Birds in

2005

Ydhyn yn Kernow Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING & PRESERVATION SOCIETY

SEVENTY-FIFTH

ANNUAL REPORT

2005

Edited by Derek I Julian.

HONORARY OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE (As of January 2010)

President Steve Madge, Seawinds, Lower Trerieve, , , PL15 3LZ

Chairman Derek Julian, 12 Road, , PL27 7XD. [email protected] (01208 816779)

Vice-Chairman Bruce Taggart, Primrose Bank, Radford Lane, Millbrook, PL10 1AH [email protected] (01752 829163)

General Secretary Tony Bertenshaw, Hantergantich, , PL30 4NH [email protected] (01208 850419)

Treasurer Tony Jones, Lansdowne, Southdown Road, Millbrook, PL10 1EJ [email protected] (01752 822694)

Membership Secretary Angela Tonry, 20 The Copse, , , Pl25 3EU [email protected]

Conservation Officer Tony Blunden [email protected]

Newsletter Editor Simon Marquis, Place, Wadebridge, PL27 7JS

Field Meetings Officer Gordon Mills (01209 718144)

Public Relations Officer Vacant

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

Committee Members: Rosemary Parslow, Kester Wilson, Colin Selway

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

2 Birds in Cornwall

County Recorder Darrell Clegg, 55 Lower Fore Street, , PL12 6JQ [email protected] (01752 844775)

Editor “Birds in Cornwall” Derek Julian, 12 Dunveth Road, Wadebridge, PL27 7XD. [email protected] (01208 816779)

Records Committee: Mashuq Ahmad, Greg Conway, Dave Parker, Pete Fraser, Steve Madge, Keith Pellow,

Front cover photograph; Long-billed Dowitcher, Drift Res. 02/10/05 - Dave Flumm.

Birds in Cornwall 3

Submitting records...

Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society are now using the Mapmate system for recording birds in the county. The advantage of this database is that it is widely used by clubs and societies throughout the country, as well as by thousands of individuals for recording everything from mosses and liverworts to cetaceans. Records can be exchanged between recorders so that large volumes of data can be downloaded onto a main database quickly and easily. In Cornwall this means that we can have a team of people imputing data and sending it to the county recorder, speeding up the lengthy process of adding every single bird record to the database. Another major advantage of the Mapmate system is that it can import emailed Spreadsheet records provided they are submitted in the following column headings:

Taxon, Vernacular, Site, Gridref, VC, Recorder, Determiner, Date, Quantity, Method, Sex, Stage, Status, Comment.

This is not as daunting as it looks, and indeed some of the columns can be left blank. The following however are important.

Taxon: The scientific name – including sub-specific name for distinct sub-species, i.e. Motacilla flava flavissima.

Site: Hopefully self explanatory.

Gridref: CBWPS uses a 4 figure grid reference, and a comprehensive gazetteer can be found at the back of the Cornwall Bird Report. A 6 figure gird ref can also be used if preferred.

VC: The County is divided into 2 vice counties. West Cornwall is VC 1 and East Cornwall is VC2. The dividing line is more or less from the Camel to the . If in doubt, a rough guide is that SW grid refs are usually VC1 and SX and SS grid refs are VC2.

Recorder: Again self explanatory – usually YOU.

Determiner: A determiner is someone who confirms a record, so if you see a House Sparrow and can identify it yourself – you are the determiner. If someone else identifies it for you – they are the determiner.

Date: can be written as either 01.01.07 or 01/01/07 or 1st January 07 .

Quantity: The number of birds seen. Mapmate doesn‟t like estimates so c100 won‟t work, however 99+ will. It‟s one of the anomalies of the system!

All the other columns can be left blank, although you can fill them in if you wish to provide extra information.

The vernacular column is the common English name for a bird which you may find useful to fill in, though Mapmate will assign an English name from the Taxon. For Example – it doesn‟t like Common

4 Birds in Cornwall

Scoter or Common Gull so Melanitta nigra is Black Scoter and Larus canus is Mew Gull.

If you want more information on any of the other columns, or to receive a blank spreadsheet file, email the recorder [email protected]

This is what a completed spreadsheet will look like:

Taxon Site Gridref VC Recorder Determiner Date Quantity

Apus melba Falmouth SW8032 1 Birdguides Birdguides 30/03/2006 1

Apus melba Truro SW8244 1 Birdguides Birdguides 05/04/2006 1

Apus melba SW7923 1 Birdguides Birdguides 16/04/2006 1

Apus melba SW6942 1 Birdguides Birdguides 09/07/2006 1

Pluvialis dominica St. Just SW3731 1 Birdguides Birdguides 15/09/2006 1

Nanjizal Pluvialis dominica Valley SW360239 1 Birdguides Birdguides 01/11/2006 1

Colliford Pluvialis dominica Res. SX183744 2 Birdguides Birdguides 04/11/2006 1

Larus argentatus smithsonianus Cove SW3526 1 Birdguides Birdguides 28/01/2006 1

Larus argentatus Sennen smithsonianus Cove SW3526 1 Birdguides Birdguides 11/02/2006 1

Larus argentatus Sennen smithsonianus Cove SW3526 1 Birdguides Birdguides 11/02/2006 1

Larus argentatus Sennen smithsonianus Cove SW3526 1 Birdguides Birdguides 21/02/2006 1

Larus argentatus Sennen smithsonianus Cove SW3526 1 Birdguides Birdguides 28/02/2006 1

Larus argentatus Sennen smithsonianus Cove SW3526 1 Birdguides Birdguides 14/03/2006 1

Larus argentatus Sennen smithsonianus Cove SW3526 1 Birdguides Birdguides 15/03/2006 1

The entry of records into our database is a huge task, one that needs to be spread over the whole year. If you submit more than just a handful of records therefore, please submit them on a quarterly

Birds in Cornwall 5

basis.

For more information on Mapmate see www.mapmate.co.uk

If you wish you send records by post, please send to the County Recorder: Darrell Clegg, 55 Lower Fore Street, Saltash PL12 6JQ

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

All records are of use. Whilst not every report is included in our annual "Birds in Cornwall", they are all entered in the database, where they are available for research. They may be used in the compilation of the Cornwall Bird Atlas, a long-term project for which data is required over a period of a number of years.

Submission of Rarity Reports

National Rarities Descriptions of national rarities should be sent to the County Recorder who will then forward them to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) for appraisal. These descriptions should follow the criteria listed below or can be submitted on special BBRC forms that are available from the County Recorder or the Secretary of the BBRC,Mr Nigel Hudson, Post Office Flat, St Mary‟s Scilly TR21 0LL. Please enclose copies of field notes and photographs, where possible. County Rarities The identification of the majority of county rarities is quite easy for experienced observers and, consequently, the following list of 'Group A' species requiring a full description is relatively small. Many of the species requiring a full description in the past are now included in 'Group B'. Descriptions are not required for sightings of 'Group B' species unless specifically requested by the County Recorder, and provided the bird or birds have been seen by three, experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - the names of the observers should be included when details of sightings are submitted. These arrangements have been introduced to eliminate the need for unnecessary descriptions of 'easy' rarities, without compromising the integrity of the county records.

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

Group B - Species not normally requiring a description, provided the bird(s) has been seen by at least three experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - please submit names of observers with the record details. Purple Heron Corn Crake Buff-breasted Sandpiper White Stork Common Crane Red-necked Phalarope Pink-footed Goose Kentish Plover Ring-billed Gull Snow Goose Stone Curlew Sabine's Gull Green-winged Teal Temminck's Stint Long-eared Owl Ring-necked Duck Pectoral Sandpiper European Bee-eater

6 Birds in Cornwall

Short-toed Lark Rufous Nightingale Red-billed Chough Horned Lark Aquatic Warbler L. S. Woodpecker Bluethroat Barred Warbler Common Rosefinch Richard's Pipit Icterine Warbler Ortolan Bunting 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit Melodious Warbler Cirl Bunting Water Pipit (away from European Serin Plus any uncommon races Maer Lake and Walmsley Red-breasted Flycatcher Sanctuary) Woodchat Shrike

Birds in Cornwall 7

Editorial

This report has been a long time coming. Numerous problems have had to be overcome to get to this stage, which includes the loss of all the records.

Many species this year had very few records submitted, these were mainly common resident species or common migrants, and to build a picture of the counties avifauna we need records for all species.

You will note some inconsistencies between this report and the 2006 one, (which was published earlier), due to the fact that some of the data used in the production of this report was not available whilst writing of the 2006 report. These will be rectified in future publications.

I would like to thank everyone who have helped and encouraged me in the production of this report, especially Darrell Clegg, the county recorder and his team of data imputers. I would also like to thank everyone who has submitted records, without whom there would be no report.

8 Birds in Cornwall

The Systematic List contains all the species recorded in Cornwall during 2005 and should stand as the official record for this year.

The presentation of this section is as follows;

1. Species; All records of species recorded in the county and appear in all Categories of the British list are included, (BOU, 2006 and updated at http://www.bou.org.uk/recbrlst.html). The two numbers in brackets indicate the total number of individuals noted in Cornwall up to the end of 2005 and this year. 2. Abundance and status; A brief statement has been given after each species recorded within the county, using the definitions in the tables below, broadly following McCartney 2000. (Unfortunately these are may not be accurate due to the lack of information previously published in the county, especially on common birds. Hopefully this will be remedied soon with the writing of the atlases). The figure at the end of this statement denotes the last year this species was noted in the county, (if no date then the species was recorded during 2004).

Abundance Table

Terms Non-breeding Individuals Breeding Pairs

Abundant >100,000 >50,000 Very Common 10001 - 100,000 5001 - 50,000 Common 1001 - 10000 501 - 5000 Scarce 101 - 1000 51- 500 Very Scarce 11 - 100 6 - 50 Rare 1 - 10 <5 Very rare less than 1 annually less than annual

Status Table Breeding Resident Species which is present throughout the year Breeding Summer Visitor Species which winters elsewhere, but breeds in Cornwall Species which pass through the county towards their Passage Migrant breeding or wintering grounds Winter Visitor Species that winters in Cornwall but may breed elsewhere Species which has arrived in Cornwall by accident due to Vagrant weather patterns or as part of irregular irruptions due to food shortages Species which have been introduced into the wild, either Feral/ Introduction accidentally or deliberately and appears to be have formed a self sustaining population Escapee Species which have escaped from captivity.

Birds in Cornwall 9

3. Tables; The Maximum number table’s shows the highest single day total for that species at a single site. This table also contains the WeBS results for wildfowl, waders, gulls and some other species. In the table title, two figures maybe present which represent the thresholds for national and international importance, (i.e.; GB50 INT 300, these figures signify 1% of the populations). No counts or zero counts are represented by a dash[-]. Bold figures indicate national importance. 4. Sites; The sites referred to in the systematic list can be found in the Site Gazetteer together with its grid reference. Some sites form part of a larger site, (usually estuaries). In the table below the main site and their sub sites are listed. Both site and sub sites may be listed in the maximum number tables and observers should send in their records for the sub sites.

Main Site Sub-sites. Camel Estuary Main estuary, Amble Marshes, (Walmsley Sanctuary), Clapper Marshes, Treraven Meadows. Estuary Water, Creek, Carnsew Pool, Ryan’s Field. Marsh Main Marsh, Pool. Mounts Bay Seafront, Beach, Long Rock Beach, Eastern Green Beach, Marazion Beach. Tamar Complex Upper/mid Tamar, Kingsmill Lake, Torpoint, Millbrook, St John’s Lake, Lynher Estuary. Tavy Estuary (Devon). Tamar Lakes Upper Tamar Lake, Lower Tamar Lake

5. Information Sources; the majority of the records in this report are submitted by both the Society’s members and non members, which are entered onto the Society’s database. Additional information is also supplied by Birdline Southwest and by some internet sources including Birdguides. (Information from internet and telephone services is only used with substantiated information supplied by the original observer or photographs, so please submit to the county recorder as well as to these sources).The BTO also supplied a large amount of data from its WeBS and Heronry Surveys, it must be noted that this data may not be 100% accurate, because it was supplied before being checked. 6. Observers; Observers initials are given for all county and national rarities and any unusual sightings or ringing recoveries. The finders’ initials, if known, will always be placed first or those reporting the first or last occurrence, or giving a full description. If reported by more than three observers et al, (and others), will be added. Refer to the List of contributors for observers names.

10 Birds in Cornwall

SYSTEMATIC LIST

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Scarce breeding resident

Nationally this species is steadly increasing since the lows of the 1970‟s and 80‟s following the banon the use of lead shot in fishing. This is reflected here in Cornwall with numbers back to highs last seen in the 1960‟s.

Breeding was noted at the following sites; Amble Marshes: three pairs – five, five and four cygnets Clapper Marshes: one pair – nest predated College Res.: one pair – one cygnet Pools: one pair- six cygnets Loe Pool: one pair- one cygnet : one pair – eight cygnets Millbrook Lake: two pairs – broods of one and one cygnets Par Beach: two pairs – seven and one cygnets Lake, : one pair – two cygnets Wadebridge: one pair – five cygnets There were no breeding records from the Fal complex.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 375 INT 380) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 48 43 51 41 20 7 8 7 2 4 8 43 Argal Res. 3 2 2 1 - 2 - - - - 1 - Camel Est. 43 60 49 48 45 55 61 40 46 45 50 48 - - - 4 6 8 ------College Res. 7 6 4 1 4 1 - 3 - - 15 16 Drift Res. 59 58 47 44 47 52 68 75 66 73 80 81 Est. 11 12 5 - - 13 ------Harlyn Bay/Pools 2 2 2 2 8 - - - 8 9 6 6 Helford Est. 16 4 2 18 13 2 ------Loe Pool 7 6 15 8 8 13 4 - 20 - 5 - Est. 2 6 3 8 7 16 ------Maer Lake - - 2 1 1 ------Marazion Marsh 13 7 - 10 16 6 - - 13 - - - Millbrook Lake 20 15 9 6 - - 6 - - - - - Par Beach Pool 23 19 28 23 14 16 12 - 25 30 34 30 ------6 12 2 3 River 2 2 2 2 5 4 - - - - 1 1 St John's Lake 6 - - - - - 8 3 2 7 11 14 Stithian's Res. - 1 - 1 1 ------Swanpool 6 2 2 1 2 2 8 - - - 24 25 Tamar Est. 70 69 57 - - - 85 81 82 78 93 105 Tamar Lakes 1 - 1 - - 2 2 - - - - 1 Tehidy Pool 13 12 13 13 9 8 8 8 8 12 12 10 River 4 28 5 35 3 4 3 2 - - 4 - 4 - 8 21 7 1 2 3 2 9 5 4

105 at the Tamar Complex in Dec. is apparently the largest herd ever recorded in Cornwall.

Birds in Cornwall 11

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus (548) (4) Very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor

Camel Est./Amble Marshes: a second year bird present from 2004 was last seen Apr 20th. Two adults were present off Tregunna on Jan 3rd. : two adults, (male and female), were noted Jan 3rd.

Although the adults above could conceivably be the same birds, they are counted as different here.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 115 24 15 2 1 - - - 6 154 136 99

Top site is Camel Est.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus (92) (3) Rare passage migrant. Has wintered.

Winnard‟s Perch: one Feb 26th to May 30th, in a Canada Goose flock, this bird was thought to an escapee. Upper Tamar Lake: three Oct 17th.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 2 1 - 1 - - - 28 45 5 9

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons Very scarce passage migrant. Has wintered.

Two forms of this species have reached Cornwall. The Eurasian race A. a. albifrons which was the race which wintered at the Amble Marshes in the late 1960,s and the Greenland race A. a. flavirostris, which accounts for more of the sightings in recent years.

No positively identified White-fronted Geese were noted this year although 100 “Grey Geese” in off the sea at Pentire Point on Sep 9th were thought by the observer to be of this species. DL

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Very scarce passage migrant and feral introduction.

It is very difficult to ascertain the true status of the species due to increasing breeding feral population in the rest of the country including Devon. Genuine wild birds probably do not visit the county.

College Res.: one Oct 22nd – Dec 10th. Colliford Res.: one Jan 3rd to Jun 26th. Drift Res.: one Feb 8th to Apr 21st, this bird was first noted at Sancreed on Feb 3rd, before moving to the reservoir; four Jun 19th and into 2006. Park Clay Pit: one Feb 26th, was almost certainly the Colliford Res. bird. Ruan Lanihorne: one Sept 9th. Winnard‟s Perch: one Feb 26th.

Up to four hybrid Greylag Geese were noted with the Greylag Goose flock at Drift Res.from Apr and into 2006.

12 Birds in Cornwall

GOOSE sp. Anser sp.

The following geese were not identified to species by the observers. Redruth: 20 flew east Mar 23rd. AM : two flew north Oct 12th. SMC : 50 flew north Oct 15th. SMC

(See also under Greater White-fronted Goose)

GREATER CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Scarce breeding resident, common feral introduction.

Breeding was noted at the following sites (numbers of broods/young)

Amble Marshes (3/11); Clapper Marshes (4/4); Colliford Res. (3/8); Crowdy Res. (1/5); Helman Tor (2/7); Lakeview Country Park (1/6); Golf Course (1/3); (2/4); Siblyback Res. (1/1); Winnard‟s Perch (3/10).

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites holding more than 100 birds (GB 600 INT n/a) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 30 51 34 132 30 15 17 214 28 34 26 46 Marshes 170 - 16 - 2 - - - - - 115 183 Camel Est. - 24 28 2 21 - 170 518 456 - - 12 Colliford Res. 402 103 55 41 337 1825 1889 193 198 155 495 433 Crowdy Res. 115 35 15 23 11 161 190 192 334 247 138 128 173 226 22 12 32 8 10 - - - 66 96 Park Clay Pit 220 52 37 2 - 5 16 - 6 - - - Ruan Lanihorne ------194 68 - Siblyback Res. 125 62 42 8 4 17 205 11 44 - 455 262 Tamar Complex 422 199 97 - - - 172 120 53 99 45 341 Tamar Lakes 10 45 32 - - - 46 687 942 81 154 95

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis Rare vagrant and very scarce feral introduction.

Up to seven feral birds were present in the east of the county throughout the year. Sites visited included Colliford Reservoir, Dozmary Pool, Maer Lake, Par Beach Pool, Park Clay Pit and Siblyback Reservoir. No “wild” birds were recorded this year.

BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla Very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

Three races of this species have occurred within the county. B. b. bernicla, the dark-bellied form, (from Western Siberia), makes up the majority of the wintering birds, and B. b. hrota, (from Arctic Canada and Greenland), the pale bellied form, accounts for most of the passage birds. The third race B. b. nigricans, (from Eastern Siberia and Western North America), has occurred once on the Camel Estuary in 1981.

LIGHT-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE B. b. hrota: St John‟s Lake: the four birds from 2004 were last noted Jan 23rd, visiting Millbrook Lake on the last date. Ten arrived on Nov 26th and stayed into 2006. Mount‟s Bay: the first autumn record were 17 off Marazion Beach Sept 14th, these birds were noted daily until they departed on the 18th.

Birds in Cornwall 13

Predannack Airfield: one Oct 9th. : two flew west, Nov 7th. Camel Est.: two birds were present Nov 11th to 24th. (Possibly the same as the Trevose birds).

DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE B. b. bernicla: St John‟s Lake: eight from 2004 were present on Jan 1st, with up to six noted thereafter until Mar 13th. Seven were present Jan 23rd. Six arrived back Nov 26th and remained into 2006. Hayle Est.: one Jan 18th. Six visited Oct 14th with two remaining until Nov 11th, three were noted Oct 20th. Camel Est.: one Mar 31st to Apr 4th was noted at Dinham Flats as well as making trips to the nearby Walmsley Sanc: a single bird was present Dec 8th to 14th and six arrived Dec 30th and remained into 2006. Trevose Head: 11 flew north, Oct 15th and single, also north, Nov 29th. Par Sands: three Oct 16th. : one flew south Oct 23rd.

COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna Common resident and very scarce breeder.

Breeding was noted at the following sites; Camel Est.: a minimum of 5 broods and 47 ducklings. Hayle Est.: 15 juveniles were present July 14th. Lynher Est.: six juveniles July 17th. Millbrook Lake: four juveniles July 17th.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 782 INT 3,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 1 2 41 12 4 - - - - - 7 - Camel Est. 104 126 121 97 69 48 25 14 2 11 63 92 Hayle Est. 86 119 82 76 42 42 41 26 12 11 50 60 Fal Complex 129 162 157 - - 2 - - 5 55 75 48 Fowey Est. 36 28 24 - - 8 ------Helford Est. 6 54 12 11 14 6 ------Lynher Est. 160 - - 58 - - 6 - - - - - Millbrook Lake 83 70 29 7 - - 4 - - - - - River 27 14 14 6 8 ------Ruan Lanihorne - - 14 - - - - - 5 55 75 48 St John's Lake 200 100 30 64 - - 26 8 - 3 175 200 Tamar Complex 677 510 368 53 43 - 85 20 10 145 388 496 Tresillian River 51 36 59 33 24 15 5 2 - 7 18 52 Truro River 37 84 58 30 24 26 12 - - 8 8 32

No other site held more than 30 birds. The 677 on the Tamar Est. in Jan. is the highest ever count in Cornwall.

Unusual reports from inland sites; Rumford: one Apr 15th, (first record for site). Colliford Res.: one July 25th. Crowdy Res.: one Dec 12th. The bird at Colliford Res. is the fifth bird for the site excluding breeding birds in 1985 and 1988, and the Crowdy Res. sighting is the 16th record.

14 Birds in Cornwall

MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata (82) (1) Rare vagrant from feral introduction elsewhere in Britain, including Devon. Escapee.

Par Beach Pool: one eclipse male, Sept 20th. SMC

WOOD DUCK Anas sponsa Escapee.

Helston Boating Lake: one male Feb 23rd, SMC; a first winter male, Nov 16th and into 2006. DKP Predannack: an adult male shot, Nov 24th. ARP Drift Res.: an adult male, Nov 29th. DP

The three November records are interesting, were they genuine vagrants?

EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope Common winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. Has summered.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 4,060 INT 15,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 310 354 260 4 - - - - 8 15 140 410 Camel Est. 598 368 286 52 - 1 - - 29 187 230 410 College Res. 177 138 135 ------172 420 Copperhouse Creek 10 800 - 1 ------Fal Complex 158 127 335 - - - - - 7 215 145 350 Gannel Est. 86 86 9 ------9 102 130 Hayle Est. 2000 1739 525 17 - - - - 500 990 2180 1615 Ruan Lanihorne 90 - 335 - - - - - 7 215 145 350 St John's Lake 45 37 ------3 250 450 Res. 19 70 30 1 - - - - 15 - 180 90 Tamar Est. 424 357 88 9 - - - - 63 432 681 834

No other site held more than 100 birds.

The only bird noted during the summer was a female at Clapper Marsh June 2nd.

AMERICAN WIGEON Anas americana (19) (2) Rare vagrant.

Camel Est.: one female Sept 29th – Oct 29th. SMC LW DF Hayle Est.: an adult male from 2004 last seen Mar 8th, assumed the same Nov 15th and into 2006. A female Oct 17th – Oct 31st. DSF LPW

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 1 1 - - - 7 5 5 1

Surprisingly the Camel Est. bird is the first for that site. Hayle Est. has hosted this species most often in the county with 11 records.

Birds in Cornwall 15

GADWALL Anas strepera Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 171 INT 600) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 5 3 - - 6 - - - 2 - - - Camel Est. - 3 ------4 College Res. 5 3 4 ------4 8 Drift Res. 5 4 1 ------Harlyn Bay ------11 5 Hayle Est. 2 1 1 2 ------1 Loe Pool 2 - 2 ------9 11 Marazion Marsh - 2 - 2 2 - - - - 1 - 2 Par Beach Pool - - - 1 ------2 1 Siblyback Res. ------8 12 Stithians Res. - 2 4 ------2 - Windmill Farm ------1 2

The only other site holding more than single birds wasTehidy Pool, where three were noted Jan 19th.

EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca Common winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. Has bred.

No breeding was suspected this year, although birds were present throughout the summer at two moorland reservoirs.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 1,920 INT 4,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Adam's Hill, 200 ------100 Amble Marsh/Camel Est. 350 110 55 27 2 - 1 32 71 160 385 400 Colliford Res. 335 48 55 30 2 3 3 30 22 4 99 23 Crowdy Res. 280 60 70 12 1 4 15 5 82 125 107 168 Dozmary Pool 27 12 5 - - - - - 14 18 21 9 Drift Res. 59 40 8 - - - - 10 40 3 2 4 Fal Complex 196 80 95 - - - - - 127 40 60 170 Hayle Est. 326 169 58 - - - - 12 127 260 290 210 Loe Pool 50 31 8 - - - - - 13 - 11 - Lynher Est. 120 ------80 - Maer Lake 269 210 84 33 3 - - 20 23 127 208 335 Marazion Marsh 50 32 17 - - - - - 21 20 64 43 Mawgan Porth 120 - 6 ------37 84 Porth Res. 19 60 80 ------3 3 180 60 60 ------40 60 120 St John's Lake 160 38 3 ------3 14 12 Stithians Res. 212 44 8 2 - - - 3 - 72 101 82 Tamar Est. Complex 288 271 173 - - - - - 7 100 71 227 Truro River 16 40 32 4 - - - - - 31 36 8

The only other site which held more than 50 birds was Creek, where 170 were present Dec 12th.

Unusual were 100 sitting on the sea off Marazion Marsh, at first light on Jan 25th.

16 Birds in Cornwall

GREEN-WINGED TEAL Anas carolinensis (48) (4) Rare vagrant.

Hayle Est.: the male from 2004 was noted until Jan 12th. DP, RSPB, DIJ et al. Probably the same returning male Oct 17th and into 2006. RSPB, SMC, DP et al. Stithians Res.: adult male, at the Golden Lion Cut-off, Jan 27th. DP Amble Marshes: an adult male Feb 24th to Mar 6th. DIJ, SMC, BMP; another male Apr 9th to 21st. SMC, BMP; a male Dec 8th to 23rd, was possibly a returning bird, (but is recorded here as a new bird). SMC

All the spring records could refer to wandering individual but are treated as different here.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 5 5 4 1 - - 1 - 4 10 12

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Common breeding resident. Feral introduction.

Breeding was only recorded at five sites this year, although birds were noted throughout the breeding season in suitable habitat. Wadebridge: two broods of three and three. Clapper Marshes: four broods of seven, three, one and three. Lanhydrock Golf Course: brood of eight. Marazion Marsh: two broods of seven and 11 Windmill Farm: one brood of ten.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 3,520 INT 20,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 55 60 35 33 35 37 23 52 60 85 65 71 Camel Est. 104 41 57 7 4 14 45 70 42 5 7 6 Colliford Res. 32 4 11 8 23 45 30 17 38 5 50 12 Crowdy Res. 51 8 8 1 2 8 10 21 60 70 61 44 Drift Res. 38 34 24 16 19 21 21 29 32 34 25 14 Fowey Est. 127 83 10 - - 76 ------Gannel Est. 64 - 2 - - 7 - - - - 79 - Loe Pool 20 46 13 18 27 68 130 - 85 - 53 13 Looe Est. 115 28 39 20 13 27 ------Maer Lake 35 19 10 28 11 14 34 36 - 1 - - Marazion Marsh 32 11 - 18 16 9 - - 22 20 42 30 Millbrook Lake 40 42 28 20 ------Par Beach Pool 80 96 - - 40 36 - - 10 - - - Porth Res. 268 70 40 - 8 26 - 39 - - 235 175 54 30 28 20 47 26 20 - 51 56 55 33 Siblyback Res. 55 41 40 21 15 44 72 67 55 60 46 75 Stithians Res. 26 27 19 11 4 16 19 41 - 10 44 57 Swanpool 90 79 81 43 42 56 167 90 - 137 140 130 Tamar Complex 410 183 148 - - - 71 113 138 350 278 318 Tamar Lakes - 1 15 - - 9 36 24 28 67 39 5 Tehidy Pool 73 47 30 30 16 41 66 62 69 58 56 79 Tresillian River 43 9 11 3 5 7 11 6 3 16 5 8 Truro River 2 - 4 5 - - 4 12 43 34 2 2

All sites that held over 40 birds are listed, apart from the Lynher Est. where 80 were counted Jan 1st.

Birds in Cornwall 17

NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 279 INT 600) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes/Camel Est. 10 6 8 ------5 2 2 Crowdy Res. ------2 6 1 1 Lynher Est. 16 ------5 - Ruan Lanihorne ------1 - 10 Tamar Lakes 1 1 ------4 -

Additional records include:

Tamar Est.: up to three noted Jan/Feb. Truro River: a female, Jan 15th. Colliford Res.: a male, Mar 12th. Mounts Bay: a male sat on the sea, Mar 20th. Loe Pool: five moulting females, Sept 8th to16th. Drift Res.: two Oct 2nd to 31st. Trevose Head: three flew west, Oct 22nd. Marazion Marsh: one Oct 26th to Nov 18th.

GARGANEY Anas querquedula (1108) (15) Very scarce passage migrant. Has bred.

Camel Est.: four, (2 males and 2 females), Apr 1st to 18th; a female Jul 7th to Oct 13th. SMC, BMP, DKP, et al Bude Marshes: a male, Apr 10th. SMC, BMP. Drift Res.: three first years, Sept 8th to 16th, with two to Oct 2nd. SMC, BMP, LW Hayle Kimbo Pool: a male, Apr 2nd .ARP Marazion Marsh: one male, May 4th; another male May 17th to 28th. RSPB, JL, DP Penrose Water Garden: two, (male and female), Apr 12th. AM Stithians Res.: one Sept 29th. PAF

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 300 313 148 20 49 172 80 32 3 4

NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred.

No breeding was suspected this year.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 148 INT 400) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marsh/Camel Est. 10 15 15 10 1 - - - 1 3 10 23 College Res. - 1 ------5 18 Drift Res. ------2 7 - Loe Pool - 16 ------10 23 Siblyback Res. ------6 - - 1 - Stithians Res. ------6 - - 2 Windmill Farm 5 - 4 - 2 - - - - - 2 1

18 Birds in Cornwall

Additional records include; Hayle Kimbo Pool: 13 Mar 19th with two until Apr 2nd. Mounts Bay: six Mar 28th. Colliford Res.: 16 Nov 22nd.

Up to 4 were also noted at ten other sites.

COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 595 INT 3,500) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec College Res. 5 - 1 ------11 14 Colliford Res. - 7 4 ------2 - Dozmary Pool 19 15 8 ------13 27 Loe Pool 107 87 43 - - - - - 2 - 64 48 Park Clay Pit 25 4 1 - - - - - 1 - 30 24 Stithians Res. 4 10 1 ------4 -

No other site held more than three birds.

RING-NECKED DUCK Aythya collaris (53) (3) Rare annual vagrant.

Porth Res.: the 2004 female was last noted Mar 18th; probably the same bird returned Nov 6th and remained into 2006. SMC, DIJ, BMP et al Trenance Lake: the Porth bird visited this ornamental lake at Newquay on Jan 7th and 23rd. SMC, BMP Drift Res.: an adult male was present Sept 17th, DKP; a first winter male took up residence Sept 25th and remained until 28th. JPM, SMC, LW DKP et al. Marazion Marsh: a first winter male, different from the Drift bird, Sept 25th to Oct 5th. SMC, BMP PAF et al Loe Pool: an adult male, (possibly the first Drift Res. bird), Dec 19th. DKP

It is difficult to keep track of the number of individuals involved but possibly only three new birds this year.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 1 2 8 - 1 - 2 7 14 5 4

Birds in Cornwall 19

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred.

During the breeding season many birds remained at the county‟s reservoirs and other open water, although breeding was not reported. However, a pair at Butter Tor Jun 8th may have bred.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 901 INT 12,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 11 14 5 ------College Res. 42 15 25 ------17 27 Colliford Res. 3 18 10 11 31 3 24 30 33 6 3 - Dozmary Pool 32 24 15 23 4 - 14 - 14 20 39 51 Drift Res. 42 18 12 - - - - 1 - 5 42 49 Loe Pool 48 41 32 14 6 14 7 - 24 - 52 44 Park Clay Pit 22 3 3 - - - 8 - 13 - 31 24 Siblyback Res. 11 30 23 5 10 - - 3 2 - - 6 Stithians Res. 32 51 12 6 2 2 5 8 - 7 53 12 Swanpool 105 45 25 2 - - 15 6 - 11 20 40

No other site held more than 25 birds.

GREATER SCAUP Aythya marila Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Camel Est.: a male, May 2nd to July 9th. Drift Res.: two, females, Jan 26th to 31st with one until Mar 10th. Loe Pool: two females from 2004 until Jan 15th, with one until Mar 12th; two, females, Nov 15th to the end of the year with a third female Nov 23rd. A male was also noted on Dec 19th. Marazion Marsh: a female, Sept 17th to 19th. Millbrook Lake: the 2004 female was last noted July 17th. Park Clay Pit: a single female Nov 9th to Dec 4th, with a second female Nov 14th to 19th. Stithians Res.: a female Nov 20th to the end of the year.

LESSER SCAUP Aythya affinis (8) (1) Very rare vagrant. (2002)

Drift Res.: a first winter male Nov 8th and into 2006. DKP

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 2 - - - 2 3 2

This is the fourth bird to be seen at Drift Res. Previous sightings have been 17th-18th Nov 1996, (first Cornish record); 22nd Nov 1999, (remained until 21st Mar 2000); and 14th-27th Oct 2002.

20 Birds in Cornwall

COMMON EIDER Somateria mollissima Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

St John‟s Lake: the 2004 female was last seen Mar 13th. Mounts Bay: a female Jan 14th to Mar 9th, spent most of its‟ time off Marazion Beach. Carrick Roads: a female, Jan 16th to 26th, was joined by a male on the last date. Bay: a second year male, Jan 23rd. Point: one male, Jan 23rd. Par Sands: a second year male, Jan 24th to Mar 29th; a first year male Nov 24th, was joined by another on the 20th. These birds were joined by up to six other birds on numerous dates until Dec 20th. St Anthony: one Jan 29th. Gillan Creek: one Mar 5th. : one, a first winter male, Dec 2nd.

LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis (526) (5) Very scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

Crowdy Res.: one juvenile Oct 19th – 20th. DIJ SMC et al Trevose Head: one flew west Oct 22nd. SMC Dozmary Pool: one male Nov 9th – 27th. SMC Mount‟s Bay: one Nov 30th – Dec 12th. DSF St John‟s Lake: one Dec 14th. WeBS

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 59 47 80 18 5 3 2 1 3 63 131 119

The inland records at Crowdy Res. and Dozmary Pool are the third and fourth respectively at these sites. Previous records at the former were in 1990 and 1997. At Dozmary Pool previous records were in 1966, 1986 and 1999.

BLACK SCOTER Melanitta nigra Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant, a few birds summer.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 500 INT 16,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Crinnis ------40 37 Bay 1 - - - 2 ------25 Mounts Bay 3 3 - 2 - 5 - - 1 10 40 90 Par Sands 8 - 3 ------5 20 Pendeen ------41 10 - 10 105 - - - 21 9 - 1 - 8 - 3 7 - Porthpean ------32 22 8 - 3 ------32 22 Trevose Head 1 - - - - - 22 8 24 292 83 2 The figures for headlands are maximum daily counts.

No other sites held more than 20 birds.

Unusual were; Marazion Marsh: a female, Oct 14th and 15th. Loe Pool: a female, Nov 20th to 23rd.

Birds in Cornwall 21

VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca (463) (11) Rare winter visitor and passage migrant.

Camel Est.: two females, Jan 3rd to 22nd. DIJ, SMC, DPE. Another female Feb 16th SMC. Par Sands: two females, Jan 29th to Feb 3rd, with both birds off Gribbin Head on the last date. SMC, BMP, et al; one Dec 12th. SMC Carrick Roads: one Feb 13th. WeBS. Trevose Head: four flew west, Oct 22nd. JDB, SMC, LW.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 73 63 33 19 2 - - 1 1 55 114 113

The two females at Par Sands could have been the Camel Est. birds relocating, but are treated as different here.

COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

As in previous years the top site in the county is the Carrick Roads. Although numbers here have been dropping in recent years, this year saw a small revival. It is difficult to get an accurate count of the numbers using the sites, because of movement between them.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 249 INT 4,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 5 9 3 ------Camel Est. 1 3 2 ------1 2 Carrick Roads 14 16 8 ------Colliford Res. 1 4 4 2 ------Crowdy Res. 3 1 2 3 ------1 Dozmary Pool 6 2 2 ------4 8 Drift Res. 2 1 ------1 1 Loe Pool 5 7 6 2 ------4 4 Park Clay Pit 6 9 6 2 ------5 5 Stithians Res. 6 3 5 ------4

Away from the main sites a few single birds were noted; Lower Tamar Lake: a female Mar 14th. Par Beach Pool: females were recorded May 17th and Nov 15th. St John‟s Lake: one Nov 21st.

22 Birds in Cornwall

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

The main site in the county is the Fal Complex which in the past held nationally important numbers.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 98 INT 1,700) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 2 - - - 1 - - 1 2 - Carrick Roads 40 36 40 ------37 Fal Complex 59 42 43 ------2 37 Millbrook Lake - 4 2 ------4 Percuil River 12 2 14 ------Restrongeut Creek 8 4 4 ------2 - Tamar Complex 18 17 4 ------4 8

No other site held over ten birds.

Unusual were; Camel Est.: one Jul 31st to Aug 1st. : two flew west Apr 20th. Loe Pool: a female/juvenile, Dec 9th. Porth Res.: a female, Jan 20th to 21st.

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Potential breeder with birds occasionally present in the summer months.

All records are listed; Argal Res.: a male, Jan 3rd to 14th. Lower Tamar Lake: five Jan 13th to Mar 14th; a male, Dec 9th. Crowdy Res.: three Jan 16th. Porth Res.: one Jan 24th to Mar 18th; two Dec 11th. Siblyback Res.: two Feb 13th. Stithians Res.: three, (male and two females), Feb 23rd; a male, Nov 26th to Dec 26th. College Res.: two Mar 12th. Colliford Res.: one Nov 14th. Hayle Est.: four Nov 21st/22nd with two to Dec 17th. Camel Est.: one female, Dec 7th. Amble Marshes: a female, Dec 8th. Loe Pool: two Dec 9th to 19th.

RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis (184) (8) Rare winter visitor and passage migrant, (from Feral Stcok)

With the Government trying to eradicate this alien species from the British Isles to safeguard the survival of the White-headed Duck, (Oxyura leucocephala), in southern Spain, this species should become rarer over then next few years.

Crowdy Res.: Four Sept 17th. SMC Drift Res.: Two Jan 3rd to Apr 19th. DKP, DSF et al; One Dec 12th SMC Loe Pool: One Sept 25th. DE

Birds in Cornwall 23

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 53 20 2 - 1 - 2 1 36 28 28 21

Loe Pool remains the top site in the county to see this „stifftail’ with 48 noted.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Very scarce breeding resident. Feral introduction.

An endemic European species whose breeding population has declined over the years and although released in large numbers in Cornwall during the 1970s and „80s it has never really taken a hold in the county. Reported from over 30 sites this year; however most of these are adjacent to areas where many thousands are released each year.

Counts of ten and over came from the following sites; Amble Marshes: ten Jan 15th; 21 Dec 14th. Dinham Area, Camel Est.: 12 Sept 19th; 20 Oct 13th; 31 Oct 13th. Porth Mear/Park Head: 13 Oct 10th. Perlees Farm: 12 Nov 8th. Trevithick: 15 Dec 28th.

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Rare breeding resident. Feral introduction.

A small number of birds are now being introduced annually for shooting. Having declined nationally by 50% in recent years the decline in the south west is thought to be nearer 95% and records this year seem to indicate that this is indeed probable. All records are listed.

Gear Farm, The : six Jan 1st. Port Quin: one Jan 9th. Treneague: one Feb 18th. : one dead on road Feb 19th. Ambvle Marshes: one Mar 17th. SW5835: two Apr 12th. SX0667: one Apr 13th. Dinham Area, Camel Est.: six May 15th, one Jun 13th, four Sept 13th, one Nov 21st. East: one May 30th. : two Dec 13th. : one Dec 13th.

24 Birds in Cornwall

COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix (346) (6) Rare summer visitor and passage migrant. Has bred.

A widespread summer visitor to much of continental Europe where it is estimated there are almost three million breeding pairs. In the UK there are only around four hundred pairs breeding and in Cornwall it is now virtually only seen and heard as a passage migrant as was the case this year.

Adams Hill, St Buryan: one Jun 13th and Jul 26th. JL : two Aug 6th. SMC St Breock Downs: one Aug 8th. DIJ Bodrifty: three calling June 23rd. DKP

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Undated 1 - 1 5 95 128 64 29 20 7 2 - 1

COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus Common breeding resident. Feral introduction.

The BTO states that this is one of the most ignored birds in Britain because there are at least four million released each year for the shooting season between Oct and Feb. So with this in mind it is difficult to assess the true wild population in the county, apart from to say it‟s healthy! There were over a hundred records for the species received from over forty sites many of which had noted the species to have been present all year. As in most years, single or small numbers were reported, but no double figure counts were received.

RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

A scattered distribution around the coast, with the largest concentrations along the north coast between and and in .

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 49 INT 10,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - 1 1 ------1 1 Harlyn Bay/Trevose 6 25 ------1 3 - Mounts Bay - - 2 ------2 2 St Austell Bay 1 1 2 ------2 1

Up to three birds were noted at Porthgwarra Jan 7th to Apr 18th, usually heading west, and singles Nov were also seen Nov 1st to Dec 14th. Single birds were present at , Carrick Roads, Gerrans Bay, Killigerran Head, Newquay, Pendeen, Pentewen, and St Ives.

Unusual was a single, in summer plumage, which flew west past Lizard Point June 3rd.

Birds in Cornwall 25

BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica Very scarce winter visitor and very scarce passage migrant.

A much more south coast bias than the previous species, with the majority of records off the stretch of coast between St Austell Bay and Carrick Roads. However, Mount‟s Bay has become more important for this species in recent years.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 7 INT 10,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gerrans Bay 14 14 47 8 7 2 - - - - - 10 Mount‟s Bay 2 - 4 ------2 3 Par Sands ------14 5 Portholland - - 35 ------2 Porthpean 15 - 19 ------12 3 St Austell Bay 15 - 19 ------14 6

Single birds were noted at Camel Est., Carrick Roads, , Killigerran Head, Newquay, Point, St Ives and Trevose Head.

Unusual were seven off Jan 29th and seven Kennack Sands Dec 18th.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

The most widespread diver species, wintering individuals noted along most of the coast, with internationally important numbers in St Austell Bay.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 30 INT 50) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Crinnis 6 - 1 ------2 1 Gerrans Bay 8 5 14 5 ------7 Gribbin Head - 9 ------Mount‟s Bay 8 5 9 5 2 - - - - - 3 8 Par Sands 7 8 31 - 7 - - - - - 6 10 Porthpean 4 10 9 - 1 - - - - - 15 3 St Austell Bay 7 10 31 - 7 - - - - - 15 10

The only sites which held more than five birds were: Harlyn Bay: six Nov 2nd. Porthgwarra: noted flying past the headland Jan 7th to Jun 4th, with a maximum of 15 May 8th.

Birds recorded flying over land included; St Buryan: one west Apr 29th and two, west May 4th. Carn Gloose: one north, June 13th. Marazion Marsh: one over south, Nov 1st. Par: two, north over the town, May 24th. Sancreed: one north-west, May 7th.

No birds were noted at any of the reservoirs this year.

26 Birds in Cornwall

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Very scarce breeding resident. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Breeding was noted at the following sites; Amble Marshes: three pairs raised a total of four young. Butter Tor: adult present during breeding season. Drift Res.: one pair raised three young. Loe Pool: one pair raised three young. Marazion Marsh: one pair raised two young. Tregilliows: one pair with nest.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 78 INT 3,400) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 1 3 6 4 2 1 10 5 2 - 2 3 Caerhays 5 - 3 ------3 Camel Est. 8 6 7 - - - - - 4 5 4 9 Clapper Marshes 1 ------1 1 - - 2 College Res. - 1 ------1 1 Colliford Res. - - - 1 - - 2 1 1 - - - Crowdy Res. 1 1 - 1 - - 1 2 1 2 2 1 Dozmary Pool 1 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 2 2 5 Drift Res. 6 8 4 1 - - 1 3 9 18 6 5 Fowey Est. 6 7 2 ------Harlyn Pools 7 7 6 1 - - - - 5 7 8 7 Hayle Est. 11 9 9 4 - - - 1 2 7 8 9 Loe Pool 9 2 3 2 2 2 5 - 3 - 11 - Marazion Marsh 14 5 4 2 - - - - 3 5 4 5 Millbrook Lake 15 4 5 ------7 11 - Par Beach Pool 6 4 6 4 2 6 - - - - 3 1 Siblyback Res. 9 5 8 1 - - 3 8 18 14 10 8 St John's Lake 3 5 3 - - - - - 3 9 1 8 Stithians Res. 12 14 8 1 - - 1 22 - - 11 8 Swanpool 6 - 3 ------4 15 8 Tamar Est. 19 14 11 - - - - 2 10 21 16 27 Tamar Lakes 2 1 2 - - - 3 - 1 - 1 2 Tehidy Pool 9 7 6 6 2 2 2 5 6 8 10 7 Tresillian River 7 5 3 1 - 1 3 3 3 5 3 4

Birds in Cornwall 27

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus Rare breeding resident. Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Breeding was noted at the following sites; Crowdy Res.: a single nest was noted May 29th. Stithians Res.: two juveniles were raised. Upper Tamar Lake: possibly bred with a juvenile noted with adults in July.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 159 INT 4,800) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Camel Estuary 3 1 1 - - - 1 - 1 1 1 1 College Res. 2 3 - 2 1 ------Colliford Res. - - - 3 4 1 1 2 3 1 - - Crowdy Res. - - 2 4 4 4 5 4 3 2 - - Dozmary Pool - - - 2 2 ------Drift Res. - - 1 1 - - 1 - - - - - Loe Pool - - - - - 1 1 - 1 - - - Lynher Est 5 ------Par Bay 14 15 10 1 ------9 10 Siblyback Res. - 1 1 2 4 2 1 - - - - - St John's Lake 9 6 5 - - - 1 - 2 15 10 12 Stithian's Res. - 4 1 4 4 3 - 3 - - - 1 Tamar Est. 5 7 7 2 - - - 8 37 3 11 9 Tamar Lakes 2 9 7 9 - - 4 2 2 4 2 3

No other site held more than three birds.

RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena Rare winter visitor and passage migrant.

As with previous years the majority of records came from the south coast.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 2 INT 1,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gerrans Bay 1 1 - 1 1 ------3

Also noted; Carrick Roads: one Feb 13th. Hayle Est.: one Feb 19th to 28th, with two on the 22nd. Lynher Est.: one Nov 6th. Mounts Bay: one Mar 17th. Par Sands: one Nov 26th. Portholland: two Mar 7th; one Dec 13th. St Ives: one Jan 18th. Tamar Est.: one Feb 1st.

28 Birds in Cornwall

SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 7 INT 35) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 4 4 ------3 Gerrans Bay 3 3 8 ------1 Hannafore Point ------1 3 2 Mounts Bay 1 2 3 ------3

Away from the main sites, records were scarce with only the following noted; Carbis Bay: One Feb 14th. Crinnis: Three Mar 7th. Par Sands: One Feb 2nd. Porth Res.: One Nov 6th. Portholland: Three Mar 7th. Lynher Est.: Two Jan 21st.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

A very scarce grebe away from the Fal complex which is the premiere site in Britain for this species. Numbers here were slightly above average this year.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 1 INT 2,800) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Carrick Roads 7 30 19 ------1 12 St John's Lake 3 ------2

Away from these main sites the following were recorded: Camel Est.: three Jan 12th. Gerrans Bay: two Jan 16th to Mar 13th. Loe Pool: one Nov 23rd to Dec 19th. Lower Tamar Lake: one Aug 4th. Stithians Res.: one Aug 31st. Swanpool: the bird from 2004 was last seen Mar 9th.

Birds in Cornwall 29

Maximum numbers of Black-necked Grebes in Carrick Roads 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

NORTHERN FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis Common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Having first bred in 1943, this species now breeds around the coast. However, this year not a single nesting bird was noted, this is surely due to observer apathy and not because no birds bred.

Maximum daily totals are listed below from the main sites; Trevose Head: 66 Jan 8th; 87 Feb 21st; 34 Apr 6th; 40 May 8th; 83 June 4th; 140 July 20th; 152 Aug 23rd; 89 Sep 19th; 61 Oct 25th; 128 Nov 1st; 105 Dec 8th. St Ives Island: 171 Jan 18th. Newquay: 39 Jan 20th; 55 May 23rd; 102 June 4th; 190 July 19th; 108 Aug 25th; 30 Sept 15th; 30 Nov 8th. Porthgwarra: 21 Jan 31st; 245 Apr 28th; 45 July 22nd; 241 Aug 24th. Pendeen: 305 Aug 22nd; 59 Nov 4th.

No other site held more than 50 birds.

30 Birds in Cornwall

CORY‟S SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea Very scarce to scarce passage migrant. (Numbers fluctuate annually).

Pendeen: one June 30th; five July 21st; 95 Aug 5th; singles Aug 19th, Aug 22nd, and Aug 24th; three Aug 25th. PAF, DSF, DE et al. Porthgwarra: 11 June 30th; 23 July 19th; one Aug 24th; 45 Sep 8th. DKP, JL, et al Newquay: 159 July 19th; two July 20th; one July 21st. SMC, LW Godrevy: 105 July 20th; 50 Aug 5th; one Aug 27th. LPW Trevose Head: 31 July 21st; 12 Aug 4th; 49 Aug 5th; two Aug 20th; singles Aug 21st, Aug 26th and Sep 28th. SMC, JDB, LW

Cory's Shearwater sightings 2005 250

200

150

100

50

0

Approximately 602 birds were noted this year bringing the total recorded off the Cornish Coast to 20,352 since 1961.

GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus gravis Very scarce to scarce passage migrant. (Numbers fluctuate annually).

Trevose Head: one July 23rd; two Aug 4th; three Aug 5th; singles Aug 18th, Aug 25th, Sep 3rd. SMC Pendeen: two Aug 5th; one Aug 22nd. PAF, DE, SMC et al Newquay: three Sep 23rd. SMC, LW

Since 1958 a total of 7,993 birds have been sighted off the Cornish Mainland. The 15 noted this year is even lower than the 18 seen last year.

Birds in Cornwall 31

SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus Scarce to common passage migrant.

Single unseasonal birds were noted off St Ives Island on Jan 18th/19th. SMC, TMC, PAF.

Autumn passage commenced with a single at Porthgwarra on June 26th and continued until Nov 4th, with a minimum of 205 birds noted. Sooty Shearwater sightings during Autumn 2005 60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Regular reports came from the following sites;

Porthgwarra: 16 were noted Jun 21st to Oct 24th with no more than three noted in any single day. Pendeen: a total of 86 were logged Jul 4th to Nov 4th, with 12 Aug 22nd, 11 Aug 24th and a maximum of 39 Aug 25th. Newquay: singles July 19th, Aug 3rd and 23rd. Two Aug 25th. Godrevy: one July 20th, one Aug 5th, three Aug 14th. Trevose Head: 68 were recorded Jul 31st to Nov 1st with a maximum of 10 Aug 25th, seven Sept 1st, and eight Sept 27th. St Ives: apart from the January records the only other reports were of two Sept 16th and 15 Oct 1st.

No other site had reports of more than two birds.

32 Birds in Cornwall

MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus Common to very common passage migrant and summer visitor. Has bred and may still do so.

There was only a single record in the first two months; one flying west off Newquay Jan 20th.

The first for spring was a single off Porthgwarra Mar 13th, but the main arrival did not start until the end of the month. The last was one off Trevose Head on Dec 8th.

Reportsfrom well watched sites are listed below, all counts over 500 are listed; Newquay: one Jan 20th, 447 May 25th, 1120 Jun 3rd, 3951 Jun 4th, 5160 Jul 19th, 114 Aug 25th, 41 Oct 21st. Porthgwarra: one Mar 13th, 83 Mar 31st, 200 Apr 13th, 2000 Apr 18th, 1231 Apr 22nd, 500 May 8th, 600 May 21st, 302 Jun 21st, 275 Jul 5th, 87 Aug 24th, four Nov 2nd. Trevose Head: 158 Apr 4th, 1850 Apr 18th, 677 Apr 29th, 1412 May 4th, 1256 May 8th, 903 May 15th, 1600 May 16th, 6500 May 18th, 1670 May 21st, *24980 May 22nd, 6511 May 30th, 7081 Jun 3rd, 1410 Jun 4th, 1358 Jun 9th, 714 Jul 1st, 840 Jul 2nd, 610 Jul 5th, 2417 Jul 20th, 7766 Jul 23rd, 2375 Jul 25th, 808 Aug 3rd, 2158 Aug 5th, 837 Aug 7th, 2060 Aug 14th, 1132 Aug 20th, 514 Aug 21st, 171 Sep 1st, 83 Oct 1st, seven Nov 1st, one Nov 7th, one Dec 3rd, one Dec 8th. Lizard Point: 101 Apr 30th, 322 Jun 3rd. Mounts Bay: 500 Apr 30th. Pendeen: 1200 Jul 4th, 60 Jun 30th, 3000 Jul 19th, 2500 Aug 5th, 1227 Aug 22nd, 5029 Sep 29th, 150 Oct 1st, 33 Nov 3rd, 14 Nov 4th.

The peak count at Trevose Head* appears to be the largest single day count at this site.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER Puffinus mauretanicus Scarce passage migrant.

The first record of the year was of two off Trevose Head May 22nd. A total of 329 birds were logged during the year with the last being three, also off Trevose Head on Dec 8th.

Regular sites with counts over four are listed below; Trevose Head: a total of 147 were logged May 22nd to Dec 8th with maxima of six Sep 1st, five Sep 24th, eight Sep 29th, 13 Oct 1st, 12 Oct 22nd, 31 Nov 1st, five Nov 7th and three Dec 8th. Porthgwarra: a minimum of 31 Jul 19th to Nov 2nd with a maximum of ten Jul 20th and seven Nov 2nd. Pendeen: 109 counted Aug 7th to Nov 4th with maxima of 14 Oct 1st, 28 Nov 3rd and 38 Nov 4th. Newquay: a total of 16 between Aug 25th and Oct 21st with a maximum of 11 on the last date. St Ives: 17 noted Sep 16th to Oct 1st with 14 on the last date. Killigerran Head: four Oct 29th. St Agnes Head: five Nov 3rd.

Birds in Cornwall 33

NORTH ATLANTIC LITTLE SHEARWATER Puffinus barolii (5) (1) Very rare vagrant. (1999)

Porthgwarra: one flew west Apr 28th. MTE DAB JSB

This is the first spring record in Cornwall. All the other records have come between Aug 13th and Oct 28th.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - - 1 3 1 - -

There have now been two at Porthgwarra and Trevose Head. Lands End and St Ives have had one each.

EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus Common passage migrant and scarce summer visitor. Has bred and may still do so.

Only 254 birds were recorded this year, making it one of the worst years on record.

Looe Bay: two May 24th. Newquay: 16 May 25th to Aug 11th with a maximum of six Jul 19th. Lizard Point: six Jun 3rd. Porthgwarra: a minimum of 59 were counted Jun 30th to Aug 24th with maxima of 20 Jun 30th and 18 Jul 5th. Pendeen: 160 were logged Jul 4th to Nov 4th with maxima of 25 on Jul 4th and 6th and 100 Aug 5th. Trevose Head: six were noted Jul 20th to Oct 1st with a maximum of two Aug 1st. Godrevy: six Aug 5th.

LEACH‟S STORM-PETREL Oceanodroma leucorhoa (3218) (54) Very scarce passage migrant.

Newquay: two Sep 27th. Trevose Head: one Sep 27th; two Oct 1st. Pendeen: two Oct 1st; five Nov 3rd and 28 Nov 4th. St Ives Island: five Oct 1st. Killigerran Head: two Oct 29th. Hayle Est: one Oct 30th. Mounts Bay: two Oct 30th with singles Oct 31st and Nov 3rd. Porthgwarra: two Nov 2nd. St Agnes Head: one Nov 3rd.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 516 1 3 2 6 1 184 1300 747 285 162

34 Birds in Cornwall

NORTHERN GANNET Morus bassanus Very common passage migrant, with birds present throughout the year. Bred on Gulland Island, until 1478, the nearest colony now is on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire.

Noted along both coasts throughout the year. All counts of over 500 are listed;

Porthgwarra: 949 Apr 28th, 588 Aug 24th, 1034 Oct 24th. Trevose Head: 624 Jan 30th, 549 Aug 4th, 618 Aug 5th, 869 Aug 21st, 614 Aug 29th, 780 Sep 1st, 569 Sep 5th, 1755 Sep 6th, 717 Sep 23rd, 1187 Sep 27th, 875 Oct 1st, 529 Oct 20th, 838 Oct 22nd, 606 Oct 23rd, 2841 Oct 25th, 5043 Nov 1st, 1948 Nov 7th, 570 Dec 31st. Pendeen: 1026 Aug 22nd, 9707 Nov 3rd, 6495 Nov 4th. Lizard Point: 889 Sep 8th. St Ives: 655 Oct 18th. St Agnes Head: 1500 Nov 3rd.

GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Very scarce breeding resident. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

No breeding was reported along either coast, although 22 at The Mouls on Feb 21st must have included some breeding birds.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 230 INT 1,200) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 1 2 2 1 2 1 ------Argal Res. 1 2 - 1 1 1 ------Camel Est. 11 9 9 6 2 8 9 1 31 6 4 7 Carrick Roads 5 8 4 6 4 6 ------College Res. 5 5 4 ------1 4 Colliford Res. 5 1 8 2 3 8 11 10 17 3 3 - Crowdy Res. 3 5 4 2 2 4 5 3 5 5 3 2 Drift Res. 1 2 1 1 2 1 - - 15 14 5 3 Fowey Est. 7 11 12 - - - - - 5 - - - Gerrans Bay 6 - 22 7 15 12 ------Hayle Est. 13 13 2 2 11 10 - 13 10 17 2 12 Loe Pool 38 7 9 27 19 17 - - - - 14 - Porth Res. 4 3 3 3 2 - - 5 - - 2 1 Siblyback Res. 2 - - 1 - 5 12 10 12 6 8 8 St John's Lake 18 19 4 8 - - 12 10 12 6 8 8 Stithians Res. - 2 5 4 4 3 5 14 - 8 5 1 Tamar Est. 68 74 34 8 - - 52 69 105 61 51 50 Tamar Lakes 3 7 5 8 - - 1 4 7 9 7 9 Tresillian River 2 1 1 - 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 Trevose Head 6 4 3 2 4 1 3 4 37 56 1 1 Truro River 5 6 1 2 2 - 3 1 1 4 2 2

The only counts of 20+ birds were; Mounts Bay: 20 May 15th on rocks off St Michael‟s Mount. Chapel Porth: 52 Oct 12th.

This is the fourth time that over 100 birds have been noted on the Tamar Est. Three figures counts also occurred in 1987 (200), 1989 (100) and 1992 (105). The count at Chapel Porth appears to be the highest count there.

Birds in Cornwall 35

EUROPEAN SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis Very scarce breeding resident. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

No breeding records received but status appears unchanged.

Maximum Daily counts and WeBS counts at main sites (GB ? INT 2,400) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 5 6 12 9 - 2 1 - 8 5 1 3 Carrick Roads 10 15 8 - - 15 ------Gerran's Bay 15 - 18 12 8 14 ------Killigerran Head ------67 270 - - Newquay 73 - - - - 7 12 15 8 5 - - Porthgwarra 47 - - 31 - - - 35 10 45 11 - Trevose Head 66 113 - 45 32 22 47 114 57 23 6 21

The only sites where more than 50 birds were reported were;

Harlyn Bay: 73 Jan 19th. Portholland: 55 Mar 7th. Stepper Point: 75 Jul 28th.

GREAT BITTERN Botaurus stellaris (164) (2) Rare winter visitor and passage migrant.

Marazion Marsh: one from 2004 was last seen Mar 14th. The apparent returning bird was noted Oct 14th and into 2006. DSF et al Par Beach Pool: the bird from 2004 was last seen Mar 21st. WeBS Stithian‟s Res.: one was present Jan 12/13th. ARP Loe Pool: one bird was noted Mar 12th. WeBS

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Undated 57 35 11 1 - - 1 1 5 4 21 29 1

36 Birds in Cornwall

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Very rare breeding resident. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

A minimum of 15 nests were located within the county.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB ? INT 1,300) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 23 11 32 24 18 37 65 20 45 47 52 2 Carrick Roads 21 4 15 4 6 ------1 Colliford Res. ------1 3 1 - - - Drift Res. 4 3 1 - - 2 - 9 6 6 2 2 Fowey Est. 10 8 16 - 13 - - - 12 - - - Gannel Est. 8 5 4 4 3 2 5 - - 4 11 - Gerrans Bay 3 2 2 2 8 1 2 3 2 3 2 4 Hayle Est. 24 15 11 14 9 7 16 18 20 14 12 8 Helford Est. 24 8 10 11 31 32 41 - 16 - 7 - Looe 9 8 12 11 6 12 - 4 - 13 - - Lynher Est. 17 25 20 17 1 - 15 12 25 27 27 15 Marazion Marsh 3 3 2 4 1 - 2 7 11 6 6 2 Millbrook 2 - 10 1 - - - - - 3 3 - Par 2 1 4 3 2 3 1 - 1 2 - 1 Percuil River 29 9 9 8 7 6 6 10 18 15 9 10 Restronguet Creek 23 9 8 - - - 6 - 7 5 - - Ruan Lanihorne - - 3 - - - - - 14 15 11 14 Lerryn River 2 4 3 4 2 2 4 - 5 6 3 2 St Johns Lake 10 8 5 2 - - 20 15 16 10 10 10 Tamar Est. Complex 64 79 60 - - - 67 89 112 129 88 56 Tresillian River 16 12 4 8 10 13 7 9 7 13 5 3 Truro River - 1 1 20 29 20 36 8 8 5 11 2

No other site held more than ten birds.

GREAT EGRET Ardea alba (14) (0) Very rare vagrant. (2004)

A bird was reported on the Fal Complex during a WeBS count on Jan 16th, but was not submitted to BBRC

Birds in Cornwall 37

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Very scarce breeding resident. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

No breeding records were received this year.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB ? INT 2,700) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 8 6 7 - 5 4 6 4 2 1 2 2 Camel Est. 16 4 12 4 2 14 10 7 22 2 4 4 Carrick Roads 5 - 5 2 2 4 2 4 8 2 Crowdy Res. 1 - 1 1 1 3 5 2 3 2 - - Drift Res. 3 1 1 2 2 2 1 9 12 3 1 1 Hayle Est. 7 1 3 4 - 3 2 9 6 7 5 3 Helford Est. 8 10 14 31 16 6 7 - 6 - 4 - Looe Est. 3 9 10 8 6 8 1 - 2 3 4 8 Lynher Est. 2 1 3 1 3 - 2 3 6 11 11 8 Marazion Marsh 10 9 - 6 6 5 - 5 6 - 4 7 Par 3 2 3 4 3 2 - - 1 - - - Percuil River 4 6 2 4 - 5 5 4 6 7 5 9 Porth Res. 2 3 4 - 3 3 - 3 - - 3 1 Restronguet Creek 6 8 5 ------Siblyback Res. 2 - - - - - 13 4 5 1 1 - St Johns Lake 5 8 4 6 - - 4 20 12 2 6 8 Stithians Res. - 2 2 1 1 6 2 6 - - 2 2 Tamar Est. Complex 18 26 24 - - - 16 67 51 55 41 45 Tamar Lakes - 2 2 - - 1 11 6 5 2 1 1 Tresillian River 2 1 2 2 6 1 6 4 4 5 2 1 Truro River 6 3 13 13 6 26 9 11 10 8 6 3

No other site held more than five birds.

Possible migrants included; Trevose Head: three north Mar 15th, one west Jul 23rd, six west Aug 31st and one west Oct 23rd. Porthgwarra: singles flew south, Oct 14th and Nov 5th.

EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia (198) (17) Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Has summered.

Lynher/Tamar complex: two from 2004 remained until 1st Jan with one until Apr 24th by which time it spent more time on the Tamar Est than on the Lynher. Seven birds arrived on the Tamar Est. Oct 18th with four remaining into 2006. Camel Est: an adult Feb 24th to Mar 13th, another adult May 16th to 20th. In the autumn two second year birds were noted Oct 27th to 30th, Nov 10th to 17th. Marazion Marsh: one May 17th. Drift Res.: two Oct 8th to 9th with two over Sancreed on the 14th. Hayle Est.: one Oct 8th, two first years Oct 14th to 20th with one until 7th November. Two second years Nov 4th to 5th and 20th to 22nd. Trevose Head: two second years over Nov 1st.

The two second years in the autumn produced a very interesting set of records with the birds moving between the Camel Est. and Hayle Est. and also being seen en route at Trevose Head.

38 Birds in Cornwall

BLACK KITE Milvus migrans (17) (1) Very rare vagrant.

Almost annual as a passage migrant in Cornwall, reflecting the general increase in reports elsewhere in the UK.

St Just: one Jun 6th. MTE

Interestingly there were two reports of Black Kites on Apr 21st, at and Raftra Farm, (two at the latter site), but these records were either not submitted or were not found proven by BBRC.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 9 1 1 - 2 1 - 1

RED KITE Milvus milvus Rare passage migrant.

There have always been ancient claims of this species breeding in Cornwall but there has never been any proof; rumours of birds being present for long periods of time in suitable breeding habitats still persist so the possibility of successful breeding should not be dismissed out of hand, especially in view of the success of the national reintroduction scheme. Following 2004‟s lead, May and June saw large a large invasion of birds into the county. All submitted records are listed below, although many more were probably involved.

Hayle Est.: one May 9th. RSPB. Tregwainton: two May 11th. BD. Jericho Valley: one May 13th. DC. Tehidy Country Park: one Jun 1st. DC. Marazion Marsh: two Jun 9th with one the following day .RSPB, DKP Cape Cornwall Golf Course: one Jun 10th .PAF : one Jun 14th. RSPB Sancreed: one Nov 21st. JL.

Several of the records probably relate to just one wandering individual.

EURASIAN MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus Very scarce passage migrant.

This species almost became extinct as a breeding bird in Britain during the 1960s, but by changing its‟ behaviour and nesting on farmlands it has recovered to the point where many individuals will also now winter and hence is seen in many months of the year in Cornwall.

Marazion Marsh: a female, Apr 10th; another female, Oct 13th to 15th. RSPB, DP, PAF Amble Marshes: single females, Apr 19th; and Sept 4th. SMC Adams Hill, St Buryan: a second year male May 1st; a sub-adult male Oct 13th. JL Camel Est.: a female Oct 30th. SMC : a female noted Dec 26th and into 2006. DMY

Birds in Cornwall 39

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred.

Hen Harriers are widespread, but patchily distributed breeders across much of Northern and Central Europe which accounts for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. The European breeding population of 59,000 pairs is relatively small having undergone a large decline during the 1970s and „80s; this decline abated to some extent during 1990s and many populations stabilised. The relationship between this bird and gamekeepers is still preventing breeding numbers from increasing in this country although the situation is improving.

This year only 44 records from 12 sites were received, with Men-an-Tol being the only communal roost site noted. An adult male was noted throughout the summer at a possible breeding site.

Adams Hill, St Buryan: a single ringtail was noted throughout the first two months of the year and was often joined by an adult male. Although the female was last seen at the end of Feb, the male remained until Apr 21st. An adult male returned to the site on Nov 21st and remained into 2006. JL Canonstown: a ringtail flew over the A30 Mar 2nd. PAF Crean: one ringtail Jan 21st. DP Crowdy Res.: one Dec 9th. SMC Crows-an-Wra: a ringtail Dec 23rd. DP Lands End: one ringtail Oct 6th. DP : a male Apr 3rd. SMC, BMP Lower Tamar Lake: a ringtail Dec 9th. SMC Men-an-Tol: two ringtails Jan 23rd and four, (male and three females), Nov 27th. DKP et al Sancreed: adult male Jan 23rd; adult male Sept 9th and a ringtail Nov 15th and into 2006. DSF Woon Gumpus Common: one ringtail Oct 31st, and a male Dec 18th. DSF Predannack/Windmill Farm: an adult male was present Jan 8th to 28th. One was noted Mar 23rd . A ringtail was seen Sep 3rd and again Oct 8th to 10th. Another ringtail visited Oct 30th to Nov 1st. A male was reported Oct 21st. CBWPS

MONTAGU‟S HARRIER Circus pygargus (127+) (2) Rare passage migrant. Has bred.

Montagu‟s Harrier last bred in Cornwall in 1979. Since then it has become a rare passage migrant with the majority of sightings being confined to May on .

Middle Treworder: an adult male was present May 3rd until at least 6th; this bird was also noted at Walmsley Sanctuary on at least one occasion. PS, DIJ et al Hayle Est.: An adult female flew over Jul 22nd. SMC

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical, though not including breeding birds) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 24 57 10 4 18 12 2 1 -

Extreme dates range from Mar 29th [1991] to Nov 27th [1977].

40 Birds in Cornwall

NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis (94) (3) Rare resident and passage migrant. Probably breds.

Unlike Devon where there is a small breeding population showing some expansion and dispersal, the only records in Cornwall appear to refer to passage birds or wandering individuals.

A single female was noted in spring, displaying in suitable habitat in the district.

Davidstow Airfield: a juv. Aug 11th. PNP Camel Est.: a juv. Sep 20th. DIJ

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus Common breeding resident and scarce passage migrant.

With a stable UK and European population of around 340,000 pairs this once rare species has recovered well from the poisoning episodes of the 1960s and is now a familiar site both in urban gardens as well as its‟ usual more rural habitats.

165 records were received this year from a minimum of 72 sites.

Birds were noted throughout the county with no change in status detected, but strangely no confirmed breeding records were received. Although some of the birds noted at coastal sites during migration times are immigrants, the only proven one was a bird watched flying in off the sea at Porthgwarra on May 8th. DSF

Kills included Common Snipe, Common Redshank and Feral Pigeon.

COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo Common breeding resident and scarce passage migrant.

With an increasing population of more than 710,000 breeding pairs across Europe, this is now a very familiar bird in Cornwall and many other parts of the UK. Rabbits are their preferred food so as long as the rabbit population stays healthy the outlook for the Buzzard is good.

Records came from every corner of the county, but as with the previous species not a single breeding record was received.

Migrants were noted at Lizard Point and with single birds coming in off the sea on Apr 30th and Oct 13th respectively. SMC

Counts of ten or more came from the following sites; Downs: ten Feb 21st. Amble Marshes: ten Mar 6th and Apr 18th. Rialton: 12 Mar 28th. Marazion Marsh: ten Apr 9th; 15 Oct 5th. Lower Bosistow: 16 Dec 20th.

Birds in Cornwall 41

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus (426) (10) Scarce passage migrant.

A widespread summer visitor to much of Northern Europe with around 10,000 breeding pairs; in Britain released birds have encouraged further breeding and some of the young have been ringed and satellite tagged to gain a better understanding of movements and migration. In the spring in Cornwall, birds don‟t tend to linger, as they only refuel for a couple of days before moving on. However, in the autumn they tend to feed up for as long as two weeks before making tracks for their wintering grounds.

Hayle Est.: one Mar 30th to Apr 2nd; a first winter, Sep 4th until Oct 2nd. RSPB, DP, LW et al : a single bird Apr 2nd. DSF The Parade, Truro: one flew over Apr 2nd. PAF Camel Est.: one May 4th and 5th; another May 15th and 16th, noted at Walmsley Sanc. on the last date. In the autumn, one was seen from Sep 11th until 16th with another bird moving through on the 27th. SMC, DIJ, DT et al Marazion Marsh: one flew in off the sea Sept 12th. AM : a single bird in off the sea Sep 22nd. DL

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 8 45 65 20 19 88 144 40 7 -

COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus Scarce breeding resident and passage migrant.

Although a widespread and fairly common breeding bird across much of Europe several populations have declined since 1990; these include the populations of Russia, France and the UK, it is therefore now being monitored.

Only 53 records from 29 well scattered sites were received this year with proven breeding at just two, (Trevose Head and near Truro). Apart from at the breeding sites above the only site holding more than two birds was Porthgwarra where four were noted Oct 9th. DSF

MERLIN Falco columbarius Very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

With around 49,000 breeding pairs in Europe the population is relatively small but stable. In the UK the number of breeding pairs has increased slightly during the 1990s.

Records came from 38 sites this year including wintering and passage birds. Jan – Mar. Single birds were noted at 12 sites with two birds at Goss Moor on Jan 4th. Towards the end of this period a newly arrived migrant was noted in the Padstow/Trevose Head area on Mar 19th.

Apr – Jun. The Trevose Head bird remained until Apr 16th. Other birds moved through the county with singles noted during April at Camel Est., Windmill Farm, Airfield and Carnewas. In May singles were recorded at and . A single female was present at the very late date of May 20th at Bussavean Farm. AM

Jul – Sep. The first bird for autumn was a female at Windmill Farm on Sep 12th, followed by a steady trickle of birds throughout the rest of the month.

42 Birds in Cornwall

Oct – Dec. Birds were noted almost daily during Oct. but the only one site hosting more than single birds was Trevose Head with two on the 3rd. Single birds were noted at many of their wintering grounds in early Nov. with two at Trevose Head and Porthgwarra on the 1st and 14th respectively. In Dec. most moorland sites held single birds with four birds on Goss Moor on 14th.

EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo Rare breeding summer visitor and very scarce passage migrant.

A widespread summer visitor to much of Europe where there are thought to be around 120,000 breeding pairs. In the UK the summer population seems to be increasing.

First and Last. A single bird in off the sea at St Agnes Head on Apr 30th DC, was the first, whilst one hunting at Oct 16th was the last.

Breeding. There was no confirmed breeding this year although pairs were noted at suitable habitiat.

Migrants. During the spring, only single birds were noted. There were only four records of individuals during Sept and Oct., all in except the last bird at Rame.

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus Very scarce breeding resident and winter visitor.

This previously rare species is now classed as secure in Europe even though there are only around 25,000 pairs breeding.

67 sites produced nearly 200 records this year, spread along most of the coast and many sites inland.

Breeding was only proven at two sites this year with a minimum of four young being raised.

Kills include an Eurasian Teal at Hayle Est. Jan 10th, DKP; Curlew Sandpiper at Camel Est. Sep 13th, DIJ; and a Leach‟s Petrel at Killigerran Head Oct 29th, SMC.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Very scarce breeding resident, scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

This secretive bird has a European breeding population of around 140,000 pairs of which around a thousand can be found in the UK. Although considered stable there has been some decline of the species in Britain but this just could be due to the secretive nature of the bird.

Recorded at 28 sites this year. Although birds were reported from Percuil River, one May 8th and two Jun 26th; Loe Pool May 8th and Swanpool Jul 18th, breeding was not suspected.

Counts of four or more were received for the following sites; Marazion Marsh: counts of over four were regular throughout both winter periods. During Sept a maximum of eight birds were noted on three occasions. 11 were present Dec 1st. Goss Moor: five Jan 4th; five Dec 14th; four Dec 26th. Maer Lake: four Jan 16th. Loe Pool: four Jan 2nd; six Jan 17th; six Feb 13th; five Mar 12th; five Nov 15th – 23rd. Harlyn Bay: five Nov 21st. Drift Res.: six Nov 4th- 15th.

Birds in Cornwall 43

SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana (172+) (3) Rare passage migrant. Has bred.

With a European breeding population of around 120,000 pairs the species is relatively stable although scattered rather thinly over many countries. The key populations in Russia, Belarus and Romania have increased slightly over the last decade and breeding in Britain is now virtually annual.

Marazion Marsh: A juv was noted Sep 6th, increasing to two juv. the next day. Two were then present until an adult was noted on Sep 25th. One or two were then recorded until Sep 30th. DKP, DSF, RSPB The sighting of the adult lead to speculation that breeding occurred, but this could not be proven.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 3 3 2 1 - 4 71 68 18 2 -

COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Scarce breeding resident.

With more than 900,000 pairs nesting across Europe this species is a familiar bird to many. An interesting bird to watch as it is one of the few species which actively encourages the young from the first brood of the year to help with the raising of subsequent broods.

Sites where successful/attempted breeding was reported included; Amble Marshes: a minimum of two pairs raised at least four young. Bude Marshes: a pair with a brood of two. Drift Res.: a pair raised two young. Loe Pool: one pair raised two young. Maer Lake: one pair with two young. Marazion Marsh: a minimum of three pairs raised 15 young. Ninestones: a single pair was present. : a pair raised one young. Windmill Farm: two pairs raised a total of seven young.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 7,500 INT 20,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes - 4 12 12 6 10 12 18 15 11 10 12 Bude Marshes - - 22 - 4 ------Clapper Marshes ------4 3 - - 1 College Res. 21 23 27 6 1 5 - - - - 47 - Dennis Cove 4 ------4 2 - - Drift Res. 2 4 3 3 2 2 4 - 5 - - - Harlyn Pools 3 2 2 - - - - - 12 33 35 28 Loe Pool 9 11 15 12 11 12 - - 16 - 27 - Maer Lake 31 17 8 21 16 8 - - - 8 - - Marazion Marsh 10 5 20 14 1 3 - 21 15 - 12 34 Par 10 17 14 6 10 12 - - 4 - - 21 Porth Res. 9 9 7 - - 1 ------Swanpool 10 12 7 2 1 2 8 6 - 11 13 6 Tamar Lakes - 3 1 - - - 10 5 2 4 - 2 Tehidy Pool 12 22 23 23 4 7 13 18 27 37 28 20 Tresillian River 3 4 14 5 2 3 2 4 6 4 1 11

The peak count at College Res. appears to be highest ever count.

44 Birds in Cornwall

COMMON COOT Fulica atra Very scarce breeding resident. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

A familiar bird on larger lakes and reservoirs there are over 25,000 pairs nesting in the UK, but due to the lack of large bodies of fresh water in Cornwall there are relatively small numbers breeding in the county.

Sites where successful/attempted breeding was reported; Amble Marshes: three pairs raised a minimum of nine young. Colliford Res: one pair nested. Dozmary Pool: one pair nested. Park Clay Pit: one pair raised three young. Siblyback Res.: a single pair raised two young.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 1,730 INT 17,500) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 3 3 5 6 17 17 10 4 2 2 4 6 College Res. 63 62 12 8 5 5 - 14 - - 43 63 Colliford Res. - 1 11 10 6 8 8 32 22 - - - Dozmary Pool 28 9 3 2 2 14 19 27 38 35 32 20 Drift Res. 26 27 14 - - - 2 13 12 18 14 16 Helston Boating Lake 26 9 ------12 - Loe Pool 63 44 31 6 23 30 23 - 81 - 148 - Marazion Marsh 9 11 12 6 - 1 - - 2 - - - Par 23 24 16 15 12 14 2 - 8 11 9 11 Park Clay Pit 92 51 32 5 1 11 25 - 90 - 154 169 Porth Res. 15 14 5 - - 1 - 2 - - 10 12 Siblyback Res. 34 25 18 2 2 1 8 7 6 1 5 13 Stithians Res. 7 11 3 5 9 9 20 37 - 30 30 22 Swanpool 42 37 27 17 24 17 43 27 - 25 30 39 No other site held more than ten birds.

The peak count at Park Clay Pit seems to be the highest there to date.

EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Very scarce breeding resident. Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 3,200 INT 10,200) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 298 93 92 103 93 90 142 340 245 261 236 34 Gannel Est. 8 6 2 - - - 4 8 - 8 8 7 Gerrans Bay 28 19 9 8 9 7 15 4 22 15 21 23 Harlyn Bay 82 - - - 2 - - - - - 2 - Hayle Est. 49 36 16 26 29 27 38 43 36 38 35 28 Helford Est. - 7 9 12 ------19 - Killigerran Head ------35 30 - 10 Lynher Est. 41 11 4 - - - - 4 21 42 5 18 Par 64 65 - 42 12 6 20 178 13 38 51 49 Percuil River 9 5 2 7 5 7 9 24 27 7 11 6 Restronguet Creek 4 8 2 - - - 4 - 20 15 - 8 Ruan Lanihorne ------16 114 50 68 St Johns Lake 200 125 20 40 - - 55 90 120 170 100 75 Tamar Est. 375 241 40 40 - - 95 213 220 299 233 196 Tresillian River 5 3 5 2 - - - - 5 2 6 4 Truro River 65 80 36 13 15 - 10 57 39 34 38 71

Birds in Cornwall 45

The only other sites hosting 50 or more birds were : 74 Jan 1st. Maer Lake: 52 Jan 9th. Porth: 56 Jan 16th.

Breeding was reported from two sites; Dinas Head: a pair was present. Ryan‟s Field, Hayle Est.: a pair raised three young.

BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus (26) (1) Rare vagrant.

Gweek: One first winter Sep 24th to Oct 3rd.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec undated - - - 8 6 2 - 1 1 1 - - 8

Top site is Marazion Marsh with ten sightings.

PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta Scarce winter visitor. Very scarce passage migrant.

No birds were recorded away from the Tamar/Lynher Estuaries this year.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at the Tamar Estuary (GB 3,200 INT 10,200) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 332 438 81 - - - - - 3 5 373 421

Peak counts of Pied Avocet on the Tamar Complex 1995 to 2005 700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

46 Birds in Cornwall

LITTLE PLOVER Charadrius dubius (352) (7) Very scarce passage migrant.

Marazion Marsh: one Mar 27th. PAF, DP, RSPB Maer Lake: one Apr 4th, WeBS; one flew west Jul 13th. SMC Upper Tamar Lake: one Jul 27th. SMC Trevose Head: one Jul 30th. SMC Amble Marshes: one juv Sep 1st to 16th, visited the Camel Est. on the last date. RRB, SMC, DIJ Crowdy Res.: one juv Oct 6th. SMC

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 15 83 62 13 39 80 58 6 3 -

RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula Common passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Former breeder.

A good autumn passage with high numbers at inland sites.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 330 INT 730) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 7 30 1 - 17 2 19 7 70 14 30 10 Colliford Res. ------3 30 19 3 - - Davidstow/Crowdy - - - - 4 - - 20 20 2 - - Hayle Est. 54 65 29 - 30 4 2 110 59 92 101 - Marazion Marsh - 70 20 - 60 8 35 38 - 68 10 - Par 8 6 2 - 3 - 25 - - - - 4 Restronguet Creek - 2 - - - - - 7 2 1 1 2 Ruan Lanihorne ------2 5 6

No other site hosted more than ten birds.

EURASIAN DOTTEREL Charadrius morinellus (331) (7) Very scarce passage migrant.

Trevose Head: one Sep 2nd. SMC : three Sep 7th to 9th; one Sep 18th to 27th. PAF, DP et al Porthgwarra: one Sep 17th. JL St Buryan: one Sep 18th. JL

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 14 52 24 - - 45 139 51 9 2

Birds in Cornwall 47

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria Very common winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred.

With no birds were noted during summer breeding was not suspected.

The last spring record was one over Sancreed on May 10th. A single at Trevose Head Aug 21st was the first for the autumn.

Surprisingly very low counts came from the Bodmin Moor this year with the highest count being 1050 at Crowdy Res. in October.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 2,500 INT 9,300) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 3650 160 ------25 9000 10000* Colliford/Dozmary 400 35 600 380 - - - - 1 200 87 320 Crowdy Res. 40 ------5 1050 - - Gannel Est. 50 ------500 - Hayle Est. 11 12 5 ------40 2000 582 Maer Lake 2193 575 290 ------32 1500 1850 St Buryan 500 600 ------5 - 250 Siblyback Res. 15 ------62 - 350 - Tamar Complex 401 400 ------Windmill Farm - - 1 ------150 700 50

Away from the main sites counts of over 300 were noted as; Ruan Lanihorne: 400 Jan 5th. : 700 Mar 8th, 350 Mar 14th. Tregadillet: 400 Mar 9th. Roche: 600 Mar 15th. Men-an-Tol: 300 Nov 27th. Drift Res.: 250 Dec 4th. Sennen: 400 Dec 23rd.

The birds noted at Men-an-Tol, St Buryan and Sennen are probably the same flock.

The peak count at the Camel Est.was the highest there since Jan 1978 when 10600 were present.

GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Last noted on the Camel Est., May 27th the first returning bird was a juvenile at Colliford Res. on Sep 4th.

Numbers remained low again this year.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 530 INT 2,500) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 56 10 37 1 2 - - - 1 2 5 10 Hayle Est. 47 23 11 - - - - - 1 2 3 25 St Johns Lake 12 40 30 ------4 10

The bird at Colliford Res. was only the fifth bird for the site and the first since 1995. The others were on Sep 28th 1993, two Sep 15th 1988 and one Oct 9th 1995.

48 Birds in Cornwall

NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Rare breeding resident.

No breeding information came from Bodmin Moor, although birds were present at suitable sites. Two pairs did breed at Amble Marshes where a minimum of four juveniles were noted.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 20,000 INT 20,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bude Marshes 450 ------70 180 Camel Est. 3536 204 1128 - 1 - - - 1 320 3000 5000 Colliford/Dozmary 120 160 43 8 9 48 23 - 8 - - 120 Crowdy Res. 500 - - 1 2 2 - - 2 43 - - Drift Res. 130 18 ------4 80 300 Hayle Est. 774 682 15 ------37 553 418 Maer Lake 509 284 82 1 - - - - - 44 130 140 St Buryan 200 200 ------15 - - Tamar Est. 370 73 - - - - 4 4 - - 36 174 Windmill Farm - - 1 - - - - - 2 30 100 100

Away from the main sites flocks of over 200 were noted at; Gannel Est.: 300 Jan 23rd. Trevellas Airfield: 750 Jan 4th. Ruan Lanihorne: 500 Jan 5th. Ludgvan: 200 Dec 1st.

RED KNOT Calidris canutus Very scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 31 3 59 3 6 0 8 22 38 5 13 90

A dismal year for this species with numbers dropping once again, after slight increases in the last three years. This year‟s tally of approximately 278 birds is the lowest since 2001.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 2,800 INT 4,500) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 10 - 46 1 4 - 8 7 23 2 10 43 Hayle Est. 2 - 1 1 2 - - 3 3 1 1 - Mount's Bay ------3 7 - 1 - Par 6 3 - - - - - 2 - - - - St John‟s Lake 5 - 6 ------20 Tamar Est. 8 - 6 - - - - - 4 - 1 23

No other site held more than three birds.

Inland a single bird was noted at Upper Tamar Lake on Aug 23rd.

Birds in Cornwall 49

SANDERLING Calidris alba Very scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 18 32 35 3 85 45 338 53 90 17 31 2

During the first part of the year the only records received were from regular wintering sites. Spring passage commenced with 25 at Marazion Beach on May 12th. A steady movement of birds was detected at this site until mid-June, elsewhere very few birds were noted. Three at Hayle Est. on Jul 14th were the first for the autumn, a minimum of 335 birds moved through the county on Jul 26th/27th. A second albeit small peak occurred in the second week of Sep. Very low numbers were present at the end of the year.

Only a single inland record was received of one at Crowdy Res. on Sep 5th.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 300 INT 1,200) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - 2 - - 10 - 50 22 54 4 1 2 Hayle Est. - - 4 - 1 - 125 9 31 3 - - Mounts Bay 17 30 31 3 65 45 65 16 2 10 30 - Par - - - - 7 - 90 - - - - - Trevose Area - - - - 1 - 7 5 5 - - -

LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta Very scarce passage migrant. Has wintered.

This species occurs in highly variable numbers in Cornwall. Breeding success coupled with the fact that the main migration route is down the east coast means that we are always likely to record fewer birds than elsewhere. An average of 50 birds is usual, so 33 birds in 2005 was slightly lower than the mean, and considerably less than the record year of 1996 when over 900 were seen.

In spring a single bird visited Hayle Est. May 14th-15th.

Autumn passage commenced with a single, Jul 24th,on the Tamar Est., followed by another single at Carnsew Pool on the 26th. The main passage, through the county was from Aug 22nd to Oct 18th when a total of 30 individuals were detected.

Almost all the counts were of ones or twos but six were present on Carnsew Pool Sep 4th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 2 10 17 3 - -

TEMMINCK‟S STINT Calidris temminckii (34)(2) Very rare vagrant. (2003)

Amble Marshes: an adult May 7th – 12th. SMC, GT Crowdy Res.: one Sep 5th. SMC

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Undated - - 1 2 7 2 - 7 12 1 1 - 3

Marazion Marsh is the top site with six records. This year‟s records are the third for each site.

50 Birds in Cornwall

PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos (261) (7) Very scarce vagrant.

This is the most frequent Nearctic wader to visit Cornwall, seen in all but four years since 1960.

Stithians Res.: a juv. Aug 20th -22nd. Colliford Res.: single juv. Sep 3rd- 6th. Drift Res.: juv. Sep 8th. Windmill Farm: a juv. Sep 10th was joined by a second on the 11th and both remained until 17th. Amble Marshes: a juv. Sept 12th – 24th. (Broke its leg over night on the 13th). Crowdy Res.: one Sep 17th-18th.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 2 2 - 41 170 48 4 -

CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea Very scarce passage migrant.

One at Hayle Est. on May 12th, was the first spring record, followed by another single at Marazion Beach the following day.

A summer plumaged adult on Jul 14th at Hayle Est. was the first for the autumn, followed by eight first years on Aug 6th at Devoran. Passage peaked at the end of August with a minimum of 73 birds noted on the 31st. Numbers remained high in the first week of Sept but soon dropped to single figures. The last report of the year was two at Ruan Lanihorne Nov 6th.

Curlew Sandpiper numbers during autumn 2005 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Birds in Cornwall 51

PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Has summered.

Records were received from only four sites this year, with the only regular flock again being at , Penzance.

Approximate Monthly Totals of Purple Sandpiper at Penzance Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 38 21 30 18 - - - - 2 17 -

Constantine Bay: two Jan 1st, 24 Jan 15th. Sennen Cove: one Apr 30th, two Sep 27th, two Oct 25th. Pendeen: four Nov 3rd, 12 Nov 4th.

DUNLIN Calidris alpina Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Former breeder.

The BTO reports that wintering Dunlin numbers nationally are currently at their lowest levels since records began in 1974. This decline is mirrored in Cornwall with significantly smaller flocks at traditional strongholds such as St. John‟s Lake and the Lynher estuary.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 5,600 INT 13,300) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes - - - - 42 - - 18 140 1 - 1 Camel Est. 300 320 132 2 415 5 110 215 260 115 500 650 Fal Complex 320 60 269 1 - - - 57 40 9 10 453 Hayle Est. 365 600 481 8 130 22 62 102 395 96 456 367 Lynher Est. 3 13 ------15 8 - 540 Marazion Beach - 67 224 6 200 33 50 25 3 1 40 - Maer Lake 74 28 14 14 71 1 23 27 0 4 3 0 Par 4 8 - - 10 - 15 - 2 - 20 27 Restronguet Creek 270 60 50 - - - 4 12 5 8 5 220 St John's Lake 700 250 250 - - - 12 - 16 12 - 600 Tamar Complex 700 515 305 - - - 23 5 36 29 5 1211 Trevose Head - - - - 5 - 1 32 67 1 3 1 Truro River 50 - 219 1 - - - 45 20 1 - 123

The only other site which held more than 50 birds was Gerrans Bay where 112 were noted Feb 13th.

A marked late summer / autumn movement was detected at inland sites; Tamar Lakes: noted from mid July to end of Sep with maximum 8 Aug 1st. Colliford Res.: noted Jul 15th to Oct 3rd, with six counts over 20, maximum count of 26 on Sep 18th. Windmill Farm: one or two noted Jul 16th to Nov 26th. Crowdy/Davidstow: present Jul 25th to Nov 14th, with up to 31 noted. Drift Res.: present Aug 16th to Oct 20th, but only in small, (less than four), numbers. Stithians Res.: present Aug 20th to Nov 23rd with a maximum of 14 Sep 23rd. Siblyback Res.: two Sep 20th.

52 Birds in Cornwall

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Tryngites subruficollis (109) (6) Rare vagrant.

Colliford Res.: four Sep 1st - 7th. DCg, DIJ, SMC Windmill Farm: a juv Sep 2nd - 3rd. CBWPS Stithians Res.: a juv, Sep 3rd. DE

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - 4 98 11 1 -

Top sites are; Crowdy/Davidstow Airfield 28, Pendannack Airfield 22.

RUFF Philomachus pugnax Very scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

No birds were noted in the first winter period.

The first for spring was a single at Hayle Est. on Mar 22nd. The only other March record was of one at the Amble Marshes on the 29th, which moved to the Camel Est. the next day. Only four other birds were seen during this period with the last noted May 13th. All but one were reported from Amble Marshes or Camel Est, the other was at Hayle Est. Apr 21st.

Autumn passage commenced with a single at Devoran Creek on Aug 6th. A minimum of 30 birds moved through the county, with the last, (two), at Colliford Res., Oct 3rd. Most records were of singles but four were noted at Drift Res. Aug 22nd, two Hayle Est. Sep 10th and ten were on the Camel Est. Sep 16th.

In December, two were present on the Camel Est. on the 7th.

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

This species is almost certainly under recorded and is more widely distributed than the records suggest. It is probably present in most suitable habitat but the difficulty of surveying such areas, combined with the fact that the species does not flush until they are virtually underfoot contribute to the shortage of records.

One bird that was ringed at Land‟s End in 2003 was re-trapped the following winter, indicating that the species can be site faithful.

In the first three months of the year records were received from eight sites, all of single birds except five together at Hayle Est. on Feb 19th, with the last record at Drift Res., Mar 13th. No birds were noted during spring migration period.

The first returning bird was one at Marazion Marsh on Oct 3rd and was followed by another single at Trevose Head on the 6th. Apart from singles at Adam‟s Hill, St Buryan and Windmill Farm on Oct 18th and Nov 19th respectively, the only records for the second winter period came from either Marazion Marsh or Hayle Est. Only a single bird was noted at Marazion Marsh, but was seen almost daily, until the end of the December. At Hayle Est. up to four birds took up residence, being noted on many dates up to the end of the year.

Birds in Cornwall 53

COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Rare resident breeder. Common winter visitor and scarce passage migrant.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB ? INT 20,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes - 15 16 1 - - 1 24 14 3 33 280 Camel Est. 4 2 10 - - - 1 - 6 1 30 45 Crowdy Res. 12 - - - - 1 - 1 4 3 2 8 Harlyn 16 52 12 2 ------4 - Hayle Est. 170 150 27 1 - - - - 1 34 58 57 Maer Lake 378 188 174 21 1 - - 3 - - 25 110 Marazion Marsh 142 15 13 1 1 - - 2 4 5 50 70 Par Beach Pool 6 6 2 - 2 3 - 1 - - - 10 Stithian Res. - 2 2 - - - - 6 - - 10 6 Tamar Complex 5 13 5 - - - - 1 - - 18 30 Windmill Farm 5 10 - - - - - 5 6 - 11 19

The only other sites holding more than 10 birds were; : 17 Feb 22nd. Lower Tamar Lake: 55 Dec 9th. : 21 Feb 21st. Sancreed: 14 Jan 3rd and a flock of 25 Dec 8th.

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER Limnodromus scolopaceus (25) (1) Very rare vagrant. (1996)

Drift Res.: a juv. Sep 23rd to Oct 16th. DKP, MG Hayle Est.: the Drift Res. bird was present Oct 18th and into 2006.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 1 - 1 - - 1 4 17 1 -

EURASIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Former breeder.

The secretive nature of this species and its preferred woodland habitat away from the well worn footpaths used by birders makes this one of the most under recorded species in Cornwall. It is suspected to be fairly widespread in winter and verbal accounts of frequent sightings from woodland estate workers in the east of the county would seem to support this theory.

A total of 29 records of 45 birds were received this year, all are listed; Goss Moor: two Jan 4th, two Dec 14th. Windmill Farm: two Jan 7th, one Jan 25th, two Mar 9th, one Nov 4th, one Nov 6th, one Nov 25th and two Dec 9th. Porthgwarra: one Jan 31st, one Oct 31st. Porth Res.: one Feb 1st. : two Feb 26th. Adam‟s Hill, St Buryan: one Oct 31st, three Nov 11th, one Nov 19th, two Dec 11th and four Dec 19th. Woon Gumpus Common: two Oct 31st. Carminowe: one Nov 9th.

54 Birds in Cornwall

Chapel Porth: one Nov 11th. Bogee Farm, Rumford: two Nov 19th. Man-An-Tol: two Nov 27th. Little : one Dec 2nd. Tregonetha Downs: two Dec 5th. Hustyn Woods: one Dec 11th. St Columb Minor: one Dec 11th. Sancreed: one Dec 22nd. Amble Marshes: one Dec 27th.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

All the wintering birds, and most, if not all of the passage birds are of the race islandica. The strongholds for this species in Cornwall have always been the Fal and Tamar complexes, but in the last decade or so numbers have been dropping here, while numbers on the Camel Est. have begun to increase, a trend which continued this year.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 150 INT 350) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Amble Marshes 4 9 10 12 5 - - 4 37 39 4 40 Camel Est. 2 2 4 21 9 6 3 9 32 45 45 40 Fal complex 176 169 131 - - - - - 1 60 59 112 Hayle Est. - - 1 2 1 3 2 3 5 4 5 2 Maer Lake 1 - - 3 4 - - 16 1 - - 2 Restronguet Creek 66 42 52 ------8 14 6 Tamar complex 121 92 93 - - - - 4 - 71 70 153 Truro River 101 119 56 4 9 - - - 1 50 120 110

BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

Numbers fluctuate from year to year with no trend discernable. The last spring record was at Hayle Est. on Jun 10th, whilst the first of the autumn was at the same site on Jul 11th.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 620 INT 1,200) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 3 7 8 7 - 3 3 33 11 12 1 Fal Complex 2 1 ------1 4 5 2 Hayle Est. 7 7 7 5 5 1 3 2 13 12 8 5 Tamar Complex 2 25 9 - - - - - 10 1 - 18

Other reports; Marazion Beach: noted Apr 16th to May 25th with a maximum of four May 13th. Sennen: one May 6th. Maer Lake: four May 12th. Lizard Point: two Sep 8th. Trevose Head: two Sep 25th, six Sep 28th.

Birds in Cornwall 55

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Common passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. A few birds summer.

In the first winter period, only Millbrook Lake held this species where up to three individuals were noted until Apr 3rd.

The first for spring was a single bird flying over Adam‟s Hill, St Buryan on Apr 4th, followed by another one at Hayle Est. the following day. The main arrival occurred in the last week in April, when large flocks were observed coming in off the sea at Marazion, with 200 on 26th and 750 on 28th.

Autumn passage probably commenced in mid July, with a small build up of birds at Hayle Est. Only small numbers were noted with a maximum of 40 at St John‟s Lake Aug 27th. The last was of 14 flying over Old Town Cove, Camel Est. on Nov 1st.

At Millbrook Lake six birds remained into November with a single bird noted Dec 29th.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB + INT +) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 17 - 1 10 3 5 - 14 - Hayle Est. - - - 28 18 25 29 18 6 1 - - Marazion/Mount's Bay - - - 750 50 - - 6 3 - - - Tamar Complex 1 4 3 6 - - 16 46 23 1 6 1 Trevose Head - - - 13 11 1 1 3 9 - - -

The only other sites with more than 10 birds reported were; Gannel Est.: 13 Apr 28th. Cape Cornwall: 12 May 4th. Pendeen: 12 flew west Aug 5th.

EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Two localites with suitable habitat held birds during the breeding season and although breeding was not proven, it was suspected at one site.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 1,500 INT 4,200) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 201 200 94 18 4 159 534 6 368 184 294 40 Fal Complex 355 420 289 - - - 329 290 438 480 384 411 Fowey Est. 35 64 18 - - 24 57 96 29 - - 23 Gannel Est. 272 7 10 - - 2 2 5 - 7 6 - Hayle Est. 238 374 37 10 10 35 241 183 133 58 85 94 Helford Est. - 136 13 2 - - 14 - 88 - 164 - Maer Lake 130 53 12 12 - 2 - 5 12 26 131 153 Percuil River 78 28 2 1 10 38 38 62 86 46 24 63 Restronguet Creek - 60 110 - - - 24 60 130 140 80 120 Ruan Lanihorne ------125 63 107 St John's Lake 40 10 20 - - - 83 10 100 70 40 70 Tamar Complex 379 342 175 - - - 347 236 600 453 303 259 Tresillian River 115 82 39 - - 38 101 91 101 49 79 57 Truro River 159 248 138 6 4 64 96 75 109 123 133 64

No other site held more than 100 birds.

56 Birds in Cornwall

UPLAND SANDPIPER Bartramia longicauda (7) (1) Very rare vagrant (1998)

Nanquidno: a juvenile Sept 27th. GNS et al : the above bird was relocated Sept 29th and remained until Oct 16th. MTE, DE at al

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------3 4 1 -

All sightings of this very rare wader have come from the west of the county, with four each in Penwith and on the Lizard. Occurances have all been between Sep 18th and Nov 6th. The Lizard, Polgigga and Nanquidno have all hosted this species on two occasions.

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Although the species is stable in Russia and Norway, the population in Finland has declined and as a result fewer birds are being recorded in Britain and hence in Cornwall. During the 1980s flocks of around twenty were regularly recorded on the Lynher and Tresillian but these have now disappeared and only odd birds are occasionally noted.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 10 3 4 - - - 1 7 12 3 7

Jan – Mar Birds were reported from 3 sites, with up to five at Tresillian, four frequenting the Tamar complex and a single bird at Hayle Est.

Apr – Jun Single birds remained on the Hayle Est. and Tamar complex at the beginning Apr. The first migrant was one at Dinham Flats, Camel Est. on Apr 8th. The only other spring migrant was one, which joined the resident bird at Hayle Est. on Apr 10th, both birds departing the following day.

Jul – Sep The first returning bird was one at the Camel Est. Aug 27th, followed by another single here Sep 13th which was joined by another Sep 18th to 21st. Elsewhere two stopped over at Tresillian on Sep 18th, whilst singles appeared at Hayle Est. Sep 23rd to 26th and Drift Res. Sep 24th to Oct 1st.

Oct – Dec Six birds at the Tamar Est., decreased to two Nov 13th before increasing again to five in December. A single bird was present at Hayle Est. Oct 16th to 20th, then four appeared on the 25th before decreasing to one throughout November and then two birds to the end of the year. Single birds were noted on the Camel Est. Oct 17th to 28th.

Birds in Cornwall 57

COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

A widespread breeder across Europe which contains around 50% of the breeding pairs in the world. The species underwent a steady decline in breeding numbers in Russia and Norway throughout the 1990s and this is reflected in the winter numbers around the county‟s estuaries, where flocks of over 200 were once regular.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 1,200 INT 1,300) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 72 57 61 1 2 3 25 - 61 52 200 49 Fal Complex 302 281 288 - - - 190 324 409 437 311 338 Fowey Est. 3 10 7 - - - 1 21 10 - - 1 Hayle Est. 125 72 65 42 3 3 31 39 38 53 59 74 Helford Est. 23 42 31 - - 8 4 - 23 33 - - Millbrook Lake 24 15 30 7 - 19 38 114 97 44 34 5 Percuil River 4 25 4 1 - - - 15 8 13 9 15 Restronguet Creek 130 120 118 - - - 72 90 107 130 120 90 St John's Lake 30 41 10 - - - 20 10 40 30 35 45 Tamar Complex 433 327 144 - - - 156 325 369 293 309 370 Tresillian River 60 61 90 15 - 25 96 141 113 105 67 108 Truro River 108 75 74 6 - 15 21 78 180 185 77 87

No other site held more than 40 birds.

Inland, one at Stithians Res. on Aug 18th is notable.

COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Very scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant.

Of the 160,000 pairs that breed in Europe around a thousand breed in the UK where there was a marked decline during the late 1990s. This is reflected somewhat in the figures occurring in the county during 2005 as they were lower than 1996 when over 400 birds occurred on passage in Aug.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 6 INT 3,100) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 15 2 13 1 1 - 4 21 18 17 14 4 Fal complex 20 30 35 - - - 35 42 46 35 58 44 Hayle Est. 4 8 6 5 - - 1 6 7 7 2 3 Millbrook Lake 13 2 8 5 - - 4 2 5 3 7 - Percuil River 1 12 4 2 - - - 7 7 8 8 5 Restronguet Creek 12 12 17 - - - 12 20 25 18 22 16 St John's Lake 1 1 1 - - - 2 4 6 - - - Tamar complex 42 19 30 - - - 27 31 36 19 23 13 Tresillian River 4 3 7 9 1 16 11 9 7 6 7 Truro River 3 3 5 3 - - 6 4 3 1 6 2

All the sites listed above are nationally important for this species.

Inland records came from the following sites; Crowdy Res.: singles Aug 16th and Oct 18th. Drift Res.: two Aug 11th until Sep 4th, with five Aug 16th and six Aug 21st. Singles Sep 10th and 23rd. Colliford Res.: singles Sep 6th and 15th. Moor: two Jul 11th. Upper Tamar Lake: three Aug 19th, one Sep 12th.

58 Birds in Cornwall

Windmill Farm: singles Jul 31st, Aug 2nd, Aug 10th, Aug 11th and two Aug 15th. Stithians Res.: one Aug 18th to 22nd. Siblyback Res.: one Jul 25th. Sancreed: singles Aug 8th and 29th.

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Very scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant.

Around 330,000 pairs breed in northern and central Europe and of these around 750 winter in the UK. The numbers and sites used in Cornwall vary from year to year with no particular pattern.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 1 1 - - - 16 36 26 8 2 2

Jan – Mar Only three birds located at the beginning of the year with singles noted at Wendron, Tamar Est. and Clapper Marshes.

Apr – Jun Spring passage appears to have by-passed Cornwall with no records received.

Jul – Sep Autum passage commenced with one at Hayle Est. Jul 7th and a steady trickle of birds moved through during the rest of the month. 12 at Marazion Marsh on Aug 2nd heralded a much larger movement with over 36 birds noted at eight sies. Smaller numbers were recorded during September with 26 logged at ten sites and maxima of five at Windmill Farm and the Amble Marshes on the 11th and 12th respectively.

Oct – Nov Only three sites held birds in October with four at Amble Marshes from 5th to 20th, three at Drift Res. from 7th to 20th and a single at Davidstow Airfield on the 19th. In November single birds were noted at Marazion Marsh and Siblyback Res., both on the 14th. At the end of the year two birds were noted overwintering on the Tamar Est.

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Very scarce passage migrant.

The European breeding population declined from 1970 -1990 and then stabilised; it still hasn‟t fully recovered and this is reflected in the numbers of individuals appearing on passage in Cornwall.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------3 4 - - -

With no spring birds this year, all birds were noted between Aug 16th and Sep 27th. (All are listed);

Drift Res.: one Aug 16th to 22nd, with two on the 19th.DE, DSF, DKP et al Amble Marshes: singles Aug 21st and Sep 4th. CS, DT Crowdy Res./Davidstow Airfield: one Sep 3rd. VC Windmill Farm: a single Sep 12th to 21st. CBWPS Hayle Est.: one Sep 27th.RSPB

This is the worst year since 1984 when also only seven were recorded.

Birds in Cornwall 59

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Very scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant.

A widespread breeder over much of Europe with around 12,000 pairs breeding in the UK. It is last known to have bred in Cornwall in 1989. Some populations declined marginally from 1990 – 2000 but this doesn‟t seem to have affected the numbers of birds visiting the county.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 6 4 11 7 3 27 31 54 10 13 3

Jan – Mar Overwintering birds were noted at , , Lerryn, Par Beach, Percuil River, Gillan Creek and the Tamar Est.

Apr – Jun Spring passage was light with mainly single birds noted from 11 sites, although three were present on Dinham Flats, Camel Est. on Apr 24th and five passed through the Hayle Est. on May 15th. Three at Lerryn on Jun 26th were probably the first returning autumn birds.

Jul – Sep July 6th saw two arrive at Hayle Est., which was followed by a steady build up until 11 were present on the 12th. Ten remained at the months end. Elsewhere, ones or twos were reported from at least seven other sites with a maximum of five at both Tamar Est. and Upper Tamar Lake, on the 18th and 22nd respectively. Four were noted at Tresillian River on the 26th. Small numbers were present at ten different sites during August with maximum of six at both Hayle and Tamar Estuaries. This trend was continued in September with over 15 sites hosting this species; maximum numbers include 14 at Drift Res. on the 10th and ten at Hayle Est. on the 14th.

Oct – Dec Four sites hosted this species in October with a maximum of four at Drift Res. on the 4th. During November and December, single birds were noted at three sites but there were eleven at the Tamar Est. on Nov 6th. Single birds over-wintered into 1996 at Wadebridge and Lerryn.

RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Breeding in coastal areas of northern Europe, the relatively small population of 81,000 pairs is thought to be stable. Of these around 52,000 individuals choose to winter around the UK with a small proportion of them – about 250 – finding their way to Cornish shores.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 500 INT 1,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 34 - 6 - - - - - 12 - 14 12 Gerrans Bay 21 17 ------Hayle Est. 19 16 13 4 1 - - 7 40 55 6 12 Mount‟s Bay 20 12 - - 7 - 3 4 - 20 - - Par 18 10 8 - 6 4 - - 2 - 35 - Restronguet Creek 8 9 ------16 - Tamar Est. 24 18 14 - - - - 28 - 12 54 8

Away from the coast, birds were observed at the following inland sites; Colliford Res.: singles Aug 28th and Sep 6th. Crowdy Res.: two Aug 29th. Drift Res.: three Sep 3rd.

60 Birds in Cornwall

GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius (4646) (28) Very scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

The European breeding population is only around 350 pairs so at times it is surprising that over a hundred can be recorded off the coast of Cornwall after an autumn storm.

Birds were recorded this year between Sep 25th and Nov 13th. All records are listed;

Pendeen: eight flew west Sep 25th, two west Sep 27th and another two Oct 1st. JL, DKP, PAF St Ives: six Oct 1st. DCg Mount‟s Bay: Up to four were first noted at Newlyn Oct 31st, decreasing to three by Nov 5th. A single remained until the 6th. It is difficult to work out how many birds were present because counts came from around the bay as the birds moved, but the two at Marazion Marsh were separate to these birds, being seen at the same time as those in the bay. DSF, DE, DP Carnsew Pool, Hayle Est.: one Nov 3rd. LPW Marazion Marsh: two Nov 3rd with one until 4th. DSF, DP, RSPB Loe Pool: one Nov 5th. ARP Seaton: one Nov 11th. DCg Davidstow Airfield: one Nov 13th. DCg

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 54 14 3 1 - - 3 82 1244 2508 618 147

POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus (3215) (67) Scarce passage migrant.

In the first winter period a single bird flew west past Pendeen Jan 18th. JL

Spring passage was only noted off Porthgwarra were a total of seven birds were logged Apr 13th to Jun 15th, mainly singles, but two on first date and Apr 26th.

The first autumn record was one at Pendeen Aug 7th and passage continued to Nov 3rd when six past St Agnes Head. Oct 1st was by far the best day when 12 were noted off Pendeen, seven flew west at Gurnards Head and 22 passed St Ives.

No birds were noted in December.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 10 2 78 446 104 173 250 497 1167 473 70

Birds in Cornwall 61

ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus Scarce passage migrant.

Only 15 records for this pirate were received and all are listed;

Marazion: one Mar 23rd. Pendeen: singles Jul 21st, 25th and 29th; nine Aug 25th, singles Sep 25th, 27th and 29th and six Oct 1st. Porthgwarra: singles Jul 23rd and Oct 1st. Godrevy Point: three Oct 1st. Gurnards Head: one Oct 1st. St Ives: 20 Oct 1st. St Agnes Head: ten Nov 3rd.

GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

Of the 17 records received, the only winter record was of one off Pendeen Jan 18th.

All the spring records came from Porthgwarra where a total of seven birds were logged Apr 13th to Jun 15th, with maxima of two on Apr 13th and 26th.

Autumn passage commenced on Aug 7th at Pendeen and continued to Nov 3rd; maximum numbers are listed;

Pendeen: 24 between Aug 7th and Oct 1st, with maxima of five Sep 29th and 12 Oct 1st. Gurnards Head: seven Oct 1st. St Ives: 22 Oct 1st. St Agnes Head: six Nov 3rd.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

This species has been increasing over the last ten years, thanks mainly due to the rising Contintenal breeding population.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 9 INT 8,400) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 8 - 1 - - 3 5 13 36 24 1 4 Gannel Est. 3 3 ------2 - Hayle Est. 6 7 5 1 - 2 7 5 4 2 5 4 Mounts Bay 2 1 - - - 1 1 3 2 1 2 1 St John's Lake 9 6 2 - - - 25 33 39 22 9 3 Sennen Cove - 1 ------7 - 6 -

No other site held more than five birds.

Although many birds sporting coloured (Darvic) rings were noted, none were properly read to identify individual birds.

62 Birds in Cornwall

LAUGHING GULL Larus atricilla (8) (12) Very rare vagrant.

The ornithological phenomenon of the year with 53 birds making landfall in Great Britain after Hurricane Wilma wreaked havoc in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

Penzance: single first and second winters Nov 3rd Birdguides Gannel Est.: a second winter Nov 4th to Dec 4th. A first winter Nov 6th - 12th. SGR et al Looe: first winter Nov 5th. Birdguides Marazion: second winter Nov 7th. DSF Drift Res.: adult Nov 9th to 24th. DSF Sennen: two first winters Nov 9th to 13th, with another first winter Nov 27th – 28th. MTE Swanpool: an adult or second winter Nov 12th to 26th. Birdguides, RP Hayle Est.: one, second winter, Dec 30th. LW

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 1 - 1 1 - 11 4

FRANKLIN‟S GULL Larus pipixcan (6) (2) Very rare vagrant (1997)

Hayle Est.: first winter Nov 1st to 2nd. LPW et al Gannel Est.: an adult or second winter Nov 4th to 14th, this bird was also noted in the area. SGR et al

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 - - - 1 - 1 - 1 3 -

Interestingly a bird was noted at Ruan Lanihorne on Nov 6th but was not submitted to BBRC.

LITTLE GULL Larus minutus Scarce passage migrant and very scarce winter visitor.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 5 - 1 - - - - 1 9 2

Gannel Est.: one Jan 16th and an adult Nov 6th. Porth Kidney beach: five, (two adults and three first winters), Mar 26th. Marazion Marsh: a first summer May 14th. Single first winters were seen Nov 3rd, 7th, 21st and Dec 6th. Camel Est.: a first winter Oct 14th – 18th. Pendeen: three flew west, Nov 4th and a single bird was noted Dec 5th. Cubert: the Gannel Est., adult, was relocated Nov 7th. Porthpean: an adult Nov 15th. Sancreed: an adult Nov 30th.

Birds in Cornwall 63

SABINE‟S GULL Larus sabini (1338) (3) Very scarce passage migrant.

Only three birds were recorded this year all passing west off Pendeen; Aug 25th, an adult. DSF, DKP Oct 1st, a juvenile DKP Nov 4th, a first winter. JL

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - 3 2 4 12 172 740 333 69 5

BONAPARTE‟S GULL Larus philadelphia (38) (1) Very rare vagrant.

Helston Boating Lake: an adult Feb 11th. DKP

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 4 10 4 1 - - - - 1 3 4

BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus Very scarce breeding resident. Very common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Unfortunately no breeding records were received this year.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 19,000 INT 20,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 28 6 6 - - - 13 4 19 14 34 11 Camel Est. 5100 232 71 123 3 685 750 300 900 406 263 2000 Carrick Roads 95 12 10 - - 15 254 151 225 175 93 48 College Res. 240 185 2 - - - - 16 35 87 107 121 Colliford Res. 29 - 19 14 54 44 17 - - - - 4 Crowdy Res. 52 2 14 99 - - 20 12 7 61 10 30 Drift Res. 450 130 116 3 - - - - 8 - - - Fal Complex 959 495 244 - - - 1070 1104 1049 1401 1322 1109 Fowey Est. 129 94 13 - - 25 152 160 26 - - 46 Gannel Est. 1100 - 6 ------230 - Gerrans Bay 75 961 22 - - 9 153 38 350 521 36 152 Hayle Est. 1720 839 228 19 10 22 312 422 260 335 243 250 Helford Est. 160 41 49 9 3 23 106 - 133 - 51 - Maer Lake 63 42 41 23 5 8 5 18 12 67 294 654 Millbrook Lake 261 354 140 5 5 47 524 765 574 335 154 134 Par Sands 65 650 10 - - - 23 26 186 46 53 49 Percuil River 28 5 4 - 26 36 26 60 128 377 104 35 Ruan Lanihorne ------432 660 600 Lerryn 132 78 46 - - 15 77 - 107 135 57 243 Lynher Est. 347 185 164 136 7 - 862 114 190 459 185 165 Siblyback Res. 96 - 5 - - - 26 10 24 28 26 7 St John's Lake 460 150 100 - - - 1 1 300 600 100 100 Swanpool 93 114 38 1 - - 1 25 - 41 77 61 Tamar Complex 2911 2297 1355 140 7 - 2603 2722 2895 2944 1350 1262 Tamar Lakes 10 38 15 - - - 6 15 25 72 237 90 Tresillian River 216 70 29 - - 6 340 310 280 65 131 145 Truro River 620 408 201 2 - 48 450 583 416 352 334 281

64 Birds in Cornwall

Other sites with counts of over 100 included; Helston Boating Lake: 127 Jan 17th. Marazion Beach: 100 Sep 17th.

A leucistic bird was present at Par Sands Jan 9th to Feb 2nd and returned again on Nov 7th. DIJ, RL

RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis Rare vagrant.

Drift Res.: a first winter, Jan 16th to 19th. DKP et al Hayle Est.: a first winter, Feb 9th to Mar 14th. LPW, RSPB Loe Pool: an adult Dec 19th. DKP

Many others were submitted with no description.

MEW GULL Larus canus Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Although the maximum counts of this species all come from estuary/coastal sites, (when they come into roost), this gull prefers to feed inland on pasture.

Extreme dates this year were May 15th, at Hayle Est. and Jun 25th at Loe Pool.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 9,000 INT 17,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 170 7 10 - - - - - 5 7 2 120 Hayle Est. 20 12 8 - 1 - 1 1 - - 7 12 Par Sands 1 21 2 - - - - 1 - 1 60 - St John's Lake 60 12 25 - - - - 1 - 1 5 3 Tamar Complex 80 25 33 - - - - 3 1 2 10 8

Apart from the sites above only two other sites held more than 20 birds; Gerrans Bay: 25 Dec 4th. Ruan Lanihorne: 35 Dec 4th.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus Very common passage migrant and common winter visitor. Rare breeding resident.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 500 INT 5,300) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 120 9 142 12 - 4 - - 46 4 2 22 Colliford Res. 455 130 63 10 - - 43 8 210 111 153 400 Crowdy Res. 300 - - 1 70 - 52 5 183 450 10 - Fal Complex 4 11 26 ------28 43 63 Gannel Est. 39 174 44 ------1 - Hayle Est. 223 1046 447 33 50 22 24 64 56 25 38 40 Ruan Lanihorne ------28 38 60 Siblyback Res. 94 35 29 - - - 48 28 2 4 36 85

Very few birds were noted away from the main sites, maximum numbers included; Maer Lake: 32 Feb 13th. Percuil River: 22 Mar 13th. Lynher Est.: 86 Dec 4th. Swanpool: 57 Dec 12th.

Birds in Cornwall 65

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis Very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Some summer.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 1 - 1 - - 3 4 - 2 -

Colliford Res.: three juveniles Aug 28th, one adult Sep 18th. DCg Hayle Est.: two adults Feb 13th with one until Mar 2nd, one adult Sep 12th to 21st. LPW, RSPB Helston Boating Lake: a first winter Nov 20th.DKP Sennen Area: a second winter Jan 31st, one second summer May 5th, a second winter Sep; 26th was joined by a first winter the following day. MTE, DKP et al Siblyback Res.: one Nov 14th. BTO

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus Scarce breeding resident. Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

No breeding records were received.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 4,500 INT 13,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 17 - 1 - - - - 120 4 - - 1 Camel Est. 174 151 665 402 2 143 453 4 871 328 55 159 Carrick Roads 41 7 30 4 25 55 172 29 28 52 58 20 College Res. 610 74 51 5 17 10 7 43 6 14 2 37 Colliford Res. 1 43 1 7 14 18 - - 25 - 6 124 Crowdy Res. 1000 3 - - 70 300 300 272 141 200 50 100 Drift Res. 480 350 47 146 21 71 - - 53 - - - Fal Complex 330 144 163 - - - 342 166 133 270 838 314 Fowey Est. 107 179 254 - - 82 340 176 268 - - 245 Gannel Est. 124 1070 320 145 ------210 - Gerrans Bay 29 52 40 45 57 112 58 25 39 52 53 97 Hayle Est. 469 1320 1170 1022 414 835 523 1249 623 2035 650 466 Helford Est. 97 48 37 284 24 53 22 - 90 - 129 - Loe Pool 60 40 43 25 31 4 - 14 - 140 - 80 Millbrook Lake 45 51 57 64 74 12 63 196 275 107 252 267 Par Sands 114 220 80 30 133 50 - - 145 - - - Ruan Lanihorne ------51 560 212 St John's Lake 120 150 150 110 - - 1 1 100 100 40 40 Tamar Complex 618 521 634 - - - 352 912 814 1006 581 576 Truro River 250 108 92 93 106 123 139 112 41 58 137 64 Upper Tamar Lake 50 5 2 - - - - 2 112 284 9 17 No other site held more than 120 birds.

Birds showing characteristics of Scandinavian form L. a. argentatus Hayle Est.: singles were present Jan 3rd, Feb 9th, Feb 18th and Dec 5th. LPW Porthpean: one came into roost, Nov 11th. RL

„American Herring Gull‟ L. a. smithsonianus (2) (2) Very rare vagrant (2003)

Sennen: a first winter Mar 24th and a juvenile/ first winter Oct 25th.MTE

These are the third and fourth records respectively for the county. The first was at Hayle Est. Mar 9th–12th 2002, with the second in the Sennen area Feb 12th–May 14th 2003.

66 Birds in Cornwall

ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides Very scarce winter visitor.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 2 6 3 ------

Camel Est.: three Mar 1st to Apr 15th, (two first winters and a second winter). Colliford Res.: a first winter, Mar 8th. Drift Res.: a second winter, Jan 3rd. Fowey Est.: one Mar 12th. Gannel Est.: one Feb 13th. Hayle Est.: a single first winter Feb 10th to Mar 27th, with a second winter Mar 7th. Newlyn Harbour: a first winter Feb 21st to Mar 3rd. Truro River: a first winter Jan 15th to Feb 12th.

GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus Very scarce winter visitor.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 2 1 ------

Gwithian: a second winter, Mar 11th. LPW Hayle Est,: a second winter, Jan 22nd to Feb 13th; a first winter, Mar 3rd-20th; a second winter, Apr 8th. DKP, DSF, LPW et al Newlyn: one first winter, Feb 1st to Feb 25th. DKP, DIJ et al

Interestingly there were no records in the second winter period of this or the previous species.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Scarce breeding resident. Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

No breeding records were received although ten birds were noted at Mouls Island in early Spring.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 400 INT 4,700) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 41 42 66 117 1 9 41 - 66 97 15 48 Carrick Roads 11 2 2 8 6 10 58 2 4 21 4 2 Drift Res. 21 5 3 3 1 1 ------Fal Complex 15 7 19 - - - 59 4 13 46 87 84 Gannel Est. 89 84 12 14 ------4 - Gerrans Bay 14 5 8 - 4 2 15 2 5 12 17 21 Hayle Est. 94 85 244 28 23 31 53 62 27 29 67 45 Loe Pool 73 18 14 6 - - - - - 8 - 9 Percuil River 2 2 17 15 - 7 - 2 9 5 14 3 Ruan Lanihorne ------18 68 78 Tamar Complex 29 25 29 - - - 16 22 17 29 27 50 The only site holding more than 20 birds was Marazion Beach where 50 were observed Sep 17th.

Birds in Cornwall 67

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla Very common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Only twelve records were received, with no breeding information. The only movement documented was of 2000, (in two hours), west off St Agnes Head on Nov 3rd.

LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons Very scarce passage migrant.

A very poor year, none in spring and only seven in the autumn;

Hayle Est.: two Jul 27th. Marazion Marsh: a single Aug 26th. Carn Gloose: two Sep 22nd. Tolcarne Beach: one Nov 4th. Pendeen: one, flying west, Nov 4th.

The two in November are the latest ever and the first records in November.

BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger Very scarce passage migrant.

No spring records and only eight records in the autumn makes this the worst yearly total for the last 50 years.

Stithians Res.: three Aug 21st. DE, ABS, WS Pendeen: one flying west Aug 25th. DKP Colliford Res.: three Sep 5th with two the following day. DSF, DIJ Marazion Beach: one Nov 1st. DKP

The November record is only the seventh in that month.

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant. Very rare winter visitor.

Historically, the earliest (ever) arrival of this species since 1933, was one at Hayle Est. on Feb 4th 1995, whilst the latest was one in Carbis Bay on Dec 24th 2002. Birds have been noted during the winter on many occasions. The earliest this year was three in Mount‟s Bay on Mar 19th and the last was one off Sennen Cove on Nov 13th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 45 242 30 26 77 84 131 66 2 -

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB 400 INT 4,700) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 16 - - 43 - 19 - - - Gerrans Bay - - - 68 6 - 3 - - - - - Hayle Est. - - 19 46 6 7 2 13 12 2 1 - Mounts Bay - - 10 18 5 6 5 2 9 2 - - Par Sands - - - 3 2 - - 10 - - - - St John's Lake ------14 27 16 - - -

68 Birds in Cornwall

Small numbers were noted at many coastal sites with counts of more than ten listed below; Millbrook Lake: Ten Sep 18th. Pendeen: 20 flew west, Oct 1st. St Ives: 38 west, Oct 1st.

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Scarce passage migrant.

A very poor year with only 27 records received.

The first report this year was of two at Par Sands Apr 10th, the last report was of three at Hayle Est. Nov 7th. This compares with the earliest arrival on record being Mar 3rd 2002 at and the latest at Sennen Cove on Nov 30th 2002.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 9 - 3 8 18 1 5 - -

After the first on Apr 10th, only eleven other birds moved through the county during the spring with one off Padstow Apr 19th, seven on Porth Kidney Beach Apr 26th and three late birds at Par Sands Jun 13th.

Autumn migration commenced with three at St John‟s Lake on Aug 27th, which were followed by two off Hannafore the next day. Single birds were noted throughout September at only three sites - Mount‟s Bay, Hayle Est./Porth Kidney Beach and St John‟s Lake with maxima of four and five at the last two sites. During October the only record was of a first winter at Tamar Est. on the 31st. In November a single was noted at Harlyn Bay on the 2nd, whilst one took up semi-residence in the Newlyn area from the 2nd to the 5th. The last were three at Hayle Est. on the 7th.

ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea Very scarce passage migrant.

Historically the earliest ever sighting was of one at Trevose Head Apr 1st 2004, whilst the latest was one off St Ives Nov 23rd 1986. This does not include a bird which was noted at Hayle Est. on Feb 17th 1974 which may have wintered.

This year there were no spring records and only 17 in the autumn.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 4 4 8 -

Hayle Est.: one Aug 26th, three first winters Nov 5th. : two Sep 18th. Sennen Cove: single first winters Aug 26th and 29th. Godrevy: one Oct 1st. St Ives: two west Oct 1st. Argal Res.: one first winter Oct 22nd. Tamar Est.: one first winter Nov 2nd. Newlyn Area: two first winters Nov 2nd, were joined by a third the next day. These remained until the 4th. One was still present on Nov 5th. Seaton: one first winter Nov 5th.

Birds in Cornwall 69

COMMON GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Unfortunately we only received records from six sites around the county, with a maximum of 100 off St Ives Jan 19th.

More records are needed, especially of breeding birds.

RAZORBILL Alca torda Common breeding resident and passage migrant.

Slightly more records received, compared with the previous species, but only noted at 12 sites and no breeding information.

A minimum of 1100 birds were noted off St Ives Jan 19th and over 100 were in Mount‟s Bay Apr 1st.

BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle (82) (1) Rare passage migrant and winter visitor.

Newlyn: one Nov 16th and into 2006.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19 8 4 7 6 2 - - 4 11 10 12

LITTLE AUK Alle alle (1463) (1) Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

Pendeen: a single bird flew west Dec 12th. JL

This is the worst year since 1973 when none were recorded.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 131 111 40 4 1 - - 1 5 131 523 517

ATLANTIC PUFFIN Fratercula arctica Rare breeding summer visitor and scarce passage migrant.

During the breeding season up to ten birds were recorded at The Mouls and up to two birds were noted at The Bisons. There were no reports from the /Boscastle area.

Non-breeding birds were noted at; Porthgwarra: reported from Mar 23rd to Jul 20th, with a maximum of 18 on Mar 31st. Pendeen: five flew west Jun 30th.

70 Birds in Cornwall

ROCK PIGEON Columba livia Breeding resident/feral release.

The true Rock Dove has now almost certainly gone from the county. This species is more numerous than the records suggest with only 25 reports being received as compared with 270 records received ten years ago when it was considered under recorded.

Flocks of over 40 were noted at;

Trenance Gardens, Newquay: 85 Jan 3rd, 65 Apr 28th. The Platt, Wadebridge: 45 Jan 7th.

STOCK PIGEON Columba oenas Very scarce breeding resident. Scarce passage migrant.

There were only two records of this species in the first winter period. During the breeding season, a total of 20 sites were located with breeding suspected at most of them. Small numbers were noted during the autumn period with a maximum of 12 at Harlyn Pools Oct 18th. On Nov 1st, ten at Windmill Farm was the vanguard for a mini invasion with small numbers, (one to five), of this species noted in many West Cornwall sites. The largest flock noted was of 208 which flew west over Sancreed on the 13th. Other high counts included ten at Higher Lampetho Farm, Nov 13th and 45 at Higher Redalln, Dec 24th.

COMMON WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus Common breeding resident. Very common passage migrant and winter visitor.

Although this species breeds year round and is obviously thriving in the county there were no definite breeding records received.

Seven flocks of over 100 were recorded this year, with six of them during early November; Amble Marshes: 110 Sep 21st. Marazion Marsh: 200 Nov 1st, 100 Nov 14th. Windmill Farm: 300 west Nov 9th. Sancreed: 400 west Nov 12th, 1530 west Nov 13th. Porthgwarra: 500 Nov 13th.

EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common breeding resident. Scarce passage migrant.

Historically, the first Cornish record was of one at Trethewey near on Jun 10th 1959, which was followed by another at Trethvas, Lizard on Sep 24th the following year. Numbers have grown steadily and quite large flocks are now being seen on an annual basis. It is difficult to comment on the present population as that only large flocks are reported.

Reports included; Dennis Cove, Padstow: 12 Jan 8th. Sennen: 29 May 3rd.

Birds in Cornwall 71

EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Scarce passage migrant. Former breeder.

Breeding was proven or suspected in 1966, 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1987. The earliest report, (excluding wintering birds in 1965/66,1985/86 and 1992/93), was on Mar 8th 1975 at , whilst the latest was at Holmbush on Nov 11th 1984.

This year only six records received of eight birds, all are listed; Sancreed: one May 15th, two May 18th. Windmill Farm: one May 27th. Sennen: two Jun 5th. Amble Marshes: a single Sep 19th. : one Sep 22nd.

COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Scarce breeding summer visitor.

Data from the UK suggests the species is still in rapid decline and consequently it was recently moved to the Red List (2009). This is in part due to the decline in Meadow Pipit and Dunnock populations that are key hosts for this parasitic species.

The earliest ever report was of one at Newquay Feb 19th 1968, whilst the latest was at St Columb on Nov 30th 1984. This year the earliest was on at Treburtle on Apr 4th and the last was at Point on Aug 1st.

Most reports were of single birds but more than two were noted at the following; Sancreed: three May 10th. Carn Galver: three May 30th. Men-An-Tol: four May 29th. Goss Moor: four Jun 14th.

BARN OWL Tyto alba Scarce breeding resident.

This stunning ghostly owl was recorded at 34 sites countywide and in every month of the year.

In the Truro area, a minimum of five pairs were located with a minimum of 13 owlets noted. No other breeding information was received.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Rare breeding resident.

Ponsanooth: A single calling bird, Aug 5th and 6th, RP.

This is the worst year on record for this species.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Scarce breeding resident.

Breeding was suspected within most suitable areas, throughout the county, during the year but only proven at two; Wendron and where a pair raised four owlets. There were no records away from breeding sites this year.

72 Birds in Cornwall

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Former breeder.

Lizard Down: one Jan 23rd, JL. Carn Galver: one May 30th, DSF. Chun Castle: singles Oct 31st and Nov 27th, DSF. Woon Gumpus Common: singles Oct 31st and Nov 27th, DSF.

This is the worst year on record for this species, with only four birds noted.

EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus Very scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

Having suffered a national decline in numbers during the 1980s these birds seem to be on the increase again, but this may just be due to more surveys and hence more birds being reported.

Rosemergy: four, (two pairs), May 26th, DP. Carn Galver: three, (two churring males), May 30th, DSF. : two, (one churring male), Jun 15th, GT.

Unfortunately there were no records from the north and east of the county, so no comparisons with previous years can be made.

COMMON SWIFT Apus apus Scarce breeding resident and common passage migrant.

The first arrived at Marazion Marsh on Apr 24th and a trickle of birds was noted throughout the county during the next three weeks. The main wave of this summer visitor arrived during the second ten days in May when up to 250 birds were noted at Marazion Marsh with lesser numbers noted throughout the county.

No breeding season data was received.

Unusual was a movement of 300 birds noted at Cape Cornwall on Jun 22nd, PAF. The largest number noted in the second half of the summer was 120 at Gentle Jane on Jul 4th. There were only two September records both of singles at Windmill Farm and St Buryan on Sept 6th and 7th respectively.

Birds in Cornwall 73

COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Rare breeding resident. Very scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

No breeding records received this year.

Away from the main sites below, only single birds were noted.

Maximum numbers and WeBS counts at main sites (GB ? INT 2,000) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 3 - 1 - - - - 1 4 2 1 - Drift Res. - 1 - - - - - 1 3 3 2 1 Hayle Est. - - 1 - - - 1 2 2 2 1 4 Looe Est. 2 1 ------Marazion Marsh ------1 2 2 2 - Par Beach Pool 2 1 - 1 2 1 - - - 1 - - Tamar Complex 1 2 1 - - - 1 2 1 2 1 1 Tresillian River 1 - - - - - 1 1 - - 2 -

HOOPOE Upupa epops (561) (5) Very scarce vagrant.

Brew Pool: one Mar 25th, DKP. Skewjack: one Mar 27th, PAF. (Probably the Brew Pool bird). : two, at Gunvenna Caravan Park, Apr 10th, with one until 14th, DIJ et al. St Agnes: one Aug 30th, DC. Perranwell: one flew across road, Oct 8th, RP.

The five this year equals the lowest yearly total since 1976.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 10 118 234 77 16 7 18 37 26 12 -

EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla (480) (9) Very scarce vagrant.

Lands End: one Sept 6th, DKP. Nanquidno: one Sept 7th, PAF. Hayle Est.: singles Sept 8th – 10th and Oct 21st, RSPB. Windmill Farm: one Sept 9th, CBWPS. Caerthillian: one Sept 10th, DE. Porthgwarra: singles noted Sept 27th, Oct 3rd and 15th, ME, DC, VT et al.

As usual the majority of the records came in September which accounts for 60% of records.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 4 23 12 1 1 61 291 87 8 -

74 Birds in Cornwall

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis Scarce breeding resident.

Noted throughout the county, in suitable habitat, all year. Breeding was proven at only four sites, , Tolcarne Woods, Trembeth and , but was suspected at at least 12 other.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major Scarce breeding resident and very scarce passage migrant.

Of the 37 sites where this species was noted, seven were proven to hold breeding pairs and another ten were suspected.

Counts of more than three only came from Polgreen were six were regularly seen during the year, coming to bird feeders. REW.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor Very rare breeding resident.

The decline in general of these birds in the UK is thought to be due partly to predation by Great Spotted Woodpeckers and the loss of suitable habitat for breeding. In Cornwall, this species continues its tenuous hold, with occasional records coming from a broad swath of the county from Launceston to Truro. Breeding has not been proven since 1993.

Bosnieves: One, in a mature garden, Jul 2nd, DIJ.

WOOD LARK Lullula arborea Rare winter visitor and very scarce passage migrant. Former breeder.

St Martin: The birds from 2004 remained until Feb 29th, with a maximum of 20 on Jan 29th. Eleven returned on Dec 18th, ARP. Budock: ten Dec 3rdand in to 2006, DP.

As in previous years, wintering birds seem to favour the Helford area of the county.

SKY LARK Alauda arvensis Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

During the breeding season DIJ located this species in 28 one Km squares with breeding suspected in all of them.

Very few counts of over 40 were received, and even fewer records were submitted from the major migration points.

Chapel Porth: 47 Oct 23rd. : 40 Nov 2nd. Godolphin Hill: 60 Feb 7th – 16th. Jericho Valley: 52 Jan 19th. Sancreed: 88 Oct 23rd, 20 Nov 5th, 25 Nov 12th and 10 Nov 13th. DSF , all heading west.

Birds in Cornwall 75

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Scarce breeding summer visitor. Common passage migrant.

Historically the earliest record was one on Feb 16th 2002, and the latest was at Penzance on Nov 24th 1983. This year the first were two on Mar 17th at Porthgwarra and the last was a single at the Amble Marshes on Sep 16th.

No breeding records were received this year.

This species was very under recorded with the largest flock being 200 at Marazion Marsh on May 12th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 340 671 586 - - 2 3 - - -

BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Common breeding summer visitor. Very common passage migrant.

The earliest sighting of this species historically is Feb 6th 1989 and the latest is Dec 30th 1989. This year the first was noted at Wadebridge Mar 14th and the last was at Dinham Point on Nov 21st. This does not include over wintering birds in 1989/90 or 2003/04.

A single bird at Hayle Est. on Jan 1st was possible a locally wintering bird.

The first spring bird on Mar 14th was followed by singles throughout the rest of the month. The main passage commenced on Apr 16th – 17th with a second wave on Apr 24th. All counts of 100 or more birds are listed; Cape Cornwall: 100 Apr 16th, 17th, 22nd and 24th, 250 May 10th. Marazion Marsh: 100 Apr 17th, 200 Apr 24th, 250 May 12th, 400 May 13th. Lizard: 250 Apr 29th. St Agnes Head: 100 Apr 29th, 150 Apr 30th.

Breeding was reported from only one site where a pair raised five young. Many other sites noted juveniles or suspected breeding.

Autumn gatherings were noted from mid-July with many sites holding more than 50 birds. The largest gatherings were noted in early to mid September. All flocks over 100 are listed. Davidstow Airfield: 200 Sep 6th, 300 Sep 13th. Windmill Farm: 100 Sep 10th and 17th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 10 1537 1562 286 186 140 1458 431 1 -

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum Common breeding resident and passage migrant.

The earliest ever, historically, was one at Newlyn Feb 11th 2001, whilst the latest was at on Dec 27th 1988. This year the first, (two) were at Marazion Marsh on Mar 21st and the last was at the same site Oct 14th.

Although a small number of birds trickled through the county during April, the main arrival occurred in

76 Birds in Cornwall

the second week of May when over 850 birds moved through Marazion Marsh. Daily maxima of 300 were recorded on the 13th and 17th.

Again, no breeding records were received but no change in status is suspected.

Autumn passage was light with most birds reported in the second week of September although no flocks of over 50 were detected.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 21 992 44 20 15 148 9 - -

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis daurica (35) (1) Rare vagrant.

Sennen: one May 27th.

This is the latest ever record in spring.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 2 7 9 - - - - 10 7 -

Top site is Marazion Marsh with six records

RICHARD‟S PIPIT Anthus campestris (361) (27) Very rare vagrant.

With 27 individuals noted, this is the best year since 1994, when 39 graced the county. All are listed;

Land‟s End: one Sep 18th, two Oct 3rd, one Oct 5th, one Oct 17th, two Dec 13th. Porthgwarra: two Sep 18th, one Oct 4th, one Oct 9th. Bude: one at Cleave camp Oct 2nd. Nanjizal: one Oct 4th, one Oct 9th. Sennen: three Oct 7th, two Nov 11th, one Nov 13th. Sennen Cove: one in off sea Oct 10th. Rafta Farm: two Oct 10th/11th. Bosistow Farm: one Oct 16th. Arden Sawah Farm: one Dec 20th.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 2 9 1 - - - 66 201 66 14

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Rare breeding resident. Very scarce passage migrant.

The ealiest ever bird was Mar 19th 1999 at . The latest was at Allet on Nov 17th 1955. This year the first was at Ninestones on Apr 16th whilst the last was at Porthgwarra on Nov 13th.

Breeding was suspected at four sites all in the middle of the county. No birds were noted away from breeding sites in the spring.

The first autumn records were probably two at Marazion Marsh on Aug 18th. A light passage was detected involving only 16 birds. The largest flock was four at Windmill Farm on Sep 13th.

Birds in Cornwall 77

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Very common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 26 78 21 32 5 42 0 50 160 2331 86 50

Jan – Mar Recorded throughout the county in small numbers, with the largest flocks being 20 at Cape Cornwall Jan 12th, 51 at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes Feb 3rd and 25 at Windmill Farm Feb 26th.

Apr – Jun Breeding was suspected at at least 15 sites.

Jul – Sep Autumn passage probably commenced on Aug 15th at Windmill Farm when 50 were logged. Only low numbers were then noted until 40 were present at Davidstow Airfield on Sep 15th to 18th. At the end of the month flocks of 30 were noted at Cape Cornwall and Rosemount on the 20th and 24th respectively.

Oct – Dec October 3rd saw the main arrival when 530 were noted at Marazion Marsh and 1000 were at Lands End, with counts over hundred noted at a number of other sites. These birds moved through fairly rapidly with only small numbers noted in the following week. The highest count in November was 50 at on the 14th whilst 30 was the maximum count in December, these being at Sancreed on the 28th.

ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Scarce breeding resident. Common winter visitor.

Breeding was suspected at five sites.

Reports included; Marazion Marsh/Beach: 15 Jan 21st, ten Mar 2nd to 22nd . Pentire/Rumps Point: 20 Mar 17th, 15 Aug 21st. Hannafore Point: 15 Dec 4th.

Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian race A. p. littoralis were noted as follows; Marazion Beach: two Mar 2nd, three Mar 22nd.

WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta Very scarce winter visitor.

A very poor year with only three birds reported; Marazion Marsh/Beach: one Jan 12th to Apr 2nd. Hayle Est.: one Jan 22nd to Feb 19th. Windmill Farm: one Jan 27th to Apr 1st.

78 Birds in Cornwall

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava A total of seven races of this species have been recorded in Cornwall.

BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL Motacilla flava flava (213) (3) Very scarce passage migrant, has bred.

Porthgwarra: one May 8th. Windmill Farm: singles May 15th and 21st.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 56 87 13 6 9 41 1 - -

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava flavissima Scarce passage migrant. Has bred.

The earliest ever record was of one at on Mar 13th 1993 and the latest was at Loe Pool on Dec 18th 1975. This year the first was at Lizard Point Apr 29th and the last was one over Adam‟s Hill, St Buryan on Oct 9th.

A single bird was noted in suitable habitat during the breeding season but it is not known if breeding took place.

Passage was poor this year with numbers well down on previous years.

Apr - Jun Passage commenced with six at the Lizard on Apr 29th. A total of only 15 birds were reported with the last at Marazion Marsh on May 18th.

Jul - Sep A single at Gentle Jane, Camel Est. on Jul 4th was the first autumn record. Approximately 65 birds passed through the county with maxima as follows;

Windmill Farm: six Aug 26th, four Aug 28th, 15 Sep 7th and seven Sep 10th. Davidstow Airfield: six Sep 5th.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding was proven this year at Castle Horneck, (one young) and the Newlyn River, (two young) and was suspected at another six sites.

Of the 56 records received, most were of one or two birds but counts of six or more are listed;

Rosemount: six Sep 17th. Marazion Marsh: nine Sep 24th. St Agnes Head: ten Sep 9th.

Birds in Cornwall 79

WHITE/PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba Two subspecies are regularly found in Cornwall, M. a. yarrellii, is the British breeding race and make up the majority of the birds seen. The continental race M. a. alba is seen mainly on migration, although some studies in Devon are seeing more and more wintering birds.

PIED WAGTAIL – Motacilla alba yarrellii Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Widespread throughout the county and can be found in all habitats, except woodland. It is well known for forming large winter roosts at traditional sites, with probably every supermarket having its own.

Breeding was susupected at a number of sites, although none were proven.

All flocks/gatherings over 20 at listed; Victoria: 80 roosted Jan 28th. St Austell Sewage Works: 80 Feb 2nd. Colliford Res.: 25 Sep 6th. Davidstow Airfield: 70 Sep 6th, 140 Sep 13th, 40 Sep 15th, 250 Sep 18th. Crowdy Res.: 30 Sep 18th. Sancreed: 41 flew south west Oct 23rd.

WHITE WAGTAIL – Motacilla alba alba Passage migrant.

A classic drift migrant in both spring and autumn.

Only five records received this year from three sites; Marazion Beach/Marsh: one Mar 19th, five May 4th and nine Sep 30th. Rosemount: ten Sep 17th. Davidstow Airfield: one Sep 18th.

WHITE-THROATED DIPPER Cinclus cinclus Very scarce breeding resident.

Only the British race C. c. gularis has been recorded in Cornwall.

Only 14 records were received and only one incidence of proven breeding, at Rosehill Penzance. Birds were noted at suitable breeding habitat at Carkeet, Lanner Mill, Respryn and Grogley Halt.

An usual record was of one at Gweek Oct 1st.

WINTER WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant breeding resident.

Reported from every corner of the county. While conducting BBS counts DIJ located this species breeding in 32 one Km squares, with over 30 birds noted in three.

HEDGE ACCENTOR Prunella modularis Very common breeding resident. Rare passage migrant.

Recorded countywide with DIJ noting breeding in 30 one Km squares while conducting BBS surveys.

80 Birds in Cornwall

EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Very common resident, very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

Noted throughout the county. DIJ located breeding birds in 32 one Km squares while conducting BBS surveys.

The only migrants noted were 20 at Chapel Porth Oct 16th.

COMMON NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos (52) (1) Very rare passage migrant. Former breeder.

Torpoint area: A singing male, June 13th DIJ

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 9 16 5 - 8 12 3 - -

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros Scarce passage migrant and very scarce winter visitor.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13 5 9 ------37 11 2

Jan – Mar At the start of the year, singles were noted at nine sites with up to three at Marazion Beach, and three at Treliske Hospital, Truro on Jan 10th. By contrast only four sites held birds during February. Long-stayers included one at Roselyon Est., Par, and one at Tolcarne Beach/Newlyn both departing in late March. A single bird was noted passing through Wadebridge on March 9th and may have been the start of a very small spring movement involving just four birds. The last was singles at Head and Housel Bay on Mar 24th.

Oct – Dec The firsts of the autumn were singles at Rame Head and Rame Barton on Oct 9th. Singles passed through the county quickly during the next two weeks with maxima of 12 at Lands End and six at Trethewey Chapel on the 16th. During November a minimum of nine sites held single birds, with hosting three on the 1st. Only two records in December were of singles at Marazion and Porthgwarra on the 12th and 14th respectively.

COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Very scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

The spring record was a single bird at Bass Point Apr 25th. The only other spring migrant was another single at Porthgwarra May 30th.

Breeding was reported from Hametethy, Tregastick, Roughtor Plantation, Crowdy Plantation and Reservoir and Halvana Plantation. Breeding was proved at the last site with juveniles present Jun 26th.

Autumn saw only two birds move through the county with singles at Rame Church Oct 14th and Land‟s End Oct 16th.

Birds in Cornwall 81

WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra Very scarce breeding summer visitor and scarce passage migrant.

No breeding records were received.

In spring the only record was of one at Land‟s End on May 17th.

Autumn passage commenced with one at Windmill Farm and Colliford Res. on Aug 28th. A steady trickle of sightings was reported from around the coast, the last being three at Windmill Farm Oct 20th. Maximum counts included; Windmill Farm: seven Sep 5th – 6th, four Sep 10th, five Sep 18th and three Oct 20th. Land‟s End: three Sep 6th. Caerthillian Cove: three Sep 10th. Colliford Res.: six Sep 18th. Penlee Point, Rame Head: four Sep 18th. Amble Marshes: four Sep 19th.

STONECHAT Saxicola torquatus Common breeding resident and scarce passage migrant.

Breeding was proven at two sites this year and suspected at ten others.

No large numbers were reported this year, in spring or autumn. No change in status was detected.

Unusual was a “white-headed” bird at Land‟s End, May 21st.DSF

„SIBERIAN STONECHAT‟ S. t. maurus (9) (1) Very rare migrant (2002)

Porthgwarra: one Oct 6th to 14th.

This is the second record at Porthgwarra the first was Oct 1st – 4th 1985.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------8 2 -

Porthgwarra is the joint top site, the other being Kenidjack.

NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Scarce breeding summer visitor and common passage migrant.

Historically the earliest report was on Feb 11th 1940 at Goonbarrow and the latest at on Dec 8th 2000. There have been a couple of wintering records; one at Mullion Golf Course Jan – Feb 1968 and one at Nov 23rd 1988 to Jan 1st 1989. This year the first was at Porthtowan Mar 15th, whilst the last was at Loe Bar Nov 22nd.

The only report of breeding came from St Agnes Head where a pair raised two young.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 29 175 70 17 11 22 125 21 1 -

82 Birds in Cornwall

Reported in small numbers from over 30 sites; all counts of over ten are listed; Colliford Res.: 16 Sep 15th. Davidstow Airfield: 15 Sep 18th. Land‟s End: 20 Sep 6th, ten Oct 15th. Porthgwarra: Eleven May 8th. Sancreed: 18 May 10th. St Agnes Head: 24 Apr 25th, 70 Apr 30th.

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus Very scarce passage migrant. Former breeder.

None were noted in the spring.

The first for the autumn was one at Rame Head on Oct 14th. 29 birds moved through with the last on Oct 31st. Most of the records were of single birds but four were at Poltesco Oct 19th, six were at Jericho Valley Oct 19th and five visited Kynance Cove Oct 23rd.

COMMON BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Very common breeding resident. Common passage migrant and winter visitor.

During the breeding season DIJ located this species in 32 one Km squares whilst doing BBS surveys.

No large numbers were noted during the first nine months of the year. A few birds were noted moving during October with groups of 30 and 25 noted at Lands End on the 6th and 16th respectively. 60 were noted at Sancreed on Nov 13th and 20 were located at Marazion Marsh on Dec 1st.

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

Numbers were down on previous years.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 48 44 - - 1 - - - - 10 735 339

Reports included: Adams Hill, St Buryan: one May 5th. Cubert: 100 Nov 7th. Davidstow Airfield: 100 Nov 13th. Holmbush: 100 Nov 25th. Windmill Farm: 150 Dec 9th. Colliford Res.: 160 Dec 18th.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

During the breeding season DIJ located this species in 32, 1Km squares while conducting BBS surveys.

Very few large flocks were reported this year with all counts of over 20 listed below; Land‟s End: 20 Oct 6th. Tregunna, Camel Trail: 20 Oct 9th. Jericho Valley: 30 Oct 17th. Sancreed: 30 Nov 5th.

Birds in Cornwall 83

REDWING Turdus iliacus Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

A poor first winter period, but the best autumn passage since 1997.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 258 72 12 2 - - - - - 8076 2272 909

Reports included: Sancreed: 100 Jan 3rd, 910 south west Oct 23rd, 600 west Nov 5th, 140 west Nov 12th, 500 Nov 13th, 200 Dec 23rd, 300 Dec 12th to the end of the year. DSF Rame Head: 7000 flew over in three hours Oct 16th. DCg Holmbush: 100 east Nov 13th, 500 west Nov 25th. Polgreen Farm: 120 Nov 26th. Kilmarth: 100 Nov 29th. Colliford Res.: 200 Dec 18th.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

A pair raised two young at Sancreed and DIJ located this species in just eleven 1Km squares while conducting BBS surveys.

Very few records were received, those that were was of mostly ones or twos. The only large gatherings were 50 at Men-an-Tol on Jan 26th and Nov 27th, and 16 at Tregunna, Camel Trail on Oct 9th.

CETTI‟S WARBLER Cettia cetti Very scarce breeding resident and passage migrant.

Reports were received from only four sites this year, compared with 15 last year and ten in 2003. Probable breeding noted at Marazion Marsh and Par Beach Pool with four and three singing males respectively and single migrant birds reported at Loe Pool Oct 31st and Harlyn Bay reedbed Nov 2nd.

Number of singing males at the main breeding sites since 1998

14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Par Beach Pool Marazion Marsh

84 Birds in Cornwall

COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

Historically the earliest ever arrival was at on Apr 2nd 1983, whilst the latest was at Duckpool on Oct 27th 1988. This year the first was at Downs Apr 5th and the last was at Hayle Kimbo Pool on Sep 17th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 15 13 14 - - 1 - - -

A very poor year. Reports came from just 17 sites with a maximum of four at Windmill Farm on Apr 30th.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

The earliest ever arrival was at Par Beach pool on Feb 8th 2004 and the latest was at on Nov 22nd 1996. This year the first was at Marazion Marsh on Apr 3rd and the last was at the same site on Oct 5th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 15 24 5 1 22 17 2 - -

Almost certainly under recorded the largest counts came from Marazion Marsh where twenty were observed Aug 8th. Ten were also noted at Polgreen Farm on May 9th. All other counts were of smaller numbers.

EURASIAN REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

The earliest on record was at Marazion Marsh on Mar 8th 1998 and the latest was at Porthcurno on Dec 3rd 1998. This year the first was at Marazion Marsh on Apr 11th and the last was at the same site on Oct 20th.

Breeding was only proven at Drift Res. where a pair raised one young, but was suspected at many more localities.

Most of the records received were of single birds but Marazion Marsh had a maximum of seven on Aug 8th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 7 3 2 2 12 3 4 - -

Birds in Cornwall 85

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Common breeding summer visitor. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 18 11 16 113 58 144 1 3 2 21 11 3

Jan – Mar Noted at ten sites during January, with most records referring to single birds but there were five at Marazion Marsh on the 1st and four were at on the 15th. In February only seven sites hosted this species with the four still at Ponsanooth being the maximum. The four remained at Ponsanooth throughout March; records came from eight different sites with singing males noted in the last week of the month.

Apr – Jun Breeding was noted in early April with many sites holding territorial males. DIJ located this species in 32 one Km squares whilst conducting BBS surveys. A few migrants were noted with 13 at the Lizard being the maximum.

Jul – Sep Only six records were received for this period.

Oct – Dec Migrants were noted at Porthgwarra, Nanquidno, Rame Head and Land‟s End during October with a maximum of six at Nanquidno on Oct 10th. A minimum of six sites were utilised by wintering birds in November and December.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

The earliest recorded arrival was a bird at Golitha Falls on Mar 3rd 2001, and the latest was at St Just on Nov 17th 1982. A bird did overwinter at in January 1994. This year the first was at Roche on Apr 13th and the last was at Harlyn Pools Sep 14th.

As many as 14 sites held this species during the breeding season with breeding proven at two.

Away from the breeding sites the only records were of singles at Adam‟s Hill, St Buryan Aug 4th and 15th; and at Harlyn Pools Sep 14th.

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Rare breeding summer visitor and very scarce passage migrant.

A total of only seven records were received for this species with all of them coming in the period May 1st to Jun 14th. Breeding was suspected at Roche and Goss Moor.

COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis Common breeding summer visitor and scarce passage migrant.

Historically the earliest arrival for this species is Mar 31st 1980 at Epphaven and the latest seen was at Sewage Works on Nov 12th 2004. This year the first was at Windmill Farm on Apr 23rd and the last was at Porthgwarra on Oct 9th.

86 Birds in Cornwall

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 10 43 75 0 2 7 1 - -

During the breeding season DIJ located this species in 26 one Km squares whilst conducting BBS surveys. Breeding was only confirmed at three sites.

Reports include; Land‟s End: five Apr 25th, nine May 3rd. Sancreed: ten May 10th. Nanquidno: six May 3rd.

DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata Rare breeding resident.

Records received from only seven sites this year, with breeding only proven at one.

No birds were recorded away from known breeding sites.

PALLAS‟S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus (59) (1) Rare vagrant.

Kynance Farm: One Oct 23rd. DE

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------43 14 3

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus (481) (16) Very scarce vagrant. Has over wintered.

With no wintering records this year, all sightings fell between Oct 3rd and Nov 7th. (All records are listed).

Kendijack: one Oct 3rd. Land‟s End: one Oct 6th. Chapel Porth: one Oct 7th. Church Cove, Lizard: single Oct 8th; two Oct 12th – 14th. Rame Church: two Oct 9th – 12th. Forder: one Oct 10th – 12th. Caerthillian: one Oct 11th. : one Oct 13th. Nanquidno: one Oct 16th. Cot Valley: one Oct 25th. Polgreen Farm: one Nov 2nd. Wacker Quay: one Nov 6th. Gannel Est.: one Nov 7th.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 1 1 1 1 - - - 23 409 45 11

Birds in Cornwall 87

WESTERN BONELLI‟S WARBLER Phylloscopus bonelli (12) (1) Very rare vagrant (2003)

Treeve Common: one Sept 13th. MTE

Since the first in 1958, all but one have been in Penwith, of which five have been in the Land‟s End/Sennen area.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 9 3 - -

WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Very rare breeding summer visitor and rare passage migrant.

Breeding was last proven in the county in 2000.

The only record received was of a single singing male, at a possible breeding site.

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita Very common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19 74 79 133 52 151 1 12 58 79 84 24

Reports include: St Austell Sewage Works: 20 Feb 2nd, 30 Nov 28th. Marazion Marsh: 15 Feb 16th, 18 Feb 18th, 11 Feb 25th, 12 Nov 21st. Lizard: 13 Mar 28th, ten Apr 25th. Kenidjack: 30 Mar 24th. Cot Valley: 12 Aug 29th. Land‟s End: Ten Oct 6th, 15 Oct 15th. Nanquidno: Ten Oct 16th.

Pale birds showing characteristics of the Siberian races P. c. tristis and P. c. abietinus were reported as follows; Chapel Porth: One Dec 18th, (P. c. tristis). DC Windmill Farm: One Nov 9th, (P. c. tristis). CBWPS Marazion Marsh: Single P. c. abietinus, were noted Jan 21st, Feb 16th, Mar 8th and Nov 9th. RSPB

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus ibericus (2) (0) Very rare vagrant.

2004 Record; Windmill Farm: one male singing Apr 30th to May 3rd. ARP

This is only the second Cornish record of this species, which breeds locally in the French Pyrenees and throughout Western Iberia, wintering in Northern Africa. The other was also a single singing male, at Dunmere on May 12th to Jun 5th 2000.

88 Birds in Cornwall

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Very common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant

Historically the earliest arrival was one at Wheal Kitty on Mar 2nd 2001, whilst the latest was at Par Beach Pool Dec 13th 2001. A single bird overwintered at Helston Sewage Works 1996 – 1997. This year the first were three at Windmill Farm on Mar 26th and the last was at Land‟s End Oct 6th.

The majority of sightings for this species came in the spring with only eight records received after Jun 26th. Breeding was suspected at 20 sites.

Maximum counts away from breeding sites included; Windmill Farm: 17 Apr 2nd, 27 May 16th. Sancreed: ten May 10th. GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Very common breeding resident. Common passage migrant.

DIJ located this species in 21 one Km squares whilst conducting BBS surveys.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 13 1 21 26 53 0 0 1 3 30 27

Reports included; Charlestown: ten Nov 29th. Pentewen: 20 Nov 14th. St Austell Sewage Works: ten Feb 2nd, 20 Nov 6th, 30 Nov 28th.

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla Very scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

Numbers fluctuate from year to year and 2005 was very poor for this species.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 4 2 ------6 3 3

All records are listed; Adam‟s Hill, St Buryan: singles Jan 4th and Dec 19th to 26th. Hayle Est.: one Jan 5th to Mar 3rd. Marazion Marsh: two Jan 26th to 30thwith one Mar 2nd. Amble Marshes: one Feb 9th. Mawgan Porth: one Feb 14th. Penzance Heliport: one Feb 28th to Mar 19th. Porthgwarra: one Oct 3rd, three Oct 15th, and one Nov 28th. Land‟s End: one Oct 6th. Rame Church: one Oct 19th. Pentewen: one Nov 14th. Culdrose Sewage Works: one Nov 16th. Loe Pool: two Nov 20th with one until Dec 9th. Scarlet‟s Well, Bodmin: one Dec 21st.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata

Birds in Cornwall 89

Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant.

Historically the earliest ever arrival was at Bude on Mar 25th 1979, whilst the latest recorded was at Caerthillian Nov 11th 1996. This year the first was Sancreed May 7th and the last was at Rame Barton Oct 9th.

Approximate Monthly Totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 6 37 19 28 18 1 - -

Most records involved one to two birds but seven were noted at Cot Valley Aug 29th and five were at St Buryan Aug 6th.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva (133) (1) Rare vagrant.

Rame Barton: one Oct 10th. DCg

This is the third record for the Rame area with the others in 1993 and 1998.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - - 2 33 91 7 -

The top site is Porthgwarra with 35.

PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Rare breeding summer visitor. Very scarce passage migrant.

During the breeding season, DIJ located birds and suspected breeding at two sites.

There was no birds seen during the spring passage and only ten in the autumn, (all are listed);

Adams Hill, St Buryan: singles Aug 28th – 29th and Sep 4th. Cot Valley: singles Aug 29th and Oct 9th. Polgreen Farm: one Aug 31st. Church Cove, Lizard: two Sep 3rd. Windmill Farm: singles Sep 9th and 12th. Caerthillian: one Oct 12th.

90 Birds in Cornwall

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus Common breeding resident.

Reported as fairly common around the county, although flock sizes were smaller than previous years. Breeding was proven or suspected at at least 18 sites.

Reports included: St Austell Sewage Work: 16 Feb 2nd, 40 Nov 28th. Marazion Marsh: 15 Jul 11th. Shortlanesend: 15 Jul 11th. Jericho Valley: 20 Oct 19th. Loe Pool: 16 Nov 20th. Drift Res.: 16 Nov 29th.

BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus Abundant breeding resident.

Noted throughout the county. Breeding was proven or suspected at a minimum of 31 sites. No large flocks were reported.

GREAT TIT Parus major Very common breeding resident.

A minimum of 29 sites were noted to have held this species during the breeding season. As with the Blue Tit no large numbers were noted this year.

COAL TIT Periparus ater Common breeding resident and scarce passage migrant.

Of the 45 records received 29, (from 20 sites), were during the breeding season. As with the other tit species no large flocks were reported.

WILLOW TIT Poecile montanus Rare breeding resident with a small population.

Only three records were received for this species, they are listed below; Upper Tamar Lake: two Jan 14th. Upper Fowey Valley: one Apr 24th. Ninestones: one Jul 8th.

MARSH TIT Poecile palustris Common breeding resident.

Noted at 26 sites during the year. DIJ proved or suspected breeding at eleven BBS sites.

The only count of more than four birds was five at Treweartha on Jun 16th.

Birds in Cornwall 91

WOOD NUTHATCH Sitta europaea Common breeding resident.

Reported at a minimum of 27 sites throughout the county with breeding proved or suspected at at least 19 of them. Only five sites were in the west of the county. (See map below;)

UK Status: A

92 Birds in Cornwall

EURASIAN TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris Common breeding resident.

Only 19 records for this woodland species were received with all but two from East Cornwall. Breeding was suspected at nine sites.

The map below shows the distribution during 2005.

UK Status: A

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus (219) (1) Rare vagrant.

Hayle Est.: one Apr 30th.

A very poor year. A single occurrence during the year was last recorded in 1988.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 30 155 20 4 3 4 3 - -

Birds in Cornwall 93

ISABELLINE SHRIKE Larius isabellinus (2) (0) Very rare vagrant.

2002 Porthgwarra: first winter male Jun 26th. This record has already been accepted by BBRC, but after a review it has been racially assigned as a „Turkestan Shrike L. i. phoenicuroides‟.

This is probably the second bird of this race to be recorded in the county; the other was a first winter at on Oct 27th to 31st 1989, and was said to show characteristics of this form.

No records of the nominate race have been recorded in Cornwall.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio (123) (3) Rare vagrant. Formerly bred.

Amble Marshes: one adult male June 14th. DD DIJ CS. Adam‟s Hill, St Buryan: one juv. Oct 3rd. JL Church Cove: one juv. Nov 11th.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 - 14 16 - 16 45 30 4 -

The bird at Church Cove was the latest arrival into the county equalling the latest sighting of a juvenile at present from Oct 29th until Nov 11th 1996.

Porthgwarra is the top site in the county with 23 sightings.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator (94) (1) Rare vagrant

Nanquidno: a male, Apr 30th. PAF, DKP.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 16 33 11 2 14 11 5 1 -

Porthgwarra is the top site with 18.

EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius Common breeding resident. Scarce passage migrant.

Birds were noted at 40 sites during the year, and at 30 during the breeding season but no breeding was reported.

A small measure of dispersal was noted during October and probably included a few migrants as listed

Porthgwarra: 17, (flocks of eight and nine), were noted, flying south, Oct 5th. JL Penlee Point, (Rame): five Oct 9th. DC Sancreed: eight, flew west, Oct 2nd and five were counted Oct 23rd. DSF

94 Birds in Cornwall

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE Pica pica Very common breeding resident.

Although reported thoughout the county, no breeding records were received.

An interesting set of records came from the RSPB at Marazion Marsh where 33 took up residence on Nov 23rd. Numbers increased to 40 Nov 30th-Dec1st and then increased again to 44 on Dec 2nd. 70 were noted Dec 19th, with lesser numbers into 2006. Marazion Marsh seems to attract this species in good numbers with gatherings of 71 in 2002 and 97 in 2003, although these peaks were in January and not December.

No other site held more than 11 birds.

RED-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Rare breeding resident. Very rare vagrant.

A single pair raised five young, (two males and three females) on the Lizard. Birds were noted throughout year in both the Penwith and Lizard Peninsulas. A group of four were present at Lands End throughout October.

EURASIAN JACKDAW Corvus monedula Very common breeding resident.

Reported throughout the county but no breeding records were submitted.

Only two sites held more than 100 birds; Dinham Flats, Camel Est.: 150 Jul 24th. ST Sancreed: 620 Dec 4th, 1200 Dec 5th, 1880 Dec 11th and 2010 Dec 27th. DSF

ROOK Corvus frugilegus Very common breeding resident.

Although recorded in all suitable habitats throughout the year, very few records were received.

Breeding was only reported from three sites and all of those were by one observer; Dinham Woods; 35 nests. (cf 20 1999; 34 2000; 56 2001) Polgover: 35 nests. Roche Churchyard: 20 nests.

No counts were received of over 100 birds except in the area of the Dinham Woods rookery where 300 were noted on Jul 24th and 150 on Aug 3rd.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone Very common breeding resident.

Present throughout the county during the year. DIJ located breeding birds in 33 one km squares while conducting BBS surveys.

Large counts were only received from the Camel Est. when 105 were noted Oct 18th.

Birds in Cornwall 95

CARRION CROW/HOODED CROW HYBRID Corvus corone/cornix hybrid

Land‟s End/Sennen: a single bird was present Jan 22nd-31st; another bird was noted Mar 22nd. PAF, DKP Nineveh: one Mar 24th. DKP

HOODED CROW Corvus cornix (61) (1) Rare vagrant

Land‟‟s End/Sennen: one Apr 21st to Jun 13th.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 7 4 9 7 3 1 3 1 7 6 8

COMMON RAVEN Corvus corax Scarce breeding resident.

A total of only 53 records were submitted this year and only two incidents of breeding were reported; Tregunna: a pair was noted displaying but not known if they nested. Daubuz Moor, Truro: a pair nested on the viaduct, (these could possibly be the Catherdral pair).

No high counts were received with the largest being only seven.

COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Very common breeding resident and abundant winter visitor and passage migrant.

The breeding population is widespread, but localized; certain areas hold strong populations, while others hold none at all.

Although this is probably the commonest bird present in the county in the winter months only 81 records were received. Apparently only 9 one km squares held breeding birds, although many more noted juveniles.

The only active roost reported was at Marazion Marsh where an estimated 100,000 were present Nov 14th but only 50,000 Dec 12th.

ROSY STARLING Sturnus roseus (85) (3) Very rare vagrant.

Tregonce: one adult May 25th. DIJ et al : one juvenile Sept 16th-17th. DE DKP Marazion Marsh: one juvenile roosted Sept 27th.RSPB

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - - - 2 22 7 4 23 22 5 1

The Tregonce bird is the earliest ever in spring.

The top site is Land‟s End/Sennen with 12 birds.

96 Birds in Cornwall

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Abundant breeding resident.

Breeding was reported from at least 28 sites although numbers and success is unknown.

Flocks in excess of 30 were located at; Shortlandsend: 70 Jan 6th. Marazion Marsh: 30 Aug 8th. Sancreed: 30 Aug 15th, 30 Nov 15th and 45 Sep 3rd. : 57 Sep 19th.

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Very common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding was noted or suspected at 33 sites this year, although this is certainly an underestimate due to observer complacency.

Flocks in excess of 100 were noted as follows; Porthgwarra: 500 Oct 13th and Nov 13th. Sancreed: 580 Oct 23rd, 500 Oct 24th, 250 Nov 5th, 130 Nov 12th. (All noted flying west). Menabily Barton: 100 Nov 1st. Windmill Farm: 150 Dec 4th, 120 Dec 26th.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Common passage migrant and scarce winter visitor.

There were only two records in the first half of the year with singles at Windmill Farm and Treliske Hospital, Truro on Jan 8th and Mar 11th respectively.

Autumn passage commenced with one at Rame Church Oct 8th/9th, this bird remaining in the area to the 16th. Sancreed was the only other site to hold birds in Oct but a more general, (all be it small), arrival commenced on Nov 1st. Only three birds remained in the county in December.

Menabily Barton: 30 Nov 1st, 20 Nov 6th, one Nov 16th, five Nov 20th- 21st. Sancreed: five Oct 23rd, two Oct 24th, one Oct 29th, eight Nov 5th, one Nov 12th, two Nov 13th, one Nov 16th. Green Lane, Marazion: three Nov 1st. Marazion Marsh: two Nov 9th. Porthgwarra: six Nov 13th, three Nov 14th. Adams Hill, St Buryan: two Nov 15th. Windmill Farm: one Dec 4th and into 2006. Rafta Farm: two Dec 23rd.

EUROPEAN SERIN Serinus serinus (133) (1) Rare passage migrant.

Ludgvan: a female, Mar 17th. DKP

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 9 9 22 20 1 - - 9 32 25 5

Top site is Porthgwarra in 31 records.

Birds in Cornwall 97

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Very common breeding resident.

Very few records received. DIJ located it breeding in 27 one km squares whilst conducting BBS surveys.

Flocks of over 50 were noted at; Egloshayle Cemetery: 120 roosted Jan 6th. Cross Street Cemetery, Bodmin: 90 Feb 2nd. Dinham Shoreline, Camel Est.: 80 Sep 19th. Green Lane, Marazion: 70 Nov 1st.

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Very common breeding resident.

The only breeding records received were from DIJ who located this species in 29 one km squares whilst conducting BBS Surveys.

Generally flock sizes were small but all flocks over 30 birds are listed; Cot Valley: 30 Feb 9th. Virgin Hill, Marazion: 63 Mar 17th. Ludgvan: 63 Mar 17th. : 70 Feb 9th. Sancreed: 70 Sep 11th. St Agnes Head: 110 Aug 28th. Penlee Point, Rame: 500 Oct 16th.

EURASIAN SISKIN Carduelis spinus Very scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Reported from eight sites during the breeding season, but breeding was not proven.

During the first winter period the only record was of a single bird at Feb 3rd.

Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Windmill Farm on Sep 19th. The main arrival came in October and early November when a total of 833 birds were logged. Counts of over ten were received from the following sites;

Harlyn Pools: one Sep 21st, 14 Oct 18th. Rosemount: one Sep 22nd, 21 Oct 3rd. Porthgwarra: one Sep 27th, 25 Oct 3rd, one Oct 13th, two Oct 30th. Lands End: 24 Oct 6th. Sancreed: one Oct 8th, 140 Oct 23rd, 54 Nov 11th, six Nov 12th, (all flying west). Rame Barton: 30 Oct 11th, 20 Oct 12th. Cot Valley: 50 Oct 12th. : ten Oct 12th. Caerthillan Cove: 30 Oct 15th. Kenidjack: 75 Oct 15th. Chapel Porth: 20 Oct 16th, 100 Oct 17th, 65 Oct 23rd. Penlee Point, Rame: 30 Oct 16th. Lower Tamar Lake: 11 Oct 19th. Kynance Cove: ten Oct 23rd. Marazion Marsh: 14 Nov 1st, seven Nov 9th.

98 Birds in Cornwall

Surprisingly, very few birds were noted from mid-November to the end of the year, with exception of the Respryn flock, (although these could still have been passage migrants).

Respryn: 150 Nov 22nd. Ponsanooth: two Nov 23rd. Crowdy Res.: ten Dec 12th. Scarlet‟s Well, Bodmin: one Dec 21st. Dunveth Road, Wadebridge: one Dec 21st. Clapper Marshes: five Dec 23rd.

COMMON LINNET Carduelis cannabina Abundant breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

Breeding was noted or suspected in 29 one km squares by DIJ whilst conducting BBS surveys.

No large flocks were noted in the first winter period with the only three figure counts coming from the Pentire/Rumps area where 400 were present Mar 17th.

No discernable spring passage was reported.

In the autumn, maximum numbers included; Windmill Farm: 35 Jul 29th, 50 Aug 5th, 50 Aug 15th, 100 Aug 21st, 50 Sep 13th, 250 Sep 18th, 200 Sep 22nd, 250 Oct 5th. St Agnes Head: 150 Aug 15th. Cape Cornwall: 50 Aug 21st. Colliford Res.: 120 Sep 4th, 20 Sep 6th. Davidstow Airfield: 25 Sep 6th, 100 Sep 13th, 20 Sep 18th. Cot Valley: 50 Sep 29th.

Large flocks in the second winter period included; Higher Lampetho Farm: 50 Nov 1st, 100 Nov 30th. Crugmeer: 210 Nov 2nd. Menabily Barton: 120 Nov 12th, 70 Nov 18th. Raftra Farm: 160 Dec 23rd.

LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret Very scarce breeding resident, scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

Only ten records were received for this species, of which six came from known breeding sites during the summer months. All other records came from during the autumn and are documented;

Cape Cornwall: One Oct 16th. Marazion Marsh: One Nov 14th. Porthgwarra: One Nov 14th, 30 Nov 28th.

Bizarrely more birds were noted in the county, (54), than last year when only 52 were noted.

Birds in Cornwall 99

COMMON REDPOLL Carduelis flammea I (18) (2) Very rare passage migrant (2002)

Porthgwarra: Two, (in a flock of Lesser Redpoll, C. carbaret), Nov 28th. DKP

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 3 5 - - - - 1 2 5 -

This species is probably commoner than records suggest.

COMMON CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra Very rare breeding resident. Scarce passage migrant.

Numbers of this irruptive species vary substantially from year to year.

Breeding was suspected at one site this year.

A small irruption was witnessed this year with a minimum of 191 birds reported mainly from the very west of the county. Crowdy Res.: four Jul 8th, may have been local breeders. Tregilliowe Farm: nine Jul 13th. Heamoor: six Jul 15th. Truthwell: 17 Jul 15th. St Hilary: 35 Jul 13th, 35 Jul 14th, 50 Jul 15th. Adams Hill, St Buryan: two Jul 15th, three Jul 18th. Sancreed: one Jul 16th. St Agnes Head: three Jul 17th, one Aug 2nd. Marazion Marsh: one Jul 25th.

Unusual was two males, flying east, at Sancreed on Nov 11th. DSF

COMMON BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Scarce breeding resident.

DIJ suspected or proved breeding in 18 one km squares whilst conducting BBS surveys. Many other sites held birds during the breeding season and probably bred. The largest group reported was five at Trevarner Dec 11th.

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes (107) (18) Rare passage migrant and winter visitor.

St Neot: one Sept 3rd. VAC Cape Cornwall: one flew south, Oct 15th. PAF Amble Marshes: one flew over Walmsley Sanc., Oct 18th. FC Sancreed: 15, (flock of 14 and a single), flew over Oct 23rd. DSF.

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Undated 8 4 9 9 6 6 12 - 5 49 7 7 1

100 Birds in Cornwall

LAPLAND LONGSPUR Calcarius lapponicus Rare winter visitor and passage migrant.

Black Head, Coverack: four Oct 1st. ARP Harlyn Pools: one flew over calling, Oct 1st. DIJ Sennen: two Oct 15th. DKP

A very poor year, considering a total of 74 individuals were noted last year. In fact it was the worst year since 1978 when only four were recorded.

SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Rare winter visitor and passage migrant.

A very poor year with only 14 indivduals reported.

St Agnes Head: two Jan 13th. Porthtowan: two Mar 15th. Adams Hill, St Buryan: one Oct 2nd. Gun Point, Camel Est.: two Oct 15th. Chapel Porth: one Oct 23rd. Porthcurno: one Nov 13th. Marazion Marsh: five Nov 14th, with two in 2006.

Birds in Cornwall 101

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella Scarce breeding resident and winter visitor.

Reported from all suitable areas with breeding suspected at at least 23 sites.

The map below shows the scattering of Yellowhammer records received.

UK Status: A

CIRL BUNTING Very rare breeding resident and passage migrant.

Because of the fragile foothold this species has in this county, (as a breeding bird), and that the RSPB are reintroducing „Cirls‟ into the county, it was decided not to publish any information this year. A full report will be published in the future.

Please still continue to submit records of this species.

102 Birds in Cornwall

ORTOLAN BUNTING Rare vagrant

Nanjizal: one Sep 26th. DKP

Approximate Monthly Totals (Historical) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 3 - - 18 142 24 1 -

Top sites are Land‟s End/Sennen 28, Porthgwarra 28, Trevose Head 22, Lizard 14, Nanjizal 14.

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Very scarce breeding resident. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant.

Recorded from all suitable sites but breeding was not proven.

Flocks of ten or more were noted from the following two sites;

Windmill Farm: 13 Jan 15th, 12 Jan 23rd. Jericho Valley: ten Feb 16th.

CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra Very scarce breeding resident. The majority of the population is found in the coastal fringe between the Gannel Estuary and Rumps Point.

Very few records were received for this species and none of them were away from the Trevose Head/Pentire Areas.

No large flocks were detected this year.

Birds in Cornwall 103

Contributors P Aley M Lawson D Bannaster D Lord Birdguides IM McKercher RR Bosistow A Mason J Brown WC Northcott JD Bryden D K Parker BTO Heronery Census A Parks BTO WeBS S Parks TM Carne R Parslow T Carson PN Paul CBWPS (Hide Log Books) A Pay SM Christophers BM Phillips D Clegg (DCg) T Phillips F Cottington J Phillips D Curtis SG Rowe DG Dennis RAFOS B Dodd RSPB M T Elliot C Selway D Eva R Smaldon T Fenton P Spong D Fletcher AB Stewart L Flecther IR Stewart D Flumm W Stewart PA Fraser D Thomas R Gould G Thomas CP Green RK Treeby E Griffiths V Tucker B Hannaford S Turner R Hargreaves SC Votier DV John RE Wake DI Julian Mr & Mrs Watson R Lane L Webb A Langdon LP Williams J Lawman DM Yelland

Gazetteer

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

Acton Castle SW5528 Amble Confluence SW9774 Antony Passage SX4157 Adams Hill SW4025 Amble Marshes SW9874 Arallas SW8544 Alex Tor SX1178 Amy Down SX3666 Arden-Sawah SW2722 Allen Valley SX0476 Anderton SX4352 Argal Reservoir SW7632 Allet SW7948 SW5838 Ashill SW6142 SX2281 Antony SX3954 Ashton SW6028 Alverton SW4630 Antony Estate SX4156 Badgall Downs SX2286

104 Birds in Cornwall

Badger’s Cross SW4833 SX1876 Bude Breakwater SS2005 Bake SX3258 Bone Valley SW4632 Bude Canal SS2005 SW7742 Bonython SW6920 Bude Marshes SS2005 Ball Roundabout SX0073 Booby's Bay SW8575 Bugle SX0159 Barn Pool, SX4552 Downs SW6633 Bunning's Park SX1872 Barras Nose SX0589 Borlase Wood SW8540 Burniere SW9873 Barriper SW3863 Bosanketh SW3826 Burniere Point SW9874 Bartinney Downs SW3929 SW6631 Burnt House SX2166 Basset’s Cove SW6344 Boscarne SX 0367 SW6734 Bass Point SW7111 Boscastle SX0990 SW4429 Bastreet SX2476 Boscathnoe Reservoir SW4531 Bury Down SX1959 Battery Rocks SW4729 Boscawen Park SW8343 Bush SS2307 Baulk Head SW6522 Boscawen Pond SW8245 Bussavean Farm SW8047 SW6545 Boscawen Rose SW4323 Bussow Reservoir SW5039 Beacon Cove SW8466 Boscoppa SX0253 Butterstor Plantation SW1577 Beagles Point SW7616 Boscundle SX0453 Butter's Tor Marsh SX1678 Bear Wood SX1164 Bosigran SW4236 Butterwell, SW0267 Bear's Downs SW8968 Bosistow SW3623 Cabilla Woods SX1365 Bearah Tor SX2574 Bosjewans Valley SW4227 SW7214 Bedruthan Steps SW8469 SW4125 Cadsonbury SX3467 Cliff SX1092 Boskenwyn SW6927 Caer Bran SW4029 Berry Down SX3755 Bosloe SW7727 Caerhays SW9741 Bethel SX0352 SW7931 Caerloggas SW9557 Bilton Wood SX3169 SX0761 Caerthillian Cove SW6913 Biscovey SX0653 Bosorne SW3630 Creek SW8343 Bishops Quay SW7225 SW8760 SX3669 Bishops Wood SX0070 SW4336 SX4368 Bissoe SW7741 SX0689 SW6540 Black Head, Coverack SW7716 Bosullow Common SW4133 Camel Estuary SW9374 Black Head, St. Austell SX0447 Boswarthen SW3433 Camel Quarry SW9537 Black Rock SW6634 Boswarva SW4332 Camel River SX0267 Blackacre SW9461 Boswarva Carn SW4233 SX1083 Blackcombe Wood SX2874 SW4437 Candra SX1179 Blackcross By-pass SW9060 Boswens Common SW4032 Canonstown SW5235 Blackpool Clay Pit SW9854 SW6934 Cape Cornwall SW3531 Blacktor Downs SX1573 SW9941 Carbis Bay SW5239 Blerrick SX3853 Botallack SW2632 Carbis Moor SX0255 Blindwell SX4252 Botallack Head SW3634 SX1268 SX0973 Botherick SX4167 Cardinham Woods SX1067 Blue Hills, St Agnes SW7252 Botus Fleming SX4061 SW4434 Boat (Trenow) Cove SW5329 SX1882 Cargenwen/ Res. SW6535 SX1758 Boxheater SW8253 Cargloth SX3354 Bochym SW6820 Boyton SX3292 Cargreen SX4362 Moor Ponds SX0555 Bradford SX1175 SX4160 Bodgara SX2686 Bradworthy SS3213 SW8453 SW9973 Brane SW4028 Carlean Wood SW6042 Bodigga Cliff SX2754 Bray's Cot Pool SW7218 Downs SX0256 SX1352 Brea SW6640 Carluddon SX0155 Bodmin SX0666 Breage SW6228 Carluddon Mica Dam SX0054 Bodmin Moor SX1876 SW9277 Bay SX0551 Bodmin Parkway Stn SX1164 SX0561 SX0865 Bodmin Sewage Works SX0566 Brew, Sennen SW3625 Carminowe Creek SW6524 Bodrugan SX0143 Brickmoor Plant’n SW7951 Carn Bosavern SW3730 Downs SX1163 Brill SW7229 Carn Brea, Camborne SW6840 Bogee Farm SW9069 Brockabarrow Common SX1574 Carn Brea, St. Just SW3828 SX4167 Brocton SX0168 Carn Galver SW4236 Bois House SX1774 Browngelly Downs SX1972 Carn Gloose, SW3934 Bruggan Farm SW7114 Gurnards Head SW4338 Bolatherick SX1176 Bucklawren SX2655 Carn Gloose, St Just SW3531 Bolgigga SX2754 Bude SS2106 SW3832 Marsh SW7653 Bude Bay SS1607 Carnanton SW8764

Birds in Cornwall 105

Carne Creek SW7725 College Reservoir SW7633 Daubuz Moor, Truro SW8245 Carnevas SW8672 Colliford Dam SX1771 Davidstow Airfield SX1485 Carn-les-Boel SW3523 Colliford Downs SX1871 Davidstow Woods SX1484 SW6936 Park SX1773 SW9277 Carnon Bridge SW7839 Colliford Reservoir SX1772 Deadman’s Cove SW6143 Carnon Downs SW8040 Colquite SX0570 Degibna Wood SW6525 Carnpalla SW9754 Com Head SW9480 SX0683 Carnsew Pool SW5537 Common Moor SX2469 De Lank Water Works SX1376 Carnweather Point SW9580 Congdon’s Shop SX2878 Demain Farm SW9042 Carnworthy Water SX 2291 Constantine SW7329 Dennis Cove SW9274 SW3733 Constantine Bay SW8574 Dennis Head SW7825 Carracawn Cross SX3257 Cooksland SX0867 Dennis Hill SW9274 Carrick Luz SW7516 Coombe SS2111 Denzill Mill SW8956 Carricknath Point SW8432 Coombe, Feock SW8340 Common Sw4031 Carrick Roads SW8335 Coombe, Fowey SX1151 Devoran SW7939 Carrine Common SW7943 Coombe, Lynher River SX3662 Deweymeads SX1772 Carthew Farm, St Issey SW9571 Coombe, St Austell SW9552 Diggory’s Island SW8467 Carnvannel Downs SW6444 Coombe, Tehidy SW6242 Dinas Head SW8476 Carworgie SW9060 Coombe Farm, Maker SX4251 Dinham Woods SW9774 Casehill Downs SX1278 Copperhouse Creek SW5637 Ding Dong SW4334 Castle Beach SW8131 Cornwall College, Camb SW6641 Dinham Bridge SX0373 Castle-an-Dinas (East) SW9462 Coronation Park, Wadeb SW9871 Dinnaboad SX0481 Castle Gate SW4934 Coswarth SW8659 SX2164 Castle Horneck SW4530 Cot Valley SW3630 Dodman Point SX0039 Cataclews Point SW8776 SX4268 Dollar Cove SW3425 Cat's Cove SW8576 Cotehele Woods SX4268 SX1965 Catchall SW4327 Cotton Wood SX0167 Downas Valley SW7617 SX3059 Coverack SW7818 Downderry SX3253 SX4350 Creek SW8340 Doyden Point SW9680 SX4450 Crafthole SX3654 Dozmary Pool SX1974 SW9975 Crankan SW4633 Draynes SX2169 Chapel Point SX0243 SW7860 Draynes Bridge SX2268 Chapel Porth SW6949 Crean SW3824 Draynes Common SX2170 Charlestown SX0351 Cremyll SX4553 Drift SW4328 Chasewater SW7444 Creney Farm SX0761 Drift Reservoir SW4329 SX2572 Crinnis SX0551 Droskyn Point SW7554 China Fleet Club SX4258 Croft Pascoe SW7220 Duckpool SS2011 Chiverton Cross SW7446 Croft Pascoe Pltn SW7219 Duloe SX2358 Chiverton Farm SW5429 Croft Pascoe Pool SW7319 Dunmere SX0467 Churchbridge SX2158 Crooklets Beach SS2007 Dunmere Wood SX0468 Church Cove, Gunwalloe SW6620 Cross Lanes, SW6921 Dunveth Farm, St BreockSW9872 Church Cove, Lizard SW7112 Crousa Downs SW7618 SX0351 Chybucca SW7848 Crowan SW6434 Durgan SW7727 Chyenhal SW4528 Crowan Reservoir SW6535 East Colliford SX1870 Chyauster SW4734 Crowan Beacon SW6635 East Coombe SX7509 Chynhalls Point SW7817 Crowdy Reservoir SX1483 East Looe SX2553 Chy Pond SX1772 SW5133 East Looe River SX2554 Chyuerton SW7951 Crows-an-Wra SW3927 East Moor SX2177 Clapper Bridge SX3565 Crugmeer SW9076 SX1863 Clarrick Wood SX4351 Cubert SW7857 Eastern Green Beach SW4830 Cleave Camp SS2012 Cubert Common SW7859 Edmonton SW9672 Clift SX4055 Cudden Point SW5427 Efflins SW8570 Clifton SX4264 Culdrose SW6626 Efford SS2004 Cligga Head SW7353 Culdrose Airfield SW6725 Egloshayle SX0072 Clitters SX3772 Curgurrell Beach SW8837 Emblance Downs SX1277 Clodgy Point SW5041 Cury SW6721 Empacombe SX4452 Coads Green SX2976 Cutcrew Mill SX3386 SW9659 Cober Valley, Wendron SW6731 Bridge SX3260 Ennisworgey SW9361 Colan SW8661 Dairyland SW9658 Epphaven Cove SW9679 Coldrose Farm, Truro SW8248 Danescombe Valley SX4269 SW3626 SW9858 SX0382 Fairy Cross SX1262

106 Birds in Cornwall

Falmouth SW8032 SW9348 SX4070 Falmouth Bay SW8130 SW4133 Harrowbridge SX2074 Falmouth Docks SW8132 Great Grogley Downs SX0167 Hatt SX3961 Fenteroon Bridge SX1082 Great Hogus SW5130 Hawker's Cove SW9177 Feock SW8238 Great Keiro Moor SW9675 Hawk's Tor, Temple SX1475 Ferry Farm, Calstock SX4569 Great Wood, St Winnow SX1256 Hawkstor Clay Pit SX1474 Fiddlers Green SW8254 Greeb Point, BaySW9740 SX4166 Fishing Cove SW5942 Greeb Point, SW8733 Hayle SW5637 Fistral Bay SW7961 Greenaway SW9278 Hayle Bay, Camel Est. SW9379 Flexbury SS2107 SW9955 SW5537 Flushing SW7825 Greystone Wood SX3679 Hayle Kimbro Pool SW6916 Flushing Beach SW8033 Gribbin Head SX0949 Hayle Mill Pond SW5536 Foage SW4637 Grochall SW6914 Hayle River SW5436 Forder, SX4250 Grogley Halt SX0168 Hayle Towans SW5638 Forder, Saltash SX4158 SW4029 Heamoor SW4631 SW6838 Guineaport SW9971 Helford SW7526 Fowey SX1251 Gull Rock, Boscastle SX1193 SW7626 Fowey Estuary SX1254 Gull Rock, Nare Head SW9236 SW7726 Foxhole SW9654 Gull Rock, SW6445 Heligan SW9946 SX9158 Gull Rocks, Pt SW7559 SX0770 Freathy SX3952 Gulland Rock SW8778 SX0671 Friendship Wood SW5431 SW4831 SW5040 Froe SW8633 SX4371 Helligan Wood SX0872 Froe Creek SW8633 Gun Point SW9176 Hell's Mouth SW6042 SW7640 Gunver Head SW8977 Helman Tor SX0661 Gannel Estuary SW7961 Gunwalloe SW6522 Helston SW6627 SW7023 Gunwalloe Marsh SW6621 Helston Amenity Area SW6526 Garrow Tor SX1478 Gurnard's Head SW4338 Helston Boating Lake SW6527 Garvinack Farm SW7748 Gwallon SW5231 Helston Sewage Works SW6526 Gear Common SW4436 SW7113 Helstone SX0881 Gear Sands SW7555 Gweek SW7026 Hemmick Beach SW9940 Geevor Mine SW3734 Gweek Woods SW7025 Hendersick Farm SX2352 Geonamarth Farm SW9855 Gwendreath SW7316 Hendra, Manhay SW6931 SW5929 Gwennap Head SW3621 Hendra, Nanquidno SW3629 Gerrans SW8735 SW7417 Henna Cliff SS1915 Gerrans Bay SW9037 Gwenver SW3627 Hensbarrow Downs SW9957 Gerrans Point SX0348 Gwinear SW5937 Hepwell SX3064 Gillan SW7824 Gwithian SW5841 SX2160 Gillan Creek SW7725 Gwithian Towans SW5841 , Looe SX3057 Gillan Harbour SW7825 Gwynver SW3627 SW9649 Gillhill Wood SX2257 Gyllyngvase Beach SW8031 Highburrow SW6325 Gillhouse SX1873 Halamanning SW5530 High Cliff SX1294 Glebe Cliff SX0488 Halfway House, Higher Bostraze SW3931 Glendurgan SW7727 St Jidgey SW9469 Higher Crill Farm SW7783 Glynn Valley Woods SW7727 Halloon SW9159 Higher SW5628 SW6131 SX1887 Higher Kerrowe SW4536 Godolphin Wood SW6032 Hals’ Grave SW9571 Higher Lampetho Farm SX1052 Godrevy Island SW5743 SW5038 Higher Tregiffian SW3627 Godrevy Point SW5743 Halton Quay SX4165 Highgate SW9259 Godrevy Towans SW5842 Halvana Plantation SX2077 HMS Raleigh SX4254 SX1254 Halwyn SW9374 Hoe Point SW5727 SW5430 Halzephron Cove SW6521 Holestrow SW6912 Golitha/Draynes Wood SX2268 Hannafore SX2552 Holman's Moors SW4839 Golitha Falls SX2268 Hannafore Point SX2552 Holmbush SX0352 SW6951 Hannibal's Carn SW4336 Holywell Bay SW7659 SW7853 Harbour Cove, Padstow SW9177 Hooper’s Bridge SX0365 SW7219 Harewood SX4469 Hore Stone SX2350 Goon Husband SW6625 Harlyn SW8775 Housel Bay SW7011 Goonzion Downs SX1767 Harlyn Bay SW8775 Hudder Down SW6042 SX0141 Harlyn Pools SW8775 Hustyn Downs SX0067 Goss Moor SW9459 Harpur’s Downs SX1179 Hustyn Wood SX0069

Birds in Cornwall 107

Idless SW8247 SX3860 Longstone SX0673 SW6744 Land's End SW3425 Looe SX2553 Illogan Wood SW6643 Landrake SX3760 Looe Bay SX2652 SW9158 SX4361 Looe Estuary SX2553 Industry SX2377 Landulph Marsh SX4261 Looe Island SX2551 Innis Downs SX0262 SX2283 Looe Mill Pool SX2553 Innis Fish Farm SX0357 Laneast Downs SX2384 SX1059 Inny Vale SX1586 SX0855 Loveny SX1868 Jamaica Inn SX1876 Langdon SX2092 Loveney Reserve SX1873 Jericho Farm SW3931 Langore SX2986 SW3734 Jericho Valley SW6951 Lanhainsworth SW9264 Lower Brynn SW9862 Jolly's Bottom SW7544 Lanhoose SW8637 Lower SX2792 Jubilee Pool, Penzance SW4729 Lanhydrock SX0863 Lower Kemyel SW4625 Jupiter Point SX4156 SX0364 Lower Moor T'ment Wk SX1283 Kea Wood SW8442 SX0758 Lower Predannack Down SW6814 SW6241 Lanner SW7139 Lower Tamar Lake SS2911 SX3671 SX1856 Ponds SX3953 Kelsey Head SW7660 Lansallos SX1751 Lowerton SW6529 SW3730 Lanteglose SX0882 Lowland Point SW8020 Kemyel SW4625 Lantundle SX2158 Luckett Woods SX3972 Kenidjack SW3632 Farm, SW4234 Ludgvan SW5033 Kenidjack Castle SW3532 Lanyon Quoit SW4233 Lundy Bay SW9579 Kennack Sands SW7316 XS3078 Lundynant Caravan Park SW9479 Kennal Vale SW7437 Larrigan Rocks SW4629 SW8262 SX2883 Latchbrook SX4059 SX0558 SW5629 SX4073 Luxulyan Quarry SX0559 Kensey Valley SX3285 SS2606 SX0557 SW8145 Launceston SX3384 Lye Rock SX0689 SW7643 SW 6034 Lynher Estuary SX3955 Kerney Bridge SX3270 Lelant SW5437 Madderley Moor SX1059 Wood SX0871 Lelant Saltings SW5436 Mabe SW7634 Keveral Wood SX2955 Lellizzick SW9077 Madron SW4531 SS2511 Lerryn SX1357 Maenease Point SX0141 Killigerran Head SW8732 Leswidden Farm SW3930 SW7829 Wood SW3864 Letcha Farm SW3630 Maen Valley, Falmouth SW8032 Kilmarth SX0952 Levant SW3734 Maer Lake SS2007 Kilmar Tor SX2574 SX2780 Maker Heights SX4351 Kilminorth Woods SX2354 SX3378 Malpas SW8442 Kings Wood SX0048 Ligger Point SW7558 SW7625 Kingsand SX4350 SX2564 Manare Point SW9338 Kingsmill Creek SX4260 Little Busullow SW4234 SW8050 Kingsmill Lake SX4261 SX3580 Marazion Beach SW5031 Kit Hill SX3771 Little Gribbib SX0950 Marazion Marsh SW5031 SW7216 Little London SW5230 Marble Cliffs SW8976 Kynance Cliff SW6713 SW9172 SX1591 Kynance Cove, Godrevy SW5843 Little Petherick Creek SW9273 Maudlin, Liskeard SX2664 Kynance Cove, Lizard SW6813 Lizard Downs SW6913 Mawgan SW7024 Kynance Downs SW6814 Lizard Point SW6911 Mawgan Creek SW7125 Kynance Farm SW6714 Lizard Village SW7012 Mawgan Porth SW8467 Labour-in-Vain SW6744 Lobb Shop SX0249 SW7827 SW8951 Loe Bar SW6424 SW7728 Ladock Wood SW8851 Loe Beach SW8238 Mayon Green SW3626 Lady Downs, Penwith SW4736 Loe Pool SW6424 Mayon Cliff SW3425 Lakeview Country Park SX0163 Loe Valley SW6526 Mayon Pit, Sennen SW3625 SW7631 SW5739 Meachard SX0991 Lamb Creek SW8442 SX0050 Neal SW9039 Lamelgate SX2170 Long Island SX0790 SX1050 Lamledra SX0141 Long Rock Beach SW4931 Men-An-Tol SW4234 SW4424 Long Rock Pool SW5031 Menabilly SX1051 Lamorna Cove SW4524 SW7434 Menabilly Barton SX0951 Lanarth SW7621 Long rock SW4931 SW6141

108 Birds in Cornwall

Menadue Marsh SX0358 Nanjulian Farm SW3629 Park Clay Pit SX1970 SX2962 Nanquidno SW3629 Park Head SW8470 Mennavean Quay SW7724 Nansavallan Wood SW8143 Park Hoskyn SW7549 Merope Rocks SW8676 Nansloe SW6526 Paul SW4627 Merry Maidens SW4324 Nansmellyn Marsh SW7654 Pawton SW9570 SX2766 Nanstallon SX0366 Paynter’s Cross SX3964 SX0874 Nanswhyden SW8762 Pednvadan SW8835 Messack Point SW8435 Nare Head SW9137 Beach SW2239 Meudon SW7828 Nare Point SW8025 SX2054 SX0144 SX3256 Pemboa SW6826 Mevagissey Bay SX0245 Navax Point SW5943 Penair SW8545 Middle Taphouse SX1763 Neal Point SX4361 Penally SX0991 Military Road, Penlee SX4349 Nether Bridge SX3486 SX0040 Milladon Pond SX3315 New Mill SW4534 Penarrow Point SW8234 Mill Bay, Nanjizal SW3523 Newbridge, Callington SX3467 SW3923 Millbrook SX4252 Newbridge, Penzance SW4231 Pencalenick SW8545 Millbrook Lake SX4352 , St Just SW3631 Pencarrow, Bodmin SX0471 Millbrook Pond SX4252 Newland SW9181 Pencarrow Head SX1550 SX2653 Newlyn SW4628 Pendarves SW6437 SW5730 Newlyn Beach SW4629 Pendavey SX0071 Millpool, Cardinham SX1170 Newlyn Coombe SW4529 Pen Enys Point SW4841 Milltown SX1057 Newlyn Downs SW8354 Pendarces Woods SW6438 Milltown, St Neot SX1867 Newlyn East SW8256 Pendeen SW3834 Minions SX2671 Newlyn Harbour SW4628 Pendeen Watch SW3735 Minnows Islands SW8572 Newlyn River SW4628 Pendennis Point/Castle SW8231 Mirrose Well SW6344 New SW9379 Pendoggett SX0279 Mitchell SW8654 New Pool, Polmorla SW9871 Pendower Beach SW8938 SW7470 Newquay SW8161 Pengirt SW9480 Moditonham Quay SX4161 Newquay Bay SW8162 Penhale, Mullion SW6918 Molenick SX3361 Newquay Golf Course SW8062 Penhale, St John SX4153 Moresk SW8245 Newton Moor SW6738 Penhale Camp SW7658 SW4035 Newtown SW5728 Penhale Creek SX4254 Morval SX2556 Nine Maidens SW7756 SS2115 (near Madron) SW4335 SW7651 Mory Island SW8263 Nine Maidens, Penhalt SS1900 Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676 St Columb SW9367 Penhellick Farm SW8245 Mount, Cubert SW7756 Ninestones SX2174 Penhole Farm SX1861 Mount Araret SX4064 Ninestones Bridge SX2373 Penjerrick SW7730 Mount Charles SX0252 Ninestones Farm SX2174 Penlee Battery SX4349 Mount Edgcumbe CP SX4552 No Mans Land, Looe SX2756 Penlee Point, SW4726 SW7147 North Bowda SX2477 Penlee Point, Rame Hd. SX4448 Mountjoy SW8760 North Cliffs SW6243 Penlee Quarry, Newlyn SW4627 Mount Pleasant SX0062 North Country SW6943 Penlee Reserve SX4349 Mount's Bay SW4930 Northcott Mouth SS2008 Penlee Woods SX4449 Mounts Pond, Penhale SW5678 Notter Bridge SX3860 Penmarth SW7035 Mousehole SW4726 Okeltor SX4468 Penmillard, Rame SX4249 Mullion SW6718 Old Dane SW8162 Pen Olver, Lizard SW7111 Mullion Cliffs SW6617 Church SW8441 Penpol Creek, Devoran SW8138 SW6617 Old Town Cove SW9373 Creek, Fowey SX1354 Mullion Golf Course SW6620 SX1690 SW6439 Mullion Island SW6617 Otterham Down SX1590 Penrice SX0249 Murrayton SX2854 Outer Retallick SW9266 Penrose, Loe Pool SW6425 Music Water SW9068 Padstow SW9274 Penryn SW7834 Mutton’s Downs SX1969 Par SX0753 Penryn River SW7934 SW8036 Par Bay SX0852 SX2969 SW8235 Par Beach SX0853 Moor SW7545 SW8035 Par Beach Pool SX0853 Pentargon SX1091 SW6332 SX0752 SX0147 SW4935 Par Moor SX0552 Pentewan Beach SX0247 Nancothan SW4429 Par Pools SX0854 Pentire, Newquay SW7961 Nanjizal SW3523 Par River SX0753 Pentire Farm SW9380

Birds in Cornwall 109

Pentire Point, Polmorla SW9871 Praa Sands SW5828 Padstow Bay SW9280 SX2050 Predannack SW6816 Pentire Point East, Polquick SW8246 Predannack Airfield SW6816 Newquay SW7861 Polridmouth Cove SX1050 Predannack Downs SW6915 Pentire Point West, SX1250 Predannack Head SW6616 Newquay SW7761 Polscoe SX1160 Predannack Wollas SW6616 Pentireglaze SW9380 Polson SX3584 Prideaux Place SW9175 Beach SW6912 Polsue Farm SW9943 Prideaux Wood SX0655 Penventon SW6941 Poltesco SW7215 Priory Park Bodmin SX0766 SW7944 Polurrian Cove SW6618 Probus SW8947 SX0256 Creek SW7328 Prussia Cove SW5527 Penzance SW4730 Polzeath SW9378 Pulla Cross SW7439 Penzance Heliport SW4831 Polzeath Bay SW9739 Queener Point SX4148 Penzance Railway Stn. SW4730 Ponsanooth SW7537 SW8559 Perbargus Point SW9541 Pont SX1452 Quoit Farm SW9261 Percuil River SW8534 SX0756 Racecourse Downs SX0969 Perran Bay SW7555 Porcupine SX0755 RAF Portreath SW6746 SW5530 Popesmill SX2763 RAF St. Mawgan SW8664 Perran Sands SW5429 Pordenack Point SW3424 Raftra Farm SW2722 Perranporth SW7554 Porkellis SW6933 Ralph's Cupboard SW6445 Perranporth Airfield SW7352 Porkellis Moor SW6832 Rame Barton SX4249 Perranporth Dunes SW7554 SW9679 Rame Church SX4249 SW5329 Portgaverne SX0080 Rame Head SX4148 Perranuthnoe Cliffs SW5428 Porthallow SW7923 Rame, Rame Head SX4249 Perranwell SW7752 Porth-cadjack Cove SW6444 Rame, Stithians SW7233 SW7738 SW8571 Redgate SX2268 Petherwin SX2889 Porthcurnick Beach SW8735 Redhill Downs SX1671 Phillack SW5638 Porthcurno SW3822 Redmoor SX0762 Philleigh SW8739 Porthguarnon SW4123 SS2604 Picklecombe SX4550 Porthgwarra SW3621 Redruth SW6942 Piece SW6739 SW8237 SW7955 Pier Cellars SX4449 SW9375 SW6633 Pigshill SX4351 Porth Joke SW7760 SW5631 SX 3663 Porthkerris SW8022 SX0842 Pill Creek SW8339 Porth Kidney Beach SW5438 Reskadinnick SW6341 Pilsamoor SX2785 SW6225 Reskajeage Downs SW6343 Pinkson Creek SW9473 Porthleven Sands SW6324 Respryn SX0963 Pinnockshill SX1874 Porthluney Cove SW9741 Castle SX1061 Pipers Pool SX2684 Porth Mear, Park Head SW8471 Restronguet Creek SW8038 SW9576 Porthmellin Head SW8632 Resugga SW9452 Place Manor, St Mawes SW8532 Beach SW5140 SW9366 Place Wood SW8633 Porthmeor, Zennor SW4337 Rialton Barton SW8461 Plaidy SX2653 Porthminster Point SW5239 SX2973 Plain-an-Gwarry SW6952 Porthmissen SW8976 Head SW5826 SX2580 SW3530 SX0476 Polbathic SX3456 Porth, Newquay SW8362 SW8440 Polbathic Creek SX3557 Portholland SW9541 River Kenwyn SW8046 SX0169 SW8021 River Neet SS2208 Polcrebo Downs SW6433 Porthpean SX0350 Roche SW9860 Poldhu SW6620 Porth Reservoir SW8662 Rock SW9375 Poldhu Cove SW6619 Porthtowan SW6948 Rocksea Farm SX0274 Poldhu Marsh SW6720 Port Isaac SW9980 SX0789 Polgigga SW3723 Portloe SW9339 Ropehaven SX0349 Polgreen Farm/Lake SW8666 SX0143 Rosecliston SW8159 Polhawn Cove SX4149 Portnadler Bay SX2451 SW6442 Polhawn Fort SX4249 Portquin SW9780 Rosecraddock SX2667 Polkerris SX0952 Portreath SW6545 Rosedale SX3357 Polly Joke SW7760 Portscatho SW8735 Rosehill SW4530 Polmarkyn SX3335 SX3553 Roseland Peninsula SW8637 SW9745 Poughill SS2208 Rosemelling Pool SX0457 Polmear SX0853 SX2099 SW4136

110 Birds in Cornwall

Rosemullion Head SW7927 Skinham Point SX4360 SW5439 Rosenannon SW9566 Sladesbridge SX0171 St Ives Island/Head SW5241 Rosenannon Downs SW9567 SX1085 St Jidgey SW9469 Roseny Valley Wood SX0559 Smallacombe Pltn SX2275 St John SX4153 Rose Valley SW3935 Soap Cove SW6714 St John Ford SX4153 Rosewarne SW6441 South Boderwennack SW6830 St John's Lake SX4254 Rosewastis SW9161 Southdown SX4352 St Just SW3631 Roseworthy SW6139 Southground Point SX1050 St Just Airfield SW3728 Roskear Croft SW6541 Southithdown SX4252 St Just Pool SW8435 Rosken Farm SW8972 SX3081 SW8535 Roskestal SW3722 Spit Beach SX0752 SW7821 Rospannel SW3926 Spit Point SX0752 SX0276 Rospeath SW5132 St Agnes SW7250 St Kew Highway SX0375 Rosudgeon SW5529 St Agnes Head SW6951 SX2361 SX1481 SW8250 St Levan SW3722 Rough Tor Farm SX1382 St Andrew's Pool SX0754 St Loy SW4223 Roughtor Moors SX1480 St. Anthony, Helford SW7825 SX0373 Roundwood Quay SW8339 St Anthony, St. Mawes SW8532 St Martin SX2455 SW9039 SW8431 St Mawes SW8433 Ruan Lanihorne SW8841 St Austell SX0252 SW8765 Ruan Major SW7016 St Austell Bay SX0651 SX3865 Ruan Minor SW7215 St Austell Golf Course SX0050 SW8873 Rumford SW8970 St Austell Sew. Works SX0150 St Merryn Airfield SW8871 Rumps Point SW9381 St. Bellarmin’s Tor SX1370 St Michael's Mount SW5129 Buoy SW3620 SX0654 St. Michael Penkevil SW8542 Rushyford Gate SX2267 St Blazey Lakes SX0555 St Minver SW9677 Ryan's Field SW5436 St Breock SW9771 St Nectan’s Glen SX0888 Sally’s Bottom SW6746 St Breock Downs SW9668 St Neot SX1867 Saltash SX4258 St Breward SX0976 SW8256 Salter Mill SX4363 St Buryan SW4025 St Stephen, Foxhole SW9453 Saltmill Creek SX4259 St Cadoc Farm, Harlyn SW8875 St Stephens, Launceston SX3285 Samphire Island SW6344 SX2468 St Winnow SX1157 Sancreed SW4129 St Cleer Downs SX2467 Stable Hobba SW4529 Sandplace SX2456 St Clement SW8543 Stanbury Mouth SS1913 Sandy Mouth SS2009 St Clement Woods SW8248 Stannon Clay Pit SX1280 Scarce Water Bridge SW8247 St Clement’s Isle SW4726 Stem Pioint SW8467 Sconner Creek SX3656 SX2083 Stenalees SX0157 Scorrier SW7244 St Columb Major SW9163 Stepper Point SW9178 Scribble Downs SX1477 St Columb Minor SW8462 Sticker SW9750 Sea Mills SW9273 St Columb Porth SW8362 Stithians SW7336 Seaton SX3054 St Columb Road SW9159 SW7136 Seaton Valley SX3055 St Columb Sew. Works SW9063 SX3674 Sennen SW3626 St Dennis SW9557 Stonaford SX2577 Sennen Cove SW3526 St Dominick SX4067 Stone SW3930 Sharp Tor SX2673 St Dominick Church SX3967 Stratton SS2206 Sharrow Point SX3952 St Elvin SW6427 Summercourt SW8856 Sheffield, Mousehole SW4526 St Enodoc SW9377 Summerleaze Beach SS2006 Shell Woods SX0872 St Enodoc Golf Course SW9376 Sunny Corner SW3626 Shepherds SX8154 St Erme SW8449 Swanpool SW8031 SX3655 SW5535 Swanpool Beach SW8031 Sheviock Wood SX3656 St Erth Pools SW5435 Swanvale SW7931 Shillingham Creek SX4057 SW5735 SX2251 Short Island SX0790 SW8868 Talland Bay SX2251 Shortlanesend SW8047 St Eval Airfield SW8768 Tamar Estuary SX4359 Siblyback Farm SX2372 SW9746 Tamar Lakes SS2811 Siblyback Moor SX2373 St Germans SX3657 Tater-du SW4423 Siblyback Reservoir SX2371 , Penryn SW7834 Tehidy Country Park SW6443 SW7548 St Hilary SW5531 Temple SX1473 SW6328 St Issey SW9271 Temple New Bridge SX1574 Skewjack SW3624 SX3067 Temple Tor Pools SX1373 Skinham Pond SX4260 St Ives SW5140 Terras SW9353

Birds in Cornwall 111

Terras Bridge SX2455 Tregantle SX3852 Trengwainton SW4431 Thanckes Lake SX4355 Tregantle Fort SX3853 Trenouth SW9070 The SW3431 Tregare Barton Wood SW8636 Trenow (Boat) Cove SW5329 The Chick SW7661 Tregassick SW8634 Trenowin Downs SW4835 The Goose SW7861 SW8962 Treraven Woods SW0070 The Kelsey’s SW7769 Tregathenan Reservoir SW6530 Trereife SW4529 The Lizard SW7020 Tregavarrah SW4429 Trerethern Farm SW9173 The Mouls SW9381 Tregavarras SX0841 Trerew Wood SW8158 The Sisters SX0689 Tregembo SW5731 SX3358 Three Holes Cross SX0173 Tregenna SW9440 SW7539 SW7844 SW3732 Tresarett SX0973 Tideford SX3459 Tregiller SW9249 Tresemple Pool SW8544 Tintagel SX0588 Treginegar SX2263 Tresillian SW8646 Toad Hole SW9659 SW9176 Tresillian River SW8444 Tolcarne Arms SW5236 Tregonce SW9273 SX0357 Tolcarne Beach, Tregonebris SW4128 Treskilling Clay Pit SX0357 Newlyn SW4629 Tregonetha SW9563 Treskilling Downs SX0357 Tolcarne Beach, Tregonetha Downs SW9562 SX2198 Newquay SW8162 Tregonhawke SX 4051 Treslea Downs SX1368 Tolgus SW6944 Tregony SW9244 SX2327 Tollgate, Wadebridge SW9772 SX1183 Tresvannack SW4528 Toll Point SW7826 Tregoss SW9660 Treswigga SX1274 Tolpetherwin SX2782 Tregoss Moor SW9760 Trethern SW8536 Tolvaddon SW6040 Tregotha Farm SW5936 Trethewell SW8535 SX1154 Tregowris SW7722 Trethewey SW3823 Torpoint SX4354 Tregrehan SX0553 Trethias Island SW8573 Towan Beach SW8732 SX0453 Trethill SX3754 SW7962 Tregunna SW9673 Trethurgy SX0355 Towednack SW4838 Trehemborne SW8773 SX0890 Townshend SW5932 Trekelvesteps SX2269 Trevail SW4740 Trago Mills SX1864 Trekennick Tor SX2181 SW4940 Trannock Downs SW6630 SW9062 SW9577 Trannack Farm SW5633 Trelay Farm SX2054 SW9772 Treago Farm SW7760 Treleaver Cliff SW7616 Trevanson Farm SW9773 Trebah SX7627 Treleaver Farm SW7716 Trevanson Woods SW9773 SW8662 Trelew SW8135 Trevarno SW6430 Woodlands SX2577 SW9979 SW8566 Trebarwith Strand SX0596 SW9352 SW9060 Trebehor SW3724 Treliske Hospital, Truro SW7945 Trevassack SW7122 Trebellan SW7856 Trelissick SW8339 Trevaunance Point SW7252 Trebelsue SW8463 SW9865 Trevaylor Woods SW4632 SW9278 Treloquithack SW6929 SW4740 Trebetherick Point SW9277 Trelow Downs SW9268 Trevean Cove SW5428 Trebownbridge SX2959 Trelowarren SW7124 Trevean Farm SW5428 SW8961 SX 1686 Trevear SW4740 Treburgey SX2263 SX2567 Treve Common SW3425 SX3477 Trematon SX4057 Treveddo SW8061 Treburrick SW8670 Tremayne Quay SW7225 Trevedra Farm SW3727 SW4528 Trembath SW4528 Farm SW3629 Tredinney Common SW3298 SW4430 Trevelga SX0890 Tredinnick SX3659 Trenadlyn SX0955 Trevelgue SW8463 Tredrossel SX3555 Trenance Lake SW8160 Trevella Pond SW8059 Treen, Boswednack SW4337 Trenance Point SW8468 Trevellas SW7352 Treen, Porthcurno SW3922 Trenant, SW9479 Trevellas Airfield SW7451 SX0855 Trenant, St Neot SX2168 Farm SW9574 Trefusis Point SW8133 SX2455 SW6829 Tregadillet SX2983 Trenant Point SX2553 Farm SW9841 Tregaller SX3182 Trenant Wood SX2454 SX2067 SW9264 Trenarren SX0348 Treverbyn Bridge SW8849 Tregaminion, Porthallow SW7922 Hill SW5136 Treverva SW7531 Tregaminion, Restormel SX0951 Trendrine SW4739 Treverven SW4023

112 Birds in Cornwall

Trevescan SW3524 Veryan Bay SW9638 Trevia SX0983 Victoria SW9861 Trevilley, Sennen SW3524 Wacker Quay SX3855 Trevilvas Wood SW9247 Wadebridge SW9872 Trevisquite Manor SX0474 Wadebridge Sew. Wks SW9817 Trevissome SW7547 SX1895 Trevithick SW8862 Walmsley Sanctuary SW9974 Trevol SX4155 SX2090 Trevone SW8975 Washaway SX0369 Trevone Bay SW8876 Watch Croft SW4235 Trevorian Pool SW3726 Watergate, Looe SX2354 Trevose Farm SW8675 Watergate Bay SW8364 Trevose Head SW8576 Watts Nature Reserve SW8047 Trewardale SX1071 Wearde Quay SX4257 Trewassick SW8561 Week St. Mary SX2396 Treweatha SX2267 Weir Point SW8136 SW9777 Wendron SW6731 Trewellard SW3733 Werrington SX3287 SW6728 West Looe SX2553 Common SW4636 West Looe River SX2454 Trewey Downs SW4537 , Newquay SW7760 SX0051 West Penwith Moors SW3929 Trewidden SW4429 SX1563 SX2180 Westcott SW3768 Trewithen SW9147 Westerlake Farm SX2171 SW8837 Western Cove SW6445 Trewonnard SX1989 Wheal Eliza SX0353 Treworga SW8940 Wheal Kitty SW7251 Bridge SW9874 Wherry Down SW4729 Tor SW8839 Wherry Town SW4729 Trewortha Tor SX2475 Whitebarrow Downs SX1970 Treyarnon SW8673 White Cross, Treyarnon Bay SW8574 Indian Queens SW8959 Trezibbett Farm SX2075 Whitecross, Ludgvan SW5234 Triffle SX3354 Whitecross, Wadebridge SW9672 Trispen SW8450 , Sennen SW3527 Trobus Farm SW8850 Whitsand Bay SX3851 Troon SW6638 Wicca SW4739 Truro SW8245 SX2857 Truro River SW8342 Widemouth Bay SS2002 SW5272 Wiggle SX4250 Trye Farm SW4535 SX4356 Trythall SW4433 Wilsey Down Plant’n SX1987 Tuckingmill SX0977 Wimalford Farm SX2173 Turnaware Point SW8338 Windmill Farm SW6915 SW7642 Winnard's Perch SW9266 Two Bridges, St Columb SW9163 Witheybrook Marsh SX2572 Marsh SX0854 SW9965 SW7441 Wolf Rock SW2611 Upper Fowey Valley SX2173 Wolsdon SX4054 Upper Tamar Lake SS2812 Woodford SS2213 SX2872 Woon Gumpus Common SW3933 Upton Towans SW5739 Yeale Farm, Fowey SX1352 Valency Valley SX1291 Zacry's Island SW8363 SX0982 Zawn Kellys SW3522 SW5032 Zelah SW8151 Vault Bay/Beach SX0140 Zennor SW4538 Vellandreath SW3626 Zone Point SX27 SW7851 Ventonleague SW5738 Veryan SW9139

Birds in Cornwall 113

THE SOCIETY‟S RULES

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

Rule 2 (Objects) The objects of the Society shall be: a) to further the study of birds in the field; and b) to assist in their preservation and conservation Rule 3 (Membership) Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objects of the Society. Classes of membership shall be as follows: Ordinary members - any person over the age of 18 yrs Life members - any ordinary member who has paid the prescribed life membership subscription. Junior members - any person under the age of 18 yrs. Honorary members - any person, whether otherwise a member or not, who is elected an Honorary member by a General meeting on a recommendation of the Executive Committee in recognition of outstanding service to the objects of the Society. Group members - School or similar groups.

All members shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the Society (except that Junior members shall not be eligible to serve as Honorary officers or as members of the Executive Committee) and shall be entitled to vote at General meetings (Group members shall be entitled to one vote only on behalf of that body). The Executive Committee shall have the authority to exclude from membership, or cancel the membership of, any person if it considers that person to have contravened any requirements contained in these rules or any legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or for any other matter which the Executive Committee considers offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society.

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

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

Rule 6 (Meetings) An annual general meeting shall be held in each year. The quorum shall be 20. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, or at the request of 20 members by

114 Birds in Cornwall

application to the Chairman and the General Secretary, such applications to be accompanied by details of the motion or motions to be moved.

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

Rule 8 (Accounts) The annual accounts of the Society shall be checked independently.

Rule 9 (Trustees) Land of the Society shall vest in the Official Custodian of Charities.

Rule 10 (Dissolution etc.) This Society shall neither be dissolved, nor amalgamated with, nor subordinated to any other body without the consent of two-thirds of the members, at a General Meeting where the business is transacted, and in respect of which dissolution, amalgamation or subordination, prior notice must be given under rule 11. For the purpose of this Rule, Members may vote by post.

Rule 11 (Alteration of rules) An alteration of the Rules of the Society may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been set out in full on the agenda sent to members and that the proposed alteration is passed by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting. No alteration of the rules that would result in a benefit being received by a member of the Executive Committee will be effective until it has been approved in writing by the Charity Commission.

Rule 12 (Executive Committee Members not to be personally interested) (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-clause 2 of this rule no member of the Executive Committee shall acquire any interest in property belonging to the Society (otherwise than as a Trustee of the Society) or receive remuneration or be interested (otherwise

Birds in Cornwall 115

than as a member of the Executive Committee) in any contract entered into by the Executive Committee. (2) Any member of the Executive Committee who is for the time being acting as Recorder and Editor for the Society may receive such reasonable remuneration in connection with the work of the Recorder and Editor in collecting and compiling records of bird sightings in Cornwall and their assembly in a form for publication as shall from time to time be determined to be appropriate by the members of the Executive Committee: Provided that any member of the Executive Committee who is remunerated under this provision shall withdraw from any meeting at which his or her own instruction or remuneration is under discussion.

116 Birds in Cornwall