OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 1998/99

President: Steve Madge Seawinds, Lower Trerieve, Downderry, PL 15 3LZ

Chairman : Graham Sutton 6 Elm Drive, EX23 8EZ - Tel: 01288 356605

Vice-Chairman : Andy Pay Salena Cottage, , TR13 OEA - Tel: 01326 61628

General Secretary : Michael Lord "Gue Gassel", Church Cove, TR12 7PH - Tel: 01326 290981

Treasurer : Keith Harris Lowena, Chyvarloe, , Helston TR21 7PY - Tel: 01326 565418

Membership Secretary : Debbie Melarickas 20 Midway Drive, TR1 1NQ - Tel: 01872 241603

, Conservation Secreatry : Martin Rule 2 Trussall Row, Treloquithack, Wendron, Helston, TR13 0NT - Tel: 01326 561952

Newsletter Editor : Steve Rogers Roseland, Cyril Road, Truro TR1 3TA - Tel: 01872 273004

Field Meetings Officer : Dave Thomas Mirador, Whitecross, TR8 4LW - Tel: 01726 861093

Public Relations Officer : Tony Langford Miango, Trewirgie Road, TR15 2SX - Tel: 01209 313895 Recorder and Editor 'Birds in ' : Greg Conway Tregenna, Cooksland, , PL31 2AR - Tel: 01208 77686 Editor ' Bird Report' : Peter Robinson Riviera House, The Parade, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly TR21 0LT - Tel: 01720 423057

Recorder: Isles of Scilly : Will Wagstaff 42 Sally Port, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly TR21 OJ - Tel: 01720 422212

Assistant Recorder Isles of Scilly : Dick Barrett 12 Lewis Close, Ashill, Thetford. Norfolk, IP25 7BH - Tel: 01760 440260

Honorary Solicitor Vacant

Committee Members: Darrell Clegg (), Francis Couch (Bodmin), Brian Craven (Launceston), John Hillier (Helston), Richard James (Penryn), Adrian Langdon (), Matt Southam (), Royston Wilkins (Truro)

Records Committee: Greg Conway, Andy Pay, Steve Madge, Steve Roger, John Ryan, Graham Sutton & Vic Tucker.

Photographs Front Cover: Grey Phalarope, Maer Lake, September 1997 - Graham Sutton Back Cover: Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Davidstow, October 1997 - Graham Sutton CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING & PRESERVATION SOCIETY SIXTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT 1997

1 2 CONTENTS Page

Review of the Year 1997 Steve Rogers 4

Editorial Greg Conway 6

Systematic List for 1997 10

Divers to Eurasian Spoonbill & Raptors to Gamebirds Greg Conway

Wildfowl Dave Conway

Water Rail to Phalaropes Steve Jackson

Skuas & Gulls Richard James

Terns to Auks & Sparrows to Buntings Stuart Jack

Pigeons to Woodpeckers Steve Rogers

Warblers to Starlings Andy Pay

Exotica 122

BBRC Decisions 123

Pending Records 123

First & Last Dates of Summer Migrants 124

Contributors 125

Gazetteer 126

Birds Treated at RSPCA Welfare Centre Rex Harper 129

Henry Mewburn of St. Germans (1780-1834) Roger Penhallurick 130

Ringing Report 1997 Greg Conway 135

Wheather Tony Spiller 142

Chairman's Report Graham Sutton 143

Conservation Officer's Report Martin Rule 144

1997 Accounts Roger Jones 145

The Society's Rules 147

Printed by B.J Press Ltd, Unit 29 Threemilestone Ind Estate, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9LB

3 REVIEW OFTHEYEAR 1997

Approximately 60,000 records were submitted for 1997, the highest ever. A total of 181 species and eight distinctive sub-species were recorded in the county. Caspian Tern was the only species added to the county mainland list during 1997, in what was generally a lack-lustre year. Little Egret and Northern Shoveler were both new species to the breeding birds list. The third Pied-billed Grebe overwintered from 1996. The county also notched up its third and fourth Lesser Scaup, fourth Ross's Gull, fifth and sixth Desert Wheatear, sixth Franklin's Gull, fifth to eighth Laughing Gull and seventh Surf Scoter. Twelve European Bee-eater, including a flock of five, was also one of the highlights of the year.

Black-necked Grebes continued to increase with a maximum of 33 in Carrick Roads, the largest flock since 1948. Great Bitterns increased in numbers with a minimum of thirteen new birds for the year, no doubt due to improved breeding monitoring on a national basis by the RSPB. One bird was even observed carrying a reed stem. Twelve pairs of Dartford Warblers should ensure that this delightful little warbler improves its foothold in the county. The largest ever irruption of at least 900 Common Crossbill started in early June and ended with one at Cot Valley in November. The largest single flock was 73 at Smallacombe Plantation.

The decline of farmland species became more evident with just a couple handfuls of Grey Partridge records. In fact, one is now more likely to encounter a Common Quail. There were no confirmed breeding records of Northern Lapwing or Snipe, and just thirty Sky Lark sites held about 100 singing birds. Corn Bunting is seriously declining, and is now reduced to a few small pockets in North Cornwall. It was also a disastrous year for Cirl Bunting with just two records.

In January, 90 Red-throated Diver, had assembled in the Trevose/Harlyn Bay area whilst on the south coast, 80 Black-throated Divers were wintering in Veryan Bay. The first-winter drake Lesser Scaup overwintering from 1996 remained at Argal Reservoir until the 18th, and then moved to Stithians Reservoir until April 30th. Astonishingly a pair were at Loe Pool from June to October. Exceptionally high numbers of Goosander were recorded with 200 in January alone, making this the highest monthly count on record. A Penduline Tit from 1996 remained into January at Ryan's Field, though proved very elusive. The only unusual geese were three Pink-feet.

February saw two Tundra Swan, arrive at Walmsley, though there were no records of White-fronted Goose here at this once favoured site. February was the best month for Gull movement - about 20 Iceland Gulls, mostly 1st winter birds, 16 Glaucous Gulls and a record 45 Western Yellow-legged Gulls occurred, the majority of the latter in the east of the county. An adult Bonaparte's Gull appeared at Drift Reservoir on the 12th only.

March saw the county's first attempted breeding of Northern Shoveler in North Cornwall, but unfortunately the nest, containing a clutch of seven eggs, was abandoned. The first Sandwich Terns appeared mid month along with healthy numbers of Northern Wheatear and Chiffchaff. Sand Martin numbers however, were 30% down on the previous year. Five Hoopoe and a Wryneck were also recorded during the month.

April was relatively quiet with four European Serin, one Purple Heron, a Common Crane and two Richard's Pipits. A drake Surf Scoter graced Porthpean and St. Austell Bay for nearly three weeks mid month and was only the county's seventh record. A splendid summer plumaged Laughing Gull at Drift Reservoir on 22nd for one day only, made its presence known with its distinctive "laughing" call. Of greater interest perhaps, was a Great Bittern carrying reed stems at Marsh, suggesting breeding activity, but there was no subsequent evidence to confirm breeding. A minimum of thirteen individuals were noted during the year, an increase probably related to the RSPB breeding protection schemes nationally.

4 With the onset of May, a second Purple Heron appeared for just one day at Townshend, whilst sixteen Golden Orioles appeared, mostly in West . A stunning male Red-backed Shrike at Caerthillian Cove evoked memories of when this species was a more regular spring visitor to the county. In contrast, five Woodchat Shrikes were recorded. A European Bee-eater was seen flying out to sea at Lands End on 22nd, the first of twelve of these stunningly beautiful vagrants.

In June, the county's first summering Black-necked Grebe spent most of the month in Newquay Bay. Proof of breeding Little Egrets in the county occurred in June, with two fully fledged young at a secret site. The first of three Rosy Starlings of the year, was an adult for one day at Porthgwarra on the 17th.

July was fairly quiet with a White-winged Black Tern at Par Beach on the 10th. This species is now almost annual in the county. The highlight of the month was a flock of five European Bee-eaters at Carnweather Point on the 5th, another stayed in the Zennor area for four days from the 16th. An adult male Common Rosefinch at Botallack on the 26th completed the month's splash of colour.

August is the traditional starting point for seabird passage, principally from the traditional headlands of Pendeen, Porthgwarra and St. Ives. However, 1997 was not especially noted as a vintage year, as "only" 1000 Cory's and 385 Great Shearwaters were recorded. A Red-necked Phalarope at Maer Lake on the 29th was a rewarding find, whilst five Aquatic Warblers at was about average. A Marsh Warbler trapped at the end of the month at still remains a major rarity in the county, as does Corn Crake, the only record of the year being one at Land's End on the 16th. Rare waders included two Baird's Sandpipers, though surprisingly, there were no acceptable records of Pectoral Sandpiper.

September highlights included a White Stork on the 10th at Wadebridge. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper appeared at Sancreed on farmland, with a second bird appearing in October at Davidstow. A Lesser Yellowlegs spent a couple of weeks on Ryan's Field early in the month, and provided incredibly close views from the main road. A Temminck's Stint at Devoran on 16th-17th was just the 27th county record, and was at one stage, feeding alongside the year's third Baird's Sandpiper. Rare seabirds during the month included two Long-tailed Skuas, 13 Pomarine Skuas, 80 Sabine's Gulls and just two Great Shearwaters, but no Cory's. A Short-toed Lark on the 26th and a juvenile Rosy Starling on the 20th, both at , were the only rare passerines of note.

October was generally disappointing with low numbers of Siberian vagrants and no records of American passerines. Ten juvenile Eurasian Spoonbills, present at Estuary for ten days from the 3rd was a splendid sight. Six Pallas's Leaf Warblers, always a delight to watch, appeared at the end of the month, all but one in West Penwith. A staggering 34 Yellow-browed Warblers appeared, though this figure is average after several good years. An unusually confiding Radde's Warbler at St. Levan was enjoyed by Society members on an organised field trip on the 19th. Two Red-breasted Flycatchers were recorded at Duckpool and at Porthgwarra. On the 25th, a small influx of three Horned Larks appeared at Nanquidno and Porthgwarra. Five Hawfinch were also found at the same time, along with one Rosy Starling and eight Richard's Pipits. Perhaps the most unusual record on the 12th was a Storm Petrel lingering at St. John's Lake for the day.

In November an adult Franklin's Gull which spent three days on the Gannel Estuary was the highlight of the month, though regrettably suppressed. A female Desert Wheatear spent over a fortnight at Loe Bar from the 28th and departed on December 15th. Arctic swans were especially thin on the ground, with just two Tundra Swans at Loe Pool on 22nd, no doubt due to the mild weather.

December saw the year's second Desert Wheatear, a male found at Hannafore Point, on the 3rd, which remained in the area for nine days. About a dozen Firecrests were over-wintering in the county along with about 93 Chiffchaffs at various sewage works.

Steve Rogers

5 EDITORIAL

Acknowledgements: To Dick Burn, Francis Couch, Dave Conway, Greg Conway, Les Griffin, Roger Henry, Mike Lord, Paul McCartney, Sara McMahon, Debbie Melarickas, Rosemary Sellars for computerising records. To Chris Bourne, John Chappie, Dave Conway, Greg Conway, Stuart Jack, Steve Jackson, Richard James, Andy Pay, Steve Rogers, Graham Sutton, Laurie Williams and Ina Woschee for compiling individual species accounts and assistance with the production of this report. To Graham Sutton and Iain Leach for photographs. To Rex Harper and Roger Penhallurick for articles. To Andy Birch and Kester Wilson for line drawings. To Mashuq Ahmed and Pete Fraser for records from Birding South West. To Steve Madge and Francis Couch for records from Caradon and North Cornwall. To the County records panel consisting of Greg Conway, Steve Rogers, Andy Pay, Graham Sutton, John Ryan, Steve Madge, Vic Tucker and Kester Wilson for decisions concerning rarities.

Apologies for any omissions.

SUBMISSION OF RECORDS

All records, including descriptions, should be submitted by the 31st January the following year, to guarantee inclusion in 'Birds in Cornwall'.

IMPORTANT: Records should be submitted periodically throughout the year by all observers, ideally at monthly intervals. This will help spread the immense work load and facilitate the early production of the Annual Report.

Ideally records should follow diary order (i.e. species seen at a site on a particular day), and if at all possible they should be computerised in an acceptable format, details below.

Details to include in your records Please make sure that your name, address and year to which the records refer is clearly stated on the first page.

To be of greatest value, your records should contain as much of the following information as possible, if relevant: - Species - English name (new or old). Date - 5.10, 5/10 or 5 Oct are all acceptable. Location - as accurate as possible, using names appearing on the current 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps and, if possible, including a six-figure Grid Reference (e.g. SX123456) for less well-known sites. Number - individuals, pairs, singing males, etc. Age - adult, juvenile, first winter, immature, female/imm., etc. Sex - male or female Direction - N, S, E, W, NW, NE, SW and SE (for flying birds). Records can now be received in a specific computerised format which must be generated from a database or spreadsheet, in a comma delimited format. Records should consist of the following fields: Site, Species, Arrival Date, Departure Date, Number of birds, Age, Number for age class, Sex, Number for each sex, Direction, Number for each direction, Notes. Please contact the Recorder for advice and an information sheet.

Which records are required? All records are worth sending in but those for the categories listed below are particularly useful:- • First and last dates for summer migrants • All breeding records for common and rare species • Scarce and rare species • Counts of migrants and other large concentrations/roosts (eg. finches, wildfowl, gulls, thrushes, waders, seabirds, etc.) • Breeding colonies (eg seabirds, hirundines, etc.)

Breeding Records Detailed breeding season (April-August) records for the following species are urgently required, please include a six figure grid reference (i.e. SX123456) for each singing male/pair/nest:

Peregrine Green Woodpecker Reed Warbler Common Quail L. S. Woodpecker Sedge Warbler Common Kestrel Sky Lark Cetti's Warbler Grey Partridge Wood Lark Lesser Whitethroat Moorhen Sand Martin Dartford Warbler Oystercatcher Tree Pipit Spotted Flycatcher Northern Lapwing Meadow Pipit Pied Flycatcher Grey Wagtail Willow Tit Common Curlew Dipper House Sparrow 'colonial seabirds' Common Redstart Linnet Stock Dove Whinchat Common Redpoll Turtle Dove Common Stonechat Bullfinch Barn Owl Northern Wheatear Yellowhammer Little Owl Song Thrush Cirl Bunting European Nightjar Mistle Thrush Reed Bunting Common Kingfisher Grasshopper Warbler Corn Bunting

Winter Records Also, winter (November to February) records of the following species are required, please include a six figure grid reference (i.e. SX 123456) for each flock/individual:

European Golden Plover Sky Lark (flocks over 50) Linnet Northern Lapwing Wood Lark Yellowhammer Lesser Black-backed Gull Fieldfare Cirl Bunting (inland) Redwing Reed Bunting Herring Gull (inland) House Sparrow Corn Bunting Barn Owl Goldfinch

7 Roost Records All records of roosts are required, particularly for the species, or groups, listed below. Please include a six figure grid reference.

Great Cormorant All Gulls (>200 birds) Common Starling Little Egret All Terns All Corvids (Crows) Hen Harrier Sand Martin All Finches Merlin Barn Swallow All Buntings All Waders Pied Wagtail

RARITIES County rarities All county rarities are given below in the County Rarities List. Species in Group 1 require a full description, from all observers, whereas those in Group 2 only require a description if requested. Descriptions should follow the criteria given below and be supported by original notes taken in the field.

National Rarities Descriptions of national rarities should be sent to the County Recorder, who will then forward them to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) for appraisal. These descriptions should follow the criteria listed below or can be submitted on special BBRC forms, available from the County Recorder or Secretary BBRC, Mr M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St. Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ. Please enclose copies of field notes and photographs where possible as these are most helpful.

Criteria for county and national rarity descriptions Note: All descriptions, no matter how brief, are of great value so do not be put off by the list below. This list is for guidance to show the type of information which may be useful to include in a description.

Always include as much detail as possible, even the most trivial or obvious features should be noted as these are often invaluable when it comes to assessing records. Try to make notes and sketches in the field, or at least before you refer to any text books.

Information to include in a description:- • Species • Experience of similar species • Location • Weather conditions • Date(s) (first and last if known) • A brief summary of how the bird was • Time(s) found and/or identified • Number • Full details of plumage and bare parts • Age and Sex • Calls • The finder and/or identifier • Distinctive behaviour (while feeding, • Duration of observation flying, etc.) • Distance from bird(s) • Any other distinctive features • Optical aids used • Species nearby for comparison • Previous experience of the species

8 COUNTY RARITIES LIST

Full descriptions from all observers Surf Scoter Baltic Gull L. f. fuscus Aquatic Warbler Honey Buzzard Western Yellow-legged Gull Marsh Warbler Northern Goshawk (Non-Adult) Icterine Warbler Rough-legged Buzzard Rose-ringed Parakeet Melodious Warbler Corn Crake Short-toed Lark Siberian Chiffchaff Common Crane Richard's Pipit European Serin Temminck's Stint Tawny Pipit Twite Pectoral Sandpiper Scandinavian Rock Pipit Ortolan Bunting Buff-breasted Sandpiper Yellow Wagtail (excl Little Bunting Long-tailed Skua M.f.flava & flavissima) Ring-billed Gull Rufous Nightingale

Brief notes Purple Heron Red-necked Phalarope Golden Oriole White Stork Bluethroat Red-billed Chough Green-winged Teal Barred Warbler Woodchat Shrike Ring-necked Duck Pallas's Leaf Warbler Common Rosefinch Montagu's Harrier Red-breasted Flycatcher Roseate Tern Kentish Plover Bearded Tit

Notes to be provided, if requested Cory's Shearwater Sabine's Gull European Bee-eater Great Shearwater Scandinavian Herring Gull Horned Lark Bean Goose Western Yellow-legged Gull Water Pipit Pink-footed Goose (Adult) Yellow-browed Warbler Garganey Iceland Gull Tree Sparrow Spotted Crake Glaucous Gull Hawfinch Stone-curlew Arctic Tern Lapland Longspur Little Ringed Plover Black Guillemot Cirl Bunting Pomarine Skua Long-eared Owl

In addition, the Recorder may at any time request full details of an unusual occurrence.

WILDFOWL and WADER COUNTS Volunteer counters are always required and anyone interested is asked to contact Dave Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, PL31 2AR.

BTO BREEDING BIRD SURVEY Additional participants are always required to assist with this very important survey - our main means of monitoring the commoner species. If you can help with this undemanding survey, or would like details of surveys currently requiring help, please contact Paul Stubbs, BTO Regional Representative, 1 Gulveal Villas, Penmenner Road, The Lizard, Cornwall TR12 7NW. Email: [email protected] Tel.: (01326) 290404.

9 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 1997

Species are listed in the order shown in 'The British Birds List of Western Palearctic Birds' published in 1997 and obtainable from British Birds, Fountains, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, priced £2 post free.

The annual report has adopted the new species names used in the above list.

In most cases species sightings are placed in date order, i.e. localities with January records listed first and December records last. This is aimed at facilitating the extraction of data from reports.

The table or graph headed 'Approximate monthly county total' illustrates the maximum possible number of birds present in the County during each month. Mobility of individual birds is taken into account and this should help explain any anomaly between this table and the next section.

The 'Regular reports and maximum numbers' table gives maximum counts for selected sites for each month.

For many species, a complete review of historical data has been undertaken and from these the 'Monthly breakdown' and 'Top sites' have been calculated. Wherever possible due regard has been given to rare birds wandering from site to site but with several species, particularly seabirds, this is not possible.

Abbreviations used within the report include the following :

CP. - Country Park Est. - Estuary juv. - juvenile imm. - immature incl. - including Res. - Reservoir S.W. - Sewage Works tetrad - 2km x 2km grid square BBRC - British Birds Rarities Committee RSPB - Royal Society for the Protection of Birds BTO - British Trust for Ornithology

The symbol ' - ' in various tables indicates that either no birds were present or that no count was received for that particular period.

Please note the following name definitions : Porthgwarra includes the area south of the line drawn from Cam Les Boel to St. Levan. Mount's Bay refers only to the part of the bay between and Marazion. St. Austell Bay includes Par Bay. Pentire Point refers to the headland north of Polzeath.

References Penhallurick, R.D., The Birds of the Cornish Coast, Truro, 1969. Penhallurick, R.D., The Birds of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Penzance, 1978. Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society Reports 1931-1997 Caradon Field and Natural History Club Report 1997. British Birds Vol. 90, No. 11. Birding World Vol. 10.

10 RED-THROATED DIVER - Gavia stellata Uncommon winter visitor. Passage migrant. Thinly distributed along the entire coastline, but large concentrations of spring migrants regularly occur, albeit briefly, along the north coast off headlands between Perranporth and Port Isaac, and more recently off the south coast at Seaton. Numbers in the first winter period were exceptionally high, producing a new county record flock of at least 91 in Harlyn Bay Jan 2nd-Feb 3rd SMC,GJC. Spring passage was minimal and numbers rapidly diminished by mid-March, leaving late individuals at Par Bay May 13th and Harlyn Bay May 24th. Autumn passage commenced with an adult off Sep 13th and a single off St.Ives Sep 27th. Numbers remained low until a modest arrival in mid December. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 205 186 43 14 6 - - - 2 7 18 50 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head* 9 2 3 5 1 - - - 1 - - 11 Seaton/Downderry 28 38 9 ------7 St. Austell Bay 16 6 5 3 1 - - - - - 1 1 Mount's Bay 4 14 2 ------1 - Newquay Bay 20 13 ------3 3 Trevose/Harlyn 91 90 1 - 1 - - - - - 2 11 Camel Estuary 13 13 1 ------1 - 2 * these figures involve a degree of duplication with birds moving back and forth between feeding areas and those at Seaton; the monthly totals take into account these apparent double counts. Elsewhere counts exceeding four birds were five Pentire, Newquay Mar 2nd and six Bude Mar 15th. Inland: Drift Res. one Jan 7th-12th, Porth Res. one Jan 16th, Par Beach Pool Feb 14th-Mar 9th and Rosedale one Feb 2nd. The latter bird was discovered, grounded, in the middle of the road (A374), it was slightly oiled and waterlogged, and was taken into care EJW.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER - Gavia arctica Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Chiefly a bird of the more sheltered south coast with large gatherings regularly occurring between and Falmouth Bay. Veryan/Gerran's Bay regularly holds five percent of the UK wintering population. Modest flocks can occur in St. Austell Bay, Mount's Bay and St. Ives Bay. Numbers in the first winter period were slightly above average, however, a major influx during March and April more than doubled the numbers expected at this time of year. The bulk of this spring influx was concentrated on the south coast at typical sites. The last for the spring was an adult at Jun 9th. Autumn passage started with singles at Towan Head Oct 9th and Porthpean Oct 14th, followed by a handful of new arrivals in early November. In the second winter period very few were noted until after the end of November when good numbers arrived throughout December. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 98 105 185 146 17 1 - - 1 2 43 110 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 2 1 5 11 6 - - - 1 - - 6 Seaton/Downderry 1 10 17 7 3 ------St. Austell Bay 8 4 9 20 1 - - - - 1 3 4 Gerran's Bay 11 12 31 48 1 - - - - - 10 30 Veryan Bay 79 40 60 85 6 - - - - - 24 36 Falmouth Bay - 1 2 8 ------19

11 Mount's Bay 6 27 25 ------1 - St. Ives/Carbis Bay 1 3 19 6 ------3 5 Elsewhere, the only counts exceeding five individuals were six Vault Beach Feb 28th.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although the most widespread of the diver species, most birds tend to be solitary and rarely form more than small "rafts", unlike the more gregarious Red and Black-throated Divers. Concerted survey work has further confirmed the significance of the stretch of coast from St. Austell Bay to the , within which internationally important numbers (>50) have been located, though thinly distributed. Both St. Ives Bay and Mount's Bay hold good wintering populations. In the first winter period numbers were around average. Spring passage was very evident with a substantial influx mid-March and mid-May. The flock of 40 in St.Austell Bay relates to a roost gathering and is one of the largest congregations ever recorded in the County. The last spring bird was noted at Seaton/Downderry May 30th. The first for the autumn were two extremely early arrivals, in August, at Towan Head (5th) and Porthgwarra (25th). The next arrival was not until Oct 4th at Pentewan. During the second winter period numbers were fairly typical with most arriving after mid-November. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 81 90 118 108 63 - - 2 - 10 76 100 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 6 3 8 3 4 - - - - - 2 3 Seaton/Downderry 5 9 8 28 16 ------9 Looe Bay 1 1 1 2 2 - - - - - 2 3 St. Austell Bay 17 26 32 40 18 - - - - 3 12 8 Mevagissey Bay 3 3 3 3 4 - - - - 1 1 8 Very an Bay 4 - 8 15 8 - - - - - 6 6 Gerrans Bay 4 2 7 5 3 - - - - - 2 1 Carrick Roads 7 2 1 ------3 8 Helford River 2 1 8 ------2 - Mount's Bay 5 12 16 3 1 - - - - 1 8 4 Hayle Est. 2 4 4 ------3 3 St.Ives/Carbis Bay 4 11 6 2 2 - - - - 3 10 21 Inland: singles Par Beach Pool Nov 18th, Crowdy Res. Nov 25th-26th & Dec 14th, Stithians Res. Nov 30th-Dec 1st and Siblyback Res. Dec 21st-27th.

PIED-BILLED GREBE - Podilymbus podiceps Rare vagrant. Hayle Harbour: the individual from Dec 31 st 1996 remained until Apr 15th LPW et al. This is the third county record, previous records were at Argal Res. 1992 (later resided at Stithians Res.) and Loe Pool 1996.

LITTLE GREBE -Tachybaptus ruficollis Scarce resident. Occasionally breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 164 134 100 22 8 7 9 30 54 101 158 108 Numbers in the first winter period were above average. Breeding was proven at Stithians Res. where up to four pairs produced young. Apart from a 'trilling' bird at Long Rock Pool in June there were no other instances of suspected breeding.

12 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. John's Lake 11 10 6 - - - - - 3 5 2 2 Millbrook 7 7 8 - - - - 2 6 4 11 12 Lynher Est. 5 5 3 ------6 5 Carrick Roads 7 5 1 - - - - 1 - - - 3 Tresillian 5 6 7 - - - - 3 6 7 8 6 Swanpool 7 12 5 8 2 1 - 3 6 27 17 16 Argal Res. 9 5 2 1 - 1 - 1 - 11 4 Stithians Res. 7 9 8 2 1 2 9 7 15 15 12 11 Helford River 8 6 4 - - - - - 1 - 1 - Loe Pool 1 8 2 1 1 2 3 6 4 3 1 - Drift Res. 12 3 3 - - - 1 - 1 3 8 9 Hayle Est. 21 15 7 ------10 16 14 Camel Est. 16 14 12 4 - - - 3 - 7 15 9 Elsewhere, the only counts over five include six Est. Feb 9th and 12 at Caerhays Nov 30th.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE - Podiceps cristatus Rare resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred successfully at Lower Tamar Lake in 1930 but no further attempts were made until 1985. A remarkable influx occured in the first winter period, exceeding the high numbers present at the end of 1996. A count of 23 on the Lynher Estuary was a new county record, with counts of 20 in Par Bay and 19 on the Camel Estuary each setting new site records. Number in the second winter period were above average with a distinct influx occurring in December. Approximate monthly totals 1997 (away from breeding sites): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 113 97 62 19 7 3 8 14 14 22 39 58 Only a single brood was raised in the county this summer. Summary of recent breeding records (with comparative data for 1990-1996): figures represent young raised; n = nest unsuccessful; p = present but not known to have bred. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Upper Tamar Lake P 2 - - P - - 1 Lower Tamar Lake P P P 2 2 2 3 1 Crowdy Res. 3 1 n 1 2 P 3 - Colliford Res. P P 2 n P 1 P - Stithians Res. n P - - P - - Loe Pool P P - - - - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Fi 2b Mar Apr May J un Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 11 14 6 6 1 - 3 2 1 1 8 2 St. John's Lake 11 12 10 2 1 - - 2 - 1 6 11 Lynher Est. 23 22 10 2 5 3 5 10 7 14 21 21 Colliford Res. - 1 1 3 2 1 2 - - 1 2 - Crowdy Res. - - - - 2 5 5 4 3 - - St. Austell Bay 15 :2 0 11 1 - - - - - 1 3 9 Camel Est. 14 19 12 2 2 ------2 Tamar Lakes - 5 - - - 4 1 3 4 1 Other notable records include: singles west Rame Head Feb 8th & Porthgwarra Oct 14th, three Gerrans Bay Sep 1st, four Downderry Apr 1st, seven Carrick Roads Jan 26th, seven Mount's Bay Feb 15th,

RED-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. The majority winter on the south coast between St. Austell Bay and the Helford River but birds are also regularly encountered at north coast sites such at St. Ives Bay, Hayle Est. and Camel Est. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19 14 37 15 - - - 1 1 3 7 10

13 Numbers in the first winter period were down on last year but well above the norm of recent years. However, a surge of spring arrivals raised the March and April totals to four times the usual level. Autumn passage was light with a small arrival of new birds after the end of November. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Looe Bay 1 1 1 St. Austell Bay 2 1 5 1 2 1 Mevagissey Bay 3 1 1 Veryan Bay 5 1 17 6 4 3 Gerrans Bay 1 1 9 4 1 Carrick Roads 1 Falmouth Bay 2 1 6 1 St. Ives/Carbis Bay 1 1 1 2 Elsewhere: singles Bude Bay Jan lst-2nd, St.John's/Millbrook Lake Jan 3rd-Feb 23rd, Hayle Est. Jan 4th, Camel Est. Jan 11th, Lynher Est. Jan 12th-25th & Mar 4th, Mount's Bay Jan 28th, Mousehole Feb 15th, Vault Bay Feb 28th, Helford River Mar 6th-8th, Sennen Cove Mar 13th, Apr 5th, Porthgwarra Aug 16th and Penryn River Nov 12th-23rd with two at Downderry Feb 8th. Inland: singles Stithians Res. Feb 18th-Apr 13th, juv. Colliford Res. Sep 13th, juv. Loe Pool Oct 19th-Nov 4th and Argal Res. Dec 3rd-27th. 1996 Addition Sennen Cove: one remained until Oct 6th AMW.

SLAVONIAN GREBE - Podiceps auritus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Largest parties occur along the south coast between St. Austell Bay and the Helford River with small numbers regularly frequenting north coast sites such as St. Ives Bay, Hayle Estuary and Camel Estuary. This species has become somewhat less numerous in recent years. Numbers in the first winter period and spring were five times greater than the average of the last five years. The counts of 41 in St.Austell Bay and 35 off Downderry are some of the highest recorded in recent decades. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 104 152 130 8 - - - 1 1 4 26 61 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. John's Lake 3 4 2 2 2 Lynher Est. 6 6 6 1 1 4 Seaton/Downderry 6 35 9 2 1 Looe 3 2 1 1 1 4 10 St. Austell Bay 13 41 31 5 - - - - - 1 4 6 Veryan Bay 8 1 4 ------Gerrans Bay 12 13 22 ------3 1 Carrick Roads _ 2 _ - _ - _ 1 4 Falmouth Bay 2 1 4 ------1 2 Helford River 4 4 2 - _ _ - _ _ _ 1 Mount's Bay 3 11 11 ------4 Hayle Est.: - 2 2 ------1 St. Ives/Carbis Bay 6 8 ------2 Newquay Bay 5 3 1 ------Camel Est. 12 11 9 - - - - 1 - - 5 9 Elsewhere: singles at Bude Bay Jan 1st-17th, Cawsand Bay Jan 5th (two Jan 23rd), Tamar Est. Jan 8th (two Feb 28th), Sennen Cove Jan 15th-Feb 9th, Jan 21st (two Dec 6th), Pendeen Watch Feb 21 st and Mevagissey Bay Mar 5th (three Nov 25th), and two Mar 10th. Inland Drift Res.: one Jan 6th & Feb 21st-Mar 2nd BD,GH,FP et al. Loe Pool: one Feb 16th ARP.

14 Stithians Res.: one Feb 19th, two (one oiled) Dec 21st, one remaining to Dec 27th GJC,BH et al. Crowdy Res.: one Oct 17th & Nov 25th AJB,JHH.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps nigricollis Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. The rarest of the regular grebes in Cornwall, occurring, like the others, mainly off the south coast between St. Austell Bay and Falmouth. More likely to be encountered on freshwater sites than the Slavonian Grebe. In recent winters numbers have increased almost annually, particularly on the Carrick Roads, reflecting a doubling of the UK breeding population over the last two decades. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 32 34 22 2 - 1 - 4 1 2 11 44 Carrick Roads: the 25 from 1996 remained until Jan 28th, decreasing to 22 Feb 8th with nine the following day and finally six Mar 6th. In the second winter period a single arrived Nov 12th increasing to five Nov 23rd, then six Dec 14th, 15 Dec 21st and an amazing 33 Dec 28th, which stayed into 1998 RL,PAM,MM et al. St.John's Lake: three from 1996 increased to five Jan 19th which remained until Mar 8th. Two pairs were observed displaying and calling Feb 28th GJC. A single arrived Nov 25th increasing to two Dec 13th with four the following day. At least three remained into 1997 DRC,SCM et al. Downderry: one Jan 14th and two Mar 30th SCM. Lynher Est.: one Jan 22nd-25th, four Feb 8th, singles Mar 27th & Oct 30th-Dec21st DRC,KP,EJW. Carbis Bay: one Feb 5th DSF. Helford River: one Feb 8th, two Mar 8th & one Nov 30th SMC,JL,LAHS. Mount's Bay: one Feb 8th & four Mar 16th BBk,LB,VAS. Camel Estuary: one Mar 2nd, juv. Aug 14th-27th DIJ,MLw et al. Falmouth Bay: one Mar 6th GJC. Carlyon Bay: one Apr 6th RL. Porthpean: three Apr 9th RL. Newquay Bay: one in breeding plumage Jun 2nd-26th and another Sep 4th-Oct 8th SMC,SGR et al Rame Head: one west Aug 9th EJW. Crowdy Res.: one Aug 16th-Sep 7th & presumed same Oct 4th CLBo,DAC,GJC et al Hannafore Point: one Aug 30th AJP,SAP. Stithians Res.: three Nov 16th-Dec 21st with two Dec 24th GCo,DE et al. Veryan Bay: two Dec 12th RL. Camsew Pool: one Dec 28th into 1998, presume same Ryan's Field Dec 29th LPW,DCm et al Yet again the annual total continues to increase, involving c.71 individuals, which gives a county total of c.756. The flock of 33 at Carrick Roads is the largest recorded in the county since 1948. The summering bird in Newquay Bay constitutes the first occurrence in June. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 193 121 64 27 2 1 - 12 21 20 78 219 Top sites: Carrick Roads 318, Mount's Bay 79, Lynher Est. 41, St. Ives Bay 30 and Camel Est. 27.

NORTHERN FULMAR - Fulmarus glacialis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. First bred in Cornwall in 1944 and has subsequently colonised the entire coastline. Breeding success is best assessed in July/August when adults vacate their breeding sites to moult, leaving well grown young on nesting ledges. Peak counts: Rame Head: 994 between Jan 18th and Aug 9th with 200 Jun 1st. Chapel Point: 2000 Feb 25th & 500 Feb 27th Porthgwarra: 922 west between Aug 8th and Oct 17th Pendeen Watch: 180 Jul 31st St.Ives Island: 2000 Feb 28th, 250 Mar 28th & Sep 13th and 850 Dec 26th.

15 Towan Head: 450 Feb 10th, 2868 Feb 28th, 252 Dec 25th and 569 Dec 26th. Trevose Head: 1616 between May 31st and Dec 8th with 276 Dec 8th. Breeding records for 1997 from selected sites (with comparative data for 1991-1996); Figures represent maximum numbers of pairs on ledges or young c counted; p = present not counted. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Portholland P 6c - - - - - Swanpool P lc 2c 2c 8 5 2 Godrevy/Derrick Cove P 15c 45 102 71 76 - Western Cove P 96 P 104 105 119 - lc 2c 4c 5c - - - Pentire Point West 4c 6c 7c 5c 2c 10c 5c Pentire Point East lc - 3c - - - - Blue phase birds were noted as follows: Towan Head: singles Feb 13th & 25th SMC. Pendeen Watch: one Feb 18th KAW. Inland: one flew up the Camel Est. toward Wadebridge Aug 20th.

SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL sp. - Pterodroma (madeira/mollis/feae) Very rare vagrant. 1996 Addition Porthgwarra: one Jun 11th JHH. The second county mainland record. The first was also at Porthgwarra in 1989, recorded in August on three consecutive days (12th-14th).

CORY'S SHEARWATER - Calonectris diomedea Scarce passage migrant (mainly late July to early September) with occasional good years. Pre-1959 data is sketchy, although noted by Ryves (1948) as occurring around Wolf Rock. Since 1980 records have proven annual with regular reports from the main seawatching points in the west of the county. Clodgy Point: three May 7th, singles May 22nd/23rd & Soft-plumaged Petrel sp. Jul 15th, 12 Jul 24th and singles Jul 25th and Aug 2nd (Kester Wilson) VAS. Porthgwarra: 953 between Jun 20th & Oct 8th with seven Jun 20th, c.100 Jun 21st, 46 Jul 12th, 81 Jul 26th, 19 Aug 12th, two Aug 19th, 651 Aug 23rd and one Oct 8th MCH,JHH,SML,KAW et al St.Ives Island: singles Jun 22nd & Aug 31st VAS. Longships: one Jul 26th, two miles south of lighthouse TG. Penberth: two Jul 26th, one Aug 17th TDC,LHC,TG. The Brisons: two Jul 27th TG. Hot Point: two west Jul 31st ML,AL. Pendeen Watch: one Jul 31st, two Aug 1st & 14th, one Aug 17th, five Aug 22nd, one Aug 28th, two Aug 29th and one Aug 30th CGB,TDC,LHC,KAW et al Scillonian III: 12 Aug 12th, 48 Aug 23rd & one Aug 30th BSW. Land's End: two Aug 28th KAW. With c.998 individuals the county mainland total advances to c.9515 since 1959. This is the fourth highest annual total, see Figure 1. Monthly breakdown Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 5 108 154 730 - 1 - - Top sites: Porthgwarra 8923, Pendeen Watch 236, Scillonian III 161, Cape Cornwall 95.

16 Figure 1. Cory's Shearwater annual totals 1978-1997.

GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis Scarce passage migrant (mainly mid-August to late September) with occasional good years. Porthgwarra: two Aug 12th, singles Aug 13th & 14th, three Aug 17th, one Aug 18th, c.335 Aug 23rd, 20 Aug 24th, two Aug 26th and one Aug 29th SML,MCH,TDC et al. Pendeen Watch: one Aug 14th, three Aug 17th, four Aug 28th, six Aug 29th & one Sep 5th TDC, LHC, KAW et al Scillonian III: 60 west Aug 23rd one Aug 30th, two Oct 11th DAC et al. Land's End: one Aug 28th KAW. Cape Cornwall: one Aug 29th BSW. Clodgy Point: singles Sep 5th & 6th VAS. A minimum of c.385 takes the county mainland total to c.4543 since 1930. This is the third best annual total, see Figure 2. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------381 2 2 - - Top sites: Porthgwarra 3398, MV Scillonian III 700, Pendeen Watch 278, St. Ives Island 116.

Figure 2. Great Shearwater annual totals 1978-1997.

17 LARGE SHEARWATER sp. Pendeen Watch: four Aug 28th BSW. Porthgwarra: one Aug 14th, 1349 Aug 23rd, 100 Aug 24th, 17 Aug 26th and one Aug 27th MCH JHH,SML et al Scillonian III: 50 Aug 23rd BSW. The majority of birds recorded on Aug 23rd/24th were considered to be Great Shearwater.

SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus Passage migrant (mainly late June to mid-September). Pendeen Watch: 196 (Feb 18th-Nov 9th) with max. of one Feb 18th, one Jun 22nd, 43 Aug 28th, 30 Aug 29th, 24 Sep 6th &35 Sep 12th. Towan Head: 10 (Jun 25th-Dec 25th) with max. of one Jun 25th & three Aug 28th. St.Ives Island: 27 (Aug 28th-Nov 6th) with max. of eight Sep 13th & 11 Oct 11th. Porthgwarra: 92 (Jun 13th-Oct 17th) with max. of one Jun 13th, one Jun 18th, 12 Aug 23rd, 12 Aug 24th, 13 Aug 28th & 10 Sep 13th. Trevose Head: 56 (Aug 17th-Nov 18th) with max. of 31 Sep 6th and six Sep 12th. Elsewhere: Bass Point: singles Aug 31st, Oct 4th & Oct 17th. Clodgy Point: one Sep 1st, four Sep 5th & three Sep 29th. Godrevy Point: three Sep 12th and one Sep 13th. Land's End: one Oct 11th. Longships: one Sep 20th. Rame Head/Penlee Point: one east Aug 9th & two Aug 24th. St.Agnes Head: singles Sep 5th & 6th. Hannafore Point: two Oct 8th. Chapel Point: one Oct 16th. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - - - 4 5 140 126 39 5 1 At least 321 birds, after removal of double counts, were logged during the year. Top sites: St. Ives Island 6287, Pendeen Watch 5379, Porthgwarra 3486, Cape Cornwall 455, Newquay 352.

MANX SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus Passage migrant (mainly late March to October). Possibly breeds. Feeding parties off-shore in summer, presumably from breeding colonies on the islands off the coast of South Wales. The last known mainland breeding colony, at Kellan Head, is believed to have become extinct in 1937. Subsequently numerous corpses have been recovered on a regular basis from north coast headlands where apparently suitable breeding habitat exists - riddled with rabbit burrows. The possibility of breeding occurring on mainland headlands and off-shore islands is worth further investigation. In the first winter period there were 35 records on nine dates, the earliest of which was one off St.Ives Island Feb 10th. The first notable spring movement occurred at Bay Apr 24th. During the summer a number of large 'rafts' were reported including 2000+ Trevose Head May 24th, 2000 & 1500 St.Ives Island Jun 21st, 2000 Wicca Jun 21st & 35 Downderry Jul 11th. A nocturnal visit to Rumps Point Jul 11th revealed c.20 calling birds. Of seven birds caught and ringed one individual had been ringed on Bardsey, Wales seven years earlier CLBo,GJC,FMC. The last record of the year was a single off Trevose Head Dec 8th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Rame Head: 1088 between Apr 12th and Jun 28th. Hannafore Point: 121 May 4th & 255 May 5th. Porthgwarra: 3121 between Feb 18th and Nov 5th with 450 May 13th and 360 Jul 13th. Pendeen: 8289 between Feb 18th & Nov 9th with 1200 Jun 26th, 2000 Aug 28th & 2000 Sep 5th.

18 St.Ives Island: 12000 May 20th, 11500 Jun 21st and 45000 Jun 26th. Towan Head: 28105 between Feb 13th and Nov 6th with 13600 Jun 21st, 2500 Jun 22nd, 4008 Jun 27th and 2058 Jul 27th. Trevose Head: 4140 between May 15th and Dec 8th with 2000 May 24th. Bude: 1200 Jul 26th.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER - Puffinus yelkouan Uncommon passage migrant (mainly late July to late October). Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 2 - 1 23 27 267 105 88 32 23 St.Ives Island: 83 west (Mar 28th-Dec 28th) with peak counts of two Mar 28th, 10 Sep 13th, 14 Oct 11th, 12 Nov 9th & 17 Dec 26th. Towan Head: 45 west (Jun 13th-Dec 11th) with peak counts of 15 Aug 28th & 11 Sep 12th. Pendeen Watch: 178 (Feb 18th-Nov 28th) with peaks counts of one Feb 18th, 17 Aug 18th, 10 Aug 17th, 49 Aug 28th, 25 Aug 29th & 10 Nov 10th. Porthgwarra: 163 (Jun 7th-Oct21st) with peak counts of 11 Jul 26th, 18 Aug 13th, 12 Aug 28th & 13 Oct 9th. Trevose Head: 38 (Aug 17th-Dec 11th) with max. of five Sep 1st, eight Sep 12th & six Nov 10th. Elsewhere: Bass Point: two Jul 26th, seven Aug 31st & three Oct 17th. Clodgy Point: singles Aug 8th and Sep 1 st, 13 Sep 5th & seven Sep 6th. Godrevy Point: four Aug 29th, one Sep 12th & three Sep 13th. Lamorna Cove: one Jun 7th. Land's End: singles Oct 11th and Nov 8th. Rame Head: singles Jun 22nd, Sep 3rd & 27th but four Aug 24th. St.Agnes Head: one Sep 6th. Treveal: one Sep 28th. Downderry: singles May 15th, Jun 25th & Sep 3rd but three Jul 26th. Chapel Point: one Aug 1 st. Allowing for obvious duplication, a total of 469 birds were logged during the year. This takes the county mainland total to c.7060 since 1956, prior to which data is incomplete.

Top sites: St. Ives Island 2890, Porthgwarra 1847, Pendeen Watch 999, Lizard 619.

EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly mid-May to mid-September). Small feeding parties in summer months (mainly north coast). Breeding was last proven in 1968, but may occur undetected on islands off the north coast. Exceptionally rare inland. The discovery of two eggs, though at least one year old, on The Brisons during the summer suggests that breeding may still occur on some of the Counties' offshore islands GJC,KAW et al. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 52 34 1196 691 9 128 1 - Porthgwarra: 896 (May llth-Oct 14th) with max. passage counts of 25 May 12th, 60 Jul 26th & 80 Oct 9th, and the following tape-luring totals: 147 Jul 4th, 132 Jul 6th, 134 Jul 11th & 212 Jul 12th. Towan Head: 58 (Jun 20th-Sep 3rd) with max. of five Jun 20th, 15 Aug 1st & 12 Aug 28th. St.Ives Island: five Jun 21st, 28 Aug 8th, five Aug 28th & one Oct 12th. Pendeen Watch: 947 (Jul 7th-Nov 9th) with max. passage counts of 306 Aug 17th & 80 Aug 28th, and the following tape-luring totals: 183 Jul 7th, 242 Jul 8th & 49 Aug 6th. Elsewhere: Hannafore Point: one May 11th, 12 May 12th, two June 22nd & 12 Oct 21st. Penlee Point, Mousehole: ten May 11th, one Aug 3rd. Killigerran Head: one May 11th. Rumps Point: six Jun 22nd, 39 & 10 trapped and ringed Jul 11th & Aug 2nd.

19 Rame Head: two Jun 22nd & one Jun 28th. Chapel Point: two Aug 1st. Cape Cornwall: five Aug 13th. Trevose Head: ten Aug 17th, three Aug 20th & one Aug 22nd. Bass Point: one Aug 31st.

Somewhat unusual was a lingering individual on St.John's Lake Oct 12th GJC,SCM.

LEACH'S STORM-PETREL - Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce passage migrant (mainly early September to late October and generally a little later than European Storm-Petrel). Rare inland. Towan Head: six Aug 20th & three Sep 12th SMC,DE. Pendeen Watch: singles Aug 29th, Sep 12th & Oct 11th RB et al. Porthgwarra: singles Sep 3rd & Oct 9th JHH et al. Godrevy Point: one Sep 12th, four Sep 13th AM,NJP. Gurnard's Head: one Sep 12th Trevose Head: one Sep 12th SMC. St.Ives Island: three Sep 13th & two Oct 12th NJP,VAS. Scillonian III (off Land's End): two Oct 11th DAC. Black Head (St.Austell): one Nov 17th RL. The county mainland total advances to c.2349. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 - 1 3 2 4 - 34 1194 666 220 159 Top sites: St. Ives Island 1555, Newquay 263, Pendeen Watch 175, Godrevy 68, Bude 48.

NORTHERN GANNET - Morus bassanus Passage migrant throughout the year. Bred on Gulland Island, until 1478 but the nearest current colony is on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Godrevy Point: 3000 Sep 12th. Rame Head: 6958 logged on 25 dates between Mar 8th & Sep 27th. Stives Island: 2000 Jun 21st, 3000 Oct 11th, 1600 Oct 12th and 1500 Dec 26th. Chapel Point: 2500 Feb 25th, 1000 Feb 27th, 1000 Nov 19th. Mevagissey Bay: 1000 Feb 28th. Pendeen Watch: 1000 Sep 13th & 1992 Nov 9th. Porthgwarra: 1000 May 11th & 1020 Aug 23rd. Trevose Head: 1158 Aug 22nd & 1188 Dec8th.

GREAT CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax carbo Widespread resident. Breeds in low numbers on all coasts. Occurs inland on all reservoirs and most other freshwater localities from time to time. Breeding reports for regular sites (with comparative data for 1991-1997); figures represent number of pairs, b = bred, p = present but no evidence of successful breeding. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Looe Island P 30 40+ 35 11 P 15 Mullion Island 72 b 50 b b b 29+ Hell's Mouth 8 8 7 7 5 8 6 The Mouls P P 10 20 7 P P In addition one pair raised three young at Lamorna Cove. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 251 224 200 154 104 226 208 278 298 270 252 194

20 Regular reports & maximum numbers (away from breeding sites): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 44 55 52 26 18 18 38 60 66 52 53 44 Lynher Est. 10 10 4 6 8 14 6 1 5 - - 8 St. John's Lake 8 2 4 5 4 9 6 16 9 13 12 6 Fowey Est. - 2 3 6 5 3 12 4 11 8 6 14 Siblyback Res. 1 - - 1 5 12 13 26 11 7 3 2 Colliford Res. 3 3 5 4 4 4 20 19 17 17 20 12 Helford River 11 7 11 12 7 8 1 - 2 1 10 - Loe Pool 11 8 7 6 2 4 19 15 12 13 19 5 Hayle Est. 9 11 12 3 - - 5 5 12 14 7 6 Camel Est. 31 27 16 12 11 19 13 29 27 43 12 41

SHAG - Phalacrocorax aristotelis Widespread resident, breeding in small colonies on all coasts. Passage migrant. Forms large "rafts" at favoured feeding sites in winter. Rare inland. Breeding reports from regular sites (with comparative data for 1991-1996), involving 292 pairs/nests; figures represent number of pairs, b = bred, p = present at breeding site. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Godrevy Island 44 46 54 41 P 53 P Godrevy Point - 6 4 - - - - Looe Island - 6 20+ 29 24 P 10 Mullion Island 59 P 50+ P P P P The Mouls - 6 12 30 9 P 5 St. Agnes/Trevaunance - 15 20 15 20 20 - Western Cove - 11 P 14 10 16 P Other significant counts of breeding pairs includes 10 at Gunver Head, 19 at Long Stone, four at Park Head, 29 on Gull Island (Mullion), 16 at The Brisons, 10 at Carlyon Bay, 100 in Veryan Bay and one at Merope Rocks. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Polridmouth Cove: 110 Jan 27th. Falmouth Bay: 105 Jan 28th. Trevose Head: 115 Feb 22nd. Portholland: 120 May 7th. Rame Head: 80 Jun 1st. Summary of passage off Rame Head EJW: Jan lst-Mar 31st (15 dates): 616 west, 104 east; Apr 1st- Jun 30th (18 dates): 286 west, 118 east; Jul lst-Sep 30th (9 dates): 265 west, 60 east; Oct lst-Dec 31st (19 dates): 525 west, 208 east. Net westward movement: 1202 birds. GREAT BITTERN - Botaurus stellaris A rare winter visitor occurring mainly between late October and early March. Occasional passage migrant. Marazion Marsh/Long Rock Pool: three from 1996 remained until Apr 2nd with two up to Apr 22nd and a single to May 3rd DSF,BRP,VAS et al. On Apr 20th one of the two birds present was noted carrying reed stems (SMC), thus suggesting the possibility of breeding, but no such behaviour was subsequently noted. In the second winter period a single arrived on Nov 15th, remaining into 1998, and was joined by another Dec 5th DSF,BRP et al. Drift Res.: one from 1996 remained until Feb22nd DSF,GH,FP et al. Burniere Point: one Jan 1st ALn, presumed same Walmsley Sanct. Jan 3rd REW. College Res.: one Jan 1st & 25th RCJ et al. Constantine: one Jan 2nd HJ. Ryan's Field: one Jan 3rd & 11th VAS, et al. St.Erth: one Jan 3rd BSW. Stithians Res.: one Jan 4th-18th DBr, AAL. Loe Pool: one Jan 6th-13th, two Jan 18th-Feb 9th (noted calling to each other) with one remaining to Mar 14th SB,RK,ARP et al Par Beach Pool: one Jan lOth-Mar 15th GJC,RL,PW et al Newquay: one Jan 14th-Feb 6th SMC. : one Jan 17th Mrs Walters. Ponsanooth: one Jan 22nd per DSF. Four overwintered from 1996 and were joined by another twelve after a January influx. A minimum of thirteen new birds takes the county mainland total to c.134. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 68 29 8 1 - - 1 2 5 2 14 23 Top sites: Marazion Marsh 34, Loe Pool 12, Par ten, Camel Est. six and Porth Res. four.

NIGHT HERON - Nycticorax nycticorax Rare Vagrant (mainly spring). Skewjack: adult Apr 23rd KAW. The county mainland total advances to c.33. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ 7 6 10 _ 1 - 1 2 - - - * six not dated. Top sites: Hayle 3 and six localities with two each..

CATTLE EGRET - Bubulcus ibis Rare vagrant. 1996 Addition Sennen Cove: one Dec 29th TG. May have overwintered in West Pen with, according to reports gleaned from local farmers per DSF. The sixth county mainland record, all occurring since 1980. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 4

LITTLE EGRET - Egretta garzetta Formerly a rare vagrant but now a common passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred for first time in 1997. Little Egrets first bred in the UK in 1996, when one pair in Dorset raised three young. Breeding was also suspected in Cornwall in that year. In 1997, five Dorset pairs raised 12 young at the same site.

22 At the suspected Cornish site, one pair definitely bred in 1997, with a sitting bird seen on May 11th, and two fully fledged young being fed on July 2nd. It is possible, but not confirmed, that two nests were present. No breeding activity was recorded elsewhere in the county. It is interesting that April and May numbers were down on 1996, and yet 1997 was the year in which breeding was confirmed. During the rest of the year, numbers were comparable to recent years, slightly lower in some months, but higher in others. A particularly large concentration was observed in the Camel Estuary during the autumn. Numbers of Little Egret have built up to such levels that it is difficult to avoid duplication of records, especially as birds move within and between estuaries. Some double counting is inevitable. Small numbers can now be encountered anywhere within the county, even well inland, away from the coast. It seems that this species is here to stay, and is even producing home-grown stock. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 107 80 121 91 13 34 116 173 155 136 78 107 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 3 5 9 5 - 5 16 19 12 9 13 10 Lynher Est. 11 6 11 8 - 3 10 15 9 9 8 16 Looe Est. 11 9 9 3 - 1 1 3 3 9 10 7 Fowey Est. 7 12 34 23 - 1 2 19 27 19 13 20 Ruan Lanihorne 1 2 3 7 1 1 8 17 16 3 1 1 1 - 1 2 - - 1 4 1 4 - 1 Restronguet Creek 2 4 7 2 - 1 5 9 11 15 11 6 Helford River 8 3 4 2 4 1 4 7 7 4 1 4 Marazion 2 1 2 - - 1 - 1 - - - - Drift Res. 1 1 1 1 ------Hayle Est. 15 12 8 6 3 3 5 6 9 9 10 10 Gannel Est. 4 4 4 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 Camel Est. 8 9 19 21 1 8 35 49 47 35 5 11

GREY HERON - Ardea cinerea Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Breeding was reported from the following heronries during 1997(with comparative data from 1989- 1997); figures represent number of occupied nests, p = present but not counted, nc = no count. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Stonaford no 1 nc 2 - - - - - Newbridge, 1 1 nc 3 5 5 nc 3 6 Shillingham, Lynher Est. 15 13 15 18 23 19 24 16 16 Trenant, Looe 8 8 7 7 8 9 7 9 11 Bear Wood nc 5 nc 6 7 6 - - - Penpoll Creek, Fowey Est. 4 2 nc 2 1 - 2 1 Pelyn, Percuil 1 7 6 7 5 4 7 6 7 Pill Farm, Fal Est. 5 4 1 1 5 6 4 nc 6 Kea Wood, Malpas 9 6 6 5 9 7 10 12 10 Borlase Wood, Philleigh 4 3 2+ 7 6 5 4 4 5 Penpol Creek, Feock nc 2 ------Restronguet Creek 4 5 4+ 2 1 1 - - - Polwheveral, Helford 11 11 11 11 12 13 12 11 10 Marazion Marsh 2 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 4 Pinkson Creek, Camel Est. 21 12 P 12 13 14 18 14 16 In addition a pair attempted to nest at College Res. but were unsuccessful. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 26 14 25 9 4 14 21 33 42 29 27 18 St. Johns Lake 19 2 2 - 6 8 6 12 8 10 8 - Lynher Est. 2 12 31 2 3 3 5 2 6 1 3 7 Looe Est. 6 12 11 - 16 - 5 - - - - 2 Fowey Est. 3 - 7 10 5 6 10 11 17 11 8 6 Tresillian 5 2 1 4 1 3 4 6 6 3 7 4

23 Truro River 8 2 18 10 11 14 5 8 3 8 3 7 Restronguet 5 9 7 5 8 9 10 11 9 23 12 13 Helford River - 12 24 18 11 20 19 5 13 4 3 - Marazion 11 8 10 5 4 3 13 17 21 3 4 5 Drift Res. 5 8 2 2 3 6 6 4 8 6 5 3 Hayle Est. 4 4 1 1 2 4 5 7 13 9 6 3 Camel Est. 16 18 20 11 8 15 14 41 54 54 14 6

PURPLE HERON - Ardea purpurea Vagrant. Marazion Marsh: adult Apr 19th-20th REW et al. Townshend: adult May 6th DCm. Assuming two birds were involved, the county mainland total advances to c.28. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 11 11 - - - 2 1 - - * one not dated. Top sites: Retallack three, Gunwalloe, Tamar Est., Perranporth and Relubbus area two each.

WHITE STORK - Ciconia ciconia Vagrant. Escapee. Wadebridge: one Sep 10th AJP,SAP. The county mainland total advances to c.22. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 4 3 6 2 - 1 4 1 1 - Top sites: Camel Estuary five, St.Mawgan, Nanjizal and Marazion two each.

EURASIAN SPOONBILL - Platalea leucorodia Rare passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters, particularly on the Lynher Estuary. Lynher Est.: the adult from 1996 remained until Mar 15th. A single returned Oct 30th and was joined by a second bird on Nov 8th & Dec 14th GDL,EJW et al. Millbrook Lake: adult Jan 4th-7th & Feb 7th RMB,KP et al. Drift Res.: one Apr 20th BSW. Camel Est.: ten flew west Oct 2nd, of which nine were later noted at Hayle Est. and a single juv. Oct 9th 11th FMC,AMJD,DIJ. Hayle Est.: nine juvs. Oct 2nd increased to ten next day with nine remaining to Oct 13th, then a single to Oct 27th, but two juvs. Oct 28th-Nov 3rd with a single remaining into 1998 DSF,VAS,LPW et al. Marazion Marsh: one Nov 20th DSF. Twelve new birds, including a record flock of ten, takes the county mainland total to c.201, since 1900. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 6 10 18 16 16 5 1 18 58 36 10 Top sites: Camel Est. 35, Hayle Est. 33, Ruan Lanihorne 29, Tamar Est. 24, Marazion Marsh and Lynher Est. 21 each.

MUTE SWAN - Cygnus olor Resident. Breeds. Moulting herds in autumn. Winter visitor. After a period of decline during the 1970's and 1980's there has been a distinct improvement over recent years. Mortality caused by lead poisoning, through the ingestion of discarded lead fishing weights, is considered to have been strongly related to this decline. The increase in numbers has, somewhat significantly, coincided with the use of alternative materials for these items.

24 Successful breeding was reported from 15 sites with 68 young raised. Nesting was attempted at five further sites but the outcome was not known. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 253 229 246 231 214 236 245 185 176 218 222 173 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 8 13 12 10 6 6 21 8 7 17 30 8 Millbrook Pond 18 21 29 32 20 8 6 9 2 2 4 4 Lynher Est. 6 6 3 4 4 - 2 2 2 2 2 2 Looe Est. 9 19 16 4 2 - - 3 11 31 5 2 Fowey Est. 7 7 9 8 12 20 37 - 2 2 16 - Par Beach & Pool 3 7 8 12 11 10 11 8 9 10 5 6 Restronguet Creek 20 29 33 38 20 29 23 34 16 12 23 26 Helford River 1 2 11 10 6 7 7 - 9 9 11 - Loe Pool - 2 2 5 20 28 37 37 12 8 - - Marazion Marsh 6 - 4 6 2 2 2 2 5 2 4 2 Hayle Est. 33 11 16 26 23 3 - 20 25 30 36 40 Drift Res. 22 22 22 13 8 7 7 9 6 6 6 12 Camel Est. 39 34 35 23 25 31 37 34 38 37 40 33 Elsewhere birds were present at 25 sites, with a maximum group of 16 at Tehidy CP.

TUNDRA SWAN - Cygnus columbianus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual since 1959. Lynher Est.: 15 adults from 1996 remained until Jan 3rd RMB,REH,GDL,EJW. Walmsley Sanctuary: two adults Jan 3rd-5th and Jan 9th-Feb 9th DE,DIJ,ALn,MLw. Upper Tamar Lake: adult Jan 4th and four adults Jan 22nd SMC,GPS. Drift Res.: three adults Jan 5th GH,FP et al. Camel Est.: two adults and three juveniles Jan 6th-Mar 16th GJC,FMC et al. Maer Lake: 11 Jan 23rd GPS. Loe Pool: two adults Nov 22nd SMC,RCL,RK. Assuming that the 15 birds from the Lynher Est. visited the Bude area on Jan 22nd/23rd, there were 11 new birds involved in the first winter period and two in the second. The county mainland total advances to c.505 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 132 48 33 6 - - - - - 27 136 123

Top sites: Camel Est. 75, 59, Hayle Kimbro Pool 56, Tamar Lakes 51, Hayle Est.33.

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual since 1971. Bude Marshes: adult from 1996 remained until Jan 1st, then moved to Upper Tamar Lake Jan lst-4th SMC,GPS. Camel Est.: two adults Jan 4th and one Jan 17th SMC,TSH,MST. Copperhouse Creek: two adults Jan 12th DSF,LPW. Upper Tamar Lake: six adults Jan 22nd GPS. Hayle Est.: adult Oct 16th DSF. Drift Res.: adult Dec 5th GAH. Eleven new birds were involved in the first winter period and two in the second winter period. The county mainland total advances to c.491 since 1930, prior to which data is incomplete. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 102 21 14 1 - - - - 1 61 172 119 Top sites: Camel Est. 85, Tamar Lakes 55, Marazion 41,Hayle Est.40, Hayle Kimbro Pool 23.

25 SWAN sp Pentireglaze: two adults, possibly Tundra Swans, flying east Jan 29th DL.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE - Anser brachyrhynchus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Hayle Est.: one flew north Jan 12th SMC. Lynher Est.: two Jan 4th and one Jan 5th GDL. The county mainland total advances to c.69. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 3 1 - 1 - - - 28 21 3 5 Top sites: Mawgan Porth 20, Camel Est. 15, Hayle Est. seven, Tamar Lakes six.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Most Cornish records relate to birds of the Eurasian race A.a.albifrons but small parties of the rare Greenland race A.a.flavirostris occasionally occur. The species was formerly more numerous in the county with a regular wintering flock at Walmsley Sanctuary from 1935-1973. Upper Tamar Lake: seven Jan 6th, also seen on Bude Golf Course the same day GPS. Colliford Res.: juvenile Jan 18th GDL. Maer Lake: one Feb 3rd-12th GPS. Penberth: four flying north Oct 13th MCH,SML.

GREYLAG GOOSE - Anser anser Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual since 1973. Many recent records relate to feral individuals. Siblyback Res.: two Jan lst-5th, one Jan 18th-27th & May 31st RMB,DRC,JHF,EJW. Drift Res.: one Jan 4th, two Jan 13th-17th, four Jan 19th, three Jan 20th-Feb 1st, five Feb 2nd, seven Feb 3rd-12th, five Feb 13th-16th, three Nov 13th DSF,JHH,GH,FP. Marazion Marsh: one Jan 4th, two Feb 2nd SMC,PAD,GRW,MW. Upper Tamar Lake: singles Jan 4th, Mar lst-8th & Aug 20th SMC,GJC,JHH. Lynher Est.: six Jan 5th-6th, five Jan 11th GJC,GDL,RSn et al. Sennen: one Jan 6th TG. Nanjizal: 11 Jan 12th KAW. Carbis Bay: one Jan 20th DSF. Colliford Res.: one Jan 25th-26th GRW,MW,EJW. Maer Lake: four Jan 31st, nine Feb 3rd, one Feb 8th, four Feb 12th-16th GPS. Hayle Estuary: two Feb 2nd DSF,LPW. Crowdy Res.: two Jun 22nd-Jul 21st SMC,JHH. St.Veep: five Sep 19th DJ. Camel Est.: four Oct 22nd DLJ. Stives: four Oct 21st NJP. A complex set of records in the first winter period involving 22 birds, presumably wild, in January followed by another five in February. The flock of 11 at Nanjizal is presumed to account for the majority of subsequent records in Penwith district, whereas those noted on the Lynher Estuary and at Bude are different. Apart from another seven, presumed wild, during the autumn all remaining records are presumed to relate to just eight feral birds (including five at St.Veep). An excellent year involving at least 39 new birds takes the county mainland total advances to c.251, since 1930.

26 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 15 15 12 4 3 11 3 14 47 63 23 Top sites: Camel Est. 58, near Kynance 33, Stithians Res. 23, Tamar Lakes 19.

GREY GOOSE sp.

Cot Valley: seven flew north Oct 13th IK.

BAR-HEADED GOOSE - Anser indicus Rare feral resident or escapee but increasing. A category D species. Upper Tamar Lake: one Jan lst-4th and Aug 20th SMC,GPS. Colliford Res.: one Jan 5th and Jun 28th-Jul 19th SMC,EJW. Maenporth: one Jan 21st-Apr 11th, part of a free-flying collection CLB,BD. Camel Est.: two Jun 26th-Nov 14th BBk,FMC,GAH. Newquay: two Aug 22nd, part of a free-flying collection SMC. Apart from the Maenporth and Newquay birds the other records probably relate to at least two individuals that wander back and forth across the Cornwall/Devon border with mobile Canada Goose flocks.

CANADA GOOSE - Branta canadensis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. This species is undergoing a population explosion, with numbers trebling in the UK between 1976 and 1995. Within the county numbers have steadily increased, almost doubling annually in the last two years; however very few are recorded in the western half of the county. At the present rate of increase it will not be long before numbers reach plague proportions, as in other parts of the country. The largest numbers occur between June and August, when birds migrate (presumably from south­ western counties) to the moorland reservoirs to moult. At this time they are completely flightless and seek protection from predators, as afforded by large water bodies. Breeding records were received from eight localities, where seven nests produced 44 young; the outcome of the remaining nest was not known. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1102 519 245 113 317 880 1208 1027 810 724 1170 1221 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 12 18 43 21 - - 22 - 1 4 48 138 Lynher Est. 124 107 19 8 - - - 309 34 172 200 175 Siblyback Res. 170 165 21 16 36 46 92 17 276 267 268 291 Colliford Res. 271 203 82 43 234 624 615 158 347 174 425 326 Crowdy Res. 24 20 8 9 2 185 464 57 60 22 34 34 Camel Est. - 5 7 7 10 6 10 63 72 69 27 31 Tamar Lakes 370 - 41 - - - - 410 - - - 3 The maximum count at Colliford Res. is a new site and county record. Siblyback Res.: an individual resembling one of the small races Jan 21st DRC. Helston Boating Lake: one tame small race bird, probably B.c.taverneri or B.c.hutchinsii Nov 15th- Dec31st SMC,ARP.

BARNACLE GOOSE - Branta leucopsis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Feral escape. Siblyback Res.: two Jan lst-25th, one Jan 27th-Feb 2nd, one Oct 18th and two Dec 27th RMB,MPF,GDL,EJW. Loe Pool: one Jan 1st-13th RK,DW et al. Colliford Res.: one Jan 25th, possibly from Siblyback, one Jul 19th-Nov 22nd and five Dec 21 st-31 st SMC,EJW. Maer Lake: one Apr 10th GPS. Par Beach Pool: one May 7th, seen later flying NW over Holmbush RL. Newquay: 10 Aug 22nd, free-flying from the zoo SMC. Sheviock Creek: one Nov 8th EJW. Crowdy Res.: one Nov 9th, possibly the Sheviock bird BTC. The single at Loe Pool and five at Colliford Res. are considered to be genuine migrants. The other records probably relate to feral individuals. The county mainland total advances to c.263 (excluding apparent feral individuals). Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 26 17 6 - - - - 33 86 63 21 Top sites: Tamar Est. 30, Godrevy/Gwithian & Porthgwarra 24 each, Camel Est. 19, St. Ives 14.

BRENT GOOSE - Branta bernicla Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Both dark-bellied B.b. bernicla (Western Siberia) and pale-bellied B.b.hrota (Arctic Canada and Greenland) races occur, the former predominating. No regular wintering flock exists despite increasing numbers of each race occurring in recent years. Approximate monthly totals 1997 : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 52 25 8 - - 1 - 1 23 c.200 20 7 Around 60 birds were recorded in the first winter period, the largest groups being 14 at Loe Pool Jan 3rd-13th, 12 flying west across Carbis Bay Feb 1st and 11 at Rock (Camel Est.) Feb 1st. The last of the spring were three on Par Beach Mar 11th and a single at Colliford Res. Mar 22nd. Unusually, a single bird was on Hayle Est. Jun 6th-14th. The first of the autumn was a single at Hayle Est. Aug 22nd, followed by four at Hannafore Point Sep 21st. A record influx, in excess of 200 birds, occurred in October, with 95 on Hayle Est. Oct 20th, 120 at Mousehole Oct 21st and 96 at Lizard Point Oct 23rd. These numbers diminished during the remainder of the month, leaving maximum groups of seven at Hayle Est. and six on Par Beach Nov 1st. The largest group recorded previously was c.90 during the exceptionally severe winter of 1962-63. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. 2 - - - - 1 - 1 19 95 7 3 Camel Est. 2 11 ------15 1 1 Birds of the pale-bellied race B.b.hrota were noted as follows: St.Johns Lake: one Jan 5th SMC. Hayle Est.: one Jan 25th-28th and one Dec 7th-20th SMC,DSF,SGR. Hannafore Point: 16 Sep 14th and six Sep 19th-21st RMB,AJP,SAP. Pendeen Watch: one Nov 11th. Drift Res.: one flying west Nov 11th DSF. Stives Island: one flying west Nov 11th SMC.

HYBRID GEESE Most birds result from breeding between escaped, or feral, species and the semi-resident Canada Goose population. Canada x Greylag Goose Siblyback Res.: one Jan 17th-31st, Sep 14th-20th, Nov 8th and Dec 21st CLBo,SMC,GJC,EJW. Colliford Res.: one Jun 22nd-Aug 9th and Nov 27th, possibly the Siblyback bird CLBo,SMC,DAC,GJC,EJW, Canada x Barnacle Goose One individual has been present since 1994. Its size and plumage suggests a superficial resemblance to one of the small races, B.c. minima. Siblyback Res.: Jan 4th-Mar 22nd, Oct 15th and Dec 20th-21st SC,SMC,RL,EJW. Colliford Res.: two May 31st & one Jun 28th, Aug 9th, Oct 25th, Nov 22nd, Dec 6th-31st EJW.

28 Ross's x Barnacle Goose Colliford Res.: one Aug 30th-Sep 27th, Oct 25th and Dec 27th CLBo,GJC,EJW. Siblyback Res.: one Sep 14th CLBo,GJC. Sheviock Creek: one Nov 8th EJW. Ail records probably refer to the same individual, which was present throughout 1996. Canada x Swan Goose Colliford Res.: one, probably of this parentage Jun 22nd DAC.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE - Alopochen aegyptiacus Rare visitor. Feral escape or wanderer. This category "C" species occurs as a feral species in the UK, mainly East Anglia, but with small populations elsewhere, including East Devon. Wadebridge: the bird first noted in 1987 was present throughout the year ALn,MLw. The county mainland total remains at c. 27.

RUDDY SHELDUCK - Tadorna ferruginea Vagrant, but the majority, if not all, are presumed escapes from wildfowl collections or wanderers from feral populations in the Netherlands. Some recent U.K. records are however widely suspected of relating to genuinely wild birds. Hayle Est.: adult female, from 1996, remained until Jan 1st and adult female Oct 27th into 1998 DFS,LPW et al. Marazion Marsh: one Apr 17th BSW. Assuming two birds were involved the county mainland total advances to c.38. Monthly breakdown * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 2 3 2 6 3 2 7 11 * one bird was 'undated'.

Top sites: Hayle Est. 12, Tamar Est. eight, Camel Est. seven, Drift Res. six, Upper Tamar Lake three.

COMMON SHELDUCK -Tadorna tadorna Resident. Breeds on most of the main estuaries. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. After the breeding season the majority of birds vacate the county to converge at regular moulting grounds, returning at the end of October. The nearest site is Bridgwater Bay. Breeding reports were received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1990-1996). Figures represent maximum number of ducklings; figures followed by 4b' indicate number of broods. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Tamar Est. 6 10 10 5 13 16 22 11 St. Johns Lake 5 20 22 13 7 - - 4b Lynher Est. 44 31 30 34 9 22 9 3b Ruan Lanihorne 27 20 25 34 15 23 26 37 Tresillian River 5 16 7 - - 32 6 20 Hayle Est. 11 41 15 18 7 12 8+ 34 Camel Est. 45 15 18 6 14 63 23 24 Elsewhere breeding was proven at Devoran (11 young). The breeding productivity is comparable with previous years.

Approximat-ri " e monthlv totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1481 1318 1028 808 449 531 265 67 59 75 374 681 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 162 178 134 52 35 48 15 - 8 12 47 185 St. John's Lake 330 180 45 15 18 31 17 1 4 _ 70 54 Lynher Est. 250 234 243 182 64 133 50 8 5 13 110 155 Fowey Est. 2 43 39 20 22 16 8 - - - 6 11

29 Ruan Lanihorne 40 45 50 100 57 115 58 9 4 4 6 32 Tresillian 61 68 46 33 22 14 4 - - 6 31 44 Truro River 80 79 92 67 34 56 16 8 4 - 29 45 Restronguet Creek 42 45 69 93 19 21 12 1 4 2 11 16 Helford River 36 66 30 16 5 5 - - - - 4 - Hayle Est. 66 57 68 50 52 18 24 20 22 18 27 36 Camel Est. 197 192 135 154 78 67 58 18 6 12 28 92 The numbers throughout the year are similar to those of 1996.

MUSCOVY DUCK - Carina moschata Feral escape or wanderer. Breeds. This species is on Category D4 of the British List as a result of a small breeding population in Cambridgeshire. Records of apparently feral birds (away from farmyards and wildfowl collections) are required to document the progress of this recent breeding species. St. Andrews Pool: one from 1996 remained until Mar 20th, then visited Bodelva Moor Pools Mar 23rd-Apr 18th: one Aug lst-Dec 31st RL. Millbrook Pond: one from 1996 remained until May 15th EJW. Trenance Lake: five Jan lst-Dec 31st SMC. Swanpool: one Jan 12th-Mar 16th RCJ. Tehidy Country Park: two Jan 12th-18th and one Feb 9th MJH,JK,TRK. Maenporth: one Jan 21st CLB. Wadebridge: one Feb lOth-Oct 19th, but two Mar 7th GAH,DIJ,MLw et al. Porth Res.: one Jul 11th, Jul 28th and Sep 14th SMC,TSH,MST. Stithians Res.: one Oct 3rd FHH. Upper Fowey Valley: two Nov 8th EJW.

MANDARIN DUCK - Aix galericulata Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Escapee. A Category "C" species. The majority of birds probably originate from the population on the Plym Estuary just over the border, in Devon. Zennor: female Jan 1 st-4th VAS. Seaton: male Jan lst-Feb 1st GSG,SCM. Calstock/Cotehele: three Mar 11th, male Apr 4th, one Jul 5th, pair Nov 2nd C&CB,RSn,GHT,BLW. Pendarves: pair Apr 23rd, male May 8th FHH,RCL. The county mainland total advances to c.66, all since 1977. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 1 9 6 4 - - 7 6 6 16 6 *two records were undated Top sites: Lynher Est. nine, Camel Est. eight, St.John's Lake/Millbrook seven, Retallack and Fowey Est. six each.

WOOD DUCK - Aix sponsa Escapee. Feral release. A Category D species. Helston Boating Lake: female Jul 28th-Sep 30th and Nov 22nd SMC,RK. Restronguet Creek: one Dec 28th MM. Assuming two birds were involved the county mainland total advances to c.13 since 1982. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - i 2 - 1 - - 5 3 1 Top sites: Marazion, Drift Res. and Newquay two each.

30 EURASIAN WIGEON - Anas penelope Abundant winter visitor. Passage migrant. Occurs in very large numbers in cold weather. The numbers in the first winter period were significantly higher than in 1996, but lower in the second winter period. Most birds had departed by Apr 5th, but a pair remained on Hayle Est. throughout the summer. Autumn passage began with five birds at Ruan Lanihorne Jul 5th. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6652 3028 785 26 6 2 8 6 657 1883 3047 3452 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 23 56 20 - - - - - 8 14 52 64 Lynher Est. 300 397 80 - - - - - 49 306 285 481 Colliford Res. 70 18 _ - - - - - 6 4 37 28 Ruan Lanihorne 450 280 150 4 - - 5 _ 29 125 132 150 Truro River 143 _ 54 - - - - - . 14 48 113 Stithians Res. 376 217 41 - - - - - 8 45 83 125 Hayle Est. 1800 680 186 19 3 2 2 2 450 1130 1200 1450 Gannel Est. 140 140 _ - _ _ _ _ 2 _ 15 47 Camel Est. 1600 750 125 1 3 - 1 2 47 96 280 559 Upper Tamar Lake 262 ------10 2 Maer Lake 538 286 100 2 - - - - 27 92 180 232

AMERICAN WIGEON - Anas americana Rare vagrant. Stithians Res.: adult male from 1996, remained until Feb 10th and visited College Res. on Jan 1st & 18th SMC,GJC et al. Hayle Est.: adult male Oct 3rd-Dec 31st DSF,VAS et al. The 19th county mainland record - all since 1981. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 1 - - - 10 3 4 - Top sites: Hayle Est. nine, Skewjack four, Loe Pool two.

GADWALL - Anas strepera Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on the severity of winter weather, the species has become more regular over the last 15 years. Top sites are Marazion Marsh, Loe Pool (which holds the county record flock), Par Beach Pool and Maer Lake. Numbers in the first winter period were exceptionally high, with a new monthly record total for January. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 285 110 22 17 5 - 4 1 7 13 48 76 The last birds of the spring were three at Drift May 28th and the first autumn arrival was four at Marazion Marsh Jul 20th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Par Beach Pool 16 21 3 ------4 8 8 Stithians Res. 21 8 ------1 - - - Loe Pool 34 8 - 2 - - - 1 2 - 14 13 Marazion Marsh 13 11 7 7 2 - 4 - - - - 6 Hayle Est. 22 11 3 - - - - - 4 7 4 16 Drift Res. 38 14 3 2 3 - - - - 1 11 6 Camel Est. 46 7 2 ------1 2 3 Elsewhere birds were present at 18 sites, mainly in January, including a maximum of 30 in Par Bay.

31 COMMON TEAL - Anas crecca Abundant winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeding has been confirmed only sporadically over the last twenty years. All such records have emanated from , with Crowdy Reservoir the most popular site. Numbers in both winter periods were similar to those of 1996. Breeding was not proven in the county this year. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4669 1718 551 81 4 - 20 64 484 1384 2322 3052 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 95 65 10 - - - - 2 8 18 52 59 Lynher Est. 140 116 18 - - - - - 22 5 100 134 Colliford Res. 507 104 30 7 2 2 9 143 142 304 260 Truro River 125 31 85 - _ - _ _ 105 20 83 Stithians Res. 110 48 8 5 - 2 2 27 66 108 135 Restronguet Creek 760 300 2 - - - - 8 39 100 292 410 Loe Pool 62 102 22 6 - - - 4 14 13 9 20 Marazion Marsh 58 23 8 15 - _ - 2 14 12 22 60 Hayle Est. 1100 500 70 - - - 4 5 90 700 480 850 Drift Res. 150 20 9 6 _ - - 4 1 5 5 27 Camel Est. 259 130 90 16 - - 1 5 4 22 250 350 Crowdy Res. 70 2 17 2 - - 3 8 23 19 105 52 Maer Lake 248 62 41 24 - - - 12 71 153 304 193 Elsewhere significant counts included 140 at Cargenwen Res. Jan 1st, 170 at Millbrook Jan 6th and 170 at Mawgan Porth Dec 7th. Individuals of the North American race A. c. carolinensis, known as Green-winged Teal, which occurs as a regular vagrant, were noted as follows: Loe Pool: male Feb 8th-15th SB,RCL,RK. Mawgan Porth: male Nov 10th-12th SMC. Assuming Pool record relates to the drake which appeared first in 1994, one new bird takes the county mainland total to c.44 occurrences involving c.32 individuals. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 6 3 3 1 - - - - 8 7 9 Top sites: Hayle Est. 10, Stithians Res. six, Marazion and Lynher Est. four each.

MALLARD - Anas platyrhynchos Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Feral release for wildfowling purposes at many sites. The numbers throughout the year were similar to those of 1996 except for a significant increase in November. Successful breeding was reported from 19 sites, where 33 broods were raised. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1431 1043 694 430 556 647 1017 1128 1244 1172 1931 1501 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 86 73 35 33 19 53 42 21 71 36 143 171 Millbrook Lake 102 76 50 60 70 80 74 93 84 47 60 60 Lynher Est. 113 87 36 14 12 78 14 19 50 60 108 161 Looe Est. 14 41 24 6 25 14 - 4 24 53 27 27 Colliford Res. 52 23 12 17 23 24 56 58 116 54 107 104 Fowey Est. 10 46 59 9 32 25 2 3 71 103 128 69 Par 104 75 46 33 32 68 64 81 110 100 114 122 Restronguet Creek 26 52 10 6 2 26 16 60 36 116 58 20

32 NORTHERN PINTAIL - Anas acuta Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Apart from feral birds the species has only bred once in Cornwall - in 1978. The high number remaining from 1996 decreased rapidly from mid February onwards and the numbers in the second winter period reverted to the usual level of previous years. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 121 71 3 3 1 - - - 9 28 39 42 The last birds of the spring were two Apr 6th and one May 11th all on Swanpool and a male at Charlestown Apr 14th. The first autumn migrants were two at Hayle Est. Sep 23rd increasing to five the next day, one at St.Johns Lake Sep 26th and a male on Loe Pool Sep 27th. As in previous years, the Lynher Est. held approximately half the total population in both winter periods. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 65 47 2 ------8 12 24 Stithians Res. 1 5 ------1 2 2 Loe Pool 7 ------1 3 4 2 Marazion Marsh 6 2 ------Hayle Est. 8 3 ------5 6 3 3 Camel Est. 16 5 ------1 2 5 Elsewhere birds were present at 22 sites of which the Tamar Est. held the largest group of eight.

GARGANEY - Anas querquedula Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring) with numbers fluctuating from year to year. Has bred on at least six occasions including three successive years 1981-83. Poldhu Marsh: pair Apr 7th-8th, male and two females Apr 13th and one Apr 14th RCJ,SK. Maer Lake: female Apr 17th, female May lst-2nd and female Oct 11th-19th GPS et al. Loe Pool: male May 24th RK,RCL. Stithians Res.: 1st winter female Sep 19th-Oct 19th DE,FHH et al. Long Rock Pool: eclipse male Oct 19th-27th and male moulting out of eclipse, possibly the October bird, Nov 21st-25th DSF,SML et al. Six spring and three autumn migrants make this the poorest year since 1989 and takes the county mainland total to c.751 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 244 184 82 13 39 118 42 22 1 3 Top sites: Marazion Marsh 265, Stithians Res. 90, Par 38, Hayle Kimbro Pool 37.

NORTHERN SHOVELER - Anas clypeata Winter visitor. Scarce passage migrant. The high population from 1996 soon declined during February and that in the second winter period reverted back to the usual level of previous years. The first confirmed breeding attempt in mainland Cornwall occurred at Maer Lake Mar 13th-Apr 20th. On the latter date the male deserted the site, leaving a nest with seven eggs GPS. Apart from the pair at Maer Lake, the last spring migrants were one at Par Beach Pool Mar 16th, 19 on Camel Est. Mar 17th and one at Marazion Mar 18th. The first of the autumn were two on Camel Est. Aug 5th, three at Loe Pool Aug 10th and, intriguingly, three juveniles at Maer Lake Aug 11th. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 211 84 36 3 - - - 8 5 20 34 80

33 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 18 6 5 ------2 11 Par Beach Pool 1 2 1 ------Loe Pool 38 12 - - - - - 3 3 5 16 34 Marazion 25 14 1 - - _ - - - 2 1 Hayle Est. 27 14 ------1 2 7 Drift Res. 12 ------3 3 4 Camel Est. 10 19 19 - - - - 2 - 4 5 10 Maer Lake 6 6 5 3 - - - 3 1 6 4 7 Elsewhere birds were present at 26 sites, mostly during January, with a maximum gathering of 21 on St.Johns Lake.

COMMON POCHARD - Aythya ferina Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Probably bred at Crowdy Reservoir in 1977. Numbers were exceptionally high in the first winter period, but much reduced in the second. Approximate monthly totals 1997: 1 I Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 655 339 176 17 _ _ 9 17 29 120 198 204 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Millbrook Lake 15 19 18 ------4 Siblyback Res. 25 15 6 - - - - - 1 11 16 21 Dozmary Pool 16 23 14 - - - - 3 7 22 35 16 Colliford Res. 2 - - - - - 1 4 - 3 1 4 Par 35 10 12 ------2 3 30 Stithians Res. 25 18 10 2 - - - - - 2 24 32 Loe Pool 131 98 94 12 2 - - - 21 79 101 82 Long Rock Pool 33 99 2 ------1 3 2 Drift Res. 78 13 6 - - - 8 10 - - 1 1 Argal Res. 115 2 1 1 ------Elsewhere birds were present at 25 sites, mainly in January, with a maximum of 23 on Hayle Est.

TUFTED DUCK - Aythya fuligula Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. Numbers were exceptionally high in the first winter period, then declined to more average levels throughout the summer and second winter period. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 637 462 307 129 28 43 80 112 139 204 322 350 Breeding season reports were received from the following localities during 1997 (with comparative data for 1990-1997): B = breeding confirmed; p = present, success unknown. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Colliford Res. P P B 2B P P P P Argal Res. P P P P P - - - Loe Pool P P P P P P - P Swanpool P P P - - - P - Stithians Res. P P P P P - - - Breeding was not proven in the county this year. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Siblyback Res. 21 20 17 8 - 5 1 - 1 22 20 26 Dozmary Pool 13 14 18 11 - 7 6 - 4 4 25 22 Colliford Res. 2 1 7 5 2 - 20 44 57 27 58 29 Swanpool 150 120 51 33 11 3 1 6 14 22 37 69 Argal Res. 69 17 23 4 3 6 1 - - 12 51 46 College Res. 8 15 2 3 - - - - - 11 - 2 Stithians Res. 25 42 38 24 2 2 5 2 17 23 13 70

34 Loe Pool 67 42 35 15 1 15 36 36 37 63 45 45 Marazion Marsh 21 16 4 - 1 3 5 12 2 1 1 3 Drift Res. 55 71 31 2 - 1 - - - 1 12 15 Birds were reported from 31 other sites with a maximum of 40 on Trenance Lake Nov 22nd.

GREATER SCAUP - Aythya marila Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers fluctuate from year to year, with highest counts in severe weather. The exceptional numbers during January, with possible duplication and movement from Loe Pool to Mounts Bay, soon reduced to lower than normal numbers for the rest of the year. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 61 13 5 3 1 2 2 2 2 6 4 2 Millbrook Pond: resident female, first noted 1992, remained throughout the year and was joined by a single female Jan lst-llth and Feb 16th-Mar 28th DRC,GDL. Lynher Est.: female from 1996 remained until Mar 21st, male Jan 5th-18th and an additional female Jan 26th GJC,GDL,EJW. Long Rock Pool: two females Jan 1st KJ,RAJ. Camsew Pool: 1st winter male Jan 1st and the same bird on Copperhouse Creek Jan 4th DSF et al. Argal Res.: 1st winter male Jan 2nd and female Feb 22nd ARP,SGR. Camel Est.: male and female Jan 2nd-8th, with a second male Jan 4th-8th and a second female Jan 4th SMC,GJC,DIJ; male and female Apr 23rd-26th JHH,DIJ. Helford River: female Jan 2nd SMC. Loe Pool: two 1st winter males and two females Jan 2nd SMC; then fluctuations throughout January with eight Jan 4th, 15 Jan 6th, nine Jan 8th (including four males) and 12 Jan 31st RK,ARP et al; male Feb 9th-Mar 28th, female Jun 22nd and female Oct 29th-Nov 29th SB,PAD,ML,MJRe. Drift Res.: male Jan 3rd DE,GH,VAS. St.Johns Lake: male Jan 4th-6th and female Feb 2nd-21st GJC,GDL,EJW. Hayle Est.: male and female Jan 5th with the male remaining until Jan 13th RB,DSF,PG,VAS. Mounts Bay: male and female Jan 5th RB; then fluctuations throughout January with 16 Jan 12th, 18 Jan 13th reducing to 14 Jan 26th PG,JWt et al; four females Feb 2nd-8th, two Feb 15th and female and 1st winter male Feb 23rd SMC,VAS et al. Truro River: female Jan 10th-18th, imm. Jan 17th-22nd, male Jan 22nd & Mar 1st SMC,RL,AM. Gannel Est.: female Jan 12th SGR. Siblyback Res.: two imm. Jan 14th and one Dec 14th-21st SMC,RL. Swanpool: male and female Jan 28th CLB. Percuil River: male and sub-adult Jan 28th RL. Tresillian River: male and female Feb 9th KJ,RAJ. Stithians Res.: juvenile female Jul 18th-Oct 15th FHH,TSH et al. Colliford Res.: two female/imm. Oct 19th and one Nov 8th DAC,EJW. Rame Head: one flew east Oct 24th EJW. Crowdy Res.: 1st winter male and female Nov 23rd SMC.

LESSER SCAUP - Aythya affinis Rare Vagrant Argal Res.: 1st winter male from 1996 remained until Jan 18th, then moved to Stithians Res. Jan 20th- Apr 30th SMC,DE,SK,ARP et al. Loe Pool: male and female Jun 18th-Oct 19th, with the male visiting Stithians Res. Jul 10th SB,SMC,DSF et al. Assuming that both Loe Pool birds were new the county mainland total increase to four. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 2 - - - - 2 Top sites: Loe Pool two, Argal Res., Drift Res. and Stithians Res. one each

35 AYTHYA HYBRIDS Common Pochard x Tufted Duck Dozmary Pool: male Feb 15th, Oct 4th and Nov 27th-Dec21st; male resembling a male Redhead Mar 22nd; male resembling a male Lesser Scaup Nov 29th CLBo,SMC,GJC. The latter two birds were probably present at the same site in November 1996.

COMMON EIDER - Somateria mollissima Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. The numbers indicate a more normal population level after the excesses of 1994 and 1996. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 3 6 5 ------14 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Carrick Roads 5 1 ------8 St.Ives/Carbis Bay 1 - - 5 ------1 Mevagissey Bay - - 5 ------St.Austell Bay ------2 Mount's Bay 1 - 1 ------Camel Est. ------1 Elsewhere: Poldhu Cove two Jan lst-4th, St.Johns Lake five Jan 10th, Lizard Point one Feb 6th, Caerhays one Feb 8th, Polhawn Cove two Dec 20th, one remaining to 21st.

LONG-TAILED DUCK - Clangula hyemalis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally encountered on freshwater sites. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Carbis Bay: female from 1996 remained until Feb 25th DSF,VAS et al. Rame Head: female Mar 2nd GDL. Loe Pool: female Mar 14th RK. Seaton: female Apr 4th SCM. Pendeen Watch: female Nov 9th DML,MS. Crowdy Res.: adult female Dec 14th AJB,BTC,SMC. Five individuals, in a below average year, take the county mainland total to c. 420 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 53 33 47 15 4 3 1 1 1 48 110 104 Top sites: Sennen 82, Mounts Bay 61, Loe Pool 30, St.Ives Bay 24, Hayle Est. 18, Gannel Est. 14.

COMMON SCOTER - Melanitta nigra Winter visitor. Passage migrant (mainly late June to mid-October). A few summer. Significant wintering flocks regularly occur along sheltered coasts such as Gerran's Bay, St.Austell Bay and Whitsand Bay. The exceptionally high number present during January included a flock of 150 in Mounts Bay Jan 5th. The autumn passage and second winter period were reasonably good. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 293 32 56 82 48 171 138 344 125 225 113 135 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head - 2 8 52 23 48 74 5 3 9 1 5 Whitsand Bay - 4 1 9 ------Downderry - - 1 5 8 37 32 - - - - - Hannafore Point 41 - - - 2 - - 2 1 - - - St.Austell Bay 17 12 15 10 3 25 - - - 28 21 18

36 Gerrans Bay 8 - 15 - - - - 2 9 - 3 6 Loe Bar 5 - 4 - 8 2 - 1 - 12 30 70 Mount's Bay 150 12 9 6 - - - - - 3 4 7 St.lves/Carbis Bay 2 2 - - - - - 12 19 40 2 27 /brf/igvvarra ------20 103 18 33 - - Pendeen Watch ------177 24 38 12 - Birds were reported from 16 other sites, the most significant records being 25 off Loe Beach Jan 5th and 50 flying across Mevagissey Bay Jun 22nd.

SURF SCOTER - Melanitta perspicillata Rare vagrant. Porthpean: adult male Apr 3rd-22nd RL et al. This is the seventh county mainland record, the previous occurrences were in 1845, 1906, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1987. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 1 1 1 * one undated

VELVET SCOTER - Melanitta fusca Rare passage migrant and winter visitor (mainly November to February). St.Austell Bay: two fem./imm. from 1996 remained until Jan 1st, adult male and two imm. males Jan 2nd-Mar 15th, male Mar 31st-Apr 4th and two Apr 4th SMC,RL et al. Carrick Roads: three fem./imm. from 1996 were joined by a fourth on Jan 1st and all four remained until Mar 6th DE,RL,PAM et al. Helford River: one Jan 2nd SMC. Camel Est.: male Jan 4th-7th SMC,MLw and fem./imm. Jan 19th GJC,CLBo. Percuil River: two Jan 5th, presumed same at Swanpool the following day SCW. Swanpool Beach: two Jan 6th and two fem./imm. Dec 21st-23rd CLB,RCJ et al. Polhawn Cove: male Feb 1st GDL. Hayle Est.: one Feb 5th DRC. Pentewan: female Feb 8th and adult male Feb 20th-28th SMC,RL. Housel Bay, Lizard: two fem./imm. Oct 19th AL,NRk. Soap Cove, Lizard: two fem./imm. Nov 1st, probably the Housel Bay birds, RK. Carbis Bay: two Nov 27th DSF. St.Ives Bay: male and female Dec 5th, possibly the Carbis Bay birds, JHH. Loe Bar: two Dec 24th SB. The best year since 1986, when 25 birds were reported. Assuming 23 new birds, the county mainland total advances to c.429, all since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 58 85 27 12 2 1 2 44 104 94 Top sites: St. Ives 84, Carrick Roads 52, Mount's Bay 36, Whitsand Bay/Rame Head 34.

COMMON GOLDENEYE - Bucephala clangula Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Regularly encountered on most estuarine and freshwater sites throughout the county. During recent years there has been a distinct decrease in the number of birds visiting Cornwall. This is evident at Carrick Roads where the wintering flock is 60% below the average of the 1970's and early 1980's. Numbers were exceptionally high during January and February and then average for the second winter period. The last spring birds were three at Colliford Res. Apr 24th and the first autumn birds were five flying west past Pendeen Watch Aug 24th, followed by three on Camel Est. Oct 17th.

37 Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 144 113 61 6 - - - 5 - 12 26 54 Rpoiilar rpnnrts X? mnvimiim numhArc Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford Res. 3 5 4 3 ------1 2 Dozmary Pool 4 3 3 ------2 4 Carrick Roads 29 31 4 ------15 Argal Res. 3 3 5 1 ------2 Stithians Res. 9 21 14 - - - - _ 5 7 7 Loe Pool 5 6 7 2 - - - - - 3 3 5 Hayle Est. 14 3 4 ------1 2 Camel Est. 18 17 10 ------3 1 1 Elsewhere birds were present at 35 sites with a maximum group of eight on the Lynher Est.

SMEW - Mergellus albellus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. River Neet, Bude: redhead from 1996 remained until Jan 16th GPS. Hayle Est.: redhead Jan 1st-12th with a second redhead Jan 3rd-5th DCm,SMC,DSF et al. Loe Pool: male Jan 2nd-13th with a second male Jan 3rd-12th, redhead Jan 2nd-Feb 10th with up to three additional redheads until Feb 9th and three redheads May 14th RB,SMC,ARP,DW et al. Reskajeage Downs :redhead Jan 3 rd AM. Stithians Res.: redhead Jan 3rd-Mar 18th with up to three additional redheads Jan 9th-Mar 18th and one redhead May 7th RB,SMC et al. Camel Est.: two redheads Jan 4th-18th and one redhead Jan 28th SMC,GAH et al. Par Beach Pool: redhead Jan 5th-Mar 17th RL et al. East Looe River: male Jan 9th CFNHC. Truro River: redhead Jan 10th AM. Tresillian River: redhead Jan 12th-Mar 13th, possibly the Truro River bird, with a second redhead Jan 25th-Feb 9th, one redhead Dec 3rd-20th with a second redhead Dec 6th KJ,RAJ et al. Marazion Marsh: redhead Jan 13th-Feb 5th DSF et al. Retallack: male Jan 17th-20th SMC. Dozmary Pool: redhead Jan 18th GDL. Kingsmill Lake: redhead Feb 8th IHd. Walmsley Sanct.: redhead Feb 16th-Mar 2nd ALn et al. Crowdy Res.: redhead Dec 14th AJB,BTC,SMC. Twenty-four birds in the first winter period and three in the second winter period make this the best year since 1987, when 40 birds were recorded. The county mainland total advances to c.333 since 1930. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 161 95 20 2 1 - - - - 2 13 39 Top sites: Siblyback Res. 79, Camel Est. 33, Colliford Res. 29, Tamar Est. 27, Loe Pool 20.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - Mergus serrator Winter visitor. Uncommon passage migrant. Rare inland. The majority of birds occurring in the county are encountered at Carrick Roads and other estuarine sites. They gather to roost, along with grebes and other waterfowl, off Turnaware Point and Loe Beach. At dawn they break up into small flocks to feed within the Fal Estuary complex. Another exceptional year with record numbers in both winter periods. The last spring birds were one on Camel Est. May 9th and a male and female off Par Beach Jun 29th. The first autumn migrants, both brownheads, were one on Hayle Est. Oct 12th and one on Camel Est. Oct 14th.

38 Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 172 151 68 39 3 2 - - - 3 77 129 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 13 10 5 ------1 St. Johns Lake 7 13 ------9 12 Lynher Est. 15 15 10 5 ------7 9 Ruan Lanihorne 1 - 5 ------4 Carrick Roads 88 88 23 20 ------40 70 Penryn River 5 - 1 ------6 Camel Est. 9 12 2 2 1 - - - - 1 2 2 The number for Carrick Roads during January and February is a new site record, exceeding 82 reported there in 1978 and 1979. Elsewhere, birds were present at 19 sites, with a maximum group of 11 on Millbrook Lake.

GOOSANDER - Mergus merganser Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably breeds annually on the Cornwall/Devon border. Birds typically occupy regular sites on Bodmin Moor and other inland water bodies, with significant flocks frequenting Hayle Est. and Drift Res. Exceptionally high numbers in January, February and March were all new monthly maxima records. The population then declined rapidly with the last spring bird, a brownhead, on Crowdy Res. Apr 6th. The first autumn migrant, a brownhead, flew west past Rame Head Nov 4th. There were no records of summering birds to indicate local breeding. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 198 90 61 1 ------6 41 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Siblyback Res. 8 7 6 ------1 Colliford Res. 3 3 2 ------2 Argal Res. 12 2 1 ------Hayle Est. 12 14 6 ------Crowdy Res. - 4 - 1 ------4 Drift Res. 30 8 4 ------3 9 Porth Res. 14 ------Tamar Lakes 22 7 15 ------Stithians Res. 8 11 11 ------3 12 Loe Pool 35 2 ------3 Elsewhere, birds were present at 21 sites, with maximum groups of eight at Trevorrian Pool, Mullion Cove and Camel Est.

RUDDY DUCK - Oxyura jamaicensis Scarce annual winter visitor and passage migrant. Loe Pool: female Jan 3rd-9th, two females Jan 12th-Feb 1st and female Dec 27th RK et al. Siblyback Res.: female Jan 10th-19th and female Nov 25th-27th RMB,MPF et al. Long Rock Pool: two females Jan 14th RB. Dozmary Pool: female Feb 15th-21st, possibly the Siblyback bird RMB,SMC. Trenance Lake: one Jul 16th, site and date indicate a possible escape from captivity TSH,MST. Stithians Res.: female Nov 14th SHL. Argal Res.: female Nov 22nd, possibly the Stithians bird SMC,DE. Par Beach Pool: fem./imm. Nov 30th RL. Colliford Res.: fem./imm. Dec 14th-Dec 31st, possibly the Par bird SMC,DAC,GDL,PAW. Ten new birds take the county mainland total to c. 127, all since 1977, making this the fifth best year, only exceeded by 16 in 1995, 11 in 1985, 26 in 1982 and 15 in 1979.

39 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 44 20 2 - - - 2 - 16 17 20 6 Top sites: Loe Pool 40, Stithians Res. 24, Drift Res. nine, Siblyback Res. nine, Marazion seven.

EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD - Pernis apivorus Rare passage migrant. A potential breeding species (cf. annual breeding in Devon since 1979). Par Beach Pool: male Apr 27th TSH,MST. Drift Res.: male Jun 13th GH. Church Cove: one west Sep 28th ML,AL,MT. The county mainland total advances to c.100, all but nine since 1972. Monthlv breakdown * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 7 18 7 2 9 25 22 - 1 *five birds undated. Top sites: Hayle and Porthgwarra/St. Levan nine each, Rame Head seven.

RED KITE - Milvus milvus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. There are various ancient claims of breeding in Cornwall but none are considered fully authentic. Rumours still persist of birds summering in apparently suitable breeding habitat in the county, so the possibility of successful breeding should not be overlooked, especially in view of the success of the national reintroduction schemes. St.Clether/Altarnun/Cold Northcott: one late Dec 1996-Mar 2nd BB,FMC,AMJD et al. Dannonchapel: singles Feb 19th & Apr 19th DL. Metherell: one Mar 20th DJC. St.Levan: one Mar 21st, presume same at Mar 22nd KAW et al. Kynance Downs/Predannack: one Mar 22nd SK,ARP. Hensbarrow Downs: one May 2nd GHT. Maer Lake: one May 15th & 20th GPS. Bolventor: one Jun 15th, presume same at Trekeivesteps Jun 28th GDL,VRT. Polwhele, Truro: one Sep 25th RCS. Sandy Mouth: one Oct 29th GPS. Herodsfoot: one in maize stubble Dec 28th AJP,SAP. At least eleven individuals take the county mainland total to c.l 11 since 1952. There were no records between 1930 and 1952, however, there are twelve 19th Century records. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 4 18 8 10 6 4 1 9 23 12 8

MARSH HARRIER - Circus aeruginosus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A dramatic increase in records over recent years is no doubt related to an expanding UK breeding population. Hayle Kimbro Pool: female Apr 9th PG. Predannack: male Apr 18th SP. Maer Lake: male May 4th GPS. Summercourt: female Jun 1 st-2nd Wy. Caer Bran: one Aug 10th ACH,BCW. Porthgwarra: one Sep 11th BSW. Walmsley Sanctuary: juv. Sep 15th-16th ALn,RCL et al. Nancekuke Common: female flew south Sep 21st DE. Land's End: juv. Sep 22nd RAw. Polly Joke: fem./imm. Sep 24th SGR. The county mainland total advances to c.l66 since 1930.

40 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 3 16 24 37 5 2 14 26 25 4 4 Top sites: Marazion 36, Lizard Downs 16, Sennen 15, Gunwalloe and Porthgwarra eight each.

HEN HARRIER - Circus cyaneus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Forms communal roosts in winter. Traditional roosts on mid-Cornwall moors and the Penwith moors are well documented but sites on Bodmin Moor and Lizard Downs have received less attention. The annual total showed a small improvement over the previous year, particularly in the second winter period. Passage birds were again sparse. The last of the spring was a female in the Trewey Common area May 12th. The first of the autumn was a male at the Lizard Oct 13th. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 8 9 2 1 - - - - 12 9 10 Bodmin Moor Two ringtails were present at Crowdy Oct 15th. At Colliford, a ringtail was present during January, a 2nd year male Nov 29th and a ringtail there Dec 6th. Of interest, was a female with pink wing tags at Colliford Res. Dec 21st. Mid-Cornwall Moors In the first winter period at Tregonetha Downs, just one male was present. In the second winter period a female appeared from Oct 31 st and was present until the year end. Two were present Nov 1 st. One ringtail was seen on Feb 20th and Mar 1st. Numbers appear to have declined from this once popular region. West Penwith Moors In the Caer Bran area, a male was present during the first winter period, the last date being Apr 1 st. Another reappeared Oct 26th until the year end. Two were present Dec 6th. Probable migrants were at Drift Res. Apr 5th and 15th. Trewey Common hosted two males during both winter periods, and another roosted near Sennen. A probable migrant was noted on May 8th. Lizard Peninsula One male was at the Lizard Oct 13th, while at Predannack there were just two sightings of a female Feb 2nd and a male Mar 2nd. A ringtail was on Lizard Downs Oct 26th. Elsewhere Porth Mear: ringtail Oct 14th. Reskajeage Downs: ringtail Jan 5th. Tehidy CP: ringtail Jan 5th. : singles Jan 23rd & Mar 6th. Walmsley Sanctuary: ringtails Feb 9th-16th and Oct 22nd.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER - Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant. Formerly a regular breeding species in Mid Cornwall, last noted in 1975. Summering birds occasionally occur, suggesting the possibility of future breeding. Polly Joke: ringtail Sep28th JLAT. The county mainland total (published records only) advances to 98, since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 20 42 5 2 15 10 2 1 - Top sites: Porthgwarra 18, Lizard Downs/Goonhilly/Kynance 14, St. Just six.

NORTHERN GOSHAWK - Accipter gentilis Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A few pairs breed annually in Devon. In Cornwall summering birds have been noted irregularly since the mid 1980's but proof of breeding remains absent. 41 Tideford: adult female Dec 4th RSn. The county mainland total advances to c.91. A number of other reports have been omitted due to inconclusive descriptions. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 6 19 6 1 9 23 22 1 2

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK - Accipter nisus Common and widespread resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. An increase in sightings this year, with birds reported from 165 sites. Breeding activity was noted at Bonython, Halvana, Penryn, Pentireglaze, Rosudgeon, Trevail, Long Rock Pool, and Marazion Marsh. There was an increase in sightings from West Penwith during the autumn, however these were mostly ones and twos with the largest parties reported being three each at Marazion Marsh Aug 13th and St.Columb Porth Dec 18th. Reported prey items included Common Starling, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Hedge Accentor, House Sparrow, Northern Wheatear and Greenfinch.

COMMON BUZZARD - Buteo buteo Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Widely reported and nothing to indicate any change in status. Confirmed breeding was reported from Kelynack, Trevean Farm, Nanquidno, Chapel Porth and Marazion (four pairs). Breeding activity was also noted at Ryan's Field, Polbrock and Jericho Farm. Large gatherings include 30 Bodmin Feb 24th, 29 Barton Farm Mar 20th, 17 Duloe Apr 3rd, 14 Loe Pool Oct 29th, 11 May 18th & Antron Nov 22nd. and 10 Nanquidno Oct 4th. Unusual feeding behaviour included one eating a dead Northern Shoveler at Maer Lake Jan 10th GPS and one carrying a snake at Lamorna Mar 22nd BDB.

OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus Scarce passage migrant. Tamar Est.: singles Apr 3rd & 13th, two Sep 16th & a single Sep 18th GDL et al. Choone: one fishing, at coarse fishery, Apr 18th per TG. Retallack: male Apr 19th bearing a blue darvic ring, had been ringed in July 1994 in Scotland, but unfortunately was found dead on May 9th only 13km from site of hatching. SMC. Mullion: one May 2nd PLS. Helston: one flew over garden May 27th ECJ,VJ. Mountjoy: one flew NE May 27th SMC. Trelow Downs: one flew NE May 28th SMC. Kenidjack: one May 31st-June 1st SGR,VAS. Argal Res.: one Jun 25th DE,ML. Ruan Lanihorne: one Jul 23rd-27th & Aug 31st JM,EAM,DMY. Drift Res.: one Jul 28th-30th but two Jul 29th DSF,GH. Stithians Res.: one Aug 24th SHL. Camel Estuary: one Aug 29th GAH,DIJ. St.Buryan: one Sep 3rd JL. St.John's Lake: one Sep 14th JMR. Loe Pool: one Sep 20th-22nd RK,RCL. St.Agnes Head: one Sep 21st MM. Ten spring and 12 autumn records take the county mainland total to c.242. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 5 31 41 8 15 58 73 20 3 - Top sites: Camel Est. 36, Tamar Est. 33, Ruan Lanihorne 27, Lynher Est. 18, Hayle Est. 14.

42 COMMON KESTREL - Falco tinnunculus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. An increase in sightings again this year with records from 159 sites. However, breeding reports were well down, mostly restricted to the coast, see Map 1. Breeding was confirmed at Lamorna, Pentire Point east, and Pentire Point west, with breeding activity noted at Merope Rocks.

Map 1. Common Kestrel distribution of breeding season records by tetrad 1997.

There was no obvious spring or autumn migration. Maximum numbers noted were six at Portloe Jul 25th, six at Rough Tor Aug 8th, five at Trethurgy Jun 1st, and four at Siblyback Farm Jul 27th; these records relate to family parties. The only true migrant was an individual found dead at Duloe Oct 25th which carried a Dutch ring AJP,SAP, unfortunately the number could not be traced.

MERLIN - Falco columbarius Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally roosts communally, often associating with Hen Harriers. Numbers in both winter periods were approximately the same as the previous year. Most records were of single birds, apart from three at Kynance Downs Mar 22nd, two at Pendeen Oct 15th, three at Porthgwarra Oct 23rd and two at Tregonetha Oct 29th. Approximate monthlv totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 16 7 18 6 3 - - 1 4 46 10 7 Just two at Tregonetha, normally a favoured roost site, were noted although TSH observed that the moorland had been burnt by vandals. During the first winter period, singles were noted from all parts of the county. Spring passage commenced with a female at Marazion Marsh Mar 9th and finished with one at The Lizard May 16th. The first of the autumn was one at Old Town Cove, Wadebridge Aug 25th. The main influx of some 46 birds during October arrived on Oct 10th. Typical prey included Song Thrush and Skylark, though one poor bird found itself being chased by a Peregrine at Rusey Cliff Oct 14th.

43 HOBBY - Falco subbuteo Scarce passage migrant (increasing). Rare breeding species, regular since 1991. Over the last decade this species has occurred with increasing regularity throughout the county. This trend looks set to continue given the steady increase of the UK breeding population. Spring passage consisted of 30 birds at 28 sites. The first arrivals being singles at Stithians Res. Apr 14th and Redmoor Apr 18th. The only multiple occurrence was of three at Skewjack May 25th where two were still present the following day. Breeding was not confirmed this year, however, a pair was noted at a regular territory. In addition, birds were noted during the summer nine sites containing suitable breeding habitat. Autumn passage began with a single at Nanjizal Jul 9th and ended with two at Pentire Point Oct 17th, in all consisting of 21 birds. At least 58 birds takes the county mainland total to c.612 (plus c.66 young) since 1930. Monthly breakdown (excluding young): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 44 170 93 50 80 124 49 - -

PEREGRINE FALCON - Falco peregrinus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. During the year records were received from 143 localities covering all parts of the county. Successful breeding was only reported from five eyries, however, many other sites were occupied during the breeding season. Confirmed prey items include: Common Snipe, Herring Gull, Arctic Tern, Wood Pigeon and Eurasian Jackdaw - two. Attempted prey include: Whimbrel, Black-headed Gull, Kittiwake, Wood Pigeon, Feral Dove, Common Kingfisher (individual stooped upon three times), Common Cuckoo and Rook. Somewhat unusual was one chasing a Merlin at Rusey Cliff Oct 14th RJn. An individual was regularly seen at Treloquithack during winter evenings in the vicinity of a Redwing roost MJRe.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE - Alectoris rufa Feral release. Resident. Breeds. Thousands of hand-reared birds have been released for shooting purposes in various parts of the county, especially in mid and east Cornwall, over the last twenty years. However, breeding success of these feral birds remains very low, the reasons for which are not fully understood. Penare: one Jan 4th Nankelly: one Jan 24th. Redgate: three Feb 15th. Kerley Downs, : one Feb 26th. Crantock: one Mar 16th. Forrabury: two Mar 30th. Lizard Village: numerous singles reported Apr lst-Sep 29th. Trebetherick: two Apr 8th. Pentireglaze: two Apr 21st. Pencarrow: two May 4th. St.Columb Major: one May 16th. Longstone: one Jun 14th. Mountjoy: one dead on road Jul 11th. Tresillian: one Sep 1st. Polridmouth Cove: eight Oct 7th. Cooksland: two Oct 26th. Commerrans Farm: one Dec 4th.

44 GREY PARTRIDGE - Perdix perdlx Feral release. Scarce resident. Breeds. The Grey Partridge has been declining nationally for many years, but this decrease has accelerated over the last decade. Most obvious is the retraction in range from the western UK. Reasons for the decline are centred in modern intensive farming practices. However, the provision of weed-rich stubbles over the winter months and unsprayed 'headlands' around crop-fields during the summer, combined with the sensible use of 'set-aside', would go a long way toward providing the year-round requirements essential for the survival of this species. Caradon Rame: two Jan 17th & one Mar 1st, pair with six juvs. Sep 7th. North Cornwall Tollgate, Wadebridge: one Apr 18th Pentire Farm: two Apr 30th, one Jun 13th & five Dec 19th. Tan Furze: two Apr 30th Trevilder: pair with one juv. Sep 10th. Epphaven Cove: four Oct 6th. Porth Mear/Park Head: 16 Oct 14th, one Nov 2nd.& four Dec 14th. Higher Maxworthy: three Oct 19th. St.Eval: six Mar 20th, pair May 1st, an additional male Jun 15th, five Sep 30th. Trenouth: 2 males calling Apr 6th. Bogee Farm: one Nov 10th. Carrick Zelah: three Jan 27th.

Threemilestone: one dead in road Oct 17th.

COMMON QUAIL - Coturnix coturnix Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor. Occasionally breeds. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Has overwintered. Annual since 1975. Lamoma Cove: singles Apr 24th & May 3rd BDB. Porthgwarra: two May 4th & one Jun 10th SMC,MS. Nanquidno: two May 11th VAS. Penlee Point (Rame): one calling May 16th GDL. Lizard: one May 18th SMC. Holman's Moors: one May 25th VAS. Tregune: one Jun 8th MAn. Rock: single males Jun 13th & 17th, with two males Jun 14th-16th DLJ. Bear's Down: male Jun 15th-16th SMC,DAC. East: male Jun 23rd- mid-July TSH,DLT,MST. Tollgate (Wadebridge): two (possibly three) Jun 24th-Jul 25th and a single to Jul 27th DIJ et al. Bake Rings: two Jul 11th MAn. Luke's Shop: male calling Jul 9th, present for c. two weeks SMC,DLT. Kilkhampton: one calling Aug 7th MAn. Trevose Head: one Aug 9th-12th SMC. West Pentire: one Nov 2nd TSH,MST. A total of 25 birds takes the county total to c.299 (plus 63 young) since 1930. JaMonthln y Febreakdownb Mar : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 1 5 74 121 52 26 12 4 3 -

COMMON PHEASANT - Phasianus colchicus Resident. Breeds. Thousands released annually for sporting purposes, thus ensuring that populations are maintained at a high level. As usual few records were received but those that were came from a good scattering of sites within the County. The only significant counts concerned up to 1000 at Caerhays Estate and 65 at Treskinnick Cross. 45 Somewhat unusual were five at Townshend Jan 4th which roosted in a reedbed DCm. Usually an elevated perch, where available, is preferred.

WATER RAIL - Rallus aquaticus Rare resident. Breeds in low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. The only breeding season records this year were of a single bird at Drift Res. Jun 22nd and Jul 28th. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 67 31 10 6 2 1 1 9 30 62 63 5 The number of birds present during both winter periods was above average. The last overwintering birds were seen on Apr 16th, when there were two at Loe Pool, three at Swanpool and one on the Tamar Est. Presumably singles at Loe Pool and Swanpool May 11th were both on passage. The first return migrants occurred on Aug 15th, when there were singles at Par Beach Pool, Marazion Marsh and Maer Lake. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Par Beach Pool 5 3 2 - - - - 1 2 2 4 8 Swanpool 11 9 1 3 1 - - 1 3 5 7 2 Loe Pool 3 4 - 2 1 - - 4 5 8 2 5 Marazion 4 2 1 - - - - 1 2 5 14 2 Drift Res. 2 1 1 - - 1 1 - - 1 4 2 Maer Lake ------1 1 3 3 8 Lower Tamar Lake 1 ------1 - - -

SPOTTED CRAKE - Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant (mainly mid-August to late September). Rare winter visitor. Bred in 1860, 1862 and 1874. Maer Lake: one Aug 4th-7th, calling nocturnally GPS. Marazion Marsh: singles Aug 12th and Aug 19th-20th per DSF. The county mainland total advances to c.l32 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 1 2 1 4 63 48 9 1 Top sites: Marazion/Long Rock Pool 77, Tamar Lakes 10, Sennen seven.

CORN CRAKE - Crex crex Rare passage migrant. Last bred in 1967, possibly in 1977. Has overwintered. Land's End: one Aug 16th PSC. The county mainland total advances to c.l40 since 1930. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 11 30 21 12 15 19 14 2 * 14 not dated. Top sites: St.Mawgan, Manaccan, Callington and Saltash six each.

MOORHEN - Gallinula chloropus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. After a period of apparent decline during the 1970's and 1980's, due mainly to habitat loss, a more enlightened attitude toward habitat conservation and creation in recent years has enabled the Moorhen to regain some lost ground. As in 1996 numbers were above average throughout the year. Breeding was confirmed at 16 sites, and adults were also present during the summer on Goss Moor,

46 but no breeding attempt was noted. At Maer Lake nesting commenced Apr 4th, the first brood of seven was seen Jun 12th and subsequently seven broods totalling c.36 young were seen. A late brood of two were still present Sep 1st. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 240 193 187 82 65 102 124 154 151 163 172 233 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2 3 3 2 - 2 3 3 3 1 4 1 Kingsmill Lake ------7 - - - - Millbrook Lake 4 3 3 1 2 - 2 1 3 4 6 3 Par Beach Pool 25 6 10 5 3 6 9 9 8 20 26 23 St.Andrew's Pool 20 - 10 2 4 4 - - - 4 - - Tresillian River 14 6 15 6 3 3 5 5 6 6 5 7 Swanpool 19 18 11 10 12 11 18 14 13 12 12 13 College Res. - 3 1 2 - - 2 - - 15 35 30 Argal Res. 4 2 2 - 2 6 6 3 - 2 2 3 Stithians Res. 1 - 30 - 2 - 4 1 4 4 - - Loe Pool 8 36 - 5 5 8 14 25 8 22 - 28 Marazion Marsh 2 18 8 5 1 - 7 28 53 11 13 20 Drift Res. 12 3 2 4 1 3 5 4 4 9 14 22 Porth Res. - 1 - 1 2 - 3 8 5 - 2 1 Walmsley Sanct. 4 3 10 7 - - 3 3 2 1 - 2 Maer Lake 11 11 13 12 10 8 11 15 20 24 34 37 Other large counts include: Tehidy CP.: 34 Jan 12th. Mawgan Porth: 16 Jan 24th. Trenance Lake: 16 Jan 24th. Helston Boating Lake: 28 Feb 9th and Dec 14th. Bude Marshes: 12 Mar 12th.

COMMON COOT - Fulica atra Resident. Breeds (increasing). Passage migrant. Common winter visitor. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1196 666 412 173 177 184 313 434 372 374 427 423 Successful breeding was reported from the following sites during 1997 (with comparative data for 1990-1996). Figures represent number of nairs: B = bred: D = present success unknown. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Colliford Res. P P 1 P P 2 3 P Swanpool 5 2 10 3 6 3 1 1 Par Beach Pool 4 3 2 2 3 1 - P St. Andrew's Pool P ------Stithians Res. 16 13 13 13 P 2 5 P Loe Pool P P B P - - Helston P 1 - - - - - Marazion Marsh 5 10 2 P P 12 1 3 Other sites where pairs attempted to breed include Argal Res., Temple Tor Pools and Trenance Lake, all involving one pair. Two juvs were reported at Walmsley Sanctuary. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Millbrook Lake 5 4 2 ------1 2 3 Par Beach Pool 120 85 63 12 27 10 22 15 28 45 62 60 Stithians Res. 175 115 42 32 13 27 57 60 99 93 103 88 Argal Res. 200 12 3 - 2 3 2 1 2 - 5 1 College Res. 40 55 28 2 - - 1 2 4 12 42 53 Swanpool 79 81 48 46 47 56 61 41 50 43 60 73 Loe Pool 106 90 68 17 29 47 102 150 52 71 38 62

47 Helston Lake 82 42 22 24 19 22 29 52 32 42 41 38 Marazion 17 20 12 13 13 7 16 40 31 9 12 4

COMMON CRANE - Grus grus Vagrant. Sennen Cove: one flew west Apr 18th TG. 1996 Addition Creney Farm, Redmoor: one Jan 2nd, landed in field for ten minutes until flushed by Common Buzzard. PJMcV. The county mainland total advances to c.26 birds, involving thirteen occurrences. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 2 3 1 - - - 1 11 5 1

OYSTERCATCHER - Haematopus ostralegus Resident. Scarce breeder (mainly north coast). Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were generally slightly lower than comparative figures from last year, except for those involved in the autumn passage, when numbers for August and September were slightly higher. Birds started to move out of the county towards the last week of February. Small numbers were seen throughout March and April and the last passage birds appeared to move out during early May. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1152 1067 696 384 310 247 403 1451 1699 1219 796 1067 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar/Lynher Est. 274 307 160 88 34 55 53 174 140 185 163 134 St.Austell Bay 140 90 50 15 66 67 - 2 230 80 150 140 Ruan Lanihorne 10 13 12 10 1 22 3 152 120 42 24 12 Truro River 44 48 32 22 25 - 22 61 119 30 86 - Restronguet 32 10 23 32 16 4 28 205 232 178 34 20 Hayle Est. 45 64 27 - 11 10 40 65 39 46 48 45 Camel Est. 250 330 170 157 132 59 230 528 473 394 76 400 First signs of breeding were noted at Rumps Point May 13th, when a bird was seen sitting on a nest. Next day at The Mouls a pair was seen mobbing black-backed Gulls. The pairs at Western Cove both failed to raise any young and the pairs at Hudder Cover and Samphire Island lost their chicks, all in June. Birds also attempted to breed at Roundhole Point, Park Head, on The Brisons and possibly at Gunver Head. Possible returning birds were noted at Burniere Point, where there were 100 Jul 1st and later in the month at Dinham, with 227 Jul 31st. Inland records involved two at Stithians Reservoir Jul 18th and one at Colliford Reservoir Jul 19th. On the Camel Est. 528 birds were counted Aug 14th. Later in the month 152 were seen at Ruan Lanihorne Aug 24th and 205 on Restronguet Creek Aug 31 st. Apart from an apparent decrease on the Camel in November, numbers remained constant at other sites to the year end.

AVOCET - Recurvirostra avosetta Rare passage migrant. Winters annually on Tamar Est. since 1947, occasionally elsewhere. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 270 145 36 - - - - - 1 67 300 593 Kingsmill Lake 38 126 2 ------210 - Lynher Est. 5 ------18 St.John's Lake 5 ------1 Millbrook Lake 1 ------Other records: Penryn River: one Jan 1st & Moditonham Quay: three Jan 7th.

48 STONE-CURLEW - Burhinus oedicnemus Rare passage migrant. Lizard Point: one May 2nd-3rd SK et al. This takes the revised county mainland total to c.43, since 1933. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 4 1 - 7 2 - - 28 Top sites: St Keverne 25 (all Dec 4th 1933), Kelsey Head five, Hayle Est. four, Lizard, Davidstow & Porthgwarra two each, Landulph, Colliford Res. & an unknown site one each.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius dubius Uncommon passage migrant Maer Lake: one Apr 17th-18th GPS. Walmsley Sanctuary: one Apr 18th FMC,ALn. Hayle Est.: singles Apr 24th, Aug 7th, Sep 15th and Sep 23rd DSF,JHH. Hayle Kimbro Pool: one May 2nd ARP. Par Beach: one May 5th-7th SMC,KJ,RAJ. Ryan's Field: one May 21st SK,DSF. Lelant Water: two May 31st DSF. Bake: juv. Aug 1st GDL. Gannel Est.: juv Aug 5th SMC. Camel Est.: one Aug 30th GAH. Upper Tamar Lake: one Sep 2nd GPS. Trevose Head: one Sep 10th SMC. Copperhouse Creek: juv Sep 24th-25th LPW. Stithians Res.: one Sep 29th GCo. Eighteen individuals make this the second best year on record after last year; this moves the county total to c.253. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 58 49 6 19 66 43 4 1 Top sites: Hayle Est. 56 Marazion 37 Stithians Res. 34 Tamar Lakes 20 and Drift Res. 14.

GREAT RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius hiaticula Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Formerly a scarce breeding species but this has not been confirmed since 1972. Even the most remote potential breeding sites are disturbed, making breeding unlikely in the foreseeable future. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 225 128 33 38 53 11 40 902 496 182 158 386 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar/Lynher 1 8 5 30 24 1 20 18 St.Austell Bay 27 22 2 5 7 100 33 14 12 7 Mount's Bay 45 9 5 1 19 11 46 70 27 30 75 Hayle Est. 36 9 6 30 300 31 30 36 68 Camel Est. 37 27 1 17 10 6 193 66 24 57 6 Pretty much an average year for this species, except that the 902 on passage in August is double the average for that month over recent years. The total was inflated by an exceptional count of 300 at Hayle Aug 31 st. Wintering birds were leaving in February and by the end of the month most had started to move north, the last being a party of 12 at Par Docks Feb 22nd. The first spring migrants, a flock of 16, were seen on Gwithian Towans Mar 8th. The largest flocks

49 seen were 17 at Porthilly Point Apr 14th and 19 in Mount's Bay May 27th. All other sightings were in single figures. Passage continued into the first week of June, when eight were present at Mount's Bay on 6th and two were at Maer Lake on 9th. Although birds were present in all the monthly counts of the year, none appeared to summer here. Return passage started Jul 12th with one bird on the Camel and picked up towards the end of the month with 30 at Hayle Jul 24th. Peak numbers were recorded mid- to late August with 100 at Hayle on the 11th and 193 on the Camel on the 19th. Inland records involved one at came from Stithians Reservoir one on August 2nd; eight at Predannack eight on August 23rd and eighteen there on August 30th; and 150 on Predannack Downs 150 on September 21st. At Predannack considerably less grass is now mown regularly, so this previously premier inland site will support far fewer birds in future. The autumn movement had petered out by the end of September and overwintering birds started to move in by mid-October.

KENTISH PLOVER - Charadrius alexandrinus Rare passage migrant. Constantine Bay: one east May 2nd SMC. The county mainland total now advances to c.55. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 13 23 1 - 9 6 - - - Top sites: Marazion 20 Par eight Hayle Est. seven Camel Est. six.

DOTTEREL - Charadrius morinellus Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Cam Brea (Penwith): three Sep 6th JL. St.Agnes Head: one juvenile Sep 20th/21st DJC et al. Predannack: one Sep 21st SK,MT. Kynance Cliff: one Sep 25th JAJ. Nanjizal: one Sep 26th-28th KAW,GJC,CLBo. Trevedra Farm: one Oct 23rd-29th DSF,TDC,LHC et al. St.Just Airfield: one Oct 25th RAJ,KJ. Dawson: one Oct 30th DSF. Long Rock: one Nov 12th JHH. Copperhouse: one Nov 21st-29th JHH,DSF. Gulval: one Dec 10th-11th DSF. The county mainland total now moves to circa 244. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 9 32 23 - - 21 107 41 8 2 Top sites: Porthgwarra 70, St. Just Airfield and Sennen 43, Davidstow Airfield 30, Kynance area 23, Towednack and Trevose Head 11 each.

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialis apricaria Common passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Breeding has never been proved in Cornwall although a few pairs breed on Dartmoor in Devon and single birds are occasionally seen in suitable nesting habitat on Bodmin Moor. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3064 2826 1259 54 6 - - 10 6 3787 10318 12165 Below average numbers were recorded for the first winter period but average numbers for the second. Care must be taken when assessing the numbers because some movement of birds between sites is suspected, in response to changing weather conditions. However, a count of 5260 on the Lynher Est. Dec 14th is one of the highest ever in the county from a single site.

50 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar & Lynher Est. 12 446 - - _ 1 - 2 5260 Ruan Lanihorne 200 400 ------Hayle Est. 120 220 - - 1 - - 8 - 110 3000 1000 Camel Est. 250 1000 130 - - - 69 3800 150 Colliford Res. 12 - 400 36 - - 70 240 - Davidstow/Crowdy - - - - 1 2 297 1000 2000 Mount's Bay 200 100 - - _ - - 250 420 Loe Pool - 400 - - _ - - 150 250 Spring passage appeared to start Mar 31 st when 34 birds were seen at Pencarrow Point. On April 6th calling birds were heard over Rumford after dark. From Apr 10th birds were being noted in breeding plumage, including a flock of 17 at Caer Bran Farm. One bird at St.Just Airfield was of the Northern Race P. a. altifrons. The last of the spring were four at St. Just Airfield May 16th. Autumn migration started Aug 12th, when a single bird was seen at Crowdy Reservoir. There was then a steady trickle of birds moving through until mid-October. Notable totals were 36 on the Camel Est. Oct 4th and 77 at Davidstow Moor on the same day. The first four-figure flock was seen Oct 13th at Siblyback Reservoir and involved 1000 individuals. On Oct 18th 1090 birds were seen at Mount Pleasant. November saw 3000 at Burniere Point on 9th, 3000 at Copperhouse Creek on 27th and 1000 at Crowdy Reservoir on 23rd. As December progressed 2000 were seen at Crowdy Reservoir on 14th, 1000 at Maer Lake on 19th and 1000 at Hayle on 20th.

GREY PLOVER - Pluvialis squatarola Passage migrant. Winter visitor. January counts were higher than normal but from then onwards numbers revert to average. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 702 350 50 10 20 1 1 12 9 19 154 286 Numbers started to fall from mid-February onwards but there was evidence of passage from early March to early May. Individuals in breeding plumage comprised one at Bude and two at Hayle during the first week of May and one returning bird at Ruan Lanihorne Aug 6th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 5 3 - - - - - 2 1 - - - Kingsmill Lake 10 - - 2 3 - - - 1 2 - 3 Lynher Est. 3 - 6 ------St. Johns Lake 155 - 10 ------90 45 Millbrook Lake 1 ------Hannafore Point 42 ------St.Austell Bay L9 2 - 1 - - - - - 1 20 8 Gerrans Bay 4 ------Ruan Lanihorne 9 2 - - - - - 1 - - - - Restronguet Creek 3 1 2 - 1 - - - 2 - - - Falmouth Bay 3 ------Loe Pool - - - 2 ------Mount's Bay 115 86 - 1 3 ------40 Hayle Est. 65 62 14 - 2 - 1 8 1 5 23 61 Trevose Head - - - 1 ------6 Camel Est. 155 161 18 1 4 1 - 1 1 3 20 64 Notable records from other sites: Constantine Bay: 37 Jan 14th. Lamoma Cove: 20 Jan 16th. Harlyn Bay: 25 Jan 23rd. Sennen Cove: 16 Feb 2nd. Mother Ivey's Bay: 20 Dec 23rd. Inland: Predannack: two Oct 22nd.

51 NORTHERN LAPWING - Vanellus vanellus Scarce resident. Breeds in low numbers on Bodmin Moor and may just hang on on Lizard Downs. Common passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. There were no confirmed breeding records for this year but birds were seen apparently displaying between Gillhouse and Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor and on Predannack Downs. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14209 10397 776 5 13 21 23 34 91 1852 8181 11297 In contrast to previous years the number of Lapwings in the county appeared to fall between December 1996 and January 1997, no doubt due to the cold weather, but subsequently leaving lower than average numbers. Most of the birds had left by the end of the second week of March. Birds were starting to gravitate towards Stithians Reservoir by Jun 16th, when two were present. Numbers remained low through to the beginning of October, when there was an inflow of birds onto the Camel mid-month and numbers at Hayle were slowly increasing. It was not until mid-November that flocks were well into four figures. November 14th saw 1200 on the Camel and on Nov 16th there were 3000 at Hayle. On Dec 14th Crowdy Reservoir hosted 2000 and 1100 were at Maer Lake on the same day. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 770 121 105 - - - 6 16 19 - 50 102 Lynher Est. 68 329 ------530 Whitsand Bay 1200 ------Veryan Bay 500 ------Ruan Lanihorne 1000 1000 2 1 ------50 - Argal Res. 600 500 ------Loe Pool 150 120' ------6 400 600 Mount's Bay 400 700 ------Drift Res. 500 100 60 - - - 1 - - 10 300 190 Hayle Est. 1500 4110 600 - - - - - 7 188 3000 3100 Camel Est. 750 1800 - - - - 4 9 12 200 1200 99 Colliford Res. - 87 4 4 10 14 - - - 147 184 300 Crowdy Res. ------1 - 30 186 600 2000 Maer Lake 208 - 4 - - - - - 6 8 282 2800 Elsewhere: Gulval: 1000 Jan 1st, Helston: 1000 Jan 5th-27th and Trewithen: 1000 Jan 7th.

RED KNOT - Calidris canutus Scarce passage migrant. Uncommon winter visitor. Slightly above average numbers during the first winter period and above average numbers for the second winter period. The winter population has reduced dramatically over the past three decades, now being under three per cent of the average during the 1960s. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 70 38 24 2 1 0 5 16 59 5 13 7 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar & Lynher Est. 7 12 8 - 11 Hayle Est. 2 1 5 8 4 1 3 Camel Est. 36 22 16 1 3 15 1 8 4 Again the Camel Est. was the most important Est. for this species. The only other double figure flocks! during the first winter period were 14 at Marazion Jan 6th and 11 at Sconner Corner on the Lynher Est. Feb 28th. There was evidence of a small spring passage between Apr 6th and May 19th, with single birds recorded at Tregunna Apr 6th, Hayle Apr 20th & 22nd and Mount's Bay May 19th. Return passage started with five at Hayle Jul 24th. The main movement started Aug 4th when three were present at Hayle. The largest flocks appeared on the Camel with 12 Sep 6th, 15 Sep 9th and 11 Sep 12th. Several birds were seen passing coastal headlands: 4 at Clodgy Point Sep 8th, one at Porthgwarra Sep 18th, four off St.Ives Island Sep 9th and one past Trevose Head Sep 10th. Autumn passage ended with two at Predannack Sep 27th. 52 The year ended with eight on the Camel Nov 21 st and four there Dec 19th and singles at Restronguet Creek, Marazion, Towan Head and Boobies Bay in late December. Inland: Colliford Reservoir: three Sep 5th and Predannack Downs: one Sep 20th & 27th.

SANDERLING - Calidris alba Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Mounts Bay is the key site for this species, supporting the main wintering flock and also the largest migrant numbers. However, St.Austell Bay was the only site in the county to record Sanderling in every month of the year. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 142 80 64 5 73 40 50 651 66 21 29 128 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Par Beach 4 4 6 1 3 3 8 12 5 3 2 3 Loe Bar _ - 10 1 - 70 4 - - _ Mounts Bay 100 60 38 3 30 35 - 16 20 8 25 120 Stives Bay 15 3 1 3 - 36 340 - - - 2 Hayle Est. - - - 2 - 5 113 4 2 - - Gannel Est. 1 - - - - 7 - - - - Trevose Head - - 1 - - - 18 - - - Camel Est. 10 8 6 6 - - 72 2 2 - - Newquay 6 5 5 ------1 2 Sennen Cove ------3 12 - - Numbers wintering in both winter periods were well above those of last year, but Spring passage numbers were well down. Movement was first recorded Apr 17th at Marazion Beach with three present and ended Jun 22nd at Loe Pool when one was seen. The peak count was 14 at Mount's Bay Jun 6th. The return migration appears to have started Jul 8th at Gwithian when seven were seen. There were some large numbers moving in August, with 113 at Hayle on 4th, 72 at Rock on 20th, 70 at Loe Pool on 23rd and an exceptional count of 340 at Porthkidney Beach Aug 31 st. The sole inland record was also on Aug 3rd: one at Predannack. The autumn passage appeared to finish Sep 21st, when 12 were seen at Marazion. With the exception of 12 at Sennen Oct 21st, numbers didn't start to increase until late November, reaching a peak on Dec 19th when 120 were seen in Mount's Bay.

LITTLE STINT - Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. A more normal year for this species after last year's record invasion. Peak numbers again occurred in September. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 1 - - 10 12 3 2 1 In the first winter period one was feeding on filter beds at St.Austell Sewage Works Jan 3rd RL. The only spring passage record was one at Maer Lake May 11th. Autumn passage started Aug 4th, when two birds were seen on the Gannel Est. and one at Hayle, and continued through to Oct 4th, when one bird was at St.John's Lake. Maer Lake held two Nov 4th, with one remaining from 5th to the year-end. Maximum number at regular sites: Copperhouse Creek: one Aug 29th; one Sep 4th/5th and one Sep 24th-27th. Hayle Est.: one Aug 4th; two Aug 31st; three Sep 1st; seven Sep 3rd; one Sep 20th; two Sep 21st; three Sep 23rd; one Sep 28th. Upper Tamar Lake: one Sep 2nd. Camel Est.: four Aug 5th; one Aug 11th; three Aug 12th; singles Aug 20th, Aug 30th & Oct 2nd.

53 Elsewhere: Devoran: one Aug 5th. Landulph Marsh: one Aug 24th. Maer Lake: one Aug 28th; one Oct 22nd. Predannack: one Aug 31st. Kingsmill Lake: one Sep 6th. Widemouth Bay: two Sep 9th. Ryan's Field: one Sep 26th. St.John's Lake: one Oct 4th.

TEMMINCK'S STINT - Calidris temminckii Vagrant. Restronguet Creek: one Sep 16th-17th JHH,SK et al. This takes the county mainland total to 27. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 5 2 - 5 8 1 1 - * three not dated. Top sites: Hayle Est., Falmouth and Stithians Res. four each.

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER - Calidris bairdii Rare Vagrant. Gannel Est. one Aug 3rd SMC. Hayle Est.: one Aug 31st LPW et al. Restronguet Creek: juv. Sep 1 Oth-21 st MM et al. The county mainland total now stands at 19. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------3 13 3 - - Top sites: Crowdy Res./Davidstow four, Siblyback Res., Marazion & Ruan Lanihorne two each.

CURLEW SANDPIPER - Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. There was one winter record of two birds on the Camel Est. Jan 11th, but there were no spring records. The autumn passage started Aug 3rd with one individual at Harlyn Bay. The main influx was between Aug 26th and Oct 9th. The last record was of one bird on the Tresillian River Oct 26th. The passage involved c.l 10 individuals. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 ------16 76 23 - Highest Counts: Hayle Est.: five Sep 5th, four Sep 21st. Davidstow Airfield: four Sep 17th - 20th Predannack: five Sep 20th, 10 Sep 21st/22nd, four Oct 9th. Camel Est.: nine Sep 29th. Truro River: four Oct 1 st.

PURPLE SANDPIPER - Calidris maritima Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. First winter period numbers were down by about one-third on the previous year. The last remained until about the first week in April. There was then a small influx between late April and mid-May, the last one being seen at Penzance May 20th.

54 There were no more records until Aug 1 st when one bird was seen at Polpessa. For the next three weeks there were up to seven individuals present at this site, then no records until Oct 10th, when three were seen at St.Ives Island. A small influx of birds Oct 21st saw 20 at St.Ives Island and 25 at Sennen Cove, then 10 were located at Jubilee Pool, Penzance Nov 5th. Numbers thereafter built up slowly to the end of the year. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 111 81 34 44 17 - - 7 - 57 43 84 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Par 23 - 3 - 6 - - - - _ _ Marazion 6 4 2 2 1 - - - - - 8 Penzance 39 30 - 37 10 - _ _ 1 20 30 Towan Head 2 10 9 2 _ - _ - 4 . Sennen 6 7 - - - - 7 25 7 13 St. Ives - 9 ------20 2 8 Only one other site held a flock in double figures.: Constantine Bay, with 22 Jan 14th.

DUNLIN - Calidris alpina Passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Small numbers which occasionally breed on Bodmin Moor are the most southerly breeding Dunlin in the world. Numbers of Dunlin appeared to increase at the start of the year and then started to tail off as winter turned into spring, followed by a small peak in May as the northbound migrants passed through. The first spring migrants were noted at Marazion, where ten were seen Apr 24th. Migrants were still being seen at Marazion May 27th, with small numbers noted across the county through June. The first returning birds were seen at Maer Lake Jul 21st when three were present. Numbers built up again from July onwards with a small peak in August, dipped as the passage birds left, then built up again as the winter visitors started to arrive. Numbers on the Tamar Est. still appear to be lower than normal, as in the previous year. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11472 5234 1271 129 372 40 586 3165 1270 606 5247 7403 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 406 369 201 9 12 - 19 118 111 11 149 105 Lynher Est. 93 80 200 - - - - 4 188 18 - 261 St. Johns Lake 3900 1100 110 26 9 - 40 40 _ 30 1600 2400 Millbrook Lake 1600 - - - - - _ 38 19 2 200 284 Par Beach 75 80 14 2 10 7 3 125 20 10 10 20 Ruan Lanihorne 480 400 35 - _ 11 9 5 _ _ 5 Truro River 1000 500 1 ------24 306 163 Restronguet Creek 620 420 200 9 46 1 22 105 12 56 215 428 Helford River 180 _ - - ______Predannack 38 ------51 70 - 20 _ Loe Pool _ - - 1 11 - - 72 2 _ _ Mount's Bay 250 - 21 10 40 15 - 210 10 11 - 304 Penryn River 90 120 12 - - - - - 3 - - 60 Hayle Est. 1100 700 400 6 30 9 260 1000 100 33 614 910 Gannel Est. 24 - - - 7 - - 224 4 26 7 - Camel Est. 1300 800 11 18 60 - 40 876 266 65 243 430 Crowdy Res. 34 - 1 - - - - 8 15 11 40 35 Elsewhere: St.Ives Island - 700 Dec 26th.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER -Tryngites subruficollis Vagrant. Sancreed: juv. Sep 14th-16th DSF et al. Davidstow Airfield: juv. Oct 17th, moved to Crowdy Res. next day KJ,RAJ,GPS et al.

55 The county mainland total advances to 93 all but two since 1968. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - 4 78 9 1 - Top sites: Predannack 34, Davidstow Airfield 20 and Stithians nine.

RUFF - Philomachus pugnax Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Wintering birds were reported from Hayle Estuary, Helston Sewage Works, Marazion Marsh, Restronguet Creek, Ruan Lanihorne, Maer Lake, Fal Estuary and Camel Estuary. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 3 8 9 23 - 4 35 35 12 2 1 The first passage bird was one at Mawgan Porth Mar 6th-16th and the last of the spring passage was one at Ryan's Field May 10th. The first returning bird was one at Stithians Res. Jul 24th. Numbers peaked at the end of August and beginning of September, with five at Predannack Aug 31st and 12 at Davidstow Airfield Sep 1st. On the latter date there were also two at Stithians and two on the Camel Estuary. Autumn passage ended with one at Trewornan Dam Nov 9th. The last record of the year was of one at Sennen Dec 28th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Predannack ------5 3 - - - Marazion Marsh 1 - 2 3 - - 3 - - - - - Hayle Est. 1 - 1 1 2 - - 2 7 1 1 - Camel Est. - - 1 4 - - 2 3 1 - - Crowdy Reservoir - 2 - - - - 5 2 3 - - Davidstow Airfield ------8 12 1 - - Maer Lake 1 1 2 2 2 - - 1 7 - - - Elsewhere: Helston SW: one Jan 2nd. Trevose Head: four May 1 st-3rd. Hayle Kimbro Pool: one May 2nd/3rd. St.Just Airfield: one May 4th. Clodgy Pt: two Aug 8th. Antony Passage: one Oct 18th.

JACK SNIPE - Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. An average year with c.48 individuals recorded, of which 24 were seen during the first winter period, five during spring passage, 13 in autumn and six in December. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15 9 2 3 - - - - - 9 4 6 The last wintering individual was seen on Hayle Est. Feb 25th. Spring passage started Mar 17th with two birds at Loe Pool and continued through April with individuals present at Hayle Kimbro Pool on 8th and 11th and one at Caer Bran Farm on 19th. Autumn passage started with one at Skewjack Oct 13th. The best total was six at Nanjizal Oct 31st. The first wintering bird was seen at Tresemple Pool Nov 30th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. 1 1 ------3 Marazion Marsh 4 3 ------The only other count of more than one was of two at Bude Marshes Jan 1 st-9th. Otherwise single birds

56 were noted at the following sites more than once: Loe Pool Jan 18th and Feb 18th, and Par Beach Pool Feb 12th and 14th. Single birds occurred at 12 other sites.

COMMON SNIPE - Gallinago gallinago Resident. Breeds in low numbers on Bodmin moor. Passage migrant. Common winter visitor. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1400 1100 350 50 3 - 2 33 90 350 1330 2060 Following the departure of the wintering birds by mid-March, spring passage occurred from late March to early May. There were no records of the species summering/breeding. Autumn passage started late July/early August, the first returning birds being one on the Camel Est. Jul 21st and one at Maer Lake Jul 30th. The passage continued through to the end of October with peak counts mid-month. Peak winter counts came from Maer Lake, Bude Marshes, Amble Marshes and Marazion Marsh. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 31 48 4 15 - - - 2 8 - 56 43 Par Beach 40 150 90 4 - - - 1 2 20 39 75 Restronguet Creek - - 40 - - - - 1 - - 32 83 Marazion Marsh 43 60 46 6 1 - - 1 5 17 120 100 Hayle Est./Copperhouse 63 116 12 - - - - - 2 - 70 90 Amble Marshes 8 40 20 5 ------50 180 Camel Est. 20 27 2 1 - - 1 4 6 10 1 - Maer Lake 160 - - - - - 1 4 2 6 185 278 Bude Marshes 210 480 1 2 ------700 Long Rock Pool 35 90 40 - - - - - 5 - 55 64 Elsewhere: Harlyn Bay: 110 Jan 15th, Bake: 100 Jan 26th, Restronguet Creek: 83 Dec 11th.

WOODCOCK - Scolopax rusticola Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Has bred on a few occasions but not since the 1960's. Discounting the one-off counts from Polglase and Grambla Woods this is the best year since 1991; with this record included it appears to be the best year since 1963. Were more such information forthcoming, we would gain a more realistic picture of this bird's status in the county. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 250 7 9 ------20 16 7 The January figure is inflated by the total of 130 flushed during a shoot in Polglase and Grambla Woods Jan 2nd. Otherwise, the best counts were 18 in the Bone Valley Jan 3rd and 11 at Mawgan Porth Jan 9th. No doubt, higher numbers than usual were present in the county at this time due to the severe weather. The last sighting in spring was of two in Loe Valley Mar 19th and the first sighting in the autumn was on Oct 19th of one at St.Loy. The main influx occurred between Oct 19th and Nov 2nd. Highest counts elsewhere: St.Erth: four Jan 5th. St.Columb Porth: three Jan 8th. Tregardock: six Jan 8th. Silverwell: three Jan 11th. Porth Pras: three Jan 12th. St.Mawgan: three Jan 12th. Ladock Wood: four Jan 27th. Loe Pool: three March 10th. Porthgwarra: four Oct 30th. Goonhilly Downs: three Nov 22nd.

57 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa limosa Passage migrant. Winter visitor almost exclusively to south coast estuaries. Wintering flocks were on the whole, about average, although there was an increase in numbers in the east of the county, notably Kingsmill and Millbrook Lakes. Numbers in the Truro River, Devoran and Restronguet areas were also encouraging, which is reflected in the table below. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 316 293 156 48 7 10 32 96 98 213 286 349 Spring migration commenced with two at Mawgan Porth Mar 2nd and then four at Marazion Marsh Mar 13th. A further passage of 70 birds were recorded during the spring period March to May. There was an overlap with a few lingering individuals in June and July, but the first returning birds of the autumn occurred with five at Ruan Lanihorne Jul 2nd. Unusually, there were ten on the Hayle Est. Jul 24th. Migration continued through August with three juveniles at Maer Lake Aug 10th and nine seen flying south from the Scillonian Pelagic Aug 10th. Thereafter, numbers built up steadily throughout the autumn and into the second winter period. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 82 66 16 - - - 4 4 1 55 36 115 St. Johns Lake 27 4 ------2 7 - Lynher Est. - 1 17 - - 1 - - - 3 - 4 Ruan Lanihome 65 8 7 1 - 3 5 12 4 - - 1 Tresillian 16 10 27 3 - - - 1 6 12 40 21 Truro River 50 80 22 - - - 2 36 36 50 31 47 Restronguet Creek 30 33 23 20 2 - - 4 12 27 35 36 Hayle Est. 1 1 1 1 - - 10 12 3 3 3 2 Camel Est. 1 - 1 12 1 2 7 20 30 5 2 - Non-estuarine records: Maer Lake: one May 1st; two Jun 11th; one Jul 7th; six Aug 23rd; 12 Sep 20th; three Oct 19th; six Nov 5th; one Dec 6th-14th. Stithians Res.: one Aug llth-28th. Marazion Marsh: one Jan 30th; two Feb 6th; four Mar 13th. Drift Res.: one Jul 27th-28th.; one Aug 23rd-26th. Lower Tamar Lake: 12 Sep 10th. Mullion Golf Course: two Sep 13th.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa lapponica Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Numbers in the first winter period were about average, but again spring passage was sparse. Autumn passage was also poor compared to previous years. Wintering records have seen a decline in the east of the county, with the exception of 97 at Millbrook Dec 20th. North coast estuaries such as the Camel and Hayle have held their own. In the Truro area, numbers have increased, with Devoran and Restronguet especially seeing a considerable increase in numbers, perhaps due to increased observer coverage recently. Approximate monthly totals 1997 i i Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 18Jan0 102 73 25 34 2 9 25 79 51 36 147 The first spring migrants appeared in April with one at Loe Pool on 21st and two at Par Beach 27th. Other spring migrants were 12 at Bude May 2nd and 11 St.John's Lake May 3rd. Autumn passage commenced in June with three at Loe Pool on 23rd and a further seven on the Camel Estuary Jun 16th. Numbers built up slowly throughout the autumn and into the second winter period, but overall, numbers were lower than in previous years and there were no reports from inland sites Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. - - 3 ------1 - St. Johns Lake 46 9 - - 11 - - - 1 10 10 7

58 Lynher Est. 15 4 - - - 1 - - 4 - - - Par - - 1 2 - 1 - - 3 4 - 1 Restronguet Creek 31 32 21 10 3 - - - 1 6 8 12 Marazion 22 10 3 1 5 ------2 Hayle Est. 20 15 13 9 7 - 1 3 21 21 18 5 Camel Est. 44 29 31 3 8 - 7 22 49 9 - 13

WHIMBREL - Numenius phaeopus Passage migrant (mainly spring). A few overwinter. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 2 3 353 534 26 126 206 124 13 5 3 Birds were noted in the first winter period at Lamorna Cove with two from Jan 7th to Feb 14th; Millbrook Lake one Jan 5th-Mar 15th; Camel Est. one Jan 18th; Carrick Roads one Jan 26th; Mount's Bay one Jan 26th-15th. Spring passage started mid March with one at Hayle Est. Mar 15th; other early arrivals were two at Sennen Mar 29th, six at Loe Pool Apr 6th, one at Maer Lake Apr 8th and two at Camel Estuary Apr 11th. The bulk of the spring passage was between mid April and mid May. Late birds included one at Par Jun 3rd, 14 at Hayle Est. Jun 7th and 13 at Kingsmill Lake Jun 13th. Return passage commenced with one at the Camel Est. Jun 23rd and one at Hayle Est. Jun 29th. The bulk of the birds moved through from early August to mid-September. Late birds included three at Penlee Point Oct 30th, singles at Towan Head Nov 9th and Restronguet Nov 10th. In the second winter period, singles were at Mount's Bay Nov 2nd-Dec 21st, two at Lamorna Dec 12th, Millbrook Dec 20th, and one at Carrick Roads Dec 28th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. - - - - 3 - 5 4 2 4 - - St. Johns Lake 1 - - - 6 2 15 39 1 1 - - Lynher Est. - - - 8 7 - 2 4 1 - - - Par - - - 54 55 1 2 - 1 - - - Mounts Bay - 1 1 47 51 1 - 7 - - 2 1 Hayle Est. - - 1 15 23 14 12 14 41 - - - Camel Est. 3 - - 21 72 1 47 43 32 1 - -

EURASIAN CURLEW - Numenius arquata Scarce resident. Breeds (apparently decreasing). Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were about average for both winter periods. As normal, peak numbers were to be found on the Camel Estuary, with the highest being 667 in August. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2178 3231 1340 261 109 1154 2859 3319 3095 2197 2333 2370 During the summer thirteen territories were occupied, but there was no conclusive proof of breeding; six pairs Colliford Res., five pairs in the Upper Fowey Valley and a single pairs at Tregoss Common & Siblyback Farm. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 187 152 131 2 - 4 177 454 285 132 223 233 St. Johns Lake 175 100 12 - 10 40 140 110 96 100 200 200 Lynher Est. 169 155 53 14 8 188 206 140 162 115 86 178 Looe Est. 1 61 46 2 - - - - 2 3 13 8 Ruan Lanihorne 120 50 100 16 18 100 420 255 134 85 12 6 Tresillian 47 203 61 1 2 96 220 250 225 220 221 203 Truro River 70 141 41 2 4 31 123 143 177 183 125 48 Restronguet 300 400 195 52 25 352 340 373 447 312 189 365 Penryn River 60 37 17 - 7 - 1 - 27 - - 47 Helford River 16 24 26 3 1 4 10 156 180 17 200 -

59 Hayle Est. 270 313 71 30 14 84 235 355 450 230 70 201 Gannel Est. 47 320 72 6 - 2 _ 20 136 426 188 Camel Est. 150 550 171 84 2 65 596 667 550 392 - 130 Maer Lake 249 191 191 - - - - 8 52 62 92 212

SPOTTED REDSHANK -Tringa erythropus Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor almost exclusively to south coast estuaries. Average numbers for both winter periods. Spring passage started with two birds at Tresillian River Apr 6th. The first returning bird of autumn was seen on Fowey Estuary Jul 19th, passage continued until the last week of October. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 36 31 26 2 0 0 5 16 20 38 23 22 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 3 9 2 - - - 1 2 3 - - 1 Kingsmill Lake 8 8 8 - - - - 2 10 17 12 8 Lynher Est. 10 2 3 - - - - 1 - 1 - 5 Tresillian River 10 6 8 2 - - 1 6 2 13 7 6 Truro River 2 3 3 ------2 2 1 Hayle Est. ------2 2 2 1 1 Camel Est. - 1 1 - - - 2 1 1 3 - - Inland: Stithians Res.: one Sep 17th.

COMMON REDSHANK -Tringa totanus Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Numbers for the first winter period were above average, while numbers later in the year were about average. Again this year, during January and February, the Tamar Estuary complex had the highest totals in the county. On the Tamar, there were 370 Jan 12th and 363 Feb 9th, whilst on the same dates for the Lynher, there were 147 Jan 12th and 128 Feb 9th. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1124 972 798 49 13 149 897 1216 1059 1059 1222 1290 Numbers dropped sharply during March and April; passage in May involved just 13 birds. Return passage commenced in June, peaking in August. Top counts include: 142 Camel Est. Aug 18th, 105 Lynher Est. Aug 9th, 113 Restronguet Creek Aug 20th and 456 Tamar Est. Aug 24th. Numbers increased steadily from October to the year end, where there were again large numbers present at Tamar Est. (432 Dec 14th) and at Restronguet Creek (300 Dec 10th). Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 370 363 285 4 - - 200 456 231 95 406 432 St. Johns Lake 91 37 15 - - - 75 80 158 40 170 70 Lynher Est. 147 128 100 1 - 3 18 105 47 51 46 124 Fowey Est. 11 15 11 - - - 14 14 27 21 22 40 Ruan Lanihorne 40 60 30 - - _ 21 20 20 25 12 4 Tresillian 71 40 37 3 - 4 51 85 95 50 110 84 Truro River 60 35 57 - - 38 66 59 29 145 60 22 Restronguet 70 75 80 28 3 14 80 113 132 144 145 300 Penryn River 37 15 15 - 1 - 37 - 30 17 33 29 Helford River 14 12 20 3 3 1 4 43 5 10 5 24 Hayle Est. 31 41 18 2 1 14 25 38 46 46 52 37 Camel Est. 75 60 82 1 - 14 92 142 134 105 53 64

60 COMMON GREENSHANK - Tringa nebularia Passage migrant (mainly autumn). A few overwinter. Overwintering numbers were lower than the previous year. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 59 55 59 50 54 9 90 232 214 139 85 58 A light spring passage was evident though had finished by the first week of May. The first returning birds appeared in the first week of July, the highest count being 82 at Restronguet Creek Aug 17th. The bulk of the autumn passage was over by the first week of October, though birds continued to filter through into December. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. - 3 5 - - - 9 10 24 4 4 3 St. Johns Lake 12 7 2 - - - - 4 1 6 6 4 Lynher Est. 5 7 4 6 - - 3 8 8 5 7 1 Ruan Lanihorne 1 1 1 - - - - - 1 2 - 1 Tresillian 5 4 1 2 1 - 3 7 15 18 5 4 Truro River 3 2 1 5 - - 4 3 9 12 5 3 Restronguet Creek 7 5 17 14 13 2 12 82 30 25 19 14 Helford River 4 4 2 1 - - 1 4 1 - 2 5 Drift Res. ------1 1 1 - - - Hayle Est. 4 4 4 3 9 1 5 27 10 9 3 4 Camel Est. 5 5 6 4 6 2 15 26 28 12 3 5 Inland: Caer Bran Farm: one Aug 5th to 28th. Crowdy Res.: five Sep 2nd. Davidstow Airfield: two Sep 20th. Drift Res.: one Aug 5th, 10th and Sep 28th. Hayle Kimbro: one Aug 16th. Stithians Res.: three Aug 8th to Sep 7th. Tamar Lakes: seven between Jul 1st and Aug 31st.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS -Tringa flavipes Rare Vagrant Hayle Est.: adult Aug 28th-Sep 12th CCB,LPW et al. The first since 1995, which takes the county mainland total to 25. Monthly breakdown Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------4 11 8 2 - Top sites: Camel Est. five, Stithians Res. and Drift Res. four each.

GREEN SANDPIPER - Tringa ochropus Passage migrant (mainly autumn). A few overwinter. In the first winter period there were approximately 13 individuals but no more than two at any site. These were at Gannel Est. Jan 30th (one found dead ), and Lynher Est. Feb 2nd. The first apparent spring migrant was at Amble Marshes Mar 2nd. Thereafter, spring passage was light with only about nine birds moving through, the last being at Drift Res. Apr 15th which was chased by a Hen Harrier. The first returning bird of the autumn was at Hayle Est. Jun 23rd. There was a healthy autumn passage consisting of approximately 311 birds. In the second winter period there were reports of 12 birds, including two together at Hayle Est. Nov 16th and Gannel Est. Dec 28th.

61 WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). During the spring singles were at Hayle Est. Apr 5th and Maer lake May 29th-31 st. Autumn passage involved around 32 individuals beginning on Jul 20th with singles at Maer Lake, Long Rock Pool and Drift Res. Passage peaked in mid-August when there were eight at Maer Lake Aug 11th. The last was at Crowdy Res. Sep 23rd. The county mainland total advances to c.1050.

Top sites: Stithians Res. 206, Marazion 124, Hayle Est. 113, Crowan Res. 74, Camel Est. 61.

COMMON SANDPIPER -Actitis hypoleucos Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Bred prior to 1910, and in 1989 but not since. In the first winter period there were approximately 10 birds with a maximum of two on the Gannel Est. Jan 21st. This total was down on the previous two winters. Spring passage commenced with a bird at Lamorna Apr 1st and concluded with one at Hayle Est. May 31st. It was a good passage involving around 112 birds. Peak passage occurred between Apr 14th- May 11th, the highest counts being: 12 Drift Res. Apr 21st-22nd and 15 Camel Est. Apr 24th. Autumn passage began with a single at Marazion Marsh Jun 16th and continued well in to October with the majority of birds passing through mid-July and mid-September. In the second winter period there were no more than two at any one locality. A pure albino individual was at Walmsley sanctuary Aug 5th MJRe,ALn.

TURNSTONE - Arenaria interpres Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. Rare inland. There were average numbers present throughout both winter periods. As in previous years the lower numbers in February probably indicated an early departure of overwintering birds. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 348 163 208 134 24 9 14 183 231 319 245 265 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar/Lynher Est. 70 46 43 - - - 13 35 52 28 18 Looe Bay 32 50 7 - - - - - 30 82 63 56 St.Austell Bay 133 2 12 10 7 6 7 8 20 12 50 36 Mount's Bay 11 0 72 71 10 - - 12 21 12 24 22 Camel Est. 24 35 26 10 - - - 35 22 66 33 34 One hundred and ten birds at Par Docks Jan 18th were unusual: a flock of this size hasn't been recorded in the county since 1991. Overwintering birds started to move out of the county during February. The first passage birds were probably a flock of 12 at Par Beach Mar 4th. Movement continued through the month with 32 at Newlyn Harbour on 24th and 40 at Marazion on 31 st. April saw passage continue with another 40 at Marazion on 10th, 31 at Newlyn Beach on the 24th and 10 at Par on 26th. The main passage petered out by about mid-May, five at Killigerran Head on 11th probably being the last. However, small numbers hung around through June and into July, with six at Par Beach Jun 9th and three at To wan Head Jun 22nd. Four birds at College Reservoir probably marked the start of autumn passage on Jul 26th. There were 17 birds at Hayle Aug 8th and 10 at Constantine Bay Aug 5th. Birds were moving in small numbers throughout the month, 20 at Polpessa Aug 20th and 35 on the Camel Est. Aug 23rd being noteworthy. It is difficult to decide when the autumn passage finished, but it was probably around the third week of October, wintering birds settling down in November and December. Notable records were 33 at Hannafore Nov 11th and 50+ on the harbour wall at Par Nov 30th. Inland records: Stithians Reservoir: one Aug 2nd. Predannack: three Aug 6th; one Sep 16th-21 st.

62 Davidstow Airfield: one Aug 23rd; three Sep 3rd. Colliford Reservoir: one Aug 29th. Crowdy Reservoir: one Sep 13th.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE - Phalaropus lobatus Rare vagrant. Maer Lake: juv. Aug 29th GPS. The second August arrival takes the county mainland total to 35 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 1 - - - - 2 14 8 3 5 Top sites: St. Ives Island and Pendeen Watch seven each, Mounts Bay five and Newquay two.

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. An average year, with c.30 individuals recorded. Only one bird was seen during the first winter period, twenty-four during autumn migration and six around Christmas/New Year. Towan Head: one Feb 13th, three Dec 26th SMC,TSH,MST. Trewey Downs: one juvenile Aug 22nd, on the road and subsequently run over EGG. Ryan's Field: one adult Aug 23rd-27th. This was a moulting bird with remnants of breeding plumage DSF,JHH et al. Pendeen Watch: singles Aug 23rd, Aug 29th Aug 30th, Sep 6th, three Sep 12th, one Sep 29th CGB,JHH et al. Camel Est.: one juvenile Aug 27th DIJ,MLw. Falmouth Bay: one Aug 27th BSW. Maer Lake: one Aug 28th, one Sep 8th JCP,GPS. Trevose Head: one Aug 30th SMC. Bude Breakwater: one Sep 8th & 9th, presumed to be the Maer Lake bird GPS. Godrevy Point: one Sep 13th NJP. Land's End: three Sep 28th KAW. Bude Canal: one Oct 9th GPS Stives Bay: one Oct 9th NRP. Porthgwarra: one Oct 14th SML,MCH. Chapel Point: one Nov 5th RL. Newlyn Harbour: one Dec 21 st DSF. Cawsand: one Dec 28th DRC. Tamar Est.: one Dec 31st PJR. The county mainland total advances to 3989 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 40 14 3 1 - - 1 65 1121 2036 571 137 Top sites: St.Ives Island 2795, Pendeen Watch 303, Newquay 246 and Mounts Bay 155.

POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn but with a small spring movement along the south coast). Rare winter visitor. An unusual year in which the autumn total was only twice that of the spring.

Approximatr i e monthlv totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 - 24 1 2 10 13 12 20 1 St.Ives: two Feb 13th, one Sep 1st, one Sep 5th, three Sep 8th, three Sep 12th, two Oct 11th, one Oct 12th, one Nov 6th, three Nov 9th JHH,SGR,KAW,NRP et al. Chapel Point: two Feb 27th, two Oct 17th, two Nov 19th, one Nov 25th RL. Rame Head: four May 5th, eight May 9th, two May 11th EJW. 63 Hannafore Point: one May 10th, four May 11th, one Oct 8th SCM,GDL. Pentewan: one May 11th, one May 22nd RL. Porthgwarra: three May 12th, one Jun 12th, two Jul 26th, one Aug 17th, two Aug 19th, two Aug 21st, two Oct 9th, one Nov 16th SMC,KAW,JHH,TSH et al. Clodgy Point: one Aug 8th VAS. "Scillonian III": one Aug 12th. Pendeen: one Aug 17th, one Aug 21st, one Aug 24th, two Sep 6th, one Sep 13th, two Oct 11th, six Nov 9th SML,MCH,TDC,LHC. Godrevy Island: one Sep 9th AM. Towan Head: singles Sep 13th, Nov 6th, Nov 9th & Dec 25th, two Nov 8th TSH,MST,SGR,SMC. Land's End: one Oct 17th SML,MCH. Sennen Cove: one Oct 21st LHC,GC. Treveal: one Nov 8th VAS. Trevose Head: one Nov 8th SMC. The county mainland total advances to c.2578. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 10 - 3 356 3 16 215 397 950 407 37 Top sites: St. Ives Island 1029, Pendeen Watch 426, Porthgwarra 367, Rame Head 177.

ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus Passage migrant (mainly August/September). Rare winter visitor. In the first winter period one was in St.Ives Bay Feb 13th. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May J un Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - 4 18 3 6 195 149 67 36 Twenty-five birds moved through in spring, beginning with one from "Scillonian III" Apr 19th and three off Downderry Apr 26th. Passage ended with one at Chapel Point Jun 22nd. Largest single day total was a meagre five off Hannafore Point May 1 Oth. Autumn passage commenced July 17th with one off Towan Head and ended with one off Trevose Head Nov 18th. Best one day count was 33 off Pendeen watch Sep 12th. In the second winter period one passed Towan Head Dec 11th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head - - - - 4 - - 4 1 - - - Porthgwarra - - - - 1 1 1 33 2 13 1 - Pendeen Watch ------72 65 15 12 - St. Ives Island - 1 - - - - - 5 25 23 2 -

LONG-TAILED SKUA - Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant (mainly mid-August to mid-October). Pendeen Watch: imm. Sep 12th KAW. Trevose Head: juv. Sep 12th SMC. The county mainland total increases to c.159.

Long-tailed Skua (Kester Wilson)

64 Slavonian Grebe, Bude Breakwater, January 1997 - Graham Sutton •

I st Winter Baird's Sandpiper, Devoran, September 1997 - Graham Sutton Wryneck,The Lizard,April 1997 - Graham Sutton •

Mediterranean Gull, I st Winter, Crooklet's, Bude, October 1997 - Graham Sutton Bewick's Swans, Maer Lake, January 1997 - Graham Sutton •

Smew, River Neet, Bude, January 1997 - Graham Sutton

Citrine Wagtail, Maer Lake, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Duckpool, May 1997 - Graham Sutton September 1997 - Graham Sutton Sandwich Terns, Summerleaze, Bude, September 1997 - Graham Sutton

Lesser Yellowlegs, Hayle Estuary, September 1997 - lain H. Leach

American Wigeon, Hayle Estuary, October 1997 - lain H. Leach • Monthly breakdown:

Top sites: Pendeen Watch 58 St. Ives Island 56 Porthgwarra nine Newquay eight.

GREAT SKUA - Catharacta skua Passage migrant (mainly late August to late October). Uncommon winter visitor. In the first winter period there were 33 birds, all occurring in February. Twelve of these flew past Pendeen Watch Feb 18th. Approximate monthly totals 1997 • i j — Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 33 1 1 7 4 27 362 152 49 75 94 Spring passage was dismal, the first off Towan Head Mar 14th and the last at Rame Head Jun 22nd. The autumn movement commenced with three past Rame Head Jul 5th. In contrast with the spring, it was an excellent passage, with higher than average numbers past Porthgwarra and Pendeen in August and September. The last was a bird past Trevose Head Nov 24th. In December good numbers were reported, particularly at St.Ives, where 53 passed Dec 26th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head - - - - 6 1 3 3 2 - - 5 Porthgwarra - - - - 3 - 14 158 39 83 11 - Pendeen Watch - 13 - - - 1 - 68 56 11 13 - St. Ives Island - 10 ------16 13 24 58

SKUA sp. (Pomarine/Arctic Skua) Rame Head: two May 9th Porthgwarra: one Aug 23rd.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Larus melanocephalus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor (increasing). An excellent year with c.288 individuals occurring. The Camel Est. and Torpoint/St.John's Lake both hosted record numbers. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 29 29 13 2 5 3 16 37 42 42 40 30 Last of the spring was a first summer bird at Par Beach May 24th and the first return was an adult at Copperhouse Creek Jun 1st. Autumn passage began in earnest during July and peaked in September and October. Wintering numbers were better than last year. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mounts Bay Ad ------2 1 1 2nd ------1st 1 1 1 1 '_ Drift Res. Ad 1 1 ------3 1 1 2nd 2 1 ! 1st 1 3 - - - - - 1 2 3 - 1 Hayle Est. Ad 3 3 2 - - - 1 3 1 2 4 1 2nd 1 1 - - 1 - - 1 1 3 1st 1 1 3 2 1 4 [ Helston* Ad 2 2 2nd ------1st 1 1 1 j Camel Est. Ad - 1 2 - - - 3 7 6 3 1 - 2nd _ - - - - 1 2 2 2 1 - 1st - 1 1 - - 1 1 6 6 2 - - Falmouth* Ad 1 ------1 - - 2 1

65 2nd ------1 1 1st 1 - 1 ------3 3 St.John's Lk. Ad 3 3 1 - - 1 9 8 10 9 3 1 2nd 1 - 1 ------1st - 1 1 - - - - 1 1 1 - - * Helston area includes Loe Pool and Porthleven; Falmouth area includes Penryn and College, Argal & Stithians reservoirs. Birds wearing colour rings, see ringing report for more details, were noted as follows: Towan Head: 1st winters Mar 11th, Dec 19th & 22nd. Camel Est.: 1st winter Mar 16th, two adults Aug 19th, adult Aug 23rd & two juveniles Sep 16th. Hayle Est.: Jun 10th-Aug 29th, same at Newlyn Aug 31st, two adults Oct 11th, 1st winter Nov 28th. Torpoint: adult Sep 2nd. Drift Res.: 2nd winter Sep 11th. Par Bay: 2nd winter Oct 12th & 27th. Stithians Res.: 1st winter Oct 13th. Maenporth: 1st winter Nov 15th & 16th.

MEDITERRANEAN X BLACK-HEADED GULL HYBRID Par Beach: 2nd year Jul 22nd RL. Pentewan: 2nd year or adult Sep 2nd RL.

LAUGHING GULL - Larus atrichia Rare vagrant. Drift Res.: 2nd summer Apr 22nd and an adult Dec 16th JCh. Maer Lake: adult Dec 16th, later noted in early 1998 GPS. Maenporth: 2nd winter Dec 29th RCJ. Assuming four birds were involved the county mainland total now stands at eight. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 1 - - 1 - 4 Top site: Drift Res. four.

FRANKLIN'S GULL - Larus pipixcan Rare vagrant. Gannel Est.: adult Nov 18th-20th SMC. The sixth county mainland record - all since 1982. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - - - 1 - 1 - 1 1 - Top sites: Crowdy Res., Gannel Est., Helston, Devoran, Millbrook & Hayle Est. one each.

LITTLE GULL - Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. None overwintered from 1996 and only four appeared in January, resulting in a fairly average first winter period. Approximate monthly totals 1997 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 2 6 - 1 1 - 4 6 8 9 12 The last bird in spring was a 1st summer at Wacker Quay May 17th and the first return was a juvenile at Towan Head Jun 26th. There were no more birds until Aug 15th when there was one at Porthgwarra. This began an average autumn movement ending in a juvenile at Seaton Beach Nov 28th. Twelve birds appeared in December, all singles except for three 1st winters in the St.Ives area Dec 2nd, 20th and 21 st.

66 SABINE'S GULL - Larus sabini Scarce passage migrant (mainly September/October). Land's End: 1st sum. Aug 1st, one 24th, four 28th, two Sep 1st, adult Sep 14th KAW et al. Pendeen Watch: adult Aug 1st, Aug 17th, 19 (onejuv.) Aug 28th, 18 (onejuv. three 1st summer) Aug 29th, six (onejuv.) Aug 30th, one Sep 13th, two Oct 12th CGB,TDC,DSF,KAW et al. Scillonian III: adult just off Land's End Aug 23rd, three Aug 30th RB,PD et al. Marazion: one Aug 24th, juv. Aug 31st PG,JWt. Porthgwarra: adult Aug 26th, four (two juvs.) Sep 3rd, three juv. Oct 8th & one 17th AJ,LPW et al. Rame Head: adult west Aug 29th GDL. Godrevy Point: two adults Aug 28th, two juvs. Sep 13th AM,NJP. Towan Head: two juvs. Aug 28th, three (one adult) Aug 29th, two Sep 12th, juv. Sep 13th, juv. Oct 7th-9th TMC,SMC,TSH,DMY et al. Trevose Head: adult Aug 30th, one Sep 12th, juv. Oct 7th SMC. Hannafore Point: juv. Sep 3rd RMB,RWG. Clodgy Point: one Sep 29th NRP. Hayle Est.: juv. Oct 11th LPW. Penzance heliport: juv Oct 11th VAS. St.Ives Island: juv. Oct 11th VAS. Escalls: juv. Oct 23rd-26th TG et al. At least 81 birds were involved, taking the county mainland total to c.1054. Top sites: St. Ives Island 561, Pendeen Watch 227, Newquay 104, Cape Cornwall 19, Godrevy 22.

BONAPARTE'S GULL - Larus Philadelphia Rare vagrant. Drift Reservoir: adult 12th Feb GH. Swanpool/Maenporth: 1st winter 22nd Dec JCh,RCJ. These two take the county mainland total to c.38, although some records may relate to the same bird returning in successive years, so there may be some unintentional duplication. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 5 11 4 2 1 - - - 3 1 3 Top sites: Mount's Bay 11, Falmouth five, St.Ives four.

BLACK-HEADED GULL - Larus ridibundus Passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred at Stithians Reservoir from 1967 to 1969. Has bred at Crowdy Reservoir since 1976, Colliford Reservoir since 1990 and Maer Lake since 1996. Excellent numbers in both winter periods. Spring passage peaked in February and autumn passage was most evident during August. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15228 20530 4103 1552 884 1588 8933 11024 8941 6060 17633 29451 Breeding season records were received from the following sites, with comparative data for 1991- 1996. Figures represent the number of pairs/nests (and young) seen, p = present but not counted 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Colliford Res. 7(?) 25(0) 58(60) 65(94) 40(6) 60(82) 100(103) Crowdy Res. 1(2) 25(0) ?(48) 100(?) 100(150) 36(27) 100(3) Maer Lake 16(?) 6(2) - - - - - Bolventor 80(100) ------Siblyback 0(1)? ------Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 1059 1167 378 38 17 137 1444 1603 1030 1009 1579 1170 St. John's Lake 600 1500 60 70 40 250 800 1000 706 400 - 2000 Lynher Est. 995 444 112 3 54 393 1303 1365 1171 1119 687 2211

67 Ruan Lanihorne 500 509 200 - - 22 251 524 482 550 226 105 Tresillian River 96 425 1 - - 3 256 720 550 345 200 145 Truro River 373 735 173 9 1 93 661 1035 663 753 700 560 Restronguet 500 350 125 130 68 200 450 500 275 300 550 530 Helford River 200 300 26 - - 1 100 260 200 180 650 - Drift Res. 350 600 90 2 0 6 42 71 147 503 600 332 Hayle Est. 290 1628 670 21 34 2 600 430 645 600 1500 3000 Gannel Est. 170 1520 350 - - - 180 180 200 600 730 700 Camel Est. 1138 1447 410 178 157 185 960 2508 2107 2636 - - Penryn River 85 150 55 1 1 2 50 - 50 - 55 200 An albino was noted at Hayle Est. Mar 10th NRP.

RING-BILLED GULL - Larus delawarensis Formerly rare vagrant now uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Par Beach Pool: the adult, from 1996, remained until Feb 16th, another adult Mar 5th-15th, 1st winter J Mar 19th-Apr 1st, 2nd winter Nov 9th CLBo,GJC,RAJ,RL et al. Hayle Estuary: the adult, from 1996, remained until Apr 5th, 1st winter Feb 13th-Mar 18th, 1st I summer Apr 6th & Apr 21 st-Jun 7th, adult returned Nov 2nd into 1998, 1 st winter Nov 7th, 2nd winter Dec 20th-23rd, two 2nd winter Dec 24th JHH,RDR,VAS,LPW et al. Drift Res.: 2nd winter Jan 17th, 1st winter Feb 15th & 27th, 1st winter Dec 17th & 21st GH, VAS. I Millbrook: 2nd winter Feb 1st GDL. Maer Lake: adult Oct 26th GPS. Harlyn Bay: adult Nov 18th SMC. Marazion Marsh: 1st winter Nov 19th later on beach DSF. Maenporth: 1st winter Dec 14th RCJ. Argal Res.: 1st winter Dec 16th (same as Maenporth) RCJ. College Res.: 1st winter Dec 16th (different to Maenporth) RCJ. At least 14 new birds takes the county mainland total to c.248, all since 1979. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 47 39 52 21 6 2 - 2 2 9 27 44 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 125, 2nd year 37, 3rd year 8, adult 72. Top sites: Hayle Est. 56, Mounts Bay 35, Par 33, Falmouth 23, St. John's Lake 19.

COMMON GULL - Larus canus Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. As in 1996, good numbers were recorded in both winter periods. Approximate monthly totals 1997: : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4294 3268 562 29 6 - 11 88 59 269 974 4181 Spring passage was evident during January and February, with the last in Spring being a 1 st summer bird at Par Bay May 12th. The first returning bird was an adult at Stithians Res. Jul 13th. Autumn passage was fairly light, with the best count being 81 at Padstow Oct 16th, until Nov 25th when there were 232 at Winnard's Perch. During the second winter period the highest count was 1000 at Porthpean Dec 25th. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 55 30 2 - - - - - 3 5 17 6 St. John's Lake 75 31 7 - - - - 1 5 4 15 15 Lynher Est. 285 194 2 ------27 74 Millbrook Lake 63 130 10 ------87 120 Looe - 30 2 ------2 6 1 Drift res. 143 160 9 ------3 5 18 Hayle Est. 57 85 9 1 1 - - - 1 12 37 68 Camel Est. 145 74 45 - - - 6 9 10 81 - 214

68 Other good counts included 150 at Sancreed Jan 18th, 298 at Par Beach Jan 21st, 450 at Stithians Res. Feb 2nd and 500 at Porthpean Dec 24th. Of note was a bird still in almost full juvenile plumage at Restronguet Creek Mar 6th GJC. Although retained juvenile plumage occasionally occurs in other gull species, it is in Common Gull that this abnormality is most often noted.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus fuscus Resident. Breeds in low numbers. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding occurred at Gull Rock (1 pair failed) Mullion Island (possibly 3 pairs) Western Cove Portreath (13 pairs but a maximum of 7 young survived) Par Docks (1 pair). Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4451 21438 15534 888 415 115 380 4216 5526 8682 8505 5096 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. John's Lake 2 17 4 2 1 - - 15 4 10 - 45 Lynher Est. 8 115 120 1 2 - 1 - 2 9 34 67 Ruan Lanihorne 6 9 230 15 - - - 3 - 6 35 7 Restronguet 18 12 32 - 1 - 2 1 1 1 3 36 Drift Res. 57 93 145 68 73 33 16 156 51 26 133 11 Hayle Est. 1650 1620 1400 33 25 4 8 88 46 20 200 200 Gannel Est. 24 390 13 - - - - - 18 10 30 33 Camel Est. 194 2082 1196 2 - - - 120 37 19 - 69 Crowdy Res. - - - 4 - - - 300 250 1500 650 - Colliford Res. 12 1 47 17 32 10 40 600 900 2500 1500 438 Siblyback Res. - - 1 1 4 - 102 68 226 148 350 48 Elsewhere notable concentrations included 347 west at Rame Head Nov 17th, 300 at Stannon Clay Pit Aug 30th, 1000 at Porthpean Dec 25th, 1000+ at Falmouth Bay Nov 29th, 400 at Penryn Dec 5th and 557 at Newquay Feb 26th. Excellent numbers in both winter periods but totals in February and March were exceptional.

HERRING GULL - Larus argentatus Common resident. Breeds. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. There was a dearth of breeding reports this year and the following records are all that were received: Trevose Head 18 nests, Par Docks nine nests, Park Head seven nests, Looe three nests, Penryn two pairs, Falmouth one nest, Mullion Island two juveniles, Par Beach 20 juveniles. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4331 11024 4014 3802 4795 3575 2870 6581 5706 5607 11364 7878 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 145 250 71 149 87 215 159 119 155 129 196 43 St. John's Lake 40 82 220 175 175 200 300 150 139 100 - 300 Lynher Est. 138 123 23 72 49 62 32 42 83 90 54 229 Ruan Lanihorne 30 20 - 140 20 47 127 124 61 72 220 64 Truro River 46 98 16 150 267 79 154 20 84 72 123 170 Restronguet Creek 70 68 58 182 80 34 44 38 54 28 50 80 Penryn River 39 50 35 50 29 34 74 - 60 - 67 200 Helford River 54 90 69 136 67 85 38 18 81 34 118 - Drift Res. 152 220 200 360 580 63 228 522 473 450 800 526 Hayle Est. 110 500 170 60 300 245 2 900 85 400 700 320 Gannel Est. 250 2660 60 10 64 - 92 110 720 230 450 450 Camel Est. 189 1062 404 170 203 162 120 2600 541 949 - - Crowdy Res. - 20 - 28 70 25 60 450 100 400 - - Colliford Res.: 61 5 2 31 156 30 350 454 231 50 100 15 A first year bird, considered to be either a leucistic individual or a hybrid frequented Falmouth Bay from Dec 20th into 1998 RCJ et al.

69 Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian form L. a. argentatus were noted as follows: Maer Lake: adult Jan 4th SMC,GPS. Towan Head: singles Feb 10th, 28th & Mar 14th SMC. Camel Est.: adult Feb 27th GJC. Par Beach: 4th year Apr 17th RL.

WESTERN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL - Larus cachinnans Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Millbrook: adult Jan 7th CC. Drift Res.: adult Jan 25th, Feb 12th, two adult Feb 20th SMC,GH. Hayle Est.: adults Jan 26th, Feb 2nd, Feb 13th-19th, Apr 26th, May 31st, Jul 9th and Oct 14th SMC,DSF,FHH,LPW. Harlyn Bay: adult Feb 2nd-3rd SMC,DIJ. Maer Lake: one Feb 12th BSW. Par Beach Pool: 1st winter Feb 16th & Mar 18th-21st, adult Dec 30th RL. Newquay: 3rd winter Feb 20th, adults Feb 25th, Mar 10th-14th, Apr 28th, 2nd year Jun 3rd SMC. Camel Est.: 3rd winter Mar 2nd & 16th SMC,GJC. Stannon Clay Pit: two adult Aug 16th, adult Aug 30th & Sep 12th CLBo,GJC. Colliford Res.: three adult, one sub-adult, one 2nd summer Aug 30th, three adult, 3rd year, 1st winter Sep 5th & Sep 12th, two adult Oct 4th, three adult, one 2nd winter Oct 31st CLBo, GJC. Dozmary Pool: adult Aug 30th & Sep 14th-21st CLBo,GJC. Loe Pool: adult Oct 12th, two adult Nov 5th ARP. Siblyback Res.: adult Oct 12th, two adult Nov 27th, 4th winter Nov 29th, 1st winter Dec 14th SMC,GJC,SCM. Lynher Est.: one Nov 27th RWG. A minimum of 44 individuals, the highest ever annual total (see Figure 3) takes the county mainland total c.130. Apart from singles in 1944 and 1950 all but two have been recorded since 1983. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 16 10 4 4 3 3 12 10 21 17 12 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 14; 2nd year 13; 3rd year nine; 4th year/adult 97. Top sites: Colliford Res. 20, St. John's Lake 12, Looe nine, Camel Est. and Par eight each.

Figure 3. Western Yellow-legged Gull annual totals 1978-1997.

70 ICELAND GULL - Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor. Rare passage migrant (mainly spring). A good year with approximately 20 birds recorded, mostly 1st years. A 1st winter bird overwintered in the Drift/Sancreed/Land's End area from 1996. Eight new birds arrived up to the end of April. The autumn/second winter period turned up 10 new birds, the majority of which were 1st winters. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 2 3 4 - - - - 1 - 7 5 Drift Res./Sancreed/Land's End area: 1st winter from 1996 to Apr 22nd DSF,GH,KAW et al. Trevorrian Pool: two 1st winters Jan 1st BSW. Gannel Est.: 2nd winter Feb 4th-10th SMC,TSH,MST. Par Beach: 1st winter Mar 3rd-4th RL. Pentewan: 1st winter Mar 27th RL. Rame Head: 2nd summer Apr 12th EJW. Downderry: 1st summer Apr 17th-19th SCM. Hayle Est.: 1st summer Apr 25th JHH,BD, 1st winter Nov 16th DSF,VAS. Land's End: 1st winter Sep 9th, 1st winter Nov 8th DSF. Colliford Res.: 1st winter Nov 8th EJW. Sennen: 1st winter Nov 8th DSF (assumed same as Land's End bird). Pendeen watch: adult Nov 9th DML,MS. Long Rock Pool: 1st winter Nov 11th BSW. Falmouth Bay: 1st winter Nov 15th-Dec 6th RCJ. Mawgan Porth: 1st winter Nov 18th SMC. Drift Res.: 2nd winter Dec 7th GH. Caer Bran Farm: 2nd winter Dec 19th BCW,AH. Swanpool: 1st winter Dec 21st-23rd DE,RCJ. Sancreed: 1st winter Dec 24th-25th DSF. The county mainland total now stands at c. 337. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 89 78 62 51 19 1 - - 1 4 13 35 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 178; 2nd year 80; 3rd year 19; 4th year/adult 51; imm. 10; not aged five. Top sites: Mounts Bay 66, Falmouth 52, Hayle Est. 44, St. Ives 21, Looe 18.

GLAUCOUS GULL - Larus hyperboreus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant (mainly spring). Probably 16 different birds occurred during the year. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 3 3 5 3 1 - - 1 - 2 3 Drift Res./Sancreed: 1st winter from 1996 - Apr 27th GJC,DSF,GH,VAS. Newquay: 1st winter Jan 10th-17th & Feb 10th-17th , 1st sum. May 23rd-Jun 16th SMC,TSH et al. Hayle Est.: 1st winter/summer Feb llth-May 7th DSF,LPW. Camel Est.: 1st winter Mar 16th-18th SMC,GJC,GAH. Downderry: 1st summer Apr 18th-19th SCM. Land's End: 2nd summer Apr 27th SMC. St.Ives Bay: 2nd winter/3rd winter Apr 27th SMC. Rame Head: One May 23rd, one Sep 20th EJW. Lizard Church Cove: 3rd summer Sep 8th AL. Acton Castle: 1st year Nov 12th PAD. Kingsand: 2nd winter Nov 15th PSC. Maenporth: 1st winter Dec 6th/7th RCJ,IRS,WS,ABS. Swanpool: 1st winter Dec 14th, probably the Maenporth bird GRW. Millbrook: 3rd & 4th winters Dec 27th RWG.

71 The county mainland total advances to c.480 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 154 104 60 29 16 3 1 4 11 15 34 49 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 224; 2nd year 94; 3rd year 27; 4th year/adult 61; imm. 27; not aged 35. Top sites: Mounts Bay 108, Hayle 64, Falmouth 50, St. Ives 49, Newquay 19, Camel Est.15.

GLAUCOUS X HERRING GULL HYBRID Sancreed: 1st winter from 1996 last noted Mar 25th DSF. Towan Head: 1st winter Nov 19th-20th SMC,JHH.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus marinus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Totals at both ends of the year were much higher than for many years. Breeding was noted at the following sites: Crane Islands (one pair failed), Portreath (one pair failed), Hell's Mouth (one pair failed), Hudder Down (three juveniles fledged), Samphire Island (one pair, two young died before fledging), Sally's Bottom (one pair raised one young), Western Cove (one pair, nest washed away), Par Docks (two pairs). At Mullion Island ARP noted approximately 100+ pairs in May but only two juveniles in July. Approximate monthly totals 1997: —11 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1690 2508 1663 383 774 267 221 830 924 1106 1818 2000 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 25 30 20 15 7 10 15 24 22 15 31 8 St. John's Lake 5 3 2 4 18 12 4 12 11 6 15 20 Lynher Est. 11 9 1 2 3 4 - 1 45 17 87 32 Looe - 120 110 1 93 - 18 96 - 39 293 65 Ruan Lanihorne 180 57 25 30 25 8 5 8 12 80 260 200 Hayle Est. 130 8 138 - - 25 - 10 3 4 40 46 Camel Est. 346 1269 328 3 31 67 11 161 110 304 - 106 Elsewhere notable counts included 110 at Gannel Est. Feb 10th, 102 at Drift Res. Nov 23rd, 200 at Porthpean Dec 25th and 456 past Rame Head Dec 27th.

KITTIWAKE - Rissa tridactyla Common summer resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Very few breeding reports were received this year, so it is not known if there has been any change in status. However, the colony at Ralph's Cupboard seems to be in decline. Breeding season counts are as follows (figures represent max. number of pairs/nests counted, p = present not counted): 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Mullion 13 - - - 9 6 Land's End p 537 501 495 - - - Ralph's Cupboard 70 104 114 118 176 192 - Newquay p 1200 600 1000 1000 P P Trevose Head/Stepper 100 150 35 140 142 80 Polzeath/Ranie Point 11 - 89 75 P 220 Gorran Haven 120 - - - - - Highest counts during the year include: Newquay: 4500 west Feb 18th, 2772 west Nov 6th. Chapels Pt: 3000 west Feb 25th, 6000 west Nov 19th. Rame Head: 206 (144 west) May 10th, 842 (550 west) Dec 1st. St.Ives: 3000 west Nov 6th, 10000 west Nov 9th. Treveal: 950 west Nov 8th. Pendeen: 2810 west Nov 9th. St.Agnes: 510 west in one hour Dec 6th. Trevose: 2046 west Dec 8th.

72 CASPIAN TERN - Sterna caspia Very rare vagrant. Stithians Res.: one Jul 28th GCo,CT. Hayle Estuary: first year Aug 1st RAn. Mount's Bay: one Aug 4th, presumed same as Stithians Res. CBC et al. The first and second county mainland records.

SANDWICH TERN - Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. A first winter, from December 1996, overwintered in Carbis Bay Jan lst-5th, later moving to Mount's Bay Jan 12th-Feb 8th but also visited Gerrans Bay Jan 23rd and Sennen Cove Feb 2nd SVC,RAJ,VAS et al. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 62 386 95 74 117 978 812 431 3 1 The first spring arrivals were two off Newquay Mar 12th, followed by singles at Towan Head Mar 14th, Mount's Bay Mar 15th and Porthgwarra Mar 16th. The majority of birds moved through between Apr 3rd & 18th, after which a small number were noted into the summer. Autumn passage started with a trickle of birds from late June with notable passage between Jul 20th and Oct 12th. The last birds of the year were singles at Hayle Estuary Nov 5th and 16th, and two off St.Ives Island Nov 16th. In the second winter period an adult was noted on the Camel Estuary Dec 19th FMC et al. Inland: a single flew over the A39, north of Apr 28th AJB. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. John's Lake Rame Head - - 6 2 8 - 2 12 4 - - - Par - - 1 18 10 8 7 5 10 2 - - Mounts Bay 1 1 4 6 7 3 - 20 2 3 - - St. Ives 1 - - 24 3 5 3 24 63 38 2 - Hayle Est. - - 5 2 2 6 4 40 86 24 1 - Newquay - - 2 1 1 2 2 38 8 32 - - Camel Est. - - 3 - - 5 11 83 43 5 - 1

ROSEATE TERN - Sterna dougallii Scarce passage migrant. Towan Head: adult Jul 2nd SMC. Hayle Est.: one Aug 20th AM. Bude: one Aug 28th, snared on fishing line in canal GPS. Tamar Lakes: adult Sep lst-2nd GPS. The mainland total advances to c.782, all but two since 1951. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May J un Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 32 120 33 127 149 280 40 - - Top sites: St.Ives 401, Hayle/Porthkidney Sands 200, Newquay 30, Par Beach 26, Mount's Bay 24.

COMMON TERN - Sterna hirundo Passage migrant. The first in spring were ten at Porthpean Apr 9th, followed by three off Swanpool Apr 17th; the last of the spring was one in Par Bay Jun 12th. In all, c.172 bird were involved, with only two large movements: May 2nd (48%) and May 19th (20%). Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 13 152 78 31 621 212 54 1 -

73 Autumn passage involved an exceptional total of c. 990 birds, commencing with a single off Towan Head Jun 21 st and ending with one at Hayle Est. Nov 5th. Peak passage occurred in August with large movement of 141 (14%) on the 4th and 120 (12%) on the 12th. The early movement of 55 at Trevose Head Jun 26th may related to failed breeders. A bird in first summer plumage was noted off Rame Head Jun 5th EJW. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St.Austell Bay - - - 10 20 8 3 - 3 - - - Pendeen Watch - _ _ _ 28 3 3 _ Hayle Est. ------2 96 28 1 1 - Newquay _ _ _ _ 14 3 9 28 7 17 _ _ Trevose Head _ _ - - 1 55 2 20 26 12 Camel Estuary ------10 3 - - - Additional counts: Bude: 82 May 2nd. Porthgwarra: 35 Aug 4th. St.John's Lake: 12 Aug 9th. Sennen Cove (2km off shore): 65 west Aug 11th and 110 Aug 12th. Clodgy Point: 57 Sep 13th. Inland: singles were noted at Drift Res. Aug 25th-26th, Sep 21st-2nd, Sep 28th and Oct 8th GH.

ARCTIC TERN - Sterna paradisaea Uncommon passage migrant. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 38 5 - 45 59 60 2 - An above average spring was followed by the best numbers in autumn since 1988. The first of the spring were 22 at Bude Breakwater and two off Rame Head May 2nd. Passage involved 43 birds at seven locations, the last being at Trevose Head Jun 26th. An excellent autumn passage, consisting of 166 birds, began with a single at Hayle Est. on Aug 3rd. Good numbers were seen between Aug 28th & 30th, including 11 at Pendeen (29th) and 20 at Trevose Head (30th). Passage was steady through September, with 12 at Hayle Estuary being a particularly notable count.

TERN sp. (Common or Arctic Tern) Small numbers were reported throughout the year. The largest counts were as follows: Pendeen: 17 Aug 23rd, 100 Aug 30th and 44 Sept 13th. Porthgwarra: 18 Aug 19th

LITTLE TERN - Sterna albifrons Uncommon passage migrant. The 54 records constituted a marked return to form and the highest total since 1989. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 13 4 1 4 29 3 - - - Spring passage commenced with a single at Hayle Est. Apr 24th and was followed by an excellent count of 12 in Par Bay. Passage closed on June 8th with a total of 18 records. Autumn passage too, was strong, with 36 records. Passage commenced with a single at Padstow on Jul 2nd and peaked with 23 records Aug 3rd-5th. The last of the year was a single past St. Ives Island on Sep 13th. Hayle Est.: singles Apr 24th & Jul 13th, six Aug 4th, two Aug 5th DSF,JHH,VAS,GRW et al. Par Bay: 12 Apr 26th RL.Bude: three May 2nd, one Aug 11th GPS.Millbrook: one Jun 8th GDL.St. Ives: two Jul 7th, two Sep 13th VAS.Harlyn Bay: eight Aug 3rd SMC.Mount's Bay: five Aug 4th DIJ.Towan Head: one Aug 4th SMC.Camel Est.: singles Jul 2nd & Aug 4th SMC,JT. Pendeen: three Aug 28 h, one Aug 29th JHH.Trevose Head: one Aug 30th, 6ne Sep 1st SMC.

74 BLACK TERN - Chlidonias niger Uncommon passage migrant. An excellent year, with 205 records constituting the best since 1985. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 5 - - 174 22 4 - - Spring passage was typically slight with nine birds. Passage began with three at Maer Lake May 2nd and closed with a single at Towan Head on May 23rd. Autumn passage began with a single at Stithians Res. Aug 8th and was slight until the influx of Aug 28th-30th, when 135 were recorded, including a flock of 43 at Camel Estuary. Small numbers were fairly widespread in September and the last of the year were singles at Camel Est. and Hayle Est. on Oct 10th. Maer Lake: three May 2nd GPS. Rame Head: one May 2nd, Aug 31st KP,EJW. Towan Head: one May 23rd, nine Aug 28th, two Aug 29th, juv. Oct 8th SMC,DE,SGR. Stithians Res.: one Aug 8th DE. Pendeen Watch: six Aug 11 th, juv. Aug 18th, one Aug 22nd, 21 Aug 28th, one Aug 29th, one Aug 30th TDC,LHC,JHH. Porthgwarra: singles Aug 11th & Aug 17th MCH,SML. Lower Tamar Lake: two Aug 23rd, 10 Sep 22nd GPS. Hayle Est.: seven Aug 28th, four Aug 30th, two Sep 2nd-3rd, singles Sep 21st & Oct 11th DSF,JHH,BLW et al. Camel Est.: 43 Aug 28th, singles Aug 30th, Sep 9th and Oct 10th JHH,GAH,DIJ. Trevose Head: 15 Aug 30th SMC. Upper Tamar Lake: juv. Sep 1st GPS. Mount's Bay: one Sep 7th CCW. St. Ives Bay: singles Sep 8th & 13th KJ,RAJ,NJP,VAS. Crowdy res.: two Sep 12th JHH. Hannafore Point: juv. Sep 20th GDL. Bude: one Oct 9th GPS.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN - Chlidonias leucopterus Rare vagrant. Par Bay: adult Jul 10th RL. Now almost annual in Cornwall with birds occurring in eight out of the last ten years. It is, however, a great rarity on Scilly with only one record this century. The county mainland total now stands at 23. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 5 - 4 2 8 2 - - * one undated

Top sites: Hayle Est. six, Tamar Lakes three.

COMMON GUILLEMOT - Uria aalge Summer resident. Breeds (mainly north coast). Passage migrant. Winter visitor. I Breeding season information was received from the following localities. The figures represent maximum number of birds, but those in bold relate to the number of nests/pairs; p = present; with comparative data from 1991991-19967 . 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Long & Short Islands 3 213 7 30 50 160 21 Lye Rock - 8 - - - 20 - The Sisters 180 264 P P 80 70 60 The Mouls 2 50 45 _ 60 _ Gulland Rock P 120 - - - 150 -

75 Trevose Head 7 36 P 4 10 26 9 Bawden Rocks P P 50 80 - 80 - Newdowns Head P P 35 - - - - The Brisons 4 P P P P P P Gull Rock, Nare Head P P 20 30 30 40 60 Passage counts came mostly from Rame Head where 611 were noted during the year, including 131 Mar 13th. Other counts include 300 off Porthgwarra May 12th & 610 off Pendeen Watch Jul 13th.

Common Guillemot (Kester Wilson)

RAZORBILL - Alca torda Summer resident Breeds (mainly north coast). Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season information was received from the following localities. The figures represent maximum number of birds present, but those in bold relate to the number of nests/pairs; p = present; with comparative data from 1991-1996. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Long & Short Islands 5 102 25 P 60 30 - The Mouls 4 8 20 37 P P P The Sisters 20 35 _ _ 44 30 Cat's Cove 14 28 - 2 _ 6 _ Hudder Cove 4 P 7 3 9 - - Hell's Mouth 6 P 10 15 22 - - The Brisons 40 - - - - - Maximum counts include 250 feeding off Trevose Head Jan 23rd, 146 east past Hannafore Point Mar 14th, 153 west past Killigerran Head May 11th and 1035 past Porthgwarra Oct 14th-17th. An individual found dead at Whitsand Bay Feb 2nd had been ringed as a nesting on Canna, Scotland, in June 1996.

BLACK GUILLEMOT - Cepphus grylle Rare passage migrant and winter visitor, occasionally overwintering. Mount's Bay: one Jan 1 st BSW. Daymer Bay: one Feb 15th DFK. Swanpool Bay: one Mar 20th-Apr 11th CLB,DE,MM. Killigerran Head: one May 11th SMC. Pendeen Watch: one Nov 11th DML,MS. Chapel Point: one Nov 17th RL. The mainland total now stands at c.59.

76 Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 75522--368 7 * four undated Top sites: St. Ives 14, Falmouth Bay 12, Mevagissey Bay three, Sennen, Camel Est. and Trevose Head two each.

LITTLE AUK-Alle alle Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bude Breakwater: one Jan 1 st-2nd GPS. Lamorna Cove: one Jan 17th-19th BDB et al. Falmouth: one Jan 18th RCJ. Par Bay: one Jan 22nd, one Jan 31st-Feb 8th RL. Downderry: one Jan 30th SCM. St. Ives: one Feb 10th BSW. Portscatho: singles Feb 10th, Feb 21st and Mar 29th RCJ,BBk,GHT,LB. Towan Head: two Feb 13th, two Feb 18th, one Feb 25th, one Nov 11th, two Nov 8th, two Nov 9th, one Dec 27th SMC,TSH,MST. Polhawn Cove: one Mar 2nd DRC. Falmouth Bay: one Mar 2nd, one Mar 13th-25th, one Nov 25th RCJ. Porthpean: one Mar 4th RL. Carbis Bay: one Mar 30th BSW. Trevose Head: one Oct 10th SMC. Porthgwarra: one Nov 16th SMC. Mount's Bay: one Nov 30th VAS. Towednack: one Dec 2nd MJR. Sennen Cove: one Dec 8th JL. Pendeen Watch: one Dec 11th JL. An above average year with 31 records. The series of records during March are very noteworthy. The county mainland total now stands at c. 1291 since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 95 133 39 2 - 1 4 102 403 512

Top sites: St. Ives Island 562, Porthgwarra 218, Falmouth 86, Newquay 58, Mullion/Loe Pool 44.

PUFFIN - Fratercula arctica Scarce breeder (north coast). Uncommon passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. Over the last forty years there has been a marked decline in the breeding population in Cornwall. As an illustration, over 3000 could be seen at Lye Rock in the 1940's and 600 during the 1960's. In 1970 there were about 70 birds still present but there are now none. Trevone and Gull Rock (Nare Head) are other former colonies. Breeding season records were received from the following locations where breeding is known, or suspected, to have occurred. Figures represent the maximum number of single birds seen at or near the colony, with comparative data for 1991 to 1996. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Long and Short Island 4 12 7 2 16 15 15 TheMouls 22 8 11 20 25 30 17 The Brisons 6 5 3 ---- There were no reports from Bawden Rock or Gulland Rock Elsewhere, the following records were received Falmouth Bay: one Jan 18th. Polhawn Cove: one Apr 13th. Trevalga: one Apr 19th, one May 31st. Pentire Point: three Apr 27th, four June 1st.

77 Porthgwarra: 25 between May 18th & Oct 16th. Pentewan: one May 12th. Downderry: one Jun 29th. Killigerran Head: one Sep 3rd. Widemouth Bay: one Sep 22nd. Trevose Head: eight Oct 8th-Nov 8th. Bass Point: one Dec 12th. It seems likely that the summer records from Porthgwarra relate to the colony on The Brisons. However, the summer record from Downderry (the second consecutive year) is most interesting. Since 1964, a total of c.2369 have been seen away from breeding sites. Top sites: Porthgwarra 1459, The Lizard 256, St. Ives 246, Rame Head 101.

FERAL PIGEON / ROCK DOVE - Columba livia Resident. Breeds. Pure Rock Doves may survive on some of the more remote parts of the north coast, but would probably prove indistinguishable from feral stock. Around 400 birds were reported throughout the year, with five significant counts: 100 in the St.Austell area, 100 at Truro, 40 at Trevose Head, 70 at Porthgwarra and 23 in the Looe area.

STOCK DOVE - Columba oenas Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. As in previous years, records indicate larger concentrations in the early part of the year, with a steady build-up of numbers late in the autumn and into the second winter period. Maize fields and linseed stubble are the preferred feeding areas. The highest counts in the first winter period were 120 at Tregonetha Downs, 50 at Menabilly and 60 at Gormain Farm. Spring passage was typically light with no more than about 30 birds involved, mainly in ones or twos. Mid April to mid May would appear to be the main period of movement. Breeding was proved at Trethin, with further breeding season records from about seven localities, widely spread across the county. During autumn passage, numbers were down on the previous year (which was a record-breaking year), though counts at Porthgwarra included 75 Oct 23rd, 66 Oct 25th and 60 Oct 27th.

In second winter period there were 37 at Winnard's Perch Dec 1st and 45 at Downderry Dec 7th.

WOOD PIGEON - Columba palumbus Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (majority late autumn). Winter visitor. In the first winter period, there were several significant counts, with higher numbers than in the previous years: Marshgate: 200 Jan 4th. Sconner Corner: 120 Jan 6th. Menabilly: 300 Jan 9th. St. Columb Road: 400 Jan 11th. By mid-February, numbers had dwindled to mostly single figure counts, although 350 at Rumford Apr 11th were obvious spring migrants. The only other notable record of the spring was 75 at Sancreed Apr 22nd. Breeding was recorded sparsely across the county, and proved at Tregoose, Trevose, Pennance Point, Anderton and in the Tresillian area. Autumn migration started mid September with 55 at the Walmsley Sanctuary, then numbers peaked at the end of October and into November. In contrast to the previous year, when up to 40,000 birds were recorded, just 900 birds were counted. Second winter period counts were also very low, with a maximum of just 70 at Wacker Quay Dec 6th.

78 COLLARED DOVE - Streptopelia decaocto Breeds. Resident. Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Recorded breeding in every month of the year, though sparse in the winter periods. The largest flock was 36 in February at Crowan. Spring passage was negligible. 65 at Gulval was easily the highest count on May 10th followed by 16 at Porthgwarra May 16th. Breeding records were sparse though evenly distributed across the county. BRP reported good populations in the Marazion/Long Rock and Ludgvan area. Autumn passage was more pronounced than in spring. The first two weeks of October were most notable with 18 at Land's End Oct 19th and 12 at Sennen being the notable counts.

A leucistic bird was noted at Sennen Oct 27th.

TURTLE DOVE - Streptopelia turtur Passage migrant. Occasionally summers, probably bred in 1981, 1978 & 1977. Rare in winter. The first bird of the year appeared at Polhawn Cove Apr 19th, followed by one at Portnadler Bay Apr 27th. The main influx arrived from May 1 st, mostly in ones or twos, but there were six at Nanquidno May 3rd and nine at Kenidjack on the same day. Virtually all of the 104 spring records came from coastal areas. There were no reports of breeding in the county during 1997. The only summer record was two at Housel Bay mid June. Autumn migration involved just 23 birds, (same as in the previous year), starting with one at Perranuthnoe Aug 30th. The last were five together at Church Cove, Lizard Nov 1st. ML.

COMMON CUCKOO - Cuculus canorus Summer resident. Breeds, though declining. Passage migrant, mainly spring. The first bird of the spring was recorded at Rame Head Mar 27th (1996 earliest Apr 1st at Stithians). The main influx arrived from Apr 21 st, mostly in singles or pairs, although there were four together at Treveal May 4th and four at Kenidjack May 11th. A brown phase bird was seen at Church Cove May 7th. Breeding was confirmed at just one site, but males were present during the breeding season at about twenty suitable localities, mainly in the Bodmin Moor area and the east of the county. Autumn passage involved just six birds. As in previous years, both adult and juvenile birds appear to depart the county early; the last record was three at Clodgy Point Aug 8th. VAS.

BARN OWL-Tyto alba Resident. Breeds, though declined over last ten years. Loss of breeding sites, destruction of habitat, increased road traffic and cold winters followed by damp summers all take a heavy toll on this vulnerable species. The downward trend appears to have continued slightly this year. Breeding was proved at 14 sites, compared to just six sites in 1996 and nine in 1995. From the 14 sites, just eight young were fledged, compared to nine in 1996. A total of 114 sites held birds during the year, evenly spread across the county, although the A30 and A39 trunk roads at night or dusk are popular feeding areas. In the second winter period, up to 50 different birds were on the wing, perhaps suggesting that more juveniles than suspected had actually fledged. Two birds were found dead; at Penpraze Farm Jun 6th and at Halloon Aug 11th. Of interest one pair bred in the village pub at Paul.

LITTLE OWL - Athene noctua Widespread but very scarce resident. Breeds. Despite increased coverage, there has been a ongoing reduction in numbers since the early 1980's. In 1997, there were no confirmed breeding reports, although one bird appeared to be holding territory at Garras Farm, and two birds were regularly recorded throughout the year near Carnmenellis.

79 Pentire Farm: Jan 5th DIJ. Rospannel: Apr 10th RDR. Trevean Farm: Apr 26th and May 17th PAD. Tregonebris: May 3rd CLBo,GJC.

TAWNY OWL - Strix aluco Widespread resident. Breeds. Unlike other owls, indications are that the population is healthy and not in decline. Successful breeding was reported from Wendron, Idless, Jolly's Bottom, St. Mabyn, Skewjack, Davidstow, Trevaunance, Lizard and St. Agnes, where a total of 18 juveniles were raised (average two young per pair). At least 25 additional suitable sites held birds during the breeding season. There were also many reports of sedentary birds being present in specific areas throughout the year. There were no indications this year of adults raising young in man-made nest boxes - this would be useful information in future years. There was four reports of birds found dead at the roadside.

LONG-EARED OWL - Asio otus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally breeds. Degibna, Loe Pool: one found dead Mar 16th SK. Lamorna Cove: one Apr 21st BDB. Stithians Res.: one Oct 14th ARP. Townshend: one roosting in holly Dec 26th DCm. The county mainland total advances to c.98 since 1930.

Long-eared Owl (Kester Wilson) Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 9 6 7 2 5 - 8 4 16 12 18 * three undated. Top sites: Porthgwarra 15, Stithians seven, Upper Fowey Valley, Cot Valley and Sticker four each.

SHORT-EARED OWL - Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant. Winter visitor. Numbers fluctuate from year to year but wintering numbers have apparently declined considerably in the last 15 years. Bred on several occasions in 1930's and 1940's and probably did so in 1983. Eight birds were reported in the first winter period: two at Colliford Res. and singles at Tregonetha Downs, Trekenning, Gillhouse Downs, Caer Bran, Tregonetha Downs and East Colliford. In Spring, five records were as follows: Kynance Cove: Apr 1st. Colliford Res.: Apr 6th. Marazion Marsh: Apr 6th. Trenance Point: two Apr 15th. Cam Galver: May 12th. The first of the autumn was one at Park Head Sep 25th. There then followed a substantial passage of approximately 60 birds, virtually all in the West Penwith area. The largest flocks were at Porthgwarra, when nine appeared Oct 23rd, decreasing to one Oct 26th, but increasing to an astonishing 21 there Oct 25th SMC. Other reports came from Nanquidno (two) Oct 26th, Portreath Oct 29th and Nov

80 15th, Cot Valley Oct 30th, Caer Bran (two) Oct 31 st and Nov 11th, Tregantle Nov 1 st, Porthleven Nov 7th, Porthgwarra (two) Nov 23rd, Gannel Est. Nov 25th, Bartinney Downs Nov 30th and Davidstow Airfield Dec 14th.

LONG-EARED/SHORT-EARED OWL Military Road, Penlee: one Oct 24th per RWG. Hannafore Point: flew in from west and landed on Looe Island Oct 8th GDL. 1995 Addition Penlee Point, Rame: one Oct 8th GDL.

EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus europaeus Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Formerly more common as a breeding species in the county, though now restricted to a small number of sites. The recent growth in our local population mirrors the increase nationally. Numbers at regular breeding sites were down on those of recent years but the records from, potentially, three new localities is encouraging. : male churring on outskirts of town Jul 17th HAS. Par Beach Pool: one Aug 16th CLBo,GJC et al. 1997 breeding season information was received from the following areas (with comparative data for 1990-1996). Figures represent maximum number of 'churring' males (12 reported): 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 West Penwith Site 1 2 3 4 3 7 5 3 6 Site 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 (see total for Site 1) Site 3 1 2 - - - - Site 4 - 1 - - - - - Site 5 - 1 - - - - - Lizard Site 1 1 1 2 1 3 3 1 2 Site 2 2 ------Bodmin Moor 1 3 3 3 4 4 4/5 4+ nr St. Austell 2 1 + 1 2 2 2 1 1 nr Newquay 1 ------

COMMON SWIFT - Apus apus Passage migrant. Summer resident. Breeds. The first spring bird was one at Maer Lake Apr 19th (1996 earliest was Mar 24th Polly Joke). The main influx arrived May 1 st with six at Marazion Marsh. There were just two triple figure counts in spring: 153 at Colliford May 10th and 250 St. Ives May 30th. Otherwise, numbers appeared to be comparatively low, with tens or twenties the norm. The largest flock of the year was just 300 at St. Austell sewage works Jun 30th, although these were probably local breeders from St.Austell. There were no breeding reports from dwellings or from cliff nest sites. Older style buildings are especially attractive to this species, although newer buildings and repairs or demolition to older ones is probably having an adverse affect on the status of this species. All future breeding records would be especially useful. In autumn, the majority had departed by Aug 20th, with about 40 records thereafter. The latest was one bird lingering around Marazion Marsh on the exceptionally late date of Dec 21st. DSF.

COMMON KINGFISHER - Alcedo atthis Scarce resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Winter visitor. During the first winter period, reports were distributed across the county, but with a bias towards the central and eastern end. Records mostly concerned single or double birds frequenting the estuaries and rivers, and occasionally the coast in winter. In the breeding season, records were restricted to just two localities (Looe and Boscarne), but there

81 was no proof of young being raised. One juvenile bird was sighted at the Walmsley Sanctuary Aug 10th. The last proof of young being raised was in 1995, when there were four definite breeding records. Generally, this species becomes remarkably elusive during the breeding season, with no more than a handful of suitable sites holding birds. Autumn passage began at the end of July with several reports of two together, but no family parties were recorded anywhere. At the end of the year, about 60 were reported overwintering, mostly as single birds.

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER - Merops apiaster Vagrant. Land's End: one flew out to sea May 22nd KAW. Polgigga: one Jun 12th & four east Jun 21st DAC,JHH,KAW. Caer Bran Farm: one Jun 23rd AH,BCW. Carnweather Point: five Jul 4th TJB. Zennor: one Jul 17th-18th, also reported in vicinity 16th & 19th CBC,EGG,VAS et al. At least 12 individuals takes the county mainland total to c. 89, which includes a number of multiple occurrences. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 51 24 8 1 1 - - - Also, four undated records. Top sites: Porthgwarra 19 (including a single flock of 15), Helston 12 (single flock).

HOOPOE - Upupa epops Scarce passage migrant, mainly spring. Bred in 1969, 1968, 1962, 1905 and 1901. An average year with 19 individuals involved, all but one appearing in spring. All records are of | single birds, as follows: St. Day: Mar 13th. Newlyn: Mar 19th BML. Lizard Village: Mar 30th, Apr 9th and Apr 14th SP. Kynance Cove: Apr 1st SP. Pons Medda: Apr 2nd-9th PG. Church Cove, Lizard: Apr 8th. St. Buryan: Apr 8th-9th RB. Trevose Head: Apr 9th RW. Gwenver: Apr 12th TG,MPS. St. Levan: Apr 12th BSW. Rame Head: Apr 19th BSW. Drift Res.: Apr 26th per GH. Kynance Downs: May 2nd ARP. Poldhu Cove: May 3rd ECJ. Coverack: May 25th MSH. Trewidden: Jun 9th MD. Zennor: Sep 6th BML. The county mainland total is now c.504 since 1930, prior to which data is incomplete. Monthly breakdown *: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 88 239 73 16 7 13 29 23 11 - * two records undated.

82 WRYNECK - jynx torquilla Scarce passage migrant. Overwintered twice. There is no fully authenticated breeding record of this species in Cornwall. An excellent year with at least 22 records, including four in spring. All records below refer to singles unless stated: Porthgwarra: Mar 22nd KAW. Lizard Village: Apr 3rd-8th JHH. St. Agnes Head: Apr 18th DJCs. Laddenvean: May 6th-7th SBs. Near Marhamchurch: Aug 20th JCP,GPS. Lizard Village: Aug 21st SP. Western Hill, Portreath: Aug 30th MJH. Porthgwarra: Sep 14th-15th, Sep 19th-27th and Oct 2nd JHH,RAJ,GRW. Labour-in-Vain: Sep 18th MJH. St. Agnes Head: Sep 18th DJCs. Trevose Head: Sep 22nd SMC. Lamorna: Sep 23rd BDB. Mylor Bridge: Sep 24th, caught by a cat, JVDH. Church Cove, Lizard: Sep 25th- 30th MT,SK,ML. Land's End: one Sep 26th, two Sep 28th increasing to four 29th and one until Oct 10th RAw,PH. Caerthillian Cove: Sep 27th SK. Bude: Sep 30th GPS. Nanquidno: Oct 3rd-4th BDB. The county total since 1930 is now c.302. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 3 17 10 1 - 28 180 59 3 -

GREEN WOODPECKER - Picus viridus Resident. Breeds, but is declining, especially in coastal areas. About 95 birds were recorded during the year, indicating little change over the last two years. Breeding was proven at Bonython, Boscundle, Sancreed, St. Clement & Townshend. About 25 other sites held birds during the breeding season, though very few along the coast, see Map 2.

Map 2. Green Woodpecker distribution of breeding season records by tetrad 1997.

83 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos major Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. About 120 birds were recorded during the year, thinly distributed across the county. This species is generally absent from the higher moors, but one was seen at Halvana Plantation Jan 23rd. Breeding was confirmed at Cotehele Woods, Duporth, Church Cove, St. Clement, Townshend, Trethurgy and Trevilder. Birds were reported at c.30 other suitable sites during the breeding season, see Map 3. Possible autumn migrants were noted at Skewjack Sep 27th, Caer Bran Oct 2nd and Nov 18th, Treveal Oct 26th and Trevellas Porth Nov 2nd.

Map 3. Great Spotted Woodpecker distribution of breeding season records by tetrad 1997.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor Scarce resident. Breeding rarely reported. This species is best located in mature broad-leaved woodlands and old orchards during early spring, when its distinctive call is most likely to be heard. There were eight reports of this species during 1997 (seven in 1996). Porth Res.: one calling and drumming Jan 16th SMC. Lanhydrock: Feb 7th TSH,MST. Turnaware Point: one calling and drumming Feb 8th SMC. Golitha Wood: one drumming Mar 15th and 22nd. GDL,GJC. Cleave, Calstock: Mar 21st DJC. Dunmere Woods: Apr 24th SMC. Clifton: juv. Jul 20th PJR. Lanhainsworth: Oct 11th SMC.

SHORT-TOED LARK - Calandrella brachydactyla Rare vagrant. Trevose Head: one Sep 26th-Oct 3rd SMC,TSH,MST. The county mainland total now advances to 22. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 2 - - 1 7 8 2 - Top sites: Porthgwarra five, Sennen three, Reskajeage and Land's End two each.

84 WOOD LARK - Lullula arborea Rare resident. Scarce passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. Formerly widespread in the county with breeding records from many areas until 1968. There was then a gradual contraction in range, and breeding was last confirmed in 1983. However, the national population continues to expand giving hope of a re-colonisation in the near future. Sixty-two birds were reported during the year, with four sizeable flocks: Reskadinnick: four Jan 2nd AM. Illogan: seven Jan 17th MJH. Cooksland, Bodmin: four Mar 2nd ABS,IRS,WS. Porthgwarra: singles Sep 20th, Oct 14th & 18th, Nov 1st and six Oct 24th SMC,GCo,JHH,VAS. St. Levan: one Sep 26th JHH. Nanquidno: one Oct 26th. Trevose Head: two Oct 28th; one Nov 7th SMC. Townshend: one Oct 31st to Dec 6th DCm. Penberth: one Oct 31st JHH. Menabilly: 16 Nov 1st ABS. Illogan: 12 Nov 21st MJH. West Pentire: one Nov 23rd BSW.

SKY LARK - Alauda arvensis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant, mainly autumn. Winter visitor. In the first winter period, there were several large flocks feeding in set-aside fields. By far the largest was a flock of 1000 overwintering from 1996 at RAF Portreath. Other sizeable winter flocks were as follows: 200 Garvinack Farm, 300 Menabilly, 350 Marshgate, 300 St. Allen, 550 Porth Mear and 450 at West Pentire. In spring, there were no discernible movements. Breeding reports came from about 30 sites, which held approximately 98 singing males. Reported strongholds appear to be along the north coast, from Godrevy to Polzeath, and to a lesser extent, in the West Penwith area. Autumn passage commenced mid September with 20 at Trevose Head Sep 17th, increasing to 100 Sep 26th. Numbers peaked in mid October with 500 at RAF Portreath, increasing to 1000 by Oct 24th. Other large counts included 104 at Park Head and 297 at Trevose Head. In the second winter period, stubble fields proved popular with a huge build-up of approximately 2000 birds feeding at RAF Portreath at the end of November. At Trevose Head, 950 were present in December, whilst a further 700 were residing in stubble at West Pentire.

HORNED LARK - Eremophila alpestris Rare passage migrant. Hendra, Nanquidno: two Oct 25th-28th PSC et al. Porthgwarra: one Oct 26th-30th SMC. These three take the county mainland total to c.14. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 5 - - - - 2 - 7 - - Top sites: Trevose Head and Porthgwarra three each, Nanquidno two.

SAND MARTIN - Riparia riparia Passage migrant (mainly spring). Breeds. The first bird of the year was one at Stithians Res. Mar 3rd RB. The main influx arrived from the end of March and passage continued to approximately the first week of May. Passage involved around 5,000 birds, which was about 30% down on the same period last year. The largest gatherings include: Egloshayle 500 Apr 26th; Marazion Marsh 350 Apr 12th and 200 Apr 25th. Breeding records, in 1997, were received for the following colonies, with comparative data for the

85 years 1990-1996. Figures represent number of occupied nest holes; p=present, not counted. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Treskilling Clay Pit 46 77 40 30 40+ 45+ 30 30 Poldhu Cove - P 50 15+ - - - Loe Bar 20 24 10 - - - 2 Perranuthnoe 12 15 - - P P P P Park Pit - 16 _ Porthleven 10 ------Gunwalloe 12 - 45 - P - 22 c.80? There were no breeding reports from Stannon Clay Pit, Park Pit or Poldhu Cove, though this species habitually abandons regular breeding sites, usually reoccupying them in subsequent years. Autumn passage was typically light with the largest flock being 200 at Marazion Marsh Aug 11th. The last bird of the year was one at Hannafore Point Oct 15th SC.

BARN SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms large roosts early autumn. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 26 4586 6377 497 745 13263 19900 829 36 The first bird of the year was at Par Beach Pool Mar 9th (last year's earliest Mar 20th), followed by a steady movement of small numbers until 21 at Maer Lake Apr 1 st. Compared to last year, numbers would appear to be about 20% down in the same spring period. The main passage came through between Apr 23rd and May 28th, with the following largest counts being made: Wicca 400 Apr 26th, Trevose 250 Apr 30th, Treveal 1200 May 4th, Colliford 200 May 9th and Western Cove 1200 May 13th. Breeding was hugely under-reported, with just 13 confirmed breeding pairs, although from observers' notes, breeding appeared successful. At Rame Church, there were still four young in the nest on September 19th KP. In the autumn, two large roosts held very high numbers as follows: Marazion Marsh/Long Rock Pool 6000 Aug 11th and 5000 Sep 4th; Par Beach Pool 2000 Aug 24th. In addition, a large flock of 3000 over Predannack Sep 8th was observed moving south. The last large flock was 200 at Penlee Point Oct 15th, followed by small numbers until the last bird at Nov 28th.

HOUSE MARTIN - Delichon urbica Breeds. Passage migrant, especially in spring. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 61 403 2300 1500 105 615 2900 113 3 - The first spring migrants appeared at Long Rock Pool Mar 7th, when six were present. Small numbers were then seen daily until 60 at St. Austell sewage works Apr 26th, 300 at Pentewan May 8th and then a large flock of 500 at Wicca May 24th and 800 at Treveal May 31st. These large flocks accounted for a five-fold increase in numbers over the same period in the previous year. During the breeding season, 55 pairs were reported at about seven colonies, mostly using the eaves of buildings. Just one coastal cliff colony was reported at Elephant Rock, Bossiney, the number of pairs not being counted. In the early and middle part of this century, cliff colonies were fairly plentiful, but they do not appear to be used as much now. Being double-brooded, records of young at the nest in autumn are not uncommon - three were still being fed in early September at Crackington Haven and also at the end of September at Hengar Manor. Autumn passage was underway by Aug 10th, with the first sizeable flock of 150 at Lizard Point Aug 16th. At Rame Head, a massive flock of 2,000 moved through in just four hours Sep 25th. The last of the year was one at Lerryn Nov 27th.

86 RICHARD'S PIPIT - Anthus novaseelandiae Scarce passage migrant, mainly autumn. Annual since 1974. Trevose Head: one Apr 19th SMC. Predannack: one Apr 27th RCJ. Land's End: one Oct 3rd-4th RAw,PH et al. Sennen: singles Oct 19th & Nov 13th EGG,DML. St.Levan: one Oct 19th SGR,VAS. : one Oct 24th IK. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 27th & Nov 1st SMC,JL,MS et al. North Cliffs: one Nov 2nd DML. Two spring and eight autumn records take the county mainland total to 316, all but nine since 1960. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 3 11 1 - - - 54 189 46 10 Top sites: Porthgwarra 90, Lizard 22, Trevose Head 14.

TAWNY PIPIT - Anthus campestris Rare passage migrant. Land's End: juv. Sep 24th JCh,JHH. Trerulefoot: one Sep 24th KP. Porthgwarra: one Oct 27th SMC. The county mainland total moves to c.l 17. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 7 - 3 3 66 32 2 - Top sites: Porthgwarra 40, Land's End/Sennen 14, Rame Head/Penlee Point 8.

LARGE PIPIT sp. (Richard's or Tawny Pipit) Nanjizal: one Sep 29th KAW.

TREE PIPIT - Anthus triviaiis Passage migrant, mostly in autumn. Breeds in limited numbers in East Cornwall. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 15 15 14 13 12 19 5 - - The first bird of the spring was one at Wendron Apr 9th The main passage occurred between Apr 14th and May 2nd, mostly involving single birds, with the exception of four at St. Cleer Downs Apr 24th JHF. Numbers during spring were over 50% down on the same period last year. Displaying birds were recorded at 13 sites, mainly in the Bodmin Moor or St.Austell areas, although the only proof of breeding was one pair which raised two young at Treskilling, and an adult taking food to a nest near Smallacombe. Autumn passage, not surprisingly, was also well down on the previous year, with passage starting with one at Caer Bran Aug 14th. The last of the year was one at Wicca Oct 5th. The maximum was four at Rame Barton Oct 3rd.

MEADOW PIPIT - Anthus pratensis Breeds. Winter visitor. Passage migrant, very large concentrations occur in autumn. Numbers in the first winter period were generally lower than the previous year. There were no triple figure counts. The highest count was 60 at St. Austell Sewage Works Jan 1 st. Approximatelv monthlv totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 450 120 475 170 140 29 7 54 1900 5200 700 200

87 Spring passage commenced mid-March with 80 at Caerthillian and 120 at Clodgy Mar 19th. The latter record was the only triple figure count in spring. Definite breeding reports were sparse, coming from just six sites, compared to ten in the previous year, though there was no reason to suspect any decline. Most records came from Bodmin Moor and West Penwith Moors. Autumn migration was evident from early September and continued into early November. As in previous years, the significant movements took place in early to mid October. Maximum numbers Porthgwarra: 350 Sep 20th, 400 Oct 19th. Sancreed: 200 Sep 21st. Lizard Village: 150 Sep 27th. Nanquidno: 250 Oct 4th. Pentire Point: 250 Oct 4th. Trevose: 190 Oct 5th. Cot Valley: 200 Oct 14th.

ROCK PIPIT - Anthus petrosus Resident. Passage migrant. Breeds. Widespread on coast, rare inland. The majority of records relate to groups of one to five birds mainly around the coast. During the winter a number of birds frequent estuaries, particularly areas of saltmarsh. In the first winter the only notable counts were 12 Par Beach Jan lst-Mar 14th and 18 Towan Head Feb 22nd. Breeding was reported from just eight sights, involving at least 17 pairs. In the autumn and second winter period the largest counts were as follows: Par Beach: 12 Aug 25th-Sep 19th. Booby's Bay: 15 Sep 24th. Pentire Point: 29 Sep 21st & 14 Oct 4th. Porthpean: 12 Oct 13th. Trevose Head: 12 Oct 24th. Porthgwarra: 12 Oct 27th. Mousehole: 12 Nov 5th. Gannel Est.: 21 Nov 30th. Perranuthnoe: ten Dec 20th. Kelsey Head: 12 Dec 6th. A very dark individual, probably melanistic, was noted at Towan Head Jan 21 st TSH. Individuals showing characteristics of the Scandinavian race, known as Scandinavian Rock Pipit, which can only be distinguished once summer plumage has been attained, were noted as follows: Par Beach: two Mar 21st-Apr 5th GJC,RL.

WATER PIPIT - Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Small numbers winter at traditional sites, typically on beaches, salt marsh and flooded meadows. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13 12 9 4 - - - - - 2 3 An average year with c.27 individuals. All but four were recorded in the first winter period. Par Beach: up to four Jan 1st-Apr 3rd, one Nov 2nd-Dec 28th KJ,RAJ,RL et al. Maer Lake: up to two Jan lst-Feb 21st, one Dec 3rd-30th GPS,GJC. Hayle Est. and Ryan's Field: one Jan 2nd-19th and Mar 6th. DSF,SR. River Neet: one Jan 10th GJC. Camel Est.: two Jan 13th; one Feb 14th SMC. Ruan Lanihorne: one Jan 26th RL; two Feb 2nd SMC. Hannafore: one Jan 26th GDL.

88 Gannel: one Jan 26th TSH, MST. : one Feb 4th RL. Marazion Marsh: one Feb 10th DSF. Carlyon Bay: one Feb 15th RL. Mawgan Porth: two Mar 4th, one Nov 10th SMC. ; Amble Marshes: two Mar 17th SMC. Porthpean: one Dec 21 st-31 st RL.

YELLOW WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava Passage migrant (decreasing). Forms roosts in autumn. Bred almost annually from 1956 to 1965 but not since. Approximate monthly totals 1997 : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 12 15 - - 9 89 12 1 - Spring passage began with four birds at Military Road (Penlee) Apr 6th. Twenty-seven birds moved through with the last at Treveal May 31st. The largest single group of birds were the four at Military Road. Autumn passage commenced Aug 16th with a single bird at Cudden Point. Passage peaked in the second week in September but there were ten at Kenidjack Sep 26th. The last was a late bird at Trevose Head Nov 7th. There were no specific records relating to roosts at the regular sites. Individuals of the South Scandinavian/Central European race M. f. flava colloquially know as Blue-headed Wagtail, which is a scarce passage migrant in the county, were noted as follows: Trevose Head: female Apr 19th SMC. Nanjizal: two Sep 22nd KAW. The county mainland total now stands at c.199. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 46 80 12 6 11 40 1 - -

CITRINE WAGTAIL - Motacilla citreola Rare vagrant. Maer Lake: 1st summer male May 3rd-4th LMD,GPS,CTd,SW et al. 1996 Addition Porthgwarra: female May 14th EGG,GGG,JL,DML. The seventh and eighth county mainland records, but the first in spring. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 2 - - 2 3 1 - - Top sites: Hayle two, Porthgwarra, Land's End, , Marazion Marsh & Drift Res. one each.

GREY WAGTAIL - Motacilla cinerea Resident. Winter visitor. Breeds. Passage migrant, especially autumn. Approximate monthly totals 1997 : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 61 22 13 5 13 14 4 8 142 133 45 39 During the first winter period birds were distributed widely over the county, mostly in ones and twos, but there were 15 at St.Austell S.W. Jan 6th and four at Penryn River Feb 5th. Breeding was confirmed from just three sites: Truro, St.Mawgan and Killiworgie. The onset of autumn passage was gradual, with mostly ones and twos between Aug 1 st and mid-Oct. The highest count was 14 at Wicca Sep 7th.

89 Maximum autumn counts: Ryan's Field: four Sep 6th. Wicca: 14 Sep 7th. Drift Reservoir: six Sep 17th. Skewjack: five Sep 27th. Holman's Moors: four Oct 5th. Treveal: six Oct 12th; eight Oct 18th. Cot Valley: four Oct 18th.

PIED WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms roosts mainly in autumn and winter. Birds were widely distributed in the county in both winter periods, with large gatherings/roosts reported from St.Austell Sewage Works, Par docks and Truro. There was a light spring passage but with a noticeable movement from Mar 22nd, when there were 40 at Par Beach, and Mar 30th with 26 at Pendeen. Breeding reports were only received from two locations, relating to three pairs. Autumn passage consisted of two major movements, the first between early August and early September and the second between mid October and early November. High counts: St.Austell S.W.: 200 Jan 3rd; 100 Feb 1st; 100 Dec 31st. St.Columb S.W.: 50 Jan 9th. Camel Est.: 120 Aug 18th. Davidstow: 100 Aug 31st, 55 Sep 13th. Par Beach: 100 Sep 21st. Porthgwarra: 104 between Oct 16th and Nov 1st. Roosts: Par Docks: 200 Jan 1st; 350 Jan 6th; 450 Feb 7th; 300 Dec 3rd into 1998. Trafalgar roundabout (Truro): 250 Jan 11th. Townshend: 62 Mar 19th. Treliske Hospital, Truro: 150 Oct 1st - Nov 30th. Launceston Police Station: 200 Dec 1st into 1998. Birds of the nominate Continental race M. a. alba, known as White Wagtail, which occur as a regular passage migrant in the county, were noted as follows:- Approximate monthly totals 1997 (M. a. alba): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 20 49 4 - - 3 241 44 - - First for the spring were two at Par Beach Mar 18th, followed by eight other March records, of which only two were away from this site. The last was one at Porth Joke May 14th. Autumn passage commenced Aug 30th with three at Davidstow Airfield. Approximately 285 birds moved through, with the last being one at Par Beach Oct 23rd. Large counts include: Par Beach: 10 Mar 26th-29th. Predannack: 60 Sep 13th; 103 Sep 20th. RAF Portreath: 120 Sep 18th. Drift Reservoir: 23 Oct 3rd.

DIPPER - Cinclus cinclus Scarce resident (mainly mid and east Cornwall). Breeds. Pairs are present on most suitable stretches of the Rivers Camel and Fowey, with the majority of breeding pairs centred around the extremities of Bodmin Moor and small populations in the middle and west of the county. Records were received from 52 sites, with breeding confirmed at 11 and suspected at five.

90 WREN - Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident. Breeds. Populations may be severely reduced after prolonged cold winters. Very few breeding season reports received but BRP noted good numbers at Long Rock Pool with average breeding success. There is no reason to suggest any change in status.

HEDGE ACCENTOR - Prunella modularis Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Good numbers reported across the county. However breeding was only reported from three sites, concerning at least 14 pairs. The only suggestion of any autumn passage was 42 at Porth Joke Oct 16th.

ROBIN - Erithacus rubecula Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage Migrant. Records suggest a healthy population county-wide but again very few breeding season reports, with evidence from only six sites involving a maximum of ten pairs. In autumn there were a number of large counts made, suggesting a noticeable passage: Pentire Point: 11 Sep 21st. Porth Joke: 30 Oct 16th. Porthgwarra: 45 Oct 22nd. Nanjizal: 20 Oct 23rd-24th. St.Agnes Head: 17 Oct 25th. A bird with black and grey underparts was seen at Rock Jan 5th DIJ and a leucistic individual bred in DSF's garden at Sancreed, having first appeared in September 1995.

RUFOUS NIGHTINGALE - Luscinia megarhynchos Rare passage migrant. Bred in 1940, summered in 1978 and 1989. Penrose, Loe Pool: singing male May 17th EC J. The county mainland total moves to c.45. Monthly breakdown *: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 5 12 4 - 6 12 3 - - * three birds were 'undated'.

BLACK REDSTART - Phoenicurus ochruros Winter visitor. Passage migrant mainly autumn. Bred sporadically in the Perranporth area in the 1940s and 1950s. Approximately 38 birds were sighted in the first winter period, less than half the previous year. The only inland site utilised was Truro Cathedral where there was one Jan 14th. The largest count was a meagre three at Little London, Mount's Ba Jan 17th. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 32 6 35 5 1 - - - 1 108 34 23 The first apparent spring migrants were singles at Portnadler Bay, Lower Predannack, Housel Bay and Lizard village Mar 9th. Passage involved approximately 35 birds, with the maximum being four at Kynance Cove Mar 23rd and ending with one there May 1st. Autumn passage commenced with a bird at Bonython Sep 23rd. There were no more than until Oct 1st when there were six at Lizard village. Migration was protracted but with no double-figure counts, the maximum being the six mentioned above and six at Kynance Cove Oct 30th. Seventy-six birds remained into the second winter period although this may have included some late migrants. There were no more than three at any one site.

91 COMMON REDSTART - Phoenicurus phoenicurus Scarce passage migrant. Breeds. Found during the breeding season in most wooded valleys and farmsteads on Bodmin Moor, with a few pairs in the broad-leaved woodland surrounding the Bodmin area. Spring passage commenced with a male at Wadebridge Apr 7th, followed by another at Trevose Head Apr 9th. Twenty-one birds were recorded away from breeding areas, including four at Penlee Point Apr 19th. The last was one at Kenidjack May 3rd. Breeding was confirmed at only three sites and probable at a further four. Additionally there were three singing males at Smallacombe Plantation June 15th. Singing males/pairs at regular breeding sites with comparative data 1990-1996: 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Bearah Tor 4 2 3 3 4 3 4 3 Davidstow Woods 25 1 ------Bastreet 9 5 2 2 - - 1 1 Autumn passage commenced Sep 18th at Military Road, Penlee and ended at Bude Oct 26th. There were approximately 45 birds involved, all ones and twos except for six at Trevose Head Sep 23rd.

WHINCHAT - Saxicola rubetra Passage migrant. Breeds in small numbers but appears to be declining. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 12 19 3 5 22 222 25 1 - Spring passage commenced on Apr 20th with birds at Treveal, Wicca, Triffle and Lundy Bay. Only 31 birds had moved through by the end of May. A bird at Porthgwarra on Jun 2nd could have been either a late arrival or an early return bird. The only confirmed breeding was at Colliford Reservoir, but breeding was probable at Ninestones Bridge and Meadows Downs and possible at Bastreet. This is about the same as last year. Autumn passage began with one at Caer Bran Farm Aug 13th and involved approximately 245 birds, a stark contrast to spring passage. The main influx was during the last week in September and the last bird was one at Land's End Nov lst-2nd. Maximum numbers: Porthgwarra: 11 Sep 22nd. Trevose Head: 9 Sep 22nd. Land's End: 12 Sep 24th. Lizard Village: 8 Sep 29th.

COMMON STONECHAT - Saxicola torquata Resident. Breeds. Passage/partial migrant. Suffers heavy mortality in prolonged cold weather. During the first winter period birds were widely distributed around the coast, but there were only two inland records: two at Argal Reservoir Jan 13th and one at Coverack Bridges, Helston Feb 5th. There was little evidence of spring passage but there were eight at Predannack Mar 15th and six at Mullion Cove the same day. Breeding was confirmed from 21 sites across the county involving at least 42 pairs. The highest altitude of recorded breeding was Colliford Reservoir, where five pairs bred. Breeding was probable at a further 21 sites with a maximum five pairs at Cam Brea (). Again it is difficult to tell if there was any autumn passage but there were 36 at St.Agnes Head Sep 18th. Other large counts during autumn include: Porthgwarra: 8 Sep 27th; 10 Sep 30th. Portreath: 10 Oct 1st. Drift Reservoir: 7 Oct 5th. Portnadler Bay to Hannafore: 8 Oct 18th. During the second winter period there were one to four at many sites across the county, with the maximum being five at Portreath Nov 22nd.

92 NORTHERN WHEATEAR - Oenanthe oenanthe Summer visitor. Passage migrant. Breeds primarily on Bodmin Moor, where semi-colonial, but also with single pairs almost anywhere along the north coast, The Lizard and Land's End. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 129 792 197 16 22 183 520 108 11 1 The first spring bird was one at Pentire Point Mar 2nd, but most birds moved through between Mar 22nd and May 5th. There were several large counts. These included: 20 Pentire Point Apr 5th; 21 Cheesewring Apr 8th; 48 Predannack Apr 12th and 60 there Apr 18th; at Trevose Head 33 Apr 18th, 47 Apr 19th and 102 Apr 25th; and 20 at Rock May 1st. Breeding was confirmed at six sites involving approximately 18 pairs, with probable breeding at a further five sites. This is an improvement on last year but only a fraction of the actual population. Autumn passage began with singles at Drift Reservoir and Lamorna Jul 27th. Passage peaked in late September, with high counts at the following sites: Predannack: 25 Sep 21st. Porthgwarra: 25 Sep 22nd. St.Agnes Head: 26 Sep 22nd. Davidstow Airfield: 35 Sep 22nd. Trevose Head: 45 Sep 22nd. Lizard Village: 30 Sep 25th. Last was a late bird at Poldhu Cove Dec 1 st MT.

DESERT WHEATEAR - Oenanthe deserti Very rare vagrant. Loe Bar: female Nov 28th-Dec 15th SB,RK et al. Hannafore Point: male Dec 3rd-12th RMB,KP et al. The fifth and sixth county mainland records. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 - - 3 2

RING OUZEL -Turdus torquatus Scarce passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. Bred in 1996 and 1970, suspected in 1976. Monthly total 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 36 1 - - - 3 159 1 - Spring passage commenced with two at Kynance Mar 29th and concluded with a female at the same site May 2nd. In all 45 birds were involved with 75% noted between Apr 8th and 26th. Largest groups were five near St.Ives Apr 17th and four Holman's Moors Mar 31st & Predannack Apr 12th. An exceptional autumn passage commence with a rather early male at Bonython Sep 12th and ended with a male at Marazion Marsh Nov 8th-9th. At least 163 birds were involved which is by far the largest autumn total recorded in the county, exceeding the high of 133 recorded in 1991. The majority moved through between Oct 18th and 29th, with 26% noted on Oct 23rd alone. Maximum counts: Kenidjack: four Oct 18th Caerthillian Cove: six Oct 19th, 25 Oct 23rd ML. Land's End: four Oct 19th Nanjizal: seven Oct 19th Porthgwarra: five Oct 19th, five Oct 23rd, four Oct 25th Coombe Valley: 18 Oct 28th GPS.

93 BLACKBIRD - Turdus merula Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant especially autumn. Forms winter roosts. Very little evidence of spring movement this year, but 18 at Par Beach Mar 1st may have been significant. There were also 17 at Gannel Estuary Mar 20th. There were only five sites reported with confirmed breeding, involving 16 pairs, eight of which were at Trevose Head. Autumn passage commenced with 25 at NRA Pools (Wadebridge) Oct 10th and ended with 20 at Black Head (St.Austell) Nov 19th. Main passage took place during the last week in October and first week in November and again coincided with a large movement of Redwing and Fieldfare. The only significant counts in either winter period were both at Par Beach where there were 21 Jan 5th and 27 Dec 20th. Maximum counts: Kenidjack: 25 Oct 14th; 46 Oct 24th. West Pentire: 28 Oct 16th. Polhawn Cove: 20 Oct 20th; 40 Nov 2nd. Porthgwarra: 25 Oct 22nd; 45 Oct 23rd; 40 Oct 27th. Coombe Valley: 250 Oct 22nd. Land's End: 40 Oct 23rd. Nanjizal: 100 Oct 23rd-25th. Trevose Head: 40 Oct 24th. Sancreed: 70 Oct 26th. Long Rock Pool: 20 Oct 31st. Treveal: 38 Nov 8th.

FIELDFARE - Turdus pilaris Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Forms roosts. Summered in Upper Fowey Valley in 1987. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1422 670 185 ------1429 4939 3939 First winter flocks were unexceptional. The largest groups were 500 at Escalls Jan 17th and 250 at Stithians reservoir Feb 22nd. There were no more than 150 at any other site and in March, out of 193 birds, 138 were in one flock. The last of the spring were six at Golitha Wood Mar 29th. The first birds of the autumn were eight at Black Head, St.Austell Oct 7th. Small numbers continued to arrive until the last week of October when there was a small influx, including 600 flying NE over Holmbush Oct 24th. There were then major influxes in the second week of November and late November/early December. Maximum counts: Boswednack: 600 Nov 13th. Zennor: 450 Nov 23rd; 600 Dec 13th. Toddy Park: 350 Nov 29th. Lizard Village: 1000 Nov 29th and Dec 5th. Merry Maidens: 350 Dec 21st.

SONG THRUSH - Turdus philomelos Resident. Breeds (declining). Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Few large flocks were reported in the first winter period, except for 100 Sancreed Jan lst-Jan 10th and 44 at Harlyn Bay Jan 2nd. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 416 19 58 44 25 25 10 2 5 378 107 57 There was little evidence of spring passage, but there was a tired migrant at Trevose Head Apr 7th. Successful breeding was recorded at only six sites with seven pairs involved. Breeding was suspected at a further six sites. This species was again grossly under-recorded - see Map 4, however, there were no apparent indications of a further decrease in population.

94 In autumn, the main movement began around mid-October, when there were 20 at Porthgwarra Oct 22nd. Most birds moved through by early November, with the biggest count being 80 at the above site Oct 23rd. Few notable counts in the second winter period, but there were 15 at Reskajeage Downs Dec 4th and 10 at West Pentire Dec 5th.

Map 4. Song Thrush distribution of breeding season records by tetrad 1997.

REDWING - Turdus iliacus Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Peak numbers occur in mid-winter as a result of birds displaced by cold weather and in late October at the height of autumn migration. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11166 940 191 2 - 1 1 - 1 9061 3744 5681 In the first winter period there were many large counts throughout the county, particularly during the very cold weather in early January. These included: Rosudgeon: 500 during the month. Polkerris: 300 during the month. Drift Res.: 450 Jan 3rd. Trevethoe: 400 Jan 4th. Torpoint: 1000 Jan 6th. Swanpool: 500 Jan 6th. Pencalenick: 1000 Jan 17th. Trewithen: 500 Jan 17th. Numbers gradually tailed off through late January and February, leaving only 191 birds during March. The last to leave was one at Siblyback Reservoir Apr 5th. A bird summered at Labour-in-Vain, seen on Jun 9th and Jul 15th MJH. The first autumn bird was seen at Kynance Cove Sep 27th, followed by one at Lamorna Oct 1st. Numbers then built up quickly and over 4000 birds moved through by mid-October. There was another influx at the end of the month until numbers settled down in November. There were some notable flocks recorded in the second winter period including: Drift Res.: 500 Nov 22nd. Zennor: 600 Nov 23rd; 1200 Dec 13th. Morvah: 800 Dec 6th. Georgia: 500 Dec 31st.

95 MISTLE THRUSH - Turdus viscivorus Resident. Breeds (probably declining). Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Numbers would suggest a reverse in the decline of this species. However this may be due to increased observer coverage. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 58 18 25 10 29 44 15 84 55 71 65 22 There did not appear to be any cold weather movement in the first winter period and the biggest flock recorded was nine at Padstow Jan 24th. Breeding was confirmed at six sites and probable at a further seven. Additionally breeding was possible at another eight sites. These records involved at least 22 pairs, see Map 5, well up on last year's total. Last year's request for more records was heeded. There were a number of sizeable flocks recorded in mid/late summer, including the following: 11 Gweek Jun 15th, 20 Bugle Aug 2nd, 50 Cheesewring Aug 11th and 17 Kerley Downs Sep 2nd. There was little autumn movement, 16 at Trewornan Bridge Oct 2nd and 8 at Nanquidno Oct 31st being the most notable. The only sizeable second winter flock was 10 at Penryn Nov 10th.

Map 5. Mistle Thrush distribution of breeding season records by tetrad 1997.

CETTPS WARBLER - Cettia cetti Scarce resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant. This recent colonist was first noted in the UK in 1961 and reached Cornwall in 1973. Since then the population has fluctuated as the species is prone to losses during hard winters. A minimum of 32 males were found at 26 sites during a survey in 1996. This figure represents 5% 6% of the national population. Records for 1997 came from 16 sites, of which eight were occupied during the breeding season involving 14/17 singing males. The population may have been reduced by the extremely low temperatures at the beginning of the year. The following table shows numbers of singing males at the main regular areas (with comparative data for 1990-1996; dashed line = no count received):

96 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Marazion Marsh * 10 10 11 11 13 12 7 8 Gunwalloe 3 7 - 1 5 2 6 3 Par 5 6 6 4 5 4 3 2 includes Long Rock Pool Breeding was confirmed at Bude Marshes (three juvs on May 11th), Marazion Marsh, Par Beach Pool (three pairs all with young Aug 8th) and Townshend (one pair raised young). Additional records (which include some migrants): Swanpool: singles Feb 7th-23rd and Nov 22nd. Loe Pool: one Feb lOth-Mar 7th. Kennack Sands: one May 16th. Cotehele: one May 23rd. St. Columb Porth: one Jun 18th; two Dec 18th. Nanjizal: one trapped and ringed Sep lst-Oct 31st. Hayle Est.: one Sep 3rd. Porthgwarra: one Oct 30th-Nov 1st. St.Andrew's Pool: one Oct 31st. Labour-in-Vain: one Nov 2nd-25th. St.Erth: one Dec 31st.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia Uncommon passage migrant (mainly spring). Breeds. As in 1996, a total of c.75 birds were noted during the spring. The first was unfortunately killed by a cat at Lostwithiel Apr 9th. A further 34 birds were reported in April, the best counts being six from Clodgy Point to Mars Head on 22nd and four in the Upper Fowey Valley on 27th. There was a significant arrival from Apr 27th to May 5th, with birds continuing to arrive throughout May. By far the best count was five at Cam Galver May 24th. The species was widespread during the breeding season, with reports from some 40 locations. Eight reeling males were recorded on Goss Moor Jun 16th and three at Long Island Jul 5th. Clodgy Point, Men-an-Tol, Ninestones Bridge, St.Columb Porth, Whitecross, Redmoor, Westerlake Farm and Caer Bran Farm all held two males on territory during the summer. The first autumn passage bird was probably one at St.Columb Major Jul 24th, but apart from one at Trevose Head Aug 30th, evidence of further migration was lacking until mid September. Ten birds were noted from then, with three at Trevose Head Sep 29th being the only multiple sighting. The last was at Church Cove, Lizard Oct 16th.

AQUATIC WARBLER - Acrocephalus paludicola Rare passage migrant (autumn). Annual at Marazion Marsh. Marazion Marsh: juv. Aug 9th, two juvs. Aug 10th, singles Aug 15th-16th, Sep 10-11th and Sep 13th BD,DE,DSF,JHH,KJ,RAJ et al. Five suspected individuals take the county mainland total to c.241. Monthly breakdown * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------144 82 14 - - * one bird was 'undated'. Top sites: Marazion Marsh 186, Stithians Res. 25, Gunwalloe nine.

SEDGE WARBLER - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Summer resident widespread in suitable habitat. Breeds. Passage migrant. The first of the spring was one at Par Beach Pool Apr 2nd. Over the ensuing three weeks only about 30 birds trickled in, these including four each at Gunwalloe Apr 11th and Marazion Marsh on 18th. The main influx occurred from Apr 25th, when there were seven at Marazion. On May 1st 10 birds were singing near Coverack and eight at Porth Joke, followed on 3rd by 30 at Skewjack and at least 20 at Tamar Lakes. Further good counts during the month were eight at Marazion Marsh on 5th, 10

97 at Par Beach Pool on 9th, 12 at Mawgan Porth on 12th, eight between Caerthillian and Lizard Point on 18th, seven at Porthgwarra and seven at Perranporth both on 25th, and 20 at Skewjack and nine at Nanquidno both on 26th. Meanwhile early birds had already settled down to breed, as evidenced by three pairs feeding young at Drift Res. by May 30th. Presence during the breeding season was recorded at another 50 sites around the county, although there was no indication as to the degree of success. Counts of singing males during June included an impressive 25 at St.Columb Porth, nine at Porth Mear, seven from Lizard Point to Kennack Sands, five on Goss Moor and five at Gwithian. Eight were still in song at Mawgan Porth July 10th. At Marazion birds gathering during late summer peaked at just 10 Aug 4th and 9th, but a series of ringing operations at Par Beach Pool reflected the true scale of early return passage. On five dates between Aug 9th and 25th, a total of eight adults and 82 juvs were trapped there. Most of the adults were found during the first half of the month. Elsewhere during the month there were eight at Drift Res. on 5th, five at Gunwalloe on 14th-16th and six at Caer Bran Farm on 24th, with smaller numbers at nine other sites. A further 15 birds were recorded during September and one in October, the latter at Lizard Village Oct 5th being the last of the year.

MARSH WARBLER - Acrocephalus palustris Vagrant. Nanjizal: first winter Aug 31st KAW. The eighth county mainland record - a number of other records still remain under consideration. Monthly breakdown * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - - 2 2 3 - - Top sites: Nanjizal, Gwithian, Polgigga, Cot Valley, Long Rock, Kynance, Porthgwarra, Tamar Lakes one each.

Acrocephalus sp. (Reed or Marsh Warbler) 1996 Addition Holmbush: one Oct 24th RL.

REED WARBLER - Acrocephalus scirpaceus Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forty years ago this species was such a rare visitor to Cornwall that the presence of one at Camel Estuary on 1st September 1951 warranted a mention in the introduction to that year's bird report! At that time the species bred only sporadically but it has since colonised most, if not all, of the county's reedbeds. The first of the spring were three at Par Beach Pool Apr 2nd. Over the following three weeks birds gradually appeared at other sites, mostly singles, but six were already at Gunwalloe Apr 11th and four at Marazion Marsh Apr 20th. The main arrival occurred from around Apr 26th through the first ten days of May. Breeding season reports were received from the following locations (with comparative data for 1991- 1996). Figures represent numbers of pairs or singing males; B = bred; p = present; dashed line = no count. Large fluctuations are probably due to incomplete censusing. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Goss Moor 2 1 - - - - - Gwithian 2 - - - 1 - - Gunwalloe 6 12 - 1 7 P 5 Harlyn Bay 6 1 - 3 2 3 3 Loe Pool 17 18 2 12 2 2 2 Maenporth 5 1 1 4 2 - - Marazion/Long Rock 9* 19 c.25 27+ 10+ 31 6 Mawgan Porth 7 2 - 2 2 1 - Par Beach Pool 21 18 - 14 19 3 5

98 Perranporth 17 - 1 5 4 P 3 Skewjack 3 - 5 2 1 - - St. Columb Porth 8 1 - - 2 - - Swanpool 7 5 5 5 6 7 7 Tresillian 2 2 - - - - 2 *Long Rock Pool only, no count being available for the main marsh this year. In addition to the above, single singing males were recorded at Bude Marshes, Calstock, Constantine Bay, Gannel Est., Hayle Estuary, Hayle Kimbro, Porth Mear, Porth Res., Porthcothan, Sladesbridge, Tamar Est., Townshend, Trebella (Cubert), Trebudannon and Walmsley Sanctuary. At Swanpool young birds were in the nest Jun 17th, whilst at Walmsley Sanctuary three chicks were being fed Jul 6th and a further brood Aug 13th-23rd. Seven days of trapping at Par Beach Pool Aug 8th-25th produced totals of 13 adults and 47 juvs, most of the adults being found during the first half of the month. During September a total of 22 migrants were recorded at a number of coastal sites. One found at sea on a Sennen fishing-boat Sep 29th later died. A further six birds occurred in October and three in November, at Marazion, Townshend and Treveal, all Nov 2nd.

OLIVACEOUS WARBLER - Hippolais pallida Very rare vagrant. 1968 Amendment Porthgwarra: trapped Sep 14th. Following a review of this species by BBRC, the above record has been deemed unacceptable, and has therefore been removed from both the British and Cornish Lists.

ICTERINE WARBLER - Hippolais icterina Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Porthgwarra: single Aug 15th-16th TDC,LHC,RAJ et al. Clifton: single Aug 24th PJR. Nanjizal: first year trapped and ringed Sep 11th-13th KAW. The county mainland total is now c.50. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------17 28 5 - - Top sites: Porthgwarra 21, Lizard five, Marazion, Nanquidno and Cot three each.

MELODIOUS WARBLER - Hippolais polyglotta Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Nanjizal: first year trapped and ringed Sep 23rd KAW. The county mainland total is now c.108. Monthlv breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 3 - 1 30 55 18 1 - Top sites: Porthgwarra 45 (42%), Nanquidno 15, Cot Valley nine.

DARTFORD WARBLER - Sylvia undata Rare resident. Occasionally breeds. Rare passage migrant. Birds have been present in the county annually since 1980, in which year the species bred here for the first time since 1940. Breeding was proved on the south-east coast of the county in each year 1980/85, but there has been a subsequent decline in this area with only sporadic sightings outside the breeding season. Breeding was also confirmed on the Lizard in the early part of the last decade but this population too apparently dissipated. In recent years a small but viable population has become established on Kit Hill and in 1996 birds were again discovered on the Lizard and elsewhere, reflecting the thriving national population.

99 This year saw continued expansion, although the Kit Hill colony either declined somewhat or was under-recorded. Records during the breeding season were as follows: Kit Hill: one pair Feb 15th, a male Mar 31st, four birds May 30th SMC,RAJ,KJ,AM. Tregoss Moor: one pair Mar 31st-Jun 14th; two pairs Jun 17th. Single juvs seen May 22nd and Jul 28th DAC,SMC,ID,TSH et al. Goonhilly Downs: three pairs present, with a male seen carrying food May 14th RCJ,SK,ARP. Hensbarrow Downs: two pairs during May. Single juvs were seen May 21st and Aug 20th SMC, DLT,GHT,DMY. Parish: one pair May 17th-Jun 14th SMC. Rame Head: juv Jul 19th EJW. Elsewhere: Carnmenellis: one Jan 2nd-11th GCo. Nare Head: one Jan 23rd SVC. Penlee Pt.: one Mar 13th JB1. Rame Head: three Sep 10th AJP,SAP. Kynance Downs: juv Sep 21st PMcC. Lizard Pt.: one Oct 18th. Soap Cove: one Oct 18th ARP. Gribbin Head: female Nov 1st ABS,IRS,WS. Polhawn Cove: one Dec 20th RWG. It is quite feasible to regard each one of these records as possibly relating to birds wandering from breeding sites nearby, some as yet undiscovered. The Rame Head and Kynance records in particular almost certainly derive from local breeders. The county total of birds at sites not known to hold breeding birds has however been raised to 58. Monthly breakdown (away from breeding sites): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 1 6 4 3 1 - 2 8 18 8 2 Top sites: Rame Head/Penlee 10, Lizard Downs nine, Porthgwarra five.

BARRED WARBLER - Sylvia nisoria Rare passage migrant (autumn). Nanjizal: first year Sep 19th KAW. St.Levan: first year Oct 5th-7th DML,MS et al. The county mainland total is now c.46. Monthly breakdown * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 22 20 1 - * one bird was 'undated'.

Top sites: Porthgwarra 21, St. Just Valleys 12.

LESSER WHITETHROAT - Sylvia curruca Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). An overwintering bird at St.Mawgan, from 1996, was last seen on Jan 8th SMC. The national population of this species has crashed between 1994 and 1997 (BTO News No.218). In Cornwall it turned out to be the worst year since the early 1980's. The first spring migrant was one at Hendersick Farm Apr 19th, but there were no more until one at Treveal May 5th, this bird remaining until at least 24th. By the end of May only nine more had been recorded. In June, singing males were at Halamanning, Trethurgy, St.Columb Major, Gannel Est., Goss Moor and Helman Tor. One was near Goonhilly Downs in July, but at no site was breeding confirmed. A mere four migrants were noted in autumn, at Trevose Head Aug 9th and Sep 26th, Land's End Aug 17th and Kenidjack Sep 26th.

100 COMMON WHITETHROAT - Sylvia communis Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Overwintered in 1952/53 The first spring migrants were two at Efford Down, Bude Apr 1 st. There were no more until one at Housel Bay Apr 10th. Small numbers continued to arrive steadily until a major surge Apr 26th to May 2nd. A further influx occurred May 12th-19th. Double figure counts in spring were as follows: Rame Head to Penlee Point: 12 Apr 22nd, 50 May 2nd, 15 May 7th, 23 singing May 15th. Treveal: 12 Apr 26th. Wicca: 11 Apr 26th. Porthgwarra: 15 Apr 27th, 18 May 12th, 20 May 19th. Clodgy Point: 20 Apr 29th, 20 May lst-2nd. Coverack: 11 May 1 st. Porthgwarra to St.Levan: 25 May 2nd. Polly Joke: 10 May 3rd. Penlee Point: 20 May 4th. Boscastle: 12 May 16th. Predannack: 22 May 17th. Cot Valley: 10 May 19th. By all accounts it was a good breeding season. At Drift Res. four pairs were feeding young in late May, whilst three pairs at St.Agnes Head all raised at least one successful brood. A pair at Maer Lake had two juvs May 31 st and a second brood Jul 7th. At Nanquidno 11 pairs were located Jun 14th and around Lizard village birds were breeding "in good numbers" during the summer. Several other reports of successful breeding were received. Later on 12 birds were counted at Drift Res. Jul 20th, 20 at Clodgy Point Jul 28th and 28 at Porthgwarra Aug 7th, the latter being mostly juveniles. Many birds evidently moved out during August, the highest counts later in the month being five at Polgreen Farm on 25th and five at Trevose Head on 30th. A total of 50 were recorded during September, 14 at Holman's Moors on 6th being by far the best count. Just two birds lingered into October, at Towednack on 10th and Trevean Farm on 23rd.

GARDEN WARBLER - Sylvia borin Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Widely distributed in suitable habitat east of Truro. In the west of the county, where it was formerly scarce, there are now regular breeding season reports from several areas, notably around Camborne, Falmouth, Helston and the Land's End peninsula. Approximately 30 spring migrants were noted at coastal sites, the first being one at Marazion Marsh Apr 16th. Only a further five had appeared by the end of April, followed by c.15 during the first few days of May, then a general arrival throughout the month. The species was recorded at 36 locations during the breeding season, a 20% increase on last year. SMC identified 13 territories on Goss Moor, whilst ARP found 12 on Porkellis Moor, indicating the importance of willow scrub as prime breeding habitat. There were five pairs each at Loe Pool and Treveal and four at Skewjack. The first autumn migrant was one at Porthgwarra Aug 16th, the only record for the month. A further seven moved through in September and nine in October. They were all singles, except for two each at Trevose Head Sep 25th and Treveal Oct 18th. The last bird was at Land's End Nov 1 st.

BLACKCAP - Sylvia atricapilla Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Increasingly common winter visitor. During the first winter period, c.60 birds were found in the county. Largest concentrations were four each at Rock Jan 5th and Downderry throughout January. The first singing male was heard at Gannel Est. Feb 16th, followed by others at Luxulyan Valley and Trevanson, both Mar 10th, but it is unlikely that any of these were new arrivals. Birds were noted at coastal migration watchpoints from late March, with an obvious influx from early April, e.g. seven at Jupiter Point on 3rd and three at Kennack Sands on 4th. Numbers built up steadily during April and May but there were no large falls. Highest numbers throughout were noted at Treveal, where the best of several good counts were 11 Apr 20th, 12 Apr 26th, nine May 4th, 11 May

101 17th and nine May 24th. At nearby Holman's Moors there were six Apr 20th, seven Apr 21st and six May 11th. The only other count over five was six at Mawgan Porth May 2nd. The species was reported from 45 localities during the breeding season. Treveal held five pairs, there were six singing males at St.Columb Porth and five in the Seaton Valley. The only juvs recorded were at Dunmere Jul 27th and Porth Res. Jul 28th. The first of some 240 autumn migrants was one at Nanquidno Aug 24th, but i there was little sign of movement until mid September. Passage became more conspicuous during October, with most birds moving through during Blackcap pair (Kester Wilson) the second half of the month. The highest counts again from Treveal, with 11 Sep 14th, 17 Sep 28th and nine Oct 18th. Elsewhere there were seven at Kenidjack Oct 14th and 23rd, seven at Caerthillian Oct 23rd, eight at Penberth Oct 28th and six at the same site Oct 31st. Passage was over by Nov 6th. Subsequently c.40 birds were noted on winter territories. All were singles except two each at Angarrack, Holmbush, St.Ives, and Gorran Haven.

PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus proregulus Rare vagrant Caerthillian Cove: singles Oct 19th & 25th RK,SK,NRk. Church Cove: one Oct 22nd SK,ML,ARP,MT. Penlee Reserve: one Oct 24th RWG. Pendeen: one Oct 24th RAJn,NW. Nanjizal: one Oct 25-26th KAW. Penberth: one Oct 28th RAJn,NW. Land's End: one Oct 30th RAw. A conservative estimate of six individuals take the county mainland total to c.30. Pallas's Leaf Warbler (Kester Wilson)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 25 5 Top sites: Porthgwarra and Lizard nine each.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus Scarce vagrant (autumn). Rare winter visitor. Birds were recorded as follows (all singles except where otherwise stated): Porthgwarra: Sep 30th; Oct 15th-17th, 24th-25th and 28th-Nov 1st JLAT,DSF,JJHH,NRk et al. Cot Valley: Oct 1st, 14th and 19th-22nd AM,DJC,TDC,LHC. Land's End: Oct 3rd and 19th. Nanjizal: Oct 3rd, 19th and 25th-26th, the first two trapped and ringed KAW,GJC.

102 St.Levan: Oct 3rd-5th, two Oct 19th of which one remained to 23rd RAJ,DML,MS,DJC et al. Holman's Moors: Oct 5th SGR,VAS. Treveal: Oct 5th SGR,VAS. Loe Pool: Oct 12th ARP. Penlee Pt.: Oct 12th and 24th GDL. Polgigga: Oct 17th. Lower Boscaswell: Oct 19th. Church Cove (Lizard): Oct 22nd ML, MT. Rosewarne: Oct 22nd DML. Lizard Pt.: Oct 23rd ML. Penmillard (Rame): Oct 23rd-24th GDL,RSn. Tregaseal: Oct 23rd BBk,LB,SMC. Labour-in-Vain: Oct 24th MJH. Kenidjack: Oct 29th-31st DLJ. Rame Church: Oct 29th: GDL. Kelynack: Oct 31st. Penberth: Oct 31st-Nov 1st RB, JHH. Yellow-browed Warbler (Andy Birch) Morwenstow: Nov 3rd GPS. Hain Walk (St. Ives): Dec 27th-30th VAS. Probably 34 individuals involved, this total being bettered only by last year's. This species is becoming remarkably consistent, the totals for each of the last three years being 33, 35 and 34! The county total is now c.342. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 ------22 286 24 7 Top sites: Cot Valley/Kelynack 46, Porthgwarra 44, Nanquidno 31, Lizard 24.

PALLAS'S LEAF/YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Trenarren: one Oct 31st DMY.

RADDE'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus schwarzi Rare vagrant. St.Levan: one Oct 19th PGA, DJC, NLG et al. The fourth record for the county. All four have turned up in the far west between Oct 13th and 19th. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------4 - -

WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix Rare summer resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. The majority of breeding season records derive from the broad-leaved woodlands around Bodmin and the valleys of the rivers Fowey, Camel, Lynher and Tamar. The number of singing males fluctuates and site fidelity from year to year is not assured. Townshend: singing male Apr 13th DCm. Bin Down: one May 10th SCM. Trevose Head: three Aug 9th TSH,MST. Porthcurno: first year Oct 22nd-23rd TDC,LHC,DSF et al. Breeding season reports relate to just two males each noted on a single date. Figures represent singing males, with comparative data for 1991-97 (B = bred): 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Golitha Woods 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 Dunmere Wood 1 2 1 2 4 B 1

103 CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus collybita Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Small numbers overwinter. Early in the year, an estimated 195 birds were reported from 17 sites. The severe weather in early January accounted for some major concentrations. VAS reported an astonishing 80 along the river at Ryan's Field Jan 3rd, whilst 50 were at St.Austell Sewage Works the same day RL. Numbers at the latter site decreased steadily throughout the month, until just ten remained on Feb 1st. Four males were singing there Feb 8th. At Helston Sewage Works, the December 1996 population of 40 birds had halved by Jan 9th, perhaps due to birds succumbing in the extreme conditions. A further 20 were counted around nearby Loe Pool Jan 13th. The first new spring arrivals were probably singles at Stithians Res. and Talland Bay Mar 8th. Several other sites reported birds from Mar 9th/10th. At Holmbush RL logged 50 between Mar 9th and 14th. Further counts during this period included 10 at Polhawn Cove Mar 10th, six at Mount Edgecumbe CP. on 12th, eight singing at Loe Pool on 13th, 40 at Tregoose Farm, Wendron on 15th/16th JCTH, nine at Rosudgeon on 16th and seven at Marazion Marsh also on 16th. The main arrival at Golitha occurred Mar 21st. Six more sites reported double figure counts before the end of the month, the highest being 22 at Trevaunance Pt. on 25th. Immigration continued during April and early May. Ten were singing at Kennack Sands Apr 2nd 10 at College Res. on 4th and 10 at Trengwainton on 9th. Migrants in the south-east of the county included 15 at Rame Head Apr 6th, 25 from there to Penlee Pt. Apr 22nd and 13 along the same stretch May 2nd. In the west 10 were at Treveal Apr 11th, 11 there on 20th, and 10 each at Skewjack and Land's End May 3rd signalling the last of the arrivals. Little breeding season data was received. The highest counts of singing males were nine at Mawgan Porth May 18th, five at Cot Valley May 19th, five in Davidstow Woods May 25th and 12 at Smallacombe Plantation Jul 6th. At Drift Res. two pairs were feeding young in late May. Fledged juvs were reported only from Bonython (a pair with five juvs Jun 18th), Argal Res. (three family groups with young Jun 30th) and Dunmere (one pair with two juvs Jul 27th). A group of 20 birds was at Zennor Jul 18th. During the early part of the autumn, 10 were at Kenidjack Aug 24th and 12 at Labour-in-Vain Aug 30th. In September 10 were at the latter site on 10th and 14 at Treveal on 14th. Larger numbers began moving through from 20th when Porthgwarra recorded 12 birds, followed by 17 at Trevose Head on 22nd, 10 at Polhawn Cove on 23rd, 18 at Porth Mear (Park Head) on 25th and 12 at Treveal on 28th. A similar surge occurred in late October, with 12 at Porthgwarra on 25th, nine at The Lizard on 26th and nine at Cot Valley on 28th. At Trevose Head just 47 were logged between Aug 8th and Oct 28th. Late migrants trickled through into early November, with five at Kenidjack on 2nd the most noteworthy. Traditional wintering sites were soon occupied, e.g. 10 at St.Austell Sewage Works Nov 12th and 12 at Marazion Marsh Nov 22nd. Counts at the former site rose to 20 Dec 20th, then 60 Dec 26th-31 st, but no other site hosted double figures. The December total was some 93 birds at 21 sites. Birds showing characteristics of the Eastern races P. c .abietinus (Northern Europe,) / P. c. tristis (Siberia) were reported as follows (it is considered almost impossible to reliably differentiate between these two races in the field, though the majority are probably P. c. abietinus): Helston Sewage Works: one Jan 1st and Feb 8th. St.Austell Sewage Works: one Feb 8th; 18 Dec 26th. Church Cove, Lizard: one Nov 4th.

WILLOW WARBLER - Phylloscopus trochilus Abundant summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The wintering individual at Helston Sewage Works remained until Jan 1st and presumably succumbed to the extreme cold. The first spring migrant was singing at St.Breock Mar 14th, followed on 16th by two at Tregonce and one at Calstock. Only three more appeared during the month, followed by ones and twos in the first week of April, until a good fall of 45 dropped in at Trevose Head Apr 7th. These were followed by increasingly widespread reports, the best of which were 10 at Treskilling and six at Holman's Moors on 8th and six at Rospannel on 9th. An influx Apr 10th-12th accounted for 10 at Wicca, 17 at Treveal

104 and 16 at Holman's Moors all on 11th and counts the following day of 15 at Predannack and 25 inland in the Upper Fowey Valley between Trekeivesteps and St.Lukes. A further surge of new arrivals Apr 19th-21 st included 17 at Trevose Head on 19th and 20 at Porkellis Moor on 21 st. SMC logged a total of 95 birds at the former site Apr 4th to May 1 st. By May 2nd 20 were on and the next day saw the last noticeable arrival with 12 each at Land's End and Skewjack. Following a spring which, with a few exceptions, saw little evidence of mass arrivals at coastal watchpoints, subsequent estimates of numbers on territory nevertheless compared well with last year's figures. An organised census at Predannack May 17th produced 59 singing birds compared with 44 on the same date in 1996. At Ninestones Bridge 25 on May 26th matched last year's count. Some 40 sites throughout the county produced records during the breeding season, but very little data was received. Two pairs were feeding young at Drift Res. in late May but a maximum summer count of nine birds there implies poor breeding success. It was a similar story at Stithians Res. where the best breeding season count was eight birds. Single pairs were feeding young at Trehunsey Bridge Jun 1st and Porkellis Moor Jul 23rd. A family party was at Argal Res. Jun 30th. Of three pairs at Labour- in-Vain two failed at the chick stage during July. Autumn passage was mostly unspectacular. Twenty birds at Zennor Jul 18th may have been early migrants. Only at Trevose Head was a decent fall recorded, 120 Aug 9th rising to 131 the next day. Elsewhere during August there were 10 at Siblyback Res. on 2nd, 35 at Land's End on 21st and 10 at Kenidjack on 24th. A total of c.80 birds moved through in September, the highest counts being 10 at Drift Res. on 1st, 11 at Holman's Moors on 6th and 17 at Stithians Res. on 17th. A further 12 were found during October, all singles except two at Rame Church on 5th. The last of the year was one at Porthgwarra Oct 25th.

GOLDCREST - Regulus regulus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Suffers severe losses in prolonged cold weather. The severe weather at the turn of the year had some adverse effects, but the population appeared to have survived reasonably well. Seven birds at College Res. Jan 1st were feeding on the ground amongst leaf-litter, whilst two at St.Austell Sewage Works Jan 3rd were clearly dying. A good count of 30 was made at Idless Jan 6th and an even better 60 at Halvana Plantation Jan 26th. There were seven further records from sites holding five to eight birds during the early part of the year. The first singing male was heard at Loe Pool Jan 16th. There were records from 25 localities during the an apparently successful breeding season. A pair at Illogan Wood was nest-building on Mar 19th. There were three pairs at Golitha (Draynes) Wood and four territories at Perranuthnoe. Family parties at Drift Res. in late May were averaging five fledged young. Pairs with three young were observed at Maenporth and Argal Res. during this period. Later on a pair at College Res. had four young Jul 7th. At Labour-in-Vain six young fledged from a nest in a gorse bush on top of a stone wall Jul 9th, whilst two nests were found in a felled Sitka Spruce at Blackcombe Wood Jul 12th. Two juvs were seen in Croft Pascoe plantation Jul 20th and a pair with three juvs by the Tresillian River Jul 24th. The first autumn migrant was probably one at St.Levan Aug 18th, but there was little evidence of passage until the fourth week of September. Between four and seven birds were noted at six sites Sep 21st-28th, then 10-11 birds at three sites at the end of the month. There then followed an excellent passage throughout October, especially in the second half of the month. Highest counts were as follows (all dates are Oct): Rame Church: 25 on 3rd. Holman's Moors: 60 on 5th. Treveal: 100 on 11th, 60 on 18th. Penberth: 20 on 12th, 25 on 14th, 20 on 26th, 30 on 28th. Kenidjack: 28 on 13th, 25 on 14th. Nanjizal: 55 on 14th. Penlee Woods: 30 on 14th, 20 on 24th-29th. St.Levan: 22 on 14th. Zennor: 20 on 14th.

105 Rame Head to Penlee Point.: 20 on 15th, 25 on 20th. Porthgwarra: 22 on 18th, 25 on 22nd, 35 on 23rd-25th. Cot Valley: 40 on 18th & 28th. Eleven further sites held 10-19 birds on occasion during the month. Passage continued into November, with 10 at Penberth on 1 st, 15 at Loe Pool on 6th, 15 in the Seaton Valley on 9th and a late 10 at Porthgwarra on 16th. There were few December records, the best being a healthy 40 at Trewhiddle on 26th and 20 at St.Austell Sewage Works on 28th/29th.

FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapillus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn) and winter visitor. Approximate monthly totals 1997 : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 33 3 3 1 - - - - 11 65 21 9 During the first winter period 25 new birds were found. They included three at College Res. Jan 1st and two each at Loe Pool Jan 5th, St.Ives also Jan 5th and Drift Res. Jan 24th. In March there were singles at Falmouth on 2nd, Labour-in-Vain on 7th and Marazion Beach on 8th. The sole April record involved one at Illogan Wood on 4th. The first autumn migrant arrived at Lamorna Cove Sep 14th, followed by one at Penlee Res. Sep 20th. A light passage then ensued for the next seven weeks, with most records relating to single birds, but an influx of 25 occurred Oct 29th-31st. The highest autumn count was five at Porthgwarra Oct 30th- 31st, followed by three each at Land's End Oct 1st, Rame Head on 23rd, Porthgwarra on 25th, St.Levan on 29th, Church Cove (Lizard) on 30th and Penberth on 31st. The final arrival was one at Church Cove (Lizard) Nov 11th. Only a dozen birds were found late in the year, all singles apart from two at Penryn Dec 16th.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Muscicapa striata Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. There has been a marked decrease in counties' breeding population over the last 25 years. The first birds of the year arrived on May 1st: two at Trevose Head and one at Porth Joke. There followed the best spring passage on record, with c.140 birds recorded during May, of which 75 occurred 24th-26th. Some good falls were noted, of which the most significant were as follows: Kenidjack: 6 on 11th, 8 on 19th, 11 on 24th. Land's End: 9 on 24th/25th, 10 on 26th. Treveal: 14 on 24th. Porthgwarra: 14 on 25th. Nanquidno: 6 on 26th. Skewjack: 7 on 26th. Records during the breeding season were received from 45 locations, a 50% increase on last year. Breeding was confirmed at 26 sites, with success at 15. A good autumn passage involved c.120 birds, the first of which was at Trevose Head Aug 8th, with four present there the following day. Only a handful moved through during August, by far the best count being 10 at Bonython on 27th. The majority occurred in September, Trevose hosting easily the highest numbers, including 23 on 10th, 14 on 22nd and 17 on 23rd. The next best was five at Porth Joke Sep 10th. There were three October birds, the final one being at Land's End Oct 23rd.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula parva Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Annual since 1980. Trewithen: male Apr 14th HJn,DK. Duckpool: first year Oct 23rd-24th GPS et al. Porthgwarra: first year Oct 31 st MLg.

106 1996 Addition St Levan: one Oct 30th-Nov 1st SBE,CCW et al. The county mainland total moves on to c. 115, including the first spring record. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 1 - - - 2 27 80 4 - Top sites: Porthgwarra 36, Lizard 12, Cot/Kelynack 12, Nanquidno 10.

PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. First bred at Lanhydrock in 1966. There were only six more confirmed instances in the county up to 1980. Subsequently, small populations became established at Lanhydrock and in the Camel Valley, and more recently in the Upper Fowey Valley. These populations have fluctuated markedly from year to year due to variable breeding success, but there has been a steady decline since 1993. This year saw a very slight improvement over 1996 but for the second year running there were no records from the Camel Valley. The first to arrive were two at Predannack Apr 12th. The only other April record involved a male investigating a nest-box at Enfield Park on 19th, but it did not remain. A single was at Bass Point May 2nd, followed the next day by seven at Kenidjack and one at Land's End. There were no further spring migrants at coastal sites but breeding birds were present at Golitha from May 3rd and at Lanhydrock from 10th. Breeding season reports were as follows, with comparative data for 1991-96. Figures represent singing males/pairs, plus number of young where known; p = present. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Lanhydrock 3(17) 2(H) 3(15) 5(0) 9(33) 9(58) 4(20) Golitha 2(7) 1(1) 2(5) 3(12) 6(14) 1(4) 3(15) Respryn 1(2) ------A total of 105 birds were recorded on autumn passage, commencing with one at Trevose Head Aug 8th. A further 42 occurred during August, followed by 50 in September and 11 in October. Most records were of ones and twos, with the occasional group of three, but there were four at Bonython Aug 14th and Sep 5th, four at Kenidjack Aug 24th and seven at Trevose Head Sep 22nd. The final bird of the year was at Zennor Nov 1 st-2nd.

BEARDED TIT - Panurus biarmicus An irruptive species which occurs as an occasional passage migrant and winter visitor. Marazion Marsh: male Jan 15th DSF. This is the county's first January record. Bude Marshes: one male and two females Nov 1st GPS. These four take the mainland total to c.218. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 6 8 1 1 1 - - - 162 25 11 * two undated.

Top sites: Marazion Marsh 87, Porthgwarra 22, Tamar Lakes 14, Par 11, Copperhouse nine.

LONG-TAILED TIT - Aegithalos caudatus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Suffers heavy mortality in severe weather. Reported from 84 widespread locations. Ten breeding reports were received, plus many other records during the breeding season. Birds were nest-building from Mar 2nd in the Luxulyan Valley and from Mar 21st at Argal Res. A brood of 10 juvs was counted at Lamelgate and nine at Mousehole. Throughout the year there were 24 counts of 20 or more birds, a 85% increase on last year. All but one of these came after the breeding season.

107 Highest counts: Menadarva: 30 May 25th. Penberth: 40 Oct 28th. Loe Pool: 35 Nov 6th. Millbrook: 30 Nov 12th. Trewhiddle: 30 Dec 26th. St.Austell Sewage Works: 40+ Dec 29th.

MARSH TIT - Parus palustris Resident. Breeds. Fairly common in woodlands east of a line from Tehidy to Loe Pool. In 1997 both this and the next species fell to their lowest national population levels in the history of the BTO's Common Birds Census (BTO News No 216/217). Records were received from 37 sites, a 12% increase on last year, with a marked concentration of sightings in the St. Austell/Bodmin area. The most westerly record was from Relubbus. SMC located six pairs on Goss Moor and there were two pairs at Golitha (Draynes) Wood. Breeding was confirmed only at Lanhydrock, where there were four juvs Jun 9th, and Boscundle, where a pair was accompanied by two juvs Jul 12th. The only other counts exceeding two was of four at Idless Mar 8th and three at College Res. Jul 7th.

WILLOW TIT - Parus montanus Scarce resident. Breeds. The Willow Tit has a patchy distribution in Cornwall, occurring in damp, scrubby woodland to the east and north of Indian Queens, with population centres at Goss Moor, Redmoor-St.Austell, Upper Fowey Valley and Tamar Lakes. Fully authenticated observations of birds farther west are exceptionally rare. The species has contracted in range due to extensive habitat loss and fragmentation. In 1997 both this and the last species fell to their lowest national population levels in the history of the BTO's Common Birds Census (BTO News No 216/217). Upper Fowey Valley Golitha: one Jan 27th TSH. Lamelgate: one Mar 22nd GJC. Ninestones: Up to three throughout the year GJC,VRT,EJW et al. Smallacombe Plantation: one Jul 6th SMC. Westerlake Farm: two Jul 27th GJC. Redmoor-St.Austell Breney Common: two Mar 30th, Jun 14th-Jul 5th & one Aug 9th RAJ,KJ,DE. Redmoor: one May 30th RAJ,KJ. Luxulyan Valley: adult with two young Jun 23rd RL. Trethurgy: one throughout the year GRW,MW. Treskilling: two Dec 31st ABS,IRS. Goss Moor Present throughout the year with four pairs in the breeding season SMC,DAC et al. Tamar Lakes Lower Tamar Lake: two Jan 11th, two Mar 8th & two Aug 2nd RAJ et al. Upper Tamar Lake: one Nov 23rd SMC. Elsewhere Otterham Marsh: one pair bred successfully AJB.

COAL TIT - Parus ater Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Particularly common and widespread in coniferous woodland in the east of the county and a regular visitor to garden nut feeders.

108 Records were received throughout the year from 72 well distributed locations, exactly twice as many as last year! A pair at Argal Res. were nest-building as early as Mar 21st. Following three pairs located at Golitha (Draynes) Wood Mar 22nd, two pairs were both feeding young May 23rd. A pair at Liskeard had four juvs May 24th and three juvs were at Siblyback Res. Aug 2nd. The best counts outside the breeding season were six at Idless Jan 6th, six at Davidstow Woods Sep 7th and seven at the Camel Est. Oct 18th. There was a preponderance of records of ones and twos from coastal sites in the far west and elsewhere during late September and October, quite possibly indicating a light passage of migrants.

BLUE TIT - Parus caeruleus Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Records were received from just 40 sites throughout the county, slightly fewer than last year. Ten pairs bred in nest-boxes at Golitha, one less than in 1996. KAW described it as a very successful breeding season at Nanjizal, whilst at Long Rock BRP also reported breeding with good success. Five eggs were laid by Apr 26th in a Falmouth nest-box. At Penwithick five young were found dead in the nest after the remainder of the brood had fledged Jun 3rd. There were 18 counts of 10 or more birds, 50% up on last year. The highest were 70 around Loe Pool Jan 13th and 40+ Oct 21st, 20+ at Ninestones Bridge Jul 6th and 35 at Lundy Bay Sep 28th. Autumn migration was suggested by records of six birds flying high to the east over Trevose Head Oct 23rd and three taking refuge in a stubble field at RAF Portreath during a storm Oct 24th.

GREAT TIT - Parus major Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Reported from just 29 sites, compared with 37 last year. Six pairs bred in nest-boxes at Golitha, one less than in 1996. KAW reported a very successful breeding season at Nanjizal, whilst 14 juvs were counted at Porth Joke Jun 4th. Highest counts were 10 at the Gannel Est. Mar 20th, nine at Stithians Res. Sep 17th and 19 at Lundy Bay Sep 28th. There were 18 further reports of four to eight birds.

EUROPEAN NUTHATCH - Sitta europaea Resident. Breeds. Common in suitable habitat in most areas of the county but scarce on the Land's End Peninsula west of Drift and the Lizard Peninsula south of Culdrose. Reported throughout the year from 49 locations, of which 27 were in the eastern half of the county and 13 of the remainder were in the far west. There was therefore a paucity of reports from the area between Hayle and Bodmin. Four pairs bred in nest-boxes at Golitha (Draynes) Wood and breeding was also confirmed at Altarnun (also in a nest-box); Cardinham (raised four juvs in a flowerpot in a garden wall); Liskeard (at least three juvs seen); Mylor (family party of eight birds); St.Austell and St.Loy. Other good counts were nine at Lanhydrock Feb 7th; six at Loe Pool Jan 13th; six at Trengwainton Apr 3rd; five at Carnanton Mar 10th; and five at Halton Quay Mar 14th.

EURASIAN TREECREEPER - Certhia familiaris Resident. Breeds. Common and widespread in suitable habitat throughout the county as far west as Loe Pool and Penzance. Reported from 38 sites around the county, a welcome 40% increase on last year. Sites included Trengwainton and Trevadoe in West Penwith, Bonython on the Lizard and Coombe Valley in the far north-east. The highest counts were four at Illogan Wood Feb 1st, two pairs at Treesmill Mar 20th and six at Golitha (Draynes) Wood Mar 22nd. The only instance of confirmed breeding was of a pair at Trevilder (St.Mabyn) which successfully reared three chicks.

109 PENDULINETIT - Remiz pendulinus Rare vagrant. Ryan's Field, Hayle: male from Dec 2nd 1996 last noted Jan 10th DSF,PJV et al. The sixth county record, the previous five all occurring in Oct 1993 at Land's End/Porthgwarra.

GOLDEN ORIOLE - Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). Annual since 1971. Land's End: female May 3rd RAw. Sennen: female May 3rd, probably the same as the Land's End bird VAS. Towednack: female flew east May 15th; male flew south May 16th MJR. Church Cove, Lizard: 1st year male May 18th-19th ML. Helston: one, probably female, May 18th RK. Holman's Moors: two, adult male and 1st year male, May 24th VAS. Skewjack: 2nd year male singing May 24th-Jun 2nd KAW. Tredrossel: male singing May 26th LACT. Kenidjack: 2nd year male May 27th JHH. Nanquidno: male May 28th MPS. Rospannel: two males May 28th RWW. Porthgwarra: male Jun 1st DML; two females Jun 3rd MS. The year's total of 16 birds equals that in 1994, being beaten only by 21 in 1984. The county total is now c.169 since 1930. Of these, 92 have been identified as males, 50 as females and 27 not sexed. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 28 114 15 4 3 2 3 - - Top sites: Skewjack 17, Porthgwarra 16, Kenidjack 11.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Last bred in the county in 1960. Caerthillian: male May 16th-18th RCJ, SK, ARP et al. Trevose Head: juv Aug 8th SMC. Trevilley (Sennen): adult male Sep 23rd LMD, SW. Nanquidno: juv. Sep 28th RB, EGG, LPW. Morwenstow: female Sep 29th-30th GPS. The Trevose bird is exceptionally early for a juvenile of this species. The county total since 1930 is now c.96 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 9 8 3 14 38 22 2 - Top sites: Porthgwarra 20, St. Just Valleys nine.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE - Lanius senator Rare passage migrant. Annual since 1979. Predannack: male May 17th RCJ,ML,ARP,SP et al. Porthgwarra: male May 26th and another bird Jun 3rd JHH,DML,MS et al. Rock: adult May 28th-30th PFS et al. Gwithian: female Jun 25th-Jul 4th PAR et al. These five take the mainland total to c.68. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 7 29 9 2 10 5 5 1 - Top sites: Porthgwarra 18, Lizard 13, Land's End/Sennen six, Marazion four.

110 EURASIAN JAY - Garrulus glandarius Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (occasional irruptions - 1972,1979, 1981 & 1983). Reported from 85 sites throughout the county, an 80% increase on last year! At least three pairs bred at Tehidy CP, whilst single pairs were present at Argal, Bonython and Maenporth. Two juvs were observed at Par Moor Jun 9th, one juv at Bosorne Jul 9th and a pair with three juvs at Boscundle Jul 13th. Other counts of over four birds: Portreath: 8 Jul 25th. Townshend: 5 Sep 3rd. Goss Moor: 6 Sep 27th. Penlee Reserve: 12 Oct 30th KP. Loe Pool: 5 Nov 6th. The Penlee record may relate to immigrants. EJW considered that two birds there Nov 2nd had brighter plumage than the usual local ones. For the second year running a bird at Falmouth was observed feeding at a suspended nut feeder Jun 6th-10th BLW.

MAGPIE - Pica pica Abundant resident (increasing). Breeds. Forms small roosts outside the breeding season. Reported from 42 sites, the same as last year. At Altarnun one was carrying nesting material on the exceptionally early date of Jan 23rd DIJ. Two pairs bred at Tehidy CP. and Trevose Head. A pair at Boswednack raised five young and then a second brood. A pair with four juvs were reported at Newlyn Coombe and two juvs at Pelynt. No unusually large groups were seen this year (14 counts of between 10 and 14 birds), the highest counts being as follows: Abercorn: 15 in early January. Millbrook: 16 on Mar 1st. Loe Pool: 23 on Apr 4th. Lamorna: 15 on Oct 30th. Porthgwarra: 19 on Nov 1st. The only odd behaviour reported was of a bird burying feeder seeds in a flower container at Falmouth Jan 20th BLW.

EURASIAN JACKDAW - Corvus monedula Abundant Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms roosts outside the breeding season. At Pinkson Creek 750 birds which had gathered on Feb 2nd left at dusk. Later counts here produced 500 Aug 10th, 450 Aug 25th and 1451 Oct 4th DIJ. 200 were in the vicinity of Tregathenan Res. throughout the year, 100 were at the Tresillian River Oct 19th and 150 at Trevose Head Nov 29th. Few breeding records were received. Six pairs on the Cam Brea monument were up on last year. Migrational activity in late October was evidenced by counts at Porthgwarra of 200 on 19th, 500 on 23rd, 380 on 27th and 520 on 30th. During this same period 500 flew west over Holmbush Oct 24th and 500 were at Land's End Nov 1st.

ROOK - Corvus frugilegus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms large roosts outside the breeding season. Counts were received for 53 rookeries. The following contained over 50 nests: Bottoms 77 nests, Downgate 81 nests, Lamorna 73 nests and Mullion Cove 96 nests. The mixed corvid roost at Pinkson Creek held 400 Rooks during August, but 1390 on Oct 4th DIJ! Other large concentrations included 110 at Trevose Head Jan 14th, 130 at the same site Nov 29th, 150 at St.Columb Porth Jun 18th and 200 at Colliford Res. Jun 22nd.

Ill CARRION CROW - Corvus corone Abundant resident. Breeds. Records were received from 39 localities, a slight decrease on last year. Breeding was reported at ten sites. Juvs were already in the nest on Mar 1st at Porthcadjack Cove and Tehidy CP. Two pairs bred at Swanpool, Loe Bar and Trevose Head. In Truro a pair nested on the Territorial Army drill-hall, whilst birds at Marazion bred amongst the heronry. The highest counts of the year were all on the Tamar Est.: 268 Oct 19th, 218 Nov 16th and 175 Dec 14th. 100 were at Penlee Point. Oct 15th, and 50 each at St.Austell S.W. Jan 5th, Porthilly Feb 5th and along the Tresillian River Oct 19th. Birds exhibiting much white in the wings were on the Camel Est. Oct 3rd-18th and at Rame Head Nov 1 st. At the latter site EJW watched a bird flying out to sea until it was lost in his telescope Mar 15th, whilst another eight flew south there Mar 30th. A bird of the North/Central European race C. c. comix known as Hooded Crow, which is a rare passage migrant and winter visitor in the county, was seen at Harlyn Jan 14th PDs. The mainland total is now c.51, since 1930. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 6 2 9 5 4 1 3 1 5 6 6 Top sites: Camel Est. and Land's End/Sennen five each, Porthgwarra four, Lizard three.

COMMON RAVEN - Corvus corvax Resident. Breeds. Roosts have been reported in the past but not in recent years. Reports from 130 localities throughout the year, with many records involving small parties of birds, indicate that the population remains healthy. There were numerous sightings during the breeding season from many areas, with breeding confirmed at the following sites: North coast: Millook, Com Head, Dinham, Tregunna, Gunver Head, St.Agnes Head, Western Cove, Fishing Cove (Godrevy). South coast: Porthgwarra, Penlee (Newlyn), Metherell, Rame Head. Inland: Golitha, Mulberry Pit, Truro Cathedral, Goonhilly Downs Earth Satellite Station. Largest reported gatherings during the year were as follows: 11 Laneast Feb 3rd, 22 Pentire Point East Jun 16th, 10 Pelynt Aug 8th, 19 Par Beach Aug 16th, 14 Holman's Moors Sep 14th, 11 Porth Joke Sep 28th, 11 Labour-in-Vain Dec 26th, 11 Gannel Est. Dec 28th.

COMMON STARLING - Sturnus vulgaris Common resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Forms huge winter roosts, particularly in moorland conifer plantations. By far the largest roost reported in the early part of the year was at Loe Pool, with an estimated 100,000 birds attending nightly until late March RK. A total of 10,000 were present on the Roseland peninsula during January and February. Elsewhere counts included 5000 flying west over Townshend Jan 3rd, 3000 at Torpoint Jan 6th, 3000 at Rock during January, 2000 at The Lizard village Feb20th and 1000 at Pelynt Mar 15th. There were no reports of the Marazion Marsh roost during this period. The only breeding records were from Pelynt, were a pair were feeding young in the nest May 14th- 30th, and Illogan, where four pairs were present. More information is required as the national breeding population has been in severe decline The highest reported late summer gatherings were 100 at Par Beach Jul 12th rising to 400 Aug 9th, 140 at Colliford Jul 19th and 150 at Trevilling Marsh Aug 28th. Large scale immigration was noted from mid October with the best of the counts being as follows: Bodmin Moor: 10,000+ Oct 18th. Porthgwarra: 645 flying south Oct 18th, followed by 393 on 19th and 220 on 23rd. Rosudgeon: 500 Oct 19th, 1000 Oct 23rd. Portreath: 1500 Oct 25th. Dannonchapel: 2000 Oct 25th.

112 Nanquidno: 1000 Oct 28th. Antony: 1000 Nov 1st. St.Buryan: 1000 Nov 1st. The Lizard: 1000 Nov 6th, 2000 Nov 12th, 3000 Nov 13th, 10,000 Nov 21st. Reskajeage: 1300 Nov 12th. Trevose Head: 2500 Nov 13th. The roost at Marazion Marsh was estimated to contain 50,000 birds Nov 2nd, rising to 100,000 Nov 6th and 200,000 Nov 24th and Dec 23rd DSF. Late in the year 1000 were at Liskeard Dec 17th and 5000 were at Colliford Dec 26th. The only aberrantly plumaged bird reported was one at Treyarnon bay Nov 24th which had a whitish rump and outer tail feather, and buff scalloping on the under tail coverts SMC.

ROSY STARLING - Sturnus roseus Vagrant. Porthgwarra: adult Jun 17th JFR. Lizard Village: adult Jul 17th AMB,SP. Trevose Head: juv Sep 20th SMC. St.Just: juv Oct 18th JCh,GH. These four take the mainland total on to c.56. Monthly breakdown * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - 9 2 7 12 16 2 1 * six birds were undated . Top sites: Land's End seven, Porthgwarra five, Davidstow Airfield and St.Just three each.

Rosy Starling (Kester Wilson)

HOUSE SPARROW - Passer domesticus Common resident. Breeds. Cornish populations were inadequately documented prior to 1980. Subsequently, decreases were noted in many areas until 1985, but there has been an increase in numbers since. This type of fluctuation has been noted in the county previously. As usual, breeding data was sparse. BDB noted the first juvenile in Lamorna for 14 years and post- breeding flocks suggested a successful season on the Lizard. In view of the apparent decline in this species, both in Cornwall and nationally, observers are encouraged to send in any breeding records, which would help to clarify this species' status. The largest flocks were recorded from August onwards. Thirty-four were around Lizard Village on Aug 3rd, 35 at Gunwalloe Aug 16th and 70 at Burniere Point Aug 25th. Numbers peaked in September with the largest flocks being 70 at Trevose Head, 55 at Edmonton Sep 11th and 65 at Tregonce Sep 16th.

113 TREE SPARROW - Passer montanus Scarce passage migrant. Bred at Land's End in 1990. Trevose Head: one May 24th SMC. Porthgwarra: ten May 25th & one Oct 18th SMC,BSW. Caerthillian Cove: three May 30th PLS. Wacker Quay: one Nov 16th MB,NJC. Otterham: one Dec 18th AJB. An excellent year for this rapidly declining species involving 17 birds, takes the county mainland total to c.309. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 5 6 75 17 5 10 3 125 29 23 Top sites: Porthgwarra 163, Wadebridge 23, Land's End area 16, Nanquidno 14, Rame Head 11.

CHAFFINCH - Fringilla coelebs Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. Several large flocks were present in the first winter period, the most notable being 500 Wendron Jan 1st, 800 Boscathnoe Res. Jan 2nd, 1000 Marshgate Jan 4th, 300 Idless Jan 6th, 300 Ruan Lanihome Jan 10th, 400 Leedstown Feb 2nd and 300 Trerethern Farm Feb 7th. Flocks of 100+ were recorded from an additional 11 sites. Breeding data was sparse, but the limited information suggested a good season. Autumn passage was strong and commenced with five past Trevose Head on Sep 17th and ended with 200 at Marazion Nov 7th. Passage in September was generally light, but as usual the bulk of migrants passed through in October with notable peaks 18th-19th and 25th. Four hundred passed through Marazion in an hour and a half Oct 13th and 495 flew over St. Levan in an hour Oct 14th. Counts of 650 at Kenidjack, 1200 at Trevail and 960 at Porthgwarra were recorded on Oct 18th with 3000 south over the latter on the following day. A further 1170 passed over Porthgwarra Oct 25th. The most significant counts in the second winter period included 400 at Reskadinnick Nov 23rd, 340 at Tregonce Dec 15th, 250 at St. Ives Dec 24th-27th and 200 at Trevose Head Dec 30th.

BRAMBLING - Fringilla montifringilla Winter visitor. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Numbers fluctuate from year to year. A record total of c.1859 were recorded in the first winter and spring periods, just surpassing the 1992 totals. The most notable counts included 200 at Cocksport and 200 at Collamoor Head Jan 1st, 120 at Castle Horneck Jan 3rd-8th, 100 at Marshgate Jan 4th, 200 at Idless Jan 6th, 250 at Otterham Jan 23rd and 300 at Camelford Feb 25th. Elsewhere, smaller numbers were widespread throughout the county. These figures serve to exemplify the extent to which numbers vary annually within the county. The last spring bird was a single at Holmbush Apr 17th. Autumn passage commenced with a single at Holman's Moors Oct 5th and grew steadily throughout the month. The largest counts came from Porthgwarra with 18 Oct 19th, 35 Oct 23rd and 28 Oct 25th. Passage continued into early November, but in sharp contrast to the first winter period, the year closed with just a handful of records.

EUROPEAN SERIN - Serinus serinus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A potential breeding species. Holmbush: first winter male Jan 16th-Mar 31st, fem./imm. Oct 24th CLBo,GJC,RL. Towednack: one Apr 7th MJR. Skewjack: singing male Apr 24th KAW. Housel Bay: male May 2nd SK. The county total now advances to c.106.

114 Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 7 9 9 15 1 - - 7 27 22 8 Top sites: Porthgwarra 24 Marazion ten, Lelant eight, Phillack five.

GREENFINCH - Carduelis chloris Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. Numbers were larger in the first winter period than in recent years. Notable counts included 450 at Marshgate Jan 4th as part of the over-wintering finch flock, 68 at Par beach Jan 11th, 50 at Siblyback Res. Jan 21st and 60 on the Roseland Peninsula Jan 26th. Once again many records came from gardens and the species remains widespread and common throughout the county. Breeding data was limited, but most records suggest a successful season. GH noted an average of five birds fledged per nest at Drift Res. and post breeding flocks included 80 at St. Levan Aug 13th. Autumn passage began with widespread and probably began with 17 at Trevose Head Sep 30th and built up rapidly. A flock of 100 was at Pentewan Oct 17th and large numbers were noted moving south from Porthgwarra with 136 Oct 18th, 550 Oct 19th and 907 Oct 23rd and 160 Oct 30th. Passage ceased with 30 through Trevose Head Nov 7th. In the second winter period, the most notable flocks included 100 on the Roseland Peninsula and 100 at Tresidder Mill Dec 12th and 150 at West Pentire Dec 13th.

GOLDFINCH - Carduelis carduelis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Several large flocks were recorded in the first winter period, the most notable being 700+ at Marshgate Jan 4th and 190 at Polridmouth Cove Mar 11th. Spring passage was typically light, with single figures noted at a number of sites. Breeding details were again limited, but post-breeding flocks of 32 at Chapel Stile Jun 26th and 25 at Long Rock Pool Jul 9th were again indicative of a successful season. Autumn passage was, as usual, much stronger and commenced with 40 at St.Levan on Aug 18th. Numbers built up throughout September with significant counts including 150 at Burthallan Lane, St.Ives Sep 17th, 150 at Clodgy Point Sep 18th and 180 at Penlee Point, Rame Head Sep 28th. Smaller flocks remained widespread throughout October, the highest counts being 140 at Penlee Point Oct 3rd, 67 at Porthgwarra Oct 19th and 150 at Par Beach Oct 21st.

In the second winter period, the largest flock reported was 60 at Duloe Dec 6th.

SISKIN - Carduelis spinus Scarce resident (increasing). Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Prior to 1970, Siskin were only rarely reported in winter. Subsequently, winter numbers increased almost annually. Since the mid-1980's the species became established as a regular breeding species, partly due to the increase in coniferous plantations, notably on Bodmin Moor. In the first winter period, c.802 birds were recorded from 39 sites. The largest counts came from Idless 100 Jan 9th, Respryn 150 Feb 2nd and Dunmere 180 Mar 30th. Increasing numbers are being recorded from garden feeders. Indications of breeding came from Halvana Plantation, Smallacombe Plantation, Hustyn Woods, Cooksland, Great Grogley Downs, Launceston and Crowdy Res. and the numbers of juveniles recorded suggests better success than in the last two years. Autumn passage commenced on Sep 4th with a single at Leedstown and numbers built up rapidly. MJR noted 83 moving east over Towednack Sep 9th and commented that birds continued to pass to the south west most days until Sep 24th. Large numbers were present at Marazion Marsh in mid September with 320 recorded on Sep 11th. Passage remained constant throughout September and early October with many small flocks moving west over traditional migration watchpoints, before peaking Oct 23rd-24th. Small numbers remained widespread at the end of the year, with gardens being particularly favoured.

115 Highest counts: Marazion Marsh: 320 Sep 11th Boswednack: 60 Oct 3rd Treveal: 68 Oct 5th, 78 Oct 18th Nanjizal: 200 Oct 14th Porthgwarra: 83 Oct 19th, 181 Oct 23rd

LINNET - Carduelis cannabina Common resident. Breeds (sometimes colonially). Passage migrant. In the first winter period, several large concentrations were recorded with 400 at Bude Marshes Jan 3rd, 800 at Marshgate Jan 4th, 230 at Porth Mear Jan 9th and 250 at Drift Res. Jan 2nd. Indications of Spring passage came with 40 at Treveal and 60 at Wicca Apr 5th and 100 at Caer Bran Farm Apr 14th. During the breeding season, JCTH noted up to 30 pairs at Tregoose Farm, whilst ML commented on substantially increased numbers at Predannack in May. Elsewhere, at least 10 pairs were recorded at St. Agnes Head DJCs, and breeding was also recorded at Portreath, Tregathenan Res. and Oldtown Cove. A flock of c.1000 at RAF Portreath in August was also indicative of a good breeding season. In the autumn several large flocks were recorded, mainly at coastal sites, which doubtless contained many migrants. The largest counts were 700 at Sennen throughout September, 400 Land's End Sep 24th, 400 Penlee Point, Rame Head, Sep 26th and 350 at St. Eyal Sep 29th. Numbers remained similarly high up until mid October with 400 between Rame head and Penlee Point Oct 5th and 250 at RAF Portreath Oct 12th In the second winter period, the largest numbers were 250 at Trevose Head Nov 13th-29th and 600 West Pentire Dec 5 th-13th

COMMON REDPOLL - Carduelis flammea Scarce resident. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A good year with increased records of breeding and the largest autumn passage since for at least twenty years. During the first winter period there were just two singles at Great Grogley Downs Jan 4th and Hawk's Tor Mar 14th. Similarly, few spring migrants were reported, with three at Polly Joke Apr 14th and four at Nanjizal Apr 15th the only birds recorded. In the breeding season territories were established in Hustyn Wood, Great Grogley Downs, Bolventor, Halvana Plantation, Smallacombe Plantation and young were fledged at the latter two sites. Counts of 16 at Halvana Plantation Jul 5th and 14 at Smallacombe Plantation Jul 6th are further evidence of a successful breeding season. VAS noted a single at Trevail on the unusual date of Jun 8th. Autumn migration began with a single at Porth Res. Sep 14th and closed with a single at Rame Barton Nov 2nd. In total c. 76 birds were involved, apparently constituting the heaviest passage recorded in the County, see Figure 4. The largest counts included eight at Nanjizal Oct 3 rd and 13 at Land's End Oct 13th. In the second winter period the only records came from Harlyn Bay with two Nov 13th and two at Penmillard and two at Seaton Valley Nov 30th.

116 Figure 4. Common Redpoll autumn maxima 1978-1997.

COMMON CROSSBILL - Loxia curvirostra An irruptive species recorded annually since 1979 Cornwall. Has bred sporadically since 1985, particularly after irruptions. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. In the first winter period just three were noted, at Smallacombe Plantation Jan 18th. Six at Nanjizal Jun 6th heralded the start of the largest irruption ever recorded in the county, see Figure 5 , which ended with one at Cot Valley Nov 3rd, and involved around 900 birds. Two distinct periods of movement were noted these being Jun 30th-Jul 22nd and Oct 16th-30th. In the second winter period up to eight birds were present at Siblyback Res. Nov 27th-Dec 31st. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 - - - - 122 564 13 31 151 14 8 Highest counts: Smallacombe Plantation: 73 Jul 6th. Nanjizal: six Jun 6th, 21 Sep lst-30th. Bonython: 25 Jun 30th-Jul 18th. Hustyn Wood: 57 Jun 30th. Cot Valley: one Jul 1st, four Jul 4th, one Oct 18th, three Oct 24th and 35 Oct 26th, Nov 3rd. Great Grogley Downs: four Jul 1st, 35 Jul 5th. Caer Bran Farm: four Jul 5th-7th, one, Jul 9th, 25 Jul 10th. Croft Pascoe Plantation: 30 Jul 5th, one Jul 20th. Halvana Plantation: 38 Jul 5th, two Jul 19th. Davidstow Woods: 19 Jul 6th, 18 Jul 10th, five Oct 5th, 30 Oct 16th. Lower Moors Plantation: 25 Jul 6th. Goss Moor: 25 Jul 7th. Trelissick: 24 Jul 22nd. Porthgwarra: four Aug 10th, two Oct 18th, seven Oct 19th, two Oct 25th, 11 Oct 30th.

Figure 5. Common Crossbill autumn maxima 1978-1999.

117 COMMON ROSEFINCH - Carpodacus erythrinus Vagrant (mainly autumn). Botallack: adult male Jul 26th JWn. Porthgwarra: first year Oct 1st & 5th JCh,JHH,KAW. St.Levan: first year Oct 13th SML. Polgigga: first year Oct 23rd-24th KAW. The county mainland total increases to c.23, all but two since 1985. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - - 2 2 3 - 5 9 1 - Top sites: Porthgwarra five, Cot and Upper Fowey Valley two each.

BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Winter visitor. Reports came from 86 sites, reflecting the wide distribution of this species throughout the county. This total was a significant increase on recent years. Breeding season data came from 11 sites. Six pairs were noted in Hustyn Wood SMC and two at Loe Pool. MPF noted that the species was reasonably common throughout the year in the St. Cleer/Liskeard area. In the autumn, 146 birds were noted between Oct 5th and Nov 11th, many of which could relate to migrants. Passage appears to have been steady, with the only double figure count being an impressive 38 at Trevail Oct 18th. During the second winter period, the species remained widespread in small numbers, the highest count being 6 at Newlyn Nov 28th.

HAWFINCH - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Occasional visitor with records in most months. Has bred in Devon as far west as the county border but is not known to have done so in Cornwall. St.Buryan: one June 15th NJP. Trevail: one Oct 18th VAS. Skewjack: one west Oct 19th CLBo,GJC. Nanjizal: one Oct 23 rd-Nov 1st KAW. Porthgwarra: one Oct 27th & one Nov 1st SMC,DSF.

Hawfinch (Kester Wilson) The county total is now c. 100, excluding reports of 'several' in 1829 and a 'family party' in 1958. Monthly breakdown*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 5 13 2 3 5 7 - 3 40 8 7 * two birds were undated.

LAPLAND LONGSPUR - Calcarius lapponicus Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Rare winter visitor. Very rare inland. Porthgwarra: one Sep 3rd & one Oct 18th, 24th DML,MS, JHH. Trevose Head: singles on Sep 10th, Sep 26th-30th, three Oct 2nd-24th, four Nov 7th-8th, three Nov 10th-29th, and one Dec 5th. SMC,TSH,MST. Holman's Moors: two Sep 28th VAS.

118 Caer Bran Farm: one Oct 1st BCW,AH. Cot Valley: one Oct 22nd BSW. RAF Portreath: four Oct 25th, two Oct 29th, six Oct 30th DML,MS. Hendra, Nanquidno: two Oct 26th-29th with one to Oct 31st PSC,JHH. North Cliffs: two Oct 29th DML,MS. Land's End: one Oct 31st BSW. Kynance Downs: one Nov 1st ARP. Pentire Point: three Nov 23rd BSW. West Pentire: one Dec 13th TSH. An above average year with thirty-two birds recorded taking the county mainland total to c.1127, all since 1960.

SNOW BUNTING - Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. Fifty nine records constituted another good year following the record totals of 1996. Approximate monthly totals 1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 18 2 8 - - - - - 9 15 2 5 Loe Bar: three Jan lst-Feb 15th, two to Mar 10th RK, ARP et al. Gwithian: eight Jan 5th, 13 Jan 12th, 14 Jan 26th-Feb 1st. SMC,VAS,GRW,MW. Newquay: singles Jan 10th and Dec 26th SMC. Gwithian Towans: eight Mar 8th DJB. Towednack: eight Sep 28th BBk,LB. Trevose Head: singles Sep 30th-Oct 2nd, Oct 23 rd, Nov 10th and Dec 11th. SMC, RSn. Penhalt: two Oct 10th GPS. Marazion: one Oct 12th JWt. Holman's Moors: two Oct 18th VAS. Wicca:two Oct 18th VAS. Crowdy Res.: one Oct 25th AJB. Porthgwarra: one Oct 25th SMC Nanquidno: three Oct 28th TSH,MST. Lizard Point: one Oct 29th PLS. Pendeen: one Nov 11th DSF. West Pentire: two Dec 5 th-12th, one to Dec 31st TSH,MS.

YELLOWHAMMER - Emberiza citrinella Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. In the first winter period, records were widespread, but numbers generally small. However, 20 at Reskadinnick Jan 2nd, 25 at Porth Mear Jan 9th, 25 at Tregonetha Downs Jan 18th and 26 at Penmillard were all good counts. In the breeding season a small number of reports were received, see Map 6, the highest concentrations being five pairs at Great Grogley Downs and four pairs at Goss Moor. DRC noted that this species was very scarce throughout the summer at Rame Head. During the autumn, a small number of probable migrants passed though traditional migration watchpoints in the west of the county. Significant counts in the autumn and second winter periods included 45 at Helland Oct 10th, 13 at Porthgwarra Oct 30th and 15 at West Pentire Dec 12th.

119 Map 6. Yellowhammer distribution of breeding season records by tetrad 1997.

CIRL BUNTING - Emberiza cirlus Rare resident and passage migrant. Breeds. There has been a protracted decline over the last twenty years of this once common and widespread farmland species. In 1967 up to 15 pairs were located in the south east of the county and despite poor coverage in later years, birds were still present on fifteen sites in the county in 1975. The UK population is now almost exclusively restricted to south Devon. A recent increase has not been reflected in Cornwall, where this species maintains the most tenuous of footholds. A disastrous year for Cirl Bunting in Cornwall with only two confirmed records: Porth Mean one SMC. Rame Head: one AJP,SAP.

ORTOLAN BUNTING - Emberiza hortulana Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Lizard Point: first winter Sep 11th ARP. St.Merryn: one flew north Sep 13th SMC. Trevose Head: one Sep 18th & two Sep 22nd SMC,TSH,MST. Sancreed: one Sep 21st-22nd DSF. Land's end: one Sep 21st & two Sep 22nd KAW. St.Levan: two Sep 23rd KAW. Porthgwarra: one (possibly two) Sep 26th JHH. Assuming ten individuals were involved, the county mainland total now moves to c. 118. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 3 - - 7 87 20 - - Top sites: Sennen/Land's End 20, Porthgwarra 18, Lizard/Caerthillian 12, Trevose Head 10 Nanquidno nine.

120 REED BUNTING - Emberiza schoeniclus Resident Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Small numbers were widespread in the first winter period, with several records coming from gardens. The largest counts included 30 at Tregonetha Downs Jan 17th and 18 at Long Rock Pool Mar 9th, where two days later BP observed the unusual behaviour of 12 "flycatching from willows". MJH noted the first for six years at Labour-in-Vain Mar 12th. During the summer, indications of breeding came from 14 sites, mostly Bodmin Moor and mid- Cornwall, see Map 7. GJC noted eight pairs in the Upper Fowey Valley Jun 6th, three pairs were at Maidenwell Marsh and two at St. Columb Porth. Autumn passage consisted of. c.75 birds, with most being recorded at traditional migration watchpoints; the most notable counts included 20 at Hayle Kimbro Pool Oct 25th and 15 at Porthgwarra Oct 30th. In the second winter period, the species was widespread in very small numbers. The largest count being 15 at Pentire Point West Dec 13th.

Map 7. Reed Bunting distribution of breeding season records by tetrad 1997.

CORN BUNTING - Emberiza calandra Resident. Breeds. Flocks outside the breeding season Cornwall remains the stronghold for this species in the south west, with the majority found along a narrow coastal strip on the north side of the county between Rumps Point and Godrevy Point. This is yet another farmland species undergoing a continual national decline. Land's End The only record was one at Porthgwarra Nov 1 st. North Cliffs Tehidy CP produced impressive counts of 21 Jan 5th and 40 Feb 1st. DML located five pairs between Porthtowan and Portreath , down from nine in 1996 and noted the lowest numbers at RAF Portreath for many years, with the highest count being six on Sep 20th. Perranporth to Porth Joke Up to four birds were at Polly Joke in December.

121 Newquay to Padstow SMC located nine singing males at Trevose Head and up to 40 birds were present August 9th-Oct 31st. Up to 20 remained into November and 10 remained at the year's close. Elsewhere, a singing male was present at Crugmeer in May and two at Porth Mear in June. Nine were at Mawgan Porth Nov 30th. North of Padstow With the exception of one record of eight birds at Brea Hill Jan 21st, all records came from between Pentire Farm and The Rumps, where six singing males were noted.

EXOTICA

BLACK SWAN The 1996 bird, which has probably been in the county since 1991, visited the following sites: Argal Res., College Res., Truro River, Tresillian River, Lynher Est., Carlyon Bay, Restronguet Creek and Helford River.

AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK Hayle Est.: female Feb 2nd. Camel Est.: female Feb 22nd, presume same as Hayle Est. bird..

CHILOEWIGEON Swanpool: two Oct 19th.

SPECKLED TEAL Marazion Beach: one Dec 5th. Hayle Est.: one Dec 7th, probably the Marazion bird.

RINGED TEAL Trenance Lake: male and two females Jul 16th-Sep 30th. Millbrook Pond: two Sep 14th. Par Beach Pool: male and female Sep 23rd. Camel Est.: male Sep 26th-Oct 2nd, presume same at Wadebridge Sep 28th.

COMMON PEAFOWL Upper Fowey Valley: heard throughout the year. Dunmere: male Apr 11th.

BUDGERIGAR Hayle Est.: one Nov 9th.

RED-FACED LOVEBIRD Egloshayle: one May 23rd.

PARAKEET sp. St.Germans: one Sep 22nd-29th. Polgreen Farm: one Aug 25th (probably Rose-ringed Parakeet).

COCKATIEL Mullion Cove: one Mar 15th. Hayle Est.: one Aug 10th. Bodmin: one Dec 26th.

YELLOW-THROATED BUNTING St.Ives: one Apr 11th.

122 BBRC DECISIONS

Little Shearwater Pendeen Aug 29th Pending Wilson's Storm-petrel Pendeen Aug 20th Pending American Bittern Land's End Oct 10th Not Accepted Great White Egret Par Feb 12th Pending Red-footed Falcon Porthgwarra Oct 19th Not Accepted American Golden Plover Clodgy Point Oct 1st Pending Audouin's Gull Reskajeage Dec 31st Pending Gull-billed Tern Towan Head Jun 26th Not Accepted Forster's Tern Stithians Res. Sep 11th Not Accepted Alpine Swift Landulph Jun 1st Rejected Black-eared Wheatear Towan Head Aug 14th Not Accepted Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Trevose Head Oct 4th Not Accepted

PENDING RECORDS - Details required

All the 1997 records listed below require documentation, having not been submitted by the original observers. If you saw, or can confirm, any of these birds please contact the county recorder with details, including descriptions. American Wigeon: Camel Estuary Aug 5th. Ring-necked Duck: Copperhouse Creek Jan 4th. Northern Goshawk: Wadebridge Aug 19th. American/Pacific Golden Plover: Camel Estuary Nov 19th. Semi-palmated Sandpiper: Hayle Est. Aug 31st. White-rumped Sandpiper: Restronguet Creek Aug 5th. Pectoral Sandpiper: Crowdy Res. Aug 11th & 30th; Davidstow Aug 31st. Lesser Yellowlegs: Restronguet Creek Aug 13th. Long-tailed Skua: Pendeen Watch Sep 13th, Porthgwarra Oct 8th. Bonaparte's Gull: Mount's Bay Feb 8th. Caspian Tern: Camel Estuary Aug Oct 10th. White-winged Black Tern: Loe Pool Aug 8th. Sooty Tern: Pendeen Sep 7th. Alpine Swift: Stratton two May 18th, St.Buryan May 27th. Short-toed Lark: West Pentire Dec 5th. Tree Swallow: Clodgy Point Nov 11th. Red-rumped Swallow: Camel Estuary Sep 3rd. Red-throated Pipit: Cam Trevean Sep 23rd, Trevose Head Sep 26th, Porthgwarra Oct 22nd & 23rd. Siberian Stonechat: KenidjackNov 11th. Marsh Warbler: Cot Valley Oct 30th-Nov 3rd. Olivaceous Warbler: Kynance Cove Oct 22nd. Subalpine Warbler: males Porthgwarra & Holman's Moors May 27th. Pallas's Leaf Warbler: Nare Head Oct 31st. Woodchat Shrike: Cape Cornwall May 28th. Ortolan Bunting: Treveal male May 4th, Trevose Head Oct 5th.

123 FIRST & LAST DATES FOR MIGRANTS

Summer Species Arrival Site Departure Site Manx Shearwater Feb 10th St.Ives Dec 8th Trevose Head European Storm-petrel May 11th Porthgwarra Nov 9th Pendeen Watch Garganey May 7th Poldhu Nov 21st Marazion Marsh Hobby Apr 14th Stithians Reservoir Oct 17th Pentire Point Little Ringed Plover Apr 17th Maer Lake Sep 29th Stithians Reservoir Whimbrel Mar 15th Hayle Estuary Oct 25th Ruan Lanihorne Wood Sandpiper Apr 5th Hayle Estuary Sep 23rd Crowdy Reservoir Sandwich Tern Mar 12th Newquay Nov 16th Hayle Estuary Common Tern Apr 9th Porthpean Nov 5th Hayle Estuary Arctic Tern May 2nd Bude Nov 16th Swanpool Little Tern Apr 24th Hayle Estuary Sep 13th St.Ives Black Tern May 2nd Maer Lake Oct 11th Hayle Estuary Puffin Apr 13th Polhawn Cove Nov 8th Trevose Head Turtle Dove Apr 19th Polhawn Cove Nov 1st Cot Valley Common Cuckoo Mar 27th Rame Aug 8th St.Ives European Nightjar May 13th Lizard Aug 16th Par Beach Pool Common Swift Apr 19th Maer Lake Sep 29th Maer Lake Sand Martin Mar 3rd Stithians Reservoir Oct 15th Hannafore Point Barn Swallow Mar 9th Par Beach Pool Nov 28th Porthgwarra House Martin Mar 7th Long Rock Pool Nov 27th Lerryn Tree Pipit Apr 9th Wendron Oct 5th Wicca Yellow Wagtail Apr 6th Rame Nov 7th Trevose Head White Wagtail Mar 18th Par Beach Oct 23rd Par Beach Common Redstart Apr 7th Wadebridge Oct 26th Bude Whinchat Apr 20th Lundy Bay Nov 2nd Land's End Northern Wheatear Mar 2nd Pentire Point Dec 1st Poldhu Cove Ring Ouzel Mar 29th Kynance Nov 9th Marazion Marsh Grasshopper Warbler Apr 9th Lostwithiel Oct 16th Church Cove Sedge Warbler Mar 26th Par Beach Pool Oct 5th Lizard Village Reed Warbler Apr 2nd Par Beach Pool Nov 2nd Treveal Lesser Whitethroat Apr 19th Hendersick Farm Oct 5th Nanjizal Common Whitethroat Apr 1st Bude Oct 23rd Trevean Farm Garden Warbler Apr 16th Marazion Marsh Nov 1st Land's End Wood Warbler Apr 13th Townshend Oct 23rd Porthcurno Willow Warbler Mar 13th St.Breock Oct 25th Porthgwarra Spotted Flycatcher May 1st Botallack Oct 23rd Land's End Pied Flycatcher Mar 10th Duckpool Nov 2nd Zennor

Winter Species Departure Site Arrival Site Red-throated Diver May 24th Harlyn Bay Sep 27th St.Ives Black-throated Diver Jun 9th Pentewan Sep 20th Rame Head Great Northern Diver May 30th Downderry Aug 5th Towan Head Red-necked Grebe Apr 15th St.Austell Bay Aug 16th Porthgwarra

124 Slavonian Grebe Apr 9th Porthpean Aug 27th Camel Estuary Black-necked Grebe Jun 26th Newquay Bay Aug 9th Rame Head Northern Pintail May 11th Swanpool Sep 20th Hayle Estuary Common Goldeneye Apr 23 rd Colliford Reservoir Aug 24th Pendeen Watch Hen Harrier May 12th Cam Galver Oct 13th Lizard Merlin May 16th Lizard Aug 25th Camel Estuary Avocet Mar 16th Tamar Estuary Sep 21st Tamar Estuary European Golden Plover May 20th Hayle Estuary Aug 12th Crowdy Reservoir Grey Plover Jun 12th Camel Estuary Jul 24th Hayle Estuary Purple Sandpiper May 20th Penzance Aug 1st Sennen Cove Jack Snipe Apr 19th Caer Bran Farm Oct 13th Skewjack Woodcock Mar 19th Loe Valley Oct 19th St.Loy Water Pipit Apr 3 rd Par Beach Nov 2nd Par Beach Fieldfare Mar 29th Golitha Wood Oct 7th Black Head Redwing Jul 15th Labour-in-Vain Sep 27th Kynance Cove Firecrest Apr 4th Illogan Wood Sep 14th Lamoma Cove Brambling Apr 17th Holmbush Oct 5th Holman's Moors

CONTRIBUTORS

R.C. Abbott (RCA) S. Bury (SB) S.B. Edwards (SBE) R.E. Henry (REH) P.G. Akers (PGA) R. Butts (RB) B.R. Ellis (BRE) D. Herring (DH) P.H. Aley (PHA) T.M. Carne (TMC) D. Eva (DE) J.C.T. Hillier (JCTH) P. Alfrey (PAy) B. Cave (BC) L. G. Evans (LGRE) G. Hobin (GH) R.E. Allen (REA) D. Chapman (DCm) C. Eyre (CE) F.H. Honeychurch R. Allen (RA) J. Chappie (JCh) J.H. Finch (JHF) (FHH) R. Andrew (RAw) G. Charlton (GC) L. Fletcher (LF) G.C. Jackson (GCJ) A. Atkinson (AAn) L.H. Charlton (LHC) D.S. Flumm (DSF) D. Jackson (DJ) M. Atkinson (MAn) T.D. Charlton (TDC) M.P. Frost (MPF) E.C. James (ECJ) G.R. Avery (GRAv) PS. Chesbrough (PSC) J. Gask (JG) J.W. James (JWJ) L. Baker (LB) J. Chesher (JCr) S. Geary (SG) R.M. James (RMJ) B. Baker (BBk) D.J. Chown (DJC) T. George (TG) V. James (VJ) A.M. Ball (AMB) G. Cockill (GCo) P. F. Goodfellow (PFG) R.C. James (RCJ) D.J. Barker (DJB) C.B. Cole (CBC) R.W. Gould (RWG) A. Jayne (AJ) C.C. Barnard (CCB) S.V. Colombe (SVC) N.L. Grace (NLG) H. Johnson (HJn) ST. Barron (STB) DA. Conway (DAC) G.S. Grant (GSG) R. Johnson (RJn) M.E. Bazeley (MEB) G.J. Conway (GJC) Guinnel (G) D.L. Johnson (DLJ) M. Beer (MB) I.M.E. Conway (IMEC) E.G. Gynn (EGG) R.A. Johnson (RAJn) C&C. Beesley (C&CB) C. Coombes (CC) G.G. Gynn (GGG) H. Jonas (HJ) N.M.G. Bell (NMGB) S. Cooper (SC) T.S. Hale (TSH) J.A. Jones (J.A.J.) R.M. Belringer (RMB) F.M. Couch (FMC) M.C. Hall (MCH) K. Jones (KJ) C.L. Bingham (CLB) D.R. Courtnell (DRC) R.E. Hannaford (REH) R.A. Jones (RAJ) J. Blower (JB1) B.T. Craven (BTC) I. Hansford (IHd) D.I. Julian (DIJ) B.D. Blowers (BDB) D.J. Curtis (DJCs) J.A. Harris (JAH) R. Jutsum (RJm) A.J. Bond (AJB) A.M.J. Davey (AMJD) P. Harrison (PH) T.R. Kay (TRK) S.T. Bond (STBd) P. Davies (PDs) S.M. Harwood (SMH) J. Kay (JK) C.L. Bourne (CLBo) I. Davis (ID) P. Haseldine (PHe) D.F. Kelley (DFK) C.G. Bradshaw (CGB) L.M. Dingain (LMD) A. Hathway (AH) P. Kemp (PK) D. Bray (DBr) M. Dodd (MD) B. Hawker (BH) R. Kemp (RK) P. Brierley (PBr) B. Dodd (BD) J.H. Hawkey (JHH) I.C.H. Kendall (IK) S. Brothers (SBs) P. Dolton (PD) M.J. Healan (MJH) D. Kennedy (DK) B. Bryne (BB) P.A. Dukes (PAD) G.A. Healey (GAH) S. Kolodziejski (SK)

125 R. Lane (RL) S.A. Park (SAP) L.A.H. Sari (LAHS) J. Van-Den-Heuver A. Langdon (ALn) R. Parker (RPr) M. Scott-Ham (MSH) (JVDH) A.A. Langford (AAL) A. Parker (APr) M.P. Semmens (MPS) P. Visick (PV) J. Lawman (JL) J. Pask (JP) J.D. Sessions (JDS) P.J. Vokes (PJV) M. Lawson (MLw) B.R. Pattenden (BRP) J.J. Shillingford (JJS) R.E. Wake (REW) H. Ledger (HL) A.R. Pay (ARP) P.T. Sillifant (PTS) P.A. Wakelin (PAW) D.M. Lewis (DML) D.H. Payne (DHP) R. Smaldon (RSn) J. Waldon (JWn) G.D. Lewis (GDL) S.J. Pearman (SJP) M. Southam (MS) B.L. Webb (BLW) S.M. Lister (SML) K. Pellow (KP) C. Speedy (CS) Birding South West R.C. Loader (RCL) R.D. Penhallurick H.A. Spiller (HAS) (BSW) D. Lord (DL) (RDP) P.F. Spong (PFS) C.C. White (CCW) M. Lord (ML) L.R. Perry (LRP) M. Stange (MSe) G.R. White (GRW) A. Lord (AL) A. Perry (APy) I.R. Stewart (IRS) M. White (MW) B.M. Lye (BML) J. Pewtress (JPs) A.B. Stewart (ABS) S.C. Wicks (SCW) S.C. Madge (SCM) N.J. Phillips (NJP) W. Stewart (WS) R.W. Wilkins (RWW) RA. Maker (PAM) N.R. Phillips (NRP) Stithians Hide Log L.P. Williams (LPW) S.R. Marshall (SRM) S. Pilbeam (SP) (SHL) P. Williams (PW) E.A. Martin (E AM) T.K. Plummer (TKP) V.A. Stratton (VAS) K.A. Wilson (KAW) J.R Martin (JPM) W. Poole (WP) PL. Stubbs (PLS) E.J. Wilson (EJW) J. Martin (JM) F. Potts (FP) G.P. Sutton (GPS) Mr Wimberley (Wy) A. Mason (AM) J.M. Randall (JMR) R.C. Swinfen (RCS) C. Witts (CWi) M. May (MM) P.J. Reay (PJR) C. Thomas (CT) W.A. Wolfenden (WAW) P. McCartney (PMcC) N. Renwick (NRk) D.L. Thomas (DLT) M. Wolfenden (MWn) S. McMahon (SMcM) T. Riddle (TR) G.H. Thomas (GHT) D. Wood (DW) E. Mckenzie (EM) R. D. Riley (RDR) M.S. Thomas (MST) S. Woods (SW) J.D. Mckenzie (JDM) M.J. Rogers (MJR) R. Thorne (RT) B.C. Wotton-McTurk H. Meredith (HM) S. Rogers (SR) C. Townend (CTd) (BCW) K. Noble (KN) G.P.G. Rowe (GPGR) L.A.C. Truscott (LACT) N. Wort (NW) M. Noble (MN) S.G. Rowe (SGR) J. Tucker (JT) J. Wright (JWt) T.R. Norman (T.R.N.) M.J. Rule (MJRe) V.R. Tucker (VRT) D.M. Yelland (DMY) W.C. Northcott (WCN) S.R. Ruscoe (SRR) M. Tunmore (MT) F. Yelland (FY) A.J. Park (AJP) P.A. Rutter (PAR) J.L.A. Tyler (JLAT)

GAZETTEER

This list contains most of the place names mentioned in the Systematic List. Grid references refer to the four-figure square in which the site (or the majority of it) lies. All sites are marked on the 1:25 000 or 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey maps (Landranger series). Sheets 190, 200, 201, 203 and 204 relate to Cornwall.

Altamun SX2281 Bodgara SX2686 Bosigran SW4236 Amble Marshes SW9874 Bodmin Moor SX1876 Bosistow SW3623 Angarrack SW5838 Bodmin Parkway Stn SX1164 Boskenna SW4125 Argal Reservoir SW7632 Bodmin Sewage Works SX0566 Boslowick SW7931 Barras Nose SX0589 Bolingey Marsh SW7653 Boslymon SX0761 Bass Point SW7111 Bone Valley SW4632 Bosporthennis SW4336 Bastreet SX2476 Bonython SW6920 Bossiney SX0689 Bear Wood SX1164 Booby's Bay SW8575 Boswednack SW4437 Bear's Downs SW8968 Borlase Wood SW8540 Botallack SW3632 Bearah Tor SX2574 Bosanketh SW3826 Bradford SX1175 Bedruthan Steps SW8469 Boscastle SX0990 Brea Hill SW9277 Beeny Cliff SX1092 Boscathnoe Reservoir SW4531 Breney Common SX0561 Black Head, St. Austell SX0447 Boscawen Park SW8343 Bude SS2106 Blackpool Clay Pit SW9854 Boscoppa SX0253 Bude Bay SSI 607

126 Bude Marshes SS2005 Cutcrew Mill SX3386 Gwithian Towans SW5841 Cadgwith SW7214 Cutmere Bridge SX3296 Halton Quay SX4165 Cadsonbury SX3467 Dannonchapel SX0382 Halvana Plantation SX2077 Caer Bran SW4029 Davidstow Airfield SX1485 Hannafore SX2552 Caerhays SW9741 Davidstow Woods SX1484 Hannafore Point SX2552 Caerthillian Cove SW6913 Degibna Wood SW6525 Hannibal's Cam SW4336 Calstock SX4368 Denzill Mill SW8956 Harlyn SW8775 Camborne SW6540 Devoran SW7939 Harlyn Bay SW8775 Camel Estuary SW9374 Dinas Head SW8476 Harlyn Pools SW8775 Camel Quarry SW9537 Ding Dong SW4334 Hawk's Tor, Temple SX1475 Camelford SX1083 Dinham Bridge SX0373 Hawkstor Clay Pit SX1474 Cape Cornwall SW3531 Dodman Point SX0039 Haye SX4166 Carbis Bay SW5239 Dollar Cove SW3425 Hayle Estuary SW5537 Cardinham SX1268 Downderry SX3253 Hayle Kimbro Pool SW6916 Cardinham Woods SX1067 Doyden Point SW9680 Hayle Mill Pond SW5583 Cargenwen/Crowan Res. SW6535 Dozmary Pool SX1974 Helford SW7526 Cargreen SX4362 Drift Reservoir SW4329 Helford River SW7726 Cam Brea, Camborne SW6840 Duloe SX2358 Hell's Mouth SW6042 Cam Brea, St. Just SW3828 Dunmere SX0467 Helman Tor SX0661 Cam Galver SW4236 Dunmere Wood SX0468 Helston SW6627 Cammenellis SW6936 Duporth SX0351 Helston Amenity Area SW6526 Camsew Pool SW5537 East Looe River SX2554 Helston Lake SW6527 Carrick Roads SW8335 Eastern Green Beach SW4830 Helston Sewage Works SW6532 Castle Beach SW8131 Egloshayle SX0072 Hendersick Farm SX2352 Castle-an-Dinas (East) SW9462 Empacombe SX4452 Hepwell SX3064 Cat's Cove SW8576 Enniscaven SW9659 High Cliff SX1294 Catchall SW4327 Epphaven Cove SW9679 Higher Crill Farm SW7783 Cawsand SX4350 Falmouth SW8032 Higher Kenneggy SW5628 Cawsand Bay SX4450 Falmouth Bay SW8130 Higher Tregiffian SW3627 Chapel Porth SW6949 Fishing Cove SW5942 Holman's Moors SW4839 Cheesewring SX2572 Foage SW4637 Holmbush SX0352 Church Cove, Lizard SW7112 Forder SX4250 Holywell Bay SW7659 Cleave Camp SS2012 Four Lanes SW6838 Hudder Down SW6042 Clifton SX4264 Fowey SX1251 Hustyn Downs SX0067 Clitters SX3772 Fowey Estuary SX1254 Idless SW8247 Clodgy Point SW5041 Freathy SX3952 Illogan SW6744 Coldrose Farm SW8248 Gannel Estuary SW7961 Indian Queens SW9158 Coldvreath SW9858 Garras SW7023 Industry SX2357 College Reservoir SW7633 Garvinack Farm SW7748 Jubilee Pool, Penzance SW4729 Colliford Reservoir SX1772 Gerran's Bay SW9037 Kea Wood SW8442 Com Head SW9480 Gillhouse SX1873 Kelsey Head SW7660 Common Moor SX2469 Glebe Cliff SX0488 Kelynack SW3730 Constantine SW7329 Godrevy Island SW5743 Kenidjack SW3632 Constantine Bay SW8574 Godrevy Point SW5743 Kennack Sands SW7316 Cooksland SX0867 Golant SX1254 Killigerran Head SW8732 Copperhouse Creek SW5637 Goldsithney SW5430 Kings Wood SX0048 Cot Valley SW3630 Golitha/Draynes Wood SX2268 Kingsand SX4350 Cotehele SX4268 Goonhilly Downs SW7219 Kingsmill Lake SX4261 Cotehele Woods SX4268 Gorran Haven SW0141 Kit Hill SX3771 Coverack SW7818 Goss Moor SW9459 Kynance Cove, Lizard SW6813 Crafthole SX3654 Great Grogley Downs SX0167 Labour-in-Vain SW6744 Crantock SW7860 Grogley Halt SX0156 Ladock Wood SW8851 Crean SW3824 Gull Rock, Boscastle SX1193 Lady Downs, Penwith SW4736 Creney Farm SX0761 Gull Rock, Portreath SW6445 Lamanva SW7631 Croft Pascoe Pltn SW7219 Gulland Rock SW8778 Lamelgate SX2170 Croft Pascoe Pool SW7319 Gulval SW4831 Lamorna SW4424 Crowdy Reservoir SX1483 Gun Point SW9176 Lamorna Cove SW4524 Crowlas SW5133 Gunwalloe Marsh SW6621 Land's End SW3425 Crows-an-Wra SW3927 Gurnard's Head SW4338 Landulph Marsh SX4261 Cubert SW7857 Gwallon SW5231 Laneast SX2283 Cudden Point SW5427 Gwavas SW7113 Lanhydrock SX0863 Culdrose SW6626 Gweek SW7026 Latchbrook SX4059 Cury SW6721 Gwithian SW5841 Latchley SX4073

127 SX3584 Lelant SW5437 Newbridge, Callington SX3467 Poison SX7215 Lerryn SX1357 Newbridge, Penzance SW4231 Poltesco SW7328 Liskeard SX2564 Newland SW9181 Polwheveral Creek Little Petherick Creek SX9273 Newlyn SW4628 Popesmill SX2763 Lizard Downs SW6913 Newquay Bay SW8162 Porkellis Moor SW6832 SW9980 Lizard Point SW6911 Newton Moor SW6738 Port Isaac SW9780 Lizard Village SW7012 Nine Maidens SW4335 Port Quin SX0080 Loe Bar SW6424 Ninestones Bridge SX2317 Portgaverne SW8362 Loe Beach SW8238 North Bowda SX2477 Porth, Newquay SW7760 Loe Pool SW6424 North Cliffs SW6243 Porth Joke SW5438 Loe Valley SW6526 Northcott Mouth SS2008 Porth Kidney Beach SW8471 Long Rock Pool SW5031 Padstow SW9274 Porth Mear, Park Head SW8662 Looe SX2553 Par SX0753 Porth Reservoir SW6444 Looe Estuary SX2553 Par Bay SX0852 Porth-cadjack Cove SW7923 Looe Island SX2551 Par Beach SX0853 Porthallow SW8571 ! Lostwithiel SX1059 Par Beach Pool SX0853 Porthcothan SW3822 Lower Boscaswell SW3734 Par Moor SX0552 Porthcurno Lower Brynn SW9862 Park Head SW8470 Porthgwarra SW3621 SW6225 Lower Tamar Lake SS2911 Pelynt SX2054 Porthleven SW4337 Luckett Woods SX3972 Pemboa SW6826 Porthmeor, Zennor SW5140 Lundy Bay SW9579 Pen Enys Point SW4841 Porthmeor Beach SW8976 Luxulyan Valley SX0557 Pen Olver SW7111 Porthmissen SW9541 Lye Rock SX0689 Penberth SW3923 Portholland Lynher Estuary SX3955 Pencalenick SW8545 Porthoustock SW8021 SX0350 Madron SW4531 Pencarrow, Bodmin SX0471 Porthpean Maenporth SW7829 Pendarves SW6437 Portnadler Bay SX2451 SW6545 Maer Lake SS2007 Pendeen SW3834 Portreath Maker Heights SX4351 Pendeen Watch SW3735 Portscatho SW8735 SS2208 Malpas SW8442 Pendower Beach SW8938 Poughill Marazion Beach SW5031 SW7756 Praa Sands SW5828 SW6816 Marazion Marsh SW5031 Penjerrick SW7730 Predannack Marshgate SX1591 Penlee Point,Mousehole SW4726 Priory Park Bodmin SX0736 Maudlin, Liskeard SX2664 Penlee Point,Rame Hd SX4448 Probus SW8947 SW5527 Mawgan Porth SW8467 Penlee Woods SX4449 Prussia Cove SW9261 Meachard SX0991 Penpol Creek, Feock SW8138 Quoit Farm SW6746 Men-An-Tol SW4234 Penrose, Loe Pool SW6425 RAF Portreath SW8664 Menabilly SX1051 Penryn SW7834 RAF St. Mawgan SW6445 Menadarva SW6141 Penryn River SW7934 Ralph's Cupboard SX4249 Merope Rocks SW8676 Pensilva SX2969 Rame, Rame Head Merry Meeting SX0874 Pentargon SX1091 Rame Head SX4148 SX1671 Mevagissey SX0144 Pentewan SX0147 Redhill Downs Mevagissey Bay SX0245 Pentewan Beach SX0247 Redmoor SX0762 Middle Taphouse SX1763 Pentire Farm SW9380 Rejerrah SW7955 Military Road, Penlee SX4349 Pentire Point SW9280 Relubbus SW5631 SW6341 Milladon Pond SX3315 Pentire Point East SW7861 Reskadinnick SW6343 Millbrook SX4252 Pentire Point West SW7761 Reskajeage Downs Millbrook Lake SX4352 Penzance SW4730 Respryn SX0963 SW8038 Minnows Islands SW8572 Percuil SW8534 Restronguet Creek Molenick SX3361 Perranporth SW7554 Retallack SW9366 Morvah SW4035 Perranporth Dunes SW7554 River Neet SS2208 Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676 Perranuthnoe SW5329 Roche SW9860 Mount Pleasant SX0062 Pinkson Creek SW9473 Rocky Valley SX0789 SX0456 Mount's Bay SW4930 Pityme SW9576 Rosemelling Pool SW4136 Mousehole SW4726 Plaidy SX2653 Rosemergy SW9567 Mullion SW6718 Plusha SX2580 SW9161 Mullion Island SW6617 Polbrock SX0169 Rosewastis Murrayton SX2854 Poldhu Cove SW6619 Rospannel SW3926 SW5529 Nanjizal SW3523 Poldhu Marsh SW6720 Rosudgeon Nanquidno SW3629 Polgigga SW3723 Rough Tor SX1481 SW8841 Nare Head SW9137 Polhawn Cove SX4149 Ruan Lanihorne Nare Point SW8025 Polly Joke SW7760 Rumps Point SW9381 Navax Point SW5943 Polmarkyn SX3335 Ryan's Field SW5436 New Mill SW4534 Polridmouth Cove SX1050 Salter Mill SX4316

128 Samphire Island SW6344 St. Levan SW3722 Tresillian River SW8444 Sancreed SW4129 St. Loy SW4223 Treskilling SX0357 Seaton SX3054 St. Mawes SW8433 Treskilling Clay Pit SX0357 Sennen SW3626 St. Mawgan SW8765 Trethurgy SX0355 Sennen Cove SW3526 St. Mellion SX3865 Trevail SW4740 Sharp Tor SX2673 St. Michael's Mount SW5129 Trevanson SW9772 Shell Woods SX0872 St. Minver SW9677 Trevaylor Woods SW4632 Shillingham Creek SX4025 Stannon Clay Pit SX1280 Treveal SW4740 Short Island SX0790 Stepper Point SW9178 Treverbyn SX2067 Siblyback Reservoir SX2371 Stithians Reservoir SW7136 Trevescan SW3524 Silverwell SW7548 Stoke Climsland SX3674 Trevilley SW3524 Skewjack SW3624 Stonaford SX2577 Trevone SW8975 Smallacombe Pltn SX2275 Stratton SS2206 Trevorrian SW3726 Soap Cove SW6714 Summercourt SW8856 Trevose Farm SW8675 Spit Beach SX0752 Summerleaze Beach SS2006 Trevose Head SW8576 St. Agnes SW7250 Swanpool SW8031 Trewey Common SW4636 St. Agnes Head SW6951 Swanpool Beach SW8031 Trewornan Bridge SW9874 St. Andrew's Pool SX0754 Swanvale SW7931 Treyarnon Bay SW8574 St. Anthony, St. Mawes SW8532 Talland Bay SX2251 Truro River SW8342 St. Austell Bay SW0651 Tater-du SW4423 Turnaware Point SW8338 St. Austell Sew. Works SX0125 Tehidy Country Park SW6443 Tywardreath Marsh SX0854 St. Blazey SX0654 Temple Tor Pools SX1373 United Downs SW7441 St. Breock Downs SW9668 The Mouls SW9381 Upper Fowey Valley SX2173 St. Breward SX0976 The Sisters SX0689 Upper Tamar Lake SS2812 St. Buryan SW4025 Tideford SX3459 Vault Bay SX0140 St. Cleer SX2468 SX0588 Wacker Quay SX3895 St. Clement SW8543 Torpoint SX4354 Wadebridge Sew. Wks SW9817 St. Clement Woods SW8248 Towan Beach SW8732 Walmsley Sanctuary SW9974 St. Clements Isle SW4726 Towan Head SW7962 Watergate Bay SW8364 St. Columb Major SW9163 Towednack SW4838 Wendron SW6731 St. Columb Minor SW8462 Townshend SW5932 Werrington SX3287 St. Columb Porth SW8362 Treen, Boswednack SW4337 West Looe River SX2454 St. Dominick Church SX3967 Treen, Porthcurno SW3922 West Pentire SW7760 St. Enodoc Golf Course SW9376 Tregantle Fort SX3853 West Taphouse SX1563 St. Erth Pools SW5435 Tregathenan SW6530 Westerlake Farm SX2171 St. Eval SW8868 Tregembo SW5731 Western Cove SW6445 St. Germans SX3657 Tregonetha Downs SW9562 Wherry Town SW4729 St. Ives SW5140 Tregoss Moor SW9760 Whitsand Bay SX3851 St. Ives Bay SW5439 Tremayne Quay SW7225 Wicca SW4739 St. Ives Island SW5241 Trenance Lake SW8160 Widemouth Bay SS2002 St. John Ford SX4153 Trengwainton SW4431 Winnard's Perch SW9266 St. John's Lake SX4254 Trerulefoot SX3358 Woon Gumpus Common SW3933 St. Just SW3631 Tresamble SW7539 Zacry's Island SW8363 St. Just Airfield SW3728 Tresemple Pool SW8544 Zelah SW8151 St. Keveme SW7821 Tresillian SW8646 Zennor SW4538

Birds treated at Perranporth RSPCA Welfare Centre - Rex Harper

Great Northern Diver 4 Common Shelduck 24 Water Rail 1 Great Crested Grebe 1 55 Moorhen 6 Northern Fulmar 18 Northern Pintail 1 Common Coot 1 Manx Shearwater 6 Tufted Duck 1 Common Snipe 1 European Storm-petrel 1 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 16 Woodcock 2 Northern Gannet 25 Common Buzzard 21 Eurasian Curlew 2 Great Cormorant 2 Common Kestrel 15 Black-headed Gull 18 Shag 6 Merlin 1 Common Gull 2 Grey Heron 5 Peregrine Falcon 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Mute Swan 64 Red-legged Partridge 1 Herring Gull 188 Canada Goose 1 Common Pheasant 5 Great Black-backed Gull 3

129 Kittiwake 1 Barn Swallow 15 Magpie 8 Common Guillemot 74 House Martin 9 Jackdaw 72 Razorbill 5 Meadow Pipit 1 Rook 12 Puffin 1 Rock Pipit 1 Carrion crow 20 Wood Pigeon 40 Pied Wagtail 1 Raven 1 Collared Dove 32 Wren 1 Common Starling 8 Barn Owl 13 Robin 10 House Sparrow 16 Little Owl 1 Northern Wheatear 1 Chaffinch 9 Tawny Owl 16 Blackbird 32 Greenfinch 2 Long-eared Owl 1 Song Thrush 5 Goldfinch 6 Common Swift 7 Redwing 2 Linnet 1 Common Kingfisher 1 Sedge Warbler 1 Bullfinch 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Blue Tit 1

HENRY MEWBURN of ST GERMANS (1780-1834) An early 19th century ornithologist - R. D. Penhallurick

Among the few shadowy naturalists working in Cornwall in the early 19th century was Henry Mewburn, invariably described as of St.Germans, then often spelled German's or occasionally Germain's. That we know anything of his interest in birds is because Thomas Bewick (1753-1828), the Newcastle engraver, included several woodcuts and notes of Mewburn's specimens in the 6th and last edition of A History of British Birds (1826). In the Preface to this edition, Bewick acknowledged first "G. T. Fox, Esq. of Westhoe, for his indefatigable exertions in searching the repositories that enrich this, and were not in former editions". George Townshend Fox, F.L.S., F.Z.S. (1782-1841) settled in Westhoe, South Shields, where he took an active part in public affairs and was a founder member of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1829. While it was Fox who corresponded with Mewburn, it appears that Mewburn may have sent specimens direct to Bewick rather than via Fox (see under Canada Goose below).

CIRL BUNTING. Bewick wrote "Our figure is from a well preserved specimen presented to the Newcastle Museum by Mr Henry Mewburn, of St.German's, Cornwall, where it was shot in 1822. This gentleman has besides ascertained that they breed in that neighbourhood, frequenting woods and high trees, and like the Common [Corn] Bunting, generally perching near the top. They lay four or five greyish eggs, spotted and streaked with black."

Bewick's account is not quite correct; fuller details of this and other specimens are in a letter dated 7 March 1826 which Mewburn sent to Fox and was subsequently printed in Fox's Synopsis of the Newcastle Museum (1827, pp. 252-255) : "From Mr Henry Mewburn, of St.German's, Cornwall. Five British killed birds, viz.:- 127 The Spur-winged or Gambian Goose; 128 Brambling or Mountain Finch; 129 Hawfinch; 130 Cirl Bunting; 131 Little Auk; 327 Canada Goose."

All were killed in Cornwall except for the Cirl Bunting which had been shot at Ford, near Stoke Damerel, Plymouth, by John Drewe of Devonport who informed Mewburn that "he has seen several, and found the nests of one or two pairs; that they do not perch much upon the hedges, like the Yellow Bunting, but prefer the tops of large trees, particularly the elm, and are found near woods and low situations; that their note is unvaried, but a quick chirping repetition, something similar to the first part of that of the Yellow Bunting. Mr Drewe has now a very fine pair in his posession. The Cirl Bunting is of a size, figure, and colour of the Yellow Hammer, but not so much yellow on the breast

130 and belly, and having the throat speckled with a dead vermillion colour; it is a shy bird." Details of the Brambling and other birds not noted by Bewick are also detailed in Mewburn's same letter to Fox :

BRAMBLING. "This Brambling was shot on the 19th January 1819 by the gardener of the Earl of St.German's, in the plantations at Port Eliot. I selected it from among thirty or more killed at the same shot, as being in the finest plumage, for they varied much. The gardener informed me that they were then scarce to what they had been during the severe frost, when they amounted to many thousands in a flock, and quite covered the beech-trees, upon the mast of which they fed, and which was that year more than usually abundant. The whole that came under my inspection were nearly as fat as Snipes in good order, insomuch that I was obliged to use absorbents in taking off the skin, in order to prevent the plumage being damaged."

HAWFINCH. "This Hawfinch was caught by a labourer early in March 1820, in the plantations at Port Eliot. It was weak and not able to fly more than twenty yards at a time, along the surface of the ground; but had received no wound, and was in good case. I have seen two more, one of which was shot in the grounds of the Earl of Mount Edgecombe [sic], and was similar in plumage to this; the other was shot in the tan-yard at Liskeard, but was not near so brilliant, the ash and rufous colours very dull, the head more black, the belly a dirty reddish white, and the whole of the upper part and back similar to our House Sparrow."

LITTLE AUK. "The Little Auk was caught by a boy in a small brook at Treskelly, in the parish of St.Germans, 5th October 1823. It was weak and very lean when taken, and died the following day. The brook where it was caught is a mile and a half from the St.Germans river, into which it empties itself, and three and a half miles from the seashore."

LITTLE BUSTARD. "I also sent to Mr Bewick a male specimen of the Little Bustard, shot at Triffle, in the parish of St.German's, and about a mile from the sea, in July 1816.1 could never hear but one more being seen in this part, and that many years ago. It was also a male, and was bought in Plymouth market, and dressed at one of the inns there as a pheasant for the travellers' table."

The bird bought in Plymouth was probably the one first mentioned by George Montagu in the 1813 Supplement to his A Dictionary of Birds, and formed part of his collection. It "was shot near Torrington in Devonshire, in December 1804, and was taken to Plymouth market, where it was sold for a female Black Grouse [sic], but fortunately fell into the hands of Mr Prideaux, a gentleman who, knowing it to be a rarity, snatched it from the all-devouring jaw of the epicure, for the purpose of placing it in its present situation." By coincidence, Montagu noted that a Great Bustard had also been shot in 1804 and taken to Plymouth market "where a publican purchased for a shilling what would have fetched two or three guineas were its value known: this rare wanderer was, however, so entirely unknown, that it was rejected at the second table as improper food, in consequence of the pectoral muscles differing in colour from the other parts of the breast, a circumstance not unusual in birds of the grouse kind. Some country gentleman supping at the inn the following evening, and hearing the circumstances, desired that they might be introduced to the princely bird, and partook of it cold at their repast." Mewburn clearly confused this tale with that of the Little Bustard.

In his Synopsis, Fox published the remainder of Mewburn's letter concerning birds not sent to Newcastle, "not only in justice to the value of them, but as an acknowledgement of that gentleman's liberality and courtesy on the occasion. It is by the accurate memoranda of such correct observers of nature, that a body of materials is collected for the purposes of a general history of animals, which is admirably exemplified in White's Natural History of Selborne." Mewburn's letter continues : "Before I conclude I beg to say that Mr Drewe, whom I have before mentioned, and who is attached

131 to his Majesty's dock-yard, has got a very respectable collection, and excellently set up, particularly in the Diver and Tringa tribes, in the latter of which, I think, this part of the country abounds. He has also a fine pair of Phalaropes, which were taken in Hamoaze, about December 1821. When driven to the shore, they were so weak that one (the male) was immediately caught, and the other (a female) knocked down by a boy with a stick. Within the last eighteen months, a pair of Egrets, two or three orioles, the Bittern, a Great Northern Diver, and a fine male Scoter, have all been taken in this county; the latter upon the same farm from whence I got the Little Bustard; but from the same ill-fate as attended the Spur-winged Goose I did not get it."

Drewe, like Mewburn, is scarcely known. Edward Moore frequently mentions a Mr Drew in his article "On the Ornithology of South Devon" {Trans. Plymouth Institution, 1830), doubtless the William Drew listed in Pigot's Commercial Directory (1830) as an ornithologist at 26 Granby Street, Devonport. Mewburn refers to a John Drewe, unrelated to William Drew if the different spellings can be trusted.

Apart from the Cirl Bunting, Bewick figured two other specimens sent by Mewburn : CANADA GOOSE. "In 1821,1 sent Mr Bewick a very perfect skin of the Canada Goose, which was shot at Tredinnick, upon the St.German's river [Tredinnick is on the Tiddy in St.Erney] by Mr William Keast, on the 19th January, 1819. A pair first appeared on the 17th, in the lawn of the Earl of St.German's. They were very wild, and kept more erect and upon the watch than the common Wild Goose. Having attempted with the gamekeeper to get a shot at them early on the first morning, they flew across the river, and alighted in the middle of a field; remaining there without moving for about four hours. Again returning to the lawn, the gamekeeper got a shot and killed one. The variation was not much from the one sent to Mr Bewick, being somewhat deeper in brown, and rather more edged with grey, but in weight it exceeded it by above 2 lbs., weighing 11 lbs.; both were very lean. I also saw a Canada Goose, which was shot by a miner upon the moors, near St.Cleer, in the county of Cornwall. He informed me that he first saw it near a pond, but that it was very wild, and flew off, making a shrill cackle, immediately upon seeing him. He observed that it returned towards evening, and watching among some bushes, he succeeded in killing it."

SPUR-WINGED GOOSE. "When first seen, it was in a field adjoining the cliffs, at Port-Wrinkle, a small fishing place, about four miles from St.German's, near which it remained for two or three days. Being several times disturbed by attempts to shoot it, it came more inland, to a low situated farm, called Pool [in Sheviock parish], and there associated with the common Geese; but was wild, and immediately took wing upon being approached. Here it kept to and fro for a day or two, but being much disturbed, left, and came down upon the shore of the St.German's river, or estuary, when the following day (the 20th June, 1821) it was shot by John Brickford, in a wheat field, at Sconner, about a mile from St.German's. When killed, it was in the most perfect state, having only one shot in the head. Some gentleman, who saw it the following day, requested him to let me have it, which he promised; but though he knew I was a bird stuffer, he had a wife, who from some strange infatuation, thought she could stuff it; but being soon convinced of her inability, she cut off the wings for dusters, and threw the skin away; and it was not till three weeks afterwards that I heard of the circumstance, when I sent a servant, who brought it covered with mud, the head torn off, but luckily preserved, as also one wing, when I had it washed, and put together as well as I was able." Fox continues : "The skin, in this state, was obligingly forwarded to Newcastle by Mr Mewburn, for Mr Bewick's use, from whence it passed into Mr R. Wingate's hands, who has most ably re-set it, and thus preserved one of the most uncommon ornithological rarities ever known in ."

The bird's head was recovered from a dunghill where it had been injured by pigs, or so Mewburn told Clement Jackson the amateur taxidermist of East Looe (J. Couch, MS "Journal of Natural History", Vol.VI, p.22).

132 This African species is not on the official British list and was evidently an escapee, though its origin remains unknown. Even so, William Yarrell included it in his A History of British Birds (1843 and later editions), re-using Bewick's engraving printed backwards and modified in details of plumage and background.

Another letter, or extract from, sent by Mewburn from St.Germans on 12 December 1821, was also published by Fox in his Synopsis : "About seven years ago I saw House Martins flying about at Heskyn Hill, about a mile from this place, on the 9th November, and this year I saw a House Martin flying about (as usual) on 8th December, in the borough of St.German's. The autumn has been most unusually wet and mild, the grass now growing similar to April and often May in the north of England. Again on the other hand, the Swallows left this part nearly three weeks before their usual time. It appears that the all-wise hand of Providence has made them aforehand sensible of the long series of wet, which would be destructive of their food, for on the 16th August, I observed them congregating in great numbers upon the roof of Port Eliot House, the seat of the Earl of St.German's. They remained so a few says, after which there were only stragglers. The weather changed on the 26th of August, and from that time we have (only with one exception of three days) not had above 36 hours dry at one time, up to the present date. I also saw five or six Fieldfares, on the 10th April, about six years ago, which I thought late for them, as they generally leave before the Redwing, of which I had seen none for above three weeks preceding."

It is clear from the above accounts that Mewburn was well known to the local farmers and "gentlemen". The West Briton (6 December 1816) published a note from a correspondent which may well refer to him : "There is a gentleman of St.Germans, a great Naturalist, who has in his possession some white mice, and having been curious enough to mix their breed with those of our common domestic mice, he can produce them in the most varied colours, resembling in some measure the richness of the Leopard. He keeps them in cages similar to those in which birds are bred, and generally has a brood once a month."

WHO WAS HENRY MEWBURN? The surname is virtually unknown in Cornwall and Devon, and the only facts gathered from the Parish Registers are his marriage to Hannah Fox of St.Germans (though she was born at Par in 1789) at Stoke Damerel on 4 July 1814 and the baptism of their children. His wife was the daughter of Benjamin Fox by his second wife Elizabeth Higman. A half-brother, also called Benjamin by Benjamin senior's first wife, lived at Stoke Damerel and may account for Mewburn's marriage there and his knowledge of birds on the Devon side of the Tamar. The Fox family belonged to the Society of Friends (Quakers) as Mewburn presumably was. That Mewburn corresponded with G. T. Fox in Newcastle is a coincidence in names.

The latest published date for Mewburn at St.Germans is 1826 when his seventh and last child Henry Simon was baptised on 30 August. Mewburn is not known to have corresponded with such well known naturalists as William Yarrell (1784-1856) or Jonathan Couch (1789-1879) of Polperro, suggesting that he left Cornwall or died young, or both.

The chance discovery of a notice in the Royal Cornwall Gazette of 8 June 1816 (p.3, col.3) was the key to Mewburn's role in life. The notice concerning the letting of farms at Molenick and Kilquite shows that Mewburn was land agent to the Earl of St.Germans at Port Eliot, explaining at a stroke his familiarity with estate workers and tenant farmers. Inspection of the Estate Books at Port Eliot indicated that Mewburn took over from his predecessor Joseph Golding in 1812, the first payment to him being made on 11 April (Archive Vol.372, Vol.1) having taken up his post at the end of the first quarter. He remained at Port Eliot until 1829, his last entry in the Estate Cash Account (334/1) dated

133 30 September, and in the Day Book (332) dated 3 November. Nothing in the archives tells us about the man himself, though we learn that the gamekeeper with whom he was on good terms (see under Canada Goose) was Edmund Moon of St.Germans, a farm labourer appointed by Lord Eliot in Henry's presence on 11 May 1816 (Archive 404).

All Mewburn's entries are meticulously neat and flawless. He was undoubtedly an asset to the Estate, for which reason one may conjecture that Lord Eliot decided to transfer him as land agent to those parts of the Estate acquired by sale and inheritance in Gloucestershire at Down Ampney, and in Wiltshire at Latton, Eisey and Highworth. Down Ampney was the site of an imposing Elizabethan Manor, only yards inside the Gloucestershire border, which boasted an impressive gatehouse of 1537 until it was damaged by fire in 1961 and pulled down two years later. It remained with the Eliot family until 1918 when it was purchased by the Co-operative Wholesale Society which still owns it.

Sadly, Mewburn's stay at Down Ampney was all too short. His last entry in the Down Ampney records kept in the Port Eliot archive (888) was on 21 July 1834, about which time he must have been taken ill. The first entry by his successor David Trinder on 10 November 1834 refers to "Cash Received of the Exec[utors] of the late Mr Mewburn .... £480 10/2d". Henry lies buried close to the north-east side of Down Ampney church which adjoins the manor house. The limestone graves of Gloucestershire do not survive well, but in its sheltered position his grave remains quite legible :

SACRED To the Memory of HENRY MEWBURN of this Parish Gentleman He died September 25th in the Year of our Lord 1834 Aged 53 Requiescat in Pace

Mewburn's origins remained a mystery until a piece of lateral thinking by my wife showed that he came from Newcastle, thus explaining his link with Thomas Bewick and G. T. Fox. Henry, the son of Henry senior and his second cousin Dorothy Mewburn, was baptised at St.Nicholas, Newcastle, on 15 December 1780. His parents were nonconformists, and his father was a surgeon at the Newcastle Infirmary until he resigned in 1800 {Newcastle Courant, 5 April 1800). Henry junior was educated at The Revd William Turner's School ("Register of Pupils 1785-1825, page 22 for 1797), as was his brother Simon who joined the army. The Register states that Henry went to Dinsdale, Yorkshire (presumably now Low Dinsdale in Durham, right on the Yorkshire border) as "an agriculturist but afterwards became a land surveyor and agent".

Mewburn was a prominent name in the area, the family having acquired by marriage in 1708 the Acomb Estate, two miles north of Hexham, later the seat of Simon Mewburn II (1748-1834), brother of our Henry's father. It is tempting to see Henry junior cutting his teeth as land-agent to his uncle at Acomb, but this remains to be proved. What is clear is that when he went to St.Germans in 1812 he was fully qualified and very competent at his job. Following Henry's death, his widow Hannah returned to Cornwall, living at Downderry according to the Census Returns of 1851 when she was aged 66, but when she died has not been discovered.

Acknowledgements Several of Henry Mewburn's children emigrated to New Zealand and Australia, and I am grateful to Mrs Margaret Sloane of Kallangur, Queensland, who having researched the family, filled in some details for me of Henry's forebears in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. I am also indebted to the Earl of St.Germans for allowing me access to the archives at Port Eliot.

134 RINGING REPORT -1997

During the year a total of 5060 birds were ringed, continuing the elevated effort of the previous year. Common Gull was ringed for the first time in the county, along with the second Jack Snipe and Pallas's Leaf Warbler, and the third Black Redstart and Melodious Warbler.

TABLE 1 : CONTRIBUTORS Contributor Full grown Pulli Site G.J. Conway 1062 20 Mid-Cornwall/Nanquidno F.M. Couch 25 145 Bodmin/Truro G.G. Gynn 104 - Boswednack B.R. Pattenden 348 - Marazion D. Riley 17 - Rospannel P.L. Stubbs 253 - Lizard Barn Owl Trust 2 10 East Cornwall K.A. Wilson 2983 88 Nanjizal

TABLE 2. SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RINGED. Ringing Totals 1997 1979-1997 Full grown Pulli Total Full grown Pulli Total Manx Shearwater 7 - 7 13 - 13 European Storm-petrel 1159 - 1159 1586 - 1586 Shag - 62 62 62 - 62 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 1 - 1 30 2 32 Water Rail 2 - 2 29 - 29 Great Ringed Plover 1 - 1 345 - 345 Dunlin 2 - 2 1493 - 1493 Jack Snipe 1 - 1 2 - 2 Common Snipe 1 - 1 19 - 19 Woodcock 1 - 1 5 - 5 Black-headed Gull 3 - 3 36 63 99 Common Gull 2 - 2 2 - 2 Herring Gull 3 - 3 17 - 17 Common Guillemot - 10 10 24 10 34 Razorbill 1 5 6 2 5 7 Wood Pigeon 3 - 3 11 10 21 Barn Owl 3 19 22 27 225 252 Tawny Owl 2 2 4 21 62 83 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 - 2 12 - 12 Sand Martin 28 - 28 184 - 184 Barn Swallow 255 5 260 6143 634 6777 House Martin 1 - 1 38 25 63 Tree Pipit 1 - 1 10 7 17 Meadow Pipit 7 - 7 91 15 106 Grey Wagtail 2 - 2 33 50 83 Pied Wagtail 5 - 5 183 74 257 Dipper 17 4 21 210 429 641

135 Wren 106 - 106 1634 24 1658 Hedge Accentor 93 - 93 1235 15 1250 Robin 145 2 147 1719 64 1783 Black Redstart 1 - 1 3 - 3 Common Redstart 2 7 9 16 32 48 Common Stonechat 4 - 4 61 10 71 Northern Wheatear 2 - 2 333 320 653 Blackbird 183 - 183 1368 115 1483 Fieldfare 1 - 1 5 - 5 Song Thrush 77 1 78 531 35 566 Redwing 35 - 35 305 - 305 Cetti's Warbler 19 - 19 174 - 174 Sedge Warbler 351 3 354 4583 7 4590 Reed Warbler 215 - 215 4007 5 4012 Melodious Warbler 1 - 1 3 - 3 Lesser Whitethoat 1 - 1 19 - 19 Common Whitethoat 41 - 41 503 - 503 Garden Warbler 24 - 24 214 - 214 Blackcap 65 - 65 841 - 841 Pallas's Leaf Warbler 1 - 1 2 - 2 Yellow-browed Warbler 2 - 2 5 - 5 Chiffchaff 253 2 255 1760 10 1770 Willow Warbler 178 2 180 2120 110 2230 Goldcrest 254 - 254 1545 - 1545 Firecrest 5 - 5 124 - 124 Spotted Flycatcher 5 3 8 48 72 120 Pied Flycatcher 8 21 29 75 587 622 Long-tailed Tit 49 - 49 826 1 827 Marsh Tit - 7 7 134 59 193 Tit 3 - 3 210 45 255 Blue Tit 320 48 368 5773 2423 8196 Great Tit 114 42 156 1554 521 2075 European Nuthatch 3 17 20 33 141 174 Eurasian Jay 1 - 1 9 - 9 Magpie 2 - 2 22 32 54 Eurasian Jackdaw 1 - 1 47 12 59 Common Starling 356 - 356 1810 - 1810 House Sparrow 28 - 28 503 1 504 Chaffinch 146 - 146 1793 32 1825 Greenfinch 97 - 97 3228 32 3260 Goldfinch 17 - 17 132 12 144 Siskin 2 - 2 61 - 61 Linnet 1 - 1 179 18 197 Bullfinch 34 - 34 673 3 676 Reed Bunting 41 1 42 624 5 629

TOTALS 4797 262 5060 48549 6448 54998

136 TABLE 3 : SELECTED LONGEVITY RECORDS. Species Ring no. Ringed Recovered Y.M.D. Shag 1049141 18.01.67 15.01.89 21.11.28 Mute Swan Z46912 28.11.81 10.03.95 14.03.17 Common Buzzard GM18944 09.06.74 30.09.85 11.03.21 Oystercatcher SS95351 16.08.72 30.08.93 21.00.14 Great Ringed Plover - 11.08.72 26.08.80 8.00.15 Dunlin BA99271 22.09.66 04.12.74 8.02.20 Common Redshank DR43516 28.08.77 03.08.85 7.11.06 Eurasian Curlew FV42925 08.08.78 01.09.93 15.00.24 Black-headed Gull 3102129 28.05.67 25.11.84 17.05.28 Great Black-backed GullHU17936 05.06.70 31.07.84 14.01.05 Tawny Owl GP57273 07.06.75 22.10.93 18.04.14 Collared Dove EC77498 21.11.65 28.07.79 13.08.06 Dipper CP58458 14.05.70 25.09.78 8.04.11 Song Thrush RX31113 20.07.84 01.07.90 5.00.12 Redwing BV13494 06.11.74 12.01.82 7.02.06 Cetti's Warbler HI77740 01.09.91 28.07.95 3.10.27 Sedge Warbler - 21.08.77 09.08.92 4.11.19 Reed Warbler JS49967 07.05.74 16.05.82 8.00.09 Willow Warbler 8B4086 07.06.80 01.07.84 4.00.24 Pied Flycatcher E153965 04.06.87 08.06.93 6.00.04 Blue Tit B329459 03.09.81 13.06.87 5.09.10 Great Tit - 13.07.76 31.07.82 6.00.18 Magpie EH89906 04.06.85 07.04.93 7.10.03 Common Starling XX15131 31.12.74 31.01.82 8.01.00

* Elapse time in Years, Months and Days between ringing and finding.

LIST OF RECOVERIES AND CONTROLS

This list contains details of birds controlled (i.e. caught and released by a ringer) or recovered (i.e. found dead) in Cornwall in 1995 and previous years.

EURING code for age of bird when ringed (Note figures are not in years) 1 pullus (nestling or chick). 2 full grown, year of hatching unknown. 3(J) hatched during calendar year of ringing, (juveniles plumage) 4 hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year unknown. 5 hatched during previous calendar year.

6 hatched before previous calendar year, but exact year unknown.

Sex M - Male F - Female

Code for manner of recovery X found dead or dying R caught and released by ringer

137 + shot or killed by man FR field record, ring number or colour marks determined in field

Abbreviations used for foreign ringing schemes BLB Bruxelles Belgium POL Cempa Portugal SVS Stockholm Sweden

Red-throated Diver SVS 1 02.08.93 Karlavagsmossen, Sweden 9144722 X 06.02.96 near Looe 1573km 887 days

Manx Shearwater FC46692 3 3.9.89 Bardsey Island, Gwynedd, Wales R 12.7.97 Rumps Point, Pentire 243km 2869 days

European Storm-petrel 2100974 4 7.7.97 Gwennap Head R 20.7.97 Strumble Head, Wales 226km 13 days 2137643 4 12.6.97 Hartland Point, Devon R 12.7.97 Rumps Point 54km 30 days 2244405 4 8.7.97 Gwennap Head R 2.8.97 Rumps Point 82km 25 days 2295252 4 1.7.94 Strumble Head, Wales R 5.7.97 Gwennap Head 226km 1100 days R 7.7.97 Gwennap Head 1102 days R 10.7.97 Gwennap Head 1105 days 2404210 4 7.7.97 Lizard Point R 9.7.97 Pendeen Watch 39km 2 days 2424503 4 5.7.97 Mynydd Gillan, Gwynedd, Wales R 8.7.97 Pendeen Watch 303km 3 days 2446107 4 26.6.96 Portland Bill, Dorset R 21.7.96 Rumps Point 174km 25 days R 29.7.97 Sanda Island, Strathclyde, Scotland 568km 398 days 2452920 4 4.7.97 Prawle Point, Devon R 10.7.97 Gwennap Head 141km 6 days 2452967 4 9.7.97 Pendeen Watch R 14.7.97 Helvick Head, Waterford, Eire 248km 5 days R 20.8.97 Round Island, Isles of Scilly 50km 42 days 2483914 4 29.6.97 Gwennap Head R 7.7.97 Brownstone Head, Eire 253km 8 days 2483917 4 28.6.97 Gwennap Head R 8.7.97 Lizard Point 35km 10 days 2483918 4 29.6.97 Gwennap Head R 6.7.97 Portland Bill, Dorset 236km 7 days 2495741 4 5.7.97 Pendeen Watch R 12.7.97 Leganagh Point, Cork, Eire 265km 7 days

138 Shag 1351539 1 16.6.97 Armed Knight X 2.12.97 Cullercoats 622km 169 days 1351560 1 16.6.97 Armed Knight X 2.9.97 Looe 94km 78 days

Mute Swan Z79977 6M 28.10.93 Falmouth FR 2.2.97 Millbrook 64km 1193 days

Woodcock ES96957 3 17.11.96 Nanjizal + 01.12.96 Gouesnou, Finistere, France 200km 14 days

Lesser Black-backed Gull Col. ring July 1997 Flat Holm, Bristol Channel FR 22.11.97 Stithians Res.

Herring Gull GP73778 5 31.12.96 Plymouth, Devon FR 4.3.97 Par Beach Pool 88km 63 days

Razorbill M77230 1 10.6.96 Canna, Scotland X 7.2.97 Whitsand Bay 242 days

Barn Owl FC12743 10.07.95 Near Liskeard X 27.01.97 Landrake 12km 567 days FC83384 1M 280697 Bere Alston, Devon 6km 49 days

Grey Wagtail BLB 3 11.9.93 Berlare, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium X (14.11.94) Tresillian 639km 64 days This is only the second recovery of Belgian ringed Grey Wagtail in Britain.

Robin K836030 3 1.9.96 Nanjizal X 5.12.97 Camborne 35 km 460 days

Song Thrush RW33279 4 9.1.97 Nanjizal 5.3.97 Hames-Boucres, France 205km 55 days

Blackbird RP19538 4F 30.10.96 Nanjizal 13.9.97 Feuquieres-En-Vimeu, France 118km 318 days

Redwing BLB 4 01.11.93 Zele Heikant, Belgium 16Z65257 X 17.01.97 Saltash

139 Sedge Warbler J162782 3J 1.8 96 Long Rock R 4.8 96 Stodmarsh, Kent 488km 3 days N105433 3 10.8 97 Icklesham, Sussex R 16.8 97 Par Beach Pool 383km 6 days ? 3 9.8 96 Marazion Marsh R 16.8 96 Etang de Trunvel, Finistere, France 261km 7 days

Reed Warbler POL 4 23.8 94 Mexilhoeira Grand, Faro, Portugal A107312 R 17.8 97 Par Beach Pool 1499km 1090 days BLB 3 6.8 97 Antwerpen, Belgium 6336307 R 17.8 97 Par Beach Pool 664km 11 days J162957 3 13.9 96 Long Rock R 16.9 96 Dungeness, Kent - 3 days R 15.8 97 Waremme, Belgium 420 km 336 days J909393 3J 27.7 95 Par Beach Pool R 12.7 97 South Milton Ley, Devon 61km 716 days K797471 3J 31.8 96 Slapton Ley, Devon R 4.7 97 Long Rock 133km 307 days K836056 3 2.9 96 Nanjizal 5.8 97 Sinaai, Belgium 358km 337 days K836160 3 20.9 96 Nanjizal 5.6 97 Machelen, Belgium 277km 258 days ? 3 9.8 96 Marazion Marsh R 4.8 97 Radipole Lake, Dorset 220km 360 days

Goldcrest 9S2113 2F 28.09 96 Long Rock R 25.09 97 Long Rock 0km 362 days

Long-tailed Tit 9S2139 2 26.11 96 Long Rock X 13.05 97 Marazion Marsh 0km 168 days

Common Starling RP19629 4M 16.12 96 Nanjizal R 7.4 97 Terheijden, Netherlands 440km 112 days RP49563 5M 9.1 97 Nanjizal 10.4 .97 Hoeven, Belgium 425km 91 days

Greenfinch VR99534 5M 9.3 .97 Nanjizal R 29.3 .97 St.Marys, Isles of Scilly 44km 29 days

140 Request for Information All records of ringed or colour-marked birds are of immense value so please report them to the relevant person, see below, and the County Recorder.

Ringed birds If you find a ringed bird, please note the relevant ring number and ringing scheme address, species, location, date of finding and cause of death if known, and forward the details to : BTO, The National Centre for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.

Colour-marked birds Many colour-marking schemes are currently operating in Britain and Europe. Sightings of such birds should be notified to the co-ordinators below :

Great Cormorant - Jenny Kent, 8 Manor Road, Collingham, Newark, Notts. NG23 7PL. Waders - Stephen Browne & Harriet Mead, Wader Study Group, c/o The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. Large Gulls - Peter Rock, 59 Concorde Drive, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. BS10 6PX. Small Gulls - Kjeld Pedersen, Daglykkevej 7, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark. Wildfowl - Richard Hearn, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester. GL2 7BT. Other species - BTO (address as above).

Acknowledgements To all ringers for providing details of their ringing activities and to the following for details of recoveries: Peter Goodfellow, Dave Flumm, Adrian Langdon, Paul McCartney and Phil Rutter.

Greg Conway

141 WEATHER 1997 January arrived in the middle of a bitterly cold spell of weather with occasional light snow showers, as a result of high pressure to the north feeding in winds from the east. At Stithians the temperature reached -10.2 degrees C on the night of 3rd. Milder and somewhat damper conditions eventually returned from 10th with south to south-westerly winds. From 19th the wind backed around to the north-east and high pressure again became dominant from 23rd, with north-east to south-east winds for the remainder of the month.

A very mobile weather pattern persisted throughout February, with fronts and depressions moving west to east across the country, bringing generally mild weather. The mainly west to south-west winds were often strong to gale force and rainfall was high.

The first few days of March were wet with south-westerly winds, but much of the remainder of the month was dry and warm. Between 6th and 11th, winds were mostly between south and east and the temperature reached 17 degrees C on 11th. Thereafter, the wind was mainly in the south-west to north-west, with a fresh nor'wester blowing on 18th and 19th, but with warm south-easterlies around 23rd and again on 30th-31st.

April was on the whole dry, sunny and rather warm. High pressure was in control for much of the month and winds were mostly light, starting in the west to north-west, but turning around to east to south-east on 7th. The temperature reached 20 degrees C on 9th-10th. The wind backed north-east to north on 11th, heralding a drop in temperature, and remained there until 23rd. There followed a disturbed spell of weather with south-westerly winds veering north-west and becoming strong on 28th.

An anticyclone gave two days of warm, dry weather at the beginning of May, with a light south-easterly wind. The next twelve days were unsettled with occasionally strong south-west to north-west winds and rain. Another quiet spell from 14th, with light and variable winds, was short-lived, being followed by more rain from 16th to 21st. It then became dry for the remainder of the month, with east to south-east winds. The temperature reached 23 degrees C by 31st.

June was exceptionally wet, the only dry slot occurring from 14th - 16th. After moderate east to north-east winds at first, wind direction varied considerably, but was mainly between south and north-west. Southerly winds reached gale force on 7th and there were northerly gales on 26th.

In contrast to the previous month, July's rainfall was only about half that of normal. It was quite a sunny and warm month. From 1st to 6th, winds were generally light to moderate west to north-west, followed by a spell of high pressure and a warm, light and variable wind until 11th. From then until 16th, they were in the south-west to west, becoming north-west to north until 18th. The wind then returned to a variable direction until 23rd, with the temperature reaching 25 degrees C, followed again by south-west to west to the month's end.

August was another very wet, but rather warm, month. Several heavy downpours resulted in local flooding. Winds were generally light and mainly from the south to south-east, but after 25th depressions brought a change to often strong, south-west to winds.

September was, with a couple of exceptions, mostly dry and warm, and frequently under the influence of high pressure. The wind was mostly light and came mainly from the south-east to west. On 2nd-3rd, however, it was strong south-westerly and on 12th-13th, strong north-westerly.

The Indian summer lasted until 6th October, when the first of a series of depressions brought in rain and strong south-west to westerlies, reaching gale force on 8th, 9th and 11th. A brief spell of north-west to north winds occurred on 12th-13th, but by 18th, winds had backed to south-east, then east, where they remained for the rest of the month. These too were gale force on 21st and very strong on 27th-28th, thereafter falling very light.

The dry weather lasted into November, but after 3rd, low pressure dominated throughout, with frequent heavy rain causing severe flooding. Winds were mainly from the south to west, often strong and occasionally up to gale force, particularly on 17th. Temperatures were mostly above normal.

A depression in the Western Approaches gave rise east to south-east winds on 1st December, then high pressure prevailed, giving light north to north-easterly winds. South-westerlies reappeared on 6th, bringing rain and strong winds until 12th. Thereafter pressure rose and a very cold easterly airflow had become established by 15th. Snow fell on 16th-17th, but rapidly thawed as mild southerly winds appeared. The rest of the month saw winds from the south-west to north-west, with periods of rain and showers, and generally above average temperatures.

Tony Spiller

142 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

I am pleased to report a very happy and successful year. As chairman living in Bude I am always worried and cautious if things are too quiet in the rest of the County! The Society has a history of some very strong individuals but at the moment I think we have the strongest team that I have known in my 18 years involvement on the Committee. Certainly a much fairer and broader share of the workload has been achieved.

Debbie Melarickas has done an excellent job dealing with the subscription increase, not an easy task, and frankly one that we were all dreading. Many members have taken the trouble to write and telephone praising the new frequency and format of the newsletter. It is up to date, and keeps members more involved and informed as to what is happening in the Society. Steve Rogers has successfully encouraged more and more people to contribute articles and has done a thoroughly professional job as editor.

With regard to the mainland report, we spent a lot of time discussing improvements that we wanted to make while maintaining our unique style and identity. Our thanks to Greg Conway, Andy Pay and the team for their unstinting effort and great expertise. With an increase to over 50,000 records received for the report it is a daunting and formidable task

The timing of the publication of the Scillies report is vital to the Society. The report needs to be available for sale to the visiting birders in the Autumn. The Society is extremely grateful to Peter Robinson, Will Wagstaff and Dick Barrett for the excellent report, and especially for meeting the publication deadlines.

As regards the reserves, Maer Lake continues to flourish with record numbers of birds using the site. The sluices, which were funded by the Environment Agency, are remarkably effective. At Walmsley we have had a good year with Adrian Langdon, Francis Couch, Martin Rule and Brian Craven getting the reserve into fine shape. They have formed a 'Friends of Walmsley" group which is well supported by local members. A planning application for a new tower hide was successful. Our thanks go to John Hillier for preparing the plans, and, again, especially to Brian Craven for all his work on the project which included lengthy discussions with the planning department of North Cornwall District Council. We will be launching an appeal for funds in the next newsletter to finance this project. The total cost is expected to be in the region of £10,000. It is our intention to make the Walmsley Sanctuary improvements a top priority in the coming year and to make sure that the members get the most from this outstanding reserve.

The Committee is aware that our two reserves are in the North of the County, and therefore we have been actively pursuing the purchase of a one hundred acre reserve on the Lizard. We linked up with the Gaia Trust and submitted a National Heritage Lottery bid for the funding. 1 am disappointed to report that we have not been successful on this occasion but we will be looking at other options in the coming months as this is an exciting project which we are all keen to see come to fruition.

The Society has always had the tradition of having a top quality conservation officer and with Martin Rule now in the post this tradition continues. Martin has had an outstanding first year keeping the Society at the forefront of many conservation issues.

Under our present rules this is the end of Roger Jones' four year term of office as Treasurer. The Treasurer's work has become increasingly difficult and complex. Roger has brought the necessary professional expertise into the job and the Society has benefited enormously from his term of office - particularly, I think, in the budgets that he has prepared and getting the Society into a culture of forward planning. For example, over £6,000 has to be found each year for reports alone. Our grateful thanks go to Roger for his dedication and commitment.

The Society runs smoothly and efficiently thanks to the hard work of our Secretary, Mike Lord who, whatever the circumstances, is always incredibly cheerful and organised.

I am looking forward to the coming year and seeing the construction of the new tower hide at Walmsley and making progress towards a new reserve in the west of the County.

Graham Sutton

143 CONSERVATION OFFICER'S REPORT

Building on the tide of conservation-documents reported in Birds in Cornwall 1996, the county made another conservation-first in 1997 by being the first county in the UK to produce a comprehensive audit of its wildlife. Around 50 organisations were involved in this process, which involved detailed scrutiny of past records and reports. In June, the Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative published 'Cornwall's Biodiversity Volume 1: Audit and Priorities'. Copies of this report are available from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust at £10.

This process effectively drew a line in the sand about what we know about the state of our wildlife, both from the species and habitat aspects. Over subsequent years action plans will be produced detailing how the situation for our wildlife will be consolidated and improved.

The Society can feel justifiably proud of its contribution to this work via the 'Birds in Cornwall' reports. More is known about our bird fauna than a significant number of other wildlife groups. The Society was represented on a number of the focus groups that met to consider various key issues in the audit process, and we had particular input to the 'Seabird and Wader Action Plan'.

Lacking extensive resources of finance and staff time, our best contribution to the process of implementing the action plans is to provide valuable data on specific species or sites. However, much of our recording is on an ad hoc basis, which has limited conservation value and so we need to extend our involvement in targeted surveys. These are usually co-ordinated by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Contact Paul Stubbs if you would like to become involved in this valuable work. During 1997, quite a few members did become involved in the BTO's survey of Non Estuarine Waders, which, despite windy survey conditions, did produce useful results.

Our reserves continued in good heart this year. A problem at Walmsley, whereby Mute Swans were colliding with wires close to the sanctuary, was remedied to a degree by SWEB who placed orange markers on the wires. Plans for a new hide at Walmsley continued to be worked-up. The committee wishes to formally record its thanks to all the members who contribute to the management of our reserves in any way, be it financial or through practical work. Being a Society run entirely by volunteers, your help is greatly appreciated.

The Society has for some time been keen to find a reserve in the west of Cornwall, to provide a facility for members in that area, as well as contributing to bird conservation. A couple of possibilities arose in 1997.

Firstly, an exciting opportunity appeared at Gwithian, in St Ives Bay. A gravel extraction company currently works there, removing relatively small amounts of sand from the dune area just behind the beach. Under new legislation, all mining and quarrying companies are required to submit to new conditions, which seek to minimise their environmental impact. Many take this opportunity to submit details of their intended future workings at the same time. In this case, the company (ARC) sent in plans showing the site restored to a series of lagoons, their primary use being nature conservation. Any of you who have been to Dungeness, in Kent, will realise the potential this could have as a bird reserve! The Society has registered its interest in a potential future lease or purchase of the site, once quarrying ceases. We must play a waiting game, though, as extraction will probably continue for several decades yet, although the validity of parts of the existing planning permissions is being legally examined at the moment.

Late in the year a farm on The Lizard containing heathland and wetland came on the market. The Society again became involved, and more news will be reported in future newsletters and reports. Anybody who has even a passing interest in birds knows the great attractions this area has for birds and birdwatching! Watch this space

Martin Rule

144 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the Year ended 31.12.1997

1997 1996 £ £ £ £ INCOME Subscriptions Annual Membership 7,019 5,900 Life Membership 169 97 Tax refund 633 700 7,851 6,697 Donations 823 274 Rents 625 775 Interest NSB 458 440 COIF 1,307 988 War Loan - 19 Barclays Bank 22 - 1,787 1,447

Sale of Reports Cornwall 430 259 Scilly 2,074 1,594 2,504 1,853

Legacy 500 - Surveys - 345 Advertisements 50 80 Meetings 417 40 Raffle - 154 Sales Goods 424 110 Grants - Walmsley Sanctuary 630 630

15,61 1 12,405

Less : GENERAL EXPENDITURE Annual reports - Cornwall 3,460 2,260 - Isles of Scilly 2,114 2,010 Newsletters 808 380 Printing and Stationery 284 462 Postage 1,408 988 Telephone 112 137 Hide & Reserve expenses 490 468 Subscriptions - 37 Goods for resale 225 11 Travel 348 54 Insurance 435 402 Surveys 12 345 Meetings 449 105 Sundry 128 109 Computer Software 1,087 425 Depreciation 607 162 11,967 8,355

Profit for the year £3,644 £4,050

145 BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 1997

1997 1996 £ £ £ £ FIXED ASSETS Freehold Property 13,500 13,500 General Equipment 436 561 Computer Equipment 1,788 1,864 Hides 806 868

16,530 16,793

INVESTMENTS 9,013 8,555 25,543 25,348

CURRENT ASSETS Stock 200 200 Sundry debtors 2,144 1,417 COIF Charities Deposit Account 22,000 19,000 Bank Current Account 2,164 1,717

26,508 22,334

CURRENT LIABILITIES: Pay*ibl e within 1 year Subscription in Advance 2,257 1,220 Creditors 5,050 5,362

7,307 6,582

NET CURRENT ASSETS 19,201 15,752

NET ASSETS £44,744 £41,100

FUNDS Unrestricted Funds At 1 January 1997 40,100 36,079 Add : Profit for the year 3,644 4,050

£43,744 £40,129 Less: Deficit on Sale of War Loan - 29

£43,744 £40,100 Restricted Funds - Walmslev Sanctuary 1,000 1,000

£44,744 £41,100

CORNWALL BIRDWATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 255899

ACCOUNTANTS REPORT In accordance with the instructions given to us, we have prepared, without carrying out an audit, the attached Balance Sheet and Income Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 1997 from the accounting records of the society and from information and explanations supplied to us. We certify that the Accounts are correctly drawn up in accordance therewith.

Whitaker Redfearn Pappin Chartered Accountants - Newquay 146 THE SOCIETY'S RULES (current from April 26 1996)

Rule I.(Name)

The Society shall be called "The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society".

Rule 2 (Objects)

The objects of the Society shall be :-a. to further the study of birds in the field; and b. to assist in their preservation and conservation.

Rule 3 (Membership) Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objects of the Society. Classes of membership shall be as follows :- Ordinary members - any person over the age of 18 years Life members - any ordinary member who has paid the prescribed life membership subscription. Junior members - any person under the age of 18 yearrs. Honorary members - any person, whether otherwise a member or not, who is elected an Honorary member by a General meeting on a recommendation of the Executive Committee in recognition of outstanding service to the objects of the Society. Group members - School or similar groups. All members shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the Society (except that Junior members shall not be eligible to serve as Honorary officers or as members of the Executive Committee) and shall be entitled to vote at General meetings (Group members shall be entitled to one vote only on behalf of that body). The Executive Committee shall have the authority to exclude from membership, or cancel the membership of, any person if it considers that person to have contravened any requirements contained in these rules or any legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or for any other matter which the Executive Committee considers offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society. Rule 4 (Subscriptions) Subscription rates shall be approved from time to time by the Society in General meeting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee. Subscriptions shall be payable on joining and on the 1st of January thereafter, but any member paying a first subscription after the 30th of September in any year shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until after the close of the following year. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall, after being reminded, cease to receive the Society's publications, and when six months in arrears shall cease to be a member. Rule 5 (Officers) The following Honorary Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re-election :- President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer, Field Meetings Officer, Honorary Solicitor, Conservation Officer, Assistant Conservation Officer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Officer, County Recorder & Editor, Assistant Editor, two joint editors for the Isles of Scilly. Any member, with the exception of Junior members, shall be eligible for election as an Honorary Officer. In the event of a vacancy arising at any time of the year, the Executive Committee shall be empowered to appoint a member to fill that vacancy and such appointment shall be reported to the next General meeting for approval or election as appropriate.

Rule 6 (Meetings) An annual general meeting shall be held in each year. The quorum shall be 20. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, or at the request of 20 members by application to the Chairman and the General Secretary, such applications to be accompanied by details of the motion or motions to be moved.

Rule 7 (Management) The Annual General Meeting shall elect an Executive Committee to deal with all business of the Society, and any obligation undertaken by the Executive Committee shall be an obligation of the Society. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Honorary Officers and nine other members. The Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for a maximum of four consecutive years. At the end of that period, at least one year must elapse before that person shall be eligible for re-election to the same office. Non-officer members shall be elected for a period of three years and shall not on the expiry of that period be eligible for re-election until a year after the termination of that period of three years. Nominations for posts as Honorary Officers and for vacancies on the Executive Committee shall be made in writing to the General Secretary over the signatures of the proposer and seconder and must reach the General Secretary at least ten days before the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall meet as often as is necessary and shall be convened by the General Secretary in consultation with the Chairman. The quorum for the Executive Committee shall be eight members. The Executive Committee shall have the powers to appoint such sub-committees as it considers desirable and shall determine the membership and powers of such subcommittees, whose proceedings will be reported to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall not delegate to any sub-committee the power to commit the Society to any expenditure. The Executive Committee shall delegate to the Management Team (comprising Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Conservation Officer) power to take decisions on urgent matters which cannot await the next meeting of the Committee. Decisions of the Management Team must be unanimous and shall be reported to the next meeting of the Executive Committee.

Rule 8 (Accounts)

The annual accounts of the Society shall be checked independently.

Rule 9 (Trustees)

Land of the Society shall vest in the Official Custodian of charities.

Rule 10 (Dissolution etc.) This Society shall neither be dissolved, nor amalgamated with, nor subordinated to any other body without the consent of two-thirds of the members, at a General Meeting where the business is transacted, and in respect of which dissolution, amalgamation or subordination, prior notice must be given under rule 11. For the purpose of this Rule, Members may vote by post. Rule 11 (Alteration of rules) An alteration of the Rules of the Society may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been set out in full on the agenda sent to members and that the proposed alteration is passed by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting.

147 148