TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Officers for 1971-197,2 ...... 3

Secretary's Report for 1970 ...... 4

Treasurer's Report ...... 5

Income and Expenditure Account ...... 6

Balance Sheet ...... 7

Subscriptions, etc...... 8

List of Contributors ...... 8

Cornish Records ...... • •• 9

Cornish Seas ...... 49

Ringing Recoveries ...... 51

Controls of Breeding Summer Visitors at Rospeath ...... 53

Corrections ...... ••• ••• 54

Ornithological Atlas ...... 55

Eddystone Records ...... ••• ••• 58

FORTIETH REPORT OF The Bird-Watching and Preservation Society 1970

OFFICERS 1971-1972 Chairman : Dr. C. J. F. COOMBS, Greenwith Place, Perranwell, Vice-Chairman : Mrs. M. P. VISICK, Trendain, Perranwell Station, Truro Treasurer and Registrar : P. R. G. MARRIOTT, 59, Daniell Road, Truro Joint Secretaries : General Secretary: W. J. A. WOODWARD, Lewidden, Penrose, St. Ervan, Field Meetings : F. M. COUCH, Old Polzeath, Wadebridge Conservation : A. G. PARSONS, The Bungalow, Trewirgie, Editor : J. E. BECKERLEGGE, St. Crowan Vicarage, Praze, Assistant Editor : J. B. BOTTOMLEY, Hellesveor Place, St. Ives Secretary for the : Miss H. M. QUICK, Priglis, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly Committee Members : S. C. Madge, retire 1972; P. J. Dwyer, N. B. Exelby, G. Jackson, Mrs. D. Jeffreys, Mrs. E. Laity, retire 1973; Mrs. A. Robinson, Mrs. S. D. Johns, J. D. Trustram-Eve, B. Wilson, retire 1974. and the Officers ex-officio 3 Sub-Committee of the Executive Committee for the Isles of Scilly : Chairman : Mrs. M. P. VISICK Secretary : Miss H. M. QUICK Committee Members : H. B. Hunt (co-opted), A. G. Parsons

SECRETARY'S REPORT FOR 1970 We are glad to report a further increase in membership during the year ending December. The total was then 1,060, with 20 losses and 60 new members. During the year the Society sustained the loss of its first President, Nancy Lady Vivian, who served in that capacity from 1931-34, and was also a Trustee of the Trethias Island Bird Sanctuary until her death. We also regret the loss of Mrs. A. V. Hayman, whose interest in the Society and its work continued unabated from 1950-1970. Mrs. Hayman's experience as a Magistrate provided a very useful link in the many discussions with Mr. F. H. Hayman when he and the Society collaborated in the details of the Protection of Birds Parliamentary Bills. Two General Meetings and four Executive Committee Meetings were held during the year. At the A.G.M. on March 21st about 120 members and friends attended. The Treasurer reported on the reinvestment of our capital to give an increased yield. After the business, two R.S.P.B. films were shown, " Birds in a Hampshire Garden" and "Ripples in the Reeds." At the Autumn General Meeting on November 28th about 105 people were present. On this occasion the Treasurer warned us that the subscriptions would have to be increased, and proposals would be made at the Spring A.G.M. 1971. The presentation of prizes was made for the Short Nature Story Competition held among our Junior Members. The winners were : Class 1 — Nicholas Dwyer 1st Steven Cull 2nd Class 2 — Frances Henwood 1st Jane Marriott 2nd At the end of the Meeting Mr. A. G. Parsons spoke on " Conservation — what it is and how it is effected." It was obvious that the explanation of Conservation and the definition of technical terms and how the future administration must work, proved of great interest to a keen audience. Following this talk, Mr. Parson presented two short films — " Some Inhabitants of the Birch Forest" taken in Lapland and " Some of the larger Birds of Prey" — mainly eagles. Field Meetings were held on 15 occasions spread over the County and were well supported. 4 Among the many activities with which the Executive Com­ mittee dealt were : the One Day School at on March 14th — our Chairman, Dr. Coombs, presided at the morning session. About 80 people were present, and in the afternoon some of our members led a visit to the Hayle . Important discussions were held, and agreements made at Joint Meetings between our Society, The British Field Sports Society, The Cornwall Naturalist Trust, and the Cornwall Wildfowlers' Association. Walmsley Sanctuary — the final plans had been agreed for the conveyancing of the Land and the appointment of Wardens. In connection with Sonic Booms we have made observations on the effect on Bird Life of this latest 11 Torture " and this work will continue. The Isles of Scilly report was issued and circulated to Members. The proposed Power Station at Inswork — Mr. Parsons is representing us at the enquiry and a report will be made at a later stage. Winter Sailing on Porth Reservoir — we have concluded a satisfactory compromise with the Sailing Club of and the North and Mid-Cornwall Water Board.

Arising from Members' requests, Mr. Parsons is prepared to give advice to anyone requiring Binoculars or a Telescope. A stamped addressed envelope is required with the enquiry, please. As many old Binoculars and Telescopes are optically better than some modern ones, Members or their friends having such, are recommended to give details of them, even if damaged, when making an enquiry. TREASURER'S REPORT The Society had a disappointing year financially and the excess of expenditure over income of £117 10s. 6d. was the first deficit for a number of years. During the year under review the Society paid for the 1968 and 1969 Annual Reports. The total cost of these reports was £511 10s. 6d., an increase of £161 0s. 9d. on the figure for the 1967 Report. This sum more than accounted for the deficit. A sum of £2,000 was re-invested in Cornwall County Council Mortgage Loan at 8.75%. This should improve the investment yield over the next few years. The 3.5% War Loan continued to decrease in value, this stood at £324 15s. Od. on 31st December, 1970. The total assets of the Society now stand at £2,564 16s. 0d., less the total amount still outstanding to the Cornwall River Authority. This figure now stands at £424 3s. 10d. One non-recurring item was the sum of £150 spent on the purchase of land adjoining the Walmsley Sanctuary. The Society's thanks are due to Mr. A. F. Reynolds for kindly auditing the accounts. 5 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1970

EXPENDITURE INCOME £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Subscriptions to Societies Subscriptions British Trust for Ornithology ... 2 10 0 Annual Membership 494 1 0 Royal Institution of Cornwall ... 6 6 0 Life Membership 50 0 0 Royal Society for the Protection 544 1 0 of Birds 2 2 0 Tax Refund on Covenanted South Western Naturalists' Union 2 15 0 Subscriptions 90 13 6 Wildfowl Trust 1 1 0 Donations 52 14 0 14 14 0 Rent, Walmsley Sanctuary 52 0 0 Printing and Stationery Interest Annual Reports — 1968 217 8 6 War Loan 31 11 6 1969 294 2 0 Development Bonds 16 11 1 Typing and duplicating 48 6 1 Defence Bonds 16 17 6 Printing and stationery 14 6 9 Cornwall County Council 574 3 4 Mortgage Loan 96 2 7 Postages, Secretarial Expenses, etc. Bank Deposit Account 18 0 5 Postages 75 10 6 Advertising 12 12 0 179 3 1 Bank Charges 6 3 4 Less Penalty on Redemption of Hire of Projector and Films ... 21 12 0 Defence Bonds 20 2 8 Secretarial Expenses 35 14 0 159 0 5 Insurance 10 0 0 Miscellaneous Incomes Hide Keys 6 0 0 Sale of Annual Reports 11 3 8 Rents—Shooting Rights and Hide 2 0 0 Sale of Neckties 9 14 0 Bounties re Harriers 6 0 0 Sale of Badges 4 5 0 Bailiff 11 0 0 Sale of Hide Keys 5 5 8 Competition Prizes 20 18 7 30 8 4 207 10 5 Excess of Expenditure over Income 117 10 6 Walmsley Sanctuary Contribution to Cornwall River Authority 100 0 0 Purchase of Land 150 0 0 £1,046 7 9 £1,046 7 9 BALANCE SHEET AT 31st DECEMBER, 1970

LIABILITIES ASSETS £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Accumulated Fund Investments Balance at 31.12.1969 ... 1,504 7 6 £902 4s. 10. 3.5% War Loan at Less Excess of Expenditure over current market price at Income for the Year ... 117 10 6 31.12.1970 324 15 0 8.75% Cornwall County Council 1,386 17 0 Mortgage Loan 2,000 0 0 Less Depreciation on War Loan 36 3 0 2,324 15 0 1,350 14 0 Debtor Legacies Fund Inland Revenue—Tax Balance at 31.12.1970 1,214 2 0 Recoverable 130 6 7 Bank Balances Current Account 73 9 3 Deposit Account 29 15 9 103 5 0 Postage Stamps in Stock 6 9 5 £2,564 16 0 £2,564 16 0 Outstanding Liability Stocks of Ties and Badges in respect of the Walmsley Sanctuary Stock of Society Badges at cost 10 5 0 (River Amble Improvement Scheme) Stock of Society Ties at cost 85 8 7 payable to the Cornwall River Authority £424 3 10 95 13 7

REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY I have examined the above Balance Sheet dated 31st December, 1970, together with the Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended at that date, with the books of the Society, and certify that they are in accordance therewith. (Signed A. F. REYNOLDS, Honorary Auditor). SUBSCRIPTIONS, Etc. The full subscription rates are as follows : Life Member £10.00 Full Member £1.00 per annum Family Member (of same family living at the same address and sharing the same literature) 50p Junior Member (between 14 and 18 years of age) - 50p All Annual Subscriptions are due on the 1st January and those not payable by banker's order should be sent to the Honorary Treasurer and Registrar. Banker's Order forms are available on request. This method of payment ensure automatic renewal and saves the Society expense. Receipts will not be issued in respect of subscriptions paid by cheque unless specially requested. Deeds of Covenant are available for members in a position to pay this way. Attractive brooch Badges are available at 25p each. Society Neckties are available from the Honorary Treasurer at £1.10p. The ties, in terylene, have the Society motif on a green, maroon, blue or black background. Applications for Membership and Any Information affecting membership, such as changes of address, should also be sent to the Honorary Treasurer and Registrar: Mr. P. R. G. Marriott, 59 Daniell Road, Truro. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS R. Allen, Mrs. P. Allen, H. Allsopp, P. Bache, J. A. Bailey, K. Baldridge, D. J. Barker, Mrs. D. C. Barker, Mrs. E. Bartlett, N. Beach, J. E. Beckerlegge, B. Bland, C. J. Booth, J. B. Bottomley, Mrs. S. Bottomley, E. S. Box, B. Cave, M. Coath, F. M. Couch, R. M. Curber, T. O. Darke, G. E. Dunmore, P. J. Dwyer, D. Elwood, N. B. Exelby, A. W. Ferguson, Mrs. M. Ferguson, J. S. Gilbert, A. H. Glanville, P. Goodfellow, J. W. M. Graham, A. Griffiths, T. Gunton, J. Harvey, M. A. Harris, Mrs. A. J. Harris, E. Hawes, J. Hawkey, K. J. Herber, R. Hosking, F. Hull, H. G. Hurrell, R. C. Jonas, Mrs. G. M. C. Jonas, Miss M. J. Jones, J. H. Johns, C. Juleff, W. J. Julyan, Mrs. B. M. Kay, R. Knight, F. J. Lawry, Mrs. F. E. Lott, S. C. Madge, G. P. May, P. R. G. Marriott, Mrs. M. Morris, P. McCartney, R. W. McCartney, G. E. Mills, C. D. T. Minton, C. W. Morgan, D. M. Norman, K. Osborne, Miss E, M. Paynter, B. Pattenden, R. D. Penhallurick, N. J. Phillips, D. Price, C. J. Priestman, R. C. Rabjohns, M. L. Richards, P. Richards, H. P. K. Robinson, E. G. Roper, J. Rossetti, P. D. Round, E. A. Rowe, G. P. G. Rowe, J. F. Rowe, J. A. Sage, R .J. Salmon, A. C. Sawle, S. Sheer, R. Smaldon, Miss J. Spenlove-Spenlove, C. J. Stevens, D. M. Taylor, V. R. Tucker, D. Washington, C. W. Westwood, N. J. Westwood, Miss E. M. Whelan, K. Wilkinson, L. P. Williams, Miss K. O. Wilson, D. K. J. Withrington, Mrs. J. Woodward. 8 CORNISH RECORDS

Numbers before species refer to the 1952 B.O.U. List. Members are urged to send in their records for 1970 in the order of species adopted by the 1971 B.O.U. List to be published in the autumn 1971 or this Report. 1971 records of rarities on the British Birds Rarities Committee list will be considered for the Report only if full field data are included, and copies also sent by observers to the Rarities Committee. Field data must also be supplied for the following species—records submitted without such data will be automatically disqualified— Red-necked Grebe, Bittern, Purple Heron, Red-crested Pochard, all species of grey goose except White-fronted, Rough-legged Buzzard, Goshawk, Kite, Honey Buzzard, Harrier, Hen Harrier, Hobby, Spotted Crake, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Temminck's Stint, Red-necked Phalarope, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Mediter­ ranean Gull, Long-eared Owl, Hooded Crow, Bluethroat, Melodious Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Barred Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Red- breasted Flycatcher, Richard's Pipit, Twite and Tree Sparrow. The editor will ask for details of other species when considered necessary. He thanks the many observers who produced the information to make possible the publication of this report, and hopes to hear from them all again with their 1971 records by January 31st, 1972.

1 BLACK-THROATED DIVER. Gavia arctica. In the first winter period many records of small numbers in Mount's Bay, St. Ives Bay, , Falmouth Bay, Fal Estuary and Pendower Cove. Last recorded, one, St. Ives, April 28th; three, Falmouth Bay, May 4th. One in breeding dress, Vault Bay, Gorran, March 28th. In South East Cornwall, noted (one to three) off coast, April 11th to May 8th. In the second winter period small numbers were recorded flying west off St. Ives Island, October 20th to December 23rd; singles noted in Falmouth Bay, November 9th, December 7th and 23rd; one, at Helford River, December 18th and two on 19th; four in Mount's Bay, December 20th, two on 26th and one on 30th; 22 were seen off the Dodman, December 27th and 28th.

2 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. Gavia immer. Present in small numbers at its usual localities in both winter periods. Largest numbers recorded were 14 in Mount's Bay, January 12th. Three flying west at , April 24th. One in breeding plumage still present at , June 9th; and one in breeding plumage in Falmouth Bay, June 19th; one in immature or winter dress flying north west off , July 20th. 9 Cornish Notes On autumn passage first noted September 5th at St. Ives. Largest numbers seen flying west on any one day were 10, November 14th. 4 RED-THROATED DIVER. Gavia stellata. In first winter period singles were recorded at Harbour, February 28th; Mount's Bay, March 22nd; Fal Estuary, February 7th; Falmouth Bay, January 15th and 16th; St. Ives Bay, February 21st; Pendower Beach, January 2nd and two March 6th and 7th. In South East Cornwall singles at Tregantle and Whacker, January 3rd; three, Tregantle, April 14th; three at Cargreen, , March 15th. In North Cornwall, one off Rock; Camel Estuary, May 2nd. The only freshwater record was one at Tamar Lake, February 9th to 15th. Flying west off St. Ives were two, February 24th; and singles, March 2nd and 4th. Five in one hour were counted flying west off Porthgwarra, April 16th. In the autumn and second winter period small numbers were recorded flying west off St. Ives Island on a number of dates September 12th to November 19th. The only other records were one in St. Ives Bay, December 6th; one, Mount's Bay, November 7th and 22nd; one, Loe Pool, December 28th (only freshwater record in this period); one, Helford River, December 19th; two, Rock, Camel Estuary, December 5th and 26th; and one, Cawsand Bay, December 28th. 5 GREAT CRESTED GREBE. Podiceps cristatus. In first winter period, two, Mount's Bay, January 6th; one, January 11th to March 21st; four, March 1st. At , two, March 1st. At Carnsew Pool, Hayle, one, January 10th to March 1st. On Camel Estuary, one, off Rock, February 15th to March 15th. In South East Cornwall, one, Whacker, January 3rd and April 11th. In autumn and second winter period the only records were an immature at Melancoose Reservoir, September 22nd, which stayed about a week; one off St. Ives Island, November 1st; and one, Rock, Camel Estuary, December 31st. 6 RED-NECKED GREBE. Podiceps grisegena. March 31st and April 1st, four (three in breeding plumage) Helford River; two, April 6th; one, April 9th; three, April 11th; two, April 12th and one 16th and 19th. (B.C., P.Mc, D.J.B. et al). In second winter period only sighting was one at Helford River, December 18th—31st (H.P.K.R., P.Mc., P.R.G.M.). 7 SLAVONIAN GREBE. Podiceps auritus. In first winter period in small numbers at Camel Estuary, St. Ives Bay, Sennen Cove, Mount's Bay, Helford River, Falmouth Bay, , Pendower Cove. The only record from South East Cornwall was one, St. John's Lake, January 15th—February 14th. Last recorded, one, Falmouth Bay, May 1st. 10 Cornish Notes In second winter period, first recorded, one, October 25th, St. Ives. Fewer recorded than in first winter period, with only- two November records, two, on 21st and one, Mount's Bay on 30th. The only December records were one to three on Helford River, December 19th to end of year; up to five in Mount's Bay, 20th December to end of year; one, Carnsew Pool, December 13th to end of year and up to five in Carrick Roads, Fal Estuary, in last week of December. 8 BLACK-NECKED GREBE. Podiceps nigricollis. January 3rd, three, Tregantle; one, Carnsew Pool, Hayle; January 10th, two, Harbour, one 17th and January 20th; February 1st, one, Hannafore, ; February 7th, six, Restronguet Point, ; February 8th, one, Newlyn; one, St. Ives; February 21st, one, Sennen Cove; February 25th, one, Swanpool, Falmouth; April 11th, two, Withnoe, Whitesand Bay, S.E. Cornwall; December 28th, one on sea off Loe Bar; December 31st, one, Sennen Cove.

9 LITTLE GREBE. Podiceps ruficollis, A pair bred at Temple Tor Pool, and were seen with two young, July 28th. Unfortunately the pool was later drained. A pair bred successfully at Stithians Reservoir and at Loe Pool. July 14th, an adult and a fully grown immature at Hayle Kymbro. 12 LEACH'S PETREL. Oceanodroma leucorhoa. All records from St. Ives Island. August 16th, two (N.J.P.); September 30th, one (N.J.P.); October 2nd, four flying west 1700 hours—dusk (P.D.R.); October 3rd, 22 flying west; October 19th, one flying west (J.A.B., J.E.B.); October 20th, two flying west (J.E.B., D.J.B.); November 14th, one flying west (P.D.R., N.J.P., H.P.K.R. et al). 14 STORM PETREL. Hydrobates pelagicus. Most records from St. Ives Island. June 23rd, 12 feeding in Bay. Birds flying west past St. Ives Island recorded on several dates, July 2nd to October 21st, usually in small numbers, but 50 were counted in 10 hours on August 16th (J.H.J., P.D.R.). The only other records were June 3rd, two at sea off Gulland; two passing west at Cape Cornwall, September 13th; and two off , October 3rd. Two were also seen of St. Ives Island on this date, possibly the same birds moving down the coast. 16 MANX SHEARWATER. Puffinus puffinus. First noted in spring off St. Ives, one, March 12th. Late records were five off St. Ives, November 3rd; and singles, November 14th and 29th. 3,500 flew west past St. Ives Island, April 25th. May 30th, three noted near Gulland Island — possibly a breeding site. A light passage south west noted May and June off Rosemuilion Head. Largest numbers, 74 in 2.5 hours, June 30th. 11 Cornish Notes Birds of the race P.p. mauretanicus (Balearic Shearwater) seen in small numbers off St. Ives, July 15th (one) to November 19th (one). Largest number, 16, August 16th and October 2nd. The only other records were two flying south west off Rosemullion Head, August 5th, and one flying west, Pendeen Watch, September 12th. 21 SOOTY SHEARWATER. Puffinus griseus. All records from St. Ives Island of birds flying west. July 2nd, one (P.D.R.); August 11th, two (K.B.); August 16th, 30 in 10 hours (P.D.R., J.H.J., L.P.W.); August 20th, five in five hours (N.J.P.); August 21st, two in two hours (N.J.P.); September 9th, one (P.D.R.); September 10th, six in three hours (P.D.R.), seven in two hours (N.J.P.); September 20th, one (P.D.R.); September 26th, one (P.D.R.); October 2nd, two off St. Ives Island (J.E.B.); November 3rd, two (P.D.R., H.P.K.R.).

26 FULMAR. Fulmarus glacialis. March 12th, c. 150 flew west off St. Ives Island 0940—1140 hours. Force 8 N.W. gale. April 25th, c. 300 flew west off St. Ives Island 1445—1645 hours. Force 7 N.W. wind. Most birds passed in first hour. Six young birds, Mackerel Cove, . Between Mawgan Porth and , 106 sites occupied. A pair bred in the Kittiwake colony at Rinsey, one downy juvenile, August 12th; 43 pairs breeding Pentire (Polzeath) to Port Isaac; 33 pairs Port Gaverne to Tresungers Point; 20 pairs Bossiney to Crackington; an accurate count from Tresungers Point to not made, but at one site 10 pairs, where only three in 1969. August 15th, one, Amble Dam, Camel Estuary. December 24th, 102 flying east, one west, Clodgy Point, St. Ives.

27 GANNET Sula bassana. Amongst the numerous sightings the more interesting were: January 24th, a flock of 200 in Falmouth Bay; February 18th, 750 flew west off Lizard 1015—1130 hours; April 17th, 250 flew west off Lizard in two hours;August 16th, at St. Ives Island, during a ten hour sea-watch, 50—60 birds per minute flying west for most of the time; August 31st, c. 200 flying south west 0700—0800 hours, Towan Head, Newquay; October 2nd, c. 1,200 flew west off St. Ives Island in two and a half hours.

28 CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax carbo. May 4th, 10 occupied nests, Hell's Mouth, two young in one nest; May 30th, 20 adults and 15 pulli, Gulland Island; two occupied nests on The Mouls; 23 pairs breeding, Bound's Cliff; at least four 12 Cornish Notes pairs bred Gull Rock, Beeny, and another two pairs on mainland cliffs south west of Gull Rock.

29 SHAG. Phalacrocorax aristotelis. Two pairs bred at , a new breeding locality.

30 HERON. Ardea cinerea. At least one occupied nest in Sheviock Wood. At least one occupied nest in remains of Trenant Wood, Looe. Two occupied nests River , opposite Golant. Four occupied nests , St. Winnow Woods. Five occupied nests, Par Marsh. A pair bred successfully at Tamar Lake. One occupied nest, Pinkson's Cove, Camel Estuary. Three occupied nests in reed beds, Marazion Marsh.

32 LITTLE EGRET. Egretta garzetta. April 18th, two, Sellan Mill, (F.J.L.); also on 18th, one, at Marazion Marsh all day, flying up valley in direction of St. Erth, 1730 hours (L.P.W., P.D.R., D.J. & D.C.B.). Two seen in evening in fields behind Hayle Causeway, and on 19th (P.D.R., N.J.P., P.R.G.M.); April 20th, one, Roskennals Mill, Newbridge (F.H.). It is not definitely known how many birds were involved, probably not more than three, and quite possibly only two. April 28th—May 2nd, one, Hayle Estuary (P.D.R., J.H.J., L.P.W., J.E.B.); April 30th—May 3rd, one, Boscathoe Reservoir (J.H.J.).

36 NIGHT HERON. Nycticorax nycticorax. April 20th, an immature male found dead by roadside near Lower Sticker Farm (S.S.). This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee.

37 LITTLE BITTERN. Ixobrychus minutus. April 26th—May 13th, a female, Swanpooi, Falmouth (B.C., P.Mc., J.E.B., J.B. & S.B. and many others). This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee.

38 BITTERN. Botaurus stellaris. January 3rd, one, " forced down" at Treveal, , taken to Marazion Marsh and released. From January 4th one seen at Marazion Marsh on various dates until April 2nd, but not known whether the sightings refer to this bird or to the one in residence at the end of 1969 (J.B. & S.B., J.E.B., J.H.J., F.H., B.P., P.D.R.).

42 SPOONBILL. Platalea leucorodia. September 25th—October 6th, an immature, Hayle Estuary (L.P.W., N.J.P., J.E.B. et al). It was not recorded after being disturbed by a sonic boom caused by the diabolical aircraft misnamed " Concorde." 13 Cornish Notes 45 MALLARD. Anas platyrhynchos. Largest numbers noted: Tamar Lake, 40, September 14th and November 18th; Melancoose Reservoir, 61, December 13th; Loe Pool, c 270, October 31st and c 275 on sea off Loe Bar, December 26th; Porthmear, Porthcothan, 110 on sea, December 30th; Tresillian River, 148, December 30th; Merther Pool, September 13th and October 18th, 200. 46 TEAL. Anas crecca. In late July, two adults with five young on Lamorran Pond were thought by the Tregothnan gamekeeper, Mr. H. Millington, to have nested higher up the valley on the estate. December 17th, nine ducklings found on muddy bottom of drained pool, Temple Tor, Moor. Largest numbers noted: Melancoose Reservoir, 70, October 18th; Siblyback Reservoir, 20, January 3rd; Drift Reservoir, 82, December 31st; Loe Pool, c. 300, December 28th; Merther Pool, 110, January 18th; Lambe Creek, Truro, c. 220, January 18th and c. 120 at end of year; Stithians Reservoir, 134, February 6th.

47 GARGANEY. Anas querquedula. Fewer recorded in spring than in several recent years. At Marazion Marsh a male, May 12th—15th, and two males and a female, May 20th. At Drift Reservoir, one, May 11th; a male at Par Beach, May 19th; and a pair at Tamar Lake, June 18th. On autumn passage the only records were two at Drift Reservoir, August 24th; three at Stithians Reservoir, September 9th—11th; and one, September 24th and October 21st.

49 GADWALL. Anas strepera. In first winter period noted at Stithians Reservoir until February 6th, with a maximum of 15, January 2nd. One to three at Drift Reservoir during January and until February 15th. At Hayle Estuary, one, January 3rd; four, January 10th. Two at Loe Pool, January 12th. At Tamar Lake, five, January 24th and March 8th; two, April 3rd. On April 16th, 10 flew in from sea to Marazion Marsh, and one on the Marsh, April 19th—26th. In the autumn and second winter period, first noted, one, Stithians Reservoir, September 22nd. One to two noted at Stithians Reservoir, November 28th to end of the year. At Drift Reservoir, one, November 23rd. At Loe Pool, one, December 16th; two on 28th. At least six, Amble , December 26th, and a pair at Hayle Estuary, December 28th.

50 WIGEON. Anas penelope. First recorded in autumn: August 14th, one, Stithians Reservoir; Largest numbers recorded: Hayle Estuary, November 21st, 530; Tamar Lake 80+ in December; Walmsley Sanctuary (Amble Marshes) c.400, January 4th and December 31st; Camel Estuary, 14 Cornish Notes 312 off Amble Dam, December 25th; 250 near , January 25th; Loe Pool, 153, December 28th; Drift Reservoir, December 31st, 64; St. John's Lake, January 3rd, 6,000, late December, 4,000; Merther Pool, 100, January 18th — an unusually high number for this locality; Stithians Reservoir, 247, February 6th.

52 PINTAIL. Anas acuta. January 3rd, a male on sea, Tregantle. Two males, January 3rd, at were unusual visitors at this locality. Present on Camel in January and February; largest numbers, 23. A pair on Marazion Marsh, February 14th, and a female, April 2nd. August 29th, one, Camel Estuary, first autumn bird; October 19th, a party of three, and a flock of 26 flew west off St. Ives Island (force 6/8 N.W. wind); October 23rd—28th, one, Stithians Reservoir; Very few in last half of December on Camel Estuary, ten, December 13th, largest number seen. December 5th, one, Ince, R. Lynher, 15 on 28th; December 20th, one, Mount's Bay; December 28th, five, Loe Pool; December 30th, one flew east, Clodgy Point, St. Ives; December 31st, two females, Siblyback Reservoir.

53 SHOVELER. Spatula clypeata. The more interesting occurrences. January 3rd, three at Siblyback Reservoir. Largest numbers noted: Marazion Marsh, March 2nd, 26; c. 30 on sea in vicinity of Great Hogus Rocks, Marazion from mid- December onwards; Drift Reservoir, 12, December 26th; Loe Pool, c. 85, December 28th; Dozmary Pool, nine females, February 3rd; November 7th, seven flying west St. Ives Island; one flying west December 23rd; and four flying east off Clodgy Point, St. Ives, December 24th. 55 SCAUP. Aythya marila. January 1st, a female and an immature, Porthleven sewer; and 2nd—12th, a female commuted between Porthleven sewer outlet and Loe Pool; a male at Loe Pool on 12th; January 4th, a male, St. John's Lake; February 3rd, an immature, Dozmary Pool; April 17th, two males in a party of " auks," flew west, Lizard Point. October 21st—24th, an immature or female Stithians Reservoir; and two, November 22nd; at Drift Reservoir, a female, November 15th to December 20th; at St. John's Lake, a female, December 28th—31st. 56 TUFTED DUCK. Aythya fuligula. Largest numbers noted: Tamar Lake, c. 28, February—March; Melancoose Reservoir, 45+, December 13th; Siblyback Reservoir, 25, January 3rd; Drift Reservoir, 58, December 26th;Loe Pool, 122, December 16th; Swanpool, 69, January 6th, 70, November 30th; Merther Pool, 20, January 18th. 15 Cornish Notes Unusual records: March 4th, one, Fowey Harbour; March 25th, six, Carrick Roads, River Fal; May 24th, one Siblyback Reservoir. June records were two pairs at Loe Pool, June 16th; and a pair at Stithians Reservoir, June 23rd; a female summered at Tehidy Pond; off St. Ives Island, singles flying west, October 16th and November 3rd, and several November 8th.

57 POCHARD. Aythya ferina. Largest numbers noted: Tamar Lake, 30 in December; Melancoose Reservoir, 35+, December 13th; Siblyback Reservoir, 70, January 3rd (but only 40 next day) 74, February 14th and 98, December 31st; Dozmary Pool, 30, February 3rd; Drift Reservoir, 110, November 23rd; Loe Pool, 60, December 16th; Swanpool, 26, November 19th; Stithians Reservoir, 80, November 30th. Unusual records: One summered at Tehidy Pond with a female Tufted Duck; November 8th, five, flying west past St. Ives Island; December 28th, six, Porth Navas Creek, not seen here in previous seven years residence (B.M.K.).

60 GOLDENEYE. Bucephala clangula. Occurred in mostly small numbers in first winter period at Camel Estuary (max. 12, January 4th and February 1st); Melan­ coose Reservoir (max. six, January 18th and 28th); Hayle Estuary (max. 11, January 12th); Sennen Cove, Drift Reservoir, Marazion Marsh, Loe Pool, Swanpool, River Fal (max. 16, March 25th, 24, December 13th); Tresemple Pool, Siblyback Reservoir, Tamar Lake. Unusual occurrences were one on a small pool at Trevencage, February 28th; and one, Pool, July 16th. In the second winter period late arriving, and at most localities not seen until December. Recorded in very small numbers (mostly singles) at Camel Estuary (7, December 31st); Melancoose Reservoir, Hayle Estuary, Drift Reservoir, Marazion Marsh, Loe Pool, River Fal, Loe Beach Feock, St. John's Lake and Siblyback Reservoir.

61 LONG-TAILED DUCK. Clangula hyemalis. The female reported at Tamar Lake in December, 1969, remained until March 15th, it was joined by a second female which was first recorded March 8th, both left on 15th (F.E.L., S.C.M.). At Loe Pool, one, February 1st (P.R.); and a male at Rinsey Head, April 12th (J.H.J.); at Sennen Cove, one, January 9th to March 1st (J.E.B., D.J. & D.C.B., P.R.G.M.); at Helford River, April 12th— 20th (J.H.J., P.R.G.M); two, April 23rd (P.R.). In second winter period, singles flying west off St. Ives Island, October 22nd (J.A.B.), and November 1st (N.J.P.); one, Drift Reservoir, November 8th (A.G.); at Sennen Cove, two males and two immature females, December 12th to end of year and into 1971 (J.E.B.); an immature or female at Helford River, December 19th (J.E.B.). 16 Cornish Notes 62 VELVET SCOTER. Melanitta fusca. In first winter period, one to two Camel Estuary, January 4th to February 1st (F.M.C., S.C.M., V.R.T.); at Helford River recorded on several dates, February 12th (three) to April 23rd (five); largest numbers, nine, March 29th—April 1st (B.C., P.Mc., P.R. and many others); at Sennen Cove, a female, January 9th (J.E.B.) and February 21st (D.J. & D.C.B.). In second winter period, a male, flying east off Penzance, October 9th (J.A.B.), and two flying at same locality, December 7th (P.D.R.); a male flying west off St. Ives, November 5th (J.E.B.); November 12th, a male, Amble Dam, Camel Estuary (R.J.S.). 64 COMMON SCOTER. Melanitta nigra. Small numbers at various coastal localities in both winter periods. Largest numbers recorded were: 17 off Towan Head, Newquay, January 21st; 18, Mount's Bay, March 27th; 24, Helford River, March 14th; 30, Whitesand Bay, S.E. Cornwall. Late winter or early spring movements included 29 flying west off St. Ives Island, 1005—1205 hours, March 2nd, and 30, 0900—1100 hours, March 4th. In June a considerable amount of movement recorded off Rosemullion Head. On June 15th, 45 flew into Falmouth Bay from the east, and after 10 minutes flew south. Similar movements were noted on several dates—June 16th, six; 17th, 39; 19th, 18; 21st, c. 50; 30th, 12; July 6th, 60. In August and September a light passage off Rosemullion Head: largest numbers 20, August 26th (B.C., P.Mc.). A light west passage off Lizard in August. On the northern and western coast, four off Towan Head, Newquay, July 22nd, and a rather thin westerly passage off St. Ives, July 31st to December 5th. Largest numbers recorded were 25 in four and a half hours, October 2nd, c. 70 in a similar period, November 8th. 67 EIDER. Somateria mollissima. In first winter period, two off Newlyn, January 9th—11th, and three, January 27th to April 17th; one off Marazion, May 7th—8th and two, May 13th; in St. Ives Bay, one to two, February 8th— April 4th. In second winter period: one, Mount's Bay, October 10th and November 7th; five flying west past St. Ives Island, November 7th, and one flying east off Clodgy Point, St. Ives, December 26th; one, , December 22nd; one female, Hayle Bar, December 27th; and two immature males, Godrevy, December 28th. 69 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Mergus serrator. Occurred as usually in its usual localities. Of the many records received the more interesting were: three at St. Winnow, Fowey River, January 4th; 42 on Fal River off Restronguet Point, February 7th; an immature off Par Beach, September 7th—9th. 17 Cornish Notes 70 GOOSANDER. Mergus merganser. In first winter period many more records than usually. In second winter period not recorded. At Tamar Lake, three during January and February and one March 8th. On the Camel Estuary, four until at least March 8th. On March 14th, a dead bird was found, and three then recorded March 15th to 27th, and one, March 29th. Recorded at Hayle Estuary from January 3rd to March 14th, usually four seen, but six, January 11th. At the River Gannel, two, January 11th. January 15th—March 22nd, two to five at Drift Reservoir; one, Boscathnoe Reservoir, Heamoor, February 21st—23rd. The last recorded bird was April 16th, one, Golant, River Fowey.

73 SHELDUCK. Tadorna tadorna. Breeding records: Camel Estuary, July 12th, four parties totalling 46 young. Hayle Estuary, May 25th, a pair with eight ducklings about a week old. Helford River, July 13th, 57 young near Groyne Point and below. Tresillian River, June 25th, five parties totalling 50 young. Largest numbers seen: Camel Estuary, 185, January 15th, c. 110, December 31st; Hayle Estuary, 59, December 31st; Helford River, 40, March 31st; Tresillian—Truro Rivers, 420, February 15th; Devoran, 80, December 30th; River Fal, Ruan Lanihorne, June 27th, 100 adults: not a single juvenile; St. John's Lake, 320, January 3rd; , 160, April 11th. Unusual occurrences: One at Melancoose Reservoir, January 18th, and two, May 11th—12th; December 26th, six on sea off Penzance Bathing Pool; December 31st, two flying east off Porthgwarra.

76 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Anser albifrons. In first winter period at Amble Marshes, largest numbers seen were 117 on January 10th; 81 were present March 7th; 59 the follow­ ing day were the last recorded. In the second winter period first recorded, 15, December 19th, increasing to 50 by December 31st. As far as could be ascertained all birds at the Amble Marshes were of the Russian race albifrons (R.M.C., R.J.S. et al). The only other records were nine, believed to be of the Greenland race flavirostris at Stithians, October 21st (J.A.B.) and six of the same race at Drift Reservoir, October 24th to November 8th (D.J. & D.C.B., P.D.R., M.C., A.G.). On October 31st, seven unidentified grey geese flew north east over Copperhouse Creek (L.P.W.) and possibly the same party at Loe Pool, November 7th (J.S.G.). A party of seven unidentified grey geese flew north east over Newlyn East, December 27th, and a party of seven definitely identified as White-fronts were flying 18 Cornish Notes up valley at Rospeath towards St. Erth, December 28th (B.P.). One at Drift Reservoir, December 26th and 31st (J.H.J. & H.P.K.R.); an immature at Whacker, River Lynher, December 28th and two at Marazion Marsh, December 27th—28th (B.P., M.J.J.).

78 BEAN GOOSE. Anser fabolas. One at Amble Marshes, January 4th to February 22nd was considered to belong to the race rossicus (F.M.C., S.C.M., R.J.S.).

80 BRENT GOOSE. Branta bernicla. Very few records: January 15th—February 3rd, an adult dark- breasted (B.b. bernicla) at St. John's Lake/ Beach; October 11th—14th, three (two adults and one immature) ac Hayle Estuary; and an adult dark-breasted flying west off St. Ives Island, December 30th.

81 BARNACLE GOOSE. Branta leucopsis. At Amble Marshes, one with the White-fronts, January 31st to March 8th (A.C.S., R.J.S. et al). Visited Town Bar, Padstow, February 15th (F.M.C.). 82 CANADA GOOSE. Branta canadensis. October 11th—November 8th, one at Drift Reservoir (P.D.R., A.G. et al). 84 MUTE SWAN. Cygnus olor. Largest numbers noted: St. John's Lake, c. 56, November 7th, decreasing to four or five by mid December; River Camel, 24, January 15th and December 6th — this seems to be the average population here; Tresillian—Truro Rivers, 30, January 18th and December 13th; Porth Navas Creek, 41 adults and one immature, January 26th. Breeding records: A pair bred at Amble Dam. Three cygnets reared at Tamar Lake. At Loe Pool a pair hatched five young, but only two survived. Pairs attempted to breed at Park Lake, and Swanpool, Falmouth, and two pairs at Stithians Reservoir were unsuccessful. Three young raised at Maenporth Marsh and one at Gweek, Helford River. At Porth Navas Creek a pair raised six cygnets after the nest had been moved by humans nearly 300 yards from below high water mark to a safe place. Also bred at West Looe River and at Whackar, River Lynher. 85 WHOOPER SWAN. Cygnus cygnus. In first winter period: Ruan Lanihorne, one, January 3rd; January 4th to 16th, one adult, Amble Dam, and possibly the same bird at Egloshayle, February 2nd; January 7th to 24th, two, Tamar Lake; January 11th to February 1st, one adult, Drift Reservoir, three, February 8th. In the second winter period the only record was one at Amble Dam, December 20th to end of the month. 19 Cornish Notes 86 BEWICK'S SWAN. Cygnus bewickii. In first winter period an adult on the Camel near Amble Dam or on Walmsley Sanctuary, January 4th to February 23rd. January 2nd, a party of 10 at Tamar Lake and presumably this party seen flying south over the Camel, January 4th. At Drift Reservoir, one January 11th; and three adults at Dozmary Pool, January 16th and 17th. In the second winter period, one, Marazion Marsh, November 21st. Two immatures at Marazion Marsh, December 26th, were disturbed by a shoot, and these, presumably, were the two at Crowan Reservoirs, December 28th to 30th. 92 ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. Buteo lagopus. March 29th, one Mount Edgcumbe (A.C.S.). Full details supplied—Eds. 93 SPARROWHAWK. Accipiter nisus. Breeding season records: 4 young raised, Carthew, St. Austell; one adult, Maenporth, July 1st; a pair again bred at Illogan; at least two young reared, Towednack; May 5th, one adult, Hustyn; May 16th, one adult, Housel Bay, Lizard; June 19th, one adult, Melancoose Reservoir; July, five young in nest near Mullion. 99 MARSH HARRIER. Circus aeruginosas. May 19th—23rd, a female emerging from juvenile plumage, Marazion Marsh (P.D.R., L.P.W., J.E.B. et al). 100 HEN HARRIER. Circus cyaneus. October 12th, a male, Trewey Common (J.H.J.); October 24th, a female/immature, Towans near , Godrevy (L.P.W.); December 1st and 20th, male, Bartinney Downs (J.H.J., P.D.R.); a 11 ringtail," Bartinney Downs, December 2nd—31st (J.H.J, et al); December 19th, a " ringtail," Drift Reservoir (H.P.K.R.), was probably the bird seen during this period at Bartinney. 102 MONTAGU'S HARRIER. Circus pygargus. A trio, two males and one female, produced four young at one locality. Also recorded at a second locality in breeding season. 103 OSPREY. Pandion haliaetus, August 7th—22nd, one, Camel Estuary (A.C.S., C.J.P., P.R.G.M.). Enquiries by A.C.S. established that the bird seen August 7th was not one of this year's young from Loch Garten. August 30th, one caught an 8 in. fish in Abraham's Bosom, Porth Navas, where many boats were moored (B.M.K.); September 6th—10th, one Drift Reservoir (J.H.J.); September 15th—17th, one, Helford River (P.Mc). 104 HOBBY. Falco subbuteo. May 11th, one Marazion Marsh (J.H.J.); May 24th, one flying south west, Gorran Haven (M.C.); October 11th, a male, Zennor (P.R.G.M.). 20 Cornish Notes 105 PEREGRINE. Falco peregrinus. Again, no breeding records. January 4th, an adult and an immature at Camel Estuary; January 10th, one, Polzeath; February 14th, one, Siblyback Reservoir; March 1st, one, Drift Reservoir; March 18th, a male, Swanpool; March 28th, a female, Polkerris; May 28th, one flying north over Marazion Marsh; June 12th, a female, Fowey. August 3rd, one over Bussow Reservoir, St. Ives; August 7th, an immature, ; August 9th, an adult Camel Estuary. August 29th—30th, one, Hayle Estuary, and visiting Copper- house Creek; September 6th—13th, an immature, Amble Dam; October 13th, two immatures, Porthgwarra; October 17th, one, Porthgwarra; October 25th, one, Amble Dam; November 9th, one flew west, St. Ives Island; December 28th, one adult, Dodman Point.

107 MERLIN. Falco columbarius. Again, most of the sightings from the west of the county. In the first half of the year a female at Porthgwarra, January 22nd; a male at Treveneage, St. Hilary, March 5th—8th; a male at Hayle Estuary, April 21st; and one at Culdrose, April 26th, were the only records. In August, a female at North Trekieve, near . None recorded in September. In October 11 sightings in the Land's End peninsula and one at Godrevy; three November records, singles at St. Ives Bay, 7th; a female, Bartinney Downs, 19th; and an adult male at Treveneage, St. Hilary, which remained until December 19th. Other December records were singles at Marazion Marsh on 5th; Upper Fowey Valley, 6th; Towednack, 8th; flying south west over Penzance, 18th; Bartinney Downs, 19th; and one flying west at St. Ives 24th • 108 RED-FOOTED FALCON. Falco vespertinus. October 14th, a female near Tintagel (A.W. & M.F.). This record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee.

117 QUAIL. Coturnix coturnix. Two at Pen Olver, Lizard, May 3rd; heard calling at Par (possibly more than one) May 4th; Harlyn Bay, May 19th; Wheal Rodney, Marazion, May 15th—23th; Wheal Butson, May 23rd; Rospeath, June 8th and 25th and August 9th and 13th; Treveneage, June 13th and a different locality 25th and again July 25th; Perran Sand , May 27th; Hustyn, May 30th; Heamoor, June 11th; Constantine, two, June 19th. At Crowan, one recorded August 12th; Morwenstow, two, August 2nd, one on 5th, and a freshly dead bird killed on road by vehicle, August 14th.

120 WATER RAIL. Ralius aquaticus. Last recorded: April 19th, Marazion Marsh; May 8th, one, Swanpool. 21 Cornish Notes A bird present at Illogan, April—June, but no evidence of breeding. First noted autumn: August 15th, Amble Dam, one; August 20th, Marazion Marsh. 125 CORNCRAKE. Crex crex. Only two records: April 30th, one, Caerhayes; May 24th, one, Nanjulian, St. Just-in-. 127 COOT. Fulica atra. April 20th, an adult feeding two small young, Marazion Marsh; at least four pairs bred at Loe Pool; June 10th, an adult with six recently-hatched young, Clowance Pond; July 4th, a pair with four young, Temple Tor Pool; several pairs attempted to breed at Stithians Reservoir, but only two young survived; four still present at Siblyback Reservoir, May 24th. Largest numbers noted: Tamar Lake, 50, February 14th; Melancoose Reservoir, 47, February 15th; Siblyback Reservoir, 100, December 26th; Drift Reservoir, 240, January 1st and 8th; Loe Pool, 295, December 28th; Stithians Reservoir, 473, February 6th. December 28th, eight at St. John's Lake — very unusual here. 131 OYSTERCATCHER. Haematopus ostralegus. May 30th, one on nest, Gulland Island; June 20th, a pair with young, Mullion Island; July 11th and 14th, a pair with two young Port Quin. Inland records: in small numbers on many dates, September 13th to December 20th, at Drift Reservoir; 16 largest number, November 11th; at Stithians Reservoir, three, September 6th. 133 LAPWING. Vanellus vanellus. February 1st, 3,000+ Amble Marshes. Summer flocking: First seen at Culdrose Airfield, June 8th, numbers increased to 150 by end of month. At Stithians Reservoir, 27, May 30th, increasing to 70+ June 12th and 225, June 23rd. On this latter date there were also 200 at Crowan Reservoirs.

134- RINGED PLOVER. Charadrius hiaticula. Inland records: Stithians Reservoir; a good autumn passage; one, July 3rd and then regularly recorded July 30th onwards. Largest numbers were: 32, September 9th. Last seen, one, November 3rd. Hayle Kymbro, September 23rd, four. Largest numbers recorded: Hayle Estuary, 280, nearly all adults, August 6th, largest numbers in winter: 80, December 6th. Camel Estuary, 50, March 15th.

135 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. Charadrius dubius. April 18th, one, Loe Pool (G.E.M.); August 6th, an immature, Copperhouse Creek (L.P.W.); August 8th, an immature, Crowan 22 Cornish Notes Reservoirs (J.H.J.); August 12th—15th, an immature, Stithians Reservoir (J.E.B., J.H.J.); August 25th—26th, one, Marazion, fre­ quenting marsh and beach (P.D.R., N.J.P.).

136 KENTISH PLOVER. Charadrius alexandrinus. June 6th, an adult male, Hayle Estuary (L.P.W.). Full details submitted—Eds.

139 GREY PLOVER. Charadrius squatarola. Largest numbers: St. John's Lake, 40 during January and February; River Camel, 30, March 21st; 40, Amble Dam, October 25th. First autumn bird, July 31st, one winter plumage adult, Camel Estuary; October 3rd, one, Tresillian River, rarely recorded here. Other unusual records: January 14th, eight feeding in a field near Gulval. September 14th, one, Stithians Reservoir. 140 GOLDEN PLOVER. Charadrius apricarius. October 15th, at least 5,000, Camel Estuary; December 17th, at least 2,500, Siblyback Reservoir. Birds of the race altifrons, May 3rd, five, (P.Mc.) 142 DOTTEREL. Charadrius morinellus. May 6th, four in breeding dress, St. Breoke Downs (E.A.R., J.F.R.); September 19th—20th, three at Porthgwarra (J.B. & S.B., J.H.J., P.R.G.M.). Heard in flight, 21st. 143 TURNSTONE. Arenaria interpres. February 8th, 123 at Rock, River Camel. Sometimes occurs well up away from coast, e.g.:— November 8th, nine, River Tamar at Cargreen; December 5th, one, Clifton, River Tamar. Summer records: June 18th, three, Rosemullion Beach; June 19th, four, Lizard; June 28th, one, Pendennis Point, Falmouth. One inland record: November 23rd, three, Drift Reservoir. 144 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Limnodromus scolopaceus. May 11th, one in breeding dress, Hayle Estuary (J.H.J.). Accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. 145 COMMON SNIPE. Gallinago gallinago. Largest numbers noted: Amble Marshes, 150+, January 4th; St. Mawgan Airfield, c. 150, December 25th; Siblyback Reservoir, 100, January 24th; Marazion Marsh, 200, February 8th; 130, December 17th. 23 Cornish Notes 147 JACK SNIPE. Lymnocryptes minimus. January 11th, four, Marazion Marsh; September 26th, one, Marazion Marsh; October 15th, one, Hayle Kymbro Pool; October 24th, one, Marazion Marsh; October 25th, one, Drift Reservoir; November 7th, four, with two Snipe, Halsetown; November 8th, one, Marazion Marsh; December 24th, one, Marazion Marsh; December 28th, one, Sharrow, Whitesand Bay.

148 WOODCOCK. Scolopax rusticola. March 1st, one Rospeath, seen and heard giving roding call, late evening.

151 WHIMBREL. Numenius phaeopus. February 10th, one flying down river, Torpoint Ferry. First noted on spring passage: April 4th, one, Rinsey Head; April 11th, one, Copperhouse Creek; April 17th, 15 flying west, Lizard; April 19th, three flying east, Freathy; six, Amble Dam. Inland records: August 12th, one, Stithians Reservoir; September 5th—22nd, one, Stithians Reservoir; September 27th, Drift Reservoir. Last recorded November 7th, one, Carrick Roads, River Fal.

154 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. Limosa limosa. June 10th, three, Tresillian River; July 4th, two, Devoran, nine on 16th; July 11th, one, Amble Dam, Camel Estuary; December 21st, one, Penzance Promenade Beach, very unusual here. Largest numbers noted: Numbers considerably smaller than in recent years at Tresillian River, and River Fal at Ruan Lanihorne. Millbrook Lake, December 19th, 150; Devoran, 40, April 29th; St. John's Lake, November 9th, 100+. Inland records: January 31st, two, Stithians Reservoir; July 11th and 21st, one, Stithians Reservoir.

155 BAR-TAILED GODWIT. Limosa lapponica. November 9th, c. 140, St. John's Lake. Inland records: September 9th, one, St. Mawgan Airfield; September 16th, five, Stithians Reservoir.

156 GREEN SANDPIPER. Tringa ochropus. Winter records: January 4th, one, Amble Dam, R. Camel; January 15th—March 8th, one, Treveneage, St. Hilary; February 15th, one Sladesbridge, River Camel, last seen March 26th; March 1st, one, Ruan Lanihorne; March 3rd, one, Rialton. A good autumn passage. First noted, three, Stithians Reservoir, June 22nd, 15 were seen at Stithians Reservoir, July 25th and August 14th. 24 Cornish Notes 157 WOOD SANDPIPER. Tringa glareola. May 15th—18th, one, Marazion Marsh. A good autumn passage. At Siblyback Reservoir, one, August 27th—28th; Melancoose Reservoir, one, September 13th; Stithians Reservoir, one, June 22nd and 25th, and recorded in small numbers on many dates, July 16th to September 16th: largest numbers were eight, August 7th, and 12, August 12th (G.E.M.); Crowan Reservoirs, one to four present August 4th to 29th; Rospeath, singles, August 18th to 26th; Marazion Marsh, singles, August 8th to 18th, two 22nd; Eastern Green, Penzance, one, August 13th; Drift Reservoir, three, August 6th and 11th, singles, August 24th and September 9th.

159 COMMON SANDPIPER. Tringa hypoleucos. January 2nd, one, Stithians Reservoir; January 16th, one, River Tamar at Cargreen; January 31st and February 15th and 17th, one, Tresillian River. November 7th, two, Egloshayle; November 8th, two, Forder Creek, ; December 21st, one, Tresillian River; one on River Fowey, third week in December.

160 SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Tringa macularia. August 17th—29th, one, Bussow Reservoir, St. Ives (J.B. & S.B. et al). This record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee.

161 REDSHANK. Tringa totanus. Inland records: January 3rd, two, Siblyback Reservoir; February 1st, one, Higher Argal Reservoir; March 1st, one at pond, Treveneage; Stithians Reservoir, July 3rd, one; August 4th, four, two, 6th; August 12th, two, and one to two to end of year. Returning birds first noted: Tresillian River, 23, June 25th. Largest numbers noted: Devoran, August 14th, 250+; Camel Estuary, July 31st, 200. 162 SPOTTED REDSHANK. Tringa erythropus. In the first winter period three on the Camel and River Lynher and up to four on Tresillian River. Three to four recorded on Devoran Creek in February and March. Last recorded on Tresillian River, April 26th, four in breeding dress. On the same day singles at Marazion Marsh and Camel Estuary. First autumn birds were one in breeding dress, June 27th, Ruan Lanihorne and four in breeding dress, Tresiliian River, June 28th. Autumn passage recorded at Camel Estuary, Hayle Estuary and Copperhouse Creek, Marazion Marsh and Stithians Reservoir in small numbers. Largest numbers recorded, 10, Stithians Reservoir, August 2nd. Last recorded at Camel Estuary, one, November 15th; at Hayle Estuary, one, November 11th. 25 Cornish Notes In December three were present throughout the month at Tresillian River and one at Devoran Creek on 30th. 165 GREENSHANK. Tringa nebularia. In both winter periods recorded at Helford River, Tresillian River, two first period, three second, Ruan Lanihorne two, Fowey River two, River Lynher and St. John's Lake, maximum of 11, January 4th. Also recorded in first winter period on Camel Estuary, maximum of seven, February 14th and Porth Navas Creek, and in second winter period at Millbrook Lake. On spring passage last noted, one, Devoran, June 6th, and first autumn bird, one, June 27th at Ruan Lanihorne. Unusual localities were: October 9th, one flying south out to sea at Porthgwarra; October 24th, three on The Tribbens, Sennen Cove; and December 15th, one in Newlyn Harbour. 169 KNOT. Calidris canutus. 800, St. John's Lake, January 3rd and February 22nd; May 11th—12th, four, Hayle Estuary in breeding dress; May 16th, one, breeding dress, Trenow, Marazion; May 18th, one, Dinham, R. Camel, in breeding plummage; September 6th, Hayle Estuary, one, in a party of 19, still in breeding plumage. At Stithians Reservoir, one, August 20th—24th; three, 26th— 31st; one, September 1st—3rd; October 3rd, 31, Tresillian River, an unusually large number for this creek; December 5th, c. 60, River Tamar off Clifton; December 28th—31st, one in marshy fields, Rayle Bottoms, Illogan. 170 PURPLE SANDPIPER. Calidris maritima. Two or three, January—March, Greenaway Rodes, Camel Estuary; one, Trebetherick Point, March 15th (F.M.C.). Present at Sennen Cove in both winter periods. Largest numbers, 54, December 12th. January 10th, 69 at Penzance Bathing Pool, seven, May 18th; January 4th, one, Pendennis Point; January 19th, one, Rosemullion Head; February 1st, 20, Hannafore, Looe; February 24th, three, St. Ives Island, and three, November 16th and December 3rd; at the Lizard, one, March 9th, three 19th, November 6th, three, 23rd one; March 28th, four, Porthcurno; April 18th, nine, Trescore Islands, Porthcothan; August 16th, six, The Carracks, Treveal; October 3rd, one, St. Ives. At Marazion, first birds of second winter period noted: November 11th (seven), later building up to a resident winter population of about 20. November 14th, 35, Penzance Bathing Pool; December 26th, one, Chapel Point, Gorran; December 6th, 20+ Looe; December 19th, four, Greenaway Rocks, Polzeath; December 26th, two, Fowey Harbour. Seven wintering at end of year, Clodgy Point, St. Ives. 26 Cornish Notes 171 LITTLE STINT. Calidris minuta. River Camel, near Amble Dam, one, January 4th and March 15th. At Hayle Estuary, two, June 7th, and in small numbers there (including Copperhouse Creek) August 20th to October 22nd. At Marazion, one, on the beach, June 6th and August 27th, and two 28th; one on the marsh August 26th (probably same bird as on beach 27th), and September 2nd, seven on 22nd. At Stithians Reservoir in small numbers, August 1st to October 30th, largest numbers, seven, September 26th and five, October 12th and 17th. Devoran, two, September 3rd; four, 6th; and one 17th. At Drift Reservoir, one, October 11th, 18th and November 7th. Two at Tamar Lake in September.

172 LEAST SANDPIPER. Calidris minutella. June 7th—8th, one, Marazion Marsh (J.H.J., P.D.R., P.R.G.M., J.E.B. et al). This record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee.

173 TEMMINCK'S STINT. Calidris temminckii. June 5th—6th, one in summer plumage, Marazion Marsh (P.D.R., M.J.J., J.E.B. et al); June 19th—20th, one adult with several Dunlin, Hayle Estuary (L.P.W.); September 3rd—10th, one in winter plumage, Stithians Reservoir (P.R.G.M., L.P.W., J.E.B. et al).

176 PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Calidris melanotos. At Stithians Reservoir, two, August 31st to September 20th, and three 15th. Then none recorded until two, September 27th and October 3rd. Usually two seen until October 26th, but three October 12th, 17th and 21st (A.H.G., G.E.M., J.E.B. et al). At Crowan Reservoirs, two, September 22nd and three 24th to 27th (J.E.B., P.D.R., J.H.J., L.P.W.). At Drift Reservoir, one, September 27th (A.G.).

178 DUNLIN. Calidris alpina. At Porth Navas Creek, 17, November 3rd, increasing to 82, December 9th and to 400+ in mid-January, 1971. Not seen here before during years I have lived here (B.M.K.). December 5th, 500, River Tamar; December 8th—18th, a bird at St. John's Lake was completely white except for two small flecks on each carpal joint. Inland occurrences: The only inland spring record was of two at Hayle Kymbro Pool, Lizard, April 27th. On autumn migration seen at Stithian's Reservoir, July 16th, seven, and then on many dates until one, December 12th. Largest numbers were: c. 40, September 9th; at Crowan Reservoirs, two, July 30th, and one, August 11th; at Higher Argal Reservoir, one, August 6th; at Bussow Reservoir, St. Ives, one, August 28th and at Drift Reservoir, two, August 1st. 27 Cornish Notes 179 CURLEW SANDPIPER. Calidris testacea. The only spring record, one in winter plumage, Hayie Estuary, June 9th—10th. On autumn passage, small numbers noted Camel Estuary on four dates, August 11th—October 25th. Hayle Estuary, August 23rd—November 1st, maximum of 15 in September and early October. Stithians Reservoir, August 22nd—September 11th, maximum six, August 29th, and one, September 26th—October 25th. A flock of 23 flew past St. Ives Island, August 22nd, one at Gweek, August 31st—September 4th; two, Devoran, September 6th; one, Drift Reservoir, October 18th. 181 SANDERLING. Crocethia alba. One inland record: August 11th, two, Stithians Reservoir.

182 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. Tryngites subruficollis. September 20th, one, Stithians Reservoir (A.H.G.); September 27th, four, Predannack Airfield (A.H.G.). These records have been accepted by the Rarities Committee. 184 RUFF. Philomachus pugnax. At Amble Marshes, six or seven present, including a white- headed male in both winter periods. One to three in August. At St. Mawgan Airfield, one, October 12th and 19th. At Hayle Estuary and nearby fields recorded on many dates, February 8th—April 25th, August 23rd—October 15th and December 17th—27th. Maximum numbers, nine, March 14th. At Marazion Marsh, one, April 16th— 25th. At Crowan Reservoirs, three, September 22nd—27th, five on 26th. On September 24th, 10 at Culdrose Airfield stayed for a week. At Stithians Reservoir, five, February 7th, one, July 12th and on many dates, August 6th—September 23rd, one to five. In the eastern part of the county, one, Siblyback Reservoir, August 28th; four, St. John's Lake, February 22nd, and three, December 27th; and at Borough Farm, Torpoint, three, January 16th.

185 AVOCET. Recurvirostra avosetta. January 1st—February 22nd, one, St. John's Lake; January 3rd, one, Ruan Lanihorne; September 23rd—29th, one, Hayle Estuary; December 7th to end of month, one, Millbrook Lake. On the River Tamar, 51, January 17th; 11, March 15th. In second winter period, two, October 27th, increasing to 64, December 12th. 187 GREY PHALAROPE. Phalaropus fulicarius. St. Ives Island, August 16th, three (N.J.P., L.P.W.); September 12th, one (N.J.P.); September 13th, three (N.J.P.); October 3rd, one (G.E.D.); November 1st, two (N.J.P.); November 3rd, two flying west (P.D.R., N.J.P., H.P.K.R.); November 8th, c. 25 flying west in 4£ hours (P.D.R.); November 14th, one (N.J.P., L.P.W.); November 15th, one flying west (P.D.R., H.P.K.R.); December 6th, one flying west (P.D.R., N.J.P.). 28 Cornish Notes October 3rd—10th, one, St. Clement, Tresillian River (P.R.G.M., J.E.B., D.J.B.); November 27th, one, near Venton Cove, Marazion (P.D.R.) and probably the same bird, November 28th, at Marazion Marsh (J.H.). WILSON'S PHALAROPE. Phalaropus tricolor. October 6th—8th. One, Looe (S. J. Hemmings et al). This record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. 190 PRATINCOLE. Glareola pratincola. July 22nd, one, Crowan Reservoirs (J.H.). This record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. It is the third record for Cornwall—Eds. 193 ARCTIC SKUA. Stercorarius parasiticus. Only two spring records, one flying west, Porthgwarra, April 16th and one flying north, Pendennis Point, Falmouth, May 9th. One, St. Ives Island, July 2nd and autumn passage off St. Ives noted many dates, August 5th to November 16th. Largest numbers were 45 in seven and a half hours watching, October 2nd. Of a total of 120 birds seen by N.J.P., 82 were dark phase, five intermediate and 33 pale phase. One over Bussow Reservoir, near St. Ives, August 16th. Off Rosemullion Head, a dark phase bird flying south June 17th, June 30th and July 24th. August 5th, a pale and two dark phase flew south, and one light phase, August 25th. Off the Lizard, one dark phase bird flew west, August 5th and November 23rd. 194 GREAT SKUA. Stercorarius skua. Only three records for first half of year — two flying west off St. Ives Island, February 7th, and one flying south off Rosemullion Head, February 13th and June 17th. In second half of year, a total of 58 birds recorded on 14 dates, August 11th to November 19th. Largest number on one day, 17 in 7| hours, October 2nd. The only other sighting in the county was of two flying west off The Lizard, August 5th. 195 POMARINE SKUA. Stercorarius pomarinus. Two spring records, a dark phase adult flying west off Bass Point, Lizard, April 17th (B.C., D.M.N., D.K.J.W.) and two adults off Penzance, May 9th (L.P.W.). In latter part of year recorded only from St. Ives. September 10th, one flying west (N.J.P., P.D.R.); October 2nd, 11 in 7J hours (J.E.B., P.D.R.); October 3rd, six (L.P.W.); October 5th, one at sewage outfall (G.E.D.) and one flying west (J.E.B.); October 19th, two (P.D.R.); October 20th, seven (J.A.B.); December 6th, one (J.H.J., P.D.R.). 29 Cornish Notes 196 LONG-TAILED SKUA. Stercorarius longicaudus. November 3rd, an immature flying west past St. Ives Island (N.J.P., H.P.K.R., P.D.R.). 198 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus marinus. January 17th, a passage of c. 30—35 per hour flew south all day, Rosemullion Head. May 30th, six occupied nests, Gulland Island. 199 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus fuscus. Winter records of British race graellsii: —in first winter period : January 9th, three, Sennen Cove; January and December, one at Looe; January 17th, three off Rosemullion Head; January 18th, 33, Hayle Estuary. Up to four both winter periods, River Camel. In second winter period : December 6th, three, Marazion Marsh; December 26th, one, Egloshayle; December 27th, one, Falmouth Bay. May 30th, one occupied nest, Newland Island. September 3rd, at least three northern race fuscus flying south­ west off Towan Head. 200 HERRING GULL. Larus argentatus. January 20th, towards dusk, c. 4,000—5,000 on sea in Newquay Bay (P.J.D.). May 2nd, 60+ at Candledown Clay Pit, about 6 pairs nesting, probably unsuccessfully as no young seen. May 11th—12th, 75+ nests, Porthmissen to Tregudda. Between Mawgan Porth and River Gannel, c. 1,005 occupied nests. c. 50 nests on hangar roofs, Culdrose Airfield. 201 COMMON GULL. Larus canus. January 5th, one coming to bird table, Crowan Vicarage. 202 GLAUCOUS GULL. Larus hyperboreus. January 18th, an immature, Rosemullion Head (P.Mc.). October 21st, one adult flying east across St. Ives Bay (N.J.P.). 205 MEDITERRANEAN GULL. Larus melanocephalus. January 8th, an adult flew east, Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth. January 20th, probably the same adult off Swanpool Beach, and on February 13th, feeding at sewage outfall, Pennance Point, later feeding at Gyllyngvase Beach (B.C.). An adult seen in the St. Ives—Porthkidney Beach area on various dates, August 31st—December 27th. Not known whether more than one bird was involved (J.H.J., N.J.P., P.D.R.). November 26th, an adult off Swanpool Beach (B.C.). 30 Cornish Notes 206 BONAPARTE'S GULL. Larus Philadelphia. February 15th—April 26th, an adult at St. Ives (N.J.P. et al). 207 LITTLE GULL. Larus minutus. In the first winter period, seen up to April 26th at St. Ives with a maximum of seven, April 2nd and 5th, and up to May 27th at Hayle Estuary (up to three). From February 28th to March 7th, an adult fed with Black- headed Gulls in ploughed fields at St. Erth. At Larrigan Beach, Newlyn, two immatures, January 9th, and one, February 8th. An adult at Swanpool, Falmouth, March 23rd. At St. Ives in second winter period, one to three immatures, November 14th to end of the year. Flying west off St. Ives Island, a total of 55 were recorded for 18 dates, August 20th to November 21st. One flying east, November 19th. Majority were immature birds. Elsewhere : August 20th—22nd, an immature, Loe Pool; Sept­ ember 5th, one, Hayle Estuary; November 8th, four immatures off Godrevy; December 12th, one adult, Sennen Cove. 208 BLACK-HEADED GULL. Larus ridibundus. January 25th, c. 1,400, Eastern Green Beach, Penzance. December 27th, two feeding in garden, Stenalees; four, 31st. 209 SABINE'S GULL. Xema sabini. A far better autumn than 1969. Off St. Ives Island : July 14th, an adult (J.H.J., N.J.P., L.P.W.); August 14th, two immatures (K.B.); 16th, four adults (three in breeding, one in winter plumage) (J.H.J., J.D.R., L.P.W.); September 12th, four immatures (P.R.G.M.); September 30th, one immature (J.H.J., N.J.B.); October 2nd, two immatures (J.E.B., P.D.R.); October 3rd, one immature (G.E.D.); October 19th, one immature (J.A.B., J.E.B.); November 1st, three (two immatures, one adult) (N.J.P.). Other localities : September 12th, two immatures flying west, Pendeen (J.E.B.); September 13th, one immature, Hayle Estuary (J.H.J., N.J.P.); September 28th, one immature flying south, Rose­ mullion Head (P.Mc.); October 5th, two immatures, Penzance (J.H.). 211 KITTIWAKE. Rissa tridactyla. April 5th, 28 birds at nesting site, Tolpedn, Penwith. May 16th, 57 nest sites at Rinsey. Only 30 juveniles, August 12th. No informa­ tion received from other breeding sites. November 3rd, c. 10,000 flew west past St. Ives Island in 7 hours. Force 8 W.N.W. wind. 212 BLACK TERN. Chlidonias niger. Autumn passage noted in St. Ives Bay and off St. Ives Island, August 19th—October 3rd. On August 21st, 200 including one flock of c. 70 were seen flying west in six hours. 31 Cornish Notes Elsewhere: one, St. John's Lake, August 17th; one, Torpoint Ferry, and possibly same bird at Millbrook Quay, August 19th; one, Bussow Reservoir, August 20th; four, Marazion Beach, August 19th; and small numbers at Camel Estuary, August 20th—September 9th; Loe Pool, August 19th—22nd; Stithians Reservoir, August 23rd— September 9th (maximum eight, August 31st); and Siblyback Reservoir, August 24th—26th (four, 25th).

217 COMMON TERN. Sterna hirundo. February 1st, at River Camel, a " Commic " Tern flew in from sea up river as far as Rock and then back to sea. A large movement of " Commic" Terns (probably most were Common), September 13th. In the morning 240 flew west past St. Ives Island in 2| hours; 160+ were at Porthkidney in the after­ noon, and about 190 (possibly the Porthkidney birds) flew west past the Island in the evening (N.J.P.). August 23rd, one, Stithians Reservoir. Last recorded at St. Ives, one, November 9th.

218 ARCTIC TERN. Sterna macrura. April 26th, one, Hayle Estuary; May 3rd, at least two with 10 Common Terns, Seaton. On autumn passage birds specifically identified as Arctic Terns were recorded : August 22nd, one, Towan Head, Newquay; September 8th, three flying west, St. Ives; September 12th, one dead at Stithians Reservoir; October 2nd, three flying west, St. Ives; October 5th, one, St. Ives; October 19th, one juvenile off St. Ives, and two juveniles, October 20th.

219 ROSEATE TERN. Sterna dougallii. On spring passage : One, Marazion, May 2nd, and at Porthkidney Beach, one, May 4th; two, 11th, and three, 15th. On spring passage: One, Marazion, May 2nd, and at Porthkidney kidney. Seen in very small numbers July 11th (seven) to August 14th on several dates; one, September 1st, and two, 12th. One October record, two flying west past St. Ives Island, October 13th.

222 LITTLE TERN. Sterna albifrons. More spring records than usually. April 13th, two, Par Beach. In Mount's Bay, one, April 16th, May 2nd; six, 8th; two 9th. In St. Ives Bay and Hayle Estuary, up to four, April 19th to May 5th. At Tregantle, one, April 18th. At Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, two, April 30th. At Rock, Camel Estuary, five, May 2nd. On autumn passage, small numbers (maximum seven, August 2nd), St. Ives Bay and Hayle Estuary on six dates, July 12th— September 9th. On Camel Estuary, one, August 9th, 20th and 22nd. At St. John's Lake, one to three, July 29th—August 17th, and one, October 15th. 32 Cornish Notes 241 BARN OWL. Tyto alba. Recorded throughout the year at Halsetown. July 28th, one, Morwenstow. 246 LITTLE OWL. Athene noctua, A decrease in the County according to some observers. Recorded occasionally in breeding season near Halsetown. May 8th, two, Porth Navas; May 18th, one, Enys Woods, Penryn; May 22nd, one, Trencrom; June 12th, one near Trerulefoot, St. Germans; August 1st, one, Crowan Reservoirs. 249 SHORT-EARED OWL. Asio flammeus. May 16th, one, Pentire Farm, Polgeath (F.M.C.); October 17th, two, Porthgwarra (L.P.W.), one flew out to sea in direction of Scillies (P.D.R., J.H.J.); November 2nd, one, Porthgwarra (P.J.D.); November 21st, one, Stithians Reservoir (J.E.B.); December 1st to end of year, two, Bartinney Downs, St. Just (P.D.R., H.P.K.R., J.H.J.). 252 NIGHTJAR. Caprimulgus europaeus. May 17th, one near Halsetown. Not recorded again. May 29th— June 13th, a male at Trencrom; June 7th—12th, one heard, Nanquidno, St. Just-in-Penwith; a pair at Carthew, near St. Austell, in June (W.J.S.). 255 SWIFT. Apus apus. First recorded: April 19th, one, Freathy, S.E. Cornwall; two, Marazion Marsh. Last recorded: August 30th, one, Falmouth; September 10th, one, Penzance. 256 ALPINE SWIFT. Apus melba. April 17th, one Bass Point, Lizard (B.C., D.M.N., D.K.J.W.). This record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. 258 KINGFISHER. Alcedo atthis. July 30th, one, Stithians Reservoir. Very rarely recorded here. 261 HOOPOE. Upupa epops. April 19th, one, Crafthole Reservoir (S.C.M.). In early May, one at Malpas (per R.D.P.). 263 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Dendrocopos major. July 28th, two young feeding on bread at a bird-table, Carthew, near St. Austell. November 1st, a female caught and ringed, Kynance; an unusual locality. 264 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Dendrocopos minor. January 15th, a male, Torpoint; July 17th, one, Tregony. 33 Cornish Notes 265 WRYNECK. Jynx torquilla. September 16th—17th, one, Porthgwarra; September 27th, one, near St. Ives; October 7th, one, Nanjizal; October 14th, one, Porthgwarra. 271 WOODLARK. Lullula arborea. In first winter period, six at Treveneage, St. Hilary, two singing during March, one to two present during breeding season; June 21st, one singing at 0330 hours, Carclew; October 17th, two flying over­ head, Porthgwarra; December 28th, one, Treveneage, St. Hilary. 272 SKYLARK. Alauda arvensis. October 29th, several small flocks flying south from Porthgwarra. 274 SWALLOW. Hirundo rustica. First recorded: March 22nd, one, Porthgwarra; March 25th, Marazion Marsh (P.D.R.); March 29th, one, Rialton; March 31st, one, Loe Pool; April 1st, one, at Maenporth, and Toll Point, Helford River; August 4th, 200 roosting in reed bed, Harlyn Bay. Last recorded: November 10th, small party, Porthleven; November 20th, one, St. Blazey; November 21st, one, Mount Charles, St. Austell; November 27th, 15, Newlyn. 276 HOUSE MARTIN. Delichon urbica. First recorded: April 1st, one, Par Beach; April 8th, one, Rialton; April 16th, one, Porthgwarra; April 19th, one, Tregantle, Marazion Marsh. August 7th, 12—15 pairs nesting in cliffs near Polpeor, Lizard (R.H.). Last recorded: November 8th, seven, Porthgwarra, one, Porth­ leven; November 15th, one, Penzance; November 26th, two Falmouth. 277 SAND MARTIN. Riparia riparia. First recorded: March 21st, Marazion Marsh; March 22nd, two, Drift Reservoir; March 24th, 15+, Loe Pool, five, Par Beach; March 25th, c. 10, Rialton; March 26th, Polpey, Par. Breeding noted in cliffs at Carne, Veryan Bay; June 28th, c. 20 nests in cliffs near Loe Bar; a cliff nesting colony of 25+ pairs, Widemouth Bay; August 8th—15th, c. 6 pairs feeding young in nests in holes in sandy cliffs, Poldhu. Last recorded: September 1st, one, Hayle Kymbro; November 3rd, one with seven Swallows, Par. 278 GOLDEN ORIOLE. Oriolus oriolus. May 7th, a female killed near Michaelstow (F.M.C.). 287 CHOUGH. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. The last remaining Chough in Cornwall was seen throughout the year at its traditional locality. 34 Cornish Notes 292 MARSH TIT. Parus palustris. August 12th, one, Treveal, Zennor. Unusual here.

293 WILLOW TIT. Parus montanus. Present during breeding season in Millbrook Valley, (F.E.L.). December 20th, two, Carthew Woods, near St. Austell (W.J.S.). 298 TREE CREEPER. Certhia familiaris. October 10th, one, Porthgwarra.

299 WREN. Troglodytes troglodytes. A pair nested in a Dippers' old nest at Nanstallon (F.M.C.).

302 FIELDFARE. Turdus pilaris. Last recorded in spring: March 28th, 20, at Rame, Wendron, and 10, at Mabe; April 4th, four, Tory, Stithians. In second winter period first noted: October 9th, two, Porth­ gwarra; October 17th, Fowey; October 21st, two, Mullion; October 22nd, c. 100, St. Minver Parish, arrived here earlier and in larger numbers than usually; October 24th, c. 100, Treveal, Zennor; October 30th, c. 75, Rialton. Numbers in West Cornwall considerably increased during the cold weather of the last week in December.

304 REDWING. Turdus iliacus. Last recorded: March 31st, one, Falmouth First recorded: October 7th, one, Porthcurno; October 10th, five, Porthgwarra; October 22nd, one, Crowan, one, Rialton; October 24th, a few, Treveal, Zennor; October 25th, c. 30, at Drift Reservoir. A large influx in St. Levan Parish during the cold weather of the last week of December. Local residents said " more than ever seen before." 307 RING OUSEL. Turdus torquatus. March 28th, a male, Nanjizal (P.Mc.); April 7th, two, Towednack (N.J.P.); April 10th, a female, Falmouth Golf Course (B.C.); April 19th, a male at Rame Head (S.C.M.). October 5th, one, Rialton (P.J.D.); October 14th, a male, Towednack (J.B. & S.B.); October 17th, four or five, Porthgwarra (L.P.W., P.D.R., N.J.P.); October 18th, one, Porthgwarra (P.D.R., N.J.P.); October 24th—25th, two, Porthgwarra (P.D.R., N.J.P., F.H., J.H.J.). 308 BLACKBIRD. Turdus merula. At Newquay, a pair nested in a glass bowl on a shelf in a garage that was used daily. Two broods raised (P.J.D.). 35 Cornish Notes August 4th, a male disgorged five very small live whelks on an inside window-sill of my house (B.M.K.).

VEERY. Hylocichla/Catharus fuscescens. October 6th, one, at Porthgwarra. This is the first record for the British Isles and Europe and has been accepted by the Records Committee of the British Ornithologists' Union. It is not the general policy of the editors of this report to give full details of plumage and behaviour of rarities seen, as such details are usually readily available in the standard text books. In this particular case, a first for Europe, we consider that full details of the occurrence would be of value and interest to readers, and as the fullest account was sent in by Mrs. E. Allsopp, hers is the one here given. Seen between 09.30 and 14.30 hours BST on Tuesday, October 6th, 1970, at Porthgwarra, at the south-westerly tip of Cornwall. Visibility was good, the weather being mainly sunny with 4/8 cloud, and a few showers. The wind was SW force 4. The bird ranged for about 30 metres in bushes and trees along a stream. These included tamarisks on a stone wall, an isolated line of dead elderberry bushes with nettles and grasses, sallow willows, a larger partially-ivied tree, and a large elderberry bush (the only one in the valley with many berries on). This area was lower down the valley leading north from the village than the bushes in which the 1966 Baltimore Oriole and the 1967 American Redstart were found. Other species in the same area included Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Robin, Yellow-browed Warbler, Goldcrest, Yellowhammer, and House Sparrow. A Scarlet Tanager and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo were reported to be on the Isles of Scilly during the previous few days. OBSERVERS : G. E. Dunmore, H. P. Medhurst, E. M. P. Allsopp, K. Allsopp, D. Barker, P. Pearce, K. Pellow and L. P. Williams. OCCURRENCE. At 09.30 hours, G.E.D. was watching a Yellow-browed Warbler in the sallows, when a bird flew across his field of view, and landed about 6 metres away, low down in the bushes in an area of considerable shade. From a side view he got the impression of a large, plump robin-like bird, but when it turned to face him he could see streaking on the upper breast which terminated abruptly, with uniform whitish below. As it was obviously not a song thrush, he drew H.P.M.'s attention to the bird, who gained the immediate impression from an upper-part side-view, of a large Thrush Nightingale. Both observers had two minutes of reasonable view, while the bird was low in shadow under the trees. The general impression gained was of a dumpy bird smaller than a Song Thrush, with rich warm brown upper parts and rather long legs for its size, but no eye-stripe or orbital ring. From this G.E.D. surmised Olive-backed or Grey-cheeked Thrush (as these were the only American wood-thrushes previously recorded in Britain) although neither name-characters were evident. 36 Cornish Notes The bird was left to settle for 15 minutes, while D.B., P.P., K.P, and L.P.W. were informed of its presence. It was re-found on the edge of the large elderberry bush, where it was watched for 15 minutes in good light, from down to 10 metres including through telescopes. E.M.P.A. and K.A. then arrived, but the bird disappeared from view. H.P.M. and G.E.D. then consulted American field guides, and by reason of the very warm back colouration, sparseness of spots on the breast and lack of eye-stripe or ring, concluded it was a Veery. H.P.M. then held up a copy of ' Birds of North America' (Robbins, Bruun & Zim) open at the Hylocichla page, with the names covered up. The other four observers stood about 5 metres away, and looking through binoculars all independently selected the Veery. After about two hours K.A. found the bird inside the bushes, and it was watched for 30 minutes by all observers. During this time it moved slowly about the bushes, occasionally feeding on elder­ berries, including entering the tamarisks and the line of dead elderberry bushes. When it was felt that no more details could be obtained from the bird in the field, it was trapped. After release the bushes were left undisturbed so that it could feed, and it was not re-found subsequently. SIZE AND STRUCTURE. Noticeably smaller than Song Thrush but larger than Robin, with the typical build of the genus Turdus, however with shorter tail and long, thin-leggedness. BEHAVIOUR. The bird was skulking and generally inactive, with characteristic lowering of head into collar. It did indulge in some tail and wing flicking, and was seen to eat elderberries on several occasions. When in open view it moved slowly, with long waits between each move. As only short, direct flights between perches were seen, no useful comments can be made on this. It allowed fairly close approach, once down to two metres. CONDITION. The bird was in very good condition, no weak­ ness being detectable in the field, and none of the plumage was spoiled. In the hand it was strong and vicious, its excreta giving evidence of good feeding on elderberries, and it flew off strongly into the elderberry bush when released.

DESCRIPTION IN FIELD Crown and nape: Rich warm brown. Mantle, scapulars, rump and upper tail coverts: Warm brown, but not quite as rich as crown. Loral region: Grey-brown with indistinct ring round eye. Ear coverts: Paler warm brown than upper parts, shading into Side of neck: Brown. Chin and upper throat: Noticeably white, clearly bordered by thick brown moustachial streak, which faded into lower throat. Lower throat and upper breast: Rich buff-brown (with golden tinge in sunlight), paler in centre, with darker blotches forming ill-defined spots; sharp contrast with 37 Cornish Notes Lower breast, belly and under tail coverts: Off white, showing faint grey wash in subdued light, and faint buffish wash in sunlight. Centres of tips of feathers of lower breast appeared faint grey. Sides of breast and flanks: Uniformly white washed grey, with slight buffish tinge in good light. Tail: Upper side brown, a shade darker than mantle, with slight tinge of warm brown in good sunlight. Underside darker in appearance. Primaries and secondaries: Brown; on closed wing inner primaries appeared slightly paler, except tips which appeared darker; outer primaries darker. Coverts: As mantle, with buff tips to centre greater coverts, giving impression of slight wing bar. Bastard wing: Long, brown, looking paler in bright sunlight. Underwing: Grey-white. Bill: Thrush-like, but thin for bird-size; upper mandible grey- brown, lower mandible pale at base for | way along. Legs: Pale brown tinged pink (or violet). Iris : Black-brown.

DESCRIPTION IN HAND Crown, nape, mantle and scapulars: Warm brown (very warm brown in sunlight). Rump and upper tail coverts: Warm brown. Rictal bristles: Lores: Grey. Ear coverts: Brown edged buff, with whitish centres. Chin and upper throat: White washed buff, with dark moustachial stripe. Side of neck: Brown. Lower throat and upper breast: White, at tips grey wedge-shaped centres edged orange-buff; giving an orange glow. Middle breast: White edged brown-grey. Lower breast, belly and vent: White. Flanks: White with suffusion of brown, terminal half washed grey. Under-tail coverts: Central feathers white, outers with faint tinge grey-buff. Tail: Not as warm brown as rest of upper parts, but outer webs edged warm brown, except for outer web of outer tail feather. Primaries: Outer webs warm brown, inner webs grey-brown. 2nd primary outer web pale buff. Secondaries: Dull brown. Bastard wing: Outer webs pale brown-buff, inner webs dark brown. Primary and greater coverts: Outer webs warm brown, inner webs dark brown; 5th—7th greater coverts with buff wedge-shaped areas at tip, others tipped buff. Lesser and median coverts: Warm brown. Under-wing coverts: White at base, terminal half washed grey-buff. Underside of primaries and secondaries: Pale shading giving effect of bar I in. deep at base of feathers, as far as 2nd primary; contrasting with terminal half of primaries and grey-buff edges of under-wing coverts. Bill: Upper mandible very dark brown-black; lower mandible flange 38 Cornish Notes edged yellow; basal half pale horn with violet tinge; tip plain horn; gape bright yellow. Legs: Hind horn-white; front with purplish tinge. Iris: Black-brown. MEASUREMENTS. Right wing 106 mm; bill (from feathers) 13 mm; tarsus 33 mm. WING FORMULAE. 3rd primary, longest; 4th primary, 1.5 mm shorter; 2nd primary, 3 mm shorter; 5th primary, 9 mm shorter; 3rd and 4th primaries, clearly emarginated on outer webs; 5th primary, slightly emarginated. This account has been compiled by Mrs. Allsopp from all the notes made in the field, those made of the bird in the hand, and discussions during the two following evenings, with complete agree­ ment by the following 4 observers:—K. and E. Allsopp, G. E. Dunmore, H. P. Medhurst. COMMENTS by E. Allsopp. On a visit to the Bird Room at the British Museum I consulted two trays of the eastern race and one of the western race of the Veery, and trays of other American wood-thrushes. From these, I concluded that the bird was definitely a Veery, but found that the broadish grey centres and orange-buff edges of the tips of the breast feathers only occurred in a few birds of the western race. The eastern birds, as a general rule, had narrow, reddish-brown arrow- shaped markings at the tips, and no general colour suffusion. Unfortunately all the birds were adults, taken in May. Assuming that the pale tips to some of the greater coverts indicated a 1st year bird (as in the Turdidea), I consulted the appropriate volume of Bent's ' Life Histories of North American Birds', only to find it stated that the tips of the greater coverts in juvenile birds (which are not moulted in 1st autumn) are dark! However, Ridgeway's ' Birds of North & Middle America' was more helpful, as according to this book the markings on this bird were quite correct for a 1st year bird. Also it gave that the right wing and tarsus measurements are both 1 mm over range, but its measure­ ments were all taken from skins. Neither book was very helpful on race separation, one giving a Newfoundland race as well. While the western race is generally darker above than the eastern, and this bird is obviously a darker individual, I found the skins variable enough for this to be no positive indication. Comparing the wing formulae and measurements with Ridgeway, the bird could only be Veery or Grey-cheeked Thrush. 311 WHEATEAR. Oenanthe oenanthe. First recorded: March 19th, one, Lizard; March 22nd, a male, Clodgy, St. Ives; March 23rd, six, Widemouth Bay; March 24th, one, Marazion; March 26th, one near Park Head, three at Loe Bar, 29 at St. Just Airfield and one at Nanquidno. 39 Cornish Notes Last recorded: October 10th, two, St. John's Lake; October 12th, two, Stithians Reservoir; October 13th, one, Hayle Estuary (D.J. & D.C.B.), one, St. Agnes Head (T.O.D.); October 16th, two, Loe Bar and St. Just Airfield; October 17th, St. Mawgan; October 18th, one, Porthgwarra, one, Par Beach. Breeding records: June 16th, an adult feeding a juvenile near Loe Bar and two young being fed here on June 25th. August 2nd, a pair feeding young at Gue Glaze, Lizard. 317 STONECHAT. Saxicola torquata. Inland breeding recorded: May 19th, a pair and two males on territory, Croft Pascoe, Goonhilly; July 11th, two adults and two young at Bunney, Stenalees; August 1st, a pair, female taking food to young, Drift Reservoir; August 9th, a pair feeding young, Lady Down, . 318 WHINCHAT. Saxicola rubetra. Only spring record, a male at Marazion Marsh, May 9th. All autumn passage records, except one at St. Mawgan-in-Pydar, September 28th, from the western end of the county. First, August 18th, one, Rinsey Head: then seen in small numbers in several localities, only until last one at Porthgwarra, October 18th. Largest numbers were five at Predannack, August 30th. Most records were from coastal localities, but recorded inland at Towed­ nack, Trink Hill and Stithians Reservoir. 320 REDSTART. Phoenicurus phoenicurus. In spring, April 26th, one, St. Catherine's Point, Fowey and May 9th, two, Porthgwarra. On autumn passage, August 29th, one, Caerthillian; August 30th, one, Porthgwarra, two, October 10th, one, 11th and 14th. At St. Levan, two, October 11th; September 11th, one, near Crowlas; September 20th, one, Poldhu. 321 BLACK REDSTART. Phoenicurus ochrurus One or two at Little London Beach, Marazion, in both winter periods. January 1st, one, Loe Bar; January 4th, one, Porthmeor, Porth- cothan; January 4th—23rd, a female/immature, Castle Beach, Falmouth; three including a male, January 8th; January 5th, one, Porthleven; January 11th and February 15th, one, St. Ives; January 12th, one, Loe Pool, and one near Loe Bar, March 14th; January 22nd, one, Porthgwarra; February 15th, one, St. Ives; May 10th, a female on coast near Trevone. In second winter period first birds were: October 11th, one, Clodgy, St. Ives, and one, Mullion; October 13th, three Beacon Cove near Newquay; October 15th, one, Polurrian Cove; October 16th to end of year, one to four at St. Ives and Island. At Porthgwarra, one, October 17th, four 18th, two 24th and 25th, one 31st; October 18th, two Copperhouse Creek, one female, November 30th; October 23rd, one, Cape Cornwall. At , a male, October 31st— 40 Cornish Notes November 4th; November 3rd—4th, a male, Crowan Vicarage. At Heamoor, an immature, November 14th, December 12th and 23rd. November 27th, one, East Looe. During December, one, Marazion 1 Town' Beach. December 8th, one, Phillack Towans; December 12th, one, Hayle; December 13th, a male, Spit Beach, Par; December 17th, one, Lelant; December 24th, a female/immature Castle Beach, Falmouth; December 26th—29th, one, Great Penhaver, Gorran; December 28th, two, Marazion Beach; December 30th, a male Porthallack, . 324 BLUETHROAT. Erithacus svecicus. August 26th, one, Marazion Marsh (P.D.R.). Full details received—Eds. 327 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. Locustella naevia. First recorded: April 19th, one, Tregantle; April 20th, one, Rayle Bottoms, Illogan; April 24th, Widemouth Bay. Widespread, mainly in coastal areas during breeding season.

333 REED WARBLER. Acrocephalus scirpaceus. First recorded: May 4th, five, Swanpool; one, Red River, near Gwithian. Chapel Amble, four pairs raised at least 16 young. June 16th, one, singing Maenporth Marsh; August 4th, at least two singing, Harlyn Bay reed bed; August 31st, an immature ringed at St. Levan; September 15th, last seen Swanpool (P.Mc.); September 20th, one last seen, Marazion Marsh; October 4th, one, Kynance Valley; October 16th and 24th, one, Porthgwarra.

334 MARSH WARBLER. Acrocephalus palustris. October 18th, one caught and ringed, Kynance (N.B.E.).

337 SEDGE WARBLER. Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. First recorded: April 20th, one, Rayle Bottoms, Illogan; Swanpool, one, May 4th. Last recorded: September 7th, one, Caerthillion; September 14th, one, Stithians Reservoir; September 15th, one, Hayle Kymbro; September 16th, one, Porthgwarra; September 24th, one, Crowan Reservoirs.

338 AQUATIC WARBLER. Acrocephalus paludicola. September 18th, one, Marazion Marsh (P.D.R.); September 26th, one, Carnsew Pool, Hayle (L.P.W., D.J. & D.C.B.). These records have been accepted by the Rarities Committee.— Eds. 339 MELODIOUS WARBLER. Hippolais polyglotta. September 8th, one trapped, Porthgwarra (R.J.S., N.J.W.); September 18th, one trapped, Porthgwarra (R.J.S.). 41 Cornish Notes 340 ICTERINE WARBLER. Hippolais icterina. August 28th, one, Caerthillian, Lizard (P.Mc.). 343 BLACKCAP. Sylvia atricapilla. A pair in both winter periods, Hain Walk, St. Ives; January 1st —January 10th, a male and two females at bird table, Daniell Road, Truro; January 8th, a female, Par; January 9th, a female, Avenue Road, Falmouth; January 10th, a pair in a garden at Torpoint; January 13th; a male, New Street, Penzance; January 18th, a male, Lelant; January 27th, a male, Marazion; February 20th, a male, Lelant; February 22nd and 24th, a male, at Porth Navas, feeding briefly on window-sill; February 28th, a male, Gulval; March 5th, a female, Lelant; March 8th, a male, Millpool, Hayle. First spring birds: April 12th, a male, Rosemullion Head. A few autumn passage birds at Porthgwarra, September 5th— October 31st. October 31st, a male, Heamoor; November 15th, two females, Lelant; November 21st, a female, St. Erth Woods; November 26th, a female, Falmouth; December 8th—21st and 30th, a female, Lewidden, St. Ervan; December 12th—25th, a male paid several visits to a bird table at Cawsand; December 24th, a male, Par.

346 GARDEN WARBLER. Sylvia borin. Bred in Millbrook Valley, and numbers well up to average over a wide area inland from Bude (F.E.L.). June 26th, at least two in full song at Trelissick, Breage (P.D.R.). Autumn passage in non-breeding areas: August 30th, an adult ringed, St. Levan, and at Porthgwarra, singles, September 5th and 19th, four, 27th, singles, October 10th and 24th. At Landewednack, one, September 7th and one, Caerthillian.

347 WHITETHROAT. Sylvia communis. Spring arrivals: April 26th, one, Madron; April 29th, two, Lelant Rubbish Tip; April 30th, one, Tregantle; one, Rospeath, recorded singing until May 25th, but for second year in succession no evidence of breeding here; May 2nd, one, Lelant; May 5th, one, Crowan; May 3rd, one, Hayle Kymbro. In larger numbers in breeding season than in 1969, but still considerably down in numbers and very scarce in many areas. On autumn passage at Caerthillian, a maximum of eight, August 29th. Last recorded: September 6th, one, Landewednack and three, Caerthillian; September 15th, one, Hayle Kymbro; September 20th, one, Clodgy, St. Ives; September 19th, two, Porthgwarra. 348 LESSER WHITETHROAT. Sylvia curruca. July 17th, one trapped, Rospeath. A bird of the year (B.P.). 42 Cornish Notes 354 WILLOW WARBLER. Phylloscopus trochilus. Late arriving. First recorded: April 10th, Marazion Marsh, one, Pennance Point, Falmouth, two, Maenporth. April 12th, Par Marsh. April 13th, one, Rame Head. Last recorded: September 15th, two, Croft Pascoe Plantation; September 19th, one, Crowan; October 16th, one, Porthgwarra.

356 CHIFFCHAFF. Phylloscopus collybita. In first winter period: January 4th, one, Treveneage, St. Hilary; January 11th—March 5th, one to two, Lelant, on several dates; January 21st, at least two, Rayle Bottoms, Illogan; January 22nd, one, Polgigga, two, Porthgwarra; February 1st, one, Marazion Marsh; one, Drift Reservoir; February 9th—26th, up to four, Loe Pool; two to four at Little London Beach, Marazion, in both winter periods. Spring arrivals later than usually. March 23rd, one, St. Ervan and Porthgwarra; March 25th, six, Porth Valley, Newquay, one, Madron. March 26th, Polpey, Par, and an influx of 12 at Swanpool; March 27th, two, Nancledra, one, Trewornan Bridge. March 30th, four Cawsand/ Penlee Point. A considerable Phylloscopus passage noted end of August. 30 at Caerthillian, August 29th; and considerable numbers noted in St. Levan parish, August 27th—31st. In St. Levan parish 19 were ringed (S.H.), August 30th—31st. In second winter period noted December 6th, two, Kiggon Pond, Pencalenick, and two, St. Erth Woods; up to three at Lelant throughout the month; December 13th—24th, one Heamoor; at Drift Reservoir, two, December 12th and 20th, one 24th; two during month at Marazion 1 Town ' Beach; at Swanpool, Falmouth, December 5th and 27th—29th; December 24th, one at Rialton; December 30th, one in a concrete backyard, Penzance. Siberian Chiffchaff. P.c. tristis. A bird showing the characteristics of the Siberian race at Stithians Reservoir, April 17th. The bird was seen well at close range, and distinctive call head (J.E.B.).

357 WOOD WARBLER. Phylloscopus sibilatrix. May 27th, at least three males singing, Cotehele Woods; two singing, Lanhydrock; one, Draynes Bridge. September 27th, one Carbis Bay.

360 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER. Phylloscopus inornatus. October 6th, one, Porthgwarra (D.J.B., L.P.W., G.E.D.).

364 GOLDCREST. Regulus regulus, October 10th, 50+, Porthgwarra. 43 Cornish Notes 365 FIRECREST. Regulus ignicapillus. January 3rd, a female trapped, Rospeath; January 13th, two, Drift Reservoir, three, February 15th, two, March 31st—April 4th; January 18th, one Porthgwarra, a male trapped Rospeath; January 20th, one, Trengwainton; February 10th—11th, one, Loe Pool; February 15th and 22nd, one, Boscathnoe Reservoir; March 2nd and 5th, one, Lelant; March 6th, one, Treveneage, St. Hilary; March 9th, one, Kennack Sands. October 18th, a male trapped, Rospeath; October 23rd, a female trapped, Rospeath; October 24th, one, Porthgwarra; November 2nd, one, Heamoor, Penzance; November 4th, one, Clodgy Point, St. Ives; November 15th, one, Hain Walk, St. Ives; November 17th, one, Pennance Point, Falmouth; November 26th, one, Swanpool; November 29th, two, Drift and three, December 13th, one 17th and 24th; November 30th, one, Treveal, Zennor, and December 20th; November 30th, two, Boscathnoe Reservoir; December 20th, one, Halsetown; one first year male, Kynance Valley.

366 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Muscicapa striata. First recorded: May 6th, Polpey, Par; May 9th, one, Porth­ gwarra; May 12th, one, Fowey; May 16th, one, Landewednack; May 18th, one Falmouth; May 20th, two, Lelant Woods; May 24th, one, Cotehele Quay. July 24th, a pair with three young in Blackbirds' old nest on ledge of a high wall in a clay dry at Carthew (W.J.S.). At least 10, August 30th, Porthgwarra. Last recorded: September 7th, one, Landewednack and one, Caerthillian; September 19th, three Ellenglaze; September 21st, seven, Nanquidno; September 27th, four, Porthgwarra.

368 PIED FLYCATCHER. Ficedula hypoleuca. May 16th, two males, singing at Lanhydrock; June 7th, one male and a pair 10th. Autumn passage noted: August 7th, one, Crowan Vicarage; August 11th, two, Pentire Farm, St. Eval; 23rd, one, Lelant; 24th, two, St. Ives, and one, 27th; 27th, four, Bosistow, St. Levan; 28th, one, Towednack, two, Hellesveor, one, Lelant Church; 29th, one, Hellesveor, one, Caerthillian; August 30th, one, Rospeath; September 7th, one, Caerthillian; 12th, two near St. Ives, three, Crowan Vicar­ age; 19th, one, Caerthillian; 20th, one, Treveneage; 21st, one, St. Just Airfield; 27th, one, St. Ives; 29th, one, Frythens, St. Erth. At Porthgwarra, singles, September 8th, 20th and October 1st. The bird seen October 1st had a pale rump. Two, September 26th, 27th and October 6th.

370 RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER. Ficedula parva. September 26th—27th, one, Porthgwarra (N.J.P., P.D.R., J.B. & S.B.); November 22nd, one Hain Walk, St. Ives (N.J.P.). 44 Cornish Notes 374 RICHARD'S PIPIT. Anthus novaeseelandiae. September 21st, two, St. Just Airfield (J.E.B.); September 27th, two, Kynance Valley (N.B.E.); October 7th, one, Porthcurno; October 7th and 9th, one, Skewjack; October 8th, one, Stithians Reservoir; October 9th, at least four, Porthgwarra; October 10th, one, St. Levan (G.E.D.); November 1st, one, Porthgwarra (P.D.R.). These records have been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee.—Eds. 376 TREE PIPIT. Anthus trivialis. At least one male holding territory during breeding season near Stithians Dam. Breeding not proved (A.H.G.). August 29th, at least three, Lelant Rubbish Tip, one August 30th; August 29th and September 20th, one, Hor Point, St. Ives; August 29th, four, Rospeath, and one, 30th; August 30th, three, Porthgwarra; August 31st, one, Lelant; September 5th, several, Stithians Reservoir, one, September 6th; September 6th, one, Caerthillian, Lizard; October 9th, one, flying south, Porthgwarra. 379 ROCK/WATER PIPIT. Anthus spinoletta. Birds showing characteristics of the race A.s. spinoletta (Water Pipit): January 2nd, one, Stithians Reservoir; January 26th, one, Marazion Marsh (J.H.), two March 14th (S.C.M., V.R.T.) and one March 27th (J.B.B., M.C., L.P.W.); March 8th, one, Tamar Lake (S.C.M., V.R.T.). November 4th, (J.H.J, and 13th (J.E.B.), one, Stithians Reservoir; November 28th, one, Marazion Marsh (J.H.); December 12th, one, Marazion Marsh (J.H.J.); December 26th, one, Siblyback Reservoir (J.H., S.C.M.); December 28th, one in a wet field near Carbis Bay (N.J.P.).

380 PIED WAGTAIL. Motacilla alba. A pair at Restormel Water Works raised three young in a valve box on top of a filter. One fell into the filter and was drowned (P.J.D.). Early October, 100+ at Swanpool. White Wagtail. Birds showing characteristic's of the race M.a, alba (White Wagtail): May 2nd, two, Marazion Beach; September 15th, 13 on beach, Poltesco. 382 YELLOW WAGTAIL. Motacilla flava. No records of breeding in the county. Very sparse spring passage; first noted March 26th, at least five, St. John's Lake. On autumn passage the most outstanding occurrences were: August 30th, 50+, Predannack; September 7th, c. 25 at Lizard. At Siblyback Reservoir where eight were present, August 24th—26th, one was all white except for yellow on lower belly and under tail coverts. Eyes and legs black, bill white (F.M.C.). Last recorded one, October 17th. 45 Cornish Notes Birds showing characteristics of the race M.f. flava (Blue- headed Wagtail): May 15th, a male and female, Copperhouse Creek; June 6th, a male, Marazion Marsh; August 25th, a male, Copperhouse Creek. A bird showing characteristics of the race M.f. cinereocapilla (Ashy headed Wagtail): June 7th, a male, Marazion Marsh (J.H.J., P.D.R.). 383 WAXWING. Bombycilla garrulus. February 12th, one, Readymoney Cove, Fowey (R. & G.C.J.); December 29th, one, Par (C.J.S.).

384 GREAT GREY SHRIKE. Lanius excubitor. January 4th—February 1st, an adult, Treveneage, St. Hilary (J.H.J., L.P.W.). 388 RED-BACKED SHRIKE. Lanius collurio. October 17th—18th, one immature, and a male 18th, at Porth- gwarra (P.D.R., N.J.P., J.B. & S.B. et al).

389 STARLING. Sturnus vulgaris. March 29th, number's at the roost at Trevince were still enormous, and considered by A.H.G. to be much greater than the estimate of 150,000 recorded in the 1969 report. December 11th, estimated c. 150,000+ at Trevince Roost (J.E.B.).

392 GREENFINCH. Carduelis chloris. A ringed male at Porth Navas which had a primrose coloured head in 1968 re-appeared February 14th, 1970, with normal plumage.

394 SISKIN. Carduelis spinus. January 3rd, 18, Whackar, River Lynher; January 25th, four, Par Marsh; March 18th, two, Swanpool; one, singing 19th; a male, March 28th. In second winter period many more records than usually. October 9th, four, Hellesveor, St. Ives; two Porthgwarra; October 10th, one, St. Levan; October 17th, at least 10, Porthgwarra; another flock of six and one single; October 23rd, c. 20, Drift Reservoir, c. 10, Penzance; October 24th, one, Towednack; October 29th—30, 2—3, St. Ives; November 3rd and 6th, one, St. Ives Island; November 3rd, three singles and a party of eight, Porthgwarra; November 7th, one, Clodgy, three, St. Ives Island; November 8th, two, Hain Walk, St. Ives; one, Porthkidney Dunes, two Lelant rubbish tip; one, Porthgwarra, one Crean; November 28th, one, Hain Walk, St. Ives; November 30th, one flying over Hayle Estuary towards Lelant Rubbish tip, three Swanpool, November 30th, and two, December 28th; December 6th, five, Kiggon Pool, Tresillian, 40, 18th, and c.50, December 20th, 11, December 30th; December 27th, two, St. Erth Woods; December 29th—30th, at least six, Pentewan; December 31st, one, Treveneage. 46 Cornish Notes 395 LINNET. Carduelis cannabina. As a breeding species appears to be steadily declining in numbers in West Penwith. September 23rd, a flock of c. 300 and others seen, Stithians Reservoir.

397 REDPOLL. Carduelis flammea. March 3rd and 18th, one, Swanpool; October 9th, one, Porth­ gwarra; November 7th, one, feeding with Chaffinches, St. Ives; November 8th, two, Marazion; November 15th, one flying east over Bussow Reservoir, St. Ives; November 21st, one, Lelant Rubbish tip, 22nd, two, Lelant Rubbish tip; December 27th, two, Par Marsh, three 28th. The pale colour of the birds at Lelant, almost silvery in some lights, and the very white wing bar suggested that they were of the race flammea (Mealy Redpoll) (P.D.R.).

401 BULLFINCH. Pyrrhula pyrrhula. January 31st, a flock of about 25 near Torpoint.

408 BRAMBLING. Fringilla montifringilla. The flock of c. 10 at Swanpool, Falmouth, at the end of 1969 increased to 30, January 11th; only five were seen, January 16th, and none on 17th. One, Swanpool, March 10th. January 2nd, 32+, Stithians Reservoir; January 4th, six, Draynes, Fowey Valley; January 9th, 60+, Yellow Work, Stithians Reservoir; January 3rd—12th, 50 with c. 100 Chaffinches, Tresevern, Stithians Reservoir, February 6th, 70+, March 15th, 100+, 19th eight. January 18th, two, Rayle Bottoms, Illogan; February 1st, one, Millendreath; February 14th, two, Swanpool, c. 20, Lanhydrock; February 15th, a male in breeding plumage near Landulph, 10 in Chaffinch flock, Polwheveral Creek. Few records in second winter period: October 9th, three flying south, Porthgwarra, one in flight, October 17th; November 1st and 8th, one with flock of mixed finches, Roskestal; November 13th, one, Drift Reservoir.

410 CORN BUNTING. Emberiza calandra. March 16th, 23, Porthcothan. A resident pair, Coombe Valley, Fowey. Near Widemouth Bay a single bird sang continuously from end of April and throughout May, and then gave up. May 9th—23rd, five singing males at Windmill, near Padstow; July 11th, two, Hustyn Gate, St. Breoke Downs.

415 CIRL BUNTING. Emberiza cirlus. March 31st, one singing Polwheveral Creek; April 2nd, one singing, Enys, Penryn; April 26th, one seen Porthcothan, and heard May 13th and July 7th; June 1st, a male singing at Boyton; July 7th and August 5th, one at Mawnan. 47 Cornish Notes In breeding season, in south-east Cornwall, two pairs at Torpoint, Millbrook and St. John, and one pair at Rame, Freathy and Lower Tregantle. Pair bred at St. Catherine's Point, Fowey (R.C.J.).

422 LAPLAND BUNTING. Calcarius lapponicus. September 17th, 19th and 20th, singles at Porthgwarra (J.H.J., P.D.R., J.B. & S.B. et al); October 11th, two, Kelsey Stubbles (A.H.G.); October 18th, one, Porthgwarra (J.H.J., P.D.R.).

423 SNOW BUNTING. Plectrophenax nivalis. October 3rd, one, St. Ives; November 4th, a juvenile male, Widemouth Bay, two on 5th. A dead bird on main road December 6th. November 28th, one flew in from the sea, Porthkidney.

425 TREE SPARROW. Passer montanus. October 17th, c. 15 at Porthgwarra (P.D.R., N.J.P.); three, October 18th (J.H.J.); one, November 4th and 8th (J.H.J.).

IS CORNISH SEAS

Unless otherwise stated, all records refer to Scillies crossing.

12 LEACH'S PETREL. October 3rd, one, c. 2 miles off Scillies.

14 STORM PETREL. September 16th, one between Wolf Rock and Mainland.

16 BALEARIC SHEARWATER. September 16th, two on Scillies crossing.

19 GREAT SHEARWATER. September 12th, one on Scillies crossing (J.H.J., D.J. & D.C.B.).

21 SOOTY SHEARWATER. July 22nd, one, off The Wolf (P.G.); September 5th, three (B.B.); September 12th, three on Scillies crossing (J.H.J., D.C.B., D.J.B. & L.P.W.); September 16th, two on Scillies crossing (P.D.R.); September 17th, one (K.O.); September 19th, two on both crossings —probably four birds (N.J.P., L.P.W.); September 22nd, one on crossing (J.B. & S.B.) between Land's End and Scillies; September 23rd, two (D.M.T.); October 9th, one near St. Mary's (J.A.B.); October 19th, three near Wolf Rock (J.A.B.).

64 COMMON SCOTER. September 19th, two flying west near Tater Dhu; September 30th, c. 20 flying west off Treen; October 19th, five near St. Mary's.

170 PURPLE SANDPIPER. October 3rd, one on Scillies crossing.

187 GREY PHALAROPE. September 12th and 19th, one on Scillies crossing; September 23rd, one. 193 ARCTIC SKUA. May 16th, one (dark phase) near Wolf Rock; June 27th, one (dark phase); September 19th, three singles on Scillies crossing; October 3rd, an immature on Scillies crossing, one (dark phase) near Scilly; September 23rd, two; September 30th. one; October 3rd, one ; October 19th, three between St. Mary's and The Wolf.

194 GREAT SKUA. January 17th—February 28th, two, Eddystone Lighthouse; June 10th, one flying south-west off Wolf Rock; September 12th, one on Scillies crossing; September 19th. seven outward, and four return journey; September 30th. four; October 10th, one on Scillies crossing; October 19th. five between St. Mary's and The Wolf; November 2nd, two. 195 POMARINE SKUA. May 9th, two (pale phase) adults, c. 1.5 miles off Mousehole flying south; September 19th, two on Scillies crossing; October 3rd, a pale phase bird, c. 5 miles from Scillies. 203 ICELAND GULL. February 20th. an immature, Eddystone Lighthouse (D.P.). 207 LITTLE GULL. October 27th, an immature on Sciliies crossing.

217/8 " COMMIC " TERN. September 19th, three, Scillies crossing; October 3rd, four flying S.W., Scillies crossing.

218 ARCTIC TERN. September 19th, one followed boat for \ hour on return crossing to Penzance.

230 PUFFIN. May 9th, two or three between Penzance and Land's End. 272 SKYLARK. October 29th, six flying south-west and seven west-south-west on crossing from Scillies to Penzance.

346 GARDEN WARBLER. May 9th, one settled and flew about on boat for 10 minutes on Scillies crossing.

356 CHIFFCHAFF. May 9th, one "hitched a lift" for about 10 miles into Scilly. 381 GREY WAGTAIL. October 29th, two flying south-east over boat near Porthgwarra.

389 STARLING. On crossing from Scillies to Penzance and at Porthgwarra small flocks flying between south and south-west.

50 RINGING RECOVERIES

29 SHAG. A pullus ringed at Mullion Island, June 9th, 1968, found dead at River Alber-Benoit, Finistere, France, September 18th, 1969.

30 CORMORANT. A pullus ringed at Mullion Island, July 29th, 1969, was shot at South Slob, Wexford, Eire, September 14th, 1969. A pullus ringed at Mullion Island, July 29th, 1969, was found dead at Ferrol del Candillo, Corunna, Spain, December 14th, 1969.

200 HERRING GULL. A pullus ringed at Skokholm, Pembrokeshire, June 27th, 1966, found dead and partly oiled, Newlyn East, July 29th, 1968 (per A.H.G.).

308 BLACKBIRD. A female ringed at Newlyn East, November 26th, 1967, found dead at Slough, Bucks., July 25th, 1970.

333 REED WARBLER. An adult ringed at Chapel Amble, 1968, was controlled at same locality 1969 and 1970.

333 REED WARBLER. A bird ringed at Poldhu, Mullion, August 17th, 1969, was found dead at Luton, Bedfordshire, May 14th, 1970. See also B. Pattenden's article on ringing controls at Rospeath.

343 BLACKCAP. A post-juvenile, ringed at Great Malvern, Worcs., December 14th, 1968, found dead outside Hick's Garage, Truro, March 5th, 1970.

356 CHIFFCHAFF. One ringed as an adult at Holywell, Newquay, August 19th, 1967, was controlled at Holywell on breeding territory in spring, 1968, and again at Holywell on August 9th, 1970: thus the bird is at least four years old.

365 FIRECREST. A male ringed April 27th, 1970, at Duinbergen, West Flanders, Belgium, was controlled at Rospeath, October 18th, 1970 (per B.P.).

381 GREY WAGTAIL. A post-juvenile ringed at Kynance, October 13th, 1968, was found dead, April 16th or 17th, 1970, at Kershopefoot, Newcastleton, Roxburgh. 51 389 STARLING. A first-year male ringed at Lillo, Antwerpen, Belgium, July 9th, 1969, was found dead at Ventonleague, Hayle, May 24th, 1970. An adult ringed at Newlyn East, January 24th, 1968, was recovered at Bredene (West Flanders), Belgium, on October 17th, 1968 (per A.H.G.). One ringed at Newlyn East on December 30th, 1967, was recovered near Gargarena (Smolensk), U.S.S.R. on April 28th, 1969 (per A.H.G.). One ringed at Newlyn East, January 25th, 1968, was found dead at Raesfield (Munster), West Germany, April 22nd, 1969. An adult male ringed at Newlyn East, February 1st, 1968, was found dead at Pilton, Barnstaple, Devon, February 8th, 1970. A first-year male ringed at Lillo, Antwerpen, Belgium, was found dead at Ventonleague, Hayle, May 24th, 1970.

407 CHAFFINCH. A post-juvenile female ringed near Praze, Camborne, March 3rd, 1968 was controlled at Ekeren, Antwerpen, Belgium, October 17th, 1970.

52 CONTROLS OF BREEDING SUMMER VISITORS AT ROSPEATH B. Pattenden When I began trapping birds at Rospeath in July, 1967, I wondered if I would ever see any Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers or Sedge Warblers again after the long flight to Africa and back. A dull looking ring PB3919 on the leg of a Willow Warbler on April 24th, 1968, confirmed my suspicion that they might turn up again. It's rather like meeting an old friend again and I must admit I wonder how many days it took on its journey and how its winter quarters differ from Rospeath. Sedge Warbler 671844 and Willow Warbler PB3919 must have made at least three Africa-and-back trips to date. Also note that Sedge Warbler 695059 and Willow Warbler PN7642 were ringed as juveniles and yet they still found their way back to the immediate vicinity the following year. The numbers caught the following year appear very small compared with the total trapped, but it must be remembered that the habitat is very large around the area I trap and the nets are static, therefore other ringed birds are obviously not caught. Also mortality during the migration flights is thought to be very heavy.

SEDGE WARBLER Total trapped 140 Ringed As Ad As Jv Controlled Controlled Ring Number 6.7.67 Ad Jv 18.7.70 17.8.69 671790 30.7.67 Ad 15.7.68 671844 16.7.68 27.7.68 10.8.68 10.8.67 Ad 25.7.68 671866 28.6.69 Ad 9.5.70 695033 5.7.70 11.7.69 Ad 3.5.70 695040 26.7.69 Jv 18.7.70 695059 1.8.70 Ad 8.5.71 695302 WILLOW WARBLER Total trapped 127 19.7.67 Ad 24.4.68 4.5.69 PB3919 17.4.68 Ad 3.5.69 PH1353 18.4.68 Ad 3.5.69 PH1354 22.4.68 Ad 3.5.69 PH1367 20.7.69 20.7.68 Ad 9.4.69 PH1376 21.7.69 Jv 24.4.70 PN7642 4.5.69 Ad 20.4.71 PN7602 18.4.70 Ad 22.4.71 PN7873 53 CHIFFCHAFF Total trapped 315 15.7.67 Ad 18.8.68 PB3911 20.7.67 Ad 10.4.68 PB3930 1.8.67 Ad 12.4.68 PB3955 7.9.68 Ad 8.4.69 PN7503 9.8.69 Ad 6.7.70 PN7680 20.8.70 18.7.70 Ad 9.5.71 PN7964

CORRECTIONS

82 CANADA GOOSE. The entry, page 18, 1969 Report, should be deleted. The birds were introduced and not wild. 224/227 AUKS. The entry, page 30, for February 7th should read: February 7th, 0915—1130 hours, c. 1600 (not 16000).

54 BRITISH TRUST FOR ORNITHOLOGY ORNITHOLOGICAL ATLAS

Most readers should be familiar by now with the Atlas survey designed to show the distribution of breeding species throughout the British Isles during the five-year period 1968-1972. By the time this Annual Report appears in print, only one more season will remain in which to put the finishing touches to the field-work. Cornwall can boast better coverage so far than most other counties. To ensure that our record will be second to none and a credit to the resulting Atlas, there can be no relaxation of effort until after August, 1972. Now is the final opportunity of uncovering the more elusive of our breeding birds. The number of contributors from Cornwall has, however, been small in relation to the Society's membership of about a thousand. Indeed, it is a sad comment on local apathy that in 1970 as many holiday-makers wrote to ask for information as did resident bird-watchers. It is apparent that a number of would-be field-workers have been too apprehensive to take part, believing that the work demands a zoological competence beyond their capabilities. This is not so. Anyone capable of identifying the more common British species by sight or sound (and after all, they are the species which do nest here) can perform valuable work. The survey aims at showing on a " present or absent" basis which species certainly nest, probably nest, or only perhaps nest, in each of the 3,650 10- kilometre squares of the national grid in Britain and Ireland. It is of no consequences whether a single pair or ten thousand pairs are nesting in a given square. It is the unavoidable use of the grid system which has dis­ couraged some bird-watchers who, not being familiar with the use of maps, do not understand the grid and are put off by the notation which identifies each 10-km square and makes it distinguish­ able from all others in the country — e.g., SW 84 and SS 20 which refer to the squares containing Truro and Bude respectively. In reality the system is simple and is fully explained in the leaflet of instructions issued to all field-workers. The county organiser is available to remove any further difficulties. Only sixty-three 10-km squares cover Cornwall — some naturally overlapping with Devon — while a further four cover the Isles of Scilly. Printed cards listing all the species normally breeding in the British Isles are issued to field-workers. Each 10-km square has its own card. The method of entering the information on the cards is not as formidable as appears at first glance; indeed, it is very logical, concise and rather an achievement that all that is required can be fitted into a card measuring only 6x4 ins. Full details are given on the instruction leaflet, but in brief the method is as follows. The names of the birds and their survey numbers (001, Black-throated Diver to 193, Grey Wagtail) are followed by three columns in which all the information is entered. Column 1. If a bird is seen in the square during the breeding season in a likely nesting habitat, without giving any further 55 indication that it might be nesting, a tick is placed in this column. Remember that column 1 signifies " possible breeding " — the chance sighting of an Egyptian Vulture over Sennen would not demand a trek in square SW 32. Column 2. Evidence of probable breeding is entered in the second column using one of five code letters — S, T, D, N, B. For example, T refers to a bird, or a pair, apparently holding territory.

Column 3. When breeding has been confirmed one of eight pairs of letters is entered in the third column — DD, UN, FL, FS, FY, ON, NY. For example, one of the most frequently used is NY, indicating that a nest and young have been seen, while DD, distrac­ tion display and injury feigning is rarely used.

To complete a card properly from scratch would take a great deal of time. Fortunately, most of the work has already been done in Cornwall and future effort involves confirming the breeding of certain birds in particular squares, especially up-grading entries in columns 1 and 2 to column 3. In past seasons much valuable time has been wasted on un­ necessary work. Some field-workers failed to realise that once a species has been confirmed nesting in a given square, even if the proof was obtained in 1968, there is no need to give it further attention. For example, up to and including the 1970 season, the Great Tit, Blue Tit and Song Thrush were known to have nested at some time since 1968 in every 10-km square except SW 65, SW 81, and SS 11. Information for these species is required, therefore, only for these three squares which are, it so happens, over 95% sea and relatively unimportant anyway.

For all practical purposes the survey can be regarded as complete for these species. It is far more worthwhile and import­ ant now to concentrate on such retiring species as the rails and crepuscular or nocturnal birds such as Nightjar, Grasshopper Warbler and the owls. All of these have proved to be difficult species through­ out Britain. In Cornwall, the Little Owl was recorded in thirty-one squares up to 1970, but proved to have bred only in SW 84 and SW87; information concerning the Barn and Tawny Owls is only little better. Some distinctive and easily identifiable species need confirmation in many areas. Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers are almost certainly nesting in about another twenty squares, and the Goldcrest in at least another fifteen. The Jay should be nesting in at least another twelve squares in mid- and east Cornwall, while a special watch should be made in the Land's End peninsula where it has yet to be proved nesting at all. As a final example we can turn to the Dipper. This has a restricted range in the east of the county with an outlier in the Helford and Stithians squares. How­ ever, a pair almost certainly nests closer to Truro, for every spring and autumn birds are seen within the limits of the city, disappearing in May and June probably to a site higher up the Kenwyn valley.

Remember that now is your last chance to contribute anything to the Atlas. One new record from every member of the Society would be highly commendable. 56 Bird-watchers who will be out of the county for any period during the breeding season can conduct profitable surveys in other parts of the country where even Robins and Wrens have yet to be mapped. After the 1970 season, 170 squares in and Wales remained unsurveyed, while over half the squares in Ireland and Scotland have yet to be touched. Dr. Sharrock, the national organiser, on an " Atlas holiday" in 1969, estimated that over 80% of the species nesting in a square could be recorded in a single day. Preliminary maps published so far give a reasonably informa­ tive picture, particularly of those species such as Woodlark and Nightingale which are southern in distribution, but for the Atlas as a whole to be of real merit adequate coverage has to be obtained from all areas. The 1971 Atlas Instructions (in press at time of writing) contain mape showing coverage as well as a list of all under-recorded and unsurveyed squares, and the names and addresses of all the county organisers.

Enquiries and records for Cornwall should be sent to: Mr. R. D. Penhallurick, County Museum, River Street, Truro (Tel. Truro 2205). Please note that records for the Isles of Scilly should be sent to Miss Hilda M. Quick, St. Agnes, Scilly.

57 EDDYSTONE RECORDS 14th April — 13th May, 1970 D. Price The month was fairly quiet with winds mainly from the directions NW — SE through east. There was a lot of cloud and fog/mist on most nights, and there was no set pattern as to the arrival of birds. As is usual or fairly usual the first birds would be seen just after midnight — dawn. The birds always came up to the light into the wind. Identification is made fairly easy on the gallery as it is very bright. The following are the records, mainly from the middle watch (12 midnight — 4 a.m.) : Night, 16th/17th April, '70 : Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Common Sandpiper. 17th : One House Martin found in base of tower. 24th: One Kestrel, circling tower, p.m. 28th, Day : Yellow Wagtail, 3N. Auk spp., 163W. Redstart cock on stump. Wood Warbler on tower, singing. 29th, Day : Manx Shearwaters, two flying west, 1755 hrs. Shear­ water spp., 21 flying west, possibly Eastern Mediterranean race yelkouan. One Sandwich Tern. Night, 29th/30th : Red-backed Shrike, one male. Cuckoo, one caught, others seen . Wheatear, four caught, others seen. Starling caught. Bar-tailed Godwit heard. Whimbrel called. Phylloscopi 11 Willow/Chiff," two caught, others seen. Whinchat, mainly cocks seen. Sedge Warbler, seven caught, other seen. Blackcap, male caught. Skylark heard and seen. Grasshopper Warbler caught, ten others seen. 30th : One female Mallard on sea. 1st May : Willow Warbler. Common Whitethroat. Whimbrel. Common Sandpiper. 2nd May : Many " Willow-Chiffs" and Sedge Warblers. I missed these, but seen by other keepers. 3rd May : Whimbrel. Dunlin heard. 4th/5th May : Very clear and little wind. 7th May, Day : Two Swifts flying north. Night of 7th/8th : Grasshopper Warblers. Sedge Warblers. Common Sandpipers. 8th/9th: Hedge Sparrow, fairly moderate passage, nine were caught — an unusual happening? Wheatears. Willow Warblers. Blackbird, one female, an unusual record I would have thought at this time of year. 58 9th, Day : Oystercatcher. Night of llth/12th May : By far the most interesting night with literally hundreds of birds present; I handled over 100 birds. Weather conditions, wind NW 3, cloudy to overcast. Turtle Dove seen. Sedge Warbler, caught many and also heard singing. Three Cuckoos caught and quite a few seen. Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit heard. Many Dunlins seen, three killed. Common Sandpiper seen and many calling. Knot heard. Hobby, one. Whitethroat, up to four caught. Wheatears caught. Spotted Redshank heard calling. Garden Warbler, seven caught. Reed Warbler, three caught. Whinchat, a female seen. Grasshopper Warbler figures would easily run into the hundreds. House Martin seen on gallery. Golden Plover seen. Blackcap, five caught, all females. Pied Flycatcher, one female caught. Quail, one killed. Also killed: cock Blackcaps, Turtle Doves, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler. A lot of birds hit the roof and fall straight into the water, and of course are lost. A truly magnificent sight to see, but also very sad with the number of casualties. On nights like this it is difficult to walk on the gallery for fear of treading on birds. Also, numbers are estimated by number caught, as some birds, especially waders, circle lantern throughout periods of darkness. There were at one time no less than 40 Grasshopper Warblers resting on the gallery with the birds I had put there that had stunned themselves on the lantern. These were mainly Sedge Warblers. 12th, Day : One Corncrake resting on stump with Whimbrel, Turnstone, Common Sandpiper and Sedge Warbler. One Sand Martin circling tower. 1845 — 2000.

59