TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE Preamble ...... 3 The Macmillan Library ...... 6 The Weather of 1950. B. H. Ryves ...... 7 List of Contributors ...... 8 General Bird Notes for 1950 ...... 9 Arrivals and departures of Cornish-breeding migrants ... 31 The Walmsley Sanctuary, Tregorden and Camel Estuary. T. J. Willcocks ...... 33 The Cornish Seas ...... 33 The Scilly Isles ...... 35 The Breeding Habits of the Spotted Flycatcher ...... 37 Observations of Two Pairs of Spotted Flycatcher in 1950 ... 44 Roseate Terns in the Isles of Scilly. R. H. Blair ...... 51 Balance Sheet ...... 52 List of Members ...... 53 TWENTIETH REPORT

OF The Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society 1950.

Edited by B. H. RYVES, A. G. PARSONS and H. M. QUICK (kindly assisted by Dr. R. H. BLAIR).

Fifty-six new members joined the Society during the year, bringing the number up to 426. The sad loss to the Society through the death of Mr. Macmillan, in April, 1950, was noted in the 1949 Report. Mrs. Macmillan wishes to convey to all members her sincere thanks for the flowers sent in memory of her husband and in sympathy to herself. She has very kindly presented to the Society, in his memory, his library of bird books for the use of members. A list of these appears below. We are further indebted to Mrs. Macmillan for a very generous gift of £30. The Society is grateful to Mr. Stuart Martyn (who has acted for many years as Auditor) for consenting to take on the work of the Hon. Treasurer. He was elected at the Annual Meeting on October 28th. Our thanks are due to Mr. F. Palmer for kindly auditing the accounts, and to Mr. Penrose and the Museum staff for the use of a room for Committee Meetings. Towards the close of the year, Ornithology suffered a severe loss by the death, at a comparatively early age, of Mr. B. W. Tucker, an Honorary Member of this Society. Since the death, in 1942, of Mr. H. F. Witherby, the senior Editor of the " Handbook," Mr. Tucker had been recognised, both at home and abroad, as the leading British authority. By profession a Zoologist, he was as well versed in field lore as in the purely scientific aspects of birds, and had, but relatively recently, been appointed to the first University post to be created in Ornithology in Great Britain, at Oxford. The oft repeated initials " B.W.T." throughout the " Handbook " will long stand as a monument to his immense experience. Mr. Tucker leaves a widow and young son, to whom our deep sympathy is extended. The Annual Meeting was held in the Women's Institute, Truro, on March 25th, about 60 members being present. In addition to the routine business, Mr. A. G. Parsons was elected as a third Joint Honorary Secretary. After the meeting, Dr. Blair showed his own films, mostly in colour, of bird life in the Isles of Scilly. 4 The second General Meeting was held in the Women's Institute, Truro, on October 28th, about 60 members being present. At the conclusion of business, Mr. Parsons gave a talk on his visit to Sweden, illustrated with his own lantern slides. There were two meetings of the Executive Committee during the year. Two police prosecutions under the County Bird Protection Order were successfully undertaken during the year. Officers of the Society being consulted regarding them. Both were in respect of the shoot­ ing of Herring Gulls, one near Polzeath and the other at Hayle Estuary; the offenders were fined £1 and 10/- respectively. Two complaints of the infringement of the Protection Orders have been received during the year, but full and prompt information was not given. Protection can only be effective if members are prepared to come forward unreservedly with accurate information as soon as they are aware of offences; if this is not done no action is practicable. The Home Office have granted their sanction to the setting aside of Tamar Lake as a bird sanctuary, and a copy of the official order giving effect to the decree has been forwarded to the Hon. Sec­ retaries by the Clerk of the County Council. A new section, " The Cornish Seas," appears in this Report. It is intended to contain records (previously rather difficult to classify as to location) of birds seen at sea from boats. The majority of these notes have been made from R.M.S. " Scillonian." It is hoped that this section may become a permanent feature. Any freshly dead birds will continue to be received by Mr. Parsons, who will defray postage and can also supply suitable tins. Oiled sea birds are not required, but can be sent if any member is uncertain as to their identification; this also applies to any bird remains, where the species is uncertain. In view of the large amount of information which has been col­ lected about certain species of especial interest, the Editors have decided that it is no longer necessary to publish every record; this applies to such regular winter residents as Black Redstart and Goldeneye. All available records should continue to be sent in, but it now appears only necessary to publish autumn arrival and spring departure dates, as well as notes of unusual numbers, display, etc. Special mention of the Tamar-St. Germans rivers as a wintering area should be made; it is evident from the careful notes of Mr. R. M. Curber and others for a few seasons past that wintering of Spoonbills, Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits in some numbers is well established there; for many of us there must be some regret that wintering of Spoonbills in West Cornwall, which looked like be­ coming regular on the Tresillian and Ruan-Fal rivers a few years ago, has ceased. Members are asked to supply information about the following species, on which comprehensive up-to-date information is lacking:— 1. The number of breeding House-Sparrows, House-Martins, Starlings and Reed-Buntings in areas known to them. 5 2. The sites used for nesting, together with any information as to increase or decrease. 3. Accurate counts of Choughs, with localities; a census of these birds is wanted. 4. The sites of Starling roosts, and the nature of the roost, whether in reeds or shrubs, etc. The number preceding each species is the check-list number taken from the official list of British Birds printed at the end of Vol. V of " The Handbook of British Birds." It will be found useful by those wishing to look up particulars of any species in the standard work. Many members have remarked that the value of the Report would be doubled if it could be issued before the breeding season of the next year. Members are, therefore, again begged to send their records in good time in order to make this possible. For the benefit of new members, the Editors repeat their request that those who send in complete annual reports should do so in the following manner: 1. Use one side of the paper only. 2. Follow the order in the list of species, which can be supplied to anyone asking for it. 3. Send, not later than January 15th (and sooner if they like), to Miss Quick, Priglis Cottage, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly. Letters are welcome at any time from those who do not care to compile annual records. In view of Miss Quick's change of address, it is requested that any letters requiring a speedy answer be addressed to Mr. Parsons, c/o Redruth Hospital. There is a constant request by new members for back numbers of the Report, which are now becoming very scarce. If any member has old copies which they can spare, the secretaries would be most grateful. The bad weather of 1949 handicapped observers very much; nevertheless, some very rare visitors have been seen, the most remark­ able of which were the Desert Wheatear (the first record for Corn­ wall), the Yellow-browed Warbler, Night-Heron, American Pectoral Sandpiper, Greater Yellowshank and Scandinavian Herring-Gull. Other uncommon visitors included Crossbills, Woodchat Shrike, Rough-legged Buzzards, wintering Marsh Harrier, Barnacle Geese and Kentish Plover. An unusual number of Snow Buntings and Grey Phalaropes are recorded, and there was a sad " wreck " of Little Auks, comprising in all, about 70 birds. A field meeting will be held (regardless of weather) on Hayle Estuary on Saturday, May 26th. The assembly point will be the Old Quay House Hotel on Hayle Causeway, at 2 p.m. All members and friends who can get to it will be very welcome. THE MACMILLAN LIBRARY

(books, the property of the late Mr. J. M. Macmillan, kindly presented to the Society by Mrs. Macmillan). The Handbook of British Birds. H. F. Witherby, et al. (5 vols.). Morris's British Birds. (8 vols.). Manual of British Birds. Howard Saunders. British Birds. Kirkman. Birds of the British Isles and their Eggs. T. A. Coward. (3 vols.). How to Study Birds. Stuart Smith. Birds of the Grey Wind. Edward Armstrong. Wild Exmoor. E. W. Hendy. Somerset Birds and some other folk. E. W. Hendy. A Naturalist on Lindisfarne. Richard Perry. Shetland Sanctuary. Richard Perry. British Sea Birds. C. A. Gibson Hill. A Naturalist on Rona. Fraser Darling. Island Farm. Fraser Darling. The Birds of Britain. James Fisher. Watching Birds. James Fisher. (2 copies). Bird Recognition, Sea Birds and Waders. James Fisher. Birds at Sight. Vere Benson. Natural History in the Highlands and Islands. Fraser Darling. World of Birds. Eric Parker. Rare, Vanishing and Lost British Birds. From notes by W. H. Hudson, compiled by Linda Gardiner. Edward Wilson, Nature Lover. Seaver. The British Bird Book. Pyecraft and Wood. More Birds of the Day. Eric Hosking and Newberry. Thirty Years of Nature Photography. Seton Gordon. Worthing Cavalcade. Richard Jeffries. The Bird Book. Rogerson and Tunnicliffe. Bird Portraiture. Tunnicliffe. The Birds of Cornwall. Rodd, by Harting. The Charm of Birds. Grey of Falodon. Wild Geese and Wild Duck. Here and There with Birds. E. W. Hendy. Kindly presented by Mr. A. C. Polwhele: British Waders in their Haunts. S. Bayliss Smith. THE WEATHER OF 1950 by B. H. Ryves. There is a very different story to tell of the weather of 1950 from the very rosy one of 1949. As 1949 was good, so 1950 was bad. The summer may be described as generally wet, cool and sun­ less, with the result that the harvest was exceptionally late and some crops were virtually lost altogether. The wet and cheerless conditions continued through the autumn to the close of the year. And yet, paradoxical though it be, my apple crop (a light one, I admit) was an excellent one, the fruits being well coloured, of good size and keeping quality. January. The first half of the month was mild, dull and misty. The second half brought us about twelve days of severe cold with hard frosts, but no snow. Rainfall was below normal. February. A very wet month, though mainly mild with a lack of sunshine. Severe gales from the west, between the 8th and 16th, caused an extensive " wreck " of Little Auks. March. Perhaps almost the best month of the year! Generally mild with a south-western gale thrown in on the 18th. The last week was particularly mild with a lot of sunshine. Rainfall was slight. April. Generally cold and sunless, though not unduly wet. Two sunny days, on 19th and 20th, relieved temporarily an otherwise cheerless and wretched month. May. Except for gloriously warm and sunny days between the 9th and 15th, the conditions were cool and wet. June. During the first half of the month, there were several really warm days and a period of drought. The remainder of the month gave us cool, wet and depressing days. July. After the first few days, much rain fell almost persist­ ently through the month. There is nothing for it but to repeat the now familiar statement that the weather was unpleasant and un­ healthy. , August. Such entries in my diary as " bleak, wet and dull," " very cool," " heavy rain," " flood rain," " blowy and chilly," " much cooler " and " flood rain again," aptly describe a most depressing month which hardly had a single redeeming feature. September brought no better conditions than did August. Added to the heavy rains, there were south-westerly gales on several days and many cold or foggy days. October. On the whole, fairly normal weather for the time of year and certainly an improvement on August and September. November. A month of much rain and flood, some gales and very cold winds. The countryside became a quagmire. December. There were three separate and distinct " cold spells " with hard frosts, but, mercifully, no snow. Between these spells there were heavy falls of rain and the land remained a quagmire, making digging in the garden an impossibility. Thus ended about as bad a year (from a meteorological point of view) as I can remem­ ber in my long life. 8

List of Contributors W.E.A. W. E. Almond. C.M.A. Miss C. M. Andrews. C.H.B. Capt. C. H. Bailhache. J.E.B. The Rev. J. E. Beckerlegge. R.H.B. Dr. R. H. Blair. G.L.B. G. L. Brown. J.B. J. Buxton (non-member). F.E.C. Mrs. F. E. Carter. E.O.C. Miss E. O. Comber. E.T.C. E. T. Crosoer. R.M.C. R. M. Curber. H.T.C. H. T. Curtiss. W.M.D. Mrs. W. M. Dakin. A.D. Mrs. A. Darroch. S.D. S. Dexter. A.P.D. A. Perrin Dixon. A.A.D.S. Major A. A. Dorrien Smith. S.J.D. S. J. Drew. A. and B.F A. and B. Farrant. E.J.G. E. J. Green (non-member). R.G.H. R. G. Haddon (non-member). G.H.H. G. H. Harvey. P.H.H. P. H. Henwood. P.S.H. P. Stuart Hill (non-member). D.J. Mrs. D. Jeffreys. H.R.K. Mrs. H. Rait Kerr. B.K. B. King. R.O.L. R. O. Liddicoat. J.M.M. the late J. M. Macmillan. R.M. R. Maddern. R.P.M. R. P. Menneer. G.M. G. Morcom. G.W.H.M. The Rev. G. W. H. Moule. R.E.N. P. E. Newham. E.R.N. Miss E. R. Newton. J.L.P. -T. L. Palmer. W.G.P. W. G. Parkin. F.R.P. F. R. Parry. A..G.P. A. G. Parsons. D.P. Mrs. D. Pearse. L.G.P. L. G. Peirson (non-member). T.A.P. T. A. Pierson. 4.C.J.P. A. C. J. Phillips. E.G.P. Miss E. G. Pickthall. E.M.P. Mrs. E. M. Powell. H.M.Q. Miss H. M. Quick. L.R. L. Rendell. D.W.R. Miss D. W. Roberts. E.E.R. Miss E. E. Robinson. M.R. M. Rogers (non-member). R.R. R. Rogers (non-member). B.H.R. Lieut.-Col. B. H. Ryves. R.L.S. R. L. Sandercock. H.B.S. H. B. Sargent. 9 J.S.S. J. S. Shenton (non-member). K.M.S. Miss K. M. Skinner. F.R.S. F. R. Smith. T.J.S. T. J. Stephens. C.J.S. C. J. Stevens. G.S. G. Stone (non-member). K.T. Mrs. K. Taylor. J.W.T. J. W. Thackerah (non-member). M.T. Mrs. M. Thomson. W.A.T. W. A. Tregenza. R.B.T. R. B. Treleaven. D.V. D. Vague (non-member). E.H.W. E. H. Ware. W.S.W. W. S. Watts. S.J.W. Mrs. S. J. White. T.J.W. T. J. Willcocks. R.L.W. R. L. Winter. *****

GENERAL BIRD NOTES FOR 1950 RAVEN. The status of this species seems well maintained. Reports have been received of 10 nests where young are known to have been reared; of five nests that came to grief and many others at which the result is not known. Eds. CARRION CROW. On September 2nd, on the Camel Estuary, I saw a Peregrine take either a Common or Herring Gull, which it conveyed with some difficulty to the bank. It appeared to kill and pluck it in about seven minutes. A pair of Carrion Crows then came and stood closely round; the falcon lunged at them with her bill, but they just hopped away and soon drew closer again. The Peregrine then took her prey away across the channel to a high field; but, before she had finished the meal, 14 Carrion Crows had appeared and stood around watching her. When she finally flew away, the Crows departed too, from which I concluded that there were no pickings left! H.R.K.

CHOUGH. The situation seems as gloomy as ever. There is no evi­ dence that a brood was reared at either of the known sites or elsewhere. Eds. GREENFINCH. On March 27th, in my garden, I found a completed nest, but the first egg of a clutch of five was not laid in it until May 3rd. A brood safely flew on June 6th. My latest nest was one from which a brood flew on August 21st. Greenfinches were very plentiful this season—more than I have noted for a good many years. B.H.R. September 1st, flock of 40 at Trewornan Bridge. H.R.K. 10 About 30 had arrived in the sedges on Par beach by Sep­ tember 26th, increased to about 100 by October, and were still there at the end of the year. This is the third year in sucession that such numbers have inhabited the beach and is, I presume, correlated with a plentiful food supply in the form of seeds of the sedges. C.J.S. 20 GOLDFINCH. Like the greenfinch, this species was more plentiful than usual this season. Three late broods left their nests in my garden on August 25th, 26th and September 4th. B.H.R. September 7th and 25th, numbers seen at Constantine Bay. September 28th, large flocks. H.R.K. 21 SISKIN. On January 11th, two separate birds were seen in different parts of the Retew valley. January 15th, one seen at Par. C.J.S. 36 COMMON CROSSBILL. January 19th, in my Falmouth garden, two males. They were about intermittently till January 31st. R.E.N. 41 CHAFFINCH. May 15th, near Gwinear, I found a nest with one egg, built in an old Swallow's nest in an outbuilding of a farm. I have never before known this bird to build either in another nest or in a building. J.W.T. 42 BRAMBLING. January 2nd, one, with Chaffinches, at Lidden, Penzance. January 21st, one at Trevean, near Sennen. J.E.B. 44 YELLOW BUNTING. February 26th, near Tintagel, one in full song. M.T. On August 27th, a nest with three eggs was found near St. Kew. The bird was sitting and flew off the nest. T.A.P. 49 CIRL BUNTING. I secured my first record of the same nest being used for a second brood. Here are some details: On June 1st, in my garden, a nest in a very low branch of a small Insignis pine was found, in which the hen was incubating three eggs. Three chicks were hatched on June 11th. On June 25th, two safely left nest, but the third lay dead in it and I removed it. The nest was rather whitewashed around the rim with two faeces lying in the cup. On July 1st, it was obvious that the nest had been con­ siderably cleaned up and much of the lining had been removed. On several succeeding days the hen continued to remove mate­ rials and to add fresh ones. On July 10th the first egg was laid, on the 11th the second, when she occasionally brooded, on the 12th the third, when she again brooded for about an hour. The fourth and last egg was deposited on July 13th, a very wet day; the hen did not start incubation and the nest and eggs became very wet and cold. On the 14th, the hen sat tightly all the 11 morning, but was absent for at least two hours in the afternoon. On the 15th, the hen sat tight in the morning, but at 5.15 p.m. I found her absent and the eggs very wet and cold. On the 16th and following days, the hen behaved normally and sat tightly. On July 26th, the nest held three intact eggs and half an egg­ shell with a dead chick tightly glued to it. On the 27th, there were three chicks only; the dead one in a half shell had been removed—on the 29th the nest held two chicks only. On August 5th the nest was empty and I spotted the male feeding one small undeveloped chick hiding in tall grass about 10 yards from the nest. There was no trace of the other chick. On the 6th, the male alone was feeding one chick, which had wriggled into fresh cover a yard or two away. On the 7th the chick had vanished and the male was not working. At both nests the male was very attentive in feeding his nestlings, but, contrary to normal habit, he was never seen to feed his mate during incubation. B.H.R. 59 SNOW BUNTING. April 9th, at Ralph's Cupboard, a female in full breeding plumage. (This seems to be the first April record for Cornwall). R.H.B. September 19th, at Constantine Bay, one male. There had been a N.W. gale the day before. S.D. September 24th, a male at Godrevy Head flitted about in a fierce gale. A.G.P. October 1st, a male and a female on the cliffs at Bude. F.E.C. October 19th, one seen near St. Agnes. K.M.S. October 24th, seven put up from a stubble field on the north coast. They flew high, calling, and seemed to go right away. G.W.H.M. 61 HOUSE SPARROW. The increase recorded in the last Report has, in 1950, been maintained in a most spectacular manner. Birds, including breeders, have almost swarmed in my district. B.H.R. 62 TREE SPARROW. December 2nd, five near Newbridge. E.R.N. Near Manaccan: Our two usual visitors left in March, but did not come back again until December, two months later than usual. S.J.W. 74 TAWNY PIPIT. October 13th and 22nd, one seen at St. Columb Porth. (Satisfactory evidence given.—Eds.). W.M.D. 79 WATER PIPIT. March 30th, at Marazion Marsh in the afternoon, there was a large congregation of Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits. Among the latter I noticed one bird with breast very loosely striped, dark legs and most conspicuous light superciliary stripe. Then I saw a second Pipit with this very noticeable stripe and 12 dark legs; this bird's breast was unstreaked and slightly rosy. I was unable to see the tail of either as they walked out of sight. On April 5th, another Pipit was on the marsh alone; this had a less noticeable superciliary stripe, but the same plain, rosy breast. I did not see its legs, but the white outer tail feathers were visible when it flew. (cf. date March 15th, in 1949, when Water Pipits were seen at Marazion by A.G.P.). H.M.Q.

90 PIED WAGTAIL. In July I noticed that one would regularly feed on flies settled on the back of one of our horses, and others regularly came to the doors for crumbs, at Linkinhorne. P.H.H.

91 WHITE WAGTAIL. January 25th, at Marazion Marsh, one adult with very pale grey back and light rump. March 29th, at Marazion Marsh, one. April 24th, at Marazion Marsh, at least three. J.E.B. August 31st, at Marazion Marsh, one adult. B.K. September 18th, on Marazion Beach, six immature birds with grey rumps. J.E.B.

93 TREE-CREEPER. April 25th, at Linkinhorne, I saw a pair feeding on the stone wall of a house. They explored the crevices and cracks between the stones with their beaks. P.H.H.

NUTHATCH. Near Mevagissey, in June, a pair of Nuthatches reared a brood in the end wall of my house, which is cob. The nest was in a hole about 3 inches deep, but the cob is poor and crumbling and there seems to be a lot of space. The entrance must have been the right size, as it was not plastered up or enlarged. Three young left the nest, but though well fed all day, were dead in the garden next morning. R.R. At Penryn, one was seen during June and July picking at our dead rose trellis; it succeeded in almost demolishing one of the posts. . A. & B.F. July 15th, two were seen climbing the tower of St. Clem­ ent's Church, near Truro, and apparently taking insects from the crevices. A.G.P.

98 GREAT TIT. In one of my nest boxes the fourth egg was laid on May 13th, when the hen commenced full incubation. A clutch of five eggs was completed on the 14th. Incubation seemed to proceed normally. On May 31st, there were four eggs and one dead newly-hatched chick pressed securely against the wall of the nest. On June 4th, the nest (in the morning) still held four eggs and the dead chick, but in the evening there were only three eggs. The hen was still sitting closely. On June 5th, the nest was deserted (22 days had elapsed since the laying of the last egg). Surely a tragic case of failure. B.H.R. 13

100 BLUE TIT. On May 2nd, at Linkinhorne, one which was building in a hole in a wall, 15 feet from the ground, was trying to get in with a large piece of moss. The hole was too small for both bird and material, and after jamming itself in several attempts to get in, it eventually managed by going in tail first, pulling the moss after it. P.H.H. Three pairs nested in my garden as follows:— No. 1 Pair (in a nest box) built a nest, but never laid in it and the birds disappeared. No. 2 Pair laid in a nest built in the natural cavity described under Tree-Creeper in the last Report. After about 16 days of incubation the nest was deserted and the owners disappeared. No. 3 Pair, on May 15th, completed a clutch of seven eggs in a nest box (incubation of six eggs had been commenced on the 14th). On May 28th, five chicks were hatched and on the 29th, a sixth. The seventh egg proved to be infertile and was found buried in the lining when the chicks safely flew. Six chicks flew on June 17th, when five were 20 days old and one 19 days old. B.H.R. Ill LONG-TAILED TIT. April 25th, near Stokeclimsland, I found a nest with eggs. This is the first I have discovered since the terrible winter of 1946-47. L.R.

116 WOODCHAT SHRIKE. June 5th, one seen at Botallack. J.E.B. (Satisfactory details have been supplied.—Eds.).

121 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. At Linkinhorne, a pair first seen on May 14th, were engaged in building—nest completed by May 21st. No birds were seen near the nest till the evening of May 23rd. The first egg was laid on May 24th and three more on May 25th, 26th and 27th, all between 9 and 11 a.m. Incubation started on May 28th. Four young were hatched between 7 p.m. on the eleventh day of incubation and 1 p.m. on the twelfth. Observations made on the ninth day after hatching showed that the young, at this stage, were receiving an average of two feeds per minute. The longest break in feeding was 30 minutes. The young left the nest during the fifteenth day and were still being fed by their parents three days later. P.H.H. (See also Article by B.H.R.).

123 PIED FLYCATCHER. August 21st, one male in my garden at Tintagel. K.T. Near Manaccan, I saw a male bird on August 13th—18th and again on September 5th and 13th. (Mr. D. Vague saw a female in Helford Woods on August 18th and September 9th). S.J.W, 14

127 GOLDCREST. February 19th, near Stokeclimsland, six or eight birds seen together. This is the largest flock since the winter of 1946-47. L.R. In view of my statement in the last Report (p. 18) it is very pleasing to record that, on May 27th, my wife and I watched a strong brood of about eight young on the wing being fed on a tree in the garden by the two parents; we thought they were at least two days out of nest. On July 19th, when standing under a pine tree in my garden, an adult Goldcrest dropped like a stone almost at my feet and was away again like a flash. Puzzled, I searched in the grass and spotted a youngster crouched in it. It soon began to scramble into a bush, whence it slowly fluttered into a higher position. I would say it had only left its nest very recently. It seems possible, if not probable, that the chick was the product of a second nest of the pair noted above. B.H.R.

129 CHIFFCHAFF. March 28th, there was in my garden, in Penzance, a very colourless bird, grey-brown and grey-white, showing no tinge of yellow or green and with no eyestripe. It sang a song which was quite strange to me (with no resemblance to a Willow- warbler's song). I can only describe it as something like a Dun- nock's, sung in a smaller and sweeter voice. The interval or motif " Chiff-chaff " occurred once in the course of the song on two occasions. H.M.Q.

137 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER. On October 18th, 19th and 20th, near Porthleven, I had good views of a Warbler which appeared to be of this species. Size and shape: slightly larger than a Goldcrest and not so round. Otherwise rather similar at a distance. Gen. upper colour: greenish-yellow in sun; in dull light, yellow-brown. Gen. under colour: dirty white, slightly tinged yellow in the sun. Head: Crown, greenish-brown; dull, with a thin, lighter central stripe from bill to nape. Superciliary stripe: a bright whitish-yellow, conspicuous, from bill to nape. Eye stripe: dark, not conspicuous. Wing: Wingbars double, white and conspic­ uous, with dark patch in between the bars. Ends of flight feathers in closed wing looked black and white. Tail: seemed shorter than our Leaf Warblers. Voice: a call or alarm note only heard, when disturbed, a single rapid musical weet. Rather like the call of our Willow Wren, only quickened up. Call heard two or three times at about five second intervals or longer. Gen. behaviour: absurdly tame, not hiding when about arm's length away. Movements when feeding, that of our Leaf Warb­ lers, but was not seen to hang upside down to explore undersides of twigs, though it hovered frequently. The bird kept to the sapling all the time and when disturbed moved to a near-by tree, waiting until all was quiet, then back to the original tree. Mr. C. B. Greenslade, of Marazion (our chick sexer), was present on the second day; his work needs a trained eye. We compared notes with textbooks and agreed. R.G.H. 15 [On October 29th, in my garden at Mylor, I watched a small bird which, in size, general colouring and quick movements, sug­ gested a Goldcrest; on getting a clear view of its head, however, I saw that there was no gold crest, but it had a long yellow eyestripe.] E.G.P.

161 GARDEN-WARBLER. One pair bred near Antony, St. Germans. R.M.C. One pair bred near Gweek. A.G.P.

162 BLACKCAP. June 5th, a nest with four eggs seen in Roscaddon Woods, near Manaccan. S.J.W.

173 FIELDFARE. March 21st, a small party heading N.E. near the Lizard on return passage. A.G.P. These were noted particularly early this year, from August 15th onwards, around Manaccan. S.J.W.

178 REDWING. First noted October 16th, near Redruth. A.G.P. 184 BLACKBIRD. In the same territory as described in the last Report, p. 20, a hen Blackbird, on April 16th, deserted a clutch of three in­ fertile eggs. A second nest was built nearby and a clutch of four eggs laid in it. On May 24th, after 17 days incubation, these eggs were also deserted and were, of course, also infertile. B.H.R. 187 GREENLAND WHEATEAR. May 15th, at least two males at Marazion Marsh, large robust birds with brown tinge to grey on back and deep pinky- buff on breast. J.E.B. 188 DESERT WHEATEAR. On Marazion Marsh, on August 29th, I saw a Wheatear with appearance as given below. Plumage details: Head, nape and mantle ashy grey-brown, rump white, practically whole of tail deep sooty black. Upper wing: Primaries black-brown; secondaries same colour with feathers well margined buff; wing coverts defined by much white, forming an even pattern (and this very noticeable through 8x binoculars and 30x telescope). Side of head: eyestripe and behind eye, light buff; ear coverts, grey-brown. Underparts: throat, buffish- white; slight rufous brown on side of neck; breast, dirty grey- brown with lower belly whitish. Soft parts: Bill, legs and iris, black. General Notes: Tail slightly forked. In flight looked generally dark. For at least two-thirds of the time (having been observed for 11 hours) the Wheatear kept to the outermost branches of the stunted gorse bushes only a few feet from the ground. It was seen on two occasions to pick out green cater- 16 pillars from tufts of grass nearby. We flushed it three times and no notes were heard. A point which kept me puzzled was a darkish mark on the centre of the upper neck and throat, but finally put it down to moult of feathering and should, I feel, not be counted as " Black patch on throat." B.K. [This record was submitted to Mr. P. H. T. Hartley who, together with Mr. W. B. Alexander, confirmed the identification. It is the first record for Cornwall and one of very few for the British Isles.—Eds.] 198 STONECHAT. August 22nd, nest with three well-feathered young. E.M.P.

201 REDSTART. March 3rd, at Bude, a female was seen flitting about the cliff sidings. On March 4th and 5th, a male and female seen together in the same vicinity. I am certain of their identity. F.E.C.

202 BLACK REDSTART. March 21st. Last seen: near Bedruthan. G.W.H.M. October 21st. First seen in autumn: Gwithian. A.G.P. 213 WREN. March 14th, at Linkinhorne, one was building on an old Swallow's nest fixed to a beam in an outhouse. This nest was seven feet from the ground and was built up to meet the floor boards above. P.H.H.

220 SWALLOW. A pair arrived back on our farm, near Par, on April 30th and settled in the garage, repairing last year's nest. The first egg was laid on May 20th, but four days later all the eggs were on the floor. A new nest was started only 6 ins. from the floor and from this, five young were reared. This nest was then reinforced and built higher and a second brood of three successfully reared, hatching on 12th August.

222 HOUSE-MARTIN. June 19th, five birds seen flying into the underhang of cliffs at Crinnis, where the colony is still existent. C.J.S. July 2nd, near Stokeclimsland, several House-Martins and two Sand-Martins pitching and, apparently, feeding among earth which I was harrowing with a tractor. L.R. September 6th, birds watched feeding young in a nest built under a ledge about 30 feet up the cliff, at Bossiney Cove. There were two nests attached at an angle of a projecting ledge. One of these had been partly destroyed and only the sound one was in use. At high tide, while bathing, I could float directly under the nests and watch the parents feeding the young. Whether the sound nest was a second attempt after some disaster had befallen the first, I had no means of judging, except that, perhaps, unfledged young on September 10th was rather a late date for a first brood, E.T.C. 17

223 SAND-MARTIN. June 4th, four or five pairs found nesting in an old sand dump, thrown out from the mines, at Gunnislake. P.H.H.

225 SWIFT. At St. Ives, on May 6th, I noticed a Swift on the ground being attacked by Starlings. I picked it up and held it in my hands before an electric fire. It seemed very exhausted and lay quiet for half an hour before showing signs of recovery. I then took it out on the balcony and let it fly off. It was im­ mediately pursued by a Starling, which followed it until it joined other Swifts at about 300 feet up. Two years ago, in mid-May, a parallel case happened. Star­ lings and, later, Swifts occupy the same nesting hole under the eaves of the house; possibly the Starlings, being in possession, resent the Swifts trying to get in. R.L.S. May 6th, a partially albino bird seen in a party at Penrose. A.G.P. 227 NIGHTJAR. Nothing like as numerous or as vocal at Carnkie, Redruth, as in the summer of 1949. A.G.P.

232 HOOPOE. February 21st, one seen at Paul, Penzance. W.A.T. (This is an exceptionally early date.—Eds.). May 2nd, one at the Lizard at 8 p.m. F.R.P. May 29th, one at Mevagissey. R.R. August 19th [near Mevagissey, one seen by friends.] per R.R. 237 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Drumming was heard from the same wood as that described in the last Report (p. 23) on the following days of January:— 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 29th, 30th and 31st. B.H.R.

238 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. July 10th, one seen near Manaccan. S.J.W. (This is unusual so far west.—Eds.). A pair nested at Tregorden. T.J.W.

239 WRYNECK. September 23rd, one at Penrose called loudly and was seen in flight shortly after. A.G.P.

249 LITTLE OWL. None have been seen on this farm in Linkinhorne for sev­ eral years, although I saw one the other side of Callington in the autumn. P.H.H. Increase locally in Trevone area, W.S.W. 18

254 WHITE-BREASTED BARN OWL. Immigration into West Cornwall, on a considerable scale, took place during January. On January 14th, four were seen quartering the marsh at Penrose in company. By mid February the number had greatly increased, 12 being seen at once; a week later only six were seen, three being found dead: they had all died of starvation and two more, picked up by the estate wood­ man, appeared to have died from the same cause; they were described as " lighter than their own feathers." Later, I found the remains of another. Crippled Starlings and field mice formed their diet to judge from examination of cast pellets. A rather unusual feature was the intensive quartering of the marsh—the nearby hedgerows and fields were virtually ignored—the quartering was by daylight, and a slight squeaking noise by an observer brought the birds very close. The sight of 12 birds quartering was a very fine one and their beauty was enhanced by the variation of the colouration of their upper parts, some being light apricot, others darker, and one very deep umber. Mr. Michael Rogers informs me that at the same time they were more abundant than usual on the moors in the neighbour­ hood of St. Columb Major and that some died there also. A.G.P. During the second half of February, birds seen almost daily in many parts around Camborne, especially in the afternoon, hunting the hedgerows; mostly single birds, but sometimes two at once. R.H.B. There has been a marked increase in Linkinhorne district this year. Two pairs nested in the village, one of them choosing our living-room chimney, and rearing two young in spite of the fact that smoke was going up all day. On February 28th, I picked one up with a broken wing and gashed side. I bound its wing as well as I could and put it in a hay loft, from which it managed to fly out after two days. On March 23rd, I picked up a Barn Owl which appeared to have died of starvation. It showed no marks to suggest that it was the same bird as above. P.H.H. Seen frequently in daytime in the early part of the year, in larger numbers than usual, in St. Germans district. R.M.C. 255 DARK-BREASTED BARN OWL. [On January 28th, at Marazion Marsh, a brown-plumaged Owl appeared and quartered the marsh towards me; as both its upper parts and breast were darkish brown, I thought it was a Short-eared Owl. When it approached closer I was surprised to see that it was, in fact, a Barn Owl.] M.R. per A.G.P. 259 PEREGRINE FALCON. Young: were reared in three known eyries, and, at two others, a pair were present in the breeding season, though breed­ ing did not take place—at any rate, successfully. Eds. 262 MERLIN. February 11th, one seen chasing Snipe at Tamar Lake. R.B.T. 19

268 ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. The remains of a Buzzard, though rain sodden, appeared to have feathers covering the whole of the tarsii; it was seen in the Luxulyan Valley on September 18th, C.J.S. October 25th [Mrs. Matt-Lewison, a keen bird-watcher, saw a Rough-legged Buzzard on the cliffs near Mawgan Porth; she saw it clearly for some minutes from 50 yards distance.] R.O.L. November 2nd, on the cliffs near Mawgan Porth, I saw perched a Buzzard which looked as if its feathers were awry. When it flew I saw that the legs were feathered to the base of the toes. G.S.

269 COMMON BUZZARD. At Penrose, on February 26th, an unusual ending to the flight display was seen. After gliding around with the wings raised and rigid, both birds dived behind a wood; a few moments later they reappeared, the upper one carrying what appeared to be a piece of rabbit carrion in its talons. A further short flight display took place, during which the higher bird dropped the carrion, the lower bird rolled somewhat and deftly caught it, both birds then dived behind the wood again. The action appeared to be deliberate and reminded me of the " pass " of Harriers, except that the lower bird did not turn completely on to its back. It was presumed that the uppermost bird was the male and the lower one the female, as is usual in the flight display. A.G.P. At Penryn, on May 2nd, we found a nest in a short, ivy- covered tree. I [B.F.] climbed up and, with the aid of a mirror, saw two eggs in a corner of the nest. Over the rest of the nest was a half-eaten rabbit. We visited the site every other day for a week and whenever we approached, the male would fly off and circle around calling until his mate flew up. She was a very handsome bird, very pale-coloured. She would then send her mate away and fly around in big circles until we looked as if we were going, when she would settle on a tree near the nest. After a week had elapsed without our visiting the nest, we returned to find it empty. The Buzzards were later seen over another stretch of ground. A. & B.F. October 15th, a flock of 12 or more at Roseworthy. R.H.B.

271 MARSH-HARRIER. The bird reported at Penrose in 1949 was seen there up to January 14th. By this time the whole head, chin and throat were light cream and the plumage had lightened to a rusty brown. A.G.P.

287 SPOONBILL. On the Tamar. Three were present at the beginning of 1950. R.M.C. One immature remained all summer. R.M.C.—G.W.H.M. Two arrived in November for the winter, R.M.C. 20

295 NIGHT-HERON. March 16th, at Carne Creek, I saw this bird only once, early in the morning, but a neighbour saw it several times during March, on his way to milking at about 6.45 a.m. The white plumes were most noticeable. S.J.W. May 23rd, one at Marazion Marsh. I had close views. After a time it rose and flew around, fairly high, for about half an hour, uttering a harsh call from time to time. Then it planed down on a long slant and alighted close to me again. G.H.H. 297 BITTERN. One seen at Swanpool, Falmouth, in January; we were able to get close enough to identify it. A. & B.F. A bird shot at Stratton was brought to me for identification on December 22nd. R.B.T. (See also Walmsley Sanctuary). 300 WHOOPER SWAN. The party of one adult and three juveniles which arrived on Tamar Lake in November, 1949, remained until March 10th. F.E.C. October 24th, two adults and one immature arrived on Tamar Lake—they whooped constantly as the resident Mute Swans, with wings unfurled, became antagonistic and vicious; later a truce was declared. October 25th, the party was on the flooded marsh, Bude. It is evident that this species fly constantly from this feeding ground to Tamar Lake, nine miles inland. They were seen in both places up to the end of the year. F.E.C.—R.B.T. 303/7 GREY GOOSE. January 10th, two flights of Geese were seen at a good height, heading S.W. I counted 15 in the smaller group and approximately 50 in the larger. E.E.R. October 11th, three birds seen, flying due south, near Bude. R.B.T. 304 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. February 16th, 11 counted feeding, with Widgeon, in grass by the Tamar. G.W.H.M. December 27th, an adult which had been shot was brought to me for identification. R.B.T. (See also Walmsley Sanctuary). 311 BARNACLE GOOSE. March 10th, sitting on Polzeath cliffs I had a marvellous view of seven of these birds which circled around at fairly close range in excellent light. > the late J.M.M. 317 MALLARD. March 4th, at Marazion Marsh, I saw a drake dive. J.E.B. (This usually occurs as a means of escape.—Eds.), 21

318 GADWALL. A regular wintering species in small numbers on Loe Pool. Last seen February 25th. Reappeared November 4th. Max­ imum: two drakes and one duck. A.G.P.

319 TEAL. March 13th, at Marazion Marsh, a party of 14, some of them diving. J.E.B.

322 GARGANEY. March 9th, one female on Tamar Lake. F.E.C. March 22nd, one drake seen on the River Strat; it remained for 10 days. R.B.T. April 1st till May 2nd, at Marazion Marsh, a pair seen on several occasions. April 19th, a male and two females were present. J.E.B. H.M.Q. More in evidence than usual during early spring. April 9th, two pairs Gunwallow Marsh. April 9th, one pair Hayle Kimbro Ponds, Lizard Downs. A.G.P. 325 PINTAIL. Scarce in W. Cornwall. January 29th, two males and one female. February 11th, one male and one female on Loe Pool. A.G.P. 326 SHOVELER. Tamar Lake: the winter maximum was four males and one female on January 1st. F.E.C. 328 COMMON POCHARD. Tamar Lake: the maximum seen was 55 on January 18th, approximately 40 of these were males. F.E.C.

330 TUFTED DUCK. Tamar Lake: winter maximum, 25 on January 18th, mostly males. Autumn maximum, 44 on November 5th, about 20 males. F.E.C. 332 GOLDENEYE. March 23rd, last noted during spring, on Loe Pool. A.G.P. October 26th, first noted during autumn, at Marazion Marsh. J.E.B.

339 COMMON SCOTER. April 7th, a female in Penzance Harbour. April 10th-17th, a female and an immature male. J.E.B. June 6th, one drake observed at close range off Compass Point. R.B.T. 22 An adult female on Loe Pool, on September 23rd, had pre­ sumably taken refuge from the heavy seas. On September 30th she was still present; when approached sitting on a bank, by C.J.S. and self, she gave a call like a gate creaking and slipped into the water; later in the day an adult male joined her. A.G.P. September 27th, at Carnsew Pool, Hayle, one male was sitting preening beside the water. H.M.Q. October, 7th, 15-20 females close inshore at Compass Point, where they remained for 10 days at such close range that their grey cheeks and whitish chins were clearly seen. F.E.C. October 12th, at Land's End, a flock of 20 flew from the N. and made off S.W. J.E.B. November 5th, 23 females/immature birds off Compass Point for about 10 days. R.B.T. 342 GOOSANDER. January 4th, on Tamar Lake, a drake in full plumage. He remained for seven days. F.E.C. December 31st, a " red-head " was on Loe Pool. A.G.P. 343 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Small parties and single birds seen off the coasts during the winter and autumn months at various places. H.M.Q., R.M.C., C.J.S., A.G.P. October 9th, a drake on fresh water at Marazion Marsh. F.E.C.

344 SMEW. January 28th, a " red-head " on Loe Pool. A.G.P. February 1st, one adult female, which had been shot near Bude, was brought to me for identification. R.B.T. February 11th, one female on the Tamar. R.M.C. 346 CORMORANT. I note that the birds present on Loe Pool take far more eels than trout. A.G.P. 349 GANNET. September 29th. Dead first winter bird brought to me to identify, having been picked up 12 miles inland, following severe gale. F.E.C.

350 STORM PETREL. On September 17th, the remains of one were picked up near Loe Bar; from their condition the bird was probably a victim of the gale of September 8th—a rather early date for them to be storm-driven. ' A.G.P. 355 MANX SHEARWATER. February 18th, at Helford Passage, I saw two. R.E.N. July 2nd, Watergate Bay, 50 fishing close to shore. F.R.S. 23

368 FULMAR. Breeding occurred for the first time at Mawgan-Porth (two young). F.R.S. Cliffs east of Portreath (six young). R.H.B. Halsferran cliffs (five young). R.H.B. At other sites breeding occurred as usual, but many colonies could not be visited this season. Eds. On August 14th, Mr. F. R. Smith took me to Bedruthan and showed me the stretch of cliffs where he had marked down 11 young Fulmars on their ledges. On another bit of cliff, about half a mile away, two pairs only nested and we got grand views of the two youngsters. We had the good fortune to see both parents alight at one " nest" and saw the young bird fed, which it did by delving into the parent's open mouth. What struck me most was the lack of any excitement or demonstration on the part of either parent or young, especially since meals are only provided at long and irregular periods. The other young bird was alone—a lovely sight, like a large blue-grey powder puff. The two nests were about 30 yards apart. B.H.R.

373 SLAVONIAN GREBE. February 15th, Carnsew Pool, Hayle, one. H.M.Q. February 15th, at Helford Passage, two. R.E.N. October 25th, off shore at Marazion, one. December 6th, off shore at Marazion, three. H.M.Q. December 17th, one seen on St. Anthony Creek. S.J.W. 375 LITTLE GREBE. July 18th, on Tamar Lake, I disturbed a pair asleep in dense cover at the lake edge. They were so startled at my approach that they literally " scuttled " over the water for about 20 yards, then immediately dived. This " moorhen-like " be­ haviour was new to me and is not mentioned in the " Handbook." F.E.C. [A pair nested on a pool at Bugle.] per C.J.S.

376 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. April 19th, a bird on the sea was being worried by an im­ mature Great Black-backed Gull which hovered above it, but did not actually attack. The Diver raised an open bill in the direc­ tion of the Gull, but I could not hear if it made any noise. J.E.B. One certainly remained in the Mount's Bay area through the summer. J.E.B., A.G.P. 378 BLACK-THROATED DIVER. In early March one was certainly present at Hayle. J.E.B. 379 RED-THROATED DIVER. Apparently fewer than usual., A.G.P. January 1st, one off shore at Mevagissey. G.M. 24 February 9th, in Carnsew Pool, Hayle, one; February 15th, four; February 18th, three. H.M.Q.

380 WOOD-PIGEON. November 24th, at Linkinhorne, I saw a pair of young, not long out of the nest, being fed by the parent bird. P.H.H.

381 STOCK-DOVE. June 21st, two seen near St. Buryan. June 28th and July 5th, one seen near Penberth. July 12th, two near Lamorna. J.E.B. I made counts of these birds on a few days in June. Between Par and Saltash June 18th 25 birds 19 th 18 „ 23rd 38 „ Between Lostwithiel and Fowey June 24th 4 „ Between Par and Newquay June 27th 12 „ Between Par and Penzance July 16th 18 „ C.J.S. These bred as usual on the cliffs at Dennis Head. I saw them daily from April to October. S.J.W.

382 ROCK DOVE. September 5th, in a cave near St. Anthony-in-Roseland, I found a nest with two young. There seemed to be four adults about, but I could only be certain of the breeding of one pair. I carefully checked the appearance of the birds, which agreed with that of Rock Doves in every respect. E.M.P. On Dennis Head, in addition to the Stock Doves, there were two other " pigeons " with white rumps and two decided dark wing-bars. They nested in a rabbit hole in the cliff. They were extremely wild and there was only the one pair. S.J.W.

387 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. At the beginning of 1950, wintered in large numbers on the St. Germans River and its tributaries. January 1st, two on the River Tamar. January 22nd, 34 on Millbrook Creek, and 20 on the St. Germans River. March 18th, about 75 on St. Germans River. R.M.C. (These last may partly be immigrants.—Eds.). May 14th, a single bird flying northward low over the main Helston-Falmouth Road near Trelill, on spring passage. A.G.P. Return passage began with: July 20th, two in breeding dress, one having been present for five days at Hayle. H.M.Q. Of numerous records, thereafter the most notable are: August 25th, 15 at Hayle. P.S.H. 26th, 58 River Tamar. R.M.C. 31st, 17 River Camel. H.R.K. September 23rd, 60 on River Tamar. G.W.H.M. 25

October 8th, 40 on River Tamar. R.M.C. November 12th, one on River Tamar. R.M.C. December 2nd, two on Millbrook Creek. R.M.C. 25th, 25 on St. John's Lake. R.M.C. 388 COMMON CURLEW. September 20th, at Hayle Estuary, one swam from one side of the channel to the other (low tide). J.E.B. 400 GREY PHALAROPE. August 10th, at Trewornan Bridge, a bird in transition plumage, the breast and flanks being almost pink. L.G.P.—T.J.W. August 31st, one picked up dead on Par Beach. C.J.S. September 17th, at Mawgan Porth, one on the sea. F.R.S. September 19th, one seen off Bude Breakwater. R.B.T.—F.E.C. September 23rd, a dead one was found in Loe Pool. A.G.P. October 11th, a single bird again seen, joined later by a second. R.B.T. October 4th and November 11th, at Lariggan, Penzance, a single bird. J.E.B. October 5th to 18th, one stayed on St. Anthony Creek. S.J.W. 401 RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. November 21st, on the sea off Penzance, one was seen. I had an excellent view of the long, slender, slightly curved bill and the dark upper parts, brownish-grey and lighter streakings. J.E.B. 402 TURNSTONE. [On May 7th, " somewhere in Cornwall,'' I saw two birds with two young in down, apparently about a week old. There is not the shadow of doubt that the old birds I saw were Turn­ stones. I know the species quite well. The two adults were with the young all the time; had the young been Oyster-catchers the parent birds would have been in the immediate vicinity, but we saw none of these birds the whole time. The birds in ques­ tion were on a rock not more than three feet above the water. A.P.D.] During the gale of September 17th (gusts, I believe, of 95 miles an hour), a party of 24 were observed " dead beat" on the cliffs above Treyarnon Bay. They sat huddled together, heads under wings, and I picked up two which lay in my hand and did not move. I put them back on the grass and in 10 minutes they had revived and were running about feeding. H.R.K. 403 KNOT. First noted on autumn passage August 24th. One at Hayle. P.S.H. 26

406 CURLEW-SANDPIPER. September 9th and October 1st, one in Millbrook Creek. R.M.C. September 25th, one on the shingle beach at Bude, very tame. F.E.C. October 24th, one at Marazion Marsh. J.E.B. October 26th, one near Clifton Farm on the Tamar. G.M.

407 LITTLE STINT. October 1st, one resting by a small pool of surface water on Poldhu golf course, permitted me to approach until it was almost at my feet. When it fed, it picked material from the surface of the water and was also seen to " patter" several times with its feet, as Gulls will. A.G.P. October 25th, one on Bude Beach. F.E.C.

411 AMERICAN PECTORAL SANDPIPER. (See Walmsley Sanctuary). 417 RUFF. March 22nd. (See Walmsley Sanctuary). March 28th, at Marazion Marsh, one. March 29th, at Marazion Marsh, two. J.E.B. March 30th, on Marazion Marsh, one male and two females. J.E.B.—H.M.Q (Spring records are uncommon.—Eds.). First noted on return passage: August 27th, one, St. Germans. R.M.C. 423 WOOD-SANDPIPER. August 6th, two at Marazion Marsh. A.G.P. August 8th, on Falmouth Reservoir, a single bird. A.C.J.P. August 9th, at Marazion, four. H.M.Q. August 21st, one at Loe Pool. R.L.W. September 3rd, two on the Camel Estuary. H.R.K., H.P.O.C., T.J.W. 424 GREEN SANDPIPER. First noticed on return passage on July 28th, one, at Croft Pascoe Pool, Goonhilly Downs. A.G.P. July 29th, near Stokeclimsland, one seen flying low and slowly over the barn and outbuildings. This is the first I have ever seen here, as we are miles from the nearest estuary or marshy tract. L.R. August 6th, one seen on the Goss Moor. C.J.S. Maximum seen, party of six at Loe Pool, August 23rd. A.G.P. October 26th, one on the Tamar (rather late?). G.W.H.M. 27

427 GREATER YELLOWSHANK. On August 26th, I was told by Mr. Vague that he had seen a " Yellowshank " at St. Anthony, and I went at once to verify it. It had the look of a Greenshank, but had a definite fawn- coloured rump, very long, bright yellow legs and a long, dark beak. It had a speckled throat and there were speckles about its facer the tail coverts were barred. It was as large as, or larger, than a Greenshank and dwarfed the neighbouring Red­ shanks, among which it was actively chasing sandhoppers on the beach. S.J.W. 428 BRITISH REDSHANK. On July 15th, 55 were noted on the Tresillian River. A.G.P. 431 SPOTTED REDSHANK. November 26th, one at the head of the Fal River, near Ruan Lanihorne. A.G.P. 435 RINGED PLOVER. February 2nd, several of these birds were feeding in the ploughed-up allotments near the shore, at Newlyn, in company with Turnstones. E.O.C. 439 KENTISH PLOVER. August 23rd, one seen on Hayle Estuary. It was identified by its black bill and legs, incomplete fawny-brown gorget, and lighter and smaller appearance than the Ringed Plover. P.S.H. 451 AVOCET. Between January 1st and March 19th, up to five birds were seen on the Tamar. R.M.C., G.W.H.M. September 12th, one seen on the Helford River. Two days later it was seen further up-river, swimming. S.J.W. 462 BLACK TERN. September 24th, five passed Constantine Bay. 25th, two passed. H.R.K. Up to three immatures seen between October 5th and 27th, at Marazion Marsh. J.E.B. October 22nd, four seen around the ponds on Par Beach, one of which remained till October 25th. C.J.S. 467 SANDWICH TERN. April 12th, off-shore at Loe Bar, a party of about 12 trav­ elling from the Lizard toward Penzance, on spring passage. H.M.Q. September 28th, last noted on autumn passage, five on rocks at Constantine Bay. H.R.K. 469 COMMON TERN. July 13th, over 100 present at Porthkidney Sands, Lelant, both adults and immature birds. A.G.P. 28

477 LITTLE GULL. January 28th, an immature bird was seen at Newlyn and, presumably, the same bird on February 25th, at Marazion Marsh. A.G.P. March 12th, one immature on Tamar Lake. F.E.C. April 29th, on Marazion Marsh, one adult. H.M.Q. Between September 26th and November 3rd, one immature was on Marazion Marsh and Beach. J.E.B., A.G.P., H.M.Q., E.H.W. 478 BLACK-HEADED GULL. An immature bird of recent fledging was noted at Hayle on July 2nd, and was the first evidence of return to autumn resorts. A.G.P.

483 SCANDINAVIAN HERRING GULL. On January 2nd, I saw, among the Herring Gulls in St. Anthony Creek, one with bright yellow legs. The light was good and the colour was confirmed by a passing neighbour. S.J.W.

484 SCANDINAVIAN LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. March 11th, at Sennen Cove, six. March 22nd, at Marazion Beach, six. J.E.B. March 23rd, one at Loe Bar, with British race birds. A.G.P. March 27th, four at Marazion. British Lesser Black-backs were also present. J.E.B.

487 GLAUCOUS GULL. February 25th, an immature bird resting on a ploughed field near Ludgvan with other Gulls. A.G.P. March 15th, on Marazion Beach, one adult in summer plumage, except for one or two faint streaks on head. H.M.Q. March 20th, 22nd, idem. J.E.B. October 4th, at Hayle Estuary, one in almost full adult plumage. J.E.B.

489 KITTIWAKE. Cam Les Boel. This colony seems to be recovering strength. Between 60 and 70 nests were noted on May 24th. At Tolpedn (about a mile south) there were six nests. J.E.B. Morvah. On May 30th, 218 nests were counted in this colony. J.E.B. The colony is spreading eastwards up the coast to a distance of a mile or more. R.H.B., H.M.Q. St. Agnes. March 3rd, 60 or more birds seen at this early date R.H.B. A successful season at this colony. K.M.S. 29

491 GREAT SKUA. September 17th, at Mawganporth, a fine specimen was seen at close range. F.R.S. October 16th, one, flying west, was seen from the island, St. Ives. A.G.P.

492 POMATORHINE SKUA. September 17th, three passed over Newquay from the north, flying S.W. A N.W. gale was blowing. S.J.D.

493 ARCTIC SKUA. September 18th, a " procession " of Gannets, Kittiwakes and Auks was passing west off Godrevy Head, in the afternoon, between the Island and the Head. At intervals of about 20 minutes, three single Arctic Skuas went by; two were of the dark phase and one of the light. H.M.Q.

502 LITTLE AUK. The gales in the early part of February caused a more severe " wrecking " of this species than has been recorded for many years. I received a number of dead bodies and many telephone calls. B.H.R. February 11th, several inland from Bude. F.E.C. February 11th, many birds inland from Bude. Attempts to restore five birds found alive failed, and it seems that return­ ing them to the sea at once is the only course likely to save them. R.B.T. February 12th, four in Holywell Bay, of which three died. G.L.B. One picked up in Hayle was returned to the sea at once; it was not seen again. A.G.P. One bird brought to me alive and put back into the sea immediately apparently survived. T.J.W. February 13th, one with a broken wing at Mawgan, Helston. B.M.N. February 16th, one off Penzance in good condition. J.E.B. 17th, six dead on Praa Sands. H.B.S. 27th, a single dead bird found inland near Trevose. W.S.W. During February I found the remains of about 40 birds between Loe Bar and Poldhu Cove. A.G.P.

503 PUFFIN. The largest number seen at Porthmissen was approximately 100 on May 27th. A single " burrowing " pair still continue to occupy the same inaccessible hole on a promontory adjacent to, but isolated from, the other occupied ledges. W.S.W. April 15th, four or five on Long Island, Tintagel. M.T. 30

504 CORNCRAKE. August 1st, one heard near St. Teath. R.L.W. August 11th, one discovered while harvesting at Manaccan. S.J.W. 505 SPOTTED CRAKE. September 13th, a bird was picked up dead under telegraph wires at St. Breward. It was sent up to Mr. J. D. Wood, of " British Birds," who confirmed the identification. W.E.A.

510 MOORHEN. October 11th, in the reed-beds at Marazion, one Moorhen would scramble up with much wing-flapping, and balance on top. Then another would climb up with much wing-flapping and dis­ lodge the first bird. Then another would climb and repeat the performance. There were at least four birds taking part in the " game." J.E.B. (See also VIII Annual Report, p. 78.—Eds.). Young were seen in the Lizard area on April 9th. A nest with young hatching was found in Penrose on August 13th. A.G.P.

811 COOT. December 29th, at Marazion Marsh, about 480 birds, the largest number I have ever seen there. J.E.B.

518 PARTRIDGE. March 17th, a pair were feeding on the grass top of a wall in my garden at Tintagel; they were not much worried by observation. M.T. (The prevalence of " lamping " renders it inadvisable to report any details of coveys.—Eds.). 31

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF CORNISH BREEDING MIGRANTS IN 1950

First Last Noted At By Noted At By Yellow Wagtail 6.5.50 Marazion H.M.Q. 6.5.50 Antony R.M.C. 3.11.50 Marazion J.E.B. Spotted Flycatcher 12.5.50 Mawgan, Helston T.J.S. 16.10.50 Penrose J.E.B. 14.5.50 Linkinhorne P.H.H. A.G.P. Chiffchaff

20.3.50 Ladock J.S.C. 21.3.50 Newquay D.M.R. 21.3.50 Trevone W.S.W. 25.3.50 St. Kew J.S.S. & 19. 8.50 The bushes at Penrose TAP. were " alive " with 26.3.50 St. Erth A.GP. migrants. A.G.P. 27.3.50 Camborne R.H.B. 28.3.50 Tintagel M.T.

Wood Warbler 6.5.50 St. Agnes (dead male) A.G.P.

Willow Warbler 5.4.50 Marazion H.M.Q. 6.4.50 St. Erth R.H.B. 7.4.50 Bude F.E.C. 10. 9.50 Trewornan H.R.K. 9.4.50 Stokeclimsland L.R. 13. 9.50 Bude F.E.C. Blackcap

12.4.50 Wadebridge J.E.B. 20.4.50 St. Erth H.M.Q.

Garden Warbler

6.5.50 Antony R.M.C. 27. 8.50 Antony R.M.C. Common Whitethroat 4.5.50 Marazion H.M.Q. 9.5.50 Stokeclimsland L.R. 1. 9.50 Trewornan H.R.K. Sedge Warbler 20.4.50 Marazion H.M.Q. Chyenhal J.E.B. 23. 9.50 Penrose A.G.P. Wheatear 7.3.50 Near Loe Bar A.G.P. 9.3.50 Godrevy R.L.W. 10.10.50 Pen tire, Newquay A.D. 13.3.50 Bude F.E.C, 8.11.50 Marazion J.E.B. 32

First Last Noted At By Noted At By Swallow 22.2.50 Penlee (1) J.E.B. 4.3.50 St. Keverne (l)R.P.M. 17.3.50 Trevone W.S.W. 17.3.50 Tamar Lake F.E.C. 23.3.50 Marazion (1) A.G.P. 24. 9.50 Bude F.E.C. 30.3.50 renzance H.M.Q. 16.10.50 Redruth A.G.P. 1.4.50 Stokeclimsland L.R. 11.11.50 Penzance (30) J.LP. 12.4.50 Camborne R.H.B. 2.12.50 renzance (2) G.H.H.

House Martin 28.2.50 Marazion (1) J.E.B. 1.3.50 Long Rock(1) G.H.H. (dead). 5.3.50 Gwithian J.W.T. 9.3.50 Tamar Lake F.E.C. 16.4.50 Camborne North Cliffs 8.10.50 Pentire, Newquay A.D. R.H.B. 20.11.50 Penzance G.H.H.

Sand Martin 9.3.50 Tamar Lake F.E.C. 22.3.50 Marazion J.E.B. 27.3.50 St. Erth T.A.P. 20.11.50 Penzance G.H.H. Swift 29.4.50 Marazion D.P. 30.4.50 Tintagel M.T. 2.5.50 Cury F.R.P. Epphaven W.S.W. 4.5.50 Camborne North Cliffs 27. 8.50 St. Germans R.M.C. R.H.B. 28. 8.50 Stokeclimsland L.R. 6.5.50 Stokeclimsland L.R. 3. 9.50 Penrose A.G.P.

Cuckoo 13.4.50 Linkinhorne P.H.H. 23.4.50 Stokeclimsland L.R. 1.5.50 St. Winnow H.T.C. 2.5.50 Tehidy R.H.B. 5.5.50 St. Ives C.M.A.

Turtle Dove 16.5.50 Camborne North Cliffs 8.10.50 Came D.V. R.H.B. S.J.W

Corncrake No records of arrival 1. 8.50 St. Teath R.L.W 11. 8.50 Manaccan S.J.W 33

THE WALMSLEY SANCTUARY, TREGORDEN AND CAMEL ESTUARY by T. J. Willcocks. White-fronted Geese remained in the Sanctuary during the winter months at the beginning of the year, the maximum being nine. None returned until December 23rd, when about 40 appeared; but with the continuing cold weather their numbers had increased to over a 100 at the end of the year. I flushed a Jack Snipe from kale on March 22nd, and on the same day a large number of Golden Plover, in breeding dress, rested in the Sanctuary. Two Ruffs were present for a while also. During May I located a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, which nested; and on May 26th, one of my men, who knows its call, heard a Quail. Waders were numerous on the estuary during autumn, the most important events being a Grey Phalarope, shown to me by Mr. Peir- son, on August 10th; a Wood Sandpiper, which was much less con­ fiding than usual, on September 3rd; and, best of all, an American Pectoral Sandpiper on October 16th. It showed the following points at five yards distance. It was the shape of a Reeve, with yellow legs; its back was striped and there was an abruptly ending breast-plate. The beak was slightly decurved and shorter than a Dunlin's. It was a lovely elegant little bird, with a cheerful " chirrup" in flight. It had a favourite spot on the saltings when the tide started to go out, where it was easily observed; it only stayed a few days. At the end of December I saw a Bittern on the farm.

THE CORNISH SEAS 349 GANNET. On September 17th, whilst returning in " Scillonian " in a westerly gale, a major movement mainly of adult birds was in progress. As soon as we had cleared the Isles of Scilly, birds moving S.S.W. could be seen the whole way around the horizon, and this state of affairs continued until we had passed the Land's End. A.G.P.

350 STORM PETREL. On July 17th, three followed " Scillonian " most of the way to Penzance. J.B. On September 16th, six followed " Scillonian " for some while, and others were seen in a southerly gale. A.G.P.

360 GREAT SHEARWATER. On August 26th, whilst watching Manx Shearwaters from " Scillonian," a single Shearwater was noted moving south with much greater bounds than the Manx variety. It passed across our bows about 30 yards ahead, giving us good views of the brownish cap and of the V mark on the neck. B.K. & A.G.P. 34

363 SOOTY SHEARWATER. On September 16th, a Shearwater was observed travelling south with very high bounds; the wings were noticeably long and narrow, rather like the blade of a ham knife, but pointed. As it banked, the dark underparts were clearly seen. After we had steamed on about three miles another was seen. A.G.P. 400 GREY PHALAROPE. On August 26th, a total of eight were seen from " Scillon­ ian " close to the Wolf, and nearer to the Land's End. B.K. & A.G.P. 462 BLACK TERN. On May 12th, and again on the 13th, when three miles off Newquay, I saw four, with Arctic Terns, flying west. S.J.D. 469/470 COMMON/ARCTIC TERN. On September 16th, I noted a considerable number attempt­ ing to start migrating across the sea into the southerly gale, but they were blown back towards Whitesand Bay. On returning the following day, when the gale had veered to the west, migration was proceeding well. A.G.P. 491 GREAT SKUA. On September 17th, four were seen from " Scillonian" moving S.S.W. A.G.P. 492 POM ATORHIN E SKUA. On May 29th, whilst returning in " Scillonian," a single bird was seen near the Wolf. It came up rapidly from astern to harry some of the Herring Gulls, and gave good views of the characteristic tail feathers when it turned across our wake. A.G.P. On September 9th, one passed over my boat in Fistral Bay. S.J.D. 493 ARCTIC SKUA. On September 13th, one between Nare Point and Dodman Head. D. Bridgwater per J.E.B. 35

THE SCILLY ISLES It is unfortunate that the year in which the Roseate Terns chose to breed in greater numbers than for very many years past should so amply justify the need for strict supervision of visits to Annet. In early July, a fire was started—there is reason to believe that a cigarette end or match, carelessly thrown down by an unauthorised visitor, was the cause—and smouldered along the bracken and thrift roots for a week before it could be brought under control. By this time a considerable area, in which Common and Roseate Terns were breeding, was burnt out. It remains to be seen whether this lament­ able event will deter the Roseate Terns from returning to breed in such numbers this year. The following have contributed notes:—Dr. R. H. Blair, J. Bux­ ton, Major A. A. Dorrien-Smith, B. King, W. G. Parkin, A. G. Parsons, H. M. Quick, C. J. Stephens, R. L. Winter.

17 GOLDEN ORIOLE. May 21st, St. Agnes, one male. H.M.Q.

81 ROCK-PIPIT. Several birds were found roosting singly on Annet at night, between bracken fronds, on July 8th. A.G.P.

129 CHIFFCHAFF. April 20th, two on Rosevear. C.J.S.

186 WHEATEAR. November 11th, a belated female was on Tresco. A.A.D-S.

220 SWALLOW. March 20th, one seen on Tresco. A.A.D-S. 222 HOUSE-MARTIN. February 19th, one seen on Tresco. A.A.D-S. July 9th, one seen on St. Agnes. J.B.

223 SAND-MARTIN. March 20th, one seen on Tresco. A.A.D-S. 225 SWIFT. April 16th, two seen over Tresco. A.A.D-S. 240 CUCKOO. April 22nd, first heard on Tresco. A.A.D-S.

290 PURPLE HERON. April 3rd, an exhausted bird, which subsequently died, was found on St. Martin's. A.A.D-S. 304 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. January 28th, two appeared near the western end of the Great Pool and remained for some days. A.A.D-S. 346 CORMORANT. Absent from Illiswilgig as a breeding species this season; there has been a colony here for some years. R.H.B.

355 MANX SHEARWATER. June 4th, one examined on Annet had been ringed on Lundy as an adult on 21.7.49 and had evidently changed its breeding station. R.H.B. Two adults, ringed on Annet in July, 1949, were shot on their feeding grounds south of Cape Finisterre in July and August, 1950, by French fishermen. A.G.P. We noted that numbers on Annet are well maintained. R.H.B. & A.G.P. 383 TURTLE DOVE. May 5th, first noted on Tresco. A.A.D-S.

386 BAR-TAILED GODWIT. January 24th, a party of 12 on St. Mary's. W.G.P.

395 COMMON SNIPE. May 24th, one near the lake on Bryher. R.L.W. August 26th, a " wisp " of five at Tremelethen, St. Mary's, seemed rather early. B.K. & A.G.P.

415 PURPLE SANDPIPER. A party of about 20 which had been present on St. Agnes were last seen on May 31st. H.M.Q.

432 GREENSHANK. July 8th, one on St. Agnes. J.B.

468 ROSEATE TERN. (See article by R.H.B.).

469 COMMON TERN. A colony was present on the top of Castle Downs, Tresco. R.H.B. As in previous years, I noted adults with wholly red bills. A.G.P.

478 BLACK-HEADED GULL. On June 11th, there were two on Sampson. R.H.B.

503 PUFFIN. Present on Menavaur, where I did not find them in the breeding season last year. R.H.B. July 8th, in the evening a " raft" of 95 was off the west­ ern end of Annet. A.G.P. THE BREEDING HABITS OF THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER as observed in N. Cornwall from 1921 to 1950 by Lt.-Col. and Mrs. B. H. Ryves. During the last thirty years, Spotted Flycatchers (Muscicapa striata) have bred almost every season in our one and a half acre garden in Mawgan-in-Pydar, N. Cornwall. Not infrequently, two pairs have bred, but a single pair has been more usual. It will thus be clear that we have had unique opportunities (which, needless to say, we have not neglected) for the study of this charming bird which soon becomes very confiding, lending itself readily to close obser­ vation. We propose to give, under specific headings, a general summary of our conclusions based on our study of this bird over this long period of years and conclude with a detailed account of our intensive work on two pairs which bred successfully in our garden this year (1950). This latter account will be found to corroborate substan­ tially and also to add to our findings from previous years. The extraordinary behaviour at one of the nests, during incubation, affords striking proof of our lack of knowledge or understanding of the complicated problems involved in the process of egg development in wild birds. (Refs. 18, 19, 20, 27).

Arrival and Departure of Birds. The Spotted Flycatcher is the latest of our summer migrants to reach N. Cornwall and the date of its arrival has been variable. Our earliest recorded date is May 8th, 1945, and our latest, May 30th, 1941. In the main, however, the bird may be expected to show up on any day between May 10th and 20th. It appears that males arrive shortly before the females; anyway, the first bird seen by us has almost always been one in song. In marked contrast to autumn migration, we have never noted streams or waves of birds passing through our valley (the Vale of Lanherne) to more northerly breed­ ing quarters, but always single birds or, at most, pairs. Autumn passage has been noted from August 12th to mid-September. In 1931, on August 23rd, a wave of about fifty birds arrived in our garden, among them young being fed by adults; they had all passed on (in a south-easterly direction) by sunset; on the 25th, about twenty birds appeared and acted in the same way. Similar, but smaller streams continued to pass through the garden up to Sep­ tember 14th, but the feeding of young birds was not noted. In 1940, Miss Valentine (Ref. 29) records parties of birds passing through Lelant in early September and saw young being fed. In 1937, family parties kept passing through our garden between August 11th and 29th, young birds both feeding themselves and being fed by parents (Ref. 16). In 1942, a wave passed through on September 9th and, in 1948, a big wave on August 13th. In 1939, a single bird was seen on September 26th—our latest date for this area.

Voice and Song. Spotted Flycatchers are, on the whole, remarkably silent birds. The most frequent note heard is the alarm note " wee-chack " and wee-chack-chack." There is another note " chit-chit " which seems 58 to denote a less urgent warning than the former. These calls are often preliminaries to the vicious stoop, accompanied with a sharp snap of the mandibles, at any bird that ventures too near to the nest. The pugnacity thus displayed by this expert little catcher of winged insects is its most amusing, as well as interesting, character­ istic and, oddly enough, no mention of it is made either by Coward or The Handbook. (Ref. 30). Sometimes the quick and unexpected stoop is varied by the bird "'sailing " towards the intruder with out­ stretched and motionless wings, the snap being delivered from a few inches above it. We have seen both birds rush at a Jay and simul­ taneously bombard it with a veritable rattle of snaps, so surprising the big bird that it instantly fled with the attackers in hot pursuit. We have also seen a farmyard cock disgrace himself before the eyes of his hens when he fled from them with loud cackles on being actually struck on his comb! To revert to notes, doubtless there are other calls to the chicks on feeding visits, but these are, we believe, too fine to be heard by the ordinary human ear. Also there is a peculiar "growl" we cannot describe. (Ref. 20).

Song is aptly described in The Handbook (Ref. 30) as about half a dozen squeaky notes " sip, sip, sree, sreeti, sree, sip." To our ears, these notes are very high pitched, monotonous and hardly musical. So fine are they that to my (B.H.R.) ears they are only audible at very close range, but I.R. can clearly hear them at a fair distance. The Handbook song-chart gives the song-period as from about mid-May, roughly, to the end of June. Our own observations have shown that males sing—often almost all day long—the moment they arrive and prospect a territory. Song in continued (after pair­ ing) during nest-site selection and, though to a lesser degree, during the female's nest-building operations. We have only very rarely heard occasional song after eggs have been laid. Thus the song- period of any individual male is shorter than that given in The Hand­ book. But, as some pars are conducting nesting operations a good deal later than others, song can still be heard when earlier nesters have become silent.

Courtship and Nest-site Selection. We deal with these two subjects together because, odd though it may seem, they appear to us to dovetail into each other. Although courtship displays are described in The Handbook (Ref. 30), we have never succeeded in observing any of them—nothing, at least, that appeared at all notable. We have even seen coition take place with­ out any previous posturing by either of the pair. In truth, in our own experience, Spotted Flycatchers are not excitable or demonstra­ tive birds in their pairing and mating. When a male arrives in a potential breeding area, he spends much of his time, when he is not actually singing, examining over and over again any site that appears to him suitable for a nest. His constant singing and dashings here and there in nest-site hunting (Refs. 10 and 20) usually draws a female to him within the next few days. Without much ado, the two birds seem to pair at once and then follows a period of intense excitement, both birds inspecting sites one after the other or even together. This behaviour may last for several days, the female making the final choice. We suggest that the birds' great excitement and activity over a nesting-site affords to both of them very considerable sex-stimulus; indeed, it 39 may be an actual form of courtship. In some cases, the female may make the choice and commence nest-building with but little delay. In other cases, actual building may be postponed for many days, notably when inclement weather intervenes. Flycatchers are very susceptible to bad weather, due partly, no doubt, to the temporary disappearance of flying insects or difficulty in catching them. They especially detest prolonged rain, strong winds and cold days and when such conditions persist, nests are sometimes deserted. We do not believe that desertion is due to lack of guts, but rather to the impos­ sibility of carrying out essential functions.

Nest-Construction. In 1944, I (B.H.R.) wrote these words (Ref. 22):—" there is no phase in nest-construction that we less understand or more mis­ understand than the parts played by the sexes—none certainly that calls more urgently for clarification." We believe that these words are as true to-day as they were then. In the paper quoted, the role of the sexes among different birds was discussed and species were divided into several quite distinct categories. The Spotted Flycatcher clearly falls into Category 3, namely, " species in which the female alone builds, the male taking no consistent part." The male, how­ ever, is usually keenly interested in his mate's work and frequently inspects its progress by alighting at the nest, cocking his head to one side, gazing down into it, the while flirting his tail up and down. Though we have never yet seen it, the male, when excitement rises to a very high pitch, might even pick up material and either give it to the female or deposit it in the nest. But we must not allow such behaviour to deceive us into the belief that the male is actually building; he is merely a navvy and not the skilled craftsman as is his mate. For the nest, preference is shown for a site from which the sit­ ting hen commands a good view of an open space. The height from the ground seems immaterial. In our own garden, the most popular positions have been the recessed hollows or sloping platforms formed by the junction of a cut branch with the trunk of an old, large and gnarled Insignis pine. Such sites are secure from rains that are not driven by a strong wind. Other positions have been ivy-clad elms, a hole in a low stone wall, a cleft in a massive macro-carpa, in the old nest of a Mistle-Thrush and in an artificial nesting box specially constructed to attract the birds. Beyond our garden, nests have been found on ledges of high banks, elm trees up to a height of 60 feet (in marked contrast to one nest built in a pine-hollow only one foot above the ground), clefts of macro-carpas, a rafter under the galvan­ ised roof of a saw-bench in regular use, in recesses of oak trees and among creepers or fruit trees growing up the walls of buildings. Though these Flycatchers usually like to be near human habitations we have found a few nests far removed from man's activities or a road track of any kind. Nests are sometimes comfortably finished in three days, but often building is sporadic, lasting for ten days or more. Though nests are usually small, they are very neat. In pine hollows, coarse lichens usually form the outer wall (Ref. 20) ; dry grasses are added and the cup is lined with very fine bents or a little hair and finally, perhaps, a couple of small feathers. Some nests—but far from all— contain bits of moss. As a rule cobwebs compact the whole structure. 40 But one must never be dogmatic in describing any of the habits of birds. Birds have their own individuality and may make their nests with materials that do not conform to the textbooks. Moreover, materials easily procurable in one area may be in very short supply in another and substitutes have to be used. The most we can say is that there are definite rules in all their habits which are often proved by occasional exceptions.

Eggs and Incubation. In our district, eggs are usually laid during the last week of May and in the earlier part of June. Our earliest record for the first egg is May 25th (twice). They are laid on consecutive days, but we have one record, in 1935 (Ref. 14), of a day being missed be­ tween the laying of the fourth and fifth eggs. We have noted clutches of four and of five eggs in about equal numbers, the only deviation being a clutch of two eggs laid by a bird in 1936 (Ref. 15). With one exception, the eggs of the numerous clutches inspected by us have been of the usual Robin-like type, namely green-grey ground with red-brown blotches or streaks, generally richest around the big end; these markings often vary in extent and thickness among diff­ erent eggs of the same clutch. The exception was a set of four eggs examined in 1948 (Ref. 26) ; the ground colour of these was pale blue with rich and profuse sepia markings—very handsome eggs indeed. Now we approach the difficult and complicated problems of incubation by wild birds. It is not our purpose here to discuss the subject at length for, indeed, a whole book could almost be written about it. But those interested in this vital and most important phase of the breeding cycle should closely study the published literature, some of which is included in our list of References. Incubation still offers an almost inexhaustible field for patient study and research. In 1943, attention was drawn (by B.H.R.) to the urgent need for careful and precise investigation into the roles of male birds during incubation (Ref. 18). This was followed by a fuller examina­ tion of the whole subject (Ref. 19). In 1929, I wrote (Ref. 11) :—" The variation of the incubation period does not present such easy solution. The main difficulty, as it appears to me, is the question ' When does incubation actually begin? ' By 1 incubation,' in this sense, I mean the moment at which a change within (the egg) has actually commenced. Does this change necessarily take place with all birds, soon after brooding is in pro­ cess? Is it not possible that, in some cases, the eggs may be covered for a time without producing any definite change? " Fourteen years later, in 1934 (Ref. 18), after perusing the volumes of The Handbook for possible additional data to the Breed­ ing Sections, I came upon entries, under a number of species, couched in the words " male occasionally incubates "... I wrote to the Editor drawing attention to what seemed to me to be a misleading use of the word " incubate " and pointing out that the wording under British Stonechat was more accurate. I quote the wording:—" a few definite records of males on eggs" (Vol. II, p. 174). This expres­ sion, I submitted, avoided an ** incubation pitfall." (It should be noted here that the Stonechat comes under the classification of Category 1 which I shall describe anon). I further suggested that 41 a clear distinction should be drawn between steady " incubation " and casual " brooding" which may take place before incubation proper starts and may be observed occasionally in males of species in which the male does not, in my experience, incubate in any real sense. " Incubation," as I see it, is the operation by which the eggs are subjected to the requisite temperature to permit of their development. " Brooding," either before genuine incubation begins or casually by males of species in which the female normally performs the whole of the incubation should, therefore, be distinguished from incubation proper and should be understood to mean " to sit on eggs without the production of the requisite temperature to further their develop­ ment." I think it might be misleading to lay down any clear-cut formula for distinguishing between " steady incubation " and " casual brood­ ing." A measure of field-sense coupled with and engendered by intensive observation can alone draw the distinction with reasonable accuracy and reduce errors of judgment to a minimum. Broadly speaking, " steady incubation " is evidenced by regularity in sitting shifts and regularity in the periods of absence for feeding. On the other hand, " casual brooding " is usually irregular and haphazard and is not uncommon, in the early stages, among females of a number of species. It is only when such " brooding " gives place to " incuba­ tion proper " that development of the eggs commences. It is thus obvious that, in recording an incubation-period of any bird, we should have the greatest possible knowledge (by intense observation) of the behaviour of both birds of a pair from the laying of the first egg to the hatching of them all. To revert to the roles of males in relation to incubation, species fall under two main and perfectly distinct categories as follows:— Category 1. Those in which the females undertake incubation and males may occasionally be observed " brooding " the eggs. Category 2. Those in which the males undertake a definite and proved part in incubation throughout the period (sea-birds, waders, certain hawks and others). To which of these two categories does our subject, the Spotted Flycatcher, belong? Without hesitation, we say Category 1 (Refs. 14, 15, 16 and 20, and our observations of two pairs in 1950). The Spotted Flycatcher, like certain other species (notably CM Bunting, Tree-Creeper, Robin, etc.), is particularly addicted to erratic " sitting " during the early stages, indulging in casual brooding and even postponement of incubation (Refs. 14, 15 and 20). Such erratic behaviour greatly complicates the recording of the actual incubation- period. As already shown, the female alone performs the task of incuba­ tion. The duration of sitting shifts can be variable, but, generally speaking-, it is somewhat short—15-30 minutes and, very occasionally, nearly an hour. Absences for feeding are correspondingly short— 2 to 12 minutes, but periods of 25-40 minutes have been noted. While on the nest, the hen, most of the time, remains very alert and fidgety, constantly shifting her position, turning her head here and 42 there, peering over the rim of the nest or gazing upwards. Some­ times a passing fly tempts her and she darts out to catch it and then at once dives back to her eggs. The males of most of the nests we have watched have shown themselves to be keenly interested in the eggs throughout incubation. Scarcely a day passes without periodical inspections; this he does by alighting at the nest, cocking his head to one side, flirting his tail and gazing down on and even touching the eggs with the tip of his bill. Once a male was seen actually to settle on the eggs, but only for ten seconds, but we would not be very surprised if an exceptionally ex­ cited bird stayed for a period of even minutes. Though the hen, in the main, feeds herself, most males give their mates " tit-bits " both at the nest and off it. During sitting shifts, he is often away altogether from the vicinity of the nest, suddenly returning with a fly for the hen and as rapidly disappearing again. When the hen is hawking out of sight of the nest, the male may guard it during her absence, viciously stooping at any trespassing bird. As to the Incubation-Period, the records we have been able to secure show that it is, most usually, around 13 days. Apart from our 1950 observations, a clear-cut record of 13 days is published in 1935 (Ref. 14). In 1937, the period was about 14 days (Ref. 16). In the light of subsequent knowledge, our record of 15 days in 1936 (Ref. 15) must be treated as unreliable; in any case, the behaviour noted is extraordinarily puzzling. Against this, our record in 1943 (Ref. 20) of about 13 days, in connection with a very erratic hen, we believe was correctly calculated. Finally in 1946, we recorded two periods of 13 days (C.B.W.P.S., XVI, 13—14). Finally, there is the matter of the Disposal of Egg-Shells. From our own observations, the female removes the shell from which each chick has emerged in two portions, carrying each separately into a high branch of a tree and there dropping it. Small fragments are nibbled and swallowed, none remaining in the nest (Ref. 20). Nethersole-Thompson (Ref. 9) has seen much the same procedure with this difference " small pieces crushed in lining." Addled eggs, which occur though not commonly, are not removed and are still in the nest when the young fly. We have not seen a male take part in disposal.

The Period of Young in Nest (Ref. 21). It is not uncommon for some 20 hours to elapse between the hatching of the first and last chick. Feeding begins soon after a chick is quite free of the shell, the male delivering his catch to the female who wriggles backwards on to the rim of the nest to pass it on to a chick. This procedure is continued for two or three days, though the male soon begins to feed his offspring direct when the mate is herself away hunting. When four or five days old, the female broods the chicks for shorter and shorter intervals and, thereafter, each parent feeds them direct, both working more or less equally until the nest is vacated. We cannot say definitely whether the male sometimes broods; if he does, we think he does so but very rarely. Feeding visits vary in frequency, dependent, presumably, on the availability of insects at any given time. We have noted half a dozen visits in as many minutes to only a couple in half an hour. Often only one chick is fed, though sometimes enough food is brought to 43 give to two or even three chicks. On many occasions, a parent has been seen with his beak packed with small flies from the tip to the base of its mandibles. How are insects snapped and retained when the beak is already almost full of them? The cleanliness of the nest is well attended to (Ref. 1). At a very early stage, the tiny chicks evacuate very small white faeces which the hen swallows. After about three days, swallowing ceases and the much larger encapsuled faeces are carried away by either parent. After feeding, a parent may be seen to cock its head and remain on the rim for several seconds, awaiting a possible " Parcel." Owing to the cramped positions of most nests, a fringe of whitewash develops around the outskirts of the nest, the cup of which remains quite clean. When about a week old, faint and very fine squeaks can be heard from the chicks. As time goes on, the squeaks become more audible and we have often located a youngster that has left the nest by listening to its shrill cries for food. Nestlings are born with a little dull-grey down and their eyes are closed. Their mouths are yellow without any spots. At about five days, they show signs of feathering and at about seven days, their eyes open. When they leave the nest, they are almost or en­ tirely free of down and they are well feathered, but tails are little more than budding. They can at once fly (for the last two or three days they have done much wing-flapping) with surprising ease and, within a few minutes, can be seen perched in a tree forty feet or more above the height of the nest. A fascinating characteristic of the youngsters after quitting their nest is the way they huddle to­ gether on a perch. (Refs. 4 and 13) and we shall have more to say about this later. The Period of Young in Nest is very variable and we suggest that it may depend to a considerable degree on the richness, or other­ wise, of the food supply available in the area chosen for nesting. At the two nests observed this year, the brood (four) of one pair flew at 12 days, whereas the brood (five) of the other pair flew at 15 days. At other nests in past years, we have recorded 15 days (Ref. 14), 13 days (Ref. 16) and 15 days (Ref. 26) and we have many other unpublished records of similar variable periods, ranging between 12 and 15 days. Whether Spotted Flycatchers are crepuscular out of the breed­ ing season we cannot say. But while they are rearing nestlings, they are certainly at least as crepuscular as the Robin. Our Pair No. 2 this year afforded striking proof of this. We watched the nest from the bathroom on many evenings and often feeding continued until we could only just see a parent alight at the nest, so advanced was the twilight. On July 1st, the last visit paid by a parent was at 10.7 p.m. (B.S.T.); it was a clear evening. Even on previous dull evenings, visits were noted up to close upon 10 p.m. Surely a hard life!

Double Brooding. The Handbook states " normally one brood, but two not in­ frequently reared. . . ." T. A. Coward, in his " The Birds of the British Isles and their Eggs," writes ". . . and though second broods are said to be rare, I have known two reared in one nest, and have 44

seen a hen sitting in August." In our area of Cornwall, a second brooding (namely the laying of a clutch of eggs after a brood has been successfully reared— a very different thing to eggs laid (a ""repeat " laying) after failure of the first nest (—and we should be careful not to confuse the two) must certainly be very rare, as in the whole of our experience we have only seen two nests which may have been second broodings. But, as the previous history of the two pairs concerned was not definitely known to us, we cannot exclude the pos­ sibility that they were " repeat " nests. (Refs. 16 and 25). In fact, our records under Ref. 25 rather point to the late nest described having been a "repeat" one, owned, perhaps, by the pair (or one of them with a new mate) whose first nest met with tragedy (the late nest was about 60 yards from the other) ; but everything in these records is very conjectural. For quick understanding, we give the essential dates:—on June 20th, the chicks in the early nest died. In the late nest, a hen began incubation on July 9th. The other late nest (Ref. 16) was one from which young flew on July 28th. However, definite cases of second broods (usually in the same nest) are recorded in " British Birds " (vide the November issue of 1943, the November issue of 1946 and the April issue of 1947). One wonders whether it is possible that the climate in Cornwall does not induce Flycatchers to rear two broods, and whether, in other parts of England, conditions are more favourable to extended breeding. We hardly think that the fact of young birds still being fed on autumn migration offers any reliable evidence of double brooding. *****

OBSERVATIONS OF TWO PAIRS OF SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS IN 1950 Our little property, about l.5 acres in extent, faces South Wesi and runs steeply down towards the Vale of Lanherne immediately below. The back of our house stands some twenty yards from our Northern boundary—a thick euonymous fence and a number of massive pines—and some ten yards from our Eastern boundary—also an euonymous fence and a line of seven or eight elms at the top end. The lawn below the house is bordered on both sides by ever­ green bushes, prunus and laburnum trees and, beyond them, by huge pines and macro-carpas. Below the lawn is a fairly extensive and open vegetable garden and below it again a narrow orchard and the southern boundary of clipped mixed bushes. Our western boundary is an earth and stone hedge, inside of which stand huge insignis pines, a few sycamore and limes and thick euonymous bushes for protection from westerly gales. The shape of our " estate " is oblong—about seventy yards wide (from east to west) and considerably greater in length (from north to south). It will thus be seen that there is con­ siderable vegetation of varied types for the harbourage of winged and other insects. Our greatest climatic enemies are the brine-laden westerly gales and the blight-bringing westerly mists from the sea, 1.5 miles distant. Just beyond our southern boundary, there is a small stream with many fine elms on its bank and much lush vegeta­ tion. To the north of us, large trees cease to grow and conditions are rougher and harder. With this rough description of the habitats of our birds, our story may begin and, we hope, be the better appreciated. 45 1. Arrival and Settling Down of the Birds. (Nest-site selection and building). No. 1 Pair (South). On May 11th, a male arrived in the garden, sang continually, and frequently inspected three recessed hollows (as already described) in three different pines, all of which have been occupied in previous years by Spotted Flycatchers. These sites are near our western boundary, 60-80 yards below the house. This male remained two days longer, continuing to sing and occasionally to visit the hollows and then vanished. On May 24th, a pair arrived and took possession of this territory. The male (was he the bird of the 11th?) sang a good deal and both he and the female inspected constantly the three hollows. No courtship displays were ever wit­ nessed then or later. On the 25th, song by the male and site- inspection by both continued, but they concentrated now on only one of the hollows (which turned out to be the one finally selected). Similar behaviour continued on the 26th. On the 27th, a cold cheer­ less day, three bits of coarse lichen were dropped loosely into the hollow chosen and then the birds vanished for the day. This site has already been described (Ref. 20). It is five feet above the ground and was occupied in 1935 to 1938, inclusive. It can be seen through glasses from the front door (80 yards distant). About six feet away, in a very low pine branch, a Cirl Bunting had just begun incubating a clutch of three eggs from which young later flew. On the 28th— a cold day again—the birds disappeared for the day after the hen had added a little more material. On the 29th, the birds were again absent all day after adding a bit more to the nest. On the 30th, the hen built in earnest (a nice warm day) and practically completed a small, but very neat nest composed of coarse lichens, cobwebs and dead grasses, lined with very fine bents. The male was very inter­ ested and constantly inspected the nest. On the 31st, one small feather was added to the lining and a second on June 1st. Every­ thing was now ready for the reception of eggs. No. 2 Pair (North). On May 28th, two birds, obviously paired, arrived in our garden and confined themselves to the trees to the north and at the back of the house. No courtship displays were seen and the male was sparing with his song. Both birds spent most of the day examining three hollows in a huge pine, standing about 12 yards from the back door, great preference being shown for the lowest one which is eight feet above the ground. A notch in one of the elms was also prospected, but, oddly perhaps, a special nesting- tray was ignored. On the 29th, the birds were not seen at all nor on the 30th. On the 31st, the hen began building in the lowest hollow, the male, as is usual, being much excited. On June 1st, fhe hen continued building and, on the 2nd, completed the lining with very fine bents and one feather. The walls were composed of dried grasses mixed with cobwebs and a very little moss and lichen—the whole a very neat affair. Our bathroom gave us the best observa­ tion post as the nest was brought to almost eye level. Surely the position of this nest was a veritable gold mine for any bird lover! The distance from the nest of No. 1 Pair was about 100 yards. 2. The Laying of the Clutches. No. 1 Pair. The first egg was laid early on June 3rd and the fourth and last one early on the 6th. Clutch: 4 eggs. No. 2 Pair. The first egg was laid early on June 5th and the fifth and last one early on the 9th, Clutch: 5 eggs. 46 3. Incubation and Hatching. No. 1 Pair. There was no " brooding " of either the first or second egg, but on June 5th, at a first inspection at 9 a.m. (B.S.T.), the hen had laid her third egg and was sitting. She continued to sit all day and it appeared that she had commenced true incubation. From then, right up to hatching, she incubated steadily and no erratic behaviour on her part was ever noted. The male was attentive throughout the period, periodically feeding his mate and making daily inspections of the eggs from the laying of the very first egg. He was never seen to settle on them. Hatching. On June 18th, at 4 p.m., there were still four intact eggs. At 6.15 p.m. the nest held two chicks and two eggs. No remains of egg shells could be found. At 7 p.m. the hen was seen to feed the chicks and there were still two eggs. The hatching of the two chicks occurred 13 days and some ten hours (more or less) after incubation proper had begun. On the 19th, at 11 a.m., there were three chicks (one much smaller and weaker than the others, but it cannot definitely be said whether it hatched out late on the 18th or early on the 19th) and one egg which was still intact at 12.30 p.m., but was hatched at 2.30 p.m. It will thus be seen that the youngest chick, surely from the fourth egg laid, hatched in a shorter time by a few hours than the first two chicks. In this con­ nection, P. 0. Swanberg wrote to me as follows:—". . . But eggs may have individual differences in development. I am not quite sure whether . . . the third egg was the third one hatched." What puzzling problems of incubation confront us and bewilder us. No. 2 Pair. On June 7th, the hen " brooded " her three eggs from about 11 a.m. till about 3 p.m., when she left her nest and was not seen again on her eggs that day. At 7 p.m., we saw the act of coition. On the 8th, at 8 a.m., the nest was inspected by both birds (it now held four eggs), but it was not until 11.30 a.m. that the hen settled on the eggs and remained on them till noon. She was absent until 5.15 p.m., when she again " brooded " up to 8 p.m. After that she was not seen again and did not return for the night. On the 9th (now the clutch of five eggs) steady incubation was com­ menced and continued up to the 13th, inclusive. The male's be­ haviour throughout these days was orthodox. Apparent Desertion. On June 14th, the hen was still sitting steadily, but she left her eggs at 11.30 a.m. and did not return to them again, nor for the night, and we presumed some tragedy had befallen. About noon, one of the birds—it was assumed it might be the male—inspected the eggs six times in four minutes and then vanished. At 5 p.m., one of the birds reappeared and hawked for a few minutes, but showed no interest in the nest and cleared out. It rained steadily this day from about 2 to 9 p.m., but not a drop fell on the eggs. On the 15th, there were no signs of either bird until about 11.40 a.m., when one of them arrived, hawked feverishly for half an hour and several times examined the nesting-tray which had been ignored previously. Once, a second bird joined it, but did not go to the tray. At about 12.15 p.m., interest in the new site sub­ sided and both birds were seen again hawking near the nest. At 12.30 p.m., to our amazement and joy, the hen was seen to settle on her eggs! She had been absent from them for over 24 hours. Could 47 they possibly hatch? From that moment onwards, steady incubation by the hen was resumed until hatching, though, on the 21st, one absence from the eggs of forty minutes was noted. The male con­ tinued to behave according to rule. Hatching. On June 22nd, at 12.15 p.m., one chick had just hatched. At 2.40 p.m., there were one chick and another not quite clear of the shell and three eggs. At 5.40 p.m., there were three chicks and two eggs. On the 23rd, at 9 a.m., there were five chicks, one of which had, obviously, just been hatched as a half egg-shell was still present, but this the hen removed shortly afterwards. It seems futile, in view of the erratic behaviour of the hen, notably the extremely long desertion of the eggs, to attempt to reckon the actual incubation period. It can only be said that three chicks hatched in rather less than 13.5 days and the last chick in 14 days after the last egg had been laid. However, the amazing fact stands out clearly that the embryos in Flycatchers' eggs that have been subjected to steady incubation for several days can remain alive when uncovered for 24 hours. In this connection (Ref. 6) it is most significant that Manson-Bahr recorded (in May, 1945) a set of domestic duck's eggs being deserted by a foster fowl for two days (the eggs became wet and stone cold), again deserted by a second hen and finally put under a third hen. " Eventually on the 53rd day of incubation two were hatched. ... Of these two ducklings one survived and is now a fine Aylesbury duck."

4. Rearing the Nestlings. No. 1 Pair. As already stated, the chicks were hatched on June 18th and 19th, and the hen very quickly began to feed them with food brought by the male and to swallow very small white faeces. The male fed direct when the hen was away hawking. Feeding and brooding was carried on on the pattern already described and need not be repeated here. Suffice it, no unusual behaviour was seen. On the 30th, no down could be seen on the chicks and they preened their feathers and constantly flapped their wings. By 8 a.m. on the 31st. all four chicks had left the nest. We located two of them near the top of a tall euonymous bush and watched one parent feeding them. The other two chicks were in a sycamore tree 30 yards removed, in charge of the other parent. On July 1st, the whole family had vanished. Period of Young in Nest. It can be seen from the above that two chicks flew when about 12.5 days old and the youngest chick when about 11 days and 18 hours old (the exact age of the third chick is not known). No. 2 Pair. As described under " Hatching " three chicks were hatched, over a period of some five hours, on June 22nd. The time of the hatching of the fourth chick was not determined, but the fifth chick was free of its shell on the 23rd. Noticeable differences in behaviour, when compared with that of the other pair, were evidenced in only two points:—firstly, taking the nestling period as a whole, feeding visits were less frequent. This fact, as already stated, may well have some bearing on the longer period of the development of the chicks. Secondly, a great deal of hunting was done from perches on our electric cables and on tall pines fifty feet or so above the 48 ground. The birds of No. 1 Pair hawked largely from perches close to the ground. We further came to the conclusion that the feeding area of No. 1 Pair provided a richer supply of insects than was available to No. 2 Pair. From June 28th onwards, feeding of the chicks lasted into advanced twilight. It may have been the same at the other nest, but we were unable to watch it after sunset. On July 7th, at 4 p.m., one chick left the nest, soon followed by two others. By 5 p.m. the three youngsters had reached a bare and open branch of an Austrian pine 50 feet high and at once huddled together in a line (Refs. 4 and 13). There they were fed by a parent and there they remained into the gathering darkness. The other two chicks remained in the nest, uttering constant plead­ ings for food which was rarely brought to them. On the 8th, at 8.30 a.m., they were still in the nest, but the latter was empty by 9 a.m. and we found the two birds huddled together on the same pine, but on a higher branch than that on which the other three had spent the night. By noon, they had disappeared and no doubt had joined the rest of the family somewhere beyond the garden. We never saw any of the birds again. Period of Young in Nest. As the first three chicks were hatched roughly between noon and 5 p.m. on June 22nd, and left the nest around 4 p.m. on July 7th, they had been nestlings for as near 15 days as can be reckoned. The youngest chick, hatched about 9 a.m. on June 23rd, left the nest at about the same hour on July 8th, and it, too, was thus almost exactly 15 days. * * * * * *

Some Concluding Observations. Hovering. While hawing in the air, hovering for two or three seconds may be seen fairly often. (Ref. 23). Alighting on Ground. On several occasions a bird has been seen to capture a fly or even a moth directly from the ground. Con­ versely, hawking has been seen, not infrequently, at a height of 70 or 80 feet. Territorial Behaviour. The two pairs described kept strictly to their separate feeding areas and, throughout the breeding cycle, were never seen to clash.

*****

Post Scriptum. Since completing this paper, one on this bird by D. and H. Summers-Smith has appeared in the July, 1950 issue of British Birds. In this paper, corroboration will be found of many of the points we have dealt with here, 49

REFERENCES

1. Blair, R. H. (1936-1944). Nest Sanitation Enquiry. C.B.W.P.S., vi to xiv. 2. Bonhote, I. L. (1913). Letter on Incubation. Brit. Birds, vi, 29. 3. Collenette, C. L. (1913). Letter on Incubation. Brit. Birds, vi, 29. 4. Cox, A. H. Machell (1940). Huddling together of Spotted Flycatcher Fledglings. C.B.W.P.S., x, 49. 5. Hosking, E. J. and Smith, G. Stuart (1943). A Pair of Reed- Warblers. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 131-133. 6. Manson-Bahr, Sir Philip (1946). Delayed Hatching of Eggs. Brit. Birds, xxxix, 160. 7. Moreau, R. E. and W. M. (1940). Incubation and Fledging of some African Birds. Auk, lvii, 313-324. 8. Moreau, R. E. (1946). The Recording of Incubation and Fledging Periods. Brit. Birds, xxxix, 66-70. 9. Nethersole-Thompson, Caroline and Desmond (1942). Egg-shell Disposal by Birds. Brit. Birds, xxxv, 199. 10. Nethersole-Thompson, Caroline and Desmond (1943). Nest-site Selection by Birds. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 91. 11. Ryves, B. H. (1929). Variability in Incubation—and Fledg­ ing—Periods. Brit. Birds, xxii, 203-205. 12. Ryves, B. H. and Mrs. (1934). The Breeding Habits of the Corn-Bunting. Brit. Birds, xxviii, 2-26. 13. Ryves, B. H. (1934). Huddling together of Spotted Flycatcher Fledglings. C.B.W.P.S., iv, 24. 14. Ryves, B. H. (1935). Erratic Behaviour of Nesting Spotted Flycatchers. C.B.W.P.S., v, 29-30. 15. Ryves, B. H. (1936). Further Erratic Behaviour of Nesting Spotted Flycatchers. Clutch of two eggs. C.B.W.P.S., vi, 50. 16. Ryves, B. H. (1937). Observations of Breeding Spotted Fly­ catchers and their pugnacity. A late nest. Young fed on Autumn migration. C.B.W.P.S., vii, 60. 17. Ryves, B. H. (1938). Song of Spotted Flycatcher and some Breeding habits. C.B.W.P.S., viii, 64-65. 18. Ryves, B. H. (1943). An Investigation into the Roles of Males in relation to Incubation. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 10-16. 19. Ryves, B. H. (1943). An Examination of Incubation in its wider aspects. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 42-49. 20. Ryves, B. H. (1943). Some Notes on the Breeding of a pair of Spotted Flycatchers. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 82-84. 21. Ryves, B. H. (1944). The Fledging Period of Birds. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 151-154. 22. Ryves, B. H. (1944). Nest-Construction by Birds. Brit Birds, xxxvii, 182-188, 207-209, 50 23. Ryves, B. H. (1944). Hovering of Spotted Flycatchers. C.B.W.P.S., xiv, 17. 24. Ryves, B. H. (1946). Some Criticisms on the recording of Incubation-Periods of Birds. Brit. Birds, xxxix, 49-51. 25. Ryves, B. H. (1946). A Late Nest and a "threat flight" of Spotted Flycatcher. C.B.W.P.S., xvi, 13. 26. Ryves, B. H. (1948). A Clutch of Blue Eggs of a Spotted Fly­ catcher. C.B.W.P.S., xviii, 15. 27. Swanberg, P. 0. (1950). On the Concept of Incubation-Period. Var Fagelvarld, Ang. 9, 1950. Nr. 2. 28. Tucker, B. W. (1943). Brood-Patches and the Physiology of Incubation. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 22-28. 29. Valentine, Miss D. (1940). Young Spotted Flycatchers Fed on Autumn migration. C.B.W.P.S., x, 24. 30. Witherby, H. F. et al (1938). The Handbook of British Birds, I, 300-303 and V, 291 (Supplementary Additions and Corrections (301) ). 31. Workman, W. H. (1943). Letter on the Role of the Male in relation to Incubation. Brit. Birds, xxxvii, 79-80. 51

ROSEATE TERNS IN THE ISLES OF SCILLY by R. H. Blair. The re-establishment of a definite colony of Roseate Terns in the Isles of Scilly, where the last recorded breeding was in 1924,(1) is an event of great interest. In 1943 it was reported that there were four breeding pairs on Green Island and one on Guthers, but gales are supposed to have destroyed all but one of these nests(2) In 1946 a pair was observed on Annet, and in 1947 there were pos­ sibly two pairs on Annet and one or two on Green Island; these numbers were maintained in 1948 and 1949. This year there was a marked increase, for not only did pairs breed on Green Island and Guthers, where they were watched to nest, but on Annet, in addition to a pair reported in the colony of Common Terns near the landing, there was also, in the midst of the large colony of Common Terns beyond the neck, a definite colony of Roseate Terns, of which six were watched to nest. The colony was dispersed along the edges of a clearing in the bracken, with Common Terns nesting freely in the actual clearing. The nests were, with one exception, partially under cover of either a boulder or a tuft of thrift—this was the case also in the nests on Green Island and Guthers. This habit is described by Jourdain.(3) The exception was a glaring one, the nest being right on the top of a clump of thrift, wide open to the sky. All the nests in the colony were among bracken, which gave additional cover. Two nests contained a single egg, all the others had two; a normal clutch finding. When returning to nest, the Common Terns came down first, landing on or immediately beside their nests, whereas the Roseates were slower to return and did not drop directly to their nests, but first pitched on some elevation, and only when satisfied that all was safe, proceeded to their nests. Frequently the mate would accompany the sitting bird on its return: this was not observed in the Common Terns. The mate would then take up position on a boulder or tuft of thrift and remain on guard, taking wing before the Common Terns, barking the alarm. Many of the birds retained a fine rosy flush till incubation was well advanced. This could be well observed on the birds which did guard duty. In addition to the " aach aach " alarm note, they uttered at times a note like that of a wader (probably the Kio described in the Hand­ book of " British Birds,")(4) which is quite unlike any tern call I had previously heard. It is interesting to note that a parallel increase in Roseate Terns has taken place in the Fame Islands, where from barely holding on as a breeding species, it showed an increase to 14 nests in 1948 and 23 in 1949.(5) Except for the pair or two in Norfolk, and in some years in Dorset, I know of no other English breeding colonies.

NOTES : (1) Ingram and Salmon. Birds in Britain To-day. p. 112. (2)C.B.WPS- Annual Report, 1943. p. 46. (3)Jourdain. British Bird Book. p. 96. (4)Handbook of British Birds, Vol. V. p. 25. (5) Ornithological Report for Northumberland and Durham, 1949. BALANCE SHEET FOR YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER, 1950

RECEIPTS PAYMENTS £ s d. £ s. d. Subscriptions of Members 103 15 0 Netherton & Worth Ltd., Reports ... 49 17 6 Subscriptions of Associates 1 0 Netherton & Worth Ltd., Stationery ... 21 17 2 Sale of Reports 1 12 6 Donation to Universities Federation for Anima Welfare 1 1 0 Sale of Badges 1 19 6 Donation to S.W. Naturalists' Union ... 1 15 0 Donations 34 3 0 Payments to Bird Watchers ... 8 0 0 Rent of Sanctuary 26 0 0 Tithes, Walmsley Sanctuary 19 6 Donation to Sanctuary 6 6 Hall Hire for Meetings ... 4 16 0 Credit Balance at Bank—31.12.49 28 2 1 Postages and 'Phones ... 12 9 8 Cash in Hand—31.12.49 9 5 Advertisements, " Shooting Rights " 12 7 Wreaths—Mrs. Bolitho and Mr. Macmillan 3 12 0 Bank Charges ...... 3 13 6 Deposited in P.O. Savings Bank ...... 40 0 0 Bank Balance—31.12.50 Less:—Outstanding Cheques ...... 42 13 7 Cash in Hand ...... 1 15 0 Penzance Typewriting Co. ... 3 6 6

£196 9 0 £196 9 0

Jan. 1st, 1950—On Deposit in P.O. Savings Bank £637 15 5 Jan. 20th—Transferred from National Provincial Bank 40 0 0 Dec. 31st—Interest added 16 16 10

Jan. 1st, 1951 £694 12 3

I have examined the above accounts and I certify them to be correct. F. PALMER, Hon. Auditor STUART A. MARTYN, Hon. Treasurer. 24th February, 1951. 24th February, 1951. 53

LIST OF MEMBERS FOR 1950 We regret to record the deaths during 1950 of the following members: The Rev. F. P. David, W. J. M. Hawkey, Mr. J. M. Macmillan (Hon. Treasurer). The following have resigned membership: Mr. W. D. Hambly, Mr. J. Hargreaves, Mrs. Hawkey, Mrs. L. Hocking, Mrs. Malcolm Maclaren. (a) Honorary Members. Palmer, J. L., Trethias, Lidden Estate, Penzance.

(b) Ordinary Members. Adams, A. W., Rodney House, Clifton, Bristol 8. Adkins, Miss Prudence, Polzeath, Wadebridge. *Adshead, J. W. R., Trecarrel, Penpol, Devoran, near Truro. *Adshead, Mrs. E., Trecarrel, Penpol, Devoran, near Truro. Agnew, Commander P. G., Trevanion, Camborne. * Almond, W. E., Laverock House, St. Breward, near Bodmin. *Almond, Mrs. E. L., Laverock House, St. Breward, near Bodmin. Andain, R. M., 2, Glanville Terrace, St. Agnes. Andain, W., 2, Glanville Terrace, St. Agnes. Anderson, B. W., Ladylane, Ditchling, Sussex. Anderson, Mrs. I. M., Ladylane, Ditchling, Sussex. Andrews, A. W., Tregerther, St. Ives. Andrews, Miss C. M., The Rookery, The Bellyars, St. Ives. Andrews, Miss E., The Rookery, The Bellyars, St. Ives. Appleby, Mrs. 8, Gustavus Road, Camborne. Arbon, H. J., Dalswinton, Mawgan, Newquay. Aylwin, Mrs. E., Broadhanger, Froxfield, Petersfield, Hampshire. Bach, Miss M. A., 42, Richmond Street, Heamoor. Bailhache, Capt. C. H., Backways, Bossinney, Tintagel. Ball, A. Shorland, Littlewood, Lelant. Banks, Miss F. M., 49, Crantock Street, Newquay. Barker, Miss E. M., Trelan, Lelant. Batten, C, Trewolvas Farm, St. Columb Major. Beckerlegge, The Rev. J. E., B.A., M.B.O.U., Treverbyn Vicarage, St. Austell. Belfield, Miss M., 1, Hea Cottage, Heamoor, Penzance. Bellers, R. W., Harlyn Bay, near Padstow. Bennett, W. C, 70, Fore Street, Newquay. Berlin, Miss A. K., Shang-ri-la, Reskadinnick, Camborne. Bertram, Lt.-Col. W. R., Old Quay House, Lelant, via Hayle. Bertram, Mrs., Old Quay House, Lelant, Hayle. Beswetherick, A. T., St. Anthony, St. Mawgan, Newquay. Beswetherick, R. J., 21, Broadclose Hill, Bude. Beswetherick, R. S. H., Tywarbryn, Mawgan, Newquay. Bewes, Mrs. N., Trelil, Marlborough Road, Falmouth. *Bickford-Smith, M. G., Trevarno, Helston. Bickford-Smith, Mrs. G., Trevarno, Helston. Biddle, N. H., Rosedene, Raginnis Hill, Mousehole, Penzance. Birtill, R. G., Brook, Heamoor, Penzance. Birtill, Mrs. R. G., Brook, Heamoor, Penzance. Blagg, C. E., Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Notts. Blair, J. K., Basset Road, Camborne. Blair, Dr. R. H., Basset Road, Camborne. 54 Blight, Mrs. Beryl, 12, Killivose Road, Camborne. Bluett, R. J., 4, Treyew Road, Truro. Bolitho, Lt.-Col. E. H. W., C.B., D.S.O., J.P. (Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall), Trengwainton, Madron. (President). Bond, E. G., 11, Kimberley Road, Falmouth. Booth-Jones, Mrs. M., Undertown, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Brand, R. H., 7, Grange Road, Albrighton, nr. Wolverhampton. Bridger, J. A. D., J.P., Pill, Feock, Truro. Brotherton, Miss H. J., Burwage House, Martello Park, Canford Cliffs, Bournemouth. * Brown, G. L., Carnglaze, Holywell Bay, Newquay. Brown, Dr. H. Vivian, Catesby, Wadebridge. Brown, M. J., Penagar, Boscastle. Burden, Major E. A. R., Tresillian, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Burden, Mrs. H. G., Tresillian, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Bury, Miss V. M., The White House, Woolacombe, N. Devon. Butler, Miss F. S., Loe Vean, Feock, Truro. Campbell, Mrs. H. M. E., Trevellan, St. Teath. Carr, Lady N., 19, Rosscourt Mansions, Buckingham Palace Road, London, S.W.I, and Trig, Rock, Wadebridge. Carter, Mrs. F. E., M.B.O.U., Allerton, King's Hill, Bude. *Cass, R. G. P., Camryn, Crackington Haven, near Bude. * Chapman, Mrs. M. R., Chalfont Cottage, Carbis Bay. *Chipman, H. J., " Burford," Alexandra Place, Penzance. Chamberlain, Miss M., Richmond, Tower Road, Newquay. Clague, W. D., Lamana, Hannafore, Looe. Clarke, A. C, Trerose, Mawnan, Falmouth. Clayden, Mrs. G. M., F.Z.S., The Old Sawmills, Golant, Par. Cleave, H. P. O., M.B.O.U., Trevanion, Wadebridge. Clemens, Mrs. H. W., 11, Thistle Grove, London, S.W.10. Clift, Miss F. H. L., Brentwood, Florence Terrace, Falmouth. Coda, D. R., 44, Eastwood Road, Leicester. Collett, I. G., Yacht Greywake, Flushing, Falmouth. Collett, R. L,, 20, Abbey Road, London, N.W.8. Comber, Miss E. 0., Briarbank, Chyoone Hill, Newlyn, Penzance. Coombs, Dr. C. J. F., Perran-ar-Worthal, Truro. Coon, F. A. H., Pen Mar, Barbican Hill, Looe. Creed, A. Lowry, Truro School, Truro. Croft, Brig.-Gen. W. D., C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., The Anchorage, Mawnan, near Falmouth. Croggon, Miss T., Pare Marras, Grampound. *Crosoer, E. T., 353, Station Road, Harrow, Middlesex. Crossman, A. L., Meadowside, Ruan Minor, Helston. Crossman, Mrs., Meadowside, Ruan Minor, Helston. Crowther, W. C, M.A., F.Z.S., Polteana, Looe. Cunningham, Miss D. W., c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd., Penzance. Curber, R. M., 119, Trelawney Road, Peverell, Plymouth. Curnow, Dr. R. N., Orleigh, Bolenna, Perranporth. Curtiss, H. T., Lucastes, Lerryn, Lostwithiel. Dakin, E. T., 22, Carminow 'Way, Newquay. Dakin, Mrs. W. M., 22, Carminow Way, Newquay. Dakin, Miss J. P., 22, Carminow Way, Newquay. Dana, R. W., O.B.E., Cockmoyle, Rock, Wadebridge. Dana, Mrs., Cockmoyle, Rock, WTadebridge. Darroch, Mrs. A., Haldon, Pentire, Newquay. 55 Davey, Miss E., Goonvrea House, Goonvrea, St. Agnes. *Davey, W. T. Telfer, Sea View, Long Rock, Penzance. * David, P. A. S., 29, Grove Hill Road, Harrow, Middlesex. David, Mrs., Culver Cottage, Winchester; and Cove Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. *Davies, E. R., 52, Valley Road,'Bude. *Davies, Mrs. R. K., 52, Valley Road, Bude. Davis, Group-Capt. J. G., M.A., M.B.O.U., H.Q. M.E.A.F., R.A.F., Ismailia, M.E.A.F. 10. de Maupas, Guy, Trenance, Mevagissey. Delph, G. C, High Street, Watton, Norfolk. *Dexter, S., Rosevean, Constantine Bay, near Padstow. Dibben, W., Higher Tolcarne, St. Columb. Dixon, Perrin A., F.Z.S., Far End, Mylor Bridge, near Falmouth. Dorrien Smith, Major A. A., D.S.O., J.P., Tresco Abbey, Isles of Scilly. * Doughty, F., Carmine, Falmouth. *Dover, Mrs. A. B., Trewithian, Portscatho. Downing, Mrs. Carl, Pentyre, Carbis Bay. Drew, Miss, 53, Morrab Road, Penzance. Drew, S. J., 38, Crantock Street, Newquay. Dunt, E. J., Cothayes, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. Dunt, Mrs., Cothayes, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. Dutton, Mrs. E. B., Beach Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Edward-Collins, Major-General C. E., Trewardale, Blisland. Edward-Collins, R. F., Polgwin, Bodmin. Edward-Collins, Mrs., Polgwin, Bodmin. Egerton, Lady Rachel, Media, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Farrant, A. A., Roskrow, Penryn. Farrant, Miss B., Roskrow, Penryn. Ferguson, Miss Juliet, Quay House, St. Ives. Ferrier, Miss Judith M., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Blakeney Downs, Blakeney, Norfolk. Fisher, J., M.A., M.B.O.U., Old Rectory, Ashton, Northampton. Flawn, E. G., The Stannery, Ludgvan, Penzance. Flawn, Mrs., The Stannery, Ludgvan, Penzance. Foot, Isaac, Pencrebar, Callington. Foster, Miss L., Oak Cottage, Lostwithiel. Foster, Miss M. P., Penmilder, Liskeard. Fox, Mrs. G. R., Trewardreva Manor, Constantine, Falmouth. Fox, Miss S., Trewardreva Manor, Constantine, Falmouth. Fox, Miss M. V., 4, Woodlane Crescent, Falmouth. Gallup, Mrs. J. P., Langstone Manor, Brentor, near Tavistock, Devon. Gardner, Miss D., Bunny's Hall, Falmouth. *Gaskell, Mrs. A. W., Endsleigh, West Trewirgie, Redruth. Gellatly, Miss D., New Close, Mawgan, Newquay. Gellatly, Miss N., New Close, Mawgan, Newquay. Gibb, Capt. J. A., Rinsey Head, Ashton, near Helston. Giles, Miss C., 147, Mount Wise, Newquay. Gill, Mrs. M. E., Riverside, Lelant. Girling, Rev. C. A. W., Lanreath Rectory, Looe. *Gist, J. R., 49, Fore Street, Callington. Graham, Dr. C. I., 5, St. Sampson's Terrace, Golant, Par. 56 Grand, Mrs. Irene, Coolgrena, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Graves, Miss L. I., Polpeor, St. Austell Street, Truro. * Green, Mrs. J., Rosewarren Cottage, Mawnan, near Falmouth. Green, C. R. W., Woodhouse Place, Falmouth. Greenland, Mrs. E. M., Wayside, Low Street, Hardingham, Norwich. Greenwood, Miss H., 7, Weethes Cottages, Penzance. Grogono, Miss M. D., The Croft, Mylor, near Falmouth. *Guiton, N. F. le H., Trelan, Lelant. Gunning, Mrs., Little House, Mawgan-Porth, Newquay. Gush, G. H., c/o F. A. Larkworthy, Park Cottage, Netherton, Newton Abbot. Gwinn, R. F., White Wings, Trebetherick, Wadebridge.

Haden, G. N., 36, Wildwood Road, London, N.W.ll. Haden, Mrs. P. J., 36, Wildwood Road, London, N.W.ll. Hair, Dr. J. A. G., Pendeen, Illogan Highway, Redruth. Hair, Mrs., Pendeen, Illogan Highway, Redruth. Hambly, A. C, 59, Fore Street, Redruth. Hambly, E. H. T., Treharrock, St. Kew, Bodmin. Hankey, Mrs. F., Laregan, Penzance. Harcourt, R. A., Marula, Naivasha, Kenya. Hartley, P. H. Trahair, M.B.O.U., Flatford Mill, Field Centre, East Bergholt, Essex. Harvey, Mrs. A. S., Rosehill Cottage, Padstow. Harvey, Miss E. I., Rosehill Cottage, Padstow. Harvey, G. H., Trenance, Hawkins Road, Penzance. Harvey, Mrs., Trenance, Hawkins Road, Penzance. Harvey, L. A., University College, Exeter. * Harvey, F. S., Glanmor, Hayle. Hawke, C. J., Lloyds Bank, Redruth. Hayman, Mrs., M.B.E., J.P., West Park, Redruth. Heath, Dr. C, Porbeggles, St. Day, near Redruth. "Heath, Miss M. B., The Wood, Arbroath Lane, Esher, Surrey. Hendy, E. W., Holt Anstiss, Porlock, Somerset. Henwood, P. H., Linkinhorne, Callington. Henwood, T. L., Vallis, 46, Ennor Road, Newquay. Hepburn, Miss E. M., 6, Avenue Road, Teddington, Middlesex. Hepburn, Ian, 2, Old Dryden Ho., Oundle, Peterborough. *Herbertson, Miss A. G., Dreynes Bungalow, near St. Cleer, Liskeard. Hewish, E. W., Northwood, Meadfoot Road, Torquay. *Hichens, Miss U. E., Burcombe, St. Mellion. Holman, N. J., 3, Carn Gwavas Terrace, Newlyn. Holman, Mrs., 3, Carn Gwavas Terrace, Newlyn. Hony, Miss M., Rock, Wadebridge. * Hopkins, A. M., Mawgan Bridge Farm, Mawgan-in-Meneage, Helston. *Hopkins, Mrs. G. M., Mawgan Bridge Farm, Mawgan-in-Meneage, Helston. Horsnaill, Miss F., Fairlight, Praa Sands. Hunkin, Miss G., Fern Glen House, St. Ives. Hunt, Miss H. M., Heath Farm, Tiptree, Essex. *Hunt, 0. D., Corrofell, Newton Ferrers, Plymouth. Hurrell, H. G., M.B.O.U., Moor'gate, Wrangaton, Plymouth. *Jago, T. B., 2, The Godolphin, Marazion. Jeffreys, A. H., 13, Cheyne Gardens, Chelsea, S.W.3; and Doom Bar House, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. 57

Jeffreys, Mrs. D. B., 13, Cheyne Gardens, Chelsea, S.W.3; and Doom Bar House, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Jenkin, Miss F. J., The Cottage, Newquay. Jenkin, L., The Cottage, Newquay. Jenkin, Mrs., The Cottage, Newquay. * Jenkin, C. R., 15, Treveneth Crescent, Gwavas Estate, Newlyn W. Jerram, Lady Christine E. M., Trevanson House, Wadebridge. Johnson, Mrs. E. M., Budock Vean Cottage, Mawnan, Falmouth. Johnstone, G., Oxford and Cambridge University Club, Pall Mall, London, S.W.I. Jones, Commander B. E., Quenby, Budock Vean, near Falmouth. Jones, Mrs. M. L., Quenby, Budock Vean, near Falmouth. Jones, Capt. C. H., D.S.O., R.N., Trewenna, Gorran Haven. Jones, Mrs. Maud, Trewenna, Gorran Haven. Jones, Capt. I., 30, Vernon Road, Edgebaston, Birmingham. *Jones, Miss M. J., St. Piran Lodge, St. Ives. Keeler, Miss S., Trencrom, West Hill, Wadebridge. Kennedy, W. P., Polreath, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. King, B., Mayfield, Uplands Road, Saltfork, Bristol. Kirby, Mrs. M., Bishops Quay, St. Martin, near Helston. Kitto, J. H., 30, Lyndhurst Road, Stretford, Manchester. Lambert, Miss 0. R. A., Woodland View, Old Falmouth Road, Truro. Lane, Mrs. A. B., Blackdowns, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucester. Langham, C. H., Carmeal, Breage, Helston. Lawson, H. B., Churchmead, Pirbright, Surrey. Layton, Mrs. E., M.B.E., Myrtle Cottage, Burlawn, Wadebridge. Lepper, Dr. E. H., 5, Boslowick Road, Falmouth. Lethbridge, Miss D. M. B., J.P., Tregeare, near Launceston. *Liddicoat, R. 0., Sunnyside, Trenance, Mawgan-Porth, Newquay. Luck, Mrs., Golant, Fowey. Mackenzie, Mrs. K., Trewetha, near Port Isaac. Maclaren, P. I. R., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Fisheries Development Office, Lagos, Nigeria. Maclaren, Mrs. M., Fishery Development Office, Lagos, Nigeria. Macmillan, Mrs., Polzeath, Wadebridge. Macphie, D. J., Khandalla, Port Isaac, N. Cornwall. Maddern, R., 32, Treveneth Crescent, Gwavas Estate, Newlyn. Penzance. Makepeace, Mrs., Trewint Lake, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Manvell, H. S., Luccombe Knap, near Minehead, Somerset. Manvell, Mrs. E., Luccombe Knap, near Minehead, Somerset. Markland, F. J. C, Bank House, Falmouth. Markland, Mrs., Bank House, Falmouth. Marley, Miss K. R., Millingey, St. Issey, Padstow. Marshall, Commander D., R.N.V.R., M.P., House of Commons, Westminster, London. Marshall, H., F.Z.S., The Manor House, Felsted, Essex. Martyn, S. A., Pormorla Villa, Wadebridge (Hon. Treasurer). McCorkindale, Miss E., Trebetherick, Wadebridge. McKie, Dr. D., 18, Brookland Hill, London, N.W.ll. Meade, Col. P., Morreps, Lelant. Meares, R. H., 2, Western Terrace, Falmouth. Meares, Mrs., 2, Western Terrace, Falmouth. Meates, B. Crossley, Machan, Manaccan, Helston. Miners, W. T., Ivydene, Marazion. 58 *Mirehouse, Col. H. M., Myresyke, Ruan Minor, Helston. Mischler, S. M., Trewinnard Court, Truro. Mitchell, E. Foster, Harwell, Lelant, St. Ives. Mitchell, H. B., Treloweth House, Hayle. Mitchell, H. S., Treloweth House, Hayle. * Mitchell, J., 4, Carne Road, Newlyn. Mollison, J. E., 23, Devonshire Place, London, W.l. Mollison, Mrs. B. M., Innisfree, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Moor, Miss M. R., Playford, Porth, Newquay. Morcom, G., Trevarren, 8, Beechcroft Road, Ipswich. Moule, The Rev. G. W. H., Kelly College, Tavistock, Devon. Neale, Mrs. E., Polgwynne, Feock, Truro. *Nancarrow, A., Yacht " Freelance," Forder, Saltash. New, L. P., the County Hall, Truro. *Newham, R. E., Evendale, Melville Road, Falmouth. Newton, Miss E. R., 42, Richmond Street, Heamoor, Penzance. Newton, Miss M. G., 43, Bodmin Road, St. Austell. Nowell-Usticke, Miss P., Eversley, Gerrans, Portscatho, Truro. Oakley, R. J. L., Whitebays, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Oakley, Mrs., Whitebays, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Oatey, R., 20, Tewington Place, St. Austell. Odell, Miss S. M., The Bryn, Trevone, Padstow. Oughton, W. H., 29, Castellan Avenue, Gidea Park, Essex. Oxley, Mrs. C. A., Brentwood, Trevelga Road, Newquay. Pagan, Miss E. L., Callater Cottage, King's Mead, Painswick, Glos. *Page, Dr. H. H., Trehurst, 4, Milbourne Lane, Esher, Surrey. *Parkin, W. G., c/o Civil Engineer's Office, R.N.A.S. Culdrose, Helston. Parrinder, E. R., M.B.O.U., 27, Gwalior House, Chase Road, Southgate, N.14. Parrinder, Mrs. E. D., 27, Gwalior House, Chase Road, Southgate, N.14. * Parry, F. R., Franchis, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston. *Parry, Mrs. F. R., Franchis, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston. Parsons, A. G., M.B.O.U., Redruth Hospital (Joint Hon. Secretary). Payne, R. W., The Old Anchor, Hook, Haverfordwest, Pembroke. Pearce, Mrs. M. J., Faralong, Rock, Wadebridge. Pearse, Mrs. D., Green Lane, Marazion. Pellow, Miss M., Tyringham Place, Lelant . Penrose, G., County Museum, Truro. Pickthall, Miss E. G., Missenden, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth. Pierson, T. A., The Anchorage, St. Ives. Phillips, D. H., 28, Trefusis Road, Redruth. Phillips, Miss S., F.Z.S., Shang-ri-la, Reskadinnick, Camborne. *Phillips, A. C. J., Trevellyn, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Pilkington, Major R. C. L., Little Offley, Hitchen, Hertfordshire. Pocock, R. M., Rest Harrow, St. George's Hill, Surrey. Pocock, Mrs. R. W., Rest Harrow, St. George's Hill, Surrey. Polwhele, A. C, O.B.E., J.P., Polwhele, Truro (Vice-President). Polwhele, R. K., Polwhele, Truro. Polwhele, Mrs. J. G., Polwhele, Truro. Pope, Miss, West Cornwall School, Penzance. Powell, Mrs. E., Chard School, Chard, Somerset. *Prentis, Miss P. H., Bickington House, Lelant. Price, 0. F., Fern Cottage, Carlidnack, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. 59 Quick, Miss H. M., Priglis Cottage, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly (Joint Hon. Secretary). Radway, W. P., 7, Haddington Road, Stoke, Devonport. Radcliffe, Mrs. R. M., Killacourt, Newquay. Rae, Miss Mary, Whitehouse, Rock, Wadebridge. Rait Kerr, Mrs. H., 22, Elm Tree Road, St. John's Wood, London, N.W.8. Ravenhill, F. H., County Planning Office, County Hall, Truro. Reed, Dr. J., Tregales, New Polzeath, Wadebridge. Reed, Mrs. M., Broadhanger, Froxfield, Petersfield, Hampshire. Rendell, L. W., Turlea, Stokeclimsland, Callington. Rice, H., Endcliffe, Cliff Road, Falmouth. Richardson, W. L., Chy-an-carn, West Hill, Wadebridge. Rickeard, W. C. N., Bosavens, West Pentire, Crantock, Newquay. Roberts, Miss D. W., Rosevine, Trevone, Padstow. Roberts, Miss Vere, Crossfield, Mawnan, Falmouth. Robertson, Mrs., Trewint Lake, St. Minver, Wadebridge. * Robinson, Miss E. E., Lanescott Farm, Par. Rogers, Miss F., The Crossways, Falmouth. Rogers, Rear Admiral H. H., M.V.O., O.B.E., J.P., Roskarnon, Rock, Wadebridge. Rogers, Miss Marjorie, Milgey, Newquay. "Rogers, J. L., C.A., J.P., Penrose, Helston. Rolt, Mrs. J. U. S., Knock Laverock, Bodmin. Rosewarne, E. L., Chy-an-Goon, Connor Downs, Hayle. Rosewarne, Mrs., Chy-an-Goon, Connor Downs, Hayle. Rougier, Mrs. F., Trerose Vean, Mawnan, Falmouth. Rowe, F. G., Yealmton, Devon. Rowe, M., Hea Cottage, Heamoor, Penzance. *Rowe, W. S., 15, Ellis Avenue, Onslow, Guildford, Surrey. Ruhrmund, F. A., 5, Trevince Villas, Newlyn, Penzance. Ryves, Lt.-Col. B. H., Mawgan, Newquay (Joint Hon. Secretary). Ryves, Mrs., Mawgan, Newquay. Ryves, Miss S. C, Scarteen, Headland Avenue, Seaford, Sussex. Salm, Mrs. R., Tregenver, Penclarves Road, Camborne. Sandercock, R. L., Lloyds Bank, St. Ives. Sandercock, Mrs. D. M., Lloyds Bank, St. Ives. Sargent, H. B., Rose Cottage, Breage, Helston. Savage, B. F., 15, Victoria Parade, Torquay. Sellon, Miss M. D., Windyridge, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Sewart, Miss D., Lower Treneague, Wadebridge. Sexton, Miss, West Cornwall School, Penzance. * Shearer, Mrs. G., Westward, Mullion, Helston. *Sherley-Price, The Rev. L., M.A., R.N., St. Cadoc, Essa Rd., Saltash. * Sherlock, Mrs. J. J., 1, Tremelling Villas, Mount Ambrose, Redruth. Simms, G. W., Little Trefewha, Praze, Camborne. Singer, Professor Charles, Kilmarth, Par. Sitwell, Mrs., Elm Cottage, Truro. Skilbeck, Miss A. T., Trevanson, Wadebridge. Skinner, Miss K. M., Little Polberro, St. Agnes. Skinner, Miss M., St. Enodoc Golf Hotel, Rock, Wadebridge. Smith, Miss A. M., Lynn Allen, Truro. Smith, F. R., Telford, Hill Barton Road, Exeter. Smith, M., 6. Anderson's Lane, Lochee, Dundee, Angus. Soper, Miss M. B., Fiona, Rock, Wadebridge. 60 Stafford, Miss P., 15, Berry Road, Newquay. Staite, Mrs. F. A., Carlidnack, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. *Stanbury, G., Daymer Bay House, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Steele, Lieut. W., D.C.L.I., The Barracks, Bodmin. Stephens, J. S., The Quarry, Northleigh, Witney, Oxon. Stephens, Mrs. M. S., Rosemaen, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Stephens, T. John, Nanslone, Mawgan, Helston. Stephens, Miss R., Hayne, Newquay. * Stephens, Mrs. N., West Cottage, Restronguet, Falmouth. Stevens, C. J., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 2, Gordon Ter., Lamb Park, Par. Stewart, Dr. C. R., Vine Cottage, Feock, near Truro. Stewart, Mrs., Vine Cottage, Feock, near Truro. Stokes, Miss S., Tregurrian, Newquay. Stoney, Mrs. D. A., Stokelake House, Chudleigh, S. Devon. Story, P. J., 8, Alvanly Gardens, London, N.W.6. Studdy, Miss R. E., Meadow View, Waldingfield Road, Sudbury, Suffolk. Stump, B. W., Perrose, Lantyan, Lostwithiel. Tamblyn, J. T., Foye Villas, Torpoint. Tatham, Miss E., Holy Cross Hospital, P.O. Holy Cross Mission, E. Pondoland, CP., S. Africa. Tayler, C. L., 71, Vernon Road, Birmingham, 16. Taylor, Mrs. K., St. Mabena, Trethevy, Tintagel. Taylor, W. R., Clifton College, Bristol, 8. *Teague, Miss K. E., Trewithen, St. Mawgan, near Newquay. Thomas, Mrs. R., Trevitho, Pentire Avenue, Newquay. Thomson, B., Overaven, Trethevy, Tintagel. Thomson, Mrs. M., Overaven, Trethevy, Tintagel. Tomlin, Miss J., Polgoon, Penzance. Trahair, Miss M. Loveday, The Cottage, Dousland, Yelverton, Devon. Tranter, Miss G. M., 2, St. Michael's Terrace, Penzance. Tregenza, C. W., Elmereys, Oving, Aylesbury, Bucks. Tregenza, L. A., Faculty of Arts, Fouad 1st University, Giza, Cairo, Egypt. Tregenza, W. A., Boslandew House, Paul, Penzance. Treleaven, R. B., Belle Vue, Bude. Trevethan, R. M., The Observatory, Falmouth. *Trewern, D. M., 29, Dolcoath Avenue, Camborne. Tunnard, John, Garden Mine, Bossullow, Newbridge. Tunnard, Mrs. M., Garden Mine, Bossullow, Newbridge. Turk, Dr. F. A., Ph.D., F.Z.S., F.R.E.S., F.R.A.S., Shang-ri-la, Reskadinnick, Camborne. * Turner, C, Trewinnard Court, Truro. Tyacke, Miss E. E., Brill, Flushing, Falmouth. Visick, H. A., 7, Pydar Street, Truro. Visick, Mrs. M. P., Clayton, Perranwell Station. Vivian, Nancy, Lady, M.B.E., Windyrush, Treyarnon Bay. Vyvyan, Lady, Trelowarren, Mawgan, Helston. Wakefield, H., The Old Rectory, Inkpen, Newbury, Berks. Ward, J. H., Dereham, Sunnybank, Epsom. Ware, E. H., High Beech, Woodbury, near Exeter. Warner, G. Macd., Long Sutton, Basingstoke, Hants. Watts, W. S., Penvean, Trevone, near Padstow. Watts, Mrs., Penvean, Trevone, near Padstow. *Weatherill, F. W., County Grammar School, Redruth. 61 Weeks, Mrs. R. P., Trehayle, West Hill, Wadebridge. Welton, W. K., Little Priory, Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot. Wesley, Miss 0., 4, South Parade, Penzance. Westmacott, Brig. P. G., The Elms, Castle Hill, Bodmin. Westmacott, Mrs., The Elms, Castle Hill, Bodmin. Westrup, Miss E., Lamorna Gate, St. Buryan. White, G. P., Barclays Bank House, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. White, Mrs., Barclays Bank House, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. White, Mrs. S. J. V., Bosula, Carne, Manaccan, near Helston. Wilkinson, Mrs., Windmill, St. Minver. Willcocks, T. J., Tregorden, Wadebridge. Willett, Miss R. J. W., Chybryn, Trethevey, near Tintagel. Williams, Brigadier S., Tregullow House, Scorrier. Williams, Mrs. Charles, Trewidden, Buryas Bridge. Willmore, Miss M., 4, Florence Terrace, Falmouth. *Willmore, C. F., Trewylan, St. Mawes, Falmouth. Willyams, Mrs., Carnanton, St. Columb. Wilson, A. M., Middlemoor, Presteigne, Radnorshire. Winter, R. L., Rockmount, Hill Barton Road, Exeter. Witting, Miss M., c/o County Nursing Office, The Crescent, Truro. Wood, Miss D. Scobell, 31, Trebarthwith Crescent, Newquay. Wood, Miss M., 25, Carminow Way, Newquay. Worth, Miss V., Truvady, Boscawen Road, Falmouth. Wright, Miss R., Lealholme, Melville Road, Falmouth. Wynn-Werninck, Lt.-Col. H. V., Old Cottage, Pentire Glaze, St. Minver. Wynn-Werninck, Mrs., Old Cottage, Pentire Glaze, St. Minver. Yates, W. H., Pentowan, King Edward Crescent, Newquay. Yates, Mrs. D., Pentowan, King Edward Crescent, Newquay. *Youngs, R. E. S., The Rectory, Truro.

(Total, 426 Ordinary Members).

ASSOCIATES Adams, R. G., Pathside, Lympstone, Exmouth. Hosking, H. H., Hillocks, Rock, Wadebridge. Smith, T. F., St. Clement. 62

THE COMMITTEE FOR 1950

President: Lt.-Col. Bolitho, C.B., D.S.O., J.P.

Vice-President: A. C. Polwhele, Esq., O.B.E.

Honorary Treasurer: S. A. Martyn, Esq.

Joint Honorary Secretaries: Lt.-Col. Ryves. Miss H. M. Quick. A. G. Parsons, Esq.

Other Members: Dr. R. H. Blair, Mr. J. A. D. Bridger, Mrs. Clayden, Dr. Coombs, Messrs. G. H. Harvey, J. L. Palmer, Dr. Turk.