Cover Photograph: Aquatic Warbler Peter Walsh CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY Sixtieth Annual Report 1990 St. George Printing Works Ltd., Redruth. Tel: 217033 CONTENTS Officers for 1991 3 Treasurers Report 4 Chairmans Report 6 Conservation Officers Report 8 Editorial and Review of the Year 11 Contributors 20 Species List for 1990 22 Exotica 146 BBRC decisions 146 Birds handled by the R.S.P.C.A, Perranporth 147 The changing status of the Hen Harrier in Cornwall 149 Diving birds wintering in St Austell Bay 159 Ringing Report 1989 and 1990 163 Check List of the birds of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 167 Rules 172 2 Officers 1991-92 President: Sir Alan Dalton, C.B.E., D.L. Chairman: L.A. Smith, 21 Vicarage Meadows, Fowey. Vice Chairman: R.J.Hooton, 17 Hawkens Way, St Columb Major. General Secretary: M. Lawson, Fieldfares, St Giles Drive, Wadebridge. Treasurer and Registrar: A. F. Reynolds, 33 Treworder Road, Truro Field Meetings Officer: D. L. Thomas, Mirador, Whitecross, Nr. Newquay Conservation Officer: A.R. Pay, 13 Tregellas Road, Mullion. Assistant Conservation Officer: V.A. Stratton, 2 Alexandra Road, St Ives. Public Relations Officer: Mrs. E. McKenzie, Tregarrick, St Mawgan-in-Pydar. Newsletter Editor: F. M. Couch, 29 Roman Drive, Bodmin Officer for Youth and Education: Mrs A.C. Hathway, Langurra, Meadow End, Green Lane, Crantock, Newquay Recorder and Editor "Birds in Cornwall": S. M. Christophers, "Bramblings", Rachel's Way, St. Columb Major Assistant Recorder and Editor: E.J.Cook, 8 Trewethey Way, Newquay, TR7 2AD Joint Secretary, Recorders and Editors * Isles of Scilly Bird Report' W.H. Wagstaff, 42 Sally Port, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 OJE and P. Robinson, Riviera House, The Strand, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly Committee Members: D.A. Conway (Bodmin), and S.C. Hutchings (Penryn) - retire 1992, D. Lord (Polzeath) and Dr J.F. Ryan (Penzance) - retire 1993. B.T. Craven (Launceston), S.F. Jackson (Falmouth), D.I. Julian (Wadebridge), D. Lewis (Camborne) and Mrs H.C. Pay (Mullion) - retire 1994. 3 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1990 1989 1990 £ £ £ INCOME Subscriptions 3,680 Annual Membership 3,748 579 Tax refund on covenanted subscriptions 556 4,259 4,304 312 Donations 385 350 388 31 War Loan 32 1,146 N.S.B. Investment Account 340 2,114 3,954 3,291 4,326 Other Income 1,209 Sale of Annual Reports — Scilly 1,212 372 — Mainland 382 180 Other Sales and income 212 1,761 1,806 9,973 11,209 Less: GENERAL EXPENDITURE Annual Reports, 1989: 2,245 Mainland 2,425 1,515 Scilly 1,500 370 News Letters 466 395 Other Printing and Stationery 702 695 Postages and Telephone 887 435 Rents, Licences and Insurance 364 _ Bank Charges 135 268 Hide and Reserve expenses 242 Subscriptions and donations 32 to Societies 51 64 Goods for resale 51 234 Miscellaneous 217 6,253 7,065 3,720 4,144 Less: SPECIAL EXPENDITURE _ Reserves equipment (net of NCC grant of £494 .. 509 _ Scillies hide repair grant 200 - Typewriter for County Recorder 249 - Display Equipment 168 989 New Hide-Drift Reservoir - (812) New Hide-Stithians - 398 Walmsley Sanctuary Development - 150 St John's Lake Hide - 50 Cornwall Biological Record Unit - 775 1,126 £2,945 EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE £3,018 4 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1990 1989 1990 £ £ £ INVESTMENTS £902.24 3±°/o War Loan at market price at 329 31st December, 1990 303 2,724 NSB Investment Account 3,064 3,053 3,367 638 DEBTORS 929 217 STOCK at cost 282 BANK BALANCES 23,550 Charities Deposit Fund 25,900 410 Current Account 430 75 Cash in Hand 24,035 26,330 27,943 30,908 Less: LIABILITIES 298 Subscriptions received in advance 271 £27,645 NET ASSETS £30,637 ACCUMULATED FUNDS 24,725 Balance at 31st December, 1989 27,645 2,945 Add: Excess of Income over Expenditure for year 3,018 27,670 30,663 (25) Decrease in market value of war loan (26) £27,645 £30,637 NOTE: The Society also owns land at Trethias Island and Walmsley Sanctuary in addition to the assets shown in this Balance Sheet.. REPORT OF THE AUDITORS TO CORNWALL B1RDWATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY We have audited the above Balance Sheet and attached Income and Expenditure Account in accordance with approved auditing standards. In our opinion, the above Balance Sheet and attached Income and Expenditure Account give a true and fair view of the state of the Society's affairs at 31st December 1990, and of its surplus Income over Expenditure for the year then ended. Dated: 13 March 1991 Whitaker, Redfearn, Pappin & Co. Newquay Accountants 5 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 1991 It is pleasing to report that the Society in its 60th year, is in a most healthy state. The Treasurer, Alan Reynolds reports that our financial position is most satisfactory, and that membership increasing steadily, is currently at over 900. Subscriptions have not increased for ten years, but he warned that if the proposed expenditure planned for the coming year takes place, the income over expenditure may be adverse, and an increase in subscriptions may be necessary. The fact that we have no paid officials, and that an enormous amount of work is done by members and officials on a voluntary basis, has been the life blood of the Society for so long. I sincerely hope this situation continues in the future, and we make steady progress. Briefly, looking back to the past in our Diamond Jubilee year, the inaugural meeting took place at the Museum in Truro on 17th January 1931. The president was Nancy, Lady Vyvyan of Trelowarren, and Col. Ryves was secretary. Although much of the early meetings was concerned with overhauling, and clarifying the rules, it is of note that the third item on the agenda dealt with 'plans for the preservation of the chough, and of rare birds in general'. The Society was ahead of its time in the matter of preservation, as early as 1933, the Committee discussed 'oil pollution of the sea'. Subsequently, letters were written to the Board of Trade, and other bodies, on the subject of 'the emission of oil from motor vessels'. At that time most of the movement around the coast, and ocean, was by coal burning vessles. I mentioned in my report last year, the fact that committee meetings were not signed until 1946, when meetings resumed. A great deal of work was carried out, and small disbursements were made from the Preservation Fund to preserve habitats, and to prevent illegal activities which were detrimental to bird life. It is sad to report the death of Rennie Bere, renowned naturalist, and long standing member of the Society. A full obituary appeared in the 'Daily Telegraph' outlining his work. In his book, 'Wildlife in Cornwall' he mentions the Reports of The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society 'which serves so well the cause of conserving the County's superlative avifauna' Rennie was a most interesting man, and it was a pleasure to be in his company on-a field trip, his knowledge was extensive, and he was always ready to pass on his wisdom, and knowledge to all. During the year the committee was concerned about the state of the Walmsley Sanctuary, which, although improved since South West Water carried out work for us a few years ago, was still in need of further improvement. A sub-committee was formed, and approaches made to various bodies, regarding the possibility of obtaining grants. The National River Authority was interested, and in due course they agreed to undertake the work, at no cost to the Society, as a conservation project. When complete, this should help to retain water on the reserve, and improve the area. The total cost to the NRA is approximately £5,000. A full account of this matter appears in the Conservation Officers report. The Nova Scotia Bird Society sought a twining arrangement with us, and after their approach, a formal letter was sent by our President Sir Alan Dalton agreeing. A long delay in reply, brought a further letter, stating that they did not wish to proceed. This was disappointing, because work had been done by various committee members. It is possible that contact may continue on an 'ad hoc' basis. On a more positive note, Restormel Council asked if we wished to be involved with the twinning with Dithmarschen in Germany. I attended the twinning ceremony in March, and we hope we may have the pleasure of meeting with German ornithologists. 6 It is disappointing to report that the hide on the Camel at Tregunna was so badly vandalised, that it was necessary to dismantle it to avoid danger to the public. The North Cornwall Council have provided another hide on the site which is open to the public,and is of very strong construction. Dave Thomas, and Dave Lewis were both involved in the work as were other members, and their help is greatly appreciated. The Society will be building another hide at Tregonce Cliff nearer to Padstow, which will be for the sole use of members by means of a key. A Christmas Wildlife Quiz took place between two teams, one from the Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation and one from the Society. The questions covered all subjects of wildlife of which birds were only one aspect. The questions were set by Roseanne Sparshott, who also acted as quiz mistress. I am pleased to report that we were close winners in a most interesting contest, and it indicates that most good birders are also good naturalists.