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BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY OFFICERS 1998-99

President: Steve Madge Sea Winds, Lower Trerieve, , , PL 15 3LZ

Chairman: Graham Sutton 'Harcombe', West Park Road, , EX23 8PB. Tel: 01288 356605

Vice-Chairman: Andy Pay Salena Cottage, , , TR13 OEA. Tel: 01326 565371

General Secretary: Lord 'Gue Gassel', , The , Helston TR12 7PH.

Treasurer: Keith Harris 'Lowena', , , Helston TR21 7PY. Tel: 01326 565418

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

Conservation Officer: Martin Rule 2 Trussal Row, Treloquithack, Wendron, Helston, TR13 ONT 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

Public Relations Officer: Tony Langford 'Miango' Trewirgie Road, TR15 2SX. Tel: 01209 313895

Recorder and Editor "Birds in Cornwall": 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

Recorder: Isles of Scilly: Will Wagstaff 42 Sally Port, St.Mary's, Isles of Scilly TR21 0J

Assistant Recorder: Isles of Scilly: Dick Barrett 12 Lewis Close, Ashill, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7BH

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

Photographs: Front Cover: Tawny Owl, Bude, July 1998 (Graham Sutton) Back Cover: Bar-tailed Godwits, Bude, May 1998 (Graham Sutton) CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING & PRESERVATION SOCIETY SIXTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT 1998

1 2 Contents Page

Editorial Andy Pay 4 Review of the Year 1998 Andy Pay and 6 Tony Spiller

Systematic List for 1998 16 Divers, Fulmar to Shag, raptors: John Phillips

Grebes: Richard James Herons, terns: Sara McMahon Wildfowl: Dave Conway Plovers, waders: Steve Jackson Red-legged Partridge to Avocet, skuas, gulls, Guillemot to Cuckoo: Jim Dustow Barn Owl to Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Cetti's Warbler to Starling, rarities: Andy Pay Woodlark to Mistle Thrush: Matt Southam Sparrows, finches, buntings: Daniel Eva Exotica 120

First & Last Dates of Summer Migrants 120 Contributors 121

Gazetteer 122 Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler: the First Record for Cornwall Mark Tunmore 126

West Moors E.S.A. Leigh Lock 127 Stonechat Survey: West Penwith Moors and Coast Leigh Lock 134 Ringing Report 1998 Greg Conway 136 Chairman's Report Graham Sutton 144 Conservation Officer's Report Martin Rule 145

Statement of Financial Activities Keith Harris 147 The Society's Rules 152

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

3 Editorial

I had big plans for this Report, especially as it was the only one I was ever likely to edit. But as the enormity of the task gradually dawned on me, it became apparent that, despite the efforts of all those who have contributed and helped, I would never have the time to achieve my ambitions for it. Not whilst remaining happily married and in employment anyway!

The compilers of the species accounts were given free rein in drafting their sections if they so requested. I then hoped to blend the various styles together during the editing process. I have been fiddling around with the text for some time and hoped to carry on refining it, but with publication already some ten months behind schedule, I have had to call a halt and get it off to the printers, or suffer the indignity of seeing the 1999 edition out before it! Inconsistencies in the amount of data and degree of comment throughout the systematic list section are therefore down to me.

Readers may also be disappointed to find that there are no graphs or maps enhancing the text. Greg Conway offered to prepare some, but I never got round to letting him have the necessary data. Perhaps more importantly, the accounts for our common species are again somewhat lacking in useful information. It is difficult to write something interesting and meaningful about them when our knowledge is so sketchy. The situation should improve, however, as the new Cornwall Bird Atlas project gathers momentum. I would urge all those who can to get involved in it (see below for details).

I have made two significant changes to previous formats, which I hope will be viewed as improvements. The first involves the contentious issue of species names. Frankly, I despise most of the assortment of new names that have been adopted by some authorities. The fact that the situation has become thoroughly confusing gives me an excuse to revert to the old ones, with the names specified in the British Ornithological Union's publication "The British List 2000" in brackets after each species heading. Whilst this may be seen by some as a retrograde step, I can at least claim that this Report and the already published 1998 Isles of Scilly Bird Report are in accordance on the matter, which, both being produced by the same Society, is as it should be.

The other modification concerns the statements relating to species' status in the county, which have not been revised for many years. For a number of species there has been no attempt in the past to describe relative abundance or rarity. Furthermore, some of the statements that have been repeated each year in previous Reports are clearly inaccurate. For example, Dunlin are not "abundant" in the county, neither are Buzzards nor Willow Warblers; the Long-tailed Duck is not "uncommon" down here: it's rare; etc., etc.

I have therefore adopted the following system of allocating status terms to each species, based on estimated population size: Non-breeding Breeding Term Individuals* Pairs* Very common >100,000 >50,000 Common 10,001-100,000 5,001-50,000 Fairly common 1,001-10,000 501-5,000 Uncommon 101-1,000 51-500 Fairly rare 11-100 6-50 Rare 1-10 0.5-5 Very rare <1 <0.5 *present in an average year

4 This was devised by Paul McCartney of the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The information in this Report now largely accords with that contained in the new Biological Recorders' Handbook (Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Federation of Biological Recorders, 2000).

Other minor changes to the Report include the use of different fonts here and there, which I hope look a little more attractive, and the dropping of cumulative totals for species if they have been recorded in the county more than 100 times. For instance, it seems to me sufficient to state that the Leach's Petrel is fairly rare. The fact that about 2,349 have been counted since records began is surely irrelevant. It is useful, however, to know the patterns of occurrence, so I have retained and up-dated the monthly breakdowns of all records.

I am extremely grateful to the following people: Data inputting: Dick Burn, Dave Conway, Greg Conway, Francis Couch, Roger Henry, Paul McCartney and Sara McMahon. Compiling the species accounts: John Phillips, Richard James, Sara McMahon, Dave Conway, Steve Jackson, Jim Dustow, Matt Southam and Daniel Eva. Detailed weather review: Tony Spiller. Artwork: Paul Carrier, Dave Flumm and Kester Wilson. Photographs: John Hawkey, Graham Sutton, Kester Wilson and Mark Witherall. Articles: Leigh Lock and Mark Tunmore. Ringing Report: Greg Conway. Officers' reports: Keith Harris, Martin Rule and Graham Sutton. Information on population estimates and many other matters: Paul McCartney. Data maintenance, record retrieval, word-processing advice: Greg Conway. COBRA program: Pete Fraser. Assistance with word-processing: Debbie Melarickas. Information from British Birds Rarities Committee: Mike Rogers and Kester Wilson. Adjudication on county rarities: Greg Conway, Steve Madge, Graham Sutton, Vic Tucker and Kester Wilson. Comments and suggestions: John Phillips and Vic Tucker. Proof-reading the Systematic List: Mike Lord. Kester and Ian Wilson have taken over the role of Recording and Editing "Birds in Cornwall" from 1999 onwards - I wish them every success.

Andy Pay July 2000

5 Review of the Year: 1998

Although 1998 may not be remembered as a classic year for birds or birders in Cornwall, the total number of species recorded, 281, has only twice been bettered in the last ten years. This was in spite of two more mild winters at either end of the year resulting in unexceptional numbers of wildfowl and waders and another wet, cool summer leading to a very poor breeding season for many species. For birders shrewd enough, to keep an eye on the weather and act accordingly, there was plenty to enjoy. Birding highlights included a sprinkling of unusually early spring migrants, a plethora of rarities over a five day period in May, a huge passage of Cory's Shearwaters in September and influxes of North American wildfowl during the autumn and early winter. Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler was recorded in the county for the first time. The following major rarities also occurred: Little Swift (second record), Black Duck (second, third and fourth), Pacific Golden Plover (third), White-billed Diver (fourth), Ross's Gull (fourth), Pied-billed Grebe (fourth and fifth), Lesser Scaup (fifth and sixth) and Grey-cheeked Thrush (sixth record).

January was generally a stormy and mild month in Cornwall, although it became colder toward the end. There was only one national rarity present from the start, an American Wigeon on . This site also held a wintering Spoonbill, whilst another was again on the Lynher. The first week saw some very rough weather as a series of active fronts and depressions moved eastwards, giving occasionally gale or severe gale force south-west to west winds and heavy rain. There were gusts of 80-100mph. in some places on 4th, causing considerable damage. A handful of seabirds appeared inshore as a result, including a Manx and at least three Mediterranean Shearwaters and a Grey Phalarope. Up to 30 Great Northern Divers were sheltering in St.Ives Bay during this period. The conditions may also have been responsible for a small influx of Black-necked Grebes at inland sites. On 9th the winds backed to south-south-west to south and the weather became drier and less boisterous for a few days. Last year's Laughing Gull reappeared at Maer Lake on 11th, the same day as a party of 11 Woodlarks was discovered at . A vigorous depression moving north­ eastwards up the English Channel on 13th brought cold, and often strong west to north-west winds in its wake, along with a Swallow at ! Probably less unexpected was a Bonaparte's Gull at Drift on 17th, when a Red Kite was discovered at . Gales and hail showers were renewed on 18th with gusts over 80mph on as another depression crossed the country, but winds quickly decreased, resulting in a sharp frost on the night of 19th/20th. Winds backed to the south, bringing rain on 21 st and 22nd but thereafter it turned dry and much colder until the end of the month, with light to moderate north-east to east winds and night frost. Three Cirl Buntings were found on the Roseland on 24th, maintaining the species' tenuous foothold in the county. The following day, the month's third rare gull turned up at Falmouth: a splendid adult Ross's, which remained long enough for hundreds of visitors to admire it.

February was unusually mild and dry. High pressure largely dominated the weather over Cornwall with the only significant rain falling in three separate spells, namely 6th/7th, 20th/21 st and 26th/27th, and monthly totals were less than one inch in most places. Black-throated Divers numbers peaked at 82 in Bay on 3rd, and Red-throateds at 51 off the to area on 17th. With winds mainly from the south or south-west, temperatures reached 17C(63F) at Bodmin and Newquay on 12th. As a result, an influx of exceptionally early spring migrants occurred around this

6 time, including a Hoopoe on 13th (to be followed by four or five more before the end of the month), a Sedge Warbler and several Swallows on 14th and a Sandwich Tern on 15th. A major rarity arrived in Bay on 19th: a White-billed Diver, which although remaining in the area for many weeks, proved extremely elusive for those trying to see it. Several more interesting birds were found from 21st-23rd. They included an unseasonal Sooty Shearwater flying past , a Whooper Swan at , a Herring Gull showing characters of the American race and an extremely early Spotted Flycatcher.

Temperatures in March were also on the mild side. The highest temperature of the month was 16C(61F) at Penzance on 28th, and there were only three nights when local slight air frosts were recorded. The month began in traditional fashion with west to south-west winds, often strong to gale or even severe gale force, and periods of rain or showers, typifying the weather in the first week. Over an inch of rain fell on 2nd, and by 5th over two inches had been recorded. The star bird of the month was found at , in the north-east of the county on 1st: a long-staying and much-admired Red- rumped Swallow. The first House Martins of the year arrived on the same day, followed by a Wheatear on 3rd. One of only three Crossbills during the year was at Crowdy on 9th. After more rain and gales on 10th the wind became strong to gale north-westerly on 11th, with gusts up to 55mph at Penzance. These north-westerly winds were blowing around a large anticyclone centred over the Atlantic, and as the "high" moved slowly eastwards, winds slowly decreased to light by 14th and then remained light and variable until 25th. A huge passage of Lesser Black-backed Gulls along the north coast culminated in a record count of 5,117 on 11th. The period from 15th to 21st saw the appearance of more early spring visitors, starting at Drift with the first of the year's 17 Ospreys, and continuing with Little Ringed Plover, Tree Pipit, three Redstarts, Ring Ouzel and Willow Warbler. A good passage of Garganey included seven at on 21st. Another Crossbill was in the Halvana Plantation on this day, but hopes of breeding were not to be fulfilled. A Dotterel found at Winnard's Perch on 22nd had probably spent the winter with the local Golden Plover flock. Unsettled weather with rain at times returned on 24th and persisted until the end of the month. Mainly light to moderate west to south-west winds on 24th gradually backed to the south by 28th, and the south-east by 31st, but were fresh or strong on 26th and 29th. The arrival of a Crane at St.Levan and the county's earliest ever Golden Oriole at Predannack on 28th coincided with the winds off the Continent. On 30th a Pied-billed Grebe appeared on .

April was a rather cold and very wet month. Between five and a half and eight inches of rain was recorded, which is more than twice the April average. In most places rain fell at some time in every day. In it was the wettest April for over lOOyears. The first six days were very disturbed with strong south-westerly winds, bringing in an Alpine Swift to Marazion on 2nd and an early Grasshopper Warbler and Yellow Wagtail as gales blew on 3rd and 4th. A Great Shearwater which flew past was a long way off course and a singing Icterine Warbler at on 5th was also most unexpected. High pressure was now over the east Atlantic and low pressure over the continent. As winds turned northerly and it became colder on 6th, one well-known birding figure must have been staggered when he flushed an adult white phase Gyr Falcon from the cliffs at Rame Head. Remaining in the area for four days it was one of the year's star birds. A Night Heron feeding by a small garden stream from 8th had probably arrived earlier in the month.

7 Winds were strong on 10th and 11th with gales in the west of the county. Between 10th and 16th it was cold with widespread ground frosts, some air frost and hail showers. Sleet and snow gave a covering of up to an inch in some places on 12th and 13th. Migration came to a standstill during this phase, the only birds of note being 14 Arctic Terns at Hayle. It turned milder after 16th with the return of south-westerly winds, strong at times, and more rain and showers. There was some quite heavy rain from 20th onwards, but the following week brought in many common spring migrants and a good selection of scarce ones. The most-visited by local birders was a White Stork, which frequented the area for three days from 21st. A Montagu's Harrier passed through on 22nd, followed in successive days by a Short-toed Lark at , a Woodchat Shrike at and a late Brambling at . The first Harrier of the spring flew over on 26th but far rarer was the Goshawk over Trevose Head on 27th. Another Woodchat was well-described by a non-birder at and an Ortolan Bunting, which we know as an autumn bird, was in the Land's End area for a few days. During the last two days of the month a depression moved south-eastwards across the South-west Approaches into France. Winds backed to east and then north, and some places experienced almost continuous rain for 40 hours.

The weather was often warm and sunny during May, with some thundery spells. Light north to north­ east winds at the start of the month gave dry, sunny weather and brought another pulse of rarities: a wild Barnacle Goose near and later at Hayle, a Black Kite over , two more Montagu's Harriers, a somewhat controversial plover near St.Buryan, which was eventually proved to be a Pacific Golden, two further Woodchats and a Tree Sparrow at Porthgwarra. Between 4th and 7th the wind gradually backed to the south-west, bringing more cloudy conditions and a little light rain. An area of low pressure then developed off the Portuguese coast, throwing very warm air northwards across France from 8th to 12th, and reaching Cornwall on light to moderate winds between south and east. Arriving in this airstream was a whole host of exciting birds. The Land's End area was the place to be during these five days, with records of Black Kite, Alpine Swift, Little Swift (the rarest bird of the spring), Bee-eater, two Golden Orioles and Serin. Elsewhere there was a Montagu's Harrier at Seaton, a Quail and another Alpine Swift on the Lizard and yet another Woodchat, at Penlee. Not surprisingly, this warm air was associated with thundery weather and storms were reported from several places in the county, the most notable being at Penzance on the morning of 13th. This gave 1.3 inches of rain, one inch of which fell in two hours! High pressure then took control from 14th to 24th, during which period it remained dry and very warm with winds mainly north to north-east. The temperature exceeded 20C(68F) every day from 10th to 21st in many places. The most interesting reports during this period again came from the far west: another Golden Oriole on 14th, a Great White Egret on 15th, a Subalpine Warbler on 17th and four Tree Sparrows on 18th. Three more Quail were found in the county between 18th and 21st. Things then quietened down considerably. From 25th to 31st low pressure became established over southern and the near Continent, giving variable winds and further rain, heavy at times with hail and thunder, particularly on 30th and 31st.

June was often cloudy and very wet. A mobile pattern of depressions and fronts moving eastwards across the British Isles was maintained throughout the month, with only brief transitory ridges of high pressure. Winds were predominantly south-westerly, and strong at times in the first half of the month. Rainfall was between four and six inches in most places, which is about twice or 2lA times the average for the month, and in some districts it was the wettest June on record. The wettest spells were around

8 5th/6th, 12th/13th, and 23rd/26th. Thunderstorms occurred on 5th and 20th. Temperatures were unremarkable, with one notable exception: that was on 20th when there was a very brief burst of very warm, humid air from the south, giving Cornwall its hottest day of the month, and, indeed, the year in some places. The temperatures reached 28.2C (82.8F) at Liskeard, and 26.3C (79.3F) at St. Mawgan, and produced a widespread fall of dust - presumably from Spain or the Sahara. On 2nd a Scarlet Rosefinch was found at Pentire and a Corncrake was heard on the Lizard. A Golden Oriole was singing at Newbridge on 4th and the following day a female Smew, of dubious origin, was on Maer Lake. The declining Black-headed Gull colony at Colliford contained two Mediterranean Gulls on 6th. Porth Joke had a purple patch on 11th-12th with a Quail, a singing Marsh Warbler and a male Red-backed Shrike. The final Golden Oriole of the spring was at Gunwalloe on 15th and another Montagu's Harrier flew along the coast at Seaton on 19th. Another Quail was calling at Duloe at the end of the month.

The cool and rather wet theme continued through July. Temperatures did not rise above 21C (70F), making it the coldest July for many years. The first week was dominated by high pressure over the North Atlantic, giving mainly dry but cool conditions, and light winds from the north-east, backing to north-west. A cloudy westerly airflow than returned with rain at times and often heavy: 2.16 inches fell on Moor on 11th. The conditions around 10th-12th gave rise to some interesting seabird movements. An early Leach's Petrel was seen off Nare Head, followed by five Sabine's Gulls and eleven Pomarine Skuas off Porthgwarra and huge counts of Storm Petrels there and at Hannafore. Up to an inch of rain fell generally on 15th, making it the wettest day of the month in most places and a waterspout was observed off Bude on the evening of 17th. A changeable theme predominated for the rest of the month. The 18th produced two good raptor records: a Honey Buzzard over Falmouth and a male Hen Harrier hunting over Predannack Downs. The resident Spoonbill at was joined by another on 19th. The abysmal summer weather resulted in a very poor season for many species. Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatchers continued their decline and no Cirl Buntings were found during the breeding season. However, Great Crested Grebes bred successfully in the west of the county for the first time, four pairs of Tufted Duck bred, one pair of Hobbies fledged two young and there were at least 15 pairs of Dartford Warblers scattered around the county.

During August the mean monthly pressure was above average over southern Britain, so it is not surprising to find that it was a fairly dry month, with some good spells of rather more settled weather. A ridge of high pressure moving south-eastwards over the U.K. in the opening days was quickly followed by a frontal system, giving rain and a moderate to fresh south-west wind on 3rd. The presence of a Long-eared Owl at Malpas gave a further hint that this species is probably breeding regularly in the county, albeit in very small numbers. High pressure then took control again, giving a week of hot, dry weather with temperatures between 24C and 28C (75F and 82F) from 8th to 11th, and light variable winds. Patchy sea fog affected some coastal areas. A wandering Red Kite appeared over Northcott Mouth on 9th. A rather more changeable west to north-west airflow followed, with a large depression near Iceland moving north-eastwards and an anticyclone near the Azores. However, amounts of rain over Cornwall were generally small and it was rather warm. An early Lesser Yellowlegs arrived at Drift on 18th. From 20th to 27th frontal systems moving south-eastwards over the county were somewhat more active and produced the bulk of the month's rainfall. A few scarce migrants arrived on 20th-21st in

9 the shape of a Dotterel at , a Spotted Crake at Drift and an Aquatic Warbler at (where else?) . West to north-west winds gusted to 40-45mph on 21st and 23rd, bringing rewards to sea-watchers. On 21st 135 Great Shearwaters moved past Porthgwarra and the first of a good run of Long-tailed Skuas flew past Pendeen. A deepening low moved east-south-east across northern England on 23rd, and was responsible for almost half an inch of rain over Cornwall. Another 30 Great Shearwaters were seen that day, along with 38 Sooties off Porthgwarra. An anticyclone to the west of on 25th moved eastwards to give several dry, rather warm days, but cool nights. The 27th-29th produced a Tawny Pipit, the first Wryneck of the autumn, two more Aquatic Warblers at Marazion and, best of all, a Black Stork flying over the Lizard. A cold front moving eastwards on 31st with strengthening south-east winds gave heavy rain and thunderstorms in many parts of the county that evening.

September was rather warm, but changeable. For much of the month the county was under the influence of low pressure with rain at times, total rainfall amounts being somewhat above average. The month started with light winds and rather warm, humid conditions, drifting in several birds of probable Scandinavian origin: two Dotterel, several Wrynecks and two Red-backed Shrikes. A Marsh Warbler also turned up, along with two more Aquatics and a Melodious. A young American Wigeon arrived on Hayle Estuary on 4th, as a frontal trough moved eastwards with heavy rain. A very disturbed south-westerly type followed from 6th to 9th as a very vigorous depression (ex- hurricane "Danielle") became centred off western Scotland, giving showers or longer spells of rain and strong winds. This gave rise to some spectacular sea-watching from the south coast, the main event being the passage of some 3,500 Cory's Shearwaters, the majority of them off Porthgwarra on 5th. They were accompanied by six Long-tailed Skuas and nine Sabine's Gulls. As the low moved eastwards the winds veered to the north-west on 10th, with a long fetch from Iceland, and southwards across the north-east Atlantic and Ireland from 10th to 15th. This resulted in further showers and strong winds in the colder air, and the seabird action moved to the north coast. Counts from Pendeen included 60 Sooty Shearwaters and nine Sabine's Gulls on 9th, 44 Leach's Petrels and 28 Mediterranean Shearwaters on 10th and 65 Sooties and 13 Sabine's on 11th. The chief prize, however, was a Wilson's Petrel, which passed close by on 10th. In the wake of these winds came a good selection of Transatlantic rarities: a Blue-winged Teal, a record 65 pale-bellied Brent Geese and a Spotted Sandpiper, all at Marazion, yet another American Wigeon at Hayle, one then two Baird's Sandpipers on the airfield at Davidstow, an Upland Sandpiper at Sancreed and Buff-breasted Sandpipers at Sennen and Davidstow. High pressure dominated Cornwall's weather between 16th and 23rd, giving a spell of mainly dry and warm weather. As the anti-cyclonic spell developed, light south-westerly winds on 17th backed to the south-east by 19th, but from then until 24th, east to south-east winds from the Continent were moderate to fresh at times. Reports during this spell included eight juvenile Red-crested Pochards at (one wonders where they came from), a Honey Buzzard over Trevose Head, the first of seven Red-breasted Flycatchers, at St.Mawgan, and, in the Land's End area, single Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Red-backed Shrike and Scarlet Rosefinch. A thundery depression then developed in the Bay of Biscay to give some moderate to heavy rain on 25th and 26th. The next few days brought an early Bittern, four Richard's Pipits, a Woodchat Shrike at Land's End, six Ortolan Buntings, and a Pectoral Sandpiper at Hayle. Ex-hurricane "Karl" moved into the South-west Approaches on 29th and was off the south Cornish coast on 30th, with gale force winds and heavy rain in its circulation. It also bore an American Golden

10 Plover, which dropped in at Sennen on 30th, and the autumn's first Whooper Swan. The weather in early October was mainly dry, but it became very wet as the month progressed. The movement of ex-hurricane "Karl" into the Continent promoted low pressure over Central Europe for the first week. This, together with the development of high pressure over Scandinavia, resulted in a long fetch of air from Western Russia across Northern Europe, producing a dry north-easterly airflow over Cornwall. Apart from the wandering Upland Sandpiper re-appearing at on 2nd, the variety of species during the first eight days was fairly typical of the conditions. The highlights were a Honey Buzzard over Porthgwarra; three Spotted Crakes; Red-throated Pipit, Bluethroat and the first of the month's 12 Yellow-browed Warblers, all at Nanjizal; Aquatic Warblers at Land's End and Par; Icterine Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Red-backed Shrike on the Lizard and another Red- breasted Flycatcher at Rame. On 8th a ridge of high pressure toppled south-eastwards over the country, and for the following week mild west winds alternated with cold, showery north-westerlies, neither of which were particularly strong. There were three Dotterel at on 10th, but wildfowl provided most of the excitement. The forerunners of a mini-influx of Black Ducks and Surf Scoters were found from 10th-13th, at the Walmsley Sanctuary and Porthpean respectively, along with a Ring-necked Duck at Loe Pool (which soon moved to Stithians). A party of 13 Pink-footed Geese dropped in at Upper Tamar Lake on 11th and four Barnacles visited Maer Lake on 15th. On 16th a deepening 'low' moved eastwards across Scotland, and its frontal system gave nearly an inch of rain in Cornwall, with strong to gale south-west winds. Seven Yellow-legged Gulls were identified on Colliford Reservoir, the largest gathering yet recorded. The next three days were dominated by north winds with showers, thunderstorms, hail and even a waterspout in Mounts Bay on 18th. The weather phenomena that day were probably responsible for forcing down the year's final Osprey, two more American Golden Plovers at Sennen, a Red-rumped Swallow at Kenidjack and a Red-throated Pipit at The Lizard. From 20th to 27th westerly winds, often strong, extended all the way from the eastern seaboard of the USA to the UK. The weather was wet and stormy until the end of the month, with a series of vigorous depressions passing over or to the north of the British Isles. A Great White Egret at on 21st may well have been of the American race. On 23rd a Grey-cheeked Thrush was found dead in St.Ives. The 24th was especially stormy with many places receiving well over an inch of rain and south-west to west winds gusting up to 70mph. On that day and the next, north coast sea-watchers recorded 14 Leach's Petrels, 24 Arctic Skuas, 135 Great Skuas and, off St.Ives, another Surf Scoter. Four Whooper Swans which arrived at Drift on 27th remained in the area to the end of the year, as did another Black Duck at Stithians. The month was rounded off by the discovery on Loe Pool of the autumn's third Surf Scoter.

The changeable theme carried on into November as further depressions crossed the UK from the west-north-west during the first week. These gave heavy rain and severe gales on 2nd and 3rd (60mph at Penzance on 2nd), followed by a brief spell of cold northerly winds. This period produced birds from various directions. From the Nearctic came a Red-eyed Vireo at Loe Pool, and Pied-billed Grebe and Pectoral Sandpiper at Nanjizal, whilst two Pallas's Warblers and two Red-breasted Flycatchers managed to arrive from somewhere. Milder south-west winds set in from 6th and as the remains of hurricane "Mitch" passed over the north-west seaboard of the UK early on 9th, the winds reached gale force over parts of Cornwall. It also brought the warmest day of the month as temperatures reached 15C (59F). Five Barnacle Geese were at Maer Lake on 7th and on the following two days a Great Grey Shrike (or possibly two) was on Bodmin Moor. An anticyclone moved eastwards across northern France on 11th and a Little Bunting was found at

11 Porthgwarra on 12th. There was a complex low pressure system over Britain on 13th, and thunderstorms and hail occurred over Cornwall on 14th. As this moved away there was a short dry spell from 15th to 18th with ground frost at night. Record numbers of Stock Doves were counted over Porthgwarra, along with a Serin, and thousands of Fieldfares passed over further up the county. On 18th a Red Kite (perhaps the previous winter's bird) was found on the Roseland: it was to remain well into December. Pressure began to build over the Continent on 19th and south-east to south winds brought a brief incursion of cold air into Cornwall. It had the effect of rendering a front almost stationary over the west of the county from 19th to 24th, when it moved away eastwards. Over three inches of rain fell in the Penzance area during this period, one inch of which fell in less than an hour on 22nd! Two Bewick's Swans arrived at the Walmsley Sanctuary, whilst further west, intrepid birders who refused to accept that the autumn was over were rewarded with a trio of rare Phylloscopus warblers: a Pallas's at Nanjizal, a Dusky at Sennen and the county's first fully-documented Hume's Yellow-browed on the Lizard. Two 'standard' Yellow-broweds were at Porthgwarra on 27th, when three Woodlarks were found near Penryn. A changeable, milder westerly type of weather returned on 24th, bringing another Serin, but rising pressure across central Britain brought drier, colder east to north-east winds on 30th.

December was dry and cold at first, then stormy later in the month. An anticyclone over western Russia extended a ridge westwards over the UK to give cold, dry easterly winds for the first two days. They brought a late Richard's Pipit to Trebarvah on 3rd, as still cold and mainly dry northerly winds set in until 5th, with a fetch from the Arctic. A ridge of high pressure moved eastwards across the country from 5th to 7th and two Bitterns arrived in the area. One of the year's very few Cirl Buntings was at Par on 6th. A change to a mild and wetter south-west to west airflow took place on 8th and lasted until 19th, with rain falling in most places at some time on each day. On 13th two Lesser Scaups were discovered on Argal Reservoir. The 19th was particularly wet as a depression moved south-eastwards close to west Cornwall. This resulted in an inch or more of rain in most places. At Penzance 1.34 inches fell in seven hours. Flash floods occurred in many parts of mid and west Cornwall during the afternoon and evening. A ridge of high pressure then moved eastwards over the area, producing the year's last Marsh Harrier and giving two or three nights of ground and air frost, before a return to a milder, wetter westerly flow. Both hail and thunder were recorded on 23rd. The last week was dominated by a series of very vigorous depressions moving north-eastwards over, or close to, the British Isles, producing mild conditions with heavy rain and severe gales at times. Christmas Day and Boxing Day were especially wet and windy with rainfall totals of 1.5in., and there were gusts up to 60mph, causing some structural damage. Two Nearctic wildfowl were found, the year's third Black Duck at the Walmsley Sanctuary and American Wigeon at . A wintering Yellow-browed Warbler was at Loe Pool on 29th, but the birding year ended, as it had begun, with out-of-season seabirds: single Mediterranean Shearwater and Grey Phalarope, both off Rosemullion Head.

Andy Pay, with detailed weather review by Tony Spiller.

12 Submission of Records

All records, including descriptions, for 2000 should be submitted by the 31st January 2001 to guarantee inclusion in 'Birds in Cornwall 2000'. They should be sent to Kester Wilson at 1 Tol-pedn House, School Hill Road, St.Levan, Penzance TR19 6LR

IMPORTANT: Records should be submitted periodically throughout the year by all observers, ideally at monthly intervals. This will help spread the immense workload 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), but records in species or site order are equally acceptable.

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, if possible, and including grid reference for less well-known sites. To enable breeding season and winter records to be used for the Cornwall Bird Atlas, please include with them the relevant four figure one km. grid square reference. With this, your records will be of far more value. 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 feel free to contact the county recorder for advice regarding computerised records.

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.)

To learn more about the Cornwall Bird Atlas project, please contact Paul McCartney at ERCCIS, Five Acres, Allet, Truro TR4 9DJ (e-mail: [email protected] or telephone 01872 240777 ext.205).

13 Rarities

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 the Secretary of the BBRC, Mr. M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, , St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3AZ. Please enclose copies of field notes and photographs, where possible, as these will be most helpful.

County Rarities The identification of the majority of county rarities is quite straight-forward for experienced observers and, consequently, the following list of 'Group A' species requiring a full description is relatively small.

Many of the species which used to require a full description are now included in 'Group B'. Descriptions are not required for sightings of 'Group B' species unless specifically requested by the County Recorder, and provided the bird(s) have been seen by three experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - the names of the observers should be included when details of sightings are submitted.

These arrangements have been introduced to eliminate the need for unnecessary descriptions of 'easy' rarities, without compromising the integrity of the county records.

Group A - Species requiring a full description Surf Scoter Honey Buzzard Montagu's Harrier Goshawk Rough-legged Buzzard Long-tailed Skua Ring-billed Gull Yellow-legged Gull 'Caspian' Gull Roseate Tern Chough Richard's Pipit Tawny Pipit Marsh Warbler 'Siberian' Chiffchaff Twite Little Bunting Rustic Bunting

Group B - Species not normally requiring a description, provided the bird(s) has been seen by at least three experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - please submit names of observers with the record details. Purple Heron White Stork Bean Goose Pink-footed Goose Snow Goose 'Green-winged' Teal Ring-necked Duck Ruddy Duck Corncrake Crane Kentish Plover Stone Curlew Temminck's Stint Pectoral Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper Red-necked Phalarope Sabine's Gull Bee-eater Short-toed Lark Shore Lark Bluethroat 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit Nightingale Aquatic Warbler Barred Warbler Icterine Warbler Melodious Warbler Serin Red-breasted Flycatcher Woodchat Shrike Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Scarlet Rosefinch Ortolan Bunting Cirl Bunting - plus any uncommon races

14 Criteria for national and county rarity descriptions 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 should ideally be included in a description. Always include as much information as possible; even the smallest or obvious features should be noted as these are often invaluable when records are assessed. Try to make notes and sketches in the field, and before you refer to any text-books.

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

Wildfowl and Wader Counts

The organising and collating of these important counts is the responsibility of D. A. Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, PL31 2AR.

Volunteer counters are always required and anyone interested is asked to contact Dave at the address above.

15 Systematic List for 1998

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

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

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 . All references to "the county" exclude the Isles of Scilly, for which the Society publishes a separate Report.

References Birding World Vol. 11. British Birds Vol. 92 No. 11. Field and Natural History Club Report 1998. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Federation of Biological Recorders, in collaboration with the Environmental Records Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: "A Biological Recorders'

16 Handbook: a Manual for Recording Plants and Animals and their Habitats in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly \ Truro, 2000. Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society Reports 1931-1997 Gibbons et al (1993) The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. T & A D Poyser, London. 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.

RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Thinly distributed along the entire coastline, but in spring large concentrations of migrants gather briefly, especially along the north coast between and and off the south coast at Seaton. Records came from about 30 coastal localities, from Bude to Pendeen and from Porthgwarra to St.John's Lake. There was one inland at on Apr 2nd and also one at Drift Res. (2.5 km from the sea) on Feb 5th. As usual the majority of reports referred to singles or twos. In the first winter period there were no double-figure counts until Jan 25th, when 13 were at Seaton and 10 off Marazion. A noticeable build-up in late Jan-early Feb produced peaks of 25 at Seaton on Feb 12th, 18 at on Feb 14th and 21st, and in the Trevose/ Bay/Stepper Point area 34 on Jan 28th and a very high count of 51 on Feb 17th. Numbers declined rapidly after the end of February, with no subsequent double-figure counts. The last spring bird was off Porthpean on May 29th and there was a single summer record, at Loe Bar on Jul 25th. The first autumn migrant was at Seaton on Sep 7th, with ones and twos widely reported through to the end of the year. Reports of over two birds came only from St.Ives Bay (max. four, three dates), Chapel Point (four south-west, Dec 16th), and Seaton/Downderry (four on Dec 21st).

BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Chiefly a bird of the sheltered south coast. Over 5% of the UK wintering population regularly gather between and Rosemullion Head, particularly in Gerran's and Veryan Bays. Birds move around within the area depending on weather conditions. There were reports from some 25 sites, of which three-quarters were along the south coast. There was one inland record, of a single at Crowdy Res. on Dec 13th. In the first winter/spring passage period the highest count was of 82, roosting in Veryan Bay on Feb 3rd. Several counts of 60-65 were recorded here up to the end of March. In Gerran's Bay c.20 were frequently present, but 80 were counted on Mar 16th and 34 on Apr 10th. Other sites with double- figure counts were Falmouth Bay (max 15 on Jan 6th) and Seaton-Downderry (max 11 on Apr 14th). Three more sites produced counts of over three birds: St.Ives Bay (four on Jan 5th), (five on Jan 31 st and Mar 22nd) and St. Austell Bay (four on Apr 5th). Birds were seen regularly up to mid-May and the last was one at Porthpean on Jun 11th. One in winter plumage was off Newquay on Jul 10th, an unusual date. The first autumn passage migrant was at on Sep 30th. In the second winter period the highest total came from Falmouth Bay, with 47 on Dec 27th. At Veryan Bay there were 32 roosting on Nov 29th and 42 on Dec 20th, and Gerran's Bay held a maximum of 22 on Dec 6th. No more than two were seen anywhere else during this period apart from St.Ives Bay, where there were three on Dec 6th.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. May be seen practically anywhere offshore, but unlike the other divers rarely forms large flocks. Internationally important umbers (>50) have been located in recent years along the south coast between St. Austell Bay and the . St.Ives Bay and Mount's Bay also regularly hold good though smaller wintering populations.

17 Records were received from about 40 different localities from to Sennen and from Head to the , though most sightings were as usual from the south coast and St.Ives Bay. The vast majority of reports referred to one to three birds. There were two sightings of singles on inland reservoirs, at Siblyback on Jan 1st-10th and Crowdy on Dec 20th. At Sennen Cove on Nov 18th one was watched chasing a Cormorant under water. In the first winter period the highest totals were reported from St.Ives Bay, where there were frequently 15-20 throughout January, with high maxima of 30 on 5th and 17th. Subsequently however, numbers decreased, with no further double-figure counts. In contrast, at the opposite end of the county in the Bay-Downderry area, there were no more than eight in January, increasing to 16 on Feb 17th and then rising again to peaks of 18 on Mar 21st and 25 on Apr 8th during spring passage. There was a similar later peak in the St.Austell Bay area, with a maximum January count of 12 on 2nd, increasing to 22 from Feb 22nd-25th. Spring passage was also evident here, with peaks of 41 on Mar 24th and 24 on the rather late date of May 17th. Other sites with reports of over four birds at the beginning of the year were Bay (max. 15 on Jan 6th, perhaps including some St.Austell birds), Gerran's Bay (12 on Feb 7th), Veryan Bay (nine on Mar 1st), Carrick Roads (eight on Jan 8th), Porthgwarra (six north on May 10th) and Mount's Bay (five on four dates). Apart from four immature birds which spent the whole summer in St.Austell Bay, the last in spring were singles in Mount's Bay on Jun 10th and off Porthgwarra on Jun 17th. Following the first off on Sep 30th there were rather few reports of birds on autumn passage. The maximum October count was six on 30th in St.Austell Bay, where numbers rose slowly to 12 by Nov 29th and 26 on Dec 23rd. In St.Ives Bay there were 11 on Nov 6th increasing to 16 on Dec 6th, with smaller numbers to the end of the year. The maximum reported from S.E.Cornwall was nine off Hannafore on Dec 29th-30th. Counts of over four again came from Mevagissey Bay (max 10 on Dec 6th, possibly involving St.Austell Bay birds), Veryan Bay (max. six on Dec 20th), Gerran's Bay (six on Dec 6th), Mount's Bay (six, Dec 6th and 20th) and the Carrick Roads (five from Dec 6th-20th). In the county as a whole there were noticeably fewer than in the first winter period. From the peaks at five sites on Dec 6th it would seem that there was an influx into the county around this time.

WHITE-BILLED DIVER (YELLOW-BILLED DIVER) Gavia adamsii Very rare winter visitor One flew into on Feb 19th. It was seen again, on several dates, in the Charlestown/Porthpean area from Apr 6th to May 6th and was last seen at the latter site on Jun 2nd. BBRC has accepted the sightings in February and Apr 6th-9th RL. This is the fourth county record, the previous three birds having first been seen in Feb 1988, Feb 1985 and Apr 1967.

PIED-BILLED GREBE Podilymbus podiceps Very rare visitor An adult in summer plumage was found on Crowdy Res. on Mar 30th and remained until Apr 19th AJB et al. One which appeared at Nanjizal on Nov 5th remained into 1999 KAW. Both of these records were accepted by BBRC. They are the fourth and fifth for the county - three of the five birds have first been found in November. This is the third year in succession that this American species has been recorded, which raises the question of whether the records include one returning bird.

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Rare resident and uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers in both winter periods increased again this year. Swanpool held large numbers of this species at both the beginning and end of the year with counts of 31 in February and 41 in December.

18 This is probably due to the large population of shrimps, which has been assisted by the recent run of mild winters. Other double figure counts were made at Hayle Est. (14 on Jan 14th); (10 on Jan 18th); Camel Est. (21 on Jan 21st, 17 on Dec 7th); Argal Res. (13 on Feb 7th, 15 on Dec 28th); Stithians Res. (25 on Sep 17th); Loe Pool (22 on Oct 11th); and Drift Res. (12 on Dec 6th., 15 on Dec 2nd). Breeding was proved at Loe Pool, where one pair raised two young; Stithians Res., where one pair raised three young but one nest was destroyed by a Coot; and Swanpool, where one pair raised two young. Breeding was also suspected at Caerhays. Approximate monthly totals 1998: r K Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 155 183 95 14 10 3 21 23 58 119 168 180

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus Rare resident and fairly rare winter visitor. This year two pairs bred successfully at Stithians Res., raising three young between them. This is the first ever successful breeding in West Cornwall. Elsewhere a pair bred at Upper Tamar Lake, producing two young, and a pair was noted nest building at Crowdy Res., although here there was no proof of breeding success. At Colliford Res. up to six birds were present during the breeding season, but no evidence of breeding was reported. There has been a three- to four-fold increase in winter records of this species in the last five years. The reason for this is unclear at present. There were a number of sites with double figure counts. In the south-east, on the Lynher Estuary there were up to 17 in January and February, up to 20 in August and September, 15 in November and a staggering 43 on Dec 6th (SG), which easily smashes the previous highest count in the county (23, set last year). The Tamar Estuary returned counts of 10 birds in February and December, whilst counts of 12 and 20 were made at St.John's Lake in November and December respectively. Further west, Par Bay held up to 12 in January, 14 in February and 15 in December. The Tamar and Lynher and Bay areas seem to be the prime wintering sites. The highest number elsewhere was five at on Jan 31st, but there were records from many other suitable sites, both fresh and salt-water, right across the county. Approximate monthly totals 1998 (away from breeding sites): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 72 82 36 16 2 5 3 17 25 16 47 114

RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena Fairly rare winter visitor and passage migrant. The majority winter on the south coast between and the Helford River but birds are also regularly encountered at north coast sites such at St. Ives Bay, Hayle Est. and Camel Est. was by far the best location for this species during the early part of the year, with up to five in January, nine in February and 10 on Mar 21st. Other sites with more than one bird were Bay (two on Jan 3rd), Argal Res. (two on Jan 8th), Falmouth Bay (two on Jan 17th and four on Apr 5th) and Carrick Roads (three on Mar 1st). The last bird of the spring was one in Falmouth Bay on Apr 11th. A single at on Sep 30th was the first autumn sighting, but numbers did not build until early December. Portholland was again a key site, with two on Nov 29th rising to four by Dec 20th, but held five on Dec 23rd. Counts of two in December were also made from Hemmick Beach, Pendower Beach, Porthluney Cove, and Charlestown. Argal Res. provided the only inland records of the year, with one from Nov 27th-Dec 28th in addition to the January birds. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 15 16 5 - - - - 1 1 5 23

19 SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus Fairly rare 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 Est. and Camel Est. This species has become somewhat less numerous in recent years. The largest gatherings in January were eight in St Austell Bay on 17th and ten at Padstow on 31st. There were no more than four at any other site. Numbers increased through February and March, with the following double-figure counts being made: 13 in Gerran's Bay on Mar 20th; 12 at Pendower on Feb 25th; 12 at Seaton on Feb 25th; and 16 in St Austell Bay on Feb 25th and Mar 21st. Birds then departed gradually until the last was noted at Camel Est. on Apr 10th. The first to return in the autumn was at the Lynher Est. on Oct 25th, but apart from five in Falmouth Bay on Nov 5th and five in Mounts Bay on Nov 6th, there was no real influx until early December, when there were nine at Carlyon Bay and 14 at Pendower on 6th. The only other large counts in December were at the Camel Est., where there were eight on 21st, and St.Austell Bay, which had a count of 22 on 23rd. Inland, singles were at Stithians Res. from Jan lst-16th, Argal Res from Jan 11 th-18th and Drift Res. on Feb 5th and Dec 30th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 49 74 76 8 1 27 89

BLACK NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. The rarest of the regular grebes in Cornwall, occurring, like the others, mainly at south coast locations between St Austell Bay and the Helford River. More likely to be encountered at freshwater sites than Slavonian Grebe. In recent winters numbers have increased almost annually, particularly in the Carrick Roads, reflecting a doubling of the UK breeding population. The high numbers of last year were maintained, with a total of perhaps 70 different birds. There appears to have been an influx in January. Carrick Roads: There were no records from this site until the middle of January, when there were eight on 17th, which presumably were birds remaining from the previous year. By the 28th this gathering had increased to 28. The last here in spring were three on Mar 20th. There were only three records for the second winter period, these being 24 on Nov 15th , 14 on Nov 27th and 23 on Dec 6th. SMC,DE,RCJ et al. St Johns Lake/ Torpoint/ Millbrook: There were four remaining from 1997 and these stayed through to February. Last to depart were two Mar 14th. First returning birds to be noted were two Nov 21 st. These had increased to seven by Dec 6th with six remaining at the end of the year. CFNHC,SG,SCM et al. Carnsew Pool: one Jan lst-Feb 4th RB,SMC,DE et al. Helford River: one Jan 6th and Feb 7th SMC. Stithians Res: one Jan 8th, two Feb 7th , one Nov 21st, one Dec 13th SMC,AAL,REW. Par Beach Pool: one Jan 11th RJn. Swanpool: one Jan 14th ,one Nov 24th RB,BLW. Tamar Est: one Jan 18th, three Nov 21st SG,REW. College Res: one Jan 24th, one Nov 25th into 1999 SMC,DE,RCJ. Loe Pool: one Jan 25th SMC. Beach: one in summer plumage Mar 24th PAF. Mounts Bay: three Mar 24th PAF. Hannafore: four Apr 3rd CFNHC,EJW. Crowdy Res: one in summer plumage Apr 10th- Apr 17th RAJ,KJ,ABS et al. Carbis Bay: one Oct 26th and Dec 12th SMC. : three Nov 3rd DLJ.

20 Argal Res: one Nov 27th RCJ. : two Dec 6th GH. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 44 38 15 5 - - - - - 1 38 35 Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 228 124 67 32 2 1 - 12 21 21 92 227

FULMAR (NORTHERN FULMAR) Fulmarus glacialis Fairly common breeding visitor and passage migrant. Most leave British waters to moult in late autumn, though there are some October records every year. Breeding season records were received from only 12 nesting sites. Counts of adults on ledges or chicks at these few sites were similar to recent years' figures. As is often the case, peak movements at seawatching points occurred in April, with 250-300 per hour past Trevose Head, St.Agnes Head and Chapel Point on 3rd, 430 per hour at St.Agnes on 4th, and a maximum of 1878 in three hours off Trevose on 5th. Autumn counts were generally much lower, with maxima of 320 per hour on Jul 30th and 185 per hour on Aug 21st, both off St.Agnes. There were 15 October reports involving c.60-70 birds during the second half of the month, with maxima of 11 off Porthgwarra on 24th and St.Ives on 25th. Single blue phase birds were reported from Hudder Cove (near Godrevy) throughout February and March and again on Dec 9th (MJH), Trevose on Apr 4th (SMC) and Towan Head on Jul 13th (SMC).

CORY'S SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea Uncommon passage migrant or non-breeding summer visitor, mainly late July to early September. Has become commoner in recent years, particularly off Porthgwarra/. With c.4000 birds reported, this was another good year, though about 75% of this total was logged during a large passage at Porthgwarra on Sep 5th. Numbers in early autumn were comparatively low. At Porthgwarra there were three on Jul 11th, with another c.210 by the end of the month, two on Aug

Cory's Shearwaters (Kester Wilson)

21 14th and three on 23rd. September movements here were concentrated into the four days 4th-7th, with c.3500 in total, of which c.3000 passed on 5th (GJC,SMC,PC,PAF et al). Elsewhere, sightings were also concentrated in early September, with records from: Pendeen (a total of c.80 on five dates between Jul 30th and Sep 23rd, max. 50 on Sep 5th, LJP,GH et al); (at least 96 on Sep 6th, RCJ,SK,ARP); Killigerran Head (56 on Sep 6th, two on 7th SMC); Mousehole (nine on Sep 6th WM); Rame Head (three on Sep 6th PE et al); Hannafore Point (two on Sep 5th, one on 7th DC,DCg,RWG); Looe (one on Sep 7th RWG); Gribbin Head (two on Jul 16th MJW); Newquay (two Aug on 21st SMC); Pentewan (two on Sep 15th RL) and Cam Barges, near Lamorna (one on Sep 10th BDB).

There were other reports, for which no documentation has been received.

GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus gravis Uncommon passage migrant in very variable numbers, mainly mid-August to late September As usual the majority of reports came from Porthgwarra/Gwennap Head, where there was one on the unusually early date of Apr 4th AM. The first three of the autumn were recorded here on Jul 12th, followed by three more on 21st. In August, 46 passed on five dates between 12th and 31st, maximum 30 on 23rd. September produced another 17 on four dates between 4th and 16th, maximum 10 on 6th, the day after the large Cory's passage GJC,PAF,DSF,SML et al. Reports also came from Pendeen (c.160 on six dates between Aug 12th and Oct 17th) of which 135 (85%) were on Aug 21st (GJC,PSC,PAF,DSF et al); Killigerran Head (nine on Sep 6th SMC); Bass Point (five on Sep 6th SK,AL,ML,ARP); and Newquay (two on Aug 21st SMC). A number of records lacking documentation have been omitted.

SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus Uncommon autumn passage migrant. Rare in spring. One flew west off Rame Head on Feb 21st, a very unusual date for this species (EJW). The first bird of the "autumn" was on Jun 9th off Porthgwarra, where a total of c.240 were seen on 43 dates up to Nov 7th, with maxima of 38 on Aug 23rd and 30 on Oct 16th. Off Pendeen, c.560 were counted on 27 dates from Jul 12th to Nov 10th. Over 40% of this total (239 birds) passed on Sep 10th, when 15 were seen at Trevose Head, 33 off Godrevy and 57 at St.Ives. There were also fairly high totals at Pendeen of 60 Sep on 9th and 65 on 11th, but these movements were not recorded elsewhere.

Twelve other sites along both coasts produced year totals of up to 20 birds each.

MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus Common passage migrant, most numerous in autumn, with offshore feeding movements in summer. Passages of over 1000 per hour are frequently seen. Occasional winter records. Possibly still breeds. There were no reports of potential breeding this year. The only record in the first winter period was one off Pendeen on Jan 5th. There were two off Porthgwarra on Mar 6th and singles at Pendeen and Porth Joke the next day, then no more until 40 off Bass Point on 27th. The heaviest April movements reported were 1000 per hour off Chapel Point on 21st and 1530 in one hour off Trevose on 25th. There were many counts in excess of 1000 per hour in May, June and July, maximum hourly rates being 2453 at Trevose on May 8th, 3210 off Newquay on Jun 7th and 2421 there on Jul 15th. August and September numbers were much lower, with only four daily totals over 1000 and maximum rates of 1581 in 90 minutes at Trevose on Aug 4th and 1000 per hour at St.Ives on Sep 10th. Numbers were down to double figures per day from mid-October. There were 22 birds in November and the only one in December was off Trevose on 19th.

22 MEDITERRANEAN SHEARWATER (BALEARIC SHEARWATER) Puffinus yelkouan Uncommon autumn passage migrant, rare in winter and spring. In January there were two in St.Ives Bay on 2nd and what were probably the same two on 3rd. One passed Pendeen on 5th and there was one (remaining?) in St.Ives Bay on 8th. There was one record in May, of two birds at Pendeen on 24th. The first "autumn" bird was on Jun 10th at Trevose, with sightings becoming regular from mid July and continuing through to Nov 5th, when one passed Pendeen. During this period they were seen from somewhere in the county almost every day, except during a noticeable lull from Sep 17th to Oct 9th, when only one was reported. Day totals were mostly in single figures, with 19 counts of 15 or more, from Bass Point, , Killigerran, Pendeen, Porthgwarra and St.Ives. Highest totals came from Porthgwarra, with 41 on Sep 6th and 25 the next day, and from Pendeen, with 28 on Sep 10th and 24 on 12th. In December, one flew past Rosemullion Head on 29th.

WILSON'S PETREL (WILSON'S STORM-PETREL) Oceanites oceanicus Very rare autumn passage migrant. Encountered annually during pelagic trips into the Western Approaches, but still an extreme rarity for land-based observers. One flew west past Towan Head, Newquay on Sep 10th, SMC. The record has been accepted by BBRC and is the ninth for the county. Five of the previous eight occurred in September, with the remainder in August.

STORM-PETREL (EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL) Hydrobates pelagicus Uncommon summer visitor and autumn passage migrant; rare in winter. Possibly still breeds on some offshore Islands. There were no indications of breeding. On the night of Aug 19th, 37 were tape-lured and ringed at Porthgwarra, but these were almost certainly all non-breeders or passage birds. Unusually there were three January records, of singles at Hannafore on 1st (CFNHC) and Carbis Bay on 3rd (DSF), and two off Pendeen on 5th KAW. Records of passage or feeding birds were received from c.28 different sites, beginning with one off Newquay on May 6th. On Jun 1st a dying bird was caught on a -boat off Trefusis Point. There were almost daily sightings from mid June until Sep 15th, and then again from Oct 15th-31st, the gap no doubt being due to settled weather. The highest June total was 101 off Porthgwarra on 26th. The biggest numbers of the year occurred on Jul 11th, 12th and 13th, when daily totals over 100 were recorded on six seawatches from Hannafore, Newquay, Pendeen, Porthgwarra and Sennen. Maxima were 800 off Hannafore and 600 off Porthgwarra, both on 12th. August produced four three-figure counts, all from Porthgwarra (max. 154 on 14th) and Pendeen (max. 150 on 24th). Numbers were generally lower in September but there were over 100 off Pendeen on three dates, maximum 130 on 10th. By the end of October most daily totals were in single figures; 74 off Porthgwarra on 27th was a good count for such a late date. The last of the year was also off Porthgwarra, on Oct 31st.

LEACH'S PETREL (LEACH'S STORM-PETREL) Oceanodroma leucorhoa Fairly rare autumn passage migrant, mainly September and October, a little later than Storm Petrel and usually much scarcer. Irregular winter records, usually during severe storms. Two with Storm Petrels one mile south of Gull Rock (Nare Head) on Jul 10th were unusually early: these were indeed the first ever July records CS. One off Pendeen Aug 24th (PAF) was a more normal first autumn date. Passage was seen daily at Pendeen from Sep 8th-15th, with a total of 78 birds, max. 44 on 10th RB,DSF,JL,KAW. During this eight-day period records also came from St.Ives (58, max. 20 on 13th GJC,KJ,RAJ,SGR), St.Agnes (five on 12th, one of which was taken by a Peregrine RCJ,ARP), Godrevy (two on 10th), Porthgwarra (two on 15th), Trevose (singles on 10th and 12th SMC), Newquay (one on 10th SMC) and Sennen (one on 11th). There were then no more sightings until Oct 20th-29th, when there were 23 at St.Ives (max. 14 on

23 25th DCg,SG), eleven off Pendeen (max. seven on 27th), two off Trevose on 29th (SMC) and singles at Porthgwarra on 20th (MCH,SML), Hannafore on 24th (CFNHC) and West Pentire (SMC). On 25th one was also found dead in a garden at Grade on the Lizard (M.Wood per ARP). The last of the year were two off St.Ives on Nov 14th DSF. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 - 1 3 2 4 2 35 1343 706 222 159

GANNET (NORTHERN GANNET) Morus bassanus Common visitor, especially on passage in autumn, when movements of over 1000 per hour are not unusual. Adults are seen throughout the year, whereas many immatures and most juveniles migrate south for the winter. Bred on Gulland Island, Padstow, until 1478, but the nearest current colony is on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire. Recorded in every month, though there were only three reports for February, two for March and June and one for December. In the first winter period (i.e. Jan-Mar), maximum daily counts of passing birds were 650 in two hours off Newquay on Jan 3rd and 300 per hour past Mevagissey on Mar 3rd. On Jan 8th 350 were feeding in Carbis Bay and there were 450 there on Feb 1st. Reported figures were generally higher in April, with four counts of c.200-300/hr. from Trevose and Porthgwarra, and maxima of 500/hr. off Chapel Point on 3rd and 22nd. In May less passage was noted, though 284 were counted in Mount's Bay on 6th. About 12 were diving near Gulland Rock on 29th. Autumn passage began in mid-July, with peak numbers in late October. The maximum count in July was 1236 off Porthgwarra on 19th; in August 1400 in two hours off St.Agnes on 21st; and in September 1770 in four hours at Trevose on 8th. There were nine four-figure counts in October, the highest being 3500 /nr. off St.Ives on the morning of 24th. Numbers declined again towards the end of the year, with 1982 in two hours at Trevose Nov 9th being the last big movement recorded.

CORMORANT (GREAT CORMORANT) Phalacrocorax carbo Present all year round, both at sea and inland. As a breeding species it is uncommon on both coasts. Maximum counts tend to be recorded in autumn, with some evidence of passage. Reports were received from 60 different sites. In the first winter period the highest count was 46 on the in February. There were nine other counts of over 20 birds, from the Tamar, Hannafore Point (38, on Jan 17th), Beach (35, Feb 10th) and Loe Pool (max. 23, Mar 7th). The only definite breeding records were from Gulland Rock (14 nests with large young on May 29th), Looe Island (ten occupied nests on Apr. 10th) and The Mouls (four nests on May 23rd). These figures seem to indicate a decrease at these sites over recent years. Flocks of apparent autumn migrants were noted on Sep 2nd (18 west at the Camel Est.), Sep 3rd (five north-west near Wadebridge), Sep 27th (25 south at St.Ives) and Oct 15th (11 south at Trevose). In November and December the highest count was 52 at the Camel Est. on Dec 7th, a high total for this site. There were four other counts of over 20 birds, at the Camel, Loe Pool (max. 32, Dec 28th) and the Tamar (max. 23, Nov 8th).

SHAG (EUROPEAN SHAG) Phalacrocorax aristotelis Fairly common breeder in mostly small colonies along both coasts. Passage migrant. In winter forms large "rafts" at favoured feeding sites. Rare inland. Breeding records (with numbers of occupied nests in brackets) came from Short Island (2), Long Island (2), Lye Rock (4), The Sisters (9), The Mouls (7), Newland (5), Western Cove-Ralph's Cupboard (25), Head (13), Gull Rock nr. Kynance (6) and Crinnis nr. St.Austell (13). At Gulland Rock there were thought to be possibly as many as 100 nests ALn. The few comparable counts indicate that numbers were stable or increased over recent years.

24 There were four counts of over 100 birds during the first winter period: 185 in Falmouth Bay on Jan 6th, 140 at Coverack on 10th, 150 off Southground Point on 14th and 120 in Harlyn Bay on Feb 13th. On Jan 2nd 108 flew past St.Ives in two hours, and in April 222 flew west past Trevose in two hours on 3rd, with 84 west in three hours there next day. After the breeding season numbers began to build up from early August, with 74 in Harlyn Bay on 9th and 96 past Trevose in two hours on 23rd. There were two three-figure counts of passage birds in September, again from Trevose (338 west in four hours on 8th, 110 west in two hours on 10th). Subsequent numbers were generally much lower until a very large gathering of 610 was counted in Falmouth Bay on Dec 27th (RCJ), beating the previous record of 480 there in 1990.

BITTERN (GREAT BITTERN) Botaurus stellaris A rare winter visitor and passage migrant, with half of all records being in January. Marazion Marsh is the most favoured site. Drift Reservoir: one Sep 28th-29th GH. : one Nov 1 lth-Dec 28th SMC, LW. Walmsley Sanctuary: one Dec 5th-31st SMC. Padstow: one Dec 7th CW-S. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 68 29 8 1 - - 1 2 6 2 15 25

NIGHT HERON (BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON) Nycticorax nycticorax Very rare spring passage migrant. An adult was at Brocton, near Bodmin, from Apr 8th-11th, FMC et al. This record has not been submitted to BBRC, but the bird was seen by many observers and a photograph of it appears in this Report. It takes the county total to c.34. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 7 6 1 1 - 1 - 1 2 - - - *six records not dated.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Formerly a rare vagrant but now an increasingly common passage migrant and winter visitor. A few birds may be resident and breeding. It is difficult to assess exactly how many Little Egrets are present in the county at any given time as the birds move from site to site. Roost counts give a fair idea of numbers, but all too often the roost is only visible from a boat. September saw the influx which began in July reach its peak: around 300 birds were present in Cornwall. This represented the highest figure since 1995, when just under 300 birds were recorded. Of note, 77 birds were on the Tamar and Lynher complex and 60 birds on the Camel Est. Although no breeding records were received three adults and a juvenile were seen at one site in late July. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 140 151 122 73 8 9 106 206 311 247 162 159 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 24 27 11 10 2 2 - 27 11 18 18 9 Lynher Est. 14 19 15 7 1 1 2 23 49 19 10 18 St John's 5 5 9 - - - - 22 7 13 13 12 Looe Est. 11 7 7 7 - - 1 3 11 4 12 8 Est. 24 17 17 - - - - 29 33 15 21 33 Tresillian - 3 - - - - 4 1 9 1 1 4

25 2 2 3 - - - 2 2 20 16 3 15 - 6 1 - - - 2 10 18 5 - 3 Helford River 2 2 2 1 - 1 1 2 12 23 16 3 Marazion 1 ------2 4 2 3 1 Hayle Est. 12 11 7 4 - - 11 14 17 14 12 10 Gannel Est. 2 2 2 2 - - - 2 2 3 3 3 Camel Est. 20 14 13 15 1 1 30 31 60 56 30 29 Elsewhere: a single at Drift Res.from Oct 21st-Dec 1st, two on the beach at Hannafore intermittently during the early part of the year and two at Walmsley Sanctuary from Jan 18th-Mar 15th, with one there from Oct 11th into December being joined by a second in November.

GREAT WHITE EGRET (GREAT EGRET) Ardea alba Very rare passage migrant. One was at Nanjizal on May 15th (KAW) and one was at Penberth on Oct 21st (MCH,SML et al.) Both of these records have been accepted by BBRC and are the sixth and seventh for the county, the last being in 1996. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 - 2 1 - - 1 2 - -

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Uncommon breeding resident. There is occasional evidence of passage. Breeding was reported from the following heronries during 1998 (with comparative data from 1990- 1998); figures represent number of occupied nests, p = present but not counted, nc = no count. 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 Shillingham, Lynher Est. 13 15 13 15 18 23 19 24 16 Trenant, Looe 8 8 8 7 7 8 9 7 9 Pill Farm, Fal Est. 3 5 4 1 1 5 6 4 nc Kea Wood, Malpas 9 9 6 6 5 9 7 10 12 Borlase Wood, 4 4 3 2+ 7 6 5 4 4 Restronguet Creek 7 4 5 4+ 2 1 1 - - , Helford 12 1 1 11 11 11 12 13 12 1 1 Marazion Marsh 5 2 3 4 3 3 3 2 3 Pinkson Creek, Camel Est. 18 21 12 P 12 13 14 18 14 There were around 80 occupied nests during 1998 compared to 85 in the previous year. However no counts were received from the heronries at Stonaford, Newbridge, Bear Wood, , Creek or Feock. In addition a pair are known to have bred at Inny Vale, but no details were submitted. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 17 17 18 4 3 9 2 2 3 3 12 10 St. Johns Lake 2 6 5 1 - 7 6 10 10 21 14 6 Lynher Est. 5 5 8 5 6 5 7 7 9 7 12 6 Looe Est. 11 9 7 12 5 6 8 14 7 7 4 2 Fowey Est. 8 4 2 3 10 - 6 16 4 - 9 8 Tresillian 3 2 1 5 6 4 2 5 5 2 3 4 3 27 19 19 11 23 8 8 23 8 7 7 Helford River 18 5 18 25 9 6 - - 4 6 - 9 Marazion Marsh 8 6 12 8 10 4 13 16 8 8 6 5 Drift Res. 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 4 7 - - - Hayle Est. - 2 1 - - 6 9 1 1 11 14 P - Camel Est. 13 18 17 2 24 22 10 26 38 43 16 22

BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra Very rare passage migrant. One flew north over Church Cove, The Lizard on Aug 28th AL, ML.

26 Duly accepted by BBRC, this is the eleventh county record. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 -

WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia Very rare passage migrant. Some birds are known escapees from captivity. An apparently wild bird was at Farm (Zennor) from Apr 21st-23rd DSF et al. The county mainland total advances to c.23. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 4 4 6 2 - 1 4 1 1 - Top sites: Camel Estuary five, , Nanjizal and Marazion two each.

SPOONBILL (EURASIAN SPOONBILL) Platalea leucorodia Mainly a rare passage migrant. It has occurred in every month, but nearly half of the records are in October and November. Occasionally overwinters, particularly on the Lynher Estuary. Lynher Est.: the two adults from 1997 remained until Feb 15th. A single adult returned on Oct 7th and remained into 1999 SG,EJW,RS et al. Hayle Est.: the immature bird from 1997 remained all year and was being joined by a second bird from Jul 19th-Oct 3rd LPW,DSF et al. One of these birds was probably involved in all of the following sightings. Camel Est.: one Jul 12th-15th FMC,AMJD et al. Loe Pool: an immature from Sep 10th-12th, then again on Oct 6th and Oct 10th-11th RAJ,SK,ARP. Marazion: an immature on Sep 22nd and Nov 4th PAF. Stithians Res.: an immature from Oct 4th-8th and again on Oct 10th DSFJWt,DE et al. : one Oct 10th SK. It is assumed that the bird on the Lynher Est. was a returning bird and that there was only one other new bird around the Hayle area. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 6 10 18 16 16 6 1 18 58 36 10

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Uncommon breeding resident. Moulting herds form in autumn. 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. This year successful breeding was reported from 22 sites, where 26 nests produced 68 young. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 237 212 220 107 214 183 196 130 233 192 199 166 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 27 26 28 11 12 20 21 4 13 19 11 14 Looe Est. 7 6 4 5 6 2 17 14 14 22 5 4 Par Beach & Pool 4 5 4 4 20 15 20 23 18 18 18 8 Restronguet Creek 16 25 38 - 26 16 - - - 26 -

27 Loe Pool 3 - 6 4 19 21 25 18 17 14 - - Hayle Est. 37 14 17 1 1 13 13 17 - 36 27 37 9 Drift Res. 29 30 27 16 10 10 4 4 13 - 5 25 Camel Est. 39 30 27 16 18 20 33 14 30 41 41 29 Elsewhere birds were reported from 27 sites, the only notable concentration being 18 at Ruan Lanihorne.

BEWICK'S SWAN (TUNDRA SWAN) Cygnus columbianus Fairly rare migrant and winter visitor, annual since 1959. Two adults appeared at the Walmsley Sanctuary on Nov 20th and remained into 1999 SMC,ALn et al. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 132 48 33 6 - - - - - 27 136 123

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor, annual since 1971. Retallack: adult Feb 22nd-Apr 17th SMC. Pentewan: adult Oct 1st RL. Lynher Est.: adult Oct 25th CFNHC. Drift Res.: four adults Oct 27th-Dec 30th, also noted at Sancreed Nov 28th, Marazion Marsh Dec 12th and Dec 18th BD,DSF,GHJL et al. Maer Lake: adult Nov 8th GPS. Walmsley Sanct: two adults Nov 27th-Dec 12th SMC,DIJ,AJP et al. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 102 22 14 1 - - - - 1 67 175 119

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A flock of thirteen visited Upper Tamar Lake on Oct 11th GPS. A juvenile bird was at Maer Lake on Dec 19th KJ,RAJ. The county mainland total since 1930 is now c.80. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 3 1 - 1 - - - 28 34 3 6

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE) Anser albifrons Rare 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. Drift Res.: adults on Jan 9th, Jan 27th-Feb 3rd and Oct 18th BD,GH. St Ives: three west Oct 11th BBr,LB. Hayle Est.: seven Oct 18th DSF,LPW. Nanjizal: 17 Oct 18th KAW. Tamar Est.: five Dec 6th per SG. Birds specifically identified as the Greenland race were noted as follows: Nanquidno: seven flew south Oct 19th IK.

Drift Res.: two adults and five juvs. (probably the Nanquidno birds) Nov lst-6th BD,DSF et al.

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual since 1973. Many recent records relate to feral individuals.

28 Upper Tamar Lake: singles on Jan 31st, Oct 23rd & Dec 5th-25th AB,SMC. Marsh: one Mar 1st PSC. Hayle Estuary: one Apr 13th DSF,GRW,MW. Skewjack: one Apr 17th GJC,KAW. Camel Est.: one May 21st DIJ. Crowdy Res.: two Jun 13th-22nd AJB,SMC. Colliford Res.: two Dec 9th SMC. Siblyback Res.: two Dec 13th RMB. Maer Lake: one Dec 19th KJ,RAJ. All records are deemed to relate to just three feral individuals, with the exception of the Hayle Estuary & Skewjack birds. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 15 15 12 4 3 11 3 14 47 63 23

BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus Rare but increasing feral resident or escapee. A category D species. Winnard's Perch: one Jan 1st-19th, probably the free-flying bird from Newquay Zoo SMC. Hayle Est.: one Apr 12th DSF. Siblyback Res.: one Jul 18th EJW. Upper Tamar Lake: one Aug 30th ABS,WS. Bude : one Dec 3rd AJH. With the exception of the Winnard's Perch and Hayle Est. birds, all the records probably relate to just one individual which regularly commutes between and Cornwall.

SNOW GOOSE /Anser caerulescens Vagrant. Feral escape or wanderer. Upper Tamar Lake: one 'blue phase' Aug 30th ABS,WS.

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Uncommon resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. This species is undergoing a population explosion, with numbers trebling in the UK since 1976. The largest numbers occur between June and August, when birds migrate (presumably from South-western counties) to local moorland reservoirs to moult. At this time they are completely flightless and require protection from predators, as afforded by large water bodies. The population continues to increase with more records from the western half of the county. Successful breeding was reported from nine sites with 12 nests producing 56 young. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 813 594 209 110 277 1036 1045 827 1156 1359 779 1183 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 1 7 32 4 16 9 6 24 200 9 30 - Lynher Est. 133 74 5 2 2 - 9 145 180 300 154 34 Siblyback Res. 21 26 35 14 34 19 93 62 265 241 187 165 Colliford Res. 336 374 59 41 115 810 675 167 86 95 337 414 Crowdy Res. 21 25 15 2 7 183 209 19 1 47 58 53 Camel Est. 5 15 12 6 13 - - 126 174 284 - - Upper Tamar Lake 229 - - - - - 220 - - 189 - 157 The maximum count at Colliford Res. is a new county record. Elsewhere birds were present at 24 sites, including notable concentrations in the west at Ruan Lanihorne, Restronguet Creek, Stithians Res., Loe Pool and Drift Res.

29 BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis Rare passage migrant and winter visitor, with 57% of all records in October and November. Also a feral escapee. Colliford Res.: five from 1997 remained until Feb 21st, reducing to four Feb 22nd-Apr 4th, with one remaining throughout the year SMC,DAC,GJC et al. Lowland Point: one flew north May 2nd RCJ. Hayle Est.: one May 2nd, probably the Lowland Point bird, DSF. Upper Tamar Lake: one Aug 30th ABS,WS. Clay Pit: one Sep 28th-29th RL. Camel Est.: one Oct 2nd-12th SMC. Maer Lake: four Oct 15th and five Nov 7th GPS. Siblyback Res.: one Dec 13th CFNHC. The single at Lowland Point/Hayle Est. and the birds at Maer Lake are considered to be genuine migrants. The other records probably relate to feral individuals. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 26 17 6 1 - - - 33 90 63 21

BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla Fairly rare 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. This year there were exceptionally low numbers in both winter periods, after the record numbers of the previous year. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 - 1 3 - - - - - 9 2 2 Singles were noted at Par Beach Jan lst-29th & Nov 10th-25th, Camel Estuary Jan 1st-10th & Mar 15th, Drift Res. Jan 20th-23rd, St John's Lake Jan 25th, Godrevy Oct 2nd, Land's End west Oct 8th, Hayle Est. Oct 1 lth-22nd, Harlyn Bay Oct 15th and St Ives Island Oct 26th. Birds of the pale-bellied race B.b.hrota were noted in records numbers involving c.80 individuals, which almost doubled the previous county record influx of 42 birds in 1989. The flock of 65 at Marazion Beach far exceeded the previous county record flock of 38 at Hayle Estuary in 1993. Camel Estuary: one on Jan 3rd KJ,RAJ. Drift Res.: one on Jan 18th GH. St John's Lake: 13 Apr 10th and three Sep 16th CLBo,GJC,IK,VRT. Pendeen Watch: 14 Sep 10th and 13 Sep 11th NRk et al. Marazion Beach: 32 Sep 11th, increasing to 65 Sep 16th-30th with 24 Oct 1st-15th PAF et al. Par Beach: eight Sep 13th KJ,RAJ.

Hayle Est.: three Sep 23rd, one Sep 29th-Oct 1st, two Oct 2nd-3rd and one Oct 10th DSF et al.

GOOSE sp. Godrevy Point: three Apr 28th JL. The : 20 flew southwest Aug 1st TG. : four, probably Brent Geese, Oct 2nd BDB. HYBRID GEESE Most birds result from breeding between escaped, or feral, species and the semi-resident Canada Goose population. Note that the presumption of parentage of some individuals may be somewhat subjective. Canada x Greylag Goose Colliford Res.: singles on Jan lOth-Feb 5th, Jun 14th-27th and Nov 8th-l 1th, with two Feb 8th and Jul 4th SMC,GJC,SCM,EJW.

30 Lynher Est.: one Feb 15th CFNHC. Retallack: one Feb 23rd, May 3rd and Oct 12th SMC. Camel Est.: one Aug 18th-Oct 18th DIJ. Siblyback Res.: one Nov 8th-Dec 9th SMC. Canada x White-fronted Goose Colliford Res.: one Dec 6th DAC. Canada x Bar-headed Goose Lynher Est.: one Mar 14th and Nov 12th SMC,CFNHC. Colliford Res.: two Jul 4th and one Jul 7th CC,CFNHC. Camel Est.: one Oct 2nd-18th DIJ. Siblyback Res.: one Nov 23rd SMC. Canada x Barnacle Goose Colliford Res.: one throughout the year but two Feb 15th-21st DAC,CFNHC. Lynher Est.: one Dec 31st CFNHC. Canada x Brent Goose Hepwell: one May 3rd AB.PB. Lynher Est.: one Dec 31st EJW.

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 DIJ,MLw et al. Maer Lake: one Oct 3rd GPS. The county mainland total advances to c. 28, eleven of which were recorded prior to 1878. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 1 - 1 2 1 5 1 1 - 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. The adult female at Hayle Est from 1997 remained until Jan 4th. What is presumed to be another individual appeared there on Apr 16th DSF,LPW et al. The county mainland total is now c.39. Monthly breakdown of all records *: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 3 3 2 6 3 2 7 11 * one bird was 'undated'.

SHELDUCK (COMMON SHELDUCK) Tadorna tadorna Fairly common resident, breeding in low numbers on most of the main estuaries. Also a passage migrant and 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. The numbers in both winter periods were similar to those of 1997, but the reproductive success showed a marked increase over previous years. Successful breeding was reported from all major estuaries, with over 357 young reported. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1186 957 1038 771 546 775 333 112 76 61 252 1110 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 290 183 242 84 28 113 24 3 5 46 276

31 St. John's Lake 154 100 96 40 - 60 8 - - - - 210 Lynher Est. 185 201 153 152 88 108 41 9 - 18 67 208 Ruan Lanihorne 41 29 64 95 92 140 24 15 5 - 20 30 Tresillian River 55 55 49 9 22 40 32 10 12 15 17 80 Truro River 90 78 82 70 29 39 27 30 15 - 45 65 Hayle Est. 42 53 52 80 61 85 70 24 11 - 9 21 Camel Est. 173 153 189 112 144 150 75 8 10 14 47 148

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 Andrew's Pool: one, from 1997, remained all year. Lake: five, from 1997, increased to six and remained until Feb 28th. Camel Estuary: one Jan 2nd and Nov 6th. Stithians Res.: one Jan 8th & Feb 7th. Porth Res.: one Feb 15th-Dec 4th. Hayle Mill Pond: two Mar 1st. Moors Ponds: one Mar 9th & Jul 24th. Par Beach Pool: two Mar 28th-Apr 9th, one Apr lOth-May 14th and three Dec 19th-31st. Millbrook Pond: one Apr 1 lth-Nov 4th. Loe Pool: one May 23rd-Jun 30th. Lamb Creek: six Nov 18th & Dec 2nd. Tresillian River: eight Nov 30th & Dec 2nd. Argal Res.: two Dec 5th-15th.

WOOD DUCK Aix sponsa Escapee. Feral release. A Category D species. Helston Boating Lake: female Jul 7th, Oct 26th and Dec 28th SMC,BDa. Restronguet Creek: female Dec 14th-31st MM. The strong coincidence with the 1997 records suggests that the same individuals (or individual) could be involved. The county mainland total remains at c.13, all since 1982. Monthlv breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 2 - 1 - - 5 3 1

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. Portmellon: male Dec 20th-23rd SMC. The county mainland total advances to c.67, all since 1977. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 1 6 4 4 - - 7 6 6 16 6 *two records were undated

WIGEON (EURASIAN WIGEON) Anas penelope Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Occurs in very large numbers in cold weather. The numbers in both winter periods were comparable with those of 1996, but down on those of early 1997. Most birds had departed by Apr 2nd.

32 The last of the spring were singles at Hayle Est. on May 8th and Camel Est. on Jul 3rd. The first autumn birds returned to Camel Est. on Aug 6th and Hayle Est. on Aug 28th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3840 1839 1059 94 5 2 1 3 556 1362 2569 4055 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 360 174 117 - - - - 21 92 182 601 Colliford Res. 120 31 _ 2 - _ - 3 _ 29 130 Ruan Lanihorne 194 70 53 - - _ 12 65 180 200 Truro River 120 98 - - - - _ 10 105 Stithians Res. 106 116 28 - - - 8 23 70 103 Hayle Est. 1450 268 307 9 2 - - 2 435 924 1585 1500 Camel Est. 950 770 491 52 2 2 1 1 63 158 380 850 Maer Lake 162 153 53 - - - - 3 55 84 179

AMERICAN WIGEON Anas americana Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Half of all records are from Hayle Estuary. The adult male at Hayle Est., from 1997, remained until Feb 4th. At the same site a first winter male arrived on Sep 4th, remaining until Oct 29th, and a female was present from Sep 13th-Oct 19th DSF,LPW et al. A female was also at Mawgan Porth from Dec 29th-31st SMC. Three new birds take the county mainland total to 22, all since 1981. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 - - - 12 3 4 1

GADWALL Anas strepera Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. 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 both winter periods were lower than the previous two years, similar to those of 1995. The last birds of the spring were two at Par Beach Pool on Apr 26th and the first autumn arrival was one at Porthgwarra on Sep 5th. During the summer two were present at Maer Lake from Jun 5th-6th and two at Marazion Marsh on Jun 13th, with a single there Jul 27th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 54 45 20 2 - 4 1 - 18 8 22 39 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Par Beach Pool 5 5 3 ------1 3 Loe Pool 14 15 5 2 - - - - 1 2 4 2 Marazion Marsh 2 2 2 - 2 1 - - - - 2 Hayle Est. 16 9 - - - - - 11 - 4 6 Drift Res. 6 3 ------2 2 Camel Est. 8 6 5 - - - - - 3 5 7 Elsewhere, birds were present at 13 sites, with maximum counts of just five at Stithians Res. and Penryn River.

TEAL (COMMON TEAL) Anas crecca Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding has been confirmed only sporadically over the last twenty years. All such records have emanated from Bodmin Moor, with Crowdy Reservoir the most popular site.

33 The numbers in both winter periods were lower than the previous two years and similar to those of 1995. A juvenile at Maer Lake on Jul 11th is the only indication of suspected local breeding. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2184 925 529 79 1 - 2 70 412 862 1527 3082 Regular reports & maximum numbers: on Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 115 100 20 - - - - - 11 171 83 231 Colliford Res. 316 90 29 10 1 - - 14 74 21 138 525 Truro River 28 70 46 - - - - - 6 - - 60 Stithians Res. 11 - 2 2 - - - 1 16 10 50 - Restronguet Creek 40 ------1 4 - - 300 Loe Pool 215 70 4 - - - - - 26 100 90 180 Marazion Marsh 50 40 17 11 - - - 9 12 37 57 70 Hayle Est. 320 150 55 - - - - 16 101 225 363 540 Drift Res. 100 100 25 ------73 34 Mawgan Porth 131 18 14 - - - - - 9 - 145 248 Camel Est. 135 73 100 10 - - 1 5 71 81 80 417 Crowdy Res. 65 27 3 5 - - - 7 3 13 65 88 Maer Lake 230 68 79 27 - - 1 3 49 143 155 108 Elsewhere birds were present at 28 sites. Notable counts include 69 at Ruan Lanihorne and 65 at Harlyn Pools, during January. A male of the North American race A. c. carolinensis, known as Green-winged Teal, which occurs as a rare autumn passage migrant and winter visitor, was at Loe Pool from Feb 14th-Mar 4th and again from Dec 7th-28th SB,DE,RK et al. Assuming these records relate to the drake which first appeared in 1994, the county mainland total remains at c.43 occurrences, involving c.31 individuals. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 6 3 3 1 - - - - 8 6 9 Top sites: Hayle Est. 10, Stithians Res. six, Marazion and Lynher Est. four each.

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Fairly common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor Feral birds are released for wildfowling purposes at many sites. The numbers throughout the year were lower than last year but similar to those of 1996. Successful breeding was reported from just 18 sites where 24 broods produced 114 young. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1300 814 558 387 506 598 813 992 1365 1634 1255 1099 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 194 92 91 67 70 67 99 38 49 61 98 55 Millbrook Lake 45 - 55 18 55 36 20 - - 65 60 65 Lynher Est. 118 74 36 34 17 89 32 37 77 50 88 93 Colliford Res. 97 55 23 9 26 30 42 84 56 6 80 68 Par Pools 113 88 32 33 36 27 90 125 130 170 114 85 Tresillian River 61 16 10 10 21 10 24 15 23 74 52 31 Swanpool 61 58 56 50 61 67 - 57 63 91 73 61 Loe Pool 78 45 20 19 24 56 244 202 290 280 82 142 Hayle Estuary 15 2 7 2 - 1 29 51 106 67 27 - Camel Estuary 51 36 - - - 13 48 32 45 225 100 110

34 BLACK DUCK (AMERICAN BLACK DUCK) Anas rubripes Very rare autumn passage migrant and winter visitor. Two males arrived during October. The first was at the Walmsley Sanctuary on 10th (SMC). The second was found at Stithians Res. on 29th and remained into 1999 (CDRH). Another male was present at the Walmsley Sanctuary from Dec 27th into 1999 (SMC,BMP et al). These records have been accepted by BBRC as relating to three different birds. There is only one previous county record, at Crowdy Res. on 4th Dec 1984.

PINTAIL (NORTHERN PINTAIL) Anas acuta Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Apart from feral birds the species has only bred once in Cornwall, in 1978. Numbers in both winter periods were the lowest for the last seven years. As in previous years the Lynher Est. was the best site, holding more than half the county winter population. Most birds had departed by mid-February, with the last spring migrants at Camel Est. on Mar 21st and Downderry on May 7th. The first autumn migrants were three at Rame Head on Aug 29th and two on Camel Est. on Oct 1 st. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 43 36 2 - 2 - - 3 - 10 19 27 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 30 30 ------1 7 17 Hayle Est. 2 ------2 1 - Camel Est. 6 3 1 ------2 2 4 Maer Lake ------2 1 1 Elsewhere, birds were present at 13 sites, the largest groups being just two at Tamar Est., Ruan Lanihorne and Mount's Bay.

GARGANEY Anas querquedula Rare passage migrant (mainly spring). Has bred on at least six occasions, including three successive years 1981-83. March is the best month for this species, followed by April and August. The most reliable site is Marazion Marsh. Marazion Marsh: male Mar 18th-23rd, three Mar 24th, two Mar 25th, two males & a female Mar 27th-29th, male Mar 30th-31st, two pairs Apr lst-2nd, male Apr 5th-26th and a male May lst-21st RB,DSF,PAF,LPW et al. Skewjack/Nanjizal: seven (four males) Mar 21st-22nd, five (three males) Mar 23rd-24th, two males and a female Mar 30th, first year male Oct 3rd KAW. St Buryan: male Mar 22nd-23rd RBJL. Maer Lake: two males Mar 23rd, with one until Apr 8th, female Apr 9th and a male Sep 8th GPS. Land's End: male Mar 28th and a pair Mar 29th RAw. Bude Marshes: pair Apr 8th PTn. Walmsley Sanct.: male May 14th-15th and a female Jul 24th-Oct 12th SMC,DIJ,ALn. Hayle Kimbro Pool: female Jun 6th AL,ML. Stithians Res.: eclipse male Aug 21st RCJ. Loe Pool: one Sep 12th RAJ,KJ. Assuming there were eight spring migrants in Penwith and three around Bude, two during the summer and five autumn migrants, a year total of 18 birds is achieved. This represents a return to the norm after the low point of the previous year.

35 BLUE-WINGED TEAL Anas discors Very rare passage migrant. An adult male was on Marazion Marsh from Sep 15th-29th PAF et al. This is the 28th county record, all having occurred since 1976. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 - - - 2 - - 3 15 5 -

SHOVELER (NORTHERN SHOVELER) Anas clypeata Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. The numbers in both winter periods were the lowest of the last seven years. Most birds had departed by the end of March, with the last spring migrants noted at Maer Lake on May 17th and Skewjack on May 19th. The first autumn migrants returned to Marazion Marsh on Jul 26th and Maer Lake on Aug 9th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 73 52 17 1 3 - 1 6 11 18 32 61 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Loe Pool 15 17 ------1 6 1 22 Marazion Marsh 3 2 - 1 - - 1 - 3 2 9 6 Camel Est. 17 10 8 - - - - - 3 1 8 15 Maer Lake 10 4 - - 2 - - 4 3 - 12 Elsewhere birds were present at 15 sites, the largest group being eight on the Lynher Est. in January.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Very rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Most records probably relate to feral escapees. Eight wary juveniles of unknown origin were at Stithians Res. from Sep 23rd-Oct 15th, with six remaining from Oct 17th-Nov 11th. Two juveniles on College Res. from Nov 7th-Dec 31st are presumed to be part of this same group DE,RCJ,SK et al. The county mainland total advances to c.26. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 1 1 2 - - 1 - 13 - 1 4

POCHARD (COMMON POCHARD) Aythya ferina Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Probably bred at Crowdy Reservoir in 1977. Numbers in both winter periods were comparable with the average over the last seven years. Most birds had left by the middle of March, with the last spring birds at Par Beach Pool and Porth Res. on Apr 26th. Early autumn birds were noted at Loe Pool on Jun 20th and Siblyback Res. on Jul 25th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 323 271 65 9 - 1 1 5 17 93 279 347 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Millbrook Lake ------Siblyback Res. 12 15 1 2 - - 1 5 3 - 4 18 Colliford Res. 28 12 13 ------2 23 14 18 9 2 - - - - - 6 6 14 47 Par Pools 18 15 10 2 - - - - 1 3 4 20 Stithians Res. 27 61 15 - - - - - 1 9 52 18 Loe Pool 131 147 17 4 - 1 - - 6 72 164 215 Elsewhere birds were present at 14 sites, with a maximum group of 73 at College during January.

36 RING-NECKED DUCK Aythya collaris Very rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A male arrived at Loe Pool on Oct 11th, remaining until 15th. It turned up at Stithians Res. on 22nd and remained there until the year-end, apart from a brief reappearance at Loe Pool on Oct 25th, SB,PAD,DE, ARP et al. This individual advances the county mainland total to c.37, all since 1976. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 2 - 1 - - - - 4 10 5 4 Top sites: Stithians Res. 11, Drift Res. six, Loe Pool five and Tamar Est. four.

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally breeds. The numbers in both winter periods were comparable with the average over the last seven years. It was an excellent breeding season, with a female and six juvs. at Helston Boating Lake on Jul 25th, six females with 27 one-week old ducklings at Clay Pit on Aug 7th and two pairs, each with six young, at Carluddon. Pairs were also present during the summer at Colliford Res., Argal Res., Loe Pool and Stithians Res. but without confirmation of successful breeding. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 376 302 215 91 38 38 74 131 145 199 310 318 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Siblyback Res. 15 15 21 13 - - 1 3 18 57 36 24 Dozmary Pool 28 16 23 16 3 - - - - 7 10 16 Colliford Res. 14 11 5 4 8 22 31 37 37 18 14 20 Swanpool 79 67 11 - 1 1 1 3 3 - 17 38 Argal Res. 40 35 52 3 2 3 2 2 2 - 48 60 Stithians Res. 31 39 39 14 3 5 11 27 36 12 80 49 Loe Pool 65 81 28 30 14 3 20 - 44 100 98 49 Elsewhere birds were present at 23 sites, with a maximum of 36 at Penhale Clay Pit in August.

SCAUP (GREATER SCAUP) Aythya marila Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers fluctuate from year to year, with highest counts in severe weather. The numbers in both winter periods were comparable with the average over the last seven years. Most birds had departed by early April, with the last spring bird being a male at Par Beach Pool on May 4th. During the summer two males were present on the Camel Estuary from Jul 2nd-7th. The first autumn arrivals were seven at Loe Pool on Oct 17th and four flying west off Trevose Head the same day. The resident female at Millbrook Lake, present since 1992, remained throughout the year. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 6 5 3 2 1 3 1 1 16 11 7 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford Res. 1 2 - 2 ------2 2 Argal Res. 1 ------2 3 Stithians Res. - 1 ------2 1 - Loe Pool 1 ------_ 7 2 - Drift Res. 1 2 2 ------1 1 Elsewhere there were just singles at Siblyback (Jan), Dozmary Pool & Crowdy Res. (Mar), Swanpool (Oct-Nov), Pendeen Watch (Oct) and Ruan Lanihorne (Nov).

37 LESSER SCAUP Aythya affinis Very rare visitor. Two females were on Argal Res. from Dec 13th into 1999 SMC et al. The record has been accepted by BBRC and takes the county mainland total to six, which is extraordinary considering that the first was only in 1996. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 2 - - - - 2 2

AYTHYA HYBRIDS Pochard x Tufted Duck A male, resembling a Lesser Scaup, was present on Dozmary Pool from Jan 1 lth-Feb 5th, on Oct 16th and from Nov 8th-Dec 31st SMC,GJC. This bird has been present since November 1996.

EIDER (COMMON EIDER) Somateria mollissima Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. The numbers are similar to those of 1997 but slightly lower in the second winter period. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 18 14 12 1 - - - - - 2 6 2 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 ------1 St.Austell Bay 2 1 - 1 ------1 - Carrick Roads 9 9 8 ------Mount's Bay ------2 - 1 St. Ives/Carbis Bay 1 1 1 ------4 - Elsewhere: singles were reported from Mevagissey Bay, Helford River, Lizard and Camel Est., plus three at Rame Head in January followed by another two in March.

LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. November and December are the best months, totalling 51% of all records, of which a third have been off Sennen or in Mount's Bay. Occasionally encountered on freshwater sites. A below average year, continuing the trend of low numbers recorded over the last five years. Seaton: imm. male Jan 25th GDL. St Ives: one Oct 30th BSW. Pendeen Watch: one west Nov 2nd PAF. Charlestown: first year female Nov 25th RL. Siblyback Res.: female Dec 9th-31st SMC. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 54 33 47 15 4 3 1 1 1 49 112 105

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra Uncommon passage migrant (mainly late June to mid-October) and winter visitor. A few summer. Significant wintering flocks regularly occur along sheltered coasts such as Gerran's Bay, St.Austell Bay and Whitsand Bay. The numbers, in both winter periods, were comparable with the average over the last seven years, with the exception of a very large movement in November, involving around 600 birds. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 77 98 129 41 40 64 192 38 152 67 758 120

38 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 1 2 45 9 25 - - 10 17 4 2 - Seaton/Downderry - - 6 4 - - 3 - 22 6 - - St.Austell Bay 24 4 10 14 5 37 120 - - 3 65 33 Loe Bar - 35 - 1 2 - - - - - 10 40 Mount's Bay 40 40 40 1 8 2 1 2 - 1 50 35 St Ives/Carbis Bay ------10 19 140 - Porthgwarra - - 8 - - 9 42 19 1 - 7 - Pendeen Watch - - 3 - - - 2 7 74 10 410 - Elsewhere birds were present at 14 sites, with a maximum group of 27 flying southwest at St Agnes Head in November. Inland, a single was at Crowdy Res. on Sep 16th.

SURF SCOTER Melanitta perspicillata Very rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Three birds were found in Cornwall in October, during an unprecedented influx into British waters. The first was a first-year bird which remained at Porthpean from 13th until Nov 25th RL et al. Then seawatchers at St.Ives Island on Oct 25th watched a female/1 st year flying west CDRH,NJP et al. Finally a juv. appeared on Loe Pool on 29th, remaining until Nov 5th AL,ML,RCL,ARP et al. These three take the county mainland total to 10, of which all but two have been since 1983. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 2 1 - - - - 3 1 1 * one undated

VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Stives and Carrick Roads have produced the most records. Porthpean: three males flew west Apr 21st RL. St. Ives/Carbis Bay: four (three males) Nov 6th and a single male Nov 14th DSF,PAF. Par Beach: single Nov 22nd KJ,RAJ. Carrick Roads: three (one male) Dec 20th-22nd SMC,DE. Land's End: two Dec 22nd PAF. The year's total of 14 birds is the fourth highest since 1986. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 58 85 27 15 2 - - 1 2 44 110 99

GOLDENEYE (COMMON GOLDENEYE) Bucephala clangula Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor, though regularly encountered on most estuarine and freshwater sites throughout the county. The numbers in both winter periods were comparable with the average over the last seven years. The last spring migrants were a pair at Dozmary Pool on May 2nd and the first autumn birds were eight on Camel Est. on Oct 21st. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 74 65 40 11 2 - - - - 8 41 66 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford Res. 13 12 9 9 ------6 7 Dozmary Pool 1 2 1 1 2 - - - - - 2 6 Carrick Roads 6 12 2 ------8

39 Argal Res. 12 10 12 ------3 10 Stithians Res. 11 11 7 ------8 14 Loe Pool 7 4 ------6 3 Drift Res. 2 2 1 ------1 1 Camel Est. 8 10 8 ------8 2 10 Elsewhere birds were present at 19 sites, with maximum groups of three at Ruan Lanihorne (January), Tresillian River (November) and Harlyn Pools (November).

SMEW Mergellus albell us Rare winter visitor and passage migrant, with three-quarters of all records being in January and February. Siblyback Reservoir is the top site. In the early part of the year, redheads were present (probably remaining from 1997) on Tresemple Pool from Jan 3rd-Mar 15th (DE,KJ,RAJ,GHT et al.) and on Crowdy Res. from Jan 9th-Apr 11th (SMC,BTC). Much less typical was a first summer male at Maer Lake on Jun 5th, the first ever in this month (but could it have been an escape from captivity?) GPS. A redhead was again present on Tresemple Pool on Dec 26th. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 163 95 20 2 1 1 - - - 2 13 40

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus senator Fairly rare winter visitor and passage migrant. 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, offTurnaware Point and Loe Beach. At dawn they break up into small flocks to feed within the Fal Estuary complex. Numbers in both winter periods were down on last year, particularly early in the year. Most birds had departed by late April and the last of the spring was one at Downderry on May 9th. Early in the autumn a female frequented Hayle Est. from Aug 20th-23rd, but no more were reported until two on Camel Est. on Oct 27th and Lynher Est. on Nov 1 st. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 138 97 79 7 1 - - 1 - 2 47 110 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. St. Johns Lake 4 6 9 10 Lynher Est. 14 8 10 2 ------7 3 Ruan Lanihorne 21 ------3 - Truro River _ 15 4 ------Carrick Roads 60 59 50 1 ------80 Penryn River 15 4 ------1 Camel Est. 7 5 1 3 - - - - - 2 6 7 Elsewhere birds were present at 14 sites, with a maximum group of 11 on the Percuil River in January.

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Fairly rare 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. Numbers in both winter periods were comparable with those of 1996 but down on those of last year, especially for January. Most birds had departed by late March with the last spring bird, a female, at Dozmary Pool on Apr 12th. The first autumn migrant flew west over Sancreed on Oct 12th but the main return began with two at Drift Res. on Nov 20th and two at Argal Res. the following day. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 37 46 20 1 - - - - - 1 10 55

40 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Stithians Res. 12 14 10 - 5 6 Argal Res. 8 7 3 - 3 6 Loe Pool 5 6 5 - _ 5 Drift Res. 1 1 _ - 2 1 Crowdy Res. - - 2 - _ 1 Colliford Res. 1 - _ - - 9 Siblyback Res. 3 - - _ - Lower Tamar Lake 4 18 - - _ 18 Elsewhere birds were present at eight sites, with a maximum of six at Porth Res. in December.

RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis Rare winter visitor with nearly one third of records being from Loe Pool. A third of all birds have also turned up in January. Two females from late the previous year were present in January: on Loe Pool from 6th-10th (SMC,GRW,MW) and on Colliford Res. on 10th (SMC,GDL). The latter bird is assumed to be that which appeared on Siblyback Res. on Jan 24th, where it remained until Feb 5th (RMB,SMC,GJC et al.) A female was on Upper Tamar Lake on Nov 11th GPS. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 44 20 2 - - - 2 - 16 17 21 6

HONEY BUZZARD (EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD) Pernis apivorus Rare passage migrant. Nearly half of all records have been in September and October. A potential breeding species (cf. annual breeding in Devon since 1979). There were four records this year, which is about average. The first flew south-east over Falmouth on Jul 18th RCJ. In September, one was over Hayle Est. on Sep 8th (DSF) and then on 20th one was watched coming in off the sea at Trevose Head and then flying south-east (DIJ). The last record was of one, probably a juvenile, at Porthgwarra on Oct 1st NRk. Monthlv breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 18 7 3 9 27 23 1

Black Kite and Buzzard (Kester Wilson) BLACK KITE Milvus migrans Very rare passage migrant. One flew east over Sancreed on May 2nd (DSF,HCF) and one was over Land's End and Nanjizal on May 12th JCh,JHH,KAW. Both accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total increases to 14, all since 1975. This species has occurred in all but two years since 1989, reflecting the increase of records in NW Europe and the UK over recent years, a trend which looks set to continue. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 9 - - - 2 2 - -

RED KITE Milvus milvus Quite probably bred in Cornwall in the past, though there are no definite records. Rare passage migrant and winter visitor, recently increasing following the very successful national re introduction schemes. In the first winter period there was one at Portmellon on Jan 17th IRS. In May one was at Marazion on 2nd (DSF,AM,CM) and one was being mobbed by Ravens at c.500m over , nr. Truro on 18th PMcC. An unusual summer record involved a bird at Northcott Mouth on Aug 9th, GPS. In the second winter period, one between and Mevagissey between Nov 18th and Dec 23rd could have been the January bird returning to winter in the same area (JHW,DAC,SMC). Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 4 18 8 12 6 4 2 9 23 13 8

MARSH HARRIER (EURASIAN MARSH HARRIER) Circus aeruginosas Bred in Cornwall up to the 19th Century. A rare passage migrant and winter visitor, it has been recorded in every month, but is most likely to be seen in April/May and September/October. It has occurred more frequently in recent years in line with a marked increase in the UK breeding population. Spring passage began with a male at Nanquidno on Apr 26th VG,RCL. In May a female at Marazion from 1st to 7th (BD,DSF,LPW et al) was joined by a male on 2nd and 3rd GH,DSF. On 7th the female was seen to fly off towards PAF. There were further sightings of single females at St.Buryan on 3rd (JL) and Drift on 8th GH. On 11th there was an immature male at Land's End and Porthgwarra (RAw,DSF), one at Skewjack (DSF) and two at Nanjizal KAW. One of the Skewjack birds was seen intermittently until 23rd and was joined by another on 16th. Finally, one was seen at Hayle Estuary on 12th DSF. Autumn passage began with a female/immature at Gillhouse Downs near Dozmary Pool on Jul 16th, followed by another female/immature in the same area from Aug 17th-19th and a female at St.Buryan on 31st (JL). In September there were females at Bonython on 8th (PG), Maer Lake on 24th (GPS) and Predannack/Kynance Downs on 25th-26th (MT,SK). In the second winter period one was at Porth Res. from Dec lst-31st (SGR) and there was a female/immature at Mount Hermon on the Lizard on Dec 20th (AL,ML). Allowing for some movement between sites, about 14 individuals were seen in total during the year, taking the county mainland total to c.180 since 1930. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 3 16 25 40 5 3 16 29 25 4 6

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor, with established wintering areas on the West Penwith moors, Lizard Downs, mid-Cornwall moors and Bodmin Moor. Roosts communally during winter. Has become scarcer in recent years, in line with a decline in the UK breeding population.

42 Winter On Bodmin Moor there were up to two ringtails in the Colliford area from Jan 8th-Feb 10th, and a second-winter male at Crowdy on Jan 9th. In the second winter period there was a ringtail at Crowdy on Dec 6th and a male there on 20th. In Mid-Cornwall ( and Tregonetha Downs) the only sightings were of single ringtails from Jan 24th-Feb 17th and Dec 22nd-23rd. On the Lizard peninsula a male was on Lizard Downs on Dec 6th. In West Penwith a ringtail was at Drift on six dates between Jan 2nd-Feb 15th, with a male there on Jan 3rd. Two immature males at Caer Bran from Feb 16th-Mar 7th were joined by a ringtail on Feb 18th. These birds were probably involved in sightings of single males at Land's End on Feb 20th and Mar 15th, Nanjizal on Mar 1st, (Sennen) on Mar 6th, St. Buryan on Mar 19th and Porthgwarra on Mar 22nd, and of a ringtail at Nanjizal on Mar 1st. Elsewhere the only sighting in this period was of a ringtail at Zennor on Feb 9th. In the second winter period a ringtail was on Common on Dec 13th and 22nd. Possibly only about nine individuals remained in the county during the first winter period and about four in the second winter. Passage On the Lizard , a ringtail at Loe Pool on Mar 5th was thought to be newly arrived and possibly the same bird was seen at Caerthillian Cove on 8th, Lizard Downs from 9th-11th, Kynance Downs on 12th, Gunwalloe Marsh on 14th and on 16th. An adult male was on Lizard Downs on Mar 19th. Probably a different ringtail was over Goonhilly on Apr 14th. An adult male on Predannack Downs on Jul 18th (ARP) was the first ever July record in the county. Sightings of an adult male at Lizard Point on Sep 20th, a ringtail at Predannack on 25th, two adult males and a ringtail at Kynance Downs on 26th and an adult male and a ringtail at Lizard Downs on the same date, probably all relate to the same three birds. They may also account for records of a ringtail at Ruan Major on Oct 10th, a male there the next day and a ringtail at Predannack Airfield on Oct 23rd. In West Penwith a ringtail was at Nanjizal on Apr 14th and perhaps also at Trendine, near Towednack, on 18th and Bartinney Downs on 26th. A male at Caer Bran on Aug 11th was rather early. More typical were ringtails at Land's End on Oct 8th and Bartinney Downs on Nov 1st. Males were seen in October at Nanjizal on 14th and 18th, Bartinney on 18th and Farm (near Nanquidno) on 30th (two), and in November at on 4th (2nd winter bird), Porthgwarra on 7th, Brew (near Sennen) on 18th, on 22nd (adult) and Drift on 30th. Elsewhere, a female at Porth Joke on May 11th appeared to fly in off the sea. Finally in spring there was an adult male at Trevose Head on the late date of May 31st. The only autumn record was of a ringtail at Park Head on Nov 9th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 8 4 2 2 - 1 1 3 5 4 5

MONTAGU'S HARRIER Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant, two-thirds of all records being in April and May. Formerly a regular breeding species in Mid Cornwall, last noted in 1975. Summering birds occasionally occur, suggesting the possibility of future breeding. Four spring migrants were seen: a male at Polgigga on Apr 22nd (KAW), followed by ringtails in May at Marazion Marsh from lst-3rd (DSF,BD et al), on 2nd (RMB) and Drift Res. on 8th (GH). A further record involved an immature male coasting eastwards at Seaton on Jun 19th SMW. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ _ 1 21 45 6 2 15 10 2 1 _

43 HARRIER sp. (Hen or Montagu's Harrier) Records of unidentified harriers comprised one at Gurnard's Head on Apr 27th and an adult male at Goonhilly Downs on Jun 15th (perhaps the Hen Harrier seen nearby in July). One at (near Blackwater) on Aug 10th was thought to be possibly Montagu's.

GOSHAWK (NORTHERN GOSHAWK) Accipter gentilis Rare passage migrant and possibly a very rare resident. A few pairs breed annually in Devon. In Cornwall summering individuals have been noted irregularly since the mid I980's but proof of breeding remains absent. The only record for which documentation was received was of one flying north-east over Trevose Head on Apr 27th SMC. The county mainland total advances to c.92. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 7 19 6 1 9 23 22 1 2

SPARROWHAWK (EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK) Accipter nisus Fairly common resident and passage migrant. Reports were received from c.135 sites throughout the county. There were no definite indications of passage; numbers of reported sightings peaked in April (c.50) and September (c.45), but these figures are likely to include conspicuous displaying adults and locally-fledged young, respectively, as well as migrants. The vast majority of sightings involved single birds, with occasional twos. Four were seen near St.Just on Aug 19th (possibly a family group), four at Porthgwarra on Sep 3rd and three at Loe Pool on Dec 30th.

BUZZARD (COMMON BUZZARD) Buteo buteo Fairly common resident. Records were received from c.90 sites throughout the county. The species evidently goes from strength to strength and in the most favoured areas has probably reached maximum possible breeding density. In the Rosudgeon area PAD estimated up to four pairs in c.30 sq.kms. Double-figure counts came from the Fowey Est. (10 on Feb 8th), Porth Joke (12 on Feb 21st, 10 on Oct 2nd), Crowdy Res. (10 on Mar 9th), Duloe (17 on Apr 3rd), Drift Res. (16 on Apr 7th), Launceston (10 on May 27th), St.Austell S.W. (14 on Sep 24th). Quarry (10 on Oct 2nd), Camel Est. (18 on Oct 18th) and Porthgwarra (10 on Nov 15th).

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Fairly rare passage migrant. Recorded increasingly frequently in recent years, presumably reflecting the growing UK breeding population. Spring passage involved up to seven birds, beginning with one at Drift on Mar 15th. One flew inland at St. Clement on Apr 24th GH. In May there was one at St.Columb Major on 3rd (SMC) and one at Drift/Sancreed on 8th-9th and 18th DSF. At Restronguet Creek/, numerous sightings from May 9th-Jun 1st possibly involved two birds DE,RCJJHW et al. In autumn the first was at Devoran on Aug 11th. This bird may well have been one of two seen at Ruan Lanihorne on 17th. An adult stayed on the Tamar Est. from Aug 15th-Sep 3rd, and was joined by a juvenile from Aug 22nd-30th PE,GDL et al. What was presumably the same juvenile was at the nearby Lynher Est. on Aug 29th AECA,EAW et al. In September there was an adult at the Camel Est, on 1st (FMC,DIJ) and a juvenile there on 2nd and 3rd (FMC), singles at Polridmouth Lake (near Fowey) and Porth Res. (SGR) on 10th, one fishing the Camel at Wadebridge on 11th and 12th (ALn), one at Wendron also on 12th (DE), and one at Bonython (Lizard peninsula) on 24th PG. In October one was at the Camel from lst-4th (REW,DIJ) and one at Penryn also on 1st (RCJ).

44 Sightings on 3rd at (GH,PTS) and North Cliffs (VRT) presumably related to the bird which remained at Hayle Est. and Creek from 3rd-11th (DSF,LPW). A juvenile at Carrick Roads on 6th (SMC) was perhaps the Penryn bird, but one at Sennen on the same date (PAF) was more likely to be new. One was seen at St.Ives Island on 17th (KJ,RAJ); this may have been the bird from Hayle, where one was again seen on 18th DSF. The autumn records are likely to have involved some multiple sightings of the same birds, as individuals roamed around the county. However, at least 10 birds would seem to have been involved. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 6 32 45 8 15 62 77 22 3 -

KESTREL (COMMON KESTREL) Falco tinnunculus Breeding resident or partial migrant. Declined over the last few decades, but has probably recovered more recently, with a county breeding population of c.400 pairs. Passage migrant and probably winter visitor. Records came from some 115 localities throughout the county. In the district RL comments that it seems to be less common than Sparrowhawk, at least in the south coast wooded valleys, but 14 sightings from the area during the year represent an increase. In spring, there was no indication of any passage, the only sighting in excess of two birds being of three displaying at Predannack Airfield on Mar 28th. In autumn, four at Rame Head on Aug 6th and three at Porth Joke on Sep 19th may have been family groups, but seven at the Lizard on Oct 3rd, six at nearby Church Cove on 6th and five at Porthgwarra on 7th suggest some movement at that time. Four at the Lizard on Nov 3rd and six at Porthgwarra on 15th could also have included migrants.

MERLIN Falco columbarius Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Wintering birds are most often seen on the moors of West Penwith, mid-Cornwall, the Lizard and Bodmin Moor, whilst migrants can occur anywhere, but especially at the coast. Records were received from c.65 different sites during the year. There were 13 sightings at 12 sites in January and 12 sightings at 11 sites in February, implying a fairly stable wintering population. Most were singles, but at Colliford there were two on Jan 2nd and at Goss Moor two on Jan 24th and four on Feb 1 st. There was a noticeable increase in March, especially after 15th. The 16 sightings of singles from 12 mostly coastal sites during the month no doubt included some passage migrants. In April there were three singles, the last at Trevose Head on 19th. The first August bird was seen on Aug 20th at Upton Towans. In September sightings at Polgigga, St.Buryan and Cot Valley between 2nd and 5th could conceivably have been of the same bird. There was also one at Hayle on 4th. There were then no more until 26th (one at Predannack) and 28th (one at Sheffield, near Mousehole). October brought about 40 sightings from 25 sites. Many of these were one-day sightings at the coast and no doubt included passage birds, but regular sightings at Land's End (two), Porthgwarra and Pendeen might have involved lingering birds. In November there were 20 sightings at 15 locations. Most were singles but there were twos at Tregonetha on 1st, Pendeen on 3rd and Park Head on 9th. The last of the migrants had mostly passed through by the middle of the month, and in December there were just six sightings of singles. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 13 16 3 _ - _ 1 4 40 23 6

HOBBY Falco subbuteo Rare but now regular breeding visitor in east Cornwall. Fairly rare but increasing passage migrant, records continuing to grow in line with the growth in the UK breeding population.

45 At least 50 birds were seen at c.35 sites throughout the county, in every month from May to November. Breeding was confirmed at one site (two fledged young seen) and there were sightings at four other sites during July. Spring passage began on May 10th with one at Goonhilly and two at Maker Heights, followed by six more records in May and seven in June. Sightings of passage or dispersing birds increased after mid- August, with singles at eleven sites during the month and two at Seaton on 22nd. In September there were ten singles at eight sites, mostly in the last ten days of the month. Three more were seen in early October and the last one at Rame Head-Penlee Point on 29th lingered to Nov 1 st.

GYR FALCON Falco rusticolus Very rare vagrant. A white-phase adult at Rame Head on Apr 6th and 9th was the eleventh county record. This year's bird spent most of the period between the Cornish sightings on the Great Mewstone, an island off Wembury in south Devon (AECA,SCM,EHW et al).

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus Fairly rare breeding resident. Almost became extinct as a breeding bird in Cornwall in the 1960's due to the effects of toxic chemicals, but following a dramatic recovery over the last two decades the Cornish breeding population is probably as high now as it ever was. Also probably occurs as a passage migrant and winter visitor. Records were received from well over 100 sites throughout the county. Breeding was confirmed at 12 localities with many other potential breeding sites occupied. No records of breeding failure were received. An immature male at Goonhilly Downs on May 2nd was ambitiously attacking a flying Shelduck, without success. At St.Agnes Head on Sep 12th one flew c.600 metres straight out to sea and took a Leach's Petrel. Other quarry species included Teal, Sanderling and Collared Dove.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Fairly rare breeding resident. Feral release. 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 20 years. However, breeding success of these feral birds remains very low, the reasons for which are not fully understood. Nanswhyden: one dead on road Jan 10th. Bounds Cliff: three Jan 23rd. Trebarwith Strand: one Jan 24th. : seven Jan 27th, 20 Jan 29th, two Mar 8th and three Jun 8th. Lundy Bay: four Feb 3rd. Pentire Farm: one Feb 9th, two Jun 15th and 30th. Pentire Point: four Jun 2nd. Bridge: one Feb 14th, two Apr 26th and two May 16th. Pentireglaze: five Feb 19th. Tregunna: one Mar 13th. : two Mar 16th. : two Apr 9th. Rumps Point, Pentire: one May 4th. Tregragon Valley, : two May 4th. : one May 15th. Bastreet: one Jun 17th. Par Beach: one Jun 20th.

46 Once again, no confirmed breeding records and no records from the West Penwith area. The main stronghold at present appears to be the north coast, north of the Camel Est. Drier warmer summers and the sand/shale free draining soils of this area could well play a major part, better suited to the species habitat preferences. Wetter clay soils form clay balls on game birds' feet, hindering survival. Another major reason could well be that this area holds the main shooting estates and release sites. Note the similar stronghold of the Grey Partridge around the Camel Est. Grey Partridge are not commonly released, being more difficult to rear and also harder to shoot.

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Fairly rare breeding resident. Feral release? It 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 ' he adLand's' 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 Penlee area (Rame): two Apr 16th, two Jul 9th. Rame Head: two Apr 26th. : one pair from June onwards with young. Point: eight Jan 26th. Pentire Point: four Feb 3rd, one Mar 28th, one Jul 16th and a covey of eight Aug 4th. Portquin: two Mar 8th. : male calling Mar 18th, three Mar 24th, male calling May 13th and two May 16th. Bedruthan Steps: two Mar 31st. Harlyn: two Apr 7th. Tollgate (Wadebridge): one Apr 20th and one May 13th. Millook: one Jul 13th. Pentire (Newquay): two Sep 26th. : one Sep 29th. Carrick No records this year ! Overall numbers are similar to the previous few years. The decline of this species was especially noticed around Mid Cornwall in 1981 and again county-wide after the inclement summer weather of 1985. In 1987, when there were reports from only 27 sites with breeding proved at only five, there was a call to stop the removal of rough ground, hedgerows and the use of insecticides/herbicides. 1998 brings us down to just 12 sites where birds were recorded and just one record of proven breeding. In 11 years the recorded population has decreased site-wise by over half. Will 2009 bring the extinction of this species in Cornwall? If anything the removal of breeding/feeding habitat and especially the use of biocides has dramatically increased since 1987. As the isolation of breeding sites and birds becomes greater, inbreeding depression occurs and the species loses its vigour, due to no new blood coming in. It is not only the bird at risk here but the habitat as well. Without the provision of more suitable rough grass areas, weed-rich winter cereal stubbles and fallow land, combined with the release of birds, this decline can only continue. Surely the Grey cannot go the same way as the Corncrake! One final note: has the Red-legged Partridge played a part in its cousin's decline by occupying available niches, a fact denied by several bodies?

QUAIL (COMMON QUAIL) Coturnix coturnix Rare passage migrant and summer visitor in fluctuating numbers, with 40% of all records being in June. Occasionally breeds and has overwintered. There were six records, but no suggestion of breeding:

47 Caerthillian Cove: one May 8th PLS. Nanjizal: one May 18th KAW. Ninestones Bridge: one calling May 19th SMC. Tollgate (Wadebridge): one May 21st DIJ. Porth Joke: one calling Jun 12th SMC. Duloe: one Jun 29th and Jul 2nd, presumed same bird CFNHC.

Quail (Kester Wilson)

Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 1 5 78 123 52 26 12 4 13 -

PHEASANT (COMMON PHEASANT) Phasianus colchicus Common breeding resident. Thousands released annually for sporting purposes, thus ensuring that populations are maintained at a high level. A wide scattering of records was received, though there was none from south-east Cornwall. Maximum counts were as follows: 500 at the Caerhays Estate Wood on Mar 21st (in breeding pens) and 100 there on Nov 29th; 150 at Portholland on Nov 29th, no doubt originating from Caerhays. No plumage aberrations were reported this year.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Rare resident. Breeds in low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A pair bred at Maer Lake, for the third time in five years. Presence was also noted at Drift Res. and on the Tamar Est. during the breeding season, but for the second year running, there were no breeding reports from Marazion Marsh. Breeding birds may well be overlooked. Tape-luring has been shown to give a much truer picture of birds on territory, i.e. R.S.P.B. Minsmere / Dingle Marshes (Suffolk) survey 1999. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 58 41 25 14 - 1 3 10 24 54 62 61

An average year with good numbers in both winter periods, including a count of eight at Bude Marshes on Jan 31st. Unusual were five together on the Toll Road, on Feb 27th. The last bird in spring (not including breeders) was one at Tamar Est. on Apr 26th. The first bird for the autumn was one at Landulph on Aug 2nd. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. - - - 1 - 1 - - - 1 3 1 Par Beach Pool 7 5 1 2 - - - - 2 4 4 2 Swanpool 6 3 1 1 - - - - - 4 1 1 Loe Pool 5 10 2 1 - - - - 1 8 5 16 Marazion 4 1 1 - - - - 4 6 4 10 5 Drift Res. 1 2 2 1 - - - - - 4 2 3 Mawgan Porth 2 1 ------4 3 Harlyn Bay 1 ------1 6 - Maer Lake 3 1 1 2 - - 3 1 1 3 3 3

48 SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant, with over 80% of all records occurring in August/September. Marazion Marsh is by far the most favoured site. Has very rarely remained during the winter. There are several 19th Century breeding records. Following one at Drift Res. from Aug 21st-23rd (BD,GH) there were no more until an unusually late but small influx in early October. This involved singles at Polgreen Farm, St.Mawgan from 2nd-5th (REW,SMC), Marazion Marsh on 4th (DSF) and Land's End on 6th RAw,PH. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 3 1 2 1 - 4 64 48 12 1

CORNCRAKE (CORN CRAKE) Crex crex Very rare passage migrant, May and June being the best months. Last bred in 1967, but possibly did so in 1977. With the increase of breeding birds in the Outer Hebrides due to work by the R.S.P.B and crofters, we can perhaps expect more migrants passing through to and from the breeding grounds. It has also overwintered. One was calling from a small, damp hay-meadow at Bonython on Jun 2nd DWe. The meadow was cut soon afterwards and the bird was not heard again. This is the first record since 1994. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 11 30 22 12 15 19 14 2 -

MOORHEN (COMMON MOORHEN) Gallinula chloropus Fairly rare breeding resident and uncommon passage migrant and 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. Breeding was confirmed at 19 sites with 25 pairs, with birds present on many other sites during the breeding season. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 246 251 170 83 79 85 88 110 207 211 131 134 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr M ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2 4 7 2 - - 1 3 4 5 5 - Millbrook Lake 6 7 4 2 1 - - - - 2 2 2 Par Beach Pool 20 22 15 7 4 5 6 5 12 20 20 4 St. Andrew's Pool ------10 10 - Tresillian River 4 16 7 2 1 2 4 4 9 5 4 7 Swanpool 25 15 17 5 9 3 11 18 9 - 10 11 College Res. 55 15 9 1 - 1 - 5 7 - - 26 Argal Res. - 1 2 1 - - 2 - - - - Stithians Res. ------2 21 5 - - Helston Boat Lake 22 20 6 4 5 4 15 12 21 14 18 13 Loe Pool 21 12 4 8 7 10 22 24 19 - - - Marazion Marsh 9 3 3 2 4 7 20 47 16 - - Drift Res. 11 14 12 9 2 5 1 4 5 25 13 18 Porth Res. 2 4 2 - - - - 1 - - - Mawgan Porth 15 15 9 ------15 16 Walmsley Sanct. 1 5 4 - 3 ------Maer Lake 38 41 35 24 7 9 14 21 25 22 30 28

Other large counts include: Pond: 10 Jan 27th. Caerhays: 16 Feb 7th.

49 Lynher Est.: 14 Feb 15th. Springfield Pony Centre, nr St Columb: 15 May 10th. Roskilly Farm (Lizard): 10 juvs. Jun 1st. Dairyland, : 10 Aug 30th. St Mawgan/Polgreen: 25 Oct 3rd. Retallack: 10 Dec 2nd. Helston Amenity Area: 10 Dec 19th. An above average year, the number of wintering birds appearing to be increasing steadily. Records were received from 73 sites throughout the year. One juvenile bird at Hatt on Oct 12th was killed by a Sparrowhawk, as was another at Cawsand on Oct 17th. CFNHC, DCg. A pair reared four young on a farm effluent pond (where the water is decidedly murky) at Trobus Farm, . JD.

COOT (COMMON COOT) Fulica atra Fairly rare resident, breeding annually at Marazion Marsh, Swanpool and Stithians Reservoir, but only sporadically elsewhere. Also an uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Successful breeding was reported from the following sites during 1998 (with comparative data for 1991-1997). Figures represent number of pairs; B = bred; p = present, success unknown. 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Colliford Res. 1 P P 1 P P 2 3 Swanpool 12 5 2 10 3 6 3 1 Par Beach Pool 4 4 3 2 2 3 1 - St. Andrew's Pool 1 P ------Stithians Res. 4 16 13 13 13 P 2 5 Loe Pool 1 P P B P - - Helston P P 1 - - - - Marazion Marsh P 5 10 2 P P 12 1 Maer Lake 1 - - - - - Trenance 1 1 ------The only other site where pairs attempted to breed was Harlyn Pools, with two pairs. Breeding numbers were slightly down on last year, with a population crash at Stithians Res. compared with 1997. Conversely there was a large rise at Swanpool. Have birds moved sites or is it just incomplete coverage ? Poor fledging success appears to be regular at Stithians (depleted food supply ? - predation by mink ?) It was otherwise an average year for the species, the large wintering count of the first winter period (particularly in January) in 1997 not being repeated in 1998. The numbers at College Res. have built up dramatically since 1996, when the year total was 39: 1998's year total is 474. In contrast, numbers at Argal have plummeted. The numbers are rising on many sites in winter but this is not reflected in a rise in the breeding season. 1992 - 1998 directly compared, the 1998 year total of birds has increased by 61%. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 482 481 273 175 169 160 201 246 558 536 512 665 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Millbrook Lake 3 4 1 ------1 Par Beach Pool 60 40 30 30 40 30 20 16 42 36 60 54 Stithians Res. 74 110 60 26 21 24 17 73 216 168 117 220 Argal Res. 1 2 1 ------College Res. 66 62 20 8 3 1 2 4 25 65 87 131 Swanpool 55 76 57 49 42 52 38 51 44 52 53 65 Loe Pool 71 28 33 17 17 28 38 31 123 132 104 70 Helston Lake 52 31 16 15 9 6 8 21 17 28 23 45 Marazion 14 9 13 8 3 6 1 2 2 - P - Dozmary Pool 5 1 - 2 - - 3 5 4 14 9 16 Siblyback Res. 40 25 13 2 2 2 1 21 36 41 60 46

50 CRANE (COMMON CRANE) Grus grus Very rare passage migrant. One was at St.Levan on Mar 28th KAW. The county mainland total advances to c.27 birds, involving 13 occurrences. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 3 3 ] - - - 1 11 5 1

OYSTERCATCHER (EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER) Haematopus ostralegus Fairly rare breeder, mainly on the north coast, and a fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. The Camel Est. is the winter stronghold. A fairly average year for the species, with numbers slightly down.,. Breeding was noted at the following sites: Trevose Head (1 pair, 2 possibles), Lye Rock (1 pair), The Mouls (1 pair), Perranuthnoe (1 possible), Pentire Point (1 pair, 8 possibles), Rumps Point (2 pairs), Short Island (1 pair). This is about the normal number of north coast sites. There was no data on nesting success. Is it time for a comprehensive county survey of breeding numbers ? The forthcoming SEABIRD 2000 survey would be the ideal time to cover this as well, as presumably most observers will be walking long stretches of coastline. Any breeding records would be extremely useful. There was a large influx into the county in September. There were no inland records this year. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1149 1091 656 387 397 307 428 923 2008 1044 926 697 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar/Lynher Est. 124 184 75 10 28 46 1 104 184 112 99 114 St Austell Bay 110 45 10 10 10 40 40 6 52 56 140 29 Ruan Lanihorne 35 18 10 - - - 12 17 206 140 45 45 Truro River* 134 126 25 15 1 23 8 146 3 6 46 52 Restronguet 8 9 1 8 10 _ 1 22 39 - _ _ Hayle Est. 24 12 22 - 14 20 31 84 100 P 27 47 Gannel Est. 83 6 8 46 - 51 11 10 11 12 17 62 58 67 16 - - - - 109 - - - Camel Est. 289 48 216 119 100 80 148 427 546 415 390 254

*Truro River includes Creek and Tresillian River

AVOCET (PIEDAVOCET) Recurvirostra avosetta Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Has wintered annually on Tamar Est. since 1947/8 but only occasionally elsewhere. Numbers were below the average, returning to 1994 - 1995 figures. The Tamar Est. first winter period numbers were lower than previous years, particularly considering the high numbers in the 1997 second winter period. The small wintering population in the Tresillian River/ Ruan Lanihorne area is still regular. A study of past Reports shows that birds have been present in winter mainly in the two mentioned sites, but also on other parts of the Fal complex (for varying periods) from 1973, 1976-1981, 1983 and 1988- 1998. Birds have not been recorded in 1975, 1982, 1984-1987. No data was available for 1974. The largest number in this period covered was 13 at Ardevora Veor (Ruan Lanihorne) in February 1973. Who watches Ardevora now? Before Ruan Lanihorne was "discovered", most observations came from Ardevora. Since E.C.C. have cleaned up their discharge deposits into the Fal from their washing plants in the clay hills catchment area, the importance of the Ruan Lanihorne arm of the Fal River as a wintering site for all estuarine bird species seems to have crashed: coincidence or is there a link? No one wants to see the White River again, but has this in some way affected the benthic species density/composition in the mud, which in turn has limited the food supply here? Has an associated

51 rise occurred in bird numbers wintering, say on the Tresillian River, which is relatively unaffected by the river discharge clean up ? Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 236 236 30 1 1 - - - - 2 300 295 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 202 227 4 ------133 220 Lynher Est. 54 ------65 75 St John's Lake 46 6 ------Tresillian River 1 2 ------Hayle Est. - - 26 - 1 ------Other records: Copperhouse Creek: one on several dates in March. Camel Est.: one from Jan 26th-Feb 8th. Hayle Est. 26 Mar 22nd, with one remaining Mar 23rd-24th. Amble Marshes: two Oct 9th.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (LITTLE PLOVER) Charadrius dubius Rare passage migrant. Gwithian: one Mar 21st MJH. Hayle Est: one Apr 18th DSF. Camel Est: one Apr 21st SMC, one Aug 18th DIJ. Maer Lake: one Apr 22nd, one Apr 30th GPS. Predannack: one Jul 25th ARP. Trevose Head: two Jul 27th SMC. Davidstow Airfield: juv. Aug 15th AMJD. Par Beach: juv. Sep 16th KJ,RAJ. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 8 62 49 6 22 68 44 4 1 -

RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula Uncommon passage migrant and 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. As usual, over-wintering birds had left by early March, followed by the first spring passage birds on 15th, when three were at Par. The last of the spring were 16 at Marazion on May 29th. A few spent the summer on the Camel Est. and three young birds seen there on Jun 15th still had down on their heads, suggesting that they were raised locally. Return passage started on Jul 8th with two on Loe Bar. Numbers built up steadily to 95 in Mount's Bay on Aug 16th and 200 at Hayle Est. from Aug 26th-31st, increasing further to 237 on Sep 6th. The peak count on the Camel was 141 on Sep 2nd. Numbers then decreased and passage ended with 20 at Par Beach on Oct 4th. 50 on Long Rock Beach on Dec 10th. Wintering birds began to arrive from mid-October, with 45 at Par on Oct 9th, 37 at Hayle on Nov 17th and Inland records included 50 at Davidstow Airfield on Sep 12th. A reduction of grass-mowing by the MOD on Predannack Airfield has put an end to the high counts at this previously prime autumn stop­ over site. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 103 97 15 95 120 14 58 495 651 125 112 188

52 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. - 8 - - - - 1 12 - - 20 Par 20 20 6 12 4 - - 60 78 20 15 22 Mount's Bay 17 - - 35 66 - - 95 28 10 17 50 Hayle Est. 20 36 - 16 15 4 40 200 237 32 47 45 Camel Est. 37 26 9 29 14 10 - 35 141 13 32 38

DOTTEREL Charadrius morinellus Rare passage migrant. Winnard's Perch: one in winter plumage from Mar 22nd-24th had probably over-wintered SMC. Kemyel Drea (Lamorna): one Aug 20th CH. Mayon Cliff (Sennen): juv. Sep 1st MDW. Cam Brea (West Penwith): one Sep 3rd. Land's End: juv. Oct 8th RAw. Nanjizal: one Oct 8th, probably the Land's End bird KAW. Carloggas: three Oct 10th RL. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 10 32 23 22 109 46 8 2

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis dominica Rare passage migrant. A juvenile found at Sennen on Sep 30th remained to Oct 5th (MDW et al). Another two juvs. which appeared at the same site on Oct 18th (MDW,KAW et al) had probably arrived from the Isles of Scilly, where two were seen the previous day. They were not seen subsequently. These three take the county mainland total to 44, all of which have occurred since 1969. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 2 13 20 5 1

PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis fulva Very rare passage migrant. A first-summer bird at Bosanketh, near St.Buryan, on May 3rd-4th was initially identified as an American Golden Plover, but close scrutiny revealed it to be this, the rarer of the two species, TG JFR,KAW,PWH et al. Accepted by BBRC. This is the third county record. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1

GOLDEN PLOVER (EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER) Pluvialis apricaria Fairly common passage migrant and common winter visitor. Breeding has never been proved in Cornwall although single birds are occasionally seen in suitable nesting habitat on Bodmin Moor. Early in the year numbers were below average, but they were more typical in the second winter period. Spring movement was marked by a scattering of small flocks. One bird in a group of 24 at Predannack on Mar 21st was singing, whilst at least 15 individuals of the northern form were identified in a flock of 860 at Winnard's Perch on Mar 24th. The last bird of the spring was at Trevose Head on Apr 25th. There was one interesting July record, of two adults flushed on Bodmin Moor on 24th, but no evidence of breeding was found. Return passage got under way on Sep 5th with 16 birds on Davidstow Airfield. Good counts from assorted sites included 440 at Roseworth on Jan 2nd, increasing to 700 on 25th;

53 400 on Goss Moor on Jan 14th; 900 at Breage on Jan 17th; 300 on Predannack Airfield on Jan 24th; 600 at Dowran on Jan 25th; 1000 at Breage on Feb 10th; 200 at De Lonk waterworks on Mar 21st; 206 on Goonhilly Downs on Mar 21st; 200 on Davidstow Airfield on Sep 13th; 450 at Winnard's Perch on Oct 12th; 120 at Trewellard and Nanjizal on Nov 5th-6th; 350 at Porthgwarra on Nov 6th; and 1800 at Bonython on Dec 22nd. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8496 7137 2009 241 - - 2 - 215 1622 5650 10897 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 2472 1200 50 ------5 - 1000 Hayle Est. 200 900 - 16 - - - - - 45 525 1500 Camel Est. 750 3000 3 - - - - - 8 450 900 230 Colliford Res. 500 24 23 _ _ _ _ _ 1 206 1500 2700 Davidstow/Crowdy 500 - - 100 - - - • - 200 174 - 2500 Maer Lake 500 520 79 ------460 750

GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Numbers during both winter periods were about average. Spring passage was evident from mid March and ended on Jun 24th with one bird on Hayle Est. The return movement commenced on Aug 10th with two at Hayle but passage was generally light. Birds started to appear on winter quarters from mid October.

Grey Plover (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 384 310 33 6 15 2 - 3 15 31 138 272

Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 60 40 6 ------40 20 Lynher Est. 77 ------Mount's Bay 20 20 ------1 1 40 120 Hayle Est. 61 53 10 5 2 1 - 2 3 5 26 38 Camel Est. 111 120 15 1 4 1 - 1 6 22 23 78

LAPWING (NORTHERN LAPWING) Vanellus vanellus Fairly rare breeder, mainly on Bodmin Moor. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. There was no proof of breeding this year, although birds were seen displaying at various times during April and May at Colliford Res. (three pairs), Ninestones Bridge (one pair) and at Emblance Downs (four pairs). Numbers were about average in both winter periods, with no evidence of cold-weather immigration into the county. Birds moved out by the end of February and there were signs of a light passage to mid March. The last spring migrants were 41 on the Tamar Est. on Mar 15th. Small numbers of birds loafed around the Bodmin Moor reservoirs throughout the summer.

54 Return passage got under way with four birds on the Tamar on Jul 1st. The only juvenile specifically reported was one on the Camel Est. on Jul 3rd. Numbers built up slowly, after another light autumn passage, from mid October, to 1000 at Hayle Est. on Nov 28th, 1500 at Colliford Res. on Dec 1st, 2500 on the Camel on Dec 7th and 1100 on Hayle Est. on Dec 16th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12388 10789 86 8 2 - 11 19 33 658 3520 8611 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 206 216 41 - - 4 - 7 15 37 90 Lynher Est. 960 850 ------46 350 Ruan Lanihorne 250 70 ------30 10 Stithians Res. - 220 - - - - - 1 20 150 210 Drift Res. 500 600 - - - - 8 - 100 150 150 Sennen - 200 ------_ 120 Hayle Est. 1200 1200 15 - - - 1 1 95 1000 1100 Camel Est. 1250 1750 - - - 2 - 2 233 390 2500 Colliford Res. 943 2 22 6 2 - 1 8 11 60 450 1500 Crowdy Res 500 ------Maer Lake 2000 100 8 - - 2 1 9 - 280 680

KNOT (RED KNOT) Calidris canutus Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. It has declined dramatically in recent years. The only flock reported early in the year was of nine birds on the Camel Est. Spring passage was first noted when three were seen at St.John's Lake on Mar 22nd. Further movement in mid May involved two on the Camel on 13th. The last of the spring were five at Trevose Head on Jun 13th. The first returning bird was one at Hannafore Pt. On Jul 31st. Double figure counts were regular at two sites through August and September, namely Hayle Est. (max.30 on Sep 8th) and the Camel (max. 12 on Aug 31st and 44 on Sep 8th). The Lynher Est. also held 24 birds on Sep 12th. Passage ended on Oct 17th with five birds at Kingsmill Lake. Single figure groups were at three sites during December: Camel Est. (nine), St.John's Lake (five) and Par Beach (four). Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 8 8 - 2 5 1 36 136 15 9 18

Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar & Lynher Est. - - 3 - - - 9 27 5 I 5 Hayle Est. - - - 7 30 3 1 - Camel Est. 9 8 5 - 2 - 12 44 6 5 9

SANDERLING Calidris alba Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Mounts Bay is the key site, supporting the main wintering flock and also the largest migrant numbers. Winter numbers were about average for recent years, with the majority of the birds in Mount's Bay. Spring passage began on Apr 19th with one at Constantine Bay and ended on Jun 14th with one on the Camel Est. The peak count was 75 at Eastern Green, Mount's Bay, on May 2nd, the highest number elsewhere being 11 in St.Ives Bay on May 15th. Return passage appeared to start on Jul 10th with one at Par Beach and probably ended on Oct 11th, when two were at Loe Pool. The best count was 135 in St.Ives Bay on Jul 22nd. Wintering birds returned from November, with 42 on Marazion Beach on 17th, the flock increasing to 80 by Dec 10th.

55 Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 57 71 61 61 123 26 241 151 133 30 61 94 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Par Beach 1 7 1 1 18 4 1 2 3 6 2 6 Mounts Bay 35 55 60 55 75 18 56 30 12 2 48 80 ------10 17 20 20 - - Hayle Est. - - - 3 1 1 - 135 60 19 1 17 5 Camel Est. 9 6 - - - 4 6 8 47 1 - 3

LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Very rare winter visitor. No birds over-wintered and only one was noted in the spring, at Hayle Est. on May 8th. Return passage began on Aug 11th with one again on the Hayle and ended with one at Maer Lake on Oct 23rd. The highest counts at regular sites were all in September and involved 10 on the Camel Est. on 4th and 14 on 16th; 12 at Davidstow Airfield on 8th; 18 on Hayle Est. on 6th and 10 there on 19th; nine on Maer Lake on 19th; and eight at Marazion Marsh on 27th. Other inland records included three at Stithians Res. on Sep 13th, seven there on 16th-17th and two on Kynance Downs the following day. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - 6 89 19 - -

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER Calidris bairdii Rare autumn passage migrant. A juvenile was on Davidstow Airfield on Sep 1 lth-20th DACJHH et al. It was joined by another on 16th SMC,DIJ. These are the 20th and 21st county records.

Baird's Sandpiper and Dunlin (Kester Wilson) Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------3 15 3 - -

PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn), which has appeared less frequently in recent years. Two- thirds of all records have been in September. One was on Hayle Est. on the typical dates of Sep 27th-29th (DSF) and a late bird was at Nanjizal on Nov 4th (KAW). Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 2 2 - 26 142 35 4 -

56 CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. There were no overwintering or spring passage birds recorded. The first of the autumn was one at Lamorna on Aug 20th, feeding in a farmyard! Passage ended on Oct 20th with one at Hayle Est. This site was the only one to record numbers into double figures, with 10 on Sep 4th rising to 36 on 7th- 8th, falling to 25 by 10th and 10 again by 27th. The highest counts elsewhere were eight on the Camel Est. on Sep 5th; three at Devoran on 9th; six at Kingsmill Lake on 12th; six at Par Beach on 25th; and eight at Pinkson Creek (Camel Est.) on Oct 1st. The only inland bird was one on Davidstow Airfield on Sep 13th. One individual stayed on at Par Beach until Dec 8th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------14 65 14 1 1

PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers this year were again depressed, partly as a result of no counts being received for Godrevy, a site which has in recent years held over 50 wintering birds. , Penzance continues to be a key site, but appears to be holding fewer birds than formerly. The only other double-figure count was 15 at Constantine Bay on Feb 17th. Sixteen other sites had records of up to eight birds, max. being eight at Newquay on Jan 3rd, seven at Par on Jan 10th and eight at St.Ives on Oct 24th. The last spring record was of four at Penzance on May 20th. The first to return were five at Polpesa, Sennen on Aug 10th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 70 59 35 6 4 - - 7 12 25 38 47 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Penzance 38 20 35 - 4 - - - - 30 - Sennen - 20 - 2 - - - 7 7 - 30

DUNLIN Calidris alpina Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Small numbers which occasionally breed on Bodmin Moor are the most southerly breeding Dunlin in the world. There was no evidence of breeding in the county this year. Lower than normal numbers over-wintered from 1997 and most had departed by the end of February, although over 200 were present on the Tamar Est. until mid-March. There was a spring movement through the county from Apr 21st to May 31st, notably with 82 at Hayle Est. on Apr 30th and 120 in Mount's Bay on May 8th. Small numbers were present at coastal sites throughout June, the highest count being 15 on the Camel Est. on Jun 15th. Return passage started during early July and continued through to mid October. Significant counts were 607 at Hayle Est. on Sep 6th and 218 on the Camel on Sep 20th. Numbers remained very low through late October, but over-wintering birds began to arrive in November, when there were 1352 at Hayle Est. on 17th and 1500 at St.John's Lake during the monthly count. The population generally increased further through December, with 2000 at St.John's Lake and 900 on the Camel on 12th, but numbers on the Hayle had fallen to 561 by 10th. The only double-figure inland count was 30 at Davidstow Airfield Sep on 12th-13th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6250 4197 281 233 416 35 146 1020 1113 177 4523 5020

57 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 438 132 226 8 2 2 - 60 15 - 503 - Lynher Est. 800 77 - - - - 16 13 6 2 3 112 St. Johns Lake 2150 2003 21 - - 1 - - - - 1500 2000 Ruan Lanihorne 50 - 4 - - - - - 12 - 20 - Truro River 500 3 ------172 370 Devoran - - - 1 - 2 - 20 6 - 50 60 Penryn River 100 35 ------25 40 Hayle Est. 530 700 - 82 80 9 66 228 607 43 1352 561 Camel Est. 850 900 8 22 149 15 18 65 218 96 400 900 The counts for Ruan Lanihorne and Devoran, although obviously incomplete, are well down on those of recent years, providing further evidence of the decline of the Fal complex for wading birds.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Tryngites subruficollis Rare autumn passage migrant. Most birds are found on airfields. One on Davidstow Airfield on Sep 19th-20th (BBr,LB,DIJ,SGR et al) was followed by another at Sennen from Sep 21st-Oct 2nd (RB,MDW,PAF,TG et al.) The county mainland total advances to 95, all but two since 1968. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - 4 80 9 1 -

RUFF Philomachus pugnax Fairly rare passage migrant and rare winter visitor. A very poor spring but an average autumn. There was only one record during the first winter period, a bird at Hayle Est. on Jan 24th. Spring passage started on Mar 18th with one at Maer Lake, followed by one at Pinkson Creek on 20th, four at Marazion Marsh on 23rd and one at Colliford Res. on 28th. A later bird at Hayle Est. on Apr 27th-28th was a male in breeding plumage. Finally one was at Devoran on May 10th. Return passage started on Jul 20th with one at Maer Lake and eventually ended on Nov 1st with one at Hayle Est. A total of c.109 birds were involved, with peak counts in September and early October. One straggler was on the Camel Est. on Dec 4th and at the end of the year, one was over-wintering at Maer Lake. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 7 1 1 - 3 9 64 33 2 2 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. 1 - - 1 - - - 4 12 6 1 - Camel Est. - - 1 - - - - 1 6 10 - 1 Maer Lake - - 1 - - - 3 1 13 - 1 1

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. All records are listed. They probably involve only 25 birds. Bude Marshes: one Jan 4th GPS. Hayle Est./Copperhouse Creek: two Jan 9th, three Feb 1st, one Nov 25th DSF,RB. Par Beach Pool: one Jan 17th RAJ,KJ. Walmsley Sanctuary: singles Jan 20th and Dec 5th GPS,SMC. Drift Res.: one Jan 30th, one Oct 7th-8th GH.

58 Lower Tamar Lake: one Jan 31st, two Feb 22nd SMC. Marazion Marsh: one Feb 3rd, one Sep 28th, two Oct 4th DSF,BD. Maer Lake: one Feb 13th-14th GPS,BHB,LB. Predannack: one Mar 8th SP. Caerthillian: one Sep 23rd ARP. Porthgwarra: one Oct 5th BD. Land's End: one Oct 18th RAw,PH. Skewjack: one Nov 1 st. Devoran: one Nov 21st RCJ. Lamorna: one Nov 21 st BDB. Whiteacres (Newquay): one Dec 1st SMC. St.Breock: one Dec 9th DIJ. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 7 1 - - - - - 2 5 4 3

SNIPE (COMMON SNIPE) Gallinago gallinago Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Breeds in very low numbers on Bodmin Moor. January numbers were around the average of recent years, thanks to a count of 740 at Bude Marshes on 4th. Presumably there is some interchange of birds between here and Maer Lake. Numbers started to fall away by mid-March as birds started to move out of the county. Passage recommenced in late August and continued through to late autumn, without any evidence of a marked influx. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1208 1050 174 24 5 10 2 42 42 139 505 975 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 5 3 4 2 2 2 _ - 10 45 Par Beach Pool 90 36 4 4 3 _ _ 2 _ _ 7 65 Tresillian River 4 15 2 ------_ 13 Stithians Res. ------3 1 7 20 _ Marazion Marsh 90 80 10 2 - - 1 5 1 1 12 48 Hayle Est. 44 - 11 - - - _ 1 35 87 60 Walmsley Sanctuary 40 12 103 176 - - - - - _ 45 120 Camel Est. - 30 - - - - 3 _ 30 80 Maer Lake 190 550 19 - - - 1 6 30 90 180 400 Highest counts elsewhere were 186 at Mawgan Porth on Feb 11th and 23 there on Nov 18th; 44 at Colliford Res. on Nov 14th and 77 there on Dec 24th; and 32 at Breage on Dec 30th.

WOODCOCK (EURASIAN WOODCOCK) Scolopax rusticola Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Has bred on a few occasions but there has been no suggestion of such since the 1960's. An average year for this species. The last bird of the spring was at Nanjizal on Mar 16th and the first to return one at St.Columb Major on Sep 13th, the earliest ever autumn record for the county. The next was not until Nov 1 st, whence the main influx occurred. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 6 4 - - - - - 1 - 19 24 Highest counts were four at Loe Pool on Jan 18th, two at Townshend () on Jan 21st, four at Mawgan Porth on Jan 30th, two in the Lamorna Valley on Nov 7th and three there on 19th, two at Liskeard on Nov 21st and finally 12 at Hustyn Wood on Dec 10th. That last count was supplied by one of the shooting parties who undoubtedly see many more Woodcock than any bird-watcher does.

59 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Uncommon passage migrant and uncommon winter visitor almost exclusively to south coast estuaries. Winter flocks were about average, but the January total was boosted by a flock of 146 birds on the Truro River on Jan 19th. The first returning birds of the spring were three at Hayle Est. on Mar 8th and the last were probably the two at the same site on May 25th. There were no records between then and Jun 6th, so perhaps one at Empacombe on the latter date was the first of the post-breeding movement. Notable concentrations during September were 31 at Tresillian on 5th, 26 on the Camel Est. on 7th, 25 on the Truro River on 8th and 32 at St.German's on 13th. Winter flocks began to build from Oct 10th, when 46 were on the Truro River. During November there were up to 60 on Kingsmill Lake and 92 at Truro, and Millbrook Lake held 85 on Dec 6th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

303 164 119 46 23 14 22 43 161 127 290 243 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 25 8 6 4 - - - - 3 - 46 15 Kingsmill Lake 32 17 6 4 - - 3 - 3 36 60 - Lynher Est. 12 4 3 - - - 1 - 32 - 5 4 Ruan Lanihorne 7 - - - - - 1 8 2 - 25 2 Tresillian 23 40 21 - - - - - 31 8 15 30 Truro River 146 60 26 - - - - 15 25 46 92 86 Restronguet Creek 20 - 18 1 1 - 1 - 2 7 14 22 15 Hayle Est. - - 16 11 6 1 8 4 18 6 5 5 Camel Est. - 1 3 9 9 8 5 1 26 1 3 - Non-estuarine records: Maer Lake: one Jan-Mar, one Jul 5th-7th, two Jul 14th, four Aug 6th, four Aug 15th-16th, seven Sep 5th, nine Sep 6th, three Sep 16th, three Oct-Dec. Marazion Marsh: one Apr 12th, six Apr 24th, one Sep 11th. Mount's Bay: one Apr 30th, two May 15th. Lizard Village: one May 1st. Land's End: four Oct 3rd. Mawgan Porth: one Nov 25th. Stithians Res: one Aug 14th, two Dec 13th.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor First winter period numbers were low and spring passage also below average. Movement started in late March, with birds moving off Hayle Est. A single at Marazion on Mar 24th was probably the first incoming passage migrant. Notable totals were 14 again at Hayle on Mar 30th and 11 at Par Beach on Apr 19th. The last bird of the spring was one at Par on May 30th. Return passage numbers were about average, but the second winter counts were again low. Post- breeding arrivals were first noted at Land's End, two birds passing there on Jul 6th, but large numbers did not appear until September. On the Camel Est. there were 60 on Sep 2nd, 68 on 8th, 97 on 9th and 103 on 16th. Peak numbers elsewhere were 22 at St.John's Lake on Oct 10th and 23 at Hayle Est. on Oct 23rd. Autumn passage terminated early in November, with wintering birds probably also arriving during the month. Subsequent best counts were five at Devoran on Nov 30th, 14 at Hayle on Dec 14th, six on the Camel on Dec 19th and 15 at St.John's Lake on Dec 23rd. The only inland record of the year was one at Drift Res. on Apr 18th.

60 Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 126 46 48 27 16 - 3 27 221 64 29 43 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 25 20 22 - - - - 3 22 6 15 Hayle Est. 22 16 16 6 8 - 1 9 41 23 1 1 14 Camel Est. 60 9 1 - 4 - - 10 103 16 2 6

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly spring). Also a rare winter visitor. Birds were noted in the first winter period at Lamorna Cove, with one on Jan 24th and two on Feb 3rd; and at Millbrook, St.John's Lake and Kingsmill Lake, where one was at each site (or maybe the same individual?) on several dates to early March. The first in spring were 19 on Marazion Beach on Mar 19th/20th and the last probably the two at Ruan Lanihorne on Jun 15th. The main passage period was between Apr 21st and May 2nd. The best single day totals were 490 on Apr 22nd, 348 on Apr 24th, 265 on Apr 25th, 230 on Apr 27th, 260 on Apr 30th, 206 on May 1st and 243 on May 2nd. Return passage probably commenced with four on the Camel Est. on Jun 27th: there were 36 there the next day. The main passage occurred between Jul 16th and Aug 20th, although birds continued to move through the county until Oct 17th. The second winter period saw singles at Lamorna Cove on Nov 14th, Perranuthnoe on 15th, two at Lamorna Cove on 26th, Gweek on 27th and one or two between Millbrook and St.John's Lake during December. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 3 20 1087 1001 51 96 165 69 28 4 2 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 1 1 1 3 1 - 20 20 10 2 2 1 Par/St.Austell Bay - - 180 27 3 3 - 2 - - - Mounts Bay - - 17 221 20 3 30 44 3 - - - Hayle Est. - - 20 20 4 6 18 14 - - - Camel Est. - - 9 82 36 19 437 11 1 - _

CURLEW (EURASIAN CURLEW) Numenius arquata Fairly rare and decreasing summer visitor. Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Five pairs possibly bred in the county, but there was no definite proof. Pairs were present at Colliford Res. (2), Gillhouse, Ninestones and . Numbers were about average in both winter periods. Over-wintering birds had all moved out by mid May, the last large flock being 44 on the Camel on May 16th. On 10th Jun birds had started to return to coastal sites, with 41 again at the Camel. Numbers peaked in early September and then dropped away to the year-end. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3385 3189 960 474 113 544 2694 2879 3235 2756 2548 2283 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 549 398 296 15 2 49 213 114 79 122 73 60 St. Johns Lake 76 120 75 - - 45 180 - - 50 50 - Lynher Est. 141 165 40 52 6 37 450 397 320 118 152 135 Looe Est. 33 22 4 46 - - 2 14 75 29 13 17 Ruan Lanihorne 350 116 41 24 10 60 110 70 210 78 360 350

61 Tresillian 240 285 29 3 - - 110 180 241 177 217 150 Truro River 201 284 28 3 4 18 122 162 175 204 80 129 Restronguet 75 186 88 - 12 25 210 384 170 160 66 - Penryn River 55 23 ------19 39 25 27 Helford River 26 145 11 - - - 4 235 197 157 - 141 Hayle Est. 138 356 16 12 9 99 355 190 287 248 315 69 Gannel Est. 410 290 7 - - - 216 4 117 - 380 411 Camel Est. 220 142 213 90 44 163 612 854 854 764 279 374 Maer Lake 204 194 81 - - 7 - 20 92 114 96 290

UPLAND SANDPIPER Bartramia longicauda Very rare autumn passage migrant. One landed by the pools at Caer Bran (Sancreed) on Sep 18th (ACH,BCW). It or another visited The Knavocks, Godrevy on Oct 2nd (WM et al). These records have been accepted by BBRC as relating to one individual and as such constitute the seventh for the county, the last being in 1995. Monthly breakdown of all records Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 4 1

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Uncommon passage migrant. Fairly rare winter visitor, almost exclusively to south coast estuaries. Numbers during both winter periods were below average and July and August totals were very low. The only spring migrant was one at the Hayle Est. on Mar 30th. The first autumn migrant was one at Hayle Kimbro on Aug 18th. The only other records away from estuarine sites were singles at Stithians Res. on Aug 25th and Nanjizal on Sep 4th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13 19 14 - - - - 4 20 23 19 20 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2 - 2 - - - - 1 2 - - 1 Lynher Est. 2 4 2 - - - - - 2 7 5 5 Tresillian River 6 8 5 - - - - - 5 1 1 9

REDSHANK (COMMON REDSHANK) Tringa totanus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. There was a small influx of birds in mid January, with 200 at Tresillian on 13th and 563 on the Tamar on 18th. This lifted totals to about average. After this, numbers dropped away rapidly to the end of March, followed by small numbers of migrants passing through in April. The first was one at Mawgan Porth on Apr 15th and the last 14 on the Tamar on May 17th. The first record of the autumn was one at Millbrook Lake on Jun 20th, but there was no evidence of a large passage, the peak appearing in August this year. Numbers rose to about average for the second winter period. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1344 900 735 18 15 71 463 685 586 749 826 883 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 563 331 329 1 14 - 9 14 15 36 134 140 St. Johns Lake 60 70 90 1 - 40 40 70 40 40 50 40 Lynher Est. 65 90 40 - - 3 76 74 12 57 93 137 Looe Est. 8 - 1 - - - - 1 2 3 6 2 Fowey Est. 10 45 23 - - - 6 - 5 - - -

62 Ruan Lanihorne 60 7 3 - - - - 1 13 - 35 40 Tresillian 200 83 57 - - - 60 97 96 129 68 76 Truro River 75 97 36 - - - 6 59 75 96 82 62 Restronguet 49 35 60 8 - - 74 115 90 124 90 110 Penryn River 35 8 ------15 34 27 35 Helford River 9 6 6 1 - - 19 20 9 - - - Hayle Est. 45 15 36 - - 11 54 59 73 78 55 38 Camel Est. 71 83 34 1 - 14 50 69 126 115 147 164

GREENSHANK (COMMON GREENSHANK) Tringa nebularia Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Fairly rare winter visitor. Numbers for both winter periods were about average. There was only a light spring passage, involving about 15 birds, of which 10 were at on Mar 15th. The last spring bird was one at Camel Est. on May 31 st. The first returning bird was one at Maer Lake on Jun 20th. Early August to mid-September saw the bulk of the passage birds. Inland records during the autumn included: Lizard Downs: one Jul 18th. Predannack: one Jul 25th. Crowdy Res: one Aug 12th. Hayle Kimbro: two Aug 16th, one Sep 15th. Colliford Res: one Sep 12th, one Sep 19th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 72 44 59 39 8 2 62 145 190 127 89 69 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 3 3 4 - - - - 11 2 - 1 2 St. Johns Lake 7 4 - - - - 4 4 - 4 - 2 Lynher Est. 5 6 5 3 - - 3 1 12 5 11 4 Ruan Lanihorne 3 3 1 - - - 4 - 2 2 2 1 Tresillian 3 4 4 - - - 2 1 17 13 5 1 Truro River 9 4 5 5 - - - 10 2 2 7 12 Restronguet Creek 8 2 3 10 5 - 5 27 33 21 16 10 Helford River 1 2 2 - - - 3 3 2 13 13 6 Drift Res. ------1 4 1 - - - Hayle Est. 3 2 12 1 1 - 3 14 11 8 4 6 Camel Est. 4 3 4 3 1 - 11 22 35 12 8 8

LESSER YELLOWLEGS Tringa flavipes Very rare autumn passage migrant. A juvenile was at Land's End from Aug 18th-28th (RAw,PSC,TG et al). It was also seen at Nanjizal on 19th (KAW). Both records were accepted by BBRC. Hot on the heels of last year's, this is the 26th county record. Monthly breakdown of all records Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------5 11 8 2

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. During the first winter period 16 birds were present, including three on the Tamar Est., two each on the Lynher and Gannel Estuaries and at Bonython and singles at seven other sites.

63 Spring passage was light, consisting of just four March birds: two at Crowdy Res. on 18th, one at Drift Res. on 20th and one at Bude Marshes from 22nd to 29th. The first returning birds of the autumn were two at Loe Pool and one on the Tamar Est. on Jul 12th. A total of c.80 birds moved through. In November four were at Burniere Point (Camel Est.) on 5th, two at Wendron on 15th-17th and two at Drift Res. on 31st. There were singles at eight other sites. By December, birds remained at just six sites, including the Lynher Est., where there were two on 6th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 6 5 2 1 - 17 48 18 6 16 6

Green Sandpipers (Kester Wilson) WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Fairly rare passage migrant (mainly autumn) About 30 birds were recorded, of which three were in the spring. All records are listed: Maer Lake: singles on May 8th, May 16th-17th, Jun 5th-7th, Aug 10th, Aug 15th and Sep 4th, two on Sep 6th, one Sep 25th. Drift Res.: singles on Aug 8th-9th and Aug 23rd. Hayle Est.: one Aug 8th-9th, two Aug 11th, one Aug 22nd, two Sep 4th, one Sep 10th. Porthgwarra: one Aug 10th. Devoran: one Aug 12th. Camel Est.: one Aug 13th. Upper Tamar Lake: two Aug 18th. Marazion Marsh: one Aug 19th, one Aug 27th-31st, three Sep 2nd, one Sep 9th. Stithians Res.: one Aug 21st. Land's End/Nanjizal: one Aug 27th-28th, one Sep 4th. Sennen: one Sep 2nd. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 2 1 - 16 12 - -

64 Night Heron, Brocton, April 1998 - Mark Witherall

• Pied-billed Grebe, Crowdy Reservoir, May 1998 - Mark Witherall

Ruff, Davidstow, October 1998 - Graham Sutton Red-rumped Swallow, Millook, March 1998 - John Hawkey Marsh Warbler, Nanjizal, September 1998 - Kester Wilson

Subalpine Warbler (of the race albistriata), Nanjizal, May 1998 - Kester Wilson

Pallas's Warbler, Nanjizal, September 1998 - Kester Wilson , Snow Bunting, Davidstow, October 1998 - Graham Sutton

Corn Bunting, Pentire.June 1998 - Mark Witherall COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Uncommon passage migrant. Fairly rare winter visitor. Bred in 1989 and probably in 1988, but not previously since 1910. In the first winter period, 17 were present in the county, including five on the Helford River from Jan 17th-Feb 17th, five on the Lynher on Feb 15th and four on the Tamar Est. the same day.. Spring passage commenced on Mar 18th with two individuals at Crowdy Res. and ended on May 13th with one at Trevose Head. Peak counts were 11 at Hayle on Apr 22nd, six at Par the same day and seven on the Gannel on Apr 29th. There were three June records: singles on the River Neot at Bute on 2nd (a late spring migrant?), Maer Lake on 14th, and Wadebridge S.W. on 30th. Maximum autumn passage counts were an astonishing 46 at Hayle on Jul 24th (PAR,LPW), and 10 at Drift Res. on Jul 26th. Hayle Est. was the only site to have regular double-figure counts, the last being 12 on Sep 5th. Elsewhere the only such count was from the Camel Est. with 10 on Oct 8th. Return passage ended in the third week of October. In November singles were at on 5th and 16th and Camel Est. on 15th. In December there were five on the Tamar Est. on Dec 6th, the same day as singles on the Fowey and Lynher Estuaries and Tresillian River. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 15 6 46 20 3 131 92 51 21 5 9 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2 4 - - - - 6 - 1 1 3 5 Lynher Est - 5 2 2 - - 10 7 1 1 - 1 Loe Pool - - - 3 2 - 4 5 3 - - - Marazion - - - 5 1 - 9 4 2 - - - Drift Res. - - 1 2 2 - 10 4 2 3 - - Hayle Est. - - • - 11 4 - 46 12 12 2 - - Gannel Est. - - - 7 - - 1 5 2 - - - Camel Est. - _ - 1 1 1 7 6 8 10 1 _

SPOTTED SANDPIPER Actitis macularia Very rare passage migrant. A juvenile was present at Marazion for one day only, on Sep 17th, ANS. The record has been accepted by BBRC and is the tenth for the county. Monthly breakdown of all records Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 1 - 1 5 1 1

TURNSTONE (RUDDY TURNSTONE) Arenaria interpres Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Rarely remains during the summer. There were about average numbers present throughout both winter periods. Spring passage was light and ended with two at Penzance on May 20th. A small number of birds appeared to over-summer in St.Austell Bay, with four at Pentewan on Jun 18th and three at Par Beach Pool the next day, although these may be just early or late stragglers on passage. Return passage started on Jul 12th, when one was on Hayle Est. Wintering flocks started to build from the beginning of October. The highest count was 60 at Par Beach on Nov 6th. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 233 198 104 45 20 8 20 89 154 231 213 243

65 Maximum monthly counts at key sites: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar 11 9 ------10 12 St.John's Lake 12 20 40 - - - - 9 10 10 8 30 Hannafore Point - - - - - 3 - - 55 24 35 St Austell Bay 42 30 20 22 3 7 6 16 30 40 60 42 Mount's Bay 36 2 - 10 14 - - 8 25 28 16 25 Hayle Est. 4 - 6 2 - - 3 4 13 19 - 7 Camel Est. 48 44 28 6 1 - 5 11 12 27 32 48

GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius Fairly rare autumn passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. An average year, involving at least 50 individuals, including four in the first winter period and two in the second. Marazion Marsh: one Jan 2nd/3rd DSF. St.Ives: one Jan 2nd, seven Sep 10th, one Sep 12th, two Sep 13th SMC,PAF,GJC. Carbis Bay: one Jan 5th RB. Hannafore Point: one Jan 14th DCg. Pendeen: one Sep 5th, seven Sep 10th, one Sep 11th, seven Sep 12th, two Sep 13th, seven Sep 14th, five Oct 23rd RB,GJC,DSF,SG et al. Trevose Head: one Sep 5th, one Oct 28th SMC. Godrevy point: one Sep 10th WM. Newquay: one Sep 10th SMC. Sennen: three Sep 11th. Land's End: one Sep 12th, one Dec 21st TG,PAF. Towan Head: one Sep 13th. Camel Est: one Sep 16th SMC. Loe Pool: one Oct 16th. Portmellon: one Nov 11th RL. Rosemullion Head: one Dec 29th PMcC,SAMcC. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 ------44 7 1 2

POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus Fairly rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn, with a third of all records occurring in October. A smaller spring movement along the south coast takes place during May. Also a rare winter visitor. An excellent year with c.123 birds, including good numbers off Porthgwarra in spring. Carbis Bay: one Jan 19th DSF. Chapel Point: one adult Apr 22nd, four adults May 7th, one adult Jun 18th, one Oct 20th and two Oct 22nd RL. Mounts Bay: six adults (one dark bird, all with spoons) May 6th, two (one 1st summer) Jun 26th, one 2nd summer and one 1 st summer Jul 12th PAR Downderry: two May 7th, three imms. Jun 28th AECA,SCM. Porthgwarra: one May 17th, one adult (pale phase) Jun 13th, two Jun 14th, nine Jun 26th, 11 Jul 12th, two Jul 19th, one Jul 21st, 11 Jul 22nd, one Jul 23rd, two Jul 25th, two Jul 26th, one imm Aug 12th, one adult Aug 17th, one Sep 5th, one Sep 6th, one Sep 7th, one Sep 15th and one Nov 2nd JL,LJP,DSF,GJC et al. Rame Head: one imm May 30th, one adult Jun 6th, two Aug 31 st, two Sep 6th and one off Penlee Point Jul 12th EJW,PE.

66 Porthpean: two juvs. Jun 17th RL. Newquay: one Jul 13th, one Oct 25th SMC. Pendeen Watch: one Aug 15th, one adult Aug 21st, one Aug 22nd, one juv Aug 24th, two Sep 10th, one Sep 11th, one Sep 12th, three Oct 17th, two Oct 23rd, two Oct 25th, one adult, one 2nd winter and one 1st winter Nov 3rd SML,DE,MCH,PC et al. Scillonian III: one Aug 29th JL. Trevose Head: one Aug 5th, one Aug 9th, one Oct 28th, two Nov 9th SMC. Killigerran Head: three Sep 6th SMC,BDa. Mousehole: one adult Sep 6th WM. Hannafore: one adult Sep 7th RWG. St Ives: one Sep 11th, one Sep 12th, one Oct 17th, two Oct 29th, one Oct 30th, two Nov 3rd NRK,SGR,RAJ,KJ et al. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 14 22 34 9 18 16 8

ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasitic Uncommon passage migrant, mainly autumn. Also a very rare winter visitor. There were no winter records this year. Spring passage commenced with one past Lamorna Cove on Apr 24th and finishing with two at Downderry on Jun 26th; total spring passage involved 10 birds, not a good year. Autumn passage commenced on Jul 10th, with a heavier passage than normal in that month, the largest numbers in September. In 1995 and 1996 the heaviest passage was in October, whilst last year it was in August. Passage ended with one at Rame Head on Nov 6th. The total number of autumn birds was c.333. Largest day counts were 20 past Killigerran Head on Sep 6th, 21 past St Ives on Sep 10th, 27 past Pendeen Watch on Sep 12th and 24 on Oct 25th. Duplication from some north coast sites may have occurred in the autumn period. An interesting record is of two birds at Par on Sep 6th that flew inland. SMC. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 3 6 39 47 165 78 4 - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head ------1 -

67 Bass Point ------1 18 - - - Porthgwarra - - - - - 2 39 15 29 11 - - Pendeen Watch ------20 101 43 3 - St. Ives Island ------43 33 - - - Trevose Head - - - - - 1 2 15 - - -

LONG-TAILED SKUA Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant (mainly mid-August to mid-October). Pendeen Watch: one juv Aug 21st, one Aug 24th, one juv Oct 19th and one Oct 25th. SGR,PAF,KAW,PSC,SML. Downderry: one grey juv Sep 4th. SCM. Porthgwarra: one juv Sep 5th, one imm and one adult Sep 6th, one juv Nov 2nd. KAW,DCg,DSF,SMC,RAFOS. Gwennap Head: three birds: two were very close and included a fine adult Sep 6th (no doubt included the Porthgwarra birds) RB. Hannafore: one grey juv Sep 7th. RWG. Killigerran Head: one juv Sep 7th. SMC. St Ives: one adult Sep 13th and one juv Oct 17th. PAF,DE. An excellent year for this species with the third highest count ever, of 14 birds. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 4 5 2 22 94 42 5 -

GREAT SKUA Catharacta skua Uncommon passage migrant (mainly late August to late October). Rare winter visitor. The first winter period produced 16 birds, all in January, with the majority between 2nd and 4th. A very poor spring passage with an excellent autumn, a similar pattern to 1997. Autumn passage began on Jul 8th (though the higher than normal numbers in June make the commencement uncertain) involving a total of c.990 birds, although one has to bear in mind duplication of counts. Passage peaked in September and October, the former with a slightly higher figure. November also had a good count. Largest counts included 27 off Porthgwarra on Aug 23rd, 30 off Gwennap Head and 30 off Porthgwarra on Sep 6th, 31 past Pendeen Watch on Sep 8th, with 27 on 10th and 40 on 12th. St Ives logged 33 on Sep 10th. Passage tailed off at the end of September, then picked up again in the second week of October, with 25 at Pendeen on 12th and 29 on 17th. St Ives produced the goods in the last week of October, with 72 on 24th (DCg) and 63 on 25th (KAW, SG) though some of the birds from 24th may have remained in the Bay until 25th. Another pulse of migrants passed in the first week of November. December saw two birds, one at Trevose Head on 19th and one at Hannafore on 29th. Double figures were recorded at various headLand's throughout the year. The total for 1998 was c.1029. Approximate monthly totals 1998 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 16 - - 11 - 10 44 113 397 395 41 2 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 2 - -. - - 2 4 4 35 19 4 1 Porthgwarra - - - - - 2 24 76 37 4 13 - Pendeen Watch - - - 2 - - 7 22 133 160 17 - St. Ives Island 12 ------63 165 4 - Trevose Head - - - 1 - 1 1 4 - - - -

68 SKUA sp. (Pomarine/Arctic Skua) Porthgwarra: four Aug 20th. Hannafore Point: one east Sep 6th. Pendeen Watch four Sep 12th and two Oct 17th. St Ives Island: one, possibly Long-tailed Sep 13th, two Nov 3rd. Mousehole: one Oct 25th.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Another excellent year, with about 230 birds recorded. This species continues to increase in numbers with birds seemingly everywhere. Last birds of the spring were an adult at Millbrook on Apr 25th and a 1st winter bird on the Camel Est. on May 1st. The first to "return" were an adult and a 1st summer bird, very suggestively "hanging out" at the Black-Headed Gull colony at Colliford Res. on Jun 6th. A 2nd summer bird at Hayle Est. on Jun 22nd was the first definite passage bird. Approximate monthly totals 1998 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

49 54 27 32 1 3 23 62 68 47 34 42 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Maer Lake 2 2 1 ------1 1 Colliford Res. - - - - - 2 - 1 - - - - Camel Est. 2 1 1 1 1 - 5 13 13 1 2 6 Newquay area 7 4 1 - - - - 6 1 4 9 3 Gannel Est. 2 2 - - - - 1 2 - 1 1 Hayle Est. 4 6 1 - - 2 5 4 5 5 6 7 Drift Res. 3 3 - - - - - 1 3 4 3 Mounts Bay - - 1 - - - 2 6 7 6 1 4 Helston* 1 2 - - - - - 2 - - - Falmouth* 7 7 ] - - - 1 - 5 3 2 Mevagissey 2 ------Par area 1 - 2 - - - - 3 3 1 1 2 Lynher - 1 ------1 - - - Torpoint* 5 12 4 1 - - 9 12 13 12 3 9

* Helston area includes Loe Pool and ; Falmouth area includes Penryn and College, Argal & Stithians reservoirs; Torpoint includes St John's Lake and Millbrook. Birds wearing white Darvic (indicating Dutch or Belgian origin) or other colour rings were noted as follows: Camel Est: adult Aug 23rd and Dec 12th. (same 19Y ringed bird) SMC. Newquay: 1st winter Jan 1st, 1st winter Feb 22nd, 1st winter Nov 27th SMC,SGR. Long Rock Beach: adult Sep 1st GH. Torpoint: adult Sep 19th GJC. Stithians Res: two 1st winter birds, one white, one yellow Sep 9th SK. Siblyback Res: adult Dec 9th SMC. Long Rock Pool: 1st winter Dec 17th PAR Other rings as follows: Millbrook: adult on Jan 10th GDL. Hayle Est: 1 st winter Feb 9th BD. A juvenile bird at Newquay on Aug 24th had only one leg. SMC.

LAUGHING GULL Larus atricilla. Very rare passage migrant. An adult at Maer Lake on Jan 11th-13th was assumed to be the same as that seen there in 1997

69 (DC1,GPS et al). On this assumption, the county total remains on eight. Accepted by BBRC. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 1 4

LITTLE GULL Larus minutus Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. An above average first winter period. The only long staying birds were one on the Camel Est. from Jan 21st-Mar 15th and one at Maer Lake from Mar 18th-Apr 8th. Birds in spring included seven in March and a widely scattered nine in April, the last being one at Par Beach Pool on Apr 26th. The first returning birds were one at Drift Res. on Aug 28th and one at Marazion Marsh on Aug 31st. There was a small autumn passage, ending with four birds at Trevose Head on Nov 10th. The best sites for the year were St Ives, Hayle Est. and Maer Lake, each with seven. The total for Little Gulls (Paul Carrier the year was around 58 birds, which is about average. Approximate monthly totals 1998 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 8 7 9 2 4 10 9 4 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mounts Bay Ad 2nd 1st 1 1 2 Camel Est. Ad 2nd ------1st 1 1 1 Hayle Est. Ad 1 1 1 2nd ------1st 1 3 Maer Lake Ad 3 2nd ------1st 1 2 1 St Ives Bay. Ad 2nd ------2 - 1st 1 3 1

Highest Counts: Maer Lake: 5 Mar 5th. St Ives Island: 3 Oct 11th, 3 Nov 3rd. Trevose Head: 4 Nov 10th.

SABINE'S GULL Larus sabini Fairly rare passage migrant (mainly September/October). Porthgwarra: 1st summer Jul 11th, four Jul 12th, juv Aug 17th, adult Aug 23rd, juv Sep 5th, four adults Sep 6th followed by three on 7th DSF,GJC,PAF,SMC et al. Barras Nose: 1st summer Jul 12th. AJB. Newquay: 1st summer Jul 12th. SMC. Gannel Est: juv Aug 21st. SMC.

70 Pendeen Watch: three adults Aug 21st, adult and juv Sep 5th, adult Sep 8th, nine juvs. Sep 9th, 13 adults Sep 11th, at least two adults and five juvs Sep 12th, three imms. Sep 13th and finally an adult and a juv Oct 12th DSF,PAF,KAW,GH et al. St Agnes Head: adult Aug 24th. RCJ. Irish Lady (Sennen): five adults Sep 4th and one on 5th. MDW. Bass Point: four juvs and an adult Sep 6th. SK,ARP,ML,AL. Gwennap Head: two adults Sep 6th. RB. Trevose Head: adult Sep 10th. SMC. Devoran: juv Sep 12th. ARP,RCJ. Stives: juv. Sep 12th. LB,BBr. (St Ives): adult and three juvs. Oct 11th. NRK. Another excellent year, with very similar numbers to last year. Monthly Totals 1998 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------6 8 59 6 -

BONAPARTE'S GULL Larus Philadelphia Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A first-winter bird was at Drift Res. on Jan 17th (GH). Accepted by BBRC. It takes the county total to c.39, although some records may relate to the same bird returning in successive years, so there could be some duplication. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 5 11 4 2 1 - - - 3 1 3

BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Uncommon summer visitor. Breeding season records were received from the following sites, with comparative data for 1992- 1997. Figures represent the number of pairs/nests (and young) seen, p = present but not counted 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Colliford Res. 15 7(7) 25(0) 58(60) 65(94) 40(6) 60(82) Crowdy Res. 0 1(2) 25(0) ?(48) 100(?) 100(150) 36(27) Maer Lake 1(0) 16(?) 6(2) - - - - - 80(100) - - - - - Siblyback - 0(1)? - - - - - Butterstor Down 94 ------

The colony at Crowdy Res. has moved to the northern end of the marsh at Butterstor Down, c.5 km south of the reservoir. The Crowdy colony has been in rapid decline since 1995, 1997 saw only 1 pair present, with the Colliford colony also appearing to be in decline. The reason for this decline is unknown, but possibly related to high water levels? Is the Bolventor colony of 1997 the same as the Butterstor colony of 1998? These two sites are only 3 km apart and confusion in naming of sites could have occurred here. The nesting attempt at Maer Lake failed. The breeding numbers have fluctuated somewhat in the county over the years, but it appears the species will remain here well into the future. Total breeding pairs in Cornwall 1992-1998: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 110 104 56 58 165 140 96 This year there were good numbers in both winter periods, though they were well down on last year. Many of the high number of birds present in Dec 1997 wintered into early 1998, the majority moving out in February. An adult at Par Bay on Dec. 12th was strongly albinistic, having a white mantle and very pale grey primaries. RL. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 22982 18794 6658 343 403 838 5638 10941 14857 11769 15397 12803

71 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 3052 3666 1570 11 48 212 588 1616 2118 1567 500 700 St. John's Lake 1000 1500 750 4 - 60 400 1000 1700 1000 500 700 Lynher Est. 780 529 200 5 15 106 474 1076 1134 250 496 1222 Looe Est. 446 368 1 - - - 31 257 205 327 586 559 Fowey Est. 704 105 38 1 2 - 80 267 483 395 597 676 Par Beach 550 410 38 - 1 3 100 216 340 325 355 270 Ruan Lanihorne 170 190 20 2 - - 97 330 400 330 352 450 Tresillian River 410 164 4 - - - 280 407 520 192 515 315 Truro River 573 413 168 - - 10 298 601 824 389 622 497 Restronguet 460 300 35 - - 9 300 600 400 _ _ Drift Res. 530 427 250 - - - - 11 18 177 500 1700 Hayle Est. 3070 1800 28 - 3 - 142 532 750 685 500 - Gannel Est. 450 320 2 - - - 46 229 270 360 620 780 Camel Est. 1500 1500 358 273 52 175 1111 930 1517 1994 4500 1176 Maer Lake 1250 208 120 - - 2 32 - - - - -

RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. An excellent year, with c.27 birds, including at least two returning adults and almost certainly birds in advancing plumages from previous years. All this since the first bird back in 1979 - remember the rush to see that one? Hayle/Copperhouse: The 1997 adult stayed into 1998, presumably the same bird until Apr 27th, and it or another until May 11th; 2nd winter bird from Jan 8th-Feb 10th; 1st winter bird Jan 28th and Feb 28th, (the same bird? It could well be the Drift bird); adult from Dec 1 st into the New Year; 2nd winter Dec 12th-16th and a 3rd winter from Dec 21st-26th. RB,DCg,DSF,GH et al. Par: adult from Jan 1st, with a second bird from Feb 12th-Mar 13th, the last sighting of one being on Mar 20th; 2nd winter bird from Feb 4th-15th; presumed same returning adult from Nov 10th- Dec 26th and thence into 1999 SMC,WS,ABS,GJC et al. Drift Res: 1st winter bird (from 1997) from Jan 3rd-Mar 30th BD; a different first year Feb 9th GH. Millbrook: adult and a 2nd winter bird on on Jan 10th. adult from Oct 17th-Dec 6th GDL,GSG,MB,RWG et al. Maenporth/Swanpool: adult from Jan 17th-Mar 21st, with presumed same at Greenbank Jan 31st; 1st winter bird from Mar 14th-Apr 27th BHB,GHT,LB,RCJ et al. Marazion area: 1st winter at Trenow Cove Jan 25th; 2nd winter Apr 21st; adult also on Apr 21st PAD,SK. Maer Lake: adult Feb 5th GPS. Portscatho: 2nd winter Feb 7th SMC. St Johns Lake: adult Feb 20th, possibly the Millbrook bird and possibly the same at Torpoint Feb 20th CFNHC. Argal Res: 1st winter Feb 28th RCJ. Newlyn Harbour: 1 st winter Mar 1 st BD. Nanquidno: 1st summer Apr 28th, possibly the Drift bird RCJ. Camel Est: adult Dec 5th CC. Loe Pool: adult and 1st winter Dec 13th ARP. Approximate monthly county total: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 12 8 5 1 - - - - 1 1 9 Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 56 50 60 26 7 2 - 2 2 10 28 53 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 133; 2nd year 43; 3rd year 9; adult 81.

COMMON GULL (MEW GULL) Larus canus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Rare in summer.

72 Low numbers in both winter periods, with a small spring passage in January and February and lower than normal numbers in March. The last in spring were an adult and two 1st winters at Marazion Marsh on Apr 29th. There were no summering birds this year. Is summering in decline? The first returning bird was a juv. at Eastern Green Beach on Jul 24th, but there no large numbers until October. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1452 603 78 18 0 0 2 16 36 111 595 813 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 161 141 10 4 - - - - 17 15 30 75 St. John's Lake 100 70 6 4 ______Lynher Est. 330 28 1 2 - - - - - 28 9 47 Millbrook Lake 25 37 3 _ _ - - _ _ 6 31 Drift Res. 58 5 1 - - _ _ 1 _ _ Hayle Est. 60 P - 1 - - - 1 1 - P - Newquay 15 40 12 1 ------11 Camel Est. 148 79 32 1 - - 1 5 11 57 370 303 Winnards Perch 90 ------115 320

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Fairly rare breeding summer visitor. Breeding occurred at: Gulland Rock (one probable pair), Kynance Cliff (one pair), Holmbush Industrial Estate (one pair inland roof-nesting), Par Harbour Building roofs (two pairs), The Mouls (three pairs), and The Sisters (one pair). Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 868 7574 9253 1081 92 63 332 2848 2905 2745 948 1535 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. John's Lake 8 15 4 1 ------Lynher Est. 50 18 8 14 - - - - - 1 9 14 Loe Pool 21 42 24 - - - - - P - 150 85 Hayle Est. 100 1070 800 500 30 8 11 135 44 72 131 150 Drift Res. 4 38 72 80 2 3 3 58 18 23 51 25 Gannel Est. 28 140 110 10 - - - - 7 - - - Newquay - 426 1228 89 10 ------71 Camel Est. 248 2666 5117 125 - - - - - 4 184 184 Crowdy Res. 4 - - 1 13 - - 410 301 111 - - Colliford Res. 644 2 3 28 7 16 150 2100 2100 2500 133 500 Siblyback Res. 55 12 9 3 - 1 153 124 253 - 132 74 Maer Lake 60 94 350 49 ------P There was a huge spring passage in February and March along the north coast, with large flocks in the Newquay area and the Camel Est., the latter site holding the largest county total to date of 5117 on Mar 11 th SMC. Later on there was big build-up in August, September and October on Colliford Res. It would appear the normal large flock on Hayle Est. has moved up to the Camel. Colliford Res. is still a major "loafing site" for the species. Birds showing characteristics of the Southern Scandinavian race L. /. intermedins were reported as follows: Camel Est.: Mar 3rd SMC. Maer Lake: Mar 3rd GPS. Swanpool: Mar 7th RCJ. Newquay: Mar 17th SMC. Newquay: Apr 15th SMC. Camel Est.: three Mar 28th SMC. Pendeen: Aug 11th SML, MCH. Considering the numbers in 1998, the count for intermedins was low, especially with the counts of this form for 1996. It is far more common than records suggest. Scrutinise those gull flocks !

73 HERRING GULL Larus argentatus Fairly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. There are indications that a recent decline may be over. Breeding season reports were as follows: Godrevy Island (23 pairs), Gulland Rock (c.100 nests with eggs or chicks), Gull Rock, Kynance (60 pairs), Newland, (14 pairs), The Mouls (25 pairs), Portquin (two pairs), Trevose Head (two pairs). Inland breeding records were as follows: a pair reared two young on Newquay Magistrates Court, six pairs bred on the roof of Newquay Police Station (under the protection of the law?), 12 pairs at Holmbush Industrial. Estate, six pairs on Carlyon Bay Coliseum and "scores" on Par Harbour roofs. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8427 10513 7712 4152 3586 3647 4365 4788 5321 6086 8361 4831 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 301 214 238 452 432 544 514 304 93 233 - 100 St. John's Lake 75 300 35 240 - 400 400 300 - 200 80 60 Lynher Est. 263 38 111 350 73 90 474 55 98 67 197 432 Looe Est. 811 340 24 281 381 342 586 560 482 597 633 674 Fowey Est. 226 116 107 65 52 - 5 182 216 59 159 51 Par Beach 256 435 170 297 350 300 258 364 155 110 180 155 Ruan Lanihorne 40 22 20 12 36 170 20 24 420 118 342 78 Tresillian River 3 28 28 23 11 3 3 7 12 4 19 3 Truro River 76 48 47 215 84 47 43 122 111 62 109 80 Helford River 28 33 56 86 14 79 20 35 68 70 90 200 Drift Res. 760 345 364 243 273 149 480 459 400 1000 2400 2100 Hayle Est. 600 550 400 220 400 301 720 690 807 734 700 1 Gannel Est. 480 530 80 240 - - 286 504 680 520 136 Camel Est. 533 1650 3394 233 270 218 29 407 1101 818 405 675 Crowdy Res. 10 - - 1 156 32 - 2 - 416 245 -

Other large counts include 800 at Carbis Bay on Jan 19th, 2500 in St Ives Bay on Feb 1st, 1100 at Newquay on Jan 12th and 2200 also at Newquay on Nov 11th DSF,SMC. An interesting record of 600 feeding over barnacle encrusted timber, floating at sea, off Trevose Head on May 3rd SMC. Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian form L. a. argentatus were noted as follows: Drift Res.: first year Feb 11th GH. Camel Est.: adult Feb 21st-28th, different bird Mar 13th. SMC. Hayle Est.: adult Mar 15th GH. Long Rock Pool: adult Mar 15th GH. Maenporth: the 1st winter argentatus/hybrid/leucistic bird from 1997 on Jan 27th, 31st and Feb 3rd. ARP, RCJ. Maer Lake: adult Mar 3rd GCJ. Par Beach Pool: 2nd winter Mar 22nd GCJ. Pendeen: adult Oct 23rd SML,MCH,PC. A 1st winter bird showing characteristics of the American race L.a.smithsonianus was at Millbrook on Feb 23rd KP.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus cachinanns Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Colliford Reservoir is the top site in the county. A minimum of 46 individuals were reported, the highest ever annual total, beating last year's by one. Apart from singles in 1944 and 1950, all but two have been recorded since 1983. Colliford Res.: adult Jan 10th, adult Jul 4th-17th, 3rd summer Jul 4th-6th, 1st year Jul 6th, three adults Aug 2nd with two until Aug 28th, three adults (also seen on Davidstow Airfield) Sep 13th-26th, six adults and a 2nd winter bird Oct 16th-18th, and finally a 3rd year bird on Dec 26th SMC,GJC,SCM,DC et al. Par Beach: adult Jan 24th RL. Hayle Est/Copperhouse: adult Jan 27th, two adults Feb 20th-23rd with one remaining until 27th,

74 adult Mar 4th- 6th, 3rd summer bird Mar 8th, adult Mar 11th-Apr 16th, two adults Mar 22nd-25th, 3rd winter bird Mar 24th, adult Jul 21st, a 1st year bird Sep 7th, and finally a 2nd winter Oct 7th GHT,LPW,SMC,DSF et al. Camel Est: adult Feb 20th-21st, two adults Mar 11th-13th with one until 15th, a 4th winter bird Mar 14th, a 2nd year bird Aug 20th, finally an adult Aug 23rd SMC. Maer Lake: a 2nd winter bird Mar 3rd GPS,GCJ. Long Rock Pool/Marazion Marsh: adult from Mar 15th-17th DSF. Pentewan Beach: adult Apr 28th RL. Millbrook: 1st winter and 1st summer birds May 10th, adult Dec 19th DCg.,SCM,DC,CFNHC et al. Devoran: adult Aug 4th DE. Stithians Res.: adult Oct 30th DAC. Newquay: adult Dec 12th SMC. Loe Pool: adult Dec 28th SMC. There was none at St Johns Lake this year - is this an avian or an observer shift? This site is normally one of the top areas. It would be prudent to bear in mind inter-site movement, particularly between the Camel Est. and Colliford Res. Again there is no real evidence of any late summer build-up, as in other southern counties, 1998 showing a larger spring passage. There were several small flocks this year. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 24 19 21 3 6 3 7 17 14 30 17 16 Age breakdown on first arrival in 1998: 1st year 4; 2nd year 3; 3rd year 5; 4th year/adult 34. Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 18; 2nd year 16; 3rd year 10; 4th year/adult 131.

ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides Fairly rare winter visitor and passage migrant (mainly spring). With 41 birds reported, this was the second best year on record, beaten only by 57 in 1984. The Drift 2nd winter, Castle Beach 1 st winter and Sancreed 1 st winter birds may well be leftovers from the 1997 second winter period. The bulk of the birds arrived in January and February, with another smaller arrival in April. Some birds may have been mobile between distant sites, giving some duplication of records. There were lower numbers than usual in May, but the two birds in June are noteworthy. Once again there were low numbers in the second winter period. Castle Beach/ Maenporth/Swanpool: 1st winter Jan lst-Feb 1st, 1st winter hybrid Jan 17th RCJ,GHT,BHB et al. East Looe River: 2nd winter Jan 3rd GDL,CFHNC. Drift Res: 2nd winter on Jan 9th-Apr 6th, adult Jan 31st, 2nd summer Mar 7th, 1st year bird May 8th, 1st summer May 8th, 2nd year Jun 3rd GH,BD,SMC,DSF et al. Newquay area: 1st winter Jan 10th-29th, 1st winter Feb 10th, 1st winter Feb 28th, 1 st winter Mar 6th- 13th, 1st winter Mar 13th-Apr 28th, 1st summer Apr 24th, 1st winter May 7th and finally 1st summer May 26th SGR,SMC,GJC, DIJ. : age not given Jan 13th AJB. Sancreed: 1st winter Jan 17th DSF. Rame Head: adult Jan 24th, 1st year Apr 6th, lst/2nd summer Apr 6th CFNHC,EJW,DCg. Cove: 1st winter Feb 2nd ARP. Par Beach/Bay: 2nd winter Feb 7th, 1st winter Feb 8th Iceland and Glaucous Gulls (Kester Wilson)

75 RL. Copperhouse Creek/Carbis Bay: 1st winter Feb 10th-15th GH, SMC. Camel Est: adult Feb 22nd, 1st winter Apr 10th, 1st summer Jun 9th SMC, DIJ. Hayle Est: adult Feb 22nd, 2nd winter Mar 1 st, adult Apr 17th, 1 st summer Apr 23rd, 1 st summer May 9th 10th PTS,AM,LPW,SGR et al. Hannafore: 1st winter Feb 25th DCg,CFNHC. Downderry: 1st winter Mar 14th SCM,CFNHC. : 2nd year bird Apr 10th GSGy. Tregantle, : 1st year Apr 10th, 2nd summer Apr 13th-23rd SCM, GJC. Ruan Lanihorne: 2nd winter Nov 11th RL. Lynher Est: 2nd winter Dec 6th CFNHC,RWG,AECA,SG. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 14 6 9 5 2 - - - - 1 1 Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 98 88 67 60 24 3 - - 1 4 14 36 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 203; 2nd year 91; 3rd year 19; 4th year/adult 56; "imm." 10; not aged 6. Age breakdown for 1998: 1st year 24; 2nd year 11; 4th year/adult 5; not aged one.

GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus Fairly rare winter visitor and passage migrant (mainly spring). An excellent year, with c.41 birds, including several seen in the summer months. There were large numbers in the first winter period, but very few in the second. Inter-site movement should be borne in mind. St Ives Bay: 1st winter Jan 2nd-18th, 2nd winter Jan 10th. SGR,WS,ABS,DSF et al. Hayle Est: 1st winter Jan 10th, 1st winter (possibly previous bird) Feb lst-24th, 1st summer Feb 21st, 2nd winter Feb 28th, 1 st winter (presumed previous 1 st year bird) Mar 4th, 1 st summer Apr 2nd, 1 st winter (possibly previous 1st winter bird) Apr 4th, 2nd year bird Apr 12th, 1st summer Apr 15th (presumed same as Apr 2nd). DSF,LPW,RK,SMC et al. Newquay area: 1st winter Jan 3rd-Feb 15th, 2nd winter Apr 6th, 2nd summer Apr 12th, 1st winter Apr 15th SMC, SGR. Helston Boating Lake: 1st winter Jan 6th. SMC. Pennance Point: 1st winter Jan 6th. SMC. Mounts Bay: 1st winter Jan 9th-13th, presumed same Feb 6th-9th GH,BD, RK. Falmouth Bay: 1st winter Jan 17th, 2nd winter Jan 17th, adult Jan 25th. RCJ,BHB,LB,GHT et al. Maer Lake: 1st winter Jan 18th-Feb 17th, presumed same at Bude Marshes Feb 22nd, 2nd winter Jan 31st, latter seen again when two 2nd winter birds Feb 8th-17th, one until Feb 22nd GPS,SMC,SGR,BHB,LB. Upper Tamar Lake: 1st winter Jan 24th SMC,GPS. Par/St Austell Bay: 1st winter Jan 31st-June 21st, 2nd winter Feb 1st, 1st winter (different from long staying bird) Feb 9th, 1st summer Mar lst-May 31st, 2nd winter Mar 1st and a different bird Apr 1st- Jun 21st, 1st winter moulting into summer plumage Apr 5th-May 31st, presumed same 1st summer Jul lst-Sep 9th, 2nd winter Jul 14th- Sep 3rd and presumed same Oct lst-Dec 31st, 3rd winter Oct 12th. A somewhat confusing picture at Par, with the same or different birds appearing after a month's gap at times throughout the year. If they are all the same birds, where have they been in between? ABS,WS,GDL,RL et al. Loe Pool: 1st winter Feb 6th RK. Camel Est: 1st winter Feb 9th-Mar 7th, adult Feb 21st with injured right leg, and a different 1st winter bird Mar 3rd SMC. Bude Marshes: 2nd winter Feb 22nd GPS. Trevose Head: 1st winter Mar 5th, probably one of the Camel birds SMC. : a 2nd year bird Mar 8th KAW. Downderry: 1st winter Mar 27th-29th CFNHC,SCM,GDC.

76 Looe: 1st summer Mar 28th CFNHC. Bass Point: 1st winter Apr 3rd SK. Rame Head: imm bird Apr 11th CFNHC,EJW. Pendeen: 1st winter Oct 27th BD. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 14 8 10 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 154 106 58 28 15 3 1 3 11 15 34 49 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year 220, 2nd year 94, 3rd year 27, 4th year/adult 61, imm. 27, not aged 35.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Uncommon breeding resident. Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. General numbers were similar to previous years but there were fewer than normal at Looe Est. and Ruan Lanihorne in the first winter period. Few breeding records were received this year: Godrevy Island (nine pairs); Gulland Rock (one nest with 3 chicks); Gull Rock, Kynance (three pairs); The Mouls (eight pairs). There were no records again from Mullion Island, which holds the county's largest colony. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1073 1101 1598 394 280 255 282 587 545 597 482 787 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 28 12 35 17 4 34 36 9 6 12 30 30 St. John's Lake 12 5 8 8 - 22 30 - - - - - Lynher Est. 65 9 14 10 5 6 3 5 11 16 41 19 Looe 71 102 5 46 208 89 133 325 208 315 226 280 Ruan Lanihorne 92 130 53 15 15 29 8 20 15 - 44 260 Drift Res. 10 7 5 5 - 2 1 2 5 29 19 - Hayle Est. 15 170 47 - 1 2 24 P 43 38 P - Newquay 94 39 54 39 1 1 - - 110 - - 37 Camel Est. 227 452 1239 227 - - 13 82 155 67 98 131 One of a small flock at Lowland Point, The Lizard on Aug 18th had yellow legs RCJ,ARP. An adult at Newquay on Mar 25th had a 2nd winter bill pattern SMC.

ROSS'S GULL Rhodostethia rosea Very rare passage migrant and winter visitor. An adult found at Maenporth on Jan 25th moved to the Swanpool/Pennance Point area and remained until 31st GWD,ARP et al. Accepted by BBRC. This is the fourth county record. Previous records in 1977, 1988 and 1989 involved two first winters and an adult. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 1 ------1 -

KITTIWAKE (BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE) Rissa tridactyla Fairly common breeding summer visitor resident. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Few breeding season counts were received this year (figures represent maximum number of pairs or nests counted, p means present but not counted):

77 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Mullion - - 13 - - - 9 Land's End - - 537 501 495 - - Ralph's Cupboard - 70 104 114 118 176 192 Newquay 750 - 1200 600 1000 1000 P Trevose Head/Stepper - - 150 35 140 142 80 Polzeath/Ranie Point - - 11 - 89 75 P Porthmissen 200 100 - - - - Gorran Haven - 120 - - - - - Highest counts during the year include: Hannafore: 500 Jan 1st DCg. St Ives Island: 3144 west Jan 2nd SMC. Chapel Point: 1000 west, 1000 south-west Jan 8th RL. Pendeen: 1065 west Oct 19th SML,MCH. St Ives Island: 3000 Oct 25th SG. Trevose Head: 2092 west in five hours Oct 28th SMC. Porthgwarra: 2768 west in three hours Nov 2nd SMC. Pendeen: 5959 west in eight hours Nov 3rd SMC. Trevose Head: 2459 west in two hours Nov 9th SMC. Trevose Head: 1401 west in two hours Nov 10th SMC.

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis Uncommon passage migrant. Very rare winter visitor. The first bird of the year was a single at Porthpean on Feb 15th SMC. The main spring passage occurred during April, marginally later than in previous years. Non-breeding birds lingered on the Camel Est. (DIJ), Hayle Est. (DSF), Mount's Bay (PAF), and at Par (RL). The start of the autumn passage was marked by returning adults with juveniles at Cowloe on Jul 21st and 25th (TG). There was a notable movement of birds in a westerly direction from Sep 10th-13th with over 400 individuals on the move. The final record for the year was a single at Par on Oct 26th (RL). There were no reports of wintering birds this year.

Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 55 572 178 99 234 517 1433 119 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 1 54 17 11 37 132 66 2 - - Hayle Est. - - - 62 8 6 31 233 331 34 - - Mount's Bay - - 22 73 68 10 15 13 44 16 - - Par - - 24 50 28 33 4 2 27 1 1 - - St John's - - - - 4 - 21 2 3 1 - -

ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii Rare passage migrant. Mount's Bay: one May 12th, three May 13th and one Jun 5th DSF. Newquay: adult May 13th, 1st summer Jun 29th-30th SMC. Bude Breakwater: one May 30th GPS. Trevose Head: adult Jun 6th SMC. : juvenile Aug 7th FMC. St Ives: singles Sep 10th (PAF) & 13th PAF,GJC. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov - - - 32 126 66 127 150 182 40 -

78 Roseate and Common Terns (Kester Wilson) COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Fairly common passage migrant. Two early migrants were seen at Portmellon on Apr 3rd (RL), but the majority of birds were noted between Apr 19th and May 17th. Mount's Bay held 92 during May and in the same month 65 were seen from Newquay. The majority of autumn migrants were on the move during September, with 20 being noted at Pendeen on Sep 12th (RB) and 35 in St Ives Bay on Sep 27th (SMC). The last birds of the year were five on the Lynher Estuary on Nov 8th (SG). There were four inland records during the year: an adult at Drift Res. on May 5th (GH), a juvenile at the same site on Aug 29th (GH), three at Stithians Res. on Aug 31st (SHL) and a single bird at Stithians on Sep 25th (RCJ). Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 65 345 56 37 57 264 13 5 - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. - - - 6 - 1 1 7 29 7 - - Mount's Bay - - - 10 92 19 - 1 - - - - Newquay - - - 4 65 16 2 10 3 - - - Par - - - 26 9 9 3 8 - - - - Trevose Head - - - 3 8 4 - 4 7 1 _

ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea Fairly rare passage migrant. The spring passage began with 14 on Ryan's Field on Apr 14th (DJS). These were followed by small numbers until May 30th, when 16 were noted passing Rame Head (EJW). The final bird of the year was seen from St Ives on Nov 3rd (NRk). Another good count was recorded from the Scillonian III on Sep 12th, when nine were reported (RMJ). Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ _ _ 21 55 2 1 5 30 11 1 _

79 TERN sp. (Common or Arctic) There were four records of unidentified terns submitted this year: Porthgwarra: two Apr 14th (Cbs). Sennen: seven May 11th (JL). St Ives: 72 Sep 10th. Pendeen Watch: 55 Sep 12th (GJC).

LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons Fairly rare passage migrant. An average year for this species with a total of 46 birds being recorded, 19 during the spring and 27 during the autumn. The first two birds were seen at Hayle on Apr 19th (DFS,PTS) and the last was noted at Hellesveor on Oct 11th (NRk). Hayle was the top site, with nine birds on Jul 19th (DSF) and a total of 14 birds on the estuary over the course of the year. Hayle: two Apr 19th, nine Jul 19th, one Aug 1st, one Aug 5th and one Oct 1st DSFJLPW et al. Par Bay: three Apr 22nd, three Apr 29th and four Apr 30th RL,SMC. Mount's Bay: five Apr 30th, one May 12th and one Sep 30th PAF,NRk. Northcott Mouth: two May 1st GPS. Camel Est.: one May 11th and one Jul 25th DIJ,SMC. St Ives: five Jul 22nd SMC. Trevose Head: two Jul 27th SMC. Kingsmill Lake: two adults Aug 1st CFNHC, MB. Hellesveor: one adult Oct 11th NRk. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 17 4 - 18 4 3 2 - -

BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger Fairly rare passage migrant. Spring passage began with a single in Mount's Bay on Apr 30th (PAF) and continued through May, the final spring bird passing Rame Head on Jun 20th CFNHC,EJW. Return passage was first noted on Aug 28th with one on the Hayle Est. DSF. The final two birds were seen passing Pendeen Watch on Oct 12th PAF. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 9 1 - 1 60 2 - - Mount's Bay: one Apr 30th and one May 12th PAF. Chapel Point: seven May 7th RL. Rame Head: one May 23rd and one Jun 20th CFNHC,GDL,EJW. Hayle Est: one Aug 28th and one Sep 6th DSF. Lynher Est: one Sep 2nd-3rd CFNHC,DCg. Downderry: seven Sep 4th CFNHC,SCM. Newquay: two Sep 4th SMC. Trevose Head: two Sep 5th SMC. Maer Lake: two Sep 6th GPS. Par Bay: two juvs Sep 6th BD,KJ,RAJ et al. Pendeen Watch: one Sep 6th, one Sep 9th, eight Sep 10th, six Sep 11th, three Sep 12th and two Oct 12th DSF,GJC et al. St Ives: 14 Sep 10th, five Sep 12th, four Sep 13th and one Sep 14th GJC,KJ,PAF et al.

80 GUILLEMOT (COMMON GUILLEMOT) Una aalge Fairly common breeding resident. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. 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 1992-1997. 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Long & Short Islands 40 3 213 7 30 50 160 Lye Rock 11 - 8 - - - 20 The Sisters 359 180 264 P P 80 70 The Mouls 60 2 50 45 _ 60 Gulland Rock 200 P 120 - - - 150 Trevose Head - 7 36 P 4 10 26 - P P 50 80 - 80 Newdowns Head - P P 35 - - - The Brisons - 4 P P P P P Gull Rock, Nare Head - P P 20 30 30 40 Hells Mouth 81 Rumps Point P Gunver Head P 60

Rumps Point has been included to raise awareness that birds are present here and may not necessarily come from the Mouls. The birds at Hells Mouth were present on ledges: birds have not been recorded here since 1991. It is not certain whether the count for Bossiney refers to Lye Rock or The Sisters, or is in fact another colony. Maximum winter counts were as follows: 150 in St Ives Bay on Jan 8th and 200 on Feb 15th, 700 off Trevose Head on Jan 20th with Razorbills. Maximum passage figures were 600 past Pendeen Watch on Oct 19th in four hours, with 200 in five hours on Oct 23rd. There were many smaller counts from around the county. Of interest were c.45 sightings in April-June of single birds in St Austell Bay, which could indicate a small undiscovered colony in this area, though of course it could relate to birds from Gull Rock, Nare Head (c.l7km away as the Guillemot flies). Dodman Point would be a suitable closer candidate or maybe even in St Austell Bay itself.

Guillemots, Puffin and Little Auk (Kester Wilson) RAZORBILL Alca torda Fairly common breeding resident. Common passage migrant and 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 1992-1997.

81 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Long & Short Islands 43 5 102 25 P 60 30 The Mouls 45 4 8 20 37 P P Lye Rock 4 The Sisters 33 20 35 - - - 44 Cat's Cove - 14 28 _ 2 - 6 Hudder Cove - 4 p 7 3 9 _ Hell's Mouth 4 6 p 10 15 22 The Brisons - 40 _ _ - - Gulland Rock 40 100 Gunver Head 20 Bossiney 16

The Trevalga count is included here as it is uncertain whether this refers to Long and Short Islands colonies, or is in fact another colony. The situation is the same with the Bossiney count. Would observers please be exact in the naming of seabird breeding sites and use the closest commonly used name on the O.S. map, rather than a general area name and, if using grid references, give the reference for the actual site rather than a central point in the general area. Maximum winter counts were as follows: 350 in St Ives Bay on Jan 8th with 600 on Jan 24th and 1000 on Feb 15th, 100 in Portquin Bay on Jan 17th, 400 off Rumps Point on Jan 17th, 400 off Trevose Head on Jan 20th and 120 in Veryan Bay on Feb 3rd. Smaller numbers were noted at several other sites. Passage maximums were 200 past Hellesveor, St Ives on Oct 11th; 300 in three hours past Porthgwarra on Oct 20th and 500 past Pendeen in five hours on Oct 23rd. A few smaller counts were received, passage appearing generally lighter than normal. The "Seabird 2000" counts will bring a much fuller and up to date picture of the breeding totals in Cornwall since the 1996 North Cornwall Seabird Survey, applying as it does to all seabird species.

AUK sp. - (Common Guillemot or Razorbill) Chapel Point: total of 2720 south-west between Jan 6th and Dec 16th. Pendeen: 1300 west Oct 23rd; 15288 west Nov 3rd in eight hours and 1710 west Oct 29th in one hour. St Ives Bay: 1000 on Jan 18th; 10000 west Oct 24th in two hours; 18000 on Oct 25th and 1550 west in one hour Oct 26th. St Agnes Head; 3500 south-west in one and a half hours Nov 3rd; 650 south-west in one hour Nov 29th and 950 south-west in two hours Nov 30th. Trevose Head: 420 west in one hour Jan 14th; 7897 in five hours Oct 28th; 3540 in three hours Oct 29th; 3334 in two hours Oct 30th; 3216 in two hours Nov 10th; 3798 in three hours Nov 14th and 1737 in one hour Dec 19th. An excellent autumn passage with peaks around Oct 24th/25th and Nov 3rd. Let us hope the gill netting agreements in St. Ives Bay bear fruition and the auk kills are a sorry event of the past.

BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. One was in Carbis Bay on Jan 24th, RAJ,KJ. It takes the county mainland total advances to c.60. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 7 5 5 2 2 - - 3 6 8 7 *four undated

LITTLE AUK Alle alle Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Pendeen: three Jan 2nd, one Jan 5th, two Jan 16th, one Oct 25th, three Nov 3rd, 20 Nov 5th RB,BD,PAF,KAW et al. Carbis Bay: one Jan 5th DSF. Porthgwarra: one Jan 5th JL. St.Austell Bay: three Jan 6th-7th RL.

82 Mevagissey Bay: two Jan 6th RL. Mount's Bay: one Jan 11th GH. Trevose Head: one Jan 14th , three Oct 14th, one Oct 30th, one Nov 14th SMC. Holywell Bay: a partly-eaten corpse on the cliff-path Jan 15th SMC. Gerran's Bay: one Jan 23rd RL. St.Just Creek: one Jan 23rd RL. Falmouth Bay: one Apr 14th RCJ. Godrevy Point: four Nov 3rd WM. Porthpean: one Nov 5th RL. Rame Head: one Nov 6th EJW. Chapel Point: three Nov 7th, one Nov 11th RL. Charlestown: one Nov 27th RL. : one Nov 28th RL. Rosemullion Head: one Dec 29th PMcC,SAMcC. An excellent year, with 61 birds recorded, of which 18 occurred during the January storms. The April bird was only the third ever in that month. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 113 133 39 3 - 1 - - 4 107 439 513

PUFFIN (ATLANTIC PUFFIN) Fratercula arctica Fairly rare breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Over the last 50 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. 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 1992 to 1997. 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Long and Short Islands 6 4 12 7 2 16 15 The Mouls 25 22 8 11 20 25 30 The Brisons 4 6 5 3 - - -

There were no reports from Bawden Rock or Gulland Rock. Counts from The Rumps and Trevalga are presumed to relate to Long and Short Islands and The Mouls. It should be borne in mind that counts of Puffins on the sea near breeding colonies bear little resemblance to the actual number of pairs and can give only a rough pair estimate (Gibbons et al, 1993). The Seabird 2000 survey should give us much valuable information for this species. Breeding birds usually rely on burrows in turf for nesting, but will occasionally nest in hollows and tunnels amongst rocks and at the base of boulder tumble slopes and scree slopes. Soil erosion appears to be one of the main reasons for the decline nationally. Nesting gulls remove the vegetative cover and with no binding material, the limited soil washes or blows away. Another possibility is Brown Rat infestation. Just two breeding adult rats could soon infest a small island and literally strip every nest of eggs and young. Harris and Wanless 1991 also cite a reduction in the number of sprats, one of the main food species for the Puffin. Whatever the causes, the species (plus other auks) is only just holding on as a breeding species in Cornwall. Elsewhere the following records were received: Portmellon: one Jan 8th. Hannafore: one Jan 18th. Porthgwarra: 70 between Apr 3rd and Oct 25th. Pendeen: 14 between Apr 4th and Oct 25th. Chapel Point: three Apr 21st, two May 7th. Scillonian: III: four Apr 25th. Trevose Head: one Apr 25th, two Jun 14th and one Sep 12th.

83 Godrevy: singles Jun 10th and 11th. Mounts Bay: one Jul 8th. Gwennap Head: one Sep 5th. Hellesveor: three Oct 11th. St.Ives Island: one Nov 3rd.

FERAL PIGEON / ROCK DOVE Columba livia Fairly common resident. Around 270 birds were reported, including several large flocks: St Austell Town centre: 100 between January and March. Truro City Centre: 100 between January and March. East Looe: 25-30 on several dates. Trevose Head: 21 on May 16th. Higher Kergilliack, Falmouth: 20 on cereal stubble on Nov 29th. Trobus Farm, Ladock: A population of c.20 has been present here for the last 25 years, nesting in farm sheds. A welcome increase in records, though surely any large conurbation and many cliff areas have Feral Pigeons. This species is far more numerous than records suggest, boosted also by racing pigeons that go native.

STOCKDOVE (STOCK PIGEON) Columba oenas Fairly common resident and passage migrant. This year in particular, numbers were very poor in the first winter period, although there was the usual 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. No large counts in the first winter period, the maximum being 35 at Drift Res. on Jan 17th, with fluctuating numbers here on other dates. The only other large number was 24 at on Feb 10th. There were counts of below 10 at several other localities. The first spring migrants may have been three flying west off Polkerris towards on 12th Mar. Spring passage was very poor, the only birds being one at Airfield on Apr 3rd, one in off the sea on Apr 4th at Church Cove, Lizard, two at Dozmary Pool on Apr 5th and seven at Ninestones Bridge on May 2nd. Breeding occurred at Coldrose Farm near Truro, at Killiow and at Farm near . Birds probably bred at Wood, and were present at 11 other sites. Autumn migration was almost non-existent in October, with no flocks over 15. Numbers built up over the first three weeks of November. The largest counts were: 79 at Marazion on Nov 4th, 138 at Porthgwarra on Nov 6th and 249 here on Nov 7th, 113 at Sancreed on Nov 11th, 187 at Drift Res. on Nov 15th and 85 at Sancreed on the same date, 1013 south over Porthgwarra in 4 hours on Nov 15th and 2200 south here in 4 hours on the 16th SMC. The latter count is a new county record. Passage virtually ceased after this period, with maximums of just 40 at Chiverton Croft on Nov 18th and 36 at Falmouth on Nov 29th. Autumn migration involved around 4955 birds (not allowing for duplication.) Interestingly no autumn records came from east Cornwall. The large number of migrants in autumn did not stay into the second winter period. The largest flocks were 64 at Penjerrick on Dec 3rd, c.500 on linseed stubble at on Dec 5th-6th, 100 at Tregurnow Farm, Boskenna on Dec 5th-7th and 55 at on Dec 20th. The second winter total was around 949 birds. Stock Doves (Kester Wilson)

84 WOODPIGEON (COMMON WOOD PIGEON) Columba palumbus Common resident and passage migrant (majority in late autumn). There were few large counts in the first winter period, the best being 50 at Loe Pool on Jan 28th and Feb 5th, 55 at Mawgan Porth on Jan 30th, 275 at the Camel Est. on Feb 6th, 127 at Mawgan Porth on Feb 11th, 350 at Padstow on Mar 4th and 35 at the Tresillian River on Apr 26th. Spring passage was very low. Breeding reports were very sparse, the only ones received being two pairs at Predannack and one juvenile seen at Labour-in-Vain, although birds were noted at many areas during the breeding season. Breeding has been recorded in every month of the year in Britain. Autumn passage was low in October, with counts of 85 at Wadebridge on Oct 4th, 25 at Trevose Head on Oct 7th, 115 at Dinham Woods on Oct 8th and 210 there on Oct 12th. November counts began with 240 at Porthgwarra on 1 st. Then between Nov 4th and 29th, 23728 were logged moving west or south, primarily in the Land's End and Lizard areas. The majority of counts were in the hundreds, but there were several larger counts as follows: 4700 over Marazion in 2.5 hours on 4th, 2500 over Marazion Marsh on 5th and 1052 there on 6th, 1350 west at Sancreed on 6th and 3710 west there on 11th. Porthgwarra, not to be outdone, had 1594 south in 4 hours on 15th and 2406 south in 4 hours on 16th PAF,DSF,SMC. The second winter period saw a few large flocks, but none over 400. The migrants did not stay around and presumably carried on to the Continent. The largest flock was 350 at Penlee Battery on Dec 19th. Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Wood Pigeons visiting Britain from the Continent in winter. In the grain growing areas of East Anglia, it is now common to see flocks of 2-3000 feeding on cereal and oilseed rape fields, particularly the latter.

COLLARED DOVE (EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE) Streptopelia decaocto Fairly common resident and passage migrant. There were records from 26 sites county-wide, with once again few noted in the second winter period. Recorded in every month in the Par Beach Pool area. Probable spring migrants included 20 at Kenidjack on May 16th, 30 at Land's End on May 16th, six at Trevose Head on May 16th, 15 at Sancreed on May 17th, 28 at Trevose Head on May 18th and 22 at Lamorna Cove on June 12th. The main influx occurred between May 16th-19th. Few breeding records were received. A pair at Illogan failed with both clutches. In 1991 there were five pairs here, in 1998 just one pair MJH. A juvenile was seen at Falmouth on Feb 16th. Few large numbers were noted in the autumn, the maximum being 25 at Polgigga on Oct 18th. A very pale bird was noted at Lamorna Cove on Nov 29th. BDB.

TURTLE DOVE (EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE) Streptopelia turtur Uncommon passage migrant. Occasionally summers and probably bred in J981, 1978 & 1977. Very rare in winter. Records were received from 19 sites this year, involving 63 birds. It was not a very good year and no summering/breeding birds were reported, other than three 1-2 day sightings. The first bird of the year was at Nanjizal on Apr 23rd, but there were no other April arrivals. The next birds were singles at Harlyn Bay on May 2nd and Land's End on May 4th. The main arrivals occurred between May 8th-14th, with maximum numbers of three at Nanjizal on 10th, nine on 11th and five on 12th, with five at Polgigga on 11th. Some of the Nanjizal birds may have been loitering for a day or two, just to boost the numbers. May's movements involved 47 birds at 18 sites: virtually all of these sites were coastal. Records in June/July were as follows: singles at Sancreed on Jun lst-2nd, Skewjack on Jun 14th and at Penlee Reserve on Jul 26th. These birds may not necessarily have been summering, but late spring or early autumn migrants. Autumn passage probably commenced on Aug 20th with one at Nanjizal, followed by 12 (all singles) birds at eight sites, all of which were coastal. Birds aged as first-winters were noted at Lizard Village on Oct 6th and 19th.

85 CUCKOO (COMMON CUCKOO) Cuculus canorus Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. The first spring record was one at Stithians Res. on Apr 10th, but there were no more until one at on 23rd. Eighteen arrived in the last week of April, 16 in the first week of May, 53 in the second week of May and 38 in the third week. Highest counts were three at Lowland Point on May 9th, three at Ninestones Bridge on 9th, three at Porthgwarra also on 9th with four on the 10th, three at Redmoor on 10th, four at Porthgwarra on 12th with three here on the 13th and three at Croft Pascoe on 17th. Few confirmed breeding season records were received, but birds were present at 21 sites. Return autumn passage began with one at Kynance Cove on Jul 14th, with three others up to Jul 18th. There was then a lull until one at Treleaver Cliff on Aug 6th, then four others up to Aug 31 st. The last was one at Par Beach on Sep 3rd. Out of 10 during autumn passage, eight were juveniles. A brown phase bird was seen at Church Cove, Lizard on May 3rd. A pair were seen displaying at Porthgwarra on May 10th.

BARN OWL Tyto alba Uncommon resident and rare winter visitor. 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. It was a much better year for this species, with records from c.120 sites. Perhaps the increased area of ungrazed grassland, a knock-on effect of the BSE crisis, and a resultant higher population of small rodents, has been of benefit. There were 21 breeding records, including eight pairs confirmed breeding in the District (MJR). Many of the breeding pairs were nesting in boxes, and one in an old mine-shaft. Twelve nests produced 28 fledged young, with the outcome unknown for the remainder. Of eight corpses found, at least six were road casualties. Up-graded main traffic routes, such as sections of the A30 and some by-passes, with their rodent-rich grassy banks, are major hazards. A bird ringed as a nestling in the Netherlands in July 1997 was found dead at on Mar 11th. This is the second recovery of the dark-breasted Continental form in the county.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Fairly rare resident. There were records from seven sites, a slight increase on last year. The recent fluctuations in the numbers of reports probably reflect a lack of regular monitoring of traditional sites, although the run of poor summers may well have affected breeding success. In the south-east of the county, a pair bred in a nest-box in a barn at Rame, one or two were calling from barns at Sheviock and two were at Cawsand in June GJC,CFNHC. On the north coast, one or two birds were seen at Porth Joke between February and June (SMC) and one or two were regularly seen at Pentire Farm between mid-June and mid-October (DC,DL,MJW,REW). The well-watched site at produced many reports of two birds from January to May and again from August to November. Breeding presumably occurred here, but the outcome is unknown (RB,SMC,DE,RAJ et al). Finally, a single bird was at Trevean on various dates between January and August (PAD).

TAWNY OWL Strixaluco Fairly common resident. There were records from 67 sites around the county. Breeding was confirmed at 13 of these, with 21 young being fledged from 11 nests. Three of these pairs nested in boxes. Two road fatalities were reported, whilst one sitting in the road at Lamorna, oblivious to passing traffic, on Jun 15th was probably stunned following a collision RB. It is quite common in these instances for the bird to be blinded as a result of the impact causing detached retinas, whilst otherwise suffering no major injury. More fortunate was a bird rescued from a chimney at Treloquithack on Jan 31st MJR.

LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally breeds.

86 : one Feb 3rd PG. Scorrier: a road casualty Mar 14th. It was taken into care and sadly had to have a wing amputated. SMC. St.Eval: one Mar 22nd SMC. Malpas: one Aug 2nd, an intriguing record suggestive of local breeding RHs. The Lizard: one trapped and ringed Nov 8th PLS. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 10 8 7 2 5 - 9 4 16 13 18 * three undated.

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus Fairly rare passage migrant and winter visitor. The only record in the first winter period was of one at Caer Bran on Feb 15th. Five spring migrants were reported between Mar 16th and Apr 8th. One of these was found injured at Predannack on Mar 19th and taken into care. It was released on Apr 7th SMC. Following two birds at Land's End on Oct 18th, seven more arrived in October, followed by a further sixteen in November, the last presumed migrant being one at Kynance on Nov 24th. The best counts were three on Bartinney Downs on Oct 21st and three on Kynance Downs on Nov 13th. One was seen to come in off the sea at Pendeen on Oct 23rd (SML,MCH), whilst two days later WM watched one trying to make landfall at Mousehole against a force 7-8 headwind. It eventually drifted into Mount's Bay and was lost to view.

There were two December records, at St.Buryan on 21st and Sancreed on 30th.

NIGHTJAR (EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR) Caprimulgus europaeus Fairly rare summer visitor. Formerly more common as a breeding species in the county, but now restricted to a small number of sites. A slight recent resurgence in our local population probably reflects a welcome increase nationally. Breeding season information was received from the following areas (with comparative data for 1991- 1998). Figures represent maximum number of 'churring' males, of which 15 were reported in 1998: 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 West Penwith Site 1 2 2 3 4 3 7 5 3 Site 2 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 Site 3 1 1 2 - - - _ Site 4 - - 1 - - - - - Site 5 - - 1 - - - - - Lizard 5 3 1 2 1 3 3 1 Bodmin Moor 4 1 3 3 3 4 4 4/5 nr St. Austell 1 2 1 + 1 2 2 2 1 nr Newquay - 1------A welcome increase on the Lizard, where three sites are now occupied annually. A bizarre record involved a migrant perched on a rock one metre above the sea at Bude Breakwater, in thick mist on May 15th GPS.

SWIFT (COMMON SWIFT) Apus apus Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first spring birds arrived on Apr 22nd, when two were at Zennor and Point and singles at and Nanjizal. A few small flocks were around on 29th-30th, the largest being 20 at St.Austell S.W., but most observers recorded their first birds during the first few days of May. Flock sizes increased as the month progressed, with 52 at Maer Lake on 8th, 50 at Marazion Marsh on 10th, 66 at Drift Res. also on 10th, 200 at St.Austell S.W. on 13th, 100 at Land's End on 28th and 250 at Colliford Res. on 30th. Several good counts were returned from Colliford and St.Austell S.W. during the early summer. At Colliford 350 on Jun 14th was the highest, with 250 on three other occasions, whilst 250 were over St.Austell on Jun 8th and Jul 21st, with 200 on three occasions. There were also 150 at Par on Jul 1st

87 and 200 at Marazion Marsh on Jul 6th. The only breeding reports came from Wadebridge, where at least five pairs bred on the Pentecostal Church, and Breage, where a group of 16 adults and young left on Aug 3rd. Apart from 200 over Holmbush on Aug 4th and 79 at Delabole on 7th, numbers quickly tailed off in August and there were few reports after the first week. There were six September records, each involving from one to three birds, and the final one of the year was over Nanjizal on Oct 4th.

ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba Very rare passage migrant. An early bird was at Marazion on Apr 2nd PAF. Singles at Nanjizal on May 8th (JSu) and The Lizard the following day (PLS) may have been the same bird, but in view of the influx of rare southern species at the time, are more likely to have been different. All accepted as such by BBRC. These are the first in the county since 1993 and take the total to 22. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 7 4 1 2 2 2 2 1 -

LITTLE SWIFT Apus affinis Very rare passage migrant. One flew leisurely around Porthgwarra for a few minutes on May 10th, before disappearing into the mist over Land's End, RB,DSF at el. Accepted by BBRC. This was only the second for the county, the first being at Skewjack on May 16th 1981.

KINGFISHER (COMMON KINGFISHER) Alcedo atthis Fairly rare breeding resident and winter visitor. Also an uncommon passage migrant (mainly in autumn). Reported throughout the year from 87 locations the length and breadth of the county. During January c.27 birds were present. Most of these had moved out by mid March. In the breeding season, birds were recorded at the following sites, all in the east of the county: Golitha Falls: one on May 14th. Hepwell Bridge: a pair bred, but the nest-hole was flooded on Apr 24th, probably the day of hatching, AB,PB. Little Swift (Dave Flumm) Hingham Mill: two on Mar 30th. Keveral Pond: one from May lOth-Jul 27th. Lynher Est.: one May 25th. Moreton Mill: one entering a nest-hole on Apr 16th, JP. Par Beach Pool: one May 18th. : an occupied nest-hole on Apr 8th GJC. Respryn: one May 8th. St.Neot: one Apr 13th. Shell Woods: one Jun 1st. Autumn passage began in mid July and was fully under way from August through to the end of October, with c.30 birds recorded in each of the three months. There were fewer in November, then c.29 settled into winter quarters in December.

BEE-EATER (EUROPEAN BEE-EATER) Merops apiaster Rare passage migrant, mostly in spring and early summer. The only one of the year was at Land's End on May 10th RAw.

88 It takes the county mainland total to c.90, which includes a number of multiple occurrences. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 52 24 8 1 1 - - - * four records undated.

HOOPOE Upupa epops Fairly rare passage migrant, mainly in spring. Has bred, the last time being in 1969. An unprecedented February mini-influx more than doubled the total records for that month. The spring was disappointing, with only four more birds recorded. Sheviock:Feb 13th CFNHC. Penberth: Feb 15th-16th RB,TG. Treen (): Feb 18th (probably the Penberth bird) NRA. Sennen Cove: Feb 21st MSe; Gwynver: Feb 23rd (presumably the Sennen Cove bird) MSe. Cam Gloose (St.Just) and Cape Cornwall: Feb 23rd-Mar31st RB,PAF et al. Lowland Point: Mar 28th RCJ. St.Buryan: Mar 30th JL. Roskorwell: Apr 3rd JHy. Newtown-in-St.Martin: Apr 5th-9th PBW. Cliff: Sep24th TG per J.Loosemore. Kenidjack Sep 28th-29th MWn. Trewellard: Sep 28th, probably the Kenidjack bird. Monthly breakdown of all records *: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 4 90 241 73 16 7 13 31 23 11 - * two records undated.

WRYNECK (EURASIAN WRYNECK) Jynx torquilla Fairly rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Has overwintered twice. There is no fully authenticated breeding record for the county. A good year, with at least 22 birds involved. All the following records refer to single birds unless otherwise stated. Lowland Point: Aug 29th RCJ. Cornwall College: Sep lst-3rd RCJ et al. Drift Res.: Sep 1st BD,GH. Porthgwarra: Sep lst-7th; another Sep 18th-Oct 1st, but two Sep 19th DAC,RB,NRk,LJP et al. Caer Bran: Sep 2nd AH,BCW. Bonython: Sep 4th PG. Helston: Sep 6th ECJ,VJ; Sep 9th DSF per Mrs.Ridgeway. Porth (Newquay): Sep 7th Rame Head: Sep 8th-9th KP et al. St.Buryan: Sep 8th JL. Sennen Cove: Sep 15th MDW. Plaidy: Sep 20th SPi. Land's End: Sep 25th; another Oct 2nd-4th RAw. Caerthillian: Sep 26th ARP. : Sep 28th WM. Stepper Point: Sep 28th-29th SMC,BDa. Church Cove (Lizard): Sep 29th-30th MT. : Oct 2nd MJRe.

89 Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 3 17 10 1 - 29 199 61 60 3

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridus Fairly common resident. Reports were received from 110 widespread sites throughout the year, a significant increase on recent years. There were 12 records of fledged juveniles, but only one of these records (of two immature birds at Feock) involved more than one young bird. This suggests low productivity for a species which usually lays 5-7 eggs.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major Fairly common resident. Records were returned from 99 localities, but juvenile birds were reported only from six. In common with the last species, they were all of just one young, with the exception of two at Townshend (4-7 eggs are usually laid). Sightings of birds where they are rarely seen included singles at Chiverton Farm on Jul 30th/31 st, The Lizard village on Oct 7th and Penlee Point on Nov 1st.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor Rare resident. Six records were received: : one Feb 8th SMC. : one Feb 8th DE. : one Feb 20th JH. : a pair and probably another male Mar 21st MB. Golitha (Draynes) Wood: one May 9th GDL. : one May 23rd SMC. Over the last five years, the number of sightings has averaged five per year. The most reliable sites have been Golitha (four years) and Calstock (three years).

SHORT-TOED LARK (GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK) Calandrella brachydactyla Rare passage migrant, mainly in the autumn. There were three sightings this year, all at Sennen. The first was on Apr 23rd, a rare spring bird which obligingly allowed itself to be recorded on video-tape (MDW et al). The other two were both in September, one on 21st (MDW) and the other on 27th (PSC). The observer of the latter thought that two birds may have been involved in several sightings on that day, but couldn't be certain. These records take the county total to 24. Monthlv breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 2 - - 1 8 8 2 -

WOODLARK (WOOD LARK) Lullula arborea A fairly rare autumn passage migrant and winter visitor. The national population has been expanding recently and, with birds breeding over the border in Devon, a recolonisation of Cornwall is distinctly possible. A number of recent winter records reveal it to have become a regular winter visitor. It can be remarkably elusive at this time, but is probably far more widespread than previously thought. Concerted searching of suitable weed-rich habitats, such as potato, stubble and bulb fields, with mature hedgerows and especially trees surrounding them, may prove very rewarding. It was not a particularly good year for this species after a run of good ones. Only 32 birds were reported, with only one first winter sighting, that of eight birds seen at Lanescot on Jan 11th WS,IRS. Thirteen birds moved through in the autumn, of which all but two were seen at Porthgwarra:

90 Porthgwarra: three Oct 15th VRT, four Nov 1st, singles Nov 4th, 6th, 15th & 16th SMC,CDRH. Mayon Cliff (Sennen): one Nov 1st MDW. Treyarnon: one Nov 9th SMC. Parties of three birds at Penryn on Nov 27th (RCJ) and seven at Townshend on Dec 12th (DCm) may well have remained in those respective areas through the winter.

SKYLARK (SKYLARK) Alauda arvensis Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The first winter period only saw one sizeable flock, of 400 at Trevose Head on Jan 10th. Penlee Reserve, West Pentire and Pentire Farm all had flocks of 100+ during January and February, becoming smaller as the birds dispersed by late March. The first singing birds were reported from Predannack Airfield Mar 14th, with a possible five pairs breeding at the site. Otherwise, breeding information was very limited, which is a shame for a bird which is now declining nationally. had a possible four breeding pairs and Treskilling Downs one pair. Autumn movement started in September with 36 birds at Trevose Head Sep 20th increasing to 260 by Sep 28th. Counts didn't peak until November, when considerable numbers moved into the county, the highest counts being 529 at Trevose Head on 11th, 550 at Porthgwarra on 17th and 143 at Falmouth on 29th. Most of these flocks were found feeding in stubble fields, showing the importance of this resource for winter feeding.

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Uncommon summer visitor. Fairly common passage migrant. The first bird of the year was one at Walmsley Sanctuary on Mar 11th, a fairly traditional date for such early birds. This was followed by a trickle of birds over the next few days until 54 arrived at Maer Lake on Mar 17th and 62 at Harlyn Pools on Mar 20th. The main movement was in April, but with fewer birds recorded than over the last few years. The passage was a steady continuous flow, rather than consisting of distinct pulses. The largest recorded numbers were both at the Walmsley Sanctuary, with 300 on Apr 26th and 200 on May 2nd. Breeding records came from seven locations: Gwithian: possibly seven pairs at the mouth of the - a new site. Carnworthy Water: 30 nest-holes with young and adults. Maiden Well Clay Pit: 15 occupied holes. Perranuthnoe: occupied holes, new location of colony. Treskilling: 75 nest-holes at three sites. Poldhu: birds present. Loe Bar: birds present. Birds started gathering in June, with flocks at Loe Pool, Colliford Reservoir and St Austell S.W. They started to move in July, with small flocks at known migration points, and continued over the next two months. An unusually large flock of 260 was at Maer Lake on Sep 24th, with 45 present at Stithians Res. the previous day. The last birds seen were four at Pentewan on Oct 18th.

SWALLOW (BARN SWALLOW) Hirundo rustica Common summer visitor and passage migrant. A single bird was seen at Marazion on Jan 14th, presumably a lingering overwintering bird DSF. Possibly the first spring birds were still very early, with the arrival of a few birds in mid-February. Singles were seen at Carbis and Feb 14th, followed by two birds, perhaps the same ones, at Ventonleague (Hayle) and Marazion the next day. Otherwise, birds started to arrive in small numbers in mid-March, with a build up of numbers in April and May. Peak counts were 200 at St.Austell S.W. Apr 20th, 250 there on 30th, 600 at Skewjack May 9th and 530 at Cleave Camp May 10th. Breeding reports were very limited, with no indications from recorders if it was a particularly good

91 or bad year. At a pair was nesting in a mine shaft. A pair breeding at successfully raised two broods. In the autumn 1000+ were roosting at Par Beach Pool Sep 9th, fewer than in previous years. No other large numbers were reported, but many flocks of 200+ were noted during August and September. The movement peaked during mid-September, with flocks of 500 and 450 seen Sep 16th. A steady flow of birds continued through to mid-October, dwindling down into November, when movement was mostly in single figures, whilst the last birds were seen in early December. A single pure albino bird was seen at Land's End Aug 27th RAw,DSF, and a melanistic bird was present at the same site Sep 25th RAw.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo daurica Rare passage migrant. One at Millook from Mar 1st-10th was the earliest ever county record JT et al. In the autumn, one was over Kenidjack on Oct 18th MBi. Both having been accepted by BBRC, these two take the county total to 27, but records of another four birds this year, involved in three occurrences, have unfortunately not been submitted. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 5 4 - - - - 10 5 - * one not dated

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica Common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first returning birds were an early pair seen at Four Burrows on Mar 1 st (BAB), the next record not coming until 40 birds were at Marazion on Mar 29th. The main movement was noted from mid- April through May, with the largest numbers being 40 at Portmella on Apr 29th and 150 at St Austell S.W. the following day. Breeding records came from 19 sites (a big increase on the two sites of 1996), with a total of 258 nests, but with no information concerning the birds' breeding success. SCM reported that breeding numbers were 'depleted everywhere', whereas others indicated that birds were nesting in smaller numbers but in more locations. The largest reported colonies were at Doyden Point (52 nests at a new site on a building); Key el Drea (Lamorna) (25 nests on a quarry site rock-face); Penryn (24 nests near the Asda supermarket); Mevagissey (20 nests); and Pentewan (20 nests). Nests in a colony at Lye Rock were constructed on the cliff-face. Autumn movement was underway by mid-July. The largest count was of 1000 birds at Pentewan on Sep 24th after a week of south-easterly winds, RL. Otherwise, the average flock size was between 100-150 birds, dwindling in November, when 15 were at Loe Pool on 14th and two at Helston S.W. on 21st. The last of the year was a single bird at Bude Marches from Dec 3rd-6th.

RICHARD'S PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Has also occurred in winter. About 12 individuals were seen in the county this year: Pentire (Newquay): one Sep 26th SMC. Trevose Head: one Sep 28th-30th, but two on 29th SMC,BDa. Nanjizal: one Sep 28th-29th, one Oct 4th, two Nov 11th RB,KAW. Coverack: one Oct 11th RCJ. Richard's Pipits (Kester Wilson)

92 Porthgwarra: two Nov 4th, one remaining to 7th, one Nov 16th SMC. Trebarvah: one Dec 3rd-9th PAD,PAF. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 3 11 1 - - - 58 191 51 11

TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris Rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn. Two birds were seen in the autumn, at Caer Bran on Aug 27th (AH,BCW) and Nanjizal (a first- winter) on Sep 21st (KAW). Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 7 - 3 4 67 32 2 -

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. The first bird of the year was at Nanjizal on Mar 21st-22nd. The main arrival was between Apr 21st and May 21st, with 19 birds reported, virtually all singles. A bird was in song by May 1st at Calstock and two were displaying on a site at Dunmere on May 2nd. Breeding reports came from a possible eight sites: Treskilling Downs (one pair); (one pair with fledged young); Bearah Tor (fledged young); Great Grogley Downs (fledged young); Dunmere and Redmoor (both with males displaying); (male in song); and Croft Pascoe (male in song: the species is only rarely reported breeding in the west of the county). Autumn passage started at Nanjizal with a single bird on Aug 8th and continued through to Nov 4th with a single bird at Church Cove, Lizard. Some excellent counts were noted in late August in the Land's End area, including 45 at Nanjizal on 27th and 25 there on 29th; and 20 at Land's End on 28th.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Fairly common summer visitor, passage migrant and winter visitor. No exceptionally large flocks were noted in the first winter period, but reports were very widespread throughout the county. The largest gatherings were 50 at Portquin on Jan 30th, 50 at Mawgan Porth on Feb 11th and 60 at the Walmsley Sanctuary on Feb 14th. The start of spring passage was marked by 125 birds reported from Trevose Head on Mar 20th, followed by 70 at Upton Bude on 23rd. Very few breeding reports came in. The only locations mentioned were Trevose Head (12 pairs), Holmbush (pair feeding young), Predannack Airfield (five pairs) and Lowland Point ('three carrying food'). This is a widespread breeding bird and obviously very under-reported. Autumn passage started at Porthgwarra with a flock of 300 on Sept 19th; further flocks of 100+ were reported during September and October. An exceptional movement of 1000+ occurred at Rame Head on Sep 20th. In the late winter, linseed stubble seems to have been the most favoured habitat for foraging birds, as well as weedy potato and stubble fields.

RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus Very rare passage migrant. Two birds were recorded in October, at Nanjizal on 3rd (identified as a first-winter, KAW) and at The Lizard on 18th (RCJ,ARP), the first record for the Lizard peninsula. Both have been accepted by BBRC. These are the tenth and eleventh county records, of which nine have occurred in October. The other two were in April and May.

93 ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Fairly common resident. Reports during the first winter period indicate the wide spread of these birds around the Cornish coastline. A few large counts were made as birds congregated at good winter feeding sites before the spring territorial dispersal. These included 10-16 birds at Par Beach and the Gannel Estuary. One inland record for this time came from Ruan Lanihorne, with a single bird on Jan 24th, SMC. Only two breeding records were received: from Trevose Head where a pair successfully fledged four young (SMC) and Tregardock Beach, where an adult with a white head was feeding pulli at the nest, DL. The autumn/winter numbers were very similar to the first winter. The largest flock was of 20 birds at Par Beach on Oct 5th. Otherwise, flock sizes ranged between 10-15 birds. Another inland record was a single bird at Davidstow Airfield on Sep 13th, SMC. An individual of the Nordic and Russian race A.p.littoralis was at Holywell Bay on Mar 19th SMC,BDa.

WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta Fairly rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Small numbers winter at traditional sites such as Hayle Estuary, Copperhouse Creek, Marazion, Par Beach and the Camel Estuary; typically on beaches, and flooded meadows. In the first winter period approximately 13 birds were found in typical habitats. They were mostly single sightings, the only exception being three birds at Mawgan Porth in mid-February. Most of these birds were long-stayers, remaining through January and February. A few birds started moving through in mid-February and early March. First winter records: Par Beach: one Jan lst-Feb 14th ABS,IRS et al. Maer Lake: one Jan 2nd-Feb 3rd GPS. Marazion Marsh: one Jan 24th-Feb 7th DSF,RB. Bude Marshes: one Jan 9th-Feb 22nd SMC. Seaton: one Jan 14th, two Jan 18th DCg. Par: one Jan 16th-Feb 7th GRW. Mawgan Porth: three Feb 11th SMC. Walmsley Sanctuary: one Feb 14th, Mar 4th & 30th SMC. Pendower Beach: one Feb 21st RS,JS. In the second winter period another eight birds were reported, arriving from mid-November and with some staying into the New Year: Stithians Res.: one Nov 2nd GH,SMC. Porthgwarra: one Nov 7th SMC. Par Beach: one Nov 15th RAJ,KJ. Mawgan Porth: two Nov 18th-Dec 29th SMC. Bude Marshes: one Dec 12th SMC. Walmsley Sanctuary: one Dec 7th & 30th SMC. Approximate monthly totals 1998 : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 9 2 ------5 4

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava Uncommon passage migrant. Bred almost annually from 1956 to 1965 but not since. The first sighting of the spring was a single bird at Par on Apr 4th. In all, approximately 33 birds were seen, with the maximum numbers being five at Maer Lake on Apr 25th, six at the same site on Apr 30th and three at Marazion on May 3rd. The last of the spring movement was a single bird at Land's End on May 23rd.

94 Autumn passage started with a single bird at Trevose Head on Jul 27th. Approximately 256 birds were then seen passing through coastal sites until Oct 20th, when a single bird was reported from Bonython. The largest counts were 30 at Land's End on Aug 29th, an impressive 90 at the same site on Sep 4th, 20 at Nanjizal on Aug 29th and 11 at Rame Head on Sep 9th. Five individuals were reported of the South Scandinavian/North Central European race M.f.flava, known as Blue-headed Wagtail, which is a scarce passage migrant in the county. All were spring birds on typical dates in April and May: Maer Lake: one Apr 30th GPS. Copperhouse Creek: male May 3rd LPW. Marazion Marsh: male May 3rd-5th DSF et al. Hayle Estuary: one Jun 20th DSF; one Jun 27th BD. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 46 82 14 6 11 38 1 - -

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Uncommon resident. Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Large number of over-wintering birds were reported throughout the county, mostly in ones and twos. The largest concentration was five at St Columb S.W. on Jan 31st. Breeding reports came in from four sites: Points MU, Holmbush, Luxulyan Viaduct and , where the nest failed. This drop in breeding reports compared with other years (13 in 1996) may not reflect a decline in the breeding population, rather a lack of people observing breeding birds. Autumn passage started with one bird at Lamorna Cove on Jul 1 st and continued right into the winter period. The largest numbers seen were at Par Beach, with 50 birds between Sep 16th and 19th. No other double figures were reported, the next largest being six at Predannack on Oct 4th and five at Illogan on Oct 20th.

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba Fairly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Forms roosts mainly in autumn and winter. Well established roosts include Par Beach Pool, Marazion Marsh, Gwithian and several sites around Truro. Over-wintering birds were reported throughout the county, with the largest counts being 95 at St Columb S.W. on Jan 11th, 95 at St Austell S.W. on Feb 14th and 97 at , also on Feb 14th. Seventy birds were found roosting in the rigging of a fishing boat in Mevagissey Harbour on Jan 11th. Spring movement was first noted in March, with 32 on Falmouth Golf Course on 14th. The only other high count was of 22 at Maer Lake on Apr 21 st. This is a widespread breeding bird in Cornwall, but the only report came from Trevose Head where four pairs were reported. Autumn passage was first noted at on Jul 21st and continued throughout the autumn. The only roost sites recorded this year were at Par Docks (max. count 350 on Jan 5th & 26th) and Leedstown (65 on Nov 16th). An aberrant bird seen at Marazion on Oct 31st was completely black apart from a white forehead and cheeks and pale tips to the median coverts and outer tail-feathers SMC. Two birds of the nominate Continental race M. a. alba, known as White Wagtail, which occur as a regular passage migrant in the county, were reported at Par Beach on Feb 3rd, the earliest ever sightings. Approximately 117 birds of this race were recorded in the spring, with the main movement during April, and with the last bird being reported on May 4th. The largest numbers were five at Drift Res. on Mar 18th; seven at Loe Bar on Apr 16th; 12 at Maer Lake on Apr 21st; ten at Par Beach on Apr 26th, rising to 30 on 30th; and six at Marazion on May 3rd. Autumn passage started with two birds at Porthgwarra on Aug 28th. Some large flocks were reported

95 during early September, taking the autumn's total to a high one of 727 birds. The largest numbers were seen in the far west of the county. At Marazion, a flock of 100 on Sep 1 st rose to 170 by 3rd, whilst there were 110 at St Just Airfield, also on 1st, and 70 at Sennen on 2nd. The best count elsewhere was 70 at Davidstow Airfield on Sep 5th.

DIPPER (WHITE-THROATED DIPPER) Cinclus cinclus Uncommon resident, mainly in mid and east Cornwall The strongholds are the Rivers Camel and Fowey and other streams on the fringes of Bodmin Moor. Unfortunately the population in Cornwall, as elsewhere, is susceptible to increased pollution and disturbance on the rivers. Records were received from 39 locations, 25% down on 1997, with breeding records from eight locations, again a reduction on last year. The run of recent wet summers may have resulted in poor breeding success. Breeding was confirmed at Boscarne, Cabillec Woods, Drayness Bridge, Grogley Halt, , Respryn and Target Bridge, Wadebridge, where the pair fledged two broods. Nesting took place at Idless, but the nest deserted. No breeding records came from the west of the county, although birds were seen at Lamorna from June throughout the rest of the year. The largest counts were from Clapper Bridge (5 on May 4th, GJC), Ninestones Bridge (6 on May 12th, GJC) and Respryn (5 on May 16th, BHB).

WREN (WINTER WREN) Troglodytes troglodytes Very common resident. There is no indication of any change in the distribution of this species and, with the mild winters of late, it should have survived in good numbers. The only actual breeding report came from Trevose Head, where four pairs were successful, SMC. A negative report came from Holmbush, where it is reported to be "totally absent" RL. The largest counts of the year came from Drift Res. (20 on Jun 1st, GH), Illogan Wood (58 on Jun 7th, MSH) and Labour-in-Vain (46 on Jun 25th, MJH). Between Nanquidno and Cot Valley, there were 52 birds on Oct 14th, PJC.

DUNNOCK (HEDGE ACCENTOR) Prunella modularis Very common resident. Records were received from all parts of the county, indicating that this species is in good health. Breeding records were sparse compared to other years, with three pairs at Holmbush, four pairs at Townshend and seven pairs at Trevose Head. Breeding was also successful at Drift Res., where of the 25 birds seen by GH on Jun 1st, six were adults and 19 were fledglings. General autumn dispersal (or possible migration?) was noted and recorded by a couple of astute birders: 24 at Nanquidno and Cot Valley on Oct 14th and 25 at Porthgwarra on Nov 1st.

ROBIN (EUROPEAN ROBIN) Erithacus rubecula Very common resident and passage migrant. Few records were received for this species which, according to BTO surveys, has been increasing in numbers over the last few years. Breeding records were very limited, as is unfortunately the case for most of the common species. Breeding records came only from Trevose Head (two pairs) and Illogan Wood (two pairs). Maximum counts for local birds were 34 at Illogan Wood on May 5th and Jun 7th and 29 there on Dec 12th; and 37 at Labour-in-Vain on May 9th. Autumn inward migration of presumed Continental birds was observed at Trevose Head (25 on Sep 21st), Lamorna ('large numbers' on Oct 8th), Nanquidno to Cot Valley (72 on Oct 14th) and Porthgwarra (19 on Nov 1st).

96 BLUETHROAT Luscinia svecica Very rare passage migrant A first-winter bird at Nanjizal on Oct 8th is the 20th county record, KAW. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - 2 13 4 - -

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. During the first winter period, 54 birds were reported, mainly from coastal sites from all around the county. Most records were of single birds, with just a few records of two or three. Thirty-two birds were reported in the spring, mainly in early March. The biggest counts were six at The Lizard on Mar 18th and three at St Levan on the same day. The last spring bird was a single bird at Land's End on May 4th. The autumn movement started quite late, with two birds at Rame Head on Oct 20th. There followed 215 sightings from all over the county. The main movement occurred throughout November, with no particularly large gatherings being reported. Peak counts were all in the west of the county: Porthgwarra (4 on Nov 15th), Newlyn Harbour (6 on Nov 20th), Drift Reservoir (4 on Nov 23rd) and Perran Sands (5 on Nov 27th). Approximately 25 birds over-wintered into December and into the New Year.

REDSTART (COMMON REDSTART) Phoenicurus phoenicurus Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. 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. The first birds of the year were reported in March, the first ever sightings in this month. Three birds were at Penlee Reserve on Mar 20th and possibly two other birds at Penlee Point on Mar 29th. There were 17 spring records, with the largest number being four at Bearah Tor on Redstar (Kester Wilson) May 2nd. Virtually all the records were of males, who arrive first to set up territories before the females arrive. A record of a single male at Land's End on Jul 2nd fits into no established pattern of occurrence. Breeding records were sparse, with only four pairs recorded. Three of these were at Davidstow, where two pairs breeding in nest-boxes raising 12 young. Another pair bred at and there was a possible breeding pair at Stannon Clay Pit. Autumn passage may have started with the July bird, but the main movement wasn't noticed until September, when a single bird was present at Marazion on Sep 1 st. This was followed by another 31 birds, the last being seen at Porthgwarra on Nov 4th. The largest numbers were six at Trevose Head on Sep 21st and two at Land's End between Oct 5th and 8th

WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. The first birds of the spring were two on Predannack Downs on Apr 28th. Most of the records involved single sightings, but two were at Land's End on May 11th and three at Colliford Res. on May 17th. In

97 all, 27 birds were reported during the spring, with the passage continuing until the end of May. Again, breeding records were very sparse. Only two sites had breeding confirmed: Colliford Res., with four juveniles and Bastreet with three. Ninestones Bridge was a possible breeding site, with a singing bird present during the breeding season. This very small number is in contrast with 180 breeding pairs in the mid-eighties. It is hoped that this is due to a lack of coverage rather than a dramatic crash in the birds' population. The autumn passage began at Penlee Point, with three birds on Sep 3rd, running through to a single bird at Rame Head on Oct 18th. Between these dates 112 birds were reported, the biggest counts being six at Land's End on Sep 9th, six at Predannack on Sep 22nd and five at Black Head (Coverack) on Sep 27th.

STONECHAT Saxicola torquata Fairly common resident and passage migrant. About 70 birds were reported over-wintering, with birds most often found at coastal sites, although a few were recorded inland. Spring movement was noted at Trevose Head on Mar 20th, with three birds, followed by 12 at Pentire Point the next day. Breeding reports came in from 17 sites, with 23 pairs confirmed breeding. Other sites had "several" and "regular pairs". This is a reduction in numbers compared with previous years. Its most likely cause is lack of coverage rather than a decline in numbers. Autumn movement (like the spring) is hard to discern between migrants and local population dispersal, but the 21 birds at St Agnes Head on Sep 21st must have had migrants among them. The only other notable count was 18 at Stepper Point on Sep 28th. Otherwise, no double figure counts were reported. Most coastal sites in the far west had a steady stream of birds reported moving through.

WHEATEAR (NORTHERN WHEATEAR) Oenanthe oenanthe Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. Breeds primarily on Bodmin Moor, where it is semi-colonial, but also with odd pairs almost anywhere along the north coast, The Lizard and Land's End. The first bird of the year was a single at Widemouth Bay on Mar 3rd. This was followed by a trickle of single sightings over the next ten days, until three birds appeared at Trevose Head on Mar 15th. By late March a steady stream of birds was reported from numerous sites around the county, and this continued until mid-May. The largest count was 41 at Trevose Head on Mar 28th. Other good counts were 20 at Predannack Airfield on Mar 28th, 22 at Wicca on Apr 23rd, 25 at Trevose Head on Apr 25th, 30 at Trevose Head on May 3rd and 20 at Par Beach on Apr 30th. An unusual record on May 10th concerned a bird perched on a rock 2 km offshore from Meinek, TG. Breeding records came in from only six locations, with three of those only being "possible sites". Confirmed breeding was reported from St Breward (pair with fledged young, SMC), Trevose Head (pair feeding young, SMC) and Predannack to Caerthillian ("possibly eight pairs") MJRe. Autumn passage commenced in July with two birds at Nanjizal on 4th. From then on a steady flow of birds was reported through to Nov 4th, when a single bird was at Long Rock Beach. The largest autumn counts came in late September and early October: 21 at Trevose Head on Sep 19th & 21st, 20 at Davidstow Airfield on Sep 20th, 16 at The Lizard on Sep 23rd and 12 at Navax Point on Oct 2nd.

GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH Catharus minimus Very rare autumn passage migrant. A single bird was found dead at St Ives on Oct 23rd, NJH. The record was accepted by the BBRC. It is the sixth county record and the first since 1986. All have occurred in October.

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus Fairly rare passage migrant. Also a very rare summer and winter visitor. Breeding occurred in 1996 but prior to that was last suspected in 1976 and confirmed in 1970.

98 The first of the year was at Trevose Head on Mar 20th, SMC. Ten birds were seen during the spring migration, seven of which moved through in the last nine days of March, with the 28th being the most productive day. Only one bird was seen in April, at Caerthillian Cove, (AL,ML). A single sighting of two birds at Holman's Moors on May 9th was the last of the spring. No breeding records were received from anywhere in the county. The autumn passage occurred during October, bar one bird seen in November. The main October movement occurred between the 6th and 21st, when 15 birds were reported. The last bird seen was a single at Porthgwarra on Nov 27th, DIJ.

BLACKBIRD (COMMON BLACKBIRD) Turdus merula Very common resident. Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. The first winter period had a few good numbers reported: 15 at Par Beach on Jan 11th, rising to 37 by Feb 14th, whilst at Lamorna BDB counted 23 birds feeding on a lawn on Jan 29th. Only 11 pairs of birds were reported to have bred in the county, with Trevose Head having seven pairs, SMC. There is no mention of the species declining in any area of the county. Autumn passage started in October, a little earlier than the main thrush movement, but the best autumn numbers came in early November, when the other thrush migration was in full swing. The best autumn counts were: 35 at Trevose Head on Oct 18th & 33 there on Nov 17th (SMC), 36 at Porthgwarra on Nov 1 st (SMC), 20 at Lamorna on Nov 17th (RDR) and 25 on Bude Marshes on Nov 20th (DIJ). Winter birds were reported as "common" from the Restormel district, RL, and MJH counted 51 at Illogan on Dec 4th. A partial albino was reported from the (JP) and a full albino was seen at Falmouth, (BCW).

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. In the first winter period, with mild weather dominating, no particularly large numbers of birds were reported. The largest flocks were 250 birds seen on Dozmary Downs on Jan 17th and Colliford Res. on Feb 15th, and 260 at Retallack on Feb 28th. Otherwise, feeding flocks ranged from between 100 to 150 birds, and were mostly seen in the higher regions of the county. The main exodus occurred in early March, with large numbers of birds moving out by 6th, after which one last bird was seen at Rame Head on Apr 1 st. The autumn movement started on Nov 1st, when one bird was seen at Harewood. Passage continued during the month, with two huge counts: 3000 birds were at Zennor on Nov 15th, and 3500 at Halwyn, Padstow on Nov 18th, indicating a massive movement mid-month. Other large counts were 520 at Polgemmon and 450 at Trewornan Bridge, both on Nov 18th. The largest wintering flock was 600 birds roosting at Retallack on Dec 27th.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Common resident. Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor Spring migration was not as visible as has been reported over the last few years, the only reports being of ten at Maenporth Beach on Feb 10th, two at Stepper Point on Mar 14th, and 21 at Porth Joke on Mar 16th. Breeding was reported from early April, from just six locations covering just seven pairs of birds, one pair of which deserted their nest. This is a dramatic drop from 1996 when 19 localities had 27 pairs breeding. This either indicates the further decline of this species or a lack of coverage by birders. It is hoped it is the latter reason. Autumn passage was first reported from Nanjizal on Oct 3rd with two birds, and continued as with the other thrushes through November and into early December.

99 The largest autumn counts were: 16 at Wadebridge on Oct 9th, ten at Kenidjack on Oct 15th, 33 at Porthgwarra on Nov 1st and 23 there on 4th. Fifty birds were at St Agnes Head on Dec 10th (DJCs). This species seems to favour coastal scrub during the winter months.

REDWING Turdus iliacus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Birds were reported in good numbers during January and February, with a dramatic decline as they emigrated in early March. The biggest counts were 500 at Drift Res. on Jan 6th, 300 at Sancreed on Jan 25th/26th, 300 at Ruan Lanihorne on Jan 27th, 250 at St Austell S.W. on Feb 14th and 200 on Bodmin Moor on Feb 17th. The last bird was seen on April 9th. The first bird of the autumn was seen at Nanjizal on Oct 3rd, followed by a steady trickle of birds until Oct 20th, when 70 were seen at Lamorna. From then the movement increased with 200 at Holmbush on Oct 31st, with the main movement continuing until the end of November. Overall the movement was not as big as in some previous years, with no counts of over 1,000 birds. Maximum autumn counts were 550 at Sancreed on Nov 11th, 200 at Trevadoe on Nov 11th, 500 at Zennor on Nov 15th, 500 at Wadebridge Nov 30th and 200 at Wendron also on Nov 30th.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Fairly common resident. Uncommon passage migrant. This species was reported in small numbers throughout the year from all suitable areas of the county. Breeding reports were encouraging, from eight sites, with approximately 15 pairs of birds involved. Other sites were also mentioned with potential breeding pairs present during the breeding season. Five pairs were reported from St. Austell and four from . At Treloquithack a pair bred in a nestbox. Autumn passage seems to have been under way by Oct 10th, when 20 birds were reported from Loe Pool and 13 birds were at Walmsley Sanctuary. Otherwise the movement was light.

No overwintering flocks were reported.

CETTI'S WARBLER Cettia cetti Fairly rare resident and passage migrant. A minimum of 32 males were found at 26 sites during a survey in 1996, this figure representing 5%-6% of the national population. The highest populations are at Marazion Marsh, Gunwalloe/Poldhu Marshes and Par Beach Pool. Records were received from only 18 sites this year, but it is unlikely that the population has declined following another mild winter. Presumably the main areas were not fully censused as the maximum numbers of singing males reported from Marazion Marsh, Gunwalloe and Par were just four, three and two respectively. Single singing males were also found during the breeding season at Bude , Bude Marshes, Harewood, Kerthen Wood Farm, Nanjizal (where a female was also trapped and ringed Oct 8th), Skewjack, St.Andrew's Pool, St.Columb Porth (two males), Townshend (pair present all year), Tregaseal, and Wicca. Elsewhere a migrant was at Porth Mear (Park Head) Oct 29th and a male was at Ruan Lanihorne Dec 17th.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER) Locustella naevia Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant (mainly spring). An excellent spring for this species, with 62 birds reported in April and 76 in May. The first was exceptionally early on Apr 3rd at Porth Joke (GHT). The next was not until Apr 14th when there were three at Nanjizal, and singles at Porthgwarra and Townshend. A significant fall occurred Apr 20th and included 20 at Porthgwarra, five at Nanjizal, four at Porthgwarra and four at St.Agnes Head. Subsequent best counts on breeding grounds were five at Main Dale (Coverack), three each in the Upper Fowey Valley, Goss Moor and at Retallack and two pairs probably feeding young at

100 Porthgwarra May 31st. As befits a species which soon becomes very secretive, there were just 11 records in June, ten in July and two in August. Only five autumn migrants were detected, four in September and the last one of the year at Porthgwarra Oct 3rd. All in all, recorded at a total of 69 sites this year.

AQUATIC WARBLER Acrocephalus paludicola Rare autumn passage migrant. 77% of the records are from Marazion Marsh, where it occurs annually. Four birds, all juveniles, passed through Marazion Marsh. The first was present on Aug 20th-21st, the second 28th-29th, the third on 29th only and the final one on Sep 1st DSF,AM,DEJHH et al. Elsewhere a juvenile at the Walmsley Sanctuary on Sep 2nd was only the second for the Camel area SMC; another young bird was at Land's End on Oct 4th RAw,PH; and one was in the at Par Beach on Oct 7th ABS,WS. Monthly breakdown of all records * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------147 84 16 - - * one bird was 'undated'.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first record was of a bird heard only, at Bude Marshes on the unprecedented date of Feb 14th (BHB,LB). Even the next was exceptionally early, at Cleave Camp on Mar 17th (JCr). One was at Stithians Res. on Apr 5th, but there were no more until two at Skewjack on Apr 19th. A total of 65 birds were reported in April, including five at Skewjack on 26th, eight at Mawgan Porth and seven at The Lizard, both on 28th, and 11 at Marazion Marsh on 29th. The May total was c.140 birds, of which the most notable were six at Perranporth on 1st, six at Par Beach Pool throughout, nine at Porth Joke on 2nd, 11 at Mawgan Porth on 4th, eight at Harlyn Bay on 5th, six at Bude Canal on 6th, seven at Drift Res. on 9th, 10+ at Skewjack on 10th and six at Trevose Head on 13th. Early breeding success was apparent at Drift Res. where four adults and 10 juvs were present on Jun 1st. Sixteen singing males were counted at St.Columb Porth on Jun 5th, but the species was generally under-recorded during the summer, with only 14 records in June and just five in July. Birds became more apparent as migration got underway in August. There were 16 records from eight sites, mostly of one to three birds. At Marazion Marsh, numbers rose from four on 11th and 19th to 20 on 28th, soon falling to five on Sep 1st. There were also 10 along the Hayle River at Townshend on Aug 15th. Eleven September records involved some 19 birds, mostly early in the month, including five at the Walmsley Sanctuary on 2nd. Five birds were found at three sites in October, the last being a single at Penlee Battery on 17th.

MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris Very rare passage migrant. The species' true status in the county is clouded by the virtual impossibility of field identification in autumn. A singing male at Porth Joke on Jun 11th is only the second spring record for the county SMC. A first-winter bird was trapped and ringed at Nanjizal on Sep 2nd-3rd KAW. These are the ninth and tenth acceptable records. Monthly breakdown of all records * : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 1 - 2 3 3 - -

REED WARBLER (EURASIAN REED WARBLER) Acrocephalus scirpaceus Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant.

101 The first of the year was at Marazion Marsh on Apr 8th, the second at Par Beach Pool on 14th, but there were few more until the main arrival began at the end of the month. Birds were widespread by the third week of May. The maximum counts were 16 at Marazion Marsh on May 4th and 10 at Par Beach Pool on May 14th. These figures are up to 40% down on recent years, but it is not known if a full census was achieved this year. Other breeding season counts (presumably of singing males) included nine at St.Columb Porth, seven at Perranporth, six at Harlyn, six at Walmsley Sanctuary and five at Mawgan Porth. Twenty-three further sites held one to three birds. There were only nine August records, the highest counts being of three birds each at Par Beach, Hayle Estuary and Marazion Marsh. No more were then recorded until a series of records involving eight migrants at seven sites from Sep 20th to Oct 10th. There followed a single late bird at Porthgwarra on Nov 1st.

ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina Rare passage migrant. One was singing at Morwenstow from Apr 5th-7th JCP,GPS. This is the first spring record for the county. The only other record for the year was of one at Housel Bay, The Lizard on Sep 27th MT. The county total is now c.52. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - - 17 29 5 - -

MELODIOUS WARBLER Hippolais polyglotta Rare passage migrant. A first-winter bird trapped and ringed at Nanjizal on Sep 4th is the only documented record for the year KAW.

Melodious Warbler (Kester Wilson) Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 3 - 1 30 56 IS 1 -

DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata Fairly rare resident and passage migrant. There is good evidence that some of the Cornwall population includes spring migrants that stay to breed. An apparent increase has been noted since the mid 1990's, reflecting the thriving national population during a period of mild winters. This year saw confirmation of renewed breeding in the south-east of the county, a return to form at Kit Hill (but was 1997 under-reported?) and further expansion in the St.Austell and Lizard districts. Breeding season records: Kit Hill: five pairs DC,DCg,KJ,RAJ,RSt. Rame Head: one juv. Jul 23rd CC. Tregantle Fort: one Jul 9th EG. : two pairs, two juvs. in Aug. Four or five birds still present Oct 18th. BC,SMC,DMG,DT,EHW.

102 : one pair SMC. Hensbarrow Downs: four birds including at least two males DJCs,GHT,DMY. Tregoss: one bird May 26th SMC. Goonhilly Downs: at least three males and one female: DSF,RCJ,ARP. Lizard Downs: one pair raised two juvs ; another male on territory AL,ML,ARP,PLS. Additional records: Cot Valley: one Oct 3rd VRT. Penlee Battery: one Nov 11th IS. The county total of birds at sites not known to hold breeding birds is now 59. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 1 6 4 3 1 - 2 8 19 8 2

SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans Very rare passage migrant. A first-summer male (trapped and ringed), at Nanjizal from May 17th-19th, takes the county total to 19. This individual proved to be of the eastern race S.c.albistriata, KAW. Accepted by BBRC. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 6 9 - - - 1 1 - -

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Fairly rare summer visitor and passage migrant. The first spring migrant was at Marazion Marsh on Apr 29th, followed by two at Lizard Point and one in Lizard Village the following day. A further 17 birds were reported during May, bringing about a slight improvement on the very poor showing last year. Single birds were at five sites in June (, Padstow, Marazion Marsh, Vean and Tregunna), but for the second year in succession there was no indication of breeding. There were in fact no more records until singles at College Res. and Hawker's Cove, both on Aug 2nd. A further August bird, at on 29th, was still in song. Three migrants passed through in September and two in October, but these records were surprisingly exceeded by five in November. One bird remaining at Porthgwarra from Oct 21st to Nov 27th was considered to be of the nominate race, but one at Rame from Nov 4th-9th was thought by some observers to be an example of blythi. The final bird of the year was at Torpoint on Nov 28th.

WHITETHROAT (COMMON WHITETHROAT) Sylvia communis Common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first spring migrant was at Rame Head on Apr 20th, followed by two at Mawgan Porth on 24th. Passage was well underway by the month's end, but the majority of birds arrived during the first half of May. Highest counts of migrants: PenleePt: 12 Apr 25th. Lizard Pt: 10 Apr 30th. Lowland Pt: 13 males May 2nd, 25 birds May 3rd. Lamorna Cove: 12 May 8th. Rame Head to Penlee Pt: 18 May 8th. Rame: 30 May 9th. Porthgwarra: 29 May 10th, 25 May 15th. Pentire Pt: 11 May 23rd. Early breeding success was reported from Drift Res., where a count of 24 birds on Jun 1st included

103 18 juvs. However, the subsequent poor summer weather appears to have caused widespread nest failure. Despite June counts which included 12 pairs at Cam Barges (Lamorna), 14 pairs from Rame Head to Penlee Point and eight pairs in the Lizard Village/Lizard Point area, no more young birds were recorded until Jul 15th. Only five sites reported young in the second half of the summer. Autumn migration was not surprisingly very poor, with birds at just 11 sites in August (max. 15 at Rame Head on 6th), nine September records involving 17 birds (max. four at Nanquidno on 1st and five at Porthgwarra on 7th) and a final single at Polhawn Cove on Oct 5th.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first spring migrant was at Bodmin on Apr 5th, the next at Restormel Water Works on 11th, but there were only five more during the month. There was a steady arrival during May, including three at Lowland Point on 2rd/3rd, five at Skewjack on 8th and nine there the following day. Otherwise only ones and twos were reported. Records came from some 25 sites during breeding season, and included three males each at Ninestones, Halvana and Tregoss. Early returning migrants were at Maker Heights on Aug 4th and Land's End on 5th, but there was just one further August record, only three birds in September and six in October, including three at Cot Valley on Oct 9th, the last record of the year. The poor autumn passage no doubt reflected a dearth of juvenile birds following a poor breeding season.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Fairly rare winter visitor. During the first winter period, c.40 birds were reported, with the best counts being four at Holmbush and three at St.Austell S.W. A male was singing in Truro on Feb 15th (DE). The first spring migrants arrived in late March, with one at Trevose Head on 28th and two at Penlee Point the following day. Birds were soon appearing at coastal and inland sites, e.g. three at Porth Res. on Apr 6th and three at Kennack Sands the next day. By 14th, RL reported them "extremely widespread in wooded valleys in Restormel". Highest April counts were four at Trevose Head and four males at , both on 20th, and four at Lowland Point on 22nd. Passage peaked in late April and early May. Twenty at Lowland Point on May 3rd was by far the best count, followed by five each at Swanpool on 2nd, Townshend on 8th and Drift Res. on 9th. There were breeding season records from 33 sites. Seven males held territory at St.Columb Porth and six each at Great Grogley Downs and Illogan Wood. The first juvenile was at Dunmere Wood on Jun 28th, but young were subsequently reported from just two other sites: Bonython (four juvs. on Jul 16th) and (one juv. on Aug 8th). The first autumn migrants were perhaps two birds at on Aug 2nd, but only another eight birds were noted during the month. There were just three September records involving a total of eight birds, including five at Illogan on 20th. Migration picked up somewhat in October, when c.50 birds were reported, the max. being nine at Porthgwarra on 8th and five each at Jericho Farm on 4th and Kenidjack on 6th. Of c.40 November birds, three-quarters were on passage at coastal migration watchpoints, the highest counts being eight at Porthgwarra and three at Boskenna both on 8th and three at Lamorna on 15th. Ten other November birds were already settled in on winter territories. About 30 were recorded in December, including three each at St.Austell S.W. and Bodmin. A male at Illogan on Dec 7th had a white patch on its forehead (MJH).

PALLAS'S WARBLER (PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER) Phylloscopus proregulus Rare autumn passage migrant. Church Cove, Lizard: one Nov 4th-6th AL,MT. Cot Valley: one Nov 5th RB et al. Nanjizal: one Nov 21st-23rd KAW. 104 Three individuals take the county mainland total to c.33. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------25 8 -

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus Rare autumn passage migrant. Very rare winter visitor. All these records refer to single birds except where stated: Nanjizal : Oct 4th-6th KAW. Kenidjack: Oct 6th PGA,DJC,NLG; two Oct 18th RB et al. Land's End: Oct 6th RAw,PH. Pendeen: two Oct 7th-8th RB. Marazion: Oct 18th-19th PAF; Nov 4th DSF. St.Just: Oct 18th PAD. Trevose Head: Oct 18th SMC,LW. Penberth: Oct 19th-20th SML,MCH. Loe Pool: Nov 2nd; Dec 29th-30th TRn. Porthgwarra: two Nov 27th-28th, one Nov 29th SMC et al. The total of 16 is about half that of each of the previous three years. The December bird is the second winter record for Loe Pool. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 ------22 297 28 8

HUME'S YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (HUME'S LEAF WARBLER) Phylloscopus humei Very rare passage migrant. One at Church Cove, The Lizard on Nov 22nd-23rd was the first county record of this species, MT,SFE,ML,ARP et al. Accepted by BBRC as the third of the autumn in the UK this year - all were in November.

DUSKY WARBLER Phylloscopus fuscatus Very rare passage migrant. One was in Mayon Pit, Sennen on Nov 23rd, MDW. Accepted by BBRC. This is the seventh county record. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------3 2 1

WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Rare summer visitor and passage migrant. Four spring migrants were noted: Inny Vale: Apr 21st RJn. Caerthillian: May 9th SK. Skewjack: May 10th GJC. Nanjizal: May 10th KAW. Two males were singing at Cotehele, with a third bird present, on May 24th RSn. These are the first records from this site since 1982. Sadly however, there were no other breeding season records. There were two autumn migrants: Penlee Reserve: Sep 2nd DCg. Trevose Head: Sep 21st-22nd SMC,DIJ.

105 CHIFFCHAFF (COMMON CHIFFCHAFF) Phylloscopus collybita Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon winter visitor. During the first winter period, c.175 birds were reported in the county. As usual, the sewage works at Helston and St.Austell provided sustenance for large numbers, the highest counts being 55 at Helston on Jan 25th and 50 at St. Austell on Feb 12th, rising to 70 on Feb 26th. Records elsewhere mostly involved ones and twos apart from a good count of 13 at Harlyn Bay on Jan 19th, four at Hayle Mill Pond on Jan 24th, six at St.Columb S.W. on Jan 31st and five at Long Rock Pool on Feb 1st. The first new spring arrival was probably one at Lizard Point on Feb 19th. Five appeared at Marazion Marsh on Feb 24th, rising to eight the following day. Apart from five at Nanjizal on Mar 2nd, there were little signs of further immigration until the third week of March. Ten birds were at Nanjizal on Mar 16th, 12 at Marazion Marsh on 18th, eight at Mt.Edgecumbe CP. the same day and eight in Soap Cove on 21st. Migration reached its peak from late March through to the last week of April. There were no large falls, double figure counts comprising 22 at Trevose Head on Mar 28th, 20 at Penlee Pt. on Mar 29th, 12 at Nanjizal on Apr 2nd, 11 at Little Petherick Creek on Apr 5th, 20 at Respryn also on Apr 5th, 15 at Nanjizal on Apr 7th, 12 at Drift Res. on Apr 9th, 12 at Skewjack on Apr 19th and 25 at Penlee Pt. on Apr 25th. During April six other sites held between five and nine birds. Little breeding information was received. Twenty-five birds at Drift Res. on Jun 1st including 19 juvs., but young birds, from single pairs, were reported from only four other locations throughout the whole summer. There were the usual late summer concentrations, then migration continued through to late November. The highest numbers occurred in late September, only one double figure count being made subsequently. Highest counts: St.Austell S.W.: 20 July 21st-Sep 15th. Porthgwarra: 12 Aug 8th, 11 Sep 4th, 12 Oct 6th. Lowland Point: 10 Aug 8th. Jericho Farm: 38 Aug 25th, 15 Sep 9th, 20 Sep 24th, 37 Sep 25th. Argal Res.: 15 Aug 28th. Porth Mear (Park Head): 15 Aug 30th, 12 Sep 15th. Illogan: 11 Sep 3rd. Goss Moor: 12 Sep 26th. Trevose Head: 20 Sep 28th. Townshend: 30 Sep 30th. St.Levan: 15 Nov 27th. A high total of c.240 birds were reported in December, of which half were at St.Austell S.W. by 30th. Elsewhere there were 17 at Marazion Marsh, 12 at Mawgan Porth, 16 at Helston S.W. and 15 at Loe Pool. 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): Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff (Kester Wilson)

106 St.Austell S.W.: 12 on Jan 23rd; 17 Feb 22nd-Mar 5th. Hayle Mill Pond: two Mar 1st. Camel Est.: one Dec 3rd. Mawgan Porth: one Dec 11th.

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first spring migrants were two at Pentewan on Mar 18th, followed by singles at Polgigga on 19th and Land's End on 20th. There was a mini-influx a week later, with six at Long Rock, five at Trevose Head, five at Penlee Point (Rame) and 10 at Nanjizal, all arriving from Mar 27th-30th. April 1st saw 16 at Trevose Head, followed by a steady arrival throughout the month and into May. At Nanjizal 30 were counted on Apr 13th, with a similar number on Holman's Moors on 18th. A fall at Trevose Head on 19th comprised 29 birds, with ten there on 21st. Seventeen were at Jericho Farm on 20th, but by far the biggest fall was the 200 at Skewjack on 25th. Apart from 11 at Lowland Point on May 2nd, no other major influxes were noted, but late April counts in the Restormel district included 20 in the Luxulyan Valley, 50 on Breney Common, 20 on Helman Tor and 30 in the Treskilling Pits area. The only other notable counts of singing males during the breeding season were 15 at both Lowland Point and Tregoss Moor in late May. A count of 31 birds at Drift Res. on Jun 1 st comprised eight adults and a healthy 23 juvs., but the very poor summer weather was no doubt responsible for the fact that only one other record specifically related to young birds, being two at Bissoe on Jun 16th. Thirty were reported with Chiffchaffs at St. Austell S.W. on Jul 21st. Only c.30 birds were noted in August, the best count being nine at Drift Res. on 19th. Some 60 moved through in September, notably 18 at Porthgwarra on 4th and 20 at Pentewan on 20th. There were nine October records, all singles apart from four juvs. in Cot Valley on 5th. The final bird was at St.Levan on Oct 29th.

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Common resident and passage migrant (mainly autumn). By far the highest counts during the first winter period came from St.Austell S.W., where 40 were counted during January, rising to 50 on Feb 26th into early March. Elsewhere there were 10 at St.Columb Major on Jan 31st and five at Labour-in-Vain on Feb 21st. There were few other reports. One at Stepper Point on Mar 14th was the first coastal migrant. Counts of 12 at Soap Cove on Mar 21st, 10 in Lizard Village on Mar 24th and six at Nanjizal on Mar 27th were the highlights of a generally light passage which otherwise consisted of a few ones and twos. At Labour-in-Vain, 12 birds during April all moved through. It was vastly under-recorded during the breeding season, with records from a paltry ten sites. Juveniles were recorded only from Boscundle and Antony, with three each. The first migrants of the autumn were eight at Lundy Bay on Sep 16th. Passage continued through to at least mid November, but again was fairly light, with only two counts in excess of 20 birds. There were 30 reports of 10-20 birds, mostly from the coastal valleys of the far west. Highest counts from regular sites were as follows: Trevose Head: 32 Sep 28th, 19 Sep 29th, 14 Sep 30th. Portreath: 25 Sep 28th. Cot Valley: 10-13 on five dates Oct 9th to Nov 5th. Kenidjack: 14 Oct 6th, 16 Oct 15th. Nanquidno: 10 Oct 18th & 21st, 12 Oct 19th. Penberth: 20 Oct 17th, 10 Oct 20th-21st. Porthgwarra: 14-18 on five dates Oct 20th to Nov 16th. During the second winter period, the peak numbers were again at St.Austell S.W., where 10 on Nov 20th grew to 30 by late December. Reports from elsewhere comprised 14 at Penlee Woods on Dec 2nd, 10 at St. Andrew's Pool on Dec 10th and small numbers at just four other sites.

107 FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus Fairly rare passage migrant (mainly autumn) and winter visitor. During the first winter period c.25-30 birds were in the county. Singles at Nanjizal from Mar 8th-16th and Lowland Point on Mar 29th were almost certainly newly arriving spring migrants: some other March birds may have been too. There were no more records until one at Porthgwarra on May 10th. The first autumn migrant arrived at Wicca on Sep 27th. Subsequent passage was light the only significant arrival being a total of six at Penlee Battery and Rame Church on Oct 18th. No more than two were involved elsewhere. Passage continued until late November, as evidenced by two at St.Levan on 27th, two at Church Cove (Lizard) on 28th and one at Porthgwarra on 29th. The total of c. 13 remaining into the second winter period was again low. Approximate monthly totals 1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 8 9 - 1 - - - 1 31 34 13

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first bird of the year was found at St.Clement on the astonishingly early date of Feb 23rd (AM). The next was at Holman's Moors on Apr 18th and there was just one more by the end of April, at Lizard Point on 30th. Birds were back on territories from early May, e.g. Dunmere on 2nd, Golitha on 3rd. A small influx occurred on May 10th/l 1th, with five at Land's End, 15 at Porth Joke and six at Trevose Head (rising to eight there on 13th). All arrivals were in by the end of the month, adding up to c.60 spring migrants in all. Records during the breeding season were received from 35 localities. Breeding was confirmed at 11 sites, with most reported nests being successful. Young birds were first seen at Drift Res. on Jun 1st (five, with the adult pair), and the last family party was at on Aug 21 st (one ad. with two juvs.). An average autumn passage involved c.100 birds. The first were three at Land's End and two at Kenidjack on Aug 27th, with a further 15 birds noted by the end of that month. Seventy-five birds moved through during September, with peaks early in the month and during the last ten days. Peak counts were five inland at Wendron on 3rd, five at Porthgwarra on 4th, eight at Penlee Battery on 17th, eight at Trevose Head on 21st rising to nine on 22nd and falling to five on 24th, and five in Cot Valley on 28th. There were five October singles, the last being at Land's End on Oct 6th.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva Rare autumn passage migrant. A record seven birds were reported this year: Polgreen Farm (St.Mawgan): one Sep 21st JAW,REW. Porthgwarra: one Sep 25th-29th JHH,SGR. Church Cove (Lizard): juv. Oct 3rd-4th RCJ,ARP. Rame Church: adult male Oct 7th AECA,GDL,SCM. Kenidjack: one Oct 16th-18th ARB,PAD,PAF,SGR. Treve Common: 1st winter Nov 2nd MDW. Porthcurno: one Nov 6th KAW. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 1 - - - 2 29 83 6 -

108 PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Rare summer visitor Uncommon passage migrant. The first to arrive were singles at Land's End and Trevose Head on Apr 19th. There were four further coastal migrants on 29th/30th and another single at Rame Head on May 10th. Breeding season reports were as follows, with comparative data for 1992-1997. Figures represent singing males/pairs, plus number of young where known; p = present.

Pied Flycatcher (Kester Wilson)

1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Lanhydrock 2(10) 3(17) 2(11) 3(15) 5(0) 9(33) 9(58) Golitha 1 2(7) KD 2(5) 3(12) 6(14) 1(4) Dunmere 1 - - P 2 4 2 Numbers passing through the county on autumn passage were about average, with 62 birds recorded. Following singles at Bonython and Nanjizal on Aug 11th, there were no more until ones at Kenidjack and Land's End on Aug 27th. Three more moved through late in the month. About 50 birds were reported in September, mostly in ones and twos. Best counts were 11 at Trevose Head on 4th, 10 there on 20th (eight the next day), three at on 20th and three in Cot Valley on 28th. Five singles were found in the first few days of October, with the last ones being in Cot Valley, at Lizard Village and Porthgwarra on 6th.

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus Fairly common resident. Recorded at 66 widespread localities throughout the year. During the early part of the year, the highest concentration was at St.Austell S.W., where up to 40 birds were regular up to Mar 5th. Elsewhere there were five double-figure counts, with the maximum being 20 at Goss Moor on Feb 8th. Breeding birds were first noted carrying nesting material at Smith on Mar 8th, but breeding was confirmed at only seven sites. Highest summer counts were 25 at Drift Res. throughout, 25 at St.Austell S.W. and 20 in Luxulyan Valley in July; and 30 at Redmoor, 20 at Lower Tamar Lake and 20 at Treskilling during August. There were 25 double-figure counts during the autumn, the highest being 35 on Camel Est. on Oct 27th. Elsewhere there were 20 at Little Petherick, Treskilling, Marazion Marsh and Portmellon. Six sites held 10 or more birds during December, with up to 40 again at St.Austell S.W. by 31st, 22 at Par Beach Pool and 20 at St.Andrew's Pool.

MARSH TIT Parus palustris Fairly common resident, but virtually absent from the far west. Records were received from 41 sites, up 11% on last year. However, breeding was confirmed at only three sites, with family parties being seen at Tresillian (3 juvs) on Jun 14th, Porkellis on Jun 20th and Luxulyan on Jun 21st. All other records referred to just one or two birds, apart from three at Goss Moor on Sep 26th.

WILLOW TIT Parus montanus Uncommon resident. It has a patchy distribution in Cornwall, occurring in damp, scrubby woodland to the east and north of , with population centres at Goss Moor, Redmoor-St.Austell, Upper Fowey Valley and Tamar Lakes.

109 Upper Fowey Valley Lamelgate: one on Jan 10th and Feb 8th RWG,GDLJW. Ninestones Bridge: family party of nine Jun 14th; two Jul 4th and 26th SMC,PE,EJW. Redmoor-St.Austell Breney Common: three Feb 1st and May 9th; a pair plus two juvs Jun 13th; singles in Aug. and Oct. KJ,RAJ,RL. : one during first winter period GRW,MW. Rosemelling Pool: a pair plus at least one juv. May 30th DMY. Helman Tor: one May 30th SMC. Redmoor: two Aug 24th RL. Goss Moor Singles in on Jan, Feb, Sep, Oct; family party of at least six Jun 4th SMC. Tamar Lakes No records received.

COAL TIT Parus ater Common resident. Rare passage migrant. Records were received throughout the year from only 33 sites, similar to 1996, but a 54% decrease on last year! Breeding was confirmed at five sites. At Boscundle, Bissoe and Redruth, single pairs each had four young. The best counts outside the breeding season were six at Inny Vale from January to June and 10 at Respryn on Apr 5th.

BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus Very common resident. Records were received from just 45 sites, with breeding information from only six (data from garden nest-boxes would be useful!) At Drift Res. a flock of 21 birds on Jun 1st included 17 young. A pair had three juvs at Labour-in- Vain on Jun 17th, whilst three families were counted between Predannack and Caerthillian on Jun 21st. Two pairs bred at Trevose Head. Breeding was also confirmed at and . The highest counts were 20 at Inny Vale from January to April, 35 at St.Columb Sewage Works on Jan 31st, 40 at Polbrock on Apr 11th, 20 at Porth Mear (Park Head) on Aug 30th and 25 at Respryn on Sep 25th.

GREAT TIT Parus major Common resident. Reported from just 41 sites (the same as Marsh Tit, which it vastly outnumbers!), with breeding information from six. Single pairs at Drift Res., Labour-in-Vain, Wendron and Falmouth in June had seven, four, four and one young respectively. A pair in Holmbush in August had two young. At Penrose a pair nested in a post-box. Highest counts were 15 at Polbrock on Apr 11th, 12 at Lundy Bay on Sep 16th and 10 at Inny Vale during June.

NUTHATCH (WOOD NUTHATCH) Sitta europaea Fairly common resident. Reported throughout the year from 38 sites, a decrease of 22% on last year. Breeding was confirmed at Bissoe (one juv. seen); Boscundle (three juvs); Golitha (five pairs, one up on 1997); Lamorna (four juvs); Respryn (five males in March, 13 birds on May 9th); and St.Austell S.W. where a pair was at their nest-hole on Mar 16th and had finished the mud surround by 30th.

110 The oddest record was of a bird at Wendron on Jun 16th, at least three miles from the nearest breeding site.

TREECREEPER (EURASIAN TREECREEPER) Certhia familiaris Fairly common resident. Reported from 31 sites, but there were no reports of breeding. The highest counts were four at St.Austell S.W. on Feb 19th and Mar 5th, three at Respryn on Feb 8th and three at Illogan Wood on May 4th. In the west, singles were at Trewidden on Jul 23rd and Aug 18th and Nanjizal on Aug 6th. On the Lizard, one was at Bonython on Oct 30th.

GOLDEN ORIOLE (EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE) Oriolus oriolus Rare passage migrant (mainly spring). Predannack Airfield: adult male Mar 28th AL,ML. Kenidjack: 1st summer male May 9th. Nanjizal: 2nd year female May 9th-10th KAW. Nanquidno: female May 14th JWr. Newbridge (Penzance): 1st summer male Jun 4th DSF. Chyvarloe (Gunwalloe): 1st summer male Jun 15th EL. The Predannack bird is the earliest ever. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 28 117 17 4 3 2 3 - -

Golden Orioles (Kester Wilson) RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Porth Joke: male Jun 12th SMC. Porthgwarra: adult female Sep lst-5th DAC,PAF,NRk; juv. Sep 3rd NRk. Nanjizal: juv/lst winter: Sep 24th-28th KAW,RB. Caerthillian Cove: juv. Oct 7th SFE. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 9 9 3 14 41 23 2 -

111 GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Piper's Pool: one Nov 8th, perched on telegraph wires before moving on, BTC. St.Bellamin's Tor: one Nov 9th-l 1th, SMC,TMC. These two records, on either side of Bodmin Moor, probably relate to the same bird. An exceptional influx of c.120 birds arrived in the country during October. Great Grey Shrike (Paul Carrier) The county mainland total now stands at c.67, of which 21 have occurred on Bodmin Moor. Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 8 10 8 - 1 - - - 1 1 7 8 * five undated

WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator Rare passage migrant. Church Cove (Lizard): male Apr 24th-28th; male May 2nd-3rd AL,ML,GJC,SK et al. Pendeen: one Apr 27th MJ, per PMcC. Land's End: male May 3rd-11th RAw,SMC,DSF et al; male Sep 27th RB. Military Road (Penlee): female May 9th AECA,MB,DC,RSm. There was some debate about whether the Church Cove records involved one or two birds; they are treated here as different. The total of six take the mainland total to c.74. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 9 32 9 2 10 6 5 1 -

JAY (EURASIAN JAY) Garrulus glandarius Fairly common resident. Rare, occasionally irruptive passage migrant Reported from 63 sites comprising appropriate wooded habitat throughout the county. Most records involved ones and twos, but there were counts of five at Lamorna on Mar 16th and Loe Pool from Oct 6th-17th; and eight at Mt.Edgecumbe CP. on Dec 2nd. Breeding records were supplied from Par Moor (a juv. on May 25th), Boscundle (a pair with four juvs. on Jul 5th) and Picklecombe (a pair with one juv. on Jul 13th). The only indications of possible migration concerned two birds at Land's End on Oct 15th and one which flew through Illogan on Oct 18th.

MAGPIE (BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE) Pica pica Common resident. Reported from 46 named sites throughout the county, a huge under-representation, of course, of this species' true status. RL, nevertheless, recorded it at 50 sites in a day on three occasions and regards it as the most common corvid in the Restormel district. Breeding was reported only from Polgemmon (a pair with three juvs. on Jun 1st); Tollgate (Wadebridge) (a pair with one juv. the same day) and Labour-in-Vain (two pairs with nine juvs. on Jun 9th).

112 Highest counts were 21 at Siblyback on Jan 18th, 20 at Rame on Aug 6th, up to 15 at Labour-in-Vain on many dates, 14 at Porthgwarra on Nov 6th, 10 at Trevilling Marsh on Jun 25th and 10 at Pentire Point on Sep 21st. At Lamorna BDB observed two birds fighting over a Slow-worm on Jul 8th. At Hellesveor (St.Ives) on Jul 10th NRk watched one picking at insects as it perched on a horse's rump.

JACKDAW (EURASIAN JACKDAW) Corvus monedula Common resident. Reported from just 52 sites: this is another very under-recorded corvid. Peak counts were 350 at Praze-an-Beeble on Jan 1st, 500 at Reskadinnick on Feb 15th, 800 going to roost at Dinham Woods on Sep 14th, 450 at Trevose Head on Nov 11th and 300 at Fairy Cross on Nov 29th. The Trevose flock may have been migrants, as may 100 flying west over Holmbush in small groups on Oct 19th. Six pairs bred at Trevose Head, five pairs in Camel Quarry and three pairs at Labour-in-Vain. No other breeding information was received. At The Lizard village on Mar 24th, SP watched a flock of 25 birds removing hair from the backs of bullocks, one animal having five birds on it.

ROOK Corvus frugilegus Common resident. Counts were received for 30 rookeries. Observers are requested to continue sending in counts, which will be held on the CBWPS database. The following rookeries contained over 50 nests: Bonython: 81 nests (plus 10 in a smaller rookery) Lamorna: 76 nests Dinham Woods: 68 nests Pinkson Creek: 55 nests St.Austell S.W.: 50+ nests The largest recorded flocks were 500 at Reskadinnick on Feb 15th, 558 at Wadebridge on Aug 1st, 256 at Drift Res. on Aug 2nd, 600 at Marazonvose on Sep 12th, 600 at Dinham Woods on Sep 14th, 300 at Trevose Head on Nov 11th and 200 at Fairy Cross on Nov 29th.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone Common resident. Records were received from 66 localities, which is 27 more than last year. The highest of a series of counts at the Tamar Est. were 114 (Jan), 209 (Feb), 202 (Mar), 86 (Apr), 83 (May) and 105 (Jun). Elsewhere there were 150 at Point on Feb 4th and 100 there on Mar 9th; at St.Austell S.W. 80 (Jan), 50 (Feb) and 40 (Mar); and at Tresillian 40 (Feb), 43 (Nov) and 54 (Dec). Three pairs bred at Labour-in-Vain and single pairs at Illogan Wood and Lamorna. Three juvs. at Devoran all had prominent white patches in the secondaries. No other breeding information was received. A bird at West Pentire on Mar 16th was pecking at its own reflection in the wing-mirror of a car (a metallic blue Audi!) SMC. One at Porthgwarra caught four Slow-worms in two hours, in the same manner that Kestrels do JL. 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 Mt. Edgecumbe CP. in February and again on Nov 14th IS. The mainland total of Hooded Crows is now c.52, since 1930. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 7 2 9 5 4 1 3 1 5 6 6

113 RAVEN (COMMON RAVEN) Corvus corvax Uncommon resident. Reports from 97 localities throughout the year, a reduction of 25% on last year. Breeding was reported at the following sites, with many juvenile birds seen: North coast: Millook, Trebarwith, Tintagel Head, Pentire Point to Portquin (six pairs), Tregunna, Pepper Hole, Trevose Head, , St.Agnes Head. South coast: Newlyn, Mount's Bay, Cudden Point, Perranuthnoe (two pairs), Mullion, Bass Point, Jacket's Point, Crinnis, St.Austell Bay (two pairs). Inland: Goonbarrow Clay-pit, Goss Moor (where the nest was on an electricity pylon) and Truro Cathedral (where three young were fledged). Largest reported gatherings during the year were 15 at Colliford Res. on Jan 10th, 13 flying south over Pelynt in twos and threes on Mar 31st, 37 at Two Waters Foot on May 19th, 16 at Stithians Res. on Sep 26th, 12 on Carbis Moor on Oct 14th, 17 at Helman Tor on Oct 15th, 29 flying south-west over Gwithian on Nov 2nd and 40 at Crowdy Res. on Dec 13th.

STARLING (COMMON STARLING) Sturnus vulgaris Common resident. Very common passage migrant and winter visitor. Counts were received from two major roost sites in the early part of the year: 50,000 birds at Marazion Marsh on Jan 7th and 100,000 in the Davidstow area in late January. The latter roost was being hunted by eight Buzzards on Jan 26th. A small roost at Towan Head contained 1000 birds during January and February. There were no reports from Loe Pool this year - is this roost still extant? Supplementary counts included "thousands" feeding daily on the Roseland peninsula through to March, 1353 flying over Colliford Dam towards Davidstow on Jan 2nd, 550 on Predannack Airfield on Jan 24th, 700 at Trevose Head on Feb 17th, "many thousands" flying over St.Agnes Beacon during the mornings on two days in late February (birds dispersing to feed, or migrating?) and 400 still at Colliford on Mar 14th, marking the last of the winter flocks. The only breeding records were from Pelynt (two pairs feeding young on May 20th), Sennen (fledged young on Jun 1st) and Falmouth (a pair with five young on Jun 2nd). Late summer gatherings included 60 at Hayle Est. on Jun 15th and 32 at Par Beach on Jul 4th, rising to 70 on Aug 1st. RL reports that data from the BTO's Garden Bird Survey suggests that resident birds are decreasing in the Restormel district, in line with the national trend. A flock of 3000 birds at Marazion in early October presumably comprised British birds, as immigration was, as usual, not noted until late in the month. The best of the later counts were 700 at Trevose Head on Oct 28th, plus 1300 there the next day and 2355 on Nov 11th; 3000 on Reskajeage Downs on Nov 18th; and 2000 on Lizard Downs on Nov 28th. The Marazion roost again held 50,000 birds on Nov 9th, but this figure is a far cry from the estimates of a million plus of recent winters. In December there were counts of 100-400 feeding birds from eight sites.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Common resident. DCm reports a very successful breeding season at Townshend, with up to 30 birds around in August. RL, however, reports that resident birds are decreasing in the Restormel area. Autumn counts of foraging flocks were widespread and indicate a healthy population. Counts included 70 at Trevose Head on Aug 8th; 40 at Wendron on Aug 15th; 60 at Hawker's Cove on Aug 28th; 70 at Stepper Point on Sep 29th; and 60 at Ruan Lanihorne on Nov 17th.

TREE SPARROW (EURASIAN TREE SPARROW) Passer montanus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred at Land's End in 1990. There were two records this year after last year's bumper total. They involved a single bird at Porthgwarra on May 1st (JL) and four at Nanjizal on May 18th, (KAW).

114 Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 5 6 80 17 5 10 3 125 29 23

RED-EYED VIREO Vireo olivaceus Rare passage migrant. One was found in the woods on the north side of Loe Pool on Nov 3rd and remained until 10th (TRn et al). The record has accepted by BBRC. This is the 18th county record and the first for November. One wonders how many other rare passerines go undetected at this site! Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------7 10 1 -

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Very common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. During the first winter period many flocks were noted throughout the county, of which the largest were 300 at Loe Pool on Jan 3rd; 410 at My lor on Jan 8th; 200 at Bake on Jan 28th; and 200 at Reskadinnick on Feb 15th. It would be useful to know what these large winter flocks are feeding on. Breeding data was again limited, but with no indications of any change of status. Autumn passage was light, with only one count above 500, being 761 at Porthgwarra on Nov 16th, SMC. In the second winter period some large flocks were noted feeding on linseed stubble: 200 at Carclew on Nov 27th; 500 at Porkellis on Dec 5th; and 200 at on Dec 18th. The increase in linseed growing may benefit winter survival in this species.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn) and winter visitor. This species was very scarce in the first part of the year. The only records were eight at Mylor on Jan 8th and up to two at Holmbush in February-March. There were two spring migrants: one at St German's on Mar 11th and one at Nanjizal on Apr 25th. Autumn migration started with one at Penlee Battery on Oct 11th and was very light, the only counts above 20 being 28 at Porthgwarra on Nov 6th and 38 there on Nov 16th. In the second winter period birds were also difficult to find, with the only flocks being 40 at Bake on Dec 20th and c.100 on linseed stubble at Flushing the same day.

SERIN (EUROPEAN SERIN) Serinus serinus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A second-year male was at Nanjizal on May 10th KAW. There were two November records: a male at Porthgwarra on 16th (SMC) and one which flew over Church Cove, The Lizard on 24th, (SMC,BDa). Monthlv breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 7 9 9 16 1 - - 7 26 24 8

GREENFINCH (EUROPEAN GREENFINCH) Carduelis chloris Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. This species does not seem to form such large flocks as the Chaffinch in winter. Bird tables may be important in overwinter survival and the largest flocks were reported from suburban sites rather than farmland: 60 at Par on Jan 17th; 21 at Tresillian on Feb 15th; and 40 at Lizard Village on Mar 12th.

115 It remains common in the breeding season throughout the county, with 30 at Holmbush in June, including 12-18 young, RL. Autumn passage was light with no counts into three figures. In the second winter period only one flock above a hundred was reported: 280 at Bake on Dec 30th. However, several smaller flocks were reported feeding on linseed stubble and weedy cabbage fields. As with the other finches, recording what winter flocks are feeding on would be very useful.

GOLDFINCH (EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH) Carduelis carduelis Fairly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. In the first winter period the largest flocks were 90 at St Just-in-Roseland on Jan 24th and 40 at on Jan 30th. Breeding records were well scattered throughout the county, with no indications of any change in status. In early autumn there were many records from coastal areas where birds gathered to feed on late- flowering knapweeds and thistles. The largest flocks were 150 at Black Head on Sep 27th and 250 at Sennen on Oct 3rd. In winter the largest flocks were reported from linseed stubbles: 200 at Porkellis on Dec 5th and 200 at Flushing on Dec 20th.

SISKIN (EURASIAN SISKIN) Carduelis spinus Fairly rare summer and winter visitor. Uncommon passage migrant. In the first winter period numbers were low. Up to 10 were feeding on alder cones at St Andrew's Pool, Par in January and February, but elsewhere only ones and twos at scattered sites, mostly feeding on peanuts in gardens. Eighteen at Falmouth on Jan 1st was the largest flock recorded. During the breeding season there was an encouraging number of sightings from conifer plantations around Bodmin and Bodmin Moor. Birds were recorded at Respryn, , Cooksland, Helman Tor, Great Grogley, Hustyn, Bastreet, Halvana, Smallacombe, Crowdy and Ninestones and presumably bred at or near most of these sites. In autumn there was a very light passage starting with 10 at on Sep 24th. Only about 70 birds were recorded in total, with no flocks above 10 recorded in autumn or the second winter period.

LINNET (COMMON LINNET) Carduelis cannabina Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Fairly common winter visitor. In the first winter period two large flocks were wintering, on saltmarsh at Hayle and set-aside at West Pentire - both flocks in the 100-200 range. Numbers of small flocks increased during March as birds moved back into the county from further south. Breeding birds were well scattered throughout the county in suitable habitat. Apparently it was a very successful breeding season, as there were some very large flocks in the second half of the year - mainly on coastal heathland and linseed. Twenty flocks of over 100 birds were reported, including four in the 400-600 range, and the largest 2000 at Trevellas on Dec 18th and 1000 at Retallack on Dec 27th - both feeding on linseed stubbles.

REDPOLL (COMMON REDPOLL) Carduelis flammea Rare summer and winter visitor and passage migrant. During the first winter period up to two birds were at Par from Jan 16th-Feb 14th, (GRN, MW, SMC et al.) and there was a notable flock of 26 at Siblyback on Jan 31st, (EJW, CFNHC.) There was a light spring passage of 12 birds scattered throughout the county. In the breeding season birds were reported from most of the moorland conifer plantations in ones and twos. Peak counts were: three at Hustyn on May 22nd, (SMC); four at Halvana on May 25th, (DE);

116 six at Smallacombe on Jul 4th (SMC); and three at Credacott on Aug 15th, (IK) Autumn migration involved c.20 birds: Trevose Head: singles Oct 8th and Nov 17th SMC . Nanjizal: one Oct 9th KAW. Penberth: two Oct 17th PAD. Porthgwarra: eight Nov 4th-16th SMC. Newquay: three Dec 1st SMC. Seaton: one Dec 2nd RMB. Par: two Dec 5th RAJ,KJ. Marazion Marsh: one Dec 6th DSF.

CROSSBILL (COMMON CROSSBILL) Loxia curvirostra Very rare resident. Fairly rare passage migrant with occasional irruptions. After last year's irruption many fewer were seen this year: Crowdy Res: one Mar 9th SMC. Halvana: four Mar 21 st RAJ,KJ. Crossbill (Kester Wilson) Porthgwarra: one Nov 1 st SMC.

SCARLET ROSEFINCH (COMMON ROSEFINCH) Carpodacus erythrinus Rare passage migrant. A female or immature male was at Pentire Farm on Jun 2nd, SMC,BDa. During the autumn a first winter bird was at Nanjizal on Sep 21st, KAW. The county mainland total is now 23. Scarlet Rosefinch (Kester Wilson) Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - - 2 3 3 - 6 7 1 -

BULLFINCH (COMMON BULLFINCH) Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident. In the first winter a flock of 20 in Launceston was notable, on Jan 9th, SJB. Also, flocks of eight were reported at College Reservoir on Jan 6th (SMC) and St Andrew's Pool on Jan 11th, WS, IRS. Breeding was widely reported throughout the county, but only scattered reports to the end of the year, with no groups reported over four birds. However, there is no reason to report any change in status.

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Very rare summer visitor. The year's only record was of one at Porthgwarra on Nov 15th. It flew past the observers (SMC,BDa) almost within touching distance. Hawfinch (Kester Wilson)

117 Monthly breakdown of all records*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 5 13 2 3 5 7 - 3 40 9 7 * two records were undated.

LAPLAND BUNTING (LAPLAND LONGSPUR) Calcarius lapponicus Fairly rare passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. Reskajeage: one Jan 1st, (DIJ), two Sep 24th-29th. Land's End: one Sep 6th-9th, one Oct 6th, four Oct 8th TG, RAW, PH. Porthgwarra: one Sep 20th, one Oct 15th VRT. Rumps Point: one Sep 23rd DIJ. Predannack: one Sep 26th ARP. Nanjizal: one Sep 29th, one Oct 14th-15th KAW. Godrevy Point: three Oct 3rd. Treve Common: two Oct 4th, one Nov 1st MDW. Trevose Head: one Oct 6th-7th, one Oct 8th-10th, one Nov 11th SMC. Military Road (Penlee): one Oct 8th, one Oct 9th-11th SB,GDL. : one Oct 9th SMC. North Cliffs: five Oct 12th WM. Park Head: one Nov 25th SMC. An average year, with about 33 birds recorded.

SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. West Pentire: one overwintered from 1997 until Jan 12th, SMC,SGR; one Nov 18th, SMC. Porthgwarra: one Sep 27th, one Nov 7th-15th, SMC. Trevose Head: one Oct 7th, one Oct 14th, four Nov 17th, three Nov 30th, SMC. The Knavocks: one Oct 13th, WM. Hayle: one Oct 14th, one Oct 20th-21st, DSF, LPW. Marazion: two Oct 17th-21st, one remaining to Nov 7th, WS,ABS,DC et al. Glebe Cliff: one Nov 7th, DL. Zennor: one Nov 15th, SGR. With only about 20 birds reported, 1998 turned out to be a very poor year for this species.

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella Common resident. Fairly rare passage migrant. The Yellowhammer is in decline nationally, but the situation is unclear in Cornwall. Although it appears still common, especially along the coast, there is some sign of a decrease in winter flock sizes. In the first winter period there were only three flocks reported above 15 birds: 18 at Rame on Jan 11th, CFNHC; 30 at Reskadinnick on Feb 15th, AM; and 16 at Trewornan Bridge on Mar 21st, DIJ. Birds were well distributed in the breeding season, with 12 pairs between Rame Head and Penlee and 12 pairs at Cam Gloose. Inland records were more scattered. In autumn and the second winter period, there were 20 at Rame Head on Oct 5th, CFNHC, and 25 at Old Town Cove on Dec 3rd, SMC, but no larger flocks. As with finches, it would be useful to record what winter flocks are feeding on.

CIRL BUNTING Emberiza cirlus Rare resident and passage migrant. This species appears to be on the verge of extinction in Cornwall, with no confirmed breeding in 1998. St Just-in-Roseland: up to three birds (two males and one female) feeding on stubble, Jan 24th-Apr 9th SMC, GJC,DE et al.

118 : one male from January through to April MCe,ARP. Par Beach: one Dec 6th SMC.

ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Nanjizal: male Apr 28th-30th; four (three 1st winters and a probable adult) Sep 29th KAW. Land's End: one, probably same as the April Nanjizal bird May 4th SMC. Lizard Point: one Sep 26th ARP. Trevose Head: one Sep 28th-30th SMC.

_ _ , _, _ „ , Ortolan Buntings (Kester Wilson) Monthlm Al y breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 3 - - 7 90 20 - -

LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla Very rare passage migrant (mostly autumn) and winter visitor. One at Porthgwarra on Nov 16th was the 12th county record, SMC. Monthly breakdown of all records: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 - 4 1 - - - - 3 2 -

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Fairly common resident. Fairly rare passage migrant. Another bunting in decline. In the first winter period no flocks over 10 were reported. Seven at Tregonetha Downs on Feb 1st was the largest. In the breeding season birds were reported from widely scattered wetland sites across The Lizard and Bodmin Moor, as well as coastal marshes like Par and Marazion. Birds were reported from 25 sites, but with no more than two or three individuals at each site. In the autumn and second winter period flocks built up to 21 at Porthgwarra on Nov 16th, but no other site held more than ten birds.

CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra Uncommon resident. The distribution of this species continues to fragment. None was reported in the Land's End area in 1998. North Cliffs Numbers are apparently still declining, with birds mainly found between Hell's Mouth and Bassett's Cove. Up to nine singing males in this area (CM,AM,MJH), with a flock of ten seen on Oct 12th, WM. A pair carrying food on Jul 3rd, GHT. Newquay to Padstow Six singing at Pentire (Newquay) on Jun 3rd, SMC, but none further south. Twenty-six singing males noted in the whole of this area. Post-breeding flocks of 44 were reported at Trevose Head on Aug 10th, reducing to 23 by Nov 11th. North of Padstow Some sign of an increase, with up to 12 in the main area around Pentire and Pentireglaze. Also two at Portquin on Mar 17th and two singing males at Dinnabroad on Jul 25th, DAC.

119 Exotica

BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus The wandering bird from last year, which first arrived in 1991, continued to roam the county during the year, visiting Helford River, Siblyback Res., Par Beach, Treskilling Clay Pit and Restronguet Creek. In addition two birds were noted at Par Beach from Apr 9th-11th (RL) and at Marazion Marsh on May 6th (DSF), and three were at Drift Res. on Aug 24th (GH.)

CHILOE WIGEON Anas sibilatrix A male was at Maer Lake from Jan lOth-Mar 11th GPS.

RINGED TEAL Callonetta leucophrys A pair was on Trenance Lake, Newquay, from Oct 5th-9th SMC.

GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophus pictus A male was picked up in an emaciated condition at Perranporth on May 13th. It was taken into care by the RSPCA, SMC.

RUPPELL'S WEAVER Ploceus galbula One visited a bird table in Downderry on Aug 3rd, CFNHC.

First and Last Dates of Summer Migrants (excluding wintering individuals)

Species Arrival Departure Species Arrival Departure

Manx Shearwater Mar 6th Dec 19th House Martin Mar 1st Dec 6th Storm-petrel May 6th Oct 31st Tree Pipit Mar 21st Nov 4th Garganey Mar 18th Oct 12th Yellow Wagtail Apr 4th Oct 20th Hobby May 10th Nov 1st Redstart Mar 20th Nov 4th Little Ringed Plover Mar 21st Sep 16th Whinchat Apr 28th Oct 18th Whimbrel Mar 19th Oct 17th Wheatear Mar 3rd Nov 4th Wood Sandpiper May 8th Sep 25th Ring Ouzel Mar 20th Nov 27th Sandwich Tern Feb 15th Oct 26th Grasshopper Warbler Apr 3rd Oct 3rd Common Tern Apr 3rd Nov 8th Sedge Warbler Feb 14th Oct 17th Arctic Tern Apr 14th Nov 3rd Reed Warbler Apr 8th Nov 1st Little Tern Apr 19th Oct 11th Lesser Whitethroat Apr 29th Nov 28th Black Tern Apr 30th Oct 12th Common Whitethroat Apr 20th Oct 5th Puffin Apr 3rd Nov 3rd Garden Warbler Apr 5th Oct 9th Turtle Dove Apr 23rd Oct 19th Wood Warbler Apr 21st Sep 22nd Cuckoo Apr 10th Sep 3rd Willow Warbler Mar 18th Oct 29th Swift Apr 22nd Oct 4th Spotted Flycatcher Feb 23rd Oct 6th Sand Martin Mar 11th Oct 18th Pied Flycatcher Apr 19th Oct 6th Swallow Feb 14th Dec 4th

120 Contributors

ADAS (ADAS) T Davison (TD) R.C James (RCJ) &C Abbott (RCA) B Dodd (BD) D.Jenkins (DJs) R Addison (RAn) PA Dukes (PAD) R. Johnson (RJn) P.GAkers (PGA) A. Dunstan (AD) D.L Johnson (DLJ) RHAley (PH) J Dustow (JD) Miss K Jones (KJ) Mrs. B.Allen (BA) PJDwyer (PJD) R.A Jones (RAJ) R.E Allen (REA) P Edmonds (PE) M Juett (MJ) R. Andrew (Raw) SB Edwards (SBE) D.I Julian (DIJ) A.E Aston (AECA) S.F.Elton (SFE) R Jutsum (RJm) Birding South-West (BSW) D. Eva (DE) M Keightley (MKy) B. Baker (BBk) K Evans (KE) D.FKelley (DFK) B. Baker (BBr) Miss HCFlumm (HCF) R. Kemp (RK) Mrs. L Baker (LB) D.SFlumm (DSF) I.C Kendall (IK) M.EBazeley (MEB) S Ford (SF) F.H C.Kendall (FHCK) M. Beer ( MB) PAFraser (PAF) RWKey (RWK) C&CBeesley (C&CB) MP Frost (MPF) S. Kolodziejski (SK) R M Belringer (RMB) GSGay (GSGy) J Lancaste (JLr) C.L Bingham (CLB) S Geary (SG) J.CLand (JCL) M.P Birch (MPB) T. George (TG) R Lane (RL) Mrs P Blonden (PB) V Giles (VG) A Langdon (ALn) A Blonden (AB) R.W Gould (RWG) A.A Langford (AAL) B.D Blowers (BDB) NL Grace (NLG) J. Lawman (JL) A.J Bond (AJB) G.S Grant (GSG) M Lawson (MLw) S J Bond (SJB) P Greenstreet (PG) E Leahy (EL) Mrs CL Bourne (CLBo) R Greenwood (RG) D.M Lewis (DML) C. Brooks (CBs) MC Hall (MCH) G.D Lewis (GDL) JDBryden (JDB) N J Hallam (NJH) Mrs Linton (L) R.WBurn (RWB) Mrs R Hallsmith (RHs) S.M Lister (SML) S Bury (SB) Dr AMHanby (AMH) RC Loader (RCL) R. Butts (RB) S Handford (SH) D. Lord (DL) Caradon Field and Natural C Hannaford (CH) Mrs A Lord (AL) History Society (CFNHC) P Harrison (PH) M Lord (ML) T.MCarne (TMC) HRHarrop (HRH) S.C Madge (SCM) B Cave (BC) Dr H.J Harvey (HJH) PA Maker (PAM) D Chapman (DCm) R. Hathway (RH) W Makin (WM) J Chappie (JCh) A. Hathway (AH) T Marchese (TM) PS Chesbrough (PSC) J.H Hawkey (JHH) A Mason (AM) J. Chesher (JCr) M.JHealan (MJH) C Mason (CM) Mrs Child (C) MrsJHealan (JHn) M May (MM) D J Chown (DJC) C.D.R.Heard (CDRH) P McCartney (PMcC) S.M Christophers (SMC) Mrs J Hennessey (Jhy) Mrs S A McCartney (SAMcC) D Churchill (DC1) A J Higginson (AJH) M McKee (MMcK) D. Clegg (DCg) G. Hobin (GH) B K Mellow (BKM) D.A Conway (DAC) R Homan (RHn) Miss H Meredith (HM) GJ Conway (GJC) F.H Honeychurch (FHH) G Mold (GM) C Coombes (CC) Mr lies (I) J.EMollison (JEM) D. Cotton (DC) G.C Jackson (GCJ) I Moore (IM) F.M Couch (FMC) D.Jackson (DJ) D Morrison (DM) B.T Craven (BTC) S.Jackson (SJ) H Netley (HN) P Cunningham (PC) E.C James (ECJ) K Noble (KN) DJ Curtis (DJCs) J.W James (JWJ) Mrs M Noble (MN) A.M Davey (AMJD) R.M James (RMJ) W.CNorthcott (WCN) Dr. GW Davis (GWD) Mrs V James (VJ) A J Park (AJP)

121 J Pask (JP) C Speedy (CS) J.M Walters (JMW) A.RPay (ARP) H.ASpiller (HAS) PBWaterfield (PBW) SJPearman (SJP) M Stange (MSe) C Watson-Smythe (CW-S) K. Pellow (KP) D.J Stevens (DJS) L. Webb (LW) A. Perry (Apy) A.A Stevens (AAS) B.LWebb (BLW) J.CPett (JCP) I.R Stewart (IRS) J Webster (JWr) N J Phillips (NJP) AB Stewart (ABS) S. Welch (SWh) BM Phillips (BMP) W Stewart (WS) D. Westmore (DWe) S. Pilbeam (SP) Stithians Hide Log (SHL) Mrs M White (MW) T.KPlummer (TKP) Mrs. J. Stockhausen (JS) G.R White (GRW) L J Proctor ( UP) R. Stockhausen (RS) RWWilkins (RWW) T Raven (TRn) P.LStubbs (PLS) D.P Wilkinson (DPW) N Renwick (NRk) J Summers (JSu) Miss M J Wilkinson (MJW) DJ Rigby (DJR) G.P Sutton (GPS) Mrs V Willcox (VW) R.D Riley (RDR) D Taylor (DT) L.P Williams (LPW) SGRowe (SGR) G.H Thomas (GHT) EH Williams (EHW) MJRule (MJRe) P Thompson (PTn) AM Wilson (AMW) P Rundle (Pre) J Tidball (JT1) J.H Wilson (JHW) P.ARutter (PAR) V.R Tucker (VRT) E J Wilson (EJW) J.FRyan (JFR) M Tunmore (MT) K.A Wilson (KAW) Mr Sanderson (S) P Visick (PV) MJWitherall (MJW) L.ASarl (LAHS) R.EWake (REW) W.AWolfenden (WAW) J.J Shillingford (JJS) Mrs J A Wake (JAW) B.C Wotton-McTurk (BCW) P.TSillifant (PTS) P.AWakelin (PAW) J. Wright (JWt) A.N. Slade (ANS) M.D Wallace (MDW) D.MYelland (DMY) R. Smaldon (RSn) M Wallen (MWn) M. Southam (MS) P Walsh (PWh)

Gazeteer

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.

Acton Castle SW5528 Black Cam SW3622 Bosistow SW3623 Allen Valley SX0476 Black Head (Coverack) SW7716 Boskenna SW4125 Amble Confluence SW9774 Black Head, St. Austell SX0447 Bossiney SX0689 Amble Marshes SW9874 SX1073 SW4437 Antony Estate SX4156 Bridge SX0565 Bounds Cliff SX0281 SX4157 Bochym SW6820 Brane SW4028 Arden -Sawah SW3723 Boconnoc SX1460 SW9277 Argal Reservoir SW7632 Bodelva Moor Ponds SX0555 Breage SW6128 Ashton SW6028 SX0668 Breney Common SX0561 Baby Bay SW9379 SX1352 Brew (Sennen) SW3625 Backways Cove SX0485 Bodmin SX0666 Brocton SX0168 Bake SX3258 Bodmin Moor SX1876 Bude SS2106 Ball Roundabout (Wade) SX0073 Bogee Farm SW9069 Bude Bay SSI607 B arras Nose SX0589 SX4167 Bude Canal SS2005 Bartinney Downs SW3929 Bollowal Farm (St. Just) SW3531 Bude Marshes SS2005 Bass Point SW7111 Bolventor SX1876 Bugle SX0159 Basset's Cove SW6344 Bonython SW6920 Burngullow Common SW9853 Bastreet SX2476 Booby's Bay SW8575 Burniere Point SW9874 Battery Rocks (Penzanc) SW4729 Bosanketh SW3826 Burnuick Farm (Chyvarl) SW6624 Beagles Point SW7616 Boscarne SX0367 Butter Hole SW9077 Bear's Downs SW8968 SX0990 Butterstor Downs SX1577 Bearah Tor SX2574 Boscathnoe Reservoir SW4531 Cabilla Woods SX1365 Bedruthan Steps SW8469 Boscawen Park (Truro) SW8343 SW7214 Biscovey SX0653 Bosigran SW4236 Caer Bran SW4029

122 Caer Bran Farm SW4029 Colona Beach SX0243 Empacombe SX4452 Caerhays SW9741 Com Head SW9480 SW9659 Caerhays Estate Woodla SW9741 Compass Point (Bude) SSI906 Epphaven Cove SW9679 Calartha Farm SW3834 SX1962 Escalls Cliff SW3627 Calenick Creek SW8343 SW5939 Fairy Cross SX1262 Camborne SW6540 Constantine SW7329 Falmouth SW8032 Camel Estuary SW9374 Constantine Bay SW8574 Falmouth Bay SW8130 Camel Trail SW9972 Cooksland (Bodmin) SX0867 Feock SW8238 SX1083 Coombe (Fowey) SX1151 Fishing Cove SW5942 Candra SX1178 Coombe (Tehidy) SW6242 Foage SW4637 Cant Cove SW9574 Coombe Valley SS2011 Forder SX4250 Cape Cornwall SW3531 Copperhouse Creek SW5637 SW6838 Carbis Bay SW5239 Cot Valley SW3630 Fowey SX1251 Carbis Moor SX0255 Cotton Wood SX0167 Fowey Estuary SX1254 Cardinham Woods SX1067 Coverack SW7818 Freathy SX3952 Cargoll SW8156 CowLand's SW8240 Frenchman's Creek SW7125 SX4362 CowLand's Creek SW8340 Gannel Estuary SW7961 SW8453 Cowloe SW3426 SW7023 Carlean Wood SW6042 SX3654 G arrow Tor SX1478 Carloggas SW8765 SW7860 Garvinack Farm SW7748 Carluddon SX0155 Crean SW3824 Gerran's Bay SW9037 Carlyon Bay SX0551 Credacott Farm SX2395 Gillhouse SX1873 Carlyon Farm SW9575 SX4553 Glebe Cliff SX0488 Carminowe Creek SW6524 Crewell Cross SX0959 Godolphin Wood SW6032 Cam Barges (Lamoma) SW4423 Crinnis SX0551 Godrevy Island SW5743 Cam Brea (West Penwi) SW3828 Croft Pascoe SW7220 Godrevy Point SW5743 Cam Galver SW4236 Croft Pascoe Pltn SW7219 SX1254 Cam Glaze SW3929 Crooklets Beach (Bude) SS2007 SW5430 Cam Gloose (St. Just) SW3531 Crousa Downs SW7618 Golitha/Draynes Wood SX2268 Cam Trevean SW3622 SW6434 Goonhilly Downs SW7219 Camanton SW8764 Crowan (Cargenwen) R. SW6535 Gorran Haven SW0141 Came Creek SW7725 Crowdy Reservoir SX1483 Goss Moor SW9459 Cammenellis SW6936 SW5133 Great Grogley Downs SX0167 Camsew Pool SW5537 Crows-an-Wra SW3927 Gribbin Head SX0949 Carnworthy Water SX2291 SW9076 Grogley Halt SX0156 Carrick Luz SW7516 Cudden Point SW5427 Gull Rock, Boscastle SX1193 Carrick Roads SW8335 SW6721 Gull Rock, Portreath SW6445 Carrickowel Point SX0350 Daubuz Moor (Truro) SW8545 Gulland Rock SW8778 Caravannel Downs SW6444 Davidstow SX1587 Gulval SW4831 Castle Beach SW8131 Davidstow Airfield SX1485 Gun Point SW9176 Cataclews Point SW8776 Davidstow Moor SX1583 Gunwalloe Marsh SW6621 Catchall SW4327 Davidstow Woods SX1484 Gurnard's Head SW4338 Cawsand SX4350 Daw's House SX3182 SW5231 SX4450 Daymer Bay SW9277 SW7113 SW7444 De Lank Water Works SX1376 Gweek SW7026 Chapel Amble SW9975 SW6525 Gwennap Head SW3621 Chapel Point SX0243 Dennis Cove SW9274 Gwithian SW5841 Chapel Porth SW6949 Dennis Hill SW9274 Gwithian Towans SW5841 Charlestown SX0351 Devoran SW7939 Halton Quay SX4165 Charlestown Lakes SX0351 Dinas Head SW8476 Halvana Plantation SX2077 Chiverton Croft SW7217 Ding Dong SW4334 Hannafore SX2552 Chiverton Cross SW7446 Dinham Bridge SX0373 Hannafore Point SX2552 Chiverton Farm SW5429 Dinham Point SW9774 Hannibal's Cam SW4336 Church Cove (Gunwallo) SW6620 SX1698 Harlyn SW8775 Church Cove, Lizard SW7112 Dodman Point SX0039 Harlyn Bay SW8775 Clapper Bridge SX3565 Downderry SX3253 Harlyn Pools SW8775 Cleave Camp SS2012 Doyden Point SW9680 Hawk's Tor, Temple SX1475 Clift SX4055 Dozmary Pool SX1974 Hawkstor Clay Pit SX1474 Clifton SX4264 Drift Reservoir SW4329 SX4166 Cligga Head SW7353 Duckpool SS2011 Hayle Estuary SW5537 Clodgy Point SW5041 Dunmere SX0467 Hayle Kimbro Pool SW6916 Cober Valley (Wendron) S W6731 Dunmere Wood SX0468 Hayle Mill Pond SW5583 Coldrose Farm (Truro) SW8248 Duporth SX0351 Helford SW7526 College Reservoir SW7633 Durgan SW7727 Helford River SW7726 Colliford Dam SX1771 East Looe River SX2554 Hell's Mouth SW6042 Colliford Downs SX1871 Eastern Green Beach SW4830 Helman Tor SX0661 Colliford Reservoir SX1772 Egloshayle SX0072 Helston SW6627

123 Helston Amenity Area SW6526 Longships SW3125 Otterham SX1690 Helston Lake SW6527 Looe SX2553 Padstow SW9274 Helston Sewage Works SW6532 Looe Estuary SX2553 Par SX0753 Hendersick Farm SX2352 Looe Island SX2551 Par Bay SX0852 Hepwell SX3064 Lostwithiel SX1059 Par Beach SX0853 High Cliff SX1294 SW3734 Par Beach Pool SX0853 Higher Crill Farm SW7783 Lower Brynn SW9862 Par Moor SX0552 Higher SW5628 Lower Tamar Lake SS2911 Park Head SW8470 Higher Tregiffian SW3627 Lowland Point SW5033 Pelynt SX2054 Holman's Moors SW4839 Luckett Woods SX3972 Pemboa SW6826 Holmbush SX0352 Lundy Bay SW9579 Pen Enys Point SW4841 Holywell Bay SW7659 Luxulyan Valley SX0557 Pen Olver SW7111 Hudder Down SW6042 Lye Rock SX0689 Penberth SW3923 Hustyn Downs SX0067 Lynher Estuary SX3955 Pencalenick SW8545 Hustyn Wood SX0069 SW4531 Pencarrow, Bodmin SX0471 Idless SW8247 Maenporth SW7829 Pendarves SW6437 Illogan SW6744 Maer Lake SS2007 Pendeen SW3834 Illogan Wood SW6643 Maidenwell SX1470 Pendeen Watch SW3735 Innis Fish Farm (Bugle) SX0357 Maker Heights SX4351 Pendower Beach SW8938 Inny Vale SX1586 Malpas SW8442 Penhale Sands SW7756 Irish Lady (Sennen) SW3426 Marazion Beach SW5031 Penhalt SSI900 Jacket's Point SX8303 Marazion Marsh SW5031 Penjerrick SW7730 Jericho Farm SW3931 SX1591 Penlee Point,Mousehole SW4726 Jolly's Bottom SW7544 Maudlin, Liskeard SX2664 Penlee Point,Rame Hd SX4448 Jubilee Pool, Penzance SW4729 Mawgan Porth SW8467 Penlee Woods SX4449 SW7660 Mayon SW3625 Pennance Farm SW4437 SW3730 Meachard SX0991 Pennance Point SW8030 Kemyel Drea SW4625 Men-An-Tol SW4234 Penpol Creek, Feock SW8138 Kenidjack SW3632 Menabilly SX1051 Penrose, Loe Pool SW6425 Kennack Sands SW7316 SW6141 Penryn SW7834 SS2511 Merope Rocks SW8676 Penryn River SW7934 Killigerran Head SW8732 SX0874 SX2969 Kings Wood SX0048 Mevagissey SX0144 Pentargon SX1091 SX4350 Mevagissey Bay SX0245 Pentewan SX0147 Kingsmill Lake SX4261 SX1763 Pentewan Beach SX0247 Kit Hill SX3771 Military Road, Penlee SX4349 Pentire Farm SW9380 Knavocks SW5943 Milladon Pond SX3315 Pentire Point SW9280 Kynance Cove, Lizard SW6813 Millbrook SX4252 Pentire Point East SW7861 Labour-in-Vain SW6744 Millbrook Lake SX4352 Pentire Point West SW7761 Ladock Wood SW8851 Minnows Islands SW8572 Penzance SW4730 Lady Downs, Penwith SW4736 Molenick SX3361 Percuil SW8534 SW7631 SW4035 Perranporth SW7554 Lamb Creek SW8442 Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676 Perranporth Dunes SW7554 Lamelgate SX2170 Mount Pleasant SX0062 Perranuthnoe SW5329 Lamorna SW4424 Mount's Bay SW4930 Pinkson Creek SW9473 Lamorna Cove SW4524 Mousehole SW4726 Pipers Pool SX2684 Land's End SW3425 Mullion SW6718 SW9576 Landulph Marsh SX4261 Mullion Island SW6617 Plaidy SX2653 SX2283 Murrayton SX2854 SX2580 Lanhydrock SX0863 Nanjizal SW3523 Polbrock SX0169 Lansallos SX1650 Nanquidno SW3629 Poldhu Cove SW6619 Lanyon Farm SW4234 Nare Head SW9137 Poldhu Marsh SW6720 Latchbrook SX4059 Nare Point SW8025 Polgigga SW3723 SX4073 Navax Point SW5943 Polhawn Cove SX4149 Lelant SW5437 New Mill SW4534 Polly Joke SW7760 SX1357 Newbridge, SX3467 Polmarkyn SX3335 Liskeard SX2564 Newbridge, Penzance SW4231 Polridmouth Cove SX1050 Little Petherick Creek SX9273 Newland SW9181 Poison SX3584 Lizard Downs SW6913 Newlyn SW4628 SX7215 Lizard Point SW6911 Newquay Bay SW8162 Polwheveral Creek SW7328 Lizard Village SW7012 Newton Moor SW6738 Popesmill SX2763 Loe Bar SW6424 Nine Maidens SW4335 Porkellis Moor SW6832 Loe Beach SW8238 Ninestones Bridge SX2317 Port Isaac SW9980 Loe Pool SW6424 North Bowda SX2477 SW9780 Loe Valley SW6526 North Cliffs SW6243 Portgaverne SX0080 Loggans Moor SW5739 Northcott Mouth SS2008 Porth, Newquay SW8362 Long Rock Pool SW5031 Oldtown Cove SW9373 Porth Joke SW7760

124 Porth Kidney Beach SW5438 Smallacombe Pltn SX2275 Trebetherick Point SW9277 Porth Mear, Park Head SW8471 Soap Cove SW6714 Treen, Boswednack SW4337 Porth Reservoir SW8662 Spit Beach SX0752 Treen, Porthcurno SW3922 Porth-cadjack Cove SW6444 St. Agnes SW7250 Tregantle Fort SX3853 SW7923 St. Agnes Head SW6951 Tregaseal SW3731 SW8571 St. Andrew's Pool SX0754 Tregathenan SW6530 Porthcurno SW3822 St. Anthony, St. Mawes SW8532 Tregembo SW5731 Porthgwarra SW3621 St. Austell Bay SW0651 Tregonetha Downs SW9562 Porthilly SW9375 St. Austell Sew. Works SX0125 Tregoss Moor SW9760 Porthleven SW6225 St. Blazey SX0654 Treloquithack SW6929 , Zennor SW4337 St. Breock Downs SW9668 Tremayne Quay SW7225 Porthmeor Beach SW5140 St. Breward SX0976 Trenance Lake SW8160 Porthmissen SW8976 St. Buryan SW4025 SX0348 Portholland SW9541 St. Cleer SX2468 Trengwainton SW4431 SW8021 St. Clement SW8543 Trerulefoot SX3358 Porthpean SX0350 St. Clement Woods SW8248 Tresamble SW7539 Portmellon SW0143 St. Clements Isle SW4726 Tresemple Pool SW8544 Portnadler Bay SX2451 St. Columb Major SW9163 Tresillian SW8646 Portreath SW6545 St. Columb Minor SW8462 Tresillian River SW8444 Portscatho SW8735 St. Columb Porth SW8362 Treskilling SX0357 SS2208 St. Dominick Church SX3967 Treskilling Clay Pit SX0357 SW5828 St. Enodoc Golf Course SW9376 Trethurgy SX0355 Predannack SW6816 St. Erth Pools SW5435 Trevail SW4740 Priory Park Bodmin SX0736 St. Eval SW8868 SW9772 Probus SW8947 St. Germans SX3657 Trevaylor Woods SW4632 Prussia Cove SW5527 St. Ives SW5140 Treveal SW4740 Quoit Farm SW9261 St. Ives Bay SW5439 SX2067 RAF Portreath SW6746 St. Ives Island SW5241 Trevescan SW3524 RAF St. Mawgan SW8664 St. John Ford SX4153 Trevilley SW3524 Ralph's Cupboard SW6445 St. John's Lake SX4254 Trevone SW8975 Rame, Rame Head SX4249 St. Just SW3631 Trevorrian SW3726 Rame Head SX4148 St. Just Airfield SW3728 Trevose Farm SW8675 Redhill Downs SX1671 St. Just Creek SW8436 Trevose Head SW8576 Redmoor SX0762 St. Keverne SW7821 Trewey Common SW4636 SW7955 St. Levan SW3722 Trewornan Bridge SW9874 SW5631 St. Loy SW4223 Treyarnon Bay SW8574 Reskadinnick SW6341 St. Mawes SW8433 Truro River SW8342 Reskajeage Downs SW6343 St. Mawgan SW8765 Turnaware Point SW8338 Respryn SX0963 St. Mellion SX3865 Marsh SX0854 Restronguet Creek SW8038 St. Michael's Mount SW5129 United Downs SW7441 Retallack SW9366 St. Minver SW9677 Upper Fowey Valley SX2173 River Neet SS2208 Stannon Clay Pit SX1280 Upper Tamar Lake SS2812 Roche SW9860 Stepper Point SW9178 Varley Head SW9881 SX0789 Stithians Reservoir SW7136 Vault Bay SX0140 Rosemelling Pool SX0456 SX3674 Veryan Bay SW9638 SW4136 Stonaford SX2577 Wacker Quay SX3895 Downs SW9567 Stratton SS2206 Wadebridge Sew. Wks SW9817 Rosewastis SW9161 SW8856 Walmsley Sanctuary SW9974 Rospannel SW3926 Summerleaze Beach SS2006 Watergate Bay SW8364 Rosudgeon SW5529 Swanpool SW8031 Wendron SW6731 SX1481 Swanpool Beach SW8031 Werrington SX3287 Ruan Lanihorne SW8841 Swanvale SW7931 West Looe River SX2454 Rumps Point SW9381 Bay SX2251 West Pentire SW7760 Ryan's Field SW5436 Tater-du SW4423 SX1563 Salter Mill SX4316 Tehidy Country Park SW6443 Westerlake Farm SX2171 Samphire Island SW6344 Temple SX1473 Western Cove SW6445 Sancreed SW4129 Temple Tor Pools SX1373 Wherry Town SW4729 Seaton SX3054 The Brisons SW3431 Whitsand Bay SX3851 Sennen SW3626 The Mouls SW9381 Wicca SW4739 Sennen Cove SW3526 The Sisters SX0689 Widemouth Bay SS2002 Sharp Tor SX2673 Tideford SX3459 Winnard's Perch SW9266 Shell Woods SX0872 Tintagel SX0588 Woon Gumpus Common SW3933 Shillingham Creek SX4025 Torpoint SX4354 Zacry's Island SW8363 Short Island SX0790 Towan Beach SW8732 Zelah SW8151 Siblyback Reservoir SX2371 Towan Head SW7962 Zennor SW4538 SW7548 Towednack SW4838 SW8530 Skewjack SW3624 Townshend SW5932

125 Humes's Yellow-browed Warbler: the first record for Cornwall

Endurance is a useful quality for anyone who regularly birds the Lizard peninsula. It is a curious fact that even when conditions seem perfect and migrants are being seen further west, the Lizard can be a desert for birds. However, it does produce some quality birds on occasion and such moments make all the non-productive days worthwhile.

On November 22nd 1978, after a week of south-easterly winds and countless hours in the field, with little noticeable change in the local bird populations, I was beginning to resign myself to the fact that another autumn was over. Having spent most of the day catching up with some paperwork, by late afternoon I was keen to get out. Conditions were mild and overcast with a light south-easterly breeze, much the same as the previous six days. I followed my usual daily circuit around Church Cove, ending up at the church car-park.

Almost immediately, I saw a warbler flit out into the open. I raised my binoculars and was confronted by something I did not immediately recognise. After a few seconds of assimilating what I could see, I decided it must be a Yellow-browed Warbler, but the cold grey coloration of the upperparts, combined with the whiteness of the supercilium and single prominent wing-bar, made it unrecognisable as such. Thoughts of Hume's Yellow-browed immediately came to mind, the features I had seen and the lateness of the date being suggestive of this species.

It was getting quite late in the day and there was just over an hour of daylight left. Realising that this could well be a new bird for Cornwall, I jogged back to the house, alerting Mike Lord as I passed his home. Five minutes later I was on the telephone hastily genning up on the finer points of identification at the same time. I phoned Andy Pay and told him that I had what I thought may be a Hume's Yellow-browed. He was on his way and so was I, hurrying back up the hill to join Mike in the car-park. We were joined by Steve Elton, who had been birding locally.

Sure enough the bird was still there and I began to mentally check off the relevant features. I was soon almost convinced it was Hume's. All I needed was the call: this took a little longer, but when it did come it took the identification beyond doubt. The double-noted "chew-eet" was very different to the call of Yellow-browed.

The smell of burning rubber heralded the arrival of Andy Pay and the disappearance of the bird! However, after a long five minutes, it reappeared and showed well until the light failed, calling occasionally.

The news was broadcast on Birding South-west and the Hume's Yellow-browed was seen by approximately fifteen people the next day (a Monday). At times it was extremely confiding, feeding frantically only ten feet away amongst the lower branches overhanging a small stream. It was also observed feeding on the garden lawn opposite the car-park. It showed frequent aggression towards Chiffchaffs, when it would call frequently. The night of November 23rd brought clear skies until the early hours, when there was heavy rain. The bird was not seen the next day.

Description Size: slightly smaller and slighter than Chiffchaff. Bare parts: bill appeared all dark, but at close range a small flesh-coloured base to the lower mandible was visible. Legs dark brown but feet paler flesh-coloured. Head: prominent whitish supercilium which kinked slightly upwards towards the back of the ear-

126 coverts. Narrow dark eye-stripe. Crown cold olive-grey. Ear-coverts plain (lacking the mottling often present in Yellow-browed Warbler) and buffish grey in colour. At some angles the central crown feathers appeared slightly paler than the rest of the crown, but this was not clearly defined enough to describe as a median crown-stripe.

Body: upperparts generally cold olive-grey. Scapulars and lower mantle feather-tips were a slightly warmer olive-green colour, but this was quite subtle and only visible in good light. Underparts were a fairly clean white.

Wings: primaries and secondaries had khaki fringes which contrasted with the upperparts. Prominent pale yellowish-white greater covert bar, but this much paler than on Yellow-browed Warbler. Traces of a vestigial olive median covert bar occasionally visible at close range. Three whitish tertial tips and pale tertial fringes, but less prominent than Yellow-browed. Primary tips also pale.

Call: a thin "chew-eet", with a short first note followed by a longer second note, rising in tone. Very distinctive.

This record constitutes the first for mainland Cornwall, following the first for the Isles of Scilly in November 1996.

Mark Tunmore

West Penwith Moors Environmentally Sensitive Area Breeding Birds Survey

BACKGROUND Despite being well visited by birdwatchers, there has been no previous study of breeding birds within this area, and little is known of current trends.

The West Penwith Moors Environmentally Sensitive Area was launched by MAFF in 1987, covering some 7,176 ha of farmland and heathland, and subsequently revised in 1997 to cover 9,567 ha. Within the ESA, farmers/landowners are eligible to enter the scheme and receive payments for carrying out specific management to enhance the natural environment towards specific objectives.

Initially one of the primary objectives of the ESA was to halt the destruction/loss of vroughland' - heath, rough grassland and scrub - and there has been outstanding success towards meeting this objective. Before the revision of the ESA, 91 % of the eligible area of roughland had been entered into the scheme and there has been minimal loss of roughland since the ESA was launched (ADAS 1997).

However, whilst the ESA may have reduced the rate of loss, many areas of roughland remain poorly managed, many are neglected and in need of management to maintain and enhance their wildlife interest. The RSPB was becoming concerned that birds may be in decline as a result of this. Furthermore, given the well documented declines in farmland birds across the UK, the RSPB has also become increasingly concerned that agri-environment schemes such as ESAs should provide incentives for the management of farmland - the arable and pasture land which forms half of the West Penwith ESA. The success of the Countryside Stewardship scheme in helping the recovery of cirl buntings is well documented (Lock 1999) but, over much of the county, agri-environment schemes currently offer limited benefits to farmland birds.

127 The RSPB wishes to see beneficial changes made to the ESA to ensure that the potential of the scheme to deliver more wildlife is realised. The aim of this survey was to provide baseline data on the distribution and abundance of heathland and farmland birds in the ESA, so that the performance of the ESA can be monitored in the future.

The information gleaned would be invaluable in helping the RSPB, the National Trust, and English Nature to secure beneficial changes.

METHODS 58 1km squares were randomly selected (52% of the total area). Each square was ideally to be visited once between 1 April and 15 May and once between 16 May and 30 June. However, due to consistently poor weather during the first period, 24 of the squares (41% of the total) did not receive an early visit.

For each 1 km square, a standard recording form was completed. 27 key species were targeted - these being characteristic of heathland and farmland within the area. Many are species known to be suffering large declines across the UK, and listed within Birds of Conservation Concern (Gibbons et al, 1996), and may be suffering declines within Cornwall (Cornwall Bird Reports).

The survey was carried out by volunteers - four of which did the majority of the work. 250 man hours of fieldwork was involved - average of 4.3 hours/1 km square. In addition to presence, approximate density of territories/1 km square was recorded.

RESULTS Despite the problems incurred by very poor weather and the lack of early visits to some of the squares, the results present an interesting picture of the area. However, given the above limitations, it is likely that the number of birds recorded is an under-estimate, particularly for those early breeders.

SPECIES ACCOUNTS The following accounts are based upon the 1998 data but refer to the distribution within the two national breeding atlases (Gibbons et al 1993, Sharrock 1976) and to recent Cornwall Bird Reports.

Hen harrier Circus cyaneus Intriguing reports of a female at Zennor (SW 4538) on 18 April and a male at Cam Galver (SW 4236) on 30 May. Whilst these most likely relate to late migrants, the possibility of nesting attempts cannot be eliminated.

Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus One male seen at Men an Toll on (SW 4234) 21 June, in an area frequented by a pair in 1996. As with hen harrier, the possibility of nesting attempts cannot be eliminated.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widely recorded but confirmed breeding restricted to a small number of coastal sites. Possibly declining since 1972.

Grey partridge Perdix perdix Not recorded. Absent in both Breeding Atlas surveys and, following massive range contraction within Cornwall (Gibbons et al, 1993 and Lock, 1998b), almost certainly extinct in this area.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Only recorded from a single 1 km square, outside the ESA, where two pairs were present on a small

128 pond in SW 4029. Habitat loss likely to be a key factor in the decline of this species, which is suffering a large range contraction in Cornwall, and appears to have declined significantly within West Penwith since the 1970s.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Recorded from a single 1 km square SW 4839 where four birds were present in breeding habitat at Trevissa Farm but believed to be passage birds only. Absent in both Breeding Bird Atlas surveys and now believed to be extinct as a breeding species. Suffering a massive national and regional decline (Jeffs and Lock 1998).

Curlew Nwnenius arquata Recorded from a single 1 km square on damp heathland in SW 4235. Given the near extinction of curlew as a breeding species in Cornwall (Jeffs and Lock, 1998), the future of a West Penwith population is doubtful.

Stock dove Columba oenas Recorded from only two 1 km squares with little evidence of breeding. Whilst this has been a rare bird within the study area since the 1970s, following considerable range contraction in Cornwall, the future of this as a breeding species in West Penwith is very doubtful.

T\irtle dove Streptopelia turtur

Not recorded. Following large range contraction in Cornwall, this species is surely extinct as a breeder.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Scattered records across the moors, where it is associated with concentrations of meadow pipits. However, as with several species, not as widespread as expected and this may reflect the considerable range contraction noted within Cornwall. The 1972 and 1991 Atlas data also indicates decline. Barn owl Tyto alba Not recorded. Despite confirmed breeding recorded in the 1972 Breeding Atlas survey, following considerable range contraction in Cornwall, now probably extinct within the study area.

Little owl Athena noctua Not recorded. Despite confirmed breeding in the 1972 Breeding Bird Atlas survey, following considerable range contraction within Cornwall, now probably extinct within the study area.

Tawny owl Strix aluco Confirmed breeding in two 1 km squares within wooded valleys in the southern part of the study area. Atlas data indicates possible decline.

Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus This species has suffered considerable range contraction within Cornwall within the last 30 years. In 1991 the Cornwall population was estimated at fewer than 20 pairs (Gynn, 1991) with West Penwith holding the greatest population - eight territories. All four 1 km squares occupied by nightjars during the 1991 survey were covered during the 1998 survey and numbers and distribution were found to be very similar: eight territories were found to be occupying four 1 km squares around Cam Galver and Zennor. The range has contracted in West Penwith since the 1970s.

Green woodpecker Picus viridis Not recorded. Despite confirmed breeding recorded in both Atlas surveys, following considerable range contraction in Cornwall, this species may well be extinct within the study area. This species appears to have suffered a dramatic and recent decline.

129 Skylark Alauda arvensis Widespread. Recorded from 37 1 km squares, with nine records of more than 10 territories/1 km square. However, conspicuously absent from several localities - notably the far west, and scarce or absent away from rough land. See Map 1.

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Recorded from 32 1 km squares. Patchily distributed and not found in all suitable breeding areas.

Tree pipit Anthus trivialis Not recorded. Absent in both Atlas surveys and, following considerable range contraction within Cornwall, this species is most likely to be extinct within the study area. Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Widespread and characteristic species of the moors and coastal grassLand's/heaths: recorded from 49 1 km squares, with 14 records of more than 10 territories/1 km square.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Not recorded. Absent in both Atlas surveys and considered to be extinct within the study area.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata Widespread and characteristic species of the moors and coastal grassLand's/heaths. Recorded from 35 1 km squares. The current population is estimated to be in the region of 100 territories (Lock, 1998a). There may have been a slight increase in the population within the last five years, following a series of mild winters and low winter mortality. Given the significant range contraction within Cornwall in the last 30 years, this is an encouraging picture, but further habitat management is likely to benefit stonechats within the study area. Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Recorded in suitable breeding sites during early visits within two 1 km squares around Cape Cornwall and one on the north coast, but lack of later sightings indicates doubtful breeding status. Many apparently suitable coastal areas not occupied. Following considerable range contraction in Cornwall, this species is probably on the verge of extinction in the study area.

Song thrush Turdus philomelos Alarmingly recorded from only 16 1 km squares and, although much of the study area was not ideal habitat for this species, it was conspicuously absent from many suitable areas. In total, only 33 territories were recorded from 250 hours of fieldwork across 58 1 km squares. A decline in local populations has been widely noted (Cornwall Bird Reports).

Cetti's warbler Cettia cetti A surprise discovery, one singing male located in SW 3731. Indicative of further range expansion of this species.

Grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia Scattered records of this elusive species. Likely to be under-recorded and potentially widespread at low density in the moors.

Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Scattered records in suitable habitats across the study area, but nowhere common. No records of more than two birds/1 km square.

Dartford warbler Sylvia undata No records but a potential colonist given recent population expansion in southern England.

130 Whitethroat Sylvia communis The most widespread and often most numerous target species recorded, found in 57 1 km squares, with 16 records of more than 10 territories/1 km square. Most common in scrub but also scattered in suitable habitat throughout farmland. See Map 2.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris Only recorded as breeding within 6 1 km squares, centred on St Just where a large urban population exists. Conspicuously absent from much of the rural study area, despite the widespread presence of suitable breeding sites. Also strong indications of decline since 1972 and 1991 Atlas surveys, not recorded at all in either SW 43 or SW 44. However, starling could be under-recorded in some areas due to the lack of early visits to squares.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina Second only to whitethroat in terms of general distribution and abundance, being found in 52 1 km squares with 14 records of more than 10 territories/1 km square. A widespread and characteristic bird of the study area.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Recorded from only two 1 km squares and clearly a very scarce bird within the study area despite the extent of apparently suitable breeding habitat. Evidence of decline since Atlas surveys.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Found in 26 1 km squares and scattered across the study area. Clear concentrations of birds, eg, the west coast, but generally at low density. See Map 3.

Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Following large range contraction within Cornwall, this is now a very rare bird within the study area despite the apparent extent of suitable breeding habitat. Found in only four 1 km squares. Evidence of decline since Atlas surveys.

DISCUSSION The three most widespread and abundant target species were whitethroat, linnet and meadow pipit, present in more than 80% of the squares surveyed and often at relatively high density. Other characteristic species include stonechat, grasshopper warbler and yellowhammer.

It is difficult to clarify trends because there has been no previous similar survey. However, comparisons with data from the UK Breeding Bird Atlas projects and from Cornwall Bird Reports gives some insight into recent changes.

Lapwing, turtle dove, barn owl, little owl and green woodpecker may now be extinct. Moorhen, curlew, stock dove, wheatear, bullfinch and reed bunting appear to be very rare and may be close to extinction. There also appear to be alarming declines in widespread farmland birds.

Skylark, whilst common in areas of rough land, was absent from large areas of farmland and thus absent from 36% of the total number of squares. Starling was recorded from only 10% of the squares and was absent from many apparently suitable areas, and song thrush was only recorded at very low density - with only 33 territories recorded from 250 hours of fieldwork across 58 1 km squares.

Given these concerns, the RSPB considers that there is a clear role for the ESA in providing support to farming systems that will maintain and enhance the populations of these heathland and farmland birds.

131 Following a request from the RSPB and others, the ESA now includes a winter stubble option, which could provide important winter food for skylark, yellowhammer, reed bunting and linnet. This is a step in the right direction, although currently only a very small area of land is under agreement. The RSPB will continue to seek further changes to the ESA to benefit birds.

We propose to repeat this survey every five years, the next survey is proposed for 2002. Should anyone have any comments on the survey or wish to have a copy of the full report, please contact the RSPB.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to all those who helped with the survey, in particular Dave Flumm, Cath Jeffs and Neil Ren wick who covered much of the area. Thanks to Mike Lord and the Cornwall RSPB Members' Group who donated towards this project.

MAP 1

Skylark distribution in West Penwith 1998

132 MAP 2 Whitethroat distribution in West Penwith 1998

MAP 3

Yellowhammer distribution in West Penwith 1998

133 REFERENCES ADAS (1996) Environmental monitoring in the West Penwith ESA, 1987-1995. Report to MAFE

Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society (1972-1997) Cornwall County Bird Reports 1972- 1997.

Gibbons et al (1993) The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. T & A D Poyser, London.

Gibbons et al (1996) Bird Species of Conservation Concern in the , Channel Islands and the Isle of Man: revising the Red Data List. RSPB Conservation Review 10: 7-18.

Gynn E & Gynn G (1991) Nightjar survey West Penwith 1991. Unpublished report.

Jeffs C & Lock L (1998) Review of Breeding Waders in . RSPB unpublished report, .

Lock, L (1999) Saving the Cirl Bunting . . . and lots more. British Wildlife, October 1999.

Sharrock J R T (1976) The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland (1968-72). T & A D Poyser.

Leigh Lock Senior Conservation Officer RSPB South West England 20 January 2000

Stonechat Survey: West Penwith Moors and Coast

INTRODUCTION In Britain the stonechat population declined by 15% in the 23 years prior to 1991 (Gibbons et al 1993). Although still characteristic of many areas of SW England, the decline in range within SW England is 39% compared with the national decline of 15%.

Such declines have been noted throughout Europe, where they stonechat is considered to have "unfavourable conservation status' (Tucker and Heath 1994).

Lord (1993) estimated the Cornish population to be in the region of 660 pairs - representing 3-8% of the British population. The two most important areas are Bodmin Moor and West Penwith.

Lord recorded 69 pairs in West Penwith, but some areas were not visited and the actual population was considered to be higher.

Given the importance of the area for this declining bird, the aim of this survey was to clarify the current population and assess its importance.

METHODS All areas of rough grassland/heath were visited within the following areas. (i) All areas of rough land (heathland/gorse scrub) within the West Penwith Moors ESA. (ii) Isolated blocks of inland heath to the south of the ESA boundary: Nanquidno Downs, Bartinney Downs, Cam Brea, Sancreed Beacon. (iii) All coastal heathland and scrub from St Just south to Porthgwarra and east to Mousehole.

134 In most cases only one visit was made to each area. No information was gathered on nesting success or habitat choice.

A maximum of 300 man hours of survey work was involved but much of this was combined with the recording of other breeding birds within the ESA (see Lock, 1998).

RESULTS 141 pairs (defined as males or pairs) were recorded (see Map 1).

This represents a minimum figure. Poor weather influenced the detectability of birds and repeat visits were also likely to generate further sightings.

Birds were present more or less continuously along the coast from St Ives to Porthgwarra. The area to the south and east of this supported relatively few territories.

The number of birds per 1 km square varied but in some areas reached 6 (eg, Land's End).

IMPORTANCE OF WEST PENWITH MOORS AND COAST FOR STONECHATS Given that 141 pairs were recorded, a conservative estimate for the total number of pairs would be 160.

Given a national population figure of 8,500-21,500 pairs (Gibbons et al 1993), this population therefore represents between 0.7 and 1.9% of the UK population.

The survey confirms the area as one of a series of important sites within both the UK and a European context for this delightful and characteristic species of Cornwall's heathland.

REFERENCES Gibbons et al (1993) The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. T & A D Poyser, London.

Lock, L (1998) West Penwith Breeding Bird Survey. RSPB, Exeter. Unpublished report.

Lord, D (1993) CBWPS Stonechat Survey June 1993. Cornwall Bird Report 1993.

Tucker, G M and Heath, M F (1994) Birds in Europe: Their Conservation Status. BirdLife International, Cambridge.

Leigh Lock Senior Conservation Officer RSPB South West England 20 January 2000

135 MAP 1

Stonechat Distribution (1km squares'! in West Penwith 199E

Ringing Report -1998

During 1998 a total of 3475 new birds were ringed, of which 144 were pulli. Five species were ringed for the first time, since the inception of the formal ringing report in 1979, these being Garganey, Teal (3), Ring Ouzel, Subalpine Warbler and Red-backed Shrike. Also, Turtle Dove, Long-eared Owl and Wood Warbler were ringed for the second occasion, Moorhen, Marsh Warbler and Pallas's Warbler for the third and Melodious Warbler for the fourth.

Other notable developments during the year include the first adult Rock Pipits to be ringed in the county and three Black Redstart were caught, doubling the previous total.

A comparison with last years totals reveals some interesting but very general trends. Note that these figures are based on small samples and may not be statistically significant.

The following, selected, species have:

Increased Decreased Wren 42% Song Thrush 34% Robin 53% Sedge Warbler 19% Whitethroat 148% Reed Warbler 52% Blackcap 34% Goldcrest 56% Chiffchaff 43% Bullfinch 65% Willow Warbler 82% Reed Bunting 90%

136 The study of Storm-petrel continues to gather increasing volumes of data and is due to conclude in summer 2000.

TABLE 1 : CONTRIBUTORS Contributor Full Pulli Site

G.J. Conway 675 8 Mid & West Cornwall FM. Couch 2 97 Bodmin/Truro F.H.C.Kendall 4 39 Bude/Stratton B.R. Pattenden 271 - Marazion PL. Stubbs 268 - Lizard K.A. Wilson 2111 - Nanjizal

TABLE 2. SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RINGED. Ringing Totals 1998 1979-1998 Full grown Pulli Total Full grown Pulli Tot Storm-petrel 677 - 677 2263 - 2263 Teal 3 - 3 3 - 3 Garganey 1 - 1 1 - 1 Sparrowhawk 5 - 5 35 2 37 Kestrel - 3 3 4 33 37 Water Rail 2 - 2 31 - 31 Moorhen 2 - 2 3 - 3 Herring Gull 1 - 1 18 - 18 Wood Pigeon 2 - 2 13 10 23 Turtle Dove 1 - 1 2 - 2 Barn Owl - 6 6 27 231 258 Tawny Owl - 1 1 21 63 84 Long-eared Owl 1 - 1 2 - 2 Kingfisher 1 - 1 15 - 15 Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 - 2 14 - 14 Sand Martin 3 - 3 187 - 187 Swallow 25 4 29 6168 638 6806 House Martin 1 - 1 39 25 64 Tree Pipit 1 - 1 11 7 18 Rock Pipit 2 - 2 2 9 11 Grey Wagtail 1 - 1 34 50 84 Pied Wagtail 1 - 1 184 74 258 Dipper - 5 5 210 434 646 Wren 151 - 151 1785 24 1809 Dunnock 86 - 86 1321 15 1336 Robin 222 - 222 1941 64 2005 Black Redstart 3 - 3 6 6 Redstart 1 - 1 17 32 49 Whinchat 2 - 2 14 - 14 Ring Ouzel 1 - 1 1 - 1 Blackbird 140 - 140 1508 115 1623

137 Song Thrush 51 - 51 582 35 617 Redwing 8 - 8 313 - 313 Cetti's Warbler 10 - 10 184 - 184 Grasshopper Warbler 6 - 6 34 - 34 Sedge Warbler 284 - 284 4867 7 4874 Marsh Warbler 1 - 1 3 - 3 Reed Warbler 103 - 103 4110 5 4115 Melodious Warbler 1 - 1 4 - 4 Subalpine Warbler 1 - 1 1 - 1 Lesser Whitethoat 2 - 2 21 - 21 Whitethoat 102 - 102 605 - 605 Garden Warbler 34 - 34 248 - 248 Blackcap 87 - 87 925 - 925 Pallas's Warbler 1 - 1 3 - 3 Wood Warbler 1 - 1 2 - 2 Chiffchaff 361 - 361 2121 10 2111 Willow Warbler 324 - 324 2444 110 2334 Goldcrest 112 - 112 1657 - 1657 Firecrest 3 - 3 127 - 127 Spotted Flycatcher 6 - 6 54 72 126 Pied Flycatcher 5 10 15 80 597 637 Long-tailed Tit 42 - 42 868 1 869 Coal Tit - 8 8 210 53 263 Blue Tit 158 64 222 5931 2487 8418 Great Tit 79 36 115 1633 557 2190 Nuthatch 3 7 10 36 148 184 Treecreeper 2 - 2 97 6 113 Red-backed Shrike 1 - 1 1 - 1 Jay 1 - 1 10 - 10 Magpie 3 - 3 25 32 57 Chaffinch 86 - 86 1879 32 1914 Greenfinch 75 - 75 3303 32 3335 Goldfinch 24 - 24 159 12 171 Bullfinch 12 - 12 685 3 688 Reed Bunting 4 4 628 5 633 TOTALS 3331 144 3475 51877 6592 58469

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 Buzzard GM18944 09.06.74 30.09.85 11.03.21 Oystercatcher SS95351 16.08.72 30.08.93 21.00.14 Ringed Plover - 11.08.72 26.08.80 8.00.15 Dunlin BA99271 22.09.66 04.12.74 8.02.20 Redshank DR43516 28.08.77 03.08.85 7.11.06 Curlew FV42925 08.08.78 01.09.93 15.00.24 Black-headed Gull 3102129 28.05.67 25.11.84 17.05.28

138 Great Black-backed Gull HU17936 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 HI 77740 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 El 53965 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 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 1998 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 tear 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 + shot or killed by man FR field record, ring number or colour marks determined in field Abbreviations used for foreign ringing schemes NLA Arnhem Netherlands ESA San Sebastian Spain BLB Bruxelles Belgium CIJ Jersey Channel Islands

Storm-petrel 2100961 4 06.07.97 Gwennap Head R 19.08.98 Cape Clear, Cork, Eire 311km 409 days 2180780 4 01.08.97 Cape Clear, Cork, Eire R 26.07.98 Pendeen Watch 305km 359 days 2244316 4 08.07.97 Pendeen Watch R 24.06.98 Lundy, Devon 134km 351 days 2231790 4 08.07.95 St Alban's Head,

139 R 28.06.98 Gwennap Head 265km 721 days 2267592 4 24.06.98 Lundy, Devon R 26.07.98 Pendeen Watch 134km 32 days 2431531 4 12.07.94 Rumps Point R 28.07.98 Eilean nan Ron, Highland, Scotland 886km 1477 days 2451444 4 15.07.96 Portacloy, Mayo, Eire R 27.07.98 Gwennap Head 553km 742 days 2474072 4 15.07.96 Gwennap Head R 01.08.98 Sanda Island, Scotland 582km 747 days 2474275 4 27.06.97 Gwennap Head R 27.07.98 Calf of Man, Isle of Man 450km 395 days 2479881 4 20.06.98 Carnsore Point, Wexford, Eire R 30.06.98 Gwennap Head 244km 10 days 2482269 4 06.07.98 Power Head, Cork, Eire R 18.07.98 Gwennap Head 262km 12 days 2483914 4 28.06.97 Gwennap Head R 07.07.97 Brownstone Head, Waterford, Eire 254km 9 days R 26.07.98 Wooltack Point, Dyfed, Wales 192km 393 days 2483917 4 28.06.97 Gwennap Head R 08.07.97 Lizard Point 35km 10 days R 04.08.98 Calf of Man, Isle of Man 451km 402 days 2486039 4 13.08.96 Leganagh Point, Cork, Eire R 08.07.97 Pendeen Watch 265km 329 days R 27.07.98 Gwennap Head 273km 713 days 2495712 4 05.07.97 Pendeen Watch R 25.06.98 Lundy, Devon 134 km 355 day 2495912 4 25.07.98 Pendeen Watch R 07.08.98 Lizard Point 41km 13 days 2500091 4 11.07.97 Gwennap Head R 10.07.98 Auskerry, Orkney 1021km 363 days 2500426 4 01.07.98 Gwennap Head R 19.08,98 Cape Clear, Cork, Eire 312km 49 days 2512026 4 18.07.98 Gwennap Head R 06.08.98 Leganagh Point, Cork, Eire 273km 19 days 2512166 4 19.07.98 Gwennap Head R 25.07.98 Wooltack Point, Dyfed, Wales 191km 6 days 2512341 4 25.07.98 Gwennap Head R 28.07.98 Calf of Man, Isle of Man 450km 3 days 2512356 4 25.07.98 Gwennap Head R 25.07.98 Wooltack Point, Dyfed, Wales 191km 1 day 2512413 4 26.07.98 Gwennap Head R 07.08.98 Tullagh Point, Donegal, Eire 598km 12 days

As usual the majority of movements involve birds which have travelled in the 'triangle' north to the Isle of Man and west to Ireland. Two birds have now been recovered in Scotland, only one previous record, and one has gone as far north as Orkney.

Cormorant 5162927 1 06.07.93 Mincarlo, Isles of Scilly (ringonly)X (03.02.98) Kennack Sands 88km 1673 days

140 1327403 1 20.07.94 Gorregan, Isles of Scilly (net)X 31.10.98 Nare Head 112km 1564 days 1351519 1 14.06.97 The Brisons 22.01.98 Studland Bay, Dorset 274km 222 days

Mute Swan Z49522 4 14.07.84 Noss Mayo, Plymouth, Devon FR 04.02.98 Par Beach Pool 47km 4953 days This individual has been resident at Par since at least 1987.

Mediterranean Gull NLA 1 07.06.94 Zeeland, Netherlands 3471699 FR 09.10.94 Wherry town, Penzance 408km 124 days (White 97J) FR 01.05.95 Pas-de-Calais, France FR 10.10.95 Hayle Estuary 405km 490d ays FR 14.10.95 Drift Reservoir 407km 494 days FR 19.10.95 Hayle Estuary - 499 days FR 14.05.96 Kallo, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium FR 02.10.96 Hayle Estuary - 848 days FR 14.10.96 Drift Reservoir - 860 days FR 21.09.97 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, France FR 12.10.97 Penzance 405km 1223 days FR 02.01.98 Hossegor, Landes, France FR 18.08.98 Penzance - 1533 days FR 30.08.98 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, France FR 11.10.98 Penzance - 1587 days NLA 1 08.06.95 Zuid-Holland, Netherlands 3505626 FR 16.06.96 Exe Estuary, Devon 489km 374 days (White 75K)FR 01.02.98 Lac d'Hossegor, Landes, France 1162km 969 days FR 19.09.98 Torpoint 449km 1199 days NLA 1 17.06.98 Zuid-Holland, Netherlands 3559345 FR 27.07.98 Sennen Cove 409km 40 days (White 27T)FR 14.08.98 Cot Valley 404km 58 days FR 19.08.98 Marazion 407km 63 days FR 20.08.98 Sennen Cove - 64 days FR 02.10.98 Hayle Estuary 405km 107 days FR 08.10.98 Marazion 407km 113 days FR 17.12.98 Marazion - 183 days A very interesting set of records, particularly that of NLA 3471699 which demonstrates the consistent timing of migration over successive years.

Lesser Black-backed Gull GF40773 2F 13.03.94 Gloucester, Gloucestershire (Yellow RJ) R 1997 Gloucester, Gloucestershire FR 21.02.98 Camel Estuary GG02549 5M 13.06.82 Leigh, Greater Manchester FR 25.03.84 Kearsley, Greater Manchester FR 17.11.94 Hempsted, Gloucestershire FR 20.10.95 Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire FR 22.02.98 Camel Estuary GG84778 8 May '93 Isle of May, Fife, Scotland

141 FR (Bred) 1994 Isle of May, Fife, Scotland FR (Bred) 1995 Isle of May, Fife, Scotland FR 17.03.98 Camel Estuary

Great Black-backed Gull HT62101 1 19.06.96 Illiswilgig, Isles of Scilly FR 01.05.98 Newlyn Harbour 62km 681 days

Razorbill M78332 29.06.92 Midland Isle, Dyfed, Wales FR 05.06.98 Gulland Rock 131km 2167 days M92904 1 16.06.97 Armed Knight 29.01.98 Playa de Lago, Lugo, Portugal 721km 227 days

Barn Owl NLA 1 05.07.97Drachtstercompagnie, Friesland, Netherlands 5315250 X 11.03.98 Tregony 825km 249 days This is the second recovery of the dark-breasted Continental form, in the county.

Blackbird RK09406 5F 19.03.96 Dunwich, Suffolk X 26.01.98 Truro 515km 678 days

Sedge Warbler CIJ 3 11.08.97 Claire Mare, Channel Islands A84721 R 30.04.98 Nanjizal 229km 262 days ESA 3 19.08.97 Irun, Guipuzcoa, Spain K46318 R 09.05.98 Nanjizal 804km 263 days K787641 2 30.04.98 The Lizard R 26.07.98 Kilkenny, Eire 296 km 87 days K913518 3J 05.07.97 Long Rock R 01.05.98 Nanjizal 17km 300 days N242839 3J 08.08.98 Graemeshall Loch, Holm, Orkney R 25.08.98 Long Rock 988km 17 days N744153 3 27.07.98 Nanjizal R 10.08.98 L'Eree, Guernsey, Channel Islands 229km 14 days

Reed Warbler K402880 3J 02.08.96 Par Beach Pool (4F)R 01.07.98 Long Rock 62km 698 days K904721 3 16.09.96 Higher Moors, St Mary's, Scilly R 25.06.98 Nanjizal 44km 647 days K904747 3 05.07.97 Higher Moors, St Mary's, Scilly R 04.05.98 Nanjizal 44km 303 days K904751 3 05.07.97 Higher Moors, St Mary's, Scilly R 16.05.98 Nanjizal 44km 315 days N202059 3 06.08.97 Higher Moors, St Mary's, Scilly R 18.07.98 Nanjizal 44km 346 days

Chiffchaff 5G2547 3 17.09.97 Icklesham, East Sussex R 20.03.98 Nanjizal 135km 184 days

142 Willow Warbler 0D2198 2 20.07.97 Barton, Lancashire R 30.04.98 The Lizard 428km 284 days 5D6528 4 28.04.98 Nanjizal R 01.05.98 Cape Clear, Cork, Eire 310km 3 days 5D6667 3J 27.07.98 Nanjizal R 05.08.98 Long Rock 17km 9 days 6L0763 3 25.08.98 St Alban's Head, Dorset R 29.08.98 Nanjizal 266km 4 days 9T9266 4M 12.04.95 Calf of Man, Isle of Man X 19.05.98 St Merryn 391km 1133 days

Coal Tit BLB 3M 22.09.97 Theux, Leige, Belgium 6481261 X 05.01.98 Devoran 480km 105 days This is apparently the first recovery of a continental bird in the county.

Starling RR19669 6 01.01.97 Nanjizal 12.02.98 Kirton, Nottinghamshire 480km 407 days

Goldfinch N375714 5 04.05.98 Nanjizal 01.08.98 Housel Bay, Lizard 38km 89 days

Ringed birds 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.

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 details to: BTO, 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 WetLand's 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 submitting details of ringed birds: Paul McCartney, Stan Christophers and Royston Wilkins.

References

Isles of Scilly Bird Report 1998.

Greg Conway. 143 Chairman's Report

A financially successful year, with sound progress made on a variety of projects, was somewhat marred by both Report Editors indicating that they would stand down from their posts.

Peter Robinson, our Editor of the Isles of Scilly Report, has produced seven excellent Reports for the Society and finishes on a high note with the Report achieving equal fifth place in the British Birds annual competition. The Society is very grateful for his considerable contribution and we are pleased that he will be staying on the team to write the ringing report. We welcome Martin Scott as our new Editor and will give him our full support and backing.

Greg Conway, our mainland Editor and County Recorder, has been offered a well-deserved post with the British Trust for Ornithology, which will mean a move from Cornwall. His knowledge and friendship will be missed here in Cornwall by all who know him. We wish him every success in his new post and thank him for the major contribution that he has made to the Society.

Our Vice-Chairman, Andy Pay, has offered to take over the joint role of Editor and Recorder for twelve months in order for a permanent replacement to be found. We are fortunate to have Andy on the committee, for he has a remarkable record of outstanding service to the Society in various roles over many years.

Top priority has been given to the Walmsley Sanctuary this year both in terms of management work and fund-raising for the hide. The total of over £12,000 raised for the project was quite simply magnificent, a great credit to the committee and the loyal support of the members. The hide is built and in use, giving panoramic views over the whole of the Sanctuary. We are hoping that Bill Oddie will officially open it for us, although this may be some time in the future to fit in with his busy schedule.

Through careful management, Maer Lake continues to flourish and now attracts a Golden Plover flock of national importance each winter. The improvements at Drift are ongoing and good progress is being made. We are still pursuing the purchase of a large area of farmland and heathland on the Lizard. A considerable amount of committee time has been devoted to this exciting project and soon, hopefully, our plans will come to fruition.

We were all saddened to learn of the death of Eric Grace. Eric's name was often associated with the RSPB, but he was a very active Society Officer for many years and was made an Honorary Life Member of the Society.

We are sorry that Mike Lord's term of office as General Secretary has come to an end: he has been an outstanding Secretary and colleague. We welcome Steve Rogers into the post, fresh from the success that he made of editing the newsletter. Dave Thomas leaves the committee after serving successfully in various roles since 1983, with no time off for good behaviour! Committee meetings will not seem the same without him.

We look forward to another interesting and successful year.

Graham Sutton.

144 Conservation Officer's Report

1998 was an excellent year for our reserves. We had particularly exciting developments at each end of the year. In January we obtained planning permission to construct a new reedbed at Drift Reservoir, and to erect a new hide overlooking it. Thanks go in particular to Dave Flumm who put in a lot of work on this project, which aims to provide an area of about 1,600 square metres of much needed emergent vegetation at the reservoir edge. The Environment Agency kindly donated the funding for the project.

We have also formally agreed licences with South West Water for the Society to continue to use Drift and Stithians for birdwatching. Representatives from the Society met with staff from South West Water early in the year to discuss drawing up a management plan for each site to safeguard the existing bird interest and to look for opportunities to improve each site further. In September, SWW played host to us at Roadford Reservoir, where we participated in the first ever South West Birdwatching Fair. The event was deemed a success, with another planned for 1999. SWW kindly presented us with £1,000 from the proceeds, which we put into our fund for the new hide at Walmsley (more later!). Many thanks to all the members who organised and ran the CBWPS stand - we would otherwise have been obvious by our absence. Another attendee at the Fair was Gilleards - the 'hide builders'. Whilst in their esteemed presence, we steeled ourselves enough to place the official order for our new Walmsley tower hide.

During the autumn parts of Walmsley took on the appearance of the Somme. The Environment Agency, in carrying out repairs to the Amble tidal barrier, dug out soil from the Sanctuary. This created about 800 square metres of new open water, and several existing wet areas were deepened. In addition, the leaking sluice was repaired, which will enable better control of water levels from now on, and a base platform was constructed for the new hide. This essential groundwork enabled the hide to be ordered for arrival in mid December. Of course, mid December is not known for its droughts in Cornwall, and so it was that an intrepid band of helpers, under the banner of the 'Friends of Walmsley', spent the first two hours or so manhandling all the materials the last 50 yards through deep mud to the hide site. The team from Gilleards, who had left Lincolnshire in the early hours, then worked like Trojans for the next two days, ably assisted by the Friends, and we had a new hide. I know that Gilleards were impressed with the help we gave, as they do not always receive such assistance, and so the Society is yet again indebted to the hardy souls who helped, namely: Adrian Langdon, Francis Couch, John Hillier, Arthur and Saunders, John and Brenda Dickson, James Burke, Tim Foster, Brian Craven, Dave Thomas and Dave and Greg Conway. The camaraderie that built up during this work is typical of working in bad conditions, and I for one remember it fondly whenever I go back there to watch birds. Over the subsequent few months we placed a screen of woven hazel hurdles and planted 430 new trees on the approach route, with the aim of being able to allow access in the spring of 1999. Our sincere thanks are also expressed to our tenants the Menhinnicks for allowing unloading in their yard and for general assistance and advice.

The new hide received a bit of adverse publicity in the area, generally concerning its height and colour. This was soon rectified by two coats of a dull green stain and now the district has a facility of which to be proud. I think that, excepting probably the old hide at Hayle Estuary (which the RSPB abandoned this year, and we adopted!), the Walmsley Tower Hide has the most spectacular view of any hide in Cornwall. Many thanks go to all who helped with the project in any way, be it practical, financial or other. Keith Harris did an excellent job in juggling the finances, and also managed to obtain fire insurance, which we had not thought possible.

145 Maer Lake also benefited from Environment Agency funding this year in the form of improved access to enable better management of the site. A substantial number of trees were planted in the boundary hedges. Both Maer and Walmsley fulfilled their main role of providing shelter to hosts of waterfowl and waders during winter months this year.

Concern for many of Britain's birds, in particular farmland species, was put sharply into focus in the autumn, when the BTO published Alerts over a number of species. Over the previous 25 years, the following species declined by the amount shown:

High Alerts: Grey Partridge -78%, Snipe -90%, Woodcock -55%, Redshank -72%, Turtle Dove -62%, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker -76%, Skylark -60%, Tree Pipit -56%, Song Thrush -52%, Grasshopper Warbler -59%, Goldcrest -60%, Spotted Flycatcher -78%, Willow Tit -50%, House Sparrow -64%, Tree Sparrow -87%, Redpoll -89%, Bullfinch -62%, Yellowhammer -60%, Reed Bunting -64%, Corn Bunting -74%.

Medium Alerts: Lapwing -42%, Curlew -26%, Tawny Owl -33%, Meadow Pipit -28%, Yellow Wagtail -39%, Grey Wagtail -34%, Pied Wagtail -39%, Dunnock -31%, Blackbird -33%, Mistle Thrush -34%, Willow Warbler -37%, Marsh Tit -37%, Starling -45%, Linnet -41%.

This sad list highlights the value of regular, systematic recording, as it is only by these methods that such definite statements can be made. Following publication of this list the plight of some of these 'common' species received considerable media publicity. The government has recently adopted songbird numbers as one of its new 'Health of the Nation' indices. County Bird Clubs such as ours will play a key role in collecting data to contribute to this indicator. In the spring of 1998, a meeting was held near Truro to discuss how bird recording in the county can be consolidated and taken further. The Society attempted to assist farmland birds on the Lizard in a very practical way, by purchasing a farm with the Gaia Trust. Unfortunately we were unable to obtain funding from the Heritage Lottery for this project, but intend to continue in our search for a reserve in west Cornwall.

We received TV and press coverage in April when we arranged for a Kestrel nest box to be placed in Cam Marth Quarry, Lanner, as part of a Kerrier Council Derelict Scheme, and we continued to provide advice to the St Andrews Pool/ Par Beach Local Nature Reserve committee. All in all a busy, but very rewarding year.

Martin Rule

146 Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ending 31st December 1998

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Notes Funds Funds Funds Funds 1998 1997 INCOME & EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £ Incoming Resources

Subscriptions 2 9,495 0 9,495 7,851 Donations & Grants 486 18,841 19,327 1,453 Rents 600 0 600 625 Interest 2,715 28 2,743 1,787 Sale of Reports 3 1,377 0 1,377 2,504 Sale of Goods 296 0 296 424 Other Income 424 0 424 967

Total Incoming Resources 9 15,393 18,869 34,262 15,611

Resources Expended

Direct Charitable Expenditure 4 512 11,225 11,737 490 Fundraising & Publicity 5 7,154 0 7,154 6,607 Management & Administration of the Charity 6 2,699 0 2,699 4,263 Depreciation 767 399 1,166 607

Total Resources Expended 9 11,132 11,624 22,756 11,967

Net Incoming Resources Before Transfers 4,261 7,245 11,506 3,644 Walmsley Hide Capitalised 0 7,987 7,987 0

4,261 15,232 19,493 3,644 Balances brought forward at 1 January 1998 42,856 1,888 44,744 41,100

Balances carried forward at 31 December 1998 47,117 17,120 64,237 44,744

147 Balance Sheet at 31st December 1998

1998 1997 Note £ £ £ £ TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Freehold Property 13,500 13,500 General Equipment 1,196 436 Computer Equipment 1,364 1,788 Hides 8,331 806 7 24,391 16,530

INVESTMENTS 10,609 9,013

35,000 25,543

CURRENT ASSETS

Stock 500 200 Debtors 9,487 2,144 COIF Deposit A/C 24,000 22,000 ank Current A/C 1,610 2,164 35,597 26,508

LIABILITES: Amounts falling due within 1 Year

Subscriptions in Advance 2,433 2,257 Creditors 3,927 5,050 6,360 7,307

NET CURRENT ASSETS 29,237 19,201

TOTAL ASSETS less CURRENT LIABILITIES 64,237 44,744

FUNDS

Unrestricted as at 1 January 1998 42,856 39,212

Add: Surplus for the year 4,263 3,644

47,117 42,856

Restricted 9 17,120 1,888

64,237 44,744

148 Notes to the Financial Staements for the Year Ending 31st December 1998

1. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and the Statements of Recommended Practiice on Accounting by Charities.

2 SUBSCRIPTIONS 1998 1997 £ £ Annual Membership 8,207 7,019 Life Membership 21 1 169 Tax Refund 1,077 663

9,495 7,851

3 SALE OF REPORTS

Cornwall 448 430 Scilly 929 2,074

1,377 2,504

4 DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 1998 1997 Hide & Reserve Expenses £ £ £ £ Maer Lake 294 1,175 1,469 21 Walmsley 0 9,786 9,786 217 Other 218 264 482 252

512 11,225 11,737 490

5. FUNDRAISING & PUBLICITY 1998 1997 £ £ Annual Reports - Cornwall 3,500 3,460 - Scilly 2,038 2,114 Newsletter 1,069 808 Goods for Resale 547 225

7,154 6,607

149 Notes continued

6 MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION 1998 1997 £ £ Printing & Stationery 410 284 Postage 1,441 1,408 Telephone 126 112 Travel 91 348 Insurance 391 435 Meetings 89 449 Surveys 0 12 Computer Software 83 1,087 Sundries 68 128

2,699 4,263

FIXED ASSETS Freehold General Computer Land Equipment Equipment Hides Total £ £ £ £ £

Cost as at 01.01.98 13,500.00 1,634 2,166 1,246 18,546 Additions during year 0 1,040 0 7,987 9,027

As at 31.12.98 13,500.00 2,674 2,166 923 27,573

Depreciation as at 01.01.98 0 1,198 378 440 2,016 Provision for year 0 280 424 462 1,166

As at 31.12.98 0 1,478 802 902 3,182

Net Book Value 31.12.98 13,500 1,196 1,364 8,331 24,391

Net Book Value 01.01.98 13,500 436 1,788 806 16,530

The Hide purchased during the year were funded by grant and membership donations

8. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION & EXPENSES

No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the funds of the charity was paid or payable for the year to any Trustee or to any person or persons known to be connected with any of them.

A toatl of £217 [1997 £506] was reimbursed to five members of the committee in the year. These payments were for telephone and travel costs incurred in the management of the Charity.

150 Notes continued

9 RESTRICTED FUNDS

Balance of Resources Balance 01.01.98 Incoming Outgoing 31.12.98 £ £ £ £ Walmsley Sanctuary 1,000 765 123 1,642 Environmental Agency-Drift 0 3,700 205 3,495 Environmental Agency 0 1,000 59 941 Walmsley Hide 0 12,201 9,663 2,538 Maer Lake Grant 0 1,175 1,175 0 Maer Lake Wetland Appeal 888 28 0 916

1,888 18,869 11,225 8,532 Walmsley Hide Capitalised 0 7,987 399 7,588

1,888 26,856 11,624 17,120

£7987 was spent during the year on the new hide at the Walmsley Sanctuary. This fund will be reduced by translersof amounts equivalent to the depreciation being provided on the asset.

WHITAKER REDFERN PAPPIN Chartered Accountants Bryndon House 5/7 Berry House Newquay Cornwall

151 The Society's Rules (current from 26th April 1996)

(words in italics denote changes to Society Rules) Rule 1 (Name) The Society shall be called "The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society". Rule 2 (Objects) The objects of the Society shall be:- a. to further the study of birds in the field; and b. to assist in their preservation and conservation. Rule 3 (Membership) Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objects of the Society. Classes of membership shall be as follows :- Ordinary members - any person over the age of 18 yrs Life members - any ordinary member who has paid the prescribed life membership subscription. Junior members - any person under the age of 18 yrs. Honorary members - any person, whether otherwise a member or not, who is elected an Honorary member by a General meeting on a recommendation of the Executive Committee in recognition of outstanding service to the objects of the Society. Group members - School or similar groups. All members shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the Society (except that Junior members shall not be eligible to serve as Honorary officers or as members of the Executive Committee) and shall be entitled to vote at General meetings (Group members shall be entitled to one vote only on behalf of that body). The Executive Committee shall have the authority to exclude from membership, or cancel the membership of, any person if it considers that person to have contravened any requirements contained in these rules or any legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or for any other matter which the Executive Committee considers offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society. Rule 4 (Subscriptions) Subscription rates shall be approved from time to time by the Society in General meeting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee. Subscriptions shall be payable on joining and on the 1st of January thereafter, but any member paying a first subscription after the 30th of September in any year shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until after the close of the following year. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall, after being reminded, cease to receive the Society's publications, and when six months in arrears shall cease to be a member. Rule 5 (Officers) The following Honorary Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re-election :- President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer, 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.

152