December 2005

The Eider is the Quarterly Newsletter of the Argyll Bird Club (http://www.argyllbirdclub.org) Scottish Charity Number SC 008782

December 2005 Photo: Jim Duncan Editor Steve Petty, Craigielea, Kames Tighnabruaich, Argyll PA21 2AE Phone: 01700 811235 E-mail: [email protected]

Inside this issue Editorial 2 Field trips for 2006 2 Corncrake success 3 Equipment purchase 3 Spring meeting prog. 3 Raptor nest sites on Islay 4-5 A Curlew’s tale 5 Blackcap migration 6 Superswans 6-7 Islay memories 7-8 Recent bird reports 9-12 Revised bird names 12-13 The British list 13-14 Field trip reports 15-16 Seabird trip to Islay Kintyre windfarm Cairnbaan & Danna

Spring Meeting 2006 Autumn Meeting 2006 Mink control update 17 On Saturday 11th March at the On Saturday 4th November at the Members views 17-18 Royal Marine Hotel, Hunter’s Quay, Cairnbaan Hotel, near Lochgilphead. Press releases 18-19 Dunoon. It is hoped to have the programme in Windfarms The programme is on page 3 the June Eider Bird flu update Black-throated Divers

To receive the electronic version of The Eider in colour, members should send their e-mail address to the Editor (contact Page 1 details above). Past issues (since June 2002) can be downloaded from the club’s website.

The Eider

Editorial

The club’s Autumn Meeting at the Cairn- tary. A sad loss to the club as both had case about windfarms. But, it could baan Hotel was particularly well attended, contributed so much over the years. At equally well apply to fish farm applica- with at least 77 people present. It must times in the past we’ve had great difficulty tions, new forestry schemes etc. What are have been the lousy weather outside that, finding a secretary, so it was with great your views? I would be willing to print for once, encouraged some of the most relief that Katie Pendreigh agreed (without some letters on the subject in the March ardent birders indoors! too much arm twisting!) to take over the issue. reins—thanks Katie. David Merrie re- Bob Furness had once again arranged a For contributions to this issue, I would signed from the committee, but promised varied and interesting programme that like to thank Clive Craik, Paul Daw, Jim to continue organising field trips! The ranged from outdoor access (Gavin Smith) Duncan, Bob Furness, Mike Gregory, Iain vacant committee posts were filled by Ian and wildlife crime in Scotland (Joe Con- Logan, Eddie Maguire, David Merrie, Hopkins (Bute) and Danielle Clark-De nelly) to the birding delights of Coll Linda Petty (proof reading), Tristan ap Bisschop (Colintraive). A full list of club (Simon Wellock) and Costa Rica (Nigel Rheinallt, Nigel Scriven, Margaret Staley, officials for 2005/6 is provided on the Scriven). The meeting concluded with Michael Thomas, Simon Wellock, David back page. some excellent photographs from sea trips Wood and Gordon Yates. in the Hebrides (Chris Jackson). Thanks The articles by Mike Gregory and Iain Finally, have a very happy Christmas and are due to all involved; Bob, speakers and Logan on pages 17-18 both suggest that New Year—with some good birding too! the hotel for catering so well. the Argyll Bird Club (committee and And, with all that spare time during the members) should be more prepared to The meeting was also the venue for the holiday, why not write an article for the comment on controversial developments club’s AGM. John Anderson (assisted by March Eider? that might affect bird populations, in this his wife Helen) stepped down as Secre-

Forthcoming field trips in 2006

Sound of Gigha—5th April (page 4). Some of the highlights from Sanda—17-18th June previous visits have included three spe- cies of diver, Slavonian Grebes (some in Some recent field trips have not been very full summer plumage), Common Scoters, I am organising another trip to Sanda Is- well attended, so as an experiment, next Long-tailed Ducks and Greenland land in 2006, during the weekend of the year’s Sound of Gigha outing will take White-fronted Geese. We will also be 17-18 June. A full report of the 2005 trip place on Wednesday 5th April 2006. As looking out for early migrants. can be found in the September 2005 Eider, before, some guidance on identification pages 8-9. Since then, the boat has been Paul Daw will be provided for less experienced bird- fitted with a brand new engine, which is ers. Meet at the car park at Ronachan Tel: 01546 886260 running well, and so we shouldn't experi- Point just off the A83 (grid reference ence another breakdown! There are vari- E-mail: [email protected] NR741548) at 10am. From here we will ous options available for the weekend. A call in at the coast near the West Coast day trip on the Saturday and Sunday will Salmon site and then onto Tayinloan. We Coll—13-14th May cost £20 for the boat. We hope to depart at will then take the ferry to Gigha, mainly to about 9am from Campbeltown and return look for birds in the Sound, and break for at about 5pm. For those wishing to stay lunch. Snacks can be ordered at the hotel It is hoped to arrange a field trip to Coll overnight, there are two rooms available on the island. Arrangements for the rest of over the weekend 13-14 May. Please con- in the Farmhouse for B&B at £30 per the day are flexible. We can spend more tact me if you are interested. person per night. Alternatively, there are 10 spaces in the Bunkhouse at £10 per time on Gigha before returning to the Simon Wellock mainland, if the weather is suitable and the person per night. All the above prices are majority wish to do so. Or, we may return Tel: 01879 230301 for 2005 and may be subject to a small increase in 2006. The boat can take 12 to the mainland and if weather and tide E-mail: [email protected] conditions permit, walk along the shore people, so places are limited and subject to towards Rhunahaorine Point to look for Warden RSPB Coll Reserve, Totronald, confirmation and the weather. For more waders. Alternatively, we can recheck Isle Of Coll, Argyll PA78 6TB information or to book a place contact: some of the morning’s sites. Nigel Scriven This trip depends very much on reasona- Garvellochs—late May Tel: 01369 840606 or 01505 843679 bly good weather. Will those who intend to come please contact me, by phone or e- E-mail [email protected] mail, at the very latest on Monday 3rd It is hoped to arrange a two night/three April, to give me some idea of how many day camping trip to the Garvellochs about people to expect and leave your phone the end of May. Please contact me if you number. If the weather forecast is really are interested. atrocious it may be possible to postpone David Merrie until the following week. Tel: 01250 884273 Spring birding in the Sound of Gigha can be a rewarding experience. This trip will E-mail: [email protected] be a repeat of a similar successful visits in Craigie House, Craigie, Clunie, Blair- spring 2004 and 2005. An account of the gowree PH10 6RG latter appeared in the June 2005 Eider Page 2

December 2005

Corncrake success

Photo: Gordon Yates In the last issue of the Eider (page 15), Roger Broad highlighted the success of Corncrakes in Argyll this year, with some superb photos by Jim Duncan. Subsequently, I received this excellent photo of a Corn- crake taken by Gordon Yates. Gordon says ‘I took the photos in a crofter’s garden on Islay this year – while it’s the best shot I’ve taken of a Corncrake, there is also a story that goes with it. It was taken in May when the males had just commenced calling. In July, I received a phone call from the lady who owns the croft to tell me that when she was wash- ing up, in front of the kitchen window she saw 11 young Corncrakes walk across the lawn! As you know it is not often you can prove Corn- crake breeding, but obviously this male pulled it off’. Editor

Purchase of optical and photographic equip- ment

With the cost of high quality optical and photographic equipment being so expensive, I propose that the club might negotiate a "club discount" with a suitable supplier. The discount would be negotiated with a sup- plier, who could accept both telephone and internet orders. Ideally, such a supplier should have shops in Glasgow, Edinburgh and possibly Oban, where members could test any equipment before purchase. I would be willing to research and negotiate the discount opportunities available to the club if the feedback from members was positive, so please get it touch if you are interested. Iain Logan E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01583 441352

Programme for the ABC’s Spring Meeting—Saturday 11th March 2006 Royal Marine Hotel, Hunter’s Quay, Dunoon

0930 Doors open, coffee and tea 1000-1010 Welcome and introduction—David Wood

1010-1020 Recent bird sightings—Paul Daw, Chairman of the Argyll Bird Club 1020-1050 The Birds of Scotland: a new book—Ron Forrester, SOC

1050-1120 Coffee/tea 1120-1200 A wild goose chase to Iceland—Alan Lauder, RSPB

1200-1230 Stranded off Sanda!—David Palmar

1230-1400 Lunch (available in the hotel) 1400-1445 Galapagos—Bob Furness, University of Glasgow 1445-1515 Conserving Argyll’s natural and cultural heritage—Marina Smith, Forestry Commission

1515-1545 Coffee/tea

1545-1630 Wrangle Island: gem of the arctic—Brian Little, Northumbrian Ringing Group

1630-1645 Raffle and end of meeting

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The Eider

Unusual nest sites of Sparrowhawks and Tawny Owls on Islay

It is a sad fact that most researchers com- scrub-filled gully on the island and have One particular Tawny Owl nest, under the ing to Islay have concentrated on its 'glory found Sparrowhawk nests in the most trunk of a fallen tree, has been in constant birds'- geese, Hen Harriers and Chough, unusual places. For example, on the use for nine years and has only failed once with Peregrines being included in the most ground in ferns at the base of a rowan tree, when the young were probably predated recent survey. Little or no research has and in a gorse bush one metre above the before I arrived, as there was evidence of ever been undertaken on its population of ground! Photos of both nests appear in Ian hatched eggs in the scrape. Of course, I Sparrowhawks and Tawny Owls and in Newton's monograph on the Sparrowhawk should point out that there are no foxes on particular their choice of nest sites, which (illustrations 18 lower and 21 lower, in Islay, which is a bonus, but there are may be unique to the Hebrides. Newton 1986). Whilst searching these plenty of Stoats and Mink, and on one valley woods, I sometimes made use of occasion a hunting Barn Owl showed I have been visiting Islay annually since my Labrador to sniff out any breeding some interest in the young Tawny Owl 1976. However, after discovering a high Woodcock. It was whilst employing my when it was not being brooded by the density of Hen Harriers in the 1980's, dog that Tawny Owls have been flushed female! when 50 pairs bred annually, I have con- from ground nests containing eggs. These centrated my research on other raptors, in The oak woods where these Tawny Owls were mainly at the base of mature trees. particular the Sparrowhawk and Tawny breed have significant numbers of breed- None of these woodlands had trees with Owl. ing passerines and in years of poor holes that were large enough for Tawny vole/mice numbers, birds have provided In 30 years I have visited virtually every Owls to breed in. more than half of the owls’ prey, but to

Ground-nesting Tawny Owls on Islay

Three photos taken at the same nest site on Islay over two years by the author: Top left—the female with a Field Vole in 2005 Top right—the male with an Islay (Common) Shrew in 2005 Bottom left—the chick with a Swal- low in 2004

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December 2005

never more than two chicks each year. The photographs in the box show a female Whilst the nest sites of Islay’s Spar- Several years ago, when checking a nest with a Field Vole in her bill and a male rowhawks may change with the advent of site in the early morning, there was a Wil- presenting an Islay Shrew (a race of the forestry, let us hope that the delights of low Warbler, a seven day old Lapwing Common Shrew) to the chicks. The facial finding a ground-nesting Tawny Owl will chick and the remains of an adult Lapwing disk of both male and female are quite remain for those who are prepared to still in the nest! Last year a Swallow was different, with the male having rich brown search woodlands in the future. presented to a single young at midnight markings and the female being more (see box). grey/brown. These differences are appar- Gordon Yates ent in photographs and have allowed me This year only one young was raised de- References to identify the owls as the same pair that I spite a good supply of small mammals. Newton, I. 1986. The Sparrowhawk. Berk- first photographed nine years ago. hamsted: T. & A.D. Poyser.

The Curlew's tale

The Curlew’s name is onomatopoeic—its name sounds like its flocks of Curlew can be encountered around the shore-at the north call. Variously described as haunting, a lament, desolate and an end of Kilchattan Bay, along the Mount Stewart shore, at St. appalling cry; but its call is distinctive and evocative. For me the Ninian’s Bay (500 on 16th September 2000), Scalpsie Bay (800 on call is glorious and resonant of wild places, high moors and 6th December 2000) and Ettrick Bay. I often see 50 or more birds in wilder shores. My generation grew up with the BBC Radio pro- a flock feeding on the fields around Loch Ascog in late winter. Soli- gramme The Naturalist, chaired by James Fisher and Peter Scott; tary birds can usually be found on any foreshore. There are probably my on-air tutors in natural history. It was Ludwig Koch’s re- around 2000 birds on Bute during the winter months. The Clyde cording of the Curlew’s call that opened and closed the pro- estuary is a nationally important wintering area. gramme. McWilliam (The Birds of the Isle of Bute, 1927) notes significant Robert Burns also felt for the bird (lang-leggity beasties): movements of Curlew over Bute during July and August, with birds moving from NE to SW and often quite high; a phenomenon worth I never hear the loud solitary whistle of the Curlew looking out for. on a summer noon....without feeling an elevation of Michael Thomas the soul like the enthusiasm of devotional poetry. [Editor’s note: this account is taken from Ornithological Tales Book from a lullaby sung to a child. IV, which Michael has written about the birds of Bute. Together with Numenius arquata (arquata is the Latin meaning bow like, as in Ornithological Tales Book I - III, all are available from the Bute violin bow), the Common Curlew is present all year on the Isle of Museum, Stuart Street, Rothsay, Bute PA20 0EP and cost £4.50 Bute. It nests both near the shore and on highest ground on the each, including P&P. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Bute island. In summer it can always be heard on the moor and around Museum’.] Glenkaabae in the Glenmore valley. Outside the breeding season,

Photo: Jim Duncan

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The Eider

Where Blackcaps that winter in Argyll come from—and why the habit is increasing

Blackcaps are being seen increasingly frequently in Argyll in early winter. You may be lucky enough to see one on your bird table! These are not British Blackcaps that have decided against migrat- ing to warmer winter quarters. Ringing has shown that the Black- caps wintering in Britain and Ireland come from central Europe. Birds that breed there mostly go to Spain and North Africa for the winter, but an increasing proportion travel west to winter in the western British Isles. A major step forward in understanding bird migration was made by Professor Peter Berthold and his research team in Germany, when they performed genetic experiments with captive birds. By crossing Blackcaps from northern Europe, which migrate a long way, with birds from southern Europe, which migrate very little, they demon- strated that hybrid offspring migrate a distance half as far as the sum of their parental habits. The distance that birds migrate is con- trolled by the genes they inherit; so is their preferred migratory direction. But, this discovery creates a dilemma. If a new mutation confers an advantage by taking a bird to a new and better wintering area, then this advantage may quickly be lost if it mates with a bird with differing genes. For example, for Blackcaps breeding in central Europe, it may be good to winter in Spain or in Argyll, but a hybrid Jim Photo: Duncan would probably drown in the Bay of Biscay! animal migration patterns, something of topical interest given A team from Glasgow University (Stuart Bearhop, Steve Votier, concerns about global climate change. Bob Furness, Susan Waldron and Jason Newton) joined with the German researchers to investigate this evolutionary conundrum. Back in central Europe, Blackcaps that had wintered in Britain had The rain in Spain is different from rain in Britain. In Spain the wa- higher breeding success than those that wintered in Iberia, despite ter molecules contain more heavy hydrogen (deuterium) than Brit- the warmer conditions in Iberia, so this new habit should increase. ish rain. This is a purely natural physical process, but the difference Maybe your bird table is responsible for this, as there is some becomes incorporated into the birds’ tissues. By catching Blackcaps evidence that food supply is the cause! Also, it may possibly pro- in spring, on their breeding territories in central Europe, the winter vide a mechanism for the formation of new species, based on dif- quarters of each bird can be identified from the deuterium isotopic fering migration routes. signal in a tiny sample of the bird’s toe-nail grown during winter. Bob Furness The research, published in Science (21 October 2005, full reference below), showed that central European Blackcaps wintering in Brit- Reference ain mostly paired with others also from Britain. This ‘assortative Bearhop, S., Fiedler, W., Furness, R.W., Votier, S.C., Waldron, mating’ means that the migratory preference can evolve rapidly S., Newton, J., Bowen, G.J., Berthold, P. & Farnsworth, K. 2005. within a population because nonsense hybrid combinations are Assortative mating as a mechanism for rapid evolution of a migra- avoided. This mechanism may lead to rapid evolutionary change in tory divide. Science, 310, 502-504.

Superswans

This article is dedicated to the memory of swans are found as non-breeders in such one of Doug Trigg’s numbered leg-rings, Doug Trigg, who died in April. flocks than are recorded on territories as as I knew that the Ganavan cob was F16. pairs attempting to breed. However, they swam away before I could Above Dunstaffnage Bay on 19 October, I see their legs. I gave up and continued up was looking down on some distant Mute Of the minority that do nest, many suc- onto some higher ground. Swans when I saw something so unusual ceed in hatching their eggs, but most of for Argyll that it took me a second or two the young disappear while they are still It was then that the flock of eight mon- to realise what it was. Some specks on the small. By autumn, not many pairs have strous birds flew in, such a sheer volume horizon grew bigger and closer as eight surviving young and large broods at this of feathers that for a moment I didn’t see a huge birds, flashing eight sets of smart time of year are not common. Four, five or ninth bird flying with them, a single adult brown-and-white plumage, flew in to join six fully-grown young in a brood are, I Mute Swan. Then I realised. This was a the swans. They looked like a flock of believe, unusual enough in Argyll to be female with (yes) her brood of eight air- some fantastic, exotic species… worth recording. borne youngsters. All year round there are flocks of Mute Most swan pairs that I monitor had failed After swimming round the yachts at the Swans at traditional gathering places in 2005, so I was pleased that day when I marina, unsuccessfully looking for yacht’s along the coast, for example at Loch found a pair with just one large cygnet. people to feed them, all nine flew off Etive, Loch Craignish, and Fort William. The trio had appeared in the bay very again towards Oban, probably hoping for Perhaps surprisingly, many adult swans recently. None of the immediate locals food in the bay. But, not before I had run are at these sites through spring and sum- had bred successfully except one pair with down and read the adult’s ring number. mer when we might expect them to be a lone cygnet at Ganavan, a couple of km She was a female with ring F11, one of breeding. Even more surprisingly, national down the coast, so I guessed these might many numbered rings applied to Mute surveys of the species over the years have have come from there. To confirm this, I Swans in Argyll over the last fifteen years repeatedly found that, each spring, more tried to get close to see if either adult had Page 6

December 2005

by Doug and Elaine Trigg. Enquiries revealed that she had been ringed as a cygnet at Dunbeg in December 1999 and had bred this year at An- gus’s Garden at Barguillean, near Taynuilt. For several years there had been a nonflying “rescued” male there. In January this year F11 had flown in with another male, no doubt looking for territory. The resident drove the incoming male away and then bred with F11. The resulting brood of eight was so unusual that they were pictured in The Oban Times on 2 June (see opposite). Now F11 had flown with her brood, leaving the disabled male parent behind (thanks to Sean Honeyman for this information.). Normally both parents would fly with the young and stay with them for the winter, so F11 may now be finding life difficult for two reasons. Finding food for eight fully-grown young will be difficult enough. But without a male, they may all be driven off by other swans from areas with good natural food. So, if you see F11 and her eight hungry young this winter, please try to feed them (bread or grain would be fine; a cheap Tesco loaf would do wonders). Also, a photograph of the family would be good for the re- cord. And, of course, a count – to see if all eight survive the winter. They may turn up anywhere, as adults with flying young can move fair distances at this time of year. In 1998, a pair I had recorded in May nesting on an island off Fort William flew into Dunstaffnage Bay on 31 October with four young. They were driven off by the resident male, who had young of his own. This was a distance of about 50 km and, again, it was only because of Doug’s colour rings that I could identify them (see Argyll Bird Report (1999) 15: 27). I like to think that Doug himself, with all his experience of swans, would have been pleased to see F11 and her octuplets. Doug’s colour rings live on, and they are still proving invaluable in identifying individual swans like these. So – many thanks again, Doug! To keep Doug Trigg’s good work going, I would be very pleased to keep records of all sightings of colour-ringed swans, past and future (including F11 and family if you see them). Please let me know the ring number on the plastic (usually red) leg ring, together with date, place and any other information, such as how many adults and young were present. Clive Craik E-mail: [email protected] ‘Superswans’ (Photo: Oban Times) Tel: 01631 720327.

Islay memories 2 : Bitten by the seawatching bug

Even before I moved into my new house occasional opportunities to see large can sometimes be so hectic that it be- on Islay in the spring of 1993, I was concentrations of seabirds in the Kil- comes overwhelming. aware that I would be living within a brannan Sound. Indeed, I had managed On that first day, a Puffin was the most stone's throw of Frenchman's Rocks, a to see Storm Petrel, Leach's Petrel, Little exciting bird I saw. Over the weeks that well-known seawatching site discovered Auk and even Black Tern (the first Ar- followed, I began to get an idea of how by Keith Verrall in the 1970s. Indeed, I ran record) from my living room. If this the wind and the weather influenced the had spent some considerable time read- was possible from a straight stretch of movements of the most common sea- ing and re-reading his paper in Scottish coastline on Arran, a mere glance at the birds, namely Fulmar, Gannet, Manx Birds (Vol. 12, No. 1). It wasn't just his map was enough to reveal the promise Shearwater, Kittiwake, Guillemot and sightings of rarities such as Cory's and of the west coast of Islay. Razorbill. As summer turned into au- Little Shearwaters, Surf Scoter and My first visit to Frenchman's Rocks was tumn, I also realised that small numbers Ross's Gull that intrigued me, but also on 3rd May 1993. Having spent so much of waders as well as seabirds could be the sheer number of birds he recorded. time there since, I find it difficult to seen migrating south past the headland. Kittiwake movement, for example, had remember how I felt. However, my Lacking a fluid head on my tripod, I exceeded 10,000 birds per hour on one notes record how impressed I was with found their identification challenging on occasion—to me at the time, an unimag- the quality of the early-morning light at occasion. inable figure. this west-facing site, and how difficult I August became more exciting as a few In 1993 I had done relatively little sea- found it to track birds passing by at Sooty Shearwaters accompanied the watching apart from irregular visits to close range while also keeping an eye on growing number of migrating Manx well-known Cornish sites such as what was going on further out. Both Shearwaters. On the 28th, I recorded two Porthgwarra and Pendeen. However, these impressions have stood the test of Balearic Shearwaters (known then as three autumns spent on Arran provided time. In the right conditions, French- Mediterranean Shearwaters, before the man’s Rocks offers superb views of a two races mauretanicus and yelkouan Page 7 wide variety of seabirds, but the action

The Eider

were split). At the time, there was only one accepted record of this species from Islay; indeed, it was still quite a rarity in Scotland. Over the next few years I was to become very familiar with its appearance, seeing no fewer than 50 individuals during 1993-6, all but one of them in autumn. A similar increase in records was observed by Eddie Maguire at Uisead Point (Machrihanish) from 1992 onwards, with the result that Argyll became the region in Scotland for this species. More recently, however, numbers at Frenchman’s Rocks and elsewhere in Argyll have declined; today, more Balearic Shearwaters seem to be seen on the east coast of Scotland than in the west. Mention of Machrihanish leads me to acknowledge my debt to Eddie Maguire. Having begun an intensive programme of seawatching at Uisead Point in 1989, The author seawatching at Frenchman’s Rocks (Photo: Clive McKay) Eddie had already amassed a great deal of experience by the time I first came into contact with him. Although I was never pany single-observer records of major the better the chance of seeing “real” sea- able to match him in terms of single- rarities these days. Nevertheless, I was birds such as Leach's Petrel, Grey Phala- minded dedication over the years that still kept fairly busy writing descriptions rope and Sabine's Gull. This is of course a followed, I greatly appreciated the fact of species such as Cory's Shearwater, generalisation, and as such it doesn't al- that there was always someone with whom Long-tailed Skua, Sabine's Gull and Black ways hold true. I have arrived at the site I could compare and discuss observations. Tern, as well as (in the early days) the on several occasions in apparently perfect In fact, Eddie's inexhaustible enthusiasm above-mentioned Balearic Shearwater. conditions to see very little, while on the other hand some of the most impressive was a constant source of inspiration. Rarities were just the icing on the cake, of shearwater movements have occurred in course. As I soon discovered, seabirds of Otherwise, seawatching was on the whole near-calm weather. Nevertheless, the most various species could be seen passing a lonely pursuit during those early years. exciting seawatches have almost always Frenchman's Rocks in good numbers al- On rare occasions, I might be joined by a accompanied W or WNW gales, with most year-round, and even midwinter had visiting birder or two, but otherwise I reduced visibility and heavy, squally its attractions with occasional sightings of would not see a living soul all morning. In showers. many ways, this enhanced the experience. skuas and Little Auks. Setting aside the It also allowed me to concentrate my odd surprise such as Great Crested Grebe Next to season and weather conditions, whole attention on the birds—the impor- and Velvet Scoter, spring was character- time of day is the most important factor tance of this being brought home to me on ised mainly by the arrival of migrants such influencing numbers of birds. Unless the one best-forgotten occasion, when as I as Manx Shearwater, Arctic Skua and wind veers round during the day, move- was answering a visitor's questions about Arctic Tern, coupled with a gradual in- ment almost always peaks early in the what I was doing and why, a Little Shear- crease in the numbers of several common morning. On a good day, birds often pile water flew past at close range. The experi- seabirds. Generally speaking, this increase through from first light, though equally it ence was over in less than a minute, and I continued through the summer, with may take them a little while to get going. had very little to show for it other than a movements of several species peaking in Shearwater movement in particular tends collection of mental impressions. Know- August or early September, though auks to be rather slow for the first couple of ing what a hard line the rarities committee became scarce at this time. From about hours. Unless the wind is very strong, the takes with Little Shearwater records, I mid-July onwards, the variety of migrating action can be all over by 10 or 11 a.m., knew that there was no point in submitting birds increased, with the greatest range of although there tends to be a secondary this one. species occurring between late August and increase in activity towards the end of the late September. day. In my experience, however, this This, of course, is one of the major disad- never matches the intensity of the early- I soon realised that weather was a critical vantages of seawatching on one's own. morning movement, and poor light can factor. There was nothing new about this When a rare or unusual bird shows up, it is also be a problem. normally in sight for just a short time, and discovery, of course: Verrall & Bourne in it can be particularly difficult for a lone their 1982 paper had discussed the influ- Unfortunately, this attempt at an objective observer to gather many details about its ence of weather conditions at this site in analysis conveys nothing of the excite- appearance. Should a crucial identification some detail. To summarise, Frenchman's ment of a really good seawatch, when feature be missed, for whatever reason, no Rocks is a classic west-facing seawatching thousands of birds stream southwards hour one else is around to make good the omis- location where the best conditions occur in after hour, providing the fortunate ob- sion. When it comes to writing up the the wake of a fast-moving Atlantic depres- server with an unforgettable experience. In record, the details can seem so sparse that sion that passes somewhere between the the next issue of the Eider, I shall attempt there is a strong temptation to embellish north of Scotland and Iceland. Passage of to restore the balance by describing the st them, with results that may be less than a front over Islay is marked by a switch in events of 21 September 2004, when a convincing. In short, it’s a minefield. For- the wind direction, often from SW to W, westerly gale resulted in a hectic day for tunately (I suppose), the Little Shearwater with constant rain giving way to showers Clive McKay and me. and sunny periods. This is when seabirds was the only major rarity I saw while sea- Tristan ap Rheinallt watching at Frenchman's Rocks, and by start to pass through in big numbers. Gen- quietly forgetting the sighting I was able erally speaking, the stronger the wind and [email protected] to avoid the stigma that tends to accom- the more frequent and heavy the showers, Page 8

December 2005

Recent bird reports from Paul Daw: August—October 2005

Bird sightings in Argyll Divers to Herons (including other Great Skuas, an adult Arctic Skua and 3 The latest bird news is now available on birds seen during sea-watches) Arctic Terns (JB). A sea-watch from the pier on Coll on the morning of 26th Sep the Argyll Bird Club’s website (front For a species that is normally only re- page). On the home page, see ‘click here produced 6 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Manx corded in small numbers in Argyll, 178 Shearwaters, juv. Pomerine Skua, 2 for latest bird reports’ . Storm Petrels counted heading SW off th Arctic Skuas and 2 Great Skuas Where do our Siskins go in the winter? Hynish, Tiree in one hour on 17 August (JD/SW). (a record for the island) was remarkable. A report just received from the BTO con- There was further excellent sea-watching Morning and evening watches on Tiree on cerned a ringed Siskin found sick in a th on Tiree just a week later when a Cory's 28 Sep, in high winds, produced totals of garden at Glenbranter, Cowal on 26th May Shearwater, 16 Sooty Shearwaters, 3 16 Leach's Petrels, 7 Storm Petrels, 13 and later released. The ring number re- Pomarine Skuas and 7 Bonxies were Sooty Shearwaters, 1 imm. Pomerine vealed that it had been ringed as an adult recorded on 24th August (JB). On 22nd Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 20 Great Skuas as on 30th March 2004 at Meols on the Wirral August, a Great Shearwater and two well as nearly 3,000 auks (nearly all Ra- (Merseyside), a distance of 329km (204 Cory's Shearwaters were seen from the zorbills) and over 1,000 Gannets. On miles). This is the third Siskin (that I st ferry near Coll (SW). A Balearic Shear- the1 Oct, a record (for Tiree) 57 Great know of) in recent years to be found in water was seen heading west off Hynish, Skuas were heading west off the Aird, spring/summer in Argyll that had been Tiree with Manx Shearwaters on 31st Tiree along with 62 Manx Shearwaters, ringed in Lancashire/Merseyside in win- August (JB). Single Leach's Petrels ap- 6 Leach's Petrels, 3 Arctic Skuas, 3 ter. This would seem to show that some at th peared at Arinagour pier, Coll on 30 imm. Pomerine Skuas, 8 Arctic Terns, 7 least of our breeding Siskins spend Christ- August (SW) and off Balevullin, Tiree on Black Guillemot and over a thousand mas in the Liverpool area, which makes th 29 August (JB). each of Gannets, Kittiwakes and auks one wonder if some of the Siskins seen rd (again mainly Razorbills). (JB). here in the winter come from further Sightings from Coll pier on 23 Sep in- north? cluded 26 Red-throated Divers, 2 At about the same time, off Ballyhaugh, Leach's Petrels, 7 European Storm Pet- Coll, 8 Red-throated and 13 Great Major Pink-footed Goose movement rels, 6 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Arctic Northern Divers, 4 Leach's Petrels, 8 On the afternoon and evening of 15th Sep Skuas, a juv Pomerine Skua and 14 Storm Petrels, 27 Manx Shearwaters, there were several reports of skeins of Great Skuas (SW). On the same day 29 Great Skuas, 5 Arctic Skuas, 2 juv. geese seen/heard flying between south and Tiree had, a Sooty Shearwater, 14 Black Pomerine Skuas and 6 Arctic Terns east high over Mid-Argyll and Cowal. Guillemots and 2 imm. Pomerine Skuas were accompanied by 11 Long-tailed These included, birds over Oban (where a in the morning, and in the evening 27 Ducks and hundreds of auks (once again single bird was found on the foreshore the mainly Razorbills) (SW). following day), Minard, Lochgilphead, a The above are just a selection of the sea- flock of 90-100 from Dunoon over the Stop Press watch results from Coll and Tiree which Firth of Clyde and flocks of c.70, 45 and There has been quite an influx of rare have been outstanding this autumn. Fur- 60+ over Tighnabruaich. Flocks were also ther details are available in the ‘latest seen on the same day from just N of Car- gulls. A Laughing Gull and a Ring- reports section of the club’s website saig (nr Tayvallich) flying SE from Jura billed Gull were seen by Tom Lowe (address on front page). then turning south. Based on calls and the at Machir Bay, Islay on 8th Novem- date, the consensus is that they were ber. The Laughing Gull was seen A Great Shearwater flying alongside the ferry from Barra for 3 mins, about 30 mins probably all Pink-footed. On the afternoon again nearby at Loch Gorm on 16th th th north of Tiree on 20 Oct, was probably of 15 skeins totalling some 200 birds and the same, or another (both were came in off the Minch at Balevullin and just about within the Argyll recording area adults), at Port Ellen on the same day and an early Little Auk just south of Tiree flew south over Tiree. At about 16.30hrs, (per Malcolm Ogilvie). An adult 3 skeins of geese, each numbering about definitely was (JB). Mediterranean Gull found and pho- 100-150 birds, were seen heading south- Wildfowl east over Glen More, Mull, several flocks tographed at lunch-time at the head of th The arrival of Whooper Swans included were moving east over Calgary/Dervaig, Loch Gilp on 14 Nov, during very single birds at Loch Craiglin (Loch Mull from Coll and a party were heard wet weather, is the first record of the Sween) on 22nd Sep (PD/TC) and on Coll calling as they flew south over Oban at species for this area (Jim Dickson). on 25th Sep (SW), 19 at Loch Gruinart, 22:20hrs. In all this passage apparently Islay on 25th Sep (Clive McKay). Tiree continued from about mid-day to late eve- Common Kingfishers were reported had 28 at Loch a' Phuill also on 25th, in- ning and must have involved numbers along the Crinan Canal and in the creasing to 40 by the following day (JB). running into the thousands. (Pam & Ar- Holy Loch during early Nov. All re- thur Brown. PD, Stuart Gibson, Sandra cords of this scarce visitor to Argyll The WeBS count of Loch Sween on 15th Hacker (per JB) Simon Lawrence, George are welcomed. Oct. found a total of 18 Little Grebes and 28 Mute Swans and 65 Whooper Swans Newall, Alex Nicol, Steve Petty). Any Two Waxwings have been around the other records of this influx will still be (incl. 5 cygnets) at the Ulva Lagoons, very welcome. RSPB Loch Gruinart reserve on Islay together with 129 Wigeon and a pair of over the last week or so, first seen Tufted Ducks (unusual at this site) Observers th around 14th and still present on 18 (PD/TC). By the following day (16th Oct) Full names in brackets except: SW = Nov (Malcolm Ogilvie). Whooper Swan numbers there had in- Simon Wellock, JB = John Bowler, TC = November records received for creased to at least 75 (Bill Allan/Anne- Tom Callan, PD = Paul Daw, JD = Jim Lise Dickie). Dickson, JH = John Halliday Wheatear and Barn Swallow will be dealt with in the next issue of the Ei- A flock of 13 Whooper Swans (incl 3 juvs.) flew across Loch Fyne from Port der. th Page 9 Ann towards Otter Ferry on 17 Oct be-

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fore circling up the loch and eventually 14th Sep (Mark Williamson). Ospreys At Crossapol beach, Coll on the morning flying off southward (TC). Forty were on the move during August, with no of 6th September 280 Sanderling were Whooper Swans counted on Ballachuan less than three at the head of Loch Feo- accompanied by 150 Ringed Plover a Loch, Seil Island on 28th Oct, included 11 chan, Mid-Argyll on 19th and 20th August Knot and 40 Dunlin (SW). A nice mixed cygnets (Richard Allan). Flocks and small and one at Ardmaddy Bay on 23rd flock of waders at Loch na Cill (Loch groups of Whooper Swans have been Aug.(Bill Allan). Two or three Peregrines Sween) on 9th Sep included 35 Ringed noted more widely than usual thus au- were hunting for auks (plenty to choose Plovers, 5 juv. Curlew Sandpipers, a juv. tumn. from!) off Aird, Tiree on the evening of Purple Sandpiper, 115 Dunlin, a Bar- th The first Barnacle Geese on Tiree were 28 Sep (JB) and a juv. flew rather indo- tailed Godwit, a Common Greenshank 27 at Hynish on 24th Sep, with 94 in three lently over the shoreline at Loch na Cille and a Turnstone. There was also a fe- (Loch Sween) on 22nd Sep (Bill Allan). male/imm. Pintail. The following day the flocks on the following day and 66 at Mio- th dar on 26th Sep accompanied by 22 Pink- Oct. 6 was a good day for migrating Curlew Sandpipers were still there and a footed Geese (JB). At Loch Gruinart no raptors. A male Marsh Harrier was spot- drake Greater Scaup was present on ‘The ted moving southwards near the Rare Puddle’ (Ulva Lagoons) (JD). Meanwhile, less than 2,703 Barnacles were counted th on 25th Sep, as well as an impressive 987 Breeds Park, Oban (John McAvoy) and a on the same day (9 Sep), Tiree produced Pale-bellied Brent Geese (Clive McKay). Red Kite was seen in flight, pursued by an island minimum total of 2,487 Lap- The first White-fronted Goose arrived at passerines, at Letterwalton (north of wings and 1,256 Golden Plovers with a Loch Gruinart early on 24th Sep with two Benderloch) (Clive Craik). Ruff and 36 Black-tailed Godwits at more later in the day (Clive McKay). A Strange companions were a Water Rail Scarinish and 2 Ruffs and 31 Black-tailed group of 5 adult Bar-headed Geese were and a Corncrake seen together at Bale- Godwits (all juvs.) at Loch a' Phuill. And reported at the head of Loch Feochan on martine, Tiree on 10th Sep (JB). At least 4 at Gott Bay, totals of 253 Sanderling and several dates during August. This species Common Moorhens were present in the 105 Ringed Plovers were counted (JB). has been reported in this area in the past gravel pit at Benderloch, North Argyll on No less than three Buff-breasted Sandpi- and it will be interesting to see if a feral 17th Oct (Robin Harvey). pers were present at the west end of Tiree population becomes established, as has during 3-5 September, and a juvenile seen Waders th happened in parts of England (Bill Allan, at the Reef on 8 Sept could have been yet JD et al.). A juvenile American Golden Plover seen another! (JB). A flock of 5 were seen on and photographed at Loch Beg, Mull dur- Lewis at about this time. A very confiding Two male Mandarin Ducks in eclipse ing 3-6 September was the first ever re- juv. male Ruff and a Curlew Sandpiper were reported at Loch Leathan (nr Kil- cord for the island and one of only a hand- (probably juv.) were on the beach at Ma- michael, Mid-Argyll) on 12th-16th Sep th ful for Argyll (Bryan Rains per Alan chrihanish on 4 Sep (Bill Allan). (John Halliday) and a pair have been seen Spellman). The run of transatlantic waders at Loch Angus nr Taynuilt for the past two A dramatic fall of Common Snipe oc- continued. On the evening of 22nd Sep a or three weeks (Laurie Langan). Possibly, curred on Coll and Tiree during drizzly Baird's Sandpiper (one of two in Scot- the population from Loch Awe is spread- weather conditions on 10-11 Oct. On Coll, land in September) was found at Loch ing, although the picture may be compli- 410 were counted on the RSPB reserve Gruinart, Islay (Clive McKay). A Lesser cated by further escapes/ releases. with 5 Jack Snipe, 29 Curlews and 37 Yellowlegs (one of three in Scotland in Golden Plovers; 170 Snipe, with 400 Raptors to Gamebirds Sep) was reported on The Strand, Colon- Lapwings and 37 Ringed Plovers in th On Coll, an adult White-tailed Eagle was say on 26 September and an American flooded fields at Ballard and 95 Snipe seen near Kilbride on 6th and at Ballard on Golden Plover (one of 8 in Scotland in with 870 Golden Plovers near Arileod. 11th Aug. An immature female Marsh Sep) was on the landing strip Oronsay on There were reports of yet more Snipe Harrier flew south past Totronald on 29th the same day (Andy Schofield per Angus elsewhere on the island. Meanwhile Tiree Aug (SW). An adult White-tailed Eagle Murray, who supplied the info. on Scottish had flocks of 290 Snipe or more at the numbers). Two summer plumage Grey Reef, 165 at Balevullin and 260 on floods was seen heading north at Baugh, Tiree on th 9th Sep, and a Peregrine was photo- Plovers were in the Add Estuary on 15 at Middleton as well as flocks of up to 130 August (Jim Dickson). Eleven Red Knot birds flying over low heading SW. At least graphed sitting in the middle of a flock of th 800 Greylag Geese at Loch an Eilein on at the same location on 14 August were 1,430 birds seen around the island al- th all in winter plumage (Anne-Lise Dickie), though John Bowler thinks there were 10 Sep (JB). A juvenile Hobby was seen th hunting over trees at the entrance to Carse but 6 on 18 August included two still in probably nearer 2-3,000 altogether! The House, Knapdale in the late afternoon of breeding plumage. bulk of the Snipe apparently left both islands at first light the following morning (11th Oct) although there were still flocks of 30 or more birds in places. Twelve Ruffs were at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree on 18th Aug (JB), but one at Lachlan Bay, Peregrine Loch Fyne on 15th August was an unusual photo- record for this site (Peter Woods), as was graphed in a Whimbrel on the spit at Otter Ferry, th front of the Cowal on 24 August (TC). On Mull, Machrihan- Whimbrel numbers at Lochdon reached 55 on 5th September while 44 Ruddy nish Bird Turnstones were there on 4th. (Alan Spell- Observatory man). by Eddie Maguire On the shore near Kirn, Dunoon a very pale (leucistic) Common Redshank has been seen recently in the company of nor- mally plumaged birds. A leucistic individ- ual (possibly the same bird) has been regularly reported (at least once as a Spot- Page 10

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ted Redshank!) in winter in exactly the same locality since at least 1999 (Frances White Wagtail Lynn). On the evening of 17th Sep a (Photo: Eddie Maguire) Lesser Yellowlegs was still roosting with Redshanks at Loch Gruinart (Clive McKay). Very few Green Sandpipers are recorded in Argyll in any one year, so one in the River Eachaig estuary at the top of the Holy Loch on 13th Oct. was a good find (Ralph Clough). A Grey Phalarope was seen from the ferry to Coll on 22nd August (SW) and a juvenile was feeding in the lee of Hynish pier, Tiree following a westerly gale on 24th August (JB). A storm blown Grey Phalarope was found at Loch a' Phuill, Tiree late in the afternoon of 27th Oct (JB). A Red-necked Phalarope seen at a pool at Bruichladdich, Islay on 20th Oct was photographed and identified as a 1st winter bird. Only the second record for Islay of this species (a very scarce passage migrant in Argyll), the last being in 1974 (Malcolm Ogilvie). Skuas (see also under Divers to Wildfowl) to Woodpeckers At least 20 White Wagtails were on about 10 Fieldfares (JB). Two parties of th An adult Pomerine Skua with full Sanda on 8 September, but otherwise Fieldfares totalling 90 birds and one flock things were fairly quiet there (JD). A of 40 Redwings over Otter Ferry were all ‘spoons’ was off Arinagour pier, Coll on th th Richard's Pipit found at Loch Gruinart flying south on the morning of 29 Oct 30 August (SW) and two dark morph th Arctic Skuas were seen in Loch Crinan, on 25 Sep is only the third record for (TC). Records indicate that Redwings Mid-Argyll on 11th August (Anne-Lise Argyll (Clive McKay). The previous two have been both widespread and in larger Dickie). An adult Great Skua was seen were also on Islay, as long ago as 1971 numbers than normal this autumn as have close to the Islay ferry in the Sound of and 1973. About time another one turned immigrant Blackbirds, whereas Field- Islay on 17th Sep (PD/TC). up! fares have been far fewer. A single male th Northern Wheatear was seen near the nd There were two reports of Dippers on 16 On the foreshore at Oban, a 2 winter shore at Otter Ferry on 25th Oct (TC). Ring-billed Gull was giving excellent Oct, with two in Glenlussa Water (nr. close up views on 16th Sep (Stuart Gib- Peninver) Kintyre (Steve Walker) and one The Craigdarroch/Coll Hotel gardens area son). A group of 6 Sandwich Terns feed- in the River Euchar at the Younger Bo- produced a juv. Barred Warbler (very th tanic Gardens, Cowal (Peter Woods). On rare in Argyll) and a Garden Warbler on ing at the head of Loch Gilp on 10 Sep- th th tember included an adult bird still bringing 25 Oct, a single Waxwing was at Cros- 25 Sep. Large numbers (50+) of Robins fish to juvs., who seemed reluctant to dive sapol, Tiree, as well as five presumed also appeared on the island that day as for fish themselves (JD). Singles were at Mealy Redpolls at Balephuil with 2 well as 16 Snow Buntings together with Skipness on 12th Sep (PD) and at Mannal, Goldcrests and 2 Dunnock. 200+ Twite at the car park at Totronald. Tiree on 13th (JB). A male Ring Ouzel with Greenfinches (JD/SW). A freshly dead Garden War- bler was found in the garden at Tulloch- A juv. Sabine's Gull was associating with and Chaffinches at Totronald and a Spot- th ted Flycatcher and another Ring Ouzel at gorm (Minard) on the morning of 26 Oct. a juv. Little Gull among a group of Kitti- st th (Paul Daw). A Common Chiffchaff was wakes at Gott Bay, Tiree on 30 August Acha, Coll on 21 Oct (SW). A male Ring th Ouzel at Hynish, Tiree on 23rd Oct (JB). at Totronald, Coll on 4 Oct. with another (JB). A Little Auk was seen well from the at Uig on 6th Oct. and an early Redwing nd An unusual number of Ring Ouzels have ferry south of Port Askaig, Islay on 22 was near Ballard on 5th Oct (SW). Oct (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Dickie). been reported on Coll and Tiree this au- tumn, but few elsewhere—perhaps they Blackcap records during Oct included a A Short-eared Owl was hunting over are overlooked? male at The Lodge, Arinagour, Coll on 7th Moine Mhor on the evening of 22nd Au- The first sign of winter? A flock of at least Oct (SW), a female in a garden at Penin- gust (JD). A Kingfisher was seen at the ver, Kintyre on 8th (Steve Walker), 2 at 9 Fieldfares feeding on Rowan berries in th mouth of Glenlussa Water (nr. Peninver), st st th Balephuil, Tiree on 10 (JB), a female in a Kintyre between 1 and 6 Sep. (Steve a garden in Oban on 31 August during th low cloud and drizzle was the earliest garden at Tullochgorm (Minard) on 19 Walker). (PD), two in a shoreside garden at Kilmun autumn record of the species in Argyll st Passerines since 1986 (Ted Potter). The first Red- on 21 Oct, Cowal feeding in the shrub- bery (Alex Nicol), four on Tiree at two Two adult Barn Swallows still feeding 4 wing on Tiree was a single bird at Bale- th different locations (JB) and 4 on Coll juvs at Tayinloan on 15th Oct. (Katie Pen- phuil on 11 Oct with 12 new in at Hey- lipol on 12th Oct (JB). On 13th Oct, 45 (SW). One was still at the Airport Camp, dreigh) and two late adult Swallows were Tiree on 28th Oct. reported at Ballochgair, Kintyre on 18th Redwing feeding on Rowan berries in Oct. (Lily Cregeen). Late House Martins Glen Euchar (nr. Oban) with 20 Black- A Yellow-browed Warbler found in a were found at Tayinloan on 22nd Oct. birds (mostly juv. males), which soon small patch of trees at Arinagour, Coll was nd (Katie Pendreigh) and at Kilchoman, Islay flew off southwards. (Bill Allan/Anne- still there on 22 Oct. Always a rare bird on 27th Oct. (Bill Allan/Anne-Lise Lise Dickie). Some 1,000 Redwings in Argyll, but there has been a ‘deluge’ of Dickie). around Tiree and 50 Song Thrushes at the Yellow-browed Warblers on the east west end of the island on 25th Oct, as well coast according to BirdGuides, so perhaps as groups of up to 6 Blackbirds, but only not unexpected. Also on Coll that day Page 11

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finches in a garden at Otter Ferry on 13th McKay). A Hawfinch found in a garden were 8 Chiffchaffs, 150 Blackbirds th th Oct and a female was there on 16 Oct in Oban on 28 Oct was still present the (mainly males), approx. 1,550 Redwings (TC). Eight Bramblings were near the following day and was photographed and 100+ Robins (SW). th doctor’s surgery at Arileod, Coll on 27 (Fiona Donn/Stuart Gibson). A first year Pied Flycatcher was seen Oct (SW), a single was at Cairnbaan on Two Lapland Buntings were found at catching flies among rowan trees at the th 28 Oct and Bramblings have also been Ardnave, Islay on 27th Sep as well as one top of Glen More, Mull on 6th Sep (Chris reported in the Campbeltown area (JD). A Willow Warbler sheltering in the bracken & Tony Johnson). A mixed flock of tits at freshly fledged brood of three Twite were from the strong westerly wind (Clive Otter Ferry, Cowal on 12th Sep included seen at Beinn Hough, Tiree on the late nd McKay). Another Lapland Bunting was no less than 22 Long-tailed Tits (TC). th date of 22 August (JB) and a flock of at found in wet machair on Coll on 29 Oct least 100 Twite were in Gleann Seilisdeir, A group of 6 Jays at the entrance to Glen th (SW). Euchar (nr. Kilninver, Oban) on 21st Sep Mull on 4 September. A flock of over 100 Twite were in the car park at Machri- Paul Daw was unusual, as was a Magpie flying past th Loch Fyne Oyster Bar on 22nd Sep (Anne- hanish on 24 Sep (Steve Petty/ TC). A Tel: 01546 886260 group of redpolls at Loch Gruinart, Islay Lise Dickie/Bill Allan). E-mail: [email protected] on 2nd Oct included 8 Lesser and 2-3 A male Brambling was among the Chaf- ‘Icelandic’ Common Redpolls (Clive

What’s in a name? - British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee recent decisions

The taxonomists strike again! Just when tween races it is not feasible to identify 4. Small shearwaters. Three species you think you know which species of bird any small or medium sized Canada Geese breeding in the tropical and sub tropical you are looking at, the ‘splitters’ come to race. The only advice he would give to Atlantic Ocean, which included Little up with two (or more) species for the birders is that the largest birds, like the Shearwater Puffinus assimilis, have been price of one. ones breeding in Argyll, are Greater Can- ascribed to two species: The latest ‘taxonomic recommendations ada Geese. The really dinky ones that we Macaronesian Shearwater Puffinus baroli get here, which are no larger than and for British birds’ were published recently Audubon’s Shearwater P. lherminieri in the Ibis. What follows is a summary of sometimes smaller than, Barnacle Geese, the decisions that affect Argyll (the full can legitimately be called Lesser Canada The name Macaronesian Shearwater text can be found as a PDF file at: Geese. The intermediate sized birds, replaces Little Shearwater. This species around Whitefront size, which again we is on the Argyll List although all past http://www.blackwell- get in Argyll with both Barnacles and records of the species are currently under synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1474- Whitefronts, cannot be determined to review by the British Birds Rarities Com- 919X.2005.00483.x species, let alone race. mittee. or, for anyone without internet access, I As Malcolm acknowledges, there are 5. Herring Gull. Three of the former can send a hard copy. some birders who would not agree with subspecies are now to be treated as sepa- The main decisions that affect us are: his assessment of this problem, but for rate species: my money the above is good advice for Yellow-legged Gull L. michahellis 1. Canada Goose. The 11 races of Can- the great majority of us. ada Goose currently recognised are now Armenian Gull L. armenicus to be treated as two separate species: 2. Common Scoter. What were formerly considered to be the two races Melanitta Herring Gull L. argentatus Greater Canada Goose Branta canaden- nigra nigra and M. n. americana have sis (will include the races canadensis, Yellow-legged Gull has been treated as a also now been split into two species: fulva, interior, maxima, moffitti, occiden- separate species by many authorities for talis and parvipes) Common Scoter M. nigra some time and records for Argyll have been accepted by the Scottish Birds Re- Black Scoter M. americana Lesser Canada Goose Branta hutchinsii cords Committee. There are currently no (will include the races hutchinsii, leuco- Both species are on the British List British records of Armenian Gull. pareia, minima and taverneri) (Category A), but there are no authenti- The status of the so called Caspian (or cated records of Black Scoter in Argyll. At present, only Greater Canada Goose is Steppe) Gull Larus a. cachinnans is still Adult male Black Scoters (from North on the British List (as Category C). under review. America) are readily distinguished by This presents us in Argyll (among others) much more extensive yellow on the bill, 6. Terns. The taxonomic relationships of with something of a problem. For some including the swollen knob at the base of the terns have been reviewed and as a time now, many birders visiting the area the bill. So, here is one to watch out for! result both the sequence in which the (and Islay in particular) have been confi- Females and juveniles are probably not species will be listed in future and some dently identifying single Canada Geese normally distinguishable in the field, of the scientific names have been (or sometimes pairs) seen in winter asso- although they have a more swollen base changed. ciating with Barnacle Geese and (more to the bill than Common Scoter. The two rarely) Greenland White-fronted Geese The species on the Argyll list will now species also have differently shaped nos- as being members of specific races, on appear as: trils although for practical purposes this the assumption that they are genuine wild probably doesn’t help much! Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus vagrants from North America. Four or Little Tern Sternula albifrons more different races have been identified 3. Velvet Scoter. This has also been split in this way and at least two of these into two species: Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia (hutchinsii and minima) are now treated Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Black Tern Chlidonias niger as Lesser Canada Goose. White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias Malcolm Ogilvie (a leading authority on leucopterus wildfowl) believes that because of prob- However, as the latter occurs in east Asia lems of variability and intergrading be- and is not on the British list, this will not Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis be of immediate concern to us. Page 12

December 2005

Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri House Martin Delichon urbicum Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus Common Tern Sterna hirundo Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Coal Tit Periparus ater Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii A record of a Red-rumped Swallow on Willow Tit Poecile montanus Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Coll (potentially a ‘first’ for Argyll) is N.B. Long-tailed Tit, which of course currently in circulation with the British belongs in a family of its own 7. Swallows. The taxonomic relation- Birds Rarities Committee. ships of the swallow family (Aegithalidae), is not affected by these (Hirundinidae) have been reviewed and 8. Tits. The taxonomic relationships of changes and will still be listed before the as a result both the sequence in which the the tit family (Paridae) have been re- true tits (Paridae). species will be listed in future and some viewed and as a result both the sequence Many thanks to Malcolm Ogilvie for his of the scientific names have been in which the species will be listed in advice regarding identification of Canada changed. future and some of the scientific names Geese and for sight of his paper on the have been changed. The species on the Argyll list will now subject recently submitted to Birding appear as: The species on the Argyll list will now World for publication. appear as: Sand Martin Riparia riparia Paul Daw Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Great Tit Parus major

The British List

The British Ornithologists' Union Records Jan. 1950, but only prior to that date in reasonable doubt that they have ever oc- Committee maintains ‘The British List’, Argyll. curred in a natural state. Species placed in the official list of birds recorded in Brit- Category C. Species that, although intro- Category D form no part of the British ain. The latest published version is the 6th duced now derive from the resulting self- List, and are not included in the species edition 1992, but an up-to-date list can be sustaining populations. totals. found on the BOU website at: This category has been subdivided as fol- The only Argyll species in this category http://www.bou.org.uk/ lows: are Ruddy Shelduck and Red-headed Bun- ting although there are records, not identi- The Committee’s remit includes the as- C1. Naturalised introduced species. Spe- sessment of new species to be admitted to fied as to species, of Flamingo and Peli- cies that have occurred only as a result of can. the British List and the category assign- introduction e.g. Egyptian Goose ment of each species. Alopochen aegyptiacus. Category E. Species that have been re- corded as introductions, human-assisted The definition of categories is reviewed C2. Naturalised established species. Spe- from time to time and what follows is a transportees, or escapes from captivity, cies with established populations resulting and whose breeding populations (if any) summary of what I think are the essential from introduction by man, but which also points from the latest review as far as they are thought not to be self-sustaining. Spe- occur in an apparently natural state e.g. cies that have bred in the wild are desig- affect Argyll. The full text of this review Greylag Goose Anser anser. can be found as a PDF file at: nated as E*. Category E species form no C3. Naturalised re-established species. part of the British List, and are not in- http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/ Species with populations successfully re- cluded in the species totals (unless already full/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2005.00470.x established by man in areas of former included within Categories A, B or C). or, I can send a hard copy to anyone who occurrence e.g. Red Kite Milvus milvus. A dozen or so species have been recorded does not have internet access. C4. Naturalised feral species. Domesti- in Argyll, which fall into this category, These changes are significant to birders in cated species with populations established although it appears that reporting of such that they reflect the current state of knowl- in the wild e.g. Rock Pigeon (Dove)/Feral species has been very patchy in the past. edge as to how many of the birds that we Pigeon Columba livia. Introduced species with self-sustaining see, actually come to be here. C5 Vagrant naturalised Species. Species populations (Category C) The revised categories (with notes as to from established naturalised populations The BOURC has also been reviewing the how they relate to the Argyll List are: abroad (e.g. possibly some Ruddy official status categories and particularly Category A. Species that have been re- Shelducks Tadorna ferruginea occurring in the status of various species that were corded in an apparently natural state at Britain. There are currently no species in originally introduced to Britain by man. least once since 1st Jan 1950. The great category C5. These fall into two groups: Category C majority of species recorded in Argyll C6 Former naturalised species (a new sub- and Category E – see above. naturally fall into this category. category added in 2005). Species formerly The main changes that affect us in Argyll Category B. Species that were recorded in placed in C1 whose naturalised population are: is either no longer self-sustaining or are an apparently natural state at least once Mute Swan: now Category AC2. This between 1st January 1800 and 31st De- considered extinct, e.g. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae. reflects the current view that Mute Swans cember 1949, but have not been recorded never occurred here in a truly domesti- subsequently. There are less than 20 Argyll species that cated state although there was a form of The only species recorded in Argyll that include Category C in their designated ‘owner ship’ where some wild birds were falls into this category is White-faced status although some may have a com- marked. Petrel, although there are seven species bined status e.g. Gadwall AC2 where birds were released or escaped in the past but Greylag Goose: now Category AC2C4E*. (Red-crested Pochard, Wilson’s Petrel, This reflects the complicated status of this American Bittern, Sora, Little Crake, also occur in a natural state. See below for further details. species in Britain where in addition to the Great Snipe and Pallas’s Sandgrouse) that naturally occurring wild breeding popula- have been recorded in Britain since 1st Category D. Species that would otherwise tion in western Scotland, a widespread appear in Category A except that there is breeding population occurs elsewhere in Page 13

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Britain largely derived from the release of succeeded and there is no evidence that established population derives from es- birds reared from eggs taken from the wild the current population derives from caped and intentionally released falconers’ Scottish population and individuals from a captive stock. birds originating from continental Europe. domestic source. Capercaillie: now Category BC3. The There is no evidence to support natural re- Snow Goose: now Category AC2E*. The current Scottish population derives colonisation. Only occurs as a very scarce C2 category is assigned on the basis that solely from birds released in the 19th visitor to Argyll. the birds on Coll (which originally derive century. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon: now Category from full winged birds from a waterfowl Red-legged Partridge: now Category AC4E*. Following a long history of do- collection in north west Mull) are now a C1E*. There is an established, wide- mestication of Rock Doves for a variety of self-sustaining breeding population. spread, breeding population which de- reasons, Feral Pigeons have established Greater Canada Goose: now Category rives solely from birds of captive origin themselves across the whole of Britain. It C2E* (formerly ACE*). This is because and up to a million birds are still re- is unclear whether there are any remaining no vagrant Canada Geese have ever been leased annually in Britain. Smaller truly wild Rock Doves. Although the birds accepted to subspecific level, so there are numbers are released in Argyll and it breeding on some of the islands in Argyll currently no accepted records of either seems unlikely that the population here are probably near to ‘pure’ Rock Doves, it species (Greater or Lesser Canada Goose) is self-sustaining. The species should is doubtful that there are any 100% geneti- in Category A. A review of this situation probably fall into Category E* in Ar- cally pure birds remaining. is in progress. gyll. Barn Owl: retain on Categories A and E*. Barnacle Goose: now Category AC2E*. Grey Partridge: now Category AC2E. Recent studies have showed that captive This is on the basis that there are now Grey Partridges populations in Britain bred Barn Owl have a low survival rate widespread naturalised and self-sustaining are made up of both naturally occurring when released into the wild and that is was populations in Britain. birds and those deriving from introduc- very unlikely the release of captive-bred tions. Birds are released locally in Ar- Barn Owls was boosting the wild popula- Muscovy Duck: Category E*. A fascinat- tion at all. Release of captive birds is now ing review of the status of the species gyll, but it seems most unlikely that the population here is self-sustaining. The controlled under the provisions of the includes an account of the expanding Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981). Ar- population in and around Ely in Cam- species should probably fall into Cate- gory E* in Argyll. gyll has a relatively small, but apparently bridgeshire that has reached such propor- flourishing breeding population of Barn tions that it is being ‘culled’ by the local Common Pheasant: now Category Owls, assisted in some areas by the provi- District Council. BOU are keen to encour- C1E*. There is an established, wide- sion of artificial nest sites. age submission of all records of this spe- spread, breeding population which de- cies. rives solely from birds of captive origin Other species Wood Duck: retain Category E*. There is and approx. 15-20 million birds are still The following non-native species all bred still considered to be insufficient evidence released annually in Britain. Large in Britain in 2001 and/or 2002 and have to support any natural vagrancy. numbers are released annually on some occurred in Argyll. estates in Argyll and the population Bar-headed Goose: Category E* Mandarin Duck: now Category C1E*. here may or may not be self-sustaining. On the basis that there are a number of Emperor Goose: Category E* Golden Pheasant: now Category localized, established, breeding popula- Eagle Owl: Category E* tions which derive from escaped and/or C1E*. The established, localized, introduced birds. breeding populations derive solely from The BOURC consider that their popula- birds of captive origin. For some years tions here should be monitored. Gadwall: now Category AC2. Although there was a small population on Mull The following species which are on the part of the British breeding population that was apparently not self-sustaining. British List but have no naturally occur- from naturalised birds established in the There have been no reliable recent re- ring breeding populations were neverthe- 1800s the evidence is that the current ports and the species should probably less all found breeding in Britain in 2001 breeding population is expanding due to fall into Category E* in Argyll. natural growth and immigration from the and/or 2002. These species require further continent. Red Kite: now Category AC3. Red monitoring. Kites have been successfully re- Mallard: now Category AC2C4E*. On established in various localities in Eng- Pink-footed Goose: Category AE* the basis that some of the hundreds of land and Scotland. Although wild va- Greater White-fronted Goose: Category thousands of captive-reared Mallard re- grants have occurred in the past in Ar- AE* leased for sporting purposes over the last gyll, the majority of recent records will Ruddy Shelduck: Category BDE* 50 years or so are considered to be of a involve birds from the re-established domestic source. populations in Highland and Central Once again the BOU encourages all ob- servers to submit records of all bird spe- Red-crested Pochard: now Category Scotland. cies (to the local recorder), including the AC2E*. This is on the basis that there are White-tailed Eagle: now Category recording and monitoring of all natural- now several naturalised and self- AC3E. This species has been success- ised species (particularly breeding records sustaining populations in Britain. fully re-established into Western Scot- and interactions with native species) and, Ruddy Duck: now Category C1E*. On land. A resident breeder in Argyll a just as importantly, increased reporting of the basis that there are widespread, estab- hundred years or so ago the re- all escaped species seen in the wild in lished, breeding populations which derive established population of White-tailed Britain, including escaped species found solely from birds of captive origin. Eagles includes an increasing number breeding in Britain and in particular those of pairs in Argyll. Black Grouse: Retain as Category AE. with increasing breeding numbers which Although birds have been released in an Northern Goshawk: now Category may be future considerations for Category attempt to re-establish the species in areas AC3E*. Extinct as a British breeding C status. of former occurrence, none has so far species around 1890, the current re- Paul Daw

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December 2005

Field trip reports

Part of the group at Beinn an Tuirc Seabird trip to Islay (Photo: Bob Furness) 17th September

The weather forecast was not encouraging and some members cancelled at the last moment, so that just two people arrived at the terminal for the outing. The ferry was very full but the only people out on deck were the dedicated smokers and us bird watchers! Although there was steady light rain, the visibility was reasonable, and as we sailed up West Loch Tarbert we saw a pair of Mute Swans with two well grown cygnets and a handful of Black Guille- mots, including at least one juvenile, as well as the usual gulls, Eiders and Shags. There was quite a swell as we sailed out into the Sound of Jura, but as far as birds were concerned; the journey across to Islay was relatively quiet, with just a few gulls and a steady stream of Gannets and Fulmars. However, as we passed Bros- the windfarm site. It was a different world Thanks also to Saya Sheridan for helping dale Island, at the southern end of Jura, we up there, with a brisk, cool wind, in con- to arrange the visit and for providing writ- had excellent close views of a Great Skua trast to the pleasant temperature lower ten information on the day. with prominent white wing flashes (so down. Those who had thought to bring Afterwards, those who remained split into probably an adult bird). While moored at gloves and woolly hats must have been two groups. A small contingent proceeded Port Askaig a very vocal group of Jack- very pleased with themselves! The opera- to Machrihannish Seabird & Wildlife daws tumbled around the cliff face and tion of the windfarm, with its 46 turbines, Observatory where Eddie Maguire, the several juvenile Swallows were noted as was then explained by Ewan Anderson, warden, explained his work and showed well as two or three Grey Herons. the windfarm manager, which including a some of his really excellent digiscoped look inside one of the units. Sailing back down the Sound of Islay, the photos taken from the observatory (see odd Manx Shearwater accompanied us Dave Walker then explained some of the photos on pages 10-11), which overlooks and when we reached the Sound of Jura a mitigation work that has been undertaken Uisaed Point. Unfortunately, there was few auks at last appeared. These included to compensate the local pair of Golden little seabird movement, apart from flocks a group of a dozen or so Razorbills flying Eagles for loss of foraging habitat due to of Razorbills. Large flocks (up to 70) of in strict line astern but only a few Com- the windfarm. Observational work has Razorbills had been observed earlier in mon Guillemots. Out in the Sound a few shown that most moorland bird species the day moving in Loch Fyne from the Great Black-backed Gulls and Kitti- have been unaffected by the windfarm, Portavadie to Tarbet ferry. It was a delight wakes were joined by frequent Fulmars and we had some examples of Hooded to see a flock of over 100 Twite in the car and Gannets but little else of interest. As Crows and Kestrels flying and foraging park as we left the observatory. On the we sailed back down West Loch Tarbert amongst the turbines. In contrast, the resi- retreat from Kintrye, a stop in a car park we saw the usual gathering of Shags and dent pair of eagles stopped using the near West Cost Salmon, overlooking the seals at the mouth of the loch and shortly windfarm area once the towers had been Sound of Gigha, added a few more birds afterwards a diver in the distance, which installed (Walker et al. 2005), even though including 2 Slavonian Grebes, 8 Com- we were fairly sure was Red-throated. Red Grouse, one of their main prey spe- mon Scoter and a tight ‘flock’ of 11-12 Despite the fact that we saw relatively few cies, breeds within the windfarm site. A divers quite a way out, some of which birds (and even fewer birders!) the conver- thoroughly chilled party descended back were Black-throated. In addition, Paul sation was excellent and I was amazed at to the main road for a final ques- Daw had 17 Golden Plovers flying south how quickly the afternoon passed, so that tion/answer session before thanking Ewan, along the shore at A' Chleit (south of Tay- before we knew it we were back at Ken- Dave and Brian Burrows (Conservation inloan). nacraig. Ranger) for a most interesting morning. The other group visited the Owl Centre in Paul Daw Campbeltown. After a interesting, infor- mative but chilly wind farm visit, a reviv- Windfarm visit ing hot cup of tea at the centre had great appeal. The centre provided excellent 24th September views of the owl species native to Britain - how much easier to see them in the wild On the 24th September members of the when you know exactly what you are ABC visited Beinn an Tuirc windfarm in looking for! Orientated around the conser- Kintyre. This was one of the best attended vation, breeding and release of endangered field trips for years, with 22 folks turning owl species, there are within the collec- up. We met at 11:00hrs on the side of the tion, owls from many parts of the world in A83 and then proceeded in convoy along enclosures designed to mimic their natural 7-8 miles of Forestry Commission road to habitat. A highlight for many was the Machrihannish Bird Observatory display of Little Owl, Great Grey Owl Page 15 (Photo: Steve Petty) and Barn Owl free flying—as in falconry.

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nearby field were a pair of Whooper clouded over and the light was flat. It was Even Katie Pendreigh’s daughter, who Swan with a youngster. Further afield hard at first to make out the white swans was giving up some precious shopping were scattered parties of Greylag Geese on the calm water. However, with tele- time with boyfriend to humour her totalling 19 and 4 Canada Geese. scopes all had a good view of 30 Whooper Swans and 15 Mute Swans, mother, confessed to thoroughly enjoying Down below Rhona was pacing up and together with 20 Wigeon and 30 Teal. A the visit. down with Sam the dog. They joined us fine cock Kestrel landed on a pole by the for half a day, so that made a total party of Steve Petty (with thanks to Katie Pen- road. dreigh and Paul Daw for additional infor- seven birdwatchers and three dogs! On the approach to Danna we met Paul mation) We did a quick circuit on the fields by and Tom, who had been doing the WeBs Slockavuillin and Barsloisnach, (what Reference count for this area. They had seen Green- lovely sounding names). I’d been here last Walker, D., McGrady, M., McCluskie, A., shank and Grey Plover, which we had week, and seen a crowd of geese, but to- Madders, M., McLeod, D.R.A. (2005) missed in haste to get to Danna before the day we only found 6 Canada Geese and Resident golden eagle ranging behaviour light faded. 30 Greenland White-fronted Geese, and before and after construction of a wind- a Buzzard and Kestrel on electricity We arrived at the Danna gate by 2pm, and farm in Argyll. Scottish Birds, 25, 24-40. poles. walked out along the farm road. Last week there had been several parties of geese The bridge at Islandadd is closed till the near the road, north of New Danna, but Cairnbaan to Danna end of January 2006, so we had to go back today just two groups of 10 and 14 Grey- 13th November to Cairnbaan on our way to Bellanoch. We lags. Near the farm we found three Pied stopped here and walked along the canal Wagtails and beyond it a mixed flock of We caught a truly beautiful winter’s day to the site of the British Waterways bird about 50 Redwings, 20 Fieldfares and for this excursion, booked in advance of watching hide, with its excellent view several parties of Starlings. course, but you can never be sure of the over the estuary. However, on a fine day delivery of these things nowadays! like this, there was a better view from the Low down on the west shore opposite Katie and I arrived at Cairnbaan on time at canal bank with 130 Teal, 25 Wigeon and Liath Eilean were 20 Greenland 9.30am to find only two folk, Peter and 4 Mallard lazing on the banks of Whitefronts. A group of 10 Shags clus- Dorothy, waiting for us. Here we picked saltmarsh islands and across the bay, Cur- tered at the north end of the island, and later we saw about 30 on Sgeir Dhonncha up several common garden birds - Dun- lew, Redshank and Oystercatcher prob- ing the mud. There was a smaller, paler to the south. nock, Herring Gull, Rook, Great and bird among the Curlew, but it remained Blue Tits, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Buz- A Great Northern Diver, still in full steadfastly asleep, bill along its back, and zard, Hooded Crow and Robin. By the summer dress, fished between the island unidentified; probably a godwit or maybe time we’d counted these, Kev and Mary and the shore and entertained us with its a Greenshank. The expected tally of gulls turned up, carrying apologies from others; lovely willowing call. We had hoped to included Great Black-backed, Herring, apparently it was also a WeBs count day, find Barnacle Geese near Mid Danna, but Black-headed and Mew. as well as Armistice Day. Never mind; we last week’s flock had moved. Instead we set off a little late to Dunadd, and climbed By now we were a bit behind my sched- found two parties of 24 and 14 to the this ancient hill, with its superb view over ule, but had to pause in Tayvallich for the southeast of Danna na Cloiche, before Moine Mhor and the Crinan fields. Three- unprovisioned amongst us to stock up with turning our attention to the shore birds at four Wrens and three Meadow Pipits a bit of lunch! But, we did manage to pick the south end—more Mallard, Wigeon, greeted us on the ascent. We set up tele- up a House Sparrow as we waited! Teal, Curlew, Redshank, and Oyster- scopes on the summit and found dabbling catcher. Then, on down past Linne Mhurich to the ducks in a bend of the River Add; 40 Teal, Ulva pools, by which time the day had Standing on the top of the raised beach, 40 Mallard and 2 Wigeon, and in a we could see as far as Ireland, and there was a marvelous vista of the Kintyre coast David Merrie and companions right down to the Mull of Kintyre, round (Photo: David Merrie) past the close islands of Eilean Mor and Corr Eilean, across to Islay and the long sinuous back of Jura. Behind us the hills mounted steadily to the snow-dusted twin tops of Cruachan. As Peter rightly said, it was worth it just for the view! As we turned to go back a pair of Shelduck flew past and shortly after we caught a glimpse of a hunting ring-tailed Hen Harrier. And then, as we came op- posite New Danna, we saw on the eastern fields opposite the Loch Sween Caravan Park, the flock of Barnacle Geese we’d been looking for; some 250 with the 20 Whitefronts nearby. We had seen 45 species and some crack- ing views in good light, so we didn’t mind the wee smirr of rain that misted the wind- screen as we drove home. David Merrie

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December 2005

Mink control in coastal Argyll—the continuing story

Some Club members will know that Scot- 18 high-priority colonies being predated, organisations right across coastal Argyll. tish Natural Heritage (SNH) has recently but with no program of Mink control; More contacts were identified than he was been involved in some limited research to several of these have been selected for able to cover during his contract! Many gain a better understanding of the threats Mink control to start in 2006. Mink are more people are carrying out Mink control to wildlife posed by North American Mink already controlled at 24 sites, and the than had currently been thought; but for in coastal Argyll. Specifically, two sepa- status of Mink needs to be examined at a many of these trappers, there is a need for rate studies were commissioned in early further 58 sites. some guidance, co-ordination and other 2005. The reports have now been finalised support. The study identified a 'hotspot' of The second study, carried out by Kenny and you might be interested in summary of community interest in Mink control on Auld of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs the results. Mull and Iona. This, together with the National Park, was a community consulta- significant natural heritage interests vul- The first study was carried out by Paul tion exercise. We wanted to find out who nerable to Mink on and around these is- Daw and aimed to identify key areas at was carrying out Mink control in Argyll, lands, has allowed SNH to allocate limited risk of Mink predation. Concentrating on where and why they were doing so, how additional funds to pilot studies and con- the coast, we looked at the distribution and successful they had been and what factors trol work in this area in 2006. size of seabird and Eider colonies, includ- might discourage people from getting ing those covered by statutory designa- more involved in voluntary Mink control. Wherever you are in Argyll, if you wish to tions (SSSI and SPA). Paul obtained the Kenny interviewed 69 individuals and carry out Mink control for wildlife conser- Seabird 2000 data set from staff of the vation, SNH can advise you, and may be Seabirds and Cetaceans Team in Aber- able to provide additional help (for exam- deen, and presented it in a more easily ple, by providing a trap on long term digestible format. Clive Craik also shared loan). You will need to agree to check the results of his hugely valuable work. traps daily, and to kill any Mink caught by We classified the larger colonies by their legal methods (either using a firearm, or a vulnerability, based on existing records of high powered air weapon). These are legal Mink predation, existing programs of requirements. Contact your local SNH Mink control and separation distances of office. islands from coastlines where Mink are David Wood known to be present. This study identified Photo: David Wood Photo:

Members Views

Help required for the pro- tempts of ArgyllWindFarms.com (AWF) Stacain windfarm—threat to to ensure that only appropriately sited tection of Argyll’s birds windfarms receive planning consent. Golden Eagles AWF is Argyll & Bute’s windfarm watch- I am calling on the individual members Unless you are in the habit of keeping a dog. AWF supports the revised windfarm and the committee of Argyll Bird Club to close watch on the advertisements for development policy and map, as it be- support two major proposals which will planning applications in the Oban Times, lieves they afford considerably more pro- help protect the birds and wildlife of Ar- you may not have noticed that a windfarm tection to the wildlife and landscape of gyll and Bute. is proposed at Stacain. It would not be Argyll and Bute than the previous draft. surprising if you did not know where Sta- The first involves major national policy AWF will be making a presentation to the cain is. This seems to be part of the strat- change Public Inquiry, which will include an orni- egy of windfarm developers. They choose thological section. It would be grateful for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has been the name of some insignificant geographi- contributions to this from individual mem- asked to give advice, including recom- cal feature so as not to draw attention to bers and the committee of Argyll Bird mending areas for inclusion, to the Scot- what is being proposed. tish Executive regarding the proposal to Club. Stacain is actually in Glen Shira, which is create Coastal and Marine National Parks. Further information/contact Any areas which receive this categorisa- northeast of Inveraray, and the proposed tion will receive the additional protection A & B Finalised Draft Local Plan wind farm happens to be almost in the which that status affords. I propose that (windfarm section) middle of the most productive Golden the Argyll Bird Club writes to SNH giving http://www.argyll- Eagle territory in Argyll. In fact it is one reasons why the west coast of Argyll bute.gov.uk/localplans/written_statement. of the best eagle territories in the whole of should be included within this proposed pdf (see LP REN 1 & 2) Scotland. These birds often rear two new category of National Park. chicks and on one notable occasion in ArgyllWindFarms.com 1973 they reared three. The second involves changes to the Argyll Write to: The Secretary, AWF, PO box 2, The environmental statement which ac- & Bute Finalised Draft Local Plan Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6YU. (windfarm section) companied the planning application in- Website: www.argyllwindfarms.com cluded a highly theoretical calculation Although the consultation period has SNH: Coastal and Marine National Parks which predicted that one eagle might be ended (which enabled interested parties to killed every year by the wind turbines, but lodge their representations regarding the http://www.snh.org.uk/strategy/CMNP/sr- concluded that the overall effect of the Argyll & Bute Finalised Draft Local Plan adnp01.asp windfarm on bird species would be low or as it relates to windfarm development) it is Iain Logan negligible. No mention was made of the still possible to influence the outcome of two wind farms that have already been Member of Argyll Bird Club & Director the Public Inquiry by supporting the at- constructed within Golden Eagle territo- of ArgyllWindFarms.com Limited Page 17 ries in Argyll. At Beinn an Tuirc in spite

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of a fortune having been spent on so- received, especially if these are from Ar- The environmental statement is a massive called mitigation measures, eagle breeding gyll residents. So, if you have not yet document, but I would be happy to e-mail success since construction of the wind made an objection to this proposed wind- a copy of my own letter of objection, and farm has been zero. And at Beinn Ghlas farm, I would urge you to do so now. All also a copy of the very detailed objection not only has breeding success been zero documents and plans together with re- by SNH, to anyone who sends me their e- but the territory now appears to be aban- sponses from formal consultations and mail address. doned. individual objections are available for As a final thought, maybe the Committee Both SNH and the RSPB have objected to public inspection, but this involves a visit could explain why a bird club should find this planning application, and over 200 to the planning department offices in Al- it necessary to make several written sub- private individuals from all over Britain bany Street in Oban. There is no need for missions to the Scottish Executive on the have made written objections, with many a lengthy letter. The important thing is to subject of a beaver reintroduction project of them expressing concern about the say that you are objecting because of the and yet be silent on development propos- likely adverse effect on the Shira eagles. likely adverse impact on the Golden Ea- als that appear to be having a serious im- Argyll and Bute Council is likely to be gles and make sure that your letter is pact on our Golden Eagles. signed. Separate letters from other adult making a decision on this planning appli- Mike Gregory cation early in 2006. One thing that influ- members of the household, especially if ences Members in making their decision is they are Argyll residents would be very E-Mail: [email protected] the number of objections which have been useful.

Press releases, updates etc

Windfarm developers must • Felling commercial forestry to allow too, then all the better. regeneration of blanket bog - a rare peat do more to help wildlife 'It is encouraging that other wind farm rich habitat of high conservation value. developers are now coming forward with • Creating a 150 ha wetland area with similar habitat enhancement initiatives to RSPB Scotland is calling on renewable small ponds and marshland to attract Black Law in their schemes. We under- energy companies to be more environmen- feeding and nesting wading birds. stand that Scottish and Southern Energy tally aware when planning new wind farm are considering such measures for their developments. • Restoring a 320 metre stretch of river to proposal at Harrow's Law near Tarbax in While we support the principle of wind its original course to attract otters and South Lanarkshire, similarly with AMEC's farms and other forms of renewable en- voles. Kyle project in East Ayrshire, and Airtric- ergy, the RSPB believes more can be done ity's application for Clyde in north Lanark- • Enhancing deciduous woodland and shire.' to ensure that wildlife is protected and scrub and planting of unharvested crops habitats are not destroyed when the devel- to attract farmland birds which have Simon Zisman, the central Scotland con- opments are being planned and con- suffered population declines across servation officer for RSPB, said, 'Black structed. Scotland in recent years. Law has taken a badly scarred site and In addition to reducing the impacts of vastly improved it. The terrible damage The RSPB objects to some wind farm done by opencast mining has been re- climate change and global warming, applications where they are inappropri- RSPB Scotland believes that renewable versed. As well as improving the land- ately located and pose a significant threat scape this will benefit a range of wildlife - schemes should also include measures that to birds and other wildlife, such as the attempt to improve the surrounding land to notably breeding waders and farmland proposal for the world's largest on-shore birds.' help safeguard and attract native birds, wind farm - a 234-turbine development by plants and animals. AMEC and British Energy on the Isle of He added, 'It would be fantastic to see the With such safeguards in place, the RSPB Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. level of commitment and resources in- vested in this project by ScottishPower is happy to support carefully thought out However, we fully support renewable wind farm projects. continued throughout the rest of the indus- projects that are sensibly located and try.' Sensible measures where the developers take action to im- prove the habitat to benefit wildlife around Source: RSPB Scotland, 26th October ScottishPower's newest and largest wind the location site. farm at Black Law in Lanarkshire is host to a seminar discussing these and other Ensuring no threat to birds and wildlife Avian influenza and bird- renewable energy issues. Together with Anne McCall, RSPB Scotland's head of watchers Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), RSPB planning, said, 'Wind farms are presently Scotland has worked with ScottishPower one of the best means of tackling the (Updated 4th November) over the past two years to help them take greenhouse emissions that cause the prob- action to enhance the degraded 1,440 hec- lems of global warming, and we support Over the last few months, many bird- tare site. them for that reason. However, we must watchers will have become aware of con- Black Law wind farm site was originally be very careful to make sure that those siderable media interest in the subject of moorland that had over many years been renewable energy developments them- avian influenza or 'bird flu', following blighted by intensive industrial and com- selves do not pose a threat to important outbreaks in central Asia, Russia and the mercial activities such as opencast mining bird and biodiversity resources that we are Black Sea region of the highly pathogenic and plantation forestry. trying to protect. strain of the virus—H5N1—which devel- oped within poultry. We welcome the range of measures Scot- 'We are consulted on hundreds of different tishPower are putting in place to improve applications for potential wind farm devel- Representatives of BTO, WWT, RSPB the wildlife value of the site, which in- opments, and we only object to about 10% and JNCC have been involved in discus- clude: of those. If they can actually be designed to benefit the environment and wildlife Page 18

December 2005

There is a small possibility that some wild birds may be affected by the high a good supply of small brown trout and pathogenic form of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in the UK this autumn. If Arctic charr (the staple diet of the adult you come across a suspicious die-off of wild birds please: birds) and of minnows and sticklebacks Do not touch them (ideal for chicks) are most likely to sup- Contact the Government Helpline immediately. port successfully nesting divers. Call 08459 335577 in England, Scotland and Wales In lochs where these fish are scarce, then Call 02890 524999 in Northern Ireland the birds are either absent or rely on in- sects for food and fledge fewer chicks. sions with the relevant government agen- make an assessment on what further ac- Lochs usually lack fish either because of cies, principally to advise on the latest tion, if any, should be taken. unsuitable water conditions or because knowledge of the origins of birds winter- predatory pike have been introduced and Although there have been no proven cases ing in the UK, migration routes and tim- have removed many of the smaller fish of humans catching the disease from wild ing, and bird distributions within the UK. that the divers rely on for food. birds, the virus is spread through nasal Such information is derived largely from secretions and faeces, so please do not 'It is encouraging to see from this research the hard work of volunteers working on touch sick birds or carcases in the event of that the signs are good for the black- schemes such as the BTO Ringing Scheme a suspicious die-off. Note that separate throated diver in Scotland - providing its and the BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC Wetland guidelines have been provided to ringers has access to the right kind of food sup- Bird Survey (WeBS). We have also re- and these will be made available to any- ply,' said Dr Digger Jackson, the research mained in close contact with international one else who regularly handles wild birds. scientist who carried out the study for colleagues. In general, however, to guard against a RSPB Scotland. The overall assessment is that the chance wide variety of illness, including avian 'Although many of the lochs that do not of this strain of the virus being carried to influenza, it is always prudent to exercise currently support breeding Black-throated the UK by a migrating bird is currently basic hygiene when coming into close Divers are clearly unsuitable there are low (and no more likely than the chance of contact with wild animals (e.g. washing many others, possibly up to 100 in Scot- transmission via illegally imported poultry hands with soap directly afterwards, espe- land, where the food supplies and shore- and their products, or the wild bird pet cially before eating). lines are broadly suitable. These lochs trade). In addition, even if H5N1 did make At a time when there is a lot of misinfor- have the potential to support new pairs of it to the UK, it is important to note that mation on this issue circulating, it is es- divers in the future, especially if conserva- this is a disease of birds, primarily poultry; sential to keep matters in perspective and tion measures could improve the food that there are no known cases of transmis- to sift fact from fiction. We reiterate that, supplies and nest-sites for the birds.' sion from wild birds to humans; in south- at present, we consider the chance of wild east Asia, the virus has (infrequently) Recent conservation work by RSPB Scot- birds bringing highly pathogenic H5N1 to infected humans as a result of close and land, in partnership with other conserva- the UK to be low and the potential for excessive contact with infected poultry. tion bodies, has also shown the birds' onwards transmission from wild birds to Thus the risk to human health from wild breeding success has greatly improved people to be very low. Obviously, how- birds carrying H5N1 is remote. following the provision of man-made ever, we are continuing to monitor the floating rafts which have proved ideal for Nevertheless, it is clearly sensible to keep situation and if there are any further devel- nesting. These grass-covered polystyrene the situation under review. A number of opments we will communicate these and wood structures are anchored to loch organisations are working together to widely, in the first instance via organisa- beds and help to overcome the problem of deliver a national surveillance programme tional websites. fluctuating water levels which can cause for wild birds on behalf of Defra. For BTO, WWT, RSPB, JNCC the failure of the birds' nests on shore further details see: edges. http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/ 'The presence of black-throated divers is diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm Pioneering research living proof of a healthy loch ecosystem,' This will include enhanced monitoring for unlocks the mysteries of said Dr Jeremy Wilson, Head of Research sick or dead birds, coupled with a pro- conserving a rare and beau- for RSPB Scotland. 'Conserving this rare and special bird hinges on management of gramme of taking faecal samples from a) tiful bird apparently healthy live birds, and b) birds lochs. If they contain an abundance of shot as part of legal wildfowling activities. small fish and good nesting sites and re- A pioneering study of Black-throated Di- main free of pike, then we can look for- As part of this process, we would ask ward to a secure future for the bird and an birdwatchers in the field to keep an eye vers has revealed the special conditions this beautiful bird needs to thrive. expansion in the population over the years out for any suspicious cases of large-scale to come.' mortality or sickness amongst wild birds. The UK population of the bird is restricted Wildfowl are potentially among the most to remote lochs in north and west Scot- Source: RSPB Scotland, 31 October vulnerable wild birds. Obviously, all bird- land. Latest available figures show that it watchers encounter dead birds occasion- is scarce—the numbers stand at around ally, almost all due to perfectly natural 180 pairs and a new survey will take place causes, so use your common sense. How- next year—but it has previously been a ever, if you should come across an inci- mystery why some lochs are regularly dent that seems out of the ordinary, this occupied by divers, whilst others that are should be reported via the Government seemingly suitable are shunned. Helpline on 08459 335577 in England, Scotland or Wales or 02890 524999 in The new research—based on a sample of Northern Ireland. Calls would then be 90 lochs in the Western Isles, Caithness, referred to the relevant veterinary author- Sutherland, Strathspey and Badenoch and ity. Specialists at the labs would then Wester Ross—demonstrates that fish populations are the key. Those lochs with

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The Eider

Articles for the next issue of The Eider

should with the Editor before the 25th

February 2006 (see the box opposite for more information) he Eider is the quarterly newsletter of the Argyll Bird Club. The editor welcomes articles about birds, wildlife conservation and ecology in Argyll, includ- Female Eider (Photo: Eddie Maguire) ing articles of a wider natural history interest, notices Tof forthcoming events, book reviews and press releases. When- ever possible, contributions should be submitted to the editor as e-mail attachments in Microsoft Word or rtf format. But, this should not deter potential contributors, as hand-written scripts are also acceptable. If in doubt about whether an article is suit- able, please contact the editor for advice. Suitable illustrations greatly enhance the attractiveness of the Eider, and artists and photographers are encouraged to submit artwork and digital photographs (jpeg files preferred) of birds and their habitats to the editor. Digital photographs of Schedule 1 species taken at or near the nest will not be accepted for pub- lication unless the photographer was covered by an appropriate SNH licence. The Eider is published during the first week in March, June, September and December. Articles for each issue must be with the editor before the 25th day of the month prior to publication. However, it greatly helps if material can be submitted well before these deadline dates. Contributions are accepted in the order they are received, which may result in some late submis- sions being held over until the next issue. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the author/s and not the Argyll Bird Club. Officials and Committee of the Argyll Advertising rates: £80 for a full page, £20 for a quarter page, Bird Club (2005/2006) 7p per word for smaller adverts. Payment must accompany adverts, with cheques made payable to the Argyll Bird Club. Chairman: David Wood, Drover’s House, Bellanoch, Loch- Contact the Editor for further information. gilphead, Argyll PA31 8SN (Tel: 01546 830272) More about the Argyll Bird Club Vice Chairman: Nigel Scriven, 2 Allt na Blathaich, Loch The club was established in 1985. Its main role is to encourage Eck, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8SG (Tel: 01369 840606 & 01505 an interest in wild birds and their habitats in Argyll; an area of 843679) outstanding natural beauty and biological diversity. The club endeavours to provide a friendly and sociable forum Secretary: Katie Pendreigh, The Whins, Ferry Road, Tay- for members of all ages, to meet and enjoy their common inter- inloan, Argyll PA29 6XQ (Tel: 01583 441359) est. This in itself provides a challenge as the population of Ar- Treasurer: Bob Furness, The Cnoc, Tarbet, Loch Lomond gyll is relatively small and widely dispersed. The club hosts two G83 7DG (Tel: 01301 702603) one-day meetings each year, in spring and autumn. The venue of the spring meeting is rotated between different towns, in- Membership Secretary: Sue Furness, The Cnoc, Tarbet, cluding Dunoon, Oban and Lochgilphead. The autumn meet- Loch Lomond G83 7DG (Tel: 01301 702603) ing/AGM is held in a convenient central location, usually near Lochgilphead. The club organises field trips for members. It Committee: Richard Allan (Oban), Roger Broad (Killearn), publishes the annual Argyll Bird Report. Additional or past Tom Callan (Otter Ferry), Danielle Clark-De Bisschop copies can be purchased from the Treasurer. Your annual sub- (Colintraive), Paul Daw (Minard), Mike Gear (Appin), Ian scription entitles you to one copy of the Argyll Bird Report, Hopkins (Bute) and Steve Petty (Tighnabruaich) four issues of the Eider and free admission to the two annual meetings. New members are always welcome, whether you live Editor of the Argyll Bird Report: Simon Wellock, Warden in Argyll or not. Membership categories and rates are: RSPB Coll Reserve, Totronald, Isle of Coll, Argyll PA78 6TB (Tel: 01879 230301) Ordinary £10 Junior (under 17) £3 Editor of the Eider: Steve Petty (contact details on front page) Family £15 Argyll Bird Recorder: Paul Daw, Tigh-na-Tulloch, Tulloch- Corporate £25 st gorm, Minard, Argyll PA32 8YQ Subscriptions are due on 1 January and can be paid by cheque or standing order. New members joining after 1st October are (Tel: 01546 886260. E-mail: [email protected]) covered until the end of the following year. Further information can be obtained from the Membership Secretary (see the box Argyll Bird Club Website: http://www.argyllbirdclub.org opposite).

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