hawker's Cove SW9177 Efford SS2004 Gorran Haven SX0141 Hawk's Tor, Temple SX1475 Egloshayle SX0072 Goss Moor SW9459 Hawkstor Clay Pit SX1474 Emblance Downs SX1277 Grampound SW9348 Haye SX4166 Empacombe SX4452 Great Bosullow SW4133 Hayle SW5637 Enniscaven SW9659 Great Grogley Downs SX0167 Hayle Bay, Camel Est. SW9379 Ennisworgey SW9361 Great Hogus SW5130 Hayle Estuary SW5537 Epphaven Cove SW9679 Great Keiro Moor SW9675 Hayle Kimbro Pool SW6916 Escalls SW3626 Great Wood, St Winnow SX1256 Hayle Mill Pond SW5536 Fairy Cross SX1262 Greeb Point, Veryan Bay SW9740 Hayle River SW5436 Falmouth SW8032 Greeb Point, Portscatho SW8733 Hayle Towans SW5638 Falmouth Bay SW8130 Greenaway SW9278 Heamoor SW4631 Falmouth Docks SW8132 Greensplat SW9955 Helford SW7526 Fenteroon Bridge SX1082 Greystone Wood SX3679 Helford Passage SW7626 Feock SW8238 Gribbin Head SX0949 Helford River SW7726 Ferry Farm, Calstock SX4569 Grochall SW6914 Heligan SW9946 Fiddlers Green SW8254 Grogley Halt SX0168 Helland SX0770 Fishing Cove SW5942 Grumbla SW4029 Hellandbridge SX0671 Fistral Bay SW7961 Guineaport SW9971 Hellesveor SW5040 Flushing SW7825 Gull Rock, Boscastle SX1193 Helligan Wood SX0872 Flushing Beach SW8033 Gull Rock, Nare Head SW9236 Hell's Mouth SW6042

140 Helman Tor SX0661 Kilkhampton SS2511 Little Petherick SW9172 Helston SW6627 Killigerran Head SW8732 Little Petherick Creek SW9273 Helston Amenity Area SW6526 Killivose Wood SW3864 Lizard Downs SW6913 Helston Boating Lake SW6527 Kilmarth SX0952 Lizard Point SW6911 Helston Sewage Works SW6526 Kilmar Town SX2574 Lizard Village SW7012 Helstone SX0881 Kilminorth Woods SX2354 Loe Bar SW6424 Hemmick Beach SW9940 Kings Wood SX0048 Loe Beach SW8238 Hendersick Farm SX2352 Kingsand SX4350 Loe Pool SW6424 Hendra, Manhay SW6931 Kingsmill Lake SX4261 Loe Valley SW6526 Hendra, Nanquidno SW3629 Kit Hill SX3771 Loggans Moor SW5739 Hensbarrow Downs SW9957 Kuggar SW7216 London Apprentice SX0050 Hepwell SX3064 Kynance Cliff SW6713 Long Island SX0790 Herodsfoot SX2160 Kynance Cove, Godrevy SW5843 Long Rock SW4931 Hessenford, Looe SX3057 Kynance Cove, Lizard SW6813 Long Rock Pool SW5031 Hewas Water SW9649 Kynance Downs SW6814 Longdowns SW7434 Highburrow SW6325 Kynance Farm SW6714 Longstone SX0673 High Cliff SX1294 Labour-in-Vain SW6744 Looe SX2553 Higher Bostraze SW3931 Ladock SW8951 Looe Bay SX2652 Higher Crill Farm SW7783 Ladock Wood SW8851 Looe Estuary SX2553 Higher Kenneggy SW5628 Lady Downs, Penwith SW4736 Looe Island SX2551 Higher Kerrowe SW4536 Lakeview Country Park SX0163 SX1059 Higher Lampetho Farm SX1052 Lamanva SW7631 Loveny SX1868 Higher Tregiffian SW3627 Lamb Creek SW8442 Loveney Reserve SX1873 Highgate SW9259 Lamelgate SX2170 Lower Boscaswell SW3734 HMS Raleigh SX4254 Lamorna SW4424 Lower Brynn SW9862 Hoe Point SW5727 Lamorna Cove SW4524 Lower Clubworthy SX2792 Holestrow SW6912 Landrake SX3860 Lower Moors T'ment Wk SX1283 Holman's Moors SW4839 Land's End SW3425 Lower Predannack Down SW6814 Holmbush SX0352 Landrake SX3760 Lower Tamar Lake SS2911 Holywell Bay SW7659 Landulph SX4361 Lower Tregantle Ponds SX3953 Hooper's Bridge SX0365 Landulph Marsh SX4261 Lowerton SW6529 Housel Bay SW7011 Laneast SX2283 Lowland Point SW8020 H udder Down SW6042 Laneast Downs SX2384 Luckett Woods SX3972 Hustyn Downs SX0067 Lanescot SX0855 Ludgvan SW5033 Hustyn Wood SX0069 Langdon SX2092 Lundy Bay SW9579 Idless SW8247 Lanhainsworth SW9264 Lundynant Caravan Park SW9479 Illogan SW6744 Lanhoose SW8637 Lusty Glaze SW8262 Illogan Wood SW6643 Lanhydrock SX0863 Luxulyan Valley SX0558 Indian Queens SW9158 Lanivet SX0364 Lwrkemyll SW4625 Industry SX2377 Lanlivery SX0758 Lye Rock SX0689 Innis Downs SX0262 Lanner SW7139 Lynher Estuary SX3955 Innis Fish Farm SX0357 Lanreath SX1856 Mabe SW7634 Inny Vale SX1586 Lansallos SX1751 Madron SW4531 Jamaica Inn SX1876 Lanteglose SX0882 Maenease Point SX0141 Jericho Farm SW3931 Lantundle SX2158 Maenporth SW7829 Jericho Valley SW6951 Lanyon Farm, Madron SW4234 Maen Valley, Falmouth SW8032 Jolly's Bottom SW7544 Lanyon Quoit SW4233 Maer Lake SS2007 Jubilee Pool, Penzance SW4729 Larrick XS3078 Maker Heights SX4351 Jupiter Point SX4156 Larrigan Rocks SW4629 Malpas SW8442 Kea Wood SW8442 Latchbrook SX4059 Manaccan SW7625 Kehelland SW6241 Latchley SX4073 Manare Point SW9338 Kelly Bray SX3671 Launceston SX3384 Marazanvose SW8050 Kelsey Head SW7660 Lelant SW5437 Marazion Beach SW5031 Kelynack SW3730 Lellizzick SW9077 Marazion Marsh SW5031 Kemyll SW4625 Lerryn SX1357 Marble Cliffs SW8976 Kenidjack SW3632 Leswidden Farm SW3930 Marshgate SX1591 Kenidjack Castle SW3532 Levant SW3734 Maudlin, SX2664 Kennack Sands SW7316 Lewannick SX2780 Mawgan SW7024 Kennal Vale SW7437 Lezant SX3378 Mawgan Porth SW8467 Kennards House SX2883 Ligger Point SW7558 Mawnan SW7827 Kenneggy Downs SW5629 Liskeard SX2564 Mawnan Smith SW7728 Kensey Valley SX3285 Little Busullow SW4234 Mayan Green SW3626 Kerley Downs SW7643 Little Comfort SX3580 Mayon Cliff SW3425 Kernick Wood SX0871 Little Gribbib SX0950 Mayon Pit, Sennen SW3625 Keveral Wood SX2955 Little London SW5230 Meachard SX0991

141 Men-An-Tol SW4234 Nare Head SW9137 Pencarrow Head SX1550 Menabilly SX1051 Nare Point SW8025 Pendarves SW6437 Menabilly Barton SX0951 Narkurs SX3256 Pendavey SX0071 Menadarva SW6141 Navax Point SW5943 Pen Enys Point SW4841 Menadue Marsh SX0358 Neal Point SX4361 Pendeen SW3834 Menheniot SX2962 Nether Bridge SX3486 Pendeen Watch SW3735 Mennavean Quay SW7724 New Mill SW4534 Pendennis Point/Castle SW8231 Merope Rocks SW8676 Newbridge, Callington SX3467 Pendoggett SX0279 Merry Maidens SW4324 Newbridge, Penzance SW4231 Pendower Beach SW8938 Merrymeet SX2766 New Downs, St Just SW3631 Pengirt SW9480 Merry Meeting SX0874 Newland SW9181 Penhale, Mullion SW6918 Messack Point SW8435 Newlyn SW4628 Penhale, St John SX4153 Meudon SW7828 Newlyn Beach SW4629 Penhale Camp SW7658 Mevagissey SX0144 Newlyn Coombe SW4529 Penhale Creek SX4254 Mevagissey Bay SX0245 Newlyn East SW8256 Penhale Sands SW7756 Middle Taphouse SX1763 Newlyn Harbour SW4628 Penhallow SW7651 Military Road, Penlee SX4349 New Polzeath SW9379 Penhalt SSI900 Milladon Pond SX3315 New Pool, Polmorla SW9871 Penhellick Farm SW8245 Mill Bay, Nanjizal SW3523 Newquay SW8161 Penhole Farm SX1861 Millbrook SX4252 Newquay Bay SW8162 Penjerrick SW7730 Millbrook Lake SX4352 Newquay Golf Course SW8062 Penlee Battery SX4349 Millbrook Pond SX4252 Newton Moor SW6738 Penlee Point, Mousehole SW4726 Millendreath SX2653 Nine Maidens (near Madron) SW4335 Penlee Point, Rame Hd. SX4448 Milltown SX1057 Nine Maidens, St Columb SW9367 Penlee Quarry, Newlyn SW4627 Milltown, St Neot SX1867 Ninestones SX2174 Penlee Reserve SX4349 Minions SX2671 Ninestones Bridge SX2373 Penlee Woods SX4449 Minnows Islands SW8572 Ninestones Farm SX2174 Penmarth SW7035 Mirrose Well SW6344 No Mans Land, Looe SX2756 Penmillard, Rame SX4249 Mithian SW7470 North Bowda SX2477 Pen Olver, Lizard SW7111 Moditonham Quay SX4161 North Cliffs SW6243 Penpol Creek, Feock SW8138 Molenick SX3361 North Country SW6943 Penpoll Creek, Fowey SX1354 Moresk SW8245 Northcott Mouth SS2008 Penponds SW6439 Morvah SW4035 Notter Bridge SX3860 Penrice SX0249 Morval SX2556 Okeltor SX4468 Penrose, Loe Pool SW6425 Morwenstow SS2115 Old Dane SW8162 Penryn SW7834 Mory Island SW8263 Old Kea Church SW8441 Penryn River SW7934 Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676 Oldtown Cove SW9373 Pensilva SX2969 Mount, Cubert SW7756 Otterham SX1690 Penstraze Moor SW7545 Mount Araret SX4064 Otterham Down SX1590 Pentargon SX1091 Mount Charles SX0252 Outer Retallick SW9266 Pentewan SX0147 Mount Edgcumbe CP SX4552 Padstow SW9274 Pentewan Beach SX0247 Mount Hawke SW7147 Par SX0753 Pentire, Newquay SW7961 Mount Pleasant SX0062 Par Bay SX0852 Pentire Farm SW9380 Mount's Bay SW4930 Par Beach SX0853 Pentire Point, Padstow Bay SW9280 Mounts Pond, Penhale SW5678 Par Beach Pool SX0853 Pentire Point East, Newquay SW7861 Mousehole SW4726 Par Docks SX0752 Pentire Point West, Newquay SW7761 Mullion SW6718 Par Moor SX0552 Pentireglaze SW9380 Mullion Cove SW6617 Par Pools SX0854 Pentreath Beach SW6912 Mullion Golf Course SW6620 Par River SX0753 Penweathers SW7944 Mullion Island SW6617 Park Clay Pit SX1970 Penwithick SX0256 Murrayton SX2854 Park Head SW8470 Penzance SW4730 Music Water SW9068 Paul SW4627 Penzance Heliport SW4831 Mutton's Downs SX1969 Pawton SW9570 Penzance Railway Stn. SW4730 Mylor Bridge SW8036 Paynter's Cross SX3964 Perbargus Point SW9541 Mylor Churchtown SW8235 Pednvadan SW8835 Percuil River SW8534 Nancegollan SW6332 Pedn Vounder Beach SW2239 Perran-an-Worthal SW7778 Nancledra SW4935 Pelynt SX2054 Perran Bay SW7555 Nancothan SW4429 Pemboa SW6826 Perran Downs SW5530 Nanjizal SW3523 Penair SW8545 Perran Sands SW5429 Nanjulian Farm SW3629 Penally SX0991 Perranporth SW7554 Nanquidno SW3629 Penare SX0040 Perranporth Airfield SW7352 Nansavallan Wood SW8143 Penarrow Point SW8234 Perranporth Dunes SW7554 Nansmellyn Marsh SW7654 Penberth SW3923 Perranuthnoe SW5329 Nanstallon SX0366 Pencalenick SW8545 Perranuthnoe Cliffs SW5428 Nanswhyden SW8762 Pencarrow, Bodmin SX0471 Perranwell SW7752

142 Perranarworthal SW7738 Porthkerris SW8022 Retallack SW9366 Petherwin SX2889 Porth Kidney Beach SW5438 Rialton Barton SW8461 Phillack SW5638 Porthleven SW6225 Rilla Mill SX2973 Philleigh SW8739 Porthleven Sands SW6324 Rinsey Head SW5826 Picklecombe SX4550 Porthluney Cove SW9741 River Allen SX0476 SW8440 Piece SW6739 Porth Mear, Park Head SW8471 Pier Cellars SX4449 Porthmellin Head SW8632 River Kenwyn SW8046 Pigshill SX4351 Porthmeor Beach SW5140 River Neet SS2208 Pill Creek SW8339 Porthmeor, Zennor SW4337 Roche SW9860 Pilsamoor SX2785 Porthminster Point SW5239 Rock SW9375 Pinkson Creek SW9473 Porthmissen SW8976 Rocksea Farm SX0274 Pinnockshill SX1874 Porth Nanven SW3530 Rocky Valley SX0789 SX0349 Pipers Pool SX2684 Porth, Newquay SW8362 Ropehaven SW6442 Pityme SW9576 Portholland SW9541 Roscroggan Place Manor, SW8532 Porthoustock SW8021 Rosecraddock SX2667 SX3357 Place Wood SW8633 Porthpean SX0350 Rosedale SW4530 Plaidy SX2653 Porth Reservoir SW8662 Rosehill Plain-an-Gwarry SW6952 Porthtowan SW6948 Roseland Peninsula SW8637 SX0457 Plusha SX2580 Port Isaac SW9980 Rosemelling Pool SW4136 Polbathic SX3456 Portloe SW9339 Rosemergy Polbathic Creek SX3557 Portmellon SX0143 Rosemullion Head SW7927 Polbrock SX0169 Portnadler Bay SX2451 Rosenannon SW9566 Polcrebo Downs SW6433 Portquin SW9780 Rosenannon Downs SW9567 SX0559 Poldhu SW6620 Portreath SW6545 Roseny Valley Wood SW3935 Poldhu Cove SW6619 Portscatho SW8735 Rose Valley Poldhu Marsh SW6720 Portwrinkle SX3553 Rosewarne SW6441 Polgigga SW3723 Poughill SS2208 Rosewastis SW9161 Polgreen Farm/Lake SW8666 Praa Sands SW5828 Roseworthy SW6139 Polhawn Cove SX4149 Predannack SW6816 Roskear Croft SW6541 Polhawn Fort SX4249 Predannack Airfield SW6816 Rosken Farm SW8972 SW3722 Polkerris SX0952 Predannack Downs SW6915 Roskestal SW3926 Polly Joke SW7760 Predannack Wollas SW6616 Rospannel Polmarkyn SX3335 Prideaux Wood SX0655 Rospeath SW5132 Polmear SX0853 Priory Park Bodmin SX0766 Rosudgeon SW5529 Polmorla SW9871 Probus SW8947 Rough Tor SX1481 SX1382 Polperro SX2050 Prussia Cove SW5527 Rough Tor Farm SX1480 Polquick SW8246 Pulla Cross SW7439 Roughtor Moors Polridmouth Cove SX1050 Queener Point SX4148 Roundwood Quay SW8339 SW9039 Polruan SX1250 Quintrell Downs SW8559 Ruan High Lanes SW8841 Polscoe SX1160 Quoit Farm SW9261 Ruan Lanihorne SW7016 Poison SX3584 Racecourse Downs SX0969 Ruan Major Poltesco SW7215 RAF Portreath SW6746 Ruan Minor SW7215 SW8970 Polurrian Cove SW6618 RAF St. Mawgan SW8664 Rumford Polwheveral Creek SW7328 Raftra Farm SW2722 Rumps Point SW9381 SW3620 Polzeath SW9378 Ralph's Cupboard SW6445 Runnel Stone Buoy Ponsanooth SW7537 Rame Barton SX4249 Rushyford Gate SX2267 SW5436 Pont SX1452 Rame Church SX4249 Ryan's Field SW6746 Ponts Mill SX0756 Rame Head SX4148 Sally's Bottom Porcupine SX0755 Rame, Rame Head SX4249 Saltash SX4258 Popesmill SX2763 Rame, Stithians SW7233 Salter Mill SX4363 Pordenack Point SW3424 Redgate SX2268 Saltmill Creek SX4259 SW6344 Porkellis SW6933 Redhill Downs SX1671 Samphire Island Porkellis Moor SW6832 Redmoor SX0762 Sancreed SW4129 Porteath SW9679 Red Post SS2604 Sandplace SX2456 Portgaverne SX0080 SW6942 Sandy Mouth SS2009 Porthallow SW7923 Rejerrah SW7955 Scarce Water Bridge SW8247 Porth-cadjack Cove SW6444 Releath SW6633 Sconner Creek SX3656 SW7244 Porthcothan SW8571 Relubbus SW5631 Scorrier Porthcurnick Beach SW8735 Rescassa SX0842 Scribble Downs SX1477 SW9273 Porthcurno SW3822 Reskadinnick SW6341 Sea Mills Porthguarnon SW4123 Reskajeage Downs SW6343 Seaton SX3054 SX3055 Porthgwarra SW3621 Respryn SX0963 Seaton Valley Porthgwidden SW8237 Restormel Castle SX1061 Sennen SW3626 SW3526 Porthilly SW9375 Restronguet Creek SW8038 Sennen Cove SX2673 Porth Joke SW7760 Resugga SW9452 Sharp Tor

143 Sheffield, Mousehole SW4526 St Eval Airfield SW8768 Temple New Bridge SX1574 Shell Woods SX0872 St Ewe SW9746 Temple Tor Pools SX1373 Shepherds SX8154 St Germans SX3657 Terras SW9353 Sheviock SX3655 St Gluvias, Penryn SW7834 Terras Bridge SX2455 Sheviock Wood SX3656 St Hilary SW5531 Thanckes Lake SX4355 Shillingham Creek SX4057 StIssey SW9271 The Brisons SW3431 Short Island SX0790 St Ive SX3067 The Chick SW7661 Shortlanesend SW8047 St Ives SW5140 The Goose SW7861 Siblyback Farm SX2372 St Ives Bay SW5439 The Kelsey's SW7769 Siblyback Reservoir SX2371 St Ives Island SW5241 The Lizard SW7020 Silverwell SW7548 St Jidgey SW9469 The Mouls SW9381 Sithney SW6328 St John SX4153 The Sisters SX0689 Skewjack SW3624 St John Ford SX4153 Three Holes Cross SX0173 Skinham Pond SX4260 St John's Lake SX4254 Threemilestone SW7844 Skinham Point SX4360 St Just SW3631 Tideford SX3459 Sladebridge SX0171 St Just Airfield SW3728 SX0588 Slaughterbridge SX1085 St Just Pool SW8435 Toad Hole SW9659 Smallacombe Pltn SX2275 St Just in Roseland SW8535 Tolcarne Arms SW5236 Soap Cove SW6714 St Keverne SW7821 Tolcarne Beach, Newquay SW8162 South Boderwennack SW6830 SX0276 Tolgus SW6944 Southdown SX4352 St Kew Highway SX0375 Tollgate, Wadebridge SW9772 Southground Point SX1050 St Keyne SX2361 Toll Point SW7826 Southithdown SX4252 St Levan SW3722 Tolpetherwin SX2782 South Petherwin SX3081 St Loy SW4223 Tolvaddon SW6040 Spit Beach SX0752 St Mabyn SX0373 Torfrey SX1154 Spit Point SX0752 St Martin SX2455 Torpoint SX4354 St Agnes SW7250 St Mawes SW8433 Towan Beach SW8732 St Agnes Head SW6951 St Mawgan SW8765 Towan Head SW7962 St Allen SW8250 St Mellion SX3865 Towednack SW4838 St Andrew's Pool SX0754 St Merryn SW8873 Townshend SW5932 St. Anthony, Helford SW7825 St Merryn Airfield SW8871 Trago Mills SX1864 St Anthony, St. Mawes SW8532 St Michael's Mount SW5129 Trannock Downs SW6630 St Anthony Head SW8431 St. Michael Penkevil SW8542 Trannack Farm SW5633 St Austell SX0252 SW9677 Treago Farm SW7760 St Austell Bay SX0651 St Nectan's Glen SX0888 Trebah SX7627 St Austell Golf Course SX0050 St Neot SX1867 Trebarber SW8662 St Austell Sew. Works SX0150 St Newlyn East SW8256 Trebartha Woodlands SX2577 SX0654 St Stephen, Foxhole SW9453 Trebehor SW3724 St Blazey Lakes SX0555 St Stephens, Launceston SX3285 Trebellan SW7856 St Breock SW9771 St Winnow SX1157 Trebelsue SW8463 St Breock Downs SW9668 Stable Hobba SW4529 Trebetherick SW9278 St Breward SX0976 Stannon Clay Pit SX1280 Trebetherick Point SW9277 St Buryan SW4025 Stem Pioint SW8467 Trebownbridge SX2959 St Cadoc Farm, Harlyn SW8875 Stenalees SX0157 Trebudannon SW8961 St Cleer SX2468 Stepper Point SW9178 Treburgey SX2263 St Cleer Downs SX2467 Sticker SW9750 Tredavoe SW4528 St Clement SW8543 Stithians SW7336 Tredinney Common SW3298 St Clement Woods SW8248 Stithians Reservoir SW7136 Tredinnick SX3659 St Clements Isle SW4726 Stoke Climsland SX3674 Tredrossel SX3555 St Clether SX2083 Stonaford SX2577 Treen, Boswednack SW4337 St Columb Major SW9163 Stone SW3930 Treen, Porthcurno SW3922 St Columb Minor SW8462 Stratton SS2206 Treesmill SX0855 St Columb Porth SW8362 Summercourt SW8856 Trefusis Point SW8133 St Columb Road SW9159 Summerleaze Beach SS2006 Tregadillet SX2983 St Columb Sewage Works SW9063 Sunny Corner SW3626 Tregamere SW9264 St Dennis SW9557 Swanpool SW8031 Tregaminion, Porthallow SW7922 St Dominick SX4067 Swanpool Beach SW8031 Tregaminion, Restormel SX0951 St Dominick Church SX3967 Swanvale SW7931 Tregantle SX3852 St Elvin SW6427 Talland SX2251 Tregantle Fort SX3853 St Enodoc SW9377 Talland Bay SX2251 Tregare Barton Wood SW8636 St Enodoc Golf Course SW9376 Tamar Estuary SX4359 Tregassick SW8634 SW5535 Tamar Lakes SS2811 Tregaswith SW8962 St Erth Pools SW5435 Tater-du SW4423 Tregathenan Reservoir SW6530 St Erth Praze SW5735 Tehidy Country Park SW6443 Tregavarrah SW4429 St Eval SW8868 Temple SX1473 Tregavarras SX0841

144 Tregembo SW5731 Treswigga SX1274 Trewortha Tor SX2475 Tregenna SW9440 Trethern SW8536 Treyarnon SW8673 Tregeseal SW3732 Trethewell SW8535 Treyarnon Bay SW8574 Tregiller SW9249 Trethewey SW3823 Trezibbett Farm SX2075 Treginegar SX2263 Trethias Island SW8573 Trezibbett Farm SX2075 Tregonebris SW4128 Trethill SX3754 Triffle SX3354 Tregonetha Downs SW9562 Trethurgy SX0355 Trispen SW8450 Tregony SW9244 Trevalga SX0890 Trobus Farm SW8850 Tregoodwell SX1183 Trevail SW4740 Truro SW8245 Tregoss SW9660 Trevalgan SW4940 Truro River SW8342 Tregoss Moor SW9760 Trevanger SW9577 Truthwall SW5272 Tregotha Farm SW5936 Trevanson SW9772 Trye Farm SW4535 Tregrehan SX0553 Trevanson Farm SW9773 Trythall SW4433 Tregrehan Mills SX0453 Trevanson Woods SW9773 Tuckingmill SX0977 Tregunna SW9673 Trevarno SW6430 Turnaware Point SW8338 Trehemborne SW8773 Trevarrian SW8566 Two Bridges, St Columb SW9163 Trekelvesteps SX2269 Trevarren SW9060 Tywardreath Marsh SX0854 Trekennick Tor SX2181 Trevassack SW7122 United Downs SW7441 Trekenning SW9062 Trevaunance Point SW7252 Upper Fowey Valley SX2173 Trelay Farm SX2054 Trevaylor Woods SW4632 Upper Tamar Lake SS2812 Treleaver Farm SW7716 Treveal SW4740 Upton Cross SX2872 Trelew SW8135 Trevean Cove SW5428 Upton Towans SW5739 Trelights SW9979 Trevean Farm SW5428 Valley Truckle SX0982 Trelion SW9352 Trevear SW4740 Varfell SW5032 Treliske Hospital, Truro SW7945 Treve Common SW3425 Vault Bay/Beach SX0140 Trelissick SW8339 Treveddo SW8061 Vellandreath SW3626 Treliver SW9865 Trevegean Farm SW3629 Ventongimps SW7851 Treloquithack SW6929 Trevelgue SW8463 Ventonleague SW5738 Trelow Downs SW9268 Trevella Pond SW8059 Very an SW9139 Trelowarren SW7124 Trevellas SW7352 Veryan Bay SW9638 Tremar SX2567 Trevellas Airfield SW7451 Victoria SW9861 Trematon SX4057 Trevelver Farm SW9574 Wacker Quay SX3855 Tremayne Quay SW7225 Trevenen SW6829 Wadebridge SW9872 Trembath SW4528 Treverbyn SX2067 Wadebridge Sew. Wks SW9817 Tremethick Cross SW4430 Treverva SW7531 Wainhouse Corner SX1895 Trenadlyn SX0955 Treverven SW4023 Walmsley Sanctuary SW9974 Trenance Lake SW8160 Trevescan SW3524 Warbstow SX2090 Trenance Point SW8468 Trevia SX0983 Washaway SX0369 Trenant, New Polzeath SW9479 Trevilley, Sennen SW3524 Watch Croft SW4235 Trenant, St Neot SX2168 Trevilvas Wood SW9247 Watergate, Looe SX2354 Trenant Park SX2455 Trevisquite Manor SX0474 Watergate Bay SW8364 Trenant Point SX2553 Trevithick SW8862 Wearde Quay SX4257 Trenant Wood SX2454 Trevol SX4155 Week St. Mary SX2396 Trenarren SX0348 Trevone SW8975 Weir Point SW8136 Trendrine SW4739 Trevone Bay SW8876 Wendron SW6731 Trengwainton SW4431 Trevorian Pool SW3726 Werrington SX3287 Trenouth SW9070 Trevose Farm SW8675 West Looe SX2553 Trenow (Boat) Cove SW5329 Trevose Head SW8576 West Looe River SX2454 Trenowin Downs SW4835 Trewardale SX1071 West Pentire, Newquay SW7760 Treraven Woods SW0070 Trewassick SW8561 West Penwith Moors SW3929 Trereife SW4529 Treweatha SX2267 West Taphouse SX1563 Trerethern Farm SW9173 Treween SW9777 Westerlake Farm SX2171 Trerew Wood SW8158 Trewellard SW3733 Wheal Eliza SX0353 Trerulefoot SX3358 Trewennack SW6728 Wheal Kitty SW7251 Tresamble SW7539 Trewey Common SW4636 Wherry Down SW4729 Tresemple Pool SW8544 Trewey Downs SW4537 Western Cove SW6445 Tresillian SW8646 Trewhiddle SX0051 Wherry Town SW4729 Tresillian River SW8444 Trewidden SW4429 Whitebarrow Downs SX1970 Treskilling SX0357 Trewint SX2180 White Cross, Indian Queens SW8959 Treskilling Clay Pit SX0357 Trewithen SW9147 Whitecross, Ludgvan SW5234 Treskilling Downs SX0357 Trewithian SW8837 Whitecross, Wadebridge SW9672 Treskinnick Cross SX2198 Trewonnard SX1989 Whitesand Bay, Sennen SW3527 Treeslea Downs SX1368 Treworga SW8940 Whitsand Bay SX3851 Tresmeer SX2327 Trewornan Bridge SW9874 Wicca SW4739 Tresvannack SW4528 Treworthal Tor SW8839 Widegates SX2857

145 Widemouth Bay SS2002 Winnard's Perch SW9266 Yeale Farm, Fowey SX1352 Wiggle SX4250 Witheybrook Marsh SX2572 Zacry's Island SW8363 Wilcove SX4356 Wolf Rock SW2611 Zawn Kellys SW3522 Wilsey Down Plant'n SX1987 Wolsdon SX4054 Zelah SW8151 Wimalford Farm SX2173 Woodford SS2213 Zennor SW4538 Windmill Farm SW6915 Woon Gumpus Common SW3933 Zone Point SX2760

RINGING REPORT - 2003

During the year a total of 5,161 birds were ringed; another big improvement on the previous year. Species ringed for the first time since the inception of these reports in 1979, include: Northern Shoveler (2), Eurasian Hobby, Little Plover, European Golden Plover (5), Western Bonelli's Warbler and Common Rosefinch. Species ringed for the second occasion include: Garganey, Water Pipit (8), Red- backed Shrike and Little Bunting. Other notable captures during the year include: two Dotterel, thirty- one Green Sandpipers, Ruff, Long-eared Owl, Melodious Warbler and four Yellow-browed Warblers.

TABLE 1: CONTRIBUTORS

Contributor Full grown Pulli Site

G. J. Conway 1,019 Mid and West Cornwall K. Herber, D. Riley 113 - Rospannel K. A. Wilson & M. Warren 3,897 132 Nanjizal, Land's End & Sennen

TABLE 2: SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RINGED

Ringing Totals 2003 1979-2003

Full Grown Pulli Total Full grown Pulli Total

Northern Fulmar 4 4 28 28 European Storm-petrel 338 338 4,674 4,674 2 2 European Shag 86 86 Cattle Egret 1 1 Mute Swan 118 118 Common Shelduck 8 8 Eurasian Teal 2 2 31 31 2 2 Garganey 1 1 2 2 Northern Shoveler* 2 2 2 2 Black Scoter 1 1 Hen Harrier 4 4 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 6 6 56 9 65 5 20 25 Common Kestrel 1 1 6 33 39 Eurasian Hobby* 1 1 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 23 49 49 Water Rail 37 37 23 Spotted Crake 5 5 Common Moorhen 15 38 38 Common Coot 1 1 15

146 Eurasian Oystercatcher - - - 657 7 664 Little Plover* 1 - 1 1 - 1 Great Plover 7 - 7 353 - 353 Eurasian Dotterel 2 - 2 4 - 4 European Golden Plover* 5 - 5 5 - 5 Northern Lapwing 2 - 2 26 3 29 Red Knot - - - 6 - 6 Sanderling - - - 23 - 23 Little Stint - - - 6 - 6 Pectoral Sandpiper - - - 2 - 2 Curlew Sandpiper - - - 9 - 9 Dunlin 21 - 21 1,560 - 1,560 Ruff 1 - 1 3 - 3 Jack Snipe 7 - 7 14 - 14 Common Snipe 13 - 13 40 - 40 Eurasian Woodcock - - - 6 - 6 Black-tailed Godwit - - - 8 - 8 Bar-tailed Godwit - - - 1 - 1 Whimbrel - - - 5 - 5 - - - 124 - 124 Spotted Redshank - - - 7 - 7 Common Redshank 2 - 2 299 - 299 Common Greenshank 5 - 5 56 - 56 Green Sandpiper 31 - 31 46 - 46 Wood Sandpiper - - - 4 - 4 Common Sandpiper 9 - 9 10 - 10 Ruddy Turnstone - - - 57 - 57 Black-headed Gull - - - 37 72 109 Mew Gull - - - 2 - 2 Herring Gull - - - 22 - 22 Black-legged Kittiwake - - - 1 - 1 Common Guillemot - - - 24 10 34 Razorbill - - - 2 10 12 Little Auk - - - 1 - 1 Stock Pigeon - - - - 3 3 Common Wood Pigeon 1 - 1 23 10 33 Eurasian Collared Dove - - - 21 4 25 European Turtle Dove - - - 2 - 2 Common Cuckoo 1 - 1 4 3 7 Barn Owl - - - 31 283 314 Little Owl - - - 1 2 3 Tawny Owl - - - 21 66 87 Long-eared Owl 1 - 1 3 - 3 Short-eared Owl - - - 1 - 1 European Nightjar - - - 5 - 5 Common Swift - - - 4 - 4 Common Kingfisher 4 - 4 34 - 34 Green Woodpecker - - - 6 - 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker 8 - 8 26 - 26 Sky Lark 23 - 23 23 6 29 Sand Martin - - - 265 - 265 Barn Swallow 14 46 60 6,332 689 7,021 House Martin - - - 129 3 132 Tree Pipit 1 - 1 18 22 40 Meadow Pipit 26 - 26 166 15 181 Rock Pipit 6 - 6 8 14 22 Water Pipit 8 - 8 9 - 9

147 Yellow Wagtail 4 - 4 46 - 46 Grey Wagtail 28 - 28 101 53 154 Pied Wagtail 28 - 28 247 74 321 Bohemian Waxwing - - - 1 - 1 White-throated Dipper - - - 208 423 631 Winter Wren 232 5 237 2,550 29 2,579 Hedge Accentor 177 6 183 1,781 23 1,804 European Robin 303 10 313 2,810 74 2,884 Common Nightingale - - - 1 - 1 Bluethroat - - - 1 - 1 Black Redstart 3 - 3 13 - 13 Common Redstart - - - 21 32 53 Whinchat 2 - 2 18 - 18 Stonechat 14 - 14 75 10 85 Northern Wheatear 80 - 80 386 266 652 Ring Ouzel - - - 1 - 1 Common Blackbird 375 - 375 2,398 112 2,510 Fieldfare 2 - 2 7 - 7 Song Thrush 131 - 131 1,001 35 1,036 Redwing 36 - 36 441 - 441 Mistle Thrush - - - 6 12 18 Cetti's Warbler 1 - 1 204 - 204 Common Grasshopper Warbler 1 - 1 50 - 50 Aquatic Warbler 1 - 1 41 - 41 Sedge Warbler 111 6 117 5,603 16 5,619 Marsh Warbler - - - 3 - 3 Eurasian Reed Warbler 67 - 67 4,371 11 4,382 Paddyfield Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Icterine Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Melodious Warbler 1 - 1 5 - 5 Subalpine Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Barred Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Lesser Whitethroat 1 - 1 26 - 26 Common Whitethroat 86 - 86 994 4 998 Garden Warbler 18 - 18 326 - 326 Blackcap 192 - 192 1,693 - 1,693 Pallas's Leaf Warbler - - - 4 - 4 Yellow-browed Warbler 4 - 4 9 - 9 Dusky Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Western Bonelli's Warbler* 1 - 1 1 - 1 Wood Warbler - - - 3 - 3 Common ChiffchafF 619 6 625 3,798 18 3,816 Willow Warbler 189 - 189 3,290 100 3,390 Goldcrest 389 - 389 2,716 1 2,717 Firecrest 24 - 24 200 - 200 Spotted Flycatcher 13 - 13 95 68 163 Red-breasted Flycatcher - - - 3 - 3 Pied Flycatcher 41 - 41 133 533 666 Bearded Tit - - - 1 - 1 Long-tailed Tit 110 - 110 1,422 - 1,422 Marsh Tit - - - 133 53 186 Willow Tit - - - 120 14 134 Coal Tit 4 - 4 224 53 277 Blue Tit 275 11 286 6,750 2,336 9,086 Great Tit 114 4 118 1,985 557 2,542 Wood Nuthatch - - - 32 148 180 Eurasian Treecreeper - - - 88 6 94

148 Red-backed Shrike 1 - 1 2 - 2 Woodchat Shrike - - - 1 - 1 Eurasian Jay 3 - 3 18 - 18 Black-billed Magpie 2 - 2 33 32 65 Red-billed Chough - - 3 - 7 7 Eurasian Jackdaw - - - 88 12 100 Rook - - - 14 - 14 Carrion Crow 1 1 2 5 24 29 Common Starling 80 - 80 1,915 - 1,915 House Sparrow 29 - 29 627 1 628 Red-eyed Vireo - - - 1 - 1 Chaffinch 197 - 197 2,484 27 2,511 Brambling 3 - 3 35 - 35 European Greenfinch 340 1 341 3,912 21 3,933 European Goldfinch 65 9 74 306 24 330 Eurasian Siskin 2 - 2 65 - 65 Common Linnet 18 4 22 213 22 235 Lesser Redpoll - - - 6 - 6 Common Rosefinch* 1 - 1 1 - 1 Common Bullfinch 37 - 37 802 3 805 Hawfinch - - - 1 - 1 Yellowhammer - - - 167 7 174 Cirl Bunting - - - - 3 3 Ortolan Bunting - - - 1 - 1 Little Bunting 1 - 1 2 - 2 Reed Bunting 7 - 7 645 5 650 Corn Bunting - - - 1 21 22

TOTALS 5,029 132 5,161 73,365 6,690 80,055

TABLE 3: SELECTED LONGEVITY RECORDS

Species Ring No. Ringed Recovered Y.M.D.#

European Storm-petrel 2378624 14.8.89 12.7.99 9.01.02 Shag 1049141 18.1.67 15.1.89 21.11.28 Mute Swan Z46912 28.11.81 10.3.95 14.03.17 Common Buzzard GM18944 9.6.74 30.9.85 11.03.21 Oystercatcher SS95351 16.8.72 30.8.93 21.00.14 Great Ringed Plover - 11.8.72 26.8.80 8.00.15 Dunlin BA99271 22.9.66 4.12.74 8.02.20 Common Redshank DR43516 28.8.77 3.8.85 7.11.06 Eurasian Curlew FV42925 8.8.78 1.9.93 15.00.24 Black-headed Gull 3102129 28.5.67 25.11.84 17.05.28 Great Black-backed Gull HU17936 5.6.70 31.7.84 14.01.05 Tawny Owl GP57273 7.6.75 22.10.93 18.04.14 Collared Dove EC77498 21.11.65 28.7.79 13.08.06 White-Throated Dipper CP58458 14.5.70 25.9.78 8.04.11 Song Thrush RX31113 20.7.84 1.7.90 5.00.12 Redwing BV13494 6.11.74 12.1.82 7.02.06 Cetti's Warbler HI77740 1.9..91 28.7.95 3.10.27 Sedge Warbler - 21.8.77 9.8.92 4.11.19 Reed Warbler JS49967 7.5.74 16.5.82 8.00.09 Willow Warbler 8B4086 7.6.80 1.7.84 4.00.24 Pied Flycatcher E153965 4.6.87 8.6.93 6.00.04 Blue Tit B329459 3.9.81 13.6.87 5.09.10

149 Great Tit - 13.7.76 31.7.82 6.00.18 Black-billed Magpie EH89906 4.6.85 7.4.93 7.10.03 Common Starling XX15131 31.12.74 31.1.82 8.01.00 # Elapse time in Years, Months and Days between ringing and finding.

LIST OF RECOVERIES AND CONTROLS

This list contains details of birds controlled (i.e. caught and released by a ringer) or recovered (i.e. found dead) in Cornwall in 2003 and previous years.

Column 1 shows ring numbers, and abbreviations used to identify foreign ringing schemes as follows: BLB Bruxelles Belgium CIJ Jersey Channel Islands HGB Budapest Hungary NOS Stavanger Norway

Column 2 shows the EURING code for the age of the bird when ringed (note figures are not in years), the sex when known, and the code for the manner of recovery, as follows: 1 pullus (nestling or chick) 2 full-grown, year of hatching unknown 3J hatched during calendar year of ringing, (juvenile plumage) 3 hatched during calendar year of ringing (post juvenile moult complete) 4 hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year unknown 5 hatched during previous calendar year 6 hatched before previous calendar year, but exact year unknown M male F female X found dead, dying or injured R caught and released by ringer + shot or killed by man FR field record, ring number or colour marks determined in field

Column 3 shows the date of ringing, control or recovery.

Column 4 shows the place where the bird was ringed, controlled or recovered. Column 5 shows the distance travelled.

Column 6 shows the number of days elapsed between ringing and control or recovery.

European Storm-petrel 2452846 10.07.96 4 Soar Mill Cove, Devon 30.07.03 R Gwennap Head 133km 7 yrs 20 days

2473360 24.07.01 4 St Agnes, 30.07.03 R Gwennap Head 50km 2 yrs 6 days

2489114 18.07.03 4 Portland, Dorset 30.07.03 R Gwennap Head 236km 12 days

2544498 13.07.02 4 Gwennap Head 20.07.03 R Plemont Point, Channel Islands 265km 1 year 7 days

2556538 18.07.02 4 Clodgy Point 01.08.03 R Gwennap Head 24km 1 year 14 days

2567788 14.07.02 4 Gwennap Head 28.06.03 R Plemont Point, Channel Islands 265km 349 days

150 2575003 31.07.03 4 Pendeen Watch 31.07.03 R Gwennap Head 13km 1 day 02.08.03 R Gwennap Head 13km 2 days

2575322 01.08.03 4 Pendeen Watch 02.08.03 R Gwennap Head 13km 1 day

PI 1417 19.07.03 4 Plemont, Channel Islands CIJ 02.08.03 R Gwennap Head 265km 14 days

Eurasian Teal E503333 10.01.02 5 Nanjizal 12.12.03 + Somme, France 513km 333 days

Hen Harrier FP15889 01.08.02 1 The Lizard peninsula 03.10.02 FR North Cornwall 17.10.02 PR Skomer, Dyfed, Wales 24.10.02 FR Skomer, Dyfed, Wales 25.10.02 FR Marloes, Dyfed, Wales 16.12.02 FR Marloes, Dyfed, Wales 01.03.03 FR Skomer, Dyfed, Wales ??.??.03 FR Bestwall, Dorset 28.10.03 FR Skomer, Dyfed, Wales 08.11.03 FR Skomer, Dyfed, Wales 03.05.03 X Brittany, France

Peregrine Falcon GJ42477 08.06.02 1 West Penwith area 25.10.03 X Penzance area 11km 1 year 139 days

GM82863 30.05.03 1 North coast 31.08.03 X Short distance inland 8km 94 days

Mediterranean Gull E256571 04.06.02 1 Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, Belgium BLB 30.09.02 FR Plymouth, Devon 24.12.02 FR Plymouth, Devon 01.01.03 FR St Johns Lake 381176 22.05.02 1 Retszilas-Orspuszta, Fejer, Hungary HGB 03.05.03 FR Camel Estuary 13.05.03 FR Camel Estuary

E900492 20.05.02 1 Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, Belgium BLB 31.05.03 FR Camel Estuary

3559543 14.06.02 1 Stellendam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands NLA 18.06.03 FR Camel Estuary

E905425 15.06.02 1 Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, Belgium BLB 21.09.02 FR Harlyn Bay 02.11.02 FR Harlyn Bay 28.06.03 FR Camel Estuary 24.07.03 FR Camel Estuary

151 E236752 17.06.98 1 Lillo, Solvay, Antwerpen, Belgium BLB 00.08.01 FR Camel Estuary 25.01.02 FR Winnard's Perch 17.07.03 FR Camel Estuary

E901201 07.06.00 1 Kwaadmechelen, Limburg, Belgium BLB 26.10.00 FR Marazion 24.07.02 FR Camel Estuary 21.07.03 FR Camel Estuary 21.07.03 FR Camel Estuary

E901883 22.06.02 1 Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, Belgium BLB 01.09.02 FR Swanpool Lesser Black-backed Gull 17.06.00 1 Europort, Rotterdam, Netherlands NLA 14.03.03 FR Hayle Estuary

17.07.98 Gugh, Isles of Scilly 20.01.03 FR Camel Estuary

GG85199 27.06.98 1 Bristol, Avon 10.03.03 FR Camel Estuary

GA31733 1 21.6.00 Ribble Estuary, Lancashire FR 03.08.01 Gloucester landfill, Gloucestershire 210km 408 days FR 29.05.02 Gloucester landfill, Gloucestershire 210 km 707 days FR 27.02.03 Hayle Estuary 429 km 981 days

GA32372 1 30.06.00 Tarnbrook Fell, Lancashire FR 25.02.03 Hayle Estuary 470 km 970 days

GA42258 1 24.07.03 Ribble Estuary, Lancashire FR 13.09.03 Hayle Estuary 429 km 51 days

GA42128 1 24.07.02 Ribble Estuary, Lancashire FR 02.09.02 Hayle Estuary 429 km 58 days

Herring Gull GN31946 27.06.02 1 Bristol, Avon 27.01.03 FR Helston

GN31923 25.07.02 1 Bristol, Avon 18.02.03 FR Harlyn Bay

Great Black-backed Gull 399317 07.05.02 8 Hornoya, Vardo, Finmark, Norway NOS 28.01.03 FR Camel Estuary

Barn Owl GN33175 11.07.02 1 Penair 13.03.03 X Trispen 6km 245 days

Rock Pipit BY56088 20.9.03 3 Onsala, Nidingen, Halland, Sweden 30.12.03 R Hannafore Point 1,321 km 101 days

152 Northern Wheatear vs 28.05.02 1 Bettyhill, Highland, 15.03.03 R Nanjizal 942km 291 days Blackbird CF36194 7.11.99 4 Nanjizal 24.3.02 R Walsgrave, Coventry 397 km 868 days

Sedge Warbler R287018 19.07.02 3 Nanjizal 16.08.02 R Donges, Loire-Atlantic, France 28 days Common Chiffchaff 4B7399 31.12.02 3 Helston Sewage Works 03.02.03 FR Bodmin Sewage Works 57km 34 days 6G7682 31.12.02 4 Helston Sewage Works 03.02.03 FR St Columb Sewage Works 46km 34 days AHH091 07.09.02 3 Slapton Ley, Devon 16.04.03 R Nanjizal 149 km 221 days AHJ611 3 30.09.03 Rospannel X 03.11.03 Sainte-Helene, Gironde, France 673km 34 days

Bearded Tit AGO 1863 14.09.03 2 Gemaal de Blocq Van Kuffeler, Ijsselmeerpolders, Netherlands NLA 27.10.03 R Nanjizal 800km 45 days AGO 1891 14.09.03 2 Gemaal de Blocq Van Kuffeler, Ijsselmeerpolders,Netherlands NLA 27.10.03 R Nanjizal 800km 45 days These two records constitute the longest movements for this species in Britain.

Chaffinch R381095 05.10.02 3 Nanjizal 31.07.03 X Lizard 37km 299 days

Ringed birds All records of ringed or colour-marked birds are of immense value so please report them to the relevant person, see below, and the County Recorder.

If you find a ringed bird, please note the ring number and ringing scheme address, species, location, date of finding and cause of death if known, and forward details to the BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.

Colour marked birds Many colour-marking schemes are currently operating in Britain and Europe. Sightings such birds should be notified to the co-ordinators shown below: Great Cormorant - Graham Ekins, 35 Church Road, Boreham, Essex, CM3 3DN. Waders - Mark Collier, Wader Study Group, c/o The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU. Large Gulls - Peter Rock, 59 Concorde Drive, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 6PX. Small Gulls - Kjeld Pederson, Daglykkevej 7, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark. Wildfowl - Rich Hearn, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester, GL2 7BT. Common Chiffchaff - Greg Conway, 15 Coronation Place, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0EP. Other species - BTO (address as above).

Acknowledgements To all ringers who submitted totals and details of their recoveries, and to the late Francis Couch, Stan Christophers, Dave Kelsall and David Sowter for providing details of additional recoveries. Greg Conway

153 THE SOCIETY'S RESERVES & HIDES

The Society either owns or has access to a number of reserves and bird watching hides in the county. Brief details of the sites and of access are shown below. Information on the more common species seen at the various sites, and the times of the year when they are most likely to be seen, is best ascertained from the systematic list of species in the body of the report; the tables showing regular reports and maximum numbers are of particular help in this respect.

BURNIERE HIDE (Camel Estuary) The hide is situated at the head of the Camel Estuary at OS ref SW 982 740, close to the Amble Dam. It is owned by the Society. The hide overlooks the mud and tidal flats of the upper estuary. Access is obtained by driving from Wadebridge for one mile on the B3314. Park in the lay-by on the right just before the narrow, traffic light controlled Trewornan Bridge. Cross the road, enter the left of two gates and cross two fields, following the hedges on the right hand side and ENSURING THAT ALL GATES ARE CLOSED AND SECURED. The path can be muddy, so boots are recommended. BEWARE OF BADGER HOLES ALONG THE FIELD ACCESS PATH - THEY APPEAR AS VERTICAL SHAFTS AND ARE OFTEN HIDDEN BY GRASSY VEGETATION. The hide is locked but the combination for the lock is available to members. PLEASE DO NOT WALK ON THE DAM.

CROWDY RESERVOIR HIDE (Davidstow Moor near Camelford) The hide is situated on the northern end of the reservoir at OS ref SX 147 840, approximately two miles east of Camelford. South West Water owns the reservoir and the hide jointly with the South West Lakes Trust. The hide overlooks the northern shore of the reservoir where the amount of exposed mud varies with the height of the water. Access to the hide is obtained by parking in the dam car park and then walking north along the western shore of the reservoir.

DRIFT RESERVOIR HIDE (Penzance) The reservoir is situated at OS ref SW 432 294, approximately two miles west of Penzance. South West Water owns the reservoir jointly with the South West Lakes Trust. The hide is owned by the Society and overlooks the main reservoir. Further round the shore, there is a scrape that was excavated by the Society. The amount of mud around the shore varies with the level of water, with the widest margins of mud normally being seen in the summer and autumn. Access to the hide is obtained by driving to Drift along the A30 towards Land's End, turning right on the road to Sancreed and then turning right after three hundred yards into the dam car park. Walk along the footpath up the western shore to the hide.

LOVENY RESERVE (Bodmin Moor) The Loveny Reserve is situated on Bodmin Moor, approximately ten miles east of Wadebridge, at the northern end of the eastern finger of Colliford Reservoir OS ref SX 185 752. The Society manages the reserve jointly with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. South West Water and South West Lakes Trust own the reservoir.

154 The reserve has shallow water when the reservoir is high, but increasing amounts of mud as the water level drops. There are islands at times, some with sallows. Access is from the A30 west of Bolventor via a track at OS ref SX 172 752. Park in the lay-by on the A30 and walk down the rough track past some conifer trees to a gate. Take the left fork past a bungalow to the reserve ensuring that all gates are closed and secured. Alternatively, park in the car park near the public toilets on the northwest arm of the reservoir at OS ref SX 165 732 and follow the footpath that runs northeast across several fields to the reserve. ACCESS TO THE RESERVE IS NOT PERMITTED FROM THE BOLVENTOR TO DOZMARY ROAD, but much of the reserve can be viewed by telescope from the road.

LOWER TAMAR LAKE HIDE (Bude) The hide is situated on the western side of the lake at OS ref SS 293 112, approximately six miles northeast of Bude. South West Water owns the lakes and the hide jointly with the South West Lakes Trust. The hide overlooks the western shore of the lower lake. There is no hide on the upper lake. Access to the hide is obtained by parking in the dam car park at the southern end of Upper Tamar Lake and then walking south down the western shore of the Upper Tamar Lake to the hide.

MAER LAKE RESERVE (Bude) The Maer Lake Reserve is situated on the north side of Bude at OS ref SS 208 075. The Society owns the reserve jointly with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The reserve consists of 8.9 hectares of wetland grazing meadow of which two to fifteen acres can lie underwater, depending on rainfall. Approximately two acres are covered with Yellow Flag Iris. Access is from the car park at Crooklets Beach, situated at the seaward end of the golf course. Walk inland along Downs View Road for about one hundred yards before turning left and then immediately right past the Maer Lodge Hotel down a road signed to Maer Caravan Park. The reserve can be viewed to the right of the road. THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE RESERVE.

STITHIANS RESERVOIR RESERVES & HIDES (Redruth) The reserves are the southern portion of the main reservoir together with the area cut off by the southern causeway, and the area cut off by the northern (Golden Lion) causeway. The hides are situated at the southern end of the reservoir at OS ref SW 713 350, approximately three and a half miles south of Redruth. South West Water and South West Lakes Trust jointly own the reservoir. The reserves are managed by the Society. One hide overlooks the southern end of the reservoir from a position at the west end of the causeway, and the other looks over the southern "cut off from its western shore. Access to the hides is obtained from the road just west of the southern causeway. Both hides are locked but the combination for the locks is available to members. Both "cut offs" can be viewed with care from the causeways, and there is also a path around the reservoir.

TREGONCE HIDE (Camel Estuary) The hide is situated on the southern shore of the Camel Estuary at OS ref SW 932 742, approximately one mile southeast of Padstow. It is owned by the Society. The hide overlooks the estuary.

155 Access to the hide is obtained by parking in Padstow and then walking along the Camel Trail towards Wadebridge. After crossing the Iron Bridge and passing through a shallow cutting, look for a well- hidden narrow gate on the left before reaching a picnic area. A small track leads to the hide. The hide is locked but the combination for the lock is available to members.

TREGUNNA HIDE (Camel Estuary) The hide is situated on the southern shore of the Camel Estuary at OS ref SW 966 738, approximately one and a half miles west of Wadebridge, and is owned by Cornwall County Council. The hide overlooks the estuary. Access to the hide is obtained by parking in Wadebridge and then walking along the Camel Trail for approximately one and a half miles towards Padstow. The hide is not locked.

WALMSLEY SANCTUARY (Amble Marshes at head of Camel Estuary) The Walmsley Sanctuary is situated one and a quarter miles north of Wadebridge at OS ref SW 993 746 and is owned by the Society. The reserve is less than one mile from the Camel Estuary and includes over twenty hectares of reclaimed flood plain between Lower Amble and the River Amble. The highest point is around thirteen feet above the Ordnance Datum. The reserve has developed from three pasture fields on land reclaimed from the saltmarsh and is protected from flooding by a dam at the mouth of the River Amble. The vegetation consists predominantly of Lolium pratense, Cynosurus cristatus pasture, Holcus lanatus and Juncus effusus rush pasture. A recently extended embankment and series of scrapes has increased the area of open water. The reserve also includes hedges, ditches, a shallow pond left when the river was straightened, and one bank of the River Amble. Access is obtained by driving from Wadebridge for one mile on the B3314. Park in the lay-by on the right just before the narrow, traffic light controlled Trewornan Bridge. Walk over the bridge and turn right after approximately fifty yards (through a gate, and ENSURING THAT IT IS CLOSED AND SECURED) down a signed public footpath that goes diagonally across the first field. Cross the stile into the second field and follow the path along the edge to the second stile. Cross the stile to the Ground Level Hide. Alternatively, do not cross the stile and follow the path along the hedge to the gate to Tower Hide. This gate and all others must be kept closed at all times to prevent the escape of livestock. Access to Tower Hide is by kind permission of the farmer - members must keep to the path around the field and must not cut across the field. THE HIDES ARE THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE SANCTUARY, both of which are kept locked. The combination for the lock on Ground Level Hide is available to members who can also obtain a key to the Tower Hide from the Membership Secretary at a cost of £5.

WINDMILL FARM RESERVE (The Lizard) The Windmill Farm Reserve is situated approximately two miles north of Lizard Point at OS ref SW 693 152. The Society owns the reserve jointly with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The reserve consists of 75 hectares of pasture fields and lowland heath interspersed with hedges and patches of willow scrub. Full details were provided in an article in the 2001 edition of Birds in Cornwall. Two pools and a scrape have been excavated, and six hectares of arable crops are grown specifically for birds. A new hide overlooks the scrape and there is a nature trail. Access is obtained by driving south on the A3083 and turning right along an unmarked road that is situated 0.3 miles after the first turn to Ruan Minor/Cadgwith (two miles north of the centre of Lizard village). Follow the track for half a mile to its end and park in the farmyard where details of the reserve are on display.

156 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

2003 has been another significant and successful year for the Society. In this short report, I shall outline where I think the Society stands.

Francis Couch It is with deep sadness that the Society lost the services of one of its stalwart supporters. The untimely death of Francis robbed us of an untiring and enthusiastic volunteer. Not only did he provide sensible and wise counsel to the committee for many years, but his unstinting voluntary work at Walmsley cannot be measured. His wit, knowledge and friendship will be greatly missed and, on behalf of the whole Society, I send our sincere condolences to his family.

Committee Changes After only eighteen months in the Chair, I am sad to have to relinquish my position as Chairman. The Royal Navy has seen fit to keep me working in Bristol until 2007 and I feel that I cannot provide the level of commitment to the Society that I would wish, particularly from a distance. Two members of the Committee who have provided much longer service have also asked to stand down. Steve Rogers has served the Society for a long period, part of that time as Secretary. Brian Craven has served the Committee for many years, most recently in the demanding and high profile position of Conservation Officer. Both Steve and Brian have given of their time and experience to the benefit of the Society, and I cannot thank them enough for their contribution.

Bird Report The compilation of any report is a huge undertaking and the amount of records received from Cornwall makes our report even more of a mammoth effort. Probably only Norfolk receives as many birding visitors during the course of the year. The jobs of County Recorder and Editor of Birds in Cornwall are extremely time consuming and the requirement to work to a strict timetable paramount. The production of such a valuable report is solely attributable to Ian and Kester Wilson. The 2002 report stated that Darrell Clegg had been commissioned to review the way the report was produced. This work is ongoing and will be reviewed at future Committee meetings.

Palores Bob Bridges has taken this task from Darrell Clegg and refined the layout. I believe this is an exceptional publication that gives news and information to you, the members, on a regular basis. This, combined with Bob's role as Treasurer, makes him a key individual within the Society.

Conservation & Reserves Both are the backbone of the Society. Our proactive approach to conservation and our management of all our reserves are probably amongst the best in the country. All of our volunteer wardens are to be congratulated on their achievements this year. Without their efforts, key habitat would be lost to the county. Further details as to the reserves can be found in the Conservation Officer's report.

You, the member! Any society is only as good as its membership. Currently standing at around nine hundred, only a small minority are actively involved in the management structure. Without this small band of volunteers, the Society would almost certainly fail. I urge all of you to ask yourself whether you can provide some skill to the Society. If the answer is yes, please make yourself known to a committee member; the more volunteers, the less the individual workload. Cornwall remains one of the premier birding areas in the country. Continue to enjoy it at whatever level suits you.

Gary Lewis Chairman 2003

157 CONSERVATION OFFICER'S REPORT

(As presented to the 2004 Annual General Meeting)

I am pleased to inform you that the Society's reserves are in excellent condition. Drift Reservoir Gig racing has been the main concern of Warden Graham Hobin. He sent a letter to South West Lakes Trust (SWLT) requesting it should be stopped. The gigs forced eleven Mute Swans over the overspill. The RSPCA spent three days rescuing them and three swans were injured. SWLT's Director Evelyn Stacey personally visited a gig meeting and decided to cancel rowing licences. Breeding Moorhens and Mallards have adopted the pool/scrape/reedbed, which is developing satisfactorily. Breeding Canada Geese have reached Drift; I am not sure if this is a good thing! Bird highlights have included Long-tailed Duck, Merlin, Marsh and Hen Harriers, three Red Kites and Grey Phalarope. A good dragonfly year notable for Red-veined Darter, Black-tailed Skimmer and Migrant Hawker. Our thanks to Graham Hobin for all his hard work over the years. I believe Graham is still looking for an assistant to help with maintenance.

Maer Lake I suspect this is the least visited of our reserves, due to its location. If you don't visit Maer you are missing a wildlife treat. From autumn to spring huge numbers of birds visit the reserve. Graham Sutton has continued to maintain just the habitat a large number of species require. Waterways have again been cleared of the very invasive flag iris. My thanks to Graham for the excellent state of the reserve.

Stithians Reservoir (SWW/SWLT) Stuart Hutchings is our warden on the reserve that is seeing many nearby changes. A new SWLT Water-sports Centre has been financed and works are starting. Gig racing is being permitted here after being stopped at the smaller Drift Reservoir. The reserve areas should still be no-go areas for water sports. I am sure that Stuart and the Society will ensure the wildlife is protected. Hopefully this is not now a problem. Thanks to Stuart, also Chris Hughes and his friend who carried out trimming to improve access to the hides.

Walmsley Sanctuary I have recently spoken to several Walmsley visitors. They have all been very impressed by the condition of the reserve, which I personally believe has never been better. Warden Adrian Langdon with the help of his summer volunteers Dave Conway, Tim Foster, Dave Thomas and the late Francis Couch have shown that we certainly can reduce the invasive juncus to produce large areas of mud and other plants. Up to forty Black-tailed Godwits seem to have adopted the reserve for much of the year. Otters have been seen several times in front of the tower hide. We are intending to excavate some more scrapes as well as cleaning out the existing ones. This will of course depend upon suitable weather and cost money - around £4,000. Francis Couch will be missed greatly by many, but especially by the locals in the Wadebridge area. I am sure Francis is keeping an eye on Walmsley and the Camel Estuary from above.

158 Windmill Farm (CBWPS/CWT) The excellent work of Andy Pay, Colin Boyd, Stuart Hutchings and other helpers are well into making this a reserve members can be proud of. It is in a wonderful location for receiving migrants and has excellent habitats for breeding and wintering birds. Fields grazed by our sheep attracted circa two hundred and seventy Lapwings and three hundred Golden Plovers. Sixty-seven Common Snipe visited the Ruan Pool area and a Ring-tailed Hen Harrier was seen on 22nd November. We have planted some trees - Alder, Sycamore, Rowan, Guelder Rose etc. - in sheltered corners of the arable fields, and we will shortly be filling hedge gaps with Blackthorn and Hawthorn. Willow cuttings have been planted round the hide to try and screen it with foliage. An arable plot was replanted with a variety of seed-producing crops and has been hugely successful over the winter, supporting seven hundred and fifty Chaffinches, a few Greenfinches, Brambling and two Serins for four days. The scrape and ponds continue to develop nicely and attracted a few ducks over the winter, and we are hoping for plenty of dragonflies in the summer and waders later on. The cattle will continue to be used to manage the heathland. The grass fields are already showing reduced yields, indicating returning "non-improved" status. The shell of the information centre is now complete and we are looking for interpretative resources. The next major project will be fencing around Ruan Pool to allow grazing of the surrounding heathland, and scraping out the pool that is drying out due to dead vegetation. We hope this will give us another decent water body on the reserve. Also planned is a boardwalk behind the scrape to link the hide with the ponds field.

Other Matters The Lizard Choughs have bred again. Thanks to everyone who has helped Claire Mucklow and the RSPB with round the clock watches. Roy Philips wrote a letter on the Society's behalf and was successful in helping stop a development at Gwithian. This would have impinged on a SSSI and important sand dune systems. I have written several letters including: The Highway Agency regarding their trunk road soft landscaping cutting policy. Downderry Construction about leaving a sand face at Trewint for Sand Martins. English Nature regarding Walmsley. South West Lakes Trust regarding several matters as well as attending their Recreation & Conservation Forums In 1999 I was talked into taking on the Conservation Officer post for a year after the excellent Martin Rule decided he wanted to spend more time with his new family. It has been a long year and I now feel it is time for someone else to do a year or five! Hopefully my replacement, or preferably my replacements will have much more available time to take the Society's conservation aims to an even greater level of achievement.

Brian Craven Conservation Officer 2003

159 OBITUARY

FRANCIS COUCH 1938 - 2003

The Trustees and members of the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Francis Couch on 5th December 2003.

Francis was a life member and trustee of the Society and had been involved on the management committee for over thirty years. He held various positions during this time, including editing the Society's newsletter for several years, and arranging and leading field meetings.

I had known him for over twenty-six years and, like so many, regarded him as a true friend who was totally reliable, and always prepared to help with a project if asked. He did have a mischievous sense of humour, but in all the years I never heard him say an unkind or cross word about anyone - unique in my experience of the world of . Francis especially loved the birds of the Camel Estuary, with the Society's Walmsley Sanctuary Reserve on the Amble Marshes his favourite place. He told me many times how pleased he was with the care and attention that the Society had given to the reserve over the last ten years. He was particularly pleased with the opening of the Tower Hide in 1999, and the wonderful views that it gave over the reserve. Francis also thoroughly enjoyed working at Walmsley with the work party team of volunteers who met throughout the summer months.

Francis also had a long association with Bude playing a leading role in the purchase of Maer Lake in 1993, and then in the reserve's management and development over the subsequent years. He was also a member of the Bude Marshes Local Nature Reserve Management Committee, and through these two reserves made many friends in the town.

It is difficult for anyone connected with the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society to imagine life without Francis. His knowledge of the Society and its history was unparalleled; he told a marvellous story of when the Society hired a train to go birdwatching! Walmsley, Maer Lake and Bude Marshes are wonderful legacies of his warmth, sincerity and dedication to the world of conservation.

Francis Couch was a Society man through and through and everyone connected with the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society knows that we have lost a remarkable friend and colleague whose like we shall not see again.

Graham Sutton

160 BALANCE SHEET AND ACCOUNTS

CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY REGISTERED CHARITY No. 255899

Annual Report for the year to 31 December 2003

The Management Committee present their report for the year ended 31 December 2003.

Legal and Administrative Information The members of the Management Committee during the year: S. C. Madge President G. Lewis Chairman (Appointed May 2003) G. P Sutton Vice Chairman D. Clegg Secretary (Appointed May 2003) R. G. Bridges Treasurer (Appointed May 2003) B. Craven Conservation Officer S. McMahon F. Couch (Deceased December 2003) S. Rogers (Secretary until May 2003) G. Adams C. Mucklow T. Hasdell R. Parslow (Appointed May 2003) S. C. Hutchings Chairman (Retired May 2003) C. Boyd Treasurer (Retired April 2003) T. Langford (Retired May 2003) A. R. Pay (Retired May 2003) I. M. Wilson (Retired May 2003) J. Chappie (Retired May 2003) K. A. Wilson (Retired May 2003) P. Fraser (Retired May 2003) M. Tunmore

Constitution The Charity was established in 1931 and is governed by its rules which were last amended in July 2003. The registered number with the Charity Commission is 255899.

Address for correspondence 21 Pare Peneglos, Bells Hill, Mylor, TR11 5SL

Independent Examiner Whitaker Redfearn Pappin, Bryndon House, 5/7 Berry Road, Newquay, TR7 1 AD

Bankers

Nat West, 2/4 St. Nicholas Street, Truro, TR1 2RN

Solicitors

Randall Thomas, Helston

Objectives The Society exists to further the study of birds and assist in their preservation and conservation. The charity publishes an annual ornithological study "Birds in Cornwall" and owns or jointly owns three nature reserves. Review of activities The Society continued to fulfil its objectives in the management of three nature reserves, promoting birdwatching events in Cornwall, issuing a newsletter ("Palores") three times a year and publishing the annual county ornithological study "Birds in Cornwall". Acquisitions are always under consideration, and so are the consequences. Fund raising is one such consequence but, more importantly, ongoing management resource is a more significant issue. Plans by the incoming Chairman to raise the profile of the Society were put on hold after he was, unexpectedly, sent abroad to work (temporarily). Sadly, we report the death of Francis Couch in December 2003, a long serving hard working member of the committee. He will be missed.

161 Financial Reserves Financial reserves are held in order to ensure that short term income fluctuations do not disrupt the continuity of the Society's activities. These activities are: a. the annual publication for members of "Birds in Cornwall" and b. the continuing management for conservation of our nature reserves (funds are held to cover one and two year's costs respectively).

In addition, the Society holds funds sufficient to take advantage of future opportunities to purchase additional nature reserves. The Trustees review the financial reserves on an annual basis against this policy in the light of current circumstances. The financial reserves at 31st December 2003 were £30,925, as shown in note 11 to the Society's accounts. The Trustees are of the opinion that this sum falls within the above policy.

Risks The Trustees of the Society constantly review the major risks to which the Charity may be exposed and procedures are adopted or adapted to mitigate those risks.

Volunteers The Society is indebted to the large band of volunteers whose enthusiasm and generosity in giving up their free time to: a. carry out work on our reserves, b. lead guided walks or give illustrated talks, and c. carry out supporting roles managing the Society, is critical for the ongoing success of the Society.

R. G. Bridges (Treasurer) On behalf of the Trustees 17th March 2004

Independent Examiners' Report to the Trustees of the Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society

We report on the financial statements of the Society for the year ended 31 December 2003 which are set out below.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and examiners The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of Section 43(2) of the Companies Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to examine the accounts (under Section 43(3)(a) of the Act) and, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section (43)(7)(b) of the Act, to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.

Basis of Independent Examiners' Report Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting procedures kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiners' Statement In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention: 1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or 2. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Whitaker Redfearn Pappin Chartered Accountants Bryndon House 5/7 Berry Road Newquay Cornwall

17th March 2004

162 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003

Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total this Total Funds Funds Funds year 2002 £ £ £ £ INCOME & EXPENDITURE

Incoming Resources Membership Subscriptions 2 9,880 - 9,880 9,990 Legacies & Donations 3 232 500 732 215 Grants 4 - - - 3,997 Interest Receivable 1,341 - 1,341 1,488 Rents Receivable - 526 526 526 Fundraising 5 406 102 508 879 Total Incoming Resources 11,859 1,128 12.987 17,095

Resources expended Direct Charitable Expenditure Membership Support 6 8,137 - 8,137 8,462 Conservation 7 1,079 2,782 3,861 9,863

Management & Administration 8 719 _ 719 782 Total Resources Expended 9,935 2,782 12.717 19.107

NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR 1,924 (1,654) 270 (2,012)

Transfers between funds 10 - - - -

NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 1,924 (1,654) 270 (2,012)

Funds brought forward 59,449 11,138 70,587 72,599

FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD £61.373 £9,484 £70.857 £70.587

163 Balance Sheet at 31 December 2003

Total 2003 Total 2002 Notes £ £ £ £ FIXED ASSETS

Tangible Assets 9 36,041 37,105

CURRENT ASSETS Stock 350 350 Debtors & Prepayments 2,239 1,268 Cash at Bank 4,360 2,699 Cash on short Term Deposit 35.500 33,500 42,449 37,817 CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within 1 year

Subscriptions in Advance (1,810) (2,175) Creditors (5,823) (2,160) (7.633) (4,335) NET CURRENT ASSETS 34,816 33,482

TOTAL NET ASSETS £70.857 £70.587

REPRESENTED BY

Unrestricted Fund 61,373 59,449 Restricted Fund 10 9,484 11,138 £70.857 £70.587

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2003 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES a. General The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities. b. Depreciation Depreciation of fixed assets held for use by the charity is calculated at the following rates based on the estimated useful life of those fixed assets as follows: General equipment 10% per annum (straight line basis) Computer equipment 20% per annum (straight line basis) Hides 5% per annum (straight line basis) c. Subscriptions Subscriptions are recognised in the period to which they relate, except for subscriptions for life membership which are amortised over 15 years.

2003 2002 2 MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS £ £ Annual Membership 8,442 8,516 Life Membership 232 232 Gift Aid 1,206 1,242 £9,880 £9.990

164 3 LEGACIES & DONATIONS Unrestricted Restricted 2003 2002 Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ Donations £232 £500 £732 £215

4 GRANTS Restricted 2003 2002 Funds Total Total £ £ £ CWT - Maer Lake Wetland 997 Environment Agency - Windmill Farm Reserve 3,000 £3.997

5 FUNDRAISING Unrestricted Restricted 2003 2002 Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ Sale of "Birds in Cornwall" 204 204 533 Sale and hire of hide keys 102 53 102 Sale of advertising space 200 200 290 Sale of goods 2 2 3 £406 £508 £879 £102

6 MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT 2003 2002 £ £ Printing "Birds in Cornwall" 4,080 4,034 Printing "Palores" 1,253 1,270 Postage on publications 1,402 1,305 Depreciation on computer equipment 379 617 Loss on sale of computer 173 Website and computer software 273 313 Honorarium 750 750 £8,137 £8.462

7 CONSERVATION Unrestricted Restricted 2003 2002 Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ Reserve management: Walmsley Sanctuary 868 868 693 Maer Lake Wetland 1,439 1,439 1,458 Windmill Farm Reserve 34 34 4,883 Walmsley Sanctuary Hide 76 76 242 Hide insurance 344 344 320 Public Liability Insurance 262 262 704 Bird post-mortems 725 Licences 153 153 153 Depreciation of hides 63 399 462 462 Depreciation of tools 223 223 223 £1.079 £2,782 £3,861 £9.863

8 MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION 2003 2002 £ £ Postage 292 77 Stationery 185 362 Telephone 27 79 Travel 55 166 Meetings 132 53 Sundries 28 45 £719 £782

165 FIXED ASSETS Freehold Computer Land Tools equipment Hides TOTAL £ £ £ £ £ Cost at 1.1.2003 28,500 3,733 3,755 9,233 45,221

Cost at 31.12.2003 28,500 3,733 3,755 9,233 45,221

Depreciation as at 1.1.2003 _ 2,468 2,898 2,750 8,116 Provision for year - 223 379 462 1,064

Depreciation as at 31.12.2003 - 2,961 3.277 3.212 9.180

Net book value 1.1.2003 £28,500 £1,265 £857 £6,483 £37,105

Net book value 31.12.2003 £28.500 £1,042 £478 £6,021 £36.041

RESTRICTED FUNDS Balance Incoming Balance 1.1.2003 resources Expenditure Transfers 31.12.2003 £ £ £ £ £ Walmsley Sanctuary 2,798 350 (868) - 2,280 Maer Lake Wetland 2,177 676 (1,439) - 1,414 Bird post-mortems 120 - - - 120 Walmsley Hide 51 102 (76) - 77 Walmsley Hide capitalised 5,992 - (399) - 5,593 £11.138 £1.128 (£2.782) - £9.484

FUNDS ALLOCATION Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ Fixed Assets 30,448 5,593 36,041 Net Current Assets (i) 30,925 3,891 34,816 Total Net Assets as at 31.12.2002 £61.373 £9.484 £70.857

(i) The figure of £30,925 represents Unrestricted Reserves, the policy for which is given in the Trustees' Annual Report.

12 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2003 2002 £ £ Expenses (a) 795 2,128 Remuneration (b) 750 750

(a) These payments were for reimbursement of costs and expenses paid on behalf of the Society. (b) Trustee remuneration is payable to the Society's Hon. Recorder. Approval to make this annual payment has been given in writing by the Charities Commission.

166 THE SOCIETY'S RULES

Rule 1. (Name) The Society shall be called "The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society".

Rule 2 (Objects) The objects of the Society shall be: a) to further the study of birds in the field; and b) to assist in their preservation and conservation

Rule 3 (Membership) Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objects of the Society. Classes of membership shall be as follows: Ordinary members - any person over the age of 18 yrs Life members - any ordinary member who has paid the prescribed life membership subscription. Junior members - any person under the age of 18 yrs. Honorary members - any person, whether otherwise a member or not, who is elected an Honorary member by a General meeting on a recommendation of the Executive Committee in recognition of outstanding service to the objects of the Society. Group members - School or similar groups. All members shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the Society (except that Junior members shall not be eligible to serve as Honorary officers or as members of the Executive Committee) and shall be entitled to vote at General meetings (Group members shall be entitled to one vote only on behalf of that body). The Executive Committee shall have the authority to exclude from membership, or cancel the membership of, any person if it considers that person to have contravened any requirements contained in these rules or any legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or for any other matter which the Executive Committee considers offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society.

Rule 4 (Subscriptions) Subscription rates shall be approved from time to time by the Society in General meeting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee. Subscriptions shall be payable on joining and on the 1st of January thereafter, but any member paying a first subscription after the 30th of September in any year shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until after the close of the following year. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall, after being reminded, cease to receive the Society's publications, and when six months in arrears shall cease to be a member.

Rule 5 (Officers) The following Honorary Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re­ election: President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Field Meetings Officer, Honorary Solicitor, Conservation Officer, Assistant Conservation Officer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Officer, County Recorder, Editor of "Birds in Cornwall". Any member, with the exception of junior members, shall be eligible for election as an Honorary Officer. In the event of a vacancy arising at any time of the year, the Executive Committee shall be empowered to appoint a member to fill that vacancy and such appointment shall be reported to the next General meeting for approval or election as appropriate.

Rule 6 (Meetings) An annual general meeting shall be held in each year. The quorum shall be 20. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, or at the request of 20 members by application to the Chairman and the General Secretary, such applications to be accompanied by details of the motion or motions to be moved.

167 Rule 7 (Management) The Annual General Meeting shall elect an Executive Committee to deal with all business of the Society, and any obligation undertaken by the Executive Committee shall be an obligation of the Society. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Honorary Officers and nine other members. The Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for a maximum of four consecutive years. At the end of that period, at least one year must elapse before that person shall be eligible for re-election to the same office. Non- officer members shall be elected for a period of three years and shall not on the expiry of that period be eligible for re-election until a year after the termination of that period of three years. Nominations for posts as Honorary Officers and for vacancies on the Executive Committee shall be made in writing to the General Secretary over the signatures of the proposer and seconder and must reach the General Secretary at least ten days before the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall meet as often as is necessary and shall be convened by the General Secretary in consultation with the Chairman. The quorum for the Executive Committee shall be eight members. The Executive Committee shall have the powers to appoint such sub-committees as it considers desirable and shall determine the membership and powers of such sub-committees, whose proceedings will be reported to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall not delegate to any sub-committee the power to commit the Society to any expenditure. The Executive Committee shall delegate to the Management Team (comprising Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Conservation Officer) power to take decisions on urgent matters which cannot await the next meeting of the Committee. Decisions of the Management Team must be unanimous and shall be reported to the next meeting of the Executive Committee.

Rule 8 (Accounts)

The annual accounts of the Society shall be checked independently.

Rule 9 (Trustees)

Land of the Society shall vest in the Official Custodian of Charities.

Rule 10 (Dissolution etc.) This Society shall neither be dissolved, nor amalgamated with, nor subordinated to any other body without the consent of two-thirds of the members, at a General Meeting where the business is transacted, and in respect of which dissolution, amalgamation or subordination, prior notice must be given under rule 11. For the purpose of this Rule, Members may vote by post. Rule 11 (Alteration of rules) An alteration of the Rules of the Society may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been set out in full on the agenda sent to members and that the proposed alteration is passed by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting. No alteration of the rules that would result in a benefit being received by a member of the Executive Committee will be effective until it has been approved in writing by the Charity Commission. Rule 12 (Executive Committee Members not to be personally interested) (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-clause 2 of this rule no member of the Executive Committee shall acquire any interest in property belonging to the Society (otherwise than as a Trustee of the Society) or receive remuneration or be interested (other than as a member of the Executive Committee. (2) Any member of the Executive Committee who is for the time being acting as Recorder and Editor for the Society may receive such reasonable remuneration in connection with the work of the Recorder and Editor in compiling records of bird sightings in Cornwall and their assembly in a form for publication as shall from time to time be deemed appropriate by members of the Executive Committee: Provided that any member of the Executive Committee who is remunerated under this provision shall withdraw from any meeting at which his or her own instruction or remuneration is under discussion.

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